Gregor Robertson

Date: October 21, 2014

Name: Mayor Gregor Robertson, Vision Vancouver

Presenter: Mayor Gregor Robertson

Vancouver Board of Trade invites the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, to discuss about his view of the future of Vancouver community. Gregor Robertson has been the mayor of Vancouver since 2008 and he is the creation of Vancouver Economic Action Strategy. He leads Vancouver to expand the opportunities of technology sector. He successfully builds his legacy of 2010 Winter Olympic; moreover, under his leadership, Vancouver continues to rank as one of the most livable cities in the world. This presentation will provide many valuable insights for business owners in Vancouver.

Gregor Robertson is proud of the current economy and believes Vancouver needs to capitalize advantage through international. Robertson sees Vancouver has the growth in the resource and technology sectors. In addition, government will put strategic effort on developing the technology sector and creating a home for future talent entrepreneurs.

Robertson illustrates the image of Vancouver to be keen, green and innovative. It is important to promote the city’s success. Recently, Vancouver invests the project Tech Hub to support many Vancouver startups with innovative events. Robertson believes Vancouver should not take the success for granted; instead, he believes Vancouver still require a team to recognize and address the global issues, including finance, taxes, and oil tanks.

Ethic culture diversity still remains the competitive advantage of Vancouver. However, Vancouver is still need a stronger attraction. The future goal will provide supporting tools to increase tourism sector and local residents. Vancouver is ranked to be second lowest tax rate city in Canada; therefore, many corporations will bring jobs to Vancouver in future. Robertson’s strategy is to promote the Vision Vancouver.

The reason behind Robertson’s motivation

The current Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, is seeking for support to continue his vision for another four years. The reason behind his strategy is because Robertson wants Vancouver to change. He wants to see Vancouver to utilize opportunities and build on their success. He believes Vancouver has the potential to draw people around the world and take the city to another level of success.

Why is the campaign so dull?

Robertson believes Vancouver is at a stable economy stage. Everything is on track based on the strategic plan. Robertson wants to bring in new plans and development for Vancouver city. Vancouver is at the proactive stage, and city is looking for stabilization. Therefore, Robertson’s strategy is to introduce positive impact that will lead Vancouver to a different future.

What are the current main issues in Vancouver?

Citizens in Vancouver want to see the direction of the city and want to see a positive change. Affordability is a concern for Vancouver and rental housing needs to be addressed. Affordability issue will impact the core of the city and Robertson will bring positive and optimistic strategy for the future.

Response to panic

Robertson emphasizes Vancouver is prepared for any panic crisis. All documents will work away through all types of liability. There are steps for transparency and there will be sufficient communication through media. Many key players are prepared to initiate when crisis comes.

What is the vision of Vancouver?

Robertson thinks the new level of success for Vancouver involves technology. The world is paying attention to technology city, which will attract people to Vancouver. Vancouver needs to create momentum to become the top city of startup companies. This will create more venture capital, which will flow through the city.

Income household standard is low?

Currently the income household increase in Metro Vancouver is around 3.8%. Robertson will create more companies because people in this generation choose companies and move around the city. Technology will be the main attraction to invite more companies to stay in Vancouver. Robertson forecasts there will be an amazing shift the focus from resource to technology.

Vancouver is still mainly focus on service industry. It is important for Vancouver to stay focus and contribute. Robertson ensures the voice of people in Vancouver will be heard.

The biggest obstacle of homelessness

Robertson believes no one should sleep outside of Vancouver. With the current strategic action plan, Robertson believes Vancouver has a good chance to end the issue at the end of 2014. Robertson will not give up. Vancouver will work hard to create partnership with BC housing.

Upset residents from homelessness issue

Vancouver is building more shelter and shifts the downtown eastside to other location. There will be ongoing health providers. Neighbors need to work together to improve and contribute the environment of Vancouver.

Market of Rental Housing

There are many incentives for rental housing. Rental housing will create space and supplies for low income residents. Moreover, rental housing will make people to stay in Vancouver.

Plans for collaboration for other cities

Robertson announces Vancouver is currently working with other local cities to improve job opportunities. Vancouver will reach out to other cities for support and collaboration. Mobile business license for trade and business companies is implemented.

Bike Lane and Parking meter

Robertson implements bike lane strategy to transform the street of Vancouver to many functions usage. The strategy is challenging and the action plan will reduce 50% of cars in download in the future. There are many constructions and it is not great for transportation. Robertson will address this issue. Parking price will not reduce and remain stable because parking meter plays a great role of budget. If parking reduces, the property tax will increase.

Robertson believes bike lane is creating a positive economic impact. Vancouver is leaving a successful legacy. The improvements of transit will definitely improve the transportation in Vancouver.