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COVER ARTWORK Den Kinanti
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SFU medical school appoints a dean and receives $33.7 million
The school is still set to open in 2026, with a new building to be finished by 2029
HANNAH FRASER · NEWS WRITER
On July 9, BC Premier David Eby announced that the new SFU medical school in Surrey will receive another $33.7 million to renovate an “interim space at an existing building” at SFU Surrey. This is on top of the $27 million in operational funding and $14 million in startup costs SFU has already received from the government.
The announcement comes after Dr. David J. Price was appointed as the medical school’s founding dean the week before. Price is a “practicing family physician and professor in the department of family medicine at McMaster University, where he served as department chair for 15 years until 2021.” The school was approved by SFU in May and expects to accept its first cohort in 2026.
The Peak interviewed Dr. Maria Hubinette, vice-president academic for the medical school. She said the medical school would start by holding classes in interim spaces in the SFU Surrey C and E Buildings. Hubinette doesn’t anticipate this will limit the space for existing SFU Surrey students to take classes. Classes will be held in these buildings before the new medical school’s building is finished and ready to open for classes in 2029.
While all other medical programs in Canada are four years, SFU’s medical program will span three years. Hubinette said this structure will allow students to have the same instructional time as the regular four-year program while joining the workforce sooner.
The school’s partnership with the First Nations Health Authority and Fraser Health Authority has helped the team plan for “clinical learning sites.” Hubinette said the school is
(TRAFFIC) LIGHTS OUT
AM 730 off air leaves Vancouver without a dedicated traffic broadcast
The frequency is now a redirected cast from CKNW 980
KAJA ANTIC STAFF WRITER
“Gone!” reads the last tweet from the @AM730Traffic X account, sent at 7:39 a.m. on June 26 — before the station would quietly cease operations later that afternoon.
Under the call sign CKGO, AM 730 was the only 24/7 all-traffic station in the Vancouver area. Listeners now tune into AM 730 to be redirected to AM 980, a news and talk radio station with intermittent traffic updates.
Both stations are owned and operated by Corus Entertainment, which also owns Global News and other mass media assets. Corus has seen its revenue decrease recently and has responded with a plan to cut 25% of its full-time workforce by the end of August.
committed to incorporating Indigenous Ways of Knowing into the classes and program as a way of “questioning the way that things have always been done.” Indigenous Ways of Knowing “help educate people about the vast variety of knowledge that exists across diverse Indigenous communities.”
We’re trying to think about what healthcare is going to look like in the future and not only what it looks like right now.
MARIA HUBINETTE
ACTING ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR SFU’S MEDICAL SCHOOL
Hubinette mentioned the program will be community engaged, with “structured learning experiences” to understand the “broader determinants of health that you don’t see when you’re only in a doctor’s office,” such as income, social status, physical environment, and access to health services.
“We’re trying to think about what healthcare is going to look like in the future and not only what it looks like right now, so we’re thinking a little bit about how to set ourselves up to be more transformative and how to future-proof what we’re doing.”
Details about admissions are expected to be released in fall 2025. The school is still waiting on accreditation with the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS), which will permit them to advertise the program and open admissions. According to CACMS, accreditation involves institutions “voluntarily undergo an extensive peer evaluation” in which the CACMS judges if they meet the “national standards for educational quality.”
“We’re really, really excited to get going on more details,” said Hubinette. Premier Eby said SFU’s medical school will be the “first new medical school in Western Canada in 55 years and aims to address the province’s ongoing doctor shortage by adding more family doctors.”
Corus Entertainment told Vancouver Sun, “We have made the difficult decision to reduce our AM radio programming in Vancouver and Edmonton [ . . . ] As a result, certain roles have been impacted.”
On a night where #Vancouver’s infrastructure and road care failed us, people could still turn on the station and know that [we were] right there with them.
LUCAS CELLE AM 730 ANCHOR
Listeners from across
during snowstorms.
“On a night where #Vancouver’s infrastructure and road care failed us, people could still turn on the station and know that [we were] right there with them,” former AM 730 anchor Lucas Celle noted in a X thread regarding the 2022 storm.
There is an active petition with over 400 signatures on change.org to save the station. The petition intends to put pressure on Corus and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to reinstate the traffic-based radio.
AM 730 rebroadcasting CKNW 980 is being viewed as an interim solution, as Corus eventually hopes to only operate one AM station in the Lower Mainland. Corus Entertainment’s statement noted, “Following that interim period, Corus will only operate one AM news-talk station in each of Vancouver (CKNW) and Edmonton (CHED).”
Radio stations, specifically those that broadcast on AM frequencies, are increasingly rare in Vancouver — with three shutting down in recent years. AM 730 joins AM 1040 and AM 1410, which were taken off air last year by Bell Media.
There is still intermittent traffic information on the 980 and 1130 frequencies. Excluding 730, there are now only seven active AM radio stations serving Metro Vancouver; 690 hosts CBC Radio One, 980 and 1130 are news/talk stations, and 650 is the only remaining dedicated sports station. AM 1200, 1320, and 1470 host a variety of multilingual programs.
PHOTO: JESSE ORRICO / UNSPLASH
PHOTO: PUNEET AULAKH / THE PEAK
Burnaby Pride Festival held on July 20 at Bonsor Field
Local 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, families, and supporters came together to celebrate Pride
On July 20, the seventh annual Burnaby Pride Festival was held to celebrate the “diversity of our local 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, families, and supporters.” The festival was held at Bonsor Field and had live music, drag performances, familyfriendly activities, and more.
2SLGBTQIA+ people are here, we’re visible.
ATHENA AFFAN
CHAIR OF BURNABY PRIDE
Burnaby Pride kicked things off at 12:30 p.m. with a pre-show DJ set by DJ Moaning Lisa. The day featured musical performances, with queer artists like Hollow Twin, houseguest, Haleluya Hailu, SIESKI, and The Rainbow Concert Band. houseguest is an “alltrans indie rock band” formed in 2023 and The Rainbow Concert Band is Vancouver’s “first and only” 2SLGBTQIA+ concert band formed in 1990.
The Peak interviewed Athena Affan, Afro-Caribbean chair of Burnaby Pride. Affan said Burnaby Pride began in 2018 as a way to highlight community organizations that were offering services to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, such as Trans Care BC and Rainbow Refugee. Trans Care BC “connects trans people,
their loved ones, and clinicians with information, education, training, and support.” Rainbow Refugee is a “Vancouver-based organization that promotes safe, equitable migration” for “people fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status.” With the same goal of highlighting community organizations like these, the festival featured over 40 booths this year.
Comedians Joanne Tsung and Sasha Mark, who “co-hosted Burnaby Pride for the past three years” also joined the festival, putting on comedy performances. Affan said this year Burnaby Pride featured kids’ events, where children listened to a story about inclusion and made shadow puppets to recreate the story on their own.
“We’re always trying to make new relationships and try to support community partnerships to offer different kinds of activities during the Pride,” said Affan. “We know that the community is really broad and diverse in terms of interests.”
The Burnaby Pride Festival aims to “hold space in the community and show Burnaby that 2SLGBTQIA+ people are here, we’re visible,” she continued.
“One of the unique issues we have in Burnaby is that we don’t have a lot of dedicated queer spaces.” Affan described that she wants to “create a sense of community, make opportunities for folks to come together and be together in Burnaby” for those community members who “don’t really know how to find each other.”
Affan added, “For the community at large that’s not queer, they can come to our event, they can talk to and engage with community booths, they can see some performers, and in that way, we hope to increase awareness of the community in a way that isn’t putting a huge burden on our community members.”
Drag performers put on a show at the end of the festival, including performances from Bebo, Batty Banks, Beardney Spears, Genesis, and SKIM. Bebo is a “POC trans Bollywood performer,” whose act featured “Indian cultural and Bollywoodthemed dance forms through drag which is not often showcased in the Canadian Drag scene.” SKIM is a “nonbinary lesbian drag king” who has performed globally and is an “active member of the House of Rice and founder of King Sized — a drag king-focused show.”
Earlier on July 15, Burnaby Pride held a Flag Raising event at Burnaby City Hall to “proudly raise the intersex progress Pride flag” together. They also hosted a free “Pride at The Planetarium” event on July 17 at the BCIT Planetarium, “celebrating the beauty of space and the diversity of our queer community.
Affan hopes that Burnaby Pride can march in the Hats Off Parade, a “grassroots festival celebrating the best of the Burnaby Heights community since the early 1980s,” next year in June “to bring some glitter and colour and awareness.”
For more information about Burnaby Pride, visit their Instagram @burnaby_pride or at burnabypride.com.
PHOTO: SARAH RACE / BURNABY PRIDE
HANNAH FRASER · NEWS WRITER
Palestinian solidarity belongs at Pride
Stop weaponzing so-called queer acceptance to justify genocide
Content warning: mentions of violence against children and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
This summer, Pride parades across the country saw activists protesting the ongoing Palestinian genocide. People have called these protests selfish, saying Pride is “not the place” for them. The participation of corporations and politicians who are complicit in Israel’s genocide is what really deserves outrage. Power-hungry entities like Scotiabank and TD Bank use empty slogans and rainbows to pretend they care about equality and liberation, while they blatantly support Israel’s brutality. Pride’s roots lie in resisting systems of oppression across borders and intersecting identities. Palestinian liberation has always been a queer issue.
Certain outlets have responded to the recent protests by calling Queers for Palestine “incoherent” and “ironic.” They believe Pride and Palestinian liberation are contradictory because of the existence of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiments in occupied Palestinian territories. The go-to talking point used to dismiss queer people who advocate for Palestinian liberation is to tell them to try surviving in Gaza as a queer person. “They’d be killed!” one online magazine parrots. I don’t deny that homosexuality is criminalized in Gaza and queerphobia exists in Palestinian society. However, this response shows a stark double standard.
I can’t believe this has to be said: the persecution of queer people doesn’t justify a genocide. Israel has bombed hospitals, schools, and killed over 40,000 people. If there is a genuine concern for the lives of queer Palestinians, you would think stopping Israel from killing and displacing them should be a
priority. Despite Israel presenting itself as a beacon of hope for queer Palestinians, same-sex marriage is illegal in Israel.
Even if Israel is safer for queer Israelis, queer Palestinians have a much different experience there. They are not only discriminated against on the basis of their sexuality and gender, but also are denied basic freedom in their homeland under Israeli apartheid. According to Vice, intelligence sharing between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, racism towards Arabs, and a lack of basic legal rights means few queer Palestinians seek asylum in Israel. Because Israel may share their information with Palestinian agencies, it also means there is a risk of queer Palestinians “being outed in their own community.”
