Steve Milani (Port Moody Mayoral candidate) is interviewed by Nancy Furness (We’ve Got Issues). Steve is a long-time, active citizen of Moody Centre and is currently a Port Moody City Councillor. As a Councillor, Steve helped unify and protect Bert Flynn Park. Steve also spoke to developers, other municipalities, and residents to successfully tackle the construction noise bylaw, of special concern while people were working from home during COVID. He spearheaded the restoration of Kyle Centre where a host of mainly seniors’ programs occurs. Steve’s ‘boots on the ground’ approach in talking to residents and business owners about issues will not change should he become Mayor. His top priority is sticking to the Official Community Plan (OCP). Developments proposed outside the OCP create challenges. For example, in Woodland Park 200 units are being replaced with 2000, without City consultation with residents. He spoke up on behalf of his constituents to encourage a Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) from the developer. He also cites lack of affordable housing, traffic issues, and significant canopy coverage loss in the Coronation Park development. Loss of well-established trees is a concern during a warming climate, and it does not makes sense to ‘mow down an entire neighbourhood’. Steve feels more green-space would benefit residents’ mental health and developments should incorporate more green-space in their proposals. It’s also important to confirm that existing parks are meeting the needs of residents. For example, a variety of activities have been incorporated into an empty space by Kyle Centre. Rocky Point Park expansion is also a priority pending public consultation. Steve bases decisions on facts, and community and staff input. As Mayor, he would bring a positive, drama-free approach to Council and would not be opposed to resolution support, if needed from a Provincial entity. Port Moody needs to stick with the agreed to growth target with Metro Vancouver (50,000 residents by 2051). New and proposed developments would bring the population up by about 70,000, essentially doubling Port Moody’s population and adding about $200 million in infrastructure costs. Port Moody’s business tax base could be improved by placing more focus on building businesses around Moody Centre. Currently the area is slated for 12 towers with 6000-7000 residents, with far less focus on business.