The following is a Q&A that was distributed to all District of Sechelt candidates.
Candidate name
Adam Shepherd
Age
61
Occupation (s)
Retired from commercial development
Which position are you running for?
Councillor
Live in Sechelt? For how long?
6 years
If not incumbent, list related municipal committee / civic group experience.
President of East Porpoise Bay Community Association
What are your priorities if elected?
My priorities are implementation of water supply, search for affordable housing options, updating of the OCP and creation of the harbour authority.
Should Sechelt facilitate creation of more affordable housing? How?
Implementation of the new Zoning Bylaw 580 should create opportunity for approximately 1,300 new dwellings in the urban boundary. Updating the OCP with particular focus on the downtown should create further opportunities.
Should Sechelt prepare for climate change? If so how?
Sechelt can look at expanding facilities for use during "heat dome" periods, implement fire safety programs and examine long-term measures through the OCP update.
Is Sechelt managing growth appropriately?
In my experience, growth never proceeds smoothly. Infrastructure improvement always seems to lag population growth. Although development will increase over time, council has to prioritize infrastructure improvement. Voters are emphasizing that water supply is the first priority.
How would you balance pushback on development with need for housing?
I think the two trends must proceed but interact. We need further development to improve our tax base with private development also funding public infrastructure improvement. At the same time, housing development must, in part, meet the town's goals.
What is the greatest infrastructure challenge facing Sechelt?
The public have clearly stated that security of water supply is the chief priority. Updating sewer systems, seeking new life for the landfill and climate change.
What do you wish we'd asked you?
One question would be, "Most candidates will agree on the priority issues as expressed by voters. What sets you apart?"
Facebook page
Who else is running for Sechelt council? See profiles for Warren Allan, Micky Argiropoulos, Donna Bell, Thomas Bramble, Cheryl Chang, Anna Jade Chen, Tim Horner, Darren Inkster Dianne McLauchlan, Christopher Moore, Brenda Rowe and Alton Toth. See mayoral candidate profiles for John Henderson, Allan Holt, Jeri Patterson and Darnelda Siegers.
