Arts Culture Community Services Leases and Grants
Motion 30 · Council Meeting, July 29, 2026
Summary
- A package of Arts, Culture and Community Services leases and grants approved, including a two-year lease of Library Square space to the Filipino Legacy Society of BC as an interim Filipino Cultural Centre. Community speakers and MLA Mabel Elmore expressed strong support; council approved unanimously.
Vote
Public comments
Read all 8 statements
Transcript
34 segments
Before we begin this agenda item, if anyone believes that they have a conflict, I don't see anyone's hands up.
So this item does not have a team member presentation. Council, you have up to five minutes to ask questions of team members.
Yeah, thanks, Mayor. It's a question for staff. I understand that the term is initially 15 years. Is that correct? Am I reading that correctly? Or apologies, I may actually be looking at the...
What is the term? Apologies.
Dr. Witkins, GM, ACCS. There's a number of leases addressed through the report. Which one are you referring to? Is it the West End? The West. I'm talking about the Filipino Legacy Society space. Okay, thank you. I will pass it to Armin.
Thank you for the question. We have a two-year lease with them at this point, and we have communicated with the Legacy Society that that is the two-year lease that we're actually looking to consider. Okay, and is there, I guess, the possibility, if necessary, of extending that two years? It's obviously not a long time to build a new cultural center, et cetera. Correct, absolutely. Okay, and then on the space, I'm familiar with the atrium. Is it the space that's closer, I guess, to Georgia Street, or is it a space that's closer to Robson Street? It's Unit 202, Councillor, and I'm sorry, I don't have that in my head. I don't have, it's more on the Robson side I'm hearing. Okay, thank you. You're most welcome. That's it. Thank you. Thank you very much, Councillor. Okay. Seeing no one else in the queue, we're now going to hear from registered speakers for this report.
Public speakers should state whether they support or oppose the recommendations and may only speak once. I'll also ask speakers if they are residents of Vancouver, if it's not so noted on the speakers list. Our first speaker on the public body representative list is the Honourable... Mabel Elmore, Emily for Vancouver Kensington, and a good friend of the City of Vancouver. Please go ahead.
Awesome. Terrific. Thank you very much, Mayor and Councillors. It's great to be here with you today. I know it's kind of on really anchoring your effort on a colossal session that you've had. So I just want to say kudos to you and thanks for your service and really just excited. to come and speak in favour of the recommendation. I appreciate the work of staff to bring this forward, an opportunity, really historic opportunity for the Filipino community in Vancouver. I'm also a resident of Vancouver, represent a riding in Vancouver resident. And just want to convey the appreciation. to Mayor and Council for considering for the support for building a Filipino Cultural Center in Vancouver, but also designating an interim Filipino Cultural Center space. Critical, appreciate the recommendation working with city staff with respect to Library Square, Vancouver Public Library. You know, we've communicated this to the Filipino community and broader community. There's excitement. There's appreciation. Folks know where it is and how to get there. And so it really represents, I think, a positive step forward. And, you know, I really can't say enough to convey the excitement and the appreciation. We've got a few speakers here for you, but could have had more lining out the door, but appreciate that you've had a very healthy and robust line of public speakers. So I've just got a few folks to speak in favour of what it means to them, what it means to the community, and plans for the community to come together, to have a physical space. I really can't emphasise that enough. Opportunity to... do programming, to have, you know, engagements, and to have discussions and planning with the broad community, Philippine community, and the broader community as well, in terms of, you know, efforts to build the cultural center. and also, you know, as we lay that foundation to move forward, so critical and key. And just in terms of, you know, what it means and really across the whole community, right? Like this is a, you know, an interim Filipino cultural center that will be open and welcoming to the whole community. Really, you know, I've always said 100% of the community is, you know, wants to see a Filipino cultural center. And so an opportunity to come together, to meet, to plan, to put some programming in place and really welcome the whole community, all of you as well, and the broader community as well to be part of that. So I'm in favor. I hope I can ask for your support. Very exciting and look forward to, yeah, just really continuing to build in support. Appreciate your support for the community, being through some challenges, but for coming together with your leadership, I think we've got more to contribute. So thank you very much.
Thank you, Mabel. Okay, now the remainder of the speakers. Speaker number one, Alina Vargas.
To the honorable city Councillors, esteemed leaders in the community, and especially to His Worship, Mayor Kensim, good morning. My name is Lina Vargas, and I am the founding president of the Diversity Inclusion Support Group of BC and a longtime resident of Vancouver. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication that this council has shown to our community. Your sensitivity to answer the voice of Filipino people made me so proud of you. For many years, the Filipino community has dreamed of a space where we can come together to celebrate our heritage and culture, welcome various groups and organizations, and unite our people as one family. The interim space announced by Mayor Ken Sim on June 6, 2026 at the Filipino Plaza inspires hope. On behalf of the Diversity Inclusion Support Group of BC, I am here to express my support for the recommendation and motion regarding the interim space. This space will enable us to cultivate a welcoming environment where we can showcase our collective talents in the arts, sports, cultural dances, and heritage, ultimately creating a lasting legacy for future generations. I also want to extend my sense of gratitude to our very own member of the Legislative Assembly, Speaker of the House, MLA Mabel Elmore, and the Filipino Legacy Society of BC for their dedicated efforts in making the future Filipino Cultural Community Center in Vancouver a reality. In the meantime, they have taken the initiative to secure the interim space provided to us by the city. Thanks for having us today as we work together to build a better city, a city that is inclusive and affordable to live in, and safe for all to enjoy their well-being. May your commitment to serving Vancouver's diverse community continue to grow. Thank you for being a part of our legacy. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Lena. Speaker number two, Jeanette Mujar.
Good morning, Mayor Kingston and councillors. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today on behalf of the whole Filipino community in support of the motion to secure the interim space for the Filipino Community Center. I am Jeanette Muhar, resident of Vancouver, owner and founder of Jeanette's Design, board member of Diversity Inclusion Support Group of BC, and an appointed board of director of Bini Bini Filipinas World of BC. The Filipino community has been part of Vancouver's story for generations. We have contributed to the city's growth as healthcare workers, caregivers, educators, praise people, entrepreneurs, artists, and community volunteers. Today, Filipino Canadians are one of the largest and fast-growing communities in British Columbia. Yet, we still do not have a dedicated gathering place to call our own. A community center is much more than a building. It is a place where seniors can find connection instead of isolation, where newcomers can access support and resources, where our kids can celebrate their cultural identity, and where families can come together to learn, volunteer, and build lasting relationships. While we continue working toward a permanent Filipino community center, an interim space is an important and practical step forward. It allows programs and services to grow now, rather than waiting years for a permanent facility. It demonstrates the city recognizes both the needs and the contributions of the Filipino community today. This interim space would also benefit the broader Vancouver community. It could host cultural events, educational workshops, health and wellness programs, and celebrations that bring people from all backgrounds together. Vancouver is strongest when every community has the opportunity to share its culture and participate fully in civic life. Supporting this motion is an investment in inclusion belonging and equity. It reflects Vancouver's commitment to ensuring that communities with deep roots and significant contributions have the opportunity to thrive. I respectfully ask the Council to support this motion and help for the revision as well. Please help create the interim home for the Filipino community, a place where culture is preserved, connections are strengthened, and a future generation can take pride in their heritage while contributing to the future of our city. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your consideration. Thank you. Mabuhay po.
Mabuhay. Well, right on three minutes. Thank you. Speaker number three, Maji.
