2014 Platform

My 2014 election platform reflects my personal values and the issues I feel are so very important to our community.

 

Top priorities over the next four years include:

 

• Protect our wilderness environment.

• Continue to ensure responsible government spending, as well as develop an effective economic development strategy to  sustain the high quality of life that we enjoy in our community.

• Ensure the ability of citizens to age in place.

• Work towards a more workable plan for Translink and ensure West Van taxpayers receive a better return for their investment in the organization.

• Find a better funding model for the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant.

• Address issues specific to new development in West Vancouver.

• Increase our focus on the arts in West Vancouver for both cultural enrichment and economic stimulation.

 

Environment

 

The implementation of the invasive species report that was accepted by council in June is of upmost importance. It is time we take action.

 

There are 19 clearly identified invasive species in West Vancouver. We need to educate and encourage people not to purchase and plant these species, particularly on boulevards and areas above the upper levels bordering our wilderness areas where these plants threaten our forests.

 

We also need to encourage the planting of indigenous grasses and flowers to attract pollinating insects. Many in our community already adhere to this practice. Let’s find ways to encourage more of this important practice.

 

Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

 

Fiscal responsibility and watchfulness for inefficiency in our government will always be important to our taxpayers. I support continued diligence on this front.

 

Along with continued strong financial oversight, we must be open-minded and creative to ensure a sustainable future. We’re a community that is almost exclusively residential. We have no industry to speak of and, therefore, we don’t have the opportunity to increase our tax base. We need to put more energy and creativity into a clear economic development strategy.

 

I would like to see the exploration of “soft” industries, such as the film business, to provide our community with a stronger tax base without introducing an overly invasive industrial presence.

 

Aging in Place

 

With the ongoing demographic shift to an older population base, West Vancouver will need to address a number of issues in order to allow for healthy aging in place. Of paramount importance is housing.  

 

While “affordable housing” may be a relative term in West Vancouver, we should support initiatives in order to make staying in the community a more realistic goal for our senior citizens.  The current council has acknowledged the principal of having coach houses as a viable solution. If elected, I will support solutions that will allow our older citizens to continue to live in the community.

 

Translink

 

Translink is broken and there is no clear workable funding model. In West Vancouver, because of our higher property taxes, we pay a disproportionate amount into the fund for very little benefit. We can’t just keep nodding and saying ‘yes yes yes’. Let’s fix this.

 

Lions Gate Waste Water Treatment Plant

 

West Vancouver taxpayers are potentially at risk regarding the funding formula for the treatment plant. The $700 million budget is not yet fully funded. Metro Vancouver has agreed to provide one third of the funds and is asking the Provincial and Federal governments to step up and pay one third each. This proposed funding model puts us in a tenuous position. If these partners don’t come through, who will make up the difference?

 

North Shore Cooperation

 

I believe we need to continue to explore opportunities for shared services with our neighbouring municipalities on the North Shore.

 

Public Safety Building

 

After years of planning, let’s get on with it and build.

 

Building, Development and Neighbourhood Character

 

There is very little within our bylaws specifically addressing the preservation of neighbourhood character.  We must do more to protect our history and the unique character of various communities within West Vancouver.

 

Horseshoe Bay

 

Horseshoe Bay is a unique and critical community. Its geographic positioning makes it an entry point to West Vancouver, for both Canadian and international visitors, so it is vital that we address its business and social needs with more enthusiasm than is currently the case.

 

Arts and Ambleside

 

If elected, I intend to make the Arts a priority for the new Council.  We appreciate the cultural benefits of this diverse ‘industry’, but we have yet to capitalize on the enormous potential to generate greater business revenues and tax dollars.

 

Numerous studies point to a viable plan to be able to concentrate the visual arts in the Ambleside area and aid in its ongoing revitalization. It’s taken too long, despite the call for many years.

The West Vancouver Arts, Culture and Heritage Facility Development Study ,produced by Aldrich Pears Associates.

 

A Vision for Ambleside Study, produced by Urban Arts Architecture.