The British Properties neighbourhood located in the District of West Vancouver, British Columbia, historically placed restrictive covenants on residential parcels which forbid sales of lands to persons of certain races. For generations, it was illegal for anyone of “African or Asiatic descent” to own a home in this area. To determine the specific impacts, Julia Tippet, Laura Clark, Annie Girdler, and Skye Bell conducted a literature review, which revealed that racial restrictive covenants are among the multiple ways to legalized power perpetuates white supremacy. The student researchers recommend, through this presentation, to respond with acknowledgement of racism and complicity, genuine apologies, and ally-ship. Addressing racism and it remnants in community policies and planning is essential for developing holistic equity-building strategies.
Julia Tippet, Laura Clark, Annie Girdler, and Skye Bell, are all Vancouver Island University students in the Master of Community Planning Program. They each come from varying academic backgrounds. They came together to work on this project when their professor presented the opportunity to them because they all are passionate about shaping their communities into fair equitable, fair and just spaces for all.