Area B - Shawnigan Lake Area Director Candidate

Twitter: Lois4Shawnigan
Facebook: Lois Morrow for Shawnigan Lake Area Director

Q1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running.

A: My name is Lois Morrow. I am a candidate for Area Director in Shawnigan Lake. My priorities are the protection of our water, in particular opposing the permit to build a contaminated soil facility in our watershed, as well as protection of farmland for food security. I began my involvement with CVRD politics during the debate over an EcoDepot in our area, believing that farmland should not be taken out of production for industrial use. I have over 30 years of education and experience within the non-profit sector, most recently as Vice President of the Shawnigan Residents Association.

Q2. The community survey results placed a high priority on sustainability, in particular on protecting our watersheds, water supply and water quality, as well as on creating a more sustainable local economy. If elected, please describe what your approach would be to those issues.

A: I believe that our region needs to think in terms of watershed boundaries, not political boundaries, and that a Regional Watershed Management Commission will serve to draw down legitimate authority from the provincial government as they formulate the regulations around the new Water Sustainability Act. The approach must be collaborative, full partnership between First Nations and the CVRD, with involvement from the Shawnigan Basin Authority and the Cowichan Watershed Board, and many other stakeholders. A sustainable local economy depends upon the skills of our local entrepreneurs, supported by reasonable tax rates and dependable infrastructure.

Q3. The survey results indicated citizens want to see more consultation and accountability between elected officials and their constituents. If elected, please describe what your approach would be to those issues.

A: Our current Area Director established the tradition of a director's meeting with the public at our community centre one evening each month, a tradition that I would continue. I would also maintain a regular office schedule in Shawnigan Village throughout the week, where residents could drop in to ask questions or simply to talk. There is also opportunity for dialogue at the many community functions that a director attends, as well as connections through social media. Primarily, I think it is an attitude of regarding the position as public service, and never believing that my actions and opinions are above scrutiny.

Q4. What is your position on municipal tax rates and the corresponding level and allocation of services?

A: Shawnigan Lake is not a municipality, hence our taxes are allocated to the CVRD services that our area chooses to participate in. I have three main areas of concern: Transit service, which in Area B consists of full size, largely empty buses on our roads, while we pay for expansion of services elsewhere in the region. Bylaw enforcement, an ongoing irritation because it is complaint driven and serviced by only two officers for the entire region. And the CVRD grant in aid program, voluntary contributions which add up to over one million dollars each budget year without adhering to existing policies.

Q5. What is your vision for this area, and how would getting elected help achieve it?

A: I envision this area with full management and authority over our watersheds through a regional water governance model. Because of my rural background, I want very much to see our limited farmland base protected, and to have each local community working towards food security. I desire a local government that practices fiscal restraint and aggressive asset management, including management of environmental assets. I am committed to working with colleagues at the CVRD board table to achieve these goals.

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