OPINION 10
WEDNESDAY
April 22 2015
Rise and dance
Vol. 106 No. 31
URBAN SENIOR 14
Earth Day events FITNESS 31
Shape up for the garden There’s more online at
vancourier.com MIDWEEK EDITION
THE VOICE of VANCOUVER NEIGHBOURHOODS since 1908
New chief stays course
City’s mental health crisis a priority Andrew Fleming
afleming@vancourier.com
KIDS ARE ALRIGHT Ten-year-old Chloe Sinow and her 12-year-old brother Skylar are out to prove that business success isn’t just for adults. The pair will be pitching their Kids Can Cook Gourmet company to the Dragons’ Den TV show next week. See story on page 9. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
Look south for oil spill laws ‘Legislate the requirements,’ says critic Jen St. Denis
jstdenis@biv.com
In all his years as a recreational sailor, it was something Rob O’Dea had never seen before: thousands of globules of oil, suspended in the water of English Bay. “The water was thick with oil, pea-sized, up to fist-sized gooey clumps,” said O’Dea, who was sailing with a friend on the evening of April 8. “As soon as we realized we were in an oil spill we turned around. The jib sheet dropped into the water, and it was immediately covered with this black goo.” Following a relatively small fuel oil spill from a ship anchored at the entrance to Burrard Inlet, critics are taking aim at federal oil spill response measures. They’re pointing to the United States as an example of how Canada can do better, in terms
of holding oil-transporting companies to account, involving local communities and providing more reassurance to the public. Canada should learn from states such as Alaska and Washington, which strengthened regulations after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, said Karen Wristen, executive director of Living Oceans. “They cautioned that we should not be relying on any voluntary measures on the part of the oil companies,” Wristen said, referring to comments made at a 2013 oil spill response symposium hosted by the B.C. government. “The advice from the United States was quite strong: legislate the requirements down to the last boom and skimmer.” Environmental groups are concerned that if two controversial oil pipelines — Enbridge’s Northern Gateway project and
Kinder Morgan’s plan to twin its existing Trans Mountain pipeline — are approved, the number of oil tankers travelling along B.C.’s coast would sharply increase. Spencer Chandra Herbert, NDP MLA for Vancouver-West End, pointed to Washington State’s requirement that Kinder Morgan provide the government with its emergency response plans as the company seeks approval to increase the amount of oil it moves by pipe from Alberta to the B.C. coast. But in Canada, the National Energy Board declined to provide the plan to the B.C. government, citing security concerns. “Washington State said, ‘You have to tell us,’” Herbert said. “Here in B.C. and Canada we don’t require it, so they said, ‘Well, we won’t provide it.’” Continued on page 6
Don’t expect major changes to city policing under new Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer. Palmer, a 28-year VPD veteran who leapfrogged the rank of superintendent when promoted from inspector to deputy chief in 2010, said he doesn’t intend to do run things much differently than popular predecessor Jim Chu, who announced his retirement plans in January after eight years as the city’s top cop. “Jim Chu set a very good course for the VPD and we are at a very good time,” Palmer, 52, said at a press conference last Friday morning at police headquarters on Cambie Street while flanked by Chu and Mayor Gregor Robertson. “We have very good credit with Canadians right now and I think we have a very good relationship with the city and the police board and I think things are going very well, so I’m not taking over a police department that is in any kind of turmoil or trouble. Jim Chu has been a very good mentor to me so I’m not planning any drastic changes. What I want to do is talk to people, get the pulse, get used to sitting in the chair and then we’ll look if we need to make any decisions or make any changes.” Palmer, who became the sole candidate for the job after fellow deputy chief Doug LePard withdrew from consideration and supported Palmer, was appointed unanimously by the eight-member police board chaired by Robertson and won’t officially take over until sometime in the next few weeks. He said tackling the city’s mental health problems, which Chu and Robertson have described as a crisis, will remain a top priority. “That’s one that we’re going to keep noses to the grindstone to, and have yet to make a difference in, because there a lot of people hurting in our society and we’ll do our best to help them,” said Palmer. Continued on page 3
DYSLEXIA DIDN’T STOP ALBERT. We don’t let dyslexia or language-related learning disabilities affect our students, either. They learn differently, and we offer them an education in a setting where they can thrive. See for yourself at the Fraser Academy Open House: Thursday, May 14, 9:30-11:15am. For more info or to RSVP, visit www.fraseracademy.ca or call 604 736 5575. © Estate of Yousuf Karsh
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
Spring into Tapestry! A joint open house showcasing unique retirement living Sunday, April 26, 12:00pm – 3:00pm Spring has sprung and at Tapestry Retirement Communities, we’re taking this season as our cue to try something new. Join us as our two unique retirement communities come together to showcase the very best in retirement living. This unique event will feature both Tapestry at Arbutus Walk in the heart of Kitsilano and Tapestry at Wesbrook Village on the edge of Pacific Spirit Park at UBC. A shuttle service will provide quick and easy transportation between the two. From a rooftop putting green to a 22 course golf simulator, PrimeFit programs to health and wellness services, you’ll be introduced to the unique features that put Tapestry Retirement Communities in a class all their own. All while enjoying musical performances and tasty treats from our demonstration kitchen and rooftop BBQ! If experiencing the Art of Seniors Living is something you’re curious about, why not join us?
www.DiscoverTapestry.com Tapestry at Wesbrook Village 3338 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver BC 604.225.5000 Tapestry at Arbutus Walk 2799 Yew Street, Vancouver BC 604.736.1640
W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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News
Palmer worked East Side as patrol officer
Continued from page 1 “There are things up in the air right now. We have the announcement of the new St. Paul’s hospital opening, so we’re looking at how that is going to affect and what any implications are going to be for the police department regarding our ACT [assertive community treatment] teams or assertive outreach teams or our early warning system where we work with Vancouver Coastal Health with information sharing agreements.” He also addressed concerns that police resources are being stretched too thin by pointing out new hires are on the way. “We addressed that last year because we had a very thorough resource allocation review. Right now we are waiting for a couple of academy classes to graduate and when they do graduate will be let out right on the front lines. We have about 40 or so coming up in the next couple of months.” Chu, 56, dismissed a ru-
mour he was interested in taking over from departing Toronto police chief Bill Blair but remained coy when asked about running for political office. The Toronto post was subsequently filled Monday. “I have not applied for any other policing jobs,” said Chu. “I love the city of Vancouver and … I’m not interested in leaving the city of Vancouver. I’m going to take some time off and support the new chief as much as I can and we’ll see how the future unfolds. My wife gave me some orders to take some time off and hang out with her.” Chu thanked LePard for making “a difficult personal decision to withdraw and I know he was putting the interests of the VPD first.” There is speculation LePard may be in line for the chief’s job in Delta. The statement did not mention whether the department’s other deputy chief, Warren Lemcke, had applied for the job. Robertson said the decision to hire Palmer was
He has a wealth of policing and management experience, including the officer in charge of the policing district that includes the Downtown Eastside. As a sergeant, he managed a long-term review of VPD operations. Palmer quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a deputy chief in 2010 and was responsible for the planning, research and audit section, human resources, training, recruiting, the jail, information management, information technology, communications, fleet, facilities and finance. Until named chief, he was in charge of the investigative areas of the VPD, including major crime, special investigations, organized crime, general investigations, forensic services, tactical support and youth services. Palmer received nine VPD commendations, is a former Police Officer of the Year and was invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. --with files from Mike Howell
New VPD Chief Adam Palmer: “Jim Chu has been a very good mentor to me so I’m not planning any drastic changes.” PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
unanimous by the board’s eight members, which include business people, a medical doctor, a lawyer and leader in the South Asian community. When Chu announced his retirement in January, he publicly urged the board
to consider his three deputy chiefs for the job. The police board had conducted an international search for Chu’s successor. Palmer is a former correctional officer who was born and raised in the Vancouver area. He
joined the VPD in 1987 and spent 13 years of his career working as a patrol officer on the East Side. He has worked in the jail, crowd control, gang crime, organized crime and the planning, research and audit section.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
News Judge tosses suit against mayor
Conflict of interest petition fails Bob Mackin
bob@bobmackin.com
“There is nothing wrong with a politician stating his policy in the hopes of obtaining votes or campaign contributions,” wrote Justice Elliott Myers in his April 17 decision, which dismissed a suit by Randy Helten (left) and others against Mayor Gregor Robertson and Coun. Geoff Meggs. PHOTOS DAN TOULGOET
Mayor Gregor Robertson and Coun. Geoff Meggs can stay on Vancouver city council, after a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled against a conflict of interest petition on April 17. Former Vision Vancouver member Randy Helten and four other citizens sought their disqualification based on Meggs’ statements in an audio recording leaked to the Courier from the Oct. 14, 2014 meeting of the city’s outside workers’ union. Meggs, one of four Vision candidates who spoke to CUPE Local 1004, pledged on behalf of the mayor that his party would not contract out work if re-elected. Local 1004 members voted later to donate $34,000 to Vision, a sum that was matched by B.C. and national CUPE headquarters. “As the petitioners’ counsel [David Wotherspoon] acknowledged during argument, and the cases establish, there is nothing wrong with a politician stating his policy in the hopes of obtaining votes or campaign contributions,” wrote Justice Elliott Myers. “There is also nothing untoward with contributions being made by supporters of that position.” Myers ruled no evidence was presented at the March 31 and April 1 hearings that the donation was “anything other than a lawful political contribution.” “There is no evidence of an agreement between the respondents and Local 1004 to the effect that if a contribution was made, the respondents would take a particular position or that if a contribution was not made they would not take that position,” he wrote. “Rather, the respondents’ long-standing view, one made public
Hadley Celebration
A celebration of life for community activist Eleanor Hadley takes place at 3 p.m. this Saturday, April 25, at Barclay Manor, 1447 Barclay St. in Barclay Heritage Square Park. The park board watchdog was dedicated to preserving this city’s green spaces, particularly those located in the West End, a neighbourhood Hadley had
well before the current election, was against contracting out of union positions.” On the recording, Local 1004 political action committee member Kyla Epstein said the donation was intended to “carry favour” with Vision in contract talks. But, Myers ruled, “That phrase was Ms. Epstein’s; not the respondents’. There is nothing to show that the petitioners were aware of her statement or what underlies it.” Myers also wrote that an anonymous recording would normally not be admitted as evidence, but Meggs and Local 1004 recording secretary Jessica Landgraff both agreed a transcript appeared accurate and Vision lawyer Bryan Baynham relied on some of a Local 1004 member’s comments. Helten told the Courier the verdict was a surprise and an appeal would be considered. “He basically missed the essence of our case,” Helten said. “The issues that Robertson and Meggs should have returned the money or made a public denial is not addressed. “The union’s contract is coming up in December and there is this arrangement between Vision Vancouver and a specific union regarding the specific outcome of the negotiation is already publicly known.” Helten said he hopes the case spurs public discussion on the role of money in politics and elections. Vision had said in early 2014 that it wanted the province to ban union and corporate donations, but proceeded to raise $1.9 million from corporations and $360,270 from unions. Vision’s defamation lawsuit, launched during the civic election, remains active against the NPA, which called the no-contracting-out promise and CUPE donation “corrupt.” twitter.com/bobmackin called home since 1960. In almost 50 years, Hadley rarely missed a park board meeting and eventually ran for a seat in 2011 at age 90. Last year, the tenacious senior ran again at age 94, but was hospitalized half way through her campaign. Despite a determined effort to continue her campaign, Hadley remained in hospital where she passed away March 7.
