ENVIRONMENTAL • SOCIAL • CULTURAL • ECONOMIC • HEALTH

Ross Hawse

Responses
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    Ross Hawse
    RESPONSES

    Environmental

    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?
    Ross Hawse

    • I’m a big fan of smart growth principles. Making use of existing undeveloped or under developed land is something I fully support and would advocate for vs more urban sprawl. It would be important to find other like-minded councilors to work with as these development opportunities come forward, something I am prepared to champion.

    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?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • It is an ambitious 216 page plan. I support all of it and would prioritize protecting the vulnerable, updating the Wildfire Protection Plan, completion of the Flood hazard Mapping, providing heat, flood, and air advisories for all residents, incorporating climate considerations into design, maintenance, and replacement of infrastructure, protecting and adding to green space, increasing electric charging for vehicles and bikes, a retro fit resource and information program for residents and business alike, and embedding these into all new and existing policies and bylaws. Again, this would need a majority of council and require partnering with like-minded councilors.

    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?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • We have already seen this in different forms. The extreme heat, smoke, and floods have greatly impacted the health of our community. The same climate related events also reduces tourism and has a diminishing effect on the economy. We have built a plan, we need to implement it as soon as possible.

    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?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • Clearly we need to make it easier for folks to drive and charge electric modes of transportation. Not just cars, trucks and delivery vehicles, but we should also be encouraging more people to use electric bikes. More charging/parking opportunities, more access to secure storage for bikes, more and better green bike lanes and of course a program for both new business green builds with higher density located closer to amenities. This needs to be combined with programs/resources/incentives for retrofitting older buildings.
    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?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • Make municipal land available at a nominal cost for affordable housing projects. Waive or reduce/defer certain fees or allow tax forgiveness, on market rental housing. Ensure the permitting and licensing process is reviewed and streamlined and staff levels are high enough to not impede the flow of applications. Fast track housing rental projects. Single family builds must be built suite ready. Allow lock off units and zoning for secondary suites, laneway and coach houses. Implementation again would require a majority of support from like-minded councilors.

    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?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • We will only move forward if we are looking after the community as a whole. I am a believer in working with all partners to improve the quality of life for all of our residents. While I worked in small and large communities across BC and Alberta I had the opportunity to partner on many occasions with first nations to the benefit of all. Everyone has a seat at the table. We can build a better Vernon together.

    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”?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • It's critical to review all policies through a lens of DEI when preparing to make decisions or build consensus. It's equally important to examine our own unconscious bios. We need to adopt the policy and live it, at all levels but that's tough to do with out examining what barrios there are, invisible and visible. Perhaps now is the time to work on bias training, diversity, equity and inclusion works to create places of belonging and it's important to me to lead with empathy, to listen and learn from what I hear. A start would be adopting policies such as the above mentioned.

    RESPONSES

    culturAL

    Question 1 - What opportunities do you believe the municipality has to grow our art, culture and heritage sector?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • This is such a huge opportunity for Vernon. I would like to see the events and facilities we have, improved, grown and supported. I will seek to understand what those needs are and knowing part of a communities vibrancy comes from the arts community being strong and robust, will find ways to champion to continued priorities. This is such an important part of a city's soul and a large contributor to its economic health.

    Question 2 - What do you think of the 2016 Greater Vernon Cultural Plan? What aspects would you prioritise and how would you implement them?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • It is a very thorough plan. I think all those involved should be congratulated and thanked for their hard work. Clearly a lot of thought and effort/collaboration went into it. Vernon has such a vibrant arts/cultural/sports community with large and small events and so many talented artists. This is something I believe needs to be supported, promoted and grown. I would start with funding and making sure it is adequate and grants are made for longer than one year commitments so groups and facilities can make longer term plans. Let’s make sure we are applying for and maximizing all provincial and federal programs for funding and also working with the private companies and corporations for funding opportunities for both events and facilities. I would also prioritize having a special events infrastructure program so that we can respond quickly to event opportunities and how about a live performing stage/area located in the downtown. It was nice to be able to take in live music downtown this past summer but sitting on a paved road in the summer heat seemed silly when we have green spaces close by with better parking that could be used. We also need to promote and market these facilities and events to bring in more visitors.

    Question 3 - How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Greater Vernon?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • My wife and I are patrons, and part of our desire to move to Vernon was its cultural vibrancy. Part of our community contribution is the ritual of celebrating being here by taking in something different each week. We enjoy live music events downtown, music and comedy at the Performing Arts Center, spectacular live theater at Powerhouse. We love to take in the outdoor artists performing at the Mackie Lake House, or Cambium formerly BX Cidery. There are so many gems, the historic presence of the Caetani Centre – which also hosts outdoor concerts. We have enjoyed learning though exhibits at the Vernon Museum as well as volunteering for some of these events. I have also had the pleasure of playing for years in the Funtastic and my son has performed at the Riot on the Roof.

    RESPONSES

    economic

    Question 1 - Please provide examples of the ways you would support business retention and expansion in the City of Vernon.
    ROSS HAWSE

    • We need competitive and comparable taxes. Where we can, waive or reduce fee’s for property development that brings in desirable businesses. Work with other areas/communities. We are stronger together and some businesses will build outside of the city but the employee’s will live in Vernon or use amenities in Vernon. And again, a skilled and available workforce will be a big help and this is greatly influenced by affordable housing. This goes hand in hand with working with education and training partners on providing the right programs.

    Question 2 - Over 40% of businesses in every sector are experiencing labour shortages. How should the City support businesses in meeting their workforce needs?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • Affordable housing. We cannot expect to attract and retain all levels of skilled workers if we don’t have affordable and available accommodation.

    Question 3 - How should the City support emerging and growing information technology, and manufacturing sectors including agriculture products processing?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • Where we can, waive or reduce fee’s for property development that brings in these types of businesses. Work with other areas/communities. We are stronger together and some businesses will build outside of the city but the employee’s will live in Vernon or use amenities in Vernon. And again, a skilled and available workforce will be a big help and this is greatly influenced by affordable housing. This goes hand in hand with working with education and training partners on providing the right programs.

    Question 4 - How should the City assist businesses in the medium term (3-5 years) to become more resilient?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • Help provide affordable housing to attract and maintain workers. This also brings new families to the city who will shop and live locally. Look at how we can manage fees and taxes to sectors that are struggling. Work with the Vernon Downtown and Chamber to make sure we are working together and getting current up to date information from those that need the help.
    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?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • Whatever it takes. We have an obligation to look after all of our community’s citizens. Warming centers in the winter, cooling centers in the summer, access to housing, food and health services. I am an Emergency Response Manager with the Red Cross, so on a personal level, I am prepared to volunteer when we have fires, floods or other disasters.

    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?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • The city needs to be an equal partner and education for the general public is the key to removing the stigma. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it.

    Question 3 - How will you ensure that our Parks & Recreation facilities and programs meet the diverse needs of our population?
    ROSS HAWSE

    • The city will need to continue to review its programs and facilities on an annual basis with the growing population as our needs change. The referendum on the active living center is the perfect example of how we can do this.

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