Candidate Bios
MAYOR
Click on the persons name to read their Mayor bios in full!
Steve Fairbairn
Fairbairn has sat on the district’s council for about a decade!
I have 10 years of experience as a Councillor for the District of Elkford as well as short stints on the original Official Community Plan committee. I’ve been a council representative on many panels – Cumulative Effects Management Framework development, Southern Rockies Management, Youth Action Network, Elkford Community Effects Advisory Committee (Elk Valley Lodge), Urban Wildlife Management Committee, among others. I sit on the board of the Elkford Housing Society, the non-profit group that is working on the building of a non-profit senior’s development in downtown Elkford. I have represented the interests of Elkford with all of these groups and others as well.
I have working and personal relationships with people from industry, mayors, councillors, and MLA’s across the region and across BC. I have sat with numerous Government Ministers – even a few Premiers - from both sides of the legislature and I have a long history of being able to work with both Provincial and Federal members of Parliament (MPs and MLA’s) of both major parties.
As Mayor of Elkford I plan on continuing the move toward a vibrant and inclusive community for families. I want to lead a council that is open to the efforts of all residents and the cooperation, open-mindedness and consideration of all elected officials and staff at all times. A council and senior staff that strives to find new and innovative ways to support and invite economic diversification in Elkford. A Council that supports families, and the reasons to live and love in Elkford. A council and senior management team that will continue to support local volunteer organizations and non-profits as they work toward providing activities for residents of Elkford.
Part of my role is one of enabling a younger generation to engage with local Government and to take over the reins of a vibrant and growing community.
Passions
Governance, being involved with Elkford! Being part of the team that leads Elkford forward into a positive and vibrant future for families and everyone else who decides to reside in our amazing community. I really want to see a vibrant and engaging ‘downtown’ with shops and restaurants, and cafes. Places for arts and culture, for children, and for seniors. I want to see residents spend their money in Elkford!
Proper healthcare for our citizens. Ambulance availability. Affordability of homes. Purpose rental homes (apartments, duplexes, detached, the entire range) for people to live in while they find their dream home in Elkford, while they fall in love with Elkford, for those who have a set period of term employment, for those whose income or job security do not support home ownership, and for those who need to save for a down-payment on their dream home.
I’m an active person. I use our ‘active transportation network’ to run and to bicycle on. I use our pool (ok, not so much during COVID), I support the Elkford Trails Alliance and I use the trails they have built. I ski – truthfully, not in Elkford, but all over the region. I am the ‘Senior Instructor’ (age or skill and experience? You be the judge.) with Fernie Adaptive Ski and I am passionate about adaptive skiing and it’s possibilities for inclusion (I am the first person to sit-ski on our hill, even if it was outside of the open season – on both a bi-ski and a mono-ski). I have my Level 2 Adapted Instructor certification and I am progressing along on the many steps in attaining my Level 3 certification. I’m also trying to bring others along the skill development road so that I can take more of a back seat in the process. It is in no small part one of my successes to see schools now including all of their students in the opportunity of skiing.
Passions? Let’s not forget – motorcycles. automobiles. music (The Hard Truth is one of the best bands out of Elkford!), and of course…. Elkford.
Work Experience
I am a retired high school teacher. Math, Computer Science (Information Technology) and supporting students who are experiencing educational challenges has been a life-long passion for me. During my working life I have worked as a Cargo handler and a Cargo Manager for First Air, an airline flying goods to the Eastern Canadian Arctic. I have been a car salesperson, and I worked as both an Exhibit Interpreter and an Exhibit technician and truck driver with Museums Canada as part of their ‘Mobile Exhibit’s' Program. I have worked in the Juvenile Justice System in Ontario and for the Ahousaht School Authority on Vancouver Island.
My leadership experience includes being a Waterfront Supervisor at Camp Otterdale in Ontario and a Pool Supervisor at Carleton University Aquatic Centre (I hold an ‘Award of Merit’ from the Life Saving Society of Canada). I have been both a team member and a Team Leader with Project Overseas (a Canadian Teachers’ Federation program teaching teachers and working on Union processes and financial planning) in both St. Vincent and Anguilla. Other related volunteer work includes beginning and taking to conclusion a program to Develop Teacher Professional Development processes and methodologies in South Africa under the sponsorship of the BCTF, CTF, and SADTU, and six weeks with Teachers Beyond Borders, an NGO working on teacher skill development in Kenya. In all of these overseas experiences, I was required to hold meetings with local Government officials - to learn about the local situation, to understand the limits of our ‘opinions’, and to build bridges between various organizations working to support children and families.