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Every Vancouver school website has a message promoting the Yes side in the TransLink funding plebiscite. The VSB officially endorses the Yes side and voted to urge parents to do the same. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
Parent angry at Yes ads on school websites
Cheryl Rossi
crossi@vancourier.com
Secondary school parent Koula Stoubos is incensed every public school in Vancouver has a message on its website promoting the Yes side in the Metro Vancouver Transit and Transportation Plebiscite. “It’s like that thing about state and religion, how you try to separate it,” she said. “To me, the school website should just be the school website. If you can open it and make it political, then you have to give that space also to the opposing viewpoint.” Stoubos was even more incensed when the Courier told her teachers were asked to distribute material promoting a Yes vote to their students at the end of March. “The [Vancouver School Board] should be focused on running schools — providing programs and support for students — not running civic political campaigns,” she wrote the Courier in an email. Stoubos expressed her indignation about the web-based promotion to Elections B.C., the Ministry of Education, the VSB, the B.C. ombudsman and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which sponsors the No side. Kurt Heinrich, public relations manager for the VSB, said he and other district staff have received complaints from a handful of parents about the websites. The school board has also heard concerns from staff, primarily teachers, about the websites,
printed materials, and an email sent on behalf of VSB chairperson Christopher Richardson outlining the board’s reasons for supporting the Yes side. The board sent information from the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation to schools at the end of March for delivery via students to parents. Teachers quizzed their union representatives about handing out the material and the union questioned the board about this plan. Richardson said he and VSB superintendent Scott Robinson decided to cancel distribution after several schools disseminated the material. Richardson said the pamphlets were returned to the Mayors’ Council to be directed elsewhere. Jordan Bateman, B.C. director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and the leader of the No TransLink Tax campaign, told Stoubos that the campaign called upon the VSB on March 27 “to cease using school children to send partisan, taxpayer-funded ads home.” It also requested an apology. VSB trustees voted unanimously in February to support the Yes side and to support no- or low-cost actions “to help provide a Yes vote with parents and staff,” the motion reads. “The board, in its decision, didn’t in any way indicate that in expressing our Yes position that it was necessary to acknowledge and justify the No side,” Richardson said. “This is staff taking direction from
the unanimous vote of the trustees that this matter was of significant interest to both our staff and our students that depend upon public transit to get to and from both school and their daily lives…” Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy projects the region will grow by one million people by 2041. The Mayors’ Council proposes a 0.5 per cent regional sales tax on the majority of goods and services that are subject to the provincial sales tax. Information provided by the Mayors’ Council on Elections B.C.’s website states all revenue collected through the tax would be dedicated to the council and transit plan, and that revenues and expenditures would be subject to annual independent audits and public reporting. Stoubos is voting against the tax and doubts TransLink’s decision-making, management and accountability. She questions population growth projections and how many newcomers will choose to settle in Vancouver, rather than less expensive areas such as Surrey. Stoubos, who lives near 41st Avenue and Main Street, uses the Canada Line once or twice a year. “It’s much faster to go with a car,” she said. “Anybody who’s taking transit, if they had the money, would probably buy a car.” Elections B.C. is collecting votes until May 29. twitter.com/Cheryl_Rossi
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
News
Signs along the shore at Second Beach warned visitors to avoid the water due to an oil spill. PHOTO ROB KRUYT
Citizen councils provide public input
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Wesbrook Village UBC, Vancouver
runforwomen.ca In support of
Continued from page 1 In the United States, shipping comes under federal jurisdiction, but state governments also have the ability to regulate shippers, said Shelley Chapelski, a partner at Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP’s maritime law practice. Some states require response plans on top of the plans required by the federal government. In Canada, provinces have no jurisdiction over shipping and giving provinces any authority over the sector would require a constitutional change, Chapelski said. Canada follows international shipping safety standards, whereas the United States tends to do “its own parallel thing.” For shipping companies, the additional requirements demanded by some U.S. states are a headache. “For the rest of the world you comply with MARPOL, the international convention on vessel response plans,” Chapelski said. “Then if you go into the United States you also have to comply with Washington State and Alaska and California. “The vessel response plans are pages and pages long, dealing with everything from salvage to firefighting, and they’re very, very extensive plans that
they have to come up with to satisfy both the United States requirements and the international requirements.” Most ships that ply Canadian waters also travel through U.S. waters, and therefore are compliant with state and federal U.S. regulations, as well as Canada’s, Chapelski said. In a 2013 report, Transport Canada’s tanker safety review panel said there are major deficiencies in Canada’s oil spill response regime. The panel didn’t recommend following the lead of U.S. jurisdictions but said the current “rigid, national structure that fails to account for the different risks that exist along our expansive coastline” is the biggest problem. The panel recommended adopting an approach to spill response planning that would provide more flexibility and considerations of regional conditions. The model will also “incorporate scientific information to inform appropriate decisionmaking,” according to Transport Canada. A pilot project has been started on the southern coast of B.C., a Transport Canada spokesperson wrote in an email. So far a risk assessment contract has been tendered and “initial efforts on data acquisition and method-
ology development are ongoing.” Aside from the legal requirements for oil spill response plans, former Canadian diplomat Robert Hage believes there are lessons Canada can learn from Alaska’s response to the Exxon Valdez spill. Hage studied the two regional citizens’ councils that were set up in Alaska following the disaster; they continue to operate today. “It’s effective at getting people who would be most affected by spills and [tanker] traffic to have some sort of voice in the process,” Hage said. “They do studies, they get money from the government, they get money from the pipeline companies.” The councils provide recommendations to government and industry and generally act as another “independent … analytical voice,” Hage said. Canada has six similar regional councils, with one on the West Coast, but the contrast with how the Alaskan councils operate is striking. “Just trying to find out something about them [is difficult],” Hage said of the Canadian councils. “It’s run by the government, they do the appointments, there are no websites — what do they do?”
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Grandview group wants spot rezoning halted DEVELOPING STORY Naoibh O’Connor
noconnor@vancourier.com
The Grandview-Woodland Area Council is calling for a 10-year moratorium on spot rezoning in the neighbourhood. The group sent a letter outlining its position to the City of Vancouver-funded Citizens’ Assembly, which is working on developing recommendations for Grandview-Woodland’s community plan. GWAC asks the Citizens’ Assembly to include a “strong direction” for a moratorium in its final report. GWAC members argue the city has used spot rezoning in neighbourhoods such as Mount Pleasant to “circumvent local area plans and introduce development projects very different than those envisaged by community plans” and that spot rezoning has
been used to allow large condominium towers. “The Citizens’ Assembly’s final report and recommendations have not been issued yet, so obviously GWAC has no position on whether it supports or not the report and any or all of the recommendations it may contain,” the letter states. “However, it is GWAC’s view, that once a community plan has been adopted by the City, after the extensive Assembly process and the numerous public consultation meetings within the community, the City should not then invalidate the adopted Community Plan in an adhoc manner by the use of spot-zoning.” Rachel Magnusson, the assembly’s chair, told the Courier the 48-member assembly will consider the letter. “It’s something the Citizens’ Assembly is already thinking about, I think, and so they’ll take that letter under advisement,” she said. “And I’m sure there will be discussion about it at their
Jim Fraser and other members of the Grandview-Woodland Area Council want a 10-year moratorium on spot rezoning included in recommendations being drafted by the Citizens’ Assembly. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
next meeting. In their current neighbourhood-wide recommendations there is some language about spot rezoning but they haven’t
finalized that yet.” The assembly meets Saturday to continue working on updating the latest draft of the neighbourhoodwide recommendations.
(An older draft is posted online.) Magnusson expects the new document will be posted online in time for discussion and debate at the third public round table set for May 5. Jim Fraser, a GWAC spokesman and a Grandview Woodland resident for 40 years, said its members likely have varying opinions on the Citizens’ Assembly. Some sit on the Citizens’ Assembly, some have been participating in the city-led workshops being held in conjunction with the assembly, others have decided not to participate. Some are also members of the group Our Community Our Plan, which has been critical of the assembly. GWAC doesn’t have an official position and Fraser suspects it will likely wait until the final draft recommendations are out to comment. Fraser said there was debate about whether to send the letter now or not. “Because the CA is coming up with recommendations, is in the process of
drafting the recommendations now, the sense was we wanted to make our view on spot rezoning known,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it’s the big issue, but I think it’s a big issue and the rationale is in the letter. To clarify, there’s two levels of issues. One is what the plan or what the recommendations for the neighbourhood are when they finally draft them — and there may be issues about those recommendations that are big issues, or not. But then there’s another one. Once the plan is in place, one doesn’t want the city then invalidating or abrogating the plan and saying well, yeah, this is what the CA did and people accept it or not. But we’re just going to rezone something else — that’s the issue around spot rezoning. So it’s almost, in my mind, a higher level issue than what the recommendations of the CA are.” The Citizens’ Assembly’s final report and recommendations will be presented to city council in June.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
Community
Video your favourite recipe to win Cooking video contest held B.C.-wide
Martha Perkins Meghan Pritchard was about four years old when she got her first cooking lesson, not that she would have thought it was anything so formal. For her, baking muffins with her grandmother was something fun to do — and it had delicious results. “It felt really special to have someone focus on me and show they cared about me,” says the community health specialist. Pritchard is an advocate of the province-wide Hands On Cook Off, a video-based contest that encourages young people to discover their inner chef. The premise is simple: choose a recipe that you love to cook, find someone to cook it with, film your three-minute video and submit your entry between April 15 and May 15. There are two categories: inter-generational and youth. Pritchard recognizes that in today’s busy world, find-
Tasty together
If you want to start cooking with the young people in your life, Better Together has some easy-to-make — and super healthy — recipes to try. Here’s a sample:
Apple, Cheddar and Tuna Melt 170 g tin tuna, drained 1 Tbsp (15 mL) mayonnaise 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon juice ¼ cup (50 mL) celery, diced ¼ cup (50 mL) red onion, diced 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped into small cubes fresh ground black pepper sourdough baguette ¾ cup (175 mL) cheddar cheese, grated Hawskworth’s David Hawksworth, here cooking with his son, is one of the judges for a province-wide cooking video contest.
ing time to cook together can be a challenge. The key is to plan ahead, she says, but, more importantly, it’s to recognize that the goal is more than just the end result. “Cooking together is a great family time,” she says. “It puts you in the same room, talking to each other, and while you’re learning
about cooking, you’re also learning about each other.” And just as cooking binds family members and friends together, the contest’s video archive is a way of creating a communal kitchen across the province. The contest judges are David Hawskworth of Hawksworth Restaurant,
Vitamin Daily editor Sarah Bancroft, Little Locavore blogger Liam Lewis, Barb Finley, executive director of Project CHEF: Cook Healthy Edible Food, Global TV dietician Melodie Yong and B.C. Dairy Association dietician Rola Zahr. Go to bettertogetherbc.ca/contest for details.
