The fact that Metro Vancouver municipal attempts to foster international business relationships and partnerships are greeted with such skepticism shows the small-thinking that limits certain commentators in their analysis of recent trips to China and India by several of the Mayors.

Sorry for the time off…moving really sucks.

I picked up the latest edition of the Indo Canadian Voice newspaper this past week to see the following story:

“Mayor Watts  headed for India

Surrey Mayor, Dianne Watts is headed for India on  a networking exercise for local businesses. Watts announced Thursday she will be travelling to India from Feb. 10-18 next year to further business networks in the Indian market.

“With its rapidly growing population and strong connection to Surrey’s population,  India is a natural fit for establishing partnerships to create jobs and attract investment in our city,” said Watts. “As we expand our focus on the rapidly growing economies in the Asia Pacific, it has become clear that the business potential of India is largely untapped in Western Canada.”

Several companies have already said they will participate in the networking mission, including Rapid Electric Vehicles, Powertech and Simon Fraser University.

The budget for the trip is $128,000 which includes travel costs for the mayor, three councillors and three staff members. That amount covers pre-event organizing as well as a co-ordinator in India. Participating businesses will be paying for their own expenses. Local business  owner Fraukkh Patel says the Mayors trip is long overdue and will have a positive impact.”

Similarly, Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan is just returning from an excursion to China to put “Burnaby on the map” and because the trip is being described as “tremendously valuable in an economic development capacity.”

Funny then that only Mayor Gregor Robertson’s recent business trip to China with a delegation of 22 companies seems to be the one that gets articles like this written about the excursion.

But this isn’t about Robertson, or Corrigan or Watts…this is more about the small thinking associated with those that deem these projects as “junkets.”

Business development is something that every municipal government in the country needs to be thinking about because of the way in which they are the forgotten level of government, both constitutionally and when it comes to revenue sharing with their two senior couterparts.

Here is a perfect example from the UBCM convention this week of how powerless municipalities, large and small, truly are.

So, the Metro Vancouver Commerce to pool all of the municipalities of Metro together to take advantage of the international audience that was here on our doorsteps during the Olympics was a great first step towards broadening our economic horizons.

And, the local results thus far have been encouraging.

As I have written before, the model for taking the platform of Olympic exposure and parlaying it into international success came from the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympic Games.  The Australian Trade Commission’s Business Club Australia idea was capitalized upon by continued pitching of Australia and its expertise at trade shows and major international gatherings following the Olympics.

The same kind of strategy must be exercised in Metro Vancouver if we are ever going to have a realistic shot and trade and commerce growth at the international level.

Now, do I think that these excursions should at times be collaborative so that a major delegation representing several Metro Vancouver municipalities becomes a sign of joint regional planning between the Mayors?  Absolutely.

But to criticize the entire concept from the get-go – to immediately label these trips (which are supported in force by companies and chambers of commerce willing to put up money to pay their own way is just small, provincial thinking.

Mackin points out that the Robertson’s trip had no solid deals to report thus far.  So what?

That isn’t to say that discussions are not ongoing (which from what I hear they absolutely are towards some major developments that could be reported upon in the coming months), or that the relationship building that occurred will not be beneficial in the long run.

I find the fact that a UBCM resolution about the prospect of four-year civic terms was defeated at the UBCM convention to be ironic, considering how governments and elected officials are just as guilty these days of thinking about the time between elections as little more than a means to renew their jobs.

It is time to think big, and to think of this region as an international epicentre on a number of fronts.  And the first step towards that comes from a population mature enough to think beyond its typical parameters.

debates about three or four-year electoral terms,

• This is a deceptive story at first glance, because street parking (both in terms of rates and hours of payment) seems to dwarf cities like Toronto and Montreal.  This story represents a huge success for the Mayor and his Greenest City Action plan.  Take a read of this quote from Julian Jones, vice-president of business development for Impark, who “attributes the slowdown to three things: an increase in taxes on parking from 12 to 35.5 per cent, the opening of the Canada Line and that people discovered transit during the Olympics and continued to use it.”  And I don’t care what the usual suspects say – this website and this video is in particular are both awesome.  It is the kind of approach that really has a legitimate shot at getting people engaged and interested in being a part of the initiative.

