Why am I Here?
I want to speak directly with you and set a baseline for future conversations.
My Philosophy on Governance and Leadership
I’m a fiscal conservative and classical liberal, but my fiduciary responsibility is to the Cowichan Valley Regional District as we swear an auth when we are sworn in. This causes tension and friction because I’m elected by people who live in Area G, but I swear an auth
I am deeply committed to our community’s aspirations. Local elected officials must listen to the electorate and strive to realize as many of these aspirations as possible.
This doesn’t mean just listening to the loudest voices. It’s essential to try and find ways to hear from as many voices as possible.
I want to make the fewest amount of people angry as possible.
Sometimes, elected officials need to take leadership positions as we are often privy to information that’s not readily available. However, I should be ready to explain my position and reasoning.
My Background
I grew up on Thetis Island and took the ferry (Kalitsa) to school daily. I moved to Saltair with my family when I was ten and went to Chemainus and Ladysmith High School.
After graduating from the University of Victoria, I wen to go to Grad school in the UK, where I realized how lucky we are to live in Canada. Everything in the UK is twice as expensive, and you get half as much. People are friendlier in Canada, too.
My Pillars
1. Taxes: Advocate for responsible tax allocation
2. Bylaws: Uphold bylaws that support the needs of you & your family.
3. Infrastructure: Work to ensure critical infrastructure management.
4. Engagement: I will host at least two community meetings per year in Area G
5. Volunteer Organizations: I will support their efforts to enhance our community & citizens’ well-being.
6. Financial Grants: I will work tirelessly to obtain federal and provincial government grant opportunities to enrich our community.
7. Community Assets: Preserve & enhance our natural spaces, community centers, & parks.
Why did I Run?
When I moved back to Saltair to raise my kids and be closer to my parents, I very quickly noticed a tremendous amount of angst in our community, and that bothered me. I thought that I could do something about it, and for the most part, I think I’ve been successful.
What is the purpose of the CVRD?
Regional districts in British Columbia were created in 1965 to provide local governance
and services to rural areas and to coordinate services across both urban and rural communities. They serve several key purposes:
- Service Delivery: Regional districts provide essential services (e.g., water, waste
management, emergency services) to areas that lack municipal governments. - Coordination: They coordinate services across multiple municipalities and
unincorporated areas, ensuring efficient use of resources and preventing
duplication. - Representation: Regional districts give rural residents representation in
decision-making, ensuring that their interests are considered alongside urban
communities. - Planning and Growth Management: They handle land-use planning and regional
growth strategies for unincorporated areas, helping to manage development and
environmental protection.a
Regional districts fill the gap between local municipalities and the provincial government, offering a flexible and collaborative governance model.
Where does the CVRD authority come from?
- Local governments in BC derive their authority from the provincial government.
- The Local Government Act is the primary legislation governing regional districts.
- Local governments are creatures of the province – they do not have inherent
powers; they exercise authority delegated to them by the provincial government.
Who are your Elected Officials
- 16 member board – appointed Directors from 4 municipalities
- An elected director from each of the nine electoral areas
Improvement Districts
Improvement districts in BC play a crucial role in providing essential services, such as water supply and fire protection, to rural and semi-rural communities. While they are limited in scope compared to municipalities or regional districts, they provide a governance structure for specific local needs. Improvement districts offer local control and tailored service delivery but also face challenges related to financial capacity and evolving community needs.
Islands Trust
The Islands Trust is a special-purpose government body in British Columbia established
in 1974. Its primary role is to protect and preserve the unique environment and communities of the Gulf Islands located between Vancouver Island and the mainland of BC, which are part of the Salish Sea. Here are its key functions and responsibilities:
- Preserve and Protect Mandate
- Land Use Planning and Regulation
- Advocacy and Coordination
- Conservation Initiatives
The Islands Trust Area covers more than 450 islands and islets within the southern part
of the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound. While the Islands Trust prioritizes environmental preservation, it also has to balance this with the needs of the island communities. This means providing services like housing, transportation, and community development, but always within the framework of the preservation mandate
Regional, Subregional, and Local Services
The CVRD provides over 170 unique services, but the province mandates a few services
(i.e., solid waste management, emergency planning, and electoral area planning), and
the Board determines the remaining services.
