Our region is stronger together
Regional collaboration was one of my priorities when I first ran in 2022, and it is still important to me today.
Over the past four years, I’ve supported several initiatives that bring our neighbouring communities together, including:
- Finalizing a recreation agreement with Rossland
- Extending our recreation agreement with Warfield
- Regional waste and organics initiatives
- The 2026 Trail-Rossland BC Winter Games
- A joint resolution with Castlegar and Nelson calling for a regional approach to rehabilitation, detox, and public safety, which was endorsed by the UBCM
The Winter Games showed what we can accomplish when communities work together. I was proud to serve on the nominations committee to name the board of directors, and equally proud that Trail and Rossland were represented equally on that final board.
I believe our region is stronger when we work together. I want to keep building those relationships and finding practical ways to share resources, improve services, and advocate for the needs of our communities. Looking ahead, there are three key areas I’d particularly like to work on if elected on October 17.
Warfield and Trail amalgamation
This is a major decision for both communities and will ultimately go to referendum. If elected, I would put my name forward to serve on the amalgamation committee. My focus would be on helping residents receive clear, accurate, and accessible information so they can understand the proposal and make an informed decision.
Over the past four years, I have made a point of sharing information from conventions, meetings, and public sessions. Council meetings and other discussions are available on YouTube, and I regularly point people to those resources so they can hear the conversations directly.
I believe my track record of communicating with residents would serve me well on the amalgamation study committee. People deserve clarity, not confusion. It is also important for residents to understand that the terms of reference exclude Warfield’s water needs. That distinction has potential financial implications, and Trail residents need to know what costs they could be taking on before they vote.
Bringing Area B into the recreation agreement
Area B residents already use Trail for many services. I think there is an opportunity to make access to recreation simpler and more consistent for everyone. For Trail, this could streamline administration by reducing the need for separate residency cards and verification.
Strengthening regional advocacy
Housing, health care, public safety, and infrastructure do not stop at municipal boundaries. We have learned that communities are more effective when they work together to identify common priorities and advocate for the resources our region needs.
As part of that work, I’m encouraged that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health has confirmed that a task force will be established to move forward on the priorities identified in our 2025 resolution. I want to help keep that momentum going and ensure that our region remains engaged as the task force begins its work. This is an important opportunity to bring local experience to the discussion and to advocate for practical improvements in rehabilitation, detox, and public safety.