Sam’s Blog

I am writing with a progress report for some important issues we are working on at City Hall. Please find updates on a number of items that support the goals we have established for our government:

• Investments in Community Policing
• Prevention of Drug Abuse
• Helping the Homeless
• Planning for 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games
• Post 2010 Plans

Investments in Community Policing

Mayor Sullivan meets with volunteers at the South Vancouver Community Policing Centre

In my last report, I highlighted our intention to support the Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) 2008 budget request for 96 new police officers over the next two years. Since then, our government has confirmed our plans to support a number of other items to reduce crime and improve community safety:

• new funding for VPD to extend street closures in the Granville Entertainment District (pdf) to reduce public disorder and violent behavior
• close to $1 million to fund Community Police Centres through 2008 and a policy review to improve coordination with VPD and secure longer-term funding
• support for plans to expand the Downtown Ambassador program (pdf) to deliver 24 hour service and increase patrols in other Vancouver neighbourhoods

I am writing with an update on some progress we are making on some important issues at City Hall. In this report, please find updates on a number of items that support the Five Goals we have established for our government:

• Increased Investment in Vancouver Police Department
• Tax Relief for Vancouver Small Businesses
• Downtown Streetcar

Increased Investment in Vancouver Police Department (VPD)

Earlier this week, Councillor Kim Capri and I confirmed our plans to recommend that Vancouver City Council fully support the VPD’s request for 96 new police officers over the next two years. Our new Chief Constable, Jim Chu has done a terrific job in his first year on the job and we are very proud to support the hard working men and women of the VPD.

I am writing to update you on progress in meeting the goals we have established for our government. One of our top priorities after the last election was to improve relations with senior levels of government.

It is very important to Vancouver’s success that the Government of Canada, Province of BC and City of Vancouver are working together to address current policy challenges and opportunities.

I am pleased to report we are doing that – with success.

Since my last communiqué, both provincial and federal governments have introduced their 2008 Budgets. Many of the measures announced respond to our goals.

I am writing to update you on progress we are making on important issues at City Hall that support the five goals we have established for our government.

Chinatown Heritage

This month, we are all celebrating Chinese New Year. I was honoured to participate with Councillor B.C. Lee and my other Council colleagues in many special events across the region to recognize this special time in Vancouver. To help mark the occasion, our government approved an important revitalization plan for Chinatown at City Council this week.

The plan supports community efforts to rehabilitate heritage buildings in Chinatown and provides $500,000 to assist five family associations and Benevolent Societies in the planning associated with rehabilitating their buildings as part of Chinatown revitalization.

2010 Two-Year Countdown

Mayor Sullivan on CTV’s Canada AM to celebrate the 2-year countdown to the start of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

This week, we marked the two-year countdown to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler. There is a growing awareness around the world that no city has been as prepared as Vancouver to host an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. And as good as the Olympics and Paralympic Games will be for Vancouver – we will be good for the Games. Our city is uniting for that common cause.

February City Council Report – Progress on BC Place, UBC Line, Arts & Culture

Further to previous reports, I am writing to update you on our government’s plan to deliver on the five goals we have established for our government. It focuses on:

• Economy – Record Building Permits in 2007
• Project Civil City – policing & supportive housing
• EcoDensity – UBC Rapid Transit Line
• Arts & Culture – BC Place
• Inclusion – SUCCESS partnership

Economy – Record Building Permits in 2007

Last year, we set a new record for building permits in the City of Vancouver. The total value of permits last year was over $2.5 billion. This represents an increase of approximately 20% over last year – even with the strike.

City of Vancouver Building Permits Total Value (in billions)

2002 – $1.31 B
2003 – $1.06 B
2004 – $1.73 B
2005 – $1.6 B
2006 – $2.04 B
2007 – $2.57 B

And speaking of the strike we will return all administrative savings to property taxpayers in this year’s budget. I anticipate this amount will be much higher than originally anticipated due to the length of the labour action.