CITY OF VANCOUVER
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Vancouver City Council |
|
CITY OF VANCOUVER ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT |
Date: |
August 26, 2003 | |
Author: |
Ann McAfee | |
Phone No.: |
604-873-7451 | |
RTS No.: |
03592 | |
CC File No.: |
1310 | |
Meeting Date: |
September 11, 2003 |
TO: |
Standing Committee on Planning and Environment |
FROM: |
Director of City Plans |
SUBJECT: |
Vancouver Participation in 2006 Habitat Plus 30 and World Urban Forum |
RECOMMENDATIONS
B. THAT the Habitat +30/WUF Secretariat be encouraged to engage a broad range of groups in the planning and delivery of the events and that interested groups direct proposals to the Habitat+30/WUF Secretariat.
C. THAT the Habitat +30/WUF Secretariat be encouraged to include funding to support the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives 2006 World Congress to occur in Vancouver as part of the Habitat +30/WUF activities.
GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.
COUNCIL POLICY
On June 11, 2002, Council supported a Habitat Plus 30 Congress being held in Vancouver in 2006.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to update Council on events to be held in Vancouver in 2006 to celebrate 30 years since the Vancouver UN Habitat Conference and seek authorization to negotiate a draft agreement on details of City participation, including financial commitments to the events, for consideration by Council.
In 1976 the first in a series of United Nations conferences on cities and urbanization was held in Vancouver. The conference theme was "Improving the Quality of Human Settlements". The 1976 Conference had two parts -- formal sessions downtown and a lively public/non-government event at Jericho Beach.
Habitat had a profound effect on the way in which cities are viewed nationally and internationally. It led to the formation of the United Nations Program for Human Settlements, including the UN Centre for Human Settlements at UBC, the establishment of the United Nations Commission on Human Settlements located in Nairobi, shared information about worldwide best city practices, and an enhanced network of government and non-government organizations pursuing improved urban livability.
A Council of national governments, which meets every other year, governs UN-HABITAT. On alternate years a World Urban Forum (WUF) is held. World Urban Forums are international think-tanks on cities and urbanization. The first was held in 2002 in Nairobi. The second will be held in 2004 in Spain focusing on cities as "Crossroads of Cultures, Inclusion, and Integration".
In September 2002, the Prime Minister of Canada offered to host the 2006 World Urban Forum in Vancouver. In May 2003, the UN formally confirmed Vancouver as the host of the 2006 WUF. Among the Canadian submissions was a letter from Mayor Campbell inviting the world's cities to Vancouver.
During 2006 two initiatives are planned in Vancouver:
· Habitat Plus 30 will be a program of activities during 2006 to advance sustainable urban actions.
· World Urban Forum, scheduled for May 2006, will be the keynote event of the Habitat +30 year.
DISCUSSION
Thinking about cities and urbanization has advanced significantly since 1976. On a global scale, concerns about climate change, new governance structures, and changing world trade agreements have altered urban physical, economic, and social patterns. Locally, Vancouver has seen significant changes most noticeably in the metropolitan core. In 1976, the City-owned lands on the South Shore of False Creek were undergoing redevelopment. New inter-governmental partnerships were being forged to ensure funding was available for affordable housing, infrastructure, and community services. North False Creek and Coal Harbour were still industrial. Today Vancouver is a showcase for new urban form and financing initiatives, and partnerships such as the Vancouver Agreement.
The 2006 Vancouver Habitat +30 events and the World Urban Forum provide an opportunity to:
· Showcase Canadian and Vancouver achievements in building livable and sustainable cities; and
· Motivate public and private interest in sustainable development including achieving Kyoto objectives.
The theme for Habitat +30/WUF is "Building cities to match our dreams." The objective is to ensure a legacy of best practices, partnerships, and networks to advance sustainable urbanization.
Habitat +30 involves:
· Celebrating progress and recognizing shortfalls over 30 years since 1976;
· Stimulating and strengthening partnerships between public, private, and not-for-profit sectors;
· Advancing Habitat and Sustainability agendas;
· Promoting broad involvement in events; and
· Engaging in urban innovation and learning.
From a Canadian perspective some of the key policy areas for action include:
· Environment (sustainability, Kyoto, air and water quality);
· Urban governance, social and economic infrastructure, and financing; and
· Inclusive responses to poverty, youth, elderly, aboriginal, immigrants, women, and other needs.
World Urban Forum:
The keynote event for the Habitat +30 year is the World Urban Forum in May 2006. The WUF will be about cities, communities, and neighbourhoods, and their role in making cities livable and countries sustainable through private and public co-operation. WUF is intended to be action oriented which means that the outcomes from WUF should influence the national and local policies of participating countries/cities.
Several themes are emerging for the WUF event:
· Secure City including personal safety and security of tenure;
· CapaCITY about creating the governance and financial structures for urban success;
· Learning City sharing innovations and opportunities; and
· Livable City focusing on action oriented programs which improve urban livability.
The World Urban Forum 2006 will invite international experts and government representatives to Vancouver to share information that leads to solutions to global urban issues. World Urban Forums can attract over 1, 000 delegates from around the world representing research institutions, non-governmental organizations, the media, and government. With added events, attendance figures can rise substantially.
