July 2024 Update: Deputy Mayor bringing greetings to our City

July is always an exciting and eventful month for our city. During July 2024 I served as Deputy Mayor, a role that involves representing the City of Vancouver at numerous events, as well as speaking to large crowds or rooms full of people all over the city. I am delighted to share many highlights from the various activities and events I had the privilege of attending in addition to speaking at. As you will read below, it’s a very busy month!

Canada Day Special Citizenship Swearing-In Ceremony: The special citizenship swearing-in ceremony on Canada Day was a heartwarming event, welcoming new citizens to our diverse and inclusive community. It is inspiring to see the faces of people who are about to become Canadian citizens.

Canada Day – Canada Together presented by Port of Vancouver: Canada Day is a joyous celebration of our nation’s diversity and unity. The festivities at Canada Together included incredible music performances that attracted thousands to the streets in front of Canada Place. Shout out to all the organizers from Port of Vancouver for putting on a great event!

Canada Day Drumming Festival: The Canada Day Drumming Festival, organized by the Legacy 150 Celebrations Society, was a rhythmic celebration of culture and community. The drumming thundered down Burrard Street and was live-streamed with other drumming events taking place simultaneously across Canada.

Canada Day at Sunset Community Centre: Celebrating Canada Day at the Sunset Community Centre brings together so many community members in that South Vancouver neighbourhood and beyond. I was joined by many of my colleagues as we ‘cut the cake’ together at this festive event.

Victoria Drive BIA Summer Festival at Jones Park: The Victoria Drive BIA Summer Festival was a wonderful celebration of our local businesses and community spirit. It was great to see families enjoying the festivities and supporting our local vendors. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with so many people from the community as I was able to do that day.

22nd Chinatown Festival: The Chinatown Festival is always a vibrant display of culture and heritage and it was an incredible feeling to address the festival goers. The surrounding streets were filled with traditional performances, delicious food, and a strong sense of Chinatown pride. Big shout out to the Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society for a very successful 2024 festival!

Korean War Veterans Day Ceremony: Honoring our Korean War veterans was a solemn and respectful event that took place just beside Boundary Road in Central Park. The bravery and sacrifices of those who served in the Korean War deserves our thanks, and it was an honour for to pay tribute to the veterans who were present

Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix Connection: The Gastown Grand Prix was an exhilarating event, showcasing the skill and athleticism of cyclists from B.C. and from around the world. It was a thrilling experience to witness such high-energy competition that has been happening for almost 4 decades on the streets of Gastown.

Ukraine / Odesa Proclamation: A proclamation was issued in recognition of the ties between Vancouver and Odesa, which forged a sister city relationship in 1944. According to the city, the relationship was founded on humanitarian grounds, with strong support from key community members in Vancouver who had family ties to the area. I noted my own family heritage from the region, and our country’s unflinching support for Ukraine in the current conflict.

Groundbreaking Ceremonies for Purpose-Built Rental Projects: The groundbreaking ceremonies for the Vine & West 49th and Arbutus & West 34th purpose-built rental projects marked important steps towards addressing our city’s housing needs. These projects will provide much-needed affordable housing options for many residents.

Carnaval del Sol 2024: Carnaval del Sol is a Latin American festival that features the food, music and cultural activities of Central and South American communities. It’s one of the best Latin-themed events in July and it takes over Jonathan Rogers Park for an entire 3 days. Kudos to organizers Latincouver for hosting another vibrant event!

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Tour de Concord Bike Race: Tour de Concord is a bike race and community cycling event taking place at Concord Pacific Place. It brings out the community to watch and cheer on racers in a festive atmosphere featuring food trucks and dance music. The Concord Charity Race portion of the event raises funds for the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.

Celebration of Lights Announcement: Announcing the Celebration of Lights is a moment of anticipation and excitement where we learn which countries are in the competition that takes place at English Bay. This annual event is a highlight of the summer for many spectators, who watch spectacular fireworks displays from their favourite spots on either side of the Bay.

Lotus Light Charity Society – distributing groceries for DTES & Chinatown residents: Participating in the food hamper distribution event at the Lotus Light Charity Society was a humbling experience that reminds all participants of the importance of community support and solidarity in this community.

Khatsahlano Festival on West 4th: The Khatsahlano Festival is one of Canada’s best annual outdoor music festivals, featuring dozens of top performers from the Lower Mainland and beyond. Hats off to the West 4th Avenue BIA and Zulu Records for packing the streets full of tens of thousands of festival goers once again!

