CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. – The MyCampbellRiverNow.com newsroom reached out to the council candidates to get their opinion on a few key issues members of the community have been asking.
We kept the questions simple and focused, and here are each candidate’s response to them.
Not all candidates have given their responses yet, but we’ll add their responses as they become available.
Claire Moglove
- What plan do you have in place to address growing homelessness in Campbell River?
I was a member of the City’s Task Force on Homelessness in 2009 or 2010, so I am very aware of the issues. The number 1 recommendation of the Task Force was to adopt the principle of “Housing First”. In my opinion that is the way we need to go. But the City does not have the resources to provide housing and so must work with partners like the Federal Government, B.C. Housing and various social service agencies.
In the meantime, the first priority should be a facility or a place that people experiencing homelessness can go during the day, be it for a shower, clean clothes, haircut, laundry, etc. Something like “Our Place” in Victoria, but obviously on a smaller scale.
I also think it is time to look at funding a local or a regional housing service through taxation BUT only after a referendum on the issue as was done in the Comox Valley. The Cowichan Valley Regional district is moving in that direction as well and I believe they have a housing financing referendum question on their ballot this year.
Another huge need in Campbell River is supportive housing, for men in particular. There is no place for men to go after they have gone through a detox program. A model is Warmland in Duncan.
As to what the city can do without a direct funding source is to continue
to provide land if available and waiving fees and charges for various housing projects.
The City should also work closely with the newly formed Campbell River and District Coaltion to End Homelessness.
2. How will you work towards alleviating housing affordability and availability in Campbell River?
I have made housing affordability one of my main priorities in this election. Rentals are scarce, although a significant number are being built as we speak, and housing prices have skyrocketed from a benchmark of roughly $297,000.00 in 2016 to over $410,000.00 today.
The main reason for both the scarcity of rentals and the rising house prices is the incredible increase in the number of people moving to Campbell River – retirees, young professionals and young families. This has created a demand that is outstripping supply. And this growth was not anticipated. In the 2012 City’s Sustainable Official Community Plan, population growth was forecast to be roughly 1% per year. In fact, according to statistics Canada, in 2016 alone, population growth was 2.2% representing 815 new residents in our city.
The current challenge is how the City might be able to address this situation.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of tools the City might use to help meet affordable housing needs. Some of the tools are short term and some are longer term. Some of these may be appropriate for Campbell River, some may not. Many of these tools are already being used by the City, but it may be time to look at accelerating their use.
- Zoning – creating either smaller lots or more units on a particular lot – within the context of the SOCP.
- Density bonus – allowing a higher level of density on multi-family sites in exchange for amenities from the developer
- Comprehensive development zoning – customized zoning for a particular site or development
- Rezoning – changing the density on an individual site or, as Vancouver has done recently, in an entire area of the City
- Housing above shops
- Small lot zoning
- Approvals – because of the significant increase in demand, it may be that the city’s planning department is unable to keep up with the workload, thereby increasing the timeframe for approving a development or building application. This in turn increases the cost of the project if the developer or builder is “sitting” on land and paying costs associated with that site. The city can work to reduce the approval timeframe by increasing the capacity in the planning department, streamlining development processes and clearly stating expectations at the start.
- Lot availability – the City controls the availability of lots available for development through subdivision approvals and designating future growth areas. Population growthhas happened more quickly than was anticipated when the SOCP was adopted and a comprehensive review of future development opportunities and locations needs to be undertaken.
- Continue to use financial incentives such as waiving/reducing fees and charges for housing being builtby non-profit organizations.
- Take advantage of tools to delay the collection of DCC’s which will reduce the carrying costs for developers, which in turn can be passed on to the home purchaser.
- Comprehensive review of Chapter 7 of the City’s SOCP (Housing Diversity and Affordability).
- Look at zoning for rental housing in areas where multi-family units are permitted.
- Look at requiring a certain number, portion or percentage of housing units in a building to be rental units.
