Dave Ramey

2026 Election Candidate

Environmental

In Enderby's Official Community Plan, "agricultural land, green space, and open natural areas are valued and preserved within the community by promoting higher density and clustered development". Please give local examples of 'good' and 'not good' building development in Enderby, and state why.

No green space in Enderby has been rezoned for development. We have seen a decrepit building on our main street demolished and replaced with multi-unit residential above and commercial below, fully tenanted. We have promoted carriage houses and secondary suites. A multi family development has created homes for many. A not-so-good outcome has been variances approved for a subdivision that went on to put the largest possible homes on the lots. This subdivision is still largely empty and somewhat of an eyesore.

Enderby has experienced significant climate impacts for the last few years. How do you propose to address this crisis, 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?

Enderby has accessed Firesmart Program funds to help improve our community. These funds have become increasingly hard to access and we need to lobby the provincial government about the need for this assistance. A Vulnerable Persons Registry should be implemented so in the case of disaster we are able to notify and assist all in our community. More heating/cooling centres should be established. Heat pump rebate programs have helped low income households access low carbon heating systems. These programs need to be expanded.

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?

In Enderby this question is moot. Our city limits are determined by natural boundaries and First Nations lands. No expansion is possible. That being said, I do not feel that urban expansion of Enderby as a city is necessarily desirable.

Drought, contamination, increasing demand are just some of the water issues we face in Enderby. What actions would you prioritise to protect our river, creeks, aquifers, and groundwater for home and agricultural water sources, habitat for fish and wildlife, and human recreation?

You cannot manage what you do not measure. Understanding where our water is coming from and where it is going would give us a more accurate picture of what needs addressing. Looking at groundwater contamination by agriculture is important. Farming practices may need to change.

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?

Transportation, especially for seniors, can be difficult. Recognizing that folks need to travel for medical or work, improved transportation should be lobbied for. Our Volunteer initiative is a small town way to try and help each other. Advocating for those in our community that have special needs. Things like the Harvest Hut are a communal way we help others. We have planted vegetables in city planters for several years now to help folks eat healthier. Answering our phones and listening to our neighbours concerns big and small.

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

Difficult. Be visible in the community. Often. Be an attentive listener. Above all use kindness whenever possible to correct misconceptions.

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 grew up on the prairies where the only visible minority was First Nations people. The level of racism was extreme and widely accepted. Then, as a young man I moved to Newfoundland where all the First Nations people were gone, murdered by settlers. But although there were no First Nations people, all the problems I was taught were First Nation problems still existed in abundance, but among the white population. I realized what I had thought was a racial problem was a social problem and it changed my thinking for the rest of my life. Reading the local book "Flowing Through Time : Stories of Kingfisher and Mabel Lake" has really driven home how this region was home to thousands of Secwepemc. The arrogance with which the land was divided up and handed to European settlers isn't ancient history. The stories the elders relate about residential schools and the 60's Scoop are devastating. We can't undo the past, but these folks are our closest neighbours and we need to treat them as such. I believe forging lasting friendships with Splatsin should be of highest priority. If they need water, we need to help them get water. If they need aid in a disaster, we should be first to come.

Cultural

How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Enderby, and how do you think local government should support these features of our community?

I am the Arts Council Liaison and am actively involved in the Enderby Arts community. I have served on a public art committee and brought suggestions forward to expand Enderby's public art program as well as looked for opportunities to include Splatsin artists. As a musician I perform at the farmers market, art shows, coffeehouses and more. I host the Enderby Coffeehouse. Council has voted to support the new Enderby Hub and I am strongly in favour of this. City council supports the Enderby and District Arts Council with a $6000 grant per year. I feel this should definitely continue. There is an imbalance between the support for sports vs the arts. This is something that likely occurs in many communities. We need to keep an eye on this. Arts and culture are part of the tapestry of a healthy community and deserve responsible funding.

Economic

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

Support for buy local initiatives. Work with the local chamber of commerce to promote our downtown. Continue to promote community events that bring people into our downtown. Our online presence needs to improve. Promoting Enderby as part of a desirable region to visit.

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

People need to grow gardens again. Learn to can produce and make pickles again. Perhaps a program where raised bed gardens are subsidized through a partnership with a manufacturer? Classes put on by the garden club about successful gardening techniques or at the seniors centre where experienced folk teach the basics of food preservation.

Health

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

This work has already begun in concert with Splatsin. We need to follow through. In addition, there are communities, like Peachland, that have opened a clinic where the doctors are not owners, but the community is. I believe it is worth further conversations with Peachland on how this is working. Doctors are more likely to come here if they don't have to go "all in" on creating a practice. We also need to look at recruiting doctors from northern communities that appreciate what Enderby has to offer, hunting, quadding, fishing, boating etc.

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?

This is ensured by having a healthy, diverse council. The mayor alone cannot ensure a particular course of action. Robust debate and a variety of lived experiences contribute to a healthy city. What I can ensure, is that those discussions will happen in an open healthy manner.

General

Enderby has constant traffic congestion on Hwy. 97A without a solution in sight from the Ministry of Transportation. What ideas do you have to pressure the province into finding a solution?

The Ministry has proven to be quite immune to pressure. I believe the couplet solution proposed would be a disaster for Enderby. A bypass for transport traffic and folks from points south heading straight to Shuswap Lake would do much to ease the pain. There is no Ministry intention to craft such a plan. I believe we need to see both options to decide what is best for Enderby in the long run. In the short term I have been continually pushing for a 50km/hr speed limit from Canyon Road to Enderby City limits. In addition I have been pushing for an advance left turn arrow at Canyon to help clear the intersection and prevent long lines of traffic forming. Even these relatively simple asks have been difficult to achieve. We need to bring up these issues at every opportunity. Squeaky wheel, grease, etc.