CASSANDRA MANLEY FOR MAYOR

Building Community. Leading with Transparency. Creating Opportunity.

My name is Cassandra Manley, and I am proud to be running for Mayor of Harrison Hot Springs.

Harrison Hot Springs is more than where my family lives. It is where my children are growing up, where we have chosen to invest our future, and where I believe tremendous opportunity exists for residents, businesses, and future generations.

We are blessed with stunning natural surroundings, a rich history, strong community spirit, and incredible potential. Our village has all the ingredients necessary to once again become one of Western Canada's premier tourism destinations.

I am running for Mayor because I believe Harrison deserves transparent leadership, strong financial stewardship, meaningful community engagement, and a clear vision for the future.

Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential for effective local government.

Achieving that vision requires strong leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to putting residents first.

As your Mayor, my priorities will be clear: building community, restoring trust in local government, ensuring responsible financial management, strengthening regional partnerships, protecting our environment, supporting economic growth, and preparing our village for the future.

My Five Top Priorities

1. Restore Transparency and Trust

Open government, accountable leadership, and meaningful public engagement.

2. Protect Taxpayer Dollars

Responsible budgeting, strong financial oversight, and pursuit of external funding opportunities.

3. Support Sustainable Tourism and Economic Growth

Strengthening local businesses while preserving our community's character.

4. Improve Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety

Proactive planning, resilience, and long-term emergency preparedness.

5. Build Strong Partnerships

Working collaboratively with First Nations, regional partners, businesses, and all levels of government.

These priorities will guide my decisions as Mayor and help ensure Harrison Hot Springs remains strong, financially responsible, resilient, and prepared for future opportunities.

Why Cassandra?

Harrison Hot Springs needs leadership grounded in experience, accountability, and results.

Through my experience in senior local government administration, I understand how municipalities operate from the inside. I have firsthand experience with budgeting, governance, grant funding, strategic planning, emergency management, economic development, public communications, organizational leadership, and public administration.

I understand the difference between making promises and delivering results.

My experience gives me a unique perspective and the ability to work effectively with Council, administration, residents, businesses, First Nations, regional partners, and senior levels of government to move Harrison Hot Springs forward.

I bring practical experience, strong relationships, and a proven understanding of good governance that will allow me to lead with confidence, transparency, and accountability from day one.

Building a Stronger Community

A successful community is built on respect, inclusion, and collaboration. Every resident deserves to feel heard, valued, and respected.

I will work to strengthen relationships between residents, businesses, community organizations, First Nations, regional partners, and all levels of government.

Together, we can create a Harrison Hot Springs that remains welcoming, vibrant, and family-focused while preserving the character and sense of community that make our village so special.

Community Engagement & Resident Involvement

A strong community is built when residents feel heard, respected, and included.

One of my core beliefs is that the best decisions are made when local government actively listens to the people it serves. Community engagement should be more than a checkbox exercise. It should be meaningful, accessible, and ongoing.

As Mayor, I will promote a culture of open dialogue, transparency, and collaboration by creating more opportunities for residents to share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations for Harrison Hot Springs.

My commitment to community engagement includes:

• Encouraging respectful and constructive public participation through council meetings, public engagement opportunities, and community discussions.

• Improving communication between the Village and residents through clear, timely, and accessible information sharing.

• Supporting community forums, town halls, and informal opportunities for residents to connect directly with Council.

• Seeking public input early in the planning process for major projects and community initiatives.

• Engaging local businesses, non-profit organizations, volunteers, and community groups as valued partners in shaping Harrison's future.

• Encouraging youth participation and leadership opportunities to help develop the next generation of community leaders.

• Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of volunteers who play a vital role in strengthening our village.

I believe that people may not always agree on every issue, but everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard. Constructive debate and respectful discussion are essential parts of a healthy democracy.

By fostering stronger community engagement, we can build greater trust in local government, make better-informed decisions, and create a stronger sense of connection and belonging for everyone who calls Harrison Hot Springs home.

Restoring Harrison Hot Springs as One of Western Canada's Premier Tourism Destinations

Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy.

By working collaboratively with businesses, tourism partners, regional partners, First Nations, and surrounding communities, we can revitalize Harrison Hot Springs' reputation as one of Western Canada's premier tourism destinations.

