In 2016, after a four-year engagement process, the City approved a community plan for the area – which included specific directions that aimed to “keep the vibe of the Drive.” Central among these was a policy to develop a “complete street” that would better serve – more safely, more equitably – the needs of all modes of travel. Following the adoption of the Plan, the City started to undertake work to implement it – though the process was put on pause.

This coming week, a motion on the floor of Council seeks to roll-back this important policy and replace it with something crafted by the local Business Improvement Association.

While there is merit in some of the ideas contained in the motion, much of what’s being asked for is already accounted for in the approved policies. So what is the difference? Without explicitly saying as much, the BIA concept erases the proposed north-south protected bike lane contained in the approved community plan.

This isn’t the first time the BIA has tried to challenge city policy on this item. However, where their previous efforts were tied to a questionable survey, the latest effort reflects a subtler attempt at erasure – one that is branded in aspirations for a “pedestrian first” experience on a “European style street.”

We think the motion, as it currently stands, is problematic. Last week, the VPSN Board of Directors wrote to Mayor and Council to suggest key ways that the motion could be strengthened – by prioritizing the implementation of existing policy, sharing City work to date… and, yes, drawing on relevant ‘complete street’ precedents from Europe and elsewhere.

An excerpt of the letter, outlining the VPSN’s recommended amendments is found below. You can also find the Council motion here.

Recommended Amendment #1:
Prioritize the implementation of the approved Complete Street policies for Commercial Drive

There is no need to reinvent the wheel on Commercial Drive. After 4 ½ years of engagement and deliberation, the City produced a solid and defensible policy for the street as part of the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan. Included were a series of directions related to reimagining Commercial Drive as a “Complete Street.” These policies sought to balance objectives related to local and destination shopping, city-wide and neighbourhood transportation needs, safety for vulnerable road users, and the importance of public space and public life.

Notwithstanding its focus on pedestrian life, the current motion would effectively dial back the approved policy and replace it with something less safe for cyclists, and potentially less viable from a transit perspective. The accompanying cross-section in – ironically, in a neighbourhood that has one of the highest proportions of cyclists in the city.

Cross-section from BIA Proposal

Of course, improving pedestrian infrastructure, and ‘re-scaling’ the south half of the street are important objectives, but they are also accounted for in the approved policy. Improvements to the Drive need to support all modes of transportation, while prioritizing north-south connections for walking/rolling and biking and transit along the length of the street.

In summary: The BIA vision should not supersede the City’s own work in this regard. Sections A and B of the current motion should be amended in order to prioritize the implementation of the City’s policy – including reactivating work that was paused in recent years.

A busy Commercial Drive sidewalk. (Photo: Kimba Howard)

Recommended Amendment #2:
Provide an overview of the work completed to date – including options for Complete Street designs

As noted by the previous General Manager of Engineering Services, engagement was paused so that “City staff could undertake further technical analysis and technical design development of a Complete Street” (Link). This additional work was intended to respond to goods movement considerations, questions about parking, and other concerns raised by the BIA.

The present motion provides a clear opportunity to showcase the work that has been undertaken. While early engagement presented some general ideas and principles around the implementation of a Complete Street, it is clear from the City’s communications that initial work to develop design concepts has been started. A report-back that shares these materials would help Council – and the public – to understand the various considerations and trade-offs that exist, and allow a fulsome discussion to take place. This report back could also provide a means to showcase some of the more recent interventions that have been delivered as part of the City’s COVID response – including temporary patios, Room to Queue, and other initiatives.

In summary: Council should add an additional section to the current motion requesting a report back on the work undertaken by staff – including technical analysis and concept designs – related to the Commercial Drive Complete Street policies.

The Commercial Drive neighbourhood is home to lots of cyclists. Photo by Roland Tanglao

Recommended Amendment #3:
Seek opportunities to celebrate Italian culture and/or “create a European-style street”…by looking to actual multimodal European streets

Commercial Drive is an eclectic, multicultural neighbourhood, but we understand that one of the intentions of the motion is to further support earlier work around both the Little Italy designation, the “Italian piazza” motion (which we supported), and the opportunity for “a European-style street.”

We feel that one merit of this aspect of the motion lies in its the opportunity to explore European precedents that support slow streets, improved public life, and a safer experience for visitors and locals alike. (We note, though, that there are other national and non-European international complete streets precedents that could also be investigated).

Both prior to, and now in response to the pandemic, numerous cities in Europe have focused efforts on the creation of safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists. The effort here is to create greater mobility equity for residents, while providing improved opportunities for mental and physical health, access to daily needs, and safe commuting.

While cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen are already well-known in this regard, other cities like Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona have come to the fore for their efforts to improve conditions for people walking, rolling and biking. There is also important work being undertaken in Italian cities. Rome and Turin are two examples that are now making their ‘temporary’ walk/bike improvements permanent, and Milan has, via its Strade Aperte initiative, has initiated one of the most ambitious road reallocation projects in Europe – with a proposed network of over 35km of bike lanes, expanded sidewalks, and gathering areas. The initiative is being implemented in a number of areas across the city, including key shopping streets like Corso Buenos Aires and Corso Venzia.

Diagram from Milan’s Strada Aperte (Open Streets) policy.

Our point? If the City wants to support an Italian or European-style “corso” then let’s at least make it one that follows contemporary approaches to transportation and public space planning in Italian and other European cities. (Side note: as someone of Italian heritage, and who has spent a lot of time in Italy, I can tell you that cycling is a deep and meaningful part of Italian culture – and this cultural connection to la bicicletta could – and should – be a major selling point of a street redesign that includes infrastructure for walking, biking, and public gathering). How about the Commercial Drive Strada Completa?

In summary: Council should amend the motion to direct staff to explore Italian (and European) precedents for complete streets as part of overall project design and implementation.

Bike lane in Utrecht, Netherlands (Photo: Melissa & Chris Bruntlett)

Recommended Amendment #4:
Include other public space and mobility organizations in future information sharing and consultation

Component “C” of the current motion calls for staff to support the BIA proposal with a variety of partners. We feel that staff should, instead, use this opportunity to affirm support for the priority implementation of approved City policy with these partners.

As further stakeholder and community engagement on this will be required, we support outreach to the organizations named in the motion, but request that the list be amended to include our organization, as well as other organizations that have important perspectives on sustainable transportation, and the opportunities presented by the Commercial Drive Complete Street Project.

In summary: Council should (a) amend part C of the motion to reference support for the approved Commercial Drive Complete Street policies, and (b) where additional outreach and engagement is required, also include the following organizations:

• Vancouver Public Space Network
• Car Free Vancouver
• HUB Cycling
• Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST)
• Commercial Drive Streets for Everyone

We’ll be sharing a longer write-up shortly, but in the meantime – mark your calendars. We’ll be hosting another laneway transformation project in Gastown on August 26.

Big thanks to the folks at the City’s Viva Vancouver program for supporting the event, and to the amazing staff at Miscellany on the ‘Drive, who went ‘above and beyond’ to help us make this happen.

East Van is the first neighbourhood up! Join us for Grandma’s House – a laneway activation taking place south of Venables between Parker Street and Napier Street (address is 1027 Commercial Drive) on Saturday, July 29th.

This activation will use some creatively upcycled materials to recreate Grandma’s House (yours? mine? somebody’s!) You can expect food, games, big band music, classic movies, and maybe even a spot of afternoon tea.

Event Details:

12pm – 9pm Saturday, July 29th, 2017

1027 Commercial Drive laneway (south of Venables St between Parker St and Napier St).

Here is our Facebook event page.

A city in change can be fascinating and inspiring, as much as it can be sad and depressing. This is true, I suspect, for its residents and its governors, its business owners and developers. The city is a tool, a mechanism, a product. It is just as well an environment, a living space, an organism.

The last session of three roundtables for the Citizens’ Assembly for Grandview-Woodland has been an interim conclusion to a promising process. Its promise, in light of the above, is plagued with question marks and challenges. The seven sub-areas of Grandview-Woodland have each a set of unique characteristics. Together they form a whole that has the quality and charm of a metropolitan village.

