Keep the Spirit. Build the Future.

1. Housing Flexibility & Tiny Homes / ADUs

What I propose:

• Allow accessory tiny homes or ADU per rural parcel for family care or workforce housing.
• Streamline permitting and reduce red tape with fast-track applications, standard utility hookups, and clear rules.
• Pilot the program to test safety, servicing, and design before expanding.

Why this works:

• BC municipalities that introduced ADUs with simplified processes saw high uptake and positive results (BC Housing Case Studies).
• Accessory units provide affordable, flexible housing for seniors, families, and workers (University of Waterloo Report).
• Tiny home pilots in Quebec show small, well-regulated units can be integrated successfully into rural communities (ResearchGate Study).

What this means for you:

• Youth and adult children who can’t afford large homes can stay locally.
  
• Families can house elderly parents nearby.
  
• More affordable, creative housing without sacrificing rural character.

2. Farm-Based Income: Seasonal Farm Camping (“Farm-Sites Pilot”)

What I propose:

• Enable a “Farm-Sites” pilot program to allow limited, seasonal camping on farms.
• Require quiet hours, a cap on sites per property, and clear waste/water management plans.
• Provide template operations plans (traffic, garbage, fire safety) to help farmers comply.
  

The impact:

• Agritourism camping has provided stable side income for farmers in other regions.
• USDA reports show outdoor recreation diversifies rural economies and creates new revenue streams (USDA Recreation Economy Report).
• Proper caps and standards protect rural character while allowing farmers to benefit.
  

3. Recreation Infrastructure & Trails Support

What I propose:

• Redevelop William Bagnal Park into a vibrant, multi-use community space for residents of all ages.
• Support the West 22 Trail Society and similar initiatives with funding and volunteer coordination.
• Improve signage, wayfinding, and trailhead parking while linking trails to local businesses.
• Publish an annual maintenance schedule and invite community input.

The benefit:

• Accessible, well-designed parks encourage youth, families, and seniors to stay active and engaged.
• Trails consistently bring visitor spending and raise property values (American Trails).
• Even in small towns, trails increase community pride, attract families, and encourage activity (Headwaters Economics).
• Studies show every dollar invested in trails returns more in local spending and business growth (ScienceDirect Study).

4. Youth Opportunity: Scholarships, Job Placements, Cultural & Recreation Access

What I propose:

• Launch the Water Valley/Cremona Future Fund to provide annual scholarships and bursaries.
• Create paid placements with farms, trades, local events, trail crews, and small businesses.
• Expand low-cost recreation options like fields, trails, and youth programs.

The result:

• Scholarships and work placements tie young people directly to their community, improving retention.
• Studies show that access to recreation and cultural activities improves youth mental health and strengthens local identity.
• Rural youth programs that combine education with practical work experience increase the chance that young people remain in — or return to — their home communities.

5. Transparent Events & Development Planning

What I propose:

• Publish a clear event-permit/small development playbook with requirements, fees, and a clear decision timeline.
• Provide clear guidelines for traffic, EMS, waste, and noise management.
• Stop the divide between the planning department and the council.

What it means for us:

• A single, transparent permit pathway reduces uncertainty for organizers and residents.
• Event toolkits lower compliance costs and improve safety outcomes.
• Clearer rules encourage more local events and developments, boosting tourism and supporting small businesses.

6. Connectivity & Safety for Rural Resilience

What I propose:

• Expand community internet hubs and provide event Wi-Fi (building on the service I already deliver locally).
• Map cell and radio dead zones and improve emergency communication coverage.
• Upgrade rural signage and address markers to reduce response times and guide tourists to lessen the impact on local residents (ie. designated spots for bird watchers).
• Provide sufficient funding for our EMS, Fire, and RCMP to accommodate the expected growth within the region.

How this helps:

• Broadband and connectivity are directly tied to rural economic growth and recreation success (USDA Report).
• Reliable communication improves first-responder safety and community resilience.
• Better signage and address visibility save lives by cutting response times in emergencies.

7. Transparency & Accountability

What I propose:

• Publish a quarterly report on County spending specific to Division 2.
• Host open town halls each quarter to explain where money is going and listen to residents’ priorities.
• Create a public online dashboard (simple charts, easy to read) that tracks spending, infrastructure updates, and service requests.

Why it’s needed:

• Transparency builds trust between residents and Council.
• Clear financial reporting makes it easier to spot inefficiencies and redirect funds to community priorities.
• Open reporting has been shown in other municipalities to improve citizen engagement and reduce conflict because residents feel informed and included.

8. Economic Development & Jobs for the Future

What I propose:

• Develop an economic plan that attracts small businesses, tourism, and agri-based enterprises.
• Work with partners to ensure safe, sustainable growth that protects rural character while expanding opportunities.
• Create incentives and support for remote workers, trades, and start-ups to base themselves in Division 2.
• Strengthen connections between festivals, trails, and local businesses so events drive year-round benefits.

Why it’s right for Division 2:

• Rural communities that invest in diversified economies are more resilient in downturns and create more local jobs.
• Studies show outdoor recreation and cultural events directly increase small-business revenues and attract visitors.
• Encouraging small-scale entrepreneurship keeps money local and reduces reliance on outside industries, making our area safer and more sustainable for the future.