WEBVTT
00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:03.120
Yeah, I'm happy it's growing.
00:00:03.279 --> 00:00:05.280
I think that brings vibrancy.
00:00:05.519 --> 00:00:09.279
I like the fact that there's a mix of people of different ages.
00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:16.480
I want people to be active in our community and really getting as much out of it as they can.
00:00:16.960 --> 00:00:22.320
It's time for civic elections in British Columbia and on the Sunshine Coast.
00:00:22.480 --> 00:00:33.039
In partnership with the Sunshine Coast Chamber of Commerce, the Coast Reporter newspaper conducted in-depth conversations with municipal and regional district candidates.
00:00:33.200 --> 00:00:43.759
In this episode of Campaign Voices, Coast Reporter editor Broadwin Bearstow speaks with Joanne Van Ginkel, a candidate for counselor in the district of Seasheld.
00:00:44.240 --> 00:00:47.679
The interview was recorded on September 18th.
00:00:47.920 --> 00:00:52.479
Broadwin began by asking Joanne to share some biographical details.
00:00:52.960 --> 00:00:54.320
Okay, hi everybody.
00:00:54.560 --> 00:01:08.799
My name is Joanne Van Ginkel, and I've lived on the coast now for 10 years with my two children, Zoe and Simon, who graduated from CHAT and now are off in the big world, and they do come back to visit occasionally, however.
00:01:09.200 --> 00:01:14.159
I live in Davis Bay and I've been really involved with the community from the get-go.
00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:22.480
I started with the Garden Club and as a vendor at the Seashelt Market in 2018.
00:01:22.959 --> 00:01:28.480
And then I've had my landscape design build business for since 2002.
00:01:28.560 --> 00:01:33.760
So I moved it here from Vancouver and got to know a lot of people.
00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:39.439
Then I served on the planning committee for the full six years I was allowed to.
00:01:39.920 --> 00:01:50.640
I'm currently the president of the Seashell Downtown Business Association and involved with Rotary and various organizations as well.
00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:56.000
Sorry, that's the Advi uh Advisory Planning Committee?
00:01:56.319 --> 00:01:56.560
Correct.
00:01:56.719 --> 00:01:56.799
Yeah.
00:01:57.280 --> 00:02:01.040
And what's what's driving you to be here to run for counsel?
00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:05.359
The past four years I've been pretty unhappy.
00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:14.400
I think a lot of uh a lot of the public has had some concerns uh around the inaction of the government.
00:02:14.639 --> 00:02:24.400
Uh and uh yeah, I saw when I sat on the planning committee, there was rarely any attendance from counselors or the mayor.
00:02:24.639 --> 00:02:39.680
Um and uh yeah, I felt like when they were voting on things, I don't know if they were doing the reading they were supposed to, but I don't feel like uh the issues we brought forward were really um even commented on.
00:02:40.560 --> 00:02:42.639
Can you talk a bit about what the APC is?
00:02:43.759 --> 00:03:11.520
It's so it stands for the Advisory Planning Committee, and uh it's made up of professionals for the most part in different walks of life, but definitely you know tends to attract people in the planning, architecture worlds, construction worlds, real estate worlds uh for the most part, and sometimes just concerned citizens that uh are really interested in what's happening with the district and and uh how the projects are coming along.
00:03:11.599 --> 00:03:14.719
And yeah, so yeah, it was fun.
00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:16.479
I've I learned a ton.
00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:21.919
What do you see as the most significant issues at play in this election for Seasheld?
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:35.439
Well, as the president of the SDBA, uh uh security and you know, last winter was really really scary.
00:03:36.080 --> 00:03:40.560
Yeah, um we have you know WhatsApp group, we're chatting daily.
00:03:40.960 --> 00:03:43.599
There was some nights where there was three break-ins happening.
00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:45.680
So that's been an ongoing concern.
00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:50.639
It it seems to have, you know, abated a little bit.
00:03:50.800 --> 00:03:58.400
Um, so that's positive, but we've had to take a lot of precautions as businesses, installing security cameras.
00:03:58.639 --> 00:04:05.039
You know, a lot of people have put, you know, bars on their windows, for example, which isn't exactly welcoming.
00:04:05.360 --> 00:04:13.280
Uh so yeah, and these are small business owners, they've got they put a lot on the line already, and now they're forced to deal with that.
00:04:13.520 --> 00:04:17.120
Um obviously housing is near and dear to my heart.
00:04:17.279 --> 00:04:25.519
That's why I stepped on the uh planning committee in the first place because I wanted to see higher density, particularly in the downtown core.
00:04:26.079 --> 00:04:28.639
Um, more rentals.
00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:32.480
Uh, you know, eyes on the streets really important.
00:04:33.040 --> 00:04:50.639
Uh having people that not only live there and work there, but also, you know, want to be there and want to feel safe and can walk to various destinations and not have to get in the car all the time.
00:04:50.800 --> 00:04:52.639
It's a win-win on so many levels.
00:04:52.800 --> 00:05:01.519
Aaron Powell Far and away the biggest issue residents from Seashelt and outside of Seashelt voiced in our community survey was that Seashelt Council needs to work together.
00:05:01.600 --> 00:05:04.560
Uh this council has very publicly struggled with that.
00:05:04.800 --> 00:05:10.959
What is your commitment to ensuring a good relationship with your fellow council members, including the ones you disagree with?
00:05:11.519 --> 00:05:13.519
Yes, that is the issue.
00:05:13.839 --> 00:05:16.240
My whole campaign is entitled Reset.
00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:21.759
And uh, you know, I've had a lot of conversations already with people that are running.
00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:25.360
Uh I feel like there's some really good candidates out there.
00:05:25.920 --> 00:05:30.639
And um yeah, we have to be held accountable.
00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:35.920
Um, you know, um I don't I don't know what went wrong really.
00:05:36.079 --> 00:05:50.720
Um I'm not quite sure what what happened, but uh there seemed to be this malaise almost is the best way to describe it, where you know people seem to resign to, you know, somebody voting a certain way.
00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:56.959
Uh so I think discourse is really important before you vote on anything.
00:05:57.120 --> 00:06:01.680
Um, you know, we're not allowed to get together in groups of more than four, as you probably know.
00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:08.240
But, you know, just having a conversation with people on how they're feeling or what their biggest concern is.
00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:12.480
And I think finding common ground is is really, really important.
00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:20.240
Um it's obvious our unhoused residents are very much a part of the seashell community, but there's often conflict with neighbors.
