Do you support the facility proposed for 222 Corfield? Why or why not?
I supported the establishment of a supportive housing complex at 222 Corfield because:
• A healthy city has a variety of housing types to suit all of its residents.
• The Homelessness Task Force identified over its eight years of work a complete lack of attention to housing individuals in our community who experienced social and financial barriers to housing.
• The bylaw to rezone as introduced fit with the future land use identified in the Official Community Plan.
• There was a significant amount of data available which supported the concept of “Housing First” as a route to social and physical well-being.
Our challenge as a council going forward was to ensure BC Housing delivers what we have been promised. We were able to include language in the Housing Agreement, which commits BC Housing’s contract with the operator to reflect their promises and provide the city with surety regarding its ongoing purpose.
How will you balance the needs of seniors and those of younger residents?
While there are definitely lifestyle differences between retirees and young families and there are some differences in recreation needs all city residents expect to be able to live in a clean and safe community. There are opportunities where seniors and young families will benefit one another. Seniors tend to want more services around home and personal care providing jobs and business opportunities.
The city zoning bylaw encourages carriage homes and suites allowing seniors who are home owners to rent to supplement their income and have somebody on site for times where they want to be away for extended periods of time.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I am a longtime resident of Parksville. My business experience and my professional background give me particular insight into the challenges and responsibilities of this position. I have chaired and sat on numerous boards and committees and been involved in many successful community organizations. I am proud to be a member of this community and am committed to Parksville. I have the time, passion, experience and business acumen to be a team leader for Parksville. During the upcoming term I will:
• Continue to push for a City housing strategy to be included in the Official Community Plan
• Continue to advocate to attract good jobs
• Continue to work with the Perfect Storm Group to improve Health Care
• Work with Sports and Recreation Groups to improve current facilities and add a new track, all weather multipurpose field and SportsPlex to serve the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Region
• Ensure that the first answer to inquiries is “can do” in nature
• Continue to monitor construction of Water Treatment Facility to ensure it is on budget and on time.
• Continue to push and advocate for new paint job for ‘The Orange Bridge’