Stephen Quinn
This year, the City of Vancouver's communications department will once again be hard at work making sure the important news stories of the year get the coverage they deserve. Here is what that might look like:
City of Vancouver Welcomes United Nations Year of Quinoa
Jan. 15, 2013, 2:00 p.m., Council Chambers
Please join the Mayor and Council for a special proclamation in marking YQ-2013: The International Year of Quinoa.
This is the first in a series of quinoa-related celebrations this year and will feature a slide presentation of the Mayor's recent trip to Peru, interpretive dance inspired by the ancient grain, and the unveiling of a life-sized sculpture of former City Councillor Harry Rankin created entirely of quinoa.
The artist, Douglas Coupland, will be present to answer questions.
City of Vancouver Completes Viaduct Traffic Study
Feb. 13, 2013, 9:30 a.m.
Planning, Transportation and Environment Committee
Vancouver Director of Transportation Jerry Dobrovolny will present a Report Reference to Council on the findings of the city's recent Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaduct Traffic Study.
Highlights of the report include:
Traffic counts show viaduct vehicle traffic continues to decline while vehicle travel times increase – cyclists using bike lanes on the viaduct can travel the route in a fraction of the time it takes a private vehicle to make the trip;
Pacific and Expo Boulevards below the viaducts are under-utilized and could easily accommodate traffic from the overhead routes;
We are totally tearing these things down.
Mayor Proclaims Adrian Dix Appreciation Day
May 14, 2013 – 8:00 AM* – Council Chambers. Please join Mayor Gregor Robertson and Council as the mayor declares Adrian Dix Appreciation Day.
*Please note early start time to accommodate those wishing to vote in the Provincial Election.
City of Vancouver Celebrates Car-Free Month
June 1, 2013 – 9:00 AM – City Hall Front Entrance.*
Please join Mayor Gregor Robertson and at least seven city councillors as they announce a bold new phase in car-free culture and declare the entire month of June "Car Free Month" in Vancouver.
The mayor will present details of the closure of portions of Main Street, Commercial Drive, Robson Street and 4th Ave to automobile traffic during daylight hours from June 1 to 30.
*Please note, no parking available.
City Council to Vote on an Additional $30-million in Funding for Quinoa-Related Community Celebrations
July 10, 2013 – 9:30 AM – Finance and Services Committee.
Council will vote on a motion to provide additional funding for YQ-2013 community celebrations.
"It seems we underestimated the interest in quinoa and the desire of citizens to celebrate this ancient grain," Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a statement. "We want to make sure citizens and community groups have the resources they need to celebrate quinoa as it deserves to be celebrated."
Council to Vote on Tax Relief for Main Street, Commercial Drive, Robson Street and 4th Avenue business owners
July 23, 2013 – 9:30 AM – Finance and Services Committee Council will vote on a motion to temporarily reduce property taxes for owners of businesses on portions of Main Street, Commercial Drive, Robson Street and 4th Avenue who have been struggling in these difficult economic times.
Vancouver City Council to Vote on Scaling Back Food Cart Permits
Oct. 8, 2013 – 9:30 AM – Council Chambers.
Vancouver Council will hear a motion to reduce the number of licences issued for food carts in the coming year.
This action is based on a recent study that shows food carts are a silly fad.
City Announces Changes to Food Scraps Program
Nov. 24, 2013 – 9:00 AM – Manitoba Works Yard Main Entrance.
Building on the success of its current food scraps and yard waste program, the City of Vancouver is announcing changes to further refine the collection of food scraps and other waste.
Highlights include:
New colour-coded bins for items containing lactose, gluten or fructose
Other food items to be separated according to the Canada Food Guide
Separate yard waste bins for marijuana clippings and stalks