LEADERSHIP, VISION AND TEAMWORK
Elect Robert Simons ... Your Candidate for Mayor of Port Moody
Issues, Opportunities and Challenges
"As taxpayers, your input is a vital part of your local government. I invite you to let me know your concerns, suggestions and thoughts on the issues facing our City. Check back often to keep up-to-date as the campaign progresses."
The most important consideration when evaluating new facilities and projects for the City must be 'what is our ability to pay'. The City's priority will always be deliverance of core services. An overall understanding of the taxpayers' expectations across the three levels of government needs to be established, and priorities set on what services are mandatory versus essential versus nice-to-have.
The dialogue and cooperation between all levels of Government, and among neighbouring municipalities, needs to be broadened to identify areas where costs and resources can be shared for the benefit of all taxpayers.
Public dialogue must be an essential part of developing the City’s financial priorities. The process for public input can be expanded during the City’s budget cycle by additional workshops and online comment in early stages of budget development.
What are the next steps for the much anticipated Murray/Clarke connector? I will establish a public input process to discuss future plans for the Murray/Clarke Connector. Continued planning of the Evergreen Line corridor must ensure that our transit and transportation services incorporate a truly multi-mode service connecting trains, cars, buses, bicycles and pedestrians. This will include the prioritization and implementation of the Master Cycling Plan.
Many ideas were brought forward during a public consultation for possible uses of the old landfill site on Barnet Highway. Ideally the site will incorporate park area and possibly a more current, specialized commercial or institutional use. I will recommend that all viable options be reviewed for affordability and priority within our ability to pay.
Port Moody’s industrial base has changed over time, especially in Moody Centre (Old Town Centre) and on Murray Street. These areas can be revitalized by developing a strategy for future economic transition and potential transit-oriented development.
We can leverage our summer concerts and festival atmosphere at Rocky Point Park, our Arts and Film festivals, and growing inventory of public art for use as an economic stimulus to bring neighbours and visitors into our City.
With the completion of the Evergreen Line we can promote Port Moody as an easily accessible destination, encouraging sustainable development along this transit corridor.
Arts & Culture must be injected into the City’s overall economic plan.
I will engage major industrial stakeholders in discussions on growth and expansion plans to retain this important sector of Port Moody's business community.
The results of the current public consultation on the Inlet Park redevelopment feasibility study will require serious consideration on proposed alternatives and financial commitments required for any recommended options.
I support the creation of additional park area in West Port Moody from portions of old landfill site
Port Moody provides limitless opportunity for youth, teenagers, families and seniors to be engaged in sports, recreation and cultural activities. I will work to continue building the range of opportunities for all Port Moody residents to live, work and recreate in their city.
One of my goals will be to seek increased avenues of access for youth and young families to not only be participants but also creators and directors of the organizations that support the City’s multicultural Art, Culture, Sport, Philanthropic and Heritage diversity.
I will continue Port Moody’s strong advocacy to senior government for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, zero waste initiatives and elimination of waste management programs (such as waste-to-energy facilities) that could negatively impact our sensitive air shed.
What’s next for Moody Centre‘s Heritage Conservation Area? After many years of review and consultation to establish Moody Centre’s conservation area, work must now be undertaken to capture and build on its historical significance as the area continues to mature and transform.
What’s next for Ioco Townsite Heritage Conservation Area? I will invite public consultation, and engage the primary land owner in discussions on future use of the site.
Ensure the Port Moody Centennial Steering Committee has the necessary support and commitment to ensure a comprehensive program of Centennial events and celebrations that recognize our history yet build on Port Moody’s many diverse communities and cultures.
Continue the work championed by Port Moody’s Arts and Culture Committee to bring to life the City’s recently approved Arts & Culture Master Plan
Create a “Beautification and Colour” program in conjunction with the business community to bring colour and life into Port Moody’s commercial business areas.
Ensure timely completion of the City’s new Fire Hall #1.
Open discussions with the Provincial Government to secure a permanent BC Ambulance Station
Advocate on behalf of Port Moody residents and businesses for the necessary expansion of services and hospital facilities at Eagle Ridge Hospital required to serve the growing demands of the Tri-Cities.
I support the current Zoning Bylaw Review process and once a preliminary report is complete, a second round of public consultation of the proposals should be undertaken.
