At its Jan. 15 meeting, Pitt Meadows council voted to support and endorse ride-share services such as Uber, and to send a letter outlining the city’s support to the province.
The motion said the city “appreciates transit and taxi services continued to provide valuable services in both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, but that particularly during peak periods, there are capacity issues that result in delays for consumers.”
The motion also spoke to public safety and, “safe transportation alternatives when it comes to impaired driving.”
At its Dec. 11 meeting, Maple Ridge council voted to send a letter to Premier John Horgan supporting ride-sharing services.
Maple Ridge’s letter noted that “with a population of close to 83,000 citizens spread across 147.5 square kilometers, Maple Ridge is a large and dispersed suburban community. Due to limited taxi and public transit service, citizens are often left waiting hours for transportation. This creates a barrier for some resident in accessing local business, community services and local activities that are integral to a vibrant community. It also makes it more difficult for people enjoying a night out to find a safe ride home.”
Pitt Meadows Coun. Bob Meachen spoke in favour of the initiative.
“This has been a topic in social media for months lately, and I fully support this, and I am sure a lot of the citizens of Pitt Meadows will 100 per cent support something like this,” he said.
Staff changes
The City of Pitt Meadows has received two resignations from its legislative services department.
Corporate officer Tina Penney and deputy corporate officer Karen Elrick both surprised CAO Mark Roberts by giving notice.
“This will leave a significant gap in legislative services given all their combined experience and education and knowledge,” said Roberts.
He noted both are leaving for career growth opportunities. Penney is going to the City of Vancouver, as director of legislative operations. She has a combined experience of 30 years as a municipal employee and consultant for seven different municipalities in B.C., including three years in Pitt Meadows. She lives in Vancouver.
Elrick is going to the Village of Anmore as manager of corporate services – a promotion after six years in Pitt Meadows, noted Roberts.
Role of the corporate officer is to make sure city operates according to legislation.
Mayor Bill Dingwall said the loss to Pitt Meadows will be gain to other municipalities, and thanked both women.