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Inaugural Remarks - December 2008
Over the 95 year history of Port Coquitlam, starting with the first council led by Mayor Mars, this community has been blessed with leaders who have worked for the best interest of Port Coquitlam. Over the years, our community has gone through world wars, recessions and financial debt but every time the City Council has delivered positive results and leadership.
Port Coquitlam is known for its small town charm, and over the past 15 years our community has grown quickly. These changes have resulted in some residents feeling as though the small town charm is slipping away.
We need to work together, through town hall meetings, arts, sport, festivals and other community gatherings to establish the PoCo Pride and small town charm we all love about our community. The process will not come easy and will not be accomplished by one person; we need to work collectively and cooperatively.
Over the past 20 years, I have taken an active role in our community, through work, volunteering and participating in many aspects of Port Coquitlam. Over the past 6 years, I have had the honour of serving our community on City Council.
This service and success in politics is not done alone, there are thousands of individuals who have help along the way.
I want to thank so many people who, over the years have helped me become a leader; challenge my thinking, and who have been there during the tough times as well as the good.
First, let me thank the more than 120 people who helped on our campaign, from delivering flyers in the rain to putting up signs, phoning, emailing, graphic design and engaging neighbours, friends and family. Thank you.
I would also like to thank Pastor Barry Buzza and our family at Northside Foursquare Church. Campaigning can be tough on the candidate and their family; we truly appreciate the support from our church.
To my family, thank you for your support, help and unfettered encouragement for Erin, Madison and myself.
Finally, I want to thank Erin and Madison.
Madison, as most of you know, is a wonderful, understanding and giving child. She was a key player in our campaign as the Office Manager, her positive outlook and spirit are a joy to be around.
Erin, the driver behind our campaign, originally signed up as the volunteer coordinator. With over 120 volunteers helping out, this was no small task. But as the campaign progressed Erin took time off work to become the campaign manager and E-day coordinator.
This was a tough campaign but the connection and love between Erin and I never faltered, In fact, there were many times that we leaned on each other for support and encouragement. Thank you.
Over the years, our residents have come to expect a city council that works hard, is professional, cooperative and thoughtful. Tonight, I believe that this new council, here in front of you will surpass our residents’ expectations.
As a team, we all bring unique skills, education and knowledge that will lead to healthy debates and stronger, inclusive decisions. I am looking forward to working with each member of this council as we tackle tough issues facing our community.
It is said, “Leadership is doing the right things. Management is doing things right.”
Of course, we are complemented by a professional, knowledgeable and caring team of staff. As a former staff member, first as a youth worker and then as an urban planner, I know first-hand the dedication our staff has for our community. I look forward to many healthy discussions as we collectively make Port Coquitlam a better place for everyone.
In the campaign, I worked hard to engage our community through community surveys, online, town hall meetings, and at their doorsteps.
As Mayor, I will continue to work hard to ensure our residents’ voices are heard and that there are opportunities for everyone to contribute to our future.
Successful communities have one thing in common. When important decisions are made, they make sure everyone is considered and consulted.
In the campaign, I outlined a detailed and comprehensive platform entitled ‘Five Keys to a Better Port Coquitlam’.
This document was an accumulation of ideas from our residents received through extensive community engagement. Although we are entering a time of economic uncertainty and financial challenges, I will work hard to deliver on the priorities outlined in my platform.
Working together, we will start immediately.
I am looking forward to working with Chief Cunningham of the Kwikwetlem First Nations; in fact, my first official meeting as Mayor of Port Coquitlam will be to meet with Chief Cunningham tomorrow. We will discuss working together to ensure mutual respect and strengthen cooperation, communication and partnerships, creating opportunities for sharing cultures, including greater involvement of the Kwikwetlem First Nation in Port Coquitlam events and celebrations, and establishing ongoing communication channels, such as regular meetings.
Further, I look forward to working with our MLA, Mike Farnworth, and the provincial government. As you may know, I ran against Mike in 2005 for MLA. In the years that have followed, I have gotten to know Mike and respect his dedication to our community and I look forward to building on our friendship.
