Voters in the Town of Ladysmith and nearby rural areas are about to choose their political representatives for the next four years.
To compile this feature, we e-mailed a questionnaire to all candidates last week. Responses have been edited for style and length:
ALICE CLARK
Note: Alice Clark did not reply to the Chronicle’s questionnaire by press time.
According to her campaign Facebook page, Clark is running on a platform of watershed issues and homelessness and poverty reduction.
She wants to hear from the citizens of Ladysmith as to what their passions are and how they want Ladysmith to grow in the future.
RAYMOND GOURLAY
Why should people vote for you? I have energy, passion, and a love for this community. I believe in listening, collaborating, and seeking the best expertise available in decision-making. I have management experience in both business and non-profit sectors and am currently completing a master of business administration to bring more knowledge and skills to my role as a professional and hopefully as a councillor.
What is your opinion on Ladysmith’s waterfront area plan? The plan is very strong; it meets numerous goals for the town including adding park land, trails, and commercial and residential capacity. It strengthens our relationship with Stz’uminus First Nation and celebrates local arts and heritage.
What could the town do to attract more employment? We can continue to attract businesses who, in turn, provide employment by preserving industrial land, adding more mixed commercial/residential options, and ensuring that our commercial tax rate remains competitive. We also need more employees to fill current job openings. Part of addressing this shortcoming means facilitating a wider variety of housing developments so we have more options for our growing workforce.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? I hope to see significant progress made towards addressing our infrastructure deficit, added water storage capacity added to Holland Lake, progress made towards more ‘complete neighbourhoods’ with closer access to amenities and safer and more convenient options for active transportation, more and improved parks and trail systems, and a robust and diversified local economy.
AMANDA JACOBSON
Why should people vote for you? I take my role as representative for Ladysmith citizens very seriously. My priorities are managing our infrastructure deficit; focusing on appropriate and affordable development; and open and respectful communication between citizens, neighbours and stakeholders to move forward together.
What is your opinion on the waterfront area plan? I believe the WAP is an excellent reflection of our commitment to community engagement and look forward to more engagement as the different elements move forward. Such large, involved projects can end up looking a bit different than imagined and we need to be flexible and open to changes. I’m confident that we will end up with a thoughtful and beautiful waterfront that more citizens, tourists and businesses can enjoy.
What could the town do to attract more employment? I would love to explore further partnerships with our neighbouring communities for land that can be re-zoned as light industrial to bolster that employment sector, in addition to land available within existing town boundaries.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? I see Ladysmith developing as a balanced, safe and thriving community for families, active agers and youth. I would love to see a large number of significant infrastructure projects completed, (including implementation of a public-facing GIS program); the next steps of the WAP underway; improved safety measures taken on our traffic corridors; review of sustainable options for increased first-responder services; and most importantly, ongoing positive and respectful engagement with Stz’uminus, the school district and our citizens.
DOUG JOHNSON
Why should people vote for you? I believe that I possess the qualities and attributes that contribute to my, and other people’s, success. My career was working in the field, working directly with high voltage power systems. I learned early on how clear and concise communication, the ability to speak up, along with excellent teamwork, is required to effectively handle challenges. Listening skills, teamwork, critical decision making, and ensuring an adequate level of understanding of all of those involved are key components to what will make me an effective town councillor.
What is your opinion on the waterfront area plan? I would like to see the waterfront area plan revisited as only one option is being presented to the residents for this town-owned property. I would like to see more potential final configurations presented to the public followed by open ‘town hall’ style discussions to ensure that more people become involved in the waterfront area plan final decision.
What could the town do to attract more employment? I believe that our ‘Olde Town,’ waterfront, and surrounding green spaces offer immense opportunities for our town. I think that we need to capitalize on these attributes. We need to continue to work closely with the chamber of commerce and other businesses in town to identify and eliminate barriers to their success. When businesses are successful, they create more jobs.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? If elected, my goals are to have achieved an agreement regarding the waterfront area plan that represents the greatest possible benefit for all residents of Ladysmith for now and into the future. Modest growth, a plan that works for everyone, and a path forward. That is what I hope that we can achieve.
