Sunday, November 23
5:30 PM
Come celebrate, explore and debate the newly published book, "Real Utopia: Participatory Society for the 21st Century," with editor Chris Spannos and members of the Vancouver Participatory Economics Collective.
With many co-authors, including Noam Chomsky, Michael Albert and Barbara Ehrenreich, Real Utopia envisions life after capitalism and how we can get there.
Music by DJ Lalu.
Free!
For more information:
(604) 872-3166
Rhizome Cafe
317 East Broadway
Showing posts with label city of vancouver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city of vancouver. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Nice weather could pave way for two-way traffic on Main Street
If you’re ready to drive southbound on Main Street in downtown Vancouver, pray for sun this weekend.
City operations workers must paint new traffic and parking lines before the street can be opened to two-way traffic.
And that means no rain.
City officials announced Thursday they would try to get the job done Saturday. The work started three weeks ago with removal of some curbs and planters.
“Right now, Saturday looks pretty good,” said Bill Whitcomb, Vancouver deputy transportation manager. “We’re hoping the weather holds on and we will be able to do the work.”
If the work occurs as scheduled, Main Street will be closed to all traffic from Sixth Street to 15th Street, except for emergency vehicles. Intersections and east-west streets, as well as sidewalks, will remain open. Parking will not be allowed after 5 a.m. Saturday.
Whitcomb said he suspects operations crews would try to work around any cars that remain, instead of immediately calling for a tow truck.
At the end of painting, one-way signs will be taken down. New signs will alert drivers and pedestrians to changes.
The project also includes installing new traffic signals. Recent hurricanes on the Gulf Coast have delayed equipment delivery, but the signal work will be completed when it arrives.
The project has been long sought by area businesses and residents. Some have noted that Main Street currently leads one way: out of town.
Broadway, one block east, was converted to two-way traffic more than a year ago. Both streets had been one-way for decades.
Source: The Columbian
Monday, September 15, 2008
EcoDensity | Newly formatted Charter and Initial Actions
Newly formatted versions of the EcoDensity Charter and Initial Actions, which Council approved on June 10, 2008, are now available for download on the EcoDensity website: vancouver.ca/ecodensity
While the content has remained the same as approved by Council, the documents now contain graphics and have been formatted for easier reading.
Once again, to view the EcoDensity Charter and Initial Actions and for more information visit: vancouver.ca/ecodensity
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Council Approves EcoDensity Charter
Vancouver City Council unanimously voted on June 10 to adopt the EcoDensity Charter.
The EcoDensity Charter commits the City to make environmental sustainability a primary goal in all city planning decisions - in ways that also support housing affordability and livability.
The first two actions to be implemented by the City immediately are:
1. Rezoning policy for greener buildings: Applications for new rezoning will need to meet a minimum LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rating, or similar equivalency in green design. The City will also be expecting that energy performance, water efficiency and storm water use be considered.
2. Rezoning policy for greener larger sites: Changes to rezonings for land that is two acres or more. A number of sustainability measures will be required for these rezonings, and for sites with housing, a range of types and tenures must be considered to increase affordable housing opportunities.
Longer-term actions that will receive priority include: an interim EcoDensity rezoning policy; options for backyard/laneway housing; more options for secondary suites; and removal of barriers to green building approaches.
Council initiated the EcoDensity program in July 2006. The final Charter and Actions incorporated public input from a Special Council Meeting that lasted seven sessions, amongst numerous other public consultation opportunities.
To view the EcoDensity Charter and Initial Actions and for more information: vancouver.ca/ecodensityMonday, June 2, 2008
Who Needs Insight on Insite?
Federal Government Health Minister Tony Clements prefers overdoses leading to death, than safe injection interventions that could lead to health. Appallingly, the Federal Government has made a decision to take the province to court after the BC Supreme Court's decision to support Insite.
Living in Vancouver, it is clear that drastic measures, services, and programs are needed to solve the issues. What is seen on the surface, is rarely ever the cause. While Insite may not be perfect, and it may leave a lot to be desired, it is the first positive step taken in Canadian society to move further forward with progressive and proactive measures that could lead to recovery.
Saving lives from this affliction is far more complex than a safe injection site. That safe injection site, however, becomes a valuable gateway to intervention; coaxing jaded and cynical people off the street who have been abused repeatedly. They might consider surrendering their negative lifestyle to the possibility and hope that our society's limited programs and services can help them get their lives back together.
Change is work, and it is hard work. Every healthy person recognizes this, and when we have bad days, we know how much more difficult - sometimes impossible - it is to succeed with change. If society wishes for the addict, street person, prostitute, and other at-risk individuals to "do the work," then society and government at all levels had better be prepared to do-the-work that creates the systems and structure that ensure success.
Insite, with an average of 600 daily visits, intervened to resuscitate 900 overdoses since opening. Liz Evans, who runs Insite in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health says, "If those injections were taking place in back alleys, those people would go under. There would be no nurse there to help save their lives."
"I don't think anyone has ever said that Insite is a magic pill that will resolve all the issues around mental health and addictions," says B.C. Health Minister George Abbott.
"No one has ever said that. I see, and the government sees, the provincial government at least, sees Insite as part of a continuum of services aimed at assisting addicts through their life issues."
Regarding Ottawa's drug policies, Abbott said: "I don't think they yet appreciate that it is useful to have the opportunity to bring some stability into the lives of people who have tragically very little stability in their lives."
Local enforcement professionals also expressed varied opinions on the subject, both for and against what Insite offers. The against position rightly expresses the overwhelming level of 'tolerance' that allows inappropriate behaviour to continue unchecked and without adequate consequences (if any). A significant reason our social issues have spun out of control is the lack of accountability, along with actionable and achievable goals that empower change.
Our own complacency had most of Vancouver turn a blind eye to the issues, and the escalation we're experiencing has resulted in more discontentment. As people become discontent, therefore less tolerant, the voices are likely to start clamoring for change. Even so, as expressed by some residents, some professionals, and some government offices, 'we don't want to encourage that here!'
A walk through a local green-space on the edge of Strathcona and Chinatown often reveals many reasons for this attitude's survival. Mere steps into the park space, right along the sidewalk, a mound of hypodermic needles still fresh in their packaging, is found. On the way to work in the morning, homeless are now found sleeping and bundled in filthy blankets on common property on residential streets. Walking across town, men and women alike are accosted on almost every block by those wanting, needing, and even demanding a handout. Could this why Insite is not recognized as working?
On one hand, the Federal Health Minister Tony Clement wants it shut down. This is looking like a political battle, not a battle for lives nor solutions. With the majority of the Conservatives backed by tough-on-crime critics, supporting Insite may have offended their reelection. Here in Vancouver, the Mayor, Chief of Police, and others are in support; likely also seeking the popular vote of Vancouver residents and business.
What are your views, your expertise, or opinions about these people, this issue, and how it can be solved? Are politicians and our systems capable? If not, why and what can we do?
Living in Vancouver, it is clear that drastic measures, services, and programs are needed to solve the issues. What is seen on the surface, is rarely ever the cause. While Insite may not be perfect, and it may leave a lot to be desired, it is the first positive step taken in Canadian society to move further forward with progressive and proactive measures that could lead to recovery.
Saving lives from this affliction is far more complex than a safe injection site. That safe injection site, however, becomes a valuable gateway to intervention; coaxing jaded and cynical people off the street who have been abused repeatedly. They might consider surrendering their negative lifestyle to the possibility and hope that our society's limited programs and services can help them get their lives back together.
Change is work, and it is hard work. Every healthy person recognizes this, and when we have bad days, we know how much more difficult - sometimes impossible - it is to succeed with change. If society wishes for the addict, street person, prostitute, and other at-risk individuals to "do the work," then society and government at all levels had better be prepared to do-the-work that creates the systems and structure that ensure success.
Insite, with an average of 600 daily visits, intervened to resuscitate 900 overdoses since opening. Liz Evans, who runs Insite in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health says, "If those injections were taking place in back alleys, those people would go under. There would be no nurse there to help save their lives."
"I don't think anyone has ever said that Insite is a magic pill that will resolve all the issues around mental health and addictions," says B.C. Health Minister George Abbott.
"No one has ever said that. I see, and the government sees, the provincial government at least, sees Insite as part of a continuum of services aimed at assisting addicts through their life issues."
