Melanie Mercier

As a former geologist, my work has always been rooted in understanding how landscapes respond to change. Today, I bring that scientific foundation into my role as an ecological horticulturist, where I focus on climate adaptation through water‑wise native plant transitions and rewilding lawns into resilient, biodiverse gardens. These projects reduce irrigation needs, support pollinators, and strengthen ecological function in our community.

I contribute to climate action through hands‑on community education, teaching both youth and adults about biodiversity, ecological stewardship, and the Inland Temperate Rainforest, which is the ecological foundation of our beloved Rossland Range. My upcycled art programs help young people understand climate issues creatively while reinforcing low‑carbon, waste‑reduction practices. I also volunteer at community events, curate local art shows, and support environmental awareness through public programming.

My advisory work includes serving on the Sustainability Commission and the Climate Action Task Force, where I help integrate ecological perspectives into municipal decision‑making. As founder of the Save Record Ridge Action Committee, I have worked to strengthen public understanding of mining impacts, regulatory processes, and long‑term ecosystem protection.

In my personal life, I reduce my carbon footprint through water conservation, low‑waste living and upcycling, and supporting local farms to eat more locally grown food. Active transportation rounds out these efforts. Across all of my roles—scientist, horticulturist, educator, and community advocate—my work aims to build climate‑resilient landscapes and deepen our collective connection to the ecosystems that sustain the West Kootenays, ultimately contributing to climate action that protects our planet for generations.

Yes, I support saving Record Ridge. My position has been clear since my early involvement as founder and director of SRRAC. Locally, my role is to help residents understand what is at stake and how the provincial process works. I will continue supporting community engagement, translating technical information, and helping people participate effectively in the regulatory steps where public input matters. Keeping the community informed, organized, and able to respond quickly is essential for making sure Rossland’s concerns are heard. If elected, I intend to continue serving with SRRAC and contributing in that capacity.

It is also important to recognize the ecological significance of the ridge itself. Record Ridge contains rare high‑elevation grasslands interspersed with old‑growth forest, and the headwaters of tributaries that feed into the Columbia River and supply clean water to residents and farmland. The area supports wildlife, stores carbon, and was recently designated nationally as a Key Biodiversity Area. It is also a world‑class recreation destination that contributes to Rossland’s tourism economy.

Major decisions that remain about whether and how this project proceeds rest with the Province, not the City.
As a councillor, my responsibility would be to maintain transparency and uphold good governance. In the limited circumstances where a project‑specific decision may come before Council, I would be clear about my SRRAC role and step out where appropriate.

Over the next four years, I will focus on practical, achievable steps that strengthen Rossland’s progress toward the 100% Renewable Kootenay Plan while improving community resilience.

A key priority is supporting actions that help residents and the City reduce emissions through everyday, accessible measures. This includes encouraging native plant landscaping, expanding tree canopy in priority areas, improving soil and watershed health, and promoting water‑wise gardening. These are low‑cost, high‑impact approaches that build resilience to drought, reduce maintenance needs, and increase carbon storage without requiring major new research programs.

I will also work to accelerate Rossland’s existing renewable‑energy and efficiency goals by improving coordination, communication, and uptake of programs that already exist. This includes helping residents access building‑retrofit incentives, supporting heat‑pump adoption through clear information and outreach, identifying strategic locations for EV‑charging expansion, and continuing to electrify municipal operations as equipment reaches end‑of‑life. These steps directly reduce emissions and align with commitments Rossland has already made.

Finally, I will help ensure Rossland’s concerns and scientific information are clearly communicated in regional and provincial decision‑making processes. Stronger coordination improves outcomes for small communities and supports long‑term climate planning.

Rossland’s future depends on protecting the natural systems that sustain our community’s well‑being, livelihood, tourism, and recreation economy. To reduce environmental risks and strengthen long‑term prosperity, I will focus on actions that directly address the pressures shaping our climate and our local ecosystems.

