Vancouver City Council unanimously voted on June 10 to adopt the EcoDensity Charter.

The EcoDensity Charter commits the City to make environmental sustainability a primary goal in all city planning decisions - in ways that also support housing affordability and livability.

The first two actions to be implemented by the City immediately are:
1. Rezoning policy for greener buildings: Applications for new rezoning will need to meet a minimum LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rating, or similar equivalency in green design. The City will also be expecting that energy performance, water efficiency and storm water use be considered.

2. Rezoning policy for greener larger sites: Changes to rezonings for land that is two acres or more. A number of sustainability measures will be required for these rezonings, and for sites with housing, a range of types and tenures must be considered to increase affordable housing opportunities.

Longer-term actions that will receive priority include: an interim EcoDensity rezoning policy; options for backyard/laneway housing; more options for secondary suites; and removal of barriers to green building approaches.

Council initiated the EcoDensity program in July 2006. The final Charter and Actions incorporated public input from a Special Council Meeting that lasted seven sessions, amongst numerous other public consultation opportunities.

To view the EcoDensity Charter and Initial Actions and for more information: vancouver.ca/ecodensity

Federal Government Health Minister Tony Clements prefers overdoses leading to death, than safe injection interventions that could lead to health. Appallingly, the Federal Government has made a decision to take the province to court after the BC Supreme Court's decision to support Insite.

Living in Vancouver, it is clear that drastic measures, services, and programs are needed to solve the issues. What is seen on the surface, is rarely ever the cause. While Insite may not be perfect, and it may leave a lot to be desired, it is the first positive step taken in Canadian society to move further forward with progressive and proactive measures that could lead to recovery.

Saving lives from this affliction is far more complex than a safe injection site. That safe injection site, however, becomes a valuable gateway to intervention; coaxing jaded and cynical people off the street who have been abused repeatedly. They might consider surrendering their negative lifestyle to the possibility and hope that our society's limited programs and services can help them get their lives back together.

Change is work, and it is hard work. Every healthy person recognizes this, and when we have bad days, we know how much more difficult - sometimes impossible - it is to succeed with change. If society wishes for the addict, street person, prostitute, and other at-risk individuals to "do the work," then society and government at all levels had better be prepared to do-the-work that creates the systems and structure that ensure success.

Insite, with an average of 600 daily visits, intervened to resuscitate 900 overdoses since opening. Liz Evans, who runs Insite in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health says, "If those injections were taking place in back alleys, those people would go under. There would be no nurse there to help save their lives."

"I don't think anyone has ever said that Insite is a magic pill that will resolve all the issues around mental health and addictions," says B.C. Health Minister George Abbott.

"No one has ever said that. I see, and the government sees, the provincial government at least, sees Insite as part of a continuum of services aimed at assisting addicts through their life issues."

Regarding Ottawa's drug policies, Abbott said: "I don't think they yet appreciate that it is useful to have the opportunity to bring some stability into the lives of people who have tragically very little stability in their lives."

Local enforcement professionals also expressed varied opinions on the subject, both for and against what Insite offers. The against position rightly expresses the overwhelming level of 'tolerance' that allows inappropriate behaviour to continue unchecked and without adequate consequences (if any). A significant reason our social issues have spun out of control is the lack of accountability, along with actionable and achievable goals that empower change.

Our own complacency had most of Vancouver turn a blind eye to the issues, and the escalation we're experiencing has resulted in more discontentment. As people become discontent, therefore less tolerant, the voices are likely to start clamoring for change. Even so, as expressed by some residents, some professionals, and some government offices, 'we don't want to encourage that here!'

A walk through a local green-space on the edge of Strathcona and Chinatown often reveals many reasons for this attitude's survival. Mere steps into the park space, right along the sidewalk, a mound of hypodermic needles still fresh in their packaging, is found. On the way to work in the morning, homeless are now found sleeping and bundled in filthy blankets on common property on residential streets. Walking across town, men and women alike are accosted on almost every block by those wanting, needing, and even demanding a handout. Could this why Insite is not recognized as working?

