Christmas Eve and all through the city, the shoppers they bustle and hustle from mall to mall, with motorists tooting and hooting with fumes of ire.
It is a great season for fun, family, friends, and celebration. Preparation has been fun, catching up, sharing good cheer, buying gifts for those we love, and the rare moments in between when we get to sit down and relax, reflecting on the wonderful moments of the season. Time passes quickly, and the team here at StrataXL and LiveIn wish you a happy, safe, and joyous festive season.
Make the moments and memories count. Give and love easily, quickly, and freely. Soak up the Joy!
Happy Holidays Mount Pleasant Vancouver, Strathcona Vancouver, and Commercial Drive!
On a sad note, I know there are some adults and children alike who are fighting this nasty flu bug that is making its' rounds. Eat well, keep hydrated, and rest. We will celebrate together and wish everyone speedy recoveries and happy moments with loved ones.
Who are you going to call that may be spending Christmas alone?
Monday, December 24, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Fighting For Transit, Highways, and Transportation Planning
Visiting our dear neighbourhood Benny's this afternoon to buy some lunch, I saw on the counter the flyer "Keep Translink Public" at the cash. Sometimes, life buries me and I don't hear all of the issues, and this is one I've missed.
Transportation Minister, Kevin Falcon, introduced Bill 43 October 23, 2007, and spoke about it the next day stating, "the amendments that are contained in Bill 43 will restore public confidence and accountability in TransLink."
NDP transportation critic, Maurine Karagianis, on the other hand says this is "the most insidious piece of legislation." She goes on to elaborate: "With the creation of this new TransLink board, they are giving a group of business appointees powers equal to a municipality: the power to increase property taxes, the power to reclassify business tax for the purpose of taxation, and they are giving them the power to land-bank. Certainly, privatization will be a huge component of this. You mark my words: if this board has no impediments to being put in place, they are going to look at privatizing SkyTrain and everything else that is built in future in the Lower Mainland."
These are some pretty heady statements and concerns. Balanced perspective often seems to be missing as we encounter these viewpoints that are being shared. On the one hand, any local transit rider acknowledges that there exist a large number of short-comings with the transportation systems, networks, and services available in the Lower Mainland. Whether you live in the depths of the city and want to see less impact from outlying commuters, or you're a commuter wishing for better and consistent levels of service and costs.
Any individual with a private and personal agenda wishes for their side to win. Looking at all the different groups supporting different initiatives below give a clear example of how we create our own divisions. However, we are a city, a society, a community, and the problems we face today were not dealt with historically with a view to the future needs of Vancouver. Here we are today trying to resolve many of them; let's not create more.
A real distrust exists toward business, and I'd be a first to suggest controls and monitoring be in place for accountabilities sake. Any businessman and entrepreneur acknowledges and recognizes the benefits they have experienced through creating relationships of accountability that helped them grow, manage, and navigate business successfully. So why not the transit system?
Where we are so concerned about the people losing their say, I wondered suddenly as I was about to jump on the bandwagon, how much say have we had so far with elected officials? Politicians make promises every six ways to Sunday in order to get elected. Can I trust them any more than a businessman?
As I pondered this I realized that the businessman has a lot more at stake. Planning transit decisions effectively must take into consideration a great deal of factors. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made that are less than popular. Lets face it, change and progress won't happen without some fallout that will displease some. The overall aim is to minimize that fallout and bring about the most positive impact and long-lasting change possible for the largest number of people - today's and tomorrow's.
Can business do it better than a politician? When I consider who stands to gain more through promises, versus who has more to gain through better management, I'm thinking I would go with business on this one. How I want to cover my collective butt, however, is to adamantly ensure that this support must come with accountability and customer service to the community it's core value and mandate.
Unfortunately, the worst example of this truth is the way Bill 43 got pushed through. Due to a self-imposed deadline by the Ministry of Public Transportation, the Minister, Kevin Falcon successfully pushed the Bill through at the end of November without any public debate. This does not mean that the fight is over, nor that the public voice will go unheard. This is the time to ensure that this new body acquiesces, becomes, and is an accountable body the public they serve.
