Gord Baird
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
No
Do you live in the municipality where you are running, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to that community?
Yes – Resident for 17 yrs
What is your occupation, and for how long?
Self employed - Water Systems designer and policy consultant; farm/nursery owner (17 years)
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
I am a two term councillor (8 years), and over that time have conitinualy served as Highlands’ representative on the CRD Regional Water Supply Commission (4 years as Vice Chair), and commissioner on the JDF Water Distribution Commission. Prior to council, I served as a director with the Highlands Stewardship Foundation, designed, built and maintain the Eagles Lake cob washroom which houses the regions 1st legally approved compost public toilet. Have brought positive attention to the District with the Eco-Sense project.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
My strengths that combine years of business experience with very strong technological understanding of water, waste, and agricultural systems and policy are needed particularly in a small community facing impacts of climate change and development pressures. It is not uncommon that these skill sets are under represented on council or in a municipal office with a small staffing level. Additionally my work and public presentations on food, water, energy and waste have been a conduit to connecting with the new young families moving to the Highlands, allowing me to ensure their voices are heard.
What are your top three issues?
1. Removing the Provincial incentive to side-step community process over rezonings and land use by enhancing OCP designations tied to the “type of use on the land” to include “how that land-use activity can be done on the land” – i.e. commercial may be required to build to net zero waste, water or energy.
2. Implementing our 20-year-old roadside trails master plan (still relevant) and seek the means and methods to make multi-model transit practical.
3. Connect and encourage new residents to participate in committees and the public process.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
The Highlands continues to be influential in the CRD, providing by demonstration, creative solutions to complex issues. I see a vibrant rural community that continues to attract sustainably focused young families assisting with the cultural transition towards carbon neutral living. Our existing commercial and industrial businesses have become models on incorporating and transitioning what they are able (and some are already doing) to be partners with the District and the residents in meeting our climate targets. I envision that natural assets are fully recognized and valued on the financial statements for community and businesses.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
The big idea is to actually implement a plan – implement our excellent Roadside Trails Master plan that the community worked hard to develope, and that has sat on the shelf council term after council term.
