Confused enough yet?

Two slates out and rumours of two more.  Voters have choices to make with independents both on and off slates.  Voting is a huge responsibility requiring a lot of research and time to be informed so that the ones chosen do espouse and will carry out your vision of West Van's future.

On a cheerier note, how to start your day:

Main items Nov 7th; Calendar to Nov 14th+; INFObits (Millennium Court Case; Gordon Traffic; Old Growth Strategy; Overland/Bluffs; Adv Cmte Applications); Abbreviated Agenda Nov 7th; Halloween Humour; Quotations; ELECTION INFO/CAMPAIGN UPDATE; FAQ re municipal terms/definitions

=  VETERANS' WEEK: NOVEMBER 05 - 11

=  DVP: 5717 Eagle Harbour Rd

=  2005 Community Shuttle Operating Agreement - Lions Bay/Caulfeild

=  Correspondence:  PEAC, HAC, Police Board, Bd of Variance Minutes; Report from Mayor's Working Group on Immigration; Smart Growth BC Voter Education Guide; WV Cricket Club; MADD; WV Minor Hockey Assn; Bellevue Calming Project; LMTAC; utilities overview.

>>>  CALENDAR to Nov 11th/Headsup to 17th <<< [Mtgs at M Hall unless otherwise noted]

Featuring 18 significant residences and public buildings designed by well-known West Coast architects, focusing on design in relation to the coast landscape: Peter Cardew, Barry Downs, Arthur Erickson, Brian Hemingway, Fred Hollingsworth, Russell Hollingsworth, Zoltan Kiss, Brad [Lamoureux], Blair MacDonald, Henry Yorke Mann, Paul Merrick, Arthur Mudry, Helliwell-Smith, Mark Ostry, John & Pat Patkau, Ron Thom, Daniel White, and Bud Wood.

Free Evening Lecture  Nov 9 from 7-9pm:  Ferry Building Gallery, Abraham Rogatnick

~ 3:45 - 5:45 ~ YAC

~ 4:30 - 6:30 ~ EAC (check agenda)

~ 7 - 9pm ~ CSAC MOVED TO  NOV 15th

~ 6 - 8pm ~  PEAC - Presentation on the Shoreline Report by EAC mbr (about the best report I've ever seen come out of an adv cmte)

Graham Harrop, an editorial cartoonist for the Vancouver Sun, has [had] his cartoon Backbench featured in the Globe and Mail since 1988.  John E. Mythen's cartoons have enlightened the pages of several British publications.  He wrote and illustrated the book Claude: MSing around.

~ 10am - 3pm ~ WV Craft Market, Seniors' Centre and WV Aquatic Centre (lobby), info 925-7187

~ 5 - 7pm ~ HAC

Poetics/Architecture Exhibit: Free Evening Lecture 7-9pm:  Ferry Building Gallery - Abraham Rogatnick

=== FRIDAY, Nov 11th === HOLIDAY

~ 10:45am - noon ~ REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES, 1900 Marine Drive

Nov 13th = 7:50am = Khatsalano Road Race (Horseshoe Bay to Park Royal)

Nov 14th = Ccl Mtg CANCELLED

Nov 15th = YAC at 3:45pm; CSAC at 7pm

Nov 16th = FAC at 5:30pm; Bd of Variance at 7pm; Library Bd at 7pm;

Nov 17th = WV Streamkeepers' General Meeting at St Stephen's; Presentation on WV's Shoreline

Did you know that Millennium took the District to court Oct 7th?  It was about the vote.  They lost and had to pay costs.  A reader informed me about the case Friday Oct 28, and sent the url:

http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/Jdb-txt/SC/05/14/2005BCSC1499.htm

Update: talked to a councillor and he didn't know Millennium had taken DWV to court!

There appears to be a communication breakdown at the Hall.  Recall that a couple of the councillors hadn't seen the ad re EvDr in Tidings (perceived as supportive and paid for by residents' taxes) before it was put in.