- Support and accelerate if possible, phase 2 of the Strathcona Regional Housing Needs Assessment which will focus on future strategy and planning
3. What is your plan regarding shelters/emergency shelters for the city’s homeless?
It is my understanding that the Evergreen Shelter is now a low barrier shelter and in conjunction with the downtown sobering centre, provides sufficient emergency shelter for Campbell River. If I am mistaken, I would be want to look at other options, again, in partnership with clients a social service agency or non-profit society.
4. Are you in favour of the drag strip VIMSA is proposing? Why or why not?
It is premature to be in favour or to be opposed and here is why:
The Motorsport Park proposal will eventually come to City Council for a public hearing, once it has gone through various steps. That is a legal requirement. It is very important that any future Council member keep an open mind at such public hearing and not prejudge.
What I can say is that, from what I learned at the open house, Vancouver Island Motorsport Association (VIMSA) is a well organized and professional group, and is presenting a very credible and interesting proposal. The Association is working with City staff to move their proposal forward.
There are many steps in the process because the City’s Sustainable Official Community Plan will require an amendment and the property in question will need to be rezoned. There is a noise study which must be done, as well as an environmental assessment. There are also financial considerations. VIMSA is well aware of these requirements and they have been very helpful and cooperative.
So at this point, it is premature to say one way or another. It is simply too early in the process. I look forward to seeing the noise study, the environmental assessment and the economic impact study.
5. Some residents report seeing (used) needles in neighbourhoods and parks; what are your plans for cleanups?
This is the first I have heard about this issue, so I would want to know more first, and then find out from the RCMP and City staff as to what can be done.
6. Some Area D residents are getting two water bills. What will you do regarding high water rates in Area D, and how do you think it will be best consolidated/organized?
The City sells bulk water to Area D and the price is set through a City Fees and Charges Bylaw. How Area D then bills its residents is an issue for the Area D candidates. The City has no say in how Area D bills its residents.
7. Overall, why do you think you should lead the community?
I prefer to think of a City Councillor’s role as being a member of a team, even if members do not always agree.. But I suppose each city councillor, along with the mayor, is a leader of the community. I believe that the skills that one should look for in a City Councillor include the following:
– honesty and integrity
– critical thinking and the ability to ask relevant and pertinent questions
– having a long term vision for the city
– collaborative, a team player
– good debating and speaking skills, particularly when dealing with senior levels of government
– experience in the community
I have skills which I have developed through my background as a lawyer, such as research skills and critical thinking skills. I have 6 years experience on City Council and the multitude of Boards and Committees which go along with being on Council. I was acclaimed 3 years in a row as Chair of the Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital Board. Over the past 4 years I have gained knowledge and perspective by serving on the Board of Governors of Vancouver Island University, where I serve as Vice-Chair, as well as Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health). I am also the Vice-President of the Campbell River Community Foundation Board and the Willow Point Supportive Housing Society.
Daniel Franklin
- What plan do you have in place to address growing homelessness in Campbell River?
I would look to what some cities in the USA have done. They have created tiny home developments for homeless people. They are quick to build. They are cheap to build. Local businesses often sponsor builds or get involved in the construction.
2. How will you work towards alleviating housing affordability and availability in Campbell River?
Tiny homes again. I think tiny home neighborhoods would give people a much needed alternative to conventional housing. It would make entry in to the housing market much more affordable.
3. What is your plan regarding shelters/emergency shelters for the city’s homeless?
See #1 We don’t need emergency shelters if people already have a home.
4. Are you in favour of the drag strip VIMSA is proposing? Why or why not?
I like the idea of the drag strip, but I think it would be in everyone’s best interests to move in further from the city. I have done some research and found that drag strips often get shut down. I would want to build it somewhere that avoids as much conflict as possible and is sustainable for the future.
5. Some residents report seeing (used) needles in neighbourhoods and parks; what are your plans for cleanups?
I think the city should have more garbage cans in the downtown and in some high traffic neighborhoods. Where ever there are accumulations of garbage (parks, sides of the road, etc), add a garbage can. I would put more focus on preventing the litter.
