Vancouver Courier May 1 2015

PACIFIC SPIRIT 12

FRIDAY

May 1 2015

Spiritual awakening

Vol. 106 No. 34

MOVIES 24

Avengers not so super SPORTS 30

Fitness in the park There’s more online at

vancourier.com WEEKEND EDITION

THE VOICE of VANCOUVER NEIGHBOURHOODS since 1908

Court backs French schools Parents win petition

Cheryl Rossi

crossi@vancourier.com

FINAL CUT After 47 years of cutting hair in Kitsilano, barber Rick Caulfield, 71, retired last Saturday. He began his career at Crest Barbers on West Fourth Avenue and spent his last 25 years at Kitsilano Barbers, near Balsam Avenue. Staff held a party for him on his last day.

PHOTO REBECCA BLISSETT

‘More than a haircut’ Customers became friends through 47 years Mike Howell

mhowell@vancourier.com

Up until last Saturday, Rick Caulfield was a barber. Paul Cosulich was his customer.

For more than 30 years, Cosulich made the trip at least once a month from his Dunbar home to Kitsilano to have Caulfield cut his hair.

Their relationship ended Saturday.

At least the barbering part of it did.

Caulfield, 71, retired after 47 years of cutting hair, his first 22 years at Crest Barbers on West Fourth Avenue and the last 25 at Kitsilano Barbers, near the Safeway between Balsam and Vine.

Cosulich knew the day was coming. He knew it would be hard to let go. He and Caulfield developed a special bond over the years, sharing personal stories of family and the ups and downs of life.

So before Saturday came, Cosulich got to work on a plan. He contacted the barber’s wife, Heather, about hosting a luncheon at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. Invite family and friends, he told her, and we’ll surprise him.

Yes, the yacht club.

But as the 61-year-old businessman explained by cellphone while waiting to board a plane in San Francisco, his motivation for paying tribute to Caulfield was more about friendship than a financial transaction at a fancy lunch spot.

Then he told a story...

About 20 years ago, Cosulich turned an old fish pond in his yard into a small swim-

ming pool. A man he knew as “Graham the pool guy” helped him build it. He came by regularly to ensure the pump worked and fill the pool with the necessary chemicals.

The two men got to enjoy each other’s company, yakking about this and that, drinking coffee and puffing on cigarettes. A good B.S. session is what Cosulich called it.

Then one day, Graham’s son Scott arrived without his father.

“I said, ‘Where’s your dad?’ And he told me that unfortunately he died a couple of weeks ago. It really hit me hard — all of a sudden this guy was gone, this guy who was part of my life.”

It wasn’t long after that when Cosulich got some more bad news. A man his family looked forward to seeing each time they visited a sushi restaurant at 41st and Granville had died.

Continued on page 14

Thinking oƒ SELLING your Vancouver area home?

THINK OF PAUL.

A ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada last week could see two new elementary schools established for French students on the West Side.

The court said francophone students in Vancouver lack access to educational services equivalent to those of students in English schools, a no-no under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

As a lawyer, Joseph Pagé is pleased the bench unanimously supported parents’ approach.

“But then when you take off your gown and you become a parent again it’s embarrassing that parents had to go through this process,” he said, noting provinces know what their responsibilities are under the Charter.

Pagé, on his own behalf and as a representative of parents with children enrolled in l’école Rose-des-vents kindergarten to Grade 6 school near 41st Avenue and Oak, filed a court petition in 2010 after two-and-a-half years of negotiations with the Frenchlanguage school board for B.C. and provincial ministers about the need for better school facilities saw no success.

The French-language school board for B.C., the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, joined the parents’ case.

Three Francophone schools run in Vancouver. They include l’école Anne-Hébert, a kindergarten to Grade 6 school in Champlain Heights, l’école Rose-des-vents, and école secondaire Jules-Verne for grades 7 to 12 students, which was constructed next door to Rose-des-vents.

The Ministry of Education funded the purchase of the former Vancouver School Board site for Rose-des-vents in 2001 because Anne-Hébert was full. Rose-des-vents was intended to accommodate 199 students but accommodates roughly 350 with the help of portables.

Continued on page 6 $

1,4 98 ,00

OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4 420 EAST 35TH AVE.

0

A2

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A3

News

Public to get say on pot shops Mike Howell

mhowell@vancourier.com

The public will have a say in the city’s proposal to regulate the growing number of marijuana dispensaries in Vancouver after city council decided Tuesday to send the issue to public hearing.

The move, which is unprecedented by a Canadian municipal government, came after city manager Penny Ballem outlined a series of regulations to ensure the city has some control over the 85 pot shops.

Regulations call for an annual $30,000 licence fee for dispensary operators, criminal record checks and keeping pot shops 300 metres from schools and community centres.

“At this point, there’s too many,” said Ballem, who showed a map of the pot shops, most of which are downtown and east of Cambie Street. “We need to bring this into the best framework that’s possible under the circumstances.”

The circumstances are complex and related to cur-

rent laws that exist in Canada where a person can obtain marijuana for an illness, if prescribed by a doctor.

Tied to the court ruling in 2001 that made possession possible for patients is the federal government’s move in 2013 to have all marijuana cultivated for medicinal purposes come from a government dispensary and delivered by mail.

While that law is now the subject of a legal challenge, pot shops in Vancouver continue to proliferate, growing from 29 in October 2013 to 85 this month.

None of the dispensaries are licensed by Health Canada, endorsed by a medical body or associated to any legitimate health service provider.

“Our goal was to actually regulate these businesses and reduce the risks and impacts while allowing access to people who are using marijuana for their specific purposes,” said Ballem, noting the city studied how dispensaries operate in Colorado and Washington State, where residents can

Marijuana activist Robert Moore (far right) and others protested outside city hall Tuesday as city council agreed to hold a public hearing on whether marijuana dispensaries should be regulated.

PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

legally purchase marijuana for recreational use.

Although Mayor Gregor Robertson and his Vision councillors are on record as favouring regulation and taxation of marijuana as a strategy to combat organized crime, the city’s powers are limited to managing land use, business licences

and issues such as hours, noise and location.

Councillors used their time at the microphone Tuesday to ask questions of Ballem and city staff rather than make political speeches about the need for such regulations.

The mayor warned councillors the issue was whether

council wanted to refer the matter to public hearing, which is where debate would occur and information provided by agencies including health and police.

Dr. Patricia Daly of Vancouver Coastal Health told reporters after the meeting that she supported council’s move to regu-

late the pot shops. Daly said the proposed regulations are the best approach to reducing the harms of marijuana use, particularly with young people.

“As a prevention physician, as a physician who believes we should base our decisions on evidence, we know that trying to shut these places down will just drive distribution of marijuana back into the illegal market,” she said.

Supt. Mike Porteous, who oversees the Vancouver Police Department’s major crime section, spoke briefly to council, saying police do respond to concerns about pot shops, despite complaints to council about the lack of enforcement on the illegal operations.

“I don’t want council to be confused to think that the police don’t do enforcement on these shops,” Porteous said. “If it’s aggravated or it’s not in the public interest, or there’s a level of danger or organized crime or risk to children, we will do enforcement.”

Continued on page 4

at 611 W 41st Avenue

Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner Buffet May 10th Join us for a special Mother’s Day celebration of great food and entertainment with family and friends!

Brunch Buffet 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Adults $25 Children under 12 - $12 Bridge Musicians Quintet Perform 1 - 2 pm HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Dinner Buffet 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Adults $28 Children under 12 - $14 (Prices excluding wine & spirits) Reservations Required by May 6th

604.240.8550

www.legacyseniorliving.com

The Leo Wertman Residence

611 West 41st Avenue (across from Oakridge Centre)

A4

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

News

VPD stays neutral Continued from page 3 Porteous told reporters after the meeting the VPD didn’t have an official position on whether it supports the city’s move to regulate the pot shops, although he said “any kind of regulation helps.”

“Because it’s completely the Wild West right now,” he said. “At least we could somehow monitor it, if we have bylaws. But I understand all the political implications, too, and I don’t want to wade myself into politics.”

During her presentation to council, Ballem, who is a trained hematologist, noted there are studies that have shown the health benefits of marijuana use. She also pointed out studies have shown health concerns for young people who use the drug, including memory loss and “reduced psychomotor performance.”

That is an area federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose focused on in a letter she sent to Robertson last Thursday, saying she was “deeply concerned” about the city’s move to regulate pot shops.

4

APPLIANCE

Bosch end of line Laundry Pair

$1599

Floor Models

Sub Zero and Wolf Many below cost!

BLOWOUT SALE 36" Pro Rang e 6 burner s

AEG Blomberg Bosch Brigade Broan Cavavin Danby

DCS Fisher & Paykel Frigidaire GE LG Liebherr

$3999 lim ited quanti ty

Panasonic Samsung Sub Zero Thermador Wolf

3 DAYS ONLY Richmond

13651 Bridgeport Road.

Fri May 1, Sat May 2 and Sun May 3

FRI & SAT: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm SUN: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

midland appliances by design w w w. m i d l a n d a p p l i a n c e . c o m

Vancouver 2015 Columbia Street.

V V ista

iew

“The evidence is clear that when youth smoke marijuana they have increased risks of developing mental health issues, including psychosis and schizophrenia,” Ambrose wrote. “We also know that regular, long-term marijuana use in youth can harm concentration, memory and the ability to think and to make decisions, and it can also produce paranoia and anxiety or nervousness.”

Ambrose said Canada’s drug laws are clear and do not provide municipalities with the authority to legitimize the commercial sale of marijuana, which remains an illegal substance.

“Storefronts and dispensaries do not operate with a ‘grey zone’, and the law is clear: they are illegal,” the health minister concluded.

Marijuana activist Neil Magnuson, who is a member of the United Cannabis network, said he supported council’s move to have the issue hashed out at a public hearing. But, he said, he was opposed to criminal record checks, the $30,000 licensing

fee and the rules related to proximity of shops to schools and to each other.

“I can’t think of why a criminal, if he’s done his time, shouldn’t be able to get a job at a dispensary,” Magnuson said. “Why keep someone from turning their life around and getting a job in a place that really does good in our community?”

The proposed regulations will mean some pot shops will be forced to close, particularly those located within 300 metres of schools and community centres.

“We will not let one dispensary get shut down,” Magnuson said.

“If they try that type of enforcement, we’ll be there en masse.”

The public hearing is expected to begin sometime at the end of May, or early June. If council supports the regulations, it would then open up an application process for potential operators, who would undergo a detailed review before being granted a business licence. twitter.com/Howellings

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

Cityframe Wawanesa Insurance Policyholders, You Do Have A Choice!

If your current broker no longer offers Wawanesa products, All Risk Insurance Agencies Ltd. can continue to meet your Wawanesa Insurance needs.

Partnered with Wawanesa for over 15 years, and in business since 1926, All Risk has the knowledge and experience to provide superior service and support.

Contact All Risk Insurance Agencies Ltd. today to continue to receive the security and peace of mind you deserve.

FANNING THE FLAMES Mayor Gregor Robertson fulfilled the poetic portion of his friendly wager with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi Wednesday morning. Prior to the Vancouver Canucks facing off against the Calgary Flames in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the two municipal leaders agreed that the mayor of the losing city would wear the winning team’s jersey, donate just over two kilograms of food to the local food bank for every goal scored and recite a short poem about the victor’s city. Mayor Nenshi had originally indicated the poem would be a haiku, but clearly that was not the case with the extended and playfully insulting poetry he wrote for Robertson to read aloud in council chambers Wednesday morning. Robertson may have ad-libbed the final verse of the poem with the line “Vote transit.”

To see a video of Robertson reciting the poem, go to vancourier.com. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET.

All Risk Insurance Agencies Ltd.

Phone: 604-731-3104

206 Davie Street Vancouver, BC

Fax: 604-731-0173 Toll Free: 1-866-94-ALL-BC

V6B 5Z6

www.allrisk.ca

Is your daughter or son struggling to achieve their potential?

We believe all students should have the opportunity to succeed, whatever their individual needs and goals are, and we have over 40 years of experience working with students with learning differences.

Maplewood Alternative High School provides a personalized alternative to a traditional high school. We offer small group and individualized instruction, combining academics, social interaction, work experience, personal advocacy and life skills.

.. ..

Tailored programs 3:1 Educator to student ratio Friendly, informal atmosphere Highly educated & experienced staff

.. ..

Fully accredited Financing available School bus service available Accepting applications, spaces limited

May 1 – 31, 2015 Healthy, vibrant and clean neighbourhoods start with you. Lead or join a block cleanup.

All cleanup teams receive garbage bags, gloves, cleanup tools and support for leading your cleanup.

Open House:

Thursday, May 7th (10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm) 420 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver, BC

Sign up today: vancouver.ca/kvs or 604-871-6544 #kvs20th

Sponsored by:

MAPLEWOOD ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

For more information: Dr. Jim Christopher, Head of School jchristopher@kgms.ca or 604.985.5224

www.maplewoodhigh.ca

A5

A6

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

News

Some English schools under capacity

Continued from page 1 “The washrooms are inadequate. The library is very small, and the classrooms are significantly smaller than those in other schools,” states the facts section of the Supreme Court of Canada case. “Two classrooms have no windows.”

Of 344 students attending Rose-des-vents in 2012, 293 were transported to school by bus and more than twothirds spent more than 30 minutes per bus trip.

“By contrast, most students attending Englishlanguage schools in the area live within one kilometre of their schools,” the facts of the case state.

The section of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on minority language education rights says Canadian citizens have the right to have their children educated in French if their first language is French, they received their own primary education in Canada in French, or they have a child who has received or is receiving his or her education in French in Canada.

Joseph Pagé hopes a Supreme Court of Canada ruling will see two new French schools established on Vancouver’s West Side. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

Where sufficient numbers of eligible children exist, governments must provide the necessary facilities.

Mark Power, lawyer for the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, says the CSF has been asking the provincial government to provide two French schools west of Main

Street since 2009. Main Street divides the two catchment areas for francophone students in Vancouver.

Power said figures from the 2011 Census provided to the CSF from Statistics Canada reveal there could be at least two or three times the number of students enrolled in French

schools west of Main Street. The CSF wants two kindergarten to Grade 6 schools, each with capacity for 350 students, west of Main. Power said the first judge that ruled on the case a couple of years ago said there should be space for 500 students west of Main.

Pagé says the CSF didn’t

initially back the parents’ petition because it didn’t agree on the legal approach.

Parents filed a petition, instead of going to trial, because a petition is speedier and less costly.

But with a petition, the court doesn’t tell the government what to do.

“We went for the declaration that there’s a lack of equivalency [with English schools] because we wanted a quick resolution,” Pagé said. “There is a tradition in Canada of governments honouring declarations from the Supreme Court of Canada.”

The provincial government could try to justify a Charter infringement at B.C. Supreme Court.

“It’s been done before, but very rarely,” Pagé said.

He noted the Supreme Court of Canada awarded special costs to the parents and CSF. If the B.C. government doesn’t honour the declaration, there’s another ruling to come in for the broader case the CSF filed in court two weeks after the parents filed their petition. Nearly 40

schools across the province with 5,500 students operate under the CSF, Pagé said.

Power expects a decision on the second case a year from now.

Pagé noted English schools in some parts of Vancouver run under capacity.

“There’s also the option of getting a school from the [Vancouver School Board], but that’s a political potato that probably the minister doesn’t want to deal with,” he said.

Education Minister Peter Fassbender says the government will continue to work with the French school board to meet the needs of francophone students, according to an emailed statement from ministry communications.

“We are currently reviewing the details of the decision and the implications, as well as the next steps moving forward,” the statement continues.

The judgement could have repercussions for other provinces and territories facing similar court challenges. twitter.com/Cheryl_Rossi

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

by Cheryl Rossi, inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans Of New York

Where great people meet great customers

PHOTO CHERYL ROSSI

HIRING

I’ve been thinking about Nepal. I’ve been there five times. Part of my heart is still there so right now it’s being tugged at. And it’s a feeling of helplessness. You can always throw money at large organizations but it’s a frustration really not being able to affect much.

There’s a candlelight vigil for Nepal … that’s

why I have my candle with me. I just feel that I’m trying, in whatever way, to send as much strength as I have to the people there. I don’t usually go to those things. I don’t know why this time it resonates profoundly with me.

I’ve spent months there.

twitter.com/Cheryl_Rossi

New Dentures or a

Natural Smile?

Cosmetic Precision Denture System™ Premium quality Cosmetic Precision Dentures instill confidence and provide optimum function while eating, speaking and laughing. Sophisticated instrumentation records facial and anatomical information to recreate your natural smile and the youthful facial contours of your lips and cheeks.

Our premium quality teeth duplicate natural characteristics and colors found in natural teeth. The contours of our premium teeth are designed to match your skeletal type with feminine and masculine characteristics to accentuate your appeal.

The Art and Advantages of Cosmetic Precision Dentures: ST

WE ARE MOVING JUNE 1 , 2015, TO TERRA NOVA SHOPPING CENTRE!