Over this same period, I have also developed a friendship with James Moore, our Member of Parliament and Minister of Heritage and Official Languages. I enjoy working with James and know that he always working on behalf of our residents.
Tonight, I have the honour and privilege of announcing the NEW standing committees. These committees will be a reflection of the needs of our community. Over the past 10 days, I have met with each Councillor and asked for their advice to ensure our team is working together. Input at all levels is an important part of decision-making.
Further, I will be providing direction to the committees to tackle tough issues facing our community. I will ask that each committee report back to Council with their findings and provide recommendations to Council on how to proceed.
With the exception of the Finance and Intergovernmental Committee, all of the standing committees will have at least two citizen advisors. Each advisor brings a unique perspective to the table that will enhance the discussion and decision-making process.
When our community comes together in 2009 to revisit the Community Corporate Strategic Plan, the City and Council will ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, comment and help lead our community.
If we are going to achieve success we must work together – it is said it takes a village to raise a child – I am asking our community to work together to make Port Coquitlam a better place for everyone.
As we work together, we will develop a strategy that reflects the type of community where we all want to live, raise our children, and retire.
Appointment of Standing Committees, External Boards and Commissions, and Civic Task Forces
Council has before them for approval the list of Standing Committees, External Boards and Commissions and Civic Task Forces. Before proceeding, I would like to note that there have been some changes to the standing committees, and I will highlight those changes as we go. Further, as noted earlier, I will be providing some additional direction for some of the committees. These additions are based on feedback received from the community and from Council.
Finance and Intergovernmental Committee
Local government plays a big role in the economic future of our community. The Finance and Intergovernmental Committee will continue to be responsible for matters pertaining to administration, audit, finance and human resources.
Chair - Mayor G. B. Moore
Council Representatives - Committee of the Whole, that is, all members of Council sit on this committee
Community Safety Committee
Community safety continues to be a top priority for our community. In addition to the responsibilities of the former Protective Services Committee, the Community Safety Committee will also be asked to provide recommendations to Council on better bear awareness and management strategies by May 2009.
Chair - Councillor Penner
Deputy Chair - Councillor West
Citizen Advisors – Liam Coughlan, Matthew Lees, Philip Warburton
Staff Resource - Ms. Mindy Smith, Director, Corporate Services Department
Environmental Enhancement Committee
This is an exciting time for this committee. The Environment Enhancement Committee will lead the City in developing its first ever environmental strategic plan! This is a process that Councillor Wright and I started two years ago and one that Councillor Penner and I continued with last year – this year it will come to reality!
In addition, I am asking the committee to enhance our urban forest and develop a tree-planting strategy that will add 50 trees to our community every year. I envision this process being done in cooperation with the Provincial Government Initiative - Trees for Tomorrow. By planting trees throughout our community, we will reduce our carbon footprint and beautify our City at the same time.
Chair - Councillor Forrest
Deputy Chair - Councillor Carroll
Citizen Advisors - Cole Bertsch, Gary Lin
Staff Resource - Igor Zahynacz, Director, Engineering & Operations Department
Healthy Community Committee
The City of Port Coquitlam is home to great recreation facilities, a trail network that is unparalleled, and a community arts village that offers endless opportunities for the development and celebration of arts and culture in our community. Guided by the 2007 Parks Recreation and Culture Plan, the Healthy Community Committee will be responsible for civic festivals, cultural events, recreation facilities, leisure activities and liaison with our community’s minor sports association. They will also play a lead role in supporting Port Coquitlam as an ‘Active Community’ and meeting our goal to increase physical activity in our community by 20% by the year 2010
Chair - Councillor Wright
Deputy Chair - Councillor West
Citizen Advisors – To be named at a later date one representative from each the Port Coquitlam Athletic Amateur Association; Wilson Centre Advisory Board; and Arts & Culture
Staff Resource - Barry Becker, Director, Parks & Recreation Department
Smart Growth Committee
The name of this committee reflects the need for smart growth in Port Coquitlam. Smart growth means implementing principles that sustain community and economic development; foster strong neighborhoods with diverse housing, commercial, and transportation options; and support a healthy community with a clean environment.
