<![CDATA[Van Mayor's Office · Storify]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOfficeNodeJS RSS ModuleWed, 19 Jun 2013 02:59:06 GMT<![CDATA[#EngagedCity Town Hall at HootSuite]]>

Today the Mayor joined HootSuite CEO Ryan Holmes for a live online Q&A at the company’s headquarters, discussing how to make Vancouver a more #EngagedCity after the first Task Force report. It's a conversation that trended nationally on twitter - Here's part of the exchange!

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Thu, May 23 2013 15:15:15

Photo: @MayorGregor #EngagedCity townhall at @hootsuite about to get underway! instagram.com/p/Zqg1qizgjA/ #vanpoli #bcpoli · Van Mayor's Office
Building an engaged cityBuilding an engaged city
The event marked the official launch of a report offering 16 "quick start" steps to strengthen civic engagement in Vancouver. T...
Gregor in the house @EngagedCity @hootsuite pic.twitter.com/ur4ERE6Hko · Kate Chalmers
The big screen hootfeed as we get ready for @MayorGregor's #engagedcity Q&A @ HootSuite Media instagram.com/p/ZqgnubnssE/ · Matt Foulger
The Mayor and @hootsuite CEO Ryan Holmes taking questions in a huge #engagedcity twitter town hall. #Vancouver · Braeden Caley
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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/engagedcity-town-hall-at-hootsuitehttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/engagedcity-town-hall-at-hootsuiteThu, 23 May 2013 22:15:15 GMT<![CDATA[Council unanimously supports new Vancouver Art Gallery]]>

City Council voted unanimously to move forward with a new, re-located, and significantly expanded Vancouver Art Gallery. Here's a summary of reaction from the press and on social media:

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Fri, Apr 26 2013 14:31:23

Boisterous celebration in and around #Vancouver's City Council chambers yesterday after a unanimous vote to move forward with a new and significantly-expanded Vancouver #Art Gallery. · Vancouver Mayor's Office

"Emotions broke out at Vancouver City Hall late Wednesday afternoon, after council voted unanimously to support a new Vancouver Art Gallery. The vote, to grant the VAG a 99-year lease for two-thirds of a block of city-owned land, means the gallery can now aggressively pursue the funding it needs – estimated at $350-million – to make the project happen."

City land deal gives green light for a new Vancouver Art GalleryCity land deal gives green light for a new Vancouver Art Gallery
Emotions broke out at Vancouver City Hall late Wednesday afternoon, after council voted unanimously to support a new Vancouver Art Galler...

“It’s a historic day to make a decision to put arts at the forefront of our city-building,” Mayor Gregor Robertson said in an interview after the vote. The mayor, city councillors and members of city staff – some with tears in their eyes – hugged and congratulated officials from the VAG, who have been campaigning for a new building for years.

City council ready to give green light to new art galleryCity council ready to give green light to new art gallery
Vancouver residents will get their first chance Wednesday to voice their thoughts on an ambitious proposal to build a new multimillion-do...
Art gallery fundraising plan getting solid supportArt gallery fundraising plan getting solid support
The plan would extend cross-country VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - An ambitious plan to move the Vancouver Art Gallery is drawing support from a ...
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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/council-unanimously-supports-new-vancouver-art-galhttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/council-unanimously-supports-new-vancouver-art-galFri, 26 Apr 2013 21:31:23 GMT<![CDATA[Re-cap: Vancouver's first-ever Digital Strategy]]>

This week the City of Vancouver approved its first-ever digital strategy, continuing City Hall’s work to support the local digital economy and improve service delivery for citizens. Here's some of the reaction from the press and on social media:

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Wed, Apr 10 2013 14:49:19

"The strategy establishes a four-year roadmap and nine leading priorities, including expanded open data access, more communication and engagement through digital tools, and expanding digital access throughout the city."
"The city will also look to develop, attract and retain talent in the digital sector and encourage digital start-ups through the creation of a so-called 'digital incubator' program."
Vancouver releases first-ever digital strategy
The City of Vancouver is looking to take its citizens and economy further into cyberspace with the release today of its first-ever digita...
City of Vancouver's Digital StrategyCity of Vancouver's Digital Strategy
Vancouver is starting to strengthen its standing as a major international tech hub. Recognizing this, the Mayor and City Council will vot...
“Making Vancouver a leader in digital innovation has been a key priority of my work as Mayor,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “The City’s first-ever digital strategy represents another significant step forward in our efforts to improve how City Hall does business and engages with citizens, how we support leading-edge job creation in our local technology and creative sectors, and how we foster digital innovation to make life better for all Vancouver residents.”
"Action items include expanding free wi-fi access in City facilities and key public destinations and establishing an incubation program to recruit and retain digital talent and investment in Vancouver."
Vancouver city council set to vote on digital strategyVancouver city council set to vote on digital strategy
Vancouver city council is set to vote next week on a strategy aimed at increasing digital access and services across the city and support...
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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/re-cap-vancouver-s-first-ever-digital-strategyhttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/re-cap-vancouver-s-first-ever-digital-strategyWed, 10 Apr 2013 21:49:19 GMT<![CDATA[It's time to build the Broadway Subway]]>

Yesterday Mayor Robertson and UBC's Stephen Toope released a new report from KPMG demonstrating the urgent economic need for a new subway line on the busy UBC-Broadway corridor. Here's a summary of reaction from the press and social media:

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Fri, Mar 01 2013 11:02:21

Mayor of Vancouver " Blog Archive " Rapid transit key to unlocking potential of UBC/Broadway corridor: studyMayor of Vancouver " Blog Archive " Rapid transit key to unlocking potential of UBC/Broadway corridor: study
The City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia today released a KPMG study that shows the employment and population of the ...
"The UBC/Broadway corridor, which runs from Commercial Drive to UBC’s Point Grey campus, is B.C.’s second largest business and innovation area and North America’s busiest bus route. More than 200,000 people currently live and work in the area and 50 per cent of the corridor transit riders currently come from beyond Vancouver."

200,000 people currently live and work in the UBC-Broadway corridor, with another 150,000 anticipated by 2040. The demand for transit is so great that a subway connecting to UBC would exceed Canada Line ridership on Day 1.

— Gregor Robertson · Thu, Feb 28 2013 14:51:55
A new report from KPMG demonstrates the urgent economic need for a new #subway line on the busy #UBC-Broadway corridor. Learn more and add your voice: http://bit.ly/ubcbway · vanmayorsoffice
Rapid transit key to unlocking potential of UBC/Broadway corridor: studyRapid transit key to unlocking potential of UBC/Broadway corridor: study
The City of Vancouver and UBC today released a KPMG study that shows the employment and population of the UBC/Broadway corridor will grow...
UBC and @CityofVancouver to release KPMG report on #UBC-Broadway corridor economic potential at 10:15 http://pic.twitter.com/Cfh3HcIMGA · UBC Public Affairs

The economic potential of the UBC-Broadway corridor is tremendous. Share if you agree we need a Broadway subway: http://bit.ly/ubcbway

— Gregor Robertson · Thu, Feb 28 2013 10:26:47
Vancouver, UBC make case for Broadway subway, saying area could become "innovation hub"Vancouver, UBC make case for Broadway subway, saying area could become "innovation hub"
The City of Vancouver and the University of B.C. argued their case Thursday for a subway along the Broadway corridor, saying it was cruci...

The area is also North America’s busiest bus route, and with another 150,000 people expected for the corridor in the next 30 years, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson warned the area is at risk of losing high-tech jobs to other cities such as Toronto, New York or San Diego because of “gridlock and over-stretched transit.”

“What is currently a powerhouse for jobs will suffer and be choked off from the opportunities,” Robertson said. “We need to take the transit system to the next level. Without it, the Vancouver and B.C. economy risks falling behind.”

