City to boost co-op housing

Good morning,

So is Commercial Drive the coolest street in Vancouver? According to , it’s not only the best in Vancouver, its the fifth coolest in the world.

It’s certainly got some great options, both for food, bars and entertainment. But Vancouver has many popular streets — Denman, Main, Gastown, Kitsilano just to name a few. For food, I’m very partial to Fraser and Kingsway.

I thought it would be fun to see what everyone prefers, so I’ve included a poll at the bottom where you can vote on your favourite.

Today we’ve got a story on a new co-op plan for an important area of Vancouver, the big news coming out of this week’s council meeting and some weekend events.

Let’s get to it!— Geoff Sharpe, Vancity Lookout editor

PS - Was this email forwarded to you? Subscriber here for free so you don’t miss a single edition.

WEATHER

Friday: 13 🌡️ 8 | ☁️

Saturday: 18 🌡️ 8 | ☀️

Sunday: 16 🌡️ 9 | ☀️

Monday: 15 🌡️ 7 | 🌤️

HOUSING

City to boost co-op housing

You get a co-op and you get a co-op… It’s no free car from Oprah, but Vancouver city council’s vote this week on co-op housing could be a critical part of addressing Vancouver’s housing problems.

What happened: At a council meeting on Wednesday, council approved a motion to ask staff to look at ways to expand and preserve existing co-op housing throughout the city, especially as the leases on the buildings on city land are coming due, according to Global News. 

The policy would see more co-ops built on existing land owned by the city, specifically in False Creek. Many of the units currency there are low-density buildings, meaning there could be an opportunity to increase the number of units on the land through densification, according to Urbanized. 

• The popularity of co-ops is due their affordability and lower price point, making them a favourite of those who live in them and those who want to live in them

This motion builds on the development plan for the area, which would see new buildings on the south side of the land. The motion's focus is around the 80 acres of False Creek. The area’s development plan includes the potential for more community amenities, greenspace, transit, and a host of other improvements. 

• The numbers: There are 3,700 co-op units on city-owned land.

Yes, but: The motion was passed by council, but it’s worth remembering that in November last year, the ABC-majority council voted against densifying the high-income neighborhood of Shaugnessy, which included density bonuses for co-op housing, according to the Vancouver Sun.

Zoom out: The federal government has also prioritized co-op housing. Last year they announced plans to expand co-op through a GST rental rebate on co-op construction and $1 billion to support community housing providers. 

How things changed: Co-ops used to be more widespread. Back in the 1970 there was a major expansion of this type of housing, with the federal government taking a much more active role in bolstering the non-market housing stock. But in 1992 the co-operative housing program was killed in the Conservative budget, according to Ricochet.

The Lookout’s view: I can’t help but feel excited over this decision. The devil’s in the details, but different types of home ownership models, like co-ops, are a net boon for the city. The love that people who live in co-ops have for this type of housing clearly shows that the city should be expanding this type of housing.

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VANCOUVER NUMBERS

⛽ $1.95: The price per litre of gas around Metro Vancouver on Thursday. An expert says this is just the start of the seasonal rise, with prices expected to hit up to $2.15 over the summer. [Vancouver Sun]

✈️ 1.1 million: The number of airline passengers expected to move through YVR over the next 14 days. That’s up around 4 percent from last year. [CTV]

👍 1,900: The number of affordable homes that will be redeveloped at the Skeena Terrace in East Vancouver. The rezoning application was approved by all councillors in attendance and is located at 2476 Cassier St. [Urbanized]

CITY HALL

Internet and scooters

It was a busy day on Wednesday at council, with a number of motions that passed. We break down the biggest ones along, with other city hall news.

Wifi expansion

What happened: A motion by Coun. Christine Boyle's plan to expand free WiFi in the Downtown Eastside to help unhoused people was passed unanimously by council, according to CityNews. It would see more WiFi access points in BC housing and other city-owned social housing. Currently, there are 521 free public internet locations.

Why it matters: The internet is critical for existing in society these days (duh!) and many people can’t afford the cost. The motion was supported by a wide range of groups. 

Scoot scoot soon

Council approved a bylaw to launch a public e-scooter share program across the city. As well, starting on April 9, residents will also be able to drive their e-scooters on streets with speed limits of 50 km/h or lower, according to Urbanized. 

Important details: The e-scooter sharing program, which won’t launch till later this year, assuming it is delivered on time, will not be like other cities where people can leave scooters on the streets. Instead, they will be required to be docked when someone finishes their ride. The program will start small and expand around the city. 

Dissent in the ranks?

Not really, but it was noteworthy that at council this week ABC member Coun. Peter Meiszner voted against a rezoning development, the first time a member of the mayor’s party has done so, according to City Duo.  

Rationale: Meiszner opposed the development because he felt it was “a very large building on a really small site.” You can listen to his comments here.

