Aren't the building trades working on this one? Good time to flex your muscles.

Perhaps this is an issue around which to start building a new coalition. Can't think of anything more basic than housing, except food.

Start solid, don't depend on "leaders", use teamwork, know your history (ie. those who you know from experience can be trusted).

It seems like the NPA is saying (in relation to SE False Creek) "we can't spend money on social housing because we need to save it for social housing". Um...

What's the ROI for impoverished people? Bellyaching about what the NPA doesn't do seems to be the flavour de jour amongst the local weeklies. It may be painful to be reminded of this, but do yourself a favour and recall that those of us who live on the West Side are the creme-de-la-creme of Vancouver society. Frankly and unapologetically, we run the city the way we like and we've done a great job. For example, we're going to be enjoying our Olympics while all the whiners and complainers kids get to wear those downtown ambassador uniforms. Our man Falcon will ram Gateway down those Commercial Drive posers throats and we're looking forward to blowing through those rat infested neighbourhoods in our shiny new Bimmers.
We've got lots more planned.
Don't like the truth?
What have the poor (and their government funded advocates) in Vancouver ever managed to change? Jack. Sure we'll throw the mutts the odd bone to make ourselves feel better (LOL - okay you got me Poolie)or more importantly grab that write off, but by and large we can do without people who shouldn't be living here. If you don't like Vancouver or it's too expensive, you can always live in Surrey Mr Dobbin.
Fist shaking is for losers.
Winners wave cash.

HEY ! godsChild

your CYNICISM has the kind of output that engages the funnybone and the mind at the same time !

GREAT GIGGLES............GOOD POINTS !

I feel this illustrates what happens when people vote for the candidate instead of the party!
Sullivan was less dull and sour-looking than Green; so voters forgot what he represents and voted for charisma once again!
Please learn the lesson: what counts is the platform, not the pretty smile!
On a side note: look at the bright side: at least Cristy Clark did not get the job as Mayor!

Its always refreshing when the Left side has the power to flex our muscle and impose on people what we know is best, what is right and good for society.

Whay can't the NPA see how smart we are ? How right we are ??

We have an opportunity, with the world watching, to use our power, our organization and all of our fabulous wealth gleaned from union dues to impose our democratic will, to nationalize all industries, to take over the levers of power and create the socialist utopia the world wants us to build.

The time is now.

Ah yes, all the lefties who want to spend, spend, spend the endowment funds that previous free enterprise councils had put away.

The trouble with the SE False Creek development was that it wasn't financially sustainable. Meaning, of course, that it can't be a showcase for other communities to try because most other communities don't have endowment funds like Vancouver does. In a revised, financially sound plan, then we'll be able to show other places how to do it right.

Sorry COPE. You had a 3-year window to squander the endowment fund, then you lost the election. Since squandering the fund seems to be your aim, you'll just have to spend, spend, spend faster next time.

This part of the article is misleading. There is over 20% social housing guaranteed in SEFC. The author makes it sound like there will be none.

i have a problem beleiving that SAM SULLIVAN would in any way give way to forces that would abuse/neglect the DISADVANTAGED...

perhaps SAM is playing his cards to close to his chest for others to see any DIRECTION !!!

AND SAM'S INFUENCE AND EASY MANNER ARE REALLY NOT WHAT MOST PUNDITS EXPECT FROM MAYORS WHO RUN BIG CITIES...

SAMMY IS REALLY ONE OF THE PEOPLE...THAT GOT ON THE INSIDE...AND I THINK HE WILL DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE MOST PART !

FINANCIALY AND SOCIALY RESPONSIBLE GOVT. IS NOT AN EASY TASK DELIVERING...

You are proving my point!
Easy manners and smiles can make anyone feel good!
When you elect those charming people you learn what they really had in mind.
Once again study the platform before you vote!

But....but.....but.....

SammyJames told us all those old COPE-a-tistas were on his side.

Just like Ms. Ball just told us that Developers are also on our side.

Sheesh.

Feet....Fire....Hold'Em.

.

