After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

#Occupy disrupts mayoral debate

Mayor Gregor Robertson and Councillor Suzanne Anton speak to the congregation at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church. Photo by David Ball.

2011 Vancouver Municipal Election: Before Monday night’s mayoral debate even began, the sign-bearing Occupy Vancouver supporters packed into St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church made it clear that the approaching discussion wasn’t going to be an easy one.

After a series of protesters’ “mic checks” and a long-winded introduction from Reverend Gary Paterson (thanking Coast Salish nations for the use of their lands), conversation turned to the matter at hand. Mayor Gregor Robertson and his NPA challenger, Suzanne Anton were each given five minutes to make their opening statements, amidst shouts of “lies!” and other interruptions from the audience. 

Anton first reiterated her disappointments with Robertson’s homelessness strategy, stating that the “heavy lifting” to reduce it was done by the previous NPA council and describing how he “grabbed onto a speeding train when he made homelessness his issue” in the last election.

Robertson’s introduction listed his party’s accomplishments as well as their new promises, expressing hope for ending street homelessness in the years to come.

“There’s a whole bunch of ideas that we want to implement over these next three years, but we need the whole community’s support to do this,” said Robertson. “We’ve had extraordinary partnerships for three years, and we made a really solid dent in [homelessness].”

Moderator Stephen Quinn began the debate with a series of “yes” or “no” questions. The three panelists – Frances Bula, Mike Howell and Patrick Stewart – took their turns, demanding one-word responses on things like approving more safe injection sites, hiring mental health advocates at City Hall and limiting offshore buyers that drive up housing market prices.

After hearing several of the candidates’ responses, Bula earned a few giggles with her comment that they appeared to “agree on everything”.

Of course, that sentiment didn’t last very long. Anton was quick to criticize Vision’s focus on providing shelters as opposed to longer-term housing solutions, while Robertson emphasized that the short-term goal was to keep roofs over heads as they wait for new facilities.

“A shelter is not a home,” Anton said. “This team has spent three years thinking about how to get people into shelters. I am going to spend the next three years thinking about how to get people into homes.”

“Stop thinking and start acting,” came the response from the crowd.

In attendance – and on the “human microphone” – were two prominent Occupy Vancouver campers running in the election, city council hopeful Lauren Gill and independent mayoral candidate Darrell Zimmerman. Both were recognized and thanked for their attendance, but Zimmerman voiced his resentment for not having been invited to speak officially.

As the panelists went on with their questions, Robertson and Anton held their tongues despite repeated interruptions. On multiple occasions, Reverend Paterson was forced to return to the stage, using delicate words and even a short hymn to calm the crowd and get the participants back on track.

Mike Howell asked about how economic and population growth could possibly be good for affordable housing. Bula brought up the backlash from communities as rezoning applications try to create the density required for affordable housing. Stewart asked how the City would push for policy change at the federal level.

However, as the hecklers in the audience pointed out, many of the candidates’ responses failed to provide the answers citizens were looking for. In many cases the candidates responded with agreement – yes, it’s a problem, and we’ll make it a priority. But when it came to specific solutions and plans for action, many of their responses seemed to come up short.

One question addressed the controversial Olympic Athletes Village, originally intended to offer one third of its units for social housing.

“The social housing in the Olympic Village has been cut back to almost nothing,” Anton replied, blaming Vision council for the current state of affairs.

“For your $110 million there are about 100 people living in low-income housing in the Olympic Village. It’s not a very good deal for the city,” she said.

Without denying the lack of low-income units, Robertson claimed it was the former NPA council who was responsible for the Village’s shift to 80 per cent market housing. He called it a “ghastly mistake made by an inexperienced council”, stating that Vision Vancouver was left to pick up the pieces and make the project a reality.

More in Politics

Gitxsan leaders join BC First Nations to vote for Anyone But Clark (ABC)

Two Gitxsan house groups, Gwininitxw and Luutkudziiwus urge voting that will empower First Nations, support communities, environment, and economic well-being.

B.C. Premier defends Bill 20 amendments

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark said Tuesday that a controversial provision in Bill 20 is meant to create “a level playing field” for all the political parties. Her comments come on the heels...

Jacobs and Florida and Gehl oh my! Who really influences our local politicians?

Still undecided about who to vote for? Second guessing yourself? Who really influences and inspires those candidates who are running for a seat in Vancouver's City Hall?
Speak up about this article on Facebook or Twitter. Do this by liking Vancouver Observer on Facebook or following us @Vanobserver on Twitter. We'd love to hear from you.