*RePlan 2018 Election Report Version 2.0 Table of Contents

SECTION 1: Candidate Interviews Topic 2: Negotiating strata and co-op leaseholds 12 Background and Purpose 1 Topic 3: Planning beyond False Creek South 12 Parties and Candidates 2 Candidate Conversation: One City 13 Candidate Conversation: Shauna Sylvester Candidate Background 13 (Mayoral Candidate) 3 Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, Council Candidate Background 3 and *RePlan 13 Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, Council Topic 2: Negotiating strata and co-op leaseholds 14 and *RePlan 3 Topic 3: Planning beyond False Creek South 14 Topic 2: Negotiating Strata Leaseholds 4 Candidate Conversation: COPE 15 Topic 3: Negotiating Housing Co-op Leases 4 Candidate Background 15 Topic 4: Planning beyond False Creek South 4 Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, Council Candidate Conversation: Kennedy Stewart and *RePlan 15 (Mayoral Candidate) 5 Topic 2: Negotiating strata leaseholds 16 Candidate Background 5 Topic 3: Negotiating co-op leases 16 Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, Council Topic 4: Planning beyond False Creek South 16 and RePlan 5 Candidate Conversation: Vision 17 Topic 2: Negotiating strata leaseholds 6 Candidate Background 17 Topic 3: Negotiating co-op leases 6 Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, Council Topic 4: Planning beyond False Creek South 6 and *RePlan 17 Candidate Conversation: 7 Topic 2: Negotiating strata leaseholds 18 Candidate Background 7 Topic 3: Negotiating co-op leases 18 Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff and Topic 4: Planning beyond False Creek South 18 *RePlan 7 SECTION 2: Additional Candidate Responses Topic 2: Negotiating strata and co-op leaseholds 8 Background and Purpose 20 Topic 3: Planning beyond False Creek South 8 Candidate Response: Barbara Buchanan 21 Candidate Conversation: 9 Candidate Response: Elke Porter 21 Candidate Background 9 Candidate Response: Gölök Z Buday 22 Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, Council Candidate Response: Dr. Hamdy El-Rayes 22 and *RePlan 9 Candidate Response: John Malusa 22 Topic 2: Negotiating strata and co-op leaseholds 10 Candidate Response: Justin Caudwell 23 Topic 3: Planning beyond False Creek South 10 Candidate Response: Mike Hansen 24 Candidate Conversation: NPA 11 Candidate Response: Penny Noble 25 Candidate Background 11 Candidate Response: Robert McDowell 26 Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, Council Candidate Response: Sarah Blyth 27 and *RePlan 11 Note: This is an evolving document and will change as candidates continue to submit changes to the summaries we’ve prepared. SECTION 1: Candidate Interviews

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 iii Background and Purpose

Between September 14 and October 3, implementing a new community plan to guide the representatives of the *RePlan Committee of the area’s future. False Creek South Neighbourhood Association held a series of conversations with Mayoral candidates While many candidates differed in the way they , Kennedy Stewart and Shauna would resolve key issues, all of them agreed that Sylvester as well as several Council candidates from negotiating False Creek South leases should be an COPE, the Green Party, NPA, OneCity, Vision, and urgent priority for the new Council. All candidates Yes Vancouver to discuss issues currently facing our also agreed that the medium density, mixed tenure, neighbourhood. Attempts were made to reach out mixed income make-up of the area should be a to Coalition Vancouver and ProVancouver but these model for other parts of the city. requests were unanswered. It is important to remember as we move past the *RePlan acknowledges that a number of candidates election, that everyone we spoke to voted for us. in this election are running independent of a party. On the next page is a list of the independent mayoral Unfortunately, due to limited time and capacity, we candidates and parties interviewed by *RePlan were unable to meet with them, but have requested along with each party’s respective candidates. Click that they send us written material that we will post through the party names and those of independent as we receive responses.. candidates to read more about each.

In carrying out these conversations, *RePlan aimed Information about the priorities of all candidates to raise the profile of the community while making can be found on the City’s website: candidates aware of pressing issues facing local residents. In response, the candidates outlined • Mayoral candidates the approach they would take to, among other • Council candidates things, renew leases on City-owned land and • Park Board candidates engage residents and others in developing and • School Trustee candidates

From September 14 to October 3 *RePlan spoke to: 6 Political parties 23 Mayoral, Council, Park Board and School Board candidates *RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 1 Parties and Candidates

Mayoral Council Park Board School Trustee Party Candidate Candidates Candidates Candidates Independent Shauna Sylvester Independent Kennedy Stewart Phyllis Tang Leo Heba Julian Prieto Glynnis Chan Yes Vancouver Hector Bremner Brinder Bains Jaspreet Virdi Stephanie Ostler Camil Dumont Lois Chan-Pedley Green Party of Dave Demers Janet Fraser Vancouver David Wong Stuart Mackinnon Estrellita Gonzalez Tricia Barker Fraser Ballantyne Sarah Kirby-Yung Pall Beesla Carmen Cho Melissa De Genova Ann-Marie Copping Oliver Hanson Christopher David Grewal John Coupar NPA Ken Sim Richardson Rebecca Bligh Casey Crawford Chris Qiu Lisa Dominato Kathy McGarrigle Justin P. Goodrich Jojo Quimpo Erica Jaaf Endorsed One City Brandon Yan Carrie Bercic Kennedy Stewart Jennifer Reddy Gwen Giesbrecht Diana Day COPE Anne Roberts John Irwin Barb Parrott Derrick O’Keefe Wei Qiao Zhang Shamim Shivji Aaron Leung Catherine Evans Cameron Zubko Erin Arnold Diego Cardona Allan Wong Tanya Paz Heather Deal

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 2 Candidate Conversation: Shauna Sylvester (Mayoral Candidate)

Candidate Background Endowment Fund in her first 100 days. However, she’ll need the public’s backing as well. Thanks to Born in Nelson BC, Shauna’s family moved to amplification by the press and other candidates, she Vancouver when she was a child. She raised her may have this on the issue of co-op leases. family near Commercial Drive and is now a resident of the West End. Sylvester is a Professor of Professional When asked how Sylvester would work with Practice and the Director of Simon Fraser University’s Councilors from different backgrounds, she explained Centre for Dialogue. she would approach this as with a facilitator would approach working with a group: Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, Council and *RePlan I will work to understand who they [Councilors] are as people, what they’re there to achieve. Working with City Staff And if there’s an alignment of values, I want Sylvester believes the lack of coordination between to help them achieve it. But they also have to Council and City staff comes down to accountability, know what I’m there to achieve. And so, they’re good governance, and trusting professional staff. going to get my support for some of the things This means ensuring the promises Council makes they’re trying to do if they in turn come to the “table. That’s part of the negotiation process. to residents are used to evaluate and compensate senior staff members. To action this, Sylvester would This, Sylvester made clear, is different from the work with Council to develop three or four key partisan method of decision-making used by items to advance in the first year. From there, she Vision Vancouver. Whereas Vision and other former would meet with the City Manager and state that governments (e.g. NPA) had often come to the table achievement of these items would be tied to this with a decision already made, Sylvester would use person’s evaluation and compensation package. a model of good governance to inspire ”authentic This approach embodies a trust in senior staff and discussion and collaboration among Councilors. a commitment to professional accountability that Sylvester believes has been missing from City Hall. Working with *RePlan

