Peter Morrison, who has been in the area for two-thirds of his life, said he believes Parksville is “destined for great things,” and he is going to run for city council “to help get us there.”
The 36-year-old co-owner of Wallpepper Designs graduated from Kwalikum Secondary, married his high school sweetheart and settled in to raise his family, he said and he wants to find ways to encourage other young families to stay.
“Younger people sometimes feel their voice doesn’t matter,” he said, “but every vote counts, we have to get them out to vote.”
“I’ve watched Parksville evolve, seen business come and go, and others grow to be some of the best in Canada,” he said, explaining he had many conversations with other chamber of commerce members about running.
“They encouraged me to run. People said I have the right attitude or composure for council,” he said, but quickly clarified he isn’t running on behalf of the chamber.
“We need to find a balance,” he said, “that allows our seniors the ability to continue to enjoy their golden years without fear of skyrocketing civic expenses. A balance that will entice green industry to the area, build our workforce and create opportunities for young professionals, affording them the opportunity to stay in Parksville and have a viable income to support their families.”