Vancouver Courier October 1 2015 by Vancouver Courier

CITY OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC VPD WANTS A NEW LIFE-SAVING DRUG FILM FESTIVAL BELLIES UP FEATURE CITY LIVING GOES TO THE GREEK FOOD FEST

Local News, Local Matters

PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

THURSDAY

October 1 2015

There’s more online at vancourier.com

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

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T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

WEEKLY SPECIALS Prices Effective October 1 to October 7, 2015.

100% BC Owned and Operated MEAT

PRODUCE BC Roaster Russet Potatoes

California Organic Raspberries

5 lb/2.27kg

previously frozen, value pack

8.99lb/ 19.82kg

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Ocean Wise Sockeye Salmon Fillets

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4.98 California Organic Lemons

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Choices’ Own 8” Quiche

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assorted varieties

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1.39-3.49

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

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Low Thyroid Function: Beyond the TSH Test With Dr. Arjuna Veeravagu, ND, RAc, Sage Clinic Thursday, October 15, 7:00-8:30 pm At Choices Floral Shop & Annex 2615 W. 16th Ave, Vancouver. Low thyroid function is a common chronic condition mostly affecting women that can cause many symptoms of low thyroid, a thorough approach to diagnosis and various naturopathic treatment options. FREE EVENT but registration is required. For full details and to register online visit choicesmarkets.com. For inquiries, email nutrition@choicesmarkets.com or call 604-952-2266.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

News 12TH & CAMBIE

Mental health calls dropping, but people still in need Mike Howell

health teams. One is called the Assertive Community Treatment team, the other is the Assertive Outreach Team. Combined, they look after 590 clients. The city’s release was heavy with statistics, some understandable, others not so much. So rather than repeat them here, I found a personal story about a previous client of one of those teams. VCH posted it on its website in 2013. It goes something like this: Sam (not her real name) was once considered a regular customer of the VPD. Drug-dependent and suffering from mental health issues, she became a client of one of the teams. Eventually, her contacts with police and hospital visits dropped. Then she got work at a grocery store in a supervisory role. A good story. But let’s get back to Wednesday. Later that day, police tackled a guy near the Convention Centre after several “concerned and

mhowell@vancourier.com

Data from the Vancouver Police Department shows that, for the first time in years, the number of arrests made under Section 28 of the Mental Health Act “has begun to stabilize.” PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

FRIGHT NIGHTS WESTERN CANADA’S SCARIEST HAUNT POSSESSES

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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

2 Date: Thursday, October 8, 2015

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UBC Life

IT’S OUR FAVOURITE TIME OF FEAR.

the VPD and Vancouver Coastal Health is “beginning to see fewer people requiring emergency health or services.” Begun? Beginning? Better, I guess, than regressed and regressing. So, that’s some good news. And that good news, apparently, can be attributed largely to the work of two

University Boulevard

what Mayor Gregor Robertson has called a mental health crisis. Here are some of the highlights: Data from the Vancouver Police Department shows that, for the ﬁrst time in years, the number of arrests made under Section 28 of the Mental Health Act “has begun to stabilize.” A partnership between

Agricultural Rd

daughter on a trail-a-bike, said: “Wow, you got a real lecture there.” Me, shrugging my shoulders: “Hey, it’s Commercial Drive.” When I arrived at work, a press release from the City of Vancouver was waiting in my inbox. To summarize, it was good news about some of the gains the city was seeing in

Memorial Rd

Had kind of a strange day last Wednesday. Rode my bike to work and along the way I got an earful from a young woman standing on the corner of Commercial Drive and East 10th Avenue. I was stopped at the light in full bike gear. “Hey, you got some money so I can catch the ferry?” I held up my hands, as if to surrender. Her response: “Punched a cop, getting money, anyway.” I focused on the light, didn’t want to engage. Agitated and bouncing on her feet like a prize ﬁghter, she unloaded on me. Of the barrage of unfriendly words, this is what I remember: “KILL f***ing corporate pigs, KILL f***ing cops and f*** society and start your own…BITCH!” The light turned green. As I rode through the intersection, the cyclist next to me, who was pulling his

fearful people” called 911 about a shirtless man “who appeared very agitated, was yelling and throwing punches,” according to the VPD. I have it on good authority the 33-year-old man was reciting dialogue from one of the Thor movies when he turned on the officers. He now faces several charges, including assaulting a police officer. My Thursday was going along fine until a guy on the street outside a shelter near the Courier’s office asked me what my f***ing problem was and what I thought was so f***ing funny; I was walking by, minding my own business. Friday morning came. I was stopped in my car at the light at Main and Terminal. Next to me on the boulevard, shaking and sobbing, was a young man. He was holding a sign that read: Lost everything/Sleeping outside/Anything helps/ God bless and thank you. Looking forward to next week. @Howellings

For additional information, contact: Gabrielle Armstrong, Senior Manager, Consultation, at gabrielle.armstrong@ubc.ca or 604-822-9984.

This notice contains important information which may affect you. Please ask someone to translate it for you.

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

MINOR

News

City opens its doors Megan Stewart

Mobile Service in Vancouver, Richmond, & North Shore

mstewart@vancourier.com

Aside from the mythological cloud-bound stylization and pastel colours, the little girls shown around the dome inside the Orpheum are real people. During a summer tour of the historic Vancouver theatre, a woman visiting from California pointed upwards and said, “That’s me.” Built in 1927 at a cost of $1.25 million that included land fronting Granville Street in the pricey Entertainment District, the Orpheum was nearly levelled before the city purchased it in 1974 and ensured its status as a cherished civic landmark and heritage site that continues to stage live performances. The city opens the doors to the Orpheum — its basement and balcony ghosts, backrooms and histories — and 17 additional civic buildings during the second annual Doors Open Vancouver from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Orpheum tours run from 1 to 5 p.m. The city recorded more than 8,600 visits to 16 locations last year, with the Or-

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The dome inside the Orpheum Theatre is considered a civic treasure. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

pheum drawing 734 guests according to volunteer tour leader Christina Potter, also a board member with the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame that is housed in the Orpheum. “Personally, the most

special treat for me is standing on the stage and looking out on from the same spot that I know Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett all stood,” said Potter. Continued on page 7

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Parents often share their anxiety about not wanting to be a burden on family - or anyone else. Families who understand and address their parent’s financial and health care wishes enjoy the benefits of forward planning. Some of the best advice I’ve heard is to be patient – and be prepared to repeat conversations. As parents age, plan for the worst and hope for the best; learning to cope may take time for parents and caregivers alike. I help people plan to have the financial means to age with dignity. Please join us at Tapestry Foundation’s Lifetime Seniors’ Lifestyle Talks + Tables at VanDusen Botanical Gardens on Wednesday, October 7th between 10am-4pm. For more on this and matters affecting Boomers, we invite you to tune into “Boomer Life Tuesday” on October 6th from 6-7pm on CISL AM 650.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

News

VPD chief wants better support for aboriginal children Mike Howell

mhowell@vancourier.com

Police Chief Adam Palmer wants to see improvements in the quality of support for aboriginal children to avoid another tragedy like the wellpublicized case of a 19-yearold woman whose life was marked by an indifferent social care system until she died of a drug overdose in the Downtown Eastside. Palmer made the comment in a letter he sent in May to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs in regards to a report released by the B.C. Representative for Child and Youth that detailed the sad tale of Paige (her surname wasn’t released) and how she didn’t get the help she needed from various authorities before her death in 2013. “I share your concerns about the tragic circumstances and too-short life of Paige,” said Palmer in letters obtained by the Courier last week that reveal how Paige’s ﬁle is now the subject of an RCMP investigation. “I hope we will see systematic improvements to the supports for aboriginal children such as Paige and all

vulnerable children, flowing from the Representative’s report and any subsequent investigations.” Paige died after years of abuse, neglect and what Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, the Representative for Children and Youth, wrote in her report was “persistent inaction from front-line professionals and an indifferent social care system that led to this young woman’s demise.” Palmer wrote his letter in response to Phillip’s request that a police investigation be launched to determine why — in several instances — police, health officials, social services workers and others failed to report that Paige needed protection under the Child, Family and Community Service Act. In his letter, Phillip requested an outside agency lead the investigation because of Vancouver police’s history with Paige. Palmer said the department was reviewing its policies relevant to the report and sending a reminder to all officers about their obligations under the Act. He acknowledged Phillip’s point that some of the allegations involved VPD officers

Paige as a baby, as a child and before she died of a drug overdose at 19 in the Downtown Eastside in 2013. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF B.C.’S REPRESENTATIVE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

but noted there were many examples in the report which showed police provided Paige with help. “I want you to know that our ofﬁcers work very hard every day to provide excellent service to people of all ages and from all walks of life in our city,” the police chief said. “We also have a great working relationship with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and have processes in place whereby we communicate with the ministry on a daily basis.” Two weeks ago, news broke that the RCMP was investigating the allegations in Turpel-Lafond’s report. That investigation

was launched after Palmer contacted Dan Malo, the acting deputy commissioner of the B.C. division of the RCMP, who agreed to have the Mounties examine the allegations of non-compliance under the Act. “The Vancouver Police Department will cooperate in every way possible with any such investigation undertaken, as it did with the investigation by the B.C. Representative for Children and Youth,” said Palmer, noting Police Complaint Commissioner Stan Lowe had also been contacted about Phillip’s concerns. Cpl. Janelle Shoihet, an RCMP media relations of-

ficer, told the Courier police took over the file in the summer and continue to examine the scope of the investigation. Asked where police would begin in what could be an exhaustive and complicated investigation, Shoihet said “you look at the facts and you start drilling down into each and every fact.” Added Shoihet: “It’s a tedious and long process and sometimes investigations are years in the making.” In an interview, TurpelLafond said she was pleased the RCMP was following up on her report, noting such an investigation was unprecedented and could result in a person or persons facing a fine up to $10,000 and six months in prison. “Many people in our system of care in British Columbia will have their eyes opened by this process, and it’s overdue,” she said. “In Paige’s entire life, there were only 30 child protection intakes, yet in the last three years of her life in the Downtown Eastside, there were literally hundreds of incidents where people should have reported there was a child in need of protection

and didn’t.” Phillip said by telephone it was “good news” that a police investigation is underway but said the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs will be “very vigilant in terms of ensuring that it doesn’t just get swept under the carpet.” In his letter to Palmer, Phillip wrote about his concern that many people may have adopted an attitude of not bothering to report cases involving vulnerable aboriginal girls to the Ministry of Children and Family Development. “This culture of complacency has to be responded to with urgency and focus so that we can be conﬁdent, as can other First Nations’ chiefs, leaders and families that we do not discount the value of some children’s lives,” he said. “Because Paige was an aboriginal girl in the Downtown Eastside, made her abuse and neglect no less signiﬁcant than were she living in any other place. Indeed, we would suggest to you we know this is a place of grave danger for girls like her.” Paige died of a drug overdose in a washroom adjacent to Oppenheimer Park. @Howellings

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

News

Public can peruse 18 buildings Continued from page 5 Doors Open grants visitors access to behindthe-scenes places of public buildings, and two new locations were added this year: Stanley Park Train Yard and the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. Visitors can also check out Vancouver City Hall (453 West 12th Ave.) and the False Creek Energy Centre (1890 Spyglass Place) seen from the south end of Cambie Bridge and where sewage is turned into heat. Nearby, the voice of Vancouver services is open to the public at the 3-1-1 Call Centre and CityStudio (1800 Spyglass Place). City promotion reads: “Do you have a question? We have an answer!” Downtown sites include the Vancouver Public Library Central Library (350 West Georgia St.) where tours depart every hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Orpheum (601 Smithe St.) is open for tours from 1 to 5 p.m. and the

Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton St.) is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At Woodward’s (149 West Hastings St.), the onetime premier department store now has a Lego pit and beautiful atrium. Take in the high-force water spray at the Dedicated Fire Protection System Pump Station (1400 Homer St., beside David Lam Park). It can draw water directly from False Creek and is designed to withstand an earthquake. Originally a cluster of out-buildings that serviced steam locomotives, the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews) houses Engine 374, the ﬁrst passenger train to arrive in Vancouver in 1887. Tours run 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required to visit the Carnegie Community Centre (401 Main St.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The city’s ﬁrst public library, built in 1903, is now known as the “living room” of the Downtown Eastside. Additional sites include the National Works Yard

(701 National Ave.) and the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Training Centre (1330 Chess St.). The Vancouver Animal Services Shelter (1280 Raymur Ave.) and its 48 kennels are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be pets. Pre-registration is also required to visit the Tactical Training Centre (2010 Glen Dr.) where city police train. In Stanley Park, visitors can check out the park board administration ofﬁce (2099 Beach Ave.) and visit police horses at the VPD Mounted Unit (on Pipeline Road across from the transit loop). Finally, the Stanley Park Miniature Train (access from the Stanley Park bus loop) offers free rides and lessons about the history of the replica CPR No. 374 train, the original engine of which is found in the Roundhouse community centre. For more details and to pre-register, visit doorsopenvan.ca. @MHStewart

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

News

Workshops for Cambie Corridor plan Naoibh O’Connor

noconnor@vancourier.com

Trafﬁc, transportation, public space and affordable housing are on Allan Buium’s mind as the city kicks off two months of workshops dealing with phase three of the Cambie Corridor plan. Buium is chair of Riley Park South Cambie Community Vision Group, one of the neighbourhood organiza-

tions tracking its progress. Phase three concentrates on family-oriented housing on the shoulder areas off Cambie, as well as cross streets such as King Edward, 41st and 49th. “Our people are continually concerned with trafﬁc, transportation,” Buium said. “The corridor and all of the feeder streets are really getting busy and we have not seen an overall trafﬁc plan. I think that’s necessary.” The public realm and walkability to areas of greenspace are also top concerns, along with improving bus and Canada Line service and what’s going to happen on the larger sites that face development. “We’re certainly going to push for affordable housing,” he added. “There’s talk of more townhouses, which is in our vision… The general feeling is keep the buildings low in height and there’s a positive feeling towards types of townhouses. We think they could be affordable, but what that means I have no idea any longer.” Workshops start Oct. 7 and run through November. The corridor has been

divided into six areas with workshops focusing on each one. Within each area, the city has mapped out proposed “focus areas” for phase three, and noted “unique sites.” Boundaries for area one, for instance — the subject of the ﬁrst two workshops on Oct. 7 and 8 — stretch from West 16th to West 27th between Oak and Ontario streets. Proposed “focus areas” within the boundary are marked in grey on the city’s map. Unique sites such as the Balfour site at Laurel and 18th are also marked. “The intent of the workshops is to get feedback on whether we’ve got these potential areas of change shown on the map right or whether reﬁnements are needed,” said Susan Haid, the city’s assistant director of planning for Vancouver South. “We will show and discuss various potential forms of groundoriented housing for focus areas, including townhouses, rowhouses, duplexes, triplexes, etc. These forms of housing can provide greater housing diversity to meet current needs and a sensitive

transition between the main corridor and single family residential areas.” The workshops will also be used to discuss initial input and ideas about “unique sites.” They require special consideration due to their size, location or role in the neighbourhood, according to Haid. Once the workshops are completed, staff will analyze feedback and report back to the community at the end of the year or early next year with the proposed reﬁned focus area, some early ideas on housing types within the focus area, and early ideas for the unique sites. There will be a further series of workshops to “dive deeper” with the community into the kinds of changes envisioned. Staff will also begin working on some of the policy side of it — so not only housing forms, but things like the public beneﬁts and community amenities needed and some of the transportation enhancements or issues that need to be addressed, Haid said. For dates and times, and to register for workshops, check the city website.

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T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

News

VPD ‘pushing’ for life-saving overdose drug Health Canada yet to approve nasal spray form of naloxone

Mike Howell

mhowell@vancourier.com

The Vancouver Police Department is studying whether to equip its ofﬁcers with a life-saving drug that could be administered to victims of overdoses from drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. Police Chief Adam Palmer said the department conducted an internal study about a year ago on the use of naloxone but is waiting until the nasal spray form of the prescription-only medication is available in Canada before making a decision on whether it will be added to an ofﬁcer’s equipment. “It is something we’re going to be pushing for because we think it’s a viable option for Canada,” Palmer said. “The issue we have right now, though, is down in the United States — they have a better system in place where you can use [the nasal spray]. So if somebody has an overdose, you don’t have to actually inject them with a needle.” The chief commented on the use of naloxone after news surfaced that the Surrey RCMP has proposed a pilot project with Fraser Health and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, which has operated a program for almost three years, training drug users, their friends, their family and service providers how, when and where to inject naloxone. The medication, also referred to by its brand name Narcan and used by paramedics, quickly reverses the effects of opioids on the body by restoring breathing

Police Chief Adam Palmer says the VPD conducted an internal report on equipping officers with naloxone. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

within two to three minutes. The effects last for at least 30 minutes, giving time for emergency responders to arrive. The medication is administered with a needle. Health Canada has yet to approve the nasal spray. Tom Stamatakis, president of the Vancouver Police Union, said he has concerns about any initiative that would have ofﬁcers administer a drug or substance to another person. Such a move would have training implications and issues with liability, Stamatakis said. “Not just liability but how often the administering of something like that could lead to complaints or other criticisms of our members, who, frankly in my opinion, are already exposed to enough risk and criticism as they do their jobs,” he said. Cpl. Scotty Schumann, a media relations ofﬁcer with the Surrey RCMP, said a

recent spike in the number of overdoses related to fentanyl prompted police to examine how they could better respond to calls involving overdoses. CKNW recently reported that it obtained a leaked memo from the RCMP revealing the Mounties’ move to train and outfit 40 officers with naloxone. “I’m hearing there appears to be support for it,” Schumann said. “Nothing has been approved, so the finer details of how the drug would be administered have not been discussed.” The Courier requested an interview with Dr. Patricia Daly of Vancouver Coastal Health but she was not immediately available. But a spokesperson for the health authority said in an email that “if the VPD decides to go ahead, Vancouver Coastal Health would support them, including training their officers.” Hugh Lampkin, presi-

dent of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, said he would also support VPD officers being equipped with naloxone. Lampkin is a member of the Centre for Disease Control’s “Take home Naloxone” program and said he is certified on how to train people to administer the medication. He estimated more than 100 of VANDU’s members have been trained on how to use naloxone. “If you’re a police officer, or a firefighter, or an ambulance person and you’re first on the scene, then it’s incumbent on you to do what you can do to save that life,” Lampkin said. “That’s their jobs — saving lives.” Capt. Jonathan Gormick, a media relations officer with Vancouver Fire-Rescue, said laws governing firefighters don’t allow for the administering of naloxone. But Gormick said the department is studying whether firefighters should pursue another level of training, which would need approval under the Emergency Health Services Commission that would allow for the use of naloxone and other drugs such as nitroglycerin, entonox and Aspirin on patients suffering extreme pain. “Our be-all and end-all is community safety and the well-being of the people we serve,” Gormick said. “So anything we can do to enhance that is really what we’re here for.” In 2014, about 350 deaths in B.C. were attributed to illicit drug overdoses, the majority from opioids such as heroin, morphine, oxycodone and fentanyl. @Howellings

WEST POINT GREY ACADEMY Join us at our Open Houses JK–Grade 5: September 30 & October 15 | 9:30am Grades 6–12: October 20 | 9:30am Visit wpga.ca/admissions to RSVP and to learn more about our admissions process.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

Opinion ALLEN GARR COLUMNIST

agarr@vancourier.com

Removal of viaducts long time in the making

etty Pendakur was among the few dozen folks who turned up for a Vision-sponsored workshop held early Monday morning at the Roundhouse Community Centre. They were there to discuss tearing down the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts. Pendakur was slower on his feet, raspier in his voice and greyer, of course, than when, as a relatively young academic transportation specialist, he got involved in Vancouver politics.

The desire to tear down those structures, to regain the land they occupy for parks and affordable housing, to restore some tranquility to Strathcona have yet to be satisfied. At that time, he and many others ﬁrst rose up to stop the plan for a freeway through the heart of the city’s downtown. Their success, more than anything, deﬁned the most fundamental turning point in the modern life of this city. The viaducts are remnants of that aborted freeway plan. Removing them is the beginning of the end of a battle Pendakur is no less determined to see through some 45 years after it all began. At the time, the darlings of the West Side and the business community, the Non Partisan Association had controlled

PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

city hall for more than three decades. Bill Rathie was the NPA mayor who championed the proposal to build a sixlane freeway through East Vancouver. Like many freeways slicing through the hearts of cities planned and built around North America back then, including the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto, much of this would be elevated as it ran along Cordova. Chunks of Gastown, Chinatown and Strathcona would be sacrificed in the process. The proposal split the city and spawned a movement that would change the very nature of city government. For the first time, Chinatown merchants and property owners flexed their muscle in what they considered a lifeand-death struggle to save their homes and livelihoods. The promise by the NPA to first consult before a freeway plan was approved never happened. A whole civic movement would be built about the need for citizen engagement. It included academics like Pendakur and Walter Hardwick, storefront lawyers including Mike Harcourt, social workers like Darlene Marzari and Chinese community activists like Shirley Chan. And it resulted in the formation of a new civic political party, The Electors Action Movement, TEAM. It would be led by a young Liberal investment broker, Art Phillips. Change was in the air, not just in Vancouver but across the province. Established powers were threatened. By the time the new Georgia viaduct was completed, Tom Campbell was the NPA’s mayor. His attempt to drive across the new structure in January of 1971 required a small band of cops to push back the demonstrators. A year later — just after the NDP led by Dave Barrett ended the 20-year reign by W.A.C. Bennett’s Social Credit Party in Victoria — Phillips and TEAM,

including Pendakur, Hardwick, Marzari and Harcourt, swept to power. Phillips’ first act was to fire the head of the city’s public service. It was the end of an era when the city bureaucrats would call the shots. Phillips recruited Ray Spaxman, a young planner from Toronto with a reputation for encouraging citizen engagement in neighbourhood plans. While the freeway was stopped dead, the difficulty created by the new viaducts would remain to this day — including cutting Chinatown off from surrounding neighbourhoods and turning Prior Street, as it ran through Strathcona, into a major traffic artery that divided that community. The desire to tear down those structures, to regain the land they occupy for parks and affordable housing, to restore some tranquility to Strathcona have yet to be satisfied. In the meantime, every senior planner

at the city since has advocated for their removal. Engineering staff has managed to figure out a way to both remove the viaducts and still ensure the flow of traffic into and out of the city. And the desire amongst affected neighbourhoods and activists has never faded. At council, former Strathcona resident and Vision councillor Geoff Meggs now leads the charge for change. And three weeks from now, council will be presented with a staff report that recommends the viaducts removal. It is unimaginable that council will refuse to give its approval. Even so, it will be some time yet until the bulldozers can do their work. There will be at least a year of negotiations including the province and developer Concord Pacific regarding the land that will be freed up. Finally. @allengarr

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

Inbox letters@vancourier.com LETTERS

Beware of ‘Big Senior’ Re: “Why reward Vancouver seniors for staying in big empty houses?” online, Sept. 14. Hurray for Peter Ladner for having the courage to take on Big Seniors. Those old people have a nerve wanting to live in their houses when there are wealthy young families just dying to buy up that real estate. Think of those realtors denied a decent living because Big Seniors won’t move. And the developers. How can they rip down those old houses unless we get rid of the old people. Peter’s right. Let’s make them get out of those neighbourhoods they’ve lived and worked in all their lives. They have no right to take up this space. They will be much happier in some highrise cave in the middle of Surrey or Coquitlam. After all, why should we taxpayers take a hit by allowing seniors to owe the city money. Of course the prime rate for loans is .5 per cent. Seniors are only paying double this to the city for their deferments. By the way, Peter, how much would we save by getting rid of deferments? I noticed this number was missing from your article. It seems like an important number — don’t you think? But really who needs facts when the injustice is so glaring. Clearly an overly generous entitlement. Of course, rich folks like Peter are not heartless. They just don’t like poor old people getting low interest deferments so they can stay in their homes. Because all those rooms are not being used. All those empty rooms. What a nightmare! Just like those off-shore owners who buy houses and leave them empty. Oops, don’t want to mention that. Big Seniors are a better target. Fire away Peter! Sean Muldoon, Vancouver ••• Nice to see Peter Ladner sticking up for the little guy. I don’t think he will have any problem covering his tax bill every year from city hall. I bought a ﬁxer upper in East Van in 1988 and have scrimped and saved to have this house because owning is the only real break we get in the long run. I’ve seen my property tax bill triple since then and the population sure hasn’t tripled. That’s one reason it’s unafford-

able. Do the math for renters. I’m getting older now, kids growing up and I’m like everyone else. Who can afford to live here? Some of us don’t have fancy taxpayer funded pensions so owning a house is a forced saving plan. I think l will defer taxes soon just so l can stay here a while longer. Can’t see buying again here as the whole thing is so frontloaded with fees. So stop picking on seniors. For a lot of us our house is all we have. Go after speculators and policies that support it. Glenn Smith, Vancouver

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.

Down goes Fraser Re: “Exile on Fraser Street,” Letters, Sept. 24. I agree with Anne Roberts’ comments, as my family are being affected by this gentriﬁcation. These are the facts: we have lived in this amazing community for over 16 years, our children are beneﬁtting from the wonderful experience of attending Charles Dickens Annex, Main School and Tupper High school. We work in the arts and never could imagine buying a home... let alone enjoy the fancy ice creams/breads/haircuts on Fraser. And now we must move out of our home of 11 years as our landlords are cashing in. Soaring? More like crashing and burning. Isabel Ozanic, Vancouver

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.

ONLINE

Honk etiquette Re: “Dear road users: Time for respect and kindness on our streets,” Sept. 25. I mastered the barely perceptible gentle honk. Works just as well and doesn’t offend, also I believe if you are driving (or otherwise using the road) you have a duty to be paying attention. When I cycle, I stop for pedestrians and they are always surprised — I tell them it’s because I’m used to driving! Jenables via Online Comments

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••• I think the writer misses the point and focuses too much on speed: many honks aren’t because drivers aren’t moving fast enough: it is because they are incompetent or distracted and not doing what a good competent — and attentive — driver would do. Michael via Online Comments

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The rain held off as the Cops for Cancer made a pit stop at Stong’s on Dunbar on the morning of Thursday, September 24th. They were welcomed by employees & members of the community. The event organizers made a special presentation to Cori Bonina, owner of Stong’s with the 2015 Participation Award from the “Tour de Coast” (Cops for Cancer); Special Award from the “Tour de Coast” for exceptional support; and an award from the Canadian Cancer Society for long standing support of the event.

