MY PLATFORM

1. In Enderby's Official Community Plan, "agricultural land, green space, and open natural areas are valued and preserved within the community by promoting higher density and clustered development". Please give local examples of 'good' and 'not good' building development in Enderby, and state why.

 

I think my own building is a good example of the kind of development I would like to see more of in Enderby. Before I developed the property, there was a condemned building sitting there that had become an eyesore on our Main Street. Today, I operate my business on the ground floor and have three residential suites above it. We took a property that was not contributing much to the community and turned it into something that supports a local business, provides much-needed housing and helps improve the look of our downtown. For me, a not-so-good development is when we start taking away good agricultural land or green space when there are other options available. I am definitely not against development. Enderby needs more housing and we need to continue to grow, but I think we need to be smart about how we do it. Let's look at the properties and spaces we already have, find creative ways to make better use of them, and at the same time protect the farmland, green space and natural beauty that makes Enderby such a great place to call home.

 

2. Enderby has experienced significant climate impacts for the last few years. How do you propose to address this crisis, both in preparing ahead for disasters like drought, wildfires, heat domes and floods, as well as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that lead to climate change?

 

We have all seen firsthand the effects of extreme heat, drought, wildfires and flooding, and I believe we need to be prepared before an emergency happens. That means continuing to support our fire department and emergency services, protecting our water supply, improving flood protection and investing in FireSmart initiatives. We also need to do our part to reduce emissions through smart development, energy efficiency, water conservation and better walking and cycling connections. Most importantly, I want to continue looking for provincial and federal funding so these improvements don't always fall on our taxpayers. We need practical solutions that protect our community today while planning responsibly for the future.

 

3. Do you support the use of public funds to contribute to acquiring natural lands for environmental conservation purposes? Under what conditions would the perceived need for more housing, businesses, roads and other infrastructure prompt you to trade away natural lands with high ecological value for urban expansion?

 

Yes, I would support protecting natural lands when there is a clear environmental benefit and it makes financial sense for our taxpayers. I would also like to explore creative options, such as identifying important forested areas and looking at grants, partnerships, donations or even opportunities for residents and organizations to help preserve these lands. Enderby still needs room for new housing, businesses and infrastructure, so there has to be a balance. Before giving up land with high environmental value, I would want to make sure we have explored other suitable properties and redevelopment opportunities first. I believe Enderby can continue to grow while still protecting the natural areas that are an important part of our community.

 

4. Drought, contamination, increasing demand are just some of the water issues we face in Enderby. What actions would you prioritise to protect our river, creeks, aquifers, and groundwater for home and agricultural water sources, habitat for fish and wildlife, and human recreation?

 

I believe our biggest issue isn't that Enderby doesn't have enough water, it is that we are reaching the capacity of what we can treat. That is where I think our focus needs to be. We need to invest in expanding and improving our water treatment system so we can safely treat the water we have, support our existing residents and allow our community to grow. We also need to continue protecting the river and groundwater our system relies on. This is a major infrastructure investment, so I would continue pushing hard for provincial and federal funding to make sure as much of that cost as possible does not fall directly on our taxpayers.

 

5. In smaller communities, we need to be creative in how we help one another; how do you see the role of local government in this?

 

I think this is where small communities like Enderby really shine. We may not always have the resources of a larger city, but we have people, businesses and organizations that are willing to step up and help each other. I believe the role of local government is to bring those people together, listen to their ideas and help remove barriers so good things can happen. Not every problem needs to be solved by spending more taxpayer dollars. Sometimes it is about finding a grant, creating a partnership, bringing volunteers together or simply helping connect the right people. I have always believed that when a community works together, we can accomplish a lot more with what we have.

 

6. How do we tackle misinformation and growing distrust in local government as well as uncivil behaviour on social media and in person?

 

I believe the best way to fight misinformation and distrust is through open and honest communication. Local government needs to make information easy to find, explain decisions clearly and make sure residents feel heard.We are not always going to agree, and that is okay. Council needs to lead by example by addressing misinformation with facts and treating each other and our community with respect.

 

7. What personal and/or professional experience has most shaped your understanding of Truth and Reconciliation, and how would it influence your decisions as a municipal elected official?

 

Living and doing business here has taught me that Enderby and Splatsin are not simply neighbours. We share this beautiful place we all call home, and our futures are connected. To me, Truth and Reconciliation begins with listening, learning and having the humility to understand the past so we can build a better future together. As an elected official, I would lead with respect, keep the door open for honest conversations and work to strengthen the relationship between our communities. Our children and future generations deserve nothing less.

 

8. How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Enderby, and how do you think local government should support these features of our community?