Posted on the municipal website: <http://www.westvancouver.net/article.asp?a=3734&c=34>

        Thank you to all who came out to the Open Houses, and to those who have taken the time to comment on this project, either via email or phone calls.  We still welcome your input, and are sending this note to let you know where we are with this project and what our next steps are.

       Stakeholder consultations are currently underway.  This step involves speaking to residents' groups, Advisory Committees, and others who have indicated an interest in this area, to gather their perspectives and suggestions in a focused manner.  If we have not contacted your group yet and think we should, please send me a note by return email, and we will follow up.

       At the same time, draft concepts and options that could be included in the Strategy for Protection for the Old Growth Park are being formulated.  We will be scheduling an additional Open House so the public has a chance consider these draft concepts and options (and provide comment) prior to the step of drafting the Strategy for Protection itself. 

       We expect to hold this Open House in late November, and will get back to you with a firm date in the next couple of weeks. 

       In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, please do send them along.  Feel free to forward this note to anyone who you think would be interested in this project.

       Thanks for your participation and interest.

Ph:  (604) 925-7138; Fx:  (604) 925-7140; cambor@westvancouver.ca; www.westvancouver.ca/parks

                        For Immediate Release    November 3, 2005

West Vancouver, B.C. - The Coalition to Save Eagleridge Bluffs at Horseshoe Bay is once again calling on Premier Gordon Campbell and the Ministry of Transportation to reconsider their plans to build an overland route through Eagleridge Bluffs. The Coalition asserts that there is a better solution. Instead of building the overland route, the existing 2.5km highway from Horseshoe Bay to Pasco Road should be widened and straightened. This solution would preserve priceless ecosystems, recreational hiking trails, and community values while saving taxpayer dollars.

        The current provincial plan calls for blasting a 200 foot wide trench through the ecologically sensitive Eagleridge Bluffs and Larson Creek wetlands. Work is slated to begin shortly. "Widening the existing highway bed is a viable alternative to destroying the wetlands and bluffs," says Coalition President, Ernie Corlett. "We've spoken to highway engineers and it can be done." Several sections of the existing Sea-to-Sky have already been successfully widened and straightened. "The same technology could be used for the stretch of highway above Horseshoe Bay, saving taxpayers millions of dollars -- money that could go towards other projects where dollars are urgently needed, like healthcare and education," stated Corlett.

       The Ministry of Transportation has said construction costs for the 2.5km overland route will be $130 million. In comparison, the successful widening and straightening of a 1km highway test-section north of Pasco Road cost only $11 million. If the Horseshoe Bay to Pasco Road section costs are similar to the test-section costs this option would represent huge savings to the taxpayer. The coalition also believes the provincial government has underestimated the value of the land it intends to expropriate to construct the overland route. The government has set aside $15+million for expropriation. "In the past, when the provincial government expropriated land for the Upper Levels Highway and Cypress Bowl Road they also underestimated land value", says Corlett. "The actual expropriation costs turned out to be five times the government's original estimates."

       The Coalition predicts that land expropriation may end up costing an estimated $75 million. Improving the existing highway requires virtually no land to be expropriated - a significant savings for taxpayers. Furthermore, increased expropriation costs will be hidden because it is unlikely that government accounting procedures will include these expenditures in the final cost of the highway. Considering the cost savings in construction and land expropriation, combined with the environmental value of the bluffs and wetlands, the Coalition cannot understand why the government insists on the overland route. "If short term inconvenience during the construction period is valued above long-term loss of wildlife habitat in our society, we have some rethinking to do with regard to our values and how the government we elect reflects them," says coalition member Heather Drugge. "Premier Gordon Campbell announced his government's commitment to environmental sustainability, but how is this commitment being carried out in practice?"