Is this charm reason enough to leave things as they are? How can we productively articulate a set of directions that facilitate a healthy change?

It is evident that members of the Assembly have invested a considerable effort in this engagement. They have generated a list of recommendations that will be presented to City Hall later this year. The last roundtable was dedicated to fine tuning the various points for each sub-area.

Cedar Cove – The Edgy Residential Land
Hastings – The Industrial High Street
Britannia Woodland – The Rental & Affordable Stock
Grandview – The Residential Heritage Enclave
Nanaimo – The Truck Route & Historic City Boundary
Commercial Dr. – The Heartbeat of The Neighborhood
Broadway & Commercial – The Regional Transit Hub

For each sub area a table or two were assigned for discussion. From the two tables I participated in, the buzz of emotions was tangible yet somewhat subdued. There was urgency in the air mixed with despair; confusion alternated with decisiveness.

Around the first table residents who want things to stay as they are sat beside a developer who is expecting zoning to allow more than four stories. More people than probably anticipated arrived at the Croatian Community Centre. As this was the last event where residents could participate in consultation, some frustration trickled into the discussion.

At the second table our facilitator was looking for specific feedback over points in the recommendations document. To me they all seemed reasonably comprehensive. It looks obvious to me that the recommendations will never be perfect. What we need now is a look into the next stage of engagement. The Assembly members have gone through an admirable process of learning and contribution.

One of the fascinating outcomes of the work of the Citizens’ Assembly in my view is the increase in connections. Neighbors got to know more about each other, more about their common interests as much as their differences. Residents experienced in a tangible way the tools in use for urban planning. Connections are what makes a city work. We need to make sure connections remain a priority in the management and governance of Vancouver. Wherever they are weak, our job is to strengthen them.

It is worth paying attention to the layers of connection. The following points are quick notes I’ve taken as discussions around the table evolved:

• Within sub areas – enhance and improve the flow of pedestrians between streets and blocks.
• Between sub areas – minimize or eliminate the separation between sub areas.
• To adjacent areas/neighborhoods – Grandview Woodland is defined by thoughts and definitions. It also influences and is influenced by what people in and out of it are doing.

The wealth of ideas and insights from the work of the Assembly is dynamic. It can continue to nurture the productive connections created while the Assembly existed. As the Assembly is about to disassemble, established channels can facilitate the continued connections. New ones could surely emerge.

Possible channels could be the City website (Vancouver), the Commercial Drive Business Association (CDBS), Vancouver Public Library (VPL), Kettle Friendship Society (Kettle), The Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) and other agencies. Each could have an interface established so that the engagement expands instead of being wrapped up.

We need to support the achievements of the Citizens’ Assembly in making sure the discussion continues. Values & recommendation, zoning & policies are all open to interpretation. The documents we will see are generated in response to a commendable process. To fully benefit from the investment in this process, mechanisms of exchange need to be enhanced and maintained.

A city in change uses tools and mechanisms that become a product. That product is the environment we all live in and make into our life. It’s not about whether any of us wants change or not. The city is an organism that constantly changes. Participation in the process is the life of a city. We need to make sure that the tools for participation evolve with the changing city. This city is essentially who we are.

——-

A version of this post originally appeared here.

As I lock my bike to the railing beside the Croatian Community Center, another guy has just about finished locking his own. He grumbles something about the lack of racks to accommodate the mass of bikers who came to the planning workshop. “Pretty impressive” I share in irony. “We seem to have parking challenges” I smile and continue my unpacking. “Assholes”, he scoffs and walks inside.

The last of seven planning workshops for Grandview Woodland concluded on Saturday, March 7, 2015. The series of workshops has generated an intriguing process of interaction. The neighborhood is made up of people from a variety of cultures. Can their various interests and intentions then constitute a Grandview Woodland Culture?

