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Smith making bid for reelection as Area G director

First term marked by COVID, extensive work on harmonizing electoral area community plans
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Lynne Smith is prepared to move forward with grant funding for significant projects within Area G. (Photo submitted)

Lynne Smith is seeking her second term as the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s Area G (Saltair/Gulf Islands) director.

“Prudent and fair taxation is my top priority,” noted Smith. “We are facing economic uncertainty. This is on everyone’s mind.”

She was elected for the first time during the last election in 2018 and is ready to pick up where she left off with several issues.

“The past four years have been challenging,” Smith conceded. “COVID arrived 16 months into my first term. I applaud the CVRD staff and directors. Working together, we kept the projects moving along and provided the regional services communities rely on.”

She intends to work hard on acquiring federal and provincial grant funding for the communities in her jurisdiction.

Smith pointed out the approximately $5 million – or $6,000 per parcel – landed for the Saltair water system was significant.

“I did not do it alone. Without the cooperation of other directors, staff and provincial and federal bureaucrats and politicians, the outcome might have been different.”

Smith said, if reelected, she’ll be looking for additional grant funding for the Stocking Lake dam replacement, Thetis Island wharf restoration, Centennial Park revitalization and Saltair water distribution system upgrades during the next term.

A great deal of time during her first term was spent harmonizing the nine electoral area Official Community Plans, Smith indicated.

“The modernization phase has just begun. This is a slow process. All nine electoral areas are involved. Each area is unique when it comes to local area plans. There are development pressures, extreme weather events, eco-sensitive areas, infrastructure improvements and storm water management issues that need to be addressed. What will sustainable land management look like in the future? I continue to stress the need for community input.”

Smith feels she’s developed knowledge during the past four years, improving her understanding of governance, processes, laws and procedures. “I am steadfast in my belief good bylaws require extensive public input,” she offered.

There will inevitably be new directors at the board table after the election and Smith stressed the need for continuity and experience.

“I hope to be able to do my part for Area G, Saltair/Gulf Islands,” she noted.

Jesse McClinton is also running for the position of Area G director.



Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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