Beyond the usual resolutions of losing weight or spending less, we have some suggestions for the coming year for those in charge of making decisions in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
Firstly, that a suitable location be found for a supportive housing facility in Maple Ridge, so a temporary structure can be erected and the temporary homeless shelter downtown finally closed.
It’s now been more than a year since the homeless camp on Cliff Avenue was dismantled. Two potential locations have been rejected by the province and the temporary shelter extended multiple times.
Enough stalling. A decision needs to be made, before the provincial election in May, so the city and its residents can move forward.
Secondly, that Maple Ridge find a reasonable and timely way to fund and construct a new museum and cultural facility separate from needed improvements to recreational facilities, that way avoiding possible friction and a defeat of the infrastructure plan in an alternative approval process.
Pitting one project against another – arts versus sports – for priority status can only lead to disappointment.
Thirdly, that the City of Pitt Meadows make peace with the residents of South Bonson and develop a plan with Onni for the final phases of its business park that is beneficial to all.
It would behoove Pitt council to tackle the traffic issues on Harris Road and delays at the CP rail crossing in coordination with plans for South Bonson.
And, lastly, while CP Rail entertains discussions of an underpass on Harris Road, it would be reassuring to hear that it is committed to honouring its agreement with TransLink and work on eliminating delays for the West Coast Express.
Happy New Year.
– Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News