Quick Hits

Sorry for the time off…personal and professional matters needed tending to.

So, without further ado, here is today’s version of:

• The delays associated with the East Fraser Lands development as described in this article and this City of Vancouver administrative report seem relatively innocuous, as the cost of building supplies is allegedly the cause for a shift in the order of construction.  But I cannot help but feel for the Southeast Vancouver Seniors’ Arts and Cultural Centre Society (SVSACS), which as mentioned before, has been petitioning all levels of government since the early 1990s for a dedicated seniors centre on the land next to the Killarney Community Centre.  This development was going to be a major part of the argument for governments to pony up and fund a home away from home for southeast Vancouver seniors.  Any further delays and or doubt regarding this development could further frustrate the efforts of the Society, which has nearly run out of patience with the political games of hot potato that both the provincial and federal governments continue to play.

• David Cadman is absolutely ridiculous with his claim that “Metro Vancouver is cheap, malicious, and can’t be trusted” in this article regarding his refusal of funding for his trip to Copenhagen.  Refuse David Cadman for a trip within his role as President of the International Council for Local Environmental initiatives (ICLEI), and that indicates that Metro Vancouver’s 22 municipalities don’t care about sustainability?  What a load of crap.  Metro Vancouver Chair Lois Jackson is similarly as humourous: “By having more local representatives will help to make a bigger impact.  If Metro is going to come onto the plate…we can’t do it half-measure.  Nobody would be able to speak, but by being there we would be able to forward materials for the senior level government.”   Hmm…I guess that these “materials” can only be handed to senior government representatives in person…in Copenhagen, rather than say sending a courier package before departure.  It is time for both of these “local” politicians to grow up and realize where their priorities lie…or should lie.  The taxpayers are tired of funding useless junkets.

• A false “story” full of speculation has now morphed because of little to no real facts.  These guys’ efforts are just unbelievable, and getting very old, very quick.

• This is a substantial investment once again made by the city.  Now, it can most definitely be handled better than last year with regards to community relations, and by no means is this any kind of permanent solution.  However, the City of Vancouver and the Vision administration have made a commitment to giving people the option (hello Rich Coleman?) of shelter on those bitterly cold nights where it is unsafe to sleep on the streets.  The Mayor is also expanding the reach of his efforts – look for a press conference later today involving faith leaders and their efforts to assist in tackling homelessness (as a side note, what a typical, attention grabbing headline from the Province).

• Greenhouse gas emissions in Vancouver have been reduced by 11 per cent from their peak in 2000 to 2.7 million tonnes a year, and the city has reduced emissions from its own operations by 33 per cent through retrofits and the construction of more efficient buildings.   What is even more impressive is the 27 per cent population increase since 1990 and the 18 per cent growth in employment in Vancouver since 1991.  These results come as a result of the efforts of many successive councils and all deserve credit for contributing to such an achievement.

That’s all for now.  Will check back in later in the day.