ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL BILL VEENHOF
Regional Director, Area H billveenhof.ca ph: 778-424-2810 bill.veenhof@shaw.ca
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am pleased to be able to take this opportunity to address you in advance of the election for Area H Director. Firstly, I would like to thank you for your support during my past term. It is appreciated and made a difference. I am proud of my 7-year track record of solid and proven leadership for Area H.
Proven • Ability to develop strong partnerships and understanding through respectful dialogue using cooperation, communication and collaboration. • Known as someone who gets things done. Very strong relationships with the Province and the Feds. This means I will succeed where others will not.
A proven record of transparency and accessibility: • I maintain a public e-mail list that I have used regularly to inform the community and to get feedback. I have had a great many positive comments on this. • Monthly update in EyesOnBC Magazine. • I have ensured that the RDN’s Facebook presence is much improved. • Met with any resident that so requested.
An election campaign probably represents the best opportunity to hear what is important to you. I would really like to hear from you about what you think is important. Do not hesitate to call 250-797-6313 or email at bill.veenhof@shaw.ca.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Solid Environmental Record In cooperation with MP Gord Johns and The Coast Guard, I had two very large derelict vessels removed from Deep Bay. These vessels threatened the environment and our shellfish farms (approx. 700 jobs). The Feds paid almost $3mil for this action, Area H $0.0. Area H was the first on Vancouver Island to get this support. New OCP Environmental protections underscore my track record as a strong supporter of the environment.
Volunteered at the Phillips River salmon tagging program Brought a successful motion to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities asking the Federal Government to act on ocean plastics. Delivered a petition to the Federal Minister of Environment on the same issue. The Federal Government has started action on this issue as a result.
• Removed the Provincial Speculation Tax from Area H, saving your property values and potentially very significant tax increases. Other, much larger jurisdictions are still fighting to get out. • Through a funding agreement with Telus, I brought high speed internet to the Spider Lake Community with no tax increase. They now have among the fastest internet on the Island. • I found the grant funding for the Lighthouse Community Centre; parking lot, heat pumps, new façade. • Tax increases over the past 4 years have been among the lowest of the rural areas in the RDN. I got the recreation tax funding formula changed so that we now pay 50% based on usage of the pool and the skating rink, this reduced Area H’s contribution significantly. • I increased bus service from once a week to 5 times per week and ensured that Qualicum First Nation has access to this service. All this, with a very minor cost increase. • With resident volunteers and RDN staff, we have designed and started construction on a revitalized community park in Dunsmuir using grant funding. Next up in the line for Community Parks will be the park in the area of the Lighthouse Community Centre and Lions Club. I will advocate for provincial and federal funding for this park.
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