New ‘Guy’ on council ready to take on Vernon issues

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“I’ll have a lot to learn. It will probably be a learning curve, but they’re all experienced [councillors], they’re all veterans so I’m looking forward to learning from all of them and getting into the swing of things as quickly as I can and getting up to speed and getting down to work,” Guy said.

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Guy noted his work as a consultant and member of the Climate Action Committee has allowed him to work with all levels of government in the past, including the other members of this new council, but this will be his first time being a representative.

Following that initial learning stage, Guy said he hopes to tackle a number of issues, particularly those around housing and the environment.

“I would like to continue the work the previous council started on addressing the housing situation. They have done a lot of great work on the low-income end of the housing spectrum, and there’s more to come, but now I think we need to look at all the housing gaps that we have. There’s more gaps than just at the low-income end,” Guy said. He added housing also affects the local economy, so more should be done to diversify the market.

“Climate is my major interest. I was co-chair of the city’s Climate Action Advisory Committee and we developed the city’s Climate Action Plan. So I am looking forward to getting that plan implemented and move that along from the top down to city staff and give city staff the support they need to fully get that plan going. That includes engaging the entire community and contributing to the plan and the goals of the plan.”

Other issues Guy would like to oversee include the Active Living Centre project, which he said he was glad to see approved in the referendum, along with expanding parks, helping draw in more skilled labour to fill gaps at local businesses, and moving forward with Truth and Reconciliation.

“I think local governments have a role to play in pursuing the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action and I know the city, since about 2017 or 2018, has been working on its relationship with the Okanagan Indian Band. There’s a committee that meets frequently and they’re working on strengthening that relationship, and I am very interested in that process and potentially getting involved in some way to further the goals of reconciliation between the city and the band,” Guy said.

Guy, a geoscientist who has experience with Okanagan water issues, noted his is one of just seven votes on matters affecting Vernon, but still hopes to have more say in some of his priority issues.

“The one area where I think I can show some initiative and leadership is on the environmental side of things and particularly the Climate Action Plan,” Guy said.

“So that’s, I think, where I’m going to be looking to show some leadership.”

Vernon’s new council will have an opportunity to learn more about the budget process at a special workshop on October 24.

Guy and the other members of council will be sworn it at the inaugural meeting on November 7. The rest of that week will be spent on council orientation.

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