With one week until the Oct. 15 civic election, this will be UKRA’s final special election edition of our newsletter. Over the last few weeks, we’ve covered candidates in the news, most campaign debates, the voting records of the Mayor and each Councillor, and most everything else pertinent to the 2022 election.

If you want to vote before election day, there is one  advance polling date on Oct, 11.  Polls are open from 8 am to 8 pm. Find out where you can vote.

Dunbar Residents’ Association Candidate Debate

Kennedy Stewart and Ken Sim seem to think neighbourhood-sponsored debates are not worth attending. With the exception of Chinatown, the two Kens have failed to show up for most community debates held since September. (Sim did attend the False Creek Neighbourhood debate, but not Stewart.) And, true to form, they were MIA from the Dunbar Residents’ Association candidates’ debate on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Mayoral candidates Fred Harding (NPA) and Colleen Hardwick (TEAM for a Livable Vancouver) took part in the debate, as did Council candidates Michael Wiebe (Green Party) and Sarah Kirby-Yung (ABC). The four were asked their opinion of the Vancouver Plan, a road tax, the empty homes tax, a subway extension to UBC, building permits, and what it means to “age in place.”

On the Vancouver Plan: Michael Wiebe said there is still a lot of work to be done in the city, and that “we” (presumably City Hall and the neighbourhoods) need to work collectively.” Wiebe, along with Hardwick, Jean Swanson (COPE), and Melissa De Genova (NPA) voted against the Broadway Plan. Wiebe criticized the Plan for its failure to consult with the community, and for the lack of green space. Wiebe said he believes in communities, but at the same time, “we have to look at the long-term plan,” adding that the Vancouver Plan, which he voted for, “is [taking the future of our city in] the right direction.”

“People want certainty,” said Fred Harding, who believes the Vancouver Plan is flawed but supports it overall. He said that he has been asked to repeal the Broadway Plan if elected. “There is a lot of uncertainty in it…but I am a collaborator, and I believe in community collaboration. Sarah Kirby-Yung echoed the views of her contenders, promising to work with communities “around the table.”

Colleen Hardwick, who had voted against the Vancouver and Broadway Plans in Council, was the only candidate who promised to repeal both plans. Hardwick told the crowd that over 100,000 Vancouverites participated in the city-wide planning which eventually “went sideways” when former mayor Gregor Robertson came into office in 2008. “There was no interest in communities,” she said. Instead of knitting individual community plans together, Hardwick said “the US planners [hired by the City] came in and looked at the city as a blank canvas.”(See map below; note how individual neighbourhood names have been removed.)

None of the candidates supported a road tax, which Kennedy Stewart failed to get approved earlier this year.

Vancouver Police Union Mayoral Debate

The week did not begin well for Kennedy Stewart of Forward Together. The incumbent was taken to task several times for his decision to defund the police and his lack of support for the VPD at the candidate forum held on Oct. 3 by the Vancouver Police Union. The union has since thrown its support behind Ken Sim.

Recently retired VPD officer Brian Montague, now running as a City Councillor under the ABC (Ken Sim) banner, told the crowd gathered at the Jewish Community Centre that “in the last three and-a-half years of my career, the current Mayor created a climate of 

If you want to vote before election day, there are two more advance polling dates: Oct. 8 and 11. Polls are open from 8 am to 8 pm. Find out where you can vote.

Dunbar Residents’ Association Candidate Debate

Kennedy Stewart and Ken Sim seem to think neighbourhood-sponsored debates are not worth attending. With the exception of Chinatown, the two Kens have failed to show up for most community debates held since September. (Sim did attend the False Creek Neighbourhood debate, but not Stewart.) And, true to form, they were MIA from the Dunbar Residents’ Association candidates’ debate on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Mayoral candidates Fred Harding (NPA) and Colleen Hardwick (TEAM for a Livable Vancouver) took part in the debate, as did Council candidates Michael Wiebe (Green Party) and Sarah Kirby-Yung (ABC). The four were asked their opinion of the Vancouver Plan, a road tax, the empty homes tax, a subway extension to UBC, building permits, and what it means to “age in place.”

Here are some of the highlights:

On the Vancouver Plan: Michael Wiebe said there is still a lot of work to be done in the city, and that “we” (presumably City Hall and the neighbourhoods) need to work collectively.” Wiebe, along with Hardwick, Jean Swanson (COPE), and Melissa De Genova (NPA) voted against the Broadway Plan. Wiebe criticized the Plan for its failure to consult with the community, and for the lack of green space. Wiebe said he believes in communities, but at the same time, “we have to look at the long-term plan,” adding that the Vancouver Plan, which he voted for, “is [taking the future of our city in] the right direction.”

