Every Facebook post from both Area D campaigns, newest first, in full. Read what each candidate said and when, and judge for yourself.
Bernadette's posts, text and images, are copied from her Facebook page, Bernadette for Area D, and the ones with factual claims link to their sources. John Rice's posts are copied word for word from his page, John Rice Area D Director, on October 13, 2026, with his photos, and each one links to the original post (videos play there). If a post is edited or removed later, this page won't show it. Comments are included as they appeared on each post on October 13, 2026, with commenters shown by first name and last initial. 45 posts from Bernadette and 39 from John.
Bernadette LaFleur · October 13, 2026
Read page 2: what the Minister wrote John
John posted the Minister's letter to him. Read page 2.
His post says the Minister "confirmed that the Province approved the process." Here's what she wrote:
"I have chosen not to use this authority but have encouraged the regional district board to reconsider its decision to seek assent for the entire service area, rather than separately."
John's own letter asked her to support the pooled referendum. She didn't. She asked the board to let each area vote separately.
You can be for or against Bylaw 643. But if you're going to post the Minister's letter, tell people what it says.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
John Rice Reading the full letter makes the provincial decision crystal clear: No Provincial Override: The Minister explicitly stated she chose not to exercise her statutory authority to stop or alter Bylaw 643. That means the SRD’s pooled referendum is 100% legally approved to proceed on October 17. Respecting Local Jurisdiction: While Ministers often offer policy suggestions, local government decisions are made by elected boards and local voters—not Victoria. Full Transparency: I published the complete 3-page letter and ministerial response on my facebook so every voter can read the raw text for themselves.
Bernadette LaFleur John, nobody said it was illegal. There's legal, and there's right. The Minister got many requests to step in. She chose not to, and asked the board to let each area vote separately. You asked her to back the pooled vote. She didn't. You say these decisions belong to local voters, not Victoria. You're the one who wrote to Victoria. And with a pooled vote, Quadra can vote no and still be outvoted by Campbell River. Posting the letter was good. Your summary of it wasn't
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur it feels like your focus is aligned with quadra voters and not what is best for Area D. Can you explain?
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa, my focus hasn't changed. People should get a real say in what they pay for. Area D had $121.7 million in borrowing go through by AAP, and we never got a vote. I've said that's wrong. If I want a fair say for Area D, I can't turn around and say it doesn't matter when it's Quadra. John says Bylaw 643 would lower Area D's share, and I'm not pretending otherwise. My post was about something else: John told people the Minister backed him, and she did
John Rice Bernadette LaFleur Appreciate the candid feedback. Here is the core reason behind my position and my letter to the Minister: • Protecting Area D Ratepayers: I wrote to Victoria to advocate for Area D families who have carried 100% of the non-municipal tax load for Strathcona Gardens for decades. • Sub-Regional Equity: Strathcona Gardens is a single shared facility used by multiple communities. A pooled referendum ensures every user across the proposed service area gets one equal vote on a shared regional asset. • Full Transparency: The Minister chose not to override the Board, leaving the choice to voters. I posted both complete letters unedited so residents can read the exact text and decide for themselves on October 15th or Oct 17th.
John Rice · October 13, 2026
Setting the Record Straight: Strathcona Gardens Referendum I’ve heard from many residents regarding the recent CHEK News story on the Strathcona Gardens Referendum, and I want to ensure Area D taxpayers have the full facts. To provide complete transparency, I have posted both my 3-page letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and her official response. Here are the facts: • Standing Up for Area D: My letter urged the Province to review regional funding structures so Area D residents aren't forced to carry an unfair financial burden for sub-regional recreation. • Provincial Confirmation: The Minister confirmed that the Province approved the process in July 2026 and respects local government jurisdiction, leaving the final decision where it belongs: in the hands of local voters. Standing up for Area D taxpayers at the Board Table isn't always easy, but fighting for fiscal equity is my job. On Advance Voting Day (Oct 15) or General Election Day (Oct 17), I ask for your vote so we can continue Building Tomorrow Together. Authorized by Jacqueline Rice Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
John Rice Reading the full letter makes the provincial decision crystal clear: No Provincial Override: The Minister explicitly stated she chose not to exercise her statutory authority to stop or alter Bylaw 643. That means the SRD’s pooled referendum is 100% legally approved to proceed on October 17. Respecting Local Jurisdiction: While Ministers often offer policy suggestions, local government decisions are made by elected boards and local voters—not Victoria. Full Transparency: I published the complete 3-page letter and ministerial response on my facebook so every voter can read the raw text for themselves.
Deborah R. Mr Rice, * Our area on Quadra already has a community centre, yours does not so it uses the gardens for that. * We have a ferry constraint, meaning extra $25-$40 cost every time we use the ferry and exorbitant time - particularly during five months of tourism season. Yours does not. * Get some real data on actual use like the Minister suggested in her July letter - which matches precedent of other areas. See attached pic for page 1 of her letter; Page 2 provided in separate post. * And do correct your first consultant report’s error - where in one line it said that all of Quadra was within 45 minutes and the map on the next page showed it wasn’t... the northern parts of the island were NOT depicted as being within the 45 minute (GIS based) window, but your area and Courtenay and Comox and most of Sayward was… As one example, my home is more than an hour away from the gardens if driving straight onto the ferry - and this is each way and without a lineup which rarely happens. * and next time, please make sure our Director on Quadra receives letters from the Minister addressed to the Board as she is part of that Board and to not provide it to her is rather poor governance don’t you think? We do. * If you’d like to help your community why not consider a service withdrawal process for the gardens. It is my understanding your community was once given the chance to effectively withdraw and make the gardens a sole CR facility since they enjoy most of the benefits… Rather than try and rope us in - why not seek your fairness through that process. * Remember we have almost no basic services here on Quadra and if we were to chuck $460 per average home per year on something, we would prefer our taxes go toward such basic fundamentals and not a ‘want’ that isn’t even our want or anything we voted on to incur $120million in new debt - that was your choice. Now live with it or reduce your expectations for a non-essential service… best accountability available. * And btw, the savings per year for your average home is only $71, of which less than $20 of that figure relates to adding Quadra; the rest is from the change in your ‘inclusion rate’ from 100% to 90%. * $20 per year per average home…. Gee that’s worth charging Quadra $460 and the ferry cost as well. And please don’t suggest that we can take the bus - there is no bus stop at the ferry. What - you think our seniors can hoof it up to the bus stop with their gear and run other errands too, etc. let’s see you do that or take the ferry to the gardens from Granite Bay or Bold Point and see how that experience goes for you… *fairness and good process matters - as the minister said more recently… to maintain the public trust. This process has completely failed in that…
Mark R. Can you explain why it says fiscal equality when in fact the numbers per household are not, why the letter was buried, and why CR gets to vote on Quadras inclusion?
John Rice Mark R. It was a letter sent to me personally, not the board. The Board got its own letter, which was posted publicly. I am merely sharing the letter I received to provide clarity to my constituents here in Area D.
Lance D. Just be honest. How many uses did the 944 accounts add up to? It says a lot that you won’t tell us. Excellent manipulation of numbers, another wedge between the government and the people. Are you stupid or just crooked?
Lee D. How do I easily get to the rec center when I live km's away from the ferry? All my amenities are walking distance and that's fine. Shall I catch the non existent bus, or perhaps I'm required to buy a vehicle to make use of this taxation scheme. Will you subsidize my new vehicle? Or perhaps a brand new shuttle could suffice. Otherwise, I, like the VAST majority, do not use the rec center, as traveling to Campbell River for a skate/swim requires more time than is practical. Also do you really think we believe 1/3 of the island uses the center. C'mon, your math, ain't mathing.
Daniel S. BYLAW 643: Quadra island deserves a fair say. In 2023 and 2025, Campbell River and Area D participated in Alternative Approval Processes (AAPs) for major Strathcona Gardens borrowing, $64.67 million and $57.1 million, respectively. Residents in those areas had an opportunity to formally oppose the borrowing. If opposition reached the statutory 10% threshold, the borrowing could not proceed through the AAP process. Quadra was not included in those AAPs. We did not have that same opportunity as a community to oppose the borrowing. Now Quadra is being asked to join the existing recreation service and take on a new property-tax contribution under Bylaw 643. Yet our circumstances are very different. There is no regular bus service connecting Quadra to Strathcona Gardens. Every visit means a ferry crossing, additional travel costs and potentially lengthy lineups that add time and uncertainty to the journey. There is another fundamental concern: under a combined majority vote, Quadra residents could overwhelmingly oppose joining and still be brought into the service if voters across the wider area approve it. Our community could be outvoted on a decision that directly affects our taxes and future obligations. How were our actual usage, ferry access, travel costs and barriers to participation accounted for in the studies and funding formula? Why should Quadra be required to join a service it has never participated in without a separate decision by Quadra residents? This is not about opposing recreation. It is about fairness, transparency and meaningful local representation. Quadra deserves the opportunity to decide its own future. Our community's position should not be overridden by a majority of voters elsewhere.
Anette G. Increasing Quadra Island’s taxes with 51 %. Let me repeat “51%” to cover for a facility that Quadrites hardly ever use. Over 50 % increase on our taxes so Area D can save less than $80 a year. Is that fair?
Ian M. Can you explain why, after the Minister expresses her strong desire to have separate votes for the affected areas, you and the rest of the CR reps refused to do so? Can you explain these apparent 944 unique use accounts? How far back does this go? How many were used for one off events? 944 is approximately 1/3 of Quadra’s population. There isn’t a snowflakes chance in hell that 1/3 of our residents regularly use this facility. Can you explain why you cite Nanaimo (& neighbouring Gabriola Island) as justification to include Quadra at 80% yet Gabriola contributes at 10%. No one is saying we shouldn’t contribute, we are saying the amount is too high. I get that the burden on your rate payers is high but you voted to borrow $121 million dollars and that’s the price. Quadra was not consulted. We had no say. Now we say NO!
David A. So Area D residents face significant difficulty getting to Strathcona gardens by bus..... Apparently up to an hour. Did you get washer things if you're trying to contrast and compare the access Area D residents have, compared to Quadra Islanders, this is a red herring for sure. Quadra residents have no bus service of course. It all boils down to how is it just that rate payers in another area choose to build a facility and then want us to pay for it and not give us an opportunity, a fair opportunity to register our views? This is taxation without representation. Period.
Chantal C. As a homeowner and property tax payer on Quadra Island, the fact that my taxes are to go up by 50% or more directly related to the Strathcona Gardens build is completely absurd. How is this fiscal equity? And why isn’t this mentioned in your fancy letter? I don’t believe most people on Quadra are opposed to paying something but asking us to pay this amount for something we had no say in and the majority of us won’t use is again absurd. Would Campbell Riverites like to have there taxes raised by 50% to have our non existing public services built here on Quadra? ie., bus service, garbage pick up, sewage, water… And the kicker is we do not get to vote in your municipal elections either. So voting NO is the only transparent vote.
Greenland D. Thank you for showing your true colours, yet again John Rice. I hope your constituents understand the rude, underhanded attitude you take during meetings towards other directors who aren't in alignment with your agenda. So your potential voters understand, Quadra island was not asked if we wanted a new pool, or how costly that pool would be. We have only been coerced into paying for it once the bill has sky rocketed beyond initial estimates (which I would also question if I was an area D voter). Fundamentally, this is not about whether I use the pool, this is about fair democratic process and a board that respects the people rather than the agenda. Did I need a larger pool with a bigger water slide, more swim lanes and fountains in order to learn water safety? Nope. And for the record, I used the pool once a year for two years for kid swim programs.
Deborah R. Page 2 of Minister’s letter from July addressed to the Board of Directors… our Director on Quadra only found out about it as we (community members) did an FOI request and shared it with her to her stunned amazement that she hadn’t been provided with it.
Philip S. How any local politician looked at the current geopolitical climate and thought that saddling your constituents with a debt in excess of $120 million is totally beyond me. To say nothing of the underhand way that debt is now being extended to Area C without prior consultation. "Setting the record straight"? yea sure, fighting for your political life more like it.
Claudia L. John Rice not setting the record straight, just putting your personal, and unreasonable, spin on it. VOTE NO!
Lee D. Claudia L. Completely
Kendall F. Area D residents we need your help! Please VOTE NO on bylaw 643. We have had no say in this project or the borrowing for it. It is undemocratic to force us into paying after the fact for a series of decisions we were never a part of.
Jim A. Please consider the source! This Director is terrified of losing his lucrative seat as Director and his posting is nothing but the usual “spin”. Trickster at best Area D and CR and the SRD have concealed the truth on this entire issue. Don’t listen to this person. He is running scarred.
Anna H. It states in the minister’s reply that you must have elector approval before the bylaw is adopted. The letter is a bit blurry. Isn’t part of your role as Director to uphold fair municipal rules that make our system democratic?
Paul R. What a bunch of Horse Puckey! This a desperate attempt of a desperate man trying desperately to get re-elected! I urge the residents of Area D to not fall for this!
Heidi R. Could you explain to us in plain English how you came up with the number of Quadra users? Can you also confirm that there is no bus that connects with the Quadra ferry? I have asked these questions of your mayor but I have yet to receive a response? The impression is is that the first report said that there was not significant use by Quadra and then the SRD hired another consultant who used some other data to find out that there were people being used? There seems to be lots of people contradicting the information being spread by yourself the mayor and other counselors and as of yet no one has responded to any of our questions all that you've done is continue spreading misinformation that is deceptive and providing information to Campbell River voters that is skewed to your desires.
Henry G. Many residents on Quadra have a 30 minute drive just to get in the line up for the ferry. Without consultation it seems like you are seeking revenge of some kind. Thieves belong in jail. Please don’t steal
Michael G. I've got to hand it to you. "Quadra islands inclusion as a service participant" Is a slick way of saying: force our neighbours into a massive tax increase, to help pay for a fancy new facility because we got carried away and the project cost has doubled.
Anna H. [image]
Lee D. Anna H. I gotcha,
Bernadette LaFleur · October 12, 2026
Happy Thanksgiving, Area D
Happy Thanksgiving, Area D.
I'm grateful for this place. The trees, the river, the beach, and the people who make it home. These last few weeks you've opened your doors to me, made me coffee, told me what's on your mind, and asked me hard questions. Thank you for all of it.
Whatever your table looks like today, I hope it's full and the company is good.
Bernadette
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Maureen H. you do know that John is only one vote right??? you do know that if 10% of the eligible electorate make written submission against AAP that it must then go to referendum right? and you do know that in order to "save tax payer dollars" that these financial decisions you speak of would only be financially prudent for referendum every 4 years during election right? and finally - you do know that any form of voting whether AAP or referendum would involve votes cast by all CR as well as all 4 districts eligible electorate...from your stance either the wheels would grind to a halt or we would be on the hook for an awful lot of referendums if you were to get your way
Elaine J. Maureen H. Happy Thanksgiving!
Maureen H. Elaine J. ...thanks you and yours as well
Sandy R. Maureen H. your condescending tone is offensive and makes me not interested in what you have to say. There is a way to get your point across without the aggressiveness. Soften your approach. It will go a long way.
Bernadette LaFleur Maureen H. Yes, John is one vote. But the Area D director's job is also to make sure people out here know when an AAP is happening. That's my point. Yes, 10% of electors can force a referendum. On the arena, 1,813 people objected. That's 5.5%, and most people I talk to never heard it was happening. The threshold only works if people know. You're right that a referendum costs less at election time. The arena AAP closed in September 2025, about a year before this election. And the plan changed again this June, when they added a third ice sheet. There was time to put it on this fall's ballot, the same way Bylaw 643 is on it right now. I'm not asking for a referendum on everything. My platform says truly major spending goes to a vote. $57 million is major. And it isn't all four areas. The arena is paid for by Campbell River and Area D, so those were the only voters in that AAP.
Maureen H. Bernadette LaFleur ...I wasn't referencing Strathcona Gardens - but using that example - the threshold was not met - you do reference the 1813 voters who submitted their vote in objection - what you do not reference is how many of those votes were Area D votes vs CR votes noting that there are approximately 3385 eligible voters in Area D and 29,700 in CR - that's an important number to know as it would have taken almost every voter in Area D to have shut this down at the AAP and push it to referendum...which comes back to my point of the referendum cost that would be borne by us all and if only say even 500 participated in the AAP is it prudent to put this cost on everyone when the turnout of an expensive referendum would likely be similar? You want any truly major spending as per your comments/platform and I point to my previous comment on my thoughts regarding what I feel your plan will result in...AAP's were introduced for a reason - they are advertised - I would even go so far as to suggest that if an info packet was mailed to every home that the turnout would be similar - my goodness look at the Municipal elections turnout and their are signs all over the neighborhoods informing everyone ...I guess my position is clear - why should we all be on the hook for the cost of a referendum when voter turnout for major elections is so low 1294 votes cast out of 3385...38%
Bernadette LaFleur Maureen, your numbers make my case. Area D has about 3,400 voters and Campbell River about 29,700. On a shared AAP, Area D can't stop anything on its own, even if every one of us objected. That's exactly why our director has to speak up for us before it gets that far. Your turnout numbers say the same thing. 38% of Area D voted in the last election. On the arena AAP, 5.5% objected. People show up when they know there's a vote. They don't when it's a form most of them never hear about. Telling people isn't expensive either. The Oyster River AAP was 704 voters in Area D. Mailing 704 homes costs a lot less than a referendum. I'm not asking for a referendum on everything. Put the big spending on the ballot at election time, when it costs almost nothing extra, and make sure every home hears about the rest.
Maureen H. Bernadette LaFleur ..."Area D has about 3,400 voters and Campbell River about 29,700. On a shared AAP, Area D can't stop anything on its own, even if every one of us objected. That's exactly why our director has to speak up for us before it gets that far." trying to clarify - the Area director needs to speak up for us before something gets to an AAP - can you point to a time when that hasn't happened in the past 4 years, I mean between the monthly posted updates and the town hall meetings nothing has "caught me by surprise"....again for clarity - "On the arena AAP, 5.5% objected" was that a total % of Area D and CR or just Area D? and I am not sure what you are referencing here or why it's just Oyster River and not all Area D " The Oyster River AAP was 704 voters in Area D. Mailing 704 homes costs a lot less than a referendum."
John H. Maureen H. You do know that John is only one vote right??? “only one vote” is something Rice likes to say when his is involved in something that he fails at, is unpopular or goes sideways (like the massive Phase 2 arena screw up ). “only one vote” is his attempt at plausible deniability. Meanwhile, he takes credit for things like the entire water meter project, claiming that he alone got it done (a Trumpish type of claim) that he has no right to. You can’t take credit when things go the way you want and then claim to be an innocent bystander when they don’t. As a Strathcona Gardens Commissioner, Rice was just as responsible as the rest of the Commissioners for bringing to the Board an arena project that was scrapped immediately after the funding authority was secured via AAP. The Strathcona Gardens Commission is an advisory body whose role it was to bring to the Board their conclusions and advice on the Phase 2 project which they had garnered from staff assigned to oversee the design and construction of the new arena. The Commission’s failure to thoroughly fact-check the staff’s assurances that the project proposal had used fulsome and up-to-date data considering the needs and wishes of stakeholders (Campbell River Hockey Association). Had Rice and his fellow commissioners taken the time to do their due diligence by actually asking for and studying the data that staff said they were relying on, they would have found that the hockey association was bitterly opposed to the project because of the loss of ice time during construction was 3 to 4 times longer than they had agreed to during staff consultations. He had 3 years to do that. Failure to do this necessary fact checking on behalf of their constituents has resulted in; A protracted and expensive construction start delay. Construction could have started as soon as last Dec. according to Leitch, producing $6 mil cost savings due to contractor continuity. Considerable waste of tax dollars spent on contracted design work (apparently over $1 mil) that ended up in the trash. Expensive staff time wasted on project design management, construction timing and workflow that was immediately tossed in the garbage after the funding authority was acquired and SRD changed their mind. Wasted time and remuneration for Commissioners and staff at SG Comm. meetings discussing the wrong project. Extra costs associated with redesigning the interface between the Phase 1 pool project and whatever it is they are planning for the old arena. Lack of trust in the commission, SRD Board and SRD staff in it’s ability to competently deliver projects. Delayed starts add significant cost increases in material and labour due to inflation. Tariffs on the significant amount of material sourced from the US will likely drive up the cost Possible loss of the walking track and a Junior A compliant arena. No one in Area D, except Rice, knows what the Comm. and SRD Board are planning to build because anything of substance discussed at SG Comm. and SRD Board meetings are done under a cone of silence, in closed session and nothing will be, very conveniently I might add, announced until after the election. During the AAP, Rice was very vocal about what a marvelous facility Phase 2 would be and how it would bring the “right kind" of people to Campbell River. He went to great lengths to paint detractors as misinformed malcontents when it turns out the malcontents were right all along. He told his constituents to pay no attention to critics of Phase 2 but to rely only on information coming from the SRD. The SRD website included the ludicrous assertion that user fees would help to pay for the capital costs of Phase 2 when, in reality, the SG Gardens annual operational costs exceed user fees by $10 mil and are heavily subsidized by taxpayers. That information was total malarkey. This is a $60,000,000 project. In the corporate world, massive screw ups like this would be dealt with harshly. A corporate board would be looking for those responsible and heads would roll. The staff in charge of project design and the committee that had brought their recommendations to the board table would be held accountable. Has there been any ramifications for staff including the CAO whose is ultimately responsible for outcomes? Has the SRD board done anything about the incompetence and lack of due diligence on the part of the SG Comm.? Rice is supposed to be our voice on the Commission and on the Board (that is actually two voices). If he just sits at these meeting nodding his head in agreement with staff and the CR Directors while collecting $160 for his time, without doing his homework, he is not doing his job. If your financial advisor had caused you to lose a large sum of money because they had failed to read the prospectus before advising you on an investment, would you not go to another advisor? It’s time for change. Stop the clown car, we want to get off.
Maureen H. John H. ...why don't you reply from your personal FB page rather than one created to "hide behind" here...did not even bother to read whatever you wrote because it's likely as fake as this profile you are posting under
John H. Nice try, this is from my personal account, had it for 10 years or so. The only one I've ever had. Why is everything you comment on sound like John Rice?
Elaine J. Maureen H. facts are facts.
Clayton B. Maureen H. I think you will find that they only have to consider a petition if the eligible amount of people sign it. The petition was almost full, just shy of the number needed and they didn’t even consider it. The cost of referendums would be better than spending the same on renovating a 50-year-old rank when places like Fort McMurray built a brand new rink for the same price. 
Ken B. Actually its because we already had a referendum and it failed. This Alternative Approval Process is a travesty of Democracy. 57 million ... not approved by me.
Robbie T. It will cost way more. And how come we never heard of the final number of written submissions. And I agree. Is should of went to a referendum. We have the right to voice our concerns on a civic project this size. Pushing through this crap is unacceptable.
John Rice · October 9, 2026
Wishing Area D a Happy Thanksgiving! As we head into the Thanksgiving weekend, I’m stepping back from the campaign trail for a couple of days to pause, spend time with family, and reflect on everything we have to be grateful for in our wonderful community. No door-knocking or campaign posts over the holiday—just good food, family, and appreciating the place we all call home. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, restful, and happy Thanksgiving! Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Jim A. Nice message, John! Wish all of Quadra Islanders could do the same with the spectre of a 51% tax increase hanging over their Thanksgiving festivities. I hope all of Area D and CR think about how that will impact families on Quadra. Happy Thanksgiving.
Maureen H. Enjoy your time with your family John...and appreciate the break
Billie H. Have a wonderful family time!
Teresa P. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, enjoy the much needed break
Bernadette LaFleur · October 9, 2026
ReCreate: clarity, or confusion?
Did the way the SRD used two AAPs for the ReCreate project give us clarity — or confusion?
Total borrowing across both phases: $121.7 million. The first AAP, $64.6 million, inferred it was for both phases. No estimate of the cost of borrowing. The full residential tax load will not appear on your tax notice until construction begins — and it will become the biggest line item on your taxes.
Nine-figure borrowing should never be approved by AAP.
Did John Rice make sure you knew about these AAPs — or did he leave it to the SRD? How do you call this transparency?
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
John Rice I actually called a special Town Hall meeting on the AAP for the ice rinks. The community was invited through social media and direct emails for those I had contact information for. What I do recall is who attended, and you were not on the list, Bernadette, so why make the comment, "Did John make sure you knew about these AAP's, or did he leave it to the SRD".
Monty Y. John Rice So there was a pile of people who did not know… I did but a lot of people who are older do not not use fb at all so they have no idea what is going on. SRD use to mail out notices for anything important, not any more… or is that just you and your creative thinking you claim to have?
John Rice Monty Y. I used direct emails and the hall posted a billboard sign. It seems regardless of the effort there will always be those who did not see or know.Yes it was creative thinking to call a community townhall meeting. They have never been used until my term. 30 plus years no townhall meetings. Since my term 2 a year.
Monty Y. John Rice yes so creative that a lot of people had no idea… you consider this a positive?
Bernadette LaFleur John, you asked why I made the comment. Because it isn't good enough. Social media and your own email list only reach people who already follow you. I wasn't on that list. Neither were most of the people I've met at their doors these last few weeks. Monty's right: plenty of people out here aren't on Facebook at all. This was $57 million. Only 5.5% objected, and most people I talk to never knew it was happening. When the money is that big, every home in Area D should get a notice in the mailbox. That's the standard I'll hold myself to.
Wrigley A. Maureen H. I had a discussion today with a new neighbour in Mitlenatch, he asked me "with both candidates aligned on so many issues, why would we want to make a change?" Good question. I didn't have a good response.
Anna H. Wrigley A. How does anyone see they are ‘aligned’ on so many issues? False equivalency and over simplified.
Wrigley A. Anna H. what are they not aligned with is the question 1. Water meters 2. Oyster River flood zone 3. Highway 19A 4. ReCreate 5.Bylaw 643 6.Bylaw 44 8.Green space 9.AAP/referendum
Birgitte J. Wrigley A. - Have you not noticed that Mr. Rice was quiet on some of these issues until Bernadette brought them up. He has aligned himself much of the time with her, not the other way around. Every time she makes a post about something, he does the same. In fact, he makes numerous posts daily. We're hearing from him more than we did during his term. It's obvious that he actually took some of what is on her website and claimed it as his own. There are other issues with Mr. Rice that residents don't care for like his treatment of his constituents and other board members, his behaviour at meetings, him publicly proclaiming that he was elected to develop this area, his lack of transparency, concern about large landowners that have supported him. The damage was done. There is an abundance of proof of this with emails, meeting videos, written statements and regional district documentation. Why don't you just leave the two candidates to run their own campaigns?
Wrigley A. Birgitte J. What is you point? I said they were aligned and you're agreeing with me.
