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Strata changes incoming after building tries to kick out expectant mother and husband

Plus, some beautiful homes and police officers are facing potential neglect of duty allegations

Good morning,

It was a battle of David and Goliath — an expectant mother and her husband versus a strata council that tried to get around new tenancy laws. Who would prevail?

It turns out baby, mom and dad reigned supreme as the B.C. government has promised to change rules around 55+ rental restrictions.

We’ve got that, plus a breakdown of allegations of police misconduct of a man who died seven years ago during an arrest, some lovely new homes around town and readers’ favourite Vancouver pizza joints.

Let’s get at it.

— Geoff Sharpe

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WEATHER

Wednesday: 9 🌡️ 2 |

Thursday: 11 🌡️ 3 |

Friday: 13 🌡️ 4 | ⛅ (It’s practically summer!)

VANCOUVER BY THE NUMBERS

🌎 4.2: The magnitude of an earthquake off the B.C. coast, that struck 40 km southwest of Daajing Giids on Haida Gwaii. [CTV]

⚽ 24: The number of extra games that the U.S., Canada and Mexico will share as part of the expanded schedule for the FIFA World Cup. It means extra games will be played in Vancouver and Toronto.

🏢 $2,730: The monthly price to rent a one-bedroom in Vancouver, up 24 percent year-over-year. [Rentals]

🧾 $13,000: The gas bill an East Vancouver woman received after she thought her ex-partner was paying for the last three years. Fortis has reduced the price to only six-months worth. [CityNews]

HOUSING

55+ versus a baby, and the baby won

The B.C. government promised amendments to its strata law after the story of a strata building changing to 55+ before the planned law changes came into effect, according to CityNews.

What happened: A couple who recently bought a home in a 35+ building was contemplating having to sell their unit after the strata voted to become a 55+ building. They would not have been able to have their baby in the building due to the new age restriction.

Background: The provincial government brought in new laws to increase the availability of rental units, one of which was to allow building owners to rent out their units, limiting the ability of stratas to enact rental limits, according to Global. This did not apply to buildings that were 55+.

Changes coming: Eby has said the province plans to introduce legislation to prevent issues like this from happening again. More details were not available.

  • Dig deeper: Changing buildings to 55+ not only reduces rental supply, but realtors say changing a building to 55+ also reduces the value of a building when it’s time to sell it, according to Global.

QUOTE

“First off, we’re in a housing crisis. We know families need housing. In my opinion, this strata council needs to give their head a shake. Here you have a young family that’s already living in the house. To change the rules to not allow this person to continue to stay with a child, I think they need to rethink their decision.” Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said when asked. [CityNews]

DREAM HOME

Instead of featuring homes from one neighbourhood, we’re going extravagant. This week’s featured homes are ones we think excel with some really nice design elements.

Views to die for

This Point Gray home features one of the best views we’ve seen, with stunning 20-foot ceilings. And with 4,309 square feet, you can literally lose yourself in the home. Surprisingly for the price, it only has three bedrooms, but it certainly makes up for it with a gorgeous patio and a tasteful design throughout. This may be the priciest place we’ve ever listed.

Prestigious design

Located in the East End, this place screams design forward. If you’ve driven through Stanley Park, it’s the most noticeable building on the skyline. Now, with this price and 2,076 square feet, it’s not really a steal and the two bedrooms won’t leave you with a ton of room. But you do have access to a Japanese soaker tub, which sounds lovely.

Old-school

At first glance, you might wonder how this place is worth this much. But the interior design is lovely, with a wall that peels away to give you an entire view of the waterfront (which is at your doorstep). You can enjoy the views from three different levels and the jacuzzi tub is also a nice edition. It’s pricey for two bedrooms, but you can’t put a price on views like this.

