1. What is your favourite public space in the city – park, plaza, street, community centre, library, etc – and why?
Parks hold a special place in my heart—whether it’s the vast beauty of Stanley Park or the small, tucked-away community parks scattered throughout our neighborhoods. These spaces give me a sense of peace, a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with nature in the midst of our fast-moving city. Walking through a park, hearing the birds, feeling the fresh air, and watching families, friends, and elders gather reminds me that public spaces are the heartbeat of a city. They are where we find belongings, where we heal, and where we build connections. In an increasingly digital and isolating world, these shared spaces are more important than ever.
2. In 2013, Vancouver declared itself a “City of Reconciliation”. More recently it approved its UNDRIP Strategy (2022). What role do you think public space should play regarding reconciliation?
Reconciliation must be visible, actionable, and integrated into all aspects of public life. Public spaces should:
- Recognize and Honor Indigenous Presence
- Feature monuments, totem poles, Indigenous language signage, and public art to reflect Indigenous culture and history.
- Ensure Indigenous land stewardship and traditional knowledge are respected in city planning.
- Ensure Indigenous Inclusion in All Cultural and Community Programs
- Indigenous participation should be mandatory, not optional, in all cultural events—whether Filipino, Taiwanese, Chinese, Italian, Irish, or any other community-led program.
- Every public celebration, festival, and civic event should acknowledge the First Nations on whose land we gather.
- Indigenous communities must be actively involved in planning, leading, and performing in public events.
- Create Culturally Safe and Inclusive Spaces
- Public spaces must be free from discrimination and welcoming to all Indigenous people.
- Establish designated Indigenous gathering spaces for cultural events, ceremonies, and land-based learning.
- Strengthen Indigenous leadership in governance and ensure representation in public decision-making.
Reconciliation is not just a policy—it’s a shared commitment. First Nations should always be recognized, included, and empowered in every public event and space in Vancouver.
3. If you could bring one new thing to the Council table on the topics of public safety and wellbeing in the Downtown Eastside, what would it be?
The Downtown Eastside is a community full of resilience, strength, and history, yet it continues to struggle under the weight of addiction, poverty, and systemic neglect. If I could bring one thing to the table, it would be a comprehensive 3-1 model that addresses three critical pillars:
- A Detox and Recovery Centre – A low-barrier, compassionate space for those seeking to detox and receive medical and psychological support. Recovery should be accessible, dignified, and trauma-informed, not punitive.
- Supportive Housing with Wraparound Services – Stable housing is the foundation of recovery and well-being. But housing alone isn’t enough—we need integrated mental health support, harm reduction services, and pathways to long-term stability.
- Meaningful Employment and Skills Training – Recovery and reintegration require purpose. We need job opportunities that fit people’s skills, abilities, and personal journeys. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that women in vulnerable situations receive specialized support—whether that’s training, safe employment, or protective housing that allows them to regain independence.
This is not just about policy; it’s about treating people with dignity and giving them the resources to build a future beyond survival.
4. How important is the democratic function of public space to you? How would you ensure public spaces like parks and plazas are accessible and inclusive?
Public spaces are where democracy comes to life—they are places where communities gather, express themselves, and find a sense of belonging. Our parks, plazas, and streets should reflect the diversity, struggles, and triumphs of all people who call Vancouver home.
To ensure accessibility, inclusion, and cultural safety, I would focus on:
- Art that Represents Our City’s Diversity
- Murals, sculptures, and installations that honor the histories of Indigenous peoples, immigrants, workers, and all communities that have shaped Vancouver.
- Indigenous culture should not only be acknowledged but also woven into the fabric of all public spaces.
- Physical Accessibility for Everyone
- Ramps, clear pathways, and fully maintained public washrooms for seniors, people with disabilities, families, and those who need safe, gender-inclusive spaces.
- Seating areas, shade, and rest areas to ensure comfort for all, including those who are unhoused or need shelter.
- Cultural Safety and Inclusion
- Public spaces should be free from discrimination, racial profiling, and exclusion, ensuring that Indigenous communities, racialized groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, and newcomers feel truly welcome.
- Every cultural event and public program should be inclusive of Indigenous participation and representation, reinforcing that reconciliation is ongoing and active.
- Community-led safety programs to ensure that marginalized individuals feel safe in public spaces, rather than being unfairly policed or displaced.
- Safety and Comfort for All
- Well-lit parks and plazas to reduce crime, vandalism, and ensure safety at all hours.
- Proper staffing and maintenance to keep spaces clean, functional, and welcoming.
- More free and accessible community programming to ensure public spaces remain vibrant, engaging, and used by a wide range of people.
Public spaces should not just accommodate some—they must be built for all. They must be safe, accessible, and welcoming, reflecting the diverse cultures, histories, and voices of everyone in Vancouver.