Place tuna in medium-sized bowl. Add mayonnaise (you may want a little more than my desired amount), lemon juice, red onion, celery and apple. Grind the pepper in to taste. Combine well. Slice 8 slices from the baguette, about 1/2 –inch (1 cm) thick. Cover baguette slices with the mixture, then sprinkle each slice with the cheddar cheese. Place rack on top portion of oven and turn on broiler. Place the slices on a cookie sheet and put under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. You want your cheese to be bubbly and brown but not burnt, and you want the slices to be warmed through.
LDFotoCon
Metro Vancouver’s Consumer Photography Show Expositions and presentations from London Drugs and
West Broadway
525 West Broadway Vancouver, British Columbia
Saturday, May 02, 2015 9:00am - 5:00pm
Coquitlam Centre
2929 Barnet Highway Coquitlam, British Columbia
Saturday, May 09, 2015 9:00am - 5:00pm For details go to www.londondrugs.com/ldfotocon Register for FREE today. Limited seating. Dates and times are subject to change. Listed vendors may not be at all event locations.
Visit ldfotocon by scanning this QR code with your phone or tablet.
londondrugs.com
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram #LDFotoCon
Last year, 173 B.C. workers died. Now, 173 families mourn. Let’s make our workplaces safer. Tuesday, April 28 For information about events in your area, visit dayofmourning.bc.ca
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Chloe and Skylar Sinow are practising their pitch for their taping of the Dragons’ Den TV show next week. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
Youth no barrier for kid entrepreneurs
Pasta sauce makers ready to pitch to Dragons’ Den Shannon Lynch
shannon_17_2@hotmail.com
The name of their company says it all: Kids Can Cook Gourmet. For siblings Skylar Sinow, 12, and his sister Chloe, 10, being a kid isn’t a detriment to entrepreneurship and success. Next week, they hope to prove that even further when they pitch their growing pasta sauce enterprise during a taping of the Dragons’ Den TV show in Toronto. “We’re super excited that we actually made it on,” said Skylar. Their venture started last year on a year-long family trip to Europe in their camper van “Pippa.” As part of their homeschooling, the pair focused on their passions — Skylar’s is cooking and younger sister Chloe likes business planning. They visited open air markets and tasted fresh food while visiting their aunt and uncle who live in Germany. “We were able to learn about cooking all along the way,” said Skylar. “I got really inspired by all the fresh markets and tasting different foods everywhere.” After selling their own business, Skylar and
Chloe’s parents helped cultivate their kids’ marketing and business skills. Watching her parents come up with a new business idea got Chloe excited. “I thought that was really fun, so I started businessplanning my own stuff,” she said. “And then when Skylar started developing food, it kind of developed into a business plan.” Back in Canada, they sold their food at local markets and craft fairs while fundraising for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Cook for the Cure. Word spread that the pair made good sauce and demand for it grew, eventually leading them to market it through local grocery stores, including Stong’s Market on Dunbar Street, their first client. The duo’s sauce is unique because it’s completely kid-created and uses fresh, local, nonGMO ingredients. “There’s no other ‘for kids, by kids’ pasta sauce on the market,” said Skylar. “We really want to support the new trend of farm-to-table and different food trends.” Stong’s is giving Skylar and Chloe a send-off April 25 where their pasta sauces will be for sale. Five per
cent of the sales will go to Vancouver Food Bank and Growing Chefs, a local charity aimed at educating children and families about healthy eating. Giving back is something the two said they “really believe in.” Stong’s store manager Louis Campbell said he’s excited to have them promote their three kinds of sauces: tomato basil, marinara and creamy tomato, because their background in the food industry “goes a long way.” “Plus they’re local which is fantastic,” he added. “And they’re really two nice little kids.” Skylar and Chloe were the first kids to approach Campbell with an actual product to sell, and he liked that they were from the neighbourhood. “It’s a feel-good story for our community and Stong’s is just happy to be a part of it.” Skylar and Chloe are entering the Dragons’ lair with the help of celebrity restaurateur and Dragons’ Den member Vikram Vij, who has been their mentor. Vij told them about the upcoming episode, and the siblings entered not believing they’d make it on. Success hasn’t come easily. Skylar said the biggest challenges have
been balancing work with homework, getting their names heard and dealing with resistance because of their age. “It’s kind of hard to overcome some of the downer people who say, oh we’re just kids, we can’t do anything.” But they haven’t let it discourage them, and Skylar said that every spare minute they get, they’re working. To prepare for the taping next week, Skylar and Chloe are practising their elevator pitch almost daily and trying to promote their products in different stores. Chloe said their friends are cheering for them. “A lot of them are really excited for us,” she said. “And to see our product in stores they’ll be able to say, I know those people.” Skylar and Chloe hope to build a good team for their company and get more kids into the kitchen. Chloe said they want to show what kids are capable of and that not only grownups can be successful. “This product is building a movement to a healthier lifestyle and that kids can do this. It’s not only adults that have the ability to create businesses and do stuff.” Twitter.com/shannon1726
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
Opinion
Dance party the new morning routine
Planners look to the street for guidance
Jessica Barrett Columnist
Michael Geller Columnist
jessica.barrett@gmail.com
Paul Hennessey’s studio on Industrial Avenue has the kind of rustic-meets-utilitarian features that would make a condo marketer salivate. The exposed beams, polished concrete floor and sprawling back patio overlooked by derelict train tracks and a graffiti panorama are the stuff developers could only dream of. But this isn’t the work of a slick marketing machine selling “urban authenticity” or “edgy cool.” Hennessey has restored this space through his own elbow grease and initiative. In the process, he’s breathed new life into a building that has a notorious history among certain circles in Vancouver. People into the electronic music scene will know it as the former Submerged Studios, before that, The Grove. “They used to have raves here, like full on, all weekend,” explains Hennessey, a native Torontonian who spent nearly a decade in the B.C. Interior before moving to Vancouver a couple years ago. In taking over the space, he learned of the darker parts of its history. It held some upstanding events, for sure, but it was also the site of more than a couple drug overdoses and run-ins with the law. “It was really nasty in here, it had this crazy stench and this crazy energy.” Now, Hennessey’s no raver hater. In fact, the 34-year-old is a huge fan of electronic music, as evidenced by the bass and beats flowing from speakers as he takes me on a tour. And it’s his love of music and dance more commonly reserved for underground clubs that he’s hoping to share with a more, shall we say, diverse crowd. His offering is Morning Special, a weekday dance party held in the early morning to get the blood and creativity flowing for people who love to dance but also need to function at their 9-to-5. (In true Vancouver style, there will also be an optional yoga practice and a “super food” buffet.) “The morning party idea came up a few times,” says Hennessey. “The real basis for it is that a lot of experiences that I’ve had that are kind of standout in terms of music and socializing, they happen when I’ve been sober or, like, when I’ve had good rest.” And not to knock the nightclub crowd but “it kind of brings out a different
level of playful energy when you’re not surrounded by a bunch of waste-cases spilling beer on you.” While similar parties in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles have been getting major press lately, Hennessey said he first heard of them happening in London more than three years ago. It’s not surprising the trend appears to have originated in Europe, where, unlike in North America, it’s acceptable for people in their 30s, 40s or — gasp — older to continue going out to dance, socialize and listen to music as they age. In North America, we tend to view the practice of “partying” as something reserved only for people who have not yet reached, or failed to reach, the hallmarks of adulthood like, say, having a stable relationship or a job. But Hennessey, and I agree with him, doesn’t see that happening in Vancouver. This city benefits from a rich electronic music community that grew out of the initial rave scene of the 1990s and has exploded with the recent global resurgence of dance music. Social dance in our modern world is set almost exclusively to house, techno and the like. That, combined with Vancouverites’ tendency to prioritize play over work, means many members of the generation that came of age in the era of rave are reluctant to swear off the dance floor — even if, like Hennessey, they are no longer able or content to sleep their weekends away. However, not everyone straddling the line between young and, um, no-longerso-young, is ready to trade in staying up to the wee hours in favour of waking up at that time. Hennessey’s first two morning parties, held in December and February, were on weekends but he found that excluded the people that still wanted to hit the clubs on Saturday night. Moving Morning Special to a weekday will, he hopes, welcome that crowd as well those who perhaps feel they’ve aged out of the dance scene or simply don’t do clubs. No matter who shows up, I think it’s brilliant to offer dance events that can mature along with the party crowd because I’m one to leave it all on the dance floor and I don’t plan to grow out of that any time soon. Morning Special takes place April 29 from 6 to 10 a.m. at 390 Industrial Ave. Tickets $20/$30 from brownpapertickets. com. twitter.com/jm_barrett
The week in num6ers...
9
The number of commendations received by incoming Vancouver police chief Adam Palmer over his 28 years with the force.
26 10
In thousands, the number of yellow gumballs included in a new exhibition running until September at the Museum of Vancouver.
