SIDNEY COUNCIL
Terri O’Keeffe, 59, retired from federal public service Top three issues:
1. Achieving a more balanced approach to development by creating a range of attainable housing options, while considering green spaces, parking, adaptable units and a quality living environment. 2. Supporting the business community to attract and retain staff. 3. Collaborate with other municipalities on the Peninsula to improve transportation, housing, economic development and Doctor shortages.
One big idea:
Increase the # of affordable rental units by removing barriers for existing homeowners to offer secondary suites or boarding space available in older homes. This could involve the Town reducing permit fees and providing property tax breaks, providing grants for renos, the Provincial govt making changes to the building code, the federal govt reducing tax payable on revenue from secondary suites and potential capital gains taxes.
Chad Rintoul, 49, chief administrative office, Association of B.C. Land Surveyors chadrintoul.ca Top three issues:
Multiple high density developments are under construction or approved. Sidney needs to ‘catch its breath’. Renew the OCP and address infrastructure including parking improvements for Beacon Avenue. A healthy, vibrant community will include affordable housing options so that people can live and work in Sidney with pride. There is a shortage of Doctors and Nurse Practitioners. We need to work collaboratively with neighbouring municipalities to encourage new medical clinics locally.
One big idea:
I would like to work across municipal boundaries, and with health care foundations, and the province to collaboratively to attract physicians and nurse practitioners to establish new clinics in our community. This is a challenge that must be dealt with in partnership.
Jordan Templeman, 23, political science student facebook.com/ TemplemanFor SidneyCouncil Top three issues:
The first and most important issue is affordability. We need to increase rental spaces and affordable house options. Second, we need to keep a health level of development in Sidney. And third, council needs to be fiscally responsible with spending and make every effort to keep taxes low.
One big idea:
We need to change regulation on detached homes (small rental units in the back yard of a residence). This will increase our rental supply and in turn provide income for those who might be struggling with a mortgage.
Peter Wainwright*, 62, environmental consultant peterwainwright.com Top three issues:
1) restore trust in Council & ensure meaningful opportunities for public involvement in decisions; 2) clarify the community vision to guide future decisions on developments; 3) revise the parking bylaw, limit the amount of payment in-lieu for parking spaces, and develop & implement a parking strategy
One big idea:
Experiment with methods for more community participation in council decisions (e.g. PlaceSpeak.com)
Stephen Weller, 47, business owner and commercial property manager Top three issues:
Continue to grow at a measured rate,environmentally and technologically responsibly Continue to be a liaison between property owners and businesses for the better of Sidney. Draw attention to our West Side Which has been lacking for so many years. It has so much to offer and is often forgotten.
One big idea:
Port of Sidney area. With have a new owner that is proven in his industry and a trusted local developer that has property near there, I can’t remember a more exciting time for Sidney to make that area a world class marina,food and beverage and shopping attraction to Sidney,that would help retailers immensely and have little effect on the residents day to day lives. World class Marina with food to match. What’s not to love about that?
*Incumbent **Has held office but is not an incumbent •Current councillor running for mayor