5. What piece of public art do you like the most? How satisfied are you with the City’s approach to public art? Is there anything you would change?
Public art is a living expression of our identity, culture, and community spirit. Among all forms of public art, murals resonate with me the most because they tell powerful stories—stories of resilience, migration, Indigenous heritage, activism, and creativity. They bring neighborhoods to life, turning forgotten walls into vivid, meaningful landscapes that celebrate our diversity.
However, I believe there are areas where the City can improve its approach to public art:
- Better Lighting for Murals and Public Art – Many beautiful murals fade into the darkness at night, becoming invisible or even attracting vandalism. Proper lighting installations would make these artworks more accessible, visible, and safe for people to enjoy at all hours.
- Expanding Artist Representation – We need to ensure opportunities for Indigenous, immigrant, and marginalized artists to contribute to our city’s visual storytelling. Public art should reflect all of Vancouver’s voices, not just a select few.
- Community-Driven Art Initiatives – Public art shouldn’t be limited to large commissions; it should be something that residents can take part in. Community-led mural projects, sculpture parks, and cultural installations should be funded so that neighborhoods can create and shape their own artistic narratives.
Art is one of the most powerful forms of civic engagement—it educates, provokes thought, and brings people together. It should be celebrated, protected, and expanded across Vancouver.
6. There are lots of ways that public space planning can support climate-related objectives, including: protecting and planting street trees; initiatives to support walking, rolling and biking; and the restoration and enhancement of local ecosystems. How do climate matters align with your public space priorities?
Climate change is an urgent crisis, and our public spaces play a key role in how we adapt and mitigate its effects. The way we design and maintain our parks, streets, and plazas has a direct impact on our environment, our health, and our ability to create a sustainable city.
To align public space priorities with climate goals, I would focus on:
- Expanding and protecting green spaces – More trees, more parks, and more natural habitats. Trees reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and absorb carbon dioxide. Every neighborhood should have accessible green spaces that serve as climate buffers.
- Sustainable public space design – Adding solar-powered lighting, water refill stations, and waste management systems that encourage recycling and composting.
- Encouraging active transportation – Investing in infrastructure that supports walking, cycling, and public transit. Well-designed, safe pedestrian and cycling paths reduce car dependency, cutting down on emissions.
- Flood and heat mitigation – Climate change is increasing extreme weather events. Our public spaces should have rainwater collection systems to reduce urban flooding, and shaded areas with benches and misting stations to help people stay cool during heat waves.
Vancouver has a responsibility to lead in urban sustainability, and public spaces are where we can see real, tangible change in our climate response. These spaces should not only be beautiful and functional but also be part of the solution in building a greener, more resilient city.
7. The city’s shopping streets have been hard-hit in recent years – and face further threats under the current ‘tariff war’ with the US. What will you do to support our ‘main streets’ and shopping areas?
Vancouver’s shopping streets are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods—they provide employment, support local entrepreneurs, and create spaces where people gather and connect. But in recent years, these businesses have been hit hard by economic challenges, including rising rents, changing consumer habits, and now, international trade tensions.
To protect and revitalize our main streets, I would advocate for:
- Lowering business tax burdens – Many small businesses are struggling with high property taxes. By using land value capture property taxes, we can redistribute costs and keep taxes low for small businesses, allowing them to thrive rather than just survive.
- Supporting farmers’ markets and local producers – Farmers’ markets are not just places to shop, but places to build community, support sustainable agriculture, and create economic opportunities for small-scale producers. I would work to expand and diversify farmers’ markets across Vancouver.
- Encouraging pop-up shops and flexible retail spaces – Vacant storefronts hurt our neighborhoods. The City should facilitate short-term leases and lower barriers for small businesses and artists to occupy empty spaces, keeping our streets vibrant and active.
- Investing in walkable, people-friendly shopping areas – Safe sidewalks, public seating, and community programming (like live performances and seasonal markets) attract foot traffic and increase local spending.
A thriving main street is more than just commerce—it’s about culture, community, and connection. We need policies that keep local businesses alive, create opportunities for entrepreneurs, and make our shopping streets more inviting and accessible.
8. In May 2020, City Council approved a goal of transforming 11% of road space into “people friendly public space.” What are your thoughts on the implementation of this ‘road reallocation’ direction? Would you change anything?
The concept of reallocating road space for people-friendly public spaces is a positive one—but the current implementation has been unbalanced. While it’s important to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, we must also recognize that many people rely on cars for work, deliveries, and mobility.
Right now, expensive parking and reduced road access are making it harder for businesses to attract customers and for residents to navigate the city. I believe we need to:
- Create better balance – Designate pedestrian-friendly areas where appropriate, but also maintain practical access for cars and public transit.
