Dan Copeland is one of the Delta council candidates running in this month's civic election. Here are his responses to a questionnaire from the Optimist:
1. Bio – Tell readers a bit about yourself and why you are running for office.
For 36 years I have lived, worked and raised my family in Delta. In my position as Delta’s Fire Chief, I understood the importance of being an effective leader and critical thinker. My experience building relationships with municipal, provincial and federal leaders will serve an asset on Council. I plan to listen carefully and consider your ideas, perspectives and concerns.
2. Most pressing issue – What issue are you most passionate about and what action will you take on it?
I am most passionate about continuing to keep Delta safe with properly resourced emergency services. As Delta’s Fire Chief, I worked with various levels of government to advance training for Delta’s fire fighters responding to medical aid calls. Being trained as Emergency Medical Responders enhances the level of life saving care that fire fighters provide. I will ensure we continue advancing this initiative and others that specifically benefit Delta residents.
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?
What drew me and my family to Delta 36 years ago is the strong sense of community fostered by the character of our neighborhoods. Maintaining this character while understanding the need for more housing options in paramount. Creating a plan that reflects the values of existing citizens through extensive consultation is our goal. Achieving for Delta brings together experience and leadership that will deliver a plan to keep young families and seniors living and thriving in this community.
Our plan will:
* Provide more housing options for young families, seniors, and those who need help
* We will work with provincial and federal governments and collaboratively with local builders
* We will focus on the need for more options such as: housing that will be for rental, for those looking to downsize, and young families looking to enter the market
* We will maintain the character of our existing neighbourhoods
* We won’t comprise our existing green spaces
* We will seek opportunities for housing development close to town centres, situated in close proximity to local shops and restaurants also helping Delta businesses to thrive
Move forward with a plan that addresses the need for more rental housing options and provides homeowners with the ability to more easily offer secondary suites. All without impacting the character and safety of our existing neighborhoods.
* Review and revise the building permit process
* Reduce timelines to ensure projects are completed quickly
* Reduce cost to the purchaser or renter
* Invest new revenue streams back into Delta’s facilities, infrastructure, and vital community services
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?
It is important to understand that the provincial and federal governments control where legalized marijuana can be grown. It is our positions that ALR lands should be used solely for its intended use: food production.
Our plan for a safer Delta includes establishing a Public Safety Committee chaired by myself (Former Delta Fire Chief) and former Delta Police Sergeant Cal Traversy. Through consultation with Delta Police, department directors and other community representatives we will determine the location of retail stores. We want to ensure that any plan we approve considers the safety of our community and most importantly our youth. It our top priority that legal marijuana does not end up in the hands of our youth, which means that retail locations must not be anywhere near our schools.
The bottom line is that this is a complex transition that require careful consideration and a solid plan. Achieving for Delta will draw on our team experience, expertise and leadership to navigate this smoothly. I am committed to ensuring our actions follow this plan.
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?
Delta Residents deserve a safer, more efficient commute. Achieving for Delta remains committed to addressing the issue of George Massey traffic. We need to move forward with a bridge. The bridge option has the least impact on the Agricultural Land Reserve and will dramatically improve emergency response times. We will work with all levels of government to ensure we continue putting Delta residents before politics.
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?
Should the BCLC move forward with Gateway Casino project, our position is that we should:
* Ensure revenues from the Casino are invested back into our community to help those most in need
* Keep Delta safe by keeping crime out of our city
* Fight for a new Massey Bridge – because a casino at the intersection of Hwy 99 and 17A will only add to the already unacceptable traffic congestion
Achieving for Delta is the only slate with a plan to:
* Invest Casino revenue back into Delta
* Lead an effort to stop money laundering should the project receive final approval
* Provide assistance to Delta families experiencing substance abuse and mental health challenges
* Keep dirty money out of Delta by working with the Attorney General and the Union of BC Municipalities to implement a system for cashless casinos
We believe that Delta can and should be at the forefront of initiating a systemic change that would virtually end money laundering in our casinos. There is no place for that in Delta or in our province. The entire Achieving for Delta team has the proven leadership and experience to get this done.
