A brand-new, luxury car repair facility opened last month in downtown Vancouver. This new 30,000-square-foot center is just one of five in the No. 1 Collision Group family, a 50-year-old company renowned for its excellence in repairing high-end automobiles, and for its factory-certified technicians who specialize in luxury vehicle repair.
The facility itself is worthy of a spread in Architecture Digest or its own HGTV special—it’s that unique. It feels like you’ve stepped into a bougie hotel lobby rather than auto-repair facility. The reception area is furnished with leather chairs and couches created by Danish designer Fritz Hansen and worthy of your favourite Pinterest board. Additionally, the space is lit by beautiful Bocci lights by famous Vancouver artist Omer Arbel. And with the goal of making your visit as seamless and fast as possible, No. 1 Collision Group has a valet service and over 300 underground parking spots.
No. 1 Collision Group doesn’t just provide an interior designer’s dream space, valet, and expert services, but factory-certified professionals for all luxury brands including BMW, Porsche, and Tesla to name a few, plus it has a dedicated Mercedes-Benz facility. The newest location at Vernon Drive and Parker Street offers carbon fibre repair, vehicle detailing, courtesy rental cars, onsite estimates and everything you need to ensure that your vehicle is fully restored to its original, factory condition. It even has a lavish rooftop lounge. Now that’s something you don’t typically see at your average collision center.
KingFisher Boats has officially released our newest 3025 GFX Offshore - outstanding design and function on this impressive new Offshore Series model.
With a top speed of 53 MPH and 5.5 seconds to plane, this craft is set to dominate the 30’ heavy gauge class. The expansive cockpit is 7’11” by 8’4”, with two 55 USG fish lockers and a transom fish locker. From its easy walk-thru cabin entrance, the interior reflects our larger GFX models styling . Add King Leather urethane upholstery and Sapele wood finishings throughout. The standard port side folding bench seat can be upgraded to a single suspension seat for maximum comfort. Standard offshore features including a stand-up head with 25G holding tank, flush toilet and macerator. The well-appointed galley includes plenty of wood cabinets, drawers, cupboards a stainless steel sink with a 40 G fresh water tank
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The wall cabinets are painted in a custom black matte. The island is stained using Merit's Seaside Timberwood, and finished with custom panels and shelves, providing the tailored look from all directions. Custom shelves and standard cabinets surround the fireplace bringing flow from the kitchen into the entire living space.
Up close and personal with the Gemini Award-winning actor.
Jim Gordon and Leeta Liepens discover Vancouver’s Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean Restaurant.
Brian Jessel and Jim Murray compare thoughts on electric vehicles versus the traditional combustion engine.
Meet Athena Molina; multi-published tattoo model and influencer, and creator of 5D Networks. Bringing music-making to Canada for over 50 years.
Jim Gordon and Leeta Liepins host “Our City Tonight,” which can be seen Sundays on CHEK TV at 10:30am, weekdays on Novus TV, and on their YouTube channel. Follow them on Facebook & Instagram.
The Executive Table Group has been expanding over the last few years. All of their locations are based in hotels, offering customers a wide variety of options seven days a week.
Our City Tonight visited one of their downtown locations, Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean Restaurant & Wine Bar. We were joined by Claire Wright, partner and director of operations.
We opened Hydra in 2019, partnering with the Exchange Hotel. Our locations, while we are in hotels, are all concept-based. The consistent element is that when you walk into each restaurant, you feel like you are on a vacation, and it is a specific vacation.”
We arrived at Hydra during “happy hour." Bar & beverage manager, Steve Bath, was excited for us to try a new signature cocktail for spring and summer, playfully named “I’d Like a Word with Your Manager.” Based on the classic cocktail, “The Last Word,” Bath has given this cocktail his own take using Patron Reposado, Yellow Chartreuse, Amaro Montenegro, lime juice, and grapefruit juice.
Hydra envelops you in a feeling of warmth with the visually stunning colours reminiscent of the Mediterranean, or more specifically, the Aegean Sea.
“We always offer the amenities of breakfast, lunch, and dinner that you would expect to see in hotels,” Claire said, “and we are open from 7 a.m. until late each day.” She also mentioned the very popular, daily “happy hour” that extends from 3-6 p.m., which is integral at all of their locations.
Executive chef, Brad Scharien, suggested we try a customer favourite, the seafood tower, consisting of chilled lobster, prawn cocktail, tuna tartare, marinated octopus, scallop & prawn ceviche, and local oysters.
We continued our seafood feast and tasted the Atlantic lobster pasta.
"Our Island- inspired classic Greek pasta is a decadent dish,” Chef Scharien said, “designed to share with fresh-caught whole Atlantic lobster, local fresh tomatoes, and a splash of Greek brandy.”
Executive Table Group have clearly met the challenge of opening new restaurants in the lower mainland. “It’s all about the people you work with,” Wright told us, “and we have been very blessed to have a superb team around us. We were able to re-build during the pandemic, and my husband, Mark Greenfield (director of culinary operations), and I have been fortunate to surround ourselves with talented people who have made this restaurant, and the others, successful.”
Vancouver’s hottest new bar and grill actually dates back a century.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
Located in Bilboa, Spain, the Guggenheim, designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, houses modern and contemporary art.
Award-winning designer Jamie Banfield crafts a wide range of residential projects to suit any style.
Learn the history and legacy of the iconic racing icon.
Award-winning local jazz virtuoso Gabriel Mark Hasselbach has earned scores of Gold and Platinum albums in his travels.
WAVE 98.3 FM: VANCOUVER'S COOLEST VIBES
Meet Tara Jean Stevens, holding down the morning radio timeslot on Vancouver’s Coolest Vibe!
Located in Yaletown, the gallery represents artists from across Canada and around the world.
Two veteran Vancouver radio broadcasters, enjoying a new life as hosts of a popular TV talk show.
New finishes and textures, such as the "Artistic Reddish" of the "Wisdom" sculptures, are impactful pieces by themselves. With this innovative new style, they have become authentic icons.
The Oracle and its sister designs Orion and Origin were launched at the 2023 edition of Maison & Objet - Paris, Karpa. Their tenth consecutive presence in Maison & Objet, one of the most important furniture fairs in Europe, demonstrates how much they have grown globally. To celebrate this important milestone, Albino Miranda, as the artist behind the brand, tried to honour one of the most successful pieces—the "Orion" display case—by creating two new models that fulfill the same concept: the "Oracle" and "Origin" display cases. For their artistic component and
unique design, these were undoubtedly the biggest surprises of this edition.
Behind Karpa is Albino Miranda, who with the quality of a true artist and passion for the art world, mirrors his knowledge, accumulated over more than 35 years of experience, throughout his collection. Thanks to the handcrafted production of Karpa pieces, these products can be changed in finish and/or shape. all by a highly qualified team that with rigour and responsibility ensures the highest quality standards in this iconic collection.
Oracle is part of a KARPA collection of sculptural, luxurious and exclusive furniture created by the artist Albino Miranda.
@albinomirandaartist www.karpa.pt/en
"Things only come true when there is a dream."
- Albino Miranda
Mathew V, a young, local crooner belts out his jazzy take on the ‘great American songbook.’
Meet ‘The Voice’ of Rogers Arena and ‘YOUR Vancouver Canucks’!
Of 73 stores worldwide, Vancouver boasts Canada’s only Stefano Ricci men’s boutique of high-end Italian fashion.
A look inside one of Canada’s leading business opportunities from the perspective of one of the top executives in the industry.
