Members of a brand new electoral organization in Delta say they plan to participate "very actively" in preparation for the November municipal election.
As of Aug. 14, Renew Delta officials said they had the support of more 100 Delta residents, but had not announced any candidates for council or mayor.
Lead member Ranj Heer, who owns a personal training business in North Delta, says she has enjoyed living in the community for the last 15 years.
“But it’s time that we see some change," she said. "Starting and running a
business in Delta has become a very difficult thing to do because of all of the red tape involved. We are seeing all kinds of Delta businesses moving to neighbouring cities, and have lost out in some great prospects for bringing jobs and opportunity to Delta."
Heer, a mother of three, says Delta has been a great place to raise a family, but many new families are moving to other parts of the Lower Mainland with better civic services, opportunities, and affordable housing.
“Delta needs to offer a broader scope of services to keep families in our
community, such as special school programs and opportunities for youth," she said.
Other goals of Renew Delta include improving and increasing community arts, sports and recreation activities, ensuring their accessibility to all Delta residents, and encouraging local business growth and sustainability to promote community employment.
The organization says it wants to re-establish Delta as "the most desirable area in the Lower Mainland."
The next civic election takes place Nov. 19, 2011.