Vancouver Is Awesome

These are the best B.C. books of 2019

2019-12-10T01:50:39Z

Here’s my yearly roundup of the best books released by local authors and publishers this year, just in time for your last-minute literary gift shopping.

Let us rejoice in the glory of our regionally written words!

Cascadia Cookbook (Said The Whale Music)

Vancouver band Said the Whale has been filling our ears with their West Coast-flavoured indie rock for over a decade. Now, as a tasty compliment to their 2019 album Cascadia, the band fills our stomachs with the release of Casadia Cookbook. In this beautifully designed, 80-page feast, you’ll find Pacific Northwest-inspired recipes paired to each song on the album, for dishes such as salal berry pie or “Buckaroo Spuds.” The book was designed by Said the Whale keyboardist/band chef/skilled baker Jaceyln Brown, with mouth-watering photography by Lindsey Blane. A perfect addition for any West Coast kitchen.

Cougar Companions by Judith Williams (Harbour Publishing)

Sink your claws into this incredible and untold true story from B.C.’s coast. This is the wild tale of the Schnarr family: single father August, a trapper, logger, and skilled amateur photographer, and his three young daughters, all trying to make a go of it in remote Bute Inlet. The Schnarr family was infamous in the 1930s for their collection of fully grown pet cougars. Cortes Island author Judith Williams passionately unfolds this adventure with the help of August Schnarr’s lifetime of incredible photographs.

Finding Callidora by Stella Leventoyannis Harvey (Signature Editions)

If you enjoy exciting historical fiction, you must escape into this epic novel by Whistler author Stella Leventoyannis Harvey. Inside, you’ll enter into a bloody family saga that spans generations, continents and two world wars. Driven by actual headlines of the eras, this is a fast read convincingly set on remote Greek islands, Egyptian streets, rugged Turkish landscapes and, finally, Canada, as a scattered family tries to piece together a tragic past.

I Saw Three Ships: West End Stories by Bill Richardson (Talonbooks)

A smart and hilarious collection of fictional short stories set in Vancouver’s most densely populated neighbourhood, penned by the great humourist, author, broadcaster and longtime West End resident Bill Richardson. All eight of the finely tuned stories within are linked by West End characters from various walks of life, set amongst the garishly decorated apartment lobbies of Christmastime west of Burrard. (Bonus tip: I think the Paper Hound on Pender Street has signed copies.)

Major Misconduct: the Human Cost of Fighting In Hockey by Jeremy Allingham (Arsenal Pulp Press)

In his debut book, author and CBC Vancouver journalist Jeremy Allingham has provided a potential knockout blow to hockey fights, as well as the toxic culture that surrounds it. And timing is everything. As if predicting the sea change that may finally be cracking up our frozen game, less than a month after this book came out, several notable figures in hockey’s leadership circles have been fired or put on leave. A very revealing read for any fan, especially those who think fighting should still be part of hockey on any level.

Vancouver After Dark by Aaron Chapman (Arsenal Pulp Press)

Whether it’s saucy stories of Oil Can Harry’s, the Cave, Retinal Circus or (my personal favourite) the Starfish Room, Aaron Chapman’s latest outing nattily steps into a century of Vancouver’s nightlife with crisp detail and refreshing research. Like a cold Kokanee upon entrance at the Town Pump, consider this book essential consumption for any Vancouverite (from any era) who has ever experienced our city’s notorious and colourful nightclubs.

All of these best of 2019 books are available at Vancouver’s independent booksellers, including the newly opened Iron Dog Books at 2761 East Hastings. Happy holidays, and happy reading!

Grant Lawrence is the author of three award-winning nonfiction books, most of which are at least partially set in Vancouver.

Cavernous, 106-yr-old Burnaby reservoir exposed during demolition

2019-12-10T01:23:08Z

The 1913 Alta Vista reservoir in South Burnaby is exposed during its demolition last week. Photo: Contributed

Neighbours living near South Burnaby’s Alta Vista Park have gotten their first and last glance of a cavernous reservoir that has lain beneath their neighbourhood for 106 years.

The Alta Vista reservoir, built in 1913 to collect water coming in through new water mains from Seymour Creek on the North Shore, was demolished last week to allow for the expansion of a nearby playground.

About 26 metres long, 14 metres wide and 4.3 metres deep, with a capacity of more than 1 million litres, it serviced the growing historic neighbourhood of Alta Vista on the South Slope until it was decommissioned about 15 or 20 years ago.

