May 2020
COMMUNITY NEWS
RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com
History of pandemics
by Paul Reid Well folks, with COVID-19 on everyone’s brain, I thought it would be fitting to go in search of some interesting and perhaps comforting information on the subject. From the internet I found this very imformative graphic that clearly illustrates the timeline and size of world pandemics over the past 2,000 years. At the time that this graphic was created, on April 23, the death toll from COVID-19 around the world was 185,500 and counting. That is the bad news. On the bright side, we can clearly see from this graphic that we have endured much harsher pandemics in the past. The grand daddy of pandemics was the bubonic plague that lasted from 1347 to 1351. Over 200 million people died, nearly half of all Europeans. A lot of us knew about that one, but just look how many there have been, and how deadly. Okay, perhaps that’s not so comforting, because we just don’t yet know how out of control COVID-19 could become. That is why it will be important to practice social distancing for months to come - not only until we in B.C. get things under control, but until the world gets this under control.
Throughout history, as humans spread across the world, infectious diseases have been a constant companion. Even in this modern era, outbreaks are nearly constant. Here are some of history’s most deadly pandemics, from the Antonine Plague to COVID-19. Source: Visual Capitalist
Businesses still open Page 3
New resident enjoys RC Page 4
We need to heed the warnings from the past. During the Spanish Flu, on November 11 of 1918, the end of the war had people celebrating with parades and large parties. This caused a rebirth of the epidemic in some cities and that winter millions were infected and thousands died.
Finance during COVID-19
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Corner:
Shopping in peace and quiet by Loretta Houben
You may have noticed it by now: the dim lights, no noise or music from the sound system, no rattling grocery carts, and no loud talking between 10 and 11 am each Saturday morning when you shop at the Collingwood Safeway store at 3410 Kingsway. Safeway has decided to have one day a week that includes a sensory-friendly shopping day, done in partnership with Autism Canada. Although this is specifically for people on the autism spectrum, it also includes those with sensory processing disorder. The less noisy time creates a calmer, quieter and less bright shopping experience so everyone feels welcome. The first time I experienced this, I was astonished. It suited me very well, as I suffer from migraines and dislike noisy places. I shopped in peace and quiet and enjoyed my time at the store. However, the next time I went I took my elderly mom who is 86, and she could hardly see the items on the shelf due to the dim lighting, so this experience isn’t for everyone. The idea for this sensory-friendly experience began at a Sobeys store in Prince Edward Island and quickly expanded to Atlantic Canada and to the rest of the country. Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Thrifty Foods, Foodland and Fresh Co Stores have offered this form of shopping since the fall of 2018 and is now available at Collingwood Safeway. So for those who need a modified shopping environment, please come check it out. Note during COVID-19 distancing, there may be line-ups outside the store.
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Tel: 604-434-2464
Toll-Free: 1-888-833-2400 reservations@2400motel.com
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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May 2020
Businesses open in Renfrew-Collingwood courtesy of Renfrew-Collingwood Community News
