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Jordan Sturdy, VVLA candidate for mayor

Jordan Sturdy: Committed to Pemberton’s agricultural sector

Proust Questionnaire

Name:

Jordan Sturdy

Political experience:

Elected by taxpayers of the Pemberton Valley Dyking District three, two-year terms as trustee; Elected by the PVDD Board of Trustees as Chair for the past three years; Political lobbying on behalf of the various associations to which I belong.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

The fact that life can be so unfair. Most in Canada and especially in B.C. have such opportunity where just a twist of fate could have you born in one of many places that allow little chance at a decent quality of life.  Think of the majority of the world. We have it so easy.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?

Knowing that the paths that I have chosen are the right ones for my self and my family.

Who are your favourite heroes/heroines of fiction?

Rupert Bear.

Who are your favorite characters in history?

Nelson Mandella for his wisdom and vision of a greater good.

Your favourite musician?

Pink Floyd.

The quality you most admire in a woman?

Integrity, intelligence and empathy.

The quality you most admire in a man?

Integrity, intelligence and empathy.

What natural ability you would most like to to have had?

Irresistible charm.

Your most marked characteristic?

Size.

What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty.

What is it you most dislike?

Duplicity.

What reform that you most admire?

Peaceful political reform of South Africa.

What is your motto?

Make the developers pay!

Jordan Sturdy, who owns and operates North Arm Farms, decided earlier this year to step off the political sidelines. Living in the area for 17 years and operating a successful agritourism business, the active community member felt it was time to put his beliefs to the test. Along with five other local business people, Sturdy entered the fray as member of the Pemberton’s first slate of municipal political candidates, Valley Vision: Leadership in Action.

The mayoralty candidate is not convinced that the current Official Community Plan properly addresses the community’s development needs.

"Some of the pieces are in place now, and with the development cost charges I think we’ll start to see some community benefit. We’re here now, there is a DCC bylaw in place, and that will give us an opportunity to better manage development. As well, I see the village extension process as key to planning and development in the future."

He points out that limited tax base and geographical footprint are impediments to acquiring benefits that accrue from development. However, he believes expansions should not be at the expense of agricultural land.

On the issue of affordability, Sturdy admits this is a challenge for a municipal government to influence or address. He sees one of the solutions may be in addressing housing density in The Benchlands, but first he thinks affordability needs to be defined.

"Is it having a place that you can afford within reasonable means? Is it being able to purchase goods and services without having to commute?"

A small, but vital piece of the puzzle will be developing strategies for people to keep their money in the community.

"We hope to have a shop local program here, to get people to spend their money in the community," he says.

The economic spin-offs of a successful program could include the establishment of more businesses and therefore a broadened tax base, healthier existing businesses and the creation of more entry level jobs.

Job creation in Pemberton’s other sectors, such as agriculture, will require far more creative solutions to accelerate growth. Sturdy estimates that to purchase a parcel of land suitable for farming would currently cost a minimum of $1 million.

"If you have a $1 million chances are you aren’t going to farm with it. There are a lot more investments that offer better opportunities," he says. "The economy is going to be strengthened through a number of things, there’s no magic bullet."

He sees developing Pemberton as a destination as necessary to capitalize on tourism potential.

"We need to work with existing business organizations to assist them with their goals," he says.

In terms of attracting industry, he feels Pemberton must address the needs of the existing business park and revisit DCCs to make the community competitive and therefore more attractive to outside investment.

On the issue of recreation, Sturdy thinks quick action is in order.

"With regard to the site that’s been chosen, adding the PACA lands –where the gymkhana grounds and outside ice rink is – I think we have to consider what can actually go there," says Sturdy. "I would hope the daycare centre and the skateboard park will be able to move ahead as soon as they are able to. We have to work quickly to reassess the site plan so we do not delay anything in the works."

Sturdy sees the best way of achieving maximum value in creating recreation resources is to undertake a design/build approach.

Another undertaking he’s committed to is a working group between the Village of Pemberton, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and the Mount Currie Band council that could meet once a month to discuss issues of mutual concern.

"I think we will have all sorts of opportunities to work together in the future. The changes that have happened recently in terms of land ownership and land transfers I think are a good thing. I think the more we open up the lines of communication the better and I think we’re close to doing that."



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