Prince George Public Library manager of finance and facilities Kyanna Coe is running for office in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.
Coe is running against opponent Victor Mobley in Electoral Area A (Salmon River-Lakes). Electoral Area A is the only electoral area in the regional district which drew more than one candidate running for director.
Coe said her top priorities, if elected, would be community safety, economic growth and development, and protecting the area’s natural resources.
“When elected, I will ensure the fire departments have access to what they need for additional equipment, training, increased recruitment activities, and provide full support for additional grant funding that would help support our departments and amazing volunteers,” she said in an email. “I would also fight for decreasing the logistical constraints on access to additional emergency services like police and ambulance. Living rurally does not mean residents should not have quick access to these services.”
Area entrepreneurs and farmers have faced challenges expanding their businesses, she said. While residents have faced challenges building and expanding their residential and recreational properties.
“Growth benefits everyone; benefits to the property values, the local economy, to the local contractor that supports the development, to the home-based business that supports their family,” Coe said. “As a large sector in the region, farmers need access to resources that support their business, that support their family. This region needs to ensure that residents and business owners are able to grow and when elected I will fight for the growth of our area. “
However, growth doesn’t mean compromising the lakes, rivers and water systems that residents rely on for clean, safe drinking water, she added.
Coe grew up in the lakes region and is now raising her family there, she said in an email. The UNBC business school graduate was a hockey player and coach – having coached the midget female Cougars and other levels of hockey.
“Hockey runs in the family and I truly enjoy developing youth athletes into the game I love,” she said.
Her passion for sport has led to her volunteering for events including the 2015 Canada Winters Games, Cougars Alumni Golf Tournament, and was chair of the 2022 BC Summer Games volunteer appreciation event.
“This year I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the planning committee for National Indigenous Peoples Day event hosted by the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation at the Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park,” Coe added. “It truly was an amazing day. This event, this day, this tribute to Indigenous Peoples, holds a close place to my heart as I spent a number of years as a manager at a First Nations Community.”
Voters in Electoral Area A can vote at the Ness Lake Community Hall, Nukko Lake Elementary School and Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary School between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m on Saturday.
