Mackenzie council candidate Kathleen Westergaard pitches industrial renewal, housing maintenance and wildlife safety

Westergaard pointed to former industrial sites, including the old pulp mill property, which remain largely undeveloped. She believes uncertainty around environmental remediation costs and timelines discourages potential investors and developers from moving projects forward. She said the district should work alongside the provincial government, industry stakeholders and property owners to create a clear plan that would make the sites development-ready.

According to Westergaard, removing some of the uncertainty surrounding environmental cleanup could make Mackenzie more attractive to new businesses and international investment opportunities. Another issue she highlighted is vacant human services positions in the community.

Westergaard, a registered social worker with a Master of Social Work degree, said she has concerns about professional positions that remain unfilled despite being funded.

She said some of those roles provide counselling and support services for children and families, particularly through local schools. Westergaard argued those positions are critical because social workers often coordinate supports involving students, parents and community organizations while navigating ethical and legislative requirements.

“I applied for every single one of them and nobody called me back,” she said, adding that she has since moved into private practice.

Housing and property maintenance is another area Westergaard wants council to address.

She said Mackenzie benefits from a relatively affordable housing supply, but many properties require repairs and ongoing maintenance. Residents often rely on property management companies and specialized trades from Prince George, which can increase costs and lead to delays.

Westergaard is proposing the creation of a locally based property management company that would help coordinate maintenance services, support skilled trades employment and improve upkeep of residential properties throughout the community.

“What I want to see the council do is coordinate the creation of a property management company for Mackenzie,” she said.

She believes the approach could create more stable work opportunities for local tradespeople while helping property owners address repairs before problems become more costly. Westergaard also raised concerns about wildlife collisions on highways serving Mackenzie.

She said motorists frequently encounter moose, bears and other wildlife on roads in the region, contributing to vehicle damage, injuries and animal deaths.

As infrastructure upgrades are completed, Westergaard said governments should incorporate wildlife crossings into future road projects, including adapting culverts to better accommodate animal movement.

“We need to include wildlife crossings on all the major roads,” she said.

The municipal election is October 17.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Mackenzie council candidate Kathleen Westergaard pitches industrial renewal, housing maintenance and wildlife safety

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