Coldstream council candidates address key issues at public forum

After the council candidates introduced themselves, they were asked three questions from the moderator, Kelly Winston, as well as three from members of the community.

How do you feel about densification and affordability versus maintaining densities as they stand? Do you support establishing carriage homes, secondary suites and zoning for condos, apartment and duplexes? Do you support the development of eco-villages, co-housing, retirement developments of trailer parks on non-[Agricultural Land Reserve] land?

Myhill had the most to say on this matter. He said carriage homes and secondary suites should be priorities as long as the municipal infrastructure could support them, adding that ALR can be used for eco-tourism and that businesses should consider purchasing and overseeing staff housing.

Hoffman and Garlick said that bylaws are currently in place for carriage houses and secondary suites, though they are approved on a case-by-case basis. Both also noted that there needs to be a balance of maintaining the agricultural land and the rural feel while also promoting densification and affordable housing.

Dirk also noted that densification was important, but needed to be managed correctly.

What do you see as the most effective ways for Coldstream to reduce carbon emissions from transportation and how should the District respond to climate change?

Dantzer said climate change and preserving the environment is important, though he did state, while in favour of local actions, he remains wary of tackling big problems.

Levy stated that the District of Coldstream needs to adopt the Climate Action Plan developed by the City of Vernon, saying “climate change does not see borders” and that “we all breathe the same air, we all drink the same water, thus a collaborative approach is necessary.” He pointed to parts of the plan that could be attained in the district, such as developing active transportation corridors, auditing municipal infrastructure to identify and address inefficiencies, investing in solar power, and promoting alternative transportation options such as e-scooters while also establishing designated areas to park and pick them up.

Stevenson said the provincial and federal governments have grant opportunities for communities looking to mitigate climate change locally, and proposed investigating those options to fund projects locally.

Myhill endorsed both municipal and individual actions to reducing emissions. He also suggested replacing the high emission-producing concrete with greener options, promoted local food production, and installing solar panels overhead in parking lots.

Garlick noted that the municipality is making efforts to mitigate climate change by replacing aging vehicles with electric vehicles, where possible, and by retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient. He added that these measures can also be taken by individuals, stating the importance of public education so individuals can take action as well.

Jefcoat was the sole candidate to dismiss the question, saying the climate has always changed and will forever change, adding the District of Coldstream does not produce much pollution. However, he was in favour of bringing in the e-scooter program to Coldstream.

A majority of the candidates also noted the public transit system needs to be revised and improved to encourage ridership.

Invasive mussels, sedimentation and fertilizer run-off are among the threats to the lake water quality. Do you have concerns about Kalamalka Lake, and if so, how would you address them as a Coldstream councillor?

Stevenson, Dantzer and Myhill admitted they were not experts in the field, but would be in support of investigative studies that address the issues, and investigate taking action to meet recommendations.

Runyan said she believed action should be taken to protect the lake and the watershed as a whole. She proposed keeping nutrients on land and out of waterways by remanding vegetation barriers on creeks, lobbying the government for more mussel protection, and conducting more thorough evaluations of sediment in the lake with experts to find solutions that the district can act upon.

Hoffman stated that the municipality is engaged in sediment mitigation efforts on creeks, as well as freshet mitigation, adding that while work is ongoing the issue is vast and wouldn’t be solved overnight.

In the waterfront area of Coldstream we are very limited in terms of competition of, for example, restaurants, and I’m wondering if there’s anyone who’s interested in proposing some kind of plan, some sort of idea, of how we could have other options, aside from Alexander’s, to go and eat at, and if anyone sees an opportunity for serving all the agricultural products we grow in Coldstream in restaurants? (question from the public)

Myhill, Hoffman and Garlick all were in support of vendors or farmers markets being established towards the north end of the lake, with Garlick also suggesting those could be established at the new community hall in the future.

Dantzer also said he was in favour of area restaurants using locally grown produce.

Levy was the sole candidate to address the business side of the question, saying the current framework sees residents pay 90 per cent of the district’s taxes, and that more businesses need to be brought in to diversify tax income.

Every time I go to the office, I see that [Okanagan Eco Park] business park being built. Most of the businesses there are clean green tech — Why can’t we use something like that in Coldstream [to draw in tech companies] that can’t afford to buy a place in Vancouver? (question from the public)

Jefcoat said there are already properties sitting empty or are understaffed, and that work needs to be done to draw people to move to and work in the area. Levy also agreed with this point, saying it’s important to draw people to the region to explore as tourists, then encourage them to stay.

Garlick and Hoffman both stated that the owner of the property has indicated that they want to draw in green tech companies.

Stevenson noted that the site provides an opportunity for growth, adding infrastructure investments and promoting energy efficiency in the new buildings will draw in green tech companies.

In the past few years, changes made by council have served to restrict some of the access to Kal Lake. There are areas with no sidewalks to walk to the lake, and there is less access to be able to launch boats aside from Kekuli Bay, which has made it chaotic to safely get off the lake. Many residents have moved to Coldstream to enjoy this lake. Do you see these situations as problems, and how do you ensure the community members have improved and safe access to Kal Lake? (question from the public)

Garlick noted that the existing boat launches were all originally built within subdivisions to be used mainly by those properties. He said he was not in favour of building launches in the north end of the lake, primarily due to the high sediment concentration at that end that can be disturbed by motors. He said the district, along with the RDNO, are investigating more mid-lake access points.

Dirk added that purchasing the land to develop new launches would also be very costly for the municipality.

Hoffman noted that issues with the launches, such as parking or congestion, should be formally brought before council so it can be addressed swiftly.

Levy added that, as the population grows in Coldstream and the North Okanagan, the issue of accessing the lakes will grow. He said collaborative efforts are needed to tackle the issues.

Rebuttals

Garlick had a chance to address a concern voiced by the first member of the public in regards to a comment about rerouting water off a road and into a creek. He stated that the water comes up from Skobalski Creek during floods and freshet events, and that the district installed speed bumps to reroute the water back into the creek, adding it does not pollute the waterway.

Hoffman also had a chance to rebut a comment from the first speaker about concerns on granting secondary suites and carriage houses on a case-by-case basis. She stated that the current system ensures the requests are well managed and do not lead to negative impacts to other area residents.

The council candidates gave their closing statements at approximately 8:30 p.m. and the crowd quickly dispersed following the forum.

Citizens will cast their votes for mayor, council and school trustees in the Local General Election on October 15.

by Liam Verster

Coldstream council candidates address key issues at public forum

What Matters