Carolyne Austin is running for re-election as a councillor for the Town of Lake Cowichan.
She said she lived, worked, played and volunteered with various societies in Lake Cowichan for 38 years.
Austin said she is married to a wonderful Youbonian and has relatives from age three to 89, so she understands their issues and concerns for the future.
“My employment has ranged from manager of a local doctor’s office, a postal clerk, sales representative with the Lake News and Cowichan Valley Citizen, Visitor Information Centre manager and office manager for the C.L. Community Forest Cooperative,” she said.
“Prior to moving to Lake Cowichan I was employed at Medical Service Plan of B.C.”
Austin said currently, she volunteers at the Kaatza Health unit for the well-baby clinics, is the treasurer for the C.L. Elder Care Society, a member of the Lake Health Auxiliary and teaches a weekly fitness class at C.L. Recreation.
She said gardening is her passion as is food security and much of the produce she grows is shared with family, friends and neighbours.
“During my past two terms on town council, I have made certain that important issues are kept on the agendas,” Austin said.
“My liaison positions with both the advisory planning commission and the community outreach team at Community Services has kept me up to date on the local issues, bylaws and planning for the future.”
Austin said upgrading the town’s infrastructure is number one on her to-do list and is a necessity in order to facilitate the community’s current growth.
She said sewer upgrades are a priority, underground infrastructure a necessity, continued work on the next phases at Centennial Field as funds allow and the town hall renovations which should be completed by year end.
“Our drawing card for tourists and residents alike is our lake and river so it is of the utmost importance that we do our best to keep them pristine and accessible to all and for our children’s future,” Austin said
Austin can be contacted at 250-749-6772 or at cgaustin@shaw.ca for issues or concerns.