In the news: May 2008 Archives

An unusual group of businessmen and community activists has waded into Vancouver's most contentious neighbourhood to try to help developers, the city and low-income advocates agree on a new common vision for the Downtown Eastside.

It's one that Milton Wong, the businessman and philanthropist who is one of the leaders of the group, along with former Carnegie Centre director Michael Clague, hopes will be open to business while respecting the existing low-income residents.

The group has proposed the city consider designating the Downtown Eastside a "special development zone," creating a special trust fund paid by development fees, and/or establishing a community development corporation, as a way of helping realize the new future for the neighbourhood.

Construction continues at the Woodwards site in the Downtown Eastside, where it is a frequent sight to see the homeless around multi-million dollar developments.

Ward Perrin, Vancouver Sun