- Philip Owen
Philip Walter Owen (born
1933 ) was themayor ofVancouver, British Columbia from1993 to2003 , making him one of Vancouver's longest serving mayors. His father was Walter S. Owen, who wasLieutenant Governor ofBritish Columbia from1973 –1978 .----Philip Owen was elected Vancouver’s 42nd Mayor in November 1993, re-elected in 1996 and 1999 making him Vancouver’s longest serving consecutive-term Mayor. His extensive background in business and his deep commitment to community service are two significant traits that Philip Owen brought to Canada’s third largest city. Philip Owen’s public service spans more than three decades.
He entered civic politics in 1978 after being elected to the Vancouver Parks Board. In 1986 he became a member of City Council and served there for seven years. Philip was born and raised in Vancouver.
In his late 20’s he ventured on his own and started a textile business that later expanded to both Toronto and New York. He became a Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery, President of the Downtown Vancouver Association, Chair of St. George’s School and was involved with many other local organizations.
During Philip’s nine years as Mayor, Vancouver experienced massive growth and change. The downtown residential population doubled from 40,000 to 80,000 and the residents enjoy a new vitality in a part of the city that continues to improve and is a model for North American cities. The city maintained a “Triple-A” credit rating as well as being rated the number one city in the world for quality of life by the [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BDW/is_11_42/ai_71766823 William Mercer Study] , London England.
During this time, the city opened Library Square, a visionary new downtown public library.
It is the [http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/fourpillars/ Four-Pillar Approach] that distinguishes Philip Owen’s career. This plan is a courageous, innovative drug policy aimed at fighting the despair of drug addiction.
After four years of research, Philip led local and national debate to fight the drug problems of Canadian cities. An 85 page document titled [http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/fourpillars/ The Four Pillars Approach] , A Framework for Action, was passed unanimously by Vancouver City Council in May, 2001. This new policy had the support of over 80 % of Vancouver’s residents and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities [http://www.fcm.ca/English/View.asp?mp=450&x=506 Big City Mayor’s Caucus] .
In recent years Philip has received recognition from many organizations including B.C. Health Officers, Simon Fraser University, Lions International, Rotary International, The Brotherhood Inter-Faith Society, B.C. Civil Liberties Association, The Richard J. Dennis Drugpeace Award (New York) and the Canadian Criminal Justice Association.
Philip currently sits on several Boards including Ovarian Cancer Canada, Opportunity International, The Salvation Army and Vancouver International Airport.In the past few years, he and his wife Brita have traveled to Drug Policy Reform Conferences in Europe (4 times), Canada (over 30 cities), United States and Afghanistan.
In the spring of 2008, Philip Owen was awarded Canada's highest honor, Member of
The Order of Canada . ----DEFAULTSORT:Owen, Philip
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