Regarding Ottawa's drug policies, Abbott said: "I don't think they yet appreciate that it is useful to have the opportunity to bring some stability into the lives of people who have tragically very little stability in their lives."
Local enforcement professionals also expressed varied opinions on the subject, both for and against what Insite offers. The against position rightly expresses the overwhelming level of 'tolerance' that allows inappropriate behaviour to continue unchecked and without adequate consequences (if any). A significant reason our social issues have spun out of control is the lack of accountability, along with actionable and achievable goals that empower change.
Our own complacency had most of Vancouver turn a blind eye to the issues, and the escalation we're experiencing has resulted in more discontentment. As people become discontent, therefore less tolerant, the voices are likely to start clamoring for change. Even so, as expressed by some residents, some professionals, and some government offices, 'we don't want to encourage that here!'
A walk through a local green-space on the edge of Strathcona and Chinatown often reveals many reasons for this attitude's survival. Mere steps into the park space, right along the sidewalk, a mound of hypodermic needles still fresh in their packaging, is found. On the way to work in the morning, homeless are now found sleeping and bundled in filthy blankets on common property on residential streets. Walking across town, men and women alike are accosted on almost every block by those wanting, needing, and even demanding a handout. Could this why Insite is not recognized as working?
On one hand, the Federal Health Minister Tony Clement wants it shut down. This is looking like a political battle, not a battle for lives nor solutions. With the majority of the Conservatives backed by tough-on-crime critics, supporting Insite may have offended their reelection. Here in Vancouver, the Mayor, Chief of Police, and others are in support; likely also seeking the popular vote of Vancouver residents and business.
What are your views, your expertise, or opinions about these people, this issue, and how it can be solved? Are politicians and our systems capable? If not, why and what can we do?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Mount Pleasant and City of Vancouver Work Together
Tuesday evening the Native Education Centre hosted the City of Vancouver Mount Pleasant Planning Group Open House. The Centre offers a nice cozy atmosphere, a fireplace to gather around, and the individuals involved in moving the project forward - city employees, consultants, and volunteers - put on a tremendous display covering all areas of concern for our neighbours.
Civic Planning determines construction and real estate development, transportation infrastructure, and so much more. Heritage is a strong and visible presence in the architecture - not only of the physical houses, but also of some neighbourhood aesthetics as well. The redefinition, exploration, and updating of the register, along with creating new forward-thinking policy that encompasses other areas of historical, cultural, arts, and possibly other areas of significance.
Social Programs are also key to a city such as Vancouver. With a diverse history, a rough history, being a port city and a city that has long been considered a transient population - it's always moving. This has left much decay, and brought to bear influences that have corrupted many spirits as they struggle with their demons. Correcting the cause and effect that leads to these tragedies is challenging to city resources, and a detriment to our communities and neighbourhoods. To ignore it would be our peril. The Social Action group requires involvement and support to bring about empowering change.
Donald Luxton & Associates have worked long and strenuous hours with reams of paper, research, interviews, and writing. The Mount Pleasant Heritage Working Group is benefiting from the wealth of history compiled, and the expertise and dedication to preserving, enhancing, and planning for Heritage Strategies.
Civic Planning determines construction and real estate development, transportation infrastructure, and so much more. Heritage is a strong and visible presence in the architecture - not only of the physical houses, but also of some neighbourhood aesthetics as well. The redefinition, exploration, and updating of the register, along with creating new forward-thinking policy that encompasses other areas of historical, cultural, arts, and possibly other areas of significance.
Social Programs are also key to a city such as Vancouver. With a diverse history, a rough history, being a port city and a city that has long been considered a transient population - it's always moving. This has left much decay, and brought to bear influences that have corrupted many spirits as they struggle with their demons. Correcting the cause and effect that leads to these tragedies is challenging to city resources, and a detriment to our communities and neighbourhoods. To ignore it would be our peril. The Social Action group requires involvement and support to bring about empowering change.
Donald Luxton & Associates have worked long and strenuous hours with reams of paper, research, interviews, and writing. The Mount Pleasant Heritage Working Group is benefiting from the wealth of history compiled, and the expertise and dedication to preserving, enhancing, and planning for Heritage Strategies.
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