Coalition for Democratic Nanaimo is a group of neighbourhood and community organizations sponsoring a broadly-based discussion of important issues facing Nanaimo. The discussion will help identify issues and provides a forum for voters to raise questions and for candidates to respond prior to the Nov. 19 municipal election.
I would like to know about the candidates view on the amount of traffic lights we have in Nanaimo. Another one on Northfield. There are alternatives which make way more sense ie roundabouts, which are safer than lights, people do not speed up to get through the yellow light. Are more fuel efficient.
1. Community consultation that is both timely and meaningful: Timely: neighbourhoods should be brought into the consultation process in early stages of developments Meaningful: Neighbourhoods need to feel their voices are listened to and consultation is not just another “tick box” for potential development etc.
2. Meaningful Long-Term Planning The Official Community Plan and Neighbourhood Plans should provide a long range template for future growth and development. Rezonings should be the exceptions rather than the rule.
3. Social Housing There is a need for social housing at all levels and in all parts of the city. Negative reactions may be the result of poor consultation (see #1) and a lack of education about the need for and type of housing being built.
represent a group of Nanaimo citizens called Deer Aware - Nanaimo. We have a Facebook Page. I have been lucky enough to live among Nanaimo's urban deer for the past 14 years. I have discovered that the people that complain about the deer have basically put very little effort into learning how to live with these wonderful and gentle creatures. I would like to know how the candidates for mayor and council in Nanaimo this fall feel about the deer and their protection. There are many ways of living with them successfully e.g. by not feeding them, by familiarizing yourself with the areas where they consistently cross streets in the mornings and evenings to find water, and by creating gardening spaces that allow one to garden with no limits around the deer. I would like a mayor and council who appreciate the beauty of the nature around us, and especially these magnificent and gentle animals. The joy of watching the new babies each spring is incredible. I want to know that they will be protected. Through my yard in the Sherwood Forest area, there is a deer trail. It is so well-worn that I feel it has probably been there for centuries. The deer still follow it, as they always have. I hope they always will be able to continue to follow it. They were here long before humans invaded their space. Nanaimo needs green space and areas that are safe for them. I would like to hear the opinions of those candidates registered on this site. Judy Wilson
1. Infrastructure planning and spending ... not only traffic infrastructure, but sewer, water, electricity, waste disposal. The city needs to be publicly planning and discussing these basics.
2. Responsible development planning ... multi-use neighbourhoods, low-rise population density, walkability, accessible public spaces. Discuss retroactively planning city neighborhoods to include these concepts.
I would like the following to be asked / dealt with:
a) what is happening to the "proposal" of condo being built at the back (in) of Maffeo Sutton Park what assurance do we have that this will not be put on the table again ?
b) the clearing and future status of Lynley Valley ?
This item posted by CFUW Nanaimo on behalf of member N.F.
1. The public transit infrastructure. As a regular user I'm concerned that scheduling will remain inconvenient. I want to know what kind of changes the candidates have in mind to try and gain more ridership, or how to improve the infrastructure in the way of scheduling.
2. Employment within the arts. Nanaimo has been well known for its solid support of the arts whether for galleries or live theatre, and lately I've seen a great decrease in opportunities for employment in that area, not to mention for jobs in general that are unrelated to retail and the fast food industry. I'd like to know where the candidates stand on the subject, and to know if the arts will be considered when introducing new opportunities for employment.
Kudos to the Coalition for Democratic Nanaimo for setting up a website, encouraging public comment, and setting up a meeting so that everyone has a chance to hear about 'the big picture' issues for Nanaimo.
I am running for Director of Area A, at the south end of the RDN ...and believe that City candidates and voters need to consider the region and rural concerns just as much as 'city issues'.
I have touched on a number of these issues on my website postings (www.Thistledownfarm.ca), but will mention a couple of specific matters here that suggest opportunity for a cooperative approach - that would see both rural and urban considerations furthered together.
Water: Taxpayers can expect major costs coming, to ensure supply and quality, with problems affecting the watershed and rural residents. Very little discussion has taken place in public by our present elected leaders, but the implications to development, as well as to the environment and the ways our communities will grow, are significant.
Development: Major residential, industrial and commercial ventures are being located on the outside boundaries of the City, keeping the tax benefits within the City while externalizing impacts upon the rural residents. For instance, some 5000 housing starts are planned for Cable Bay and Pheonix Way, close to Duke Point; and another 2500 in the Sandstone project. This will see some 15-18000 people speeding along the narrow country roads, as well as other urban problems of security, safety, etc.