In addition to being responsible for development activities, such as building, downtown revitalization, economic development, the OCP and zoning, the Smart Growth Committee will be asked to develop two specific programs:
The first, is a bylaw and companion licencing program that will include developing Good Neighbour Agreements to allow us to control the number and the location of group, transition and recovery houses within our community.
The second, is an incentive program to encourage commercial redevelopment within our community.
Chair - Councillor Forrest
Deputy Chair - Councillor Pollock
Citizen Advisors - Lih-Ming Tam (representing the Downtown BIA), Dave Teixeira
Staff Resource - Laura Lee Richard, Director, Development Services Department
Social Inclusion Committee
In addition to the previous work of the Health and Social Issues Committee, I am also asking this committee to take the lead on heritage conservation strategies, which includes a Heritage Strategic Plan. In taking on responsibility for heritage, the Social Inclusion Committee will continue the work initiated by Council and lead the way in developing a vision for heritage. One that will lead to a strategy that will provide clear direction based on community support regarding the preservation of heritage buildings.
In addition, I am also tasking the Social Inclusion Committee with putting forward recommendations to Council for a framework that will assist in providing affordable non-market and public seniors housing.
Chair - Councillor Wright
Deputy Chair - Councillor Pollock
Citizen Advisors - Pat Dales; William Summerville; and Pippa Van Velzen
Staff Resource - Laura Lee Richard, Director, Development Services Department
Transportation Solutions & Operations Committee
This committee will be responsible for local improvement programs, road improvements, traffic safety, transportation and transit services to our community. Our community has grown quickly in recent years and we need to make sure our transportation solutions are keeping pace with that growth. One of the mandates of the Transportation Solutions & Operations Committee will be to implement Port Coquitlam’s Pedestrian and Bike Plan to ensure our citizens have healthy and environmentally-friendly transportation alternatives.
Chair - Councillor Penner
Deputy Chair - Councillor Carroll
Citizen Advisors - Shawn Madsen, David Mulligan, and Michael Thomas
Staff Resource - Igor Zahynacz, Director, Engineering & Operations Department
If you’ve heard me through my campaign you know that I plan to maintain the focus on ensuring that our administrative procedures are transparent and the governance style that we uphold is inclusive and allows for community involvement.
I want to thank those of you that put your name forward to serve as a volunteer on one of our many Task Forces or Committees. As noted earlier, almost all Standing Committees now include citizen advisors to assist Council in their decision-making process.
We also rely on citizens to assist us delivering our community’s many celebrations. In 2009 we will be maintaining the various Task Forces that organize these events and the Chair appointments to the Canada Day Task Force, the May Day Task Force, and the Rivers and Trails Festival Task Force will made in early 2009.
Council Community Connection Task Force
I have added a new Task Force to our roster and that is the Council Community Connection Task Force.
To be co–chaired by Erin Moore and Donna White, this task force will act as a conduit the citizens in our community and those of us that you have chosen to sit at the Council table on your behalf. Within our community we have an incredible variety of talented and engaged individuals, community groups and organizations. The Council Community Connection Task Force will reach out and invite our community to attend Council meetings with the objective of establishing connections through performance and presentations to City Council. Our Council Chambers will become a venue that showcases the many wonderful groups and residents that call Port Coquitlam home.
External Statutory Boards and Committees
Board of Variance
Arts Connect
Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee
Over the next three years this Council will call on you and all of our residents to help lead our community. We ask that you work with us to make Port Coquitlam a better community for everyone.
Meeting adjournment
Greg Moore,
Mayor
Port Coquitlam is known for its small town charm, and over the past 15 years our community has grown quickly. These changes have resulted in some residents feeling as though the small town charm is slipping away.
We need to work together, through town hall meetings, arts, sport, festivals and other community gatherings to establish the PoCo Pride and small town charm we all love about our community. The process will not come easy and will not be accomplished by one person; we need to work collectively and cooperatively.