TRICIA MCKAY
Why should people vote for you? As an incumbent, I’m up to date with ongoing projects and challenges faced by the town and familiar with the work of council subcommittees. I’m an excellent communicator and compassionate listener. I demonstrate integrity and work hard to participate in the many opportunities afforded council.
What is your opinion on the waterfront area plan? The waterfront area plan continues to be the best path forward to rejuvenate our waterfront. While alterations will undoubtedly occur, the essence of the plan is solid, representing thorough consultation and innovative planning.
What could the town do to attract more employment? Employment opportunities come when new businesses open or expand. The current council approved several OCP bylaw changes in support of new and expanding businesses. The draft official community plan contains an expanded light industry zone in the at the south end of town and strong support for further commercial development in and around the Coronation Mall area.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? Improved roads including active transportation routes; improvements to water storage capacity including a second reservoir; improved access to e-car charging; completion of improvements to Forrest Field; completion of Churchill development including connecting road between 4th Avenue and McKinley; thriving commercial sectors, downtown, Coronation and Rocky Creek and the arts and heritage hub.
KIM NAKAHARA
Why should people vote for you? I believe that my love of Ladysmith, my passion for working with people, and my educational background make me a great candidate for putting trust and faith. My husband and I live, work, and play here in Ladysmith. Ladysmith is our forever home, and I want the best for everyone who lives, runs a business, or plays here.
What is your opinion on the waterfront area plan? I am fully supportive of Ladysmith’s waterfront area plan and look forward to working to see the plan become a thriving success. I am incredibly excited to see the arts, culture, and heritage components developed as they are sure to become a central place of sharing and connection in our town.
What could the town do to attract more employment? Supporting our existing businesses and engaging in sustainable development. Additionally, we need to address housing needs so that there are places for employees to live. I am excited to work with all levels of government to develop appropriate and affordable housing options to support employment increases.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? I see Ladysmith as a strong, socially connected community that is resilient to change and ever-occuring challenges. I see our town as an ideal model of a sustainable, healthy, and thriving local community that demonstrates responsible growth management, uses active transportation, has reliable infrastructure maintenance, and supports environmentally sensible developments.
DUCK PATERSON
Why should people vote for you? I have a strong desire to see Ladysmith be the home that everyone wants it to be but also the place that people come to enjoy, relax and admire.
What is your opinion on Ladysmith’s waterfront area plan? I believe the plan is as close to the best we can do. There has been huge hours of community consultation and time put into the plan. To get to where we have to be there will have to be concessions but with careful planning the outcome will be the jewel on the east side of the Island. It is going to be a people place.
What could the town do to attract more employment? Employment requires business and industry, so we need to create a town that will bring young families as well as professionals to the community. Skilled workers are the bare essential for business and if we can attract them and promote that aspect of Ladysmith being home, then I can see new business also starting to call it home. DanFoss Couriers coming to town and the expansion of the Madill office shows that this is an approach that can work.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? I see Ladysmith being exactly what it is today. Naturally it will have more citizens, but it will be the same. A community that is growing but done with careful planning, that includes the environment, affordability and inclusive. Working with our Stz’uminus First Nation neighbours we will be starting on some exciting projects on the waterfront. It will have a thriving business community.
RHONDA SHIRLEY
Why should people vote for you? I would hope our community of citizens would vote for me because I will do my duty with integrity for our citizens and our beautiful heritage seaside community, now and for future generations. I am honest, accountable and committed to Ladysmith.
What is your opinion on Ladysmith’s waterfront area plan? The Ladysmith waterfront plan was approved in 2018. I believe we should now look at other options for funding instead of selling off the land for condos. In speaking with several of our citizens, other new ideas have come up.
