ENVIRONMENTAL • SOCIAL • CULTURAL • ECONOMIC • HEALTH
kelly Fehr
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?
Kelly Fehr
During the review and update of the Official Community Plan beginning in 2022, integrate climate risk and vulnerability analyses and emissions data, and objectives, actions and targets from the Climate Action Plan (CAP).
Participate in business engagement and community surveys around the OCP review.
Share information with employees and encourage their participation and attendance at OCP events.
Continue to implement the Master Transportation Plan, and update as needed, concurrently with the OCP to integrate and prioritize active transportation investments with the goals of the CAP.
Embed considerations from the Climate Action Plan into all existing and new policy and bylaws.
Initiate a ‘project charter’ program that integrates consideration of climate change in project budgets and objectives for project managers.
Ensure the Senior Management Team of each division has a mandate to implement its component(s) of the Climate Action Plan.
View all OCP discussion topics through the Climate Action Plan lens.
Complete implementation of development process review recommendations .
Develop public materials to increase awareness of development processes and timelines.
Reviewing impediments to tiny homes.
Adopt Housing Strategy Implementation Plan.
Implement Housing Strategy Implementation Plan priorities.
Explore other incentive opportunities to encourage building upgrades (e.g. façade improvement grants.
Identify potential parking lot locations based on parking congestion.
Research options and funding for a building retrofit program, including a budget request if necessary.
Implement the 2021 VFRS Strategic Plan.
Implementation of pilot project for biomass planting to provide for sustainable feedstock for Regional Biosolids Composting Facility.
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?
Kelly Fehr
Of the eight Focus Areas in the Climate Action Plan it is difficult to narrow down which are the most important. I would look to the advice of environmental professionals with more experience to guide that decision.
Emergency Response and Preparedness: Actions designed to prepare the City to respond to weather-related emergency events and climate-related hazards (Severe Fire Risks). This would include working with BX/Swan Lake Fire Rescue and Coldstream Fire Rescue to develop “Automatic Aid” in areas where another’s resources are located to better serve the area
There are a number of funding requests from Chief Lind (Vernon Fire Department) which have been postponed due to budgetary reasons. Ensuring these requests are met is a necessity.
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?
Kelly Fehr
Of the eight Focus Areas in the Climate Action Plan it is difficult to narrow down which are the main risks. I would look to the advice of environmental professionals with more experience to guide that decision.
Certainly one of the main risks are fires and Emergency Response and Preparedness are a key element to being prepared and responding: Actions designed to prepare the City to respond to weather-related emergency events and climate-related hazards (Severe Fire Risks). This would include working with BX/Swan Lake Fire Rescue and Coldstream Fire Rescue to develop “Automatic Aid” in areas where another’s resources are located to better serve the area.
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?
Kelly Fehr
TRANSPORTATION:
Enable and support the enhancement and expansion of the transit network and alternative mobility options.
Explore enabling flexible start and end times to allow staff to use transit.
Create and implement policies and programs that create a network of charging infrastructure to support the transition to electric vehicles.
Continue to implement the Master Transportation Plan, and update as needed, concurrently with the OCP to integrate and prioritize active transportation investments with the goals of the CAP.
Participate proactively in the planning process, and then install EV chargers, bike racks, and encourage employees and customers to carpool, bike, and walk.
Set up carpool parking or end of trip facilities for biking staff.
Support working from home.
Develop an incentive program for carpooling.
Incorporate climate considerations (emission reduction opportunities and adaptations for our future climate) into design, maintenance, and replacement of municipal infrastructure.
Electrify fleets.
BUILDINGS:
Develop a building retrofit program to support residents to be more resilient to climate change, reduce energy investments over time, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving building efficiency and installing lowcarbon energy systems.
Implement a program for building energy labelling and benchmarking for energy, emissions, and resilience in accordance with the guidance in the BC Energy Step Code.
Update and implement the Community Wildfire Protection Plan in the context of expected future climate conditions.
