Economy & Agriculture
We need to do all we can as a municipality to encourage a strong, local economy with diverse employment opportunities that offer a living wage so people can afford to live comfortably. This also means we need to be able to provide places for them to live.
I would like to develop an Economic Development Committee or Task Force in close partnership with Economic Development Cowichan to synchronize our priorities with the Region and ensure we are doing everything possible to create jobs that pay a living wage while minimizing impact on our local ecosystems.
Supporting Small Business:
I want to prioritize supporting small businesses in North Cowichan.
What I've been hearing is Mayor and Council needs to demonstrate they are open to hearing from the business community about their needs and working to support them but right now the municipality doesn't understand what the challenges are. I am eager to open the lines of communication and learn more about how we can support them as many work to recover after the pandemic and/or want to grow.
If elected, I will introduce "business walks" which will include regularly visiting businesses with senior staff and other Councillors to hear what the challenges are what supports are needed. This includes collaborating with the Duncan Cowichan and Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce's along with the Chemainus Business Improvement Association.
Growing Local:
We have seen an increase in local farms, vineyards, breweries and opportunities for food processing over the years with incredible community support at our local Farmers Markets. We still need to take a look at how we can really improve access to local food for more people that is affordable for those on a budget. We also came dangerously close to not being able to transport feed for livestock during last year's flood. These and other challenges need to be discussed during a review of our outdated Strategic Agricultural Plan with the agricultural community.
Check out Our Changing Climate.
I would like to develop an Economic Development Committee or Task Force in close partnership with Economic Development Cowichan to synchronize our priorities with the Region and ensure we are doing everything possible to create jobs that pay a living wage while minimizing impact on our local ecosystems.
Supporting Small Business:
I want to prioritize supporting small businesses in North Cowichan.
What I've been hearing is Mayor and Council needs to demonstrate they are open to hearing from the business community about their needs and working to support them but right now the municipality doesn't understand what the challenges are. I am eager to open the lines of communication and learn more about how we can support them as many work to recover after the pandemic and/or want to grow.
If elected, I will introduce "business walks" which will include regularly visiting businesses with senior staff and other Councillors to hear what the challenges are what supports are needed. This includes collaborating with the Duncan Cowichan and Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce's along with the Chemainus Business Improvement Association.
Growing Local:
We have seen an increase in local farms, vineyards, breweries and opportunities for food processing over the years with incredible community support at our local Farmers Markets. We still need to take a look at how we can really improve access to local food for more people that is affordable for those on a budget. We also came dangerously close to not being able to transport feed for livestock during last year's flood. These and other challenges need to be discussed during a review of our outdated Strategic Agricultural Plan with the agricultural community.
Check out Our Changing Climate.