PARALYMPICS: Vancouver mayor in Beijing to carry torch in relay

PARALYMPICS: Vancouver mayor in Beijing to carry torch in relay

Posted inIn the News

The Province
BY JOE COUTURE STAFF REPORTER

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan leaves for Beijing from Vancouver International Airport with his latest wheelchair gizmo, this one to carry the Olympic torch.

It’s the same device that helped him bear the flag at the 2006 Olympics in Turin, but modified to hold the torch. With flames and the possibility of gusts of wind now involved, he said he’s going to be extra cautious.

“My job is to come back with my hair intact,” he joked to reporters at Vancouver’s airport yesterday as he prepared to board his flight.

Carrying the torch

Posted inIn the News


By KRISTEN THOMPSON, METRO VANCOUVER
Mayor Sam Sullivan barely squeezed through the doorways at City Hall yesterday while testing out the wheelchair attachment city engineers designed to hold the Paralympic Torch in Beijing.
Sullivan, who is heading to China today, is one of only a few non-Chinese participants in the Paralympic Torch relay on Sept. 5.
“I think (it’s) in recognition of Vancouver and Canada being the next host,” said Sullivan.
“I put a lot of effort into raising the profile of the Paralympic Games and it’s important … to be in China to say that people with disabilities can work and take their place in society.”
“I think that’s a message that really needs to be told.”

New site announced for supportive housing

New site announced for supportive housing

Posted inIn the News

Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Kim Capri confirmed today that the city has purchased another site for more supportive housing. Vancouver has acquired 514 Alexander Street and will lease it to the Lookout Emergency Aid Society to provide non-market housing for the next 45 years. The nominal pre-paid rate of rent Lookout will pay to the City represents a municipal grant of approximately $460,000.

The 20 SRO units currently on the property are expected to be upgraded to supportive housing – in partnership with the Province of BC. City staff expects these renovations will not require the relocation of tenants. In the long term, this purchase may facilitate a consolidation with an adjoining City owned site at 510 Alexander Street – which is also leased to the Lookout Emergency Aid Society.

Project Civil City report welcomed by Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Capri

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Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Kim Capri welcomed a progress report on Project Civil City and are supporting new initiatives to reduce public disorder, improve heritage neighbourhoods and provide services to youth at-risk in the Downtown Eastside.

Project Civil City represents the City of Vancouver’s plan to use the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as a catalyst to address homelessness and improve public order. Civil City Commissioner Geoff Plant provided a progress report to City Council that included references to:

  • establishment of “StreettoHome Foundation” to encourage private sector investment in social housing
  • crime-free housing
  • graffiti management collaboration with BC Hydro
  • expansion of safer parking initiative
  • positive ticketing campaign
  • $10 million “Great Beginnings” fund for heritage neighbourhoods

DVBIA welcomes Downtown Ambassador® expansion in five BIA areas

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Please note a recent release from Vancouver’s DVBIA on the Downtown Ambassadors.
The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) applauds Vancouver City Council’s decision today to fund expansion of the highly successful Downtown Ambassador® program in five Business Improvement Association districts with the option of more. The areas include Yaletown, WestEnd, South Granville, Gastown, South Fraser, which are already using the program.
Downtown Ambassadors® provide “eyes and ears” on the streets and liaise with police and other community resources on a regular basis for the betterment of the public experience. Ambassadors help connect homeless people with local resources, work with businesses to prevent theft and other crimes, assist tourists and locals with directions and attraction recommendations, and locate stolen autos.

Canadian Paralympic Committee announces Canadian team for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in China

Canadian Paralympic Committee announces Canadian team for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in China

Posted inIn the News

In anticipation of the upcoming Paralympic Torch Relay, we pass along the following information…
One hundred and forty-three athletes competing in 17 Paralympic sports make up the Canadian team attending the Beijing Paralympic Summer Games in China, from September 6 to 17, the Canadian Paralympic Committee announced today.
The athletes will be accompanied by about 120 coaches, medical staff and other support team members.
“We are all looking forward to the excitement of the thirteenth Paralympic Summer Games,” said the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Chef de Mission for the Canadian team Debbie Low. “This will be an opportunity for Canada to shine on the international stage.”