GZ

Gordon Zaitsoff

Director · Regional District of Central Kootenay
Area J RDCK 64 yrs

About

I have been a long term resident of Area J within the RDCK.I was previously a director from 2003-2014.I have been employed in the natural resource industry my entire working career.I pride myself on results and hard work.

Policy commitments

Buildings

We all want healthy, affordable, and comfortable homes. These policies will help to lower energy bills, cut pollution, and improve indoor air quality.

✓ Support electrification of new buildings. Supportive
✓ Incentivize renewable energy, battery storage, and smart-grid technologies in new and existing buildings to improve energy security. Supportive
~ Scale up energy retrofits for existing homes, businesses, and public buildings. Neutral
Climate Justice

Our community is already experiencing the harmful impacts of climate change caused by fossil fuel pollution, and taxpayers are on the hook to upgrade and repair critical infrastructure.

✓ Enact a moratorium on AI data centres to protect our energy and water resources. Supportive
✓ Pursue available legal options to recover a fair share of the climate costs facing our community from fossil fuel companies and other big polluters. Supportive
✓ Collaborate with Indigenous peoples as partners in the stewardship of the land, air, and water, and work towards reconciliation. Supportive
Ecosystems

The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all rely on healthy ecosystems. Nature can also help protect our community from extreme weather by controlling floods, protecting shorelines, and cooling neighbourhoods. Access to nature improves the health and well-being of residents, and supports biodiversity.

✓ Protect and restore ecosystems, which are essential to human survival, health, and economic well-being. Supportive
Land Use

We envision vibrant, walkable communities that protect nature and improve food security.

✓ Increase food security by supporting local agriculture and community gardens. Supportive
Transport

Connecting neighbourhoods through public transit and active transportation networks will cut pollution, improve public health, and make our communities more affordable (and fun!).

✓ Advocate to improve regional public transit between communities. Supportive
✓ Build bike and roll networks that are safe for everyone. Supportive
Watersheds

Climate change, increasing populations, and overconsumption threaten our water security. Healthy watersheds and forests are critical to support clean drinking water, stormwater management, climate resilience, and biodiversity for future generations.

✓ Protect and restore watersheds as vital municipal infrastructure. Supportive
Zero Waste

Zero waste policies reduce pollution, keep waste out of landfills, build resilient local economies, and safeguard public health by shifting society away from a disposable culture toward a sustainable circular economy.

✓ Implement zero waste bylaws to divert organic waste and recyclables from disposal. Supportive
✓ Support the development of a circular economy to eliminate waste and improve resilience. Supportive
✓ Implement bylaws to eliminate waste from new buildings, renovation, and demolition projects and to use existing buildings as efficiently as possible. Supportive
✓ Supportive
~ Neutral
× Opposed
– No response

Climate action

How have you contributed to climate action in your community through advocacy, past work, advisory committees, volunteer work, and/or reducing your personal carbon footprint?
I have promoted fire reduction zones within our communities. Such works have been implemented in the Ootischenia and lower Arrow lakes area.I have established the Waterloo Eddy Reginal park to ensure the Ootischenia Regional landfill is managed effectively to eliminate any potential issues.

Questions for Regional District of Central Kootenay

How will you provide leadership to advance the priorities that have been identified in the RDCK Ideas for Climate Action plan, which the Board approved in April 2024?
My expertise in natural resource management will provide insight to the Climate Action plan.
The rising cost of utilities and materials are big challenges affecting affordability for residents. How would you assist property owners in improving the performance of their buildings, saving money and improving comfort year round?
I believe a structured and implemented building code can deal effectively with addressing the above issues.
AI data centres use a lot of energy and water. What is your approach if an AI data centre is proposed for your Area?
I would have to investigate the potential for such a centre in the region.Also become educated in the risks of such development.This technology is very new and constantly changing.
How will you prioritize land use decisions that protect and restore ecosystems, protect watersheds, ensure habitat connectivity, and support flood management?
A developed matrix for the area would clearly plot the risks and measures for improvement.I would strongly promote selective logging in the RDCK.
What climate-related infrastructure risks worry you most here (fire, heat, drought, air quality, floods, supply chains), and how will you collaborate with our regional municipalities to reduce risks and maximize impacts to keep our region safe?
All of the above are grave concerns.Sound forest management is the leader to address many issues.
Transportation is the largest source of climate pollution in the RDCK. What specific policies do you most support and promise to work for to address transportation emissions, including improved public transit, and safe walking and biking?
Any continued improvements to the transportation system will improve the issues above.I have been an advocate for hiking and biking innitiatives.
If you wish to clarify or add information you may use this space.
I have been the most active director in Area J of the RDCK since the inception.I have innitiated many changes to improve conditions for all.

Compiled & presented by

Authorized by West Kootenay Climate Hub, registered sponsor under LECFA, wkclimatehub@gmail.com

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