Vancouver Courier January 7 2015 by Vancouver Courier

WEDNESDAY

January 7 2015

Vol. 106 No. 01

OPINION 10

Geller wants to party FEATURE 12

2015 in the Stars STATE OF THE ARTS 16

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Megan Stewart

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A worker finishes the cedar shingle roof covering the new aboriginal carving pavilion behind Britannia secondary school. PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

Carving pavilion capped with call for inclusive city New facility should be part of broader strategy for aboriginal people, says Britannia board member

Wawmeesh G. Hamilton wawmeesh@shaw.ca

As workers put the ﬁnishing touches on a new aboriginal carving pavilion behind the ice rink at Britannia secondary school, Britannia Community Centre board member says the facility needs to be part of a broader strategy to engage aboriginal people at all the city’s community centres. “It’s a great idea, and the people who spearheaded it are to be commended for their efforts,” said Scott Clark, the society’s only aboriginal board member. “To take the next step, it needs dedicated programing to sustain it.” Carving is part of aboriginal people’s cultural DNA, Clark said, so there should

be no shortage of interest in using the facility. “You walk around the neighbourhood and you see a lot of aboriginal carvers sitting on the street doing their thing. Those guys all have stories to tell, too.” According to the Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study, Vancouver is home to more than 40,000 aboriginal people. Those people don’t just reside in the city’s East Side but live in each of the 27 neighbourhoods that have a community centre, Clark said. “The pavilion at Grandview Woodland is a good first step, but that step has to be part of a broader strategy that all centres need to engage and include aboriginal residents,” Clark said. A broader strategy would include aboriginal people on community centre boards, staffing and in program development, he said. Workers are finishing the carving pavilion’s 1,400-square-foot cedar shingle roof, which has been constructed to resemble a cedar hat. All that remains is water services to be hooked up. Construction of the $400,000 facility started in fall 2013 and is expected to be

finished in January 2015. Pending final inspection by the city, a grand opening is tentatively scheduled for February. “It’s nice to replace a dull parking lot with a facility such as this that will have a profound impact on the neighbourhood,” said Cynthia Low, executive director for Britannia Community Services Centre Society. The construction costs were underwritten with a combination of municipal and federal money as well as private donations. The new wooden structure replaces a tent that was used as a carving shed for more than eight years. Once the pavilion is completed, the city and Vancouver School Board will split the $12,000 cost to operate and maintain the facility, a VSB report noted. The facility’s location was chosen because of the high population of aboriginal people who live in the area, Low said. According to the Grandview-Woodland community profile, 27,297 people live in the area, 2,729 of which are aboriginal. The pavilion is part of the city’s reconciliation initiative adopted in 2013. Continued on page 9

To stay fit or get fitter in 2015, you might find yourself hula dancing, bouncing on a tiny trampoline or HIITing, a fast-paced repeating workout that many Canadian fitness professionals say will remain the most popular form of exercise for another year. Characterized by short bursts of hard exercise, with HIIT or high-intensity interval training, “You get more bang for your buck,” said Tara King, the founder of HIIT Fitness. According to nearly 2,000 fitness instructors who responded to the first national Canadian Fitness Professional trends survey in December, HIIT was their choice as the most effective form of exercise popular in gyms today. Second on the canfitpro list was functional fitness, a form of exercise that uses movements to prepare the body for everyday activities like lifting groceries and climbing stairs. Third was exercise specific to adults over 65, a growing aspect of the fitness industry that has trainers seeking more knowledge about senior health and age-appropriate workouts. HIIT topped the list, however, because it can generate significant and noticeable results, said the vice-president of canfitpro, Rod Macdonald. In one of King’s 30-minute classes, she typically sets up five circuits of challenging but simple exercises like burpees or jumping lunges and also incorporates weights. Other workouts — like CrossFit and Tabata, which is a demanding minutes-long circuit developed at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo in the ’90s — embrace aspects of HIIT, and King emphasized the importance of variety to keep the mind and body engaged and challenged. “Because your body will tend to plateau, you can get accustomed to it and you won’t see changes in your body anymore. We try to be innovative all the time,” she said. “It’s been around for a while but is becoming more mainstream.” In Vancouver, Urban Fitness and Tactix gyms specialize in these kinds of workouts while many other fitness centres have added classes to their larger rotation. HIIT Fitness offers classes in Vancouver at a studio on Beatty Street. What you won’t see at dozens of gyms around Vancouver, however, is the barefoot Polynesian rhythms of Kim Price’s Hot Hula class. The low-impact dance workout isolates larger muscle groups and increases strength and definition to the core, said the instructor with Move Grove Fitness. Continued on page 17

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News

Referendum a hard sell as taxes rise

12TH&CAMBIE Mike Howell

mhowell@vancourier.com

March is shaping up to be an expensive month for taxpayers. At the same time that city council will finalize how much of a tax hike is needed to meet this year’s operating budget, council will also likely ask residents to vote yes in a plebiscite to support a separate 0.5 per cent tax bump to pay for a 10-year transportation plan. Which is just awesome, right? I joke. I point out this confluence of pending tax increases not to depress you, but to give you a heads-up on a motion that NPA Coun. George Affleck drafted and will introduce Jan. 20 at the first council meeting of the new year. Affleck wants his NPA colleagues, the Vision Vancouver majority and Green Party Coun. Adriane Carr to get behind the yes side in the upcoming plebiscite, which is scheduled to begin

A plebiscite on whether Metro Vancouver voters will support a 0.5 per cent hike to the provincial sales tax to help pay for upgrades to region’s transportation system begins in March. It coincides with Vancouver council finalizing this year’s operating budget, which is expected to come with a tax hike. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

in mid-March via a mail-in ballot. Council’s support would mean urging voters to say yes to a new 0.5 per cent “Metro Vancouver Congestion Improvement Tax.” When you couple that 0.5 per cent — which would be added to the seven per cent provincial sales tax — with a pending property tax increase, the news from Capt.

Obvious is this: More money will leave your wallet. How much money? A city document on this year’s budget warns taxpayers could face a six to seven per cent tax hike. That’s, of course, if council doesn’t ﬁnd ways to cut from the budget, which it always does. But don’t expect council to cut to zero, with hikes over

recent years ranging from 1.4 per cent to 2.8 per cent, increases that have been roughly in line with inﬂation. The city document also pointed out “the trend of costs growing faster than inﬂation is expected to continue over the next four years.” So it’s a safe bet that taxes will go up and another 0.5 per cent. And along with

the expected hike in Metro Vancouver charges for water and sewer fees, you’ve got to think tax hikes are going to be a hard sell for politicians. Affleck acknowledged this point in an interview Monday. “Obviously this is a huge challenge and that’s why we have to get out in front of this and figure out how we’re going to do this,” said Affleck of a council campaign to sell the yes vote. But what Affleck pointed out, as did Vision Coun. Geoff Meggs in a separate interview, is the plebiscite is a one-off vote and a 0.5 per cent hike will go a long way to upgrade transit and roads to alleviate congestion. The 0.5 per cent, by the way, represents about $50 to $125 per year per household, depending on how much a person spends. “There’s always resistance to taxes unless it’s clear what the benefits are,” said Meggs, adding that he believes most people understand a 0.5 per cent tax hike will go directly to transportation needs. “There’s no

free lunch here in terms of improved transit outcomes and reduced congestion without some investment.” Some background: The provincial government said the plebiscite is necessary because the region’s mayors requested a new funding source — that would be the 0.5 per cent tax hike — to help pay for a $7.5 billion, 10-year transportation plan. The plan calls for $1.9 billion to build a 5.1-kilometre subway line form the Vancouver Community College-Clark SkyTrain station to Arbutus Street. Other upgrades include new B-line buses, more frequent bus, SeaBus and HandyDart service, a light-rail project in Surrey and the replacement of the Pattullo Bridge, which joins New Westminster to Surrey. Afﬂeck wants city staff to come back with a plan — and the cost of it — for the city to back and promote the yes side. The voting period for the plebiscite runs between March 16 and May 29 and only open to Metro Vancouver voters. twitter.com/Howellings

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vancouver.ca

Development Permit Board Meeting: January 12 The Development Permit Board and Advisory Panel will meet: Monday, January 12, 2015 at 3 pm Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue Ground Floor, Town Hall Meeting Room to consider these development permit applications: 1600 Harwood Street: To construct infill rental housing adjacent to existing towers, plus amenity space. 1625 Harwood Street: To construct an infill rental housing consisting of four townhouse buildings containing a number of dwelling units. Please contact City Hall Security (ground floor) if your vehicle may be parked at City Hall for more than two hours. TO SPEAK ON THIS ITEM: 604-873-7469 or lorna.harvey@vancouver.ca

News Property values increase across city

Wawmeesh G. Hamilton wawmeesh@shaw.ca

Properties on the city’s West and East sides increased almost equally in value, according to the B.C. Assessment Authority. An average single-family home on a 10-metre (33foot) wide lot on the city’s West Side went from $1,610,000 last year to $1,812,000 — an increase of 12 per cent. The value of a same-size home on the city’s East Side increased by 11 per cent, going from $892,000 in 2014 to $993,000 this year. The increases are attributable to subdivision, rezoning and new construction, an assessment report noted. The ﬁgures were released by the assessment authority Jan. 2. The value of apartments in both sides of the city also increased. A two-bedroom apartment on the city’s West Side went from $573,000 in 2014 to $616,000 this year — an increase of seven per cent.

According to the B.C. Assessment Authority, an average singlefamily home on the East Side increased 11 per cent in value, while West Side homes saw an average increase of 12 per cent. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

On the East Side, a two-bedroom apartment increased in value, from $364,000 in 2014 to $381,000 this year — a four per cent increase. “Most homes in the Vancouver Sea to Sky Region are worth more in value compared to last year’s assessment roll,” said Dharmesh Sisodraker, deputy assessor for the authority. “Most home

owners in Vancouver Sea to Sky Region will see changes [in their assessments] up to 15 per cent.” Assessments are the estimate of a property’s market value as of July 1, 2014 and physical condition as of Oct. 31, 2014. Vancouver’s Sea to Sky region total assessment roll grew by nine per cent in 2015, going from $374 billion last year to $407

billion this year. Owners of commercial and industrial properties in Vancouver will see 13 per cent increases in value. Owners of recreational and non-proﬁt properties will see a 20 per cent increase. Real estate sales determine property’s values, which are reported annually by B.C. Assessment. Local governments use property assessments to calculate property tax rates based on the assessment roll for their jurisdictions. Vancouver residents paid an average of $4,900 in property tax in 2014. According to the B.C. Assessment Authority, the market value on an assessment notice often differs from value shown on a mortgage or a real estate appraisal. This is because B.C. Assessment’s appraisal reﬂects the value as of July 1 of the previous year, while private appraisals can be done at any time. Homeowners have until Jan. 31 to appeal any valuations. twitter.com/Wameesh

Kitsilano home crowned most expensive in the province B.C.’s most valuable piece of property is located in Kitsilano. According to B.C. Assessment Authority information, a single-family home on Point Grey Road is valued at $57.5 million, an increase from $54 million in 2014 — the most expensive in the province. The home, belonging to former Lululemon CEO Chip Wilson, also topped the list of the 100 most expensive

homes in Vancouver. Situated on a 30,000-square-foot lot, the home has seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. A single-family home on Belmont Avenue in Point Grey with a value of $50 million is listed as the second most expensive home in Vancouver. B.C. Assessment listed the most valuable 100 pieces of property in Vancouver as part of its annual assessment

released Jan. 2, 2015. Property No. 100 is a single-family home located in the University Endowment Lands and is valued at $14 million. A $51-million home located on one of the Gulf Islands is listed as the second most expensive property in the province. The first 78 properties listed in the province’s top 500 are from the Lower Mainland.

A $15 million property in Langford on Vancouver Island is the first property from outside the Lower Mainland to crack the list at number 80. A Nanoose Bay property assessed at $10 million is the second and is listed at number 281. B.C. Assessment calculated the value of 323,000 properties in the Sea To Sky region for 2015. — Wawmeesh G. Hamilton

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SCHOOL CRUSH An excavator gouged the walls of the library and demolished the gym at

the 104-year-old General Gordon elementary at West Sixth Avenue and Bayswater Street on Monday. Demolition is to be completed in February and construction of a seismic replacement school begins March 1. Staff and students are working in portables at Queen Elizabeth elementary and Queen Elizabeth annex. The new General Gordon is expected to open in fall 2016. The total project cost is $14.7 million. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

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Southern Railway of B.C. has locked out 126 unionized workers following six months of collective bargaining negotiations. Members of CUPE 7000 were given 72-hour lockout notice on New Year’s Eve, but the lock out did not go into effect until January 5. “We started negotiations on June 11 and we really felt we weren’t getting any-

where,” said SRY president Frank Butzelaar. The railway, which was originally owned by BC Hydro, was privatized in 1988. The Washington Companies then purchased the railway in 1994. Owner Dennis Washington also owns the Seaspan Marine Corporation. SRY has 62 miles of mainline track extending from Annacis Island to Chilliwack and primarily

handles automobiles, forest products and feed grain. The company shuttles freight and cars brought in by Canadian National, Canadian Paciﬁc and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railways. SRY has 168 employees including the 126 workers who have been locked out, according to Butzelaar. SRY’s managers will be operating the short-line rail services.

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News

PRICES IN EFFECT

Jan. 3 -14, 2015 (AB & BC) Jan.4 -14, 2015 (SK &MB)

No more scraps in the trash NEW YEARS SNOOZE YOU

Robert Mangelsdorf

editor@westender.com

You can’t scrape your dirty plate into the garbage anymore. At least not legally. As of Jan. 1, both the City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver regional district have banned food scraps from disposal as garbage. That means all food scraps — including raw and cooked food, plate scrapings, leftovers, expired food, meat, bones and dairy products – need to be recycled instead of being thrown in the trash. Metro Vancouver produces 1.5 million tonnes of garbage each year, 40 per cent of which is food scraps. For residents already receiving city garbage and yard waste collection, organic waste can be placed in your green bin for recycling. For residents of buildings without organic waste collection, their food scraps can be taken to a Food Scraps Drop Spot at par-

ticipating farmer’s markets, neighbourhood houses and community centres. Property managers of many of Vancouver’s rental towers will have to find their own solutions for organic waste collection and removal. Concert Properties, which manages 1,600 rental units in Vancouver, has been working for the past five years to divert as much waste from landfills as possible, and says it’s prepared for the 2015 ban. The company has produced a comprehensive recycling guide for its residents in seven different languages and has given all of its residents countertop compost bins to help them collect organic waste. Through a partnership with Urban Impact recycling, Concert already provides residents with 10 separate colour-coded recycling waste options in their buildings. However, many small businesses are struggling

to come up with their own solutions. Shira Blustein owns Acorn vegetarian restaurant on Main, and says she is still exploring options of what to do with the tons of organic waste the restaurant produces annually. “I’m excited to not have to throw that out,” she said. “But we’re still not sure what to do with it.” The restaurant has its own garden, but the amount of compost the restaurant produces is too large for it to handle. “I’d love to give it to someone who needs it, or maybe a community garden,” she said. Barring that, the restaurant will likely have to hire a private company to collect it. Enforcement of the organic ban won’t begin until July 1, at which point waste loads with more than 25 per cent food will be ﬁned with a 50 per cent surcharge on dumping fees.

