It has been exciting to contribute to what is a growing, desirable, and vibrant community that is loved by its residents, business owners and visitors. And I’m committed to ensuring that Port Moody continues to grow in a positive, balanced, well-thought-out manner that brings maximum benefit to our City.
Priorities
Keeping Port Moody Special!
Addressing Key Issues in Our Community.
Moderate and Responsible Development
Council needs to approve moderate development based on the City’s Housing Action Plan, including density at the transit centre in Moody Centre. We need to take advantage of partnership opportunities with the federal and provincial government to support an increased supply of affordable homes. We need to further explore opportunities to work with non-profit housing organizations and co-operative housing societies to build more non-market homes in our community.
Investment in Parks and Environment
I agree that investment in our existing parks to meet increased demand is a priority. We can add new uses for existing parks to enhance usage, like the recent pop-up park at Kyle Centre. New park space can be achieved by working collaboratively with the owner of the Flavelle lands to ensure an expanded board walk, community space and public access to the waterfront. The concept of a south shore signature park using public lands on Barnet Highway could be a game changer as a destination park, similar to Bert Flinn and Rocky Point Parks.
Support our Aging Community
As chair of the Seniors Focus Committee, I advocated for the development of a new Seniors Centre and a budget was allocated for a feasibility plan, as a first step. I will take a lead on addressing the needs of our senior citizens through advocating for and building more seniors housing in our community. And we can continue to make progress on certification as an Age-Friendly City through prioritizing actions in the City’s Age-Friendly Action Plan.
Grow in a Positive Manner
In order to get new needed amenities and maximum benefits to our community, we must work with builders in a more collaborative manner. We need to look at innovative approaches for the future use of the Fire Hall and Works Yard sites to include a new library and affordable housing. The development of Moody Centre transit-oriented lands is a great opportunity to collaborate on a complete community, similar to what has been achieved at Newport and Suterbrook Villages, with a higher focus on community open space and jobs given its transit designation.
Enhance Business and Arts Communities
The City has over the years, has developed comprehensive Master Plans for Economic Development, Tourism and Arts and Culture. To live up to our brand as “City of the Arts,” Council needs to prioritize the implementation of the recommendations contained in those strategic plans.
Preserve our Heritage
Port Moody has a rich history that needs to be preserved through designation of heritage lands and supporting our local heritage organization in the safeguarding of historical stories and assets. The City has begun working with local Indigenous leadership and communities to advance important reconciliation initiatives and this is necessary work.