With a number of Vancouver restaurants now on its radar, learn the colourful history of the famed Michelin Guide.
Sip your way through the breweries of British Columbia along the BC Ale Trail.
Lesley Diana on what’s filming in Hollywood North.
Experience BC like never before with unique helicopter adventures.
We pay homage to Vancouver’s hairdresser to the stars, Jon Paul Holt.
Leeta Liepins on the ongoing writer’s strike.
Most recent projects include “Rabbit Hole,” “Upload,” “Resident Alien,” “So Help Me Todd” and the pilot, “The Answers.”
Scroll through the pages and you’ll meet jazz great Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, learn the history of our great Craft Beer scene and the growth of the BC Ale Trail.
Contributor Lin Stranberg travels to Bilboa, Spain where she showcases the Guggenheim Museum of modern and contemporary art, designed by renowned North American architect, Frank Gehry.
On a somber note, this issue proves bittersweet for me as we feature, and ultimately say goodbye to, local hairstyling legend, Jon Paul Holt of Yaletown’s esteemed Avant Garde Hair Studio.
I had the pleasure of interviewing my longtime friend over a glass of wine outside his acclaimed Mainland Street salon earlier this year. He was thrilled to be featured and spoke so proudly of the business he dominated for years and was even outlining his future plans.
Welcome to Brian Jessel BMW Magazine, Vancouver’s preeminent luxury lifestyle publication, focused on the movers and shakers and style makers of entertainment, technology, fashion, food, fun and beyond.
Gracing our cover, and in the driver’s seat is Gemini Award-winning actor, Erin Karpluk.
For this shoot, we took her and our crew to ‘Stage 8’ at Burnaby’s Bridge Studios, who provided the ideal setting.
Erin’s vast resume showcases a career that boasts numerous lead roles in film and television and includes her being the title character and star of CBC’s “Being Erica,” along with ongoing Disney and Netflix productions.
We’ll catch up with CHEK-TV’s popular talk hosts, “Steele and Vance,” now renewed for a second season, and we’ll showcase the legendary Trev Deeley: for decades, a name synonymous in motorcycle racing and retail sales across Canada.
“Our City Tonight” hosts Jim Gordon and Leeta Liepens explore Vancouver’s acclaimed dining scene and debut their new food feature with a visit to the French bistro, Alouette.
You’ll meet sensational musical crooner Mathew V, an up and coming recording artist on the rise.
Brian Jessel and Jim Murray will weigh in on the ongoing debate of the electric vehicle versus the traditional combustion engine, and we’ll get their respective thoughts on the subject.
As this publication was being prepared for print, Jon Paul passed away suddenly of heart issues in May. His loss leaves a huge void in the world of style, both locally and on the international stage.
We dedicate this issue of Brian Jessel BMW Magazine to the memory of Jon Paul Holt.
Joe Leary is sporting the Palladio Limited Edition ‘Tonda GT’ by Parmigiani Fleurier, supplied by Jason Bosa of Palladio Jewellers.
Erin Karpluk
Dress: Dolce Gabbana
Sunglasses: Victoria Beckham
Turnabout Luxury Resale
Joe Leary
Shirt: Etro
Jeans: AG - Brooklyn Yaletown
President
Brian Jessel
Managing Partner and CEO
Jim Murray
Sales & Marketing Manager
Abdel Karim Awwad
Brian Jessel BMW Marketing team
@LaureCaceres
@raziehMotiei
Managing Editor
Joe Leary
Magazine Design
White Canvas Design
Contributing Editors
Joe Leary
Lin Stranberg
Contributing Writers
Joe Leary
Lin Stranberg
Cover Story Team
Erin Karpluk actor
Todd Duncan photographer
Aaron Aubrey digital tech
Rob Krauzig photo assistant
Bailey Murphy Hair Design hair
Alyssa Bradley hair
Kyla Plush Artistry makeup artist
Eleni Tsapas wardrobe stylist
Anita Brown assistant
Turnabout Luxury Resale wardrobe
Ted Baker dress
YSL clutch
Brian Jessel/Jim Murray Story
Farah Sanei makeup
Thanks to Ron Hrynuik Bridge Studios
Jeff Ramsay MBSE
Contributing Photographers
Todd Duncan cover, page 25-29
Tom Russell page 48-51
Dylan Dufault page 54-57, 73, 78, 80-81, 96, 98-99, 133
Matthew Miller page 106-109
Kevin Uy page 22, 27, 36, 40, 41, 116-119
Jacob Couture page 121-123
Published by Brian Jessel BMW
2311 Boundary Road, Vancouver, BC V5M4W5
Story by Joe Leary
Given the ever-increasing proliferation of electric vehicles on the automobile landscape, divisional lines of preference between drivers are being drawn. And the choice lies between the traditional gasoline-driven combustion engine and the current trend toward electric vehicles (EVs).
Brian Jessel and managing partner Jim Murray voice their preferences and, not surprisingly, they too are somewhat split:
As a longstanding, self-proclaimed gearhead, Brian Jessel sticks with the traditional.
“I like to hear the sound of the motor,” he says of his stated preference in vehicle type. I like the feel of a gas car.
“The electric cars don’t have transmissions in them and I like to work with a transmission, whether it’s a standard, or even on the automatics now, you can select the gears and different ranges to run the cars.
“In the BMWs we have everything from ‘economy’ to ‘sport plus,’ so you can choose exactly how you want your transmission to operate. That’s a feature that just gives the car a whole different feeling of how to handle it and how it performs. You just don’t get that with an electric car.”
That’s not to suggest that Jessel doesn’t appreciate the trend towards EVs.
“I mean, you’ve got full-on torque right away,” he notes. “I get it—they’re really fast—but there is just a different soul in a gasoline car.”
As for his first test drive in a BMW Electric vehicle, Brian recalls being immediately impressed.
“The first electric I drove was an i3, which is a very small car; not much bigger than a MINI.
“But the torque and the speed of this vehicle, for a small economy car, was sensational.
“And I still like driving an i3. We have one in our collection that I drive quite often, probably once a week, and when you have many other vehicles to choose from, that’s a lot! I like the handling and the size, but again, it’s like just go—that’s it.
“Also, Jim Murray decided that I need to drive an iX M60, and I have to admit that I really like this vehicle,” Jessel adds. “So now the iX M60 is my everyday driver.”
While Brian Jessel prefers the tried and true, managing partner Jim Murray leans electric, and has become quite a fan in the process.
“If truth be known, I had a Pontiac Firebird with a 350 small block,” says Murray of his first ride, back in the day. “But I’ve made the switch and I enjoy electric cars now. I didn’t really think that I would, but they’re fun. I also didn’t think that they would handle like a BMW enthusiast would expect. But they do.”
Murray admits missing the sound of an engine at first but conceded that what EV’s lack in “vroom vroom,” they more than make up for in performance.
“It’s instant power and the power doesn’t fade,” he says. “It doesn’t diminish at all over the course of the acceleration. Off the line it’s instant power; there’s no gear changing. It just goes.”
And while there’s no differentiation in the size of engine as in combustion vehicles, there is a difference in battery sizes.
“For example, in the iX series you can have an iX 40, iX 50 or an iX 60. As for the difference between them, two words: power and range.”
“Ironically, the IX50 has the most range and 500 horsepower while the IX60 has higher horsepower but a little less range,” says Murray.
“Unlike a gasoline engine, where the bigger the engine, the more gas it takes, it doesn’t quite work the same but the power bands are similar.”
