Stark, John

Part of a series of forums that Douglas College is hosting in partnership with SFU and the City of New Westminster. The goal of these forums is to provide an occasion for frank discussion on important issues facing urban and suburban communities, to both inform and learn from academics, practitioners, and citizens. The physical landscape of New Westminster isn’t the only thing changing. With a boom in development, the city is also going through a cultural metamorphosis – one that isn’t welcomed by all. How can a community evolve to appeal to new buyers and businesses without pushing long-time residents out of the very place they call home? Welcome: Dr. Shaun Tyakoff, Associate Dean, Humanities and Social Sciences (Douglas College). Moderator: Michael McPhee, Humanities and Social Science (Douglas College). A Geography teacher at Douglas College, he teaches courses related to environmental issues and urban sustainability. He’s a former partner and principal of Quadra Planning Consultants Ltd, a land use and environmental planning consultant firm. He also previously held positions with the Fraser River Estuary Management Program, Environment Canada, and the West Water Research Centre at UBC. (3:19) Panelists: Dr. Tiffany Muller Myrdahl, Language, Arts and Social Sciences (SFU). A senior lecturer teaching Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s studies, she’s trained in public policy and geography. Her work combines interests in municipal social policy, participatory planning, and collaborative approaches to researching and responding to urban change. (5:39) John Stark, Senior Social Planner (City of New Westminster). John is responsible for a number of areas such as accessibility, child care, homelessness, housing, multi-culturalism, seniors, and youth. In his eleven years in this position, he has actively worked to ensure that the city maintains its liveability while undergoing significant growth and redevelopment. (26:25) Q&A with panelists (43:48)

The sixth in a series of forums that Douglas College is hosting in partnership with SFU and the City of New Westminster. The goal of these forums is to provide an occasion for frank discussion on important issues facing urban and suburban communities, to both inform and learn from academics, practitioners, and citizens. Downtown New Westminster is being developed into a diverse, inter-generational and mixed-income neighbourhood. What does it mean for a city to be inclusive? Does everyone and everything belong everywhere? Welcome: Dr. Shaun Tyakoff, Humanities and Social Science (Douglas College). Moderator: Dr. Jen Marchbank, Humanities and Social Science (SFU). A resident of Surrey where she is a community activist, working to increase inclusivity, particularly for youth and LGBTQ+ folks. Panelists: John Stark, Acting Manager, Senior Social Planner (City of New Westminster). In his role, John is responsible for such diverse areas such as age friendly communities, child care and child development, housing and shelter, multi-culturalism and poverty reduction, and food security. In the past few years, John has coordinated a number of projects, which have facilitated a more welcoming and inclusive community, including a family friendly housing policy, a child and youth friendly community strategy, and a dementia-friendly community action plan. (3:47) Dr. Joseph Moore, Humanities and Social Science (Douglas College). He’s the co-editor of the recently published Sociology of Home: Belonging, Community, and Place in the Canadian Context. He is teaching research interests in homemaking and home-feeling in public spaces and urban social movements. (21:18) Q&A with panelists (35:53)