In Renfrew-Collingwood the following small local businesses are still open in one form or another: either open for take out, delivery; open using the social/physical distancing rules or a combination of all three. Let’s keep in mind the following businesses and make a conscious effort to support them during these difficult times. A&W Africana General Market Andamiro Korean Bistro Apex Insurance Services Balkan Bakery Banana Grove Market And Deli Bargate Accounting Services Ltd Basil Garden Restaurant Beefway Meats Ltd Big O Tires Blackball Taiwanese Dessert Boteco Brasil BTEK Computer Bubble World Tea House C & T Food Market Centennial Homebrewing Supplies Central Hobbies Chili Pepper House Chosun Korean BBQ Chula Vista Grocery Church’s Chicken Classy Dry Cleaners Coco Fresh Tea & Juice Collingwood Insurance Centre Collingwood Law Office Consumer’s Produce CW Music Dae Ji Cutlet House Dairy Queen Dias Notaries Public Dollar Plus Store Domino’s Pizza Donair Land Dragon Crepe East Vancouver Therapeutic Massage Eldorado Liquor Store Four Seasons Floral and Gift Design Freshslice Pizza Garden Produce Get Fresh Laundry Golden Seafood Restaurant Gong Cha Bubble Tea Gong Cha Bubble Tea Got Pho Thien Kim Grandt Kitchen Joyce Great Two Supermarket Han Kook Meat Trading Ltd. Happy Day Café Happy Flowers Happy Lemon Heaven’s Mini Mart H M Tax & Accounting Inc Hoi Sing Seafood Ltd Hyoga Japanese Cuisine I&I Jamaican Restaurant Jambo Grill Japanese Bistro Kamome Jenjudan Bubble Tea Joyce Grocery Joyce Jiaozi Restaurant Joyce Station Dental Joyce Way Food Market Karma Suds Soap Making Kay Market Kimu Japanese Cuisine Kingsway Vacuum Sales & Service Ltd Kingsway Veterinary Clinic Knight & Day Restaurant Kuan Zhai Road Restaurant Kumare Express Restaurant Landmark Insurance Services Ltd Ling Nan Dim Sum Food Co Li’s China Grill
(604) 419-0770 (604) 434-4555 (604) 620-2500 (604) 434-3177 (604) 435-9422 (604) 435-0646 (604) 438-1611 604.871-9998 (604) 438-1190 (604) 434-0535 (604) 620-5550 (604) 379-7995 (604) 336-9617 (604) 451-7658 (604) 438-0232 (604) 435-2441 (604) 431-0771 (604) 431-8633 (604) 434-1222 (604) 438-8720 (604) 438-5518 (604) 435-2237 (604) 620-6255 (604) 438-9888 (604) 434-2977 (604) 432-9912 (604) 512-1777 (604) 255-3335 (604) 437-4021 (604) 454-9788 (604) 434-2814 (604) 436-3030 (604) 569-3971 (604) 565-8088 (604) 431-0005 (604) 434-8327 (604) 738-0678 (604) 568-4003 (778) 318-7577 (604) 569-2559 (604) 568-8268 (604) 336-9797 (604) 423-4995 (604) 253-8239 (604) 451-3737 (604) 433-8132 (604) 436-2113 (604) 307-6868 (604) 435-5521 (604) 620-8058 (604) 568-7370 (604) 438-3611 (604) 677.1031 (604) 438-0066 (604) 434-0526 (604) 433-5060 (604) 428-5228 (604) 563-6768 (604) 436-5678 (604) 437-7073 (604) 568-0137 (604) 847-2418 (604) 454-9097 (604) 563-0722 (604) 435-5581 (604) 435-0222 (604) 299-7701 (604) 430-3488 (604) 564-6338 (604) 436-3000 (604) 435-4333 (604) 568-1832
Joyce-Collingwood Station 3543 Kingsway 2568 Kingsway 3355 Kingsway 5728 Tyne St 2705 E 22nd Ave 2491 Kingsway 2889 E Broadway 2519 Kingsway 3059 Kingsway 3377 Kingsway #1 2545 Nanaimo Street 2621 Kingsway 3377Kingsway #2 2301 Kingsway 2985 Rupert St 2825 Grandview Hwy 3003 Kingsway #1 3486 Kingsway 2982 E 22nd Ave 2504 Kingsway 2891 Grandview Hwy 3275 Kingsway 5750 Tyne St 2959 Kingsway 3388 Kingsway 5039 Joyce St 3307 E. Broadway. 2940 Kingsway 2475 Kingsway 3375 Kingsway 5522 Joyce St 3384 Vanness Ave 3499 Kingsway 2386 Kingsway 2310 Kingsway 3375 Kingsway #102 5128 Joyce St 3369 Kingsway 2572 Kingsway 2425 Nanaimo St 5712 Tyne St 2887 E 12th Ave 2523 Nanaimo St 4963 Joyce St 2760 Kingsway 3514 Kingsway 3312 Kingsway 2679 Kingsway 3520 Kingsway 2497 Nanaimo St 3321 Kingsway 3335 Kingsway 3343 Kingsway 2528 Kingsway 3219 Kingsway 5228 Joyce St 3490 Kingsway 3382 Vanness Ave 5171 Joyce St 5258 Joyce St, 4910 Joyce St 2893 E Broadway 5169 Joyce St, 4441 Boundary Rd 3531 Kingsway 3139 Kingsway 3684 Lougheed Hwy 3488 Kingsway 5183 Joyce St 2599 Kingsway 3387 Kingsway 3377 Kingsway #4