00:06:20.399 --> 00:06:25.439
What are your best ideas for finding a balance or even a more permanent solution to homelessness in Seashell?
00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:29.839
Yeah, it's uh it's a tough question.
00:06:30.079 --> 00:06:36.959
Um and I know a lot of people want to say, oh, they're from off the coast, but I do think a lot of them grew up here.
00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:40.079
Um and that's uh a sad situation.
00:06:40.560 --> 00:06:41.839
There are neighbors.
00:06:42.480 --> 00:06:43.920
They need good housing.
00:06:44.319 --> 00:06:47.279
I'm not really a fan of the tent situation right now.
00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:52.480
I know in other communities they're forced to take it down, and I think that might be a good first step.
00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:58.160
Um uh but yeah, it's a struggle.
00:06:58.399 --> 00:07:07.040
I I I think, you know, I you know, I sat on the planning committee, we were able to get a few projects through.
00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:18.079
Um Green Court is almost completed, TELUS Living is completed, and of course the women and children's housing has had some delays building-wise, but it's on its way.
00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:20.319
Uh so those are first good steps.
00:07:20.560 --> 00:07:22.959
But I think we need to think a little more broadly.
00:07:23.120 --> 00:07:24.959
Uh we have a very old population.
00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:33.839
We also have a population, actually, we have, I believe it's around 80.7% of people here that own houses.
00:07:34.480 --> 00:07:38.079
So there's really an opportunity here, and it would take a lot of work.
00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:50.319
But what we could do is um, and this applies mostly to seniors, uh, those that have houses could pair with people, younger people that don't.
00:07:50.560 --> 00:07:58.720
And there could be some sort of arraignment, arrangement, living arrangement, where the younger people are helping the older people with you know things around the house.
00:07:58.879 --> 00:08:01.279
It's important for them to stay in their house as long as possible.
00:08:01.439 --> 00:08:05.680
I think that's been proven that that is the way to go.
00:08:05.920 --> 00:08:07.680
So I I'd like to see that looked into.
00:08:07.839 --> 00:08:14.399
I had a have a colleague actually that did that for a number of years, and uh it was it was a good living arrangement for them.
00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:28.000
Uh it takes a lot of work, it's putting the right people together, it's having things written down, so there's an agreement, so neither side takes feels taken advantage of, but that might be something that hasn't been looked into.
00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:35.679
The other thing we haven't really touched on here is cooperative housing for whatever reason.
00:08:35.919 --> 00:08:42.240
I'm I there's one in Roberts Creek, but uh I there's no others to my knowledge here on the coast.
00:08:42.399 --> 00:08:45.200
So those are those are some thoughts.
00:08:45.519 --> 00:08:50.320
I could go on this for on for a while, but this, but I'm sure there's a lot of other things to consider.
00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:54.799
But we have to look very broadly and and see what other communities are doing.
00:08:54.879 --> 00:09:10.960
Aaron Ross Powell Well, I I mean, and and uh this is not one of the official questions, but uh it's the one of my curiosities about uh how we talk here of provincial downloading, um, but the municipality is the one who that's on sort of the front lines there.
00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:20.480
So what kind of uh what what what's the sort of investment you want to see on the municipal level and what w what's that division with sort of your provincial partners?
00:09:21.200 --> 00:09:30.159
Well, I want to get to the heart of why um we saw so many projects on the planning committee and they never happened.
00:09:30.399 --> 00:09:31.600
Why is that happening?
00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:36.320
I have a hard time believing it's just for financial reasons and whatnot.
00:09:36.399 --> 00:09:43.039
Um so I'd like to really dive into the rationale and why those projects aren't moving ahead.
00:09:43.279 --> 00:09:47.600
I really think we need to understand that before we can take any action.
00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:54.960
Are you familiar with the SCRD's plans for potable water sustainability, or how familiar are you?
00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:57.360
I know a bit.
00:09:57.440 --> 00:10:06.480
Um this goes back to my time in landscape architecture school, and and one of my um classmates uh did his thesis on great water, actually.
00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:09.600
And I hate to say that that was back in 1996.
00:10:09.840 --> 00:10:11.679
I'm sort of aging myself here.
00:10:11.919 --> 00:10:15.679
Uh yeah, it's come up with the planning committee as well.
00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:17.919
Um it's a great initiative.
00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:35.840
It's uh I think going to be difficult to take it too far without sort of recognition from other levels of government and uh the building industry to make it happen.
00:10:36.559 --> 00:10:40.320
So so what's uh your approach to water policy?
00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:48.480
Like how how much water should the regional district be able to supply versus sort of your your individual responsibility to conserve?
00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:49.679
Like what's that balance there?
00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:51.919
And what's Seashelt's role in that as well?
00:10:52.159 --> 00:10:54.320
I'm gonna throw in their volumetric billing.
00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:56.000
Um what what are your thoughts on that?
00:10:56.080 --> 00:10:56.159
Yeah.
00:10:56.559 --> 00:10:59.200
I'm very much in favor of metering.
00:10:59.519 --> 00:11:01.759
Uh I was very happy to see that happen.
00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:04.720
Um, you know, we're not getting charged for it yet.
00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:14.960
I think when that happens, that'll be interesting because I think those water wasters are suddenly gonna realize, you know, I think they're gonna have to change their their attitudes.
00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:16.879
I am always preaching this.
00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:20.879
I'm in landscape architecture, I do drought tolerant planting.
00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:22.720
Uh, this is very important.
00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:24.320
I save my bath water.
00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:32.000
When we're in stage three, I've got one hydrangea, which sucks water, and that's that gets my bath water or my vegetables.
00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:41.200
So yeah, I'm very passionate about this and um very happy that we have the water meters installed and happy we got the wells online.
00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:43.840
Um yes.
00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:47.279
As for the reservoir, I don't really know what's happening with that.
00:11:47.440 --> 00:11:49.279
I don't think anybody does.
00:11:52.080 --> 00:11:55.360
What is your commitment to working with the Shishelle Nation?
00:11:55.600 --> 00:12:04.559
This is a key relationship for both Seashelt and the SCRD with infrastructure, economic, land use, and cultural implications, not to mention reconciliation.
00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:06.879
Yeah, absolutely.
00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:11.200
Um, we have a lot of mending to do.
00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:17.759
I do think, however, the the staff at the District of Seasheld actually have maintained good relationships.
00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:19.039
So that's positive.