Vancouver won't be a city for the wealthy if it loses it's charm which it is rapidly doing. A city that isn't progressive is not a livable city and a non livable city loses it's real estate value. Like Campbell they take credit for the creative and progressive policies enacted and pushed by people with vision. It will be ironic is P gets his view ruined by a new condo project along kits beach on formally public land. This is what will happen, one way or another, uless the progressive voice is heeded.

Another commenter posted an A, I give Murray an A+. There is so much truth in this authors words, its scary.

I'm glad somebody has the eye to see the long-term destruction that will result in all these 'small' reversals.

I've heard Sam is a great guy (what he does personally) - Let's hope he can carry through with some policies that all Vancourites will enjoy. So far he has a lot of catching up to do.

Well written - I suppose!

With exception for 3 years of attempted communism, Vancouver has been controlled by the BC Liberal friendly NPA. Under the past 25 years, the city has exploded and is continually ranked amoung the world's best.

The NPA ideology is consistent with the vision held in city counsel in the 90s and 80s.

Our city will continue its greatness well into the future and the sky is certainly not falling. The NPA is a centre-right party which believes in fiscal restraint and responsibility.

I for one believe in low income housing, but not in grade AAA real estate. Throw some in the west-end or in Kitsilano, or up Arbutus. Socialists want their cake and to eat it too. The new developments surrounding False Creek s/b 100% market driven.

The bike lanes idea is a travesty, and does not even warrant a waste of my breath. This idea will only enrage vehicle commuters.

Vancouver will continue to achieve greatness due to its physical beauty, proximity to the oceans, mountains, Whistler and Asia.

The sky is not falling and we will continue to achieve greatness.

mabellbc

All depends on how you define greatness!

Is Sullivan's lack of a coherent vision actually news?

Unfortunately, people voted for him anyway.

Greatness!!! Sounds Like One O The Creme De Le Creme Has Been Sucking A Little Too Much Plonk !

Gotta Take It Easy There Lemming ! Otherwise Campbell Ain't Gonna Have Any Supporters That Make Sense !!!

Oh! Wait...drunk With Power Or Sober ! None Of You Makes Sense...

Hey brother Murray! Let's go to Paris and harague the Hotel de Ville to set up some commie-like social crash pads in the 16th arrondisement. Yea baby, I'd kinda like to crash real central. Like close to everything man. Then we're off to LA and gonna scare up some cool digs in the the Westwood, Palisades, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills and Hollywood Hills man. Just a bit of social chat with mayor and we'll get a cool pad near the 'Strip. No Problem.! What about New York man. Do you dig the east or the west side? I kinda like downtown and it is near the Village that's still happening. Then we're off to storm Rosedale and Suusex Drive. It's all ours. Hey man, pass me that...

Why does the twenty percent have to be in the SE False Creek area? As another commenter suggested, there are other areas of Vancouver that would be more than suitable for housing, low-income or otherwise.
However, i agree to an extent with Dobbin, social housing is desperately needed. Perhaps more pressure can be put on developers to include this in their designs (and i know some of them already do).

in terms of vancouver's beauty.....yeah, we have the ocean, mountains, etc. But soon you won't be able to see any of it, because the view is rapidly being blocked by concrete.

In terms of development, i'd like to see more existing, older, low-rise areas, redeveloped. Such as places like some areas along Kingsway where there are just one or two level retail/apartment strips. Some of these could be redeveloped into more modern retail/apartment buildings which could ostensibly be two or three levels higher than they are now. I know, i know, zoning and all that.

In terms of the big rush for 2010, we need to be far more far-sighted than that. In all reality, this two week event should definitely not be such a huge influence on how we shape our city. How many of you will remember Turin one or two years from now?

a Whay aWhay !! Oh I am so chagrined You're so Right!

Personally, I'd like to see little more social housing in Kerrisdale - maybe a trade could be worked out: SE False Creek for West 41st!

Okay, I'm not going to argue with the need for social housing, but Murray, come on, could you twist your chronology any more.

The Olympic bid wasn't a result of the last council, nor was it based on any promises from COPE.

