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Introduction
The LGBTQ Advisory Committee works with Vancouver City Council to enhance access for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities to fully participate in City services. The LGBTQ Advisory Committee:
Exchanges information with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer(LGBTQ) communities and the general public about relevant programs and issues of interest Engages in outreach to the LGBTQ communities to disseminate information and encourage participation Works co-operatively with other civic agencies whose activities affect LGBTQ communities, including initiating and developing relevant projects Provides input to City Council and city staff about issues of concern, including matters that require action by the City Acts as a resource for staff doing public involvement processes
In November 2012, a sub-committee of the advisory committee was formed including Barb Snelgrove, Dean Malone, and Ron Stipp, to be involved in the City of Vancouvers West End Community Planning process to ensure the opinions and ideas of queer communities would be reflected in the plan pertaining to Davie Village.
queer destination on par with Manchester, Amsterdam, or San Francisco, just to name a few of those that are recognized by queer communities as world attractions. All those consulted overwhelmingly agreed that a vibrant Davie Village is essential and that its queer identity must continue to be recognized, preserved, and enhanced. Those consulted were also clear that increasing involvement and engagement of residents and visitors with our queer communities is paramount to the success of our future Davie Village neighbourhood. We want those who live here to eat, play, shop, and work here, while including those who want to visit our vibrant neighbourhood.
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Queer Identifying and Public Space Recommendations: R1. Build a structure near Bute Street that arches over Davie Street and/or an archway or structure at Davie and Burrard. R2. Install larger pride flags interspersed through the community. R3. Install one huge pride flag in the centre of the Village. R4. Convert the portion of Bute Street from Davie Street south to the alley into a pedestrian only/garden area where people can gather, create, and watch. This area could be used by local artists, entertainers and community groups to offer a variety of neighbourhood events. Since there is no specifically purposed queer community space our community space needs to span across Davie What We Need: Village through the utilization of public spaces. Bute Street can become Although it is difficult to influence the living queer community centre. the commercial market and what R5. Include Queer sports organizations in programming Bute Street garden activities. R6. Design sidewalk markers such as tiling design that reflecting queer diversity. R7. Include a queer history walk along Davie Street. R8. Install queer specific intersection tiling, cross-walks, sidewalk murals, and wall/post history plaques. R9. Consider draping lighting across streets combined with tree and other canopy lighting. R10. Sculpted monuments that might include lighting. R11. Encourage the use of programmable LED lighting.
businesses and organization ultimately establish themselves on Davie Street, there were a number of specific wishes identified. These included: Financial Institutions More non-franchise, diverse options for eating and drink More places to gather socially Independent business with few franchises Fine dining Diverse price points Social enterprise opportunities Clothing stores Coffee Shops (non-franchise) Deli & Butcher Cafe's with outdoor space Queer Centre with queer specific programming including queer youth & older adults programs Niche gathering spaces that are more intimate than large bars More back alley patios Front streets on alley side Easier for businesses to obtain special permits on the alleys Cafes on weekends in the alley Non-alcohol focused gathering spaces, dry spaces Pool hall Historical archive space for queer history. Boutique Hotel Hotel accommodations
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Business Development and Tourism Recommendations: R12. Create West End signature events surrounding celebrated holidays and festivals including Mardi-Gras, Oktoberfest, Halloween, Fat Tuesday, Easter, Sports Day Event, and Community Subject Matter panel events. These dont always include street closures but would involve local businesses in programming these community experiences. R13. Encourage the establishment of specialty stores, realizing that we need a more diverse business mix to respond to the funky and fun atmosphere of a revitalized Davie Village. R14. Conduct a review of other cities where an historical queer village exists within prime commercial/entertainment districts to examine successful business models.
of Davie Street. R24. Install seating (parklets) along the street where currently possible while planning for future opportunities. Seating needs to include benches but also include tables and chairs to improve the ability for people to interact with one another. Longer Term R25. Widen sidewalks with set-backs making way for safe walking spaces, seating, and patios. R26. Improve bus shelter design and positioning needs improvement so as not to block pedestrian traffic.
Safety
In the context of this report as it pertains to the West End planning process, it was generally felt that safety is not a significant issue for Davie Village, despite instances of violence toward queer communities in recent years. However it was felt that improvements could be made to enhance the security of the Davie Village. R27. Improve the accessibility of the community policing centre. Currently the centre is hidden and needs to be relocated to a more central storefront location closer to the middle of the community. Many commercial spaces have become available and this relocation should be a priority. R28. Increase police presence on the street during events and at peak times of 12:00 AM - 4:00 AM. R29. Improve street lighting, including in the alleys.
Davie Street should remain a commercial entertainment area only and housing should not be further considered for portions of this street.
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West-Enders and those who visit. Intensive re-development of Davie Street that is incompatible with the culture of Davie Village will erode the character of the West End. Protection of Davie Street does not mean that the community is looking for stagnation, but rather a confirmation of Davie Streets queer culture to form the basis of future rejuvenation. R32. Ensure Davie Village remains a commercial and entertainment district by protecting Davie Street from Burrard Street to Jervis Street through a heritage conservation and/or entertainment district designation to be included within the West End plan. This designation would need to include policies that include incentives for property owners to adequately maintain and enhance their properties recognizing the potential for limited redevelopment opportunities beyond current use. R33. Conduct further consultation to include additional queer and non-queer community stakeholders to ensure plans for any redevelopment of Davie Village reflect both business and community member needs.
Contact Us
Further information regarding the content of this report should be referred to the City of Vancouver LGBTQ Advisory Committee. Contact us by e-mail at lgbtq@vancouver.ca
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