Denis Walsh
Candidate for City Councillor
Contact Information
Email: Click to SendFacebook: Click to View
Twitter: Click to View
Phone: 250-299-5454
Personal Information
Resident of: City CentreCurrent Occupation: Business Owner - City Councilor
Political Experience:
I am currently finishing my 2nd term as a Kamloops City Councilor.
Biography
Denis has lived in Kamloops since 1980 and has raised his family here. He is an active local business person involved in a downtown retail operation and a commercial landlord.
Denis has served as a director on the boards of the original North Shore Business Association, the Kamloops Film Society, Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, and Kamloops Society for Community Living.
Denis is currently serving on his second term on Kamloops City Council. He has served on a wide variety of Council committees during his two terms and was recently elected to serve on the TNRD Board of Directors. He currently sits on the Arts Commission, Tourism Kamloops Board, and is the Council representative on the Biosolids Management Stakeholders Committee and Downtown Planning Advisory Committee.
His main areas of concern are economic stability, quality of life, improving community input and environmental stewardship. Denis believes benefit comes from working together with people of all points of view.
Denis is currently serving on his second term on Kamloops City Council. He strongly believes in meaningful timely engagement, responsible spending and quality city services. He welcomes your questions, ideas, or feedback on any community issue or initiatives.
External Page Links
| Proletariat Kami | Kamloops Election 2018 Denis Walsh | Click to Visit |
| CFJC | Decision 2018: Council candidate Denis Walsh | Click to Visit |
| Kamloops This Week | Walsh speaks for smaller voice | Click to Visit |
| CBC | Kamloops City Council Candidate: Denis Walsh | Click to Visit |
| TRUSU | Denis Walsh – Kamloops Election 2018 | Click to Visit |
Endorsements
I choose Denis Walsh as my City Councillor because he doesn’t shy away from hard topics. He is willing to question provincial and even national motivations, keeping these levels of government aware of what matters for the quality of life of Kamloops residents. We need leaders who are willing to put themselves out there, say what no one else is saying, take a forward-thinking way of advocating not only for the Kamloops of today but also the Kamloops of a hundred years from now. This is why Denis Walsh gets my vote on October 20th.
I support Denis because of the dedication and respect he affords the council position that he has been elected to serve in. He has genuine respect for the citizens of Kamloops and raises their concerns at council on a regular basis. Whether you agree or disagree with his views, I don't think anyone can disagree with the fact that he is one of the hardest-working elected officials in Kamloops. That gets my vote.
All the times I spoken with Dennis, he understood the concern and did what he could to resolve it.
As a Councilor, Denis has consistently demonstrated a high level of engagement in decisions that impact the design and livability of our community. I applaud his genuine interest and continuing commitment in municipal affairs that affect the long-term sustainability of a city we can all be proud of.
I wholeheartedly endorse Denis as my candidate for Council.
Denis has shown that he is one of the few councillors who takes the time to do his homework, reflect on the issues at hand and ask meaningful questions when required. Denis brings a very reasoned approach to decision making and it is a pity that so few other councillors appear to invest the necessary time and resources to research topics before making decisions.
I know I can trust Denis to serve residents' interests above his own and to help guide the City of Kamloops for the next four years.
Denis speaks from the heart ALWAYS. He has shown my family over and over again just how dedicated he is to bettering Kamloops. He is passionate about the people here and is well respected because of his civic devotion. A true proponent of small business and seriously motivated to ensure a strong economic future for Kamloops. Progressive thinker!
I have known Denis for many years and have found him to be a hard working and passionate councilor. I find he takes each council decision very seriously and is committed to conducting the required research to make an informed decision. As a small business owner, Denis brings a balanced approached to council.
I have deep respect for the way in which Denis engages community and seeks to be well informed on matters of community importance. I appreciate how Denis represents the often diverse interests of the community with thoughtful, knowledge-based consideration. He isn't afraid to stand up on issues he believes in or perhaps on issues he Is opposed to. Denis is a good person who helps make Kamloops a better community.
