There's another rookie among the candidates for Coquitlam city council this fall.
Benjamin Perry formally announced his intention to join the race on Tuesday (July 26) and hopes his vision for practical solutions across several issues can garner votes in the 2022 municipal election — set for Oct. 15.
Perry calls himself a "dedicated climate activist" and says current councillors have done the right thing in setting a goal to reach zero emissions by 2050.
However, he says practical solutions are out there and believes he can be "an important voice" at the table.
"I am advocating for climate solutions that don’t burden taxpayers. What is built today will last for the next 50 years," Perry explains in his platform.
"City plans and development policy can be strengthened to require the buildings that are built today will meet the standards in 2050. We need to build our infrastructure and neighbourhoods so it is easier for some to make the choice to live without a car. We also need to provide infrastructure for electric vehicles. These solutions are not expensive to taxpayers, but reflect our choices and priorities, and a willingness to think for the future."
As well, Perry says one of his other top priorities is to adopt even more affordable housing options amid the rising cost of housing.
He believes "no one should have to leave our community just because we are growing."
"We need to ensure Coquitlam prospers with us, and remains an inclusive place to call home," Perry adds in a statement to the Tri-City News.
"Good city planning can address housing affordability and climate change, and maintain the quality of life that we can enjoy in Coquitlam. As Coquitlam adds thousands of residents to its population, more neighbourhoods will change to urban from suburban."
By day, Perry works as a pediatric speech language pathologist and a clinical instructor, and also volunteers with the Health Sciences Association of British Columbia.
Perry is also the leader of the Force of Nature Tri-Cities Community Action Team and claims his campaigns have encouraged Coquitlam's current council to adopt United Nations climate targets.
He says he's been endorsed by several Tri-Cities politicians, including current Coquitlam Coun. Chris Wilson, Port Coquitlam Coun. Laura Dupont and Port Moody Coun. Amy Lubik.
Perry is the sixth known candidate to publicly announce their intention to campaign for a seat around the Coquitlam horseshoe.
He joins Matt Djonlic, Ali Tootian, Harvey Su, Rob Bottos and Ben Craig as the other city council runners. It's not yet known which incumbents will seek another term in office.
Meanwhile, Adel Gamar is the only known mayoral candidate to publicly announce his fall election campaign, of which he's taking second crack at the big chair.
For more information on Perry and his platform, you can visit his campaign website.
You can contact Perry directly by email: elect@benjaminperry.ca.
As well, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a series of all-candidates debates for local 2022 civic elections.
Coquitlam mayor and council nominees will get the chance to speak to the issues that matter to them, and take questions from the public, at the Evergreen Cultural Centre on Sept. 22.
