Sam’s Blog

In this edition

• Vancouver Board of Trade
• Election Night in Vancouver
• Record of Achievement

Vancouver Board of Trade Luncheon Tribute to Mayor Sullivan

Join our celebrity roasters and toasters as they help us say “thank you” to Mayor Sam Sullivan for his 15 years on Vancouver City Council. This special Spirit of Vancouver® luncheon recognizes a unique life and Sam’s very special commitment to our community.

As an early advocate for individuals with disabilities, and as a city councillor, and more recently as mayor, Sam Sullivan’s perseverance in the face of often daunting challenges is a reminder to all of us that community service is an important part of our citizenship as individuals and businesses.

And while a skiing accident at the age of 19 made him a quadriplegic, “Citizen Sam” has never shied away from controversy, tough decisions or the rough and tumble of Vancouver politics, one of the city’s most colourful and entertaining contact sports.

Now, as he prepares to leave City Hall, join us for some memories and laughs as we hear from those who know Sam Sullivan best, including folks on both sides of the political fence.

Date: Monday, December 1, 2008 (event #090809)
Registration: 11:45 a.m. Lunch & Program: 12:15 – 2 p.m.

The Westin Bayshore Hotel – Grand Ballroom, 1601 Bayshore Drive
$56 members and guests/$81 future members + GST
Reserved tables of 8: $538 members/$842 future members + GST

Download PDF invite

Register at 604-641-1248 or www.boardoftrade.com

In this edition

• Remembrance Day Services Across Vancouver – Free Parking for Veterans
• Improvements to Chinatown, Japantown, Gastown & Stratchcona
• Investing in Arts, Culture & Heritage
• Meeting of Canada’s First Ministers
• Liberal Party of Canada Leadership-Biennial Convention coming to Vancouver

Clr. Elizabeth Ball (2nd from left) with Mayor Sullivan and members of the East side arts community.
A shuttered Hastings Street business is now a vibrant art studio.

Remembrance Day Services

I hope you and members of your family will take the opportunity to participate in one of the many special Remembrance Day services taking place across the City. Lynn and I will be attending the City’s annual service in Victory Square. Prior to the service, the Vancouver Bach Youth Choir will perform.

For the second year in a row, vehicles displaying veteran license plates have been exempted from on-street parking meter fees from November 4 to 11. EasyPark will also provide free parking to vehicles with veteran license plates.

City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 for Remembrance Day. It will reopen Wednesday, November 12 at 8:30 am.

In this edition:

• City Council Unanimously Approves EcoDensity Laneway Housing Plan
• Making Vancouver a World Leader in Sustainable Development
• EcoDensity Survey Results
• BC Place Development Approved – Future Secured in Vancouver
• Poppy Week in Vancouver

Councillor Suzanne Anton (with Park Board Chair Konna Houghton, left) has helped
lead City Council’s effort to make Vancouver one of the world’s greenest cities

EcoDensity Laneway Housing Plan Approved

Last week, Vancouver City Council approved a series of recommendations to expand access to laneway housing across the City of Vancouver. The recommendations deliver on a key EcoDensity action item unanimously approved by Council in June.

In this edition:

• President Bill Clinton recognizes Vancouver’s leadership on green building design
• City Council Update – Preparing Vancouver for 2010
• Groundbreaking Addiction Research in Vancouver
• Councillor B.C. Lee
• Dr. Jane Goodall coming to Vancouver

Clr. B.C. Lee and Mayor Sullivan in 2008 parade to celebrate Lunar New Year

President Bill Clinton recognizes Vancouver’s leadership on green building design

Recently I had the honour of spending some time with former United States President Bill Clinton. He was in Vancouver to attend a conference about corporate social responsibility. President Clinton loves Vancouver.

I am pleased to report that during his presentation, he praised Vancouver’s leadership on developing stringent green building standards. Earlier this year, our Council passed the strongest green building design plan in North America in association with EcoDensity.