Long-time resident and businessperson Bianca Peters has declared she will run for council in the 2018 election.
“Our community is currently experiencing uncontrolled growth,” said Peters in a press release on Monday morning.
“Many people, including our children and seniors, can no longer afford to live here, and long-time residents and volunteers are cashing out,” she said. “Local businesses can’t find and retain employees. Affordable housing is scarce, while infrastructure is being taxed to the limit.”
“We have thousands of development units coming online threatening our wildlife and environment. Why is this happening? Because decisions have not been based on what is best for the community,” she said.
Peters spent three years serving as executive director of the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association, and recently stepped down from her role with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce for her council run.
She now runs her own communications and events company. She is the organizer of the Squamish Street Market and launched a new publication this year called Taste of Squamish.
In her campaign announcement she focused on the need to support local businesses and highlighted the challenges of operating in Squamish — including a lack of downtown parking, high rents and an “out-dated bureaucracy” on the District level.
Peters also referenced concerns for the environment, and said the “District should be offering incentives to homeowners and businesses for supporting green technology and best practices.”
Peters listed solar panels on rooftops, vegetable gardens, and green building design as examples.
“Thirty years from now, I want to be able to look my children in the eye and tell them I did my part to support a healthy and vibrant community when we had the opportunity.”
Peters studied history at the University of British Columbia, sales and marketing at Langara College and graduated in 2004 from BCIT’s Broadcast Journalism Management program.
She is also founder of the Squamish Historical Society, a member of the Rotary Club and Tourism Squamish.
