Running for Councillor, Winfield. Currently holds this seat.
I am a current Lake Country Councillor representing Winfield, the largest Ward in the Community. You may have seen me out and about collecting trash/recyclables in my reflective vest. If I see a problem, I roll up my sleeves and do something about it. I make myself accessible to residents by listening to questions and frustrations and genuinely care about finding solutions. Everything I do comes from the heart.
I believe a strong community is not only built through policies and decisions, but through compassion, kindness and personal responsibility. I want our Lake Country to be a community that is safe, clean, affordable and welcoming for generations to come.
I am here to represent every member of our community - young and old, long-time residents and newcomers alike. Your voice matters and deserves to be heard, and together we can all have a part in shaping this place we call home.
I would be honored to retain your trust this election.
See it on the District of Lake Country siteWhat Irvine said at the Rogers tv panel. Each summary was written by AI and checked by a person. The quote under it is exact, and the link opens the video at that moment.
Asked And with that, we'll start with introductions. To the candidates, as a reminder, you have two minutes to present your introduction.
Summary Heather Irvine says love of the community is the reason for running again. Irvine says the current role is councillor for Winfield, and hopes to be re-elected. Irvine kept the introduction short to leave more time for questions.
The love of my community is why I run, continue to run, and I'm hoping to be re-elected.
Asked As Lake Country continues to grow, do you have any opinion, observations, or comments about specific infrastructure projects, such as roads, water, sewer, and sidewalks?
Summary Heather Irvine says it is time to slow down growth. Irvine says water is a concern after this summer's drought and roads need to be better. Irvine says new building is outpacing roads, and more residents will mean longer traffic delays.
We are adding all this building and we don't have enough roads.
Asked Is there a role for the district to strengthen support for local businesses? And do you have any suggestions for the types of economic development that you would prioritize for Lake Country?
Summary Heather Irvine wants Lake Country to have its own stand-alone tourist board. Irvine wants the community to become a four-season place so businesses do not rely only on summer. Irvine says businesses need a voice and wants at least two councillors on the chamber committee.
We need to become a four-season spot. Right now, we're geared towards summer, and that's wrong. One bad summer season could do a business in.
Asked How will you ensure you make decisions that benefit the whole community, including residents who may not share their priorities?
Summary Heather Irvine says listening to both sides, the yes and the no, is important when making decisions. Irvine says weighing pros and cons should cover all of Lake Country, not just one ward. Irvine says some people will always be unhappy, but decisions must serve the whole community.
there's always going to be an unhappy person. You have to believe it's for the betterment of the whole community.
Asked What is one accomplishment or project in your past work or volunteer life or other experience you would share with the audience that would demonstrate your ability to lead, collaborate, and or solve complex problems?
Summary Heather Irvine says one example is helping a resident get permanent accessible parking for a truck and trailer. Irvine says the effort took two and a half years. Irvine says the goal is to help people across the whole community and wants to be re-elected to keep advocating.
I tried to help Jim just recently obtain permanent handicap parking for his truck and trailer. It's unique for his mobility.
Quotes are copied word for word from public sources. Each one links back to where it was said.
I am a current Lake Country Councillor representing Winfield, the largest Ward in the Community.
If I see a problem, I roll up my sleeves and do something about it. I make myself accessible to residents by listening to questions and frustrations and genuinely care about finding solutions.
I believe a strong community is not only built through policies and decisions, but through compassion, kindness and personal responsibility. I want our Lake Country to be a community that is safe, clean, affordable and welcoming for generations to come.
Asked Lake Country businesses often struggle to recruit and retain employees because of housing costs and availability. What actions would you support to increase attainable workforce housing?
Some businesses have been building residential units for their staffing issues, and some offer their own monetary incentives to find housing. If housing is supplied, retention rates are higher due to the stability of housing, as your boss is also your landlord
Asked How would you address traffic congestion, parking limitations and transportation challenges affecting employees, customers and commercial deliveries?
I also think there needs to be more scrutiny placed on building sites and unfortunately that once council approves it, the plans can change.
No public statement found on this topic.
Asked How would you control municipal spending and keep commercial property taxes, business-licensing costs and other municipal fees affordable?
This is a fine balancing act no question but working WITH the commerce along with the local businesses, actively, with regular strategy meetings, we can determine what area holds the most value to our local shops.
Asked How would you ensure businesses receive adequate notice and meaningful consultation before roadwork, construction or other municipal projects disrupt access, parking or customer traffic?
Perhaps work can be done at night, perhaps some financial support in means of reduced property tax or reduction of business licenses
Asked How would you address traffic congestion, parking limitations and transportation challenges affecting employees, customers and commercial deliveries?
I don’t like the current parking bylaw that’s in place, for me it needs to be increased.
Asked How would you ensure businesses receive adequate notice and meaningful consultation before roadwork, construction or other municipal projects disrupt access, parking or customer traffic?
Would love to see a “Business Friendly” construction policy in place as well as I think council and DLC need to be mindful of the effects of the construction around local businesses.
Asked What are the three most important actions the District should take to support the growth and success of local businesses?
Build a strong independent tourism and economic strategy so we become a 4 season destination, not just a summer spot. Look at tax incentives that offer relief to small businesses and advocate at the provincial level so mom and pop stores stay open in a world of multinational big box retailers
Asked What is your plan to attract new businesses and investment while also supporting established locally owned businesses?
We need to have our own Tourism Committee with at least TWO council members on it as well as an Economic Development Committee with at least one council member enrolled.
Asked What specific changes would you support to make building permits, development applications, inspections and business approvals faster and more predictable?
The DLC has come al long way there’s no question but still far from perfect. We need strong interactions thru communications to ensure businesses are being recognized, heard and steps taken to ensure longevity.
Asked What steps would you support to improve public safety, cleanliness and security in Lake Country’s commercial areas?
We are looking to go to 24 hour policing however the enrollment for RCMP is done, by I’m told, half as well as cadets / veteran police officers aren’t moving to the Okanagan as it is an expensive place to live, compared to the prairies or East Coast of Canada.
Asked What steps would you support to improve public safety, cleanliness and security in Lake Country’s commercial areas?
This is an easy one; more garbage receptacles including recycling (blue bin) , we currently don’t have enough.
Asked What steps would you support to improve public safety, cleanliness and security in Lake Country’s commercial areas?
We need to make bylaw reactive rather than proactive, especially as our community grows.
I am here to represent every member of our community - young and old, long-time residents and newcomers alike. Your voice matters and deserves to be heard, and together we can all have a part in shaping this place we call home.
Asked How should the District work with the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce and local businesses when developing policies, budgets and long-term economic plans?
The DLC, council and the Chamber need to be continually working together with effective communication. Strategy sessions with all council members in attendance as well as at least one councillor who regularly informs council members.
Asked How should the District work with the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce and local businesses when developing policies, budgets and long-term economic plans?
We currently don’t have that and in fact only received one 10 minute presentation by the Chamber president. In my opinion, that’s not enough