Mike Butler pushes local-first buying, water storage and outside funding for Parksville

Parksville mayoral candidate Mike Butler is urging residents and city hall to prioritize local businesses for materials and services, while also backing new water-storage infrastructure and a stronger push for federal and provincial funding. He says the approach would support jobs, improve water security and reduce the burden on property taxpayers.

Why it matters: - Butler is making local procurement part of his pitch for Parksville's economic future. - The plan ties together three priorities: local jobs, water security and lower pressure on property taxes. - Butler says the city should use its buying power to keep more money circulating in Parksville.

What happened: - Mike Butler, Parksville's mayoral candidate, called on residents to buy local first for lumber and building materials used in decks, fences, renovations and property maintenance. - Butler said the City of Parksville should follow the same local-first approach when it buys supplies, services and project work. - Butler framed the proposal as part of his campaign for mayor.

The details: - Butler wants the city to look to local businesses and contractors first for City projects, supplies and services before going outside the community. - He said local procurement should extend to construction, wood products, metal production, metal fabrication, manufacturing, equipment, maintenance and water infrastructure. - Butler cited Aquila Building Supplies as an example of a local business that employs local workers and sells locally. - He wants Parksville to investigate local water-storage options that can capture and store water during periods of abundance. - Butler says stored water would reduce pressure on the system during dry periods and help the community become less vulnerable to drought. - He also wants the City to examine opportunities for local production of water-system components, including pipe and other infrastructure. - Butler said Parksville should pursue federal and provincial funding for major infrastructure projects before relying on property taxpayers. - He wants the City to actively seek infrastructure grants, government partnerships and other outside funding opportunities. - Butler also wants Parksville to explore joint ventures and partnerships with companies that want to invest, manufacture and create jobs in the community. - He said that could include partnerships, joint ventures, access to City-owned resources, infrastructure support or a faster regulatory process for responsible investment. - Butler wants City contracting and procurement to help establish and grow local industries. - He said the approach could apply to construction, wood products, metal production and fabrication, manufacturing, water infrastructure, landscaping, maintenance and other City services. - Butler encouraged residents doing projects such as decks, fences, renovations and property maintenance to check where their materials come from and look for locally produced alternatives first. - Campaign contact information provided in the release lists Mike Butler and his campaign email and phone number.

Between the lines: - Butler is linking economic development with municipal spending, which could appeal to voters worried about local jobs and affordability. - The water-storage pitch also signals an attempt to position local infrastructure planning as a resilience issue, not just a utilities issue. - The emphasis on outside funding suggests Butler wants to frame taxpayer protection as a core campaign message.

What's next: - If elected, Butler says he would push Parksville to adopt a local-first procurement policy. - He also says the city should study water-storage solutions and local production options for water infrastructure parts. - Butler says Parksville should seek grants, partnerships and private investment before adding major costs to property tax bills. - He wants the city to use future contracts and projects to help local firms expand, hire and invest.