On one hand, the Federal Health Minister Tony Clement wants it shut down. This is looking like a political battle, not a battle for lives nor solutions. With the majority of the Conservatives backed by tough-on-crime critics, supporting Insite may have offended their reelection. Here in Vancouver, the Mayor, Chief of Police, and others are in support; likely also seeking the popular vote of Vancouver residents and business.

What are your views, your expertise, or opinions about these people, this issue, and how it can be solved? Are politicians and our systems capable? If not, why and what can we do?
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LiveInStrathcona received an inquiry from the University of Alberta regarding a gentrification research project. Please review the email introduction and questionnaire and contact them directly to take part and have your voice heard.

Research Deadline: Thursday, May 8

I?m a student at the University of Alberta investigating the effects of gentrification on artists in Kitsilano and Strathcona for an urban geography field study. I'm writing to ask if you would be interested in participating in our study as an interviewee, whether face to face or by phone/email.

Interviews will likely last about 20-30 minutes, depending on your answers. If conducted in person, we will be audio-recording the interview to ensure accuracy. We?ll be using your responses in a paper and presentation for the course. We will do all we can to ensure that your responses remain confidential, although there is still a small chance that you might be identifiable. You will have the right to end the interview at any time and to refuse to answer any questions.

We are currently in Vancouver until Saturday, May 3 inclusive, and we'll be here again from Wednesday May 7 ? Thursday, May 8 inclusive. We're also available by phone and email at most times of day until May 8. If a phone or face to face interview would be inconvenient for you, we have included a list of questions that you can answer and email to us by Thursday, May 8. If you?'d like to be interviewed, or if you have any questions, please contact me at a.macdonald@ualberta.ca or by phone at 780 504 4907.


Thanks very much for your time!

Best wishes,

Amy Macdonald

------------

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Some notes:

• We are defining "art" and "artists" broadly to include dancers, musicians, etc. as well as visual artists.
• Gentrification has many definitions; one of these states that it involves "the transition of inner-city neighbourhoods from a status of relative poverty and limited property investment" to a state of increased interest and investment (David Ley (2003), "Artists, Aestheticisation and the Field of Gentrification", Urban Studies 40(12): 2527-2544, p. 2527).
• Feel free to answer all, some, or none of the questions below.

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself:

• what kind of art you create
• which neighbourhoods you currently live and work in, and for how long

2. In your experience, has gentrification changed the availability, affordability, and quality of housing and artistic spaces (studios, venues, rehearsal spaces) in Strathcona or Kitsilano? If so, how?

3. In your experience, has gentrification affected events and festivals organized by the artistic communities in Strathcona or Kitsilano? If so, how?

4. In your experience, has gentrification changed the aesthetic qualities of the built environment (buildings, parks, streets, sidewalks) in Strathcona or Kitsilano? If so, how?

5. In your experience, what are the positive and negative consequences of gentrification for artists in Strathcona? In Kitsilano?

6. Please add any other thoughts you'd like to share with us on gentrification and artists in Kitsilano and Strathcona.

Thanks very much for your time!

Hi Everyone!

Don't forget to book your tickets for Full Circle Circus, coming up May 1-4th at the PNE Garden Auditorium. You can buy your tickets online through www.cirkids.org, or by contacting the office at 604.737.7408.

Attached you will find the show poster and most recent press release - please feel free to forward it along to your friends, family and schools! We do still have space available for school groups the Thursday, May 1st performance at 12:45pm. School group rates are $8 per person for the matinee showing only. Please contact the office for more details.

Best regards,

--
Kim Violato
CirKids Assistant
ph: 604-737-7408
cirkids@telus.net
www.cirkids.org

Cirkids Poster
Full Circle Press Release 2 April 2008

A recent enquiry through the LiveInStrathcona site wondered where the section on Crime, BlockWatch, and Safety were for the website. The Discussion Forums are a freely available and accessible source for Strathcona neighbours and community members to inform and discuss the happenings of the neighbourhood.

