Port Hardy candidates talk taxes and public intoxication in election survey

PORT HARDY, B.C. – We asked the Port Hardy candidates in the municipal election to share their thoughts on issues in their respective communities.

While not every candidate has gotten back to MyTriPortNow.com yet, the responses of those that did are included in full in this article.

PORT HARDY MAYORAL CANDIDATE HANK BOOD

1. What is your position on taxes in Port Hardy – do you think rates should be changes or stay as they are?

• PORT HARDY MAYORAL CANDIDATE DENNIS DUGAS

I have an active updated daily Facebook page which will answer the majority of your questions, so for those who are interested please go to my Facebook page “ Dennis Dugas for Mayor of Port Hardy”
#2 District has Cannabis Bylaws in Place

PORT HARDY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE LEIGHTAN WISHART

1. What is your position on taxes in Port Hardy – do you think rates should be changes or stay as they are?

The cost of operating the District is constantly going  up, fuel hydro, union contracts, etc. so taxes need to go up, but our council does everything it can do to keep increases to a minimum.

2. What is your stance on cannabis regulations at the local level? How should they be shaped and implemented following legalization on October 17^th?

I was chair of our Cannabis committee and I believe Cannabis should be legalized to reduce the criminal element.  The additional tax revenue (we are hopeful for a 40/30/30 share of the revenue) should offset any extra medical costs associated with the use of cannabis.

3. Public intoxication is said to be an issue in Port Hardy. What measures would you take to help curb this?

Our District is working with the RCMP and medical establishment to overcome some of the issues with public intoxication.  One of the local First Nations Bands, Gwa’sala Nax’wada had a march to bring the issues of substance abuse on reserve to the forefront and I took part in that walk along with my wife.  I am willing to work with groups who are working on the problem.

4. Any particular plans for youth and/or childcare in the region?

I’m also a member of the local School Board and am quite involved in the education of our young.  I believe young people are our greatest natural resource and need to avail them every possible advantage we can so they can compete on a global stage.  Our council is currently in the process of building a new pool/multiplex which will use the existing skateboard park footprint.  Our plan is to replace the current skateboard with a state of the art skateboard park next to our new pool/multiplex complex. Providing activities for youth is a priority for me.

5. Looking at health care, do you think there needs to be added health resources in more remote communities on the North Island?

I am part of the local Collaborative Working Group working on bringing an Adult day care program and a pregnancy outreach program to Port Hardy.  After four years we have both these groups up and running.  We looked at all services available to find where there were shortages in the system.

6. What kind of experience do you have in local politics that will work to your advantage if you were to be elected?

I’ve been on Port Hardy District Council for the past two years having run in a by election.  I’ve been with School District 85 for the past 16 years, the last 10 years as Chair.  I experience dealing with Government Agencies so I have a very good idea on how the system works.

7. Do you believe police resources should be boosted in the region (i.e. more officers, etc.)?

Our local RCMP detachment has been short staffed for quite some time, but recently has a full compliment of officers.  I don’t believe we have a shortage at this point.

8. What would you do or say to encourage more people to join the fire department, which is looking for more volunteers?

Our Fire Service has quite a few new members recruited over the last year.  It is important to provide the members with the equipment they need to do the job.  They received a new ladder truck last year at a cost of $1.2m which enabled them to save a three story building they wouldn’t have been able to save previously.  We have recently introduced a pay for service fee for firefighters in our District.  It isn’t much but I think it shows the members we appreciate their service.

9. How will you address the empty storefronts in the Thunderbird Mall?

We need to encourage the owner to help with reasonable rents.  I’ve heard, though I don’t usually listen to rumors, the rents are quite high.  Perhaps through a short term tax incentive we could get them to help.

COUNCIL CANDIDATE FRED ROBERTSON

1)   What is your position on taxes in Port Hardy – do you think rates should be changes or stay as they are?