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News

Bonding over beaver dinner Sandra Thomas

sthomas@vancourier.com

A new TV series launching tonight (Jan. 7) on APN combines the culinary talents of a classically trained British chef with the bush smarts of a First Nations home cook also famous as a Canadian singer/songwriter. Moosemeat & Marmalade, a 13-part documentary series starring celebrity chef Dan Hayes and acclaimed bush cook Art Napoleon, features several episodes ﬁlmed on locations in Vancouver, including Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro, Granville Island Public Market, Cottonwood and Harmony community gardens, and C Restaurant, which recently closed. Napoleon said his original concept was for a comedy about cooking created for children, but the producers he pitched it to decided it was better suited for adults. When Napoleon happened to meet Hayes across a catering table on a movie set, the two got talking about their love of hunting, ﬁshing and especially cooking. “We both know how important it is for people to understand where their food comes from,” said Napoleon. “We also have a lot of fun with Dan leading with a modern approach as I learn to cook alongside him.” The focus of Moosemeat & Marmalade is not simply Hayes teaching Napoleon classic culinary skills, but also how to put those talents to use while cooking everything from beaver to bison to moose, pheasant and caviar. In each episode Napoleon and Hayes explore and prepare a signature dish from one of their backgrounds, while viewers experience a culinary and cultural adventure, learn about hunting, spirituality, foraging, gourmet food photography and tips on

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how to prepare everything from Cornish game hens to porcupine in venues as far ranging as an Aboriginal smokehouse to a Michelinstarred restaurant. Napoleon said despite their shared love of hunting, fishing, cooking and conservation, he admits the pair did find they had cultural differences. “I found him a little bit wasteful,” said Napoleon laughing. “I refuse to waste anything, so the end of a carrot gets put into a sauce, but on the other hand he thinks I’m disorganized and a bit of a slob.” On a more serious note, Hayes said he learned a lot from Napoleon. “Art taught me the spiritual side of hunting. Growing up in the U.K. I did a lot of hunting and fishing with a lot of respect for the animals, but there was never a spiritual connection,” said Hayes. “I’ve learned a lot about hunting and conservation. I knew what it was like to kill rabbits, foxes and pheasants, so it was fascinating to be out there. But when we killed a 2,400-pound bison I found it a very emotional thing.” Hayes added the one episode in which he suffered the most culture shock included the hunting, preparation and cooking of a beaver. In episode one, Napoleon takes Hayes to northern B.C. where he’s taught how to skin a beaver by a First Nations elder. Hayes also learns about the edible plants surrounding a wetland, smokes meat inside an old tepee to avoid the rain, and participates in a friendly cook-off with a group of communityminded women attempting to create healthy bannock recipes. “Before that, I had never seen a beaver, shot a beaver or cooked a beaver,” he said. twitter.com/sthomas10

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Pavilion part of reconciliation effort

Continued from page 1 The initiative includes aboriginal art and displays in Stanley Park and the development of a newcomer’s guide to aboriginal communities, elders and arts program. According to Low, the facility will be used to create longhouse posts and door panels as well as small-scale carving projects. It will also be used for storytelling, carving demonstrations and other cultural activities. The Grandview-Woodland

community plan notes a need for culturally speciﬁc programming for aboriginal and Latino youth. The Urban Aboriginal People’s Study notes that Vancouver’s aboriginal people participate in cultural activities at a higher rate than in any other Canadian city besides Toronto. As well, seven in 10 aboriginal people in Vancouver think aboriginal culture has become stronger in the last ﬁve years. twitter.com/Wameesh

The new wooden pavilion at Britannia replaces a tent that was used as a carving shed for more than eight years. PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, JA N UA RY 7 , 2 0 1 5

Opinion New holiday would put City needs better a spring in our steps plans for New Year’s Matthew Claxton Columnist

mclaxton@langleyadvance.com

I’m writing this several days after the winter solstice, a.k.a. the longest night of the year. Here in coastal British Columbia, this tends to coincide with rain and heavy cloud cover, giving us the impression that we’re trapped inside a damp grey gym sock in a poorly-lit basement. All this darkness can induce a depressed mood for many people, the dreaded Seasonal Affective Disorder. Although we’ve only named this feeling in the last few decades, it’s clear it’s been around throughout and before recorded history. Take England’s Stonehenge, for example. Thousands of years ago, neolithic hunter-farmer-gatherers did not have a lot to look forward to over the winters. They got up every day and tramped through muddy forests, chasing muddy animals, only to return to houses made from dried mud, to huddle around peat fires (peat is basically mud that burns), for a nourishing meal of suspiciously grey-brown mush. Things got a bit monotonous, is what I’m saying. After centuries of watching the sun, moon and stars, they figured out that there was a tipping point when things were at their grimmest, but after that there was slow and steady improvement until finally spring and then summer conquered the land, and the world was only made of 30 per cent mud! Maybe 40. Finally one chieftain turned to his top spiritual advisor, and said something like this: “By Cernunos (or whatever anthropomorphized natural processes archeologists think we worshiped) we need to pin down exactly when the darkest day of the year takes place! This wallowing in grey misery for a couple of weeks is intolerable! If we can pick a date, we’ll have a big party and barbecue some pigs and everyone can get drunk.” And the spiritual advisor nodded and stroked his beard and tried to look suitably mystical, and then he went off and did some math, and a few weeks later they were asking contractors for bids on a few thousand tons of Welsh stone,

We should celebrate this vague milestone, this halfway point between the darkest depths of winter and the true return of spring suitable for building giant arches. I’m just as pleased as the ancient tribal leaders about the passing of the solstice, but even being able to look up to the second the time we pass from fall into winter doesn’t really help much. The changes in minutes of daylight from December 21 to December 22 or 23 aren’t really that impressive. A couple of minutes. Just a few moments shaved off the darkness. I’m thinking we need another holiday. Not around Christmas, obviously, and even New Year’s isn’t far enough away. We need a celebration somewhere around early February. By that time, we’ve been shrouded in grey and grim weather for three or four months, starting from around the end of October or early November. But in February, you finally start to notice that the days are getting longer. The sun can actually make it over the tops of the trees, and standing on the south side of a hill is no longer a necessity when it comes to producing a bit of vitamin D. We should celebrate this vague milestone, this halfway point between the darkest depths of winter and the true return of spring. It’s that day when things start to look brighter, both literally and figuratively. I don’t think we want to build a giant stone calendar/ritual site this time. Instead, let’s just get some legislation that allows everyone an extra day off sometime between January and March. Send your boss an email, tell them it’s time and head outside. It beats hauling giant rocks 200 miles, anyway. twitter.com/langleyadvance

