Rutland Uptown Business Association Questions

1. The CD Zone is being heralded as a tool that will efficiently and effectively act as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the core of downtown, would you support a similar planning and zoning exercise in the Rutland business district? If not, why?

I believe the CD Zone can be a useful tool as it dictates form and character for an area as well as provides opportunity for density transfer in order to accommodate more green space over a multi-owned area. We have recently had some very good examples of both effective and non-effective ways to go about the public process for the exercise. I feel that the model of community consultation and participation used for the Central Green project was excellent and would support a planning and zoning exercise for the Rutland Town Centre using that process.



2. Some may suggest that Kelowna is a victim of poor development which has led to urban sprawl and poor roadway infrastructure. Does the Municipal Candidate support the City of Kelowna's push for densification of Urban Town Centers? And if so, what do the candidates think of the C7 Zoning in Rutland and the new Rutland Urban Development plan involving the linear park that is currently before City Council?

Two major highways running through our community and a patchwork of agricultural reserve lands have created an unusual and difficult urban use form. It is vitally important that we concentrate on developing and densifying our town centres in order to create a more sustainable community – one where residents can walk, work, shop and play. I think the C7 zoning in the Rutland Town Centre, which allows for mixed use development, is supportive of the Urban Town Centre policies. I am excited about opportunities like community parks and transit centres in Rutland and look forward to seeing changes that the community supports.


3. In spite of the fact that most individuals being picked up by the RCMP are from other areas of town, there have been discussions with regard to locating a sobering station at Cross Roads in Rutland. These discussions have not involved URBA or the Resident’s Association. Do you support this initiative, and the location?

A sobering station is absolutely needed in our community. It just doesn’t make social or financial sense to have the RCMP put people in an intoxicated state into jail cells and then release them again without any support when they are sober. The sobering station allows a point of contact for people who need help with their addiction issues.
Regardless of where the sobering station is located, there should be a community advisory committee established to provide input and develop a set of “good neighbour” guidelines. I don’t believe that a sobering station would have a negative effect in the neighbourhood where it is located if guidelines are established in advance.


4. What do you see as priorities for Rutland and what would you do to help achieve them?

What I have heard from Rutland citizens is the need to upgrade streetscapes, improve transit, add more parkland and beautify and enhance the town centre. I believe this can be done through a community consultation process which establishes the specific areas of need and prioritizes them and then by assigning the appropriate budget amounts.



5. Recent economic events have shaken the entire financial world. Kelowna is not immune to these events and we are now starting to see large projects either fail or cease, job losses and property value losses. The City of Kelowna, as a corporation, has an annual budget of close to $500 million dollars, with millions in assets and hundreds of employees. As a councilor, you are really a Board of Directors for the on-going viability of the City as a corporate body. During these uncertain times, all organizations must be run with clear direction and knowledge of the ramifications for all decisions. Please tell us what specific education and experience you have that will assure us that you have the requisite skills for the job.

I have three years of experience now as a councillor and have a good understanding of how our budget and taxation processes work. I believe in hiring the best staff possible with the expertise to provide the advice that we need to make the right decisions. I have a university degree with a focus in archive studies and as a result have learned to sort through large volumes of information and extract the important parts – a valuable skill for the position of councillor. I support planning for the future by creating reserve funds for upcoming expenses and having a financial plan for capital projects. This is the same procedure I follow in my personal financial matters!
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any other questions. Contact therules@telus.net or 250-762-3749.