Castlegar News sent the following questions to each city council candidate. Candidates were given 100 words maximum per question. Answers appear as they were submitted, unless they were shortened for being over the 100-word limit.
There are seven candidates running for six seats: Darcy Bell, Brian Bogle, Sandy Bojechko, Shirley Falstead, Sue Heaton-Sherstibitoff, Cherryl MacLeod and Florio Vassilakakis.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
17 year resident of Castlegar. 3-term Castlegar City Councillor from 2013-2021. Past RDCK Rec Commissioner. B.Sc Degree from UBC. Business owner of the Nineteenth at the Castlegar Golf Club. Downtown property owner. Past Chamber of Commerce & Castlegar Golf Club Board Member. Proud to be raising three beautiful children in Castlegar with my wife Rebecca.
What is the biggest issue you see facing the city and how would you address it?
One of the biggest issues facing Castlegar in the moment is housing affordability and shortage. This was exacerbated by COVID, the transition from urban to rural living, low interest rates and high constructions costs. Now we are facing surging interest rates, a riskier environment for developers and diminishing returns on investment. The effects of this can be seen in the increase in homelessness and is felt throughout the community by our citizens looking for housing and businesses who are trying to attract workers. As councillor, I have supported initiatives to provide land for local housing projects in addition to supporting …
How do you think the city could address the housing shortage?
… a housing strategy that will guide our policy decisions and efforts in the short and long term. The inflationary pressure on our citizens has put even further pressure on the affordability of our community. As a councillor I advocated for years and voted in favour of a strategic land acquisition policy that would help create new opportunities for developers. This policy would allow for the City to build an inventory of potential sites for multifamily and mixed commercial and residential projects. Implementing this strategy will avoid future controversy such as the one we recently saw in Branson park.
What are your top three city priorities?
Affordability and Affordable Housing, Airport improvements and reliability and healthcare initiatives are at the top of the list. I have consistently supported all these issues and have made them a priority. From doctor recruitment, healthcare advocacy, recreation opportunities to having consistent and reliable flights all year long to making sure everyone can have a roof over their heads. All of these can be tied to having a healthy citizenry and vibrant business community and all benefit economic development in general. It is important that we look at all issues and strategic priorities in parallel and connect the dots.
What type of development would you like to see in our community, and what steps would you take to attract it?
We need to encourage densification in the main corridor, in transitional and identified infill areas. We need to continue working with local service providers, BC Housing, higher levels of government and developers on innovative approaches and on ways to remove the barriers to building housing across the spectrum. We have a shortage in low income and below market housing, mixed multifamily/commericial and single family dwellings. We have opportunities to create policy on laneway homes, tiny homes, secondary suites and encouraging mixed use developments. Parking requirements, competitive development charges, property taxes, permitting and red tape all play a role.
What skills or experience do you have that would make you a good councilor?
Here is what you can expect from me on day one. Fresh leadership to keep the city moving forward by an experienced and informed candidate. Eight years as a Castlegar City Councillor with a track record for doing my homework on the issues, working hard on solutions and defending what is best for the community. As a long-time business person, I understand the importance of hard work and strong fiscal management.
Why should local residents vote for you?
I have a deep understanding of all current issues and projects that the City is working on and have shown that I can get things done by building consensus around the table. With this election set to have one of the largest turnovers over for council in over a decade, it is imperative that new voices are balanced with experienced councillors, with the background and understanding of the complex issues our municipality faces.
READ ALL OF THE CANDIDATE’S Q&As:
MAYOR Q&As:
newsroom@castlegarnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter