“Supporting community priorities in Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Denman & Hornby Island”
At the risk of making election promises, here is what I plan to work on this coming term for each community. If you have other suggestions, contact me and I will add them on the list ~
ROYSTON
- Switch from Cumberland to Comox Lake water
A number of years ago, the Village of Cumberland, due to their growth, advised that they would no longer service Royston with water. As a result, for the past two years,we have started project planning to build a new water main that will connect Royston to Comox Lake water. This project is in partnership with K’omoks First Nation, as that same infrastructure will be used to provide water to K’omoks lands further south in Area A.
- Improve walkability and active transportation infrastructure in the Royston core
In June 2022 we had a delegation of Royston residents asking for roadside improvements for walking and biking, especially around Royston school, but on Royston road as well, through Highway 19A and towards Marine Drive. Since then CVRD staff met with the Ministry of Transportation in September, and the feedback was that this could be a fundable project if we have more detailed design and shovel readiness. I intend to advocate and apply for grants for this initiative as I believe it has been identified for decades by Royston parents.
- South Extension Sewer Project
Now that we have obtained the right to connect to the municipal sewage system, and have gained partners with Union Bay Estates and K’omoks First Nation, there will be much work this coming term on the long-standing project. A Public Advisory Committee has been struck with Royston residents being part of the committee, along with Craigdarroch and Union Bay representatives, as well as a technical group. The committee’s work will be completed by the Fall of 2023.
- Support Courtenay to connect to the Royston Seaside Trail all the way from the Fifth Street Bridge
This past term, Courtenay continued construction on the South Courtenay Riverway Trail, with the goal to eventually connect to the Royston Seaside Trail. I will continue to champion this initiative with the City …there is about 500 meters to go to what will eventually be an amazing 5km of ocean-side trail ~
UNION BAY
- Implementing the Union Bay Water Master Plan
Now that we have received the Water Master Plan report, we can better prioritize investment from source to tap for the Union Bay water system. Leaks are currently significant for the system, with 41% loss. Hence I believe we need to continue on a strong pipe replacement program, while also assessing requirements for system growth. Advocating for proper watershed management of Langley Lake remains a priority.
- Towards a new firehall
This term will see significant advancement towards a new firehall. The new site is well-located, and there can be conversations around how to optimize the service area and involve the fire volunteers and community on design and features. There is much to be learned from the recent Cumberland, Merville, and Hornby firehall completions ~
- Support to Union Bay Non-Profits
UBCC needs a new roof and new playground; Union Bay Historical Society also has capital needs; and I believe that there should be a conversation between CVRD and Seaview Village to see if the CVRD can provide support as part of our affordable housing initiatives.
- A new library in Union Bay?
This past year, in my role as board member on the Vancouver Island Library Board (VIRL), I have initiated discussions between VIRL and School Distritc 71 (Comox Valley) to see if VIRL could build a new library branch on the old Union Bay school site. So far, there seems to be interest, and I intend to continue to push the concept forward.
Fanny Bay / Ships Point
- Support recreation opportunities and opportunities for families and seniors
I have definitely heard from residents how far it is to access CVRD services from Fanny Bay. As Chair of the Recreation commission I have encouraged colleagues and staff to start thinking about how to support recreation in more remote areas, with Fanny Bay and Black Creek being the clearest examples. This past year I have also championed and provided funding to the Comox Valley Early Childhood Initiative, and for the coming year Area A will be in focus, with a goal to help support healthy kids through activities, connection, and better supports.
- Community Halls renovations
Both Fanny Bay halls have needs for capital projects ahead, and I intend for the CVRD to help contribute. This will be easier to do now that we have established the “Community Halls Services”, which support 7 community halls in Area A.
- Close the gap between the Comox Valley and Nanaimo Transit systems
For the past four years I have advocated to connect the two transit systems and close the gap between Fanny Bay and Deep Bay, and this work is now initiated and on the cue with BC Transit! The Fanny Bay community is well-connected with the Bowser/Lighthouse Country, so having bus options will be great, in addition to providing inter-regional public transportation for the benefit of all Comox Valley residents.
- Climate impacts planning
This past term we completed the climate change and future flood/tide level study for the entire CVRD area, and the Fanny Bay/Ships Point area stands out due to many low lying areas. As we continue long-range planning, I am hoping to increase collaboration with organizations such as the Ministry of Transportation, SPID and other Fanny Bay non-profits and residents to start mitigating climate change and ocean rise/storm surges.
- Advocacy for improved watershed management
The Beaufort Watershed Stewards have done excellent work advocating for healthy watersheds. After completing an assessment of three watersheds around Fanny Bay in 2021-2022, I believe they will turn their attention to the Tsable watershed in 2023. I intend to continue advocating to the Provincial government for better management of private forestlands, especially when it affects drinking water supplies.
Denman island
- Complete the Graham Lake Water Treatment Plant project
I was thrilled that this past year we secured a $1.3 million grant to build a new water treatment plant for Graham Lake, and my intent is still to ensure there is a tap for broader community access, assuming there is recharge capacity. I want to thank everyone who has worked on this project to date in the community.
- Initiate new fire hall planning
Sometime this term we will initiate the new Denman firehall planning, as the old one approaches end of life. I look forward to work with the volunteer department, CVRD staff, and community as we gear up this once in a generation project.
- Support Denman Green and Denman Community Land Trust Association
The two housing associations on Denman are doing critical work, with housing often identified as a top priority on both Denman and Hornby. I intend for the CVRD to support the organizations financially as they work towards building new affordable housing.
- Grow the community bus initiative and other clean transportation initiatives
Electrified island transit? On-demand? BC Transit and SD71 as partners? more charging infrastructure? These are all questions we will explore this term as we try to grow from the early days of public transportation and electrification on Denman and Hornby.
- Set-up the grant program from fibre optic revenues!
As CityWest completes the $7.8 million fibre optic project, for which I helped secure 90% grant funding. we have negotiated 20% of the yearly net profit from subscriptions for our non-profits on Hornby and Denman. This will mean having to set up criteria and structure for the grant program – am super excited about this and look forward to launch the program in the next couple of years.
- Advocate for better ferry service
Let’s face it, BC Ferries has some work to do to alleviate our situation. For the past ten years I have had two stints on the Ferry Advisory Committee, and helped bring in the prioritiy loading for Hornbyites on the first ferry. However we have bigger issues, as BC Ferries considers the future of the docking infrastructure at Denman West; the future of the Baynes Sound Connector, and the critical need for a bigger boat on Hornby. I am heartened by some of the recent changes at BC Ferries, and plan to support the FAC and others in advocating for both islands.
Hornby island
- Support Hornby Island Housing Society in completing Beulah Creek project, and upgrades a Elders Village
HIHS is doing incredible work for securing affordable housing on Hornby Island. I very much look forward to support the building of Beulah Creek Village, and hopefully to contribute to upgrades at Elder Housing Village
- Support HIRRA and HICEEC in their numerous initiatives
So many initiatives are happening through HIRRA and HICEEC, and as the funding entity to these two organizations I will continue to be on the pulse of their activities and support their endeavors as they address needs and opportunities on the island.
- Support water conservation
Summer drought conditions have increased especially on Hornby due to climate change. The CVRD can help support water conservation and infrastructure programs for the benefit of Hornby Islanders, but also as a bit of a pilot as other communities are likely to face similar challenges due to climate change. We are currently completing a study that looks at what the CVRD involvement could be, and I look forward to receive the recommendations.
- Grow the community bus initiative and other clean transportation initiatives
Electrified island transit? On-demand? BC Transit and SD71 as partners? more charging infrastructure? These are all questions we will explore this term as we try to grow on the early days of public transportation and electrification on Denman and Hornby.
- Set-up the grant program from fibre optic revenues!
As CityWest completes the $7.8 million fibre optic project, for which I helped secure 90% grant funding, we have negotiated 20% of the yearly net profit from subscriptions for our non-profits on Hornby and Denman. This will mean having to set up criteria and structure for the grant program – am super excited about this and look forward to launch the program in the next couple of years.
- Advocate for better ferry service
Let’s face it, BC Ferries has some work to do to alleviate our situation. For the past ten years I have had two stints on the Ferry Advisory Committee, and helped bring in the prioritiy loading for Hornbyites on the first ferry. However we have bigger issues, as BC Ferries considers the future of the docking infrastructure at Denman West; the future of the Baynes Sound Connector, and the critical need for a bigger boat on Hornby. I am heartened by some of the recent changes at BC Ferries, and plan to support the FAC and others in advocating for both islands.
Comox Valley & Beyond
This past term, I have provided much leadership at the regional, provincial, and federal levels, and I intend to keep going with these roles. One I will focus on immediately is my new role as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Chair of Municipal Infrastructure and Transportation. In this role, I am part of a small team that will help renegotiate key long-term programs between the federal government and Canadian municipalities, with billions at stake. I am ready and prepared for the task.
And with this, I am asking for your support to continue on as your Area A Director. I have the track record of getting things done for our area while helping bring the voice of municipalities to higher levels of government. Let’s keep thing moving forward in Area A – I ask for your support and vote on October 15th.
