Meet Mike Ireland, independent
Name: Mike Ireland
Website: www.mikei4nwcouncil.org
Email: [email protected]
Questions (in 50 words unless specified).
Tell us about yourself:
Born at VGH in the late '60s and then raised throughout a couple of neighborhoods in the Lower Mainland. I moved away to pursue a career path in the late '90s in LA and spent 18 years there growing into the person I am today. I’ve two adult children, family in NW I see regularly and family across North America. My career has me leading large groups all across Canada. I get outside for personal sport, enjoy all live music, film, food, wine and culture. I am a fan of architecture in many forms. Never afraid of a challenge
What are the Top 3 issues facing the City of New Westminster? (100 words)
* NW is bordered by three cities and a river which restricts traffic flows and congests our small community. Getting past the current stalemate for infrastructure improvements with Brunette and Braid area and that same congestion problem on the Queensborough Bridge.
* Transitioning our local businesses from manufacturing sector jobs and attracting new investment to other forms like; high-tech, entertainment/film, medical, educational, etc.
* Many forms of housing challenges which include all of the facets of a socially wealthy community; affordability, disrepair, location, education, existing aged infrastructure not supporting growth, visual sightlines of the new areas, accessibility, recreation, etc.
What is the biggest success or failure of the current city council?
The biggest failure in my view is, stagnation of infrastructure progress in negotiating major upgrades to things in complete disrepair. The big success from the current administration is their work to improve the downtown area and preserve existing heritage appeal. However, the new buildings need more contemporary dissimilar looks.
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 community plan is a good start. There remains much work to ensure new housing is developed for everyone? How will other parts of the community be affected? Don’t allow naiveté or large builders spoil the visual beauty of our town. Box-looking towers and thoughtless condos need regulation.
What three people – alive or dead – would you invite to a dinner party?
Three people for dinner: 1. Freddie Mercury 2. Ernest Hemingway 3. Leonardo DaVinci
