Vancouverites tend to be resistant to change, which likely stems from the fact that they live in the world’s most livable city and they want to protect that livability, according to mayor Gregor Robertson.
In an exclusive interview with BIV in Robertson’s spacious city hall office, the mayor referred to the influential U.K. magazine The Economist, on February 21, ranking Vancouver as the world’s most livable city for the fifth year in a row.
“Vancouver is the world’s most livable city and people are sensitive to making change too fast,” Robertson said. “Vancouver has seen dramatic change in its 125-year history, and it keeps getting better. The city’s development is world class and has created an outstanding city. Fearing more development and change is at odds with our history, but, that being said, we need to be thoughtful and careful with all the changes we make. Densifying neighbourhoods is one of those things.”
Citizens groups have criticized Robertson and his council for considering allowing western Canada’s largest casino to be built downtown as well as for not consulting enough before implementing changes such as:
- spending $4 million to install separated bike lanes in the downtown core; and
- raising maximum allowable tower heights on seven sites in the downtown core.
“Many people claim a lack of consultation when they don’t agree with a decision or direction,” Robertson said.