Placemaking is Dangerous

Placemaking is dangerous;  because it changes things. This always threatens something. The making of Place starts as unformed thought groping for substance.  Poetry explores how it may thrive, or else (misplaced, or lost and lacking delight) firmness and commodity muscle in, and make believe that value lies in the transaction rather than the transformative experience.

On December 3rd, 2020  Ta7talíya Paisley Nahanee and myself co-hosted MST Futurism: Decolonizing the City through a Matriarchal Lens with MST panelists Chief Janice George, Debra Sparrow, Angela George, Orene Askew, Cyler Sparrow Point, Salia Joseph, Sekawnee Baker, and Ocean Hyland from each of the Host Nations. The panel was specific to the context of what is currently known as Vancouver on our unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) (MST) territories.

Urbanarium sends our heartfelt wishes to you, your family and communities to remain healthy and safe during such disruptive times. We extend condolences to those who have lost a loved one to the disease and a special thank-you to our health care, first responder and food security champions who are tirelessly supporting us all. Let’s agree to keep making noise every night at 7 well after this virus has passed.

Vancouver Sun, DAN FUMANO (Updated: May 9, 2019)

"I will be blunt, and I'm going to be persona non grata at city hall," says former Vancouver co-chief planner Larry Beasley, who has a new book entitled Vancouverism.

Sipping an Americano in a Yaletown cafe recently, Larry Beasley seems at home. That makes sense. Not only does he live a short walk away, he has his fingerprints all over the neighbourhood.