Hans Cunningham: Bio
Hans Cunningham is the long serving director for Area G of the RDCK and is running for re-election on November 19.
Hans is a former educator, having retired after a 36 year career as a classroom teacher, administrator and computer specialist. Always active in civic affairs, Hans has worked for many organizations. Locally, he has been on the executive of the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, as well as president of the Ymir Community Association. Hans was a charter member of the Ymir Fire Department when it was formed in 1969, and was chief from 1973 until 2009, twice receiving the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal while serving in this position.
Hans believes that local government is the most important order of government since it is the level closest to the people. Working to increase the abilities of local government and its relationships with the other orders of government is vital. Hans has worked for many years in this area. He is a past president and life member of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, a life member of the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments, and President Emeritus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Chair of the board of the Regional District of Central Kootenay for ten years, Hans now serves as one of the regional district representatives to the Columbia Basin Trust Committee on Review and Publicity of the Columbia River Treaty and possible changes.
Top 3 issues
There are a number of initiatives that Hans would like to see completed in the next term. Completion of the Salmo supportive/affordable housing complex is a priority. The installation of night sky friendly LED street lights for Ymir will conserve energy and improve lighting. Completion of the cleanup just above the Ymir Transfer Station is under way. Hans wants to see parks service improvements as well as shutdown of the Canex landfill and its conversion to a composting facility. Seeing the library expand into its new area is also important. Reducing our carbon footprint by the continued greening of our public facilities is needed. Installation of geothermal heating and other energy conservation improvements will help keep our facilities viable into the future. It is time for BC Transit to start a decent transit system to link the Salmo/Ymir area with Nelson, Trail and Castlegar.
Hans is looking for the support of the electorate in this election. He urges the voters to invest in the future of Area G and vote to re-elect Hans Cunningham.