Courtenay has a new candidate seeking a seat on city council.
In a social media post last week, Phil Adams announced he is running for a seat on Courtenay city council, saying he hopes to help make life more affordable.
Adams said in a video he was not born in Courtenay but chose to live in the community because it cares about its residents.
“We’re growing fast, costs are going up and people are really starting to feel the pinch and if we don’t control that growth, we risk losing what makes this place so special.”
Adams said his campaign will focus on growth, housing and health care.
He said attracting more commercial activity and well-paying jobs would help expand the local tax base.
On housing, Adams said the city needs faster permitting and approvals so projects do not sit for months or years. He also said more options such as purpose-built rental housing and co-op housing are needed.
Adams said access to health care is worsening and suggested a dedicated health-care hub and allowing doctors to practise from home as potential solutions.
Adams said he decided to run because he believes council can do better.
“We can grow smarter; we can build the housing people actually need and we can bring real healthcare services right here into the Comox Valley that we’ve never had before.”
The municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 17.
