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Reporting, analysis and community stories from Downtown Eastside.
East Village Towers Poised to Transform and Challenge DTES
Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) is facing another wave of redevelopment as a trio of developers—Westbank, Promerita Group, and BC Housing—propose a project along East…
Canada’s Healthcare Exposes Broken Promises
For over four decades, Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system has been built on the values of fairness and equity—principles rooted in the collective belief…
BC’s Ongoing Struggle and Efforts to Combat the Toxic Drug Crisis
British Columbia continues to enhance its response to the toxic drug crisis, with Budget 2024 building on a historic $1 billion investment in mental…
Will Bill C-40 Reform Canada’s Broken Conviction Review Process?
Despite Canada’s reputation for having one of the world’s most robust justice systems, it’s not immune to mistakes. When the system fails, the consequences…
How Vancouver’s Exclusionary Zoning is Fanning the Flames of Housing Crisis
In a city where the housing crisis has reached catastrophic levels, Vancouver remains gripped by a decades-old zoning regime that is preventing much-needed solutions.…
Is DTES a Neighbourhood in Crisis or Opportunity for Change? (Opinion)
The Downtown Eastside was once a bustling neighbourhood filled with working-class families and the beating heart of Vancouver’s social and cultural fabric. However, its…
Vancouver Police Department Faces Budget Woes Amid Mounting Public Safety Pressures
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is staring down a financial overrun as it grapples with a projected budget overspend of $6.6 million by year’s…
BC Drug Policy: An Alternative Vision Amid Controversy
As British Columbia approaches a provincial election, the BC Conservatives have drawn attention with their approach to addressing the drug crisis, particularly in Vancouver’s…
Housing Crisis Takes Center Stage in BC Election
As British Columbia heads into a crucial provincial election, one issue stands out above all others: housing. With affordability in a state of crisis,…
Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival Marks 21 Years of Culture and Resilience
The 21st Annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival returns this October (October 30-November 10, 2024), reaffirming the vibrancy, strength, and enduring spirit…
Most Canadians Reject the “Settler” Label—And It’s Sparking a National Identity Debate
In a country known for its diversity and progressive ideals, the label “settler” is stirring up a heated debate. A new poll reveals that…
Amy Romer: How One Building in DTES Helps Finding Comfort
The Downtown Eastside (DTES) is often portrayed as a place of despair, with stories of poverty, addiction, and homelessness dominating the narrative. But what…
