Sources

Every post. Every source.

An election is no place for guesswork. Every Facebook post this campaign makes is listed here, with the public records behind it: Regional District minutes, staff reports, meeting videos and news coverage. Please check them yourself.

If you think we've got something wrong, email BernadetteforAreaD@gmail.com. If we're wrong, we'll correct the post and say so below.

Our comment policy

If you disagree with me, say so on my Facebook page. I won't hide or delete a comment because I don't like it.

The only things removed are spam, threats and personal abuse. Everything else stays, including criticism of me. If something of yours is ever removed and you think it shouldn't have been, email BernadetteforAreaD@gmail.com and I'll look at it again.

Corrections

September 25, 2026 — Thank you for confirming it
We originally wrote that Campbell River's directors "moved to join the rural planning service" and that "Campbell River decided not to join." Mayor Kermit Dahl pointed out that joining never came before Campbell River Council, and he was right about that. What did happen: at the SRD's Municipal Services Committee on September 3, 2025, Campbell River councillors Susan Sinnott and Doug Chapman, who sit on the SRD Board as the City's directors, moved and seconded a motion to refer "the concept of municipalities joining the Electoral Areas Planning Service" to each municipal council. It carried, and it went no further. We changed the paragraph to say exactly that.
October 3, 2026 — Three rural directors told their residents (Sept 29) and It is not over (Oct 2)
Both posts say Campbell River residents flooded council with objections and that Campbell River council backed off. We have no council record of either. The letters ("approximately 100") come from Area B Director Mark Vonesch's report to his residents, reported by Cortes Currents on March 19, 2026. That Campbell River decided not to join comes from Director Vonesch's account that he learned it at the SRD's February 2026 board meeting, when the 2026 budget included no new cost for Campbell River (Campbell River Mirror, March 24, 2026). The question never came to a vote in Campbell River Council chambers, as Mayor Dahl has said. What is on the record is the September 3, 2025 motion by Campbell River's two SRD directors to refer joining to the municipal councils, and the SRD's legal opinion that a municipality can join by council resolution and paying, without a Board vote.
October 8, 2026 — Oyster River AAP deadline
The source notes under the October 2 post (Six AAPs in Area D) and the October 5 post (The Oyster River AAP) said elector responses were due at noon on March 16, 2026. The SRD's AAP page gives the deadline as 12:00 noon on March 20, 2026. Both notes now say March 20. The posts themselves did not state a date.
October 9, 2026 — ReCreate card: cost of borrowing
The card on our October 8 Strathcona Gardens ReCreate post says neither AAP notice estimated the cost of the borrowing, and that there was no interest estimate. The SRD’s staff report for the Phase 2 borrowing (Bylaw No. 607) did estimate it: about $88 per property in 2026, at a 4.15% lending rate. That estimate was in the staff report, not on the AAP page, which is what the post’s caption says. We added a correction to the post and updated the note under it.
October 10, 2026 — ReCreate post: cost of borrowing
Our October 9 post asking whether the two ReCreate AAPs gave us clarity says there was no estimate of the cost of borrowing, and its card says the same. That is not right. The SRD’s staff report for the Phase 2 borrowing (Bylaw No. 607) estimated about $88 per property in 2026 at a 4.15% lending rate. It was not on the AAP page. Same mistake as the October 8 card, corrected above.

Card: John says the pooled vote is "100% legally approved." A lawyer says otherwise.

October 14, 2026

Bylaw 643: a lawyer's letter to the SRD

Read the full post

On October 13, a lawyer for a group of Quadra Island electors wrote to the SRD's election officers about Bylaw 643.

Under provincial law, the board needed a two-thirds vote to run one pooled referendum instead of separate votes in each area. The letter says the board didn't get one. If the results are counted as one pooled vote, the lawyer says his clients intend to ask the BC Supreme Court to invalidate it, and may seek an injunction to stop the bylaw from being adopted.

John told people the pooled referendum is "100% legally approved." That's now being challenged.

I'm not taking sides on Bylaw 643. But if Area D's taxes are about to end up in court, you deserve to know before you vote, not after.

The full letter is on my Sources page: bernadetteforaread.ca/sources

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

On October 13, a lawyer for a group of Quadra Island electors wrote to the SRD's election officers about Bylaw 643, and says his clients intend to ask the BC Supreme Court to invalidate a pooled result and may seek an injunction.

Letter from Cox Taylor (L. John Alexander) to the SRD's election officers, October 13, 2026 (PDF) Copied to the SRD Board. Published here with the permission of the clients' representative. The letter says the April 29, 2026 resolution to vote across the entire service area (SRD 369/26) needed to be "adopted by 2/3 of the votes cast" and that "This did not occur", so approval must be obtained separately for Area C (Quadra Island). It says that if results are determined on any other basis, his clients "intend to bring an application to the Supreme Court of British Columbia" under section 153 of the Local Government Act "to invalidate the vote" and "may also seek an injunction to prohibit adoption of Bylaw 643."

Under provincial law, the board needed a two-thirds vote to run one pooled referendum instead of separate votes in each area.

Province of BC — Regional District Participating Area Approval Explains that participating area approval is obtained separately in each participating area unless the board decides otherwise.
Cortes Currents — "Bylaw 643: The Letter, The Vote, And What Happens Next" Quotes a Ministry spokesperson: the board can combine the vote by resolution "by at least two-thirds of the votes cast." Says "The Board used that authority on April 29."

John told people the pooled referendum is "100% legally approved."

Screenshot: John Rice Area D Director, comment on Bernadette's October 13 post "That means the SRD's pooled referendum is 100% legally approved to proceed on October 17."

Worth knowing: The letter states the lawyer's position. It is not a court ruling, and the SRD has not responded publicly as far as we know. News reports of the April 29 meeting give some vote counts (the bylaw's readings passed 7 to 6, and Director Mawhinney's amendment for separate votes was defeated 7 to 4, per The Bird's Eye; the Campbell River Mirror reported the motion "passed, with 6 opposed"), but none gives the tally for resolution SRD 369/26 itself, and some SRD votes are weighted. We have not yet confirmed from the meeting minutes whether the two-thirds threshold was met. The post does not say the vote was illegal; it says the pooled vote is being challenged. "You deserve to know before you vote" is Bernadette's view.

Link to this post's sources

Photo: Bernadette with Todd

October 13, 2026

Door knocking: Todd and the business licence

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Out door knocking this week and met Todd.

Todd runs a mobile business from his home here in Area D. He told me he can't get a licence to work in Campbell River or Courtenay because he lives outside both. If he works there anyway, he could be fined $200 a day. The permit he'd need costs $150, and they won't sell it to him.

That's the kind of thing that doesn't make headlines but makes life harder for people who live and work out here. Area D residents earn their living in Campbell River every day. We should be able to do it legally.

If I'm elected, I'll sit down with Campbell River and look for a fix, so a small business in Area D can get the same licence as the shop down the street.

Thanks for taking the time, Todd.

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

Business licences in Campbell River and Courtenay for businesses based outside the city.

City of Campbell River — Business licences The City's business licence page, including licences for businesses operating in the city.
City of Campbell River — Inter-municipal business licence Program that lets mobile businesses work in several participating communities under one licence.
City of Courtenay — Inter-community business licence information (PDF) Courtenay's inter-community licence program for mobile businesses.

Worth knowing: The licence details are Todd's account of his own situation, as the post says ("He told me"). They are not a claim about the cities' rules. A resident who has run a business in Area D for over 30 years commented that he has always held licences in Courtenay, Campbell River and Cumberland. Both cities do issue licences to businesses based outside their boundaries, so Todd's problem may be specific to the type of licence or business. We are following up with Todd. "I'll sit down with Campbell River and look for a fix" is Bernadette's commitment, not a factual claim.

Link to this post's sources

Card: John says the Minister "confirmed" the process. Here's what she wrote him.

October 13, 2026

Read page 2: what the Minister wrote John

Read the full post

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

Sources

John posted the Minister's letter, and his post says she "confirmed that the Province approved the process."

John Rice Area D Director (Facebook): "Setting the Record Straight: Strathcona Gardens Referendum" (October 13, 2026, pinned) His post reads: "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." The post includes his letter to the Minister and her reply.

What the Minister 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."

Letter from Minister Christine Boyle to John Rice, September 21, 2026 (Reference 193375), as posted by John Rice Page 2. Page 1 says the Inspector of Municipalities approved Bylaw No. 643 on July 31, 2026, and the Minister writes: "I do not have a statutory role in approving bylaws that amend a regional district service area." Page 2 says she received "many requests" to use her power under section 349(5) of the Local Government Act, chose not to use it, and encouraged the board to seek assent separately rather than for the entire service area. It also says she wrote to Chair Baker and the board on August 31, 2026, to that effect.

John's own letter asked her to support the pooled referendum.

Letter from John Rice to the Minister, "RE: Establishing Fiscal Equity for the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Service" (dated July 30, 2026 per the Minister's reply), as posted by John Rice Under "Request to the Ministry," item 4: "Support the upcoming October 17th pooled referendum, allowing all affected constituents to finally have their voices heard on this critical issue after three years of community consultation."

Bylaw 643 goes to a single combined vote on October 17.

SRD — Bylaw No. 643, Strathcona Gardens Recreation Facility Service Assent voting on general voting day, October 17, 2026, across the proposed service area.

Worth knowing: The Province did approve the bylaw in the formal sense: the Inspector of Municipalities approved it on July 31, 2026, which every service bylaw needs before it goes to voters. The Minister also chose not to use her power to order separate votes, which fits John's line that she "respects local government jurisdiction." What his summary leaves out is that she asked the board to reconsider the combined vote. John's letter makes a real argument for Area D taxpayers: that Area D and Campbell River have carried the full cost of Strathcona Gardens and that the new model adjusts Area D's rate to 90%. This post doesn't take a side on Bylaw 643 itself. "Tell people what it says" is Bernadette's view, not a factual claim.

Link to this post's sources

Card: Happy Thanksgiving, Area D.

October 12, 2026

Happy Thanksgiving, Area D

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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

Worth knowing: A holiday greeting. It makes no factual claims.

Link to this post’s sources

Card: $57.1 million. What was the big rush?

October 10, 2026

$57.1 million for the arena. What was the big rush?

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$57.1 million borrowed for the Rod Brind'Amour Arena, approved by Alternative Approval Process on September 22, 2025. It could have gone to a referendum this October — they have yet to decide what to build. John Rice sits on the Strathcona Gardens Commission. What was the big rush?

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

$57.1 million for the Rod Brind'Amour Arena, approved by AAP on September 22, 2025.

SRD news — REC-REATE Phase Two AAP results Borrowing up to $57.1 million; AAP closed September 22, 2025; 1,813 objections (5.5%), below the 10% threshold.
SRD — Strathcona Gardens Alternative Approval Process, Phase 2 Bylaw No. 607 authorizes borrowing up to $57,100,000 over a term of up to 25 years.

It could have gone to a referendum this October.

SRD — Bylaw No. 643, Strathcona Gardens Recreation Facility Service Another Strathcona Gardens question, Bylaw 643, is going to assent voting (a referendum) on general voting day, October 17, 2026. That shows a Gardens question can be put on this fall's ballot.

What to build: the plan changed after the borrowing was approved.

City of Campbell River — "A New Era for Strathcona Gardens: Third Arena Approved" (June 26, 2026) After community feedback, the Strathcona Gardens Commission revised Phase Two to enhance the Rod Brind'Amour Arena and add a third ice sheet in the parking lot. "The project will now move into detailed design, with completion anticipated in spring 2029." Funded within existing Bylaw 607 borrowing authority.

John Rice sits on the Strathcona Gardens Commission.

SRD — Strathcona Gardens Commission minutes, April 12, 2023 (PDF) Lists "Vice Chair: J. Rice, Electoral Area D (Oyster Bay-Buttle Lake)" among the commissioners in attendance.

Worth knowing: "They have yet to decide what to build" overstates it. In June 2026 the Commission settled the scope (an enhanced Rod Brind'Amour Arena plus a third ice sheet), but that came nine months after the $57.1 million was approved, and detailed design is still to come. The Commission source is from 2023; we have not yet found a 2026 membership list. "What was the big rush?" is Bernadette's question, not a factual claim.

Link to this post's sources

Card: Did the way the SRD used two AAPs give us clarity, or confusion?

October 9, 2026

ReCreate: clarity, or confusion?

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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

Sources

Both phases went through by AAP. Total borrowing across both phases: $121.7 million ($64.6 million in 2023 and $57.1 million in 2025).

Cortes Currents — "Area C taxpayers resistant to paying for Strathcona Gardens re-development" (January 23, 2025) "In 2023 the Board authorized borrowing up to $64.6 million for this project."
SRD news — REC-REATE Phase Two AAP results Borrowing up to $57.1 million approved by AAP, which closed September 22, 2025.

The cost of borrowing: what the record shows.

SRD staff report — Bylaw No. 607, Strathcona Gardens loan authorization (PDF) The SRD did estimate the Phase 2 cost: "Based on a lending rate of 4.15%, the average increase in 2026 will be approximately $88/property within the service area." It was in the staff report, not on the AAP page.

Worth knowing: The line "No estimate of the cost of borrowing" is not right, and appears on the card too: the Phase 2 staff report gave an estimate (see the October 10 entry under Corrections). Two other statements are not yet backed by a source we can link: that the first AAP implied it covered both phases, and that the full tax load will not appear until construction begins and will become the biggest line item on your taxes. We are checking them and will add sources or a correction. "Nine-figure borrowing should never be approved by AAP" and the questions at the end are Bernadette's view, not factual claims.

Link to this post's sources

Photo: Bernadette with Ron and Liz

October 9, 2026

A visit with Ron and Liz

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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.

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Worth knowing: A community post about a conversation with residents. It is a statement of Bernadette's position on rural character and consultation, from the Priorities section of this website. These are commitments, not factual claims.