With a full range of vehicles available in both combustion engine and electric, are customers drawn more towards the vehicle or is it what the vehicle contains that attracts them?
“I think there are two camps, and most people have a sense of which way they’re going to go when they come into the showroom,” he says.
“First of all, some of our vehicles don’t look any different, despite being gas or battery power. The new i7 is pure electric while the 760i is a pure petrol engine.”
“The two cars look the same except for the badge, and they drive very similarly, too. So then it’s just a choice between the two
formats. It’s a case of if you like the car, what platform do you choose to drive? Other people come in attracted to battery or gas.
“The iX is a different car. It doesn’t look like anything we have and it doesn’t drive like anything we have; it’s in a totally different space.
“So they could like that vehicle—and it’s also electric, or they can just like it because it is electric. I think that most people have already made a decision when they walk in. They’re coming in and are looking for an electric vehicle or they’re looking for the traditional gasoline engine.
“The hybrid is the in-between; designed for someone who’s not quite committed to full electric and doesn’t yet have the charging capability.”
Either way, both Brian Jessel and Jim Murray agree that there’s a BMW fit for everyone.
“The iX is a different car. It doesn’t look like anything we have and it doesn’t drive like anything we have; it’s in a totally different space."
Ranked in the top two percent of Vancouver realtors, Devon Owen has been committed to the success – for herself and her clients – she started in 2008. Now, she’s doing it with baby in tow.
Award-winning realtor. Brand new mom. Charity committee organizer. Amateur interior designer. Is there anything Devon Owen doesn’t do?
Juggling a full roster of client listings while her newborn daughter naps, this superstar has figured out the formula to success on all fronts: “I’m lucky to have great relationships,” she says. “Building a strong community in my network of clients, realtors and marketing people has been key. It takes years of being out there, but now I can call up anybody for anything.”
Owen got her start during the market crash of 2008 – a challenging time for realtors, which taught her how to sell under difficult conditions. Now she works with families – parents who are selling luxury homes and their kids who are buying condos, among others. “Most of my business is referral-based,” she says.
Owen has taken a unique approach to home sales with a holistic marketing process. “I look at what we need to do to get the most return possible – and make it an easy process for the client,” she says. “For example, if I think we need to paint the exterior, I’ll help them get
the painters. If we need to do landscaping, I help them with that.”
But Owen goes further than that. With connections in marketing and advertising, she’s able to get her clients exposure on TV. “I’ve had homes featured on Dream Homes Canada, the Marc & Mandy Show, Love It or List It, and I was featured on Global.”
And, after giving birth to her daughter in April 2023, she continues to do it all with her newborn in tow. “I’m working full-time, the way I normally do,” she says. “I have eight listings right now. I’m lucky to have great relationships so that I can co-list. My partner will do the showings, and I do the behind-the-scenes work because I love the negotiation part.”
Owen takes inspiration from interior design, and says she’s itching for a new project, having recently finished renovating her own home, including its new nursery. “It’s very feminine with lots of florals,” she says.
She’s also an active volunteer, raising money for charities with the Brian Jessel Foundation Charity Gala and Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CWH). “With CWH we raise money for local charities and some in Israel. We’ve started a
young women’s chapter, and I’m the eldest at almost 40!” she laughs.
With the real estate market picking up again, Owen is unlikely to see a break anytime soon. But that’s the way she likes it, always working to help people. “So many buyers are feeling confident to get back into the market now, although inventory is so low,” she says. “Luckily I have such great connections, I can ask my realtor friends to find something off-market for my clients before it gets listed. That’s the best way to buy a home right now.”
Ranked in the top two percent of Vancouver realtors, Devon Owen has been committed to the success—for herself and her clients— she started in 2008. Now, she’s doing it with baby in tow.
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You can usually judge an actor’s career by the depth of their resumé and overall credits. While it’s often a case of the more, the better, the quality and notoriety of the credits also play key factors.
Erin Karpluk boasts an impressive CV, with a host of screen credits and standout roles. Born and raised in Jasper, Alberta, Karpluk majored in theatre at the University of Victoria, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2000.
She then moved to Vancouver, spent four years in Toronto followed by ten years in Los Angeles, and recently relocated back to Vancouver, where duty called. Her life has gone in a few different geographical directions, for which she draws parallels.
“I enjoy splitting time between Toronto, LA, and Vancouver and have been lucky to build community in each city,” says Karpluk.
“Vancouver is like my husband, as it’s where I ‘adult’ and live my off-time life as well as work, and also closest to Jasper, which I visit every couple of months.
“Toronto is like my lover. I go to work; live in high-rises that overlook the water; dine at fancy restaurants and visit the Muskokas, as I am in lust with Ontario cottage life.
Jumpsuit: West of Woodward Yaletown
Shoes: Ash
Sunglasses: Kate Spade
“LA is like an old friend that I love and get excited about, but also get overwhelmed by. LA can be the most vibrant place and also the most isolating. I have a better relationship with it now that I’m in my 40s and have trimmed away the excess and expectations.”
Appearing in a multitude of movies and TV roles, Erin Karpluk really gained critical attention in the role of Kate in the Canadian series, “Godiva’s.”
“Auditioning, I thought there was no way I was getting the lead, so I had absolutely zero nerves and played opposite to the type they were looking for. Funny, when you have zero expectations and follow your gut, things have a way of working out.”
It was a pretty intense working schedule, to say the least.
“Canadian television shoots much quicker than American,” she says. “We shot the entire 13 episodes out of order, which is done to utilize setups and locations, saving time and money. For example, all the scenes in my character’s apartment over the course of 13 episodes were shot in one day.”
“It’s ambitious and hectic, but certainly makes you prep and be organized and lose any notion of being precious.”
While “Godiva’s” was a major lead role, Karpluk is best known for playing the titular
character in CBC’s “Being Erica.”
“When I landed “Erica” I was so excited, mostly because I had never shot in Toronto and had no idea it would turn into the success that it was.”
One could assume the responsibility of a lead role might bring added pressure. Not so, according to Erin.
“I find it’s actually the least stressful acting position. As the lead, I’m given permission and creative freedom to “steer the ship.”
“When I’m forging the trail with a bunch of support behind me, I have little to no nerves. I
“LA is like an old friend that I love and get excited about, but also get overwhelmed by”Top/Skirt: Sadie & Sage Sunglasses: Z Supply Diverse Showroom
welcome the responsibility and workload, and love being in every scene telling the story.
“I only get nervous or feel pressure when I am guest-starring or joining an already established show, because now I have to support someone else and feel pressure to not screw it up.”
As for her approach to her craft, Karpluk utilizes set criteria when selecting roles.
“What is the role? Is it fun and does it challenge me?
“Secondly, is the story important to tell and does it help people and do I believe in the theme and message?
“Next, who am I working with? Will the people be fun and will I learn something and advance my network?”
Location and compensation also figure in the decision.
“Where does it shoot?” she asks. “Am I in Scotland, Australia, or shooting in a dumpster for six weeks and how much does it pay, because yes, this is a big factor.
“If I hit two to three of these boxes I usually take the role, unless the other criteria really don’t align. I am always looking to expand my range and welcome those roles that keep me up at night because I’m worried I won’t pull them off.”
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Erin decided to eliminate alcohol four years ago.
“It was the best decision I ever made—no question! Since I stopped drinking, every aspect of my life has improved exponentially: career; finances; relationships; mental and physical health. And my spiritual awareness has skyrocketed.
“I honestly cannot say enough good things about living booze-free, and while I don’t want to get on a soap box, I share my experience because if it helps people, great!
