What is Revelstoke asking candidates?

While an all-candidates debate for the provincial 2024 election won’t be available in Revelstoke, Revelstoke Mountaineer asked community members what they would ask Columbia River-Revelstoke riding candidates; BC Green’s Calvin Beauchesne, Conservative Party of BC’s Scott McInnis and BC NDP’s Andrea Dunlop. What is top of mind for residents this election season?

Housing was the topic most voted on to cover in the survey, with 76 per cent of respondents choosing it as an issue they want candidates to cover. Revelstoke’s efforts around short-term rental regulations wasn’t a focus for responses, not coming up at all in any of the questions. Instead, the affordability of housing and rentals and the need for infrastructure to support that development was key.

“Affordable living with respect to housing and food costs is incredibly high. Can anything be done?” One survey response asked.

Housing, infrastructure, healthcare and affordability were the four main topics respondents wanted candidates to focus on. Write-in questions took a chance to focus on Revelstoke’s future as a resource town and plans for  old-growth forests.

“How will you ensure the sustainable use of our natural resources and a just transition for the forestry industry?” A response asked.

Access to the Johnson Heights development and neighborhood has been repeatedly brought up in city council meetings. Still, survey respondents wanted to know what the province can do about the section of the Trans Canada Highway that currently connects the Johnson Heights area to the rest of Revelstoke. The strip was the site of six accidents within a three week span, bringing community concerns about road safety in the area as Revelstoke continues to develop the neighborhood.

Not all survey questions were focused on future policy. Some also wanted to know how exactly candidates would work on plans and what resources they could bring to the community.

“Do you have connections to people who could help you to reach your goals?”

Pick up the October print copy, available Friday, Oct. 4 and keep an eye out for future newsletters with answers from candidates responding to Revelstoke’s election questions.