A life-long advocate for healthy, vibrant and resilient communities, I have forty years’ experience as an architect and planner across a diverse range of project types including land use master plans, transit-oriented development, public-private partnerships and social infrastructure. I have been a West Van resident for more than 35 years and together with my wife, Rebecca Black, live in an Ambleside character home in the Sentinel Hill neighbourhood. Most days you can find us walking our dogs in Ambleside Park or hiking the many trails above the British Properties.
At the heart of any local government’s mandate is the cost-effective delivery of programs and services. This is arguably the top issue for taxpayers in every election cycle.
New Provincial Housing Legislation: Provincial interference in local land use planning decisions combined with limitations on public engagement is one of the most impactful issues facing our community today. In response, I will continue to advocate for ‘neighbourhoods first’ and sustainable ‘made-in-West Vancouver’ solutions for growing our community in a way that protects and enhances the distinctive character of our residential neighbourhoods.
West Van’s growing seniors population: We have the highest proportion of residents over 65 years old in the Lower Mainland. We’ve outgrown our current Seniors Centre and need more supports for aging-in-place in West Van. To this issue I commit to working with community stakeholders to develop a seniors strategy that will also engage senior levels of government to support programs and services for our 65+ population.
Community Engagement / Transparency: Public perception of decision-making at the Council table often defaults to distrust in a process that is seen to be absent meaningful community engagement. Opportunities for public dialogue on matters of public interest have been limited by Provincial legislation eliminating the requirement for Public Hearings under certain circumstances (in the interest of expediting lengthy and expensive new housing project approvals). And closed meeting agendas sometimes include items that should be discussed in regular open-to-the-public Council meetings. We can do better and I pledge to work towards restoring fulsome community engagement to the civic decision-making process as a priority in the next Council term.
North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant: The extraordinary tax burden placed on homeowners for West Van’s share of the cost of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant (NSWWTP) is unprecedented and unacceptable. Together with the City and District of North Vancouver, West Van District has formally objected to the cost allocation and requested additional senior government funding. Local governments have asked the Inspector of Municipalities to examine the factors contributing to the project’s significant cost increases and delays. I will continue to monitor progress on this matter in the months to come and advocate for cost relief wherever opportunities may be found.