For mayor
Stewart Alsgard - Incumbent
We are a city in transition.
Open transparent and frank consultation with all taxpayers encourages realistic productive strategic planning. Citizens, ratepayers, community and business and public service organizations are too often left out of the consultation process, risking the loss of new ideas and opportunities.
I have always believed, and I continue to believe, that I work for you and that council should not only consult with the public but from time to time ask you directly if you are prepared to accept and pay for a new direction in important matters.
Start thinking what function or service is really needed and look at different ways of providing it. Make the city better for the people.
I am asking for your continued trust in me so that I can complete a sound fiscal plan for our city that will provide a stable and secure financial base that will not unfairly burden the taxpayers.
A mayor is elected by the people, not the council. A mayor has a charter job description—leadership!
Most of us crave an honest conversation about the future.
For that reason I ask for your continued support as we transition over the next three years to a new generation of leadership in this wonderful community.
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Dave Formosa
As a member of city council for the past three years, I have worked hard for this community, brought many new and innovative ideas to help stabilize the economy, retain jobs and helped bring to fruition many major capital and small projects.
As mayor I pledge to continue working with council, CUPE, Sliammon and all other local government agencies and locals to make Powell River the dynamic, prosperous place that it can be.
Although we’ve done a lot of work, there is much more to be done:
• Entice investment to our city that would bring more jobs and new taxes; we have much to offer new enterprises.
• Create own-source revenues so we don’t have to rely so heavily on taxes; we have the resources.
• Reduce taxes: create new bylaws that reverse taxation once loans are repaid.
• Palatable ferry fares: make travel to and from Powell River more affordable; discussions have already started.
• Create affordable housing: I’ve been working with councillors Dee and Hathaway on projects that may prove to be very promising.
• Keep the major employer running: Catalyst Paper is vital to the economic health of our community.
I have strong leadership skills and work well with others as has been proven by my work in the private sector and the volunteer work I have done on the many boards I have served on. Since I’m semi-retired, I have the time and energy to commit to working hard for the people of Powell River.
For city council
Russell Brewer
I have presented myself for council to help realize a vision for a healthy, vibrant, culturally diverse, respectful and sustainable community.
When people are asked about what they want in a community and what shapes how they feel about their community, the top three areas consistently mentioned are:
• Arts and cultural activities;
• The openness and diversity of the community;
• The availability of parks, playgrounds and trails.
We should base decisions we make at the municipal level in the context of those three things that people are looking for in a community as well as the sustainability charter for the Powell River region. In doing so, the direction will become clearer for economic development, the types of businesses we want to attract and the types of jobs that could be created.
We need to provide real incentives to encourage the establishment of light industrial businesses, a value-added industry and tourism-related infrastructure development and businesses.
We can improve getting the message out to the rest of BC and the world that Powell River is a world-class destination for recreation, arts and cultural events. We must continue improving the amenities and infrastructure to support those activities.
If you ask those who work with me either in the public or private sectors and non-profit organizations, they will tell you that I am diligent, respectful, committed, thoughtful and a good listener. As one of your councillors, I will also do my homework, consult with others and seek the facts before making a decision.
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Gordon (Beaver) Crawford
I am running for the office of councillor for the City of Powell River. I have lived, worked and contributed to this community for well over 40 years.
This council is not telling citizens the truth about the co-treatment agreement.
All departments need to be reviewed for ways to function more efficiently. One thing we can do is reduce the $80,000 senior staff overtime bill.
City has to stop funding business and get back to providing services for the citizens of the city.
The flat tax has to be reviewed and over the next three years my aim is to cut it in half.
My idea for the old arena site land is to create a park possibly named “Workers’ Park” in memory of the citizens of Powell River who built that wonderful old arena. That arena and the Powell River Regals hockey team is the reason why myself, my brother and eight other hockey players from my hometown in Northern Ontario moved here to play for the team and a wonderful man named Hap Parker.
