Making roads safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists was on the City of New Westminster’s agenda at the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities convention.
Several city councillors attended the Sept. 10 to 14 convention in Whistler, where delegates attended sessions on a variety of topics, heard from leaders including Premier John Horgan and voted on a variety of resolutions put forward by cities across British Columbia.
“We put in five resolutions. All of our resolutions passed, most of them unanimously,” said Coun. Chuck Puchmayr. “One that Coun. (Patrick) Johnstone brought in was to update the Motor Vehicle Act to improve safety for all users.”
New Westminster’s motion sought support for modernization of the Motor Vehicle Act, by moving forward on the recommendations in the Road Safety Law Reform Group of B.C.’s position paper, Modernizing the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act.
Other resolutions put forward by New Westminster included changes to the Strata Property Act, changes to the Tobacco and Vapour Control Regulations so it’s consistent with new regulations relating to cannabis and support for the province’s plan to create 20 community health centres across British Columbia.
“Community clinics basically have a wrap-around service, so when you go there you are actually putting less pressure on emergency services,” said Coun. Bill Harper. “They are open like 12 hours a day. They have numerous doctors, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists. It’s a wrap-around service, so when you step into the clinic all your needs are met. It’s run by a local board that is elected so it represents the community.”
