Bruce Eriksen

During World War II, Eriksen worked in a shipyard in Vancouver, and became a member of the Seafarers' International Union of Canada.

In 1973, Vancouver city planner Peter Davies decided what was needed to address some of the DTES' health and social problems (high rates of tuberculosis and other communicable diseases related to poverty) was a democratic organization.

"[1] In 1980 Eriksen was elected to Vancouver City Council as a member of COPE, and he served in that capacity for six consecutive times, finally retiring in 1993.

He was the common law spouse of fellow city councillor Libby Davies, who later became a NDP MP for Vancouver East.

Near the corner of Main and Hastings streets, Bruce Eriksen Place, a social housing project, designed by Vancouver architect Gregory Henriquez, was opened in 1996.

[2] Inscribed on each of the balconies of the building are the words such as "Hope, Integrity, Vote, Dream, Vision, Courage and Respect", in tribute to Eriksen and his contribution to the community he loved.