What’s dire: the lack of Comox subdivisions or climate change and gradual deforestation?

What’s dire: the lack of Comox subdivisions or climate change and gradual deforestation?

“This land is an ecosystem, with worth just because it exists.”

What’s dire: the lack of Comox subdivisions or climate change and gradual deforestation?

 

By JEN GROUNDWATER

Look, I’m not into otherizing and demonizing people. Call me naïve, but I think most people are trying to do the right thing in life, based on their own particular way of looking at the world.

It’s human nature to assume, “The way I see things is the way things really are.” But it’s all a question of perspective.

Take a simplistic example: 18 acres of forest. One set of people will see it as “undeveloped.” To them, it’s an opportunity waiting to be grabbed: some empty, unused land that they can turn into a nice neighbourhood with nice homes where a bunch of nice people will live. In the process, they’ll provide income for themselves, their employees, and many different tradespeople, retailers, and other people in the business of real estate.

Seen through the lens of a developer, we should waste no time developing this valuable asset.

Another set of people sees these 18 acres as a critical part of the fight against climate change. Intact forests and mature trees improve air quality, reduce energy costs, sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water cleanliness, and increase property values. This land is an ecosystem, with worth just because it exists. It’s home to many species of animals, plants and other organisms. It belongs to the community.

Seen through the lens of the climate crisis, we should make every effort to safeguard this valuable asset

.

A QUESTION OF WHAT IS DIRE

On December 7, Comox Council heard from developer Shawn Vincent of Simba Investments and his associate Russ Tibbles. They’re wondering what the holdup is with Simba’s most recent PLR subdivision application for an 18-acre parcel of land on Pritchard Road near Cambridge Road in Comox.

Tibbles said, “The situation is dire.” He said Simba has put in three applications so far and has been waiting for a reply since February 2022 on the third one. The developer is now taking the town to court.

Vincent explained that he was “not here to create friction; we’re trying to follow all the rules, and it’s not happening.” He mentioned several others who have also waited a very long time to replace portions of the woods in Northeast Comox with roads and buildings: Rob Leighton, Bill Toews, Chris Gage and Brian McLean. Vincent said, “We just want to do business.”

It was presented as a simple enough request. But development in 2022 should not be business as usual. When Tibbles said, “The situation is dire,” he was talking about the lack of response to Simba’s application. He seems unaware that the truly dire situation is climate change. We can’t avoid it: we’re in a climate emergency. And it literally gets worse with every new subdivision that goes in where a forest or other natural area used to be.

A particular concern of Russ Tibbles’ was the access trail through the development. Apparently, the town has asked for a 20-metre right-of-way for the trail, and this is a major sticking point. This, said Tibbles, would make the right-of-way the same width as Noel Avenue.

I’ve got to be honest here: that seems a pitifully small green space, compared to the amount of forest that Simba is planning to knock down. Again, perspective. Another way to look at it: 18 acres is 72,843.4 square metres, so a 20-metre strip of greenery doesn’t seem like a terribly huge amount to ask for.

But from Tibbles’ perspective: “It serves no purpose! It wastes valuable residential land…increases the cost of housing, decreases affordability…” and, by forcing Simba to drop another two lots, it adds another $700,000 to the cost of the remaining lots.

Wait, what? Just how much are these properties going to cost, when the lots are that expensive?! We’re clearly not talking about housing that’s affordable in any sense of the word.

So now we’re taking down a forest to build single-family homes that only a tiny percentage of people will be able to afford? And how many homes are we talking about? Forty-eight homes, at last count (the first PLR was for 64 homes). But I digress.

 

A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

At the end of the council meeting, Joanne McKechnie of Save Our Forests Team Comox Valley presented Council with almost 400 signatures from citizens asking for stronger protections for Comox’s trees.

Her comment: “The 2011 OCP was approved at a time when the global climate crisis was not quite as dire as it is today. The zoning for development of forested parcels of land in the 2011 OCP no longer reflects what is best to preserve the environment in our community, nor does it reflect the best interests of the community.”

