Mayor's Communiqué: Report from Beijing; City Council Resumes Next Week

In addition to promoting our plans for 2010, we discussed China's efforts to promote inclusion, accessibility and sustainable development.

I was also honoured to participate in the Torch Relay with nine other Canadians in the lead-up to the opening of the Paralympic Games. To be a part of the relay and to witness China gain a new consciousness around people with disabilities, were both greatly moving experiences.

>> See Mayor's Beijing Photo Gallery.

Media Links

• A 'Turin Twirl' in Beijing
• Flaming Fantastic
• China opening its eyes to the disabled
• Hosting Paralympics will aid Chinese disabled, says Sullivan

City Council Resumes Next Week

City Council is back in session next week following the August break. Here is a preview of some key items we will be considering:

Social Housing

Further to Project Civil City, council will have an opportunity to:

• advance two more of our city-owned sites for social & supportive housing
• establish new Foundation to facilitate more private investment in social housing
• approve $5 million for social housing partnerships with provincial government
  

2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

City Council is considering a plan to place approximately 6000 Olympic banners at various locations across the city. Funding is to be provided from the $20 million Olympic Legacy Reserve Council approved earlier this year.

Council will also have an opportunity to approve the next steps in the effort to secure the future of BC Place in Vancouver as a legacy of the 2010 Games.

2009-2011 Capital Plan

In addition to securing long term strategic investments in social housing and preparing for 2010, this three year capital plan identifies a series of measures to:

• strengthen infrastructure
• improve police & fire services
• enhance community parks & recreation facilities

Citizens will be invited to vote on the approved Capital Plan in the upcoming civic election.

Arts and Culture

City Council will consider a $230,000 investment in various community organizations, as well as our next steps in the plan to relocate the Vancouver Art Gallery, and measures to protect and plans to protect the York Theatre on Commercial Drive.

Also, at Tuesday's Council meeting I will:

• present the Parlaympic Torch I received in Beijing
• support a motion from Councillor Kim Capri calling on the Union of BC Municipalities to consider allowing the leader of the BC Green Party to speak at this year's upcoming convention in Penticton
• announce date & agenda for next meeting of Four Pillars Coalition

As usual we appreciate receiving your feedback by emailing mayor@vancouver.ca.

Yours truly,

Sam Sullivan
Mayor of Vancouver