Vancouver City Council today approved a policy that requires all new building rezonings to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard, the highest green building standard for rezonings in North America.

The change takes effect January 31, 2011 and is expected to result in 20 to 30 new green buildings being constructed annually, creating new green job opportunities in the city.

“Setting a new standard like LEED Gold for new building rezonings is a significant step for Vancouver,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson.

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Close to 800 applications and food offerings representing an estimated 21 countries and cultural backgrounds have resulted in new and exciting food choices for the 17 new locations under the City’s expanded street food pilot program.

“The enthusiasm of Vancouver’s small businesses and the public interest in the expanded street-food program has been overwhelming,” Mayor Gregor Robertson said. “The popularity of this is a clear indication that people want to see a wide range of food on our streets and they want the offerings to reflect the cuisine of our culturally diverse city.

“We’ve got a world-class city and people want a world-class street food scene to match.”

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A motion coming to city council next week calls for the City to begin exploring the creation of modular housing in Vancouver, something Mayor Robertson says can potentially provide a solution to part of the affordable housing crisis in the city.

“Modular housing can be built much more quickly and for a lower cost than permanent housing, which makes it a good tool for easing the affordable housing crisis in Vancouver,” said Mayor Robertson. “We have over 1,500 new social housing units being built in partnership with the Province, but it will take years until they are all completed. We have a shortage of affordable market rentals, there is a lack of family and workforce housing, and seniors and students are being priced out of Vancouver.

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Almost one year after a separated bike lane pilot project started on Burrard Bridge, the millionth cyclist crossed the bridge just after 10 pm Wednesday evening.

“This is a remarkable achievement,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Over one million riders in less than a year shows that when you build safe, protected bike lanes, people of all ages will come out and use them. The Burrard Bridge bike lanes have been a big success and helped make cycling and walking over the bridge safer for thousands of people every day.

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