Shawn Vincent wrapped up his pitch by saying, “The conversation tonight is about 20 metres, but it’s not just about that… It’s about how we do business together and right now, it’s not great.”

Interestingly, I agree with him on this point. Just for completely different reasons.

Jen Groundwater is a professional editor and writer and a Comox resident.

 

 

 

 

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THE WEEK: Let the people have a larger voice at Comox Valley council meetings

THE WEEK: Let the people have a larger voice at Comox Valley council meetings

An unusually dry fall raises concerns about sufficient water supplies next summer

THE WEEK: Let the people have a larger voice at Comox Valley council meetings

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If you hear people talking about last month’s local government elections at all, it’s usually about the low voter turnout. Fewer voters turned out this year in every municipality and electoral area, driving the average of votes cast to total eligible voters down to around 27 percent. Even in Cumberland, where the number of registered voters doubled over 2018, fewer people voted.

In the Comox Valley’s three municipalities, 3,970 fewer people voted in 2022 than in 2018. That’s pretty dim considering our population increased over the same four years.

Or think about it this way. If a candidate won a seat on the council with 41 percent of the votes cast by 27 percent of eligible voters, that means they were supported by a mere 11 percent of eligible voters.

This is what passes for a representative democracy? If you’re that candidate, how do you represent the 90 percent of eligible voters who don’t give a damn about you?

This is a malaise affecting most municipalities. But what can the Comox Valley do to interest more people in local government, which arguably has a greater impact on your daily life than anything bubbling out of Victoria or Ottawa?

It’s a complex problem, but there is one simple thing that every local council and board could do that would spark public interest almost overnight.

People don’t vote for many reasons. They don’t think it’s important. They don’t see a direct impact on their lives. They don’t really know what councils are doing. They don’t care who gets elected. Their lives are already busy with jobs and families and there just isn’t enough razz-a-ma-tazz excitement about municipal campaigns to compete with that.

Our local governments fulfill their obligations for public engagement under provincial law, of course. They hold public hearings when it’s required. They invite feedback about specific issues online and at public information sessions. Council meetings are open to the public and streamed live and recorded for viewing at people’s convenience. You can watch them on cable television.

You can watch. But every council makes it difficult for any citizen to stand up and speak directly to the council face-to-face. Think the commercial tax rate is unfair? Think there are too many bike lanes? Think we need another soccer field before we need a pump track, if you even know what that is?

Well, you can’t just go down to city hall and get it off your chest. And if you can’t give the council a piece of your mind in the flesh, maybe you say, “Screw it,” and you give up. You don’t care anymore. You don’t vote.

So, what’s the one thing that could change some people’s attitudes? Allowing open public comment at the beginning of every council meeting.

The Parksville-Qualicum City Council just voted “to improve dialogue and transparency” by adding a 15-minute public question period at the start of every meeting. People can sign up as they come in the door and each person gets two minutes to address the council.

In our experience with council meetings in a variety of U.S. cities, this is the standard. But not in Canada. Parksville is breaking the mold in a good way.

Right now, if you want to speak to the Courtenay City Council, you have to give notice four days in advance. You get to speak for 10 minutes and they limit speakers to three per meeting. You have to fill out a form a week in advance to speak to the Comox Valley Regional District Board.

The Town of Comox does have public comment on its agendas, but you have to wait until the end of the meeting and after any in-camera session, which could take an indeterminate amount of time. By that time, everybody has usually gone home.

Cumberland does its best by allowing delegations to make a written request on the day of the meeting and it also allows a public question period at the end of the meeting. But citizens can only ask questions about items on that day’s agenda and have to email them in ahead of time. The councillors simply respond to the emails. People cannot speak in person to the council.

The Comox Valley’s councils and boards couldn’t make it any more difficult for citizens to speak to their elected representatives. It makes you wonder if they intend to discourage public engagement.