Birgitte J. Wrigley A. Haha, intentional alignment due to your chosen candidate realizing that Bernadette is what residents want.
Wrigley A. Birgitte J. Good morning, you've been in politics long enough to know how it works. When issues come to light, candidates pick a side. This term they are very aligned. Not sure what your argument is. We seem to agree a lot as well.
Anna H. Wrigley A. You’re obviously trolling for the Rice campaign. Not replying to this nonsense. If it’s a simple comparison between issues, then, I’m voting for the person most likely to collaborate and engage with a wide range of community views, not just those that align with his own. Thanks, justifies my vote for Bernadette.
John Rice Birgitte J. show your proof. I have been very transparent - even having town hall meetings twice a year. How come you have never attended one of those town hall meetings to take the opportunity to ask me the hard questions? Come to think of it, neither has Bernadette ever attended those town hall meetings.
Birgitte J. John Rice How do you know that I didn’t attend a town hall meeting? You have no idea what I look like or who I am even though I have lived here for decades. It is not really your business but I will explain my facebook profile name to you. It happens to be under one of my middle names that family and close friends call me by and my maiden last name. For some reason you actually want residents to register for these meetings. That is when I would use my legal name, which is different. As for your comment of not seeing some people at your town halls, it is probably because they are unaware of them or had to work the day and time that they took place. When asked why you do not record them for those that could not attend to be able to view them later, you said that then you cannot speak freely. ???? You cannot tell me that the more than 4,000 residents of area d all show up for them. So where would you like me to show my proof?
Birgitte J. Wrigley A. - Your comment to me of "you've been in politics long enough to know how it works" and a few other comments that have been aimed at me are perplexing. Who on earth do you think I am? I can tell you that I have never entered politics. See the comment I made to Mr. Rice for a bit of an explanation.
Wrigley A. Birgitte J. Honesty? Who do you think you are?? out
Birgitte J. Wrigley A. Another nonsensical reply from a provocateur. Your paranoia and duplicity is farcical. Go troll somewhere else now.
Wrigley A. Birgitte J. Like I said, who do you think you are? The way you talk to people, the things you post. Not just here but on other community pages, shows who you are.
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley. Where we differ is who gets the final say. Since 2023, six spending decisions affecting Area D have gone through AAPs, where your silence counts as a yes. That includes $121.7 million for the Gardens. Most people I talk to never heard about any of them. When residents ask John hard questions on his page, a lot of those comments end up hidden. And for weeks he's said I'm misrepresenting his record without naming one thing that's wrong. That's a pattern of deciding first and explaining later, if at all. I'd do it the other way around: ask the people who live here, then decide. Everything I've said is sourced at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources, so your neighbour can check it for himself. BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
Maureen H. seems like this is your only campaign issue...you continue to put this out always with the question of how your opponent has not been transparent (which I disagree - he's been most transparent) but I have yet to hear/read a clear solution from you other than borrowing more money that we are responsible to pay for referendum. Even your most ardent supporter has shown us the mathing with the numbers of citizens who would be voting in any referendum...so you please be transparent and add these costs along with what your solution would be
Bernadette LaFleur · October 9, 2026
A visit with Ron and Liz
Had a good visit with Ron and Liz this week. Their worry is one I share. They want Area D to still feel rural ten years from now.
That's the big lots, the quiet roads, the trees between you and your neighbour. It's why a lot of us moved out here in the first place, and why a lot of us stay.
It doesn't stay that way by accident. It stays that way because of what goes into our Community Plan and our zoning, and who gets asked before those change. I want the people who live here asked first, every time.
Thanks Ron and Liz.
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Ruthy L. 100%. If you want to live in high density, move to town.
Teresa P. Ruthy L. no one in Area D wants to live in high density. The fear mongering needs to stop
Birgitte J. Teresa P. - YOU need to stop. No fear mongering going on here. Residents are just stating their wishes and concerns, which you and your little group keep making fun of. Take a look at Mr. Rice's propaganda from the past and you will see an enormous amount of fear mongering in his words. The juvenile and uninformed comments and accusations that your group leaves on this page are tedious and reek of desperation.
Ruthy L. Teresa P. who's fearmongering? I've lived here for over 35 years and it has become more and more dense. And ppl who live here have a right to express what they want to see in our small, rural community.
Janet S. Terry H. oh I am sure if we can pay for the new pool then we will manage all the other increases just like we always do.
Jude O. That's why we moved out here nearly 50 years ago, and why we stayed and built a new home here rather than move into town.
Terry H. I Agree also, rural is wonderful. My question is how much can you afford to pay in taxes to have no growth. We need repairs to our infrastructure, repaired water mains, repaired roads, repaired lighting. Upkeep to our parks and our trail systems. 30 yrs before John nothing was done. We are behind with all of these things. With rising cost can we all afford another huge tax cost ? Do you want your families close ? Do you want to offer your kids a home to enjoy and have a family? Share your land with new homes for your family and friends. Share the tax burden in order to help with much needed cost. All of these things need to be done with rural growth in mind. I want my family close and in an affordable rural area
Karen M. Terry H. not many people have land that they can share with family. I find your comment entitled.
Anna H. Terry H. Rural growth is an oxymoron. Once the land base is subdivided, there is only one course; more development, more infrastructure, more urbanization. These decisions are being made to lightly imo and, to benefit mostly the developers. Tax increases inevitably follow. You want ‘rural growth’? I think there’s a city nearby waiting for you. Leave rural rural.
Paula B. Terry H. and yet we pay for a new facility in the heart of the city whose design is far over reach. I’d rather those funds have been used to repair our own RURAL infrastructure.
Terry H. Paula B. Then vote to share the cost
Terry H. Not true Anna hooper. I’m not a developer, subdivided my small property for my family. I am able to keep my home, offer my daughters family a home and my grandchildren a home. Our extra property taxes will help support the area. I put in new chip seal road, new water lines and followed all the environmental requirements. Very rural 1.2 acres lots and 1.7 acre lot. Rural. If that is not good enough for you then maybe you should move to a more rural, rural area with 100 acre parcels.
Paula B. Terry H. have you seen the amount they want Quadra to pay??? It’s pretty much extortion. I won’t be voting for it unless I’ve read it incorrectly amd the tax amounts aren’t correct. I do need to do a bit more exploring. Not even sure why Quadra gets to vote, like in BC in a federal election their vote won’t even count.
Karen M. I totally agree .
Dusty K. 100%
John Rice · October 9, 2026
The Strathcona Gardens Referendum I brought the referendum question forward with the Board's support because I represent Area D residents, and this has been a long-time issue for Area D residents. I do not represent Area C. For years, Area D has been the only Electoral Area, along with the City of Campbell River, that has paid for this facility. We pay the same rate per assessment value as the City of Campbell River. The consultants' report was clear: Quadra Island residents do use the facility. Quadra residents have 944 accounts for recreation, rehab, and ice time. Area D has 255 accounts for recreation, rehab, and ice time. I support that Strathcona Gardens is a Regional Service, and it should receive support from those that use it in our Regional District. It is time for Quadra Island to join this service, and I fully support Bylaw 643 I will be voting option C on the referendum question. Thank you, Kermit Dahl, for making this important video. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1121912597445165 On Oct 15th, or Oct 17th, I am asking for your vote so we can continue Building Tomorrow Together Authorized by Jacqueline Rice Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Andy L. John Rice I asked you 3 very specific questions on one of your posts last Thursday and you failed to reply. It’s been a busy campaign so I thought I’d try again. Have you ever deleted any of your constituents comments or questions that you don’t agree with? Have you ever blocked any of your voting base from your page since the election has begun? Do you support Freedom of Expression in Canada even if the idea doesn’t align with yourself? Unfortunately I failed to take a screen shot of that last set of questions I posed and they have since gone missing. These questions are VERY important to myself in this election. Please advise.
John Rice Andy L. I am not sure what you are referring to regarding blocking people and missing pages. I have been very liberal and tolerant. Some of the comments directed at me also hurt my family's reputation, and yet they have not been removed. As for Freedom of Expression in Canada, of course I support it. It's fundamental to being Canadian, and it is protected in our Charter of Rights.
GloriaandTom H. FYI If you log on to the CHEK TV website you can read their article and see Jim Abrams interview about this issue. It’s my understanding that if this goes through Quadra property taxes will increase roughly $500 - $1,000 per year.
John Rice GloriaandTom H. here is the rate based on average assessment.
GloriaandTom H. John Rice So what you're saying is that if a property on Quadra is assessed at about $700K they will have to pay aprox $557.86 per year in additional property taxes...and you're ok with that?
John Rice GloriaandTom H. no that is not the case. A 750 k property on Quadra would be paying $446.29
Paul R. That is average cost! And I would dispute this. My taxes would go up by $600!
Ian M. Paul R. I have a modest home on the typical rural lot. I will pay $700 plus it seems I will still be paying for our community centre which Rice’s rate payers do not contribute to Taking $750,000 off Quadra for Strathcona Gardens is insane. That’s close to three times the annual budget of our rec centre It could fund things we need like garbage pickup or a transfer station. Fixing our aging sewer system which only services a very small area. Water testing of wells … Again we were not consulted. We did not get a vote. Area D did and now they want to tax us at a rate that’s unreasonable. If it was in line with what Gabriola contributes to Nanaimo (10%) I’m sure we’d hardly bat an eye. Vote NO and let’s find a reasonable solution.
Wrigley A. I'm am not speaking in defence of the rates, but the concept is correct and needs to be initiated. This isn't a new issue, its called "free riders" A similar, recurring structural challenge exists in the Kootenays between the City of Nelson and the surrounding Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Electoral Areas E and F and The "Greater Vernon Recreation Feud" solutions shows that it is justified. Saying that Quadra "can't use it" is a misrepresentation of the facts.
Daniel S. BYLAW 643: Quadra island deserves a fair say. In 2023 and 2025, Campbell River and Area D participated in Alternative Approval Processes (AAPs) for major Strathcona Gardens borrowing, $64.67 million and $57.1 million, respectively. Residents in those areas had an opportunity to formally oppose the borrowing. If opposition reached the statutory 10% threshold, the borrowing could not proceed through the AAP process. Quadra was not included in those AAPs. We did not have that same opportunity as a community to oppose the borrowing. Now Quadra is being asked to join the existing recreation service and take on a new property-tax contribution under Bylaw 643. Yet our circumstances are very different. There is no regular bus service connecting Quadra to Strathcona Gardens. Every visit means a ferry crossing, additional travel costs and potentially lengthy lineups that add time and uncertainty to the journey. There is another fundamental concern: under a combined majority vote, Quadra residents could overwhelmingly oppose joining and still be brought into the service if voters across the wider area approve it. Our community could be outvoted on a decision that directly affects our taxes and future obligations. How were our actual usage, ferry access, travel costs and barriers to participation accounted for in the studies and funding formula? Why should Quadra be required to join a service it has never participated in without a separate decision by Quadra residents? This is not about opposing recreation. It is about fairness, transparency and meaningful local representation. Quadra deserves the opportunity to decide its own future. Our community's position should not be overridden by a majority of voters elsewhere.
Carmen C. John Rice Area D 944 accounts OVER 5 years - that is the number of accounts used in Area C. I do think Quadra Island residents should pay a fee - but much less than is being proposed. Correct - you do not represent Area C BUT you do represent a rural area. It is important that you support other rural areas and not bend over to the interests of CR City. One day we will need someone to defend our interests as a rural area and I want someone who is interested in doing that and has the solidarity of other rural areas to back them up when needed. Btw - what about all of the $$$$$ we pay to CR fire?
Terry B. Good to see the facts get out.
Karen M. Terry B. what facts?
John Rice Karen M. watch the video and read my remarks in the post.
GloriaandTom H. Terry B. so is the fact that a property assessed at 700k would be taxed an additional $557.86 per year? = $46.48 per month. Add $20 for ferry fare for going once =$66 What do you think about that?
John Rice GloriaandTom H. it has been shown that Quadra Island have 114% more recreational accounts then Area D so yes it's time to pay.. I would suggest you view the video and read my remarks in the post.
Karen M. John Rice I just don’t get the numbers.
John Rice Karen M. really? When a program is used at the Strathcona gardens they create a rec account. In the booking software area d has 255 people accounts. The same software shows Quadra has 944 people accounts. So Quadra has 114% more people accounts then Area D residents. Clearly Quadra uses the facility more than Area D residents.
Lee D. Well call me shocked. Never would I've guessed 1/3 of Quadra uses the center... hmmm seems like BS.
GloriaandTom H. John Rice. So what you're saying is that if a property on Quadra is assessed at about $700K they will have to pay aprox $557.86 per year in additional property taxes...and you're ok with that?
Paul R. Another bunch of Horse Puckey! You people are unbelievable!
GloriaandTom H. John Rice can you please respond to the people talking about the actual $$amount their taxes will increase annually. Are you OK with that?
Lee D. Well call me shocked. Never would I've guessed 1/3 of Quadra uses the center... hmmm seems like BS.
GloriaandTom H. John Rice can you please respond to the people talking about the actual $$amount their taxes will increase annually. Are you OK with that?
John Rice · October 8, 2026
Highway 19A Safety: Delivering Real Progress for Area D Since being elected as your Area Director, one issue has consistently been top of mind for residents across our community: safety concerns along Highway 19A. Complex, long-standing problems require creative thinking to achieve working solutions. My years in technology and government have taught me that real change doesn't happen through empty letters of grievances—it happens when you take the time to build a solid, evidence-based Business Case. Decision-makers at every branch of government rely on business cases to justify and drive capital budget allocations. Over my term, I delivered exactly that by completing our comprehensive Highway 19A Traffic Study. For the first time, Electoral Area D has a powerful, data-driven Business Case that we can use constructively with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to drive budget considerations and secure real safety improvements. You won’t find this work in simple Board Resolutions, meeting minutes, or video clips. Being an effective Area Director is about far more than just sitting in monthly board meetings. It requires picking up the phone, sending emails, building professional relationships, and sitting down for productive meetings with provincial decision-makers—just like the direct meetings I held with the Ministry back in 2023. My background as a Systems Analyst—maintaining multi-million-dollar data centres across Vancouver Island—taught me the value of professional partnerships, administrative teamwork, and how to find structured solutions to complex problems. Creative thinking and proactive advocacy get results, and I am proud of the work it took to finally give our community a real Business Case for Highway 19A. On Oct 15th or general elction day Oct 17th I am asking for your vote so we can continue Building Tomorrow Together , Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Carmen C. Do safety improvements include a lower speed limit on the hwy ?
Wrigley A. Carmen C. that is provincial, but fortunately we get to vote for that this month too
Terry H. Your experience shows through all your accomplishments for Area D, thank you John. Keep up the good work
Carmen C. And what data centres are currently located in Vancouver Island? This is a serious threat to our fresh water sources.
John Rice Carmen C., the province, the Ministry of Defense, BC Assessment, to name a few. All large companies have a data center, and no, they don't use water for cooling. They use air conditioning to keep the server rooms cool. They have all been there for years. Server rooms are also referred to as a data centre.
John Rice · October 8, 2026
Updated Voting Info Please Read As previously advertised, ballots for the assent vote on Bylaw No. 643 (Strathcona Gardens Boundary Extension) are available to all qualified electors at the following voting locations: October 7: SRD Office and Campbell River Community Centre October 14: Campbell River Sportsplex October 15: SRD Office October 17: Campbell River Community Centre, Campbell River Sportsplex, SRD Office, Oyster River School, Ocean Grove School, and designated Electoral Area C voting locations. In coordinating these voting opportunities, the City of Campbell River and the Strathcona Regional District encountered administrative challenges associated with City election officials issuing ballots to electors residing outside the City's jurisdiction. To address these challenges, the City and SRD agreed to establish separate voting tables at the Campbell River Community Centre and Sportsplex, staffed by SRD election officials, to issue Bylaw No. 643 assent ballots to eligible electors from Electoral Areas C and D. However, this arrangement presented a further complication, as electors attending these locations would receive a ballot for Bylaw No. 643 but would otherwise be required to attend a separate SRD voting location to cast ballots for other elections in which they are entitled to participate. To avoid unnecessary inconvenience to electors, maintain accurate voting records, and streamline the voting process, it was determined that eligible electors attending the SRD voting tables at the Community Centre or Sportsplex would be provided with all ballots they are entitled to receive, rather than only the Bylaw No. 643 assent ballot. For example, an eligible Electoral Area D elector attending either location would be provided with ballots for the Electoral Area D Director, School District No. 72 Trustees, and Bylaw No. 643 assent vote. While we anticipate that relatively few electors will take advantage of these additional voting opportunities, we wanted to bring this arrangement to your attention so that you may consider having scrutineers present at these locations. Please note that the SRD voting tables will be staffed and administered by SRD election officials, separate from the City's voting operations. We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure that all eligible electors have convenient access to voting opportunities while maintaining the integrity of the election process.
Strathcona Gardens ReCreate: $121.7 million, both by AAP
Strathcona Gardens ReCreate: $121.7 million in total borrowing across two phases, and both went through by Alternative Approval Process.
Phase 1, $64.6 million, in 2023. Phase 2, $57.1 million, on September 22, 2025.
The Phase 2 AAP page never told you what it would cost you. The staff report behind it did: about $88 per property in 2026, at a 4.15% lending rate.
This is not a criticism of what the money is for. It is about how the SRD runs the process.
Correction: the card says the cost of borrowing was never estimated. It was. The SRD's staff report put it at about $88 per property in 2026, at a 4.15% lending rate. It just wasn't on the AAP page. bernadetteforaread.ca/sources
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Anneke W. Yes, it’s the process that’s not fair. AAP rules changed after 2003 when it took 5% of residents opposed to defeat and/or force a project or plan to referendum, now it takes 10% to oppose, in writing, using a special form, and you can’t do it online (although all else is, including applying for homeowners grants). Alternate approval process assumes you said yes when you haven’t been asked. Hey, it’s our money! So, although I’m in favour of the new plan, as it was thankfully revised, I feel we all should be asked in the first place. Respect please!
Wendy W. Only reason some of us in Area D knew about it was someone posted something on the Area D. People not social media were out of luck.
Bernadette LaFleur Thanks Wendy, that's exactly it. If you're not on Facebook, or not in the right group, you'd never know. I want every home in Area D told before an AAP deadline, by mail if that's what it takes. Nobody should find out by luck.
Teresa P. What is your take on Jim Abrams recent interviews? I see you like all his posts with your personal page. As an Area D resident do you feel Quadra should pay into the gardens? I'm sure you are aware of Jim Abrams repayment to the SRD and what are your thoughts on that?
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa, you've asked me about Jim Abram's interviews, Jim Abram's likes and Jim Abram's repayment. None of that is on the ballot in Area D. I am. Jim speaks for himself. The repayment isn't my business. On Quadra, that's Bylaw 643 and it's on the ballot October 17. Good, a real vote is how it should be done. My only concern is that Campbell River, Area D and Quadra are counted together, so Quadra can be outvoted on its own tax bill. Everything I stand for is on bernadetteforaread.ca. If something there doesn't sit right with you, tell me what and I'll answer it straight. BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Bernadette LaFleur for Area D Director — Your neighbour. Your voice.
Phil G. Then there was the dishonest process by SRD Chair and Vice Chair ( Sinnott ) hiding a Minister's Letter from the Board. Google CHEK NEWS+Jim Abrams+fight tax increase for pool
Bernadette LaFleur · October 8, 2026
Met Scott this week
Met Scott this week while I was out talking with people in Area D. He's lived here a long time.
He's worried his son won't be able to afford a home out here. And he's worried about losing the forest around his place, the one his family gets so much out of.
I hear both of those a lot. Our kids should be able to stay here. And the trees are a big part of why most of us live here at all. I don't think we have to pick one. New homes have a place in Area D, in the right spots and at a pace we decide together. And the forests and streams should be written into our plans so they're protected, not left to chance.
Thanks for the chat, Scott.
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Matthew G. The forest at the end of the road there was logged over a decade ago.
Birgitte J. Matthew G. - This comment makes no sense either. If the forest that you think he's speaking of was logged does that mean that he's imaging a forest around him?
John H. I find it ironic that three of the constant commenters on this page, spending a great deal of time criticizing almost every post, are administrators of 3 different local FB groups that have a history of booting people off those pages for disagreeing with John Rice. I know this from personal experience so anyone that says otherwise is misinformed or lying. First is Rice himself. Second is Teresa P.. Third is Matthew G. (former admin). If anyone tried to be a constant pest attempting to sew this sort of distraction on their pages, they would be booted in a hurry. Really, this sort of deceitfulness is pretty cringy. Koodos to Bernadette for calmly putting up with it and patiently answering her detractors with graceful aplomb.
Bernadette LaFleur Thanks for the kind words. Every comment here stays up, the friendly ones and the tough ones. Even the hard questions help, because they put the record in front of more people. That's what this page is for.
Wendy W. Glad to have met you yesterday.
Bernadette LaFleur Wendy W. I enjoyed meeting you also
Maureen S. Go, Bernadette, go!
Teresa P. Hypocrisy at its finest! You have never been blocked from our page Ross? You have however blocked me from seeing your posts and hidden your group of " honest people"
John H. Teresa P. Your comment is just another example of the distraction tactic your posse is using on this page. Point is, your only here to interfere and people should understand that. During the last election, a friend had requested my membership in the All Things page. That request was not granted. They then made a second request and were then booted from the page for their effort. That is my experience with your page. The An Honest Page for Area D is not my page, nor am I an admin and I seldom post to it. It was created during the last election because of people being kicked off your All Things page for disagreeing with all the slanderous accusations you and Rice were making about the then Director. In sense, you created that page. Like other people, I had blocked you because I didn’t want to see your posts and comments. I didn’t accept your ludicrous friend request yesterday for obvious reasons.
Nickie N. %
John Rice · October 8, 2026
Update on Water Meters - Some History - The Reality In 2018, staff prepared a report for the Board to address the rising cost of water for 1,100-plus households. The report was pretty easy to understand. Using the Municipal Financing, they could have borrowed the money and had those 1,100 water meters installed for less than $1 million dollars in project costs. There was enough money being put in reserves to pay the finance costs,, and staff also explained that they were confident that doing this would have put Area D in line for the grants. Instead of borrowing the money and getting meters installed, what happened? Area D residents paid an additional $100,000 in taxes to pay for a failed lawsuit. Homeowners, frustrated, started buying their own meters, and by 2021, 130 homes purchased their own meters. Sitting at a board table asking staff to find grant opportunities is one way to get a grant; however, as I have pointed out, getting in front of the MLA and working constructively is also another way to get things done. When those meetings took place, there was only three people involved. The CAO, the MLA, and myself. Here we are three and a half years into my term, and those 1,100 meters are installed, and SRD staff with the expertise of an engineering firm are working towards finalizing water rates. The project cost $3 million to complete. These same water meters could have been installed in 2018 for an estimated $1 million. The previous Director had ample opportunity to constructively address the cost of water for 1,100 households for how many years? I am proud of my record and the ability to get real things done in a single term. Authorized by Jacqueline Rice Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Janet S. Where are you getting the $100,000 figure? What I read says that the srd costs of $40,000 were absorbed into the taxes and that Brenda Leigh fought vehemently against that.
John Rice Janet S. Campbell river had costs also that had to be paid. Brilliant move! I actually got water costs lowered. Go figure.
Janet S. John Rice ok thanks for the correction on the cost.
Terry B. Thanks for setting the record straight and getting the truth out there.
Jim A. Terry B. The Truth according to John!
Clancy P. Jim A. Well, if you have the truth according to Jim, please elaborate
Donna W. Jim A. agree! Our previous Director didn't sell us our to the SRD, Campbell River! Campbell River will come calling again, needing our tax base! Sewers will be the next issue!
Jim A. Donna W. Your previous Director fought like a mama bear defending her cubs when it came to Area D. And the other Rural Directors supported her!
Donna W. Jim A. she sure did!
John Rice · October 7, 2026
SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL FARMERS THIS THANKSGIVING As we head into the Thanksgiving weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a few hours visiting Iron River Farms right here in Electoral Area D. Iron River Farms is a cherished, family-owned landmark in our community—well known for its deep roots in local agriculture and its history as a prominent cranberry farm. Visiting was a great reminder of the hard work, and care our local farming families pour into sustaining our region every single day. Over this term, supporting our agricultural community has been a top priority: Protecting Rural Values in Our OCP: In our modernized Official Community Plan, we embedded strong policy language recognizing the unique role farmers play in preserving our rural character, heritage, and local food security Encouraging Farm-Gate Sales: Our OCP actively encourages local farm sales—and in our household, we make it a point to buy local as much as possible to support our hardworking neighbors. Cutting Red Tape for Producers: We eliminated burdensome building permit and inspection requirements for low-occupancy farm buildings—removing administrative hurdles so farmers can focus on growing their operations rather than filling out forms. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate the farm families who keep Electoral Area D vibrant and self-reliant by supporting local producers and buying local! #AreaD #StrathconaRegionalDistrict #BuyLocal #IronRiverFarms #RuralAgriculture #JohnRice2026 Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Objections to the Bylaw 642 AAP closed at noon today.
Look at when these land. The Housing Service borrowing: objections due at noon on January 2. The wood-debris service: February 12. Oyster River: opened January 11. This one: October 7, in the middle of an election.
Why do AAPs keep landing when people are away, or too busy to notice?
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Clancy P. I have always felt that there was enough time to get your no vote in, and have done so. It is usually the lack of interest that prevents a no vote from succeeding. However as a case in point, the no vote regarding the “Cadillac”improvements to the Brindamore Arena, did not reach the required. percentage but did cause the Regional District to take another look and revamp their plans to include another much needed sheet of ice and improve the parking situation. The AAP route does work imo
Bernadette LaFleur Thanks Clancy. Good on you for getting your no in. My worry is the people who never hear an AAP is happening. Most folks I talk to found out from a neighbour or a Facebook group, if they found out at all. You're right that the arena one made a difference. 1,813 people objected to the Phase 2 borrowing. That wasn't enough to stop it, but the SRD noticed. Now imagine if every home in Area D had been told. That's all I'm asking for. Tell everyone first, then let the AAP do its job.
Terry H. If interested the date doesn’t matter, be there !
Sherri C. Terry H. these dates are when any votes against have to be in to the office by.
Sherri C. Terry H. Do you just comment on her posts to be a thorn? Because I get it, but you read as a bit of an uniformed bully imho.
Bernadette LaFleur · October 7, 2026
A few people have asked how to help
A few people have asked how to help. Here's the easy way.
Campaign spending in Area D is capped at $6,161.89, and that's where the signs, the printing and the mailer come from. Every $25 counts.
We've made donating simple. Go to bernadetteforaread.ca/donate, fill in your name and address, which Elections BC requires us to keep, then send an e-transfer. It takes about two minutes.