Closer to home, I spent six years as the President of the Fernie District Teacher’s Association and Co-Chair of the Cranbrook and Fernie District Teacher’s Association, and I was President of the East Kootenay Teacher’s Association (a lobby group for the interests of teachers from this corner of BC within the BCTF). This background developed my Parliamentary / Governance skills (‘Robert’s Rules of Order’) at both the local and provincial level. I have well developed skills in contract negotiations and the interpretation and support of Collective Agreements - and not just those including teachers. The Grievance process and how to find solutions to tricky situations are familiar to me. I have great respect for the Collective Bargaining process, the Collective Agreement, the Grievance process, and Robert’s Rules. these are all repeatable processes that protect agreements and fairness to process. They provide the opportunity for input without fear of bullying. Yes, I have been endorsed by the East Kootenay Labour Council.
I am currently a Director of the East Kootenay Community Credit Union (full disclosure - my term ends at midnight on December 31st, 2022). I am part of a management team dedicated to collegiality and valuing the input of all members. We oversee the budget for the benefit of all members of the Credit Union while managing the significant challenges of IT costs, security issues, COVID 19, SERB, low interest rates, climbing Cost of Living Challenges and even how to better serve the underserved in our region. During my time on the Board I have completed all three levels of Director certification (A, B, and C) as well as many additional qualification courses - including Money Laundering and Network Security. My strengths on the Board include my Financial Management skills and my Governance experience and training.
Personal Message
Few things in life are short and sweet. Patience really can be a virtue at times! There are at least two sides to each issue and I strongly believe in listening to the other view points and I remain open to changing my position based on new information - that is the core of success as a team member or leader. That is usually the road to the best decisions. We have an amazing senior management team in place and I shall strive to support them and their well thought out plans for a vibrant and sustainable future for Elkford. Regardless of my personal opinions, I have always - and will always - put what is best for the District of Elkford first and foremost in my actions and decisions as Mayor of Elkford.
I have 10 years of experience as a Councillor for the District of Elkford as well as short stints on the original Official Community Plan committee. I’ve been a council representative on many panels – Cumulative Effects Management Framework development, Southern Rockies Management, Youth Action Network, Elkford Community Effects Advisory Committee (Elk Valley Lodge), Urban Wildlife Management Committee, among others. I sit on the board of the Elkford Housing Society, the non-profit group that is working on the building of a non-profit senior’s development in downtown Elkford. I have represented the interests of Elkford with all of these groups and others as well.
I have working and personal relationships with people from industry, mayors, councillors, and MLA’s across the region and across BC. I have sat with numerous Government Ministers – even a few Premiers - from both sides of the legislature and I have a long history of being able to work with both Provincial and Federal members of Parliament (MPs and MLA’s) of both major parties.
As Mayor of Elkford I plan on continuing the move toward a vibrant and inclusive community for families. I want to lead a council that is open to the efforts of all residents and the cooperation, open-mindedness and consideration of all elected officials and staff at all times. A council and senior staff that strives to find new and innovative ways to support and invite economic diversification in Elkford. A Council that supports families, and the reasons to live and love in Elkford. A council and senior management team that will continue to support local volunteer organizations and non-profits as they work toward providing activities for residents of Elkford.
Part of my role is one of enabling a younger generation to engage with local Government and to take over the reins of a vibrant and growing community.
Passions
Governance, being involved with Elkford! Being part of the team that leads Elkford forward into a positive and vibrant future for families and everyone else who decides to reside in our amazing community. I really want to see a vibrant and engaging ‘downtown’ with shops and restaurants, and cafes. Places for arts and culture, for children, and for seniors. I want to see residents spend their money in Elkford!
Proper healthcare for our citizens. Ambulance availability. Affordability of homes. Purpose rental homes (apartments, duplexes, detached, the entire range) for people to live in while they find their dream home in Elkford, while they fall in love with Elkford, for those who have a set period of term employment, for those whose income or job security do not support home ownership, and for those who need to save for a down-payment on their dream home.
I’m an active person. I use our ‘active transportation network’ to run and to bicycle on. I use our pool (ok, not so much during COVID), I support the Elkford Trails Alliance and I use the trails they have built. I ski – truthfully, not in Elkford, but all over the region. I am the ‘Senior Instructor’ (age or skill and experience? You be the judge.) with Fernie Adaptive Ski and I am passionate about adaptive skiing and it’s possibilities for inclusion (I am the first person to sit-ski on our hill, even if it was outside of the open season – on both a bi-ski and a mono-ski). I have my Level 2 Adapted Instructor certification and I am progressing along on the many steps in attaining my Level 3 certification. I’m also trying to bring others along the skill development road so that I can take more of a back seat in the process. It is in no small part one of my successes to see schools now including all of their students in the opportunity of skiing.