Over the past 20 years, I have taken an active role in our community, through work, volunteering and participating in many aspects of Port Coquitlam. Over the past 6 years, I have had the honour of serving our community on City Council.
This service and success in politics is not done alone, there are thousands of individuals who have help along the way.
I want to thank so many people who, over the years have helped me become a leader; challenge my thinking, and who have been there during the tough times as well as the good.
First, let me thank the more than 120 people who helped on our campaign, from delivering flyers in the rain to putting up signs, phoning, emailing, graphic design and engaging neighbours, friends and family. Thank you.
I would also like to thank Pastor Barry Buzza and our family at Northside Foursquare Church. Campaigning can be tough on the candidate and their family; we truly appreciate the support from our church.
To my family, thank you for your support, help and unfettered encouragement for Erin, Madison and myself.
Finally, I want to thank Erin and Madison.
Madison, as most of you know, is a wonderful, understanding and giving child. She was a key player in our campaign as the Office Manager, her positive outlook and spirit are a joy to be around.
Erin, the driver behind our campaign, originally signed up as the volunteer coordinator. With over 120 volunteers helping out, this was no small task. But as the campaign progressed Erin took time off work to become the campaign manager and E-day coordinator.
This was a tough campaign but the connection and love between Erin and I never faltered, In fact, there were many times that we leaned on each other for support and encouragement. Thank you.
Over the years, our residents have come to expect a city council that works hard, is professional, cooperative and thoughtful. Tonight, I believe that this new council, here in front of you will surpass our residents’ expectations.
As a team, we all bring unique skills, education and knowledge that will lead to healthy debates and stronger, inclusive decisions. I am looking forward to working with each member of this council as we tackle tough issues facing our community.
It is said, “Leadership is doing the right things. Management is doing things right.”
Of course, we are complemented by a professional, knowledgeable and caring team of staff. As a former staff member, first as a youth worker and then as an urban planner, I know first-hand the dedication our staff has for our community. I look forward to many healthy discussions as we collectively make Port Coquitlam a better place for everyone.
In the campaign, I worked hard to engage our community through community surveys, online, town hall meetings, and at their doorsteps.
As Mayor, I will continue to work hard to ensure our residents’ voices are heard and that there are opportunities for everyone to contribute to our future.
Successful communities have one thing in common. When important decisions are made, they make sure everyone is considered and consulted.
In the campaign, I outlined a detailed and comprehensive platform entitled ‘Five Keys to a Better Port Coquitlam’.
This document was an accumulation of ideas from our residents received through extensive community engagement. Although we are entering a time of economic uncertainty and financial challenges, I will work hard to deliver on the priorities outlined in my platform.
Working together, we will start immediately.
I am looking forward to working with Chief Cunningham of the Kwikwetlem First Nations; in fact, my first official meeting as Mayor of Port Coquitlam will be to meet with Chief Cunningham tomorrow. We will discuss working together to ensure mutual respect and strengthen cooperation, communication and partnerships, creating opportunities for sharing cultures, including greater involvement of the Kwikwetlem First Nation in Port Coquitlam events and celebrations, and establishing ongoing communication channels, such as regular meetings.
Further, I look forward to working with our MLA, Mike Farnworth, and the provincial government. As you may know, I ran against Mike in 2005 for MLA. In the years that have followed, I have gotten to know Mike and respect his dedication to our community and I look forward to building on our friendship.
Over this same period, I have also developed a friendship with James Moore, our Member of Parliament and Minister of Heritage and Official Languages. I enjoy working with James and know that he always working on behalf of our residents.
Tonight, I have the honour and privilege of announcing the NEW standing committees. These committees will be a reflection of the needs of our community. Over the past 10 days, I have met with each Councillor and asked for their advice to ensure our team is working together. Input at all levels is an important part of decision-making.
Further, I will be providing direction to the committees to tackle tough issues facing our community. I will ask that each committee report back to Council with their findings and provide recommendations to Council on how to proceed.