A National Marine Conservation Area: There is opportunity to extend the present NMCA boundaries, to extend around Gabriola Island and into the heart of Nanaimo - offering a sustainable development partnership that will protect the estuary and Nanaimo River - with all it's cultural, natural and economic benefits. The City (& regional candidates for that matter) could act to put all those fine green promises noted in recent Official Community Plans and the Regional Growth Strategy. However, only one-third of candidates responded to my open letter to all-candidates.
This is the moment to discuss such matters, to consider means for cooperation and partnership across the city and regional boundaries - and to consider the adjacent districts to the RDN as well. We are a part of the mid island, sharing similar east coast VI challenges for development and the environment - and for the quality of life and our communities.
I have proposed a 'gentler, kinder growth' - an approach that seeks a balance, and participation in the decision-making process - that does not favour one interest above others. This is the time for residents to let all candidates know that the new City of Nanaimo Council should not simply be favouring the City. The City is dependent on the rural areas, and vice versa. Lets' work together so that we all benefit, and no one bears an unequal share of the burden.
My thanks for this opportunity to raise these considerations to your attention - and best wishes with the November 10th Forum. As noted previously, more information is available on my website - and I would welcome the chance to hear from all residents of the mid island on these important matters.
Interesting ideas are emerging in this discussion, but elections tend to generate answers rather than questions. It's a bit like a salesperson telling you, "you really need this gadget", without talking with you first to find out what you need.
It would be helpful if candidates could explain the reasons underlying their platform; what issues are their platform strategies intended to address? How have they determined that this is the real issue, and their strategies are the best solution?
Candidates can earn the trust of voters by showing how they arrived at their platform and by engaging voters in the process.
Please comment on your attitude and stance toward the following questions. Also please comment on the parameters which you consider when making a decision on these particular topics.
1. Arts and arts funding in our city? 2. The idea of an expert arts development officer position to act as a liaison and consultant to the community, the city counsel and the cultural committee? 3. Attitude toward Urban Gardening, agriculture in Nanaimo and the by law that is in place. Are there any changes you would recommend or support? (ex/ area available for gardening) 4. Height on the waterfront? Do you support the Newcastle+Brechin Neighbourhood Plan 4 storey height limitation? 5. Role of neighbourhood associations in council decisions? 6. Transparency in council actions and decisions? Are you in support of including the public in the process/revealing your decision making process publicly 7. Supportive housing and it's distribution throughout our city? What are the parameters which guide your personal decision making on this subject? Thank you.
Here is the question I would like to ask the candidates:
The Canadian Mental Health Association is operating the Balmoral, which provides low barrier housing. The South End Community Association is in the neighbourhood where the Balmoral is situated. The Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo runs a shelter for the homeless during the winter months. These community organizations have a wealth of experience and knowledge in dealing with the issue of low barrier housing in Nanaimo. Have you, as candidates for council, consulted with them on this issue? And if not, why not?
Will candidates acknowledge that there isn't and won't be sufficient demand for hotel rooms in the city in the foreseeable future and that the dream of a hotel attached to the Convention Centre should be set aside for at least the next term of council?
As an alternative to a new hotel would/should Council consider partnering with the Coast Bastion Inn to build a cover pedestrian walkway to connect to the Convention Centre/Port Theatre?
Transportation.
Do the candidates believe that transportation infrastructure is a major driver of economic development in the area? Are they prepared to work towards improvements in the ferry system that could become both a driver for the economy and a benefit to Island residents
The Brechin Hill neighbourhood is an active community, with newsletters, email communications, a fall fair/spring picnic, beer and burger night, block meetings, street representatives, block watch, a strong neighbourhood association with three hundred forty members and the recently completed Newcastle + Brechin Neighbourhood Plan. Interesting infill is underway across the hillside with new homes, carriage houses, secondary suites, renovations, upgraded marina docks, a time share development on Stewart Ave and improvements at the Terminal Park Mall. Several questions for you to consider that have been of constant interest to the residents of the area and the city in general. 1. If you should become a Councilor are you prepared to support the Newcastle+Brechin Neighbourhood Plan’s four storey height limit on the waterfront along Stewart Avenue? Where do you see height as a development option around the city? 2. How do you see development moving forward on the waterfront along the Newcastle Channel? 3. What role do you as a potential councilor see the neighbourhood associations, who represent the citizens of Nanaimo, playing in your decisions? 4. What steps do you see that would improve transparency during city processes? For instance how would you make the Development Application Permit system more accessible to residents? At the moment, it would appear that DAP’s are only sent to community associations who may or may not pass that information on to residents in their neighbourhoods. 5. The Brechin neighbourhood experiences a fluctuation in the homeless population in direct relation to development and efforts to cut down on the impact of the homeless in other areas of the city. The neighbourhood is bordered by two ravines, St George Ravine and the Beach Estates Ravine, which have become regular camp spots for this population with negative consequences to residents. Sharing of your position on how to move towards a solution would be of interest to us. The community appreciates the opportunity to communicate with the candidates in this format and looks forward to following the dialogue during the process.
