Mayor and Councillors Support Plan to Create Over 1100 Social & Supportive Housing Units

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MOU completes an historic year for social housing: Sullivan

Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Kim Capri tonight welcomed the unanimous decision of City Council to move forward with an historic partnership with the Province of British Columbia to develop 12 city-owned sites for social and supportive housing. Council approved the plan to create 1100-1200 new units following a series of special meetings that started on December 12, 2007.

“Tonight’s decision by City Council completes an historic year for social and supportive housing in Vancouver,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Over the past year – in partnership with the provincial government – we have initiated the development of thousands of units, secured a commitment to open shelters around the clock and agreed to expand the homeless outreach program. We look forward to more progress in 2008.”

Preliminary 2008 Tax Target Set at 2.99%

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Councillors Scale Back Staff Recommendation for 6% Tax Increase

Resolving municipal/provincial fiscal imbalance could allow city to reduce property taxes this year

Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Peter Ladner today welcomed a decision by City Council to scale back a city staff proposal for a 6% property tax increase in 2008. Instead, City Council unanimously supported a motion from Councillor Ladner to establish a preliminary 2008 tax target of 2.99%.

Mayor Sullivan also renewed Metro Vancouver and City Council’s call for the provincial government to address the current municipal/provincial fiscal imbalance.

Mayor to Proclaim December as MADD “Tie One on For Safety” Month

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Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan proclaimed December as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) “Tie One on for Safety” month. The event is part of a public awareness campaign aimed at asking motorists to pledge their support for safe and sober driving.

“The City of Vancouver wishes to join with all citizens to pledge our support for safe and sober driving — particularly this holiday season,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Impaired driving crashes are not accidents. When a person is killed or injured by an impaired driver, the effect on families and communities is devastating.”

Mayor to Proclaim December as MADD “Tie One on For Safety” Month

Posted inIn the News

Later today at City Council, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan will proclaim December as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) “Tie One on for Safety” month. The event is part of a public awareness campaign aimed at asking motorists to pledge their support for safe and sober driving.

“The City of Vancouver wishes to join with all citizens to pledge our support for safe and sober driving – particularly this holiday season,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Impaired driving crashes are not accidents. When a person is killed or injured by an impaired driver, the effect on families and communities is devastating.”

Statement by Mayor Sullivan in response to yesterday’s verdict

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The following is a statement from Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan in response to yesterday’s verdict:

“Yesterday, on the way home from an International Drug Policy Conference in New Orleans, I received word of the verdict in the case of six of the women that went missing from the Downtown Eastside.
My first thought upon hearing the verdict was for the families of the victims — not just these six but all the others waiting for justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I also want to recognize the men and women who served on the jury in this case. The task was difficult and I can only imagine the haunting impact they will experience as a result of their service.

Mayor Reaffirms Support for Vancouver’s Bid to Host 2009 Juno Awards

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Mayor Sam Sullivan and Councillor Elizabeth Ball today reaffirmed their support for Vancouver’s bid to host the 2009 Juno Awards. Earlier today, in Toronto, Mayor Sullivan met with members of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) to promote Vancouver’s bid.

“Establishing Vancouver as a premiere destination for arts and culture is one of the five goals we have established for our government,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Hosting the 2009 Juno Awards will help us achieve that objective, showcase local artists and build momentum for plans to celebrate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. I want to thank CARAS for their warm reception today and for their thoughtful consideration of our bid.”

Mayor Sullivan in Ottawa & Toronto This Week

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Visit promotes 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as catalyst for social, economic & environmental change

Mayor Sam Sullivan will be in Ottawa and Toronto this week to promote Vancouver’s five goals and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

In Ottawa, Mayor Sullivan is planning to meet with various federal Ministers and Members of Parliament to discuss:

  • Federal anti-drug strategy
  • Vancouver Infrastructure priorities
  • 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games
  • EcoDensity & affordable housing

City Council Unanimously Supports Resolution to Address Municipal-Provincial Fiscal Imbalance

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Vancouver City Council today unanimously supported a motion from Councillor Peter Ladner asking the provincial government to address the current municipal-provincial fiscal imbalance. The motion is further to Mayor Sam Sullivan’s pre-budget submission to the provincial government – delivered last month to the Minister of Finance.