Centre for Civic Governance

Canadian Opera Company is Abuzz with Bees

The Canadian Opera Company in Toronto is doing their part to stop the decline of bee populations in North America. They have installed two honey bee hives on the roof of their building. Recent studies have shown that urban bees often fare better than their rural counterparts due to lower pesticide exposure. Read Globe and Mail article here.

Michael Posner

From Thursday's Globe and Mail Published on Wednesday, May. 19, 2010

UN Report on Biodiversity Predicts Collapse of Many of the Worlds Plant and Animal Species

A recent UN report highlights a dramatic loss in global biodiversity. It points to the collapse of coral reefs, harvesting of the rainforest and the decline of many fresh water lakes. Global leaders are being urged to make a concerted effort to preserve biodiversity and to make preservation a fundamental priority in any development planning. Read Globe and Mail article here.

Alberta Liberals propose a Monetary Incentive to Vote

In an effort to increase turnout at the polls, Alberta Liberals are proposing a $50.00 tax credit for those who vote in the provincial election. The proposal is part of a 12 point strategy to increase accounatbility and effectiveness in government. Read article in Globe and Mail.

Police Credit More Services for Mentally Ill and Addicted for Vancouver's plummeting Crime Rate

An increase in shelter beds, and improved services for those with mental illness and addictions is helping to reduce Vancouver's crime rate. Read Globe and Mail story here.

Vancouver to go on a Road Diet

In an effort to boost cycling as a mode of transportation from 3.7 percent to 10% the city of Vancouver is allocating $25 million dollars towards a two year plan, that will include a reduction in road space for cars. The City has already converted a lane of traffic from the both the Burrard Street Bridge and the Georgia Viaduct to cycling lanes, with very little fuss. Drivers have adjusted to these changes easily.

Vancouver Becomes Canada's First Fair Trade City

Vancouver has signed on to be Canada's first Fair Trade City. With an ethical purchasing policy already in use, this move further establishes the city's commitment to buying products that were made with fair and sustainable labour practices. Read more in the Vancouver Sun.

To view Vancouver's Fair Trade resolution, click here.

Living Wage Calculation Now at $18.17 Hour

Read article in today's Vancouver Sun that explains why the living wage calculation has gone up from $16.74 in 2008, to today's living wage, $18.17 in 2010.

Offshore Drilling Put on Hold

The massive oil spill off the coast of Louisiana has promted the White House to put on hold all offshore drilling projects. This comes after Obama recently lifted the moratorium on offshore drilling in Alaska in an attempt to encourage Republicans ito sign on to his Climate Change bill. Read article in Globe and Mail here.

City's first Rooftop Farm will Supply Food to Downtown Eastside Residents

A parkade rooftop in the Downtown Eastside is about to become the city's first urban rooftop farm. Food grown at the farm will be sold to local residents as well as distributed to local inner city agencies and kitchen. The managers of the project expect to hire 25 part-time workers from the community. Read the full story in the Vancouver Sun here.

Vancouver Walking Tours Begin Tomorrow

Jane's Walks, a series of walking tours presented by Think City are being held May 1st and 2nd. These unique walking tours are hosted by volunteer citizens wishing to share their neighbourhood of interest. Some of the walks include: Labour History of the Downtown Eastside, Opium, Laundry and Pawnshops, and UBC's Sustainable Community. To view the full list of walks, or to register, click here.