Focus on our first neighbourhoods – Frequently asked questions
What is it?
Q: What does Great Beginnings aim to do?
A: The goal is to create more community pride, liveability and public appeal in this founding neighbourhood by improving the physical, social and economic environments. Great Beginnings aims to revitalize Vancouver’s first neighbourhoods. Projects will be chosen that restore the unique historic nature of this neighbourhood’s streets, buildings and urban spaces. The initiative will celebrate the people, culture and histories that shaped the beginnings of Vancouver as a city. And it will create safe and inviting places where residents and visitors can live, work, shop and socialize.
Q: Who will benefit from Great Beginnings?
A: Vancouver’s historic neighbourhoods will benefit, as will local community partners, residents and visitors. There will be low-threshold (easy to obtain) employment opportunities for locals, including artists, from the DTES. Community capacity building is key to all activities related to Great Beginnings.
Q: What is happening now with Great Beginnings?
A: Great Beginnings projects, such as the Clean Streets Project, are already underway. A governance model has been set up and an inter-departmental staff team is prioritizing projects in their areas of expertise. Community partners are being consulted. Organization capacities for low threshold employment are being discussed and opportunities are being investigated. Many possible projects will begin in 2008.
Q: Which projects are the first focus?
A: Initial projects will focus on three areas:
Creating attractive, vibrant physical environments
Creating welcoming social environments
Creating a revitalized economic environment that comes without displacing locals
Some of the projects include:
- Clean Streets Project – expanded street and lane cleaning to a 40 block area
- Graffiti removal
- Community gardens
- Façade improvement project
- Awnings replacements
- Neon signs at Pennsylvania Hotel and Chinatown Plaza Parkade
- Princess Street community art mural
- Heritage information in maps and tours
- Community arts celebrations
All of these projects will include easy-to-enter work opportunities for local residents that build community capacity. Local talents and artist will receive priority.
In terms of a cultural direction, the City will be supporting projects in three areas:
- Existing programs and groups where participation, awareness and quality of work can be increased and gaps filled.
- Animating public areas through choosing clusters of geographic areas for attention.
- Transitional studio space that works for the mutual benefit of property owners and artists while animating the street front.
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