The bike lanes, the peace conference, most of the development issues, those all came about after the olympics. Please keep your partisan whinings out of our games. Just for that, I'm not buying any of your books.

mabellbc

Commuters are enraged waiting to happen. If it is not the bike lanes, it is the car in front of them. A great city can't pander to people with anger management problems that are unhappy with their lives.

They would have bitched and complained for a couple of days or maybe even a week then figured out it was no big deal. People always over react to change, even if it is positive. That is the way people are. Now they will have a year or so of construction delays. Don't worry, it won't be a problem. People are clever enough to find alternatives if there is congestion. The trial would have worked just fine too. Just look at Cambie Street. Even with three lanes closed, traffic is no problem.

Have some faith in people.

"i have a problem beleiving that SAM SULLIVAN would in any way give way to forces that would abuse/neglect the DISADVANTAGED..."

Why is that? because he's all heart? The man runs with the party that's built on the notion of looking out for number one. Take note of that, before you notice anything else about him. You look at him as an animal species in the political zoo, and I gurantee, your problem will disappear.

hey dick-

so, there's 20% social housing left? why the crying? because before the cuts there was 1/3 social housing in the plan--that's at least 10% more than now. plus, there was 1/3 middle income housing planned, leaving 1/3 market. now it's 80% market.

how can you even try and act like it's no different???

Are you kidding? He was on the radio today justifying his cuts to social housing by telling the lie that we in Vancouver are so generous that we are debating percent. Meanwhile, the truth is that Europe has vastly more generous social programs including housing.

He would not hesitate making it harder for others to survive as he is showing with his policy and how he voted last term. I know it's counter intuitive, but others like Campbell, Day, Hockstein are doing the same thing by denying others what they received, whether it was the security of not worrying about your child's doctors bill, or pre-secondary education, not worrying you'll be murdered in the night in your new country by the 'underclass' you are now trying to create in your new country (go figure!), or inclusiveness.

These guys aren't very bright.

It seems you are tying to answer a question I didn't ask. I was just saying the author was misleading in that paragraph. I wasn't saying anything else. Over 20% social housing doesn't equal 0% social housing. Leftist rhetoric is usually filled with exaggeration, and here is a prime example.

It is different, but not really. 1/3 middle income will take care of itself. With greater densification of vancouver, i.e more developments, the price of housing will go down. It is simple supply and demand. The more housing there is, the lower the cost to the consumer.

Want to bet the crony who got the closing bid in Italy to design the igloos isn't even Canadian? What are the odds? Probably even. Maybe it's the same person from South Africa who is going to advise us on our Child Protection services. You know, that bastian of social justice.

If they aren't from another country the reason they can't come up with anything is because they have idolized the US so called free marketers for so long that they don't even know Canada's value. They are in a bind because to promote what Canadians value and who we are interferes with their ideology.

Dick Trimble
Leftist Rhetoric? The left can't teach the right wing a thing in that department. You might want to check out Philip Hochstien's wit and wisdom in another article on this very website. Give me a break!
You wish it was just the left that has a problem with the management of this city.

I meant the closing ceremonies.

The False Creek model is among what is makes Vancouver unique, cutting edge and livable. They don't get it. Dull as they are.

I say, Tim Louis for mayor during the Olympics.

BTW. Anyone know where the federal minister for the Olypmics was during the closing ceremonies. Nearly all of City council , Hansen (provincial minsiter) were at Library square. But alas, didn't see the newly appointed Tory minster from Vancouver Kingsway .. :-(

Dan
He's, I think you could put it, ummm ...keeping a low profile. Jack Poole was probably having a function!

"understandme is right about you DOROTHY...you do have VERBAL DIARHEA.............."

Calvin, this is not very informative. Could you clarify/elaborate/explain, please?

Come on Murray Dobbin, this stuff is old. I was ranting about these very same issues in a post here on Tyee at least three weeks ago.

Yes, axing the Burrard Bridge bike lanes and the social housing part of the althetes' village development. Were you away in Hawaii or something?

