Michael Evison

We need to better articulate the goals and visions for our community. Our collective heritage contributes to the beauty and liveability of our community. It anchors our memories and enhances our social and economic well-being. Heritage is everyone's business; heritage needs to be part of everyday decision making.

Housing needs continue to be more diverse and therefore a greater challenge.  Today more and more people recognize that it is imperative we provide more alternative housing for downsizing seniors, young professionals and some less fortunate than the perceived West Vancouver profile.  The Kiwanis are supporting the latter group with a proposed development on 21st St. and a number of corporate investors are filling some of the needs of the seniors group, but we need to do more to encourage original innovative designs to meet the mid-sized housing market.

Council has now tabled a preliminary arts strategy report for public discussion.  The report outlines the need, opportunity and a plan to fulfill the community’s long established goal to have a strong arts presence  along the waterfront to compliment the Ferry Building and the Silk Purse.  We need to adopt the report and rigorously develop an action plan.

Council and staff have continued to seek opportunities to improve the way we budget, report and manage business activities.  For the three year period 2009 -11, West Vancouver reported the lowest municipal portion tax increase of all the Metro Vancouver municipalities.

Council has embarked upon an ambitious plan to develop the 1300 block Marine Drive as part of the Municipality’s long established Ambleside revitalization plan,  Concurrently, a new building is planned for a combined public safety facility ( Police and Firehall) adjacent to the Municipal Hall on 17th St.  A future council will need to aggressively implement  the program to deliver the public service and safety facilities rightly expected by West Vancouver residents.