The Discourse Questions and Answers

 

  • How long have you lived in the area, and what's your connection to the community?

 

I've called the Cowichan Valley home for over 50 years and feel deeply connected to this wonderful community. My husband and I raised our children here, and now we love watching our grandchildren grow up in such a beautiful place.

I grew up in Crofton and our family moved to a hobby farm in North Cowichan 17 years ago, where my love for this valley has only grown stronger.

 

  • What's your current or past occupation?

I currently coordinate the Cowichan Valley Action Team (CAT), which focuses on supporting the community through the opioid and homelessness crisis.  Before that, I spent 25 years as an Elementary School Secretary with School District #79 Cowichan Valley. After retiring in 2018, I took on the role of School Trustee.

 

  • Are you running as part of a slate?  

No I have no political affiliation or connections with existing councillors, which allows me to develop my own independent perspective and vote based on my personal convictions while representing the voices of the community.

 

  • What are your top 3 issues?

Affordable Housing: A Community Where Everyone Belongs

Housing is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for those who can keep up with soaring prices. We must take action to ensure everyone—seniors, families, workers, and our most vulnerable can afford to thrive in our community. How?  Working with developers to build affordable and supportive housing, promoting co-op models, and offering rental incentives so that no one is forced out due to cost.

Once we look after housing we will be in a position to better deal with our Opioid crisis.  We are facing a critical shortage of shelter beds and support services for those with complex needs. The first step toward real change is stable housing. When people have a safe place to call home, they can begin to rebuild their lives—addressing mental health, addiction, and employment challenges. Investing in affordable and supportive housing isn’t just compassionate; it’s essential for a stronger, healthier community.

Infrastructure 

Our biggest challenge is infrastructure capacity. With over 10,000 proposed housing units but water and sewer systems for only 4,200, we need smart, strategic investment. Expanding services responsibly, securing government funding, and ensuring development aligns with essential services are crucial—we cannot afford to fall behind.

Taxes

We can’t keep asking residents to carry the financial load. Instead, we need to bring in funding from other sources—securing provincial and federal grants, working with local businesses, and planning growth in a way that makes sense for our community.

Finding new ways to generate revenue is key. Supporting eco-tourism, helping small businesses thrive, and welcoming sustainable industries will strengthen our economy without raising taxes. We can also explore green energy projects, smarter land use, and partnerships with non-profits to create stable, long-term funding—ensuring our community stays strong without overburdening residents.

  • Do you have previous public service experience or experience volunteering with community groups?

I am no stranger to politics, I’m ready to hit the ground running, I understand how to navigate governance effectively to get things done.  As a former School Trustee and currently co-ordinator for the Cowichan Community Action Team, I’ve sat and still sit at decision-making tables, ensuring fair, transparent governance and responsible budgeting. My years as a CUPE union  executive member and Treasurer gave me hands-on experience in managing budgets, negotiating agreements, and standing up for people—skills that are crucial for making smart, balanced decisions that benefit our whole community.

  • What would you like to see done with the old Cowichan District Hospital land and building?

The old hospital presents a unique opportunity to address our community’s growing need for mental health and addiction services. It could be transformed into a comprehensive wellness center, offering everything from detox services to a rehabilitation treatment facility. A facility like this would provide stability, treatment, and ongoing support, ensuring that individuals struggling with mental health and addiction have the resources needed to heal and rebuild their lives. Repurposing the hospital in this way would be a smart, cost-effective solution to a critical issue, filling the gap in much-needed services and creating a lasting impact on our community. This could be realized by partnering with non-profit organizations that have a focus and experience in managing this type of facility.

 

  • Do you support expanding active transportation options in North Cowichan?

 

The need for better transportation is clear, and the current strike has only made it more obvious. With our community so spread out, people without transportation struggle to access doctors, food, and other essentials.   What is needed is a reliable, accessible transit system that works for more people—affordable, convenient, and designed to meet the needs of our community.

 

  • Would you support plans to build another village-style housing development in North Cowichan that is similar to the one in Duncan?

Absolutely! The village model is a standout example of supportive housing that combines mental health and addiction services. This approach allows for rapid construction at a fraction of the cost of traditional buildings, meaning we can quickly provide housing for many individuals. An appealing aspect of this model is its flexibility—it can be implemented as small  villages in communities like Crofton, Chemainus, North Cowichan, and beyond.

One unexpected benefit of this housing model is its role in recovery. Once residents are settled and receiving essential care—food, shelter, and medical support—they are better positioned to focus on recovery. Many have even advanced to rehabilitation programs, highlighting the model's effectiveness as a recovery tool.

 

Our youth have been facing unprecedented mental health challenges in recent years. In 2023, Statistics Canada reported that 26% of youth rated their mental health as "fair" or "poor." A Youth Foundry—offering wrap-around care in a one-stop, welcoming, and accessible environment—ensures early intervention and comprehensive support. YES, I would be a strong advocate for establishing a Youth Foundry in North Cowichan.