My story, and why it shapes how I show up

Together with my partner, we are raising our two children in a 900 sq ft condo in Suter Brook. Not as a stepping stone to a larger space, but a deliberate choice and a practical way to live.

These choices have allowed us to live car-free (and now car-lite). We biked to school, my kids walked to the library, and we took transit or used car-sharing for trips farther afield. We learned that you don’t need a big yard or a big home to give your family a good life – you need walkable neighbourhoods, access to parks, safe active transportation infrastructure and a community that looks out for each other.

The Metro Vancouver housing affordability crisis means many families have to adapt to living in smaller spaces – this is a reality not only facing my family, but also several others in our community. However, living in a condo or apartment is also a viable choice. I’ve heard many times that these options are not family-friendly, that they are not a permanent place to call home, and that families can’t thrive in small spaces. But we are. And we’re not alone. More and more Port Moody families are choosing a similar path, because it’s affordable, connected and liberating.

I’m grateful to past councils who shaped Newport, Suter Brook and Klahanie. These neighbourhoods are why my family chose Port Moody, along with its proximity to the ocean and forest, the walkability to shops, and the promise of Skytrain.

Our experience as a family is why I want housing for everyone, at every stage of life, including mixed-use developments. It’s why I push for active transportation (bike lanes, accessible sidewalks, transit), and why I want to see parks within 400 m of every home.

There’s more work to do to build a city where families, young people and seniors can thrive. Let’s do this together.

~ Samantha

Why I’m Running (again)

When I was first elected in 2022, I ran on a platform of liveability, economic development, climate adaptation, sustainability, and good governance. This work will never be complete. I still feel I have much to give to the community I love.

My primary goals have not shifted, but based on the work completed during the 2022-2026 term, I have refined my platform to better reflect community priorities and the current economic conditions. In this current term, I have learned how restricted municipalities are in their revenue-generating opportunities, how many of the long-term solutions to the issues our residents are facing are often within the jurisdiction of other governments, and how compromises need to be made at the council table.

While I’ve learned a lot during this term, the way I show up will not change:

• I continue my commitment to being prepared for the important discussions that occur at the Council table, ensuring decisions benefit the majority of residents, including future generations.
• I do my homework, and will continue to challenge ideas (not the person) with respect and civility.
• I affirm my commitment to civil and rational discourse.

Port Moody deserves leaders who are problem-solvers, collaborators and creative thinkers; leaders who ask “How can we make this better?” and “How can we work together?”. With that in mind, I’ve signed the Elect Respect pledge. As the Vice Chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on Public and Social Media Communications Guidelines, I am committed to respectful discourse and to challenging ideas and positions, not people.

I’m working to make Port Moody a place where everyday life is a little better.

Every motion I bring forward is researched, reasoned, and explained in clear terms. I’ve initiated many resolutions to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) and Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) to advocate to the provincial government on behalf of our community, all to make life better for our residents. This ranges from advocating for rebates on heat pumps for residents in apartments and condos, requesting the Province enable noise camera pilots or asking for a small share of the Province’s $1.5 billion in gaming revenue.

“Genuine. Analytical. Fair.”

That’s how one resident described me. Another said, “She brings substance to the conversation with a blend of analytical reasoning, practical problem-solving, and structured creativity — always with the goal to make things work better.”

I’m proud of those words, because they resonate with what I sincerely believe and try to demonstrate: good politics doesn’t have to be angry or performative.

Another resident shared “Sam is shows up as a wonderful blend of compassion, humility, and out-of-the box problem solving on local and systemic issues. She tries to solve problems in ways that many others don’t see. She also fights for those who need it most, like her letter writing campaign for Housing for Women and Children fleeing violence. That’s why I want her back on our city council.”

Who I am

I am a registered Professional Engineer. It means I read the fine print, I ask how things work and look for solutions. I’m a problem solver by nature, which means I work to understand the problem and then collaborate to solve it, even if that means we all need to compromise. I choose to explore solutions beyond the status quo.

I’ve worked to explain the “why” behind city decisions, including the quirks of budgets and financials that often appear as a black box. I’ve sought to keep Council focused on facts and accountable to the decisions we’ve made.

While not all motions I’ve advanced have been successful, I have taken those experiences as lessons and continually worked to adapt and find a better way forward. I believe in incremental positive changes. Even small wins can have successive, positive impacts on our day-to-day life in our city.

How I work

I’m a team player who will challenge assumptions and is willing, in turn, to be challenged. I look for common ground and suggest compromises when possible. My positions are researched, principled and grounded in facts.

As I continually learn about how cities work (my “to read” list is long!), I try to share my ideas with our community in my efforts to educate myself and those around me.

If you are interested in how I think and communicate, my blog is a good place to start.

I am asking for your vote (again).

I practice what I preach, acting to ensure that my contribution on council is consistent with how I live day to day: with integrity, centring community and with a high degree of commitment to the city I have the privilege of serving.

I’d be honoured to earn your trust (and vote again).