       Widening and straightening the existing highway would significantly lower the proposed construction costs, virtually eliminate land acquisition costs, improve safety, and prevent the destruction and permanent loss of a highly valuable ecological and recreational treasure that thousands from the Lower Mainland and beyond come to visit and enjoy every year. The Coalition has previously warned that the government's overland plan will involve dangerously steep grades that could be made even more hazardous by the severe weather and fog which often shrouds the bluffs through which the proposed overland route will pass.

       The coalition continues to fight against the provincial government which intends to proceed with the overland route despite the opposition of the Mayors and Councils of North and West Vancouver as well as the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

The goal of the Coalition to Save Eagleridge Bluffs at Horseshoe Bay is to preserve the unique biodiversity of Eagleridge Bluffs, the Larson Creek Wetlands, and the Baden-Powell Centennial Trail that connects them. The Coalition consolidates public support for protecting the ecosystems that will be destroyed, while working to inform the provincial government that alternatives could save an irreplaceable natural environment meeting the criteria for function, longevity, safety and cost. For more information visit: www.eagleridgebluffs.ca

Contacts:

President, Ernie Corlett 604-618-5585; Secretary, Heather Drugge 604-868-1309

 

The District is now accepting applications from community members interested in participating on Council Advisory Committees and  Boards.  All applications received will be reviewed, after  which Council will make appointments to its advisory bodies in mid January 2006.

We are pleased to enclose an application package for Citizen Appointments to an Advisory Committee/Board of Council  and ask that you share this information with members of your association.

This information and application form is also available on our website at www.westvancouver.ca/committees.  Applicants are requested to mail; fax or deliver completed applications, together with a brief personal resume, to the Clerks Department, or email them to committee@westvancouver.ca.

For persons interested in the Library Board, please call 604-925-7410 for more information.

Should you have any questions, please call the Clerks Department at 604-925-7004 or email to committee@westvancouver.ca.

1.         CALL TO ORDER

VETERANS' WEEK

Presentation by Royal Canadian Legion, West Vancouver Branch 60, re Veterans' Week, November 05 - 11, 2005.

2.         APPROVAL OF AGENDA

3.         ADOPTION OF MINUTES, Oct 17

4.         REPORTS

4.1       Development Variance Permit Application No. 05-013 (5717 Eagle Harbour Road)             Designated Presenter:  Director of Planning, Lands & Permits
            At the October 17, 2005 meeting, Council received the report dated October 06, 2005 from the Assistant Planner titled "Development Variance Permit No. 05?013 (5717 Eagle Harbour Road)", a copy of which is attached for reference.

            RECOMMENDED:  THAT all written and verbal submissions...be received.

            If Council wishes a further staff report, then:

            RECOMMENDED: THAT staff report back to Council...

            OR
            RECOMMENDED:

            THAT the DVP Application (5717 Eagle Harbour Road), which would provide for a new single family dwelling with variances to setbacks, highest building face, retaining wall location and grade line, and rock removal be approved.

            Designated Presenter: Director of Planning, Lands & Permits

            RECOMMENDED:...be received

            Designated Presenter:  Director of Engineering and Transportation

            RECOMMENDED:  THAT

            1.         Council approve in principle those improvements to street lighting in the Ambleside Town Centre as recommended by this report.

            Designated Presenter:  Director of Parks & Community Services

            RECOMMENDED: THAT Council receive the staff report dated October 25, 2005...

            Designated Presenter:  Director of Engineering and Transportation

            RECOMMENDED:THAT

            1.         The report dated October 19, 2005 from the Transit Manager regarding the 2005 Community Shuttle Operating Agreement for transit services between Lions Bay and Caulfeild Village be received;

            2.         That the Mayor and the Municipal Clerk be authorized to execute the Agreement covering the period Sept 6, 2005 to December 31, 2005.

