Incumbents thankful for all that is Summerland
9 candidates vying for 6 places in council chambers debate future of the town
SUMMERLAND — Summerland council has achieved great things over the past four years, incumbents declared at an all-candidates forum, Thursday, hosted by the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. Two of the five challengers beg to differ. “What are some of the best things about Summerland? That is something we need to talk about as well,” Coun. Erin Carlson said, after answering a question about the district’s three greatest challenges.
“I want a vibrant and livable Summerland for all Summerlanders.”
Carlson said she prefers to use the term “available store fronts” instead of “empty store fronts.” She entertained visitors from The Netherlands over the summer and they were impressed by the beauty of downtown Summerland.
“We have some excellent businesses in our downtown. Please stop saying downtown is dying because it’s not true.”
In her opening remarks, Coun. Erin Trainer referenced the recent floods and wildfires and the need to address those issues. She wants to develop available lots in the downtown core and assure that district bylaws are up to date. She also hopes to improve the atmosphere at public hearings where everyone feels safe and welcome to share their opinions.
Coun. Doug Holmes addressed the community divide in Summerland over potential development.
“I know very few people who are anti-development,” Holmes said. “The key is, are they in favour of good planning? Instead of pro-development, we need to be pro-planners, who want to see growth in the accordance to the community vision. Anti-planners support intrusive buildings. I am proplanning.”
Coun. Richard Barkwill, who spoke mostly off-the-cuff, took exception to the negative remarks of a fellow candidate.
“In spite of what was said, we still live in the best town, in the best province and in the best country in the world,” Barkwill said. “The world changes and it’s not perfect, it never will be.”
Barkwill named the museum and heritage societies as examples of the good work that’s being done by community volunteers. Marty Van Alphen, elected in 2011 but tossed in the 2014 “Summerland sweep,” where all three incumbents were defeated, is attempting to win his spot back on council.
“I will speak what I believe. I will ask the tough questions,” he assured the crowd.
“I don’t care much for committees. Quit passing the buck — you’re elected to do a job, so do it.”
Ron Kubek, a former councillor in Central Saanich, blasted council and town hall stating there are many “inefficiencies.” He said citizens have to wait an unreasonable amount of time to subdivide their properties and there’s often a $4,900 fee attached with asking simple questions.
Referring to the 2014 election and the Stop the Swap campaign, Kubek said, “They voted ‘no’ on one issue and then coasted for the next four years.”
Recent retiree Doug Pattan, who was employed as a building official with the cities of Edmonton, Penticton and Kelowna, said he’s in favour of “out-of-the-box thinking. We need development, but responsible development for the land that’s equitable.”
He said 29-square meter micro-suites are a possible housing option.
Retired French immersion teacher Claude Gautron repeated a common theme of the evening — the need for affordable housing.
“Summerland is a wonderful place compared to what we had before,” he said. “In Langley, there’s a lot of uncontrolled development. We have the advantage of controlling how we develop our community. We need to plan well for housing and attract businesses that might be interested in coming here.”
Mark Smed, a resident of 29 years, brushed off negative comments about the district.
“It’s a great community, it has always been great and we’re not stagnant,” he said. “Development is happening. Banks Crescent (housing development), that’s not an election issue. There might be a new proposal, I’m waiting for a proposal.”
Other common themes in the two-hour meeting were aging infrastructure, economic development and quality of life.
Nine candidates are running for six spots on council. Election day is Oct. 20.