Michael Geller Columnist

michaelarthurgeller@gmail.com

So where did you spend New Year’s Eve? No doubt some of you followed up on Cheryl Rossi’s suggestions in her “Where to ring in 2015” story and enjoyed a cabaret extravaganza, movie screening, live band or improv performance. I suspect many of you had dinner with friends and joined tens of millions watching the Times Square countdown on TV. I also know some of you may have wanted to do something but ended up staying at home alone. This year we had relatives from Australia at our house. They were expecting a grand public celebration with fireworks like the one held in Sydney and Melbourne every year. They were disappointed to learn Vancouver was not having a major public event, so they booked a New Year’s Eve cruise from Coal Harbour. When I asked them the next day how it went, they said it was a lot colder than a New Year’s Eve Cruise in Sydney Harbour, and asked why Vancouver did not have a major event like so many other world cities. I did tell them about the fabulous street events we enjoyed during the 2010 Olympics, but decided not to mention the celebrations following our Stanley Cup loss in 2011. I also told them that Vancouver had been planning to have its first large-scale New Year’s Eve party in years to welcome in 2015. The free event, which was announced in December 2013, was going to take place at Jack Poole Plaza and involve fireworks, live music and entertainment, food carts, exhibits, and a lighting of the Olympic Cauldron. Unfortunately, it had to be called off since the Vancouver New Year’s Eve Celebration Society fell about $100,000 short of its $300,000 fundraising goal. However the Society is now planning an event for 2016. According to a press release in October, the society is a non-profit community organization founded by local news, lifestyle and entertainment outlet Vancity Buzz. The intent of the event is “to offer the thousands of Vancouverites looking for a centralized place to go on New Year’s Eve an inclusive celebration that includes

live music, multicultural programming, entertainment, and fireworks.” Fundraising, planning and execution efforts are being led by the society in partnership with an event production agency. The society includes representatives from the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, Port Metro Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver, the Vancouver Convention Centre and a number of private companies. The society is also working closely with the City of Vancouver in the planning of the event. I was pleased to read Mayor Robertson is on board. “Vancouver’s vibrant festivals, parades, and major events throughout the year are a highlight for locals and visitors alike, but there is a definite need for a significant family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration,” says Robertson. “The City continues to be ready to support the development of this new event and we hope more community partners will come forward to help make it a worldclass success.” As someone who loves parties and celebrations (yes it is true, I was the Mackenzie Collegiate Student Council Social Director in 1964), I am hoping that during the coming year Vancouver businesses, community organizations and philanthropic individuals will join city council in getting behind this initiative. Hopefully we can follow the lead of Auckland and Hong Kong where amazing fireworks displays are also held in the harbour. For those who prefer to do something on New Year’s Eve but do not like the idea of going downtown for a big public event, perhaps the city’s community centres could organize small neighbourhood parties. These could also appeal to those who might otherwise be home alone. The community centre events need not be grand; perhaps light food and soft drinks and the opportunity for neighbours to get together with other likeminded folks and watch the downtown celebrations and fireworks on TV. For those who feel fireworks are not appropriate for a city trying to be the greenest in the world, perhaps we could have just green fireworks. I am sure those cruising in the harbour would enjoy them, too. twitter.com/michaelgeller

The week in num6ers...

54 4.9 4:31 100 10

In millions of dollars, the estimated value of a home in Kits owned by former Lululemon CEO Chip Wilson assessed as the most expensive in the province.

In thousands of dollars, the average property tax paid by Vancouver homeowners in 2014, according to the B.C. Assessment Authority.

The hour of the day the sun goes down today (Jan. 7), giving Vancouverites a grand total of eight hours and 25 minutes of greyish daylight.

In thousands of dollars, the amount of money the Vancouver New Year’s Eve Celebration Society fell short of from their $300,000 fundraising goal for 2015.

The number of top featurelength Canadian films of 2014 screening Jan. 8-18 at the Cinematheque .

The number of free public dance performances Courier reporter Cheryl Rossi will be participating in during the upcoming PuSH Festival.

W E DN E SDAY, JA N UA RY 7 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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Mailbox At peace with the Site C dam decision

To the editor: Re: “Clark bets $8.7B on B.C. with OK for Site C dam,” Dec. 24. I don’t understand what all the fuss is about the Site C dam. It’s been part of the energy plan for B.C. for more than half a century and there are already two dams on the Peace River. These other two dams have been powering B.C. for decades with the cleanest energy possible. Site C will take optimal advantage of the massive amount of water stored upstream by the Bennett Dam, reusing that water a third time to generate enough clean electricity to power 450,000 homes per year before ﬂowing out to sea. Site C will also be built with most upto-date 21st century energy and environmental technology, and the project has been studied and reviewed to death. Enough is enough. Building the muchneeded Site C dam is a no-brainer so let’s get on with it. Jessica Marte, Burnaby

Dunbar story underdeveloped To the editor:

Re: “Dunbar projects approved,” Dec. 19. Your attention to the two proposed Dunbar redevelopments is much appreciated, but I think you let Brian Jackson and the city off too lightly on one point. Jackson is quoted as saying that both buildings go to the “discretionary” height of 55 feet. Neither in your column nor at the Dec. 15 permit board meeting was it clearly explained that the basic allowed height for commercial zoning in the area is 45 feet, which is what most neighbours wanted to be allowed. The discretionary height of 55 feet is a “relaxation” requested by the developer and granted by the city if it wishes. The board has been only too “relaxed” in recent years, allowing these increases without explaining its reasons or dealing with neighbours’ objections. The city has become remarkably lenient with developers, for reasons we guess at darkly, and nearly oblivious to residents’ wishes. Is that how Vision and the mayor want to go down in Vancouver history? Richard Bevis, Vancouver

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Team Canada wins gold on home ice

Jan. 5, 2006: The Canadian national under-20 hockey team successfully defends its title at the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship after blowing out Russia 5-0 at GM Place. It was the first time Team Canada won back-to-back gold medals at the tournament since a string of five consecutive wins from 1993-1997. Michael Blunden scored two goals, Steve Downie, Blake Comeau and Kyle Chipchura each chipped in singles, and goalie Justin Pogge made 35 saves for the shutout. The tournament marked the first of two appearances at the world juniors for the late Vancouver Canucks player Luc Bourdon, who led all defencemen in scoring with six points in six games and was named to the tournament’s all-star team.

