Is Vancouver a violent city?

Good morning,

If you were wondering why you didn’t get an email on Monday, it’s because I forgot to mention it was a holiday. Oops. But I’m back and ready to deliver you the news.

Also, some good news, inflation is down. But in bad news, grocery prices are still expensive. Does anyone have any tricks to keep grocery costs down? I’d love to hear them.

Today we’ve got a backlog in development proposals, a violent Vancouver weekend and what Coal Harbour housing has to offer.

Onwards!

— Geoff Sharpe

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WEATHER

Wednesday: 2 🌡️ -3 | ❄️

Thursday: 2 🌡️ -7 | ⛅

Friday: 2 🌡️ -3 | ⛅

WEEKLY LOOKOUT

Time to apply: Are you a low-income renter? You still have time to apply for a federal $500 housing benefit. Your net income must be under $35,000 for a family or $20,000 for an individual. The closing date is March 31. [Vancouver is Awesome]

Weather warning: It seems like every week, there’s a weather warning. Well, this week is no different. Winds and rain are expected to hit Metro Vancouver this week, with a low-pressure system coming in from Alaska. What is a low-pressure system you ask (I certainly did)? Check it out here. [Vancouver Sun]

CITY HALL

Development backlog with no end in sight

What happened: With a surge in development proposals, Vancouver city staff say they do not have the resources to properly deal with the backlog of applications and the corresponding public hearings, according to a report by Urbanized.

The numbers: There are 296 active rezoning applications as of January, which according to Urbanized, is 100 more than usual, a 51 percent increase. Most of these proposals are major projects which take a long time to review.

• City staff cited an increase in interest in development projects along the Broadway expansion as one reasons for the delays.

Background: Acknowledging that development projects take a long time, over the last two years, the city has tried to streamline the process, through online permit applications and shortening simple renovation permits. The full list of permit improvements can be found here, though most apply to small projects.

• The B.C. government also announced a streamlined process in January by creating “a single, coordinated approach to housing-related permits and authorization,” according to CityNews.

Looking backwards: This isn’t a new problem and isn’t just a development issue. In June 2022, permits for residential and commercial renovations were up 25 percent from the previous year, while houses, laneway homes and duplexes all doubled, according to CBC. Part of the problem was COVID, which caused people to put off renovations.

Analysis: Announcements are one thing; execution is something else. Politicians tend to forget that government capacity is required to execute promises. The lack of internal city resources to speed up permitting backlogs is just one such example where promises meet reality.

• Related: The city is asking for public feedback on the development proposal for the MEC store, according to CTV. It would include a privately owned public space between the two proposed buildings.

VANCOUVER NUMBERS

6.2%: The annual inflation rate for B.C. January, compared to 6.6 percent in December. Canada’s total inflation rate was 5.9 percent. The cause of B.C.’s higher inflation rate? Housing. [BIV]

8,072: The number of homes for sale in mid-February, which is up by one-third since February of last year. Experts said the market may have bottomed in January, where sales were down 55 percent since last January. Sales were at 878 in the greater Vancouver area for mid-Febuary, compared to 334 at this point in mid-January. [Western Investor]

32,000: The number of temporary foreign workers in B.C. as of December 2022. That’s more than Ontario. The positions mostly relate to restaurants, farms, construction firms and retailers. [The Tyee]

POLICE

A violent weekend in Vancouver and what’s going on with crime

While many people were off enjoying the weekend, the Downtown Eastside was dealing with a number of police incidents.

What happened: On Saturday, a man was arrested, allegedly with a loaded Glock handgun, according to Castanet.

Shooting: Gunshots and a subsequent arrest occurred on Sunday afternoon, and a man has been charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm, according to the Vancouver Sun. The victim was shot multiple times but is expected to recover from the injuries. The accused is known to police and was not from the Downtown Eastside.

• In another incident that day, three men were stopped for jaywalking while wearing baklavas, and one was allegedly discovered to have a loaded handgun and other weapons.

Yesterday a man was stopped for recklessly riding his bike. It turns out he allegedly had a gun, machete, bear spray, baton and ammunition, according to Castanet.

Yes, but: Incidents like this that are constantly reported by outlets (this one included) make it appear Vancouver is dealing with an epidemic of violence. As noted in a letter sent to council from Vancouver City Manager Paul Mochrie, the media also plays a role, focusing on a “fear-based approach” and putting “focusing too much on negative stories and foregoing more positive ones,” according to the Vancouver Sun.

The data also shows a somewhat different picture. Violent crime did increase during the COVID pandemic, but it was only by two incidents during the months of January to March of 2021 to 2022.

• Adreesen’s research also showed that violent crime increased in poverty-stricken areas of the city during COVID. The problem associated with homelessness, drugs and violence were exacerbated by the pandemic.

A small aside: Here at the Lookout, we’re mindful of reporting these stories without sensationalism and providing readers with the data you need to understand the broader context of each issue. Don’t hesitate to reach out with feedback on these stories.

