By-laws
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.
Court Rules that Company Must Pay Property Taxes
A BC Court of Appeal has ruled that companies must pay thier property taxes. Several large-scale industrial companies had begun to withhold property taxes, complaining that their share of taxes was too high. Read Vancouver Sun article here.Vancouver council approves backyard chicken plan
Vancouver City Council adds its name to the list of over 300 North American cities that have amended their by-laws to allow for backyard chickens. Read article here.Planning a Post-Carbon World:The City of North Vancouver and the 100 Year Plan
The City of North Vancouver's 100 Year Sustainability Vision represents perhaps the first attempt to use greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets to inform the long-term design of a city. The project was a collaborative partnership between the Design Centre for Sustainability at the University of British Columbia, known for advancing the science and application of sustainable community design strategies, and the City of North Vancouver, known for its deep and abiding commitment to urban sustainability.Read the rest of professor Patrick M. Condon's blog here:
Tofino to Fast-Food Chains: Keep Out
The District of Tofino is drafting bylaws that would throw up a nearly insurmountable series of roadblocks to discourage franchised fast-food chains hoping to do business in Canada's surfer playground.The district is considering restrictions on everything from the size and illumination of signage and cookie-cutter decor to takeout packaging, carbon footprint and use of non-local ingredients, according to chief administrative officer Bob Long.
Tofino By-Law Would Ban Franchises
The District of Tofino is currently drafting a by-law that would ban franchises from setting up shop in the district. The legislation aims to protects the uniqueness of the community. Read more here.Province urged to restrict pesticides; Poll shows 76 per cent support ban on cosmetic pesticides
British Columbians are being asked for their input on whether the provincial government should ban the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes.
But a spokeswoman for the Canadian Cancer Society of British Columbia and Yukon said there is enough research on the topic for the government to move forward now and adopt a strong cosmetic-pesticide ban.
Barbara Kaminsky noted the society recently commissioned an Ipsos Reid poll that showed 76 per cent of British Columbians favour this type of legislation.
"Buy American" bogeyman: Instead of fretting about US purchasing policies, we should focus on stimulating Canada's economy
Who knew? It turns out the biggest threat to the Canadian economy and jobs is not collapsed global financial institutions, weak markets, lack of innovation or declining infrastructure. No - apparently the clear and present danger Canada suddenly faces is "Buy American."B.C. falling behind Ontario in toxins reduction
If toxic substances harmful to your health were being released into your community's environment, shouldn't you have the right to know?The province of Ontario is moving forward to provide that right to its residents and B.C.-based Toxic Free Canada wants to see similar protections established in this province.
Tent Camping Homeless to Politicians: 'Face Facts!'
Published: June 16, 2009, The Tyee
That the city of Victoria and the British Columbia government are so determined to keep fighting to prevent homeless people from sheltering themselves speaks volumes, said Simon Ralph, who knows the pressure first hand.
