Hi Jamie,
Thank you for reaching out. Please feel free to share my responses publicly.
My general approach is to listen to the people affected, get the facts from City staff, and then make a decision. I don’t want to promise a new bylaw or program before knowing whether it will solve the problem, what it will cost, and whether it is something the City has the authority to do.
1. Food security, climate resilience and land-use rules
Yes, I would support reviewing City rules if they are unnecessarily preventing residents from growing food or creating community gardens.
I don’t see why someone should be required to have ornamental landscaping if that same space could reasonably be used for a garden or food-producing plants.
Of course, things like drainage, access, maintenance and safety still need to be considered.
During my term, I would support asking staff to identify unnecessary barriers and bring recommendations back to Council. If reasonable changes can be made, I would be open to making them.
I would also like to see more opportunities for people living in apartments and multi-unit developments to garden. Not everyone in Chilliwack has a backyard.
2. The right to air-dry laundry
I would support having City staff look into this and explain what authority the City actually has.
To me, there is a difference between something that creates a legitimate safety concern and somebody simply putting a drying rack on their balcony.
Where this falls under provincial or strata legislation, I would be willing to advocate to the Province for reasonable rules that allow people to air-dry clothing while still maintaining appropriate safety standards.
My first step would be to understand what the City can and cannot do, and then act where we can make a practical difference.
3. Recycling and organics in multi-unit buildings
I think we first need to understand why the system isn’t working for some residents.
If people living in apartments or stratas don’t have convenient access to recycling or organics, or don’t know what services are available, that is worth addressing.
I would support having staff review access, education, compliance and enforcement in multi-unit buildings and report back to Council on where the gaps are.
The information should be simple and clear for residents, landlords, strata councils and property managers.
If stronger enforcement is needed where the rules are simply being ignored, I would be open to looking at that as well.
4. The drug poisoning crisis
This is one of the more difficult issues facing communities throughout B.C., and there isn’t one simple solution.
Chilliwack should work with the Province, Fraser Health, treatment and recovery organizations, housing providers, police and local community groups.
When someone is ready to get help, we should do everything reasonably possible to connect that person with treatment, recovery, housing and the supports they need.
At the same time, Council also has a responsibility to residents, businesses and neighbourhoods when it comes to public safety and the impact these issues have on the community.
During my term, I would continue pushing the Province for adequate treatment and recovery resources for Chilliwack, support partnerships that are getting results, and keep asking whether the programs we support are actually helping people.
The City can’t solve this issue alone, but we can make sure Chilliwack is at the table and pushing for practical solutions.
5. Wildfire smoke and indoor air quality
Yes, I think this is something we need to be looking at.
We have seen how much wildfire smoke can affect the Fraser Valley, and I think our buildings need to be better prepared for it.
Where the City has authority, I would support having staff look at whether new buildings can reasonably include better filtration and indoor-air-quality standards.
Where changes require provincial building-code changes, I would support advocating to the Province.
I would also support looking for provincial or federal funding to help older buildings and public facilities improve filtration rather than simply putting all the cost onto residents.
I would also like the City to make sure there are safe indoor public spaces available during severe smoke events for residents who may not have good filtration at home.
I am comfortable saying that I don’t have every answer before being elected.
What I can commit to is listening, getting the information, asking questions and making a decision based on what I believe is best for Chilliwack.
Thank you again for reaching out, Jamie.
Steve Just
Candidate for Chilliwack City Council