ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: May 28, 2002
Author/Local: A. McAfee/7451

RTS No. 02765

CC File No. 1310

Council: June 11, 2002

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	Director of City Plans
SUBJECT:	Habitat Plus 30

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the City of Vancouver advise the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the federal government of the City's support for the concept of a Habitat Plus 30 Congress being held in Vancouver in 2006.

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.

COUNCIL POLICY

On April 23, 2002, Council adopted a definition, principles, and program to enhance sustainability in the City.

PURPOSE

This report describes a proposed international congress to recognize and review progress since the World Habitat meetings in Vancouver in 1976.

BACKGROUND

In 1976, Vancouver hosted the first United Nations Conference on Human Settlements. This conference involved both national governments and NGOs. The Conference had a significant effect on the role of cities both nationally and internationally. Canada played a leadership role in the conference. The thirty year anniversary of Habitat will occur in 2006.

In the intervening years other international conferences have brought key issues to the fore. For example, the Rio Agenda 21 on sustainability and the forthcoming World Summit on Sustainable Development (WWSD), to be held in Johannesburg, are seeking ways to enhance sustainability.

As part of the preparation for Canada's report to the Johannesburg Summit, the idea was advanced to invite the world to a conference on urban sustainability in 2006, in Vancouver. The International Centre for Sustainable Cities, a Vancouver based NGO, offered to prepare a proposal.

On May 24, 2002, the GVRD Board approved a recommendation to communicate to the federal government its support for the concept of a Habitat Plus 30 congress being held in Greater Vancouver in 2006. As the host city for Habitat I, the GVRD is seeking endorsement from the City for the "Habitat Plus 30" proposal.

DISCUSSION

Many of the issues discussed at Habitat I are today identified with the world sustainability agenda. While national governments play a pivotal role on policy and financial measures to promote sustainability, implementation of the Rio Agenda must occur largely at the local level and through partnerships. These are themes Council recently recognized as part of the City's Sustainability Strategy.

Habitat Plus 30 is a proposal to identify and highlight projects undertaken at the local level through partnerships between NGOs, the private, and public sectors. The proposal is to hold a Partnerships Congress in Vancouver in 2006, on the thirtieth anniversary of Habitat I. The congress would focus on actions to implement sustainable development at the local level and promote dialogue and transfer of learning. The Congress would build on the WSSD agenda of partnerships. It would be modelled on GLOBE and other successful international events that include a conference, trade fair, and other arts and cultural events in such a way as to build a synergy among many interests. The event would include an awards program to recognize the successes of cities in implementing urban sustainability through partnerships.

Canada, and the Vancouver area in particular, has the capacity to demonstrate leadership in building livable cities. The event would recognize the GVRD's efforts to achieve a sustainable region. In 1976, the redevelopment of Vancouver's inner city was only an idea. Today, it is a living demonstration of how to build complete sustainable communities, balance jobs and housing, and encourage walking, biking, and transit. Ongoing development of plans for South East False Creek will contribute to the City's innovative demonstration of urban sustainability.

International conferences and awards programs bring both tangible and intangible benefits to the host city and country. The tangible benefits are from trade and tourism dollars and from marketing Canadian expertise to the world.

At this point the City of Vancouver is being asked by the GVRD to join with the Region in indicating to the federal government our support for celebrating a Habitat Plus 30 event in 2006 in Vancouver. The City is not being asked, at this time, to provide financial support. In 1976, the role played by the City of Vancouver was to provide a venue for the Congress. City staff participated by arranging tours and demonstrations to showcase urban planning and development.

CONCLUSION

A proposal to hold a Habitat Plus 30 Congress in Greater Vancouver and to invite the world to meet, discuss, share, and develop ways for cities to advance the sustainability agenda contributes to the City's sustainability initiatives. Staff recommend support for the proposal.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver