Juanna Thompson for Sylvan Lake Town Council
Vision for Sylvan Lake
Juanna's approach is 'Community First'.
This means Lakers should see positive benefits from tourism, work and recreate in a safe, clean and family-friendly community while enjoying a high quality of living.
Sylvan Lake is a jewel - let's keep it that way.
Details on her platform values:
Affordability
& Budget Efficiency
Do more with less - finding efficiencies in the Town's Operations Budget.
Collect more revenue from tourism:
* Significantly increase daily parking fees for non-residents
* No 'Free Parking' areas (Accessible parking always free)
* Change seasonality of parking: April to October
* Continue to explore feasibility of a 'visitor pass' fee
Seek opportunities for shared resources (and save money!).
Maximize revenue source opportunities such as securing more grant funding and leveraging funds by partnering on projects.
*More revenue means less chance of property taxes going up.*
Keeping programs and services affordable for families and seniors.
Encouraging volunteerism in the Community.
Protecting our Lake
Ensuring our lake is protected through collaboration with the Province, Counties and Summer Villages on effective local conservation initiatives.
More enforcement during busy summer months is needed.
Sylvan is known for it's crystal clear water - without blue-green algae blooms, or 'swimmer's itch'. There is a lot to lose if our community loses water quality.
Let's not forget about Aquatic Invasive species, like zebra mussels. Continued education and vigilance on this threat is key.
Sustainable development and growth in our community should always be a priority - for the benefit of our residents, our wildlife and our local businesses.
Championing Sustainable Tourism
Tourism needs to directly benefit residents - in a positive way.
Locals not being able to access the lake on a sunny, summer weekend? It's time we address the issue of 'Overtourism'.
Sylvan Lake is popular and our new reality is that over One Million people visit our town each year. That is a lot of garbage to manage and water usage! It's crucial we have a plan for social, environmental and infrastructure impacts.
More enforcement of our Bylaws and policies is key.
Education & awareness of lake ecology and conservation initiatives (i.e. Interpretive Signage) would benefit both visitors and residents.
Keep it Local!
Once a small business owner herself (music school), Juanna recognizes the importance of supporting local business owners and encouraging the community to shop local.
Sylvan Lake's business owners need our support more than ever. In economic uncertainty, rising costs (of everything!) and inflation, it is important we shop local to help local businesses survive & thrive. Let's find some creative incentives for our local business owners!
Why Juanna for Council?
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EXPERIENCE
Juanna is a Professional Biologist with over a decade of public service experience at provincial and federal levels.
Her skill set includes community engagement, public consultation and an excellent understanding of policies and legislation.
She knows how to truly listen!
Juanna understands municipal governance and the importance of balancing diverse community interests.
Juanna will bring a fresh perspective to Council. Her strong commitment to partnership and collaboration will enhance decision-making processes and create solutions-oriented outcomes.
She's a people person who brings an extensive background in working with various levels of government as well as a wide range of stakeholder and community groups.
COMMITMENT
She cares about the community where she lives, works and recreates.
Living around lakes for most of her life, Juanna has a strong connection to water and lake stewardship.
She moved to Sylvan Lake for it's small town charm and to raise a family in a vibrant, safe community.
She believes in giving back to her community through volunteering.
WHAT JUANNA WILL BRING TO COUNCIL:
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Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills
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Collaborative Leadership Style
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Organizational & Time Management Skills
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Effective Voice for Community Concerns
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Understands the value of Teamwork and Partnerships
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Strong Communication Skills
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Financial and Budget Expertise
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Conflict Resolution & Negotiation Skills
For questions, concerns or to learn more about Juanna's campaign, please reach out using the form below.