Has Vancouver Lost Its Heart

Has Vancouver Lost Its Heart? ❤️💔🤔😢Lessons from New York and a Call for Compassion

By Tina Winterlik (Zipolita)

Yesterday, a horrifying scene unfolded on the streets of Vancouver. A man was on fire, and most passersby simply walked by. It wasn’t until someone in a car stopped that help arrived. This shocking incident has left me deeply shaken and questioning what’s happened to our sense of community.

It reminded me of the stories I once heard about New York City in the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, the city was notorious for its crime, violence, and apathy. Tales of people walking past others in need—or even ignoring cries for help—painted a grim picture of urban life. But then, supposedly, things got better. Initiatives to reduce crime and foster community pride were credited with turning the tide.

Has Vancouver reached that same breaking point now? And if so, can we learn from New York’s transformation?

The Cold Reality of Vancouver Today

Over the years, Vancouver has changed dramatically. What was once a city known for its beauty and community spirit has become cold and detached. Fear, apathy, and division now seem to define our interactions.

This detachment has many layers. The COVID-19 pandemic created a culture of isolation and mistrust. Social interactions became tinged with fear, and even as restrictions eased, the scars of those years remain.

At the same time, the city’s extreme inequality and housing crisis have created visible suffering. Poverty, addiction, and mental health struggles are everywhere, and many residents feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help.

For newcomers, the challenges are different. Fear of racism or distrust of authorities may keep some from getting involved. Even though Vancouver’s police force is now more diverse, the history of misconduct still looms large, especially for those who are racialized.

And then there are policies that, while designed to protect, inadvertently create more disconnect. For example, bus drivers—who have faced violent attacks—are now instructed to avoid engaging directly with passed-out passengers. This combination of fear, apathy, and systemic breakdown has made Vancouver feel colder and more divided than ever before.

What Can We Learn from New York?

New York’s transformation was far from perfect, but it offers lessons. Community-focused initiatives, neighborhood policing, and increased civic engagement helped shift the culture. People began to reclaim their streets and rebuild trust in one another.

Vancouver now faces a similar choice. Do we accept this growing indifference, or do we act to create a city where no one is left behind?

Rebuilding Vancouver’s Compassion

One of the best ways to heal a community is through connection, and art, gardening, and shared meals are powerful tools for bringing people together. Here are some ideas to foster empathy and rebuild trust in Vancouver:

1. Community Art Projects:

Organize murals or public art installations that reflect local stories and cultures.

Host art workshops in parks or community centers to bring people together to create and connect.

Support initiatives like street performers or pop-up galleries that celebrate the city's diversity.

2. Gardening for Connection:

Create more community gardens where residents can grow food, share knowledge, and build friendships.

Incorporate gardening into schools, encouraging young people to learn about sustainability while connecting with neighbours.

Host gardening days where people come together to beautify neglected spaces.

3. Soup Kitchens and Food Programs:

Establish more community kitchens where people can cook and eat together, breaking down barriers through shared meals.

Encourage restaurants and grocery stores to donate surplus food to local programs.

Organize "soup nights" where neighbors gather to cook, share, and connect.

4. Skill-Sharing and Volunteering:

Start free workshops where people can teach each other skills like sewing, cooking, or repairing household items.

Partner with local businesses to sponsor volunteer days focused on helping the unhoused or cleaning up public spaces.

5. Storytelling Events:

Host storytelling nights where residents can share their experiences, building empathy and understanding across diverse groups.

Create spaces for newcomers to share their journeys and connect with long-time residents.

6. Youth-Led Initiatives:

Encourage young people to lead projects like clothing drives, tree-planting events, or community cleanups.

Provide mentorship programs that teach youth about leadership and compassion.

A Call to Action

Vancouver has the potential to turn things around, but it requires all of us to step up. Let’s rebuild our city by fostering connection, compassion, and care. Whether it’s through art, a shared garden, or a simple act of kindness, we can make a difference.

This city is our shared home. Together, we can ensure that Vancouver becomes a place where no one is ignored, and everyone feels they belongs