Come and see us at #240 – 3671 Westminster Highway.

604-279-9151

Guaranteed for Guaranteed 5 years against for 5breakage years against

INFO FAIR

DAT E: TH UR SD AY , MA Y 6 th 5:00 PM-7:00 PM LOCATION:

COAST PLAZA HOTEL & SUITES 1763 COMOX ST. JOBS: IF YOU LOVE PEOPLE AND HAVE A PASSION FOR FOOD THEN DROP BY TO MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM AND FIND OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR A GREAT JOB AT A GREAT PLACE!

WE ARE HIRING IN ALL DEPARTMENTS Availability to work some weekday/daytime shifts is required

breakage

Esthetics DentureRD, Studio Inc. Alex Hupka, RDT

Alex Hupka, RD, RDT

Registered Denturist, Registered Dental Technician ((1 2 blocks fromRichmond RichmondCentre) Centre ) www.bcdenturist.ca block from

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, SEND RESUME TO JobCandidates@freshstmarket.com West Vancouver

A7

A8

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Free Event

Adrenal Fatigue: The Stress-Illness Connection With Dr. Arjuna Veeravagu, ND, RAc, Sage Clinic Tuesday, May 5, 7:00-8:30pm Choices Floral Shop & Annex 2615 W. 16th Ave., Vancouver, 604-736-0009 Adrenal fatigue brought on by chronic stress can be a major cause of symptoms and illness including fatigue, anxiety, pain, insomnia, frequent infections, autoimmune illness, sugar cravings and low blood pressure.

Dr. Veeravagu will review the causes of adrenal imbalances and treatment options to restore optimal adrenal function.

Registration is required. Call the number listed above or visit Customer Service.

Mail in your ballot

The transportation and transit referendum voting period is just past the half-way mark.

The region is expected to grow by one million more people in the next 30 years.

A “Yes” vote will help grow our economy, protect our environment and enhance the region’s livability.

Elections BC must receive your ballot by 8 pm, Friday, May 29, 2015.

Make sure your voice is heard!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: vancouver.ca/transitreferendum

Development Permit Board Meeting: May 4 The Development Permit Board and Advisory Panel will meet: Monday, May 4, 2015 at 3 pm Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue Ground floor, Town Hall Meeting Room to consider the following development permit application: 1177 Jervis Street To develop this site with a 19-storey, mixed-use building with one level of commercial space (first floor) and 19 levels of residential (first to 19th floors) containing 91 dwelling units (63 market and 28 social housing) all over three levels of underground parking, with vehicle access from the lane.

Please contact City Hall Security (ground floor) if your vehicle may be parked at City Hall for more than two hours.

TO SPEAK ON THIS ITEM: 604-873-7469 or lorna.harvey@vancouver.ca Visit: vancouver.ca Phone: 3-1-1 TTY: 7-1-1

News

Developer sought by China

Court documents reveal fight with feds for citizenship Bob Mackin

bob@bobmackin.ca

A Vancouver real estate developer on the Chinese government’s 100 mostwanted white collar fugitives list claimed in court documents that the charges against him are based on unfounded and false information gained through torture.

On April 23, the Chinese government published a list of people wanted for prosecution under Operation Skynet, the next phase in the country’s burgeoning anti-graft campaign. Of the 100 most-wanted, 26 are believed to be in Canada.

Michael Mo Yeung Ching, who the Chinese government claims was formerly known as Cheng Muyang from Changzhou city in Jiangsu province, is wanted for misappropriation of public funds, embezzlement, transfer and concealment of illegally acquired goods, according to an April 2001 arrest warrant. He is accused of embezzling, along with an unnamed accomplice, CNY 3,700,000 (C$714,000) that was intended as payment for goods in June 1996. Chinese authorities also accuse him of taking advantage of his position as a director of a company to misappropriate CNY 4,500,000 (C$868,000) earlier in 1996.

In April 2012, Ching filed a statement of claim for $1.75 million in damages plus costs in the Federal Court of Canada against the Attorney General of Canada, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Kashi Mattu, a member of the Immigration Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Ching, a permanent resi-

Real estate developer Michael Mo Yeung Ching says corruption charges against him by the Chinese government are based on the torture of alleged witnesses.

dent of Canada since 1996, claimed he applied in 2001 and 2004 for citizenship, but “was kept in the dark with respect to his application” and withdrew his application in 2009. The court documents said he later found out that China Interpol issued a warrant for his arrest in 2001 “on completely unfounded and false charges of embezzlement” after gaining information by torture from Chinese nationals Fuyou Wang and Guoben Su, “who allegedly had real estate ‘business dealings’ with the plaintiff in China.” In July 2002, Ching’s filing said, Wang and Su were convicted and unlawfully imprisoned in China.

The statement of claim did not mention Ching’s alias, but the Nov. 14, 1969 birthdate matches the Interpol alert seeking the arrest of Cheng Muyang. Ching’s wife, Heung Kei Sung, and two of his children became Canadian citizens in 2004, according to the court documents.

A Nov. 23, 2001 document titled “Fugitive Wanted for Prosecution” lists Ching’s father as Ching (sic) Wei Gao and mother as

Zhang Pei Wen. Cheng Wei Gao was the Communist Party boss in Hebei province and later Provincial People’s Congress chair, but expelled for corruption in 2003. A report from the state news agency Xinhua quoted by the South China Morning Post in August 2003 claimed the father arranged favours for the son.

The statement of claim said that Ching learned the Chinese Ministry of Public Security was in contact with the RCMP’s liaison officer in Beijing between 2001 and 2004 and that Chinese police wrote Dec. 22, 2004 to the RCMP, asking it to prevent Ching from acquiring Canadian citizenship.

Ching, who runs the Mo Yeung International Enterprise Group real estate development company in Richmond, did not respond for comment. His assistant, Amy Venhuizen, declined to put a reporter in direct contact with Ching.

Ching’s company website MYIEGroup.com displayed a “website under maintenance” message this week.

MYIE was behind the Collection 45 condo building in Mount Pleasant, is developing the International Trade Centre in Richmond and is a partner with Intracorp in River Park Place near the Richmond Olympic Oval.

Ching’s lawyer David Matas applied to Federal Court for a judicial review of Ching’s November 2014 refugee claim denial. It will be heard June 23 in Winnipeg.

Matas cautioned that the anti-corruption campaign under Xi Jinping, China’s November 2012-appointed president, is more about Xi cementing his authority than bringing integrity to government.

“The Communist Party controls the country, it does it behind closed doors. The issue of choice around which the power struggle revolves is corruption,” Matas said.

“There is no system of law, there are courts and there is legislation, but the party controls the courts and the legislature, and the courts don’t control the party.

There is no way, other than this power struggle, of dealing with corruption issues.”

Matas said the Canadian government tends to take allegations of corruption from the government of China “at face value, as if this is somehow real rather than a political pawn game.” Canada and China do not have an extradition treaty, but Canada’s ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques, said late last year that the countries were close to a deal on returning people on the lam from corruption charges.

“The whole notion of dealing with corruption behind closed doors, it’s antithetical to what the battle against corruption should be,” Matas said.

Ching and his wife were listed as co-tenants of a house near West 51st and Oak in Vancouver’s Oakridge neighbourhood, now valued at $3.387 million.

Since Dec. 3, 2014, only Sung’s name has appeared on the property registration. Daughter Linda Ching is the president of the Young Liberals of Canada in B.C. Elections B.C. data shows Ching has donated $7,260 to the B.C. Liberals. He also donated $2,250 to Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie’s 2014 re-election campaign. twitter.com/bobmackin

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

News Results of police watchdog report being kept secret

PLANT SALE

Katie DeRosa

kderosa@timescolonist.com

Despite employee complaints of bullying, mismanagement, low morale and high turnover in the province’s civilian police watchdog, the B.C. government’s human resources branch will not release the results of its investigation into the Independent Investigations Office.

And now a second investigation has been ordered after complaints about another IIO director.

The first formal investigation was ordered by the Public Service Agency, the human resources arm of the B.C. government, after several employee complaints about bullying and harassment by chief civilian director Richard Rosenthal.

Labour lawyer Chris Sullivan has been hired to conduct the investigation, which includes interviews with current and former IIO employees and senior management.

But that report will be kept secret.

“This is a personnel issue, and we are limited in what we can say due to privacy considerations,” said a spokesman in the Ministry of Finance. “As such, any investigation report would be considered confidential and would not be publicly released.”

There is no deadline for the report to be completed.

The Ministry of Finance refused to confirm the existence of the second Public Service Agency investigation, but IIO staff have been told about it. In the two and a half years since the Independent Investigations Office was formed to investigate police-involved

Saturday May 2nd and Sunday May 3rd

Richard Rosenthal is chief civilian director of the Independent Investigations Office, which is the subject of two investigations.

PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

deaths or serious injuries, it has been the subject of three employee surveys, two external reviews and two formal investigations by the Public Service Agency.

A human resources review was conducted last year by labour-relations consultant Tony Belcher, in response to complaints from Fred Leibel and Robin Stutt, two former investigators who were fired by Rosenthal in 2014. Belcher’s report was given to deputy attorney general Richard Fyfe.

The government is refusing to release the Belcher report following a Freedom of Information request by the Times Colonist. The response cited privacy concerns and provisions that protect policy advice to a public body or minister.

Even the senior information and privacy analyst handling the request was unable to obtain a copy of the report to consider redactions.

Leibel, a former investigator, has also been denied access to the Belcher report. He said he has never been advised of the results of his complaint.

“The obvious question is what happened to the Belcher report? Did Belcher substantiate our complaints, unsubstantiate our complaints?” Leibel

said. “That’s the part that confounds me. It seems to me they’re stalling at every turn, putting whatever obstacles they can throw up to not deal with the issue.

As a complainant, I have the right to know.”

Leibel is asking the information and privacy commissioner to review the decision.

The IIO was created as a mechanism for transparency in police-involved deaths after the Braidwood inquiry, which probed the flawed RCMP investigation into the fatal Tasering of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski.

One of the IIO’s values is transparency through public reporting. But the office has been plagued by internal problems, resulting in 22 of its 50 employees quitting or being fired in the last two years.

Rosenthal has said every new organization experiences high employee turnover and growing pains.

NDP justice critic Mike Farnworth said the investigation into Rosenthal should be released to increase public confidence.

“I think they need to be more open in terms of what their findings were … so that people have confidence,” Farnworth said.

One Laser Treatment for Pain Management

DR. SYD ERLICHMAN Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Diplomate of American Academy of Pain Management

VISIT OUR TWO LOCATIONS AT: 1400-750 West Broadway Vancouver, B.C. 604-876-7744

309-301 E. Columbia St New Westminster, B.C. 604-526-2748

• Foot Care • Corns • Calluses • Warts • Abnormal Toenails • Sports, WCB and ICBC Injuries • Bacterial and Fungal Infections • House and Hospital Visits • Custom Made Foot Orthotics

Patio Tomatoes 1 Gallon Pot

4.99 each

Spring Mix Hanging Basket

Herb, Basil 6-inch Pot

5.99 each

Assorted Flowering Basket Stuffers 2-inch Cell

.99 each

Herb Planter

Rectangular Pot

12-inch Pot

29.99 each

10.99 each Keefer's Westcoast Soil Energizer 28 Litre

3/21.00 7.99 single Keefer’s Westcoast Planter Box Mix 28 Liter

3/21.00 7.99 single Choices Markets Full Circle Top Soil 20 Litre

Keefer's Westcoast Mushroom Manure 20 Litre

3.49 Single

100% BC Owned and Operated 5% of weekend plant sales will be donated to a local school.

April 1-30, 2015

$395

2.49 each

4.99 single

with Foot Massage

Custom Made Foot Orthotics

606 Pack

4/16.00

All new consultations will receive one complimentary:

or

Assorted Flowering Annuals

We know your feet

www.choicesmarkets.com

/ChoicesMarkets

@ChoicesMarkets

Sale prices only effective on May 2 and 3, 2015. While quantities last. Weather permitting for all bedding plants. Not all products may be available at all store locations. Plus applicable taxes.

Kitsilano

South Surrey

2627 W. 16th Ave., Vancouver • 604.736.0009

3248 King George Blvd., Surrey • 604.541.3902

Kerrisdale 1888 W. 57th Ave., Vancouver • 604.263.4600

Yaletown 1202 Richards St., Vancouver • 604.633.2392

Choices Burnaby 8683 10th Ave., Burnaby • 604.522.0936

A9

A10

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Opinion

Pot battle echoes fight Positive thinking fails over Insite to deliver happiness Allen Garr Columnist agarr@vancourier.com The battle lines being drawn over Vancouver’s plans to regulate pot dispensaries should seem familiar. The last time we saw two sides forming in this exact configuration was the tussle over Vancouver’s supervised drug injection site, Insite.

Recall that the city, under former NPA mayor Philip Owen, first led the charge. The province backed the project arguing that it was a matter of health care and therefore under the province’s jurisdiction.

When Ottawa was run by the Liberals and former Prime Minister Paul Martin, Insite was granted a certificate through Health Canada that allowed it to have illegal drugs on the premises. Vancouver Coastal Health Authority was a partner in the project.

When Stephen Harper’s Tories took over, things changed dramatically.

Harper’s crowd tried to shut down Insite only to be forced by the Supreme Court to allow the facility to continue as it has been to this day.

The Vancouver cops, who could bust anyone on their way to Insite and in possession of illegal drugs, took the position that it was in the best interest of the community and maintaining public order to devote their efforts elsewhere.

This time around the issue is not heroin; it is marijuana, a drug that has had its own history of political vilification.

In the early years of the last century, both booze and pot were prohibited south of the border. The prohibition on alcohol consumption was lifted in the face of a massive increase in organized crime profiting from the illegal production, importation and distribution.

Marijuana, which was considered a drug used by the marginalized — African Americans, Mexicans, jazz musicians and artists — continued to get a bad rap thanks in part to the liquor lobby.

The pitch to keep it illegal was focused in warnings about the risk at which it put our children.

A 1936 propaganda film with the original title Tell your Children eventually evolved into a cult classic called Reefer Madness. It was, according to IMDb’s plot summary, a cautionary tale “that features a fictionalized and highly exaggerated take on the use of marijua-

na. A trio of drug dealers leads innocent teenagers to become addicted to reefer cigarettes by holding wild parties with jazz music.”

It didn’t work. By the ’60s, marijuana became the drug of choice (along with a psychedelic buffet from peyote to LSD) by another group of outsiders, the hippies.

Subsequently, it found increasing use for its medical benefits in reducing nausea, particularly among first cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and the AIDS patients enduring a whole raft of drugs in the struggle to stay alive.

The first “Compassion Club,” a location for people who benefit from smoking pot, opened in Vancouver in 1997.

It was the federal Liberals under Jean Chretien who, having been pushed by an Ontario Court of Appeal decision in 2001, granted permits for folks with medical needs to grow their own pot or have others grow it for them. From then until 2014, the number of permits grew from 100 to 40,000.

And then along came Harper.

In 2013, the old permit system was tossed out. If you wanted pot, you needed a doctor’s certificate and you had to order the drug online from a federally certified grower.

That decision was challenged in court and there is currently an injunction against the decision to cancel the old system of permits.

But — blame Harper — since that 2013 decision, the number of pot shops in Vancouver has exploded. It has become, as Vancouver Police head of the major crimes unit and the drug squad, Supt. Mike Porteous, sees it, “the wild west.”

So once again, lining up to support the regulation of distribution of this drug, we have the cops, the city, the regional health authority, and, most recently, the provincial government.

Opposed are the feds in the person of Health Minister Rona Ambrose with a script straight out of Reefer Madness. Flying in the face of evidence to the contrary which shows liberalization of pot laws has led to a declining use amongst youth in other countries including Holland, she posits that “normalizing marijuana could mean more than tripling its use by youth.”

It may not be evidence-based but it is political red meat for the Tory base as we head into a federal election this year. twitter.com/allengarr

The week in num6ers...

4

Out of five, the number of B.C. Court of Appeal judges who overturned legislation regarding teachers’ rights to bargain class size and composition.

22

Out of 50, the number of employees of the Independent Investigations Office who have quit or been fired since the police watchdog group was created two years ago.

Geoff Olson Columnist mwiseguise@yahoo.com Are you happy? Now there’s a loaded question. But for many Vancouverites it’s not so much a conversation starter as a Zen koan.

Vancouver has been a frequent winner and runner-up in The Economist’s annual rankings of the world’s “most liveable cities.”

It’s also renowned as a place where strangers avoid conversing and newcomers go friendless for months. Vancouver’s residents are least satisfied with their lives than residents of any other metropolitan areas in Canada, according to a new study from Statistics Canada. Toronto came in a close second in dissatisfaction.

On a 0-10 scale of “very dissatisfied” to “very satisfied,” Vancouver netted the lowest score in surveys, at 7.808. The highest score went to Saguenay, Quebec, at 8.245. But considering this dinky spread at the high end of the satisfaction scale, is this ratcheting “First World problems” into newsworthy predicaments?

