For the second time in January, the NW Progressives (NWP) hosted a Neighbourhood Networking Night. About 25 people attended and had the opportunity to meet the founding members of NWP and discuss what should be the key issues discussed in the October civic election.
\”It was great to see so many people attend from Queensborough, Sapperton and a number of other neighbourhoods,\” says Daniel Fontaine, Chair of the NWP. \”This more intimate format allowed us to have an excellent two-way dialogue and delve into the issues of concern.\”
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Attendees raised issues and posed questions on a number of topics including affordable housing, public amenities, our new high school, value for taxes and heritage preservation to name but a few. Another big theme was the need for renewal at both the council and school board as well as the importance of keeping provincial and federal politics out of the municipal scene.
\”We need to do something soon to address the serious seismic issue of McBride school,\” says Danielle Connelly, Chair of NWP Communications. \”It would take only a moderate earthquake and there would be serious issues with the structural integrity of that old building.\”
The founding meeting of the NWP Society is scheduled for Thursday, Feb 1st. On the agenda will be the election of an executive as well as a motion to formally adopt a policy of running only a partial slate in the October 20th civic election.
\”One of the first motions we intend to pass is aimed at bringing balance back to city hall,\” says Lisa Falbo, Vice-Chair. \”One political organization currently controls all seven seats on council and that\’s not good for our city, not good for democracy.\”
The NWP is planning several other neighbourhood events and will be posting that information on its website in the coming weeks. If you want to host a Neighbourhood Networking Night, contact info@nwprogressives.ca or call 778-863-7201.