Having inherited the "best city in the world," Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay said he intends to make sure it stays that way.
At his inaugural address Tuesday evening, the new mayor, humbled to be leading the city his great-grandfather, grandparents and parents helped build, promised to honour PoMo's history while tackling the challenges that lie ahead.
"I have a respect for the city built on over 80 years of family history in Port Moody, and I believe it is important to know where you come from as you make decisions about where you are heading," he said.
Clay noted that PoMo's small size means it's able to respond quickly to a variety of issues, from environmental policies to affordable housing and public safety. But when the Evergreen Line arrives, so too will increased pressure on the city's resources.
"The inevitable result of this will be land owners and developers looking to capitalize on the opportunities mass transit brings around the stations," Clay said. "As a city, we don't control the Evergreen Line project but we do control how we respond to it."
That means re-visiting the official community plan, which was recently approved with policy of no new residential growth without firm rapid transit commitments, to encourage new commercial activity to Moody Centre as well as increased density along the corridor.
The challenge, Clay said, is finding a way to ease the strain on PoMo's police and fire departments, parks and recreation facilities, and library.
Clay identified several issues the city will need to address: continuing to decrease its solid waste output; communicating better with residents; working with Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam to capitalize on the region's large population within Metro Vancouver; supporting community building at the grassroots level with festivals and block parties; and reinforcing PoMo's identity as the City of the Arts.
He also called on residents to volunteer as the city plans for its centennial in 2013, which will be marked with a year of celebrations recognizing Port Moody's history.
Clay thanked the "exceptional" staff and returning councillors Diana Dilworth, Bob Elliott and Gerry Nuttall, saying he looks forward to their "continued wisdom and unwavering service" to the community. He also recognized the fresh ideas and perspectives council newcomers Rick Glumac, Zoë Royer and Rosemary Small will bring to the table.
"I am dedicated to leading council on the challenge of ensuring that the next generation in Port Moody receives the same benefits from this council that we have received from those that preceded us: good decisions, good neighbours and honest government."
The new council also voted on appointments to Metro Vancouver committees:
director, Metro Vancouver board - Mayor Mike Clay (Coun. Gerry Nuttall, alternate);
director, Metro Vancouver Labour Relations Bureau - Nuttall (Coun. Bob Elliott, alternate); and,
representative, Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee - Nuttall (Elliott, alternate).