6. Some Area D residents are getting two water bills. What will you do regarding high water rates in Area D, and how do you think it will be best consolidated/organized?
I would have to do more research into this issue.
7. Overall, why do you think you should lead the community?
I think the nice thing about a council is that no single person is leading the community. It is hopefully a team of people with different perspectives that can work together to make the best decisions for the city.
Marlene Wright
- What plan do you have in place to address growing homelessness in Campbell River?
Homelessness continue to be a serious issue in CR. Campbell River is the hub for social agencies but does not have the resources to deal with the service demand. More help is needed. The province has been a great support but we need more.
Another area of concern is males average age of 39 make up 68% of the homeless. We need to advocate for an agency that deals solely with men.
2. How will you work towards alleviating housing affordability and availability in Campbell River?
Over 300 units of affordable and rental housing has been built in CR in the last 24 months. The homeless issue is compounded by a near 0% vacancy rate. We need your help.
There is temporary shelters and meals for homeless through-
Salvation Army Evergreen Shelter, Rose Harbour, Second Chance Recovery House, Hospital emergency, Ann Elmore Transition House, Radiant Life Church, Light House Soup Kitchen, Grassroots Kind Heart Society(mobile dinner program. A lot has been done but a lot more to do.
3. What is your plan regarding shelters/emergency shelters for the city’s homeless?
CR has been working with nonprofit and private partners to meet the urgent demand for social services such as the extreme weather shelter and recently opened the sobering assessment center. BC Housing and the Salvation Army are discussing opportunities to provide emergency shelters this winter. The City has land available to leverage investment in new affordable housing projects by senior government, community not for profit, and private partners. I will continue to be an advocate to support these initiatives and continue to urge the province to continue to fund and increase existing services.
4. Are you in favour of the drag strip VIMSA is proposing? Why or why not?
If the noise and environmental assessment meets the province’s standard. They were assured that it passed the first step. Drag strip racing is a very popular sport. There is opportunity to build a first class drag strip. There is plenty of available land in the area. Is this the appropriate site ? This is still to be determined. Mission and Port Alberni have experienced great success with drag racing events. This would be a good economic driver bringing many visitors to our City. It also provides a recreation opportunity for our local to enjoy. It will also be a draw for young demographic to get involved in CR. I have discussed this issue with a number of people. So far more are in favor. I am in favor of the drag strip providing that all the required standards are in place and that the public has opportunity to be involved in the final decision.
5. Some residents report seeing (used) needles in neighbourhoods and parks; what are your plans for cleanups?
This becomes a safety issue. The City takes this very seriously. The City established a Downtown Safety Center to help protect the vulnerable, provide a safe environment and address inappropriate behavior. The downtown bylaw officers and the working group help the vulnerable people connect with social services. The City cleaned up Nunns Creek Park as a proactive example of addressing this problem. Much has been done in our City but it is an ongoing concern. We must work together to make our City a safer, cleaner and healthier City.
6. Some Area D residents are getting two water bills. What will you do regarding high water rates in Area D, and how do you think it will be best consolidated/organized?
This matter is in court. I will wait to hear the verdict and work to establish a friendly working relationship..
7. Overall, why do you think you should lead the community?
I have been a business owner, a community leader, a volunteer and a city councilor. In the 4 years the City has completed a number of projects – such as the hospital, John Hart Dam, soccer turf, Big Rock Boat Ramp and Suspension Bridge are examples . But there is much more to do. I would like to continue to get things done. I have the expertise, the commitment and the energy to participate on council as a team player and independent thinker. There are times when tough decisions need to be made.
Charlie Cornfield
- What plan do you have in place to address growing homelessness in Campbell River?