Pride’s roots lie in resisting systems of oppression
Homophobia and transphobia are not distinct to Palestine. When people say you’d “get shot” in Palestine, it hinges on a racist and Islamophobic depiction of Palestinians as inherently violent. Hate-motivated gun violence is a real issue for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities around the world, especially in the US, where gun ownership is legal. Trans people continue to have their rights stripped away in North America. Your right to live safely shouldn’t depend on the predominant beliefs where you live. It’s because of deeply-ingrained racism that violence against Arabs and Muslims is normalized.
Disguising colonial violence as social progress is nothing new. It’s also thanks to colonialism that homosexuality is criminalized to begin with, as “the law was inherited from the British” in 1936 due to the British Mandate Criminal Code Ordinance. The west has historically used depictions of colonized people as uncivilized to fuel a narrative of western aid, and Israel is no different. Last year, two months into Israel’s escalated genocide, a photo of an Israeli soldier holding a rainbow flag in Gaza circulated online, which was shared as if it were a win for the queer community. Just like we’re seeing at our corporate-coopted Pride parades, this is textbook pinkwashing: using queer identities for public relations purposes. Promoting a supposed queer-friendly image to excuse killing and traumatizing a population, including children, is foul and goes against everything queer liberation stands for.
The inclusion of Palestinian solidarity at Pride isn’t new; in 2010 the Toronto-based grassroots organization Queers Against Israeli Apartheid made its first appearance at Pride. Organizations like Rainbow Refugee, who help people fleeing discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation, demonstrate the importance of transnational solidarity, and communities sticking up for each other.
While we can celebrate how Pride parades demonstrate more public acceptance towards queer identities, we still have a long way to go before queer people are liberated. This is all the more reason to stand in solidarity with queer Palestinians. They should have the right to live safely in their own homes, and feel welcome at our Pride parades. As Palestinian writer Elias Jahshan noted, “in terms of real liberation, we cannot achieve that until we have a free Palestine.”
PHOTO: ALISDARE HICKSON / FLICKR
PETRA CHASE · EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
What Grinds our Gears
Traffic tailgaters
VISSER OPINIONS EDITOR
I can’t think of anyone who’s a fan of being tailgated. It’s not just the passive aggression that bugs me — small following distances are dangerous and horribly inefficient.
It’s common sense that following too close to the car in front of you lowers your stopping distance. You’re less likely to stop in time in an emergency if you’re tailgating a slower driver. But what you may not realize is that you’re also LITERALLY CAUSING TRAFFIC JAMS.
Have you ever been sitting in a traffic jam for no apparent reason, wondering if some slowpoke at the front of the line is holding it up for everyone else? Well, research shows the more likely culprit is a domino effect of narrow and unequal following distances. When you’re following someone too closely in traffic, you’re forced to break whenever they do rather than slowly letting off the gas. That’s right, your incessant need to be two seconds ahead of other vehicles is ruining the road for everyone.
I feel zero shame when I keep a large following distance. If the person behind me doesn’t realize you can go the same speed as other cars while keeping a gap, they’re a lost cause. I also feel no sympathy for tailgaters! You snooze, you lose. Next time leave before rush hour if you want the road to yourself.
AGGRAVATING ADVICE
I’m not looking for your unsolicited medical advice
I don’t want to hear it
HAILEY MILLER · STAFF WRITER
Unwelcome medical advice is inappropriate in any situation, yet people with disabilities and chronic health conditions have to put up with it on a regular basis. As someone who was born with a permanent physical disability, I’m no stranger to unsolicited comments made by people who think their unprofessional advice will be helpful. From opinions on certain treatments, to taking a certain medication that’s supposedly a “cure-all,” I’ve heard everything there is to hear about every medical advancement under the sun — whether it’s relevant to my disability or not. I’m 100% sure your unsolicited advice won’t help me.
Unsolicited medical advice can do more harm than good, and can dehumanize people with disabilities and chronic illnesses who are doing their best. Many of us are already undergoing more treatments, have more appointments, and take more medications than you’d believe humanly possible. We’d rather go about our lives without the unwanted opinions of those who have no medical training beyond a quick Google search or WebMD. Often, their ignorance comes from the idea that every person with a certain condition must be the same as the next, because they know or have heard of someone with the same condition. This is not the case. No matter what disability or illness someone has, we’re all unique — and disabilities affect everyone differently.
My personal experiences are worth more than the suggestions of a know-it-all. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people tell me I should try stem cell therapy. Although this may help people with certain conditions — such as some cancers and autoimmune disorders — it won’t do anything for me. Some treatments are just not necessary and can even cause further harm. What works for me is staying active and fit, stretching, and incorporating as much movement as possible so I can stay mobile. However, this also isn’t a catch-all solution for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
I walk predominantly with forearm crutches when I’m in public because I need extra support and balance in crowded spaces
and when carrying things. Growing up, I also used a posterior walker for a few years, and I spent four years of my life using a wheelchair. The moment I got out of it, I vowed to myself to never use one again. That’s my personal preference — everyone is different. Despite this, I’ve had multiple strangers throughout my life tell me I should try a walking frame, a different style of crutch, a different mobility device, or they’re just baffled as to why I’m not in a wheelchair and am mobile with my condition.
