As part of our economic platform, the New West Progressives announced a series of targeted measures today aimed at strengthening the local and regional economy. Included in the plan are commitments to expand the number of Business Improvement Areas, develop a ‘one-staff interface’ model for business permit applications and designate and better promote a portion of Columbia Street as ‘Bridal Row’.
“We really believe the city can play an important role in helping to foster and facilitate economic growth,” says Bryn Ward, candidate for city council. “However, the reality is entrepreneurs face a lengthy and complicated system if they want to set up shop in our city. This needs to change or we’ll continue to see higher than normal commercial vacancy rates in our city.”
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The proposed economic initiatives also include the following:
- Fully integrating a streamlined business permit application process into a new 311 service.
- Introduce a ‘one-staff interface’ model whereby new businesses would only have to deal with a single city staff person to act as a ‘navigator’ to assist with all the necessary permitting and approval process.
- Implement a new Transitory Accommodation Fee with funds being directed to expand tourism and marketing initiatives.
- In consultation with our local business community, determine the feasibility of implementing an Unoccupied Business Property Tax to encourage landowners to lease out their properties – rather than having them needlessly sit empty and unused for extended periods of time.
- Limit average business tax increases to no more than the rate of inflation through 2022.
- Support the development of a Metro Regional Economic Development Strategy.
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“Our proposal balances the need for new taxes with the ability for our local business to actually pay for them,” says Paul McNamara, city council candidate. “Our team is committed to doing everything possible to keep business taxes in check as a means of ensuring we remain a competitive place to invest in our region.”
“When it comes to ‘Bridal Row’ our attitude is to embrace it and make it an ever-greater destination for brides and grooms as well as young graduates,” says Ward. “There is a great opportunity to use the high concentration of bridal shops to help attract even more related stores, cafes and unique restaurants.”
“A stronger economy allows us to grow our tax base and invest in new public amenities like an expanded Queen’s Park Arena and the Canada Games Pool redevelopment,” says Daniel Fontaine, city council candidate. “It’s critical we build on our strengths and send a strong message to businesses of all sizes that they are welcome in New Westminster.”
The New West Progressives have released several key policy platforms on other topic areas which are posted on their website. Additional policy announcements are planned for the coming weeks leading up to the October 20th civic election.
To read the entire Building a Stronger New West Economy plan click here.
To learn more about our candidates running for council, click on the links below:
Daniel Fontaine
Paul McNamara
Bryn Ward
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