Josiah Pulst
2026 Election Candidate
Environmental
Coldstream's Official Community Plan focuses on directing growth to designated “growth areas” while limiting development in “rural protection areas.”
a) Under what conditions do you think Council should make exceptions to this growth strategy?
b) Please give local examples of 'good' and 'not good' building development in Coldstream, and state why.
a) The OCP should be Council’s starting point because it reflects extensive technical work and public input. Exceptions should face a high bar. At the same time, some commercial and and multi-family goals in the OCP likely exceed what the local market can support. For example, lands near Municipal Hall are designated for higher-density housing, but there could still be a good case for rebuilding a single-family home. Further to this point - protecting ag land matters to Coldstream’s character and to food production. Much of the valley has highly capable agricultural soils. For hobby farms, rural lifestyle may be as important as agricultural output. The OCP also contemplates sustainable STRs, but currently only B&Bs are formally permitted.
b) Coldstream Meadows is a good example of development meeting a real seniors’ housing need in a serviced location, while also helping extend sewer infrastructure. Overall, I appreciate Council and staff's development approach with local character. No major disastrous projects come to mind. There is somewhat ill suited townhouse project on Kidston, though appears more a case of market mismatch than an obvious planning failure.
Coldstream 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?
The world is a big place, and local government needs to be realistic about what is actually within its responsibility. As a Christian, I believe we are called to steward God’s creation, so I support practical efforts to reduce unnecessary pollution and protect the environment. I see two main areas for Coldstream:
1. Preparation — The OCP already identifies practical ways to reduce wildfire and flood risk, including setbacks, landscaping, building materials and other development requirements. These generally seem reasonable and manageable.
2. Emissions and energy use — I favour practical measures: efficient municipal buildings, right-sized public works equipment, healthy forests, bike and walking connections, and preserving tree cover.
On green building standards, I would be cautious about going beyond provincial requirements. I see how other municipalities are doing it and am generally not impressed by the feedback. Exceeding requirements adds cost, and the benefits to date are mixed and untested in the long run. Overall, I favor projects that safely reduce energy use, save taxpayers money, or make Coldstream more resilient over symbolic measures with little local benefit.
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 would support case-by-case public acquisition of important natural or strategic lands. Coldstream already benefits from a collection of parks, trails, agricultural lands and natural areas. Any purchase should have a clearly identified ecological or public benefit, and a strong understanding of the long-term commitment/costs associated with the purchase. That includes the lost tax revenue as well as the maintenance. Buying land is not the primary business of a municipality but there are instances where it’s in the interest of taxpayers – most often shorelines and roadway acquisitions where it makes sense. The town also gets 5% of development land for parks, or a cash payment in lieu to develop parks. Even small, but well located and thought out park areas add a lot of character to a neighborhood.
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?
Water security is one of the top concerns I hear from residents. It is a layered issue involving drought, water quality, seasonal supply, agriculture, domestic demand and aging infrastructure. I believe our vulnerability is not only a climate issue, but primarily an infrastructure problem to solve: agriculture and domestic users remain heavily tied to the same sources, especially Duteau. Like towing at a truck’s maximum capacity, the system has little margin when things go wrong.
Here are a few levers available to us, which some are already under way:
1. Expand reclaimed water for agriculture where feasible, including the Goose Lake system, while properly managing water quality and nutrient concerns.
2. Complete filtration at Mission Hill to strengthen the Kal Lake source.
3. Work toward Okanagan Lake and other long-term source options.
4. Improve agricultural allocation and scheduling so restrictions better reflect actual demand, not theoretical allocation.
5. When roads are open for utility work, add piping that allows greater separation of ag and domestic water over time.
The goal should be diversification, resilience and better use of the water we already have.
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 Bible says to love your neighbour as yourself and to do to others as you would have them do to you. That is a guiding principle for me. Local government cannot manufacture community, but it can create conditions in which neighbours, churches, service clubs, volunteers and local organizations can serve one another effectively.
Coldstream can provide welcoming public spaces, communicate volunteer opportunities, and support well-run community events. Our fire halls already show how a local institution can bring people together while providing an essential service. Council can also remove barriers when residents organize constructive projects of their own. At present, it costs a few hundred dollars for a permit to have a street party in your neighborhood – we could reduce that barrier by eliminating the costs for street parties. A healthy community grows when government is dependable, residents take responsibility, and people know their neighbours well enough to recognize when help is needed.
How do we tackle misinformation and growing distrust in local government as well as uncivil behaviour on social media and in person?