An engineering report in 2016 determined the underground structure, which sat under two parcels of land at 5172 McKee St., would be at risk of collapse during an earthquake and would need to be demolished to enable safe use of the site.

A 100-signature petition from residents last December sealed the reservoir’s fate.

In March, city council approved a plan to demolish it and expand the park.

The only remnant of the 106-year-old structure that will be preserved is a nearly four-metre-tall concrete column that had stood on the north end of the property.

A pipe inside the column was once essential for releasing air pressure in the reservoir through a decorative metal vent at its top.

City staff successfully cut the pillar from the reservoir before the demolition.

Wrapped in bubble wrap, two-by-fours and steel strapping, the column has now been placed in storage.

It will be restored or rebuilt and may be reinstalled in the expanded playground, according to city heritage planner Lisa Codd.

Fly round-trip Abbotsford to Las Vegas with 4 nights in a hotel for only $178 CAD

2019-12-10T00:39:50Z

Aerial view of Las Vegas strip in Nevada as seen at night USA / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for an inexpensive vacation package out of the Lower Mainland this winter, Swoop is offerings a number of getaways for a steal.

While the low-cost carrier offers a plethora of destinations to choose from, its Las Vegas packages offer some of the cheapest deals on the market.

For example, the package below, which departs Abbotsford on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 and returns a few nights later on Thursday, Jan. 16, costs a total of $356.77 for two people. As such, the per person total comes to roughly $178 CAD including all taxes and fees.

Photo: Swoop

For those looking for a slightly nicer accommodation, Swoop offers the same dates at the LINQ Hotel & Casino for only $214 CAD per person including all taxes and fees. What’s more, some of the nicest resorts in the city of sin, such as Caesers Palace, Paris, and Bellagio, only cost a few hundred dollars more.

Photo: Swoop

Discover Las Vegas

While it can be fun to explore the famous Las Vegas Strip after nightfall, there are still a number of fun things to do during the day. For example, there are a plethora of fun pool parties to attend, as well as places to shop, dine, and enjoy beverages.

In addition, Las Vegas offers some of the best entertainment in the world every night of the week. Whether you are looking to see a musical, a magic show, a band, or a DJ, Vegas has it all. The city also offers a number of fun things to try just outside of the strip that include everything from the Grand Canyon to Old Las Vegas to ghost towns.

Note: While the low-cost carrier is an extremely affordable alternative, it is worthwhile to note that there are a number of additional costs. For one, luggage will cost extra, as will selecting your own seat or even speaking to an operator. As such, it is worthwhile to factor in what you need to bring, or if you want to sit in a particular spot.

You can book your travel with Swoop here.

Man claims he drank broken glass from beer bottle at Metro Vancouver casino

2019-12-10T00:26:07Z

A Surrey man claims he discovered too late that a beer bottle he was served at the Grand Villa Casino was chipped. Burnaby NOW file photo

A Surrey man claims he accidentally drank glass from a broken beer bottle at Burnaby’s Grand Villa Casino.

Gurcharan Singh Grewal filed a lawsuit against the casino and its parent company, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, among other defendants, following an alleged incident in December 2017.

According to the lawsuit, Grewal was at the Personas Bar in the Grand Villa Casino and ordered a beer from the bartender. After taking his first sip, he allegedly “felt a sharp object enter his throat, causing much discomfort and internal injuries.”

Grewal claimed in his lawsuit that he found a chip in the glass on the rim of the beer bottle “due to the bartender incorrectly opening” it.

As a result, Grewal said he suffered lacerations to his mouth, injury to his throat and esophagus, difficulty swallowing, discomfort and anxiety.

Grewal “continues to undergo medical care” resulting from the injuries, according to his court filing, and “continues to suffer pain and discomfort and emotional upset.”

Grewal is also seeking damages for alleged loss of income relating to the incident, as well as an alleged loss of housekeeping ability at home.

The claims have not been proven in a court of law, and none of the defendants has yet responded to the lawsuit.

Here’s how TransLink says you can prepare for the SkyTrain shutdown tomorrow

2019-12-10T00:19:05Z

Photo: SkyTrain cars turn a corner at Gilmore station in Burnaby.

TransLink is preparing customers after CUPE 7000, the union representing 900 SkyTrain workers, announced that it would forward with full withdrawal of services on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

The transit authority released a statement listing a number of options for riders if union job action causes a total Expo and Millennium Line shut down December 10, 11 and 12. It adds that they, “should be aware the travel options will not match the level of service these SkyTrain lines provide.”

