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If you’re in the Metro Vancouver area, you can find anything from dining, to shopping and other events. There’s lots to see and do in Vancouver, and you’ll find some of it here.

Construction ready to start on the Evergreen Line

Frederick Linsmeyer • January 25, 2012 • Local

Lougheed Town Centre Station

Following numerous setbacks, funding issues and debates on where rapid transit should be expanded in Metro Vancouver, the Evergreen Line is finally rolling forward.

Through years of determining how to fund the $1.4 billion line and finally settling on a controversial $0.02/Litre gas tax that was approved last year by the mayors of Metro Vancouver, the next step for the SkyTrain extension has come down to getting the land ready. The provincial government has inked deals with Pedre Contractors Ltd and Hans Demolition and Excavators to prepare the route for the elevated structure and tunnel – this includes removing existing buildings, adding/moving underground utilities and expanding existing road infrastructure.

The Evergreen Line has an anticipated completion date of mid-2016, linking Coquitlam Centre and Port Moody to the rest of the SkyTrain system through the Lougheed Town Centre station.

Source: The Vancouver Sun

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9 O’Clock Gun

Frederick Linsmeyer • January 10, 2012 • Local

Every evening, the 9 O’Clock Gun belts out a thunderous boom across Coal Harbour and through Downtown Vancouver, an act from which its name is derived.

The barrel of the 9 O’Clock Gun was cast in Woolwich, England in 1816 as a 12 pound muzzleloader. Two crests are stamped into the cannon: King George III and Henry Phipps, 1^st Earl of Mulgrave, Master-General of the Ordnance. The cannon itself does not fire any projectiles, but does still use a black powder charge which is lit electronically.

The gun arrived in Vancouver around 1894 and served as a means for nearby ships to set their chronometers as well as notifying fisherman of closings. As time keeping devices improved, the need for the cannon transformed from practical into a tourist attraction.

Located on the eastern shore of Stanley Park, the 9 O’Clock Gun is only a brisk stroll from the totem poles and faces the brilliantly lit Canada Place and downtown core.

: 9 O’Clock Gun enclosure

: 9 O’Clock Gun

: 9 O’Clock Gun firing at night

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Streetcar revival for Vancouver

Frederick Linsmeyer • September 23, 2011 • Local

The Olympic Line

Mayoral hopeful Suzanne Anton has announced an expansion of the streetcar service that runs along the heritage rail corridor on False Creek’s south shore ahead of Vancouver’s upcoming civic election.

The line would run from Granville Island east along the existing tracks through the Olympic Village, up north through Chinatown and the Downtown East Side and west to Canada Place. Future extensions would see service to Stanley Park and into Yaletown.

During the 2010 Winter Olympics, the City of Vancouver ran a demonstration line between Granville Island and the Olympic Village Canada Line station with Bombardier’s Flexity streetcars, which were brought over from Belgium. The experiment proved very popular with both locals and visitors alike.

Improving the streetcar service with links to existing Canada Line and SkyTrain service would increase access to some Vancouver’s core tourist attractions and provide a more environmentally friendly transportation option for those looking to get around.

There has been word that TransLink, Metro Vancouver’s transit authority, would not be involved with operation and that the city would work with private organizations and various levels of government to develop, build and maintain the system. However, there may be the possibility of integrating fares in with TransLink’s system to allow for ease of travel.

A report published in 2005 put the cost at approximately $81 million for building the infrastructure and an additional $21 million for a six car fleet. The cost would need to be reviewed and updated.

Suzanne Anton is the only member of the Non-Partisan Association in city council. Vancouver’s civic election is on November 19^th, 2011.

Source: The Vancouver Sun

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MexicoFest

Frederick Linsmeyer • September 10, 2011 • Local

Dancers from Oaxaca

There’s nothing like a good old fashioned fiesta on a warm summer day. With Mexico’s day of independence around the corner, Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre was brightly festooned in green, white, red and spirit of the Latin American nation. MexicoFest, while celebrating the entire country, put the spotlight on the southern state of Oaxaca with music and performances in colourful traditional outfits along with a performance from pop star Benny Ibarra.