Maybe that’s a little unfair, if you really want to address the council in person you can. But you’ll have to fill out forms, send in written requests up to a week in advance and only about current agenda items, or you have to stay late with the patience of Job.

Why not make it easy, as Parksville has done?

The Town of Comox plans to add two new traffic circles to Comox Avenue as part of the major construction next spring to relocate the main pipe of the Courtenay-Comox sewerage system.

The town will construct one roundabout at the Rodello St. intersection, where that frustrating pedestrian signal light is currently located. They will build a second one about a half-mile away at the Glacier View (Back Road) intersection at the top of Comox Hill. Both have been in the town’s transportation plan since 2011.

This is good news. Roundabouts keep traffic flowing more smoothly than traffic lights provided they are large enough not to slow vehicles down unnecessarily, especially big trucks with wide turning radiuses.

The existing roundabout at Knight Road has a circle diameter of 40 meters. The two new roundabouts will be smaller: Rodello will be 35 meters and Glacier View will be 34.5 meters.

On those numbers alone, it might seem like the town is underbuilding traffic circles on the major artery between Comox and Courtenay. That could cause congestion, especially if one of the semi-tractor trailer trucks gets stuck or has to slow down so much to make the turn that traffic piles up. That could have serious consequences for vehicles climbing Comox Hill in a snowstorm.

But Comox Public Works Manager Craig Perry has confidence that the roundabouts will accommodate even the largest semi-trucks that travel Comox Avenue. He says both roundabouts are being designed by an engineering firm with experience and in accordance with all applicable standards and guidelines.

Although the BC Ministry of Transportation guidelines recommends a circle diameter range of 40 meters to 60 meters to accommodate semi-trucks, the town is meeting the guidelines by reducing the size of the inner circle island to achieve the appropriate turning radius requirements.

Why not just build them larger? Perry says the town has had to work with a large number of limitations, including available property. The town has worked with the firms designing the roundabouts to minimize the land acquisition required. “We are trying to impact neighbouring properties as little as possible,” he told Decafnation.

We noticed a Facebook post by Meaghan Cursons recently. “I do not like skipping autumn. Plus we need this year’s water to fill the lake and flow to the rivers and the salmon. Not snow yet. Snow is next year’s water. We need his year’s water.”

Cursons was spot on and BC Hydro’s data shows just how dry it has been.

Hydro spokesman Stephen Watson says the total precipitation in the upper Comox Lake watershed was 21 percent of normal in August, 16 percent in September and 41 percent in October. November dropped back down to just 23 percent of normal, which should be the wettest month of the year.

A normal November brings about 375 mm of precipitation. As of today, we’re sitting at about 60 mm. While it’s a little rainy this week, more cold, dry weather is expected.

Inflows into Comox Lake during October and November were just 24 percent of normal. Watson says that is the lowest in 55 years on record.

At the Comox Council meeting last week, Coun. Ken Grant took issue with the adoption or rejection of the Code of Conduct policy developed for local governments by the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the province and the Local Government Management Association.

Designed to provide a quasi-authoritative path for local governments to follow in the event of conflicts involving councillors or staff, the code was made optional — sort of — by the province in 2021. The Community Charter now requires municipal governments to either adopt — or provide reasons for not adopting — a code of conduct within six months of their inaugural meeting.

This was deemed necessary after several well-publicized examples of councillors and or staff in various municipalities heatedly airing their differences to the point of distracting councils from conducting business. Work began on the code of conduct in 2017 as a way of cooling down such debates.

“Is there a cost for such a thing?” said Coun. Ken Grant. “I’m not aware of ever having a need for this ever . . . so I’m wondering if (there’s) any value in it.”

Nevertheless, he voted for a motion approving the code. On a secondary motion asking the province to appoint a commissioner to oversee such complaints throughout the province, Coun. Grant again said that he didn’t see the need for a commissioner or a code of conduct.

“I just don’t see the point, frankly,” he said, adding, “I’m sure that they don’t do it for free.”

