The North Delta Reporter sent candidates for councillor a list of eight questions to gauge their positions on some of the major issues in the 2018 civic election campaign. We gave candidates a limit of 400 words total to answer. Here’s what independent candidate Darcy Green had to say:
(Note, all candidates’ answers have been edited for length, clarity and to conform with Canadian Press style, as required.)
1) Why are you running for council?
I have been a resident of North Delta for 18 years, but it is the last 5 years that have made me want to run for council. I am seeing my close friends forced to leave the community they have called home for their entire lives and I am hearing from residents that their concerns are not being listened to.
2) What in your opinion are the top issues facing the City of Delta and how do you plan to address them?
Delta needs an integrated strategic plan for housing, development, economic growth and transportation. Council needs to ensure the Official Community Plan includes the development of Neighbourhood Area Plans. Delta’s neighbourhoods have very different needs and more specific area plans created with residents in mind would ensure the needs of each individual area is met.
3) What is your plan for addressing the need for affordable and rental housing in Delta, especially as it relates to medium- and high-density developments/highrises in North Delta?
I will work closely with residents and developers to incentivize increasing rental inventory and work to allow more creative affordable housing options (co-housing, tiny homes, co-ops) in Delta. We must start thinking outside the box when working to solve the housing crisis in Metro Vancouver.
4) What is your stance on cannabis production and retail sales in Delta?
Cannabis is grown in industrial greenhouses often built on top of pristine farm land. This is not necessary and we must take steps to ensure that ALR land is reserved for agricultural purposes only. In regards to retail, cannabis should be sold in specifically zoned areas in Delta.
5) A number of Delta’s recreation facilities are in need of upgrading or replacement. Which projects do you think are important to tackle first, and where will you find the money to pay for them?
We must invest in the recreation areas everyone has access to: tracks, trails and parks. There is capital available in the form of grants from higher levels government that we have traditionally not accessed and should now access to fund these projects.
6) A new Casino will soon be built at the site of the Delta Town & Country Inn, bringing the city an estimated $1.5 million and $3 million in revenue. How do you think that money should best be spent, and how do you plan to mitigate the casino’s impact on the community?
It is estimated that Delta will receive between $1.5-3 million annually in casino revenues. I would use most of these funds to improve access to resources and training for first responders. Delta’s reputation as a safe, family-centred community must be maintained.
7) Last year mayor and council voted to give outgoing elected officials a “Council Service Benefit” (commonly referred to as a “golden handshake”) to compensate them for not being eligible to join the city’s pension plan. Do you support this end-of-service benefit and do you agree with the decision to backdate it 12 years?
It is important that our elected officials are compensated fairly for their service to Delta, but I strongly disagree with the retroactive component of the “golden handshake.” I would look into the creation of an independent committee that would oversee any compensation adjustments for mayor and council.
8) The previous mayor and council advocated for a 10-lane bridge to replace the aging tunnel George Massey Tunnel. That is your preferred replacement option (or do you think it even needs replacing), and why?
The George Massey Tunnel allows an average of 80,000 vehicles daily and millions of dollars worth of goods to pass through Delta each year, but is at its capacity. I would continue to advocate for a bridge over twinning the tunnel, as it allows for more ALR land to be protected, better flow of traffic and provides easier access for first responders during emergencies.
The civic election takes place on Saturday, Oct. 20.
SEE ALSO: 43 candidates running in Delta civic election
editor@northdeltareporter.com
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