4.6       Gordon Avenue and Neighbourhood Area Traffic and Streetscape Study (Final Report)             Designated Presenter:  Director of Planning, Lands & Permits

            RECOMMENDED: THAT

            1.         The Gordon Avenue and Neighbourhood Area Traffic and Streetscape Study (Final Report) be referred to the Engineering Advisory Committee for comment; and

5.         BYLAW for Adoption

5.1       Zoning Bylaw 2200, 1968, Amendment Bylaw 4452, 2005 (Zoning Maps)

6.         REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS

7.         OTHER ITEMS

            7.1.1         Committee and Board Meeting Minutes

                              (a)       Parks & Environment Advisory Committee Minutes, September 14, 2005

                              (b)       Heritage Advisory Committee Minutes, June 14, 2005

                              (c)       Heritage Advisory Committee Minutes, September 15, 2005

                              (d)       West Vancouver Police Board, September 15, 2005

                              (e)       Board of Variance Hearing Minutes, September 21, 2005

            7.1.2         Staff and Students, St. Anthony's School, October 18, 2005, regarding Remembrance Day Service

                              Previously distributed [owing] to timing of event.

            7.1.3         B. Dubberley, Meeting Coordinator, City of Vancouver, City Clerk's Department, October 17, 2005, regarding Report from Mayor's Working Group on Immigration (File:  0190?01)

            7.1.4         C. Ho, Executive Director, Smart Growth BC, October 18, 2005, regarding Smart Growth BC Voter Education Guide

                              Attachments available for viewing in the Clerk's Department.

            7.1.5         D. Botwright, President, West Vancouver Cricket Club, October 20, 2005, regarding celebration of 50th Anniversary

                              Previously distributed due to timing of event.

            7.1.6         S. Gimse, Director, Union of British Columbia Municipalities and D. Wall, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Community Services, October 24, 2005, regarding Regional District Tool Kit

                              Attachments available for viewing in the Clerk's Department.

            7.1.7         Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Yellow Cab Company, undated, regarding Red Ribbon Launch Celebration on November 05, 2005

                              Previously distributed due to timing of event.

            7.1.8         Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), undated, regarding Annual Candlelight Vigil on November 22, 2005

            7.1.9         L. Turpin, on behalf of the Board of West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association, October 06, 2005, regarding public/private partnership for recreation facility

                              Referred to Director of Parks & Community Services for consideration and response.

            7.1.10       F. K. Watson, October 17, 2005, Bellevue "Calming" Project Suggestions regarding Policing in West Vancouver

                              Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response.

            7.1.11       R. Drew, Mayor, Chair, Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee, October 25, 2005, regarding Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee Technical and Strategic Working Group

                              Referred to Director of Administrative Services for consideration and response.

            7.1.12       R. Richards, October 26, 2005, regarding utilities overview

                              Referred to Director of Finance for consideration and response.

8.         PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS     //      9.         ADJOURNMENT

What's a zombie's favourite breakfast cereal?

Rice Creepies!

Why was Dracula not at his desk?

He was on his coffin break!

What does a weight-conscious vampire drink?

Blood Light!

Why didn't the skeleton dance at the Halloween party?

It had no body to dance with!

What do you call a goblin who gets too close to a bonfire?

A toasty ghosty!

Why was the mummy so tense?

He was all wound up!

What is a vampire's favourite mode of transportation?

A blood vessel!

Why does a witch ride on a broom?

Vacuum cleaners have to be plugged into the wall!

What do birds give out on Halloween?

Tweets!

What do you call a wicked witch who lives by the sea?

A sand-witch!

Who are some of the werewolves' cousins?

The whatwolves and the whenwolves!

What do you call a ghost with a broken leg?

A hoblin goblin!

What kind of errors do ghosts make?

Boo-boos and grave mistakes!

The most tyrannical of governments are those which make crimes of opinions, for everyone has an inalienable right to his thoughts.

                        -- Baruch Spinoza, philosopher (1632-1677)

Nothing so completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity himself, than straightforward and simple integrity in another.

                        -- Charles Caleb Colton, author and clergyman (1780-1832)

An idea is not responsible for the people who believe in it.

