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VANCOUVER
– The Province is investing $10
million over three years to help recapture the vibrancy of Vancouver’s founding
neighbourhoods and their historic buildings, streets and public spaces, Premier
Gordon Campbell announced.
“Whether it is
Gastown, Granville, Chinatown, Japantown or Strathcona, British Columbia’s
largest city is home to some of our most historic neighbourhoods, which are
culturally diverse and rich in history, heritage and architecture,” said
Campbell. “This funding will build upon the City’s ongoing work to restore the
visual appeal of our communities, restoring hope and pride and breathing new
life back into our first urban areas.”
The $10 million will go to the City of Vancouver’s Great
Beginnings: Old Streets, New Pride program, which will use the funding to
ensure ongoing maintenance, including repairing broken windows; removal of
graffiti and garbage; street, alley and sidewalk cleaning and façade and alcove
maintenance. In addition, the funding
could help revive streetscapes, including erecting banners and murals,
replacing worn awnings, improving lighting, painting lamp standards and
installing several neon lighting projects.
“When visitors come to Vancouver, they are struck by the
beauty of the city and the diversity of our communities,” said Community
Services Minister Ida Chong. “This agreement will help to make the Vancouver
experience even better, by creating attractive and vibrant physical
environments.”
“We
are committed to using this funding to support the shared objectives of the
Province and the City to revitalize our streets,” said Mayor Sam Sullivan.
“This funding will help to improve the quality of life for citizens in these
communities, making these neighbourhoods better places to live and work.”
The
funding announced today fulfils the throne speech commitment to invest in
revitalizing Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
“This funding will be geared toward a 40-block
area anchored by the Woodward’s redevelopment and will complement the new
housing initiatives and many other supports we are already providing for the
city’s inner city neighbourhoods,” said Campbell. “There’s no better time than
now, as we celebrate BC150 – the 150th anniversary of the founding
of the Crown Colony – to work together to awaken the community spirit that lies
within our historic streets and neighbourhoods, building pride among residents
and welcoming visitors.”
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177 |
Ministry of Community Services 250 387-4089 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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