NPA's George Affleck seeks council's approval for broad city review of Granville Entertainment District

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      Four-and-a-half-years ago, NPA councillor George Affleck brought forward a motion to take a new look at the Granville Entertainment District with the goal of addressing various issues, including late-night mayhem on the street.

      The Vision Vancouver majority referred the matter back to staff before it could go to a vote.

      So at this week's council meeting, Affleck plans to bring forward a similar motion following the fatal stabbing of Vancouver nightclub employee Kalwinder Thind near the end of January.

      The motion has many components. They include a call for staff to work with police, Bar Watch, and other relevant stakeholders "to determine the viability, budget, and timeframe for reactivation of the Street Surveillance Camera Network".

      In addition, the motion seeks council's approval to direct staff to review policies to determine their effectiveness in "reducing street disorder, reducing gender-based violence, and improving business in the area".

      NPA councillor George Affleck has raised the possibility of extending opening hours in the Granville Entertainment District.
      Yolande Cole

      Affleck's motion also calls for a review of parking and transit in the Granville Entertainment District. As well, it requests an examination of options for "enhancing the dining and live music experience on the street, including allowing greater use of the street for outdoor patio dining by neighbouring food establishments".

      Other matters raised in the motion include having staff look at ways to improve transportation services in the Granville Entertainment District and a review of "the possibility of allowing later hours...to smooth out closing times of vaious establishments".

      This latter measure could, according to Affleck's motion, help "Vancouver's reputation as a robust tourist and hospitality destination".

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