Civic News Digest 2013 (for 2014, please click our main menu here)
This web page carries links to selected civic-affairs news articles about Vancouver City Council, School Board, and Park Board. The lists are courtesy of Sean Antrim, Executive Director, The Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE), who compiles the titles a few times a week (To subscribe to the “COPE News” list directly please write sean@cope.bc.ca.). Note that formatting may appear messy on latest posts until we clean them up.
Hint: Words on this Civic News Digest will turn up using the “Search” function upper right on our top page. You can then also jump down to key words on the page using the search function in your own browser (usually CTRL+S).
COPE NEWS SELECTION, DECEMBER 16, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver’s rental vacancy rate remains stable, below provincial average, in October: CMHC
City won’t interfere with casino application
Ming Sun building’s fate uncertain
Housing market to carry momentum into 2014 realtors say
Greater Vancouver home sales up 13.6% in November
The Origins of Vision Vancouver
BC leads country in child poverty
Women crowd shelters to escape holiday abuse
Renovated Vancouver Fire Hall to include social housing
Rezoning application filed to keep Western Front operating as artist-run centre
Vancouver city council to consider recommendations aimed at increasing safety for sex workers
SCHOOLS
Independent school lobbying behind call to close schools: Bacchus
Strathcona Elementary families enjoy their first pantomime
PARKS
Vancouver’s trans working group seeking feedback on public places
DECEMBER 3, 2013
COUNCIL
More Lower Mainland Rental Housing, but For Whom?
Child poverty increases in BC
Downtown Vancouver HEAT shelters full in record time
Translink must sell properties fast: report
Plans for new Downtown Eastside Housing debated
12th & Cambie: Victoria Park has generated 900 calls to police since 2008
City won’t take abandoned mattresses lying down
Vancouver taxes to rise again in 2014
SCHOOLS
School closures one way to cut hydro bills says BC Education Minister
NOVEMBER 13, 2013
COUNCIL
Vision Vancouver operatives are just party members
My Rental Apartment Rejected Me
Vancouver police ponder wearing cameras
OPCC orders hearing into Vancouver cop who shoved a homeless woman
Marpole residents seek new planning process
Vancouver housing starts remain stable in October: CMHC
Children’s Village houses aboriginal foster kids
First Nations roll out major real estate projects
Restraint-based riot policing a success: VPD
12th & Cambie: Potty-minded George Chow issues ‘urinal challenge’
SCHOOLS
NOVEMBER 12, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver police stall on body-worn video cameras
Vancouver Police Department plans to layoff 10 positions
Vancouver launches world’s first municipal butt recycling program
EVENT: Rally to Save the Hollywood Theatre Sunday Nov 17th, 2pm at St. James Square
EVENT: What is a green city, really? Panel discussion at VPL Nov 15, 7pm
Audit questions Portland Hotel Society spending
To Home Ownership and Back Again
PARKS
Vancouver’s parks board halts work on controversial path project
NOVEMBER 4, 2013
COUNCIL
“Housing for the 21st Century – The Vienna Model” – SFU lecture November 14th by Wolfgang Forster
Hello roommates, goodbye tenant insurance: Vancouver rental woes
Translink service not keeping up with population growth
New developments in Vancouver far outpace what regional plan says population should grow by: residents
Transit ‘Yes’ forces on defensive, seeking allies
Axed TransLink employer pass program worth $31M revenue: docs
UBC facing security crisis in shadow of sex attacks
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/in-the-dark/article15231312/
PARKS
Central Park: Manager rejects NPA’s meeting request on bike path
OCTOBER 31, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver company wants to squeeze you into 100-square-foot micro-homes
Aboriginal children’s village opens in East Vancouver
12th & Cambie: City/VPD’s mental health statistics not what they appear
Vancouver councillor wants to save the Hollywood from gym fate
MEGA-NEWS: Poverty reduction, not charity, says coalition
Bard on the Beach and Arts Club could get new home in Vancouver “theatrical hub”
Missing Women charity head says controversy unfair judgment
PARKS
Statement from Park Board Chair: BC Supreme Court’s decision on OneCard
NPA feeling the Vision strength
Supreme court case a victory says Community Centres
OCTOBER 28, 2013
COUNCIL
Hidden costs of suburban sprawl in the billions: B.C. economist
Former Musqueam chief Ernie Campbell dies
Time to rethink where and how to house Vancouver’s homeless?