After some discussion about whether the province or the municipality would be liable for any funding requirements, the council then defeated the motion pending further inquiries by Coun. Jenn Meilleur.

— with reporting by Shane McCune

YAY – Christmas festivities abound at Filberg Park: There are bake sales, seasonal door swags and winter table posies. Santa will visit. The gift shop has longer hours. The main lodge will feature local artists. Every one of these events raises money to support the lodge.

BOO – Isn’t it interesting that the Town of Comox has restored and maintains the heritage home of a lumber baron, Robert Filberg, but wants to tear down and forget about a famous naturalist and ornithologist, Hamilton Mack Laing, who also left his property to the town.

It’s a peek into where our town’s priorities regarding heritage have been and still are considering that a BC Supreme Court Justice is currently reviewing the town’s application to tear down Laing’s home, Shakesides. The court’s decision in this taxpayer-funded $200,000-plus legal action is expected sometime early next year.

 

 

 

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No fireworks as Comox Council approves mayors’ appointments

No fireworks as Comox Council approves mayors’ appointments

Nicole Minions was sworn in as the Town of Comox’s 11th mayor since 1946 and the second woman to hold the position

No fireworks as Comox Council approves mayors’ appointments

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An anticipated disagreement among Comox Town Council members over appointments to the Comox Valley Regional District board gave way last night to lovey-dovey unanimity. 

After councillors and new Comox Mayor Nicole Minions were sworn in at the Nov. 2 inaugural council meeting, Minions delivered her inaugural address in which she asked for “respectful conversations” around the table and said that she has faith the new council will collaborate to put the “community first.”

Then the six-member council voted on Minion’s six appointments to the regional district board. And all were approved unanimously.

Ken Grant and Jonathan Kerr were appointed to the Comox Valley Regional District Board and the Comox Valley Recreation Commission, the Comox-Strathcona Waste Management Board and Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital Board, with Maureen Swift and Nicole Minions as alternates.

Ken Grant, Jonathan Kerr and Maureen Swift were appointed to the Comox Valley Sewage Commission, with Jenn Meilleur, Steve Blacklock and Chris Haslett as alternates.

To the Comox Valley Water Committee, Ken Grant was appointed with 2 voting units and Jonathan Kerr with 1 voting unit, with Nicole Minions and Maureen Swift as respective alternates.

Jenn Meilleur and Ken Grant were appointed to the Comox Valley Regional Parks and Trails Committee, with Jonathan Kerr and Maureen Swift as alternates.

Minions also made other non-regional district appointments.

 

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Comox Valley local government elections ramping up for Oct. 15 vote

Comox Valley voters will elect new councilors, mayors, regional district representatives, school board members and Island Trust reps on Oct. 15. Find out who’s running for what … and why. Decafnation returns to shine more light on local government issues and candidates

The Week: Valley councils begin new terms, but will Comox ignore voters?

The Week: Valley councils begin new terms, but will Comox ignore voters?

The Week: Valley councils begin new terms, but will Comox ignore voters?

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The Comox Valley’s new municipal councils will begin their four-year terms this week after swearing-in ceremonies and approving each mayor’s annual committee assignments and board appointments.

While it’s one of the prerogatives of a mayor to appoint council members where a councillor may be best suited or where a councillor can best represent the public’s interests, the appointments are not automatic. The council must vote to approve the mayor’s selections.

Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells told Decafnation recently that councillors have always approved his appointments, which he makes after one-on-one conversations with council members to elicit their interests.

And, if you are geeky enough about local politics to find last year’s first meeting of the Comox Council, you can listen to Ken Grant and Maureen Swift speak eloquently and passionately about supporting then-mayor Russ Arnott’s appointments. More specifically, you can hear Grant and Swift point out that going into the fourth and final year of a council’s term wasn’t the right time to change the town’s two seats on the Comox Valley Regional District board.

The best time to change, they argued, would be at the start of a new term.

Well, here we are, at the start of a new term.

So what, dear readers, do you think will happen at tomorrow night’s first meeting of the Comox Town Council? We’ll tell you what we think should happen.