When asked about how she would unite City Sylvester indicated that one of the reasons she left departments and change staff culture, Sylvester Vision Vancouver is because of the inauthentic way indicated that she has worked with nearly all they consult with the public. This emerges in part departments at City Hall. She has also developed from not knowing when, why and how to consult tools for government, particularly around public citizens.. However, for Sylvester, this is something she engagement, and would use her skills as a has done for 30 years. In working with the False Creek professional facilitator to do so. “That’s the part I’m South community, she made it clear that the City least worried about,” she said. would be a partner. This means acknowledging that *RePlan represents a mixed tenure community, not Working with City Council solely co-ops, strata leaseholds or non-profit housing Sylvester indicated that she has met with a number of societies: candidates for City Council from across the political I’m assuming that if it’s a partnership, it’s a spectrum so that she can build relationships on partnership where we have done the work Council to advance some of her promises. Among together, you figured this out as a community. these include a commitment to sign all outstanding It’s not that you figured it out as a co-op, you co-op leases on City land within her first year in office figured it out as a community, and that’s the and to report on City finances and the Property partnership with *RePlan…which is a model. *RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 “ 3 ” Topic 2: Negotiating Strata Leaseholds a non-issue. However, 6 000 families live in this type of housing and they should “get loud” and raise the Sylvester admitted that “leasehold strata is tough” issue. and suggested several options for rectifying the strata leasehold issue, such as transforming the housing In response to this, some residents noted it can be into equity co-ops or putting land into a land trust. difficult to communicate the value of co-ops when Upon hearing that both options are challenging to negative stereotypes force them on the defensive. achieve, she asked residents “what would you do?” Sylvester recommended countering these head-on. and queried the community on best practices from “I want to hear the narrative,” Sylvester said, “that I other jurisdictions.. In response, residents elaborated have chosen to forgo the big windfalls.” More needs on ideas they had proposed to staff, but for which to be done to emphasize that the people who live in there was little appetite. For Sylvester, this is linked co-ops have made the decision to rent and be part of to the limited interpretation Real Estate has of their a community. As a result, they should not be the only “fiduciary duty.” This, indicated Sylvester, prevents people asked to pay for the rest of the City’s housing. them from bringing innovative ideas to the table or “My best advice to you,” stated Sylvester, “is to get accepting them from the community. active.”

Topic 3: Negotiating Housing Co-op Leases Topic 4: Planning beyond False Creek South Sylvester committed to being in a position to sign Sylvester will expand the community housing all co-op leases by the end of her first year in office – sector across the city, while also supporting gentle for her, a desire to expand the co-operative housing densification, revitalization of the health precinct sector is one of the reasons she’s in the race. As a and transit-oriented development. However, she resident of Vancouver, she has repeatedly advocated was quick to point out that densification does not for co-ops to the City, however she believes their simply mean building towers. That type of thinking, inactivity lies in their lack of understanding of the co- Sylvester indicated, is how “we got addicted to op model.. Rather than seeing this sector a partner [Community Amenity Contributions].” She believes in development, they have viewed co-ops as social this addiction has created an unsustainable capital housing stock: budget that requires building more and more towers. As an alternative, she suggests we look at initiatives [The City] really have treated [the co-op like creating multi-unit dwellings on single family housing] sector as ‘there, there, we’ll take properties and densifying beyond the 25% of the city care of it’ ... we’ve got a City that is being that currently absorbs new residents. prescriptive. It’s not because they’re bad people. It’s a mindset. And that has to change. Sylvester’s platform also supports seniors, small business and outlines strategies for addressing As Mayor, Sylvester would acknowledge and seek climate change, homelessness and the opioid “to expand the community housing sector, treating poisoning crisis. She is currently working with arts it as both partner and leader. This would also mean organizations on an arts and culture strategy. As challenging co-ops on key issues such as over- the creator of Simon Fraser University’s “Renewable housing and lack of diversity and expecting they’ll Cities”, Sylvester is also passionate about green do the work to connect with their communities” and energy and creating connections with other resolve these problems. municipalities. This allows access to models from Making the value of the co-op sector known across the world, which the City of Vancouver and community organizations can use in our continued Sylvester urged False Creek South residents, effort to be the Greenest City. particularly co-op members, to publicize the value they add to their community. In Vancouver, she Read more about Shauna Sylvester at reflected, co-ops are quiet and conservative, and http://www.shaunaformayor.ca this gives journalists license to treat lease renewal as

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 4 Candidate Conversation: Kennedy Stewart (Mayoral Candidate)

Candidate Background value. While he acknowledges that sometimes competition within an organization can be good, Originally from rural Nova Scotia, Kennedy Stewart this is a time to make decisions. moved to Vancouver to attend university. During this time, he received a one year appointment as a Working with Council planning assistant with the City, an experience that drove him to research cities, housing and public Stewart noted that he has been in “constant management as an academic. In 2011 he became negotiation” with all groups running in the election, the Minister of Parliament (MP) for Burnaby-Douglas trying to find ways to co-operate. Overall, his and served as an MP for seven years. He is also a strategy is to reinforce the slate endorsed by the tenured professor with Simon Fraser University. Vancouver District Labour Council and to bring in a council supportive of his mandate. When asked Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, if he is concerned about governing over a fractured Council and RePlan council, he stated this could benefit him. Referencing a conversation with former independent mayor Working with Staff Mike Harcourt, he indicated that in situations like When asked how Stewart would work with various this, policy direction is often driven by the mayor’s City departments to further his mandate and resolve office. His experience as an MP, he believes, further issues facing False Creek South, he reflected on puts him at an advantage: his experience as an MP. For him, the best way to I have met with many of the councilors who cut through “bureaucratic mess” is to get directly are running – there are some very experienced involved, a method he would continue to use as folks…but a lot of the other ones have no mayor: governing experience at all. But I do. I’ve got a I have been a hands-on MP and would be a ton. I know how to bring people together and hands-on mayor. I’m not afraid to pick up the so I’m not worried about my ability to do this. phone or go down to see somebody as long as “Working with RePlan I’m abiding by the public service code and I’m not threatening – I just want to know why the When asked how he would work with the False Creek problem is occurring. And often that solves it. South community, Stewart referred to his academic specialties, which also include citizen participation “Stewart also indicated he would rely on former and decentralized control. As an MP, he indicated” students and colleagues employed by the City to he was “more likely to take a call from a constituent provide insight into its processes. “Day-to-day,” he than from Kinder Morgan,” something he saw as explained, “I’m very good with people. You’ll never part of his job. As a result, he moved all of his staff see attacks – it’s about talking through things with from Ottawa to Burnaby so they could “support the a deadline.” ” community as best possible.” However, Stewart also noted that he would not As mayor, he stated he would decentralize authority be afraid to let go of those creating roadblocks to to the community who would work with community housing action. Bringing in someone “more open to planners, many of whom prefer to engage in this finding a solution,” he stated, “would be an extreme way. When it comes to False Creek South, he case, but it’s not something I’d be afraid to do.” As sympathized with the community’s frustration in not he understands the situation, there are currently resolving the leasehold issue. Seeing both his values two factions of staff: those who want to resolve the and those of the community aligned, Stewart’s role housing crisis and those who want to maximize would be to move the process along:

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 5 You’ve actually done all the hard work here. not take into account those who earn below median You’ve brought together all the various income. components of your community and you said this is what you want. I think the job of City To further this mandate, Stewart will explore mixed Council is to listen and say, ‘well how can we models similar to those used in False Creek South, facilitate this vision that you have?’ And if we which he called “the only way forward for the City.” can’t do a particular thing, to explain why and This will include leased land and moving land into “maybe we can find a way forward another a land trust. To illustrate what this would look like, way. he referenced Copenhagen where 43% of housing stock is delivered by non-profits – using leased land He also expressed support for the community’s call allows these organizations to provide rental housing for greater density and would consider getting the at below market rates while still earning revenue equity for more units by putting City land into a land due to the nominal cost of land. trust. Stewart also stated that one of his first actions as Topic” 2: Negotiating strata leaseholds mayor would be to hire an advocate for Vancouver’s interests in Ottawa, as Toronto and Montreal After residents explained that dwindling City leases currently do. This person will focus on housing, were preventing strata owners from financing including renegotiating co-op leases held by the building repairs while negatively affectingfederal government and turning over federally held community diversity, Stewart stated the City land or buildings. For Stewart, the opportunity must quickly get residents a formal agreement to to make demands is between now and February consider. Though he was careful not to go on record before the federal budget announcement. and commit to an agreement without further detail, Stewart expressed interest in the affordable home Read more about Kennedy Stewart at ownership offered by strata leaseholds. Relieving https://www.kennedystewart.ca community stress in this area, he noted, would also provide affordable opportunities for those outside of the community to buy in.

