Healthy Community, Healthy People, Healthy Environment

Dr. Kerr's Record as Your Councillor and Regional District Director:

Click each heading to expand the text:

  • Chair of the Comox Valley Family Physician Recruitment and Retention Task Force
  • 44 new family doctors and nurse practitioners have been recruited to the Comox Valley (since Oct 2021)
  • 14,500 patients attached to a new family doctor (since July 2021)
  • The number of patients without a primary care provider has decreased from 13,780 (in 2021) to just 2,200 (as of March, 2024)
  • YES vote in support a new Strategic Plan with 4 lenses: Climate, Accessibility, Fiscal Responsibility, and Reconciliation (Sept 13, 2023)

  • Values include: Respectful Dialogue, Embracing Diversity, and Disciplined Decision Making

  • Strategic Priorities include: Community Connection and Wellness, Economic Health, Organizational Health, Good Governance, and Balanced Community Planning
  • YES vote in support of an Infrastructure Renewal Program (Feb 7, 2024)
  • Voted in favour of closing the infrastructure deficit in 1 year, compared to 5 years (saving taxpayers $5 million) or 10 years (saving taxpayers $11.5 million). Council adopted the 5 year plan.
  • YES vote for Comox supporting a regional Home Energy Navigators Program (Feb 7, 2024). Motion was defeated (4 to 3 vote).
  • YES vote in support of a BCAA Evolve E-Bike sharing program in Comox (Jan 24, 2024).
  • This initiative will allow for more access to affordable active transportation.
  • YES vote in support of a regional Home Energy Navigator Program, to assist residents with making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes and accessing the appropriate federal/provincial grants. (Jan 24, 2024)
  • YES vote in support of prioritize the construction of a bike pump track appropriate for a wide age range, in response to the 2021 Youth Outdoor Recreation Needs Assessment. (Dec 6 and July 12, 2023)
  • Unfortunately, this project was stalled after a 4-to-3 vote by Council on Dec 6th, 2023.
  • YES vote in support of a second turf field to promote active lifestyles and participation in sports (Jan 24, 2024)
  • YES vote in support of a $15,000 contribution towards Phase 3 of the Comox Valley Substance Use Strategy (Dec 6, 2023)
  • YES vote in support of the marina sail building being designated as the emergency warming/cooling centre location for extreme weather events (Dec 6, 2023)
  • YES vote in favour of Comox adopting a new Accessibility Framework, in partnership with the CV Accessibility Committee and the CVRD (Nov 1, 2023)
  • Motion to request developer at the Comox Mall site to revise the application to incorporate public’s feedback, including the requirement for the building to reduce its prominence over the streetscape. (Nov 15, 2023)
  • YES vote in support of Music in the Park, as a free one-day annual event at Marina Park each September (Nov 1, 2023)
  • YES vote in support of construction of multi-sport turf field (CVRD, Nov 5, 2023)
  • Unfortunately, this project was stalled after a 5-to-5 vote by the CVRD board on Dec 5th, 2023.
  • YES vote in support of Residential Emissions Reduction Action Plan that prioritizes actions and leverages existing opportunities to further accelerate energy retrofits and residential emission reduction.
  • • Strategy 1: Implement targeted actions to phase out fossil fuel heating through deep energy retrofits
    • Strategy 3: Launch a home energy retrofit concierge program
    • Strategy 5: Promote energy efficient opportunities and requirements in new construction
    • Strategy 6: Build industry, local government, and homeowner capacity and support education
  • YES vote in support of the Comox Valley Conservation Partnership being included as a referral agency in all major rezoning applications (Oct 4, 2023)

  • Coordinator will receive each development referral package and identify if there are any potential environmental impacts of concern.

  • This process will provide constructive comments and recommendations back to local government.

