UBCM DISCUSSES BIRTH CONTROL FIRST SHAUGHNESSY HERITAGE CONTROVERSY FILM FESTIVAL GETS ITS FREAK ON FEATURE AUTISM ENTERS ELECTION CONVERSATION
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September 24 2015
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
News 12TH & CAMBIE
Former Vision chair’s oil admission fuels questions Mike Howell
mhowell@vancourier.com
Hands up, if you read Calgary Herald columnist Don Braid’s illuminating piece on Marcella Munro. For those of you who did, it was interesting, right? For those of you who didn’t and could care less about some person who lives and works in Alberta, I urge you to keep reading as I connect the dots all the way back here to Vancouver and Mayor Gregor Robertson. So, who is Marcella Munro? From Braid’s column, we know Munro is Alberta Premier Rachel Notley’s new “outreach” director, that she has worked as a lobbyist for B.C. oil and gas companies and that her favourite possession is her BMW 325i. I knew she got the job in Alberta, I knew about her lobbyist work with Earnscliffe Strategy Group. The BMW? Yep, nice car but thought she might be more of a Prius lover and only
drive it when she wasn’t riding a bike or taking transit. I say that because not only did Munro play a communications role in the Yes side campaign to urge Metro Vancouver voters to pay more tax to help ease traffic congestion, but she was once the co-chairperson of the environment-friendly Vision Vancouver. That’s right, the same party whose bike-riding mayor has campaigned relentlessly for a subway along Broadway and set a goal of Vancouver becoming “the greenest city in the world” by 2020. OK, so she doesn’t drive a Prius — big deal. But what if I told you Munro was the lead communications person on Vision’s fall campaign that was largely focused on getting Robertson as much media coverage as humanly possible on his party’s disdain for Kinder Morgan’s plan to build another pipeline from Alberta to Burnaby. And what if I told you Munro hosted a “telephone town hall” with Robertson
Marcella Munro (left) with Mayor Gregor Robertson on election day last November. Munro played a key role on Vision Vancouver’s communications team during the campaign. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
on his party’s disdain for Kinder Morgan’s proposal to almost triple the amount of bitumen funnelled to these shores. And what if I told you this: That Munro fully supports Kinder Morgan’s proposal. Huh? Yep, she acknowledged
this in her interview with Braid. Maybe I’m naive and thought this to be a contradiction of the highest order. I phoned Munro to discuss my naivety, left a message but she still hasn’t called back. So I asked Robertson to shine some light on this bit
of head-scratching news. Yes, he said, he read Braid’s piece but never once did he and Munro discuss her views on Kinder Morgan’s proposal. Really? “No,” he said. “She obviously played an important role in the Vision communications team but I had no knowledge of her personal beliefs on fossil fuels. She was a great resource on our campaign but she has her own personal views and is working in Alberta now and felt compelled to express those.” Robertson added that he was “surprised to read her comments, given what we’ve been doing in Vancouver and how vigorously we oppose the Kinder Morgan proposal.” Also surprised by Munro’s declaration of support for Kinder Morgan were Green Party Coun. Adriane Carr — actually she was “shocked” — and NPA Coun. George Affleck, who said the situation only leads to more cynicism about politics. “Here’s somebody who stood up for one cause
and now is at the exact opposite end of the cause,” he said. “It’s shocking and disappointing.” But Vision Coun. Geoff Meggs wondered what all the fuss was about. He read Braid’s piece, too. After all, he said, Munro is a “political professional.” “When she’s working for our campaign, she has to align herself with the views of the campaign,” he said. “And now working for the premier of Alberta, she’ll have to reflect the premier’s views.” But as a one-time cochairperson of Vision, shouldn’t she share the values of the party? Or am I just totally naive, here? “Well, if they can’t advocate the positions that the organization has taken, they shouldn’t be there. But I think all of us in large organizations have stronger or weaker identifications with some aspects of the work. So I don’t think there’s any story here at all.” OK, thanks. @Howellings
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T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
News
Refugee agency calls out province Mike Howell
mhowell@vancourier.com
The president of an agency that helps settle refugees in British Columbia has sent a letter to Premier Christy Clark demanding an explanation why the government has not contributed a promised $5 million towards the construction of a $24.5-million one-stop housing and support centre for refugees being built on Victoria Drive. In the Sept. 16 letter obtained by the Courier, Manchan Sonachansingh said the Immigrant Services Society of B.C. worked extensively with B.C. Housing officials and was promised $5 million towards the housing component of the “Welcome House” project, which is planned to have up to 130 beds. “After several years of negotiating on the basis of that original promise we ended up with a $1 million contribution and were forced to make some significant redesigns to the facility,” said Sonachansingh, noting the project is $8 million short
The “Welcome House” project for refugees on Victoria Drive is scheduled to open in May 2016. PHOTO MIKE HOWELL
of raising the $24.5 million. “I would like to explore whether the province of B.C. would contribute $4 million — the outstanding amount that was originally promised to us in order to reduce our overall capital shortfall.” The $1 million came via a provincial-federal economic stimulus fund. So far, the society has raised $16 million for the project. Funding has come from the sale of its much smaller building at 530 Drake St., Vancity, the Lado Family Foundation, the society’s cash reserve, private
donors, $4.4 million from the City of Vancouver and the $1 million from the provincialfederal stimulus fund. The Courier contacted B.C. Housing — the government’s housing branch — which emailed a statement saying the province provided project development funding of $630,000 for Welcome House, interim construction financing of $8.6 million and the $1 million of provincialfederal money. “A $5-million contribution was notionally allocated to the project,” the state-
ment said. “The window to allocate funding from the federal provincial economic stimulus fund closed in 2012 and ISS did not meet the timelines required to obtain the funding.” Chris Friesen, the society’s director of settlement services, said ISS of B.C. was never informed about the deadline for the funding. He said the $9.2 million of money from the government has to be paid back, leaving the society with the $1 million provincial-federal stimulus money. The society will be forced to take out a large mortgage to ensure costs are covered, he said. “If there is a formal application process form, we will graciously apply [for further funding],” Friesen said, noting it was “ironic” the City of Vancouver contributed much more to the project — $4.4 million — than senior levels of government. “The more that we can reduce that capital shortfall, the more we’re able to put limited resources into the direct support of refugees. That’s the goal.” Continued on page 6
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
News ‘Welcome House’ $8 million short
Continued from page 5 Friesen praised the City of Vancouver at a council meeting last Wednesday for its commitment to the project and grants it provides to help immigrants and refugees. He was at the meeting to support Mayor Gregor Robertson’s motion to pressure the federal government to allow 20,000 government-assisted refugees in Canada annually by 2020. Friesen returned to city hall Monday, where he was supported by Vision Coun. Geoff Meggs in his call for the federal government to
speed up the reunification process for families. Welcome House will be the first facility of its kind in the world for refugees and has already garnered national and international attention from other governments. A 22-member delegation from Denmark visited the site earlier this month. Along with room for 130 beds, the facility will include space for settlement services, a medical clinic, support programs for victims of trauma, classrooms, a daycare, a large kitchen and community room.
Two weeks ago, the premier announced a $1-million “readiness fund” for Syrian refugees settling in B.C. The money will be used for counselling, help pay for sponsorship of refugees, reviews of foreign credentials so refugees can start work in B.C. and assist local governments in settling Syrian newcomers. None is expected to go to Welcome House. Friesen said the society welcomes donations towards the project, which is scheduled to be completed by May 2016. @Howellings
Public Open House
Library Garden - October 1 and October 8 UBC is undertaking a process to redesign the public green space between Memorial Road and Agricultural Road, in front of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. This central location will bring together students, faculty, staff, residents, and visitors and will house the new Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre. The introduction of the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre to Library Garden provides a unique opportunity to re-envision one of the largest outdoor public spaces on campus.
1 Date: Thursday, October 1, 2015
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm Place: 2nd Floor Foyer, The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, 1961 East Mall
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2 Date: Thursday, October 8, 2015
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Can’t attend in person? Online consultation will run from September 28 - October 12. Visit planning.ubc.ca to learn more.
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Please join us at the public open houses to learn more and to tell us what is important to you about the space and what opportunities you see for its future.
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T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
News
NPA settles defamation lawsuit with Vision Vancouver Bob Mackin
bob@bobmackin.ca
NPA president B.C. Lee admitted the cost of fighting a defamation lawsuit filed by Vision Vancouver during last year’s election campaign influenced an out-of-court settlement announced Sept. 21. “This is one of the factors of consideration,” Lee told the Courier. “The most important thing is that we should be using our resources wisely and make sure it’s all directed to the next election.” Lee said the parties “agreed to share some of the legal costs,” but declined to elaborate. “Pleased to accept NPA apology re: statements about [Coun. Geoff Meggs] and me in the last election,” tweeted Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Hopeful for a more civil politics in years ahead.” Vision sued the NPA and mayoral candidate Kirk Lapointe for defamation last Nov. 6, after Lapointe penned a commentary in the Province headlined “Vision Vancouver’s cash-for-jobs
deal with the city union is corrupt.” Lapointe referenced an audio recording leaked to the Courier of CUPE Local 1004’s Oct. 14 meeting where Meggs vowed his party would not contract out work if re-elected. Later in the meeting, members of the civic outside workers’ union voted to donate $34,000 to Vision. According to Elections B.C., CUPE donated $230,900 to Vision’s 2014 campaign. Local 1004’s contract expires on Dec. 31, 2015. NPA’s defence statement, filed on the eve of the Nov. 15 election, claimed Vision sought to restrain Lapointe and the NPA’s “right to political speech.” The controversy made political fundraising a campaign issue and prompted major parties to issue preliminary lists of donors. Robertson was re-elected mayor with a smaller city council majority, but Vision lost control of both park and school boards. A conflict of interest petition to B.C. Supreme Court seeking Robertson and
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Meggs’ ouster failed on April 17 when Justice Elliott Myers ruled that there was “no evidence… that Local 1004’s contribution was anything other than a lawful political contribution.” The appeal was abandoned last week. “The NPA and Mr. Lapointe accept this judgment, withdraw their allegations, and apologize for any harm that may have been caused to the Mayor and Councillor Meggs,” said a Sept. 21 news release announcing the settlement. Neither petition leader Randy Helten nor his lawyer, David Wotherspoon, would comment. Wotherspoon also acted for the NPA in the defamation matter. If it had gone to trial, NPA was expected to plead qualified privilege. That defense worked in 1997 for the B.C. Liberals against Ironworkers Local 97, which claimed to be defamed by a news release that called donations to the NDP from unionized workers on the Island Highway project part of a “kick back scheme.” @bobmackin
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
News SOCIETY
Iraqi refugee issues plea to
Mike Howell
mhowell@vancourier.com
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Huda Mohammed Ahmed skipped school Monday morning. She had a good excuse: The 14-year-old high school student from Burnaby was a featured guest at a news conference at Vancouver city hall, where she joined a group urging the federal government to reunite refugee families split up by war and bureaucracy. Ahmed, who stood on a toolbox behind a lectern to summarize her story, told a crowd of refugees, reporters, health officials, counsellors and others about how she and her 26-yearold brother fled Iraq last year but had to leave their mother behind in a refugee camp in Turkey. Their father died in Iraq. “My mother has been in Turkey for over a year, waiting to come to Canada,” said the soft-spoken Ahmed in her halting English, noting her mother’s file is still being processed. “I really miss her.”
Ahmed’s plea came two days after the federal government announced it was committing new resources and making policy changes to “speed up processing” to resettle Iraqi and Syrian refugees “without compromising existing security, criminality and medical screening,” according to a statement posted on Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, B.C.’s representative for children and youth, spoke at Monday’s news conference and greeted the government’s announcement with caution, saying “as with anything with government, the proof is always in what happens on the ground.” Turpel-Lafond said the government could do a lot more to reunite refugee families, saying there is no person in her role at the national level advocating for refugee families. “A few powerful people in this country need to be on the side of these refugee kids and help them,” she told the Courier in an interview after the news
conference. “What [these kids] are going to tell you is really sensible about what they’re facing and very fixable.” What Turpel-Lafond did for Ahmed Monday was write a letter to the girl’s school principal, explaining why she wouldn’t be in school Monday morning. Ahmed’s brother worked the midnight shift the night before, earning money to pay off a government loan. “I’m the representative for child and youth, I’m not her mother. But guess what? She doesn’t have a mother in Canada,” said Turpel-Lafond, noting Ahmed is “terrified” she’s going to get in trouble for speaking out. “I don’t understand why we can’t fix that because I know these things are fixable.” As the news conference came to a close, Jamela Maloh, a governmentassisted refugee from Iraq, stood before reporters and gave a tearful plea for the Canadian government to bring her 34-year-old daughter and four grandchildren from Syria to Canada.
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T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
News
reunite with her mother
Huda Mohammed Ahmed, 14, arrived in Canada as a refugee, but her mother continues to reside in a refugee camp in Turkey. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
“She wants them to be in a safe place because she’s really worried about them,” said Serah Gazali, an Arabicspeaking counsellor who interpreted for the Courier. “She said she doesn’t know why the government isn’t al-
lowing them to come here.” Maloh’s brother was accepted to come to Canada but was killed in Syria. So far, two sons and one daughter who are all younger than 20 have joined Maloh in Vancouver. She
explained the family has had to flee back and forth from Iraq to Syria because of wars in both countries. Ahmed, meanwhile, said her dream is to become a doctor. @Howellings
IT’S OUR FAVOURITE TIME OF FEAR.
Step into Active Aging Week Get your body and mind active with PARC Retirement Living during Active Aging Week, September 28th – October 3rd. The week’s highlight event will feature Dean Smith, renowned physiotherapist, as he presents his dynamic and engaging workshop: ‘Top Tips for Active Aging with Arthritis.’ Afterwards, enjoy refreshments and tours.
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Dean’s presentation schedule: Mulberry PARC | Burnaby Tuesday, September 29th 2:30PM RSVP: 604.526.2248 Summerhill PARC | North Vancouver Thursday, October 1st 2:30PM* RSVP: 604.980.6525 Cedar Springs PARC | North Vancouver (Seymour) Friday, October 2nd 2:30PM* RSVP: 604.986.3633 Westerleigh PARC | West Vancouver Saturday, October 3rd 2:30PM RSVP: 604.922.9888
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
Opinion ALLEN GARR COLUMNIST
agarr@vancourier.com
First Shaughnessy likely to become Heritage Conservation Area
T
here are just a few things you should know before next Tuesday when city council moves to try and slow down the destruction of heritage homes in Vancouver’s most exclusive neighbourhood. That would be the enclave known as “First Shaughnessy” where there is now a moratorium on demolitions while council and staff have been pondering how to save this bit of our the city’s history.