The limit is $1,429.70 per person this year. You need to be a B.C. resident and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and it has to be your own money. Gifts of $100 or more get reported by name to Elections BC, same as every campaign.
If you'd rather not donate, a sign on your lawn or a word to a neighbour helps just as much. Thank you.
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Out knocking on doors this week and met Jerry. He's had a lot of trouble with bears and he had some good ideas that other communities are already using. That's the kind of thing I want to bring to the SRD table.
The best ideas for Area D come from the people who live here. If you've got a concern or an idea, my door's open. Call, email, or catch me out walking.
bernadetteforaread.ca
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Jude O. Hi Bernadette. My husband and I met you at the meet and greet and had the opportunity to chat with you. We asked several questions, got some great answers, and even talked about the bears. Yes, we have bears, but there’s a reason for it. Putting your garbage inside isn't an option for us, so not so simple as was suggested, rather dismsively. We have a different solution, and it works for us. I understand you don’t have a lot of experience but in my opinion you're outgoing and not afraid to fight for what's in our best interest. You have our vote.
Bernadette LaFleur Thank you for the kind words and support Jude! Looking forward to working hard for you and the other residents of Area D
Michelle T. You have our votes Bernadette where you will gain all the experience first hand at the board table as your already aware of area D concerns.
Bernadette LaFleur Thank you Michelle!
Terry H. Michelle T. The board room/ council chambers are not a classroom for learning but for experience individuals to promote our interest. If anyone wants to run for a chair, in my opinion, should of gained experience previously like getting involved with what is going on. Poor excuse doesnt matter who you vote for. I want someone who knows what the issues are and knows how to handle them.
Michelle T. Terry H. oh ok so our other candidate came in hot full of experience or did they gain it as they performed the duties? How is anyone going to gain more experience if they don’t try and obtain the said position? Sounds like you’re not in favour for voting for this candidate so why are you following?
Cecil H. Terry H. that’s a crock Terry, every good representative had a first start. I’d rather a new person willing to listen and learn than a person who dictates without actually listening
Terry H. Cecil H. understood Cecil but literally out of no where someone wants to learn. We need experience in Area D and I/ we have not heard her voice until now. A little late don’t you think, listen, learn, achieve
Cecil H. Terry H. here’s a case where the devil you don’t know is better than the one you do know. Your high opinion of John is definitely not shared by me. I do not see integrity, I see nothing that I could admire in a person, but you know the old adage about opinions…. My roughly 30 years in government in upper management positions is the basis of my opinion.
Terry H. Really, bears ! What about taxes, rural planning, infrastructure, safe highways, safe streets, the list goes on. Bears don’t belong in a board room. Leave your garbage inside. SIMPLE
Terry H. And yes Brigette, I have to comment. Nothing personal, we just need more experience
Teresa P. Terry H. I'm suprised "she" hasn't blocked you as well another great way to avoid bears is by not burning your garbage and mattresses in your back yard.
Christopher G. Terry H. Nothing personal Terry, but you are a very CONDESCENDING person which has already been pointed out many times in previous posts. I will point it out again. sad.
Monty Y. Terry H. I voted for you back in the day just with your business experience… John is no different he had jack squat for experience, he is a computer guy. I think a new director should happen every Four years.
Birgitte J. Teresa P. - ?? You are obviously not blocked. No need for quotations re: "she". Last time I looked I was female. Birgitte, not Brigitte, is a Scandinavian female name and I do identify as female. To set the record straight, on facebook I go by my middle name. It really is astounding how trivial your comments are in an effort to denigrate or annoy the people that you view as enemies. Your comments have no place on this page. You're just looking foolish, juvenile and vindictive. Get the last word in if you must but I do not read your replies.
Teresa P. Birgitte J. interestingly enough I still can't see this post by going to the page but since you have tagged me in it i can. I'm not accusing you of having blocked me and frankly I couldn't care. I will share with you what I just shared with Bernadette
John H. Christopher G. That's Team Rice, what do you expect?
Cecil H. Terry H. no SRD experience is better than bad experience.
Bernadette LaFleur Terry H. Jerry asked me about bears so that's what we talked about. Knocking on doors means listening to whatever people bring up. As for the rest, scroll back through my page. Taxes, rural planning, the AAPs, the water system, Campbell River's role in our planning. It's all there, with sources on my website. If you want to talk about any of it, I'm happy to.
Sandy R. Bernadette LaFleur well said.
Christopher G. Terry H. you are a real " piece of work" from all the posts I have seen from you. wow.
Birgitte J. Terry H. Your comment here is another example of your little group being dismissive about resident's concerns. Believe it or not, those small concerns mean something to residents. It isn’t all about taxes, highways and so forth. As for saying that bears don’t belong in the boardroom, well you obviously don’t keep track of what goes on at the regional district. The bear watch program was before the area directors in the recent past.
Janet S. Terry H. unfortunately far too many people can’t manage that SIMPLE task! So any education brought forward would be a benefit. Just like all the info in Bernadette’s website regarding the other things you mentioned. You continue to try to belittle with your comments. Is it a flaw in your character that you maybe need some help with?
Robyn M. Bernadette has a lifetime of experience which has prepared her for this role. Having previous elected experience as a requirement is humorous ouroboros thinking.
Anna H. Robyn D. Yes, and being able to hold a conversation without bullying is a good sign that a person has an ability to collaborate and encourage community engagement.
Terry H. Thank you Monty, John was very involved with the city of CR long before running for director. I do agree a new approach is good but 4 years isn’t long enough to complete what one has started. Not 30 years like our director before, but I’d like to see him have another 4 to finish some very important things. Unfortunately Bureaucracy moves slowly. I think he’s done a good job and more to come. Maybe if the opponent gets involved in the next 4 years she would have better insight to the actual needs of area D. Just my opinion.
Elaine J. Terry H. if Mr Rice was very involved with City of CR before becoming a director what was he doing?
Christopher G. You have my vote also Bernadette.
John Rice · October 7, 2026
I find it amazing that, again I have to defend my record on the $2.8 million Water Meter Grant. My opponent's response on her source page Worth knowing: We have not seen the provincial file showing how the 22 projects were chosen, and we don't claim John did nothing on the file after he took office. What the public record shows is two board applications, both before his term, and no application during it. If he can point to a resolution we missed, we'll correct this. I do not need a Board Resolution to make an appointment with an MLA or the SRD CAO. I am quite capable of using my own initiative for that. Having a constructive working relationship, I was able to work constructively alongside MLA Michele Babchuk and SRD CAO Dave Leitch, engaged directly with senior Ministry of Municipal Affairs officials. It was MLA Michele Babchuk who ensured that Area D was one of the candidates applying for grants through the $450 million investment in critical community infrastructure through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. I recognized that, with the help of the MLA, this was an opportunity to pivot away from standard grant queues and jump to the front of the line. During the debate there was even a question asked ( How will you ensure you can get infrastructure grants from the province and the federal government?), and I answered using this as an example of how it is about having professional relations and knowing how Government works. The job of being the Area Director is to create professional relationships, engage with the MLA and MP, learn how to navigate the various ministries and find out who the decision-makers are, and work with them constructively. Over my term, I have been able to get over $3 million doing just that. No Board Resolutions were needed. It is very disturbing to continually see misinformation being spread in the community. Authorized by Jacqueline Rice Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Sean L. John, you're having to defend your record because you keep taking full credit for the hard work of many people. This is the first time I've seen you say the MLA got Area D on that list. Your mailer just says you secured it. Glad to see you sharing the credit.
John Rice Sean L., there you go again, trying to change the narrative and ignore the substance of my response. If I had not taken the initiative and had these meetings, Area D would not have gotten the grant. Yes, I take credit for my creative thinking and my ability to consider a problem and find a solution.
Sean L. Nobody said you did nothing, John. Take credit for your meetings. But Brenda's two applications and years of staff work are why there was a project ready to fund when you walked in. Your mailer leaves all of that out. I'll leave it there.
Diane M. Sean L. Now you're saying he's "shared the credit" when you previously said "He didn't secure it". Playing with facts is just so below the dignity of the office and the candidates.
Sean L. Diane, those are two different claims and both are true. "He didn't secure it" was about his mailer, which says he did. The application was in and the MLA was pushing it before he was elected, and the resolution numbers are on bernadetteforaread.ca/sources for anyone to check. "Sharing the credit" was about his post this morning, where he said for the first time that the MLA got Area D on the list. That's a change from the mailer, and I said so. Nothing was played with.
Bernadette LaFleur · October 6, 2026
Advance voting is tomorrow
Advance voting is tomorrow — Wednesday, October 7, 8 am to 8 pm, at the Strathcona Regional District office, 990 Cedar Street.
Bring two pieces of ID, one with your signature. You can register at the polls.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Teresa P. When I have something to say..I say it under my name Teresa P. ! I'm not sure who you people with fake accounts are but I can't even see most posts as you have blocked me?! I have multiple people sending me screen shots of my name being brought up. Rest assured if it's me I'll post under me! While you obviously don't have my vote, I wish you well Bernadette LaFleur. It's a damn good thing US strong women live in a democracy and have the right to be heard
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa P. thank you, if you tap "most relevant " then select all comments you should see them all
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur not the case when your blocked, but thanks.
Anna H. I wonder if this is a meta problem because it happens to me too. I only get a sample of comments. A relatively new issue.
Teresa P. Anna H. what i see...
Teresa P. Anna H. what my child can see
Teresa P. Anna H. so yes.. I've been blocked by some
Bernadette LaFleur · October 6, 2026
Who secured the water meter grant
My opponent has spent two weeks telling people I'm misrepresenting things. He has yet to name one thing I've said that isn't backed up on my website.
Meanwhile there's a letter in your mailbox from him. It says he "secured" $2.8 million in water grants.
Here's the record. The SRD board started working on water meters for Area D in 2018. The grant application was moved by Brenda Leigh on November 17, 2021 (SRD 968/21). She amended it in February 2022 (SRD 106/22). John Rice was sworn in nine months after that. The province announced the money in July 2023 and he stood in the photo.
Every one of those is a public board resolution. You can look them up yourself at agenda.strathconard.ca, or find the links on my Sources page.
If John worked to close it out once he was in the chair, good. That's the job. But that grant was years of work by Brenda, the board chair who took it to the Minister, and SRD staff. Taking all the credit for something that many people built might be considered misrepresentation.
bernadetteforaread.ca
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Phil G. Brenda worked her butt off and she let Area D citizens know what she was doing. She was a fighter and was never in the back pocket of the Mayor of Campbell River.
Terry H. For your information applying and moving forward are 2 different things Just like our sewer vote back in 2001 (?) by Brenda and the money being returned to the federal govt. Quadra retained it but not us. Your information from EX board members is their take on it. They’re ex board members for a reason. We’re finally moving forward with real issues in area D Anything actually coming from your views Bernadette ? No judgement just questions
Bernadette LaFleur Terry, none of this came from ex board members. It's straight from the SRD's own minutes, and the links are on my website so anyone can check them. I agree applying and finishing are two different things. That's why I said if John helped close it out, good. But his mailer says he secured it, and the record shows a lot of people worked on it before he got there. I can't speak to the sewer money. I wasn't on the board then. If you have a source, send it and I'll read it. My own views are on my website under Where I Stand, and I'm posting one a day. The short version: ask the people who live here before changing things, protect our green space, give people a real vote on big spending, and make sure Area D's decisions are made for Area D. (Reposting as I accidentally posted this from my personal account- Sean)
Phil G. Terry H. Pretty arrogant tone in your Post terri
Jim A. Typical. Brenda had this on her agenda for years and the other three EA Directors supported her 100%.She was a fierce defender of Area D and NO ONE can take that away from her.
Harold B. SINCE EUROPEAN TRESPASSING WHITEMANS CRUELTY DRIVEN CONTACT the Turtle Island Originals have endured mass murder of woman, children an man. For profit, Today you have European Trespassing Whiteman murders in governments in Ottawa and Washington ensuring their GENOCIDE ACT is completed for fulfillment purposes of GRAND THEFT OF ALL TURTLE ISLAND ORIGINALS HOMELANDS LANDS AN RESOURCESSINCE EUROPEAN TRESPASSING WHITEMANS CRUELTY DRIVEN CONTACT the Turtle Island Originals have endured mass murder of woman, children an man. For profit, Today you have European Trespassing Whiteman murders in governments in Ottawa and Washington ensuring their GENOCIDE ACT is completed for fulfillment purposes of GRAND THEFT OF ALL TURTLE ISLAND ORIGINALS HOMELANDS LANDS AN RESOURCESSINCE EUROPEAN TRESPASSING WHITEMANS CRUELTY DRIVEN CONTACT the Turtle Island Originals have endured mass murder of woman, children an man. For profit, Today you have European Trespassing Whiteman murders in governments in Ottawa and Washington ensuring their GENOCIDE ACT is completed for fulfillment purposes of GRAND THEFT OF ALL TURTLE ISLAND ORIGINALS HOMELANDS LANDS AN RESOURCESSINCE EUROPEAN TRESPASSING WHITEMANS CRUELTY DRIVEN CONTACT the Turtle Island Originals have endured mass murder of woman, children an man. For profit, Today you have European Trespassing Whiteman murders in governments in Ottawa and Washington ensuring their GENOCIDE ACT is completed for fulfillment purposes of GRAND THEFT OF ALL TURTLE ISLAND ORIGINALS HOMELANDS LANDS AN RESOURCES
Bernadette LaFleur · October 6, 2026
Where I stand, 2 of 6: Protect what brought us here
Most of us live out here for the trees, the river, the beach and the wildlife walking through the yard.
Every development decision should ask what it does to those things. Forests, streams, shoreline, and the corridors animals use to get from one to the other. I'll push to get those protections written into our plans, so they don't depend on goodwill.
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Doe J. I'm really curious if you can point me to the legislation that gives area D control over this? I can only see the DFO, ministry of environment etc legislations having real impact. From a place of wishing to learn
Bernadette LaFleur Good question, and you're right that DFO and the province set the baseline. The SRD's power sits on top of that, and it's in the Local Government Act. Section 488 lets an Official Community Plan designate "development permit areas" for the protection of the natural environment, its ecosystems and biological diversity. Section 491 says what the regional district can then require before someone builds: keeping specified areas free of development, protecting or restoring natural features, and planting or keeping trees and vegetation to protect fish habitat, riparian areas and banks. On top of that, the zoning bylaw sets lot sizes, setbacks and what can go where, and the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation makes local governments protect stream sides. The SRD already uses these tools. Area D's OCP has environmentally sensitive area development permits, and the board issued one this spring. So it's not a question of whether Area D has the power. It's how strong the rules are, how much ground they cover, and whether the board is willing to use them when a subdivision comes through. That's what I mean by written into our plans, not left to goodwill. Happy to point you to the sections if you want to read them. They're on bclaws.gov.bc.ca. BCLAWS.GOV.BC.CA Law, Crime & Justice
Maureen H. there already exists laws (federal, provincial, municipal, and regional) in terms of riparian zones surrounding and protecting all that you mention so these areas already are not left to "goodwill"...however, as with any law it must be enforced and infractions penalized (also built into the laws) ... I do believe that the community plays a major role in the "policing/enforcement" and has a duty to report to the authorities to protect our wildlife spaces
Anna H. Maureen H. What is a citizen supposed to do when the heavy equipment arrives with fill and clearing begins in anticipation of being able to subdivide and sell off property? What are you supposed to safely do when riparian areas have clearing done and there is zero enforcement of provincial rules on this? Are you saying individuals should confront the landowners doing this?
Maureen H. Anna H. ...absolutely not - that's ludicrous not to mention potentially dangerous...call into the appropriate channels - starting with the Regional Director and report...take photos of the offense(s) you believe are occurring - it simply is not reasonably feasible for a government employee to stand guard on a property 24/7 while it is being developed....and as to enforcement - if the infractions are reported the law is enforced - and it is usually the surrounding neighbors who are first to witness infractions...I just don't believe that as a community we can count on everyone to follow the laws and complain when they don't if we are not prepared to stand and speak up for our neighborhoods
John H. Maureen H. Area Directors have no role in bylaw enforcement. The SRD passes riparian zone damage investigation and enforcement off to the Province.
Anna H. John H. Yes they do. Then, the province passes responsibility back to local government to the endless frustration of the concerned citizen. It’s time we had more community advocacy and community involvement on this. No one is doing any enforcement of rules.
Anna H. Maureen H. I think most people assume there is someone to call and report to but after trying for years I can tell you provincial rules are pretty much guidelines with local governments being given much room to make decisions on how much enforcement is done or not done. There is presently no enforcement. For sensitive wetlands an RPBio can be hired to consult on development near a wetland but the development can still proceed.
Wrigley A. Anna H. citizen needs to be engaged well before construction. By that time its understood there are no concerns. It can't just be at election time that people speak up.
Anna H. Wrigley A. Yes, that is true.
Karen M. Maureen H. I live by ocean grove field and back in 2022 someone dumped vast amounts of metal in the ditch running beside the field . I called srd and wrote letters and nothing was done, and my husband called them regarding a license plate and they said they couldn’t use it because it was outdated and yet when my husband called the police they said oh yes they could use it. It was call and call and finally a bylaw person posted signs and we were told it was up to the neighbors to clean up the mess . A neighbor went there with his two young sons and carted the mess to the dump. So please don’t tell people we have to look after it. Why do I pay taxes.? If you want more pictures I can post.
Maureen H. Karen M. ...while this issue can be very frustrating - and you don't have to tell me...I spent almost 7 months fighting to get an RV parked on my neighbors property next to my fence line that was dumping garbage as well as sewage making for a stinky unhealthy rat and raccoon infested problem...going all the way through VIHA, Conservation, and the SRD and it still took that long - however, what this candidate is speaking to is Development decisions and how they are made which is what I commented in reference to which is a very different story than the story I have just related or to what your story relates to
Karen M. Maureen H. u mist be living close to me ,same problem
Maureen H. Karen M. ...I think you can see this almost everywhere BC these days...I don't have a problem, per se, for the ones that are being respectful and sanitary I get housing is at a premium, but for sure should not take 7 months for the proper authorities (outside of the SRD) to rectify...and in this case at least 5 RCMP visits to protect the officials investigating
Anna H. To those interested, here is how much your local government cares about wetland conservation/protection. I received this in a FOI from the SRD. The chair of the SRD requested the ministry of environment to exempt the entire area from RAPR legislation (wetland and riparian protection provincially). That shows how much they care about wetlands protection. Thankfully, the request was declined.
Janet S. Anna H. thank goodness!
Karen M. [image]
John Rice · October 6, 2026
Heading To The Polls — Here Is My Record — The Short List Taxes (2029) For the taxes paid strictly to the Strathcona Regional District for their services, there was a zero percent increase over 2025. While other tax line items went up for services outside the Regional District, taxes specific to the Strathcona Regional District remained at 2025 levels. Over $3 Million in Infrastructure Investment Over $3 million in grants has been secured to install 1,100 water meters completely free for homeowners and to build six new transit shelters. This marks the first time in decades that our community has seen infrastructure investment of this magnitude. Glenmore Road and Discovery Foods Improvements Improvements to Glenmore Road and Discovery Foods are the result of consistent, hard work collaborating with the Ministry of Transportation. Through the budget process, I committed $100,000—sourced from the Capital Works Fund rather than through taxpayer levies—to ensure the transit loop receives new transit shelters and essential street lighting upgrades. Enhanced Community Parks Our community parks are better than ever, featuring new washrooms at Hagel Park, a new pedestrian bridge at Storie Creek, and new play equipment at Mitlenatch. These improvements complement the Master Trail and Active Transportation plans currently well underway, all delivered at no cost to taxpayers. Flood Mitigation Studies After years of inaction regarding flood-prone areas in the community, I committed $150,000 from Capital Works funds to complete the required engineering study, positioning Area D to secure major provincial and federal funding. Finally, we are taking concrete steps to address a decades-old problem. Water Meter Rates Equitable water meter billing rates for all homeowners will arrive in 2027. Installing 1,100 water meters and contracting the necessary expertise takes time to ensure that future water rates remain fair for everyone. Strathcona Gardens & Fair Funding I recognize that new construction for the Strathcona Gardens is a financial burden for taxpayers here in our community. That is why I worked hard with the Board’s support to place a referendum question on this year’s ballot asking whether Quadra Island should share in the costs (Option C). Consider these facts from the consultants' report: Quadra Islanders hold 944 recreation accounts in the booking software, whereas Area D accounts total 255 in the same system. Highway 19A Safety and Traffic Study After years of complaints to the Ministry of Transportation regarding Highway 19A that went nowhere, I pushed the Ministry to fund and complete a detailed traffic study, building a powerful business case for change. I will continue to pursue and build upon that report to finally deliver meaningful safety improvements to our highway. I am proud of the work I have done for this community over the past three-plus years. Get out and vote. Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent — Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Janet W. You have done so much, and it is appreciated, there I still so much more to do, and to protect the rural essence of our area.
Terry B. Yes a proven record that delivered. Thanks John.
Billie H. well done, John, and thank you
John Rice · October 5, 2026
Area D Grants and Aids Facts in Area D For years, each of the Electoral Areas has had a Grants and Aids service. The purpose of the service has been to provide grants and aid to their communities. My fiscal record on Area D grants and aids is very clear. In 2021 (prior to my term), taxpayers were charged $3.45 cents per 100K assessment. The amount collected on taxes was $48,610 In 2023, I lowered the requisition to $1.72 per 100 K of property assessment. The amount collected on taxes was $33,603. In 2024 I lowered the requisition to $1.04 per 100k of property assessment. The amount collected on taxes was $20,234. In 2025, I lowered the requisition to .23 cents per 100k. Amount collected on taxes was $4,544. Since 2023, I have held town halls each year to explicitly discuss taxes and take questions from the audience. The current AAP Bylaw 642 is not to raise taxes. It is to create a service where only the Electoral Area Directors can vote on how their grants and aid money are spent. Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
John Rice I have already provided public information on this recently. You've already seen the information I posted a few days ago. When this was going through the board, I communicated with people through my monthly directors' reports. This merges two services into one to better manage an important piece of infrastructure that protects many homes in the flood plan. The merged services collects $20,000 per year and provide the needed reserves to replace these assets when they need to be. Over the entire process at the board table and through my directors' reports, every resident affected had the opportunity to call me and seek clarification. Many did ! Stop misrepresenting and misleading the public.
Bernadette LaFleur John, nothing in my post is wrong, and every source for it is on my website, including your own numbers. I never said the dike work wasn't needed. My point is how it got approved. An AAP counts every home that doesn't send in a form as a yes. A line in a monthly director's report and "call me if you have questions" is not the same as every affected home being told there's a deadline and what it means. That's what I'll change. This is the third or fourth time you've told people I'm misrepresenting things, and you still haven't pointed to one thing I've said that isn't backed up and sourced. If you've got one, name it and I'll fix it.
Monty Y. John Rice who does all your writing for you?
John H. Monty Y. Chat GPT.
Wrigley A. John H. Good one Ross
John H. Wrigley A. Thanks Teresa.
Bernadette LaFleur · October 5, 2026
Where I stand, 1 of 6: Ask the people who live here
This is the reason I said yes to running.
I've watched more density and smaller lots get pushed on our rural area without much real conversation with the people who live here. When a big rezoning or a change to our Community Plan comes up, residents should hear about it early and have their say before the board votes.
I'm not against new neighbours. New housing has a place in Area D, at a pace we choose and in the right spots. Good neighbourhoods come from talking to each other first.
bernadetteforaread.ca
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Monty Y. I’m wondering about Couverdon (real estate arm of Mosaic) and where their plan is . I was told that it is going to happen regardless but they needed smaller lots, sewer and a highway access.
Jim A. Monty Y. They have destroyed other parts of Vanc. Isl and they’ll do it here also, given the chance.
Doe J. I'm thrilled to see rezoning on next year's budget and appreciate it being there. Our zoning is grossly overdue for years and was ignored as a priority for years. We need some flexibility to be able to afford the increasing costs of life and property. Thankful that zoning review has been budgeted for for area d
Teresa P. Yes all 4 builds this year has been an alarming rate You mentioned your dream of a tiny village for your family at the debate ( dream of mine as well), so that would be ok? I'm curious of your lot size as you live in one of the densest urban areas in Area D.
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa P. my dream of a tiny home park wasn't for my family. It would be to help others with a starter home. I have half an acre
Jim A. Teresa P. Great to see that you have come over from the dark side and support one of Bernadette’s ideas.
Jim A. Great to see you have come over from the dark side and support one of Bernadette’s ideas!
Wrigley A. Jim A. this is the issue I am having with Bernadette LaFleur campain, she is saying one thing and means another or she isn't the only one writing comments on her page so she isn't able to keep up with the changes. She says she is against density, but wants to build a tiny home village. She lives on the size lot that people in the area are trying create. That doesn't seem fair. So it leaves voters confused. What does she want?
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley, there's nothing contradictory here. I've never said I'm against density. Read the card on this post: "New housing has a place in Area D. At a pace we choose, in the right locations." Every post on this page says the same thing. Growth is fine. Ask the people who live here before it happens. That's not two different ideas, that's one.
Jim A. Wrigley A. I certainly don’t pretend to speak for Bernadette but I can say here on Quadra we are looking for providing specific areas where tiny home development would be appropriate. The main reason is to provide available and affordable housing options. The density increase would be minimal.
Andrea S. Wrigley A. where in the above post does it state that she is “against density “?
Terry H. Not to mention, as stated previously the rezoning application is posted in the newspaper,signs at the site and a public meeting held for interested parties Very troubled
Bernadette LaFleur · October 4, 2026
One worth supporting: Bylaw 642
Here is one worth supporting.
The Electoral Area Financial Assistance Service Establishing Bylaw 2026 would let the electoral areas manage their own grants-in-aid — without the City having a say in how Area D's money is spent.
It is going through by Alternative Approval Process, and objections close at noon on October 7.
Did John Rice make a concerted effort to inform you of this question? srd.ca/projects/bylaw-no-642-electoral-area-grant-aid
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Karen M. I never saw anything. I get so much stuff I might of just missed it. This is the one you don’t want to vote against.
Donna W. Karen M. agree!