Tour of Oakridge Park: The exclusive tour of Oakridge Park provided to me and Councillors Kirby-Yung and Meiszner was an eye-opening experience, highlighting the ongoing developments and future plans for housing, shopping and community space for this growing area of our city.

Mayor Gary Kircher of Waitaki District Council: My meeting with Mayor Gary Kircher from New Zealand was an opportunity for a valuable exchange of ideas and experiences, strengthening our international connections with local governments south of the Equator.

Via Rail Hack Club: The Via Rail Hack Club’s cross-country train adventure is an inspiring initiative that will tap into the creativity and innovation of 50 (!) young coders while promoting environmental stewardship.

Wrexham AFC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC: The intercontinental matchup between Wrexham AFC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place was given some added sizzle thanks to the connection to the presence of celebrated local actor and businessperson Ryan Reynolds, who brought together soccer fans. It was a fun afternoon outing for me and Councillor Lisa Dominato.

Villa Cathay Home Centenarians Celebration Event: Celebrating the centenarians at Villa Cathay Home was a heartwarming occasion to honour the lives and contributions of our eldest community members who are residing at this

Salvation Army Harbour Light Housing Announcement: Announcing the new Harbour Light housing project at 130 East Cordova was a significant milestone for Salvation Army in Vancouver. This project is a partnership between the federal government, through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Correctional Service of Canada, the Province, through BC Housing, the City of Vancouver, and the Salvation Army, will provide 300 new affordable rentals, shelter beds, and supportive homes — along with enhanced services — in the Downtown Eastside.

Dr. Peter Centre Pride Kickoff: The sold-out Dr. Peter Centre Pride kickoff was held atop a high-rise on Thurlow Street and featured drag performers to rev up the crowd at the start of Pride Week celebrations. The event helped to raise funding for the Centre’s vital work in supporting those living with HIV/AIDS.

City of Vancouver Pride Week Launch and Flag Raising: The Pride Week launch and the flag raising ceremony organized by City of Vancouver staff is a vibrant celebration of love, acceptance, and diversity in our community. It was my honour to speak on behalf of Mayor and Council and raise the flag notwithstanding the rain pouring down the occasion.

Pride Flag Raising at Vancouver PD: Raising the Pride flag at the Vancouver Police Department was a strong expression of support for Vancouver’s LGBTQ2S+ community and recognizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in our city.

Yukon Street Lookout Shelter Annual BBQ: The annual BBQ at the Yukon Street Lookout Shelter was a wonderful community gathering, providing support and connection for those in need. I had time to meet with staff over a burger to better understand the work they do to support some of our most in need residents.

Other July highlights:

  • ThunderVolt Official Opening at Playland: The official opening of ThunderVolt at Playland was an exhilarating event as I was convinced to take an inaugural ride with other dignitaries and media present. Congratulations to the PNE on the addition of this dynamic new attraction to Vancouver’s beloved amusement park.
  • Argentina Independence Day with Consul General of Argentina Ricardo Arredondo: Celebrating Argentina’s Independence Day with the Consul General was a great occasion to celebrate the local Argentinian diaspora and the longstanding cultural ties between Vancouver and Argentina.
  • 2024 Paris Olympics Cauldron Lighting Ceremony: The cauldron lighting ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics was a symbolic event.
  • Amica Granville Groundbreaking Ceremony: The groundbreaking ceremony for Amica Granville marked the beginning of a new chapter in providing quality senior living options in our city.
  • Podcast with Michael Mortensen: Having Michael Mortensen on my Vancouver Overcast podcast was a great opportunity to discuss urban development and the future of our city.
  • France National Day: Celebrating France National Day was a joyous occasion, honoring the rich cultural heritage of our French community in the presence of so many dignitaries and friends.
  • Brock House Society Summer Fair: The Brock House Society Summer Fair was a charming family-oriented event, showcasing original art, plant sales and a master gardener clinic, hand-made jewelry, books and games, and big band music!
  • Home + Away Public Art Opening: The opening of the Home + Away public art installation is a reminder of the history and vibrancy of the former Empire Stadium property alongside the PNE. It is not only a wonderful example of the creativity of the artists, but it provides a place to sit and relax, or run the stairs if you’re in need of a good workout!
  • SUCCESS Walk with Dragon: The SUCCESS Walk with Dragon helps raise funds and awareness for important community services. Congratulations to CEO Queenie Choo and her team for coordinating another great event.
  • Menno Court 50th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Menno Court was a touching event, honoring its long-standing contributions to our community.