Los Guerreros Mexican Food Products Love for Pho Marui Bakery Masala Meats Max’s Restaurant Michi Craft Kitchen Milk & Sugar Café Milk and Sugar BBQ Bar Money Mart Mr. Sub New Millenium Holidays Nurture Rx Pharmacy IDA OBA OBA Brasil Market Ok Vapor Pacific Pet Clinic Pampanga’s Cuisine Panaderia Latina Bakery Panago Pizza Papa John’s Pizza Penang Delight Cafe Express Pilgrim Book & Bible Pine House Bread & Cake Shop Plato Filipino Play Music Inc. Prince Seafood Restaurant Purdys Chocolatier Ragazzi Pizza Co Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society Ricky’s Country Restaurant RNZ Grocery, Meat & Restaurant Sandhu & Company , CPA Sari-Sari Filipino Convenience Store Sharetea Bubble Tea Sunflower Bubble Tea Super Great Pizza Sushi High Sushi Royal House Sushi Taku Sweet Country Foods Tatak Pinoy Filipino Store Tha Bong Shop The Deli by Continental Sausage The Sea House Fish and Chips The UPS Store Todak Todak Korean Restaurant Trocadero Restaurant Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant Vaporline Kingsway Viti Liquor Store Wellness Pharmacy Joyce Wendy’s Woof & Meow Spa Yi Fang Yo-Bones BBQ Catering Yook BBQ and Bistro Your Dollar Store With More
(604) 451-7850 3317 Kingsway #102 (604) 568-8884 3524 Kingsway (604) 431-7707 3340 Kingsway (604) 423-2662 4409 Boundary Rd (604) 435-3505 3546 Kingsway (604) 336-9968 3665 Kingsway #180 (604) 559-5477 3365 Kingsway (604) 431-8544 5103 Joyce St (604) 606-9670 3398 Kingsway (604) 251-1615 2885 E Broadway (604) 432-7181 2579 Kingsway (604) 428-6455 2732 E 41st Ave (604) 488-3304 3565 Kingsway (604) 998-7377 3490 Kingsway #6 (604) 437-3799 3628 Kingsway (778) 379-7003 5179 Joyce St (604) 439-1414 4906 Joyce St +1 866-310-0001 5738 Tyne St (604) 437-1717 #300-3320, Kingsway (604) 566-9898 3885 Rupert St (604) 437-3117 2714 Kingsway (604) 438-3373 3396 Kingsway (604) 559-9155 5175 Joyce St (604) 563-5600 2593 Kingsway (604) 430-6808 2881 Grandview Hwy 1 888-478-7397 2777 Kingsway (604) 433-2235 2996 E 22nd Ave E (604) 430-1441 2970 E 22nd Ave (604) 293-1242 2350 Boundary Road (778) 379-7869 4940 Joyce St (604) 322-7576 2529 Kingsway #101 (604) 436-0146 5191 Joyce St (604) 423-3619 3619 Kingsway (604) 909-0669 5125 Joyce St (604) 433-0222 3388 Vanness Ave (604) 879-4881 3311 E Broadway (778) 379-3837 2893 Grandview Hwy (604) 454-1023 4902 Joyce St (604) 432-6121 2538 Kingsway (604) 568-1009 5032 Joyce St (604) 558-2664 3535 Kingsway (604) 255-6922 2406 Nanaimo St (604) 433-7807 3003 Kingsway #7 (604) 566-9105 3345 Kingsway (604) 336-9866 3510 Kingsway (604) 253-8714 2411 Nanaimo St (604) 216-2535 2891 E Broadway (604) 423-4229 3327 Kingsway (604) 253-0019 2410 Nanaimo St (604) 638-0353 5150 Joyce St (604) 433-3431 3698 Grandview Hwy (604) 255-3795 2502 Nanaimo St (604) 500-8922 3618 Kingsway (778) 882-2376 3477 Kingsway (604) 428-9292 2408 Nanaimo St (604) 438-6861 5268 Joyce St
This inventory was taken in late April. Some businesses that were closed may have already re-opened. Also open but not listed are: Safeway, Liquor Stores, London Drugs, Lowe’s, Canadian Tire, Save On Foods, WalMart; all Subway, McDonald’s and Tim Horton’s locations,
Cheer up with a treat from local bakeries. Photo by Julie Cheng
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May 2020
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
New resident enjoys Renfrew-Collingwood COMMUNITY NEWS The mission of this non-profit publication is to provide the residents, businesses and organizations of Renfrew/Collingwood with a medium for community communication. Paul Reid: staff writer and layout coordinator Lisa Symons: sales and distribution coordinator Julie Cheng: editorial coordinator
Contributors: Ann Wong, Carrie Hill Creative, Davy Chiu, John Drury, Julie Cheng, Loretta Houben, Paul Reid.
We want to hear from you! Yes, You! Send comments, community events, press releases by regular post, fax or e-mail. Suggestions for improving the paper are welcome. We welcome appropriate, unsolicited editorial submissions if accompanied by the author’s real name, address and telephone number. The author should retain the original as we cannot return submissions without prior agreement nor does submission guarantee publication. We reserve the right to make editorial changes.
