Rob Wynen
Running for: Councillor
Age: 47
Occupation: Kinesiologist
How long have you lived on Bowen?: 5 years
Who inspires you? (Alive, dead, fictional, local, national, international - anyone): People who selflessly contribute to the community
Please list any current and past committees you've been a part of and how long you served on each (in list form): Vice chair Bowen Transportation Advisory Committee (3 years), Ferry Advisory Board (2 years), Bowfest Board (3 years), Vancouver School Board
What are your priorities if elected (beyond housing or transportation.): Keeping our unique island character in the face of an expanding region. A vibrant, pedestrian-focused Snug Cove surrounded by forests. Sound fiscal management.
Housing is emerging as one of the top issues of this election - what would you specifically do to address the lack of affordable and/or rental housing?: We need to provide more choices in housing outside of single family buildings. Housing needs to be centrally located where we can service them and not create sprawl into our forests. We can relax our building code to allow for more innovative housing types and consider bonuses for affordable units.
How would you address the animal control issues of deer and skunks on-island?: I just lost my chickens and ducks to otters, it is part of living with wildlife. Vigilance by us all would go a long way.
What ideas do you have for managing Bowen's tourism tensions?: I believe we need to focus on visitors who appreciate our unique island, not globe trotters looking to fill up their "bucket list." Closer to home, walk-on visitors who don't create huge impacts, appreciate our natural environment and respect our local residents. I like the term visitors, not tourists.
Air BnB - yes or no? Why?: I am open to looking at this issue. While I am not a big fan of heavy regulation, I do have concerns that our housing stock may be limited by vacation rentals. I will approach this issue with an open practical mindset.
In a campaign (so far) characterized by candidates agreeing with one another-what do you feel is at stake in this election?: Our region is changing rapidly. At stake is the potential for us to become a suburb of Vancouver, that we lose our unique island lifestyle.
Facebook page: Rob Wynen
