West Vancouver Magazine - May 2023

Screen Awards

Humanitarian Award winner Ryan Reynolds and other big name stars celebrate talent and diversity at this year’s historic Canadian Screen Awards

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Page Six

Extremely Average

There are some extremely disturbing trends emerging in our lives. And according to market research analysts Ipsos, the conclusions are not good. The average person is not doing well. And a lot of what we are stressing about (according to Ipsos) is way above average. It is also largely beyond our control. I want to know why.

When looking at the last five years, the following is true for Canadians:

- 42% report feeling more stressed compared to five years ago

- 50% say stress has a negative impact on their sleep

- 45% say work stress is negatively affecting their home life

- 51% say they are more cynical about things than they used to be

- 27% say they have less confidence and trust in people in general

- 63% say they have less confidence and trust in politicians

- 51% say they have less confidence and trust in the media

Make no mistake about it - these are BIG numbers that dramatically affect our lives. But why don’t we have a better grip on things? Most of us live an average life and don’t ask for much. Why are these numbers so extreme? Why are we feeling out of control? Are we being manipulated or taken for granted? What can we do to start feeling safe again?

I’m not a big fan of statistics or how some of these research surveys are conducted, but none of the above surprises me. Does it surprise you?

We are living in extreme times. With Covid, the war in Ukraine, rising crime, the increased cost of living, climate change, collapsing health care systems, minority rights issues and changing gender ideology - it’s easy to see how we got here.

Anger, fear, stress and grief. These are the main topics or themes being repeated every hour on our television stations, news channels, internet feeds and in our government systems. It isn’t easy to turn off or turn away. And I believe this constant bombardment is one of the leading reasons the ‘average’ person is suffering under extreme stress. But it is also more than that. Elected governments aren’t listening to the average person anymore. Average parents, with average kids, are no longer reflected in the landscape. Their needs, it seems, don’t register. Average households are being asked to give more. Average people are being taxed more, pay more for food and take less of a paycheck home every month. They don’t have enough access to family doctors and wait hours and hours in the emergency rooms. They get very little input on what is taught in schools and are being ‘dictated’ on how to raise their kids. They pay more for gas, are always late due to traffic, and can never find a parking spot. They spend hours on the phone trying to get through to anyone who’ll answer - and they’re overcharged for everything from cell phones to internet access to plane tickets, vacations and hotels. That’s because they are essentially invisible. Because the average person - just doesn’t count. Special interest groups rule the roost. Universities are turning out activists and environmentalists - and not enough teachers or nurses to fill the need. Extremists (both left and right) are demanding centre stage. It’s not hard to see how ‘average’ people are beginning to feel the squeeze. You can literally sense the stress and frustration out on the street and in daily conversations. People are feeling a loss of control. They are feeling silenced and helpless. They are quitting their jobs. They are giving up. And given the lack of trust in our institutions, there aren’t many places to turn to for help.

My daily life is different than most. I spend my day researching topics, opening press releases, reading news stories and watching social media feeds (good and bad). I also sort through a plethora of radical and sometimes extreme material that can shake me to my core. I can only imagine what teachers, nurses, police officers and emergency workers must go through (to mention but a few).

My job in the news media used to be fun, interesting and full of variety. I liked telling ALL sides of the story (even the ones with which I disagreed). I like investigating facts. But nowadays, it seems to be driven by a different agenda. I’m being told what to write and how to do it. Press secretaries barely allow us to ask the questions anymore. I’m supposed to stick to certain ‘themes’ to satisfy quotas. There are particular ‘narratives’ we’re supposed to follow. And nowadays, everything is more extreme.

And it is this extremism, coupled with a feeling of loss of control, that is affecting us more than ever. It is the reason the average person has become part of an above average statistic - and suffers from more extreme stress than ever before.

Some days I feel like I’ve been shoved up against a wall with a tuba placed over my face, all in an effort to blow my head off. But forcing things down people’s throats and demanding blind acceptance and compliance never works. There are better ways to make your point.

It all begs the question - are too many special interest groups trying to take away the rights of other groups? Have things become too ‘extreme’? A good statesman would say ‘no’. Because unlike the ego-fuelled figureheads we have today, a true leader works for ALL people - ALWAYS. They bring people together, regardless of party lines, to close the divide and look for common ground.

But as former president Obama said at an Obama Foundation Summit speech in 2019, no one should strive to take things to extremes. It implies powerwhere there is none. To quote:

“This idea of purity and that you’re never compromised. This idea that you’re politically woke and all that stuff - you should get over that quickly. The world is messy, and there are ambiguities. I do get a sense sometimes now among certain young people ... that the way of me making change is to be as judgmental as possible about other people, and that’s enough. That is not activism. That is not bringing about change.”