Because of global warming, sea levels are expected to rise by 1 or 2 meters or even more this century. Even a one meter rise would be concerning and destructive for all coastal property. As a coastal city this is a matter of concern in Nanaimo. How would you go about dealing with this problem?
Topics of Concern in our area include but are not restricted to the following issues:
By-Laws: The in-effectiveness or non existence of by-laws dealing with noise, health issues such as accumulated dog feces and unsightly premises needs needs to be adequately addressed.
Not to do so is costly to the city and ultimately the home owner and tax payer. For instance police at times have to make several repeat calls to deal with noise situations where one should suffice. Sometimes, as is the case with health issues like dog feces they attend warring neighbours with no authority to deal with the issue.
Unsightly premises are a bone of contention to neighbours and a cost to the city and tax payer as properties are devalued. There currently is no adequate by-law dealing with grass and weeds and overall unsightly premises. Some by-laws are simply not enforced as best as they could be.
These are real issues that have a measurable cost to the city and the tax payer.
2. Homeless is an issue that has to be dealt with.
3. The propensity of the city to borrow and spend, seemingly without due diligence seems to be bothersome to a good many people. More clarity is required.
1. I believe housing the homeless is a first step toward rehabilitation for people. I would like council to speak on topics regarding the type of help towards addiction counseling and addiction treatments that will also be given along with the basic necessities. Also what types of information will be given the communities that the homes will be placed in. 2. I believe that money building a large hotel downtown and spending large amounts of moneys beautifying one core of the city ie a new city hall, is not going to do the city any good when the public must drive along Hwy 1 from the south and see all the run down, unkempt housing being allowed. I would like council to speak about our bylaws and where they are failing neighborhoods. Are they not worded properly so our bylaw officers cannot enforce them? I would like council to speak on how they would change the property maintenance act. The new VIU district was to have certain regulations concerning the district that seem to have evaporated. Will the new incumbents take time to look at revising the old bylaws instead of making new unenforceable ones. Grass and weeds never being maintained does not make someone working hard to keep the neighborhoods look prosperous and welcoming, feel cared about when bylaws do not cover unkempt properties, numbers of animals allowed on properties, feces allowed to accumulate. It is not only dead car bodies and garbage piling that make a property a nuisance. Noise bylaws also need to be looked at. They do not serve the purpose as they stand.
Thank you for this opportunity to voice my concerns on the city of nanaimo where I have lived and worked in the same neighborhood for 12 years.
From Victoria Farquhar Yes - a big thank you to people who put this blog up. I searched high and low for some info on the candidates - to not much avail. I know that many of the candidates have their own websites/facebook pages, but to have some kind of a forum with a possibility of public input is priceless. Let's get a debate started. After reading some of the "candidates comments" I'll probably attend the Beban Park meeting. Many of them sound like they are running for a High School Students Council. Big words, vague promises, but very little substance...
From; Fred Kardel A question for all candidates; Many of you have stated you support a more open and transparent city council. What is the first specific action you would take to make this a reality?
Why is no one pressing existing council on the issue of building a $16 million new staff office without having gone to Tender. No wonder politicians do as they please, no one really pays any attention.
1 - Do you believe that the Newcastle Channel waterfront can become economically viable and sustainable with the current 4 storey height limitation currently supported in the neighbourhood plan?
2 - How would you improve "openness" or a better attitude towards customer service from city employees in their dealings with the public and Council?
3 - Please comment on the City Hall Annex project with reference to the difference in costs between upgrading the existing structure and building anew. What is the benefit to the taxpayer for the decision to build a new Annex and is it worth the price difference between the two options?
