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Harrison Candidate Q&A - Samantha Piper

Village of Harrison Hot Springs: Piper, Samantha - Council Candidate

Q: What one quality makes you most suited for the role of a community leader?

My many positive leadership qualities will make me a well-rounded Councillor. However, above all else, I am a relationship-based individual. This quality will benefit our community through my commitment to a collaborative, professional and ethical approach to all situations.  These qualities will also contribute to a cohesive team while I work towards SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Based) goals for our community.

 

Q: Should council be working harder to protect the surrounding forests and parks from industrial development, including logging and run of river power project?  Or are these necessary operations?

Yes, and we as a community should be working together to ensure that the beauty and environment is sustained not only in the Village area, but the surrounding areas as well.  Keeping in mind the history logging has had in our community, we must not lose sight of the fact that some of our residents make their living from the renewable resource.  B.C.'s sustainable forest management is world-renowned and safeguarding a sustainable timber supply is a reported top priority for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.  We must ensure that our community remains viable by balancing the needs of the Village and our surrounding communities; this can only be accomplished by responsible leadership.

 

Q: Would you support the creating of a bylaw that would allow for care homes and assisted living?  Why or why not?

The creation of care homes and assisted living fits in line with the sustainability of the Village and the natural occurrence of neighbourhoods aging out.  The reality is that many of us may not be physically able to stay in our homes into our later years.  The implementation of these types of facilities into our community also means local jobs; local development; and potentially, more visitors to our community.  As long as the facilities are constructed in areas that make sense for aesthetics and neighbourhood planning, the need for these facilities can result in a positive for Harrison.  If the implementation of this use is supported and incorporated into the Village's OCP (Official Community Plan) and subsequent zoning bylaw, I would be more than supportive of the choice of bringing this housing opportunity to Harrison Hot Springs.

 

Q: Can Harrison really survive on tourism alone?

Like all communities, a diverse economy is a strong economy.  Ideally, we need to look long term at all options and opportunities.  Currently we are a tourist based municipality; we need to encourage and support the tourism aspect of what Harrison has to offer.  So many opportunities exist, "Green, Marine and Serine" opportunities.  It is essential we capitalize on those and continually provide action plans, updates and ongoing information to our residents.  We need to look at a Harrison Hot Springs with a "Cruise Ship" mentality:  Quality Service; Memorable Experiences; and a Strong Desire to Return.  We need to focus on our strengths, attractions and then collectively look forward to exploring options.