Assess our property and landscaping for FireSmart.
Consider using materials when building.
Incorporate climate considerations (emission reduction opportunities and adaptations for our future climate) into design, maintenance, and replacement of municipal infrastructure.
Increase building efficiency, adopt renewable energy.
The Sustainable Environment Network Society (SENS) provided candidates with a list of questions related to the environment. To review Kelly Fehr’s responses to those questions, visit www.sensociety.org
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?
Kelly Fehr
As the chair of Vernon’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) I have been actively involved in developing Vernon’s Housing Strategy. In 2018 I advocated to have Affordable and Attainable Housing embedded into the City Of Vernon’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. Stemming from that strategy Vernon Council and regional partners had the North Okanagan Regional Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy developed. AHAC has been working with City staff to develop and a Housing Action Plan that will assist the next council in setting concreate housing goals and ways to achieve those goals. On Sept 9th we recommended that Vernon City Council approve the draft Housing Action Plan which can be reviewed here starting on page 21.
The actions I would prioritize are listed in our recommendation to council, however I will include them here also:
Create a full-time permanent position for a housing planner to implement policy changes, streamline and accelerate the review of affordable and attainable housing projects, conduct educational programming and build relationships.
Explore zoning amendments and additional incentives to accelerate the development of new rental housing.
Reduce barriers and incentivize the construction of new secondary suites and secondary dwellings, including allowing suites in semi-detached dwellings.
Consider requiring new construction to be secondary suite ready.
Develop and distribute free pre-designed secondary dwelling plans that meet bylaw requirements and are building permit ready.
Regulate short term rentals to reduce their impact on long term rental inventory.
Explore zoning amendments to support affordable home ownership and rental, including floor space ratio density zoning, small lot subdivisions, minimum home size and tiny house zoning, rental zoning, zoning for manufactured homes, and apartment lock off units.
Explore requiring a portion of new development to be affordable/attainable as part of rezoning processes.
Review existing incentives and explore additional incentives (DCC rebate, housing agreement process, fast-tracking, parking variances, tax incentives, grants).
Understand the business case for attainable market housing and work with the development community to increase uptake.
Develop and implement a Land Acquisition Strategy that a) maps out priority areas for future land acquisition by the City, b) identifies revenue sources for land acquisition (municipal, federal and provincial) and c) explores innovative financing options.
Advocate to senior levels of government for financial support, surplus institutional land or other resources and assistance for affordable housing.
Make City-owned lands development ready in terms of assembly, zoning and servicing.
Support build-out of land already acquired for affordable and attainable housing, leveraging assistance from the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (AHRF).
Explore fast-tracking and reduced bylaw requirements for non-profit housing development, including reduced parking requirements based on location, housing type, proximity to transit, etc.
Collaborate with Social Planning Council of the North Okanagan (SPCNO) – Housing First and other initiatives (e.g. 2019 Homelessness Strategy).
Collaborate with RDNO and communities in the North Okanagan as appropriate on housing research and affordable/attainable housing development.
Work to build understanding in the community about the importance of having diverse housing types to build acceptance of affordable/ attainable housing projects.
Communicate with the community and developers about what the City is doing/offering.
Continue to build relationships and partnerships at all levels (provincial, regional, nonprofit, development stakeholders).
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?
KELLY FEHR
In order to expand on my understanding over this past term on council I have participated in 12 Truth and Reconciliation sessions. I will continue to support and engage in training and educational opportunities that help identify bias and provide for individual growth to better serve all Vernon residents and our relationship with the Okanagan Indian Band.
On September 6th 2022 I put forward the following motion which passed. In recognition of truth and reconciliation day on September 30th that council direct administration to place the Sylx nation and the Okanagan Nation Alliance flag at City Hall by the end of day on September 29th and remove the flags on Monday October 1st.
In May 2022 I put forward a motion requesting that Canada Events funded by the City of Vernon require an invitation for indigenous representation on the steering committee. The motion did not pass.