The number of years the Granview-Woodland Area Council wants for a moratorium on spot rezoning.
michaelarthurgeller@gmail.com
Last week, approximately 200 British Columbia planners gathered in Seattle’s beautiful Washington State Convention Centre. They were attending the Annual Conference of the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) that was appropriately titled “Beyond Borders.” They were meeting in Seattle since the American Planning Association is holding its national conference there this week, and organizers hoped some planners would be able to attend both events. I was invited to participate in a panel discussion on Planners as Developers, something I often advocate, since the skills planners learn at school and in professional practice can make them creative and effective developers. While I doubt whether I managed to convince many to leave their current positions, I was told I did shed light on the oftentimes differing attitudes of planners and developers, and the benefits of improved mutual understanding and respect. The conversations that took place in the sessions and in the corridors between sessions will fill many future columns. I would like to start with the “Untapped Power of the Street” and “Ethics and Professionalism in Planning.” The opening plenary session featured Janette Sadik-Khan, a former commissioner with the New York City Department of Transportation and now a transportation principal with Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consulting service for city governments. She was instrumental in converting many downtown New York streets from what SFU City Program Director Gordon Price calls “motordom” to a new focus on pedestrians, cyclists and public transit. She noted that at the turn of the last century, streets were extensions of sidewalks and storefronts, but cars changed everything in the 1920s. However, anyone who has recently visited New York can attest to the dramatic shift that has taken place as vehicle lanes have been converted back to bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks and inviting public open spaces. In addition to making New York a much more delightful place to be in, pedestrian and motorist injuries have dropped dramatically and the initiative has been good for nearby businesses. It is ironic that many Vancouver businesses worry the opposite will happen.
37
The number of days remaining until Elections B.C.’s cutoff to collect mailed-in votes on the transit and transportation plebiscite.
A related success is New York’s bikeshare program, funded entirely without public subsidy. Today the city has 7,000 bikes and hopes to have 25,000 in the future. However, Sadik-Khan noted that of 35 successful bike-share programs in the world, none have a mandatory bike helmet law. As long as Vancouver has this law, we will never have a successful program. As Sadik-Khan showed pictures of wide, congested New York streets being converted to beautiful landscaped boulevards full of cyclists, pedestrians and transit, I could not help but think of Kingsway and so many other Vancouver streets that need to be put on a diet. The plenary session was followed by a sobering session during which a panel of senior planners and a municipal lawyer explored how best to balance planners’ ethical, professional and employment responsibilities to avert or resolve potential conflicts. Attendees were invited to anonymously submit questions and concerns. Many dealt with the issue identified in my column last week, namely the desire by municipal administrations and politicians to override good planning decisions in order to maximize financial benefits or other community amenities. Planners in attendance complained that oftentimes they were requested by their administrations or politicians to alter professional recommendations. While they acknowledged this might be appropriate when there was additional information unknown to them, too often the requests contravened what they considered good planning. The panel cautioned attendees that if they did not comply with PIBC’s ethical code when carrying out their professional responsibilities, they could be brought before the institute’s disciplinary committee. Complaints could be instigated by another member, a client, a neighbourhood group or the public, and the Planning Institute itself. Attendees were cautioned not to sign-off on reports with which they did not feel professionally comfortable. Given the increased incidence of planners feeling pressured to make inappropriate decisions, it was concluded that it may be time for PIBC to establish an advisory board comprised of senior professionals to which conflicted planners could confidentially bring ethical and professional challenges. Hopefully this will occur since it could result in better planning decisions around the province, and especially in Vancouver. twitter.com/michaelgeller
1
The number of Ukrainian arts and culture festivals that have been held in Vancouver. The event made its debut Saturday in Strathcona.
39
In thousands, the approximate number of people who participated in the Vancouver Sun Run on Sunday.
W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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Inbox LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Harper and environmental protection like oil and water
CO U R I E R A R C H I V E S T H I S D A Y I N H I S T O R Y
Canucks win Smythe Division title
April 22, 1982: Left winger Darcy Rota scored two goals in the second period and goaltender Richard Brodeur continued to stand on his head to help the Vancouver Canucks to a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings and the Smythe Division championship title at Pacific Coliseum. Vancouver, with a record of 7-1 in the team’s first appearance in the post-season, finished off the Kings four games to one. The Canucks were up by 2-1 after the first period and Rota scored at 3:50 of the second to make it 3-1. Jim Nill, who had opened the scoring for the Canucks, picked up an errant clearing pass in the corner and passed it to Rota, who then beat goalie Mario Lessard with a backhander. Kings defenceman Larry Murphy made it 3-2 with 37 seconds remaining in the period, but Rota restored the two-goal cushion with 11 seconds remaining, stealing the puck deep in the Kings’ end and firing a sharp angle shot that beat Lessard on the short side for his fourth goal of the playoffs. Canucks winger Curt Fraser put the game out of reach at 1:25 of the final period, combining with Stan Smyl and Thomas Gradin to end the game 5-2. The Canucks, who were 11-1-1 since Roger Neilson took over for suspended head coach Harry Neale, had lost a game only once — a 3-2 setback in overtime in Game 2 of the series against L.A. — in their last 17 games. They went on to face the Chicago Blackhawks for the Campbell Conference title en route to their first appearance in the Stanley Cup finals. ADVERTISING
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Re: “Spill might be bigger than expected,” April 17. “World class” is how Industry Minister James Moore describes Canada’s oil response capabilities following the oil spill that fouled the waters and shoreline of English Bay. When criticism was levelled at federal agencies around the inadequate response time and communications breakdown with municipal authorities, Moore brushed aside critics and bragged about the efficiency of the Coast Guard’s clean-up. It seems the public, however, is not buying his duplicitous spin. In fact, the outrage of residents along our local beaches is palpable. It is obvious to Vancouverites that the Harper government has little regard for safeguarding our marine environment. In 2012, they brought in sweeping changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act that removed federal protection for tens of thousands of our nation’s treasured rivers, lakes and oceans. They have carefully managed the proceedings of the National Energy Board to meet the demand by the oil industry to pipe bitumen to ports on the Pacific and then ship the unrefined crude through our pristine coastal waterways. They have even sought to save chump change by unapologetically closing the Kitsilano Coast Guard base, thereby undermining the speed in which first responders can deal with environmental emergencies in our local waters. The Conservatives consider environmental protection as a hindrance to attracting global investment and enhancing corporate earnings. They largely ignore the reality of climate change and thwart the environmental research of federal scientists. They have a burning contempt for anyone, including our mayor, premier and even the current American president, who gets in the way of their blind determination to maximize the profits buried in the sands of northern Alberta. However, there may be a silver lining underneath the toxic oily sheen floating on the surface of English Bay. The spill may serve as a catalyst to mobilize an angry electorate on the west coast fed up with the likes of Minister Moore and the rest of his uncaring colleagues in the Harper Government. Voters in the next election may instead be inspired to support candidates for Parliament from British Columbia deeply committed to protecting our fragile ecosystem. Conor Murphy, Vancouver
•••
The Coast Guard Commissioner’s comment about the closed Kits station
Barry Link
ddhaliwal@vancourier.com
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Cross over Kudos & Kvetches’ opinions on Easter
Re: “Easter is the worst,” April 3. I don’t know who wrote the article, in the Arts and Entertainment section of your April 3 edition, entitled “Easter is the worst” but it surely demands a response. I have never written a response to anything that I have read in a newspaper before, but you really got me on this one. What is written is beyond belief. How could anyone write such drivel and then have it printed in a newspaper. I would cancel the newspaper, but it is delivered to my house for nothing. I suppose that is the “cross that I must bare.” The most astonishing part of the article is that it was printed and sent out to the public by the Courier. Surely it does not represent the views of the publisher, editor and staff. Yet someone wrote it. Bruce A. McTavish, Vancouver
ONLINE COMMENTS What they need is an adult education
Re: “VSB considers cuts to adult education,” April 17 For some adults it is not just learning something new and interesting, it is the last chance to find their place in society and to be useful for it. The story of this man amazed because he is so strong to quit his terrible addictions and come back to the classroom. We have to find the way to help these learners. Writing papers can seem really difficult for them now, moreover most of them have to work. When I was a graduate student bringing up two kids, topnotch essay writing sites were a great help. Megan Hallang, via Comments section
Using the wrong lane
Re: “Politicos unite against life in the fast lane,” online only. One little correction: there is no “fast lane.” There is a driving lane and a passing lane. Ian Tootill, via Twitter
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FLYER SALES
Dee Dhaliwal
never providing environmental response was responded to by Frederick E. Moxey, the former commander of the now-closed Kitsilano Coast Guard station: “All the officers and crew at Kitsilano were trained and had responded to oil spills as well as search and rescue. For her to say that is just false and I will sign an affidavit declaring the fact we were and had been called to respond to spills often.” The Kits station had a specialized pollution response vessel and two other boats, with access to enough booms to surround the freighter in an hour rather than the almost 13 hours it took the private company. Stephen Chessor, Vancouver
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
Community 1
A sampler of Ukrainian culture Debut festival opens door to the curious CITY LIVING Rebecca Blissett
rvblissett@gmail.com
2
3
1. Artist Tetiana Zaruba showed student Savannah Walling Ukrainian bead jewelry-making techniques during Saturday’s workshop as part of the weekend’s first Ukrainian Arts & Culture Fest at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Strathcona. 2. Savannah Walling worked on a loom. 3. Beverly Dobrinsky, centre, led the “bilij holos” or “pure voice” folk style of singing during her workshop as part of the weekend’s inaugural event. 4. Traditional Ukrainian bead jewelry features patterns that are not unlike those of Canadian aboriginal bead jewelry. See photo gallery online at vancourier. com. PHOTOS REBECCA BLISSETT
New faces were mixed in with the familiar ones at Tetiana Zaruba’s Ukrainian bead jewelry workshop as part of the past weekend’s Arts & Culture Fest, and that had organizers’ faces beaming. “You can talk about growing as an organization and if we don’t move outside these four walls … then you don’t grow,” said Debbie Karras, one of the people behind the first-ever festival at the Strathcona Ukrainian Cultural Centre. “So that’s why I think it’s really beautiful to see all the different faces.” It sums up why the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians decided to host the weekend of culture which was made up of a sampler selection of workshops that also included a Ukrainian folksong workshop with Beverly Dobrinsky, making pysanky — Ukrainian Easter eggs — with Joan Brander, an instrumental class with Jeffrey Chow of the Vancouver Folk Or-
chestra, and, everybody’s favourite, a perogy lunch. Food has always been used by many cultures as a way of welcoming others into a community and Ukrainian Canadians are no different. “People have long come to the perogy lunches because it’s food and people love comfort food,” said fellow organizer Laurel Lawry of the hall’s frequent open door lunches. “People are familiar with us because we put on so many lunches, but they don’t know how to connect with us beyond that. So we decided to put on workshops to compliment the perogy lunch. People have been so curious about the culture, arts and crafts and so on… it’s said to us that there’s an interest beyond perogies and hopak.” Signing up for the association’s reputable dance school to learn the 16th century dance is too big an undertaking for those looking for a taste of the culture, Lawry acknowledged, hence the twohour long workshops. It gave people the opportunity to connect with their Ukrainian roots, no matter how distant, as well an opportunity for those with
no connection other than curiosity of what goes on behind the 87-year-old building’s doors. Part of that interest, Lawry added, likely comes from awareness of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. For Lawry and Karras, who are third and second generation Ukrainian respectively, sharing the culture’s food and culture is inherently part of what being Ukrainian is all about. “Hearing the music brings back such warm memories,” said Lawry. Karras agreed: “We used to have parties at our house and people would come for these huge dinners. The first thing that came out after dinner was the sitar and we’d sit around at the table and sing. “My theory is culture grounds people and in an organization where you have to learn how to interact with seniors and the very young — I mean, what a nurturing environment!” added Karras. “And where traditions are passed from one generation to the next generation, not only are they passed along but they are continuing. There’s a tie that spans all generations.” twitter.com/rebeccablissett
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W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
Green ThIngS come to tHosE who WAit THE VANDUSEN PLANT SALE
APRIL 26
10am - 4pm
at VanDusen Botanical Garden 5251 Oak St. at West 37th Avenue
vandusengarden.org
Join us at the lower mainland’s largest plant sale, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the VanDusen Botanical Garden. All proceeds go to the Garden in support of its education program. THOUSANDS OF PLANTS, NO ADMISSION FEES.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
urbansenior
Vancouverites dig into Earth Day
Events held at Everett Crowley Park, Commercial Drive CALENDAR Deanna Cheng
dmwcheng7@gmail.com
Champlain Heights
Come out to Vancouver’s fifth largest park and celebrate Earth Day at Everett Crowley Park. The worldwide holiday was born one spring day in 1970 after public concern about the deterioration of Earth’s environment was ignited and more than 20 million people marked the event with protests demanding measures to protect the environment. Vancouver joins a half billion people in 174 countries all over the world to promote
global environmental awareness and protect the planet’s vital resources. The Everett Crowley Park Committee invites Vancouverites to help them plant a thousand native trees and join in on family fun with geocaching. Lindsey Long Legs, a stilt-walking entertainer, transform himself into a long-legged Great Blue Heron and Raven the Trickster in a performance for your amusement. The entrance to Everett Crowley Park is off Kerr Street near East 63rd Avenue, three blocks south of Champlain Mall. This Earth Day event is April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, visit earthdayvancouver.org.
