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Murray McNab seeking seat for Area H on CVRD board

I would like to see town hall type meetings, held several times a year

My name is Murray McNab, and I am hoping to be elected as the director of Area H, of the CVRD.

I am 60 years old and have lived in Area H of the CVRD for over 55 years.

During that time I have been employed by a mining company, two civil engineering companies and worked for seven years at the Municipality of North Cowichan. I currently own and operate McNab’s Corn Maze in Yellow Point, just north of Ladysmith.

I have been involved in the community by serving on the Advisory Planning Commission, Parks Commission and the North Oyster Fire Department.

I was a founding director of the North Oyster Community Centre while donating both time and money to this most worthwhile project.

I also was on the board of thr Nanaimo Airport Commission for several years.

I believe that the top three issues, in order of importance are:

1. The almost complete lack of sharing of information, from the CVRD, with the taxpayers of Area H of the CVRD. I propose to overcome this by sharing all information on a dedicated website, devoted to this task.

I would like to see town hall type meetings, held several times a year, so that I could receive feedback from the community, as well as share upcoming projects and proposals.

Obviously topics discussed in camera would not be listed on the website or discussed at town hall meetings.

Having said that, I believe that many municipalities and regional districts are moving too many items to in camera sessions. This leads to rumours and speculation on topics that should be in the public domain.

2. Community response to any large scale natural or man-made disasters. During the fire season of 2017, the CVRD dispatched staff members, including the CAO, to assist regional districts hardest hit by the wildfires in the Interior of our province. There has been to date no disclosure of the total amount of time and dollars expended on this project.

While I think it is a great idea to help out others in need, I do think that it is important for those involved to share any knowledge that was gained from this experience.

I listened to the CAO talk at a forum that I attended, but have yet to see any of his suggestions passed down to the local fire departments or the residents of the CVRD.

I would work toward a directory of equipment and personnel available for use in such an emergency. I would also work on maps with locations and accessibility of ALL water sources available in Area H and the surrounding area.

3. Our water supply and watersheds must be mapped, studied and protected.

A large aquifer runs under the Nanaimo Airport and out to the head of Ladysmith Harbour.

I know that the City of Nanaimo, the Town of Ladysmith and the Chemainus First Nations Band have all expressed interest in this resource. The last listed are currently drilling and testing the aquifer at the intersection of the TCH and Timberlands Road.

I believe that if Area H can make more use of this water resource, we will be in a better position, should our current supply ever be compromised.

Website: www.electmurraymcnab.ca