1. Should a new OCP allow increased density in Brookswood and Fernridge?
Unsure, the new OCP will be determined by a public input process which has yet to be defined. The public has spoken and want a greater say and I can agree with that. The present OCP (completed in 1987) calls for a population of 37,000 people in the Brookswood area. If public input says that is sufficient then we must give that consideration.
2. Should Township council act to slow down development of Willoughby?
Unsure, development in the Willoughby area has already slowed (by 14%) this past term and this is a great start and may reflect well in to the next term. This is a complex question as there are many variables at play for consideration. Slower yes, but full consideration must be given to all aspects of this decision before it is finalized.
3. Does the Township do enough to help ensure there are enough schools in developing areas?
The Township has worked diligently this past years in partnership with the School District to get new schools. Through our working in partnership with SD35 three schools have been opened in the past three years providing over 1,760 new seats for students. SD35 must prepare a new Business Plan to access funds for new schools and our staff and Council will work in partnership to assist with the preparation of that in any way they request.
4. Would you vote in favour of a tax increase?
Yes, at approximately the rate of inflation. As an incumbent we have the lowest tax rate in Metro Vancouver, which I am proud of.
5. Would you support tolling ALL Metro Vancouver bridges to fund transit?
Yes, all Metro Vancouver residents should have to pay on all bridges for Translink improvements. No favours to any region or community of residents as exists now.
8. Should a tree protection bylaw be applied to the entire Township?
No, we have a Tree Protection Bylaw and that has worked well for years. With 75% of the Township in the ALR we have no control of that. With a Tree Cutting Bylaw in Brookswood we have taken care of another percentage of the Township so I feel we have the issue under control.
9. Should developers be required to provide more low-income housing in the Township?
Yes, We have a ‘Housing Action Plan’ which is a template for both planning purposes and provides a guide for Council decision making. Housing types and styles should be determined by market demand and if there is a need for more low-income housing that will be provided.
10. Should the Township create more bike lanes and public cycling infrastructure?
Yes, we have a ‘Cycling Master Plan’ as part of our Major Road Network Plan. We need to continue the growth of our cycling network as an alternative to driving and using our roads in our more urban community areas. Presently we have 137km of cycling designated paths/roadways and there is always opportunity to increase that as new roads are developed. We also have an annual budget funding line of $130,000 plus we access grants from Translink and the Provincial government to compliment this funding.
11. Do you support the construction of high rise developments in Willoughby?
No, certainly not in the areas being developed at present. Possible close to the freeway exchange at 200th in the Carvolth Neighvourhood Plan but that is all.
12. Should the Township open sales of municipal lands to public scrutiny in advance?
No, this is fraught with problems and issues. It sounds like a great idea but in fact a much closer look at the issue and the factors surrounding it indicates it is not a good process. Further in there are rules for land sales in the Local Government Act. That would reflect negatively on this decision making process.
13. Should the Township commit to building the Aldergrove rec centre and pool regardless of land sales?
Yes, it is a good idea and needed not only for it’s recreational and social value but for revitalization of the downtown core.
14. Should the Township ensure that roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks are in place prior to the completion of new developments?
No, not if you don’t want a substantial tax increase. How would you propose we pay for these – tax dollars – NO! Developers pay for this now but to change this process as your question asks is not simply about roads, sidewalks and crosswalks it is about buying the land up front and then doing the infrastructure like water, sewer, telephone etc. and those costs have to be covered by residents in this plan and the only way to do that is tax dollars!
15. Is the Township doing enough to protect agricultural land?
Yes, we have removed 0 acres of land from the ALR this past term and I have supported each and every ALC (the protective agency for farmland in the province) decision this term.
16. Does the Township need more parks?
Yes, but between our parks and Metro Parks (Campbell Valley, Aldergrove Regional Brae Is. Etc.) we are very park rich in our community. More is always better but purchasing parkland is not cheap!
17. Does the Township need more sports and recreation facilities?
Yes, finish the Aldergrove Rec. Center and move on to doing a project in Brookswood for their citizens.
18. Should more firefighters be hired, even if it means a tax increase?
Yes, to complete the WCB allocation and the full complement for four man crews.
19. Should more RCMP officers be hired, even if it means a tax increase?
Yes, as the community grows so does the tax base and a safe, health community is what we need in this Township.
20. Do you believe Langley Township and City should be amalgamated into one municipality?
Yes, get it done!