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Samantha Agtarap
Climate Change
Active Transportation
The Transportation Master Plan outlines actions to improve cycling networks and pedestrian routes. This needs to be implemented fully. With the declaration of a climate emergency, the goal 40% of trips by bike, walk or transit moved forward from 2045 to 2030. We need to act quickly to implement actions and ensure we are making progress towards this goal.
If we want people to get out of cars, we need to make the alternatives easy, cheaper and more convenient than using a vehicle. We need to advocate for bikes on transit at all times of the day, not just in off-peak hours, explore how more bikes can be added to buses, etc.
Electric Bikes & Scooters
Energy-Efficient Buildings & Retrofits
Overheating is a very real risk, especially in older MURBs (aka condo, apartments). The majority of deaths from the 2021 heat dome occurred indoors, in multi-unit buildings, social housing, SROs, supportive housing, trailer or mobile homes and senior or LTC homes. Building design and lack of mechanical cooling (air conditioning) contributed to situations where indoor temperatures exceeded safe levels.
Retrofits to add mechanical cooling and implement passive measures like exterior shading or window films are urgently needed, however, there are a lack of incentives especially for strata buildings.
Cities need to advocate for incentives to ensure equitable access to cooling measures or consider policy measures that ensure overheating is considered during building renovations.
Active cooling: The City of Vancouver recently amended its building code to require cooling in all new multi-family buildings. While Port Moody doesn't have the same power as Vancouver to amend building codes, we can advocate for the Province to amend the existing building code to require cooling.
Adding mechanical cooling at the time of construction is cheaper than trying to retrofit existing buildings and as we see more heat dome events like in 2021, the human cost will be greater than if we don't do it.
Passive cooling: Passive cooling strategies include reducing solar heat gain (shading, upgrading windows), improving envelope performance (air sealing, insulation
- consider green building guidelines to ensure climate resilient buildings are constructed
- ensure master planned communities include flex space that can be used as cooling/warming centres
- incorporate water conservation measures and xeriscaping guidelines
Urban Heat
- Use green design principles to ensure urban heat island effect is mitigated
- Green roofs, green spaces, trees and careful selection of materials can mitigate temperature increase in urban areas
- incorporate greenways for active transportation routes to ensure comfort of users
- ensure access to water and cooling centres
Active cooling: The City of Vancouver recently amended its building code to require cooling in all new multi-family buildings. While Port Moody doesn't have the same power as Vancouver to amend building codes, we can advocate for the Province to amend the existing building code to require cooling.
Adding mechanical cooling at the time of construction is cheaper than trying to retrofit existing buildings and as we see more heat dome events like in 2021, the human cost will be greater than if we don't do it.
Passive cooling: Passive cooling strategies include reducing solar heat gain (shading, upgrading windows), improving envelope performance (air sealing, insulation
Transit & Getting Around
Active Transportation
The Transportation Master Plan outlines actions to improve cycling networks and pedestrian routes. This needs to be implemented fully. With the declaration of a climate emergency, the goal 40% of trips by bike, walk or transit moved forward from 2045 to 2030. We need to act quickly to implement actions and ensure we are making progress towards this goal.
If we want people to get out of cars, we need to make the alternatives easy, cheaper and more convenient than using a vehicle. We need to advocate for bikes on transit at all times of the day, not just in off-peak hours, explore how more bikes can be added to buses, etc.
Electric Bikes & Scooters
Transit Fares
Similar to passes purchased by university students, provide annual transit passes for new residents either free or heavily discounted to encourage transit use
They may still in the future!
In the meantime, you can learn more about them on their website.
Biography
Besides the natural beauty of this city, Samantha appreciates shopping at local, independent businesses where the staff know her by name and have seen her kids grow up too. Port Moody is fortunate to have a close-knit community, one that Engineered Bodies is happy to be a part of. The non-profit Shop Local Port Moody facilitates these supportive business-to-business relationships. She has met lifelong friends in this group.
In her capacity as a mechanical engineer, Samantha ’s career has focussed on sustainability, energy efficiency and climate action in the built environment. In partnership with local governments, First Nations and other organizations, she has created community energy and climate action and implementation plans. She is practiced at translating complex technical details into easily understood information for a broad range of audiences.
Leveraging her diverse and broad experience across many sectors, Sam works with teams in these engagements to analyze available data, and use the data to drive decision-making processes that incorporate best practices while being mindful of the experiences of those being served.
Day to day, Sam manages the operations and client care services of the family business which allows her to connect with a broad range of people. Alongside her partner Anthony, they have built a welcoming and accepting community.
In her spare time, you can find her on the trails — either walking or biking, at their gym, or enjoying Port Moody’s local businesses.
Sam also serves on her strata council and has volunteered her time with local non-profits including Shop Local Port Moody, BC Functional Fitness Association and Engineered Bodies Weightlifting Club. In the past, Samantha has been a member of the city’s economic development and climate action committees.
She is looking forward to meeting you and hearing about your vision for our city’s future.
Reason for running
I also think that I have a work and life background that would be useful in a Council position. I want to be a positive role model for my daughters and do something positive for my community.
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