Improving accessibility for seniors and the disabled in Oliver is one of Maureen Doerr’s priorities as she seeks re-election on November 15.
“As a business owner on Main Street I see many of our seniors on scooters, walkers and wheelchairs, so we must make it easy for them to get around.”
Doerr said providing safety and comfort is very important for citizens who have medical issues and various disabilities.
The incumbent is also seeking re-election in order to complete projects that council has started, such as the linear parks on Gala Street and Fairview Road.
Doerr said she would like to see the establishment of an economic development round table with business people, council members and citizens.
“I want to work to increase awareness of our beautiful community, working with the Oliver Tourism Association, who has done a great job to get Oliver’s name out there. “We have the ability and expertise to get and keep the ball in motion for the next decade – to create a small town with a big town attitude.”
As a councillor in her first term, Doerr said she learned to have patience, which she admitted is not one of her virtues.
“Unfortunately, in government with all the controls placed on so many projects we want to undertake, nothing happens fast.”
She also learned that no matter what you understand about a topic, there is much more that you don’t understand. Fortunately, you have the benefit of experts at your disposal to answer questions and explain the reasons, she said.
Doerr noted that council has put some great strategies in place to encourage growth in the community. She noted the revitalization tax for new and existing businesses, and bringing the corporate tax in line with the provincial standard.
She said the re-location guide (that she and fellow Councillor Jack Bennest spearheaded) was another project that council undertook for new, prospective citizens.
Doerr said one of the most exciting things that happened in Oliver was the “grandfathering” of parking on Main Street. For example, if a business is destroyed, it can be rebuilt on the same footprint and is not required to provide or buy more parking spaces (as was the case before).
Doerr was asked for her thoughts on the proposed national park. She acknowledged that it’s a contentious issue on many levels.
“The yes side believes they have all the answers and why would we not support it, and the no side feels the same way.”
Doerr said she is currently sitting on the fence.
“I have not been swayed to either side. That being said I grew up here in the area being proposed for the national park, as a rancher’s daughter, so there are many questions I would like answered.”
Doerr said having a female perspective gives council a more well-rounded view of the issues and the decisions it makes.
“I think that our council is very respectful and we all work well together.”