Make a Difference - Get Involved:
Keep Translink Public
Rail for the Valley
Revive the Interurban
500 Buses by 2010
Car-Free Neighbourhoods
References:
TransLink Out of Service But Democracy Rides On, The Livable Blog, November 30, 2007
Critics line up against neo-Translink Bill 43, Georgia Straight, November 15, 2007
New TransLink board seen as 'erosion of democracy', The Province, November 1, 2007
TransLink Legislation: Falcon power grab to end local control, CUPE BC, October 25, 2007
Transportation Minister, Kevin Falcon, introduced Bill 43 October 23, 2007, and spoke about it the next day stating, "the amendments that are contained in Bill 43 will restore public confidence and accountability in TransLink."
NDP transportation critic, Maurine Karagianis, on the other hand says this is "the most insidious piece of legislation." She goes on to elaborate: "With the creation of this new TransLink board, they are giving a group of business appointees powers equal to a municipality: the power to increase property taxes, the power to reclassify business tax for the purpose of taxation, and they are giving them the power to land-bank. Certainly, privatization will be a huge component of this. You mark my words: if this board has no impediments to being put in place, they are going to look at privatizing SkyTrain and everything else that is built in future in the Lower Mainland."
These are some pretty heady statements and concerns. Balanced perspective often seems to be missing as we encounter these viewpoints that are being shared. On the one hand, any local transit rider acknowledges that there exist a large number of short-comings with the transportation systems, networks, and services available in the Lower Mainland. Whether you live in the depths of the city and want to see less impact from outlying commuters, or you're a commuter wishing for better and consistent levels of service and costs.
Any individual with a private and personal agenda wishes for their side to win. Looking at all the different groups supporting different initiatives below give a clear example of how we create our own divisions. However, we are a city, a society, a community, and the problems we face today were not dealt with historically with a view to the future needs of Vancouver. Here we are today trying to resolve many of them; let's not create more.
A real distrust exists toward business, and I'd be a first to suggest controls and monitoring be in place for accountabilities sake. Any businessman and entrepreneur acknowledges and recognizes the benefits they have experienced through creating relationships of accountability that helped them grow, manage, and navigate business successfully. So why not the transit system?
Where we are so concerned about the people losing their say, I wondered suddenly as I was about to jump on the bandwagon, how much say have we had so far with elected officials? Politicians make promises every six ways to Sunday in order to get elected. Can I trust them any more than a businessman?
As I pondered this I realized that the businessman has a lot more at stake. Planning transit decisions effectively must take into consideration a great deal of factors. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made that are less than popular. Lets face it, change and progress won't happen without some fallout that will displease some. The overall aim is to minimize that fallout and bring about the most positive impact and long-lasting change possible for the largest number of people - today's and tomorrow's.
Can business do it better than a politician? When I consider who stands to gain more through promises, versus who has more to gain through better management, I'm thinking I would go with business on this one. How I want to cover my collective butt, however, is to adamantly ensure that this support must come with accountability and customer service to the community it's core value and mandate.
Unfortunately, the worst example of this truth is the way Bill 43 got pushed through. Due to a self-imposed deadline by the Ministry of Public Transportation, the Minister, Kevin Falcon successfully pushed the Bill through at the end of November without any public debate. This does not mean that the fight is over, nor that the public voice will go unheard. This is the time to ensure that this new body acquiesces, becomes, and is an accountable body the public they serve.
Make a Difference - Get Involved:
Keep Translink Public
Rail for the Valley
Revive the Interurban
500 Buses by 2010
Car-Free Neighbourhoods
References:
TransLink Out of Service But Democracy Rides On, The Livable Blog, November 30, 2007
Critics line up against neo-Translink Bill 43, Georgia Straight, November 15, 2007
New TransLink board seen as 'erosion of democracy', The Province, November 1, 2007
TransLink Legislation: Falcon power grab to end local control, CUPE BC, October 25, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Artists Crawl into Vancouver's Hearts
This has been a busy fall season in the lives of many. We've watched Thanksgiving come and go, heard the howling laughter of Halloween fade into the night, saw record numbers Crawl the streets of Strathcona for a lot of Culture at this years Culture Crawl, and enjoyed the Downtown Eastsides Heart of the City Festival thanks to the folks at Vancouver Moving Theatre. And Christmas is just around the corner!!