Tower workers plunge to their deaths

Jan. 7, 1981: Four carpenters die after the exterior panel they were standing on broke free from the 36th storey of Four Bentall Centre at the corner of Melville and Thurlow streets. The accident was one of the worst in the city’s construction history and sparked the first B.C. government inquiry into the industry’s worker safety record and accident prevention standards. Every year since, people gather at the accident site near the Burrard Street SkyTrain station to lay flowers in their memory and draw public awareness to what remains a very dangerous industry, with typically sees around 26 fatalities each year. ADVERTISING

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COURIER COLUMN: “Clark bets $8.7B on B.C. OK with Site C dam,” Dec. 24. Luv: Leyne is right. Debate over this project raged for decades, dominated by local environmental and economic concerns. However, we export electricity to the United States routinely, and the history of negotiation for payment is rocky at best, an ongoing matter of finger-pointing and legal wrangling. Approval of Site C effectively places a sizeable portion of our infrastructure at their disposal, despite the fact that, at $19 trillion dollars and rising, the United States is the biggest debtor in the history of the world. Should we focus our efforts on exporting Canadian resources to trade partners who can pay their bills? MartinC: Who says natural gas is too dirty? The Liberals have no problem allowing natural gas to be exported for others to burn. The energy required to simply liquefy the gas for export is enormous. A typical 20 million tonne/yr export terminal requires 10,000 GWh/yr of energy to liquefy the gas — that’s DOUBLE Site C’s output of 5,100 GWh/yr. The Liberals exempted these terminals from the Clean Energy Act so that they can burn all the gas they want to provide liquefaction energy. One terminal would produce double the greenhouse gases of a gas-fired power plant replacing Site C. Yet the Liberals consider these terminals “clean,” while a gas-fired power plant producing electricity for domestic consumption is “dirty.” Am I missing something here? Jamie: The B.C. Liberals asking the public to pay for mining infrastructure to generate private profits: Part of the very successful B.C. Corporate Welfare Program. Didn’t they tell us that they would use P3 partnerships to limit the risk to taxpayers on big projects? If it’s good enough for bridges and hospitals, why isn’t it good enough for dams? Curtis: Comments section is always filled with armchair pundits and experts on everything. Everyone wants their cake and to eat it too. Complaining is so easy when you have no responsibility. Am I saying this is a good or bad idea? No. Does it have risks? Yes. Should we do it? I don’t know. COURIER ARCHIVES: “Nirvana give final Canadian shows,” Dec. 31. Pinkyvancouver: I remember not getting tickets and thinking “I will see them next time.” Good lesson in seizing the day. Dina Pugliese: I can’t believe it was that long ago. Mike K: It’s depressing to continue to see how long ago something is. iamawildpylon: I was at this show. Bobcat was hammered and got booed off stage. Butthole Surfers’ guy screamed into a megaphone into the microphone the whole time. Was a good show. Kurt didn’t say much. Krist didn’t drop any instruments on his head. Dave smashed the drums like he does. Hal Bundy: Who is Nirvana?

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, JA N UA RY 7 , 2 0 1 5

Feature

Love, finance and politics selling or contemplation help. Take naps. It’s your best year in 13 to purchase a new home. From late August into late 2016, your romantic, creative and risk-taking side awakens. You’ll ride a winning streak! You might begin a heartpounding affair, a good one. (Sexual intimacy, though, will come after a wait — be patient, loyal.) The last two-three years of “grey quietude” in relationships lifts now. Your dealings with government and other administrations continue to be problematical through November. The best way out of any difﬁculty here is passivity. Your social circle continues to expand for the entire decade ahead. Best times for romance: January/ Feb. (with a social contact) April/May (when your magnetism surges) September (an old ﬂame?) and late October, early November.

Courier astrologer Tim Stephens scanned the heavens to find out what he believes is in store for you in 2015. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

2015 brings luck for Taurus, money for Leo, popularity for Libra Tim Stephens Peacemakers will thrive in 2015. Aggressors will initially win, then later fail in some important area. Cyber wars will proliferate until late 2018, then subside. Hackers ride a white horse. Last July I advised getting out of the stock market. Afterward, Canada’s biggest exchange fell by 1,500 points; the Venture Exchange dropped by 33 per cent. Both recovered somewhat in late December and will climb to

ARIES

March 21-April 19 2015 begins with huge luck in romance, creativity, speculation, teaching and pleasure pursuits. You could meet your true — and marriageable — love. Married folk rekindle ﬂames and delight in children. Two years of “restricted” growth in your

June. World-wide, economies and stock markets began climbing last December and will continue up to June, followed by mixed signals June to September — then down, down for a year. Strong deflation/inflation fears blossom. The U.S. initially continues the expansion I forecast in 2012. China slowly emerges from its slowdown. 2015 is an “8” year, hinting that many changes will occur, especially in financial structures and reservoirs, sexual mores, health and

high tech research. Pregnancies rise. Research yields more gems than usual. A major disease will be cured. Scorpio actors will gain prominence. A great financier dies. “Mass death” somewhere. ISIS will not win; the Coalition will not win. ISIS’s territorial “luck” will cease after August. Bad karma grips countries beginning with R or A. Obama becomes more popular. Whereas 2014 was a time of new horizons and confrontations (Ukraine,

finances or investments end. You finally pay off a burdensome debt. All year a new, sober, slow note of practicality colours your intellectual and far travel sector — plod onward. Diplomas, passports point to an upward career path. January/February bring light, friendly romance. Ignore something-fornothing temptations. Your magnetism glows March/April. Money will flow to you like a river in April and May. Bank it or pay down debts — or weep. Your home and family

draw you in July. Don’t begin co-habiting with anyone late June to Aug. 8. August is spectacularly pleasure-ﬁlled, romantic, and creative. For success, ignore your own needs, emphasize another’s. By late summer a wave of work swells toward you. Take your chores seriously right into summer 2016 — they’re a doorway to success. November favours ﬁnancial actions, investments and sexual intimacy. December brings you and another deeply closer.

ISIS) 2015 will bring secrecy and power plays. We’ll grow deeper, more contemplative. The struggle between hierarchies and revolutionaries continues until late 2018; after this, hierarchies prevail. Women will experience, worldwide, better earnings and shopping power in 2015. They might gain property rights in some countries. We should avoid starting any new, significant projects or relationships from Jan. 21 to Feb. 11, May 18 to June 11, and Sept. 17 to Oct. 9.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20 2015 offers you tremendous opportunities, Taurus — the kind that lives are built on. Until mid-August, you ride a wave of good luck in real estate, nurturing and raising kids, renovating, etc. This is a splendid time to heal family wounds, to ﬁnd a calm, secure center, a soul peace in yourself. Meditation, yoga, coun-

GEMINI

May 21-June 20 The first eight months of 2015 keep you happily busy with errands, communications and travel. Be curious, explore. A place you visit might later become your home. A friendly, casual romance could turn to marriage. A new note enters relationships, now to 2017. You’ll harmonize with people older or younger. Relationships will be more sexual, yet develop more slowly — and loyalty will be demanded. A financial partnership looms. January/February bring a sexy and intelligent old flame. April creates social meetings, but your assertiveness ebbs — avoid a clandestine affair. Late May into June your magnetism soars; again, an old flame/friend might draw you. August brings sweet indecision. September onward (to autumn 2016) brings a splendid domestic luck — buy and/or sell a home, give birth, repair the house, plan the kids’ futures, start a retirement program, and heal any family ghosts.

Don’t buy or move into a new home from late September to mid-November. December brings intense relationships: a romantic wave could carry you into a commitment. 2012-14’s heavy burden of chores has ended: the future’s lighter!