I have volunteered at the old arena, Willingdon Beach campsite, Larry Gouthro Park as well as for Kiwanis Club and Olive Devaud. I was involved in all minor sports for years. I don’t belong to a political party, or owe any political favours, or have a hidden agenda. This is the platform I am running on.
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Debbie Dee - Incumbent
I am executive director for Powell River Brain Injury Society, president for Model Community Project for Persons with Disabilities Society, city councillor and regional board director. I am a volunteer, advocate and Harley rider.
I have worked on several initiatives over the past three years including homelessness and affordable housing, social planning, seniors, arts and culture and the new library initiative. I have been the chair of the First Nations Protocol Update committee working on cultural and economic development appendices.
I am seeking re-election to finish the projects that have been started and to continue to work for the benefit of Powell River. Several issues are facing this community and we need relevant experience to get the job done.
I will support a binding referendum on co-treatment of liquid waste.
We need economic diversity, outside-the-box thinking to bring new industry to Powell River.
We need to establish a mix of council/community commissions and committees to tackle the following questions:
Why don’t our youth stay here and how can we make Powell River attractive to keep them here?
How can council work with the community to keep current service levels while staying lean?
How would you create a strategic plan to identify the types of jobs we should be attracting?
What message shall we send to the world that Powell River is open for business?
We need vibrant and forward-thinking leadership and people who aren’t afraid to take on the challenge. There is serious work to do and I am ready for the task.
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Maggie Hathaway - Incumbent
Soon after being elected, I was tasked with keeping our Powell River airport open during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. After meetings with VANOC, RCMP, federal and provincial government, the airport stayed open. I am very proud of that accomplishment.
Thanks to the work of the Westview waterfront project committee, consisting of City of Powell River councillors, stakeholders and members of the public, the waterfront projects are now complete. This is a shining example of how well the committee structure works and why we need to move away from the current portfolio system, that eliminates public input, and establish a committee structure.
Although fraught with controversy, we completed a fantastic track and field located in Townsite.
Our drinking water upgrade is complete and I am told we have the best drinking water in the country.
We must work to eliminate poverty in Powell River. One quarter of Powell River families living in poverty is unacceptable. Our homelessness initiative is moving forward.
My medical tourism project is in progress. Vancouver Coastal Health and Mike de Jong, minister of heath, are interested in this project which would have minor surgical patients from urban areas come to Powell River for surgery.
I am the only member of council who has not voted in favour of co-treatment. A referendum is in order, but only when all the information can be provided.
The city needs to be leaner and more efficient while at the same time stimulating economic development and providing opportunities for growth so our children can stay at home to work, play and raise their families.
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Bill Hopkins
My vision for a better Powell River is to listen to what the people have to say. Those who live here need an ear to listen and they have a need to be heard at city hall.
Supporting new business ventures will draw more families, as well as a chance for our young people to work at any new jobs that could be created with fresh faces in our city.
Our community can try to do more to maintain our venues for those who have mobility issues; our whole city should be accessible in all areas for elderly or walkers and wheelchairs. We have a good start but more can be done.
Education and better training for young people in town should be high on this to-do list.
Making sure our infrastructure only gets better will make Powell River a better place to live and play.
If I am elected I will look forward to being part of a very experienced team that will keep Powell River moving forward.
Glenn Holstine
My mandate is to get involved with addressing all issues, whether big or little. I will listen to the concerns of the community and council and take part in the process in any aspect that is required.
I am a self-employed safety consultant. I’ve been involved in first responding for the past 31 years. I have lived most of my life in Powell River.
People need people to step into the shoes of the great politicians who are no longer here. Someone has to carry on their fight, someone has to step up and do it.
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Scott Lukianchuk
I have been a resident of Powell River since 2007, moving here with my wife and daughter to be closer to family. We have made Powell River our home and I want to do all that I can to help create a healthy future in Powell River, not just for my own family, but for everyone else’s as well.
Our children are our future. Let’s give them a reason to stay in Powell River, not watch them all leave.
