1. Should a new OCP allow increased density in Brookswood and Fernridge?
No. “Density†will be a destructive force in the Brookswood/Fernridge community. As Brookswood/Fernridge develops, it should retain the community feeling that it has.
2. Should Township council act to slow down development of Willoughby?
Yes. The existing infrastructure cannot support more development. New applications should not be taken at this time.
3. Does the Township do enough to help ensure there are enough schools in developing areas?
No. Case in point is Willoughby. The math and statistics used to assess the number of children entering the school system is flawed in my opinion.
4. Would you vote in favour of a tax increase?
No. Not before the expenses of the Township are reviewed.
5. Would you support tolling ALL Metro Vancouver bridges to fund transit?
Yes. But the tolls must be smaller. I support the opinion of Dianne Watts, mayor of Surrey. She says, “To be fair and equitable, we need to make it either 75 cents or $1 and spread it around to all bridges.â€
6. Would you support road pricing to fund transit?
No. Unless it applies to bridges.
7. Would you support increasing property taxes to fund transit?
No. Translink, I believe, is top heavy and has too many financial issues that need to be dealt with before property taxes are raised.
8. Should a tree protection bylaw be applied to the entire Township?
Yes. But it must be consistent and adequately enforced. I am most concerned with clear cutting. The beauty, uniqueness and charm of the township must be balanced with development. In addition, regulations and policies should be considered that allow private landowners to do what they want with respect to any tree they plant and retain on the property while they own it. Individual rights and freedoms must be balanced with the collective good of township residents.
9. Should developers be required to provide more low-income housing in the Township?
Safe, secure and affordable housing is important, particularly for our aging community and those with disabilities. The number of people 65 and over is growing dramatically. With low-income housing, however, often comes a stereotypical association with drugs, crime and violence.
10. Should the Township create more bike lanes and public cycling infrastructure?
No. Not at the present time. Future development should include bike lanes, but we should not be redesigning existing roads for bike lanes. If a road is redeveloped, it should include bike lanes.
11. Do you support the construction of high rise developments in Willoughby?
No. Not at this time. The infrastructure is already burdened.
12. Should the Township open sales of municipal lands to public scrutiny in advance?
Yes. The Township should not be selling any lands currently held as the value will only increase in years to come. Township held land is money in the bank.
13. Should the Township commit to building the Aldergrove rec centre and pool regardless of land sales
Yes. The residents of Aldergrove have waited long enough for an indoor pool facility in their area. I am in favour of a 50-metre, eight-lane, deep-ended pool. People of all ages will benefit.
14. Should the Township ensure that roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks are in place prior to the completion of new developments?
Yes. This is one of the challenges in Willoughby. I believe the infrastructure must be in place prior to completion of new developments. Traffic flow should be well-regulated and roads must be well-maintained. There must be adequate parking and safe drop-off areas. Priority parking and drop-off spots must be available for people with special needs.
15. Is the Township doing enough to protect agricultural land?
No. Case in point is the Wall/TWU property, the Tuscan farms and the Hendricks Development in Murrayville.
16. Does the Township need more parks?
No. Not at the present time. In the future, with growth, new development should incorporate more green space.
17. Does the Township need more sports and recreation facilities?
No. With the exception of Aldergrove. An indoor pool facility is needed in that area.
18. Should more firefighters be hired, even if it means a tax increase?
Yes. They are not NFPA 1710 (National Fire Protection Association) standard compliant and WCB standard at the present time. The standard is for (4) man crews. The Township fire halls often only have (3) man crews.
19. Should more RCMP officers be hired, even if it means a tax increase?
Yes. If they are required, we should hire more staff.
20. Do you believe Langley Township and City should be amalgamated into one municipality?
Yes. However, I do not think it will happen. The duplication in services, two mayors, councils, administration, staff, public works yard staff, fire department, etc. should result in a significant cost saving. But, in a reversal of 1955, it is now the Township that requires more investment in infrastructure (streetlights, water and sewer). In addition, it is unlikely that the City will want to share the revenue generated each year from the Casino.