Darcy Green 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.
I have been a resident of North Delta for 18 years, but it is the last 5 years that have made me want to run for council. I am seeing my close friends forced to leave the community they have called home for their entire lives and I am hearing from residents that their concerns are not being listened to.
2. Most pressing issue – What issue are you most passionate about and what action will you take on it?
Delta needs an integrated strategic plan for housing, development, economic growth and transportation. Council needs to ensure the Official Community Plan includes the development of Neighbourhood Area Plans. Delta’s neighbourhoods have very different needs and more specific area plans created with residents in mind would ensure the needs of each individual area is met. Extensive public consultation on this will be key, as the wisdom of residents cannot be understated.
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 will push for the creation of specific neighbourhood plans that keep existing residents in mind and a comprehensive housing strategy. I will work closely with residents and developers to incentivize increasing rental inventory and work to allow more creative affordable housing options (co-housing, tiny homes, co-ops) in Delta. We must start thinking outside the box when working to solve the housing crisis in Metro Vancouver.
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?
I have heard the farming community’s concerns loud and clear. Cannabis is grown in industrial greenhouses often built on top of pristine farm land. This is not necessary and we must take steps to ensure that ALR land is reserved for agricultural purposes only. In regards to retail, cannabis should be sold in specifically zoned areas in Delta. Cannabis users should not have to leave Delta to make their purchases and allowing retail sales in Delta will create local jobs and keep tax revenue from retail cannabis in the local community. We must also ensure law enforcement and public safety officials are equipped with the right tools and resources to handle the legalization of recreational marijuana.
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?
The George Massey Tunnel allows an average of 80000 vehicles daily and millions of dollars worth of goods to pass through Delta each year, but is at its capacity. We need to create a better pathway for these people and goods to travel. I would continue to advocate for a bridge over twinning the tunnel, as it allows for more ALR land to be protected, better flow of traffic, and provides easier access for first responders during emergencies. Ultimately, this decision lies with other levels of government and we must pressure the provincial government to make a decision and start this project as soon as possible.
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?
It is estimated that Delta will receive between $1.5-3 million annually in casino revenues. I would use most of these funds to improve access to resources and training for first responders. Delta’s reputation as a safe, family-centred community must be maintained. I would allocate the remainder of the funds to improve mental health and addictions services in Delta.
