RCA Council Candidate Survey

Oct 8

As a service to our members, the Revelstoke Cycling Association surveyed all municipal government candidates in Revelstoke about their vision and planned action for mountain biking and general cycling in our community. You may read their responses below. New responses will be added as they come in.

Website: https://forms.gle/h5Na6HRDfnLnJeKd7
1. What is your vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke?
With increased use of mountain trails, comes increased responsibility for sustainable maintenance of those trails and effective education of visitors. With the transition to Destination Management at Tourism Revelstoke, Council has an opportunity to encourage collaborative planning for responsible sport and tourism development.
The changes coming to land stewardship with the Old Growth Strategy will have far reaching implications for all backcountry users, and I want to see Revelstoke in a leadership role. Guiding the conversation between such different value sets will be a challenge, a challenge that I am ready to step into if elected as your next Mayor.
2. What is your vision of general cycling for transport and recreation in Revelstoke?
Cycling is an integral part of the Revelstoke lifestyle. If elected, I’d be focused on infrastructure within city limits - integrating more cycling trails and park and ride facilities as part of an Active Transportation network, considering a Pump Track for skills development, and incentivizing more bicycle parking in new developments for instance.
The Cultural section of our Official Community Plan calls for a bylaw and policy review to streamline processes for holding community events. A consistent method for providing feedback to Council through these policy reviews will help us break down the barriers to improving service for residents.
3. What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support and realize your vision of mountain biking and cycling in Revelstoke?
If elected Mayor, I will be reimagining our committee and communication processes in Council. Policy review should be a scheduled part of our work, as it is important to revisit old methods for new variables, but it is rarely urgent and often falls off our to-do lists. I will be using Talk Revelstoke to share and engage with the community based on their needs and interests, not our internal City organizational structure. Our Official Community Plan and upcoming Transportation Master Plan need to be living documents - where we can collaborate with community partners on the services that make our City such a great place to live and ride.
4. Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I have commuted to work on foot or on bicycle since I moved to Revelstoke. Having one vehicle makes life more affordable, and I appreciate the exercise and mindfulness time to transition from home to work mode. I enjoyed learning the basics of Mountain Biking from Wandering wheels years ago in a single track workshop for women riders, but quickly realized that the sport of mountain biking is as different from my casual cycling habit as downhill skiing is from classic nordic skiing! I’m more of a cruisey rider, and have full respect and admiration for my more adventurous neighbours.
5. In recent years, the RCA has lobbied for long-term, sustainable funding for its mountain bike trail program. In 2022, we received $30,000 through the Economic Opportunity Fund, which is administered by the City of Revelstoke and Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Mountain biking is a proven social and economic driver that improves the quality of life for local residents and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. Do you support continuing and even expanding this financial support in the form of long-term, sustainable local government funding for mountain biking trails?
I support a full review of how we allocate our local and regional tax dollars and in kind support for community benefit. The new Council will have many new faces, which can lead to fresh eyes and new partnerships. I would encourage the RCA to plan for a delegation to the new council to share your history, progress and goals so they can hear directly from you and learn more about the role your work plays in our community.
1. What is your vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke?
Mountain biking in Revelstoke is a way of life. Many people are using bikes for daily transportation and mountain biking is a way to get out in the back country and enjoy nature. Mountain biking has captured the hearts of many and with it comes a culture of inclusivity and belonging.
2. What is your vision of general cycling for transport and recreation in Revelstoke?
Cycling allows everyone the ability to move about the community and can be an inexpensive way of transportation. Cycling used to be a fair-weather mode of transport but over the last 10 years it has morphed into a year round activity. Nurturing cycling promotes a healthy way to move, improved mental health and an environmentally sustainable mode of transport.
3. What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support and realize your vision of mountain biking and cycling in Revelstoke?
Promoting an increase to the trail system for all levels of cycling and supporting events that draw in cycling enthusiasts from around the world.
4. Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
Continued promotion of the Parks Master plan and looking for ways to increase the trail network in a sustainable way for all residents
5. In recent years, the RCA has lobbied for long-term, sustainable funding for its mountain bike trail program. In 2022, we received $30,000 through the Economic Opportunity Fund, which is administered by the City of Revelstoke and Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Mountain biking is a proven social and economic driver that improves the quality of life for local residents and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. Do you support continuing and even expanding this financial support in the form of long-term, sustainable local government funding for mountain biking trails?
