The following is a Q&A that was distributed to all District of Sechelt candidates.
Candidate name
Cheryl Chang
Age
36
Occupation (s)
Owner, Nourish Eatery
Which position are you running for?
Councillor
Live in Sechelt? For how long?
5 years
If not incumbent, list related municipal committee / civic group experience.
Board Member SDBA (Sechelt Downtown Business Association) & Sunshine Coast Tourism; W.Sechelt PAC, school volunteer.
What are your priorities if elected?
Revisit and assess the OCP. Supporting and collaborating with not-for-profits, the SCRD and Gibsons to find creative, sustainable options for accessible, emergency and affordable housing.
Should Sechelt facilitate creation of more affordable housing? How?
It's imperative. Collaborating with and listening to housing organizations is key, as is learning from other communities who have had success. Approaches might include development incentives, and working with developers to provide support that not-for-profits need.
Should Sechelt prepare for climate change? If so how?
I often think about how climate change is affecting the youngest members of our community, including my daughters. My hope is that the plan under development will emphasize urgency.
How would you balance pushback on development with need for housing?
There are many communities in BC who have found ways to balance development, while funding programs for affordable and emergency housing. We have to work with developers and neighbourhoods and find solutions that address current needs, and create long-term housing.
Is Sechelt managing growth appropriately?
There's certainly more that could be done. Infrastructure, urban, and sustainable resource planning are keys areas. This requires an investment in creative minds with the experience, knowledge and commitment as Sechelt plans for the next 20, 30, 50 years.
What is the greatest infrastructure challenge facing Sechelt?
Water, garbage, and sewage are the critical issues and will require complex and collaborative solutions. Addressing them is part of addressing housing in the district.
What do you wish we'd asked you?
What would make me a great councillor? I bring a fresh perspective. I'm known for asking good questions, working collaboratively, and finding creative solutions.
Facebook page
Website address
www.cherylforsecheltcouncil.com/
Who else is running for Sechelt council? See profiles for Warren Allan, Micky Argiropoulos, Donna Bell, Thomas Bramble, Anna Jade Chen, Tim Horner, Darren Inkster Dianne McLauchlan, Christopher Moore, Brenda Rowe, Adam Shepherd and Alton Toth. See mayoral candidate profiles for John Henderson, Allan Holt, Jeri Patterson and Darnelda Siegers.
