We gave each council and mayoral candidate a questionnaire asking for their opinions and thoughts on a range of questions. We also instituted a strict word limit, with mayoral candidates given more room. Those who went over were told they would be cut off.
For our election hub, with links to all our other election-related coverage, click here.
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Question: What should the city do to increase the availability of affordable homes with space for families?
Mayoral candidates
Henry Braun
The OCP, Plan 200k and the Infill guidelines provide a broad range of housing options that were not available previously.
Trevor Eros
Create developments with building specific rental caps and offer tax reductions/incentives to land owners in exchange for rental reductions.
Moe Gill
Find reasonable ways to provide incentives for developers and rental owners to provide affordable housing. Further, explore allowing a second dwelling on ALR land if a parcel is 3 acres or larger.
Eric Nyvall
Get ahead of the development process. Properly staff the departments and mandate a 12 week approval.
Gerda Peachey
Make a level playing field for developers and builders, instead of allowing cheaters to prosper. There is little incentive here to provide affordable housing where scofflaws avoid regulations.
Nadine Snow
create city owned/managed -low/moderate income- low barrier housing beginning immediately, these could be revenue generating proposals for the city and need not be a large expense to tax payers.
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Council candidates
Jas Anand
Not develop or tear down older building for new… Keep for cheaper affordable housing.
Bruce Banman
I think we need to look at our DCC’s Develpoment Cost Charges and
Les Barkman
Continue with infill not over fill. The houses are to big on city lots which are not affordable with out suites so people have two suites in there houses to pay for mortgage. Suite rents are not affordable.
Sandy Blue
For a city our size Abbotsford has been well-served with Parks & Recreation facilities. We need to focus on building Arts, Culture & Heritage assets including a Black box Theatre
Kelly Chahal
Streamline processes to encourage housing which meets the needs of a variety of family types. Ensure housing and transportation meets the changing needs of a diverse community.
Vince Dimanno
We must stop waiting for developers and owners to volunteer affordable housing and being making it a mandatory part of our city plan.
Brenda Falk
Build on a strong local economy to ensure residents have the ability to afford housing.
Encouraging a variety of building types to meet the diverse needs of families.
Aird Flavelle
1. increased use of housing coops and rental only zoning;
2. density bonusing and rental minimums of 3 bedroom family units and built-in daycare
3. Normalize Tri and Quadplexes on residential lots;
Harvey Jongsma
no answer
Dave Loewen
Encourage infill & allow suites wherever possible (already underway) & allow flexibility in minimum floor space for apartments.
Harry Manocha
Work with community services and developers to find and create affordable homes.
Paul Redekopp
Give incentives for developers to build affordable homes within their complexes. These homes may look the same on the outside but differ inside to save over all costs.
Josh Reynolds
Improve the housing supply - make developers want to build here. Reduce wait times and barriers, and incentivize or mandate affordable housing allocations.
Patricia Ross
Incentives, facilitate new housing development as quickly as is responsible, while mindful we must also provide quality of life and care for natural environment, preserve greenspace.
Dave Sidhu
Allow for two-secondary suites in homes. From multiples generations of family members, to UFV students, etc., where parking would allow of this change.
Ross Siemens
Continue to work with the in-fill areas. Encourage developers to build for the needs of families (ie 3 & 4 bedroom townhouses and condos).
Lawrence Tilley
Design the high rises to accommodate, the old, young and less fortunate. Regardless of Race, Religion, gender or creed.
Dao Tran
Tax rebate to Landlord