The ‘average’ person is somewhat hard to define. But trust me when I say there are more of them out there than you know. That’s because most average people live in the proverbial ‘middle’. They consist of all races, all religions, all genders and all sexual orientations. They are not extremists, elitists, racists or populists. They don’t judge people and are known for their sense of fairness, balance and kindness. They never give up on the idea that there is always a way to work things out. They see the good in others and always lend a helping hand. The power and positivity they possess can create real lasting change. And the thought that they are becoming invisible, or don’t count, is the most distressing trend of all.

In fact, politicians should be more careful. Because I believe that ‘extremely average’ voters tend to be the overwhelming majority. And even though they may seem unimportant to you now, the law of averages says they won’t forget to show up - when it counts the most.

Catherine (Cat) Barr catbarr@turnernewsmedia.com

Sources: Ipsos Stats - https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/stress-becoming-way-life-canadians

Obama video - https://youtu.be/qaHLd8de6nM

What’s New with Mayor Mark

Thirty years ago, Mark Sager became the youngest Mayor ever elected in West Vancouver. Since then, many things have changed. But according to Sager, his desire to serve the public, and to build an even stronger community, remains the same.

West Vancouver citizens of all ages are known for being fit and active. What is the council doing to keep up with that trend?

Anyone that knows me knows that I am passionate about fitness and being physically active. We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Tennis BC on a new tennis centre consisting of six indoor tennis courts as well as six indoor pickleball courts at Hugo Ray Park. It’s a perfect location, and it will be a great amenity to the community and to the neighbourhood. The tennis courts will be a training ground for young athletes but will be open to the public 85% of the time. Tennis BC is working on the plans and the costs - and we look forward to hearing soon about a construction start date.

We are working on completing the plans for the Place for Sport (which will replace the track located at West Van Secondary), and we want to take the opportunity to make it a wonderful legacy for the community. We increased the number of running lanes to 6-8 so that we can welcome competitive track and field events. In the design, we are also including new washrooms, change facilities, and a public viewing area that is open and accessible to everyone.

Finally, at no cost to the District, we have arranged to have the old building that housed the change rooms at the Ambleside pool removed, and that site will become an outdoor gym. There will be CrossFit equipment, fitness equipment for seniors, an open area for yoga or tai chi – and it will be fully accessible for everyone to exercise outdoors all year round.

What’s happening with the Ambleside Local Area Plan?

We have the Ambleside Local Area Plan currently underway. Staff is engaging with the community on feedback and will present back to Council in June. We are excited to finalize this and start the revitalization of Ambleside. We want to see a boutique hotel, and a much more interesting business area. Many of the buildings have reached the end of life and we need to have thoughtful development in our commercial corridor to attract new businesses to the community.

We are pleased to have secured a wellestablished local builder to restore and rebuild the Navvy Jack House, with no further cost to the taxpayers. After renovations, it will be opened and inviting to the public. I think it is wonderful to see these historic sites saved and share their history with our community.

We hear you recently had a good conversation with billionaire businessman and West Vancouver resident Jimmy Pattison. What’s the story there?

Jimmy has been a family friend for many years, and I have the utmost respect for him. When I was elected, one of the first things I did was reach out to him to see how the District could acquire his home on Argyle. He was very kind and agreed the time had come. I suggested we exchange two lots which the District owned, and he agreed. We are now one step closer to completing the Ambleside Waterfront Park Plan, and I am most grateful to Jimmy for his support of our community.

Any last closing remarks?

I would sincerely like to thank Council for their commitment, hard work and support.

West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager, right, with Tennis BC’s Rick Hastings at Hugo Ray Park, the proposed site for a new 50,000 sq ft indoor Tennis Hub.

“We are excited to start the revitalization of Ambleside. We want to see a boutique hotel, and a much more interesting business area.”

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The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television celebrated the country’s finest during a week-long series of awards that emphasized diversity and inclusion - and for the first time ever, gender neutrality. This meant no more ‘actress’ or ‘actor’ categories - but ‘performance’ categories instead.

“The annual Canadian Screen Awards recognize outstanding Canadian artistic talent and technical merit across all screenbased sectors, from legends in film, television, and digital media to emerging creatives. Recognizing the importance of ensuring everyone feels welcome and accepted in their work, the 2023 awards introduced several new gender-neutral performance categories, awards based on merit regardless of gender,” said Tammy Frick, CEO Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

Among the winners was CBC’s The Porter, which won a record 12 Canadian Screen Awards, leading the television honours overall. In comedy, the sophomore season of CBC’s Sort Of took home seven Canadian Screen Awards. Film honours were led by Clement Virgo’s Brother, which received 12 Canadian Screen Awards, another record.

