December 2015
COMMUNITY NEWS
RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com
Skytrain Rambler: The Seabus—A unique Vancouver experience by John Mendoza This holiday season, take time to slow down and indulge in the beauty of our surroundings. Let local resident John Mendoza take you on an easy trip to “one of Lower Mainland’s most graceful and fulfilling urban experiences” that you can enjoy with friends and family. The views of the mountains and water are amazing. Merry Christmas from the team at RCC News! The scene is a familiar one: silver-grey surroundings, the echoes of footsteps on the ramp, the sign counting down to the departure time. However, the voice is new. It’s a rare fare check. “Please have your tickets ready for inspection,” said the transit employee.
The view from the Seabus is amazing. Photo by Julie Cheng
Artisans Village Market Page 12
Awakened by this change of routine, I showed my transit fare and proceeded to go through the turnstiles. Even though my commute takes 45 minutes to one hour to get home to East Vancouver, I look forward to this part of my commute—the 15-minute crossing from Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver to downtown Vancouver’s Waterfront Station. It is one of Lower Mainland’s most graceful and fulfilling urban experiences. With the sharp toot of the Seabus’ horn, the sleek catamaran slowly makes its way out of the station and into the busy waters of Burrard Inlet. Inside the modern cabins of the newest Seabuses, the scene usually starts with an audiovisual reminder of the emergency evacuation procedures, but then gives way to one of the city’s most interesting people-watching scenes. During the afternoon, the scene is of commuters checking their smart phones, catching a quick nap or talking to coworkers on the journey home. For a more interesting scene, I prefer a night-time commute. While the night-time trips from the North Shore are not as frequent compared to the daylight hours, the scene is compelling. Subdued shift Continued on page 2
Lilian Broca mosaic exhibit at Il Museo Page 3
Christmas memories from 60 years ago Page 5