Watch the Parksville All Candidates Forum hosted by Knox United Church on Monday, September 26, 2022.

The following Parksville Candidates were present at the Parksville All Candidates Debate

Joel Grenz Opening Statement at Parksville All Candidates Event

Good evening! I’m Joel Grenz.

Before I start, I’d like to thank and acknowledge Knox United Church and all the folks that made this event a reality.

I’d also like to thank all the candidates for putting your name forward for public office.

We’ve seen how democracy is under attack around the world, so it’s important that we all work together to support and strengthen our system of government in Canada.

I moved to Parksville in 2016 with my wife and 3 young children. We first came here for a figure skating competition and we fell in love. Within a few months we had moved to Parksville.

As of this month, all three of my kids are attending Ballenas, just up the road from here.

Since I moved here in 2016, the population of Parksville has increased by almost 10%. That’s nearly twice the Canadian average.

Ask yourself, do we have 10% more doctors and healthcare providers? Or 10% increased capacity in our recreation program and facilities?

As we grow, the core services we all depend on have to keep pace.

So what do I bring to the table to take on our challenges and opportunities?

I have a law degree from UBC, which has given me a foundation in our political and legal institutions.

But since I was a kid, I’ve always been an entrepreneur – in fact I turned down an investment on Dragons Den – but that’s another story.

Over the past twenty years, my company has given me the opportunity to work with businesses of all shapes and sizes, non-profit organizations, and all 3 levels of government – throughout BC and here in Oceanside.

This experience has exposed me to a broad range of perspectives.

And I believe this background has equipped me to be a creative, collaborative, and effective member of the council team.

I’m running for council because I love this community and I want to make sure that no matter your age, stage, or walk of life, you can thrive here in Parksville.

Thank you.

Parksville All Candidates Forum – Municipal Election

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

MAYNE, Ed
O’BRIEN, Doug

COUNCIL CANDIDATES

BADEL, Karin
BAILEY, Frank
BEIL, Mary
BUTTERWORTH, Lucky
GAUR, Amit
GRENZ, Joel
KELLY, Mike
MANN, Jeet
MARTIN, Sylvia
MILES, Paula
PATTERSON, Teresa
PEDERSEN, Michael
WILSON, Marilyn
WOOD, Sean

FRAS, Adam was unavailable as he was participating in the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock 2022. His opening statement was read by the All-Candidates Forum moderator,