THE AGENDA

🔍 If you’re looking to understand the Sen̓áḵw development, then this story is worth a read. It explores the history, roadblocks, critics and supporters, and why it’s such an important project for Vancouver. [Macleans]

🕶️ Get into your storage, pull out those sunglasses and bathing suits, and lather on the sunscreen because this weekend could see temperatures in the low 20s near the water. There’s also the possibility that the temperature breaks records for this time of year. [CityNews]

⚽ Security around FIFA could look very similar to the roadblocks used during the 2010 Winter Olympics. It’s expected streets around BC Place will be closed on game days and the day before. [Business in Vancouver]

🪧 Parents are protesting and calling on the Vancouver School Board to reverse the closure of the University Transition Program, a program for gifted students, which admits about 20 of them each year. [Yahoo News]

🍎 You know what they say about hospital meals… Not much because they usually aren’t great. But Vancouver General Hospital is piloting a new meal plan that provides healthy, flavourful meal options to help with recovery. Good idea! [CityNews]

📽️ Stay away from the Cambie Bridge this Friday night — the movie Tron: Ares is filming from Friday at 7 pm to 6 am on Saturday. [Vancouver is Awesome]

👍 And they say politics is divisive… Not so when it comes to novelty signs. Council unanimously approved the creation of a permanent Vancouver sign near the convention centre. The sign that is currently there was only meant to be temporary, but it proved to be so popular that they’re making it permanent. [Global]

💰 The BC government is proposing a change to the Vancouver Charter that would make First Nations developments exempt from development cost levies and amenity cost charges, the same exemption offered to other levels of government and non-profits. [CityNews]

EVENTS

Vancouver Networking Event For Young Professionals | Isabelle’s | March 15, 9 pm | Come by, meet new people and connect with other professionals | Tickets $20

Candlemaking Workshop | 554 Clark Dr. | March 16, 2 pm | Come learn how to make candles in this 2.5 hour guided workshop | Tickets $81

Spring Break Craft Workshop Series | Kids Mart | Multiple days in March | Multiple types of crafting opportunities for kids | Free

Spring Break at VIFF | VIFF | March 18-30, multiple times | An eight-part film series celebrating anime that’s come from Japan in recent years | Tickets starting at $8

Celebrating Nowruz - Persian New Year | H.R. Macmillan Space Centre | March 16, 6:30 pm | A family-friendly event, learn more about Persian culture | Tickets $20

Intro to Latte Art Etching | 2208 West 4th Ave. | March 16, 9:30 am | Come learn how to make your latte art is in this interactive workshop | Tickets $49

St. Patrick's Party at Library Square | The Library Square Pub | March 16, 10 pm | What it sounds like — drinks, music and good times | Tickets $18

St. Paddy's Social Run | David Lam Park | March 17, 2:30 pm | Dress in green and join in for a run then after run drinks | Free

Devon More Sky Is Falling Album Release Show | Progress Lab 1422 | March 17, 2:30 pm | Come listen and celebrate the launch of Devon’s new album | Tickets $15 online

Andrew McDermott - One Day Pastel Workshop | 2408 W 41st Ave | March 31, 10 am | Come learn pastel with renowned artist Andrew McDermott in his first pastel workshop | Tickets $135

VANCITY LOOKOUT EATS

Food stories you might’ve missed this week

If you aren’t an Insider or a member of our food publication, you may have missed a few stories. Just in case, here they are:

🇮🇩 Jungle Room is setting itself apart with unique Indonesian and Japanese dishes, as well as a memorable interior.

🥚 A Hong Kong breakfast joint in President Plaza has an affordable egg sandwich that will make you forget all about Vancouver brunch.

🥐 Also over at President Plaza is a bakery combining the flavour of Hong Kong with French baked goods. The result is something entirely different and special. 

📚 I wrote my first cookbook recommendation from chef Yotam Ottolenghi featuring dishes meant to be created from leftovers around your house.

🧆 Vegetarians rejoice — this new Middle Eastern spot, while maybe not catering directly to you, has a number of creative options. And the hummus is itself worth a trip.

Like the Lookout? Want to keep this newsletter free for everyone and get access to additional stories like the one above? Become an Insider member today and unlock the best Vancouver has to offer

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• The operator of three swing bridges in Vancouver took to Reddit for an Ask Me Anything. [Reddit]

• Uncover insider travel secrets with Daily Drop. Their 5-min newsletter helps you maximize miles, find affordable fares, and stay ahead with top loyalty programs. Join 1M+ adventurers who get their daily insights - sign up for free! [Sponsored]

• The PNE Fair announced it will take place from Aug. 17 to Sept. 2. [CityNews]

• Former ferries in BC keep popping up in weird places. The most recent is a former luxury Victoria to Vancouver ferry that was spotted in Antigua and Barbuda. [Daily Hive]

• What do Batman, Dune and Gladiator all have in common? The composer of all three, plus many other popular movies, Hans Zimmer, will be touring through Vancouver on Oct. 6. [CityNews]

• Now this is a very funny poster advertising a literal dog lawyer. [Reddit]

• Congrats to the Orpheum Theatre which celebrated its 50-year anniversary this year. Fun fact, it’s the fourth one to hold the name Orpheum. [YouTube]

GAME TIME

Congrats to Kari, Patricia, Henry, and JO who all guessed the Vancouver Guesser was near Coal Harbour.

Today’s game is Wordle. If you read today’s newsletter, you’ll have no problem guessing it. Play it here.