Unlike your fan Brain, I won't even toss a c- at you for this plaggerism, or(at best) rehashed blather.

But I too would sure like to be kept current.

When are ou going to start trying?

read any article on the tyee and you need only go into the archives to see where these clowns have gleaned their information from.

they can cut and paste an article in 15 minutes so plagiarism is alive and well on the internet.only now the authour doesn't even have to go to the bank to cash his/her checks anymore.no ,now the checks for using anothers intellectual property can be direct deposited.

wow,steal ideas and get paid without leaving your bed,to bad brian wilson spent all that time in bed ,without a computer.imagine all the ideas he could have stolen and used on his albums ?

yes allan,you are right,you had those thoughts before murray and i had them before you.so how can we get in on this game ?

I've been noticing godsChild around here today. The self-proclaimed West end millionaire American real estate tycoon.

I've been trying to figure out what exactly he's getting at. What brings him here and what point he's trying to promote. I think I see many inconsistencies in his reasoning, a great deal of contempt for others based on irrelevent factors. I think I see the basis of this contradictory philosophy above. He says:

He thinks he's winning.

According to his premise, successful thieves, drug dealers and bank robbers are an inspiration, because they can wave cash.

He views the explosion of homelessness among us, the explosion of poverty among our children, the recent doubling and redoubling of housing prices as some kind of personal victory.

The natural world is collapsing around us, the social contract is being trampled underfoot, slavery is back as an industrial institution, with a few new features to avoid prosecutions until all those pesky human rights laws we enacted since the Nazis were tried at Nuremberg can be dismantled. Money is concentrated in the hands of the ruthless and unscrupulous. A personal victory.

He seems to share the Liberal philosophy that the poor have no right to live, to eat food or be around reminding him of where all that real estate money he brags about comes from. Let them live in Surrey if they can't wave sufficient cash. Until of course he acquires an interest in some Surrey properties, then perhaps he'll advise them to move to Abbotsford.

Oh, well. Half a thought is better than none.

I wave back at you, sir. But my salute for you contains no cash.

I do not know whether godschild is yanking the collective chain to be a Devils Advocate , or if he is for real.
One thing is for sure , he sure gets the dialog going .
I wonder who is behind the IP address ?
especially with all the sickos from those military sites showing up.we should not have to worry about hackers and sickos when on sites like this.
Hopefully the Administators are doing something?
This shows the kind of image problem Vancouver is having,the right wing piss on the poor and get the hell out.Something like Expo 86 , only on Steriods.
I hope to god we have no terrorist actions , but looking at the recent posts here , thetre are a lot of sick people around.

To Murray Dobbin:
I'll give you an A+ for this one, as well.

http://www.straight.com/content.cfm?id=16342

Better late than never, I always say.

Vancouver is reliying on 20% social housing to be built by 100% owned private compainies? This maths dosn't add up. If developers do produce lower cost housing it will be bought up by the 1/3 middle income earners, people like to move up the housing ladder. The houses vacated will be filled up by the lower earners making for older lesser developed areas to become less than respectable.
If you don't want ghettos forming it takes a complete statagey both social and development, not just insisting all developers build 20% social housing. That would cost a lot of tax money and makes politicians look bad when people get their tax bills.

thomas49 if you are a registerd health profesional could you please tell me what a sicko like me is suffering from?

wobbly , what can i say when you self diagnose .

i will just have to agree with your assumption that you are a sicko .and would have to add you are delusional as well posting empty rhetoric and thinking of it as highly informative.

now if you rambo wannabes figure you should be listened to add something of substance.

it appears you know nothing of the integration of the disabled , the poor single mothers , etc. that were to be housed in that development so that ghettos would be a thing of the past.

but i guess you would have to have read the article.

instead you try to bullsh!t your way through the thread with empty rhetoric.