Vancouver city staff reject proposal for Stong’s site
Vancouver council approves ‘bold’ Westbank tower project
New call for more affordable housing
City introduces new appointment booking system to streamline the permit process
PARKS
Park board seeks more cash for seniors centre
“Save Kits Beach” anti-bike lane rally draws a crowd
OCTOBER 24, 2013
COUNCIL
Harassment on TransLink project seeks safer transit for women
Vancouver trans and gender-variant inclusion working group to hold community meeting
Lake says VPD, mayor playing politics on mental health
Here comes the neighbourhood: New social housing and rezoning for DTES
City of Vancouver unveils strategies to enhance arts and culture over next five years
Robertson calls for study of violence among mentally ill
Downtown Eastside housing gets approval in bottle depot location
West End draft plan recognizes Davie Village as heart of gay community
PARKS
Kits bike path route not yet finalized
OCTOBER 21, 2013
COUNCIL
The Sanctuary City Movement: Challenges and Possibilities | PUBLIC TALK
Controversial Downtown Eastside landlord in court
MEGA-NEWS: Housing-first part of solution to Vancouver’s mental health crisis
Olympic Village retail on the block
Vancouver co-housing passes another city hurdle
Generation Rent: Two Cities, Two Directions
Taxpayers deserve better value for costly TransLink faregate system
Limited scope of loophole outweighed by Compass Card system’s benefits
More needed, faster: Province’s draft BC legislation for campaign finance reform for 2014 civic election. Public input due Oct 23
PARKS
Court order causes Vancouver Parks Board and community centres to work together
Park board chair repsonds to Kitsilano Beach Park bike path controversy
OCTOBER 17, 2013
COUNCIL
Vision Vancouver could be vulnerable to COPE-Green alliance
Generation Rent: Urban Facelifts Serve the Well-Heeled
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson sends mixed messages to resource industry
Translink trying to help homeless cope with Compass Card
Vancouver’s Mayor says he’s still waiting for the Health Minister’s call
Emergency calls in Vancouver increasing – the Mayor is concerned
Robertson lays out plan for Vancouver’s “innovation economy”
Senior wants safer East Vancouver intersection
Vancouver Rent Bank celebrates first anniversary
PARKS
Kits beach bike path a done deal
OCTOBER 16, 2013
COUNCIL
Generation Rent: San Francisco’s Citizen Tenants
VPD report: 17.9% slower 911 response
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society recognized
Vancouver Rent Bank boasts a year of preventing evictions
Way to cheat Translink’s Compass Card system detected
Concord Pacific unveils $1.3 billion neighbourhood
NPA: Time for meaningful engagement with Kits community
Translink to test pay-per-use bike lockers
Making Connections: Homeless Action Week returns
15, 2013
COUNCIL
Homeless seniors an emerging trend
Vancouver Rent Bank provides short-term help to tenants facing eviction or loss of utilities
Penalty doubled to 2 days for VPD officer who pushed woman to the ground
Updated Casino Open House October 15th 5-8pm, DPB review December 16th
Canadian Home Prices Surge 8.8 Per Cent, Led By Toronto, Vancouver, CREA Says
Vancouver, Surrey still struggling to get homeless numbers down — keeping them from going up is the measure of success so far
With too many questions unanswered, Metro transport committee declines “support” for Translink base plan
OCTOBER 8, 2013
COUNCIL
Top pension plan investments include three oil and gas companies, Vancouver report indicates
Vancouver 2014 budget to include ‘moderate’ property tax hike
Bilingualism isn’t a sign of community decay
Translink base plan’s assumptions on fuel taxes could spell trouble for transit riders
The latest development in That’s Not News!
Do Vancouverites really want more public consultation?
Water main break floods streets in Vancouver’s West End
SCHOOLS
Vancouver School Board names first student trustee
OCTOBER 7, 2013
COUNCIL
TransLink base plan’s assumption on fuel taxes could spell trouble for transit riders
Mayor Gregor Robertson and Vision Vancouver have good reasons to feel confident about next election
BC’s racist pasts spans many years, many races
A fifth of transit riders fail to tap out in Compass card test
Oakridge residents wary of small redevelopment’s scale
Translink eyes $122.6M in federal gas taxes
If you don’t like the Vancouver Cedar Party you are wrong and must go away
Vancouver mayor in New York for urban development summit
SCHOOLS
Class Notes: Britannia wants carving pavillion to be permanent
PARKS
Rebel community centres mount fresh legal attack on park board
Central Park: Book exchanges eyed for Vancouver
OCTOBER 3, 2013
COUNCIL
Musqueam First Nation says Marpole Midden site will be preserved following land deal
BC losing its position as climate-change leader
Prepare to pay higher property taxes and user fees, Vancouverites
Concord Pacific unveils massive new Vancouver development near BC Place
Concord Pacific and Concert Properties reveal big plans for two False Creek developments
http://www.straight.com/news/498606/concord-pacific-and-concert-properties-reveal-big-plans-two-false-creek-developments
Rezoning transit fare zones spurs debate Vancouver
http://www.straight.com/news/497776/rezoning-transit-fare-zones-spurs-debate-vancouver
SCHOOLS
Future uncertain for VSB’S Continuing Education
PARKS
Paved parking lot transformed into urban oasis
OCTOBER 2, 2013
COUNCIL
Translink’s new electronic payment system to impact homeless
New leader works to get NPA back on track
City mulls design options for Vancouver Art Gallery plaza
Vancouver’s future shaped by an explosive demand for transit
New Mobile Business Licence cuts red tape, supports small business
Ridge Theatre demolition stirs up memories
Vancouver eyes Port Metro properties for clean-tech industry
Complaints mounting over garbarge on Vancouver streets
SCHOOLS
BC’s young immigrants want high school credit for English classes
OCTOBER 1, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver formally apologizes to Japanese Canadians
Transit rider says he’s had enough of Translink’s free rides
Musqueam: Land seen as vehicle for self-sufficiency
Still no solution to bus driver headaches
Rising liquor-policing cost a ‘challenge’ in Vancouver
Translink Compass Cards: 8 things to know as testing winds down
Local leaders argue for transit funding in runup to referendum
On the Non-Partisan Association, Peter Armstrong and Vision Vancouver
London Drugs inks deal to host Compass vending machine
New chief housing officer to oversee housing hornets nest
Pot petitioners complain of Translink interference
SCHOOLS
Vancouver School Board working on how to make ends meet
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
COUNCIL
Mayor and Police Board dismiss DTES complaint of discriminatory ticketing
Fare hikes buried in Compass Card: group
Not much optimism prior to Metro Mayor’s meeting with Transportation Minister
Status update on community plans debate in council
Changes approved to Vancouver building bylaw include more accessibility
NPA needs defining issue to upset Vision
New building code supports affordable housing and meets green goals, City says
Vancouver passes gender-neutral washrooms in public buildings
New civic party vows fewer bike lanes, more democracy
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver residents rally for planning changes at City Hall protest
City councillor Adriane Carr takes aim at Vancouver’s rental initiatives
Vancouver expresses opposition to fee for international musicians
Vancouver unanimously passes motion on media access
Paragon proposes an ‘urban resort’ after casino plan nixed
The House of Future is Passive
Multicuturalism & Social Enterprise: In Vancouver, the twain shall
PARKS
OneCard decision will have fallout either way, says lawyer
SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
COUNCIL
Walk for Reconciliation draws thousands in Vancouver
Relations with Vancouver City Hall sour in four communities angered by planning process
Balance needed for property taxes
In Vancouver, tens of thousands walk for sovereignty and justice for First Nations
SCHOOLS
Vancouver trustees want inner city school review expanded
SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
COUNCIL
Reconciliation is not only about the past
COPE’s David Chudnovsky downcast over Vision Vancouver record
Will election be fought over affordability definition?