CANCER

June 21-July 22 Your income swells until September (despite January to early April’s slowdown). Start new earnings projects April through mid-May. Strive to put yourself on a new wage plateau rather than accepting overtime pay. From mid-August into 2016, you grow restless, want to travel, visit, read, talk. You’ll find “treasure” if you follow your curiosity. This is a great period to re-organize your files, rearrange office systems, buy a new phone or computer, car or travel tickets. Last year’s romantic restrictions dissolve in 2015. Through August, sensual, friendly attractions become sexual quickly but these might later grow burdensome and boring. After August, you attract a “soul friend,” perhaps a compatible, happy lover. A precise, solid, practical person could draw you this autumn — this relationship can take off like a rocket. November lights romantic fires. Do not begin to co-habit with anyone from early November to the end of December. You might change jobs or “rebuild” a job in late 2015. All year, your home life is favoured over your career — be cautious and agreeable on the latter front.

LEO

July 23-August 22 You start 2015 with a sassy, conﬁdent, lucky streak! Self-expression,

W E DN E SDAY, JA N UA RY 7 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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Year In Stars

according to the stars romance, gambling and creative urges visit you from January to August. Stretch your boundaries! However, 2015 also starts a three-year “sober” influence in romance and creativity; adoration will blend with responsibilities. Loyalty is essential. You might fall madly in love with someone who is significantly older or younger. It’s a superb year to teach or raise children. Your home life has been cold and sparse the last two years: that’s over. International travel, intellectual, cultural, legal and media interests balloon the first eight months. Beware elusive, pie-in-sky goals here. September into 2016, a money horn blows your way. Seek a pay raise, increase your clients, sell unwanted items — you’ll profit hugely! Don’t spend that gob of money in October — big bills need paying. An old flame might return in January/February (marriage potential) mid-May to mid-June (flirty, happy romance) or mid-September to midOctober (light, talkative “love”). Don’t wed before December — nor sign any contracts, nor start a lawsuit. A December wedding promises a happy, prosperous home, princely kids.

VIRGO

August 23September 22 Through mid-August, your private life is blessed, but your luck in the outside, bustling world is a bit dim. A cheerful, healthy light shines into dark corners — dig up and dissolve old ghosts and fears. Your dealings will expand with charities, institutions and civil servants. The government has deep pockets — apply. By late August, you enter the luckiest year in a decade! But it needs patience. Personal buoyancy will be balanced by

a sober, realistic atmosphere in your domestic scene, real estate and all food/shelter zones. Wait until December onward to invest. A home you buy this month or in 2016 will bless you and will change your life! You might change jobs, particularly in October. Your romantic prowess is strong all decade. You’re fascinated with a new type of elusive, gentle person. He/she shows in March. Avoid lust until mid-November. In May, a social or intellectual contact might trigger profound thoughts and gentle feelings. Your magnetism rises September/October — don’t let it saddle you with a relationship you don’t really want. November’s friendly. December “moves” you.

LIBRA

September 23October 22 Your popularity soars for the ﬁrst eight months. After this, four months of quietude ensue. All year, excepting December, make no unbreakable commitments, sign nothing, promise little, be independent. This is a poor time to marry or form business partnerships. But do join new groups, clubs — you’ll be excited, happy, social and ﬂirtatious January to August. Mid-August onward, retreat softly, contemplate, plan, meditate, open yourself to spirit, be charitable and interface with civil servants. Communications and short travel grow tedious until 2017. Take elocution/toastmaster classes if you’re in sales or teaching. Your domestic situation continues to slowly transform until 2024. This can strain marriage and business partnerships, especially in January, April, July and October. Be compassionate and encouraging toward your mate — but don’t follow

his/her plans. Old ﬂames appear in February, June and October. January’s siren is a door to disaster. February’s sweetly affectionate. In June, someone turns you on mentally. Celebrate with comrades in August. In October, your charisma might draw you into a difﬁcult moral situation. Your magnetism glows but your heart wanders November/December.

SCORPIO

October 23November 21 2015 lays a crown of accomplishment on you, Scorpio, at least through August. Your business and career ambitions meet with approval from higher-ups, your reputation grows, you rub shoulders with influential people. This is the best year in a decade to seek a promotion, especially in April (careful, don’t expand your work, just your position) June, and August. All year, delegate tasks: avoid hands-on work. In mid-August you enter a year of celebration, good times, popularity, optimism, and light romance. You’ve been sober, serious the last three years. From 2015 to 2017 your buoyancy, your sense of humor returns. But this same interval, to 2017, counsels fiscal caution — your expenses might increase or your actual income decrease. 2009 to 2025 marks the greatest love period of your life. Sooner or later, every Scorpio will be smitten! Romantic urges intensify midJanuary through March. May brings “mate” vibes, while June nudges you into intimate situations. July brings gentle, understanding love: your amour is assertive, impatient. September’s filled with friends. Your magnetism rises November/December; someone thinks you’re extremely desirable.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22December 21 2015 will be one of your best years in a decade. Until mid-August, your intellectual and cultural instincts create success at school, in law, through international travel or publishing. For singles, love is almost assured. Friendly romance will sail along, even to marriage vows, while infatuation could twist down disappointing alleys. You will be more sober and serious throughout 2015, about aging, retirement, security, earnings, and all practical things. Take care of your teeth, gums, bones, knees and skin. Parents and teachers/profs will admire your new maturity. You will grow serious about money; through hard work, your earnings could start a three-year climb. This process gets a big boost from mid-August into autumn 2016 as your career swells with good luck and favour from higher-ups. Love flares in April, but a subtle trap might lurk. You might marry — or totally reject — one you meet this May/June. In August, love has the whisper of wedding bells. October brings happy, flirty friends — ditto December, when your magnetism soars. An old flame tends to appear whenever you’re romantic.

CAPRICORN

December 22January 19 Until late August, your ﬁnancial and investment luck soars to a decade high. Remember the phrase “opportunity in crisis” — especially in January, May and July. Research, look beneath surfaces — some gems lie hidden.

Physical gratification is abundant these first eight months. Avoid extramarital lures. Pregnancy blesses young couples but births are luckier after November and in 2016. Don’t buy a home, nor start living with anyone new, before mid-November. September offers a powerful mental and sexual attraction — make sure everyone’s free to commit. November’s flirty and friendly — a sweet, ambitious person could capture your heart. Your career is blessed all year: make decisions, start projects, even change careers, if you like. From 2009 to 2024, your social circle and your life goals slowly change — a new, better future awaits! The three years ahead shelter you from bad luck. By September onward, a mellow mood brings light and understanding. You might travel afar, enter school, wed, grab an intellectual position, or win a lawsuit. (Avoid a lawsuit late September to early November, though; you’d lose it.)

AQUARIUS

January 20February 18 Other people open the door to success this year, Aquarius. Until August, you’ll deal with people openly and eagerly. Grab opportunities — many exist. All year, be profound rather than casual. Wed, rather than be friends. Get a signed contract. Travel internationally, rather than locally. Relocation, negotiations, dealings with the public, fame — all blessed! If you’re married, 2015 holds a special adventure. If unhappy, you’ll break free. If single, you’ll meet a true life mate before September, especially in February when your charisma’s high; June, when sweet, innocent romance swells; and August. An old ﬂame appears again and again. September onward, your luck soars in sexual,

ﬁnancial and research zones. In November, lust turns to love — or to reprobation .You can make one of the best investments of your life this autumn/winter. (Keyword: “cheap.”) Grow serious about your life’s goals now through 2017. You’ll succeed if these involve government, institutions, warehouses, manufacturing or management. You’ll befriend signiﬁcantly older or younger people. Your popularity might ebb temporarily, but you need “quiet time” to handle all the commitments you’ve embraced.