New study calls for rapid transit along Vancouver's Broadway corridorNew study calls for rapid transit along Vancouver's Broadway corridor
The City of Vancouver continued its push today for a rapid transit line to UBC, with the release of a new study that suggests the economi...
“Capital, talent and jobs are literally pouring into the corridor, stretching from Commercial Drive right to UBC, and these jobs are growing at twice the rate of the B.C. economy,” said Robertson. “They are the future of B.C.’s economic success, and unfortunately that success is at risk, due to increasing gridlock and over-stretched transit, and a system that was built for yesterday’s economy. Only a rapid transit system–a subway extending from Commercial Drive to UBC–can meet the massive growth that we’re expecting in the coming years.” 
Broadway transit key to tech economy, Robertson saysBroadway transit key to tech economy, Robertson says
In an escalating effort to make the case for rapid transit on Broadway sooner than later, Vancouver's mayor and the president of UBC say ...
“Without a major upgrade in our transit system, we risk losing out to research hubs from our global competitors, like Toronto, New York and London – all cities who have their jobs corridor linked with their academic institutions by rapid transit,” Mr. Robertson said as he and University of British Columbia president Stephen Toope laid out the argument for investment in the $2.8-million subway line.
New report recommends $2.8 billion subway down Broadway to UBCNew report recommends $2.8 billion subway down Broadway to UBC
The City of Vancouver and UBC released a report today pushing for rapid transit on the busy Broadway corridor. The report by KPMG shows p...

Do you support a new subway line for Vancouver's busy UBC-Broadway Corridor? http://bit.ly/ubcbway

— Gregor Robertson · Thu, Feb 28 2013 10:39:33
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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/it-s-time-to-build-the-broadway-subwayhttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/it-s-time-to-build-the-broadway-subwayFri, 01 Mar 2013 19:02:21 GMT<![CDATA[Broadway Subway: Social Media re-cap]]>

City of Vancouver staff presented an update this week on the urgent need for a Broadway Subway line. The project would provide rapid transit along the Broadway corridor, home to the 2nd most jobs in BC & the busiest transit corridor in North America. Here's a summary of press & social media reaction

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Fri, Nov 30 2012 15:53:45

The City of Vancouver laid out its case this week for a $2.8-billion rapid-transit line that would run underground along the Broadway corridor, arguing that despite the hefty price tag, a subway is more efficient and less disruptive than streetcar service.


"Light rail doesn't meet the people-moving needs of the corridor," said Jerry Dobrovolny, Vancouver's director of transportation.

City unveils $2.8B vision for Broadway subway lineCity unveils $2.8B vision for Broadway subway line
The City of Vancouver laid out its case this week for a $2.8-billion rapid-transit line that would run underground along the Broadway cor...

Serving the University of B.C. and the central Broadway business district spanning from Main to Burrard streets, the route sees about 160,000 daily transit trips. Some 2,000 passengers at Commercial and Broadway are passed by during peak morning hours with over-crowded buses failing to meet demand. About half the transit users come into the city from elsewhere in the region.

Transportation director pushes for SkyTrain under BroadwayTransportation director pushes for SkyTrain under Broadway
Jerry Dobrovolny said that light rapid transit – a rail system with more cars and speed than a streetcar – is just not an option for the ...
A light-rail line would inhibit truck traffic on the busy commercial route, said Mr. Dobrovolny. It would also prevent turns, he said, as well as requiring reconstruction of the whole street and removal of trees, among other things.
“Is there a system anywhere in the world that’s moving this number of people [on surface rail] though this kind of corridor? The answer is no,” he said. “And given the impacts, we support a Broadway tunnel all the way to UBC.”
Broadway needs SkyTrain rather than light rail, Vancouver city staff sayBroadway needs SkyTrain rather than light rail, Vancouver city staff say
Vancouver city staff believe a subway SkyTrain line to UBC is the best way to meet the growing demand along the Broadway corridor, outwei...
The joys of waiting for the 99 B-Line · Paul Krueger
^ Photo from March 2012 showing waits for the 99 B-Line 
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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/broadway-subway-social-media-re-caphttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/broadway-subway-social-media-re-capFri, 30 Nov 2012 23:53:45 GMT<![CDATA[Innovative rooftop vertical farm launches in Vancouver]]>