Surrounding the plaza were tents offering up drinks, food, snacks, jewellery and various handicrafts from artisans. I stopped off at the drink tent first getting a bottle (or cup rather) of fruit punch-flavoured Jarritos, a Mexican soft drink for $2.50. As I enjoyed my fizzy drink, I took in the dancing of Guelaguetza, a series of dances passed down from the indigenous ancestors of Oaxaca. After they finished, I checked out a dessert tent which had an impressive selection of sweet treats which I hadn’t seen since being down in San Antonio for San Japan – Barritas, Pingüinos, but no Duvalin (maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough).

I hovered around the area for an hour enjoying in the sights, sounds and smells, but after a long day of walking around Stanley Park, I headed home. I missed the ”El Grito de Independencia” which took place at 6:00 pm; a re-enactment of Miguel Hidalgo’s famous call towards an independent Mexico.

Of course, MexicoFest isn’t over yet, as there are a number of events next week including an evening of Mexican cinema, mezcal tasting, golf tournaments and more. Visit the MexicoFest web site for a full schedule.

Mexico celebrates their 201^st anniversary on Friday, September 16^th, 2011.

¡Viva Mexico!

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The 2011 Fair at the PNE

Frederick Linsmeyer • August 20, 2011 • Local

Walking through the crowds towards Playland at the PNE.

The 101^st Fair at the PNE kicked off with a perfect August day – sun and heat. It’s not summer without the rides, mini donuts, the Superdogs, music, games, livestock, Dal Richards, and the prize home! Take in the Peking Acrobats at the Pacific Coliseum or escape the crowds by going for a stroll through the forested Sanctuary. The Marketplace is bursting with new and unique gadgets, treats, and other products from the world over.

The evenings come alive with performances from Kim Mitchell, One More Girl, Donny Osmond, Kenny Rogers, Delhi 2 Dublin and more – topped off with nightly fireworks! Check the PNE web site for the complete line up and times.

For those who are brave and can stomach heights, Playland has installed a new high-flying ride: ATMOSFEAR. As a bonus, ATMOSFEAR and the Hellevator don’t require purchasing a separate ride pass-they’re included in the standard Playland ride pass.

The Fair at the PNE is open from 11:00 am PDT and runs until Monday, September 5^th, 2011. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Discounted tickets can also be obtained at Safeway and 7-Eleven stores in the Metro Vancouver area. Looking for save a bit of cash? Get into the fair for free on Monday, August 22^nd, between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm PDT.

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Celebration of Light 2011 – China

Frederick Linsmeyer • July 31, 2011 • Local, Photography

China lights up the night

The first evening of the Celebration of Light started off on the right foot. Although the fireworks festival is down to three days from four, it still was a spectacular show with the first performer, China, setting the bar. Event organizers made some adjustments to help spectators have the best experience – an increased police presence to clamp down on disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, signs that arranged the beaches into alphabetized sections (similar to that of a parking lot) to help people find their friends, and a grand stand for others who just wanted to sit and have a clear view. Even a stunt pilot provided some intense aerial acrobatics for those who waited on the sandy shore of English Bay.

The overcast sky and threat of rain didn’t dampen the spirits or the pyrotechnics. With the barges closer than ever before, everyone was treated to waterfalls of fire, champagne bursts of light, and the thunderous boom of exploding stars. And with a brilliant selection of music, the crowd was definitely pleased. Missed the show? Check out some of the best shots on Gallery!

The winner from 2010, Spain, is on Wednesday, August 4^th, and Canada wraps up the celebration on Saturday, August 6^th.

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Are TransLink’s station naming rights for sale?

Frederick Linsmeyer • July 20, 2011 • Local

To help solve some of TransLink‘s funding for future projects, the mayor of Surrey has a suggestion for the transit organization – corporate naming rights. Diane Watts suggests that funds could come from corporate sponsors which in turn would help pay for infrastructure upgrades and extensions, like the controversial Evergreen Line. Mayors from around Metro Vancouver have recently proposed a hotly contested gas tax to come up with the remaining money to push the Evergreen Line through.

