Kirk LaPointe's NPA platform promises a leaner, more user-friendly city hall
Vision Vancouver argues the Non-Partisan Association's plan shows 'backwards priorities'
Vancouver's Non-Partisan Association has unveiled its full election campaign platform, less than two weeks before municipal election day, which is Nov. 15.
The platform promises more openness at city hall, an immediate freeze of property taxes, more free parking times and a less expensive government.
The more than 60 planks add up to an estimated annual operating cost of $18 million, but NPA mayoral candidate, Kirk LaPointe says that money and more will be found easily.
"Millions of dollars can be saved by simply eliminating Vision's litigation policies, reducing propaganda campaigns that come from a communications department that has tripled in size and scrapping wasteful grants from the Vancouver Economic Commission," said LaPointe.
LaPointe argues that over the past six years Vision Vancouver has increased taxes and fees 46 per cent for homeowners with no real improvement in services.
He accuses Gregor Robertson and his team of being addicted to development charges, which LaPointe says actually drive up the cost of homes.
If elected, LaPointe says he will make city hall more accessible immediately, offer free parking on Sundays and holidays and freeze property taxes for a least a year, while they pore over the books.
Vision critiques timing, content of NPA platform
Responding to the NPA platform in a press release, Vision Vancouver accuses LaPointe of ignoring issues such as homelessness, childcare, climate change, mental health and addictions.
"After months of dodging, the NPA finally releases a platform on the first day of voting, and voters now have a clear look at the backwards priorities of Kirk LaPointe," said Mayor Gregor Robertson.
"If Kirk LaPointe really cared about our city, he would put forward a platform that helps our most vulnerable residents."
Robertson adds that LaPointe does not live, work or pay taxes in Vancouver, but the platform would hurt those who do.
LaPointe lives on the UBC campus, which comes under Electoral Area A, which means he doesn't pay property taxes to the City of Vancouver. His work—at UBC and on the North Shore—is also not within city limits.
- Vision Vancouver ad attacks Kirk LaPointe over UBC address
- Attack ads rolling out from Vision Vancouver and NPA as election looms
Robertson claims a Vision Vancouver analysis of the NPA platform shows an estimated $146 million in new spending, with no way to pay for it.
- MORE | Gregor Robertson unveils Vision Vancouver affordability plan
- CITY VOTES 2014 | CBC News civic election coverage