Denis Walsh is a Councillor with a proven track record of engagement and personal investment in our Community. His early partnership in Crossroads demonstrated a personal and financial interest in addressing homelessness, and his engagement downtown in arts and culture is well known. Denis is also willing to ask the tough questions of our City Administration in an effort to keep spending focused and taxes minimized.
Denis listens and is a voice of reason on Council He has the best interests of the community at heart.
Answers to Questions from the Public
Tabitha Gallicano asks the City Councillor Candidates
Some have already answered this question on facebook. But here it is in case some missed it that might want to answer.
Property Crime and petty theft has increased in Kamloops over the last couple of years. We have initiated the Cap program on the North shore and have noticed an improvement with their presence. We have a great presence of RCMP as well as the re-emergence of neighbourhood block watches. There are further design and landscaping techniques we can utilize that also deters criminal behaviour. What are your thoughts on some provisions and/or steps within councils jurisdiction that could be implemented in order to reduce property and vehicle crime.
Denis Walsh Answered
I think City Hall has taken the various issues linked to addiction and homelessness, which are likely responsible for a percentage of petty theft and property crime very seriously during the past term. By working with the Province, City Hall has helped to facilitate the movement of nearly 200 people into appropriate shelters. A strong relationship with the Province is essential, as they have resources and skill sets required to help the City of Kamloops deal with these issues. Much more effort is needed, particularly to address issues often associated with addiction, such as overdoses, crime, and panhandling. City Hall needs to be fully engaged in finding positive solutions which will help the community as a whole. Kamloops is not unique to these issues; however, I feel the more feedback we receive from all facets of our community, the better able Council will be in making important, and at times difficult decisions. We can always do better.
Kamloops Voter asks the City Councillor Candidates
Do you consider yourself:
A) Leader
B) Team player
C) Lone wolf
Explain
Denis Walsh Answered
A) Leader
Kamloops Voter asks the City Councillor, Mayor Candidates
Are there any specific ways that you can see that the city can better serve the business community?
Denis Walsh Answered
1. Ensure existing businesses are supported by a fair tax and regulatory system.
2. Build and market a positive climate that is positioned to attract new sustainable, businesses.
3. Enhance collaborative relationships between city and business.
4. Focus on support and retention of small business.
Julie asks the City Councillor, Mayor Candidates
After having lived in more than a few cities, I have found Kamloops lacking in many different areas such as transit, road maintenance, traffic flow, taxis (very big issue!) and pedestrian accessibility. Have you taken into account these issues and what are your solutions be timeline?
Thank you,
Julie
Denis Walsh Answered
I am in favour of developing more alternative transportation corridors that are segregated, giving the user the opportunity for a "safe" walk, bike ride, stroller or scooter journey. That would encourage more people to get out of their cars. Transit, road maintenance could definitely be improved. Kamloops is a challenging area, given how spread out the city is. A collaborative effort that includes all the major players, IHA, SD73, the Province, TRU, etc. is likely the best way to address these challenges. The city could take the lead on this process.
Leslie asks the City Councillor, Mayor Candidates
What are your thoughts on accountability and transparency and Council decisions made behind closed doors?
Far too often it appears that decisions are taken 'in camera' because the Community Charter ALLOWS the topic to be taken behind closed doors, not because the discussion/decision HAS to be taken behind closed doors.
(The Community Charter is clear on which topics must be discussed in private and which may be discussed in private, leaving a lot of leeway for lack of transparency.)
Denis Walsh Answered
I believe we need to foster an environment for authentic public participation that is inclusive, engaged and meaningful. Groups such as neighbourhood associations should be treated as stakeholders, not observers.
Dick Stewart asks the City Councillor, Mayor, School Trustee Candidates
What was their previous Job ? or employment ?
Denis Walsh Answered
I am an active local businessman involved in a downtown retail operation and a commercial landlord.