Candidates for the City of Fernie
Mayor
Mary Giuliano
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I am standing for re-election, for what will be my last term as Mayor. I’ve spent my lifetime in service to this community, but I’m not finished yet.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
I’ve lived through several economic ups and downs in Fernie, I’m pleased to see the growth, and the increasing resiliency, that we have witnessed over the past several years. In my final term, I will ensure he city has the foundation in place to continue its economic growth without losing its small-town charm.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
As Mayor, I’ve brought the forestry companies before council to discuss their plans and to share our community’s concern for the impacts of their logging operations. As the community is telling us in the current consultations for the Fernie Heritage Strategy, our scenic views are very important to the citizens of Fernie. I look forward to implementing that strategy and the tools behind it as Mayor.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
The City of Fernie needs to be a champion of the development of Affordable Housing; it’s something that I have been a proponent of both as mayor and as a councillor. I will be making Affordable Housing one of the issues for my proposed Mayor’s Task Force to tackle. There is a significant amount of funding available currently for affordable housing from both the Province of BC and the Government of Canada. Our role at the City is to ensure that our community doesn’t leave money on the table.
Ange Qualizza
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I love the work of local government, the impact on our daily lives is significant and the governance and policy work blend with my professional background. Meeting and connecting with community groups who share a vision for Fernie is just one of the many benefits that make this job exciting.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
I want to use my experience with economic development to work on a long term plan that strengthens opportunities and supports sustainability. We need housing to support seasonal staff so our businesses can operate at capacity, we need light industrial land to help us pay for and maintain the service levels our community wants, we need to invest in our infrastructure to manage flood and fire risk and most importantly, we need our community to be a real part of our long term vision.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
Fernie needs to focus on having strong relationships with the land owners, and be ready with capacity to see opportunities when they arise. Without strong leadership, we will never have long term solutions that will preserve both our sight lines and world class trail network.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
New legislation will be implemented via an amendment to the Local Government Act to comply with a housing needs assessment every five years to support local government making better decisions. We need to stop trying to find a solution on what we think are the perceived problems, and implement a plan for housing that works to solve our actual problems.
The City of Fernie should fast track approval processes for rental housing projects, use density bonusing and be land partners -for the right project- to help Fernie move towards long term housing solutions that meet the needs of our community.
Sharon Switzer
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I started to think about running for Mayor two years ago because I felt Fernie needs to create a plan for long-term growth, facility replacement and asset maintenance. I look forward to working with the community to create confidence in our local economy and liveability, to working with the community to create affordable and attainable housing options.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
I want to build confidence in the direction that our municipal government is leading us. I know residents want to feel there is a solid plan and it includes local people, a vibrant economy that balances tourism with local needs, and growth that we can all live and thrive in.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
The provincial government has left municipalities with no say in the clear cutting of private land.I believe council has the responsibility to communicate that residents need their concerns to be heard by the land owner, not their representative.As your Mayor, I would make it very clear that it is in the best interest of the landowner to agree to open dialogue with council and residents if they want to be considered good corporate citizens.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
Fernie City Council mustlead in creating both affordable and attainable housing. The Community Charter and the Local Government Act support BC municipalities to act on behalfof their residents to make their cities more liveable for those with lowto medianincomes.
To watch the mayor's portion of the All Candidates Forum, click here.
Councillor
Greg Barnes
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I am proud to call Fernie home and care deeply about the community, and am running because I want to have a voice in the challenges, changes, and opportunities that Fernie will face now and in the future. I am also motivated to encourage residents to go to the polls on October 20 and vote!
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years? I would like to see Fernie continue to grow in a manner that will benefit its residents. A balance between economic growth and tourism, while maintaining a strong sense of community and affordability among long-term residents.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
Fernie will to continue to be impacted in many ways by future growth and development. I believe that public consultation, impact assessments, and transparency are all important aspects to consider in doing this responsibly.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
My hope is that the City of Fernie can work towards more affordable housing initiatives for both long-term residents and seasonal workers. This is a growing challenge that is faced by many other resort communities, and I believe Fernie can benefit by acting now, thinking long term, and learning from other municipalities.
