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Cultural Services
- Grants, Support & Awards
- Public Art, Planning & Facilities
- Civic Theatres
- PNE / Hastings Park
- Civic Sponsorship Initiatives
Development Services
Licences & Inspections
- Chief Building Official's Office
Planning Department
Social Development
- Social Policy
- Drug Policy Program
- Housing Policy
- Non-Market Operations
- Gathering Place
- Carnegie Centre

Community Services

Community Services is comprised of departments and groups offering a wide range of services to the community. They are all involved in the direct delivery of services to people; all have interest in the city’s future and in the environment; all are engaged in processes of community consultation and partnership; and many participate in the regulation of private sector activity for public purpose.

The General Manager’s Office consists of General Manager David McLellan and Deputy General Manager Brenda Prosken. The following Departments (in alphabetical order) report to the General Manager’s Office:

Cultural Services
Richard Newirth, Managing Director of Cultural Services :: Go to the homepage ›››
Cultural Services is responsible for the following areas:

Grants, Support and Awards Programs ›››
:: Margeret Specht, Director
Provides direct support and information services to large and small not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations through the administration of grant, support programs and various awards.

Public Art, Planning and Facilities Development ›››
:: (vacant), Director
Manages the City’s Public Art Program, the development and upgrading of City-owned cultural facilities, and participates in city planning and development processes.

Civic Theatres ›››
:: Rae Ackerman, Director
Civic Theatres is responsible for the operation of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Orpheum and the Vancouver Playhouse, which are used for live entertainment, the performing arts and public assembly.

PNE / Hastings Park Planning ›››
:: David Hutch, Project Manager
Hastings Park and the Pacific National Exhibition provide entertainment, recreation, employment and green space for Vancouverites of all ages. With input from extensive public consultations, a new future for the PNE and Hastings Park is currently being explored.

Civic Sponsorship Initiatives
:: (vacant), Project Manager
Working with all civic departments on developing policy for civic sponsorships and with the Olympic and Paralympic Operations staff to maximize the City’s Olympic opportunities.

Development Services
Director Vicki Potter :: Go to homepage ›››
All Development, Building, Sign, Tree Removal, Trade and Tenant Improvement Permits including all Subdivisions, are processed in Development Services.

Licences & Inspections
Director Will Johnston :: Go to homepage ›››
Services include business licences, vehicles for hire licences, Animal Control, co-ordinated by-law enforcement, building, electrical, plumbing and gas inspections and environmental protection and secondary suites. Will Johnston is also appointed as the Chief Building Official for the City.

Planning Department
Director Brent Toderian :: Go to homepage ›››
The Planning Department advises Council on policies which guide growth and change in the City with an emphasis on land use and built form.

Social Development
Managing Director Jim De Hoop
The Social Development Department advises Council on policies and action plans relating to the social development of the city; makes recommendations on financial support for community service organizations, housing projects and programs and childcare; and identifies and helps address social problems in the City. The department directly manages 820 units of subsidized housing for low-income seniors and singles with disabilities. It has responsibility for Mountain View Cemetery and the Evelyne Saller Centre, the Carnegie Centre and the Gathering Place.

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