John Rice · October 3, 2026
Alternate Approval Process (AAP) There has been lots of discussion on the Alternate Approval Process (AAP), and I appreciate that. There is no question that there are flaws with the legislation, and there is no question that Local Government could create policies to better inform the public. I am sure that creating campaign slogans on a website and a brochure is appealing; however, here are the real facts and the efforts that local officials across the province have been taking to address this very issue. Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) - This is the effort from UBCM and the fact that the province will not amend this legislation. Here are the facts on that. https://johnforaread.ca/regional/UBCMAAPReform.pdf Here are the facts on the four AAPs for Area D, which were all mentioned in my Director's Reports. Seriously, do any of these rise to the level of a referendum? https://johnforaread.ca/regional/AAPFAQ.pdf And here are the facts on the possible methods to change the legislation or create a specific local government policy. https://johnforaread.ca/regional/ReformAA.pdf Every Elected Official that I know would love to see changes, including myself. While anyone can promise on a campaign slogan, the real fact is IT IS NOT EASY TO GET A CHANGE. Authorized by Jacqueline Rice Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Sean L. John, your post lists four AAPs and asks if any of them rise to the level of a referendum. Your own PDF says six. The two you left off are Strathcona Gardens Phase 1 (Bylaw 342, up to $64.6 million) and Phase 2 (Bylaw 607, $57.1 million). Both went through an AAP. Both counted Area D electors. That's $121.7 million in borrowing. Nobody thinks a $13-a-year wood-debris service needs a referendum. Mom's point is that $121 million does. And your own reform document says the Board "is never legally forced to use an AAP" and can choose a referendum for major borrowing at any time. So it isn't about the province. It's about whether Area D's director moves that motion. Sources are at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources.
John Rice Sean L., again, your comments are misleading to the public, and they lack an understanding in how any board functions. Yes, a director can bring a motion to the board, but that does not mean it will gain the required support at the board table. The problem with using Ai is that it does not know what discussions have happened, nor does it know how staff have responded to those discussions. Your comments also lack understanding that while a motion may carry a vote at the table, the CAO and the CO may decide that staff cannot act on that direction. Directors do not tell the SRD and its staff what to do; they can only provide direction. Had you listened to the debate, I actually spoke about the gardens and why the AAP was chosen. In an ideal time, yes, I fully agree: a referendum should be used. However, elected officials also carry the fiduciary duty to ensure infrastructure is properly funded and maintained, and regional services remain open to the public. The pool was failing - it was doubtful, according to staff, whether it would continue to function while waiting for the best time to hold a referendum, let alone get this project to tender for bids. Realistically, a referendum could have added six years to bring this project to shovels in the ground. This could have forced the facility to shut down. There are times elected officials need to make a hard decision, and regardless of what we do, there will always be those who will criticize. While the question on AAP is valid, every elected official I know, including myself, has been working to get reform on the legislation. If some of the AAP's did not rise to the level of a referendum, why even mention them in your post? Again, this is an attempt to mislead voters.
Sean L. John, I asked you to name one wrong source. You named none. I asked whether Campbell River council should have votes on Area D land use. You still haven't answered. Those are the two things people reading this will notice. But you did say something useful: "In an ideal time, yes, I fully agree: a referendum should be used." Then we agree on the principle. Where we differ is that your own staff report for Phase 2 says the AAP was chosen because it was "a much more cost-effective process." Not because the pool would close. Not because of six years. Cost. And why mention the small AAPs? Because you did. You listed four of them and left off the two worth $121 million. That's the whole point of the post.
Teresa P. Sean L. can you imagine our pool being shut down for years not to mention the increase costs of kicking it down the line for referendum? Your mom stated at the debate that she would do just that.. then agreed referendum are costly and should be done during elections to reduce costs. So pool finally gives out in year 1 but we wait until year 4 to address this? Good thing you don't live in the community hey.
John Rice Sean L. I have provided a full explanation on this facebook page, on why I wanted to have a report and land use in Area d. I was very clear that the voting that has happened in this area by 2 directors can never be tolerated. That voting was “against their code of conduct” and “against their oath to office”. On the other hand that information has been ignored and it has been categorized as “my frustration” That is hardly factual. Your team now has a growing record of slander at the doorstep, slander in a debate, and misinformation in your posts and attempts to smear a candidate. I suggest you read Election BC rules and what it means to slander a candidate with misinformation. Even on a campaign there are still rules. As for the question on landuse planning. No I do not want the municipalities to join rural planning. As I have stated it was a report and an exploration into are there options to improve governance at a table where there is a history of votes that have exposed area d to lawsuits. 2018 -2022 area d was exposed to a lawsuit. November 2023 area d was exposed to a lawsuit. That should not be dismissed! Lack of credibility of elected officials and bad faith voting can never be tolerated. I was speaking about the pool, not the ice rinks. I provided a wholesome and clear explanation of why the APP was chosen. I was not speaking about the ice rinks. Yes, a referendum on the pool could have taken six years before shovels in the ground. With regard to the ice rinks especially, it is also in the same state. I point you back to my comments on the fiduciary duties of elected officials. AI-generated sources missed many details on this item. In this case, a referendum just on the rinks would have added 2 plus years just to seek approval from the voters. There was an extensive mail-out to homes in Area D informing residents about this AAP, and there were still not enough responses to force a referendum. I guess AI missed that one. The AAP was used to save time, keep the contractor on site, and not add more inflationary costs to the project that was already facing increased costs like every other construction project in the province. To be clear, yes, the AAP process needs work. While it looks appealing on a campaign website and brochures, and posts on a Facebook page, to even suggest that I have been somehow remiss and not standing up for area d is ignorant and insulting.
Sean L. John Rice I noticed in your comment you mentioned an extensive mail out to area d residents regarding the pool AAP. I cant find anywhere that says that came from the srd or director. Did you send out that mailer? If so, please point me to the source. As I've said before I will update my sources page so readers have an honest picture.
Sean L. John Rice following up before your day gets busy. Can you confirm that you sent the mailer for the strathcona pool aap notice as you inferred in your above comment?
Sean L. John, thank you. "No, I do not want the municipalities to join rural planning." That's the answer I asked for. But that's what you say today. In November 2023 you asked SRD staff to study letting municipalities into rural land use planning. The report came back saying Campbell River could join for about $456,000 a year with no board vote. When Campbell River's directors moved to send that to their councils, you didn't speak against it, in public or in the record. So Area D has your words and your record. People can decide which to go by on October 17.
John Rice Sean L. Again your entitled to your comments. Again, you try to distort my comments to your liking. Nice try! How do you plan to address the issues of smearing, slander ? This has gone well beyond what is acceptable.
Sean L. John, I quoted you word for word and put your record beside it. If anything I've written is false, name it and I'll correct it, the same as we did on the website this week. Otherwise I'll leave it there.
John Rice Sean L., there are no meaningful corrections to your source page or Facebook pages. As I stated, this smear and slander have gone far enough. Take the time to read BC Elections rules.
Anna H. Dear John Rice; could you please share when this extensive mail-out regarding the pool AAP you speak of, occurred? I’ve been trying to confirm this, because I know I did not receive anything but perhaps mine was lost in transit. TIA.
John Rice Anna H., the mailout was for the rink AAP. It was sent by a third party who was concerned. It was an extensive mailout - not sure why you were missed.
Anna H. John Rice Thanks.
Bernadette LaFleur · October 3, 2026
Out of the stone age
If you disagree with an Alternative Approval Process, here is what you have to do: find a form, sign it to say no, and return it to the Regional District office during office hours — or mail it.
Voters are too busy to do that.
The Comox Valley Regional District accepts a photo or scan of your signed AAP form by email — Policy P104, adopted December 2024. Hasn't John Rice noticed this?
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Cecil H. You might almost think that they didn’t want people to actually express their opinions. Otherwise why would all the roadblocks exist. Should OUR elected representatives make it as easy as possible for us to vote?
Teresa P. Cecil H. almost 4 years in to the ACP and I'm still fumbling the "order". The rules around these matters are extremely rigid. I would love to vote from home for pretty much everything, but then people would cry how that's unfair or untrue results. Have you ever tried to request a mail in ballot? I gave up and just went to advance vote. No one is trying to scam the system with the AAP but the voter turnout is low, always has been. I could be wrong but I believe the aap for the gardens spending was the highest in a very long time and still didn't have enough to stop the process. That being said it was a very divided opinion to begin with. Its interesting that both incumbent and challenger both agree the spending was necessary.
Teresa P. Cecil H. how do you figure it's rules put in place by the administration? Do you mean put in place by SRD. Every board ive ever sat on has the same rules that must be followed.
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa P. Teresa, I'd love to vote from home too, and on the AAP forms that's actually allowed. The province sets the 10% and the deadline, but each regional district decides how it takes the forms in. Comox Valley changed theirs last December with a board policy, so people there can email a photo of the signed form. The SRD still says in person or by mail, originals only. That's an SRD choice, and one vote at the board table could change it. And I'm with you on the mail-in ballot. That shouldn't be hard either
Cecil H. Teresa P. SRD’s choice to make submissions so restrictive is the opposite of democratic process. However discussing an issue with closed minds is a waste of my time. Your slant of this issue is reminiscent of what is happening south of us. No further comment is necessary!
Teresa P. I'm not 100% convinced this is the way it should be, easier yes. But how many times has there been skepticism of the process of voting when these types of votes are in place. In a perfect world everyone would get out and vote but we've seen this isn't the case. I'll definitely look into how the CVRD manages this. Thank you for your response.
Teresa P. Cecil H. oh good, you and I have found common ground.
Anna H. Bernadette LaFleur ….so it’s misinformation that it can’t be changed here? Hmmmm.
Anna H. We should all be wary of why it is that the SRD is trying to convince us that the online response to an AAP was impossible when it is allowed one region to the south. This appears to be a very misleading statement, of course people will ask why…We are supposed to have an elected advocate for the citizens.
Bernadette LaFleur · October 3, 2026
In the Campbell River Mirror
The Campbell River Mirror ran a story on my campaign this week. Thank you to the Mirror for covering the Area D race.
Facebook won't let us share news links in Canada, so I've put it on my website with a link to the full story:
bernadetteforaread.ca/news
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Karen M. I have never valued a person by a resume. I have alwys valued any person by their strengths. And compassion for others. And especially people who believe in what they believe. That is wisdom in a person.
Birgitte J. At last I had the time away from work to take a look at your website and this page. I started at the bottom of this page and worked my way up. I am impressed by your posts and your comments. I agree what another woman commented here about you running a classy campaign. You have my vote too. The comments from Mr. Rice’s little group were ignorant. I suppose that they think residents are so stupid that they will fall for their efforts to put a seed of doubt about you in people's minds. They did much the same last election. Such a turn off for many.
Birgitte J. I am going to add that I made comments under numerous posts. I hope that the people that I made a retort to do not hold their breath waiting for me to communicate with them further. I am not interested in what they have to say to my retorts and have no plans of conversing with them more.
John Rice · October 3, 2026
For those who would like to watch the Strathcona Regional District Directors debate here is the link.
Area D 2026 Housing Stats 24 building permits have been issued this year. 4 permits were used to rebuild an existing home 4 permits yielded a new home in Area D 16 permits - nothing happening So Area D gained 4 new homes this year Authorized by Jacqueline Rice Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Six times since 2023, spending decisions affecting Area D have been approved by Alternative Approval Process — the route where your silence counts as a yes.
One is still open, and it closes at noon on Wednesday, October 7. It is worth knowing about: srd.ca/projects/bylaw-no-642-electoral-area-grant-aid
This is not a criticism of what the money is for. It is about how the SRD runs the process.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Chris C. Can we get someone with a financial angle on this to legitimately disclose what financial amount will be issued to the residents based on their BC assessment. Just the accumulated amount proposed based on a $500,000 assessment should give simple amount. I seen a 5 cent on the dollar for the assessed value of the property but I don't think that's correct
John H. Chris C. See my comment below.
John H. It's not based on BC assessment, they use the Hospital assessment which is slightly higher if your taking about Strathcona Gardens. You haven't indicated which service you are asking about. If it is Strathcona Gardens, at this point the only thing you can be sure of is that it will be the highest dollar line item on your tax bill for SRD services. This has been explained in the "An Honest Page For Area D" FB page several times in the past. The property assessments for 2027 are not available at the moment but the numbers they usually like to put out to the public are based on the "average property value" for the area. That was $ 790,693 for 2026. The rate per $100,000 of property value is $77.75. 2026 to 2030 financial plan for area D is attached here but as of yet they have not borrowed any money for the arena projects and have not disclosed any cost for it or the cost of the renting the Pinecrest parking lot or the cost to SRD to build all the infrastructure associated with it. I think that what is reflected for Strathcona Gardens in the attached financial plan is at least $80 to $100 short (average property value) of what it will be when they finally start construction and begin borrowing money. After the election of course.
Robyn M. Two Alternative Approval Processes to borrow $121+ million! The default notice for an AAP: printing two notices in a local newspapers which publishes at least weekly, and pinning a copy of the notice to the SRD's noticeboard in the office (LGA 94.1). Now imagine being an Area C resident seeing these two AAPs take place, not being able to participate in the AAPs, and one year later being pushed into paying for the debt Contrast these AAPs with what the City of Victoria did when facing the end of life of the Crystal Pool. In 2025 they held a city-wide referendum asking to borrow $168 million; they also asked which location was preferred. A majority of residents voted Yes to the borrowing, and Yes to using the same site, meaning they would be without a pool for a couple of years while it was demolished and replaced (but at a lower cost than building at a different site). The Victoria borrowing translated to an estimated average property tax increase of about $240 per year over a 20-year period in Victoria.
Terry H. People need to get out and vote, everyone has the opportunity to be heard. It’s information posted to the public.
Karen M. Terry H. not really. A lot of elder people are not on social media and also not many get a newspaper. I think getting information out is difficult in this day and age. No one really understood the voting process.
Andrea S. Karen M. I agree. This just does not work for most people!
Chris C. Who simplifies the direct hit to the residents in layman terms within the electoral representation for area D?
Sherri C. Chris C. our Director reports should do that. However, I do have some numbers if you like?
Chris C. Sherri C. let's hear it
Bernadette LaFleur · October 2, 2026
It is not over
With an election coming and Campbell River residents protesting the cost, Campbell River council backed off, for now.
After October 17, it could be back. It needs no vote by the SRD Board. Campbell River council just has to pay.
John says he asked for the report because he was frustrated with the other rural directors. That's a reason to work it out with them, not to give Campbell River the deciding votes.
Note added October 3: Campbell River never voted on this in council chambers. The motion to look at joining came from two Campbell River councillors at the SRD in September 2025, and the City hasn't joined. Details at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Kermit D. I’m not sure why you continue with this stream of misinformation, I have posted multiple times that this is false and misleading. Show a city agenda where this topic is on it OR post a link to a city council meeting where this was discussed. We both know you can’t because it’s never been in council chambers. And the Campbell River residents protested something that was never discussed, I sure didn’t get this wave of pushback from informed residents that you mention in your post Stop sharing misinformation
Bernadette LaFleur Kermit "never discussed" isn't true. On September 3, 2025, at the SRD's Municipal Services Committee, Campbell River's own two directors moved to send joining the Electoral Area Planning Service to the municipal councils. It's on video. Before that, the SRD paid for a staff report and a legal opinion confirming Campbell River can join by council resolution and paying, about $456,000 a year, with no board vote and no say from Area D. Nothing stops it coming back after October 17. So here's a simple question: do you think Campbell River council should have votes on Area D land use? Yes or no? Video and report are at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources. BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
Kermit D. Bernadette LaFleur, you clearly do not understand how this works, the small communities within the SRD can join the Planning Service as can Campbell River, you can check with your friends Brenda Leigh and Jim Abram, the city has been in the past a member of the service, it’s not new. The fact remains the city does not decide if it will join the service at the SRD board table, regardless of what you think that decision would be made in council chambers, so if it’s not on a council agenda and not raised in a council meeting it is not an issue for our community, we are not considering it.
Bernadette LaFleur Kermit, glad to hear Campbell River isn't considering it right now. But that wasn't my question. Do you think Campbell River council should have votes on Area D land use? Yes or no? You've said the City has been a member of the service before, and councils change. I'm asking where you stand as one member of that council.
Kermit D. Bernadette LaFleur, Campbell River has never shown any interest in having control of Area D development decisions, now electoral areas A, B, and C they have, but you seem obsessed with it being the city. It’s confusing when you start dealing with facts, John Rice was able to negotiate rates for water and fire protection delivery from the city at a lesser rate than your predecessor but you give him no credit for that, AND if Campbell River was a member of the service by the record of the city and current Area D director collaborating over the last 4 years it’s quite likely Area D would have an ally that would support Area D’s land use decisions so other electoral areas don’t control Area D, exactly what you’ve been trying to convince Area D voters the city is mythically going to do, control Area D decisions (don’t misconstrue this comment, Campbell River is still not interested in controlling land decisions in Area D)
Bernadette LaFleur Kermit, if John got Area D a better deal on water, good. Credit where it's due. And thanks for saying again that Campbell River isn't interested in Area D land use. Good to have that from the Mayor. But what you just described is exactly what worries me. Campbell River has five votes. The rural areas have four. That's not an ally, that's the city deciding for us. I'd rather Area D sort things out with the other rural directors. They live with the same stuff we do. I do appreciate the Mayor of Campbell River taking such an interest in who represents Area D. It's a good reminder of why it matters.
John Rice Kermit D., this needs to stop. This is an attempt to slander and smear candidates, and perhaps Bernadette should take the time to read Elections BC rules on this behavior.
Bernadette LaFleur John, you're welcome on this page. Every claim here links to an SRD record or your own words. If any of them are wrong, name one and I'll fix it.
John Rice Bernadette LaFleur, no, I think my time is better spent talking to Elections BC. You have been told many times that your continued misinformation is just that - misinformation. I would suggest you take the time to read the election rules, it might be helpful.
Birgitte J. John Rice Very true about some making an attempt to slander and smear. Your supporters are doing their best to demean Bernadette’s integrity, abilities, truthfulness and even question her interest in representing our community. You have been doing a fair amount of it yourself. This is the same behaviour that was exhibited by you and yours last election. Maybe you should “take the time” to tell your little group of supporters to stand down. It seems to me that you are trying to play the victim in order to avert residents from the truth. This is not helping your campaign in the slightest.
Teresa P. Honestly I am thankful for people stepping up however I think your lack of experience will only set back the progress that's been made in the last 4 years. You have said that you are very aligned with John and what he has accomplished in his term anyways! You have admitted that you haven't much experience and that your willing to learn but unfortunately that takes time and we can't afford to stall or move backwards. Our area was very stagnant for years as our infrastructure crumbled and all of our issues were kicked down the road. I like your approach about listening to the people but John has also done that. We can't wait for every 4 years to bring issues to a referendum.
Jerry H. Teresa P. We all learn every day. A fundamental principle in both business and politics is continuous adaptation—what worked four years ago does not work today, and what works today will not work tomorrow
Teresa P. Jerry H. yes we do, but I've heard a lot of no i haven't and not yet. Imo going in with no real understanding or experience will be a detriment to the work that is finally moving forward. Like I said I love when people choose to get involved, but I do believe it's necessary to familiar yourself with the goings on before you step into a leadership role. Volunteer, attend meetings and learn in and outs of the processes. Cheers to people caring enough to get involved.
Birgitte J. Teresa P. - You seem to forget that Mr. Rice had absolutely no experience at all. None whatsoever. All directors were new once and then gained their experience.
Teresa P. Birgitte J. I explained my point above
Terry B. Here is a quote from your website. "Today I'm a mother, a grandmother, and a stylist and manager at a busy local salon, which means I spend my working days listening to people from every corner of this community." The question I have is. Do you have time to commit to the busy schedule of a Director? A lot of what gets done for this busy job require the Director to be available on other people and organizations schedules.
Bernadette LaFleur Yes, I do. If I'm elected, being Director comes first, and I'll arrange my work at the salon around board meetings, committees and residents, not the other way around. I've spent my life juggling eight kids, parent councils and a busy salon, so working around other people's schedules is nothing new to me. And honestly, the salon helps. It's where I hear what people in Area D are actually worried about.
Birgitte J. Bernadette LaFleur - Are your eight children and their children living with you?
Bernadette LaFleur Birgitte J. just 16 year old twins
Birgitte J. Bernadette LaFleur - I figured as much. Mr. Browne inferred that you'd be too busy with 8 children and grandchildren under your care to do the job of area director competently. Maybe his children still all live at home as adults. Are you aware that Mr. Browne is Mr. Rice's alternate director?
Bernadette LaFleur Thank your Birgette, that makes sense given some of the comments I have seen
Birgitte J. Terry B. It doesn’t take much for anyone to figure out why you commented with what you did. It looked to me like just another remark to demean Bernadette’s abilities. I suppose you don’t realize that many politicians have other employment in addition to their political positions. All one has to do is look at the City of Campbell River’s mayor and council. Many have businesses of their own or other jobs. I heard, I stress heard, that Mr. Rice even has a work from home IT job that has nothing to do with being an area director. By what I’ve been told by people that know Bernadette, she is an accomplished multitasker, a quick learner and thinker, polite, cares about others, exceedingly hard working, gets along well with others and so forth. Her many qualities point to a strong woman that would be an ideal area director. I assume she would have much more energy too than her opponent that I believe is in his early 70s.
Eric H. Another Crooked Freeloader and Slacker.
Bernadette LaFleur · October 2, 2026
What I'm running on
A few people have asked if I have a platform. I do, and it's all on my website. Over the next week I'll go through it one piece at a time.
The short version: ask residents before rural land is changed. Protect green space and wildlife corridors. Fix the AAP so your silence doesn't count as a yes. Be an independent voice for Area D. Look after our water. And answer people when they ask.
If something that matters to you isn't on the list, tell me. That's the point.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Jim A. The APC is meant to advise the Director on ALL facets of development and planning. That is their role. If you are being told otherwise you are being misinformed. All sizes, shapes and form and issues arising from development and planning are fair game for discussion. And remember, APC’s do not make decisions… only advice!
Wrigley A. Jim A. Did you watch the debate lastnight? In particular the first question?
Jim A. Wrigley A. Unable.
Anna H. Can we please remedy the APC committee to include discussion of issues relating to development applications? At present, the committee has the appearance of giving citizens a voice but the reality is that discussion is not encouraged and, any ‘advisory’ role to the SRD is silenced. We need to be able to discuss the consequences of all the small developments in a bigger picture of preserving the natural landscapes and ecology of the area. We need an advocate for citizens who may have participated in the OCP but see a flaw in that it allows for piecemeal development without considering the real world, big-picture impacts on various factors like, rural quiet, erosion of natural areas, incursions (without repercussion) into riparian areas, etc. I don’t know how to fix these things but turning a blind eye to them as the current government does, isn’t working for keeping a rural quality of life.
Bernadette LaFleur Anna H. Thank you Anna. It was so nice meeting you at the meet and greet, and I've been thinking about what you told me since. You're right that lots of small developments add up, and right now nobody is really looking at the whole picture. Riparian areas, natural spaces, the quiet we all moved here for. Each application gets looked at on its own, and the bigger picture gets missed. I think the APC should be a place where people can actually talk these things through, and where that advice gets heard by the board. If I'm elected I'll push for that. I also want protections for green space, riparian areas and wildlife corridors written into our plans so they aren't left to goodwill. Send me a message any time, or email me at BernadetteforAreaD@gmail.com. I'd love to keep the conversation going.
Anna H. Bernadette LaFleur I will , Thank you for encouraging conversation on this topic. I am concerned that the current government uses the APC to show they allow community involvement and discussion but having been on the APC, I can say this is not the case. I had to mention it so others may question how it works (or, doesn’t ).
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur do you have an opinion on the APC that you would like to share? Are you aware of how we function? Have you attended any of the meetings?
Bernadette LaFleur Hi Teresa, honestly no, I haven't been to an APC meeting yet, and I'd like to. I know you all volunteer your time and I appreciate that. My opinion is pretty simple. The APC is made up of people who live here, and that's exactly who should be advising the board on development in Area D. If members feel they can't really discuss the bigger picture, like how all the small developments add up, then something about how it's set up should change. That's not a knock on the people on it. You'd know how it works better than me. What would you change, if anything? And when is the next meeting? I'd like to come and listen.
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur well... our next meeting was scheduled for this Wed. We meet once a month but are often canceled because there is nothing in the agenda. We had a lawyer who is also a professioinnal planner do a very lengthy detailed presentation to inform new members what is the role of the APC and what are their duties as legislated from the province. There is nothing that should our could be changed. We are there to provide our opinions as residents, and I'm thankful for the people that give of their time.
Teresa P. Anna H. I'm not sure how you can have any complaints or opinion seeing as you quit the board. This was your opportunity to have your voice heard!
Anna H. Teresa P. ‘I can’t have an opinion’ says it all.
Anna H. I’m a taxpayer here and you’re telling me I can’t have an opinion….Really? So no opinion welcome on the APC and none as a taxpayer. What kind of leadership is this?
Teresa P. Anna H. where did i say you can't have an opinion? Your seat/ vote on the apc was your opinion. You chose to discontinue with zero communication!
Anna H. Teresa P. Maybe it was the post above where you state ‘I can’t have an opinion’…. Anyhoo, with no meaningful discussion or advisory capacity on the APC, how can you call it a voice for community involvement? I’m sure my vote wasn’t missed on the APC and I sleep better knowing my name isn’t supporting a committee that just says yes to every application with no say on any larger development issues. It’s a token involvement and I won’t be part of that. It could actually be run differently.
Teresa P. Anna H. you had an opportunity to have a voice and you silenced yourself.
Birgitte J. Teresa P. - Don't you have anything better to do besides demeaning others on this page?
Teresa P. Birgitte J. demeaning? I told the truth about Anna's leaving the APC.
Jim A. Anna H. This is why you should vote for Bernadette. You ask some really good questions and they are all issues that an APC is legislated to deal with since they are “planning” issues. Something is very wrong if these issues are not being meaningfully discussed under your present Director!
Karen M. We have ocean grove field looking at being developed and residents are very worried regarding our water tables , noise, dust and road allowances and last spring there were signs posted in the bush where they weren’t visible. Far as I’m concerned we should have received a mail out from the regional district. This is a huge Piece of property is boarded by fish streams . When they were actively dumping fill on this land it was the local residents who noticed that the fill was being dumped to close to the fish streams. The residents contacted the minister of environment and they forced the land owner to take corrective action and install proper barriers. It should not be the local residents responsibility to police these developments.
Maureen H. Karen M. ...Hi - I am in south Area D and not familiar with the instance you are referring to, however, as a community member I do believe it is the responsibility of residents to "police" any development that is occurring and bring suspected infractions, concerns, questions to the the proper authority - starting with the Director who can, at minimum, direct you to the correct authority for timely resolution...at least hopefully timely resolution...
Jerry H. Maureen H. Respectfully the “public policing” is extra plus for sure, but any development in the region must be monitored and followed by SRD. SRD has to insist and require that if any authority, organization or company wants to do any development, changes in the public service, etc. must informed SRD director first and SRD office must take appropriate steps, which also required SRD to have adequate tools and bylaw to do that. It is also SRD responsibility to inform residents about any upcoming changes in the region and provide the updates in timely manner. Bottom line if we want to protect our rural environment it is important to have good representation and to make sure that the new director is willing to stand up and protect our district as needed and communicate effectively with the residents. The community is growing and new developments are coming, we do not see it but the pressure is on.
