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: Nick Volkow
Current occupation:
I am a retired semi-truck driver who worked for 38 years for Canada Safeway, and member of the Million Mile Club, the Canadian Association of Fleet Supervision’s elite club for accident free driving.
Tell us about yourself.
I've lived in Burnaby since 1983. Elected to Council in 1996, I wanted better for youth, environment and transportation. With three children, I wanted safe, supportive gathering places for youth. Now Burnaby has four well-used youth centres and two skateboard parks.
Dredging contaminants from Burnaby Lake enhanced water quality, fish passage and wildlife habitat, while providing rowing, kayaking and canoeing. Cleaned sediment improved playing fields, saved trucking costs and decreased environmental impacts.
I've sought pedestrian, cyclist, rider and driver safety. Our Central Valley Greenway now links parks, shopping, workplaces and transit hubs. I helped launch Burnaby's Blues and Roots Festival.
What are the top three issues in Burnaby right now and what would you do to fix them?
Housing. Burnaby needs all types of housing, but to accommodate growth we've needed other levels of government as partners. Now the province introducing programs for which Burnaby has advocated – like rental zoning. As a city, Burnaby leads on many issues. Now we can be a model city for housing.
Transportation. With three lines – Expo, Millennium and Evergreen – rapid transit has been a success for Burnaby. But improved transportation is a concern across the Lower Mainland. Working together with our partners across the Lower Mainland, the province and federal government we can improve transportation.
Our defending environment and Kinder Morgan. I've always enjoyed the beauty of Burrard Inlet. I have seven grandkids and I want them to enjoy it too. I'm grateful for the support of the people of Burnaby. To defend our city and its environment, we all need to continue to stand together.
If you have run for office before, what have you learned? If you have not, why are you running now?
Patience and perseverance. When I first ran, I felt the city didn’t serve youth well - and I had a young family. I’m proud of introducing skateboard parks. It took six years but we got it done. It took partnerships. Working with staff, consulting young people and the community got everyone on board. The same goes for housing – we've persevered, needing the other levels of government to be our partners. Now it's happening.
What is one achievement and one failure of Burnaby council in the last four years?
I’m proud of innovative projects and our planning. The Willingdon Linear Park that connects North Burnaby to the Brentwood area and to the Central Valley Greenway. Burnaby is connecting bike routes across the city, without impacting existing transportation infrastructure.
With rising income inequality and no provincial or federal government partners, accommodating Burnaby's growth has been a hard challenge for council. No one's kids should have to move away from our community. And now, with needed partners engaging on housing, Burnaby is on the way to achieving affordable homes for our citizens.
What would make you a good councillor?
I’m really good at listening. I know that consultation works. It’s a large part of Burnaby’s success. Our citizens get involved and participate in their government. They speak out, and listening is how we as councillors get a sense of city and people’s needs.
What movie is most relevant to your life and why?
A Bronx Tale with Robert De Niro. It reminds me growing up in the east end of Vancouver.
How can voters reach you?
