Neil Todd

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?

Revitalization will need to be an evolving process. That first stage has shown where the disconnects on communication can occur, and how the City can learn to do better. The appetite for continued work has waned and the new council will need to revisit the timeline. I do support ensuring the community grows.

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?

I can speak to this on a personal level. We have endeavoured to lower our families carbon footprint with the installation of solar panels, relying more on an E.V. for transportation. An irrigation system has been installed to help reduce water use.

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?

I believe each case would need to be looked at by a case by case basis. A blanket yes or no is not an appropriate answer

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?

The present council has taken the province to task for allowing mining exploration in our water shed. We will not stand idly by and allow this precious resource to be spoilt for the sake of profit.

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?

In our community, local government is the people. We each in our own way help by volunteering, working with various service groups and being aware of the needs of our friends and neighbours. Government has helped with tax exemptions for nonprofit and grants in aid for worthy organizations.

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

The distrust in government has always been around. The problem has become pervasive because the anonymity and lack of accountability that social media can provide. The growing discontent with government has more to do with a feeling of helplessness in the face of rising costs and uncertainty with what the future holds. Honest and open conversation. In person discussion. Be yourself and tell the truth. This is the way forward

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?

Council has begun a process to bring the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation to our community, meetings and meals with both Splatsin and OKIB leaders have led to new dialogue and discussion. We must all work together to make our land better

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?

Carolyn and I have always supported arts and culture in Armstrong. Whether it be the Museum or the Art Gallery, plays or the Ghost walk. Our home is one of Armstrong’s oldest and we have made sure it will last another 100 years

Economic

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

By installing a climate that makes it easy for people to succeed, making sure we remove unnecessary barriers

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

Continue to support our Farmers Market is a good start

Health

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

Continue to work the province. Make them live up to their responsibilities. Look for innovation to bring new ideas to the table

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?

Look towards the needs of the community and understand that with growth there are consequences