To donate or for more information,

please visit www.cancer.ca, Cops for Cancer, BC Tour de Coast

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

City Frame

MARTIN LUTHER CHURCH 505 East 46th Avenue, Vancouver (one block West of Fraser St)

604-325-0550

Pastor Manfred Schmidt Oct. 3.

German Movie at 6:30 pm at church

Oct. 4.

German Service at 9:00 am and English service at 10:30 am

Oct. 7.

German Bible Study at 11:30 am

Oct. 11. Combined Service at 10:30 am – Thanksgiving Sunday

Oct. 17. Sing Along at 6:30 pm Oct. 18. Combined Service with Pastor Carole Gerber Oct. 19. Ladies Circle at 1:00 pm Oct. 25. Reformation Sunday – Combined Service at 10:30 am

Friendship Circle Carpet Bowling every Thursday at 1:00 pm

BRANCHING OUT: Left to right: Grade 2 students at A.R. Lord elementary school, Lucy Alonso, Claire Mackie and Georgia Knight took part in National Tree Day last Wednesday, crafting wooden necklaces. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

News

VAG reveals all-wood concept design Kelsey Klassen

kelsey@wevancouver.com

The Vancouver Art Gallery revealed plans Tuesday for its ambitious 230-foottall, 310,000-square-foot wooden building on the block bounded by Georgia, Beatty, Dunsmuir and Cambie streets. The design would take up two-thirds of the cityowned Larwill Park site and comprise layers of unevenly stacked gallery spaces, workshops, a research centre, a restaurant and a 350-seat performance space overlooking a dramatic tree-ﬁlled courtyard. The other third of the land is expected to be sold and developed into ofﬁce towers. The design prioritizes pedestrian scale and communal spaces with echoes of Arthur Erickson’s West Coast modernism and subtle First Nations aesthetics, and is likely to be controversial not only in its appearance but in its proposal to narrow Cambie Street and widen the sidewalks. However, the design will more than double the art gallery’s current exhibition

space to 86,000 square feet, with 40,000 of that dedicated to the museum’s permanent collections — currently holding around 11,600 pieces and “bursting at the seams” within the gallery’s location at Robson Square. In designing the concept for the new museum, Swiss architecture ﬁrm Herzog & de Meuron — the studio behind the “Birds Nest” stadium of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as well as the Tate Modern power plant conversion in London in 2000 — took into consideration the site’s history as a civic gathering space across from the Beatty Street Armoury, as well as its relationship with the 1950s-designed Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The design proposes to alter the theatre’s current streetscape and turn the landing area at the corner of Georgia and Hamilton into a shared, landscaped courtyard with ample walk-through access from all four sides. Herzog & de Meuron partner-in-charge Christine Binswanger said the design is meant to reﬂect Vancouver’s urban relationship with na-

Vancouver Art Gallery director Kathleen Bartels is congratulated at the unveiling of the all-wood design for the new gallery on Tuesday. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

ture while offering a counter to the city’s ubiquitous glass towers. “People are a bit fed up with what they’ve seen coming up in recent years,” Binswanger said. “I don’t want to be negative about all of it, but the big chunk of building stock that happened here is not so interesting to many people. We’ve seen this in other places where, with one project that has different architectural ambition, then all of a sudden others want to follow and it can cre-

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ate a wave.” If successful, the project would be the tallest wooden building in Vancouver. Research is still needed to determine the feasibility of the design as well as the best way to treat the wood, however Binswanger said Vancouver is in a unique position to explore the concept. “I’m really conﬁdent, because it is a knowledge that exists in this part of the world and it just makes so much sense from a historical standpoint, economically, and also

architecturally. But at the same time we don’t do this conceptually,” she said. “It’s really about the physicality of the wood — this is a building that will change over time. Almost like the building itself is nature.” The gallery will need to raise $350 million to complete the project, and Tuesday’s announcement marked the beginning of the gallery’s capital funding campaign. Private sector donations are expected to generate roughly $100 million towards the project, while the federal and provincial governments have not yet been approached for more money. To date, the VAG trustees have raised $73 million, with $50 million coming from the province in 2008, and $23 million of that committed from the pockets individual trustees.. As of Sept. 30, the entire presentation, including some interesting preliminary concepts from the research and development process, will be on display for free on the main ﬂoor of the gallery. Details will also be online at VanArtGallery.bc.ca/future. @kelseyklassen

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 to consider the following development permit applications: 1768 Cook Street To develop this site with a 17-storey, multipledwelling 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 square 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

Visit: vancouver.ca Phone: 3-1-1 TTY: 7-1-1

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

Community 1

1. President of the Hellenic Community of Vancouver Effie Kerasiotis shares a laugh with baking volunteers Lizette Pappas, centre, and Eleni Arvanitis. 2. For the first time in 38 years, the Greek Food Festival held a loukoumades-eating competition. John “Step Daddy J” Jugovic, centre, showed up to compete, and won. 3. Chris Eliopoulos manned one of the festival’s many barbecue stations. 4. Diples were just one of the many traditional Greek desserts on offer. Diples are made of a combination of eggs, flour, orange zest, oil, honey, walnuts, almonds and cinnamon. See photo gallery online at vancourier.com. PHOTOS REBECCA BLISSETT

CITY LIVING

Competitive eaters get their Greek on Annual Greek Food Festival attracts colourful and hungry crowd

Rebecca Blissett

rvblissett@gmail.com

As the Greek Food Festival entered its 38th year at the Hellenic Community Centre on Vancouver’s West Side, its organizers aimed to make it appealing to everybody. There was a karaoke competition last Friday night for the younger set, and the elders were happy to get them out. Lizette Pappas, one of the festival’s many volunteers, minced no words on this topic during the weekend’s hustle in the bakery: “The young people have got to pick up the ball and start running with it,” she said while putting some food aside to drop off to a local family in need later that day. “Otherwise, we won’t survive.” In addition to an endless

supply of lamb and chicken roasted on the outdoor barbecues, which no doubt lured some of the 10,000 people through the centre’s doors during the three days, there was also traditional Greek dancing put on by six different groups, a cooking demonstration and two separate tributes to the Andrews Sisters. One of the new ideas organizers had for this year was a loukoumades-eating competition Saturday afternoon. Loukoumades are fried balls of dough that are dipped in honey and are basically a Greek doughnut, not unlike or any less addictive than the ubiquitous mini-doughnut found in concession stands across this nation. Seated at the long table on the main stage for the competition were ﬁve chatty

teenaged boys who ran over from their duties at the gyros cooking tent to ﬁll out the spots and competitive eater John “Step Daddy J” Jugovic who had heard about the competition through an event listings website for such things. Jugovic was stationed dead centre of the table and it was clear he was no amateur. His curly hair was pulled back into a ponytail, his place at the table was accompanied by a 7-Eleven Big Gulp cup full of water, and he ate standing up rather than sitting like the rest. Jugovic scarfed down 40 loukoumades in seven minutes and 30 seconds and graciously took the win at an easy pace rather than borrowing a page out of a Seinfeld script and thoroughly beating his younger

competition Kramer kids’ karate class style. “This is the first time I ate loukoumades and they’re very crunchy,” said Jugovic after the win while two of his five children/supporters celebrated by running around on the stage. “I like meatballs, and I like dumplings because they’re both soft and they go down quick. Crunchy foods are a little bit harder, they’re a bit more of a challenge.” Jugovic is a familiar face on the local competitive speed-eating circuit, notably having placed first in August’s Dumpling Derby in Chinatown, and second in July’s meatball eating competition as part of Khatsahlano Music + Art Festival. His dream is to one day make it to the big league competitions in the

states, especially Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City. For now, however, he’ll be eating pizza, pulled pork, pie and burgers, and maybe even loukoumades again. “My mother is Ukrainian and when I was a kid she always made sure that I hate everything on my plate,” said Jugovic who started competitive eating three years ago. “I love food. And it feels good to win.” Whether you’re a competitive eater, or just love to eat in general, food is essential to Greek culture, said Efﬁe Kerasiotis, president of the Hellenic Community of Vancouver. “You go to a Greek house, and they’ll ﬁll the table up. Every time we’re entertaining, it’s around the

dinner table,” she said. The seed of the festival, which is the second-largest for the community behind the Gold Plate Dinner, was sewn by Greek immigrants who had moved to the area in big numbers from 1954 to 1960. There is never an admission fee for the festival; instead it relies on selling full meals throughout the day and evening along with dessert and authentic Greek coffee. While food is deﬁnitely a draw, it is much more than that for the Greek community. “I think if you’re not Greek, you’re coming for the food,” said Kerasiotis. “If you are Greek, you might be coming to support the community and to see some friends.” @rebeccablissett

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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Opinion

A memo to Vancouver’s next city manager Mike Klassen

mike@mikeklassen.net

Mayor Gregor Robertson recently fired city manager Dr. Penny Ballem, nearly eight years after he hand-picked her. In anticipation of the announcement of her replacement, I have prepared the following memo. Dear City Manager, Congratulations on being hired as leader of the public service of our beloved city. An international search was requested by the mayor to seek the most qualified candidate available for the job, so we should be confident that city council has appointed the right person for this position. Not to make the expectations of the job sound overly daunting, but you are replacing someone whom the mayor described as a “force of nature.” Rest assured a lot of us are looking on and hoping for calmer seas ahead. The role of Vancouver’s city manager has built up a bit of an aura among city hall watchers over time. Fritz Bowers, Ken Dobell and Judy Rogers were never household names on the scale of Dr. Penny Ballem, but each of them loomed large within their respective city administrations. None of Ballem’s predecessors were pussycats either. They each had the toughness commensurate to the job of managing thousands of employees and a budget straddling 10 figures. And so it should be under your leadership. What those previous city managers exhibited that many suggest Dr. Ballem did not was up-

holding the independence of the public service on matters of policy. Resetting that non-partisan independence within city hall could be both your biggest opportunity and formidable threat as you put your stamp on the administration. You should not, for example, cite Vision Vancouver’s campaign platform as marching orders for city staff. One of your ﬁrst jobs will be to oversee the hiring of a ﬂeet of top level managers that have abandoned their posts over the last year or so. All new hires, including those appointed by council, must be seen as an integral part of your administration. While it is acceptable to promote from within the ranks of Vancouver’s public service, there will also be a need to bring in outside talent. This is a job that professional recruiters will tell you has become a lot easier now that you’ve taken over as top dog. You will know because of your own trepidation about taking the city manager’s job, Vancouver has some challenges to overcome before the world’s best and brightest civil servants once again come knocking. Only by your example can the City of Vancouver shed a reputation of a politicized and at times dysfunctional workplace. Kudos for starting at a lower salary than your predecessor and agreeing to a time-limited contract with severance provisions more in line with your provincial counterparts. For his part, the mayor could support you by making a public commitment that he and his staff will let you do your job

free of political interference. They will only ask that the professional public service do their best to gather all the facts and present them to the political leadership. Some early signals from your office will help to convince skeptics that the independence of the public service will be restored. A token gesture might be to allow the city’s treasure trove of reports and memos — the so-called “former” website — to be indexed by Internet search engines. Demand that all city contracts — including those in the mayor’s office — be posted online within 30 days. Make Vancouver a model of openness and ask staff how you can exceed standards for access to information. End the use of PowerPoint presentations as a foundation for communications, and supply council and the public with detailed budgeting. In the course of your work, be sure to acknowledge the City’s many accomplishments since it was first founded, and not just those of the past two terms of government. There is no doubt that in many respects Vancouver has led the way on progressive urban planning and development for decades — well before the slogan of “greenest city” was ever concocted in the mayor’s office. Finally, resist the temptation to send your staff middle-of-the-night emails. They won’t respond until they wake up next morning anyhow! You have a big job ahead of you, and you will need sleep. Good luck, Mike. @MikeKlassen

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C TOB E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

Community

A cheeky billboard from a New Zealand church promotes its pet blessing service. According to Father Eugenio Aloisio of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic parish in East Vancouver, “We don’t bless animals to make them holy. It’s not like we’re sanctifying the animals. It’s more of a recognition that, hey, this is a gift that comes from God.” PHOTO MICHAEL KISSINGER

PACIFIC SPIRIT

Pet blessing services recognize God’s gifts Weekend events honour Pope Francis’s namesake who renounced materialism

Pat Johnson

PaciﬁcSpiritPJ@gmail.com

The ﬁrst radical act of Jorge Mario Bergoglio after he became pope two and a half years ago was to adopt the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi. There has never been a Pope Francis before, and the choice was a signal that the new pontiff was heading in a new direction. It is a direction that has so far proved wildly popular, as evidenced by the throngs of Catholics and others who greeted him in Cuba and the United States in recent days. St. Francis of Assisi was a well-born Italian who lived 800 years ago. He renounced materialism and adopted a life of poverty. On or around his feast day, which is this Sunday, Oct. 4, many churches around the world hold blessing ceremonies for animals. St.

