Shirley Fowler

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 City of Armstrong has a very small land base, consisting of 7 parcels in the Agricultural Land Reserve, and areas of wetlands and protected riparian areas that need to remain a focus. Available land for future construction is limited therefore we have bylaws in place for infilling, carriage homes and in-law suites in an attempt to make housing more affordable, building "up" not "out". Compact growth, focused development near transit routes, subdivisions connected with pathways and trails, and bike paths.

The downtown areas needed infrastructure upgrades which is what precipitated the revitalization plan, currently under construction. While the roads were dug up, the plan was to make the downtown area more attractive to businesses by incorporating wider sidewalks, gathering spots, drought- tolerant landscaping, trees on the "public" side of the street, decorative lighting, and at the same time, find alternate routes for heavy truck traffic. Yes, I supported the downtown upgrades, and I look forward to the completion. I also support being open-minded if something needs adjusting.

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?

Armstrong has been proactively preparing for disasters for years, with threats of water concerns, flooding, fires, emergency management and climate change in general. In the recent past, the City completed a project to divert overflowing creek water to save our residential area from flooding. Having experienced the threats of wildfires in recent years, processes are being refined for evacuation routes, methods of communicating with residents using the "Alertable App" and encouraging residents to register for group announcements and communications, centers are arranged offering local "centers to stay cool" during fires and heat domes, and we make the fairgrounds available for evacuees and their livestock, from outlying areas when Armstrong isn't under immediate threat. With the impending consistent concerns of drought and water conservation, Armstrong is building an additional potable water reservoir, along with encouraging residents to use water wisely with year round water restrictions in place. Council continues to refine ways to keep our residents safe. The City fleet is transitioning to electric powered vehicles and equipment to reduce reduce greenhouse gasses.

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?

The use of public funds to acquire natural lands within our boundaries is an issue that will be dealt with as opportunities surface. There is lots to consider, including the original cost of said property, future maintenance and management. I'm totally in favor of taking advantage of these lands in a proactive educational way, such as boardwalks, signage and encouraging residents and visitors to understand the values. The biggest concern is the financial responsibilities to taxpayers, and a plan moving forward. We are blessed with these areas right in our small communities, but the city must balance the costs of "owning" these lands against other commitments such as water, wastewater, pipes etc. The Province of BC has many safeguards in place with restrictions on Riparian areas, and City Council has to respect these rules.

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?

We are quickly learning that a priority in protecting our water systems is to reduce our use. OBWB is leading the way for the entire valley by educating the population on the "need" and the "way" to make every drop count. Reducing the pressure on our supplies is a must and a necessity so we can continue to value the agricultural economies. And the ecosystems. Humans love the lakes in our regions, not just for drinking sources but also for summer lake activities. It's hard to imagine our backyards without swimming, fishing, relaxing and being rewarded with the income from tourism activities.

The wave of responsibility that we are experiencing regarding safe disposal of hazardous waste, the restrictions on harmful yard/garden pesticides, and becoming responsible humans is gratifying. One specific example is the Sterile Insect Release program that has reduced the amount of sprays being applied on orchards, by up to 90%. That keeps the air, the soil our food is grown in, and the water sources so much safer. Education is key.

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?

Local governments include professional staff and consultants in a position to help educate the public. And Councillors provide the leadership, bringing professionals together with the residents. ie: water conservation is critical. When the new City Hall was built, the landscape plan used drought-tolerant practices (thanks to OBWB and OXA). Residents now have a local demo garden at City Hall, where pamphlets are available identifying shrubs, perennials, and trees for our zone, helping residents transition from traditional methods of landscaping to water conservation techniques.

Local government provides a source of funding each year for volunteer groups with Grants-in-Aid opportunities. "Each year, Council provides financial assistance to eligible non-profit organizations and registered societies that enhance the well- being and interests of the Armstrong community."

Councillors in small communities are neighbours, friends, or relatives. We provide an "ear to the ground", bringing direct connections to residents, staying abreast of issues such as loneliness & social wellbeing. It's a blessing to know and have helpful folks next door.