Maureen H. Jerry H. ...I do most certainly agree with everything you have said, however, it would never happen that an SRD official or any other official would remain on properties daily - or even drive by daily so for sure if something is happening that needs to be questioned it is definitely - in my opinion - up to the neighborhood to "police" but not be the only "police" of course...we are the ones who are around on daily basis for sure
Karen M. Maureen H. I agree with you to point. but Mr, Herman answered it better than I could. Thanks Mr. Herman.
Bernadette LaFleur Thank you Karen. Signs in the bush where nobody can see them isn't telling people. If a development this big is coming next to your homes and fish streams, every house nearby should get something in the mail from the regional district. And you're right, it shouldn't be up to neighbours to catch fill being dumped too close to a stream. Good on you all for speaking up, but that's the SRD's job and the province's job, not yours. The water table, noise, dust, roads and those streams are exactly what should be looked at before anything gets approved. That's what I mean when I say ask the people who live here first. I'd like to hear more about the Ocean Grove field. Send me a message or email BernadetteforAreaD@gmail.com, and if it's easier I'm happy to come by.
Wrigley A. Karen M. Then how did you know signs were there?
Karen M. Wrigley A. because someone in the neighborhood climbed down into the bush and took a picture of it and sent it out.
Terry H. Residents are always informed before rural land is changed. In fact a very expensive sign has to be placed on your property for rezoning. A formal ad has to be written in the newspaper and a open house has to be scheduled for interested parties to be involved. I know as I just went through this very tedious expensive procedure. Residents are informed.
Bernadette LaFleur Thanks Terry, I appreciate you sharing what the rezoning process was like.
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur I'm not sure who is writing your content but you should have do a fact check before you post, they may have you running in the wrong election. The Government of British Columbia controls the legislative framework and makes changes to the Alternative Approval Process (AAP)
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley, that's not correct. The province sets the basic rules: the 10% threshold, the deadline, and which bylaws can use an AAP. Everything else is up to our regional board. The board decides whether to use an AAP at all or send big borrowing to a referendum. It decides how hard it works to tell people. And it decides how it takes forms in. The Comox Valley board voted in December 2024 to accept a photo of your signed form by email. No provincial change needed. Don't take my word for it. John's own campaign document on AAP reform says the Ministry's position is that the current framework "intentionally allows local councils and regional boards to establish their own local submission procedures." And his other one says a regional board "is never legally forced to use an AAP."
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur you said you were going to fix it. You also want to address growth, another mandate from the province. I have to take what you say at face value, you're portraying half the information again. That the APP is broken. If you want people to be serious about your candidacy you need post what you want to say. Almost every post you have is only a portion of the facts or very misleading.
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley, what I said I'd fix is the part our board controls: how people are told about an AAP, how forms are accepted, and whether big borrowing goes to a vote. Comox Valley did exactly that without the province. That's not half the information. It's the half the board can actually change. Growth is the same. The province sets some housing rules, but our Official Community Plan, our zoning, and every rezoning vote are still decided here. That's where Area D's director matters. If you think a post leaves something out, tell me which one and what's missing. Every source is at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources, and I correct things when I get them wrong. There are two corrections on that page already. BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
John H. Wrigley A. There is absolutely no mandated growth strategy for area D. The only Legislated requirement for Area D is to a housing needs study which concluded that Area D would need 826 new home over the next 20 years and it is non-binding. Bill 44 mandates only applies mandated growth targets to municipalities.
Wrigley A. John H. thanks for letting me know your opinion. Not sure how it relates at all to this post. Unless you're writing the content?
Terry H. No one is ever silenced. We can all speak up its just most dont. We are extremely fortunate to have the water we do and now with the meters maybe more will take responsiblity for what they use. We are very fortunate to have the green space we do and it is protected by the Province of BC
Terry H. The director has always answered questions in a timely manner to any concerned citizen for any issues they are facing.
Birgitte J. Terry H. - No, he does not. Numerous people can say otherwise. Many times his answers are vague, same questions from different people answered differently, some get no answer at all ever. And why don't you take your campaigning to his page instead of so blatantly doing it here? You're looking silly actually.
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur Not what you said but it is definetly a campain strategy, sort of like what is happening in the States. Throw it at the wall, facts can be quietly corrected later, maybe? Just putting at the bottom "every post/every source" integrity and it is not treating voters with respect but i guess it does cover you.
John Rice · October 2, 2026
UNDERSTANDING BILL 44 IN ELECTORAL AREA D You might have heard about B.C.’s Bill 44 changing how local planning works. Here is what it actually means for Area D—and how our community stays protected: No Redundant Hearings for OCP-Compliant Housing. Under provincial law, public hearings are no longer held for residential rezonings that are 100% consistent with our Official Community Plan (OCP). Because public consultation happens upfront when creating the OCP, compliant projects (like secondary suites or carriage houses on serviced lots) move straight to technical staff review. Major Developments STILL Require Public Hearings. If a proposed project goes against our OCP or requests a major land-use change, a public hearing remains legally mandatory under provincial law. Our Rural Character & Environment Stay Protected. Our resident-approved OCP (Bylaw No. 276) locks in low-density rural zoning, while protecting our green spaces and environmentally sensitive areas. Plus, every proposal is still reviewed by our volunteer, independent Advisory Planning Commission. Bill 44 cuts administrative red tape for simple, compliant infill—while keeping our community's long-term vision firmly in local hands. Key Takeaway: There is no legal way an Area Director can slow down a compliant application or deny it. There is no way residents' comments can be legally used to prevent an application from moving forward. Those comments are meant to inform, and at times help shape the development. #AreaD #StrathconaRegionalDistrict #Bill44 #LandUsePlanning #RuralAutonomy #JohnRice2026 Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Anna H. Last night’s debate revealed a term you used: ‘unserviced rural sprawl’. Could you define what this means?
John Rice Anna H., good question. Simply stating what the term means ( which anyone can look up) does not explain how Area D deals with this. I think the community needs the fuller picture to understand how this term related in area d. I will craft a more wholesome response for the entire community.
Jim A. Your info above is ABSOLUTE nonsense except that it cuts red tape for developers. An OCP gives general vision for how an area develops. A PUBLIC HEARING gives the community the opportunity to speak to the specifics of a development and an opportunity to turn down an application. Bill 44 takes away the opportunity for rural areas to develop properly. It is draconian and a clawing back of local government powers. Anyone that supports it is NOT an advocate for good planning in their rural area.
John Rice Jim A. You hit the nail on the head. The province took away local government's power with Bill 44. You know as well as I do that the SRD board must comply with Bill 44 or face serious legal action. You know as well as I do that the only way to change mandated legislation takes many years of work and/or perhaps even a change of who is in power in the province.
Teresa P. John Rice I'm sure Jim A. is aware of what happens when you don't follow the rules
Jim A. John Rice Not true about Bill 44. There are exceptions and work arounds. The Bill should have never been imposed on LG’s. It needs to be repealed. That happens thru advocacy at the provincial level which is the job of an Area Director. UBCM would have been a good place to work on that between photo ops with CR cohorts. UBCM does not support Bill 44. Good to develop that relationship with them.
Teresa P. Jim A. so you agree with John then
Jim A. Teresa P. Never! He’s has never advocated for anything except robbing Area C over Strathcona Gardens. Does he need you to do his fighting for him?
Teresa P. Jim A. interesting comment "robbing" does Bernadette need you fighting for her Or is this strictly you as a Quadra resident not wanting to pay.
Jim A. Teresa P. just looking for a good Area Director that will work the rest of the EA’s. Not like the present one.
Wrigley A. Jim A. you should bring that up with Robyn M., Area C Director I'm sure she would be interested in you opinion of her hard work.
Terry B. Great clarification
John Rice · October 1, 2026
Candidate Debate for Strathcona Area Directors. Tonight at the Tidemark. Doors open at 6:30pm The audience will have one hour to ask questions of any candidate.
John Rice Here is the live stream of the debate: https://tidemarktheatre.com/.../all-candidates-debate.../. Some great questions were submitted. I also appreciated the questions from the audience. The question on Bill 44 was excellent.
Elaine J. Would like to know why some residents received letters in the mail for your campaign and some of us didn’t? Could you share it here on your page so the residents of Area D that didn’t receive it? Thanks.
John Rice Elaine J. I have knocked on the doors of a number of streets already. When I did your street you were not home. When I have time I will post it to my website. Cheers
Elaine J. John Rice appreciate that.
Elaine J. John Rice How do you know where I live and I would have happily read your letter if you left one? You must have seen our sign of support at the end of the driveway and the back of the property.
John Rice Elaine J. I talked to you in the last election. You had no desire then to talk. What changed? I respect you are supporting someone else.
Elaine J. John Rice since the last election alot has changed in the area that we have concerns about.
Billie H. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsigpIzv5HQ
Billie H. this link works
Bernadette LaFleur · October 1, 2026
Debate night
Tonight is the Area Director Candidates Debate — 7 pm at the Tidemark Theatre, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Come with your questions.
Where I stand on this one: I will work with the other rural directors to make sure communities like Area D keep control of our own land use planning — so that development is driven by us, the people who live here.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Birgitte J. I watched the debate. You did a wonderful job. In fact, I think that only you and one other person up there did.
Jim A. Good luck tonight!
John Rice · September 30, 2026
Today, September 30, marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) across Campbell River, Electoral Area D, and Canada—a vital time to honour residential school survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on our collective responsibility toward genuine reconciliation. Local Events & Observances in Campbell River In Campbell River and the surrounding regional district, September 30 is marked by community gatherings, reflection, and storytelling: • Spirit Square Gathering: The primary public event in Campbell River traditionally takes place at Spirit Square in downtown Campbell River, hosted in partnership with local Indigenous organizations like the Laichwiltach Family Life Society, Wei Wai Kum Nation, and We Wai Kai Nation. • Every Child Matters March & Ceremony: Events typically feature traditional drumming, songs, speeches from elders and survivors, and an "Every Child Matters" walk through downtown Campbell River to promote reflection, education, and healing.
September 30. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
No campaign post today. Wear orange, and take a moment for the children who didn't come home, and the families and communities on this coast who are still carrying it.
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
As we head to the polls on the 7th the 15th and the 17th there are many issues that face our community. Perhaps candidate Bernadette LaFleur can share with the community how she plans to tackle these items. 1. During my first term, I have worked hard to find a path to bring hydro to Upper Campbell Lake. I would love to hear how Candidate Bernadette LaFleur plans to continue that important work considering this is a $10 million plus project. 2. I have been a constructive advocate in this term to bring Internet Services and Reliable Cell Service to remote parts of our community like Upper Campbell Lake. I would love to hear how Candidate Bernadette LaFleur plans to continue that work. 3. I have already taken steps in this term to address the chronic flooding that has persisted in this community for a few decades. I would love to hear how Candidate Bernadette LaFleur plans to continue that important work. 4. During my first term I have made Public Transit a priority and was able to make investments in much-needed Transit Infrastructure at no cost to tax payers. I would love to hear how Candidate Bernadette LaFleur plans to continue that work. 5. The Transit Service in Area D needs constructive advocacy to improve the service. As this is a shared service with the City of Campbell River, I would love to hear how Candidate Bernadette LaFleur plans to tackle that work Authorized by Jacqueline Rice Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Janet S. No need to be condescending and flippant John. Just ask!
Wrigley A. Janet S. I feel he is aware that posts on his page are making it back to Bernadette, this is his way of asking?
Carmen C. John Rice Not all of us can make to the debate tmrw. What can you tell us about the traffic study? And lowered speed limits on the hwy?
John Rice Carmen C. I would ask that you review the the SRD statement and the statement I made. Thank you
Carmen C. John - could you point me or anyone else who is interested to where we would find that info? It’s just a question.
John Rice Carmen C.https://www.srd.ca/.../highway-19a-planning-study... SRD.CA Highway 19A Planning Study Completed for Oyster River Corridor | Strathcona Regional District
Sean L. Carmen C. Hi Carmen, I'm Sean, Bernadette's son. I help with her campaign, but here's what I found on the traffic study. John asked for it at the start of 2023: https://agenda.strathconard.ca/public/minutes.asp?id=81&AgendaType=2&MeetingDate=2/8/2023&MeetingType=75 It was held up last fall when the Ministry's project lead was on strike: https://agenda.strathconard.ca/public/minutes.asp?id=81&AgendaType=1&MeetingDate=10/22/2025&MeetingType=52 Here's the SRD's statement from September 4: https://www.srd.ca/government/news/highway-19a-planning-study-completed-oyster-river-corridor It covers 19A from Oyster River to Jubilee Parkway: walking and cycling connections, access, signage and safety. Nothing is funded or scheduled yet. The study itself isn't online; the SRD says to ask the Ministry of Transportation for it. I couldn't find anything about lowering speed limits. Those are set by the Ministry, not the SRD. If the minutes links don't open, go to agenda.strathconard.ca, click Browse Minutes and pick the month. The debate is livestreamed tonight on the Tidemark Theatre website if you can't make it.
G R. Carmen C. lowering speeds on what highway ? 19A ? Why ? Is there some safety issues doing 80 km / hour ?
Terry B. Exactly. It is easy to be critical of you but where is her concrete plan to move forward with these huge issues.
Derek W. Why do we need to spend so much money for upper Campbell lake? Someone makes the choice to have a cabin up there or live up there then figure it out yourself. Buy a star link and put solar in on your own dime, I don’t need to pay more taxes so people that choose to have a recreational property have luxuries. After all that are we going to get them sewer or free septic fields? Hahaha John Rice do you own a cabin up there or do any of your friends own up there?
John Rice Derek W. If hydro is a thing only the residents of that area would pay. If internet and improved cell phone reception is a thing, it would be done through grants, not taxpayers.
Derek W. John Rice so the limited amount of people up there are going to fork out the 10 million plus and it won’t effect anyone else in area D? You also didn’t answer my other question. Do you or any of your friends own cabins on upper Campbell lake? One would think with the city west fibre now running the highway to gold river the internet should be easy or already installed. Unless the portion of the upgrade project failed/ not completed.
Derek W. John Rice they don’t even have all of gold river hooked up yet so why upper Campbell first? Should I start putting links in the comments?
John Rice Derek W., if you are concerned that perhaps I have a conflict of interest regarding Upper Campbell Lake I would suggest that you review my publicly available disclosure statement that I am required to file every year and have done so since I was elected. I am sure the SRD can point you to that public document. As for Internet Services and improved cell phone reception, you are welcome to your opinion. There are far more areas right here ( not just Upper Campbell Lake) that would benefit from advocacy on this very topic.
Derek W. John Rice can’t even answer a simple question? Why should I go searching for an answer when I am asking you directly?
John Rice Derek W. I do not own a cabin there. When I speak about Upper Campbell Lake, I am talking for the 50 people who own property there. This has been a long-time desire to see Hydro, and the residents are fully aware that this should never burden the general taxpayers of the area d. Hence the wording:" Find a logical path to bring Hydro.
Andrea S. Could you ask her directly?
Teresa P. Andrea S. yes at the debate tomorrow
Andrea S. Teresa P. what a genius idea
Derek W. Andrea S. love to the lightbulb at the end. Do you know if he or any of his buddies own on upper Campbell lake thinking they do. Living the off grid life like the shows in History and Nat Geo hahaha
Derek W. Andrea S. asking questions directly doesn’t get you answers apparently….
Teresa P. All we have heard from her so far is critique of you, it seems that her platform is basically non existent. Very aligned with a former director and small group of residents that are against any change.
John Rice Teresa P., it's more than a critique. It is actually bordering on a complaint to Elections BC. Now I am getting calls from residents that the door-knocking team has been making some choice statements about me.
Sean L. John, if anyone helping Bernadette has said something unfair about you at a door, I want to know. Message me the details and I'll deal with it.
John Rice Sean L., thank you, but it is already too late for that. Damage has already been done. Cheers
Teresa P. Sean L. I too have heard from friends about some of the things being said door to door, I would suggest speaking with your mother and her team. As well the language being used is far from classy and certainly not an example of someone i want representing me.
Cecil H. Teresa P. TERESA you are dead wrong about us not wanting change. We do want change but well informed and agreed upon change, not something that has been imposed on us without our consent or wishes. Do not ASSUME that you know our minds!
Teresa P. Cecil H. CECIL how have you not been well informed? We have had more transparency in the last four years than we have had in the last two decades I've lived here.
Cecil H. Teresa P. you must live in a different world!
Wrigley A. Derek W. that is very narrow minded viewpoint, so only your area deserves the attention of the director? This isnt area A
Derek W. Wrigley A. bigger issues in the area than cabin owners having internet and hydro if the money can go into other things more important. Very narrow minded of you to not want answers to questions that are brought up.
Wrigley A. Derek W. every issue is "bigger" depending on your viewpoint.
Derek W. Wrigley A. yes luxuries at the lake cabin are a low priority to me when we have other things money can be spent on. Do you have a cabin on the lake also? Hahaha
Wrigley A. Derek W. No I don't have a cabin. Being narrow-minded means you are unwilling to accept or consider new ideas, different beliefs, or OTHER PEOPLES LIFE EXPERIENCE'S. So I think I got it right the first time.But I feel your the guy who needs the last word, so make it a good one Coyote.
Derek W. Wrigley A. yes and last election I helped hire this guy to represent area D so figured he could answer a few questions. I guess that makes me narrow minded hahahaha
Wrigley A. Derek W. At least your willing to admit it. So .
John Rice · September 29, 2026
COMMUNITY UPDATE: Strathcona Gardens Aquatic Centre Ribbon Cutting Today, I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new aquatic centre at Strathcona Gardens. I was joined by my colleagues from the Strathcona Gardens Commission, local dignitaries, and First Nations leaders who conducted a meaningful traditional blessing for the new facility. As this milestone has already been widely covered by various media outlets, I will keep my takeaway simple: When local governments work together, major community projects get built. Thank you to everyone whose hard work and collaboration made this expansion possible for Area D and our entire region!
Patricia Z. water out of water in Q Cove pool yes pipeline to Quadra would we be Great
Doug W. It looks great!
Candace J. Is there no water slides?
Sean D. Candace J. delayed... But it's in the mail.... Seriously.
Judy S. Candace J. yes it's on the parking lot there was a post about it just not installing yet !
Allan D. I hope we get some color or art in there , the bright white walls are super jarring to look at.
Kiki U. Looks fantastic!
Jessica M. Salt water or chlorine only?
Lorraine D. Looks amazing
Judy R. I’m so excited!
Jessica G. Is there a lazy river ?
John Rice Jessica G. I believe so and the water slide will be setup soon.
Kiki U. John Rice
John Rice Karen M. Yes there is a water slide.
Karen M. John Rice I’m am wrong then .
Janet N. So happy it’s opening!
Bernadette LaFleur · September 29, 2026
Three rural directors told their residents
When Campbell River looked at taking over rural land use planning, the Directors for Areas A, B and C campaigned publicly. They explained what was at stake. Voters flooded Campbell River council with objections, and the City backed off — at least until after this election.
John Rice stayed silent.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
John says I got the water meter story wrong. He's right about one thing, and here's the rest of it. Every vote is linked at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources.
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Robyn M. Hi Bernadette, I appreciate the work you're doing here. The Electoral Area Services Committee is made up of four Directors; each must enter the discussion with an open mind and vote as they believe appropriate. You're absolutely correct: the fact that Rice's first motion didn't get seconded merely indicated the need for further information. The Committee received the information, and the program moved ahead. Rice attributing reasons for Director's votes does not make them true. Him posting statements about 'bad-faith voting', 'hostage-taking', and stating code of conduct violations occurred when no complaint has been brought to the Board doesn't look good. The Code of Conduct Director's statement says "respect one another and the unique role and contribution each of us has in making the region a better place to work, live and play", and "avoid conduct which is not in the best interests of the region".
Bernadette LaFleur Robyn D. thank you for your comment, I fully agree he is being very colorful with his version of events.
Teresa P. Robyn D. what are your thoughts on your area being part of paying for the gardens, I find it interesting that both current and former director are so involved in area d elections ?
Wrigley A. Robyn D. Your previous director from Area C has already tried to hijack this page, "showing support", but it quickly came to light that he was trying to gaslight area D constituents regarding the fiscal responsibility that your area should have to Strathcona Gardens complex. FYI Bernadette LaFleur has already agreed you should be paying your fair share.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 29, 2026
The $1,500 water-meter credit. Who voted for it?
In November 2023, John Rice asked SRD staff to look at giving Campbell River's directors a vote on rural land use. Last week he told us why: the rural directors were "using local residents' homes and utility refunds as political pawns." His first example was the $1,500 water-meter credit, which he says they tried to stall.
We read the minutes. The credit went to a vote seven times. It carried seven times. Nobody voted against it. The one time it was deferred, the motion was his.
A credit nobody stalled is not a reason to hand another municipality a vote on Area D's land.
Dates on the card. Minutes linked at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources.
Maureen H. context as to why the October 11th deferral motion...and as to "who" was using Area D as their "political pawn"...the above post doesn't seem to tell the whole story - perhaps there was a valid reason for moving to defer that does not involve John using his position as a "political pawn"
Bernadette LaFleur Hi Maureen the minutes don't say why it was deferred, and I'm not claiming to know. It may well have been routine. Here's why it matters. In November 2023 John asked staff to study letting Campbell River's directors vote on rural land use — five city directors, one for Area D. Last week he explained why: he said the other rural directors were "using local residents' homes and utility refunds as political pawns," and his first example was them "attempting to stall" the water-meter credit. The minutes show no stalling. Seven votes, all carried, nobody opposed. So the reason he gave for wanting Campbell River at the table doesn't hold up. That's what the card is about.
Atisket A. Bernadette LaFleur why are you using AI to answer these comments? I don’t trust that at all
Bernadette LaFleur Atisket A. my son runs this page with me and uses it for grammar and wording. Its a helpful tool to get the word out. What matters to me is getting the facts out, and it you find anything I've posted is incorrect I want to hear about it.
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur I'd prefer to hear from you and not your posse of backdoor angry previous director supporters!
Teresa P. Atisket A. thank you for saying this, AI should not have a place in this forum
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa, it's me. I've read and stand behind every word on this page. If you'd rather talk in person, I'll be at the Tidemark Thursday night.
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur see you there
Atisket A. Bernadette LaFleur your words are the ones we want to hear, human words, wrong grammar or not. Just so you are aware, more and more people are blocking those who choose to use AI.
Terry B. Teresa P. It sounds like she is relying on poorly vetted or incomplete information.
Maureen H. Terry B. ...yes I agree...there is no context for this and many of the posted postulations - one simply cannot read minutes and have an understanding of the finer nuances of governance - minutes are just but a "snapshot" and never tell the entirety of a story...anybody can post anything that anyone says/states but without context of the entirety it is nothing more than "sound bites" to frame one's position - right or wrong or completely out of context makes no difference so long as the message fits a narrative that one is attempting to achieve...and AI (imo) should only be used as a map to better define your information and directing to a trusted, vetted source...I mean every computer these days has spell check and grammar checks built in
Bernadette LaFleur Maureen the context is John's posts saying what he did and why, the minutes that show how people voted dont line up with his statements, and his statement that he wanted to explore the city being involved in area D votes because votes weren't going the way show, to me at least, a pretty clear picture of his priorities.
Birgitte J. Teresa P. - Mr. Rice uses AI constantly and has for sometime. The only reason Mr. Rice and some of his group bring up this AI business constantly is because someone made a public comment to him about his use of it. Now you can't let it go. It was extremely obvious when he started using AI with his director's reports. I'll be as polite as I can. His reports went from looking like they were written by someone that doesn't do well writing a coherent report to a university educated English major written report. I have copies of all he's written. The contrast is glaring.
Jim A. Nothing like showing the REAL story to expose misinformation. Good work.
Terry H. Jim A. Lets here your real story Jim. Maybe the misuse of tax dollars ?
Jim A. Terry H. if I showed you all the documented proof you’d be posting with your tail between your legs. Now leave me alone.
Terry B. Jim A. Please private message me any proof you may have that you did not misuse tax payer funds and you did not have to repay the monies.
Terry H. Do you have a platform ? I do notice all your post are only about the meetings which are public knowlege. Why your interest in the past when its present and the future we need to discuss. Past meetings are said and done. The current director has been very transparent posting news letters monthly if anyone wants to read then.
Bernadette LaFleur Hi Terry yes. It's at bernadetteforaread.ca, and in short: keep Area D rural and let residents decide what gets built here; protect our forests, shorelines and wildlife corridors; fix the AAP so people are actually told before the SRD borrows in their name; ask Area D before deciding for it; and keep our land-use decisions with the director Area D elects. The record matters because it's the only evidence we have of how someone will act next term. The past week of posts happened because John's Sept 24 post made claims about those meetings, and I think people deserve to see what the minutes say. Happy to talk about the future any time, starting with the all-candidates meeting Thursday at the Tidemark. BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Bernadette LaFleur for Area D Director — Your neighbour. Your voice.
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur Can you please explain why referendums are your prefered method? That's all I'm asking? They do not seem to be the creditable route used anymore. Just a huge waste of taxpayers money.
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley A. Take your own chart. The most expensive referendum on it is $120,000. The Strathcona Gardens loan was $57 million. That's a tiny cost compared to the expense being committed to. For a loan we'll all be paying on for 20 years, I'm fine spending that to ask. The AAP counts everyone who doesn't respond as a yes. In September 1,813 people took the trouble to sign a form saying no, and it still went through, and the notice never told anyone what it would cost per household. That's not a cheaper way of asking, it's a cheaper way of not asking. I'm not against the AAP for routine stuff. For the big ones, put it to a vote
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur Phase 1 had .032% and phase 2 had 5.5% of eligible voters submit valid response forms. So the issue does not seem to have been of high concern or priority to voters, a referendum would have been much more costly to come to the same end for a project that you support. It doesnt make sense to me why you're so strongly against an avenue that saved Area D money. But I do appreciate your answer, it gives me a lot to consider in the days ahead.
Terry B. How do you decide what you would bring to a referendum? A feeling? A dollar amount? Significant to a small group? What might no be a big issue for some might be a big issue for others and vice versa. You would need a referendum t decide on what to take to a referendum.
Monty Y. Wrigley A. democracy is a good reason.