With this in mind, TransLink notes that the following services will be operating normally, including:

Canada Line
West Coast Express
Coast Mountain Bus
West Vancouver Blue Bus
HandyDART
SeaBus

Earlier today, Coast Mountain Bus Company announced that it would not be increasing bus service in response to the planned strike given operational constraints and labour considerations. As such, customers should expect heavier passenger volume.

If possible, customers are advised to make other arrangements such as:

Using one of our park and rides to connect to bus service
Travelling outside of rush hours
Working from home
Using a carpooling service such as Liftango and gobyRIDE
Walking or cycling to work
Free bike valet service at Vancouver Public Library from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To plan a trip without SkyTrain, both TransLink’s Trip Planner and Google Maps have an option to exclude SkyTrain. Visit translink.ca/stayinformed to learn more about alternative travel options.

Transit statement: Watch this woman rock ‘Compass Mini earrings’ (VIDEO)

2019-12-09T22:51:50Z

Photo: smarieannachu / Reddit

What product are you willing to wait an hour in line for?

For many residents of the Lower Mainland, the Compass Mini – a new payment option that looks just like a small Compass Card – is worth an hour-long wait, if not longer.

TransLink rolled out the petite payment card on Friday, Dec. 5, and eager customers lined up before the Compass Customer Service Centre opened. Shortly after opening, the transit authority announced that it would limit the number of Minis to two per person due to high demand.

And while the small smart card easily attaches to keychains and backpacks, smarieannachu shared another way to rock the highly sought-after item on Vancouver Reddit.

The post, which has been up-voted a whopping 2,710 times since it was first uploaded to the platform, shows a young woman wearing two Compass Mini keychains as earrings in a video. Above the video, the caption reads, “Got my hands on the hottest accessory drop of the season.”

Got my hands on the hottest accessory drop of the season from r/vancouver

A number of commenters asked how much it hurts her to have the keychain squeezing her ear, while others asked if the earrings were real.

In a comment, the original poster remarks, “It’s the new “compassmini” compass card that was released today in limited quantities, I’m just trying to be funny by clipping them on my ears haha.”

TransLink states that the Compass Mini works the same as the Compass Card and Compass Wristband. Riders simply tap in and out when travelling on transit and reload online, at a Compass Vending Machine, by phone, or in person. Of course, just like the other Compass products, there is a $6 refundable deposit when purchasing a new Mini.

Police found not negligent in tragic OD death of Metro Vancouver teen

2019-12-09T22:34:59Z

A new report finds responding officers not negligent in the August death of Langley teen Carson Crimeni by accidental drug overdose. Photo via GoFundMe

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) says two police officers were not negligent when they were initially unable to locate Langley teenager Carson Crimeni in a park as he overdosed from drugs.

The four-page IIO report released Monday by chief civilian director Ronald MacDonald, Q.C., states two police officers “acted completely reasonably in the circumstances” and “played no role” in Crimeni’s “tragic” death.

On August 7, Crimeni was “showing clear signs of distress” in a Snapchat video reported by one teenager to a parent, who then called 911 upon being told Crimeni may have taken 15 ecstasy pills (MDMA, or “Molly”).

The IIO investigation looked into the police response that followed.

Just after 8 p.m., police were dispatched to the Walnut Grove skate park, and two officers arrived at 8:25 p.m. Six minutes later, one officer reported via radio that nobody was at the park. The officers were not entirely clear if the video was a prank or when exactly it took place, the report states. At 8:43 the officers left for another call.

At 10:39 p.m., a second 911 call came in after Crimeni was spotted alone in “serious medical distress” near a baseball diamond located 650 metres away from the skate park. At that point, police and paramedics responded and located the teenager and took him to the hospital, where he died.

MacDonald determined there was nothing at the skate park that could have indicated to police that Crimeni, or the group of youth who had been with him, had moved to the baseball diamond.

Crimeni’s death sparked much discussion within the community over drug use and bullying, as family members believe he was given the drugs and pressured to take them. As he went into distress, the group filmed and mocked him, according to reports.

The report is based on statements from two paramedics, nine civilian witnesses, police dispatch records and 911 audio recordings. The two police officers did not provide evidence to the IIO.

5 things you need to know about the planned SkyTrain shutdown

2019-12-09T21:53:33Z

Unless negotiation is successful Monday night, Metro Vancouver will face a SkyTrain shutdown starting at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10. Photo by Dan Toulgoet

Many Metro Vancouver commuters may be on edge Monday wondering if car-mageddon will kick in Tuesday if there’s a SkyTrain shutdown.

