Lee-Anne Walker has announced she will be running for Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area A Director.

“It’s time to tackle the big issues challenging the rural areas: the preservation of Area A’s rural lifestyle, progressive development, affordable housing, and the mitigation of risks from fire and flood. Water quality, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreational access are essential to those of us living here,” Walker stated.

She said her passion is long-term regional planning.

“What do we want our Elk Valley future to look like in 20, 50, 100 years from now, when our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren live or visit here? I want them to be able to paddle clean rivers, meandering by healthy riverbanks. I see wildlife continuing to live alongside residents, thriving as they rear young. Hunting and fishing will continue to be active pursuits. People will make a decent living in sustainable jobs, and be able to support their families and homes in the Elk Valley.

“There is real potential for resolution through listening to, and understanding others, whose views sometimes differ from my own,” Walker said. “My work with the Elk Valley Cumulative Effects Management Framework, Teck’s Selenium Management Plan, Fernie’s Tourism Master Plan, and the RDEK Area A Sustainable Tourism Project, proves it is possible to build bridges and find new approaches to the development discussion.”

From her earned reputation as an effective leader, Walker says she brings a sense of fair-minded balance to the managed land use debate.

Pursuing her Master’s degree at Royal Roads University, Walker researched how community and decision makers could improve water management practices. It convinced her that common understanding, listening respectfully, and applying a policy of open communication is necessary to make accountable and transparent decisions that affect us all.

Walker said she will apply her experience working with industry, government and community to improve decisions that affect the future of Area A. She is committed to working constructively and collaboratively with RDEK board and staff, as well as all who have vested interests in RDEK board decisions.

“I’ve lived in Area A since 1983,” she noted. “This is my home, the place that I’ve raised my family. It nurtures my heart and soul. I’ve worked my entire career here as an entrepreneur, educator and manager. I’m dedicated to improving our community because I love living life in the mountains playing alongside my friends and neighbours.”

“The RDEK Area A needs a leader with vision, backed by decades of experience with residents,” Walker said. “I have the education, experience, time and energy to dedicate to dedicate to this challenging job, and I’m up for it!”

The municipal, regional government and school board of trustees election is October 15.

Lead image: Lee-Anne Walker on her acreage south of Hosmer. Mark Gallup photo

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