THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS: A community forum

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14, 20009 marks the one year anniversary of the last election day in Vancouver; a day that resulted in a significant change in the political landscape and leadership of our city. This community event marks this anniversary with a review of the highlights of the past year in Vancouver municipal politics, particularly in the areas of housing, planning and development; fiscal management and economic development; and leadership.

While some of the participants have past ties to the NPA, others do not. It is proposed that this not be a highly-charged partisan event. Rather, the intention is to celebrate the one year anniversary of the election, take a look at what has been happening, and engage in substantive discussions on key issues to hopefully identify strategies and actions for the coming year.

8:00 Coffee and Muffins

8:30 WELCOME, Bob Ransford, Moderator

8:45 to 9:55 Visual Presentation and Panel Discussion: How the city is changing

Moderator Joost Bakker, HBBH Architects Panelists: Gordon Price, Michael Geller, Jim Green. Topics to include Olympic Village, HEAT shelters, laneway housing, bicycle lanes on Burrard Bridge, the rental housing incentives, the homelessness initiatives, the CBD policy changes, the view/capacity study, and the Cambie Street planning process.

10:00 to 11:10 Panel Discussion: Balancing the books and creating a green economy

Moderator: Peter Ladner. John Tylee, representative of Vancouver Economic Development Commission ; James Fletcher ThinkCity and a representative of Greenest City Task Force; Topics to include balancing the books and improving Vancouver’s economic prospects through a green economy.

11:15 to 12:25 Media Panel: The view from the Pundits

Moderator: Frances Bula Panelists: Mike Klassen CityCaucus.com, Monte Paulson The Tyee, Jonathan Ross CivicScene.ca and Miro Cernetig Vancouver Sun. Topics to include highlights of the past year, key accomplishments and outlook for the coming year.

12:25 to 12:30 Wrap up Ransford

Venue: Wosk Centre for Dialogue –Lower Level

Admission by donation to go towards room rental and refreshments