- Improve transit connections – If we reduce road space for cars, we must increase the efficiency of public transit so people have reliable alternatives.
- Ensure equity – Not everyone can afford to bike or walk everywhere. People with disabilities, seniors, and those living far from transit hubs should not be pushed out of the city’s core due to road restrictions.
- Expand community involvement – Instead of making top-down decisions, the City should consult with businesses, residents, and accessibility advocates to create solutions that work for everyone—not just a select group of people.
A well-planned road reallocation strategy can make Vancouver more livable—but it must be designed with fairness, accessibility, and economic impact in mind.
9. The City is currently moving ahead with the dissolution of the elected Park Board. How do you think Vancouver’s parks should be governed and stewarded?
Vancouver’s parks are unique, and that’s why we must keep the Park Board as a separate governing body. Unlike many other cities, Vancouver has large-scale parks like Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Pacific Spirit Park, which require dedicated management and long-term environmental stewardship.
If the Park Board is dissolved, park management will become just another city department, competing for budget and attention alongside infrastructure, policing, and housing. This could lead to:
- Reduced funding for park maintenance – Without a dedicated board, parks could be neglected, leading to deteriorating green spaces and fewer community programs.
- Risk of commercialization – Without proper oversight, there’s a risk that public parks could be leased or privatized for corporate use, reducing free and open access for the public.
- Loss of dedicated environmental protection – The Park Board ensures that parks remain sustainable, well-maintained, and ecologically protected. Without it, there’s a risk of weakened environmental commitments.
Instead of dissolving the Park Board, we should be strengthening it—ensuring it has the funding, staff, and resources to manage our city’s incredible green spaces effectively.
- Improve lighting and safety measures
- Enhance park programming and maintenance
- Expand green spaces and environmental sustainability projects
Additionally, parks must be well-lit at night to:
- Prevent Crime & Violence – Many parks become unsafe after dark due to poor lighting, making them hotspots for criminal activity.
- Reduce Littering & Vandalism – Well-lit areas encourage better public behavior and discourage illegal dumping or graffiti.
- Extend Accessibility – People should feel safe using parks in the evening, whether for exercise, commuting, or social gatherings.
- Parks are not just recreational spaces—they are essential for mental health, social well-being, and environmental conservation.
They deserve dedicated oversight and proper funding to remain a central part of Vancouver’s identity.
10. Creating, maintaining and programming public space takes resources. Does the City do enough to fund placemaking and public space initiatives? Is there anything you would do differently?
No, the City is not investing enough in public spaces. Parks, plazas, and community hubs are the foundation of social connection, yet instead of expanding and enhancing these areas, we are seeing a growing trend of rezoning public spaces for development. This approach not only reduces access to communal spaces but also isolates people rather than fostering a sense of togetherness.
A city thrives when its people thrive—and thriving means having spaces where people feel safe, welcome, and included. Public spaces must be culturally safe and responsive, ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, ability, or identity, can gather, celebrate, and build a sense of belonging.
What Needs to Change?
- Invest in Placemaking & Cultural Programming
- Public spaces should be alive with activity. Every weekend, there should be markets, music, arts festivals, Indigenous and multicultural events, and interactive community gatherings.
- Cultural safety means these spaces reflect the heritage, voices, and traditions of the diverse communities that shape Vancouver.
- Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities should be actively involved in designing and programming these events.
- Ensure Public Spaces are Truly Public & Protected
- Public land should not be rezoned or sold for private development—once we lose a public space, it is nearly impossible to get it back.
- Accessible parks, plazas, and cultural hubs should be a protected right, not a privilege that is subject to commercial interests.
- Make Public Spaces Culturally Safe & Inclusive
- Design spaces with diverse communities in mind—this means multi-language signage, spaces for traditional ceremonies, and gathering places that reflect Indigenous and multicultural traditions.
- Ensure all public spaces have proper lighting, accessible pathways, ramps, and safe washrooms, so that people of all abilities and ages feel safe using them, day and night.
- Support Economic & Social Vibrancy
- Farmers’ markets, artisan fairs, and local craft exhibitions should be expanded to support small businesses and cultural entrepreneurs.
- Outdoor spaces should be activated year-round, with winter markets, cultural festivals, and street performances creating an ongoing sense of community and connection.
Public Space reflects Our Values
When we underfund public space initiatives, we send the message that community connection is not a priority. We must reimagine public spaces as the heart of civic life—where people come to learn, share, celebrate, and heal.
I would push for a stronger investment in placemaking and cultural programming, ensuring that Vancouver is not just a livable city, but a truly welcoming and inclusive city for all. Public space is where our communities find their voice—let’s invest in making them safer, richer, and more vibrant for everyone.
Candidate Social Media:
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jingdecena
- Instagram: @jeanifer83
- TikTok: jeani2