                        -- Don Marquis, humorist and poet (1878-1937)

Listed in WVM 31 were the candidates for the municipal election along with contact information.  The School Board candidates will be elected by acclamation.  Pam Goldsmith-Jones and Ron Wood are contesting the mayoralty.

There are 16 candidates for Ccl:

Louise AIRD, Sean ALLAN, John CLARK, Rod DAY, Michael EVISON, Jean FERGUSON, Gus KROLL, Doug LANG, Rob PELLATT, Mehrdad (Med) RAHBAR, Carolanne REYNOLDS, Michael SMITH, Bill SOPROVICH, Hakan TELENIUS, Vivian VAUGHAN, Tom WARDELL.

===  BPAHA: 7pm ACM Tuesday Oct 25: speeches and questions at Collingwood School

+ UPDATE: All candidates made an opening statement and a minute wrapup; during the question session between, five ccl candidates did not get asked to speak at all while a few of the others spoke more than once.

Directors:  Bruce Campbell, Eric Cant, Jim Carter, Martin Ernst, Frances Gray, Roger Garriock, Russell Hollingsworth, Harold Kalke (President), Patricia Lepp, Carol Ludvigsen, Paola Merkins, Lee O'Neill, Gene Quan, Chuck Walker.

ACM Wed Oct 19 had a statement from each and then one question for each candidate (a few got more than one).

On Thursday Oct 27, speeches were made (four minutes for mayor, three minutes for council), then the Board recommended a slate: Pam Goldsmith-Jones for Mayor; and for Council: Sean Allan, John Clark, Jean Ferguson, Michael Smith, Bill Soprovich, and Vivian Vaughan.

Under their system, there is then a vote (by members who had joined by Oct 19th) and as a result, Rod Day replaced Sean Allan on their slate.

As far as I can tell, all were interviewed.  Not all candidates joined WVCGG however, and a few candidates started in the summer getting their supporters to join, since aware the recommendation can be overturned by the vote.  Also, have been told that the membership this year was more than twice that of last election.  Clearly a lot more 'interest'.

Some will recall that in 2002, they suddenly stopped issuing the ballots at 7:30 in spite of the fact some candidates had been told the deadline was 8pm.  Some who were turned away refused to join this year.  This year, it is interesting to note, they went back to the previous way, that is issuing ballots until after the council candidates had finished their speeches.

They have no members per se (well, no fees, but an email list) but they have directors (not elected).  There was no ACM.  The website lists after Keith Pople (Chair): Noah Bowman, Peter Cruikshank, Andrea Flintoft, Colin Hunt, Debbie Nichol, Joan Ramsay, Roff Johansson, John R Uren, Gordon Ward Hall, Marion Ward Hall; however I have been informed that although five directors were absent the meeting was held with selection made by nine voting for their slate: the six directors present were Keith Pople, Peter Cruikshank, Andrea Flintoft, Joan Ramsay, Gordon Ward Hall, and Marion Ward Hall; the three other people voting were Dick and Judy O'Callaghan, and David Stephenson.

Although Roff Johansson is listed as a director on the website, I understand he resigned before the selection meeting.  The selection was made by the six directors listed above, two members, and a third (member of TWASHA) invited to participate.

As reported in the North Shore News, the Board did not interview all the candidates.  In fact they also refused to interview at least one.  (Obviously their prerogative to make a decision.)  Except for Keith Pople who has attended many more ccl mtgs, and David Stephenson who attended every council item wrt Evelyn Drive, the other directors have attended several ccl mtgs.

These nine at their mtg at a director's home chose: Pam Goldsmith-Jones for Mayor; John Clark, Rod Day, Michael Smith, Bill Soprovich, Vivian Vaughan, and Hakan Telenius.

===  Chamber of Commerce All Candidates' Mtg (ACM), held Nov 3rd at KMC.