I do not believe that EOF funding is set up to run in perpetuity. If there is a need and if funds are available and there is support from our Economic Development Director and CSRD Area B Director then I would be willing to garner my support for this from the Council table.
Website: https://mattcherry.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/MattCherryRevelstoke
1. What is your vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke?
I envision an inclusive and growing industry with added trail networks, where everyone feels welcome no matter their skill level, background or gender. I can see mountain biking in Revelstoke growing into one of BC’s meccas, or better yet, a hidden gem for both our local residents and visitors alike.
2. What is your vision of general cycling for transport and recreation in Revelstoke?
I would like to see a cycling and trail network master plan that encourages safety, growth and connectivity for all, including older residents and our adaptive programs.
I think our cycling safety is atrocious on some of our most popular roads. We have the space and the ability to do better.
We can look to Kimberly for an example of how this can be done with their 36 kms of new and updated trail project titled Electrifying the Mountains. https://www.kimberleybulletin.com/news/kimberley-gets-grant-for-electrify-the-mountains-e-bike-trail-network-project/
Once a plan is set out I will work to do all I can to see it through!
3. What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support and realize your vision of mountain biking and cycling in Revelstoke?
I believe taking a multifaceted approach will lead to the best results. I will start advocating for these goals alongside the development of the transportation master plan. Ensuring that cycling safety is a key point of the plan as this is a concern for both transportation and recreation.
Advocating for a trail network master plan with stakeholder community, nonprofit and for profit involvement, I will aid with search for different funding options available through various grant opportunities while advocating for expanded funding in future City of Revelstoke budgets.
4. Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I have always had an interest in mountain biking and cycling in general. This summer you could find me on our trails almost every week or riding around town daily. I look forward to being able to use the Multi Use Path (MUP) and would like to see it expanded to connect the entire town to our recreation areas.
I have a RMR bike park pass, enjoy the McPherson and boulder trails while also riding our lesser known trails.
I bought my first mountain bike in Revelstoke back in 2017 with a lot of excitement about taking on a new sport and other than some bumps and bruises along the way it has provided incredible adventure in my life, and a more sustainable way of getting around during the summer months.
5. In recent years, the RCA has lobbied for long-term, sustainable funding for its mountain bike trail program. In 2022, we received $30,000 through the Economic Opportunity Fund, which is administered by the City of Revelstoke and Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Mountain biking is a proven social and economic driver that improves the quality of life for local residents and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. Do you support continuing and even expanding this financial support in the form of long-term, sustainable local government funding for mountain biking trails?
Yes, I both support continuing and expanding financial support in the form of long-term sustainable local government funding for mountain bike trails!
As a city councillor I would like to find a way to see MRDT funds used to support this industry as well. If this is not currently available due to funding regulations, then I would petition the Provincial Government to expand these limitations.
I would like to mention that Destination BC has listed other potential available funding options which I encourage the RCA to apply for. I am willing to help with any grant seeking and writing opportunities to see this industry thrive.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lee.devlin.102
1. What is your vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke?
Mountain Biking is a big draw for tourism in Revelstoke, and I want to encourage tourism as a whole. My campaign is going to revolve around both growing the tourism industry and, perhaps more importantly, finding ways for tourists to contribute financially to the overall upkeep, infrastructure, and expansion of our City. I don't know enough about mountain biking to know, specifically, how that will fit in just yet but I'd be very happy to work with the RCA to find out if I were to be elected. Mountain biking has a huge impact on the tourism industry, and therefore the future, of Revelstoke.
2. What is your vision of general cycling for transport and recreation in Revelstoke?
One of the main concerns of the people in town is a vastly inflated cost of living, and one of the biggest complaints there is always gas prices. There isn't much Council can do to forcefully lower those prices, but encouraging and building a more robust system of alternative transportation options is a key way to take the burden off of citizens. Clearly, biking is a very good way to move away from driving, which is not only useful for the goal of cost-of-living reduction but also helps to sustain our air quality and environmental impact. Increased biking lane options and incentives to encourage biking as a safe and useful alternative to driving is a huge priority.
