My views on boundary expansion

As a new councilor, I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly state my position on the Grizzly Ridge boundary expansion proposal.

I understand the reasons the previous council unanimously choose to bring the proposal forward for public consultation.  I believe there are legitimate and pressing issues we need to consider, such as control over our outlying areas, preservation of parklands, and protection of Paddy Ryan lakes, that boundary expansion may help to address.  And I recognize and appreciate the amount of effort and hard work council and staff have put into these negotiations thus far.

However, I also have many serious reservations about this proposal. 

Number one; we do not need this land.  We have plenty of more appropriate, undeveloped space within our existing boundaries and in the OCP.  Are we prepared to assume the burden of administering and servicing this massive area?  Are we in a position to prevent urban sprawl and it’s byproducts if we approve the expansion? We do need more light industrial zoning for economic sustasinability, but until the Bypass road is in, which is in the quite distant future, there is no capacity for industrial traffic along the existing access routes.

Number two; the upfront parkland dedication.  This could be a wonderful benefit to our community, but it needs serious thought.  First, what is in fact included in the offer on the table.  From my research, there is a very small amount of usable land (up to 49 acres)  included.  The rest is quite undevelopable anyways.  Second, can there be any assumption by the developer that by giving us ‘parklands’, we are inviting their development applications?  Are we prepared to deal with this, one way or another?

I suggest we pause, thouroughly investigate the variety of options available, and only move ahead on our own timeline, once we have:

*identified boundary expansion as a community priority

*established a well-developed community vision statement and set of core values for decision making purposes, in order to make monumental and far-reaching decisions from a rational and confident position

*developed usable and powerful tools and bylaws to ensure economic, environmental, and social sustainability within the community as it moves forward.  Example: Port Coquitlam’s Sustainability Initiative, including their OCP and Sustainability Checklist for Rezoning and Development Permit Applications 

*ensure we have the tools to manage residential vs. resort development, permanent residency and short-term rental property; zoning to manage where resort/vacation development occurs.  For example:  Cardel condos on 10^th Ave more appropriate for permanent residents 

Feb. 5 Update

Hello Everyone!  Time for an update from Council!

 

Things started off quite slowly in December, as we were sworn in not long before the Holiday rush, which didn’t provide much time to make any big decisions.  I spent quite a lot of time reading up on the projects currently underway with the District (like the Community Enhancement Plan and OCP), talking with various groups and individuals about their priorities and concerns, and getting some background on some of the issues we will be dealing with this year.  I’m pleased to have been appointed to two committees, the Personal Committee and the Lot 4616 Committee.  I’m especially happy to be involved with the discussions around 4616, as I’m sure they will provide interesting opportunities to build positive relations with all of the stakeholders.

 There is a lot going on, but here’s a quick run-down of what’s happening: 

- budget approval

-property tax held steady for residential

-property tax lowered for commercial & light industrial  

- grant applications for community enhancements such as Pothole Park, 7^th Ave, the planting of trees throughout town

- discussions around Lot 4616

- Mayor Taft will be attending the Living Lakes Conference in Great Britain  

- The Measuring Up community study should be beginning soon. 

The big issue right now is the discussion surrounding the Grizzly Ridge Properties boundary expansion proposal.  This is a monumental and complicated issue with clear arguments on both sides.  Council is seeking public input through community open houses.  One occurred last Tuesday, and two more are scheduled in the coming weeks.  Please try to come out, ask lots and lots of questions, and make your opinion known!

I’ll be posting many more of my thoughts here next week – so please check back soon!

Victory!

WOW! Thank You Invermere!
As I’m sure you already know, Saturday’s results are in, and I am a ‘councilor – elect’ for Invermere. Thank you all very much for your trust and support. I am committed to doing the best job I can for you.

I’ll keep you updated here as things transpire… I’d like to start some regular ‘round table’ discussions. I’ll let you know when I have a place and times. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me anytime with your concerns and ideas! I look forward to hearing from you!

