The roof of the new convention centre is a symbolic green landing strip for the world. Vancouver is officially open for business.

As mentioned in an earlier post, today’s speech and the ensuing economic development branding/strategy will be the first for Vancouver in over two decades, which is shocking considering the growth that the city has experienced over that time frame.

With this strategy comes the responsibility to take a lead within Metro Vancouver Commerce.  Of particular intrigue for a regional strategy will be the creation of a Low Carbon Zone (LCZ), which will aim to stimulate regional political leadership in a similar fashion to the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of the early 1980s, which started in China and spurred mimicry in countries across the world.

I hope that in advance of truly launching into this endeavour, Vancouver looks outward to global best practices that can be incorporated into this new direction, such as:

Amsterdam’s rapid pace in establishing a civic infrastructure that is eco-friendly.

Chicago’s success in creating massive green economic hubs.

Stockholm’s strategy to brand itself globally as a versatile and sustainable versatile city of experiences – a world class metropolis in which to visit, do business and live in.

If the VEDC and the Mayor’s office can actually work together in a concerted and sustained fashion (something that has eluded past administrations), Vancouver’s transformation over the next few years will be very exciting to watch.

• Letters to Obama from citizens concerned with the already implemented cutbacks to local and state services in Illinois are now using the Vancouver 2010 Games as an example of why Chicago shouldn’t go through with its bid for the 2016 Summer Games.  Now while the $6 billion of debt being tossed around in the above-linked letter isn’t entirely accurate, the headline used by Daphne Bramham in the Vancouver Sun last January will likely live in infamy for years to come.

• An interesting article by Frances Bula on the development patterns that various municipalities take with urban rail – the local example being of course the new Canada Line.  For those looking to purchase around the line, one thing should be kept in mind: past statistics show that properties located within two blocks of a new skytrain station tend to have their value drop, while those located within three to ten blocks away see their property values rise up to 20%.  Close is good, but not too close.

• This is a recording of yesterday’s appearance by CKNW’s regular municipal panel.  It was interesting to hear the brains behind the NPA’s booster blog stumble and flail when confronted with Frances Bula’s information that the former Deputy City Manager Brent McGregor as well as the former Director of Communications Catherine Clement left the City’s payroll directly as a result of the actions of former Mayor Sam Sullivan’s office – of which said individual was the Chief of Staff for.  Like I have stated previously, responsibility for individuals leaving (particularly at the management level) should not be pinned solely on the ruling party of the day, as there are a number of factors in each particular instance that can never be accounted for by outside speculation.

• $300 for a bloody picture?  I might consider it, if he looks like this, or maybe with a backdrop like this.

• Finally, nothing related to civic affairs, but this radio station – 100.5 The Peak – is in my opinion the best addition to the dial in a decade.  Fantastic music that is eclectic, diverse and not played to death by other stations, great contests (they left a five dollar bill on the steps of the art gallery, and now someone in the city has it and is entitled to $5,000), an awesome weekly top 30 and a 12-hour playlist available online that is available in case you hear a song and want to note it for future reference.  I highly recommend you take a listen.