Our Work: 2025 By-Election Candidate Survey (Updated): Question 10

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?

Karin LITZCKE (101) - Decision-making in the city has acquired a tone of contempt for ordinary people and the lives they want to live in the city, and many public space initiatives contain messages of this nature, both subtle and not-so subtle. Particularly relevant to public spaces is the war on the car. While traffic is not the most sociable of features in the cityscape, (a) driving behaviours can and should be managed, and (b) cars contain people who are going to do things that constitute the daily responsibilities and joys of life, often as a family or with friends, and that being the case, space for cars – including, for example, in Stanley Park – should be respectfully factored in to public space planning.

Jeanifer DECENA (106) - 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.

Sean ORR (108) - No, we don’t do enough. Part of the problem is that everything is under-funded because we’re letting the rich get away without paying their fair share. Public spaces are part of that.

We have to look at our budget priorities, as I mentioned above. I’d take a look at the Community Amenity Contribution system which, on paper is good, but too often seems like the city has become addicted to them as a revenue source instead of planning the city we need. COPE has proposed a Mansion Tax to build public housing on public land, but that ongoing revenue could also be used to fund things like placemaking. A 1% progressive property on mansions on their value beyond $5 million would bring in a significant amount of revenue which could end the homelessness crisis, fund public housing projects, and fund public spaces.

We need to invest in our commons. We don’t need more walled gardens, paywalled amenities, and everything being run for the profits of the rich. Public parks, recreation facilities, and libraries show a model of how we can make Vancouver work for Vancouverites. Let’s prioritize it.

Colleen HARDWCK (109) & Theodore ABBOTT (110) - Currently, the City relies heavily on Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) for public amenities and public spaces. However, this is not working well, especially since few condo projects that produce CACs are going ahead right now and new rental buildings have CACs waived. The City needs to ensure more projects require better designs that include public plazas and parks. Capital planning should include more capital budget funding for public spaces.

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