For all of you that dont know who to vote for ... vernon.ca/election2014/index.html CANDIDATE COMMENTS: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS PROVIDED BY THE SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT NETWORK SOCIETY (SENS) 1.Many municipalities across Canada have enacted cosmetic pesticide bans, or pesticide reduction measures in their communities because of the health risks and potential for harm - particularly in the case of children’s health and development. If elected, would you support an effort to reduce or eliminate the cosmetic use of pesticides in the City of Vernon? What would this look like? SCOTT ANDERSON My view would depend on solid scientific evidence that ALL pesticide use A) causes sufficient harm, and B) that said harm is worse than allowing the pests to flourish. If both of the above criteria are satisfied, I would be in favour of banning pesticides inside city limits except in the case of trained and licensed commercial operators. VICTOR CUMMING (for Mayor) Cosmetic pesticides are unnecessary, heavily regulated, and at times harmful. Systematically limiting residential and park use is a positive step. JULIETTE CUNNINGHAM I see this as a Regional issue. There should be a two pronged approach to dealing with the reduction or elimination of cosmetic pesticides. There are communities in British Columbia who have found their greatest success in reducing pesticide use came from both a bylaw and an educational program. In preparation for a potential bylaw RDNO and member municipalities could focus their efforts on pesticide alternatives. Groups like SENS could be partners in this education. KARI GARES Pesticides on lawn and gardens for cosmetic uses can expose people, pets and sensitive ecosystems to unnecessary and potentially serious harm. To protect the health of our community, its important to implement laws that restrict the use of cosmetic pesticides, and or establish safer weed-control methods in order to protect the health and safety of our community - especially in our youth. These health concerns can range and are not limited to cancer, respiratory problems, reproductive problems, and neurological diseases. The biggest concern is the leakage of pesticides into our sensitive water systems which is where the majority of Vernon’s drinking water is from. It is prudent to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure to our children by the continued lobbying between both municipal and provincial governments to establish restrictions on their use in public areas. It is also important that our local governments help to establish educational resources to assist with businesses and residences to establish other environmental friendly ways to deal with weed control. For agricultural uses – at this time it would make them exempt but, like some agricultural communities are already doing – help to implement other organic farm weed control. JACK GILROY I have supported this effort in the past and I will continue to do so. In 2010 Vernon council agreed to reduce cosmetic pesticide application on its own lands. i was on council at this time. I believe our public is more aware of low-risk alternatives and continuation of education programs on cosmetic pesticides would be beneficial. Many private properties are going to xeriscaping; choosing plants that thrive in our Okanagan climate. Such landscaping measures require minimal irrigation, maintenance and pest control. ART GOURLEY Look after health. We can’t check everybody. We can educate people. JANET GREEN It goes without saying that I would support and advocate discontinuation of any chemical which is proven, by sound scientific evidence, to create a risk to the citizens of this community and most certainly where children are concerned. SHAWN LEE The City of Vernon already restricts its own use of pesticides both in boulevard maintenance and in the control of plant growth in cracks in asphalt and cement. It is always appropriate to find ways to reduce the use of these chemical compounds. I believe the city requested SD 22 to reduce the use of herbicides on it fields. The City has been leading by example in these actions but as far as I know has stopped short in banning the qualified use of these materials. I would support a clear, frank and informed discussion of what more could be done be to preserve a healthy environment. There has been a noticeable growth of weeds in the various cracks in Vernon roads and sidewalks. Such growth has been shown to shorten the serviceable life of these installations. Some efficient way of controlling this vegetation needs to be found or it will cost more in the future in energy and resources. CATHERINE LORD The banning of cosmetic pesticides is a very controversial subject, particularly when it comes to controlling noxious weeds. The provincial government is proposing changes to the Integrated Pest Management Act (IPMA) that will result in stricter controls over application of pesticides. Enforcement by the provincial government, however, will be difficult due to lack of manpower. I support the ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides on school grounds. I also would support a bylaw similar to the Kelowna Pesticide Bylaw and really like Kelowna’s approach to education of the public through “Pesticide Free Workshops”, and would support funding through the budget to facilitate this. Education is always more effective than enforcement. JAMIE MORROW (for Mayor) Yes, if elected I would support an effort to reduce or eliminate cosmetic pesticides. What would this look like? Educate the public by supporting a city wide promotional campaign on alternate methods to control pests and weeds; one example is vinegar for weed control and liquid soap and water for pests. I Support the use of bio-pesticides and organic methods to control weeds and pests I would support an effort to reduce or eliminate cosmetic pesticides in favour of using bio-pesticides and organic methods to control weeds and pests. AKBAL MUND (for Mayor) Yes I support the effort to reduce or eliminate the use of cosmetic pesticides. The Provincial Govt should follow the lead taken by the Ontario and Quebec governments in classifying all pesticides before they can be sold or used and implement what these provinces have done. DALVIR NAHAL I am an advocate for healthy and sustainable lifestyle. I appreciate the need to make changes to reduce potential health risks in our environment and protect our future; therefore I support an effort to reduce the cosmetic use of pesticides in the City of Vernon. After doing some research, I discovered that provinces like Quebec have drastically improved their usage of pesticides. In