With the union discontinuing media statements and negotiations under a media blackout, The Tri-City News reached out to TransLink to find out what’s going on.

For now, it appears talks are ongoing as both sides in the dispute try to reach an agreement before the union’s deadline strike beginning Tuesday morning.

In its latest press release, CUPE Local 7000 said it is committed to negotiating for a new contract at the bargaining table and reaching a deal with no disruption of service.

However, due to concerns about TransLink statements to the media, the union stated in a press release it will be making no more media statements until further notice.

“If no agreement is reached, job action will begin with a full shutdown from Tuesday through Thursday,” according to a press release.

CUPE Local 7000 represents approximately 900 SkyTrain workers who provide service as SkyTrain attendants and control operators as well as administration, maintenance and technical staff. Its last contract expired Aug. 31. The union is negotiating with the British Columbia Rapid Transit Co.

In its press release, TransLink stated it “remains committed to getting a deal done. We will continue bargaining until the last moment to avoid this unnecessary and disruptive job action.”

The last SkyTrain strike was a single-day shutdown more than 20 years ago.

Additionally, Coast Mountain Bus Company has announced that it will not be increasing bus service in response to the planned strike, citing their “operational constraints and labour considerations.”

Here are five things you need to know based on TransLink’s answers to questions:

1. Are there any talks scheduled today between BCRTC and CUPE 7000?

Yes. Talks will continue as long as needed today (Monday).

2. What is the union is asking for?

We are respecting the process and not talking about the contents of the offer at this stage.

3. Why can’t SkyTrain operate with excluded staff?

While trains are automated, we need staff in the control room telling trains what to do. We can’t operate the system without these people.

4. How will you be communicating a shutdown?

Customers should assume the strike is happening and prepare for it, even if there’s a chance for a last-minute deal. We will send a statement and use social media should job action be averted. We will be sending some info for customers later today. It’s important to note while all other services will be running, there will be no additional bus service. It’s regular operations.

5. What time is the shutdown to take place Tuesday if no agreement is reached?

The shutdown will be effective at the start of the service day. No trains will be leaving the yard Tuesday morning if there’s no deal.

If no agreement is reached, the system-wide shutdown affecting the Millennium and Expo lines (including the Evergreen Extension to Port Moody and Coquitlam) is scheduled to begin Tuesday at 5 a.m. with normal service set to resume by Friday at 5 a.m. Buses, the Canada Line, SeaBus, West Coast Express and HandyDart will not be affected.

With files from Elana Shepert/Vancouver Is Awesome

Metro Vancouver’s best Chinese BBQ spot finally re-opens after renovation

2019-12-09T21:13:48Z

HK BBQ Master. Photo by Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome

Seth Rogen was right: “The best BBQ places are generally in the underground parking garage of department stores.”

The Vancouver-born actor was talking about HK BBQ Master, the local legend in the Chinese BBQ game that is located off Number 3 Road in Richmond in the parking garage under the Real Canadian SuperStore. Rogen ended up there earlier this year on a tip from a (very smart) buddy, and it was all captured in chef and restaurateur David Chang’s Netflix show Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

While the Chang show features him and Rogen eating and exploring their way around Vancouver – and Richmond – when the show dropped in October, those who wanted to check out HK BBQ Master and enjoy some of chef/owner Eric Leung’s legendary BBQ duck or pork, soy sauce chicken with rice, sauce, and steamed greens were SOL: HK BBQ Master closed down Oct. 1 for a major renovation.

Initially hoping to be done by November with the expansion into the next door space that allows for much more seating, HK BBQ Master finally was able to welcome the public back into their now-expanded space as of Sunday, December 8.

View this post on Instagram

The wait is almost over! We’re officially opening this Sunday December 8! Hope to see everyone here! #reopening #grandopening #richmond #waitisover #bbq #dailyhive #richmondtourism #vancover #netflix #hkbbqmaster

A post shared by HK BBQ Master (@hkbbqmaster) on Dec 6, 2019 at 6:32pm PST

That means NOW you can head there, cash in hand, to try the city’s best Chinese BBQ eats. Be ready for a line, and try to get there before they’re sold out for the day.

Now, if only Chang’s Vancouver outpost of Momofuku Noodle Bar would hurry up and be done…

HK BBQ Master is located at 4651 No 3 Rd in Richmond.