Dealing with homelessness is not a legislated function of the City. It is still a moral responsibility that we have and needs to be dealt with. Most of the chronic homeless issue (not couch surfers) is a result of drug and alcohol addiction and mental health problems. These areas are the responsibility of the federal and provincial governments. It is a shame in a country, province and city that is so well off that people should be living in such terrible conditions. We all need to work together; Mayor, Council, Staff, Business, First Nations, Senior Governments, Organizations and the Community at large if we hope to solve this problem. That is why I will support the new community driven Coalition on Homelessness and the CR Community Health Network as well as BC Housing in working towards a joint solution.
2. How will you work towards alleviating housing affordability and availability in Campbell River?
Housing prices, including rentals, is market driven. That is the price charged is whatever the consumer is willing to pay. The costs for developing and constructing new or renovated units is increasing. It is about supply and demand. There is no guarantee that increased supply of housing would significantly impact housing prices. There would have to be a huge increase in supply to flood the market and affect prices. That would not be realistic in my opinion. I would be willing to review the fees and charges which directly affect the cost to the developer, however, there is no guarantee that reduced fees and charges would reduce the prices paid by the consumer. We still need money for infrastructure. Pay for it in housing costs or pay in taxes.
There is a continuum of housing required. At one end of the spectrum is market housing at the other end is long term care and palliative facilities. Along the way is subsidized housing, supportive housing, assisted living and extended care. There are probably other solutions but there is no one best solution. All need to be addressed to certain levels. Families have a role to play as well. We continue discussions with BC Housing and the Ministry of health and local organizations to search for solutions that can be implemented
Although affordable housing is not a mandated requirement of your local government it is a social responsibility. To deal with this important issue we continue supporting those organizations with the expertise. We have donated land, waived development costs and permits, provided servicing, property tax exemptions and continue working with and supporting our neighbours and Provincial Government towards a long-term solution.
3. What is your plan regarding shelters/emergency shelters for the city’s homeless?
According to the BC Government the need to fund emergency shelters is being addressed. They fund through the John Howard Society and are providing rooms.
It is not about me having a plan but rather the Mayor and Council developing an appropriate strategy. Council’s plan/strategy will be developed during budget deliberations.
4. Are you in favour of the drag strip VIMSA is proposing? Why or why not?
Nothing formal requesting a drag strip has been submitted to Council. For the proposed drag strip to proceed requires first the approval of NavCan who regulate activities on airport lands. If allowed, the proposal would require bylaw changes to the SOCP and to Zoning. Both of these changes will require public hearings. As a Councillor it requires us to have open minds. We are not allowed to have our minds made up on a decision. We must be willing to consider all points of view before making a decision. I have received lots of information both pro and con that I will consider before I make my decision at the appropriate Council meeting. Short answer: I haven’t made up my mind.
5. Some residents report seeing (used) needles in neighbourhoods and parks; what are your plans for cleanups?
This is purely an operational issue. We have City Staff that deal with these issues on a regular basis. People just need to report incidents to the City and they will be dealt with.
6. Some Area D residents are getting two water bills. What will you do regarding high water rates in Area D, and how do you think it will be best consolidated/organized?
It is an issue between the City and the Regional District. This matter is before the courts and based on legal advice I cannot discuss it.
7. Overall, why do you think you should lead the community?
We are a resource based community, Forestry, Mining and Aquaculture are our strengths. My formal education and work experiences are in forestry, natural resources, recreation, tourism and environmental management. I have lived in different locations around BC and have worked over most of the province. This gave me an opportunity to learn a lot about people and communities.
I have served on Council for 16 years, 13 years as Councillor and 3 years as your Mayor. I bring a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to the role of City Councillor. My long history and perspective on various councils, boards, and numerous contacts is valued by the Mayor and Council.
I understand how local government operates and how to get things done.
My family, friends, supporters, business and individuals have all encouraged me to stand for office again. Those of you who really know me understand that I have always put our community first.
I am proud of our accomplishments and the role I have played. I believe in balancing, economic, social and environmental issues while moving the community to a bright and promising future. I am a strong supporter of a good environment, a robust economy and healthy social programs. My record proves that.