Doug Saunders, a Globe and Mail columnist and author of Arrival City, spoke at Surrey City Hall in November of 2014. His opening remark relates nicely with the process Vancouver is going through these days. “We have just finished five decades in which we got lucky… and, we are now at the beginning of five decades in which we will have to be skilled”. Saunders’ discussion focuses on “the urban districts that form the bottom rung on the ladder”. (The full talk by Doug Saunders can be watched here). However, his observation is valid for any planning process a city goes through.

In mid-2013, the planning process for Grandview Woodland ran into what can be seen as a clash of cultures. To the best of my knowledge, the people at City Hall, responsible for that process in Grandview Woodland, are all skilled.

Has the City of Vancouver missed on being smart? What qualities do we need to successfully head into the coming half century?

Good will? Or in Y2K speak, Transparency? In 2012, the Commercial Drive Business Society (CDBS) commissioned a consultation process that resulted in a document: Vision and Design Guidelines. The Grandview Woodland Citizens’ Assembly (GWCA) has approached the CDBS in a request to share that document. I’ve been among those who signed an open letter that had urged the CDBS to allow circulation of the document in the community. However, I had a feeling that the two groups were heading into an unnecessary power struggle. I was happy to quickly realize I had been wrong. On March 7, Nick Pogor, Executive Director of CDBS, participated in the workshop. Copies of the Visioning document were circulated. Not bad, eh?

The Citizens’ Assembly are in the final stages of working out their recommendations to the City. The learning process that they’ve gone through is sure to yield many benefits for the neighborhood as well as the individuals involved. The play between scales is at the core of planning, designing and caring for our city: the interests of an individual and the needs of the community; the livability of a street and accessibility within the region. A bench on the sidewalk is a result of a layered process that is more than just screwing it in place.

We can only plan some of our moves. The gatherings in Grandview Woodland exposed a multitude of interests and needs. What then is the culture of a neighborhood? How do you facilitate its success for the future?

——–

The original version of this post appeared on Design is a Matter of Life. 

by YarOn Stern

No matter what we say, our words will be wasted in the lands of politics and development. This, at least, is a common fear I observe in community consultations I go to. Indeed, the word, which is one of the core tools of human communications, is also a source of much misinterpretation and even distortion.

We can’t let that discourage us from participating in life. Whether spoken or otherwise, our words lead to action. My challenge is to articulate insights into words that reflect my intentions. Our challenge as a society is to strike a fair balance between individual needs-and-interests and those of the community. The more we invest in articulating our interests and concerns the better we pave the ground for sustainable action. Our words then become building blocks and stepping stones.

While walking along the Hastings Street sub area I was looking for phrases to support my dialogue in the workshop that was hosted in the Aboriginal Friendship Center on Saturday, February 14. My first phrase is a question: how much of the local economy relies on visitors?

Immediately on arrival at the intersection of Hastings and Nanaimo you will notice the slope taking you down from east to west. Some of the building fronts are stepped in response to this slope. This feature as a carrier of character could become a message into the future. Let’s call itShaping form in response to topography.

As soon as you step away from Hastings Street the relative quiet of the blocks is a pleasant surprise. Pandora park is being renewed and its field house is home to a group called ‘Dance Troupe‘ for the coming three years. It will be interesting to see how well the park serves the growing community. Could this sub area benefit from another park between Pandoraand Woodland? Our future could benefit from Exploring unlikely opportunities.

Pender Street, between Victoria Dr. and Templeton Dr. has an uncommon tree lined median that I wish we saw more of in our city’s streets. With proper landscape design such a median could encourage fantastic social activity. A larger number of residents is expected to live in the area as well as reach it for any purpose. A median such as the one on Pender could be a lovely landing, gathering and departure spot. The phrase I make of this example is Enhancement of existing features.

The more I go to community events like the ones in Grandview Woodland, the more I hope they continue. They provide layers of exchange that reach beyond their immediate purpose. Looking back at the workshop on Saturday, here is a quick list of the above points and some more:

• How much of the local economy relies on visitors?
• Shaping form in response to topography.
• Explore unlikely opportunities.
• Enhance existing features.
• Maintain a flow of all trafic modes.
• Develop programming that supports the built space.
• Develop space that supports required programming.

