Aimee Grice – Council Candidate

If you were given a million dollars, what would you use it for in Oliver? 

I think the easy answer is to say affordable housing, however, there already is abundant federal and provincial funding that I think we should be accessing and I would actively work on that.

Instead, I’d invest in crime prevention through social development, creating local drug treatment facilities and youth programming. I would also invest in training our businesses and citizens about crime prevention through environmental design – the things we can do to prevent “crime of opportunity.”

Do you favour a national park reserve? Why or why not? 

Right now, I don’t have enough information to properly answer this question. This is because the process has been flawed, for example, there is no official map that identifies the boundaries. Municipal government needs to be involved as an advocate for our community, and I would take on that challenge. Although there may be merits to a national park reserve in our area, it is impossible for me to support this when my friends and neighbours are not being heard. We need a referendum that includes citizens directly adjacent to the proposed park to make sure our local voices are heard and included in any decision.

What is your solution to crime prevention in Oliver? 

There is no easy answer to solve this problem, but there are things that we can do at the local level. Investing in youth and drug treatment are key things we can do. People can be educated on how to safely protect themselves and their property. There is a nation-wide shortage of RCMP officers and, although the business case has been approved for our two additional officers, it appears we won’t get them soon. More involvement from local community members can also help, including volunteering for Oliver Crime Watch.

Do you support the legalization of marijuana? Why or why not?  

I support the legalization of marijuana and the real benefits it will bring to Oliver. Tax revenue from marijuana-related businesses will provide economic benefits to the town. I am committed to helping our business community and citizens to take full advantage of these opportunities. I’m also committed to ensuring we have a safe community in which marijuana use is regulated in a respectful way.

What is the best asset you can offer the town as councillor? 

My ability to listen to all viewpoints, consider all of the information, make sound decisions and act.