Former Vancouver Mayor Art Phillips has died.
He passed away at noon today at Vancouver General Hospital.
He succumbed to complications from an infection, and died with his wife, Carole Taylor, at his bedside..
Phillips leaves behind his wife Carole, his six children, Samantha, Sue, Lisa, Christopher, David, and Norm, as well as many grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Phillips served two terms as mayor in the early 70’s.
He was the 32nd mayor of the city from 1973 to 1977. He was also elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1979, but was defeated the following year in his bid for re-election.
Phillips had the city take a more cautious tack to real estate and development. He also ensured that environmental and quality-of-life concerns were addressed by city planners.
He was awarded the Freedom of the City by current Mayor Gregor Robertson in 2010.
In January the Vancouver Park Board voted to rename Discovery Square ‘Art Phillips Park’.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson issued this statement today:
“With today’s passing of Art Phillips, Vancouver has lost a visionary leader and citizen who made an indelible mark on the city.
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“He helped shape Vancouver through his vision and commitment to public service. He was a champion of livability and inclusivity. During his time in office, Art fundamentally changed the political and social direction of our city.
“He added social housing and parks, he championed the end of plans to build an expressway through the city and he helped establish the City’s Property Endowment Fund, a legacy that continues to benefit the City in many ways.
“His leadership and achievements will inspire the City well into the future.
“On behalf of the citizens of Vancouver, I extend my deepest sympathies to Art’s wife Carole Taylor and the members of their family.”
The City of Vancouver presented Art Philips with the Freedom of the City Award in July, 2010 to recognize Mr. Phillips’ significant contribution to the city and its citizens
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