Live In had the opportunity to speak with Valerie Arntzen, the Culture Crawl's event coordinator for the past nine years, about this years Crawl. Record crowds exceeding 10,000 strong crawled the Strathcona, East Vancouver area to visit 48 venues and almost 300 local resident artists of Strathcona. This is a vibrantly enriched arts community living and working in Strathcona which has elevated the attractiveness of the neighbourhood through the beauty of the art, crafts, and skills. We are truly blessed.
There is much more to say about this subject. Live In wishes to share more about the experiences of the Crawl from an insiders perspective. As well, the Strathcona community is changing, gentrification is spoken of in mixed ways, and the impact on the arts community seems an anomoly needing exploring. Such an incredible gift that enriches our lives and community is to be cherished and protected. At the same time, I suspect some residents might find reason to complain about having 10,000 outsiders roaming their neighbourhood for a local event. Ironically, the success of such events can be a major contributor to increasing popularity of a community as a place to live.
Whatever side of the fence you choose to stand on, remember that choosing sides means someone loses. Live In suggests examining more than one's own view, and seek balance and opportunity that will allow the fence to come down. The answers are in us and right here in our neighbourhood. For Mount Pleasant, this holds equally true as we seek ways to secure a diverse, vibrant, and rich community of mixed influences.
We'll chat more soon!
Live In had the opportunity to speak with Valerie Arntzen, the Culture Crawl's event coordinator for the past nine years, about this years Crawl. Record crowds exceeding 10,000 strong crawled the Strathcona, East Vancouver area to visit 48 venues and almost 300 local resident artists of Strathcona. This is a vibrantly enriched arts community living and working in Strathcona which has elevated the attractiveness of the neighbourhood through the beauty of the art, crafts, and skills. We are truly blessed.
There is much more to say about this subject. Live In wishes to share more about the experiences of the Crawl from an insiders perspective. As well, the Strathcona community is changing, gentrification is spoken of in mixed ways, and the impact on the arts community seems an anomoly needing exploring. Such an incredible gift that enriches our lives and community is to be cherished and protected. At the same time, I suspect some residents might find reason to complain about having 10,000 outsiders roaming their neighbourhood for a local event. Ironically, the success of such events can be a major contributor to increasing popularity of a community as a place to live.
Whatever side of the fence you choose to stand on, remember that choosing sides means someone loses. Live In suggests examining more than one's own view, and seek balance and opportunity that will allow the fence to come down. The answers are in us and right here in our neighbourhood. For Mount Pleasant, this holds equally true as we seek ways to secure a diverse, vibrant, and rich community of mixed influences.
We'll chat more soon!
Friday, November 9, 2007
CirKids present Cirque de Spa
CirKids is about the circus of storytelling, imagination, and performance. We blend traditional circus arts with athletics, dance and theatre in a safe, collaborative, and very fun program.
This year, CirKids is pleased to present Cirque de Spa, the major fundraiser for the CirKids Annual Spring 2008 performance in Vancouver May 1, 2, 3, & 4.
Invited guests of Cirque de Spa will enjoy an afternoon treating themselves to a variety of spa treatments. Services available will include:
Date: November 18th, 2007
Times: 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm (doors open 11:45am)
Location:Garden Auditorium, PNE grounds (home of CirKids - 2901 East Hastings St.)
The CirKids Annual Spring 2008 Performance will be possible through your participation in Cirque de Spa. The annual performance provide a place for our elite performance troupe to showcase their skills as circus artists. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of the people of the Lower Mainland to help grow performing arts culture.
Thank-you for supporting CirKids!
While attending Cirque de Spa, guests can enjoy refreshments between treatments while enjoying performances by our kids.
This year, CirKids is pleased to present Cirque de Spa, the major fundraiser for the CirKids Annual Spring 2008 performance in Vancouver May 1, 2, 3, & 4.Invited guests of Cirque de Spa will enjoy an afternoon treating themselves to a variety of spa treatments. Services available will include:
- Manicures
- Chair Massage
- Reflexology
- Indian Head Massage
- Make-up Lessons / Makeovers
- and much more!
Date: November 18th, 2007
Times: 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm (doors open 11:45am)
Location:Garden Auditorium, PNE grounds (home of CirKids - 2901 East Hastings St.)
The CirKids Annual Spring 2008 Performance will be possible through your participation in Cirque de Spa. The annual performance provide a place for our elite performance troupe to showcase their skills as circus artists. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of the people of the Lower Mainland to help grow performing arts culture.
