Kay Khilvinder Hale 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.
I speak 5 languages; English, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi and Mandarin. Education; MBA in London England. 25+ years’ work experience.
Delta have 3 communities each is quite different and there is a “Psychological Separation” that requires a good line of communication.
As your City Councillor, I will build a community connection across all our diverse demographic.
City Hall has made some decision in the recent past without considering the input of the communities, i.e. awarding themselves a “Golden Handshake.” How about taking Care of the City rather than Self.
2. Most pressing issue – What issue are you most passionate about and what action will you take on it?
Fraser Crossing: This issue has become a political football between the 3 tiers of Governments. City of Delta immediate focus should be to upgrade the “Fraser Crossing” to move the Vehicle Traffic.
Advocating for a Mostar Bridge to accommodate the big LNG Tanker sailing up and down the River to the Tilbury LNG Plant, is misplaced priority.
My other concern is the casino project will inevitably heighten our traffic backup situation to new extreme, in the Lower Mainland.
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?
Use revenue from the casino to build high rise “Affordable Housing” on high density land parcels. Multi-family attached unit in 4/5 story high apartment towers.
Any zoning bylaw adopted by Council must be consistent with the Official Community plan.
Pass attainable, zoning bylaw to accommodate Secondary suites for rentals.
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?
Any Support or Recommendation regarding Cannabis; the Delta City must gather view of local residents prior to making any decision.
Prohibit Cannabis Production on the ALR land within the communities, or on land outside of ALR.
Government Cannabis Store must follow Operation Model to BC Liquor store
Cannabis store must be a stand-alone business
Strictly NO minor should be permitted in Cannabis store.
Issue Law Enforcement Officer with Road side detection devices to detect and quantify Cannabis Impairment
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?
I advocate for Dual Massey Tunnel at *half the cost because; *Less intrusion on Agricultural Land; *Less impact on critical migratory bird habitat;*No dredging or scouring that would negatively impact the Greatest Salmon habitat in the world.
Let us put our Political partisan aside and work with the Federal/Provincial governmental bodies involved to expedite the Fraser Crossing Project.
I support to Twin the Massey Tunnel. #let’s get the traffic moving!!
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?
Casino Revenue
1. Housing; should be used to build Affordable Housing and Senior Homes.
2. Hospital ;Address the shortfall at the Delta.
3. Update our Parks, Track and Field and Recreation Centres.
Negative Impact; To keep our communities safe we have to ensure our
1. Law Enforcement must keep vigilance of activities around the Casino Perimeters.
2. Need more dispensaries/clinic to help people with drug or gambling addictions
