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.