I remain passionately committed to our City and I am confident that I can be extremely effective and best serve the community as a Councillor.
I have no hidden agendas, no personal pet projects.
It is about developing a strategic plan of priorities that everyone can support.
I will work together with other members of Council for the benefit of the community as a whole
We need co-operative leadership with responsible spending.
We need a Council team that can work together and listens to the community.
I’m Charlie Cornfield and I want to continue being your voice on Council.
Colleen Evans
- What plan do you have in place to address growing homelessness in Campbell River?
Our approach should be an integrated strategy. Providing supportive housing is a priority within our integrated community sustainability plan. As in may BC communities homeless individuals in Campbell River require assistance to find emergency and transitional shelter as well as long-term affordable housing. In our community this issue is compounded by a near zero per cent vacancy rate for rental housing. Our plan is to continue to work in partnership with BC Housing and our not for profit organizations to provide supportive housing for those that are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A partnership with BC Housing could see the City donating land and BC Housing providing operations funding for 24/7 on-site social services and funding to construct supportive housing.
In addition, we should continue to provide appropriate municipal support for homelessness initiatives by facilitating partnerships between service providers; fund homeless counts and surveys; work with not for profits to meet urgent demand for social services such as the recently opened sobering and assessment centre. We should continue to consider land donation and waiving of development servicing frees for low-income and transitional housing as we did for Habitat for Humanity, Rose Harbour and Palmer Place. Most recently, we have assigned a staff liaison to work directly with the Campbell River and District Coalition to End Homelessness.
2. How will you work towards alleviating housing affordability and availability in Campbell River?
With a near zero vacancy rate in Campbell River, we are working with BC Housing to identify opportunities for collaboration on affordable housing projects for Campbell River. We will continue to review our zoning bylaw provisions for secondary suites with a particular focus on new construction and we have adopted four multi-family zones for affordable housing density bonus provisions in RM-1, RM-2, RM-3 and RM-4 zones. The provisions enables additional dwelling units of affordable housing. There are a spectrum of housing needs in Campbell River and as new rental units come on the market, it opens up the opportunity for individuals to move into newer rentals, freeing up more affordable units.
3. What is your plan regarding shelters/emergency shelters for the city’s homeless?
This was answered in Q1.
4. Are you in favour of the drag strip VIMSA is proposing? Why or why not?
All economic development initiatives like VIMSA are required to go through a development process and at this time, I am gathering information, reading reports and listening to the community both pro and con. I need to keep an open mind for the public hearing which will take place mid-December. I will be prepared then to make an informed decision.
5. Some residents report seeing (used) needles in neighbourhoods and parks; what are your plans for cleanups?
6. Some Area D residents are getting two water bills. What will you do regarding high water rates in Area D, and how do you think it will be best consolidated/organized?
7. Overall, why do you think you should lead the community?
I bring over 25 years experience working as a senior executive in business, education and non-profits. As a dedicated community volunteer, I’ve served on the local boards of the Museum, Tidemark Theatre, North Island Employment Foundation, Campbell River Community Foundation and most recently as Co-Founder of 100 Women Who Care Campbell River. Over the last term on Council, I’ve served as: Chair of the Airport Review Select Committee, the Tourism Advisory Committee and the Culture, Recreation, Parks Commission. I’m the Council representative to the 3.5 acre waterfront task force, the creative industries council and economic development. I’m a tireless advocate and champion for Campbell River. I look forward to building on priorities that are important to Campbell River and continuing the momentum of planned growth.
My professional career, commitment to community and positive and supported Council experience have led me to stand for re-election. It’s been a privilege to serve you on Council over the last four years in roles that supported robust community engagement, healthy debate and respectful decision making. I look forward to continuing to serve you in the next term with the same positive leadership. I’m asking for your support, please vote to re-elect Colleen Evans to City Council. Thank you!