Mind Your Neighbour is not a need to snoop and raise suspicion, rather it is a reminder to keep an eye out for one another. This recent website enquiry followed a recent break-in along Union Street. A posted note on a power pole also indicated someone had a personal computer stolen, along with irreplaceable family photos that were on the hard drive. (Note to self: Back up my hard drive.)

Last week, walking along Union, I also noted a Volkswagon back window smashed in. This could have happened anywhere, yet it just happened to sit right here amidst all the rest of this recent controversy. So let's keep an eye out for each other.

LiveInStrathcona's Community Relations Director contacted the Chinatown Community Policing Centre a few weeks ago to do some follow up. They were completely unaware of any support they offer to the Strathcona community.

• The Strathcona ROAM: Is it still running?
• Neighbourhood Watch
• What is the Strathcona Residents Association tackling?
• Why Isn't Their News Here?

Strathcona, speak your mind. At the request of Strathcona Residents Association President, LiveInStrathcona.com has ceased to publish any information pertaining to the association. As much as it is a public event and public record, we have respected these wishes. Yet, we are now receiving ample enquiries without sources to respond.

Would Strathcona community members like to see the Strathcona Residents Association minutes posted regularly to the LiveInStrathcona.com community website, generously sponsored by Rick Stonehouse, Real Estate Advisor and fellow resident of Strathcona? While we don't wish to undermine the Strathcona Residents Association and its current president, nor do we wish to slight the members and residents of the community who are unaware of the issue we face. Your voices will sway the decision, therefore we place our trust in you.

Email Contact via LiveInStrathcona Here
Register to create a LiveInStrathcona User Account Here
use this account to post discussion items in the discussion forums
Post News, Comments, and More in the LiveInStrathcona discussion forums Here

Lee Down, Community Relations

There is a lot going on in the Strathcona Neighbourhood. I don't often hear about it, or will hear about it after the fact. For one thing, Valerie Arntzen has been lending her shoulder to the Save 901 Main Street, and the city is looking to find space for these artists. That is a plus.

All the same, I'm sure Valerie is feeling the pinch of emotion as a significant feature of the Culture Crawl will be no more. Looking forward, the anticipation for what the city creates in the way of a solution comes with mixed feelings. On one hand they could create something better than occupied before, making the Culture Crawl even more significant. That would be nice. Or, it could be worse. Let's not go there.

The voices matter. I've been catching up on City of Vancouver plans. The most recent is the Culture Plan 2008-2018. You'll note the strategic timing of this plan with a two year lead for everyone savvy enough to get their act together in time for 2010. Yes, it is coming. What are you doing to prepare so you can cash in on all the tourist dollars that will be spent here? That brings me to the Culture Plan and City of Vancouver's Creative City.

Last year, around $1M of Arts & Culture budget did not get allocated and spent due to the civic strike. An agreement was endorsed allowing this money to be used in 2008. Of course, as a municipal government planning body these things are decided upon, however that does not mean to say these dollars cannot be accessed by Creative Individuals. That Culture Plan talks significantly about your role. Let's get some legs.

This brings the final paragraph to some underground conversations. Some Artists in Strathcona, and some on The Drive are applying their creative talents to securing the spaces and opportunities for artists and studios. Keep tuned and come forward too. I'm sure there are many who have ideas or would like to connect with others interested. Our biggest challenge is also the most rewarding: Being Family.

The richness of Strathcona's Arts Community continues to overwhelm as the Arts & Culture pages of the Live In Strathcona site take shape. The initial introduction of the Arts focus came with the Culture Crawl, then expanded when vandalism and property damage affected Red Iron Studios, and then the idea to Profile and feature Valerie Arntzen took off into creating a whole section devoted to Profiling and Featuring many local artists, studios, and galleries. The task is launched!

Not only are there pages focused on this beautiful neighbourhood of Strathcona and the Arts Community within, there are valuable links for:

• Advocacy of Arts,
• City of Vancouver Mandate for Arts and Culture in Vancouver
• Controversy and News
• Arts Resources
• and more to be added

The discussion forum is a great place to connect with us at Live In Strathcona. That or the Contact Us page.

