Dear Vancouver’s Wealthiest Residents,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing today not to dwell on the success you’ve achieved, but to urge you to consider the struggles many of us face each and every day in this city—the same city that has allowed you to thrive.

As the wealth gap continues to grow, many of us are finding it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs, let alone achieve the opportunities that you have had the privilege of enjoying. We are caught in a system that is failing to address the ever-rising cost of living, the scarcity of affordable housing, and the burden of inaccessible, unaffordable public transit. These are not just minor inconveniences—they are serious barriers that affect our lives, our families, and our communities.

You have had access to the best education, housing, and transportation, but many of us struggle to get by, whether it’s commuting to work, accessing basic services, or providing for our loved ones. The transit system, one of the fundamental aspects of an equitable city, has become unaffordable for many. For those of us on lower or fixed incomes, the cost of transit has become yet another heavy burden.

You have the power to change this. Vancouver has welcomed immense wealth, and it is only right that we ask the same city to take care of those who are suffering. You are in a unique position to support efforts to provide free or subsidized transit, not as a handout, but as a fundamental right for every resident. Making public transit accessible to all would not only reduce congestion, lower emissions, and create a more sustainable city—it would give all of us the dignity we deserve.

The wealth in this city is growing, but so is the divide. It doesn’t have to be this way. If you continue to live in this city, then I ask that you take responsibility for all of us, not just for your own comfort. It would not hurt you to care for those who helped build the very city you now call home.

Invest in our future by ensuring that affordable transit is available to everyone who needs it, and show that Vancouver is not just a place for the privileged but a community that looks after all its people.

Sincerely,

Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita 

Could Vancouver Burn Like LA? A Reflection on Fire, Greed, and Our City’s Future

 It’s a question I’ve heard whispered and now boldly voiced in headlines: Could Vancouver face catastrophic fires like Los Angeles? The answer is simple yet terrifying—yes, easily. This fear has lingered in my mind for years, unspoken but persistent, and recent events have only amplified it.

Wildfires are no stranger to BC. I know this firsthand. I moved from Nelson because a fire came dangerously close, and my mom faced serious air quality issues during her time in Kelowna. The summers in Vancouver often bring the same choking air. The skies turn grey, the sun a hazy orange, and breathing becomes a struggle. I get headaches and sinus issues when the smoke rolls in, and for many, it’s much worse.

Even within the city, we’ve seen fires threaten our parks and communities. Stanley Park, with its lush greenery, is a prime example of a space at risk. Beyond the trees, many vulnerable people live in the parks—those with nowhere else to go. In the event of a major fire, what happens to them? Where do they go when they’ve already been left behind?

And then there’s the architecture of our city. Vancouver is known for its stunning, historic wooden buildings, many of which are homes and businesses that embody the city’s rich character. These buildings are beautiful, but they are also highly flammable. Meanwhile, we see more and more steel, cement, and glass towers rising, marketed as symbols of modern progress. But are they truly safer?

The truth is, no structure is indestructible. Fires can gut steel buildings, earthquakes can bring down towers, and flooding can render even the most sophisticated infrastructure unlivable. What concerns me most is the underlying greed that seems to guide these developments. If a catastrophic fire swept through Vancouver, would it pave the way for developers to come in and build more towers? Would it be another excuse to displace those who can’t afford to stay?

As the risks grow, we need to ask tough questions:

Are we doing enough to prevent fires in urban forests and protect vulnerable communities?

How can we ensure that rebuilding efforts prioritize affordable housing and sustainability over profit?

Are we prepared for the cascading effects of climate change—fires, floods, and earthquakes—that threaten our city’s future?

We can’t let fear paralyze us, but we also can’t ignore it. It’s time to demand accountability from developers and governments. We need real solutions to make Vancouver a city that’s safe, inclusive, and resilient—not just for the wealthy, but for everyone who calls this place home.

What are your thoughts? How can we protect our city and its people from the threats we face? Share your ideas in the comments below. Let’s start the conversation.

Welcome Back to The Changerz Blog

 Welcome Back to The Changerz Blog

It’s been over 10 years since The Changerz began, and while I hoped the world would be a better place by now, many of the challenges we face have only grown. This makes our mission more important than ever.

This blog is dedicated to sharing ideas, stories, and solutions to inspire change. I’ll be updating it regularly with new content, resources, and ways to get involved. Together, we can still create the change we want to see in the world!