Other Habitat +30 Activities
A variety of related events are being planned for Vancouver in 2006. Examples include:
· "Showcase Vancouver" to demonstrate local technologies and design solutions -- May to August.
· Globe 2006 addressing technological solutions to the world's environmental problems March 31 - April 2.
· Canadian Institute of Planners plans to host an international conference including joint meetings with the American, European Union (British), and Commonwealth (Australian) Planning Associations.
· Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is convening an international "Festival of Architecture".
· World Congress of Local Governments, convened by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, is considering a Vancouver venue.
Habitat/WUF Organization and Funding
Following confirmation of the Canadian bid, The Honourable Stephen Owen (Secretary of State for Indian and Northern Affairs and Western Economic Diversification and Minister Responsible for the Vancouver Agreement and Richmond/Airport-Vancouver Rapid Transit Project) and The Honourable Steven Mahoney (Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation-CMHC) were given joint responsibility for WUF. The Honourable Bill Graham (Minister responsible for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade - DFAIT) is also involved.
The 2006 World Urban Forum is being organized by a Secretariat in Ottawa, with support from a Working Group in Vancouver, and with advice and contributions from an inter-government and inter-agency committee representing Federal departments and agencies (including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities) engaged in urban issues.
Funding for the WUF, and any associated events, is under discussion. Two options are being considered:
· Targeted Approach focusing on the 5 day WUF; or
· Broader Approach to fund both the WUF and some associated (Habitat +30) events.
The federal contribution is likely to target funding to the 5 day event. The extent to which other events occur will depend on fund raising initiatives of sponsors.
City of Vancouver Contributions to Habitat +30 and the World Urban Forum
Vancouver has considerable experience hosting major events and estimating costs of City services. The challenge is to balance the costs of being a gracious host with realistic expectations of the extent to which City taxpayers should be expected to support these events. While events of this nature bring considerable wealth to the city this does not directly translate to revenues to the City budget to cover expenses.
As an example, the Olympic negotiations concluded that the City of Vancouver, as the host city, will provide, at the City's cost, those services that would be provided normally by the City within the City's jurisdiction and normal financial framework. Other costs are the subject of a contract between the Olympic Committee and the City.
The WUF Working Committee is seeking an indication of the commitment Vancouver could make to the forum and related events. It is difficult to provide a response at this time given a number of unknown variables. Preparing a business plan for the City's involvement in the WUF requires a better understanding of:
· The scale of the event(s). Previous world events have attracted between 1,000 to 10,000 participants depending upon funding and concurrent events; and
· Stature of attendees. Past experience suggests that there is a considerable difference in security costs if attendees include world leaders and international dignitaries. Generally, WUF attracts mayors, civic officials, and representatives of NGOs.
That said, City contributions could include:
· Information about Vancouver on the City web site and included in the Forum registration kit;
· Assistance of City staff (e.g. Planning, Cultural Affairs, Social Planning, Engineering) to organize field trips and program activities. Appendix A illustrates some example topics the City, organizations, and businesses in Vancouver are well positioned to provide tours, information, presentations, and displays;
· Normal levels of fire, rescue, and police services, street cleaning, parking operations and enforcement, garbage and recycling collection, traffic signal operation, graffiti removal, and by-law enforcement;
· Promotion, community awareness, and welcome, through the use of the City's Street Banner Program, and access to sign space; and
· Access to City-owned meeting facilities.
Some staff time could be contributed through ongoing City work. A preliminary program and timetable for City initiated activities is attached as Appendix B.
Recommendation "A" proposes City staff work with the WUF Secretariat to draft a Multiparty Agreement to identify service requirements. An interdepartmental staff team will be assembled to scope out possible City activities and prepare a report to Council on a program, costs, and agreements with the WUF Secretariat for the delivery of City services.
Groups Seeking Support from the City
The City has already been approached by several groups seeking to participate in Habitat +30/WUF activities. As the event is being funded and managed by a WUF Secretariat Recommendation "B" encourages the Habitat +30/WUF Secretariat to engage a broad range of organizations in the planning and delivery of events and that interested groups contact the Habitat+30/WUF Secretariat.
One group which has approached the City is the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) to host the 2006 World Congress of Local Governments which ICLEI organizes every three years. The ICLEI World Congress is regularly hosted by a member municipality. Vancouver is a member of ICLEI. Typically the ICLEI Congress attracts 500 participants for a 3 to 5 day event.
ICLEI identifies a number of advantages to hosting the Congress including:
· Showcasing the city and local environmental and sustainable development initiatives to mayors and other officials from cities and municipal organizations;
· Sharing experiences with peer cities; and
· Generating local and international media attention for City initiatives.
However, cities bidding on the ICLEI Congress are expected to cover the congress costs including local conference organizing staff, conference material, travel and accommodation for 35-45 speakers, translation, catering, support for some delegates from developing countries, and meeting rentals. Costs may range from $950,000 to $1.5 million USD. About half of the budget is spent locally for meeting rooms, hotel, and associated costs. Experience elsewhere is that Congress host cities usually partner with other institutions to cover the costs. ICLEI is seeking expressions of interest in hosting the 2006 Congress by September 15, 2003 with the complete bid submitted by January 15, 2004.
