Council News in Brief - For the Week of Sept. 10/12

On the Street Where You Live

Two street issues were up before Council on Monday evening:

Multi-Modal Street design - which means street design that helps pedestrian, cars and bicycle traffic move together effectively- was given the green light for further development work. The street design improvements are also aimed at making a positive impact on neighbouring communities along and adjacent to major roads.

Local area services - road improvements on city streets that are requested by property owners (curbs and gutters) - was the focus of another Council debate. A cost sharing split of 40% by the City and 60% by the property owner was approved.

When 2 Plus 2 Does Not Equal 4

A few moments of confusion last night as Council was about to approve a new tower on Westwood at Lincoln. The official staff report showed 33 stories while a recent newspaper ad said the ONNI project would have over 40 floors.

A quick huddle with Planning Staff and company representatives, and some smiles later... It was determined the parking levels were not included in the 33 stories. When complete the building will also contain commercial and office floor space. Council approved the project.

Wanted: More Voters in Municipal Elections

Council was unanimous in making a concerted effort towards increasing voter turnout. With only slightly more than a 21 % turnout at the polls in the last civic election, one member of Council had put forward a Notice of Motion that suggested the publication of the names of those who cast ballots may prompt more trips to the ballot boxes.

While Council did not agree with that concept, it was agreed that the idea did get people talking about improving voter turnout. Mail-in ballots, electronic voting and several other concepts were discussed. The issue will be addressed before the next civic election with the best practices from across the Country being the focus of future debates.

Thanks for Memories

City Council took time to thank former Council member Fin Donnelly who is now a Member of Parliament in Ottawa and the official NDP Critic for Fisheries and Oceans. The member for New Westminster-Coquitlam & Port Moody told Council it was a tough decision to move into the federal scene after working on many local issues as he enjoyed working with his fellow Councillors and staff. He received artwork showing an image of City Hall.

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For more information on these items, contact:
Dan McDonald
Manager Corporate Communications
604-927-3019

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