00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:21.360
Um but yeah, there's a lot of mending to do.
00:12:21.440 --> 00:12:26.000
I would really like to sit down with Warren Paul and and have a discussion with him about that.
00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:32.000
Um there is another candidate running, uh, Lando Dixon, uh, who is uh from the nation.
00:12:32.159 --> 00:12:35.840
Uh it'd be nice to uh to have him on board as well.
00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:43.200
Yeah, I mean this brings me to, I would really love to uh have the waterfront more active.
00:12:43.360 --> 00:12:55.440
And I really see a good opportunity, a good synergy here between the nation and the district to have a beautiful linear parkway that stretches all the way to the totems or beyond even.
00:12:55.679 --> 00:12:59.600
I mean, there's so many, there's so many opportunities with our waterfront that we're missing.
00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:05.120
People go right past, right through seashelt and don't even know we have a waterfront.
00:13:05.519 --> 00:13:06.960
It's kind of unfortunate.
00:13:07.440 --> 00:13:12.799
Um any other thoughts about sort of the that that relationship with the the nation?
00:13:14.320 --> 00:13:17.840
Yeah, um it's really unfortunate what's happened.
00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:19.120
I think it can be repaired.
00:13:19.200 --> 00:13:21.200
I have a lot of friends that are on the nation.
00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:26.000
There's a lot of nation members um that can't vote.
00:13:26.559 --> 00:13:30.960
And they can't, you know, um they can't vote in either election.
00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:32.799
They're on, you know, land.
00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:34.159
It's it's quite interesting.
00:13:34.320 --> 00:13:37.440
I was having a conversation with Amber at Big Macs about this.
00:13:37.519 --> 00:13:48.639
Uh so I don't know if that is something that uh Warren will be looking into, but you know, there's a large number of people that can't vote, um, which really surprised me.
00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:50.639
I just learned of this recently.
00:13:51.759 --> 00:13:55.679
Residents often complain their property taxes are getting too high.
00:13:55.919 --> 00:14:00.240
What are your ideas for keeping tax increases low while still offering services?
00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:07.759
Yeah, I mean, we've inherited a lot of infrastructure problems uh and things that have to be addressed.
00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:22.799
Um that being said, I mean as a small business owner, I pay two and a half times the taxes that um the general person in the public pays.
00:14:23.919 --> 00:14:29.759
There's not a lot of us, but that's keeping a lot of people from actually renting out spaces.
00:14:30.159 --> 00:14:31.279
That's a lot of money.
00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:39.919
And we don't get uh green waste collection, we don't get garbage collection, um none of our recycling's picked up.
00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:42.799
Uh I like to see that change.
00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:50.480
Um and it I don't think because there's such a small number of us, it would probably be a very small increase of about$15.
00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:56.559
And the SDBA has asked counsel for that on numerous occasions, and nothing's been done about it.
00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:58.480
So that's something I'm passionate about.
00:14:58.639 --> 00:15:00.320
Obviously, I'm a small business owner.
00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:04.399
I'm fixed fiscally conservative in that respect.
00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:06.480
Uh, you know, I have to watch my pennies.
00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:09.759
So that's something that we have to look at.
00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:15.120
We have to look at the budget line by line and go through it and see where we can make the cuts.
00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:25.600
I do think I feel like I've seen a lot of reports, for example, that are done by firms and organizations.
00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:29.919
Uh, you know, we're paying somebody to do that.
00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:34.080
It would be nice for that to be done in-house by the district staff.
00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:36.000
Uh perhaps they feel overloaded.
00:15:36.080 --> 00:15:38.000
I'm not quite sure what that is, but that's one thing.
00:15:38.159 --> 00:15:42.639
I also think there's more money uh potentially in bylaw enforcement.
00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:50.960
I don't feel like that's um I think that could generate more revenue, and it would be nice to see the bylaws enforced.
00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:57.679
So bylaw enforcement as revenue generation rather than breaking even.
00:15:59.360 --> 00:16:07.440
Yeah, I mean I've had to call on a Sunday, for example, uh, and then you're forced to do an email.
00:16:07.919 --> 00:16:13.200
You have to know uh the party's name that you're calling about.
00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:19.679
There's all this information, and then typically I haven't been no one's gotten back till me to till Tuesday.
00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:23.519
Uh that's that's uh not good enough.
00:16:24.320 --> 00:16:34.879
Is the vision the bylaw enforcement as revenue generation or is bylaw enforcement fees get higher so that you can do the cost recovery on that investment?
00:16:35.200 --> 00:16:36.559
I I mean I think it's both.
00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:38.320
I just would like to see them enforced.
00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:42.399
I see it out front my outside my studio storefront all the time.
00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:45.919
You know, it's two-hour parking and there'll be people that are parked there all day.
00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:54.960
Um I don't have time to be calling and well, not calling, typing an email uh when I'm in my shop.
00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:58.559
Uh so yeah, it's it's somewhat disappointing.
00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:07.119
When you have sort of those infrastructure, what what what's your approach to infrastructure investment when it comes to property taxes?
00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:10.799
Well, it has to be dealt with.
00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:14.720
And it's, you know, the buck has been passed for so long, you know.
00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:19.039
So we have issues with our garbage, for example.
00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:22.640
And I know they're looking into vertical drilling and things like that.
00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:36.559
So again, I can't speak to all the technical things, but I, you know, I trust that the staff is doing their work and will be uh informing us on the best way to move forward.
00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:40.400
What should Seashelt look like in 10 or 20 years?
00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:44.480
Seashell is growing and faces pressure for more housing and services.
00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:47.119
What kind of community do you want to see emerge?
00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:49.519
And what would you not want Seashell to become?
00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:52.559
That's a good question.
00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:55.920
But yeah, I'm happy it's growing.
00:17:56.160 --> 00:17:58.079
I think that brings vibrancy.
00:17:58.400 --> 00:18:02.079
I like the fact that there's a mix of people of different ages.
00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:14.480
Um I want people to be active in our community and really getting as much out of it as they can, um, supporting our downtown, using our parks.
00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:20.559
Um you know, this is all important, having good paying jobs, which is a struggle.
00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:26.720
Uh, you know, we're losing our potentially our biggest industry on the coast.
00:18:27.440 --> 00:18:33.440
Uh I do think, you know, uh another, you know, I'm a little biased here.
00:18:33.519 --> 00:18:38.400
I'm in the construction building industry, but I do think there's a lot of good, high-paying jobs there.