The biggest drivers of climate change in BC are clear‑cut logging, destructive forestry practices, and the continued expansion and use of fossil fuels. These forces increase wildfire risk, destabilize snowpack, and intensify drought. While municipalities don’t regulate these industries, we are not powerless. I will advocate for stronger provincial action, including support for the proposed New Forest Act, opposition to new fossil‑fuel expansion projects, and a transition away from natural gas toward cleaner energy sources. Addressing root causes is essential for any community that depends on stable winters and healthy forests.

Locally, I will champion practical steps that strengthen Rossland’s resilience. Increasing native plant landscaping, expanding tree cover, improving soil and watershed health, and encouraging water‑wise gardening all help buffer the community against hotter summers and longer dry periods. These measures improve ecological function, reduce water demand, and support cooler microclimates.

I will also work to accelerate the shift away from fossil‑fuel use within Rossland by improving uptake of existing energy‑efficiency programs and continuing to electrify municipal operations as equipment is replaced.

By pairing strong advocacy with grounded, nature‑based action, Rossland can protect its environment, and secure long‑term prosperity sustainably.

Rossland’s long‑term water security depends on understanding how our water sources are changing and taking practical steps to reduce demand, improve retention, and strengthen resilience. Planning for the future requires a clear picture of how water availability fluctuates throughout the year and how those fluctuations are shifting.

A priority for me is ensuring the City has a solid baseline understanding of seasonal water supply — how much water is available, when it arrives, how quickly it is lost, and how that baseline changes under different stressors such as low snowpack, early melt, prolonged heat, or heavy precipitation events. With that foundation, Rossland can make informed decisions about storage capacity, conservation priorities, and long‑term infrastructure needs.

At the same time, we need to reduce demand where it is most practical. Converting traditional ornamental gardens that rely on irrigation into water‑wise landscapes, reducing lawn area, improving soil health, and encouraging native plant gardens all significantly lower outdoor water use. These changes also improve water retention during rainfall and help buffer the community during dry periods.

I would also support investments and policies that improve water storage, enhance watershed health, and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with population growth. Strengthening conservation, improving retention, and planning with accurate seasonal data will help Rossland maintain a reliable and resilient water supply for current and future residents.

My priority is ensuring that new development aligns with the landscape, supports long‑term livability, and reinforces the connected, compact form that keeps Rossland resilient. That means focusing growth within existing neighbourhoods, encouraging infill and gentle density, and avoiding expansion into sensitive natural areas. This approach protects habitat, reduces infrastructure strain, and keeps services efficient for residents.

I would also support policies that require development to contribute positively to ecological health. This includes maintaining natural vegetation where possible, improving soil and water retention on site, reducing impermeable surfaces, and encouraging landscaping that supports biodiversity rather than high‑water‑use ornamental designs. These measures help buffer the community against hotter summers, drought, and wildfire risk while keeping Rossland’s natural character intact.

By guiding growth toward compact, ecologically responsible development and reinforcing the values that make Rossland strong, we can capture the financial benefits of development while protecting the environment and the community that depends on it.

Municipal governments have a direct influence on the everyday conditions that shape people’s health. While the City is not responsible for clinical care, it plays a central role in creating the social, physical, and environmental foundations that allow residents to thrive.

For me, supporting community health begins with stability. That means planning for housing options that keep year‑round residents rooted here, ensuring people can move safely through town in all seasons, and maintaining infrastructure that delivers clean water, safe streets, and reliable public spaces. These are core responsibilities that directly affect well‑being.

Rossland can also strengthen health through the way it designs its outdoor spaces. Walkable routes, accessible trails, parks, and recreation facilities encourage physical activity and social connection — two of the strongest predictors of long‑term health. Protecting natural areas and reducing environmental stressors such as heat, smoke, and water insecurity also supports healthier outcomes.

Food security is another important determinant. The City can help by supporting local food initiatives and policies that make it easier for residents to access fresh, affordable food. Supporting organizations such as the Incredible Farmers Market strengthens community-wide access to nutritious food.

Ultimately, municipal leadership should focus on creating conditions where residents feel secure, connected, and supported. By strengthening housing stability, transportation, recreation, environmental health, and access to local food, Rossland can play a meaningful role in supporting the overall health of its residents.

Thank you so much!!!