Canal Flats candidates answer questions

By Lyonel Doherty

[email protected]

Canal Flats voters head to the polls this Saturday to elect two new councillors in a by-election. 

The Pioneer posed each candidate four questions: 

• If elected, how do you propose to attract or enhance economic activity in Canal Flats?

• What is your plan to improve the housing situation in the community?

• How should water system improvements be addressed in Canal Flats?

• What will you do to make council more transparent?

Paul Marcil said Canal Flats has a significant amount of flat land that could attract certain types of commercial operations; basic services that could be expanded to meet most needs and people who are accustomed to physical work.

“We have a tech firm and a fabrication plant that could maybe use supporting services. Could some kind of incentives attract other industries?”

Marcil stated the housing industry needs developers willing to build ‘spec’ housing to meet different wants —basic starter homes, larger upgrade homes, etc. 

“Maybe a home co-op that people can invest in to access the housing market, an apartment/townhouse complex which could attract downsizing buyers. There are lots of opportunities . . . we have land.”

Marcil said the water system in Canal Flats could be the envy of many, noting their water source is the Kootenay River so that sustainability is secure. 

“Our pumps, storage tank, booster station, etc. are relatively new so other than some undersized pipes in some areas, that could be rectified fairly inexpensively using our own crew.”

The candidate said council agendas are on the village website, which could be updated to be more user friendly with more details.

Marcil encourages residents to attend council meetings and ask questions. He suggested committee of the whole meetings could be more open to public input and questions. He said only specific issues, such as personnel matters, can be discussed “in camera,” but other council business is always available. 

Candidate Denise Trepanier said economic activity is a scarce commodity in a small village competing with larger communities, however, she noted that council needs to be advertising the community and looking for businesses that would be a good fit. She also suggests offering business development incentives, encouraging entrepreneurship, promoting tourism, shopping locally, and investing in infrastructure.

Trepanier said the housing problem is province- wide but noted the Canal Flats Housing Society will be building a 16-residential unit complex with four commercial bays. The construction is expected to start soon, she pointed out. 

The candidate also stated that property owners can build a secondary suite attached to their principal residence.

“I believe council needs to be very flexible on housing,  keeping in mind the protection to current homeowners. I would also look into the possibility of having tiny homes as that seems to be the route that many people are wanting or what people can afford.”

Trepanier said Interior Health has advised council that the village’s water system is at risk and will require a water treatment system at some point. She noted the village will need a substantial grant to achieve such a major undertaking. 

As for making council more transparent, the candidate said she would like to see councillors and the mayor provide the community with a monthly newsletter based on the decisions of council. In addition, she recommended hosting town meetings where residents can take part in asking questions and get the answers. 

“I understand there is some stuff that has to be kept confidential, especially when it’s in regards to labour issues or some contracts or land purchases;  however, the community does need to be aware of transactions that are taking place. Everyone deserves to know where their tax money is being spent.”

Candidate Andrew Weitzel told the Pioneer there is an opportunity to bring industry back to Canal Flats.  “I intend on reviewing the zoning of all land in the area that is available for use and seeing where opportunities exist.” 

As a professional accountant, Weitzel said he has built a network of developers, builders, businesses and subtrades. “I want to connect these individuals with our council so that we can bring work back to Canal Flats.”

Weitzel said he intends on leveraging his circle of influence to attract developers and connect them with existing landowners to find housing solutions in Canal Flats. He also believes that the village needs to review and engage in an external marketing campaign; one that better attracts residents, developers, and professionals to the area.

The candidate noted that Canal Flats recently created a water/utility corporation and now water treatment is a foregone conclusion.

“I speak for several members of this community in saying that we are outraged by these decisions. I have been notified that there are other options available that don’t involve a $30 million upgrade. We need to explore those options before we sell off our town’s precious resources to the highest bidder.”

Weitzel said council meeting minutes are the core artifact that ensures disclosure of the village’s affairs. He stated that in-camera meetings should be the exception, not the norm. 

“When in session, I intend on asking pointed questions that make their way into the public record to ensure our town remains as informed as possible.”

Candidate Mark Topliff did not offer any responses to the four questions.