Winnipeg Election 2018

Jeff Palmer - Fort Rouge - East Fort Garry

Why did you decide to run in the 2018 (Winnipeg Civic Election / School Board Election)?

Many years ago, while still in school, we were assigned a book entitled “Making a Living While Making a Difference.” It stuck with me. For the last 18 years I’ve been fortunate to have worked on many projects that are meaningful to me – creating affordable housing, restoring heritage buildings, developing green space, and others. I want to encourage projects that improve the quality of life for all citizens. I hope that over the years I have developed both the practical skills and good judgement necessary to hold political office.

Last year I became involved with the Rubin Block Advocates, a group of concerned residents who are looking for solutions for the old Merchants Bank building on Osborne and Morley.  It was occupied up until recently, but is now vacant and a safety hazard.  I have no doubt that it could be fully occupied with residents and new businesses with a little effort.  There are many buildings in our Ward in a similar condition, and action needs to be taken quickly before more residents are displaced and safety issues become more serious.

 

 

What experience will you bring to complement your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee)?

I grew up in Winnipeg, attended Grant Park High School, and graduated from the University of Manitoba with an undergraduate degree in Economics and Political Studies.  I later enrolled in the Environmental Planning program at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and then a Masters in City Planning at the University of Manitoba.

Over my 18 year career in city planning I have worked for the Forks Renewal Corporation, CentreVenture Development Corporation (the City of Winnipeg’s downtown development corporation), and the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation. I was able to direct my efforts into such worthwhile projects such as the Bell Hotel supportive housing project, the restoration of Kelly House on Adelaide Street, Merchants Corner housing and education hub on Selkirk Avenue, and the CentreVillage Housing project on Balmoral Street.

As one of two partners in Catapult Community Planning, I have worked with municipalities and not for profit organizations to help them achieve their vision whether that be through a new zoning bylaw or development plan that addresses land use, strategic planning that defines their goals and objectives, or public engagement initiative that helps to ensure that their plans represent the interests and needs of the community.

What are some issues that you would like to stand for in your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee), and why are these issues important to you?

Our City has benefitted from many recent strategic investments.  We need to ensure that these investments in our infrastructure reflect the way we want to live in the future – by making sure cycling, walking and transit facilities are safe and comfortable, by ensuring that the water leaves our city at least as clean as when it entered it, and by keeping our footprint on the land as compact as possible.

This means that we need to encourage active transportation initiatives that make our city as pedestrian and cycling-friendly as possible.  We need to make sure that all infrastructure is accessible to those with mobility issues.  This includes making a modest investment in opening Portage and Main to pedestrian traffic.

Our social infrastructure is as important as our physical infrastructure.  A plan to address crime cannot take place without a comprehensive strategy that includes action on poverty,  homelessness,  mental health, and meth/addiction issues.  Community action is part of the solution.

Reconciliation with our Indigenous community is an issue that is personally important to me.  I am working to educate myself on the 94 Calls to Action as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.  Everyone deserves the Good Life.

What is something that you appreciate about the (City of Winnipeg / the ward / the school ward or school division) you wish to represent?

I have lived in our Ward for 18 years and am now raising a family here.  We value the opportunity to walk to our neighbourhood school, walk to our grocery store, walk to the library and community centre, ride our bikes and cross country ski along the river, and take the bus downtown for family outings.  Our neighbourhoods offer a tremendous quality of life, and the most diverse amenities found anywhere in the city.

 

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I have been an active volunteer in our community for a number of years.  For over ten years I was a Director (and past Chair) of the Westminster Housing Society, a non-profit organization which renovates affordable housing in the West Broadway neighbourhood.  Westminster Housing Society started with a single renovation project and today offers roughly 100 affordable housing units to the community.

I am currently the Chair of Storefront Manitoba, an organization dedicated to advancing the awareness and appreciation of architecture, design, and the built environment.  We sponsor the Winnipeg Design Festival, Cool Gardens, and the Table for 1200 outdoor fundraising dinner.  I sit on the Board of the Performing Arts Lodge, a dedicated group striving to provide affordable housing for artists, and I support my profession as the Manitoba Director of the Canadian Institute of Planners, our national association of city planners.