4 - Do you support an external review/assessment of City staff and the services they provide?
We are losing a lot of green space in Nanaimo when properties are clear cut by developers. Developers should be required to keep old large trees and work their development into the natural setting rather than just cutting everything down. All that is required is that the Mayor and Council have the vision and courage to protect green space in Nanaimo for all its citizens. I would like to know what the candidates positions are on protecting green space and trees everywhere in Nanaimo and especially in Linley Valley West.
I note that you advised that “candidates are invited to identify what they consider to be the three most important issues facing Nanaimo, and to explain why they consider these issues important.” It is interesting how the majority of candidates for elected office responded to your instructions .... very telling indeed! ------------------------
What ideas do you have for closer monitoring of land development? At the moment, the developer pays for their own biologist who monitors wild life issues such as removal of nesting bird trees etc. Do you think the city should take greater responsibility in the protection of our wildlife?
I’m concerned that our local politicians and many residents are being duped by the so-called benefits of increased tax revenues from new development. Mayor Ruttan’s comment that the City can’t afford the $6.6 million needed to purchase the Linley Valley property is incorrect. In fact the City can’t afford NOT to purchase the property. The following excerpt from a column written by Neil Dawe, a former banker and now a registered professional biologist with numerous ecological research papers to his credit, makes a credible case for purchasing the Linley Valley land:
".....study after study has consistently shown that the increased population provides less revenue than the infrastructure costs needed to accommodate the additional residential growth. Parksville has learned that the hard way. "The cost ratios of servicing developments found in these studies (of urban areas) range between 1.15 and 1.50. In the latter case, for every tax dollar collected from new development a community can spend $1.50 in costs for community services. This results in ever-increasing tax rates as new homes create greater gaps between the infrastructure costs and taxpayer revenues. In addition, the increasing costs associated with the new growth are born by all taxpayers while the new development and developer reap the benefits, none of which are realized by the current community members." "We need this kind of reality check in our communities on Vancouver Island. Under our silly, impossibly unachievable, infinite growth paradigm, we’re rapidly losing the very values which give us our special quality of life. Agricultural and forested lands are continuously under threat and the ecological values of the relatively few natural areas within our communities are insidiously eroded by the growth."
QUESTION FOR THE CANDIDATES ;;;;; if based on the above evidence WOULD they CONSIDER putting a moratorium on developing the Linley Valley property until a full cost/benefit analysis of preserving and protecting the property in its natural state is completed
@ Joanne - absolutely right, but that's been an ongoing problem of Nanaimo - always rolling out the red carpet for "developers" and then acting surprised and hurt, when they disappear into some brighter future and we are left with a hole in the ground and bunch of unpaid bills. Linley valley is a jewell and to anyone with heart and common sense it should be a "no-brainer". Unfortunately it's "just" a chunk of woods and the City Staff needs new building. Talk about priorities ! @Janet Irvine - yes, very telling indeed. Happy not to be the only one to notice. The election race is on and people like to beat their own drum. You might be interested in comparing answers to other questions put to candidates. I put up a little blog with links to whatever I could find on the net pertaining to this election.
http://nanaimocivicelection2011.blogspot.com/
@jim taylor - good point, as long as you keep it quiet and move things quickly, you'll just say "oh, too late now, what's done is done"... I really like your efforts on nanaimo-info-blog, keep it up !
I loved the format used for the All-Candidates meeting at Beban Park for City Council. It was very informative and gave me a real sense of who these people are and what they can do for our city. I hope you continue to host All-Candidates meetings in the future and expand your interest to the School Board. The children and their schools are in your neighbourhoods and as taxpayers you are paying $125M for the benefit of our future leaders and decision-makers. Thank you. TerryLynn Saunders
I would like to know about the candidates view on the amount of traffic lights we have in Nanaimo. Another one on Northfield. There are alternatives which make way more sense ie roundabouts, which are safer than lights, people do not speed up to get through the yellow light. Are more fuel efficient.
ReplyDelete1. Community consultation that is both timely and meaningful:
ReplyDeleteTimely: neighbourhoods should be brought into the consultation process in early stages of developments
Meaningful: Neighbourhoods need to feel their voices are listened to and consultation is not just another “tick box” for potential development etc.
2. Meaningful Long-Term Planning
The Official Community Plan and Neighbourhood Plans should provide a long range template for future growth and development. Rezonings should be the exceptions rather than the rule.
