ArtsConnect sent over a short five question survey for Port Coquitlam Candidates.
As I have written before, I enjoy these surveys as it forces me to analyze the positions in my campaign and test my ability to communicate answers back which balance the need for services and the need to hold the line on tax increases.
The answers to this survey may be made public. Helen Daniels with ArtsConnect wrote, “We will be sharing this information with our members and other community contacts, as well as with Sarah Payne, Reporter for the Tri-City News, who will be writing an article on the topic of the arts and the election. It may also be used for our Cultural Mapping project.”
The Mission Statement in Port Coquitlam’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (January 27, 2007) states “The City of Port Coquitlam is dedicated to meeting community needs for the benefit of all citizens through the provision of parks, recreation, athletics, arts, culture and fitness.”
Leigh Square Arts Village celebrated its 1st Anniversary in May, 2008 and the Summer in the City campaign created a lot of awareness about all that’s happening in the realm of arts and culture in Port Coquitlam.
What does “culture” mean to you?
Culture is made up of the unique events, people and places in our City which define who we are.
What role do arts and culture play in your life?
Arts and culture play a large and positive role in my life. I have been a musician for almost all my life; a creative writer; and a producer of live events or Board member for organizations such as Live @ Leigh Square; Youth Matters! Project Garage; professional wrestling events and in my teen years I formed the organization Mississauga Unlimited Sounds in the City (MUSIC) to assist young musicians with their craft.
On the culture side, Port Coquitlam was home to one of the all time greatest Canadians – Terry Fox. To honour Terry and his Marathon of Hope, I have been the organizer of the Terry Fox Hometown Run since 2003. In this way I can help promote Terry, his work and the City of Port Coquitlam in a positive light.
In 2007 I combined the arts with the Terry Fox Run by hosting a week long Terry Fox Art Exhibit at the Outlet in Leigh Square (see photo above). Students from around British Columbia sent in poster designs and roughly 300 of these drawings were displayed. The local press covered the event which gave positive focus for the arts and the Terry Fox Run.
I have forwarded ideas to the Fox family, City Hall and our Heritage Society which could see a greater focus on Terry’s legacy right here in Port Coquitlam. Hopefully this will come to be in the near future.
How do you think that arts and culture can help develop a sense of place, identity and belonging in Port Coquitlam?
Arts and culture are the interesting sights and sounds of life which enhance our City. This was evident when I attended the Grand Opening of Leigh Square in early 2007. We need to continue to focus on events which give our City purpose and community spirit. The Terry Fox Hometown Run, May Day, art exhibits, music concerts in the parks, etc. all help define and enhance Port Coquitlam.
What steps will you take, if elected (or re-elected), to help Port Coquitlam to keep up the momentum in reaching the goals stated above, with respect to arts and culture?
I stated on my website – www.Dave.ca: “The investment we have made in the arts with the Leigh Square Arts Village needs to continue with a focus on expansion and attracting complimentary businesses to the area. Complete communities, healthy communities, creative communities.” Working together as a Tri-Cities region to promote the facilities, events, cultures and talents of the individual cities will go a long way in ensuring the arts are kept top of mind. I would work towards creating this regional approach.
Any additional comments you would like to make on culture in Port Coquitlam?
Our culture in Port Coquitlam is directly affected by all of us who live in the City. If you like “something” please support it. If you want something new or something changed, get involved. We all can define, change and create the Port Coquitlam culture – so get involved!
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