It’s always a challenge to find a balance with respect to tax rate.  There needs to be a fairness for the tax payer and Council needs to ensure there are sufficient dollars for our community to succeed.  I believe Council has achieved this for the last four years.  Any tax increase has managed to keep pace with inflation.  When there has been some more significant increases proposed as there were for a new recreation complex/pool and the new fire truck we consulted directly with the community.  It is about trying to strike a balance.

2)   What is your stance on cannabis regulations at the local level? How should they be shaped and implemented following legalization on October 17^th?

We have cannabis regulations in place. Primarily, they regulate where a cannabis retailer can set up.   Most cannabis regulations are put in place by the federal and provincial governments.  A merchant that meets all the federal and provincial criteria and the regulations the DPH has in place will be able to establish their retail outlet.  That being said, it is very much an evolving regulatory environment.  It will be important for staff and Council stay completely informed with what is happening.

3)   Public intoxication is said to be an issue in Port Hardy. What measures would you take to help curb this?

It is an issue.  There are a number of services already in place, including the Integrated Case management Team,  the sobering and assessment beds through the Salvation Army and longer term recovery beds.  There needs to be more services in place to help people with addiction issues.  Safe and affordable housing is an important part of this equation.  These will only happen with organizations working together.  The RCMP do a good job in difficult circumstances, but they cannot do it by themselves. Our  Council has been and will continue to work with Island Health and other organizations to provide supports for those who need them.

4)   Any particular plans for youth and/or childcare in the region?

 I believe it is critical that Council support and provide healthy alternatives for youth in our community.  This includes maintaining all of the recreational facilities we currently operate as well as working with organizations like Minor Hockey and Youth Soccer, and others to make activities as accessible as possible.

I support the provincial initiative to provide affordable daycare throughout the province. 

5)   Looking at health care, do you think there needs to be added health resources in more remote communities on the North Island?

Our Council will always work with other North Island communities. And, we will work with Island Health to try and provide as wide a range of services as possible. 

6)   What kind of experience do you have in local politics that will work to your advantage if you were to be elected?

I have been on Council for the last four years.  I was a teacher with SD#85 for many years.  I also served as the local president of the Vancouver Island North Teachers’ Association.

I was an active volunteer with Minor Hockey and Youth Soccer.  I served on the Minor Hockey Executive for a number of years.  I have been, and will continue to be an active community member in Port Hardy.

7)   Do you believe police resources should be boosted in the region (i.e. more officers, etc.)?

I understand one of the challenges for the RCMP in our area has been to have their full compliment of officers.  I understand they do have their full compliment of officers at this time, which is very positive. 

8)   What would you do or say to encourage more people to join the fire department, which is looking for more volunteers?

I believe it is important for the community to see Council actively working with and supporting our local volunteer Fire department.  We have been doing this in a number of different ways – and we will continue to support the very impressive and important work of our local Fire Department.

9)   How will you address the empty storefronts in the Thunderbird Mall?

Council will need to continue to work with local businesses.  Port Hardy is a growing, active, inclusive and vibrant community.  As we welcome more people to our community then this becomes the incentive to see the empty store fronts become occupied with successful ventures.

PORT HARDY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE PAT CORBETT-LABATT

1. What is your position on taxes in Port Hardy – do you think rates should be changes or stay as they are?

My position on taxes is to try and keep them as reasonable as possible with the understanding that they will have to be raised to cover the cost of living (around 2%) plus to allow the town to have reserves so that repairs can be done and the town improve.

2. What is your stance on cannabis regulations at the local level? How should they be shaped and implemented following legalization on October 17th?

The District of Port Hardy has already passed their Cannabis Bylaws based on what the municipalities are allowed to do and what the community wanted to allow.

3. Public intoxication is said to be an issue in Port Hardy. What measures would you take to help curb this?

At the current time the Wellness First Committee (subcommittee of the Mount Waddington Health Network) of which there are two appointed councillors (who are also the co-chairs), myself and Fred Robertson, are working hard to try and help curb public intoxication. This committee is composed of a variety of concerned community (and medical personnel) members who are discussing different possible ways of helping to mitigate public intoxication.

