Municipal election candidates share their views on environment and climate

What do local candidates have to say about the environmental issues shaping the future of the region?

Forty-five candidates running for mayor and council in Castlegar, Nelson and Rossland, along with candidates for rural-area director positions with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), have weighed in through a questionnaire on climate and environmental issues. Their responses can be viewed at Vote4Tomorrow.ca, organized by community. 

The questionnaire, which was sent to all candidates, covers a range of topics, including transportation, housing, ecosystems, land use and waste. Candidates also shared their views on building resilience to local climate impacts like wildfires, drought, extreme heat, and smoke.

The initiative was coordinated by volunteers with the West Kootenay Climate Hub and Doctors and Nurses for Planetary Health Kootenay Boundary, with help from the Council of Canadians, Nelson West Kootenay chapter. 

Candidate participation rates were high in municipalities, ranging from 75% in Castlegar to 100% in Rossland. 

“It’s heartening that so many candidates took time to consider how climate is impacting their community and how they can help implement solutions that are good for the people who live there," says Laura Sacks of the West Kootenay Climate Hub.

Responses from RDCK rural director candidates were lower, but at least one candidate answered the questionnaire in five of the eight competitive races, plus one acclaimed candidate – representing rural areas B, D, E, G, H and J.

“We understand how busy everyone is during the election season,” says Dr. Amy Rudkoski of Castlegar, who volunteers with Doctors and Nurses for Planetary Health. “Those who took the time to thoughtfully answer our questionnaire show that they care about issues that affect all of us – our health and well being, our financial security and our future.”

The independent Vote4Tomorrow election tool – developed by My Sea to Sky with input from volunteers across B.C. – was used by community groups in 38 municipalities and regional districts to engage with their local candidates. West Kootenay teams customized the questionnaire by drafting locally relevant questions and selecting from built-in commitment questions on policies and principles covering a range of topics.

“In Rossland, we are already seeing the local effects of a changing climate with decreasing snow packs and increasing wildfire risk,” says Rossland-based Allen Deargle, with West Kootenay Climate Hub. “The community we build together reflects what we value, and shapes how we connect with one another and with the natural world around us. Municipal government plays a vital role in putting those values into practice through decisions about how we build, move around, and care for one another and the spaces we share.”

“Our local government can make decisions that keep our air and water clean to protect our health,” says Judith Fearing, a retired nurse in Nelson with Doctors and Nurses for Planetary Health. “Some examples include improving safe walking and biking, increasing bus routes that lower pollution from vehicle traffic, and preserving our beautiful natural environment.”

“Thanks to all the candidates who took the time to respond,” added Sacks. “This upcoming local election is critical. Who we elect for the next 4 years will shape the future of our communities for many more years to come.”

Mayors, councillors, regional directors, and school board trustees will be elected across British Columbia on October 17, with early voting October 7 and 14.