3. What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support and realize your vision of mountain biking and cycling in Revelstoke?
I've touched on a bit of that above, but to expand: I fully believe there are ample ways to build up people's view of cycling as a valid transportation method. Part of that is certainly continuing to create bike-friendly infrastructure in town, and I'd be very interested in looking into some sort of financial incentive for people transitioning away from gasoline vehicles as their primary methods of transportation. I'd certainly love to hear if the RCA members have any more specific or concrete ideas in that regard. The tourism industry and how to better utilize it for the benefit of all citizens is the very core of my platform, and given cycling's impact on the industry in Revelstoke I think it's safe to say I'm interested in seeing mountain biking and cycling grow as sports and recreation.
4. Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
Afraid not. I'm not a biker, myself.
5. In recent years, the RCA has lobbied for long-term, sustainable funding for its mountain bike trail program. In 2022, we received $30,000 through the Economic Opportunity Fund, which is administered by the City of Revelstoke and Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Mountain biking is a proven social and economic driver that improves the quality of life for local residents and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. Do you support continuing and even expanding this financial support in the form of long-term, sustainable local government funding for mountain biking trails?
This specific question, to me, requires a bit more research before any promises or pledges are made. That said, as stated, I'm very pro-industry and so I can't currently think of any reason I wouldn't support the RCA utilizing available funding and continuing to do so for the foreseeable future. As stated, my primary objective is to find ways to utilize economic activity to better support the city as a whole, so anything that aligns or can align with that objective will always have my support. here
1. What is your vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke?
Mountain biking a huge economic driver in Revelstoke, I’m happy to see in the Parks & Rec Master plan that a pump track and bike park are recommended, and I totally support these projects.
2. What is your vision of general cycling for transport and recreation in Revelstoke?
It was great to see the sea of bikes at the various Luna events this year. Obviously Revelstoke uses the bike infrastructure like lanes and bike stands, and any investments that are used by locals so much are great value for the dollar. Cycling helps with parking issues, co/2 reduction, and decreased health costs.
3. What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support and realize your vision of mountain biking and cycling in Revelstoke
Much of the mountain biking happens outside of the city’s jurisdiction, however the economic impact can’t be denied. We should continue to listen to groups like the RCA for opportunities to support this valuable industry. As for biking in Revelstoke, I would be curious about the potential for a bike share program.
4. Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I am a somewhat keen, not very skilled mountain biking. However, I have helped out at dig nights in previous years. While on the city’s environmental committee, I supported a proposal to endorse a heli-biking tenure after hearing the environmental protection steps they would take, including cleaning bikes to prevent invasive species in the alpine.
5. In recent years, the RCA has lobbied for long-term, sustainable funding for its mountain bike trail program. In 2022, we received $30,000 through the Economic Opportunity Fund, which is administered by the City of Revelstoke and Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Mountain biking is a proven social and economic driver that improves the quality of life for local residents and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. Do you support continuing and even expanding this financial support in the form of long-term, sustainable local government funding for mountain biking trails?
The city needs to be financially accountable and give tax-payers good value for their money. It seems obvious that we should invest in projects that bring so much economic activity to Revelstoke.
Tony Jeglum did not respond to our questions.
1. What is your vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke?
The expansion of our mountain bike trail network is vital to the growth of our year round tourism. This must be done in an ecologically sustainable way and should offer individuals with differing skill levels and divers abilities the opportunity for enjoyment and to see the natural beauty we live in. These trails should be easily and openly available to the public, and also be built and maintained to attract provincial and international events into Revelstoke.
2. What is your vision of general cycling for transport and recreation in Revelstoke?
Cycling for transportation and exercise is a huge part or what gives Revelstoke its character throughout the year, even in the winter. It is a great way to reduce our impact on the environment given the close proximity most residents have to services and jobs here in town. This allows residents with mobility issues the opportunity to park downtown and access the services they are needing. More safety measures should be discussed by the city for proper bike lanes and bike parking in the downtown.
3. What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support and realize your vision of mountain biking and cycling in Revelstoke?