Two Days To Go

A quick reminder that Saturday is voting day!
Get out and cast your ballot for a strong Invermere – please consider me as one of your choices.
If elected, I commit to working for you on the following issues:

*Protecting our Lake
-Limiting boat use, lakefront development and non-essential water use
-Developing a ‘Safe Zone’ for non-motorized watersports
-Ensuring sufficient public access, so the average resident of Invermere will always be able to enjoy the lake
*Preserving the Environment
-Making the environment a key principle in the planning process
-Encouraging ‘Smartgrowth’ principles like contained development, mixed communities, and walkability
-Exploring creative options like car-sharing, ‘bike borrow’ programs, grey water use, native plant use, etc
*Managing Development
-Creating a vision statement for Invermere, and updating the OCP to reflect it
-Controlling resort-type development in Invermere
-Encouraging healthy, green industry that can provide good long-term employment
*Improving Access and Walkability
-Making access and walkability a part of our Official Community Plan
-Making Invermere a more livable, inclusive, family-friendly community
-Building a pathway system
*Revitalizing Downtown
-Realizing the value of a vibrant downtown
-Addressing traffic and parking problems ASAP
-Developing architectural guidelines for an attractive, accessible downtown

Remember to vote strategically! You don’t have to vote for four different candidates; if you only vote for the ones you truly support, your vote is worth more.

Thank you for your support! Please forward this to anyone who may find it useful.

BE AN INFORMED VOTER

Voting day is getting closer!
I’ve been talking to lots of people about their concerns and ideas, and also getting some background information on our local issues. I’ve found several websites with excellent voter information about local government’s role in healthy, sustainable communities, and I encourage you to check them out! If you have more, please pass them on, so I can add them to the list.
http://www.smartgrowth.bc.ca/ Look for the link to ‘2008 Voter Education Campaign’. “Smart growth’ is a collection of land use and development principles that aim to enhance quality of life, preserve the natural environment, and save money over time.
http://www.sparc.bc.ca/ Look for the ‘Municipality Votes Papers 2008’ link. SPARC is the Social Planning and Research Council of BC, and is concerned with issues of social responsibility, such as affordable housing, access and inclusion, public transportation, etc.
http://www.fooddemocracy.org/ is the BC Food Systems Network website. They have several pages of specific info about local governments’ role in food security, to help you decide how to cast your vote. Plus, there’s gorgeous photos!
http://www.ekcp.ca/ The East Kootenay Conservation Program website, with information about the proposed Local Conservation Fund, which will be voted on, on November 15th.

Don’t forget to cast your ballot in support of a strong Invermere.

WHAT I BELIEVE IN

I love my valley! At my work every day, I have conversations with my customers, and many of them express their concerns about what is happening in our town, lake and mountains. Because of my connection with the people, my experience in business, and my varied and profound life experiences, I feel I can be a strong, valuable representative on council.
I believe in a community that has a long-term plan for sustainability; one that will continue to thrive; to protect and preserve it’s natural surroundings; and have a reliable supply of good food and clean water for it’s residents.
I believe in a community that’s livable for all. One that has the proper infrastructure in place, such as accessible streets, sidewalks and parking; one where people can get jobs and buy a house; where everyone has access to the services, like transportation and health care, that they require to continue living in their community.
I believe co-operation and innovative thinking are keys to building and maintaining healthy communities. We need to collaborate with our neighbors in the valley in order to accomplish our goals. We’ll need to be creative to come up with good solutions to the issues that confront us.
On November 15th, consider your votes carefully, and support the candidates who will work to keep our community strong!

ALL ABOUT ME

Thank You for taking the time to look me up! I hope you like what you find, and that I earn your support in my bid for Council. I am very interested in your concerns, questions, and suggestions. You can post your comments here, or e-mail me at spring@springhealthfoods.com. I will be happy to discuss them with you.