“My poison was red wine. The sugar and alcohol gave me debilitating hangovers, physically and emotionally. Being free from all of that is like a shiny new start; like waking up from a bad dream.”
These days, cold plunging is her obsession.
“One of my friends had bad psoriasis last fall and heard cold plunging would help,” she says.
“She knew I’d be up for testing it out as I like trying new things, especially if it involves being outside or has anything to do with water. We went every other day for three minutes at a time and read that getting in eleven minutes a week over three or four sessions was the ticket.”
Erin Karpluk has covered a range of performances in characters good, bad and out of this world.
“I always joke that in my career I’ve had over 30 children; been married dozens of times; been abducted by aliens; have been an alien; have time traveled; died several times; and even slayed dragons,” she notes of her range of roles.
“When I’m forging the trail with a bunch of support behind me, I have little to no nerves. I welcome the responsibility and work-load, and love being in every scene telling the story.”Dress: UK Glamourous Diverse Showroom
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Athena Molina is the ultimate success story.
As the driving force behind 5D Networks, she entered into a competitive field with a strong, long-term vision. Launching with just three employees in 2020, 5D grew successfully in the first year alone.
Armed with her charismatic and energetic magnetism, Athena is someone people have been naturally drawn to. She has utilized this natural gift in keeping customers happy and their voices heard.
“People look at me and assume I have it all but my journey hasn’t been easy,” she says, while offering her strategy for perseverance.
“Hard work, growth, spiritual cleanse and motivation. I implemented my spirituality guidance into my business because the energetic forces between my business partner and me are powerful.”
At the age of 33, Athena’s life changed spiritually and physically.
“During the pandemic, I started a boutique internet service provider with my business partner and named it 5D Networks, 5D as in the 5th Dimension; a high level of consciousness. In today’s world, reliable high-speed internet access has become essential to our way of life. Residents and commercial properties rely on internet access as it is a massive repository of data and consumers want to access the information.”
After incorporating three years ago, 5D Networks launched in a big way.
“We were given the opportunity to take on a one-of-a-kind project in the largest RV Park in Western Canada; to deliver 10 GB to the home, along with television and telephones,” she says. “This is the largest project we have completed to date.”
The key to a company’s success is building a strong team, and Molina has gathered experts in all areas of the telecom business to support 5D’s goals.
Self-disciplined and hard working, Athena has an extensive background working in sales, project management, financial planning, customer relations, marketing, and social media marketing.
In the early days, the small 5D group designed, delivered, and installed every IT component in a hotel still under construction. This included everything from wiring, security, telecom, network—even the door locks.
Molina has acquired extensive experience in hands-on network design, implementation and management and doesn’t hesitate to get involved in the grittiness of major equipment installation and deployment. In addition to all the requisite attributes one must possess to accomplish such goals, Athena Molina is a multi-published tattoo model and influencer with a large presence and high-level engagement on Instagram.
Relentless in her pursuits, she remains focused and driven and unabashedly unafraid to reward herself with the fruits of her labour.
“I custom ordered my dream car, a 2022 M8 Competition Cabriolet, from Brian Jessel. It’s ranked Number 2 in the fastest ‘M’ models made and I waited seven months for it to arrive. It was the only one in all of Canada.”
A great example of focus and determination, Athena attributes her accomplishments in 5D Networks to a combination of hard work and dedication.
“I’ve had a lot of people try breaking me down while rising,” she adds. “I sat with myself and cut out noise and low energy in order to be successful, trusting my own compass to get to the top. And I’m continuing to rise.”
Instagram: @athenaleilani
Tom Lee Music Canada Vice President Graham Blank in the Vancouver Steinway Piano Gallery
Family-owned and operated Tom Lee Music is one of Canada’s most-respected full-line specialty retailers of top brand name musical instruments and equipment. Its humble beginnings date back to 1969 when it opened its doors in Vancouver.
The brand has since expanded with numerous locations across Canada, and the flagship store in downtown Vancouver has been a fixture for more than 40 years.
Occupying 15,000 square feet in the Scotia Tower at the corner of Granville and Georgia, this “store within a store” offers everything for aspiring musicians, ranging from the world’s finest pianos and guitars to the latest advancements in music technology, instrument repairs and virtually everything in between.
Graham Blank is vice president and director of Tom Lee Music Canada. Having a professional musician and teaching background himself,
Graham joined the company in a sales capacity in 1989 and worked his way up through the ranks.
The growth of Tom Lee Music Canada is something to be admired. “We have grown to be one of the most well-known specialty music retailers in Canada, with five Tom Lee Music locations in Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley and Victoria,” says Blank.
“Additionally, we have a large online music store, www.tomleemusic.ca, and four Steinway Piano Gallery locations in Calgary, Ottawa and two in Toronto.”
Being the specialty retailer of musical instruments in Canada requires a dedicated team of professionals who possess a deep knowledge of what they sell and service.
“We have an incredible group of music specialists that are also musicians who understand our customers’ needs and are
here to help them realize their musical dreams,” he says.
“Our stores provide everything in music from pianos to guitars and band instruments to the latest advancements in music technology, print music and instrument repairs, and everything in between.
“We are proud to represent the best in all categories, including Steinway, Yamaha, Fender, Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Ibanez, Selmer, Bach, Roland and Korg, with highly-specialized service.”
Blank emphasizes that for every category of music, they offer an incredible selection from the top instrument makers. Take the line of Steinway pianos, for example:
“Steinway makes an entire family of designed upright and grand pianos, which start from under $10,000 for Steinway-designed Essex and Boston pianos to well into the millions for Steinway & Sons custom pianos.
“Steinways can be customized to match a client’s home and are available in their iconic ‘Diamond Gloss’ black finishes, ‘Crown Jewel’ exotic wood finishes, Limited Edition runs and custom one-of-a-kind ‘Art Case’ designs.
“As testament to their success, there are over 2000 ‘Steinway Artists’ including Lang Lang, Billy Joel and Diana Krall, who gratuitously choose to play their pianos exclusively. The brand is the overwhelming choice of 97 percent of concert pianists worldwide.
“In 2015 Steinway launched ‘Spirio,’ a high-resolution player piano which enables pianists to play, listen, record, edit and even “Spiriocast” their performances.
“Sales soared, and in 2022 the ‘Spirio’ line represented half of all Steinway sales.”
Tom Lee Music Canada represents over 1,500 of the top brands, offering the best in each category.
“In addition to the Steinway line, we also offer iconic piano brands such as Yamaha, Boston, Essex, Petrof, Sauter and Schimmel.
“On the guitar side we offer Fender, Taylor, Martin, Gibson and Ibanez, to name a few.
“We literally have everything in music,” says Blank.
“Our downtown Vancouver location is a collection of specialized music shops within
one store and we have expert staff within every department, many of whom have been with us for decades.”
In addition to a first-class guitar repair shop, Tom Lee Music Canada’s Vancouver store also features a space known as their music experience centre, suitable for all manner of performances, workshops, master classes, recitals and even release parties.
Tom Lee Music prides itself in being a strong supporter for the music and arts community throughout Canada.
“We are dedicated to supporting music making in all its forms, and have been a strong supporter of the arts community since our beginning,” adds Blank.
“This includes the Vancouver International Jazz Festival; the Vancouver Folk Fest; the legendary VSO; and we provide instruments and support for hundreds of concerts and events per year.”
Tom Lee Music’s Vancouver Store Manager Ed Laslo is also a member of the iconic “Famous Players” band
Rarely do you discover a social ‘in’ spot in a location that dates back decades, yet is arguably the hottest ‘new’ destination in town.
