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John S Martin

Independent for West Kelowna Council
Public Safety has to be considered in any decision made by council. From safe neighborhoods to responsible development to clean water. These are expected bu our residents and need to be focused on. As council we should work together with our community. "We're in this together!"

Climate Change

Electric Bikes & Scooters

Great way to travel to work.

Let's try to get out of the car and decrease congestion and emissions in the city. However, we need safe places to store E-bikes and scooters while at work or other and safe roads to travel on them! Fantastic way to lower your carbon imprint.

Energy-Efficient Buildings & Retrofits

Lower Carbon Imprint

Let's build and retrofit with the highest possible efficiency to help our struggling environment.

Green Space

Bigger Is Better

Increase the size of parks for more activity opportunity and availability at each park to attract usage.

Parking

Parking Not Enough

All of us have experience in this department. The required bylaw parking for each household is obviously inadequate with everyone parking on the streets.

Housing & Homelessness

Affordability

Perpetual Affordability

We all need a starting point to acquire the goal of owning a single family home. Supply and demand regulate housing prices and West Kelowna is a desirable place to live. Let's encourage developers to build smaller units and increase densification to allow for more attainable housing starts.

Property Taxes

Let's Keep It Real

Property taxes have to be managed better. The total tax increase of the city is not just based on the city's tax increase but adjusted to the increased taxable value of you house. This has meant many increases into the double digit figures.

Rent

Very High!!

We have to adjust for supply and demand. Let's provide alternatives and incentives to home owners wishing to put in secondary suites or carriage homes.

Local Government & Democracy

Public Engagement

Need More

We have to encourage more citizens to be involved and engaged in community initiatives. Think outside the box and involve community associations. Go to events in the community to get more involvement. There is a lot of untapped talent out there with much to offer!!!! Community!!!!

Mental Health, Drugs, & Addiction

Treatment Programmes

Hand Up Not Hand Out!

Another area that is simply not working. We need to fight this 'other pandemic' with a 'hand up' approach. This is a huge issue that needs to be tackled at the root of the problem. If you don't get at the root, the problem keeps on growing. Presently, the problem is more of a 'hand out' approach. It doesn't seem right to enable and encourage drug use with safe injection sites and free drugs.

Public Safety & Policing

Non-Police-Based Public Safety

Bylaw Officers

People need to be held accountable for their actions. We need an increase in bylaw enforcement and a 24/7 team to do this who will actually enforce the bylaw!

Public Spaces & Services

Green Space

Bigger Is Better

Increase the size of parks for more activity opportunity and availability at each park to attract usage.

Sidewalks & Bike Paths

Joining

Many bike paths and sidewalks don't join up together. Maybe we should start with doing something about that! Bike paths and sidewalks are required throughout the community and need to be strategically placed for effectiveness, safety and with forethought as the city grows.

Transit & Getting Around

Electric Bikes & Scooters

Great way to travel to work.

Let's try to get out of the car and decrease congestion and emissions in the city. However, we need safe places to store E-bikes and scooters while at work or other and safe roads to travel on them! Fantastic way to lower your carbon imprint.

Parking

Parking Not Enough

All of us have experience in this department. The required bylaw parking for each household is obviously inadequate with everyone parking on the streets.

Sidewalks & Bike Paths

Joining

Many bike paths and sidewalks don't join up together. Maybe we should start with doing something about that! Bike paths and sidewalks are required throughout the community and need to be strategically placed for effectiveness, safety and with forethought as the city grows.

Biography

submitted by the candidate or their team
I have a Bachelor of Administration degree with a major in Management and Accounting. I spent 31 years, and retired as a Captain, with the Toronto Fire Service and have been dedicated to public service and public safety. Born in Prince George and now back to my home province.

Reason for running

submitted by the candidate or their team
Over the last few years I have attended almost all city council meetings and discovered that I would like to give more back to my community. I have fought for smart development and know I can contribute to guide our city’s growth in a responsible manner.

johnsmartinourwk.ca johnsmartinourwk.ca