I have participated in all of the council to council meetings which have been held between the Okanagan Indian Band and the City of Vernon.
If re-elected I will continue to honor the Okanagan Indian Band / City of Vernon Relationship Accord, be actively engaged in Council to Council meetings, support initiatives stemming from working group (formally CEDI).
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”?
KELLY FEHR
On July 20, 2020 I put forward a notice of motion forward to adopt an Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy, complementing the city’s Bullying and Harassment Policy. The motion also included a call for the mayor to send a letter to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO expressing the city’s interest in joining its coalition against racism. The city’s legal counsel, Lidstone and Company, had provided an Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy to all of its clients ahead of the June 20, 2020, meeting — which council accepted as information. The 11-page document came prepared and ready to tailor for specific municipalities. This motion did not pass.
It is my intent to resubmit the motion to the new council in the fall / winter of 2022 but broken out into two motions:
1. To adopt the Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy provided by the city’s legal counsel, Lidstone and Company.
2. For the mayor to send a letter to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO expressing the city’s interest in joining its coalition against racism.
On July 18th 2022 I supported a motion to raise a rainbow flag from City Hall in recognition of the city's first ever pride week. It is through motions and initiatives like these that Vernon City Council can demonstrate Vernon is a welcoming and safe space for all.
Throughout my current term on council, I have participated in multiple training sessions through the Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). This has included one on one and group work. Similar opportunities have been made to council and are made to city staff. I will continue to support and engage in training and education opportunities that help identify bias and provide for individual growth to better serve all Vernon residents.
RESPONSES
culturAL
Question 1 - What opportunities do you believe the municipality has to grow our art, culture and heritage sector?
Kelly Fehr
The development and implementation of a Public Art Policy is an absolute must for the next council term. In my view the current public art review and approval process completely failed the Vernon Public Art Gallery and damaged the reputation of Vernon as a community that cultivates and embraces a variety of art forms.
On Sept 6/22 I made a motion for a previously approved mural project of the Vernon Public Art Gallery's to proceed. This would have put the gallery in a position to apply for operational funding in the the future. My motion was defeated.
If re-elected, I will continue to support fiscally responsible initiatives from Vernon's Art, Culture and Heritage Leaders and Champions.
Question 2 - What do you think of the 2016 Greater Vernon Cultural Plan? What aspects would you prioritise and how would you implement them?
KELLY FEHR
I believe the Greater Vernon Cultural Plan will be due for a review in the next Council / Regional Director’s term. As a Director with the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, we have been working with community partners on four of the five key topics identified through public input.
More venues for performing arts, especially live music
A new art gallery
A more vibrant downtown/public realm
A new/expanded museum
Due to a number of factors the above four initiatives are taking longer than I had anticipated. Those four priorities will continue to be a priority for me in the next term.
Question 3 - How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Greater Vernon?
KELLY FEHR
I have had the great joy of attending live theatre with my wife at the Powerhouse Theatre, Caravan Farm Theatre and The Performing Arts Centre. To add to this, I am personally invested in the arts as my stepdaughter dedicated 11 years to ballet, jazz, tap and hip-hop at the Okanagan School of Ballet. She also took piano lessons up to grade 3 and participated in many recitals and public events. My daughter participated in singing lessons at the Vernon Community Music School. These experiences equipped my daughters with skills and work ethics which they have carried into their careers. Members of my extended family have served in such roles as music instructor at the Vernon Community Music School and as an Audience Development Officer at the Performing Arts Centre.
RESPONSES
economic
Question 1 - Please provide examples of the ways you would support business retention and expansion in the City of Vernon.
Kelly Fehr
The high cost of housing and low vacancy rates in Vernon have a substantial impact on recruiting and retaining employees for our business community. Vernon will continue to struggle in retaining businesses in Vernon when potential employees cannot find housing specifically, housing that is affordable. In working to support business retention and expansion I will:
Vote to approve the draft Housing Action Plan
Support the 20 action items I listed in the social section of this questionnaire related to the propped Housing Action Plan.
