Upon reading the City of Powell River council report card this issue, some may wonder how the letter grades were determined. Report cards that are handed out in the education system admittedly have a much more precise grading process, but a city council report card is still a valuable way to check in on council at its mid-term mark and evaluate how it has been doing.
In this case, grades were simply based on action taken, and council has had no shortage of activity during its first two years in office. Six main categories of infrastructure, recreation and culture, community engagement, planning, economic development and social development were teeming with many different projects and initiatives.
Based on the grades awarded, council has been doing very well, hovering around a B average. This accurately reflects the council’s hard work and vision during the past 24 months.
From the night the current council was elected on November 15, 2014, Powell River residents knew change was in the air.
With a new infusion of councillors with fresh ideas, and a second-term mayor who was ready to truly make his mark, the optimism throughout Powell River was evident.
Of course, once politicians begin serving their constituents, things can go sideways. In the case of city council, most of what the successful candidates promised during election campaigning has either been realized or at least serious headway has been made.
One drawback to current council is a “hurry up and wait” mentality fuelled by a typical relationship with city staff and community interest groups. Councillors want to take action faster than city staff is able to gather public input and present thorough reports on specific initiatives.
This is normal in most local governments and is a form of check and balance that can be useful in some cases, but detrimental in others. In the case of issues such as social housing and development, the lack of swift action had negative impacts.
Moving forward, councillors are encouraged to keep pushing for what they believe is right. The instincts of city council as a whole appear to be strong.
With a little more confidence in its second half of a four-year term, council should excel on behalf of Powell River. No one is failing the city in the six departments graded, and that is not expected to change.
If it is able to reach its full potential, Powell River’s honour roll is within city council’s grasp.
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