“People want certainty,” said Fred Harding, who believes the Vancouver Plan is flawed but supports it overall. He said that he has been asked to repeal the Broadway Plan if elected. “There is a lot of uncertainty in it…but I am a collaborator, and I believe in community collaboration.”

Sarah Kirby-Yung echoed the views of her contenders, promising to work with communities “around the table.”

Colleen Hardwick, who had voted against the Vancouver and Broadway Plans in Council, was the only candidate who promised to repeal both plans. Hardwick told the crowd that over 100,000 Vancouverites participated in the city-wide planning which eventually “went sideways” when former mayor Gregor Robertson came into office in 2008. “There was no interest in communities,” she said. Instead of knitting individual community plans together, Hardwick said “the US planners [hired by the City] came in and looked at the city as a blank canvas.”

Hardwick was the only candidate to speak out against the UBC subway extension, arguing that a light rapid rail system could be built for far less, and it could be extended across the entire city.

None of the candidates supported a road tax, which Kennedy Stewart failed to get approved earlier this year.

Vancouver Police Union Mayoral Debate

The week did not begin well for Kennedy Stewart of Forward Together. The incumbent was taken to task several times for his decision to defund the police and his lack of support for the VPD at the candidate forum held on Oct. 3 by the Vancouver Police Union. The union has since thrown its support behind Ken Sim.

Recently retired VPD officer Brian Montague, now running as a City Councillor under the ABC (Ken Sim) banner, told the crowd gathered at the Jewish Community Centre that “in the last three and-a-half years of my career, the current Mayor created a climate of hostility between council, the police department, and the public.” I never felt like the Mayor had my back,” Montague said.

And that was just for starters. A shouting match erupted between Stewart and Ken Sim when Stewart asked why Sim failed to answer his question about reconciliation. Stewart was on the defensive the whole night, taking criticism after criticism. He repeated several times that as head of the Police Board, the VPD budget increased by $50 million, but more than one candidate reminded Stewart that he actually voted in favour of reducing the police budget in 2020 by $5.7 million along with Adriane Carr and a majority of Councillors. The Police Board appealed the decision which was reversed by the Province. To restore the Police Board budget, a property tax hike was considered, but Council instead voted to take millions from the City’s reserve fund.

Housing and the Mayor’s friends in high places

Things did turn around for Stewart this week when NDP premier-in-waiting David Eby issued a press release in support of the Forward Together mayoral candidate, based on Stewart’s “tireless” work to increase the number of homes people can afford.” Stewart is being supported by other influential political figures such as former Vancouver Mayor Mike Harcourt, NDP MP Jenny Kwan, and advocate Sarah Blyth, executive director of the Overdose Prevention Society.

One of the top three burning concerns among Vancouverites is housing. But the leading civic parties can’t agree on potential solutions. Do we build our way out of the crisis by following the Vancouver Plan for mass densification, or do we plan for more affordable housing? Find out what the mayoral candidates had to say on the subject in this story by Mike Howell of Vancouver is Awesome.

Here and there…

Further to last week’s story about a smear campaign by one of Christine Boyle’s party (OneCity) members, reporter Daphne Bramham writes that the OneCity used “QAnon tactics” which should be denounced by not just OneCity, but by all civic campaigners. So far, leader Boyle has been silent.

Ken Sim’s background is in business, as a co-founder of Rosemary Rock Salt Bagels and Nurse Next Door. But most people may not be aware that Sim also ran a company that was mired in controversy.

Justin McElroy of CBC News published interviews with Colleen Hardwick and Kennedy Stewart. McElroy notes that Hardwick and her TEAM for a Livable Vancouver would reverse more of the City’s political policies than any other mayoral candidate.

Former City planner spells out his choice for mayor

Past City staff aren’t known to endorse mayoral candidates, unless you’re the respected and consistently outspoken former City Planner Ray Spaxman. In this letter to his email followers, Spaxman writes who he supports for mayor and why.

Today, having read the profiles of the 15 people running for Mayor, and in response to a few people who have asked me what I think about this election, I am responding as follows:

It is relevant to note that I have worked with dozens of Mayors in my time and have closely observed their performance and effectiveness in that role.

All 15 candidates are over 50 years old. So, every one of them can claim to have experience!

• I noticed those who have had a formal education and, or experience “relevant to a city mayors role”;
• I noticed those that have experience as leaders and, or managers of large teams of skilled people;
• I noticed those people who have been in publicly visible roles and or requiring good communication skills;
• I noticed those who seem to communicate well with people, with communities;
• I noticed those who have been active in the community;
• I believe politicians who can generate TRUST across a wide portion of the citizenry are especially valuable.

I then assessed the candidates against the eight principles I have been promoting over many years…as well as their performances against the four personal assets listed as the subject of this “Urbanarmer”.