Although you wouldn’t know it from the kvetching, it turns out that designating a neighbourhood a Heritage Conservation Area doesn’t drive the prices down. Although you wouldn’t know it from the kvetching from some property owners, it turns out that designating a neighbourhood a Heritage Conservation Area doesn’t drive the prices down. According to the City of Victoria’s senior conservation planner Murray Miller, in data he’s collected from around the world, it stabilizes property values and, if anything, it drives them up beyond those without a heritage designation, particularly when housing “bubbles” burst. Murray also says folks who speculated they could buy heritage designated homes in First Shaughnessy and tear them down were likely misled by their real estate agents
PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
and “it wouldn’t be the first time.” Vancouver historian and author Michael Kluckner agrees, adding that the new property owners simply didn’t bother to look at existing city regulations. This particular area most recently the subject of three nights of public hearings is bounded north and south by 16th Avenue and King Edward and west and east by West Boulevard and Oak. It was part of a huge tract of land owned at the turn of the last century by the CPR and developed to serve the housing needs of the city’s wealthiest “racially appropriate” citizens — a term used in a city document attributed to CPR. Many of them had originally built their mansions in the West End but decided to skedaddle up to Shaughnessy when they saw (ugh) apartments being built around their palatial dwellings on the downtown peninsula. The design of First Shaughnessy was based on what was called a “garden city” concept of large building lots, exceptional selections of often exotic trees, roadways that followed the contours of the land (and often named after members of the CPR board of directors or their children) and, except for Granville Street, a design that discouraged through traffic. About 80 per cent of the first 240 families were listed in the Vancouver social register. Now move forward several decades to the point where the colour of a person’s skin was no longer a factor; all that mattered was the size of their bank account when it came to residing in this posh neighbourhood. The city, seeing the value of protecting the area, in 1982 declared it a heritage area protected under provincial legislation and aimed particularly at preserving homes built before 1940. According to Kluckner, that worked for about 25 years. Then, most recently, this
particular area of town was deluged by a massive influx of mostly offshore money focused particularly on the high-end real estate market. Kluckner says those wealthy “demanding” new owners liked the “brand” of First Shaughnessy but not the heritage housing. They enlisted the help of “creative” architects who found “loop holes” in the existing zoning bylaws that allowed them to tear down existing buildings that were usually left vacant for years and allowed to rot beyond the point of repair. Then they would be replaced by what he calls “bloated” houses, even bigger than the mansions they would replace. They featured underground parking and utility rooms that were apparently not considered part of the overall floor space. And the size of the homes were increased even more with multi-storey “atriums” where only the basic floor space was
added to the total size of the house in determining the floor space ratio (the area of the building compared with the lot on which it was situated) rather than the volume of space contained in the atrium. Even the wealthy neighbours were howling in protest. What the council is considering, and will likely pass, includes a new Minimum Standards of Maintenance bylaw targeting heritage properties. Fines of up to $10,000 per day could be levied against owners that allow either the exteriors or the interiors of their properties to deteriorate. They will also be removing benefits those now accorded underground parking and more strictly enforcing the requirement under the provincial legislation for heritage conservation areas. It is, says Kluckner, “the only way to protect these assets of civic importance.” @allengarr
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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Ballem takes fall for Vision
Exile on Fraser Street
Re: “Vancouver city manager Ballem did not ask to resign,” online, Sept. 15. Once again, this time at cost to you and I of over $500,000, Mayor Gregor Robertson and his Vision Vancouver majority have missed the point. There’s no disputing that Dr. Penny Ballem is an incredibly capable city manager, perhaps one of the most competent ever. When there were problems — and there were plenty — it was because she implemented Vision Vancouver policies that the public simply had no appetite for. The point is the city manager takes direction from city council. From the plan to massively densify Grandview-Woodlands to the park board’s Leisure Access Pass fiasco, the Vision team attempted to hide behind their city manager hoping she would shoulder the blame for decisions that weren’t hers. The blowback from Vision’s unpopular policies was so fierce they nearly lost the 2014 election. All the Vision Vancouver city council candidates received fewer votes in total than the NPA city council candidates who ran. Once the election was over, the search was on for a scapegoat. The cynical decision to make Penny Ballem the “fall gal” for its unpopular decisions costs us plenty. Let’s hope it’s one more bad decision on the part of Vision Vancouver that also costs them the next election. Tim Louis, Co-Chair, Coalition of Progressive Electors, Vancouver
Re: “Small businesses make Fraser Street soar,” Sept. 17 Fraser street was better in the 1990’s, when it had real community, the people were more friendly and trustworthy, there were no empty houses owned by offshore, there was less store vacancies as people had more money to spend, the schools had more kids, now the area has many empty houses and the people that do live there are unfriendly, anti social ...a sad decline across Vancouver Ted Danton via online comments ••• I find it surprising that Mike Klassen made no mention of the Filipino community in our neighbourhood, which has the highest concentration of Filipinos in Metro Vancouver. Nearly 20 per cent of residents have their origins in the Philippines. There’s a large number of Filipino stores, restaurants and services on Fraser for local residents and Filipinos from across the city. Pinoy Fiesta, the Filipino parade down Fraser from King Edward to 41st each August, attracts thousands of participants and onlookers. But all that gets neglected as Mike hails only (except for Dean’s No Frills) the recent arrivals that are pricey, trendy and — let’s face it — mostly patronized by well-to-do whites. Yes, Fraser Street is gentrifying and yes, that helps push up house prices for those lucky enough to have bought a home 12 years earlier, but it also shuts ever-growing numbers, especially younger people, out of the housing market. Much as I, too, enjoy Graze and JJ Bean, this spillover from Main Street also makes it difficult for some of the Filipino businesses to survive. To call the neighbourhood “immeasurably improved” is to measure from a too narrow — and privileged — position. Anne Roberts via online Comments
Olson off on election column Re: “NDP has history of helping Tories stifle Greens,” online, Sept. 10. Regarding Geoff Olson’s column, Harper did not win a majority in 2008. The Conservatives won 137 seats, 18 short of a majority. Olson laments the fact that there are so many left and centre left parties already, yet rants against “Canada’s bottomlessly stupid first-past-the-post voting system.” If Canada were to adopt a proportional representation voting system, we would have even more parties and wind up with a dysfunctional parliament like Israel’s Knesset. No thank you! Ricardo Zborovszky,Vancouver
Tools rule Re: “Vancouver Tool Library builds community,” Sept. 16. #Libraries bring people together and build communities. @VPL via Twitter ••• GREAT idea! @goodlifevan via Twitter
ADVERTISING
Notice of Development Permit Application - DP 15001
Public Open House
Wesbrook Place Lots 27 & 29 Faculty & Staff Rental Housing
You are invited to attend an Open House on Thursday, October 8 to view and comment on the proposed faculty & staff rental residential development in consolidated Lots 27 & 29 in Wesbrook Place.
Date: Thursday,October8, 2015 Time: 4:30- 6:00 PM Place: Wesbrook Village Welcome Centre, 3378 Wesbrook Mall Representatives from the project team and Campus + Community Planning will be available to provide information and respond to inquiries about this project. The public is also invited to attend the upcoming Development Permit Board Meeting for this project. Date/Time: October 28, 5:00 - 6:30PM Location: Classroom, Tapestry Building 3338 Wesbrook Mall
For further information, contact: Karen Russell, Manager, Development Services karen.russell@ubc.ca 604-822-1586 Can’t attend in person? Online feedback will be accepted from September 23 to October 18. To learn more or to comment on this project, please visit: planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/projects-consultations This event is wheelchair accessible.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
Opinion 5645 Cambie Street, Vancouver • 604-266-9121
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Saint Petersburg needs master plan, so
Michael Geller Columnist
michaelarthurgeller@gmail.com
Francis Bonamis
I recently spent a week in Saint Petersburg at an urban planning conference. I was invited to speak on two panels exploring strategies to encourage the private sector to invest in heritage property restoration, and how best to prepare a master plan for the city. Ironically, back in Vancouver, two debates were taking place on similar topics. Should the city
designate Shaughnessy a Heritage Conservation Area? Should Vancouver have an overall city plan to avoid what many see as ad hoc zoning decisions? These conversations have continued following the announcement of Penny Ballem’s sudden departure as city manager, and a speech by Brian Jackson, Vancouver’s outgoing general manager of planning and development, to the Urban Development Institute. My colleagues Allen Garr and Naoibh
O’Connor have written about Ballem’s departure and the Jackson speech. However, given my previous concerns and columns related to the city manager’s office and planning department, I would like to offer these further remarks. Dr. Penny Ballem and I were not friends. She did not appreciate my criticism of the city’s initial mishandling of the Olympic Village file, nor the time I tweeted that I promised not to perform any medical procedures if she would promise
not to undertake any more real estate developments. While I was amongst those who considered her a brilliant woman, I was disturbed by the manner in which she ran city hall. Many of the city officials who I admired left under her reign, simply unable to deal with her micro-management and bullying. As I reported in an April 14, 2015 column, the working environment had become toxic, in large part due to her management style.
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T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
A13
Opinion
does Vancouver
I am pleased that she has gone, although like many others, I am upset with those who negotiated her compensation arrangement that granted her severance pay if she left, with or without cause. Brian Jackson and I were not friends either. He took great exception to my criticism of his department’s handling of the local area planning for the Downtown Eastside, and his approval of projects that in my opinion were designed to achieve financial goals, rather than good urban design. I attended his speech to the Urban Development Institute and listened very carefully. While I enjoyed its creative moments, including a movie clip of Betty Grable, I was surprised by the defensive and angry tone. I also disagreed with much of what he had to say. On the question of proposed towers along Commercial Drive, one of which I criticized in a July 14, 2015 column, Jackson argued that in the absence of government funding, it will be necessary for the private sector to build affordable housing using density bonuses. While I support publicprivate partnerships, some of these new developments, such as the Kettle and Brenhill towers, result in excessive densities that are out of scale with their surroundings. This brings us to the question of whether the
city needs an overall city plan to guide development proposals. Jackson argued vehemently that we do not, noting it would require us to freeze development for three years, and spend up to $9 million. I disagree. He went on to say that we know where and how we will accommodate the 150,000 population increase people over the next 30 years, which he added is less than we accommodated in the past 30 years. The irony is that as Jackson delineated where this new growth would go, I could not help but think this is precisely the type of information that would serve as the basis for a new city plan. This would allow us to properly zone land for desired uses, rather than wait for developers to come forward with rezoning proposals. It would also allow us to pre-determine what financial contributions, including Community Amenity Contributions (CACs), would be required from developers, rather than negotiate each deal on a project-by-project basis, often after the building is designed. Rationalizing CACs is something Jackson promised to do in his first speech to UDI, and he admitted that this still needs to be done. Upon this we agree; as well as the need for more townhouses and stacked townhouses around the city. @michaelgeller
Help Shape the Future of the Cambie Corridor Get involved in Phase 3 Planning The City launched Cambie Corridor Phase 3 planning this past spring. Now we’re starting to explore ideas for the future of Phase 3 areas and want your input.
Fall 2015 Workshop Registration Now Open Come to a workshop this fall to help refine Phase 3 focus areas, explore new housing possibilities, and discuss ideas for larger unique sites within the Corridor.
We’re holding a number of workshops focusing on different neighbourhoods within the Corridor. Workshops are scheduled from the beginning of October to the end of November. Please register for your area of interest now to get involved. Visit vancouver.ca/cambiecorridor for workshop information and to register. For general project information, phone 3-1-1 or cambiecorridor@vancouver.ca
Help Us Improve the South False Creek Seawall
The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation are continuing a process to improve conditions for people walking and cycling along the South False Creek Seawall between Cambie Bridge and Burrard Bridge. We would like your input on the key issues and proposed solutions. We want to hear from you! Join us at an open house in October. These meetings will be drop-in open house format. City staff will be available to discuss the project, answer questions and gather your feedback. Sunday, October 4, 2015, 11 am – 3 pm Granville Island Hotel 1253 Johnston Street Tuesday, October 6, 2015, 4 – 7 pm Vancouver Maritime Museum 1905 Ogden Avenue You can also view the display boards and complete a feedback form online at vancouver.ca/seawall. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone: 3-1-1, vancouver.ca/seawall or seawall@vancouver.ca
Development Permit Board Meeting: October 5
The Development Permit Board and Advisory Panel will meet: Monday, October 5, 2015 at 3 pm Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue Ground Floor, Town Hall Meeting Room
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This includes: • One to one career advising and support • Job search and career exploration workshops • Skills training including tuition and financial supports • Job placement and job coaching • Supports for self-employment and business launch • Disability accommodations in the workplace • Support for those at risk of losing work due to disability-related needs
• Support for students moving into the workforce The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
NORTH SHORE 106 – 930 West 1st, North Van Tel 604.988.3766 VANCOUVER WESTSIDE 300-2150 West Broadway Tel 604.688.4666 VANCOUVER SOUTH Ground Floor, 7575 Cambie St
to consider the following development permit applications: 1768 Cook Street To develop this site with a 17-storey, multiple-dwelling building over two levels of underground parking. 869 Beatty Street Interior alteration/addition to the existing “Artist Studio – Class B” with associated uses. A residential unit would add approximately 160 sqaure feet to the mezzanine. Please contact City Hall Security (ground floor) if your vehicle may be parked at City Hall for more than two hours. TO SPEAK ON AN ITEM: 604-873-7770 or lidia.mcleod@vancouver.ca
Tel 604.263.5005
Visit: vancouver.ca Phone: 3-1-1 TTY: 7-1-1
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
Community PACIFIC SPIRIT
Jewish holiday centres on heaven-sent gift of rain Calendar of holiday cycles and prayer cycle revolves around the land of Israel
Pat Johnson
PacificSpiritPJ@gmail.com
Jewish Vancouverites are in the midst of the High Holidays, a succession of festive occasions interposed by the most solemn day in the calendar. It is a time of emotion, celebration, reflection, repentance and facing mortality. There is also, coming up, a holiday specifically focused on the heaven-sent gift of rain. Scarcity of rain is an issue Vancouverites have rarely had to consider before this summer, but which the Jewish people, whose history and present-day homeland are rooted in desert climes, have been obsessing over for millennia. Late summer and early autumn is a time jam-packed with Jewish holy days. (The holidays are fixed to the Hebrew calendar, so they move about from August to October, depending.) Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, began at sunset on Sept. 13, kicking off the season. Families and friends gathered, almost invariably around bountiful meals of traditional foods, depending on cultural background. Ashkkenazi Jews, those of European ancestry, likely had roast chicken or brisket. Sephardic Jews, those from North Africa and parts of the Middle East, more likely had couscous with a spicy chicken stew accompanied by eggplant, citrus, dried fruits and nuts. Apples were dipped in honey in hopes of a sweet new year. Pomegranates, whose bountiful seeds each represent a good deed in the coming months, were shared. The challah,
At the end of Sukkot, Rabbi Jonathan Infeld of Beth Israel synagogue on Oak Street, will lead a prayer for rain in Israel. “The people of Israel, the Jews, are continuously looking toward heaven for the water to fall. So you’re always looking up toward God.” PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
traditional braided egg bread, is baked round at this time of year, signifying the cyclical end and beginning of the year. Beginning with the twoday celebration of Rosh Hashanah and continuing through the solemn fast day of Yom Kippur, which began at sunset Tuesday, are the “Days of Awe.” Religiously, this is a period during which Jewish people are expected to undertake deep reflection. God is said to inscribe in the book of life on Rosh Hashanah who will live and who will die, who will have a good year and who a bad one. The
book is said to be sealed on Yom Kippur, based on an individual’s actions during this window of repentance, prayer and good deeds. The cycle continues with Sukkot, a weeklong holiday that begins at sundown this Sunday. The holiday has both a religious and an agricultural significance. Observant Jews will build temporary shelters (booths) in their yards and dwell there for the week, under a roof made of tree boughs. The building, called a sukka, is reminiscent of the impermanence of the biblical transition of the Hebrew people from bondage in
Egypt through the 40 years in the desert before arriving in the Promised Land. The sukka is decorated with fruits and vegetables, reflecting the other part of the holiday’s significance — a harvest festival. At the immediate close of Sukkot comes Shemini Atzaret. Literally, this means “eighth day,” and is both part of Sukkot and apart from it. Among the most important aspects of the services for this day is a prayer for rain. For Jewish Vancouverites, who may have just spent a soggy week in a dripping sukka, the prayer may seem superfluous. But
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the prayer is not for rain here; it’s a prayer for rain in the land of Israel. “The entire Jewish calendar of holiday cycles and our prayer cycle revolves around the land of Israel,” explains Rabbi Jonathan Infeld, spiritual leader at Beth Israel, the large synagogue on Oak Street and West 28th, which is associated with Judaism’s Conservative movement. “One of the big things to keep in mind is that there is a limited rain season in Israel,” he says. “For most of Israel, once you hit the summer, there is no rain at all. We focus so much of
our attention on the rain because, especially when you talk about parts of Israel that run temperatures of probably between 40 and 45 degrees during the summer, rain’s pretty darn important.” Israel today is a world leader in water desalination and irrigation technologies that make the most of limited supplies. “In the ancient period, there was no chance of water desalination, so if you had a drought like the droughts [here] in the summer or in California that continues to go on, death was a certainty,” Infeld says. The relationship between the people of Israel and Egypt looms large in Jewish history. The holiday at the other end of the rainy season — Passover, in the springtime — marks the escape of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. The lessons of that dark period include an understanding about water — and about the relationship between the Jewish people and God. Egypt has the Nile River running through it and the river frequently overflowed its banks, flooding the land. Egyptians, traditionally, looked for water coming up from around their feet. Once they arrived in the land of Israel, the Jewish people had only one dependable source of water — from above. “The people of Israel, the Jews, are continuously looking toward heaven for the water to fall,” says Infeld. “So you’re always looking up toward God.” Pat604Johnson@gmail.com
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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Opinion
Film festival captures scope of human experience Geoff Olson Columnist geoffolson.com
It’s that time of year again: here are my reviews of some documentaries screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival, which kicks off at seven venues across the city starting Sept. 24.
A Syrian Love Story
Very Semi-Serious
An alternately humourous and moving profile of New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff and his stable of contributors, who “darken his doorway” every week with samples of new work for him to accept or reject. Mostly the latter. Contributor David Sipress has had 501 cartoons published in the magazine, but it took 25 years of rejections before his first cartoon appeared. “Cartoons make the familiar strange, and the strange familiar,” notes the greying, bohemian-looking Mankoff, himself a longtime scribbler for the publication. Not surprisingly, other well-known New Yorker cartoonists such as Roz
Saghda’s face was bloody and swollen when Amer first caught sight of her through a hole in a Syrian prison wall, he recalls to filmmaker Sean McCallister. After their release, the Palestinian freedom fighter and Syrian author/activist fell in love, married, and raised three boys in the Mediterranean town of Tartus. Over the course of five years the filmmaker captures the family’s physical and psychological upheavals, from their home in Syria to a refugee camp to Europe. The thinning Saghda wears a thousand-yard stare and a cloak of shame for fleeing her land and cause. Will the battling couple survive their scars, and will their children adapt to their unpredictable circumstances? In a world of desperate, displaced people, McCallister’s film gives universality to one story of love, family, and longing for home.
I prefer a living human being” a skeptical Dutch senior tells a small American-made “caredroid” with a gift of synthesized gab. “Oh, that’s a shame,” Alice replies. The robot has cameras in its eyes, and we get to see members of the Amsterdam-based research group SELEMCA track the progress between Alice and three elderly women taking part in an experiment in automated extended care. As a document about where we may be heading with robotics and a demographic bomb of aging boomers, the film would have profited from a few more talking heads, and a few less scenes of octogenarians puttering about their apartments with a caredroid seated nearby like a fauxsentient throw pillow. But different strokes, I guess; some reviewers have written fondly of little Alice, but I’m more inclined to liken her uncanny behaviour and appearance to Chucky or any number of Hollywood’s scary, autonomous dolls. @geoffolson
2009’s Crude Awakening, filmmaker Noah Hutton performs a small, subtle magic trick at the very end of the film, giving Deep Time a powerfully understated poignancy.
Chast and George Booth come across as a quirky and likeable, which goes double for young newcomers Liana Finck and Ed Steed.
Hagwin’s Judgement
Very Semi-Serious profiles New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff and his stable of contributors.
Monty Python and the Meaning of Live
In 2014, the surviving members of the British comedy troupe performed their first public performance together since 1980, with 10 sold-out shows at the O2 Arena in London. Film directors Roger Graef and James Rogan captured the elderly but still-sharp Pythons in rehearsal, months before they staged “One Down, Five to Go” — a reference to the late Graham Chapman. Terry Gilliam confesses he was always “in awe”
of the other Pythons and explains the group’s true function: to shock people out of conventional habits of thought through absurdity. A must-see for Python fans.
Deep Time
In the space of five years, hydraulic fracturing transformed a small, humdrum town in North Dakota into a sprawling mess, making it the perfect setting for this meditation on geological time and the collective curse of shortterm thinking. Using footage from his previous film,
Spectacular camerawork in the B.C. temperate rainforest brightens this compelling documentary take on the John Vaillant’s award–winning 2005 book, The Golden Spruce. Logging company employee Grant Hadwin was an intense and physically powerful man who struggled to reconcile his job marking out roadways for clearcut operations with his growing identification with nature. While travelling his old-growth stations of the cross, this tortured soul conceived and committed an act of sabotage that seemed completely at odds with his professed love of trees and indigenous culture.
Alice Cares
“I don’t feel like having a robot in my house.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
Community
1. Erin Gibbs sold butterfly and bug specimens as part of her collection at the first-ever Main Street Flea at Hot Art Wet City this past weekend. 2. Three huge bins of vintage Playboy magazines were also for sale and a topic of many a conversation. See photo gallery at vancourier.com. PHOTOS REBECCA BLISSETT
CITY LIVING
Vintage collector unloads at first-ever Main Street Flea Rebecca Blissett
rvblissett@gmail.com
Sometimes stuff, even if it’s really cool stuff, can just be too much stuff. Some people are OK with the monthly cost of storage lockers to store their excess; others, on the extreme side of things, go for mountainous stacks in their homes that result in horrifying pathways that lead from one room to the other. And others still, just know when it’s OK to let stuff go. Erin Gibbs had a table set up with part of her eclectic vintage collection at Hot Art Wet City art gallery for the first ever Main Street Flea
this past weekend. Everything with a price tag was something she owned, and had collected, for the simple reason she liked it at one time or another. That was obvious with the care she took in displaying her wares so the table resembled more a permanent display for a highend home store than a market sale. It made perfect sense upon learning Gibbs works as a surface designer for Danica Studio (some of her designs have shown up at Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel). “It’s harder to get rid of some things than others,” Gibbs said. “I’ve got some vintage needle packs in there from an old family
friend who passed away. I have other ones at home but still, it’s hard to get rid of them. I’ve got a washboard in there, don’t use it, don’t need it in the house. Those old fondue pots — they’re so beautiful — I thought it would be really cool to drill a hole in them and hang them, have an air plant hanging out.” Home is a two-bedroom condo she shares with husband Chris Bentzen, owner of Hot Art Wet City who had his own collection of stuff for sale in the Main Street Flea that included beer-making supplies (“Been a few years since I made beer,” he said.); trophies he
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won in 1985 as a baseball and soccer player (“The only reason I kept them was because I was going to turn them into something.”); and three huge bins of Playboy magazines that had once belonged to his dad (“I have fond memories of sneaking a peak at them when I was a kid.”) Gibbs and Bentzen agreed stability is conducive to collecting. “I moved to Vancouver in ’96 to go to art school and when you’re in your 20s you move around every year, move home for the summer, so you don’t have a ton of stuff,” Gibbs said. “But once I finished school, I started hoarding.” It was vintage labels from canned goods that first caught Gibbs’ design eye. She was a student in between semesters at Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design when she spotted the “My Choice” British Columbia keta salmon and Wardour
asparagus spears tin can labels laying in a box at the fruit stand she worked at, evidently untouched, judging by their perfect condition, for the better part of 30 years. “That was probably the turning point,” she said. Also for sale was a basket full of Canadian yarn, a lovely mint green Pyrex dish, a set of unopened markers from Eaton’s from a great aunt who has since been moved into a care home, a metal first aid kit filled with vintage postcards, and butterfly and bug specimens in shadow boxes that Gibbs’ mom came across in her hometown of Summerland, B.C. Gibbs first visits to the thrift store were reluctant ones as she and her sister shopped for used clothing during their elementary school years out of financial necessity. She remembers going through racks at the second-hand store rather disdainfully during the
1980s, knowing full well she wouldn’t find anything comparable to the Club Monaco sweatshirts, Benetton shirts, and slouchy socks the other kids were wearing. But by the time thrift store-sourced grunge became trendy in the 1990s, Gibbs was old hat at finding the good stuff. Even at the flea market, she wore $200 Raleigh Denim Workshop jeans she bought for $8.99 at the East Vancouver Salvation Army — once again proving one person’s junk is another’s treasure. Appropriate, too, the little market was held concurrently with RECEIPT, an exhibition at Hot Art Wet City where the works of local artists were priced by way of restaurant receipts where the idea is to playfully question those who claim they cannot afford art, but then drop a few hundred dollars on a night out. @rebeccablissett
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
A17
Opinion
Invermere puts birth control on UBCM agenda Jessica Barrett Columnist
Jessica.barrett@gmail.com
I’ve got to hand it to Invermere. I never would have guessed the town of about 3,000, located just this side of the Alberta border, would be championing one of the most progressive and long-overdue resolutions at the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention, held this week in Vancouver. Actually, I never thought much about Invermere at all until Mayor Gerry Taft announced last week his council would be seeking support for its resolution asking the provincial government to publicly fund birth control. Hallelujah Invermere! I’m your newest, biggest fan. Not only has the move inspired me to add Invermere to my list of summer road trip destinations, I’m taking it as an optimistic sign of the times that the town’s all-male council saw fit to bring the issue to the table. In doing so, they’ve framed reproductive choice as what it is, a public health issue, rather than a
“women’s issue.” In an era where uttering the word “feminist” is considered by many to be a hostile act, and when the merest mention of the #notallmen phenomenon is the surest way to kill the vibe at a house party, and when women in the public eye are routinely exposed to hateful, humiliating, sexist vitriol just for doing their jobs, any indication of us dropping the tired “war of the sexes” angle when addressing issues of gender equality has got to be a net positive. Might we finally be entering a time when we realize that empowering women does not disempower men, but in fact benefits everyone in society? Might we finally be making decisions about women’s health and reproductive choice based on fact rather than emotion? Well, we’re trying to, but in Canada we’re playing catch up. In the U.S., health insurers have been mandated to cover both birth control and birth control counselling since the introduction of Obam-
acare and the policy has led to significant savings. For every dollar invested into the program, $7 are not spent on managing the effects of unwanted pregnancies.