Vernon, I see that we could follow a similar plan by amending certain bylaws to restrict usage of cosmetic pesticides in both residential and commercial properties. I think having education forums would also be important especially when it came to the differences between agricultural and cosmetic pesticides. MARY-JO O’KEEFE (for Mayor) I think it is very important to continue to find ways of reducing our use of pesticides but to do so in a way that is safe and fiscally sustainable. On January 25 2010, I moved the following motion which was carried by City Council Moved by Councillor O’Keefe, seconded by Councillor Lee: THAT Council endorse the proposed Public Lands Cosmetic Pesticide Reduction Procedure for those public lands either City owned and operated or contracted to the City to maintain within Vernon boundaries; AND FURTHER, that Council support the development of a cosmetic pesticide education program by staff; AND FURTHER that the Ministry of Environment, be encouraged to come forward with ‘province wide’ regulations pertaining to cosmetic pesticide use as soon as possible. CARRIED. This motion was important because we clearly defined the proposed reduction in pesticide use but also stated the need for education. Records show that the most dangerous uncontrolled users of pesticides are untrained homeowners who do not use or apply the pesticides in a safe manner; further education is crucial. Secondly, it is important that we have a province wide set of regulations for cosmetic pesticide use – this will ensure that standards are uniform throughout the province. Weeds can be more than just an unsightly nuisance. Weed growth in certain locations can damage roadways, curbs, shoulders and sidewalks with all the attendant costs. Weeds can also create a safety issue blocking sight lines for motorists and create hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. The city has to have a goal of controlling weeds that contribute to these problems. Our municipal program is not intended to control weeds for cosmetic purposes. Finally I do need to say that I think this community has been very mindful of appropriate pesticide use, our support of the Sterile Insect Release program , which releases sterile moths into the orchards is considered to be “best practice” globally and has over time ensured that we continue to receive the benefits of less and less use of harmful pesticides in our orchards MARK OLSEN I absolutely would support efforts for the reduction of cosmetic use of pesticides in our city. I believe we should be utilizing the precautionary principle when we are exposing people to potentially toxic materials. There is validity in recognizing that unchecked weed growth can impact our roads and sidewalks when they grow in the cracks that form, but there are alternatives to pesticide use in dealing with those issues. Direct spraying is one method of targeting noxious weeds but what we spray on them is something to consider. Non-toxic or least toxic pesticide alternatives include horticultural vinegar (acetic acid), herbicidal soaps or iron based herbicides. Weed management can also make use of flame weeding machines or high pressure steam. Pesticides can compromise our health particularly children who are lower in proximity to the chemicals , have a less developed immune system, and when very young tend to put things they pick up in their mouth. The effects of exposure can trigger symptoms of headaches, skin or eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. I am concerned that while 7 Canadian Provinces have banned the use of some form of the 2-4-D, the Provincial Government of British Columbia’s Integrated Pest Management has given approval to its use. If there is a risk of compromising our health we should be taking a very close look at these products. BRIAN QUIRING I would support an effort to reduce the cosmetic use of pesticide in the City of Vernon. We want our children to be safe everywhere they play. It should not matter if children are at school, home or at daycare they should be able to play on grass that is free from potentially harmful chemical pesticides. I support a plan that would set out clear rules for the use of federally approved bio-pesticides or low risk products that would be allowed for use on: *Lawns *Adjoining sidewalks and patios *School grounds, playgrounds and playing fields *Health-care institutions and child-care centre grounds This is not a ban on spraying your lawn but rather choosing what to spray on your lawn. BOB SPIERS I support a Provincial legislated ban on cosmetic pesticides. I would also accept and support a Regional initiative. JAMES TODD I am in favor of a partial ban , on pesticides, I would like to see more less toxic recipies, to made at home , perhaps a pamphlet, to treat indigenous weeds. made available KLAUS TRIBES (for Mayor) I don’t like the use of pesticides or herbicides. However, sometimes they are a necessary evil. If and when, we can find alternative ways to control noxious weeds without the use of these chemicals, I would certainly support their discontinuance. COLT WILSON If elected I would support a reduction in the use of cosmetic pesticides. I have no doubt that these pesticides pose a negative health effect on city residences. In the case of considering an all out ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides I think it is something the city of Vernon should look further into. First a committee must be established in order to become better educated on this matter. If the findings support an all out ban then I would be behind it fully. 2.Numerous decisions council and mayor make are mundane (even boring?!?) …but we need representatives who look LONG term and think ‘outside the box’. What have you done or initiated in the recent past (or what idea do you have now for the near future!) that shows your long term vision and ‘outside the box’ thinking? SCOTT ANDERSON Some of the long term plans Vernon may in the immediate future be contemplating - e.g. narrowing roads, high density downtown neighbourhoods, etc - are predicated on assumptions that may or may not prove true in the future. Thinking outside the box requires examining, quite carefully, the fundamental assumptions upon which we base long term plans. In my opinion it is also important to seek out and take into consideration citizen (as opposed to interest group) input when developing a vision for the future of Vernon. VICTOR CUMMING (for Mayor) I am a regional social and economic development specialist with 35 years of working with communities both in Canada and developing countries. Thinking outside or inside the box to identify socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable projects have successfully occupied my and our project team’s professional attention every day. Some successes are: • Encouraged the use of Super Steam Heated Vacuum kilns for drying millwork quality wood and timbers thus saving substantial energy, producing a better product, and generating higher prices for higher quality wood. The kilns generate only water and turpentine as by-products. • Established a commercial scale wild organic smoke salmon operation, created jobs, and income for a remote community while adding substantial value to a BC export. • Applied conventional economic analysis skills to conduct an economic analysis of the Okanagan Rail Trail – CN right-of-way conversion contributing to the recent support by Okanagan regional and local governments to purchase the right-of-way. • Lead the support by the Okanagan Landing Association, which owns most of Paddlewheel Park, to champion the operation of the Okanagan Lake shrimp fishing fleet, enhancing jobs, investment and method to deal with the introduction of the invasive shrimp species. • Assisting a group of medical professionals to prepare a business feasibility analysis of an integrated pain clinic using a combination of traditional and alternative medical treatments. The feasibility study is moving toward a business plan and significant investment. • With the assistance of my colleagues at Ribbons of Green Trail Society of Greater Vernon, lead a process that created a new North Okanagan Integrated Trails plan adopted by all municipal and regional governments in 2014. • Facilitated and prepared a sustainable social, environmental, and economic development vision and strategies for Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality which quickly assisted with the development of a public school on site, saving time and money in transportation cost. Enhanced cross country skiing and biking facilities. • Prepared a business plan and business implementation for establishing a bulk fuel operation in the Chilcotin reducing fuel use by major forest companies harvesting mountain pine beetle killed trees in the region, lowering operating costs, lower the carbon footprint and increasing commercial viability of cutting the stands. • Identified international markets for BC’s log and timber builders generating significant value added from BC’s high value wood, thus increasing quality employment in rural communities and maximizing value from minimal harvesting. • Conducted feasibility analysis on in-pipe electrical generation systems for municipal water authorities to lower pressure in water systems and generate electricity as a by-product. • Identified commercial uses of waste wood on mill sites, including a combination of electrical generation and waste heat used for kiln drying in traditional kilns that have now been put into use. • Generated business cases for community heat systems from waste wood and bio-digesters to generate natural gas for traditional heating methods. • Established, with regional tourism operators, a staff share system to enable operations with opposite seasonal peaks to systematically share employees providing year round employment for locally based employees and improving the quality of products and services for operators. • Created the business case for cutting timbers from decadent wood creating increased jobs, value and profits without increasing the timber harvest levels. • Plus many more projects over 35 years of practise. JULIETTE CUNNINGHAM First of all I would like to make the point that yes councils often deal with what you label “mundane and boring” as also necessary. When elected in 2005 my main motivation to seek a seat was my reaction to what I saw as sprawl. I was a strong advocate for Smart Growth B.C. to be our consultants for the OCP. I have never regretted that decision as it became the impetus for a very robust Official Community Plan which we continue to build on to this day. The Transportation Demand initiatives resulted from the OCP and are expanding each year with the goal of reducing trips by car. I’ve personally signed up as a Pace Car driver to reduce speed in school zones so children can feel safe walking. We are expanding the program each year. I believe in density in our City core and have supported our Tax-exemption bylaw to further encourage residential construction downtown. I recently attended “Vernon in Transition” presented by Mary Stockdale and Bill Darnell. A local resident is introducing me to friends who live in Motueka, New Zealand who are living in a Town in Transition. I will meet with them in New Zealand this coming February to learn of their successes and challenges. KARI GARES One of my visions for Vernon revolves around the redevelopment of the downtown core. To have a sustainable downtown core, it is imperative that long term redevelopment of this area progress. I foresee a development that allows the preservation of the history of Vernon while improving on the economic drivers that will ultimately help stimulate Vernons downtown core, and more important, the businesses that operate in this area. In order to have a sustainable core, the City must focus on multi use development - a place where people can appreciate the Urban streetscape, the walkable and bikeable community, the dense fabric of closely reachable shops, offices and housing - and yes parks. We call this Urban Reform. These multi-use buildings could allow for rooftop greenspaces as a start. Cities like Vancouver and Edmonton have already implemented many of these types of building designs as a means to create and maintain communal gardens. An idea that will allow the successful growth of a sustainable food source in areas where land is unavailable. These rooftop gardens can be incorporated into our valuable ecosystem which provide distant ecological benefits. It also helps to develop a sense of strong community and will help to improve the resale factor for many of these business owners. JACK GILROY As a former member of council, I worked on the OCP with numerous citizens of Vernon. I support focusing on the City centre and a network of neighbourhood centres and having green space accessible in all these areas. The 29th Street corridor from Polson Park to the Village Green Mall allows local traffic to stay off the more dense highway traffic. I would also like to see the Kin Race Track issue settled and a LONG term vision for this area in place. This would be in conjunction with citizen input. Green space for recreation and fun, organized sports fields, perhaps a new building for gymnastics and cultural activities. Adding another ice sheet to Kal Tire Place makes sense and it would be a part of this whole