• From what I have heard, last night’s Vancouver Park Board meeting was quite respectful, all things considered – definitely no throat slashing gestures or middle fingers off camera as was perpetrated by some of the West End residents with City Council a couple of weeks back.  The vote was 5-2 against Stuart Mackinnon’s motion, and while it got a little heated (the anti-captivity crowed were chanting for the Vision Commissioners to resign at one point), it was a healthy debate.  What bothers me is this “woe is me” type of commentary that is now coming out of Mackinnon’s mouth – “I’m very saddened that the chair (Jasper) chose to personalize the debate.  I don’t think it’s good for any politician to stray from the debate.”  Hmmm…here’s a question Stuart:  how is Aaron Jasper’s claims that you were initiating “political mischief with this motion” any different from this:  “Green party commissioner Stuart Mackinnon, on the other hand, told the Straight by phone that he questions the motivate behind the motion. “I think it’s more about government-bashing than altruism,” he said. “I think it’s put forward by people who have political ambitions for themselves. They’re claiming it’s because the HST is going to increase fees for people, yet this board voted unanimously for a four-percent increase [to recreational-services fees] across the board last November. If people were genuinely concerned about people’s ability to pay, then why did they vote for a four-percent increase in our fees?“  Another pot calling the kettle black, me thinks.

• After reading this and this and unfortunately actually having the fortitude to sit through this, I can’t help but be reminded by one of my favourite Ozzy tunes.

• I read Jeff Lee’s column in the Vancouver Sun yesterday, and regardless of whether it is Sam Sullivan or Gregor Robertson that neighbourhoods are rallying against, I was left puzzled.  Is Vancouver a city of neighbourhoods – buroughs, if you will – that have absolutely no interest in anything outside of their vicinity?  Are grand visions for the city – major initiatives that are looking to improve the city, regardless of whether they involve density or increasing rental stock – impossible in Vancouver?  At one time I was a huge fan of the CityPlan and community visions process.  Now, I am not so sure anymore.

• I absolutely love this addition to this year’s fireworks competition.  Once again, I truly believe that it is an extension of what we witnessed during the Olympics.  In spite of a lifetime of tepid civic pride and involvement, Vancouver really has come alive, as witnessed during the World Cup and Canada Day in recent weeks.  I am very happy that this city is finally becoming as active as the lifestyle that this “outdoor paradise” tends to emphasize in its branding.  And no, I am not going to be hanging around downtown Granville Street to document the enthusiasm as some with what must be classified as an active social life might be inclined to try (see above).

• I really want to try and attempt to get courtside seats for this game.  Yes, it is preseason, and yes, the Raptors no longer have any name recognition with Chris Bosh gone, but damn it, I miss basketball in this city and Steve Nash is a Canadian sports legend.  Like I did with UFC 115, I think I might be willing to dole out a little cash to make my second and probably only appearance next to the rich, famous and beautiful.  OK…so I’ll probably be the odd one out with regards to that criteria.

• From where I stand, no need to “improve compliance” with this aspect of policing, boys and girls.  Quotas rather than road safety are the cause of most of the infractions doled out, in my humble opinion.

Alright, that’s it for now folks.  Have a fantastic day.

Shameless political advertising or serving in the job that he was elected to?

There was once a time where famed blogger and potential future NPA City Council candidate Mike Klassen thought that promoting the Olympics and Paralympics, and more specifically the free activities and events that populated the city during those periods, was a top priority:

“The Vision Vancouver Council seem to have had an aversion to promoting the Games since they were elected, so as to not upset part of their base who oppose the event.” – August 18, 2009

“Dwindling public dollars needn’t be the stumbling block for BC and Vancouver to sell itself to the world. Any savvy marketer knows there are a million opportunities to generate international buzz, and we only have to exploit them — NOW!” – August 18, 2009

“It wasn’t rocket science to understand that most of us can’t afford to attend Olympic events, but want to enjoy the party. How come bloggers are the ones making things happen?” – Jan 26, 2010

“Perhaps the best way that we get good value for our investment is to partake of the dozens of free events being staged during the Games. Think of the message we’d send to the world when thousands of us show up to celebrate in our own cities.” – February 23, 2010

“Then, almost as if the light went on, Canadians fell in love with hosting the Olympic & Paralympic Games. The change in mood was so sudden and so ebullient, that it came as a complete surprise to Games veterans. Even Jacques Rogge described Vancouver’s enthusiastic embrace as unprecedented.

Many theories exist now on why it worked so well, but there is no doubt in our minds that the key ingredient was the numerous free activities.” April 13, 2010

Klassen was also a supporter and web designer for Mayor Sam Sullivan around the time that the former Mayor appeared in the ad pictured above, designed to promote businesses who were facing disruption due to the Canada Line construction.

Yet from that point until the present, Klassen has had some political setbacks.  First, Klassen witnessed his own brethren within the NPA turn on their former fearless leader, supporting an adversary who at the time claimed that “a lot of people have lost confidence in Sam” and that there was “concern within the party that Sam may have been taking money for one purpose and using it for another” with regards to fundraising.

And then of course came Vision Vancouver’s Gregor Robertson, whose emergence on the municipal political scene rankled Klassen to no end, turning him and his writing partner into the new Mayor’s “biggest critics.”

Along this bumpy political journey in recent years, Klassen has developed a condition where he often forgets what he once advocated for.  Mike’s Mother’s Day post (linked to in the last paragraph) is a perfect example of this unfortunate syndrome.