Kyle Hamilton
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I feel strongly that if you're not going to put in the effort to make a change, then you can't expect others to make the changes for you. And, part of ensuring that our democratic processes are not co-opted by antipathy, or extremism, I felt the need to make the effort to be part of the election process.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
Forward. To say that I want it to go any other direction, without the information and understanding of what forces are at play at each junction, is ignorant. My belief is that Fernie is currently at a junction of where it can become a leader in progressive, forward thinking ideas, or, stagnant by maintaining the status quo.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
Given that it’s private land, I respect the rights of the private landowners. However, I also recognise the intrinsic value of the natural state of the forests to our tourismindustry and quality of life. I would love to be part of a bigger discussion with the landowners, Regional District, and Province to find a way to provide an economic value, and incentive, to maintaining a more natural appearance and less intrusive uses.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
Affordable housing is not just a City of Fernie issue, it is an issue across the province. The City can show leadership and become a model for other communities by taking the reins, and tackling the issue head-on.
Phil Iddon
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I would like to see continued economic development opportunities for our community and continue to work towards improving city infrastructure and facilities.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
Continued prosperity for community businesses, with sustained growth, while maintaining the cultural and recreational activities that make Fernie a unique diverse community
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
Private land is just that. While clear cutting may not be aesthetically pleasing, there are rules when harvesting timber in a managed forest that must be adhered to. Water must be protected and forests replanted. Unfortunately we did not acquire our viewscape when Tembec marketed the lands
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
The City can provide relief from DCC’s and help facilitate funding opportunities with various levels of government and groups like BC Housing and CBT.
Steve Kallies
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
The decision was made in 1995 during Fernie’s major flood. After witnessing the community band together and participating with emergency efforts I knew that organising people to work for the benefit of all would become a passion, leading me to a career in emergency response and a candidate for City Council.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
I have spent my entire life in the Fernie, I know where Fernie has come from and where it is today - good and bad choices alike. I want to see families like mine be able to afford a home, set down roots, and create the stories of their lives here.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
Absolutely opposed to clear cutting around our city. We need meaningful public input on future development and real ‘Firesmart’ initiatives not just a quick buck for private investors while timber/fibre prices are high.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
We should be actively involved. Many of the local businesses are understaffed due to lack of affordable housing. Affordable housing will have a three-fold benefit.Places to live for lower salary workers, retention of workers, and construction projects for developers.
Tracey Kelly
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
As a fifth generation of a seven generation Fernie family, I am passionate about our city and am excited to be of service to the community.I believe I have the experience and ability to act and can make a valuable contribution.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
Maintaining our small town charm while incorporating well planned, inclusive progression combined with a unified vision of who we are. We should leverageopportunities to lean processes which may be impediments and employ innovative solutionsto the challenges we face.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
We should engage with land developers to ensure there is minimal negative impact incurred by the planned use. I understand the risk of wildfires and the tremendous damage they cause - we can employ mitigation strategies to protect our community while still maintaining the beauty of our trails and forests.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
Working collaboratively with the province, utilising effective land use strategies, fostering public/private partnerships and seeking input and ideas from the community are ways the City could facilitate acquiring additional affordable housing.
Kevin McIsaac
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I served previously in 2008 and I’m proud of my previous service, but there’s more to do. I’m keen to participate in making sure Fernie’s quality of life remains as high as possible with positive and well thought out policies and planning.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
I’d like to see a return to more forwardlooking thinking. Many of the initiatives that we tackled back in 2008 have stagnated. In particular, we need investment in our municipal infrastructure. And we need to become more creative and consistent with regards to housing. Lack of available housing is hurting families, growth, and our economic opportunities.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
We need to be firm about our community’s values with regards to views and trails while respecting the rights of landowners. Fernie is surrounded by private land with logging rights. Clear, consistent and ongoing communication with private landowners, starting long before the flagging goes up, is the key.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
The City has many roles with regards to affordable housing. We need to join with other municipalities in communicating our challenges to the province and the federal government. We need to be a reliable partner to businesses, groups, and stakeholders in pursuit of creative and realistic solutions. We need to act and expand upon housing strategies and tools that are already in place.
Dan McSkimming
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I have been a councillor for a number of years and feel I have valuable experience to offer. There is always too much to do and I am committed to the role and the time it takes to get things done.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
The City of Fernie has been moving forward in a very positive direction in the past number of years. Along with that come a number of challenges dealing with the growth and capacities within the organisation. Ensuring that the City can deal with those issues and allowing the community to continue prosper will be the most important task moving forward.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
Is is very hard seeing those lands clear cut and have to look at them every day from town. A very long time ago those lands were purchased and have been re-sold over the years and the current owners are doing what they are allowed to do by law. The City and citizens can and should continue to pressure those companies and the Government in order to have some say in the logging practices.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
The City of Fernie needs to set the table for someone to come and make it happen with zoning, tax incentives, and accessing provincial and federal grants. Partnering by using our land and investors’/builders’ expertise would be a great way to go however I do not believe that the City should be the developer, builder or landlord.
