Natalya Melnychuk
For Area G Director
Natalya Melnychuk, Ph.D. is a long-term resident of the Sorrento-Blind Bay area - growing up in Sorrento and then returning to Blind Bay to settle in the late 2010s. She is passionate about the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the Shuswap. She is committed to representing and bringing the interests and issues of the newly formed 'Area G' residents and property owners to local government as a part of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
My Top 3 Interests For Our Area
Improving the Development and Building Permit process
The building and development permit process is confusing! I will advocate for better communication, simplicity and efficiency within the CSRD for these planning processes.
Liquid Wastewater Management
Our liquid waste management plan needs attention. We need to protect our water quality to avoid algae blooms while also providing reasonable options forward for sewerage allowing for community growth.
Understanding and working towards needed services
From seasonal to year round residents; from young families to happily retired - our area is diverse! Local government needs to better understand what services are of interest to different residents and figure out funding options that are not just parcel tax based to deliver these services.
Meet
Dr. Natalya Melnychuk
Born in Kamloops, Natalya moved to Sorrento when she was 4 years old. She grew up here developing a love for the Shuswap Lake and the local mountains. This led her to pursue a PhD in water policy and to eventually make her way back to the Shuswap in 2017 where she now lives in Blind Bay with her partner, Rodric. Natalya has been committed to the community, acting as the event manager for the salmon run in 2018, representing community interests on the Shuswap Watershed Council, and providing input to Area C development on the area's Advisory Planning Commission. She looks forward to continuing this commitment as the new Area 'G' Director and helping further the vibrancy of our beautiful South Shuswap.
Natalya currently works as a water policy advisor and designs septic systems. She has two stepkids in her life - Noémie and Kieran - and loves to spend her time out on the water or playing in the mountains.
Special Interests
Professional interests: water policy, community resilience, rural well-being, climate change adaptation, Indigenous reconciliation
Personal interests: hiking, splitboarding, trail running, sailing, kitesurfing, pottery
Associations
- Rotary - Salmon Arm Daybreak Club
- Shuswap Watershed Council
- Adams River Salmon Society
- Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia
- Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association of British Columia
How does the CSRD Election Process Work?
Nominations for the CSRD area director positions closed Sept. 9, 2022. Natalya was the only nominee for Area 'G'. As a result, she will be acclaimed to the position rather than elected through a voting process. For other areas in the CSRD where there was more than one nominee, there will be general elections on October 15, 2022. The inaugural board meeting will be held in November.
Schedule
The creation of the new Electoral Area
'G' is the outcome of the Sorrento-Blind Bay Incorporation Study. Once residents voted against incorporation, the default outcome of the study was to move ahead with dividing Electoral Area C into two Electoral Areas − each with its own elected Director.
Communication is key
CONNECT WITH ME
I want to hear about your interests and concerns for our community.
Come meet me at an open house meet and greet (dates to be confirmed) OR reach out to me on social media or email!
Survey
Help me understand the diversity of views in Area G by completing my informal survey
Other ways to connect:
