Why: Kids

The biggest reason for my decision to run for City Council is, of course, my children. This is the city I grew up in, and the city I choose for my kids. How better to insure a safe and successful future for them than to be part of City Council.

Grande Prairie has changed a lot since I was a kid. Often when a city goes through rapid growth the feeling of community becomes lost. This is something that I believe we need to get back. One way that I believe we can accomplish this is through the use of Area Redevelopment Plans. Last year we saw the South Montrose/VLA neighbourhood come together to create a common vision for their area. The city helps to initiate and facilitate the process but the work is largely done by the residents. It instills a sense of pride and ownership beyond one's own lawn. A great start to a safer more successful city!

One phrase that I'm sure we have all heard is "there's nothing to do". It is especially important that we make sure our kids have a wide variety of things to do. We need to take a good look at what it is like to be a teenager in this city. If there truly is a lack of activities we need to provide more. If it is a matter of perception we need to change it. One thing that I have heard mentioned recently is having a large outdoor rink surface. If the City could partner with the local speed skating club and even the roller derby association (who could use the arena in the summer), it could be done for a very small price tag. Opportunities like this are abundant in our city, we simply need to run with them.

Grande Prairie is a changing city, lets ensure it is a positive change!

Why: Downtown concerns

One of the reasons that I decided to run for Council is because I co-own a downtown business. We enjoy being part of the downtown and the uniqueness of the shops and people there. The downfall of our location in particular is that we are right across from the York Hotel. Lots like the old Germaine park and soon, the York Hotel site, are an eyesore and need to be dealt with quickly. I have a vision of downtown, of what could be in those spaces and would love the opportunity to be part of a solution. The redevelopment of downtown is high on my priority list. I want it to be a place where families go, a place to mingle and relax. We have the chance to give Grande Prairie a strong hub for the future!

The city needs to negotiate a sale for their property quickly, but there do need to be a few restrictions. We first need to decide if we want mixed use in this area, a development with shops on the bottom and residential above. We also need a concrete timeline, so that the new property owner must build right away. Let's continue on the momentum of the Farmer's Market, and build a downtown for the future!

Why me?

I've had a few questions concerning the amount of time I will be able to commit to a position on City Council, and thought it best that I address that here. To someone on the outside looking in I am sure my life already seems very busy. I have four young boys, co-own a business, and am active on the school council at Hillside School. I also have a part time job at a jewellery store in the mall. I am not too busy!

For the last 8 and a half years Ive been a stay at home mom, and have loved every minute of it. Now that 3 of my 4 kids are in school I feel that it is time for me to go back to work. I have great support in my husband, who works an 8-5 job, he does just as much with the kids as I do. Our parents also play a very large role in our children's lives. I have been able to go to council meetings, a few committee meetings, downtown association and school council meetings, work a part time job and still get out to talk to people and have some social time. Ive attended some great events over the past few months and look forward to many more. There is no reason a young mother can't be on council.

Why me? Why not.

*apostrophies have been resurrected.*:)