Topic 3: Negotiating co-op leases As an MP, Stewart negotiated a two-year extension to federal co-op agreements. As part of his mayoral mandate, he has committed to renewing all leases for co-op housing while also expanding housing in this sector. However, he noted that under his tenure the city will explore a mixture of models to resolve the housing crisis. Even doubling the number of co-op units, he indicated, would not be enough to satisfy overall demand.

Topic 4: Planning beyond False Creek South Stewart indicated his mandate is focused on housing those who earn $80,000 or less in annual household income. Though there is focus from higher levels of government on social housing, these households, which includes seniors and those on fixed incomes, have been left without options. He also critiqued the definition of affordability, stating that it does

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 6 Candidate Conversation: Yes Vancouver

Candidate Background Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff and *RePlan Hector Bremner – Mayoral candidate Working with Staff Hector Bremner Is a current Vancouver City Councilor. Prior to this, he worked in the private When asked how Bremner, as mayor, will coordinate sector and has served as assistant to the Minister staff across various departments, he stated that for International Trade, assistant to the Deputy one of his first acts will be to initiate a core review. Premier, and assistant to the minister responsible “We haven’t really reviewed the way we do things for housing. Bremner stated that this experience in many many years,” he noted. As a result, staff has provided him insight into relationships between are “likely as frustrated as anybody” with the way levels of government and their integration with the City Hall runs, particularly the general manager of third sector. planning – planners currently work across seven lines of business with none reporting to the general Phyllis Tang – Council candidate manager directly. To remedy this, Bremner will Phyllis Tang works with UBC’s Access and Diversity initiate a review led by a retired deputy provincial office and as an exam invigilator with the Sauder minister in conjunction with outside stakeholders. School of Business. In addition to these roles, This person will collaborate with senior bureaucrats she teaches musical theory and plays a variety of to re-plan how business is done. Once departments instruments. Her dominant area of interest is in arts are reorganized, Bremner is confident they will work and culture. together more efficiently.

Glynnis Chan – Council candidate Bremner also committed to investing in technology that can help increase efficiency at City Hall, Glynnis Chan immigrated from Hong Kong eight particularly around permitting. Compared to other years ago and has worked for the past 34 years as cities in G7 nations, this is an area where Vancouver a travel agent, located primarily in Chinatown. lags. As mayor, he will reach out to companies She is interested in revitalizing Chinatown and versed in smart city technology, able to upgrade the in developing Vancouver into a stronger tourist municipality. destination. Working with *RePlan Brinder Bains – Council candidate Bremner stated that False Creek South is “a big civic Brinder Bains is a West End resident and small asset” and that it should benefit as many people as business owner of three Cobbs Bread locations. She possible. However, redevelopment would be best if is primarily interested in supporting local businesses led by the community: and ensuring City Hall can foster a thriving local economy. I would much rather you drive the redevelopment and we be a partner with you. Leo Heba – Park Board candidate It’s more advantageous, rather than us having somebody else come in and do it – why? I Leo Heba currently works at Simon Fraser University mean if you’re willing to be as innovative as and was moved to run for park board by his I personally am willing to be…then I think experience as a coach. He is interested in increasing there’s something really special that could athletic and community programming for children “happen here. across the Vancouver’s community centres. *RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 ” 7 Innovation could take the form of buying out all of feasible to build a two bedroom, 800 sq. ft. condo for the leases, Bremner suggested, and signing a small $400,000, a figure that he stated is “within the price number of 99-year master leases that would create bracket of a lot of younger people.” “three generations of surety.” In exchange, Bremner would advocate for increased mixed-use density Topic 3: Planning beyond False Creek South in certain areas in order to meet the demand for Bremner indicated that he would like to expand seniors and family housing. False Creek South’s mixed tenure model beyond the Topic 2: Negotiating strata and co-op leaseholds area. This could mean partnering with a co-op or private equity partner to build housing where 50% Bremner stated that signing long-term leases in is managed by the Vancouver Affordable Housing False Creek South is key to the area’s financial and Agency, a model popularized across Europe and social stability. This could take the form of a land Asia. He also suggested creating a shared equity trust or fewer than a dozen 99-year leases that do not model similar to that operated by the Whistler work solely to profit the City but preserve the area’s Housing Authority and re-examining the City’s livability. His belief rests on a different interpretation building approval structure and bylaws. Key, he of “highest and best use,” which for Bremner is about said, will be using a diversity of tools that go beyond ensuring the area benefits the city 100 years from building single family homes and condos. now. To facilitate this, Bremner indicated that when the objective is to build housing on public land, the Bremner also pledged to hire a chief economist to City should seek to “remove the land cost from the drive planning decisions and to initiate a City Plan math” to ensure the “highest depth of affordability.” that will sow together Vancouver’s community plans. This will allow staff to work towards “prezoning” In order to advance this goal, Bremner made the more of the city while also moving away from closed following commitment: door community amenity contribution negotiations. “Nucleus micro economies,” such as West 4th What I will commit to is this: I personally as Avenue, will be the focus of increased density (not mayor, and senior staff will be at table with towers, noted Bremner, but low-rise buildings). “You you…will hammer out a deal. And we will wouldn’t notice much of a difference,” he stated, hammer out a deal that will be workable for “but there would be more options to live in [the] the community and that makes sense for you community.” and for the community. Read more about Yes Vancouver at “All I’m asking for is that we negotiate https://yesvancouver.ca understanding…[that] my fiduciary responsibility as mayor is the long-term use of that land, because that’s the asset, and I have a responsibility to make sure that I fill my responsibility.

Bremner was firm in stating that his responsibility is also to ensure more Vancouverites benefit from False Creek South, and this will require that some things, including the buildings, change. However, he is optimistic that even if pockets of the area are redeveloped,” affordability can be maintained. To do so, he suggested involving the third sector. Providing an example of a recent site analysis, Bremner indicated that by “de-bonusing density” it’s

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 8 Candidate Conversation: Green Party of Vancouver

Candidate Background and Council. Adriane Carr – Council candidate Wong indicated that since his time as a former City employee, there has been an effort to consolidate Adriane Carr is a Vancouver City Councilor with communication between staff through one a master’s degree in urban geography from the department. This, he noted, is inefficient. Instead, University of . She previously the Green Party would like to promote greater cross- worked with Walter Hardwick and David Ley and pollination across departments: was involved in original conversations about the redevelopment of False Creek South. When you say that it’s not working well between the different departments and Pete Fry – Council candidate planning’s been amazing, 100% we need to Pete Fry ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2014, re-look at the whole city and remove the silos having become involved in politics through the to ensure we’re benefiting the residents of this Strathcona Residents’ Association. Fry also served neighbourhood, or the residents of commercial as Strathcona’s community representative during property, or whatever…100% that will be my “focus. (Wiebe) the Downtown Eastside local area planning process.

David Wong – Council candidate Carr has also called for the Property Endowment Fund to be made more transparent and for its David Wong was born in Strathcona. An architect, records to be audited. Wiebe echoed this and stated one of his first jobs was building models for the that he would like to revisit the municipal budget. development of False Creek South and he has since Currently, 83% of the Park Board budget comes completed various projects in the area. from” developer funding, meaning it can only be used for new builds. This, he stated, precludes long Michael Wiebe – Council candidate term planning and doesn’t allow for maintenance of Michael Wiebe is a existing facilities. Commissioner and former Park Board Chair. He is Working with Council also the owner of 8 ½ restaurant in Mount Pleasant. Both Fry and Wiebe expressed a desire for a balanced Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, council where no party maintains a majority. Wiebe Council and *RePlan framed this potential diversity as a positive. During Working with Staff his time as Park Board Chair, commissioners of different ideologies would often “ask the tough When asked how candidates would work with City questions,” which challenged him to produce high staff across departments to further the priorities quality work. It also inspired collaboration across of False Creek South, Carr reflected on how the differences and issues, creating solutions informed relationship between staff and Council has changed by multiple perspectives. during her tenure as councilor. From 2011 to 2014, she explained that decision making had been Fry noted that one of his party’s “green values” is to centralized in the City Manager’s office. As a result, build consensus among groups, something they’ve Councilors are permitted to speak only with senior done by meeting with all mayoral candidates. managers, cc’ing all correspondence to the City If elected, he hopes Green councilors can be Manager. The intention of the Green Party, she “facilitators for a different style of politics,” and stated, is to foster more collaboration between staff overcome “toxic, partisan behaviour.”

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 9 Working with *RePlan Topic 3: Planning beyond False Creek South Wiebe explained that the Green Party’s commitment Carr stated that she believes the mixed tenure to initiate a city-wide planning process rests on the model in False Creek South should be expanded creation of neighbourhood planning offices. These, across the city and that more building should take he explained, would provide a direct link to Council place on public land. The one third low, middle and and help leverage local knowledge. When asked how high income mix is similar to that espoused in their long this process would take in False Creek South, Fry party’s platform, with “affordability” tied to income stated that it would be an ongoing process, one that rather than market rent. By using neighbourhood would also aim to include those who are currently planning offices to leverage local knowledge, they underrepresented in local decision making: intend to build housing in urban villages that allows seniors the option to downsize and age in place. Fry We’re talking about a participatory process also noted that the party will aim to strengthen the that can actually get us there. I think that… City’s relationship with senior levels of government we start incrementally with people who have to increase the availability of affordable housing. the capacity like this group now, saying ‘look, how are we going to build the capacity of For Wong, building renovation and renewal is this community to move forward, how are we also a priority. Allowing owners to increase the going to look at our leasehold negotiations, density of existing buildings by “adding another “how are we going to figure this out’…and door” or outfitting a secondary suite makes use of start working on how we can bring in others neighbourhoods’ “invisible density.” This type of from your community benefitting from your development is also more environmentally-friendly, knowledge. particularly when wood-frame buildings, which sequester carbon, are preserved. Topic 2: Negotiating strata and co-op leaseholds Read more about the Green Party at Carr stated that moving forward, land lease renewal https://www.vangreens.ca should be “of utmost importance,” a sentiment echoed by Fry. According to Fry, their position is distinct from” current Council direction in that the Green Party is focused on livability rather than growth:

I think that the fact that we haven’t renegotiated the leaseholds and given that certainty is reckless and cruel. I’m sure it impacts a lot of you in your daily life…this is one of those places where government should be getting out of the way and trying to help “move things forward. Carr noted that integral to their city-wide plan would be consultation with neighbourhoods to understand how communities want to grow. The answer, she explained, would determine each area’s highest and best use and how this translates to development. Keeping” this in mind, she indicated her party is keen to explore creating a community land trust in False Creek South and affordable homeownership models such as the one used by the Whistler Housing Authority.

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 10 Candidate Conversation: NPA

Candidate Background with community centres. Throughout this process, she “pulled back on edicts from the City,” and Colleen Hardwick – Council candidate ensured all communication from meetings was Colleen Hardwick is the daughter of former City publicly available. Though De Genova operates Councilor Walter Hardwick, who spearheaded from a position where she expects staff to conduct the development of False Creek South. During themselves reasonably, she too made it clear that her introduction, she recalled visiting the site she will question the status quo if necessary: throughout the original planning process. I think it’s about a line of command and a Sarah Kirby-Yung – Council candidate commitment to say, ‘okay, I will question the process’…if I feel like a process, regardless Sarah Kirby-Yung is a Vancouver Park Board of which process it is, is ever in that type of Commissioner. During her introduction, she situation I will. I will go to legal and ask those expressed a desire to work with communities in tough questions. their neighbourhoods in order to plan for growth. “Hardwick also indicated that she is committed Melissa De Genova – Council candidate to understanding the financial health of the City. She criticized the lack of line item budget detail Melissa De Genova is a Vancouver City Councilor provided by staff and the use of high-level pie with a strong interest in affordable housing. Prior charts to explain how funds are allocated. To her, to becoming a councilor, she worked in the non- this suggests the” City may be spending money on market housing sector and served as a Vancouver things that are not appropriate and she committed Park Board Commissioner from 2011 to 2014. to conducting a core budgetary review. This would David Grewal – Council candidate include examining the Property Endowment Fund, the health of which is to her unknown. During his introduction, David Grewal discussed False Creek South’s strong environmental legacy Working with Council and noted that future development should embrace In discussing how they were prepared to work with the area’s unique urban design. a diverse Council, Kirby-Yung and De Genova drew on their past experience, noting that both have sat Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, on the Park Board and Council when their party has Council and *RePlan been the minority. Despite this, De Genova pointed Working with Staff out that she has passed a number of motions. When elected, “you sign up for the fact that you When asked how candidates would work with City may have the majority or you may not,” explained staff to ensure the community’s goals are realized, Kirby-Yung, “but you have to represent everybody.” Hardwick indicated that councilors must first work Grewal further suspects his party may have more in to de-politicize the civil service. This can be done, common with others than is immediately evident: she indicated, by changing the leadership and ensuring staff are practicing in a non-partisan way. Both Kirby-Yung and De Genova also indicated they would question processes they felt were unfavourable to the public. To illustrate this, Kirby- Yung drew on her experience as a commissioner during the joint operating agreement negotiations

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 11 I think when you take a look at everybody Regardless, candidates stated that some form of running in this election…if you remove the affordable housing will be necessary to diversify extremes on either end, there probably is the local economy. Property development and more consensus there than we think there is. construction are currently the city’s largest industrial The differences are it’s just the path that we sectors – moving away from these, they noted, will all want to take to get there…I think the job require creating space for new workers to live. of a successful Council is to shepherd those “motions, get consensus and bring it to the floor De Genova also committed to expediting permits to get it passed. for “the most affordable buildings,” reviewing the density bonusing system, and overhauling the City’s Working with *RePlan permitting system in general. To illustrate why this is needed, she contrasted the fees required to approve De Genova indicated that to ensure the success of an air space parcel1 for child care in Vancouver and community, the City will need to work closely with North Vancouver. While the City of North Vancouver neighbourhoods, a sentiment echoed by Hardwick. charges $1,000 to approve this use, she noted, the For Hardwick,” this means hyper-local engagement City of Vancouver charges $46,000. In a situation that vests residents with more decision-making like this, De Genova indicated that Council must go power: beyond a simple review:

I think we should be seeing a lot more grassroots It’s not reinventing the wheel…it’s an overhaul involvement in the way neighbourhoods are and a view of not just expediting the process being shaped…I describe it as the difference and hiring more staff but, where are our fees between the vitamins and the pain pills going? Why are they so bloated? What do we approach. With vitamins, you’re going into offer that North Van doesn’t offer for that same the community, you’re having a dialogue, value in our fees, just to accept paperwork? “you’re gathering feedback but it’s considered because people have been properly informed. “ Topic 2: Negotiating strata and co-op leaseholds Read more about NPA at https://npavancouver.ca Due to the restrictions imposed by in-camera Council sessions, De Genova was unable to comment on the ” issue of lease renewal in False Creek South. However, she and Hardwick suggested the community” explore housing that helps to economically diversify the area, perhaps in the form of live-work spaces for artists. De Genova also emphasized that she supports affordable homeownership models and agreed that a change to the Vancouver Charter is needed to pursue these (though she also indicated the City may be able to pilot models before doing so).