These reactions are not only degrading to my physical mobility, but they’re also completely dehumanizing. I’ve worked my ass off to get to where I am today, and to be told by Average Joe on the street that I should theoretically be worse off or try something else because I’m not cured is laughably unbelievable. There’s no cure for what I have — and clearly there’s no cure for their unsolicited remarks, either.
Your unqualified opinion isn’t going to get us anywhere but backwards.
Any kind of unsolicited medical advice — no matter what the treatment, for whatever condition — is unacceptable. Supporting a loved one and helping with appointments, medications, and symptoms is one thing, but your unqualified opinion isn’t going to get us anywhere but backwards. Sometimes, doing too much causes more harm than good. Unsolicited medical advice overlooks those of us who have experienced our disability or illness for longer than you can imagine. So, next time you interact with a disabled or chronically ill person, remember, we’ve already heard it, we’re doing what we can, and we’re just living our lives.
PHOTO: VICTORIA LO / THE PEAK
OLIVIA
Yes, disability justice concerns you too
Healthcare reform helps everyone
health of a country should be a main priority. Money can be expendable, but people aren’t.
As of 2022, 27% of Canadians 15 and older and 40% of seniors identified as having a disability. While 27% may not seem like a high number to you, consider that this means one of every four people you know is disabled. Your own risk of becoming disabled rises as you age, but even if you never develop a disability in your lifetime — someone you love likely will. Our understanding of disability has shifted in the last few decades to include various types of impairments, and we should understand what disability actually means if we want an equitable society. But beyond that, able-bodied folks must push back against ideas that frame disability as wholly separate from themselves. Disability justice should matter to everyone, because disabilities are something that can be acquired at any point in your life.
When we talk about disability, we don’t just mean those who use assistive devices. According to the Centre for Disease Control, a disability is “any condition of the body or mind” that impairs your daily functioning. This includes everything from depression, dyslexia, and brain injuries, to cancer and Long COVID. A disability can be temporary or lifelong, but regardless of its nature, most require some level of support from public healthcare.
Canada is in profound need of healthcare reform. Those who don’t frequent the public health system may not truly understand the extent of its dysfunction. For most people, it’s an annoyance to have to wait a few days to see a walk-in clinic doctor, but it’s dangerous to have to wait months to receive life-saving treatment from a specialist. When we talk about healthcare reform and disability, we’re not just talking about those who are already in the system. What would you do if you were diagnosed with a life-altering condition today? Do you have tens of thousands of dollars to bypass waitlists? While the idea of more timely private healthcare may be alluring to some, we must remember who this would neglect. 16.5% of disabled Canadians live in poverty, more than double the national number of 7.4%. We also should consider that the US government spends two-and-a-half times more per capita than Canada on hospitals on top of their private system. The
COVID-19 is one of the most relevant examples of acquired disability. In Canada, 19% of adults who had COVID-19 — 3.5 million people — developed long-term symptoms, also known as Long COVID. Some of these symptoms include dizziness and fatigue, as well as memory loss and joint pain. Since it was first recognized as a condition, Long COVID has been described as a “mass disabling event.”
Back in 2022, one of our editors, C Icart, wrote about how Long COVID highlights a deep and long-standing need for disability justice and healthcare reform. Disability justice doesn’t only mean protecting those who are more at risk of infection and complications from COVID-19. It also means actively preventing more disability through masks and vaccines, and providing continual support for the still-rising number of folks disabled by COVID-19. As Canada’s healthcare system continues to struggle with providing essential medical care, those with Long COVID have been cast aside. Dedicated Long COVID clinics have shut down, leaving patients to manage their illnesses themselves.
Money can be expendable but people
aren’t.
As our understanding of disability evolves, keep in mind policies that protect disabled folks also concern you. Whether you, a family member, or a loved one are or will be disabled — we must feel confident that our healthcare system will provide for us. Nobody should have to wait for life-saving treatment, or be told their illness is too complex to manage. Nobody should have to pay out of pocket for timely essential treatment. Remember your disabled community members when you vote in the upcoming provincial and federal elections, and know that their best interests are also yours.
I’ve had many low points in my life, and during most of them I felt an unwavering sense of support from fellow disabled queers. From acts like offering free produce in a community group, to providing guidance when navigating the medical system, I’m so grateful for the support I know I can lean on when needed.
Many disabled queer folks are wellacquainted with difficulties like poverty and healthcare barriers. We know what it’s like to suffer, and by extension we also know what it’s like to help. The support I’ve received from community members is not just something I dearly appreciate — it’s also made me a more giving person.
When I have the capacity, I try to pay it forward. It’s heartwarming to know that something as small as gifted plushies or fidget toys makes someone’s day. Or, that a small e-transfer to help a disabled friend pay their rent keeps them housed. There is no act too small when you consider that kindness and solidarity adds up to something much more.
PHOTO: AMRIT KAMAAL / THE PEAK
OLIVIA VISSER · OPINIONS EDITOR
PHOTO: JOE PIETTE / FLICKR The
OLIVIA VISSER OPINIONS EDITOR
INVESTIGATING THE MYTH:
IS VANCOUVER REALLY THAT BORING?
ILLUSTRATION: SONYA JANESHEWSKI / THE PEAK
THERE’S LOTS TO DO, YOU JUST HAVE TO SEARCH THE STREETS TO FIND IT
Hailey Miller · Staff Writer
The everlasting debate over whether Vancouver is boring has circulated the city for as long as I can remember. Is it really that boring, or have you just not figured out how to navigate the entertainment options, nightlife, and city-nature harmony? Between comedy clubs and live music that make the nightlife a little more lively, quaint coffee shops, and outdoor activities, there’s lots to do, but is it for you?