Francis of Assisi Catholic parish in East Vancouver is one of them. “St. Francis was very passionate about the earth as being a reﬂection of what we would say is God’s creative power and love,” says Father Eugenio Aloisio, the parish priest. “The earth, the environment, is really a testament for St. Francis to God’s ﬁdelity and love to the human family. He called the sun, the moon, the wind and the earth his brothers and sisters.” The pet blessing service at the church takes place Saturday at 2 p.m. (A festive meal takes place after Mass Sunday.) Although churches that perform pet blessings tend to do so around St. Francis Day, the ritual probably precedes the 12th century saint. At Aloisio’s church, there is a rendering of Saint Anthony the Abbot, the founder of monasti-

cism and a leader in the early church, surrounded by animals. At his East Van parish, Aloisio says the blessing has been going on since the church’s founding in 1923, though some priests have made it a bigger deal than others. “We get dogs, cats, someone brought a snake last year, a lizard, budgies — you name it, it was here last year,” he says. There has never been a conﬂict between species. The lion has so far laid down with the lamb. Or at least the dogs and cats have gotten along ﬁne. But Aloisio wants to clarify what the blessing means. “We don’t bless animals to make them holy,” he says. “It’s not like we’re sanctifying the animals. It’s more of a recognition that, hey, this is a gift that comes from God. It’s a sign of God’s love for

us. It makes us love the animals, recognizing that they’re part of the order of creation, the gift.” The service will include a part of the creation story from Genesis, then the canticle of Daniel, and Luke, Chapter 12 verses 22 to 32, in which Jesus says, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” On the parallels between Pope Francis and his saintly namesake, there is no doubt that the pope’s meal with street people in Washington, D.C. and his visit to a prison outside Philadelphia was intended to signify his church’s return to the values of Francis of Assisi. “I almost hesitate to use the word radical in connection with this pope, but St.

Francis was radical because he left everything behind,” Aloisio says. “He’s going to live this radical life of poverty, to be poorer than the poor that he serves… We see Christ particularly in the poor, the marginalized, the weak, who also have no voice for themselves. I think the pope chose the name Francis because he wants to return the church to this evangelical poverty that is so important for us.” A similar pet blessing service takes place same time — Saturday at 2 — at St. John’s Shaughnessy Anglican church. Organizers expect about 20 dogs and have invited the Vancouver police mounted squad and also the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association with information about adoption. Karin Fulcher will be there with her Labrador retriever cross, Summer. (Her cat, CB, nicknamed Killer, will stay home.)

Summer is a regular at St. John’s. “I’ve got a little spot where we sit and I have a bed for her under the pew,” says Fulcher, who is an ordained Anglican deacon, now retired. “She’s the only one that comes regularly. The children that come love her and I think it’s sweet to see them with her. Some people who’ve visited the church said, ‘Oh you have a dog in church. Do they allow dogs in church?’ Well this one does.” The annual blessing service recognizes the centrality of pets in our lives, she adds. “I just think it’s one of the loveliest services,” she says. “So many of us, our animals and our pets are sort of our companions. They are in my case, I’m widowed, so my cat and my dog are my little family.” @Pat604Johnson

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A17

Opinion

Is Vancouver embracing reconciliation?

Trish Kelly Columnist

trishkellyc@gmail.com

It’s been nearly four months since Justice Murray Sinclair released the report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In Ottawa on the day of the TRC report’s release, Sinclair told his audience, “Words are not enough. Reconciliation requires deliberate, thoughtful and sustained action.” Included in the report were 94 calls to action relating to the roles that government and private citizens can play in realizing a true repair of the relationship between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in our country. Like all reports, the TRC report runs the risk of becoming a dust collector on the shelf. But only four months after its release, there are many reasons to feel encouraged. If you take stock of the initiatives popping up, it does seem that the report’s findings and recommendations are being taken to heart. From institutions and governments, to unions and individuals, people are finding ways to gain better understanding of the harm Canada inflicted and how to forge a better relationship. Just last week, the Vancouver Sun profiled Kristin Webster, an early childhood educator who provides a 10-week program to educate preschoolers about aboriginal culture and the residential school system. With field trips and age-appropriate story books, Webster’s program builds on the TRC recommendation calling on governments to develop age-appropriate curricula for kids ages K-12. While the program is currently only running at one UBC daycare, Webster

is now in talks to expand it across the 20 daycares on UBC’s campus. Many of the recommendations of the TRC report centre on our education system; and rightly so, given that the education system was the vector for the attempted cultural genocide of Canada’s aboriginal peoples. It makes sense that our education system must begin to tell the story of residential schools, not just to shed light on history, but to reinforce the practice of being honest about our mistakes. The B.C. Teacher’s Federation, which last year supported its members travel costs to Vancouver so they could participate in TRC events, has just released an e-book called Project of Heart: Illuminating the Hidden History of Residential Schools, an interactive resource for teachers that includes multimedia elements to guide teachers looking to tell their kids what happened. The e-book launches at the same time as three new teaching guides introducing new curriculum covering the history of residential schools for grades 5, 10, and grade 11/12. On the governmental front, last week, municipal governments convened the Union of B.C. municipalities. At the convention in Vancouver, representatives considered 164 resolutions, including one from the City of Vancouver urging the provincial and federal governments to respond to the TRC’s recommendations before the end of this year. Another resolution called on the pronouncement of National Orange Shirt Day to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day started in Williams Lake in

2013, inspired by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, who was taken away from her grandmother at the age of six to a residential school. We have a long way to go in the journey to reconciliation and missteps still occur. On Saturday, the Canadian Press reported that the City of Vancouver removed three bronze plaques installed in the sidewalk outside the Balmoral Hotel to honour the memory of Georgina Papin, Brenda Wolfe and Marnie Frey, three women among those murdered by serial killer “Willie” Robert Pickton. A third of Pickton’s victims were of aboriginal descent, and the removal of the plaques is not sitting well with the community. The city spokesperson provided to defend the city’s decision to pull the unﬁnished memorial cited a lack of consensus from the project’s beginnings, but that’s a thin justiﬁcation given it doesn’t sound like any consultation was done before the memorial’s removal. Even George Papin, who came to Vancouver regularly to lay tobacco at his sister’s plaque, was unaware the bronze plaque was being removed. It could be a purely bureaucratic case of the right hand of city hall not knowing what the other hand is doing, but the fact is that systemic racism embedded within a bureaucracy is exactly what allowed the residential school system to do such damage to aboriginal people. As Justice Sinclair said in June, what is needed is thoughtfulness and sustained action. For each level of government it will require a thorough review of the TRC recommendations and a huge shift in how government includes aboriginal people.

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A18

THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C TOB E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

Seniors SOAP BOX

Don’t penalize seniors Pete Fry

pete.fry@greenparty.bc.ca

Ainslie Kwan, president of the Killarney Community Centre Association, says she is optimistic that negotiations with the city to build a long-awaited seniors centre in southeast Vancouver will get back on track. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET.

Agreement reached for southeast Vancouver seniors centre Sandra Thomas

sthomas@vancourier.com

What’s expected to be the ﬁnal hurdle standing in the way of construction of a decades-long-awaited seniors centre for southeast Vancouver has been cleared. Ainslie Kwan, president of the Killarney Community Centre Association, said she signed an agreement last Tuesday night determining the group has no claim to ownership of the centre or the land it sits on. The agreement permits the immediate issuance of a request for proposal for the design and construction of the centre. As reported in the Courier in August, the project was stalled due to a standoff over future management of the centre. “The park board did not give us any assurance about programming,” said Kwan. “But I thought it was important to get the project going. It’s a leap of faith and our way of saying to the park board we’re willing to work with you.” Kwan said park board manager Malcolm Bromley explained city lawyers advised nothing could be put in writing regarding management because it

could prejudice the ongoing court case between the board and six community centre associations. The lawsuit, launched in 2013, included a claim of partial ownership of community centre facilities. In the 45page document outlining the suit, the associations accused the park board of breaching numerous sections of the joint operating agreement while also limiting their ability to raise money now and in the future. The six associations involved in the lawsuit are Hillcrest, Killarney, Hastings, Kerrisdale, Sunset and Kensington. In a February letter to the mayor, council and numerous staff members, former city manager Penny Ballem wrote in part, “There have been some councillors who have raised the issue of ownership of the land and buildings related to the proposed seniors centre. To clarify for council, all land and facilities under the stewardship of the park board are owned by the city. The park board does not own any of the land or buildings/facilities associated with their stewardship of assets as set out under the Vancouver Charter.”

Ballem wrote that in order to secure the $2.5 million committed by the federal government and the $2.5 million from the province for the seniors centre, the city must have total ownership of the assets. To that end, Ballem said, legal services has advised it will be necessary for Killarney Community Centre Association to agree it will make no ownership claim on the new centre or land associated with it. In August, Kwan told the Courier she was more than ready to sign any document conﬁrming the association has no claim to the land or building, once she was assured the group will manage the seniors centre. The Killarney Community Centre Association has been working to get the seniors centre built for almost two decades. “The park board says it hasn’t approached any outside operators and I’m putting faith in that,” said Kwan. “We need to repair this relationship so someone had to do it for all of the seniors in southeast Vancouver. Kwan is optimistic that with the recent announcement of city manager Ballem’s departure negotia-

tions will get back on track. “That’s going to make a huge difference,” she said. “I can already feel the tone is different and more ﬂexible. That works for both of us.” NPA park board commissioner Erin Shum said she’s happy to help deliver on a campaign promise to get the seniors centre built as soon as possible. As for who’s going to manage programming at the centre, Shum said it will be the association. “We will be working with them on good faith,” said Shum. “The board knows their commitment to the community. They’re the experts. Now all I have to do is deliver this piece of paper to the city.” In a press release, NPA park board chair John Coupar said, “This important step illustrates the beneﬁt of the new, positive tone set by the park board toward a more collaborative relationship with our community partners.” It’s expected a design and construction proposal will be selected by January 2016. A full construction schedule should be released in the coming months. @sthomas10

Peter Ladner’s recent opinion piece (“Why reward Vancouver seniors for staying in big empty houses?”) raises an interesting quandary about Vancouver housing prices, the dearth of detached homes and the notion that taxpayers are subsidizing seniors to take up unused space. The idea of an octogenarian rattling around an underutilized, emptybedroomed $3-million Dunbar bungalow while young families are forced out of the city makes for a convenient if not somewhat mean spirited scapegoat — but let’s take another look. Let’s imagine that an 80-year-old and her husband purchased their bungalow 40 years ago when the B.C. property tax deferment program was started. In 1985, interest rates were 13.25 per cent, the purchase required a 25 per cent down payment and the average price for a detached house in the city was $112,000. In 1985, the Province of B.C. still collected data on foreign and corporate home purchases, so we would have thus known that our homeowners were tax-paying Canadian citizens and had purchased their ﬁrst home for their growing family. In 1985, the housing market was just bouncing back from the crash of the early 1980s, and Expo 86 hadn’t yet brought the world to our doorstep. Interest rates were cripplingly high, but our example family probably worked hard over the following decade, and maybe managed to save money to put their kids through university. Perhaps fear of the past decade’s market crash had made the family risk adverse and reluctant to “trade up” as Vancouver’s housing market started along its steady exponential growth. Perhaps it was the scourge of leaky condos that had bankrupted many of their peers that left our couple skeptical about downsizing after the kids had left for college. Perhaps a reverse mortgage was secured to top up a meagre pension, or the comfort of familiarity helped mitigate the onset of senility.

For whatever reason, our octogenarian has chosen to stay, be it in their Dunbar bungalow or two bedroom condo. It’s a stilted notion to suggest that they are staying in place because tax policies are subsidizing them to do so — they are able to stay in place because tax policies are protecting them from being forced out. The Property Tax Deferment Program exists to inure senior and/or disabled homeowners from market changes, when a ﬁxed income likely means they wouldn’t be able to keep up with steadily increasing property assessment values and resultant property tax. These taxes aren’t being forgiven, they are being deferred to be paid on the ultimate sale of the home. Should — as Ladner suggests — tax deferrals be means tested, consider residency history and apply a more robust interest rate against the rebate at point of sale? Absolutely, but let’s be careful not to mischaracterize homeowning seniors as wealthy in the same breath as suggesting they are disadvantaging young families. Even without tax deferral, the market is squeezing young families out of the city. There is a certain irony that of all the other potential displacement factors: speculation, ﬂipping, foreign investment and the luxury housing market — property tax deferment for seniors and disabled is the only one we are accurately tracking and monitoring. It’s no secret that developers are running out of available land in Vancouver and that stagnant land is the antithesis of growth, so I’ll concede that there may be a very real business model to consider. If we want seniors to downsize and open up that market, let’s incentivize not penalize. And if we want to encourage housing affordability, let’s consider all the factors and enact sensible policies that will ensure housing for everyone in all stages of life. Pete Fry is the Green Party of B.C. candidate in Vancouver-Mt.Pleasant who hopes to replace Jenny Kwan who is running federally under the NDP in Vancouver East.

