VPSN Public Space – Weekend Update (Halloween Edition)
This newsletter contains a number of items that will be of interest, including fun stuff like tomorrow’s VPSN Halloween Skytrain Party and our ongoing Active Fiction walking tours, opportunities for you to provide input on parks, plaza, transit and biking facilities. Finally, some cool events will be taking place over the next week or so – and we’ve profiled a few of our favourites.
But hey, before we get to the local stuff… did you know that tomorrow is World Cities Day? For the last few years, the United Nations has celebrated “Urban October” – advancing a variety of events related to urban issues. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better! Now there’s more to October 31 than candy and costumes.
Halloween, and the 10th Annual SkyTrain Party – October 31
… But on that theme of scary, sugary delight, let’s celebrate the colourful and creative animation of public space that takes place around neighbourhoods across the city. Decorations, lights, and eager kids (and kids at heart) are all part of the fun. The connection between good urbanism and Halloween has also been explored via articles on the Trick-or-Treat test, the Trick-or-Treat Onslaught Map, and, for a number of year’s the BTA Treatcount project.
For the VPSN crew, Halloween means a return to one of our favourite adventures:the Halloween SkyTrain party. This year marks the 10th year we’ve organized the event – and we’re aiming to make it better than ever.
Interested in joining in the fun? Of course you are. Get your scariest (funnest, sassiest) costume together and join us as we ride the Canada Line to Richmond. We also have a public space after party planned.
Follow the link below for all the details – and a few changes from previous years event.
:: More information – VPSN SkyTrain Party
Active fiction – through November 1
The VPSN’s Active Fiction Project creates short, fictional, ‘choose your own adventure’ stories that take place in a Vancouver neighbourhood. The self-guided stories are ‘hidden’ in public spaces for readers to discover by walking, or biking, through the same neighborhood in which the story is set.
We have two new stories currently installed, and up through Sunday. Going for a stroll this weekend? Check out one or both of these literary treats… and walk your way into a story!
- “Giveaway” by Kari-Lund Teigen – starts at Main & 20th, near bike racks at Bean Around the Worldcafe. Will be up til Nov 1st.
- “The Birds” by Dina Del Bucchia and Daniel Zomparelli – starts in front of Off the Tracks cafe in Railspur Alley, on Granville Island.
:: More information – Active Fiction Website
Public Space Engagement Opportunities
Jim Deva (Heart of Davie) Plaza
The City has recently released the Final Concept for the new Jim Diva (“Heart of Davie”) Plaza in the West End. A great new neighbourhood gathering space is being developed for Bute and Davie, and the City is looking for your feedback. Share your thoughts on this important initiative by completing a short survey.
:: More info – Jim Deva Plaza
:: Take the survey – Deadline November 1, 2015
A New Park at Smithe and Richards
Elsewhere on the downtown peninsula, the Park Board has just released four initial concepts for the new park at Smithe and Richards. Each of the concepts features several design elements and drawings. Park Board staff are looking for feedback on the various features that are being proposed – and will be using community input to refine and synthesize the four concepts.
:: More info – Smithe & Richards Park
:: Share Your Input – Smithe & Richards Park Questionnaire– Deadline November 15
10th Avenue Corridor Project
10th Avenue is one of the busiest cycling routes in the city. A major east/west path, the designate bike route carries upwards of a half-million people each year.
The City is looking to make upgrades to the route to improve comfort and accessibility for people walking and cycling. They are focus on key intersections along East 10th as well as the particularly congested segment near Vancouver General Hospital. Open Houses are being held onNovember 2 and November 7, and you can also provide feedback online.
:: More info: E 10th Ave Upgrades + Community Events
:: Take the 10th Avenue Corridor Survey – Deadline November 15
Translink Transit Network Survey
Translink is currently reviewing a number of daytime and nighttime bus routes – both in Vancouver and throughout the region. A significant number of changes are being proposed – 85 in total – that will affect existing daytime and nighttime bus routes. If you’re a regular transit rider, you’ll want to have a look at these details.
Information on the proposed changes can be found on theTranslink website, and a survey is available until November 6.
Upcoming Events
A quick run down of some other items taking place next week. You can find more on these – and many other events taking place – on our Events Page
Greenest City Action Plan –November 3
On Tuesday, City Council will receive a report on the Greenest City program. Public space enthusiasts will want to look at the coverage for things like “green transportation” and “access to nature.”
We The City – Community Summit – On through November 7
From October 30th to November 7th, SFU Public Square is hosting its fourth annual Community Summit.
There are a number of exciting events taking place. We’ve highlighted a few here, but check out theSFU Public Square Webpage for a full run-down.
Resilient Renewable Cities – November 2
Creating resilient cities means changing the way we plan and build cities. The purpose of this event is to discuss how to best reconcile increasing renewable energy supply while reducing energy use and ensuring resiliency.
SFU Public Square, HCMA Architecture + Design and TILT Curiosity Labs invite you to join other engaged citizens for this one-day exciting event that gives you the chance to temporarily transform spaces in the public realm.
We the City – An Evening at the Centre – November 4
SFU Public Square, in partnership with Vancity present We The City: An Evening at the Centre, an engaging and interactive celebration of the important role that arts and culture play in reflecting and shaping the fabric of our cities. Candy Chang, Teju Cole, and Buffy Sainte-Marie will provide compelling talks and Mo Dhaliwalwill guide us through the signature event of the 2015 Community Summit.
Would Cities Be Different if they were Designed by Women – November 5
While there are many inspirational female architects, planners and municipal politicians in cities around the world, the biggest decisions about urban development are often made by men. Does this lack of female representation affect the design of our cities?
Media Democracy Days –November 7
Media as part of the public sphere? The annual MDD event features a day of panels and a media fair at the VPL. This year’s event sees a keynote Jesse Brown of Canadaland in partnership with the Spry Memorial Lecture.