Election questionnaire: Jenna Stoner

Name:

Jenna Stoner

How many years have you lived in Squamish?

5

How many council or committee meetings have you attended since Sept. 1, 2017?

6

What do you love most about Squamish? (150 word limit)

The natural beauty of the town is unbeatable and the outdoor recreation access is world class. Squamish has attracted a community of people that are passionate and creative, while remaining rooted in its history. I am inspired by the adaptability and resilience of this community which gives me huge optimism for the future of our town.

Are you endorsing a particular candidate for mayor? (question for councilor candidates)

Karen Elliott

What do you think is the biggest single issue facing Squamish? (150 words limit)

The erosion of our sense of community.

The increase in cost of living has put a strain on families - of all shapes and sizes - to make ends meet. The profile of our workforce (i.e. high commuter rate, high employment rate in the service sector) means that our residents have less time and capacity to engage with the community whether it's getting to their neighbours, volunteering or participating in public engagement sessions. The rapid rate of growth has put strain on our infrastructure and community services. As a result, our sense of community and connectedness is at risk of being worn down.

In the last term, what was council's single greatest accomplishment? What was council's biggest failure? (150 character limit)

 Greatest accomplishment: Completing the Official Community Plan (OCP) review and adopting the revised OCP has been a huge feat of the current council and staff. The degree of public engagement through this process was substantial and the District recently received an international award for this effort.

Biggest failure: Approving so many developments with an outdated community amenities contribution policy (CAC policy). We have left a lot of money on the table, which could have been used to fund upgrades to ageing and outdated community infrastructure and enhance community gathering spaces. Addressing this would be a priority for me in evaluating future developments. 

Residents often complain about traffic (speeding, parking etc.) What would you do to improve traffic and parking in Squamish? (150 words limit)

There are more cars in Squamish than ever, which is the root of this problem. We aren't going to get everyone out of their cars all the time, but we do need to reduce the number of trips made in single occupancy vehicles. Investing in more reliable and frequent public transportation, ensuring safe and accessible active transportation routes, and establishing regional transportation will all help with this. 

Squamish has a housing affordability crisis. What would you do to improve affordability? (150 words limit)

1. We need to diversify our housing stock with purpose-built rental units and more multi-family dwellings.

2. Develop a comprehensive affordable housing policy and modernize our CAC policy

3. Establish a Squamish Housing Organization to manage the core housing needs within the District (i.e. low-to-moderate income housing options)

Do you support stronger regulation of AirBNB?

Yes

How would you attract new businesses and employers to Squamish? (150 words limit)

This one is a balancing act. I think the lifestyle on offer in Squamish is a key asset that we can use to help market our town as a great place to base your business; but that isn't sufficient unto itself. There are some key barriers that need to be addressed in concert including the affordability piece, developing more commercial spaces, and protecting industrial-zoned lands. We also need to build on our outdoor recreation branding by investing in more community gathering spaces and community hubs so that the town has a more well-rounded offering.

Do you have a strategy to implement regional transit? (150 word limit)

As of this past summer, we have an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with all partners in the SLRD that outlines shared commitment to establishing regional transit. The next step is to sit down with the province and negotiate what the funding model will be. Incoming council should make this a top priority. In the interim, I would continue to support innovative alternatives like car shares and ride sharing.

Given limited financial resources, what do you think is the single highest priority for Brennan Park? (150 word limit)

All facilities at Brennan Park are stretched and updates are well overdue. This a core piece of infrastructure for our community. In terms of prioritizing the needs and phases of improvement, I think we need to see what the final scope of the project will be and balance the needs of the community and the logistics of the project. That being said, during the first phase of public engagement on this project, the community has suggested that expanding and upgrading the ice rink facilities are a top priority for this project.

Do you support cannabis retail shops in Squamish?

Yes

Would you consider yourself pro-WLNG or anti-WLNG?

Somewhat supportive (2)

Are you supportive of the Garibaldi At Squamish project?

Very opposed (5)

Do you support development of the Cheema Lands (Lot 509/510)?

Somewhat supportive (2)