Link to this post's sources

Card: Strathcona Gardens ReCreate Project, $121.7M

October 8, 2026

Strathcona Gardens ReCreate: $121.7 million, both by AAP

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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

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

Phase 1: $64.6 million, approved by AAP in 2023.

Cortes Currents — "Rural directors opposed to paying for Strathcona Garden renovations" (July 5, 2023) Borrowing of up to $64.67 million approved by AAP in April 2023; Campbell River and Area D participate.
Cortes Currents — "Area C taxpayers resistant to paying for Strathcona Gardens re-development" (January 23, 2025) "In 2023 the Board authorized borrowing up to $64.6 million for this project."

Phase 2: $57.1 million, AAP closed September 22, 2025. Total across both phases: $121.7 million.

SRD news — REC-REATE Phase Two AAP results Borrowing up to $57.1 million; AAP closed September 22, 2025; 1,813 objections from 33,012 eligible electors (5.5%), below the 10% threshold.
SRD — Strathcona Gardens Alternative Approval Process, Phase 2 Bylaw No. 607 authorizes borrowing up to $57,100,000, repaid over a period not exceeding 25 years. $64.6 million plus $57.1 million is $121.7 million.

The Phase 2 AAP page did not state the cost to taxpayers. The staff report did: about $88 per property in 2026, at a 4.15% lending rate.

SRD — Strathcona Gardens Alternative Approval Process, Phase 2 The page gives the borrowing amount and term but no cost per property, tax impact or interest rate. It links to the bylaw and staff report.
SRD staff report — Bylaw No. 607, Strathcona Gardens loan authorization (PDF) "Based on a lending rate of 4.15%, the average increase in 2026 will be approximately $88/property within the service area." An April 2025 table in the same package gives an estimated household cost of $168 a year, "subject to lending rates and individual assessments."

Worth knowing: The card image on this post says “Neither notice estimated the cost of the borrowing” and “No interest estimate.” That is not right. The SRD’s staff report for Bylaw No. 607, linked from the Phase 2 AAP page, estimated about $88 per property in 2026 at a 4.15% lending rate. The AAP page itself does not show the cost, which is the point the caption makes. See the October 9 entry under Corrections. We have not yet checked the 2023 Phase 1 notice.

Link to this post's sources

Photo: Bernadette with Scott

October 8, 2026

Met Scott this week

Read the full post

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.

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Worth knowing: A community post about a conversation with a resident. It is a statement of Bernadette's position on housing and forests, from the Priorities section of this website. These are commitments, not factual claims.

Link to this post's sources

Card: Why do AAPs keep landing when people are away?

October 7, 2026

Why do AAPs keep landing when people are away?

Read the full post

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?

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

Objections to the Bylaw 642 AAP closed at noon on October 7, 2026.

SRD — Bylaw No. 642, Electoral Area Financial Assistance Service Establishing Bylaw 2026, AAP Deadline for elector response forms: 12:00 noon on October 7, 2026. The general local election is October 17, 2026, with advance voting on October 7 and 15.

The Housing Service borrowing AAP: objections due at noon on January 2.

Cortes Currents — "SRD seeks electoral approval to raise up to $10 million for a housing service" Elector response forms for the Regional Housing Service AAP were due by 12:00 noon on January 2, 2024.

The wood-debris service AAP: objections due February 12.

SRD — Bylaw No. 581, Electoral Area D Wood Debris Removal Service AAP Deadline for elector response forms: 12:00 noon on February 12, 2025.

The Oyster River AAP opened January 11.

SRD — Oyster River Bank Protection Service AAP The SRD's notice of the AAP is dated January 11, 2026. Elector responses were due by 12:00 noon on March 20, 2026.

Worth knowing: The four dates are from the SRD's own AAP notices and a Cortes Currents report. The question at the end of the post is Bernadette's, not a factual claim. The timing of an AAP is set by the board resolution that starts it and by the statutory notice period under the Local Government Act; the SRD has not said the dates were chosen to avoid attention, and this post does not claim that it has.

Link to this post's sources

Card: How to help

October 7, 2026

A few people have asked how to help

Read the full post

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.

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca/donate
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

Campaign spending in Area D is capped at $6,161.89.

SRD — 2026 Notice of Nomination Period, Electoral Area D "The expense limit for candidates during the campaign period for this election is $6,161.89."

The contribution limit is $1,429.70 per person in 2026. Contributors must be B.C. residents and Canadian citizens or permanent residents, giving their own money. Contributions of $100 or more are reported by name.

Elections BC — Making a campaign contribution (local elections) 2026 contribution limit $1,429.70 per candidate; only individuals resident in B.C. who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents may contribute; contributions must be made from the contributor's own money; the names of contributors who give $100 or more are published in the candidate's disclosure statement.
Elections BC — Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing for Candidates and Financial Agents (PDF) Rules on who may contribute, the financial agent's duty to record each contributor's name and address, and disclosure of contributors of $100 or more.

Worth knowing: "Elections BC requires us to keep" your name and address refers to the financial agent's record-keeping duty under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act. Donations are not tax-deductible. The donate page at bernadetteforaread.ca/donate sends your details to the financial agent, Paul LaFleur, and the e-transfer goes to the campaign; nothing is charged online.

Link to this post's sources

Photo: Bernadette with Jerry

October 7, 2026

Out knocking on doors and met Jerry

Read the full post

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
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Worth knowing: A community post about a conversation on the doorstep. It is a statement of Bernadette's approach, not a factual claim about the SRD or any policy. Jerry's ideas are his own; the post does not commit the SRD to any program.

Link to this post's sources

Card: Advance voting is tomorrow

October 6, 2026

Advance voting is tomorrow

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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

Sources

Advance voting is Wednesday, October 7, 8 am to 8 pm, at the SRD office, 990 Cedar Street.

SRD — Local Elections & Voting, Advanced Voting Opportunities Advance voting for Electoral Area D: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Strathcona Regional District office, 990 Cedar Street, Campbell River. A second advance day is Thursday, October 15, same hours and place.

Bring two pieces of ID, one with your signature. You can register at the polls.

Province of B.C. — Voter registration and voting in local elections Electors registering at the time of voting must show two pieces of identification proving identity and residential address, at least one with a signature.
SRD — Local Elections & Voting, How to Register Electors can register to vote at any voting opportunity if not already on the list of registered electors.

Worth knowing: The two-ID rule applies to people registering at the polls. If you are already on the Provincial Voters List or the SRD's register of electors, the Province says you are not required to show ID to get a ballot. Bringing ID is still the safe choice if you're not sure you're registered.

Link to this post's sources

Card: Who secured the water meter grant

October 6, 2026

Who secured the water meter grant

Read the full post

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
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

John Rice's mailout says he secured $2.8 million in water grants.

SRD news release, July 12, 2023 The province announced $2.8 million for universal water meters in northern Area D. John Rice is quoted as Area D Director, along with the board chair and the MLA.
BC Government factsheet: water infrastructure funding The $2.8 million was one of 22 projects in a $450 million provincial investment.