Klassen takes issue with a city expenditure of $16,025 on a “radio ad campaign across several stations that “welcomed” and “thanked” citizens for enjoying the Games” and “reminded everyone to take advantage of all the “FREE” activities.”

Klassen asserts that the Mayor’s “invisibility” during the Olympics prompted this campaign, which he also claims representeed a “highly unusual and costly decision to help build his profile.”

In what has to be considered the height of conceit, Klassen also argues that the fact that his website went “viral during the Games” provided another motivating factor to “spend precious tax dollars to remind people to ‘have fun’ and to ‘enjoy all the free events’.”

The ludicrous and self-absorbed nature of such declarations needs to be exposed, as Klassen’s possible political aspirations seem to be the sun that is eclipsing any hope of rational thought:

1. Vancouver hosted the largest event in Canadian history, with dozens and dozens of attractions and events available to experience for free.  Furthermore, the people in Vancouver were the main ambassadors to the world on behalf of the City, imbuing visitors with a sense of how friendly Canadians and Vancouverites truly are.  As such, how can an expenditure of $16,025 producing ads that informed and acknowledged these facts over a period of close to four weeks, across four different radio stations, “useless” and/or politically promotional?
2. In spite of Klassen’s claims about the Mayor being invisible, I have heard from many people that they saw Gregor everywhere.  Whether it was doing regular standups with NBC’s Today Show or any number of international media outlets, touring events and venues, or simply walking down the street where he was regularly mobbed by people simply wanting to say hello or congratulations, Robertson was one of the most prominent individuals in terms of exposure during the Games.  Then again, blogging and gushing over website traffic can lead to carpal and mental tunnel syndromes, disallowing accurate reflections of what is really happening in the real world, off of the internet.
3. Klassen is often critical of City Manager Penny Ballem hogging the spotlight when it comes to the dissmination of city-related information.  But when the Mayor gets on the horn to talk to residents of what is available to participate in, and how thankful and appreciative the city is for the unofficial hosting efforts delivered by the public, he continues to be critical.  So Mike, who else should have been featured in such ads?
4. And if Klassen is arguing that it is inappropriate for the Mayor to be engaging in such advertising at all, does that mean that Sam Sullivan’s appearance in an the above ad to spur business within Yaletown was also politically motivated and against protocol?  The City of Vancouver had to be a part of the mix in mitigating the damaging effects on business due to the Canada Line, in conjunction with the provincial and federal governments as well as VANOC.  The same goes for the City of Vancouver promoting free activities and encouraging good will by citizens within its geographic purview.  This kind of attack by Klassen is absolutely ridiculous – both Sullivan and Robertson were doing what should rightfully be expected of a Mayor…namely, to take responsibility and show leadership with regards to a pressing civic issue or event.
5. Mayors engage in promotion of their city all the time…just ask Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York, or Richard Daley, Mayor of Chicago.  Why are these the chosen individuals chosen as the face that promotes their respective cities?  Because by virtue of their job, they are clearly the main spokespeople on behalf of the citizens.  Just because Klassen’s guy Sullivan was diminutive and relatively shy by nature, making such promotion a real difficulty for him, doesn’t mean that future successors should take the same approach.  By contrast, whether it is developing and subsequently selling a distinct brand for the city, or standing by large-scale visions for his term in office (ending street homelessness, creating the greenest municipal environment in the world), Robertson is using his business-background inspired skill set to keep Vancouver in the global consciousness.

It is understandable that Klassen has such trouble with the concept of marketing in light of his staunch support for a party whose best idea for maintaining relevance is to change its name.

But if my prediction is correct and Klassen is indeed pining to run for a spot on City Council, he would be well advised to take a page out of Gregor Robertson’s playbook when it comes to promoting his wares beyond the world of blogging.

Paralympic Ambassador Sam Sullivan has a very short memory about his own record in office.

Today’s Vancouver Courier arrived on my doorstep with the following front page headline:

“Athletes Village balconies aren’t wheelchair accessible: Former mayor and Paralympic Games ambassador calls situation a ’scandal‘”

In consideration of the efforts of Sullivan to make Vancouver the most accessible jurisdiction in the world in advance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this is most definitely a scandal.

The problem for the current Paralympic Ambassador and former Mayor, however, is that responsibility for the scandal rests solely on his shoulders.

I had the opportunity to assist in writing the draft report for the Accessible/Inclusive Cities and Communities (AICCP) project back in 2005.

The AICCP was conceived through the introduction of a motion to Vancouver City Council by Councillors Sam Sullivan and Tim Louis (refer to Appendix 1 in the above-linked report).

The motion was premised on two fundamental objectives:

1. To foster greater opportunities within the City of Vancouver and across British Columbia for people with disabilities.
2. To harness the 2010 Winter Olympic Games as a catalyst for the creation of such opportunities.

