Measures will increase art studio space in Vancouver

Posted inIn the News


creative-city-logo.pngMayor Sam Sullivan is throwing his support behind new measures to increase access to art studio space in Vancouver. Limited access to studio space has been an ongoing concern for the local arts community for a number of years.

At next week’s Creative City Conversation in Vancouver, Mayor Sullivan will ask senior management at the City of Vancouver to modernize current rules that limit the ability of private entrepreneurs to convert derelict buildings into active and vibrant streetscapes.

In addition to cutting red tape and supporting cultural communities, these improvements will provide city staff with more flexibility to assist land owners interested in turning unused properties into low cost artist studios and creative space.

Mayor confirms plans to support Vancouver Children’s Hospital campaign

Mayor confirms plans to support Vancouver Children’s Hospital campaign

Posted inIn the News

Mayor Sam Sullivan confirmed plans to support the current Vancouver Children’s Hospital capital campaign through a special partnership with the Sunny Hill Foundation for Children. The Children’s Hospital is planning to invest almost $500 million dollars to establish a state of the art medical facility in Vancouver – located within close proximity of the new Canada Line.

The partnership is focused on land owned by Sunny Hill at 3644 Slocan Street in Vancouver.
The site was purchased from the City of Vancouver for $26,450 in 1956. As part of the transaction, the City was granted an option to repurchase the land for the same price if Sunny Hill decided to stop using the site as a children’s hospital. As part of the Children’s Hospital expansion, Sunny Hill has confirmed their plans to relocate from the current Slocan site to the new Centre.

Mayor Marks Earth Day With 30 Days of Sustainability Pledge

Posted inIn the News

Better urban planning & increased density can help save our planet – Sullivan

Mayor Sam Sullivan and Councillor Suzanne Anton today marked Earth Day with a special 30 days of sustainability pledge. Over the next month they will introduce new environmental measures and participate in special events to promote green living.

“Better urban planning and increased density can help save our planet,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Earth Day represents an opportunity to renew our commitment to protecting the environment. We want to encourage all residents, businesses and community organizations to take measures that will reduce their environmental footprint and promoter sustainable development.”

Live Site: Live City

Posted inIn the News

Mayor Sam Sullivan, Councillor Suzanne Anton and Park Board Chair Korina Houghton today updated plans to establish two Live Sites in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The original concept plan was presented to Vancouver City Council in September.

Live Site Announcement, April 16
Live Site Announcement, April 16
Live Site Announcement, April 16
click for images from the Live Site announcement

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site-plan02.jpg

Council has approved an allocation of $5 million to support the development of Vancouver 2010 Live Sites at David Lam Park and the former Bus Depot site on Beatty Street. The sites would be connected via Hamilton and Mainland Streets. The funding is allocated from the $20 million Olympic Legacy Reserve that Council approved by a close vote earlier this year. Today’s progress report includes:

  • Confirmation of $10 million contribution from the Government of Canada
  • Updated Live Site maps
  • Plans to use City of Vancouver’s Salt Water Pump System in False Creek for nightly water/light demonstration during 2010 Games

Download the updated Live Site Maps. Salt water pump will also be tested this morning on site.

2008 Could Be Record Year for Special Events in Vancouver

Posted inIn the News

Mayor Sam Sullivan and Councillor Elizabeth Ball are recommending City Council approve the 2008 Annual Special Events report later today. In addition to approving a number of ongoing and regular special events for 2008, the report proposes a series of new measures.

“These special events help make Vancouver the vibrant and diverse city it is,” said Mayor Sullivan. “In addition to celebrating inclusion, these events will promote economic development and many will provide an opportunity to showcase our rich arts and culture community. I am confident Council will approve this plan.”

The new measures being proposed in the report include:

  • South Asian music festival desiFEST in Gastown on May 3
  • Westside Cycling Classic in Point Grey on June 1
  • Vancouver BG Triathalon World Championships in West End June 5-8
  • Car Free Day events in Kits Point, on Denman, Cambie & Main Streets for June 15
  • extended route for 2008 Pride Parade
  • Pride Festival street party on August long weekend
  • International Nike Human Race run around False Creek on August 31
  • move date of 2008 Santa Clause Parade to December 7
  • new measures to streamline event approvals

Metro Vancouver residents driving less, taking transit more often

Posted inIn the News

by Marke Andrews, Vancouver Sun
Residents of the Vancouver and the Lower Mainland are using more public transit and driving less to get to work, according to the 2006 Census.
In 2006, 67.3 per cent of workers in the Vancouver census metropolitan area (CMA) drove to work, down almost 5 per cent from the 72.2 per cent who drove to work in 2001.
Those who travelled to work as a passenger in a car increased slightly, from 7.0 per cent in 2001 to 7.1 per cent in 2006.