The biggest thing is we’ve got to change the status quo and start looking forward. That means we have to work on getting industry into this town; not minimum wage retail jobs but real, industrial jobs where a person can support their family and students can find a career after finishing school.
I also want to hear from and work with small business owners to see what will help make them a success.
I am firmly against co-treatment. After having read the information available I do not believe it is in our best interest and I believe that the city should have its own facility, run by the city.
If elected I will be representing you, the voter, and the issues that are important to the public, not my own agenda. It’s time that the voters were listened to.
My platform is simple: more jobs; innovative ideas to solve problems; and more consultation with the public on issues.
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Myrna Leishman
Our family has lived in Powell River for 43 years. My husband Tom is a retired telephone employee and both CaroleAnn and Tye work and live here.
My experience comes not only from my previous years of service on council, but participating as a volunteer with many community organizations.
Some accomplishments of recent years were:
• We managed the retrofit of the complex pool in the 1980s, and the recent upgrades/renovations.
• Establishment of the Community Accord with Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation, and subsequent interaction and co-operation that followed.
• Formation of the community forest board which brings in funds to the city and also assists many organizations each year.
• Advance preparation of the work required for grant applications such as the waterfront, to be ready upon grant offerings.
• As a regional district representative on council, establishing the framework for the replacement of Olive Devaud with Vancouver Coastal Health.
• Review of the official community plan with a committee of 22-plus citizens.
• Formation of the Council for Arts, Culture and Heritage providing funding to non-profit organizations in our community.
• Chair of Sunset Homes Society which provides affordable housing for seniors. Long-standing support of seniors’ issues.
I see the next several years presenting bigger challenges with funds in short supply, and yet basic infrastructure needs must be met. We have spent significant amounts of money, depleted our reserves somewhat, so it is time for some serious belt-tightening.
I offer my experience, reasoned approach to decision-making, listening to all sides, to represent you on council.
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Chris McNaughton - Incumbent
Getting the work of government done takes collaboration. My experience in bringing diverse groups together to achieve results, combined with my passion for community development, has made me an effective member of council.
I participated in Catalyst Paper Corporation negotiations which retained 800 direct and indirect Powell River jobs and received provincial and national recognition. Catalyst is now recruiting a new, young workforce.
My council colleagues appointed me to three consecutive terms as regional director on the Powell River Regional District board representing the interests of City of Powell River taxpayers. As a member of the select committee for a residential care facility, I led discussions with the minister of health. I also proposed the funding solution that was the key to securing agreement for a $24-million replacement of Olive Devaud. The result...102 beds, greater job security, Vancouver Coastal Health service delivery, a community-owned asset and synergies with existing hospital infrastructure.
Additional council responsibilities included: finance portfolio; chair, Powell River waterfront development committee; BC Ferries portfolio (ferry advisory committee); chair, sustainability charter steering committee; liquid waste management steering committee; attending to regular council activities.
There is more work to do: diversify our economy, create well-paying jobs for families and youth, lower ferry fares, strategic planning, infrastructure investment and reduce the tax burden on residents and businesses. Drawing on my provincial and regional experience in government, business and community I will continue to get the work of government done, to support a healthy community.
“We need a vision that goes beyond tomorrow and reaches for the next generation.”
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Jim Palm - Incumbent
I am very proud to be able to say I am a member of your current city council. It has been a very productive and interesting three years.
As a result of previous council planning, we have been fortunate to complete many projects throughout our community that will serve us well into the future. For example, in relation to my portfolios, drinking water system upgrade, new sidewalks and pavement, a new community centre and a new track and soccer pitch for our youth. At this time, I continue to work with staff to put plans in place for future funding opportunities related to infrastructure upgrades.
When it comes to liquid waste management, I will continue to follow our process which is dedicated to protecting the environment and your tax dollars. If we receive grant funding for the co-treatment option, we will answer the last remaining key questions so we can bring all relevant information to you in a public forum. Then, if the public wants a referendum, I will support having one.