Communication breakdown at Vancouver city hall as staff have little to say about ballooning numbers
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Communication+breakdown+Vancouver+city+hall+staff+have/8930037/story.html
Should terms be longer for civic politicians?
More late night taxi-cabs for Vancouver
As businesses move to take over responsibility for recycling, cities raise a host of questions
SCHOOLS
Reconciliation efforts include focus on education
PARKS
Kerrisdale CCA memo explains Recent Legal Action with Park Board
SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
COUNCIL
Developing Story: City of Vancouver staff recommend delays for two community plans
Tickets not perfect DTES solution: police board and advocates agree
SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
COUNCIL
OPINION: The debate on housing supply is really about monopoly
Vancouver staff report recommends extending schedule for Grandview-Woodland plan
Vision Vancouver’s illusionists are shortchanging democracy
Lawyers to face Vancouver Police Board over allegations of excessive ticketing on the Downtown Eastside
Local educators worried about Translink Compass changes
Renfrew-Collingwood: Poverty stats spurred neighbourhood house to preserve and pickle
Vancouver Opera recovers from deficit, reports more than $400,000 operating surplus in 2013
Quake concerns spread at Vancouver City Hall
Partnerships help VIFF survive venue closures
SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver Police stand firm on issuing DTES tickets
Vancouver Police and Mayor issue recommendations to address mental health “crisis”
Talk Vancouver brings civic politics online
Renfrew-Collingwood: Kingsway Continental opening delayed
Ousting homeless without a plan is unacceptable
MEGA-NEWS: Poverty impairs ability to focus
Vancouver council wants to renegotiate new recycling contract terms
Vancouver sanitation manager promoted despite scathing staff report, hiring of Hells Angel
Vision Van turns to Vision Critical for online engagement, and Vision Critical’s latest new hire is … former communications guy for Vision Van
Tyee Poll: Is a 20% reduction in personal vehicle use by 2020 realistic for Canadian municipalities?
PARKS
50,000 have signed up for Park Board’s One Card
SEPTEMBER 11, 2013
COUNCIL
City appoints new housing chief
Interactive Map: Vancouver’s Richest and Poorest Neighbourhoods
Growing pains at social housing complex near Vancouver’s Olympic VIllage
Gregor Robertson confirms federal Liberals, NDP tried to recruit him
Hard haggling begins over transit referendum
Register to criticize your Mayor and Council
Young Arabs flock to Vancouver for higher learning
Insite survives 10 years on
Judge sets deadline in trial of transit cops
SEPTEMBER 6, 2013
COUNCIL
York Rooms harassing, bribing low-income tenants: Pivot
Federal Liberal Party insider will head Vancouver Economic Commission: Mayor
Commercial Drive drop-in-centre wants exception to rezoning freeze
Vancouver Art Gallery seeks architects for proposed new building
Arrest warrants issued for notorious DTES landlord
Geoff Meggs: Off-again, on-again Compass rollout will mean big adjustments for transit riders
Business groups to put spotlight on transit funding this fall
Vancouver police search for suspect in sex worker assaults
An Affordable High
Vancouver’s queer community rallies for Russia
Jon Ferry: ‘Livable’ Vancouver could be more ‘lovable’
SEPTEMBER 4, 2013
COUNCIL
Vision Vancouver accused of “misleading” residents with use of term “affordable housing”
Race in Vancouver: the racial conversation this city needs to have
Downtown Eastside landlord ‘wanted’ over debts to former tenants
Patience required waiting for compass card
SCHOOLS
‘High-risk’ Kitsilano Secondary targeted for seismic upgrade
Students asked to use own laptops and tablets
PARKS
Vancouver Parks Board terminates agreement with rebel community centres
PNE attendance dips to lowest level in 10 years
SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
COUNCIL
Activist laments city’s racial inequality
B.C. municipalities seek property-tax changes
Translink’s 99-B-Line to face annual test of strength tomorrow as summer ends
Dunbar-Southlands: Stong’s market faces an uncertain future
One arrest, two stabbings in outside Granville Street nightclub
Malls on transit lines emerging as new residential centres
Giant Billboards at BC Place still violate sign bylaw. Does the City have leverage with PAVCO?
SCHOOLS
BC Teachers Federation says it will honour any CUPE picket lines
PARKS
Park board and six community centres head to court tomorrow, as the divorce continues to get nastier
AUGUST 30, 2013
COUNCIL
Michael Smyth: Justin Trudeau pitches federal move to Gregor Robertson
City taking action to support Main St arts scene on three fronts
Canada is top developed nation for real-estate development worldwide
West End city planners face criticism at public meeting
http://dailyxtra.com/vancouver/news/west-end-city-planners-face-criticism-at-public-meeting?market=208
Under construction: Burrard Bridge upgrades start August 26th
August 27, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver lower Main Street development threatens arts centres
Homes less affordable says RBC index
Grassroots group pitches transit tax
Vancouver’s East-West divide, population density, political clout, and deeper issues at City Hall
Complex health issues faced by Vancouver’s single room occupancy tenants
Oakridge opponent gets message out
Rhizome’s bitter-sweet closing night
AUGUST 26, 2013
COUNCIL
Woman stopped at SkyTrain fare check being deported
“Gong show” building on East Hastings prompts tenants to rally Monday
People right to be wary of TransLink’s privacy promises
Permanent Translink route changes around the corner
Whose City is it, anyway?
