Innovative, interesting, says National Post
"Innovative"…"interesting"…"and above all environmentally smart" - National Post comments on Mayor Sullivan's EcoDensity Initiative >> read more
Grassroots take up the challenge
By Mary Teresa Bitti
National Post
Save the environment. Save the planet. From coast to coast, local governments and citizen groups are taking up the challenge to build sustainable communities and in the process taking environmental stewardship into their own hands to lessen the burden on the planet.
“It has historically always been municipalities that have led the way with programs and initiatives that have been very innovative and progressive,” says Jed Goldberg, president of Earth Day Canada.
“The federal government has been slow in reacting and so municipalities continue to carry the load.”
From introducing rural virtues into high-density urban centres to putting rainwater and wind power to work, cities are leading the way to a healthier planet.
Mayor to Convene Four Pillars Coalition
Progress report, national drug strategy and supervised injection site extension to be discussed
Mayor Sam Sullivan today announced his intention to convene the City of Vancouver’s Four Pillars Coalition for a strategic planning session next month. Today’s announcement is further to the Mayor’s commitment to introduce new consultation measures for the second half of his first mandate.
“Finding compassionate solutions to the social challenges we face and being the most inclusive local government in Canada are two of the five goals I have established for my government. Today’s announcement will help achieve these goals.” said Mayor Sullivan. “The Four Pillars Coalition has been a tremendous resource for the City of Vancouver and I look forward to working with them in the months ahead.”
Mayor & Councillors Mark Mid-Term of Mandate
Summary of achievement sets the stage for future success: New consultations announced
Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan today marked the mid-term of his first mandate with a summary of achievements. Mayor Sullivan was sworn into office 18 months ago on December 5, 2005.
“We are making real progress on the issues residents care about most – including housing, the economy, the environment and celebrating our culture & heritage,” said Mayor Sullivan. “I want to thank all Vancouver Councillors and City Staff for their hard work. We have established a strong foundation for more achievement and success in the future.”
December 2005 — June 2007: Summary of Achievement
Mayor Sullivan has established Five Goals to guide his government's service to Vancouver. The following is a mid-term status report on each of these goals. A world leader in environmental…
Goal: A world leader in environmental practices & sustainable transportation
To preserve our health and quality of life, we have made environmental leadership one of our five goals. Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Suzanne Anton have introduced the new concept of EcoDensity to reduce urban sprawl and minimize Vancouver’s environmental footprint.
EcoDensity further establishes Vancouver as a global leader in urban planning. It recognizes land use planning as an environmental tool that cities control exclusively.
The plan will help establish green building standards, improve public transportation and increase access to quality amenities and services.
Goal: Develop the strongest local & regional economy in Canada
While challenges exist, Vancouver’s economy continues to exhibit many positive trends. Employment has reached 30 year highs and construction continues to drive growth to 2010 and beyond.
Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Peter Ladner have worked to ensure Vancouver maintains a strong financial position by supporting the development of tight fiscal controls and freezing business taxes.
Goal: Ensuring civility on our streets & developing compassionate solutions to challenging social issues
City Council is working hard to address our community’s most difficult challenges. We will continue to provide leadership and work in partnership with senior levels of government to deliver positive change for all our citizens.
Mayor Sullivan & Councillor Kim Capri have introduced Project Civil City to reduce aggressive panhandling, homelessness and the open drug market while increasing access to supportive housing.
Goal: Most accessible & inclusive City in Canada
The comprehensive public involvement plans around EcoDensity & Project Civil City demonstrate our commitment to making Vancouver the most inclusive and accessible local government in Canada.
Over the past 18 months, Mayor Sullivan, Councillors and City Staff have participated in hundreds of meetings and thousands of hours of community consultation to develop municipal policies. More is on the way.
Mayor Sullivan and Councillor BC Lee will initiate new consultation to complete the second half of the mandate regarding Olympic & Paralympic celebrations, Millennium Line completion, G.L.B.T. community, youth involvement and climate change.
Goal: Making Vancouver a premiere destination for the celebration of arts, culture & heritage
Vancouver’s aging arts infrastructure is in need of repair and replacement. When compared to cities such as Toronto and Montreal that have received millions of federal dollars in the last decade to revitalize their theatres and cultural institutions, it is clear we have much work to do.
In addition to promoting the economy, supporting arts and culture represents an investment in our multicultural, Aboriginal and community heritage.
With 2010 approaching, Mayor Sullivan & Councillor Elizabeth Ball will be working to capitalize on this opportunity to showcase Vancouver’s best to the world.