The board started working on water meters for Area D in 2018.

SRD Board minutes, August 15, 2018 (SRD 701/18) Approves an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for universal metering in northern Area D. Recommended by committee July 18, 2018 (EASC 220/18).
SRD Board minutes, September 16, 2020 The Chair reports a $10,000 planning grant received for Area D water meters (applied for June 24, 2020, SRD 476/20).
SRD Board minutes, October 6, 2021 The Chair reports Universal Water Metering in Electoral Area D was on the agenda of the UBCM meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

The grant application was moved by Brenda Leigh on November 17, 2021, and amended in February 2022.

SRD Board minutes, November 17, 2021 (Leigh/Whalley, SRD 968/21) THAT a grant application through the Canada Infrastructure Program, Green Infrastructure, Environmental Quality Grant funding program be submitted for the implementation of Universal Metering for the Northern Area D Water Service area.
SRD Board minutes, February 9, 2022 (Leigh/Whalley, SRD 106/22) Amends SRD 968/21 so the Area D share of ineligible costs or overruns comes from the Area D water capital reserve.

There is no third application after John Rice took office.

SRD Minutes Search We searched all board and committee minutes from November 2022 to August 2023 for "grant" (104 results) and "water" (38 results). None is a water meter grant application. A search for "metering" from 2022 to 2024 returns only the February 9, 2022 Leigh/Whalley item. Anyone can repeat this search.
SRD Electoral Areas Services Committee minutes, October 11, 2023 The first minutes item on the meter project moved by Director Rice: receive a staff status report and defer it (EASC 272/23 and 273/23), three months after the announcement.

Before John Rice was elected, the application was already in and the MLA was already pushing it. (Added October 7, 2026.)

Email from MLA Michele Babchuk's constituency office to an Area D resident, September 20, 2022 Sent in reply to the resident's September 15, 2022 email asking about the status of the SRD's Area D water meter grant application. It reads: "MLA Babchuk can confirm that the application is in, and is highlighting it at the ministry. As soon as she hears when it is announced, she will let you know. She suspects this will not be prior to the Municipal elections. MLA Babchuk says she has every reason to believe that it is a good application, and also has every reason to believe it should be successful." Shared with the resident's permission. Their name and contact details are withheld at their request. The link goes to the July 2023 announcement of that grant.
Province of B.C. — General local elections The 2022 general local election was held October 15, 2022, almost four weeks after this email. John Rice took office after that election.

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. In his own post he says he met with Ministry officials alongside the MLA and the SRD's CAO, that it was the MLA "who ensured that Area D was one of the candidates," and that "No Board Resolutions were needed." What the record shows is two board applications, both before his term, no application during it, and an MLA who was already advocating for the application before he was elected. We hold a copy of the September 2022 email. If he can point to a resolution or document we missed, we'll correct this.

Link to this post's sources

Card: Protect what brought us here

October 6, 2026

Where I stand, 2 of 6: Protect what brought us here

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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.

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Worth knowing: A statement of Bernadette’s position, from the Priorities section of this website. These are commitments, not factual claims.

Link to this post’s sources

Card: Oyster River bank protection AAP

October 5, 2026

The Oyster River AAP

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In 2026 the Oyster River bank protection service boundary was expanded by Alternative Approval Process. Seventy-one voters were needed to object.

You were asked to accept a tax change without an explanation of the details — either in the bylaw or in the AAP notice.

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

Sources

In 2026 the service boundary was expanded by AAP.

SRD — Oyster River Bank Protection Service AAPNotice of an AAP on the service area; objections due noon March 20, 2026.
SRD Board minutes, March 25, 2026 — SRD 246/26Rice/Whalley: Bylaw No. 625, Oyster River Bank Protection Local Service Establishment Bylaw 1989, Amendment No. 1, “reconsidered, finally passed and adopted.” CARRIED.

Seventy-one voters were needed to object.

SRD — Oyster River Bank Protection Service AAP“The number of eligible electors within the boundaries of the proposed service area...has been fairly determined to be 704 and the number of valid elector objections required...is 71.”

No explanation of the tax impact in the AAP notice.

SRD — Oyster River Bank Protection Service AAPThe public notice page does not state a cost per property or the tax impact.

Worth knowing: We have confirmed the AAP notice gives no cost. We have not reviewed the full text of Bylaw 625 to confirm it also gives none. John Rice’s own campaign document (johnforaread.ca/regional/AAPFAQ.pdf) gives the service as 445 properties at about $46.66 each per year; that figure comes from his document, not from the AAP notice.

Link to this post’s sources

Card: Ask the people who live here before you change it

October 5, 2026

Where I stand, 1 of 6: Ask the people who live here

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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
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Worth knowing: A statement of Bernadette’s position, from the Priorities section of this website. These are commitments, not factual claims.

Link to this post’s sources

Card: Electoral Area Financial Assistance Service Establishing Bylaw 2026

October 4, 2026

One worth supporting: Bylaw 642

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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

🌐 bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

The bylaw would let the electoral areas make their own grant-in-aid decisions.

SRD — Bylaw No. 642, Electoral Area Grant-In-Aid AAPThe service would “allow participating electoral areas to make funding decisions for eligible organizations located within the electoral areas.” Participants are Electoral Areas A, B, C and D only. Requisition capped at $0.05 per $1,000 of assessment (about $215,900 in 2026).

It is going through by AAP, and objections close at noon on October 7.

SRD — Bylaw No. 642 AAP noticeElector response forms must be received “not later than 12:00 noon on October 7, 2026.” 897 forms (10% of 8,969 eligible electors) are needed to stop it.

Worth knowing: “Without the City having a say” is our reading: the service’s participants are Electoral Areas A to D only, so Campbell River’s directors are not participants in it. “Did John Rice make a concerted effort to inform you?” is a question, not a factual claim.

Link to this post’s sources

October 3, 2026

Out of the stone age

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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

Sources

An AAP lets a regional district approve certain bylaws, including loan authorization bylaws, without a referendum.

Province of BC — Alternative Approval Process: A Guide for Local GovernmentsExplains when an AAP may be used in place of assent voting.

To object, you must find a form, sign it and return it to the SRD office during office hours, or mail it.

SRD — Bylaw No. 642, Electoral Area Grant-In-Aid AAP (the AAP open at the time of posting)Forms may be submitted "in person or by mail/courier to the Regional District corporate office" (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm). "The Regional District can only accept originally signed forms. Completed forms submitted by email or by fax machine cannot be accepted."

The Comox Valley Regional District accepts a photo or scan of a signed form by email under Policy P104, adopted December 2024.

Comox Valley Regional District — Policy P104, Alternative Approval Process PolicyApproval date: December 10, 2024. Forms may be submitted "via email attachment to: elections@comoxvalleyrd.ca"; forms "submitted electronically via email must be submitted as either a scanned copy or a photo of an original signed form."

Worth knowing: "Voters are too busy to do that" and "Hasn't John Rice noticed this?" are opinion and a rhetorical question, not factual claims.