Continue supporting the strong relationship that the City of Vernon has formed with the provincial government and non-government organizations. We have had several provincially funded $10 a day daycare facilities and housing initiatives announced in Vernon over the last term. Maintaining this relationship is essential in supporting and attracting employees to Vernon.
I will continue to support City and Regional District staff’s work with developers to find the right location for new businesses.
Question 2 - Over 40% of businesses in every sector are experiencing labour shortages. How should the City support businesses in meeting their workforce needs?
KELLY FEHR
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is an important and viable option for local businesses. A challenge is around securing a sustainable funding model, so that Community Futures of the North Okanagan can continue to operate the program. The business and tourism sectors may benefit from working with the city to identify ways to expand and fund this program for the long term, to provide businesses with a skilled labour source.
Question 3 - How should the City support emerging and growing information technology, and manufacturing sectors including agriculture products processing?
KELLY FEHR
Complete implementation of development process review recommendations.
Develop public materials to increase awareness of development processes and timelines.
Explore opportunities to showcase local businesses within planned City of Vernon Community Enews.
Question 4 - How should the City assist businesses in the medium term (3-5 years) to become more resilient?
KELLY FEHR
Continue working collaboratively with Vernon's Business Leaders from the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Vernon Association and tourism working groups to create effective strategies.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is an important and viable option for local businesses. A challenge is around securing a sustainable funding model, so that Community Futures of the North Okanagan can continue to operate the program. The business and tourism sectors may benefit from working with the city to identify ways to expand and fund this program for the long term, to provide businesses with a skilled labour source.
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?
Kelly Fehr
Please refer to the answers I provided to the four questions in the environment section of this questionnaire.
In addition, I will continue supporting practices that were utilized over this council term which include:
Providing cooling spaces during extreme heat.
Providing warming spaces in extreme cold.
Providing emergency services to support other communities in the midst of wildfires.
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?
KELLY FEHR
I believe that the municipalities role is a collaborative one which supports the best practices identified by professionals in the field through research.
Participating in research - In 2020 I met with Dr. Jon Corbett, Bethany Presley and Mayor Cummings to discuss UBCO working with the City of Vernon and stakeholders to produce a Vernon Homelessness Report . The report was completed in the fall of 2021. Many other community stakeholders and I participated in interviews and data collection which resulted in the recommendations listed in this report.
Prioritizing appropriate housing – Adopting the Vernon Housing Action Plan
Supporting programming - Supporting Interior Health programming initiatives.
In addition to collaborating the municipality can and should take a leadership role in the following areas:
Inclusion - Inviting people living with substance misuse and/or severe and persistent mental health issues to speak with them in a safe and non-intimidating venue. Learning directly from the population to understand what their needs and challenges are.
Advocacy – Advocating for the Federal Government to increase the Canadian Health Transfer from 22% to 35%.
Council can assist in reducing stigma by:
Understanding substance misuse is a health issue not a moral failure.
Understanding their own biases.
Being aware of the language they use when discussing mental health and substance use, specifically in public forums including social media.
Being open about substance misuse and/or mental health as way of normalizing the conversation.
I am actively engaged with the community regarding social matters. The Community Involvement page of my website https://kellyfehr.org/ provides information on the council appointed and personal community work I am involved in.
Question 3 - How will you ensure that our Parks & Recreation facilities and programs meet the diverse needs of our population?
KELLY FEHR
The City of Vernon and Vernon Seniors Action Network that I serve on was recently successful in their application for $25,000. These funds will go towards developing an Age and Dementia Friendly Action Plan to make Vernon a more accessible place to live. It is my goal to ensure that the action items developed in this plan are implemented in the next Parks Master Plan update and Official Community Plan update.
I will discuss with Council and Regional Director's the issue of incorporating inclusionary questions in public engagement for Polson Park and other future park and recreation developments.