Three term Councillor, two term CVRD Director, CVRD representative at the Hul’qumi’num Treaty main table (4 years now), several years in first two terms as VIRL Trustee.
At both MNC and CVRD initiated Public Input period as a regular agenda item, believing it was important to hear the public’s views on agenda items before decisions were taken. Served on almost every legacy Committee at the municipality, Chairing Environmental Advisory and its predecessor Climate Action, as well as Parks and Rec, Sports Hall of Fame. Served on Protective Services and Public Works. Chaired CVRD Corporate Services Committee and at the Cowichan Nations Treaty Main table. I have been the Council representative to Social Planning Cowichan, Success by Six, the Cowichan Housing Association, the town of Crofton, and the CVRD representative to OUR Cowichan Community Health Network. A few of the ideas I floated that got adopted include Council Matters, a Cell Tower Policy, a Function (decided by referendum) for a housing fund to leverage senior government grants for non-markethousing. This referendum passed and has helped the region attract millions towards housing. There are other initiatives I championed that were adopted, which requires a majority support — no single Councillor can accomplish anything on their own. A majority Council vote is required. Concerned about the lack of support for our street entrenched neighbours, often struggling with their mental health and substance use, I championed the Car 60 programme, where an RCMP officer and an Island Health nurse ride together offering supports. Initiated the 99 year lease of two municipal properties in an attempt to partner with BC Housing for non-market units, with wrap around services. We are still waiting on those projects after more than six years of advocating. Sat in Minister’s meetings with SD Chairperson advocating for a new high school, and Minister of Health for a New Regional Hospital, along with advocating with the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions for more support in our region. Chaired the Climate Action Committee that with our staff and Vancouver’s SSG, delivered a UBCM, BC Government, BC Hydro and Community Energy Asssociation award winning Climate Action and Energy plan in 2013. The CAEP has been updated and has .5% of municipal taxes go into a revolving loan fund that allows the Municipality access to funds to leverage other funds for actions that help us adapt to the changing climate. The fund is replenished by the savings of those actions. We have also been involved in additional grants for making homes more energy efficient, as homes and other buildings are by and far the most energy intensive category that the municipality directly governs. Council did their best to complete the Forest Review, sadly it won’t be done this term. I am committed to seeing that process through if invited back to the table. Also committed to supporting an updated Zoning By-law and new housing tenures, carriage houses, tiny homes (if BC building code changes to allow) cooperative housing and other creative ideas that may come forward, including exploration on temporary RV housing. Play Fair/Pay Fare - a Regional Recreation funding question is coming to a referendum this fall at the municipal elections. If passed every area of the CVRD would fund a portion of 9 major recreation facilities according to their area’s usage. The average published impact for North Cowichan residents is a savings of over $714,000 per year. However, to reach equity based on actual usage, property users in the North will have an approximate increase of approximately $ 113.18 per average assessed value, and property owners in the South will have a decrease of approximately $108.32. Both estimates are based on the value of the average home, of $ 659,724. The usage breakdown will be reevaluated every few years and adjusted as necessary. Watch for more information on the planyourcowichan.ca website. |
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Bio * My father’s family pre-empted land, now called Extension, and I have been visiting the island since 1958, and have lived in the Cowichan Valley for 46 years. It was the best place I can think of to raise 4 children.
* Work experience from a youth to today: helped in the family business, retail sales, hotel dining room waitresss, telegraph office, gravel broker admin, assistant to a lawyer, teacher’s assistant, and tutor of Korean students.
* Post secondary Education - Early Childhood Education, Social Service work -VIU, CWAV Crisis Counselling, certified facilitator and master facilitator for The Virtues Project tm (VPI), Way of Council training. * Have provided personal and professional development for schools, First Nations, businesses, hospices and individuals from all over the world, who came to Introductions and Facilitator Trainings here in the valley. * In the late 80’s I stood for School Trustee, (Kathy Ross). Chaired the Education Committee, sat on the Policy and Personnel Committee, negotiating union and teacher’s union contracts, worked with some of the greatest mediators, such as Vince Ready. * Was directly involved in hiring senior staff, including the superintendent of schools and high school principals. * Supported the cutting edge self directed learning school, Francis Kelsey, and spearheaded an Employee and Family Assistance Program. * In 2011 I put my name in for Council, and have served 3 terms. As a 24 year single parent, of four children, 26, 30, 42 and 45, I had to juggle conflicting needs in any given moment., develop creative problem solving and an ability to pivot when necessary. All of these abilities and an intuitive discernment, allow me to bring what I am told is a ‘unique’ set of skills and contributions to the table. * If invited back I will be the member of Mayor and Council with the most local government experience, and the longest continuous institutional memory. I have made strong connections with colleagues and agencies, and those that know me, trust me. |