First-time Mayor Nicole Minions should respect both the continuity of service and voters’ clearly expressed wishes. And so, she should therefore appoint Maureen Swift and Jonathan Kerr as the town’s representatives on the CVRD board.

That combination offers a mix of experience and fresh perspective.

Swift, who has served multiple terms as one of the town’s regional representatives provides the continuity. Kerr, who was by leaps and bounds the top choice of Comox voters in the election, has the support and confidence of the council’s constituency.

Kerr received 76.4 percent of the popular vote last month. Swift received 51.7 percent and, in fifth place, Ken Grant lagged at 50.3 percent. Kerr got 152 percent more of the vote than Grant.

The people prefer Kerr far more than Grant.

And there is a good reason for that. Grant has not done a good job on the regional board of representing the majority of the voting public or even the majority view of Comox councillors. He’s been obstructive, and non-collaborative and has taken positions based on an agenda not in sync with the best interests of the public or other council members.

He is, in fact, an outlier of the majority view of Comox voters. Recognizing this, Councillor Swift should break with the “good ole boys” and vote her conscience to approve Kerr’s appointment to the CVRD.

So, that’s what should happen.

Here’s what will probably happen.

Mayor Minions will appoint Councillor Kerr as a CVRD representative along with either Swift or Grant. New councillors Chris Haslett and Steve Blacklock will take direction from Councillor Grant and vote to oppose the mayor’s wishes and then vote to approve Grant and Swift to the CVRD. Swift won’t have the courage to break rank. The vote will take place outside of the public’s view.

And that, friends, will set the council up for four years of ignoring voters’ wishes as expressed in the last election. Because Blacklock and Haslett will offer up their shiny brown noses to Grant, who will become the de facto backroom mayor.

Is Comox reverting to the old days of backroom politics, of deals made out of sight of the public, of personal gain trumping the common good? Tomorrow night’s first meeting of the new council will tell you all you need to know.

If you were anywhere even close to Comox town boundaries last night, Halloween night, you would have heard lots of fireworks. It started after dark and by 10 pm there was a full-on fireworks display happening.

It’s curious, of course, because no jurisdiction granted permits for the possession and sale of fireworks this year. That’s because the BC Wildfire Service banned fireworks this fall due to extremely dry conditions.

We’ve had a little bit of rain recently and burning bans have been relaxed, although the forests are still dry and, more importantly, no fireworks permits have been issued.

So the explosion of fireworks last night ignored the common good, including potential fire risks, for a few people’s personal enjoyments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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COMOX: Candidates (most of them) respond to our questions

COMOX: Candidates (most of them) respond to our questions

COMOX: Candidates (most of them) respond to our questions

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Decafnation asked this year’s candidates for public office to respond to three questions. We are publishing their responses by the jurisdictions in which they are a candidate.

Comox Candidates in 2022

One mayor and six councillors to be elected

Mayor

Incumbent – None
Challenger – Nicole Minions (acclaimed)

Council

Incumbents – Dr. Jonathan Kerr, Ken Grant, Maureen Swift

Challengers – Don Davies, Chris Haslett, Ruby Sidhu, Steve Blacklock, Peter Gibson, Kealy Donaldson, Jenn Meilleur

Chris Haslett, Steve Blacklock, Ken Grant and Peter Gibson did not respond.

1. In the event that a new dangerous variant of the COVID virus emerges or if a new pandemic arises would you use your position as a civic leader to support federal and provincial public health orders and encourage others to do likewise?

FOR MAYOR

Nicole Minions
YES. I put faith and trust in our medical system both provincially and federally. I see this as protecting our vulnerable population and being part of the community as a whole. When it is public safety, I see that as a part of civic leadership.

