In 2008 I wanted to join council primarily to help implement the Strategic Sustainability Plan (SSP) that so many Rosslanders had worked so diligently to create. This plan is integral to the Official Community Plan that was adopted in 2008 and guides Rossland. Council has done a good job so far putting the vision into reality with plenty of help from the all volunteer Visions to Action Sustainability Commission and the Task Forces as well as a number of other community groups.
Once on council, I learned how many other diverse aspects and responsibilities come with the job and how all aspects of the city are interconnected with the goals and vision set out in the SSP. I find municipal government fascinating and it is rewarding to have a vote at the table. The learning curve for the job is fairly intense, and it makes sense to continue to apply the knowledge gained for another term.
I will continue to help Rossland remain a vibrant and resilient community. I want to work with the regional economic development officer to attract new businesses to our town. I want to encourage development at the EMCON lot (that will be compatible with a new skate park!) I will work on creating senior housing so older Rosslanders who wish to downsize can still remain in town.
I want to see the completion of the Columbia-Washington revitalization project. Our aging infrastructure needs replacement and this project presents an opportunity for some creative and innovative “streetscaping” at the same time. I want to ensure that council and the city staff do a good job of engaging all citizens as this project proceeds.
I want to improve relations with our neighboring municipalities. Opportunity exists for collaboration on recreation, sport & event hosting, water and sewer treatment plant plans. I will encourage more dialogue and rapport with other elected officials that will benefit all our communities.
We live in a very special part of the world. There are many ways in which we can safeguard our environment. This council doubled the setback to 30m for any development along Topping Creek, one of our main sources for community water. The long awaited Water Management plan will help the city properly address water security, conservation and supply. We need to continue to get smart about conservation of water and energy to ensure that we remain a resilient community. I am very supportive of the joint partnership between the city, the Energy Task Force and FortisBC to create “Rossland on an Energy Diet”.
Rossland has some wonderfully unique buildings and features, like the Miners’ Hall and the mine tour at the Museum. These need to be preserved and this too will take some investment. The heritage aspects of town contribute to Rossland’s appeal but this requires the dedicated effort of volunteers and the city. I am passionate about this town- I live here for the lifestyle, the people, the outdoor activities and our fabulous natural surroundings. I don’t want to be anywhere else. As a retired person I have the time and energy to dedicate to council.