Robin Burger
Running for: Councillor
Occupation: Retired
How long have you lived on Bowen?: 28 years
Who inspires you? (Alive, dead, fictional, local, national, international - anyone): My family and friends
Please list any current and past committees you've been a part of and how long you served on each: I have volunteered in a leadership role in affordable housing for over 25 years on Bowen including: A founder and chair Bowen Community Housing Association (2005 until inactive 2016). Member municipal Secondary Suites Task Force (2001-2003). Master of arts in community psychology, thesis on local housing policy development (2016). Ongoing research and community dialogue on housing.
What are your priorities if elected (beyond housing or transportation.): Protecting our environment and natural resources especially water due to climate change and development on the island. Supporting local businesses.
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?: I would utilize my current and local MA housing research to address the gaps in process for planning, policy, and community consultation required to move forward to bring housing projects to fruition on Bowen. These key issues need priority in order to provide any future housing on the island.
How would you address the animal control issues of deer and skunks on-island?: I would suggest humane best practices outlined by the BCSPCA with as little cost to the taxpayer as possible and consider a community awareness program.
What ideas do you have for managing Bowen's tourism tensions?: Bowen's tourism tensions need to be managed in a way that tourism growth avoids negative impacts occurring in our community. We need to carefully consider how we manage tourism to promote economic growth while balancing impacts on our community related to social and environmental sustainability including housing.
Air BnB - yes or no? Why?: Air BnB has had significant impacts on long term housing stock in many communities throughout the world. While some members of our community benefit from increased income, loss to our local housing stock outweighs these benefits. We have lost too many islanders due to decreasing and lack of housing options.
In a campaign (so far) characterized by candidates agreeing with one another-what do you feel is at stake in this election?: What is at stake in this election is progress on a number of issues and concerns in our community particularly housing.