Topic 3: Planning beyond False Creek South When asked if candidates support expanding False Creek South’s model to other areas of the city, De Genova was reluctant to commit to doing so before knowing the make-up of a future Council.

1 An airspace subdivision creates two separate legal parcels inside the same building, and usually used to separate residential and commercial uses. *RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 12 Candidate Conversation: One City

Candidate Background a role in these decisions and in how senior staff manage the rest of the bureaucracy. Christine Boyle – Council candidate Working with Council Christine Boyle was born in Vancouver and currently lives in Grandview Woodlands. She is a trained United Boyle stated that as One City is running only two Church minister, climate activist and community council candidates, she and Yan will need to work organizer on issues of justice and inequality. collaboratively with others. While she acknowledged there are areas of pan-partisan agreement, such as Brandon Yan – Council candidate making City Hall more effective and transparent, Brandon Yan possesses a master’s in urban studies working with a progressive Council will be easier from Simon Fraser University. His professional than the alternative: experience is rooted largely in the non-profit sector There are lots of shared values and we’ll work (Vancouver Foundation, Out on Screen). on those when we’re at the table. I think to get Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, a lot of this stuff done, we’re going to need a Council and *RePlan progressive majority at City Council so we can find those shared values. (Boyle) Working with Staff Boyle suggested voters could begin to research Boyle noted that some of the community’s frustration “who to vote for using the Vancouver District around working with City staff has been echoed in Labour Council list, which includes all of One City’s other conversations with voters. She recalled a time candidates. when “you could just ask people what’s happening in City Hall and they would tell you,” stating this no Working with *RePlan” longer seems to be the case. She hopes to work with Boyle indicated that should they be elected, she and other councilors to shift the culture of the institution Yan would work as allies to *RePlan and False Creek ” to one based in communication and collaboration. South residents: Yan further stated that the mandate of Real Estate, We are very committed to being allies at the which is to maximize profit on public land, is Council table and helping make that [vision] inconsistent with One City’s values: happen…Our role can be to listen to you and For me, when it comes to housing, it’s a all of the wisdom you have in this and using justice issue…currently most of our housing the tools at Council’s disposal…more boldly is treated as a market commodity, which is than have been used in the housing crisis, with what we don’t do for things like health care or more of a commitment that the market isn’t “going to get us out of this. water or education. Those senior bureaucrats and Council will have to give direction to Yan also inquired as to the area’s current allies at “[Real Estate] on what our end game is here. City Hall. Knowing this, he stated, will help guide Boyle added that continuously referring to the City’s new councilors to who they can speak to about “fiduciary duty” can be “a bit of a scare tactic” used furthering the neighbourhood’s interests. In his to tell communities what they can and can’t do. Yan work with the Minister of Education, his champion was often the deputy and” the assistant – pinpointing noted that changes to senior management may be required to alter how work is done at City Hall. He who is on the community’s side can help map out noted that as councilors, he and Boyle would” play an effective course of action.

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 13 Topic 2: Negotiating strata and co-op leaseholds Both candidates also committed to fostering strong collaboration between multiple levels of Yan noted that “most of our platform and government. Yan noted that “it has been remarkable conversations on affordability and housing see this to see how many provincial MLAs have been neighbourhood model as a good one.” This means responsive” to One City, and that this has helped put support for strong non-profits and co-ops with in place good relationships. For Boyle, these will be whom government can work collaboratively. Boyle key to improving seniors’ care and health care, areas also believes there is a role for strata in affordable where both her party and the province is aligned. housing and that the mixed tenure style of False She also believes the province is open to amending Creek South is “of value and a great example for the Vancouver Charter. If councilors are provided other neighbourhoods.” this opportunity, she will ensure they use this to the Yan indicated that One City is interested in exploring best of their ability. a community land trust model and 99-year leases for Read more about One City at the community. However, any plans to raise profits http://www.onecityvancouver.ca from affordable housing to fund more affordable housing, he noted, are misled. Boyle echoed this in stating that “it is important not to bleed real estate wealth off the area.”

Both Yan and Boyle expressed interest in *RePlan’s calls for greater density and residents’ desire to build more seniors’ housing. However, they noted that maintaining the neighbourhood’s affordability in the midst of development will be key.

Topic 3: Planning beyond False Creek South Boyle explained that One City’s work seeks to “[challenge] the notion that housing is for profit and investment.” For her, this is actioned by creating non-market and purpose-built rental housing throughout the city, which can benefit individuals “across the income spectrum.” This will provide opportunities for seniors to age in community while also giving everyone the ability to live in stable neighbourhoods.

Yan noted they will be conscious of zoning processes that immediately stigmatize people. Current spot rezoning hearings for temporary modular housing and rental buildings, Boyle stated, “are a mess.” Though it’s normal for residents to be protective of their community, “pandering to neighbourhoods” can be a way of reinforcing social inequity. To counter this, Boyle would like to connect communities who have welcomed supportive or rental housing in order to quell residents’ fears.

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 14 Candidate Conversation: COPE

Candidate Background their role as facilitating the will of Council and the public good, as opposed to advising the City on how Jean Swanson – Council candidate to avoid risk.

Jean Swanson is a poverty activist and recipient of We need to expand our team of lawyers as a the Order of Canada in 2017. political movement. Too often politicians use Anne Robers – Council candidate the limitations of civic powers as an excuse. We believe in finding the legal interpretation we Anne Roberts is a peace and justice activist and need to do what we need to get done. (O’Keefe) former COPE School Board Trustee and City Councillor. This includes looking at and changing the Vancouver “Charter, if needed, to allow the City more control to Derrick O’Keefe – Council candidate supportive housing initiatives and communities like False Creek South. Right now, the Vancouver Charter Derrick O’Keefe is grassroots activist and organizer. prevents the City from funding initiatives that are He has been part of movements for peace, social not targeted at all residents, which” could preclude justice and media democracy in Vancouver. directly funding housing.

Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, Working with Council Council and *RePlan COPE is only running three Council candidates, Working with Staff which means that, even if all are elected, they will Given the seven unanimously supported resolutions not have the necessary six votes to ensure decisions from Council, *RePlan asked COPE candidates how it supports are approved by Council. COPE stated they would deal with loggerheads and issues at that they have a good relationship with the Greens City Hall and get staff from different departments and OneCity candidates, as well as both Kennedy to work together. The main issue raised was around Stewart and Shauna Sylvester. COPE is confident, the City’s focus on fiduciary duty over other values, particularly around renewal of the leases, that, such as preserving existing affordable housing or “whatever differences we have [the other parties], building sustainable communities. Roberts stated we could get six votes and find common ground and that privileging “fiduciary duty is a political view; move things forward.” it’s not a legal requirement” adding that “Council Working with *RePlan has the power. They can easily pass a motion to give new direction. I can only assume the existing COPE was emphatic that they see the original Council supports this or it wouldn’t have continued planning and ongoing success of the False Creek for 10 years.” Swanson and Roberts suggested South community as a model. Swanson stated she that the City had become heavily dependent has been moved by “the strength of the community upon the jobs, development charges, community and having people of all incomes live here without benefit contributions and other funds that new any stigma. And the idea of aging in place, infill developments bring in. development and the idea that the greenest housing you can have is the one that already exists.” In order to deal with this, COPE suggested changing the culture at City Hall. This would include “looking Speaking to the future of the neighbourhood and at the Real Estate, Finance and Legal Services staff at the *RePlan project, they expressed a little concern City Hall and try to get a hold of it” by bringing in less about potential redevelopment. Derrick O’Keefe conservative lawyers and financial advisors who see stated, “It’s a fundamental principle for COPE: no

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 15 densification if it causes displacement.” He indicated Topic 3: Negotiating co-op leases that the neighbourhood might already have already “done its fair share” in terms of density, particularly COPE suggested that “in terms of the leases, we need compared to westside neighbourhoods. However, specific Councillors actually directing that process Swanson also clarified that communities are often with timelines and certain criteria, such as ensuring the best at determining how to address density and, low income people can continue to stay and ensuring when discussing conditions for renewing the leases, the mix - both income and tenure - stays the same”. suggested that both “no displacement” and the Later, Swanson emphasized that “no displacement” addition of some housing would likely be required. was crucial, as well as adding new housing as appropriate, but that the conditions for renewing Regarding community involvement in the leases would be decided in collaboration with redevelopment broadly, and False Creek South in the False Creek South community. If elected, COPE particular, O’Keefe stated: said they would aim to fast track the lease renewals and hopefully move forward on addressing all the You’ve actually had proposals for infill housing leaseholds within the first three months. and are proposing to the City how to add density that meets the changing needs. But Roberts stated that, from what she had heard, BC it’s actually the City that has been blocking has no existing framework, or even best practices, the density for whatever reason. This goes to around leasehold agreements on public lands, the point that it’s the local community that which places like Britain have had for a long time. knows best how to add density. The narrative If elected, COPE would push the province to set “is often, ‘these neighbourhood just don’t want up a provincial framework for managing lease to change. They just don’t want anything new’. renewals and negotiations on public land so that It’s a narrative that demonizes neighbourhood the situations that are arising in False Creek South control and neighbourhood input. The would not happen again. proposals you have made need to be more widely known...we want to promote the idea Regarding the role of the Property Endowment of democratizing housing and give really Fund and the Affordable Housing Fund, of which concrete examples. We want to help you move False Creek South is a part, Swanson added that forward on that and get that built. “we really need to look at putting the social purpose back in the Property Endowment Fund and really Topic 2: Negotiating strata leaseholds doing a whole reassessment of it and making sure it primary purpose is the public purpose.” COPE spoke about their desire to focus on non- market and purpose-built rental housing solutions. Topic 4: Planning beyond False Creek South Because of this, there was some concern about where affordable ownership,” that could be Overall, COPE’s main focus is on “democratizing negotiated to include leasehold strata, would fit housing” and they intend to add 5000 new non- into their plan. COPE agreed they saw a place for market units per year if elected. To fund these affordable ownership models provided they are set policies, COPE would implement a mansion tax or, up to ensure true affordability for future generations barring that, more progressive taxation. They are and to prevent speculation. They took no issue also campaigning on implementing a rent freeze, with existing affordable ownership situations, such which would require either provincial approval as False Creek South, which utilize public lands or could be implemented at the municipal level and were willing to work to renew the leases for through licensing landlords and regulating them as leasehold strata. businesses. Read more about COPE at https://www.votecope2018.ca

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 16 Candidate Conversation: Vision Vancouver

Candidate Background I think you guys are on the right track, you are doing what you are supposed to do. I think the Wei Qiao Zhang – Council candidate issue rests with City Council and staff and a Zhang immigrated to Canada 15 years ago to attend need for better coordination. But I don’t want university. In the past, he worked in social services to blame them. We have a lot of challenges in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside and now we face as a city, especially with this housing works as a constituency assistant for MP Don Davies. market. It’s hard to put a finger on how the “market will change, so I think staff are leaving Shamim Shivji – Parks Board candidate options open.

Shivji is a lawyer, mediator and small business owner. Working with Council For the past seven years she has been Director of the West Point Grey Community Association, including Zhang was upfront about the fact that Vision would two and a half years as president. likely not govern with a majority. For this reason, he argued that understanding the values that guide Aaron Leung – School Board candidate candidates ”was as important as the exact policies they would pursue: Leung is a public education advocate, an engaged resident of Champlain Heights and a locally and “Honestly speaking, this is a very special nationally recognized leader. For the past three election...We are here to also tell you about years, he has served as a member of the City of our values and how we want to approach this, Vancouver Children, Youth and Families Advisory without making exact concrete promises that Committee and is currently Committee Chair. may not be worth anything. So, I really want to tell you how we want to approach being Topic 1: Coordination between City Staff, government and the values we would bring to Council and *RePlan the table.”

Working with Staff Working with *RePlan

False Creek South representatives expressed a All candidates stated that they value the model of concern that, between City departments, there False Creek South. As Zhang put it “even before is a lack of coordination and differing mandates coming to this meeting, I knew this was an exemplary regarding the purpose of lease land. Leung stated community we should see more of. You are denser, he had heard similar sentiments from other you are mixed income, you are cohesive and stable.” communities while door knocking. Zhang added that he had heard these concerns and that, if Representatives from *RePlan suggested that in- elected, “you can expect that dynamic to change. camera meetings and other legal requirements were With the new Council, that is a structural issue that being over-invoked to prevent Council, City staff I want to look into and understand better. I want to and the False Creek South community from openly make that change.” collaborating on the future of the neighbourhood and the leases. *RePlan representatives also Candidates were reluctant to comment directly on brought up concerns about Vision’s past history with of False Creeks South’s current relationship with community consultation, which has been mixed. In City staff or internal City dynamics without further details from all sides. However, Zhang did say:

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 17 response to this, Shivji responded: Candidates also stated that there is tension around the value of the leases and that a number would I think Vision, generally, stands for community have to be arrived at that worked for both the City engagement. If there is something we can’t and the community. Zhang stated: talk about, then it’s something that needs clarification, either from Legal Services or Determining the amount of money that should another department. But if you feel there will be paid for lease renewal is a challenge for not be community engagement, I just want to everyone. I am not saying the neighbourhood disabuse you of that. I can tell you that I’m very should be privatized or redeveloped, but we “passionate about community engagement do have to determine a number that works for and I’ve seen that when the community is “local residents and the city as a whole. engaged the outcome is a win-win for our city. Topic 4: Planning beyond False Creek South In response to Vision’s past record on engagement, Zhang added that nearly all councillors would be All the Vision candidates emphasized that, in the new and that this would an opportunity for a fresh past, it has been hard to get the ”provincial and start. He stressed that he values authenticity and federal governments aligned around affordable honesty and that he wanted to bring those values housing. Now that there is more alignment with to office: ”those levels, Vision is working to leverage those relationships and push policies forward. Zhang I am eager and willing to come hear and pointed to the progress made in the past six months. understand your issues. I am open-minded This work would continue with the new Council. and want to look at past historical issues with a fresh set of eyes and make a positive change Leung explained the party’s plan to provide housing in our working relationship. for (VSB) employees on school sites. He stated there are clauses in School Topic 2: Negotiating strata leaseholds Act that allow school districts to provide housing for “ employees. Candidates could not confirm whether Visions’ promise to renew co-op leases extended to We are looking for where there may be sites leasehold strata on City land. However, Zhang did available with a little surplus land - not the express his belief that affordable” ownership options last park, but my old school had three full are part of the housing solution. size soccer pitches. It would be possible to take a portion of that land and build rental Topic 3: Negotiating co-op leases housing for teachers and VSB staff through Leung reinforced that many of the details around the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency. “Because of the high cost of housing, we have existing leases are in-camera at this point and that non-incumbent candidates have not been briefed trouble retaining staff, especially for teachers’ on particulars. However, from his discussions with aids, and we think this could help. Councillors Reimer and Deal, he understands how Leung added they are also looking at increasing important co-ops are to Vision. He stated that support staff wages to make it more feasible to live [Vision] is firmly committed to renewing the in Vancouver. 10 most urgent co-op leases that have come Read more about Vision Vancouver at up. However, we are also aware that there http://www.votevision.ca ” [are] more leases, like in False Creek, that have to be renewed as well. We support lease “renewal. *RePlan” 2018 Election Report | Section 1 18 ” SECTION 2: Additional Candidate Responses ”

