Dana Arthurs – Candidate, North Cowichan Council
Please tell us a bit about yourself and what made you decide to run in this election?
I have an interest in serving my community. I love where I live and would like to contribute to the community by way of hearing from the residents and implementing their vision at the board table. When I lived in Area I, it was an honor to be elected by the Area residents to the Parks and Recreation Commission for more than ten years, 6 of which I was the Chairperson. Often the Area Director would meet with us as a Commission to discuss much more than the state of our parks. We met on matters of development where we.. (candidate exceeded 100-word limit)
The climate science is clear - we need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 45% from 2005 levels by 2030 to address the devastating climate impacts (heat waves, fires, floods, droughts) we face. What priority actions to reduce GHG emissions locally will you advocate to get local government on course to meet that 45% reduction by 2030, less than 7 ½ years from now?
I am not an expert on this or any of the areas below. I have always liked to surround myself with people and professionals that are experts in areas that are not in my wheelhouse. Climate change is in my mind a fact and needs addressing on all fronts. I would be understanding that all conversations would have an environmental component.
Transportation, mostly in private cars and trucks, is reported to be responsible for 72% of GHG emissions in the Cowichan Valley. What three strategies to reduce emissions from transportation, while also supporting local people getting where they need to go, would you work to implement? Did not respond
We’re not only in a climate crisis, we’re in multiple overlapping crises, including affordable housing, homelessness, and the opioid overdose crises. If elected to local government, what interconnected solutions would you advocate to address these social and environmental crises in the Cowichan Valley? Did not respond
The Cowichan Valley is experiencing increasing climate-related cycles of drought and flooding in our watersheds, as well as other damage to natural ecosystems and farmland caused by development pressures. These trends threaten our salmon and our food security. What actions must local government take to better protect our watersheds and drinking water, as well as increase local food production and food security? What protections should local government put in place? Did not respond
Emissions from buildings are second only to transportation emissions here in the Cowichan Valley. Local groups working together on climate change solutions have asked all five of our local governments to commit to getting fossil fuel emissions - gas and oil - out of our built environment. Do you support this move, and what next steps would you advocate local government take to achieve this? Did not respond
Most of our local governments have either, like North Cowichan, recently approved a new Official Community Plan (OCP) or are in the process of updating or harmonizing their OCP (CVRD) with stronger social and environmental directions for our Cowichan communities. How would you support the OCP approved for your community in moving forward, including implementing the bylaws needed? Did not respond
What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing local government and the one most important thing local government should do on each one?
Homeless, Housing
Healthcare – we need to encourage doctors and Nurses to come to our Valley
Indigenous Relations
How do you plan to work with other governments within our region, including working with Local First Nations, as well as the provincial and federal governments?
I have a lot of learning to do at this point and feel there may be better suited council members such as Deborah to liaise with First Nation.