Jim Dinwoodie brings municipal experience to race for Osoyoos mayor

Mayoral candidate Jim Dinwoodie says Osoyoos needs stronger municipal leadership, clearer communication with residents and an administration that handles development approvals more efficiently.

Dinwoodie has lived in Osoyoos for approximately 10 years and says he has more than 33 years of experience working for municipal governments, ranging from the City of Edmonton to communities the size of Osoyoos.

“I have seen what works and what does not,” he said, adding that he wants to use that experience to guide decisions at town hall.

Dinwoodie is openly critical of the current relationship between the Town’s administration, council and the public. He believes there is a disconnect between what residents want and what the administration is doing, and says council has relied heavily on staff because elected officials do not always arrive with municipal-government experience.

He argues that a mayor with a long background in municipal operations would be better equipped to question advice, set direction and ensure the administration carries out council’s priorities.

Taxes and aging infrastructure

Dinwoodie is also direct about property taxes.

“Will I raise your taxes? Absolutely,” he said. “Anyone running for public office who tells you they will not raise your taxes either does not understand how taxes work or is wildly optimistic.”

He noted that he is an Osoyoos property owner and would be paying the same municipal taxes as other residents.

Dinwoodie identifies water, sewer and aging infrastructure as challenges the next council will have to address. Much of the Town’s infrastructure, he said, was installed during the 1950s and 1960s and designed to last between 60 and 75 years.

“It has done its job but now requires some updating and maintenance,” he said.

He does not view those problems as insurmountable. Dinwoodie says council must deal with them in a timely and efficient manner while doing a better job of explaining the work, the costs and the reasons behind its decisions.

“What has been lacking in recent years is the Town’s communication to the public about what is being done to improve our aging infrastructure,” he said.

Tourism, growth and development approvals

Dinwoodie describes tourism as the lifeblood of Osoyoos and says the community should spend more time promoting its strengths.

He believes attracting more visitors can support local businesses and encourage some people to make Osoyoos their permanent home. A larger year-round population, he argues, would help distribute the cost of future infrastructure work across a broader tax base.

That growth would require additional housing. Dinwoodie says the Town must deliver building permits and development approvals more quickly, with council holding the administration accountable for providing an efficient and effective process.

He also wants the community’s public image to focus more heavily on what Osoyoos offers residents and visitors.

“I will start by promoting this town’s many great features and not by complaining about cloudy water and taxes,” he said.

Community involvement

Since retiring, Dinwoodie has taken on several volunteer roles in Osoyoos.

He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Osoyoos and has participated in projects including the community life-jacket station, Canada Day pancake breakfasts and refreshments during the Christmas parade.

Dinwoodie also volunteers at the Osoyoos Food Bank on the second Thursday of each month. He invited residents who want an opportunity to speak with him to join him there while helping people in need.

He serves as vice-president of the Osoyoos and District Arts Council and is president of the OASIS theatre group, which works to develop live theatre in the community.

Dinwoodie believes arts and cultural activities make Osoyoos more interesting for residents while giving visitors another reason to return.

Retirement, he said, gives him the time and energy required to serve as mayor. He also acknowledged the personal commitment made by everyone who has entered this year’s municipal election.

“It is never easy to manage the demands of family, day jobs and community service,” Dinwoodie said.

He encouraged residents to learn about the candidates and exercise their right to vote on election day.