NEW JOBS

Check out the new open positions in Vancouver:

• Head of business development representatives at Grammarly

• Director of campaigns at Simon Fraser University

• Managing director for 312 Main at Vancity Community Foundation

• VP, e-commerce and digital marketing at Herschel Supply Company

• Managing director of UBC Career Centre at UBC

DREAM HOME

What you can buy in Coal Harbour

Ever dreamed of living in Coal Harbour? Well here’s your chance to see what you can afford.

Affordable

Good news, there’s a piece of property available for $100,000. The bad news is it’s a parking spot. Maybe you can pitch a tent?

If that doesn’t suit you, there’s always a houseboat. Coming in at this price, it’s actually affordable. That swaying isn’t an earthquake, it’s the gentle waves rocking you to sleep. Plus it’s prettier inside than it has any right to be…

Vancouver-affordable

A two-bedroom, in Coal Harbour, for this price? No it’s not a typo. Pricey for Vancouver but not for downtown, 945 square foot home has room. The kitchen won’t impress anyone, but you’ve got a nice solarium where you can… solar? Anyway, it’s not too shabby for the area and the price.

Dream home

Dream home is right. At 6,041 square feet — no, that’s not a typo — this penthouse has a chef's kitchen, a private hot tub, a personal home theatre and four parking stalls. It lists three bedrooms, but you could turn any of the extra office or media rooms into more space for friends. Did we mention it’s surrounded entirely by a 2,100-square-foot patio?

You’ll have to commit some serious financial crimes to afford this place.

THE AGENDA

🏒 The Canucks just can’t catch a break. The team announced Oliver Ekman-Larsson will be out for a few weeks after an ankle sprain. Curtis Lazar also received an injury from the game. He joins Thatcher Demko, who’s been out since Dec. 1. [Global]

🎤 City council is facing criticism for failing to adopt a Climate Justice Charter to address climate and equity issues. It was designed to help city staff when developing policies. Coun. Klassen, who was part of the ABC team that voted against the charter said the city “already has a chief equity officer and an existing equity framework strategy.” [CBC]

⚽ Striker Sergio Córdova has joined the Whitecaps for this season. He led the Real Salt Lake in scoring last year. [Whitecaps]

🗳️ The Chinese consulate has denied allegations that it interfered in federal elections in B.C., allegations reported by the Globe and Mail. It’s alleged they helped defeat candidates who were unfriendly to the Chinese government. [Vancouver Sun]

⛏️ Teck Resources, a Vancouver-based mining company, announced they’re splitting into two companies. The steelmaking coal business from its mining business. The new mining company will be called Teck Metals Corp. [Business in Vancouver]

💰 If you’re a low-income resident, expect to see a little more money in your pocket. The BC Family Benefit will get a boost of up to $350 over three months. [BC Government]

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Swoop is offering 25 percent off it’s base fares for a bunch of places in Mexico and the Caribbean. [Vancouver is Awesome]

• Hockey underwater? Yes, it’s a thing, and five B.C. players are competing in Australia for the world championships. [CBC]

• They won’t pick you up, but these 12 Lego replica busses are just lovely. [CTV]

• Why are there junk monsters in downtown Vancouver? [Vancouver is Awesome]

• This cat named Humpty went missing at Knight and 33rd area. If you’ve seen it, please contact the SPCA. [Reddit]

• If you like board games, then be sure to check out these five spots, including Turquoise Goat and Pizzeria Ludica. [Vancouver Magazine]

• If you think you’re old, you haven’t met Vancouver resident Merle Millicent Romney O'Hara, who just turned 111… Nope, that’s not a typo. [CTV]

GOOD NEWS

Start your day off with some good news:

Congrats to 17-year-old Vancouver resident Tyson Venegas, who stunned the judges on the season premiere of American Idol, playing Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind.” One judge commented, “you are exactly what we look for, what we pray for.” [CTV]

COMMUNITY QUESTION

The best Vancouver hacks

Reddit user mthyvold asked locals to share their favourite Vancouver hacks. We’ve summarized the best ones. Enjoy!

“If you SkyTrain back from a Canucks game, go to Granville station instead of Stadium Chinatown. That way you can actually get a seat.” - EPiiCx5587

“Wanna park forever downtown? Check out 600 to 700 Howe.” - Fataii

“I go to food courts 15-20 mins before they close, they usually give me a large portion so they can get rid of all the food.” - yooooooo5774

“You can exchange your More Rewards Points for BC Ferries ticket.” - GraveRobb

“Downtown Vancouver Library has tons of free resources like recording studios, computers with adobe premium/photoshop, and free use meeting spots. They also have tons of downloadable e-book.” - Envermans

“Weekday night skiing at Cypress is the best local skiing when it comes to available terrain and length of lines. Even better if you catch the sunset from sky chair.”

“Compass cards give you a 20% transit discount. Wearables like the wristband or mini makes it even more convenient.” - xlxoxo

You can read the rest of the hacks here.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Who doesn’t love Evo? Except for when you’re facing an Evo Void... Chinatown is also notorious for this.

GAME TIME

Congrats to everyone who answered Friday’s Wordle. The answer was Canucks.

This one is for all you news readers today. What Vancouver company is splitting into two? Reply with your name and answer to be featured in the newsletter.