With the 2011 municipal elections on Saturday, the Trail Daily Times wraps up its preview with a profile on RDKB Area A candidate Ali Grieve.
The other Area A candidate, Scott Cohen, did not reply to the Times’ profile request.
Ali Grieve
I have lived in Area A for 47 years where I have raised three wonderful children, with my husband Glen. I am currently employed by KSCU where I have worked for 25 years.
When a group of residents approached me six years ago and asked me to run for Area A, I gladly accepted the challenge, and look forward to another term.
I’ve had the privilege to work with many fine people, numerous organizations, and a great many volunteers. I have gained a clear understanding of the issues. Issues that will have significant impact to the Beaver Valley over the next few years.
It will take someone with knowledge, experience and determination to ensure that Area A’s voice and the concerns of the Beaver Valley are heard and addressed.
The Beaver Valley Amalgamation Study will be a focus this term, along with moving forward with a review of the Airport Master Plan and the Regional Sewer Service.
On BV Amalgamation; the Province provided some direction for our Committee on how to proceed, and gave us a commitment for funding in 2012. We are currently reviewing options and hope to have a plan to present to the public soon, and then onto the Province early in the New Year in order to complete the study.
We have a clear indication of support from the Province and they seem eager to help us make this “Vision for the Valley” a reality.
A very comprehensive study has just been completed for our Regional Airport. New councils will need some time to review this plan; it is very extensive. I am totally committed to keeping our airport alive and well, as we also move forward with improvements we can afford. It would be very silly to try and compete with Castlegar; that is not my vision for our airport.
Our airport should continue to support and attract new business, be a quick link to Vancouver, and continue to provide essential medi-vac services for our area. I would like to see the study broken into phases. This can be done by identifying short term, affordable and necessary improvements, followed by long term plans that will need external funding. I hope to start the process very soon by identifying and selling surplus lands to future commercial developers.
On the Sewer Review; this Review will need a new level of community support and cooperation in order to be successful, so I ask that whoever is elected on November 19th makes a serious effort to work with all neighbouring communities. I challenge the newly elected to demonstrate that identifying common goals and working together is the way it must be. That is leadership.
I also ask those elected to carry on with the co-operative working relationship established within the Beaver Valley. This has worked very well for Montrose, Fruitvale and Area A. I am very proud of what we have accomplished over the past six years!