The Candidates – Peachland’s Top challenges

 Posted by at 5:35 pm  Categories: Civic Election 2011
Nov 132011
 

Peachland News asked the candidates for Peachland council questions about themselves and important issues. Below is a question asked and the unedited answers received.

Question 15: What are the top two challenges facing Peachland? How can they be addressed?

Peter Schierbeck Peter SchierbeckI believe that the top two challenges facing Peachland is development and infrastructure. Both of these can be worked on with good planning, wise development and will cost Peachlanders very little. The developers will assist us with our infrastructure from roads, water, sewer, sidewalks & paths etc. As long as the development is done wisely and with proper thought, Peachland will be a winner.
Ernie Hurd Ernie HurdDevelopment.  I think we have to articulate development better by being more inclusive when there is a development proposal.  I believe the developments we have can be supported to conclusion.  I think it may be time to slow things down a little on future proposals.

We are the corporation of the District of Peachland.  We are accountable to the shareholders.  I realize this now more than before and I believe in reputable shareholder watchdogs but please let us govern.
Eldon Kerbes Eldon KerbesTwo most pressing priorities are 1 Affordable housing to attract young families and /or to allow seniors to downsize whileremaining in the community.

2 Development of strategies to attract more commercial and light industrial development.
Eric Hall Eric HallFirst, providing new services and facilities without increasing taxes. Second, ensuring that growth does not spoil the community spirit. The lesson from the Curling Club referendum is that the new Council needs to do a better job of keeping in touch with people and understanding community opinions.
Keith Fielding Keith Fielding

  1. Downtown revitalization.  This is best addressed by using the Charette report as the “blueprint” and continuing discussions and negotiations with key developer stakeholders.
  2. Managing growth and development to ensure sustainability and community benefit without compromising all that makes Peachland the unique and charming community that it is.
Ken Whitelegg Ken WhiteleggWater program that addresses the needs of the future at a afordable Price.   And a very clear plan on future expansion with lots of public input
Lee Sawchuk Lee SawchukI believe we need to control the continuing development of Peachland in manner that is beneficial to us all. We need to address and create ways for our young people and families to stay and enjoy Peachland. They are our future.
Terry Condon Terry CondonTax increases and managing growth. Council is aware of financial challenges we all face and will react accordingly to minimise taxes..Growth in Peachland, in my view, will in smaller “infill projects” Ponderosa, New Monaco and Downtown revitalisation will be the major contributors, and Council’s focus should shift to the OCP approved infill issues.
Grant Eisworth Grant EisworthFuture development is a top challenge for sure. Only EXTREMELY CAREFUL PLANNING and COMMON SENSE DECISIONS can help accomplish a positive future for our community.

Maintaining our CHARM AND CHARACTER as a small community is another challenge. All of this goes hand in hand with development, lo cost housing, Peachland beautification, and community/youth projects. This is all co dependant, each on the other, so I repeat, common sense decisions with the long term goals must always be the priority, when analyzing Peachlands Future.
Lindsay Bell Lindsay BellAnswer not received.
Charlette Broadoway Charlette Broadoway1. The public feeling disconnected from council and administration would be the top challenge.  We need to make the council meetings more available to all citizens.  We can address this by changing the time of the meetings and making the meetings broadcast online and available for future viewing online.  Also, having at least one council member in the municipal office every day, available to the community and staff alike.2. The major developments proposed for our near future.  I will carefully consider all information provided to me, through studies and public input, and make common sense decisions from there.
Cindy Fortin Cindy FortinDevelopment, which includes watershed protection and highway concerns, and the need for council to reconnect with the community are two key challenges. The new council needs to sit down and put their heads together and work as a team, listen to public concerns and ideas, and make the best decisions for Peachland, for now and for the future.
Vern Moberg Vern Moberg1. To obtain a grant for water reservoir at treatment plant for fire protection and future development

2. Senior development between 5th & 6th St and Waldo Way

Answers submitted by candidates after publication will be added to this post.

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says:
    November 17, 2011 at 10:56 am

    Seems everyone are telling just what we want to hear. Unfortunately talk is cheap. When it comes to “walk the walk”, the excuses fly. As far as I’m concerned, it is time for as much new blood as we can get. The old blood never follows through. So it’s time for change. I’m ready to see if the new blood will truly look out for everyone. Was it not obvious that council was not in touch with Peachland by the last referendum? Was it not an all council vote to put forward the curling rink crap? Got to get rid of the “sheep” in that crowd, and the herder. See you at the polls.
    p.s. nothing personal but good bye Fielding
    Just Sayin’