Passions? Let’s not forget – motorcycles. automobiles. music (The Hard Truth is one of the best bands out of Elkford!), and of course…. Elkford.
Work Experience
I am a retired high school teacher. Math, Computer Science (Information Technology) and supporting students who are experiencing educational challenges has been a life-long passion for me. During my working life I have worked as a Cargo handler and a Cargo Manager for First Air, an airline flying goods to the Eastern Canadian Arctic. I have been a car salesperson, and I worked as both an Exhibit Interpreter and an Exhibit technician and truck driver with Museums Canada as part of their ‘Mobile Exhibit’s' Program. I have worked in the Juvenile Justice System in Ontario and for the Ahousaht School Authority on Vancouver Island.
My leadership experience includes being a Waterfront Supervisor at Camp Otterdale in Ontario and a Pool Supervisor at Carleton University Aquatic Centre (I hold an ‘Award of Merit’ from the Life Saving Society of Canada). I have been both a team member and a Team Leader with Project Overseas (a Canadian Teachers’ Federation program teaching teachers and working on Union processes and financial planning) in both St. Vincent and Anguilla. Other related volunteer work includes beginning and taking to conclusion a program to Develop Teacher Professional Development processes and methodologies in South Africa under the sponsorship of the BCTF, CTF, and SADTU, and six weeks with Teachers Beyond Borders, an NGO working on teacher skill development in Kenya. In all of these overseas experiences, I was required to hold meetings with local Government officials - to learn about the local situation, to understand the limits of our ‘opinions’, and to build bridges between various organizations working to support children and families.
Closer to home, I spent six years as the President of the Fernie District Teacher’s Association and Co-Chair of the Cranbrook and Fernie District Teacher’s Association, and I was President of the East Kootenay Teacher’s Association (a lobby group for the interests of teachers from this corner of BC within the BCTF). This background developed my Parliamentary / Governance skills (‘Robert’s Rules of Order’) at both the local and provincial level. I have well developed skills in contract negotiations and the interpretation and support of Collective Agreements - and not just those including teachers. The Grievance process and how to find solutions to tricky situations are familiar to me. I have great respect for the Collective Bargaining process, the Collective Agreement, the Grievance process, and Robert’s Rules. these are all repeatable processes that protect agreements and fairness to process. They provide the opportunity for input without fear of bullying. Yes, I have been endorsed by the East Kootenay Labour Council.
I am currently a Director of the East Kootenay Community Credit Union (full disclosure - my term ends at midnight on December 31st, 2022). I am part of a management team dedicated to collegiality and valuing the input of all members. We oversee the budget for the benefit of all members of the Credit Union while managing the significant challenges of IT costs, security issues, COVID 19, SERB, low interest rates, climbing Cost of Living Challenges and even how to better serve the underserved in our region. During my time on the Board I have completed all three levels of Director certification (A, B, and C) as well as many additional qualification courses - including Money Laundering and Network Security. My strengths on the Board include my Financial Management skills and my Governance experience and training.
Personal Message
Few things in life are short and sweet. Patience really can be a virtue at times! There are at least two sides to each issue and I strongly believe in listening to the other view points and I remain open to changing my position based on new information - that is the core of success as a team member or leader. That is usually the road to the best decisions. We have an amazing senior management team in place and I shall strive to support them and their well thought out plans for a vibrant and sustainable future for Elkford. Regardless of my personal opinions, I have always - and will always - put what is best for the District of Elkford first and foremost in my actions and decisions as Mayor of Elkford.
Mandy Mcgregor
McGregor has served almost 14 years on district council
REASON FOR RUNNING:
Platform – It’s about you; it’s about me; it’s about WE, the people of Elkford.
Passions – I am totally committed to doing everything in my power to create a community
that feels connected, validated. Moving forward, Council needs to create an atmosphere of
total inclusivity. Council needs to find a way to balance what WE (the community, of which
we are ALL a part of) want, with what WE need, with what WE can afford. Council needs to
find a way to involve and include our community in its decision making that effectively
engages all residents. Council needs to be able to present its information, findings, and
decisions in a manner that our community is open to receiving them. Council needs to work
hard to empower our community. There’s got to be a better way … and I am determined to
find it!
WORK EXPERIENCE: I bring to the Council table a well-rounded perspective: I moved to
Elkford as a teenager; I married an “Elkford original” resident; I raised my children here; I
have logged thousands of hours as a community volunteer; I have worked for many
businesses in town (never at the mine, though); I have operated a business since 2000. I
grew up in the military & Elkford is the only place I have ever felt at home. I have absolutely
no plans to ever leave!
