Some say there is nothing certain in life except for death and taxes. And in Richmond, nothing is certain except for Coun. Harold Steves defending farmland at any given corner of the city.
Steves will run yet again for Richmond City Council for the Nov. 15 election and his platform remains driven by environmental sustainability and the protection of Steveston Village’s heritage.
Steves indicated he would seek re-election last May, but officially announced his candidacy on Sunday. Should he be elected to a four-year term, Steves will have been at Richmond City Hall for 41 consecutive years and a councillor for 46 years.
Steves, 77, once a teacher by profession, started on council in 1968 but served one term as an MLA with the BC NDP starting in 1973 to help form the Agricultural Land Reserve. His defense of farmland and local food security is well documented within the community.
During his unprecedented political career Steves said he fought against development on the Garden City Lands (a future park), Garry Point Park and Terra Nova Rural Park. As well, he helped shape the city’s trail network.
Steves said he would continue to fight against the industrialization of the Fraser River.
“It makes sense to keep the supertankers and coal ships out of the river to avoid oil spills and coal dust, and to fight climate change,” said Steves.
Aside from the big, ongoing tug-of-war against Port Metro Vancouver and industrial interests, Steves noted a few side projects he’d like to start in Richmond next term such as rooftop parks, solar powered developments, more community gardens and banning plastic bags.
Steves said he would continue to promote tourism in Steveston and seek a long-term plan to create a sea gate for the harbour to protect it from rising sea levels.
Steves said he is a proponent of developing the City Centre.
“It makes sense to densify our downtown core, not single-family (home) areas, and require new developments to provide affordable housing units,” said Steves.
Steves is officially running on his usual Richmond Citizens' Association slate (this time around, a one-person slate after Linda Barnes retired). Steves said he has an unofficial coalition with independents Dave Semple and Alexa Loo (see links below)
