Notice: The City of Vancouver is providing a listing of these third-party meetings as a public service and does not endorse or approve the views and opinions expressed during the meetings.

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In the weeks leading up to the October 16 vote, many organizations will be hosting public forums to discuss the issues surrounding the "At-Large or Wards?" question.

>> To have an event listed here, email: pickone@city.vancouver.bc.ca

Thursday, October 14

Public forum and debate on wards

Sponsored by CBC Radio One and SFU's Urban Studies Program
Thursday, October 14
Wosk Centre For Dialogue (ICBC Concourse)
SFU Harbour Centre Campus, 580 West Hastings St.
7:30 - 9 pm

The event will be broadcast live throughout the Lower Mainland on CBC Radio One, 690 AM. The Early Edition's Rick Cluff will host a panel of opponents and supporters of the ward system, as they debate the pros and cons of wards and at-large systems. It's your chance to quiz the political players on both sides in advance of the Oct.16 plebiscite.

The event is free and open to the public, but you must register in advance to reserve a seat. To do so call 604-268-7914 or email urban@sfu.ca.

Thursday, October 14

7:30 – 9 pm
Hastings Community Centre
3096 East Hastings St.
(corner of Lillooet & East Hastings)

Should the City adopt a ward system or retain the existing at-large system of electing councillors? The Community Forum, Hastings Community Centre and Kiwassa Neighbourhood House are sponsoring a public forum. This is your chance to find out more about the two systems and ask questions to representatives of both sides.

Everyone welcome.

Tuesday, October 12

Sponsored by the UBC Debating Society

7 pm
Dodson Room in Main Library, 1956 Main Mall
University of British Columbia

Two public debate sessions on the issue of at-large vs. wards will be hosted by the West End Community Centre Association on:

Saturday, October 9
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Coal Harbour Community Centre
480 Broughton Street

Saturday, October 2
3 to 4:30 p.m.
West End Community Centre
870 Denman Street

These are open sessions. No registration is required.

Wednesday, October 6

Debating the Ward System: A Public Forum to Present Both Sides of the Issue

7 to 9 pm
Hycroft/University Women's Club of Vancouver
1489 McRae Avenue ( near Granville and 16th)
Pre-register at 604-731-5847.
Admission is free, although registration is required to reserve a seat.

This forum, hosted by the University Women's Club of Vancouver, will provide more information on the proposed ward system and debate the merits of the current at-large system vs. a ward system. Moderated by former City Councillor Jennifer Clarke, the debate features : Darlene Marzari , Chair of the Yes for Wards Committee and a former City Councillor and B.C. Municipal Affairs Minister, and former City Councillor Nancy Chiavario for the "Yes" side; and public relations strategist Erin Airton and community activist Jamie Lee Hamilton representing the "No" side.

The panel discussion will be followed by a question period for audience participants. The City of Vancouver will also have an information table with details on polling times, polling stations, and voter registration.

For more information: www.uwcvancouver.ca

Tuesday, October 5

Would Wards be Good for Gays?

7 to 9:30 pm
Roundhouse Community Centre,
181 Roundhouse Mews at Davie Street

An open forum on the pros & cons of the referendum question presented by Xtra West and the Gay and Lesbian Business Association. Admission is free.

Friday, October 1

Wards or No Wards?: That is the Question
A Debate on this Fall's Vancouver Referendum

Sponsored by UBC Continuing Studies, UBC Political Science Department and CBC News: Canada Now
Friday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m.
UBC Robson Square
Host: Gloria Macarenko

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve, visit vancouver.cbc.ca/wards/contact.html

This event will be rebroadcast at 6 pm, Monday, October 4 on CBC-TV's Canada Now.

UBC Robson Square is located in downtown Vancouver on Robson Street between Hornby and Howe Street. The campus entrance is located on the Plaza Level and may be accessed by stairways on either side of Robson Street at Howe, or by elevator from the underground parkade.

More info: vancouver.cbc.ca/wards

Saturday, September 18

Forum on At-Large or Wards Electoral Systems
Sponsored by S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Dr. Dorothy Lam Building, 28 West Pender Street
10 am - 12 noon

NOTE: Bring an FM radio for simultaneous interpretation in Mandarin and Cantonese.

For more information: (604) 408-7260

Tuesday, September 14

"Is Moving to Wards Costless? The Economics of Municipal Elections"
Sponsored by the Fraser institute
Hyatt Regency, 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
11:45 am - 1:45 pm

To register and for more information: (604) 714-4591
www.fraserinstitute.ca/shared/readmore.asp?snav=ev&id=279