Commercial Drive
The annual Earth Day Parade, March and Festival will draw students and adults out for a day of celebration and learning. There will be speakers, workshops, NGO tents, entertainment and musical performances. Vision Vancouver Coun. Andrea Reimer will be one of the speakers present. This event is to emphasize the desire for urgent action on a variety of issues with a focus on local issues such as tar sand tankers, pipelines and fracking. Check out this activity
on April 26 on Commercial Drive. For more information, visit earthdayparade.ca.
Downtown
Voices of the Street, Megaphone magazine’s annual literary edition, celebrates its fifth anniversary with another night of storytelling and reading for this year’s issue. There will be a special musical guest and refreshments, courtesy of SFU Woodwards. The event is held at SFU Woodwards World Art Centre, 149 West Hastings St. on May 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets available now. For more information,
visit megaphonemagazine. com/vots.
Kitsilano
Kits Space is offering free yoga on Earth Day, inviting Vancouverites of all ages to bring their downward dog to Kitsilano Beach Park. It will be a Hatha Flow class and no previous experience is necessary. To join the class, all you need is a mat or beach towel. It happens at Kitsilano Beach, the grassy area between the swimming pools and the tennis courts, on April 22 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Shaughnessy
South Granville Seniors
Centre, 1420 West 12th Ave., hosts the Fifth Annual Seniors Multicultural Festival on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This free event shares the rich cultural diversity that exists within the community. Cultural groups will showcase their traditions through music, dance and food. Guests will also have the opportunity to connect with First Nations, urban Aboriginals and immigrant communities at 2:30 p.m. The food is available at minimal cost. For more information, contact Tania at info@ southgranvilleseniors.ca or call 604-732-0812. twitter.com/writerly_dee
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W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
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urbansenior Vote Yes for healthy aging SOAPBOX
Heather McKay Not long ago, I had a compelling conversation with one of the more than 300,000 seniors living in Metro Vancouver. Until recently, this spirited 80-year-old gentleman had been functioning well in his own home. Every day, he’d walk to an outdoor bench nearby to connect with people, enjoy the fresh air or just sit and watch the world go by. But one day he found the bench gone; it had been moved further away and he could no longer
manage the walk. The disappearance of that bench initiated a downward spiral. He became completely sedentary, his health and wellbeing eventually deteriorating to the point where he had to move to an assisted-living facility. This was just a bench, but for one elderly man it was literally a lifeline. His experience underlined for me the importance of voting “yes” in the upcoming transportation referendum, the importance of investing in a community that inspires and enables people to be active — and to stay active, especially in light of changing demographics. In less than 20 years, it’s estimated there will be nearly one million seniors 65 or older living in Metro Vancouver alone. Imagine Surrey, Burnaby and New Westminster populated entirely of seniors, some unable to drive and others needing walkers and mobility scooters. It’s an astounding shift with enormous long-term
social and public health implications. In fact, providing adequate, healthy transportation options for today’s aging population — and tomorrow’s — just may be the most important health issue facing Metro Vancouver residents in our lifetime. At the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility where our research focuses on healthy aging, the evidence is clear. We know the chances of remaining healthy for longer are related to reduced sedentary behaviours, moving more and to living in a healthy community — with accessible bus stops, frequent buses, protected bike paths, safe pedestrian walkways and plenty of benches and rest stops. I’ve seen the pattern time and again. Active, independent seniors who lose the means to stay active — whether that means walking, cycling or using public transit — can very quickly become isolated, depressed and vulnerable to illness. Continued on page 16
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
urbansenior Seniors’ health issues are a critical regional issue Continued from page 15 The decline in their health can be swift and severe and, for too many, ends in residential care. On the flip side, I’ve seen another pattern, too. Given the means to stay active, seniors will take full advantage. In a recent study of physical activity in Metro Vancouver, for example, we were surprised to learn just how many people in their 60s and 70s living in the West End cycled. But then that’s what happens when a community is designed to get people moving. They move, stay connected and engaged — and live longer, healthier lives. A Yes win means more frequent all-day bus service; 80 per cent more night bus service; sidewalk and street improvements at or near bus stops and train stations; 300 kilometres of fully protected bike paths; and 30 per cent more HandyDART service for those with specialized mobility needs.
Funded by the modest increase in sales tax, the Mayors’ Transportation Plan is visionary and comprehensive. Seventy per cent of Metro Vancouver residents will be within five minutes of a well-maintained bus stop, with bus service every 15 minutes. And for many older adults in our communities, that means not being housebound. It means independence. It means continued engagement in a civic, social and community life and a vital connection to the human interactions necessary for health, wellbeing and quality of life. There’s a lot riding on how we vote in this referendum. Vancouver’s a stunningly beautiful place to live. Together, let’s make it a good place to grow up—and grow old. Dr. Heather McKay is a professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Family Practice at UBC. She is also the director of the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility.
“Providing adequate, healthy transportation options for today’s aging population — and tomorrow’s — just may be the most important health issue facing Metro Vancouver residents in our lifetime,” writes Dr. Heather McKay. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
Give your portfolio some curb appeal. an investment rental property could be your source of greater returns. With today’s low interest rates and uncertain market conditions you may be looking at ways to diversify your portfolio. Our strong real estate values and a hot rental market make investing in rental properties very appealing. Explore your mortgage options with our expert advisors. We offer highly competitive rates and very flexible terms to ensure you have an affordable solution to meet your needs. BlueShore Financial. Be richly valued.
The Own
to Rent
MORTGAGE
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
PERFORMER
What performers are where at Carnival Days 2015!
Most events happen Saturday. Check the list carefully for location and time. Majority are located along West 41st between Larch and Maple Streets, on West Boulevard and Yew Street.
Celebrating Kerrisdale Carnival Days
Price After Coupon
59
$
95
TIME
LOCATION
Bell-E-Buttons Balloon Animals
Friday Saturday
12-4pm 12-4pm
Roving Kin’s Farm Market, 2215 W. 41st
Face Painter & Balloons
Friday Saturday
12-4pm 12-4pm
RBC Royal Bank 2208 W. 41st
Soul Survivors
Friday Saturday
12-4pm 12-4pm
Under the Clock – 41st & Yew W. 41st & East Boulevard
Balloons
Fri. & Sat.
All Day
Currans of Kerrisdale 2247 W. 41st
Farmers Market Information Table
Saturday
12-4pm
North Yew St. & W. 41st
Balloons
Fri. & Sat.
All Day
BMO, 2102 W. 41st
Balloons
Saturday
All Day
Provident Security S. Yew St. & W. 41st
Balloons
Fri. & Sat.
All Day
CIBC 2288 West 41st
Balloons
Fri. & Sat.
All Day
Van City, 2380 W. 41st
Arbutus Connection Band
Saturday
12-4pm
Starbucks 2348 W. 41st
Roving Bands
Fri. & Sat.
12-4pm
Roving
PARADE!!!!
Saturday
10am
Maple to Larch Streets along W. 41st
Balloons
Friday Saturday
12-4pm 12-4pm
TD Bank 2198 W. 41st
Balloons
Friday Saturday
12-4pm 12-4pm
Regent Park Realty 2309 W. 41st
Mike Battie, Juggler
Fri. & Sat.
12-4pm
Roving
FREE Horse & Carriage Rides
Saturday
11-4pm
N. Yew St. & W. 41st
Faith & Desire Band
Saturday
12-4pm
On stage at North Yew St. & W. 41st
Balloons
Fri. & Sat.
All Day
Luxor Hair Salon 2173 W. 41st
Balloons
Fri. & Sat.
All Da y
Hills of Kerrisdale 2125 W. 41st
Huge Inflatable Slide & Balloons
Saturday
12-4pm
Provident Security S. Yew St. & W. 41st
Dixie Land Band
Fri. & Sat.