unintended pregnancy.” Norman is working to rectify that. Since 2011, she’s been working with the provincial government to survey B.C. women about the
Might we finally be making decisions about women’s health and reproductive choice based on fact rather than emotion? Dr. Wendy Norman of UBC’s school of population and public health says Canada can expect the same benefit, but we have a little legwork to do first in establishing baseline data to make the argument. “We don’t have the indicator data to be able to run those numbers,” she told me. “One of the main reasons is that most countries, like the U.K., the U.S., France and New Zealand, they all have sexual health surveys that include measurement of the rate of
barriers they face in accessing birth control and the costs of unwanted pregnancy. The results won’t be out until next year, but preliminary results suggest the cost of birth control is the number one barrier women face, and the vast majority bear those costs alone. While some women are covered for certain forms of birth control through B.C.’s PharmaCare program or employer health benefits, Norman says her research suggests less than seven per cent of women have access to insurance that covers their
preferred method of birth control. Meanwhile, she’s noticed that in her 30 years as a family doctor, most women are not aware of all the options available to them and most do not split the cost of birth control with their male partners. While the cost, in dollars and cents, of unwanted pregnancies may be yet to be determined, the social benefits of empowering women to make choices about when, how or if to become mothers, are clear. Not only are women able to seek higher education, better jobs and participate more fully in society when they are able to plan and space their pregnancies, “the children they already have are more likely to graduate high school, more likely to have food, safety, shelter and not be in relationships where there’s violence, because unintended pregnancies are associated with all of those adverse determinants within people’s lives,” Norman says. And while access to birth control is often thought to be an issue most affecting younger women at the be-
ginning of their sexual lives, Norman notes nearly a third of women will have at least one abortion before they reach menopause and that many unwanted pregnancies are faced by women who’ve already completed — or hoped to complete — their families. Given all that, it’s absurd to me that more than 50 years after the birth control pill came onto the market and revolutionized society as we know it, we’re only now seriously considering universal access to birth control. But Norman says we just haven’t been looking at the issue from the right perspective — as a public health one, as opposed to a gendered one — until now. “Really, it’s a case of has society looked at how they can best care for the health of their members?” she says. With her research poised to show a clear argument for better health outcomes at a lower cost, and a chance this week for B.C. municipalities to add their voices to the call, let’s hope clear heads and good data will soon prevail. @jm_barrett
Seniors’ lifestyle talks + tables WED., OCT. 7, 2015 • 11AM-4PM VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN VISITOR CENTRE Lifetime is a free event that celebrates and educates the 55+ market. Join us for an amazing speaker line up moderated by Dr. Art Hister, and tables hosted by local businesses. 12PM Food – What’s New and Best for You, by Liz da Silva 1:30PM Building Strength to Prevent Falls, by Yee Tse 3PM Aging 2.0 – Linking to Reputable Brain Info, by Dr. Julie Robillard Lifetime is a first come first served event, with limited seating. We ask that you please arrange your day around one speaker to allow room for others. Attendee registration not required. BROUGHT TO YOU BY
A18
THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
Community
Fibre artist Jolynn Vandam crafts macramé and woven pieces made with natural fabric in her East Vancouver home, often alongside her kids. Vandam was one of 78 local vendors picked from approximately 350 applicants vying for a coveted spot at this weekend’s Etsy Vancouver marketplace. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
Etsy does it for home-based weaver
Niki Hope
nikihope@shaw.ca
An East Vancouver fibre artist managed to secure a spot at this weekend’s Etsy: Made in Canada event less than a year after she started creating her signature textured woven wall hangings. Jolynn Vandam was one of 78 vendors picked from approximately 350 applicants vying for a coveted spot in the popup marketplace that attracted more than 5,000 shoppers at last year’s inaugural event. “It’s a step up from your normal craft fair, everybody has their own
business,” Vandam says, noting that her ultimate goal when she started with Etsy earlier this year was to be picked for this fall market. For those who might not know, Etsy is a worldwide marketplace where millions of people around the globe connect — mainly online — to make, sell and buy mostly handmade and vintage goods. The market event is a chance for those vendors to come together and sell their goods — everything from crafts to jewelry to home décor — direct to customers. Thirty-three cities across Canada are participating in the single-day shop-
ping event on Saturday, Sept. 26. Vandam will have a table at the sale featuring the charming wall pieces she crafts — traditional macramé and woven pieces made with natural fibres with a soft consistency that adds warmth to a room. She hangs her woven pieces on naturally shed deer antlers that her sister finds in the fields of Alberta, or on handpicked driftwood from local beaches. For Vandam, part of the appeal of being an Etsy vendor is being able to stay at home with her kids — four-year-old Cooper and one-year-old Norah — while running
her small business, which she calls Saige and Skye (after her kids’ middle names). “This is something I really enjoy doing at home with the kids,” Vandam explains from the living room of her GrandviewWoodland condo, which is charmingly decorated with mid-century modern pieces, upcycled furniture and, of course, woven wall art. She was surprised at how easy it was to sign up to sell on Etsy, and since doing so Vandam has sold her wares at the Eastside Flea and hosted a pop-up shop at West Elm on Granville Street. “It’s taken off like wildfire, and I’ve never looked back,” says Vandam, who pulls from nature for the colour combos she uses
for the woven pieces, which are made of soft merino wool. Her fabric basket is full of delicious colours — rich teal, bubblegum pink, cool lavender, buttery creams, warm sands — that Vandam thoughtfully weaves together in mixed colour patterns. “I usually use nature — the colour palettes of nature,” she explains. Vandam is the typical Etsy vendor in that she is a woman with kids. Etsy Vancouver founder and vendor Crystal Ho says about 80 per cent of the locals are women, many are moms, handcrafting from home. As an Etsy vendor, Ho sells tote bags, pillows, shipping labels and wall clocks with painted animals — foxes, giraffes, dogs, sea
otters, etc. — through her line Triple Studio, which will also be featured at this weekend’s sale. “It’s important for small business to support each other,” Ho says, explaining her involvement in the global organization that still retains a quaint, homespun feel. As for this weekend’s Etsy market, Ho says there is lots to look forward to, including new sellers such as Vandam. “They just started an Etsy shop, and they want to bring their stuff out to the world,” she says. “I’m excited for them because it will be a busy market.” The market takes place this Saturday at Robson Square (800 Robson St.), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free. @nikimhope
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
Why reward Vancouver seniors for staying in big empty houses? Peter Ladner Columnist
pladner@biv.com
In all the anguish about unaffordable housing in Metro Vancouver, much has been said about houses sitting vacant while local families move to Squamish or Winnipeg to find a detached home they can afford. But no one talks about empty bedrooms, and how public policy rewards entitled seniors for rattling around in big detached homes full of empty bedrooms. A lot of families with dependent children (like a lot of foreign buyers) really want detached homes. The limited supply of those detached homes is the biggest source of real estate price increases in Metro Vancouver. On Vancouver’s east side, for example, the cost of a detached home is up 20 per cent in the past year, but condos are up only 5 per cent. Increasingly, those detached homes, many in areas well serviced by schools with shrinking enrolment, are being occupied by aging boomers. The oldest of us will be 80 in 10 years, well past the time we needed all
those bedrooms for our children, even the ones who stick around into their 30s. And we have lots of those bedrooms. Canadians have the most living space per person of any country in the world (2.5 rooms per person), according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development stats. I confess: I have two empty bedrooms in my home, even after converting the basement into a suite. A decade ago, Urban Futures estimated that around 30 per cent of homes in Metro Vancouver had at least one unoccupied bedroom. That would be 220,000 empty bedrooms then, and many more in coming years as the boomer tsunami arrives. It would be interesting to calculate how many years we could go without building any new homes simply by filling up the ones we already have. (Sort of like cars, but I digress.) What’s worse is that the majority of big detached houses are in the suburbs, a brutal place for people too old to drive. To get to immobile seniors, all their visiting children (the ones who haven’t moved to Winnipeg), their nurses,
caregivers, cleaners and home deliverers have to drive long distances on ever more congested roads. Transit is often missing or too infrequent to be of practical use – and now, thanks to the recent plebiscite, it’s not going to be improved in the foreseeable future. Many immobile suburban seniors in their old family homes are doomed to slide into what the Vancouver Foundation has identified as the biggest social issue in this region: isolation. Seniors’ lives would be richer, and their pocketbooks fuller and their kids better off, if they cashed out of their detached suburban homes into some more modest, perhaps assisted, quarters in nearby walkable communities with decent public transportation: aging in smaller places. Yet we have a tax policy that subsidizes them to stay where they are. The four-decade-old B.C. property tax deferment program lets people over 55 (even if they’ve only been in Canada one year) stop paying municipal property taxes. The unpaid taxes are recouped when the house is eventually sold, and the homeowner pays a nig-
gling 1 per cent interest. On a $5,000 tax bill, that comes to $50 a year, noncompounded. (In Washington state, the rate is 5 per cent, in Alberta 2.85 per cent, and most other jurisdictions, unlike B.C., have a means test.) B.C. homeowners go for it: a B.C. finance spokesman recently told the Calgary Herald that 36,555 B.C. homeowners use the program for all or part of their taxes, with 6,000 more signing on each year. Essentially, B.C.’s wealthy senior homeowners (which is anyone who owns a house these days) are being gifted 1 per cent loans, covered by younger working taxpayers, as a reward for staying in their big empty homes and squeezing young families out of the housing market. Nobody should be forced to move out of a home they love, but they also shouldn’t be subsidized to hang around in a big home they no longer need. Peter Ladner is a cofounder of Business in Vancouver. He is a former Vancouver city councillor and former fellow at the SFU Centre for Dialogue. He is the author of The Urban Food Revolution: Changing the Way We Feed Cities.
Good hearing but trouble with conversation? good solution for most people.
A lot of people have trouble catching what people say, especially in group situations, despite having good hearing. What a lot of people don’t know is that this may be caused by damage to the so-called motor or amplifier function of special cells in the ear. A new type of hearing aid can help balance this out. A great many people have difficulty hearing others clearly on a daily basis. Bad acoustics, unclear pronunciation, background noise and music often make it challenging to catch what people say. This results in them having to repeatedly ask questions, straining to hear and perhaps increasingly avoiding discussions in large groups. As mentioned earlier, this may be caused by malfunctions in special cells in the ear. According to a theory proposed by hearing researchers, “motor cells” are a type of hair cell responsible for amplifying quiet sounds. They vibrate up to 20,000 times per second. If these hair cells do not work properly then
Hair cells in the ear move very rapidly and can act as an amplifier or dampener. If these cells are damaged, they can no longer properly amplify speech and dampen loud noises.
This improvement in hearing can be achieved for some clients through the new Phonak Audéo V’s hearing aids. This cutting-edge hearing technology comes in a miniature casing that can significantly enhance the user’s ability to hear speech in company. The hearing aids attune to the person you are speaking to and can also recognize if ambient noise increases in the background.
Connect Hearing is currently looking to improve hearing for people who experience these challenges and want to try this new technology. We are quiet sounds are no longer naturally particularly interested in candidates amplified in the ear and loud sounds who have trouble hearing speech in the situations discussed above and can no longer dampened. benefit from a demonstration to see This leads to more difficulty in hearing whether they notice an improvement. what is said in a lot of situations. If the hair cells have been damaged by noise Interested people can register for a free or blood circulation problems, hearing hearing evaluation and a no-obligation aids that amplify quiet speech and demonstration of the Audéo V hearing dampen loud ambient noise can be a aids by calling 1.888.408.7377.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
Feature
Parents want autism commitment One in 68 campaign gets political this federal election
Tom Sandborn tos65@telus.net
They call their children “medicare’s orphans,” and they are demanding their kids get access to an effective autism therapy under the Canada Health Act. The therapy is called Applied Behavioural Analysis/Intensive Behavioural Intervention or ABA/ IBI, which many research findings, including the comprehensive survey of multiple research projects published this year by the National Autism Center at Randolph, Mass., have supported as evidence based and “established.” During the current federal election, a group of local parents and their allies are launching a campaign called One in 68, hoping candidates will commit to support what they call “medicare for autism.” The One in 68 campaign takes its name from a finding by the U.S. Center for Disease Control that one child of every 68 born in America is somewhere on the autism spectrum, a spectrum that includes children and adults with symptoms ranging from loss of all language skills, compulsive and repetitive behaviours and uncontrolled aggression at one end of the arc to mildly odd personal styles and flat affect, or lack of emotional reactivity at the other. (The figure in B.C. is one in 69.) One in 68 has targeted 33 ridings across Canada, and is requesting candidates endorse the remedy the campaign supports — making ABA/IBI treatment for autism one of the core services protected by the Canada Health Act and thus publicly funded for all Canadians who need it. Nine of the targeted ridings are in B.C., with seven in the Lower Mainland and three in Vancouver (Vancouver Centre, Vancouver Granville and Vancouver Quadra).
Gold standard
The ABA/IBI intervention that One in 68 hopes to see funded is based on the scientific principles of the broader field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). According to the website of Quickstart, Early Interventions for Autism, “IBI is an intensive, comprehensive treatment strategy designed for young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is typically provided between
Dr. Sherri Brown, whose son Quinn was diagnosed on the severe end of the autism spectrum, is part of a campaign called One in 68, which is asking federal candidates to endorse making ABA/IBI treatment one of the core services protected by the Canada Health Act. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
18 and 40 hours per week and should begin early in a child’s life, ideally before four years of age.” The key to the approach lies in analyzing the social skills and practical competencies children on the spectrum lack into small, learnable elements, and then teaching those micro behaviours and positively reinforcing each small improvement. University of B.C. autism researcher Dr. Pat Mirenda told the Courier she agrees with parents who see ABA/ IBI as a “gold standard” treatment, and described the question posed by the One in 68 campaign as “legitimate.” She said that One in 68 is “a great campaign, and one I support.” (Of course, the ABA/IBI approach has critics as well as proponents, although most research in the field tends to support behavioural interventions such as ABA/IBI as having demonstrated effectiveness. Nevertheless, some commentators see the approach as too focused on “normalizing” autistic children rather than valuing the ways they are differently abled, and others suggest the skills acquired are not sufficiently generalizable or that the program is too rigid. Even though B.C. does not fully fund ABA/ IBI therapy, a statement emailed to the Courier by the province’s Ministry of Children and Family Development indicates agreement with the One in 68 campaign’s enthusiasm for ABA
style therapies. A ministry spokesperson wrote, in part: “Currently, the accepted best practice standards for early intervention with children with autism spectrum disorders indicates that effective interventions are those based on the principles of applied behaviour analysis (ABA).”
Canvassing candidates
In the riding of Vancouver Centre, NDP candidate Constance Barnes has gone on record with the One in 68 campaign supporting its goals. Barnes told the Courier she would “cherish the opportunity to take this on.” Lisa Barrett, the Green candidate, told the Courier, “ABA coverage should have been done a long time ago.” Neither Liberal incumbent Hedy Fry (her party’s health critic) nor Conservative hopeful Elaine Allen responded to Courier’s requests for comment. In Vancouver Quadra, NDP candidate Scott Andrews originally told the Courier he would add his name to the One in 68 web site to indicate he supported the reforms proposed, but later contacted the Courier to say that after consulting with NDP national headquarters, he had to withdraw any pre-election support. Conservative challenger Blair Lockhart did not respond to Courier requests for comment. Incumbent Liberal MP Joyce Murray said she was not able to say yes to
the campaign’s question because her party’s platform calls for development of a national autism strategy in consultation with the provinces and because she had concerns whether signing a pledge to support medicare funding for autism might put her in breach of section 550 of the Elections Act, which she understands prohibits candidates from signing such pledges. Dr. Sherri Brown, who heads up the campaign, said One in 68 conferred with legal counsel and has been advised that the campaign does not represent a breach of section 550. “We are not asking candidates to sign anything,” Brown said. “[We’re] merely asking candidates to indicate whether or not they will support legislation to cover autism treatment under medicare. We stand by what we’re doing.”
