Gena Thompson

“Save the Waldorf”? A letter to Change.org

Hi Change.org, I think some research might have been in order before posting a petition to Save the Waldorf. The petition starter, “Tim”, calls the Waldorf a “cultural hub” and states that its loss will impact the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood. This is a co-optation of the anti-gentrification, anti-racist movements that have been in the neighbourhood for 50 years. “Tim” also refers to the hotel’s location in the “middle of nowhere” (quotes his); what he means by that is that it is located amidst several Native housing projects. The clientele does not originate there. (…)