12-2pm
Roving
Half Price After Coupon
74
$
95
MENS: SHUMAKER SLIPON Available in grey and tan leather. Reg $149.95 $75 off with in-store or online coupon
WOMENS: PRIZE Available in black, teal, brown multi and chocolate berry leather. Reg $109.95 $50 off with in-store or online coupon
Celebrating Kerrisdale Carnival Days! Sevenoaks, Abbotsford 604-746-4272 Park Royal South 2145 W 41st, Kerrisdale 604-261-5305 734 Granville at Georgia 604-682-0795 2845 Granville at 12th 604-736-8183
DATE
Willowbrook, Langley Richmond Centre Semiahmoo Mall
604-922-6404 604-532-8455 Coquitlam Centre 604-944-2882 604-273-2010 Metropolis, Burnaby 604-433-1255 604-531-2152 Shop online at ronsons.ca
Coquitlam Centre 2715 Granville at 11th Guildford, Surrey Capilano Mall, North Van
604-475-7463 604-731-4550 604-580-3700 604-971-5303
2955 W. Broadway 604-733-2973 Lansdowne Centre 778-297-7189 Semiahmoo Mall 604-536-6930 Shop online at ronsons.ca
Celebrating Kerrisdale Carnival Days!
2145 W. 41st, Kerrisdale 604-261-5305 734 Granville at Georgia 604-682-0795 Richmond Centre 604-273-2010
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Kerrisdale, a haven for thrift store shoppers
W
hile Kerrisdale isn't typically the first neighbourhood that comes to mind while bargain hunting, thanks to the enclave's many wealthy residents the area's consignment and thrift stores are booming. Check out consignment shops for discounted, designer bags and shoes or hit the Salvation Army for even better bargains on everything from household items to kids' clothes to men's and women's wear. Tip: a deal-hunting diva might have a
particular item in mind while thriftstore shopping, but the key to scoring the best buys lies in keeping an open mind. Make it a day and don't forget to take a break during your marathon shopping trip with a cup of tea and a delectable treat from one of Kerrisdale's specialty cafes.
The Hob
Kerrisdale in February. Since then the store has continued offering gently used women's clothing for sale with proceeds benefitting the Vancouver Hospice Society.
Kerrisdale Salvation Army 2021 West 41st Ave. 604-261-0616
Unlike other Salvation Army thrift
stores, the Kerrisdale location has little furniture or mattresses. Instead, in reflection of the community, the shop sells a lot of fine china and British crockery, as well as both casual and designer clothing, handbags and shoes.
Continued on next page
2236 West 41st Ave. 604-733-1412
The Hospice Opportunity Boutique first opened its doors in 2006 on Dunbar Street before moving to
Above: Accessories at The Hob Below: The Hob volunteers Emilia Colabraro and Margaret Spotzl. Photos Dan Toulgoet
Drop by for a drink. You may even want to stay a while. You’re invited for a Wine & Cheese Social at Revera – Crofton Manor.
Call to RSVP today!
Wednesday, May 20th, 2pm – 4 pm Enjoy a sip, a nibble and a peek at what Revera’s all about. Join us on our beautifully landscaped courtyard to enjoy flavourful wine paired with gourmet cheese and a live musical performance by Dal Richards at our Wine & Cheese Social. Stop by to mix, mingle and meet some new friends!
Tours also available.
Crofton Manor 2803 West 41st Ave Vancouver
604-263-0921
reveraliving.com Working together to overcome ageism. Visit AgeIsMore.com
13551 11.13
Sandra Thomas sthomas@vancourier.com
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Kerrisdale, a haven for thrift store shoppers…continued SOS Children’s Village B.C. Thrift
Dragon & Phoenix Consignment
Besides clothing for the entire family, the Kerrisdale location of this popular thrift store sells everything from costumes and formal wear to surplus inventory and hardware to stationary and books. SOS Children's Villages provides loving homes for children in developing countries who have been abandoned and orphaned, where their basic needs for food, health, shelter and education are met. Tomorrow, April 23, Transat is holding an online auction with proceeds going to SOS Children's Villages. Participants will be able to bid on some of Transat's most popular European destinations, departing from seven Canadian cities. These trips will be auctioned live on Twitter using the hashtag #TransatAuction. A list of destinations and more information is available at transatauction.ca.
This Vancouver landmark, which opened in Kerrisdale in 1982, was the brainchild of owner Christine Limmer. Originally located between West 46th and 47th avenues on East Boulevard, Dragon & Phoenix quickly became popular with money and fashion-conscious Vancouverites. The clothing sold at this consignment shop is typically less than two years old, and it’s just a short drive from the heart of Kerrisdale.
2319 W 41st Ave. 604-264-0880
3510 W 41st Ave. 604-261-1317
Queenlin New and Consignment Store 5753 West Blvd. 604- 266-6226
Queenlin specializes in women's clothing only.
And while shopping take a break and stop for a cup of tea of coffee at one of these specialty shops in Kerrisdale: Faubourg Paris 2156 West 41st Ave. 604-266-2156
Besides bread, viennoiseries and pastries, delicious coffees and an exquisite array of Mariage Frères Teas, Faubourg’s selection includes several lunch options, including sandwiches and paninis made from freshly baked bread, as well as salads, homemade soup and a varying selection of quiche. As for coffee, Faubourg’s offers the finest from the award-winning Musetti roasters.
Gem Chocolates 2029 West 41st Ave. 604-263-9878 Secret Garden Tea Company
Secret Garden Tea Company
5559 West Boulevard 604-261-3070
Whether it's a single pot or the full royal treatment with high tea, the Secret Garden offers everything you need to get through a full day of shopping. Order breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or a sampling of their beautiful homemade miniature sweets and scones. Choose from a variety of specially blended teas, served steaming hot in a teapot with teacup and saucer.
Not ready to take a break from shopping, but need just a little, or big, boost to continue your day? Drop into Gems Chocolates, named one of the 2015 best chocolatiers and confectioners in the U.S. for the fourth year in a row. Gem Chocolates will also be one of only eight chocolatiers taking part in the Third Annual Gourmet Warehouse, Cocoa Barry, Vintage Corks Chocolate Challenge in support of the Strathcona Backpack Food Program and Project Chef. The event takes place May 14 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Gourmet Warehouse. Call 604-2533022 for tickets. Twitter.com/sthomas10
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Kerrisdale Cool
Adrienne Matei VITA vitamindaily.com/vita
K
errisdale may bill itself as Vancouver’s most charming neighbourhood but, off the record, it really identifies as more of a village. After all, the community was at work planting its now-enormous trees before it even joined the City of Vancouver. So, it makes sense the local atmosphere has retained a pleasant quaintness, with a plethora of small shops, cafés and tea salons—both well-established and sparklingly new—to prove it. Blake & Riley is the latter—a gorgeous children’s store where the emphasis is on design up-and-comers and MiniDressing socks printed with fox faces are too cute, Scandinavian Maze décor is unique in the city and “taxidermy” plush unicorn, bunny and giraffe heads are perfect for baby Hemingways.
Jacadi, a seaside-blue Parisian shop, has beautiful children’s clothing (anyone got a piano recital or Grade 1 grad coming up?). If it’s a teen you want to spoil, long-established Hills of Kerrisdale has palm tree-printed Skull
Cashmere sweaters, artfully destroyed Rich & Skinny denim, tiny tie-dye shorts with pompoms, farmer overalls and infinitely more styles lost on those over 30 but beloved by the rest.
Once you’ve got the kids outfitted at Blake and Riley head over to Kerrisdale Bootery, a footwear specialist open since 1949. Decades later, the store remains the go-to stop for kids and adults in Kerrisdale. But fashionistas of every age and gender will appreciate the quality and fashionable footwear, handbags and accessories available for purchase – alongside advice from the shop’s experienced staff. For the men, Andy Trott is tailored suit and shirting with old-school customer service and infinite possibilities. The bookish will delight in Hager Books and The Newsroom—the latter an expansive magazine shop like few left in the city—while gardeners will love longtime florist Thomas Hobbs, which, after 30 years, is practically an institution on West 41st. Décor nuts, meantime, should look no further than Form & Function, where tree trunks are crafted into elegant, custom furniture.
Hungry? Bufala has incredible pizza (try the chicken with buttered leeks) and Fish Café is a great spot for simple and well-prepared fresh seafood, served with garlic butter and chips (of course we mean fries). If you’re a cheese lover, you’ll adore Benton Brother’s Fine Cheese, which specializes in everything oozy, stinky, runny, salty, earthy, pungent, mild, creamy, hard or soft. Since 2007, the shop has offered an ever-changing variety of handcrafted, artisanal, small production cheeses to Vancouver. Faubourg Paris brings to the table classic patisserie and rotating monthly specials (like a passion fruit-matcha mousse cake topped with a tiny chocolate ladybug). Finally, get a ganache-stuffed fig from Gem Chocolates if you know what’s good for you. In terms of what’s coming up in Kerrisdale, we’re keeping an eye out for the imminent openings of Minerva Greek Restaurant’s new wine bar and lounge, Jinya Ramen Bar (known for amazing vegetarian ramen plus tempura Brussels sprouts) and one of our favourite local cafés, Rocanini.
Hills of Kerrisdale
Blake & Riley
Discover the Legacy Difference Legacy is a place where seniors are inspired to stay active and involved, living creative and fulfilling lives in the vibrant community of Oakridge. Let us exceed your expectations of what retirement living can be. Drop in or call us for your Discovery Tour appointment.
604.240.8550
www.legacyseniorliving.com Happy Carnival Days – Watch for us in the Parade!
611 West 41st Avenue
(across from Oakridge Centre)
The Leo Wertman Residence
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
Kerrisdale Shopping Michelle Hopkins
K
errisdale is a shopping village in the heart of one of the city’s most coveted neighbourhoods. This enclave offers a great selection of independent shops and boutiques, where people from across the Lower Mainland love to shop, eat and stroll.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Untreated hearing loss tied to lower earning potential Maximizing one’s ability to hear well should be part of any smart career strategy. Individual performance in an organization is found to be directly related to listening ability or perceived listening effectiveness. In fact, listening is one of the top skills employers seek in entry-level employees and in those being promoted. People who both hear and listen well are also more likely to establish positive working relationships with bosses, clients, and colleagues. An alarming new study by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) reveals a direct correlation between unaddressed hearing loss and earnings. The national survey, entitled “The efficacy of hearing aids in achieving compensation equity in the workplace,” clearly demonstrates that hearing loss has a significant impact on people’s ability to earn a livelihood. The study underscores how critically important it is for workers to treat hearing loss early in order to maximize their job performance and earning potential.
