Ruth Hoyte

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) Preserving agriculture land is a high priority for our District, we look to concentrate growth on identified land for development this includes both residential, commercial and industrial. Planning for the future of this includes we have basic infrastructure to support. Aberdeen sewer line is an example. Not only does this sewer line open up a housing development, but also protects the water table on which this development will rest. Exceptions should be carefully considered, including long term impact to our community, residents, cost of infrastructure on our small tax base, basically borne by residents. Exceptions should not be the norm.

b) The Aberdeen Sewer line allowing for a housing development (The Vine) is an example which fits the OCP and our housing targets. Without vital infrastructure, our opportunities for growth are limited. With Bill 44 allowing up to 4 housing units on a lot, consideration regarding water capacity, sewer availability and proximately to creeks, where the primary waste water is septic systems which can and do leak into our water. We do wish to have clean and safe drinking water.

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?

Coldstream alone cannot take on some of these concerns alone. It is imperative with work with other local governments for a cohesive solution. We do have an emergency response plan to ensure our residents are safe. Coldstream does take steps to reduce greenhouse gas, such as replacement of District vehicles with electric alternatives, as well was successful installing solar panels on our community hall. Drought, especially as it effects agriculture, requires working together with Agriculture producers on water management, including storage, usage, capacity. We have lobbied provincial government on numerous topics such as early wildfire protection, funding fire smart programs looking to ensure we have all the tools available in our toolbox.

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 funds to acquiring natural lands where appropriate. Coldstream looks a community connectivity with trails, rather than swaths of land for parks for conservation where tax dollars to acquire would be cost prohibited. Within the regional district, Coldstream has supported land acquisitions for parks. We have supported proposals from environmental groups. I would not support urban development for the sake of urban development, for our District motto "Rural living at it's best" to be considered.

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?

Working with our stakeholders and partners, a complete review and update on the Master Water Plan is underway. A water capacity study was recently presented as part of this plan. Identifying and addressing contamination in Coldstream creek is a priority as it flows into Kal lake where a significant portion of the population's drinking water supply comes from. I believe a drought working group composed of agriculture water users is appropriate. Looking at the science matters. We are currently in a crisis when it comes to water. Long term planning is important. The District has signed on to an agreement with Okanagan Nation Alliance Collaborative Leadership table. This group of Mayors and Chiefs working together for practical solutions starting with the health of our watersheds. There needs to be more than one approach, collectively working together and sharing of information should be our priority, only then can we see the future of our water sustainability and survival of our habitats.

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?

Smaller communities need to partner with not only other local government and communities, but have a look at how smaller community groups can contribute. An example would be a potential solution to reduce noxious weed spread, especially scotch thistle. Exploring volunteers to participate in weed reduction might be a possibility. Local government, especially in a small community such as ours, cannot do it all and needs to open up to opportunities to engage community groups.

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

I choose to not engage, especially with personal attacks, on social media. Education on how and what local government does is a good start. We can be very transparent on our decisions and why and still be subject to criticism. Holding my head up and basing my best decision on the information presented, doing additional research, listening to people is a good way to move past the social media vortex of negativity. Being open and available for discussions on concerns and ideas has brought success with the "coffee with the Mayor" There will always be detractors who can never move past " all politicians are corrupt" without evidence. My own experience of being Coldstream's first female Mayor should not have been a story to tell, but misogyny is alive and well. My goal is to leave my community a little better than what it was, along with my passion to make Coldstream a truly wonderful community.

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?

Our District wants a balanced community for everyone, whether sports be their love or art. Our community hall has an art gallery in the foyer, we have display cases for history presentations/ There are many amazing, talented artists in our District. Their art, regardless of the media used, can touch and resonate in our souls and give us joy, just as much as the excitement of a soccer goal. Working towards a public arts policy needs to be addressed, local government needs input from the many groups to develop and this should be done at a regional level so there is consistency.

Is the current structure of funding for arts & culture and recreation, which is currently through the RDNO, working for Coldstream? Why or why not?

Arts and culture shared funding appears to be appropriate. Providing grants, to cultural groups on projects and programs can bring our communities together. In the big picture this fosters an economic component and tourism. Trails and natural spaces service under RNDO works well, as the communities at the table work together. Recreation services for Coldstream means the use of facilities in the City of Vernon. With the Active Living Centre opening up soon, the current fee for service agreement between Coldstream and the City of Vernon will provide access for our residents, in exchange for the City to have complete control over programming, staffing and general costs of the operations of the ALC.

Economic

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

Ensuring the tools are available for success, zoning, infrastructure to start. Have a serious look at proposals when presented. Benefits need to be not just for business but for the overall community. Supporting farm gate sales in our area would be an example. Thoughtful planning is in necessary and a look into the future of how we want our community to be is in order.

Coldstream is open for business.

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

Addressing the drought and water issues is a start. Encouraging community gardens and educational components, such as patio garden growing can be another. Coldstream has many small food producers and we should support policies which not only allow those producers to earn a living and contribute to healthy and affordable food.

Health

As Mayor / Councilor, how would you work to attract and retain medical professionals in Coldstream?

The District of Coldstream is an amazing and beautiful place to live, no question about that. The practical aspect of where to practice for medical practitioners is not in place for our District. We work with partner communities within Interior Health area on solutions to attract Doctors and professionals. We lobbied hard for medical clinics in our area with some success. A clinic up Silver Star Road is an example. Constant lobbying Provincial government for appropriate funding is a must.

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?

Our project developments should include thoughts on those with mobility issues and require access. Again, working together with outlying communities, Interior Health, RCMP and supporting their programs is our beginning. The District is supportive of proposed psychiatric facility as it proceeds thru the planning process.