September 2024 Update: Moving forward with shared scooters & new housing
As summer turns into fall, I am excited to reflect on a productive and engaging September. From attending significant conferences and local events to championing innovative projects and celebrating our vibrant community, it has been a month full of meaningful activities. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights:
UBCM Annual Conference
I had the privilege of representing the City of Vancouver at the Union of BC Municipalities Annual Conference. This week-long event was packed with important meetings and discussions aimed at advancing our city’s priorities. I met with six Provincial Ministers and senior officials, tabled amendments, and engaged in valuable dialogue with fellow local government peers. The in-person meeting with the BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus was particularly fruitful as we discussed strategies to benefit our municipalities.
Lime E-Scooter Pilot Launch
Vancouver welcomed Lime e-scooters to the Hastings-Sunrise neighborhood, marking the start of an exciting pilot program. These custom e-scooters are equipped with unique safety features such as turn signals and a first-ever docking system to prevent challenges seen in other jurisdictions. Kudos to Lime and our City staff for making this innovative mobility option available to our residents!
Vancouver Fringe Festival
Kudos to Vancouver Fringe for kicking off the 40th annual Vancouver Fringe Festival on Granville Island. The festival featured an incredible lineup of over 65 shows spanning dance, theatre, comedy, music, and more. It was a celebration of creativity and artistic expression in our city.
Affordable Housing at 388 Slocan Street
We celebrated the grand opening of Vancouver’s newest affordable housing community at 388 Slocan Street. This development, made possible by BC Housing, YWCA Vancouver, and Chard Development, provides 70 new homes, including deeply affordable and below-market units. This is a significant step forward in addressing our city’s housing needs.
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Other September highlights:
Flats Fest 2024
Flats Fest 2024 was a blast! The event, organized by Low Tide Properties, featured live music, a bustling marketplace, and an Innovation Zone that showcased some incredible technological advancements. The community spirit was palpable, and I had a fantastic time connecting with attendees and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
The Tragically Hip Documentary Premiere
As a lifelong fan of The Tragically Hip, attending the premiere of “No Dress Rehearsal” was a dream come true. Chatting with the legendary Rob Baker was unforgettable. The documentary is now available on Amazon Prime and is a must-watch for all Canadian music lovers.
Main Street Car Free Day
One of the highlights of the month was the Main Street Car Free Day. Tens of thousands of people came out to enjoy the festivities, and I spent several hours at the ABC Vancouver booth, engaging with community members. The event was a perfect day, thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers, merchants, and live performers.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
September 15th marked the 214th year of Mexican Independence, and it was an honour to join Mayor Ken Sim and Councillor Lisa Dominato in proclaiming this day as Mexican Independence Day in Vancouver. Hundreds of Mexican-Canadian families gathered to celebrate their rich heritage and culture.
Opening of Gibby’s Field
The Kensington-Cedar Cottage community celebrated the opening of Gibby’s Field, a new park that preserves the last section of historical Gibson’s Creek. This park features green rainwater infrastructure and over 60 native plants. It was heartwarming to see schoolchildren and officials come together to sprinkle wildflower seeds and celebrate years of community advocacy.
Tour of False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility
Councillors had the opportunity to tour the False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility, where we saw how waste thermal energy from sewage is used to heat buildings sustainably. The newly installed equipment is producing even more green energy efficiently and affordably, benefiting several Metro Vancouver communities.
Grand Opening of Sunrise of Killarney
It was a delight to attend the grand opening of Sunrise of Killarney, a new senior living community in South Vancouver. The beautifully appointed apartments, common areas, and dedicated staff ensure that our seniors receive the best care. This development is a testament to our commitment to meeting the growing demand for seniors’ housing.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible city and its residents. September was a month of progress and community spirit, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make Vancouver an even better place to live, work, and play.