A number of local residents have asked for my take on specific issues. I've added commentary here on a number of topics, and this will be updated as the campaign period progresses. Being adaptable to change as new information and circumstances arise is a great strength of a public officer. If elected, my position on these topics may change over time to suit the current needs of Rossland - I'll look forward to engaging the community when that happens!
Taxes 💸
I expect that property taxes will continue to increase to account for inflationary city expenses and to address our substantial infrastructure deficit. I will look for opportunities to contain tax increases (see my priorities!), but I'm not currently planning any meaningful service increases or reductions.
Some residents are concerned that big developers, such as Red Resort, are receiving special treatment or tax breaks. Put simply, that just isn't true. Property at Red Resort is assessed in exactly the same manner as your home and pays the same tax rate, plus an additional Ophir Service Area tax. The commercial property at Red, such as the Josie Hotel, is also taxed ($194k in 2026), and Red Resort is actually the city's single largest taxpayer (around $200k/yr)- there are no special tax breaks for the Resort, or developers.
There have also been questions about re-introducing Development Cost Charges (DCCs) or introducing Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) in order to fund community assets and infrastructure. As Councillor, I will ensure that both of these programs are considered by Council to learn if they are a good fit for Rossland (see priorities).
Water Supply 🚰
Some Rosslanders are concerned about our drinking water supply in light on continued development, especially in the Red Resort area. Good news, we planned ahead for this! Constructed in 2008, the Ophir Reservoir (reservoir at Black Jack) substantially increased the City's raw/untreated water storage to account for planned growth and well beyond then-current needs. As a bonus, this reservoir was funded through an ongoing parcel tax applied to new development as opposed to general tax payers. As part of the Utilities Master Plan (City of Rossland, 2025), our treated water supply was determined to be sufficient for planned growth (Official Community Plan) through at least 2051. However, that same report did identify serious deficiencies in other parts of our water system (check out my priorities!).
Rossland Pool 🏊
The Rossland Pool is a treasured, but troubled, community asset. In line with current City Council, I feel that there's no current need to shut down the pool, and the city should continue to provide routine, albeit minimal, maintenance. The pool is 'okay... until it isn't'. Longer term, upgrading or substantially maintaining the pool could cost $5-11M (June 2023 Rossland City Recreation Master Plan), money we just don't have. As a Councillor, I would support efforts to consider middle ground solutions in the sub-$1M range to maintain a local swimming option. I'll also work to consider additional revenue streams to support community recreation assets like the pool. I appreciate the growing efforts of grassroots volunteers to bring forward new ideas and donations in support of the pool!
Proposed Record Ridge Mine ⛏️
Simply, I'm opposed to the development of the proposed Record Ridge mine, and I've personally made numerous contributions of time and money to support opposition efforts. Local mining is our legacy, not our future.
The mine itself is a provincial decision, not a City of Rossland one — so my job as a Councillor is to make sure Rossland's voice carries as much weight as it possibly can within that process. I'll continue the City's existing engagement on the Mine Development Review Committee and continue ongoing conversations with our MLA and provincial officials. What I won't do is create new City bylaws or policies on a decision that isn't Council's to make.
Housing & Density 🏗️
Council is currently considering rezoning a downtown property from Medium Density Residential to Downtown Residential to allow more housing near our core. This is the kind of change I generally support. Rossland's Official Community Plan already identifies downtown density as one of the more sensible ways to add housing without expanding our infrastructure footprint (new roads, water and sewer lines to service sprawl), which ties directly to the capital cost pressures I talk about in my priorities. That said, "generally support" isn't "always support". Each application still deserves a real look at parking, character, and neighbour impact, before I'd take a firm position on any specific project.
More to come as I hear from Rosslanders...