Response to FONVCA Questionnaire

Here are my responses to 11 questions from the Federation of North Vancouver Community Associations.

The 11 Questions

1. What practical experience and accomplishments qualify you for local governance?

I’ve been an active member of the North Vancouver community for over two decades. I’m a former Director and Executive Board Member of the Parkgate Community Services Society, former member of the Governance Committee of the John Braithwaite Community Centre, former Board Member of the Centennial Theatre Society and a District of North Vancouver representative at the North Vancouver Recreation Commission for 6 years. I was an executive member of the Seymour Community Association and was a co-founder and President of the Seymour based “Citizens for Responsible Billboard Advertising” (CROA) and led the fight against the installation of electronic billboards on the North Shore. I was also appointed to the Citizens Roundtable overseeing the update of the Official Community Plan. Currently living in the Parkgate area I’ve been long-time member of the Seymour Golf and Country Club. And finally my late wife Marsia and I were active volunteers in the Seymour Luncheon Program at Parkgate Community Centre, now named in her honour.

An entrepreneur and small business owner for the past 25 years, I’ve managed both private and public companies. I’m currently the owner/operator and Franchisor of one of the Lower Mainland’s most popular Food Trucks, Blue Smoke BBQ, and am seen regularly at the Friday night market at Shipbuilders’ Square. I get things done using a reasoned approach, involving planning, and human resources on a daily basis.

2. What three major issues are you most concerned about in the DNV, and how can they be addressed?

(1)Transit & Traffic, (2) Infrastructure Upgrading and (3) Housing Choices

Transit & Traffic: Current road and highway infrastructure cannot support current demands or sustain any future development, without upgrades which allow for the free flow of East/West traffic on the North Shore and the approaches and exits on the two major bridges. The investment(s) required will require funding contributions from both senior levels of government. In addition, we must negotiate within the region for our fair share of the projected transit investments following next year’s Referendum on the $7.5 Billion Regional Transit Plan.

Infrastructure Upgrading: The DNV has Capital Assets (recorded at cost on the Balance Sheet) of almost $500 million, with a replacement value of almost $2 Billion. For the past decade we’ve allocated 1% of our approved tax rate to a capital reserve, which now stands at approximately $15 M. It’s my opinion that the DNV continues to suffer under a Net Capital Infrastructure Deficit, not an uncommon position for a lot of Canadian municipalities. The DNV will require similar funding contributions from senior levels of government to move forward on several new projects including the new Sewage Treatment Plant. We also have aging Community Centres, with poor and inefficient energy systems. My view is that we should join with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) in advocating for a renewed national Community Infrastructure Program devoted exclusively to the upgrading of such facilities.

Housing Affordability: The real challenge is ensuring shelter requirements are available for those in need based on a lack of income and for those citizens who require special design considerations based on a lack of mobility or physical challenges. The designated Town Centre areas within the DNV OCP offer opportunities either through density bonusing or through a general application of Community Amenity Funds to ensure that some of these needs are addressed.

3. What role should community associations play?

Ideally, Community Associations should be prime advocates for the various neighbourhoods throughout the DNV, and should be included in any advisements and notifications from DNV Planning about any pending Bylaw and Rezoning Applications.

4. What is your solution to the downloading of costs by the Province and Federal governments to the municipalities?

We should display some polite, respectful, but firm municipal disobedience. No future investment in any capital infrastructure mandated by a senior level of government can be commenced without a concomitant agreement for joint funding, and even then, only if the fiscal capability and capacity exists within the DNV.

5. Will you commit to the removal, during the next term of Council, of all encroachments which block public access to the waterfront?

Where I am convinced that such encroachment exists, and the DNV title to it is not compromised either by previous council agreement, or by inaction or enforcement of DNV rights, I am committed to reviewing all instances where public access is compromised. I believe that public access to the waterfront is an extraordinary right that must be upheld.

6. What is your definition of affordable housing?

In any given market, whether one rents or owns, the cost of “affordable” shelter should not exceed 35% of individual or family income.

7. Will you push for and support doing a published review of DNV salaries, wages and especially benefits, as compared to the private sector?

I would always be looking after the interests of the taxpayer to ensure that required services were being delivered at the most efficient cost.

8. What is your position on adherence to the current OCP?

The current OCP was achieved through many years of vigorous debate and public engagement. It should be the principal planning document governing all development for the foreseeable future.

9. Do you support the retention of public and public assembly zoned lands?

Generally speaking yes.

10. What is your position on the pace and style of densification?

I support the adherence to the current OCP and its focus for future density in the Town Centre Areas.

11. How would you address increased traffic congestion?

Per my answer in 2(1), current road and highway infrastructure cannot support current demands or sustain any future development, without upgrades which allow for the free flow of East/West traffic on the North Shore and the approaches and exits on the two major bridges. The investment(s) required will require funding contributions from both senior levels of government. In addition, we must negotiate within the region for our fair share of the projected transit investments following next year’s Referendum on the $7.5 Billion Regional Transit Plan.