Posts from — January 2010

What with yesterday’s news that the BC Civil Liberties Association has dropped its lawsuit against the city, and Saturday’s report that a peaceful, non-confrontational march is now the main protest project, it appears the the preliminary civil rights events are complete and we’re heading on the main event.

Today’s media conference about attractive, modestly-priced market rental micro-apartments at Carrall and Hastings was nicely set up by the news that Vancouver’s housing is the least affordable in the English-speaking world.

The CCPA’s Iglika Ivanova assesses the findings — and critiques the proposed solutions — in this post at Progressive Economics Forum.

The Olympic Line looks great, rides beautifully, but will need Translink support to become a reality.

The crowds that lined up as early as 4.30 a.m. Thursday morning to try the city’s new Olympic Line streetcars offer part of the solution to a permanent light rail system in the city.

Strong ridership during the two-month trial will help make the case for long-term investment, but that won’t be enough.

The Line will have to offer a solution to regional needs to become reality.

That means Translink, now conducting a study of future UBC and Broadway corridor transit needs, must have evidence that the streetcar supports those major investments.

If it does, regional political leaders should agree to help underwrite a project that resides entirely in Vancouver, already transit-rich in the eyes of our neighbours.

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“Overwhelming,” “exciting,” a “game-changer” coming the nick of time: those were among the reactions from arts community activists at council Thursday in response to a little-noted report intended to slash the red tape throttling the live performance arts scene.

Stick-handled by Vision councillor Heather Deal, the report will produce bylaw changes by as early as January 2011 to make it easier for live performance venues — which have been closing with disheartening regularity– to grow and thrive.

A key problem to address: rigid liquor provincial liquor rules that force arts venues to be either “liquor primary” or “food primary” — or take a one-time event permit — if they want to serve a drink.