Lorelei Fiset

Lorelei Fiset

Village of Lumby Council candidate.

Years lived in Lumby: 26

Lorelei Fiset grew up in Lumby and, after a 30-year career in media and communications returned to the Okanagan and has been operating her business here since 2010. 

Many of her clients are municipal or non-profit organizations and she has worked in strategic planning, economic development, post-secondary, government, health, and tourism fields.

She has experience serving on boards as a volunteer.

Lorelei is a recent grandmother and has adult children living in Red Deer and Montreal. 

For more on Lorelei’s background and community involvement, please visit the website, LoreleiFiset.com

Reason for Running: 

Lorelei says, “I love this community. It’s my hometown and the time is right. 

I have the time, energy and experience to contribute at the municipal level. 

Lumby is a friendly village surrounded by beautiful natural areas and is being discovered by new residents, tourists and businesses.

I want to be more involved in promoting Lumby’s potential, enhancing public engagement on municipal matters, and supporting our local families and businesses.

Questions

Why should voters cast a ballot for you October 20?

I am passionate about our community! I applaud past councils for their dedication and vision towards building our community and I am ready to contribute at the municipal level.

There have been a lot of positive changes and there’s more work to be done. 

I have the interest and energy it takes to commit to the Village’s priorities. I can best offer my service and knowledge in an environment where I am:

• working as part of a team,
• opening communication and listening channels for greater input and inclusiveness,
• planning strategically, and
• managing resources responsibly.

I have leadership, governance, planning, public engagement and business experience. I have worked with multiple municipalities in the North Okanagan as well as businesses and non-profits. 

As a solopreneur, I can prioritize and allocate my time to Council activities.

I want to help build our strong, vibrant, attractive community.

2) What would you consider Lumby's greatest strengths and weaknesses, and why?

I’ve been knocking on doors and residents tell me the reasons why they love Lumby are the friendly people, the medical, recreational and cultural amenities, and the quiet, safe and walkable neighbourhoods with schools and shopping close by. 

I also hear that Lumby is progressive and welcoming, a testament to the good local government, the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and many non-profit groups we have that make Lumby strong and vibrant. 

As for areas that people are looking for positive change, they often mention beautification of the downtown area, wanting to attract more businesses, and wanting to address the emergency berm situation. 

I have been fortunate to work with the Lumby Chamber, the Village, the Health Society, the arts community, and the White Valley

Community Resources centre to learn more about Lumby’s strengths and needs. 

I am very passionate about working with council and the community openly to address these issues over the coming years.

3) What is the biggest issue facing Lumby, and as a member of the council, how would you work to address this issue?

For many residents and business owners, the biggest issue has been waiting to hear what the future holds
for their property and the trails along the creeks that had berms constructed quickly over the last two
seasons of flooding. 

A 2018 report lays out the issues and possible strategies for permanent solutions which all require significant investment and probable participation from other levels of government. 

If elected to council, I will work the other councillors and mayor to learn more about the options, share information and consult with the community. 

I think it’s also important that council seek sources other than local tax dollars for funding the work that needs to be done. 

Finding a long-term solution that meets the environmental requirements while returning the property to an optimized state for residents, property owners and visitors will be a significant venture, however, I believe that with serious planning, open communication and collaboration it can be done successfully, and I look forward to being part of the process.