Since you asked ...

ALL CANDIDATE MEETINGS

Sept 21 Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce

Recording of the meeting

My prepared responses

• On improving affordability and housing: Housing affordability and housing supply are closely related. I see the village's role as trying to create the right conditions to allow a diversity of housing options - we tried to do this with the new OCP and zoning bylaws, for example, four units are now permitted on most single family lots within the urban containment boundary and there are many multifamily zoned lots within the boundary as well. We continue to work with senior government to fund housing projects. 

• On growth and ageing infrastructure: It’s important that we recognise the limits of what we can reasonably ask from taxpayers. As we saw from the recent decision to delay the Penrith project our current cost estimates for projects don’t line up with reality. In general I believe new development should pay for new infrastructure and we have DCCs and ACCs to help ensure that happens. We also need to continue to aggressively apply for grant funding for larger projects as our limited tax base simply cannot afford everything we need.

• On regional collaboration: I have been a strong proponent of regional cooperation when it makes sense - things like waste management, emergency management, hospitals, regional parks and so on. But some things require a distinctly Cumberland approach, local matters such as fire, zoning, heritage, arts and culture, forest stewardship. 

• On supporting economic development: I think our role is to foster those conditions, yes. In our new OCP and zoning bylaws, we have a new MU2 zone that expands the commercial core. I think we should work with the Chamber, of course! I believe we are currently participating in the Cumberland business retention and expansion initiative. My hope is that this project will produce actionable items that we can implement to make conditions better for everyone.  

• Development processes and timelines: Yes I think reducing red tape (duplicative requirements, for example) is a good idea and any way we can encourage feedback from businesses to streamline would be helpful. To that end - please fill out those surveys!!! We have already delegated minor variance approvals to staff, but there is a limit to what hurdles we can remove while maintaining zoning and regulatory control. It is still important that we develop with care and oversight in order to maintain Cumberland’s unique charm. We have obtained grants and are still working on modernizing these processes. 

Oct 5 Cumberland All Candidates Meeting

Event link