What could the town do to attract more employment? The growth in Ladysmith has provided increased business for our local businesses. In seeing several signs requiring help there is a need for more workers. To attract more workers they need affordable living in town. Promoting tourism and the local film industry will provide jobs and keep the taxes down by bringing and spending money here.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? I would like to know our town roads have been improved, our unique heritage downtown has been retained and businesses are thriving. New three- to four-storey residential buildings close to downtown centre are scheduled or built and a financial plan for our waterfront area plan has been developed. The Island Corridor Foundation has secured federal and provincial funding and Ladysmith residents will know that alternate transportation is coming for them by rail.
MARSH STEVENS
Why should people vote for you? I have worked very hard as a councillor and have consistently introduced and supported policies that improve our social, physical and economic environments. This is reflected in my appointments this term (deputy mayor, committee of the whole chair, etc.).
What is your opinion on the waterfront area plan? I am 100-per cent supportive. The plan was ‘the’ election issue in 2018 – Mayor Stone was acclaimed, and five of the six councillors elected ran on a pro-WFP platform. For those who call for a referendum, that was it. As a council, we have moved ahead: over $5 million in grants spent/being spent on the arts and heritage hub, expropriation of Lot 5, and remediation of the uplands nearing completion.
What could the town do to attract more employment? More than 90 per cent of council’s work is land-use planning, so creating more appropriate/affordable housing will help economically. The current ‘employee deficit’ is due to external factors, but exacerbated by the cost of housing. From service industry, to health care, to professional workers, housing is a key part of recruiting and retaining. Entrepreneurial opportunities depend heavily on housing costs. The new draft OCP has appropriate/affordable housing as a focus. I want to work hard this term implementing it.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? Aging infrastructure repaired/replaced; more appropriate/affordable housing; more parks/green spaces; neighbourhoods that are more walkable/rollable; policies addressing climate change; all sectors economically vibrant; significant advances in reconciliation with Stz’uminus.
LYLE TASSONE
Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I am an honest person who wants to do the best for the community. I have zero hidden agendas and I can bring new ideas to keep the town vibrant.
What is your opinion on Ladysmith’s waterfront area plan? My opinion on the waterfront area plan is that it needs to be revisited. I think a different plan would benefit the town for that property besides more residential housing.
What could the town do to attract more employment? The town could work more closely with current business owners and proposed businesses to help grow or retain which would allow for more jobs to help support local.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? I see Ladysmith grown to a size that provides security to businesses but at the same time keeps the small-town feel where everyone feels safe.
JEFF VIRTANEN
Why should people vote for you? I’m a lifelong Ladysmithian who comes with no secret agenda or special interest. I love this town and only want to contribute and make our amazing community the best it can be. I come to the table with an open mind and listen to what my fellow council members and senior staff have to say about a topic before I make my mind up and vote. Add all that to having four years of experience, and I’m ready to hit the ground running without the steep learning curve I had last term.
What is your opinion on the waterfront area plan? Ladysmith has been trying to develop our waterfront since I was a boy. Now, here we are with a tangible plan that doubles our park space, creates a hub that will celebrate our connection to the Stz’uminus Nation, our heritage, and our arts. The plan does all that without the funding coming from increased taxation. I’m super proud of our WAP and I feel most residents are, too.
What could the town do to attract more employment? We had too many downtown vacancies eight years ago and now we’re down to almost none. We’ve supported responsible development which creates jobs. We’re on the right track and will continue to be open to new ideas and opportunities that make sense for our town.
If elected, where do you see Ladysmith at the end of your four-year term? I would like to see us tackle our aging infrastructure better, work on increasing our water storage supply, work with the school district on getting a new school built in Davis Road, deepen our good relationship with Stz’uminus, study what’s the best use for our 1st and Buller Street property, and continue on with our WAP.
ELECTION 2022: Nanaimo-Ladysmith school trustee candidate questionnaires
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