With the provincial election mere weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about our community and the direction we want it to go. LynnValleyLife.com reached out to a number of organizations and individuals who are community leaders to get their two cents on the upcoming election.
Community engagement
Provincial voter turnout is down almost 25 percent from 20 years ago. Families have never been busier and local news has never been harder to keep up with. City council meetings and provincial debates don’t fit into the schedules of young people working two jobs. Seniors navigating the over-burdened healthcare system don’t have time to hold elected officials to account. Failed municipal, regional, and provincial projects are making people feel helpless.
We pride ourselves on being connected to the community. LynnValleyLife.com does its best to pay attention, ask tough questions, and leverage issues affecting Lynn Valley and the North Shore. Residents often seem surprised by decisions made on their behalf. Making a thoughtful intentional vote electing leaders that reflects your vision for the future is the simplest step to take.
Now is the time with an upcoming provincial election – the potential for a federal election – to dig in and participate in our democracy. Invest time and careful consideration in your vote and participate in guiding our future.
The goal of this thought gathering was to give a platform to those more engaged in the world of politics than the average citizen. We weren’t looking for them to endorse a particular candidate but instead to share which issues they think are the most pressing for the people of Lynn Valley and the greater North Shore. Some of these issues are bound to be universal like health care and housing, but there are distinct points of view unique to this community that candidates should have a position to support. Given the end of summer, we had fewer responses by deadline than hoped (that is we asked a diverse range of people/groups) and we appreciate those who took the time to share thoughts.
North Vancouver Chamber
Patrick Stafford-Smith
The North Vancouver business community is diverse and strong – with many small- and medium-sized businesses, and several long-term larger employers.
The Top 3 concerns that dominate the business community are Transportation, Housing and Finding Staff. The challenges are all linked – good employees may often live outside of North Vancouver – due to a lack of affordable housing or any number of other personal reasons. So, they take a long commute by car or if they are lucky, public transit. But, if the commute is too challenging, they may simply choose to find work closer to where they live.
This is not sustainable for local employers – so we are calling for provincial and federal investment to support the Mayors’ Council north shore public transit priorities. We are also looking for more housing options to help provide better options for people who work in the business and non-profit sector of our community.
Patrick Stafford-Smith CEO – North Vancouver Chamber
Board of Education Trustees
Linda Munro
Education matters to all of us. North Vancouver School District (NVSD) works hard to deliver learning opportunities that inspire student success. B.C.’s boards of education have identified three focus areas for the 2024 provincial election: inclusive education and student success; capital and deferred maintenance funding; and recruitment and retention of staff.
Locally, funding for inclusive education and core student learning remains an ongoing priority. Also, NVSD experienced record levels of new student enrolment in 2023-2024 and felt the impact of capacity pressure at some schools. Significant enrolment increases make capital funding for additional space a relevant local issue for the provincial election. Key to our work at NVSD schools is community building and creating a sense of belonging.
Jordan Back
Jordan Back
I believe funding for infrastructure to be one of the key issues that we should be pressing candidates on, in the lead-up to this provincial election. The costs of all capital projects are skyrocketing, driven by factors such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising labour costs. Despite these challenges, local governments still have only a few avenues to fund these essential projects. Whether it’s active transportation improvements, turf fields, or new recreation facilities, these types of facilities are crucial for maintaining and improving the quality of life, as our community grows but we cannot get them built without a strong partner in the provincial government.
Jordan Back, Lynn Valley resident, Councillor – District of North Vancouver
LynnValleyLife.com
Day in and day out we hear the challenges of housing in Lynn Valley. The North Shore is a highly desirable place to live. Growing populations throughout Metro Vancouver have only one solution: more supply. Policies are needed to support this at all levels of government, and the District of North Vancouver and the Province need to stop dragging their heels and work together to make it happen.
Families want their children to have the option to remain in the community where they grew up – bonus: deep roots translate to community involvement. Small business owners see the exhaustion of their employees with 90+ minute commutes – bonus: less traffic on the roads. Homes with easy options for aging in place and a return to multigenerational living – bonus: reducing the pressure on institutional spaces like daycares and seniors’ homes. Thriving communities evolve and an election is the time to look for leaders that support your vision for the future.
The team at LynnValleyLife.com
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