Skip to content

North Cowichan needs team building, says council candidate Marilyn Palmer

I see the role of a councillor as serving the people who elect me
13644558_web1_Marilyn-Palmer
Marilyn Palmer

Marilyn Palmer is running for a seat on North Cowichan council.

There are many important issues ahead for the next council. An area in which I will make a strong contribution is in the development of progressive land-use planning policy.

Council will be developing a new Official Community Plan, a new Land-use Bylaw, a new Planning Procedures Bylaw and updating our Climate Action and Energy Plan. We will continue with transportation planning, development of local area plans, adjusting the location of the urban containment boundary and developing a municipal growth strategy. My experience in community advocacy, as president of the Quamichan Lake Neighbourhood Association, and as an architect with 30 years of experience, has given me a unique appreciation of municipal land-use planning policies and procedures, and the directions in which council must evolve to address growth. Our new Official Community Plan must be the people’s document. Its purpose is to distill the desires of the community and translate them into policy. Council, staff and and the community will be guided by the new OCP, which should be regularly refined, as the need arises.

The new council will benefit from a more consultative approach, one that includes neighbourhood collaboration on all planning decisions. I believe solutions should be developed by community, staff and council, working together in a transparent and balanced approach. I will bring the fresh ideas council needs in order to plan effectively for our future.

The time is ripe for municipal hall to evolve. With many new council members, and many new staff, this election is our chance to move forward into a collaborative, sustainable and compassionate future, so council can work effectively together to create the future the we want. Vote Marilyn Palmer on Oct. 20. Thank you.