Native youth leader resigns over ‘unusual’ police DNA demand
Mapping Vancouver’s East-West Divide
Commercial real estate report: City core’s office vacancy rate up but still below national average
Commercial real estate report: ‘Greed’ blamed for multi-family land sales nosedive
AUGUST 22, 2013
COUNCIL
Low-income residents say they’re being evicted so hotel can become ‘hip’ rental suites
‘Misinformation’ behind growing number of neighbourhood rebellions across Vancouver
Jenny Kwan for mayor of Vancouver?
Planning process for Vancouver’s Marpole district sparks community backlash
EcoDensity on steroids triggers neighbourhood opposition
Video emerges of VPD officer shooting beanbag bullet into distraught man at Vancouver Art Gallery
Transportation minister not revealing much on transit funding vote
Compass Card concerns
Over 5000 call for Translink to stop double transit fee
Blurry legalities for autonomous vehicles in Canada
PARKS
Six community associations pursue legal action against Vancouver park board
AUGUST 20, 2013
COUNCIL
VIVA Vancouver and partners open new farmers market in Yaletown
The Myth of Foreign Real Estate Investment
Returning students face housing hurtles
City Hall sells off 119 units at Olympic Village
Investors group acquires Olympic Village apartments
Cyclist injured after colliding with a bus in Vancouver
Concord Pacific land assessment outrages residents
MEGA-NEWS: Shipping container housing comes to Vancouver
Fire at Rolston building on Granville and Drake
SCHOOLS
City School thinks outside the classroom box
AUGUST 19, 2013
COUNCIL
Compass system shows TransLink has again lost its way
Vancouver entrepreneur announces bid for president of federal Liberal party
Developing Story: Cohousing coming to Kensington-Cedar Cottage
Marpole residents decry ‘development at breakneck speed’
August 13, 2013
COUNCIL
12th & Cambie: CAC cash from Rize Alliance development could go to artist space
Housing activist defends DTES plan
Multi-level developments part of Vancouver housing solutions
Highway robbery? No, just gas prices in Delta, Surrey, Vancouver and Burnaby
SCHOOLS
VSB Chair says Trustees are not a happy lot
AUGUST 12, 2013
COUNCIL
DTES planning process running its final LAPP
http://megaphonemagazine.com/articles/742/mega-news-dtes-planning-process-running-its-final-lapp
Migrant workers in Canada exploited because of restricted mobility
Study finds steep drug and mental health challenges for Downtown Eastside single-occupancy tenants
Employers and employees can’t afford to lose the TransLink referendum
Health officials issue no-swimming advisories at Second Beach and Sunset Beach
Translink would benefit from retail revenue, B.C. politicians say
Five sites sought for Metro Vancouver waste-to-energy plant
AUGUST 9, 2013
COUNCIL
Downtown Eastside recycling depot to relocate
Residentsd upset over Grandview Woodland plan
Royal Bank sues former Waldorf operators
12th & Cambie: The Lo down on cheap market housing in shipping containers
Housing starts up in BC
Canada loses 39,000 jobs in July; employment declines in BC
Short term community gardens get mixed reviews
AUGUST 8, 2013
COUNCIL
The Race Conversation Vancouver Needs to Have
Explosive growth of Vancouver’s urban gardens prompts confrontations
12th & Cambie: Mayor Gregor Robertson wants safety on track
In Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, new housing endangers historic buildings
Metro Vancouver is expensive and it’s about to get worse
Vancouver infrastructure demands may spark tolls, taxes
Canada Line rules, location stalled Jugo Juice franchises: lawsuit
PARKS
Vancouverites using Onecard system to access outdoor pools
AUGUST 6, 2013
COUNCIL
Shipping container social housing makes debut in Vancouver
Archaic Translink security system to get upgrade
Putting Translink on the right and fast track will benefit city
Super-luxury auto dealer McLaren opening branch in Vancouver
Developing Story: Urban Design Panel rejects Avalon rezoning proposal
Kalayaan Centre crumbles to dust
Short term job prospects in Vancouver “negative”
Increased levels of fecal matter found at Sunset Beach in Vancouver
Translink posts $12 million Q1 surplus
PARKS
Hastings Park Governance – NPA Caucus United, Vision Divided
AUGUST 2, 2013
COUNCIL
The redevelopment of Heather Place and why Vancouver’s housing crisis is worsening
Recycled shipping container development set to house 12 women in Downtown Eastside
Transit Investment
Live Music and Development: A Double Standard of Noise Pollution in Vancouver
Pride festival’s estimated 800,000 attendees to provide business bump
Love and exact change: Building compassion for homeless into Vancouver’s transit system
Metro burning over FVRD refusal to talk garbage incineration
Northeast False Creek & Eastern Core Consultation Questionnaire
Unopened fireworks booze seizure has Vancouver student seeing Red
Incorporating a company not so simple
PARKS
Vision Vancouver blocks park board control of Hastings Park
JULY 30, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver city council approves bike route for Point Grey Road and York Avenue
Vancouver police seeing increase in mental health calls
Rainbow crossing bright up Vancouver’s West End
Politics of Pain: Low-income patients, advocates decry medical marijuana regulation changes
Vancouver city council supports motion calling for extended patio hours
SCHOOLS
Vancouver gets a high-rise school downtown to serve the baby boom there
JULY 29, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver households have highest net worth in Canada: Environics
Canada’s new immigration realities
http://www.southasianpost.com/article/5410-canada%E2%80%99s-new-immigration-realities.html
