What issues do you think the City of Coquitlam should focus on for the next four years?
Public safety, transportation and housing?
What about the environment, economic development and recreation?
Or are accessibility, reconciliation with First Nations, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion the way of the future?
It's the first question in a municipal survey that’s open until July 28 on developing Coquitlam's Strategic Plan for 2024–2027.
Nikki Caulfield, the city's general manager of corporate services, said residents priorities likely have shifted since the last framework was adopted in 2019, noting the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic and labour market fluctuations, and social movements such as Black Lives Matter and Anti-Asian Hate.
And the city wants to reflect those changing trends and attitudes in its governance and through long-term planning.
Five over-arching goals are highlighted in the existing Strategic Plan:
- Safe and complete neighbourhoods
- Local economy and local jobs
- Healthy community and active citizens
- sustainable services, environment and infrastructure
- Excellence in city government
As well, the document provides a vision statement to 2032: "Sustaining a high quality of life for current and future generations, where people choose to live, learn, work and play."
Besides organizational values, the current Strategic Plan also offers a mission for Coquitlam City Hall: "To serve the public interest through open, fair and accountable local government with a focus on leadership, innovation and community priorities and strengths."
Graham Stuart, Coquitlam’s corporate planning director, said his team has reached out for public comment on the Strategic Plan renewal from advisory groups and at events to capture emerging expectations from residents.
And once the survey closes on July 28, city council will review the draft plan this fall with adoption later in the year or in early 2024.
"Staff believe that the current plan established by council remains relevant today, but that minor adjustments are necessary," Stuart said at the March 29 committee meeting for Strategic Priorities.
To have your say, you can visit the survey link on the City of Coquitlam's website.