Your valuable input can help to shape the content of these pages to reflect this community more accurately. As well, many of you are the Artists, the studio occupants, and the Gallery owners. I invite you to connect so we can explore the best way to integrate your information to the Arts & Culture pages, with links back to your own site or blog, so we can help you reach your audience.

Wow! The City of Vancouver has a Culture Plan for Vancouver 2008-2018! Having only recently stumbled into the local scene of political and social issues, the first assault came from the Strathcona Arts Community being affected by the loss of studio space as developers level old structures for new condos. Prior to that, news of the Culture Crawl made Strathcona quaint and wonderful, then vandalism tainted the soup and editorial stew spewed forth.

Now with the Save 901 Main Street issue, we have a Facebook Cause, a Petition Online to be signed, and online discussions to rally the troops. Continuing this role of disseminating information to local communities, invitations to city meetings, planning and work groups, and the occasional resident's association have yielded more news, more information, more history, and more involved parties.

Having discovered a segment of the City of Vancouver Planning Department devoted to Heritage Planning, new information demonstrates that the slow wheels of change are in motion. In Mount Pleasant, a Heritage Working Group is evaluating city planning processes in light of the Mount Pleasant community and along the way defining heritage beyond physical structures and incorporating more intangibles such as the Arts, a look & feel of a neighbourhood, block, or organization. There is still much uncertainty communicated in the meetings as this new venture of joint-planning-processes unfolds and the lines-in-the-sand begin to reveal what is truly important, where there is flexibility, and where there is compromise.

Have a look at the City of Vancouver's Culture Plan for 2008-2018 and decide how you can best be involved in constructive ways that move the agenda forward for everyone. I'm all for living up to the idea that Vancouver can be a livable city.

Links:
Strathcona Arts Pages
Facebook Cause
Georgia Straight reports loss of studio space
Save 901 Main Street
Petition Online
City of Vancouver's Culture Plan for 2008-2018
Mount Pleasant Heritage Working Group

EcoDensity, what is it? Mayor Sam Sullivan's application for trademarking the name has been accepted by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. EcoDensity almost seems like an oxy-moron, let me tell you why.

EcoDensity is the premise around increasing the density of urban areas. More tall towers, adding Carriage Homes to properties, and a myriad of schemes to cram more people into smaller spaces. Good idea when we see the effect of urban sprawl, commuter's smog and transit pains. Not such a good idea when our infrastructure barely supports the density we have now.

One of the more controversial events in the news has been the provincial announcement of a Capital Spending Plan for the Greater Vancouver Transit. Vancouver's decisions to retain a small-town culture and feel for the city back in the seventies greatly impacted the decisions for development and planning of a growing city. Hindsight. Here we sit with difficult choices, and sensitive concerns.

EcoDensity is a great idea and one that is long overdue. Proper planning for a real EcoDensity project ought to encompass all aspects of creating many community hubs from which the EcoDensity spoke can centralize around. EcoDensity is not an idea to be focused solely upon real estate and real estate development, it must also be focused on transit, and encouraging business to occupy commercial spaces within EcoDensity hubs.

EcoDensity, in other words, must not simply solve an environmental issue, it must also solve social issues as well. Failure to do so, as we have plenty of evidence to already see, leads to further decline of a projects overall aim and goal the longer it is implemented without the proper infrastructures to support all aspects of living and working together in an urban environment.

With all the emphasis on going green, increasing density for maximum occupation had better start increasing green-spaces --- not paved over with a few trees planted --- for the general public to enjoy. Commercial and residential developments have access to many new green initiatives to further incorporate landscaping into the physical structures of architectural developments. I'm okay with EcoDensity, and environmentalism, as long as we don't forget the needs of people.

Learn more at the City of Vancouver's EcoDensity site.
Find out about TransLink Planning Consultation. We'll see how it survives.

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