The following is a Q&A that was distributed to all District of Sechelt candidates.
Candidate name
Donna Bell
Age
69
Occupation (s)
Constituency Asst MP Patrick Weiler
Which position are you running for?
Councillor
Live in Sechelt? For how long?
20+
What are your priorities if elected?
Active transportation: Move public transit, more funding for highway upgrade and options. Small agriculture: Reducing regulatory burdens. Affordable housing: More affordable housing stock.
Should Sechelt facilitate creation of more affordable housing? How?
Yes. Rent subsidy programs; Accelerated permitting and approval processes for construction of affordable housing
Inclusionary zoning; Projects that seek public support required to meet affordability based on 30% of average LOCAL income or 30% current market rental prices.
Should Sechelt prepare for climate change? If so how?
Yes. Continue work on Community Climate Action Plan. Public Education Sessions: share prediction data about climate change facing our region; how to help combat climate change at home.
Is Sechelt managing growth appropriately?
I think we are moving in the right direction. Priority has been given to updating the "Official Community Plan," which was last updated in 2011. This plan is essential to managing future growth and development in our community.
How would you balance pushback on development with need for housing?
We can't increase housing by just increasing taxes and reducing demand. We need development to increase the supply of housing for low-middle-income individuals and families. BUT we need to start tailoring our development and building designs for our needs.
What is the greatest infrastructure challenge facing Sechelt?
At this point - water! Then our highway, BC Ferries, aging infrastructure (roads, water systems, wastewater treatment), public transportation, landfill.
Donna Bell for Sechelt Council
What do you wish we'd asked you?
What do I love about my community? The passion the people have for this community. Thank you to the Coast Reporter Team
Who else is running for Sechelt council? See profiles for Warren Allan, Micky Argiropoulos, Thomas Bramble, Cheryl Chang, Anna Jade Chen, Tim Horner, Darren Inkster Dianne McLauchlan, Christopher Moore, Brenda Rowe, Adam Shepherd and Alton Toth. See mayoral candidate profiles for John Henderson, Allan Holt, Jeri Patterson and Darnelda Siegers.