  • YES vote in support of developing a response to the housing crisis by establishing a housing corporation (or other similar vehicle) that focuses on the creation of non-market rental housing. (CVRD Board, Aug 15 & Sept 12, 2023)
  • YES vote in support of adding a 5th strategic driver focusing on Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CVRD Board, Aug 15, 2023)
  • 5th Strategic Driver: “Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Comox Valley Regional District is committed to ensuring all community members have access to services and feel they belong to our regional community.”
  • YES vote in support of the recommendations of the Airshed Roundtable to improve air quality in the Comox Valley (CVRD Board, Sept 12, 2023)
  • YES vote in support of reducing the speed limit downtown and in residential neighbourhoods. (motion was defeated by a 4 to 3 vote, Aug 9, 2023)

  • Supported the allocation of funds from the 2023 Homelessness Supports Service and the Emergency Shelter Land Acquisition Service towards the creation of purpose-built supportive housing within the City of Courtenay in order to assist with ongoing negotiations between the City of Courtenay and other funding partners/safety net housing providers. (CVRD Board, June 2023) 

  • Complete communities provide a diversity of housing to meet identified community needs and accommodate people at all stages of life, and provide a wider range of employment opportunities, amenities, and services within a 15-20 minute walk. 

  • This work will focus on 4 key areas: housing, daily needs, transportation, and infrastructure.

  • PACTs (Peer Assisted Care Teams) “provide an alternative to police and shift BC’s crisis care to a community-based,

    client-centred, trauma-informed response centred on the mental health and well-being of the affected individual, their

    family, and their community.”

  • Teams comprise two trained individuals, a trained peer and a mental health professional, who go out in response to emergent situations. 

  • Voted Yes towards the Town of Comox proceeding with an application to the BC Community Bat Program to become a Certified Bat-friendly Community. (June 7, 2023)

  • Made the motion and voted YES to:
  • Support the continued efforts to inventory community greenhouse gas emissions and communicate publicly about potential options to reduce community emissions, with an aim to complement the Corporate Energy and Emissions Plan, working towards a Climate Action Plan that addresses both mitigation and adaptation measures for the Comox Valley response to the climate crisis. (Jan 31, 2023) (motion passed)
  • Support regular reporting on climate crisis response actions to the Comox Valley Regional District Board and seek direction on policy objectives and subsequent activities. (Jan 31, 2023) (motion passed)
  • Voted YES in support of a climate action strategy using data from the Community-Wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory to prioritize climate action efforts. (CVRD, April 18, 2023)(motion passed)
  • YES vote to provide funding to K’ómoks First Nation for the National Indigenous People’s Day celebrations (CVRD, May 23, 2023) (motion passed)
  • Listen to Dr. Kerr’s comments at the CVRD board meeting (click here) (March 21, 2023)
  • Listen to Dr. Kerr’s comments and question for Mosaic at the CVRD board meeting (click here) (March 21, 2023)
  • Voted YES to a “Snow Angels” sidewalk assistance plan for Comox, to connect those that need help with snow removal with volunteers/neighbours willing to help. (motion passed)

  • THAT Council direct administration to proceed with a 3 year pilot, Snow Angels Program by creating a list of neighbourhoods in need of volunteers as well as creating a list of volunteers. 

  • Voted YES to a Drainage Infrastructure Protection bylaw, to reduce the amount of sediment-laden water entering the Town’s drainage system including creeks and streams. (motion passed)
  • Voted YES in support of a Regional Emergency Management Program (motion passed)
  • Supported the creation of a regional Social Planner position, to collaborate with member municipalities and the Comox Valley Community Health Network, Comox Valley Social Planning Society, and the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. (March 7, 2023) (motion passed)
  • Voted YES in support of the Town working with the Comox Valley Farmers Market to establish a summer market in Comox as soon as feasible. (motion passed) (March 1, 2023) 
  • Voted YES in support of waiving Development Cost Charges for Affordable Housing projects (Motion passed)
  • Voted YES in support of Comox conducting a Climate Risk Assessment and developing a Climate Action Plan (February 1, 2023) (motion passed)
  • Voted YES in support of a new bike lane and sidewalk for Beaufort Avenue (in front of D’Esterre Seniors Centre and the Blackfin Pub), to be completed as part of the sewer conveyance project. (February 1, 2023) (motion passed)
  • Made the motion and voted YES in support of the Climate Action Petition by Save Our Forest Team (SOFT) be included in the January 18th Strategic Planning discussion on the Green Open House (Motion passed). 
  • Made the motion and voted YES asking for a staff report to be received in a timely manner on options for a summer market in Comox. (Motion passed). 
  • Made the motion and voted YES for:

  • “Whereas the Town of Comox is beginning its strategic planning process;

    And whereas the development of strategic lenses will aid Council by providing structure to how decisions will be made;

    Be it resolved that: A Strategic Planning session be organized as soon as possible for Council, and that a consultant be found to aid in Council in this session.” (Motion passed)

  • Voted YES to a new Affordable Housing Contribution policy focused on providing more affordable places to live for Comox residents. (Motion passed)
    • Listen to Dr. Kerr’s comments from the June 1, 2022 Council meeting (click here).
    • Listen to Dr. Kerr’s comments from the March 16th, 2022 Council meeting (click here)
    • Listen to Dr. Kerr’s comments from the Feb 16th, 2022 Council meeting (click here).
  • Voted YES to a hybrid approach to affordable housing, allowing for both the long-term acquisition of units by the Town, and partnerships with local non-profits. Units acquired over time will be used to provide affordable housing for Comox residents. (Motion passed)
  • 21 family doctors recruited to the Comox Valley since Oct 2021.
  • Over 7,300 patients connected with a new family doctor since July 2021.
  • Voted YES in support of the Comox Valley Regional District’s Regional Climate Action Initiatives, such as reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. (Motion passed)
  • Improving public transit options would simultaneous address equity, accessibility, and climate change.

  • Made the motion and Voted YES in support of initiating new talks with BC Transit to discuss increasing bus routes in Comox and implementing the recommended actions from the Comox Valley Mobility Primer, including advancing the regional Active Transportation Network Plan, supporting public transit improvements, and exploring emerging mobility opportunities. (Motion passed) 

  • Voted YES in support of the Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society and their use of the Sail buildings at the marina to conduct English lessons for Ukrainian refugees. (Motion passed)
  • Voted YES to a regional low-income recreation assistance program, LEAP (Leisure for Everyone Program), to reduce financial barriers to participation in physical activity and recreation programs in Comox. (Motion passed)
  • Voted YES to give approval to the Comox Bay Sailing Club to build a float house at the marina to provide an indoor space to operate training courses. (June 1, 2022)
  • You can listen to Dr. Kerr’s motion and comments from the June 1, 2022 meeting (click here).
  • Voted YES to support the hosting of the 55+ BC Games jointly by the Comox Valley and Campbell River (June 1, 2022).
  • The 55+ BC Games were last hosted by the Comox Valley and Campbell River in 2010, providing 26 different sports/activities.
  • Voted YES to declare May 2022 “Community Resilience Month”. (May 18th, 2022)
  • All residents of Comox and the Valley are invited to attend the Community Listening Event on May 29th at the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park
  • Community Resilience is the sustained ability of a community to draw upon existing resources to adaptively respond, withstand, and recover from adverse and challenging experiences.
  • Community Resilience focuses on the enhancement of day-to-day health and wellbeing of its citizens, and promotes strong community connections, to reduce the harmful impact of adversity and challenges.
  • Made the motion and voted YES to provide a $5,000 contribution towards the K’ómoks Guardian Watchman Program. (May 4th, 2022)
  • Listen to Dr. Kerr’s comments by going to the 10:48 minute mark of the May 4th Council meeting (click here).

  • The K’ómoks Guardian Watchmen are they eyes and ears of the K’ómoks First Nation on the lands and waters within the Traditional Territory of the Nation. The Guardians not only protect these lands from those who would do them harm but actively engage in many activities to enhance or restore habitat and ecosystems.