While there’s a lot more that the city could offer, there’s also lots to do — you just have to find what you like, and go for it. Whether you’re a city chick, an outdoorsy adventurer, or a combination of the two — like myself — there’s plenty of opportunities for fun. So, let’s dissect the great debate and compare and contrast between what makes Vancouver lively, and what makes it lifeless.
First, let’s discuss the pros, and why I think Vancouver isn’t boring.
The city has an abundance of opportunities and events. Let’s talk city life first. You’ve got countless patios (rain or shine) to enjoy drinks with friends like, Social YVR or Mahony’s Tavern. Enjoy festivals, including the Vancouver Mural Festival, where you can admire murals, or join Vancouver Pride, in which you can celebrate Pride culture with various events, including the parade. Seasonal highlights include the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival happening in the spring or the night markets open during the summer, like the Richmond Night Market, the largest nightmarket in North America.
Vancouver has many artsy neighbourhoods and streets that contribute to its entertainment and live music scene. Hit up a show in the Theatre district, along the Granville Street strip — the most lively of them all. Take the Expo Line to ChinaTown–Stadium, and take a stroll down North America’s third-largest Chinatown, visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, sightsee alongside False Creek, overviewing Science World, and end the day swinging by Rogers Arena or BC Place for concerts and sports. If you want a place to spend your afternoon, evening, and midnight, visit Davie Village, Vancouver’s gaybourhood, with cuisines from all over the world, and local gems like Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium, where you’ll be able to lose yourself in their collection of queer books. Continue the day into the evening and spend the night bar hopping or checking out a drag queen show at The Junction Pub. Also consider Vancouver’s music scene, featuring jazz clubs, like Frankie’s Jazz Club, venues like the Biltmore or Fox cabarets, or intimate performances of local musicians at secret locations, hosted by Sofar Sounds. Vancouver is only third to Montréal and Toronto when it comes to live music.
Is active adventure more your type? No problem. Vancouver has a lot to offer outside of nightlife. The city has a plethora of activities that the rest of the country surely turns their nose up at, regarding our mild climate and vast outdoor offerings. From
sea to sky, you’ve got anything and everything in-between. Go for a short hike and kayak combo in Deep Cove, or challenge yourself with the Grouse Grind and take a photo with local celebrity bears, Grinder and Coola. Take your friends to Buntzen Lake or Kitsilano Beach and make a picnic and lake/beach games day out of it. Definitely expensive, but few things beat taking a scenic gondola ride. While the Grouse Gondola might be more accesible, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola has that pacificnorthwest-magic to it, even the ride there is enchanting! Or, if you need a break from society, there are plenty campsites near the city, or in the neighbouring islands — nothing beats a weekend camping adventure in quiet island. The mountains are calling your name, and so is the ocean — when there’s no E. Coli to report, of course.
However, there are some issues here and there that do bore down the city. Predominantly, it’s the early closing times of venues, bars, clubs, and the like.
If you want to stay out late into the night, chances are, you’ll be out of luck. They’ll be kicking you out right at close and you’ll be scrambling to find someplace else to go — few places remain open past 1:00 a.m. or so.
Don’t get me started on the lack of transit options available to get to and from the city. Even if you want to stay out late and there are enough things to do, it’s near impossible transiting home at any hour past 1:00 a.m. If you’re hoping to take SkyTrain back, you better book it to the platform before the last train leaves the station for the night, which is sooner than you’d like. Either that or you have to pay an outrageous price for an Uber — a huge strike to the nightlife.
The nightlife is supposed to begin after midnight, not be wrapping up once the clock strikes 12. This isn’t a Cinderella story. Some of the latest clubs close by 3:00 a.m. or sooner. Catch a late show if you’re lucky, but will the hassle of getting a ride home at that hour be worth it? I’m like Alanis Morissette with “one hand in my pocket and the other one is hailing a taxi cab” that never shows up.
Being coined “no-fun city,” Vancouver has conjured up a reputation of being bland and boring, yet somehow still lively and full of opportunity. Having been to New York City, I’m the first to admit that Vancouver is no Big Apple when it comes to nightlife, but it has a lot of other naturesque and outdoorsy activities to offer. Lack of nightlife? I would argue yes and no. Yes, because everything shuts down a little too early, and no, because we have a vast music scene full of artists and venues that are unique to the city. Sure, there are many evening shows, but don’t expect an all-nighter in what might as well be ghost city shortly after dark. We have countless markets and events if you’re more of a daytime person, and outdoor activities that put just about any other city landscape to shame. Vancouver isn’t totally boring, but surely, it could do much better.
Fun and flavour are homegrown at the Trout Lake Farmers Market
Find farm-fresh fruit without having to grow your own
On a Saturday at 11:30 a.m., I found myself following the scent of food trucks and fresh herbs. As I walked, I took in the sun-dried night’s dew while listening to Minnie Riperton’s “Les Fleurs.” I decided to spend my day at the Trout Lake Farmers Market, located in the inviting John Hendry Park. Surrounded by lush, shading forest and the lake itself, this market is a temporary abode for all kinds of vendors of cuisine and fresh produce. Come along with me as I tell you of my weekend venture and the treasures I found along the way.
