Dear Editor:
I wish to address some misleading information that appeared in recent issues of the News ("Open Letter to Mayor and Lynn Valley Residents from Joan Birchall" and "Lynn Valley Densification Plans Questioned"), specifically Ms. Birchall's perception of my willingness to meet with residents. I also wish to provide an update on the Lynn Valley Town Centre planning process.
There are many ways to speak directly with the mayor and councillors and we collectively and individually engage the public every day: our council has a lengthy record of open and positive engagement. Eight years ago I started the monthly "Meet the Mayor" sessions at Lynn Valley Library and Parkgate Community Centre. These informal, drop-in sessions run September through June and allow for one-on-one conversations with individuals and small groups. Citizens also have the option of meeting with the
mayor and/or councillors at district hall. We generally need to know the topic and focus so we can research the issue in order to engage constructively. Simply give the mayor's office a call and we will arrange a suitable time to meet.
Of particular interest to many of our residents at this time is planning for Lynn Valley Town Centre. District council is committed to engaging the community in an inclusive, transparent way and over the years this has involved extensive public consultation.
In June, the district hosted four open houses where residents could learn about planning for Lynn Valley Town Centre, provide feedback on a range of conceptual options for the future, or provide their own ideas. Residents were able to talk with council, staff and citizen advisory committee members, and fill out feedback forms to share their views. Approximately 1,200 people attended and provided their input. Many others participated online or through correspondence to council.
Staff and our consultants are currently compiling this feedback and will be reporting back to council later in the summer/early fall with a potential direction for Lynn Valley Town Centre that best reflects community feedback. I assure all citizens that council is listening closely to the community on this matter; the process is not over and no decisions have been made. It is critical that we work collaboratively and respectfully with the community in order to create a long-term plan for Lynn Valley Town Centre that provides for current needs and future generations.
I encourage residents to stay involved as the Lynn Valley Town Centre implementation and other planning processes move ahead. Please visit our website (identity.dnv.org) for further information and updates.
Mayor Richard Walton District of North Vancouver