To be fair, it’s not a far fetched thought as other agencies have reached out to corporations for extra cash. The Chicago Transit Authority has tossed around a similar idea after allowing computer giant Apple to contribute funds towards renovations of an L station. New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority sold the rights for a single station to the London-based bank Barclays in 2009. It’s possible that Vancouver Canucks fans and tourists to Chinatown could alight at Rogers Arena-Stadium Station if Watts’ idea passes.

Would selling the naming rights to corporations bring in much needed revenue to the cash-strapped system? Or could the idea cause confusion to both locals and visitors alike with unrelated station names? The next station is for sale!

Sources: News1130, CTV British Columbia

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Canada Day Events 2011

Frederick Linsmeyer • June 26, 2011 • Local

O Canada!

It’s time to celebrate Canada Day this coming Friday! As always, there are plenty of parties and events going on throughout Metro Vancouver this year, with bands, interactive exhibits, games, family-friendly activities, cake and fireworks!

Canada Day Celebration (Granville Island)
8:00 am to 11:59 pm PDT, July 1^st, 2011
Canada Day (Port Coquitlam)
8:00 am to 10:00 pm PDT, July 1^st, 2011
North Vancouver Canada Day (North Vancouver)
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm PDT, July 1^st, 2011
Steveston Salmon Festival (Richmond)
6:30 am to 5:00 pm PDT, July 1^st, 2011
Canada Day (Surrey)
10:00 am to 10:30 pm PDT, July 1^st, 2011
Canada Day at Canada Place (Vancouver)
10:00 am to 11:00 pm PDT, July 1^st, 2011

This is just a small list of everything that’s planned for this long weekend, so be sure to consult your local community calendar for an event nearest you.

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Cleaning up after the riot

Frederick Linsmeyer • June 16, 2011 • Local

After the idiotic actions that occurred last night after game seven of the Stanley Cup final, the true spirit of Vancouver kicked into gear when many returned to help clean up the mess left behind. At the same time, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and other social media sites were flooded with pictures and video of the hooligans in the midst of their lunacy. The Vancouver Police are asking for anyone who has clear and identifiable images of those responsible to submit them so they may begin the process of investigating and laying charges. For more details and contact information, check out the Vancouver Police Department media release.

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EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival 2011

Frederick Linsmeyer • June 11, 2011 • Local

Belts beware! EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival returned for another delicious weekend with hearty samples and cooking ideas. Situated in the west building of the Vancouver Convention Centre, the food fair showcases the best of local restaurants, suppliers, and demonstrations with celebrity chefs!

In an updated layout from last year, many of the booths offered bite-sized samples of cheeses, meats, and dairy products in a tasty trail towards the restaurant stalls and dining tables. There didn’t seem to be any new faces this time as the same places from last year lined the end of the massive room. Of course, they didn’t disappoint with savoury sliders, tantalizing tacos, bubbling drinks, and rich pastry squares. These tapas-style dishes were available only for purchase with special tickets at select booths. Booths could be found throughout the event, with 10 tickets for $5 or 20 for $10.

I checked out the beer and wine tasting area and sampled some beer from Vancouver Island, which was brewed with local honey. Very light and refreshing. For a two ticket deposit, staff would give you a glass to sample various drinks — jugs of water and buckets were available to wash out the glasses so flavours didn’t mingle. While I was meandering through, there was a cocktail seminar going on with different drinks being sampled.

Of course, there isn’t just food for humans at EAT! Vancouver. Pet lovers can pick up some treats for their faithful companions from a wide selection of all-natural snacks, toys and care products.

While the festival did pick up as the day went on, there was much more space in between booths and tables. Last year the event was really crowded and it was hard to walk through, but the organizers had picked up on the feedback and made it a little more accessible. I love the venue because it’s easy to get to and just so nice.

EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival runs for one more day, so be sure to go in with an empty stomach. Visit the web site for exact times and to purchase tickets (there’s a discount if you buy them online!)