Dear Residents:
The Municipal Election in North Vancouver District is set for October 20th this year and I am running for re-election for my fifth term on Council.
Over the last four years, this Council has completed many infrastructure projects included in our Capital Program. These include the new Delbrook Recreation Centre, replacement and widening of the Keith Road Bridge, a new bridge over Mosquito Creek, the Philips Avenue Overpass, which adjoins the site of the new Sewer Treatment Plant, now under construction, and the Lower Mountain Highway interchange project. The latter project alone costs $200 Million and will create unfettered east-west traffic flow and independent highway movement.
In accord with our Official Community Plan redevelopment is well underway in Edgemont Village, Lynn Valley Town Centre and Lower Capilano. A confluence of market forces; low-interest rates, international demand, inward migration and pent-up demand over a period of minimal growth, have all contributed to a multitude of starts on many projects. Unfortunately, this has placed stresses on our community, particularly on local traffic. Major Metro Vancouver water projects and the renovation/replacement of single family homes has exacerbated this situation, by creating hundreds of commuting tradespeople from the suburbs.
As we head into fall we are experiencing a gradual decline in the condominium and home markets as part of the economic cycle. However, the apartment building rental market remains strong, which reflects the demand for rental and specifically affordable rental. Re-development sites are the principal sources for producing new units, which often has negative consequences for current residents. There are major challenges in redirecting developers from pursuing redevelopment of existing ageing rental buildings where lands are designated for rezoning in the OCP. The District has one of the better residential tenant relocation assistance policies and generally is able to stipulate that all displaced tenants have the right of first refusal in new buildings. We also insist that the number of new rentals equals or exceed the former ones.
Over the last few years, we have partnered with non-profit housing societies and the Provincial and Federal Governments to provide affordable rental housing on District Land. Negotiations occur on all major developments to provide a component of affordable units and units for those with disabilities. Generally, these arrangements come with concessions in terms of density or height.
Our Society is changing and the North shore is not immune. Modern cities face costly and complex problems. There are no simple solutions to our housing and traffic challenges.
I commit to innovation in seeking solutions to housing options and to establish the financial resources to achieve that goal. My objective is to retain the essential character of our Municipality and to include a spectrum of residents of all ages and income in our Community.
We still have many challenges in the areas of infrastructure replacement, and transit planning incorporating the principles of sustainability, livability and environmental protection. I continue to believe that our greatest challenges will be financial. In addition to our own operating and capital programs, other government costs loom large, specifically water and sewer fees and levies from Trans Link which are unfortunately based on property values
I would appreciate your support on Election Day. I’ve lived in Lynn Valley with my wife Marilyn for the past 40 years. We have three grown daughters; Jacqueline who’s an engineer, Gillian who is a firefighter and Rosalyn who is now a teacher. We have seven grandchildren and are fortunate that they all live here on the North Shore. The future of this Community lies with our children and it is critical that we maintain some degree of affordability and housing forms that will allow this to happen.
The future well being of this community we live in is foremost in my mind. I look forward to continuing to represent the interests of you, your family and all citizens of the District over the next four years.
Yours truly,
Robin Hicks
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE:
Robin knows that sound financial management is critical in government. He’s a Chartered Accountant and during his career, has been Chief Financial Officer in public practice, industry and local government. His focus on Council will always be sound financial management, transparency and accountability in the pursuit of economic stability and progress.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER:
Robin believes that volunteers are the most important resource that community organizations have. It’s an important way of giving back and helping to create a healthy and more vibrant community. Robin has acted as Treasurer for four community organizations, coached soccer, taught finance in our local schools’ Junior Achievement program, and acted as a tax preparer for low-income seniors.
FAMILY LIFE:
Robin has lived in North Vancouver District for 40 years and understands and responds to expectations that people in this District have of their municipal government. He is seeking re-election because he loves the North Shore and is determined to see that it continues to be one of the best and healthiest places to live in BC for all families, including his three children and seven grandchildren.