00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:45.839
And uh, you know, with some of the growth that we want to do, I think that would be that might be a good road forward.
00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:48.720
More construction and I think so.
00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:49.440
I think so.
00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:52.880
I mean, obviously considerate growth.
00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:58.640
Um, but uh I do feel like that's uh that's important.
00:18:58.960 --> 00:19:02.640
My my uh thesis back in university was on infill.
00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:15.920
And that's basically when you're filling uh the center of the community with both housing and more businesses and using the land you have rather than uh doing outward sprawl.
00:19:16.319 --> 00:19:18.480
And uh I'd like to see that continue.
00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:23.039
How should Seashelt prepare for an aging population?
00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:31.599
This may include municipal policies, housing choices, transportation options, public spaces, and community services.
00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:36.720
Well, I've already touched on people staying in their houses as long as possible.
00:19:36.880 --> 00:19:40.880
I think that has been proven to be uh the most effective.
00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:45.759
But yeah, we need uh we need more options.
00:19:45.920 --> 00:19:50.799
Uh and I'm not sure that privatization is the way to go necessarily.
00:19:51.359 --> 00:20:00.559
Um I was really disappointed to hear um that we can't repurpose uh Shorencliffe, I believe it was.
00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:05.039
So um I hope it can be used in some other way.
00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:08.160
I'd be curious to actually see what the issues were with using it.
00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:11.519
It wasn't that long vacated, and it's a relatively new building.
00:20:11.599 --> 00:20:19.119
It's I think it's from the mid-80s, but building practices weren't necessarily good at that particular um moment in time.
00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:23.440
Um yeah, we need um we need good sidewalks.
00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:27.680
Uh we have the issue of hills here, obviously, so that makes it very challenging.
00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:33.279
We our bus transportation is definitely lacking.
00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:37.599
Um and and that's that's a tough one.
00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:42.240
It's even tough moving a transit spot, like a bus pickup spot.
00:20:42.400 --> 00:20:44.160
I've you know, we've encountered that.
00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:52.720
There was talk of the market moving closer down Cowrie, and uh that was kind of a no-go with uh the transit authority.
00:20:52.880 --> 00:20:55.039
So uh it's super complex.
00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:57.599
There's still not service out to Wannock.
00:20:57.759 --> 00:21:09.680
Um but I think for older people, you know, we have to make the downtown so inviting that it's sort of the no-brainer for them to want to be here and and it makes the most sense.
00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:16.880
And not having to get into automobiles or have somebody else drive them and be able to make their ferry appointments.
00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:22.400
I would urge everyone to sign the petition that uh through Gore John's.
00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:31.440
Uh I was at the rally uh last week, and um that's also that's fundamental for everything that happens here on the coast.
00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:35.839
Aaron Powell What role should the district play in addressing the shortage of health and social services?
00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:39.839
Seasheld can't directly provide most health care services.
00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:47.440
What should the district nevertheless be doing to advocate for health care, mental health, senior services, and long term care capacity?
00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:51.039
Yeah, I know our hands are a little bit tied there.
00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:59.680
Isn't that the story of all of these issues where you're uh You know, I would argue we were very effective rallying when we had the rally.
00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:06.799
At the Seaslide Center regarding the critical care housing, for example.
00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:09.599
And that project was canceled.
00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:11.920
It was the wrong location.
00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:19.599
We on the planning committee we brought forth a motion saying it was the wrong location.
00:22:19.839 --> 00:22:23.759
And there's a women and children's shelter going in right there.
00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:26.720
So I think that's how we do we do it.
00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:29.759
We have to be vocal and we have to be loud.
00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:32.559
We have to urge people to sign petitions.
00:22:33.359 --> 00:22:36.160
And that's how we have to do it.
00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:41.279
What skills would you bring to the council table?
00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:45.359
I'm a fairly empathetic person.
00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:50.319
I think I can see most sides and I really like discourse.
00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:55.680
So I feel like I could find common ground with most people.
00:22:57.440 --> 00:22:59.759
And you know, there's ways forward.
00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:09.839
And maybe it's not the exact motion that you wanted passed, but I think you have to be okay with like we got this done and we're all on board.
00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:14.079
And a united council can do a lot.
00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:17.599
What question do you wish we had asked?
00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:19.920
And what would have been your answer to that question?
00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:23.039
Well, you didn't ask anything about SeaWatch.
00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:24.319
I'm really surprised.
00:23:26.880 --> 00:23:27.519
Yeah.
00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:32.480
There's another petition for that actually that's circulating right now, and it has three points.
00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:40.400
And it talks the first one is what the district can do, and that talks about the perimeter fencing being reinstated.
00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:46.880
I'm curious if anyone's considered a drone to sort of monitor the situation.
00:23:47.119 --> 00:23:59.599
It would be very expensive to have the RCMP always circulating there, but perhaps a drone with a really good camera on it wouldn't want to get too close, but could at least kind of keep an eye on things because we're we're not able to right now.
00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:04.960
And again, this is sort of you know, there's a lot of passing of the buck that's happened there.
00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:09.759
And a lot of it seems to rely also on the provincial government to step up as well.
00:24:10.160 --> 00:24:13.920
Um I don't know what can happen to those 14 houses.
00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:19.359
You know, I guess that would, again, it would be for a geotectist to say if they could come down.
00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:21.519
That would be my preference, probably.
00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:32.559
Um, but in the intern, we have to at least monitor the situation and um know if if a fire's been set or you know, something untoward's happening.
00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:36.000
Any last words?
00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:40.880
Well, thank you for listening and thank you for the great questions.
00:24:41.039 --> 00:24:43.839
And uh I just urge everyone to vote.
00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:49.279
We have hypothetically low turnout and municipal elections across the country.
00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:52.000
Well, for the world for for that matter, really.
00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:56.960
And um, you know, now we have a provincial election that's likely to be called.
00:24:57.119 --> 00:25:00.559
So um please don't forget about us.
00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:05.759
This is your backyard, and this is one of the most important things you can do.
00:25:06.160 --> 00:25:06.799
Thank you.
00:25:07.119 --> 00:25:08.319
Thank you, Joanne.
00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:17.200
You are listening to Campaign Voices, a podcast series presented by the Coast Reporter and the Sunshine Coast Chamber of Commerce.
00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:24.559
For full coverage of the campaign, visit Coastreporter.net and click on Civic Election 2026.
00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:32.480
Remember, General Voting Day is October 17th, and your choice helps shape the future of the Sunshine Coast.
