For Maple Ridge council
• Name: Tyler Shymkiw
• Residence: Maple Ridge.
• Occupation/education: owner of special effects business; BA in Political Science), MA in Political Science, PhD candidate in Political Science, SFU.
• Volunteer work: former president Friends in Need Food Bank; served three years on the Parks and Leisure Services Commission.
• Who do you support for mayor: : I can work well with any of the candidates running.
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for council.
Answer: In my past role as president of the food bank, I learned first-hand the issues facing our community’s most vulnerable. I also run my own business and have a robust educational background. I’ve learned how to, and how not to do things through experience; there is no substitute for that.
Q: Who is funding your campaign?
A: Primarily myself. My plan is to self-finance the campaign, perhaps with some donations primarily from friends and family. My commitments are to the people of our community. I don’t want to tie them to the interests of a handful of large donors.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: My campaign is centred on the reason I’m running: to make our community the best place in the world to raise a family. My entire platform, from homelessness to the development of our waterfront, is centred on that core principle. Most importantly, my goals are reasonable, responsible, and entirely achievable.
Q: How do you see the City of Maple Ridge developing in the next 10 years?
A: I see Maple Ridge evolving into a thriving community that is a destination for families, with safer streets, a more enjoyable downtown, and improved amateur sports facilities. Additionally, I envision us undergoing responsible growth that focuses on diversifying our tax base away from the heavy reliance on homeowners.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to Maple Ridge council?
A: I am running for council to make Maple Ridge the best place in the world to raise a family. If we renew our commitment to families and approach these challenges with dedication and tenacity, we will achieve great things together.