  • Voted YES to support a $40,000 contribution towards the construction of 12 townhome units for families by Habitat for Humanity. (April 20, 2022)
  • This will add to the affordable housing options in the Comox Valley.
  • Voted YES to support the creation of a Regional Parks Service. (April 20 and July 6, 2022) Motion passed.
  • Proposed an amendment in favour of prioritizing the connectivity of our trails and greenways with our neighbouring municipalities, to encourage active transportation and physical activity. Motion passed.
  • Voted YES to support the lowest tax rate increase in the Comox Valley (4.8%), despite the significant inflationary pressures. (April 20, 2022) Motion passed.
  • The Town of Comox tax rate continues to be in the lowest 25% of BC municipalities.
  • Dr. Kerr is a strong proponent of keeping taxes as low as possible, while at the same time providing high-quality services for residents and thinking long-term to prepare for the future needs of Comox residents.
  • Voted YES to support the City of Courtenay as the primary applicant, to apply for, receive, and manage the UBCM Strengthening Communities Services grant funding ($1.093 million dollars). 
  • Made a motion and voted YES to support a new bike pump track and skate park in Comox. (Motion passed.)
  • Listen to Dr. Kerr’s comments from the March 16th, 2022 Council meeting (click here).
  • Made a motion and voted YES to refer LUSH Valley’s request for grant-in-aid funding for their Good Food Box program to the budget process. (Motion defeated.)
  • Voted YES to writing a letter to the Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions in support of MP Gord John’s private members bill C-126 aimed at addressing the toxic drug supply in B.C. (Motion passed.)
  • Voted YES for a new roundabout to be installed at Comox Avenue and Rodello Street, in order to increase safety (for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from idling cars. (Motion passed)
  • After the Comox Youth Climate Council presented to Comox Council on Feb 2nd, Dr. Kerr made the following “notice of motion”:

    “That administration review the Comox Youth Climate Council’s proposed Green New Deal policies, provide recommendations to Council, and incorporate the analysis into the reporting of the Town’s green initiatives as part of the upcoming Green Open House.” (Motion was introduced on Feb 2nd and passed on Feb 16th.)

  • Listen to Dr. Kerr’s comments by going to the 1:00:10 mark of the Feb 2nd Council meeting (click here).
  • Made the motion and voted YES to a new Tree Retention policy. Jonathan also proposed amending the motion to increase tree retention from 25% to 30%. (Motion passed)
  • Listen to Dr. Kerr’s comments from the Feb 16th Council meeting (click here).
  • Voted YES in favour of the creation of a Heritage Registry policy which will allow for the acknowledgement and protection of significant heritage properties in the Town of Comox.  (Motion passed)
  • Voted YES to support the Comox Valley Regional District to apply for, receive, and manage the Stream Two Poverty Reduction grant funding behalf of the Comox Valley Community Health Network. (Motion passed)
  • You can listen to my reasons for voting AGAINST a pay increase for Council (click here). (Motion passed)
     
  • “I will be voting against this pay raise for Council… It is a real honour and privilege to serve on Council… It is an important part of community service for me… Given the financial hardships for many people in this community, especially given the housing crisis, it sends the wrong message to give Council a pay raise at this time.” Dr. Jonathan Kerr, Jan 19th, 2022
  • Voted YES to approve a $25,000 grant provided to support the 2022 Nautical Days Festival. (Motion passed)
  • Voted YES to support local Arts and Culture and the Sid Williams Theatre Society. (Motion passed)

Contact

Connect with Dr. Kerr at healthycomox@gmail.com

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Dr. Kerr is committed to the core values of:
Sustainability • Respect for diversity • Participatory democracy • Social justice • Ecological wisdom • Non-violence

 

I respectfully acknowledge that I live, work, and play on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.

 

Select photos courtesy of: Bill Jorgensen, Sean Wood, Ali Roddam, Laura Johnston, and Koreen Gurak

 

Material on this site may not be reproduced without permission. 

Authorized by Christy Wagner (healthycomox@gmail.com)