Final Thoughts

The word is one of the core tools of human communications. Since its first days of employment in our society, the word has removed us from the immediate concerns of survival. This in itself is both a source of inspiring opportunities and depressing dangers. Our ability to reach high levels of collaboration is based on stories that have united us in every step of history. The word is present in mind and matter: we can remember stories and pass them between generations; our products allow us to extend our control of the environment beyond the limits of our own bodies.

The city is human kind’s most complex tool. When we gather to discuss the future of that tool, I find it fascinating to reflect back on the word. It’s useful to see the connection between words and buildings, words and streets, plants and landscapes. Apart from having functional purpose they all communicate a variety of needs and interests. They have a language of their own. The gatherings in Grandview Woodland these days are an intriguing opportunity to both read the language of the place and help its future society have a compelling story to live and tell.

• having a say in your neighbourhood?
• getting the chance to talk one-on-one with folks who can influence policy?
• building community, in your community?
• lunching and snacking with others who give a damn?

As part of the broader Grandview-Woodland community planning process, the City of Vancouver is hosting a full-day workshop on Saturday, February 14th to “explore policy directions that will help shape growth and change in this part of the neighbourhood.”

In other words: come out, have your voice heard, get your say in the future of your neighbourhood.

City staff will be on hand to review proposed neighbourhood policy and get your input on the future of the Grandview-Woodland community. ALL are welcome, no prior planning experience/expertise required! 

For more details, please head on over here and register.

Walking Tour – February 12th

For an even more comprehensive, well-rounded experience, a walking tour of the area will begin at 6pm, February 12th at the Waldorf Hotel (corner of Hastings and McLean). No registration necessary for the walking tour.

Come out and show your support at their community forum on November 3rd from 7-9 pm at Astorinos Hall (1739 Venables St).

Check out Streets for Everyone for more info and details, and on how to get involved!

December 20, 2013 snowfall. Photo by Brent Granby.

Happy snowy solstice Vancouver! Don’t the city’s public spaces look extra cozy under that dusty white blanket? Aren’t you feeling all snuggly-wuggly? For those of you who may be looking at the snow and feeling yet another layer of a holiday-related pressure… stop right now. Grab a cup of cocoa. Sit down. We’re here to help.

We first ran a version of our “Gift Ideas” post last year and it proved to be one of our most popular articles ever. We’ve shared it a few times since them, but we’re now reissuing it with a slew of additional updates for the 2013-14 winter season. Good news for the snow-adverse: some of these options don’t even require you to go outside!

As we noted last time, our gift-giving rituals don’t all have to be about crass cable-knit sweaters (though for some reason those are actually popular this year). For the public space loving urbanists out there, there are a host of things that you can give to your friends and family that will not only make them happy, but do a nice turn for the city as well.

Hang tight – there’s a whopping 18 last-minute holiday gift ideas in this post. All of them are awesome. Enjoy!

(1) Support a local parklet project and contribute to the creation of neighbourhood public space. There are two AWESOME parklet projects currently under development in Vancouver. Design work on both sites are complete, and each project is now using crowd-funding as a means to finance the building and programming of the spaces.

• French Quarter Parklet – will transform two parking spaces (located in front of Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France at Main Street and East 21st) into a vibrant outdoor seating area. The clever design and landscaping (featuring snappy triangle benches) also features a bike car for folks that want to stay on their bikes while having their coffee. The project is a collaboration between Choclaterie, and our good friends at PWL Partnership Landscape Architects and Cycle Chic. Donate to the French Quarter kickstarter campaign here.

• Commercial Drive Parklet - will convert two parking spaces (located in front of Prado Cafe at Commercial Drive and East 4th) into a permanent seating and gathering area for the whole community to enjoy. The Drive desperately needs more outdoor seating areas, and we’re pleased as punch that VPSN friend Julian Thomas and Board member Stewart Burgess are among the collaborators on this fine venture. Donate to the Commercial Drive Parklet Kickstarter here. (Note: this project lost some anticipated grant funding and are now looking to go beyond the initial $3,500 target. In addition to its great placemaking value, the Commercial Drive Parklet will be a vehicle to provide skills training for community youth).