Good morning, Mayor and Council. My name is Madge Yi, and I have the privilege of serving as Vice Chair of the Filipino Legacy Society. I am here today on behalf of the board members and the many members of the Filipino community to express our wholehearted support for the proposed interim community space and the tenant improvements that will prepare it for community use. Last December, Council demonstrated tremendous leadership by recognizing the importance of a Filipino cultural center and directing staff to identify an interim community space. Today marks a transition from vision to implementation, the first tangible milestone in bringing that vision to life. On behalf of the Filipino Legacy Society, I sincerely thank the mayor and council, the deputy city manager's office, real estate services, arts, culture, and community services, and the many staff who have worked diligently over the past seven months. Your collaboration and commitment have brought us to this important milestone. This space will provide opportunities for community consultations, cultural programming, partnerships, and intergenerational cooperation. While the Filipino Legacy Society will steward this space, our commitment is to ensure it remains welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to the broader Filipino community. We are also grateful for Council's consideration of the tenant improvement funding. These improvements will transform the space into a vibrant community hub where people can come together to learn, celebrate, collaborate, and build lasting connections. More than a space, it will become a place where our community grows stronger by working together. As someone who immigrated to Canada more than 42 years ago and has proudly called Vancouver home ever since, I know firsthand how meaningful it is to have a place where people feel they belong. I know the difference this space will make for today's generation and for future generations of Filipino Canadians. On behalf of the Filipino Legacy Society and the many community members who have supported this journey, we respectfully ask for your support in approving the interim community space and the tenant improvements as we take this important next step toward a permanent Filipino cultural space. Thank you. Maraming maraming salamat.
Also not on the line.
Speaker number six, Leilani Temening.
I'm on the line. Please go ahead.
Good morning, Mayor and Council. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with regards to this motion. My name is Lailani Tumaneng, registered nurse and a school trustee of City of North Vancouver. I have lived in Vancouver since 1994, and up to this day, the Filipino community are still longing and dreaming of a community space where we can gather together and celebrate our culture. this motion will not only support the filipino community but other groups and cultures as well who are in need of a space in which they could use to celebrate their culture this is also in preparation of preserving educating and strengthening our communities for the future generations to come for all these important reasons i strongly support this motion I would like to thank everyone who came forward to support this motion, and thank you very much, Mayor and Council, for all your support for the Filipino community. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Speaker number seven, Concepcion Colabong.
Honorable Mayor Kensim, the City Council, the Filipino Legacy Society of Canada, Mabel Elmore, my colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. My name is Conception Ching Colabong, Board of Director and Advisor of the Seniors Intercultural Society of BC, resident of Vancouver for 44 years. On behalf of my organization, the Seniors Intercultural Society of BC, I am here to express our strong support for the motion and the recommendation of our interim space located in Vancouver for the Filipino Culture Center. In our mission in the Filipino community is to collaboratively create an inclusive and enriching space that nurtures heritage preservation, fosters intercultural unity, and celebrates community.
The Filipino community is the third largest ethnic group in British Columbia. The Filipino-Canadian deserve a dedicated, unifying space that is inclusive and accessible. Having said all this, I am ever grateful to Honorable Mayor Ken Sim, the City Council, and the Filipino Legacy Society of Canada for their initiatives in the recommendation of this interim space for our Filipino Community Center. We appreciate your ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive, diverse city. Thank you so much for your time, leadership, and commitment for ensuring that Vancouver remains a welcoming home for all cultures. Thank you so much.
Good morning, Mayor and Council. My name is Peter Dixon. I'm a Vancouver resident. I spent my career serving communities across British Columbia as a Vancouver-based medevac pilot and base manager, where I first saw the importance of bringing people together, particularly during times of challenge. The community is built through connection. It is strengthened when people have a place to gather, support one another, celebrate their heritage, and build relationships across generations. The interim community space before you today is much more than a lease. It is an opportunity to create a welcoming place where where the Filipino community can bring. That work now, while the permanent Filipino Cultural Center continues to move forward. I've watched the dedication of the volunteers behind this initiative. They have worked respectfully with the city staff, community organizations and government partners to reach this point. They're ready to take on the responsibility of making this space a success. I would like to thank council and city staff for bringing this opportunity forward, and I respectfully ask them to approve the proposed nominal lease and interim community space for the Filipino Legacy Society. Thanks so much.
