Normally Darren and I indicate the start of our winter pause with an end of year recap set just before Christmas, but we are a little late. That has really been the story for us this year, as we struggle to adjust to a world where in-person events are far less frequent. From our understanding, in Vancouver they will only be required for neighbourhood plans, select unique proposals, and rezoning applications that do not comply with existing city policy.
Frankly we both miss these events as they were almost like date nights for us, and without them my writing has grown a lot more rusty. As for Darren, it seems like he has burnt out, though I never understood how he managed to endure the ramblings of the Urban Design Panel in the first place. Much to my chagrin, my partner continues to dutifully listen to them though, and he records each one in hopes of eventually summarizing them.
Which is why I know that some volunteers on this body are calling for it to be abolished, and there are reasons to think rumours of this happening are true. Already city staff have informed the panel that projects with a clear community benefit, like a trio of Yaletown social housing towers will no longer require their approval. Similarly, an expected change to the Vancouver Charter will soon prohibit public hearings for rezoning applications that comply with existing city policies.
Still, we expect 2024 will be a very busy year in Vancouver, and not just because city council will decide the fate of the Jericho Lands on January 23rd. I expect our event calendar will need my constant attention due to the numerous proposals that have been submitted under the international award-winning Broadway Plan. Our council vote tracker will keep my partner busy too, though updating our new development timeline maps and spreadsheets is a far bigger time sink.
I think it was overkill for him to expand those reports to include the status of every rezoning proposal submitted since 2009, though he seems pretty pleased with the results. As always City Duo remains a volunteer passion-project that, at times, also provides a welcome distraction from life’s hardships, like the passing of our beloved cat Mystic this fall. Which is why we plan to keep updating our blog, Instagram and Twitter accounts (X, whatever) for the foreseeable future.
We cannot say what those efforts will look like exactly, but rest assured our newfound knowledge of the city’s POSSE system means we should have plenty of things to share going forward. Of course, our inbox is always open to tips, messages of support, constructive criticism, or questions from those who want to learn more about the city we all love. May the year ahead bring you and your loved ones joy, and happiness.
Hannah (RH) & Darren (DH)
As always, if you have enjoyed our efforts, and if you are able, we ask that you consider donating your time or resources to one of these charities that are close to our hearts.
BC Cancer Foundation
BC SPCA
Heart & Stroke Foundation
The Last Post Fund
City Duo 
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