Special awards included Hollywood A-Lister and Vancouverborn actor Ryan Reynolds who received the Humanitarian

Canada’s Academy Awards

Stars and celebs brought out their best to mark new milestones and a year of change at the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards

Award. Presented by Everett Ho, a SickKids patient ambassador, Reynolds was visibly moved. Also, Schitt’s Creek star Catherine O’Hara was the recipient of the Academy’s Icon Award, whose past recipients include Jeopardy host Alex Trebek.

Other categories included the Lifestyle & Reality Awards, Children’s & Animation Awards, News, Documentary & Factual Awards, Sports Programming Awards and Digital & Immersive Awards. All were part of the four-day awards event, which did not include a live TV broadcast. However, the public got to share in the celebrations via a final wrap-up show that was broadcasted on TV (and online) and hosted by CanadianAmerican comedy host Samantha Bee. The highlighted clips included moments from the week and is a new and different approach for the organization.

“The 2023 Canadian Screen Awards was a star-studded affair, with all the glitz and glamour that everyone has come to know and love from the Academy,” said Frick, who also noted that it was great for everyone to be back together again.

“Celebrating the diversity of Canada’s storytelling excellence, talent that continues to inspire change, and honouring content that resonates with audiences here and abroad was truly exciting.”

Photo Credits: George Pimentel Photography, used with permission

<- Time to build a bigger trophy case. Canadian actor Catherine O’Hara, Hollywood star of Home Alone and Beetlejuice fame, was honoured this year with the Academy’s Icon Award - which she will now add to her collection as part of the 24 other Screen Awards and eight Emmy Awards that her show Schitt’s Creek has won over the years.

The cast of Brother took home 12 awards including Best Motion Picture. From left: Marsha Stephanie Blake, Aaron Pierre, Clement Virgo, Kiana Madeira and Lamar Johnson

Best Drama Series went to The Porter, winner of 12 Screen Awards. From left: Kevin Hanchard, Olunike Adeliyi, Arnold Pinnock, Mouna Traoré, Aml Ameen, and Ronnie Rowe Jr

The Children’s & Animation Awards were hosted by Kim’s Convenience TV star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee

J.P. Kane and Kaleb Robertson, stars of The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy, take home the Shaw Rocket Fund Kids’ Choice Award.

Cityline TV host Tracy Moore was the recipient of this year’s Changemaker Award.

Former CTV National News host Lisa LaFlamme received the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism.

Hollywood A-Lister Ryan Reynolds was awarded the Humanitarian Award by Everett Ho, a Sick Kids hero and ambassador with whom he shared both the stage and the red carpet at the Canadian Screen Awards.

Canadian journalist and Quebec news anchor Pierre Bruneau was the Lifetime Achievement Award Honouree.

MasterChef Canada winner and Mary’s Kitchen Crush star Mary Berg hosted the Lifestyle & Reality Awards.

From left: Morgan Hoffman, Sangita Patel, Cheryl Hickey, Carlos Bustamante and Roz Weston (on the phone screen) win for Best Host(s), Web Program or Series for ET Canada Live

Brad Goresk, from left, Brooke Lynn Hytes and Traci Melchor win for Best Host or Presenter, Factual or Reality/Competition for Canada’s Drag Race

Fab Filippo, left, and Bilal Baig win for Best Writing Comedy, Best Direction Comedy Series and Best Comedy Series for their show Sort Of Baig also won Best Performer Comedy.

Social Seen

VANCOUVER BOARD OF TRADE GOVERNORS’ GALA

It was the black tie event of the season. The Vancouver Board of Trade Governors’ Gala brings together business, government, and community leaders to celebrate the success stories that help make our city the best. The event also honours the winners of the Rix Awards for Community and Corporate Citizenship, which are presented each year in memory of past Board of Trade Chair and renowned philanthropist Dr Don Rix. A special mention also to Kirsten Sutton, 2021-22 Chair, who was newly inducted into the Council of Governors. Congratulations to everyone.

Burnaby Hospital Foundation CEO Kristy James and husband Matthew Casola are among the VIPs.

Peter Schmid and wife Sonja Schmid are an international success story with the invention and manufacturing of their new Hovr Solutions patented bracket shelving.

Finance VP Joanne Thomas and husband/lawyer David Thomas are back in Vancouver full-time now since David has finished his role as Chairperson at Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in Ottawa.

