Steve Lang

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.

For me, good development is development that makes sense for Spallumcheen. I’d like to see development where we already have services and infrastructure, while protecting our farmland and keeping the rural character that makes this community what it is.

I’m not against growth, but I don’t think growth should just mean putting houses wherever there’s land available.

I’d be concerned about development that takes away good agricultural land, creates more pressure on our roads and infrastructure, or doesn’t fit with the surrounding community.

I think we need to look at each development individually and ask: does it make sense for Spallumcheen, can our infrastructure handle it, and does it fit the long-term plan?

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?

I think we need to be realistic and prepared. We’ve seen firsthand how quickly wildfire, drought, extreme heat and flooding can affect Spallumcheen.

My focus would be on being prepared before something happens — maintaining roads and drainage, making sure we have reliable water supplies, supporting FireSmart, and making sure our emergency plans and communication systems are ready.

I also think we need to look at our infrastructure when we’re making decisions about growth and development, and make sure we’re building for the conditions we’re actually facing.

As far as reducing emissions, I think we should look for practical things the Township can do, like making our buildings and equipment more efficient and reducing waste, but I don’t think we should put unnecessary costs on residents.

For me, the biggest thing is being prepared, protecting our water and farmland, and making responsible decisions that make Spallumcheen more resilient.

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 do support using public funds for conservation when there’s a clear benefit to the community and we know what we’re getting for that money.

At the same time, we have to balance that with the need for housing, businesses and infrastructure. I wouldn’t want to see environmentally valuable land developed just because it’s convenient or because we didn’t plan properly.

If there was a genuine need for expansion, I’d want us to look at all the alternatives first, including using land that’s already developed or less environmentally sensitive.

I think the key is finding that balance — protecting important natural areas while still allowing Spallumcheen to grow in a responsible way. I wouldn’t want to make decisions based on either extreme.

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 is something I think we need to take very seriously. We need it for our homes, our farms, our businesses, and our environment.

I’d want to make sure we understand our water supply and groundwater, monitor it properly, and plan ahead for drought and increasing demand. I’d also support protecting our creeks and wetlands and making sure development doesn’t negatively affect our water quality.

When we’re looking at growth, I think we need to ask whether we have the water and infrastructure to support it before we approve it.

For me, it comes down to protecting the water we have, planning for the future, and making sure we don’t take it for granted.

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 think local government’s role is to help bring people together and make it easier for our community to help itself.

We have a lot of good people, businesses, farmers, volunteers and organizations in Spallumcheen. Council should listen to them, support good ideas, and where we can, help remove some of the roadblocks.

I don’t think government has to do everything itself. Sometimes the best thing we can do is connect the right people, support local groups and make sure we’re using our resources wisely.

To me, a strong community is one where people look out for each other, and local government should help make that possible.

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

I think the best way to deal with misinformation and distrust is with good communication and transparency.

People are going to have different opinions, and that’s okay. But they should be able to get the facts and understand why council made a decision.

I’d like to see the Township communicate clearly, explain decisions in plain language, and make it easier for residents to ask questions and get answers.

As for social media and uncivil behaviour, I think council needs to lead by example. We can disagree with each other without being disrespectful.

I’m not going to agree with everyone, and I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. But I will listen, be respectful, and stick to the facts. I think that’s how you start rebuilding trust.

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 wouldn’t claim to be an expert on Truth and Reconciliation. My experience has mainly taught me that respect and treating people fairly matters, regardless of where they come from.

As a municipal official, I would make sure I understand our responsibilities, listen to Indigenous communities, and treat those relationships with respect.

At the same time, I think we need to be able to have honest conversations about how we move forward together. I don’t think respect has to mean that everyone agrees on every issue.

For me, it comes down to listening, respect, fairness and working together as a community.

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’ll be honest, arts and culture haven’t been a big part of my personal life, so I wouldn’t pretend otherwise.

I do think they’re an important part of a community, and I’d support the people and local organizations who are passionate about them.

I think the Township’s role is to listen, support where we can, and make sure community groups have opportunities to hold events and bring people together.

I’m always open to learning more, and if I’m elected, I’d want to hear from the people who are involved and understand what they feel the community needs.

Economic

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

I think one of the biggest things local government can do is make it easier to do business.

That means having clear rules, good communication, reasonable processes and infrastructure that supports businesses instead of creating unnecessary roadblocks.

I also think we should support local businesses by buying local when we can and promoting what Spallumcheen has to offer.

At the end of the day, small businesses create jobs, provide services and keep money in our community. I think council’s job is to create a good environment for them to succeed, not try to run their businesses for them.

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

I think one practical thing we could do is make it easier for local farmers and producers to sell directly to people in our community.

That could mean supporting farmers markets, farm-gate sales and community food programs, and making sure our bylaws and processes don’t create unnecessary barriers for those things.

We have a lot of agricultural knowledge and production right here in Spallumcheen. I think we should do what we can to connect that local food with local people.

It won’t solve the cost of food by itself, but I think it’s a practical step that supports our farmers and gives residents more opportunities to access local food.

Health

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

I think the first thing is recognizing that the Township doesn’t control healthcare, but we can still play a role.

I would work with the Interior Health Authority, the province and our neighbouring communities to make sure they understand what Spallumcheen needs as our community grows.

I’d also support making it easier to attract doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers to the area by looking at what the municipality can do to help with things like housing, facilities or connections to local organizations.

I think the important thing is being proactive rather than waiting until we have a shortage and then trying to fix 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?

I think we need to look at how our decisions affect people’s everyday lives.

That means making sure our roads, sidewalks, parks and public spaces are safe and accessible for people of different ages and abilities. It also means supporting recreation, community programs and opportunities for people to stay active and connected.

For mental health, I think having a connected community and places where people can get together is important too.

I wouldn’t pretend to have all the answers, so I’d want to listen to residents and the organizations that work in these areas and make sure we’re considering those needs when we make planning and policy decisions.