Since its launch on August 31, 2022, Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions has become just that: Vancouver’s newest hotspot.
Nestled amid an unassuming, quasi-residential strip of addresses along West 6th Avenue in the historic Mount Pleasant area, this ultracool, retro-style throwback bar and grill is housed in a heritage ‘A Status’ structure that dates back to the turn of the century.
Owner/operator Cam Bogue is no stranger to hospitality culture.
In fact, he is a self-described “hospitality lifer.”
“I spent twelve years working for independents,” says Bogue of his impressive bartending and leadership career, which began in 1998.
His resumé is stellar and includes key positions in Whistler and New York City, where he helped open four restaurants for esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud, as well as Las Vegas.
It was there he finished up his degree in Hospitality Management at that city’s famed UNLV.
In 2010 Bogue was approached by Earl’s Restaurants to join their executive team as director of beverage operations, where he further honed his skills.
Armed with his vast experience and knowledge, it seemed certain that he would ‘hit it out of the park’ on any hospitality-oriented future projects should they occur.
The always affable ‘bar star’ has clearly struck gold with his first solo venture in East Vancouver.
“I’ve had this idea for a bar drawn out in three different locations before this,” he says, of Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions, his ultra-hip bar and grill within one of the city’s heritage structures.
“I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and I know restaurants like the back of my hand.
"I studied them for 24 years where I’ve had the influence of purchasing, marketing and design, so I felt comfortable opening my own place.”
With a capacity of 188, including two patios, both front and back, Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions is retro and cool, while somewhat of a transportation portal back in time through its decor.
Response from patrons was immediate.
“We tried to open our doors quietly,” says Bogue, while noting that, “We were written about as being the most anticipated Vancouver restaurant of 2022 before we even opened. We opened up gangbusters and to this day are still catching up.”
Among the early challenges, beyond scouting out the perfect location, was the naming process. “Funny story,” he replies, when asked.
“The name was actually the last resort.
“The concept was originally called ‘The OG’ —all my contractor plans have it on them and it was going to be called that in whatever location we opened with."
“It was to be ‘The Olympic Gardens’ but the word Olympic doesn’t pass vetting or legal. ‘OG’ is also trademarked a ton of times in different capacities, so it’s just set up for conflict.”
They were undaunted by all that. The name game continued.
“Then it was going to be called ‘Sweet Nothings,’ but that’s also trademarked for restaurant use in the US.
“After that, we were going to call it ‘Easy Tiger’—but that’s trademarked by a bar in Austin, Texas.
“Finally we got down to about sixty days before opening and went back to our original routes of opening up and over-delivering a local neighbourhood bar, so we adopted a name and called it Vintage and Provisions.
That denotes that it is a bar and grill, but we also sell stuff.”
By that, he means virtually everything you see from the walls to the floors is available for sale.
With a beverage list that ranges from draft beer to high-end cocktails, along with an accompanying food menu that offers everything from hot dogs and tater-tots to infinitely more exotic fare, Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions may appear somewhat kitschy on the surface, but it scores high marks on the ‘ultra cool’ index.
“I’m super lucky to have had jobs that have afforded me the opportunity to travel the world and check out other bars and see what trends are developing,” says Bogue.
“What I’m noticing is that people that have worked at, or opened some of the best bars in the world – typically, the speakeasies of ten or twenty years ago - are now in a place where they’re doing things that are more fun or lowbrow but still have high-end offerings.
“I wanted a casual place, but one where we under-promise and over-deliver every component throughout the brand.
We’re just a simple neighbourhood bar and grill, a meeting place in a city that’s void of it.”
As a regular customer of Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions, I can attest firsthand that it definitely ticks all the right boxes.
And with Vancouver now having a popular hotspot so unique, it begs asking if more such locations may appear on the local landscape in the future.
Cam Bogue has a simple answer.
“My background is operating multi-unit chains,” he says.
“Once we prove this successful, I definitely want to expand.”
Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions is located at 67 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver. Instagram: @mountpleasantvintage
Since its launch on August 31, 2022, Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions has become just that: Vancouver’s newest hotspot.
Searching for the right mortgage to suit your specific needs can be a daunting task.
That’s where mortgage brokers enter the picture.
Having access to a variety of lending institutions, including banks and credit unions along with private lenders, enables them to select from a wider selection of options best suited to the client.
Sara Khorram’s career started in 2004 as a teller at RBC in West Vancouver and North Vancouver, where she quickly realized that finance was more than just numbers and transactions.
“It was about building relationships with clients and understanding their unique needs,” she says.
“As I moved up the corporate ladder and became the manager of client care, my responsibilities expanded and I had the opportunity to assist clients with a wide range of financial services.”
It was during this period that her passion for finance blossomed and she constantly sought ways to enhance her skill set and knowledge, thus expanding her business acumen.
“After 13 successful years at RBC I had established a solid foundation in banking and garnered expertise in areas such as business banking, personal loans and home financing.
"It was at this point that other prominent banks, including TD, BMO, Scotia Bank, and CIBC, took notice of my extensive resume and approached me with enticing offers.”
Among the numerous offers, TD caught her attention and in 2017 she made the move.
“I made the decision to join TD as a mobile mortgage specialist (MMS) for the Lower Mainland,” says Khorram.
“This position allowed me to focus exclusively on mortgages and work closely with clients to secure their dream homes.
"In just a short period I realized the immense satisfaction I derived from helping individuals and families navigate the complex world of mortgages.
"It was during this time that my career took an exciting turn.”
In 2020, Sara Khorram made the pivotal decision to become an independent mortgage broker under the corporate identity of Mortgage Architects: A Better Way.
“This was driven by my desire to provide my clients with more options and flexibility.
"By becoming an independent broker I could tap into a vast network of lenders, including alternative lenders and private institutions.
"This expanded network allowed me to access a broader range of policies and find competitive rates tailored to each client's unique needs.”
Joining Dominion Lending Centre’s Valko Financial in 2022 proved to be a significant milestone in her career.
“As an independent mortgage broker I’ve been able to establish myself as a trusted advisor, leveraging my expertise to guide clients through the intricate world of mortgages.
"The value of being an independent broker lies in my ability to understand and simplify complex terms and conditions for my clients.
"I am committed to helping them make informed decisions by providing them with a diverse range of mortgage options that suit their specific requirements."
Sara Khorram remains grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on behalf of her clients.
“My passion for finance and unwavering commitment to helping others achieve their financial goals continue to drive me forward,” she says.
“With each successful mortgage arrangement I find immense satisfaction in knowing that I have played a part in turning dreams into reality.”
Thus far it’s been a fulfilling career within the finance industry; one replete with growth, expertise and meaningful connections.
“From bank teller to becoming an independent mortgage broker, I have honed my skills, embraced challenges and leveraged my network to provide exceptional service to my clients.
"My unwavering dedication to helping others achieve their financial goals will remain at the forefront of my career as I continue to navigate the dynamic world of mortgages and finance.”
“My passion for finance and unwavering commitment to helping others achieve their financial goals continue to drive me forward”
Banfield and his team believe that a wellthought-out design should be approached with a creative and proactive process.
From a studio with a breathtaking view of the Port Moody inlet, principal designer Jamie Banfield oversees a talented team of designers and architectural technologists passionate about creating efficient and functional residential projects. Jamie Banfield Design Inc. crafts a wide range of residential projects for every kind of family and tailor-makes them to fit their unique needs and lifestyles. As an award-winning residential design firm, they cover projects such as custom homes, renovations, interior, and exterior designs across Canada.
