ENVIRONMENTAL • SOCIAL • CULTURAL • ECONOMIC • HEALTH
Brian Quiring
Responses
RESPONSES
Environmental
Question 1 - When development is guided by an Official Community Plan that features smart growth principles, it results in lower taxes for residents, less gridlock, cleaner air and lower GHG emissions, more green space, more housing options and preserved farmlands. Following smart growth principles results in new, high-density housing being built in the downtown and specified neighbourhood cores, enabling more sustainable and cost-effective transportation options. How will you advocate for smart growth principles in the upcoming OCP planning process?
Brian Quiring
As an architect I have always supported compact communities and smart growth principles. I will advocate for smart growth during the upcoming OCP review and will be looking to increase density and relax parking restrictions in some zones.
Question 2 - Vernon has created an ambitious new Climate Action Plan addressing both the reduction of GHG emissions and preparing the community for climate impacts, but unless Council backs it up with immediate, effective action, the goals of the plan won't be achieved. If elected, what aspects of this plan do you feel are most important and urgent, and how can you help to ensure that they are implemented as soon as possible?
BRIAN QUIRING
As a member of the climate action advisory committee and part of the team that drafted the plan I have a hard time picking the important aspects of the plan but I have some issues I feel are urgent.
1.0 Update and implement the Community Wildfire Protection Plan in the context of expected future climate conditions.
2.0 Incorporate climate considerations (emission reduction opportunities and adaptations for our future climate) into design, maintenance, and replacement of municipal infrastructure.
3.0 Embed considerations from the Climate Action Plan into all existing and new policy and bylaw I promote additional funding sources to ensure implementation.
Question 3 - What do you believe are the main risks to Vernon - its citizens, its infrastructure, its economy - from climate change impacts? What specific actions do you think the municipality should take to adapt to these risks and build a resilient community?
BRIAN QUIRING
In my opinion the single biggest impact to Vernon is extreme weather events. We have seen the impact of extreme drought, extreme rainfall and extreme heat. These events have significant consequences to our local economy, health and infrastructure. We need to continue our flood mapping strategy.
Question 4 - The largest proportion of Okanagan municipal greenhouse gas emissions comes from transportation (in particular, driving fossil-fuel powered vehicles), and the 2nd largest proportion comes from buildings. What do you see as the most effective ways of reducing the emissions in these two sectors?
BRIAN QUIRING
With respect to buildings, the BC energy step code provides significant improvement to energy efficiency. We should look to provide financial compensation for net zero home construction.
Public transportation and transit vehicles that are not powered by fossil fuel is a great way to manage emissions. Multi use trails and bike lanes need to be provided to all areas of the city.
RESPONSES
SOCIAL
Question 1 - The RDNO has recently developed a North Okanagan Regional Housing Strategy. Which actions of this strategy would you prioritise, and how would you implement them?
BRIAN QUIRING
Explore zoning amendments and additional incentives to accelerate the development of new rental housing. Reduce barriers and incentivize the construction of new secondary suites and secondary dwellings, including allowing suites in semi-detached dwellings.
Explore zoning amendments to support affordable home ownership and rental, including floor space ratio density zoning, small lot subdivisions, minimum home size and tiny house zoning, rental zoning, zoning for manufactured homes, and apartment lock off units.
Develop and implement a Land Acquisition Strategy that a) maps out priority areas for future land acquisition by the City, b) identifies revenue sources for land acquisition (municipal, federal and provincial) and c) explores innovative financing options
Question 2 - Across Canada, First Nations and municipalities are strengthening their regions by collaborating on service agreements, land use planning and economic development. What efforts have you made in the past, and what efforts will you make to build powerful new relationships based on mutual respect, understanding and a common vision for mutual prosperity with the Okanagan Indian Band?
BRIAN QUIRING
Our firm has completed several projects with the Okanagan Indian Band as well as the Lillooet Indian Band and Tsawout First Nation. I firmly believe in strengthening and promoting a healthy relation with all First Nation Communities. Also note that I attended a blanket ceremony with the OKIB.
Question 3 - In August of 2020 Council unanimously passed the following motion: “THAT the City of Vernon, including Council and Administration, firmly rejects racist acts of all types, and supports each individual who chooses to make Vernon home, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, creed or socioeconomic condition." The motion did not indicate what this support might look like, especially for minority groups. How would you rectify this? Specifically, would you follow the lead of other communities in the Okanagan and vote to adopt the anti racism policy already drafted by City lawyers? More broadly what types of programs, initiatives, and actions would you endorse or be a part of to ensure that Vernon is a welcoming place for all “regardless of race, gender, sexuality, creed or socioeconomic condition”?