Early diagnosis
While working on a postdoctoral program at the University of California in San Francisco, Brown, (now a Vancouver resident and political science lecturer at Simon Fraser) learned that her son Quinn had been diagnosed on the severe end of the autism spectrum. Surely, she thought, she could take Quinn home to Canada, where a single-payer health care system would provide him with the expensive, hands-on, one-to-one behavioural therapy he would need to beat the disease. “We were shocked when
we got back to B.C.,” Brown said. In Canada, Brown learned, the Supreme Court ruled in 2004’s Auton case against parents of autistic children and their argument that the Canada Health Act should mandate funding for ABA/IBI treatment. Dr. Glen Davies, whose Able Development Clinic in B.C. treats around 130 children on the autism spectrum each year using ABA, said that if diagnosed and treated early (ideally well before school age), between 25 and 33 per cent of children on the autism spectrum “walk right off the diagnosis.” “Even when the condition does not disappear, 95 per cent of kids who get this treatment see some significant improvement,” he said. In a letter supporting the One in 68 campaign, Davies wrote: “In summary, ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] is a seriously debilitating condition with huge lifetime costs that can be effectively treated with a particular form of treatment.” According to Davies, ABA treatment “can re-write the life scripts of children on the autism spectrum.” That seems to be the case for Brown’s son, Quinn, who was diagnosed on the spectrum in May 2013. Quinn, who also suffers from epilepsy, has made significant progress since he has had access to ABA/IBI therapy. “He has so many new skills now,” Brown said. “He is toilet trained, enjoys painting, has improved his self-care and social skills. ABA/IBI has given him a life, and it’s given us our lives back.” But in this province, the wait lists and paper work around diagnosis for autism spectrum kids can be so time-consuming that the ideal time for treatment has nearly passed before diagnosis. According to the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the average age for a B.C. child to be diagnosed on the autism scale is 6.6 years. On top of that, the maximum public funding available here for treatment (up to $22,000 a year until the child is six, up to $6,000 from six to 17) is well below what parents have to pay — if they can — to obtain the intensive ABA treatment for their child. B.C. currently provides
funding to more than 10,600 children and youth diagnosed with ASD and their families — 1,700 under six and approximately 9,500 over six. (In 2004 only 600 kids received such provincial subsidy.) Across Canada, a patchwork of provincial decisions on ABA/IBI treatment creates an uneven and confusing situation, with no province providing full funding and many as slow as B.C. to qualify children even for partial funding. “I was devastated and depressed to learn all this,” Brown said. “It is hard to realize your child doesn’t matter to the government. It’s lonely.” Meanwhile, as Brown discovered after her return to Canada, 42 of the 50 American states provide autism treatment for children.
Parental support
Since her return to Canada, Brown has become a board member of Medicare for Autism Now, and she volunteers as a facilitator for parent support groups through the Autism Support Network of B.C. “Children with autism are as important and just as much in need as children with measles, diabetes or cancer,” said Donna Celle, who has two grandsons, Gabriel and Dominic, diagnosed on the spectrum. Bobbi Celle, Gabriel and Dominic’s mother, said that ABA/IBI treatment, which has cost her family more than $100,000 out of pocket, has helped both her sons. “The therapy had a lot to do with Dominic’s progress, and both boys have come a long way. I don’t like the idea of a country where treatment is available in some places and not in others,” she said. The Canadian government has recently taken some modest steps, including the creation of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Working Group this year. The Conservative 2015 Economic Action Plan allocates $15 million annually to create new jobs for people with developmental disabilities, including some adults on the autism spectrum, but Davies is not impressed. “The government has sat on its hands on autism for 10 years and now they are throwing a little money at it. It’s not enough,” Davies said.
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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Comic collective takes over bus shelters
Ten new comics will be featured each month with differing styles and genres Emily Blake
emily_blake@live.com
If you’ve taken the bus lately you might have spotted comics depicting cities from around the world. That’s because one-page comics by local artists are being installed in bus shelters as part of Cloudscape Comics’ Comics in Transit project. Cloudscape president Oliver McTavishWisden said he’s had the idea to display comics in a more public format since he was studying contemporary art at Simon Fraser University. After finding support from the city’s cultural services department and a grant from the provincial government he’s been able to make the project a reality. “I was thinking about areas that you could take comics outside of the book format because people only read comics if they feel like going to buy one,” he explained. “It would be nice if they were able to read comics when they were out in the world like so much sculpture already is.” Cloudscape’s latest project features 20 poster size, onepage comics around the city during September and October. Ten new comics will be featured each month with differing styles and genres. Artists involved include Nina Matsumoto, Colin Upton, Steve Rolston, Chloe Chan, Edison Yan, Jordyn Bochon, John Christmas, Sean Karemaker, James Lloyd and Sam Logan. The project aims to represent international cities to highlight multiculturalism in Vancouver. Some of the cities featured include Vancouver, Paris, Guadalajara, Copenhagen, Thailand, Japan and Ireland. “I wanted to do something that would connect with the people waiting for the bus together,” McTavish-Wisden said. “Because it’s such a multicul-
Comics placed at bus shelters in Vancouver are meant to highlight multiculturalism in the city.
tural city I decided to do stories from cities around the world so that the people waiting for their bus meeting other people would learn a little something about their neighbours.” He said there’s already been positive reception to the posters with people posting pictures and comments about them on social media. “A lot of people like the idea of having something to read while they wait for the bus to come and having something they can share with other people,” he said. Along with a greater sense of community, he hopes that Comics in Transit will foster a greater
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appreciation for storytelling and comics as an art form. “I hope to inspire more people to read comics, more people to make comics and more people to get involved with the B.C. comic community,” he said. McTavish-Wisden has been part of Cloudscape for the last three years. He said before finding the collective through a Google search he didn’t know of anyone else making comics in the province. Cloudscape Comics headquarters is located on the top floor of Memorial South Park’s fieldhouse at 5955 Ross St. and weekly meetings are held on Wednesdays starting at 7:30 p.m.
“Most of our members come to us thinking that they were the only people who draw comics in B.C. because there’s actually just generally not a lot of people who go the distance to make comics,” he said. Cloudscape Comics is Vancouver’s largest independent, non-profit comic collective that aims to promote B.C. comics. They are currently working on their latest anthology Epic Canadiana #2. For those interested in learning about making comics, Cloudscape is hosting a mini-comic making workshop as part of Culture Days on Sept. 26. For more information, visit culturedays.ca.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
Gardening beneficial Research project based on two community gardens
Emily Blake
emily_blake@live.com
Because They’re Part of Your Family
A Vancouver project is proving that community gardening is beneficial for the well-being of those living with mental illness. The three-year-long, communitybased participatory project, entering its final year, features two community gardens. One is located in East Vancouver and the other at Vancouver Coast Mental Health’s downtown Resource Centre. Dr. Melinda Suto, an associate professor with UBC’s Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, is the principal investigator. She is researching the benefits of community gardening on those living with severe mental illness in supportive housing. “It’s really important that you as a researcher are actually doing research that’s meaningful for people who are a part of it,” Suto explained. “From [the gardener’s] perspective the project is fun and it’s something to learn and we try not to emphasize the research project,” she added. The project involves three components — gardening, community and learning. Along with growing vegetables and fruits, gardeners meet weekly with horticultural therapist Shelagh Smith. “She’s really the backbone of the program that goes on,” Suto said. “Without that I think we would have a lot different outcomes right now.” Shurli Chan, who joined the program last March, said it’s become an important part of her well-being. She was diagnosed with bipolar, ADHD and anxiety disorder more than seven years ago. After retiring from work at UBC in 2007, she had difficulty coping with her illness and became homeless in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. “The one thing I feared more than anything else was going homeless, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” she said. “I found out what was wrong with me and it’s genetic more than anything else.” Through a lot of hard work, therapy and lifestyle changes she was better able to manage her mental health. She is now the client director of the board at Coast Foundation Society and gardens and
Chickadee bird houses at an East Side community garden are part of a research study about the effects of gardening on individuals living with mental illness. PHOTO EMILY BLAKE
practises meditation as part of a healthy lifestyle. “Mental wellness to me is being able to learn to accept yourself for who you are, faults and all,” she said. “There’s no other person on this planet like you, it makes you unique it gives you something that you can give, your gift to humanity, because everybody needs a purpose.” She said one of the many benefits of gardening is the access to healthy food and self-sufficiency. “Watching something grow is just wonderful and when you can eat it then you don’t have to worry about the cost of food and more importantly what they put on it — pesticides and that kind of thing,” she said. Chan said her greatest gardening accomplishment to date has been growing a large orange pepper. She’s also grown heather, bok choy and has begun growing other vegetables on her balcony. She also enjoys the strong sense of
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
DESIGNER FILES:
Working with white WORDS BY JENNIFER SCOTT WESTENDER.COM
A few months back I shared my journey into the realm of pet décor timed with a recent move. Well, I’m at it again — I’m moving.
PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED
An all-white room gives the space a gallery-inspired vibe
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Yes, again. With my designer digs for Fido nailed, this move has led me to a new décor dilemma: how to bring an Edwardian character house into 2015 and beyond without disturbing the charm or breaking the bank. When considering what the biggest visual impact would be to transform the traditional elements of the house into an effect that suits my bohemian-meetsrock-n-roll style, the obvious option became the walls. When mulling over the many palettes for painting out the interior, it was actually a lack of colour that stood out. Choosing to white wash the entire space -— walls, ceilings, trims,
stairs — allows the space to take on a gallery-inspired vibe, with the décor pieces able to stand out and set the tone. Not only is a fresh white canvas perfect for the colour-commitmentphobes (accessories can be swapped out at any time to change the palette) but learning how to work with white walls and use them to
your advantage can be the secret to successful design for renters who may not have another colour option for their space. I’ve chosen to work with an all-white interior for many of my clients, and I’ve discovered some insider tricks to mastering the white wall. Most important is a great painter (someone who will do an awesome job and not gouge you on price). I’ve sworn by Martin Granatstein of Coastal Concepts for years, both for clients as well as my own homes. With my install team lined up, I then work with a checklist of my key tips for a successful white room. Choose the right white: I believe that this is the fundamental step to a successful white space — whites can vary so dramatically, with each tone
offering a different vibe. My personal preference is to always opt for a cool, stark white (White Mountain 50BB 83/020 by CIL to be exact) as it creates a chic gallery effect in natural light, yet is easily softened by ambient lighting. Some other whites I love are All White No. 2005 by Farrow & Ball, and Mirage White, Polar White and White Heaven, all by Benjamin Moore. To read the complete story, visit westender.com.
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to mental health community the project has created. Gardeners share gardening skills and care for one another’s plants. “We create friendships, a social community and the best way of healing is when you have a whole group of people all exercising together and working together and just talking to each other,” she said. “I just consider myself very blessed.” Peter Brannan was affected by mental illness later in life and has since benefitted from the gardening program. He’s grown radishes, tomatoes, potatoes, mustard seed, brussels sprouts, broccoli and herbs. “It gives me something to focus on and think about and there’s something nice about plants, they don’t give you a hard time, they respond to the care you take with them and it’s lovely to see them growing when you care for them,” he said. One of his favourite parts of the program is learning how to use the fruits and vegetables he grows in the kitchen. He especially enjoys the drinks volunteer Sara Warkentin has taught them to make at weekly meetings. “You learn how to eat healthier foods, that’s an important thing and also when I go shopping for vegetables I know what to look for now,” he explained. He said the program has also made him more sociable and encouraged him to get involved with Coast Mental Health. “I used to go for long periods of time
without talking to people and now I don’t. It’s helped me in my social connections,” he said. Horticultural therapist Shelagh Smith has seen the gardeners blossom along with their plants. “I absolutely love doing this because I see people enjoying themselves and learning at the same time,” she said. She especially enjoys when people make connections between the food they eat and how it grows. “The excitement they get when something that they grew from seed actually makes a tomato or makes a butternut squash or they pull out of the ground a beet or a carrot, all of those moments just make me so happy to see them so happy and so proud of what they’ve done,” she said. Suto has also seen the benefits of the project on the gardeners and she’s learned from that. “It’s really helping me to understand this concept of belonging and how do you create and have your gardeners help you create an environment where people feel like they belong,” she said. Suto wants the gardeners to carry on the project once the research has concluded. She said it could become a model for similar projects in other cities. She also hopes to present the results partly through a process called “photovoice,” during which participants present their own perspective of the results through photographs.
Shurli Chan says gardening has improved her mental wellness. PHOTO EMILY BLAKE
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Health
Write your own life story Davidicus Wong, M.D
davidicuswong.wordpress.com
As children, we are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and when we are young, we make our plans. Life intervenes. People come and go into our lives — relationships change and end. We make decisions based on who we are and what we know at the time we make them, but we cannot always foresee the consequences. Accidents happen, and illness arises. Change is constant, unremitting and unavoidable — just like aging, but unlike aging, it is not so predictable. Many young adults see the randomness in their lives, and for many, this is discouraging. Some of my patients with the wisdom of years look back on their lives with a different view. Though even more people have entered and exited their lives, which have taken ever more unpredictable turns, they discover greater meaning.
Upon thoughtful review, the events of our lives fall into place and create a coherent narrative. Seemingly random events, meetings and even difficulties, take on greater meaning as they led to the lives were meant to live. I chose the specialty of Family Practice — or it chose me, I simply answered its call — when I fell in love with the stories shared by patients. As medical students, when we take a history, we learn about family relationships, the pivotal points in every life, the triumphs, the tragedies and the disasters, and ultimately, how each person made sense of the unfolding of their lives. Most people have to rely on reality TV, soap operas and romance novels to be privy to the intimate details of other people’s lives. With deep listening to real life stories, we learn empathy. Understanding the suffering that others endure, we develop compassion.
In an English literature course, my professor told us that a comedy typically ends with a marriage and a tragedy with a funeral. If this was the case with real life, every one of our lives is ultimately a tragedy, and indeed that’s how a lot of people see their lives: after a certain age — 40, 50 or 60 — it’s a downhill ride to senescence. I soon recognized that the happiest of my patients told their life stories quite differently. They accepted the same illnesses, accidents and losses in life but also recognized with gratitude the gifts they had received — aspects of their health that continued to thrive, good fortune that came when most needed, and most importantly, love and kindness shared — particularly from family and friends who had passed on. If tomorrow you met a friend you had not seen since early childhood, how would you tell your life story? Continued on page 22
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Continued from page 21 How you reflect upon the past — what you regret and what you appreciate, how you judge others and judge yourself — can impact your happiness in the present and how you continue to see and live your life. Is there another way to tell your story? Together we weave the tapestry of our lives. It is our shared story and
work of art. We are given a canvas and paints — the raw materials and circumstances of our lives. As we live our lives and relate to one another, we build upon what others have built and experience a life intricately connected with the rest of the world. Together we weave a tapestry of inconceivable complexity and beauty that continues to exist beyond
our individual lives. This is the art of living — a work of art. Who writes your life story? From this moment forward, will you accept your calling to be an agent of positive change in the writing of your own life story? Dr. Davidicus Wong is a family physician. His Healthwise column appears regularly in this paper.
