We now face a water crisis as multiple carcinogenic compounds exceeding federal limits pours from our taps.

What really pours from our taps is a legacy of past falsehoods, incompetence, self-seeking and broken promises.

As the highest elected employee, I will hold myself accountable to the highest standard and fully restore the trust that has been slowly broken over the previous municipal administrations. Immediately after I am elected, I will move to action the following policies:

1. Recall Bylaw For Elected Officials

“A Costco return policy for defective politicians”

Whereas elected municipal officials in British Columbia currently serve fixed four-year terms with no statutory mechanism available to electors to remove a mayor or councillor who has lost the confidence of the community; and

Whereas accountability to the electorate is a foundational principle of democratic local government;

Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Osoyoos implements a municipal recall process whereby, if a petition signed by electors equal to at least 33 percent of the total votes cast for the office in the most recent general local election is submitted within a 30-day period, a by-election for that office shall be held within 90 days.

2. Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration

“We can’t fix the water overnight but we can offer clean, safe drinking water to the most vulnerable right away”

Whereas recent testing has identified certain carcinogenic and other harmful contaminants in the Town’s drinking water supply that exceed federal maximum allowable concentrations; and

Whereas children, seniors, and other vulnerable persons are particularly susceptible to the effects of such contaminants;

Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Osoyoos shall:

(a) install reverse-osmosis filtration systems on the domestic water lines supplying all public schools and the Sonora Community Centre;

(b) arrange independent laboratory testing of the filtered water on a regular basis; and

(c) install and maintain a publicly accessible spigot providing filtered drinking water, available 24 hours per day, at a convenient municipal location.

3. Town Halls Moved To Evenings

“No more isolation for leaders in ivory towers that fear feedback from their community”

Whereas meaningful public participation is essential to good local governance; and

Whereas daytime-only meetings create barriers for many working residents and families who wish to observe or address Council;

Therefore be it resolved that, commencing with the next regular Council term, a minimum of one regular Council meeting per calendar quarter shall be scheduled to begin no earlier than 6:00 p.m. in order to improve accessibility and encourage broader public input.

4. Citizen Committees With Funding And Authority

“Decentralized power is the healthiest, most balanced form of power. Involve the people and harness their power”

Whereas informed community input strengthens the quality of Council decision-making on complex local issues; and

Whereas structured citizen involvement can assist with the research, monitoring, and implementation of municipal initiatives;

Therefore be it resolved that Council shall establish standing or select citizen committees (including, but not limited to, committees addressing water quality, sewer infrastructure, and short-term rentals) with clear terms of reference, annual budgets as approved by Council, and the authority to make formal recommendations to Council; provided that final decision-making authority remains with the elected Council as required by the Community Charter and Local Government Act.

5. Mail-Ballot Registration Moved To September 1st 

“Maximum community engagement is a key to selecting and directing elected officials. We will make it easier for more people to participate, ensuring better outcomes ”

Whereas maximizing opportunities for electors to participate in local elections is a desirable objective; and

Whereas the current start date for mail-ballot applications under the Town’s Election Bylaw is nineteen days before general voting day;

Therefore be it resolved that, for the 2030 general local election and subsequent election cycles, the Chief Election Officer be directed to amend the Election Bylaw (or any successor bylaw) so that applications for mail-ballots may be accepted commencing on or about September 1st of the election year, subject to the requirements of the Local Government Act and the practical necessity of having finalized ballots available after the close of nominations.