I have served on Council for 4 terms, 14 years total. This term, I sit on 7 different "boards":
The Elkford Library Board (for almost 14 years now!), the Teck Coal Communities of
Interest Advisory Panel, the Teck Coal Closure Task Group, the Youth Action Network
Commission, the Housing Committee (co-chair), I am the Municipal Insurance Association
voting delegate alternate (I represented Elkford at the AGM at UBCM this year), and the
Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel.
During my time on Council, I have brought forward two business-related concerns for
Council to consider and address:
I brought forward a concern over an existing bylaw that made it mandatory for all
vendors to purchase a one-day business license to attend an Elkford craft fair. I am
happy to say, although it took three tries, change happened & there are no longer
any business license requirements for craft fair vendors (Elkford Business License
Amendment No. 791, 2016). I started that process in 2013.
I also brought forward the request to investigate an Intercommunity Business
License (Intercommunity Business License Bylaw No. 792, 2016).
Both of these amendments to the Elkford Business Bylaw were adopted on
November 28, 2016.
PERSONAL MESSAGE: I believe, 100%, that being on Council has to be all about
community; there is absolutely no room for personal agendas (of any kind) at the Council
table. When you are elected by the people, it is your job to represent the people. Moving
forward, if I am allowed the honor of representing our community of Elkford as Mayor, I will
use my voice, my one vote on Council, to create change. I promise to use my abundance of
optimism, knowledge, experience, focus, information-seeking, question-asking, over-
thinking, problem-solving, and determination, to create a town we are all proud to call home.
CONTACT: home phone 865-7653; via e-mail: babysbooty2000@yahoo.com;
Via Facebook messenger or by commenting on one of my Campaign Trail Countdown posts on my Facebook page.
REASON FOR RUNNING:
Platform – It’s about you; it’s about me; it’s about WE, the people of Elkford.
Passions – I am totally committed to doing everything in my power to create a community
that feels connected, validated. Moving forward, Council needs to create an atmosphere of
total inclusivity. Council needs to find a way to balance what WE (the community, of which
we are ALL a part of) want, with what WE need, with what WE can afford. Council needs to
find a way to involve and include our community in its decision making that effectively
engages all residents. Council needs to be able to present its information, findings, and
decisions in a manner that our community is open to receiving them. Council needs to work
hard to empower our community. There’s got to be a better way … and I am determined to
find it!
WORK EXPERIENCE: I bring to the Council table a well-rounded perspective: I moved to
Elkford as a teenager; I married an “Elkford original” resident; I raised my children here; I
have logged thousands of hours as a community volunteer; I have worked for many
businesses in town (never at the mine, though); I have operated a business since 2000. I
grew up in the military & Elkford is the only place I have ever felt at home. I have absolutely
no plans to ever leave!
I have served on Council for 4 terms, 14 years total. This term, I sit on 7 different "boards":
The Elkford Library Board (for almost 14 years now!), the Teck Coal Communities of
Interest Advisory Panel, the Teck Coal Closure Task Group, the Youth Action Network
Commission, the Housing Committee (co-chair), I am the Municipal Insurance Association
voting delegate alternate (I represented Elkford at the AGM at UBCM this year), and the
Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel.
During my time on Council, I have brought forward two business-related concerns for
Council to consider and address:
I brought forward a concern over an existing bylaw that made it mandatory for all
vendors to purchase a one-day business license to attend an Elkford craft fair. I am
happy to say, although it took three tries, change happened & there are no longer
any business license requirements for craft fair vendors (Elkford Business License
Amendment No. 791, 2016). I started that process in 2013.
I also brought forward the request to investigate an Intercommunity Business
License (Intercommunity Business License Bylaw No. 792, 2016).
Both of these amendments to the Elkford Business Bylaw were adopted on
November 28, 2016.
PERSONAL MESSAGE: I believe, 100%, that being on Council has to be all about
community; there is absolutely no room for personal agendas (of any kind) at the Council
table. When you are elected by the people, it is your job to represent the people. Moving
forward, if I am allowed the honor of representing our community of Elkford as Mayor, I will
use my voice, my one vote on Council, to create change. I promise to use my abundance of
optimism, knowledge, experience, focus, information-seeking, question-asking, over-
thinking, problem-solving, and determination, to create a town we are all proud to call home.
CONTACT: home phone 865-7653; via e-mail: babysbooty2000@yahoo.com;
Via Facebook messenger or by commenting on one of my Campaign Trail Countdown posts on my Facebook page.
COUNCIL
Click on the persons name to read their Councilor bios in full!