FOR COUNCIL

Jonathan Kerr
As a family doctor in Comox, the health of Comox residents and our community is extremely important to me. I would fully support any federal or provincial public health orders that aim to protect Comox residents, especially those that are most vulnerable. At the same time, if new public health orders are put in place, I would also look for ways that we can continue to support our local businesses and restaurants, to ensure our downtown and business community is able to survive and thrive.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for everyone and we all wish that it was over for good. Comox is an amazing place to live, with caring neighbours looking out for each other. Following public health orders together allows us to continue to work, go to school, shop at a local store, eat at a restaurant, and participate in recreational activities while ensuring we remain healthy as individuals and as a community.

Maureen Swift
Yes. I would support Federal and Provincial health orders.

Jenn Meilleur
Yes. I believe in the science, expertise, and rigorous process that goes into making federal and provincial public health orders. I also believe that science should guide our leadership and policy decisions.

COVID also taught many of us the importance of connecting and building relationships with neighbours and the community to help us navigate challenging times. When disasters happen, the most immediate help will come from those around us. Our Comox Valley Emergency Program has created a Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP) and Guide. This program and guide will provide important tools to people in our neighbourhoods to prepare in case of an emergency.

Kealy Donaldson
Yes, it is our duty to support public health orders as representatives of the municipality and Town Council, by oath. Covid set new precedents in health care and although there are many opinions as to how to follow health and pandemic protocols, it is important that communities, collectively, respect and observe any health orders that are issued.

Ruby Sidhu
Of course, I will work towards the best health for all of us. I will urge local government and businesses to let their employees work from home. I will work towards taking a decision to help all our community as one and tackle their needs in the pandemic. Public health officials are there for a reason, which is to worry about everybody around them. I would appeal neighbouring municipalities to do the same.

Don Davis
Yes. I have every confidence in the Health authorities.

 
2. Do you support the Regional Growth Strategy as it’s currently written? In particular, do you support its theme of funneling new growth into already defined urban boundaries, leaving the rural areas as rural as possible? And, do you support not adding any settlement nodes until the Union Bay Estates and K’omoks First Nations developments in the Union Bay area are well underway?

FOR MAYOR

Nicole Minions
I think these documents are a balance between being the roadmap for planning & development, but also the need to be a living document. I support aspects like density within the current drawn boundaries. Rural areas maintaining the benefit of rural living and encouraging the best use of land (ALR for farming etc). I would need to review what future nodes would be discussed but a general theme of reasonable and balanced density in downtown areas where transportation, infrastructure and services are readily available. It makes economic sense and environmental sense.

FOR COUNCIL

Maureen Swift
Yes. I support the RGS as it is a guideline for services and transit. I also believe these types of documents should be considered “living documents” and as such might be altered when circumstances and opportunities arise. I believe it is important to have an open mind.

Jenn Meilleur
I support funneling new growth into already-defined urban boundaries, leaving the rural areas as rural as possible. Whether we call it “Smart Growth” or “Green Settlement,” this land use planning approach is a critical part of climate mitigation and committing to building a healthy and resilient community for future generations.

Some settlement areas will need to be reconsidered to account for inevitable sea level rise, and growth within urban boundaries should focus on infill on already developed lands, rather than cutting down trees to make new developments.

The major issues identified in the Regional Growth Strategy have increased in severity beyond what was anticipated nearly a decade ago. This speaks to the need for an update (which is already planned), as well as the need to be asking some important questions about what we’re going to do differently over the next decade to turn towards regeneration.

I also support not adding any settlement nodes until the Union Bay Estates and K’omoks First Nations developments in the Union Bay area are well underway. Local governments have a very important role to play in supporting the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Calls to Justice from the Final Report and Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Jonathan Kerr
I support the Regional Growth Strategy for 3 reasons:
1. Focusing on truly affordable housing: The last census showed that 67 percent of dwellings in Comox were single-family homes, which is way above the national average of 53%. Every single day, I hear from Comox residents that they are struggling to find a place to live, or that they are worried about being able to afford another place if they are forced to move. Comox desperately needs the right mix of housing options, including more affordable living choices such as rental units and townhomes.