Pampering with purpose: How a small B.C. business is helping arctic animals

2019-12-09T20:34:23Z

Arctic animals like the polar bear are the focus of a new ‘pampering with purpose’ campaign from a duo of B.C. small businesses. Photo: @kpuresnow/Instagram

Karen Johnson started her all-natural skincare brand, K’pure, out of her garage a few years ago. The Mission, B.C. mother of four was looking for an alternative to mass-market deodorants and lotion that were passing aluminum and plastics through her breastmilk to her then-infant son.

She got to work coming up with formulas of her own, and word began to spread in her community about her non-toxic and all-natural products that work so well. Soon, what was a hobby evolved into a full-scale operation, and a bustling business with an impressive product line that includes masques, room sprays, serums, bath soaks, body butters, and much more.

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Our first product of the day is: Get Closer deodorant! Have you made the switch to a natural deodorant yet? Have you heard about potential detox symptoms and you’re too scared to make the switch? ?Did you know that antiperspirant works by using nasty ingredients like aluminum to block your sweat? So when you stop using antiperspirant, all of those gross toxins will be looking for a way to escape your body and your pores. ?The best way to make the switch is to quit antiperspirant cold turkey. Switch to Get Closer or Get Gently Closer and if you find you have detox symptoms, use our Clean Up mud masque or Goal Digger clay masque on your pits 2-3 times a week. Once detox is finished, stick to the masque application once a week. This will balance pH in the area and keep things smooth, clean and free of irritation. Sometimes we may think we have an aversion to baking soda, when in fact we need a good deep clean in the area with the masque to balance the area. Be sure to keep an eye on our Stories today for more deodorant tips, and don’t forget to post your most creative Stories and/or post with Get Closer for your chance to win a $50 shop credit. Make sure to tag @kpurenaturals in your stories and posts and remember that private accounts cannot be seen!

A post shared by k'pure (@kpurenaturals) on Nov 18, 2019 at 9:11am PST

Savvily, Johnson made great use of social media – particularly Instagram – to grow her business, with influencers and celebrities spreading the gospel that K’pure shares on its own feed. With an appealing aesthetic and messaging centred on strong women, caring for animals, self-care, family, and nature, K’pure definitely reflects a way of life, and lets people vote with their shopping dollars by supporting a small business with big ethics.

Not surprisingly, it was on Instagram where I first learned about Johnson and her K’pure line. I’d just begun the quest to find a natural deodorant, and K’pure was highly recommended. I had tried a few others and was wondering if going back to commercial and chemical-laden products was my only option, but I gave K’pure a shot, and I’ve been a customer for nearly two years now. In addition to the Get Closer natural deodorant, the Almond Cookie spray and the Perk Up coffee scrub are personal favourites.

Recently, Johnson took K’pure’s ability to use a product to amplify a cause to the next level. She teamed up with Vancouver-based marketing agency Partner & Hawes to release two products under the sub-label “Snow” for which proceeds go to support arctic environmental causes – Canada’s snowy north and its beautiful inhabitants that need help in the face of climate change.

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I am VERY excited to share with you a very special project I have been working on with Taya at @partners_hawes The original idea was to create some holiday client gifts for @partners_hawes and this snowballed into a new line called Snow. Today we present to you our first two bracingly fresh products: Arctic Bath Soak and Arctic Mist. Proceeds benefit arctic habitants, inspiring you to give consciously this holiday season. Our Polar Bears will thank you for it! Find more Snow inspiration at @kpuresnow and check out the new site via the link in our bio. You can purchase our newest Snow products on the new website or on our current k’pure website, and in stores SOON!

A post shared by k'pure (@kpurenaturals) on Nov 25, 2019 at 8:03am PST

There is a Snow “Arctic Mist” spray for your skin, linens, or room, as well as a Snow bath soak. Both have a bright, bracing, wintery feel but pack a lot of soothing, and are of course all-natural and cruelty-free.

The concept for the “Snow” line is one of “pampering with purpose.” Essentially, it’s that you can still enjoy self-care while simultaneously giving back. Feel good, do good.

“This project is super exciting and dear to my heart. It’s for a great cause, one that I think is under-supported yet critical,” says Johnson. “I’m ecstatic to shine light, share awareness and raise funds for this worthy initiative. My hope is that Snow creates a flurry of positive impact.”

The Snow products are available online via their own web portal, or you can check out the full K’pure range online (or see who stocks the products at a store near you).