JUNE 2023

Did you hear? The Province launched an Electric Bike Rebate Program on June 1, offering income-qualified rebates for this convenient, healthy and sustainable way to get around. With $350 available to all applicants, and additional amounts of $1000 and $1400 for individuals meeting specific income criteria, this program will help make e-bikes accessible to more people in our city. Unlike previous programs, there is no need to scrap a car to access the rebate.
 
Join thousands who have already discovered the joy of e-bikes and say hello to convenient, healthy and sustainable transportation. Even better, switching from a fossil fuel-powered car to an e-bike to get around can help tackle the 40% of carbon pollution in Vancouver that comes from burning gas and diesel in our vehicles

YOUR TURN

• Don’t miss this incredible opportunity. Get on the waitlist at bcebikerebates.ca.
• New to cycling? Register for HUB Cycling’s free in-person and online courses through Streetwise Cycling Education Centres to learn about essential and helpful gear, pre-ride ABC quick checks, route planning and more.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Missing Middle housing options can help us create an affordable, equitable and sustainable city. As Vancouver grows and evolves, we need to ensure there are housing options to meet the needs of the diverse array of households. ‘Missing Middle’ housing fills the gap between houses and larger apartment buildings with a range of building types such as multiplexes, townhouses and more.
 
The proposed Missing Middle policy aims to:

• Simplify regulations 
• Increase affordability
• Increase equity
• Increase sustainability

The proposed changes will simplify and align existing regulations across all low density (RS) zones to make it easier to build new housing, increase building design choice and flexibility, improve certainty for applicants by creating clear rules for what can be built and create policy for new Missing Middle housing. Initiatives like this support our Climate Emergency Action Plan by creating more housing options that make up complete, connected neighbourhoods.
 
YOUR TURN
This summer, staff will bring a report to Council with the proposed changes for referral to public hearing later this fall.

• Learn more about multiplexes and simplifying regulations by checking out the FAQ’s or read information in your preferred language here.
• You can also check out this short video called Vancouver’s Missing Middle Explained.
• Catch up on what we heard during our public engagement sessions and see the updated multiplex proposal.
• Stay tuned for future newsletters where we will share the Public Hearing date for this work.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Vancouver’s downtown Granville Street area is an eclectic and electric entertainment district with a rich cultural history. Known for its neon signs, this area of Granville Street is a central hub for arts, music and live performance, along with retail, office space, hotels, theatres, nightclubs and dining establishments.
 
The area has had challenges over the years and there is growing interest from community partners, residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders to bring forward new ideas – while celebrating its past – for an exciting, welcoming, safe and inclusive downtown destination that is alive with activity.
 
The new plan will:

• Improve connections to active transportation and transit
• Advance Reconciliation, equity and accessibility
• Support arts, culture and heritage in Vancouver
• Prioritize programs that support gender-based and overall safety
• Protect and strengthen job space
• Expand tourism
• Enhance public space to support a range of activities

Area planning projects like Granville Street Planning support our Climate Emergency Action Plan’s objective of creating complete, walkable neighbourhoods on the path to cutting carbon pollution in half by 2030.

YOUR TURN
Help us design and create a new and improved Granville Street that is easy to get to by walking, rolling, biking or on transit! Here’s how you can get involved:

• Read the backgrounder and share your thoughts in the online survey before June 30.
• Register for an in-person walking tour on June 17.
• Learn more by visiting the Shape Your City page.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

On June 16, the Jericho Lands planning program will launch the fourth phase of public engagement on the future redevelopment of the 90-acre site. The site is a joint venture between the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and Canada Lands Company.  
 
Redeveloping the site is an opportunity for the Host Nations to express their deep connection to the land, while bringing forward new opportunities for prosperity for future generations. Priorities include:

• Creating a complete community with a range of housing options for different income levels
• Providing new housing within walking distance of transit routes, including a potential SkyTrain extension to UBC
• Advancing our collective work toward reconciliation
• Providing shops, services, childcare, and employment space to support the new community and the rest of the city
• Recognizing and celebrating cultural and heritage assets
• Creating new parks, open spaces, and other community amenities

 
YOUR TURN
The fourth phase of engagement launched on June 16. Catch up on the progress to date and provide your feedback by:

• Visiting Shape Your City.
• Attending an Open House on June 17, 22 and 24.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY, CLIMATE ADAPTATION