00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:03.120
Yeah, I'm happy it's growing.
00:00:03.279 --> 00:00:05.280
I think that brings vibrancy.
00:00:05.519 --> 00:00:09.279
I like the fact that there's a mix of people of different ages.
00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:16.480
I want people to be active in our community and really getting as much out of it as they can.
00:00:16.960 --> 00:00:22.320
It's time for civic elections in British Columbia and on the Sunshine Coast.
00:00:22.480 --> 00:00:33.039
In partnership with the Sunshine Coast Chamber of Commerce, the Coast Reporter newspaper conducted in-depth conversations with municipal and regional district candidates.
00:00:33.200 --> 00:00:43.759
In this episode of Campaign Voices, Coast Reporter editor Broadwin Bearstow speaks with Joanne Van Ginkel, a candidate for counselor in the district of Seasheld.
00:00:44.240 --> 00:00:47.679
The interview was recorded on September 18th.
00:00:47.920 --> 00:00:52.479
Broadwin began by asking Joanne to share some biographical details.
00:00:52.960 --> 00:00:54.320
Okay, hi everybody.
00:00:54.560 --> 00:01:08.799
My name is Joanne Van Ginkel, and I've lived on the coast now for 10 years with my two children, Zoe and Simon, who graduated from CHAT and now are off in the big world, and they do come back to visit occasionally, however.
00:01:09.200 --> 00:01:14.159
I live in Davis Bay and I've been really involved with the community from the get-go.
00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:22.480
I started with the Garden Club and as a vendor at the Seashelt Market in 2018.
00:01:22.959 --> 00:01:28.480
And then I've had my landscape design build business for since 2002.
00:01:28.560 --> 00:01:33.760
So I moved it here from Vancouver and got to know a lot of people.
00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:39.439
Then I served on the planning committee for the full six years I was allowed to.
00:01:39.920 --> 00:01:50.640
I'm currently the president of the Seashell Downtown Business Association and involved with Rotary and various organizations as well.
00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:56.000
Sorry, that's the Advi uh Advisory Planning Committee?
00:01:56.319 --> 00:01:56.560
Correct.
00:01:56.719 --> 00:01:56.799
Yeah.
00:01:57.280 --> 00:02:01.040
And what's what's driving you to be here to run for counsel?
00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:05.359
The past four years I've been pretty unhappy.
00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:14.400
I think a lot of uh a lot of the public has had some concerns uh around the inaction of the government.
00:02:14.639 --> 00:02:24.400
Uh and uh yeah, I saw when I sat on the planning committee, there was rarely any attendance from counselors or the mayor.
00:02:24.639 --> 00:02:39.680
Um and uh yeah, I felt like when they were voting on things, I don't know if they were doing the reading they were supposed to, but I don't feel like uh the issues we brought forward were really um even commented on.
00:02:40.560 --> 00:02:42.639
Can you talk a bit about what the APC is?
00:02:43.759 --> 00:03:11.520
It's so it stands for the Advisory Planning Committee, and uh it's made up of professionals for the most part in different walks of life, but definitely you know tends to attract people in the planning, architecture worlds, construction worlds, real estate worlds uh for the most part, and sometimes just concerned citizens that uh are really interested in what's happening with the district and and uh how the projects are coming along.
00:03:11.599 --> 00:03:14.719
And yeah, so yeah, it was fun.
00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:16.479
I've I learned a ton.
00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:21.919
What do you see as the most significant issues at play in this election for Seasheld?
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:35.439
Well, as the president of the SDBA, uh uh security and you know, last winter was really really scary.
00:03:36.080 --> 00:03:40.560
Yeah, um we have you know WhatsApp group, we're chatting daily.
00:03:40.960 --> 00:03:43.599
There was some nights where there was three break-ins happening.
00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:45.680
So that's been an ongoing concern.
00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:50.639
It it seems to have, you know, abated a little bit.
00:03:50.800 --> 00:03:58.400
Um, so that's positive, but we've had to take a lot of precautions as businesses, installing security cameras.
00:03:58.639 --> 00:04:05.039
You know, a lot of people have put, you know, bars on their windows, for example, which isn't exactly welcoming.
00:04:05.360 --> 00:04:13.280
Uh so yeah, and these are small business owners, they've got they put a lot on the line already, and now they're forced to deal with that.
00:04:13.520 --> 00:04:17.120
Um obviously housing is near and dear to my heart.
00:04:17.279 --> 00:04:25.519
That's why I stepped on the uh planning committee in the first place because I wanted to see higher density, particularly in the downtown core.
00:04:26.079 --> 00:04:28.639
Um, more rentals.
00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:32.480
Uh, you know, eyes on the streets really important.
00:04:33.040 --> 00:04:50.639
Uh having people that not only live there and work there, but also, you know, want to be there and want to feel safe and can walk to various destinations and not have to get in the car all the time.
00:04:50.800 --> 00:04:52.639
It's a win-win on so many levels.
00:04:52.800 --> 00:05:01.519
Aaron Powell Far and away the biggest issue residents from Seashelt and outside of Seashelt voiced in our community survey was that Seashelt Council needs to work together.
00:05:01.600 --> 00:05:04.560
Uh this council has very publicly struggled with that.
00:05:04.800 --> 00:05:10.959
What is your commitment to ensuring a good relationship with your fellow council members, including the ones you disagree with?
00:05:11.519 --> 00:05:13.519
Yes, that is the issue.
00:05:13.839 --> 00:05:16.240
My whole campaign is entitled Reset.
00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:21.759
And uh, you know, I've had a lot of conversations already with people that are running.
00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:25.360
Uh I feel like there's some really good candidates out there.
00:05:25.920 --> 00:05:30.639
And um yeah, we have to be held accountable.
00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:35.920
Um, you know, um I don't I don't know what went wrong really.
00:05:36.079 --> 00:05:50.720
Um I'm not quite sure what what happened, but uh there seemed to be this malaise almost is the best way to describe it, where you know people seem to resign to, you know, somebody voting a certain way.
00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:56.959
Uh so I think discourse is really important before you vote on anything.
00:05:57.120 --> 00:06:01.680
Um, you know, we're not allowed to get together in groups of more than four, as you probably know.
00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:08.240
But, you know, just having a conversation with people on how they're feeling or what their biggest concern is.
00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:12.480
And I think finding common ground is is really, really important.
00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:20.240
Um it's obvious our unhoused residents are very much a part of the seashell community, but there's often conflict with neighbors.
00:06:20.399 --> 00:06:25.439
What are your best ideas for finding a balance or even a more permanent solution to homelessness in Seashell?
00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:29.839
Yeah, it's uh it's a tough question.
00:06:30.079 --> 00:06:36.959
Um and I know a lot of people want to say, oh, they're from off the coast, but I do think a lot of them grew up here.
00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:40.079
Um and that's uh a sad situation.
00:06:40.560 --> 00:06:41.839
There are neighbors.
00:06:42.480 --> 00:06:43.920
They need good housing.
00:06:44.319 --> 00:06:47.279
I'm not really a fan of the tent situation right now.
00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:52.480
I know in other communities they're forced to take it down, and I think that might be a good first step.
00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:58.160
Um uh but yeah, it's a struggle.
00:06:58.399 --> 00:07:07.040
I I I think, you know, I you know, I sat on the planning committee, we were able to get a few projects through.
00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:18.079
Um Green Court is almost completed, TELUS Living is completed, and of course the women and children's housing has had some delays building-wise, but it's on its way.
00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:20.319
Uh so those are first good steps.
00:07:20.560 --> 00:07:22.959
But I think we need to think a little more broadly.
00:07:23.120 --> 00:07:24.959
Uh we have a very old population.
00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:33.839
We also have a population, actually, we have, I believe it's around 80.7% of people here that own houses.
00:07:34.480 --> 00:07:38.079
So there's really an opportunity here, and it would take a lot of work.
00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:50.319
But what we could do is um, and this applies mostly to seniors, uh, those that have houses could pair with people, younger people that don't.
00:07:50.560 --> 00:07:58.720
And there could be some sort of arraignment, arrangement, living arrangement, where the younger people are helping the older people with you know things around the house.
00:07:58.879 --> 00:08:01.279
It's important for them to stay in their house as long as possible.
00:08:01.439 --> 00:08:05.680
I think that's been proven that that is the way to go.
00:08:05.920 --> 00:08:07.680
So I I'd like to see that looked into.
00:08:07.839 --> 00:08:14.399
I had a have a colleague actually that did that for a number of years, and uh it was it was a good living arrangement for them.
00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:28.000
Uh it takes a lot of work, it's putting the right people together, it's having things written down, so there's an agreement, so neither side takes feels taken advantage of, but that might be something that hasn't been looked into.
00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:35.679
The other thing we haven't really touched on here is cooperative housing for whatever reason.
00:08:35.919 --> 00:08:42.240
I'm I there's one in Roberts Creek, but uh I there's no others to my knowledge here on the coast.
00:08:42.399 --> 00:08:45.200
So those are those are some thoughts.
00:08:45.519 --> 00:08:50.320
I could go on this for on for a while, but this, but I'm sure there's a lot of other things to consider.
00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:54.799
But we have to look very broadly and and see what other communities are doing.
00:08:54.879 --> 00:09:10.960
Aaron Ross Powell Well, I I mean, and and uh this is not one of the official questions, but uh it's the one of my curiosities about uh how we talk here of provincial downloading, um, but the municipality is the one who that's on sort of the front lines there.
00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:20.480
So what kind of uh what what what's the sort of investment you want to see on the municipal level and what w what's that division with sort of your provincial partners?
00:09:21.200 --> 00:09:30.159
Well, I want to get to the heart of why um we saw so many projects on the planning committee and they never happened.
00:09:30.399 --> 00:09:31.600
Why is that happening?
00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:36.320
I have a hard time believing it's just for financial reasons and whatnot.
00:09:36.399 --> 00:09:43.039
Um so I'd like to really dive into the rationale and why those projects aren't moving ahead.
00:09:43.279 --> 00:09:47.600
I really think we need to understand that before we can take any action.
00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:54.960
Are you familiar with the SCRD's plans for potable water sustainability, or how familiar are you?
00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:57.360
I know a bit.
00:09:57.440 --> 00:10:06.480
Um this goes back to my time in landscape architecture school, and and one of my um classmates uh did his thesis on great water, actually.
00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:09.600
And I hate to say that that was back in 1996.
00:10:09.840 --> 00:10:11.679
I'm sort of aging myself here.
00:10:11.919 --> 00:10:15.679
Uh yeah, it's come up with the planning committee as well.
00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:17.919
Um it's a great initiative.
00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:35.840
It's uh I think going to be difficult to take it too far without sort of recognition from other levels of government and uh the building industry to make it happen.
00:10:36.559 --> 00:10:40.320
So so what's uh your approach to water policy?
00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:48.480
Like how how much water should the regional district be able to supply versus sort of your your individual responsibility to conserve?
00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:49.679
Like what's that balance there?
00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:51.919
And what's Seashelt's role in that as well?
00:10:52.159 --> 00:10:54.320
I'm gonna throw in their volumetric billing.
00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:56.000
Um what what are your thoughts on that?
00:10:56.080 --> 00:10:56.159
Yeah.
00:10:56.559 --> 00:10:59.200
I'm very much in favor of metering.
00:10:59.519 --> 00:11:01.759
Uh I was very happy to see that happen.
00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:04.720
Um, you know, we're not getting charged for it yet.
00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:14.960
I think when that happens, that'll be interesting because I think those water wasters are suddenly gonna realize, you know, I think they're gonna have to change their their attitudes.
00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:16.879
I am always preaching this.
00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:20.879
I'm in landscape architecture, I do drought tolerant planting.
00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:22.720
Uh, this is very important.
00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:24.320
I save my bath water.
00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:32.000
When we're in stage three, I've got one hydrangea, which sucks water, and that's that gets my bath water or my vegetables.
00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:41.200
So yeah, I'm very passionate about this and um very happy that we have the water meters installed and happy we got the wells online.
00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:43.840
Um yes.
00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:47.279
As for the reservoir, I don't really know what's happening with that.
00:11:47.440 --> 00:11:49.279
I don't think anybody does.
00:11:52.080 --> 00:11:55.360
What is your commitment to working with the Shishelle Nation?
00:11:55.600 --> 00:12:04.559
This is a key relationship for both Seashelt and the SCRD with infrastructure, economic, land use, and cultural implications, not to mention reconciliation.
00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:06.879
Yeah, absolutely.
00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:11.200
Um, we have a lot of mending to do.
00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:17.759
I do think, however, the the staff at the District of Seasheld actually have maintained good relationships.
00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:19.039
So that's positive.
00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:21.360
Um but yeah, there's a lot of mending to do.