Link to this post's sources

October 3, 2026

In the Campbell River Mirror

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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

Sources

The Campbell River Mirror ran a story on the campaign.

Campbell River Mirror, September 28, 2026 — "Mom of eight running for Director of Electoral Area D"The article. The quote on the card ("I'm not a career politician, and I think that's a strength") is from it.

Worth knowing: The card's subheading quotes Bernadette's own words as reported in the article.

Link to this post's sources

October 2, 2026

Six AAPs in Area D

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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

Sources

2023: Strathcona Gardens Phase 1, borrowing of $64.6 million by AAP.

Cortes Currents — "Rural directors opposed to paying for Strathcona Garden renovations" (July 5, 2023)Approved borrowing (April 2023) of up to $64.67 million by AAP; Campbell River and Area D participate.
Cortes Currents — "Area C taxpayers resistant to paying for Strathcona Gardens re-development" (January 23, 2025)"In 2023 the Board authorized borrowing up to $64.6 million for this project."

2023–24: Regional Housing Service, up to $10 million, by AAP.

Cortes Currents — "SRD seeks electoral approval to raise up to $10 million for a housing service" (November 15, 2023)Region-wide AAP, deadline January 2, 2024.
Cortes Currents — "SRD receives go-ahead to establish a Regional Housing Service" (January 2024)392 forms received; bylaw adopted January 24, 2024.

February 2025: Area D wood-debris removal service, up to $20 per home, by AAP.

SRD — Bylaw No. 581, Electoral Area D Wood Debris Removal Service AAPDeadline noon February 12, 2025; "the average home would pay a maximum of $20."

September 22, 2025: Strathcona Gardens Phase 2, $57.1 million, by AAP.

SRD news — REC-REATE Phase Two AAP resultsBorrowing up to $57.1 million; AAP closed September 22, 2025; Campbell River and Area D, 33,012 eligible electors; 1,813 objections (5.5%), below the 10% threshold.
Campbell River Mirror, October 23, 2025 — "'A mix of opinions': Strathcona Regional District receives AAP results"The board adopted the $57.1 million borrowing bylaw.

2026: Oyster River bank protection, cost not stated, by AAP.

SRD — Oyster River Bank Protection Service AAPDeadline noon March 20, 2026; 704 eligible electors, 71 objections needed to stop it. The notice page does not state a cost.

One is still open: Electoral Area Financial Assistance (Bylaw 642), closing noon October 7.

SRD — Bylaw No. 642, Electoral Area Grant-In-Aid AAPUp to $0.05 per $1,000 of assessment; 897 objections needed of 8,969 electors; deadline noon October 7, 2026.

Worth knowing: Precise count: five AAPs affecting Area D have run since 2023, and a sixth (Bylaw 642) is open now. All five that have closed passed. Gardens Phase 1, the housing service and Gardens Phase 2 are confirmed in the sources above. The wood-debris service, Bylaw 581, was adopted March 26, 2025 (SRD 172/25). The Oyster River bank protection amendment, Bylaw 625, was adopted March 25, 2026 (SRD 246/26).

Link to this post's sources

October 2, 2026

It is not over

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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

Sources

Campbell River residents protested the cost, and Campbell River council backed off.

Cortes Currents — "Campbell River Not Joining Electoral Area Land Use Planning Service" (March 19, 2026)Director Vonesch: Campbell River Council "received approximately 100 letters from their own residents and business owners telling them it was a waste of their tax dollars."
Campbell River Mirror, March 24, 2026 — "Campbell River not taking part in electoral area planning matters, says rural director"Reports the decision.

It needs no vote by the SRD Board; Campbell River council just has to pay.

Legal opinion attached to the SRD Board staff report, August 20, 2025 (Local Government Act, Part 14 and s. 381)"Municipalities are full participants in Part 14 Services, and contribute to the costs of those services, unless and until they opt out." Sets out how a municipality that opted out can opt back in.
Cortes Currents — "SRD Municipalities wanting control of the Electoral Areas Planning Service"CAO David Leitch: municipalities are "allowed in and out without penalty"; a resolution of the municipal council is what is needed.

John says he asked for the report because he was frustrated with the other rural directors.

John Rice Area D Director, Facebook, September 29, 2026 ("The $1,500 water meter credit. Who voted what?")"...my reasons why I wanted to explore ways to bring credibility to voting decisions at the Electoral Area Committee," followed by a list of complaints about decisions by the other electoral area directors.Saved copy, in case the post is edited or removed: page 1 page 2 page 3 (screenshots taken September 24, 2026).

Note added October 3: the motion to look at joining came from two Campbell River councillors at the SRD in September 2025, and the City hasn't joined.

SRD Municipal Services Committee meeting video, September 3, 2025Campbell River councillors Susan Sinnott and Doug Chapman, the City's directors on the SRD Board, moved and seconded a motion to refer "the concept of municipalities joining the Electoral Areas Planning Service" to each municipal council. It carried.
Campbell River Mirror, March 24, 2026The SRD's 2026 budget, approved February 25, 2026, included no new expense for Campbell River for the planning service.

Campbell River would hold the deciding votes.

SRD — Board of DirectorsFive Campbell River directors; four electoral area directors.
Cortes Currents, October 2, 2025Director Whalley: Campbell River's five votes would "outvote us on every issue."

Worth knowing: Correction, October 3: "Campbell River residents protesting the cost" and "Campbell River council backed off" rest on Area B Director Mark Vonesch's account (about 100 letters; the 2026 SRD budget showing no new cost for Campbell River), not a council record. It never came to a vote in council chambers. See Corrections at the top of this page. "Frustrated" is our one-word summary of the reason John gave in his September 29 post; his own words are quoted above. "It could be back" is our wording: Campbell River decided not to join in March 2026, and nothing in the legislation stops a council from deciding differently later. An earlier draft of this card said the election was "a year away"; that was wrong (Campbell River decided about seven months before the election) and was fixed before posting.

Link to this post's sources

October 2, 2026

What I'm running on

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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

Sources

Worth knowing: A summary of the Priorities section of bernadetteforaread.ca. These are commitments, not factual claims. The AAP point is sourced in the AAP posts.

Link to this post's sources

October 1, 2026

Debate night

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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

Sources

The Area Director Candidates Debate was October 1 at 7 pm at the Tidemark Theatre, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

Tidemark Theatre — All Candidates Debate, Strathcona Regional DistrictEvent listing, with the livestream link.

Worth knowing: Event notice plus a statement of Bernadette's position. The position is a commitment, not a factual claim. The background on land use planning is sourced in the posts below from September 22 to 29.

Link to this post's sources

September 30, 2026

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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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

Sources

Worth knowing: Not a campaign post. No factual claims to source.

Link to this post's sources

September 29, 2026

Three rural directors told their residents

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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

Sources

Campbell River looked at taking over rural land use planning.

SRD Municipal Services Committee meeting video, September 3, 2025Campbell River Directors Sinnott and Chapman moved to refer municipalities joining the Electoral Areas Planning Service to the municipal councils.
Cortes Currents — "SRD Municipalities wanting control of the Electoral Areas Planning Service"Reports the motion and the cost to Campbell River of about $445,000 to $455,000 a year.

