Smart City Initiatives
Having worked on the bleeding edge of technology for nearly 30 years I know the latest fad is not always the best option for our community. I recognize that technology does not always have the same value for face to face communication and boots on the ground, but will find the balance to give our community the best bang for the buck.
I am excited that our staff have embraced technology where it makes sense to communicate via social media and websites, utilize SCADA systems to better monitor and control our water/sewer systems, install solar panels to reduce electrical costs and even use apps to help remind us about our garbage collection dates.
As your Mayor I will continue to pursue technologies to reduce costs, increase transparency and collaboration, and ensure we are using best in class systems to ensure the services we provide are running smoothly and efficiently.
I have been involved in Courtenay's local governance for more than a decade and recognized as one of BC’s Top 40 under 40 in business. I am proud to serve as Courtenay's Mayor.
Hi Bob,
We’re impressed by some of your platform issues and ideas, and your ability to connect with other mayors, regional directors, or subject-matter “experts.” It appears that you’re in search of “best practices” and the best possible solutions to the various challenges we face here in Courtenay. With that in mind, please outline your ideas and approach as to how we can locally do our part – as a municipality – to dramatically improve Courtenay’s air quality problems in order to protect the health of residents.
Hi Sherril and Gary
I’ve supported the upgrading of wood stoves with other forms of heating such as gas or heat pumps with incentives and will continue to do so. . I plan to ban wood stoves from new home construction and ensuring that at the sale of a home that existing wood stoves meet current high efficiency standards or are replaced with other forms of heat. Current building code requires secondary heat to wood stoves.
Education is part of the solution and we have implemented targeted education in areas with consistent poor air quality. Fines could be brought as incentives to change behaviour for those that education does not reach.
We must recognize that low cost and culture are main factors for people to want to continue to use wood stoves.
Hope that helps a bit.