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Community
DRESSED TO THRILL: Nordstrom threw a party for the ages. Marking its arrival in Vanhattan, the luxury retailer spared no expense hosting thousands of Vancouverites who made the red carpet for the much-anticipated retail romp. Buzzing with le beau monde, the starry night kicked off with a sparkling reception at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Bubbles flowed as the Nordstrom family greeted guests. After exchanges of air kisses, much kibitzing and endless photos, the well-dressed crowd was led to a tented Robson Square for a stellar fashion show featuring the store’s many designer labels. Among those spotted in the front row: Vogue’s Hamish Bowles and Lisa Love, supermodels Coco Rocha and Karolina Kurkova, actress Camilla Belle and actor Zachary Quinto. It was then off to the in-store gala where attendees imbibed and engaged in some much-needed retail therapy. The soldout fashion show and gala raised $420,000 to be shared by four local charity organizations: B.C. Children’s Hospital, B.C. Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Covenant House Vancouver and the Vancouver Art Gallery. PARTY PATROL: Premier Christy Clark and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, along with 1,400 business and community leaders, paid tribute to Jim and Vicki Chu for their combined 65 years of service with the Vancouver Police Department. They were the guests of honour at the Vancouver Police Foundation’s annual Night Patrol Gala presented by Telus and staged at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Partygoers enjoyed an evening of fine dining, entertainment and philanthropy in honour and celebration of the couple’s legacy and life-long commitment to the city and police force. More than $1.6 million was generated from the charity dinner co-chaired by Peter and Joanne Brown, and Ryan and Cindy Beedie, to support the VPD’s youth-at-risk cadet outreach program, one of many legacies Chu has contributed to Vancouver. COMFORT FOOD: Chef, author and owner of Vij’s and Rangoli restaurants, Meeru Dhalwala chaired her fifth Joy of Feeding event, an inter-generational, international food festival benefitting the UBC Farm. Sixteen home cooks of various ethnicities, traditions and professions offered recipes and tastes of family favourites to the public. Rain didn’t dampen spirits as more than 500 guests converged at the agriculture research and teaching farm for the foodie fest aimed at building bridges to cultural understanding. Among the attendees were Arran and Ratana Stephens, co-founders of Nature’s Path, a family-owned organic food company, who recently gifted the farm $2 million. Dedicated to helping grow sustainable food systems, the couple — supporters of organic agriculture — earmarked the funds towards capital infrastructure as the farm expands its programs and transitions to a certified organic farm.
email yvrflee@hotmail.com twitter @FredAboutTown
Blake Nordstrom, president of Nordstrom, and his wife Molly, welcomed 2,250 guests to the retailer’s charity gala — a fashion show and in-store party — benefiting local charities.
Supermodel Amber Valetta and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) were among celebrities spotted at the Nordstrom gala, the muchanticipated fashion event of the year.
Kevin Snook, flanked by his sons Chris and Elliot, founded the charity Dan’s Legacy, in honour of his son Dan who died after becoming addicted to crack cocaine — his addiction brought upon after being sexually abused by a person of trust. A recent chefs dinner at Wild Rice generated upwards of $20,000.
Former police chief Jim Chu and his wife Vicki were feted for their combined 65 years of service with the Vancouver Police Department.
Co-chairs Ryan and Cindy Beedie saw more than $1.6 million raised for the VPD Cadet Program, a program for youth at risk funded entirely by donations.
Meeru Dhalwala showcased 16 home chefs of various ethnicities and their family favourite dishes at the Joy of Feeding event. Included was Arielle Uwonkunda and Jerrod Shin’s Rwandan Isombe dish, a delicious lamb stew made with green cassava leaves. Proceeds benefitted the UBC Farm.
Nico Schuemans of Chambar and Scott Jaeger of the Pear Tree joined Wild Rice’s Todd Bright and Christophe Bonzon to front a special chefs dinner benefitting Dan’s Legacy Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to working with youth dealing with sexual abuse and addiction issues.
UBC Farm received $2 million from Arran and Ratana Stephens, founders of Nature’s Path Foods, to go towards the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at the agriculture research and teaching farm. The gift will help the farm expands its programs and make the transition to a certified organic farm.
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Grandview 2880 Bentall Street, Vancouver
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
on sePt. 26, it HAppenS.
VanDusen’s annual manure, soil & bulb sale is back.
10am - 3pm at VanDusen Botanical Gardens 5251 Oak St. at West 37th Avenue
It’s Fall once again, and that means it’s time to lay down your fresh manure, compost, soil and bulbs to ensure your Spring arrives in full bloom. Come explore the annual Compost, Soil & Bulb Sale at VanDusen Botanical Garden on September 26, and find everything you need before Winter arrives. To pre-order, visit vandusengarden.org
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
Arts & Entertainment
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GOT ARTS? 604.738.1411 or events@vancourier.com
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Sept. 24 to 31, 2015 1. The 34th annual Vancouver International Film Festival unleashes its cinematic powers across Vancouver movie screens Sept. 24 to Oct. 9. This year’s edition boasts 355 feature films and documentaries, 32 world premieres, 33 North American premieres and 53 Canadian premieres, including Jason Lei Howden’s Kiwi splatter comedy Deathgasm. For details and show times, go to viff.org.
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2. Word Vancouver takes over the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., for a free day-long street festival celebrating reading and the written word with musical performances, readings, family activities, workshops, panel discussions, authors galore and a market place for book, magazine and comics exhibitors to sell their wares. Details at wordvancouver.ca. 3. Those of you who missed this year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival or need another dose, those muffled cries into your beret or shawl have been answered. The Picks of the Fringe serves up a greatest hits package at Granville Island’s Revue Stage until Sept. 27. Holdovers include Peter n’ Chris Present: Here Lies Chris, The O.C.: The Musical, Brain, Baker’s Dozen: 12 Angry Puppets, Mrs. Singh & Me and TITUS: The Light and Delightful Musical Comedy of Titus Andronicus. Details at vancouverfringe.com. 4. Spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph and musician/composer Daniel Bernard Roumain team up to explore themes of immigration, tolerance and Haitian folklore in Blackbird, Fly Sept. 25 at the Chan Centre. Tickets and details at chancentre.com. 5. Vancouver Opera kicks off its new season with a sure-to-be sumptuous production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto Sept. 26, Oct. 1, 3, and 4 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For details, go to vancouveropera.ca.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
MARTIN LUTHER CHURCH 505 East 46th Avenue, Vancouver (one block West of Fraser St)
Arts & Entertainment
604-325-0550
Pastor Manfred Schmidt Sun. Sept. 27, English Bible Study at 9:00 am followed by our Combined Service at 10:30 am with Holy Communion.
SEPTEMBER 24 — OCTOBER 9, 2015
V A N C O U V E R I N T E R N AT I O N A L
375 FILMS
|
7 0 N AT I O N S
|
9 SCREENS
FILM FESTIVAL
V I F F. O R G
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Racing Extinction (USA, 77 MIN.)
SAT. SEP 26, 2:30 PM, VANCITY MON. OCT 5, 11:30 AM, INTL VILLAGE 10 THU. OCT 8, 6:00 PM, INTL VILLAGE 9
Louie Psihoyos (The Cove) returns with another enviro-doc that doubles as a topflightthriller.Racingagainsttheclocktostaveoffamassextinction,Psihoyos’undercover activists infiltrate underground marketplaces trafficking in endangered marine life and immerse us in oceans turning toxic from our energy consumption. The stakes couldn’t be higher, resulting in a film that unfolds with uncommon urgency. “A mesmeric entertainment and enlightenment...”—Hollywood Reporter
IN PERSON BOX OFFICE: During VIFF, all of our theatres serve as box offices for every film in the festival and open 30 minutes before the first show of the day at that venue.
FILM INFOLINE
604-683-FILM
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT VIFF.ORG
Louise Schönberg and Luis Giraldo’s Karameller offers a colourful array of candy imported from Sweden. The candy is free from GMOs, trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup. PHOTOS DAN TOULGOET
SWEET SPOT
How Swede it is
Karameller makes Saturday sweets an everyday treat Eagranie Yuh
thewelltemperedchocolatier.com
When I was a kid, I got my allowance on Saturday mornings and would promptly zip to the corner store, spend 20 minutes trying to optimize the amount of candy I could get — always a fine balance between candy bars and sour gummies — and spend the rest of the day reading YA fiction and giving myself a stomachache. It seems I wasn’t the only one. Louise Schönberg grew up in Sweden, where Saturdays are called lördagsgodis — literally, “Saturday sweets.” (According to the Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets, the average Swede consumes 17.9 kg of candy each year, second only to the Danes.) “It’s a tradition that people grow up with in Sweden. When kids get their allowance, they bike to the convenience store and spend their allowance on bulk candy,” she says. Schönberg and her husband Luis Giraldo own Karameller in Yaletown. From the outside, it’s not immediately clear what
the shop is, with its white walls, blond wood floors and theatrical black lights dangling from the ceiling. But as soon as you approach the beveled white shelves and plastic bins filled with bright colours, it becomes clear. It’s a candy store. There are gummies in every imaginable shape (monkeys, skulls, racecars), chocolate-covered everything (nougat, cereal, gummy bears) and all manner of sour, squishy and chewy. Everything is imported from Sweden and is free from GMOs, trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup. “The high-fructose corn syrup is one of the bigger things people notice,” says Giraldo. “So often you have this overwhelming sweetness in [North American] candy, but with the Swedish candy, the flavour comes out.” Wait, the flavour of candy? You bet. The red candies, for example, are mostly raspberry and strawberry flavoured, but the red Swedish fish are flavoured with lingonberry. And many of the gummies have a distinct chew
to them, like a softer, less sticky taffy. As if it couldn’t get better, there are the Swedish names for the candies. Mouse-shaped gummies are geléråttor (jelly rats), marshmallows are vit kubik (white cube) and corrugated red licorice is smultron matta (wild strawberry carpet). “I always recommend the sour candies because that’s what people tend to like,” says Schönberg. “I’m drawn to the chocolate. We have a marshmallow banana covered in chocolate which is to die for, we have the corn crisp [corn cereal covered in chocolate] and there’s a chocolate-covered gummy bear.” Giraldo’s more experimental. “We have one called ‘Going Bananas’ that’s a banana-shaped marshmallow that’s sour on the outside but it doesn’t taste like a banana. I mix one of those with a red Swedish fish and they taste amazing together.” Since opening the store in July, the couple is still trying to figure out which candies sell and which ones don’t. One of the
most divisive pieces is a smiling licorice octopus. The malt-coloured, sour powder-dusted gummy packs a punch. First it’s sour, then salty, then unabashedly licorice. I spit out my first bite, but five minutes later, nibble on the octopus some more. Maybe it’s not so bad. “We’ve had lots of people ask us to take it away,” says Schönberg. “But then people come in and buy a $10 bag of just the octopus because it’s their favourite.” If you visit, it’s likely to be Schönberg or Giraldo behind the counter. They’ve lived in the neighbourhood for the past 10 years, making Yaletown a natural place to set up shop. “I love being able to go to the coffee shop and know the baristas by name,” says Giraldo. “And it’s becoming really fun to have that experience with people coming into our store.” @eagranieyuh Karameller 1020 Mainland St. 604-639-8325 karameller.com.
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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Arts & Entertainment KUDOS & KVETCHES K&K atones
As is tradition at K&K, we mark the Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, by apologizing for past indiscretions, mistakes, misdeeds and moments of all around douchiness. First we’d like to apologize for missing Yom Kippur, which ended Wednesday, making our apologizes appear contrived. Like when our dad bought us a guinea pig two days after our actual birthday. Nice try, Dad. You
can’t buy our love that easily. But we really are sorry for the following: In high school we had a fake ID and on a band trip to Calgary proceeded to bootleg for our classmates. Not only did we pocket $2 on every $8 bottle of booze we bought, but one kid got so drunk he ended up at a bar by himself. Then he got even drunker drinking with a stranger who had befriended him, had his wallet stolen by said stranger and, while back at the hotel where we were staying, deliriously
attempted to climb out the window several storeys up to find the guy who had stolen his wallet while we held him back and threw him in a cold shower with his clothes on. Sorry, Alberta liquor laws, for flagrantly ignoring your wise ways. Sorry, high school bandmates, for profiting off your love of forbidden alcohol. Sorry, Jason, for fuelling your underage drinking habit, which nearly led to your death, and in retrospect we suspect was an indicator of future hardships to come.
two choirs ONE PURPOSE A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR FIRST UNITED CHURCH’S MISSION TO THE HOMELESS
Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir
Friday, October 2nd, 7:30pm at ST. ANDREW’S-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH Burrard & Nelson, Vancouver, BC
TICKETS $25, $10 students, online from www.vwmc.ca (no fees) or call 604-878-1190 or from most United Church offices
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND $72,000
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BOYS A MO DE RN TA KE O N O KTOB ER FE ST Join us for a preconcert talk and stay for a community social after the show. Beer, wine and treats will be served!
F RI DAY
OCTOBER 2 7:30 PM ST . JAMES COMMUNITY HALL
Featuring works by four generations of the Bach family culminating with JSB’s famous motet Singet dem Herrn!
3214 West 10th Ave. Vancouver TICKETS
$25 adult / $12 student musicaintima.org or 604.731.6618
MUST BE 19+. MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE, AMEND OR CANCEL PROMOTION AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.
760 Pacific Blvd. South, Vancouver, BC V6B 5E7 Across from BC Place | P 604.687.3343
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
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START NOTHING: Before 12:29 p.m. Sun., 0:45 am to 11:57 a.m. Tues., 3:44 a.m. to 1:03 p.m. Thurs., and 10:18 a.m. to 5:22 p.m. Sat.
Relationships fill the weeks ahead — relationships and work. Remember, start nothing new, relations or projects, before Oct. 9. Meanwhile, “ghosts from the past” – an ex-spouse or old flame, a relocation that tempted you before, a chance to marry that slipped away from you in the past, a former “role” or employment dealing with the public (anything from retail clerking to fame) even a former enemy or competitor – any of these could return.
Your energy, charisma and clout rise to a yearly high this week and the next three, Libra. You’ll ride a bit of a winning streak. Notice I didn’t say “effective” – with new starts not advised before Oct. 9, and nothing new in love advised before Oct. 11, your effectiveness might have to wait a bit to launch new ventures, embrace new relationships, or control matters. Be alert for missed meetings, wrong addresses, misunderstandings, delays, etc.