This week Mayor Robertson celebrated the opening of the first rooftop vertical farm in Vancouver, and the harvesting of its first commercial crop of leafy local greens. Here's a summary of reaction from the press and on social media:

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Thu, Nov 22 2012 10:46:07

Mayor Robertson speaks at the opening of North America's first rooftop vertical farm, atop an underused EasyPark parade in Downtown Vancouver. The rooftop greenhouse is anticipated to produce over 500 lbs of sustainable local food each day · vanmayorsoffice
Vancouver rooftop greenhouse grower secures a high-end market for greens (with video)Vancouver rooftop greenhouse grower secures a high-end market for greens (with video)
A unique mechanized greenhouse operation will deliver its first crop of salad greens, herbs and spinach today and begin to pay back a $2-...
"The greenhouse, perched atop a Richards Street parkade in downtown Vancouver, employs a four-metre-high system of hundreds of suspended trays that move to maximize exposure to natural light"
Congrats to @_LocalGarden for the 1st Verticrop facility with Daylight fixture from @HortiluxNL / PL Light Systems ! http://pic.twitter.com/Jme8U9a9" · Dool Industries
City rooftop farm to serve up fresh greens galoreCity rooftop farm to serve up fresh greens galore
A Vancouver company called Alterrus Systems has come up with a newfangled approach to growing food on the roof of a downtown parkade.

“Everybody’s looking for a local sustainable salad that doesn’t come from California,” said Woollard at a news conference.

The company hopes to grow 70,000 kilograms of greens and herbs annually on its rooftop greenhouse, which is located on the 10th floor of a city parkade in the 500-block of Richards Street."


Kale party - sign me up! MT @DanBurritt So much kale! Verticrop system launch on DT Vancouver parkade rooftop. http://pic.twitter.com/4nw0BRIn · Stephanie Werner
Farming goes vertical at downtown parkadeFarming goes vertical at downtown parkade
GROWING UP When I first heard about "vertical farming," I had visions of farmers with Spider-Man-like powers scaling tall building while ...

"When I first heard about "vertical farming," I had visions of farmers with Spider-Man-like powers scaling tall building while picking tomatoes.

But alas, it was not to be. In the case of Alterrus Systems Inc.'s Verti-Crop it turns out while vertical farming does not call for super powers, it does include technology that allows leafy green vegetables to grow on suspended trays attached to a moving conveyor system providing maximum exposure to light. Designed to grow in controlled environments, VertiCrop also eliminates the need for herbicides or pesticides"

- Sandra Thomas, Vancouver Courier

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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/innovative-rooftop-vertical-farm-launches-in-vancohttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/innovative-rooftop-vertical-farm-launches-in-vancoThu, 22 Nov 2012 18:46:07 GMT<![CDATA[Vancouver Rent Bank launches]]>

Vancouver's new Rent Bank was launched this week, providing a crucial assistance to low-income renters who are in crisis and facing eviction. Here's a summary of reaction from the press and on social media:

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Fri, Oct 12 2012 12:26:34

Vancouver rent bank · globalbctv
Vancouversun
New Vancouver Rent Bank offers up relief for tenantsNew Vancouver Rent Bank offers up relief for tenants
Marilyn McKee knows how easy it is to end up homeless. And how little it takes to keep a roof over her head.

Marilyn McKee knows how easy it is to end up homeless. And how little it takes to keep a roof over her head.


In her case, $350. That's what the Haida jew-elry carver received last year from the iRENT Bank, a program run by the non-profit group Network of Inner City Community Services Society (NICCSS), which helps people pay their rents and stay in their homes.


"It was just enough to keep us going," said McKee at Wednesday's launch of Vancouver Rent Bank (VRB), a program similar to iRENT but with far more resources available for people facing homelessness.


"It helped provide the basics and that $350 was all that kept me and my son from being homeless."


McKee, who was homeless for six months, was at the launch of VRB, which helps Vancouver singles, couples and families who are facing eviction, apply for a one-time loan.