3. Social Housing
There is a need for social housing at all levels and in all parts of the city. Negative reactions may be the result of poor consultation (see #1) and a lack of education about the need for and type of housing being built.
represent a group of Nanaimo citizens called Deer Aware - Nanaimo. We have a Facebook Page. I have been lucky enough to live among Nanaimo's urban deer for the past 14 years. I have discovered that the people that complain about the deer have basically put very little effort into learning how to live with these wonderful and gentle creatures. I would like to know how the candidates for mayor and council in Nanaimo this fall feel about the deer and their protection. There are many ways of living with them successfully e.g. by not feeding them, by familiarizing yourself with the areas where they consistently cross streets in the mornings and evenings to find water, and by creating gardening spaces that allow one to garden with no limits around the deer. I would like a mayor and council who appreciate the beauty of the nature around us, and especially these magnificent and gentle animals. The joy of watching the new babies each spring is incredible. I want to know that they will be protected. Through my yard in the Sherwood Forest area, there is a deer trail. It is so well-worn that I feel it has probably been there for centuries. The deer still follow it, as they always have. I hope they always will be able to continue to follow it. They were here long before humans invaded their space. Nanaimo needs green space and areas that are safe for them. I would like to hear the opinions of those candidates registered on this site. Judy Wilson
ReplyDeleteTwo issues I'd like see discussed:
ReplyDelete1. Infrastructure planning and spending ... not only traffic infrastructure, but sewer, water, electricity, waste disposal. The city needs to be publicly planning and discussing these basics.
2. Responsible development planning ... multi-use neighbourhoods, low-rise population density, walkability, accessible public spaces. Discuss retroactively planning city neighborhoods to include these concepts.
I would like the following to be asked / dealt with:
ReplyDeletea) what is happening to the "proposal" of condo being built at the back (in) of Maffeo Sutton Park
what assurance do we have that this will not be put on the table again ?
b) the clearing and future status of Lynley Valley ?
This item posted by CFUW Nanaimo on behalf of member N.F.
The issues I'd like to see discussed:
ReplyDelete1. The public transit infrastructure. As a regular user I'm concerned that scheduling will remain inconvenient. I want to know what kind of changes the candidates have in mind to try and gain more ridership, or how to improve the infrastructure in the way of scheduling.
2. Employment within the arts. Nanaimo has been well known for its solid support of the arts whether for galleries or live theatre, and lately I've seen a great decrease in opportunities for employment in that area, not to mention for jobs in general that are unrelated to retail and the fast food industry. I'd like to know where the candidates stand on the subject, and to know if the arts will be considered when introducing new opportunities for employment.
Kudos to the Coalition for Democratic Nanaimo for setting up a website, encouraging public comment, and setting up a meeting so that everyone has a chance to hear about 'the big picture' issues for Nanaimo.
ReplyDeleteI am running for Director of Area A, at the south end of the RDN ...and believe that City candidates and voters need to consider the region and rural concerns just as much as 'city issues'.
I have touched on a number of these issues on my website postings (www.Thistledownfarm.ca), but will mention a couple of specific matters here that suggest opportunity for a cooperative approach - that would see both rural and urban considerations furthered together.
Water: Taxpayers can expect major costs coming, to ensure supply and quality, with problems affecting the watershed and rural residents. Very little discussion has taken place in public by our present elected leaders, but the implications to development, as well as to the environment and the ways our communities will grow, are significant.
Development: Major residential, industrial and commercial ventures are being located on the outside boundaries of the City, keeping the tax benefits within the City while externalizing impacts upon the rural residents. For instance, some 5000 housing starts are planned for Cable Bay and Pheonix Way, close to Duke Point; and another 2500 in the Sandstone project. This will see some 15-18000 people speeding along the narrow country roads, as well as other urban problems of security, safety, etc.
A National Marine Conservation Area: There is opportunity to extend the present NMCA boundaries, to extend around Gabriola Island and into the heart of Nanaimo - offering a sustainable development partnership that will protect the estuary and Nanaimo River - with all it's cultural, natural and economic benefits. The City (& regional candidates for that matter) could act to put all those fine green promises noted in recent Official Community Plans and the Regional Growth Strategy. However, only one-third of candidates responded to my open letter to all-candidates.
This is the moment to discuss such matters, to consider means for cooperation and partnership across the city and regional boundaries - and to consider the adjacent districts to the RDN as well. We are a part of the mid island, sharing similar east coast VI challenges for development and the environment - and for the quality of life and our communities.
