Doug Fleming

Hello neighbors and residents of Sproat Lake. We live in one of the most beautiful places on Vancouver Island, centered around a lake that is both our home and our pride. But right now, our community is facing critical crossroads. Area D contributes roughly 42% of the ACRD's overall Tax Revenue. Yet, too often, it feels like our voices are sidelined and our tax dollars don't fully return to protect what matters most- Safety, our water quality, and our local autonomy. Lets start with the issue that is top of mind for nearly everyone in this electoral area. The updated Official Community Plan (Bylaw No.P1540). I attended the open house at the community hall on July 7/26 and heard the push back loud and clear. The current draft of the OCP represents a classic case of government overreach. It introduces duplicate provincial rules, layers on restrictive regulations and risks driving up property tax impacts for everyday homeowners. As your director my platform on the OCP is simple: LISTEN TO THE RESIDENTS FIRST. I will fight to take the OCP back to the drawing board to ensure it reflects our community vision. Now, saying that we want to stay OCP overreach doesn't mean we ignore our responsibilities. We need to keep water quality and safety (Fire Protection Services) as our top priority. I will ensure there will be collaboration directly with Sproat Lake Property owners association and water monitoring groups to secure senior government grants for water testing, storm run off management and targeted invasive species prevention. Our Fire Protection Services will need to be fully funded and equipped with modern tools and training, as well as water-delivery infrastructure they need to keep us safe. As your director I will accomplish this through Local Governance. I am going to strongly advocate for establishing a Local Community Commission. There has been extensive talk about full municipality incorporation. But, Lets be honest: Incorporation will be a heavy tax burden on the residents. We don't need more government, we need smarter governance. With a LCC, decisions about Fire Protection, water stewardship, Parks and our community planning are made right here by the people who live here- not by a broader regional district board. We provide the economic engine for much of this Regional District. It is time our governance reflected that STRENGTH! On election day, vote for a balanced OCP. Vote for Water Safety and Fire Protection. Vote for Local Control through a LCC. Vote for a transparent, accountable voice for Area D. Thank you, and I look forward to earning your vote. Cheers