We can make this city stand the test of time
Resilience is a goal worth pursuing, Gregor Robertson and Michael Berkowitz write.
Cities stand at the forefront of the challenges and opportunities for the 21st century. Aging infrastructure, extreme weather and mass migration all disproportionately affect urban centres.
Like other cities that recognize the need to lead amid this global landscape, Vancouver is making a commitment to its future resilience. We look at resilience as building capacity with our residents, communities, institutions, businesses and systems to survive, adapt and grow no matter what kinds of chronic stresses and acute shocks Vancouver may experience.
This week, the city is marking the beginning of its collaboration with the 100 Resilient Cities group, joining 99 other cities around the world to assess and develop Vancouver’s resilience strategy.
Part of this partnership includes funding for two years for a chief resilience officer. The CRO will work with government, other cities, industry and non-profits to drive resilience catered to Vancouver’s unique needs and challenges.
The CRO also leads the city’s engagement with another of 100RC’s core offerings: the Platform of Partners, which provides a suite of pro bono services that include diagnostic analysis, financial valuation, data-collection management and communications support. Through these tools, Vancouver can design a resilience blueprint that is actionable, a plan that will be implemented and create real change.
Vancouver leads Canada in economic growth and is built in a rich history of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. Yet, it’s not immune to environmental and social threats and shocks that could threaten its future.
Scientists report the region is overdue for a major earthquake. Extreme weather because of climate change is the new normal, including snow storms, drought and heat waves. Despite leading the nation in economic and job growth, most are feeling left behind as the city grapples with a housing crisis affecting most incomes and neighbourhoods.
These shocks and stresses, if ignored, will shake Vancouver to its core not if, but when a major disaster strikes.
Vancouver has been thinking ahead to build a resilient city. Current policies combined with impressive initiatives led by citizens, businesses and organizations across our city, and throughout the region, ensure a strong foundation for building resilience.
By working with 100RC, the city will build on the work it has done, and integrate and amplify resilience solutions being driven by local partners. In developing the city’s resilience strategy, Vancouver will seek to address the city’s shocks and stresses through a holistic lens that accounts for the entire urban ecosystem.
Rather than viewing any one issue in isolation, or the work of one sector or organization as independent of another, Vancouver, with the support of 100RC and community partners, will develop solutions designed for the interdependence of the city’s systems and solve multiple challenges through single interventions.
Vancouver has always valued learning and sharing information with other cities and levels of government. This is reflected in all of our past and present policies and initiatives.
Staff have already begun connecting with other 100RC cities to learn about their process and experience, including Boulder, Colo., which is working toward preventive social policy to identify and provide support to citizens before they fall into homelessness, and San Francisco, where the seismic integrity of buildings is being assessed and work implemented based on the social value of those structures and the level of functionality they require after the earthquake.
Vancouver has already shown the kind of leadership and innovation a city needs to build resilience. While the road to resilience is a long one, the partnership with 100RC along with local organizations and communities, and the growing urban resilience movement, will provide the city with the guidance, collaboration and resources to not only succeed but also lead others to do so.
Vancouver has been thinking ahead to build a resilient city.