PISCES

February 19-March 20 2015 begins with major chores and minor health concerns. You are now on a three-year path to slowly and solidly achieve your biggest career and status goals. You’ll have to shoulder heavy responsibilities and live up to them — but you will! Your efforts pay off with increased earnings in March and a possible promotion in December. By late August (onward into 2016) many opportunities arrive. These will come from others, so be personable, eager and co-operative. Chances abound to relocate, deal with the public, enter business/career doors, and to marry or co-habit. If seeking a home for your heart anytime now to 2024, join social groups, clubs, political parties, etc. January to March offers a light, ﬂirty affair. An affectionate, casual friend appears in May. Passion glows in July. A co-worker tempts in September/October. Reject an assertive, lustful person; accept one who’s gentle, practical, helpful. (Though the two might be one.) Mating vibes are growing now. November offers weddings — maybe yours — and cultural rituals. You enter 2015 with a workday frown, you exit with a smile!

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What’s Your New Year Strategy?

Davidicus Wong

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My tradition with my children at the start of a New Year is to walk through the old calendar and remember the year past. What did we do? Where did we go? What days did we celebrate? What events did we survive? We ask ourselves, “What acts of grace did we receive through the love and kindness of others?” and “What did we ourselves do for others?” What were our best experiences and what were our most challenging? What did we learn? How did we grow? I’ve taught my children to seize each day – to be open to spontaneity and the

beauty of each day, and to grasp the ﬂeeting moments we have to help others and make a difference. My children are now old enough to recognize that we seem to accelerate in our passage through time. Each year passes more quickly as does each and every day. To use our time most wisely, we must be more deliberate, consider what matters most and walk in the direction of our dreams. The holidays were a time for celebration but also an opportunity to reﬂect. What are your goals for the coming year? What is your strategy to achieve them? My friend wants to eat more healthily – and his

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strategy is to eat a salad each day. To keep it fun and interesting, he will use a variety of ingredients, including nuts, beans and fruits. My patient wants to improve her cardiovascular conditioning. Her strategy is to start aquatic ﬁtness classes at our community pool. To stay on track and make it social, she’s going to go with a friend. Another wants to improve his relationships, and his strategy is to express his positive thoughts and feelings about others. He plans to follow the example of the Dalai Lama who said that he may still get angry but he won’t hold a grudge. Not everyone is keen on New Year’s resolutions. In elementary school, I had to make a list each year. Many adults have given up this ritual because of memories of failed resolutions. But I still make my list of priorities after considering the most important areas of my life. Because our time each day and week is precious, for everything we add to our list, we must remove

something else. How can we decide what to do and what to stop? Ask yourself, “What brings greater value to my life and the people around me?” or “What must I do?” and “Of my current activities, which are really a waste of my time?” Consider four questions: 1. What should I do more of? Stretching? Strengthening? Cardio exercise? Calling old friends? 2. What should I do less? Eating out? Snacking? Driving? Drinking with friends? Watching TV? Working and playing on the computer? Looking at my phone? 3. What should I cut out? Smoking? Napping after supper? Hanging out with bad friends? 4. What should I add to my life? Language lessons? Meeting new people? Creating art or music? Writing? This is your life. This is your year. This is your day. What will you do with it? Dr. Davidicus Wong is a family physician. For more on achieving your positive potential in health, visit davidicuswong.wordpress.com.

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Arts&Entertainment

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GOT ARTS? 604.738.1411 or events@vancourier.com

Jan. 7 to 9, 2015 1. Kayak first washed ashore for the 2013 rEvolver Festival where it earned actress Susan Hogan a Jessie nomination. Written by Jordan Hall, directed by Rachel Peake and billed as “a witty, intelligent and funny play about love and idealism that will change the way you think about climate change,” Kayak and Hogan return Jan. 7 to 17 to the Firehall Arts Centre. For tickets and details, go to firehallartscentre.ca or call 604-689-0926. 2. The best Canadian films of the year get some much-deserved screen time when the Cinematheque presents Canada’s Top 10 2014, Jan. 8 to 18. Highlights include Xavier Dolan’s Mommy, which was a co-winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes, David Cronenberg’s Hollywood satire Maps to the Stars and Violent by Vancouver filmmaker Andrew Huculiak, among others. For information and show times, go to thecinematheque.ca. 3. The rootsy folk stylings of Jenny Ritter, Fish & Bird and David Newberry descend upon the Biltmore Jan. 8 as an extension of the Island Music Festival held every year on Mayne Island. Billed as a “live recording,” the Biltmore show will be recorded and filmed, so leave the jogging pants at home. Details at biltmorecabaret.com.

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Arts&Entertainment

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Dance me outside STATE OF THE ARTS

Cheryl Rossi

crossi@vancourier.com

Dozens of eyes surreptitiously follow a former ski instructor-turned-talented dancer while another performer counts out the steps. Twenty of us grab our butts and swivel, gallop, plié and throw our hands in the air. We cluster in twos and threes when the beats stop to work out the bits that trip us up. I need to figure out how it’s possible to kick my left foot first in the sequence called Champagne. I’m one of more than 70 dancers performing in Le Grand Continental as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, which runs Jan. 20 to Feb. 8. Created by Montreal choreographer Sylvain Émard, Le Grand Continental is a free public performance featuring dancers of all abilities from all walks of life. Participants, like myself, heard about the opportunity and an open audition at the Roundhouse community centre through social media and word of mouth. Now we’ve got 30 minutes of choreography to perfect for four outdoor performances (rain or shine) at the Queen Elizabeth Plaza, Jan. 24 and 25. In September I attended a birthday party where five of us picked a song (Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”), choreographed corresponding moves (we slunk like tigers) and performed for an audience of six. It was ridiculous and fun. Learning choreography from professionals and performing in the venerable PuSh festival with other amateur dancers seemed like the next logical step. I liked the idea of participating in a performance instead of just writing about one, and I was keen to be more engaged and connect with new people in my community. Le Grand Continental was first performed in Montreal in 2009. It had become a joke among dancers of Émard’s work that he always included a line dancing section. “That’s the first dance format I did as a kid,” he said. “It was very popular in the ’60s in Montreal.” So Émard created a piece that combined elements of line dancing with contemporary dance for dancers of different experience levels. “I like to deceive them to be sure that their love or

Dancers of all abilities perform Sylvain Emard’s Le Grand Continental. The public dance event is part of this year’s PuSh Festival and features the Courier’s Cheryl Rossi busting a move.

