Thanks for your focused comments and dedication to providing facts to Vancouver citizens!
Another example of failed COV responsibility is its handling of the Senakw development. Council accepted the Squamish Nation demand to negotiate a 250 page municipal services agreement in total secrecy, while taking the position it would not seek to modify, what is now admitted to be, a proposal of “unprecedented scope and scale”, with a density of 10,500 people.
Thanks for your kind words, Scott. The prospect of Senakw' and its incredible density got my City Conversations started 20+ months ago. I am thinking of writing about all of Vancouver's planning and urban design challenges in the new year, and that would have to include the First Nations led developments at Senakw' and the Jericho Lands—other FN developments such as the Heather Lands are ships sailed. I am struggling with how to talk about reconciliation in the city planning context—very much a mine field for a white male. But one can't write about Vancouver's city challenges and opportunities without including them.
Best holiday wishes to you and yours. May 2023 be good to all of us.
Brian is there any chance you could get invited to brief City Council on these observations and recommendations? Or can some pressure be applied through the media?
Lorna, I added the new Mayor and Council to my subscriber list, meaning they now get my missives. So far none have cancelled, nor have they responded. One can but hope the messages are heard.
One additional item: Vancouver city council secrecy, which you have covered well in 2022. In the words of politician, diplomat and sociologist Daniel Patrick Moynihan: "Excessive secrecy — secrecy breeds its own excess — necessarily makes the citizenry and government unnecessarily ignorant."
Thank you SO MUCH for the diligent work you do. We are also dismayed that an architect is challenging your careful professional analysis. Let’s hope this foolish accusation against you goes away fast as Santa’s wink as he heads up the chimney.
All the best in future “Conversations,” (and aren’t you glad TEAM is going forward!)
Brian,
Thanks for your focused comments and dedication to providing facts to Vancouver citizens!
Another example of failed COV responsibility is its handling of the Senakw development. Council accepted the Squamish Nation demand to negotiate a 250 page municipal services agreement in total secrecy, while taking the position it would not seek to modify, what is now admitted to be, a proposal of “unprecedented scope and scale”, with a density of 10,500 people.
Thanks for your kind words, Scott. The prospect of Senakw' and its incredible density got my City Conversations started 20+ months ago. I am thinking of writing about all of Vancouver's planning and urban design challenges in the new year, and that would have to include the First Nations led developments at Senakw' and the Jericho Lands—other FN developments such as the Heather Lands are ships sailed. I am struggling with how to talk about reconciliation in the city planning context—very much a mine field for a white male. But one can't write about Vancouver's city challenges and opportunities without including them.
Best holiday wishes to you and yours. May 2023 be good to all of us.
Brian is there any chance you could get invited to brief City Council on these observations and recommendations? Or can some pressure be applied through the media?
Lorna, I added the new Mayor and Council to my subscriber list, meaning they now get my missives. So far none have cancelled, nor have they responded. One can but hope the messages are heard.
Best wishes for 2023
One additional item: Vancouver city council secrecy, which you have covered well in 2022. In the words of politician, diplomat and sociologist Daniel Patrick Moynihan: "Excessive secrecy — secrecy breeds its own excess — necessarily makes the citizenry and government unnecessarily ignorant."
Well said, Gloria. We will continue to battle against secrecy at all levels of government. May 2023 be personally and politically better for us all!
Thank you SO MUCH for the diligent work you do. We are also dismayed that an architect is challenging your careful professional analysis. Let’s hope this foolish accusation against you goes away fast as Santa’s wink as he heads up the chimney.
All the best in future “Conversations,” (and aren’t you glad TEAM is going forward!)
I am dismayed to hear of "professional misconduct" blowback. Looking forward to the book!
Thanks, Sal. The process moves at a glacial pace but causes me ongoing angst. All the best for 2023!