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

I wish I knew all the answers to this question. Transparency and communication are certainly mainstream concerns today, and as much as City Hall can send emails, announcements, maintain a Facebook account, offer Coffee with Council, record all meetings and make them available on YouTube, there still seems to be gaps in getting information into the hands of those wanting it.

All contact information for the Mayor and Council is provided, as part of the job of elected officials is to be available to answer taxpayer's concerns. Personally I'd rather recieve more calls or emails and speak directily with folks that seek more information on any particular topic. I welcome the opportunity to converse with those that have taken a keen interest in local affairs. That's our job.

There's no doubt that misinformation is causing distrust, I get that. But I'd like to suggest being proactive by checking the information that is available to you on various platforms, and if/when you have trouble finding what you are looking for, pick up the phone and call one of your elected representatives.

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?

The working partnership with Splatsin and the Regional District Chairs on the Sicamous to Armstrong Rail Trail project, has been a great experience. This interaction has resulted in opportunities to engage more often, with respect and understanding of common goals. The 3 way partnership between Splatsin First Nations and 2 Regional Districts is unique in itself, understanding the reasoning behind certain considerations and working through the process together. When I attend functions now, I am with folks that have demonstrated a desire to get to know me, as much as my desire to learn about and understand their ways. Having the conversations, sitting at the board tables as partners and looking forward to completion of a regional project will benefit many.

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?

Our home of 54 years was built at the turn of the century and I assume one day, it will become known as the "Old Fowler House". That's 54 years of engaging in local history on a very personal level, and comes with the respect of those who pounded in those square nails, and built a solid house that stands as strong today as it did over half a century ago. Opportunities to be part of the history of Armstrong, comes with the desire to keep heritage zoning intact, with no desire to see a 6 plex replace a heritage home. I wish smaller communities had the opportunity to disallow the rules of the Province's Bill 44, and let our older communities retain their history, and their heritage. Heritage matters! And it should be up to a community to make decisions on their future. Armstrong is lucky to have strong organizations of volunteers at our Museum and Art Gallery, and I'm happy that we continue to support them.

Economic

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

Each year, the local Chamber of Commerce is included in the City's Financial Plan, offering support for the services they provide for the business community. In return, the Chamber organizes events and functions that bring people to the community. While in Armstrong, residents and tourists support local business owners by eating in restaurants, buying fuel for their vehicles, shopping in our unique assortment of businesses and staying in our B & Bs. Tourism, as a result of Armstrong's many events, is one of our economic drivers. People love the activities, the friendliness and the lifestyle, keeping our real estate offices busy selling houses

City Hall often permits street closures, supporting downtown activities like car shows, markets, and street parties. The downtown revitalization will also have a positive opportunity for businesses to enjoy outdoor spaces and wider sidewalks, enticing people into their stores, or to sit on the new street furniture while sipping on a coffee or tea from a local cafe.

Once the Rail Trail is completed, there will be a bike path right into the town center. This is a proven, positive, economic development opportunity.

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 weekly food share program offers food, for free, for those in need. We have 3 Community Gardens, with the original one started from successful Provincial grant funding, and volunteers who organized the construction. The City provides a grant for water. Residents commonly share their produce with neighbours and friends. There are school programs in place to ensure no youngster attends school with an empty stomach.

One thing that comes to mind might be support for an educational program to teach residents about food preservation, helping them to have food on the table during the winter months. The art of canning, dehydrating, making jams/jellies/pickles, seems to be a dying art. Encouraging residents to learn to garden, growing their own veggies with the help of a mentor. And finding a way to teach food production to the younger generations.

Health

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

By getting involved with the Haugen Society, with fundraising opportunities.

By continually encouraging higher levels of government to bring a clinic to Armstrong. And by ensuring all local residents can access the local doctors.

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?

We need to encourage people to communicate with us, what we lack, what needs to be improved, and how to get to a better consistent place. Maybe it's time to have a workshop or open house, to hear the concerns from the public on this particular topic. If we don't have feedback, we can't advocate for missing or inadequate needs in the community. Interesting that the first and last question both came up with communication concerns. The information needs to come from the public, to ensure that the decision makers are on the right track. Every individual with concerns, needs to feel comfortable to let the elected officials know of their needs.