It seemed like the entire neighborhood had come out to marvel at the beautiful vegetables, herbs, and owers. Everything was vibrant and crisp — every rhubarb stalk shone bright red, every pea shoot greened its nest green, and every kernel of corn beamed gold. Almost all of the stands had a large selection of leafy greens like cabbage, kale, and fresh herbs; you name it, it was most likely there.
I had been on the hunt for some lacinato kale, and I hadn’t been able to nd it anywhere in stores. But lo and behold, there it lay in front of me, succulent as ever with its milder taste. My friend, who comes with me on all my adventures, bought me a bouquet of darling marigolds from Warmerdam Flowers. Since it’s summer, berries are ripe for picking. You’ll nd quite a few vendors with their own selection of cherries, blueberries, champagne currants, and more. I ended up grabbing a basket of blueberries which looked too good to pass up on (the darker and bluer the berry, the sweeter it is). I was looking around when some kirby cucumbers caught my eye and I couldn’t contain my excitement. I used to visit my aunt’s farm in Russia, where she
grew everything herself, from cucumbers to tomatoes. Seeing those swirly and prickly cucumbers reminded me of summers spent there, when I used to eat those very vegetables lightly dressed in salt to add to their naturally crunchy texture.
Everything was vibrant and crisp — every rhubarb stalk shone bright red, every pea shoot greened its finest green, and every kernel of corn beamed gold.
As we walked, I agged down the food truck lane and knew that was where the heat was. We started o with appetizers from Bali Bites, an Indonesian food truck. We got the chicken saté skewers covered in rich homestyle peanut sauce, and an Es Cendol, which is a creamy coconut milk beverage with pandan jelly. The skewers were juicy and tender, while the drink tasted like the best part of eating a bowl of cereal — the sweet milk at the end. We then decided to get the “So Gouda” from Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck. Every bite of that sweet and savoury
sandwich lled with caramelized apples, eggplant jam, and gouda, was heavenly. We nished o our culinary delights with a spicy Jamaican patty from Morgan’s Harbour.
The great thing about local produce is that you know it’s grown here at home, and you’re supporting the local economy and community. Another thing that’s great about farmer’s markets are the fair and prices. If it seems like you’re paying a bit more than you would at the store, remember that you’re buying quality products grown on smaller farms. The vendors who were there to answer our questions weren’t pushy with their products because they knew how amazing they are.
As much as I could yap on and on about the amazing day I had, don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself! They’re open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Saturday until October 26, so wake up early if you can!
Y2K THRIVES IN FEMME GROUP NADUH
Get to know this Vancouver-based group and their many pop personas
Harmonies on harmonies, you won’t hear a NADUH track without them.
JENNY 1/5 OF NADUH
With ‘90s hip-hop and 2000s R&B tunes, Vancouver-based femme group NADUH “fill the industry thigh gap” with their unique, oldschool inspired spin on the genre. Listening to their music reminds me of hearing my big sister’s playlists back in the early 2000s. Their music is filled with influences from the “Spice Girls, a dollop of Warren G and Nate Dogg, and a dash of TLC.” Their 2022 album, HOMIESEXUAL, is “umami for the ears” with its chromatic blend of modern reverbs and retro synths. It’s imbued with “empowerment,” “queerness,” and “spirituality.”
[their] production.” NADUH perfects their blends with “punchy drums, funky or phat bass, and obviously soulful vocals.” Their song “MYSOGINISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS” stuck out to me with its mellow lofi loops and lyrics that explore being objectified, like being asked to smile, and how the girls are just over it!
The group uses their music “to heal the axis of masculine and feminine,” as told to them by Venus, the goddess of love. Jenny said the group’s sound acts as “a sweet balm, kissing the souls of listeners while they open their hearts to unity, love, and levity.” Staying true to their divine goals, the group says Venus gave them no choice but “to heal the gender divide” within themselves and the world “by creating with a more feminine touch” and re-writing “the industry ‘standard.’”
Coming from Vancouver, Jenny tells me about how the city’s music scene is still on the rise to being recognized globally, and that repping home base is their “shot to put Vancity on, and show the world our city is chock-full of talent.”
“Our music expresses this through exuding elements of soft but hard, calm but cheeky,” said Jenny, AKA the group’s “Daddy,” in an interview with The Peak. Each member has their own persona, with Rolly being the “magical fairy godmother,” Larisa being the “local celebrity,” Taraneh the “chef Boii,” and the “lover baby,” Giorgi. Immediately upon hearing their music and seeing their style, I could recognize the Y2K inspiration — I love how they bring a sense of nostalgia in a contemporary form through their style.
Mesmerized by their beats, I wondered what was essential for the NADUH sound. “Harmonies on harmonies, you won’t hear a NADUH track without them,” Jenny told me, explaining that the “saucy chords are at the core of
Catch NADUH at the Official Pride Party Aug 4. Make sure to watch out for their new single “THROBBY,” expected to release by the end of summer, and follow them on Instagram for updates, @its.naduh!
PHOTO: KAISHIN CHU / VANCOUVER FARMERS MARKETS
YASMIN HASSAN · STAFF WRITER
YASMIN HASSAN · STAFF WRITER
PHOTO: @ ITS.NADUH / INSTAGRAM
A deep Revelation lies in Leif Vollebekk’s intricate indie tunes
We talked musical influences and performing at Vancouver Folk Fest
Born in Ottawa, and a long-time resident of Montréal, Leif Vollebekk is an indie artist whose music is full of smooth rhythms, soft melodies, and lilting lyrics. His highly-anticipated album, Revelation, will be released on September 27, with a European tour to follow this fall. I had the pleasure of interviewing Vollebekk over the phone ahead of his performance at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, which took place on July 19.
