2 days ago
Swift News
A former Vancouver mayor has been named by the province as its latest go-between for Vancouver's poorest neighbourhood, as it seeks to improve the quality of life for residents, workers and visitors of the Downtown Eastside.
Larry Campbell, 77, was Vancouver's mayor from 2002 to 2005, and formerly a police officer, provincial chief coroner and Canadian senator.
"Our government is determined to deliver better outcomes for this community at the heart of Vancouver," said Christine Boyle, minister of housing and municipal affairs, in a statement.
"I'm looking forward to working with Mr. Campbell as he helps bring all our efforts together and all partners to the table to improve quality of life for everyone in the Downtown Eastside."
The Downtown Eastside (DTES) is one of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhoods and is associated with "many complex challenges including drug use, crime, homelessness, housing issues, unemployment, and loss of businesses in the community," says the city on its website.
Campbell's appointment is meant to help the province liaise between government and non-government organizations to align them over public policy meant to help with housing, mental health and addictions.
The statement says his focus will be "co-ordinating and advancing" improvements for people, public spaces, infrastructure, health care, housing and economic development.
"Bringing my experience and relationships to this role, we will advance housing policy that meets local needs, and reduce barriers to strive for seamless care for our unhoused neighbours, especially women and Indigenous people, and those with complex mental health and addictions," Campbell is quoted as saying in the provincial statement.
