Centre for Civic Governance

Vancouver Considering Building Modular Housing to Address Affordable Housing Shortage

Vancouver City Council is looking into building modular housing as a short term solution to housing the homeless. Although construction is under way on several affordable housing projects across the city, completion of these units is still years away. Modular housing has the capacity to become permanent housing if need be. Read more in the Vancouver Sun.

Tyee Reports Uncomfortable Facts About the Tar Sands

The Tyee reports that the Federal Government has killed a report examing the environmental impacts of Alberta'sTar Sands. According to the evidence presented by several reputable scientists, the industry is rapidly poisoning and depleteing the Province's water supply. Read article here.

Toronto Makes Room for Bike Parking

Toronto recently converted two car parking spots to bicycle parking. The two spots are able to hold 16 bikes.  Read Globe and Mail article here.

Metro Vancouver Debates Waste Incineration

Metro Vancouver's proposed solid waste management plan is drawing fire over its waste incineration component. The region plans to increase recycling from 50% to 70% and burn the remaining 30%. While burning grabage could potentially provide energy and heat to nearby neighbourhoods, critics warn that incineration creates toxic air pollution, releasing "emissions of mercury, lead and cadmium into the atmosphere."

Several municiplaities are opposing the plan, while others are requesting more detailed information before proceeding. 

New Report shows that Farmers' Markets Contribute $3.09 Billion to Canadian Economy.

A report comissioned in 2008 by FMC (Farmers' Market Canada ) has found that farmers' markets have an economic impact of $3.09 billion dollars anually on the Canadian economy. The study also shows that 62% of Canadians feel that buying directly from framers is extremely important. To read study click here.

Green Builders Consider the Benefits of Green Roofs, White Roofs

Green builders are currently examing the environmental benefits of different roofing systems, focusing much of their research on white roofs and green roofs. While green roofs are expensive, test sites in New York City have shown that green roofs are very effective at reducing the urban heat island effect, absorbing stormwater and keeping buildings cool in summer and warm in winter. Read more here.

Canada-EU Trade Talks: Jumping From One Sinking Ship To Another

Read Jim Stanford's Op-Ed on the CETA Trade Agreement in the Globe and Mail.

Former Vancouver Mayor Recieves City's Highest Honour

On July 6th, former Vancouver Mayor, Art Phillips receievd the Freedom of the City Award. Under Mayor Phillips, the City of Vancouver adopted socially and environmentally progressive policies that laid out the foundation for what is today one of the most livable cities in the world.

Federal Government Cutting Back Mandatory Census Collection

The Federal Government is cutting back on the collection of statistical information from Canadians. The Conservatives reason that much of the information collected is an intrusion on personal privacy. However, community groups, and those who conduct reseach and develop policy say that this move will seriously harm the quality of their work. Census information is widely used to establish the need for schools, hospitals, transit and more in community and regional planning.

 

Read Globe and Mail article here.

Green Infrastructure Better for Stormwater Control

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago have concluded that green infrastructure is better suited to deal with storm water runoff that the traditional use of curbs and gutters, detention ponds and storm sewers. Green infrastructure incorporates permeable pavement, green roofs and constructed wetlands to reduce the flow of pollutants into sewers and ultimately into rivers, streams, oceans and lakes.

Read more here.