Editor's note: This is the first column by Maurice Freitag, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District director for Electoral Area D, focusing on issues facing the area that includes Britannia Beach, Furry Creek, the Upper Squamish and Paradise Valleys. The column will appear again in the summer and fall.
Thank you -it is with great honour I write my first edition of Area D Corner.
I often wondered if the breakneck pace of the campaign was ever going to subside. Well, I tell you, it has not subsided, just changed direction. Door knocking and all-candidates' meetings have evolved into endless emails, long phone conversations, EAD meetings, regular board meetings and being a watchdog of our area city halls. Then there are the sessions on how to be an open, fair, and unbiased leader, being certain the playing field is level for all. I'm keeping an open mind for today and for the next generations.
As many of you know and some may not know, the SLRD is the regional governing body for this area, taking on issues from all areas outside municipal boundaries from just past Lillooet to Brunswick Creek south of Porteau Cove, and covering off some shared services with local municipalities.
Here are just a few of the projects we have been working on in Area D in my first four months in office. We've started work on a thorough noise bylaw review, worked with the District of Squamish on shared services, and worked with the proponents of the Sea to Sky Gondola to address Area D amenities. That's not to mention working hard with local community associations to have their needs addressed. An initial process is also underway for the Area D OCP review. I have had an initial meeting with the proponents from the Makin Lands development just south of Britannia Beach, all while keeping a watchful eye on the budget and connecting with as many local community groups and associations I can, both in and out of Area D.
On March 26, we meet to finalize the budget for the coming year. Being my first local government budget, it was a full-time job just making sure I asked enough questions to make sure the taxpayer gets the absolute best value for his or her dollar. With the expert help of my alternate John Turner, and an open ear and answer at the other end of a phone line or email from the great SLRD staff, I can say I'm satisfied with the process so far.
My three priorities for the coming year: communication, Area D collaboration with partnering municipalities and other regional areas. Finally, be accountable to you, the people, who gave me the opportunity to serve in public office. I leave you with a saying I heard early on in my term and have come to put to use. "Argue like you're right, listen like you're wrong."
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