(2) A copy of one (or more) of the excellent books to come out this year by local urbanists. There were a lot of fine books on public space and urban issues to come out this year. We’re happy to recommend two that are near and dear to our heart. (We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with both these authors in the past and love the work that they do!). Both are available at better bookstores around town.

• Happy City – written by local journalist and city-thinker Charles Montgomery – promises to “change the way you think about urban life,” doing so by exploring the multifaceted connection between urban design and the science of happiness.

• Focusing closer to home is Lani Russwurm’s Vancouver Was Awesome – a visually rich exploration of collects stories of “the people, places, events, and phenomena that collectively have infused Vancouver with a distinct flavor and flair.”

(3) Invest in your community with some Seedstock. Sure Bitcoin gets all the press, but while it may circumvent some of the problems of a global banking system, does it really do anything for local business? Did you know there’s actually an alternative currency that specifically supports local Vancouver business and non-profits? Seedstock Community Currency lets you do double with your money: exchange cash for Seedstock with a local cause to support their work, and get the equivalent amount of Seedstock back to spend at over 80 local businesses! (Find out where here). You can get ahold of money that feels good to spend – or give! – at the local xChange Station.

(4) Go weekly or seasonally with some urbanist subscription action. Like reading about urban issues? Forefront is a weekly long-form essay that covers city-building activities from around the globe. It’s the product of Next City, a superb blog . You can obtain a subscription here. And of course, there’s also our good friends at Spacing, who produce a magazine (and several blogs) that “uncover the joys, obstacles and politics of Canada’s big cities by cutting through the cynicism that often pervades any discussion about urban issues.” Pretty good, eh? Their national issues come out twice a year and are a superb read. Order them here.

(5) Give the gift of edumacation. Vancouver’s Community Centres and public schools offer a dizzying array of classes – everything from sports to singing, music lessons to language studies, fine arts to business, crafts to computers. Classes vary in length, location, and cost, but it won’t take more than a bit of research to see what’s available in your neighbourhood. Information on the city’s 24 community centres can be found here or you can zip over to the Vancouver School Board website to see what’s on offer there. Why not double-up the fun? Don’t just sign your loved one up for lessons… join them for the learning as well!

(6) Get sticky with your neighbourhood. Have you seen the Neighborland app and online platform? It’s a great way to share ideas on neighbourhood placemaking and community building ideas. Not content to stop at online connections, the creators have produced some handy “I want ____ in my neighbourhood” stickers. You can make your own via their open source files or order a set via the Neighborland website. (Of course it goes without saying that you’ll want to place these around your neighbourhood in a responsible, community-friendly fashion.)

(7) Take your loved ones out for a bedazzling or ghostly experience. Two of Vancouver’s biggest public spaces – Van Dusen Gardens and Stanley Park – get a special holiday make-over. How about a trip to one or both of these seasonal gems:

• Van Dusen Gardens – Festival of Lights
• Stanley Park – Christmas Train

(8) Support your local street performer. (Go retro, buy a CD!). There’s tons of local musical and artistic talent to be found around the city – on the streets and in transit stations. Like something you see or hear? Lots of street artists offer CDs, sketches and painting for sale – a perfect opportunity to support the local scene and share some of the magic with a friend.

(9) Stay informed and stay up to date – While on the subject of street vending, keep your eyes peeled for two other items that make for great gifts. The Hope in Shadows calendar features top-notch work by DTES photographers and Megaphone Magazine. Revenue from both of these projects is used to provide education, training and support to low-income people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

(10) Historical pictures. Who doesn’t like to see the way we used to live in years past? The Vancouver Public Library has a great selection of old photographs of Vancouver – which can be purchased for reasonable cost on Floor 7 of VPL Central. Or, you can go the DIY route and visit the Vancouver Archives on-line catalogue – where they have an amazing assortment of high-resolution photographs that you can download for free. Having the VPL and Archives print your pictures for you may mean a bit of a delay — but not to worry, many of their collections are available on-line and in high-resolution. You can print ‘em yourself via your local photo shop.