Wrigley A. Monty Y. democracy was used
John Rice · September 29, 2026
The $1,500 water meter credit. Who voted what? It would seem my opponent is again trying to discredit my reasons why I wanted to explore ways to bring credibility to voting decisions at the Electoral Area Committee. Directors at EASC have done the following • Do not make decisions based on facts and merits • Do not make decisions based on the findings of a public hearing • Are willing to withhold what should be routine cheques to repay those residents who purchased water meters before the free ones were available • Add months of delay with their silly political games • Make decisions that exposed the Regional District to a lawsuit on an Official Community Plan-compliant rezoning application that affected 8 applicants and were forced to rescind their votes to avoid such a lawsuit. My opponent claims that she has proof that I have misled this community from my previous post “SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: Restoring Integrity to Rural Planning” Had my opponent actually fact-checked my remarks, she would have noticed that at the August 16th EASC meeting, the committee refused to second a motion. I encourage those who would like to really learn the facts to watch the video I linked below https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzLaJtjQbqY... The motion that this committee would not second can be found between 30:03 and 30:20 Gerald Whalley’s can be heard at 30:28 to 31:10, clearly telling the CAO, Dave Leitch, why bother with the remaining motion when this committee has already refused the first motion. I am seeking Re-Election to continue my hard work and hold the Electoral Area Committee accountable when they engage in bad-faith voting and try to withhold important rebates to Area D residents. Authorized by Jacqueline Rice Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Sean L. John, even if you were frustrated with the other rural directors, that's a disagreement between four elected rural directors. The fix you asked staff to look at in November 2023 was letting Campbell River's council into rural land use planning. That would mean 5 city votes to 4 rural votes on every electoral area, for about $456,000 a year from the city, with no board vote needed. Residents made it pretty clear how they felt. Around 100 people wrote to Campbell River council against it, the directors for Areas A, B and C spoke out, and the city decided not to join. That's the issue. People in Area D want rural planning decided by rural directors, not by the city. Every source is at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources.
John Rice Sean L. using AI to create sources also means AI missed a lot. This was not a one off problem. Several pieces of business were subjected to bad faith voting. Elected Officials cannot act in that manner for obvious reasons. This was a report and an exploration on how could integrity be returned to a committee of four. This never went beyond that report. I value rural planning also and I respect that. But I have no room for dishonesty that created considerable problems in Area D and my constituents.
Sean L. John, you still haven't answered the question. Do you think Campbell River council should have votes on Area D land use? Yes or no. I understand you were frustrated with how the other three rural directors voted. But the fix you asked staff to look at wasn't a fix for the committee. It was letting a city with five votes into rural land use planning. Even if the report went no further, that's what it was. You say AI missed a lot. AI is one tool we use. The rest is reading SRD minutes, staff reports and watching the meeting videos, which is where every link on bernadetteforaread.ca/sources comes from, with the date and resolution number. So name it. Pick one that's wrong and I'll correct it publicly. If you can't, "missed a lot" is just a line.
John Rice I would encourage area D residents to listen to https://youtu.be/pzLaJtjQbqY... The comments made by the chair clearly show this committee had no intent to support rebates ( motion b) and clearly the hope was this would defeat option C. They got caught at their own game! YOUTUBE.COM August 16, 2023 - Electoral Areas Services Committee Meeting
Terry B. Thanks for setting the record straight John. It is too easy to try to disparage someone else's platform with false information or incomplete context when your don't have any concrete solutions, a platform or ideas of your own. Stick to your plan and your record speaks for itself.
Billie H. rising above it with facts, way to go! great job John!
John Rice · September 28, 2026
Last Directors Report for This Elected Term My Report can be found https://johnforaread.ca/PDF.../DirectorsReportSept2026.pdf Get out and vote on either the Oct 7th, Oct 15th or Oct 17th
Billie H. thank you for hours and days of hard work on our behalf, have not always agreed but you always considered and tried to be respectful of all
Bernadette LaFleur · September 28, 2026
The price of control
A report was eventually produced and came to the Board in August 2025.
It found that for roughly $456,000 a year, Campbell River could join the Electoral Area Planning Service — and hold the deciding votes on land use planning across every electoral area in the Regional District.
It needs no vote of the SRD Board. Campbell River simply has to pay — and it's done. Provincial legislation allows it; the Comox Valley Regional District worked this way before the SRD was created.
Source: SRD Board agenda, August 20, 2025 — "Municipal Participation in EA Land Use Planning".
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Jim A. The Comox Strathcona Regional District only worked this way for a time. I worked with Municipal Affairs to get the municipalities out of planning and it worked. It was like a dream come true! And the process stands to this day. Can you imagine a CR taxpayer willing to pay almost half a million dollars annually to be able to vote on a simple rezoning in an Electoral Area? We got them out and they need to stay out !
John Rice · September 27, 2026
COMMUNITY UPDATE: Welcoming Our Neighbours, the Tlowitsis Nation On September 27th, 2026, I had the honour of attending the community blessing as our neighbours, the Tlowitsis Nation, welcomed the very first residents to their new home “Nenagwas”. A name chosen by Tlowtisis’ citizens which in kwakwala means, “a place to come home to.” As a guest representing our broader community, I was deeply moved by the speeches and ceremony throughout the blessing. The enduring connection the Tlowitsis people hold to their traditional territory was powerfully expressed—as was their decades-long journey to re-establish a dedicated land base for their people. After years of searching, the Nation selected this land in Area D because it provides vital access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for their youth and elders. These are foundational needs that every family and community seeks when choosing a place to put down roots. During the event, I had the opportunity to speak directly with Chief John Smith. I extended a warm welcome to the Tlowitsis Nation as our official neighbours, expressed our community’s condemnation of the recent vandalism at their entrance, and shared the overwhelming outpouring of local support and desire to help. We look forward to building a strong, collaborative relationship with Chief Smith, Council, and the residents of the Tlowitsis Nation as we grow together.
Bernadette LaFleur Maureen H. every post I make here is backed up by sources and available on my website. We even have a section for any corrections made and keep it at the top. Transparency and truth are of the utmost importance to me. You can find it here: https://bernadetteforaread.ca/sources BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley A. read this please
Maureen H. when you post stating what people said could you cite source please
Monty Y. Maureen H. it’s all on public reports and video from the session
Maureen H. Monty Y. ...thanks actually just found it and note the fine print citation at the bottom of the page
Bernadette LaFleur Maureen H. https://bernadetteforaread.ca/sources BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
Maureen H. Bernadette LaFleur ...yep found it and as there was already a response to my post did not want to delete op...thanks
Bernadette LaFleur · September 25, 2026
Five votes against four
Here is why that motion matters.
If Campbell River joined the Electoral Area Planning Service, the City would hold five votes to the rural directors' four — a majority on land use decisions in every rural area, including ours.
Area D has one Director and one vote. That is all the protection we have.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur What motion? Was there a motion put forward to allow the City to vote on Area D policy that I missed?
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley A. no, there was never a motion to give the City a vote on Area D policy directly. There were two steps. In November 2023, John Rice moved that staff prepare a report on options for municipalities and First Nations taking part in the Regional District's land-use planning service. Then in September 2025, Campbell River's two directors on the SRD committee, Sinnott and Chapman, moved to refer the idea of municipalities joining that service to each municipal council. It carried, and it went no further. If municipalities had joined, their directors would vote on rural land-use decisions, and Campbell River has five directors to the rural areas' four. That's the "vote on Area D policy" part. The motions themselves were a step short of that, and I've tried to say so each time. The minutes and the meeting video are at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources. BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
Cecil H. It would appear that Rice Supporters are “throwing everything at the wall “ in a desperate attempt to get a gotcha moment from you. Hate to tell them but it only points to their desperation. Keep up the good work.
Bernadette LaFleur Thanks Cecil! The hard work comes after the Election!
Maureen H. I too have read most everything you have posted that you feel your opponent has done during his tenure that was not in the best interest of Area D....what bothers me is that you tell only a small snap shot of whatever subject it may be - water meters...inviting the city to vote on land use in Area D as well a couple other issues...and yet you do not provide context nor are able to answer the questions with clarity to those constituents who ask...I guess my point is this - if you can only give a snap shot of information while you are applying for the job of Area D Director with nothing of substance in where you would lead Area D other than to expensive referendums why do you deserve my vote? This is not an easy job nor is it going to get easier in the future...Area D does not need to take backward steps after all that has been accomplished these past 4 years
Bernadette LaFleur Maureen, I've spent a lot of time on the record lately because John's posts made claims about it, and I didn't want those to stand. But you should hear what I'd actually do. Keep land use decisions in Area D with the director Area D elects, and keep Area D rural at a pace residents choose. Protect our forests, shorelines and wildlife corridors. Make sure people actually hear about it before the SRD borrows significant sums in their name, and tell them what it'll cost. Use referendums for the big long-term borrowing only, not for everything. Water meters are in. Now publish the rate options so people know what they'll pay before it's decided. Ask Area D before deciding for it. Answer every email. Keep the website current with what's coming up. I'm not running to undo good work. The water meters, the floodplain mapping, the 19A study, those should carry on. I'm running because I think Area D should be asked more and told more. I'll be at the Tidemark tonight if you'd like to hear it in person.
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur Now I'm concerned with your integrity, you stated that "The motions themselves were a step short of that, and I've tried to say so each time" So it was just report, but you're painting a different picture to the voters.
Teresa P. This
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley, both things are true, and I don't think saying so is a lack of integrity. The motion asked for a report. The report was on whether municipalities should take part in deciding rural land use. And we don't have to guess why he wanted it: in his own post last week, John said he brought the motion because rural directors on the committee were, in his words, "engaging bad-faith voting." That's a director asking staff to study bringing in municipal votes because he didn't like how his rural colleagues were voting. Then last September, Campbell River's directors moved to take the next step. That's why I raised it, and I've said at every step that it went no further. If you think a report on that subject is nothing to worry about, that's a fair position, and voters can weigh it. My position is that it's worth knowing why a director wanted it studied, and now we do. The record, including John's post, is at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources. I'll leave it there for people to judge. BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur I used the word integrity because it is the your slogan, but you're posting only half the information on your forums. I have read everything you have requested and it seems you align with John on almost every election issue. Why do you deserve my vote?
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley A. On a lot of things John and I would vote the same way, and I've never pretended otherwise. Where we differ is how decisions get made. He asked staff to study bringing municipal directors into rural land-use decisions. I never would. He sat on the commission that recommended borrowing $57 million by AAP instead of a referendum. I'd have put it to a vote. He says he brought that motion because he didn't like how the other rural directors were voting. My answer to being outvoted is to persuade my colleagues and take it to the public, not to change who gets a vote. That's the difference. If you'd rather have a director who works the system from the inside, John is your candidate. If you'd rather have one who asks you first, I'm asking for your vote.
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur Unfortunately not enough constituents get out and vote. If an AAP has 10% or more against, it automatically requires a referendum to proceed. My concern is how expensive referendums can be compared to an AAP, what will be your guideline to initiating a referendum?
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur. Here is a question if you support the gardens and option C on the referendum, are you concerned that the EA Directors will again do bad-faith voting, as this first term has shown. After all the bad faith voting happened after John asked about adding participant into the service.
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa P. could you please explain what you mean by 'bad faith' voting?
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur
Teresa P. How would you work with other directors that are using bad faith tactics to protect their own agendas?
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa P. not sure what happened with Facebook, but I can't see your comment any more. You'd asked whether I was worried about "the EA Directors again doing bad-faith voting." I'd still like to answer it, because the phrase is John's. In his September 24 post he says he brought the 2023 motion because rural directors "began engaging bad-faith voting," and the examples he gives are three votes he lost. Being outvoted isn't bad faith. It's how a board works. His post is saved at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources if anyone wants to read it in full. BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur Did Facebook lose my question too? Ive asked it twice now with no reply, Unfortunately not enough constituents get out and vote. If an AAP has 10% or more against, it automatically requires a referendum to proceed. My concern is how expensive referendums can be compared to an AAP, what will be your guideline to initiating a referendum?
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur I've sat on many boards over the years and have seen first hand the dysfunction that can happen, matter of fact there are tv shows that have used the types of groups for ratings. What experience do you have with boards? Especially ones in which there are different values being represented. Just because people don't agree and vote your way doesn't mean "bad faith" and I've never seen that be the case here.
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa P. - just so anyone reading this isn't confused: "bad-faith voting" isn't my phrase. It's John's, from his Sept 24 post, and it was in your comment before it was deleted. I've only quoted it. The minutes on the water-meter credit are on the card above; they speak for themselves. So we agree. People not voting your way isn't bad faith. That's a question for the Sept 24 post, not for me. As for boards: I've raised eight kids, spent years on parent councils, and managed a salon. That's a lot of practice getting people with different views to a decision they can all live with. That's the job: make your case, listen, and accept the vote.
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur thank you, obviously you don't have my vote as I'm very happy with the work john has done but I appreciate your responses. As well it should be mentioned that I've never seen you on a parent council but I'm sure running a salon has its challenges.
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley, sorry, that one slipped past me. Fair question. My rule of thumb: if it's big enough that it changes people's tax bills for 20 or 30 years, like Strathcona Gardens, it goes to a referendum. Smaller, routine borrowing can go by AAP as long as the notice actually reaches people and tells them what it costs. You're right that referendums cost money. A referendum on a $57 million loan costs a fraction of one percent of it. That's cheap for a decision that size.
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa P. I've chaired many PAC meetings over the years
Terry H. Copy and paste is easy
Terry H. Smoke and mirrors
Bernadette LaFleur Terry H. Which part, Terry? Every line is linked to the SRD minutes at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources. If anything there is wrong, tell me what and I'll correct it. BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
Bernadette LaFleur · September 25, 2026
My comment section is open
My comment section is open.
If you disagree with me, say so here. I won't hide or delete your comment because I don't like it.
The only things I'll remove are spam, threats and personal abuse. Everything else stays, including criticism of me.
You deserve a Director who can hear "I think you're wrong" and answer it in public.
My full comment policy is on my website: bernadetteforaread.ca/sources
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur Two separate issues on the ballet this go around. Director and Bylaw 643. Unfortunately, it seems the discussions on your forum gets hijacked by an Area C constituent trying to persuade your readers about the bylaw to his favor, at the cost of the people you wqnt to represent. Why should Area D cover their cost? Advance polls are 12 days away. So, I ask you again, your position and why please?
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley A. fair question. My honest view is that Quadra residents should help pay for Strathcona Gardens. They've been able to use it for years paying only admission fees. Whether Bylaw 643 sets their share at the right level is a harder question, and reasonable people on both sides see it differently. That's exactly why I'm glad it's going to a referendum instead of an AAP. For Area D, 643 brings Quadra in as a third partner in paying for the facility; it doesn't ask Area D to cover their share. Please read the SRD's information on it and vote your conscience on October 17. As Director, I'll carry out whatever the voters decide.
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur I appreciate your response, it does "ask us to cover it" though, if they arent paying at all. So, Yes to 643, and we can sort the ammounts out in due process.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 25, 2026
Every post. Every source.
Every post. Every source.
An election is too important for guesswork, and you shouldn't have to take my word for anything.
So every post I make on this page is now listed on my website, with the public records behind it: Regional District minutes, staff reports, meeting videos and news coverage. Facebook blocks news links in Canada, so this is where you'll find them.
If you think I've got something wrong, tell me. If I have, I'll fix it and say so. There's already one correction there, and I'm grateful to the person who pointed it out.
bernadetteforaread.ca/sources
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Karen M. Working for the residents of area D is the best way.
Jim A. Great posting. Totally transparent. Keeping people informed !
Bernadette LaFleur Jim A. thank you
Maureen H. Jim A. ...transparency is probably the most important trait in civic politics...so long as there are no "rose colored" glasses it's being viewed through nor anything that may obscure
Andrea S. This is the kind of Leadership I can get behind!
Birgitte J. Bernadette LaFleur - Looks like this Eric H. guy from Poland is nothing but an internet troll. Block him.
Ian M. I’d vote for you! Your approach is what’s missing with the CR members of the SRD
Nancy G. Transparency, politicians have no idea what that is after the election is won.
Maureen S. Go, Bernadette, go!
Joey M. All guesses!
Eric H. Another Crooked Freeloader and Slacker.
Ian M. Eric H. oh look, a bot, ostensibly from Poland, has a criticism about something positive
John Rice · September 25, 2026
Housing Needs Report Local Government must update its Housing Needs Report every 5 years. The statutory 2024 Interim Housing Needs Report—which applied the Province's new standardized Bill 44 calculation methodology—identified a total 20-year need of over 800 housing units for Electoral Area D. Target: 800+ housing units over 20 years (an average of 40+ housing units per year). Based on historical numbers Area D averages 15 new housing units each year. Housing Units include secondary suites and carriage house. When this community was consulted during the public engagement to update the 27-year-old Official Community Plan in 2023, that is exactly what they wanted. MORE HOUSING OPTIONS! The community has a choice in this Election Build Tomorrow Together Building Tomorrow Together is backed by a multi-million-dollar record. Building means delivering real assets—like a $2.8 million water meter grant and six new transit shelters at zero tax cost. Tomorrow means enforcing our 2023 OCP and implementing developer cost charges so growth pays for growth over the next 20 years. And Together means building boardroom partnerships and being guided by the larger community desire, like our current Official Community Plan. Maintain Rural Integrity Keep everything exactly as it is" and "resist municipal influence." Learn more: johnforaread.ca Questions? john.rice@johnforaread.ca #AreaD #BuildTomorrowTogether#JohnRice2026 Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca,
John Rice The Housing needs Report is a provincially mandated report that local government must do every 5 years. The real question is: how do rural areas navigate mandated legislation while respecting the rural community. I seriously hope these are debate questions.
Janet S. John Rice I guess they can mandate but without schools and services. There isn’t much point in trying to bring more people in.
Teresa P. John Rice maybe people don't understand the word mandated! Look to your provincial politics people if you're not happy!
Janet S. I think only 160 people Completed that survey so it really isn’t a true picture of what the community wants regarding more housing unfortunately. By closing the oyster river school many years ago caused young families to move out of area d south. Not bring people in. Ocean grove school can’t hold many more kids!
Sherri C. More housing options would include NOT allowing secondary home Airbnb's, but we did not opt IN to that, eh?
Teresa P. Sherri C. i think you need to read bill 44
Sherri C. of what? Secondary suites are NOT secondary residences?
Karen M. Sherri C. I have a neighbor beside me who rents out his trailer as a Airbnb and we get a lot of people there and it very scary as they come from all walks of life .i don’t want carriage houses here. It wasn’t Zoned for that. My biggest fear js they will put housing in like they did on Petersen road. The biggest eye sore of Campbell river.
John Rice Karen M., the province legally mandated that all rural areas update their zoning to permit either secondary suites or a carriage house. Some of our zoning does not allow a carriage house; others do, but all of our zoning allows secondary suites, as mandated by the province. You all really need to get up to speed with the current mandated legislation that affects rural areas.
John Rice Sherri C., the community participated in a survey conducted by the SRD for each rural area, and they were clear that here in Area D, they did not want to be opted in. I respected their wishes and opted out.
Sherri C. John Rice how many participated in the study please? How was your study advertised or shared to the community? Genuinely, I poke at you, however this is major issue I felt you kept closely under the radar and barely consulted us for.
John Rice Sherri C., there were presentations from this community at the Public Board meeting. There was a lot of information that was discussed in public board meetings over a few months. The SRD presented information to the Board on how many short-term rentals each rural area had. The SRD promoted the survey through their website and social media; it was mentioned in my director's reports. And Area D did hold a public hearing on this very issue. Area D had about 20 short-term rentals at that time. So where is the lack of transparency and community engagement?
Sherri C. John Rice that not everyone has social media in Area D, eh?
John Rice Sherri C. And Area D did hold a public hearing on this very issue.
Andy L. John Rice can you please verify if the public hearing was advertised in The Mirror, local radio and perhaps a mailer? Announcements on social media and a website are all good and well……but what about our residents that face barriers? What about our residents that don’t use social media or the internet? Approximately 4500 residents live in area D, if only 160 people filled the survey that’s only a 3% engagement.
John Rice Andy L. The notice for the public hearing on short-term rentals was done in accordance to legislated requirements for local government. Yes it was advertised in the mirror and on the SRD website.
Carmen C. John Rice - What is your position? Are you in favour of maintaining Area D rural and restricting development that wipes out massive areas of natural forested land?
John Rice Carmen C. I have already answered your questions in response to my previous post and the questions you raised; I was forthcoming, articulate, and factual. Meaning, no disrespect, we are days from a public debate. I encourage you to attend the debate, as the audience has been granted 50 minutes to ask their questions. With cameras rolling, I would be happy to again answer questions that you have previously asked and I have answered.
Carmen C. John Rice - the piece that is not clear to me, is where you stand. Do you support large areas of Area D to be cleared and turned into residential? Or not? I just want a clear simple answer - what is your vision of Area D? And where do you stand on the speed limit on the hwy? Again as a resident and our rep for area D? It feels like you are avoiding this question when you can’t just give a straight up - “ I suppprt that” or I don’t support that. I just want to know who I’m voting for. Siting community input that involved a very minor % of our population is not helpful. What does rural actually mean to you? What will you stand up and fight for on these issues? Just be straight up.
Karen M. People don’t want to live in area d. We are away from local support. Low bus service . No services , We are on septic systems, and you should be talking to the residents not just your own agenda. It’s not about you it’s about the people who chose to live in area D and all of sudden all I see is you pushing us in the city. People,moved here for a reason if we wanted to live in the city we would have moved there. I’m enjoying your constant posts but to me it sounds like you are trying to annex us into the city. If that happens you won’t have a job. And also if you want us to join the city you will have to have a referendum, or is that a thing of the past now and just do what you want and your team?
Sherri C. Karen, I believe the City has made the crux that we annex, IF we want sewer, and that is how John can always say, HE won't ask. It is the City making that an issue...if I am remembering correctly. With the mandated 800+ units, doesnt THAT align with needing sewer eh??
Cecil H. I agree with Karen M. based on the actions of our current Area D Director. It would appear that he is more aligned with Campbell River than Area D. Why?
Wendy W. This will definitely affect the wildlife that lives here. There will more human wildlife encounters and people won't like it. Let the people live in Campbell River. This is a rural area.
Carrie M. Wendy W. the bears are already invading imo , especially around stories road and seabreeze dr
Wendy W. Carrie M. I know. My place also, it will only get worse. I had one go through my yard mid afternoon when i was out in it.
Teresa P. Carrie M. I think it has more to do with the attractants and the time of year than local politics!
Wendy W. Teresa P. maybe. Point is more housing less land for wildlife. I would say it applies to this situation.
Carrie M. Teresa P. so construction taking our their homes for development isnt pushing them out? Apparently mosaic is already in the bush behind the subdivision. Plus time of year? Been here 2 years and not once seen a post about a bear until the past 2 months, now the posts are every other day if not daily.
Teresa P. Carrie M. I've been in my home since 2008 and was raised in Area d before that. I have always seen bears and especially at this time of year. Can recall a situation on bikes in the golf course area way back in the 90s with a very angry bear!
Karen M. Carrie M. . All this constant building is a huge mistake in our area. This was a green area untill the last four years. The ocean grove field at one time was a wetlands where we had swans and geese there . It was so beautiful,and the owner came in with his tractor and cut down th trees and took out bushes. But that was his right . If ducks unlimited had been around at this time we could have maybe protected it.
Wendy W. Carrie M. there has been postings before you moved here.
Cecil H. Teresa P. “blaming the victim” syndrome
Teresa P. Funny.. cant seem Karens post as she blocks those that don't agree with her
Cecil H. Teresa P. not like your “Area D group” booting anyone who raises questions. About as transparent as cast iron!
Teresa P. Cecil H. have you been " booted " ?
Cecil H. Teresa P. not yet!
Bernadette LaFleur · September 24, 2026
John Rice brought the motion forward
November 22, 2023.
Our Director, John Rice, brought a motion to the Regional District board: "That a staff report be prepared on options for Regional District land use planning participation by municipalities and first nations."
Who in Area D asked him to investigate this? Did he understand the possible consequences?
Source: SRD Board minutes, November 22, 2023.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Bernadette LaFleur Thanks Denise, good question. If municipalities joined the rural planning service, their directors would get a vote on rural land-use decisions: zoning, our Official Community Plan, and development applications in Area D. Campbell River has five directors on the SRD Board, and there are four rural directors in total. So on land use, the City's directors could outvote every rural director combined, and none of them answer to Area D voters. In fairness, it never happened. Campbell River's directors raised it again in 2025, but it went no further. My concern is that the door was opened at all. I'm posting more on this tonight, and every source is at bernadetteforaread.ca/sources BERNADETTEFORAREAD.CA Every post. Every source. — Bernadette LaFleur for Area D
Terry H. Better to investigate then to have decisions made without knowledge of the situation, don’t you think ? It’s great to have someone working for us that gets involved in all aspects that effect our area and neighbours
Bernadette LaFleur Terry H. Thanks Terry. I agree, asking questions and getting information is part of the job. My concern isn't that a report was requested. It's what the report was about: whether municipalities should get a role in Area D's land-use decisions. That's a big change to who decides things out here, and I think Area D residents should be asked about something like that before it goes to staff, not find out about it later.
Terry H. Bernadette LaFleur Understand but do we need a lot of useless information before we find out the situation at hand ?
Bernadette LaFleur Terry H. Fair enough, Terry. We see this one differently, and that's okay. Thanks for engaging.
Jerry H. Terry H. Not sure re: … “better investigate” …, vs … “useless information” … then a decision maker.
Bobbie-Sue K. Terry H. exactly
Robert B. what do we pay rep's for. they should do the research, not staff members
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Jim A. Any EA Director that would bring forward a motion like that is definitely NOT a Rural Director, looking out for Rural values. That Director is going against all the reasons people live in rural areas and DOES NOT represent those people. He represents City interests.
Teresa P. Jim A. it's pretty clear your support for Bernadette LaFleur is just protecting your personal interests as a resident of Quadra Island and and burning personal vendetta against the SRD and the city! Your constant remarks will not be missed after election time!
Jim A. Teresa P. Nor will yours!
Teresa P. Jim A. finally we agree on something
Maureen H. Jim A. ...I'm not sure you can make that statement and have anyone in Area D who has been paying attention throughout John's past 4 years as Area D Director believe what you are saying...John has done more, fought for more, and reported to his constituents more for this Area than was done in previous 30 years...mud slinging while injecting your unfounded opinion stated as fact in any election is rather unbecoming - particularly by one who has worn the Director (Area C) jacket yet never at a time while John has...support whomever you would like to support Jim, but try keep your words closer to fact and reality...after all didn't you say transparency is to be commended
Eric H. Another Crooked Freeloader and Slacker.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 24, 2026
Thank you for confirming it
Thank you for confirming it.
My opponent has now confirmed he brought the November 2023 motion asking staff to look at giving municipal directors a role in Area D's land-use decisions.
He says he did it because he was frustrated with how other rural directors were voting. Frustration with colleagues is part of the job. The answer is to persuade them, work with them, and take it to the public. It is never to invite Campbell River's directors to help decide what gets built on our land.
And it didn't just "close." In September 2025, Campbell River's directors on the SRD moved to refer municipalities joining the rural planning service to the municipal councils. Rural directors and residents pushed back hard, and it never went further.
My position is simple: land-use decisions in Area D should be made by the people Area D elects, answerable to Area D voters. Full stop.
Saturday, October 17.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Gary S. Well said Bernadette. It's pretty transparent where the mayor of Campbell River interests lies. Who is he to say that Director Rice is moving in the best interest Area D? I still have vivid memories of the city trying to annex 253 homes in northern Area D into the city, without a referendum, which we eventually forced them to hold and was voted down (93%).Having an alliance with a regional director can certainly have it upside for the city. The residents of Area D have not forgotten. More recently the proposed extension of Finch Road into what is a planned 800 home residential development was yet another issue that required area residents to band together and voice our concerns. The unbalanced (5-4) SRD board has been a major issue for Area D residents, not to mention the other regional districts for a long time. It's hard to think that the City of Campbell River is moving in the best interest of Area D.
Jim A. Great sleuthing on your part, Bernadette. That is the kind of action that makes for a great Director. Rice caused such grief for so many people for so many months by causing us to use our energy to keep municipalities out of rural planning. We have a planning function. So does each municipality. We don’t get a vote on their land use, why should they get a vote on ours?
Terry H. The city of Campbell River has always out numbered the amount of directors in an SRD meeting. As a constituent of area D I have sat in on a lot of meetings over the many 35 years I’ve lived here. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you there ? Is this a new interest ? Do you actually know what goes on in these meetings ? The experience we have with our current director has given area D a great position.
Bernadette LaFleur Terry H. Thanks Terry, and you're right, Campbell River does outnumber the rest of us at the SRD table. That's exactly why land use in the electoral areas is decided by the rural directors only, and why I'll never support opening that up to the city. You're also right that I haven't been a regular at Board meetings. I've been a working mom my whole life and raised eight kids here, which didn't leave many free evenings. I'm not a career politician, and I think that's a strength. I know what it's like to be the busy family that finds out about a decision after it's been made. That's why I'm running, and why I'll be at every meeting as your director. I respect the experience John brings. I'm offering something different
Sherri C. Terry H. remember, those meetings are during working hours, most of us cannot attend and need not attend to have an opinion. I have watched nearly all our SRD meetings on youtube, and know what goes on, what qualification does that give me? I might hazard that the relationship our current Director has with the City might even have him in their pockets?
Jim A. Terry H. Sorry Terry, but you are incorrect. He has caused a huge rift in the EA group that deals with land use in the rural areas. As noted in the motion above he has “invited” control of your area and ours by the City. That was just plain wrong. He instigated it.
Phil G. Terry H. That's your own opinion Terry
Janet S. Terry H. don’t be so condescending. Makes you sound like an ass.
Birgitte J. Terry H. - You sure like to talk down to others. I would question your attendance at these meetings and if "you actually know what goes on in these meetings" seeing that you think "our current director has given area D a great position".
Kermit D. 100% not what happened, and don’t comment back unless you can share a City of Campbell River agenda that has joining the planning service on it or a link to a council meeting video of it being discussed in council chambers. Every Electoral Area Director tried this lie to get attention, and you trying it as well doesn’t make it less of a lie
Bernadette LaFleur Kermit D. Mayor Dahl, thank you for commenting. You're right that this never came to Council, and I've updated my post to be precise. It happened at the SRD. At the September 3, 2025 Municipal Services Committee, Campbell River Directors Sinnott and Chapman moved "that the concept of municipalities joining the Electoral Areas Planning Service be referred to each municipal council within the Regional District for consideration, and that each council be requested to report back to the Regional District on the matter." It carried. Here's the SRD's own video of the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VwYCK2pRbw It was also reported by Cortes Currents, and the article is still online. I'd link it, but Facebook blocks news links in Canada. Anyone can find it by searching "SRD Municipalities wanting control of the Electoral Areas Planning Service." I'm glad it never went further. My point is simple: land-use decisions in Area D should stay with the director Area D elects. YOUTUBE.COM September 3, 2025 - Municipal Services Committee Meeting
Kermit D. Bernadette LaFleur, I agree but right now the decisions are in the hands of Areas A,B & C, not solely in the control of Area D If small municipalities joined they could support the Area D Director, Director Rice was moving in the best interest of Area D representing it in any other way is a misrepresentation
Bernadette LaFleur Kermit D.Mayor Dahl, thank you, and I appreciate you explaining the reasoning. I understand the frustration of being outvoted by Areas A, B and C. But whether bringing municipal votes into our land-use decisions is in Area D's best interest isn't for a Director or a Mayor to decide on our behalf. It's for the people who live here. A change that big should be put to Area D residents first. The motion last September also covered all municipalities, including Campbell River's five directors, and at that point it's no longer support for Area D. It's a new majority deciding for us. I'd rather do the harder work of persuading my rural colleagues than change who gets a say over Area D's land. We see this one differently, and that's what October 17 is for.
Terry H. Kermit D. good reply Kermit. Seems the lies are piling up already
Eric H. Another Crooked Freeloader and Slacker.
John Rice · September 24, 2026
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: Restoring Integrity to Rural Planning My opponent recently posted asking why I brought a motion in November 2023 asking staff to investigate municipal participation in regional land-use planning. That is a fair question, and the public deserves the full context behind it. Why Was the Motion Brought Forward? In l2023, shortly after the Board supported my motion to explore a fair, sub-regional cost-sharing model for Strathcona Gardens, Directors on the Electoral Areas Services Committee (EASC) began engaging bad-faith voting. • Blocking Water Meter Relief: Attempting to stall Bylaw No. 464, which provided $1,500 water meter credits to 119 Area D "early adopter" families who paid out-of-pocket. • Blocking Compliant Housing (Bylaw 519): Voting to reject a staff-supported, OCP-compliant housing application for eight local families only rescinding their "No" votes when faced with the explicit threat of a bad-faith lawsuit against the Regional District. This blunder forced those eight families to endure a redundant, costly second public hearing. • Imposing Unnecessary Red Tape: Defeating routine motions to waive public hearings on simple, OCP-aligned applications (like Bylaw 520), dragging out timelines and wasting taxpayer dollars on redundant meetings. The Goal of the Investigation When a committee begins using local residents' homes and utility refunds as political pawns, governance breaks down. I requested a staff report (SRD 296/24) to examine whether integrating municipal directors would restore legal integrity, credibility, and due process to rural land-use decisions. Once staff delivered the report the Board debated it and took some time to consider it and the matter was closed. Has Credibility Been Restored to the EASC Committee? You be the judge. Just a few months ago, two EASC directors were caught on a live "hot mic" scheming to intentionally break quorum to collapse a public vote on regional recreation funding. That incident resulted in a historic non-confidence vote stripping the Board's Vice-Chair of his leadership role for a failure of judgment and discretion. Real leadership isn't about using local residents as political leverage or running from votes. It’s about standing up for due process, protecting taxpayers from legal liabilities, and delivering results for Area D. Questions? john.rice@johnforaread.ca #AreaD #BuildTomorrowTogether #LocalGovernance #JohnRice2026 Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Sherri C. Is there a link or date to this meeting?
John Rice Sherri C. It is all public record.
Sherri C. John Rice well thank you for pointing us to the meeting where your 'quoted' incident happened, very helpful, very useful, way to back up your claim. I haven't the time to go back into last year's worth of meetings to find your incident, HENCE ASKING since your making a deal out of it. Way to be helpful.
John Rice Sherri C. It is all in the public record and reported in the media. That happened just a few months ago. It was also reported in my own directors' reports and posted on a public site that I maintain and pay for, so I can keep the community informed at no cost to the taxpayers. In close, Facebook does not allow links to news sources and I did try.
Sherri C. John Rice thank you.
John Rice Sherri C. Maybe this link works https://johnforaread.ca/.../Directors%20Report%20April...
Sean L. Sherri C. this is what could find. You cant share news articles on Facebook but this should point you in the right direction; it was the April 29, 2026 SRD Board meeting, during a recess, on the Bylaw 643 (Strathcona Gardens / Quadra) vote. The non-confidence motion was May 27, 2026. Campbell River's directors and Area D (under John) voted for it; Areas A, B, C, Gold River and Zeballos voted against. Cortes Currents — Sean (Bernadette LaFleur's son)
Sherri C. Sean L. thank you kindly.
Wrigley A. It sounds like "Bylaw 643" was created to keep all areas in the SRD accountable for thier use of the SG facility. There was some collusion happening, and it was stopped. Am I missing something, isnt that good for Area D residents?
John Rice Wrigley A. Yes bylaw 643 was created for the referendum and that is good for Area D. What my post is about is the lack of credibility at the EASC table. Two EA Directors were blocking Area D business with their no votes on important items that exposed Area D to a lawsuit. And when two EA Directors were caught on the hot mic, they tried to break the meeting quorum to prevent the vote on Bylaw 643.
Jim A. I can’t believe the amount of BS that this person (Rice) puts out there. The reason for “investigating” inclusion of CR in the planning function was to always win at the table since they always vote as a block. Totally disingenuous. I could go through this ridiculous posting of his and point out all the misinformation but I’ve got better things to do. The voters will decide on Oct 17th to get rid of the present Director and to elect one that really cares about Area D and the functioning of rural governance. Bernadette.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 23, 2026
Thank you to everyone who showed up this evening to share their concerns and voice their vision for the future of area D. Was great to meet you all.
Wendy F. I didn't know about this meet, I would have come. Bernadette LaFleur you are an amazing woman. I have always admired your strength and determination. You will always have my support.
Bernadette LaFleur Wendy F. thank you!
John Rice · September 23, 2026
I see that the former Area C Director, Jim Abram, is inserting himself into Area D politics during this election cycle. Why does this matter? I was the Director who got the Board to support staff to investigate expanding the Strathcona Garden Service Participants, which has led to the Referendum question on this election's ballot. Why is Jim Abram no longer in politics? Good Question Maybe the link below will shed some light. https://johnforaread.ca/notices/BirdsEye.pdf Send me your comments. Love to hear how you feel on this.
Janet S. I see a director that rectified a mistake that had been made regarding an interpretation of a bylaw and I see another director trying to sling mud again. You aren’t making yourself look good John in my opinion.
Jim A. Should be really careful about spreading untrue misinformation on line. There are terms that apply to that. Getting nervous, are you, John! I’m in this for good governance of the EA’s. You have stated to the other EA’s that you will not support them. That is not good governance. Collaborative governance is what is needed to keep Electoral Areas rural. A new Director would do that. Cheers!
John Rice Jim A., I have referenced public-facing information from a Quadra Island media outlet that brings news to Quadra Island. And we are rural, and now that the Area D Director can actually sit at the Board Table without insulting Campbell River, I have been able to get lower fire rates and a reduction on bulk water.
Jim A. John Rice You really are delusional.
Carmen C. John Rice Jim A. I agree that EAs need to be in support of one another. It keeps our areas strong and rural and independent of the City of CR. We have to stick together for a stronger voice.
Graham V. Jim A. sounds like you got caught with your hand in the cooks jar .. go crawl back under the rock you came from .
Jim A. Graham V. How little you know!
Terry B. Jim A. It is Public Record Jim. If you have proof otherwise please provide it
Jim A. Terry B. I have a four inch thick file of proof but I have no intention of going thru that fucking witch hunt again just because you asked me to. Everything they did to me was bull shit. Absolute bull shit. They owe me that money but I’ll never see it. I have approval from the Finance dept for every cent. It was a railroad job plain and simple. The article told you all you need to know. End of story
Jim A. I have a four inch thick file of proof but I have no intention of going thru that fucking witch hunt again just because you asked me to. Everything they did to me was bull shit. Absolute bull shit. They owe me that money but I’ll never see it. I have approval from the Finance dept for every cent. It was a railroad job plain and simple. The article told you all you need to know. End of story
Carmen C. Jim A. 100% !
Carmen C. I agree that EAs need to be in support of one another. It keeps our areas strong and rural and independent of the City of CR. We have to stick together for a stronger voice.
Teresa P. He's definitely has not been a fan of calling him out about his large repayment to the SRD.
Billie H. important information, I'd say
Karen M. Honestly . I can’t believe you would stoop this low . I hope we don’t have to listen to you for a month bad mouthing people. I remember quite correctly how much you bad mouthed Brenda Leigh and still make references to her. If you want to run, act like an adult . Jim Abram is allowed to voice his opinion. Are you going to to pick on everyone who has a comment.
Wendy W. Karen M. good for you. I have noticed there is more this for this election.
John Rice · September 23, 2026
Understanding How Regional Governance Actually Works In local government, real progress happens when leaders step up to build regional solutions. There is often a lack of understanding about the crucial role the City of Campbell River plays at the Strathcona Regional District table, and the equally vital role Electoral Area Directors play when we bring our rural perspectives to that same table. We aren't there to build walls or play political games—we are there to advance and support Regional District initiatives that strengthen services for our entire region. From expanding regional health and recovery services to securing infrastructure grants, constructive teamwork at the Board table is what delivers real, lasting results for Area D. #BuildTomorrowTogether #AreaD #LocalGovernance #LeadershipInAction Authorized by Jacqueline Rice Financial Agent Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Wrigley A. What are your feelings on the new 3rd arena and ongoing pool expansion at SG. Do you agree with the process and monetary dispersion of the facility?
John Rice Wrigley A., the AAP process certainly needs better legislation, since local government relies on this mandated legislation. That said, the pool was in dire need, and that is why the AAP was used. As these new facilities come online, they will serve the community for decades, so it was important to meet the need for the 3rd sheet of ice now rather than later.
Wrigley A. John Rice is the cost shared with the city and other SRD areas or is it all the responsibility of area D residents?
John Rice Wrigley A. Costs are shared with the City and Area D at this time. I hope that the referendum is supported, as the consultants' report clearly showed Quadra enjoys the facility (944 accounts).
Karen M. John Rice how did you get 944 active accounts from quadra islanders?
John Rice Karen M., those numbers were clearly reported in the consultants' report presented to the Board a few months ago and confirmed by Strathcona Gardens Staff.
Karen M. John Rice thanks .I was surprised the number was that high.
John Rice Karen M. the referandum is long over due.
Billie H. you have done an amazing job for us, best ever, and I do not want that to change - one more term John Rice!
Bernadette LaFleur · September 23, 2026
Tonight — 5 to 9 pm at the Oyster Bay Resort.
Drop in whenever suits you, stay as long or as little as you like. I'll be there the whole time, and I'd genuinely like to meet you.
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Bernadette LaFleur · September 22, 2026
A question for Area D
A question worth asking before October 17.
Should Campbell River's mayor and council control land use planning in Area D?
In November 2023, our Director John Rice asked SRD staff to study exactly that. Over the next few days I'll lay out what happened, using the Regional District's own minutes and reports.
Karen M. They should not control any of AREA D . In the old days it was the regional districts who controlled Regional Lands. I also think regional directors have no right and should NOT be talking with developers in the area when land owners are are hoping to get their lands rezoned. I think that is a huge conflict of interest. Regional directors should be non biased and neutral . They should not take a role where they are advocating for developers.
Bernadette LaFleur Karen M. I absolutely agree
Jim A. Karen M. Absolutely and it’s not even permitted by the SRD, though some ignore it.
Birgitte J. Jim A. one ignores it
Wendy W. Definitely not.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 22, 2026
Two elections — Area D votes first
BC is heading into a snap provincial election on October 24 — which means the next four weeks are about to get very loud.
But Area D votes first. On Saturday, October 17, you choose your Area D Director, and that one vote decides:
Who plans Area D's land — the people who live here, or a Campbell River majority at the SRD table.
Whether you get asked before the Regional District borrows millions — a referendum, or an AAP where your silence counts as a yes.
What you pay the SRD for parks, fire protection, recreation and Strathcona Gardens.
Whether you hear about these decisions before they're made — or read about them afterwards.
Last time, Area D was decided by 120 votes — 707 to 587. That is fewer people than live on a few of our roads. Your turnout matters.
The provincial campaign will be louder. This one is closer. Please don't let the loud one drown out the close one.
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
Bernadette LaFleur Thanks for asking, Wrigley. I'm not against the arena or the pool — a lot of Area D families use Strathcona Gardens, mine included, and upgrades were needed. My concern is the process. Both phases of the ReCreate project were approved by Alternative Approval Process — where your silence counts as a yes — not by referendum. That's a lot of borrowing to approve without asking people directly, and neither AAP notice told residents what the borrowing would cost them per household, including interest. For a project this size, I think Area D residents deserved a referendum and a clear number on their tax bill before it went ahead. If I'm elected, I'll push for major borrowing to go to referendum, and for every AAP notice to state the cost per home.
Jim A. Bernadette LaFleur The way it should be! Good for you.
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur is the cost shared with the city and other SRD areas or is it all the responsibility of area D residents?
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley A. Hi Wrigley, it's shared. The City of Campbell River and Area D both pay into Strathcona Gardens, based on property assessments, so the City pays the bigger share. There's also a question on the October 17 ballot about this. Bylaw 643 would add part of Quadra Island to the service and change the formula, with Area D counted at 90% of its assessment. I'm glad it's going to a referendum. Decisions like this should be put to voters. The SRD has the details at srd.ca if you want to read up before you vote SRD.CA Strathcona D.
Jim A. Bernadette LaFleur The problem with the vote is that Quadra (100%) against it will have no say in the outcome. Quadra has about 1,700 votes while CR and Area D have about 45,000 votes. Our vote will not count at all. We should be having a separate vote *as the Minister advised*
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur Where would you draw the line on referendums to avoid wasted monies like the now upcoming BC Election?
Wrigley A. Jim A. and the city outnumbers Area D, Bernadette has already agreed above that she is in favor of the ReCreate project so I hope she is also in favor of holding Area C accountable for Bylaw 643 in the best interest of her constituents. Can't have your cake and eat it too.
Jim A. Wrigley A. We don’t get any of the cake! Just the dirty dishes… Great to know you are one of those people that would be ok with gouging your neighbours ( in my case $1,200) so that you can save approx $18 on your taxes. That sounds fair, right? We don’t use your facility so we should not be paying for it. Vote no to #643
Wrigley A. Jim A. It is becoming apparent you are not truly interested in area D at all, just taking the opportunity to try and persuade those of us who are to cover area C fiscal responsibility. You are having your cake(SG) and eating it too(not paying for it). Thanks but no thanks, we already subsidize your ferries, time you pay your own way. I'm glad both candidates are at least considering YES for #643
Wrigley A. Bernadette LaFleur Thank you. How are you voting on the referendum and why?
Wrigley A. What are your feelings on the new 3rd arena and ongoing pool expansion at SG. Do you agree with the process and monetary dispersion of the facility?
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley A. Thanks for asking, Wrigley. I'm not against the arena or the pool — a lot of Area D families use Strathcona Gardens, mine included, and upgrades were needed. My concern is the process. Both phases of the ReCreate project were approved by Alternative Approval Process — where your silence counts as a yes — not by referendum. That's a lot of borrowing to approve without asking people directly, and neither AAP notice told residents what the borrowing would cost them per household, including interest. For a project this size, I think Area D residents deserved a referendum and a clear number on their tax bill before it went ahead. If I'm elected, I'll push for major borrowing to go to referendum, and for every AAP notice to state the cost per home.
Maureen H. Bernadette LaFleur ...not sure that the extra cost for referendum is really warranted...if people do not "care" enough to make the trip to town and submit their vote for the AAP then why should those of us who do be stuck with the cost of borrowing for referendum that these same people may or may not show up for?
Bernadette LaFleur Maureen H. Maureen, that's a fair point, and cost matters. A standalone referendum isn't cheap, and the SRD's own staff made that argument. Two things, though. First, a referendum doesn't have to be a separate event. It can go on the ballot at a general election, the way Bylaw 643 is this October, when the polls are already open. Second, for the decisions that do go by AAP, I'd make it easier to respond. Right now it often means a trip to town with a paper form. Other regional districts accept a scanned or photographed form by email. Not making the trip doesn't always mean people don't care. Sometimes it means they didn't know, or couldn't get there. For everyday decisions an AAP is fine. For tens of millions in borrowing, I'd rather ask people.
Maureen H. Bernadette LaFleur ...waiting for a general election to save tons of money will not always "line up" but if our system is not currently set up to accept scans or emailed "votes" then what will/can you do to make that happen?
Bernadette LaFleur Maureen H. I can advocate for change
Maureen H. Bernadette LaFleur ...ah...I thought you meant you had a pathway consisting of more than advocacy...in the last election according to civicinfo bc our Area D cast 1294 votes out of an estimated 3500 eligible voters (barely 37%) - given that low number I definitely would not nor could not support your proposal of referendum - the cost is too much to bear
Birgitte J. Maureen H. - People not caring enough is not the issue. One issue is that many residents aren't aware there is even an AAP. Another issue is that working people find it difficult to get to the regional office to drop off their form. Often times they work the same hours that the office is open. Then there are those that work in Courtenay, Sayward, etc. They'd have to take time off to drop off a form.
Jim A. Well done! Hope all of Area D shows up at your meet and greet tomorrow night at Oyster Bay Resort. People need to meet their next Director…
Teresa P. Jim A. do you have a vote in Area D? You seem very involved, I know you are no longer a director yourself just wondering if your support is a long standing grudge
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa P. if my page is bothering perhaps you shouldn't follow it? Doesn't bother me that you do
Teresa P. Bernadette LaFleur nope, just wondering why Jim is getting involved in something that has no bearing on him? I'm definitely interested in your platform as it affects me directly as a resident. I do however find your response unprofessional.
Jane S. Teresa P. good point.
Bernadette LaFleur Teresa P. I'm sure he likes to keep in touch with what's going on. Nothing nefarious
Jim A. Teresa P. I live in an EA. It is essential that our Directors get along and share values. Your current Director doesn’t. So, yeah, I’m involved! All rural residents should pick the best person possible and that’s what I’m doing, supporting Bernadette. The best for Area D.. Yep, I’m involved and always will be as a rural resident. Vote Bernadette LaFleur.
Jim A. Teresa P. No bearing on me? EA governance has a bearing on me. Getting sucked into Strathcona Gardens, with the help of your current Director, has no bearing on me? Time to give your head a shake and wake up.
Jim A. Jane S. Jane…. Really???
Teresa P. Jim A. once again it really seems like you're not in the position to speak of values with your own history as director being somewhat muddy. You are of course entitled to your opinion.
Elaine J. I can appreciate you are on the John Rice team but stirring the pot here will get you nowhere.
Birgitte J. Teresa P. - What is your purpose of bringing up someone's past history on this page? It has nothing to do with Bernadette or this page. It's not unusual for someone that doesn't live in this community to be interested in it's politics. There are a few people commenting that don't live here. One is the mayor of the city.
Teresa P. Birgitte J. Jim Abrams involvement needs to be pointed out as a personal benefit or possibly even a past vendetta against some on the board. You can let people make up their mind about that. I'm sure not everyone is aware that his past history includes a rather large pay back amount to the SRD as well as being a current resident of Quadra that will be affected by a tax increase related to the Strathcona Gardens.
Jim A. Teresa P. Your Director has a vested interest in sucking us in. His and your tax bill will be reduced by about $70! I have a greater interest in getting a better Director for Area D. The one you have has stated he will not support the other EA Directors. Why would I want him To remain. Aren’t you getting tired of bringing up those lies about my finances that were all approved by the top Financial staff at the SRD.???? Stop living in fantasy land. Seek the truth. I know you would hurt to be proven 100% wrong and have to eat crow.
Teresa P. Jim A. myself and others have been through this with my attempt to reach out to you with your so called evidence. You wanted to control that as well. I see a trend here with you.
Jane S. Jim A. yes. So you are saying I am not allowed a voice
John Rice · September 22, 2026
The Facts on Property Taxes in Area D An Electoral Area Director sits as 1 vote on a multi-member Regional Board. Understanding what a Director can—and cannot—legally control is critical to distinguishing between unsupportable campaign rhetoric and proven fiscal stewardship. 1. On Direct Control Over Property Tax Bills • MYTH: "The Electoral Area Director has broad power to control taxes" • FACT: An Area Director only has direct input over a small handful of Area D-only local services (which are community parks and the $13/year FireSmart wood-chipping service, Grants and Aids and Feasibility Studies ). Your property tax bill is made up of multiple independent requisitions, including: • Shared Regional Services (Like Corporate Services, Regional Housing Service), are decided by a full 13+ member Regional Board where Area D holds only a single vote. • External Regional & Provincial Levies (such as the Vancouver Island Regional Library, and Provincial School & Hospital taxes, 911 Services), over which no local director has veto authority. 2. On What Actually Drives Local Requisition Changes • MYTH: "Tax changes are caused entirely by local government spending." • FACT: Regional property tax requisitions are heavily impacted by BC Assessment market shifts and corporate overhead allocation formulas. Current rates of inflation also play a critical role in tax increases and service have to add inflation costs. • When BC Assessment shifts property values across Vancouver Island or when central corporate administration costs are redistributed across the district, Area D’s tax requisition can shift even if local operational budgets remain flat. • Furthermore, external budget increases from regional bodies (such as mandatory library or emergency dispatch cost increases) layer onto local tax bills regardless of a local director votes. 3. How Real Tax Relief Is Actually Delivered • MYTH: "I will keep taxes low. I will scrutinize every service and demand costs be lowered" • FACT: The only lawful, effective way an Area Director lowers the tax burden is by securing non-tax grant dollars and broadening the regional tax base . • Over $3 Million in Senior Grants Secured: Delivered universal smart water meters through a $2.8 million provincial grant ($0 local tax cost), built six new transit shelters via a $99,999 MoTT grant while retaining a $150,000 reserve surplus, and obtained $50,000 for Active Transportation planning . • Broadening the Tax Base (Bylaw No. 643 - Option C): Pushed for Option C on the October 17 ballot to add Quadra Island as a contributing participant to Strathcona Gardens (at an 80% rate), dropping Area D's requisition share to 90% and capping recreation expansion taxes at $80year per home. 5. On Lowering taxes on Core Services • MYTH: "A Director can lower taxes for services like fire protection or transit or Animal Control." • FACT: Single-participant and contracted services operate under binding legal contracts and statutory requirements. • A Director cannot lower budgets for contracted services such as fire protection, transit, and animal control. • Real fiscal discipline means auditing legacy agreements—such as invoking our contractual audit rights on contracted services. This is exactly what has been done this term. • Real fiscal discipline means taking the time to renew legacy agreements with modern language, clear terms around rate increases, levels of service. Since being elected, I have posted in my Directors' Reports at tax time details on how the budget is looking. I have intentionally held town hall meetings prior to the Board finalizing the new yearly budget. Not sure how it is being said that I lack transparency. Get the real facts and what I have done this term https://johnforaread.ca/reports.html Questions? john.rice@johnforaread.ca #AreaD #BuildTomorrowTogether #FiscalStewardship #LocalGovernance #JohnRice2026 Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Doe J. You've been our most approachable and transparent director in my time in area D john. We move here 16 years ago and have owned in area D for 15 years. I appreciate your work.