If elected, the expansion of our cycling and mountain biking community will be vital in the environmental sustainability of our town. More visible bike lanes and bike parking will need to be done to accommodate the growing number of cyclists in town. More funding will need to be applied for and distributed to societies growing and maintaining our mountain biking network or trail. The expansion of mobility accessible trails for those individuals is important for the inclusivity of our town and residents.
4. Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I personally am not an extreme thrill seeker but mountain bike occasionally. I have loads or respect and admiration for the individuals doing things I couldn’t even dream of doing. I understand the great landscape we live in to be able to do these things and want to see that grow and expand. I do use my townie bike as my main mode of transportation throughout the year. I have also acquired a fat bike that I am hoping I will be able to use throughout the winter months as my main mode of transportation.
5. In recent years, the RCA has lobbied for long-term, sustainable funding for its mountain bike trail program. In 2022, we received $30,000 through the Economic Opportunity Fund, which is administered by the City of Revelstoke and Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Mountain biking is a proven social and economic driver that improves the quality of life for local residents and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. Do you support continuing and even expanding this financial support in the form of long-term, sustainable local government funding for mountain biking trails?
Yes I fully support the continued funding of these projects and would look to find more money to be able to put towards the maintenance and expansion of our trail networks. The benefit of the tourism brought in by this benefits the town at large and has been vital in shaping Revelstoke into a 4 season tourism destination.
1. What is your vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke?
I think Revelstoke has a good variety of XC, enduro and DH trails and great destination alpine rides like Frisby Ridge, most of which is outside city limits. RMR’s expanding lift-access offerings have been a great compliment. I don’t have a particular vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke – I think that’s up to the many proponents of the sport to articulate that. Municipal government’s role is to provide support where appropriate, in my opinion.
2. What is your vision of general cycling for transport and recreation in Revelstoke?
Revelstoke needs to increase its active transportation network. For cycling, that means creating commuter routes suitable for all levels of riders including kids and those with lower levels of riding confidence. TBH, I feel there was a lack of attention to cyclist commuters in the new Townley roundabout, new Victoria crossing and the temporary Fourth Street calming measures, which are not optimally designed for cyclists. We can do better. I’d also like to see better racks around town – such as artist colabs like in other communities. Obviously, active transportation dovetails with greenhouse gas emissions goals. The city is working on its transportation master plan, and bike routes will be a focus for me.
3. What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support and realize your vision of mountain biking and cycling in Revelstoke?
I’m here to work with stakeholders. Over the years I’ve been approached by proponents of many recreation groups and I’m always happy to share what I think they need to do to be successful. I think the RCA is advanced organizationally, so I’m happy to work towards goals that are backed by solid collaboration and planning. I will advance commuter cycling goals in transportation planning meetings. I’m interested in the idea of a pump track, which can be a low operating cost facility that helps build skills that turns kids into lifelong riders and bike commuters. Some of my priorities on parks and rec facilities will be working towards overall gender equity in recreation funding, promoting active transportation, and focusing on amenities for residents first that can also be utilized by visitors.
4. Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I ride a mountain bike but spend more time on my drop-bar these days. I ride over 100 kilometres a week from from snow melt to snowfall. Come join me for an early morning climb up Meadows in the Sky. I often commute around town by bike. I own studded tires and try to let people know you can commute 365 days a year here with the right gear. I was a key organizer with the group that built the Kovach park skatepark, which is a BMX facility.
5. In recent years, the RCA has lobbied for long-term, sustainable funding for its mountain bike trail program. In 2022, we received $30,000 through the Economic Opportunity Fund, which is administered by the City of Revelstoke and Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Mountain biking is a proven social and economic driver that improves the quality of life for local residents and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. Do you support continuing and even expanding this financial support in the form of long-term, sustainable local government funding for mountain biking trails?
I’d love to tell you I’m going to support shovelling taxpayer cash at mountain biking but I’m not so I won’t. Many residents struggle to make ends meet so proposing using general taxpayer funds to support people who own $8,000 mountain bikes is a tough sell politically. Nice-to-have amenities like MTB trails need to find sustainable funding, especially for operations costs like trail maintenance. If the argument is it benefits tourism, then tourism sources are a good place to start looking and the RCA has accessed that funding and already has good crossover between its board and See Revelstoke DMO staff. The biking scene and the RCA has done a great job of finding funding sources: oodles of volunteerism, events, colabs, RCA memberships (I usually get one except when I forget, and I’d be happy to pay more) and even a local beer through Mt. Begbie Brewing Co. I’m always happy to talk about advancing any rec scene but it’s always helpful if groups articulate what specifically they want; I’m reluctant to make general statements about increasing funding, but my door is always open to talk about plans.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PalmerRevelstoke/
1. What is your vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke?
Revelstoke is rapidly evolving into a cycling mecca, a growing component of our tourism sector. The secret of the world class mountain McPherson biking trails and destinations like Frisby Ridge and Keystone Basin is spreading throughout the world. With this attention and increasing demand, we need to ensure that our mountain biking assets are proactively managed to protect the interests of the community.
2. What is your vision of general cycling for transport and recreation in Revelstoke?
Revelstoke, an active life-style community, needs expanded facilities for active transport, including dedicated multi-purpose paths for cyclists and other non-motorized modes of transportation. Good cycling infrastructure is an important component to community affordability in Revelstoke.
3. What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support and realize your vision of mountain biking and cycling in Revelstoke?
It is time to implement the recently adopted Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the pending Master Transportation Plan as it pertains to cycling infrastructure. This includes expanding active transport networks, expansion and better designed bike racks, electric bike charging stations, and other tourism driven intiatives
There are many examples in other communities on successful implementation (best practices) of cycling and alternate transportation that we should consider.
Furthermore, the incoming Council needs to encourage a more expedient facilitation of the backcountry access plan to ensure dedicated mountain biking areas are protected.
4. Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
As a four-season Revelstoke cycling commuter, I demonstrated my keen interest in improving biking facilities by actively participating and encouraging others to participate in the Master Transportation Plan.
Last month Revelstoke’s CAO and I visited a world class pump track in Pemberton to gather ideas on funding, grants community engagement with the view to add to Revelstoke’s growing bicycle infrastructure. Throughout my term I have consistently championed multiuse paths and cycling infrastructure at the council table.
5. Do you support continuing and even expanding this financial support in the form of long-term, sustainable local government funding for mountain biking trails?
Revelstoke is blessed with ample opportunity to support cycling infrastructure not only through the Economic Opportunity Fund but also through tourism funds and provincial grant programs. I will continue to support the wise use of these resources to ensure the maximum benefit to residents and businesses.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/rccrrubaia
1. What is your vision of mountain biking in Revelstoke?
My vision of MTB in Revelstoke is that we keep our trails well maintained. I would love to see every single resident interested in biking. The amount of mental and physical benefits biking brings is enormous. I was very proud to all the ladies competing in Dark Horse. I beleive Revelstoke can create more World-class mountain bikers in the future from the proper support from the community.
2. What is your vision of general cycling for transport and recreation in Revelstoke?
I have mentioned this on our All-Candidates' Forum already. I think we could incorporate some bikes for public use. Not just summer, but also in the winter months. Something like more winter appropriate fat bikes.
3. What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support and realize your vision of mountain biking and cycling in Revelstoke?
More incentives to bike in town. We could talk to the local businesses and encourage locals to bike to work and bike to groceries etc. Like I mentioned at the All-Candidates Forum, we can talk to companies like limebike and get more publicly accessible bikes all around town.
4. Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I just started mountain biking this year. I have a Trek hardtail that I use to do trail biking mostly and het around town. I mostly do Blues and Green trails at Mcpherson. I would love to upgrade to a full suspension next year and try out DH biking. Biking is my gym basically. I love learning about different bikes and their functionalities. I would be more than happy to join RCA members for a bike ride and get to know them. Please connect with me on Facebook and we can arrange a meetup.
5. In recent years, the RCA has lobbied for long-term, sustainable funding for its mountain bike trail program. In 2022, we received $30,000 through the Economic Opportunity Fund, which is administered by the City of Revelstoke and Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Mountain biking is a proven social and economic driver that improves the quality of life for local residents and generates millions of dollars in local economic activity. Do you support continuing and even expanding this financial support in the form of long-term, sustainable local government funding for mountain biking trails?
100% !
Awaiting response
Awaiting response