 

I have always been a huge supporter of our community, whether through fundraising, volunteering, advocating for local organizations or simply helping bring the right people together to make things happen. Arts, culture and heritage are a big part of what gives Enderby its heart and identity. I would now love the opportunity to take that same passion to the local government level and make an even bigger impact. Whether that means finding grants, advocating to the provincial and federal governments for funding, or connecting organizations with the people and resources they need, I want to help turn great community ideas into reality.

 

9. What is your understanding of how small local governments can support our economic development, including the success of our small local businesses?

 

As a small business owner in Enderby, this is very important to me. I believe local government should help make it easier to do business and help bring our business community together. I would like to see more networking and partnerships between local businesses, while also supporting our Chamber and helping it grow. The more we work together, share ideas and support one another, the stronger our local economy and our community will become.

 

10. As Councilor, how would you work to attract and retain medical professionals in Enderby?

 

This one is very personal to me. I didn't have a family doctor until one became available here in Enderby, and I am incredibly grateful it did. Through that doctor, I found out I was Type 2 diabetic, something I may not have known until it caused much bigger problems down the road. I would love to help make that same access available to more people in our community. As a Councillor, I would advocate wherever I can, work with our healthcare partners and push for funding and resources to attract more medical professionals to Enderby and, most importantly, give them reasons to stay.

 

11. How will you ensure that our planning of our built environment, our programs and our policies support the diverse physical and mental health needs of our population?

 

I think it starts with listening to the people who actually use our programs and facilities. Our community includes seniors, families, youth and people with different physical and mental health needs, and one solution will not work for everyone. I would support accessible parks and recreation, safe places to walk and gather, and programs that help keep people active and connected. Sometimes supporting mental health can be as simple as creating more opportunities for people to get out, get involved and feel like they are part of their community.

 

12. Enderby has constant traffic congestion on Hwy. 97A without a solution in sight from the Ministry of Transportation. What ideas do you have to pressure the province into finding a solution?

 

I think we need to be louder and more persistent with the Province. They have already studied Highway 97A and they know the congestion is only going to get worse. Now we need action. I would work closely with Enderby, Splatsin, Armstrong and Spallumcheen so we are going to the Province with one strong voice. I would continue pushing for meetings with the Minister, bring forward the concerns of our residents and businesses, and keep the issue in front of the Province until we see a real plan with timelines attached. Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and I am not afraid to be that squeaky wheel for Enderby.

 

13. Why are you running for this position in this community/area?

 

I own and manage a business right here in Enderby, and over the past five years, I have come to truly love this community and the people who make it what it is. Enderby doesn’t just feel like a place where I work; it feels like family. I’m running because I want to give back, make a positive difference, and bring a fresh perspective to the issues facing our community. I want to listen, ask questions, and work alongside residents to help make Enderby an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and do business.

 

14. What specific skills and experience do you bring to the job?

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I have been involved with boards and organizations since I was 15 years old, which has given me years of experience working with different personalities, perspectives, and priorities. As a local business owner, I also bring a strong business perspective and understand the importance of budgeting, accountability, and making every dollar count. Fundraising is one of my greatest strengths, and I would love to bring that experience and energy to the City while making sure taxpayers’ dollars are used responsibly and where they can have the greatest impact.

 

15. In what ways do you support your local community outside your regular job and/or political service?

 

Community involvement is a big part of who I am. I have served on several boards, volunteered wherever I am needed, and helped with countless fundraisers and community events. You might find me sitting in a dunk tank, bartending at a barn dance, helping organize races for kids at Easter, or working behind the scenes to help an event succeed. I believe being part of a community means showing up, getting involved, and being willing to roll up your sleeves and help.

 

16. What are the major issues/concerns you think need addressing? How do you plan to find solutions?

 

Community safety is an important issue I want to better understand and address. I want to hear directly from residents about their concerns, work collaboratively with the RCMP and other community partners, and ensure there is accountability and open communication. Everyone should feel safe and comfortable in their own community.

I am also very interested in the future of Barnes Park. With our new pool now in place, we have an opportunity to look at the former pool area and imagine what it could become. I would love to be part of creating an exciting outdoor recreation space that is safe, welcoming, and fun for children, families, and residents of all ages.

 

17. How do you plan to communicate with your constituents about important issues, initiatives, projects, community involvement events, etc.?

 

My business is right on Main Street, and my door is open. If you have an idea, a concern, or something you think City Council needs to hear, I want you to come talk to me. I also plan to continue being actively involved in local events and out in the community where conversations naturally happen. I don’t want residents to feel like they have to wait for a council meeting to be heard. If you see me around town, come talk my ear off. I genuinely want to know what matters to you.

 

18. What do you expect from yourself as an elected community representative?

 

I expect myself to show up, listen, do my homework, ask questions, and work hard for the people I represent. Being elected isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to listen, learn, and make thoughtful decisions based on what is best for the community.

It’s your community. Your voice. Your Ryan. I’ll work for you.