Regional Services
- Solid waste management
- library
- 911 emergency
- administration
- economic development
- environmental services
- regional parks
- capital financing for hospitals
- drinking water and watershed protections
- Parks, recreation centers
- transit
- animal control
Sub-Regional Services
- Land Use Planning
- bylaw enforcement
- building inspection
Local Services
- fire protection
- water waste-water systems
- community parks
- community centers
- critical street lights
These services are funded only by the residents or property owners within the area that
receives the service. Local services are often paid for through user fees, parcel taxes, or special levies on properties within the defined service area.
This structure is intended to allow for flexible, tailored service delivery that meets the
diverse needs of urban, rural, and semi-rural areas within the regional district.
Service Breakdown
How does Thetis Island fit in with the rest of Area G
As of the 2021 Census, the total population of Electoral Area G in the Cowichan Valley
Regional District (CVRD), which includes Saltair, Thetis Island, Penelakut Island, and
other smaller islands, is approximately 3,917 residents.
1. Saltair: ~2,325 residents
2. Thetis Island: ~350 residents
3. Penelakut Island: ~500 residents
4. Other islands (e.g., Ruxton Island, Reid Island, Dayman Island, Hudson Island,
etc.)
Regional Recreation: Playing The Devils Advocate
Regional recreation services ensure that all residents, regardless of their location, have
access to a wide range of recreational activities, including:
Health and Well-being
- Improve physical fitness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
- Promote overall mental health and well-being through social interaction and engagement.
- support local economies
Support for Families and Youth
- Help young people stay active
- Provide safe, structured environments for social interaction
- Support working parents by offering after-school and summer programs
Cost Efficiency
- Shared operational costs
- Increased ability to fund and maintain state-of-the-art facilities
- Reduced duplication of services
Inclusive Access to Services
- Subsidized fees or free programs for low-income families
- Inclusive and adaptive programs for people with disabilities
- Programs for seniors who may have specific recreational needs
Economic Benefits
- attract visitors
- boost tourism
Thetis Island Community Dock
Thetis does not have a doctor, and with over 60 medical emergencies every year, the community dock is the lifeline for help.
Just after I was elected, it was quickly brought to my attention by Thetis Island first responders that there were serious concerns with the community dock. A barricade was placed at the entrance because the dock is very old and not structurally sound for vehicles, preventing First Responders from pulling onto the dock, off the narrow road, and out of harm’s way. Thetis doesn’t have a lot of traffic, but when the ferry unloads in the winter during bad weather, it creates a dangerous situation.
The dock is underfunded and when it’s time to be replaced there will be a shortfall. However, grants or borrowing could bridge the gap.
Grant - Thetis Island Wharf
Function 490—Thetis Island Wharf: This function provides for the operation, repairs,
maintenance, and upgrades of the Thetis Island Wharf. It is funded primarily through requisition; however, last year, I put $91,800 from the Community Works Grant into the Capital Reserve Fund to ensure no interruptions to the upgrades
- This is more than all other grants combined provided to Thetis.
- This was all of the the Money Area G recieved
Recycling
It’s very clear that recycling is important, but from my conversations there does not
seem to be consensus.
Public Transit
BC Transit, at my request, is including Area G in its regional feasibility study, which should be completed soon.
I have received many emails and phone calls both equally for and against public transit in Area G. The cons are concerned about tax increases and a minimum 5-year
commitment.
While the pros want to support our teens and seniors lacking mobility options. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and connecting Area G to the rest of the region and island are also arguments. I am keeping a very open mind, and before any decision is made one way or the other, I will hold a community meeting to make sure you have the opportunity to speak with me. I will listen to everyone who wishes to discuss this issue.
Working with Thetis Island Community Groups
I have participated in several Thetis Island Community forums and reconciliation,
climate resilience, water, access and safety for walkers, the community dock, and
emergency services.
Advocacy
Fibre Optics for Thetis & Penelekut
The CVRD was a key player in the rollout of connectivity infrastructure for Thetis and
Penelakut Islands, Cowichan Station, Ditidaht First Nation, and the Cowichan Lake
Region. Focussing on advocacy, affordability, access, and infrastructure for cellular coverage.
Remote Communities
A possible regional service that will be discussed during budget.
Port of Vancouver
I met with the port of Vancouver last week and they advised me that the new Active Vessel Traffic Management has been implemented and it is decreasing wait times.
Ministry of Transportation and Infastructure (MOTI)
All maintenance, roads an ditches are managed by by MOTI. While I don’t have any authority, I can try to advocate for improvements.
Opportunities
- Forbes Hall – Saltair Community Center could is a model
