Meet Angela Sealy, independent
Name: Angela Sealy
Twitter: @AngelaSealy6
Facebook: Vote-Angela-217922902148737
Website: www.voteangelasealy.com
Email: voteangela.sealy@shaw.ca
Questions (in 50 words unless specified).
Tell us about yourself. (100 words)
I am a long-term resident of New Westminster who enjoy renting, living and playing here. It has safe streets, open greenspace, accessible trails and parks. I am a multi-modal transportation user, i.e public transportation, bicycle, walk, car so I have first-hand knowledge of getting around New Westminster. I have enjoyed civic participation by serving on the Seniors’ Advisory Committee and the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
I bring 20 years housing experience, community engagement, group facilitation and strategic planning to the role of City Councillor. These experiences enhance my ability to be effective at collaborating with colleagues.
What are the Top 3 issues facing the City of New Westminster? (100 words)
Housing, salaried businesses, Age Friendly Community
Municipalities generally do not have the financial reserve to build housing but have land or other assets. They have the power to negotiate with Federal and Provincial governments to bring housing to the city. These negotiations should include policies to preserve the existing housing stock.
With the expected population growth, the city needs to attract salaried organizations.
The dementia friendly strategy is a beginning, however, there is a need for the built environment to adapt to the needs of the aging population. The characteristics of an Age-Friendly Community is a community for all.
What is the biggest success or failure of the current city council?
Success – rejuvenating Columbia and Front streets
Success – having Lookout relocate here who provides shelter for homeless, not just overnight sleep.
Failure or work in progress – the Uptown basically ignored. There should be a balance of rejuvenation for both downtown and uptown. Currently New Westminster is out of balance.
The City of New Westminster concluded a lengthy official community plan process and is working to implement that plan. With the city’s population projected to grow to 104,000 by 2041, is the city on the right track to accommodating this growth?
Yes on track and there is room for improvement. The projected growth demands another Canada Games Pool type facility. I don’t see another recreation centre featured in the plan. Adequate recreation facilities are aligned with an Age-Friendly Community. Livable communities with social equity must have facilities for active aging.
What three people – alive or dead – would you invite to a dinner party?
Nelson Mandela who survived 27 years in prison and almost all of it in isolation could teach me many things.
Lester Pearson retired from politics shortly after I came to Canada; reading his background I think he would make an inspiring and entertaining dinner guest.
My God-father integrity and tenacity
Editor's note: Candidates were given specific word count guidelines and were cut off if they went over the count.
