What matters

Responsible Growth and Housing

I support responsible growth and more housing choices in Harrison Hot Springs.

But growth needs to be planned carefully.

Before approving significant new development, we need to understand what that growth means for our drinking water, wastewater system, stormwater system, roads, emergency services and other community infrastructure.

I believe we should look first at opportunities for appropriate redevelopment within areas that are already developed before expanding further into undeveloped and treed areas.

Harrison has a limited land base. Once mature trees and natural areas are removed for development, they are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to replace. Making better use of land that has already been developed can provide new housing while helping protect the natural areas and tree canopy that are part of Harrison's character.

That does not mean every property should be developed more intensely. Redevelopment still needs to fit the neighbourhood, respect surrounding residents and be supported by the infrastructure available to it.

Housing numbers on paper also need to make sense for Harrison. We should understand where projected new housing can realistically be built, what type of housing is needed and whether the infrastructure required to support it will be ready.

I believe we need a range of housing options, including opportunities for young people, families and seniors who want to remain part of our community.

At the same time, simply building more housing does not guarantee that it will meet the needs of year round residents. Harrison is a resort community where homes can also become seasonal properties. That needs to be considered when we talk about housing supply and future population.

Development should also contribute fairly toward the infrastructure required to support growth. Existing residents should not be expected to carry an unfair share of costs created by new development.

I also believe we need to protect the character of Harrison. Growth should fit the community rather than change what makes people want to live and visit here in the first place.

This does not mean saying no to development.

It means asking the right questions before saying yes.

Where will the growth go? What infrastructure will it require? What will it cost? Who will pay for it? What natural areas could be affected? And what will Harrison look like when it is built?

Growth is going to happen. Our responsibility is to plan for it properly.