Incumbent Courtenay mayor Bob Wells is seeking re-election, with a focus on housing support and issues he says are intertwined.
Wells first came to the Comox Valley about 20 years ago with his wife. After having their vehicle break down while skiing, they stayed in Courtenay and decided to move to the city.
He says the outdoor activities, community arts and support for his family drew them to the area.
Wells has been the mayor of Courtenay for the last eight years. He says housing affordability is at the forefront of his mind coming into this election, with more to be done.
“We’ve had more supportive and subsidized housing through Braidwood and the Junction, that’s over 80 units there,” said Wells.
“But there’s just so much more that needs to be done and intertwined with that, there’s also a real crisis around homelessness, mental health and addictions and really, people not getting the services and getting on that path to recovery.”
Wells says over the years the city has been working with local RCMP and updated bylaw services to help address these issues. He hopes to continue to do so.
“Our bylaw officers [and] the RCMP are really working with our coalition to end homelessness members to work with the people who are on the streets who are suffering not just from homelessness but many of the other issues that unfortunately can be a challenge,” said Wells.
“Working with those organizations and fighting to make sure that the province, whose mandate it is to actually support those services, steps up and begins providing those services at the level they need to be delivered.”
Wells says there are many other issues that need to be worked on in the community, like family doctor supply, and support for seniors and for the whole community.
Bob Wells is running against Aaron Dowker and Erik Eriksson for mayor.
MyComoxValleyNow is reaching out to all mayoral candidates for their comments.
