The following is a Q&A that was distributed to all Sunshine Coast Regional District candidates.
Candidate name
Kate-Louise Stamford
Occupation (s)
Islands Trust Trustee
Which position are you running for?
Area F
Do you live in the area you're running for? For how long?
Yes for almost 20 years
What should the board be doing to meet the promise of stable year-round water supply?
The SCRD should continue to build on modernizing the water infrastructure including wells and fixing leaks. Long-term planning for multiple water sources as well as good data is important. Ongoing factual communication to residents supports landholder responsibility for water conservation.
How would you approach calls for new regulatory bylaws as the SCRD struggles to enforce its existing ones?
Bylaws are a necessary function of a local government responding to a thriving community. Well-considered public communications and education strategies to support new regulations lessens bylaw infractions and enforcement issues.
Should the SCRD be preparing for climate change? How?
There is no endpoint for the climate crisis as it is rapidly evolving. The Regional district must have a strategy that incorporates continual adjustments to changing conditions. Coordinating with organizations and other governments along the Coast will increase our effectiveness.
If acclaimed: What's your message to your community?
It is an exciting opportunity to support the unique communities throughout the West Howe Sound area from Granthams to Eastbourne, Fircom to McNab. I look forward to working with everyone.
The SCRD has seen major tax increases this year, what opportunities are there to mitigate these?
I will re-evaluate old programs and question budget assumptions. Given the real challenges facing us, I cannot promise a 0 tax increase, but I will work to reduce the burden.
How would you balance pushback on development with need for housing?
Housing needs to be appropriate to the neighbourhood and a focus on innovative smaller-scale options. Providing a careful determination of capacity and buildout that still supports a sustainable economy in one of the most desirable places in B.C. to live.
What do you wish we'd asked you?
Why do I enjoy living here so much. Working with First Nations. What will keep me awake at night?
