VREG Blog

    Welcome back folks! I had a bit of a busy several weeks since my last post – as I am taking an accountable computer systems course, learning about encryption, block chain, TOR and all the cool things I wish I knew earlier! I have not forgotten about the Li decision. I will admit I have lost sleep over it, been confused over it, and had numerous client consultations over it. The recent development of the Named Research Organizations list, although in a much different context, have started to shed light on what institutions may be targetted and flagged. I presume many of these institutions (if not all) are risk indicators in the Integrity Trends Analysis Tool and may trigger the automation of the Security Screening Automation process. Also, I should be on a podcast with Steven Meurrens and Deanna Okun-Nachoff talking about this decision shortly. I think it will be a fascinating conversation. Will share link! For the purposes of this blog, however, let us jump back into the Federal Court’s decision in Li v. Canada (MCI) 2023 FC 1753 to get to the heart of the Chief Justice’s analysis. Let’s start now with VI. Issues at paragraph 24. I do not yet have the benefit of the parties submissions to determination how the issues were framed in factums. Based on what the Chief Justice writes later in his VIII. Analysis at para 29, it seems like this question was framed by the Applicant. Nevertheless, I think there might be some tension in the framing of the issues and then the setting out of the standard of review in VII. Standard of Review where the Chief Justice re-iterates that the Court’s limited role within the judicial context, the introduction the case itself, and the eventual function of attempting to carve out a definition for espionage. I will note that this is not rare, however. We have seen it in many contexts, and indeed the Chief Justice has also engaged in a similar discussion of the role of a comparative approach in the s.25 H&C test in Huang v. Canada (MCI), 2019 FC 265. Finally, for the purposes of this blog to keep it shorter I will focus only on paragraphs 29 to 50 and leave for the next blog the “Application to the Decision” section. Moving to the Analysis in Section VIII. The first issue is whether the Officer erred in applying an overly broad term ‘espionage’ under s.34(1)(a) IRPA (see para 29). The Chief Justice notes that there is no definition of the term “espionage” in IRPA, or it appears, in any Act of Parliament. This is crucial because I think it highlights a clear legislative/policy gap that IRCC will need to look to fill. There are some legislation that engage in for example a definition of economic espionage in the Security of Information Act, but the context of the act and who it has been used to prosecute does make it very different and difficult to translate to the immigration setting. I see this omission as an emerging gap for legislators to step in. There are two key paragraphs in Li involving the definition of espionage, that frame the decision. The Chief Justice writes at paragraph 31 and 32: [31] However, Mr. Li submits that the term “espionage” has the following five characteristics: (1) There is an aspect of secrecy, clandestineness, surreptitiousness, or covertness in the way the information in question is gathered. (2) The information is collected without the other parties’ knowledge and consent. (3) The collector, by the time they are actively engaging in information gathering, does so under the control and direction of a foreign entity. (4) The information is regarded as secretive, as opposed to simply private. (5) The act is against Canada or contrary to Canada’s interests. [32] I disagree. In my view, the jurisprudence supports a broader definition of “espionage.” At its most basic level, the concept of “espionage” contemplates the secret, clandestine, surreptitious or covert gathering or reporting of information to a foreign state or other foreign entity or person. When such activity is against Canada or is contrary to Canada’s interests, it falls within the purview of paragraph 34(1)(a). There are several complications created by the definition generating process: (1) what constitues reporting? (2) what constitutes information? (3) what constitutes a foreign entity? (think of foreign-controlled companies operating in Canada for example) (4) who is a foreign person? (is it entirely immigration-status related or more than that?) (5) We also return back again to what are Canadian interests and are the relevant times of when actions occured and interests considered material? Also, by way of the way it is gramatically structured does the reporting of information to a foreign entity/person have any modifier. It appears in the Chief Justice’s decision it can be public information, but surely the gathering or reporting of any public information to a foreign person would be an overbroad definition. The Chief Justice summarizes at paragraph 47: [ 47] In summary, and having regard to the foregoing, I consider that the term  “espionage”  contemplates (i) the secret, clandestine, surreptitious or covert gathering of information on behalf of a foreign government or other foreign entity or person, or (ii) the reporting or communication of information, whether surreptitiously or publicly gathered, to such a recipient. I further consider it reasonable to include within the definition of  “espionage”  the unauthorized reporting or communication of such information to a third party acting as an intermediary for the transmission of

As of late last month another 7,083 Heritage Inventory photographs and 1,001 Intersection photographs have been uploaded to our online database, with a smaller subset on flickr. These photographs come from the Vancouver (B.C.) Planning Department and the Vancouver (B.C.) Engineering Services Department respectively. These 8,084 items are further demonstration of our ongoing efforts to make our negatives more accessible through the process of digitization. The digitization of these photographs would not have been possible without funding from the British Columbia History Digitization Program and the Friends of the Vancouver City Archives. 1595 West 15th – The Brambly Apartments. Reference code: COV-S644-: CVA 1095-08660 All film negatives in our repository are kept in the Archives’ frozen storage unit for preservation purposes. When photographs have not been digitized it requires at least 24 hours notice for staff to pull the records from the freezer and allow them to come up to the temperature of the reading room, where researchers still need to use a light box and often a magnifying glass to view them properly. In addition to having to conduct this type of research on-site, as opposed to from the comfort of your own home (which you can do with any of our digitized material), the contents of a negative can often be difficult to decipher as the colours and tones are inverted. The image below is good example of this. In negative form it was difficult to determine what the photographer was trying to capture, as the snow simply made the streets look very dark. Once digitized however, it was clear that these sixteen nearly identical photographs were the photographer’s attempt to capture the presence of this rare substance. Snow on Gastown streets, 1 of 16. Reference code: COV-S644-: CVA 1095-09235 Similarly to previously uploaded Heritage Inventory photographs, which you can read about here and here, this batch of photographs also primarily depicts the exterior of built structures from everything such as houses and apartment buildings to churches, schools, and commercial buildings. 57 West Cordova Street – Travellers Hotel and adjacent parking lot. Reference code: COV-S644-: CVA 1095-09864 Almost all of Vancouver’s neighbourhoods are depicted but again there is a strong focus on the Gastown, Chinatown, and Downtown areas. Interspersed among photos of barbershops and Shaughnessy mansions are the occasional outliers, such as photos of a scale inside the Canadian Pacific Railway Station, or photos of a Maple Tree Square model from the late 1970s. Gastown Model. Reference code: COV-S644-: CVA 1095-08945 Taken between 1964 and 1977, these photographs are the result of research conducted by Heritage Planners and private heritage contractors on behalf of the Planning Department. Many of these photographs have corresponding textual records, located in Series S682, which provide more detail on the structure. Details may include the size, map coordinates, and owner of the property; information about the original architect, engineer, and contractor; and notes on any historical or architectural importance. The file location for related textual records can be found in the “Associated materials” section of the photograph’s description. Having fulfilled their primary purpose, these records now exist to aid individuals in their various research pursuits. Heritage Inventory photographs are often consulted by researchers conducting house history inquiries, historians looking into specific neighbourhoods or historical buildings, and genealogists tracking the various residences of family members. Most photographs only depict the built structure in question, but some researchers might get lucky and catch a glimpse of a beloved family member relaxing on their front lawn. 1214 West 7th Avenue. Reference code: COV-S644-: CVA 1095-10949 The newly uploaded Intersection photographs are an addition to the pre-existing 1,625 photographs and 337 photostatic reproductions of intersections in Subseries 1 – Intersection photographs of Series S505 – Transportation Division traffic management photographs. Falling under the jurisdiction of the Vancouver (B.C.) Transportation Division (a subordinate of Vancouver (B.C.) Engineering Services), these photographs were taken at intersections looking in each cardinal direction for the purpose of traffic analysis. These Intersection photographs are a natural companion to the Heritage Inventory project as both series cover many of the same geographical locations, and therefore many of the same built structures. While the Heritage Inventory photographs were taken as early as 1964 and no later than 1977, the Intersection photographs were taken in the early 80s (predominantly 1982) and therefore allow researchers to study the changes and similarities across nearly twenty years. Vine Street and 4th Avenue intersection. Reference code: COV-S505-1-: 2019-103.0559 While the vast majority of the photos in this series depict city street corners from the vantage point of the middle of the road, every now and then there is a photograph that sheds light on the process of this project, as shown in the photograph below. Here we can see an individual in a City of Vancouver car holding up a clipboard with the letter “M” on it. This was the photographer’s way of denoting the beginning of a new roll of film. When negatives are scanned, digitized, and uploaded to the database we often lose sight of some of the original organization of the records, but it is photographs like this that allow us to consider how original order may have played an important role to the creator. They also give us a chance to reflect on how different city vehicles look today. Person holding “M” sign out of a City of Vancouver car. Reference code: COV-S505-1-: 2019-103.0314 So whether

Earlier today, the VPSN wrote to Mayor and Council requesting that they ‘press pause’ on the motion to dissolve the Park Board. The proposed directive, introduced by Mayor Sim at a media event on December 6, seeks provincial support to change the Vancouver Charter, eliminating the need to an elected Park Board. Our letter encourages the City to create a better, more transparent process for looking at ways to improve. This was not intended as a broader rejection of the idea of reform. Indeed, we support efforts to improve our parks and community centres. We are also of the opinion that there ARE opportunities to strengthen matters related to their governance, performance, design, programming and stewardship of parks. However, the motion as proposed has a number of critical implications. In the one week since it was hastily introduced, there has been little opportunity to properly evaluate the concerns that the motion purports to address. We are particularly concerned about the process through which this motion was advanced, and the conflation of governance considerations (i.e. the elected park board), with operational and planning considerations. We note that many of the considerations identified in the Council motion – questions of user experience, service delivery, and operational efficiency – can be addressed without the loss of the democratic opportunities that come with an elected Park Board. So, to be clear – we are open to a process that: (a) provides a forum to clearly identify issues and areas of concern with parks and the Park Board, and (b) provides a fair opportunity to evaluate opportunities (and options) for improvement. We used our letter to request that Mayor & Council amend the motion to introduce a minimum six month process that allows further public discussion and exploration of the core issues and areas of concern. We feel that this is a fair compromise that would ensure clarity around the identification of issues & potential solutions. And yes, as part of this, the process could include revisiting the division or organization of powers as set out in the Vancouver Charter.

A reminder that the Archives will be closed for the holidays at 5:00 pm on Friday, December 22, 2023, and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 10:00 am. A “Connemara Donkey” for Christmas Greetings, 1957 (composite of front and inside of card). Folks familiar with exploring archival records know that they can sometimes come across something unexpected during their research. This year’s holiday post is an example of how the threads of human activity can be sprinkled throughout an individual’s personal papers deposited at an archives. The Paul Yee fonds (AM1523) contains issues of Chinatown News that he collected, a biweekly magazine that was the established in 1953 and the first Chinese-Canadian newspaper to be published in English here in Vancouver. Tucked inside the pages of an issue from 1957 is a homemade holiday card that the writer sent using one of their travel photos. Aren’t donkeys perfect for a little cheer! The Aug. 1957 issue of Chinatown News with a surprise inside. Reference code: AM1523-S3-F162. The message inside reads, “I hope to unite later on but want to get this off before it is too late for Christmas. We had a wonderful 3 weeks holiday in Ireland this summer when this full length portrait (!) overleaf was taken. Hope you are all well at home.” Happy holidays!

We are excited to announce a new accrual to the Harold Kalman fonds (AM363). Kalman is an architectural historian and heritage planner with an extensive body of work of local, national, and international significance. He is well known within the heritage preservation community for both his scholarship and his practice. Kalman is the author of many articles and books including A History of Canadian Architecture and the Archives reading room favourite Exploring Vancouver, the recipient of numerous awards and honours, and was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2012 for his work to study, protect and share Canada’s built heritage. Though now living in Victoria and (mostly) retired, he spent most of his professional career working in Vancouver, first teaching the history of art and architecture as a professor in the UBC Department of Fine Arts, and then later as a heritage consultant, doing business under the name Commonwealth Historic Resource Management (CHRM). While winding down his practice, Kalman donated his personal and professional records to the Archives in a series of donations between 2011 and 2022. The largest portion of these are the project files (also referred to by Kalman as the “job files”) from his work with CHRM, based in Ottawa from 1975-1988, and in Vancouver from 1988-2015. CHRM provided architectural conservation advice and interpretive planning services related to the conservation, interpretation, and management of built and natural heritage resources. These records have been processed and are now available as AM363-S07 : Consultancy project files. Documented within the donated records are 455 projects. Of these, 101 were for sites in the Greater Vancouver region, 100 in other parts of British Columbia, 225 in the rest of Canada, and 29 international projects. The list of notable Vancouver projects that Kalman consulted on is too long for this post, but include sites such as Woodward’s, the Marine Building, Tudor Manor, Hotel Georgia, Firehall Arts Centre, the Vogue, Stanley, Orpheum and Queen Elizabeth Theatres, and the Chinatown and Gastown neighborhoods. Graphic from one of the Woodwards Building Development Statement of Significance project files. Reference code: AM363-S07-F1698 There is considerable variation in the scope and scale of the projects. Some are very limited, such as creating heritage preservation recommendations used to restore the subject to its original condition, or to preserve key characteristics when adapting the building to a new use. These can be for individual sites, buildings, or even part of a building (like a particular façade or feature). One folder from project D579, renovations to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Reference code: AM363-S07-F1054 At the other end of the spectrum, there are projects that encompass multiple sites over large areas–heritage inventories that identify and catalogue significant buildings or sites in a given region, conducting feasibility studies for new museums and other cultural institutions, creating interpretive plans for heritage sites, and writing heritage conservation guidelines and policies. Site drawing from Whitby Psychiatric Hospital project. Reference code: AM363-S07-F1662 The types of records found within the files varies, depending considerably on the nature of the project. Unsurprisingly, some projects are documented much better than others. A given file may contain primary sources collected in the course of research, excerpts of copies from relevant secondary works (some difficult to find), interviews, photographs, maps and site plans, histories of the subject site or building, and drafts and final reports or recommendations prepared for the client. Interview recordings and transcripts from the Illustrated History of the Hotel Georgia project (note transcripts are available now, but audio recordings are restricted until the tapes are digitized). Reference code: AM363-S07-F0678 We expect that the files in this series will be a valuable resource to researchers interested in heritage preservation, architectural history, planning and development, and other enquiries related to built environments. They are a great place to start your research into a particular site, as Kalman’s files frequently contain historical details accumulated from authoritative sources. Please note, however, that the files are stored at our satellite site and take time to retrieve; reference staff will advise on delivery date when you make your request. These project files are form only a part of the records donated by Kalman in the past decade. Expect to see further announcements of records available for research within this fonds as they become available, including a substantial volume of digital project files that are also part of this series.

After approving a Council motion to improve Gastown public spaces in May of this year, the City has now launched an engagement process to support the creation of a public space plan for the neighbourhood. This is a great step – with a number of important opportunities tied to the process. Two of the most prominent include the renewal and enhancement of Maple Tree Square – a central public space in the neighbourhood, and the potential pedestrianization of Water Street. There are other ways to strengthen the network of public spaces in the area that also need to be included in the discussion – including a consideration of street-end plazas, attention to alleys, and re-opening the currently privatized CPR right-of-way. In fact, integrating the many different considerations around gathering and mobility (and doing so in a inclusive fashion) make this a more complicated process than one might think. (For more on these and other Gastown possibilities, check out this article from earlier in 2023). For that reason alone, it’s great to see this process move forward. This is an chance for bold improvements to the area, not half measures. To that end, we encourage you to take part in the process and share your perspective on how the public spaces in the area can be improved. As part of the present engagement process, a survey has been created. There are also several pop-up engagement events scheduled. Details on these opportunities can be found in the City’s October 12 media release, reproduced below. Share your thoughts on the future of public space in Gastown The City is taking steps to make Gastown’s unique streets, laneways and public spaces more people-friendly. In response to Council direction, staff are launching a public engagement process on the Gastown Public Spaces Plan to establish a shared vision for a vibrant destination with more seating, patios, live music, events, festivals and active transportation options. The plan will also explore transforming Water Street into a pedestrian zone, either seasonally or year-round. Residents, local businesses and local organizations are invited to get involved through a city-wide survey and in-person pop-up events later this month. “I’m really excited that we are starting this very important conversation with Vancouver on the future of public space in Gastown, including restoring its streets and sidewalks and making Water Street a pedestrian zone,” says Mayor Ken Sim. “We want to hear from area residents, businesses and all of Vancouver to ensure that the changes Gastown needs work for everyone. I want to thank the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations for their partnership on this project as we work together to ensure their visibility is part of Gastown’s future public spaces.” The new Gastown Public Spaces Plan will serve as a guide to: Establish a vibrant, people-focused Gastown with enhanced gathering places, streets and laneways to support a range of activities. Explore how to pedestrianize Water Street, seasonally or year-round, starting with a pilot in summer 2024. Improve the street network, including walking, cycling, transit and vehicle connections and consideration of Cordova as a two-way street. Advance Reconciliation with the local Nations and support their visibility on their lands. Evolve and deepen the unique heritage feel of the area, including improved street materials and amenities. Identify phased project timing and funding. Some of the streets and sidewalks in Gastown are in poor condition and repairs and maintenance will continue alongside the development of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan. Gastown is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Nations, however, its streets and public spaces do not currently reflect the histories, culture and visibility of the local Nations. The Gastown Public Spaces Plan is an opportunity to advance the City’s Reconciliation efforts and work with the Nations to support their visibility on their lands. “This initiative by the City of Vancouver is an important step forward in sharing our deep history and connection with the area now known as Vancouver,” says Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Spokesperson and Council Member. “We look forward to seeing our history and our culture reflected in these shared public spaces, for all to enjoy.” “I am pleased to see the progress of this important work of increasing visibility of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) alongside our relatives xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band) and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation) in Gastown,” says Chief Jen Thomas, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). “This good work led by the City of Vancouver helps put the face of səlilwətaɬ back on our shared traditional territory, and I am looking forward to seeing this vibrant space reflect our Indigenous cultures and communities.” Share your thoughts There are many ways to get involved: Complete an online survey (translations in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese available by request). Visit us at an upcoming pop-up information event: 131 Water Street October 19, 11 am to 6 pm October 20, 11:30 am to 7 pm October 21, 2 pm to 6 pm November 16, 11 am to 6 pm November 17, 11:30 am to 7 pm November 18, 2 pm to 6 pm ​333 Abbott Street November 9, 2 pm to 6:30 pm November 10, 8:30 am to 1 pm Public feedback will be shared in an engagement summary and presented to Council in early 2024. Input from businesses, including their loading and access needs, will play an integral role in shaping the Water Street pilot in summer 2024. More information on the Gastown Public Spaces

Earlier today, the VPSN wrote to City Council to offer our support for a motion entitled “ A People-Focused Gastown: A Bold, Forward-Looking Vision for a Vibrant and Prosperous Neighbourhood .” A long with our note of support, we offered a few ideas which we felt could strengthen the objectives of the proposal. By way of background, the VPSN has long advocated for improvements to Gastown public spaces. We have programmed several events in the neighourhood, provided input to previous planning and design efforts, and, most recently, participated in a Council walking tour of Gastown that took place late last year. Based on our work in the area, we offered four key suggestions: (1) Recognize that the issues facing Gastown public spaces are complex. There is not going to be an easy solution to the challenges facing Gastown. The area in question has a complex transportation network, a number of overlapping uses (commercial, residential, office, social service, etc.) and also represents a meeting point between a number of different communities, each with varying needs. Work on this important initiative needs to be undertaken with care and consideration. Please resource it appropriately (beyond the current capital budget allocations). Be wary of anyone promising an easy fix. (2) Go bold. Enhance a mix of spaces and places through placemaking & programming. Maple Tree Square and Water Street are central to the renewal of Gastown public spaces, but a comprehensive effort should also give consideration to other critical public space and placemaking opportunities within the neighbourhood, including: Utilizing street-end segments of Cambie, Abbott, and Carrall (i.e. north of Carrall) for supplemental gathering areas Re-opening the CPR right-of-way that runs diagonally between Columbia and Pender Considering new opportunities in commercial laneways, including Homer-Cambie-Cordova Alley and segments of Harbour Light Alley Ensuring a clear integration with Trounce/Blood Alley which has been undergoing a concurrent redesign process (3) Go bolder still. Use the opportunity to establish strong public realm connections to adjacent areas. Similar to the previous point, the present work presents an opportunity to strengthen the broader downtown public space network, by connecting Gastown to other nearby areas, including, but not limited to: CRAB Park – Through a potential connection to/from Carrall Street across the railway tracks Granville Street – Ensuring linkages to an enhanced study area for the Granville Street planning currently underway Waterfront Hub – future-proofing the Gastown work so that there can be appropriate tie-ins to the anticipated Hub project (4) Work with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations (MST) and urban Indigenous peoples and other cultural communities to ensure the public realm tells a broader and more equitable story. The motion references local First Nations in the preamble, but not in the actual recommended directions. We feel this is an oversight, and encourage you to incorporate language that explicitly directs staff to work with the local Nations and urban Indigenous people when planning for the future of Gastown. Further more, the area has served as a meeting point for a number of cultural/demographic communities – in particular through its connection to Luk’Luk’l, Chinatown, Paueru Gai (Powell Street), and the Downtown Eastside. Ensuring that staff bring a cultural (and broader) equity lens to this work will help to ensure that the resulting improvements are more inclusive and accessible.

We’re well into spring now! The flowers are beginning to bloom, parks and plazas are filling up, and the sounds of seasonal change are in the air. This edition of the VPSN Public Space News & Events comes with a bouquet of events and activities, including details on the VPSN Annual General Meeting, the 4th Placemaking Canada Gathering, and the always-awesome Jane’s Walk tours. There’s also info on two new greenways, public space initiatives in the West End and Gastown, and our next volunteer orientation. Enjoy! VPSN ACTIVITIES Annual General Meeting & Collingwood Park Walk  Tuesday, May 9 The VPSN Annual General Meeting is coming up next week! This year’s event takes at the amazing Collingwood Neighbourhood House (5288 Joyce Street, walking distance from Joyce Collingwood Station). Since the late 1980’s, CNH has been providing a safe space and an array of services to the surrounding Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. We’re honoured to be able to hold our annual meeting in this important non-profit operated public space. Our AGM agenda will include recap of our advocacy and project work over the past year, and provide a preview of our work ahead. As part of the activities, we will also provide an update on our finances and elect a new board of directors for the upcoming year. Before getting down to business, we will also be taking a short walk through nearby Collingwood Park (5275 McKinnon Street), which is currently undergoing an important redesign process. Weather permitting, the walk will last approximately 1 hr, at which point we will head to Collingwood Neighbourhood House for the AGM. 6pm: Walking Tour – Meet at the corner of Euclid and McKinnon 7pm: Annual General Meeting – Program Room (2nd Floor), Collingwood Neighbourhood House Please register and read more details here . Both the walk and the AGM are free to attend and everyone is welcome. VPSN Volunteer Meeting Tuesday, May 16 @ 7pm Our first volunteer orientation in some time, for new and returning volunteers. We’ve got some great projects in the hopper right now, and we’re excited to be hosting this upcoming orientation session (held online via Zoom). If you’d like to learn more about the Vancouver Public Space Network, or find out how you can lend a hand with our placemaking, research, and advocacy work, sign up for this. Follow this link to register for the volunteer orientation Hold the Date – Placemaking Canada Gathering (Toronto ON) June 11-12, 2023 Exciting public space events are taking place in Toronto this coming June, including the International Public Markets Conference (June 8-10), and the annual Park People Conference (June 21-23). In between these two events, is the fourth  Placemaking Canada Gathering . The VPSN is proud to support this grassroots initiative linking together placemakers and public space advocates across the country. The 2023 gathering will include walking/biking tours, ‘open mic’ sessions, workshops, and networking sessions. The ultimate aim – building the Canadian placemaking movement! Registration will be open in the next few days. Please mark your calendar and share the news with any placemaking contacts who might be interested in joining! More information via Placemaking Canada Facebook – placemaking-canada.ca PUBLIC SPACE NEWS & ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Two New Greenways! Enhancing and Expanding the Greenway Network In 1995, Vancouver approved it’s Greenways Plan – and with it, a series of designated car-free or car-light pathways that are intended to provide park-like connections for walking, rolling and cycling. Greenways also include improvements like expanded parks, increased landscaping, public art, and drinking fountains. The network is slowly being built out and now includes popular routes such as the Central Valley Greenway, Comox-Helmcken Greenway, and the Seaside Greenway (along Pt. Grey Rd). In 2022, Council approved the Vancouver Plan, and a proposed “expansion and enhancement” of the existing greenways network. Two new greenways processes are underway, both of which will provide critical improvements in the overall network. The proposed  Bute Street Greenway  will run from Sunset Beach Park (False Creek) to Harbour Green Park (Burrard Inlet), and includes a permanent design for Bute-Robson Plaza. At the same time, the City is also looking to design the  Portside Greenway , a 7 km route following the city’s northern edge, spanning between Gastown, and running through Grandview-Woodland and Hastings-Sunrise to the city’s eastern boundary. You can learn more about these public space improvements and engagement opportunities by following the links below. Bute Street Greenway Portside Greenway Coming up at Council next week – A People Focused Gastown City Council will be discussing the future of Gastown at its next meeting. This is good news on the public space front, as both Maple Tree Square and Water Street represent important areas for improvement, and there are a number of other interventions which could enhance public life in the area. The motion being deliberated calls for a “streets and public realm planning and design process for Gastown that brings in an external urban place-making lens and expertise …toward a bold vision to pedestrianize Water Street and make it carfree or car-light.” With further language referencing “an overarching goal being a more vibrant, people-friendly destination and the enabling of ongoing activations including patios, music, events, festivals and active transportation opportunities.” The Gastown discussion will take place on May 9-10. You can view the full text of the proposed Council motion here. To share your thoughts with Council, you sign up to share your thoughts in person or via phone, or fill out this online form to do so in writing. West End Waterfront – Preliminary Designs The City of Vancouver and

The VPSN Annual General Meeting is coming up! RSVP here Our 2023 meeting will take place in Renfrew-Collingwood, at the amazing Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Since the late 1980’s, CNH has been providing a safe space – and an array of important services – to the surrounding neighbourhood. We’re honoured to be able to hold our annual meeting in this important non-profit operated public space. Our AGM agenda will include recap of our advocacy and project work over the past year, and provide a preview of our work ahead. As part of the activities we’ll also provide an update on our finances and elect a new board of directors for the upcoming year. Pre-meeting Walk – Collingwood Park Before getting down to business, we’ll also be taking a short walk through nearby Collingwood Park (5275 McKinnon Street), which is currently undergoing an important redesign process. If you’d like to join the walk, please meet at the corner of Euclid and McKinnon at 6pm. Weather permitting, the walk will last approximately 1 hr, at which point we will head to Collingwood Neighbourhood House for the AGM. Registration Please register here to let us know you’ll attend. Both the walk and the AGM are free to attend and everyone is welcome. Time & Location Tuesday, May 9, 2023 Collingwood Neighbourhood House Program Room (2nd Floor) 5288 Joyce Street 7pm-8:30pm (Meeting) 6pm – 7pm (Pre-meeting walk, meet at Euclid and McKinnon) Meeting Accessibility Wheelchair accessible elevator to 2nd floor Program Room. Wheelchair accessible, all gender, single occupancy washroom on second floor. Free underground parking.  

