Dealing with inevitable growth in Courtenay was a recurring theme during Wednesday’s all-candidates’ forum.

Byelection candidates Erik Eriksson, Doug Hillian, Kip Keylock, Mark Middleton, Craig Millar and John Van Egmond faced questions about rising taxes, what can be done to attract and retain business, high-rise buildings, affordable housing and about their vision for the estuary and Courtenay River.

They were also asked what they would do to bring about an estimated $160 million worth of projects sitting at City Hall.

The six men are vying for the council seat vacated by MLA Don McRae co-sponsored the forum, which was moderated by Joe Smith.

They had to add chairs and open up the room at the Best Western Westerly Hotel when more than 150 people came to hear the candidates.

Eriksson felt multiple municipalities in the Comox Valley means businesses have to go through too many hoops.

“I think it’s very important we work toward a single government so there aren’t multiple layers businesses have to confront,” he said.

Courtenay needs an open door when it comes to business, according to Keylock.

“We need incentives to attract the right businesses,” he said. “There are all kinds of interesting incentives in other areas, like Langford.”

Millar called for a mid-sized conference centre in Courtenay, which would create jobs and bring investment into the community. He also advocated for one business licence for the Valley and one planning department, as well as dealing with traffic congestion.

For Van Egmond, lowering the industrial tax rate was key for attracting new business.

“We can invite, we can entice, and we can bring them here,” he said. “It’s been done in other communities, and I believe it can be done here.”

When it came to taxes, Hillian felt most people were OK with paying taxes, as long as those taxes were fair, council was accountable and the services were of high quality.

“I would keep a very close eye on the bottom line, but at the same time, it’s up to our city to provide quality services to our population,” he said. “I think the city’s done quite a good job in that department.”

Taxes are like anything else, and it is a matter of whether or not you feel you are getting what you pay for, noted Middleton.

“I think I have faith in the existing staff, mayor and council,” he said. “I think I would fit in with my business background.”

Millar felt his professional and volunteer experiences and his experiences serving on non-profit boards gave him a broad spectrum to provide the leadership the city needs.

“I believe I have the passion, the style and the leadership skill set to work with many different viewpoints as we prepare for the inevitable growth and change that Courtenay will experience,” he said.

Keylock spoke about his background in business, and he told the crowd he feels there is room for a businessman at the council table.

“Win or lose, my resolve is to continue doing what we can to support thoughtful, innovative and unique growth within our city and area,” he said.

Hillian shared his willingness to work with people and his record of service and accomplishment.

“I’ve lived in this community for 30 years,” he said. “I’ve always done my best to help other folk, to be available to people who needed my skills, my labour and my expertise. I love this community passionately.”

Eriksson, who served on Courtenay council 20 years ago, spoke about his ability to be a full-time councillor, and highlighted his ability to work as part of a team.

“The only sports I play are team sports,” he said. “But I’m also an individualist. When I played baseball, I wanted to be the pitcher because I wanted to be in on every play. That’s what I’m going to be if I’m elected. I will be in on every play. I’ll be a full-time city councillor.”

Middleton, who has been attending council meetings since June, chose to run for council because he wanted to give back to the community and he has the time.

Van Egmond told the crowd he believes Courtenay can do better.

“We can dream to be better than we are today,” he said.

Visit www.comoxvalleyrecord.com Saturday night to learn who the new councillor is. For more, read Wednesday’s Comox Valley Record.

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