Name: Jonathan Cote
Twitter: @jonathanxcote
Facebook: @jonathanxcoteformayor
Website: www.votecote.ca
Email: [email protected]
Questions (in 50 words unless specified).
Tell us about yourself. (100 words)
It has been an honour to serve as Mayor of New Westminster for the past 4 years. Along with my wife Alix and our three daughters, I am proud to call New Westminster home – and since I began serving on City Council in 2005 I’ve been grateful to be part of making our city a great place to live, work and play. Prior to be elected as Mayor I completed a Master’s Degree in Urban Studies/Planning at Simon Fraser University. Outside of council, I enjoy New Westminster’s recreation facilities with my family and stay active cycling, curling and playing pickleball.
What are the Top 3 issues facing the City of New Westminster? (100 words)
1. Housing: We need to take action and advocate for housing solutions to address the growing affordability crisis with housing in our region.
2. Investing in Community Amenities: We need to invest in the community facilities that we love. Projects like the Canada Games Pool Redevelopment, Renovation of our Library and expanding our Riverfront Greenway are important investments that will improve the quality of life for New Westminster residents.
3. Building a strong local Economy: It is critical that our city support a thriving local economy. Supporting small businesses and diverse retail is important to building a complete community.
What is the biggest success or failure of the current city council?
Top 10 Successes
1. Adoption of new Official Community Plan
2. Rental Housing Program
3. Q2Q Ferry
4. Front Street Mews Project
5. Improvement to public playgrounds
6. Exciting new community events/festivals
7. Expanded Public Art Program
8. BridgeNet Fibre Network
9. St. Mary’s Park
10. Ewen Avenue Streetscape
The City of New Westminster concluded a lengthy official community plan process and is working to implement that plan. With the city's population projected to grow to 104,000 by 2041, is the city on the right track to accommodating this growth?
The city’s new Official Community Plan will be an important plan that will guide the city over the next few decades. It ensures we will have the right housing options in the right locations. The OCP will also ensure the city is planning for infrastructure and amenities as we grow.
What three people - alive or dead - would you invite to a dinner party?
1. Jane Jacobs: writer and urban activist
2. Barack Obama: 44th President
3. Xerxes: King of Persia(486-465 BCE)
Dinner: Zatar Pan Seared Salmon & Lemon Brown Butter Sauce
Followed by a reading and discussion about “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” and playing the board game “Risk”.