While there was a healthy and diverse disability infrastructure that already exists in the province, the motion attempted to create a new lens in which to consider the broader implications of disability.  New paradigms of opportunity and community were supposed to be created in British Columbia as a result of the Olympic Games being awarded to Vancouver, a fact that became abundantly clear after Councillors Louis and Sullivan engaged the public through a series of community meetings designed to expand upon their vision.

The project was eventually absorbed into 2010 Legacies Now.  It is a fantastic initiative that I am supremely proud to have been associated with.

So here we are in 2010, just days away from the opening of the Paralympic Games, and this is what Sullivan is telling the Courier:

“That’s a scandal.  I just talked to the guy building the Georgia hotel and he told me he had to fight for it but he has now achieved an agreement that he can build flush balconies. So if a private sector guy in a very expensive building like that can do it, why couldn’t the Athletes’ Village do it?”

Great question Ambassador.  So let’s examine some of the facts.

On April 16, 2006, the City awarded the contract to  develop the Olympic Village to Millennium Properties.  Their bid assembled a large team of designers and consultants, including Millennium’s Hank Jasper as the representative tasked with providing a linkage to the City of Vancouver’s Project Office team and Roger Bayley, a professional engineer and founding partner of Merrick Architecture, who stepped into the role of design manager.

Amongst many other tough requirements, the development was to be a community that encouraged vitality, diversity and cultural richness.

The Southeast False Creek Official Development Plan was enacted on July 19, 2005, and guided the proposals from Millennium and other developer bids.

It specifically outlines requirements for:

“2.2.7 Housing diversity and equity – Development is to promote opportunities for housing for a range of income groups along with social and physical infrastructure that is accessible to the whole community, especially children.”

According to the City of Vancouver’s project timeline, actual construction began in early 2007.

On March 13, 2008, the Standing Committee of Council and Planning and Environment heard a motion brought forth by Councillor Heather Deal, that originated from a meeting of the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee on February 5, 2008:

“Brad McCannell, Canadian Barrier Free Design Inc., provided an update concerning accessibility issues involving raised thresholds in developments in Southeast False Creek and sought the Committee’s feedback on addressing this matter.

During discussion, it was suggested building envelope regulations may be focused on ensuring no leakage thereby including raised thresholds in the door ways and balconies of new developments. Councillor Heather Deal, together with staff, responded to questions regarding appropriate action on this matter.

Members agreed that this should be brought to Council’s attention.”

The motion, which passed unanimously, resolved:

THAT Council direct staff to;

A. take timely action on ensuring that building envelope regulations that are creating raised thresholds to the front doors and balconies of developments in Southeast False Creek and other Olympic facilities, are changed to allow for flush transitions, and

B. bring recommendations to Council that are more universal for ensuring flush transitions throughout any new developments, and

C. send a copy of this Motion to Mayor and Council for the Municipality of Whistler.”

Furthermore, as the buildings were going up, the City of Vancouver in conjunction with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Government of Canada, also commissioned a Design for Inclusion Toolkit, which was released in April, 2008.  The document is listed as one of the Southeast False Creek official documents, meaning it was initiated specifically to guide the construction of an inclusive neighbourhood to host the Olympic Village.

This is what Brent Toderian, the City of Vancouver’s Director of Planning, said about the report:

“Whether it is used for an entire community or a single building, the CMHC Toolkit will help local governments, designers, developers and builders to better meet the needs of people with varying levels of mobility and sensory ability. Its Matrix and an easy-to-use Checklist for Design provide concrete and clear direction, forming a starting point for creative design solutions. Ultimately, the Toolkit challenges city builders to design and build communities which are more “complete” in terms of who can visit and live in the neighbourhood.”

The Courier article quotes Roger Bayley as stating the following:

“I can tell you we went through an awful lot of discussion on this issue and everyone concluded that at the end of the day, [building] envelope performance had to trump the access to the balconies.

He agreed with Sullivan that a suite could be built so a balcony would be flush with the living area. But, he said, it would be expensive because of the added cost of making specially designed concrete slab forms.”

So there you have it – Millennium’s Bayley confirms that this was a decision made about cost, having nothing to do with consideration for accessibility.  In fact, it goes against all accessibility-related guidelines, motions and directions that City Council specified throughout the development process.

So my questions to Sam Sullivan are the following:

1. Were you aware of this kind of decision-making regarding accessibility within the Olympic Village?  And if so, why didn’t you take action while you were Mayor?
2. If indeed you were kept in the dark about this issue, does this not confirm that, as pointed out in my Vancouver Sun column from yesterday, city staff are regularly withholding information from elected officials?

Either way, this is a monumental failure of leadership on the part of Sullivan, particularly as the number one advocate for accessibility issues regarding the Olympics and Paralympics over the past seven years.