Lower Mainland residents feel increased bite of bed bugs
First night of 2013 Celebration of Light fireworks ‘well-behaved’
The Vancouver Art Gallery and the Eviction of a Political Idea – PART II
Statement on LGBTQ discrimination in Russia and the 2014 Olympic Games
Imagine, Vancouver’s Exhibition Powered by Mini Doughnuts
V-Poles: Douglas Coupland writes the future of the telephone pole
SCHOOLS
How do you fit a new school in downtown Vancouver
PARKS
Vancouver Pride Week: Parks commissioner working to build an inclusive environment
JULY 25, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver’s draft plan for Downtown Eastside seeks range of rents
Developers feeling unappreciated for community contributions
Vancouver Bike Lane Debate Cycles On
Raise rates for people on disability: group
City orders demolition as building found ready to fall
V-pole’s first step could earn city $1.25 million per year
SCHOOLS
Downtown Vancouver neighbourhood to get city’s newest elementary school
Vancouver city council to vote on Hastings Park on Aug. 1
JULY 24, 2013
COUNCIL
Reports of bedbugs double in Vancouver
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/07/18/reports-of-bedbugs-double-in-vancouver
Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside plan deregulates housing by-laws, fails to include new social housing development
Fleeing Danger, Refugee Shelter-Seekers Find Exploitation
Vancouver city council approves public bike-share system
Pride Legacy Awards 2013 highlight bright lights of Vancouver’s queer communities
Resale housing market up, Vancouver still ‘tentative’: Conference Board of Canada
Abbotsford facing legal action for attempting to chase away homeless people
The future of goods movement: the only thing certain is the uncertainty
Yaletown residents upset over a… tall condo building?
Protesters rally against Union Street bike lanes
JULY 22, 2013
COUNCIL
Gregor Robertson: Finding common ground to build a better city
Safer from Violence, Still Seeking a Home
Vancouvr plans to overhaul traffic flow at south end of Burrard Bridge
Canada’s changing immigration program
A place where everybody knows your name
From in-your-face to polite prevention
Point Grey Bike Route: Gear Up or Hit the Brakes?
Spirited weekend of songs and sunshine leaves Vancouver folk festival on a high note
JULY 19, 2013
COUNCIL
Downtown Eastside residents seek clarity on local area plan
Reports of bedbugs double in Vancouver
Vancouver Coastal Health cuts linked to rising deficit
Heather Place redevelopment plans revealed, Open House July 30th
Burrard Bridge to get safer for cyclists, pedestrians
Vision Vancouver not doing the math on Point Grey Road
Vancity recognized for social enterprise development
Is it art? There’s more to this pile of rubble downtown than what meets the eye
Downtown Eastside future development plan gets its first airing: a rental-only district; a goal to get low-cost grocers into the hood; lots of “a variety of new housing forms encouraged”
Vancouver’s public bike share: Here’s how it’ll work
2013 best year to date for separated bike lanes
JULY 18, 2013
COUNCIL
Lions Gate Bridge gets historical recognition
Vancouver’s Point Grey Road set to become ‘Park for the Rich’ with new plan restricting traffic
‘Lifetime transit passes’ called wasteful
Non-residential building down in second quarter
Residents still think developers missed the mark
Edgewater Casino gets extension
Developing Story: open house for Rize project
Vancouver prepares to join the bike-share craze
PARKS
Duck death at Hastings Park pond blamed on fishing hook
July 17, 2013
COUNCIL
Rize responds to city’s rezoning conditions with major design changes to its Mount Pleasant project
Vancouver Police Board reduces number of meetings
Sid Chow Tan: Where can you call the bullied the bullies? My thoughts on the restaurant pickets
Neighbourhoods fight against Vancouver’s densification plans
Cops watching bazaar for stolen goods
Vancouver police crack down on loud motorcycles
PARKS
OneCard Launch Misleading and Irresponsible
JULY 16, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver city councillor Adriane Carr to call for six-month extension for Grandview-Woodland plan
http://www.straight.com/news/400826/vancouver-city-councillor-adriane-carr-call-six-month-extension-grandview-woodland-plan
Sid Chow Tan: Where can you call the bullied the bullies? My thoughts on the restaurant pickets
http://www.straight.com/news/400901/sid-chow-tan-where-can-you-call-bullied-bullies-my-thoughts-restaurant-pickets
Vancouver’s Trayvon Martins
http://themainlander.com/2013/07/15/vancouvers-trayvon-martins/
Vancouver’s Pursuit of Happiness
http://thetyee.ca/News/2013/07/16/Vancouver-Happiness/
Translink seeking 5,000 Compass Card Beta testers
http://spacing.ca/vancouver/2013/07/15/translink-seeking-compass-card-testers/
Broadway and Commercial transit and towers workshop leaves no one happy
http://www.vancouverobserver.com/real-estate/broadway-and-commercial-transit-and-towers-workshop-leaves-no-one-happy
Is the Hornby bike lane good for Vancouver businesses?
http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/738702/is-the-hornby-bike-lane-good-for-vancouver-businesses/
SCHOOLS
Suburban school enrolments rise east of Vancouver, while expensive areas see decline
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Suburban+school+enrolments+rise+east+Vancouver+while/8613523/story.html
JULY 15, 2013
COUNCIL
Bike lane drama in Vancouver mayor’s new neighbourhood
http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/737602/bike-lane-drama-in-vancouver-mayors-new-neighbourhood/
Is Vancouver Pride really 35 this year?
