Christine Fraser
2026 Election Candidate
Environmental
The Spallumcheen Official Community Plan features "Urban Containment and Rural Protection goals and policies, emphasizing the creation of compact, complete communities." Please give local examples of 'good' and 'not good' building development in Spallumcheen, and state why.
The Good- Over 50% of Spallumcheen is in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) so we protect these lands for agricultural use, protecting the rural values in our community. We are one of the only municipalities in the province that puts more land in the ALR than we take out. Our long term planning for future growth will take place adjacent to our existing trailer parks, and an already existing overpass in the NORTH Southeast Sector (Phased development-long term growth on approx. 600 acres). This area will also have a small commercial section and is in close proximity to our Industrial park so people can live, work, and have some amenities within walking/biking distance.
The Bad- Many years ago the McLeod Subdivision was built in the North end of Spallumcheen, every year as the local population and tourism grows the two lane provincial highway becomes busier and has become a significant safety hazard. There was insufficient planning to ensure safe access/egress for the residents and it has been an uphill battle trying to find a solution.
Spallumcheen 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?
We will be using reclaimed water from the North Okanagan Water Recovery Project to irrigate currently unirrigated farmland. We have also been working on upland water storage for agricultural use, this may be able to reduce the reliance on our aquifers for irrigation water.
In the past two years we have completed a community wildfire assessment to identify the highest areas of risk and also have a "firesmart" coordinator that works with homeowners who can receive grant funding to do wildfire mitigation around their homes.
We are doing the best we can to grow the local food supply and support farmers and local industry so we reduce shipping products in from other places.
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?
Yes, if the land has high environmental values.
I would not support a plan to develop high value ecological lands for urban development. There are always other areas available.
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?
There are creek rehabilitation projects on both Deep Creek and Fortune Creek. This will help provide off creek watering for livestock , help restore fish habitat, and help restore the natural flow of the creek system so manual "dredging" would not required in the future.
The public would like a bulk water filling station for times of drought. A long term solution is being looked at and a short term option will be available in 2027 if approved by the new council.
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?
I do a monthly "Coffee with the Mayor", it is an informal way for residents to learn about projects and also ask questions about issues/concerns that they have. We also have farming and business roundtables for open discussions, and hold at least two to three community open houses a year with a bbq for residents to learn about projects and ask questions or voice their concerns. I think this allows more opportunities to informally connect with residents so we understand what they need.
In small communities we know most everyone, you do not sit on the sidelines, you get in the game. We are all in this together, we need to help each other and work together.
How do we tackle misinformation and growing distrust in local government as well as uncivil behaviour on social media and in person?
Oh boy. This is a tough one.
I have been in local government for 18 years and the "post Covid" society is a lot different from how I was brought up. I actually don't know if there is a way to get ahead of misinformation.
In my perfect world, I would like to go back in time to when common decency, respect for everyone, and listening to each other was the norm.
In today's world, I still believe that if you are honest, do what you say, listen to your community, and keep putting out factual information, that the general public will see the truth and that people will trust you and won't listen to some of the negative rhetoric.
I think politicians and the public need to be respectful of one another.
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?
In my experience Truth and Reconciliation is more about actions than words. Council to Council meetings, working on partnerships together, being respectful about our history and listening to our local First Nations concerns and solutions.
Cultural
How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Spallumcheen, and how do you think local government should support these features of our community?
I support Okeefe Ranch, Hullcar Hall, Caravan Farm Theatre, The Great Spallumcheen Farm and Food Festival, and the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum, hopefully I am not missing anyone!!
All of these great venues need small grants and support from the municipality because they have wonderful community benefits and help bring people together.
Economic
What is your understanding of how small local governments can support our economic development, including the success of our small local businesses?
Small local governments can support local businesses by; providing local Chamber support for grant writing and business opportunities, having open discussions about what supports are lacking for small business, and keeping taxes at a reasonable rate to promote business growth in our region.
What is one action the municipality should take to strengthen our local food system and improve access to healthy, affordable food? Why that action?
Just one action...... I can think of lots!!
Listen to Farmers. I think sometimes local government officials and staff think THEY know the best solution. If we listen to farmers they will tell us what they need and then we can advocate for them, develop community plans that fit farmers needs, and be flexible to our changing climate, and help farms and farmers be successful for generations to come.
Health
As Mayor / Councilor, how would you work to support access to medical services?
As Mayor I support our local Health Care Society. I also support grant in aid requests from the local society and regionally advocate for better medical services in our rural areas. Also providing clear regional and community feedback to Interior Health at Regional Hospital Board Meetings.
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?
I think by listening to the different agencies and societies that support the different needs in our population we can advocate both locally and at the provincial level for the supports and funding that are needed now and in the future. I will also ensure that our policies and services reflect the changing of our community and region.
Once again, the more we listen, the more we can advocate for our people about what they need.
Have a strong plan and never give up when fighting for your community and region.