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 1 19 Background and Purpose

There are a number of candidates running in this 5. Model a process for dialogue, decision-making, year’s election that *RePlan was unable to meet partnership and change that is inclusive of all with. In order to gain insight into their positions, stakeholders. we asked them to share their views on *RePlan’s five principles: *RePlan also encouraged candidates to weigh in on key issues facing False Creek South, such 1. Provide residents with an affordable option to as renewing City land leases and expanding remain in the community beyond lease expiry our affordable housing model to other parts of dates. Certainty around lease renewal is a Vancouver. Specifically, we asked if candidates priority in moving forward. would “prioritize maximizing financial return on the use of City-owned land in order to provide funds for 2. Achieve a demographic mix that is similar to that City goals, or whether [they] would forego maximum of the region, but with an increased proportion returns in order to maintain and/or increase the of housing for low and middle income workers stock of affordable housing on these lands.” Their and households with children. responses are provided in the following pages.

3. Seek opportunities for increased density while In reaching out to these individuals, *RePlan also respecting the historic urban design pattern of sought to open a dialogue that we hope will remain buildings and open space. active after the election. 4. Continue to embody City of Vancouver initiatives: greenest city, affordable housing, and financial sustainability.

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 2 20 Candidate Response: Barbara Buchanan (Independent)

I have reviewed your website and RePlan’s five Read more about Barbara Buchanan at principles. I am in complete agreement with all five. http://barbarabuchanan.com/vancouver/index.php

False Creek South is a wonderful success and must remain so.

The lease issue is real and must be solved. I look forward to working with you.

Candidate Response: Elke Porter (Independent)

My name is Elke Porter and I am #61 on your ballot after the German Canadian Heritage Association. of 71 candidates. As an independent, my goal is to be “clean, green, with an accessible scene.” This My daughter attended the False Creek Community means making life better for the old, the young and Centre Preschool and my kids are both high school anyone with mobility issues. students now.

My goal is to increase affordable housing, decrease From what I am learning about housing and homelessness and to provide more treatment affordability, I agree with all five points listed centres for anyone suffering from addiction and below and would make them my priorities for mental health issues. all of Vancouver, but taking care to preserve the neighbourhood character and to work with the My passions are oceans, beaches, healthy residents’ association and community groups. neighbourhoods and healthy schools. Past and current volunteer positions have included We all need a place to live and we need to ensure fundraising and providing communications for the that there is room for everyone in our beautiful city. local PAC (parent advisory committee), cleaning Read more about Elke Porter at plastics out of the ocean, working with a team of http://www.elkeporter.com people who provide libraries for remote Indigenous communities around BC and also helping to look

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 2 21 Candidate Response: Gölök Z Buday (Independent)

The whole city has to pay for a lot of things just so rule, so stratas and co-op boards can have a certain one area has city area land to “keep it affordable,” amount of autonomy. when the real reason, is as you say, a lot of non- profit and stratas (also non-profit) which don’t tend My principles usually have more to do with not to be taxed, just utility fees*. Units aside. Also the wanting to let government overreach into the lives of age of certain buildings, built at a less costly time I individuals. As much as it doesn’t favor the concept expect. The land value system does more to spring of “City Land.” speculation. Even the lack of community involved in Read more about Gölök Z Buday at buildings. http://www.bcindividualist.org

Co-ops and smaller stratas don’t usually have this, *Fact check: Stratas and co-ops pay property tax at you wouldn’t even want an AirBNB in a small strata, freehold rates. and one meeting can end it. Could be better to have a US style Bill of Rights with a 10th Amendment type

Candidate Response: Dr. Hamdy El-Rayes (Independent)

I would support foregoing maximum returns in order My goal is to increase affordable ownership and to maintain and/or increase the stock of affordable rental properties in Vancouver. Your RePlan goes housing on these lands. well with the objectives of my housing policy.

You can check my page on affordable housing Read more about Dr. Hamdy El-Rayes at which in essence supports your association, RePlan. http://hamdyel-rayes.ca

Candidate Response: John Malusa (Vancouver First)

Thats a tough one as some of these buildings are which would house two co/ops initially, that way no nearing the end of their use span in addition to land person is dislodged and a process of renewal could lease expiry. commence.

I would suggest a step-by-step approach where Read more about John Malusa and Vancouver First at you would build a new building (taller or wider), https://www.van1st.ca

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 2 22 Candidate Response: Justin Caudwell (Independent)

1. Provide residents with an affordable option to Mostly all buildings in False Creek are falling apart remain in the community beyond lease expiry dates. and should be knocked down. I don’t want False Certainty around lease renewal is a priority in moving Creek to look like Shanghai, but I don’t support forward. keeping the current layout, and would go much higher density. I went to False Creek elementary, so the area is very special to me. You probably know that throughout 4. Continue to embody City of Vancouver initiatives: my campaign I’ve been very vocal about cancelling greenest city, affordable housing, and financial the leasehold renewals. I believe the current sustainability. buildings are a waste of land, and wouldn’t be there today had the government not protected the area. While we have earned the gold star of “greenest Even with the government keeping development city,” we have made zero progress on affordable out of False Creek you still have renovictions and housing, City Hall budgets keep getting bigger, taxes rent hikes. However, you live there; I don’t. I just wish keep going up, and this will continue until we elect more could have the chance to as well. people who understand the fiduciary responsibility of a councillor. 2. Achieve a demographic mix that is similar to that of the region, but with an increased proportion of 5. Model a process for dialogue, decision-making, housing for low and middle income workers and partnership and change that is inclusive of all households with children. stakeholders.

We need to build more government-funded No matter what part of town we’re working on, I will affordable rental units, and market units as well in always reach out to the citizens of that particular your neighborhood. For low income rentals, you’re neighborhood. going to see youth, families and seniors. Market rate Read more about Justin Caudwell at units will be mostly 30-45 aged. https://www.votecaudwell.com 3. Seek opportunities for increased density while respecting the historic urban design pattern of buildings and open space.

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 2 23 Candidate Response: Mike Hansen (Independent)

With the fact that “urban-terrorists” have a strangle Here’s some more BS letters from Ottawa 2003-2005 hold on Vancouver, distributing “toxic/deadly” for your reading pleasure. drugs, The Smart Money $$$, will put trivial BS to the side and take care of Vancouver’s BIG problems! Bull Shit seams to be the ‘order of the day’!

The last mayor/counselors spent way to much Read more about Mike Hansen at time on their knees, servicing developers/fentanyl https://vancouvercitycrime.ca suppliers and literally fucked The People out of their *Attachments not included share!

Some SOBs are so into their own trivial BS, that they don’t have a clue to what the fucks going on around them!

If your Sisters and Brothers were dying of a ‘disease’, would you ignore them for a, ‘re-plan committee’?

If We can’t fix The DTES, how the fuck are WE going to ‘fix’ ‘False Creek South’? If you don’t know what’s wrong, how are you going to fix things?

Many of Vancouver’s organized crime members own many condos in the False Creek/Olympic Village area, purchased with ‘laundered drug $$$’!

The Vancouver police chief, Adam Palmer has been “sucking organized crime cock” for far to long and proud of it.

Input on ‘False Creek South”?

So I challenged him to a ‘sanctioned ring fight’! I told him, “I’ll fight for my Sisters and Brothers and Adam can fight to protect the fentanyl suppliers”! Then I told him in true fighter fashion the ‘out come’ of the fight. I said, “I’ll beat you within an inch of your life, in the ring”!

Then sum dic from the Vpd hand delivered this BS letter.

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 2 24 Candidate Response: Penny Noble (Independent)

I lived in Fairview slopes, have friends who live • Note my platform at www.pennnoble.com on in False Creek, I visit often- am very aware of how retention of existing housing and its role in beautiful and unique it is, as well as the challenges. neighbourhood character and also being more I ran/walk/and now cycle through False Creek affordable than “new builds” regularly. It is a microcosm of what I hope to achieve all over Vancouver - diverse housing in a walkable, Also, I believe there are other options in False Creek green, neighbourhood. South where new build could happen and provide not only more housing but some return to the It is a jewel in Vancouver, not only providing a diverse City while retaining the original feel/history and range of housing and amenities such as a school, character, as per one of your guiding principles. that are walkable, but it is shared/enjoyed by many who don’t live there. I have always loved walking Michael Geller, at a recent Heritage Society event along the seawall and also enjoying the creative I attended to discuss False Creek South suggested gardening in the pocket-sized gardens. I find them along 6th Avenue, where a “berm” had been created very inspirational and they give me pleasure all day to buffer False Creek south from train noise was long. (I created the Heritage Vancouver Garden created, would be a potential for such new housing Tour) without upsetting the current character, openness, etc. of False Creek. As an elected School Board trustee four years ago I was the School Board liaison to False Creek The five RePlan principles make perfect sense Elementary which I visited. I was very impressed by and I support them. it and how it fits so well into the community. Note the suggestion of housing along 6th Avenue At a recent event, one of your former resident ties in with one of your points about maintaining the association presidents said “when kids are playing history and character if new builds happen. together in False Creek, they don’t know if they are You will see my platform and that I believe in from a co-op, a townhouse, condo or what...” This retention of neighbourhoods as one of my top struck me as something it would be great if adults priorities also felt. And I thought it summed up perfectly what False Creek is all about. I believe the lease situation needs to be resolved quickly and I would work on making that happen. It Answer to your specific questions: is not fair to leave people in limbo for so long and that Whether you would prioritize maximizing the financial buildings cannot get insurance or be maintained. return on the use of City-owned land in order to Read more about Penny Noble at provide funds for City goals, or whether you would https://www.pennynoble.com forego maximum returns in order to maintain and/ or increase the stock of affordable housing on these lands.

• I would make retention/increase stock of affordable (and diverse options) housing the priority in False Creek South

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 2 25 Candidate Response: Robert McDowell (Independent)

I ran for Council with the NPA in 2014 and almost One of my priorities is affordable housing - specifically got elected (54,000 votes) and am running as an how the city could work to update and incentivize Independent this time. co-op and co-housing opportunities on city owned land. I think that this neighbourhood, with a history During the last election in 2014, I met with the False and acceptance of this type of housing, would be a Creek South Neighbourhood Association and heard good place to start. Leveraging city owned land, we directly about your concerns regarding False Creek should ensure that affordable options such as co- South. ops and co-housing are championed at City Hall, and I believe strongly that we must provide residents we could provide streamlined approval processes with an affordable option to remain in the and other incentives to make this type of housing community beyond lease expiry dates. I would return again as a viable, realistic and affordable champion reaching an agreement on lease renewal type of housing for local people. We could also work as a priority. As in all neighbourhoods in Vancouver, with other levels of government, but could proceed achieving a demographic mix is important, and we with certain policies and programs on our own if should not forget the important historic lesson from necessary. developing this neighbourhood in the first place – I am a neighbour and have lived in North False Creek and ensure that there is an increased proportion of for 18 years. I enjoy living downtown immensely, and housing for low and middle income workers and certainly False Creek and its associated parks and families. Due largely to its excellent location, we must seawall play a large part in ensuring the livability look at opportunities for increased density while in our respective neighbourhoods. My personal also respecting the historic urban design pattern experience about living was recently featured in the of buildings and open space. And I fully support Vancouver Sun article here: https://vancouversun. the current model as a process for dialogue and com/news/local-news/douglas-todd-the-ups-and- decision-making that is inclusive of all stakeholders. downs-of-highrise-living

I think this neighbourhood should be a priority for Read more about Robert McDowell at the next Council. If elected, I would champion a https://www.robertmcdowell.ca solution and would focus on getting this done. The uncertainty around the future of this important community is not good for anyone, and the longer we delay an agreement the more lives will be impacted negatively.

While I would need to maintain my fiduciary duty to the people of Vancouver, I believe that this can be done in a way that includes a heavy focus on ensuring the original character of the False Creek South neighbourhood and that we include a larger than average stock of affordable housing on the city owned land. And of course we should ensure that existing residents can stay in their neighbourhood as part of any agreement reached. They have nurtured and supported this neighbourhood and created this great sense of place – and their input and investment should be acknowledged and rewarded.

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 2 26 Candidate Response: Sarah Blyth (Independent)

I have read the RePlan principles and I heartily In closing I would like to say I think open mindedness endorse them. I am an enthusiastic supporter of co- is a quality that serves a community/city well. This op housing as an effective long term stable solution requires listening, thoughtfulness and deliberation to affordable housing and what makes Vancouver before a decision is made. I would like to think I am a vibrant, healthy and economically diverse city. compassionate. I care about people, their goals, I think stability is an underrated goal from a city their ideas and their desire to live a better life I am perspective. very connected to my community and I understand how passionate others get about theirs. I would like In terms of maximizing the financial return on the use to think I would foster a dialogue where we can find of City-owned land, as we are all aware the city owns solutions that are sensible/safe/consistent, while many properties, both commercial and residential. promoting a sense of community pride. It is my goal to maintain long term city owned assets and facilitate more, particularly when it comes to Read more about Sarah Blyth at co-op housing and any residential properties we https://www.sarahblyth.ca own. Short term approaches to capitalize on a “hot” market may increase our bottom line temporarily but would, in my opinion be short sighted.

As your Principle 2 mentions, a demographic mix of residents makes a vibrant community. Enrollment is down in the city and I have to deduce that is largely due to housing affordability. As far as density is concerned, I truly believe we have to take decisive action, but not limit ourselves to one solution. Co-sharing, co-ops, duplexes (yes I went there) condos, townhouses all add to the livability of our communities. We like choices and I don’t think there is any reason why we need to limit ourselves to market housing. We also have different needs throughout the different stages of our lives and having options that keep us in our neighbourhoods is crucial.

For your other points on green, livability etc. I am all for the initiatives that support a healthy city. In terms of dialogue, we live in an era where we should be able to stretch and be limber in engaging citizens. If something didn’t work before, scrap it and try something new.

*RePlan 2018 Election Report | Section 2 27