Hi Jamie,
Thank you for reaching out and for taking the time to send these questions. I appreciate the opportunity to respond, particularly because several of these issues involve a combination of municipal and provincial responsibility.
Here are my thoughts on each:
1. Food security, climate resilience and land-use rules
Yes, I would support reviewing City plans, zoning and development requirements to identify whether unnecessary barriers exist for residents who want to grow food in multi-unit developments.
I think there is value in allowing residents and strata communities reasonable flexibility to incorporate community gardens and food-producing landscaping where it can be done safely and practically. If elected, I would support asking staff to identify existing barriers and provide Council with options for addressing those that fall within municipal authority. I would want any changes to also consider issues such as accessibility, drainage, maintenance and shared amenity space rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
2. The right to air-dry laundry
I would be open to having City staff examine this issue, particularly to clarify what authority the City actually has.
My understanding is that many restrictions of this type come from strata bylaws, rental agreements or building-specific rules rather than municipal bylaws. Where the issue falls under provincial legislation, I would support communicating Chilliwack’s concerns to the Province and asking it to consider reasonable standards that balance energy conservation and residents’ ability to air dry clothing with legitimate building and safety considerations.
If elected, my first step would be determining exactly where municipal authority ends and provincial or strata authority begins before deciding what specific City action is appropriate.
3. Recycling and organics in multi-unit buildings
Multi-family buildings in Chilliwack are already required to provide recycling, and apartments are required to separate recycling and compostable waste from garbage. I think the important question is whether residents consistently have convenient access to those services and whether the existing requirements are clearly communicated and effectively enforced.
I would support reviewing how the current system is working in multi-unit buildings, including education for residents, landlords, strata councils and property managers. Where there are gaps in compliance or access, I would want the City to look at practical ways to address them before creating additional regulations.
4. The drug poisoning crisis
I see this as an area where the City has an important role, but not one it can address alone. Health care, mental-health services and addiction treatment are primarily provincial responsibilities, while the City can help through land-use decisions, housing, public safety, advocacy and partnerships with Fraser Health, BC Housing and local service providers.
I support a system where people can access treatment and recovery services when they are ready, along with appropriate housing and supports that can help create long-term stability.
If elected, I would support continuing to strengthen coordination between the City, health providers, housing organizations, law enforcement and community agencies. I would also advocate to senior governments when Chilliwack needs additional treatment, recovery, mental-health or housing resources. At the municipal level, I believe we also need to consider both compassion for people struggling with addiction and the safety and livability of the broader community.
5. Wildfire smoke and indoor air quality
I support improving our resilience to wildfire smoke and poor air quality, particularly as these events become more common in the Fraser Valley.
Technical building standards are largely established through the BC Building Code, so I would be cautious about promising a municipal requirement that may be outside the City’s authority. I would support having staff identify what Chilliwack can appropriately address through its own policies and development processes and where changes would need to come from the Province.
Where provincial action is required, I would support advocating for building standards that better address indoor air quality and wildfire smoke, as well as exploring senior-government funding or incentive programs that could help existing buildings improve filtration and ventilation without placing the entire cost on residents.
Thanks again for reaching out and for giving candidates the opportunity to provide thoughtful responses. These are good examples of issues where it is important to understand what the City can do directly, while also being willing to advocate to other levels of government where necessary.
Regards,
Daryl Moniz
Candidate for Chilliwack City Council
Experienced. Local. Focused.