Ed Stranks aims to bring ‘innovation and collaboration’ to council in byelection bid

Nov 24, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Editor’s note:
This is part of a series of profiles on the Vernon council candidates for the Dec. 4th byelection to elect one councillor.
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Ed Stranks is running in the City of Vernon byelection with an intent on finding and taking advantage of opportunities that meet the current and future demands of the community.

In a statement to Vernon Matters, Stranks said “innovation and collaboration are two attributes I (can) bring to this position.”

He stated that city services are important for maintaining the public health, safety and lifestyle of Vernon residents, and said he was in support of the city’s proactive approach in ensuring past under funding of critical infrastructure was stopped, adding he would support initiatives like this if elected.

Stranks added that policing is a significant but important part of the city’s costs, as it ensures the public can feel safe and not worry about crime. However he did acknowledge that more could be done to combat crime locally, and suggested adding more members to the RCMP, as well as investigating whether the addition of more bylaw officers is needed.

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Stranks said it’s important for Vernon to follow through on the Climate Action Plan and “take steps to lead and help others in implementing actions.”

On the topic of housing, Stranks said he would support infill development and re-development in Vernon.

“Council needs to have staff prioritize ways to reduce red tape and costs of residential development in, and near, the city core,” wrote Stranks.

“Updating the current zoning bylaw to rescue the number of variances is one thing I would like to see.”

He added that the City Centre Neighbourhood plan, which was adopted in 2011, should be revisited and revised to create more housing development opportunities.

Stranks said he wants to work with partner organizations to get people off the street and would be in support of initiatives that “enables the homeless to have a place to live and gives them opportunity to improve their lifestyles.”

In his letter to Vernon Matters, Stranks stated that he supports the province’s and Interior Health’s COVID-19 measures to ensure the virus is dealt with in the area.

“We have an obligation to others in our community to do our part. I support actions to address this as recommended by Interior Health and the province,” said Stranks.

Ed Stranks was born and raised in Vernon, and worked for the city for 31 years prior to his retirement this year. He served as Manager of Engineering Development, Deputy Approving Officer, and Acting Director of Engineering and GIS.

During his time with the city, Stranks was responsible for a number of projects including sanitary main extensions on Tronson Road, traffic signal installation, a BC Hydro beautification project, establishing the 58th Avenue traffic circle, and constructing Anderson Way.

Through his positions Stranks had also brought forward reports to council to address variance applications, create new bylaws and updating existing bylaws.

“I have a lot of experience in council addressing enquiries, providing advice and responding to public questions,” said Stranks.

Stranks adds that he also has a Masters Degree in Environment and Management, and wrote his thesis on the implementation of sustainable bylaws in local government.

by Liam Verster

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