Lori Iannidinardo CVRD Director for Area D Cowichan Bay

About Lori | Approach to Issues

Lori has lived in Cowichan Bay for more than 25 years and the Cowichan Valley for more than 40 years. Throughout her adult life Lori has worked to improve the quality of life in Cowichan Bay and throughout the valley.

Prior to becoming Area Director, Lori was an active member of the CVRD Area D Parks and Recreation Commission for thirteen years from 1993 to 2008, eleven of those as Chair. Lori is frequently heard to exclaim that she “has walked every trail and park in Area D” and is particularly proud of her contribution to the creation of the Development Permit Area for protection of the Cowichan Bay Heron Rookery.

Lori was the coordinator of Cowichan Community Kitchens, a program run out of the Hiiye’yu Lelum (House of Friendship) that teaches low income families how to shop for food on a limited budget and how to prepare nutritious meals. She held that position for the past 12 years.

Lori has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Cowichan Valley by the City of Duncan and Rotary International:
• she was awarded the City of Duncan Scroll of Honor in December 2007 in recognition of ‘making a difference in our city’.
• she received the Foundation of Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award in 2005 by South Cowichan Rotary who nominated her for this award which recognizes “tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”

Lori was a member of the Kerry Park Commission amid the controversy when the ball fields were being put in and was also actively supportive of the creation of the skateboard park.

Lori was an active and effective PAC member as her children progressed through Bench Elementary, Bonner Middle and Frances Kelsey Secondary Schools. She was the chair of the first Frances Kelsey PAC.

Lori was a member of the board of directors of the Cowichan Italian Cultural Society for 20 years, working on projects related to sharing Italian culture with the community.

Lori is a former board member of the Cowichan Bay Improvement Association (CBIA) and the Cowichan Bay Residents Association (CBRA).

She and husband Tony built their home and raised their children in the Lambourn area of Cowichan Bay and plan to retire there watching their (two so far) grandchildren grow up.

Lori's Approach to Issues

* Balanced growth and development
* Sensitive to the needs of the community and its residents
* Manage and use resources sustainably
* Community controlled services (water, sewer, roads) focused on our community’s needs
* Protect green-space and agricultural lands

All of these principles must be addressed in an updated Official Community Plan

* a long-term vision created with community input

Recreation

* Accessible parks and walking trails
* Opportunities and facilities for youth and families
* Regional approach - Fairly paid for

Values

* Inclusive, transparent leadership
* Community and resident-centred approach
* Meaningful public consultation and involvement
* Plain language communications
* Inclusive meetings
* Taking residents concerns seriously
* Listening and learning
* Planning for a sustainable future