While the Woodfibre liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plant proposal isn’t the only big issue facing the District of Squamish, it’s the one that will likely dominate the upcoming municipal elections, according to the community’s most recent candidate.
Squamish needs business in town, but there are many ways of growing the local economy without hitting up industrialization, Peter Kent said.
The eight-year Squamish resident wants to see the community build on its budding tourism industry and branding that focuses on the area’s outdoor
recreation lifestyle.
“A lot of people are starting to come here because of the beauty,” said Kent, a 30-year veteran of film and TV.
This is the second time running in Squamish’s municipal election for the father of five-year-old twin boys. He placed eighth in the 2011 election – two spots behind a position on council.
This time around voters are dissatisfied with city hall’s communication, Kent said.
A lot of big issues seem to be moving forward with little to no community input, he added, noting the Squamish oceanfront deal and talks
surrounding LNG.
“I went through that agreement,” Kent said regarding the oceanfront. “Having been a producer I am used to reading
legal documents. We need to get it off of our backs.”
If elected, Kent said he would have an open-door policy. He hopes to see Auli Parviainen in the mayor’s seat.
This will be incumbent Bryan Raiser’s fifth time running in Squamish’s municipal election. The avid cyclist has served two terms in a council chair. As a veteran councillor, Raiser said he has a realistic perspective on what he can accomplish. It’s taken the father of two school-age girls two terms to achieve the goals he campaigned for in the first election, he noted. Improving the community’s cycling infrastructure and relationships between recreation user groups and the municipality are among them, Raiser said.
“I certainly wouldn’t say I am a one-issue candidate,” he said.
Raiser said he’s happy to see the Squamish oceanfront sale move forward. It’s been a thorn in the municipality’s side for more than a decade, he said. The project’s sub-area plan outlines residents’ wishes for the property.
“We are going to continue following the path of what the community has been very vocal about what they want to see,” he said.
As for the proposed Woodfibre LNG plant, Raiser said he doesn’t have enough information to make an informed decision regarding its pros and cons. The company’s proposal is set to come forward around the time of the election on November 15. It’s too bad, Raiser said, adding until then, discussions will be held in a vacuum.
“The province is all full-steam ahead, so what power Squamish has over this proposal we will have to see,” he said.
The municipal nomination period commences at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30 Advanced voting will begin on Nov. 3, with the general election held on Saturday, Nov. 15.