The Directors for Areas A, B and C campaigned publicly and explained what was at stake.

Cortes Currents — "Rural Directors against Municipalities taking over the Electoral Areas Planning Service" (October 2, 2025)Vonesch: "Why would rural communities want their land-use decisions made by municipalities outside of where they live?" Whalley: Campbell River's five votes would "outvote us on every issue." Mawhinney: applications lacking community support "could be pushed through despite community feedback."
Cortes Currents — "Special Area C Director's Report: action needed to save rural independence" (October 4, 2025)Director Mawhinney's report to residents.
Cortes Currents — "Area C Director's Report: municipalities joining rural land use planning?!" (October 18, 2025)

Voters flooded Campbell River council with objections, and the City backed off.

Cortes Currents — "Campbell River Not Joining Electoral Area Land Use Planning Service" (March 19, 2026)Director Vonesch: Campbell River Council "received approximately 100 letters from their own residents and business owners telling them it was a waste of their tax dollars." "A lot of you reached out to your friends in Campbell River... and encouraged them to write to their city council."
Campbell River Mirror, March 24, 2026 — "Campbell River not taking part in electoral area planning matters, says rural director"Reports the decision and quotes Vonesch, Mawhinney and Whalley.

John Rice stayed silent.

Cortes Currents, October 2, 2025 (above)Quotes Directors Vonesch, Whalley and Mawhinney opposing the proposal. Area D's director is not quoted.
Campbell River Mirror, March 24, 2026 (above)Quotes the same three directors. Area D's director is not mentioned.

Worth knowing: Correction, October 3: the post's line that voters flooded Campbell River council and the City backed off rests on Area B Director Mark Vonesch's account, not a council record; see Corrections at the top of this page. "Stayed silent" means this: in the news coverage and directors' reports from September 2025 to March 2026, the directors for Areas A, B and C are quoted opposing municipal participation and urging residents to act; we found no public statement from the Area D director on it, for or against. If one exists, send it and we will add it. "At least until after this election" is our wording: Campbell River decided not to join, and nothing stops a council from reconsidering later. In fairness, the Area D director has voted with the rural directors on other matters, including keeping gas tax funds in the electoral areas.

Link to this post's sources

September 29, 2026

The water meter credit, part two

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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

Sources

John Rice's September 29 post says that at the August 16, 2023 EASC meeting "the committee refused to second" a motion to support a water meter reimbursement program, and links the SRD meeting video.

John Rice Area D Director, Facebook, September 29, 2026 ("The $1,500 water meter credit. Who voted what?")Saved copies: posts/rice-sep29-1.jpg to rice-sep29-4.jpg. He cites the video at 30:03 to 31:10.Saved copy, in case the post is edited or removed: page 1 page 2 page 3 (screenshots taken September 24, 2026).
SRD YouTube — August 16, 2023 Electoral Areas Services Committee meetingThe video he links. Motions that do not receive a seconder are not recorded in SRD minutes, so we accept his account of the unseconded motion.

The staff report that day recommended three things: receive the report, support a reimbursement program, and prepare an options report with the financial implications. Staff's early estimate was up to about $300,000 from the water service's reserves.

SRD staff report, August 9, 2023 — "Reimbursements for Voluntarily Installed Water Meters" (in the January 11, 2024 Bylaw 464 package, pages 36–37)"Initial estimates are between 170 and 200 metered connections were paid for under the voluntary program with a potential full reimbursement cost of approximately $300,000." Recommendations 1, 2 and 3 as listed.

At that same meeting, on that same item, the committee voted for staff to come back with options and costs. Moved by Rice and Vonesch. Carried.

Electoral Areas Services Committee minutes, August 16, 2023 — EASC 213/23 and 214/23"Rice/Mawhinney: EASC 213/23 THAT the report from the Chief Administrative Officer be received. CARRIED. Vonesch/Rice: EASC 214/23 THAT a further report be prepared to identify potential reimbursement options including the financial implications. CARRIED." No motion to "support a program" appears in the minutes, consistent with it not being seconded.

Every vote after that carried, up to the bylaw John moved in January 2024. The one deferral was his motion.

See the seven votes listed under "The $1,500 water-meter credit. Who voted for it?" aboveSept 13, 2023 Board; Oct 11, 2023 EASC (deferral, Rice/Vonesch); Nov 8, 2023 EASC; Nov 22, 2023 Board; Jan 10, 2024 EASC; Jan 24, 2024 Board.

Worth knowing: We watched the video he cites (about 30:00 to 31:10). His motion to support a program was not seconded, and Director Whalley then raised getting the cost structure sorted out first, which is what the Vonesch/Rice options motion did. We accept his account of the August 16, 2023 motion that was not seconded. It was not in the minutes, which is what the earlier card was built from, and we have added a note to that card's entry above. What he describes as "months of delay" is the staff timeline from the August options request to the January bylaw, plus one deferral moved by him. Bylaw 464 provides a non-transferable credit on the water account, not a cheque.

Link to this post's sources

September 29, 2026

The $1,500 water-meter credit. Who voted for it?

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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.
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

The quotations on the card: "When a committee begins using local residents' homes and utility refunds as political pawns, governance breaks down" and "Blocking Water Meter Relief: Attempting to stall Bylaw No. 464."

John Rice Area D Director, Facebook, pinned post, September 24, 2026 ("Setting the record straight")Word for word. Saved copies: posts/rice-sep24-1.jpg, rice-sep24-2.jpg, rice-sep24-3.jpg.Saved copy, in case the post is edited or removed: page 1 page 2 page 3 (screenshots taken September 24, 2026).

In November 2023 he asked staff to study municipal participation in rural land-use planning.

SRD Board minutes, November 22, 2023 — resolution SRD 1035/23Rice/Colborne: "THAT a staff report be prepared on options for Regional District land use planning participation by municipalities and first nations." Carried, Director Whalley opposed.

Aug 16, 2023 — study reimbursement options — moved Vonesch/Rice — carried.

Electoral Areas Services Committee minutes, August 16, 2023 — EASC 214/23

Sep 13, 2023 — study reimbursement options — moved Rice/Vonesch — carried.

SRD Board minutes, September 13, 2023 — SRD 754/23

Oct 11, 2023 — defer to next meeting — moved Rice/Vonesch — carried. The only deferral, and it was his motion.

Electoral Areas Services Committee minutes, October 11, 2023 — EASC 275/23"Rice/Vonesch: THAT the matter be deferred to the next Electoral Areas Services Committee meeting. CARRIED."

Nov 8, 2023 — reimburse 100% of known cost — moved Rice/Mawhinney — carried.

Electoral Areas Services Committee minutes, November 8, 2023 — EASC 305/23

Nov 22, 2023 — reimburse 100% of known cost — moved Lott/Rice — carried.

SRD Board minutes, November 22, 2023 — SRD 965/23"THAT one hundred percent of the known cost incurred by homeowners who installed water meters voluntarily be reimbursed from the Electoral Area D water service budget provided the home has not been transferred to another party. CARRIED."