complex. Just look at all the new jobs! ART GOURLEY more building, bigger buildings. more green trees. lots of people living in city core. JANET GREEN Health Care initiatives: Dr. Shortages: New Physician billing # should be assigned by region not randomly. Numerous letters to the editor about the misconception that completion of the two top floors of the Tower would resolve waiting lists or bed shortages- I consistently advocated that additional assisted living facilities for seniors was a more reasonable approach to resolving bed shortages. SHAWN LEE Once I suggested that instead of creating the Staff position of TDM Coordinator that City Council provide an annual budget ($40,000) allowance for the volunteer TDM Committee to use to promote alternate modes of transportation. Being new to City Council I did not realize how far outside the box my suggestion was. The City instead hired a TDM coordinator who as far as I know still commutes to Vernon from Kelowna. That is pretty far outside the box! Outside the box thinking has to overcome a lot of inertia that presents in the form of tradition and legislation. CATHERINE LORD Long term thinking means considering the sustainability of our city. Although I am all about controlling costs, sustainability measures often have costs associated with them. I am proud of the actions current council have taken with regard to infrastructure, by implementing a cost control strategy and a designated tax increase to bridge the gap between what we are spending and what we need to spend on infrastructure. I support our “cultural plan” process – one of the benefits of going through this process is the inclusion of all sectors of arts and culture in our community. Climate change is a fact of life, and food production throughout the world is changing because of it. We are going to need to rely more on local food production, and I want to encourage this. JAMIE MORROW (for Mayor) I would like to build up (vertical) in the downtown. I consider this out of the box thinking as we are not currently using this model. I would like to see Mixed-use developments to reenergize and revitalize downtown Benefits of mixed-use development include *greater housing variety and density, more affordable housing (smaller units), life-cycle housing (starter homes to larger homes to senior housing) *reduced distances between housing, workplaces, retail businesses, and other amenities and destinations *better access to fresh, healthy foods (as food retail and farmers markets can be accessed on foot/bike or by transit) *more compact development, land-use synergy (e.g. residents provide customers for retail which provide amenities for residents) *stronger neighborhood character, sense of place *walkable, bike-able neighborhoods, increased accessibility via transit, both resulting in reduced transportation costs AKBAL MUND (for Mayor) At home we recycle almost everything. Our family of four with two young children takes out our one trash can to the curb once every 6-8 weeks. Why? We are educated enough to know what can be recycled. We send plastic to Pacific Mobile Depot in Victoria, why do we not have a business here in the Okanagan? When I was a partner with Wendy’s we went non-smoking in Vernon in early 1995, the first restaurant to do so, yes we took a lot of heat from our customers, but we knew it was the right thing to do, so instead of waiting for others, we removed the ashtrays and went non-smoking. Now everywhere is virtually non-smoking. DALVIR NAHAL I have always been one to think outside the box and see the bigger picture. Two years ago I noticed that we are having the same type of black tie events and decided to do something different. Thus creating “Bollywood Bang”, this fundraiser was not only something that was never done before but also a great way to bridge gaps between two cultures. I see a similar opportunity to use social media to reach a wider, and younger demographic that currently lacks knowledge of (and interest in) community and city politics. I would like to connect and bridge the gap between citizens and politicians. I feel in today’s day and age where people are so busy it’s only through social media such as social networking (i.e. Facebook, twitter) that people are aware of what’s going on. The City of Vernon could benefit from targeting this mainstream audience and creating dialogue . We need to keep the public aware of what we are doing and how it benefits us a community. MARY-JO O’KEEFE (for Mayor) When I think of what Vernon should be in the future, I envision a thriving small city with active citizens who are able to participate in a broad base of activities from sports to cultural events. Where we can all grow old surrounded by our families, who are also able to stay and thrive in the area. This may seem a little trite but I think we need to continue to make small steps towards this goal – from continuing to provide full connectivity on our off road bike paths – to increasing our recycling and decreasing our use of plastics. The motion that was made to eliminate the use of water bottles in City Hall was one of these small steps that can have a great impact in the long term Moved by Councillor O’Keefe, seconded by Councillor Baumbrough: THAT Council refers, to the Environmental Advisory Committee, the initiative by the City of Vancouver, which has banned the use of water bottles within their City Facilities, and requests the Committee review this initiative and feasibility for City of Vernon, with a report back to Council. CARRIED. When I was the president of the Downtown Vernon Association, we initiated for the first time a downtown merchants recycling program, though not all merchants supported this initiative, the program did help significantly pull recyclables materials from the general waste stream. I have also supported the School Travel Plans and the Walking School Bus that will encourage families to try walking to school. Finally for us to strengthen families we need to provide amenities that make it easy for families to stay in Vernon and perhaps more important is to ensure that we are making it easy for people to do business here and invest their money here in Vernon thereby creating jobs and opportunities for all our citizens. MARK OLSEN I think we could do a lot more for our recycling program. Vancouver has a goal of reducing refuse going to the landfill by 75% by 2020. Nanaimo has a comprehensive Zero Waste recycling program that has some great ideas. One in particular is their composting program called the Green Bin. The Organics Diversion Program started with restaurants collecting their compostable waste and has evolved into households participating. From the