On our Stories page, we have put the call out for you to share a story, observation, or idea (big or small) on how you re-imagine downtown Vancouver. Here is how Joel Solomon re-imagines downtown Vancouver:
Thank you for this wonderful initiative.
I have lived and worked in the Gastown-Victory Square-Railtown part of Downtown for 20 years now. The positive evolution is extraordinary. From a beautiful lovely city with a lot of potential, Vancouver is gaining a broad reputation as a fun, creative, energetic place where culture, modern living, commerce, innovation and progress are flourishing together.
Beyond the 50% non auto traffic high bar we have now met, another 4 or 5 auto share options are quickly proving that private cars will continue being left behind for more pleasant and efficient mobility and ambience.
With the steady advances in rules and regulation reform for entertainment, food and beverage, live music, patios, wider sidewalks, street closures, public art, festivals, and celebrations, Vancouver is leaving behind its conservative past.
People are attracted from around the world. Our reputation is growing powerfully.
Visionary long-term thinking political leadership has proven how a series of small and large policy initiatives can make change real.
The big step still to accomplish by all of us, is to turn the self-defeating grumbling about our incredible home town, into pride and engagement and contribution. There is a wide open role for telling our story to the world.
I hope some day for a new Vancouver Art Gallery, the world’s top Aboriginal Reconciliation Museum, along with a significant Contemporary Asian Arts Centre, and The Greenpeace Museum of the Living History of the Environmental Movement.
We need a next wave significant Asian university presence here.
Those legacies are major symbols of inclusiveness, hope, and inspiration for generations of Vancouverites who will follow us.
Our global geo-cultural positioning is a super power. Ancient cultures continue to thrive. Multi-cultural vibrancy, entrepreneurship, and innovation live here.
Big money has been made in BC. It’s time for massive civic re investment our social and cultural life.
Mass transit across the region is crucial. Provincial and federal re-engagement in housing affordability is essential. Publiceducation and our health care system are precious priorities that must be invested in.
Downtown needs to aim for a 24 hour mix of commerce, home, and culture.
We need better story telling about Vancouver.
We need the Downtown Eastside to be a model of intelligent care of citizens.
Our national leadership in social economy is only the beginning point.
We need to reach 100% renewable energy. we can be the greenest city in the world. We can be a fair city and we can be a warm and friendly city. We need our media to focus on what’s great here and how it can get even better.
All hands on deck. Bold. Visionary. Proud.
— Joel Solomon is the Chairman of Renewal Funds,
Canada’s largest social venture capital fund
Your Turn
Do you have a downtown Vancouver story, observation, or idea (big or small) you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Share your contribution with us on our Stories page. Your contributions will help us re-imagine downtown Vancouver!