In the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 17, three contenders are vying for the mayoral position in Revelstoke, B.C. The candidates include the current mayor seeking re-election, a city council member, and the general manager of the Revelstoke Community Housing Society. Each candidate shared their views on the pressing issues facing Revelstoke, a community of nearly 9,500 residents in southeastern B.C., and outlined their proposed solutions if elected.
Incumbent mayor Gary Sulz is running for a third term and emphasizes the importance of maintaining continuity for the community. His agenda includes continuing ongoing projects such as upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant. Sulz also aims to collaborate with the healthcare sector to establish an integrated care network and enhance services for seniors. Additionally, he plans to expand seniors’ housing initiatives and further develop the Revy Own project to offer affordable housing options to long-term residents.
Taha Attiah, the general manager of the Revelstoke Community Housing Society and a first-time political candidate, advocates for updating the municipal tax structure to address affordability concerns beyond housing. He stresses the need to tap into non-tax revenue from visitors to alleviate the burden on local residents. Attiah criticizes the disproportionate increase in municipal taxes to support tourism infrastructure and vows to protect the interests of long-time residents against exclusive catering to affluent tourists. He proposes generating revenue from out-of-town visitors for using local amenities.
Tim Palmer, a two-term city councillor and mayoral candidate, focuses on the principles of vision, transparency, and accountability in his campaign. He highlights the challenges faced by Revelstoke residents related to affordability, infrastructure, growth, and environmental conservation. Palmer aims to enhance public engagement through community focus groups to ensure transparency in municipal decision-making processes. He plans to invest in an active transportation network, safeguard natural parks, and address public concerns regarding water metering by fostering open communication and inclusivity in governance.
The mayoral race in Revelstoke presents a diverse range of candidates with distinct visions for the community’s future, each aiming to address the town’s unique challenges and opportunities.