Rent bank aims to keep people off the streetsRent bank aims to keep people off the streets
The Streetohome Foundation's Rent Bank will prevent more Vancouver residents from falling into homelessness thanks to a $366,000 contribu...
"The emergency, interest-free loans are made on a one-time basis and can be used to cover rent, first/last months' deposit or utilities, as the funds are issued directly to landlords or creditors. They can be paid back over two years."
Rent bank offers Vancouver residents relief | Local | News | Vancouver 24 hrsRent bank offers Vancouver residents relief | Local | News | Vancouver 24 hrs
Vancouverites in dire straits won't be forced to break their piggy banks to pay their bills following the official launch of the city's f...
"Vancouverites in dire straits won’t be forced to break their piggy banks to pay their bills following the official launch of the city’s first rent bank Wednesday, coinciding with World Homeless Day."
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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/vancouver-rent-bank-launcheshttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/vancouver-rent-bank-launchesFri, 12 Oct 2012 19:26:34 GMT<![CDATA[#VanHousing: Mayor Robertson hosts Twitter Town Hall on Housing Affordability]]>

Mayor Robertson hosted a Twitter Town Hall on the challenge of Housing Affordability in Vancouver (Oct. 4, 2012), with questions coming in via the #VanHousing hashtag. Here are a few of the highlights:

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Fri, Oct 05 2012 12:46:27

Gregor Robertson hosts Twitter townhall on Vancouver housingGregor Robertson hosts Twitter townhall on Vancouver housing
Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson held a "Twitter townhall" on Thursday afternoon.
Mayor Robertson hosts an open #Twitter town hall on #Vancouver housing affordability, questions sent in using the #vanhousing hashtag · Mayor Gregor Robertson
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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/vanhousing-mayor-robertson-hosts-twitter-town-halhttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/vanhousing-mayor-robertson-hosts-twitter-town-halFri, 05 Oct 2012 19:46:27 GMT<![CDATA[Bold ideas toward an affordable Vancouver]]>

Last week the Mayor’s Task Force on Affordable Housing released its final report, outlining a set of bold and pragmatic actions to confront our Vancouver's lack of housing affordability. Here's a summary of reaction from the press and on social media:

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Tue, Oct 02 2012 11:06:47

Mayor of Vancouver " Blog Archive " Mayor urges City Council to support recommendations from Housing Affordability Task ForceMayor of Vancouver " Blog Archive " Mayor urges City Council to support recommendations from Housing Affordability Task Force
Today the Mayor's Task Force on Affordable Housing released its final report, and Mayor Gregor Robertson is urging City Council to give u...
Vancouver's affordable housing plan a positive move, but 'action' needed: homebuildersVancouver's affordable housing plan a positive move, but 'action' needed: homebuilders
It's a lofty plan to promote affordable housing, but only time will tell if it works. That's how Cameron Muir, chief economist at the B.C...
"Simpson, whose organization represents Metro Vancouver’s residential construction industry, applauded the “outside of the box” thinking that resulted from the task force process." - Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun
Affordable-housing plan would allow row houses, town homesAffordable-housing plan would allow row houses, town homes
Montreal-style row-house and stacked-townhouse projects could be kicking off within weeks in Vancouver neighbourhoods that have been encl...

"The concept is being applauded by urban planners, who say the new types of housing will provide something more affordable in the neighbourhoods where they’re built." - Frances Bula, Globe and Mail

Thin streets the solution to Vancouver's housing affordability issuesThin streets the solution to Vancouver's housing affordability issues
Yesterday the Mayor's Task Force on Affordable Housing released its final report, and Mayor Robertson is urging City Council to give unan...

"Attracting and retaining talent and young people of all backgrounds is key to the cultural vitality of the city. Higher housing costs has already seen many pack up their bags and leave. Vancouver can not be a great “world city” if only the wealthy can afford it to call it home." 

- Vancity Buzz

Thin streets and below-market housing pitched by Vancouver task forceThin streets and below-market housing pitched by Vancouver task force
Thin streets, high-density zoning along transit arteries and the formation of a housing authority are going ahead if council green lights...

