The Burnaby NOW asked every candidate running for office in the Oct. 20 civic election to fill out a questionnaire. We hope this helps you make an informed decision at the ballot box.
Candidates were given strict word limits and a deadline to submit their answers. Those who missed the deadline will not have their questionnaires posted and answers exceeding word limits will be cut off.
More candidate questionnaires can be found here and more of our election coverage can be found here.
Name: JANICE BEECROFT
Current occupation: Self Employed Home Renovations, Student Supervisor, Building Maintenance
Tell us about yourself.
I am a third generation Burnaby resident who started volunteering as a young teenager. My community involvement continued to gain momentum as my 4 children grew. Actively involved in numerous sports clubs, school committees and advocacy groups, my enthusiasm for a better Burnaby began to take shape. I strongly believe in a fair, balanced approach to life and government. Finding common ground and working collaboratively with one another are very important to me. I am dedicated, honest and hard working. I believe everyone has a voice and should be respected. Even if there are different views respect should always be...[word limit exceeded]
What are the top three issues in Burnaby right now and what would you do to fix them?
1. Housing - create more affordable housing opportunities by working with the Province and BC Housing using city owned land. Work to change zoning bylaws to support secondary suites, including lane way housing.
2. Create and upgrade City Amenities with a focus on multi use, multi age purposes. Having community centers, sports fields, rinks, pools, bike parks, walking trails, restaurants, culture events in central locations creates a safer, more vibrant city.
3. Transportation and Congestion - With intense densification around Town Centers our focus needs to be be keeping everyone moving safely. We need better sidewalks in and around our region, as...[word limit exceeded]
If you have run for office before, what have you learned? If you have not, why are you running now?
In 2014, I ran for School Trustee. I was a first time Candidate, who believed that a newly formed Party could bring accountability and balance to Governance in Burnaby. It is a daunting task to run against a well funded, Provincial Party backed party. There were attacks on my reputation & truths distorted. We need to stand up to those attacks and fight for a more balanced non partisan Burnaby. I am proud to be...[word limit exceeded]
What is one achievement and one failure of Burnaby council in the last four years?
One achievement would be the Brentwood Town Centre Plan. The creation of this plan was done without displacing people by rezoning business and using the existing vacant and commercial land. Although amenities could have been built in conjunction with the development, which would have made it a more inclusive development.
One major failure for both the City Council and the School Trustees was a joint announcement made on October 2014. A tentative partnership was to see the establishment of twelve new daycare centers on school properties within a few years. Four years later and not one daycare has opened.
What would make you a good councillor/mayor?
Having grown up in Burnaby, I have the both the knowledge and history to understand the issues. Watching the City change over the past 50 years has been both rewarding and sad. I believe that Burnaby has the potential to be a more vibrant, culturally diverse city.
By truly listening...[word limit exceeded]
What movie is most relevant to your life and why?
The Sound of Music. For me family is the foundation that holds us together. Thru joys and sorrows, up and downs, I believe that when you are part of a close knit family, you are part of something bigger than yourself. Family, for me is more than just relatives, it...[word limit exceeded]
How can voters reach you?
Website:https://www.janicebeecroft.com/ Email:janicebeecroft@telus.net : Phone: (604)970-8360
Twitter:janicebeecroft1
Facebook:janicebeecroftburnaby
