In partnership with the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, SFU Public Square tried out an experiment in Lot 19, the bloodless name for that little park at the north end of Hornby Street. We’d hold a “City Conversation” there at noon on Thursday, with a particularly appropriate topic: How can the city engage with its citizens.
Good idea, bad weather:
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And yet almost 50 people turned in to huddle under the last-minute tent – about the same number who show up for a cozy session inside.
The conversation began with members from the Engaged City Task Force:
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Just goes to prove the point: Offer the opportunity, and it doesn’t matter about the weather.
Landon Hoyt
Yes, it matters. I am amazed that no-one thought to set up an “in the event of rain this meeting will be held in [insert address and room no here]” option. Fifty people did not have the sense to get out of the rain, yet they expect to be taken seriously.
People do all sorts of activities in the rain. Why not have an intellectual and stimulating conversation? So we did. Those who missed out, join us next time. And, I couldn’t agree with you more Gordon, let’s give this park a name.
People do all sorts of activities in the rain. Why not have an intellectual and stimulating conversation? So we did. Those who missed out, join us next time. And, I couldn’t agree with you more Gordon, let’s give this park a name.
It was great fun to have this event outside. Living in Vancouver has taught me to take the phase “you are not made of sugar” seriously, and I find myself saying it to my son regularly Oct – June. I shudder to think of the lack of physical activity/enjoyment of nature/fresh air/engagement with community my family would suffer should we only venture outside when the sun is shining!
If y’all were really serious about engaging with the community of Vancouver, you’d hold these meetings in Renfrew park, or maybe Killarney, or Ross street. You know, the part of Vancouver east of Main and south of Broadway where most of the people live. Not in your little elite enclave.