Residents of Harrison Hot Springs are being asked to go back to the polls next Saturday, May 12. The by-election was spurred on when a Supreme Court judge ruled Richard Shelley was not eligible to run for council, due to complications with his role as a volunteer firefighter. A by-election was called in January, and nine candidates have stepped forward. Some are from councils long ago, some from councils more recent, and others are newcomers altogether.
The Observer asked them four questions about themselves and their visions for Harrison Hot Springs, in advance of the by-election. Click through at the bottom of each page to see the following questions.
Question 4: How do you envision Harrison Hot Springs in 20 years?
John Allen:
Just like it says in the OCP, (which is the official vision council is supposed to be working towards instead of fulfilling Kingma's personal profit plan) Harrison will be an integrated resort community of 3,000 residents and a thriving tourism industry. By preserving proper zoning (instead of current council's destruction of good planning) both parts of the community will co-exist in harmony and without conflict.
Andrew Baziuk:
I find that our residents are full of good ideas. My vision is a community at harmony with nature even more than today. Nature is the one constant we should enjoy, cherish, and preserve. We must be even more of an oasis from the urban jungles which are quietly creeping into the valley. It must be council’s job to insure that the services we provide for our citizens will be in harmony with these ideas.
John Buckley:
I see outdoor public hot pools looking out over Harrison Lake, a vibrant year round tourist season which helps grow our heathy, flourishing business community.
I see happy, content citizens who are proud of their village and who want to protect and be stewards of its beautiful lake and surrounding rain forests. This is not a dream but a definite possibility!
Arnold Caruk:
I would like to see a world class conference center so we could attract major conferences from around the world. A visible and operational presence of the hot springs. A lit up fountain somehwere central to the beach area. A recreational facility for all. An impressive achitecural Village Office complex.
Marc Ferrero:
A town with more harmony than what exists at present and consideration for everyone's future.
Leslie Ghezesan:
No Comments!
Bob Perry:
With the strong support of council, The Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Officer, embark upon a strong marketing campaign and the visitors will come. Times are changing and we should consider taking a good hard look at seeking to establish a casino in the village and a zip line in conjunction with the Hot Springs Source.
With all of the geographical attributes and beauty that Harrison has to offer, within the next 20 years this “Little Village” could very well be the closest and most sought after destination resort in The Fraser Valley.
Andreas Sartori:
Harrison needs to keep the "village style" of living for all residents that we have moved here for, and have come to love. I see the need to protect all natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
The tourism has been stagnant for too many years and is not in balance at this time, this problem needs to be addressed and tourism needs to be encouraged without harming the residential way of life. It is always a "Question of Balance."
Richard Shelley:
In 20 years Harrison will still be the gem of the Valley! Having one of the largest fresh bodies of water right at our doorstep and our diligent protection of this important resource we will be envied by communities challenged to provide for their growing needs the way we can. We will have attracted world-class lakeshore developments that provide many unique shopping opportunities and activities for the young and mature alike.
See Question 1: How can tourism improve in Harrison despite a gloomy global economy?
See Question 2: Why have you chosen to run in this by-election?
See Question 3: What is one thing you'd lobby for if elected?