Gordon Price

Last updated
Gordon Price
Vancouver City Councillor
In office
November 1986 –November 16, 2002
Personal details
Born1949 (age 74–75)
Victoria, British Columbia
Nationality Canadian
Political party Non-Partisan Association
SpouseLen Sobo
Residence(s) West End, Vancouver
(since 1978)
Alma mater University of Victoria
OccupationUrban planner
ProfessionProfessor and Director, The City Program
Simon Fraser University
2004 - 2016
Known forCo-founder AIDS Vancouver
HIV/AIDS Advocacy
LGBT Activist
Awards
2003 Plan Canada Award, Article of the Year

2007 Smart Growth BC's Smarty Award

2010 Metro Vancouver RAIC Award of Excellence, Advocate of Architecture and Community

Contents

2012 Simon Fraser University President’s Award [1] [2]

Website viewpointvancouver.ca

Gordon Price is a Canadian urban planner, gay rights activist, and former politician, known for his tenure as a Non-Partisan Association (NPA) member of Vancouver City Council. Serving six terms from 1986 to 2002, he notably became the first openly gay member of the council. During his time as a city councillor, Price also served on the board of the Metro Vancouver Regional District (Metro Vancouver) and the board of TransLink in 1999. Since retiring from politics, Price has remained engaged in urban issues. [3] [4]

Community Activism and Advocacy

Price became prominent for leading a campaign to address street prostitution in Vancouver's West End neighbourhood. Forming the grassroots group CROWE (Concerned Residents of the West End) in 1981, Price aimed to maintain peace and livability in the area. The group sought to address the presence of sex workers in residential streets, drawing support from a diverse coalition of community members, including gay men, seniors, and heterosexual residents. However, the coalition's approach, emphasizing exclusionary and punitive measures, influenced perceptions of neighbourhood belonging, urban ideals, and community safety. [5] [6] [7]

Gordon Price is known for his grassroots involvement as a co-founder of AIDS Vancouver in early 1983, one of the first organizations in Canada to address the AIDS crisis. He helped establish the organization with a focus on providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. [8] [9]

Post-Political Career and Continued Engagement

Since retiring from office after serving 16 years, Price transitioned into roles as a writer, public lecturer, and professor, focusing on urban renewal and transportation planning issues. He contributed a column to the magazine Business in Vancouver . Additionally, he served as the director of the City Program, a continuing education initiative in urban planning and sustainable community development at Simon Fraser University from 2004 to 2016. [10] [11]

In 2009, Price was appointed by Gregor Robertson, the Mayor of Vancouver, to the city's "Greenest City Action Team", an ongoing appointment. In 2015, Vancouver won a C40 Cities award, given in recognition of cities that demonstrate world-leading sustainability initiatives. [12] [13]

Price has been a consistent advocate for cycling infrastructure in Vancouver, notably concerning the implementation of bike lanes on the Burrard Bridge. Despite facing initial opposition and setbacks, his efforts played a crucial role in the project's eventual success, reflecting effective planning, engineering, and political perseverance. Acknowledged as essential to the city's evolving cycling network and urban development, his advocacy highlights the impact of incremental commitments to cycling infrastructure on Vancouver's identity and culture. [14] [15]

In November 2013, Gordon Price and his partner Len Sobo, who had been together for 25 years as of 2013 and 35 years as of 2023, and are residents of the West End, were featured by Vancouver Cycle Chic for their active engagement in cycling and their commitment to sustainable living. They spent the day together, resulting in the creation of a short film documenting their experience. [16]

Perspectives on Urban Development

In an interview conducted by Squamish council chairperson Khelsilem from a cafe in the Kitsilano neighborhood in 2022, former Vancouver city councillor Gordon Price raised concerns that reflect broader debates about the balance between Indigenous sovereignty, urban development, and community engagement in projects like Sen̓áḵw. His perspective highlights the need for careful consideration of diverse interests and values in shaping the future of urban spaces. In response, Khelsilem emphasized the importance of regaining control over resources to support their community and highlighted the nation's track record of developing rental housing. [17]