Jan 10, 2024 — recommend Bylaw 464 be adopted — moved Rice/Mawhinney — carried.

Electoral Areas Services Committee minutes, January 10, 2024 — EASC 13/24

Jan 24, 2024 — Bylaw 464 read and adopted — moved Rice/Whalley, Chapman/Rice, Rice/Chapman — carried.

SRD Board minutes, January 24, 2024 — SRD 36/24 to 39/24First reading Rice/Whalley; second and third readings Chapman/Rice; adoption Rice/Chapman. All carried, no director recorded opposed.
Bylaw No. 464 (adopted January 24, 2024)The bylaw itself. The reimbursement is applied as a non-refundable, non-transferable credit to the water account.

Not one director is recorded as opposed on any of the seven votes.

SRD staff report package for Bylaw 464, January 11, 2024 (includes the October 3 and November 16, 2023 reports)Background: 128 voluntary meters, 114 of which paid the $1,500 fee ($171,000). Staff's options A–D; the Board chose 100% (Option A, about $160,814).

Worth knowing: Note added September 29: John Rice's September 29 post says that at the August 16, 2023 meeting a motion to "support" a reimbursement program did not receive a seconder. Motions that are not seconded are not recorded in SRD minutes, and this card was built from the minutes. We accept his account; see "The water meter credit, part two" above. SRD minutes record who moved and seconded each motion and name any director who votes against. None of the seven motions on the credit shows an opposed vote. The SRD's agenda site sometimes refuses automated links; if a link fails, open agenda.strathconard.ca, choose Browse Minutes, and pick the month.

Link to this post's sources

September 28, 2026

The price of control

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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

Sources

A report came to the Board in August 2025.

SRD Board staff report, August 20, 2025 — "Municipal Participation in EA Land Use Planning"The report, with a July 9, 2025 legal opinion attached on the process for a municipality to opt back in to a Part 14 (planning) service.

Roughly $456,000 a year is what it would cost Campbell River.

SRD Board staff report, August 20, 2025 (above)Cost scenarios for municipal participation.
Cortes Currents — "SRD Municipalities wanting control of the Electoral Areas Planning Service"Reports the cost to Campbell River at about $445,000 to $455,000 a year, roughly a 1% tax increase.

Campbell River would hold the deciding votes on land use planning in every electoral area.

SRD — Board of DirectorsFive Campbell River directors; four electoral area directors.
Cortes Currents, October 2, 2025Director Whalley: Campbell River's five votes would "outvote us on every issue."

It needs no vote of the SRD Board; provincial legislation allows a municipality to join by choosing to pay.

Legal opinion attached to the August 20, 2025 staff report (Local Government Act, Part 14 and s. 381)"Municipalities are full participants in Part 14 Services, and contribute to the costs of those services, unless and until they opt out." The opinion sets out the process for a municipality that opted out to opt back in.
Cortes Currents — "SRD Municipalities wanting control..."CAO David Leitch: municipalities are "allowed in and out without penalty"; no service review is required; a resolution of the municipal council is what is needed.

Worth knowing: The sentence "the Comox Valley Regional District worked this way before the SRD was created" refers to the former Comox-Strathcona Regional District, from which the SRD was created in 2008. We are still locating a document that states this directly; until we do, treat that line as unverified. Everything else in the post is sourced above.

Link to this post's sources

September 26, 2026

Area B's director asked him why

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At the board table, Area B's Director Mark Vonesch asked John Rice what his intentions were.

The reply: "Just a report, nothing nefarious, it's just a report."

He was asked again to be specific. And again. He would not explain his reasoning to the board.

If you are asking staff to study handing our land use planning to Campbell River, Area D deserves a reason.

bernadetteforaread.ca

Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

The exchange at the November 22, 2023 Board meeting, and Rice's words.

SRD Regular Board meeting recording, November 22, 2023 (SRD YouTube channel — search "November 22, 2023"). The item runs from about 2:36:55 to 2:41:51.Asked about the intent of his motion, Rice says "Just a report, nothing nefarious, it's just a report" (about 2:41:02). Asked to be specific, he answers "Participation in the 500 planning function." Asked again why, he says "As I said, I'm looking for a report." We checked the wording against the audio.
SRD Regular Board meeting minutes, November 22, 2023Records the motion and that it carried.

His reasons, in his own words, since.

John Rice Area D Director, Facebook, September 24, 2026Rice now says he brought the motion because rural directors on the Electoral Areas Services Committee "began engaging bad-faith voting." He did not give that reason at the Board table.Saved copy, in case the post is edited or removed: page 1 page 2 page 3 (screenshots taken September 24, 2026).

Worth knowing: At the table Rice did name the subject ("participation in the 500 planning function") but not his reason for wanting it studied. "Handing our land use planning to Campbell River" is our description of what joining would mean; the motion itself asked for options for participation by municipalities and First Nations (see "Five votes against four").

A comment that was deleted, and what it said

On September 28 a commenter asked Bernadette about "bad-faith voting" by the rural directors. Bernadette asked what she meant. The comment was then deleted. Because "bad-faith voting" is John Rice's phrase (from his September 24 post), and because readers coming to the thread later would not know that, the exchange is kept here as it appeared.

Teresa Purdy

Bernadette for Area D. 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.

Comment on Facebook · Saved copy

Bernadette for Area D

Teresa Purdy could you please explain what you mean by 'bad faith' voting?

Comment on Facebook

The comment above was deleted by its author a short time later. The thread as it appeared afterward: Saved copy of the thread afterward.

Teresa Purdy

Bernadette for Area D 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.

Comment on Facebook · Saved copy

Bernadette for Area D

Teresa Purdy - 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.

Comment on Facebook · Saved copy

Link to this post's sources

September 25, 2026

Five votes against four

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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

Sources

Campbell River has five directors on the SRD Board; there are four rural (electoral area) directors.

SRD — Board of DirectorsLists five Campbell River directors (Sinnott, Lanyon, Chapman, Dahl, Kerr) and four electoral area directors (Areas A, B, C and D).

If Campbell River joined, it would hold the majority on rural land-use decisions.

SRD Board staff report, August 20, 2025 — "Municipal Participation in EA Land Use Planning"Sets out how municipal participation in the Electoral Area Planning Service would work.

Worth knowing: This post describes what would happen if Campbell River joined. It did not join, and nobody has voted to make it join.

Link to this post's sources

September 25, 2026

My comment section is open

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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

Sources

The comment policy.

Our comment policy (this page)The full policy, including how to ask for a second look if a comment is removed.

Worth knowing: A commitment, not a factual claim. Hold us to it.

Link to this post's sources

September 25, 2026

Every post. Every source.

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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

Sources

"There's already one correction there."

Corrections (this page)The Corrections box on this page.

Worth knowing: The announcement for this page.

Link to this post's sources

September 24, 2026

Thank you for confirming it

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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

Sources

The two quotations on the card, word for word.