reports I have heard it is a welcomed program and people feel they are doing their part to reduce waste. The added processing could benefit our job market, as well as providing a source of fertilizer for our local produce farmers so I would like to pursue this idea further if elected. I have often stated that we should utilize our rail line to Kelowna as I thought this could be a good alternative to transport between the two cities for people and goods. I was somewhat disappointed that we might be losing the rail link but if the jurisdictions currently involved in the discussions come to an agreement and if the intended plan would be a green way/nature trail this would also benefit our community just in a different way. BRIAN QUIRING I have a professional degree in Architecture, which has taught me to solve problems in unconventional ways. Out of the box thinking means approaching problems in new, innovative ways; conceptualizing problems differently; and understanding your position in relation to any particular situation in a way you have never thought of before. As a member of the current council we have adopted an unconventional way to ensure we rebuild our financial reserves in order to have the financial ability to maintain our aging infrastructure and not encumber our children and future generations with a deteriorated city and depleted reserves. I have been instrumental in revising the hillside development guidelines which now provide the opportunity for, where appropriate, steep slope development promoting innovative architecture on infill sites. I will continue to use my experience as an architect, business person, and councillor to promote sustainable planning initiatives and will endeavor to base my decisions on what is best for our community. Sometimes the out of the box solution is the one staring you in the face! BOB SPIERS I have initiated the idea of an increase in the Business Class property tax assessment exemption from $10,000 to $50,000 and it has been proposed at least 4 times at UBCM. (still unsuccessful as of 2014) This is a business tax decrease that would most benefit the small businesses in this town. I also was the catalyst for waiving the DCCs for low income housing built by non-profits. I was also instrumental in eliminating the duplicate sewer and water base fees for secondary suites. JAMES TODD I have a lot of Ideas, however I am not comfortable with putting them out into the public domain at this time, however, I would like to see, the city Hall open 6 days a week, and Council meetings one sat month. The box right now is 5 days a week. I will however be pleased to tell you a few one on one, . KLAUS TRIBES (for Mayor) My long-term vision for the City is for Mayor and Council to run a business friendly and cost efficient City, to run it like a business. I will pursue avenues to do things better, cheaper, and with as little impact on the environment as possible. That’s not going to happen overnight, but I know responsible businesses, especially small businesses, will always look for better ways to get things done, and to protect the environment. Mayor and Council can lead the way to be more energy efficient, and to have a low impact on the environment. As an example, I have been heating our swimming pool with solar heat for the past 20 years. I use collected rainwater to water all my shrubs and plants. COLT WILSON I don’t think we need to look too far outside the box to realize the most important thing at stake in Vernon. We need to protect the current jobs we have in our community at all cost. Many people can’t find employment in our community and must either move or work in other provinces. We need to act now and find ways to influence investment into the community in order to create new employment. Fathers should be able to make a living in Vernon and spend time with there families when they go home at the end of the day. Without a stable economy moving forward Vernon is in big trouble. 3.Over 1000 international companies have pledged to support carbon pricing. They recognize that greenhouse gas emissions are an unprecedented threat to economic stability and therefore to their clients’ portfolios. Are you in favour of a low carbon/low energy economy and if so, how might you initiate and encourage it in the North Okanagan? SCOTT ANDERSON : I am against carbon taxation in any form. It does nothing to reduce the use of fossil fuels and creates unnecessary hardship on businesses that rely on transportation, and on rural residents who have no choice but to travel long distances. VICTOR CUMMING (for Mayor) A low green house gas emissions economy is critical and the City of Vernon must be part of the solution. Extension research and modelling by the Okanagan Partnership in 2007 showed that only real way to systematic decrease the Okanagan’s carbon footprint over the medium term was to increase density. Doubling the density of Vernon, moving to two dwellings where there is currently one, in the core plus adding some three floor apartment complexes would meet this objective for Vernon. All plant and moving equipment owned by the City needs to be evaluated to reduce fuel use including downsizing or converting of existing equipment. All stationary and mobile equipment (e.g., generators......) owned by the City of Vernon need to be evaluated for ways to reduce fuel use including downsizing or converting existing equipment. JULIETTE CUNNINGHAM I am in favour. There are policy and behavioral hurdles to be faced before we are able to initiate any meaningful strides toward a low carbon/low energy economy in Vernon. We can begin with raising awareness by engaging our community in clarifying the confusion and mixed-messages that exists about climate change. I’ll refer to a recent cartoon I saw where people are attending a sustainability-climate change summit and a gentleman stands up and says “What if it’s a big hoax and we create a better world for nothing? KARI GARES As David Suzuki states, many environmentalists agree that putting a price on greenhouse gas emissions is [a] powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Putting a price of pollution is a strategic way in helping to reduce the effects of carbon gases simply because it becomes expensive not to. BC implemented a carbon tax back in 2008 on the cost of the fuel; but it cant stop here. Carbon pricing can help shape new innovative ways to establish greener technologies. Without stricter controls on greenhouse gases, pollution will place a huge taxation on our current healthcare system. There seems to be a rise in those suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma. According to a 2008 stat, air pollution was responsible