Shawna Bryant
Shawna Bryant- Running for District of Elkford Council
Bryant’s focus is housing, retention and recruitment of staff, and economic diversity
As an entrepreneur with over 15 years experience working in major industries, government and
volunteering on committees around economic development and diversity, Shawna’s wide-ranging
expertise reaches policy development and economic growth to her community. With volunteering as the Vice President of the Elkford Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Elk Valley Economic Initiative
committee, sitting on various boards and committees throughout the Elk Valley and Southern Alberta, Shawna promotes growth and support back to Elkford on many different levels.
Known as a leader in the community from early childhood services, building business, opening
communication amongst government to reach business and organizations, Shawna is a thoughtful
community-builder, a hard worker and dedicated resident to the town she loves. Shawna looks forward to supporting the residents, businesses, and community as a whole.
Shawna is friendly and open to having conversations with the public and encourages people to reach out and ask questions. The more people are involved in open communication, the better it helps council and mayor understand the wants and needs of the people in Elkford when making decisions for the future. Please feel free to reach out to me at hello@saorsabusiness.com or on Facebook!
Bryant’s focus is housing, retention and recruitment of staff, and economic diversity
As an entrepreneur with over 15 years experience working in major industries, government and
volunteering on committees around economic development and diversity, Shawna’s wide-ranging
expertise reaches policy development and economic growth to her community. With volunteering as the Vice President of the Elkford Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Elk Valley Economic Initiative
committee, sitting on various boards and committees throughout the Elk Valley and Southern Alberta, Shawna promotes growth and support back to Elkford on many different levels.
Known as a leader in the community from early childhood services, building business, opening
communication amongst government to reach business and organizations, Shawna is a thoughtful
community-builder, a hard worker and dedicated resident to the town she loves. Shawna looks forward to supporting the residents, businesses, and community as a whole.
Shawna is friendly and open to having conversations with the public and encourages people to reach out and ask questions. The more people are involved in open communication, the better it helps council and mayor understand the wants and needs of the people in Elkford when making decisions for the future. Please feel free to reach out to me at hello@saorsabusiness.com or on Facebook!
Len Gostick
Len Gostick running for second term on Elkford council
Gostick was first elected in 2018 and has deep roots in town.
Gostick has lived in Elkford for over 35 years, and was first elected in 2018.
He first ran to get involved in the community and bring a small business mindset to council. “Can’t sit there and armchair quarterback all the time, so get involved,” he said.
His focuses were infrastructure, essential services, and small businesses.
Speaking to what he’s most proud of from his term on council, he said “bridging the gap and building a relationship with our largest employer, Teck.”
He pointed to his (and the whole council’s) contribution in securing donations for the seniors housing project land, forming a housing committee with Teck, and “not blowing our budget to pieces.” He said housing is a crisis province-wide, especially in Elkford.
Gostick pointed to a large sum of money spent on paving over the last few years, and said they were able to do it ‘without really cranking our taxes,’ adding that there have been tax hikes but they ‘haven’t been crazy.’
“And to safely get our community through the economic scare of COVID,” he said.
He said they’ve finished a lot of good projects in Elkford, but there are a few more to go.
*Free Press
Gostick was first elected in 2018 and has deep roots in town.
Gostick has lived in Elkford for over 35 years, and was first elected in 2018.
He first ran to get involved in the community and bring a small business mindset to council. “Can’t sit there and armchair quarterback all the time, so get involved,” he said.
His focuses were infrastructure, essential services, and small businesses.
Speaking to what he’s most proud of from his term on council, he said “bridging the gap and building a relationship with our largest employer, Teck.”
He pointed to his (and the whole council’s) contribution in securing donations for the seniors housing project land, forming a housing committee with Teck, and “not blowing our budget to pieces.” He said housing is a crisis province-wide, especially in Elkford.
Gostick pointed to a large sum of money spent on paving over the last few years, and said they were able to do it ‘without really cranking our taxes,’ adding that there have been tax hikes but they ‘haven’t been crazy.’
“And to safely get our community through the economic scare of COVID,” he said.
He said they’ve finished a lot of good projects in Elkford, but there are a few more to go.
*Free Press
Tathlina lovlin
Tathlina Lovlin running for Elkford council
Lovlin wants to change the narrative and bring more voices to the table
In 2006, I moved to Elkford with a job at Elk Valley Coal, What was originally a 5 to 8 year plan has turned into 15 years here, and raising a family of three in town. In
2016, After working for Fording River Operation for ten years as a geological engineer, I “retired” from my role as a senior engineer and to stay home with my kids. At present, I am a casual EA and TTOC at the schools in town and work
casually as a lifeguard, while producing pottery as home business.
