The New West Progressives are eyeing the offerings in places like Montreal and Europe as part of their Fun City platform.
The group, which is running candidates in October’s city council and school board elections, intends to put forward plans about consuming of liquor and encouraging a patio culture in New Westminster. Having visited Montreal and cities in Europe, council candidate Paul McNamara has seen firsthand how vibrant patio spaces can be.
“It gives it a great atmosphere. We’d like to try and push for that,” he told the Record. “Columbia Street, to me, is really like a mini Old Montreal.”
McNamara believes more patios will liven up the streetscape and draw diners from neighbouring communities who otherwise would head to downtown Vancouver to enjoy some patio time.
The New West Progressives also plan to take steps toward allowing people to consume a glass of wine on the beach and greenspaces of Westminster Pier Park by 2019, something they say has been happening “quietly and illegally” in the city. The group’s Fun City initiative includes a number of commitments:
* Set a target of increasing the overall number of approved patio spaces in the city by 25 per cent over five years, by reducing fees and red tape.
* Develop a plan to increase police foot and bike patrols of Pier Park during the first year of implementation of a new alcohol consumption bylaw.
* Eliminate all permit fees so neighbourhoods can host one street party per calendar year in 2020.
* Encourage and support the establishment of an annual Car Free Day Festival, in collaboration with local business improvement areas and other community groups.
“As a former police officer, I know we need to take a balanced approach when it comes to relaxing our liquor laws in the city,” McNamara said. “However, I’m convinced our phased approach will help to demonstrate that we can introduce more progressive policies that help to build our brand through the region as a fun place to live, work and place.”
