ENVIRONMENTAL • SOCIAL • CULTURAL • ECONOMIC • HEALTH
Akbal mund
Responses
RESPONSES
Environment
Question 1 - When development is guided by an Official Community Plan that features smart growth principles, it results in lower taxes for residents, less gridlock, cleaner air and lower GHG emissions, more green space, more housing options and preserved farmlands. Following smart growth principles results in new, high-density housing being built in the downtown and specified neighbourhood cores, enabling more sustainable and cost-effective transportation options. How will you advocate for smart growth principles in the upcoming OCP planning process?
Akbal Mund
I have personally been an elected official over the past eight years, and in that time we have created smart growth through densification in the downtown core and East Hill areas of Vernon, as well as approving the recent 10 story building along Alexis Park Drive. We have recently lowered, yes lowered our DDC costs, unheard of in our province. When we sat as Mayor, it was that Council that approved a Climate Action Plan, which we have been working on for the past 6 years.
Question 2 - Vernon has created an ambitious new Climate Action Plan addressing both the reduction of GHG emissions and preparing the community for climate impacts, but unless Council backs it up with immediate, effective action, the goals of the plan won't be achieved. If elected, what aspects of this plan do you feel are most important and urgent, and how can you help to ensure that they are implemented as soon as possible?
Akbal Mund
Every aspect of the plan is urgent and important. The world continues to experience extreme weather events and we all need to aggressively proceed with action.
Question 3 - What do you believe are the main risks to Vernon - its citizens, its infrastructure, its economy - from climate change impacts? What specific actions do you think the municipality should take to adapt to these risks and build a resilient community?
Akbal Mund
With the recent floods and fires, we need to work with our Regional partners in preparation for these events, it is important to have great communication with all communities in the North Okanagan.
Question 4 - The largest proportion of Okanagan municipal greenhouse gas emissions comes from transportation (in particular, driving fossil-fuel powered vehicles), and the 2nd largest proportion comes from buildings. What do you see as the most effective ways of reducing the emissions in these two sectors?
Akbal Mund
We need to create homes with solar power and buildings with net zero impact. I recently purchased a Hybrid and find myself driving less. rebates for home builders who build energy efficient homes is what the Provincial Gov't needs to look at.
RESPONSES
SOCIAL
Question 1 - The RDNO has recently developed a North Okanagan Regional Housing Strategy. Which actions of this strategy would you prioritise, and how would you implement them?
Akbal Mund
The priority here for me is simply, we need all communities to participate, not just Vernon...Did you know Coldstream fails to recognize this strategy?
Question 2 - Across Canada, First Nations and municipalities are strengthening their regions by collaborating on service agreements, land use planning and economic development. What efforts have you made in the past, and what efforts will you make to build powerful new relationships based on mutual respect, understanding and a common vision for mutual prosperity with the Okanagan Indian Band?
AKBAL MUND
Well I was Mayor, with the help of the Federal Gov't, Vernon and OK Indian Band developed a relationship of meeting every few months, the program was CEDI, Community Economic Development Initiative, and now we meet once a month with OPK Indian Band, and I am the sole Vernon elected official still on this panel. We have collaborated on many projects over the past 5 years.
Question 3 - In August of 2020 Council unanimously passed the following motion: “THAT the City of Vernon, including Council and Administration, firmly rejects racist acts of all types, and supports each individual who chooses to make Vernon home, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, creed or socioeconomic condition." The motion did not indicate what this support might look like, especially for minority groups. How would you rectify this? Specifically, would you follow the lead of other communities in the Okanagan and vote to adopt the anti racism policy already drafted by City lawyers? More broadly what types of programs, initiatives, and actions would you endorse or be a part of to ensure that Vernon is a welcoming place for all “regardless of race, gender, sexuality, creed or socioeconomic condition”?
AKBAL MUND
Vernon just recently held their first Pride Parade, you can have all the policies in place, but, there will always be individuals that stand against those that they do not like. Strength is not by policy, but by Indvidual's from different cultures and groups that stand together amidst the angry few who create these attacks.
RESPONSES
culturAL
Question 1 - What opportunities do you believe the municipality has to grow our art, culture and heritage sector?
Akbal Mund
We are growing art, the Cultural Center will bring together the Art and Museum groups and create a unique experience for all.
Question 2 - What do you think of the 2016 Greater Vernon Cultural Plan? What aspects would you prioritise and how would you implement them?
AKBAL MUND
We need a Public Art Policy so we can avoid situations as the Katie Green Mask fiasco.
Question 3 - How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Greater Vernon?
AKBAL MUND
I have supported many Arts events over my time in Vernon, attending many events and supporting the fund raising efforts, from Mid Summer of the Eve, to Catanei House.
RESPONSES
economic
Question 1 - Please provide examples of the ways you would support business retention and expansion in the City of Vernon.
Akbal Mund
Many businesses need to look at themselves, what works and what does not. Over the past several months we have had many businesses open in Vernon, does this mean we are doing something right, or is the market big enough that people realize they will make money. Development continues to be off the charts, 2022 will be another record year for permit dollars, i think the City of Vernon is doing a great job at this time.
Question 2 - Over 40% of businesses in every sector are experiencing labour shortages. How should the City support businesses in meeting their workforce needs?
AKBAL MUND
Labour shortages are different for every business, all depends on the skill required for that particular business. I personally opened two new businesses in Vernon this year and have 40 employees, no issue with retention yet.
Question 3 - How should the City support emerging and growing information technology, and manufacturing sectors including agriculture products processing?
AKBAL MUND
The City can support through Council direction as the province highly regulates some businesses that are involved in the above products. The City has no control of regulating Agriculture processing, this is done through the Province.
Question 4 - How should the City assist businesses in the medium term (3-5 years) to become more resilient?
AKBAL MUND
Everyone always says why doesn't the City do more to help Businesses? The City collects taxes for infrastructure, parks, fire, police, water, garbage, excetra, the businesses need tp have solid business plans before they proceed into operations so they will survive, not rely on The City to make sure they do. We can allow projects to proceed in high traffic locations which may help businesses to be seen, but in terms of any monetary help, that is up to the businesses.
RESPONSES
health
Question 1 - What would you do to protect the health of members of our community who have been made vulnerable to the effects of climate change?
Akbal Mund
There are many non profit social groups in our community that can help. The Sicail Planning Council meets monthly with over 20 groups to discuss what they do for the less fortunate. The City pays the director, and this model was picked up by other communities in the Okanagan.
Question 2 - What do you believe is the municipality's role in enabling and assisting ministries and non-profits as they address mental and physical health treatment issues and access, in populations affected by houselessness and the toxic drug supply? How might the municipality address the stigma that prevents people facing these challenges from seeking health services?
AKBAL MUND
Our role should be kept to a minimum, we can provide access to land for BC Housing to build homes or clinics, but, again, we do not collect taxes from our residents for social services. It is not fair or right for the city to spend money for what the Federal and Provincial Gov'ts collect taxes for.
Question 3 - How will you ensure that our Parks & Recreation facilities and programs meet the diverse needs of our population?
AKBAL MUND
We continue to evolve here, over the past 8 years we have ,any programs that work with Indvidual's with diverse needs. we have increased our recreation immensely, A New Athletics Park, A Rail Trail, A Polson Greenway, a new Hockey Rink, a new Cultural Center, and hopefully a new Active Living Center.