Did any of these candidates sit down with younger voters to ask what their main issues are? They have just as much say in what city council should be focusing on over the next 4 years.
If they were asked about what they think our biggest issues are, you’d hear that they’re worried about climate change and how it’s affecting our forests and waterways. They’re concerned about unhoused people, why they’re not being housed and looked after. They’re scared of the toxic drug supply. They’re worried about getting a good enough job to be able to afford to stay here. And they’re struggling with the amount of racism and intolerance they are seeing.
Councillors represent the voices of everyone in our community, including younger voters and the Tla’amin Nation. If you’re unable to listen and work together, you shouldn’t be running at all.
Thanks Craig. As always, very informative, particularly the parts about other small communities facing similar challenges.
I think Trina hit the nail on the head last night when she said divisiveness is the number one issue facing Powell River right now. That's clear as day in these comments. We will be hard pressed to make good decisions as a community until people can behave online with a modicum of the respect they would employ in person.
I am born and raised in Powell River. My parents were born and raised in Powell River. My family has been here for over 100 years. I am against the renaming of the city. Yes, Powell River and the rest of Canada has a racist history. We have always been a bit smug about comparing racism in Canada to racism in the USA.
I would definitely not vote for Vizzutti and Sparks. I am in decision mode.
I have talked to some folks who will not vote because they don't know the candidates. They will not make the effort.
Powell River is going through a difficult transition. Some towns/cities in the same situation shrink away. Look at the 'Rust Belt' towns/cities in the USA. The frustration of the people there helped bring us Donald Drumpf. Luckily Powell River has attracted retirees. Powell River has not become Ocean Falls.
We need a thoughtful and intelligent council to help solve our problems. It will not be easy.
Craig, always enjoy your articles. You actually do research!
I keep forgetting you're so lucky to have Trina on your council. She's done so much for nonprofits in the province and I'm glad to see she continues to give back to her communities.
Hey Craig, I really enjoy your writing and agree with your overall synopsis of the issues. But I can't agree with your specific candidate endorsements. I'll tell you my one personal experience with Rob Southcott. He attended a public meeting hosted by the City and sat in the back row with City staff, including one who astro-turfed as a member of the public (questioning other staff without mentioning that they themselves are a City employee in the same department that was presenting). He never spoke in the meeting itself but instead spent the time mocking members of the public who did speak to the staff members next to him.
I'm not sure how I could have any respect for this guy after that, no matter what his record or positions are. All I got was utter contempt for anyone that disagrees with him. I've also watched him talk at many Council meetings and if I had a dollar for every time he went on an irrelevant rant about how hard it is to be a councillor how and how nobody appreciates what a good job he does, I'd be retired by now. My humble opinion, Southcott needs to leave public life and enjoy retirement - he's bitter, jaded and has no ideas to offer.
I think you have a very informed perspective on general social and municipal issues, but elections are also about individuals and I would recommend you look beyond ideological alignment when endorsing candidates.
I am leaning towards Mr. Mowbray, we may need a cool head on council, he seems sensible. I watched the all-candidates forum, Isakson, Elliot and Almedia had a good grasp on the issues. I did not like Collicut with her finger stabbing the air, struck me as a bossy-boots. Sparks a Vizzutti and strong NO!
Thank you for this! Curious if you caught Paddy’s remark at the Chamber of Commerce forum last night, that he’s against harm reduction and believes it leads to the kind of conditions seen in the DTES. Does that change your assessment of his candidacy?
Hi. I did not say I am against harm reduction. Quite the opposite as I have voluntarily worked in harm reduction jobs in the DTES and here.
What I did say is harm reduction alone does not work. We need low barrier housing and shelters, and we have them. I worked in harm reduction programs here in town with the severely addicted. But we also need education and prevention. We need treatment and detox. We need recovery centres. We need enforcement of drug laws. Hope that clarifies .
Thanks for clarifying, Paddy. Just re-watched the recording, and you said, "we need to look at putting prevention, recovery, and enforcement, along with harm reduction. Harm reduction alone does not work."
is it really that hard to imagine a world where someone sharing their views for the sake of engaging with this type of conversation that affects their community?
or is everything you disagree with progressive propaganda?
it's also so weird to me when people are upset about "progressive" views because the opposite is regression...? so what are you actually advocating for?
