EcoDensity: Vancouver city hall concerns shift dramatically

Posted inIn the News

Regulators will be asking developers what their proposals will contribute to helping save the planet
By Bob Ransford
Vancouver Sun
Vancouver may not be leading the way in sustainable urban development, but the city is poised to make up ground in the race to sustainability at a rapid pace.
There’s a new era in urban development rapidly dawning in Vancouver. It’s one where our individualistic and hedonistic obsession with the lifestyle pleasures of our special natural setting will be replaced with a collective serious concern for sustaining the ecosystems that are at the heart of our natural environment. The “eco” part of Mayor Sam Sullivan’s nifty brand name for new urban growth — EcoDensity — is taking on a real meaning under the leadership of Brent Toderian, Vancouver’s new director of planning.

Mayor Supports Proposed Measures to Strengthen Vancouver Port Operations

Posted inIn the News

Resolutions support goal of stronger economy: Sullivan

Mayor Sam Sullivan today announced he will support measures being proposed to strengthen Vancouver Port operations. Vancouver Councillor Kim Capri has proposed three City Council resolutions for discussion and vote this month.

“Strengthening Vancouver’s economic performance is one of the goals I have established for my government,” said Mayor Sullivan. “The resolutions being proposed will enhance international competitiveness, improve governance and increase security. I will be encouraging my colleagues to support these measures.”

Riverview is not the only choice

Posted inIn the News

Tri-City News
With less than 1,000 days to go before B.C. welcomes the world for the 2010 Winter Olympics, anxious officials are starting to wonder if the region’s homelessness problem won’t overshadow the celebrations.
Some critics have even speculated there could be more homeless bedding down in the streets than athletes marching into BC Place on opening night. The thought of legions of homeless freezing in doorways, sleeping in tents or crowding into shelters has some top politicians, including Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan and Premier Gordon Campbell, wondering aloud if closing Riverview wasn’t a bad move.

Can’t sweep mentally ill under rug: advocate

Posted inIn the News

By Sarah Payne The Tri-City News
A Port Coquitlam-based mental health support organization has responded with some skepticism to the possibility of re-opening Riverview Hospital.
Gisela Theurer, director of rehabilitation for the New View Society, said staff members had “mixed feelings” about the suggestion from Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan that some 1,500 mentally ill homeless people be housed at Riverview.
While it was greeted as a positive way to provide short-term recovery services, Theurer said any plans to re-open Riverview would have to come with strategies to transition clients to long-term, supported housing.

Mayor Proclaims “Vancouver Giants Day”

Posted inIn the News, Sam's Blog

$2.2 million upgrade to Pacific Coliseum & Hastings Park approved: Sullivan

Mayor Sam Sullivan today proclaimed today as “Vancouver Giants Day” in the City of Vancouver. Mayor Sullivan read the official proclamation in the City Council Chambers where Councillors were joined by the Vancouver Giants team with the Memorial Cup.

The Vancouver Giants defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers 3-1 in the Memorial Cup championship game Sunday at the Pacific Coliseum.

Review for homeless – Vancouver mayor

Posted inIn the News

The Tri-City News
By Sarah Payne
Mentally ill people living on the streets may one day be able to call Riverview Hospital home.
Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan wants to re-open the nearly 100-year-old facility as a “compassionate solution” for the mentally ill living on the streets. Both the premier and Health Minister George Abbott have indicated the government is interested in refurbishing Riverview.
Sullivan estimates about 1,500 people currently living on Vancouver streets would benefit by moving to the semi-independent living units – not the dormitory-style buildings – where they would be free to come and go but still receive the support they need.

Mayor Invites Residents to Access Home Owner Grants On-line

Posted inIn the News

First time measure makes local government service more accessible: Sullivan
Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan today invited local residents to access 2007 City of Vancouver Home Owner Grants on-line. For the first time, taxpayers can complete their grant at www.vancouver.ca/ehog.

The City of Vancouver’s On-line Home Owner Grant application system allows eligible residents to claim their grant using a designated folio number and access code. Over 1500 city homeowners have already accessed the service in the past two days.

Mayor Welcomes EcoDensity Charter & Invites Public to Provide Input

Posted inIn the News

Sullivan will discuss plan with California Governor next week
Mayor Sam Sullivan today welcomed the introduction of a draft EcoDensity Charter and invited local residents to provide input on this important sustainable development initiative.

Mayor Sullivan pointed out that EcoDensity has the potential to have a positive impact on the affordability of housing in Vancouver.

“The goal of EcoDensity is to reduce urban sprawl,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Becoming a world leader in environmental practices is one of the five goals I have established for my government. The City of Vancouver’s EcoDensity proposal helps deliver on this commitment.”