For Maple Ridge council
• Name: Dean Barbour.
• Residence: Maple Ridge.
• Occupation/education: business consultant.
• Volunteer work: Maple Ridge Community Foundation, Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, Friends in Need Food Bank, Camp Good Times, Ridge Meadows Hospice and North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association. I also volunteer with the Crossroads Hospice in the Tri-Cities area.
• Who do you support for mayor: undecided.
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for council.
Answer: While working as the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, I created or was heavily involved in a number of new and exciting community initiatives and developed strong relationships with all levels of local government. In 2009, our chamber won the exclusive “Chamber of the Year” award for our innovation and dedication.
Q: Who is funding your campaign?
A: I will be doing a small fundraiser to assist with purchasing signs, with the expectation that no one person will donate more than $50 to $100.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: Firstly, I am a long-time resident of Maple Ridge who has spent the past seven years working in the community as a business development consultant. Since 2001, I have built a network that includes CEOs of large corporations, more than 1,000 small business owners, decision makers from all levels of government and supported Canada’s First Nations. I am still actively involved in more than a dozen organizations that deal directly with the economic climate of B.C.
Q: How do you see the City of Maple Ridge developing in the next 10 years?
A: I see a vibrant and growing downtown core with new businesses that increase our shopping options with no vacant buildings or lots. I see the necessary amenities in place in both Albion and Silver Valley that includes schools, expanded transit and much needed shopping options. I would like to see farming and tourism play a major role in the local economy, with a couple of new industrial complexes in west Maple Ridge. Mental health and drug issues are dealt with working with all levels of government and homelessness is reduced 80 per cent.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to Maple Ridge council?
A: No property tax increase (review each department for efficiency gains; continued downtown core revitalization; Smart Growth for Albion, Silver Valley and Hammond; improved mental health and substance use services; bylaw enforcement (holding people accountable).