Victor Hamilton

Volunteer on Active Transportation Committee

Start where the emissions are. Transportation produces close to two-thirds of Salmon Arm’s community emissions and buildings about a quarter, so that’s where the effort belongs.
I’d rank the plan’s actions on three tests: how many tonnes each one cuts, what it costs residents and taxpayers, and whether the City controls it.
On transportation, the City’s strongest tools are the ones it already holds: where and how we grow, and what we build. Compact neighbourhoods, connected sidewalks and bike routes, better transit and public charging all cut driving and make electric vehicles practical. That is what I mean by responsible growth.
On buildings, new construction comes first, because building it right once costs far less than retrofitting later. For existing homes, I’d focus on removing permitting barriers and helping homeowners reach provincial and utility rebates. After 35 years in the mortgage business, I know a retrofit only happens when the household budget works.
I also want to be straight with you. A 48% cut from 2019 levels by 2030 is a steep climb, and 2030 is the end of the next council term. The City cannot get there alone; much depends on the Province, the utilities and the choices each household makes. What council can do is fund the staff capacity the plan calls for, pursue every outside dollar, and report progress every year so residents can see what is working.

I won’t promise what a city budget can’t deliver. A municipality cannot replace provincial and federal disaster funding. What council can do is make sure the help that exists reaches people quickly, and that we are ready before the next event.
Preparation costs far less than recovery. The Climate Resiliency Plan already calls for reviewing and updating our emergency plans, and I’d make that an early priority. I’d also support low-cost prevention such as FireSmart work in neighbourhoods and using existing civic buildings as cooling and clean-air spaces.
During an event, people need clear, timely information from one trusted source. Salmon Arm is served by the regional Shuswap Emergency Program, and I’d work to keep that partnership strong and well practised, with a particular eye on seniors and residents who live alone.
Afterward, one of the hardest parts is the paperwork. I’d push for a single local point of contact to help residents and businesses through insurance and provincial assistance claims. After 35 years of helping families through mortgage applications, I know how much a guide matters when the forms pile up.
Finally, I’d press the Province and Ottawa, alongside neighbouring communities, for faster and more predictable recovery funding. Where new spending is proposed, I’d want to see the cost and the funding source before committing.