Pubdate: Mon, 25 Sep 2006
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Wency Leung

CRITICS SCOFF AS MAYOR'S WEBSITE SEEKS INPUT ON DRUG USE, PANHANDLING

VANCOUVER -- Mayor Sam Sullivan has launched a survey on his website 
seeking residents' views on public disorder issues such as open drug 
use and aggressive panhandling.

In a message posted on his site, Sullivan said the survey will be 
used to develop a new program to tackle street disorder that will be 
brought before city council later this fall.

He said Vancouver is the most livable city on the planet, "but we are 
facing significant challenges with public disorder and we must act 
now." He said the program he's developing aims to address issues such 
as graffiti, littering, bylaw infractions and aggressive panhandling.

The survey's six questions ask respondents to describe city council's 
efforts so far to address public disorder, whether they feel it has 
increased, and whether it has affected the city's reputation. It also 
also asks respondents which issues most concern them, including open 
drug use, noise infractions and jaywalking.

But West End Residents Association president Rob Wynen called the 
survey a stalling tactic and a joke. "It's a bit manipulative on top 
of it," he said. "The city is very aware of what the public's opinion 
is on these topics. It's time for the city to do something about it." 
Community groups like his own have been offering the city 
recommendations for years, but nothing is done, he said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman