I don’t normally read the Vancouver Sun — it’s much too conservative for me. However, I was recently made aware of a great guest editorial by Elizabeth Murphy, a respected urbanist and former member of Vancouver’s planning department. Her op ed ran July 2 and is a must-read. Calling it a “chainsaw massacre”, she does…
Category: Vancouver
Developers, their fair share — and real low-cost housing
Housing was all over the news this week, but three examples really speak to the usefulness of development cost levies in this regard — when they’re used for real affordable housing. I’ve long been critical of the City of Vancouver for its policy of waiving development cost levies or DCLs when a developer agrees to…
A fighting chance with limits on big money in politics
Last week I blogged about the very positive, upbeat COPE nomination meeting I recently attended. This week let’s take a look at the bigger picture — the likely impact of new legislation that will govern campaign financing in this fall’s municipal elections. David Eby, B.C.’s Attorney General, brought in legislation last September shortly after Vancouver’s…
COPE is definitely back!
If you support COPE and the kind of progressive policies it stands for, I’ve got good news for you. Last Sunday, I attended the COPE nomination meeting — the first COPE meeting I’ve attended in almost a year since I started stepping away from my executive role with the party. What a breath of fresh…
COPE’s nomination meeting — a party comeback highlight
This coming Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m. the Coalition of Progressive Electors will hold its nomination meeting. COPE has done a very impressive job of rebuilding over the past few months, and this nomination meeting looks like it will be very well attended. The highlight of the meeting will be a debate between independent…
Faster than driving & having more fun — on a bike!
On CBC Radio this morning, I was listening to an interesting piece about the annual Rush Hour Challenge put on by HUB Cycling to see which mode of transportation is the most time-efficient to get a commuter to downtown Vancouver. The challenge pits cyclists, car drivers and transit users against each other to see who…
Ian Campbell: Why would you run for Vision?
If you’ve been following the amazing race for mayor in the City of Vancouver, you will be aware of the latest candidate to throw his hat in the ring — Ian Campbell, hereditary chief of the Squamish Nation and friend of Mayor Gregor Robertson. Much has been said about the fact that if Mr. Campbell…