Jon Kreke has spent 21 years running Dutch Lake Resort with his wife, Christina, and he feels that gives him a good background to be a District of Clearwater councilor.
The experience has taught him about sewer and water systems, different types of accommodation, budgeting, organization, and dealing with people.
“It’s kind of like a little town,” he said.
The Krekes came to Clearwater from Victoria in 1990. Before coming here Jon managed several gas stations.
They raised three daughters in this town. Two are now attending University of Victoria while one still is in Clearwater Secondary School.
Kreke has served on the Tourism Wells Gray board and District of Clearwater’s economic development committee.
“I would like to carry on the good work the present council has already done,” he said, “for example with the OCP (official community plan) and the economic development plan. There are still lots of stuff to get organized.”
Kreke felt his experience in the tourism industry would be useful in attracting more tourist-related businesses to the area. However, he felt there also were opportunities in other industries that should be explored.
Expanding the town’s sewer system to include the area around Dutch Lake would help protect the lake and its environment, he felt.
The candidate also supports adding a roundabout on Highway 5.
“They are becoming more common and they really do ease congestion,” he said.
Kreke is familiar to many as the person who owned and operated the rental business at Clearwater Ski Hill for about 15 years.
He also was active in Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce for a while, although not recently.