I have proposed a 'gentler, kinder growth' - an approach that seeks a balance, and participation in the decision-making process - that does not favour one interest above others. This is the time for residents to let all candidates know that the new City of Nanaimo Council should not simply be favouring the City. The City is dependent on the rural areas, and vice versa. Lets' work together so that we all benefit, and no one bears an unequal share of the burden.
My thanks for this opportunity to raise these considerations to your attention - and best wishes with the November 10th Forum. As noted previously, more information is available on my website - and I would welcome the chance to hear from all residents of the mid island on these important matters.
Laurie Gourlay
candidate for Area A Director
Matching answers to questions
ReplyDeleteInteresting ideas are emerging in this discussion, but elections tend to generate answers rather than questions. It's a bit like a salesperson telling you, "you really need this gadget", without talking with you first to find out what you need.
It would be helpful if candidates could explain the reasons underlying their platform; what issues are their platform strategies intended to address? How have they determined that this is the real issue, and their strategies are the best solution?
Candidates can earn the trust of voters by showing how they arrived at their platform and by engaging voters in the process.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePlease comment on your attitude and stance toward the following questions. Also please comment on the parameters which you consider when making a decision on these particular topics.
ReplyDelete1. Arts and arts funding in our city?
2. The idea of an expert arts development officer position to act as a liaison and consultant to the community, the city counsel and the cultural committee?
3. Attitude toward Urban Gardening, agriculture in Nanaimo and the by law that is in place. Are there any changes you would recommend or support? (ex/ area available for gardening)
4. Height on the waterfront? Do you support the Newcastle+Brechin Neighbourhood Plan 4 storey height limitation?
5. Role of neighbourhood associations in council decisions?
6. Transparency in council actions and decisions? Are you in support of including the public in the process/revealing your decision making process publicly
7. Supportive housing and it's distribution throughout our city? What are the parameters which guide your personal decision making on this subject?
Thank you.
Holly Bright,
Artistic Director/Producer
Here is the question I would like to ask the candidates:
ReplyDeleteThe Canadian Mental Health Association is operating the Balmoral, which provides low barrier housing. The South End Community Association is in the neighbourhood where the Balmoral is situated. The Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo runs a shelter for the homeless during the winter months. These community organizations have a wealth of experience and knowledge in dealing with the issue of low barrier housing in Nanaimo. Have you, as candidates for council, consulted with them on this issue? And if not, why not?
Thank you for providing this opportunity.
Kathryn
1. Unsustainability of unlimited community growth. The development of policies to contain growth at a future sustainable level.
ReplyDelete2. Poverty - especially child poverty; includes safe, affordable housing distributed throughout the city.
3.Water Issues- such as watershed ownership; water as part of the commons.
Submitted by CFUW on behalf of member S.A.
From Fred McCreath
ReplyDeleteDowntown hotel project.
Will candidates acknowledge that there isn't and won't be sufficient demand for hotel rooms in the city in the foreseeable future and that the dream of a hotel attached to the Convention Centre should be set aside for at least the next term of council?
As an alternative to a new hotel would/should Council consider partnering with the Coast Bastion Inn to build a cover pedestrian walkway to connect to the Convention Centre/Port Theatre?
Transportation.
Do the candidates believe that transportation infrastructure is a major driver of economic development in the area? Are they prepared to work towards improvements in the ferry system that could become both a driver for the economy and a benefit to Island residents
From Brechin Hill Community Association
ReplyDeleteThe Brechin Hill neighbourhood is an active community, with newsletters, email communications, a fall fair/spring picnic, beer and burger night, block meetings, street representatives, block watch, a strong neighbourhood association with three hundred forty members and the recently completed Newcastle + Brechin Neighbourhood Plan. Interesting infill is underway across the hillside with new homes, carriage houses, secondary suites, renovations, upgraded marina docks, a time share development on Stewart Ave and improvements at the Terminal Park Mall.
Several questions for you to consider that have been of constant interest to the residents of the area and the city in general.
1. If you should become a Councilor are you prepared to support the Newcastle+Brechin Neighbourhood Plan’s four storey height limit on the waterfront along Stewart Avenue?
Where do you see height as a development option around the city?
2. How do you see development moving forward on the waterfront along the Newcastle Channel?
3. What role do you as a potential councilor see the neighbourhood associations, who represent the citizens of Nanaimo, playing in your decisions?
