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

December 7, 2007Posted inIn the News

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 Welcomes Positive Vancouver Rankings

June 12, 2007Posted inIn the News

Global & domestic reports reinforce city’s reputation as a great place to work and live: Sullivan

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan today welcomed the findings of two reports that will enhance Vancouver’s reputation as one of the best places in the world to work and live. The 2007 Cascadia Scorecard and 2007 MasterCard Worldwide Centres of Commerce Index have recognized Vancouver as a global and domestic leader in urban planning and ease of doing business.

“The five goals we have established for Vancouver are focused on improving our quality of life,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Over the past 18 months we have introduced measures to reduce urban sprawl and improve access to municipal services for local businesses. These reports suggest we are making progress.”

Mayor & Councillors Mark Mid-Term of Mandate

June 5, 2007Posted inIn the News

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.”

Goal: A world leader in environmental practices & sustainable transportation

June 5, 2007Posted inIn the News

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

June 5, 2007Posted inIn the News

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

June 5, 2007Posted inIn the News

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

June 5, 2007Posted inIn the News

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

June 5, 2007Posted inIn the News

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.

Mayor Sullivan outlines Five Goals for a Better Vancouver

January 16, 2007Posted inIn the News

On January 16th, Mayor Sam Sullivan delivered his first State of the City address during the first Council meeting of 2007, reviving a New Years tradition in which Vancouver Mayors make a formal speech on the priorities of the year ahead.

Focusing on Five Goals for a Better Vancouver, Mayor Sullivan urged Council to work together to provide leadership in addressing some of the most difficult challenges our City faces. Noting that Vancouver is “emerging on the world stage as a City of the Future,” Mayor Sullivan outlined several initiatives he intends to undertake this year.