Criticism of Squamish Nation housing development

In 2022, Price criticized a 12-tower housing development project by the Squamish Nation on First Nations land adjacent to the city of Vancouver. Price argued that Squamish Nation was not engaging in "an Indigenous way of building." [18] Price said that the development, which could not be blocked by the Vancouver City Council, ran contrary to the land back movement, "It’s basically, ‘You f—ked us, now we f—k you.’ That’s no basis for reconciliation. That’s not gonna work. That’s awful." [19] Price also asked "Where are the studies?" on the project's de-emphasis on parking spots and focus on public transit, bicycling infrastructure and walkability. [20]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simon Fraser University</span> Public university in British Columbia, Canada

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada, with three campuses, all in Greater Vancouver: Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver. The 170-hectare (420-acre) main Burnaby campus on Burnaby Mountain, located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from downtown Vancouver, was established in 1965 and comprises more than 30,000 students and 160,000 alumni. The university was created in an effort to expand higher education across Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vancouver</span> City in British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver is a major city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the city, up from 631,486 in 2016. The Metro Vancouver area had a population of 2.6 million in 2021, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. Greater Vancouver, along with the Fraser Valley, comprises the Lower Mainland with a regional population of over 3 million. Vancouver has the highest population density in Canada, with over 5,700 people per square kilometre, and fourth highest in North America.

Highway 99 is a provincial highway in British Columbia that runs 377 kilometres (234 mi) from the U.S. border to near Cache Creek, serving Greater Vancouver and the Squamish–Lillooet corridor. It is a major north–south artery within Vancouver and connects the city to several suburbs as well as the U.S. border, where it continues south as Interstate 5. The central section of the route, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway, serves the communities of Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton. Highway 99 continues through Lillooet and ends at a junction with Highway 97 near Cache Creek.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kitsilano</span> Neighbourhood of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada

Kitsilano is a neighbourhood located in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Kitsilano is named after Squamish chief August Jack Khatsahlano, and the neighbourhood is located in Vancouver's West Side along the south shore of English Bay, between the neighbourhoods of West Point Grey and Fairview. The area is mostly residential with two main commercial areas, West 4th Avenue and West Broadway, known for their retail stores, restaurants and organic food markets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squamish, British Columbia</span> Municipality in Canada

Squamish is a community and a district municipality in the Canadian province of British Columbia, located at the north end of Howe Sound on the Sea to Sky Highway. The population of the Squamish census agglomeration, which includes First Nation reserves of the Squamish Nation although they are not governed by the municipality, is 24,232.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">False Creek</span> Inlet in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

False Creek is a short narrow inlet in the heart of Vancouver, separating the Downtown and West End neighbourhoods from the rest of the city. It is one of the four main bodies of water bordering Vancouver, along with English Bay, Burrard Inlet, and the Fraser River. Granville Island is located within the inlet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greater Vancouver</span> Metropolitan area in British Columbia, Canada

Greater Vancouver, also known as Metro Vancouver, is the metropolitan area with its major urban centre being the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The term "Greater Vancouver" describes an area that is roughly coterminous with the region governed by the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD), though it predates the 1966 creation of the regional district. It is often used to include areas beyond the boundaries of the regional district but does not generally include wilderness and agricultural areas that are included within the MVRD.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squamish Nation</span> First Nation government in British Columbia, Canada

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Senakw</span> Village site, housing development

Sen̓áḵw or sən̓aʔqʷ, rendered in English as Snawk, Snawq, Sneawq, or Snawkw, is a village site of the Indigenous Squamish people, located near what is now known as the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Alan Herbert was a Canadian politician and activist. He served as a member of the Vancouver City Council from 1996 to 1999, representing the Non-Partisan Association. Herbert was among the first openly gay politicians in Canada, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. Despite encountering challenges and conflicts within the political arena, he remained dedicated to his principles and causes.

Andrea Reimer is a Canadian politician, who served on Vancouver, British Columbia's City Council from 2008 to 2018. She was first elected in 2002 to the Vancouver School Board as a Green Party candidate. She was defeated as a Green Party candidate in her re-election campaign in 2005 and then joined the Vision Vancouver party to support Gregor Robertson's mayoral campaign. She subsequently ran for and won a council seat in the 2008 municipal election. After serving four terms on council, she chose not to run for re-election in the 2018 municipal election. She is currently an adjunct professor at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, and served on the UBC Board of Governors as a provincial appointee from December 2019 to October 2020.