Thank you very much. Speaker number nine, Mashiko Ansel.
Speaker 9 is not on the line. Well, that's the end of our speakers list. So I do want to thank everyone. We have to go through again.
Good morning, Mayor, members of council. and everyone joining today's meeting. My name is Noel Marfil, and I am a Vancouver resident. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today. I'm calling to express my support to the Filipino Legacy Society's lease of Library Square. This motion builds on the commitments already made by the Library. by the mayor and council and i'm very happy to see it moving forward i strongly support this proposal for all the great reasons that the speakers before me have shared thank you for your time and for your consideration thank you very much speaker number five alan bernard fernandez not on the line
And then speaker number nine, Mashiko Anso.
No, not on the line.
Thank you very much. So that is the end of our speakers list. And I do want to thank everyone for coming in today and speaking and all of your work in the community. Would someone like to move a motion? Great. Councillor Dominato, seconded by Councillor Zhou. Council, is there any discussion?
Councillor Meiszner.
Yes, I'll be brief. I just want to thank all our speakers for being here today and for speaking so eloquently in support of this lease. I think that this is a fantastic location for you in the interim. It's downtown in the library. I mean, there's tons of people moving about. You'll have a lot of visibility, and I know that you'll be welcoming in everyone from the community, regardless of whether or not they're Filipino or not. So I'm really excited to come visit you, and I hope that you'll be cooking up some delicious Filipino food as well, as I'm sure that'll be part of the program. So I'm very supportive of this, and I'm excited to see it move ahead, and even more excited to see you move into your permanent space in the coming years. So thanks for being here. Thank you very much. Councillor Kirby Young.
Yeah, thanks, Mayor. I just want to acknowledge and appreciate all of our speakers for speaking but coming in person and for a council meeting that was held over for several days. And so I know that your time was fluid, but you felt it was very important your voices represented. And I believe that that is because... you recognize that this is a very important moment along the journey and the way towards realizing the long-awaited dream of a Filipino cultural center. And I think that having an interim space is reflective and speaks to keeping the dream alive. It's tangible. I think one of the speakers referenced that it's an opportunity. to continue to grow and build the community and involve people along that journey and towards the dream. And that's really important that people feel part of it. But it is also, I think it gives, it makes it tangible and it makes it real that it's actually happening. It's not a concept, but there is genuinely a path forward towards that. And so I'm really happy to support it. And nothing is more inspiring, I think, than community leadership for people that are doing something that will last beyond your own generation. I used to work with somebody that called it cathedral thinking. You know, sometimes people use the analogy of planting a tree or building the cathedral that will stand for generations, or you may not stand under the shade of that tree, but that is genuinely what you are doing. And so I just wanted to acknowledge that, and I know that this is a moment that people will talk about when the center is realized and they tell their community members and their kids and their grandkids the stories of how it happened. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Councillor Clausen. Yeah, I'll be brief, and I would also like to acknowledge everyone who came in and called in today to speak. I'm not surprised that folks have come in here. There has been a... a spirit of determination around having a dedicated Filipino cultural amenity in this city for quite some time, decades. And so we've been, it's been our pleasure to sort of be able, sort of sharing that journey and trying to kind of move things forward. And I am, I think that the space itself is going to be great, is going to be activated well. I think it will have the aromas of good food and also just of community. And so I think that, again, the ultimate goal is obviously a dedicated space in the city of Vancouver, but to have an interim space that we can pull up together really much more quickly for community to gather, for other parts of the city to join you. in celebration is something that i truly look forward to and i want to just thank you all for being such true champions for the community and in terms of trying to make this happen so thanks very much happy to support this thank you councillor dominato
Thanks, Mayor. And I'll echo the comments of my colleagues. And starting first, Mabel, you've been stalwart and really leading the charge on this. And so thank you for that, for your leadership. To all of you who spoke, thank you for being here and really making the commitment to voice. what this brings to the community. I think it's really important, as we've heard in the past, we have some established communities who already have their cultural centers in the city, and it means a tremendous amount to have that space to gather, to celebrate, whether it's cooking, as many of you alluded to, because apparently we're all thinking about food this morning. But... but also in celebration arts and culture. But really, it comes down to being about community. And I know that this has been a longstanding dream, desire to have a space where the community can come together. And so I think this is a great first step. And I think it is a fantastic location in terms of being accessible as well. It's on public transit. And so really happy to be part of this journey with you. And so congratulations. And I'll leave my comments there, Mayor.
