Ernest Martens seeks re-election to Vanderhoof council, cites growth and economic transition

With grandchildren now being raised in the community, Martens said he is personally invested in Vanderhoof’s future and wants to continue contributing through local government.

Martens is completing his first term on council and said the experience has given him a greater understanding of municipal government and the work required to serve residents effectively.

“It was very enlightening to be part of that system,” he said. “There was a lot of learning being done during that time.”

He believes much of the steep learning curve that comes with serving on council has now been overcome, allowing him to focus more on advancing projects and initiatives already underway.

“I really felt that it takes a couple of years in that first term to really get the feel of it and understand the processes,” Martens said. “Now those learning years are kind of behind us, and we can get to the work part a little bit more.”

Martens pointed to housing as one of the district’s most pressing issues heading into the next term.

“Certainly, we have housing issues and housing concerns that we’re working on,” he said, noting the challenge is one shared by communities across British Columbia.

Healthcare recruitment and retention is another priority. Martens said ensuring Vanderhoof can attract and keep doctors and other medical professionals will remain an important focus for council moving forward.

“We’re working on the attraction and retention of medical services and medical people,” he said.

Economic development is also high on Martens’ list of priorities. He noted that Vanderhoof has experienced significant changes in recent years, including the closure of local sawmills, while the mining sector has expanded.

“A couple of the sawmills have closed down, and that’s very hard to see happening,” Martens said. “But now mining is coming on strong.”

He added that agriculture continues to play an important role in the local economy and said council must be prepared to support the community as it adapts to changing economic conditions.

“I think we just need to move that along and be part of that transition, looking ahead to make decisions that are good in the future,” he said.

Reflecting on the past four years, Martens described the term as a positive one for Vanderhoof, highlighting the community’s ongoing 100th anniversary celebrations as a source of pride and unity.

“Vanderhoof is right in the middle of our 100th anniversary,” he said. “It’s been a really good, positive vibe.”

Martens believes that sense of community spirit is important as the district prepares for the years ahead and said maintaining positive energy at the council table will be a priority if he is re-elected.

“I really hope I get the opportunity to do it again,” he said. “I’ll work very hard at it, and it’s something I really think I can help with over the next few years.”

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Ernest Martens seeks re-election to Vanderhoof council, cites growth and economic transition

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