00:12:21.440 --> 00:12:26.000
I would really like to sit down with Warren Paul and and have a discussion with him about that.
00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:32.000
Um there is another candidate running, uh, Lando Dixon, uh, who is uh from the nation.
00:12:32.159 --> 00:12:35.840
Uh it'd be nice to uh to have him on board as well.
00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:43.200
Yeah, I mean this brings me to, I would really love to uh have the waterfront more active.
00:12:43.360 --> 00:12:55.440
And I really see a good opportunity, a good synergy here between the nation and the district to have a beautiful linear parkway that stretches all the way to the totems or beyond even.
00:12:55.679 --> 00:12:59.600
I mean, there's so many, there's so many opportunities with our waterfront that we're missing.
00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:05.120
People go right past, right through seashelt and don't even know we have a waterfront.
00:13:05.519 --> 00:13:06.960
It's kind of unfortunate.
00:13:07.440 --> 00:13:12.799
Um any other thoughts about sort of the that that relationship with the the nation?
00:13:14.320 --> 00:13:17.840
Yeah, um it's really unfortunate what's happened.
00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:19.120
I think it can be repaired.
00:13:19.200 --> 00:13:21.200
I have a lot of friends that are on the nation.
00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:26.000
There's a lot of nation members um that can't vote.
00:13:26.559 --> 00:13:30.960
And they can't, you know, um they can't vote in either election.
00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:32.799
They're on, you know, land.
00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:34.159
It's it's quite interesting.
00:13:34.320 --> 00:13:37.440
I was having a conversation with Amber at Big Macs about this.
00:13:37.519 --> 00:13:48.639
Uh so I don't know if that is something that uh Warren will be looking into, but you know, there's a large number of people that can't vote, um, which really surprised me.
00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:50.639
I just learned of this recently.
00:13:51.759 --> 00:13:55.679
Residents often complain their property taxes are getting too high.
00:13:55.919 --> 00:14:00.240
What are your ideas for keeping tax increases low while still offering services?
00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:07.759
Yeah, I mean, we've inherited a lot of infrastructure problems uh and things that have to be addressed.
00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:22.799
Um that being said, I mean as a small business owner, I pay two and a half times the taxes that um the general person in the public pays.
00:14:23.919 --> 00:14:29.759
There's not a lot of us, but that's keeping a lot of people from actually renting out spaces.
00:14:30.159 --> 00:14:31.279
That's a lot of money.
00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:39.919
And we don't get uh green waste collection, we don't get garbage collection, um none of our recycling's picked up.
00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:42.799
Uh I like to see that change.
00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:50.480
Um and it I don't think because there's such a small number of us, it would probably be a very small increase of about$15.
00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:56.559
And the SDBA has asked counsel for that on numerous occasions, and nothing's been done about it.
00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:58.480
So that's something I'm passionate about.
00:14:58.639 --> 00:15:00.320
Obviously, I'm a small business owner.
00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:04.399
I'm fixed fiscally conservative in that respect.
00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:06.480
Uh, you know, I have to watch my pennies.
00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:09.759
So that's something that we have to look at.
00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:15.120
We have to look at the budget line by line and go through it and see where we can make the cuts.
00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:25.600
I do think I feel like I've seen a lot of reports, for example, that are done by firms and organizations.
00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:29.919
Uh, you know, we're paying somebody to do that.
00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:34.080
It would be nice for that to be done in-house by the district staff.
00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:36.000
Uh perhaps they feel overloaded.
00:15:36.080 --> 00:15:38.000
I'm not quite sure what that is, but that's one thing.
00:15:38.159 --> 00:15:42.639
I also think there's more money uh potentially in bylaw enforcement.
00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:50.960
I don't feel like that's um I think that could generate more revenue, and it would be nice to see the bylaws enforced.
00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:57.679
So bylaw enforcement as revenue generation rather than breaking even.
00:15:59.360 --> 00:16:07.440
Yeah, I mean I've had to call on a Sunday, for example, uh, and then you're forced to do an email.
00:16:07.919 --> 00:16:13.200
You have to know uh the party's name that you're calling about.
00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:19.679
There's all this information, and then typically I haven't been no one's gotten back till me to till Tuesday.
00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:23.519
Uh that's that's uh not good enough.
00:16:24.320 --> 00:16:34.879
Is the vision the bylaw enforcement as revenue generation or is bylaw enforcement fees get higher so that you can do the cost recovery on that investment?
00:16:35.200 --> 00:16:36.559
I I mean I think it's both.
00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:38.320
I just would like to see them enforced.
00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:42.399
I see it out front my outside my studio storefront all the time.
00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:45.919
You know, it's two-hour parking and there'll be people that are parked there all day.
00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:54.960
Um I don't have time to be calling and well, not calling, typing an email uh when I'm in my shop.
00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:58.559
Uh so yeah, it's it's somewhat disappointing.
00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:07.119
When you have sort of those infrastructure, what what what's your approach to infrastructure investment when it comes to property taxes?
00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:10.799
Well, it has to be dealt with.
00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:14.720
And it's, you know, the buck has been passed for so long, you know.
00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:19.039
So we have issues with our garbage, for example.
00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:22.640
And I know they're looking into vertical drilling and things like that.
00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:36.559
So again, I can't speak to all the technical things, but I, you know, I trust that the staff is doing their work and will be uh informing us on the best way to move forward.
00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:40.400
What should Seashelt look like in 10 or 20 years?
00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:44.480
Seashell is growing and faces pressure for more housing and services.
00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:47.119
What kind of community do you want to see emerge?
00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:49.519
And what would you not want Seashell to become?
00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:52.559
That's a good question.
00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:55.920
But yeah, I'm happy it's growing.
00:17:56.160 --> 00:17:58.079
I think that brings vibrancy.
00:17:58.400 --> 00:18:02.079
I like the fact that there's a mix of people of different ages.
00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:14.480
Um I want people to be active in our community and really getting as much out of it as they can, um, supporting our downtown, using our parks.
00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:20.559
Um you know, this is all important, having good paying jobs, which is a struggle.
00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:26.720
Uh, you know, we're losing our potentially our biggest industry on the coast.
00:18:27.440 --> 00:18:33.440
Uh I do think, you know, uh another, you know, I'm a little biased here.
00:18:33.519 --> 00:18:38.400
I'm in the construction building industry, but I do think there's a lot of good, high-paying jobs there.