With the exception of the Finance and Intergovernmental Committee, all of the standing committees will have at least two citizen advisors. Each advisor brings a unique perspective to the table that will enhance the discussion and decision-making process.
When our community comes together in 2009 to revisit the Community Corporate Strategic Plan, the City and Council will ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, comment and help lead our community.
If we are going to achieve success we must work together – it is said it takes a village to raise a child – I am asking our community to work together to make Port Coquitlam a better place for everyone.
As we work together, we will develop a strategy that reflects the type of community where we all want to live, raise our children, and retire.
Appointment of Standing Committees, External Boards and Commissions, and Civic Task Forces
Council has before them for approval the list of Standing Committees, External Boards and Commissions and Civic Task Forces. Before proceeding, I would like to note that there have been some changes to the standing committees, and I will highlight those changes as we go. Further, as noted earlier, I will be providing some additional direction for some of the committees. These additions are based on feedback received from the community and from Council.
Finance and Intergovernmental Committee
Local government plays a big role in the economic future of our community. The Finance and Intergovernmental Committee will continue to be responsible for matters pertaining to administration, audit, finance and human resources.
Chair - Mayor G. B. Moore
Council Representatives - Committee of the Whole, that is, all members of Council sit on this committee
Community Safety Committee
Community safety continues to be a top priority for our community. In addition to the responsibilities of the former Protective Services Committee, the Community Safety Committee will also be asked to provide recommendations to Council on better bear awareness and management strategies by May 2009.
Chair - Councillor Penner
Deputy Chair - Councillor West
Citizen Advisors – Liam Coughlan, Matthew Lees, Philip Warburton
Staff Resource - Ms. Mindy Smith, Director, Corporate Services Department
Environmental Enhancement Committee
This is an exciting time for this committee. The Environment Enhancement Committee will lead the City in developing its first ever environmental strategic plan! This is a process that Councillor Wright and I started two years ago and one that Councillor Penner and I continued with last year – this year it will come to reality!
In addition, I am asking the committee to enhance our urban forest and develop a tree-planting strategy that will add 50 trees to our community every year. I envision this process being done in cooperation with the Provincial Government Initiative - Trees for Tomorrow. By planting trees throughout our community, we will reduce our carbon footprint and beautify our City at the same time.
Chair - Councillor Forrest
Deputy Chair - Councillor Carroll
Citizen Advisors - Cole Bertsch, Gary Lin
Staff Resource - Igor Zahynacz, Director, Engineering & Operations Department
Healthy Community Committee
The City of Port Coquitlam is home to great recreation facilities, a trail network that is unparalleled, and a community arts village that offers endless opportunities for the development and celebration of arts and culture in our community. Guided by the 2007 Parks Recreation and Culture Plan, the Healthy Community Committee will be responsible for civic festivals, cultural events, recreation facilities, leisure activities and liaison with our community’s minor sports association. They will also play a lead role in supporting Port Coquitlam as an ‘Active Community’ and meeting our goal to increase physical activity in our community by 20% by the year 2010
Chair - Councillor Wright
Deputy Chair - Councillor West
Citizen Advisors – To be named at a later date one representative from each the Port Coquitlam Athletic Amateur Association; Wilson Centre Advisory Board; and Arts & Culture
Staff Resource - Barry Becker, Director, Parks & Recreation Department
Smart Growth Committee
The name of this committee reflects the need for smart growth in Port Coquitlam. Smart growth means implementing principles that sustain community and economic development; foster strong neighborhoods with diverse housing, commercial, and transportation options; and support a healthy community with a clean environment.
In addition to being responsible for development activities, such as building, downtown revitalization, economic development, the OCP and zoning, the Smart Growth Committee will be asked to develop two specific programs:
The first, is a bylaw and companion licencing program that will include developing Good Neighbour Agreements to allow us to control the number and the location of group, transition and recovery houses within our community.
The second, is an incentive program to encourage commercial redevelopment within our community.
Chair - Councillor Forrest
Deputy Chair - Councillor Pollock
Citizen Advisors - Lih-Ming Tam (representing the Downtown BIA), Dave Teixeira
Staff Resource - Laura Lee Richard, Director, Development Services Department
Social Inclusion Committee
In addition to the previous work of the Health and Social Issues Committee, I am also asking this committee to take the lead on heritage conservation strategies, which includes a Heritage Strategic Plan. In taking on responsibility for heritage, the Social Inclusion Committee will continue the work initiated by Council and lead the way in developing a vision for heritage. One that will lead to a strategy that will provide clear direction based on community support regarding the preservation of heritage buildings.
In addition, I am also tasking the Social Inclusion Committee with putting forward recommendations to Council for a framework that will assist in providing affordable non-market and public seniors housing.
Chair - Councillor Wright
Deputy Chair - Councillor Pollock
Citizen Advisors - Pat Dales; William Summerville; and Pippa Van Velzen
Staff Resource - Laura Lee Richard, Director, Development Services Department
Transportation Solutions & Operations Committee
This committee will be responsible for local improvement programs, road improvements, traffic safety, transportation and transit services to our community. Our community has grown quickly in recent years and we need to make sure our transportation solutions are keeping pace with that growth. One of the mandates of the Transportation Solutions & Operations Committee will be to implement Port Coquitlam’s Pedestrian and Bike Plan to ensure our citizens have healthy and environmentally-friendly transportation alternatives.
Chair - Councillor Penner
Deputy Chair - Councillor Carroll
Citizen Advisors - Shawn Madsen, David Mulligan, and Michael Thomas
Staff Resource - Igor Zahynacz, Director, Engineering & Operations Department
If you’ve heard me through my campaign you know that I plan to maintain the focus on ensuring that our administrative procedures are transparent and the governance style that we uphold is inclusive and allows for community involvement.
I want to thank those of you that put your name forward to serve as a volunteer on one of our many Task Forces or Committees. As noted earlier, almost all Standing Committees now include citizen advisors to assist Council in their decision-making process.
We also rely on citizens to assist us delivering our community’s many celebrations. In 2009 we will be maintaining the various Task Forces that organize these events and the Chair appointments to the Canada Day Task Force, the May Day Task Force, and the Rivers and Trails Festival Task Force will made in early 2009.
Council Community Connection Task Force
I have added a new Task Force to our roster and that is the Council Community Connection Task Force.
To be co–chaired by Erin Moore and Donna White, this task force will act as a conduit the citizens in our community and those of us that you have chosen to sit at the Council table on your behalf. Within our community we have an incredible variety of talented and engaged individuals, community groups and organizations. The Council Community Connection Task Force will reach out and invite our community to attend Council meetings with the objective of establishing connections through performance and presentations to City Council. Our Council Chambers will become a venue that showcases the many wonderful groups and residents that call Port Coquitlam home.
External Statutory Boards and Committees
Board of Variance
- Members - Paul Dufault (Chair), Dave Collard, George Leon, Janet Harvey, Peter Vogel
- Board of Directors - Mayor Greg Moore; Councillor Michael Wright (alternate)
- Labour Relations Bureau - Councillor Darrell Penner; Councillor Brad West (alternate)
- City Representatives - Councillor Michael Wright; Councillor Brad West (alternate)
- City Representatives - Councillor Sherry Carroll; Councillor Darrell Penner (alternate)
- Citizen Representatives - Dave Allen; Sean McCarron
Arts Connect
- Councillor Glenn Pollock; Councillor Michael Wright (alternate)
- City Representatives - Councillor Mike Forrest; Councillor Sherry Carroll (alternate)
- City Representatives - Councillor Brad West; Councillor Mike Forrest (alternate)
Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee
- City Representatives - Councillor Mike Forrest; Councillor Darrell Penner (alternate)
Over the next three years this Council will call on you and all of our residents to help lead our community. We ask that you work with us to make Port Coquitlam a better community for everyone.
Meeting adjournment
Greg Moore,
Mayor
