Robert Liberty on the politics of sustainability

A plug for a free public lecture presented by the Vancouver City Planning Commission, this coming Tuesday evening.

The Principles and Politics of Urban Sustainability

What can Vancouver learn about implementing smarter growth?

Growth in Metro Vancouver is at a crossroads. We welcome newcomers and are planning for a predicted increase in population. But citizens and developers are skeptical about the planning process and are debating the outcomes. What does it mean to implement smart growth? And what kind of leadership is needed to make it happen?

The Vancouver City Planning Commission is presenting an evening with Councillor Robert Liberty from Metro Portland, Oregon – an early and leading smart growth advocate. Like Vancouver, Portland has weighed into the debate over urban sprawl and Councillor Liberty has been at the heart of the debate. He has strongly promoted walkable districts through the redevelopment of neighbourhood centres and along main streets, as well as increasing local transportation and housing choices, as key components to healthy communities. He also advocates giving citizens a stronger role in the regional planning decisions affecting their future. Councillor Liberty will speak about the political challenges and triumphs of smarter growth in cities and regions.

Robert Liberty bio (pdf)

Media Release

When:

Tuesday, November 20, 2007
6:45 – 8:00 pm

Where:

SFU Harbour Centre
Labatt Theatre
515 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC

Seating is limited. Please RSVP by email: rsvp@planningcommission.ca

UPDATE: See Robert Liberty’s speech here.