We asked all the candidates the same questions. Here are their responses.
What do you love most about this community?
Consalvi: I love how open and inviting the people of Tumbler Ridge are. It is easy to strike up conversations and get a wealth of information from others who love this community as much as I do. Personally, I appreciate all the programs and events that are geared towards children as it provides a sense of community for our daughter.
Krakowka: We live in the gem of the province. To me, Tumbler Ridge is about family, residents who watch out for each other and are there for each other.
McPherson: What I love most about this community is the pride that the residence have in it. Tumbler Ridge has gone from a “company town” to a town that the younger generation are choosing to live and raise their families and the older generation are choosing to retire in.
What sets you apart as a candidate? Why should people vote for you?
Consalvi: As a candidate for Mayor, I have the ability to be honest and transparent with the community, approach current a future circumstances with fresh and new approaches and to continually find ways to service our town and the residents within it.
Krakowka: I am honest and respectful to the needs of the community. I have eight years of Council experience and know the challenges that Tumbler Ridge is currently facing, as well as what successes are to be celebrated.
McPherson: I know what the jobs of mayor and council are. With the one employee system it is councils job to set direction and supply the tools necessary for staff to do the job.
Why should people vote for me? I will get the job done, I can go straight to work,there is no learning curve. It will be virtually a new council and leadership will be crucial.
What experience do you have that will inform your work as a council member?
Consalvi: In 2017, I was elected as a Senior Leader of the British Columbia General Employees’ Union. In this capacity, I developed leadership qualities and learned about governance and fiduciary responsibilities.
Krakowka: As a business owner and with eight years of experience on Council, I have an understanding of municipal legislation, fiscal responsibility, and providing service to the stakeholders of Tumbler Ridge.
McPherson: Over my eighteen years on council and especially my term as mayor I worked well with several CAOs and councilors.
What can be done to revitalize the downtown core?
Consalvi: Help existing businesses get new customers, attract new businesses to the downtown area, make physical improvements (e.g. restoration and streetscaping) and keep making our downtown feel safe and pedestrian-friendly.
Krakowka: Council has been committed to revitalisation of District owned infrastructure through sidewalk renewal. The District has previously partnered with NDIT for downtown business revitalization. Promoting business, shop local and partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce on their initiatives also assists business retention and expansion. Council also supports co-share space for small business expansion.
McPherson: I think advertising the longevity of Conuma Coal and the possibility of other mines becoming operational will attract business to town. Affordable high speed internet, which I have worked on in the past and will continue, is very important for running a business these days.
What are you two highest priorities for change in Tumbler Ridge, for the short term?
Consalvi: My priorities for the short-term is to find solutions to the child care crisis, create housing availability, deal with road conditions/line-painting, and address seniors’ concerns.
Krakowka: Two highest priorities for change in Tumbler Ridge are childcare and advocacy of education of Early Childcare Educators.
McPherson: Solving our daycare issues and working with the banks to remove the “red flag” on Tumbler Ridge for both residential and business loans.
What are you two highest priorities for change in Tumbler Ridge, for the long term?
Consalvi: My long priorities are to provide economic development that would protect the town in the event that the mines shut down. I would also work towards strengthening our healthcare system to include more physical and mental health supports.
Krakowka: Business retention, expansion and diversification are priorities in the long term for Tumbler Ridge. Infrastructure maintenance programs and renewal are important for the longevity and sustainability of Tumbler Ridge.
McPherson: Keeping up on our infrastructure needs and making sure future development stays within our community plan.
How does the district balance economic development and environmental sustainability?
Consalvi: Economic growth is vital for giving more options to communities, however we need to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Krakowka: Environmental sustainability is achieved through implementing new technologies, such as the improvements to the recreation centre heat recovery system and purchase of an electric Zamboni. These are two initiatives that not only are environmentally sustainable but help in reducing operating costs for the District. Supporting and attracting businesses that are innovative and provide sustainable business such as wind and solar power ensure the sustainability of business in the District.
McPherson: Our environment allows us to have a good life, but it’s hard to do without a paycheck. Working with industry in the area, they have done what they can. This can be seen at the reclamation area at Quintette which is home to elk and goat herds. I have worked well with industry in the past and will continue to do so. One of my prize possessions is an award from Conuma Coal for the help I supplied during their start up. When I was Mayor, Tumbler Ridge received the Renewable Energy Community of the Year award because of our work with the wind energy. I thought it was pretty good for a coal town!
Can we as a community grow our volunteer base, and if so, how? If not, why not and what happens to the things that have developed?
Consalvi: I am a firm believer that volunteers are the backbone of our society. We as leaders need to find a way to truly appreciate our volunteer base.
Krakowka: The District needs to work with volunteer groups, have more patience with the groups, and discontinue charging a percentage of the profits these groups remit to the District. There is assistance that can be provided to relieve some of the pressure on these groups. The District can help promote the initiative that volunteer groups have organized. You don’t have to be member of a community volunteer group to participate in their events.
McPherson: Volunteers are an invaluable resource and as a community we can show our appreciation in as many ways as possible. As a council we should support our clubs and volunteers as much as we can. Things like Volunteer Appreciation Day served by mayor and council and Volunteer of the Year Award show our appreciation.
What is the biggest growth area you see for the community economically? How can the district “move the needle”?
Consalvi: I believe that we need to bring more economic diversity to our town. Some of the fastest growing industries include: Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Analytics, Biomedical and Biotechnology, Mental Health, Tourism, Hospitality and Renewable Energy. Perhaps, council and staff can look further into these industries and see if Tumbler Ridge could benefit from them.
Krakowka: Increasing broadband throughout the community is the biggest growth area for Tumbler Ridge. Businesses would be enticed through the provision of high speed internet for their services, which provides economic diversification and attraction of services. The District can partner with internet service providers and the community needs to “buy-in” to the provision of these services.
McPherson: I’ve worked well with industry in the past and feel it is councils job to stay in touch with our local mines, oil and gas, wind energy, forestry and any other industries in the area. There are issues that we can help with like we have in the past: our railroads, dealing with the provincial government and our regional district. In my opinion, a healthy industry relates to a healthy town and small business. We have three idled mines. I think working with them to see if there are any issues the District can help with and keeping the conversation open.
What has the District excelled at?
Consalvi: I believe that the district excels at snow removal and is good at maintaining street cleanliness.
Krakowka: The District has always excelled at providing excellent service– snow removal and programming are two of our greatest achievements.
McPherson: Transfer station and recycle improvements.
What is your vision for Tumbler Ridge in 30 years? How will you uses your time on council to help bring that vision into fruition?
Consalvi: My vision for Tumbler Ridge is to create a self-sustaining economy that is thriving in the event that the mining operations shut down and creates an economic catastrophe. If elected, I will work hard with council and staff to provide economic development but still keep that small town feel.
Krakowka: Tumbler Ridge will be a strong, cohesive community that is inclusive. Partnerships have been created with First Nations partners with a sustainable growing population providing a holistic quality of life, integrated with the natural surroundings attracting residents and businesses that are matched to the needs of the community.
Building on today’s successes and implementing the vision of community members will achieve additional success and growth for Tumbler Ridge.
McPherson: I love the small community charm of Tumbler Ridge,our infrastructure was built to handle a larger population. It would be nice to see our idled mines working. I would like to see community growth but keep it within our community plan. I would like to see more diversified retail.
I would like to see our Geopark and Museum continue to excel and elevate to a world class tourist destination.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