Scott Newland
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I decided to run for city council because I want to help make the City of Fernie a more desirable and more affordable place to live.I feel it is important to get involved in finding a healthy balance between economic development and environmental responsibility so that Fernie remains an ideal place for generations to come.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
I want to see childcare, home ownership and youth programming become more accessibleto people who choose to live in our community. I would also like to help promote small business growth so that Fernie can become an even more economicallydiverse and culturally vibrant place over the next 4 years.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
I believe private land can and should be developed in an environmentallyresponsible manner. The economic interests involved in harvesting natural resources should always be balanced with preserving the local ecosystem for future generations.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
The City should be a coordinator of resources and creator of policies that improve affordable housing options in Fernie.The City should identify and encourage more partnerships for developing affordable housing alternatives through as many means as possible.
Troy Nixon
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
It sounds pretty naive but I really love Fernie and I want to be part of a team that makes a positive impact.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
I want to see a City Hall that is innovative, transparent and accountable. Fernie has aging infrastructure that needs some serious evaluation and we need to invest in new facilities either with public-private-partnerships or provincial and/or federal funding.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
It is private land but I do believe we can do something. Council can petition the Regional District of the East Kootenays (RDEK) and the provincial government to regulate logging on private land. Future subdivision development should be demand / supply dependent and hinge upon a certain percentage of land being built upon.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
The City of Fernie needs to play a more active role in exploring possible solutions to our housing situation. Incentives to developers, a housing authority (similar to Whistler’s Housing Authority) or municipal zoning requirements for future developments are all options that the City of Fernie needs to explore.
Yvonne Marie Prest
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I have a passion for democracy, love working in a team, and am inspired to work for my constituents. I take consultation seriously, and wish to see a balanced council in Fernie of both men and women, young and old, experienced and new.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
My vision for Fernie is to build a vibrant, thriving community: inclusive, prosperous and affordable. Council can support tourism, the arts and culture while also ensuring that Fernie is a place to call home whileemphasising sustainable practices such as farming and shopping locally, and creating a composting program, to ensure that Fernie is here for generations to come.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
If Council makes decisions based on what the citizens value, we cannot fail. As a group, we will follow what Fernie stands for - valuing private land as it is an important source of employment, recreational opportunities and ecological stewardship. The decision to develop will only be decided upon with the best information at hand.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
Council must form a committee, plan and advocate for affordable housing for it is a growing concern for local residents. Creating affordable housing is one of my top priorities through educating the public on provincial and federal incentives for home buyers and consolation with developers, renters and landlords.
Morgan Pulsifer
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I stand for a demographic that has beenunderrepresented in our municipal government - members of the community who don't own a home, who have concerns about their ability to afford a future here. I invite my peers to thepolls; we deserve a seat at the table.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
I want to see a Fernie committed to equitable and sustainable growth on all fronts. It will be a community of all ages and backgrounds that feels actively and transparently engaged by their local government.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
A large portion of our recreational trails exist on just that - private land. We must proactively engage our neighbours and user groups at stake to ensure any future developments or operations do notjeopardise existing recreational infrastructure
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
Affordable housing falls in the purview of our Provincial and Federal governments. On a municipal level, it is up to us to come up with the solutions which will incentivise developers to construct affordable units.
Joe Warshawsky
Why did you decide to run for council/mayor?
I have the time, experience, knowledge, and complete understanding in the direction that council needs to move in. I freely share my concepts andam willing to work collectively for the common good of the community with any organisation or group.
What direction do you want to see Fernie go in the next four years?
We needto focus on a fifty-year land development plan that considersaccommodations, the condition of our elementary school, new planning for recreational sites, and a new professional buildingto provide a different model for health care.
Where do you stand in regards to private land being clear cut or developed around the City of Fernie?
I do not like the visual impact at all. We were informed that this last clear-cutwould be a fireguard for Fernie, but am convinced that they only care about the bottom-line.They have and will continue their present harvesting practiceson their land.
In your opinion, what role should the City of Fernie play when it comes to affordable housing?
Mayor and council need to take the lead and continue to foster partnerships with all groups that are interested. We need tocontinue to explore funding partners, grants, and recruit a land development planner whom is contracted directly by the city.
To watch all 12 counsillors at the All Candidates Forum, click here.