Some vocal Port Moody activists are welcoming the city’s creation of a new Citizen’s Advisory Group.
The group, which was formally announced on Monday, will be comprised of up to 250 residents who can provide city council feedback on civic issues from budgets to community development to master plans and city projects. Members of the group must commit to attending at least two meetings per year where city staff will present information about various topics and invite feedback be submitted from smart phones or tablets.
That feedback will then be used by council as they consider their decisions on those issues.
Helen Daniels, the owner of Gallery Bistro, and a voice for the city’s business community, said the time is right for such an innovative initiative as Port Moody wrestles with new development and growth brought by the completion of the Evergreen SkyTrain extension.
“This might be a good thing for new people to the community who want to become engaged, and for long-term residents who haven’t been able to participate in a committee that meets every month,” said Daniels.
Port Moody realtor John Grasty, who has experience sitting on a number of city committees for arts and culture, community care, economic development and Centennial celebrations, said the low level of commitment makes it easy for people to get involved.
“Sitting on committees can take a lot of hours and time,” said Grasty. “They have to read reports, get background, before they can analyze stuff. A lot of people are left on the sidelines.”
Restauranteur Fred Soofi, who lives in Anmore but is an active advocate for preserving Port Moody’s heritage buildings, said the more voices involved in the decision-making process, the better. Even if it slows that process down.
“The beauty of democracy is having people participate and hearing their voice,” said Soofi. “If people don’t participate, how can they complain afterward?”
The program is a two-year trial and the city is investing $1,400 for the equipment the group needs to provide feedback electronically. Residents have until June 30 to register to participate at port moody.ca/cag.
Soofi said he expects there will be no shortage of volunteers.
“Port Moody is a very unique community,” he said. “The citizens are always involved in decision making. They’re passionate about their community.”
Grasty said residents should take advantage of the opportunity.
“Civic involvement should be a pillar of everyone’s life,” he said. “It really does educate people, it contributes enormously to the community, it’s very healthy.”