The moderator announced that this was an information session and the Chamber does not endorse any candidates.

The meeting started with a lively session with speeches and questions given to both mayoralty candidates.  About half the audience left soon after the mayoralty part.

For the 16 candidates for council, the format was two minutes for introduction and two minutes for 'wrapup'.  During the question portion there were eight questions asked and then stating there were no more questions, it ended early with the wrapup statements with the moderator saying people could talk to candidates after the meeting.  Although 16 responses were given, only ten candidates had questions directed to them, again six did not get to answer at all.  Jeanie had three questions and two questions were directed to Mike Smith, John Clark, Sean Allan, and Tom Wardell.  While with 2010 coming I'm sure that B&Bs are of interest, no one I spoke with thought it was one of the top or pressing issues of concern to WV residents at this time yet a question about B&Bs was directed to six candidates!  That means six of the 16 responses the public heard were about B&Bs.

7pm informal coffee/mingling with session starting at 7:30 at Gleneagles Community Centre.

There will be an introductory statement and a wrapup statement by each candidate.  There may be two set questions of interest to WRA and then the candidates will be asked to respond to questions.

RECOMMENDATION:

There has not been much of an opportunity to hear what all the candidates have to say -- very uneven.  Attend mtgs, read the pamphlets, check the backgrounds/experience/claims, read the North Shore News and Outlook -- make an informed choice.

Several of us hope there'll be another ACM the last week of the campaign period that will give each candidate equal time and to answer some of the major issues facing the municipality and to give their views on improvements for the coming term as well as their vision.

STAY TUNED!

WVM will continue to try to provide you with facts and updates.

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document had been drafted to provide background information on the main issues in this year's municipal election campaign.
*** PROCESS

Everyone is talking about improving "Process". They're talking about the process for an application for development, for upzoning or higher density. An integral, and in my view essential, aspect is the restoration of residents' rights to provide relevant information before a motion is passed at an advisory committee meeting making a recommendation to Council. At present ONLY the developer/applicant is permitted to speak to the committee before the vote on the recommendation. The goal ought to be cooperation and partnership, not developer-driven.

= RESIDENT INPUT: right from the beginning (see Residents' Rights) so neighbours know what is being proposed for their area and can work in cooperation so density, traffic, views, heights can be addressed early, thus encouraging consensus rather than resistance and animosity.

= RESIDENT SHARE of profits enabled by Council decisions: see Community Benefits

Status reports should be available so residents informed and up to date with what's happening in their neighbourhood and community. This would have helped avoid:

3 - a surprise as to what municipal land will be sold to help finance the new community centre b/c that's how Council says it will be funded -- shouldn't we know what property is be considered for sale? the police station? the Wetmore property? the Gertrude Lawson House (which houses the WV museum and some want moved to the waterfront)? municipally-owned waterfront lots or leasing commercial ventures there? what else? Residents should be able to voice their choices.

For example changing an area's zoning from single-family to multifamily (obviously the value of the property increases). See also UPLIFT.
*** DENSITY

units per acre (upa) as well as FAR/FSR -- two units per acre, ten units per acre -- this increase indicates higher density, that is higher value. See also UPLIFT.

Floor Area Ratio = Floor Space Ratio

This is the ratio of the structure's square footage to the size/square footage of the lot.

Say your lot is 10,000 square feet. If you have a house (regardless of whether on one, two, or more storeys) that is 5,000sqft, that's .50FAR. If your house is 3,500sf, that's .35FAR (that's the limit at present in most of WV). To have a 1.0FAR, that means your building can be the same, 1 to 1, that is 10,000sf, same as the lot. In order not to cover the whole property which is a 1.0FAR, the building has to be more than one storey. The more storeys, the more green space. The lower the FAR, the more green space.

One way to keep your neighbourhood's character is to want to and plan to do so!

A municipal bylaw is unsatisfactory since one size does not fit all.