Michele Babchuk
1. What plan do you have in place to address growing homelessness in Campbell River?
We have partnered with several organization like Grass Roots Kind Hearts, Salvation Army lighthouse and others that are currently offering food programs for homeless people in our downtown core. We have also been pro actively working with all of the service providers, the Community Health Network and the new Coalition to end Homelessness and taken an inventory of the services in our community. We have discovered that the gap in our community is in supported housing and also we are seeing a large portion of men falling through the cracks in the system. Knowing this we are currently approaching BC Housing to determine how we could work together to fill this gap in our community and address the needs of our disenfranchised men.
2. How will you work towards alleviating housing affordability and availability in Campbell River?
As a council, we have prioritized affordable housing. We started by looking at our processes in our development and planning departments to help streamline the process so developers could get projects off the ground quicker. With that initiative alone we are now seeing close to 300 new rental apartments either already occupied or due to be completed soon. YES, not all of them are affordable housing but it is helping out the .06% rental vacancy rate that had been inflating prices and will allow people who are in affordable suites that wish to move into the new buildings to do so, hence creating opportunities in the more affordable properties. We are also partnering with not for profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Head Injury Society to assist in their projects either by contributing land, waiving fees or giving them the opportunity to take advantage of our new bonus density provisions.
3. What is your plan regarding shelters/emergency shelters for the city’s homeless?
Currently we have the Sobering Assesmemt Center, and the Salvation Army Shelter up on Evergreen that offer Emergency Shelter assistance to the homeless population. Both of these organizations offer great services. I do believe that one area we could do better on is transporting people, who have a tendency to spend the daytime hours downtown, back up the hill so they can access the shelter on Evergreen. I am hoping to have this discussion quickly so we can have a transportation plan prior to the really cold weather.
4. Are you in favour of the drag strip VIMSA is proposing? Why or why not?
I have been happy with the process for this initiative to date and do agree that there may be an opportunity for other Economic Development initiatives associated with the drag strip. With that being said I believe that there is a lot more public conversation that needs to happen, discussion on land use amendments and public hearings for amending both the SOCP and zoning. Until I have all of the information from these process I can’t answer with a firm yes or no. I will however keep an open mind and take all comments into account.
5. Some residents report seeing (used) needles in neighbourhoods and parks; what are your plans for cleanups?
This is an unfortunate issue that seems to be getting worse. Council has had a lot of discussion about this topic and have looked at allocating more resources to help clean up. As a council we are also looking at initiatives like our Nunns Creek Park Master Plan as well as others parks, in hopes that any upgrades or changes include designs that help alleviate this type of behaviour in these public spaces. We will be addressing this further in our financial planning session in late November.
6. Some Area D residents are getting two water bills. What will you do regarding high water rates in Area D, and how do you think it will be best consolidated/organized?
Thank you for the question but I am unable to answer this question at this time. This issue is before the courts and on legal advice, I have been told it is in the best interest of all involved that I do not comment.
7. Overall, why do you think you should lead the community?
I was first elected to council in 2014 after serving three terms on the SD72 Board of Education. I feel I have the experience and leadership qualities needed to keep our city moving in the right direction.
Throughout my first term on council, I have been very pleased with the direction of the City and Council’s ability to get things done in a professional and respectful way. I have enjoyed the challenges and successes over the past four years and look forward to continuing to advance our strategies around community safety, economic development, environmental sustainability and infrastructure renewal.
I’m excited to put my skills to work so we can continue to see positive results in our community. I’m asking for your support. On Oct 20th, please vote “Michele Babchuk”.
Allan Buxton
1. What plan do you have in place to address growing homelessness in Campbell River?
This is something the city has been working towards with the implementation of the new downtown safety center, while this is a great first step we are far from solving the problem. By working with the various community agencies in the downtown core, all levels of government and First Nations we can come up with a working plan to address the homelessness situation.
2. How will you work towards alleviating housing affordability and availability in Campbell River?