00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:45.839
And uh, you know, with some of the growth that we want to do, I think that would be that might be a good road forward.
00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:48.720
More construction and I think so.
00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:49.440
I think so.
00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:52.880
I mean, obviously considerate growth.
00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:58.640
Um, but uh I do feel like that's uh that's important.
00:18:58.960 --> 00:19:02.640
My my uh thesis back in university was on infill.
00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:15.920
And that's basically when you're filling uh the center of the community with both housing and more businesses and using the land you have rather than uh doing outward sprawl.
00:19:16.319 --> 00:19:18.480
And uh I'd like to see that continue.
00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:23.039
How should Seashelt prepare for an aging population?
00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:31.599
This may include municipal policies, housing choices, transportation options, public spaces, and community services.
00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:36.720
Well, I've already touched on people staying in their houses as long as possible.
00:19:36.880 --> 00:19:40.880
I think that has been proven to be uh the most effective.
00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:45.759
But yeah, we need uh we need more options.
00:19:45.920 --> 00:19:50.799
Uh and I'm not sure that privatization is the way to go necessarily.
00:19:51.359 --> 00:20:00.559
Um I was really disappointed to hear um that we can't repurpose uh Shorencliffe, I believe it was.
00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:05.039
So um I hope it can be used in some other way.
00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:08.160
I'd be curious to actually see what the issues were with using it.
00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:11.519
It wasn't that long vacated, and it's a relatively new building.
00:20:11.599 --> 00:20:19.119
It's I think it's from the mid-80s, but building practices weren't necessarily good at that particular um moment in time.
00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:23.440
Um yeah, we need um we need good sidewalks.
00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:27.680
Uh we have the issue of hills here, obviously, so that makes it very challenging.
00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:33.279
We our bus transportation is definitely lacking.
00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:37.599
Um and and that's that's a tough one.
00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:42.240
It's even tough moving a transit spot, like a bus pickup spot.
00:20:42.400 --> 00:20:44.160
I've you know, we've encountered that.
00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:52.720
There was talk of the market moving closer down Cowrie, and uh that was kind of a no-go with uh the transit authority.
00:20:52.880 --> 00:20:55.039
So uh it's super complex.
00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:57.599
There's still not service out to Wannock.
00:20:57.759 --> 00:21:09.680
Um but I think for older people, you know, we have to make the downtown so inviting that it's sort of the no-brainer for them to want to be here and and it makes the most sense.
00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:16.880
And not having to get into automobiles or have somebody else drive them and be able to make their ferry appointments.
00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:22.400
I would urge everyone to sign the petition that uh through Gore John's.
00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:31.440
Uh I was at the rally uh last week, and um that's also that's fundamental for everything that happens here on the coast.
00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:35.839
Aaron Powell What role should the district play in addressing the shortage of health and social services?
00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:39.839
Seasheld can't directly provide most health care services.
00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:47.440
What should the district nevertheless be doing to advocate for health care, mental health, senior services, and long term care capacity?
00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:51.039
Yeah, I know our hands are a little bit tied there.
00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:59.680
Isn't that the story of all of these issues where you're uh You know, I would argue we were very effective rallying when we had the rally.
00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:06.799
At the Seaslide Center regarding the critical care housing, for example.
00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:09.599
And that project was canceled.
00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:11.920
It was the wrong location.
00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:19.599
We on the planning committee we brought forth a motion saying it was the wrong location.
00:22:19.839 --> 00:22:23.759
And there's a women and children's shelter going in right there.
00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:26.720
So I think that's how we do we do it.
00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:29.759
We have to be vocal and we have to be loud.
00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:32.559
We have to urge people to sign petitions.
00:22:33.359 --> 00:22:36.160
And that's how we have to do it.
00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:41.279
What skills would you bring to the council table?
00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:45.359
I'm a fairly empathetic person.
00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:50.319
I think I can see most sides and I really like discourse.
00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:55.680
So I feel like I could find common ground with most people.
00:22:57.440 --> 00:22:59.759
And you know, there's ways forward.
00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:09.839
And maybe it's not the exact motion that you wanted passed, but I think you have to be okay with like we got this done and we're all on board.
00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:14.079
And a united council can do a lot.
00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:17.599
What question do you wish we had asked?
00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:19.920
And what would have been your answer to that question?
00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:23.039
Well, you didn't ask anything about SeaWatch.
00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:24.319
I'm really surprised.
00:23:26.880 --> 00:23:27.519
Yeah.
00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:32.480
There's another petition for that actually that's circulating right now, and it has three points.
00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:40.400
And it talks the first one is what the district can do, and that talks about the perimeter fencing being reinstated.
00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:46.880
I'm curious if anyone's considered a drone to sort of monitor the situation.
00:23:47.119 --> 00:23:59.599
It would be very expensive to have the RCMP always circulating there, but perhaps a drone with a really good camera on it wouldn't want to get too close, but could at least kind of keep an eye on things because we're we're not able to right now.
00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:04.960
And again, this is sort of you know, there's a lot of passing of the buck that's happened there.
00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:09.759
And a lot of it seems to rely also on the provincial government to step up as well.
00:24:10.160 --> 00:24:13.920
Um I don't know what can happen to those 14 houses.
00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:19.359
You know, I guess that would, again, it would be for a geotectist to say if they could come down.
00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:21.519
That would be my preference, probably.
00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:32.559
Um, but in the intern, we have to at least monitor the situation and um know if if a fire's been set or you know, something untoward's happening.
00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:36.000
Any last words?
00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:40.880
Well, thank you for listening and thank you for the great questions.
00:24:41.039 --> 00:24:43.839
And uh I just urge everyone to vote.
00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:49.279
We have hypothetically low turnout and municipal elections across the country.
00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:52.000
Well, for the world for for that matter, really.
00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:56.960
And um, you know, now we have a provincial election that's likely to be called.
00:24:57.119 --> 00:25:00.559
So um please don't forget about us.
00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:05.759
This is your backyard, and this is one of the most important things you can do.
00:25:06.160 --> 00:25:06.799
Thank you.
00:25:07.119 --> 00:25:08.319
Thank you, Joanne.
00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:17.200
You are listening to Campaign Voices, a podcast series presented by the Coast Reporter and the Sunshine Coast Chamber of Commerce.
00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:24.559
For full coverage of the campaign, visit Coastreporter.net and click on Civic Election 2026.
00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:32.480
Remember, General Voting Day is October 17th, and your choice helps shape the future of the Sunshine Coast.
