Alicia Guichon is one of the Delta council candidates running in this month's civic election. Here are her responses to a questionnaire from the Optimist:
1. Bio – Tell readers a bit about yourself and why you are running for office.
Hi there, my name is Alicia Guichon and I have been lucky to call Delta home for my entire life. Shortly after graduating from UBC, my sister and I opened Backroads Family Farm Market, where we sell local produce while in season. My job has allowed me to connect with this community and I see running for Council as an extension of that.
2. Most pressing issue – What issue are you most passionate about and what action will you take on it?
As a proud 5th generation farmer the preservation of agricultural land is something I will fight to protect. Delta is home to some of British Columbia’s most productive farmland, but during the last ten years provincial/federal governments have allowed over 1,000 acres of that land to disappear. Delta Council needs a strong voice from the farming community and I am committed to keeping farming viable in Delta for future generations.
3. Housing – Delta’s housing stock, developed largely in the 1960s and 1970s, is under pressure. What are your plans to ensure there are affordable housing options and what will you do to protect the integrity of existing neighbourhoods?
I agree that Delta needs more housing options that make sense for both young families starting up and seniors looking to downsize. The availability in the rental market is also a gap that needs to be filled. I have lived in 3 different rentals in the last 10 years and have been grateful for those options, too. Yet traffic and congestion need to be addressed before moving forward with any new developments and the character of our communities must not be compromised as this is one of the reasons that make Delta feel like home for many of us.
4. Marijuana – The legalization of marijuana in Canada has created a number of issues for local government. Do you have concerns over where cannabis could be grown and where it could be sold in Delta?
Yes, I have concerns regarding where our provincial and federal governments have decided that marijuana can be grown. As a farmer, I do not believe that ALR land, more specifically greenhouses, should be converted from food production. There are warehouses in industrial areas that have proper air filtration systems and security measures that would ensure they would be good neighbours to our small communities. The odour is currently a problem that needs catching up with and needs to be rectified immediately. As for retail locations, I believe taking this step will be a slow and monitored process in Delta. Our biggest concerns should be that it will not disrupt the integrity of our community and make sure to keep it out of the hands of youth.
5. Lobby for bridge/crossing – The City of Delta has been an outspoken advocate for a new Fraser River crossing, specifically the 10-lane bridge approved by the former Liberal government. Would your administration continue to advocate for the bridge or do you support a different approach?
Our slate Achieving for Delta have been strong advocates for a bridge crossing since we announced our run. In their previous roles, George Harvie and Mayor Lois Jackson have fought relentlessly for the people of Delta about a new crossing, with a bridge preference, and I will continue that fight. Delta residents deserve a safer and more efficient commute. I would strongly advocate for additional public transit options, such as light rail or rapid transit designations for the bridge. A bridge also has the least invasive footprint on our surrounding farmland and that is very important to me.
6. Casino – Delta council’s approval of Gateway’s casino proposal was not without controversy. With construction poised to begin soon, what do you plan to do with casino revenues and what measures do you plan to take to ensure a casino isn’t a negative impact on the community?
Although current council approved of the controversial casino proposal we must move forward and ensure that our community identity stays intact and that all safety precautions are upheld. I have full confidence that our Delta Police Department and Delta Fire Department will continue to keep our community’s safety as the top priority in this project. Our team has committed to investing all revenues from the casino back into our community to help those in need and where needed. Our team is also the first to advocate for cashless casinos in Delta (and the province) to help curb money laundering fears. We will take all necessary precautions moving forward with this project and ensure that the safety of our residents and integrity of our community are at the forefront.
