I am seeking re-election as mayor of Cumberland in the upcoming municipal election.
Cumberland has come through many changes in the past number of years; upgrades to our main entrance into the village, including bike lanes, as well as the “Welcome to Cumberland” sign.
Major infrastructure work on the main street with sewer, water and roadwork. Council continues to work on solutions to bring our liquid wastewater treatment system into compliance with federal and provincial regulations while addressing residents’ concerns.
We have completed upgrades to Village Park playground and Number Six Mine Park Playground.
Creating master plans for the municipal cemetery, Coal Creek Historical Park, Lake Park Campground and Village Park Plan.
I have been part of many changes to our village’s commercial core and will continue to focus on retaining the heritage of our buildings.
Council supported my request to form the Homeless and Affordable Housing Committee and the Accessibility Committee. These two committees have provided valuable information for council on needs in our community.
We were successful in acquiring land for the fire hall.
A group of residents came to council with the concern that a number of bears had been killed in Cumberland. I worked with this group and they formed the society, Cumberland Bear Initiative.
Recently, council established an Economic Development Steering Committee to support our co-ordinator to ensure continued involvement and representation of the business community and the community at large.
One of the recommendations made from the previous committee is to look at development of the industrial lands on Bevan Road. This would have a positive impact on our tax base for residents.
In 2010, Cumberland signed onto the BC Climate Action Charter. We recently received word that we have again obtained carbon neutral Level 4.
Members of council attended the Union of British Columbia’s conference this past week. We had two meetings with ministers to discuss air quality and our watershed. I had a positive meeting with Honorable Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care, discussing the need for child care in Cumberland and will be presenting a report to council at our next meeting.
One area that I am very proud of is the number of events and festivals within the village and will continue to work with each organization for the benefit of the community. Every event brings residents together and many tourists to visit. We have become a destination for many.
Over the years council has worked very hard on budgets, projects, revenues, and maintenance of our assets.
I would like to continue to protect our diversity, our uniqueness and our tolerance for each other. I am proud to be mayor of such a special community that celebrates its roots and welcomes change.
I have the proven leadership to guide Cumberland through the next four years and I am asking for your continued support to work for you.
Please contact me at cell 250-897-5020, or email bairdlj@telus.net