For comparison’s sake, I’d like to see stats from Baltimore, Maryland and Pyongyang, North Korea.

That said, I recently visited Montreal — which netted 7.976 in the StatsCan study — and the city’s residents seemed quite a bit friendlier than Vancouverites in my thoroughly biased, unscientific encounters. That apparent friendliness may have some bearing on reported levels of satisfaction.

That rubbery, subjective state, “happiness” remains notoriously difficult to pin down. In her 2009 book Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America, U.S. journalist Barbara Ehrenreich interviewed a leader in the field of positive psychology, Professor Martin Seligman.

The author inquired about Seligman’s “happiness equation,” a simple sum with a few variables. Her question would have been a no-brainer for any first-year physics student: “What are the units of measurement?” She received no satisfactory answer.

In any case, Canadians’ popular ideas of pleasure and reward have long been tangled up with those of our neighbours; in particular, “the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” enshrined in the American Declaration of Independence as “inalienable rights” granted by

the Creator to all American citizens.

For decades, economists, business gurus, self-help authors, motivational speakers have sold the “pursuit of happiness” as relentless self-advancement serving the common good. Yet the classical economist’s “self-interested maximizer of utility” — otherwise known as “Homo economicus” — is more like a notepad doodle of a psychopath than a fleshedout portrait of a healthy human being.

The reimagining of self as shopper has not delivered on the promise of happiness, because personal well-being is ultimately dependent on the well-being of others, with factors that lie outside the market’s range. As for Vancouver itself, a city populated by the winners and losers in a global Monopoly game — with a shrinking demographic on the sidelines — is not conducive to collective happiness, however we define the h-word.

“I think a lot of the unhappiness [in Vancouver] comes from the lack of affordability, how much one has to work to pay that cost of living, and how the city is under siege by development,” writes a local urban expert by email. This scenically spectacular city has fashioned itself into a Mecca for tourism and the global real estate investment market. In the process it has also become a colder, more alienating place, with shrinking habitation options for local cultural creatives who could truly make it “world class.”

“I do not write this in a spirit of sourness or personal disappointment of any kind, nor do I have any romantic attachment to suffering as a source of insight or virtue,” writes journalist Barbara Ehrenreich in Bright-Sided.

“I would like to see more smiles, more laughter, more hugs, more happiness and, better yet, joy. In my own vision of utopia, there is not only more comfort, and security for everyone — better jobs, health care, and so forth — there are also more parties, festivities, and opportunities for dancing in the streets. Once our basic material needs are met — in my utopia, anyway — life becomes a perpetual celebration in which everyone has a talent to contribute. But we cannot levitate ourselves into that blessed condition by wishing it. We need to brace ourselves for a struggle against terrifying obstacles, both of our own making and imposed by the natural world. And the first step is to recover from the mass delusion that is positive thinking.” geoffolson.com

2 300 714 42

At minimum, the number of media outlets who used Courier video footage of the mayor reciting poetry in a Flames jersey without seeking permission.

In metres, the minimum distance away from public schools that marijuana dispensaries would have to be located according to proposed new civic regulations. .

In thousands of dollars, the amount of money Chinese immigrant and Canadian permanent resident Michael Mo Yeung Ching is accused of embezzling from China.

The percentage of first-time homebuyers in Vancouver who receive financial assistance from parents or other relatives, according to a report from BMO.

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A11

Inbox LETTERS TO THE EDITOR If you don’t build it, they won’t come

CO U R I E R A R C H I V E S T H I S W E E K I N H I S T O R Y

Russian Rocket douses Flames

April 30, 1994: A pass from defenceman Jeff Brown put Canucks star Pavel Bure on a breakaway he finished by scoring on Calgary Flames goalie Mike Vernon at 2:20 of the second overtime period to clinch the Western Conference quarter-final four games to three for Vancouver with a 4-3 win. It marked the Canucks’ third straight win in OT as the team overcame a 3-1 series lead by the Flames, who bowed out in the first round for the fourth time in a row. Greg Adams forced sudden death by beating Vernon with 3:37 remaining in regulation time after taking a pass from Bure and driving to the net from the corner untouched. Vernon went down and pokechecked him, but the puck went up and over his pad.

Charles and Diana launch Expo 86

May 2, 1986: Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially open the 1986 World Exposition on Transportation and Communication, better known as Expo 86, at the north end of False Creek. Eight years in the making and with a total of 54 participating countries, the second World’s Fair held in Canada runs until Oct. 13.

A total of 22 million people visited the event, which was declared a success despite a deficit of $311 million. Expo 86 is generally considered the turning point for Vancouver changing from a sleepy backwater to an aspiring world-class city.

ADVERTISING

604.738.1412 CLASSIFIED

604.630.3300 DELIVERY

604.398.2901

Re: “Developers tout tiny condos as solution for first-time buyers,” online only.

I am 57 years old and I was born and raised in Vancouver. I hate what our city has become and it’s only getting worse by the day. I want to know who is benefitting from the population growth in Vancouver. The city seems to be doing all it can to encourage overpopulation, congestion, line-ups, waits at lights, while at the same time bragging about how “green” we are. The green factor will never keep up with the ever-growing population.

They say “If you build, they will come.” Well, why don’t we try: “Stop building, and they won’t come.” What am I missing? Why do we need more people in Vancouver? Is our goal to become the most densely populated city in the world? My, what an honour!

They say if more people live here, more jobs will be created. Huh? If we didn’t have so many people, we wouldn’t need so many jobs. What about quality of life for those of us already here? And please don’t tell me improved transit is going to reduce congestion. Try selling a 450 sq. ft. condo in Vancouver that doesn’t have a parking stall and tell me how many people are going to line up for that unit.

I work near YVR. As it is, I often wait two light cycles at Cambie and Marine.

I can only imagine what that stretch of Marine Drive is going to be like when thousands of people move into those ugly, sun-blocking monstrosities at that corner, not to mention those who will visit the retail space on the ground level.

And what about how the city has allowed the once beautiful Cambie Street to become a row of shoebox, soulless condos? Cambie Street has always been my favorite street to drive north/south in Vancouver. It is now hardly better than Oak or Granville, and since the start of the Canada Line there has been nothing but disruption.

Who is allowing this and who is benefitting from it? I feel the city is reaping short-term rewards at the cost of longterm stress and a huge drop in quality of life for the residents of Vancouver. Who is looking ten years ahead to see how this ridiculous growth is going to affect the mental and physical health of the residents here, and the inevitable impact on our health care system and lost work days due to stress? This is not progress.

It is greed.

Debra Jackson, Vancouver

ONLINE COMMENTS Skating the issue

Re: “Skateboarders rally to prevent Mount Pleasant skate park demolition,” online only.

The Courier should look up in its archives articles from 2006, when progressive neighbours banded together with the skate community to save the China Creek skate park from being demolished by the park board of the day. It is sad to see, almost 10 years later, the exact same stereotyped-based arguments being made to get the Mount Pleasant park demolished, thinly disguised as noise complaints.

I hope the park board of 2015 can broaden their minds and follow the board mandate (“nurture, maintain, and develop Vancouver’s urban parks”) in the same way the board of 2006 did.

G. Kosh, via Comments section

•••

“Why spend […] taxpayers’ money building an environment for kids to spend time living actively and healthy,all while staying out of trouble skateboarding if you’re going to turn around three years down the road and tear it down?!”

Game, set, match.

Jack, via Comments section

•••

The neighbours have been putting up with the noise for years with no support from the park board. This is the only way they’ve been able to bring any attention to the issue. The politicians who messed this up by lying and not planning ahead need to be held accountable and sound barriers which were promised three years ago need to be finally put in place.

Ian Boothby, via Comments section

Floating an idea for B.C. Ferries

Re: “Complaining about B.C. Ferries’ fares could hurt tourism, says CEO,” online only.

I strongly advocate for reduced off-season rates. Those would help to increase ridership and give those of us who live on the Island and use B.C. Ferries as our highway to get to work the break we deserve. Last year, I spent over $4,000 on B.C. Ferries, and didn’t so much as receive a free coffee.

Brenda Jones, via Facebook

•••

Imagine if all the bridges and tunnels in the Lower Mainland were contracted out and the contractor was told “do whatever you have to and make them profitable.

We will give you a token amount of money but at the end of the year give me a whack of money before you pay yourself. If the bridges need to be replaced, go anywhere in the world and get them built and we will guarantee the loans.” Imagine what the bridge tolls would be.

Matlow, via Comments section

EDITORIAL NEWSROOM

604.738.1411

have your say online...

FLYER SALES

Dee Dhaliwal

Barry Link

ddhaliwal@vancourier.com

blink@vancourier.com

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

Tara Lalanne

DIRECTOR SALES & MARKETING

tlalanne@vancourier.com

TheVancouverCourierisadivisionofLMPPublicationLimitedPartnership.

Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40025215. All material in the Vancouver Courier is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. This newspaper reserves the right to reject any advertising which it considers to contain false or misleading information or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of error in any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. We collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at vancourier.com.

604.738.1412

vancourier.com FACEBOOK TheVancouverCourierNewspaper TWITTER @vancouriernews WEB

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters may be edited by the Courier for reasons of legality, taste, brevity and clarity.

Send to: 303 West Fifth Ave., Vancouver V5Y-1J6 or email letters@vancourier.com

A12

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Community

Are you ‘spiritual but not religious?’

Part one in a series on Vancouver’s non-traditional spiritual practices PACIFIC SPIRIT Pat Johnson

PacificSpiritPJ@gmail.com

In the ’90s sitcom Roseanne, son DJ comes to his parents with the question “What religion are we?”

Dad Dan says, “Well, my family’s Pentecostal on my mom’s side, Baptist on my dad’s side. Your mom’s mom was Lutheran and her dad was Jewish.”

“So what do we believe?” DJ asks. The parents shift awkwardly.

“Well,” mom Roseanne begins, “We believe in being good. So basically we’re good people.”

“Yes,” says Dan. “But we’re not practising.”

Confusing family stories like this are probably the new normal in Canada, according to a recent study from the Angus Reid Institute, which suggests a large swath of Canadians — 44 per cent — are neither inclined to embrace religion nor inclined to reject it, but define themselves as somewhere in between. This group is the plurality in every region, age and gender.

Of respondents, another 30 per cent said they are inclined to embrace religion and an almost parallel 26 per cent said they are inclined to reject it.

There are some fascinating and bizarre findings in the study.

Among the large number of religiously ambivalent, 87 per cent continue to identify with a religious tradition.

Even among the 26 per cent who reject religion, a majority continues to identify with a religious tradition. In other words, perhaps, “The church we don’t attend is United (or Catholic, or whatever our grandparents subscribed to).”

Curious too is that almost three in four of the religiously ambivalent respondents do not believe that the growth of atheism has been a good thing for Canada. So even as we move away from religion, we don’t necessarily think atheism is a positive alternative.

In the category of most contradictory, I would particularly like to have a beer with the seven per cent who reject religion but want a religious funeral. I guess most of us sometimes hedge bets.

Millions of Canadians reject or are simply ambiv-

For many Vancouverites, practices such as tai chi are an example of how spirituality is more about the mind and body than about theological verities. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

alent to religion, but cling strongly to certain aspects, like feeling a personal connection with God and praying privately or saying grace at the table.

While the report has a lot of fascinating new nuggets, it also confirms the anecdotal evidence that SBNR — spiritual but not religious — has become a thing. But what does that even mean?

Obviously, it means different things to different people. There may have been a mythological time when Canada was a country of Protestants, Catholics and a few Jews.

Since the 1960s, there has been a tremendous influx of people of different traditions. In more recent years, it seems we have refracted into possibly millions of spiritual perspectives.

Not addressed by the study, but something that I’ve pondered is the basic nomenclature around these subjects. The blanket terms “faith” and “belief” seem problematic, because not all religious streams are defined by these words. For some — most notably, in my experience, liberal Christians and many adherents of Judaism — religion is not primarily about answers, or about having faith or belief, but about exploring questions and acknowledging what we don’t know, and can’t know.

For others, spirituality is more about practices of the mind and body than about theological verities.

By a similar token, the word “belief,” which implies religious certainty, seems like a sort of sacri-

lege, the human arrogance that we could possibly know the unknowable.

And not only know it, but insist that our knowledge is certain and unchallengeable. That kind of certainty — that “belief” — is rejected by increasing numbers of Canadians, nowhere more so than here on the Wet Coast.

Huge numbers of Vancouverites believe that there is something greater than ourselves, but recognize as futile attempts to define it. This seems like a respectful approach to divinity or spirituality or whatever word we use to describe our relationship with the unknown.

There is still, of course, a significant number of Canadians who believe that their books represent the word of God. These

various scriptures are the foundations upon which our ancestors sought to make sense of the world around them — and many people still do, some very thoughtfully, some mindlessly. But according to this study, a large majority of us are not convinced they hold definitive answers to our infinite questions.

This and similar studies seem to suggest a drift away from religion. But maybe that’s not quite it. Maybe these attitudes represent a deepening of spiritual maturity. In at least some cases, it may be a sign of unprecedented spiritual questioning, which is not a rejection of theology or spirit or ritual, but a more advanced, critical approach to it.

Sometimes the greatest

wisdom is demonstrated by those who acknowledge what they don’t know.

There is enough fodder in the Angus Reid study itself for a series of columns. But given the evidence that an increasing number of Canadians are SBNR, I thought it would be cool to see what that means to people.

By definition, there is no way I could cover every permutation of this sort of individualized spirituality, so I am choosing a few that piqued my curiosity. I have already had my mind (and spirit) opened during my initial research. I hope you will also find in this exploration something that resonates.

And if you have an idea for inclusion in this series, shoot me an email. twitter.com/Pat604Johnson

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

news

School’s shaky future tops endangered list Heritage Vancouver releases annual Top 10

Naoibh O’Connor

noconnor@vancourier.com

Point Grey secondary school crowns Heritage Vancouver Society’s Top 10 most-endangered sites list for 2015.

The school, located at 5350 East Blvd. on the West Side, was completed in 1929. Townley & Matheson, who are known for designing city hall, designed it in the Collegiate Gothic style, which is uncommon in Vancouver. It was inspired by medieval Gothic architecture, according to Heritage Vancouver.

Point Grey is one of many Vancouver schools that’s at risk of severe damage in an earthquake. The VSB is exploring options for the school, which may include a seismic upgrade, a partial rebuild or a complete replacement.

Heritage Vancouver argues the main building should be maintained and upgraded, calling Point Grey “one of the most distinctive heritage high schools in Vancouver.”

Schools have often appeared on the conservation society’s watch list and some have already been lost.

Javier Campos, Heritage Vancouver’s president, said many items on the list act as poster children for larger issues.

“So [Point Grey] is a poster child for the idea of all of the schools. It’s not just Point Grey. It’s the fact that all of those old schools are endangered. It’s a long story of mismanagement of resources and the school board not having money from the [provincial] government,” Campos said. “And, compared to Victoria, which uses their money to upgrade seismically, Vancouver did a lot of deferred maintenance.

The provincial government is not paying for the maintenance and now it’s more expensive to actually keep a school and it’s cheaper to tear it down and build a new one.”

Not surprisingly St. Paul’s Hospital landed in second place on the society’s endangered list. In April, Providence Health Care announced plans to replace the historic West End hospital with a stateof-the-art building on an 18.5-acre site adjacent to

Point Grey secondary is one of many Vancouver schools that’s at risk of severe damage in an earthquake.

the city’s train station at Main and Terminal.

The fear is the Burrard Street building will be demolished and the land, assessed at $360 million, will be sold for development.

St. Paul’s also landed on Heritage Vancouver’s 2006, 2007, 2012 and 2013 endangered sites list.

“There are no laws or policies, or incentives, which compel the maintenance of institutional heritage,” the society points out. “It is a common tactic to stop maintenance on existing public buildings when a new building is desired.

We need only look at our historic schools to see this ongoing lack of maintenance... It is hard to make the case for a new building unless you find fault with the old one, leading to systemic deterioration.”

The organization maintains St. Paul’s could be adapted for office and support services or for unique residential uses as part of a future redevelopment on the existing site.

The remaining items on Top 10 list are: heritage churches, including Oakridge United (1949), Marine Gardens townhouses, Gastown, CBK Van Norman houses, the 100 block East Hastings, Terminal Avenue industrial buildings, Campbell and Hastings Street, and Commercial Drive.

Stewart Burgess, vice president of Heritage Vancouver, said one of the themes of the list is unrecognized assets, which is related to work the society is doing on the process that’s underway to update

the city’s heritage register as part of the Heritage Action Plan.

He said St. Paul’s has no protection right now, nor do some church buildings such as Oakridge United, which are not just architectural icons but community assets and social gathering spaces.

CBK Norman houses are being “demolished left and right,” along with many character homes in Vancouver, with little or no protection, Burgess added.

“Main and Terminal — the industrial buildings, which everyone drives by and looks at and, I think, appreciates them and their place in the city, but no one is aware they could disappear tomorrow if plans to develop East False Creek go ahead,” he said.