Thank you very much. Councillor Fry.
Yeah, I just wanted to pipe in and offer my congratulations on this achievement. And as the council liaison to the Vancouver Public Library, I just want to also... acknowledge that this is a fantastic use of what was kind of an underutilized space. And the connection between libraries as this third space and a gathering place for people of all cultures and interests and a place for people to convene, the connection there is not lost on me. And I think it's a wonderful opportunity. And I hope that there is an opportunity to actually engage with the central branch and maybe even... see how you can coordinate some programming together and just sort of increase that visibility and connection and togetherness. So congratulations. And wow, this is happening quickly too. I just realized what the date is for occupancy. This is, I imagine we'll be seeing something happening very soon. Congrats.
Thank you very much. Okay. So I'm going to count the vote or call the vote now. A reminder that any council member participating virtually whose video is disabled will be marked absent for the vote pursuant to section 14.13 of the procedure bylaw. If we can please go to the voting panel.
And that passes unanimously. So congratulations.
Statement Watch
Awesome. Terrific. Thank you very much, Mayor and Councillors. It's great to be here with you today. I know it's kind of on really anchoring your effort on a colossal session that you've had. So I just want to say kudos to you and thanks for your service and really just excited. to come and speak in favour of the recommendation. I appreciate the work of staff to bring this forward, an opportunity, really historic opportunity for the Filipino community in Vancouver. I'm also a resident of Vancouver, represent a riding in Vancouver resident. And just want to convey the appreciation. to Mayor and Council for considering for the support for building a Filipino Cultural Center in Vancouver, but also designating an interim Filipino Cultural Center space. Critical, appreciate the recommendation working with city staff with respect to Library Square, Vancouver Public Library. You know, we've communicated this to the Filipino community and broader community. There's excitement. There's appreciation. Folks know where it is and how to get there. And so it really represents, I think, a positive step forward. And, you know, I really can't say enough to convey the excitement and the appreciation. We've got a few speakers here for you, but could have had more lining out the door, but appreciate that you've had a very healthy and robust line of public speakers. So I've just got a few folks to speak in favour of what it means to them, what it means to the community, and plans for the community to come together, to have a physical space. I really can't emphasise that enough. Opportunity to... do programming, to have, you know, engagements, and to have discussions and planning with the broad community, Philippine community, and the broader community as well, in terms of, you know, efforts to build the cultural center. and also, you know, as we lay that foundation to move forward, so critical and key. And just in terms of, you know, what it means and really across the whole community, right? Like this is a, you know, an interim Filipino cultural center that will be open and welcoming to the whole community. Really, you know, I've always said 100% of the community is, you know, wants to see a Filipino cultural center. And so an opportunity to come together, to meet, to plan, to put some programming in place and really welcome the whole community, all of you as well, and the broader community as well to be part of that. So I'm in favor. I hope I can ask for your support. Very exciting and look forward to, yeah, just really continuing to build in support. Appreciate your support for the community, being through some challenges, but for coming together with your leadership, I think we've got more to contribute. So thank you very much.