"Thin streets, high-density zoning along transit arteries and the formation of a housing authority are going ahead if council green lights the final recommendations of the city’shousing affordability task force. The 18-member task force, co-chaired by Mayor Gregor Robertson and former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Olga Ilich, released its final report Wednesday after 10 months of research and public consultations. If adopted, council will be able to consider applications for duplexes, row houses and stacked townhouses within 1.5 blocks of transit arteries and neighbourhood hubs." - Kate Webb, Metro News Vancouver

"The aim is to create 10,000 affordable new homes for both buyers and renters." - CTV BC
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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/bold-ideas-toward-an-affordable-vancouverhttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/bold-ideas-toward-an-affordable-vancouverTue, 02 Oct 2012 18:06:47 GMT<![CDATA[Vancouver expands Food Scraps Recycling Program]]>

Today Mayor Gregor Robertson announced a City-wide expansion of Vancouver's food scraps recycling program. Here's are some of the highlights of reaction from the press and on social media:

Storified by Van Mayor's Office · Tue, Sep 11 2012 15:56:39

Starting today, #Vancouver residents who live in a house or duplex can add all food scraps and food soiled paper along with yard waste to their green bin. Visit http://mayorofvancouver.ca/foodscraps for more info! · vanmayorsoffice

"Anyone who lives in a house or duplex in Vancouver can now add all food scraps and food-soiled paper into their green bin along with their yard waste, and expect a weekly green bin pickup every week by spring 2013."

Vancouver expands food scraps recycling program to include all food wasteVancouver expands food scraps recycling program to include all food waste
Anyone who lives in a house or duplex in Vancouver can now add all food scraps and food-soiled paper into their green bin along with thei...
“If we remove all food scraps and compostables from Vancouver’s landfill, it reduces pollution by the same amount as taking 10,000 cars off the road.” - Mayor Gregor Robertson
Vancouver expands 'food scraps' programVancouver expands 'food scraps' program
Meat, fish, bones, pizza boxes and other foods were added to the list allowed in Vancouverites' compost bins Tuesday following an announc...
City of Vancouver residential Food Scraps Recycling Program · vancouvercityhall

As of today, look what you can compost in your Vancouver yard waste bin! Go Vancouver!

— Jodi Stark · Tue, Sep 11 2012 14:32:39
Food scraps recycling program | City of VancouverFood scraps recycling program | City of Vancouver
Food scraps recycling has been an important part of the City of Vancouver's strategy to reduce organic waste going to the landfill, and t...
Vancouver expands food scraps recycling programVancouver expands food scraps recycling program
The City of Vancouver held a news conference today (September 11) to demonstrate the new food scraps recyling program available to homes ...

Starting today, Vancouver residents who live in a house or duplex can add all food scraps and food soiled paper along with yard waste to their green bin.

— Kerrisdale Community Centre · Tue, Sep 11 2012 12:22:03
Mayor Robertson demonstrates which foods and materials can be now included in all Vancouver yard waste bins · vanmayorsoffice
"The City of Vancouver itself is getting a head start. A pilot project that was introduced two years ago is being expanded to include 90,000 homes. It allows homeowners to compost any food waste -- everything from meat bones to pizza boxes -- whereas most residents have had to throw it in the garbage. The city says nearly 40 per cent of the garbage we send to the landfill is food scraps or otherwise compostable material. Mayor Gregor Robertson hopes to soon include apartment buildings and businesses."
Vancouver expands composting ahead of Metro food waste banVancouver expands composting ahead of Metro food waste ban
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - You won't be able to throw any food waste in the garbage in a little over two years when a Metro Vancouver ban on ...
A very crowded #Vancouver laneway as Mayor Robertson announces the City's new Food Scraps #Recycling Program · vanmayorsoffice
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]]>http://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/vancouver-expands-food-scraps-recycling-programhttp://storify.com/VanMayorsOffice/vancouver-expands-food-scraps-recycling-programTue, 11 Sep 2012 22:56:39 GMT