Also, when the RCMP asks Council what are priority items they should be looking at, public intoxication has been top or close to the top of the priority of council.

4. Any particular plans for youth and/or childcare in the region?

The Council is going to apply for a grant that (if approved) will complete the proposed multiplex plus repair the arenas aging infrastructure. If all goes smoothly and the grant is approved, there will also be more programming that will be directed at youth.

5. Looking at health care, do you think there needs to be added health resources in more remote communities on the North Island?

There is always a need for more health resources – in particular it would be great if there was a CT scanner located in the Mount Waddington region.

6. What kind of experience do you have in local politics that will work to your advantage if you were to be elected?

I was first elected to council in 2014. In the four years on council, I have been appointed to almost all council committees and as well to a variety of community groups. I am currently the council rep to the Mount Waddington Health Network, the Wellness First sub-committee, the Port Hardy Twinning Society, and the Hardy Bay Seniors. I have been part of applying and receiving a variety of grants eg the Canada 150 Heritage Grant (which resulted in the two First Nations murals in the Civic center), the Plan H Grant (which resulted in bringing the Urban Agricultural Bylaw to ‘life’ by having workshops on Mason Bees, home gardens, and backyard chickens). I have also been an active organizing member of the Port Hardy Farmers and Artisan markets. Other grants have been applied for that if it they are approved will benefit the community.

7. Do you believe police resources should be boosted in the region (i.e. more officers, etc.)?

I would trust the RCMP to come to council (for council to advocate for more resources) if they felt that there was a need.

8. What would you do or say to encourage more people to join the fire department, which is looking for more volunteers?

The Port Hardy Fire Department are very proactive in their recruitment drive in the advent that circumstances happen and they are short volunteers. What I would say to encourage young busy adults – that volunteerism is part of living in a small community and that this is a huge way for them to give back.

9. How will you address the empty storefronts in the Thunderbird Mall?

Empty storefronts are not just in the Thunderbird Mall but in many different areas of town. This is a very challenging issue especially with more and more people shopping online. The Council and staff would be more then willing to meet with the owners to try and come up with unique ways to fill the spaces.

PORT HARDY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE JANET DORWARD

1. What is your position on taxes in Port Hardy – do you think rates should be changes or stay as they are?

To arrive at the same tax amount in dollars, the tax rate is varied depending on overall property values. If property values go up, the rate goes down and vice versa. I think all property owners would like to see their property value increase. As for the actual dollar amount that each property owner pays, I will work to ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely.

2. What is your stance on cannabis regulations at the local level? How should they be shaped and implemented following legalization on October 17th?

I welcome the new federal legislation that takes Cannabis out the criminal element, helps protect youth from accessing it, and gives access to those who wish to use it recreationally. As all of Canada treads into new territory, I expect local bylaws regarding this to be visited by council in the upcoming months.

3. Public intoxication is said to be an issue in Port Hardy. What measures would you take to help curb this?

Public intoxication has been an ongoing concern and the actions taken in the past do not appear to have solved the problem so I would welcome working with those groups that have experience in helping solve the underlying issues.

4. Any particular plans for youth and/or childcare in the region?

I would welcome plans that aim to help this important sector of our population- youth, children, and their caregivers. Port Hardy has many recreational facilities and they could be utilized much more for our young people.

5. Looking at health care, do you think there needs to be added health resources in more remote communities on the North Island?

Our new Primary Care Centre is a welcome addition to our health services and more health care services would be very welcome here, especially those directed at our vibrant senior community and the more vulnerable sectors of our population.