John Rice · September 21, 2026
Seawave Park is a walking trail park. I think the sign is pretty clear, so why are there dirt bikes and ATVs doing damage to the walking trails and the salmon habitat? Maintaining the parks in the community costs taxpayers.
Kody R. If I’m not mistaken it connects up to a 100s of old logging roads and other off road trails and there’s only one sign at this one end of this one particular location
Clancy P. Kody R. That might be a good point, put signs at all entrances, then there is no excuses. Maybe one of those gates that prevent bikes from entering. No it wont stop them but at least they will know they are not permitted
Ken B. This area has a real problem with too many people thinking the rules don't apply to them. Motorized vehicles where they don't belong. Dogs off leash in our parks. Its a pattern.
Terry H. Ken B. dogs off leash are allowed in Hagel park. There was a dirt bike there last week scaring dogs, kids, people. A lot of off road disturbances are kids but some adults apply.
Ken B. Terry H. The dogs off leash are a problem in a lot of other parks. So much so that some jurisdications won't allow them at all. Perhaps similar threats of closures will stop the motorbike and ATV crowd.
John Rice · September 21, 2026
How did Area D get the Water Meter Grant Previous SRD grants were submitted to the Canada Infrastructure Program - Green Infrastructure - Environmental Quality Grant funding program. Public records show that the SRD made two applications, the last being in Jan 2022. Both those applications were denied. In March 2023, through constructive work with MLA Michelle Babchuk, the SRD was informed that the Minister of Municipal Affairs was offering opportunities through the $450-million provincial investment in critical community infrastructure to support clean drinking water, wastewater and solid waste treatment, and greenhouse gas reduction through public infrastructure projects in communities provincewide. With constructive advocacy, with the great help from MLA Michele Babchuk and the Strathcona Regional District CAO, Dave Leitch, Area D was able to get 2.8 million from this program. Just setting the record straight!
Birgitte J. Now I am going to set the record straight. In the past, you have repeatedly taken credit for Area D receiving a grant for water meters, as if it were your idea alone and that you did all the work to get it. Until now, you never mentioned that the grant was not your idea or that the process was well under way long before you appeared on the scene. The fact is that you did not really have to advocate for it. Once one application was denied, then regional district staff would put in another one when the opportunity arose and so on. If an application was successful the MLA would be notified.
John Rice Birgitte J. Yes, I take full credit for the innovative way that I used to get this grant. Instead of tasking SRD staff with searching for the next grant opportunities and waiting for up to a year to get an answer, I went directly to the MLA. I had a professional working relationship with the MLA despite her being a former City of Campbell River Counsellor/Regional District Chair. I stated Area D's needs, and she went to work and got the money in record time.
Wrigley A. Birgitte J. I was told that you are Brenda Leigh. Quite interesting that you can't give credit where it is due, since you were in his shoes for so many years.
Wrigley A. Birgitte J. I figured that was you. The AAP works well again.
Wendy W. It's because election is coming up.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 20, 2026
If you would like a lawn sign please send me a message as I might have missed previous comments, had to replace my phone!
CAMPAIGN CATCHWORDS vs. DELIVERED INFRASTRUCTURE REALITIES When candidates say they want growth to move "at a pace that is in keeping with infrastructure," it’s important for Area D voters to ask: What concrete laws, funding mechanisms, and engineering frameworks are actually in place to guarantee that? Managing growth responsibly isn't an abstract campaign promise—it requires hard legal work, securing senior government grants, and holding developers accountable so existing taxpayers don't carry the load. Here is how real, data-backed infrastructure stewardship is being delivered in Area D: • A Modernized Official Community Plan (Bylaw No. 276): Adopted in December 2023, our OCP legally codifies our low-density rural identity. Rather than allowing unserviced rural sprawl or wilderness clear-cutting, growth is directed as "gentle density" (secondary suites and carriage houses) on existing, serviced residential lots. • Making Growth Pay for Growth (Bill 46): We are in the process of implementing Development Cost Charges (DCCs) under provincial Bill 46. This legally mandates that private developers—rather than existing homeowners—fund local park expansions and utility upgrades. • Over $3 Million in Non-Tax Infrastructure Grants: Responsible growth means upgrading utilities without tax spikes. We brought home a $2.8 million provincial grant for universal smart water meters, secured a $99,999 provincial grant for 4 new transit shelters while locking a $150,000 surplus in local reserves for 2 further transit shelters, and obtained a $50,000 grant for Area D’s first Active Transportation Network Plan —all at $0 out-of-pocket local tax cost. • Proactive Engineering Studies: We don't guess on infrastructure; we commission data. We launched a $150,000 Stormwater Management Study to fix chronic flooding, initiated a formal Highway 19A Traffic Study with the Province, and commissioned an independent Fire Service Audit to protect residents from rising costs for Fire Protection. Vague promises don't build water mains, pave roads, or protect taxpayers—lawful, experienced, and collaborative leadership does. Explore the full record of my work for the community: www.johnforaread.ca/reports Questions? john.rice@johnforaread.ca #AreaD #BuildTomorrowTogether #ResponsibleGrowth #InfrastructureFirst #JohnRice2026 Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Elaine J. Hi John Has the independant Fire Service Audit been completed and was this for both Campbell River Fire at far as York Road and Oyster River Fire Rescue in South Area D. If completed where can residents read their audit? Thanks.
John Rice Elaine J., The Audit was for the City of Campbell River only. That audit is part of the SRD public record, including the full report. Check the public record. This has been in the public domain for a few years now and has been mentioned in my directors' reports and discussed at my biannual town halls. No, I do not have a copy of the report. Please check the SRD website as the report is there.
Elaine J. John Rice thanks very much.
Anna H. Your paternal tone and contempt for citizens who don’t agree with your ‘vision’ for development in Area D means I won’t be voting for you; it doesn’t mean I’m ignorant of the issues and processes. Your posts read as slogans and I think we’re all tired of that kind of politics.
Teresa P. You seem to want to blame everyone for your feelings, but when it came time to step up for your beliefs you quit thankfully we live in a democracy and you have a right to not give your vote.
John Rice · September 18, 2026
MYTH vs. FACT: Setting the Record Straight on Area D Water Meters & Utility Rates When choosing our representative, campaign rhetoric must be measured against the documented governance record. Here are the facts regarding the installation timeline, rate protections, and transparency of Area D’s universal water metering project: 1. The Installation & Activation Timeline • MYTH: "The Regional District is dragging its feet on activating the water meters." • FACT: The 2.8 million grant-funded water meter project is proceeding directly on schedule. • After securing $2.8 million in provincial grants so universal meters cost local property owners $0 out of pocket, Phase 1 installations were completed on time and under budget . • To ensure total system accuracy and fairness, the Board authorized Phase 2 and $537,000 to replace legacy non-Kamstrup meters so every household operates on identical, high-precision smart radio-read hardware . • Meter installations wrap up in August 2026, with the official transition to volumetric (consumption-based) metered billing scheduled for Jan 2027. Metered billing rates were intentionally suspended during the rollout so residents would not be billed on an incomplete or uncalibrated system. 2. Bulk Water Rates & Household Water Costs • MYTH: "Water costs are being withheld while taxpayers are being kept in the dark about pricing." • FACT: Base bulk water rates were actually reduced and locked in through 2026, protecting taxpayers from price spikes. • Under Bylaw No. 615, Director John Rice negotiated a 2-year bulk water agreement with Campbell River that lowered the 2025 base rate to $1.68/m³ (down from \$1.70/m³ in 2024) and locked in capital cost immunity through 2026 . • An updated Water Rate Bylaw—crafted by an engineering firm with deep historical expertise in Area D—is scheduled for Board review and approval in Oct 2026 . 3. Transparency & Constituent Communication • MYTH: "Taxpayers deserve communication and answers from their Director." • FACT: Area D receives unprecedented financial and operational transparency at $0 cost to local taxpayers. • Project milestones, grant updates, and homeowner plumbing advisories (such as backflow preventer expansion tank notices) have been published continuously via the SRD website and the SRD direct mailed updates to the residents, bi-annual public town halls and monthly Director Updates on johnforaread.ca—a self-funded portal maintained at zero cost to local property owners. The Reality *"My opponent calls a multi-million-dollar infrastructure build 'dragging feet,' but the facts show we are delivering a $2.8 million water upgrade on time and at 0 out-of-pocket tax cost to local homeowners . We standardized our smart meters, negotiated a bulk water rate decrease with Campbell River for 2025, locked in capital cost protections through 2026, and will approve our modernized consumption rate bylaw this OCT 2026. Real leadership is doing the hard engineering and contract work to protect taxpayer pocketbooks, not making misinformed social media posts. Ge the real facts @ https://johnforaread.ca/reports.html Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
Elaine J. How can you help reduce our metered water costs in Area D south that have had meters for over 20+ years?
John Rice Elaine J. thank you for the question. As this is a bigger topic and not related to this post, I will be posting a BCOB water system-specific post over the next few days.
Elaine J. John Rice somewhat related to your post as you are discussing meters and water for Area D north. We in Area D south are well versed in the water meter system since it was started over 20 years ago. Just wondered what you can do for those of us serviced by CVRD in our area. Looking forward to your water system post. Thanks.
Teresa P. Thank you for setting the record straight and continuously during this project! We as residents have been updated along the whole way and the information is very easy to find. Thank you for fighting for our rates! With the amount of water waste I see on the daily in out area I am excited about paying for my share fairly!
Terry B. Thanks for the ongoing work and updates John. Nice to have a Director that get er' done
Allison G. Glad you set the facts out. Thank you.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 18, 2026
My signs have arrived! Please message me if you would like one. Or stop by the meet and greet next Wednesday and I'll have them available.
ADVOCACY UPDATE: Fighting for Fibre Internet & Highway Cell Coverage in Area D At the UBCM convention, I joined our Regional District team and the Mayors of Gold River and Tahsis for a crucial meeting with the BC Minister of Citizen Services to tackle rural connectivity. I brought two major Area D priorities directly to the Minister: Real Fibre Internet Access: In 2023, provincial last-mile funding for Area D was pulled when Telus laid partial fibre and declared the area "well served." The reality? Our community is only partially served. We need complete coverage for our neighbourhoods, not corporate declarations. Cell Coverage for Emergency Safety: Extending cell service to Upper Campbell Lake, the Strathcona Lodge area, and along the Gold River Highway (Hwy 28), where dead zones pose serious emergency and travel risks. The Progress: The Province acknowledged these gaps, recognizing the vital safety role of cell service along Highway 28, and indicated that new provincial Fibre Internet funding announcements are slated for 2027. Getting our rural connectivity needs back on the provincial agenda is a strong step forward. I will keep pushing at the Board table and with provincial ministers until these commitments become real infrastructure on the ground. #AreaD #BuildTomorrowTogether #RuralConnectivity #LocalGovernance #JohnRice2026 Authorized by Jacqueline Rice, Financial Agent – Jacqueline.Rice@johnforaread.ca
G R. Thanks John. Would it be possible to give us an update on the status of the “ Connected Coast “ subsea fibre optic cable project ? Including costs , completion status etc.
John Rice G R. Thats a big topic. The connected coast project is COMPLETED. Area D does have a fibre connection to this infrastructure. Off the top of my head I do not recall the final cost for this build out. Now the SRD is working with City West to deliver that actual fibre service to our homes. I am trying to restore the funding that we did have in 2023 to bring these services to the residents.
G R. John Rice thanks
John Rice · September 17, 2026
COMMUNITY UPDATE: Breaking Ground on Men’s Addiction Recovery Services Addiction recovery services for men have been lacking in our Regional District for far too long. As Chair of the Health & Wellness Committee, working alongside Mayor Kermit Dahl and Director Ron Kerr, I’m proud to announce a major step forward! Real recovery takes more than just a short-term fix. To build lasting success, our committee focused on delivering the complete picture: both initial detox services AND supportive post-detox housing. Thanks to direct provincial advocacy at UBCM, we have secured a solid commitment from the Minister of Health and have secured a willing private-sector provider to turn this plan into reality. Delivering real solutions to complex issues takes constructive, collaborative leadership at the Board table. When we focus on results rather than division, our entire region wins. #AreaD #BuildTomorrowTogether #HealthAndWellness #LocalGovernance #JohnRice2026
Janet S. I know this is a picture that mayor Dahl posted from the mainland. When you say breaking ground in your comment is there an actual site planned for Campbell river? And if so where is it located? Great news if it goes forward.
John Rice Janet S., yes, there is a site. Details are still in camera. This important work falls to the new Board after the election. The past few days at UBCM has been spent ensuring this important work continues.
Jane S. John Rice Great. I hope the new board does exactly this. I don't think it will involve Kermit, but they don't need him to continue it. It's important for me to know that something has been put in place to ensure this good idea continues even if the mayor doesn't continue with it, so thanks for that. I think we need this resource for sure.
Jane S. Feels a bit publicity stunt-y. Kermit seems to try and be holding onto relevancy. This isn't something he's done, it's a sort of "well, if you vote for me maybe we could do this....". The public has been criticizing his lack of interest in the homeless and community support (for those struggling) in general. It's too late. This won't happen before the new election. I would love this idea, but unfortunately I am not so silly to not note the timing and the fact there is nothing concrete behind this.
Teresa P. This is great news John.. we definitely need to shift our approach with mental health and addiction!
Dave R. This is really great news and a much needed service. I know now much work (and time) it takes to get everything in line - the announcement is simply confirmation. Thanks for your commitment to this, John.
Terry B. Awesome news. Great work and cooperation to bring it home.
Michele V. This is fantastic news! brilliant!
Anna H. So this is a statement of intent with no property, plans or decisions made yet? Just to be clear.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 17, 2026
Meet & greet announcement
Come and say hello.
I'll be at the Oyster Bay Resort on Wednesday, September 23, from 5 to 9 pm. Drop in any time — no RSVP, no speeches, no agenda.
Come and tell me what matters to you in Area D. Bring a question, bring a complaint about the road, bring a neighbour. Pick up a lawn sign if you'd like one.
I've lived here more than 25 years, and I'm running because I think the people who live in Area D should be asked before our rural community is changed. The best way for me to do that is to actually meet you.
Oyster Bay Resort
Wednesday, September 23, 5 – 9 pm
bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com
While meeting with Area D residents in northern Area D yesterday a common concern kept coming up. When are the water meters going to be activated? Why are they dragging their feet and how much is the water going to cost? Taxpayers deserve answers and communication from their director.
Terry H. Thanks to our current director for securing the water meters for us. This should have been done years ago. Don’t you worry, our bills will be here in the coming year.
Bernadette LaFleur Terry H. Thanks Terry. The meters are a good thing, and the provincial grant made a big difference. You're right that the bills are the next piece. The SRD still has to set the metered rates, and that's happening soon. I want every household to see the proposed rates and have a chance to comment before they're adopted, so nobody opens their first metered bill and gets a surprise.
Wendy W. Bernadette LaFleur i am sure the rates will be going up. Before meters i was paying around $1200 a year plus what was on our property taxes. Sure hope it won't be that cost otherwise what was the point of getting meters except for SRD to see if there's any leakage.
Wrigley A. I'm worried too, about increased costs!!! I found the information regarding progress on the SRD website if you're interested. Hope to find out more info soon. https://shared.outlook.inky.com/link?domain=www.srd.ca&t=h.eJx1js0OwiAQhF-l4awFSovQk6-CdFEiPw3QcDC-u8XEgzGedrMzO9880JYcmjt0K2XNM8a11j6npdcKe1iswsY6wFUVSMcANTsobc2b9_sYyMDRoUP3FhHA5RhSjMaG6_6S9Laev469jh4r4FRPQBmhfDRkNFIyobUUIKeLEgzTk5CCESZILzgnk3gjoCH-hTbD8tPho9hdoc8X_9RLZg.MEQCIF164AYJoG8XSfwCQJCLqne-fhb9BGOgEu7jjhjG9UehAiBfqSdNByKmPlRQmaUEVl6qFBGgWFXlJck_fE_lEW-oPw
Bernadette LaFleur Wrigley A. informed but vague at the same time
Michelle T. Agree. We don’t need the usual Surprise here’s your increased water bill.
Wrigley A. Depends on what information you're looking for? I'm sure glad I fixed the running toilet, thats definetly money down the drain.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 15, 2026
It has come to my attention that my opponent's supporters are spreading rumors about my intent, that I do not want to see growth and progress in Area D. This is completely false. I believe both need to happen, but at a pace that is in keeping with the infrastructure. I would also like to point out how John Rice has changed his website...to look like mine! It is my design and layout and was up well before he copied mine! Now he's voicing concern for greenspaces and wildlife corridors.
Jim A. Bernadette LaFleur Don’t bother responding to the fools comments.
Bernadette LaFleur Jim A. it's sadly funny.
Janet S. imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. He must really admire you Bernadette!
Donna W. We are all aware the Mr. Rice was a contractor for the city before he even ran for area D. There definitely is an underlying issue! We as residents need to protect how we choose we want live! Bernadette we have your back!
Bernadette LaFleur Donna W. thank you!!
Michelle T. Not surprised that’s why we will be supporting your campaign
Bernadette LaFleur Michelle T. thank you
Sandra R. Well Bernadette, if they are talking about you, it's because they have nothing to say for themselves. LOL! Keep taking the high road. You would be a great asset to the area!
Andrea S. Onwards!
Jim A. Just shows his lack of character. And he supposedly worked as an IT guy for the City that wants to swallow you. Wonder how much of that attitude wore off on him! Vote for Rural values! Vote Bernadette and save Area D!
Teresa P. Jim A. i followed your time as director and there are some questions regarding your intention and your renumeration practices. You of course are allowed your opinion but your vote does not count in our area
Jim A. Teresa P. you heard nothing but lies. If you listened to them, have a nice day.
Teresa P. Jim A. did you not pay back $8640, without prejudice of course
Jim A. Teresa P. If want the REAL story, give me a call. Stop with the BS on FB.
Teresa P. Pm your #. I'll get back to you this weekend
Jim A. Teresa P. On Monday, please.
Teresa P. Jim A. why are all your responses gone? As per your request I'll give you a call Monday after work.
Jim A. Teresa P. I see all my responses. They are still there.
Bernadette LaFleur · September 13, 2026
Please spread the word, I'll be having a meet and greet at the Oyster Bay resort hall on September 23, 5-9. Bring your questions, comments and suggestions for how you see the future of Area D. Looking forward to meeting you all
It has come to my attention that vandalism has been done to artwork and lighting at the entrance to the Tlowitsis nation. This is not acceptable or endorsed. My heart goes out to the people to whom this affects and it is to be condemned.
With elections just five weeks out, residents in Area D will need to make a decision. Who is the best to be the Director for the next 4 years. I have a solid record of getting things done. https://johnforaread.ca/.../secure_summary%20of... I have a solid record at the board table https://johnforaread.ca/.../secure_Strathcona%20Regional... Over the next weeks, I will be out knocking on doors and holding pop-up events in the community. Getting out to vote for the director and to answer the referendum question regarding the Strathcona Gardens is important. There will be advance polls on Oct 7th and the 15th at 990 Cedar St., Campbell River. The choice in this Election is clear. Do we go Backwards to when nothing was being done, or continue moving Forward and “Build Tomorrow Together” Share and repost
I am outraged to hear about the extensive vandalism at the entrance of the Tlowitsis First Nation’s new village. The Tlowitsis Nation are our neighbours. No property owner in our community would tolerate this level of disrespect and destruction at their own doorstep, and we cannot tolerate it happening to our neighbours. This senseless destruction has no place in our community. I strongly condemn these actions and stand with the Tlowitsis community.
John Rice Update to the community: Thank you for the comments and the offers to help and the phone calls. It is great to see the community come together on this. Its was their art that was vandalised at the entrance, and the lighting around this art piece. This artwork has meaning to the Tlowitsis Nation as it symbolises their 60-year journey to find a home, and it is to welcome their people home. I have sent a letter to Chief and Council on behalf of the community and asked If there is any practical or administrative support that my office or the Regional District can provide as you address this damage, please do not hesitate to reach out. We remain steadfastly committed to our partnership, mutual respect, and working together toward a safe, inclusive, and welcoming region for everyone. In solidarity and respect, John Rice Director, Electoral Area D (Oyster Bay–Buttle Lake) Strathcona Regional District
Janet S. So disheartening to hear that people in this community show so much disregard and disrespect for our neighbours. This is totally unacceptable on so many levels. I don’t know what the vandalism is but would wholeheartedly volunteer to help clean up!
Janet S. What exactly was the damage that was done last night?
Derek W. If you are talking about the one on York road I just drove by there and nothing looks difference at a glance. Couple burnout marks on the road is about it but that’s everywhere out here Any pics or info on what happened?
Laureign H. Derek W. I didn’t see anything other than some minor burnouts too and that’s just community stuff
Katie M. Derek W. all the ground lights were smashed out with rocks used to light up the canoes at nights and a paddle was ripped from a canoe. Someone on a dirt bike was also purposely driving through the display. The damage is likely $30k to replace all the specialty lights and install a security system
Derek W. Katie M. ah yeah ok, so stuff you can’t really see or tell when driving by. Thanks for the info.
Katie M. Derek W. exactly. I took tons of pics but can only post one at a time here
Derek W. Katie M. clearly a bunch of bored kids screwing around by the looks of things But of course most of the comments try and turn it political. Maybe we need more things in our area to keep youth busy. We used to have dirt jumps for BMX/mountain bikes and places to ride dirt bikes but most of that is gone or restricted now. Without going all the way to town there isn’t much for the younger generation to do out here these days it’s seems.
Katie M. Derek W. This is off york road and this area is surrounded by dirk bike trails and jumps etc. This isn't downtown. There's no excuse for any of this.
Derek W. Katie M. yeah I know where it is, my family has been in this area for 45 years or more. The new property took out some of the stuff and access. The above property is dug up for access, overpass at highway is gated and the bridge at little oyster on the back trails collapsed. So many dog walkers in most of the area giving the stink eye anytime people go by on a dirt bike or ATV.
Katie M. Derek W. so because your family has been there 45 years and some access has been taking away from dirt bikers, that's an excuse to vandalize the property? Are you one of the parents of the youth doing this? Btw first Nations have been here for over 10,000 years if you want to play a "we were here first" game.
Derek W. Katie M. hahaha I never said it was an excuse to vandalize, never an excuse for that on someone’s private property and no I’m not a parent of the youth. Just pointing out that the area has changed and there is nothing for youth in our area so they are bored for sure.
Katie M. Derek W. you also never condemned the vandalism
Heidi K. Can we come together to show our support and solidarity?
Carmen C. Very disheartening and sad. Thank you for speaking out about this John Rice.
Katie M. Statement pt 1
Katie M. [image]
John Rice Katie M. Thank you for the powerful words. Very meaningful!
Doug H. again? or from 3 years ago
John Rice Doug H. Again
Doug H. .Could not find report of new one.
Billie H. very saddened to hear this, John, I did not know about this )
Steve W. Deplorable hurtful hatred filled racism. Meanwhile in our CR area our conservative MP & MLA continue to apparently prefer to remain silent with respect to the disgusting denialism that's occurring. Let's not sugar coat this callous & disgraceful trump klan style racist conduct ! Shame on those involved, and their parents .. if they're aware & remain silent.
Kevin C. Lots of business and city are being vandalized, why would FN be different? Terrible all over.
Corby L. Need cameras to catch the idiots.
John Rice · September 10, 2026
The All Candidates Debate for the Strathcona Regional District Thursday, Oct 1 2026 Location: Tidemark Theater Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm; debate starts at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm If you cannot make the debate in person, you can watch the live stream on the Tidemark Theatre website — or watch the recording the next day on the Campbell River & District Chamber’s YouTube channel NOTE: The public are invited to send their questions to: exdir@crchamber.ca
One of the questions that gets asked often at election time is: How do you balance community growth while protecting our green spaces? I have prepared the following message for the community
John Rice I stand by the statement that I put out to the community. However, I have tightened the speaking points in my follow-up statement, which can be found here https://johnforaread.ca/.../secure_Balancing%20Community... The other piece to this is the Provincial Legislation and Bill 44, which came into effect in Jan 2024. Under this legislation: The provincial legislation that limits public hearings and restricts local government denials for certain residential developments is Bill 44, officially known as the Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 (which amended the Local Government Act and the Vancouver Charter). Area D is well ahead of any of the Electoral Areas in our Regional District with the only Updated Official Community Plan, strong language regarding environmentally sensitive areas in our OCP, a recent parkland dedication in 2024 that protects a sensitive wetland and bear habitat down on York Rd, and the numerous statutory rights of way that Area D has gained to increase the walking trails in the community. The all-candidates debate for the Regional District happens on Oct 1, 2026. I look forward to questions on this topic.
Carmen C. John - thank you again for taking the time to respond. I ll look a little deeper into these documents.
Elaine J. John Rice where will the debate be held?
John Rice Elaine J. At the tidemark theatre
Carmen C. Thank you for your letter John. I agree that a balanced growth is important. One of the issues I see in Campbell River is the clearing of massive forest areas for new suburbs with non native plants, leaving zero forest/ native green space within these sprawling suburbs. I think it creates an issue of displaced wildlife among many other problems I see within this type of development. Have you considered looking at models of forest management like in Cumberland where there is agreement between community and privately owned land to support preservation of trails and natural recreation areas while allowing forestry and development?
Carmen C. I believe Area D can become one of the most desirable places to live in our area if we plan to preserve our natural forest areas and consider preserving green spaces within development.
Well, it's official: I will be seeking a second term to continue moving area D forward. My announcement can be found here https://www.johnforaread.ca/.../secure_Letter%20to... I know that many may be asking what exactly was done over the past three-plus years, so I have created the following documents https://www.johnforaread.ca/.../secure_summary%20of... https://www.johnforaread.ca/.../secure_Strathcona...
Carmen C. Thanks John Rice, for providing the announcement and summary. I have a question about your work over the next 3 years - what does smart community development/ planning look like under your leadership? (This is under proactive planning). As a 20+ year resident of Area D, I want to see green spaces and our recreation areas protected. These areas that are literally in our backyard. I look forward to your response, thank you
John Rice Carmen C., thank you for the question. Big topic and most likely one that will come up in the All Candidates Debate. I have just posted a formal response on my Director's Facebook page. Thank You
