Dale Bradley

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 renovation of the downtown portion of Pleasant Valley Boulevard has received a lot of negative attention. The merchants I spoke with unanimously feel that their objections to the plan were completely ignored, and it has created great difficulties for them in receiving goods and services. Granted, a railway running through the middle of the town with two one-way streets creates special circumstances when dealing with substructure improvements and surface traffic and parking, but I am going to see if we can improve accessibility there for freight delivery.

Bylaws control developments and private investment is the driver to building. “Good” and “Bad” development can be a matter of point of view and taste. When public consultation takes place and “Common Sense” bylaws exist, we should not be faced with bad development. New building is taking place in the lands between Smith Drive and HWY 97A and I expect that these will be perceived as good development. The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior is providing $25,000 in funds to renew the facades and general appearance of PV Blvd. Wood Avenue corridor also needs revitalizing too, it has gotten very shabby.

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?

Climate change and the annual fire cycle is getting worse each year, with evacuations and alerts coming to the Armstrong City Limits. Our local Emergency services are within the purview of City Hall and have successfully prevented a fire such as the recent downtown fire from wider spread, thankfully. I have as a private citizen involved myself with the Firesmart program in my Poplar Grove Strata and we are also investigating the use of EV charging stations and solar panels in the Strata. As a Councillor I hope to work on Firesmart initiatives, and investigate wider use of charging stations and solar technology, and learn more about fire hydrant placement, escape corridors, evacuation routes and safety mandates in new development.

I live where the water table is very high from the neighbouring wetlands downtown, and the sump pumps run frequently almost year-round in this area. Cistern storage for sump pumped non potable water and rainwater collection/rainbarrels could be mandated in new development where feasible or subsidised in residential areas.

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?

Absolutely, the wetlands, forests, lakes and creeks are the breathing heart of the planet. I applaud the Nature Conservancy project in the wetlands along Okanagan Street, and I intend to learn more about the ownership of other likely areas. Even the small creek beside Poplar Grove, that goes dry in the summer supports wildlife seasonally and deserves protection. Basically, these lands ought to be considered a legacy to the future and will benefit us more by staying untouched by development.

And on that note, it seems to me that the intended logging on Mount Rose Swanson should be very carefully examined as this is an important recreation area . I was part of a Citizens Action group in Campbell River that prevented the wholesale logging and development of the Beaver Lodge Lands a large mixed wetland forest environment right within the town, that had been gifted to the Community in perpetuity for its environmental and recreational importance.

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 huge issues, and we have to sift down through, and understand, the Municipality, Regional, Provincial and Federal laws and bylaws applying to our local area of to ensure we are vigilant and act responsibly with respect to activities within our own area. Each small act that citizens and government can support is essential to the health of our ecosystem and to our usage of it recreationally, agriculturally, residentially and in commerce. In the Councillors' forum on September 23 we were told that we have sufficient water supplies but that it is reasonable to expect that Water Use Stage 2 and 3 will continue to be a reality here.

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?

It is my intention as Councillor to walk the streets and ask people “What do you need”, and “How can I help” and to “Call me, 250-202-2170” and I promise to listen and to follow up to the best of my ability. Just as if I was campaigning for the job every day. I would also work with public safety services to help them get the tools they need.

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 given a “soap box” to untruths, uncivil discourse and uncivil behavior. “AI” unchecked erodes journalism standards even in print media. One of the subjects that came up again and again in the Chamber of Commerce candidates’ forum on September 23rd was communication deficit. I would task our professionals at City Hall with devising more creative ways to reach out and respond to public concerns and to encourage interested parties to become involved and brainstorm solutions.

Debate clubs in school taught us how to listen to all points of view before deciding what is true or correct. Wait your turn before you speak, and you might learn something and foster consensus. Even when many avenues of information are available, we can be misled. Our chief defenses against rumour, lies and misleading statements are fact checking, and common sense. Speak out, get to the truth, use common sense. Be civil. And call out uncivil behavior in person and in media. See something, say something.

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 acknowledge that I live and work on the Ancestral Territory of the Syilax (Okanagan) Peoples and the Splatsin of the Secwepemec Nations. Celebrate September 30th Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day.

Truth and Reconciliation should not just be a slogan, and willful blindness to the past is not acceptable. Call out racism wherever you see and hear it. As Councillor I will reach out to our Counterparts.