ENVIRONMENT
I’ve lived and worked in Invermere for the past 9 years. I’ve always loved the outdoors, gardening, and living an active lifestyle, and my children and I have spent many days hiking, biking, boating, swimming and skiing in our beautiful valley. I’ve climbed Chisel Peak, kayaked the Columbia, swam Lake Lillian, biked the Spirit Trail, hiked the Bugaboos, and skied Taynton Bowl (along with many, many other adventures), and I am still awed and inspired daily by the beauty and grandeur that surrounds us in this valley. My love of life and nature has made me a strong supporter of the environment.

FAMILY
For many of those 9 years, I was a single parent, and I learned the meaning of the phrase ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. I can’t imagine a better place to bring up children. It was the love and support of the community that got us through the tough times. My experiences as a woman, raising a family on her own, have given me intimate and practical knowledge of the challenges often faced by women in our society.

BUSINESS
Since moving to Invermere, I have owned and run Spring Health Foods (formerly Mustard Seed Health Foods) to support my family. I have certainly learned a lot about running a business and being an employer! I’ve seen many changes in Invermere, and our business community. My business has also grown and changed along the way, and I have truly enjoyed every moment. Recently, we were honoured to receive a gold medal award from Kootenay Business Magazine’s ‘Best of Business’ readers’ pole. My years as an entrepreneur and employer have given me an understanding of what supports businesses need to be successful.

SUSTAINABILITY
My decision to become involved in the Organic Food and Natural Health Products industry was based on two things.
One: I grew up in a very health-conscious family. We lived on a little farm, where the milk cows, chickens, and a giant garden gave us much of our food, and the kids (me!) did much of the work! I learned to appreciate and value fresh good food, produced in a healthy, sustainable way.
Two: I lived in Saskatchewan for several years as an adult, and observed the agricultural practices most commonly used in grain production on the Canadian prairies. Some frightening personal experiences with pesticides, numerous stories told by farmers with strange illnesses, and a hands-on knowledge of the hazards of common agricultural chemicals convinced me to begin buying organic food for myself and my family. I think that our Prairies are one of the least talked about environmental disasters we have, created almost entirely by unsustainable farming. My exposure to ‘modern day’ farming helps me to understand the importance of sustainability in all aspects of our community. For example, our Heritage Gardens at Pynelogs, Eileen Madson’s school garden, the greenhouse project at DTSS are truly something to be proud of!

HEALTH & ABILITY
Several years ago, I sustained a serious spinal cord injury while doing something I loved – riding my bike. The community support shown to my family and me at the time of the accident, and during my lengthy recovery, has been nothing less then remarkable. I feel extremely lucky to live in a place where the citizens throw themselves whole-heartedly, and repeatedly, behind their neighbors in their time of need. I will always be humbled to think of the love and caring shown to us in that time, and hope that I may repay it in some small way. Since then, I have continued to live in the area and work in Invermere. Although I now use a wheelchair for mobility, I continue to run my business, enjoy my family and customers, and participate in the community. I’ve even been fortunate to get married to another (great!) long-time valley resident! My time as a ‘differently-abled’ person has given me a great awareness of social issues such as affordable, accessible housing, transportation and employment, and access to appropriate health care in Invermere.

COMMUNITY
I currently serve as President of A.C.E. (the Columbia Valley’s access committee). We work to increase awareness of people with varied abilities, promote more accessible communities for all, including the elderly and parents with young children, and support employment and education for people with disabilities. I represent A.C.E. on the Columbia Valley Transit Action Committee, a group which has been instrumental to bringing the BC Transit Community Bus to the valley, and which continues to provide input regarding schedules, routes, and augmenting the existing service. I am also an active member of the Invermere Business Committee and recently joined the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.

I feel that my broad and varied experiences give me a close personal understanding of many of the community issues that Invermere is currently grappling with. I bring a balanced, caring, and responsible voice to the debate, along with my love of the people, and pride in my Community. I would like to represent you on council! Please consider me when you place your vote on November 15th!