Whether you are looking to purchase produce for dinner, a little decadent dessert, that little black dress for that special occasion or you need window dressings for your home, Kerrisdale retail landscape is rich and diverse. Recently, Kin’s Farm Market opened its doors offering some of the freshest locally sourced vegetables and fruits. The family-owned, award-winning company has been around for decades with 30 locations across the province and Ontario. If baked goods are on your shopping list, the landmark Moore’s Bakery is where
families in Kerrisdale have been counting on for more than 80 years. As soon as you walk through the doors of Moore’s, the waft of fresh baked bread and sweets will tempt our taste buds. Kerrisdale is also home to a men and ladies branded clothing and accessory store – Hill’s of Kerrisdale. It’s been an institution here since 1914. Third generation retailers, brother and sister team of Ross and Nancy Hill, continue the legacy. Today,
According to Sergei Kochkin, PhD, author of the study: “The real tragedy in delaying hearing loss treatment is that when left unaddressed, hearing loss negatively affects individuals and their families for the rest of their lives in the form of lost wages, lost promotions, lost opportunities, lost retirement income, and unrealized dreams. But when people with even mild hearing loss use hearing aids, they improve their job performance, increase their earning potential, enhance their communication skills, improve their professional land interpersonal relationships, stave off depression, and improve their quality of life.”
With Miracle-Ear, You’ll Hear Everthing… Even The Things You’re Not Supposed To! Call to Schedule your Free Hearing Screening Today!
Vancouver
170-809 W. 41st Ave
604-227-5620
Hearing aids do not restore natural hearing. Individual experiences vary depending on severity of hearing loss, accuracy of evaluation, proper fit and ability to adapt to amplification.
Carnival Days!
Friday & Saturday, April 24th & 25th
20
% off
ALL Vitamins & Herbals
Corner of 40th Ave. & West Boulevard Ph: 604-261-0333
www.kerrisdalepharmacy.com
Hill’s is a fashion forward vintage style shop showcased by some of the top international labels. Meanwhile, if you need to spruce up your windows, have a heirloom chair reupholstered or a slip cover made for your couch, WestSide Window Coverings is the place to go. Certified interior designer Linda Richardson opened her West 41st shop more than a decade ago and since then has beautified the homes of many who live in Kerrisdale and beyond.
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Changing soil helps control pests Be leery about using pigeon poop in the garden
Anne Marrison
amarrison@shaw.ca
Q: I started from seed indoor vegetables which I’ll be planting in containers that are still full with last year’s soil. Should I change the soil completely? Olga Toliusis, Port Coquitlam A: Since it’s just the second year you’ll have veggies in the same containers, I think you can get away with removing the top three or four inches of soil. Then you could add compost into the older soil below, mixing it in well and top that with all-fresh soil. It’s very important that you don’t plant the same vegetables in the same pot again. Peas and beans nourish the soil by fixing nitrogen and the cabbage family loves soil where the previous veggies donated some nitrogen. Where the cabbages were, root veggies will be happy.
Pests that overwinter in soil start families much faster if the same plants they fed on last year are waiting for them when they emerge again. So crop rotation is really important. Every two or three years it’s best to completely replace soil in the containers. Your compost will welcome the old soil and recycle it naturally. Ultimately the finished compost can be donated back to your veggie pots. Q: How do I apply pigeon poop to vegetable gardens? It is from my neighbour’s domesticraised birds. Is it safe to use? Lily Lau, Vancouver A: It would be safer than poop from wild birds. Wild pigeon droppings can harbour diseases and should never, ever be used on vegetables. But I have had no personal experience with
from the currant fruit fly. Can you suggest an environmentally acceptable spray or dust I can use after blossom fall? Anne Maki, Vancouver
It’s very important that you don’t plant the same vegetables in the same pot again. Peas and beans nourish the soil by fixing nitrogen and the cabbage family loves soil where the previous veggies donated some nitrogen.
pigeon droppings myself. Do you know anyone who has used poop from this particular flock of pigeons and had no problem? Perhaps your pigeon-tending neighbour knows people who garden with it and can talk to you about it. If not, you might punch into the website of the
Vancouver Poultry and Fancy Pigeon Association: vancouverfancypigeon.ca/vp fpa profile.htm A good question to ask them would be if any of their members are also gardeners and use pigeon poop on their gardens — and if so what their experience has been.
Hewer Home Hardware and Garden Centre 4459 W 10th Ave
604 224 4934
V V ista
With the purchase of any fruit tree, Sea Soil BOGO Sale get $10 off and we’ll Buy one, get one 50% off. . give you a free bag Original $6.99, Potting Mix $7.99 of Sea Soil! Sale ends April 30th, 2015. Sale ends May 17th, 2015 2nd bag must be equal or lesser value.
iew
My own feeling is that even with domestic pigeons the poop is likely to be very strong (like chicken droppings are) and would be likely to burn the vegetable roots unless it’s composted for a year before using. Q: Last year all my red currant fruit had worms
A: The safest organic way of dealing with this fly is to pick up and discard all fallen fruit into green waste (not in your compost). Worm-infested fruit tends to fall early. It’s easier to pick up if you lay plastic sheets under the bush just before the fruit begins falling. The fruit fly chrysalis overwinters in soil or grass debris under the bush. If your bushes are surrounded by soil, its best to remove the top two inches of soil or plant debris under the bush then replace with more soil or possibly bark mulch. If you repeat this each year, the number of fruit flies will gradually diminish. Anne Marrison is happy to answer garden questions. It helps if you can tell me the name of your city or region.
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@VanCourierNews all you need to know in 140 characters!
SPRING BREAKER Darren Larter, a home inspector with Solid State Inspections, checks out an electrical panel in a downtown condo this week as part of a home inspection. Spring means increased home sales and typically increased home inspections by interested buyers.
PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
Call or click before you dig
Whether you’re gardening, planting a tree or installing a fence this spring—avoid costly surprises by calling BC One Call first to get your free natural gas line location details.
Three easy steps before you dig: 1 Call: Call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886 or cellular *6886 or click bconecall.ca 2 Review: Once you receive your natural gas line location, review it before digging. 3 Clarify: If you need further clarification, call us at 1-888-822-6555 and we can explain. Know what’s below before you dig. Learn more at fortisbc.com/digsafe. FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (15-015.1 03/20)
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!
MADE IN CANADA
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Arts&Entertainment
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GOT ARTS? 604.738.1411 or events@vancourier.com
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April 22-24, 2015 1. Your guess is as good as ours as to which band will hit the stage first when heavy metal heroes Mastodon and Clutch co-headline two nights in a row at the Commodore Ballroom as part of their Missing Link tour April 23-24. Although the smart money is on Seattle’s Big Business to be the opening act both times. Tickets available at ticketmaster.ca.
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2. San Fran funnyman Al Madrigal, senior Latino correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and boyish star at the new NBC sitcom About A Boy, performs at the Comedy MIX April 23 at 8:30 p.m. and April 24 at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Details at thecomedymix.com. 3. Grammy-winning British electronic group Clean Bandit, which is famous for mixing stolen snippets of classical music into their dance tracks, class up the Commodore April 22. Tickets available at ticketmaster.ca. 4. As part of the Vancouver Public Library’s ongoing Incite series, award-winning literary heavyweight Jane Urquhart will give a free public reading from her new novel, The Night Stages, beginning at 7:30 p.m. April 22 in the main branch’s Alice MacKay room. Added bonus: her daughter Emily will also read from her new book, Beyond the Pale, a memoir inspired by her experiences raising a daughter with albinism.
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OFFER ENDS
MAY 31, 2015
Arts&Entertainment Slowpokes hamstring Sun Run KUDOS & KVETCHES
Third Night Free early booking offer BOOK YOUR SPRING OR SUMMER GETAWAY TODAY.
1 888 905 9995 | panpacificwhistler.com *FULL DETAILS ONLINE. SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY.
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$20
LAPEL PIN
Not all Sun Runners feel the need for speed. Or the need to show basic common courtesy.
Everyone is asked when they register what their estimated finishing time will be and is then placed in staggered groups released in waves with the fastest in front and the gradually slower behind them. In theory, this will allow everyone to go at their targeted pace. Unfortunately, a lot of people are idiots. As desk-bound office workers and enthusiastic supporters of the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene, we figured completing the race in an hour to an hour and 15 minutes was probably the best we could do and so chose to join the crew wearing white bibs.
While there were thousands of people ahead of us at the Georgia Street starting line on Sunday morning, there were also thousands more behind us who signed up to do it in either 1:16-1:45 or more. So it came as a surprise when a large number of “runners” began walking straight out of the gate. We initially assumed this was because some folks like to warm up by walking at first, which didn’t seem unreasonable given we’d spent the past hour standing cheek to jowl in the chilly morning shade waiting for the damn thing to start. But, as the kilometres went by and we had to
jeansday.ca
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After years of fruitlessly petitioning upper management to start our own version of the Vancouver Sun Run called the Courier Scurrier, the occasional joggers of Team K&K finally gave up and decided to take part in the popular event that every year inconveniences thousands of people living or working in the downtown core. Big mistake. We naively figured, seeing as how the Sun promotes it as “the third largest timed 10K in the world,” that trying to reach the finish line as quickly as possible would sort of be the point. For plenty of participants, not so much, although if you instead want to find out how fast you can run 10 kilometres through a gauntlet of children, leisurely strolling couples and selfiesnapping narcissists, the Sun Run offers the perfect opportunity. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with choosing to walk instead of actually run in an event where the word “run” is right there in the name, we assumed the two groups would be kept more or less separate. To be fair, it’s not really the organizers’ fault.
continuously dodge and weave past these slowmoving obstacles, it became clear not all of them were winded runners but instead dedicated walkers who butted their way to the front of the line. Either that or random people who simply joined the route midway. (It was hard to tell because official bibs are worn on the front, not the back.). Reaching the finish line soon stopped being the biggest challenge. It became suppressing the urge to elbow them in the ribs when passing, especially in the bottlenecked Cambie Street onramp near the end. Presumably these are the same people who stand side by side on escalators. Or merrily hog the fast lane on highways, which has become such a problem in B.C. that MLAs, in a rare show of bipartisanship, unanimously agreed last week to give the cops greater power to ticket drivers who aren’t using the left lane to pass. But while last Sunday’s Sun Run will surely be our last, it won’t necessarily be our last timed 10K run seeing as how we all own smartphones perfectly capable of measuring our relative success. twitter.com/kudoskvetches
$5
BUTTON
May 1 – 31, 2015 Healthy, vibrant and clean neighbourhoods start with you. Lead or join a block cleanup. All cleanup teams receive garbage bags, gloves, cleanup tools and support for leading your cleanup. Sign up today: vancouver.ca/kvs or 604-871-6544 #kvs20th
Sponsored by:
W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
Arts&Entertainment
Raresh DiMofte (left) and Mike Kopsa star in the brutally violent Pi Theatre production of Blasted.
