Achievements

Since its formation, DERA has made many contributions to the creation of a real neighbourhood in the Downtown Eastside. Without the hard work of the residents of our community, none of these victories would have been possible. There is still much to be done. Look at what we’ve done so far:

• lobbied for the rezoning and development of Oppenheimer Park to protect its park status as recreational use only; also improved the lighting and security
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• helped save the Carnegie Centre building from demolition and renovate it for use as a community centre and library, now one of the busiest community centres in North America

cured the installation of fire sprinklers in all local hotels and rooming houses

• successfully lobbied to have the carrying of knives in local bars made illegal
• lobbied for and obtained City of Vancouver policy forbidding any new liquor licenses in the Downtown Eastside
• won changes to the Liquor Control and Licensing Act resulting in the removal of rice wines from corner stores
• won changes to the Liquor Control and Licensing Act resulting in the closure of a local liquor store which reduced the level of crime and disruption in the area
• lobbied for changes to the Residential Tenancy Act which brought hotel residents under the protection or the Act, giving them, for the first time, the same rights as other renters in the province.
• successfully campaigned for the designation and development of a neighbourhood waterfront park
• campaigned to defeat a waterfront Casino development
• opened a Neighbourhood Safety Office in partnership with the Vancouver City Police
• developed and/or operate more than 600 non-market housing suites
• lobbied for and secured resident inclusion and acknowledgement by all levels of government and their agencies in matters pertaining to the Downtown eastside
• developed a voice mail and mail box service for residents