Reframing South Vancouver
The Reframing South Vancouver Initiative was an advocacy project conducted from Fall 2021 to Spring 2026 by the digging deep into highlighting South Vancouver inequities.
For general inquiries about this project, please contact desiree.gabriel@southvan.org
New beginnings
The Reframing South Vancouver team was created in 2021 to tackle the ongoing inequities and engaging communities in South Vancouver.
September 2021 – March 2022
The team started building relationships with South Vancouver neighbours, working together with racialized residents and newcomer populations to explore sources of Neighbourhood strengths and pride.
Needs Mapping
April 2022 – September 2022
To raise awareness about the social inequities in South Vancouver, the Reframing South Vancouver team shared with residents the academic research and community stories as evidence of a lack of local investment. The team then collected feedback from residents regarding community needs and barriers.
Neighbourhood Advisory Committees
October 2022 – March 2023
Neighbourhood Advisory Committees (NACs) were established as a way for residents from neighbourhoods across South Vancouver to get involved in their community. Training and workshops included civic engagement, voting education, placemaking and community event creation.
Reporting
April 2023 – March 2024
The Reframing South Vancouver team accumulated all the findings, research and data into a report and presented the work to local residents, partners and decision makers. Neighbours came together to pass a motion at Vancouver City Hall, which served as a municipal commitment to addressing the social inequities in South Vancouver.
“After receiving education and training from the Neighbourhood Advisory Committee (NAC), I feel more comfortable participating in the Parent Advisory Council at my son’s school. I wish all the citizens and residents could have the opportunity to learn like I did.”
Tomomi Suzuki, NAC member
Major Milestones
Media Coverage
- South Vancouver residents call on city to address historical inequalities (Vancouver Is Awesome)
- Neighbourhood ‘inequities’ subject of upcoming Vancouver council vote (Vancouver Sun)
- Neighbourhood ‘inequities’ subject of upcoming Vancouver council vote (The Province)
- Mural project celebrates South Van’s ‘diverse roots and shared future’ (The REVUE, Fall 2024)
- What happens if TransLink can’t fix its deficit? (Vancity Lookout)
- Vancouver’s lack of engagement with community is hurting neighbourhoods (The Tyee)
- Why does Vancouver’s largest community get the least services? (The REVUE)
- Lack of transportation and social services affecting South Vancouver residents (Langara Voice)
- Indigenous muralist’s work conveys harmony and respect (OMNI News Mandarin, video)
- ‘No choice but to drive’: e-scooter expansion not enough to alleviate South Vancouver transit woes (Vancity Lookout)
Evergreen Efforts
2026
We acknowledge that our work is evergreen and hope to one day revitalize Reframing South Vancouver to support the growing needs of South Vancouver residents.
We thank all of our supporters, funders and NAC members for their work towards flourishing a brighter future in South Vancouver.
Thank you to our Funders
