GERRY WILKIE
What’s your background?
My entire working life of 35 years was spent at the Banff Centre. I was chairman of the Banff Municipal Planning Commission, and retired to Edgewater in 1996. My wife Carol and I appreciate the valley society, its environment and distinctive four seasons.
For several years I was Chairman  of the Edgewater Improvement District Board of Trustees and was elected as RDEK director for Area G in 2008.
What is the main issue facing the Area?
Building on the strong foundation of our existing community and rural values.
We need to encourage diversity in economic initiatives that respect these values and our environment.
What goals would you like to accomplish?
Innovation in planning and zoning to facilitate affordable housing
The establishment of Columbia Valley Community Forest operation
Improvements to communication technology
Fostering agriculture in general, especially small scale food production
A plan to manage rapidly growing recreational tourism
Improvements to local water systems.
What distinguishes me as a candidate?
Having completed three years as the RDEK Area G director, I’ve learned a good deal about how local government can benefit our communities and would like to continue to work on your behalf for another term.
ROBERTA HALL
What’s your background?
My name is Roberta Hall and I was born and raised in Edgewater. I have lived here most of my life and like my parents, Frank and Erika Schnider, I chose to raise my family in the valley. For the past 12 years I have been a small business owner. In my spare time I am a director for the Columbia Valley Community Foundation and have been a trustee on the Board of Education for 9 years.
What is the main issue facing the Area?
The main areas of focus for me, should I become director for Area G, will be connecting communities, economic development and water preservation and usage.
What goals would you like to accomplish?
I strongly believe that by connecting our communities we will build a strong sense of pride and belonging among the residents of the Columbia Valley.
Working collaboratively on economic development and other issues that affect us all, we will better appreciate the differences and similarities we all face. With an economic development plan and implementation I am sure we will see very positive spin-offs, such as opportunities for our youth and young families.
We all know that water is the next “oil.” I want to make sure that all of our communities have safe and sustainable water sources.
We have to protect the water we have, rivers, lakes and wetlands, so for generations to come the Columbia Valley will remain desirable.
What distinguishes me as a candidate?
I am ready to take on the role of director with energy and enthusiasm.
My years on the school board and involvement in communities through my business, has made me very aware of some of the challenges we face. I invite you to my Facebook page “Vote Roberta Hall for RDEK Area G Director.”
If you have questions, concerns or comments please feel free to call me as well at 250-347-6404.