for over 21000 premature deaths, 92,000 emergency room visits, and 620,000 visits to the doctor office. According to this same stat, over 13% of Canadian children suffer from asthma - my child being one of them. But a carbon tax is NOT the only way to support improvements to climate change. Our local municipality can encourage more energy efficient standards for buildings (more green initiatives especially for lower income housing), financial incentives for home energy improvements, and more important, improvement to public transportation and road ways. They can look at ways of reducing their own operating costs by switching to a more efficient way of lighting our community - LED bulbs. Not only do the old bulbs use more electricity per year and produce a significant amount of CO2 emissions, they are costly for the City to run. LED lighting can help save thousands in cost over time simply because these bulbs do not require changing every few months but rather every decade or so. JACK GILROY Yes, I am in favour of a low carbon/low energy economy. Carbon pricing is considered by many economists to be one of the most efficient ways to reduce global warming emissions. It goes without saying that lowering greenhouse emissions ultimately contributes to a safer, healthier planet. We all need to take responsibility, starting at the individual and family level. Public education and community initiatives help us all to be more informed. Walk when you can, ride a bike, use public transport and carpool are simple and effective measures that we all can do. Look at what supporting our local food system can do to help our local farmers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There would be fewer transportation costs and emissions. Less distance travelled means fresher foods and decreases the need for processing and refrigeration to reduce spoilage. All savings for the farmer, the consumer and greenhouse gas emissions. Unused food that ends up in landfills are one of the main sources of greenhouse gases. Encouraging home composting and perhaps looking at a city composting program is another way our community can cut down on greenhouse gases. ART GOURLEY Yes and the use of alternative energy JANET GREEN Carbon pricing is another tax and my platform is based on tax reduction. However, I certainly support air quality enhancement by reducing emission pollutants such as sulphur oxides which result in environmental degradation (acid rain) and particulate matter which is determined to be a serious health concern. SHAWN LEE I support the Smart Growth principles initially adopted in the Vernon of Vernon’s OCP of 2008 which if adhered to foster lower energy and non-renewable resource use both by the city and its residents. I think that carbon pricing on our small local economy would not yield the benefits sought and would deter economic investment in Greater Vernon. Carbon pricing seems to be most effective when applied broadly to pollution producers. I must admit however that carbon pricing reminds me of a mediaeval church practice of selling of indulgences to those who were planning on a little sinning: forgiveness in advance for a price. It didn’t deter transgressions but in effect granted permission. I wonder if the corporations who support the concept of “carbon pricing” think of these added costs as “indulgences” and the sinning will continue. CATHERINE LORD Of course I’m in favour of a low carbon/low energy economy. Sweden’s carbon tax (since 1991) has had a very positive effect on their greenhouse gas emissions. BC’s carbon tax (2008) is revenue neutral, which means that carbon tax revenues are used to reduce tax rates. I would strongly support the use of carbon tax revenues on environmental programs and initiatives. At the local level, I’d like to take a close look at our Development Cost Charges bylaw – which is being amended in 2015. One of the categories is “single detached housing” which currently has a flat rate per lot. I’d like to see a rate per sq.meter – which may encourage the construction of smaller homes. I also want to develop initiatives that support and encourage our local technology sector- the Economic Development Committee has a sub-committee that is tasked with this. Our OCP encourages densification, which reduces vehicle traffic time, and we encourage alternate modes of transportation through the expansion of BC Transit and the construction of bicycle and walking paths. JAMIE MORROW (for Mayor) Yes, I am in favour of a low carbon/low energy economy. The first thing we can do is approach and work with our local companies to see if: They have an internal rate set? Are they willing to set a rate that is fair and equitable to set proven standards? Work with Provincial and Federal governments on standards? We can set standards - Page 90/91 of the OCP – OCP states that at this time, the city is on track. In light of this, we can work standards into all new construction projects and major renovations. Okanagan College in Penticton recently built a green, energy neutral building for the same cost as a conventional building of the same square footage. The structure has been built to meet the ambitious targets of the Living Building Challenge, which requires net-zero energy and water consumption, as well as several other prerequisites. It can be done! okanagan.bc.ca/Page26539.aspx BC has a carbon tax that has been in place since 2008. The BC carbon tax rate in 2012 is set at $30 a ton. We can ask how is it working? Is it being enforced? What should the tax be in 2020? AKBAL MUND (for Mayor) Yes we are in favour, we have to educate all generations on the use of energy and how it effects our carbon footprint. Obviously the new fuel efficient/ electric vehicles, as well as more recycling has helped, but without people being educated time is wasted. DALVIR NAHAL I would think it would be rare to find someone not in favour low carbon/low energy economy. In order to sustain and preserve our environment we need to make certain changes. Some of the things that could be implemented are tax initiatives and encourage new developers to build building that require low carbon energy supply. Again I think the more we educate ourselves and the public the more effective it would be. MARY-JO O’KEEFE (for Mayor) Both Councils that I have sat on have been very active in reducing our carbon footprint and we have set clear goals through our OCP that we would like achieve Our targets include a year over year commitment to improving transit service affecting a modal split of 20% non single occupant vehicle use. We have invested in School Plans and Transit plans and the Integrated Transportation Network – that council has ratified