World adventurer at age 12; distinguished graduate in urban geography; pianist; teacher to thousands of college students; long-time, respected environmental and political activist; leader known for her collaborative skills and practical solutions: Adriane Carr has brought a wealth of experience, knowledge and determination to her inaugural term as Vancouver’s first Green City Councillor.
Known as “the Councillor who listens”, Carr has applied her deep understanding of urban geography and planning issues to become a voice of conscience and champion of collaboration for Vancouver residents who have lost trust in the current local government. They are rightfully concerned about unaffordable housing; overcrowded community centres; and too-tall, too-dense developments imposed on the neighbourhoods they love.
An East Vancouver native, Carr did her MA at UBC in urban geography in the 1970s. Her thesis — developed under Dr. David Ley, a world-renowned professor of urban social geography and Dr. Walter Hardwick, a respected TEAM Vancouver City Councillor who helped stop a freeway through Chinatown — was on development issues Kitsilano faced back then.
Carr is still tracking the impact of development on Vancouver communities and residents’ lives. In her first term on Council, she brought forth more than 30 motions, including initiatives to provide long-term security for community gardens; give Vancouverites the chance to vote on Kinder Morgan’s oil tanker expansion plans; and investigate the negative impacts of taking control away from Community Centre Associations.
Her leadership and collaborative skills, and strong social justice and environmental values, have been reflected in her parallel professional and political careers that span more than three decades.
In 1983, she co-founded the B.C. Green Party — the first Green Party in North America, which she led for eight years. She was a federal Green candidate twice and deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada under Elizabeth May.
Carr is also known for her leadership role in bringing adversaries together and building public support to establish a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Clayoquot Sound, working with Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, environmental groups, the forest industry and union representatives. While on Western Canada Wilderness Committee’s executive she launched international campaigns to protect global biodiversity, working with environmental NGOs in Latin America, India, Greece and beyond.
As an instructor at Langara College for 12 years, she helped develop the first Geography Field School and Environmental Studies programs at a BC college and chaired the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Carr grew up in an East Van family home with her family, grandparents and great-grandmother. She spent summers swimming at Second Beach. At age 12, she toured the world as the youngest member of Vancouver’s Elgar Choir, an adventure that opened her eyes to both global poverty and the beauty in other cultures.
Her dad, a former Vancouver soccer star, was also a BC Telephone Company executive. Her mom, a PTA chair with a passion to help people in need, taught her the value of community service.
A West End resident, Carr is happily married and the proud mother of two adult children.
Facebook: facebook.com/vote.carr
Twitter: twitter.com/AdrianeCarr
Website: vote.vangreens.ca