http://dailyxtra.com/vancouver/news/vancouver-pride-really-35-year?market=208
Vancouver planning manager faces anger over community plans
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/city-planning-manager-faces-anger-over-community-plans/article13214670/
Mayor’s house has sold for asking: Vancouver real-estate stocks soar
http://www.francesbula.com/uncategorized/mayors-house-has-sold-for-asking-vancouver-real-estate-stocks-soar/
Summer heat spurs Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission into summertime supply drive
http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/737613/summer-heat-spurs-vancouvers-union-gospel-mission-into-summertime-supply-drive/
The Vancouver Art Gallery and the Eviction of a Political Idea | Part I
http://themainlander.com/2013/07/13/the-vancouver-art-gallery-and-the-eviction-of-a-political-idea-part-i/
One man+one sledgehammer+two viaducts=George Chow?
http://blogs.canada.com/2013/07/10/one-manone-sledgehammertwo-viaductsgeorge-chow/
Edgewater Casino resurrection: Paragon re-pitches BC Place deal
http://www.vancouverobserver.com/politics/commentary/edgewater-casino-resurrection-paragon-re-pitches-bc-place-deal
Strength returns to luxury home market in Vancouver: Sotheby’s
http://www.biv.com/article/20130712/BIV0111/130719973/strength-returns-to-luxury-home-market-in-vancouver-sotheby-8217-s
Three rental landlord associations merge into one
http://www.biv.com/article/20130712/BIV0111/130719976/three-rental-landlord-associations-merge-into-one
Report tallies cost of traffic congestion, recommends road pricing
http://www.biv.com/article/20130711/BIV0118/130719982/report-tallies-cost-of-traffic-congestion-recommends-road-pricing
JULY 10, 2013
COUNCIL
Criminal record hastens loss of immigration status
http://www.southasianpost.com/article/5374-criminal-record-hastens-loss-immigration-status.html
Cities urged to use development fees to fund transit
http://www.vancourier.com/news/Cities+urged+development+fees+fund+transit/8637162/story.html
City council adds new mixed-use developments to broaden low-income housing market
http://www.bcbusiness.ca/real-estate/fire-hall-housing-units
Vancouver City Council approves symbolic ban on coal shipping and storage within city limits
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Vancouver+City+Council+approves+symbolic+coal+shipping+storage/8638006/story.html
Greenest City update shows Vancouver carbon pollution dropped 4% since 2007 while economy grew
http://votevision.ca/blog/130709/greenest-city-update-shows-vancouver-carbon-pollution-dropped-4-2007-while-economy-grew
Drivers warned to slow down in DTES
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/07/09/drivers-warned-to-slow-down-in-downtown-eastside
Residents fear impact of cell tower
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/07/09/residents-fear-impact-of-cell-tower
JULY 8, 2013
COUNCIL
Solefood launches urban orchard in Vancouver
http://www.straight.com/news/398531/solefood-launches-urban-orchard-vancouver
Protesters target Cuchillo as another symbol of gentrification in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
http://www.straight.com/news/398401/protesters-target-cuchillo-another-symbol-gentrification-vancouvers-downtown-eastside
City of Vancouver breaks down on Commercial-Broadway condo towers, for now
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/2013/07/05/Commercial-Broadway-Towers/
Vancouver is prepared against rail spill disaster, says mayor in wake of Quebec train crash
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Vancouver+prepared+against+rail+spill+disaster+says+mayor+wake/8627513/story.html
Vancouver real estate: The $1-million white picket fence
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/housing/the-1-million-white-picket-fence/article13054729/
How can Vancouver make Granville a daytime destination?
http://www.news1130.com/2013/07/08/how-can-vancouver-make-granville-a-daytime-destination/
Latin American community members recognized at awards ceremony in Vancouver
http://www.straight.com/news/398261/latin-american-community-members-recognized-awards-ceremony-vancouver
Blaze tears through South Vancouver apartment complex
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Blaze+tears+through+South+Vancouver+apartment+complex/8628096/story.html
Vancouver viaduct removal could cost B.C. taxpayers
http://www.cknw.com/news/vancouver/story.aspx?ID=2000340
Giant hogweed invasion in Metro Vancouver much worse than originally feared
http://www.theprovince.com/news/bc/Giant+hogweed+invasion+much+worse+than+originally+feared/8627776/story.html
JULY 5, 2013
COUNCIL
Province to take in $300-million from Little Mountain sale in Vancouver
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/province-to-take-in-300-million-from-little-mountain-sale-in-vancouver/article12997592/
VPD re-launches ‘Don’t Be That Guy’ campaign to prevent sex assaults
http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/728596/vpd-re-launches-dont-be-that-guy-campaign-to-prevent-sex-assaults/
Translink explores car alternatives
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/07/04/translink-explores-car-alternatives
Vancouver announces public summertime events, eyes longer hours for bar and restaurant patios
http://votevision.ca/blog/130704/vancouver-announces-public-summertime-events-eyes-longer-hours-bar-and-restaurant-patios
Rainbow crosswalks for Davie
http://www.dailyxtra.com/vancouver/news/rainbow-crosswalks-davie?market=208
A potpourri of civic affairs stuff — licence plate traces, rent bank, big money and councillors cash in
http://blogs.canada.com/2013/07/03/a-potpourri-of-civic-affairs-stuff-licence-plate-traces-rent-bank-big-money-and-councillors-cash-in/
PARKS
Artists picked for Vancouver park board studio residency program
http://www.straight.com/arts/398046/artists-picked-vancouver-park-board-studio-residency-program
Fight over Vancouver’s community centres may end up in court
http://www.straight.com/news/397141/fight-over-vancouvers-community-centres-may-end-court
JULY 4, 2013
COUNCIL
“Cuchillo” Restaurant: Another knife in the heart of the Downtown Eastside | Part I
http://themainlander.com/2013/07/03/cuchillo-restaurant-another-knife-in-the-heart-of-the-downtown-eastside-part-i/
Keep those patio lanterns lit: Vancouver mayor proposes later closing times
http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/727319/keep-those-patio-lanterns-lit-vancouver-mayor-proposes-later-closing-times/
All Aboard: Making public transit the driving force in Metro Vancouver
http://megaphonemagazine.com/articles/718/all-aboard-making-public-transit-the-driving-force-in-metro-vancouver
NPA Councillor Seeks Improvements to Granville Entertainment District
http://npavancouver.ca/npa-councillor-seeks-improvements-to-granville-entertainment-district/
No surprises as UDP advocates for even greater height and density along arterials – but who’s guarding the public interest?