In a free country like this one where people are allowed to move freely and live anywhere, everyone in that place that is eligible has the right to vote and even more, the right to express an opinion about that place's destiny. Many people were born here share these views, and hope to move forward. You mostly illiterate racists are the past and you've been dragging us down. You cowards with your tightly sealed FB groups that allow only approved messaging are the propagandists.
With Kelly, it's her way or the highway, her disgusting comments on other sites have been noted as has her ignorance and immaturity. We all know that Kelly is Diane Sparks attack dog, she hitched her wagon to a dud!
Powell River needs to get rid of the five councillors and look to the new local candidates. Look at the past four years your city is in debt and four more years with the same councillors will bankrupt your city.
OMG! Three are running for Mayor ffs! There you go! Palm and Woznow were the minority. The 5 others were also voted in by the majority, just like those two. Democracy buddy! Get it through your head already. Geesh!
Wow - quoting and using the CBC for a reference??? How sad ….the nation’s controlled media, Carney’s mouthpiece - no thanks!!!One can only hope you can “analyze” the Eby government as badly as you analyzed and presented Powell River’s scenario!!!
Did any of these candidates sit down with younger voters to ask what their main issues are? They have just as much say in what city council should be focusing on over the next 4 years.
If they were asked about what they think our biggest issues are, you’d hear that they’re worried about climate change and how it’s affecting our forests and waterways. They’re concerned about unhoused people, why they’re not being housed and looked after. They’re scared of the toxic drug supply. They’re worried about getting a good enough job to be able to afford to stay here. And they’re struggling with the amount of racism and intolerance they are seeing.
Councillors represent the voices of everyone in our community, including younger voters and the Tla’amin Nation. If you’re unable to listen and work together, you shouldn’t be running at all.
Thanks Craig. As always, very informative, particularly the parts about other small communities facing similar challenges.
I think Trina hit the nail on the head last night when she said divisiveness is the number one issue facing Powell River right now. That's clear as day in these comments. We will be hard pressed to make good decisions as a community until people can behave online with a modicum of the respect they would employ in person.
Thanks Craig!
Thanks Craig. A very thoughtful article.
I am born and raised in Powell River. My parents were born and raised in Powell River. My family has been here for over 100 years. I am against the renaming of the city. Yes, Powell River and the rest of Canada has a racist history. We have always been a bit smug about comparing racism in Canada to racism in the USA.
I would definitely not vote for Vizzutti and Sparks. I am in decision mode.
I have talked to some folks who will not vote because they don't know the candidates. They will not make the effort.
Powell River is going through a difficult transition. Some towns/cities in the same situation shrink away. Look at the 'Rust Belt' towns/cities in the USA. The frustration of the people there helped bring us Donald Drumpf. Luckily Powell River has attracted retirees. Powell River has not become Ocean Falls.
We need a thoughtful and intelligent council to help solve our problems. It will not be easy.
Craig, always enjoy your articles. You actually do research!
Wonderfully written. I do not live in Powell River, but I do love the community. It has so much potential. I hope it stays strong.
Really good, as always. Thank you
I keep forgetting you're so lucky to have Trina on your council. She's done so much for nonprofits in the province and I'm glad to see she continues to give back to her communities.
Thanks for this, Craig.
Hey Craig, I really enjoy your writing and agree with your overall synopsis of the issues. But I can't agree with your specific candidate endorsements. I'll tell you my one personal experience with Rob Southcott. He attended a public meeting hosted by the City and sat in the back row with City staff, including one who astro-turfed as a member of the public (questioning other staff without mentioning that they themselves are a City employee in the same department that was presenting). He never spoke in the meeting itself but instead spent the time mocking members of the public who did speak to the staff members next to him.
