Jim Green, former City of Vancouver councillor and renowned social and community advocate, died early Tuesday morning after losing his battle with lung cancer.
Green was a city councillor from 2002 to 2005 with the Coalition of Progressive Electors and is considered one of the architects of Vision Vancouver.
Green died at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday at home with his family, according to a statement issued by Mayor Gregor Robertson's office.
Only yesterday, the City of Vancouver bestowed the Freedom of the City on its former councillor.
At the time of the award, Mayor Gregor Robertson said, "Jim Green has made a profound impact on the City of Vancouver, and he continues to be a passionate advocate for social justice, democracy, the arts and the shaping of an inclusive city for all residents."
Jim Green was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1943, and moved to Vancouver in 1968. He became a leading citizen of Vancouver, making a particular impact in the Downtown Eastside where he campaigned for social inclusion and became an executive director of the Downtown Eastside Residents Association.
Green also fought to keep the old Woodward's building for social housing use, and he co-founded the Portland Hotel Society.
Mayor Robertson said: "Through his work, Jim empowered the marginalized, first as a union shop steward, then as an organizer for the Downtown Eastside Residents Association, mobilizing the community to demand decent housing in Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood. Countless units of social and affordable housing are just part of his legacy."
- This is a bullet
- This is another bullet
- and one more.
