Ray Baylis

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?

Multi/Mixed-use buildings should be promoted more when commercial building permits are sought. Perhaps a break in permit fees for multi-use permits.

Some examples of good building development would include the upgrading and updating of the old theater downtown which has both commercial and residential units, and the new dance studio and dental office. Permits need to match the plan for the area the permit is being taken out for, and increase affordability for families. Allowing secondary residences has been a step in the right direction.

The single family homes at the York Golf Course are not affordable for the average family in Armstrong (especially when they were first listed). The subdivision on McKechnie is a good example of a mix of duplexes, single family homes, and single family homes with legal suites. These homes are a good size, but also have mortgage helpers for purchasers.

Ear marking an area like the pellet plant, which will be vacating in the next 3-5 years, as a multi-use property for commercial and residential would be perfect. 2 bedroom condos above store fronts, coffee shops and maybe even the library would be fantastic!

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 think one of the most important factors is water usage. I would like to see the stewardship of this resource be reassessed to ensure that the existing policies are adequate for the changing demands on water. Looking at landscaping which minimizes water usage and is less likely to be a fire hazard. Promoting more Fire Smart activities and xeriscaping. Encouraging the use of public transport and safe bike lanes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It's also important to have information about these things in our school and perhaps a dedicated person for doing these kinds of talks and programs at the schools and markets would be beneficial.

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 Armstrong has done a great job taking care of wildland and wetland areas, and I don't know if this is a current issue. I do support public funds being used for conservation and I think Armstrong has some land still available for future housing growth. I believe in a balance of buildings and nature and that we can use new technology for bee habitats (there are building blocks called bee bricks), bat houses, and arbour day planting ceremonies with our local seed farm. We have a large habitat reserve area in town and it would be great to ensure residents and students especially learn about it and how to do a small version of it at home.

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?

This issue is critical. I believe there needs to be a lot more communication and education as to the serious nature of our water situation. There is still a general attitude amongst many that we have enough water and don't need to be concerned. I think a large scale project needs to be explored to see how we can recycle a large portion of our water that we use. I would like to see community involvement in cleaning up creeks and fish habitat in our area along with an educational component about water stewardship. This could include rain barrel programs, xeriscape funding, and educational workshops. Setting up a student program for "Water Wise" education in town and at the farmer's market during the summer.

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 government can facilitate community events where local people can offer practical help for things like sharing of small tools, or skills to assist lower income families with small household projects. Maybe a link on the City website where people can advertise a request for help or offer help in a certain area. We have a local medical loan program, so perhaps making that better known for people to use and / or donate to. Local participation in "adopting" a senior resident for a Christmas gift or Grandparent day. Make a Wish for Christmas by having local families in need put their child's Christmas gift request on an angel on a tree in businesses in town for residents to buy and drop off for the family. Fostering a more widespread sense of community by way of more fun community activities.

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

Clear, honest and transparent communication is what is needed in all aspects of life. Communicating fully what a plan or proposal is and the reasons will help to dispel misinformation. If we can deal with that aspect first, there should be less negative behaviour going forward. If people feel heard and listened to, they are more likely to understand and be a positive part of decisions that are made by the majority without dismissing the other side. It's important to have information meetings at days and times that as many citizens as possible can attend (ie: on a Sunday or Saturday) in the area of the project so they can fully understand and see first hand what it is and what it means. Having meetings during the week at 7pm is not conducive to families being able to attend. Have hot dogs and ice cream and make it fun for everyone.

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?

Having grown up in South Africa, I understand the need for reconciliation and I believe that all people deserve to the treated fairly and with respect. It would be good to have the local band participate in local activities like the IPE or demonstrations of their culture on Truth and Reconciliation day. There could be a Truth & Reconciliation display at the Art Gallery for the week of T & R. Projects done by local students and the local Band members as well as from Provincial and National organizations. Free admission or donations to charity.

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?

I enjoy the museum and the many old photos that are in various local businesses of Armstrong over the last 100-plus years. I love the music in the park and our beloved small theatre productions. I would like to find out more about how the local municipal government supports these programs and help to ensure they are adequately funded and supported. It would be great to have the local art gallery do an annual student show with free (or by donation) admission for everyone in town. You could also have programs like "Vacation scenes" and have citizens participate. It's also important to try to have businesses and community programs work together to make for fun and memorable times together for everyone. More times for the city to all get together - like the Light Up etc. Having walking history tours and a stop in at participating businesses for refreshments.

Economic

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

One of the ways is by making the building process as easy and user friendly as possible. If we say we want development then we need to put our time, money and other resources behind that statement. Fair tax assessments and possible tax relief during the first year to help the new businesses build a customer base etc. Encourage support of local businesses. Have a directory and local bill boards around town showcasing all that we have to offer. Keeping the down town clean and cute is key. Clean awnings, flower planters, solar lights. Mixed-use buildings might make rent more reasonable as well as offer "share space" for small businesses. Showcasing a downtown business on the city website, or a rave page about a business doing something positive. Support Local Businesses - Offer grant programs, workshops, and networking events to encourage growth and innovation within the local economy. Identify and promote unique assets such as natural beauty, historical sites, or special niche things we have to attract visitors and investors. Having a reputation as a fun, safe and clean city is key.

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

We could look into starting a local "buy Armstrong" project that gives incentive to support local food producers. Again, I think having a way to communicate with the public what is available locally. Some kind of list with pictures and names of places to purchase local foods that is on the City website. Our local farmers market is an absolute gem. It is well supported by both producers and buyers. Left over food from supermarkets, bakeries or people's "garden bounty" opportunities could be created to share with low income families, seniors, and the food bank. More of this needs to be advertised so people know where to donate and that it will stay LOCAL.

Health

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

We have a great little medical office in town and I'd like to see more support for our Doctors and nurse practitioners by having more fundraising events. Again, our local medical equipment loan closet should be promoted more to get more donations and allow more people to be able to use it.

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've had the local road improvement project on PV Blvd which has negatively impacted the local merchants in a big way. The City coming along side the businesses in town and showing their support should be paramount. If the construction company is late there should be a fine and that money should be earmarked for a fund for the merchants who are suffering. Street signage and assistance for visibility is important in supporting these businesses.

The City has a rainbow sidewalk in town which is constantly vandalized so the local Pride Society has to clean and repaint. The city should be sealing it so the vandalism is minimized and show it's proper support. Making our city where it is safe for everyone is of the upmost importance.

Policies and departments at the City should be approachable and focus on listening and being there to assist. Spotlighting departments and how they can help would be a good thing to cycle through on the city's website. Annual surveys might be a good idea too to see what the residents want or what priorities they see being important.