4. What steps do you see that would improve transparency during city processes? For instance how would you make the Development Application Permit system more accessible to residents? At the moment, it would appear that DAP’s are only sent to community associations who may or may not pass that information on to residents in their neighbourhoods.
5. The Brechin neighbourhood experiences a fluctuation in the homeless population in direct relation to development and efforts to cut down on the impact of the homeless in other areas of the city. The neighbourhood is bordered by two ravines, St George Ravine and the Beach Estates Ravine, which have become regular camp spots for this population with negative consequences to residents. Sharing of your position on how to move towards a solution would be of interest to us.
The community appreciates the opportunity to communicate with the candidates in this format and looks forward to following the dialogue during the process.
Because of global warming, sea levels are expected to rise by 1 or 2 meters or even more this century. Even a one meter rise would be concerning and destructive for all coastal property. As a coastal city this is a matter of concern in Nanaimo. How would you go about dealing with this problem?
ReplyDeleteFrom Donald Comis
ReplyDeleteTopics of Concern in our area include but are not restricted to the following issues:
By-Laws: The in-effectiveness or non existence of by-laws dealing with noise, health issues such as accumulated dog feces and unsightly premises needs needs to be
adequately addressed.
Not to do so is costly to the city and ultimately the home owner and tax payer.
For instance police at times have to make several repeat calls to deal with noise
situations where one should suffice. Sometimes, as is the case with health issues like dog feces they attend warring neighbours with no authority to deal with the issue.
Unsightly premises are a bone of contention to neighbours and a cost to the city and tax payer as properties are devalued. There currently is no adequate by-law dealing with grass and weeds and overall unsightly premises. Some by-laws are simply not
enforced as best as they could be.
These are real issues that have a measurable cost to the city and the tax payer.
2. Homeless is an issue that has to be dealt with.
3. The propensity of the city to borrow and spend, seemingly without due diligence
seems to be bothersome to a good many people. More clarity is required.
1. I believe housing the homeless is a first step toward rehabilitation for people. I would like council to speak on topics regarding the type of help towards addiction counseling and addiction treatments that will also be given along with the basic necessities. Also what types of information will be given the communities that the homes will be placed in.
ReplyDelete2. I believe that money building a large hotel downtown and spending large amounts of moneys beautifying one core of the city ie a new city hall, is not going to do the city any good when the public must drive along Hwy 1 from the south and see all the run down, unkempt housing being allowed. I would like council to speak about our bylaws and where they are failing neighborhoods. Are they not worded properly so our bylaw officers cannot enforce them? I would like council to speak on how they would change the property maintenance act. The new VIU district was to have certain regulations concerning the district that seem to have evaporated. Will the new incumbents take time to look at revising the old bylaws instead of making new unenforceable ones. Grass and weeds never being maintained does not make someone working hard to keep the neighborhoods look prosperous and welcoming, feel cared about when bylaws do not cover unkempt properties, numbers of animals allowed on properties, feces allowed to accumulate. It is not only dead car bodies and garbage piling that make a property a nuisance. Noise bylaws also need to be looked at. They do not serve the purpose as they stand.
Thank you for this opportunity to voice my concerns on the city of nanaimo where I have lived and worked in the same neighborhood for 12 years.
From Victoria Farquhar
ReplyDeleteYes - a big thank you to people who put this blog up. I searched high and low for some info on the candidates - to not much avail. I know that many of the candidates have their own websites/facebook pages, but to have some kind of a forum with a possibility of public input is priceless. Let's get a debate started. After reading some of the "candidates comments" I'll probably attend the Beban Park meeting. Many of them sound like they are running for a High School Students Council. Big words, vague promises, but very little substance...
From; Fred Kardel
ReplyDeleteA question for all candidates;
Many of you have stated you support a more open and transparent city council. What is the first specific action you would take to make this a reality?
Why is no one pressing existing council on the issue of building a $16 million new staff office without having gone to Tender.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder politicians do as they please, no one really pays any attention.
1 - Do you believe that the Newcastle Channel waterfront can become economically viable and sustainable with the current 4 storey height limitation currently supported in the neighbourhood plan?
ReplyDelete2 - How would you improve "openness" or a better attitude towards customer service from city employees in their dealings with the public and Council?
3 - Please comment on the City Hall Annex project with reference to the difference in costs between upgrading the existing structure and building anew. What is the benefit to the taxpayer for the decision to build a new Annex and is it worth the price difference between the two options?