this year goes a long way to providing our citizens with a reliable and sustainable transportation network. MARK OLSEN I do favour some form of a carbon pricing strategy because it encourages businesses to find ways to reduce carbon emissions. If we want corporations to get on board with addressing climate change we need to get their participation by making pollution more costly. Their main focus is the bottom line and if it is less expensive to find a cleaner way to operate they will. Revenues from this strategy should be used for innovations to reduce our carbon footprint. The Province of BC attempted to implement a carbon offset program but it was fraught with controversy as some businesses were exempt from buying the offsets while public facilities were burdened with the costs thereby reducing the resources for front line services in health and education. The idea has merit but the implementation needs to be refined. One main issue with any plan is that it requires a commitment from all levels. While any participation would be welcomed the overall effect would be limited if one jurisdiction was participating on their own. It also potentially places the participating jurisdiction at a cost of production disadvantage. The Australian government recently repealed their carbon tax and justified it by saying it will lower costs for Australian businesses and ease cost of living pressures for households. If all countries adopted this we would have a level playing field and the production cost argument would be eliminated. In support of curbing carbon emissions; according to one study published in Nature Climate Change, policies to reduce carbon emissions reduced health care costs in some cases by more than 10 times the cost of the policy implementation. While not related to carbon pricing, by encouraging environmentally friendly businesses to set up shop here would add economic strength without increase our carbon footprint. BRIAN QUIRING I am in favor of carbon pricing as one of the strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I also agree that greenhouse gas emissions are a threat to global economic stability. I am cautious to engage in punitive strategies to promote sustainability but rather feel that the right combination of public education and incentives will promote a culture shift towards a carbon neutral society. I support a strategy that would require buildings to be designed to a LEED standard thus reducing the carbon footprint and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. I support a solar ready strategy for new construction and would initiate a reduction in building permit fees for projects that have the provision to add solar power at a future time I encourage and support alternative energy solutions for transportation. BOB SPIERS Of course I am in favour of a low carbon/low energy economy. Beyond my pay grade on initiating any ideas. I would listen to the community environmental experts and take their advice where warranted on how to tackle these problems. JAMES TODD I like the plan, however there are people who know way more about that subjectthan I, I am prepared to learn from them, on what would be a good tack to take.for local input. KLAUS TRIBES (for Mayor) Firstly, I think there should be uniform carbon pricing throughout the world, to take away the competitive edge of high-carbon use. Products produced and imported from countries which do not subscribe to this policy, should be heavily taxed at the border of all participating countries to take away the competitive edge In Vernon, we can help by promoting higher use of public transit to reduce the per person production of carbon we release into the atmosphere. The use of bicycles should also be encouraged and prompted. One model to look at, to encourage the use of bicycles more, is the City of Portland, which is very bike friendly. I have in my possession a map of their program, and when elected will look into this program further. I have also already started with discussions with a member of a local cycling group who will volunteer her time to encourage the implantation of these ideas. COLT WILSON I’m personally in favour of a low carbon, low energy economy. I think Vernon needs to look at examples of other communities who have already started to pave the way in this direction. We are in a time when it is every municipal government’s responsibility to try and limit green house gas emissions. A committee should be formed to discuss the best way to initiate and encourage it in Vernon. 4.Vancouvers green city action plan has increased employment by 18% and has created 28,000 green jobs by studying leading green cities around the world. Which of Vancouvers Green Action Plan ideas would you adopt to increase good jobs in our region? SCOTT ANDERSON Many of the ideas contained in Vancouvers so-called green action plan are laudable. Many - for example the plan to make the majority of trips (over 50%) on foot, bicycle, and public transit over the next 8 years - are simply unrealistic for Vernon. Others are actively detrimental to the economy e.g. the increased parking costs and regulation on automobile use have contributed to the closure of numerous downtown establishments in Vancouver. A recent study (Vancouver Economic Development Commission) found the Hornby/Dunsmuir bike lanes alone have resulted in a $2.4 million loss in sales … some businesses reporting decreases up to 30%. VICTOR CUMMING (for Mayor) The region could adopt all 10 of the Goals of the Green City Action Plan. The following four would be the first to focus on as substantial efforts are already underway. Goal 5 – Green Waste RDNO is already fully engaged in strategies to decrease waste and increase recycling. Goal 6 – Access to Nature • Implementation of the RoGTS Trails Plan. • Addition of substantial near city parks and outdoor recreation areas, e.g. the Okanagan Rail Trail or Commonage, Bella Vista or O’Keefe Range Highlands trails or Linear Parks. • Establishment of a systematic use counting system and strategic follow-up to increase use of nature trails and parks. • Establishment of a comprehensive (fun) bussing system for Silver Star and Sovereign Lake Nordic. Goal 7 – Lighter Carbon Footprint • Measure Vernon’s density and establish a baseline in order to measure annual progress. • Measurement and communication of trips by mode of transport as part of the Transportation Demand Management. • Measure fuel usage by City vehicles and equipment. • Measure carbon footprint by City buildings. • Establish carbon footprint challenges for privately owned commercial buildings. Goal 8 – Local Food Consumption • Continuation of the farmers’ markets particularly the reinstated