We’ve Got Issues host Brad Nickason is joined by Port Moody City Council candidate Diana Dilworth.

Raising a family and living in the community influences Diana’s decisions as a Councillor. Diana was initially inspired to run when she noted the voice of women and young families was missing. Women bring empathy, sympathy, soft skills, and a loud voice to Council.

Diana learned a lot about how governance works during her first years on City Council. Early accomplishments include banning use of cosmetic pesticides, helping write the first Sustainability Plan to guide sustainable development and climate action, and legalizing and regulating secondary suites in Port Moody. Diana participates on the Port Moody Affordable Housing Task Force which developed a family-friendly housing policy mandating the building of 2-4 bedroom units, up to 15% non-market housing in new developments, and a tenant relocation policy. Diana is hopeful that non-market housing requirements will meet the needs of a growing community.

The Province has asked Port Moody to densify especially around transit stations and a diversity of development projects are now ‘on the go’. Traffic is increasing in Port Moody due to densification and commuters from Coquitlam. There are only two main roads and Diana hopes opportunities for pedestrians, cycling and electric vehicles will help.

The City has a Climate Action Plan with activities and initiatives to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The City is on track with targets including providing electric chargers throughout the City and charging infrastructure in new developments.

In 2013 and 2014 Diana brought back a civic parade and would like to see the parade continue; Port Moody families surveyed want more free events. Currently Port Moody hosts Car-free Day, Golden Spike Days, Canada Day and Ribfest (Port Moody Rotary with funds supporting charitable endeavors).

Diana says there is currently division on Council and sometimes she feels she has to battle for her position. She would like to see a unanimous commitment to do better, supported by a Provincial Code of Conduct and an Ombudsmen. The City is currently exploring how to best advance Reconciliation through Council, staff and community. Port Moody Council, staff and residents recently participated in a blanket exercise.

On October 15th, Diana will seek her seventh term on Port Moody City Council.