Thank-you for supporting CirKids!
While attending Cirque de Spa, guests can enjoy refreshments between treatments while enjoying performances by our kids.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Stanley Park Seawall Opening Soon
Reading the local papers today, a little tidbit of news in Vancouver's 24 Hours reveals that Vancouver Parks Board chair, Ian Robertson, has indicated the Seawall could be open to the public in two to three weeks.
The extent of the damage is not widely known by the public, having had the section cordoned off from the public. What is known is that huge chunks of the cliff-face, trees, etc., collapsed and buried a large part of the Seawall. With the clean-up and repairs almost completed, we will have the opportunity to experience the combined effects of Mother Nature's landscaping during the wind-storms and the subsequent landscaping clean-up. What will it look like?
Apparently, it won't be fully complete until the spring when the Vancouver Parks Board will close the Seawall again for a few days to give the path a proper paving.
The extent of the damage is not widely known by the public, having had the section cordoned off from the public. What is known is that huge chunks of the cliff-face, trees, etc., collapsed and buried a large part of the Seawall. With the clean-up and repairs almost completed, we will have the opportunity to experience the combined effects of Mother Nature's landscaping during the wind-storms and the subsequent landscaping clean-up. What will it look like?
Apparently, it won't be fully complete until the spring when the Vancouver Parks Board will close the Seawall again for a few days to give the path a proper paving.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Mount Pleasant Salutes Commercial Drive
Mount Pleasant has Main Street, coining the pet acronym SoMa. Our residents enjoy many of the local offerings, and being so close to the centre of everything we enjoy many of the other Vancouver amenities. In celebration of our neighbours launch of Live on The Drive, we salute Commercial Drive and the wonderful commerce, trade, arts, and community that we so love to experience.
Commercial Drive | Live on The Drive | Community | Web Portal
Commercial Drive, affectionately referred to as The Drive, was originally referred to locally as “Little Italy.” Now it's home to a diverse multicultural collection of people, businesses, art galleries, performance venues, coffee shops, and more.
A favorite destination for both tourists and Vancouver-wide locals, Commercial Drive consists of close to 300 businesses that are most often single location, owner-operated, offering a product mix of dining experiences, produce, entertainment and services completely unique to the Drive. Commercial Drive has consistently bucked the trend towards homogeneous franchised malls and big box warehouses.
With a multicultural diversity and vibrant arts community, The Drive is the perfect fusion of community, art, and commerce. Continue reading...
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Getting Information to You
Rick Stonehouse is a Vancouver Real Estate Agent that seems to have been born to the business. Myself, I'm a local writer dabbling in various ways that allow me to contribute to my communities.
Getting behind a vision is an easy thing when values line up.
Rick, a prominent Vancouver Realtor, has enjoyed serving thousands of Vancouver residents over the years. His success, in part due to his service excellence, has been made possible by all of these wonderful customers and friends trusting him with fulfilling their home purchase or sale. Seeing proud homeowners experiencing the joy of buying their dream home, and enthusiastic sellers grinning over the equity gained, makes his job very exciting and very rewarding. His values line up, and yes, he enjoys the fruits of his labours.
With an eye to the future and the trends of the public, Rick has taken a pioneer's leap through the development of community portal websites for the neighbourhoods he serves. While it serves a unique business purpose, helping potential home-buyers with their online research, it goes beyond and serves the entire community. The benefits are extraordinary!
Keep watch as the Live In Mount Pleasant site evolves.
Getting behind a vision is an easy thing when values line up.
Rick, a prominent Vancouver Realtor, has enjoyed serving thousands of Vancouver residents over the years. His success, in part due to his service excellence, has been made possible by all of these wonderful customers and friends trusting him with fulfilling their home purchase or sale. Seeing proud homeowners experiencing the joy of buying their dream home, and enthusiastic sellers grinning over the equity gained, makes his job very exciting and very rewarding. His values line up, and yes, he enjoys the fruits of his labours.
With an eye to the future and the trends of the public, Rick has taken a pioneer's leap through the development of community portal websites for the neighbourhoods he serves. While it serves a unique business purpose, helping potential home-buyers with their online research, it goes beyond and serves the entire community. The benefits are extraordinary!
Keep watch as the Live In Mount Pleasant site evolves.
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