Nicola Spurling
Phone: 778-886-5348
Email: [email protected]
Website: nicolaspurling.me
Facebook: NicESpurling
Twitter: @NicSpurling
Instagram: @nicola_spurling4coquitlam
Age: 27
Occupation: small business owner (construction contractor), political pundit and public speaker
Coquitlam resident for: five years
Campaign funding: donations, self funding
Previous community service: housing affordability advocate, advocate for diversity, advocate for sustainable infrastructure and president and founder of the Tri-Cities Pride Society
Name the two most important issues facing the city of Coquitlam?
Housing affordability. A lack of effective and transparent government that reflects the diversity of Coquitlam.
If elected, what steps would you take to improve housing affordability in Coquitlam?
Creating more below-market rentals by facilitating partnerships between developers and non-profits, and mandating percentages of affordable units in new developments. Thoughtful city planning. Reducing the floor space ratio required to unlock housing incentives, opening opportunities for variances. Rezoning for rental specific use.
What do you hope to accomplish as a city councillor?
I hope to be part of a council that is more transparent and that reflects the diversity of Coquitlam through our governance. I hope to work with fellow councillors on initiatives that create density in a responsible manner, such as building below-market rentals near transit, installing electric vehicle chargers, bringing bike sharing to the city and encouraging small business growth.
How can Coquitlam attract employment opportunities so residents can work in the same community where they live?
We can create incentives for businesses to move to Coquitlam, we can support existing businesses by implementing the revitalization tax exemption so they don’t face financial hardship due to development and rezoning in their area, and we can provide more entertainment in the city, so folks aren’t always travelling to Vancouver to have fun.
