Hello Parents, neighbours, family + friends,
We are sharing an IMPORTANT update provided by the Kitsilano Coalition!
NOTE: This is a longer than usual update, but we ask you read it all, as it has important information and asks of you.
We wanted to share an update on activities relating to 7th/Arbutus housing. We also wanted to bring to your attention, this Saturday April 5th will be the official voting day for City of Vancouver By-Election for the two seats vacated by Councillors Adrienne Carr (resigned) and Christine Boyle (elected in Provincial NDP seat).
We are asking for all to show up to vote for candidates who have stated positions to change 7th & Arbutus. See our section below on the candidates who have provided their position on this.
By-Elections generally have considerably lower turnout than General elections. Roughly 10% of the number of voters (yes 10% of already approx 35% of eligible voters for a general election). So less than 5% of all eligible voters for a by-election. For this reason it is an opportunity but also critical you show up to voice your support. See By-Election section of this Newsletter.
7th & Arbutus Update
Since the BC Court of Appeal's unanimous ruling on December 23, 2024, declaring BC Government Bill 26 unconstitutional, we have been waiting for the BC Government and City of Vancouver’s formal response. We are still awaiting their next steps.
On February 26 2025, we called on you to support a motion from ABC Mayor Ken Sim, which proposed pausing new low-barrier supportive housing investments in Vancouver to prioritize replacing unsafe buildings and ensuring a broader distribution of supportive housing across the region (currently, 77% of supportive housing is in Vancouver, which holds only 25% of the regional population). The motion also urged the Provincial government to invest in mental health and recovery services and expand housing options. This motion passed by Council vote on that day. Thanks to those of you who wrote and called in for the hearing that day.
Mayor Sim’s team have also expressed and connected to the community at 7th & Arbutus, to discuss and understand better options for the site, aligning with their goals of community safety, affordable housing and for better outcomes for those needing help. They acknowledged the extensive feedback on the 7th/8th & Arbutus project and are seeking to engage the community to find a solution that meets everyone's needs. We are encouraged by the ABC party’s proactive approach to change the current model and attempt to find a solution for all.
We will keep you updated as events unfold on this once we hear officially from the City on what next steps they intend to take.
April 5th By-Election : PLEASE ACTION AND VOTE
On Saturday April 5th 2023, there will be a City of Vancouver Municipal By-Election, to replace Councillors Adrienne Carr and Christine Boyle, who vacated their positions.
We were provided statements from candidates who wished to express their position on 7th/Arbutus from ABC Vancouver (Ralph Kaisers and Jaime Stein) and from TEAM (Colleen Hardwick and Theodore Abbott). We have them posted below with their permission and links to their websites.
First though, pertinent information about voting.
City of Vancouver 2025 By-Election Website - https://vancouver.ca/your-government/2025-by-election.aspx
NEED TO KNOW:
Voting Date: April 5, 2025
Polling Stations: Polls will be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Locations will be spread across the city, including many community centers and public buildings. To find the nearest polling station to you, check the official City of Vancouver website or use their online lookup tool.
Eligible Voters: If you are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of Vancouver, you are eligible to vote.
Bring ID: Make sure you bring one piece of government-issued ID (or two pieces that show your name and address) to the polling station to verify your identity.
Candidates/Parties who have expressed opposition to 7th & Arbutus proposal:
ABC Vancouver - https://abcvancouver.ca/byelection/
Ralph Kaisers
“As a 33-year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department, my focus is on public safety for all residents. This was a key part of ABC’s 2022 campaign, and as a Councillor, I will keep it a priority.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the growing issues of homelessness, mental health, and addiction. Housing and treatment need to be prioritized, but progress has been slow. Vancouver currently hosts 77% of the region's supportive housing, despite being only 25% of the population.
ABC's motion to pause new supportive housing is a step forward. By improving existing housing, we can enhance safety and outcomes. We'll also urge other municipalities, with Provincial support, to create more local housing options for better recovery outcomes.
If elected, I will oppose the proposed 129-unit low-barrier supportive housing at 7th & Arbutus. The housing model that concentrates people with similar needs in one building has failed. With a Women’s Recovery home and elementary school nearby, this location doesn't work with the existing vulnerable population. I’ll support alternatives, such as affordable housing for families and seniors, integrated into a family-friendly community.”
Jaime Stein
“As a Vancouver resident with a young family, I am focused on improving life in the city for all. From elderly to kids and families. Declines in the affordability, public safety and access to housing are real issues across this city and I have chosen to run with ABC, to continue to make an impact on these areas and many others. This is my motivation.
If elected, I will oppose the proposed 129-unit low-barrier supportive housing at 7th & Arbutus. We need to quickly provide affordable housing for all. In a neighborhood around 7th & Arbutus, there is a real opportunity to provide affordable housing for families, the elderly and those needing help, in a way that is far better suited to the neighborhood.
I have heard the community in Kits, and will work with my peers to formulate a building for this site, that will fit with the community, including the neighbouring Women’s Recovery home and Elementary school. The current proposal being pushed will not work in the location nor in others and I will advocate for affordable housing in this area, that works with the existing community and the needs for this family-oriented area. I will do the same across the city.”
TEAM FOR A LIVEABLE VANCOUVER - https://www.voteteam.ca/
Colleen Hardwick and Theodore Abbott
https://www.voteteam.ca/candidates
Statement below can also be found on TEAM's Website on this link
“TEAM on Council will Listen to the Community on the 7th/8th & Arbutus Project"
The project at 7th/8th & Arbutus is a classic example of what is wrong with how Council has run the City. Communities are ignored and poor planning practices are the norm. Vancouver citizens deserve better and TEAM for a Livable Vancouver will prioritize better process and outcomes by listening to local communities' valid concerns. Citizens should not have to take the government to court to be heard.
TEAM's candidate Colleen Hardwick has consistently listened to the community, and she has been opposed to this project since inception when she was on Council between 2018 - 2022.
As the Kitsilano Coalition has said, "The 7th/8th & Arbutus project, as proposed, would have placed 129 units of low-barrier supportive housing, including an in-house drug consumption room, a mere 17 metres from an elementary school with 450 children, a successful women's recovery home, and a toddler park. This is simply not a recipe for success."
Local context is important.
While social and supportive housing is essential, there needs to be a move away from large concentrations of low-barrier housing that just warehouse people in large projects that are beyond support capacity. This is not a model that works for the wellbeing of occupying residents or the broader community.
This all needs to be reconsidered for a better model that more humanely supports wellbeing and recovery for a better life. TEAM would not proceed with this project at 7th/8th & Arbutus as proposed and instead would reconsider the whole failed model.
TEAM strongly supports the co-op model of housing for families, like in South False Creek on City owned lease land. Colleen Hardwick's father, Councillor and UBC professor Walter Hardwick, successfully planned and established that area under the original T.E.A.M. that the current TEAM for a Livable Vancouver is inspired by.
If elected, Colleen Hardwick and Theodore Abbott will listen to the community and work for better outcomes for all. “
Sign up on the Kits Coalition website: https://www.kitsilanocoalition.org/ to continue to receive their newsletter, and encourage your friends and family to do the same!
As Mayor Enrique Peñalosa of Bogotá, Colombia, has famously said, “children are a kind of indicator species. If we can build a successful city for children, we will have a successful city for all people.”
Thank you for your time and partnership,
Parents for Thoughtful City Planning