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A19

Homes

Vancouver families trapped in starter homes ecrawford@biv.com

It’s hard enough to become a homeowner in Metro Vancouver, with the average home price being almost double that of the national average. But for those young families who do manage to buy a starter home, moving to a space that can accommodate kids can be downright impossible, according to a Vancity study released Sept. 17. This means many fami-

lies become trapped in spaces that are too small. “Buying a suitable house isn’t affordable for most families,” said Vancity’s vice-president of impact market development Andy Broderick. “And the relatively more affordable options like three-bedroom townhomes and row houses are limited and rarely available for purchase, further compounding the problem.” The study found that 91 per cent of apartments had a

maximum of two bedrooms. The most suitable choice for families, according to the study, is a three-bedroom attached property like a townhouse or row house, but these properties comprise only nine per cent of all homes across Metro Vancouver. These units have a turnover rate of 9.5 per cent, which means only 0.86 per cent of all homes across the region are both adequate for young families and actually available for purchase. Continued on page 20

According to a recent study, young families are finding it difficult to transition from starter homes to ones that can accommodate kids. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

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Vancouver Rally! OCTOBER 3, FROM 12:00 TO 2:00

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A20

THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

Homes

Beyond Banking Seminar Series

So You’re an Executor: Avoid the pitfalls with advance planning. Join us for this complimentary seminar and learn about:

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Upsizing means more debt Continued from page 19 This doesn’t even take affordability into account; when the study looked at what these homes cost and compared this with the average income of young families in Metro Vancouver, the problem became even more pronounced. In 2014, the median household income for young families — deﬁned as those with both parents between 25 and 36 years old — in which two parents worked was $65,492. Couples earning this amount can afford housing that costs around $384,000. However, the benchmark price of attached properties in the region was $511,500; to buy a home at this price would require a household income of at least $86,364 — 32 per cent higher than the average young family income. Across the region, families who wish to move from a one-bedroom apartment or condo to a three-bedroom home with an at-

tached yard would have to increase their debt level by an average of 95 per cent. In Vancouver’s West Side, this jumps to 158 per cent. In the city’s East Side, it is a much lower 78 per cent. The biggest jump is found in White Rock, where debt levels would increase by an average of 164 per cent. Vancity said governments and developers would ideally play a role in ﬁxing this trap for families. “Governments should focus on encouraging supply through incentives for developers, inclusionary zoning and partnerships to support shared-equity coops,” the report said. “Real estate developers and businesses should participate in public policy discussions, lead industry-level assessments and introduce reciprocity programs.” For now, however, families have little choice beyond looking into different locations and living styles. @EmmaHampelBIV

YOU’RE INVITED

A Canadian Nurses Association Event

HEALTH IS WHERE THE HOME IS

TOWN HALL Canadians will head to the polls on October 19. Come and join our federal election town hall. Hear what VANCOUVER GRANVILLE candidates and others have to say on seniors care and healthy aging.

Wednesday, October 7 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Diamond Ballroom, 4th Floor 1495 West 8th Ave., Vancouver /cna-aiic.ca

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election.cna-aiic.ca

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For more information, please contact events@cna-aiic.ca

*CANADIAN NURSES ASSOCIATION and the CNA logo are registered trademarks of the Canadian Nurses Association/Association des infirmières et infirmiers du Canada.

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

SPACE home design + style

PHOTO: DAN TOULGOET

Car sharing comes of age

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

PHOTO: DAN TOULGOET

Car sharing COMES OF AGE WORDS BY SUSAN M BOYCE REW.CA

With Vancouver developers on board car co-ops surge with rise in car-free lifestyles

new developments is smart for many reasons.

“Obviously anything that reduces our carbon footprint is something we should all be looking at. But consider that a parking stall typically costs the homebuyer $20,000 to $30,000 and in downtown Vancouver that price could be as much as $50,000. For a demographic that truly doesn’t see any value in owning a private automobile, the saving on their bottom line adds up to a lot of extra affordability without any sacriﬁce.”

he goal is unabashedly lofty: become the “greenest city on the planet” by 2020. And while the jury’s still out on whether Vancouver’s Mayor Gregor Robertson will make his pledge a reality, there’s no question this city has become a poster child for eco-friendly living.

Robertson’s goal also dovetails neatly with the car-light or even car-free lifestyle that’s become a well-documented trend in real estate. As increasing numbers of tech-savvy millennials reject the concept

that owning a car equates to a status symbol, forward thinking developers are ﬁnding new designs to give this inﬂuential demographic homes that make it easier to meet all their transportation needs through a combination of walking, cycling, transit and Metro Vancouver’s burgeoning car-share programs. WHY CAR SHARING IS SMART Like many industry insiders, Brian McCauley, president and COO of Concert Properties, believes providing onsite car-share parking in

Then there are the ongoing ﬁnancial incentives. “Owning a car usually implies a monthly loan payment that

THE BRICK WAREHOUSE LP

immediately reduces the amount of mortgage you’ll qualify for,” says Mark Pribula, general manager of Zipcar in Vancouver, the ﬁrst car share program to arrive in Vancouver. “When you add up other costs like insurance, gas, parking, accrued maintenance and depreciation, our members tell us they save, on average, between $700 and $1,000 per month per vehicle.”

parking a break by reducing the number of resident parking stalls required, the City of Vancouver at one point took the concept one step further. During the rezoning process at Wesgroup’s River District in southeast Vancouver, the developer was not only required to provide the parking, they had to provide and pay for the cars as

HEAVY-HANDED CITY MOVE While most municipalities already give developers who provide car-share

well. It was a move many in the industry saw as unduly heavy handed. “I’m a huge fan of car-share programs – they’re one of the many things that make up a well-thought-out community and something we would have done anyway,” stresses Beau Jarvis, Wesgroup’s senior vice-president. “However, I’m not a fan of the way the city implemented a requirement that forced us to essentially give the car-share program free cars. And in the discussion about affordable housing, that’s a cost that will ultimately be passed along to the consumer.” For complete story visit REW.ca/news.

16930- 114 Avenue Edmonton, AB, T5M 3S2

The Brick enters year two of its partnership with Children’s Miracle Network® to help improve the lives of children and families across Canada and celebrates Brickley’s first birthday with a new Superhero Edition. Following the great success of its inaugural year, The Brick launches its second year as a partner of Children’s Miracle Network in Canada. In the first year of its partnership with Children’s Miracle Network, The Brick raised nearly $700,000 for children’s hospitals across Canada. “The Brick is a great Canadian retailer which has provided value to the homes of Canadians with a team of community caring staff that made the inaugural year of our partnership a great success,” said John Hartman, Chief Operating Officer, Canada, with Children’s Miracle Network. “We are thrilled to continue a partnership with The Brick that does have a real impact on the lives of children. We’re elated to have help from The Brick in raising funds for the equipment and research that help to save the lives of ill and injured children. Brickley is a good friend and role model to kids, whether they’re sick or healthy.” “The Brick is proud to be part of communities across Canada and has a strong tradition of giving to these communities. We care about our neighbours – especially the youngest generation. That’s why we’re partnering with Children’s Miracle Network,” explained Jim Caldwell, President of The Brick Group. Both The Brick and Children’s Miracle Network believe in keeping funds in the region where they are raised. All proceeds from Brickley sales will go toward the Children’s Miracle Network member hospital that serves the community in which the purchase or donation was made. “The focus of our campaign is all about ‘Helping to Improve the Lives of Children, Brick by Brick’”, noted Jim Caldwell. “The reason we chose that name for our campaign is that we believe that every little bit counts towards making a real difference to the lives of children and their families. That’s what it is all about – improving lives and making a difference in our communities.” In celebration of Brickley’s first birthday, The Brick is introducing the second edition, Superhero Brickley, to help raise funds for the organization. Brickley stuffed animals made by Gund are available in The Brick’s 220 stores nationwide and online. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of Brickley go to Children’s Miracle Network in support of the local children’s hospital serving the community. The Brick will be matching every dollar donated through from September 1, 2015 to February 29, 2016 up to a maximum of $100,000. Limited quantities of Brickley are now available.

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

IN A NUTSHELL

WORDS BY NOA NICHOL VITAMINDAILY.COM

Cuddle up in Pure Bedding Cold weather? We prefer to call it cozy weather, and we’ve found the perfect line of linens to help the dropping temps live up to their new name. Available exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond stores across the country, the new Pure bedding collection by interior designer Ami McKay (she’s one of the top ﬁve in her ﬁeld in Canada, don’t you know?) is as stylish as it is comfortable, drawing on Mother Nature for pattern inspiration and using earth-friendly textiles like cotton and bamboo to boot. From duvets to sheet sets, brightcoloured coverlets and plush throw pillows, we love how mix-andmatchable this sleep stuff is and can’t wait to put it to the test in our own bedrooms. Meteorologists may be calling for a long, cold winter; we say, bring it on!

AskAnne TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS WORDS BY ANNE MARRISON AMARRISON@SHAW.CA

When perennial roots are exhausted and drying up in long, hot droughts, tulips are happier than they’ve ever been. They have a huge need for months of bone-dry resting time. That’s why old-time gardeners used to dig tulips in late spring, store them inside through summer and re-plant them late in fall. They knew that rain-showers during summer or watering neighboring plants is a sure way to rot tulips and give them diseases. For container gardeners living in space-deprived condos this can be a

problem. So it can be for people with small in-ground gardens who plant waterhog annuals above the tulip bulbs below. The answer for both kinds of gardeners is to have a separate container/garden area for tulips paired with other plants that handle dry summers well. This can include alliums, lavenders, sedums, bearded irises and grasses. Bone meal is a nutritious food for all bulbs. A teaspoon or more (depending on bulb size) is even better if it can be covered by a layer of sand

under each bulb. This helps retain the good drainage that tulips love.

casualties are still nice cut ﬂowers though you do have to rinse them ﬁrst.

Some tulips are so beautiful that gardeners would love to keep them going year after year. For instance some tulips have amazingly variegated leaves that give beauty long before the ﬂowers open.

A few tulip varieties are multi-flowering. The flowers are smaller than normal, but you can usually get four to five per stem.

Double tulips are quite spectacular and since they’re among the last to bloom they sometimes miss most of the violent spring storms. Unfortunately when there is wind and rain water they tend to fall onto the mud below. The

The hybridizers have had a lot of fun with tulips. Petals may be fringed or rufﬂed. Some petals have ‘ﬂames’ of different colours licking up the outside. Anne Marrison is happy to answer garden questions. Send them to her via amarrison@shaw.ca. It helps if you include your city or region.

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T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

News

Visiting Underground Railroad conductor’s ﬁnal stop Mitchell Smyth

Meridian Writers’ Group

AUBURN, New York— African-Americans, fleeing from slavery in the U.S. South, called her their “Moses.” Slave owners called her many things, most of them obscene, all of them unflattering. But Harriet Tubman was not deterred. She continued making her secret forays into the Deep South to lead slaves to safety in Canada. Auburn, a pleasant, leafy town in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, seems an unlikely place to be reminded of cotton fields and slave auctions and leg irons and lynchings. But it is indeed where you’ll find a part of the story of this dark blot on America’s conscience, for it tells the story of Harriet Tubman. It was here that she lived the last half of her life and now her home is a museum. Continued on page 23

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ARTHRITIS

EDUCATION EVENTS: VANCOUVER

MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN The main objective of the Managing Chronic Pain workshop is to improve your understanding of the principles of pain management and its treatments, introduce different methods to cope with chronic pain and show how to take an active role in your own pain management. Remember:“No Pain, No Gain”doesn’t apply when you have arthritis! Choose from two different dates and locations. Both workshops are FREE.

1. DATE/TIME: October 16 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm VENUE: Trout Lake Community Centre

3360 Victoria Drive, (Willow Room) REGISTER: 604.257.6955, online Troutlakecc.com or in person at the Centre.

2. DATE/TIME: October 24 | 2:00 pm– 4:00 pm VENUE: Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House

800 East Broadway, (West Hall) REGISTER: 604.714.5550 We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia www.arthritis.ca

A life-size photo of Harriet Tubman, “conductor” of the Underground Railroad, greets visitors to the Tubman museum in Auburn, New York. She helped more than 300 black American slaves to freedom in Canada. PHOTO MITCHELL SMYTH/MERIDIAN WRITERS’ GROUP

BlairLockhart.ca info@BlairLockhart.ca

! fb.com/cpcppc 604.559.5821

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News

‘Black Moses’ led slaves to freedom

Continued from page 21 Exhibits and guides tell how, before the U.S. Civil War, Auburn was one of the last stops on the so-called Underground Railroad. This was a loose arrangement of guides and safe houses run by antislavery advocates spiriting slaves northward. Auburn is about 200 kilometres from the Niagara River near Buffalo where the fugitives would cross into Ontario. The diminutive (152-centimetre-tall) Tubman was born a slave in Maryland in 1820 or 1821. After escaping in 1849 she was safe in the northern states, but a year later President Millard Fillmore signed what was called a “Compromise” to the Fugitive Slaves Act,

making it a crime for any state to harbour fugitives. That meant slaves had to get farther north. To Canada. The Underground Railroad was already in existence, but the Compromise gave it a new head of steam, and Harriet Tubman knew it well. Guides in the museum visitor centre tell how, from her base in St. Catharine’s, Ont., and then (from 1857) in Auburn, she made trip after trip to Dixie, leading more than 300 slaves to safety. But more important than that, perhaps, the story of “the Black Moses” got a lot of attention in northern newspapers and many inﬂuential people were attracted to her cause. Her motto, says a guide,

was “keep going.” “She’d tell her charges, ‘If you are tired, keep going. If you are scared, keep going. If you are hungry, keep going. If you want to taste freedom, keep going.’” She kept up the “freedom train” journeys during the Civil War (1861 to 1865), at the same time acting as a spy for the Union behind enemy lines. Auburn resident William Seward, the U.S. secretary of state and an antislavery campaigner, sold her a little farm on South Street, and she used the house to shelter runaways. That house burned down and in 1870 the present house was built nearby. In her later life, Tubman recalled that as

“conductor” of the Underground Railway, “I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.” Harriet Tubman died in 1913. A marker in the visitor centre records that the New York Times listed her as one of the 250 most important people in the world to have died that year. She is buried in Fort Hill Cemetery, Auburn.

Access

For more information, visit the Harriet Tubman museum website at harriethouse.org. For information on travel in New York state, go to the New York State Division of Tourism website at iloveny.com. More stories at culturelocker.com.

If you got this card, you’re ready to vote!

Help kids be all that they can be

RBC and United Way help kids grow their conﬁdence and skills so they are able to make good choices in life. Join us. Give today. uwlm.ca Together, we are possibility.

Federal election day is October 19. Did your voter information card arrive in the mail? It tells you that you’re registered to vote, and explains when and where you can vote. If you didn’t receive one, or if it has the wrong name or address, check, update or complete your registration at elections.ca. Or call 1-800-463-6868 ( TTY 1-800-361-8935). Elections Canada has all the information you need to be ready to vote.

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Community

BRILLIANT SHOW OF SUPPORT: Brilliant, a spectacle of fashion and dance, took place last week in support of St. Paul’s Hospital’s mental health and addictions programs. Event founder and grateful patient Dean Thullner steered more than 300 of Vancouver’s most fashion-forward designers, hairstylists, make-up artists, models and dancers to bring the production to life. And what a party it was! A fairy tale-themed evening staged at the Commodore Ballroom, the event featured modern interpretations of classic fables told through fashion, music and dance. Chaired by Bill and Jana Maclagan and emceed by media personality Fiona Forbes, with a live auction orchestrated by Howard Blank, the theatrical night of fantasy generated a whopping $1.45 million, more than doubling the $600,000 generated in the first two years. GAME CHANGERS: John Anderson, CEO of the Oppenheimer Group — a leading distributor of fruit and vegetables — is this year’s Pacific Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner. The awards program — a leading date on the business calendar — recognizes the spirit and contribution of entrepreneurs locally and around the world. More than 1,300 guests made the parade on the yellow carpet for the celebration of entrepreneurial spirit now in its 22nd year. Thirty finalists were feted in 10 categories. Chosen based on their vision, leadership, financial performance and social responsibility, winners included James Wise (founder of Burrowing Owl Vineyard), Trevor Styan (general manager of Northern Civil Energy) and Lisa Shields (founder of Hyperwallet Systems). HOMETOWN HEROS: More than 300 guests from corporate, sports, arts and social service circles gathered for Kids Up Front’s Superheroes Gala. Founded in 1999, the charity provides local kids in need access to arts, culture and sports through the distribution of unused event tickets. For some, these experiences can be life changing. Local heroes Bob Lenarduzzi and Carl Valentine of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC were among attendees at the charity dinner and auction emceed by B.C. Lions receiver Marco Iannuzzi. Greeting guests was the organization’s newest player, Shelley Leonhardt, taking on the role as executive director. Yours truly handled the auctioneer duties. Fabulous art and luxury trips were sold off in support of the non-profit’s efforts with more than 118 partner social service agencies to give every child in the community one big lift.

email yvrflee@hotmail.com twitter @FredAboutTown

John Anderson, CEO of the Oppenheimer Group — a leading distributor of fruit and vegetables — was cited the Pacific Region’s Entrepreneur of the Year. The 59-year-old celebrated with his wife Jo-Anne.

Brightlight Pictures CEO Shawn Williamson hosted his annual Vancouver International Film Festival Gala at the Vancouver Art Gallery. The movie mogul welcomed leading actors, filmmakers and industry insiders including newly appointed Creative B.C. CEO Prem Gill to the red carpet romp.

Event founder Dean Thullner’s third Brilliant Gala, featuring modern interpretations of classic fables told through fashion, music and dance, generated a whopping $1.45 million for St. Paul’s Hospital’s mental health and addictions programs.

Steve Dhillon and Monika Deol star in Oscarnominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta’s Beeba Boys, which recently screened at VIFF. The movie is based on a true Vancouver story of a Sikh mobster leading his soldiers into a turf war over drugs.

Newly appointed executive director Shelley Leonhardt and B.C. Lion’s receiver Marco Iannuzzi fronted the annual Superheroes Gala at the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel.

Athena Bax is among 42 artists who have donated works to Arts Umbrella’s 33rd Splash Gala on Oct. 17 at Performance Works. Proceeds from the art sale support Canada’s preeminent performing arts organization for youth.

A leader in B.C. bubbles, Ezra Cipes of Summerhill Pyramid Winery released his latest, the province’s first Cipes Blanc de Franc 2011, garnering favourable reviews from oenophiles, including leading sommelier DJ Kearney.

Global TV’s Kate Gajdosik and event founder Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia saw $750,000 raised from the annual Women’s Media Golf Classic. The impressive haul will support the Pacific Autism Family Foundation, a charity supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

THERE IS SOMETHING NEW IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

And, that‘s why we‘ve made some big changes in-store. The False Creek neighbourhood has grown and now, so have we. Come discover a fresh new Urban Fare with more services and variety. We’ve refined our entire grocery selection, item by item to better suit your needs. Lots of new stuff, the return of some old stuff (sorry about that) and an easy-to-navigate layout. We‘ve installed a full service fresh meat & seafood counter as well as a huge section dedicated to just natural and organic products.

False Creek

1688 Salt Street In the Village

Overwaitea Food Group LP, a Jim Pattison business. Proudly BC Owned and Operated.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

Garden

One milky mess Anne Marrison

amarrison@shaw.ca

Committing to our planet’s future means properly recycling our electronics of the past. That’s why the EPRA works to keep over 15 million devices out of Canadian landfills every year through convenient and regulated e-recycling programs. Plus, recovered materials go back into the manufacturing supply chain so that fewer natural resources are required. Find out how to safely and securely recycle your electronics now. Nature’s warranty is counting on it. Learn more about the electronics recycling program at:

recycleMYelectronics.ca/bc

For collection site locations and acceptable products, visit:

return-it.ca/electronics/locations

This program is funded through Environmental Handling Fees that are applicable to new electronics sold in the province.

An industry-led not-for-profit organization

Q. My friend gave me a tropical rubber tree house plant. It contains a white, milky latex that drips everywhere if you injure the plant. It is growing very fast. I was going to move it outside to prune it, but it is way too heavy. When I cut off one branch before it touched my ceiling, the milky substance dripped all over my carpet and hardwood floor. Can this plant be pruned without making a mess? What should I use to clean this milky stain off my carpet and hardwood floor? Gillian Hunt, via email A. Latex sap dries if left at indoor temperatures. Then you should be able to peel it off your hardwood floor. Wear gloves. But be careful, Gillian. Latex is an eye and skin irritant and many folks are allergic to it.

The carpet is a harder problem. It would be best to get a carpet cleaning firm in and see if they can handle it. They will have proper protective gear. When you prune this immovable plant in future, your only option for inside cuts is to swathe the whole pot and surrounding floor with plastic. But this plant will leak every time it’s pruned. The friend who gave you the tree may be willing to help you move it outside and in when it needs pruning. If not, it may be easier to send it to green waste. For this you should don gloves and old clothing, drape plastic all around, then prune the tree into manageable pieces putting them into doubled plastic bags as you go. Anne Marrison is happy to handle garden questions. Send them to amarrison@shaw.ca It helps me if you include your city or region.

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

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

Arts & Entertainment

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GOT ARTS? 604.738.1411 or events@vancourier.com

Oct. 1 to 6, 2015 1. The Vancouver International Film Festival continues brightening movie theatres and enlightening minds until Oct. 9. You can catch Lewis Bennett’s fascinating documentary, Sandwich Nazi, proﬁling Lebanese male escort turned foulmouthed Surrey deli owner Salam Kahil, Oct. 3 at the Rio Theatre. For details, go to viff.org.

2. The latest punk rock treatise from Brooklyn-by-way-of-New Jersey’s Titus Andronicus is a 29-song beast called The Most Lamentable Tragedy, which explores frontman Patrick Stickles’ mental health issues in a surprisingly catchy and rocking manner. Catch the band live when they play an early show at the Cobalt Oct. 3 with their Merge Record label mates Spider Bags and Baked. Tickets at Red Cat, Zulu and ticketweb.ca. 3. Vancouver indie pop group Supermoon helps SFU’s campus/community radio station CJSF 90.1 FM celebrate its 12th anniversary with a show at the Astoria Pub Oct. 3. They’ll be joined by TV Ugly, Mi’ens, MALK, Adrian Teacher and the Subs and Ace Martens. Details at cjsf.ca. 4. The 16th annual Vancouver International Improv Festival is open for your suggestions Oct. 6 to 10 at Granville Island’s Performance Works, Waterfront Theatre and the Improv Centre. Performers include locals the Fictionals and the Sunday Service, Atlanta’s Dark Side of the Room, Toronto’s Bamboo Kids Club and Portland’s Whiskey Tango, among others. Details at vancouverimprovfest.com.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

Arts & Entertainment

GET A SEASON SUBSCRIPTION

for ticket discounts!

KUDOS & KVETCHES Brand on the run

presents

BACH AND THE

BOYS A MO D ER N TAK E O N O KTOB E R 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 R I 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

FOR THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HER AGAIN By Michel Tremblay • Translated by Linda Gaboriau • Directed by Margo Kane ORIGINALLY DIRECTED BY GLYNIS LEYSHON • A FULL CIRCLE: FIRST NATIONS PERFORMANCE PRODUCTION

OCTOBER 8–24, 2015 • MainStage

“A funny, affectionate, and triumphantly moving portrait of the abiding bond between mother and son. This buoyant production gets everything right.” KATHLEEN OLIVER THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT

604.270.1812 gatewaytheatre.com

Synergy. It’s a word we’ve mistaken for meaning the sexual excitement ones feels while performing blasphemous acts, and before that we mistakenly thought it meant the sexual excitement one feels after ingesting cinnamon. However, the real deﬁnition of synergy is “the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.” Why do we mention this? Because there is some serious synergy going on at the former-alternative weekly the Georgia Straight. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Straight’s annual advertising juggernaut Best of Vancouver issue, the publication has teamed up with Granville Island Brewing to release PDA, a Kölsch-style golden ale, available at various liquor stores and in Steve Newton’s suede wineskin that he sneaks into classic rock concerts. According to the Straight’s nearly intolerable press release/story, “The brewery seemed like a great ﬁt to produce the Straight’s specialedition beer based on its

popularity among Vancouver’s beer drinkers. Granville Island Brewing is also a long-time Best of Vancouver winner.” Cha-ching. But there was also considerable thought that went into the beer itself, right down to its name, says Navdeep Chhina, the Straight’s brand manager. Yes, brand manager. “We invited our staff members to propose a name for the beer. One of the ideas was ‘pretty damn awesome,’ so that’s why we went with ‘PDA.’ People will probably assume that it means ‘public display of affection,’ but this beer is really a reﬂection of everything that we do, and everything about our city that is pretty damn awesome.” We can only assume then that when you peel back the label on the Straight’s beer, readers will ﬁnd a colourful selection of escort ads. We’ll have to research that one and report back to you. Of course, the Georgia Straight isn’t the only local entity to harness the brand-expanding powers of synergy. Just this summer, buttocks framing company Lululemon teamed up with Stanley Park Brewing to

unleash Curiosity Lager on the limber masses. And a few years back, the Vancouver Sun ushered in its 100th year, much like many old fogies with constipation issues, by collaborating with JJ Bean for its very own Vancouver Sun Birthday Bean roast. All of which raises the question: When is the Courier or K&K going to tap into this sweet maple tree of synergy? The answer is “soon.” But honestly, we’re having trouble deciding which company and product to get it on with. Right now the frontrunners are: • A new dating app developed with Plenty of Fish for single newspaper employees called Print’s Charming. • A line of stainless steel tifﬁns endorsed by celebrity chef Vikram Vij called Vancouver Curry-ers. • Artisanal honey from the hives of Courier columnist and beekeeper Allen Garr called Show Me the Honey! • An exclusive collection of dream weavers made by an 83-year-old Kerrisdale woman who won’t give her last name, but wants to know what’s going on with her delivery because she really likes the ﬂyers.

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Arts & Entertainment

VIFF debut explores Muybridge’s moving pictures Jeremy Shepherd

jshepherd@nsnews.com

“Film is a disease,” said Frank Capra. If the old moviemaker’s diagnosis is correct, then Eadweard Muybridge was patient zero. Because before Capra shot a frame of It’s a Wonderful Life, before D.W. Grifﬁth lionized the Ku Klux Klan and before Thomas Edison strapped boxing gloves on two feisty housecats and had them duke it out in a miniature boxing ring, there was Muybridge. Eadweard Muybridge (pronounced Edward My-bridge) is the subject of the historical drama Eadweard, directed by Vancouver’s Kyle Rideout. Rideout and co-writer Josh Epstein ﬁrst became acquainted with cinema’s father (if not father, estranged uncle, at least) while working on Electric Company Theatre’s play Studies in Motion, an examination of Muybridge. “We’d be backstage and say, ‘I can’t believe this isn’t a movie,’” Rideout recalls. After acquiring the rights

to the play, Rideout and Epstein began honing the story of Muybridge, a still photographer who couldn’t bear the thought of his photographs sitting still. Muybridge’s obsession — what Capra called a disease — was capturing motion. Back in the 1870s, a debate raged about whether a horse ever had all four hooves off the ground at once. Unwilling to trust such a matter to a single camera, Muybridge lined up 12 cameras like Rockettes. The cameras ﬂashed in sequence, settling a debate and igniting an obsession. (And for the record, horses do sometimes have all four hooves off the ground.) The movie focuses on the next few years in Muybridge’s life, as we watch him become professionally messianic and personally a mess in his attempt to compose something entirely new: a photographic encyclopedia of movement. His days are spent training his dozen cameras on motion of all kinds (an attractive woman jumping over a chair, a dog trotting, an attractive woman climbing a ladder,

two men wrestling, an attractive nude woman being nude and attractive) and his nights are spent justifying his work to his wife, Flora. Muybridge, despite resembling a shopping mall Santa Claus at four whiskies past quitting time and having the bedside manner of Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood, proves irresistible to young Flora... for a while. Their relationship is strained by Muybridge’s work, inﬁdelity, and his tendency to look at her and keep looking; as though he’s having a staring contest with God. Muybridge’s obsessive eye became easier to comprehend during the movie’s 24-day shoot, according to Rideout. “I felt like I kind of became Muybridge myself on set,” the director says. In re-enacting Muybridge’s motion studies, Rideout found himself on the brink of panic when his producer informed him the llamas weren’t going to make it to set as scheduled. (The crew saved the day by picking up some goats who were willing to work on short notice.)

But like all obsessions, Muybridge’s was ultimately alienating. “He started to get very obsessed, more than I can understand,” Rideout says. “He didn’t know when to say, ‘Enough is enough.’” Muybridge also never quite had the notion of using the camera to tell a story. “He was so close,” Rideout notes. But while

Muybridge missed out on creating cinema, he had no trouble creating a behavioural blueprint for every taskmaster director that would follow. “He would pass out when he was in the middle of shooting and he would have fainting spells and he was sometimes difﬁcult to work with,” Rideout says. “It sounded like a director to us.” His work was largely

eclipsed by more famous inventors, but while his name is largely forgotten and often mispronounced when it is remembered, Rideout believes his inﬂuence remains. “Every single one of us has a piece of what Muybridge created.” Eadweard screens at International Cinemas on Oct. 2 and Vancouver Playhouse Oct. 5.

TWO CHOIRS ONE PURPOSE A BENEFIT CONCERT

FOR FIRST UNITED CHURCH’S Vancouver MISSION TO THE HOMELESS Welsh Men’s

Choir Friday, October 2nd, 7:30pm at ST. ANDREW’S-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH Burrard & Nelson, Vancouver, BC TICKETS: $25 adults, $10 students, available at the door, or call 604-878-1190

Canada’s Largest Male Voice Choir

STARTING

BUY THE RIGHT

ZONE Learn more at translink.ca/onezone or call 604.953.3333

Starting October 5, there will be just 1-zone for buses and HandyDART, all day, every day. Whether you’re using cash, FareSavers, a monthly pass or a Compass product, you’ll only need to pay for 1-zone travel on buses. Multi-zone transfers to SkyTrain and SeaBus will require AddFare if travelling weekdays before 6:30 p.m. Transfers to buses won’t require additional fare.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

Arts & Entertainment THEATRE REVIEW

Heated dinner party gives viewers of Disgraced something to chew on Jo Ledingham joled@telus.net

You can really sink your teeth into this 2013 Pulitzer prize-winning play written by American playwright Ayad Akhtar, directed for the Arts Club by Janet Wright. Set in a New York Upper East Side apartment, Disgraced features one of those disastrous dinner parties — the kind that, like a train wreck, is perversely interesting to watch but not much fun to be a part of. By the time these guests get around to sitting down to their anchovy and fennel salad, they’ve already been

and tearing shreds off each other. It will take more than a hopeful “Bon appetit” to salvage this party. Pork tenderloin is an interesting choice of entrées considering the party includes a Jew and a Muslim. Well, Isaac (Robert Moloney), an inﬂuential Jewish museum/art gallery curator, confesses to loving pork; and host Amir (Patrick Sabongui), a brilliant Muslim lawyer married to beautiful gentile artist Emily (Kyra Zagorsky), is an apostate. Still, ﬁsh might have been a safer choice. Over pre-dinner drinks, the conversation about tra-

8 PM Friday, October 2nd

Shaughnessy Heights United Church 1550 W 33rd Avenue Vancouver

The West Coast Symphony and Mastro Bujar Llapaj present

Gene Ramsbottom, Clarinet

October 9 November 1 Proudly sponsored by

Beethoven: Egmont Overture Mozart: Clarinet Concerto Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) with Guest Soloist Gene Ramsbottom, Clarinet

Admission by Donation GHOST TRAIN.CA 604-257-8531

778-994-6425 westcoastsymphony.ca

ditional Islamic art (Emily’s passion and inspiration), the Quran and the rise of terrorism post 9/11 has come to the boiling point. Neither Emily nor Jory (Marci T. House), Isaac’s African-American litigator wife, are able to put a lid on the heated debate between Isaac and Amir before moving to the table. Into the mix, but not the dinner party, is Hussein (Conor Wylie), Amir’s idealistic, teenaged nephew who has changed his name to Abe to avoid being seen as a Muslim. Safer to be a Jew in New York than a Muslim. He is, however, a practising Muslim and he tries to persuade Amir to give legal advice to an old imam who is being held in prison on suspicion of aiding terrorists. Meaty and provocative, Disgraced is a play for theatre goers who love the parry and thrust of scrappy, intelligent discussion about art, religion, cultural assimilation and the enduring and often surprising power of one’s history — in this case, tribal roots. Not only are we horriﬁed to hear that Amir felt proud following the destruction of the Twin Towers, he appears to be as shocked as we are at his admission. His Americanization is only skin deep. In spite of the weighty subject, the playwright infuses Disgraced with humour albeit of the ironic variety. House, as Jory, is the major source as she tosses out acid remarks throughout. Simmering with sarcasm, Jory reminds Amir that, as a black American woman, she has experienced racial proﬁling all her life,

not merely since 9/11. Zagorsky makes a beautiful, blonde trophy wife for Amir but one who only slowly understands the consequences of her naivety. Wylie’s Hussein/Abe is fresh, eager and confused; the character, of course, has no understanding of the position Amir will put himself in should he intervene in the imam’s defence and subsequently risk being viewed as a Hamas sympathizer. Moloney makes a Woody Allen-ish Isaac and a worthy antagonist to Sabongui’s Amir. Indeed, it looks at one point as if Isaac and Amir will come to blows. But at the heart of Disgraced is Sabongui, as handsome, successful Amir. With all the outward signs of success — a fancy (but in this production, not quite fancy enough) apartment, a collection of $600 shirts, lots of money, prestige in the ﬁrm and a beautiful wife, Amir — at a deep, psychological level is aware of the compromises he has made to get to where he is. “Hide your religion if you have to,” is his advice to Abe/Hussein. Sabongui captures all of Amir’s certainty and confusion, self-aggrandizement and self-loathing and, eventually, his utter emptiness. Intelligent and engrossing, Disgraced is a full-course meal and a terriﬁc season opener for the Arts Club. I’m still chewing it over. For more reviews, go to joledingham.ca. Disgraced runs until Oct. 18 at the Stanley. For tickets, call 604-687-1644 or go to artsclub.com.

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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START NOTHING: 4:04 a.m. Mon. to 1:31 a.m. Tues., 2:10 p.m. Wed. to 12:50 p.m. Thurs., and after 3:12 p.m. Fri. (Yes, through Sat., an entirely “start nothing” day.)

Remember, start nothing before Friday. In love, art, vacation and pleasure, start nothing before next Sunday (Oct. 11). An old ﬂame (or talkative enemy!) might still appear. (In general, Aries, this year – until Nov. 12 – you need to be the “approaching one.”) This month emphasizes relationships, with a strong streak of work thrown in. Be diplomatic, eager to join, co-operative. Bear competition, opposition with a smile. DON’T chase a new opportunity.

Your energy and charisma remain high over the weeks ahead. Usually, this would be a good time to start significant projects, begin relationships and/or to attract favourable attention. But wait until next week to chase these. For now, keep an eye on mistakes, facts and figures, and avoid new starts and “unneeded communications.” An old flame or former spouse might re-appear – but if this first happens before or after Wed., it is not likely to succeed.

Start nothing major before Friday, Taurus. In love, start nothing before Oct. 11. (If you ﬁrst meet or approach someone this Thurs. to Saturday – which is possible, since these three days highlight romantic stirrings for you – reject him/her. You and this person might become seriously bonded, then one or both of you will start disapproving of the other, and it will fall apart with a thud. If you ﬁrst meet someone earlier, Sunday to Tues., you will never marry.

Remember, start nothing new before Oct. 9, and nothing in love before Oct. 11. This isn’t the easiest week of the year, but it’s certainly not the hardest, either. The general accent for the weeks ahead lies on rest, recuperation, contemplation, health, and dealings with civil servants, institutions, corporate administrations, charities and spiritual contacts. Be quiet, avoid competitive situations.

The weeks ahead accent romance, pleasure, beauty, vacation, charming kids, creative and speculative urges – you’re riding a winning streak! Remember, though, start nothing major before Friday. And don’t start a new love affair before next Sunday (Oct. 11). (This week is also NOT good for re-doing an old creative work.) An old ﬂame might return; if so, realize you’re the one who needs to make the ﬁrst move.

The weeks ahead emphasize home, children, property, security, retirement, Mother Nature, diet and nutrition, stomach and soul. You might feel unusually tired at times – this is nature’s “hibernation month” for Cancer people. Take “power naps,” putter around the home, teach kids cooking or carpentry, cozy up with your mate. Remember, start nothing new and major before Oct. 9 – and in emotional zones, love, romance, friendship, start nothing before Oct. 11 (next Sunday).

Remember, start nothing major before Oct. 9 – and start no new love before Oct. 11. October’s main emphasis lies on ambitions, career, prestige relations, reputation, and dealings with parents/ kids, bosses, VIPs and authorities. You’re rather blessed in this whole area now, but wait until next week to charge forth. An almost attractive legal matter might exist (e.g., “If I sue I’ll win.”) but it will contain a trap – stay out if you can.

Remember, start nothing new before Friday (and nothing in love – or luxury purchases – before Oct. 11). The main focus, for the weeks ahead, lies on errands, paperwork, details, tools, communications, news and curiosity. Be curious about the past this week. (Especially when barriers arise early week and Saturday: the solution – or in some cases the safe approach – lies in the past.

One of the best kinds of love might steal over you this month – a compassionate, wise, understanding yet passionate love. (This week, it might arrive embodied in an old ﬂame.) The general accent is on this love, but also on cultural, international, legal, educational, media, travel and similar themes. These areas are blessed, but still, in projects and relationships, avoid the new before next Sunday (Oct. 11).

Remember, Virgo, start no new projects, and buy nothing major, before Oct. 9 (this Friday). Don’t fall in love with a stranger before Oct. 11. The weeks ahead emphasize buying/selling, money, earnings, possessions, memory and rote learning, and sensual attractions. You can pursue anything new in these next week onward. For now, pay old bills, collect old debts, contact former employers if you need work, etc. – stick with the past or ongoing.

The main accent for the weeks ahead lies on mystery, secrets, intimacy, research, diagnoses, lifestyle changes, high ﬁnance, and commitment. Don’t do that last, though, until Oct. 11 (next Sunday) onward. Don’t start anything major this week. Relationships form a strong secondary theme – you could be attracted to others, and should be, for therein lies a lot of good luck this year ahead. Again, though, wait out this week.

Oct. 1: Julie Andrews (80). Oct. 2: Annie Leibovitz (66). Oct. 3: Chubby Checker (74). Oct. 4: Anne Rice (74). Oct. 5: Mario Lemieux (50). Oct. 6: Britt Ekland (73). Oct. 7: Bishop Desmond Tutu (84).

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Sports & Recreation

Twins, towels, tough guys: Canucks at Rogers Season schedule revisits 20 years at arena still known as the ‘Garage’

Megan Stewart

site of one of the most brutal — penalized and criminalized — hits in hockey history, but still the club will celebrate the heavies of its history. “They hit, they threw, they thrilled,” as the Canucks put it. It’s not an era or a style everyone celebrates.

mstewart@vancourier.com

Giving everything you’ve got, night in and night out can leave a mark. But the wounds known to sports fans don’t usually show on the outside. Heartache (is it love? is it broken?), indigestion (try not to rage-eat), nostalgia (sigh, 1994), and hope, always hope this will be the year, THE year when the Vancouver Canucks win their first Stanley Cup since joining the NHL in 1970. In honour of the fans who feel the pain of early exits, first-round drop-outs, torn goaltender groins and Game 7 losses, the bloggers behind Pass It To Bulis, who signed on with the Courier this season, wore their feelings on their faces (and in the form of a Pavel Bure jersey, “No. 96,” a relic of some diehard who stuck the wrong numbers on an off-the-rack childsize top). The bruises, cuts and smashed tooth in these photographs aren’t real, but the aches that inspired them are. Love hurts, it really does. Is this the year? Probably not, so grab some complimentary newsprint from between your fingers and dry those eyes. But could this be the year? Absolutely. We have 82 games to find out. And another four rounds of playoff hockey after that. Will we see you in June, boys? The Canucks celebrate 20 years at Rogers Arena (formerly GM Place) with a string of special events during the season. Here are a few highlights from the schedule.

Saturday, Oct. 10 Calgary Flames For opening night at home, the Canucks remember the 1995 home opener at GM Place by giving a select few fans their gameworn jerseys. It’s cool once it’s washed. In the annual

Saturday, Feb. 13 Toronto Maple Leafs The Canucks unveil a darkened skate logo and black uniforms for “Retro Night,” taking fans back to 1995. Sunday, Feb. 21 Colorado Avalanche Trevor Linden is already in the building for “Alumni Night,” and the club will honour its past players, including the generosity, charity and spirit of ambassadors who applied their skills and heart away from the ice.

Harrison Mooney (left) and Daniel Wagner feel all the feelings, much like Kirk McLean and Trevor Linden in this iconic photograph taken at GM Place after the Canucks won Game 6 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers. The bloggers behind Pass It To Bulis didn’t break any ribs to take this shot, and their makeup was expertly done by Tanya Tesselaar.

PHOTO DAN TOULGOET. PHOTO CHRIS RELKE / VANCOUVER CANUCKS

“Jerseys Off Our Backs” fan-appreciation night, every spectator in the arena is eligible to meet the players on the ice after the game and receive a signed, game-worn jersey. (From an earlier game, just to be clear. It’s clean.)

Monday, Nov. 2 Philadelphia Flyers The Grizz is back in the house for this one, two decades after the basketball club played its ﬁrst game in this arena Nov. 5, 1995. GM Place was all-too briefly the home of the NBA’s Vancouver Grizzlies, a team that was never able to break through or overcome the shame of questionable draft picks. But this city remem-

bers. This city proudly dresses in retro teal.

Thursday, Dec. 3 Dallas Stars Vancouver was infamously the home of two No. 1 goalies, both of them traded for arguably less than their worth. But now, we have Ryan Miller and the club recognizes its net-minders with a “Keepers of the Cage” night. Monday, Dec. 7 Buffalo Sabres The West Coast Express chugs into town for what will be Todd Bertuzzi’s ﬁrst appearance at Rogers Arena since he departed Vancouver. With Marcus Naslund

and Brendan Morrison, the trio brought speed and excitement to a high-scoring line ﬁrst assembled by coach Marc Crawford in 2002.

Monday, Dec. 28 Los Angeles Kings On “Forever a Canuck” night, the club honours the players who left too soon. Players such as Rick Rypien, the late forward whose suicide inspired Mindcheck. ca to address teen mental health. The night falls when Milan Lucic is in town, not yet a year after the death of his father. It will be a poignant night that reminds us we all have more important things in our lives than the score of a hockey game.

Monday, Jan. 11 Florida Panthers Roberto Luongo delivered one of the best performances of his career at Rogers Arena six years earlier as Team Canada’s goalie. The one-time Canucks No. 1 is in town when the club celebrates “The Olympic Journey,” the golden goal and Luongo standing on his head to bleed red. Tuesday, Jan. 26 Nashville Predators For “Towel Power” prepare to do your best Roger Neilson impersonation. Thursday, Feb. 4 Columbus Blue Jackets This hockey arena was the

: Stanley Park’s maiden Ironman

2,500 The number of projected global participants who could come to Vancouver for the 5150 Canadian Championships, an Ironman series that covers a shorter distance than the namesake triathlon.

51.5 9

In kilometres, the distance of an Olympic triathlon and an Ironman 5150 event: a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run.

The number of road closures through Stanley Park this past year for sporting events such as the RBC Gran Fondo and Vancouver Marathon. The park board is debating adding an Ironman event to the list for next July.

#GetUgly

— A common hashtag used by Ironman world champion and Vancouverite Jeff Symonds. Swimming, biking and running 70.3 kilometres isn’t always pretty. He competes at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI on Oct. 10.

Tuesday, March 1 New York Islanders The club revisits cult classics like Jeff “The Brabarian” Cowan and the undergarment that inspired the team to fundraise for breast cancer research. Wednesday, March 16 Colorado Avalanche This one’s for the crazies who hold our attention and caused Boston’s Brad Marchand the most agonizing time he’s ever spent in the penalty box. For “Fan-atics!” night, the Canucks celebrate green spandex — and you. (No mention of PITB on the schedule.) Sunday, March 27 Chicago Blackhawks Coming last on the schedule, the Canucks celebrate one of the most impressive duos the sport has ever known. On “Sedinery” night, recognize the journey, skill and community building of twins Henrik and Daniel.

In millions of dollars, the donation Vancouver Whitecaps FC made to the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. Raised through the club’s 50/50 draw and other fundraisers, the money will purchase medical equipment and build a playroom.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

Sports & Recreation GIANTS

Opportunities open while Benson ‘missed’ G-Men start six-game road trip Friday in Prince Albert

Megan Stewart

mstewart@vancourier.com

On the second day of their six-game, 12-day road trip through Alberta and Saskatchewan, the Vancouver Giants spent Tuesday night at Edmonton’s Rexall Place to see the Oilers host the Arizona Coyotes. From privileged seats in the rafters, the WHLers observed a rising star. “We’re fortunate enough to see McDavid play tonight,” said Giants coach Lorne Molleken the afternoon before the puck dropped for Oilers rookie Connor McDavid. “We’re not going to sit in the stands tonight. We will sit up in the upper ring, so it’s a privilege to do that.” Such seating is where extra players, opposing team personnel and NHL scouts take in the game. The Giants are seeing what the next level can look like, a prize on top of what’s been an excellent start to the Giants’ season. Under Molleken, the club’s fourth coach in three seasons, Vancouver went 4-2 in the pre-season and is 2-0 to start the 2015/16 regular season. This record

mirrors last year’s early start, a September surge that didn’t last and suffered especially on the road with 29 losses and 11 shutouts. Another notable difference is the Giant’s 5-2 win over the WHL champion Kelowna Rockets on Sept. 27. Last year, the Rockets topped the Giants 7-4 in their fourth game of the season, one of 20 wins in nearly two dozen meetings. It’s far too soon to label this a turning-point under Molleken, but the coach said the players have been more than willing to work hard and adopt his systems. “They are looking for guidance — that is the word. Obviously the majority of the players faced some adversity last year and learned from it. Coming into this year, we knew we had some work to do, and the players have done a really good job adapting and competing. They deserve a lot of credit.” “I’ve been doing this for a long time and my philosophy is a simple one, I think. I try to treat the players the way I would expect to be treated as a player. Every day we come to the rink, our goal is to get better and we’ve set certain standards

Giants winger Dakota Odgers and Luke Osterman both landed blows in a 3-2 Vancouver victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds in the opening game of the season at the Pacific Coliseum Sept. 25. PHOTO CJ RELKE/VANCOUVER GIANTS

to achieve and meet. The guys are really receptive to that. The biggest thing is we want to create a culture

or atmosphere that they enjoy being a part of and when they come to the rink, they’re having fun.”

Named the team’s captain late last month, Tyler Benson is still recovering from surgery and is expected to return at the end of the month. In the meantime, Jackson Houck is wearing the “C.” On Tuesday, Benson was given the top rating on the NHL Central Scouting List, meaning he is a possible ﬁrst-round draft pick. The eventual captain is not skating but attends practice every day. “Tyler is one of the elite players in all of junior hockey, and we miss him a lot, there is no question,” said Molleken, “but what it does is whenever you get a player of his caliber injured, it opens up opportunities for some of the other guys to get an expanded roll. We move players in different positions and they’ve adapted well. That’s a real credit to them.” A few players have stepped in for the six-foot left winger, including Radovan Bondra, a sixfoot-ﬁve Slovakian skater the Giants picked up from the Chicago Blackhawks. He scored on a breakaway against the Rockets last

weekend and had two goals in two games. The back-to-back wins meant more for the Giants than a clean-sheet. The players dedicated the weekend wins to late hockey executive Pat Quinn. “It was their goal to get four points,” said Molleken. Ty Ronning scored twice and Bondra added a third to defeat the Seattle Thunderbirds on Sept. 25. Two days later, ﬁve Giants contributed goals to defeat the Rockets. “It was a pretty emotional weekend for everyone involved,” said the coach “It’s a real credit to them and they are really starting to understand what it means to represent the Giants organization. “Getting off to a good start was critical.” Vancouver plays in Prince Alberta Oct. 2 before meeting Molleken’s former team in Saskatoon Oct. 4. He led the Blades to a Memorial Cup in 2013. “The team is in good spirits,” he said, “and I’m anxious to see how our team performs this trip.” @MHStewart

CYCLING COMMENTARY

Civility needed on our streets By bike, car or foot — we are all trying to get somewhere

Melissa Bruntlett

melissa@modacitylife.com

On Now at The Brick! For more details go instore or online @thebrick.com.

Dear road users: We need to talk. This is directed to everyone who shares our streets, including people in cars, on bikes, on foot and on public transit. It seems that over the years, in our efforts to maximize our time and productivity, arriving at our destination as fast as possible has made us less civil. Somehow we’ve forgotten what connects us. We’ve forgotten we are all on the streets together. Why should we care when, in reality, most of the people we pass each day are complete strangers, anonymous individuals we’ll likely never see again? The trouble is, this is the mindset that has created a hostile environment on our streets and sidewalks. It leaves a lot of us with

the assumption that we are all only looking out for number one. And it is a message that gets passed down to our children. “Make sure you’re always paying attention because no one is paying attention to you.” Is this truly the message we want to be passing down to generations to come? Our obsessive need to get there fastest leads to some pretty destructive behavior, and depending on the vehicle used to do so, can even result in the loss of life. With that reality check, is it worth it to not have taken 30 seconds to show some patience? Imagine for a moment that everyone took a breath and remembered that the people around us are not different. They are parents, friends, co-workers, siblings and children — all pursuing the same goal of reaching their destination. That, instead

of laying on the horn or speeding past someone moving slower, we take a moment to think about those people and who may be waiting for them at the end of their journey. As children, we are taught manners and to take turns. We are generally encouraged to grow up to be good people. And we are, for the most part, until it is time to get anywhere. But there is hope — or at least I believe there is. Just the other day, I neared a trafﬁc circle on my bike with my children at the same time as a motorist. We both could have safely entered the roundabout and advanced counter-clockwise, but my back instantly went up — as it often does — assuming the very worst. But the motorist smiled and waved my family through, allowing us to go ﬁrst at our slower pace. I was shocked and

elated. The driver could have been like most other vehicle or cycle commuters and just rushed on by — but didn’t. In taking that second to acknowledge me, we shared a smile and a wave. This gesture was not an isolated case but it is rare. We should be doing the best we can to bring more respect and kindness to the streets. By planning ahead, giving ourselves a little more time and, most importantly, remembering that each of us is as important as the other, perhaps we bring more civility to how we get around. We shouldn’t assume the worst in people and we should recognize our different needs and choices. After all, we are all trying to get from point A to B. Melissa Bruntlett is a cofounder of Modacity and is inspired to live a happy life of urban mobility. Reach her at melissa@modacitylife.com.

T H U R SDAY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

Sports & Recreation

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#vancourierpets

Pops! Mumma! Cookie me now humans! via @iamcdnbacon

NEVER BACK DOWN Vancouver’s Westside FC midfielder Rick Artuso keeps his balance during a one-on-one tangle against the Calgary Callies in a 1-1 draw during the Canada Soccer Western Men’s Masters championship tournament at Empire Field Sept. 26. Westside hoisted the hardware to win the masters title, their second since 2012 and the club’s fourth national men’s championship since the 1990s. Seven players on this championship team won the open (known as “senior”) men’s national championship in 1993 and 1996. In four games during the round-robin last week, Westside allowed only one goal and scored 12 to amass seven tournament points and a positive rating of 11. The key match was against the Callies, a side that also finished with seven points but scored one less goal than Vancouver and allowed two.

Tag your Instagram photo with #vancourierpets for a chance to win a Pet Food ‘N More gift pack! Six finalists will be featured in paper from Sept 24 -Oct 29, with winner announced on Nov 5.