Marie Brotherston
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?
I have lived in the Highlands since 1975. I have raised my children and operated our family business in this community. I served on Highlands council previously from 2002-2005.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I have worked at a number of occupations over the past 40 years, including gym owner, fitness instructor, nutritional consultant, business operator and administrator, and most recently, podcaster.
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
I served on Highlands Council from 2002-2005 and as Highlands representative on the Capital Regional Board during the same period. I was chair of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Vice chair of the environment committee and a member of the Parks Committee. Council representative on CREST (Capital Regions Community Services and Telecommunications)
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
I thought long and hard about running for council. Highlands needs to expand its tax base and I want to make sure that happens. Let’s face it, it would be a lot easier to spend time playing with the grandkids than reviewing policy papers for council meetings. But what happens in this community matters to me. I want my, and your, kids and grandkids to be able to afford to live here, play here, grow here and always feel they are at home. I can offer my experience, my compassion and my ideas to secure our future.
What are your top three issues?
Sensible, environmentally friendly, development of South Highlands to expand the tax base.
Wildfire management and mitigation plan
Expand residential food production and create a farmer’s market.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
A Highlands that retains the values that make it such a treasured community today. The same rural nature and extensive park system that we enjoy today. There would be affordable housing such as secondary suites and innovative housing options to allow seniors to remain in the community.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
Issues are complicated and there is never one big answer to the challenges we face. I do know we need to be innovative and creative for every challenge we do face.