Friday night market accessible to many who live in the west end of main street who do not have vehicles. • Measure local consumption of local farm products by commercial operations. JULIETTE CUNNINGHAM We should look to adopt all 10 of their ideas in some form or another. I would like the City of Vernon, in partnership with the Regional District, to become a leader in the area of green building technology as part of our Regional Growth Strategy. Our goal should be to attract companies whose investment is in clean, innovative ideas for alternative energy products. We must continue to invest in green transportation through our Transportation Demand Management. Ongoing support of community gardens, local food producers must continue and expand as well look at the implementation of a community composting program. KARI GARES Create opportunities while building a strong local economy, with vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods. As part of Vancouvers Green action plan - economic development is at the forefront of this. Since Vernon is primarily a service and hospitality community, we offer little in the way of Industry. By implementing a plan that is similar to Vancouver we could help improve or economy by establishing new greener jobs. In essence, we will bring a new diversified industry to Vernon that will help improve the economic footprint of Vernon residents. This can be achieved by building greener buildings, more effective materials management and recycling program, local food through the use of our agricultural community, and sustainable services and education through emerging sectors. A more notable way would be to increase the number of parks and greenways available to the community. Not only does this help to beautify our community but it also helps to create a sustainable economy. JACK GILROY I believe we are making progress in many of the City of Vancouvers Green Action Plan goals. As creating better jobs and promoting the economy and development are identified by citizens as areas of importance, I think we need to adopt Goal #1 - a Green Economy; with the target of increasing our green jobs. Green jobs are too numerous to mention. They dont refer to just environmental jobs. They include a wide spectrum of jobs, from concrete formers, solar panel installers, construction workers, labourers, small business owners, farmers, transit drivers, computer software technicians, electricians, welders, planners, engineers, and on and on. ART GOURLEY by planting more trees alternative energy. JANET GREEN Vernon is very different than Vancouver (population and climate) and I have serious concerns regarding the tax burden placed on home owners and businesses by creating taxpayer-funded jobs. SHAWN LEE I believe the City could encourage existing businesses to “Green their operations” by providing educational opportunities that demonstrate the economic benefits of such greening to the business owners and their clients. I would support the expansion of the farmers market in Vernon as well as the expansion of community gardens such as the garden at the OUC Campus that allows for local harvest of fresh produce for a small donation. Again the promotion of the 100 mile diet would provide impetus for more local production and related employment. I would support a campaign to reduce the number of automobile trips by encouraging the use of alternate transportation at least one day a week. This would transform the BC transit jobs in Vernon that are currently heavily subsidized in our community into truly Green jobs because of the increased ridership. Green jobs creation projections in this report are admittedly “an inexact science”. Why is this so? Economics is an inexact science that depends on attempts to predict the economic and environmental choices of large numbers of people and resulting effects on a local exchange of goods and services. I believe that it is the “green” choices made individuals and families that will drive the needed changes in how we do things. CATHERINE LORD I’m looking at five out of the 10 goals in Vancouver’s Green City Action Plan. The first is Green Transportation – and we already support this through our Transportation Master Plan and the various events for sustainability that the City supports through our Transportation Demand coordinator. The city is developing Neighbourhood Plans and School Travel Plans that encourage walking and cycling and closer amenities to home. (Bicycle technicians, bus drivers, grocery store operator) The second is Zero Waste – through RDNO, we need to investigate the possibility of ‘compostable’ collection from single family households, and more waste reduction strategies. Can we go plastic bag free?? (waste collector, reuse center staff) The third is Access to Nature. Our Parks Master Plan is in progress and includes developing plans for neighbourhoods that have no local park near them. The City has a number of lake access right-of-ways, and these need to be developed for local residents use. (arborist, contractor, labourer) The fourth is a Lighter Footprint. Fostering a “sharing economy”,such as a tool library for lending tools around the neighbourhood, is a good step forward. (pilot program coordinator, educator) The fifth is Local Food. Encouraging community gardens and local food production helps to reduce our carbon footprint, makes us greener and is better for our health. (urban farmer, food processor, community kitchen operator) JAMIE MORROW (for Mayor) These are the initiatives I would support from Vancouver’s green Action Plan. Green buildings Goal: Set the standard in green building design and construction How we measure success?: Total tonnes of CO2e from residential and commercial buildings Local food Goal: Vernon will become a Market leader in urban food systems Food is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and waste, from the fossil fuels used to transport and store it, to the amount of land used to graze animals and produce meat and dairy products. A stronger local food system will reduce the size of this ecological footprint while protecting our food-producing lands. Local food also contributes to human health, and is considered by the Vancouver Economic Commission to be a growing sector of a strong green economy. How we measure success? Indicator – the same as Vancouver Number of neighbourhood food assets in Vernon Food assets include the number of: *Community garden plots * Farmers markets *Community orchards *Community composting facilities *Community kitchens *Community produce stands * Urban farms
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:30:29 +0000
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