Gala MC and Global TV host Chris Gailus poses with Angus Reid pollster Shachi Kurl

News anchor turned communications consultant Mike Killeen with wife and PR pro Jill Killeen

Always supporting community charity giving - Richard Coglon and Meghan Brown

Known for their life-changing charity work with autism and more, Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia and husband Sergio Cocchia were awarded the 2023 Rix Award for Engaged Community Citizenship.

Business director and entrepreneur Martino Ciambrelli and wife Danielle Ciambrelli looking gala glam.

Singing the hits, Barenaked Ladies founding member Steven Page receives thanks from Vancouver Board of Trade CEO Bridgitte Anderson for a great performance.

He’s the man behind ‘Darrel’s Deals’. Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones and wife Elizabeth mingle during the reception.

Pirate packs for everyone. White Spot president Warren Erhart and VP marketing Cathy Tostenson received the 2023 Rix Award for Engaged Corporate Citizenship on behalf of the company for providing only the best.

Sitting at the head table are real estate developer Dwayne Chahil and wife Juggy Sihota-Chahil of Telus’s chief growth officer.

Social Seen

BC WOMEN’S ILLUMINATIONS

The BC Women’s Health Foundation’s Illuminations Luncheon was held last month and featured an afternoon of education, enlightenment and fundraising. Former MP turned author Jody Wilson-Raybould delivered the keynote speech, followed by an informative discussion panel on women’s health issues and initiatives for change. Then it was time for the Fund-a-Need auction with professional auctioneer Crystal Campbell who helped raise over $360,000.

Professional auctioneer Crystal Campbell raised over $300,000

Bianca Fusco Zanatta, left, and Ilaria Baldan

J Stewart and Mita Naidu

Gillian Segal, from left, with Devon Edgar, Jody Rebak and Jackie Kelly

BCWHF president and CEO Cally Weston, left, with keynote speaker and former MP Jody Wilson-Raybould

Talking on stage as part of the panel - Dr. Gina Ogilvie, Dr. Pascal Lavoie and Dr. Angela Kaida

Robin Dhir and Cheryl Gipson

Event host Sophie Lui, left, with David and Christie Garofalo

BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry

Olympian Madison Mailey and business leader Gary Segal

Live Life to the Fullest with Teeth in One Day

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The Teeth in One Day (All on 4TM) treatment is an amazing procedure that allows you to come in with a denture or failing teeth and leave the same day (ONE DAY) with a new set of fixed-in teeth. No more dentures or painful, failing teeth. Just a new confident smile and the ability to eat all of your favourite foods once again.

Dr. Birdi, Dr. Long and the team also offer all aspects of implant treatment and cosmetic dentistry and are looking forward to helping you meet all of your dental goals and wishes.

How are Teeth in One Day different from your regular dentures?

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Cat’s Meow - May 2023

By Catherine (Cat) Barr

Bringing you all the best events, openings and charity galas in town. Invite us to your next party and we’ll bring the camera and the glam. Stay in touch - and save me a smile!

Delta group’s Bruce Langereis and co-worker Lori Kay are among the major sponsors at the Swim Drink Fish - Artists for Water event.

Sparkle and glam were part of the plan for Nisha Khare and Sharad Khare at the Swim Drink FishArtists for Water gala evening.

Moe Somani and wife Salma Mitha mix and mingle during the reception at the Swim Drink Fish - Artists for Water gala.

CBC’s Grant Lawrence, left, introduced Juno award winning singer Dan Mangan who played a special original song for guests at the Swim Drink Fish gala event.

Taking look at the art before the bidding starts at the Artists for Water gala are Dr Eli Akbari, left, Dr Victor Moisseev and Narges Afshar

Farah Sayani, left, and Zahra Salisbury browse the art up for auction at the Swim Drink Fish - Artists for Water gala event.

Ryan Venier, from left, and Jennifer Venier, joins CFOX radio host Karen Khunkhun and husband Mike Savolainen at the Swim Drink Fish - Artists for Water gala.

Bidding on some amazing art while saving the environment. Dr Roland Nador left, Dena Carlson and Julian Scott lend their support to the Swim Drink Fish - Artists for Water gala event.

NHL star Kevin Lowe, left, with founding member Lauren Brown Hornor and president Mark Mattson are all working to keep our water clean as part of the Swim Drink Fish organization.

Squamish artist Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) with his son Austin and retired Ferry Building gallery arts coordinator Ruth Payne at The Ferry Building Gallery reopening event.

The ‘Lunch with a Legend’ event in support of Zajac Ranch featured a chat with Summer and Chip Wilson, and was hosted by the man who works so tirelessly in support of needy kids, Mel Zajac (centre).

West Vancouver councillors Christine Cassidy, left, and Linda Watt join Kathy Sager and other VIPs on opening day at the newly renovated Ferry Building Gallery.

Helping make it official. Legion commander Stephen Cochrane joins West Vancouver councillor Nora Gambioli, left, and former Mayor Mary-Ann Booth at the opening of the new Ferry Building Gallery.

West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager with artist Wade Baker at the official opening ceremonies of the new Ferry Building Gallery. Wade’s artwork entitled “Family - The Ties that Bind” appears on the year 2000 Canadian quarter coin.

Social Seen

‘FLOURISH’ DAFFODIL BALL 2023

It was a star-studded room filled with sparkle and celebrities, including a surprise musical performance by Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and singer Sarah McLachlan. ‘Flourish’, the 27th Annual Daffodil Ball, was a time for gala gowns and tuxedos, luxury auction items, the famous cake auction, gourmet food and beautiful decorations as the night raised over $3 million for the Canadian Cancer Society. The proceeds will go towards research for brain cancers. Congrats to all involved.

Former BC Premier Gordon Campbell, left, and media sponsor Craig Turner

A family night for Gary Segal, left, with son Justin Segal and wife Yael Segal

Former gala co-chairs Carly Monahan and Megan Lammam

Pollster Angus Reid and son-inlaw Grant Damery

Canadian Cancer Society’s Sheila Dong, left, and Georgia Hennessy Jackson

Laura Agnew, left, and commitee member Jodi Fisher

VP Claudia Richard and CEO Mike Schilling of Aria Savings

Co-chair Jill Arias modelling the diamond ring up for auction

Richard Coglon, left, with Gary Brown of presenting sponsor Wheaton Precious Metals

West Van school board trustee Nicole Brown and husband Robert Brown of Hecla Mining

Supporters and community builders Melita and Lorne Segal

Canadian Cancer Society CEO Andrea Seale and husband Matthew Budgeon

Power ladies Belle Puri, left, with Carol Lee and Shachi Kurl

Vancouver firefighters, from left, Austin Dickson, Brandon Davies and Jared Bergen with volunteer Sarah Thomas, centre - the “Fire in the Kitchen” dinner sold for a record $30,000 - three times over!

Gala co-chairs Jennifer Traub, left, and Meghan Brown with singer Sarah McLachlan, centre

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Proudly created in BC using premium, organic corn grown in Alberta - 100% gluten-free. Eight rounds of distillation performed locally creates an unusually smooth, luxurious taste. An amazing new product that will have you thinking twice at the liquor store.

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Teddy Blake “Kim Croco” Bag teddyblake.com

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Mastercraft ProStar Ski Boat mastercraft.com

Lugaro Carat Sapphire and Diamond Mosaic Ring

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Villeroy & Boch Iconic La Boule Paradiso Bowl Set herzogcrystal.com

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Versace La Medusa Driver Shoes

These leather driving shoes are accented by the La Medusa emblem on the uppers and are set on durable rubber soles with 100% calf leather and a 100% rubber sole. Both comfortable and stylish, these slip-ons will last you for miles down the highway.

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DW Drums - Design Series

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Armani Code Pour Femme Sephora.com

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Simons Jumpsuit

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By Bob Mackin bob@thebreaker.news

1 - CBC, THE MOTHER CORP

The media empire with the exploding pizza logo brought Hockey Night in Canada, Mr. Dressup, and Lorne Greene to Canadian airwaves. But, as its viewership has declined, its governmentfunding has risen.

By the end of the third quarter (Dec. 31, 2022), the CBC had received $916 million year-todate from taxpayers and $385 million from advertisers. The former was 5.5% more than 2021 and the latter 13.8% less. The ratio was 70.3% government funding, not the 69% that Elon Musk briefly displayed on Twitter in April.

2 - DAS AUTO

The Trudeau government paid $4.5 billion to take the Trans Mountain Pipeline off Kinder Morgan’s hands in 2018. The cost to complete it is now beyond $30 billion

That pipeline purchase pales in comparison to the $13 billion package given Volkswagen to build an electric car battery factory in St. Thomas, ON near London. It could mean direct jobs for 3,000 people and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it should break-even in five years.

Who does it really benefit? VW’s major shareholders include Porsche Automobil Holding SE, State of Lower Saxony and Qatar Holding, the investment vehicle of the royal family.

3 - MOVING PEOPLE

Back in the old days (read: before the 2020s), subsidies in Quebec flowed like maple syrup. It took a half-century for Quebec aerospace and rail giant Bombardier to become the king of Canadian subsidies. Between 1966 and 2017, it received more than $4 billion of direct and indirect help from taxpayers. Some of that came from the B.C. government, aimed at building SkyTrain cars in the province. In 2020, Bombardier sold its train division to France’s Alstom for the equivalent of almost $10.5 billion Vancouver trivia aficionados will remember Bombardier’s sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics included provision of the Olympic torches and the popular streetcars that connected the Olympic Village station on the Canada Line with Granville Island.

4 - NOT A ‘WEE’ SCANDAL

The Trudeau Liberal government wanted to put a lot of youths to work during the first summer of the pandemic. So they called on the WE Charity, founded by the Kielburger brothers, to run the $912 million Canada student Service Grant program. But it all came undone amid allegations of kickbacks and cronyism. WE Charity had paid the Prime Minister’s mother, wife and brother fees totalling $425,000 over the years to appear at WE’s high-profile fundraising concerts. The ethics commissioner cleared Justin Trudeau, but not Finance Minister Bill Morneau, who resigned in August of that year.

5 - TIMES OF INDIA FILM AWARDS

Bill Bennett had Expo 86. Gordon Campbell had the 2010 Winter Olympics. For Christy Clark, it was The Times of India Film Awards. The month before the 2013 provincial election, Clark hosted the made-in-B.C. Bollywood Oscars at B.C. Place Stadium. It was a calculated move aimed at scoring votes in South Vancouver, Surrey and Abbotsford. Clark decided in December 2012 to pay India’s Times Group $9.5 million to import movie stars and put on the show. Clark made appearances on stage that night in April 2013, but Finance Minster Mike de Jong stole the show with a song-and-dance number with Boman Irani and then flubbed the name of the show during an award presentation.

You might’ve seen the famous traffic sign: ‘Your tax dollars at work’. Tax dollars work in mysterious ways. Sometimes not so mysteriously.

Bob Mackin is a North Vancouver journalist who specializes in politics, business and sports coverage. He publishes theBreaker.news and hosts theBreaker.news Podcast online.

Justin Trudeau speaking at a photo op about the new $13 billion package for a VW electric battery factory in Ontario in April 2023. Photo credit: Office of the Prime Minister

Legal and Finance - Directory Listings

Heritage Law | 220 - 545 Clyde Avenue | 778-786-0615

www.bcheritagelaw.com

At Heritage Law, we help clients protect their families, their assets and their legacies. We specialize in family law, wills and estate matters.

Hanson Kohan Lawyers l 300 – 1401 Lonsdale Avenue l 604-984-7555

www.hansonco.ca

Your North Shore Legal Connection - Class Action, Sexual Assault, Personal Injury, Business Law and Real Estate. With over 35 years of legal expertise, we are one of the North Shore’s most recognized law firms! Client Focused / Results Driven! Services in Farsi.

Heritage Trust l 220 - 545 Clyde Avenue l 778-742-5005

www.heritagetrustcompany.ca

We help clients protect their families, their assets and their legacies. We are located in the community and offer caring and professional executor, trustee and power of attorney services.

North Shore Law LLP I 6th Floor - 171 West Esplanade l 604-980-8571

www.northshorelaw.com

As a full service law firm since 1973, we handle all of our client’s needs including estate planning and administration, incorporations and other business transactions, personal injury, family mediation, separation and divorce from division of assets to custody issues. Contact us to discover the difference.

Veritas Law | 203 - 815 Main St Park Royal | 604-925-9260

www.veritaslaw.ca

Lawyers at Veritas Law are known for providing high quality, personalized legal service. Through our commitment to strong client relationships and our practical experience, we strive to provide successful and cost-effective legal services. Visit us online for a complete list of all our featured categories and listings. Supporting local

Real Estate Professionals - Directory Listings

Ballard 360 l RE/MAX Masters Realty l 604-913-9000

www.ballard360.com

The Ballard 360 team is led by Mark Ballard, with decades in real estate and mortgage brokerage experience. Caylee Sampson has been an integral part of the team for many years and James Barnes is the hard-working newest member. Ballard 360 brings creativity, local knowledge and passion.

Jeyhoon Mohammadi I Angell Hasman & Associates I 604-719-5731

www.jeyhoonmohammadi.com

With over 10 years of mastering the market, I am committed to ensuring my clients receive first-class, professional service that leaves them feeling well represented. If you are considering buying or selling a property, please contact me. I am always excited to meet new clients and achieve their goals.

Geoff Taylor | Rennie & Associates | 604-908-0800

www.geoffrealestate.com

Geoff is a top producing REALTOR® with over ten years of experience on the North Shore. He has achieved success by combining creativity, marketing, true analytics and a “whatever-it-takes” attitude. Any house, any condo, anywhere – Geoff promises to bring you quality results.

The Penny Mitchell Group l RE/MAX Masters Realty l 604-816-7825

www.pennymitchell.com

Penny and Stephanie’s generous spirit and hard work ethic provide an unmatched level of care, skill and service. Keeping their clients constantly informed of current market conditions is key. Providing a one-stop resource network, plus knowledge and creativity, are all part of this award-winning team.

Chas Woodyer l Bellevue Realty Group l 604-761-6409

www.woodyer.com

Chas Woodyer is a professional who brings world-class buyers to West Vancouver. Expertise in luxury home marketing, combined with sharp negotiating skills and proven knowledge of local conditions ensures your home will receive the unique exposure it needs to sell for the best possible price.

Visit us online for a complete list of all our featured categories and listings. Supporting local businesses and building your community online for the world to see. Join us at WestVancouver.com and/or NorthVancouver.com or call 604-926-9293 for more information.

| TurnerMagazine.com

BRING INSPIRED LIFE TO YOUR SPACE

Remembering Red Robinson

By Bill Allman bill@famousartists.ca

“In the early days, rock and roll was a dirty word.” said legendary disc jockey Red Robinson While still in high school Red played his first record on radio, “Marie” by the Four Tunes. In those days, daring to air records by black artists got you threatened and insulted, even in polite Vancouver. Red spun records incorporating rhythm and blues from African-American music as well as rockabilly into his shows. A lot of listeners loved it – Red’s market share and numbers are legendary and have never been matched – but some weren’t ready for the sounds of black artists such as Ruth Brown and Lloyd Price. The city wasn’t “there” yet. In fact, Red personally bought most of the records across the border in Bellingham rather than wait for them to be available in Vancouver. Red Robinson brought rock and roll to Vancouver. Actually, he was one of the first on-air personalities to play rock and roll in Canada, a distinction that earned him a place in Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While today, those attitudes may be fodder for conflict and humour in “Hairspray” or “Footloose”, in white-bread 1950s Vancouver, Red was a genuine agent of social change.

Oh, he was a master showman, an entertainer, and a music lover, too. But knocking down the colour barriers that existed was, at least, a long-overdue sideeffect of giving teenagers what they wanted. What teens wanted was the freedom, the fantasy, and the excitement of rock and roll! Red always brought that excitement! He was on the air on CJOR while still in high school. After moving to CKWX, he met and interviewed some of the biggest legends in the business. Roy Orbison was a friend, Buddy Holly became a treasured memory, Elvis Presley handcuffed him to a shower rod after posing for a photo with a teddy bear, and John Lennon told him to “Get the f**k off our stage!” when he was introducing the Beatles and trying to calm the crowd.

A recipient of the Order of British Columbia and one of the first Granville Street stars for the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, Red’s honours and tributes are too numerous to name. But he treasured every single one of them, just as he treasured every fan, every meeting, every experience in his long and storied career. That career carried him through radio, television, and advertising; but it was on the air where he shone. Red Robinson graced Vancouver radio until retirement in 2017. Even after that, he worked with family and colleagues on a podcast that details his incredible love for music and the stories to which that love gave birth.

My friend Red Robinson died on April 1, 2023. I am very sad about this. But I am better for having known him, I am better for having him as an example. Thanks for the memories, Red. Thanks for the music. Thanks for the entertainment and for always bringing the excitement.

And thanks for your friendship.

President of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, Bill Allman is a “recovering lawyer” who has been a venue manager (the Vogue), president of Theatre Under the Stars, a concert promoter, a television writer/producer, a theatre producer, and an adjunct professor of law at UBC. He currently owns Famous Artists Ltd., taking the company name with founder Hugh Pickett’s blessing, and produces plays, musicals, and concerts. He is no longer willing to move your piano.

Coming Together to Remember

Red Robinson wanted to be remembered as a good father and “a contributor”. He will certainly be remembered for those things and for so much more. Fifty-seven years married to his darling Carole who went ahead of him in 2020, and father to three children. Most of us grew up with Red’s voice ever-present on our radio airwaves. He was in our homes, rode with us in our cars, and infused everything he did with wit and enthusiasm. “Red’s Classic Theatre” became a KVOS staple as his television hosting entered our living rooms and introduced us to the best of cinema.