“So, I’d say, [the list] is tied to our work updating the register, trying to get some of these properties onto the register and get them some protection.”

Campos believes the city is moving forward in its efforts to protect heritage.

“The heritage action plan is a huge step forward.

We haven’t done anything about heritage in 25 years, so we’re dealing with 25-year-old ideas about how to save buildings,” he said. “So I think that’s the biggest thing that’s happening and I think the city took a big step forward in implementing the Heritage Action Plan.”

Heritage Vancouver’s 2015 Top 10 Endangered Sites bus tour is from 1 to 5 p.m., May 9. For more information and tickets, see heritagevancouver.org. twitter.com/naoibh

Recognize the people that make Vancouver excellent.

Featuring five award categories for youth and children, adults and organizations.

AWARD CATEGORIES ACCESSIBLE CITY CIVIC VOLUNTEER DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION GREENEST CITY LEADERSHIP HEALTHY CITY FOR ALL Awards will be presented at a ceremony in July 2015 Submit a nomination by 5 pm on Friday, May 8, 2015 at

vancouver.ca/awards-of-excellence For more information vancouver.ca/awards-of-excellence facebook.com/CityofVancouver twitter.com/CityofVancouver Phone 3-1-1 TTY 7-1-1

Nominations are welcome for children and youth 21 years old or younger.

A13

A14

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Feature

Musical sendoff on barber’s last day

Paul Wickett worked with Rick Caulfield for 10 years. He returned to Kitsilano Barbers Saturday to pay tribute to his friend and sing him a song. PHOTO REBECCA BLISSETT Caulfield and Ray Wood (in chair) worked together for 47 years at two different barber shops in Kitsilano. They’ve cut each other’s hair for the same period of time. Wood’s dad, Frank, gave Caulfield his first haircut at three years old. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

Continued from page 1 He always brought sliced oranges, made up like faces, to his kids.

“We got there one Sunday and he wasn’t there. My kids were all downhearted that the friendly man was gone. So when I heard Rick was retiring, I’d be damned if I was going to go through that again. I wanted to celebrate our relationship.”

So that’s what he did.

Special lunch

A few weeks ago, he picked up Caulfield at the barber shop in his convertible, top down. They drove to the yacht club.

The main floor was packed. So Cosulich suggested they dine upstairs. And guess who was up there?

“My family, my friends, the people I work with — all these people, it was amazing,” said Caulfield, in between haircuts on one of his last days at the shop last week. “I didn’t think it would be that upsetting, but it was. People were in tears.”

Video taken by one of the guests captured Cosulich’s speech. He delivered it from his seat at one end of a long table draped in white linen.

Caulfield and his wife were at the other end. They had all eaten lunch. Some guests were finishing their desserts.

After telling the story about Graham and the man

at the sushi restaurant, Cosulich turned his thoughts to his barber. He pointed out how Caulfield knew all his children and even his deceased dog’s name.

He talked about the tough times Caulfield endured when he went through a divorce and the challenge of raising two young boys, Steven and Ryan, who are now adults and were seated at the same table.

Then along came Heather, he said, a bundle of positive energy he met more than 20 years ago.

She, too, has two sons from a previous marriage, Sean and Chris, who became stepsons to Caulfield when he married their mother 16 years ago.

Caulfield’s friendly demeanour, he said, was a trait he appreciated. His easygoing nature reminded him of an uncle who had since died. By contrast, Cosulich added, he had rough edges, was opinionated and some people use a word to describe him that he wouldn’t repeat in mixed company.

“So when I thought about you retiring,” he told Caulfield, “I wanted to tell you that it’s been more than just a haircut.”

He went on to say how he doubted he could fill a room like the one they were in with such caring people

— a similar comment he made over the phone from San Francisco, when he said he wished he had a few less dollars and few more true friends.

He closed with this.

“So I wanted to celebrate you and our relationship because, as odd as it seems, you’re part of my life and important to me. And so I’m going to miss you.”

The video panned to Caulfield, who raised a glass.

“I’m going to miss you, too.”

Travelling man

The luncheon set the tone for what would be a reflective and emotional couple of weeks for Caulfield, who thought more and more about his career, his life and his customers as retirement day approached.

He was still clearly moved

by Cosulich’s generosity and friendship during the Courier’s visit.

“You know, he’s gone through my whole life with me — my divorce and stress and stuff like that. Usually, it’s the other way around and the customer tells me about that stuff. But not with Paul.

He’s just one of those guys.”

Left out of Cosulich’s speech was how Caulfield lost his parents, Ethel and James, when he was 12 years old (his father to cancer, his mother to a heart at-

tack). His brother Jim, who was 25 at the time, raised him until he was old enough to join the Navy.

Ray Wood, who attended the luncheon, knew that history. He also knew Caulfield started cutting hair in 1968.

That’s because Wood has worked with him for 47 years. In fact, Wood’s father, Frank, opened a barber shop in Kitsilano in 1946 and gave Caulfield his first haircut. He was three years old.

Wood, 70, owns Kitsilano Barbers and was in the shop last Friday and Saturday. So were barbers Sam Pybus, who has worked with both men for 20 years, and Nancy Posnikoff, who joined the shop almost four years ago.

After close to a half-century together, there’s not much Wood and Caulfield don’t know about each other. Like any good barber, they know how to listen, and when Caulfield went through his divorce and Wood’s wife died last year, they were there for each other.

“He knows all about my life and I know all about his, the good times and the bad,” said Wood, noting they’ve cut each other’s hair for 47 years. “You can’t work with someone for 47 years and not know about each other’s lives. But you know, we’ve never had any real problems between us.”

So what’s he think about

his old buddy calling it quits?

Caulfield, standing nearby, answered for him.

“He says I can’t go.”

Wood: “I’m in denial, I can’t believe it.”

Caulfield: “They figure I’m coming back.”

Wood: “Oh, he’s coming back for free haircuts, that’s for sure.”

Caulfield: “Yeah, I guess I’ve got to come back and keep track of these guys.”

Pybus overheard the exchange.

“I’ve never seen them fight. I’ve seen Rick raise his voice a few times because Ray is a bit of a procrastinator.”

Wood, laughing: “That’s too late for me to change that. Once you’re a procrastinator, you procrastinate about everything. I’m putting off dying, too.”

Posknikoff described Caulfield — who could pass for someone a lot younger than 71 — as the calming influence in the shop, which has eight full-time and part-time employees. Caulfield is also the guy who fixes the clippers, the toilet when it’s not working and the drains if they’re plugged.

He’s got one other speciality: He’s the shop’s expert on travelling, especially cruises. At a staff dinner last week, Pybus presented him with

a T-shirt that said “cruise master” on the front and a list of his 19 cruises on the back.

With Caulfield retiring, she jokes that she won’t have to listen to him talk incessantly with customers about his travels, which will continue in his retirement.

Europe, Hawaii and New Zealand are on his list.

“I work in the corner next to him and it’s always about what he’s doing prior to the trip, getting ready for the trip and then it’s like all about the trip. Every customer, it’s almost like repetition. I said to him one day, ‘Get a tape recorder and put it on, then you won’t have to say anything.’”

Posnikoff added to Pybus’ story.

“And with every conversation with his customers, there’s always the statement: ‘My wife always says, we’re here for a good time, not a long time.’”

Pybus: “I should have put that on the T-shirt.”

Another era

The barber shop is like most from its era, simple in its decor, with arborite counters, a linoleum floor, J big red barber chairs, a wall of mirrors and editions of Time and National Geographic stacked on a small table in the waiting area.

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A15

Feature

Caulfield and his wife, Heather, have been married 16 years. The couple met more than 20 years ago and each have two sons from previous marriages. The retiring barber gives hugs to his grandkids on his last day as a barber at Kitsilano Barbers. He has big plans to spend his retirement travelling, beginning with a trip to Europe. PHOTOS REBECCA BLISSETT

The faint sounds of a radio station coupled with the buzz of clippers and conversation provide the day’s soundtrack, all under banks of fluorescent lights.

What’s unique about the shop is the large black and white photographs of old Vancouver on the walls. There’s a shot of West Fourth and Yew from 1909, with a cop on horseback. A photo of the English Bay bathhouse hangs next to it. But the one image that gets the most attention is of Kitsilano pool, circa 1953.

It was taken at a time when swimming was free, when the pool was larger and lifeguards used lifeboats to monitor the activity in the water. The lifeguard in the boat that day, and prominent in the frame, was Caulfield’s brother, Jim. The 84-year-old retired law firm manager dropped into the shop last Friday morning, concealing a bottle of Crown Royal (in a box) under his coat. He pulled out the whiskey and gave it to his brother.

“Here, happy retirement,” he said, adding to his brother’s haul of rum, wine, scotch and other booze he received from customers in the last month.

“Thanks, bro.”

The elder Caulfield was there for his last haircut.

Well, his last haircut in the shop, anyway; little brother has promised to visit him at home to continue cutting his hair. (Their sister, Lillian, who was 19 years older than Rick, died several years ago.)

Although Rick joked that Jim was still his guardian, and he felt guilty about “all the stuff” he put him through as a kid, the conversation was all about days gone by at Kits pool.

“If you look at the pool today, there’s not many people in there,” said Jim, who worked nine summers at what was once one of the biggest salt water pools in the world. “That’s because it was free back then and you didn’t have all these rules that you have now. And you wonder why kids are not exercising today. That’s the story I want you to write.”

Rick accompanied Jim regularly to the pool and later became a lifeguard.

After their parents died, he moved in with Jim in Kerrisdale, where one night when washing dishes he got the message he was driving his brother and wife nuts.

“So I went and I signed up in the Navy, and I was gone,” he said, noting that he was a sonar technician for three years, working out of Nova Scotia.

When he left the Navy, he thought he’d give barbering a shot. The idea was that it was a job he could do anywhere in the world, although he laughs that he never worked outside of Kitsilano and didn’t begin travelling until 1991.

What’s kept him on the job for so long are the customers.

Cosulich is one them, of course. And he’s got a bit of tale on how he first met Caulfield. While working on a tugboat years ago in the Caribbean, the first mate snuck up behind him and cut off his ponytail. His hair, he said, resembled actor Carol Burnett’s for a while.

“When I came back into town, I went to a barber shop in Kerrisdale and I didn’t think much of them,” said Cosulich, whose family ran a tugboat business. “So I went driving around and found this barber shop in

Paul Cosulich was a customer of Rick Caulfield’s for more than 30 years. A few weeks ago, he held a surprise luncheon for his barber and friend, telling him how important he was in his life.

Kitsilano. And Rick’s been cutting my hair ever since.”

Don’t ask Caulfield how many customers he has, or how many heads of hair he’s cut in 47 years. Hundreds, thousands probably.

He’ll tell you they come from all walks of life — high school principals, labourers, business people, students.

They’ve included former premier Mike Harcourt, Lululemon founder Chip Wilson, Global anchor Chris Gailus and retired B.C. Lion Jamie Taras.

Mostly, it’s been regular folk looking for a good haircut at a reasonable price; when he began his career in 1968, he charged $2.50, now it’s $19.

Over the years, he’s seen the styles go from short to medium to long to military.

When asked which haircut he prefers doing, he pointed at a customer in Pybus’ chair, who was getting a closed-crop cut.

“Those ones,” he said.

“Just shave it off.”

He’s had some good

chats over the years with customers. But Caulfield learned not to talk politics or religion, saying “stay away from those two things and you’ll stay out of trouble.”

Talking sports almost got him in a jackpot 10 years ago. One morning, a young guy came in for a haircut. They got talking about the previous night’s Vancouver Canucks game.

The customer said he was at the game.

“I said they didn’t play too bad, that they won the game,” he recalled. “Another customer over there [in the waiting area] kept looking over at me and laughing. The guy left, then my other customer came over and said, ‘You didn’t know who that guy was did you?’ I said, ‘No.’ He laughed and said, ‘Good thing you didn’t say anything bad about the team because he played defence last night.’”

Caulfield can’t remember the player’s name. But he

knows the names of customers Tony Gill and Bill Miller, both of whom have been getting their hair cut from Caulfield or Wood for more than 30 years.

“It’s just consistent, reliable and I like Rick’s stories about his travels,” said Gill, a retired engineer who used to live in Kitsilano but now travels from Fairview Slopes for a haircut. “I do a lot of travelling, so we have a lot in common that way. I’ll miss him.”

Miller, a retired salesperson, said the old photographs on the wall remind him of being a kid. He pointed out the old fishand-chip shop at English Bay before his turn was up with Caulfield.

“You just get used to certain people and they’re nice people and they do a good job, so you keep coming back,” he said. “Rick’s a good guy and he’s always got a story to tell.”

Last cut

More customers poured in Saturday, his last day.

Staff posted a sign, decorated with balloons, on a wall at the front of the shop, congratulating Caulfield on his 47 years.

There was food, champagne and cake.

As the afternoon wore on, and he finished his last haircut — Mark Knight, a seven-year customer had the privilege — he cleaned out his drawer and stuffed his tools of the trade in a black carrying bag.

He placed it in his barber’s chair.

Then his seven-year-old grandson, Nathan, ran in the shop with more balloons. His wife Heather was right behind him, along with more family.

Paul Wickett walked in, guitar in hand.

The 66-year-old used to work with Caulfield for 10 years. He retired after he got diagnosed with cancer but pointed out he played soccer that morning.

Suzanne Cole, one of the longtime female customers of the shop, was there, too. She echoed what many said before her, saying she appreciated the family-type atmosphere and the staff’s welcoming spirit.

“That’s why I keep coming back,” she said over the sound of popping champagne corks. “It’s not pretentious, it’s a comfortable place, they’re very easygoing. We’re all going to miss Rick.”

For Caulfield, who looked around at his family and friends as he stood next to his barber’s chair, the floor underneath him visibly worn from standing in one spot all those years, he talked about what it was like to wake up on the day he would retire.

“You get up and say, ‘This is it, this is the last day.’ And to have all this, with family and friends and the luncheon, it’s quite a way to go out. I didn’t think this many people liked me.”

Wickett, guitar in hand, started strumming the chords to a Trooper song.

It was familiar to Caulfield and his wife, Heather, who shared that a day never goes by without them knowing “how lucky and blessed we are because life can change so fast.”

Wickett reached the chorus, and everybody joined in.

“We’re here for a good time, not a long time. So have a good time. The sun can’t shine every day.” twitter.com/Howellings

A16

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Pet of the Week

A gala to benefit the Canadian Diabetes Association May 21, 2015

Birks Downtown Vancouver 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm Join us as Baubles goes Bollywood!

A fun evening of fine food and wine, entertainment, exciting live and silent auctions, the Birks diamond necklace raffle and more.

For more information and to purchase tickets: info@baublesforbanting.ca baublesforbanting.ca 604.875.1775 BaublesforBanting

Name: Rosie (spotted pink) Winston (black)

Owner: Erin Phillips

Breed: Mini pigs mix of Juliana, mulefoot and potbelly breeds Age: 15 months

Been together: 13 months

Attributes: Their favourite things are food (almost anything, except for celery, mushroom and raw onions), belly scratches and cozy naps with lots of blankets. They dislike cold weather, being picked up and dogs that try to sniff their butts or play with them. They are very curious, intelligent and sensitive animals, each with a distinct personality. They can often be seen grazing and exploring in Fairview.

baubles4banting

The Courier wants to include your animal companion in Pet of the Week. Please send a clear photo of your pet — humans are welcome to be in photos as well — their breed, name, age, how long you’ve been together and any special attributes or idiosyncrasies they might have to sthomas@vancourier. com and we’ll publish as many as possible in print and online.

EXTRACTING B.C.’S NATURAL GAS TO PRODUCE LNG A SPECIAL SERIES ON LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS

Hydraulic fracturing is a tried and tested way of accessing natural gas.

18-150 metres:

Typical depth of potable water sources and domestic wells in B.C. Typical depth of a hydraulically fractured natural gas well in B.C.:

2,000-4,500 metres

100%

of natural gas wells have multiple layers of steel casing cemented in place to protect groundwater

85%

of all new natural gas wells in B.C. are hydraulically fractured

98.5%

of the fracturing fluid is a mixture of water and sand; the rest is additives, many of which are found in everyday household products

Hydraulic fracturing is not new to British Columbia. It has been used for nearly 60 years to extract natural gas safely and efficiently. The natural gas industry, including hydraulic fracturing, is regulated by the BC Oil and Gas Commission, which employs hydrologists, agrologists, geologists, reservoir engineers and environmental analysts who ensure that the industry is following B.C.’s laws and regulations. The Commission also hosts fracfocus.ca, a website that provides detailed and objective information about hydraulic fracturing in B.C. The BC LNG Alliance is the voice of British Columbia’s new LNG export industry. Our mission is to foster the growth of a safe, environmentally responsible and globally competitive LNG industry in British Columbia and Canada.

Connect with us: bclnga.ca

I 778.370.1392 I

@bclnga

I

in BC LNG Alliance

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A17

Living Tips for planting veggies GARDEN

Anne Marrison

amarrison@shaw.ca

Deciding on planting dates for warm weather veggies is trickier than usual this spring due to strangely unpredictable weather — but sowing runner beans once May starts is normally a safe bet because they withstand colder soil than snap beans.

Runner seed is usually available for pole beans only. They’re a dual purpose crop. You can run them up a trellis as a decorative screen and enjoy their masses of bright-red flowers. The long, large pods which follow taste good and freeze well.

Snap beans can be planted starting mid May. Unlike runner beans, all snap bean pods are stringless. Like all beans, snap bean plants need rich soil and lots of water. The heirloom “Kentucky Wonder” is usually available as pole bean seed only, but “Blue Lake” is available in pole or dwarf.

Snap beans can also be found with purple or golden pods. The purple ones turn green when cooked.

It’s useful to mulch all vegetables to hold moisture into the soil during our hot summers. But dwarf snap beans definitely need mulch more than most to avoid mudsplashes on the beans.

Zucchini seed can be sown from mid-May on.

Although planting them on a hill of good rich soil is the ideal situation for the most zucchinis possible, lots of gardeners end up with too many that got too big when they weren’t looking.

The crucial points about growing zucchini are: pro-

tecting young seedlings from slugs, watering the plants often and checking the crop every day. If (when) you end up with a giant zucchini pick it anyway and compost it. If you allow it to make seed, your supply of young zucchinis will cease.

Squash seedlings are just as attractive to slugs as zucchinis are. The safest protection of all is copper wraps or copper tape or popping bottomless plastic milk cartons or clear plastic juice containers over the baby plants.

Squash is grown much like zucchini on hills of good soil or compost heaps. The vining plants can also be grown up very sturdy trellises.

An alternative is growing in vegetable gardens guiding the squash runners with wooden pegs to run over beds where vegetables have matured and gone.

When the squash plant is removed, garlic or cover crops can go in.

Delicata is one of my favourite squashes: makes masses of small fruit just big enough for two people and freezes well. But heritage squash is worth trying. It keeps much longer than the newer types and has very rich flavours. Not perfect, though. Many are ribbed, have tough skins and are quite heavy. A wonderful crop for people with a cleaver (or a good wood axe) and strong muscles.

Tomatoes are an ideal crop for containers, and production soars if the container is large, at least 40 cm across. They need lots of water and good soil laced with compost or tomato food and topped with mulch. They love the warmth of a south or west wall and the shelter of a roof overhang.

The indeterminate types can grow huge and so bushy that tomatoes are hidden and don’t ripen.

Head this off at the pass by only letting the first two or three suckers grow.

Pinch off the rest.

Anne Marrison is happy to answer garden questions.

Send them to her via amarrison@shaw.ca. It helps if you add the name of your city or region.

National Supporter

Presented by

If someone you know is in pain,

don’t just stand there.

Walk with us Sunday, June 7, 2015.

Register and donate today at walktofightarthritis.ca THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Tomatoes are an ideal crop for containers, and production soars if the container is large.

get caught in our web…

vancourier.com

ARE YOU A

S o c ia l Wo rk e r ?

FIND OUT MORE: bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca

Change is coming to the profession of social work in BC

A18

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Community

See Jane’s Walks and learn

Shannon Lynch

shannonlynch815@gmail.com

This weekend, Spencer Lindsay will walk the talk.

Lindsay is an assistant for the annual Jane’s Walks Vancouver and a leader for the walks held in Vancouver and around the world from May 1 to 3.

“It’s a walking conversation,” he said. “It’s a way of collectively imagining what a better city would look like.”

The walks, which involve thousands of people in the Lower Mainland, honour Jane Jacobs by walking around their neighbourhoods. They occur every spring to celebrate the Pennsylvania-born activist who saw cities in a different light. Although she had no formal training as a planner, her ideas about how cities function, evolve and fail, which she wrote about in her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities, spurred modern day urbanists and architects to put her philosophies into practice. She wanted to foster connection by making cities more walkable, and for people to simply know about where they live.

This year, Vancouver has 25 Jane’s Walks planned, spanning from Coal Harbour to the Downtown Eastside.

Lindsay is leading Knowing the Land Beneath Our Feet: An Indigenous Tour of UBC this year. A recent grad of the Indigenous Community Planning program at the University of B.C. School of Community Planning, Lindsay wanted to con-

Spencer Lindsay will lead the walk Knowing the Land Beneath Our Feet: An Indigenous Tour of UBC as a part of this year’s Jane’s Walks in Vancouver. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

nect his walk to the tour he also leads around the UBC campus which educates students about the Musqueam Nation’s historical presence in the area.

“People were really keen on learning the natural, the indigenous and the settlement history of the neighbourhood,” said Lindsay, who has a deep interest in communities and city design and said that Jacobs was “very influential in the

planning field.”

“She changed the way we look at cities,” he said, noting her idea that walkable neighbourhoods improve communities is now common sense to planners and architects.

“In order to develop and envision what your city is going to look like, you can’t get that through architect models,” he said. “You really have to walk your city.”

Jane’s Walks take place

from May 1 to 3 in more than 100 cities worldwide, with 60 different walks across the Lower Mainland.

For Lindsay, changing the way neighbours interact with each other is what Jane’s Walks are all about.

“I think that’s really part of Jane Jacobs’ legacy,” he said. “We’re not only meeting neighbours, we’re not only learning historical tidbits, we’re connecting.”

Longtime North Surrey

resident Grant Rice took part in a Jane’s Walk last year in New Westminster. He liked that the walk revealed New West’s old railway.

“One of the fellas wore one of these conductor hats so that was kind of cool,” said Rice. After talking to the Jane’s Walks organizer in New West, he agreed he should lead one in his own neighbourhood near St. Helen’s Park.

“There’s a lot of interest-

ing stories and history and I’m hoping that’s how people will join in and share those stories with us,” said Rice.

As well as rallying against the Kinder Morgan pipeline, Rice joined others in 2006 to preserve the character of his neighbourhood by stopping the development of small vintage houses.

Rice thought leading a Jane’s Walk would be a good opportunity to show people his neighbourhood.

On his walk, Rice said people will discuss some of the new and old buildings along the way to generate ideas and input. He likes the historical part of the walks, but that it’s also about who joins.

“When people go on these walks they have different things to offer so there isn’t just one person speaking,” said Rice. “What I’m hoping to do with my walk is the same sort of thing where people will join into the walk and they may know some part of the history.” Though Jacobs’ vehement community activism is what has inspired him the most about Jane’s Walks, Rice said when residents discuss potential developments in the neighbourhood, people don’t necessarily talk about initiating change.

“It’s not so much about change I don’t think as it is about having people connect,” he said. “Going out for a walk with other people and connecting with other people and having conversations.” twitter.com/shannon1726

An open house you won’t want to miss.

You’re invited to our complimentary seminar. investing in rental property: A local perspective With current low interest rates and a hot rental market, you may be considering diversifying your portfolio with a rental property.

Our panel of financial, legal and property experts with local knowledge and extensive experience will provide the information you need.

Wednesday, May 6 7:00pm - 8:30pm (doors open 6:30pm) West Broadway Branch, BlueShore Financial 2212 West Broadway, Vancouver Refreshments and light appetizers will be served.

Seminars are complimentary, but space is limited. Register today.

Visit blueshorefinancial.com/seminars to register or call 604.982.8000.

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A19

News NDP accuse Libs of destroying key documents

The NDP accused the Liberals April 29 of flouting B.C.’s Freedom of Information law by withholding or destroying important government records.

For the second straight week, the Opposition produced documents that show one senior official denying the existence of records only to have another person release them.

NDP Leader John Hor-

gan, whose party highlighted three similar cases last week, said the documents paint a disturbing picture of increasing government secrecy.

“The government talks about being the most open and transparent government in Canada, and yet the evidence is completely counter to that,” he said.

Horgan said the NDP was even denied access to the training manual political staff use when deciding which records to keep and which to destroy. “I think

all British Columbians should be concerned when their government hides things from them,” he said.

In the latest case, the NDP asked for emails sent by Premier Christy Clark’s deputy chief of staff, Michele Cadario, over two three-day periods last November. The request produced a few heavily censored emails and little else.

A similar request to Clark’s chief of staff, Dan Doyle, produced more emails from Cadario for the same period.

“They weren’t transitory notes talking about lunch plans or dinner plans,” NDP critic Selina Robinson said. “They were proposals for providing legal representation for the families of the victims of the Babine mill explosion. They contained policy advice on Site C — records of important policy discussions.”

Robinson demanded to know why political staff “are either destroying or hid-

ing important government records and then claiming that they just don’t exist.”

Citizens’ Services Minister Amrik Virk was unable to shed any light on the issue.

He argued that the case merely shows that some officials are more efficient at destroying “transitory” emails than others. “Transitory records are temporary in nature and different people do manage them in different ways,” he said.

“The documents that need to be kept are kept.

That’s my expectation. The transitory records — those are not records that record key decisions and, as such, they’re temporary in nature and they’re managed in a different way.”

As for the training materials, Virk said he was unsure why the Opposition was denied access and would investigate.

—Lindsay Kines

A20

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Community

HEAVY MEDALS: The Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, recognizes an individual’s outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. The Canadian Club of Vancouver recently staged its annual Order of Canada luncheon to celebrate the program’s recent B.C. honourees.

For the first time, members were joined by recipients of the province’s highest honour of induction, the Order of British Columbia. More than 150 guests — some of the city’s top movers and shakers — filed into the ballroom for the royal affair. Yours truly presided over the event, presented by Lawson Lundell. Former prime minister Kim Campbell, a member of both orders, was the afternoon’s keynote. Among the luminaries feted were Order of Canada recipients Dr. Julio Montaner and Dr. Olav Slaymaker and Order of B.C. inductees Bob Rennie and Leslie Diamond.

LIFT OFF: New age guru, philosopher and author Deepak Chopra headlined Lift, the Children Foundation’s third annual gala. The charity’s founder John Volken welcomed nearly 400 guests, who paid up to $2,000 a-ticket to attend the fundraising event with the spiritual leader. Chopra first signed books and held an intimate discussion with VIPs at an exclusive reception staged at the Pan Pacific Hotel before making his way to the main ballroom for the humanitarian dinner emceed by Pamela Martin. A well-heeled crowd gathered to generate funds to assist more than 10,000 African children in 80-plus orphanages become self-sufficient through sustainable agricultural production and education.

CARE GIVERS: Cause We Care Foundation is a Vancouver-based charitable foundation created by women for needy single mothers and their children. Founder Andrea Hill hosted the organization’s inaugural cocktail party at the Equinox Gallery. Opting to skip the televised Canucks playoff hockey game, 300 guests attended the Hawksworth-catered affair to learn more about the fledgling charity and support school programs at inner city schools.

email yvrflee@hotmail.com twitter @FredAboutTown

Province contributor Susie Wall and Cause We Care founder Andrea Hill fronted the foundation’s first-ever cocktail party shindig in support of after school programs for needy moms and their children.

Philanthropist John Volken and his wife, Chawna, hosted Lift the Children Gala before opening the doors to an $80-million treatment facility in Surrey that bears his name.

Earls restaurant chefs, from left, Ryan Stone, Phil Gallagher, Brian Skinner, Hamid Salimian and David Wong cooked up $7,000 for the Rainier Hotel Women’s Recovery Shelter at A Better Life Foundation benefit dinner

Lawson Lundell partner Michael Lee welcomed former prime minister Kim Campbell to the Canadian Club of Vancouver’s annual Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia luncheon held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Lift the Children director Abdul Ladha welcomed spiritual leader Deepak Chopra to the organization’s marquee fundraiser to provide more than 10,000 African children in 80-plus orphanages with the necessities of a better life.

Save on Meats owner Mark Brand’s A Better Life Foundation’s latest Greasy Spoon Diner Series benefitted Maija McLean, left, and Nicole Wheelhouse’s Rainier Hotel Women Recovery Shelter. Proceeds provided two months of meals for women in recovery.

Philanthropists Bob Rennie, left, and Lorne Segal were among the latest Order of B.C. recipients feted at the celebration lunch.

Vancouver Restaurant Awards emcee Gloria Macarenko and Café Medina executive chef Jonathan Chovancek celebrated Lauren Mote’s Bartender of the Year accolade.

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

Travel

A21

View my video with

Friedrich H.G. Brumm, D.D., B.A. Denturist 27yrs exp

All our Dentures and Services are TAX FREE! NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

NO REFERRAL NEEDED.

The Globe Museum’s elegant presentation of its globes lets visitors appreciate them as works of art as well as information tools.

PHOTO JOHN MASTERS/MERIDIAN WRITERS’ GROUP

www.mydentures.ca

Vienna museum has global appeal John Masters

Meridian Writers’ Group

Vienna—It makes sense, if you think about it, a museum devoted to globes sharing space with one about the artificial language Esperanto. Both exist to bind the world together.

The two are in a mansion on Herrengasse, a block north of the Hofburg, the old imperial palace, and a block south of the Café Central, one of Vienna’s most splendid coffee houses. Even with this great location, the museums are seldom busy.

A pity, since both have something to offer. The Globe Museum contains the world’s largest public collection of globes, more than 200, some going back to the 16th century when much of the world was just learning it was round.

There are orbs of the earth, the moon, Mars, Venus and the heavens. There are ones that skip political boundaries and instead show transport routes, tectonic plates or meteorological patterns, and others that are mechanical or inflatable, glow from within or are made of black slate so you can chalk up the continents yourself.

You learn that in other eras constellations had different names.

“During the period of the Enlightenment,” says the audio guide, “constellations were named after mechanical devices or technological discoveries, such as ‘electricity generator’ or ‘balloon,’” The International Union of Astronomy put a stop to that in the 1920s, capping the number of constellations at 88 and standardizing their names.

There are two rare globes by 16th century cartographer Gerardus Mercator, who gave us the Mercator projection still used today

to plot spherical surfaces on flat maps. A touchscreen lets you overlay the coastlines as they appear on a modern globe with where Mercator had them in 1541, revealing how inaccurate he could be. On the overlay, the toe of Italy is east of Greece and Iceland is directly north of itself.

The museum’s strongest suit is the beauty of its presentation — it lets you appreciate these globes as works of art. Of special note is a side room reserved for two large globes by Vincenzo Coronelli (1650-1718).

On their ornate stands they are as high as an adult.

Coronelli made globes for royalty — no European court could be without one.

For France’s Louis XIV, he made two, each a vast 3.84 metres in diameter. After Coronelli, says the audio guide, “no globe maker was ever to acquire such fame.”

Downstairs, the Esperanto Museum tells a bit of the history of the world’s most successful artificial language, devised in 1887 by Ludwik Zamenhof of Poland. Leo Tolstoy was an early, avid supporter. On the other hand, Hitler banned it and Stalin had Esperanto speakers taken out and shot.

The museum covers more than Esperanto. A touchscreen has information (and aural examples) on a dozen other made-up tongues, including Klingon. Solresol is the most unusual: its basic elements are the seven notes of a musical scale. Combined, they make sentences that can be said, sung or played. Dore dosolla dolaresi, for example, means “I drink wine.”

Sadly, there’s no gift shop, which would be a natural, you’d think, selling gift globes and Esperanto textbooks.

For more information, visit tonb.ac.at.

Every step helps build our community

VA N C O U V E R

June 28, 2015

H A L F - M A R A T H O N & 5k

Pace, stride, endurance.

Every kilometre you run can earn donations for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. The Challenge raised over $7.3 million last year, helping build stronger communities across Canada. Together, we’re building a Bright Future for everyone.

Run in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k and register for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at VancouverHalf.com to start raising funds.

®

Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.

A22

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

This

. . . n r a e , 5 y a M , y a d s Tue th

f f o 0 1 %

Your base AIR MILES

®

®

20x

OR

✝ se! cha pur y cer gro reward miles on a minimum $35

Shop Safeway during our Customer Appreciation Day this Tuesday, May 5th and choose either

10% off or 20x your base AIR MILES® reward miles on a minimum $35 grocery purchase!*

*Offer valid Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 at your Safeway Stores. Minimum grocery purchase of $35 required. Offer earn 10% off your eligible grocery purchase or earn 20 AIR MILES® reward miles for every $20 spent on eligible grocery purchase. Limit of one offer per household. Some conditions and exclusions apply. See your Safeway store for complete list of exclusions. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Safeway.

DONATE T ODAY for your chanc e to win

100,000 AIR MIL ES mreilewas rd ®

Donate $2 get 5 Bonu s AIR MILES WITH EVERY DONATIO N YOU WI ONE GRAN LL BE ENTER D PRIZE OF ED TO WI 100,000 AIR N MILES REW OFFER VALID ARD MILES. MAY 1 – MA Y 17, 2015

®

C R E AT E A F U T U R E WITHOUT

BREAST CANCER

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

Arts&Entertainment

A23

GOT ARTS? 604.738.1411 or events@vancourier.com

1

May 1 to 5, 2015 1. Expect things to get soulful when Israel’s Ester Rada comes to town. Drawing comparisons to Aretha Franklin, Eryka Badu, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott, Rada and her band blend everything from funk and soul to R&B and “Ethio-jazz” showcasing the singer’s Israeli-born Ethiopian heritage.

Hear for yourself when Rada performs at the Imperial, May 2. Tickets and details at chutzpahfestival.com, or call 604-257-5145.

2

3

2. First performed three years ago in Vancouver, one-woman show Dissolve returns May 5 to 9 at Granville Island’s Studio 1398. Emmellia Gordon stars in the hilarious and heartbreaking tour de force about the decidedly un-funny topic of sexual assault. Gordon earned Outstanding Actress nods for the role at last year’s Jessie Awards. Tickets at vancouverfringe.com.

Details at shamelesshussy.com.

3. Waxahatchee’s latest Merge Records release, Ivy Tripp, is a bruiser of an album — at times tender and pretty, then ragged and rockin’ without missing a beat. The solo project of Long Island by way of Alabama musician Katie Crutchfield, Waxahatchee plays an early show at the Biltmore, May 2.

GIRLPOOL and Knife Pleats open. Tickets at Red Cat, Zulu, Highlife and ticketweb.ca.

4. A hit at last year’s Vancouver International Fringe Festival, Preggoland was written by and stars Vancouver’s Sonja Bennett as a 35-year old woman whose high school friends have moved onto motherhood while she’s still wants to party. Shot in Vancouver and directed by Jacob Tierney, the film also stars James Caan and Danny Trejo. It opens May 1 at International Village.

4

A24

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Arts&Entertainment

What You Need to Know About Insulin

KUDOS & KVETCHES

Our Pharmacist can help answer your questions about: • Types of Insulin and how they work • Hypoglycemia - treatment and prevention • Checking Blood Glucose Levels - how and why • Injection Technique - review of proper technique • Insulin Delivery Devices

Data dearest

Appointments are 20 minutes in duration, and space is limited, so BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT.

Arbutus Safeway Pharmacy

West Broadway Safeway Pharmacy

Monday, May 4, 2015 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Monday, May 4, 2015 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Please call for an appointment

Please call for an appointment

109 - 4255 Arbutus Street

2733 W Broadway

(604) 732-5030

(604) 731-9611

'&%$ #" !9753 '71/-

#"!!

4) 2&0.,* <

JF?QTR (EF<UR!TQEF

+)(;:88;868: 604-679-9988

Expertise Science-Based 2BP#&Q<# in ?F WD?#FD#A)T<#9 3T!U&TR 8#TR!V Natural Health(T&# Care N?D#F<#9 3T!U&EPT!V?D Licensed Naturpathic 1VG<?D?TF Physician )'(' <?FD# in?FB.C. since.--" 1997

'&%$ #%"!9$7 5%3111 ('&%$##$"! =$:7#!: 41.$ ,$$" *,!1)"$C A=*? A*##*<)"9 6=30)<1")-: "1!7=*+1!4)% 1C.)%$333 ?E 4$1#!4 41: )?+=*.$C !=$?$"C*7:#E D :!=*"9#E =$%*??$"C$C3B CEBTFF# A )(

S @E>#F=<+ ;#F=< : (V?R9&#F=< 8#TR!V S 7EE9 6RR#&%G )REE9 5#<QF% S ;#<E!V#&TPG O N?PE9?<<ERM# LE& (#RRUR?!# : W!UKKE&F 7T! S J'I' I?!T>?F : (V#RTQEF 5V#&TPG S @#?%V! HT?FONE<<+ 4?TK#!#< S 5VG&E?9 4?<E&9#&<+ 8T?& NE<<+ 6REP#D?T S 6U!E?>>UF# 9?<E&9#&<+ @#T, J>>UF?!G+ (63(2C S 6RR#&%?#<+ 6<!V>T+ ;?%&T?F#< S ;#FEPTU<#+ 1;W+ JFL#&QR?!G

(@4$" > 41C ?E :!*?1%4 =$?*.$C ;.$ ?*"!4: 19* A*= %1"%$=8 > <1: 7"1,#$ !* $1!8 C)9$:! 1"E A**C +=*+$=#E 1"C > <1: 1 !*!1# <=$%53 241"5: !* E*7 A*= C$.$#*+)"9 1 !=$1!?$"! +#1" > 1? "*< A=$$ *A 1"E :E?+!*?: 1"C 41.$ "$.$= A$#! ,$/$=FB (T&R+ $" A )(

S (U<!E>?0#9 : JF9?M?9UTR?0#9 5&#T!>#F!< S 6FB?#!G+ 4#P&#<<?EF+ WR##P P&EKR#><+ 7TQ%U# S 2D0#>T+ 1<E&?T<?<+ 8?M#<+ 6DF# S 8#T&!KU&F+ JF9?%#<QEF+ (EF<QPTQEF S (ER?Q<+ (#R?TD 4?<#T<# S /<!#ET&!V&?Q<+ CV#U>T!E?9 6&!V&?Q<+ HEU! S 8#T&! 4?<#T<#+ 8?%V )REE9 1&#<<U&#O(VER#<!#&ER S 6484+ 6UQ<>

.-!! #%-,)9*

)('&&%#!$".-, +",*

***'%#!V#TR!VGFE*'DT

080613

/-1 +)(%9); :158; 6/

6%$4-20%$&)8 #&37)8)%9

You might think that a newspaper like the Vancouver Courier is all about words. But we’re also about numbers. Namely, Internet numbers: web hits, unique page views, shares, engagement times, retention rates, calorie counts, length, girth.

We may have made a few of those up.

Which is why we’ve been paying close attention as of late to what kind of stories reach the most people on the Internet. Turns out there often isn’t any rhyme or reason for what appeals to online readers. This week was particularly insightful for its lack of insight. One of our most-read stories this week was a video of a coyote walking down a Mount Pleasant sidewalk in broad daylight.

Until Wednesday it was our second most-watched video on our YouTube site — second only to a video we did on a Musqueam hip-hop artist a few years ago. Those two videos, however, have been eclipsed by our video (widely re-used by other media) that we posted of Mayor Gregor Robertson wearing a Calgary Flames jersey while reading a poem written by Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi after losing a bet on which city’s hockey team would advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Then of course, there’s the ever-popular Year in the Stars horoscope feature every January, which

To appeal more to the Courier’s online audience, K&K is launching a new horoscope written by a Calgary Flames-loving coyote.

regularly makes our annual list of most read stories on our website.

So what can we extrapolate from all this data? Our online readers are really into coyotes, and hockey poetry, but only if read aloud by a handsome municipal leader in a Flames jersey.

And they are astrologically predisposed to reading horoscopes. Which probably means most of them are Virgos. Or Mercury is in retrograde again. Damn you, Mercury in retrograde!

All of which is a roundabout way of introducing K&K’s upcoming series:

Poetic horoscopes written by a Calgary Flames-loving coyote. Here’s a sample: ••• Pisces, the night cloaks you as you build a den for your pups who paw at your tired teats with the tenacity of Johnny Gaudreau.

Root, root, root out voles with your pointy snout as if it were a puck languishing in the corner.

Avoid conservation officer man as he tries to lure you into his cage.

And lay off the neighbourhood cats, those delicious neighbourhood cats, if you know what’s good for you.

But you don’t.

Because you are wild Wild like the night that bathes your canine bones in darkness, Wild like Hiller’s Darth Vader goalie helmet Wild like Michael Ferland mowing down that limping fawn Kevin Bieska Ahooooooooo! twitter.com/KudosKvetches

FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015 UBC THUNDERBIRD STADIUM Kid’s Mile: 6:30pm

Homestay...

an international experience at home The English Language Institute is recruiting English-speaking families to host students for its August 2015 short-term program.

You must be willing to include students in daily family activities.

Remuneration is $35 per night.

eli.ubc.ca/homestay 604.822.1536

All Kid’s Mile runners receive

A post-run meal with hot dogs, ice cream, cookies, chips and juice

Get to enjoy

The on-site entertainment and a fun Run Jump & Throw Program

All finishers in the Kid’sMile receive A gift bag filled with goodies

ADULTS & OLDER CHILDREN CAN PARTICIPATE INTHE Longest Day 5k & 10k 5K: 6:45pm – 10K: 7:05pm

OVER 70 PRIZESTOWIN

Donate to the JDRF for a chance to win a TofinoVacation provided by:

A CARIBOO GETAWAY C/O:

Register at: thunderbirdstrack.org or at

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

Arts&Entertainment

“GROUNDBREAKING”

—New York Magazine

A25

EVERY SHOW

ARTS BRIEFS

2 .

2 er $

US PL Can

ov rg ow

NOW PLAYING!

ARTSCLUB.COM 604.687.1644 the cast. photo by david cooper

Last weekend, while the Vancouver Courier was taking home a combined total of 10 gold, silver and bronze statues at the 2015 Ma Murray community newspaper awards competition for B.C. and Yukon publications, Courier contributor Aaron Chapman was honoured in a different arena.

The author, musician and frequent chronicler of Vancouver’s show biz past received the Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award at the 31st annual B.C. Book Prizes gala for his book Live at the Commodore: The Story of Vancouver’s Historic Commodore Ballroom, published by Arsenal Pulp Press. According to the press release, “the award is presented to the originating publisher and author(s) of the best book in terms of public appeal, initiative, design, production, and content.” Chapman’s previous book documented the colourful history of the Penthouse nightclub.

Other B.C. Book Prize awards and winners include: • Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize: Aislinn Hunter, The World Before Us (Doubleday Canada) • Roderick Haig-Brown Regional Prize: Richard Beamish, Gordon McFarlane (editors), The Sea Among Us: The Amazing Strait of Georgia (Harbour Publishing) • Hubert Evans NonFiction Prize: Eve Joseph, In the Slender Margin: The Intimate Strangeness of Death and Dying (HarperCollins Publishers Ltd) • Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize: Cecily Nicholson, From the Poplars (Talonbooks) • Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize: Roy Miki, Slavia Miki, Julie Flett (illus), Dolphin SOS (Tradewind Books) • Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize: Maggie de Vries, Rabbit Ears (HarperCollins

presenting sponsor

playing at

GROUPS SAVE MORE!

WEDNESDAY MAY 6 7:30PM Courier contributor Aaron Chapman won the Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award at the B.C. Book Prizes gala for his book Live at the Commodore: The Story of Vancouver’s Historic Commodore Ballroom. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

Publishers Ltd) • Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excel-

!

lence: Betty Keller.

More details at bcbookprizes.ca.

Hidden Charms Presents

!

— Every second Wednesday —

Alice MacKay Room

VPL CENTRAL LIBRARY

FREE!

REGISTER AT WRITERSFEST.BC.CA

RUSSELL SMITH

Featuring Russell Smith, Adam Lewis Schroeder and Kristi Charish.

Vancouver Public Library www.vpl.ca

SAT. MAY 9th $10 doors 8PM

SHOW 9PM

The hi-strung Downers DYLAN RYSSTAD & THE COUNTRY MILES

LANA LOU’S Rock & Roll Eatery !

!

3 62 P OW E L L ST R E E T ! VA N CO U V E R ! B .C . ! C A N A D A

POSTER OF THE WEEK

Show: Rock & Roll Circus, the High-Strung Downers, Dylan Rysstad and the Country Miles, May 9 at Lana Lou’s.

Poster artist: Richie Ranchero of Calgary’s Ranchero Design brings the circus to town with this sweet looking poster.

n! li lio M

HEROES WELCOME DRAW! D EN K EE W T S LA H O M ET O W N Grand Prize Options including Million Cash $1.8 6 HEROES for

DLINE cash... OR take $20,000 CASH... DEA Choose a $10,000 vacation, includes $12,000 MIDNIGHT MAY 8th Visit

the beautiful Morgan Creek home: 15936 39A

Avenue, South Surrey.

Open daily 11am to 5pm

HeroesLottery.com

604 648 4376 Best ticket prices ever : 3 for only $60 Buy more, Save more!

Winner will choose 1 prize option; other prize options will not be awarded. Details/Rules of Play: HeroesLottery.com

BC PROFESSIONAL FI REFIGHTERS’ BURN FUND

LOT TERY L VGH & UB C HOSPITA FOUNDATION

Chances are 1 in 442,200 (total tickets for sale) to win a grand prize.

BC Gaming Event Licence #73695

Chances are 1 in 566,100 (total tickets for sale) to win the 50/50 grand prize

BC Gaming Event Licence #73696

Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111 www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Know your limit, play within it.

19+

A26

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Arts&Entertainment New Avengers battles for short attention spans Despite abundance of special effects, latest superhero saga lacks cohesion MOVIE REVIEW Julie Crawford

jcrawfordfilm@gmail.com

In The Avengers: Age of Ultron, the cinematic cautionary tale flavourof-the-month is artificial intelligence and its benefits, if any. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) finds out the hard way that when you set up a program built around the credo “peace in our time” (with a nod to Neville Chamberlain), the outcome may well be that it is the humans who need to be annihilated in the name of a peaceable planet.

The gangs all here, reunited from 2012’s Avengers movie and engaging in a dizzying battle in the forest at the base of a Hydra stronghold. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is throwing his mighty hammer around, Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) is throwing his weight around, Captain America (Chris Evans) is playing deadly Fris-

The gang’s all back in the battle-heavy action flick The Avengers: Age of Ultron.

bee with that shield of his, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) is letting arrows fly and Black Widow (Scarlett Johannson) is doing whatever it is she does, to deadly effect.

With Iron Man providing air support, they finally clear the stronghold only to find that Hydra has been dabbling in a little artificial intelligence and a lot of human experimentation, so now the team has got two deadly powerful Slavic orphans (Ashley Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson) to contend

with. But at least they’ve returned with Loki’s scepter, which is of paramount importance for reasons I’ve forgotten from the last film.

Meanwhile, back at the lab — and every good superhero movie should contain that phrase —Tony has been letting his ego get the best of him again by dabbling in some artificial intelligence work of his own. He’s already got Jarvis, his nearly omnipotent computer program, but after the lights go out Ultron is born,

in a scene as mystifying as that ulterior dimension scene in Interstellar.

Marvel’s relationship to Disney allows Ultron to sing “There are No Strings on Me” (from Pinocchio) to creepy effect.

And here’s a prophetic piece of filmmaking: jaded moviegoers have watched humans tear humans apart and robots smash robots to bits, so the next logical step is to see weightless, spaceless computer programs fry each other’s superbrain.

Ultimate fighting is so last century, don’t you know.

There’s an Iron ManHulk battle, a battle at a cocktail party (where Stan Lee makes his trademark appearance), the battle in the castle, a motorcycle chase/battle on a freeway, an Ultron army fight, and a battle on a big ol’ chunk of land floating in midair. This is undoubtedly Marvel’s most combative film yet.

There’s barely time for Captain America to chastise his team for their saucy language (parents take note: first word of dialogue in the film is a naughty one). Or for a burgeoning romance, long enough to pause the fighting but not so much that you think you’re watching a Nicholas Sparks movie.

There’s a welcome respite at one Avenger’s family homestead, which made me long for simpler times watching Superman and Uncle Harry out in the barn.

The plot is far less cohesive than the visual effects (which create a more

BALLET BC CHOREOGR APHY

CHOREOGR APHY

SET

SET

EMILY MOLNAR

Omer Arbel MUSIC

Jeremy Schmidt

GUSTAVO RAMIREZ SANSANO Luis Crespo MUSIC

Igor Stravinsky

MAY 7-9,2015

QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE TICKETMASTER.CA | BALLETBC.COM JOIN THE BALLET BC E-LIST:

balletbc.com

DANCER DARREN DEVANEY. PHOTO MICHAEL SLOBODIAN.

detailed world than ever, architecturally in particular). A schism within the Avengers seems forced.

Hallucinations among the group confuse things. And I got lost at the mention of a whole bunch of jewels after Thor’s dip in a pool.

Writer-director Joss Whedon throws in references to Banksy and Eugene O’Neill in order to make you feel less guilty about what sometimes feels like a very, very advanced game of Rock‘Em Sock‘Em Robots.

The battle in Sokovia is the highlight, of course, and is why I vote for the name of the film to be changed to Avengers: Age of Ritalin.

Thank goodness for yet another non-human creation who appears towards the end of the saga (voiced

by Paul Bettany). In a film that’s all CG flash, he speaks with good old-fashioned substance, the only one to make sense of it all.

The Avengers: Age of Ultron opens Friday at Fifth Avenue, Scotiabank and Dunbar.

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A27

START NOTHING: 6:49 p.m. Monday to 4:13 a.m. Tuesday, 10:51 a.m. to 11:16 a.m. Thursday, and 1:35 p.m. to 4:22 p.m. Saturday.

PREAMBLE: Mercury retro: In case I forget to mention it in your weekly forecast below, Mercury turns retrograde May 18 through June 11, so we all should, even now, focus more on completing projects than on starting big new ones. If you start anything now, make sure it’s something you can complete well before then. (E.g., plant the garden now, but don’t start extensive renovations.) Every time there’s a Mercury retrograde, I always receive a few panicked emails, telling me that the writer, unemployed, has been offered a job and shouldn’t they take it? Yes, of course, rent has to be paid and food bought. But think of such a job as temporary, as it will turn out that way, perhaps after some months, even after a year or three. If you’re a professional concerned with your career’s future, and you can exist for awhile on savings, it would be better to wait, and return to your job search after June 11.

Continue to chase money and to seek out bargains, Aries. But keep the lid on spending —you’re likely too fast and loose with money now. Your friendship zone brightens this week, as affectionate conversations and short trips spring up. (And remember one thing: you’re lucky in romance and creative ventures until midAugust.) decoration or gardening — but act quickly, as May 18 brings a slow-down and indecision.

Life holds many secrets, and you can discover some valuable ones. But there’s a catch: if you do go this route, if you research or investigate, you’ll probably find “innocent” secrets and other ones that tempt you to invest or to lust. Avoid these. It’s easy to tell: if (before May 12) your searching discovers something you can use for profit or personal satisfaction, it is probably wrong and will turn to bite you. If it just makes you think, “Huh! Never knew that,” then it’s a good secret.

Your energy, charisma, clout and effectiveness remain at a yearly high. Start important things, tackle tasks that formerly intimidated you, see and be seen, impress people, ask favours — they’ll be granted, within reason! However, realize a slow-down and “backward trend” will start in mid May (technically May 18) so make sure your new projects are short-term, and can be completed (or at least solidly placed on “stage one”) in the two weeks ahead.

You start this week with vim and vigor, and high charisma. Start things, but avoid launching any venture which can’t be completed in 7 to 10 days. (May 18 to June 11 bring indecision, second thoughts, and interminable delays — not a good atmosphere for a fledgling project. Financial and intimacy-oriented — sexual — ventures will be most vulnerable to this slowdown.)

Continue to lie low, rest, contemplate and plan. Face yourself: what have you done right, what wrong, and what has brought you to your present stage? Your charisma is low (notice how people don’t return your phone calls) so stay out of popularity contests and any competitive or hustle-bustle scene. Be spiritual, and charitable toward others and yourself. Despite all this, some people find you attractive, mostly those younger than you.

Work, work, work – ugh. Well, just plunge in and get it done.

However, don’t take on new jobs, and shun what might seem to be creative work. Also, avoid starting a big project that you can’t reasonably finish in a week, for a period of delay, indecision and “wandering steps” looms, from May 18 to June 11. (An old flame or former spouse might re-appear around that time. If so, maintain an attitude of scepticism.)

Protect your health; eat and dress sensibly.

Wishes can come true, Cancer! The days ahead bring a boost in popularity, social delights, flirtation and friendly romance, entertainment, optimism and bright plans for the future.

You might have a good, clean plan of action, and another one that promises a bigger, easier reward, but something’s subtly wrong with it. Pick the first goal/plan. Much talk, paperwork arises in administration, management, or government-related zones, this month and next.

You’re riding a winning streak, Cap. Romance, beauty, pleasure, creative and speculative ventures, charming kids, sports and games bring you luck now to late May. Thursday begins a four-week streak of affectionate relations, also, in love, marriage, business, even in dealings with the public. Others will be gracious, receptive. Career opportunities might wink at you – wink back!

Be ambitious, but avoid all unsavory methods. You are so lucky this year that rejection by one source will lead to acceptance by (or your stumbling onto) an even better source. Unless, that is, you withdraw and brood; then nothing good comes. Life rewards those who live it. Your friends are plentiful and in evidence, a great thing but don’t let them talk you into a long project that will surely stall within a few weeks.

The accent remains on home, family, garden, nutrition, Mother Nature, security, real estate, foundations and retirement. Take many naps. As you settle down and contemplation comes, look at your life, consider who and what is growing, and who/what is stale, has outlived their “stay.” Prune your life, projects and relationships like a garden. Don’t start big new projects (e.g., landscaping, renovations) as a slow-down looms, May 18 to June 11.

You feel mellow and wise. You see the connections between abstract things, such as law and order, love and marriage. The accent remains on far travel, intellectual pursuits, law, cultural scenes and rituals, and life philosophy. Be a little cautious about plunging into any of these things –—a trip abroad, a university entrance, and (especially!) a lawsuit. Realize that a period of indecision and delay starts soon (technically, May 18, but you’ll see it earlier) so don’t start big projects now.

It’s a busy time, but not an important one. Dive into phone calls, emails, errands, paperwork, and all those small things. Make a huge list, and go until it’s all crossed out. (In about a week — technically May 18, but you’ll feel it sooner — a 24-day period will arrive that can cause real chaos with just the things you’re handling — mail, calls, paperwork, etc.) A domestic situation or puzzle might confront you: if so, be patient, let it solve itself (by late June, maybe July).

Monday: Will Arnett (45). Tuesday: Michael Palin (72). Wednesday: George Clooney (54). Thursday: Sydney LeRoux (25). Friday: Don Rickles (89). Saturday: Candice Bergen (69). Sunday: Linda Evangelista (50).

LEAN CUTS OF SIRLOIN ARE AGED A MINIMUM OF 21-28 DAYS MARINATED SIRLOIN STEAKS

ONLY

5 VARIETIES

3

$ 50

4 STEAKS x 170 g/6 oz

1399 save 6

PER STEAK

$

THE BEST RIBS YOU’VE EVER TASTED GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK

“FALL OFF THE BONE”® PORK BACK RIBS

JUST-OFF-THE-COB FLAVOUR! PEACHES & CREAM CORN 1 kg/2.2 lb

499

• Smoky Barbecue • Tangy Barbecue 680 g/1.5 lb

11save 3 99

$

GARLIC & PARMESAN POTATO WEDGES Tangy Barbecue

750 g/1.65 lb

ALL PRICES IN EFFECT FRIDAY, MAY 1 UNTIL THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.

Prices of products that feature the MAX special logo are exclusive to registered M&M MAX customers. Simply present your MAX card,or sign up for a FREE MAX membership in-store or online, to take advantage of these MAX discounts.

Visit mmmeatshops.com for individual store hours.

599

A28

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

ALL

25,000

CHECKOUT LANES OPEN GUARANTEED 10AM-6PM

!

!

20,000 points mininum redemption

AVAILABLE AT SELECT GARDEN CENTRE LOCATIONS

baked fresh

in-store

2

77

Smokehouse sliced side bacon

Phlox

assorted varieties, 15 cm

6

That’s $25 in rewards.

Offer valid Friday, May 1st to Thursday, May 7th, 2015

unless we are unable due to unforseen technical difficulties.

99

†

† When you spend $250 or more in store before applicable taxes and after all other coupons, discounts or PC® Points redemptions are deducted, in a single transaction at any participating store location [excludes purchases of tobacco, alcohol products, prescriptions, gift cards, phone cards, lottery tickets, all third party operations (post office, gas bars, dry cleaners, etc.) and any other products which are provincially regulated], you will earn the points indicated. Product availability may vary by store. We are not obligated to award points based on errors or misprints.

†

†

when you spend $250 in store.

500 g 20138827

ea

Reser’s salads selected varieties, 425-454 g 20316544

1

97

ea

hot dog or hamburger buns

white or whole wheat, pkg of 12 20788877

5

00

2/

OR

3.28 EACH

ea

5

00

4/

red mangoes product of Mexico 20059635001

OR

1.47 EACH

2

PACKAGE OF 3 Romaine hearts product of USA 20067389001

97

ea

2

Ziploc freezer bags, storage or sandwich bags selected varieties, 19-100’s 20078059

47

ea

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

3.98

Lilacs

2 gallon

14 20782913

99

Broadleaf Evergreens 1 gallon

ea

Old El Paso meal kits selected varieties, 227-510 g 20795468

45

6/

on gas.

Pump up the joy!

00

Pampers club size plus diapers

selected varieties, size 1-6, 92-186’s

OR

7.99

20652190

EACH

7 Earn

¢

3

47

36

ea

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

4.00

53

ea

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

44.99

per litre in rewards* 70

4 kg 20171831

Huggies club size plus diapers selected varieties, size 1-6, 92-192’s 20707471

3.5¢

35

35

Pick up a card at these participating locations and then register online at pcplus.ca

when you pay with your

or earn

3

97

Rogers granulated sugar

per litre with any other payment method

*PC Plus gas offers and Superbucks® coupons CANNOT be combined. PC Plus option must be selected prior to purchase. Minimum redemption 20,000 points and in increments of 10,000 points thereafter. PC points redemption excludes purchase of tobacco, alcohol products, prescriptions, gift cards, phone cards, lottery tickets, all non-participating third party operations and any other products which are provincially regulated or as we determine from time to time. See pcplus.ca for details. Superbucks and PC Plus gas offers may vary by region and can change without notice. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. President s Choice Bank a licensee of the mark. President s Choice Financial MasterCard is provided by President s Choice Financial bank. President s Choice Financial personal banking products are provided by the direct banking division of CIBC. ®/TM Trademarks of Loblaws Inc. ©2015

ea

LIMIT 1

AFTER LIMIT

4.82

96

ea

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

44.99

Klondike novelties

selected varieties, frozen, 4’s 20309322003

Brita filters 4 pack 20639831

8

2/

00 OR

4.97 EACH

19

47

ea

LIMIT 4

AFTER LIMIT

23.99

Prices effective Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3, 2015 or while stock lasts.

Quantities and/or selection of items may be limited and may not be available in all stores. No rainchecks. No substitutions on clearance items or where quantities are advertised as limited. Advertised pricing and product selection (flavour, colour, patterns, style) may vary by store location. We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements. We are not obligated to sell items based on errors or misprints in typography or photography. Coupons must be presented and redeemed at time of purchase. Applicable taxes, deposits, or environmental surcharges are extra. No sales to retail outlets. Some items may have “plus deposit and environmental charge” where applicable. ®/™ The trademarks, service marks and logos displayed in this flyer are trademarks of Loblaws Inc. and others. All rights reserved. © 2015 Loblaws Inc. * we match prices! Applies only to our major supermarket competitors’ flyer items. Major supermarket competitors are determined solely by us based on a number of factors which can vary by store location. We will match the competitor’s advertised price only during the effective date of the competitor’s flyer advertisement. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES (note that our major supermarket competitors may not). Due to the fact that product is ordered prior to the time of our Ad Match checks, quantities may be limited. We match identical items (defined as same brand, size, and attributes) and in the case of fresh produce, meat, seafood and bakery, we match a comparable item (as determined solely by us). We will not match competitors’ “multi-buys” (eg. 2 for $4), “spend x get x”, “Free”, “clearance”, discounts obtained through loyalty programs, or offers related to our third party operations (post office, gas bars, dry cleaners etc.). We reserve the right to cancel or change the terms of this program at any time.

Customer Relations: 1-866-999-9890.

superstore.ca

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A29

Sports&Recreation

GOT SPORTS? 604.630.3549 or mstewart@vancourier.com

1

2

3 Two-time BMO Vancouver Marathon champion Ellie Greenwood will run the Sunday race despite a broken hand. PHOTOS 1 & 3 BY DROZ. PHOTO 2 BY BMO VANCOUVER MARATHON

Broken bones no barrier for runner

Ultra-marathon world champ is ‘crazy in a good way’ MARATHON Megan Stewart

mstewart@vancourier.com

Despite three broken bones in her right hand and a three-week training hiatus, 100-kilometre world champion runner Ellie Greenwood will enter the BMO Vancouver Marathon on Sunday. For the past five years, she has fit the marathon into her training calendar as a long, weekend outing. She is a two-time women’s champion and won silver last year.

The podium may be out of reach this year for the 36-year-old dual British and Canadian citizen. On March 18, Greenwood was thrown over the handlebars of her bicycle when a car abruptly cut in front of her on Denman Street.

The pain in her hand was immediate. Her helmet meant she only had a minor bump on her head. The driver will likely be found fully responsible.

“In order to avoid crashing into her, I had to slam on my brakes really hard,” Greenwood wrote in an email to the Courier. “I do recall being mid-air but at that point, there was

nothing I could do. It all happened so fast.”

Greenwood lives on the North Shore without a car and routinely commutes by bike or even by foot.

“I cycle very carefully as I realize that I am the smaller and more vulnerable of most road user types,” she said. “I have never owned a car so cycle or run to get around, so am experienced at cycling as safely as possible in the city.”

She suffered multiple breaks to three bones in her dominant right hand and underwent surgery for two metal plates and numerous screws, which are permanent.

She is working with an occupational therapist and wears a small splint, which she’ll keep on for the 44th Vancouver marathon.

“I have received great medical care — for which I am very grateful — as well as support from many friends, who were key in keeping me cheerful in the weeks after the incident,” she said.

When she claimed gold in 2012, Greenwood finished the Vancouver marathon in two hours, 42.16 minutes, a personal best. The 42.2-kilometre road race is less than half the distance she

covered last November in Doha to win the 2014 title as the fastest ultra-marathon female runner in the world.

She won in 7:30:48.

She will give herself another week to decide if she’ll travel to South Africa for the celebrated Comrades Marathon, the 90th instalment of the largest and oldest race of its kind — the kind Greenwood excels at. (The distance of the race alternates between 87 kilometres when competitors run “up” from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The “down” distance in the other direction is 89 kilometres.)

Because of the traffic accident, Greenwood was forced to sit out for nearly a month, missing “weeks of key training” during which time she could not even cross-train because the risk of long-term problems from a fall or bump were too serious.

“Even if I do race Comrades, I will be well below optimal fitness but would like to race it if I can put on a respectable effort,” she said. “I am now simply working back to fitness and will reassess race goals for the year once I know I have fitness back.”

She was not planning to

defender her world ultramarathon title at the championship race in the Netherlands come September.

Her key competition on the calendar was the Leadville Trail 100 Run in August, a 100-mile course through the Colorado Rockies also known as “the race across the sky.”

Greenwood, known as an upbeat and friendly presence at trail races and road competitions, is also, “a little crazy in a good way,” said Lynn Kanuka, the elite athlete coordinator for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. “How many other people train for and win 100k races?”

Kanuka said she expects Greenwood to recover and continue winning. “She is the toughest gal I know,” Kanuka said. As an elite runner of her talent and with the years and years of training she’s had, she can draw on those years of experience. Her body has muscle memory and so do her cardio vascular system and her brain. She really has the ability to tap into that toughness.

“To say she’s at her best is not likely,” Kanuka said, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if she pulls off a good race.” twitter.com/MHStewart

The routes for the BMO Vancouver Marathon and HalfMarathon. For the first year, relay runners are also racing the marathon in teams of two, three or four runners.

Cash incentives reward speed The male and female winners of the BMO Vancouver Marathon will have extra reason to smile Sunday. The cash prizes for the 44th annual race (both for the 42.2km full-distance and 21.1km halfdistance races) have nearly doubled since last year.

The 2014 marathon prize was $3,500. This year it’s $6,000 for first, $2,500 for second and $1,500 for third. The fastest Canadians also receive a bonus of $1,500, up by a third over last year’s winnings.

In addition to these rewards, there’s two more incentive for racers. Any man who crosses the finish line under two hours, 18

minutes stands to earn an extra $2,000. The women’s benchmark is 2:37.

The second incentive is historical. Any man or woman who sets a course record will pocket $2,000. The fastest man’s time dates to 1980 when Australian runner Garry Henry burned through the course in 2:13:14. The women’s record of 2:35:50 was set by Argentinian Claudia Camargo in 2007.

If two runners meet the incentive time or set a course record, only the fastest person can claim the reward.

In total, a gold medal in the marathon could also mean a payday of $11,500.

A30

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Sports&Recreation

Exercising on a shoestring budget COMMIT TO FIT

Darnelle Moore

darnelle@eastsidefitness.ca

These three no budget workouts require 30 minutes or less of your time and zero equipment.

To be effective, each needs to be completed at least once week. Twice a week is best.

You won’t run a marathon, but this routine can help balance an existing training regime. If you have been inactive, this program will set you on the right track for developing healthy habits.

Walking

That’s it! Just walk. For 30 minutes.

The goal is 30 consecutive minutes, not adding up three 10-minute segments.

This means you might have to do a few laps, or walk back and forth down your condo hallway.

Does this seem too simple to you? Try walking fast enough to be slightly out of breath if you tried to speak a

full sentence. Also try mixing it up by walking backwards and walking sideways.

and forth across the surface of the step.

Dynamic Stretching

Resistance training

Do this on a staircase, curb, bench or any slightly raised surface that will bear your weight. A log, chair, bench, picnic table…

Perform each exercise for one minute. Repeat this circuit three times.

1. Run or walk up and down your set of stairs or whatever you are using (even if it’s just one stair).

2. Push ups — with your hands on the step. For increased intensity, you can put your hands on the ground and your feet on the stair.

3. Sit squats — sit on the bottom step, stand up and sit back down but only let your bum touch the surface lightly. Try doing one leg at a time, alternating legs or doing 30 seconds with one leg and 30 with the other.

4. Step ups — keep one foot on the surface of the step, lift the other leg by bending at the knee and lifting it into the air above the step before putting it back

WE’RE EXCITED TO EXPAND BEST BUY IN YOUR COMMUNITY! We’ll remain open while we transition your nearby Future Shop into a new Best Buy store. Visit us to get our Lowest Price Guarantee➀ on a huge selection of electronics, appliances and more.

Personal fitness trainer Craig Bearss works out on the exercise course at Douglas Park. Some public parks have free workout equipment but you can also use urban features like benches, curbs and stairs to work up a sweat. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

on the ground. Keep going with the same leg for 30 seconds then switch legs.

5. Dips — Sit on the step with your feet in front of you and your hands close to your hips. Use your arms to push your body off the step and drop down in front of it. Bend your elbows to lower your body down, then lift yourself up but don’t rest on the step. Repeat.

6. Toe touches — I

call these “twinkle toes” because your toes need only touch the surface of the step very lightly. Lift your knee and bring your toe to the top of the step. Place it back down and do the same with the toe of your other foot.

Repeat very quickly.

7. Plank walk — put yourself into push up position on the step. Rather than doing push ups, walk your hands and body back

This basic dynamic stretch sequence will be familiar to anyone who has tried yoga. You can do this sequence quickly, slowly and/or you can hang out in each part of the sequence for a few seconds or longer if it feels right. Try doing five or six cycles of this sun salutation routine at varying tempos for a satisfying, full body stretch.

• Standing tall, distribute your weight evenly over both feet.

• Stretch your arms out to the side and overhead, then fold forward with hands dangling toward the floor.

• Put your hands on your shins and straighten your spine so it is parallel to the floor.

• Put your hands on the floor (bend your knees if you have to) and walk your feet back behind you into a plank.

• Hold for a few seconds, then lower yourself all the way to the floor.

• Palms on the floor, legs strong, gently lift your chest forward and try to straighten your arms while keeping your shoulders down and away from your ears.

• Lower your chest back down, tuck your toes under your feet and push your hips up into the air into a downward dog position.

• Bend your knees and look between your hands.

Step your feet between your hands, returning to the forward fold position.

• Inhale as you reach your arms out to the sides and come back to stand.

• Bring your arms all the way overhead and then exhale as you lower your arms back down to your sides.

Remember to check with your friendly neighbourhood fitness provider if you have questions about these exercises. They are simple moves that need to be done with attention to detail in order to be effective. Have fun!

Darnelle Moore is the cofounder of Eastside Fitness. She believes fitness is for every body.

INCLUDES STANDARD INSTALLATION➁ AND DELIVERY GS 10246973

OPEN

FOR BUSINE SS

SHOP TODAY AT Robson & Granville, Vancouver Park Royal, West Vancouver

3 DAYS ONLY

55” 4K 60Hz Smart LED TV

FRI-SUN

UN55HU6840 Web Code: 10362052

SAVE $550 OLED MHTL 4K/2K 4K

15.6" 4GB SCREEN

119999 PKG.

SMART WIFI WIFIBUILT-IN READY MULTIMEDIA*

MEMORY

500GB HARD DRIVE

Intel® Processor

• 2-second Instant On technology

X551MAV-RS01-CB Web Code: 10361864

AFTER SAVINGS

SAVE $30

29999 AFTER SAVINGS

MAJOR APPLIANCE

CLEAR OUT • Special pricing on all demo major appliances • Manufacturer’s warranty in effect All demo major appliance sales are final.

➀Some exclusions and conditions apply. See BestBuy.ca for details. Prices and payments are subject to applicable taxes before programming credits. Prices and offers good May 1 through May 7, 2015. References to savings or sale prices are comparisons to Best Buy Canada regular prices. ADVERTISING POLICY: Prices valid at Best Buy stores in Canada. Some products in this ad may be slightly different from illustrations. Not all products are available in all stores. Best Buy is committed to accurate pricing. Website prices, products, and promotions may differ from our retail store offerings. Best Buy reserves the right to correct errors. Special offers cannot be combined or applied to previous purchases. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.➁Standard installation includes delivery, setup and connection to up to three home theatre devices. See in-store for details.

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A31

Sports&Recreation

Langara nets Minhas, Basra Tommy John visits for Canadians ‘superstar series’ JOCK & JILL Megan Stewart

mstewart@vancourier.com

Hot off their third consecutive appearance at the Canadian collegiate basketball championships this winter, the Langara Falcons have signed three prominent high school graduates.

Joining Langara for the 2015-16 season are Vancouver’s Ravi Basra and Gary Minhas, as well as McMath Wildcat Anthony Demch from Richmond.

Basra, a high-scoring, high-tempo guard from

Windermere, carried the Warriors through to the Lower Mainland tournament in February.

Minhas, an anchor on the 2013 B.C. champion Churchill Bulldogs, is a smart playmaker and tireless defender.

The prospects will have big shoes to fill as the Falcons core contingent of six five-year players graduated this season.

C’s host pioneering pitcher

A roster of hall-of-fame talent will visit Nat Bailey Stadium this summer for the Vancouver Canadians “superstar series.”

Toronto Blue Jays

infielder Tony Fernandez drops by June 30 to wrap up the C’s first home stand of the season. The Dominican played 17 years in the majors and made four All-Star Game appearances and two championship showings, including the 1993 World Series.

Veteran pitcher Tommy John, now 71, will bring his surgically enhanced elbow to the Nat on July 13. Although his name is synonymous with the game-changing surgery, John is also greatly admired for his 288 victories amassed over 26 seasons, including eight years with the New York Yankees.

The C’s promoted him thusly: “His 162 complete games, four All-Star Game appearances and overall longevity on the mound make him one of the more intriguing personalities in baseball as he was able to pitch into his mid-40s after receiving the surgical procedure that later on would bear his name.”

The Canadians start their 2015 season on the road against Salem-Keizer before hosting the Hillsboro Hops for a five-game home stand beginning June 26. twitter.com/MHStewart

Joining the Langara Falcons in 2015 are, from left, Ravi Basra, Anthony Demch and Gary Minhas.

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, May 9 from 1:30 to 3pm

The Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club invites new members!

POWER LINE TREE PRUNING AND HAZARD TREE REMOVALS VANCOUVER When: April 20, 2015 to June 30, 2015 Time: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Trees are a significant cause of power interruptions. Contact between trees and power lines can also create a severe danger.

Over the next few months we will be pruning and removing trees in the Vancouver Area.

Boundaries: North: East 1st Avenue

North: East 16th Avenue

East: Clark Drive

East: Ontario Street

South: Vancouver Harbor West: Nanaimo Street

South: Great Northern Way West: Clark Drive

North: East 33rd Avenue East: Clark Drive/Knight Street South: East 1st Avenue West: Nanaimo Street Trees are pruned using the best arboriculture (tree care) practices. Skilled workers employed by BC Hydro are trained in both electrical safety and tree care. Only correct and proper techniques are used to eliminate any safety hazards.

For more information about this work, please call Joe Taaffe at 604 528 3297. For more information on our vegetation management 4552

practices, please visit bchydro.com/trees.

Lawn bowling season May 3 - September 6

Come out and experience the fun of outdoor recreation by trying lawn bowling and croquet.

Introductory instruction and equipment provided free during initiation.

604-228-8428 | www.dunbarlawnbowling.com

We are located behind Dunbar Community Centre

A32

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

Today’shomes

Bulk home buyers slowed by mortgage rules Harder to get financing if you own five or more properties

Frank O’Brien

wieditor@biv.com

Pity the owners of multiple homes in Metro Vancouver: it is getting tougher to find conventional residential financing once they own more than five properties in the world’s second-least affordable market.

“On Monday, another major bank pulled back

their policies to only allow for five rental properties maximum, instead of having no limit to the number of rental properties. The move mirrors what most major banks are currently doing right now and leaves very few options for clients with multiple rental properties,” Vancouver mortgage broker Kyle Green of Mortgage Alliance stated in a memo to clients April

21.“It’s getting unbelievably hard to get investors financed, so be prepared to have more limited options if you fall into the five plus category.”

“It wasn’t too long ago that some of our clients were able to acquire 70 to 90 properties through major banks without too many issues,” said Green this week. “Now, some are forced to take on joint

venture partners or go to private lenders.”

Green said only two major lenders, Scotiabank and National, continue to lend on bulk residential investments “at competitive rates.”

The reason for the tighter regulations relates to recent restrictions on Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. mortgage insurance for multiple

residential properties, according to Green. He explained that residential mortgages are packaged into mortgage-backed securities that are then sold to investors. Investors, however, insist that all the mortgages be covered by insurance.

An option for those owning more than five rental properties would be to apply for commercial

financing, which offers both lower mortgage rates and no cap on the amount of properties, or to finance properties with different lenders.

“We have several clients that hold between 40 to 100 individual rental condo units, and they typically spread these out between a variety of lenders,” said Bryan Dudley of Realtech Capital Group Inc.

Increasing new homeowners helped by family members Tyler Orton

torton@biv.com

Parents hoping to enjoy their empty nests in comfort may first have to deal with some financial pleas from their kids.

Nearly half of first-time buyers say they expect help from the “bank of mom and dad” when it comes to paying for a home, according to BMO’s 2015 home buying report.

Real estate observers have said the trend is likely the highest in Vancouver.

In 2014, 30 per cent of first-time homebuyers said they expected parents or relatives to pony up some money to help them with entering the market.

But in the latest survey, released April 23, that number has grown to 42 per cent.

The study also found 42 per cent of homebuyers looking to upsize their cur-

Nearly half of first-time buyers say they expect help from the “bank of mom and dad” when it comes to paying for a home. rent homes are turning to family for assistance.

These “upsizers” plan

to spend an average of $474,000 on a new living space and put down a 26

per cent deposit. Respondents said they expect their families to cover 20 per cent of the average cost.

First-time buyers, meanwhile, have budgeted $313,000 with a 19 per cent deposit. They expect their families to help with 12 per cent of the cost.

Exactly half of upsizers and 40 per cent of first-time buyers depending on this assistance said they couldn’t afford a home otherwise.

As of March 2015, an average home in B.C. costs $642,000, according to the report. Ontario was a distant second at $466,000 and Alberta ranked third at $399,000.

Pollara surveyed 2,007 Canadian residents between February 24 and March 5 on behalf of BMO. The survey results are considered accurate within plusor-minus 2.2 per cent. twitter.com/reporton

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

FROM A COMMUNITY LANDMARK: A LANDMARK COMMUNITY 20 EXECUTIVE TOWNHOME RESIDENCES LO C AT E D AT K I N G E D WA R D AV E N U E A N D A S H S T R E E T PRICED FROM $1.2M

ONLY 7 HOMES REMAIN K I N G E D W A R D G R E E N – A N O A S I S I N T H E H E A R T O F T H E C I T Y. PRESENTATION CENTRE NOW OPEN DAILY, NOON - 5PM (CLOSED FRIDAYS) 587 W. KING EDWARD AVE Visit KingEdwardGreen.com or call 604-336-5555 Pricing and availability subject to change. The developer reserves the right to change the information contained herein without notice. Rendering is representational only and may not be accurate. E.&O.E.

A33

A34

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

NO

W

SE

LL

IN

G

VANCOUVER’S LAST GREAT FAMILY ESTATE RETURNS

In the tradition of the sold out Churchill House and Cartier House, Wall Financial brings you the next opportunity to own on Vancouver's coveted West Side - Shannon Wall Centre Kerrisdale. Offering luxury residences, including grand townhomes and suites on a prestigious ten-acre family estate with an unparalleled blend of heritage and new residences, Shannon Wall Centre Kerrisdale is surrounded by Vancouver's best amenities. From the same group that brought you Wall Centre False Creek and One Wall Centre, now is the time to own a truly unique luxury residence within a legacy estate.

PHASE 1 SOLD OUT · PHASE 2 NOW SELLING PRESENTATION CENTRE 1538 W. 54TH AVENUE (AT GRANVILLE) OPEN DAILY 12-5PM, CLOSED FRIDAYS OR BY APPOINTMENT

ShannonWallCentre.com · 604.267.8882

MANAGED BY

MARKETED BY

WALL FINANCIAL C O R P O R AT I O N

Renderings are representational only. Prices subject to change without notice. The developer reserves the right to make changes to the information contained herein. E.&O.E.

F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

EVERYTHINGYOU NEED, JUST STEPS FROM THE WATERFRONT. One Town Centre is a rare, complete community with everything you need to live well just steps from home—a grocery store, restaraunt, café, banks, shops and CLUB CENTRAL, a private fitness and aquatic centre. This is your first chance to be part of River District, Vancouver’s last and largest waterfront neighbourhood, with over a mile of shoreline and 25 acres of open, public green space.

It’s completely incredible.

GRAND OPENING MAY23 CALL NOW FOR A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT

VANCOUVER

ARIN

E DR

SE MA

RIN E D

RIVE

IVE

KINROSS ST

SE M

BOUNDARY ROAD

THIS IS YOUR FIRST CHANCE TO OWN IN VANCOUVER’S LAST WATERFRONT NEIGHBOURHOOD! KERR STREET

1 BEDS FROM $269,900 2 BEDS FROM $399,900

BURNABY

3302 NORTH ARM AVE, VANCOUVER (at the foot of kinross)

MARINE WAY

RIVER DISTRICT SALES CENTRE

SALES CENTRE AND DISPLAY SUITE ARE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

N

FR

AS E

604.879.8830 homes@riverdistrict.ca RW AY

RIVERDISTRICT.CA

Prices are subject to change without notice. This is not an offering for sale. One can only be made by way of a disclosure statement. E.&O.E.

A35

A36

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

A40

THE VANCOUVER COURIER F R I DAY, M AY 1 , 2 0 1 5

FAIR TRADE Prices Effective April 30 to May 6, 2015.

100% BC Owned and Operated PRODUCE

MEAT Fair Trade Organic Ataulfo Mangoes from Mexico

Organic California Blueberries

Rodear Grass Fed Forage Finished Lean Ground Beef

170g package

4.98

6.99lb/ 15.41kg

6.99lb/ 15.41kg Ocean Wise Salmon Fillets

BC Grown Rhubarb

Red Argentine Prawns

value pack, pin bone removed, previously frozen

2.48lb/ 5.47kg

peeled and deveined 454g 26/30 count

9.99lb/ 22.02kg

1.98lb/ 4.37kg

GROCERY

14.99

DELI Choices’ Own Hummus

Kinnickinick Gluten Free Frozen Bread and Muffins

Choices’ Organic Milk 1, 2, 3.8% or skim 4L • product of Canada

Olympic Yogurt assorted varieties

SAVE

500g • product of BC

FROM

24% 2.99-

SAVE FROM

34%

3.79

Faith Farms Cheese

assorted varieties

assorted varieties

SAVE

assorted varieties

454g - 1.8kg

398g • product of USA

product of BC

33%

Blue Diamond Fresh Almond Breeze

SAVE

30%

500g product of USA

54%

2/5.00

WELLNESS Nature’s Aid Healing Gel

2.99 25ml travel size 11.99 125ml 29.99 500ml Weleda White Mallow or Calendula Baby Care Products assorted varieties and sizes

20% off

regular retail price

Carrot Cake

275g

4.99 Strawberry Slice

36%

115g

2.99

Organic Meadow Frozen Organic Vegetables Frontera Salsa and Mexican Sauces

SAVE

GLUTEN FREE

SAVE 7.99

2.79

assorted varieties

assorted varieties and sizes

5.99

500-600g • product of Canada

1.89L • product of USA

Purica Supplements: Recovery, Provascin and Mushroom Supplements

assorted varieties

11.99

assorted varieties

assorted varieties

3.99

3.29-3.99

Life Choices Frozen Breaded Meat Products

assorted varieties

SAVE

product of Canada

400g • product of Canada

4/5.00 Amy’s Organic Refried Beans

5.9917.49

375-454g

37%

7.698.99 Edelweiss Granola

1.19/ 100g

assorted varieties

Family Size 8” Quiche

Taste of Nature Fruit & Nut Bars 40g • product of Canada

While quantities last. Not all items available at all stores. We reserve the right to correct printing errors.

value pack

value pack

3/3.00 Organic Broccoli from Agrofresco in Mexico

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

25% off

regular retail price

www.choicesmarkets.com

assorted varieties

127-454g • product of USA

SAVE FROM

23%

BAKERY xxx

2.594.99

xxx • product of xxx

Sourdough Multiseed Bread 600g

4.79

Fair Trade: A Win-Win for All

By D’Arcy Furness, RHN

Fair trade empowers producers in developing countries by establishing and monitoring environmental, labour and community development standards.

Here are 3 product categories well-represented by fair trade. Look for brands that have fair trade certification and know your dollars are contributing to the well-being of farmers, their families and communities.

1. Kick Start with Coffee.

2 Go Bananas.

3. Experience Chocolate and Cocoa Bliss. /ChoicesMarkets

@ChoicesMarkets