
River Grabowsky : Candidate for Salmon Arm Council

I was raised in a rural lakeside Ontario town, surprisingly similar to Salmon Arm. A traditional but modernizing farming town, with developing industry and families just trying to make ends meet. My parents worked hard for everything we had, and I was lucky to access an education through student loans and scholarships. My post-secondary studies included Environment Technology and Registered Massage Therapy, while I also competed in collegiate rugby and basketball.
When I arrived in Salmon Arm, I joined various clubs and volunteer opportunities; it was quickly obvious to me that this city prioritizes a high quality of life with sustainability in mind. Through my ongoing work now with Search and Rescue and the Arts Centre my enthusiasm and commitment to respectful teamwork continues.
I am excited to bring my diverse experience to the table, to listen deeply and responsibly convey the concerns of the community; including swift and just actions towards ensuring a future with healthy lands, food, water and housing security, and climate / wildfire resilience. Without which, I believe our other challenges cannot be faced effectively. I am ready to commit to the long term sustained efforts and creative problem solving required for the benefit of us all.
Supporting Youth:
- I will strongly advocate for the inclusion of young minds and voices in long term planning and direction setting through Advisory Committee's and developing stronger relationships with school groups
- My areas of focus include long term shifts towards environmental sustainability; protecting the health and well being of our people and our lands. I want generations to follow to be able to live here as comfortably as we do now (if not more so).
- Salmon Arm is full of opportunities for all ages to advance their work experience, learn about and create their own businesses or unique career paths. I want to support and elevate the collaborations our City has with the organizations that make that possible.
- As a councillor I will remain accessible and approachable. I want to regularly be in dialogue with a diverse array of people throughout the community, to have a better feel for how things are going in places I don't particularly inhabit.
- I am a strong proponent for enhancing our active and public transit systems, and believe that shifting away from prioritizing individual vehicle usage is an important step in supporting a good future in Salmon Arm.
- Safety is always in my mind, and I am eager to explore options and opportunities to develop resilience against natural challenges and disasters such as water shortages and wildfires.