6. What kind of experience do you have in local politics that will work to your advantage if you were to be elected?

Educated as a Chartered Insurance Professional and a Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker, I currently work as a commercial Insurance broker in Port Hardy. I served on Port Hardy town council from 2011-2014 with various committee and Regional District appointments during my tenure. I have 13 years experience in management as well and that included setting and managing the operation’s budgets. With fiscal responsibility being a primary role of a council member – spending your tax dollars wisely – I have the well-rounded experience to take on this role.

7. Do you believe police resources should be boosted in the region (i.e. more officers, etc.)?

Port Hardy is a safe place to live and I think current resources are adequate.

8. What would you do or say to encourage more people to join the fire department, which is looking for more volunteers?

Port Hardy Fire Rescue is a well trained fire department that have earned the respect of the people of Port Hardy as well as their peers in other communities. They are the best resource to know how to support their recruitment efforts so I would connect with them for their ideas on how to best do that.

9. How will you address the empty storefronts in the Thunderbird Mall?

Port Hardy had a lot of growth when the copper mine was operating, and the subsequent contraction from its closing can still be seen over 20 years later with empty storefronts throughout town (I’m not sure why the Thunderbird Mall is being singled out in your question – they have and still support our community with events like the Christmas tree light up and providing space to community organizations free-of-charge).

I don’t think adding more tax burden to owners that are already over-stretched from a lack of tenants is the answer, but these properties still need to be maintained and we have bylaws for that. I would welcome development that grows Port Hardy so these stores can once again be open and provide more enjoyment to our citizens.

PORT HARDY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE DON M. KATTLER

1. What is your position on taxes in Port Hardy – do you think rates should be changes or stay as they are?

It is not a simple yes or no answer. We need to be mindful that municipal property tax increases are often set by the Provincial government.

The Provincial government sets the annual mill rate. Local taxes should reflect the needs of the community. I believe that taxes should benefit the whole community and there should be a consultation process before taxes are increased. Fiscal responsibility and planning are an integral part of mitigating the need for large tax increases. If there is a need and the community agrees, then tax increases may be
answer.

2. What is your stance on cannabis regulations at the local level? How should they be shaped and implemented following legalization on October 17th?

The District has already passed by-laws for cannabis retailers and it is in alignment with provincial and federal regulations. A retailer has already applied for licensing and has secured a location. The retailers have created a great plan and I believe that they will be a great addition to the local business community. Public intoxication is said to be an issue in Port Hardy. What measures would you take to help curb this?

3. Public intoxication is said to be an issue in Port Hardy. What measures would you take to help curb this?

It is an issue in Port Hardy. This issue is not just a public intoxication issue, but an issue of generational trauma that was a result of the colonial/western policy of residential schools. Another member of this particular community passed away this past Saturday. There should be a sense of urgency on the part of Mayor and Council to address this issue before more people die.

I believe a culturally based Managed Alcohol Program would be the most effective solution to addressing this complex issue. Ideally a residential MAP would be the most effective way of managing alcohol use and providing culturally based healing.

4. Any particular plans for youth and/or childcare in the region?

We need to address child poverty in our region! We have the third highest child poverty rate in the province. 1 in 3 children live in poverty compared to the provincial average of 1 in 5. This picture gets even worse when we look at single parent families, where 67% of children live in poverty.

I am sure that many of the other candidates have spoken about the new multiplex, but having a multiplex that cannot be accessed by over 30% of the children in community seems wrong. I am advocating for a low-income recreation pass program in Port Hardy. Our region is the only region on Vancouver Island that does NOT have a low-income recreation program.

5. Looking at health care, do you think there needs to be added health resources in more remote communities on the North Island?

This is currently being studied in our region. I believe that more health services need to be provided to North Island, but I believe this can be achieved by reallocating our current resources. Our community is currently well resourced, but I would not oppose more health funding in our region.

6. What kind of experience do you have in local politics that will work to your advantage if you were to be elected?

I have no previous experience in local politics. What I do have is a strong educational and professional background. I have over 20 years of corporate and non-profit financial management experience. I addition to this, I have worked for Island Health in Port Hardy and currently work for the Ministry of Children and Family Development as part of the BC Poverty Reduction Initiative. I am also the Housing Coordinator for the Federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) in Mt. Waddington.

