This year, Fraser Valley Regional District Area B director Dennis Adamson wants to foster good relationships and take advantage of any opportunity to better the lives of residents.
Locally, Adamson wants to promote economic development and good governance. He said he will collaborate with Hope to achieve this.
Adamson said he will also attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference and Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference this year to keep abreast of what higher-level governments are doing and to lobby senior-level officials.
Adamson said Area B residents face various challenges such as transportation, an aging population and a lack of employment.
“Transportation is always a big one whether you’re a senior or youth,” said Adamson, referring to transportation into the Fraser Valley.
Adamson said that jobs and attracting younger families come hand-in-hand.
“There’s no jobs in Area B per se, so some economic development would have to attract younger families, which would be a good thing in my opinion,” said Adamson.
Adamson noticed that younger families have moved to Area B because of the ripple effect of the Lower Mainland’s real estate market.
“It’s a good thing for our area because we need young families because our demographics in some of the areas, we’re becoming senior citizen [communities], you can’t just be a senior citizen community,” said Adamson.
He also said Area B provides safety, clean air and a healthy lifestyle.
Certain new developments are happening in Area B. Adamson said the Dogwood Valley water reservoir should be starting in February. Area B received $165,605 last year from the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund that will fund this project.
Adamson said he will continue working with Barrick Gold Corporation’s proposal to build a ski resort on the former Giant Mascot Nickel Mine.
