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Election 2014: Council candidate Andrew Stinson

District of Oak Bay: Stinson, Andrew - council candidate
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Andrew Stinson

Are you in favour of some form of amalgamation in the Capital Region?

Not for Oak Bay. I am in favour of greater integration with other areas of the CRD, but we would lose too much if we Amalgamated with Greater Victoria. Our dump, our police, our controls over bylaws would all be gone. Amalgamation is not good for Oak Bay.

What is your vision for sewage treatment in Oak Bay?

The current plan for sewage is clearly not going to work. Esquimalt (sp) voted the plan down, so we need a new path. The Federal Government requires us to have Sewage Treatment, and we can not continue to dump raw sewage into the ocean.

Do you think speed limits should be lowered in high crash areas?

There should be a study into the issue before lowering speed limits. If lowering the limit in high crash areas would have no impact on the rates of crashes, then there would be no reason to do it. If it would be safer, then we should lower speed limits.

Should mobility scooters be regulated?

I don’t think this is a big problem. We are not overrun by scooters in our municipality, and we should increase accessibility for them in Oak Bay. If they become a danger in the future, then we should look into regulations, but it is not a problem for now.

Is a deer cull necessary?

Yes. There needs to be a region wide strategy to reduce the deer population. The current situation is not safe for the deer, and not safe for us. The population needs to be reduced to a level which is sustainable for the deer, and is less a danger to us.

Should secondary suites be legalized?

Yes. Not everywhere, as there should be some restrictions on lot and house sizes so we aren’t essentially making duplexes. Secondary suites help young families afford to live in Oak Bay, people to pay their mortgages, and the elderly afford to stay in their homes and age in place.

Does Oak Bay need stronger noise bylaws?

One of the things we have worked on in the Environmental Advisory Committee is crafting new restrictions on leaf blowers. We need to have stronger noise bylaws in Oak Bay, and we must enforce them the same for residents as we do for municipal staff.

Should Oak Bay allow more freedom for dogs?

Growing up with a dog, I really enjoyed taking our dog to the beach in the winter, and missed not being able to in the summer. On the other hand, having large dogs running around with little children is a safety concern. Allowing dogs before seven may be an option.

Do you agree with the basic principles in the new OCP?

I was pleased when the new OCP passed unanimously. Agreeing with it, however, is not enough. It falls to the next council to implement the policies, and making sure that the entire community is involved, once again, in this long process.

Should council encourage more filming opportunities in Oak Bay?

Of course. Having Gracepoint film in our community was a fantastic opportunity, and we need to look to capture the momentum that came with the project. Filming projects are good for tourism, good for the local economy, and brings our community together as we watch the Avenue on Gracepoint.