Scott Armstrong puts water, housing and economic growth at centre of mayoral campaign

Mayoral candidate Scott Armstrong says water treatment would be his first priority in office, followed by changes to development approvals, new worker housing and a tighter approach to municipal spending.

Armstrong’s platform also calls for a primary care facility in Osoyoos and more year-round events aimed at strengthening tourism and attracting investment.

Independent review of water plans

Armstrong says he would begin by examining the work already completed by the Town on Osoyoos water systems.

He proposes having the Town’s plans independently reviewed by someone with experience building water-treatment plants in British Columbia before deciding how to proceed.

“Water is our number one priority going forward,” Armstrong said.

Once a treatment method is selected, Armstrong wants the construction contract to carry one fixed price and include protections against cost overruns.

Return building services to Osoyoos

Armstrong wants the Town to restore its own building department rather than relying on the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen for planning, building permits and inspections.

He says bringing those services back in-house would give Osoyoos more control over the approval process and help establish a more cooperative relationship with builders, developers, businesses and residents.

Armstrong also believes development applications should reach mayor and council for a decision rather than being rejected at the front counter.

His goal, he said, is to encourage construction and redevelopment while increasing the Town’s property-tax base.

Housing for seasonal and service workers

Armstrong proposes building lower-cost housing for seasonal and service-industry workers who struggle to find an affordable place to live in Osoyoos.

He says the housing would help people establish themselves in the community while giving new and existing businesses a larger and more stable workforce.

According to Armstrong, a proponent is already prepared to pursue the project as a public-private partnership, commonly known as a P3. He says the development could be built without cost to the Town, although no details about the proposed site, financing structure or participating developer were included in his platform.

Predictable taxes and restrained spending

Armstrong says municipal taxes should become more affordable and predictable so residents and businesses can plan their budgets with greater confidence.

He acknowledges that council will face difficult spending choices and says municipal budgets should focus on needs rather than wants for the foreseeable future.

Primary care in Osoyoos

Healthcare is another part of Armstrong’s platform.

He wants Osoyoos to pursue the creation of a primary care facility, arguing that changes to the traditional family-practice model require the community to consider other ways of delivering local care.

Armstrong says other British Columbia communities have established different primary-care models and that Osoyoos should examine every available option.

Expanding the tourism season

Armstrong describes tourism as Osoyoos’ main economic driver but believes the community needs more events and experiences outside the summer season.

“We need to create more energy in Osoyoos,” he said.

He argues that drawing visitors throughout the year would support local businesses, create employment and encourage both new development and the redevelopment of existing properties.

Armstrong says those efforts, together with a more cooperative development process, would expand the tax base and help distribute the cost of municipal services among more properties.