2. Keeping taxes low: Comox residents want low taxes. It can take decades for tax revenues to eventually pay for the services (road, water, sewer) supporting a new subdivision. To keep our taxes as low as possible, we should focus on increasing density within our current municipal boundaries.

3. Mitigating climate change: At this critical point in our planet’s history, it doesn’t make much sense to cut down mature forests to allow for more urban sprawl or settlement nodes. Existing forests sequester carbon, provide a protective tree canopy during heat waves, and give us green spaces where we can enjoy nature, reduce stress, and connect with others.

Kealy Donaldson
The Regional Growth Strategy is a solid document produced in the late 2000s. There could be some important amendments adopted to modernize the overall strategy.

Urban Density is a key issue for most communities, Comox and the Valley included. It is critical to focus on improved density within urban areas for easy access to services, health and business, and amenities like shopping, recreation and public spaces. Comox has bylaws in place regarding Carriage homes and this offers a unique opportunity for residential property owners to expand their neighbourhood density and housing capacity.

In regards to the UBE + KFN developments, the overall need for housing continues to grow and if there is an opportunity to grow housing capacity, both parties will hopefully be able to support the right decisions for the best outcome for the citizens of Union Bay and K’omoks First Nation.

Ruby Sidhu
I do support the strategy with a few exceptions. No doubt we need more accommodation and that can only happen with more construction or uniting families. Any boundaries within Comox like land on Guthrie between Pritchard and Anderton can be developed for high-density dwelling.

We need to recognize that the land we are on is the unceded territory of K’omoks First nations and we should work towards a mutual understanding. At the same time, we should check the effects on the environment and the land in question before we jump into any decision, and make sure we are not disturbing any landfill or K’omoks territory.

Don Davis
Yes regional growth is fine for now and I look forward to participating in helping it to evolve for future needs. 

 

 
3. Do you believe it is the responsibility of local governments to take climate change-focused actions and to consider how to minimize carbon emissions from municipal operations and facilities in all of the council’s or board’s deliberations?

FOR MAYOR

Nicoles Minions
YES. It is a “lens” that should be applied at every level of government in every decision. Similar to how we consider economic factors, our local government actions on climate initiatives impact the bottom line of the change we need to see immediately.

FOR COUNCIL

Jenn Meilleur
I 100 percent believe it is the responsibility of local governments to take urgent action on both corporate and community-wide climate mitigation and adaptation. It’s essential that every council or board consider how to minimize carbon emissions from operations and facilities in all deliberations.

Every core service and every purchase made should be considering climate change, social wellness, and its impact on future generations, along with creating local economic vitality. To do this work well, the Town of Comox will need to develop its first climate action plan and strategy.

As we grapple with understanding the local impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, every job is a climate job. And as Yvonne Chouinard, the billionaire who recently gave away all of the shares in Patagonia, the company he founded, to a trust that will use future profits to help fight the climate crisis, says, “the earth is now our only shareholder.”

Of course, Comox Council doesn’t have this kind of money to work with, but I would like local governments – and all levels of government – to operate with Chouinard’s innovative spirit and commitment to the wellbeing of the planet. Wise and creative use of our local resources will pay off in the short term and for future generations.

Maureen Swift
Yes. Climate change is on the minds of everyone. A few of the initiatives I have supported during my terms are the installation of EV chargers, the early adoption of the Step Code, the piloting of organics in Comox beginning in 2014, the purchase of an electric Zamboni and the adoption of the Corporate Energy Emissions Program at the CVRD.

Jonathan Kerr
Up to half of Canada’s carbon pollution is influenced by local policy decisions. (Source: Federation of Canadian Municipalities). According to the BC Charter, one of the four core priorities of a municipality is “fostering the economic, social and environmental well-being of its community.” Anyone suggesting that municipalities shouldn’t be focussing on our environment is just plain wrong.