The weeks ahead hold work, minor health concerns, and duties to dependents. Eat and dress sensibly. DON’T buy machinery or tools before Oct. 9, and do not start renovations. Try to avoid starting all big new work projects. (You’ll probably be busy enough with former or ongoing tasks that need re-doing or are obstructed in some way.) A nice thread of romance, beauty, pleasure or creativity will lighten your days – but don’t let love make you neglect your work.
You were feeling on top of the world, and now you feel like someone put you in a cave. That’s okay – nature is trying to force you to rest, to sleep and rejuvenate, for a big “bursting out” that will come to you in about a month. Meanwhile, steep yourself in governmental, institutional, administrative, spiritual, charitable or similar interfaces – it’s likely you have some neglected duty or other in these zones, and now is the perfect time to wrap up past obligations.
Remember, start no new relationships nor projects before Oct. 9. The weeks ahead hold a surge of romance, beauty, pleasure, a gambling instinct and creative urges, and joys from charming kids. If you’re happily attached, these weeks keep you toasty in the glow of love. Show your mate how much you care. Single or married, an old flame might arise to warm you. If you’re both single, this could re-establish a relationship that you both wish hadn’t ended.
Happiness is in store. The weeks ahead bring a boost in your popularity, some wish fulfillment, entertainment, friendly romance, social delights, and optimism. But remember, don’t start any new relationships nor projects before Oct. 9 – and realize any plans you make now will probably change. A former friend or lover (or both) might reappear. If so, this is likely a good person, but he/ she contends with domestic upheaval.
The weeks ahead emphasize your domestic situation, security, food/shelter, retirement, Mother Nature, nutrition, garden, and your stomach. Be restful, realize that nothing important is “worth tackling” before Oct. 9. Definitely hold off on renovations, home decoration, landscaping, etc., until that date onward. Forgotten money matters might re-appear: handle them now. If you’re single (or want to be) a former sensual “friend” might also re-appear.
The month ahead features ambition, prestige relations, worldly status, neighbourhood reputation, dealings with bosses, parents, kids and authorities. In all this, do attend prestige events, do show your skills, do meet with bosses and VIPs, and do go over projects under your purview to make sure no big mistakes or delays will happen on your watch. But do not pitch new projects or ventures, don’t start any projects, before Oct. 9.
Remember, Leo, start nothing new, projects, relationships, large purchases, before Oct. 9. (In love zones, strictly wait until Oct. 11 onward.) Basically, the weeks ahead emphasize errands, short trips, communications, paperwork, details, siblings and casual friends, curiosity and restlessness. Follow your nose, especially if it leads you back to tour a former neighbourhood, or to something that was significant in your past.
Remember, start no new, significant projects before Oct. 9 (nor relationships before Oct. 11). The weeks ahead accent international affairs, foreign contacts, intellectual pursuits such as higher education, lecturing, publishing, statistics, cultural involvements, legal issues, and gentle love. In all these, a reprised venture from the past, or an ongoing project, has more chance of success than anything new. If you want to travel, visit a place you’ve been to before.
The weeks ahead emphasize money, buying/ selling, earnings, possessions, surface indications, memory, and sensual attractions. Remember, start nothing new and significant before Oct. 9 (and nothing in love spheres before Oct. 11). Venus and Mars are both in your sign now, making you extra attractive to others, especially to the opposite sex. But if you began a new sensual love affair now, it would become more burdensome than pleasurable in a fairly short time.
The weeks ahead emphasize secrets, life’s depths, privacy, sexual and financial longing, relationship commitment, lifestyle changes, medical diagnoses, commitment and consequence. Remember, start nothing new before Oct. 9 (and no new love before Oct. 11). If you make a commitment or promise now, you might regret it later. A former mate or lover could return, but this person seems more like a lust-object than a love object, and the possibility of a triangle is high.
Sept. 24: Nia Vardalos (53). Sept. 25: Mark Hamill (64). Sept. 26: Henrik and Daniel Sedin (35). Sept. 27: Meat Loaf (68). Sept. 28: Brigitte Bardot (81). Sept. 29: Jerry Lee Lewis (80). Sept. 30: Angie Dickinson (84).
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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Sports & Recreation GIANTS
Lumber up for G-Men
The puck drops on the Vancouver Giants’ 15th season in the Western Hockey League as a pair of opponents visit Pacific Coliseum this weekend. The Giants host the Seattle Thunderbirds at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Pacific Coliseum and then the WHL champion Kelowna Rockets at 6 p.m. Sept. 27. For the home-opener, fans can dress as their best flannel, toque’d and bearded (or just brawned) selves. One person chosen as the best-dressed “Lumberjack or Jill,” as the club succinctly put it, will win a trip for four to Whistler. The prize includes two nights at Evolution, a mountain lodge at Whistler Creekside Hotel, and an ATV or off-road buggy tour with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. In the pre-season, the Giants recorded three wins and two losses. They put up 14 goals in five games but were shutout by the Rockets in Kelowna last weekend. In eight meetings last season, the Giants didn’t win a game against the eventual WHL champs. Friday’s game marks the start of coach Lorne Molleken’s tenure with the hockey club. Forward Radovan Bondra will also be in the lineup for the Giants after the 18-year-old was released from Chicago Blackhawks training camp Tuesday morning. Vancouver picked Bondra eighth overall in the 2015 CHL Import Draft. The native of Trebisov, Slovakia was released by the Blackhawks who drafted him in the fifth round. After the weekend tilts in Vancouver, the Giants begin October with a six-game road trip through Alberta and Saskatchewan. — Megan Stewart
4
The number of batting cages at the UBC Baseball Indoor Training Centre, the university’s new 12,500-square-foot facility that was unveiled Monday.
FITNESS
Pumping up gym owners and goers Since March, more than 48,000 fitness class reservations made on ClassPass
Megan Stewart
mstewart@vancourier.com
Being able to vote with your feet takes on a whole new spin — sometimes literally — with ClassPass, a service that allows people to exercise at more than 140 different Vancouver gyms for $99 a month. First launched in New York more than two years ago and now available in the U.K., Australia and more than 30 U.S. cities, the wildly popular ClassPass expanded to Canada this March when the service opened in Toronto and Vancouver. Clara Chandler joined right away. “Going to the gym by myself doesn’t work for me,” said the UBC creative writing student. “I really like it. For me and how often I work out, I’m paying $10 a class.” Chandler sees a personal trainer twice a week at Fit in 30 and uses ClassPass to access other fitness studios. Drop-in rates are out of her price-range, and Chandler likes variety. She said she most frequently goes to Barre Fitness and Cadence Cycling Studio, where single class drop-in rates are respectively $22 and $23.75. Additional Vancouver studios include Moksha Yoga, Dailey Method, Urban Fitness and Eastwood Cycle. The most popular are Semperviva Yoga, Barre Fitness and various spinning classes such as Method Indoor Cycling and Spin Society. Chandler has ventured to new gyms but otherwise returns to the places and instructors she likes best, including classes at Fit in 30. “That’s part of the reason it really worked for me,” she said. Fit in 30 offers only four classes a week because the
Kate Marshall instructs a class at Oxygen Yoga and Fitness, the gym she opened in Yaletown earlier this month. It started accepting ClassPass members Tuesday. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
gym’s main focus is personal and semi-private training, said co-owner Jesse Benson. Personal training accounts for more than 90 per cent of their business, much more than the classes, which count for two per cent. The small classes top out at eight participants, and two of those spaces are accessible to ClassPass members. “It’s nice to see the classes fully booked,” said Benson, who opened Fit in 30 with Hannah Fletcher in August. In April, the New York Times reported on gym members not using ClassPass in that city who complained about not accessing the classes they wanted because they were full or, when they were able to sign up, were sweating next to someone
who had paid less to get in. The head of operations for ClassPass, Michael Wolf, said gym owners have always had complete control over which classes and number of spaces accessible to ClassPass members. Vancouver is one of the fastest-growing markets, he added. “We see in Vancouver a very fit-minded culture. When we decided to go international, it was one of the first places we looked,” he said. New York counts more than 450 participating gyms, almost four times the number in Vancouver. Wolf would not say how many individuals have signed on in Canada so far, but said class reservations have reached 48,000 since launching in this city seven
months ago. (Toronto has recorded more than 90,000 reservations. And in New York, the number of reservations has topped four million since June 2013.) An individual ClassPass member pays a monthly fee (as low as $69 for Vancouverites who acted fast following the launch) and can access up to three classes per month at the same fitness centre, signing up for yoga, spinning, kick-boxing, ballet-inspired workouts, dance, Zumba and a range of exercise classes. Gyms are paid a percentage of each individual reservation, a value negotiated on a case-by-case basis that is roughly 60 per cent of the gym’s drop-in rate. As the owner of the only downtown location for Oxy-
: The baseball quote edition
3
The number of pitching mounds in the 75-by-24-foot pitching area at the new baseball training centre, located near the Rashpal Dhillon Oval on Westbrook Mall.
8
The age when baseball players can begin accessing clinics and position-specific training at the UBC baseball training centre. On Sept. 14, community camps began for what UBC identified as “the next generation of B.C. players.”
“If you build it, they will come.”
— David Laing, director of Baseball BC, said Monday, channelling Field of Dreams in promoting the baseball training centre at UBC. He referenced the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays and added, “…you have world-class facilities like this in a world-class city at a world-class university, we can only look forward to exciting days ahead.”
gen Yoga and Fitness, Kate Marshall welcomed ClassPass members in order to create awareness, reach new customers and fill classes at the Yaletown location she opened earlier this month. “I give them the full option to come to all of our classes,” she said, adding Tuesday was the first day their classes were accessible through the service. “The atmosphere of a full class is really rad, and I want them to experience that. At the end of the day, I want people to say, ‘I really love that studio and I really want to purchase something additional.’ Once they find out they love us, I can offer them something that works for them.” @MHStewart
15
The number of runs scored by the UBC T-Birds in a two-game sweep of Thompson Rivers in Kamloops Sept. 12. to open the 2015/16 season under new coach Chris Pritchett. UBC hosts TRU in a double-header Sept. 26. Games are at 1 and 3:30 p.m.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
www.BCBOTTLEDEPOT.com
Sports & Recreation FOOTBALL
Thunderbirds take to the air Megan Stewart
mstewart@vancourier.com
In a game with 99 points on the board, only a field goal put the UBC Thunderbirds over the visiting Manitoba Bison in their second win of the season Sept. 19. Powered by quarterback Michael O’Connor’s 398 passing yards and four touchdowns, the T-Birds edged their guests 51-48 in their highest-scoring game in two years. Receiver Alex Morrison caught five passes for 118 yards and one major. Will Watson brought in two TD passes, and running back Marcus Davis added a touchdown. UBC held a 41-34 lead to start the fourth quarter, adding insurance with a 15-yard pass from O’Connor to Wilson. (In three games, the pivot averages 318 yards a game and 8.5 yards per throw.) Manitoba answered to come within eight points, and UBC countered with a 27-yard field goal from kicker Quinn van Gylswyk
Michael O’Connor debuted for UBC in front of 6,950 fans at Thunderbird Stadium Sept. 12. He previously started for Penn State before transferring from the NCAA school to play in Vancouver with Canadian Interuniversity Sport. PHOTO RICH LAM / UBC THUNDERBIRDS
to go up by 51-40. Manitoba’s late effort wasn’t enough to close the gap. The T-Birds climb to 2-1 overall and are second in the Canada West behind undefeated Calgary. They host the Saskatchewan Huskies (1-2) at Thunderbird Stadium, 7 p.m. Sept. 25.
AAA Varsity
In two pre-season exhibition clashes, No. 4 Vancouver College shut out rival No. 5 St. Thom-
as More, and Notre Dame defeated Mission. Fighting Irish quarterback Jacob Samuels threw three touchdown passes in a 20-8 victory over the Knights at Burnaby Lake Park Sept. 18. Vancouver College travels south of the border to California’s Sequoia Charter School for a match Sept. 25. Their pre-season record is 1-2. Notre Dame topped the AA Mission Roadrunners 28-19 Sept. 18 at Burnaby
Lake Park and climb to 1-2 over the pre-season. They face No. 3 Terry Fox Ravens at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the same park.
Tier II Varsity
Eric Hamber followed up last year’s exciting playoff run with two pre-season losses. The Griffins were shut out 21-0 and 12-0 against Langley and Valleyview, respectively. They travel to Abbotsford to play Rick Hansen Hurricanes Sept. 26.
LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE! Thank you to all of our partners for supporting the 2015 Canuck Place Adventure Race! GRANDER TOGETHER
FITNESS PARTNER
MEDIA PARTNERS
BARBEQUE PARTNER
EVENT SUPPORTERS Alete Natural Hydration l Alltypes Communication Services Company l Ben Brandsema - Brandy Farm Inc. l Bike Doctor l Cobs Bread l Deep Relief l Ecomarine Paddlesport Centre l Frogbox l Happy Water l Hardbite l Kintec Footwear + Orthotics l Naked l Qoola l RMT Association of BC l Sportball l Starbucks Coffee l Titan PPC l Valley Traffic Systems l Volunteers
T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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Automotive
Vancouver tech firms pave way for safer connected cars Mojio and Invoke aim to boost consumer confidence in Internet-linked vehicles
Tyler Orton biv.com
How do two security researchers force Fiat Chrysler to recall 1.4 million vehicles? They hack a Jeep’s computer systems and take over its steering, brakes and climate control while it’s barrelling down a road. That exact scenario played out in July. And while no injuries resulted from the remote joyride, it exposed weaknesses in the car manufacturer’s Uconnect dashboard computers and reinforced fears some drivers have over linking their vehicles to the Internet. “Historically, auto manufacturers have been pretty terrible at integrating technology,” said Duncan Blair, head of strategy at Invoke Media.
hacked and a further 45 per cent are reluctant to use connected services due to privacy concerns. But the opportunity to sidestep car manufacturers’ substandard connected features and offer better applications is enticing to Jay Giraud, CEO of Vancouver’s Mojio. Mojio has developed a device that plugs into any vehicle’s onboard diagnostic port. Using a 3G mobile network, the device links the automobile to a driver’s smartphone to provide connected functions. Instead of relying on Ford’s or Honda’s dashboard applications for navigation help or music selections, drivers have access to a variety of apps created by independent developers. Mojio’s app market-
lation of one another and just compiled at the end in a sort of horrible kind of mess,” Eshpeter said. To read the complete story, visit BIV.com.