4 - Do you support an external review/assessment of City staff and the services they provide?
Thank you,
Keith
We are losing a lot of green space in Nanaimo when properties are clear cut by developers. Developers should be required to keep old large trees and work their development into the natural setting rather than just cutting everything down. All that is required is that the Mayor and Council have the vision and courage to protect green space in Nanaimo for all its citizens. I would like to know what the candidates positions are on protecting green space and trees everywhere in Nanaimo and especially in Linley Valley West.
ReplyDeleteAnthony
Question to all civic candidates:
ReplyDeleteAre you willing to reduce city spending?
If so, which services would you reduce to accomplish this?
Dear civic candidate:
ReplyDeleteHow do you think we can attract good paying jobs (not tourism/service sector minimum wage jobs) to Nanaimo?
From Janet Irvine
ReplyDeleteThanks! As a voter, this is my comment:
I note that you advised that “candidates are invited to identify what they consider to be the three most important issues facing Nanaimo, and to explain why they consider these issues important.”
It is interesting how the majority of candidates for elected office responded to your instructions .... very telling indeed!
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Janet Irvine
What ideas do you have for closer monitoring of land development? At the moment, the developer pays for their own biologist who monitors wild life issues such as removal of nesting bird trees etc. Do you think the city should take greater responsibility in the protection of our wildlife?
ReplyDeleteFrom Edna
ReplyDeleteWhat priority do prospective candidates put on the protection of green space? Do you support the development of the Linley Valley?
From Joanne
ReplyDeleteI’m concerned that our local politicians and many residents are being duped by the so-called benefits of increased tax revenues from new development. Mayor Ruttan’s comment that the City can’t afford the $6.6 million needed to purchase the Linley Valley property is incorrect. In fact the City can’t afford NOT to purchase the property. The following excerpt from a column written by Neil Dawe, a former banker and now a registered professional biologist with numerous ecological research papers to his credit, makes a credible case for purchasing the Linley Valley land:
".....study after study has consistently shown that the increased population provides less revenue than the infrastructure costs needed to accommodate the additional residential growth. Parksville has learned that the hard way.
"The cost ratios of servicing developments found in these studies (of urban areas) range between 1.15 and 1.50. In the latter case, for every tax dollar collected from new development a community can spend $1.50 in costs for community services. This results in ever-increasing tax rates as new homes create greater gaps between the infrastructure costs and taxpayer revenues. In addition, the increasing costs associated with the new growth are born by all taxpayers while the new development and developer reap the benefits, none of which are realized by the current community members."
"We need this kind of reality check in our communities on Vancouver Island. Under our silly, impossibly unachievable, infinite growth paradigm, we’re rapidly losing the very values which give us our special quality of life. Agricultural and forested lands are continuously under threat and the ecological values of the relatively few natural areas within our communities are insidiously eroded by the growth."
QUESTION FOR THE CANDIDATES ;;;;; if based on the above evidence WOULD they CONSIDER putting a moratorium on developing the Linley Valley property until a full cost/benefit analysis of preserving and protecting the property in its natural state is completed
@ Joanne - absolutely right, but that's been an ongoing problem of Nanaimo - always rolling out the red carpet for "developers" and then acting surprised and hurt, when they disappear into some brighter future and we are left with a hole in the ground and bunch of unpaid bills. Linley valley is a jewell and to anyone with heart and common sense it should be a "no-brainer". Unfortunately it's "just" a chunk of woods and the City Staff needs new building. Talk about priorities !
ReplyDelete@Janet Irvine - yes, very telling indeed. Happy not to be the only one to notice. The election race is on and people like to beat their own drum.
You might be interested in comparing answers to other questions put to candidates. I put up a little blog with links to whatever I could find on the net pertaining to this election.
http://nanaimocivicelection2011.blogspot.com/
@jim taylor - good point, as long as you keep it quiet and move things quickly, you'll just say "oh, too late now, what's done is done"...
I really like your efforts on nanaimo-info-blog, keep it up !
victoria farquhar
I loved the format used for the All-Candidates meeting at Beban Park for City Council. It was very informative and gave me a real sense of who these people are and what they can do for our city. I hope you continue to host All-Candidates meetings in the future and expand your interest to the School Board. The children and their schools are in your neighbourhoods and as taxpayers you are paying $125M for the benefit of our future leaders and decision-makers. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTerryLynn Saunders