Chris Pieper

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?

The Agricultural Areas in Armstrong are protected through the ALC, not City of Armstrong. Ecological Areas are also protected by the Ministry of Environment. The City struggles with available land for housing - We are almost to a state where older houses have to be removed and new built. Also Armstrong has encouraged Lane housing and pan handle lots on larger home sites in town. The majority of building development in good. It was planned extensively, community involved through public hearings, and approved. The downtown revitalization plan needs to go back to the drawing board. The ground infrastructure was very necessary, however the surface roads, parking, sidewalks, were planned as "Hallmark Christmas Movie set" and not a practical small town business route.

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?

Preparing for disasters like drought, wildfires, heat domes, and floods, are far more extensive than what the Council of Armstrong can prevent. We can, however, prepare to accept, and prepare for these emergencies through planning and awareness. For Instance the 3 large fires in the Okanagan this summer were all human caused - need I say more.

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?

Development has paid into a reserve fund through development in the past, and has funded some initiatives. The acquisition along Okanagan Street was a gift by a developer during his development. During a development everything is on the table. You must meet Provincial rules first, then through public hearings, value everything the development has to offer for the community and the developer.

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?

These are all controlled by Provincial and Federal ministries, and all their regulations. These regulations are adhered through the City of Armstrong Bylaws.

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?

The city has to be a member of the community. Get involved in every aspect, so you have the ground roots knowledge. We have a fantastic community of community spirit, however it could always be better. You can enjoy museums and art, minor and adult sports, IPE activities, senior groups, golf, curling, churches, and literally many more - We do have a great community. It is simple - Get INVOLVED !!

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

Always consider the source. If in doubt, I have always been involved with council people that were available to talk -- Don't be afraid to contact them personally outside of social media.

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?

This is a very large and complicated topic, and confrontational at times. We are one community and must respect not only First Nations, but all !

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 have always been been very supportive and strong advocate of our Arts, Culture, and Heritage in Armstrong. I have helped create our Sister City Relationship with Rathfriland, Northern Ireland during our Centennial Year. We are so fortunate to have such an active and knowledgeable group of Volunteers to sustain this.

Economic

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

Small local businesses are the core of any community, including larger centers as big as Vancouver. This is were it all starts and builds from, to make a community successful.

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

The large agricultural operations around Armstrong are mostly in Spallumcheen, however Armstrong has the farmers market, a few community gardens, and our local grocery store always purchases local whenever possible.

Health

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

Whoa!! This is my favorite question. I have been the chair of our local Haugen Community Healthcare Society for the past few years. Organized 17 years ago, to attract and retain Doctors, we have been a success. We currently have 5 doctors and 1 nurse practitioner in Armstrong serving the residents of Armstrong - Spallumcheen. I would love to see at least 3 more Doctors attracted to our clinic to meet the demand of everyone to have a family doctor. This may seem like a "Pipe Dream", however I want to meet this challenge. A recent survey on Castanet revealed at least 20% of people still don't have a family Doctor. We need to expand our clinic and public and private money will be needed. I look at health care as one of the main core values of a community.

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?

Every problem needs a solution. There will never be a magic solution. We must work every day, every week, and year to improve on these topics.