We are a coastal community, facing real threats from rising sea levels, heat domes, and smoke-filled skies. Last year, 619 people in BC died due to the extreme heat. As a town, we have a choice. Doing nothing would not save us money or taxes. In fact, it would do the opposite as we try and repair and keep pace with the impacts of a changing environment. Comox could, and should, be a leader in climate change and adaptation solutions. Our safety and security as a community depend on it.

We could reduce our local carbon emissions by:
— Educating and incenting residents to select more energy-efficient home systems.
— Increasing the number of electric vehicle charging stations.
— Promoting urban agriculture and community gardens.
— Championing active transportation, such as walking and cycling.
— Transitioning the Town’s vehicles, lawnmowers, and leaf-blowers to electric.

Kealy Donaldson
It is important to take the action required to tackle climate change and lead by example. The Town of Comox is progressively-minded when it comes to adopting policy on minimizing impacts for internal carbon emissions on an operations basis and for its facilities. Further implementations regarding paper waste, grey water upcycling, living walls and solar and battery-powered equipment are also being reviewed and adopted.

Ruby Sidhu
Yes, it is for sure. It’s not even a question. One of the options to contribute to minimizing carbon emissions is moving toward electric vehicles in the town. Since the town changes its fleet every five to seven years, we will be a fully electric fleet in the next 10 years.

The building facilities and energy needs should also be looked at to change it for greener resources. I would try to set up one day a year where we try to minimize the use of cars and celebrate a National Green Day.

Don Davis
Yes.  Everything that can be done at the local level toward reversing climate change must be instituted.

This article was updated Monday afternoon to include comments from candidate Don Davis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE

General Voting Day is Saturday, Oct. 15 for all local government positions.

Comox Valley Regional District

General Voting Day and advance voting take place at the CVRD building in Courtenay from 8 am to 8 pm.

Go to this link for General Voting Day locations in the three Electoral Areas.

Additional voting takes place on Oct. 6 from 9 am to 12 pm on Denman Island and on Oct. 6 from 2 pm to 5 pm on Hornby Island

Courtenay

Advance Voting begins on Wednesday October 5, 2022, 8 am to 8 pm at the Native Sons Hall, and again on Wednesday October 12, 2022, 8 am to 8 pm at the Florence Filberg Centre.

General Voting Day, Saturday, October 15, 2022, 8 am to 8 pm at the Queneesh Elementary School, and at the Florence Filberg Centre.

Comox

Advance voting begins Wednesday, October 5 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Comox Community Centre, and on Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Genoa Sail Building at Comox Marina, and again on Monday, October 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Genoa Sail Building at Comox Marina, and on Wednesday, October 12 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Comox Community Centre.

General Voting Day runs from 8 am to 8 pm on Oct. 15 at the Comox Community Centre.

Cumberland

All voting in the Village of Cumberland takes place from 8 am to 8 pm at the Cumberland Cultural Centre. Advance voting takes place on Oct. 5 and Oct. 12

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Here’s the latest Comox Valley local government election results

Mayor Bob Wells and all Courtenay incumbent councillors have been re-elected. Evan Jolicoeur has also been elected. Manno Theos has lost his seat.

Jonathan Kerr, Jenn Meilleur, Steve Blacklock, Chris Haslett, Ken Grant and Maureen Swift have been elected in Comox.

Vickey Brown has been elected mayor in Cumberland, defeating long-time mayor and councillor Leslie Baird.

Voting down -20.6% in Courtenay, -22.3% in Comox and -50.9% in Cumberland.

Full results with Electoral Areas A, B and C, school board and Islands Trust results in the morning.

Daniel Arbour in Area A and Edwin Grieve in Area C won by wide margins. Richard Hardy defeated Arzeena Hamir by 23 votes.

Shannon Aldinger topped the polls in races for SD71 school trustees.

Click the headline on this page for complete results and voter turnout.

Our recommendations in the 2022 Comox Valley local government elections

Decafnation announces its list of preferred candidates in this year’s local government elections and for the first time we identify candidates that we think show promise and provide our reasons for not endorsing the other candidates. Our endorsements fall on the first day of voting at advance polls