7. Do you believe police resources should be boosted in the region (i.e. more officers, etc.)?

No, I believe our current level of RCMP resources meet the needs of our community.

8. What would you do or say to encourage more people to join the fire department, which is looking for more volunteers?

I believe the current messaging to potential volunteers is great. It is always a challenge to recruit volunteers and I believe the recent increase in funding to volunteers will help address some of these challenges.

9. How will you address the empty storefronts in the Thunderbird Mall?

Ultimately, this is the responsibility of the property owner. I compare it to work being done by the ownership of North Island Mall and how they are being innovative in their approach to attracting new tenants and working in the community and with local entrepreneurs to build a foundation of ‘community economic development’. As a local government we are very limited in what we can do to “address the empty storefronts”. I would like to work with the owners of our commercial properties to discuss some ‘out of the box’ solutions, such as seasonal pop-up stores and temporary short-term leases.

*Kattler added the following note to his responses:

I would like to thank you for this opportunity, but I need to make a statement regarding the most important issue in our community and this election, the housing crisis. I moderated 3 BC Poverty Consultations as part of the provincial consultation process for the development of the BC Poverty Reduction Strategy. The number one issue in all three of these consultations was access to safe affordable housing. Port Hardy currently has a 0.2% vacancy rate and the current Mayor and Council have no plan in place to address this issue.

The number of homeless people is increasing and our shelter is operating at over 100% capacity. Our local First Nation is currently working to address the housing needs for band members, but this does not address the housing issues for our non-indigenous community members and our seniors. This needs to be priority for our next Mayor or Council or we may be faced with our own ‘tent city’.

PORT HARDY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE TREENA SMITH

1. What is your position on taxes in Port Hardy – do you think rates should be changes or stay as they are?

I think that if the budget allows they should stay the same; with the goal of keeping taxes as low as we can.

2. What is your stance on cannabis regulations at the local level? How should they be shaped and implemented following legalization on October 17th?

It will be regulated so more control of what is in the cannabis products. I can’t ignore the dangers of fentanyl in our community. The purchasers and sellers of the product need to be mindful of the commitment to keep it away from our children; especially the edibles!

3. Public intoxication is said to be an issue in Port Hardy. What measures would you take to help curb this?

This is a combination of many issues and will need to be solved with many different groups and organizations working together…it is the only way.

4. Any particular plans for youth and/or childcare in the region?

Yes, I would like to see more opportunities for our youth. But first taking inventory of all of the options we have and making it easy for parents to get their children involved is a good first step.

5. Looking at health care, do you think there needs to be added health resources in more remote communities on the North Island?

I believe health care should be accessible to everyone.

I think before concentrating on reaching outer remote areas we should build up what we have. Our seniors have wait lists to get into our extended care facility and we have our baby boomers coming up in the next 10 to 20 years. We have to solve this issue quickly.

6. What kind of experience do you have in local politics that will work to your advantage if you were to be elected?

I was the manager of Port Hardy and District Chamber of Commerce for 4 years and got a lot of experience in working with council, many committees and lobbying the provincial government through the BC Chamber of Commerce. I was also the Economic and Community Development Coordinator for the District of Port Hardy and was educated in municipal government.

7. Do you believe police resources should be boosted in the region (i.e. more officers, etc.)?

If the federal government is willing to give us extra hands with no extra cost to the community I would say yes! However, if there is an added cost then this would have to be looked at in depth to measure the cost and value.

8. What would you do or say to encourage more people to join the fire department, which is looking for more volunteers?

It is a very rewarding experience. The camaraderie with your fellow firemen… the honor of saving buildings, lives and pets is empowering and the skills learned are an asset to any company. I would hope there are incentives for our volunteers. And awards for years of service. We owe a lot to our firemen.