John Rice Area D Director, Facebook, pinned post, September 24, 2026 ("Setting the record straight")Source of both quotations. The first quote begins mid-sentence; the omitted words are "My opponent recently posted asking why I".Saved copy, in case the post is edited or removed: page 1 page 2 page 3 (screenshots taken September 24, 2026).

"The EASC is the SRD committee of rural directors."

SRD — Board & CommitteesThe Electoral Areas Services Committee is the SRD committee for electoral area (rural) matters, chaired in 2026 by Area A Director Gerald Whalley.

In September 2025, Campbell River's directors moved to refer municipalities joining the rural planning service to the municipal councils.

SRD Municipal Services Committee meeting video, September 3, 2025 (SRD's official YouTube channel)The meeting where the motion was made.
Cortes Currents — "SRD Municipalities wanting control of the Electoral Areas Planning Service"Reports the motion: "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." Moved by Director Sinnott, seconded by Director Chapman. Both are Campbell River councillors.
SRD Board staff report, August 20, 2025 — "Municipal Participation in EA Land Use Planning"The staff report the committee was responding to.

It never went further.

Campbell River Mirror, March 24, 2026Reports that the SRD's 2026 budget passed without Campbell River's participation in rural planning, and that Campbell River's directors gave no comment.

Worth knowing: The post originally said Campbell River "moved to join" and later "decided not to join." That overstated it: the motion referred the idea to councils, and Campbell River Council never voted on it. We corrected the post on September 25 — see Corrections below.

Discussion with Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl

Mayor Dahl commented on this post. We think the exchange belongs on the record, so here it is in full, including where he corrected us.

Kermit Dahl

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

Comment on Facebook · Saved copy

Bernadette for Area 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.

Comment on Facebook

Kermit Dahl

Bernadette for Area D, 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

Comment on Facebook · Saved copy

Bernadette for Area 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.

Comment on Facebook

Link to this post's sources

September 24, 2026

John Rice brought the motion forward

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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

Sources

The motion's wording, and that John Rice brought it.

SRD Regular Board meeting minutes, November 22, 2023Records the motion.
SRD Regular Board meeting recording, November 22, 2023 (SRD YouTube channel — search "November 22, 2023"). The item runs from about 2:36:55 to 2:41:51.Rice introduces it: "I don't have much of a report on it, but I do have a motion that I'm looking for support [on]." He then reads the motion (≈2:37:06). It carried, with Area A Director Whalley opposed (≈2:41:45).

Rice has since confirmed it.

John Rice Area D Director, Facebook, September 24, 2026"…brought a motion in November 2023 asking staff to investigate municipal participation in regional land-use planning."Saved copy, in case the post is edited or removed: page 1 page 2 page 3 (screenshots taken September 24, 2026).

Worth knowing: The two questions in the post are questions, not claims.

Link to this post's sources

Text-only post

September 2026

When will the water meters be switched on?

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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.

Sources

The meters are in, but metered billing hasn't started and the rates haven't been set.

SRD — Area D Water Meter Project, Summer 2026 Update (July 23, 2026)About 50 meters left to install. "Metered Rates Are NOT Yet in Effect for New Meters." Billing waits on a new bylaw that is "in development"; no date or public consultation is given.
SRD — Water MetersThe SRD's project page.

Background: how the meters came about.

Campbell River Mirror, August 21, 2018 — SRD wants water meters for northern Area D (archived copy)The SRD's first application for the meters grant, under then-Director Brenda Leigh.
Campbell River Mirror, September 8, 2022 — Brenda Leigh running for 10th term (archived copy)Leigh says her Board "supported a second grant application for $2.4 million to install universal metering for Northern Area D."
Province of BC — ICIP Green Infrastructure, Environmental Quality program pageThe third intake closed February 23, 2022, with decisions in spring 2023. That is the application that succeeded; it was submitted while Leigh was Director.
Campbell River Mirror, July 12, 2023 — Province announces $2.8 million for SRD water meters (archived copy)The award, nine months into Director Rice's term. SRD CAO David Leitch: the district "had applied for the competitive grant multiple times in the past" and this was "third time's the charm." Rice is quoted in the announcement.
SRD / BC Gov News — Meters will improve water conservation in Strathcona (July 12, 2023)$2.8 million from the Province for about 1,230 Area D households.

Worth knowing: The questions in this post are questions residents asked Bernadette. "Dragging their feet" is her opinion, based on the SRD's own notice that billing is waiting on a bylaw with no published date.

Link to this post's sources

September 23, 2026

Reminder — tonight

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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

Sources

Worth knowing: Event notice. No factual claims to source.

Link to this post's sources

September 22, 2026

Two elections — Area D votes first

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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

Sources

BC's snap provincial election is October 24.

CBC News — B.C.'s next provincial election set for Oct. 24Election called September 22, 2026.

Area D votes Saturday, October 17.

SRD — Local Elections & VotingGeneral Voting Day for the SRD election.

Area D was decided by 120 votes, 707 to 587, in 2022.

SRD — 2022 preliminary election resultsJohn Rice 707, Brenda Leigh 587.

An AAP is a process where silence counts as yes.

Province of BC — Alternative approval processUnder an AAP, approval is given unless at least 10% of eligible electors sign forms opposing it.
Province of BC — Assent voting (referendum)The alternative: a vote.

The Area D Director has a say in rural land-use planning.

SRD — PlanningThe SRD runs planning and zoning for the electoral areas.

Worth knowing: "That is fewer people than live on a few of our roads" is a figure of speech, not a count.

Link to this post's sources

September 22, 2026

A question for Area D

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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.

Judge it for yourself.

bernadetteforaread.ca
Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

In November 2023, John Rice asked SRD staff to study municipal participation in rural land-use planning.

SRD Regular Board meeting minutes, November 22, 2023Motion: "That a staff report be prepared on options for Regional District land use planning participation by municipalities and first nations."
SRD Regular Board meeting recording, November 22, 2023 (SRD YouTube channel — search "November 22, 2023"). The item runs from about 2:36:55 to 2:41:51.Rice moves the motion in his own words.
John Rice Area D Director, Facebook, September 24, 2026Rice confirms he brought the motion.Saved copy, in case the post is edited or removed: page 1 page 2 page 3 (screenshots taken September 24, 2026).

"Mayor and council"

SRD — Board of DirectorsCampbell River's five SRD directors are its mayor and four councillors.

Worth knowing: The motion asked for a report on options for municipalities and First Nations to take part in rural land-use planning. "Control" is our description of what that would mean if Campbell River joined: its five directors would outnumber the four rural directors (see "Five votes against four"). The motion itself did not use the word.

Link to this post's sources

September 2026

Meet & greet announcement

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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.

Wednesday, September 23, 5 – 9 pm
Oyster Bay Resort
bernadetteforaread.ca

Authorized by Paul LaFleur, Financial Agent, paulipher@gmail.com

Sources

Worth knowing: Event notice. No factual claims to source.

Link to this post's sources

Posts are added here once they're published on Bernadette for Area D. Facebook blocks news links in Canada, so this page is where you'll find them.