Thomas49 "Empty vessels make the most noise" where is your constructive rhetoric? The article is about low income and mid income housing no mention of single mothers and disabled rights or even assisted accomidation.
My rhetoric comes from experience and comman sence. When I met my wife she was a poor single mother living in social housing. The first thing we did was get the hell out. Having drugged up mothers comming to your door asking for a loan off money, while their four year old played in her yard is not something you forget. Once people get themself into a hole it can be hard to get out
I had some savings to put a down payment on a house to get out but most don't, and if they get a chance most would do the same thing.
As for intergration of the disabled please think because this is also something you seem to know little off. The disabled cannot just be dumped into a house my sister has Downs syndrome she likes to be independant but needs help it is a full time job for my mother to do this without being overbearing the worst thing you can do for the disabled is to pamper them it only pisses them off.

again hot wind emanating from every orifice !

wobbly , read carefully...the first projects in the False Creek area were initialy set up with a small percentage of LOW INCOME HOUSING , (do you understand that ,it's pretty plain ? )for disabled and single mothers and poor families in general.

it was called INTEGRATION because it was felt if we integrated the low income families with higher income families there would be a better chance to alleviate the problems faced by large LOW INCOME PROJECTS that turn into GHETTOES.

so,i know the history because i read and constructive remarks are throughout my posts.

but you,coming from your military site to flame lefties , isn't working out as you expected , is it ?

empty vessels make the most noise , what utter crap .psuedo intellectual posturing ,you must do really well on the military sites with that mentality.

I am not trying to flame you. The military mentality is to look for problems in things because in the military those problems can get you killed. looking at the idea of intergration of high and low earners you see it as a great idea .I see it as having as much chance as a snowball in hell. First it is working under the premise that the builder who is trying to make money is going to put something in his development that is going to lower his profit. Then that people who buy a several hundred thousand dollar house actualy want to live next to someone that serves them their starbucks. Then you have the intergration I'm sure the lower income earner is going to buy a coffee that cost an hours wage to sit and talk about the thearter with his/her neighbour.

wobbly, you are quickly ruining a good working class name with your fascist demeanor.

I'd suggest you change it to warhead or shellshocked or something more apt.

Love your little explanation about how the wealthy won't want to have to look out their window and see that Starbucks server cutting her grass.

In the real world read(: military life), that poor server would be on the front lines ensuring the generals etc., get their comforts in life before retiring on a full pension financed by those servers still standing, right?

Hate to wake you up between battles and all, but you see, we have these things in Canada called social policies and some of them, sometimes, carry slightly more clout than your income level when deciding who gets what.

It doesn't always work becasue some politicians, like coffee servers, will do almost anything to curry favour from the rich and powerful.

How big does a tip have to be to really be a bribe?

Sorry to f**k up your day with that little gem, but if you really are a military guy then I'd suggest it's time you woke up and smelled the coffee.

finally something we can agree upon Wobbly.all those issues you mentioned are being used to scuttle Integration in Projects like the False Creek model.

but integration does work and there are low income people(disabled,single mothers,etcetra) from the initial start up , and that scares a lot of people.as you said the person buying starbucks coffee doesn't want that server living next to them ,shows you understand that discrimination is alive and well.we must overcome that to make things work.
you stated you were in the military and i would take it you know how a well maintained machine works.every one of us has a purpose no matter how small or insignificant that job is,we are like gears in a shiftbox.
those issues you mentioned have to be fixed and when they are ,we can stop building ghettos and look to making the world a little kinder ,gentler place.
of course you now doubt are as cynical as i am when you hear those last sentiments.
but we have to try these programs like integration and if you remember far enough back that word was used for the integration of coloureds in the southern states and integration was a nasty word back then as well.all we have to do is look at our world today and see that it worked.
keeping the poor visible is a device used by society to scare us into working hard.just like keeping prisoners locked up scares us into being law abiding.i know that sounds misanthropic but we are animals and some never learn to co-exist.
i feel these housing projects and better education projects ,will help us.

then we might look a little better when the world travels through our Olympic Showcase.
whistler is beautiful,but the rest of the lower mainland is going to be where people are really going to be visitng.our multicultural Vancouver hopefuly will be remembered as a good place,for everybody.

but as you said , there are going to be problems
so as concerned citizens , we can hopefuly talk things out.