Essentially, my evaluations are covered in the following sentence: I long for a time when my community is based on the principles of good neighbourliness, competence, openness, confidence, and trust. (I use “openness” rather than “transparency” for I think it represents a more active will to reach out and share. There is a frightening and widespread breakdown in trust occurring because these principles are not being followed.

SO:

1.The two who gave no description of themselves were taken off the list. Three groups emerging there-after:

2.The first group consisted of long shots who fell way short of the criteria noted above.

3.The second group contained some serious contenders who are legitimate candidates and may get significant support but are seriously lacking in some of the criteria I have listed.

4.Of the third group, (of only two people), neither of them scored 100% against the principles I have listed. My long experience in observing how cities grow and mature as communities show that TRUST is the most important for the leader of council.

5.Mayor Stewart has significant experience in City Hall governance, has high academic experience and has strong connections to several influential organizations, BUT, his lack of openness is a serious failure and his apparent special cosiness with major development interests leads to growing distrust of his administration. His seemingly lack of interest in quality of urban design versus his love of more and more density, coupled with Council’s addiction to the onslaught of spot rezonings and public hearings, as well as the ever-growing reliance on Community Amenity Contributions (CAC’s) is all bad. Good neighbourliness doesn’t seem to be on his radar.

SO: Stewart = NO

6.So, Councillor Hardwick also has high academic and work experience. Unfortunately, but understandably, her role on Council has frequently been one of opposition. This has overridden her more positive nature. (I am reminded about the outgoing leader of our Provincial Government whose demeanour changed radically when he moved from opposition to leader). Hardwick and her TEAM understand and want to be accountable to the Principles I have based my evaluation. Their detailed platform is readable and comprehensive.

SO: Hardwick = YES

I Hope This Helps.

Ray

The Last Word

Finally, we bring you a letter written by a former UKRA director, who rethinks the report card given to civic candidates on the environment that appeared in The Tyee.

In September the Tyee published an article analyzing which Council members running for re-election have the best voting records re the environment. Focusing on six agenda items relevant to climate issues, Austin Chhor used voting records on specific items to rate Councillors on attentiveness to climate concerns. Unfortunately, his analysis of six climate-relevant Council motions omitted as “too complex” the twin elephants in the room: the Broadway Plan and the Vancouver Plan — transformative plans which have far greater potential to affect climate than any of the other issues. Both plans include calls for multiple tall towers 15, 25, or up to 40 storeys along a wide swath through the Broadway corridor (Clark Dr. to Arbutus, 1st to 16th Aves=500 blocks) and other areas across town (higher limits downtown). Six councillors and the mayor voted for both plans.

It has been well established that tall towers are bad news environmentally. At those heights, they require deep concrete footings. Quantities of concrete and steel are needed all the way up for strength and stability at height. They take longer to build and use larger, heavier (and noisier) gasoline-gulping machinery. New mass timber construction techniques are in development, but it will likely be years before structures higher than 12-16 storeys can be safely built. Any new extra-tall buildings going up soon will use standard construction techniques (though no natural gas heat or appliances).

“… the majority of Councillors have not given sufficient weight to climate factors vis-à-vis major high-rise construction. Yet housing security will never be possible without climate security, the yin and yang of 21^st century life.”

Concrete production has been pegged as a major source of greenhouse pollution. According to one recent study quoted by Vancouver architect Brian Palmquist, one per cent of new building world-wide contributes as much CO₂ in a year as the other 99 percent of existing buildings. Plus, sand needed for concrete manufacture is being robbed from beaches and islands world-wide, especially in resource-deprived nations. Quantities of steel, requiring intense heat energy to make, are needed for strength. And overall, due to size and complexity, high-rise construction takes more time per unit to build than shorter buildings.

It seems that although both a “climate emergency” and a “housing emergency” have been identified, the majority of Councillors have not given sufficient weight to climate factors vis-a-vis major high-rise construction. Yet housing security will never be possible without climate security, the yin and yang of 21st century life.

Rental towers are pushed as the primary means of densification, with controlled rents for 20 per cent of units, many studios or one-bedrooms. The other 80 per cent of units will be rented out at whatever rates the market will bear — a poor deal for the 50 per cent of Vancouver citizens who will not be able to afford the rents for suites intended for above-average household incomes.

Voting for both these major plans intended to cover the next 30 years were: Adriane Carr and Pete Fry of the Green Party; Rebecca Bligh, Lisa Dominato, and Sarah Kirby-Yung, all now of the ABC party; Christine Boyle of OneCity, and Mayor Stewart, now running with his own party, Forward Together.

Voting against the Broadway Plan and portions of the Vancouver Plan were Melissa DeGenova (NPA), Jean Swanson (COPE), and Michael Wiebe (Green). Voting no to both Plans pending further consideration and more detailed data and analysis (as previously requested) was Colleen Hardwick of TEAM.

Joan Bunn, Upper Kitsilano, Vancouver.