I grew up in the Bulkley Valley with many First Nations kids; we were equals in sport, school and clubs. As a teenager I was horrified to learn that they didn’t have the same rights as I did. Passing the infamous Le Jac School I always asked why they had a “private school” that I couldn’t go. We all have since learned the horrors some of those kids endured, and we must all understand the mistrust, pain and generational damage to families by that attempt at cultural obliteration. I have First Nations extended family members, and though grown and prospering they are still subjected to racial bias. My sister was a public health nurse in First Nations Communities and my son is a school Principal in Haida Gwaii, and has taught in First Nations communities his whole working life.

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 am at heart a vocalist, and thump away on my keyboard, play guitar and belong to a Ukelele group. I’ve played at Heaton Place and the Farmers Market. I belong to the Art Society, dabble in painting and showed my stuff at the local Art Show. In Campbell River I performed in many theatrical productions and was President of River City Players . Perhaps in Asparagus Theatre we could take a cue from Caravan Theatre with a car-free downtown evening, featuring “stages” with kids, performing arts and music.

Sports participation is strong in Armstrong culture, at all age levels; two arenas with hockey, lacrosse and roller skating, a curling club, and a golf course. I belong to the Armstrong Curling Club and the Royal York Golf Club.

Local government supports the Arts and Culture of a community by providing tax relief on nonprofit venues and permits for use of public facilities such as parks and the IPE exhibition grounds, traffic control, etc. and grants in aid on items important to the community. Council has a vital role to play in balancing renewal and preservation, business and heritage. and preservation of history buildings of the area, public and private.

Economic

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

Right out of the handbook for candidates for local government elections. Key responsibilities of local government are things that directly shape neighborhoods, local services, and daily quality of life: Water quality and supply, liquid and solid waste, fire protection, road management and transit, zoning and permits, parks and recreation. Local bylaws, and policing.

All key, and it will be my focus as a Councillor to say, “how can we get this done for our residents and our business community”, and not “why can’t we”.

Apply Common Sense to cut to the essence of the task. As a City Councillor I will walk the business areas and ask, “What do you need”? I have talked to business owners who have said they never been approached by anyone from City Hall. It is the job of Mayor and Council, and the professionals at City Hall to assist a business environment that helps drive the local economy

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

Page 6

The Okanagan is one of the great agricultural areas of Canada, and we celebrate it here in Armstrong annually, with the IPE, and every day with the food on our table. We are lucky to have local milk, eggs, poultry, beef, lamb, fruits and vegetables and more. I will support initiatives for local processing wherever possible and distribution direct to local retailers and residents. Local packing means fresher products and reduced spoilage.

My recent job as a census enumerator took me all over this Regional District. I discovered a young person raising honeybees, but only queen honeybees. Another raised leafcutter bees to pollinate alfalfa fields. A young lady who bought and operates a chicken processing plant. Others farmed asparagus, sheep, cattle, pigs, ducks, honey, eggs, tree fruit and berries. All these people were vitally concerned about quotas, expenses, taxes and government oversight, and access to local markets.

Community Gardens and the Food Bank and Lunch programs for schools all need the support of citizens, business and City Hall. Why that action? Because it is human decency.

Health

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

I hope to be effective on Council here in Armstrong in supporting local Health facilities. Not only do these greatly benefit our existing population, but they will also can draw more medical professionals, retirees, and families to choose Armstrong as their home, a win win health, social and economic benefit.

A nonprofit group is fundraising to expand the Haugan Family Health Centre here right in town, to draw more medical practitioners to the area. When I came here five years ago, I was unable to find a family doctor any closer than Vernon, so I urge you to support their efforts.

As a member of City Council, I will take seriously every request for assistance from local emergency responders order to help them protect our 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?

Occasionally, senior Government deems it necessary to close facilities like medical centres, schools, etc. In other areas these nearsighted policies had hospitals downgraded, kids in portable schoolroom and seniors with no place to live. We are fortunate in Armstrong to have our wonderful Pleasant Valley Health Centre, a small contingent of medical professionals, and some Senior support facilities here in town. We must be vigilant against the chipping away at the scope of these resources. I participated in a Citizens action group in Campbell River that fought and won the fight against a Provincial plan to close our Hospital and amalgamate it with another Community an hour away. As a result of this public outcry, each of these communities benefited by the building of their own new updated hospital for their residents. We also blocked the City of Campbell River from privatising the drinking water testing procedures, a serious health concern.