Andy Werner

2026 Election Candidate

Environmental

Policies in the Armstrong Official Community Plan "direct future growth strategically to protect ecological and agricultural areas, offer more housing and transportation choices, support economic prosperity and diversity, prioritize sustainable municipal infrastructure planning, enhance community wellbeing, and support our transition to a more sustainable and climate resilient community." Please give local examples of 'good' and 'not good' building development in Armstrong, and state why. Do you support the downtown revitalization plan for Armstrong and why/why not?

Good development that I support is the subdivision of some of the older larger lots in to additional lots. I do not support the current downtown revitalization plan. I don’t think it is right in our town. I would not have supported it the way it is drawn up.

Armstrong has experienced significant climate impacts for the last few years. How do you propose to address these crises, both in preparing ahead for disasters like drought, wildfires, heat domes and floods, as well as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that lead to climate change?

Bringing in the fire smart person was a good move and would continue to advocate for that resource. I’m seeing lots of solar panels being installed which I would also encourage in new construction.

Do you support the use of public funds to contribute to acquiring natural lands for environmental conservation purposes? Under what conditions would the perceived need for more housing, businesses, roads and other infrastructure prompt you to trade away natural lands with high ecological value for urban expansion?

Armstrong has a very limited amount of land left to set aside for these purposes. I believe any new development should include green/park space rather than a penalty paid in lieu of.

Drought, contamination, increasing demand are just some of the water issues. What actions would you prioritise to protect our creeks, lakes, aquifers, and groundwater for home and agricultural water sources, habitat for fish and wildlife, and human recreation?

I would continue to encourage water conservation in our town. I capture my own rainwater and encourage others to do the same.

Social

In smaller communities we need to be creative in how we help one another; how do you see the role of local government in this?

As someone that volunteers with multiple service clubs in Armstrong, I would be an advocate for others to do the same.

How do we tackle misinformation and growing distrust in local government as well as uncivil behaviour on social media and in person?

Social media has become a part of almost everyone’s daily lives. Paying attention to the citizens and any growing concerns should be acknowledged and discussed more.

What personal and/or professional experience has most shaped your understanding of Truth and Reconciliation, and how would it influence your decisions as a municipal elected official?

I had a family member taken from her mother at the age of 2. She was placed in foster care and sheltered from residential schools, however things could have turned out quite different. Having a personal experience with this would definitely affect my decisions.

Cultural

How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Armstrong, and how do you think local government should support these features of our community?

I supported my daughter when she was actively involved in theatre and attended other shows. I have friends that submit art in our local museum and gallery and support it as well. Local government can continue to support locally with the grants in aid program.

Economic

What is your understanding of how small local governments can support our economic development, including the success of our small local businesses?

I am a big fan of the chamber of commerce and their business after 5 program that happens in our town at different small businesses.

What is one action the municipality should take to strengthen our local food system and improve access to healthy, affordable food? Why that action?

I believe we should be supporting home owners to grow their own food and ensuring that our community gardens are fully utilized. Supporting the Jong family and their large garden off pleasant valley BLVD is a great way to get quality local food.

Health

As Mayor / Councilor, how would you work to support access to medical services?

We have an aging population so a continued approach to recruit medical professionals to Armstrong is very important.

How will you ensure that our planning of our built environment, our programs and our policies support the diverse physical and mental health needs of our population?

I believe there should be more access to mental health needs from all levels of government. Any future planning should take physical and mental health needs into consideration.