BURST
There are a lot of common themes among voters heading to the polls on Oct. 17 to elect a new municipal government in their city. Cost of living, public safety and transportation being among them. But there is also pride of place and belief in their community.
Watch what voters have to say below:
Vancouver
The cost of living seems the most important thing to Vancouver voters, according to street interviews. Transit was also important, with calls for more bike lanes and the removal of parking fees at city beaches.
Public safety was also important. Some voters called for more mental-health services, while others called for more policing.
Surrey
Public safety was top of mind for voters in Surrey, with concerns ranging from street disorder to extortion and gangs. “Every night I hear sirens,” said one person.
While residents offered a mixed response on whether the new Surrey Police Service has improved the community, a broader sense of pride remains for the city’s diversity, education system and public transit.
Coquitlam
Front and centre for Coquitlam voters is traffic, which has grown worse over the years. There is praise for the city’s parks, but concern over highrise developments.
Delta
Among the concerns of Delta voters is the adoption of the provincial government’s Bill 44, which requires municipalities to allow small-scale, multi-unit housing in single-family neighbourhoods. There is also a call for the city to work more closely with the Ministry of Health to prevent closures of the emergency room at Delta Hospital and do a better job of helping to provide school supplies to children.
Richmond
Drug use and homelessness were the biggest issues for voters interviewed. Property owners talked about being uncomfortable on the streets for the first time. The were also calls for the construction of affordable housing, amid concerns about the rising cost of living.
New Westminster
In New Westminster, the big issues are public safety and taxes. Voters say Columbia Street needs to be cleaned up and efforts made to get business tenants into empty storefronts. Taxes in New West are among the highest in any Metro Vancouver municipality and that needs to addressed, voters said.