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Serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra since 1984
WEDNESDAY July 28, 2010
10
Trumpeter Jonathan Sykes is among a new crop of Place des Arts instructors.
Your source for local news, sports, weather and entertainment. www.thenownews.com
PoCo council approves pay hikes
Playground planned for Mundy Park Coquitlam could become an eco-tourism destination if council moves forward with plans for a “forest adventure playground” in the tree canopy of Mundy Park. This type of treetop facility allows adventurers to follow an all-ages course from tree to tree using walkways, ladders, swings and zip-lines. These structures do not harm trees or obstruct natural areas, states a staff report. “This opportunity provides additional recreation opportunities to the community, supports economic development and may lead to enhanced services to citizens,” the report notes. Staff believe the area east of Spani Pool is the best spot for the playground, although they also considered locations in Eagle Ridge, Blue Mountain, Glen and Town Centre parks. Coun. Barrie Lynch said extra funds could be invested in park maintenance. A private business would build and operate the playground, paying the city to use its land. “This is one of the ways we’d be able to incorporate some type of eco-tourism business that would provide revenue back to the city,” said Lynch, vice-chair of the recreation, sports and culture standing committee. “We’re also trying to increase the number of jobs we’re having in this city because as we increase residents, we’re trying to provide a force of employment.” A 30-person staff works at a similar facility in Maple Ridge that opened earlier this month, notes the report. Coquitlam’s initiative could also offer an interpretive program for Mundy Park to teach the public about forest ecosystems and safe stewardship. A public consultation process will begin Friday and run to Aug. 25.
Stories by Jennifer McFee jmcfee@thenownews.com
Paul vanPeenen/NOW
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS: Public anger over tax increases is a common sentiment nowadays, but for Mark, 5, and Peter, 7, it could be a way to attract more customers — as they advertise their baked goods at the PoCo Farmers Market as being tax-free. The market takes place Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 16 at Leigh Square. Tomorrow’s event features a special focus on blueberries.
ICBC claim? Press one:
Everyone else is doing it. Several other Metro Vancouver cities are paying their elected officials a higher salary, higher transportation allowance and mayoral severance package. Using this rationale, Port Coquitlam council unanimously voted themselves a hefty pay raise last night, along with other perks, retroactive to July 1. Mayor Greg Moore will receive a 27per-cent hike to $85,418 from $67,277. Meanwhile, the city’s six councillors will see their salaries jump by 42 per cent to $31,654 from $22,257. One third of these annual amounts is tax exempt. To cover these additional costs, each PoCo household will pay an extra $3.95 per year. To keep up with the Joneses, Port Coquitlam calculated the average council salaries in the four Metro Vancouver cities closest in population — Maple Ridge and New Westminster have the next-highest populations, while North Vancouver City and West Vancouver have the next lowest. Chief administrative officer Tony Chong said this methodology is a reasonable way to determine compensation, combined with recommendations of a citizens task force. “The key thing to remember here is do you subscribe to the principle of [fairness] and equity in terms of compensating people on council? Because bear in mind that you want to not create a financial hardship for people that seek to provide service to the community,” he said. “Now that’s not to say that they should capitalize in terms of making a lot more than otherwise they would in their jobs. But fair compensation means that they do not have to suffer a hardship.” PoCo’s mayor and councillor salaries will be reviewed again each January using the same formula, starting in 2011. That means if councillors in Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver or West Vancouver vote themselves a pay raise before the end of 2010, PoCo council could receive another salary spike five months from now. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4, see ‘THIS PROCESS.’
or www.dbmlaw.ca 604.939.8321 Good advice. Good law. Good people.