Our Work: 2025 By-Election Candidate Survey (Updated): Question 1

1. What is your favourite public space in the city – park, plaza, street, community centre, library, etc – and why?

Guy DUBÉ (100) - I live in the West End I love walking the neighbourhood. Davie street is my village and I feel at home here. Being part of the 2+slgbtqi community nothing makes me happier than seeing people, young and old walking as their authentic selves.

Karin LITZCKE (101) – I feel that the most important public spaces are sidewalks. They are essential, social, and flexible spaces that serve every single city resident of all ages. They represent a true co-operative undertaking by city staff (who design, build, and repair) and residents (who sweep, shovel, or report repair needs).

Unfortunately, sidewalks are entirely under-appreciated to the point of being taken for granted, neglected, and even undermined. But attention to brilliant sidewalks, including to the way that buildings and streets abut them, could do more to enhance the city than many a more elaborate project ever achieves.

Jeanifer DECENA (106) - 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.

Sean ORR (108) - I’m very much a student of Vancouver history, and the places which were fought for and won by communities are some of my favorites. My favourite park is C.R.A.B. because it was fought for and won by residents of the DTES demanding access to a public space by the ocean. Similarly, the atrium at Woodwards with its basketball hoop, piano, Stan Douglas mural, and seating is wonderful and was hard fought for.

I also have a special place in my heart for the Vancouver Public Library, because libraries are amazing. Free access to books, internet, and media, helpful research staff, for anyone, at all income levels… If libraries were proposed for the first time today, people would think it was totally radical. I think we need to fight for our libraries and for our library staff as they provide such an essential service to our communities.

Colleen HARDWCK (109) & Theodore ABBOTT (110) - The seawall has many miles of publicly accessible waterfront that is unique to Vancouver and reflects excellence in urban planning over many decades. TEAM supports this kind of long term planning initiatives.

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