THE AGENDA

🚓 A woman was found dead in a tent in the Downtown Eastside on Sunday. Police are still investigating the cause. The person has not been identified and police do not expect it was as a result of foul play. [CityNews]

🚘 Confused by B.C.’s distracted driving laws? You aren’t the only one. ICBC is too. It’s one reason why advocates are calling on the government to update the laws so it’s more clear, especially around distracted driving and cell phones. [Global]

🐕 Pet owners face many limits to finding housing, much less something affordable. A Surrey man’s challenges to find affordable housing illustrate the challenges of owning a pet and finding a home in Metro Vancouver. [CityNews]

🦨 A strain of avian flu associated with an outbreak in 2022 was found in February in skunks in Vancouver and Richmond. The strain caused millions of deaths of poultry since last April. [CBC]

🏠 Even though B.C.’s real estate market is down, realtors expect month-over-month numbers to increase. [CBC]

🏥 A new analysis shows that the broader growth of private healthcare does not actually reduce wait times or decrease costs. In fact, it might just make it worse. [CBC]

🛥️ There is no timeline for the removal of a 26-foot boat that’s washed up on Jericho Beach. But Transport Canada promises they plan to deal with it! [CTV]

🚫 Sorry to all you government Tik Tokers, but the popular social media app is now banned on municipal government devices. [Global]

🏚️ A crumbling heritage building at 245 East Broadway has forced the closure of a number of businesses. There’s no timelien on when they might re-open. [Gobal]

POLICE

Police officers facing potential neglect of duty allegations

What happened: A report by B.C.’s Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner says allegations of abuse of authority and neglect of duty may be warranted when Myles Gray died after an altercation with Vancouver Police over seven years ago, according to Global.

  • The seven officers involved could lose their jobs or face disciplinary measures. The report is not yet finalized and the allegations are not yet proven.

Allegations: The B.C. Prosecution Service said police “restrained Gray's arms and legs, punched, kicked and kneed him, pepper-sprayed him and struck him with a baton,” according to CBC. Police were initially called because Gray confronted a person watering their lawn during a drought in 2015. Despite a number of injuries, the corner was never able to pinpoint the cause of his death after the arrest, according to CBC.

  • Gray’s mother had this to say: “These people should be dismissed from their jobs, absolutely they do. Because up until now, in my opinion, it’s been a perversion of justice. They have been working for seven years.”

Background: The probe was complicated by a lack of cooperation by some officers, and that the police were the only witnesses. In 2020, the B.C. Prosecution Service declined to file charges because of the lack of witnesses but was eventually reopened as part of this report.

  • Six of the officers may have neglected their duty by not taking written notes of what happened. It was found two other officers at the scene did not have substantiated allegations of misconduct against them, according to CBC.

What’s next: This issue is not yet resolved. Deputy Police Complaint Commissioner Andrea Spindler said the OPCC could order a review of the decision. A coroner’s inquest will also begin next month, according to CBC.

VANCOUVER FAVOURITES

Thanks to everyone who shared their favourite pizza joints in Vancouver. The top choices were:

Here are some reader suggestions:

Nicli Antica Pizzeria: “Best Neapolitan base and incredible flavour combinations. Nothing beats their tiramisu.” One thing to note is that this is North Vancouver, but who doesn’t love a short trip by Seabus?

Sopra Sotto: “How was Sopra Sotto left off this list? Especially the North Burnaby location which has the best pizzaiolo in the city for my money.”

Captain’s Oven: ​​"Captain’s Oven is consistently delicious and a lot of their pizzas have a unique twist. They have their own small group of in-house delivery drivers that are absolutely lovely that you can tell take pride in the place (and they’re fast). Excellent downtown pizza spot.” - Chris

My personal recommendations are DiBeppe’s fennel sausage pizza, and make sure to go with some friends and get the extra large version; and Nightingale, which I would argue has the best Neapolitan-style pizza in the city.

Thanks to everyone who shared their favourites. What type of restaurant should we do next?

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Some good news - the Vancouver Folks Musical Festival will be back. [CityNews]

  • Drake fan? It was just announced he’s visiting Vancouver on Aug. 28 as part of his “It’s All a Blur” tour. [CBC]

  • One YouTube user walked the entire Millennium Line in one day.

  • Want to learn the art of bookbinding? Head over to the West End museum. [Vancouver Sun]

  • If you enjoy hiking, the Spirit Trail in North Vancouver just got $10 million in funding and may be closer to reality. [CBC]

  • Reddit users are sharing their favourite salad shops in downtown Vancouver. The list includes Hungry Guys, Field and Social and Green Leaf Salad Bar. [Reddit]

  • Want to know what old vehicles looked like? Here’s the first one in Vancouver. [Vancouver Is Awesome]

GAME TIME
Vancouver geoguesser

Google Maps

Today’s game is VancouverGuesser — any guesses where this is? I’ve certainly spent a few days in the summer visiting. Reply with your answers and name to be featured.

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