BC Business
2011 Highlights | BCBusinessAlthough Occupy Vancouver grew unfocused and finally fizzled, at least it pierced Vancouver’s rose-coloured bubble.
Slumping toward recession, a Stanley Cup snatched away at the last minute and a housing market that defied all the laws of gravity combined to make 2011 not so memorable. But there were some highlights. Since each year should end on an upnote – no matter how good or bad it was – we’ll put aside our too-common criticism and highlight some things we liked in 2011. The Vancouver Riot’s Aftermath
Since each year should end on an upnote – no matter how good or bad it was – we’ll put aside our too-common criticism and highlight some things we liked in 2011.
While the Vancouver Canucks lost the Stanley Cup and a bunch of drunken young people decided to trash downtown as a result, many more people were aghast at the rioting. The next day, hundreds of them went downtown to clean up and sign wallboards with their thoughts. A great example of spontaneous community spirit no civic authority can create.
For years, we wandered in the business wilderness trying to get across to BC businesses that innovation was the only salvation for all businesses (not just technology) in a rapidly changing world. We simply couldn’t convince anyone it was needed. Now, driven by the need to change or die, many businesses are on board. While some of it is obvious bandwagon jumping, we’re glad anyway.
Sure it was unfocused, and it was soon taken over by the usual gang of anti-everything, but at least Occupy Vancouver did pierce Vancouver’s rose-colored bubble for a little while to highlight the problems that are growing, apparently unnoticed, in this city. The occupation ended on a muffled note, but for a few heady days, we were actually talking about problems and solutions.
Successive councils were happy to let housing be governed by developers, who, of course, maximized their investments by throwing up towers of expensive cubicles that eliminated most of the population from getting any kind of decent living spaces. At least this one is a few steps toward recognizing housing is a problem outside the Downtown Eastside. Lordy, it’s even encouraging some intelligent thinking (see Innovation above) on the issue.
Usually around this time of year, everyone is pretty down in the dumps because it’s been gloomy for months. But this year, we actually had little rain and several days of sunshine. Consequently, the streets saw real people walking around with smiles on their faces. What a nice way to end a tough year.
Let’s make 2012 a good one.