BRIAN QUIRING
I will support policy related to anti racism and inclusion. On a personal note we have updated our office policy manual to include anti racism and bullying and harassment policy. Also note that we have voluntarily closed our office and have given staff a paid day off for Truth and Reconciliation Day in order that they may reflect on the importance of the day.
RESPONSES
culturAL
Question 1 - What opportunities do you believe the municipality has to grow our art, culture and heritage sector?
BRIAN QUIRING
The New Arts and Cultural Center will be a significant asset for our community and will continue to grow and promote investment in the Art and Culture sector. Heritage restoration grants should be continued and potentially increased.
Question 2 - What do you think of the 2016 Greater Vernon Cultural Plan? What aspects would you prioritise and how would you implement them?
BRIAN QUIRING
The Greater Vernon Cultural Plan is a great document and is the culmination of a significant amount of work by members of our community. The implementation will only be possible with the injection of financial contributions by all levels of government. I will continue to lobby and seek support from upper levels of government for our community.
My priorities are: Protect, support and encourage public art. Ensure the healthy use and condition of existing cultural facilities.
Increase economic development through cultural development. Support the health and development of cultural not-for-profit organizations.
Question 3 - How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Greater Vernon?
BRIAN QUIRING
I have been a supporter of the arts community for many years both financially and through my architectural firm. I have been a board member of both the Vernon Art Gallery and Arts Council Of The North Okanagan. I have completed two heritage restoration projects in Vernon, The Vernon Community Music School Carriage House and the Okanagan Landing Station House. I am committed to heritage preservation.
RESPONSES
economic
Question 1 - Please provide examples of the ways you would support business retention and expansion in the City of Vernon.
BRIAN QUIRING
The economic development team at the City of Vernon estimated that four out of every five jobs in a community are created by the growth of existing businesses. With this in mind, the priority for economic development is to encourage existing businesses to not only stay in Vernon, but to grow and hire more employees.
I would support local businesses by promoting networking, shared support services, finding suitable sites for expansion, and navigating the developmental approval process.
Question 2 - Over 40% of businesses in every sector are experiencing labour shortages. How should the City support businesses in meeting their workforce needs?
BRIAN QUIRING
As a medium sized business owner, the biggest challenge we face in attracting talent is the ability to provide affordable housing for young recruits. We have partnered with Silver Star resort to provide short term off season housing. As suggested in the housing action plan, the City should reduce barriers and incentivize the construction of new secondary suites and secondary dwellings, including allowing suites in semi-detached dwellings.
Question 3 - How should the City support emerging and growing information technology, and manufacturing sectors including agriculture products processing?
BRIAN QUIRING
The City should support manufacturing and agricultural processing by maintaining and monitoring sufficient industrial land base.
The City should support growing and emerging information technology through the use of small business incubators in key downtown locations.
Question 4 - How should the City assist businesses in the medium term (3-5 years) to become more resilient?
BRIAN QUIRING
The City must remain current with issues facing the business community and be prepared to adapt procedures to align with changing market conditions, timing is everything.
The City must demonstrate its own resiliency in order to display confidence to the business community.
RESPONSES
health
Question 1 - What would you do to protect the health of members of our community who have been made vulnerable to the effects of climate change?
BRIAN QUIRING
Providing adequate access to resources when emergency situations occur, along with financial funding or material resources readily available to those in need. Bigger scale option would be to implement land-management strategies for places like the Okanagan that deal with fires yearly.
Question 2 - What do you believe is the municipality's role in enabling and assisting ministries and non-profits as they address mental and physical health treatment issues and access, in populations affected by houselessness and the toxic drug supply? How might the municipality address the stigma that prevents people facing these challenges from seeking health services?
BRIAN QUIRING
To enable local ministries and non-profits, the municipality could help by making the process of building new addiction facilities more attainable and providing more emergency shelters. The hindrance for non-profits is having the room for people to access help. The rate of addiction/homelessness is growing steadily but there’s not enough support for non-profits to put hope within reach.
Question 3 - How will you ensure that our Parks & Recreation facilities and programs meet the diverse needs of our population?
BRIAN QUIRING
Community engagement is key to ensuring success. An inclusive and meaningful engagement process ensures that our parks and recreation facilities are created by the people they are intended to serve.