interest for dance is going to increase with this experience,” he said. The last Saturday before Christmas found 20 of us rehearsing instead of shopping, baking or revelling. It wasn’t even an official rehearsal. Keeners organized three extra practices over the winter break, including one on New Year’s Day, to keep the momentum going. Anyone who knows me knows I love dancing. I even say so on my Twitter profile. But the time commitment, at least two two-hour rehearsals a week for three months, not including optional practice sessions, was even more intense than I anticipated. I needed those extra hours of repetition. I joked I didn’t have muscle memory; I had muscle amnesia. At one point this thing I’d decided to take on as a selfconfidence-boosting challenge became a self-esteem downer. I was reminded of how I much I sucked in school when it came to sports. Sure, I attended recreational ballet classes once a week for 10 years as a kid, but I lacked talent then, too. How was I possibly going to remember choreography for eight sections? Others were mastering and remembering steps and I wasn’t. But then I noted I wasn’t the only one at the extra Saturday sessions. Soon, we were picking up new sequences faster. Dancers swiftly started grabbing rides and drinks together. Fledgling friendships started. Now I’ve got dance buddies. We’re a team with a common purpose. When you see us perform you’ll see people of different ages, shapes, ethnicities and persuasions. We’re a team made of mostly women but also eight men. Our troupe includes journalists, university professors, people who work in the arts and retir-

ees. Some of us have had previous dance training, some of us have had none, but we’re all dancing enthusiasts. There’s the Latvian lovers that can barely keep their hands off one another, my friend Ling who unfailingly sports a dazzling getup and the Latin ladies who showed us how we could add spice to the salsa step. Le Grand Continental has been performed in Ottawa, New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Portland and Mexico City as well as in Montreal, and in each city the group of dancers has continued learning together. “Even after two weeks we were already talking the same language,” Émard said. He loves that amateurs discover they can learn 30 minutes of choreography in two months. We’ve learned how to move to dreamy, funky and staccato techno sections of music, most of it composed and arranged by Montrealbased Martin Tétrault. Émard hopes those who attend the 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. performances will see their friend, family member or coworker proudly and joyfully busting moves and think maybe they could do that too. “I just want the audience to feel jealous,” Émard said. We’ve got six mandatory rehearsals before show time, and there’s a dress rehearsal on the day of our ﬁrst performance. What do I eat? Should I carb load the night before? What if there’s a torrential downpour? What am I going to wear? I like to dance like no one’s watching. How am I going to handle hundreds of eyes? These are the questions I must consider, for as one of the troupe likes to joke with a mock preen, now I am a dancer. For more info about PuSh, see pushfestival.ca. twitter.com/Cheryl_Rossi

W E DN E SDAY, JA N UA RY 7 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A17

Sports&Recreation

GOT SPORTS? 604.630.3549 or mstewart@vancourier.com

1. During the first JumpSport class at a downtown Steve Nash Fitness World, Krista Marcon does sit-ups on a mini-trampoline. 2. Sofie Calvert led the fitness class Jan. 5. “I didn’t expect it to be as intense a workout as it is,” she said. PHOTOS DAN TOULGOET

Your year won’t be complete without a trampoline

Continued from page 1 The basic choreography and footwork is easy to follow yet the hour-long class still works up a sweat. Plus, “It’s a very sexy feeling,” said Price. “You come into class and have to ask yourself, ‘Am I on a Hawaiian beach?’” She encourages participants to wear a cloth sarong around their hips, which circle and sway to reggae and drum beats while the quads and glutes remain engaged through the majority of the class. “By the end, you’re dripping with sweat,” said Price, who was the ﬁrst instructor in B.C. to offer the trademarked Hot Hula classes. Beginning this month, the classes are now also available at Killarney, Kitsilano, Hillcrest and Sunset community centres. Also new — because what’s old is

always new again — are minitrampolines. You could once find these in basement rec rooms around the country, but the low-impact, metabolism-boosting equipment is resurfacing at clubs like Steve Nash Fitness, which offers a class called JumpSport at its Howe and Davie location. The core is constantly activated to maintain balance and coordination, improving balance, strength and cardio while limiting the impact on joints. “Another huge benefit is that jumping is proven to stimulate the lymphatic system which is related to improved immunity — a plus during cold and flu season,” said Ingrid Knight-Cohee, the director of group fitness at Steve Nash Fitness Clubs. “It’s also impossible to frown during a JumpSport class.”

Leslie Alagar sees mini-trampollines becoming a fixture at gyms.

PHOTO DAN TOULGOET

How to reach your goals Darnelle Moore

eastsideﬁtness.ca

So here we are. Another year has passed and it’s time to think about the future. Despite ﬁtness and health being an important and ongoing aspect of everyone’s life, it is hard to resist using the turning of the calendar as a time to examine your health and ﬁtness habits. The new year is as good a time as any. This year, as you begin the process of setting your goals, keep these points in mind to stay motivated throughout the year, reexamine your resolutions, and move forward as the seasons change.

1. Start with why

Last year I read Start With Why by Simon Sinek. Although the purpose of this book has more to do with branding and marketing for business, I was inspired to apply this concept to ﬁtness goal setting. The idea is that, along with writing down your speciﬁc goal, you write down why you want to achieve that goal. What is it about that goal that is so important? Try to be concise and clear with your answers, and use them to write down how you will feel once your goal has been accomplished. Make sure your vision does not include other people in

it, only you. That vision will motivate you throughout the year. If it fails to motivate you, rethink your goal, re-examine why you want to achieve your goal, and rewrite your vision of the future you. For example: Goal: To lose 20 pounds. Why: I want to lose 20 pounds because it will make running feel easier and I will ﬁt into my favourite bathing suit. I feel out of shape and I feel that losing 20 lbs will make me feel better and help me move better. Vision: At the end of 2015, I will feel good running and will be able to play beach volleyball in my favourite bathing suit.

2. Keep your conditioning routines as uncomplicated as possible

After you’ve established your ﬁtness goal and reasons why you want to achieve it, think of the things you will do to make it happen. Here is where you need to be speciﬁc. So you are going to go to the gym three times a week? Well, what are you going to do there? So you are going to run three times per week? Where will you run and how far? If you are serious about achieving your goal, you will go to the gym or go for your run with a plan. The best way to stick with

your plan is to keep it as simple as possible. In the gym, choose simple, effective moves like squats, lunges, shoulder presses, push ups, pull ups and presses. On your runs, have a predetermined route, purpose, and mileage in mind. Don’t forget to include appropriate warm ups and cool downs.

3. Stop trying to “move up” or “add on” every week

Keeping things uncomplicated also means not trying to “move up” or “add on” every week. Allow your body time to adapt. Don’t be afraid to do the same thing for a few weeks in a row. Did you have a hard time on your 5-kilometre run? Then don’t run 6 km next week. Keep it at 5 km until 5 km feels almost easy. The same goes for adding intensity at the gym.

4. Ask a professional — the right professional

If you are unsure what exactly you should be doing, than ask a professional. If you are trying to overcome an injury or have a particular health concern, talk to a physiotherapist, chiropractor or doctor. A running coach or personal trainer can help you come up with a suitable running plan or gym routine and can also help

you plan the important cross-training aspects of your conditioning plan. If you need help with your eating habits or need specific nutrition advice, then talk to a nutritionist or dietician. Asking a pro is especially helpful if you have a specific, performancerelated fitness goal in mind such as running 10 km in a certain time, getting a personal best on a weight exercise, or if you want to improve specific skills or strength for a sport. In fact, if you are having trouble writing your health and fitness goals, there are professionals who can help you focus and make resolutions that are meaningful, achievable and realistic for you.

5. Remember, the New Year is 52 weeks long

Give yourself plenty of time to achieve your goal. Last time I checked, 2015 is made up of 52 weeks just like all the other years. So if you haven’t reached your goal by the end of January, do not fear. In fact, I would venture to say that if you do meet your goal too soon, it is likely that you have set your sights too low. If this happens, it is time to rethink, adjust, and keep going forward. Fitness is a lifestyle and a responsibility. Darnelle Moore is the founder of Eastside Fitness.

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