Time to Limit International Ownership

I read the highlights of the 2019 BC provincial government budget and there is nothing substantive that further tackles affordable housing, other than more modular housing for the homeless, which is fine, except that once a person secures a place within a modular...

Is it time for parents to put down their cell phones?

Reflecting back on the first cell phone that I became aware of in 1985, called the Motorola 8000X, which affectionately became knowns as “The Brick,” due to it weighing 28 ounces (840g), I don’t think anyone of my generation, outside of those in the industry, foresaw...
Books of Influence

Books of Influence

If I had to narrow down the two books that have influenced me the most, I would have to start with one of the first mystery books that I read when I was just a teenager. I am not even sure of the name, but I believe it was the Stone Carnation. My mom was an avid...

Medicinal Pot coming to a farmer’s field near you?

At a recent Maple Ridge council meeting with Member of Parliament, Randy Kamp, the proposed changes to the federal Marijuana Medicinal Access regulations  were discussed. Mr. Kamp highlighted that the government is proposing to have changes in place by 2014, which...

Can we handle our alcohol?

  One of my most compelling bodies of work that one may not connect to a municipal councillor is in the area of alcohol. I inherited the role of the chair of the Substance Misuse Prevention Committee, SMPC, at its inception over 6 years ago when I was a school...
On Youth and Tragedy

On Youth and Tragedy

I have to admit that after the election the usual activities of politics and the lead up to Christmas took over my life and I was remiss in returning to my website until now (mid-February). However, I did find great satisfaction in the area of blogging and answering...

Bylaws and Water

I received a request for clarification from a local home owner, and thought I would share my answers here on my blog. 1) curious what you mean by update by-laws – does this concern the recent upset by local by-laws personnel and interpretation of current bylaws?...

Cycling Coalition Questions

Questions from Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter,  Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition 1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver? I drive my car, ride my bike and walk in my community. If I go into Vancouver I...

Albion: Worth The Weight

It is safe to say that during the election my activities increase to the point I am guaranteed at least a five pound weight loss, due to the amount of meals I forego to get out the door and onto the campaign trail. If you think this is not a good thing, it simply...