Image: Supplied by Ian Carmichael on Facebook / Chilliwack resident and community advocate Ian Carmichael will challenge Mayor Ken Popove in this fall's mayoral race.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Fall election

Longtime Chilliwack resident and community advocate Ian Carmichael to challenge Ken Popove in mayoral race

Sep 16, 2022 | 11:14 AM

CHILLIWACK — Ian Carmichael is a firm believer in working for better.

It’s not only his campaign motto but a theme that describes Chilliwack as a fast-growing community.

“Our city is at a cross roads. We know that if we don’t ask for better, we aren’t likely to get it,” said Carmichael, whose family roots in the Fraser Valley date back to the mid-19th century. “We also know that better comes with effort. So as we face the challenges of today and the future, I hope you will join me, other community members and candidates as we work for better.”

Carmichael possesses a lengthy background in natural resource management and transportation, equipping him with a wide array of experience and an eclectic skill set. He has worked in the forest industry, aviation, rail transport and natural gas sectors as a supervisor and manager. His career has entailed all aspects of financial budgeting, cost analysis and accounting.

When it comes to democracy, Carmichael isn’t a spectator on the sidelines. He says he has worked with all levels of local and senior governments by providing input on issues as varied as policy direction and regulatory compliance.

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“I have been very fortunate in my career to have had a wide range of experience,” Carmichael said. “I have held responsible positions that required skills in collaborative consultation, negotiation and land use management. I know the importance of due diligence and thoughtful planning. Far too often, the devil really is in the details. Questioning, and looking at the bigger picture, to insure results are attained without unintended consequences, are strengths I bring to the table.”

Carmichael has been a member of the Dogwood Monarch Lions Club of Chilliwack for over 20 years, and currently sits on its board. He is actively involved in community services that include volunteer work with minor sports and community development. Carmichael has most recently concentrated on his 30 years of study on implementing climate change mitigation strategies and community food security.

“It was while I worked with the Valley Choices Committee that I was first introduced to the complexities of civic land use planning, transportation and service provision, from a regional perspective,” Carmichael said. “That experience made me look at issues from a much broader and balanced approach. Having the luxury of hindsight, I’m impressed with how accurate the projected assumptions of that experience 30 years ago have actually become reality.”

Carmichael has had his sights set on civic government before, running in 2008 and 2011 for Chilliwack City Council. He came within 923 votes of sixth-place finisher Ken Huttema in 2008, but settled for seventh out of 19 candidates. In 2011, he finished 16th out of 20 candidates.

As for why he’s running for mayor, Carmichael responded to calls to get more involved from people he knows and values.

“I’ve been encouraged for years by friends and family alike, to pursue a more active role in this community that we all love and I’m humbled by the confidence they’ve shown in me,” he said. “I have been a student of public policy and governance issues for decades and believe strongly in the democratic process.”

As a testament to his participation in the democratic process, he spearheaded a project during the 2019 federal election, with the help of like-minded community members and groups, to provide no-cost transportation to and from polling stations for marginalized community members.

“Voting counts. And we all know that democracy is best served when there is a contest of ideas,” he said. “We are on the cusp of, if not the actual, generational change of leadership at our City government. One of my goals as mayor will be to prepare for the next generation of committed, capable and talented leaders to come. I believe my combination of management experience; knowledge of the local conditions and vision of the future will ensure our community will continue to prosper for years to come.”

Carmichael contends Chilliwack’s growth presents challenges that are multi-faceted but also manageable.

“Our challenge as a community is multi faceted,” he said. “Working within our urban containment zones, we must ensure that we maintain our agricultural land base, while providing a range of housing options and community spaces for those that are here, have recently arrived and those who will continue to come. A competitive environment attractive to employers is essential to the creation of lasting, family-sustaining incomes and a vital component to our continued success.”

The District 1881 revitalization proves that Chilliwack is capable of change from the inside out, he says.

“As a glass half full kinda guy, I’m encouraged by the changing face of our downtown. This in turn, is providing the economic foundation which is seeing the prospects of vibrant small business, independent retailers and service providers begin to flourish as we recover from the effects of the pandemic. The long-awaited momentum shift from an area in decline to one of renewed vitality is beginning to show. As mayor I will continue to promote the community efforts that embody the spirit of ‘We Are Better Together.'”