Local government is treated as an authoritative source, and Coldstream publishes agendas, reports, voting records and project costs which are relied upon by the public. Perhaps there is more room for improvement regarding plain-language summaries – though its already quite accessible if you're interested. Council members are accountable to explain the reasons for their votes, disclose conflicts and admit mistakes when they occur.
We can’t control people’s behavior on social media. There is a natural process that slowly takes place when someone espouses falsehoods – people stop listening when the truth comes out. The truth sets you free!
Cultural
Describe what arts and culture are in the Coldstream area from your perspective, and how do you think local government should support these features of our community?
Regional delivery makes sense for major arts, cultural and recreation facilities that serve residents across Greater Vernon – we have a lot in common. Sharing costs can avoid duplication and provide programs that Coldstream could not reasonably operate alone. At the same time, we have some neat history to our area that is worth keeping on display. History builds identity – I believe that’s beneficial for people’s general wellbeing.
I support cooperation with the RDNO and Vernon, though recognizing Coldstream residents have entrusted us to represent their distinct interests. Larger decisions in this regard may require referendum.
Is the current structure of funding for arts & culture and recreation, which is currently through the RDNO, working for Coldstream? Why or why not?
Regional delivery makes sense for major arts, cultural and recreation facilities that serve residents across Greater Vernon – we have a lot in common. Sharing costs can avoid duplication and provide programs that Coldstream could not reasonably operate alone. At the same time, we have some neat history to our area that is worth keeping on display. History builds identity – I believe that’s beneficial for people’s general wellbeing.
I support cooperation with the RDNO and Vernon, though recognizing Coldstream residents have entrusted us to represent their distinct interests at the table so careful negotiations are required. Larger decisions in this regard may require referendum.
Economic
What is your understanding of how small local governments can support our economic development, including the success of our small local businesses?
I believe one of the best things a local government can do for economic development is to always be improving our service delivery to residents and business owners: keep taxes and fees predictable, maintain infrastructure, have clear and reasonable bylaws, respond promptly, and make permits and approvals as straightforward as possible.
For a small business or builder, uncertainty and delay have real costs. If someone wants to renovate a storefront, operate a business from their property, build a shop, expand a farm-gate operation, or invest in a development, they need a clear, friendly answer from the municipality within a reasonable timeframe. I would like Coldstream to explore express approvals for routine permits, clearer service standards, and better use of technology in the review process.
Economic development here will also look different than in a city. Home-based businesses, agriculture, trades, professional services and local entrepreneurs are important parts of our economy. Our bylaws should protect neighbours and community character while still giving people reasonable opportunities to earn a living and invest in their property.
What is one action the municipality should take to strengthen our local food system and improve access to healthy, affordable food? Why that action?
One action I would take is sit down with Coldstream’s farmers and small producers and identify if there are actually barriers them from selling more food locally. There are some stands where we are, though not many. Our current bylaws already provide considerable flexibility for farm-gate retail and, on larger agricultural properties, on-farm processing. Before creating new programs or regulations, I would want to know where producers themselves see the barriers - if its signage, parking, food processing, provincial regulations, or they're simply already content with their distribution system. Where municipal barriers do exist, I would support simplification. There was the monthly farmers market in summer - perhaps there is opportunity to expand on this next year. Really - I don't know enough about the issue to give the best answer here, but would be interested to learn more.
Health
As Mayor / Councilor, how would you work to attract and retain medical professionals in Coldstream?
Health care is primarily a provincial responsibility, so I could not promise that Council can solve a local shortage . This is an attractive place to live – we have that part covered. Beyond that, that in practical terms we have limited areas that they are permitted to operate, as we have very limited commercial space that allows it. A medical office could work well along Kalamalka lake road - perhaps a site specific zoning amendment could be considered to provide for medical office uses in identified suitable areas. Medical offices generally blend well as a neighborhood commercial use as they are well maintained and keep normal hours.
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?
Everyone is an bearer of God's image and therefore is welcome to community life. I would apply that principle through practical planning in the course of ordinary council business: safe walking routes, connected trails and sidewalks, accessible public buildings, benches, shade, washrooms, parks and road crossings that work for seniors, children and people with disabilities. Specific ideas in this regard likely come from hearing the public. As a caveat - council must remain within its competence and delegated authority: the municipality shapes places and partnerships, qualified providers deliver care. Loving our neighbor requires attention to people whose needs are easily overlooked, combined with honest stewardship of limited public resources.