I'm not sure how I could have any respect for this guy after that, no matter what his record or positions are. All I got was utter contempt for anyone that disagrees with him. I've also watched him talk at many Council meetings and if I had a dollar for every time he went on an irrelevant rant about how hard it is to be a councillor how and how nobody appreciates what a good job he does, I'd be retired by now. My humble opinion, Southcott needs to leave public life and enjoy retirement - he's bitter, jaded and has no ideas to offer.
I think you have a very informed perspective on general social and municipal issues, but elections are also about individuals and I would recommend you look beyond ideological alignment when endorsing candidates.
I am leaning towards Mr. Mowbray, we may need a cool head on council, he seems sensible. I watched the all-candidates forum, Isakson, Elliot and Almedia had a good grasp on the issues. I did not like Collicut with her finger stabbing the air, struck me as a bossy-boots. Sparks a Vizzutti and strong NO!
Thank you for this! Curious if you caught Paddy’s remark at the Chamber of Commerce forum last night, that he’s against harm reduction and believes it leads to the kind of conditions seen in the DTES. Does that change your assessment of his candidacy?
Hi. I did not say I am against harm reduction. Quite the opposite as I have voluntarily worked in harm reduction jobs in the DTES and here.
What I did say is harm reduction alone does not work. We need low barrier housing and shelters, and we have them. I worked in harm reduction programs here in town with the severely addicted. But we also need education and prevention. We need treatment and detox. We need recovery centres. We need enforcement of drug laws. Hope that clarifies .
Thanks for clarifying, Paddy. Just re-watched the recording, and you said, "we need to look at putting prevention, recovery, and enforcement, along with harm reduction. Harm reduction alone does not work."
https://youtu.be/acsBM6cWkGM?si=S6F7M0jXMoK0nWYB&t=4800
time stamp 1h20m
Thank you for taking the time to confirm. It is very appreciated.
Ugh that’s so disappointing. I heard he was kind of a jerk in a personal way but was hoping he was at least informed.
Who?
Funny considering you are not from Powell River.....this is nothing more than Progressive Propaganda....with NDP backing
is it really that hard to imagine a world where someone sharing their views for the sake of engaging with this type of conversation that affects their community?
or is everything you disagree with progressive propaganda?
it's also so weird to me when people are upset about "progressive" views because the opposite is regression...? so what are you actually advocating for?
In a free country like this one where people are allowed to move freely and live anywhere, everyone in that place that is eligible has the right to vote and even more, the right to express an opinion about that place's destiny. Many people were born here share these views, and hope to move forward. You mostly illiterate racists are the past and you've been dragging us down. You cowards with your tightly sealed FB groups that allow only approved messaging are the propagandists.
You do understand the opposite of Progressive is Regressive, right?
With Kelly, it's her way or the highway, her disgusting comments on other sites have been noted as has her ignorance and immaturity. We all know that Kelly is Diane Sparks attack dog, she hitched her wagon to a dud!
Maybe you should be the one doing the deeper thinking.
Brilliant comeback Karen Bourassa! "I know you are, but what am I?" Haha
Explain why?
A very biased article. You basically laid out who I would vote for in your not to vote for section.
yeah, it's ok to have a bias.
Karen, I am sure you have plenty of bias yourself, do some deeper thinking on the issues.
Powell River needs to get rid of the five councillors and look to the new local candidates. Look at the past four years your city is in debt and four more years with the same councillors will bankrupt your city.
Municipalities in Canada aren't legally allowed to go into debt. The city had reserve fund balance of $43 million at the end of 2025. (see page 21 of the city's financial plan) https://powellriver.civicweb.net/FileStorage/A25272A995D94E41B3537BE71BBD5769-Appendix%20A%20–%20Draft%202%202026%20–%202030%20Five-Year%20Financi.pdf
OMG! Three are running for Mayor ffs! There you go! Palm and Woznow were the minority. The 5 others were also voted in by the majority, just like those two. Democracy buddy! Get it through your head already. Geesh!
Well, we're definitely losing 3, but one might become Mayor...
Wow - quoting and using the CBC for a reference??? How sad ….the nation’s controlled media, Carney’s mouthpiece - no thanks!!!One can only hope you can “analyze” the Eby government as badly as you analyzed and presented Powell River’s scenario!!!
lol you didn’t read it