Get together and come up with guidelines of what aspects you want to keep. Present them to staff and Council to formalize them.

This has been done with the establishment of the Lower Caulfeild Conservation Area Committee (meets to discuss new devts and changes). Altamont has recommended guidelines the residents devised. Clovelly Walk area residents have started. Horseshoe Bay wants to as well.
*** UPLIFT

The increase in value of property as a result of upzoning and higher density being granted by Council. A property with one house on a lot changed to three houses on the lot can be worth three times as much. Example:

On Gordon Avenue next to Kiwanis, there were three single-family homes assessed at about half a million dollars each and the three lots were upzoned to allow ten units, each of which selling for about $1m. The gross increase may be $8.5m and the net increase should be calculated (sometimes utilities have to be put in and there may be other development cost charges as in a subdivision).

Once uplift is calculated as part of the application process for upzoning, there can be a formula for sharing the higher value with the residents, ie not all to the developer, some back to the community in exchange for the increased assessments. Benefits can be in the form of money, parks, rec facilities, youth and senior programs, environmental studies or restoration, funds for cultural, historical, heritage, arts, streamkeeper projects, thus lessening the need for raising taxes or user fees or raising taxes. The important part is that development in the community ought to be conducted as a partnership, both the residents/community and the applicant/owner sharing the bounty -- both benefiting.

AN IMPORTANT MATTER B/C COUNCIL TOOK AWAY A PERSON'S RIGHT TO SPEAK TO A COMMITTEE ITEM

Since the right for residents to speak was removed, an omission in the data provided cannot be provided, a false claim by an applicant cannot be corrected prior to the committee's motion of recommendation to Council. There is the temptation of a developer to omit some factors and present a rosier picture than is actually the case in order to get a favourable recommendation.

NB: At the committee stage developers can say whatever; my proposal is that resident input be restricted to facts, b/c opinions and lobbying are appropriate only in front of Council at a council meeting, ie not within the mandate of volunteer members providing advice. On the other hand, the committee providing advice to Council ought to have all the facts on which to base their recommendation.

~ A REGISTER ought to be established for residents to request notification on items of interest to them. For example, residents can say they wish to be notified of proposals for their neighbourhood, of the next council meeting agenda, of advisory committee meetings (time, place, agenda) such as Planning or Parks, of press releases, of traffic studies, of rezoning plans. With notification by email or fax, there is negligible costs for this service -- just the press of a button.

~ STATUS REPORTS on applications and developments should be made available to all on request (by email or fax or on website; or regularly at each step on ccl mtg agenda).

Many are unsure of procedures, which staff or department can help them, what the next step is, when they can expect an answer to their letters or queries. If this position is established, it can be a citizen's "key to the Hall". The ombudsman can direct citizens to the right person, put them on the right track. At present, the uncertainty means citizens often ask several people, wasting staff time and experiencing frustration.

The Resident Register List above is for notification for information. There should also be a Register set up to facilitate finding housing options for West Vancouver residents. If permission for more multifamily housing is simply given, these units will be taken up by people from everywhere. There will be market housing, however if our aim is to provide housing for West Van residents who want to stay here, then we must find a way to make sure they are taken care of. One way could be compiling a list with size of unit (approximate, ie a range) and a sort of reservation system. This could then be shared with developers and once a location has been found (in consultation with the neighbourhood of course, or above shops in a commercial area), arrangements could be made to ensure the West Van residents get to stay in West Van! When granting an increase in density for instance, Council must ensure a portion of units be available to West Vancouver seniors.  As a Community Benefit?

West Van Matters is a weekly newsletter (available free by email) reporting on Council meetings and other significant events in our community. See www.westvan.org for past issues. A limited number of printed copies are distributed -- to the library, the Seniors' Centre, and some local coffee shops.

If you have any comments/questions about any of the issues in this campaign, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I've attended ccl mtgs since 1988. -- Carolanne Reynolds, cr@carolanne.org, 604 628 9333