Other activities that I have been involved with are as followed: volunteer ski patrol at Elkford’s ski hill, parents’ advisory council at RMES, volunteer with the soccer
association, volunteer with the Elkford Art Studio, and a recreational gymnastics coach.
I’m running for council because I think I would be a good addition to the team.
Several long-time residents asked if I would run. I know a wide spectrum of people in town, which will help with making sure the right information makes it to the
table.
Lovlin wants to change the narrative and bring more voices to the table
In 2006, I moved to Elkford with a job at Elk Valley Coal, What was originally a 5 to 8 year plan has turned into 15 years here, and raising a family of three in town. In
2016, After working for Fording River Operation for ten years as a geological engineer, I “retired” from my role as a senior engineer and to stay home with my kids. At present, I am a casual EA and TTOC at the schools in town and work
casually as a lifeguard, while producing pottery as home business.
Other activities that I have been involved with are as followed: volunteer ski patrol at Elkford’s ski hill, parents’ advisory council at RMES, volunteer with the soccer
association, volunteer with the Elkford Art Studio, and a recreational gymnastics coach.
I’m running for council because I think I would be a good addition to the team.
Several long-time residents asked if I would run. I know a wide spectrum of people in town, which will help with making sure the right information makes it to the
table.
duncan mcdonald
Duncan McDonald running for second term on Elkford council
First, I thank the community for the opportunity to have served during this past term as Councillor, and am excited to step forward and ask for your vote for the next term! My family and I have called Elkford home for more than forty years, and after working for the Public Works Department for 39 years, I still enjoy being involved and engaged in our community.
As Chairperson of the Elkford Housing Society, I want to see the seniors’ housing project brought to fruition, and to advocate for further housing needs in Elkford. We have engaged with BC Housing and are very close to putting shovels in the ground in 2023.
I also want to see completion of the downtown core development that is now underway, which will support current businesses and attract new development possibilities to Elkford. Wouldn’t it be great to see a developer come in and build ground-level retail space with housing accommodations above?
I hope for continued momentum on infrastructure upgrades and improvements as the current council has been successful in addressing deficits, but we still have work to do to ensure long-term success and sustainability. There are many things I am excited about for Elkford’s future, but above all, I look forward to seeing Elkford work towards its potential and to being a part of the success of our community.
Questions for me? I invite you to reach out: duncanmcdonald1958@gmail.com
First, I thank the community for the opportunity to have served during this past term as Councillor, and am excited to step forward and ask for your vote for the next term! My family and I have called Elkford home for more than forty years, and after working for the Public Works Department for 39 years, I still enjoy being involved and engaged in our community.
As Chairperson of the Elkford Housing Society, I want to see the seniors’ housing project brought to fruition, and to advocate for further housing needs in Elkford. We have engaged with BC Housing and are very close to putting shovels in the ground in 2023.
I also want to see completion of the downtown core development that is now underway, which will support current businesses and attract new development possibilities to Elkford. Wouldn’t it be great to see a developer come in and build ground-level retail space with housing accommodations above?
I hope for continued momentum on infrastructure upgrades and improvements as the current council has been successful in addressing deficits, but we still have work to do to ensure long-term success and sustainability. There are many things I am excited about for Elkford’s future, but above all, I look forward to seeing Elkford work towards its potential and to being a part of the success of our community.
Questions for me? I invite you to reach out: duncanmcdonald1958@gmail.com
paul mcginnis
Paul McGinnis running for Elkford Council
McGinnis has a family-focused platform
A recent addition to the community, McGinnis moved to Elkford in February 2021 from Calgary with his two children and two cats. He’d lived in Calgary since 2007, and is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He works for Black Gold Coach Lines out of Sparwood, taking miners to and from work, and has previously worked as a tour bus driver. He said Elkford is a great place to raise kids, and has a family-focused platform. “We’re going to run families first, and how we can make things better for families.” He said he’s been sitting down with moms and teenagers, asking them to tell him what they want. “I was asked to run by my kids’ friends’ parents. They said we need somebody that’s going to talk about stuff for families, and they said you’re the one that’s going to do it.”
Some of his ideas include working on a way for people to take driving tests in town, getting better phone and internet service in town, building an ice-skating rink, bringing a music festival to Elkford in the summer, and introducing kids to the workings of town council.
McGinnis also spoke about incentivizing nurses and doctors to come to Elkford for the emergency centre.
“We have no emergency room, and you have two mines, with guys working really hard. You need something, it’s important for this town.” Speaking to how his past experience makes him suitable for a seat on council, he said he’s worked with the public for 22 years. “I’ve worked with every facet you could possibly think of, (from) just about every country around the world. And I’ve always been somebody that’s been able to come in, and get people to come together, and make a decision.”