My goal is to support sustainable tourism growth that benefits residents and businesses alike while protecting the natural beauty and charm that draw visitors here in the first place.

This means:

• Supporting local businesses by expanding tourism opportunities, encouraging year-round visitation, and promoting events and attractions that strengthen the local economy.

• Enhancing visitor experiences throughout the village.

• Seeking innovative opportunities to attract visitors throughout the year.

• Working collaboratively with tourism partners and regional partners.

• Investing strategically in infrastructure and amenities that support residents and visitors alike.

• Ensuring growth remains sustainable and consistent with our community values.

Harrison Hot Springs has an incredible story to tell. Together, we can ensure the world hears it.

Infrastructure & Planning for the Future

Responsible growth requires responsible infrastructure.

As Mayor, I will support long-term planning and investments that maintain and improve the services residents rely on every day.

This includes supporting investments in roads, sidewalks, utilities, parks, public amenities, transportation infrastructure, and community facilities that improve quality of life and support future growth.

Infrastructure decisions must be guided by long-term planning, sound financial management, and community priorities.

The choices we make today will shape Harrison Hot Springs for decades to come.

Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship

Harrison Hot Springs is defined by its natural beauty. Our lake, forests, mountains, rivers, parks, and wildlife are not only part of our identity, but they are also among our greatest assets.

Protecting these treasures must remain a priority for current and future generations.

I believe environmental sustainability and economic prosperity go hand in hand. A healthy environment supports tourism, recreation, community well-being, public health, and long-term economic success.

As Mayor, I will support practical, fiscally responsible environmental initiatives that preserve our natural surroundings while respecting taxpayers and local businesses.

My priorities include:

• Protecting the environmental integrity of Harrison Lake, local watersheds, and surrounding green spaces.

• Supporting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

• Encouraging environmentally conscious infrastructure investments.

• Seeking grant opportunities that support environmental stewardship, climate adaptation, and community resilience.

• Working collaboratively with First Nations, regional partners, and senior levels of government on conservation and sustainability initiatives.

• Supporting community education related to environmental protection, waste reduction, and responsible outdoor recreation.

• Promoting policies that balance environmental responsibility with economic growth and community needs.

Environmental sustainability is not about ideology. It is about responsible stewardship, practical planning, and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty and quality of life that make Harrison Hot Springs such a remarkable place to call home.

Emergency Preparedness & Community Resilience

Protecting public safety must always be one of Council's highest priorities.

My professional experience in emergency management has provided me with a strong understanding of risk assessment, emergency planning, interagency coordination, disaster response, and community resilience.

Through my work, I have developed relationships with Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), municipal governments, and numerous emergency response partners throughout British Columbia.

As recent events across the province have demonstrated, communities must be prepared for a range of hazards, including wildfires, flooding, severe weather events, and other emergencies.

One of my key priorities will be strengthening the Village's emergency preparedness and resilience through proactive planning, strategic infrastructure investments, and regional collaboration.

This includes:

• Regular review and improvement of emergency response and evacuation plans.

• Strengthening partnerships with emergency management agencies and neighbouring jurisdictions.

• Seeking grant funding opportunities that improve community safety and emergency readiness.

• Supporting public education initiatives that help residents prepare for emergencies.

• Investing in infrastructure and planning measures that reduce risk and increase community resilience.

Additional Emergency Evacuation Route

A critical public safety priority for Harrison Hot Springs is the exploration and development of at least one additional emergency evacuation route.

Currently, the Village effectively relies on a single primary roadway in and out of the community. In the event of a major wildfire, landslide, flooding event, hazardous materials incident, or other large-scale emergency, this presents a significant concern for residents, visitors, and emergency responders alike.

While developing an additional emergency access route will require long-term planning, partnership, and advocacy with regional partners, First Nations, provincial agencies, and private stakeholders, I believe the conversation must begin now.

As Mayor, I will advocate for the assessment and exploration of feasible emergency access alternatives that improve public safety and strengthen the Village's resilience during emergencies.

Public safety is not an expense. It is an investment in our community's future.

Transparency & Accountability

Residents deserve a local government that operates openly, honestly, and transparently.

Transparency is fundamental to good governance and public confidence in local government.

As Mayor, I will advocate for conducting council business in public whenever legally possible and ensuring that in-camera meetings are used only when required by legislation.

