Conversation with Ben Perry, Coquitlam City Council Candidate

Coquitlam City Council candidate Ben Perry joins Nancy Furness on Tri-Cities program We’ve Got Issues.

Ben led the Tri-Cities Force of Nature group to bring the United Nations climate targets to Coquitlam, which they adopted in 2019. Through his involvement Ben learned about Municipal processes and realized support for climate action is needed on Council. He is concerned what the future holds for his two sons with respect to climate change, housing, and recreation space. Ben would like to see municipal policies for building (high-efficiency heating in new buildings and incentives for retro-fitting in older buildings) and transit infrastructure that support emission reductions to net zero by 2050 in Coquitlam’s Climate Action Plan.

Long-term emissions savings could be accomplished by considering where buildings are built and ensuring there is sufficient transit infrastructure and electric charging stations in place. Ben proposes building more separated bike lanes for fast, safe cycling. He feels everyone in the City should have input into the Climate Action Plan, including people with disabilities, low income, and people who don’t speak English well. Coquitlam’s recently published Housing Needs Assessment shows many renters, including seniors, families, and recent immigrants spend too much on rent.

Ben thinks Coquitlam has done a good job in building rentals but needs to ensure existing rentals are not lost due to redevelopment. Densification coming to Coquitlam’s City core is mind-boggling according to Ben. He feels ways are needed for more people to get around without cars. Coquitlam has built a variety of housing options but may need to look at including smaller apartment buildings near shopping centres and along bus routes.

He would like to see protection for people in core housing need, including maintenance bylaws and support during relocation due to redevelopment.

Ben acknowledges trees are important for climate change and would like to see tree canopy coverage maintained. He says a small tree does not replace a big tree.

Ben supports workplace policies and procedures for addressing bullying. He is supportive of a Code of Conduct and thinks the Province should be involved in addressing serious complaints.

While videos of Council meetings are available, Ben feels summarized records of voting would increase transparency.