Statement Watch
To the honorable city Councillors, esteemed leaders in the community, and especially to His Worship, Mayor Kensim, good morning. My name is Lina Vargas, and I am the founding president of the Diversity Inclusion Support Group of BC and a longtime resident of Vancouver. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication that this council has shown to our community. Your sensitivity to answer the voice of Filipino people made me so proud of you. For many years, the Filipino community has dreamed of a space where we can come together to celebrate our heritage and culture, welcome various groups and organizations, and unite our people as one family. The interim space announced by Mayor Ken Sim on June 6, 2026 at the Filipino Plaza inspires hope. On behalf of the Diversity Inclusion Support Group of BC, I am here to express my support for the recommendation and motion regarding the interim space. This space will enable us to cultivate a welcoming environment where we can showcase our collective talents in the arts, sports, cultural dances, and heritage, ultimately creating a lasting legacy for future generations. I also want to extend my sense of gratitude to our very own member of the Legislative Assembly, Speaker of the House, MLA Mabel Elmore, and the Filipino Legacy Society of BC for their dedicated efforts in making the future Filipino Cultural Community Center in Vancouver a reality. In the meantime, they have taken the initiative to secure the interim space provided to us by the city. Thanks for having us today as we work together to build a better city, a city that is inclusive and affordable to live in, and safe for all to enjoy their well-being. May your commitment to serving Vancouver's diverse community continue to grow. Thank you for being a part of our legacy. Thank you so much.
Statement Watch
Good morning, Mayor Kingston and councillors. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today on behalf of the whole Filipino community in support of the motion to secure the interim space for the Filipino Community Center. I am Jeanette Muhar, resident of Vancouver, owner and founder of Jeanette's Design, board member of Diversity Inclusion Support Group of BC, and an appointed board of director of Bini Bini Filipinas World of BC. The Filipino community has been part of Vancouver's story for generations. We have contributed to the city's growth as healthcare workers, caregivers, educators, praise people, entrepreneurs, artists, and community volunteers. Today, Filipino Canadians are one of the largest and fast-growing communities in British Columbia. Yet, we still do not have a dedicated gathering place to call our own. A community center is much more than a building. It is a place where seniors can find connection instead of isolation, where newcomers can access support and resources, where our kids can celebrate their cultural identity, and where families can come together to learn, volunteer, and build lasting relationships. While we continue working toward a permanent Filipino community center, an interim space is an important and practical step forward. It allows programs and services to grow now, rather than waiting years for a permanent facility. It demonstrates the city recognizes both the needs and the contributions of the Filipino community today. This interim space would also benefit the broader Vancouver community. It could host cultural events, educational workshops, health and wellness programs, and celebrations that bring people from all backgrounds together. Vancouver is strongest when every community has the opportunity to share its culture and participate fully in civic life. Supporting this motion is an investment in inclusion belonging and equity. It reflects Vancouver's commitment to ensuring that communities with deep roots and significant contributions have the opportunity to thrive. I respectfully ask the Council to support this motion and help for the revision as well. Please help create the interim home for the Filipino community, a place where culture is preserved, connections are strengthened, and a future generation can take pride in their heritage while contributing to the future of our city. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your consideration. Thank you. Mabuhay po.
Statement Watch
Good morning, Mayor and Council. My name is Madge Yi, and I have the privilege of serving as Vice Chair of the Filipino Legacy Society. I am here today on behalf of the board members and the many members of the Filipino community to express our wholehearted support for the proposed interim community space and the tenant improvements that will prepare it for community use. Last December, Council demonstrated tremendous leadership by recognizing the importance of a Filipino cultural center and directing staff to identify an interim community space. Today marks a transition from vision to implementation, the first tangible milestone in bringing that vision to life. On behalf of the Filipino Legacy Society, I sincerely thank the mayor and council, the deputy city manager's office, real estate services, arts, culture, and community services, and the many staff who have worked diligently over the past seven months. Your collaboration and commitment have brought us to this important milestone. This space will provide opportunities for community consultations, cultural programming, partnerships, and intergenerational cooperation. While the Filipino Legacy Society will steward this space, our commitment is to ensure it remains welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to the broader Filipino community. We are also grateful for Council's consideration of the tenant improvement funding. These improvements will transform the space into a vibrant community hub where people can come together to learn, celebrate, collaborate, and build lasting connections. More than a space, it will become a place where our community grows stronger by working together. As someone who immigrated to Canada more than 42 years ago and has proudly called Vancouver home ever since, I know firsthand how meaningful it is to have a place where people feel they belong. I know the difference this space will make for today's generation and for future generations of Filipino Canadians. On behalf of the Filipino Legacy Society and the many community members who have supported this journey, we respectfully ask for your support in approving the interim community space and the tenant improvements as we take this important next step toward a permanent Filipino cultural space. Thank you. Maraming maraming salamat.
