The seven candidates running in this spring's Penticton by-election pitched solutions on housing and public safety during a two-hour forum inside Cleland Theatre on March 13.
Although the candidates' plans to navigate the city's top issues varied in some cases, one common theme was repeatedly circled back on: affordability.
Aaron Baisarowicz, Bradley Bartsch, Juliana Buitenhuis, Jason Reynen, Ankit Sachdeva, Nick Stulberg and Riley Thompson are vying to claim the one seat up for grabs to replace newly-elected MLA Amelia Boultbee.
Advanced voting takes place on March 26 and 27, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre (PTCC), before general voting day runs on April 5 at the same place.
Cost of living takes centre stage
Reynen, who came within 220 votes of becoming Penticton's mayor in 2022, said ensuring people can afford to live and stay in Penticton is key to the city's economic development.
"The city needs to be mindful about how their tax increases are affecting the public," Reynen said. "The first thing we need to do is look at the budget, see if we can save a few dollars, and put some money back in the people's pocket."
Stulberg, who's worked within the local tourism and lumber sectors, said he'd lead an aggressive shift on how the city's current plans are tackled, including on cost of living. He'd start by introducing an "affordable living fund" through a notice of motion.
"People are suffering now," Stulberg said. "You've got people choosing between rent and putting food on the table. A shift is needed, not necessarily changing our focus, but with the severity in which we tackle these issues."
Baisarowicz, a local business owner, stressed the need to look into the cost of property development.
"It's excessive and bleeds into the cost of living," he said.
Buitenhuis, a campus administrator at Okanagan College and former employee at the City of North Vancouver, said the city should appoint an economic development officer. She also said she'd support more child-care spaces, so new parents can go to work during the day.
Thompson, 24, is the youngest person in the race. He said at his age, it's "almost impossible to buy a house" and noted the importance of attracting new workers to the city, particularly within the health sector.
Sachdeva, an avid volunteer who's worked with the non-profit organization Penticton & Access Centre, said the city needs a 12-month economy that works for all. "I would make economic development my priority," he added.
Bartsch, who ran as the local BC Green Party candidate in last fall's provincial election, said he would ensure tax dollars are better used for the benefit of the city's residents.
"We need to understand the needs of our constituents and have no pet projects."
Candidates advocate for more housing
Thompson called for more density downtown.
"I don't want to see apartment buildings up in the hills or suburbs," Thompson said. "I'd like to see our downtown core become a little bit denser, so we can offer affordable housing through supply."
With non-market and supportive options, such as the city's temporary winter shelter, Buitenhuis said the city has gone "above and beyond". "They've definitely stepped in when the provincial government has not," she added.
Reynen said the solution to housing is increasing availability while ensuring new developments are responsible and well-planned.
"We need to get a committee together to fast-track approvals," Reynen said.
Public safety on top of mind
The candidates also addressed public safety, one night after local police were forced to block Government Street to arrest a shooting suspect.
"Residents and businesses deserve peace of mind," Sachdeva said, adding that he'd push for more supportive homes. "I'd like residents to report as much crime as they see."
Stulberg praised the city's recent move to start a public safety committee, stressing the importance of bringing residents together to discuss their ideas.
Bartsch said current crime statistics differ from what the public's perception may be. "We need to continue to work with law enforcement to make sure real progress occurs in tackling issues that make us feel less safe," he said.
Reynen, meanwhile, said the B.C. government's efforts to support public safety in Penticton have "failed."
"Alberta's done a better job and continued to thrive," he claimed. "We need to take action, protect the community and work toward real solutions."
Baisarowicz said the city should look into opening a new rebab facility or better utilize its existing ones. He also said the city should have a "zero-tolerance approach" to getting people the help they need.
Buitenhuis, who said she was a victim of a car break-in last summer, wants to explore the root causes of crime in Penticton.
"Connecting youth with jobs, education and positive things to do, so that they don't fall into crime or addiction," she said.
Thompson pointed to B.C.'s plans for involuntary care and said when the time comes, Penticton will "need more beds."
Thursday night's event, the first and likely only one of its kind this by-election cycle, was hosted by the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.
