Civic elections 2014: Mathew Bond
Editor’s Note: Since the days when the trails on Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver were cut down due to hasty overreaction, and the era when North Vancouver City Council has members who didn’t value the positive impact of the mountain bike community (nor an understanding of how many North Shore citizens are riders), NSMB has taken an active interest in letting those of you who live within voting jurisdictions know who you should – and shouldn’t – vote for if you want to help further the mountain biking agenda in North and West Vancouver, as well as the North Vancouver Regional District.
Mathew Bond is a former NSMBA President and long-time North Shore resident and rider. His friendly demeanor is genuine, but it conceals a motivated person who is taking change into his own hands and putting his name forward for consideration. We know he has the chops to get the job done, but we wanted those of you who live in the District of North Vancouver – or those of you with friends or family who do – to hear it for yourselves. If you like what you see, we encourage you to cast a vote for Mathew Bond. If you’re not eligible, tell everyone you know that he has mountain biking’s best interests at heart – but is also aiming to make a difference in other areas.
Cam McRae compiled some questions for Mathew to answer. Learn more below.
Cam McRae (CM): Last year you stepped down from the NSMBA presidency after accomplishing a lot in a short period. Did you know then that you were going to run for council?
Mathew Bond (MB): No, I needed some time to relax and reflect after being at the helm of the NSMBA for so many years. I often spent over 15 hours every week volunteering for the NSMBA, so I was happy to rediscover some other passions that had been left on the backburner. When I was president, I was lucky to get out riding once every other week. This past year I rode 3 or 4 times a week, raced the S2S Enduro circuit and checked off a number of big hikes I’d wanted to do for years. I also focused back on trailbuilding, working on Circuit 8 with the Outdoor Rec program from CapU. I picked up my passion for cities and transportation, attended more professional lectures on urban issues and read a couple more books.
CM: What motivated you to run?
Our society faces many challenges and a number of decisions being made regionally, specifically about multi-billion dollar investments in additional road capacity, raised my concerns for our local community. It seems that decisions are being made (specifically with regards to transportation and development) using the same old thought processes that got us into the difficult situation we face today. I noticed that although I was passionate about doing something, many people I spoke with seemed already resigned to their fate. “The government has already made up its mind, what can we do about it?” is a phrase I heard more than once. That’s what motivated me to run, to bring a fresh voice to council and represent the concerns of our generation, with new ideas and a professional opinion on transportation and cities.
What are the most important issues facing DNV voters from your perspective?
Transportation, managing growth/density/development, opportunities for youth, young adults and families in our community and a lack of civic engagement.
We know about your experience as a mountain biker and advocate for the trails. What other experience do you bring that qualifies you to represent the citizens of North Van?
I am the only candidate for council that provides a professional perspective on the transportation challenges facing our community. In my career as an Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineer, I use new technology to make our transportation system safer and more efficient. Along with my transportation expertise, I have a background in Sustainable Community Development, which will help me provide you with a professional perspective on the two major issues facing our community: transportation and development.
How do you think the current DNV staff, mayor and council have done with issues related to mountain biking? Can you tell me about some hits and misses?
A lot of time and effort went into the planning process behind the ARSS and the Fromme Mountain Trail Classification Plan. Apart from the funding that came 50/50 through a federal grant that allowed the installation of enhanced signing, the construction of Bobsled and re-route of Executioner, the District has been slow to follow through financially on the commitments of the plan. While council was supportive of the NSMBA’s efforts, it was really the mountain bike community the bucked up and mustered the resources necessary to implement the recommendations of the plan and save the trails from a dire fate.
What would you like to see happen that hasn’t yet?
A trail connecting the top of Dempsey Road and the yellow gate on Mountain Highway. This trail would be an easy connector from Expresso and DB back over to the main staging area, and allow those not interested in the challenge of the BP to still enjoy their ride. This connection is identified in the DNV’s Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan.
What are the challenges the NSMBA currently faces that council could alleviate?
Funding challenges are obvious. The operation of most other sports in North Vancouver through the recreation commission are funded 50/50 through user fees and tax revenue. I think the mountain bike community is supplying more than its fair share in terms of “user fees” through volunteer maintenance, grants, corporate sponsorship and individual donations. Bringing the funding for mountain biking in line with other sports is an opportunity, but it will come with additional oversight that may restrict some of the flexibility that the NSMBA has under the current partnership model.
Municipal politicians are often scared to death of identifying their political stripes. This makes it difficult for voters to choose. I won’t ask you who you vote for but where would you say you sit on the political spectrum from left to right on both social and fiscal issues?
While I vote in every election, I don’t have an allegiance to any of the major parties. On social issues, I believe our society is judged on how we treat our most vulnerable members which probably puts me left of centre. Fiscally, I know small businesses drive our local economies (multiplier effect) and I’m concerned about the growing inequality and concentration of wealth. Our current economic model of growth and consumption relies on a strong and wealthy middle class (which is rapidly shrinking) so I have some concerns of where that model is taking us. Those concerns probably put me to the left, but I also believe in sound financially planning and analysis for any government spending programs. The total cost and return to taxpayers need to be highlighted so people can make an informed decision on whether their tax dollars are being spent wisely on services they actually want.
Are there areas in north van that are currently closed to mountain bikers that you would like to see opened?
We need to ensure we take care of the trails we already have before deciding whether new areas are needed. BC Parks will be updating the plan for Mount Seymour, which could mean changes to the trails below Mount Seymour Road.
Do you think opponents to mountain biking have some valid points?
Building and maintaining trails does have an environmental impact. When you construct a trail, you are making a permanent change to the natural environment and that change needs to be understood and respected. I feel that those that most vehemently oppose mountain biking have made a values based decision and use the environmental and safety impacts to bolster their argument. Not to say that those who most vehemently approve of mountain biking don’t use the economic and social benefits to bolster their arguments. Frankly, I’m tired of arguing. Mountain biking is a legitimate sport. Period. We have a world class destination for mountain biking in our backyard. Period. Let’s continue to improve our management of the sport and care for the trail infrastructure so that we can minimize those negative impacts and maximize the positive.
What do you think about the whole ‘dumbing down the trails’ controversy?
It’s dumb. I like to ride Bookwus to Grannies to Boundary on my Dekerf Implant hardtail sometimes, but I also like to power through a fast lap of Expresso. Variety is good and we’re not going to lose the classic character of the Shore. There’s plenty of room for all styles of riding.
Do you think the DNV mayor and council are aware of the economic upside of mountain biking?
They may be aware but don’t believe it has an impact on the District’s bottom line.
Any final thoughts for the citizens of North Van and mountain bikers in particular?
Please look at all the candidate profiles and make a decision to vote on the candidate, or candidates, that best represent your issues. On November 15th, be bold. Vote Bond.
If you live in the District of North Vancouver – or know people who do – we encourage you to make an ‘X’ beside Mathew Bond’s name.
Comments
AlanB
9 years, 4 months ago
Need I state the obvious? Mathew would be great on Concil. Great for the District. Great for youth. Great for mtn biking.
Ask everyone you know in DNV when they're voting. If they don't have a plan, get them to make one!!!
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DrewM
9 years, 4 months ago
Be Bold : Vote Bond!
Also, it's #%^!ing windy -- so if you see one of Matt's signs blown down please be extra-bold and put it back up!
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