Hello friends, supporters,
We are writing to share recent developments related to the proposed BC Housing development on Arbutus Street (the Arbutus Project). On Tuesday, the BC Government introduced legislation, Bill 26 (watch the video below explaining the Bill), which will override any court decision made in a legal action currently underway to challenge the validity of the public hearings for the Arbutus Project. The BC Government has stated this legislation is intended to clear the way for construction of the housing project to begin in 2024.
Our position is, and has always been, that any housing project must comprehensively address the health and safety of our neighbourhoods vulnerable children, seniors, women fleeing violence, provide proper care for the proposed tenants of the site as well as offer a mixed use of housing inclusive of families, children; the Arbutus Project fails to do that.
We are also deeply concerned that the proposed legislation does not respect the fundamental right of all communities to receive fair public hearings. The proposed legislation undermines opportunities for community input and meaningful consultation on public projects.
In previous communications, we have referred to the efforts of the Kitsilano Coalition in opposing the rezoning application. Some of you have supported KitsCo with financial contributions that made the petition to the BC Supreme Court for a judicial review of the flawed Public Hearing possible. The case was obviously so strong, the city had to have felt we would win otherwise they would not have reached out to Eby for "support" as media alludes to. For this early contribution and its success we thank you.
For those of you that share these concerns, we invite and encourage you to show your support. NOW.
Please make a financial contribution to Kitsilano Coalition: Contribute Online. Funds will be used exclusively to STOP Bill 26 and our governments actions taking aims at Constitutional Law at whim.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and remains committed in our actions to advocate for the safety and best interests of all.
Bill 26 Explained
Please watch the dangers of this extra-ordinary measure of "Rewriting the Law" as Explained by MLA Michael DeJong Yesterday:
http://videoarchive.leg.bc.ca/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/0/-1/13759?viewmode=2
Yours in equity, compassion, and collaboration,
Parents4TCP