CANDIDATES TACKLE PUBLIC EDUCATION
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DIFFICULT BIRTH FOR LNG CASH COW
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Friday, October 31, 2014 NewsLeader A1
VOLUNTEERS POWER ‘THE MACHINE’
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FRIDAY
OCTOBER 31 2014 www.newwestnewsleader.com
Bob McHugh drives the Chuckanut, where scenic splendour is a constant distraction. See Page A9
Council approves Quayside project Developer made many changes following public feedback Grant Granger
ggranger@newwestnewsleader.com
MARIO BARTEL/NEWSLEADER
Mayoral candidate Jonathan Coté makes his introductory statement at Tuesday’s mayoral forum while the other candidates, incumbent Wayne Wright, Vladimir Krasnagor and James Crosty, listen.
Mayoral candidates attack and defend Grant Granger
ggranger@newwestnewsleader.com
The top two contenders were on the defensive, one about the past and the other the future, during a mayoral election forum Tuesday night. Before a packed Inn at the Quay conference room, Wayne Wright, seeking his fifth term as mayor, defended the city’s performance during the past 12 years. “The changes [in New Westminster] you have seen have been progressive, and the changes in me, I’m more knowledgable, more
experienced and have leadership,” past 10 years, this election is about said a feisty Wright at the event the future. We cannot spend the put on by the New Westminster next four years patting ourselves on Chamber of the back about past Commerce. “From accomplishments,” one end of the said Coté, who city to another it’s emphasized his Wayne Wright improved. council experience We’re doing things that are right, and we’re winning “We’re doing and the masters things that are right, awards for it. degree in urban and we’re winning studies he recently awards for it.” completed at SFU. “It’s time for Sitting next to the 71-year-old the next step. I know we can work Wright was Jonathan Coté, 35, who together and build a future that is has served three terms on council. bright for New Westminster.” “This election is not about the But Coté was forced to fend off
CHOICEquotes
fears of what a victory by him and a full slate of New Westminster and District Labour Council endorsed candidates on Nov. 15 would mean. Coté’s opponents questioned the slate’s ability to be impartial. “If labour unions control any level of government, they control municipal government,” said mayoral candidate Vladimir Krasnogor. James Crosty, who finished second to Wright in 2011, noted the city’s municipal workers contract expires Dec. 15. Please see CANDIDATES, A3
Two towers will soon stand sentry over the Westminster Quay. City council gave the green light to a proposal from Bosa Properties to construct a 28-storey and 23-storey tower at 1000 Quayside Drive. The site next to the Inn at the Quay is currently a parking lot. The approval for the 519-unit residential project with 10,000 square feet of commercial space came despite opposition at a public hearing Monday night. Most complained about the project’s height or the traffic congestion it will create. “If you load this city with these massive megalithic properties you won’t be able to live in this city,” said resident Bob McCullough. The approval also came despite a petition signed by 56 residents living in the Plaza 88 complex across the railway tracks and Columbia Street from the proposed project. The signatures were collected by Arlene Hudlin who, like McCullough, lives at 898 Carnarvon St. Please see ‘PEOPLE’, A8