ICLEI Congresses are noted for their excellent speakers and extensive opportunities for dialogue among participants. The challenge Vancouver would face in hosting the event is guaranteeing the conference costs. Ordinarily, funding partners might include senior governments, agencies such as the Vancouver Foundation and Real Estate Foundation, and private sector firms providing environmental services. Given that Habitat +30/WUF will also be seeking funding partners for the 2006 event, it will likely be difficult to obtain funding for both events. Recommendation "C" encourages the WUF organizers to consider including funding for the ICLEI Congress in their budget. Some efficiency may be realized by organizing the two events in tandem.
The Environmental Youth Alliance (EYA) has approached the City to be the lead youth NGO for coordinating youth activities for Habitat/WUF. EYA is seeking funding from the City to assist the Secretariat in organizing a variety of activities. City staff have forwarded the proposal to the Secretariat for consideration as they prepare funding options.
Vancouver is an ideal location to host a World Urban Forum. The City is repeatedly identified as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Vancouver provides many lessons, both successful and otherwise, of the policies, processes, and programs a modern city can adopt to enhance sustainability and liveability. Many of these initiatives have been taken place over the past 30 years - the time span between Vancouver hosting the first UN Habitat Conference in 1976 and the 2006 (Plus 30) World Urban Forum. This makes Vancouver an interesting urban laboratory for the Conference's attendees.
Hosting the Habitat and WUF activities in Vancouver also provides opportunities for the City and our residents to learn about best practices from elsewhere and build networks linking local professionals, experts, and interest groups with the world's "best practitioners". Recommendation "D" encourages the Mayor and Councillors attending meetings with their counterparts (e.g. FCM meetings) to invite other cities to participate in the 2006 WUF in Vancouver.
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APPENDIX A
Example topics the City, organizations, and businesses in Vancouver are well positioned to provide tours, information, presentations, and displays about:
· Sustainable Urban Development Example topics include:
· Designing a sustainable city by building complete communities - jobs and housing downtown, family housing downtown, South East False Creek, neighbourhood centres, LEEDs building standards, urban responses to Kyoto.
· Sustainable Transportation: walking, biking, and transit priorities, Greenways, bikeways, blooming boulevards.
· Social Sustainability: mixed income and family communities, affordable housing programs, social equity initiatives, public art, and communities in stress programs, children and youth in the city programs, multi-cultural programs.
· Economic diversity including new technologies.
· Environmental Sustainability: recycling water, waste recycling, and shore line habitat restoration.
· New Towns in Town - Brownfield Redevelopment
· False Creek - Inner City
· Coal Harbour - Inner City
· Collingwood Village -- Transit Oriented Development.
· Managing Urban Development
· Development Processes: Balancing Community Livability with Market Development expectations.
· Financing Growth: Paying for new services.
· Heritage: Tools to respect the past.
· Assisting Communities in Stress: Neighbourhood Integrated Service Teams, Community Development, Vancouver Agreement, Community Policing.
· Building Partnerships
· Intergovernmental Partnerships: Vancouver Agreement, City-Regional planning.
· Community-City Partnerships: CityPlan, Community Visions, public participation, and community development.
· Canadian-Other City Partnerships: e.g. Vancouver-Shanghai, Vancouver-Iloilo Philippines, Bangkok-Vancouver.
APPENDIX B
Example City Program Timetable Leading to 2006
2003
· Establish City Habitat-WUF Staff Working Committee
· Prepare work program and budget details for City involvement
· Tentative bookings of City Facilities subject to Multi-Party Funding Agreement.
2004
· With WUF Secretariat prepare a Business Plan outlining funding, risk management, marketing, security, communications, facility use, and related requirements involving the City of Vancouver.
· With WUF Secretariat prepare a Program Plan identifying City involvement in the preparation of information, displays, and program activities.
· Report to Council the proposed City Program and Business Plan Multiparty Agreement on the expectations of the partners including financial arrangements for the purchase of additional services from the City if required.
· Sign a Multiparty Agreement on expectations of the partners.
· Confirm bookings of any City facilities.
· Start preparation of Vancouver information - web, registration package, tours
· Prepare for 2005 lead-up activities.
2005
· Prepare Detailed Service Plans - e.g. security, streets, banners
· Prepare Detailed Program of events - e.g. tours, presentations, cultural activities, entertainment.
· Prepare Vancouver Pre-Conference information - City web site information, registration package Vancouver information.
· Possibly initiate a series of City organized events to review changes over the past 30 years as the basis for a Habitat+30/WUF display on Vancouver.
· Council Reports as required to confirm arrangements.
2006
· Complete City events to prepare Vancouver display and presentation information and generate local interest and participation in the Habitat+30/WUF.
· Implement City related promotional activities e.g. street banners.
· Implement Service Plans
· Implement Guided Tours and City presentations
· Council Reports as required to confirm arrangements.
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