He said he has no affiliations, and that his kids call him a ‘no strings attached’ candidate, which he said is a good thing as it leads to more open-mindedness when making decisions. “I do realize politicians make a lot of promises, so I can only stick to one promise,” he said. “When you call me, you’re going to get me on the other end, not somebody with a message and this and that.
“I will come to your door and sit and talk to you. I think that’s the best way, in a small town, to work with people.”
McGinnis has a family-focused platform
A recent addition to the community, McGinnis moved to Elkford in February 2021 from Calgary with his two children and two cats. He’d lived in Calgary since 2007, and is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He works for Black Gold Coach Lines out of Sparwood, taking miners to and from work, and has previously worked as a tour bus driver. He said Elkford is a great place to raise kids, and has a family-focused platform. “We’re going to run families first, and how we can make things better for families.” He said he’s been sitting down with moms and teenagers, asking them to tell him what they want. “I was asked to run by my kids’ friends’ parents. They said we need somebody that’s going to talk about stuff for families, and they said you’re the one that’s going to do it.”
Some of his ideas include working on a way for people to take driving tests in town, getting better phone and internet service in town, building an ice-skating rink, bringing a music festival to Elkford in the summer, and introducing kids to the workings of town council.
McGinnis also spoke about incentivizing nurses and doctors to come to Elkford for the emergency centre.
“We have no emergency room, and you have two mines, with guys working really hard. You need something, it’s important for this town.” Speaking to how his past experience makes him suitable for a seat on council, he said he’s worked with the public for 22 years. “I’ve worked with every facet you could possibly think of, (from) just about every country around the world. And I’ve always been somebody that’s been able to come in, and get people to come together, and make a decision.”
He said he has no affiliations, and that his kids call him a ‘no strings attached’ candidate, which he said is a good thing as it leads to more open-mindedness when making decisions. “I do realize politicians make a lot of promises, so I can only stick to one promise,” he said. “When you call me, you’re going to get me on the other end, not somebody with a message and this and that.
“I will come to your door and sit and talk to you. I think that’s the best way, in a small town, to work with people.”
Jason meldrum
Jason Meldrum
Running for Elkford council
Meldrum was the driving force behind the Elkford Bike Park, which is weeks from completion.
REASONS FOR RUNNING: I want to continue to make Elkford a great place for families and local economies to grow together and prosper for the future.
PLATFORM: I believe Elkford has amazing potential to grow in economic diversity - we have an amazing natural beauty to our town that is great for light tourism. The Boivin Corridor beautification caught my eye from the beginning. I believe this is a great asset to our town’s economic future and as such, this is an area I would like to focus on and see come to fruition. As a resident with a young family in town, I feel it is very important to continue focusing on ways to make life better in all aspects for all generations in our town, from the young to the long-standing citizens.
Finding a balance between preserving our environment and ensuring jobs and economic growth will be key to Elkford’s future. I will strive to always be approachable and help any citizen in town bring forward a concern to the district and be that bridge of communication.
PASSIONS AND EXPERIENCE: I am a red seal licensed automotive technician with 24 years of experience in both customer service and automotive repairs. I graduated high school in 2002 and attended trades school shortly after. My wife and I chose Elkford over a decade ago and our son has been an Elkford resident his entire life. Currently, I am the
service manager at Legacy Ford here in Elkford. I very much enjoy helping people
in this role and it has been a great opportunity to meet even more people from
town.
I have been an active volunteer with Elk Valley Minor Hockey for the past 3
seasons as manager and safety of the youth teams.
I am the current president of the Elkford Biking Club. Within a 2-year time frame,
myself and 7 board members successfully raised over $130,000 to aid in
completion of Elkford’s new bike park along the Boivin Corridor. This was an
amazing experience to be a part of such a large project for the community.
I have a passion for staying busy year-round, whether it's working in the yard and
biking during the summer or snowshoeing in the winter. These activities always
allow for good conversations and meeting people. Most evenings, you can find me
walking our dog along one of the many trails and paths in town.
Running for Elkford council
Meldrum was the driving force behind the Elkford Bike Park, which is weeks from completion.
REASONS FOR RUNNING: I want to continue to make Elkford a great place for families and local economies to grow together and prosper for the future.
PLATFORM: I believe Elkford has amazing potential to grow in economic diversity - we have an amazing natural beauty to our town that is great for light tourism. The Boivin Corridor beautification caught my eye from the beginning. I believe this is a great asset to our town’s economic future and as such, this is an area I would like to focus on and see come to fruition. As a resident with a young family in town, I feel it is very important to continue focusing on ways to make life better in all aspects for all generations in our town, from the young to the long-standing citizens.
Finding a balance between preserving our environment and ensuring jobs and economic growth will be key to Elkford’s future. I will strive to always be approachable and help any citizen in town bring forward a concern to the district and be that bridge of communication.
PASSIONS AND EXPERIENCE: I am a red seal licensed automotive technician with 24 years of experience in both customer service and automotive repairs. I graduated high school in 2002 and attended trades school shortly after. My wife and I chose Elkford over a decade ago and our son has been an Elkford resident his entire life. Currently, I am the
service manager at Legacy Ford here in Elkford. I very much enjoy helping people
in this role and it has been a great opportunity to meet even more people from
town.
I have been an active volunteer with Elk Valley Minor Hockey for the past 3
seasons as manager and safety of the youth teams.
I am the current president of the Elkford Biking Club. Within a 2-year time frame,
myself and 7 board members successfully raised over $130,000 to aid in
completion of Elkford’s new bike park along the Boivin Corridor. This was an
amazing experience to be a part of such a large project for the community.
I have a passion for staying busy year-round, whether it's working in the yard and
biking during the summer or snowshoeing in the winter. These activities always
allow for good conversations and meeting people. Most evenings, you can find me
walking our dog along one of the many trails and paths in town.
Bert schalekamp
Bert Schalekamp to run for Elkford council
Schalekamp and his family have lived in Elkford for 11 years A geologist by trade, Schalekamp and his family moved to Elkford 11 years ago for work. Schalekamp’s involvement in the community has been through a position on the urban wildlife management advisory committee, and through kids programs for his two children. “I’m quite passionate about nature and the environment,” he said in an interview with The Free Press. “I always felt that if you want to make a difference or if you want to contribute, you need to become part of the organization … then you can add value.
“We only choose a new council every four years. It’s not so many opportunities, so when something comes up … I thought about it and decided I’d give it a try.”
He said he and his family had a lot invested in Elkford. “Every town in this valley has a culture or an identity, and I think the Elkford identity is wilderness capital of BC, and I can identify with that. It’s quiet and nature orientated, and I want to keep it that way.” Schalekamp said he wanted to support efforts by the current council to establish better childcare and senior’s housing in Elkford, and added he wanted to work on supporting more affordable housing options while the community was still ahead in relation to housing prices elsewhere in the valley. “Our town is still a bit different to Fernie and Sparwood – we’re not quite in the same situation, where house prices are really high and there’s not a lot of housing available. I think there’s still opportunity here, and that’s a big plus for our community.” Looking ahead to the future and linking back to his interests in the environment, Schalekamp said he believed Elkford needed to start thinking about what was beyond coal mining“
In our valley we’re very dependent on the mining industry, and we need to start looking beyond mining. What do we need to do to make our community sustainable beyond that?”
He said the community had a lot going for it to help with that transition, being attractive for young families, and having that distinct identity as a wilderness capital.
“I’m passionate about our town. I really want to make sure that it has a bright future.”
*Free Press
Schalekamp and his family have lived in Elkford for 11 years A geologist by trade, Schalekamp and his family moved to Elkford 11 years ago for work. Schalekamp’s involvement in the community has been through a position on the urban wildlife management advisory committee, and through kids programs for his two children. “I’m quite passionate about nature and the environment,” he said in an interview with The Free Press. “I always felt that if you want to make a difference or if you want to contribute, you need to become part of the organization … then you can add value.
“We only choose a new council every four years. It’s not so many opportunities, so when something comes up … I thought about it and decided I’d give it a try.”
He said he and his family had a lot invested in Elkford. “Every town in this valley has a culture or an identity, and I think the Elkford identity is wilderness capital of BC, and I can identify with that. It’s quiet and nature orientated, and I want to keep it that way.” Schalekamp said he wanted to support efforts by the current council to establish better childcare and senior’s housing in Elkford, and added he wanted to work on supporting more affordable housing options while the community was still ahead in relation to housing prices elsewhere in the valley. “Our town is still a bit different to Fernie and Sparwood – we’re not quite in the same situation, where house prices are really high and there’s not a lot of housing available. I think there’s still opportunity here, and that’s a big plus for our community.” Looking ahead to the future and linking back to his interests in the environment, Schalekamp said he believed Elkford needed to start thinking about what was beyond coal mining“
In our valley we’re very dependent on the mining industry, and we need to start looking beyond mining. What do we need to do to make our community sustainable beyond that?”
He said the community had a lot going for it to help with that transition, being attractive for young families, and having that distinct identity as a wilderness capital.
“I’m passionate about our town. I really want to make sure that it has a bright future.”
*Free Press
