Occupation: Environmental consultant.
Background:
Sidney councillor from 1993 to 2008; resident of Sidney since 1984; President, Sidney Museum and Archives (2013/14); President, B.C. Library Trustees Assoc. (2007); numerous positions on Town of Sidney and CRD committees and boards between 1994 and 2008.
1. Why are you running for council?
Sidney is facing some serious challenges over the next few years. There are also some things, such as Beacon Wharf, which are overdue for attention. I believe I can make a difference by being on council.
2. What are your top three issues to tackle, if elected?
(1) Strengthening our downtown in the face of existing challenges; (2) Sensible and strategic spending priorities and conservative management to minimize tax increases; (3) The latest census shows that our median age has increased. Clearly our efforts to maintain a balanced community aren’t working. We need to reverse this trend.
3. Is council’s relationship with the business community adequate and what would you change if elected?
I think the Town communicates fairly well with the business community, but the relationship is stressed by economic pressures on businesses. There is a need to pay more attention to the industrial area. We need to investigate potential incentives to encourage downtown revitalization and invest in economic development.
4. What sort of balance should Sidney seek to achieve on its waterfront land?
It is important for us to maintain Tsehum Harbour as a working harbor. Shoal Harbour needs to be protected as a migratory bird sanctuary with compatible, low density residential development along its shores. The waterfront lands in the vicinity of the end of Beacon Avenue should be a people place with predominantly mixed land uses. The waterfront along Lochside drive should remain as park and amenities (e.g. boat launch). The Anacortes Ferry Terminal is economically important but seriously under-utilized. We need to develop a community-driven vision that makes better use of this land.
The remaining waterfront lands should remain residential (with mixed densities — not all condos) with public beach accesses and waterfront walkway. It is also important to maintain ocean viewscapes from our streets.
5. How would you contribute to people’s enjoyment in living, working and playing in Sidney?
Sidney should remain pedestrian-friendly with vibrant community events. We need to maintain our amenities, develop more “people places” and enhance the Beacon Ave. streetscape. We need to encourage a greater diversity of things to do, particularly for families and in the evenings.