Residents should understand how decisions are made, how taxpayer dollars are spent, and how their elected officials are serving the community.

Good governance relies upon trust, and trust begins with transparency. It starts with:

• Open communication

• Accountability

• Ethical leadership

• Respectful decision-making

• Public trust

I am committed to bringing a transparent, collaborative, and service-oriented approach to local government.

Protecting Taxpayer Dollars

Financial responsibility will be one of my highest priorities.

Through my experience in senior local government administration, I have extensive experience in governance, budgeting, grant applications, funding agreements, reporting requirements, and financial accountability.

I understand the importance of ensuring public funds are allocated appropriately, managed responsibly, and used effectively.

My experience allows me to:

• Identify external funding opportunities.

• Navigate complex grant application processes.

• Ensure compliance with funding agreements.

• Maintain accurate reporting standards.

• Protect taxpayers from unnecessary financial risk.

Every dollar matters.

Residents deserve confidence that their money is being spent wisely, responsibly, and strategically.

Supporting Excellence in Administration

A strong municipality requires both effective governance and a high-performing administration.

Council's role is to establish community priorities, set policy, and provide strategic direction. Administration's role is to implement those decisions professionally, efficiently, and effectively.

With extensive experience in executive leadership, public administration, economic development, communications, and governance, I understand the importance of maintaining healthy and productive relationships between Council and staff.

As Mayor, I will support our administration in performing at the highest level possible while ensuring accountability, professionalism, responsiveness, and excellent service delivery for residents.

Success is achieved when elected officials and administration work together respectfully and effectively toward common goals.

Building Strong Partnerships

No municipality succeeds in isolation.

Throughout my career, I have established strong working relationships across local, regional, provincial, and federal governments.

These relationships help create opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and improve access to resources that benefit local communities.

Strong partnerships make communities stronger.

Strengthening Relationships with First Nations

One of my strongest commitments is building respectful and meaningful relationships with First Nations.

For many years, I have worked alongside First Nations throughout Sto:lo territory and have developed a deep appreciation for First Nations culture, history, language, resilience, and community values.

I have even begun learning Halkomelem because I believe understanding and respect begin with listening and learning.

As Mayor, I will work to strengthen relationships with neighbouring First Nations, particularly Sts'ailes, whose traditional territory includes Harrison Hot Springs.

By working together through mutual respect, collaboration, and shared understanding, we can build stronger relationships and create opportunities that benefit everyone.

Reconciliation begins with relationships, respect, and action.

Looking Forward

Harrison Hot Springs stands at an important crossroads.

We can embrace opportunity while protecting what makes our community unique. We can strengthen trust in local government. We can support responsible growth, sustainable tourism, strong financial management, environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness, and meaningful partnerships.

Most importantly, we can build a village where residents come first.

As Elaine Alec has written, "Better questions lead to better conversations, and better conversations lead to better decisions."

That philosophy reflects the kind of leadership I will bring to Harrison Hot Springs: leadership that listens, collaborates, and seeks practical solutions grounded in respect, transparency, and accountability.

Restoring trust through transparency will be one of my highest priorities as Mayor.

I believe our best days are ahead of us.

Call to Action

This election is an opportunity to choose the future we want for Harrison Hot Springs.

If you believe in:

• Transparent and accountable government

• Responsible financial management

• Meaningful community engagement

• Strong relationships with First Nations and neighbouring communities

• Environmental stewardship

• Sustainable tourism and economic development

• Emergency preparedness and public safety

• Respectful, forward-thinking leadership

I invite you to join me.

Talk with your neighbours. Share your ideas. Attend community events. Ask questions. Get involved.

Most importantly, make your voice heard by voting.

Harrison Hot Springs deserves leadership that listens, plans for the future, and always puts residents first.

I am committed to serving this community with integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect.

Together, we can strengthen our village, restore trust in local government, support responsible growth, restore Harrison Hot Springs as one of Western Canada's premier tourism destinations, and create opportunities for future generations.

On election day, I respectfully ask for your support and your vote for Mayor of Harrison Hot Springs.

Cassandra Manley
Candidate for Mayor, Harrison Hot Springs

Building Community. Leading with Transparency. Creating Opportunity.