(A word to the wise – the VPL and Archives collections are different. So if you’re looking for that perfect photograph of, say, Robson Square during the 1960s paint-in, you may have to visit both facilities).

(11) Friends-of Gift Memberships. Both of the aforementioned organizations (the Vancouver Public Library and Vancouver Archives) have volunteer “Friends-of” groups that support their work. The Friends of the VPL and Friends of the Archives both engage in special projects, raise funds for new acquisitions, and champion the work of their respective organizations. Know someone who likes libraries or gets jazzed about archival fonds? Set them up as a patron of one of these groups by buying a gift membership.

(12) Go green with local nature. For over two decades the Stanley Park Ecology Society has played a leadership role in the stewardship of Stanley Park. They do this through a range of education, research and conservation programs. You can support the good work they do by taking out a membership with their organization, “adopting” a bird’s nest, paying to plant saplings or several other things.

(13) More brightening, less frightening – Bike & Ped lights. There are too many people out there still walking and biking around without decent lights or reflective gear (Velcro bracelets, vests, etc.). Why not keep your loved ones safe by upping their visibility. MEC is an obvious go-to (and their new USB plug-in lights are awesome!) but there are lots of other places to get this sort of gear.

Know someone who’s not a cyclist but ought to be? If they have a bike that’s kicking around and gathering dust – why not surprise them with a tune-up (at Our Community Bikes, Kickstand or your neighbourhood bike shop). Another idea, especially for newer bike users: give the gift of cycling confidence and sign them up for a streetwise biking course with HUB.

(14) Make a gift box on behalf of a friend or family member. The holiday season is festive and fun for many of us. For those less fortunate, the seasonal festivities can also be a time of loneliness and challenge – a time that is further compromised by the city’s cold, wet and rainy weather.

There are lots of organizations around town – Lookout, the Aboriginal Front Door, Covenant House, the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, Carnegie, the Union Gospel Mission, the Kettle Friendship Society (to name just a few) – who will take donations of money, food, warm clothing (socks, sweaters, long johns, rainwear), toiletries, and other un-wrapped gifts.

(15) Make your own walking tour. Why wait until May for Jane’s Walk? Plot out a stroll and show your friends and family some of your favourite spots – the architecture you like, your favourite pieces of public art, a hidden park, other good places to meander. Show them why you like the city. Want to amp it up a bit? Put a few more treats into the itinerary – like a stop at your favourite café or restaurant for hot chocolate, or an end-of-walk admission ticket to the VAG or Science World.

(16) Surprise them with some random market magic. Still searching for some stocking-stuffers? You’ve just scored yourself a great opportunity to support Vancouver’s market scene. The annual Christmas Market occupies Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza between now and December 24. For the foodie on your list, there’s the weekly Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium – every Saturday from 10am-2pm). And if you want to go all-in, wander over to Granville Island for any number of specialty gifts.

(17) A membership with Modo – A casual membership to Modo (formerly the Car Co-op) costs $50 and gives you access to a range of vehicles for those times when you actually do need a car (which, for lots of folks, isn’t as as often as they think). It turns out that the self-same membership also gives you a bunch of other perks as well.

And this presents us with another great avenue of gift giving to share…

(18) A membership in another co-operative! You’ve probably heard about co-op housing before, but there are also a good number of co-ops that sell goods and services around town. These include the aforementioned Modo and ever-popular MEC, as well as smaller ones like the Vancouver Tool Library or East End Food Co-op. Co-ops are a good place to shop for those who want to support locally owned, member-driven organizations that operate with a concern for community. Buying a membership in a co-op is a great investment and a smart gift – and will turn your holiday gift exchange into a gala event!

If you’ve got other public space gift ideas, please send them our way – via info [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca.

Thanks to  Mike, Kevin, Paola, Julian and Kathleen for their contributions to this post.

Saturday, September 17, 2011
11am – 2pm
1657 Charles Street @ Commercial Drive