05/09/2026
Over the past several weeks, one question has come up often at the door:
“What are your priorities?”“Why should I vote for you?”
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I’ve tried to keep my answer straightforward.
First, I believe we can do better.
Better decisions. Better results.
I also believe residents deserve transparency — clear communication about how decisions are made, why they are being made, and what the long-term impacts may be.
I’ve been careful not to make promises I cannot guarantee. Council decisions are made collectively. But throughout this campaign, I have consistently spoken about a few priorities that I believe deserve stronger focus moving forward:
1️⃣ Economic Development
This phrase can sometimes sound vague or overused, but I believe nearly every important municipal issue connects back to economic development in some way.
How do we grow our tax base responsibly?How do we support local businesses and employers?How do we create conditions where young families want to stay and invest?
These are not separate conversations from roads, recreation, housing, or infrastructure. They are connected.
Every major decision should be examined through that lens.
2️⃣ Building Stronger Partnerships
Communities like ours cannot thrive in isolation.
Whether the issue is housing, healthcare access, infrastructure, recreation, seniors services, or broader rural challenges, meaningful progress depends on partnerships.
That includes relationships with neighbouring communities, nonprofits, businesses, provincial agencies, and First Nations communities.
Strong municipalities build relationships before they urgently need them.
3️⃣ Strategic Place-Making and Tourism Development
Five Rivers has incredible natural, cultural, and recreational assets, but potential alone does not create growth.
I believe the municipality should take a more strategic approach to identifying the areas, gateways, waterfronts, trails, parks, and community spaces that deserve focused attention and long-term investment.
Good place-making is not just about tourism. It is about building communities people are proud to live in and places visitors want to return to.
That means thinking carefully about beautification, accessibility, recreation, signage, events, waterfront development, trails, and how different parts of the municipality connect together as one region.
Small, consistent improvements made strategically over time can strengthen community identity, support local businesses, attract visitors, and improve quality of life for residents across Five Rivers.