AIDS Vancouver, founded in early 1983, is recognized as one of the first community-based non-profit AIDS organizations in Canada, responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the Vancouver area. Led by co-founders Gordon Price, Noah Stewart, Dr. Mike Maynard, Daryl Nelson, and Ron Alexander Slater, the organization has aimed to provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. With a focus on grassroots efforts and community mobilization, AIDS Vancouver has been involved in efforts to address the spread of HIV and support individuals living with the virus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kennedy Stewart (Canadian politician)</span> Canadian politician and academic

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ian Campbell (Canadian politician)</span>

Ian Campbell is an Indigenous Canadian politician. He is one of many hereditary chiefs, also known as head of family, and an elected councillor of the Squamish Nation. He serves as the chair of the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase, a business conference focused on economic reconciliation and partnerships between industry and Indigenous community. The event takes place annually in Vancouver, British Columbia. Campbell also serves on the board of MST Development Corporation (MST), a corporate entity which manages real estate properties owned by a partnership between the Musqueam Indian Band, the Squamish Nation, and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. In 2018, he became the Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate for the 2018 Vancouver municipal election, but withdrew before the election.

Khelsilem Tl’aḵwasiḵ̓an Sxwchálten, also known as Dustin Rivers, is an Indigenous Canadian politician and First Nations leader in British Columbia. He is serving his first term as councillor for the Squamish Nation Council. The youngest Councillor elected in the 2017 election, he topped the polls with the most votes and was appointed as one of two Official Spokespersons for the Squamish Nation Council. He serves on numerous Council committees including Finance & Audit, Governance, Human Resources, and chair the Planning & Capital Projects Committee, and deputy chair for the Rights & Title Committee and Climate Action Task Force.

References

  1. ↑ "City Program Awards". Simon Fraser University. 2017. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  2. ↑ "List of Awards: BIO". Viewpoint Vancouver. 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  3. ↑ Pete McMartin, “An Alderman Who Happens to be Gay,” Vancouver Sun , January 12, 1987.
  4. ↑ Lewis, Shauna (7 September 2008). "New queer candidate seeks NPA nomination". Xtra Vancouver. Archived from the original on 8 January 2009.
  5. ↑ “The Real West End,” Urban Reader 10, no. 5 (1982): 10. Gordon Price is the founder of CROWE.
  6. ↑ Marke Andrews, “Getting the Lowdown on the Gay Community,” Vancouver Sun , Nov 19, 1983.
  7. ↑ Bishop, Stacey (2013). "Chapter 2: Concerned Residents of the West End, Shame the Johns, and the Sexual Re-Ordering of the West End" (PDF). Simon Fraser University. pp. 17–45. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  8. ↑ "The Gay Founding Fathers: The Dinner Party" (YouTube). 30 30 AIDS Vancouver. 28 February 2014. Event occurs at 2m6s. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  9. ↑ "British Columbia: An Untold History". British Columbia’s Knowledge Network. 21 October 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  10. ↑ Simon Fraser University (2012). "CAPS 2012 National Conference" (PDF). Planning Horizons Conference Schedule. CAPS-ASCEAU. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  11. ↑ "Simon Fraser University School of Continuing Studies". Archived from the original on 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
  12. ↑ "Greenest City" (PDF). City of Vancouver. April 27, 2009. p. 30. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Greenest City Action Plan 2015-2020 Strategy" (PDF). City of Vancouver. October 1, 2015. p. 124. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  14. ↑ Bula, Frances (July 30, 2013). "Vancouver's bike lanes: Gordon Price on when to ignore the opposition". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  15. ↑ Ohrn, Ken (January 12, 2018). "VanBikes Interviews Gordon Price". Price Tags Perspectives from Vancouver. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  16. ↑ "Gord & Len "Back and Forth"" (YouTube). Vancouver Cycle Chic Films. 5 February 2014. Event occurs at 2m51s. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
  17. ↑ Schmunk, Rhianna (December 5, 2022). "Out of the Ashes". cbc.ca. CBC News. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  18. ↑ Cyca, Michelle (2024-03-11). "Vancouver's new mega-development is big, ambitious and undeniably Indigenous". Macleans.ca.
  19. ↑ Schmunk, Rhianna (December 5, 2022). "Out of the Ashes". cbc.ca. CBC News. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Squamish Nation development in Vancouver aims to add 10,000 residents, creating the city's densest community yet". The Globe and Mail. 2022-08-13.
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