Invoke Media head of strategy Duncan Blair, left, works with lead designer Dominic Wong and head of engagement Jordan Eshpeter to develop connected car apps that improve on manufacturers’ dashboard features. PHOTO TYLER ORTON
End Of Season
DEMO & FLEET SALE
Cars have a standard set of codes, we can kind of normalize the app development experience and therefore the end-user experience. The Vancouver-based digital services provider has been partnering with local firms such as car-sharing cooperative Modo and vehicle application maker Mojio to help bolster customer faith in connected cars. Connected cars are linked to the Internet, allowing them to share information with other devices both inside and outside the vehicle. Selfdriving cars and automated roadside assistance must be “connected” to function. “When you say ‘connected car’ to someone, it’s not immediately obvious why you’d want to connect your car to anything,” Blair said, adding the lack of consumer confidence in the technology among some drivers is one of the biggest hurdles Invoke is working to overcome. According to McKinsey’s 2014 connected-car consumer survey, 43 per cent of U.S. drivers fear their vehicles can be
place, which launched in mid-August, features three of its own in-house apps developed with the help of Invoke. One app automatically tracks and reports mileage for workers needing to file expense reports. Another monitors performance under the hood in the event of a breakdown. Giraud said he is continually peppered with questions from drivers skeptical about how Mojio can do this successfully across different makes and models. “Cars have a standard set of codes,” he said. “We can kind of normalize the app development experience and therefore the end-user experience.” Meanwhile, Invoke’s head of engagement, Jordan Eshpeter, said ease of use has been the key that car manufacturers haven’t quite grasped when developing in-vehicle connectivity programs. “They all seem to be designed effectively in iso-
Stock #
Year
Make
Model
Colour
Sale Price
E15095 E15158 E16015 E16016 E16013 E515229
2015 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015
HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI
SILVER BRONZE WHITE BLUE WHITE WHITE
$17,888 $17,888 $18,888 $18,888 $19,888 $18,488
E515361
2015
HYUNDAI
BLACK
$24,888
G15038
2015
HYUNDAI
SILVER
$43,888
G15365
2015
HYUNDAI
WHITE
$43,888
SF15369
2015
HYUNDAI
WHITE
$36,888
SF15323
2015
HYUNDAI
BLACK
$30,888
SF15191
2015
HYUNDAI
SILVER
$33,888
SF15350
2015
HYUNDAI
WHITE
$38,888
SO15527
2015
HYUNDAI
BLUE
$33,888
SO15179 SO15041
2015 2015
HYUNDAI HYUNDAI
GRAY SILVER
$23,888 $29,222
SO15085 SO15278 T15321 T15135
2015 2015 2015 2015
HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI HYUNDAI
ELANTRA GL AUTO ELANTRA GL AUTO ELANTRA SE ELANTRA SE ELANTRA GLS AUTO ELANTRA HATCHBACK GL AUTO ELANTRA HATCHBACK SE TECH PKG GENESIS 3.8L LUXURY GENESIS 3.8L LUXURY SANTA FE 2.0T AWD LIMITED SANTA FE 2.0T AWD PREMIUM SANTA FE 2.0T AWD SE SANTA FE XL AWD LIMITED SONATA 2.0T ULTIMATE SONATA GLS AUTO SONATA HYBRID TECH PACK SONATA LIMITED SONATA SPORT TECH TUCSON GL FWD TUCSON GL AWD
GRAY SILVER WHITE BLACK
$29,888 $25,888 $23,464 $24,888
HURRY IN
THESE VEHICLES, AT THESE PRICES, WON’T LAST LONG 5-year/100,000 km Comprehensive Limited Warranty†† 5-year/100,000 km Powertrain Warranty 5-year/100,000 km Emission Warranty 5-year/Unlimited km 24 Hour Roadside Assistance
Vancouver's Only Hyundai Dealer
SEE YOUR DEALER FOR DETAILS
http://www.hyundaicanada.com/my1st
445 Kingsway, Vancouver Call 604.292.8188 DestinationHyundai.com
HyundaiCanada.com
A38
THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
ATTN: HONDA OWNERS SPRING SPECIAL ONLY ATCHECK KINGSWAY UP HONDA BE SERVICE READY FOR• FALL Includes a Multi-Point Inspection with a Genuine Honda Oil & Filter change! Our Factory-trained technicians will inspect your Honda from top to bottom and give you a full report on its condition! This is a great way to get your Honda ready for the Fall Spring.
• Engine Oil & Filter Change • Tire Inspection With A Tire Rotation and Adjust Pressure • Comprehensive Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection • Battery Performance Test • Brake Inspection, A/C Performance Test, Cooling System Check • Complete Suspension Inspection
$
Plus Plus tax tax and and recycling recycling charge. charge. Expires ExpiresNovember June 15th, 15th, 2015.2015.
88
88
Oil & Filter Change and Multi-Point Inspection (5W20 Regular Motor Oil) - Regular Price: $109.88 0W20 Motor Oil. Oil $108.88 & Filter With Change andSynthetic Multi-Point Inspection $47.88$108.88 Without(5W20 Oil & Filter Chan Motor Oil) Regular Price: Synthetic
$47.88 Without Oil & Filter Change. Visit: KingswayHonda.ca For Other Specials
FREE Service Shuttle (Downtown Core) and Courtesy Car Wash for all Service Guests.
The Force is with you Top 10 Star Wars accessories to awaken your vehicle
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens is scheduled to hit theatres Dec. 18, which means you’ll want to order these great themed automotive accessories now in order to have them under the tree by Dec. 25. The Star Wars fan in your life will love you forever. We found these accessories at thinkgeek.com, where the Force seems exceptionally strong.
SANDRA THOMAS sthomas@vancourier.com
DARTH VADER STAR WARS FLOOR MAT SET These rubber mats come with images of either Darth Vader (black) or Stormtrooper (white). STAR WARS SEAT COVERS Designed to fit most bucket seats with removable headrests (low-back) and no armrests. Available in Darth Vader or Stormtrooper versions.
Al offers are effective until November 15, 2015. Not applicable to sales. tire sales. Taxes not included. Environment levies extra. to be combined with other Alll offers June 15, 2015. Not applicable to tire Taxes not included. Environment levies extra. NotNot to be combined with other offers. Please only. Limit one perper person. Coupon does notnot apply to prior purchase. Please consult consultKingsway KingswayHonda Hondafor formore moredetails. details.Valid ValidatatKingsway KingswayHonda Honda only. Limit one person. Coupon does apply to prior purchase.
MILLENNIUM FALCON COCKPIT WINDSHIELD SHADE These would have come in handy this past summer in the city. According to thinkgeek.com, this sunshade will fit most cars
12th and Kingsway, Vancouver KingswayHonda.ca Service: 604.874.6632
! l a n i F y l e t u l o s b A
ON SPOTHE T FINA APPR NCE OVA L
LAST CHANCE FOR OUR 2015 CIVICS
HUR R FOR Y IN B SELE EST CTIO N
K IN WAL VE DRI Y AWA
$
2015 CIVIC
2,500
†
Cash purchase incentive on select 2015 models
Model shown: Civic Touring FB2F7FKNX
Get thye'rme gone! e before th
MSRP $17,245** includes freight and PDI.
Features available on select models include: • LaneWatch™ blind spot display • Multi-angle rearview camera • 7” Display Audio System with HondaLink™ Next Generation • Proximity key entry with pushbutton start • Continuously Variable Transmission
†$2,500 Honda cash purchase incentive is available on select 2015 Civic models (2D LX, 2D EX, 2D EX-L Navi, 2D Si, 4D DX, 4D LX, 4D EX, 4D Touring). Honda cash purchase incentive will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes and cannot be combined with special lease or finance offers. **MSRP is $17,245 based on a new 2015 Civic DX FB2E2FEX including $1,495 freight and PDI. Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent’s fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer. Offers valid from September 1st through 30th, 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.
Dealer #D8508
12th and Kingsway, Vancouver KingswayHonda.ca
Sales: 604.873.3676 Service: 604.874.6632
Brown Bros Ford Lincoln 3x6.917
THE MORE YOU DO IT, THE BETTER YOU GET.
and small spacecraft. Also available in a Boba Fett and Empire Strikes Back versions.
R2-D2 USB CAR CHARGER Plug R2 into your 12-volt vehicle power adapter (cigarette lighter) and receive 2.1 amps through each of his USB charging ports — enough to charge two tablets or smartphones.
FLUX CAPACITOR CAR CHARGER Obviously this isn’t Star Wars related, but we thought it was worthy of an honourable mention. Besides two USB ports, each capable of charging almost any USB powered device, it also performs that Flux Capacitor light sequence we all know and love from the Back to the Future series.
Visit thinkgeek.com.
@sthomas10
YOUR TIRE EXPERTS
STAR WARS DARTH VADER USB CAR CHARGER Tap into the Dark Side with this 12-volt charger. We will not be undersold on tires.††
STAR WARS FAMILY CAR DECALS Show off your family’s love of Star Wars with this set of 50 character decals, featuring 19 distinct images from the saga. Ford-Trained Technicians have over a million hours of combined training nationwide. That means they have the expertise and experience to know how to select the tires that will best suit your vehicle, driving habits, and local conditions. Ask how your Ford Service Expert can help select the tires that fit your Ford perfectly.
STAR WARS STEERING WHEEL COVER Choose Darth Vader or a Stormtrooper to customize your car, truck, or boat ship.
ALL-SEASON TIRES BEGIN TO LOSE THEIR GRIP AT TEMPERATURES BELOW 7°C
STAR WARS AUTO COASTER SETS Choose between Darth Vader, Boba Fett, or Stormtrooper. Each set comes with two coasters (same style). Each coaster can fit one of two different cup holder sizes. OR GET ONE GREAT PACKAGE ** FOR ONE GREAT PRICE
STAR WARS DIE CUTZ AUTO DECALS These UV and weather-resistant vinyl, self-adhesive decals are precision cut and easy to apply. Choose between Yoda and Darth Vader. 604-301-2808 OR visit www.brownbrosford.com
Carter Honda Service 4x5.417 UP TO
IN TIRE MANUFACTURER MAIL-IN REBATES± ON SELECT TIRES
270 S.E. MARINE DRIVE, VANCOUVER
Winter Safety Package
TIRES | RIMS | SENSORS
WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS! OPEN ON SATURDAY’S FROM 8:30AM - 4:30PM
BROWN BROS FORD LINCOLN
All offers expire December 31, 2015. Offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See Service Advisor for complete details. Applicable taxes and provincial levies not included. Dealer may sell for less. Only available at participating locations. ††In order to receive a local competitor’s advertised price: (i) tires must be purchased and installed at your participating Ford Dealer; (ii) customer must present the competitor’s actual, local advertisement (containing the lower price) which must have been printed within 30 days of the sale; and (iii) the tires being purchased must be the same brand, sidewall, speed and load ratings as shown in the competitive advertisement. Offer only available at participating Ford dealerships. This offer is valid on the cost of the tire only and does not include labour costs, valve stems, mounting, balancing, disposal, and taxes. Offer does not apply to quotes or advertised prices outside of Canada, in eBay advertisements, by tire wholesalers and online tire retailers, or closeout, special order, discontinued, and clearance/liquidation offers. Limited time offer. Offer may be cancelled or changed at any time without prior notice. See your Service Advisor for details. ±Rebate offers are manufacturer’s mail-in rebates. Rebates available on select Pirelli, Yokohama, Hankook, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Toyo, Continental (credit card gift card), Bridgestone (gift card), Goodyear (credit card gift card), Dunlop (credit card gift card) and General Tire (credit card gift card) tires. Offers are valid on qualifying sets of four tires, purchased and installed at participating locations during the respective promotion periods for each tire brand. Offers are valid on the cost of the tire(s) only and do not include labour costs, valve stems, mounting, balancing, disposal, and taxes. Amount of rebates (ranging from $35 to $100), start dates and expiration dates (ranging from Sep. 14, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2015) vary depending on tire manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the customer to submit the required claim forms and proof of purchase to the relevant tire manufacturer with sufficient postage by the required deadline for that rebate offer. See your Service Advisor for complete details and claim forms. ¥Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Dealer may sell for less. **Winter safety package includes: four (4) winter tires, four (4) tire pressure monitoring sensors, and choice of four (4) steel or aluminum wheels. Some conditions apply. See Dealer for details. Vehicle handling characteristics, tire load index and speed rating may not be the same as factory supplied all-season tires. Winter tires are meant to be operated during winter conditions and may require a higher cold inflation pressure than all-season tires. Consult your Ford of Canada Dealer for details including applicable warranty coverage. ◊Storage term is at the Dealer’s sole discretion, up to a maximum of one year. ©2015 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.
Fall car care T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
A39
DEALER #5489
A40
THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
Natural
Your Original
Organic
Mexico Grown
Boneless Chuck Roast
Organic Avocadoes
5
99
Food Store Angus
Lean Ground Beef
4
¢ $ 98
$ 99 /lb 13.21/kg
ea
/lb 10.98/kg
We carry a Huge Selection of Organic Products ORGANIC
ORGANIC
Beef Stir Fry
Fast Fry Inside Round Steaks
5
$ 99 /lb 13.21/kg
5
NON-MEDICATED
$ 99 /lb 13.21/kg
Bone-In Pork Chops Rib End or Tenderloin End
3
$ 99 /lb 8.80/kg
NON-MEDICATED
NON-MEDICATED
Fast Fry Pork Leg Cutlets
Lean Ground Pork
3
$ 69 B.C. GROWN
/lb 8.80/kg
ORGANIC
FROM THE DELI
B.C. GROWN
CALIFORNIA GROWN
Whole Chickens
Pastrami
Large Beefsteak Tomatoes
Cantaloupe
4
$ 98
/lb 10.98/kg
B.C. GROWN
Organic Red Chard
1
$ 99 bunch
1
$ 89 /100g
B.C. GROWN
Organic Purple Venus Grapes
6
$ 49
2 L clamshell
1
$ 29 /lb 2.84/kg
89
Assorted
/lb 1.96/kg
3
$ 99 2lb bag
R.W. KNUDSEN
NOURISH ORGANIC
KIND BARS
Just Black Cherry Juice
Face and Body Care
Fruit and Nut Bars
product of USA
5
$ 89 946 ml +eco+dep
1595 Kingsway • 604-872-3019 • www.famousfoods.ca
8 am-9 pm •
/lb 8.13/kg
Bagged Peppers
¢
Assorted
Assorted
15 OFF $159 %
40 grams
+tax
OLIO D’ORO
NON-ORGANIC
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Yellow Corn Meal
6
$ 99
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
3
$ 99
1L
4
$ 49
Sale Dates: Thursday, September 24th - Wednesday, September 30th, 2015.
2.5 kg