The Editor,
Re. “PoMo mayor acts quickly on Flinn road” (The Tri-City News, Nov. 28).
A letter to Port Moody’s mayor and council:
I was pleased to hear at the mayor’s inaugural speech to citizens of Port Moody Nov. 6 this statement: “I do commit to approaching each issue with an open mind, and keeping in mind each and every single person that’s out there, whether you welcomed me in for tea at the doorstep, or whether your door slammed in my face, or whether you’ve never even voted in your life, all of your voices are equally important.”
I have concerns with the following in particular:
There is still no objective justification at this time for the David Avenue connector right-of-way to be removed or for any more resources to be wasted on it. The public engagement and professional consultation completed earlier this year, and that done in the late 1990s, has been done at great taxpayer expense and, regretfully, more recently has been misused to cause a starkly polarized community.
How have previous professional recommendations of consultants and staff been acted upon so far? Please advise.
Unfortunately, there has been no consideration given to, or consultation with, many of the major stakeholders whose voices are equally important in any decisions to be made. All stakeholders need to be consulted to understand the future needs, including potential industrial expansion, and before any proposed changes.
These include: emergency services, BC Hydro, CP Rail, Imperial Oil, Metro Vancouver, Port of Vancouver, TransLink, the villages of Anmore and Belcarra, and possibly more. As today’s stewards, you will need to ensure the future use of this entire north shore area is carefully considered.
Regarding recommendations for accessibility of our parks, was a study done of all the 27 or so Port Moody parks to see which ones are most suitable or is this a specific recommendation from the many existing priorities outlined in the parks and rec master plan? Please advise.
With regards to the present official community plan and what it envisions for the Ioco lands, there is no doubt single-detached zoning is dead in Metro Vancouver.
Single-detached housing goes against all of the sustainability principles previously instituted by Port Moody.
A well thought-out civic strategy that encourages, innovation, density, diversity and efficiency is needed but the roles, responsibilities and cost implications of municipalities (versus provincial and national) need to be clearly understood by residents first. Perhaps an open house could be hosted by the city for this purpose.
Why is it a priority of this new council to make such quick changes to the existing OCP/zoning bylaws when no local housing strategy exists and no plans have been brought forward by landowners of the north shore area? Please advise.
Hopefully the city will remain focused on the priorities that add true value for taxpayer dollar and are in the long-term best interest of all residents and stakeholders.
John Grasty, Port Moody
