Mitch writes for The Vancouver Manifesto
By samanthaorwell on May 31, 2008 - 2:16pm
http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/05/mitch-writes-for-vanco...
We have a new contributor to TheVancouverManifesto. Read more about the regular contributors here
First post by Mitch:
Another Vancouver Manifesto
Well, I’ve decided to take the plunge. That’s right, I’ve decided to join my fellow planner, my fellow Vancouver, and fellow blogger in writing for The Vancouver Manifesto. So, who am I you may ask?
Well, it’s simple really. I’m a highly opinionated, 5th Generation Vancouverite, urban planner and particularly, an urban critic. I’ve personally lived in Vancouver for about 16 years, with a couple years off for graduate school back east, and 1 year of travelling and surfing ‘Down Under’. But the west was calling me home and I have made my home on the West Side of Vancouver since. I have travelled through parts of Europe, Costa Rica, Australia, Indonesia, and Japan, and am proud to say I’ve now surfed in 5 different countries (15 more to go!). I have also been blogging now for upwards of 5 years…
I am employed in the planning industry and know many of the key players in the industry. My specific interests include things such as sustainability and green infrastructure (think district energy systems and integrated energy plans). I have experience with transportation and transit planning, creating public spaces that work, and both Greenfield and Brownfield redevelopment projects. One of my many passions related to planning is the idea of planning communities and cities to protect them from the effects of natural hazards – think earthquakes here in Vancouver (and remember how tragic the events we have seen in China recently are)…
Perhaps that will be a post for another day…
I’ve been known to get on my soapbox about things that make me angry (EcoDensity as the solution to all Vancouver’s problems for example). I have also been known to espouse (some say badger) people about the things I find fascinating and great about this city (the beaches, the neighbourhoods, and the lack of freeways!)
I love what I do, BUT I am not a blind apologist for the things that could be better in Vancouver. Nor will I make excuses for stupid decisions of the politicians. I do believe that this City is great and I think it can get much much better.
• We need bars that stay open later with patios that do not close at 11;
• We need to utilize our waterways more effectively for both transit and goods movement
• We need 24 hour bus service in the whole region especially south of the Fraser river.
• We need some form of affordable housing for those of us who are trying to buy our first places.
• We need more support for growth and development of the downtown east side
• And many many more thoughts that run through my head on a regular basis…
In the interests if fair disclosure I will say that I am a supporter of the Federal Liberal Party, and I am also a supporter of the Provincial Liberals. While I do not necessarily agree with everything either party supports or brings forward, I believe that presently, both parties are the best options. Municipally – well that is another story altogether. I liked Larry Campbell, I do NOT like our current mayor or Council, and few of the candidates really excite me or inspire the passions required to move this city into the next decade post Olympics.
As I write for The Vancouver Manifesto, it should be said that I make NO apologies for my oppositions and thoughts or beliefs. I can be swayed, but only with intelligent discussion – calling me an idiot is not going to get me to change my mind.
http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/05/mitch-writes-for-vanco...
