Thank you for your vote of confidence

Thank You Shawnigan! I look forward to serving you for the next 4 Years.

By Sierra Acton, Area B Director


Thank you area B for your vote of confidence. You spoke loud and clear; I am honoured. I am also excited to have a full 4 year term to work towards our goals. This October, I enjoyed talking with community about our future. We all share a similar vision and the top priorities are;

• Safer roads and a Protected Environment
• A shared vision for a Viable Vibrant Village
• Youth Programming and Community Development

I will continue bringing Economic Development Cowichan and the Village Businesses together to work towards our vision. In addition, the Community Centre, Area B Parks Commissions and I are all working towards the goal of creating a place for youth and community in the heart of the village. A top priority remains supporting the Shawnigan Research Group as they work with the Ministry of Environment and Sonia Furstenau MLA on removal of the contaminated soil dump.


As I went door to door this fall, a repeated concern was the lack of services compared to our tax dollars. In Area B, the Cowichan Valley Regional Districts also acts as our local government since we are not incorporated. The District may not be perfect, but I will be using my experience with the board to help influence better land use decisions, bylaw enforcement and more fiscal responsibility. At the CVRD, Shawnigan Lake has one seat at a table of 15. The system was designed for rural areas and so our needs are not met by this system. For example, we can not control the speeds on our roads, in our neighbourhoods, or even create proper drainage at the lowest parts of the village. The Regional District is limited to what and how it can perform services. However, Incorporated areas have full control of their services and tax dollars. Did you know Ladysmith residents pay the same in taxes as we do? They are the same population and have control of their roads, policing, water, and sewer. Budget season will be starting, I look forward to many more view points on how we should be supported by local government.


Please join me at my next Director’s Meeting on December 3rd to discuss our taxes and anything else you would like to discuss about the role of the Regional District. Most importantly; being Area Director is a huge role and there are many opportunities for community members to help out. Should you wish to explore ways to get involved, big or small... let’s connect. Love it! Share it! Protect It!


Sierra Acton

Director Area B

Cell/text (250)-715-6763
Sacton@cvrd.bc.ca
iloveshawnigan.com
FB @AreaDirectorAreaB