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Downtown Vancouver Re-Imagined

2015, Summit We the City, Cities

We've re-imagined downtown Vancouver. Come find out what's next!

Join the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) and SFU Public Square inside the Vancouver Club for a special edition of the DVBIA's always popular Downtown Libations event.

We are thrilled to announce the release of the Re-imagine Downtown Vancouver findings. We have talked to thousands of folks about what they want their downtown to look, taste and feel like in 25 years. 

Thu, 05 Nov 2015

4:00 p.m. (PT)

The Vancouver Club
915 W Hastings St, Vancouver

About We the City

From October 30 to November 7 of 2015, SFU Public Square hosted its fourth annual Community Summit. Through a series of imaginative and interactive events, we explored the theme of city-building. We reflected on the important role of creativity, arts and culture in building and sustaining our cities and our neighbourhoods. By profiling the increasing pressure facing municipalities by surging urbanization and considering what attracts and holds people to our urban centres, we reminded residents of the power they hold to shape their city. Together, we deliberated on possible futures where everyone can not only survive, but also thrive. We invigorated the public conversation on how people can connect with their cities, find their voice, and enjoy increased participation in civic life.

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In the News

Arts supported in downtown Vancouver’s future — Charlie Smith, The Georgia Straight (August 26, 2015)

Help re-imagine downtown Vancouver — DH Vancouver Staff, Daily Hive (July 9, 2015)

What will Vancouver look like when it grows up? [VIDEO] — Vancouver Observer (August 17, 2015)

'Re-Imagine Downtown Vancouver' is a chance for the public to take in a lunchtime panel and speak up about where it's headed.

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Where is this city headed in 25 years? And what kind of future do we want?

Those are some of the questions being posed at an SFU City Conversation event at a downtown park this Thursday, Aug. 20, co-sponsored by Re-Imagine Downtown Vancouver and Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) .

Re-Imagine Downtown Vancouver is a chance for the public to take in a lunchtime panel and speak up about where it's headed. What do you love about downtown Vancouver? What needs to change? How can we make this community one of the best in the world in which to live, work, play and learn?

These are important questions during this city's rampant growth — not unlike a teenager.

"Vancouver is still an adolescent not realizing it’s becoming an adult and not knowing what it wants to be when it grows up," says renowned architect and urban designer Bing Thom. “The fact of the matter is, it’s going to grow up very fast and if we don’t get a hold of it other people will determine how we’re going to grow up."

Vancouver appears to be all grown up but is still in adolescence, says renowned architect Bing Thom. Screen shot from DVBIA video (below).

The event takes place from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the urban park setting at the north end of Hornby Street at West Hastings, part of the the DVBIA's 25th anniversary event that includes developing a collaborative and compelling vision for the 2040 downtown Vancouver experience.

A panel of speakers presenting their visions include: Lance Berelowitz, a planner, urban designer, award-winning writer and commentator, who will look at the evolution of downtown Vancouver's urban planning and design culture; Keltie Craig from the City of Vancouver, who will share her vision for downtown as a "healthy city" Rounding and the Very Reverend Peter Elliott, dean and rector of Christ Church Cathedral Vancouver, who will discuss his hopes for social inclusion and community building in downtown Vancouver.

Then it’s the public's turn to question, observe, and offer perspective and opinion. Here are a few:

Further Reading

Downtown Vancouver Re-Imagined
By Downtown Vancouver BIA (DVBIA)

Reports and Resources

Partners

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