“It’s always lovely playing a folk festival. I haven’t played Vancouver in what feels like a million years,” Vollebekk said, adding that he feels at home on stage. He also touched on how “the audiences are always so nice” at folk festivals around the country — where he’s also playing in both Calgary and Edmonton.
Vollebekk’s musical in uences stem from a variety of places. “I listened to a lot of Bob Dylan,” he said, also listing The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Radiohead. From thoughtful musicality to pondering lyrics that seep through every line of a Bob Dylan song, Vollebekk reminisced on his early days of music. “I kinda got lost in that,” he said.
As our interview took him on a trip down memory lane — combing through his inspirations, songwriting, and recordings of the past — it was evident that Vollebekk has come a long way, shifting his sounds and focus. Regardless of Vollebekk questioning whether he’s “evolved” as a musician, it’s clear the answer lies in the thread-woven orchestration of his songs and the depth of his lyrics. “I’ve de nitely doubled-down on a couple of concepts, like playing live and recording with a live band,” he added.
“Once I get the band together and the studio together, and everything sounds good, and we get all the sounds right, then we just do one live take,” he explained. “It’s kind of like an old-school way of making records,” he said of playing live o the oor — meaning from start to nish, with vocals and instrumentals done all together — and recording to tape.
Once I get the band together and the studio together, and everything sounds good, and we get all the sounds right, then we just do one live take.
Two singles have already been released ahead of Revelation being dropped: “Moondog” and “Southern Star.” Vollebekk had “Southern Star” in his back pocket for years, which he used to play live before ever recording it. With deep, echoey piano keys and tender poetry spoken of the speaker’s “friend or lover,” this track is the perfect slow dance ballad for a cool summer night. At rst, Vollebekk sung it solo, then later landed on the drum part. Once those pieces came together, the recording process took shape, and it soon became the rst track recorded for Revelation.
“‘Moon Dog’ was written entirely on acoustic guitar,” Vollebekk explained, knowing the idea of the song right o the bat. A kickdrum was all that was needed to set the track ablaze with rhythmic emotion. Vollebekk recalled watching The Beatles: Get Back documentary, where they didn’t fully have “Get Back” together until the keys were added in by Billy Preston. Evidently, Vollebekk relates this to his own songwriting and recording processes, as he continues to nd elements that perfect a song.
With Revelation, Vollebekk was able to “get a bit closer” to his desires. “When you rst start out, you don’t know anything,” he said with a hearty laugh. At rst, he didn’t know what mixing and mastering was, and that a song wouldn’t be nished immediately after being recorded, but quickly learned to unveil the multiple layers involved in producing a record. Now, with more experience and four years’ worth of e ort poured into it, Vollebekk looks forward to Revelation’s release this September.
From adding strings, harmonies, orchestration, and synthesizers, with various band members, and even quartets, Vollebekk’s recording process is vast. He leaves no stone unturned when squeezing out every ounce of talent and pouring it into his works. “It involves people’s emotions,” he explained. “When people are all in the room together, they really wanna get it,” Vollebekk said, of capturing the takes.
Touring gives Vollebekk a space to further develop his idea, and looks forward to getting back on the road. Listen to the release of Revelation come September 27, and prepare to be immersed in vast orchestration and e ortless vocals.
COURTESY OF NICHOLAS SUTTON BELL
LEIF VOLLEBEKK
HAILEY MILLER STAFF WRITER
IMpeRfecT fitS pRIde edItIon
Vancouver is hosting Pride this week, and even though “we are all born naked,” that is not the appropriate outfit for the occasion. So, you could make endless Pinterest boards until you develop the perfect Pride look. Or, you could just wrap yourself in a Pride flag and call it a day. You could even use an app inspired by Cher Horowitz’s digital outfit generator in Clueless. But I’m fully embodying the gay best friend trope today by only existing to tell you what to wear. Alexa, play that audio that goes “Emergency, emergency, paging Dr. Beat.”
This one is for the queer historians. The first brick that may or may not have been thrown on June 28, 1969, is a queer icon. After all, she marked the beginning of the Stonewall Uprising and Pride as we know it. This brick and who potentially threw it has been at the centre of so many arguments, but this outfit is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Use foam to create the legendary brick shape, and don’t forget the red body paint so your legs and face match.
Obsessing over “serving fish” is so not the vibe this season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still rock a fishtail! Miss Vanjie walking offstage while repeating her name like it was some sort of spell is an integral part of queer history. Commemorate this moment by embodying the mermaid Barbies on her bodysuit. Find the most beat-up blonde wig in your closet and stick it in the blender to destroy it more. Then, apply your makeup with your eyes closed while in the passenger seat of a moving vehicle. The last step is obviously finding a Party City mermaid tail to complete the look!
How would you know it’s Pride if you weren’t seeing brands make their social media logo rainbow, but only in certain parts of the world (can only be gay in the markets where that sells, obvi)! So, why not reference this rainbowfication in an incredibly fashion-forward look? You’ll need a friend for this one, so go grab an ally. First, wrap each other in toilet paper until you look like kids dressing like mummies for Halloween. Then, use the skills you learned from the H-O-T-TO-G-O dance to contort your bodies into the letters E and W. You must do this in front of a Pride flag for it to work. And then, boom, you’ve recreated Entertainment Weekly’s hilarious Pride logo.