Statement Watch
Good morning, Mayor and Council. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with regards to this motion. My name is Lailani Tumaneng, registered nurse and a school trustee of City of North Vancouver. I have lived in Vancouver since 1994, and up to this day, the Filipino community are still longing and dreaming of a community space where we can gather together and celebrate our culture. this motion will not only support the filipino community but other groups and cultures as well who are in need of a space in which they could use to celebrate their culture this is also in preparation of preserving educating and strengthening our communities for the future generations to come for all these important reasons i strongly support this motion I would like to thank everyone who came forward to support this motion, and thank you very much, Mayor and Council, for all your support for the Filipino community. Thank you.
Statement Watch
Honorable Mayor Kensim, the City Council, the Filipino Legacy Society of Canada, Mabel Elmore, my colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. My name is Conception Ching Colabong, Board of Director and Advisor of the Seniors Intercultural Society of BC, resident of Vancouver for 44 years. On behalf of my organization, the Seniors Intercultural Society of BC, I am here to express our strong support for the motion and the recommendation of our interim space located in Vancouver for the Filipino Culture Center. In our mission in the Filipino community is to collaboratively create an inclusive and enriching space that nurtures heritage preservation, fosters intercultural unity, and celebrates community. The Filipino community is the third largest ethnic group in British Columbia. The Filipino-Canadian deserve a dedicated, unifying space that is inclusive and accessible. Having said all this, I am ever grateful to Honorable Mayor Ken Sim, the City Council, and the Filipino Legacy Society of Canada for their initiatives in the recommendation of this interim space for our Filipino Community Center. We appreciate your ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive, diverse city. Thank you so much for your time, leadership, and commitment for ensuring that Vancouver remains a welcoming home for all cultures. Thank you so much.
Statement Watch
Good morning, Mayor and Council. My name is Peter Dixon. I'm a Vancouver resident. I spent my career serving communities across British Columbia as a Vancouver-based medevac pilot and base manager, where I first saw the importance of bringing people together, particularly during times of challenge. The community is built through connection. It is strengthened when people have a place to gather, support one another, celebrate their heritage, and build relationships across generations. The interim community space before you today is much more than a lease. It is an opportunity to create a welcoming place where where the Filipino community can bring. That work now, while the permanent Filipino Cultural Center continues to move forward. I've watched the dedication of the volunteers behind this initiative. They have worked respectfully with the city staff, community organizations and government partners to reach this point. They're ready to take on the responsibility of making this space a success. I would like to thank council and city staff for bringing this opportunity forward, and I respectfully ask them to approve the proposed nominal lease and interim community space for the Filipino Legacy Society. Thanks so much.
Statement Watch
Good morning, Mayor, members of council. and everyone joining today's meeting. My name is Noel Marfil, and I am a Vancouver resident. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today. I'm calling to express my support to the Filipino Legacy Society's lease of Library Square. This motion builds on the commitments already made by the Library. by the mayor and council and i'm very happy to see it moving forward i strongly support this proposal for all the great reasons that the speakers before me have shared thank you for your time and for your consideration thank you very much speaker number five alan bernard fernandez not on the line