- Yesterday’s housing announcement was really something to behold because it was something that really showed off the efforts of many different individuals who incrementally contributed to the payoff. Former Mayor Sam Sullivan really must be heralded for signing the MOU with the province in 2007 and putting forth city-owned land to start the ball rolling. Current Mayor Gregor Robertson’s agenda setting when it comes to the homelessness file has pushed the provincial government into action when it comes to investing the money. Frank Giustra’s $5 million contribution is a fantastic display of philanthropy in action – one that makes a direct and noticeable impact on the quality of life of many within our city. And of course, I have to hand it to Rich Coleman, who in spite of his Conservative pedigree, has proven to be this province’s biggest supportive housing champion to come along in decades. All in all, I am so very impressed with how this has all come together, and give so much thanks and praise to those who made this dream a reality.
- UFC’s announcement that they are opening up a Canadian office led by former CFL commissioner Tom Wright is great news for fight fans across the country. What this means for Vancouver is that the spot that they have secured on this year’s UFC schedule is likely to have some stiff competition when Toronto comes on board, which as far as I can see, is inevitable. Vancouver officials on the Athletic Commission would be well advised to start petitioning now to make Vancouver a secure and ongoing destination for Dana White, as June’s fight will bring in as much as $25 million in economic activity to the city. The time is now to ensure that the MMA trial period extends into permanence beyond two years, and that Vancouver is able to become an annual lock on the UFC calendar. That means that the red tape that this first fight had to endure has to be quashed with the experience that will be acquired next month.
- Having grown up around the area, I understand how badly the strip mall of the Arbutus corridor could use a facelift. But 8-10 years from beginning to completion is absolutely ridiculous, and I can understand why residents are antsy about having to live amongst such chaos for that long a period. Accepting change is one thing…but having your neighbourhood shut down by noise, dust, and inaccessibility for that long is not acceptable as far as I am concerned. I mean, they have built entire neighbourhoods and even small towns in far shorter a time frame, and so maybe someone at City Hall should go tell Larco developments to give their head a shake with regards to their estimations for construction.
- Not everyone in the local municipal media are willing to give carte blanche to Gregor Robertson and Vision Vancouver. Although I will say that the list of negatives that Howell comes up with in contrast to what the Mayor’s office sent out in the press release does seem kind of weak.
- This should be a go. The area has been run down for a while when it comes to the residential aspect south of Marine, and there is little to nothing there when it comes to retail options. After sucking the life out of economic activity for as long as it took to construct the Canada Line, these stations (particularly this one) should now be seen as catalysts to encourage economic and residential activity.
- So long, Mr. Fontaine. You have been a worthy and respectable critic of the Mayor and Council, and your wit and policy depth will be missed…even by me. How your partner, however, is going to balance running the site with his possible…potential…speculative…aspirations to run as a City Council candidate will be interesting to observe over the coming year.
- This is a truly a fascinating profile of the changes that Chinatown is encountering as it positions itself as a hybrid between history and relevance. Having now moved into the area, I can say that Chinatown could be a model for revitalization while respecting the historical nature of the surroundings. With Rennie in the neighbourhood, I have great hopes for what is possible.
Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you very much, and will see you later on!
