Waldorf2

The Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) believes that Mayor Gregor Robertson’s plan to protect the Waldorf Hotel falls short, and doesn’t address systemic problems facing the arts community and renters in the city.

“Vision Vancouver has indicated their willingness to use the City’s land-use powers to protect the Waldorf, which is good news,” former COPE Councillor Ellen Woodsworth stated. “But we see a clear contradiction in the Mayor’s approach. He is not seeking to address the underlying problems of speculation, displacement, and the ongoing loss of cultural spaces in the city, especially the impending eviction of the non-profit W2 Community Media Arts Society from the City-owned community space in the Woodward’s complex.”

COPE calls on Vision Vancouver to broaden its approach to protect affordable arts spaces and rental housing. The City does possess the authority to utilize progressive land-use controls to restrict speculation and the demolition of culturally significant, historic, and affordable spaces.

“While Vision Vancouver is making a point to save the Waldorf, it has not chosen to stand up for the Pantages Theatre, the Ridge Theatre, Red Gate, creative industries displaced at 955 East Hastings, or over 200 units of social housing at Little Mountain. All these projects were unnecessarily demolished within the past few years under Vision Vancouver’s watch,” added Woodsworth.

For information contact:

Ellen Woodsworth
604.328.8230

Tim Louis
604.738.7678
COPE says Mayor's plan to save Waldorf falls short, neglects W2 and underlying problems