On April 16, Vancouver’s legendary Commodore Ballroom was packed with friends, colleagues, and fans who came to say goodbye and to remember Red Robinson, Vancouver broadcasting icon. The list of attendees and speakers who eulogized him represented virtually every on-air voice in the city for the last fifty years.

Music manager Bruce Allen acknowledged the inspiration and influence that Red had on him in his own journey from Dunbar teen to becoming one of the most powerful people in the music business. As he spoke, Bruce became visibly emotional twice, remembering his close friend.

What really shone through at this gathering was that Red Robinson will be remembered as a terrific human being who always had time for people, who supported charities, and who gave support and inspiration to everyone coming up the ladder in broadcasting. Bluntly, everyone respected him and everyone who met him, well, we all loved him.

Video clips of Red played. Larry Hennessy presented audio of Red’s early shows and snippets of songs that Red had helped to “break”, sometimes by putting a test pressing straight onto the radio airwaves. Gutsy, with sharp instincts, Red Robinson himself was a world class talent and a studied and perfected media craftsman. A video clip of Vancouver musical favourite Jim Byrnes spoke volumes. “We shall not see the likes of him again.”

Or maybe we will. If people were listening in the room – and they were - Red himself appeared ten feet tall on a video screen and had the last word as he spoke of the need for passion and drive. “Whatever your dream”, he said, “pursue that dream.”

ABOVE: Red with Elvis at Empire Stadium in 1957. BELOW: With Bill Haley, Kerrisdale Arena in 1956.

ABOVE: Red and Rick Nelson in Portland, 1959. BELOW: Red and Buddy Holly in 1957.

Super agent and friend Bruce Allen

Actress Jacqueline Ryan and Prism lead guitarist Al Harlow

Radio personalities Darren Parkman, left, and Joe Leary

Radio veteran and friend Larry Hennessy

CTV’s Marke Driesschen, left, with musician Dave Genn of 54-40

Friends, family and co-workers gathered to raise a toast and pay their respects to Red Robinson at the Commodore Ballroom on April 16, 2023.

Events Calendar

MATCHBOX TWENTY

May 16

Rogers Arena

Matchbox Twenty has sold over 40 million records worldwide, and earned multiple chart-topping singles, countless accolades, including five GRAMMY® nominations, four American Music Award nods and the 2004 People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Musical Group.” They put on a great show and Vancouver will be no different. ticketmaster.ca

ROTARY RIDE FOR RESCUE

2023

June 10

Cypress Mountain Road, West Vancouver

It’s time to gear up, clip in and reach out to your community for support on your quest to conquer Cypress Mountain. Make it to the top and then join us at British Pacific Properties Pop Up Village to celebrate. Our benefactor is North Shore Rescue. rotaryrideforrescue.org

MOTHER’S DAY 2023

May 14 Canada

Regardless of your age and that of your mother, a Canadian Mother’s Day tradition is to take mom out for brunch. Many restaurants across the Lower Mainland offer special brunch menus on Mother’s Day but how about trying a location in North or West Vancouver?

westvancouver.com

NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT

June 2

Seymour Golf and Country Club

The North Shore Women’s Centre is the designated charity for the 16th Annual North Shore Community Foundation Golf Tournament. The Foundation is thrilled to support this worthwhile organization. nscommunityfoundation.com

VANCOUVER CANADIANS VS EUGENE EMERALDS

May 30 -31

Nat Bailey Stadium

Take me out to the ballgame! Do you enjoy the footlong hotdogs, the peanuts and the sushi run?

It is all here for you when you watch the local minor league Vancouver Canadians at The Nat at the bottom of May. A great way to spend a spring evening or two in the city. milb.com

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

May 30 - June 4

Granville Island

Enjoy performances from around the globe for kids and families of all ages at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. The 2023 Festival will offer a mix of in-person and online performances of circus arts, puppetry, theatre, dance, music and lots of arts. childrensfestival.ca

GEOFF TAYLOR

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

DISTINCTIVE | CREATIVE | RESULTS ORIENTED

Geoff has been successfully selling homes in North & West Vancouver for more than 10 years. Consistently recognized as a top-producing REALTOR®, Geoff is excited to bring his dynamic skillset to the rennie and associates real estate team.

Having previously worked more than 15 years in the marketing and advertising industry, Geoff applies strategic thinking, creativity and business rigour to every aspect of his real estate business.

Whether you are buying, selling or just thinking about real estate on the North Shore, Geoff is a wealth of up-to-date industry knowledge and can guide you along the process from start to finish.

Stop by his new office located at 2429 Marine Drive, West Vancouver (above the Red Lion in Dundarave) or call 604.908.0800 anytime for an update on the North & West Vancouver real estate markets.