Mayor Gregor Robertson today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. establishing a long-term partnership to create affordable and supportive housing for seniors, families and youth in the City of Vancouver.

“The City of Vancouver and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. share a common goal to develop more affordable housing and support services,” said Mayor Robertson. “S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is a natural partner for the City because of their strong track record of delivering culturally-appropriate, community-based supportive housing.”

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has been providing health-related housing and  support services for seniors in Chinatown since 2001.  And since 2008 it has been operating and managing social housing units in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Over the past 38 years, it has provided over 6 million client services to Metro Vancouver.

Mayor Gregor Robertson introduced a motion today at council to have more public consultation and engagement on planning in the Downtown Eastside, saying there needs to be more community consultation before moving forward with proposals for taller buildings.

He also called for the creation of a Downtown Eastside neighbourhood committee to facilitate a neighbourhood-led engagement process. The motion was approved by council.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from people both in and outside the Downtown Eastside that they have major concerns about the proposal to allow taller buildings in the neighbourhood,” said Mayor Robertson. “The long-term revitalization of the DTES requires broad community buy-in and support, and we don’t have that yet.

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A 45-foot neon sign installed on the exterior of Chinatown Plaza at the corner of Keefer and Quebec is poised to become a new landmark for Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.

As part of the City of Vancouver’s New Beginnings program, which celebrates the history, heritage and culture of the city’s first urban areas, the new sign will improve the exterior appearance of the city-owned Chinatown Plaza building, bring additional lighting to the neighbourhood and increase night-time programming and business opportunities for local merchants.

“Vancouver’s Chinatown was historically a vibrant business hub decorated with colourful neon signs, and we’re determined to bring economic prosperity back to the neighbourhood,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson at a ceremony today

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