The reason I am running for a second term is simple: I must honour the trust you have given me and put my experience back to work for you. It takes a city council to come together as a positive, committed and hard-working team to get things done. I can assure you, I am committed to bettering our community and honouring your trust.
“Tough decisions are best made by working in collaboration will others toward common goals.”
For Electoral Area B, Powell River Regional District
Kim Barton-Bridges
I am a rural resident of Electoral Area B where I have lived for 13 years with my husband and our daughters. I have been active in the Powell River area since settling in the Southill Acres neighbourhood and care about the future of the regional district.
Currently, there is little protection for anyone in the region. There is an expectation that residential means residential, so it’s understandable that many homeowners have been surprised to see cement plants or sawmills moving in next door. Neighbours are being pitted against neighbours to resolve conflicts that would not exist with some regulation. Without clear policy, there is no certainty for businesses either.
I believe good governance means:
• All residents in Area B should have their voices heard and rights respected.
• A high level of integrity and accountability in local government.
• Preserving the rural character of our residential areas for now and the future.
• An Official Community Plan (OCP) that works well for everyone.
I am committed to:
• Reducing and preventing land-use conflicts by establishing clear and fair regional policies and regulations. Large commercial and industrial operations don’t belong in residential areas.
• Ensuring that the best interests of both residents and businesses are respected when the OCP becomes a bylaw in 2012.
• Fiscal management that uses taxpayers’ money wisely.
• Seeking better engagement with local organizations and encouraging citizen involvement in local government decisions.
Please call me at 604.485.3931 or look for me on Facebook.
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Stan Gisborne - Incumbent
This election is not about what I have helped to achieve but what I have been unable to prevent.
Haywire Bay campground is still open; there are no new trailer parks on Nootka Street; Olive Devaud residence is finally being replaced; Yaroshuk trail is open to the public; Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department provides excellent fire protection with lower insurance rates; Myrtle Pond water quality has improved. A zoning bylaw to protect Myrtle Pond water has been prepared. All existing uses will be recognized.
Area B has the lowest regional tax rate.
Lower taxes and fewer government regulations have resulted in Area B having the only population increase in the regional district in the last census.
Most of the new businesses are located on property designated for other uses in the 1993 official community plan (OCP). These businesses and many properties with more than one dwelling would become non-conforming in any future zoning bylaw.
Zoning will restrict what is allowed on private land but will not prevent the operation or development of a gravel pit or addiction centre.
I was unable to prevent the gravel pit on Stevenson Road or a wellness centre on Traffe Road as they are governed under provincial authority and regional districts are powerless to stop them.
I am seeking re-election to ensure that all properties in Area B have an appropriate designation in the revised OCP.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call me at 604.485.2935 or email me at stangis@shaw.ca.
Real time election results on the web
Powell River Peak will have election results as soon as they are available after the polls close at 8 pm on Saturday, November 19.
Editor Laura Walz will be running a live blog from city hall and reporter Kyle Wells will be tweeting as the results are announced. Walz’s blog can be found here. Follow @Peak_Aboo on Twitter to receive Wells’s tweets.
Since there is no election for School District 47 Board of Education trustees, election results are expected to be announced shortly after the polls close.
City of Powell River voters will cast ballots at four different places:
• Westview residents vote at Powell River Recreation Complex.
• Townsite residents vote at Henderson Elementary School.
• Cranberry residents vote at Cranberry Seniors’ Centre, 6792 Cranberry Street.
• Wildwood residents vote at James Thomson Elementary School.
Powell River Regional District Electoral Area B residents vote at the Therapeutic Riding Clubhouse, 4356 Myrtle Avenue.
Voters must be 18 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen, a resident of BC for at least six months, a resident of, or a registered owner of real property, in the jurisdiction for at least 30 days immediately preceding voting day and not otherwise disqualified by law from voting.
Voters are required to produce two pieces of identification, at least one with a signature. Picture identification is not necessary, but the identification must prove both residency and identity.
Non-resident property electors must produce two pieces of identification, at least one with a signature, to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and if applicable, written consent from the majority of the property owners.
