SALA/Urbanarium CityDebate (looking for SCARP participants!)

UBC APSC's School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture are producing a CityDebate!

Adding INTERVENERS to the model is a new idea - a way of mentoring young debaters and getting fresh perspectives on an issue - 2 students would be provided an honorarium to research, add their perspective and direct some questions to one or either of the sides. 

CityDebate #15: Rethink the DTES Plan

The Downtown Eastside Plan (2014) was created to protect low-income residents and other community members by restricting new development and uses not specifically targeting the poor. Many believe the DTES is Vancouver's last authentic and compassionate neighbourhood in the city; others see a neighbourhood in decline. Is it time to rethink the DTES Plan to allow for a greater mix of self-supporting uses, residents and businesses? Or, does the DTES Plan effectively protect a vulnerable population and preserve/provide the best possibility for a cohesive neighbourhood? 

Links to the Plan:

Downtown Eastside Plan (2014)

Downtown Eastside Implementation (2014-2018)

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Participating so far:

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Our moderator:
​​​​​Frances Bula

Frances Bula is an award winning journalist specializing in urban issues and city politics in the Vancouver region, which she has covered since 1994. She writes for the Globe and Mail’s B.C. section and Report on Business. She has written for the Vancouver Sun, BCBusiness, Canadian Architect, Canadian Business, Georgia Straight, and countless more.

Pro:

Jon Stovell

Jon Stovell is the President and CEO of Reliance Properties Ltd. He has been in the real estate investment and development industry for over 30 years working in all areas including acquisitions, finance, civic approvals, construction and marketing, policy development, and industry advocacy. Jon is Board Chair of UDI (Urban Development Institute)

Suzanne Anton, KC

Suzanne served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of BC and MLA for Vancouver Fraserview from 2013 – 2017. She was elected to Vancouver City Council from 2005-2011, and began her political career on the Vancouver Park Board from 2002-2005. Suzanne is a lawyer, and a former Crown Prosecutor and math teacher.

Con:

Nathan Edelson

Nathan Edelson is a Partner with 42nd Street Consulting – focusing on planning for inclusive communities – including the “RePlanning” of False Creek South. He was the Senior City Planner for the Downtown Eastside where he worked on many policies related to housing, heritage, community economic development, social services and harm reduction.

Tanya Fader

Tanya Fader has worked in the field of supportive housing, harm reduction, mental health and addictions for twenty-three years in the DTES and beyond, beginning on the frontline, and is now the director of housing for PHS Community Services Society’s housing and sheltering operations in Vancouver.

Recent CityDebates

• CityDebate #12: Remove Colonial Markers 

• CityDebate #13: Commercialize the Seawall

• CityDebate #14: Elect Regional Representatives

Organized by: Urbanarium, UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Sponsored by: BOSA, Marcon, Quantum, RH Architects, Shato Holdings Ltd., Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel, Strand