Good news! This past Monday, the Park Board approved a plan to create a new ‘naturally managed park’ at E 18th and Victoria Drive, in a location known as “Gibby’s Field.” The site contains the last part of Gibson Creek, and is “likely the site where two tributaries of China Creek once met.” The preservation of the site follows a long-standing community effort to preserve the site, dating back to 2001. Park Board Report: Park Board: General info on Gibby’s Field Heritage Vancouver Foundation: Places that Matter – Gibby’s Field Image: Rendering of Gibby’s Field as a naturalized park space courtesy of City of Vancouver

You may have heard that City Council is contemplating a planning process to revitalize Granville Street downtown. This idea was first floated a couple of years ago, and is a positive move. A draft Terms of Reference was discussed by Council on January 18 of this year, and there will be further debate coming up this week. While we’re generally supportive of the initiative, we feel that the scope of the proposed work could be bolder. From our perspective, the current approach is constrained by two key factors: an unnecessarily limited geographic scope and the need for a stronger, more comprehensive and unified focus on the role of the street as a central public space. With this in mind, we’re sharing seven key suggestions that we thing would improve the proposed Terms of Reference and result in an improved planning process for this important public space. (1) Expand the Granville Street study area so that it stretches “shore to shore” across the Downtown Peninsula As currently envisioned, the proposed planning area covers the five block stretch between Robson Street and Drake Street. This area coincides with policy geographies set out in the Downtown Official Development Plan (DODP) dating from 1975. Given the prominent role that Granville Street plays, the various urban design and transportation considerations at play, and the way visitors and residents actually use the street, we feel this insufficient. In our opinion, the current focus on the entertainment district would be better served were it to be part of a study area that spanned the full 12 blocks between Granville Square and the Granville Bridge. This would allow for a more integrated consideration of critical rapid transit connections, an assessment of the existing (2009) public realm treatment (which needs to be refreshed), the inclusion of other large rezonings (the Bay, Granville Loops), not to mention the broader public life opportunities that come with treating the street ‘as a whole.’ The street has a number of different character areas, but what makes it exciting is the opportunity to make them work together. We note that the original Council motion (referenced on page 2 of the report) directs staff to deliver “a scope of work and budget for a future planning program for Granville Street Downtown.” This pan-peninsula scope is important. (2) Bring special attention to key intersections While the idea of a promenade is important, one of the important features of Granville Street downtown is its centrality on the downtown peninsula. Intersections are key punctuation marks in the sequencing of the street – ones that invites a pause, curiosity, decision, transition and more. They are also, functionally, linkages to and from other key areas – such as Robson Square, the civic facilities of Georgia St, the Davie Street Village. A larger geography allows for more attention to be put on these core intersections, and suggests the possibility of developing more substantial connections (and related public realm connections) to nearby amenities. Public space is a network – so let’s ensure this program approaches Granville St. with this sort of ‘systems’ thinking. (3) Ensure laneways are included as part of the planning effort While the focus of the planning program will be on Granville Street, there is a further opportunity to bring additional focus and attention on improving laneways in the study area, turning these spaces into vibrant people places. Some important initial work has been undertaken by the DVBIA and others, but this planning program could accelerate this work in a more comprehensive fashion. How can these sizeable areas – often overlooked because of their secondary functions – be enhanced and better integrated into the fabric of the downtown? Done strategically, this could enable additional programming opportunities for restaurants and cultural spaces, or provide additional seating or gathering opportunities. The scale of these areas – often more intimate than the city’s main streets – makes them an important opportunity. (4) Consider Howe/Seymour transit opportunities An assessment of opportunities for Granville Street would be further strengthened by incorporating Howe and Seymour into the conversation. During the lengthy construction of the Canada Line, these streets effectively took over bus routing functions that were normally on Granville. As was noted during the Council discussion, there is only a limited right-of-way on the street. This brings a related challenge in establishing priorities – is the street a bus “mall” or a pedestrian promenade? A space for moving people, or a place for people to linger, gather, spill out of cultural facilities? It is difficult for the street to do both without needing to make compromises. Can we be bolder here? Perhaps it’s time to think about the role of Granville as part of a network of key pedestrian primary streets – in the same vein as current thinking about Water Street, Robson, and other key areas. (5) Ensure public space is the central focus of the Terms of Reference It was encouraging to hear staff recognize Granville Street’s long and storied role as a significant public space in the city. Looking forward, a focus on ensuring the highest quality public realm and a thoughtful activation of the street will be critically important. In our opinion, and given the array of tools that the City has at its disposal, there is a need to better centre the role of public space and public life in the present Terms of Reference. While public space functions are named in a number of