Blasted brutally good Pi Theatre tackle Sarah Kane’s controversial play THEATRE REVIEW Jo Ledingham
joled@telus.net
Prepare to be verbally assaulted, shocked and disgusted by the late Sarah Kane’s Blasted, which premiered at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs (London) in January 1995 and is now running at Performance Works on Granville Island. The reviews back then were scathing: “this disgusting feast of filth” was the Daily Mail’s verdict while Paul Taylor of The Independent wrote that it was, “like having your whole head held down in a bucket of offal.” The Guardian’s Michael Billington dismissed it as “naïve tosh.” But Harold Pinter and Caryl Churchill rushed to the defence of what was Kane’s first play and many critics, including Billington, have recanted or to some extent softened their opinion following the 2010 Lyric Hammersmith (London) revival. This Pi Theatre production, directed by Richard Wolfe, is only the second professional production mounted in Canada and it’s easy to see why: it’s bleak, violent, harrowing and offensive. But its themes are important. Kane, who wrote only five plays before committing suicide in 1999 at the age of 28, suggests the
seeds of brutality lie within us all, that we are all capable of unimaginable cruelty. We have probably all asked ourselves if, ordered to do unspeakable things, whether there are circumstances under which we would obey those orders. The war in Bosnia was, apparently, her inspiration but the implication is that domestic violence, happening everywhere, every day, is merely one end of the spectrum, the end point of which is war and all the atrocities that entails. Kane also makes the point that our capacity for cruelty may be dormant in peacetime but is triggered by war. From the opening line, spoken by Ian, a fortysomething sleazebag journalist upon entering a high-end hotel room, “I have shat in better places than this,” the ugliness begins. And when Cate, a young woman — a bit simple — wearing a backpack, nervously follows him into the room, we know instinctively that something perverse is going to happen in this room. How do we know this? By the cocksure swagger of actor Mike Kopsa (Ian). By the nervous frailty of Cherise Clarke (Cate). By the gun Ian has holstered on his body. By the fact that, moments into the play, Kopsa is half-naked with a towel wrapped around his waist. By
Clarke’s childlike, jittery examination of the room, bouncing on the bed, smelling the bouquet of flowers. Something is definitely out of whack here unless Cate is Ian’s daughter but somehow instinctively we know this is not the case. There’s a power imbalance here and it’s not going to be pretty. The menace ramps up — way up — following a huge explosion (fantastically executed by Drew Facey and the crew) and the arrival of the Soldier (Raresh DiMofte), dressed in filthy camouflage and aiming an assault rifle at Ian. This character speaks of such appalling crimes he has committed, that I actually thought I could not hear what DiMofte was saying. Later, upon reading the script, I realized I had heard every horrifying word; I simply couldn’t or wouldn’t believe my ears. DiMofte’s performance will get your hair standing on end and haunt your dreams. Some images won’t ever go away. The staging and the effects are terrific. The performances are chillingly, frighteningly real. It is a bleak, bleak vision of the present. It’s Beckett + Pinter + Tarantino and it’s not for every eye or ear. For more reviews, go to joledingham.ca. Blasted is at the Performance Works Theatre until April 25. Call 604-872-1861 or go to pitheatre.com.
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THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
Arts&Entertainment
The Museum of Vancouver gets happy
New exhibit by renowned artist Stefan Sagmeister aims to put a smile on people’s faces Cheryl Rossi
crossi@vancourier.com
Bubbles, gumballs and sugar cubes illuminate ideas about happiness at the Museum of Vancouver’s new exhibit, Stefan Sagmeister: The Happy Show, which runs April 23 to Sept. 7. You can hop on a bicycle to light one of Sagmeister’s happiness maxims in four layers of neon, step up to a frame and smile for a sensory surprise and tap a button to receive a sunshinehued card that gives you an immediate task to complete. “Find a reflection of yourself and tell it what you really think,” read the card received by the Courier Thursday afternoon. Sourcing 26,000 yellow gumballs and ensuring an entrance wall was painted the perfect yolk-toned hue may not have been the most joyful tasks for Gregory Dreicer, director
Twenty-six thousand yellow gumballs are part of the new exhibit at the Museum of Vancouver.
of curatorial and engagement for MOV, but seeing the exhibit he first saw in Chicago travel to Vancouver gives him a flush of satisfaction. “I’ve been developing exhibitions for at least 20 years and it’s one of the most engaging exhibitions I’ve ever seen,” Dreicer said. “For personal happiness, the key is relationships to other people, family, friends. But also
for urban happiness, urban wellbeing, it’s actually the same exact thing, it’s relationships between people, so that’s what got me excited about bringing it.” The exhibit reflects one man’s personal 10-year exploration of happiness, and that man, Sagmeister, is an award-winning designer whose clients include HBO, the Rolling Stones and the Guggen-
heim Museum. Sagmeister has delivered several popular TED talks on happiness and design and written multiple books. Exploring wellness, mindfulness and sex, the exhibit is interactive, playful and colourful in an attempt to connect with visitors’ intellect and emotions with infographics, video projections and interactive installations. Visitors to the museum can preview Sagmeister’s soon-to-be released documentary, The Happy Film, and see Sagmeister’s scribblings stretch down hallways, stairwells and into restrooms. The Happy Show combines art, design and sociology, dispelling longstanding myths such as folks who live in the countryside are more contented than — urban dwellers. “It’s a longstanding myth that cities are isolating places,” Dreicer said. “When sociologists have studied it, people actually form all kinds of networks in cities, the things you can’t form in the countryside. Maybe you’re not connected to your neighbours right next to you, but actually you can find groups with whom you can connect to in the city.” Vancouverites haven’t struck Dreicer as particularly lonely since he relocated from Chicago in July. He reports encountering engaged people in a city with a strong history of social activism. But Dreicer knows The Happy Show follows a 2012
“I’ve been developing exhibitions for at least 20 years and it’s one of the most engaging exhibitions I’ve ever seen.” — Gregory Dreicer survey by the Vancouver Foundation reporting an overwhelming sense of isolation among residents. “I know that there’s a lot of change going on in this city, real estate inflation, just all kinds of stuff, so I think all these changes are adding to that sense of disconnection,” Dreicer said. The Happy Show is also timely because UBC scholar John Helliwell is releasing the third edition of his World Happiness Report Thursday, the day the exhibit opens. Dreicer, who grew up in Queens, says in New York he didn’t particularly want to know the people who lived within potentially intimate proximity, but he notes the City of Vancouver is keen to see neighbours connect. “If there’s an earthquake here, knowing your neighbours actually increases your chances of survival,” Dreicer said. A companion exhibit called #makesmehappy saw 10 Vancouverites, including writer Amber Dawn, singer-songwriter Veda Hille and hip-hop artist Prevail select an
The Happy Show runs until Spet. 23 at the Museum of Vancouver.
object from the museum’s vaults that sparked happy memories, write a blurb about it and issue an immediate call to action, such as call your mother. If that doesn’t make visitors feel more engaged, the museum is hosting a series of events, some of which have already sold out, including “happy hours” about happy politics, money and happiness, and bikes and beers. Dreicer mainly hopes visitors have a good time at the exhibit, which started in Philadelphia and has been mounted in Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto and Chicago. “If they come away with one new idea about individual happiness or their relationships to others, that’s massive, that would be a massive success,” Dreicer said. “That’s why this [exhibition] is successful, it’s having the impact of making people think about their own lives.” Stefan Sagmeister: The Happy Show runs at 1100 Chestnut St. For more information, see museumofvancouver.ca. twitter.com/Cheryl_Rossi
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Sports&Recreation
GOT SPORTS? 604.630.3549 or mstewart@vancourier.com
Sharel Foisy has been gardening at the John McBride community garden for the last five years. Gardening is hard work, so be sure to exercise to prepare your body for toiling in the fields. PHOTO DAN TOULGOET
Why gardening isn’t exercise
You need exercise — endurance, strength and flexibility — in order to garden COMMIT TO FIT Darnelle Moore
darnelle@eastsidefitness.ca
I love gardening. It’s peaceful and productive. It’s rewarding and relaxing. It is art and it is science. But is it exercise? My 82-year-old motherin-law and I have this conversation at least once a year. Her claim is that gardening is her exercise. She shovels dirt, divides perennials, pulls weeds, trims trees and plants seeds. Sometimes she stays out in her garden all day. She gets tired, sweaty and a little sore — the “good” kind of sore where you feel
your muscles have been working harder than usual. There is no doubt that gardening can be a vigorous physical activity and that it’s good for you, both physically and mentally. My claim is that exercise is what humans today need to do in a deliberate, methodical way in order to be able to undertake the rigours of daily life and to fully enjoy physical pursuits such as gardening. In other words, gardening is something we need to exercise for in order to do. We need to prepare our bodies for the bending, lifting, twisting and pulling of gardening and yard work. We need to follow a gardening training plan, no matter at 22 or 82 years old!
Gardening is the goal, the peak, the season. In the off-season, that’s when physical preparation comes in. Just like training for a sport, you need to incorporate these three basic categories of exercise. The good news is that the training can be enjoyable and uncomplicated yet still effective.
of its maximum or that your effort level feels like a 6.5 or 7.5 out of 10. You should be able to talk but will have to take a breath or two during each sentence. You should do this type of training three to five days each week for a few months before gardening season begins.
Endurance
Range of Motion
Prepare your body for long days of gardening by going for long-duration walks, runs and bike rides. Spend at least 30 minutes doing these activities, but 60 minutes or more is even better. Make sure your heart is beating at a rate that is at least 65 to 75 per cent
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To avoid injury, make sure the joints of your body, such as knees, shoulders, spine, hips and so on, can move freely, the way they are supposed to. Do exercises such as yoga, Pilates, as well as dynamic warm up drills that focus on alignment of bones, activation of
supporting muscles, and movement around the joints. This type of activity can be practised all year long. It’s even a good idea to perform some of these exercises before and after a gardening session.
Strength
Strength training by lifting weights and/or using body weight as resistance will condition your muscles for the heavy work of gardening. You will be able to perform more difficult tasks such as digging out a clump of hardy perennials or shovelling and moving a few yards of top soil. You will be less likely to have aching muscles for days
afterwards. Strength training should be performed once or twice each week for a few months before gardening season begins. And as for my 82-yearold mother-in-law, she walks her dog year round and does Pilates from October through to April. She is definitely training for gardening season. Remember to ask your friendly, neighbourhood fitness professional if you need advice about the types of exercise you should be doing. Darnelle Moore is cofounder of Eastside Fitness. She believes that every body can be fit and strong. Reach her at darnelle@eastsidefitness.ca.
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