9. How will you address the empty storefronts in the Thunderbird Mall?

The issue of vacant businesses has been discussed often at the District table. It was even discussed at the All Candidates Meeting. The District can promote Port Hardy and attract new businesses. And working together with the landowners to showcase the available lease opportunities and benefits will increase the likelihood of investment in our community.

PORT HARDY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE FRED M. ROBERTSON

1)   What is your position on taxes in Port Hardy – do you think rates should be changes or stay as they are?

It’s always a challenge to find a balance with respect to tax rate.  There needs to be a fairness for the tax payer and Council needs to ensure there are sufficient dollars for our community to succeed.  I believe Council has achieved this for the last four years.  Any tax increase has managed to keep pace with inflation.  When there has been some more significant increases proposed as there were for a new recreation complex/pool and the new fire truck we consulted directly with the community.  It is about trying to strike a balance.

2)   What is your stance on cannabis regulations at the local level? How should they be shaped and implemented following legalization on October 17^th?

We have cannabis regulations in place. Primarily, they regulate where a cannabis retailer can set up.   Most cannabis regulations are put in place by the federal and provincial governments.  A merchant that meets all the federal and provincial criteria and the regulations the DPH has in place will be able to establish their retail outlet.  That being said, it is very much an evolving regulatory environment.  It will be important for staff and Council stay completely informed with what is happening.

3)   Public intoxication is said to be an issue in Port Hardy. What measures would you take to help curb this?

It is an issue.  There are a number of services already in place, including the Integrated Case management Team,  the sobering and assessment beds through the Salvation Army and longer term recovery beds.  There needs to be more services in place to help people with addiction issues.  Safe and affordable housing is an important part of this equation.  These will only happen with organizations working together.  The RCMP do a good job in difficult circumstances, but they cannot do it by themselves. Our  Council has been and will continue to work with Island Health and other organizations to provide supports for those who need them.

4)   Any particular plans for youth and/or childcare in the region?

I believe it is critical that Council support and provide healthy alternatives for youth in our community.  This includes maintaining all of the recreational facilities we currently operate as well as working with organizations like Minor Hockey and Youth Soccer, and others to make activities as accessible as possible.

 I support the provincial initiative to provide affordable daycare throughout the province. 

5)   Looking at health care, do you think there needs to be added health resources in more remote communities on the North Island?

Our Council will always work with other North Island communities. And, we will work with Island Health to try and provide as wide a range of services as possible. 

6)   What kind of experience do you have in local politics that will work to your advantage if you were to be elected?

I have been on Council for the last four years.  I was a teacher with SD#85 for many years.  I also served as the local president of the Vancouver Island North Teachers’ Association.

 I was an active volunteer with Minor Hockey and Youth Soccer.  I served on the Minor Hockey Executive for a number of years.  I have been, and will continue to be an active community member in Port Hardy.

7)   Do you believe police resources should be boosted in the region (i.e. more officers, etc.)?

I understand one of the challenges for the RCMP in our area has been to have their full compliment of officers.  I understand they do have their full compliment of officers at this time, which is very positive. 

8)   What would you do or say to encourage more people to join the fire department, which is looking for more volunteers?

I believe it is important for the community to see Council actively working with and supporting our local volunteer Fire department.  We have been doing this in a number of different ways – and we will continue to support the very impressive and important work of our local Fire Department.

9)   How will you address the empty storefronts in the Thunderbird Mall?

Council will need to continue to work with local businesses.  Port Hardy is a growing, active, inclusive and vibrant community.  As we welcome more people to our community then this becomes the incentive to see the empty store fronts become occupied with successful ventures.

———–

We’re waiting on responses from the following candidates. This article will be updated as that new information is received.

• PORT HARDY MAYORAL CANDIDATE HANK BOOD (incumbent)

• PORT HARDY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE RICK MARCOTTE

• PORT HARDY COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE JOHN TIDBURY

Tidbury declined to answer, citing lack of time.