Former Vancouver city councillor Jim Green has died at the age of 68 after losing his battle with lung cancer.
He passed away peacefully in his home at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday surrounded by family members.
“Jim’s record was one of consistent and tireless activism for social justice, democracy, the arts and the shaping of a fair, inclusive and sustainable city,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson in a press release.
A long-time activist, Green was elected to city council under the COPE banner in 2002. He along with then-mayor Larry Campbell and councillors Raymond Louie and Tim Stevenson went on to form Vision Vancouver. In 2005 he narrowly lost to Sam Sullivan in a bid to become mayor.
“His work on the Downtown Eastside in particular has left a remarkable legacy of new opportunity and hope for many of Vancouver’s most marginalized and vulnerable citizens,” Robertson said.
“He taught communities and citizens across Vancouver how to mobilize for positive change both for their neighbourhoods and in their own lives, and devoted his life to the idea that a city is strongest when it empowers its citizens.
“Many of the policies we take for granted today were championed by Jim long before they were common practice in Vancouver.”
On Sunday, Green was awarded the Freedom of the City award, the city’s highest honour.
Details of a public memorial have not been released.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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