The Renfrew/Collingwood Community News does not necessarily support the views of its contributors.
Next submission deadline: May 10
by John Drury It’s a graphic demonstration of what it takes to change a life. It is always a challenge to move to a different country with a different language and a different culture. Yet for many immigrants, the chance to take their lives in a completely new direction can reap great rewards. Fernando Tourinho, a new member of the RenfrewCollingwood community, is a wonderful example of this reality. At 28, Fernando immigrated to Canada. An immigrant from Maceió, Brazil, Fernando previously worked as an architect. Since arriving in Vancouver, he has been studying graphic design at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). While working as an architect in Brazil, he discovered his passion for graphic design by making brochures for his church. “They didn’t have anyone to do that so I had to put myself in front of everyone and say, ‘hey, let me do this’ and then I fell in love with graphic design.” Fernando said it was a big change to live in a society with people from all over the world. “In my city, it’s not common to see that.” He noted the biggest challenges in moving related to learning how to get around. “I got lost so many times!
Fernando Tourinho will soon graduate from BCIT. He is glad he moved to Renfrew-Collingwood. Photo courtesy of John Drury
The Renfrew-Collingwood Community News is an initiative of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).
Yo u C a n F i n d t h e RC Community News @ Libraries, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Renfrew Park Community Centre, The Italian Cultural Centre, Collingwood Policing Office, other organizations, religious institutions, schools, laundromats, Starbucks, Rona, Superstore, Canadian Tire, Walmart, London Drugs and Safeway coffee shops, restaurants, markets, corner stores, other businesses, and coffee tables all over Renfrew-Collingwood.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
We 've i mp le me n te d ne w s tr in g ent m eas ur es for social di st an cin g a nd s an i ta ry gu id elines det ailed by the C en te rs fo r Di se as e Co nt r ol a nd Prev ent ion.
Contact the RCCNews Phone: 604-435-0323 extension 261 Fax: 604-451-1191 Editorial: rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca Advertising: Phone Lisa Symons at 604.435.0323 email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca Renfrew/Collingwood Community News Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street Vancouver, BC V5R 6C9
Jul.
I had one time where my phone was not charged. I don’t know how I got home, but thank God I did!” He related how he felt very uncomfortable asking people for things since, “I was afraid at how people are going to judge me because of my English.” As his language skills improved, this fear receded. For his future, Fernando wishes to become a user experience (UX) designer and then get married and start a family. In addition to his career and personal goals, Fernando’s faith is an integral part of his life. “Working for God, it’s one of my main goals.” Fernando loves the RenfrewCollingwood community. “The neighbourhood, it’s awesome! I discovered so many parks and restaurants around here. I found recently in the Collingwood Neighbourhood House, they have soccer and volleyball. I’m really excited about this neighbourhood and I’m really glad I moved here.”
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway Dear Neighbours, I hope this finds you well! For a long time now, I have witnessed the kindness and generosity of community members across the province. These acts of compassion are a true testament of our commitment to protect our loved ones, elders, healthcare workers, and all frontline workers. We must continue to flatten the curve in B.C. and work creatively to ensure that everyone receives the care and support they need. Thank you, Renfrew-Collingwood for your ongoing work and trust in my team and me. We cannot lose sight of the important fact that we continue to have new cases and tragically, new deaths. The risk of a spike in our curve is still very much a concern. The easing of restrictions will be gradual and slow because of the nature of the COVID-19 virus and the up-to-two-week delay in the onset of symptoms. A thoughtful and careful approach will be taken, and only If we continue to see sustained improvement will we be able to introduce modifications. The earliest we would anticipate any changes would be midMay. Dr. Bonnie Henry and I are available to the media throughout the week for the latest information on COVID-19 and community members are encouraged to tune in. Please visit our website for daily updates on when we are available on livestream: www.adrian. dix.mla.bcndpcaucus.ca. Additional support services for renters, small businesses, post-secondary students, families, and more have been recently announced. For more information on how to access these resources, please visit www.gov.bc.ca/ covid19. Mental health supports are also available, so please do not hesitate to reach out.
Read On!
has a web page. You can:
by Paul Reid
Read the articles
We all know that May 4th is Star Wars Day, (May the 4th be with you) and May 10th is Mothers Day, but did you know there is an array of other special holidays, special events and observances in May?
http://renfrewcollingwood communitynews.com/category/ read-on/
Reading levels on this page Level 1
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Here are a few:
May 6 is International No Diet Day. This day is intended for us to appreciate the body we have and to recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes ... and that’s okay.
Level 3
May 12 is International Nurse Day. This is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. May 14 is Dance Like a Chicken Day, preferably to the Chicken Dance song. May 18 is No Dirty Dishes Day. Time to take a break from washing and drying the daily pile of dishes. May 19 is International Plant a Vegetable Garden Day.
What being 100% all-in means may change in the months to come, but we must continue to be 100% all-in together, for the ones we love & for the ones we don’t know. I hope you and yours are keeping safe and well.
May 23 is International Jazz Day.
Adrian Dix, MLA Vancouver-Kingsway
A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners
Special and unique holidays in May 2020 Read On!
While our office will be limiting in-person meetings as part of managing the COVID-19 virus, we will continue to provide services for constituents via phone and email. We’d be happy to schedule an in-person meeting for a later date. Please leave us a voicemail at 604-660-0314 or we are best reached at adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca, and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can.
Sincerely,
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May 2020
May 22 is World Goth Day. Started in the United Kingdom in 2009, this is a day to celebrate Goth music, fashion and art, of course dressed in black, listening to Paint it Black.
May 28 is Amnesty International Day, recognizing the need to protect human rights around the world. The last week in May is Emergency Medical Services Week, so let’s show them some love too.
holiday event observance appreciate shapes
Definitions:
sizes birthday dishes garden goth
jazz international human rights week
array: an impressive display or range of a particular thing observance: the action of watching or noticing something. intended: planned or meant preferably: ideally; if possible. amnesty: an official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offenses.
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May 2020
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Easy Chickpea Curry by Julie Cheng I have high cholesterol so need to eat more vegetables and vegetable protein, hence the chickpea. You can add any vegetable you have on hand, but my favourites are cauliflower and potato – they just go so well with Indian spices. I found adding the juice of half a lime gives this dish a fresh, tangy taste. If you’re looking for meat protein to go with this, check out Paul Reid’s review of Masala Meats at Boundary and East 29th Avenue (renfrewcollingwoodcommunitynews. com/2020/04/19/eating-in-in-rc-masala-meats)
Order in and pick up your eats 1. Chickpea curry ingredients. Photos by Julie Cheng
P h o n e: 6 0 4- 8 7 3- 1 0 1 0
Open Daily from 10am-4pm Thursday and Friday 10am -8pm
2066 Kingsway
Note: these measures are approximate, feel free to add more or less of the ingredients, to taste. 1 cup dry chickpeas, soaked in water overnight 1 tbsp grapeseed oil 1 tbsp ginger, minced 1/2 onion, diced 1 tbsp cumin seeds 2 tbsp curry powder, or to taste 1 1/2 cups water 1 cup cauliflower, cut in florets 1 cup potato, diced 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes 1 cup kale, chopped Juice of half a lime Salt and pepper to taste
Now offering Contactless Delivery. Order and Pay Online. Order Delivery Or Carry Out
Phone: 604-437-1717
Website: www.papajohns.ca
2. Heat oil and saute onion, ginger, cumin and curry powder
#300-3320 Kingsway, Vancouver Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11AM-10:45PM Friday-Saturday: 11AM - 11:45PM
In large pan, heat oil then add onion, ginger and cumin; saute until onion is soft. Stir in curry powder. Drain and rinse chickpeas then add it to the pot with 1 1/2 cups water and simmer for 30 minutes or until chickpeas are tendercrisp and water has been reduced by half. Stir in cauliflower and potato and simmer for 15 minutes until the potato is soft. Add tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add kale and lime juice and stir until kale is wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy.
3. Add chickpeas and water Big
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1595 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. • 604-872-3019 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8am - 9pm www.famousfoods.ca
4. Stir in cauliflower and potato
5. Add tomato
THANK YOU! to all who advertise with the RCCNews Contact Lisa at 604-435-0323 or email: rccnews-sales@ cnh.bc.ca
6. Stir in kale and lime juice
7. Enjoy
Farmers markets open in May
Physical distancing and safety measures in place 2020 Summer Markets Six summer markets will open as essential services starting May 2, Vancouver Farmers Markets has announced.
In accordance with B.C. public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s orders, Vancouver Farmers Markets will: • Be food-only, with no craft, flowers or non-food nursery items available for purchase • Have full physical distancing and safety measures will be in place, including limiting shopper capacity inside the markets • Have no live music or eating on site • Ask shoppers to follow the “Shop, don’t stop” protocol in effect at grocery stores and other businesses
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May 2020
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Riley Park (summer edition): May 2 – October 24, 2020. 10 am-2 pm, 30th Avenue & Ontario Street Trout Lake: May 2 – October 24, 2020. 9 am-2 pm, 13th Avenue & Lakewood Drive Kitsilano: May 3 – October 25, 2020. 10 am-2 pm, 10th Avenue & Larch Street (Kitsilano Community Centre) West End: May 23 – October 24, 2020. 10 am-2 pm, 1100 Comox Street Mount Pleasant: May 24 – October 25, 2020. 10 am-2 pm, 8th Avenue & Guelph Street (Dude Chilling Park) Main St. Station: June 3 – October 7, 2020. 2 pm-6 pm, 1100 Station Street
Source: eatlocal.org VFM is celebrating 25 years of bringing fresh, local food to Vancouver this year. The first-ever market day took place July 29, 1995, in the parking lot of the Croatian Cultural Centre.
Don Davies MP Vancouver Kingsway SERVING YOU IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
• Fighting for everyone to get the benefits they deserve • Working together to find solutions • Building quality healthcare for all TO LEARN MORE: DONDAVIES.CA/COVID_19 Community Office 2951 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 604-775-6263 | Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca
DonDavies.ca
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May 2020
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Living in Community: Balancing perspectives on the sex industry by Halena Seiferling Living in Community (LIC) is a Vancouver-based community initiative that brings together different groups who are impacted by or have an impact on sex work: current and former sex workers, sex work support and advocacy organizations, Indigenous groups, health organizations, law enforcement, business, all levels of government, and social service organizations. By bringing stakeholders together to discuss community concerns, LIC identifies and acts upon collective solutions. The LIC model is an integrated way to improve the health, well-being
and safety of all community members who are impacted by sex work, from sex workers themselves to businesses, community organizations and residents. Within Vancouver, LIC is hosted as a project of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House and is guided by a Steering Community of local and provincial partners. LIC also facilitates meetings with community partners in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood to collaborate on community-specific issues, ranging from immediate service needs in the neighbourhood to wider policy asks. LIC also works with sex work support organizations across the province to share knowledge and best practices, and has provided training and resources to communities across Canada from Whitehorse to St. John’s. While the solutions differ in each community, depend-
Living in Community’s 2019 provincial conference. Photos by Carrie Hill Creative ing on local needs, everyone wants safe and healthy communities. LIC helps facilitate the identification and implementation of local solutions using a sex workers’ rightsbased foundation. Stigma is one of the biggest barriers that sex workers face to accessing services and supports that meet their needs, and to their being treated in a humane and respectful way. We all hold subconscious beliefs and values about sex work, and when service providers hold these beliefs it may affect their interactions with sex workers. Through our training, workshops and public education, LIC works to provide factual information about the realities of sex work and sex workers’ lives, which is a key part to shifting how we think about and respond to sex work. Curriculum for Change training Curriculum for Change is a 3.5hour workshop from Living in Community for individuals who provide services to sex workers or whose work duties or life circumstances bring them into contact with sex workers. The training examines individual, organizational and societal beliefs, values and understandings of sex work, and explores how these impact the delivery of support services and also sex workers’ access to services. Through the workshop, participants: • Develop an awareness of the diversity and complexity of sex work. • Identify individual and cultural values, beliefs and stereotypes in
regard to sex work and sex workers. • Assess organizations’ accessibility for sex workers. • Acquire and demonstrate tangible skills to meet the needs of sex workers when accessing services. The training is tailored to the specific needs of your organization or group or, you may wish to request specialized training. Email info@ livingincommunity.ca for more information. Planning for 2020 and beyond In late 2019, Living in Community embarked on a strategic planning process to guide our future work. After 15 years of building relationships in Vancouver and beginning to work across the province and beyond, this strategic planning process helped us identify key goals and actions as we increase our impact. In the coming year, we hope to: • Continue to build a provincial network of sex work support organizations to address larger-scale issues through provincial policy advocacy. • Adapt our proven anti-stigma workshop, Curriculum for Change, into an online training to increase the accessibility of our training to more communities. • Create and implement a public education curriculum that tackles stigma and common stereotypes about sex work. Halena Seiferling is the director of community engagement for Living in Community.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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May 2020
Cash flow management and government programs during COVID-19 by Ann Wong On March 17, 2020, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry declared a public health emergency as a result of the coronavirus COVID-19. A day later, the B.C. government declared a state of emergency for the province. You’ve likely seen news and social media posts about the health, financial and social challenges face by some of your family, friends and neighbours.
With the high unemployment rate and little or no income for Canadians and Permanent Residents, both the ffederal and provincial governments have brought forth programs to help those in need. See below for some programs to help individuals, families and businesses. This is not a full list but most likely to address the majority of individuals and families affected.
Social or physical distancing is the new normal. You need to stay 6 feet or 2 metres from another person who is not in your household. This distancing is causing many businesses like restaurants, bars, gyms and other social settings to close. A further result is the loss of income from businesses and staff.
Federal benefits Emergency Care Benefit – Up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks to support those who are sick or need to care for family with COVID-19 Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – $2,000 per month for up to 16 weeks for employees and business owners who lose their
CNH board member helps protect local health-care workers
jobs or have reduced hours and had an earned income of over $5,000 in 2019 Loan and mortgage deferral – Up to six months payment deferral Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit – One-time payment in May 2020 to boost the average income close to $400 for individuals and $600 for couples Canada Child Benefit – An average increase of $300 for a total of $550 in the May 2020 payment For more details on federal government programs, please visit https:// www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html B.C. benefits Emergency Benefit for Workers – One-time $1,000 for those who lost income as a result of COVID-19
Climate Action Tax Credit – Onetime enhancement to the climate action tax credit will be paid in July 2020 for moderate to low-income families: an adult will receive up to $218.00, a child will receive $64.00 Renters and landlords – Temporary $500 per month paid to landlords BC Hydro – Defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. And access grants up to $600 towards hydro bills ICBC bills – Ability to defer monthly bills up to 90 days on your auto insurance For more details on British Columbia government programs, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/ gov/content/safety/emergencypreparedness-response-recovery/ covid-19-provincial-support If you do not qualify for these programs, you will need to tap into your savings. These are the rainy days that you have been saving for in your emergency fund. I typically suggest having three to six months of your income set aside in case you lose your job or are in between jobs. For those who have already ex hausted your emergency fund, how you withdraw from your other savings such as RRSP, TFSA, or nonregistered investments is especially important. Each person’s situation is unique. Talk to your financial planning professional to assess your immediate needs and future goals.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House board member Davy Chiu used a 3D printer to make face shield frames for RISE Community Health Centre staff. Thank you, Davy, for helping keep health-care workers safe while they continue to provide medical services in Renfrew-Collingwood. Source: CNH newsletter. Photo by Davy Chiu
Image courtesy of Ann Wong
Ann Wong has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Financial Management Advisor (FMA) designations and is also a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI). Email: hello@ awsmgroup.com.
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)
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Joyce Location: 5288 Joyce St. ; Tel: 604-435-0323 / Annex Location: 3690 Vanness Ave. ; Tel: 604-428-9142 / Visit: www.cnh.bc.ca
CNH’s programs and services during COVID-19 To help limit the spread of COVID-19, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) has closed all locations until further notice. We miss you and we hope that we all get through this challenging time as soon as possible, so that we can get back to reducing the social distances between us, not extending them. For details on our continuing programs and services, please read below. Online updates are available at: www.cnh.bc.ca/covid19 and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/cnh.bc.ca. SENIORS SERVICES CNH is proud to serve as one of the lead HUB agencies for the ‘Safe Seniors, Strong Communities’ initiative funded by United Way. We will be extending our non medical services for seniors including grocery shopping, friendly check ins, and meal delivery. Seniors in Vancouver in need of assistance during COVID-19 should dial 2-1-1 to be connected to their nearest HUB agency. ‘Safe Seniors, Strong Communities’ means once a senior calls bc211, they will be connected with a volunteer who can help them. Let’s help keep seniors in our community safe. Call 2-1-1 to volunteer or visit bc211.ca to sign up. RISE CHC APPOINTMENTS In order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure, RISE CHC staff will be available for telephone appointments only until further notice. Please call 604-558-8090 during regular office hours if you would like to speak to a staff member. If you have trouble connecting with RISE clinic on the phone, please email specific requests to risechc@cnh.bc.ca and a staff member will get back to you. If you are experiencing an emergency, such as having problems breathing, please call 911. For more information, visit: www.cnh.bc.ca/RISE. SETTLEMENT SERVICES Settlement staff are still able to help in limited capacity and can be reached remotely. While we are doing our best to be responsive, we do ask
for your patience and thank you for your continued support as we navigate these uncertain times. Provincial BC: Temporary Foreign Workers, International Students, Provincial Nominee, Refugee Claimants, Naturalized Canadian Citizens Lupita Garcia (English/Spanish) ggarcia@cnh.bc.ca 604-435-0323 ext. 243 Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Mae Castillo (English/Tagalog) mcastillo@cnh.bc.ca Monday to Thursday, 9”00 am to 12:00 pm Federal (IRCC): Permanent Residents, Conventional Refugees, Live-in Caregivers, Selected to become PR Maria Alpirez (English/Spanish) malpirez@cnh.bc.ca 604-435-0323 ext. 247 Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Karen Caguioa (English/Tagalog) kcaguioa@cnh.bc.ca 604-435-0323 ext. 263 Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Helen Su (English/Chinese) hsu@cnh.bc.ca 604-435-0323 ext. 222 Wednesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Federal (IRCC), Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC): Permanent Residents, Conventional Refugees Yndira Arteaga (English/Spanish) linc@cnh.bc.ca Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm YOUTH SERVICES Youth Services staff continue to be available to connect and support children and youth. We offer connection through online games and activities, group meetings, exercise sessions, academic and learning support, referrals for counselling and food support programs. We also have services and support for indigenous youth and newcomers. For more details, connect with Sanjeev Karwal at skarwal@cnh.bc.ca or 604-412-3844.
This page is sponsored by Collingwood Neighbourhood House
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Community Development team can help connect Renfrew-Collingwood residents during the COVID-19 pandemic to support services. There are no age or citizenship requirements to access these services, simply call 604-435-0375 and we will get back to you within 24 hours. If you are a senior (anywhere in BC), please call 211 and you will be referred to the nearest organization to connect you to the support you need. We can connect Renfrew-Collingwood residents with the following services: l Help with grocery shopping l Connecting to counsellors l Friendly phone calls and postcards l Low/no-cost prepared meals delivered to you If you are interested in volunteering to help with these services, please send an email to kmendonca@cnh.bc.ca. To connect directly with the Community Development team and get access to one or more of these services, please leave a voicemail at 778-984-0356 or email erees@cnh.bc.ca and we will get back to you within 24 hours. CHILD CARE We have made the extremely difficult decision to close all of our child care programs. We believe that this decision is in the best interests of our children and families, and also our staff. We will miss you and your children and we hope that we all get through this challenging time as soon as possible. HEALTH CONCERNS For anybody who may be feeling sick and are concerned they may be infected by the Coronavirus, please call your primary healthcare provider, 8-1-1 or the COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-784-4397. For further information, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control at: www.bccdc. ca/covid19 or the Government of Canada at: www.canada.ca/covid19.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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May 2020 Ñ
Upcoming Events
COVID 19 Updates:
All events have been postponed or cancelled. Follow us on Facebook to get updates.
Federal Support Programs th
On April 15 , the Federal Government has made a series of announcements of expanded and new programs to support small to medium-sized businesses. Among the announcements:
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Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance - this is a new program that will provide loans, including forgivable loans, to commercial property owners, who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactively), May and June. Although this program was announced by the federal government, landlord-tenant relationships is the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories. BC has not yet developed the mechanism to deliver this program or to ensure it is mutually beneficial for the property owner and tenant.
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Expanded access to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). Businesses are now eligible if they paid between $20,000 and $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. This is a loan program that is intended to cover non-deferrable operating costs. Previously the eligibility was for businesses with between $50,000 and $1 million in payroll.
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$675 million to support small and medium-sized businesses that are unable to access previously announced COVID-19 support mechanisms. Money for BC will flow through the Western Economic Diversification Fund.
Ñ COVID 19 Resource Links: IMPORTANT RESOURCES to keep up to date COVID-19 Economic Information
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Small Business BC
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Government of Canada Plans for Businesses and Individuals
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Government of BC Plans
COVID-19 Health Information
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Government of Canada - Health
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Healthlink BC
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BC Centre for Disease Control
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Self Monitoring - Self Isolation - Isolation
Open for Business Let us know if you are still open for business. Physically and/or online we will help promote that on our website and social media. Email info@shopcollingwood.ca and send us your social media handles.
Collingwood Days Festival We are working hard to reschedule for August. www.collingwooddays.com
WHAT YOU CAN DO: - STAY AT HOME - SOCIAL DISTANCE 2 Meters apart - WASH HANDS OFTEN 20 seconds - BE PATIENT & STAY INFORMED
New in Collingwood: In March, at the beginning of the Provincial shut down, the Collingwood Clock Tower at the corner of Kingsway and Joyce Street completed itÕs facelift. The clock tower was painted last fall. You will notice new benches have, repairs to the brick paving and the installation of the Mel Tobias plaque. In November 2018, the mayor had designated the plaza in Mel TobiasÕs honour.
How to Reach Us: @shopcollingwoodvancouver @shopcollingwood @shopcollingwood #300 Ð 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC T: 604.639.4403 E: info@shopcollingwood.ca W: shopcollingwood.ca
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS