Practical Climate Action

Climate change should be a priority at all levels of government. I have led a climate activist team for seven years with Force of Nature.  Our advocacy led to Coquitlam adopting a net zero target for the entire community by 2050. From day one I will call for practical solutions, like zero emission heating in all new buildings. There is a detailed climate platform on my website.

Affordable Housing

Housing a human right. Coquitlam’s housing needs report from February 2022 identifies high needs for seniors, the homeless, renters, and families looking for more than two bedrooms. I am calling for new citywide planning to include measurable goals to address these needs. I value every member of our community. No one should have to leave Coquitlam because they cannot afford to stay.

Fair Democracy

Coquitlam city council should represent the interests of all residents of Coquitlam equally. More diverse perspectives should be included in decision making, I will bring diverse people and their perspectives to the council process. I have not taken any money from people associated with real estate developers, and will represent all of the residents of Coquitlam.

Human Rights

Government has a responsibility to protect human rights. This means considering the needs of diverse people. Our city should be inclusive, accessible, affordable and anti-racist. We must recognize the traditional unceded territory of the indigenous people and their claim on the land.

Sustainable Growth and Development

Our city is growing and city council has the responsibility to guide growth in a way that is good for the people and the environment:

Allow People to Choose A Car-Free Lifestyle

Planning a city where people can choose to live without a car means less traffic and less emissions. Medium density zoning along transit routes, allowing car-free buildings, and mixed-use neighbourhoods where people can reach all services within a 10 minute walk will allow many residents to choose not to spend 10 to 30 thousand dollars per year on a personal vehicle.

Safe Walking and Biking Routes

Coquitlam residents want better walking and biking infrastructure, including, separated protected bicycle lanes, wide continuous sidewalks, and important services like washrooms, wayfinding signs, and bicycle storage. We can build these improvements this year without increasing property tax, by allocating development cost charge income.

Protect The Natural Environment

Residents of Coquitlam love the natural habitat including the forests, waterways and wildlife. We must protect our natural areas, valuable trees, and ecological neighbourhoods, which provide relief from increasing summer heat and homes to millions of species of plants and animals. Maintaining the health of our watershed includes guaranteeing the quality of the water that flows into our streams and rivers.