Running for Councillor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

I am a hiker, and cyclist. I routinely hike in the North Vancouver trails.

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

No

I think we need to have a better overall trail use plan in place to support all trail user groups, so that everyone can have safe, sustainable access to the trails.

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

Increase the maintenance on existing trails

I think maintenance is key on existing trails as serious ecological damage can occur when trails aren’t planned and maintained well.

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Yes

I would like to see a partnership with user groups who use the trails. District funding should be on the table.

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

Perhaps this agreement could be expanded to include other areas. I would like to investigate a North Vancouver wide approach.

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

I believe we have one of the best “backyards” in the world, and it’s all of our responsibility to take care of it. Our North Vancouver trails are used by multiple groups and by people from all over Metro Vancouver. We need to have long term plan in place to ensure the ecology of the forest is sustained while at the same time allowing for mountain biking, hiking, dog walking and trail running.

Running for Mayor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

From 2008 to 2013 I was the President of the North Shore Mountain Bike Association and have volunteered building and maintaining mountain bike trails on the North Shore since I was 14. With strong team members at the NSMBA, I co-created the Trail Adoption Plan, the business case for ongoing sustainable funding from the DNV and the “Trails for All, Trails Forever” mission still used by the NSMBA today. Most recently I’ve been doing light maintenance and tweaks on the Richard Juryn Trail, which I rode 14 consecutive laps of in honour of Richard’s memory last summer. I ride trails as much as a single dad of two young daughters can, which is about once a week. Most of my rides start from home in Lynn Creek Town Centre since I no longer own a car. I transport myself, my daughters and our gear around the North Shore on my red cargo bike. For the past three years, I’ve worked as a bike food courier downtown on the weekends, pedaling that same red cargo bike, au naturale with no electrical assist, with 80km-90km days.

While on Council, I’ve put forward successive motions to create a safe, protected and connected bike lane network across the District which is slowly starting to be built out.

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

No

While there have been more opportunities and flexibility around the restoration and renewal of existing trails, the expansion of the trail network has been limited, especially in the lands under District management. While the “decommissioning” recommendations in The Fromme Trail Classification Plan, which is over 15 years old, have been completed, few of the trail expansion opportunities, such as an Upper Bobsled, a connector from Dempsey Braemar to the top of Mountain Highway, or an expert level jump line to Jerry Rig and Pink Starfish have been completed. I support accelerated expansion of the trail network.

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

Build new trails

There are more users and more diverse ways of using the trails than ever before. We need a substantial investment in expanding the trail network to continue to provide world class trail experiences to those who live here, and those who move here specifically to be close to the trails.

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Yes

Every study on recreation done over the past 20 years on the North Shore has put trails as the top priority for our residents. Yet the District only spends a fraction of the amount of money on trail infrastructure and maintenance that it does on other recreation facilities. I’m not sure I can name a sport as popular as mountain biking where the users of the trails contribute so much back into the construction and maintenance of the recreational asset.

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

The partnership between the District and the NSMBA is one of the more unique and innovative things in recreational sport. It brings together government, the community and business to provide a well maintained recreational trail system while at the same time building a great, fun and connected community of trail users.

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

Seymour is a little more complicated from a Land Manager perspective, with the DNV, Metro Vancouver, CMHC/RSTBC and BC Parks all involved. As Mayor, I would advance the government entities coming together with a common vision for recreation across the mountain and work cohesively with the NSMBA to have a common agreement for the maintenance of existing trails, the sanctioning of trails that are currently unsanctioned, and the expansion of the network.

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

On October 15th, for DNV Mayor, vote Bond . . . Mathew Bond.

Running for Councillor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

I am not brave enough to be a mountain biker, but I cycle to get to most of my appointments and shopping, and I love doing our demo forest every week.

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

No

I think a lot more expansion of trails and trail networks are needed, especially ones that connect different neighbourhoods and community centres. Seymour also needs more trails just based on the demand in the area. This does not just apply to mountain bike trails, but more easy trails for all experience and skill levels, that people just use for commuting.

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

Build new trails

We need to build new trails, and increase maintenance on some key trails

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Yes

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

I feel like Seymour needs this agreement almost more than Fromme, but perhaps because of the agreement in the Fromme area, there seems to be less conflicts and local issues, and better trails. So not only does the existing agreement prove effective, but also shows demand for that model to be used elsewhere.

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

I am not an expert on mountain biking, nor do I claim to be one. If elected, I would defer my opinions to people more closely involved in mountain biking and listen to what they have to say. I support any and all active transportation though.

Running for Councillor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

I am a frequent and enthusiastic walker on our north shore trails, especially on the Blueridge area.

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

No

As the number of trail users grow, we need to continually invest in and expand our trail network.

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

Build new trails

I would also support improved maintenance of existing trails.

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Yes

Our trails are a precious amenity; we must invest in them.

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

I am committed to maintaining and expanding our north shore trails for walkers, trail runners and mountain bikers. I commit to advocating for DNV budgeting for this purpose.

Running for Mayor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

I used to bike the Seymour trails on a daily basis, now I get out occasionally with my kids. I have been a constant supporter of Mountain Biking in our Community and believe it is a major part of the identity of our community.

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

No

We definitely need to improve some of our transition trails, and perhaps add some options in some neighborhoods, but our trail network is healthy and already the envy of our neighbors in the region.

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

Increase the maintenance on existing trails

New trails can certainly spread out demand, but they also attract more riders to the overburdened road network. Given the choice between new trails and improving the existing spaces, I will tend to support improving the existing spaces.

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Yes

Our Council increased our contribution through grants to organizations like the NSMBA and I support continuing that commitment.

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

Unlike Fromme, much of Seymour’s network also requires an agreement with BC Parks, which I would be happy to pursue.

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

Running for Councillor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

I enjoy skiing, kayaking and soccer.

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

No

My friends, who are avid mountain bikers, tell me that the trails are busy and they would like to see upgrades made.

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

see below

Build new trails and increase the maintenance on existing trails.

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Yes

I believe that enjoying the outdoors is an important part of living on the North Shore. Our parks and trails are major tourist destinations. We need to look at mountain bike trails as part of an overall outdoor & branding strategy for the District.

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

In principle I agree, but I would need some more information.

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

Mobility and Housing are identified as the key issues faced by residents in the District. I believe we also need a strong local economy… bikes and tourists are big components of that. I also believe that “building community” should be a goal for this new Council. This includes having outdoor spaces that all people can enjoy. Mountain biking is a key component of the District’s identity.

Running for Councillor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

No

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Yes

We also need to lobby senior levels of government  to look at support for funding given the positive impact these areas have on our health care system, municipalities can’t  fund this work on our own, the cost to sustain these trails is significant, long term funding from a variety of sources needs to be committed. 

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

Running for Councillor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

I spent many years mountain biking on the North Shore before my daughter came along! Since then not so much. However, I think mountain biking is an important part of our community. One of my favorite things to do these days is hike in the forest.

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

No

The trail system is adequate for today, but far from optiminal and very busy on weekends. Future growth in mountain biking and hikers calls for an expansion of the trail system.

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

Build new trails

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Yes

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

Running for Councillor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

I ride the North Shore trails on my Transition mountain bike and have done so for about 5 years (I’m new to the sport).

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

The trail network is great and could use more support.

As a rider, I appreciate the great work done by those who maintain the trails and they are truly world-class. The lack of parking for those who drive in needs to be addressed, especially at the tennis court access at Braemar. Also, the advent of e-bikes on trails should come with more education around the potential of battery fires in the forest during the hot summers – either signage on tips to suppress a fire or a QR code with a video. Finally, there are a number of trails being made off the plan which is causing erosion and denudation on the slopes (north-west of Skid Road and south of Dreamweaver).

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

Build new trails

We can’t stop people from creating their own trails, so let’s just create some new sanctioned trails to keep everyone happy.

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Yes

The District of North Vancouver is a global destination for the sport, and should embrace the economic benefits that result. Funding is needed to provide parking, maintenance, and rescue services for riders.

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

I’m not familiar with the pros and cons of this arrangement, however, as a rider and hiker, it seems to be working well.

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

Yes

To me, it seems an agreement that spans the North Shore would make the most sense.

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

Our mountain bike culture runs deep and we can embrace it as a local attraction. I believe, however, that access to powered bikes will change the way the trails are used and the impact. I would like to see a plan to address the inevitable increase in traffic and the resulting injury rate.                      

Running for Councillor

1. Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking, cycling and outdoor recreation that our members and DNV residents may be interested in?

I support cycling.

2. Outdoor recreation and trail use are growing rapidly among all user groups; do you think the current North Shore trail network is adequate? (Yes/No)

No

We need safe routes in the District of North Vancouver for cyclists.

3. Many trails within the DNV have exceeded their carrying capacity, leading to increased environmental damage and a reduced experience for trail users. How would you look to increase the carrying capacity of our trail networks utilizing the recommendations within the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (POSSP)? (Build new trails/Increase the maintenance on existing trails/no changes)

Increase the maintenance on existing trails

One of the issues in our community is a shortage of safe routes for cyclists. We have to increase the maintenance of existing trails. Building the new trails maybe affect our environment, and I am against any action which causes the damaging to the green spaces.

4. Do you support long term sustainable municipal funding for the building and/or maintenance of mountain bike trails? (Yes/No)

Must be calculated how much budget needed for maintenance of bike trails.

5. The DNV currently provides financial support through the Fromme Trails Agreement with the NSMBA, whereby the NSMBA maintains the trail network on Mount Fromme. Would you vote in favour of continuing this agreement? (Yes/No)

If I am elected, I would like to review the agreement and then yes.

6. There is currently no Seymour Trails Agreement between the DNV and the NSMBA, similar to the above-mentioned Fromme Trails Agreement. Would you vote in support of creating a Seymour Trails Agreement? (Yes/No)

If I am elected, I would like to review the agreement and then yes.

7. Please include any additional comments for our members and DNV residents that you wish to share.    

My priority is protecting the environment and action against climate change. Any action to support and follow my priority, I will support.