THE BRICK MISS MERMAID
Burnaby Mountain, known for its thriving ecosystems and wildlife, was hit by an influx of humans in 1965. Once known as the spot for critters to flourish, it was taken over by people, with no consideration for these creatures’ feelings or bellies — only “engagement,” whatever that means. Raccoons have historically been shamed the most, with phones shoved in their faces. Sheryl, a single raccoon mom to her children Emmaleigh and Lakynn, is at the centre of a scandal. Most recently viral all over Reddit, a video documents Sheryl attempting to adjust to human meal customs, entering the SFU Dining Hall but being alienated by her human peers. She’s come today to The Peacock newspaper (no connection with our rivals at The Peak) to clear her name and the names of all trash pandas across campus.
Interviewer: Hello Sheryl, I’m sure you’ve seen the video of you circulating all over the internet and the comments people have left. How has this incident affected you and your family?
Sheryl: Well, it’s great you asked that. As a single mother with two children, I try to look out for my babies whenever I can. It’s been a roller coaster lately; Lakynn and Emmaleigh are too fond of our newfound fame. They keep showing me memes and reaction videos of people crying while I’m mid-chew in my “nobody’s gonna see me” fur. Personally, I don’t bat an eye when y’all double-dip or attack your drinks with a straw and spill everywhere.
the hangry games: the ballad of snacks and a momma raccoon
This critter has kids to feed!
Interviewer: Why the SFU Dining Hall specifically?
Sheryl: As well as working as a Peacock Associate, I am also a TA for CMPT 433, graduating this fall as a Raccoonomics major. It was Bring Your Critters to Work Day, and I told them to be on their best behaviour around mommy’s colleagues. I deserve a meal, too. I got a free meal voucher for this!
Interviewer: What do you want our community to take away from this incident?
Sheryl: I hope everyone realizes that we raccoons aren’t just sneaky bandits. Y’all also make it impossible not to be by leaving your Apple Ecosystems on display. I pride myself on being sophisticated enough to be allergic to apples to not even consider stealing your devices. My fellow “trash pandas,” stay fabulous, stay sophisticated, and stay fed.
Interviewer: Witty words and wisdom. You’re the full package, alright! Thank you once again for joining us on The Peacock
Sheryl: Thank you for having me! And hey, if anyone needs a raccoon consultant for their next dumpster raid, I’m your girl!
DEAR PEAKIE
Peakie gets sporty
Dear Peakie,
Dear Peakie,
As you know, July is Disability Pride Month. So, obviously, we want to do something in solidarity with disabled people across the province. To observe this month, we’ve actually committed to the growth of the disability community. To do this, we’re going further than our current policy of not requiring masks in healthcare settings and banning them altogether! After all, isn’t taking measures to avoid becoming disabled actually ableist? How do we respond to all the haters?
Sincerely, Ministry of Health
Dear Ministry of Health,
Wow, that is all I can say, to be honest. First, thank you; you all are doing god’s work. Living people do not go to heaven! Everyone knows MASKS DON’T DO ANYTHING (I wore mine under my nose and took it off for long periods of time during a sold-out concert, but I still got sick, so that’s proof). I hope this applies to doctors, too, because why are they being so dramatic?!?! You do not need to be doing all that during a surgery, girly. Let the infectious diseases roam free! Also, you set a new standard — it’s basically a personal choice to wash your hands now, anyways! My advice is don’t respond to the haters. They’ll thank you when everyone’s getting sick.
You all are going to heaven,
There are too many sports. I can’t keep up with all these tournaments! The Olympics have started, and then there’s soccer (oh wait, football? No . . . football just ended), basketball, and probably some others. People keep asking me if I’ve watched the game, if I’m going to the game, or who I’m rooting for. None of these athletes are my kids; why would I watch them play their little games with their friends? How do I explain to my friends and family that I’m allergic to sports talk?
Sincerely, Not a jock
Dear Not a jock,
I’m so sorry everyone in your friends and family is a sporty spice. Sports are sooooo weird. People are running even when people aren’t chasing them; they’re intentionally ramming into each other despite the concussion risk, and some of the sports with the most homophobic cultures are the most homoerotic. But don’t worry, you do know sports! You’ve seen High School Musical hundreds of times. When people ask you about the game, all you have to say is, “Yes! It was so inspirational when Troy Bolton and his teammates sang and danced to help them get their head in the game!”
Athletically, Peakie
Dear Peakie,
Who do I petition to get more women’s sports? The WNBA has been just absolutely riveting recently. Canada is getting its first professional women’s soccer league, and obviously women’s tennis never disappoints! As a young girl, if I had seen more badass women being at the top of their sport on my TV I would’ve definitely realized I was queer sooner. How do I convince ESPN to stop airing men’s golf to make more time for women’s sports? This is how we end lesbophobia!
Sincerely, I listened to Chappell Roan before she blew up
Dear I listened to Chappell Roan before she blew up, I totally agree with you; if there were more women’s sports on TV growing up, maybe I would’ve been straight (just kidding, that’s not how that works)! Anyway, I love hacker movies and I’ve probably absorbed so much knowledge from them. Give me a day or two to hack into the mainframe (they always say that in movies) and poof! All the channels in the world will be airing women’s sports forever!
