Urbanarium-SALA CityDebate #15: RETHINK THE DTES PLAN

The Downtown Eastside Plan (2014) was created to protect low-income residents and other community members by restricting new development and uses not specifically targeting the poor. Many believe the DTES is Vancouver's last authentic and compassionate neighbourhood in the city; others see a neighbourhood in decline. Is it time to rethink the DTES Plan to allow for a greater mix of self-supporting uses, residents and businesses? Or, does the DTES Plan effectively protect a vulnerable population and preserve/provide the best possibility for a cohesive neighbourhood?

6:00- 7:00PM Reception with drinks and snacks

7:00 - 8:30PM Debate

Links to the Plan:

Downtown Eastside Plan (2014)

Downtown Eastside Implementation (2014-2018)

For More Information Visit urbanarium.org

MODERATOR: Frances Bula

Frances Bula is an award winning journalist specializing in urban issues and city politics in the Vancouver region, which she has covered since 1994. She writes for the Globe and Mail’s B.C. section and Report on Business. She has written for the Vancouver Sun, BCBusiness, Canadian Architect, Canadian Business, Georgia Straight, and countless more.

PRO: Suzanne Anton, KC

Suzanne served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of BC and MLA for Vancouver Fraserview from 2013 – 2017. She was elected to Vancouver City Council from 2005-2011, and began her political career on the Vancouver Park Board from 2002-2005. Suzanne is a lawyer, and a former Crown Prosecutor and math teacher.

PRO: TBD

CON: Nathan Edelson

Nathan Edelson is a Partner with 42nd Street Consulting – focusing on planning for inclusive communities – including the “RePlanning” of False Creek South. He was the Senior City Planner for the Downtown Eastside where he worked on many policies related to housing, heritage, community economic development, social services and harm reduction.

CON: Tanya Fader

Tanya Fader has worked in the field of supportive housing, harm reduction, mental health and addictions for twenty-three years in the DTES and beyond, beginning on the frontline, and is now the director of housing for PHS Community Services Society’s housing and sheltering operations in Vancouver.

Thank you to our CityDebates Series Sponsors: BOSA Development, Marcon, Quantum, Rositch Hemphill Architects, Shato Holdings Ltd., Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel, and Strand.