https://cityhallwatch.wordpress.com/2013/07/03/udp-pushes-height-density/
Vancouver announces public summertime events, eyes longer hours for bar and restaurant
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Vancouver+announces+public+summertime+events+eyes+longer+hours/8613406/story.html
12th & Cambie: City of Vancouver counts cars
http://www.vancourier.com/news/12th+Cambie+City+Vancouver+counts+cars/8613178/story.html
PARKS
Vancouver’s OneCard program will benefit users of community centres
http://votevision.ca/blog/130703/vancouver%E2%80%99s-onecard-program-will-benefit-users-community-centres
JULY 3, 2013
COUNCIL
Activists applaud transit proposal for Vancouver’s homeless
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/activists-applaud-transit-proposal-for-vancouvers-homeless/article12944376/
Landowners eager to cash in on removal of viaducts
http://www.biv.com/article/20130702/BIV0111/307029989/landowners-eager-to-cash-in-on-removal-of-viaducts
City commercial real estate rent controls pushed
http://www.biv.com/article/20130618/BIV0111/306189937/city-commercial-real-estate-rent-controls-pushed
Davie Street Revitalization Report seeks to ensure queer presence
http://www.straight.com/life/396771/davie-street-revitalization-report-seeks-ensure-queer-presence
12th & Cambie: NPA votes against motion to ban ‘big money’
http://www.vancourier.com/news/12th+Cambie+votes+against+motion+money/8607613/story.html
Drinker’s co-op seeks empty bottles
http://megaphonemagazine.com/articles/714/mega-news-drinkers-co-op-seeks-empty-bottles
Drunk Cycling
http://thetyee.ca/Life/2013/07/03/Drunk-Cycling/
SCHOOLS
Class Notes: Vancouver teachers up for award
http://www.vancourier.com/news/Class+Notes+Vancouver+teachers+award/8607609/story.html
JULY 2, 2013
COUNCIL
Vancouver councillor backs plan to help homeless transit users
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouver-councillor-backs-plan-to-help-homeless-transit-users/article12915523/
Open letter from NPA president Peter Armstrong
http://npavancouver.ca/open-letter-from-npa-president-peter-armstrong/
Vancouver votes to proceed with two-year study of viaducts removal
http://www.straight.com/news/396066/vancouver-votes-proceed-two-year-study-viaducts-removal
Daniel Tseghay and Sean Antrim: Vancouver viaducts and learning from history
http://www.straight.com/news/396111/daniel-tseghay-and-sean-antrim-vancouver-viaducts-and-learning-history
A celebration and a goodbye: Rhizome holds its farewell open house
http://www.dailyxtra.com/vancouver/news/celebration-and-goodbye?market=208
Can Trump Sell Condos?
http://www.bcbusiness.ca/real-estate/can-trump-sell-condos
Will Edgewater Casino permit be extended to December 31, 2016 by the City?
https://cityhallwatch.wordpress.com/2013/06/30/edgewater_permit_e2016/
Vancouver looks to become more age and dementia-friendly
http://www.vancourier.com/news/Vancouver+looks+become+more+dementia+friendly/8594936/story.html
A farewell to The Ridge: a time capsule of Vancouver culture and history
http://www.vancouverobserver.com/culture/farewell-ridge-time-capsule-vancouver-culture-and-history
PARKS
Vision Vancouver politicians can bring down hammer on community centre associations
http://www.straight.com/news/396606/vision-vancouver-politicians-can-bring-down-hammer-community-centre-associations
Hastings Park governance, commercial focus protested
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/06/30/bc-hastings-park-electronic-sign-protest.html?autoplay=true
JUNE 26, 2013
COUNCIL
DTES community slams city’s Local Area Planning Process, creates their own
http://themainlander.com/2013/06/25/dtes-community-slams-citys-local-area-planning-process-creates-their-own/
It’s time to stop punishing people who use drugs
http://www.straight.com/news/394946/scott-bernstein-its-time-stop-punishing-people-who-use-drugs
Police launch calendar to track protests
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/06/25/vancouver-police-launch-calendar-to-track-protests
How to revitalize Davie Street
http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/How_to_revitalize_Davie_Street-13783.aspx
Vancouver faces “turning point” in future of Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts
http://www.straight.com/news/394896/vancouver-faces-turning-point-future-georgia-and-dunsmuir-viaducts
Developing Story: City of Vancouver designs easier to read development signs
http://www.vancourier.com/news/Developing+Story+City+Vancouver+designs+easier+read+development+signs/8578052/story.html
Vision Vancouver councillor calls for big money out of city politics
http://www.vancourier.com/news/Vision+Vancouver+councillor+calls+money+city+politics/8577989/story.html
No thin street for Marpole after fierce resistance
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/thin+street+Marpole+after+fierce+community+resistance/8578476/story.html
Vancouver set to move forward with innovative business license
http://votevision.ca/blog/130625/vancouver-set-move-forward-innovative-new-mobile-business-licence
Robson Street prepares for summer-long patio
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/06/25/robson-street-prepares-for-summer-long-patio
SCHOOLS
Class Notes: Vancouver culinary arts teacher hangs up her apron
http://www.vancourier.com/news/Class+Notes+Vancouver+culinary+arts+teacher+hangs+apron/8576882/story.html
PARKS
Park Board OKs proposal for missing women memorial
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/06/25/park-board-oks-proposal-for-missing-women-memorial
JUNE 25, 2013
COUNCIL
Al-Jazeera probes gentrification controversy in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Jazeera+probes+gentrification+controversy+Vancouver+Downtown/8573299/story.html
Vancouver city hall kills ‘thin street’ proposal for Marpole
http://www.vancourier.com/news/Vancouver+city+hall+kills+thin+street+proposal+Marpole/8572723/story.html
At Ground Zero for Vancouver’s Towering Debate
http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2013/06/25/Vancouver-Tower-Debate/
Group rallies in support of tearing down the viaducts
http://globalnews.ca/news/669614/group-rallies-in-support-of-tearing-down-the-viaducts/
Chinatown stakeholders express cautious support for removal of viaducts
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Chinatown+stakeholders+express+cautious+support+removal/8572904/story.html
Metro takes hard look at management pay levels
http://www.wevancouver.com/news/212836521.html
SCHOOLS
Shrinking schools, broke parents: We can’t afford to grow up in Vancouver
http://www.vancouverobserver.com/city/education/shrinking-schools-broke-parents-we-cant-afford-grow-vancouver
PARKS
Memorial totem sought at Crab Park for Pickton victims
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Memorial+totem+sought+Crab+Park+Pickton+victims/8573118/story.html
JUNE 24, 2013
COUNCIL
COPE’s Tim Louis pokes fun at Vision Vancouver and opposes using city site for new art gallery
http://www.straight.com/news/394166/copes-tim-louis-pokes-fun-vision-vancouver-and-opposes-using-city-site-new-art-gallery
Deadline fast approaching for future of former W2 space
http://megaphonemagazine.com/articles/713/mega-news-deadline-fast-approaching-for-future-of-former-w2-space
For Indigenous Women, Radical art as a Last Resort
http://thetyee.ca/ArtsAndCulture/2013/06/22/Radical-Art/
Tyee poll shows overwhelming support for proportional representation
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/2013/06/20/TyeePollPR/
Viaducts report makes compelling case for replacement as council moves to vote
http://www.geoffmeggs.ca/2013/06/23/viaducts-report-makes-compelling-case-for-replacement-as-council-moves-to-vote/
Tear down the viaducts: Yes, No, Maybe
http://www.cknw.com/news/vancouver/story.aspx?ID=1989344
SCHOOLS
Vancouver school district praised for cutting paper use
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/06/23/vancouver-school-district-praised-for-cutting-paper-use
PARKS
Canada’s only elected parks board at risk of losing independence
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Parks+board+city+sights+Critics/8569112/story.html
JUNE 20, 2013
COUNCIL
Demolishing viaducts would cost from $55 million to more than $130 million
http://blogs.canada.com/2013/06/19/demolishing-viaducts-would-cost-55-million-to-more-than-130-million/
Vancouver entrenches plan to tear down viaducts
http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/712250/vancouver-entrenches-in-plans-to-tear-down-viaducts/
City of Vancouver unveils new, improved development signage
http://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/new-improved-development-signage.aspx
12th & Cambie: Will B.C.’s new AG crack down on unpaid helmet fines?
http://www.vancourier.com/news/12th+Cambie+Will+crack+down+unpaid+helmet+fines/8549883/story.html
Study details Canada’s ‘Perfect Storm’ Housing Problem
http://thetyee.ca/News/2013/06/20/Canada-Housing-Problem-Study/
Reconciliation ramps up in Vancouver
http://www.straight.com/news/393836/reconciliation-ramps-vancouver
Be clear on road pricing, B.C. mayors urged
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/be-clear-on-road-pricing-mayors-urged/article12694526/
Trump Tower with a twist and a pool-bar nightclub
http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/712655/trump-tower-with-a-vancouver-twist-and-a-pool-bar-nightclub/
SCHOOLS
High cost of housing driving students out of Vancouver School District
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/High+cost+housing+driving+students+Vancouver+School/8550740/story.html
PARKS
Restoration work around Vancouver’s Jericho Beach is finally complete
http://globalnews.ca/news/657568/restoration-work-around-vancouvers-jericho-beach-is-finally-complete/
JUNE 19, 2013
COUNCIL
Downtown Eastside a ticket writing bonanza for police
http://www.cknw.com/news/vancouver/story.aspx?ID=1987399
VPD defends ticketing poor for jaywalking
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/06/18/vpd-defends-ticketing-poor-for-jaywalking
Mayor: “dramatic engineering” may be needed for Downtown Eastside
http://www.cknw.com/news/vancouver/story.aspx?ID=1987380
Ex-NPAers start their own Vancouver party
http://www.vancourier.com/news/NPAers+start+their+Vancouver+party/8543720/story.html
Block parties different than car-free days, says councillor
http://www.cknw.com/news/vancouver/story.aspx?ID=1987120&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook
Firms say new Kitsilano bikeway will doom their business
http://www.theprovince.com/travel/Firms+Kitsilano+bikeway+will+doom+their+business/8544715/story.html
Donald Trump Tower Vancouver Announcement
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/18/donald-trump-tower-vancouver_n_3462178.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-british-columbia
Vancouver Green councillor Adriane Carr calls for cigarette butt deposit and refund program
http://www.straight.com/news/392686/vancouver-green-councillor-adriane-carr-calls-cigarette-butt-deposit-and-refund-program
Vancouver food vendors take it to the streets
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/food/Vancouver+food+vendors+take+streets+with+video/8544167/story.html
PARKS
Special Meeting Blocked by Vision Park Board
http://npavancouver.ca/special-meeting-blocked-by-vision-park-board/
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