It starts with a complimentary consultation, dubbed a “Meet + Inspire,” where Banfield builds a rapport with clients to gain an understanding of their needs, inspirations, and lifestyle. With this knowledge in hand, Banfield provides the client with an in-depth scope-of-work and a fixedfee service package which outlines the detailed process from vision to completion to ensure the client is never blindsided by unanticipated fees.
Banfield and his team believe that a well-thought-out design should be approached with a creative and proactive process. Throughout the experience, maintaining communication and collaboration with clients and the build team is a priority. A unique combination of skill sets and experience provides the team with an understanding of all the different disciplines that go into crafting a home. As part of their dedication to sustainable and approachable design, a part of this education includes being certified passive house designers. From conceptual vision, throughout the design development process, to creating high-quality construction-ready drawings, they are mindful of all parties involved to ensure that the process runs smoothly and on budget.
Since moving to the Pacific Northwest from Wales, Banfield felt inspired by his new surroundings and implements its features in his work. His background in construction and millwork provided him with insider knowledge of the construction process. To pay homage to the West Coast scenery and to limit the environmental impact construction causes, Banfield often works with reclaimed materials.
Banfield has collaborated with families from all walks of life. He and his team craft projects for all lifestyles and their expertise can accurately predict changes to the future of the family home. With their combined skillsets and experiences, they understand how to tailor deliverables to fit all the families who entrust Jamie Banfield Design Inc and its approach.
A home for the modern family: Combined sophistication and contemporary West Coast style that complements this young family’s personality.
Depth and Balance
An entertainer’s kitchen includes integrated appliances that are both professional-grade and aesthetically functional.
Ahome crafted with a combination of sophistication and contemporary West Coast style that complements the young family who calls this space home. Merging function with creative design results in a bright, warm, and timeless new built home perfect for entertaining and the family’s everyday life.
Optimal West Coast style entails curated textures and seamless techniques to stimulate each of the five senses. The tactile sense, often neglected in other design styles, is given priority in West Coast style. Elements such as the durable and organic materials used in the floor tile bring in a natural feel as you walk throughout the space.
Layered details such as an oak vanity stained in a moody blueish-purple finish, and natural stone countertops with large veining create a timeless yet contemporary space throughout the principal bathroom. The soft marbling pulls colours from throughout the bathroom—the dark blue calls to the stained cabinets and the distinct backsplash tile. Neutral cream in the backsplash plays with an ombre effect achieved by glazing each tile differently.
Classic inspiration with a unique contemporary interpretation adds intent and showcases a cohesive design fit for the modern family.
West Coast style continues throughout the home, ensuring each room flows seamlessly into the other. Perfectly segmented by custom walnut millwork, the kitchen exudes a deliberate and near-symmetrical design for optimal balance.
Fit for a chef ’s kitchen, the appliance selection features innovation and sophistication while still maintaining a family-centric design. An integrated fridge and dishwasher combined with handle-less wall ovens keep the cabinetry façade seamless and clean. High-quality appliances maintain a sleek designer look with professional functionality that can be seamlessly integrated into a family kitchen.
Every detail has been accounted for. The knurled handle in the faucet adds more visual and tactile interest, and the direction of the cabinetry grain extends the space horizontally. Utilizing the same natural quartzite stone as the countertop seamlessly integrated into the backsplash in the hoodfan effortlessly leads the eye upwards by keeping the whole back wall seamless and balanced.
A sophisticated family home incorporates similar materials and textures, so all spaces feel cohesive. Taking inspiration from the classic checkerboard floor allows for a uniquely modern interpretation that adds charm and personality to the mudroom. Playing with the pattern by combining two porcelain tiles placed on a unique angle adds visual interest while the continuous millwork from the kitchen keeps it united with the rest of the home.
A glimpse of the Guggenheim Museum, shimmering in the sunshine, appears like a mirage rising from two narrow streets in Bilbao, an industrial city in the Basque country of Northern Spain. It is a breathtaking vision.
The closer one gets, the more alluring it becomes. The Guggenheim Bilbao is more than a museum – it is one of the most admired and iconic works of contemporary architecture in the world. When it opened in 1997, it was hailed as the greatest building of its time, a brilliant 20th century masterpiece, artfully integrated by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry into the former docklands of Balboa’s 19th century urban environment and its surrounding area. It projects an image of the industrial power that drove this city to its former importance as a mining and shipbuilding centre on the Nervion river.
''The idea of this looking like a boat was my response to the river,'' Mr. Gehry told the New York Times, pointing to the gigantic gallery wing that curves under the La Salve Bridge, now better-known as the Guggenheim Bridge. ''The other side, more fragmented and covered with stone, is more in scale with the city. The whole thing is about fitting the building into Bilbao. So for me it's about the imagery of the river and the imagery of the city.''
In 1991, the Basque government proposed funding a Guggenheim museum to be built in Bilbao’s rundown port area, no longer the city’s main source of income. The government
"
The other side, more fragmented and covered with stone, is more in scale with the city. The whole thing is about fitting the building into Bilbao. So for me it's about the imagery of the river and the imagery of the city."
agreed to cover the construction cost, establish an acquisition fund, pay the Guggenheim Foundation a one-time fee, and subsidize the museum’s annual budget. The Guggenheim agreed to manage the museum, rotate parts of its permanent collection through it and organize temporary exhibitions.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao was built between October 1993 and October 1997 on an old wharf on a curve of the river. Due to the mathematical complexity of Gehry’s design, he decided to work with an advanced software program called CATIA, initially designed for the aerospace industry, to faithfully translate his concept to the structure and to help with construction. He brought the project in both on time and on budget.
For the outer skin of the building, the architect chose titanium after seeing the changes that occurred to a small titanium sample pinned to a pole outside his New York office. The finish of the approximately 33,000 extremely thin titanium sheets provides a rough and organic effect, adding to the material’s colour changes, depending on the weather and light conditions. The other two materials used in the building, limestone and glass, blend sculpturally with the titanium. In one corner of the second floor, the titanium sheets extend into the interior so visitors can actually touch them and get a close-up look at how they behave with the light.
The Guggenheim Bilbao is one of several museums that belong to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Like the Guggenheim New York, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, they are undoubtedly the most important buildings of their architects’ late
careers. Thrilling in themselves, they present an iconic venue for viewing modern and contemporary art.
The Guggenheim Bilbao features permanent and visiting exhibits of works by Spanish and international artists. In front, the enormous “Puppy” flower sculpture by Jeff Koons greets awestruck visitors (it is more than 40 ft. tall and is literally still growing; the flora are changed in spring and fall to reflect seasonality) and in back, visitors casually stroll through the legs of the outsize “Maman” metal and marble sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, one of the world’s largest and best-known sculptures (other versions are also on display at London’s Tate Modern and the National Gallery of Canada as well as in Japan, the United States, and Qatar).
The entrance to the 257,000-square-foot museum is through a lobby that leads to a striking 65-foot-high atrium. The atrium, which Gehry has nicknamed ''The Flower'' because it culminates in a series of angled geometrical shapes, serves as the organizing center for the entire museum and is one of the signature traits of his design.
The three levels of the building are organized around the atrium and are connected by means of curved walkways, titanium and glass elevators, and staircases. Also an exhibition space, the atrium functions as an axis for the 20 galleries, some orthogonally shaped and with classical proportions and others with organic, irregular lines. This makes for tremendous versatility for the presentation of large, important shows and those that are smaller and more intimate.
The first gallery houses major temporary exhibitions, like the work of Joan Miró from 1920 – 1945. Next, moving counterclockwise, is the well-known Richard Serra permanent sculpture installation—eight enormous works in hot-rolled steel collectively titled “The Matter of Time,” so well-suited to the space it occupies. The entirety of the vast room is part of the sculptural field. Visiting the upper galleries and their displays of outsize pop art, modern art, and Spanish works is invigorating rather than tiring.
Some 20 million visitors a year have trooped through the museum since it opened, more than 60 percent of whom have traveled from overseas. Thanks to the Guggenheim and Frank Gehry’s vision, Bilbao has become a destination for art pilgrims from around the world.
The name ‘Deeley’ has been synonymous with the world of motorcycles across Canada since 1917, when Fred Deeley Sr. added the Harley-Davidson brand to his growing Vancouver bicycle business.
Upon expansion in 1925, Trev Deeley’s father, Fred Jr., took over the motorcycle operation.
In his teens, Fred’s son, the revolutionary Trevor, began apprenticing in the business.
By1953 Trev Deeley would have his own name emblazoned atop the signature marquis at the original East Broadway dealership location.
The location not only showcases the latest, greatest and pre-owned models and merchandise available over a number of brands, it pays homage to the pioneering racing figure with an inspiring retrospective museum, displaying the namesake's valued collection of motorcycles throughout the years.
It ranks among the best of its kind in the world and serves as a fitting tribute to the legendary figure, who throughout his career competed in, won, and established numerous racing records in the process—all while riding a Harley-Davidson.
A stroll through the annals of Trev Deeley history illustrates a bond between staff and customers that spans years.
To the customers, the purchase of a motorcycle is more than just buying a mode of transportation.
It’s a lifestyle choice, and owners are very passionate about their bikes,” says Trev Deeley Motorcycles General Manager, Darwin Osarchuk, of the dealership’s clientele.
“It’s more than them just being a customer at Trev Deeley’s. Many of these people become our friends…..we ride with them.”
That’s a fact echoed by longtime supporters like Robert Byler.
“I have had a very long relationship and connection with the Trev Deeley dealership,” he says.
“It goes back to 1992, when I ordered my first Harley-Davidson from Darwin at the East Broadway location just over 30 years ago.
“Darwin and his team have built a very loyal and special customer experience with myself and many, many others over all these years.
“Nothing else is comparable.”
In fact, the mantra at Trev Deeley should be ‘We are family.’
Osarchuk started as the service driver and parts employee over thirty-five years ago when Trev Deeley and business partners Don James and Malcolm Hunter owned the operation.
Keeping it in the ‘family,’ ownership of Trev Deeley Motorcycles changed hands in 2016 when original partner Don James’s son Darren purchased the heritage brand and spectacular Boundary Road facility, maintaining the dealership’s rich history while his own racing lifestyle mirrored that of Deeley.
Dealer Principal Darren James started working at the shop in 1992. As a professional racer for the past 23 years, he remains active on the circuit and has been duly rewarded.
“MOTORCYCLES WERE
MY BLOOD FROM THE DAY I WAS BORN.”Trev Deeley owner Darren James; continuing the tradition on the motorcycle racing circuit.
James is a two-time Canadian National Champion; a US National Champion; he competed in all the Irish Road Racing and was awarded ‘Top Newcomer’ in the Lightweight Class at the Isle of Man TT in 2016.
He has also participated ten times in the prestigious ‘Daytona 200,’ an annual 200 mile race in Daytona Beach, Florida in which his best performance was a 6th place finish.
“My father was Trevor’s business partner, and my introduction to this business and the culture,” says James.
“Dad would take me to the East Broadway store and as the owner’s kid I’d work there cleaning bikes.
“My role was to go around and pick up debris in the neighbourhood. I had a few other jobs and one of them was on the Harley-Davidson demo truck.”
Eventually James got hired by Harley-Davidson. “Motorcycles were in my blood from the day I was born,” he says.”
As an active rider himself, Darren James continues the proud tradition of the dealership namesake’s love of motorcycle racing.
From 1947 to 1958 Trev Deeley competed in, won and ultimately set a series of track records in numerous races across North America. These would include him being a three-time competitor at the Daytona 200.
In 1957, Deeley retired from racing and became more involved in the motorcycle industry and community.
His commitment to motorcycle culture clearly revolutionized the industry in Canada, and in 1973 he was given exclusive rights for the distribution of Harley-Davidson products and ultimately became the first Canadian appointed to their Board of Directors.
Among his numerous accolades are countless awards and inductions that honour his contributions and accomplishments throughout his life.
He became a Canadian Motor Sports Hall of Fame Inductee in 1995, and the only Canadian winner of the American Motorcyclists Association Dud Perkins Award.
Trev Deeley passed away on March 28, 2002 at the age of 82.
And while the business he so helped transform continues to thrive in 2023, Darren James respectfully carries the modern-day torch and continues to honour the legendary brand he now so proudly owns.
“The true legacy is from Trevor’s grandfather to his father to Trevor, to my dad, to me,” says James of the dealership’s lineage.
“The Jameses and the Deeleys go back fifty years and the name will always be Trev Deeley Motorcycles.
“That will never change.
“Darwin Osarchuk was the face of the place and he’s still the man who runs it—he’s the hammer, but now it’s about having my face on this place, and showing people that we’re not a corporate store.
“There’s nothing corporate about us. We’re owned by an individual.
“And one who’s been a rider since I was a kid.”
He wasn’t exactly born playing a horn—but it certainly followed shortly thereafter.
In fact, it was in the 3rd Grade that Vancouver-based trumpet virtuoso Gabriel Mark Hasselbach actually recorded music for a school fundraising project in his native Colorado.
“I was in a multi-school summer band program when I was eight years old, my first year playing the trumpet,” he recalls.
“We recorded a vinyl record of concert band material that summer as a fundraiser; I was even front and center on the album jacket, although not particularly singled out.
“From there the die was cast.
“I stayed in school bands and took private lessons, and at twelve I joined the Columbia Records Club—buy one get 5 free—and I remember my first batch consisting of Clifford Brown and Art Blakey Live at the Blue Note,
“I was listening to late night jazz radio shows from New York, Chicago and St. Louis, in bed under the covers with a little 7 transistor radio, the radio waves bouncing off the ionosphere to the Mile High City.
“I really fell in love with that organ trio sound and all the great horn players.”
After years on the local music scene, actively playing jazz gigs and large corporate events, he would receive a phone call that would play a vital role in the life and career of this emerging musical star.
“Producer, coach and adjudicator Beverly Delich called to tell me of this fantastic 16-year-old kid who had just won the PNE ‘Teen Talent Search,’ and could I get him working?” says Hasselbach.
That kid was Michael Bublé.
“Michael started singing with my big band. He was a little shaky but full of potential,” he recalls.
“He recorded the tune ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ on one of my albums, and I produced his album ‘Dream,’ dedicated to his mentor and grandpa Mitch.”
After working together for a few years, the fuse was lit and Bublé’s career trajectory soared.
“He worked for me for a few years, then after he met David Foster the tables turned, and I started working for him for a couple of years.
They would go their separate ways when Bublé hit the ranks of superstardom.
“When he really took off big-time, we parted ways amicably,” he says.
“I had my own destiny to fulfill.”
In the ensuing years, the well-travelled musician has toured extensively, playing for various dignitaries along the way; he established a number of personal achievements with gold and platinum jazz albums; and has since recorded 18 albums, won ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ awards and charted eleven Billboard hits of his own.
“They say you need 10,000 hours to master your craft, and I’m sure I’ve tripled that,” he estimates.
“My five years of touring 300 shows a year as an original member of the Powder Blues Band kept me in shape and gave me a good launching pad.
“Then, after I left the band, I was performing six nights a week and doing studio advertising jingles in the day, so my chops were always finely tuned.
“Nowadays, with occasional international concerts, where travel time exceeds playing time by a factor of thirty, and my weekly Sunday jazz gig at the Admiral Pub in Burnaby, I find I need to spend more focused daily time with my face to the horn to maintain my chops.
“I’m making a new album so that helps.
“Muscle memory ain’t what it used to be, either.”
Home time for Gabriel Mark Hasselbach is spent in the Burnaby penthouse apartment that he shares with his wife, Sylvia, and two musically-named dogs: Bebop and Tutti.
“I used to be a cat person, but my daughter Megan convinced me to get a hypoallergenic dog about seven years ago, and I can’t believe what I had been missing all those years,” he says.
“My wife and I got a second dog from BCSPCA a few years after that and there is no turning back: daily exercise for all, and lots of love and cuddles.”
Not surprisingly, transportation to and from Hasselbach’s various gigs is provided by his prized BMW 328i!
“I’ve always been a Beemer guy with numerous iterations under my belt,” he acknowledges.
“The new models look awesome and I’ll probably go electric—but just like my trumpets, I have a soft spot for the vintage ones.
“Calling my Cherry 1999 328i a vintage automobile is arguable, but I love it. It will go a million miles with that cast iron block and good maintenance.
“Good soft top, no rust, good paint and sound system—it’s a solid bet for me.”
It’s summertime and the living is easy.
And just as the weather sets your morning mood, the right tunes set the tone.
“WAVE 98.3 FM Vancouver’s Coolest Vibe” morning host Tara Jean (TJ) Stevens has been designing that musical template each weekday morning from 5:30a.m. – 10:00a.m. while waking up Vancouverites since the station launched in July 2022.
TJ's early morning energy is infectious and her love of music is apparent, whether it’s a contemporary tune, an R&B classic or a smooth instrumental.
"They all have what we describe as a groove," says TJ.
"Having a gig at the WAVE has taught me that music that gets you moving doesn't always have to be a full tilt, energetic banger. When I'm playing a song, I know in my heart I'm playing the best song on Vancouver radio at that moment, and it really lifts me up.
– Earth, Wind & Fire
"Earth, Wind & Fire always provides a groove that can get me going, even when I'm not in the mood. There's something in the rhythm that triggers something in us that makes everything seem all right—even when it isn't."
– Alexander Zonjic
"Alexander's a Grammy-nominated Canadian flutist and the second you hear his flute it's a beckoning call to get up and start moving. It's an absolute bop!”
– Michael Bublé with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
"It's been covered for decades by beloved artists like Van Morrison and Jerry Lee Lewis, and knocks it out of the park with its retro vibes. If you love the swinging sound of the sixties with a modern twist, it's definitely one to get you moving."
WAVE 98.3 is Vancouver’s Coolest Vibe, owned and operated by Durham Radio Inc., an independent Canadian broadcaster.
The station uniquely combines a rhythmic smooth groove with a mix of contemporary and classic hits, presented by the best on-air lineup in the city.
In the realm of high-stakes endeavors and unparalleled ambition, executives, elite professionals, artists, and athletes strive for peak performance like never before. In their pursuit of excellence, they seek out cutting-edge methodologies that set them apart from the competition. One such innovation is peak performance—an exclusive brain excellence program poised to transform brain performance. In this article, we delve into the world of peak performance and reveal how this premium excellence program can amplify cognitive prowess, emotional equilibrium, and overall success for those leading the most glamorous and demanding lifestyles.
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Vancouver gallerist Jennifer Kostuik has a unique take on the importance of visual art to everyone.
“Visual art defines us as human beings; it conveys our collective consciousness. It’s all about relationships, I think. Finding art is the discovery of a new relationship. Art is magical. It can pull you in when you least expect and there are no boundaries or rules to its meaning and relationship to you.”
It's a philosophy that has served her well over the 25 years she has been a gallerist in Vancouver. The Jennifer Kostuik Gallery of today is an airy, 3000 sq. foot space in the heart of Yaletown. It is spacious and well-lit, enabling her clients to comfortably experience a sampling of the tremendous variety of her artists’ work. She currently represents artists from Canada, the U.S.A., Europe, Mexico and Argentina, selected for their talent as well as their conviction. “Art is an expression of someone’s soul, the spirit inside of them.”
She values technical skills, expertise at presenting ideas, and always, she says, “There has to be integrity behind the work.”
Jennifer Kostuik herself is a tall, beautiful blonde. She is Canadian and says she is “kind of a hybrid.” She grew up across the border in the southern U.S. before returning to Canada to attend Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, earning her Bachelor of Art History degree before relocating to Vancouver to start up a gallery in 1997. After a decade on South Granville, she moved to her current space on Homer Street, providing collectors
“Art is magical. It can pull you in when you least expect and there are no boundaries or rules to its meaning and relationship to you.”
and first-time buyers options by familiar artists as well as showcasing new artists and themes. She has exhibited at dozens of international art fairs, where she has forged relationships with new visual artists and clients for her gallery while creating greater awareness for the artists she represents.
Many of the artists, including all of the sculptors, are adept at personalized and custom commissions. Almost half of the gallery’s business involves Jennifer Kostuik’s expertise as a consultant , handling measurements, mood, colour, installation details, shipping and timelines. The gallery has worked with interior designers, architects, corporate and private clients. She will consult in person or remotely: often clients will provide her with images of their interiors, and she will photoshop her recommended artworks to scale onto the images to help them visualize how they will look. The gallery can help with mounting and framing, worldwide shipping, local delivery and installation—and costs can be combined in “all-in” quotes for clients.
Her taste is impeccable. She was selected to be on the jury of the 2022 Minimalist Photography Awards. According to its president, Milad Safabakhsh, The Minimalist Photography
Awards is the only foundation that deals extensively and professionally with minimalist photography as a branch of photography in which the photographic artistic vision takes the lead. Her clients appreciate her expertise and candour. “I’m extremely honest,” she says. “I don’t want to push anything on anyone.”
A visit to the Jennifer Kostuik Gallery enables people to discover exciting new pieces in a variety of mediums, without pressure and at their own pace. This season, there are new Plexiglas works from Georg Kuettinger’s Interferences series; experimental pinhole photographs by Dianne Bos from her new series Exhalations/Transmissions; and illusionist creations from Judy D. Shane’s Silver White Series.
Also featured are a yellow rendition of James Lahey’s pop style Flight Series; the ever-popular Lee Plaza Hotel Ballroom by Philip Jarmain; three collage gems by Stuart Robertson; a new monoprint and paper painting by Stu Oxley; and selections from the gallery’s April 27th solo show with Vancouver-based emerging artist Ghislain Brown-Kossi.
“Art is an expression of someone's soul, the spirit inside them.”
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Story by Joe Leary
by Dylan Dufault
‘Steele and Vance’ has proven to be a bona fide television casting coup, pairing up two extremely accomplished broadcasters and creating a veritable dynamic duo in the process.
It was last fall when media veterans Lynda Steele and Jody Vance teamed up to host the weekly TV series, “Steele and Vance,” airing Thursday evenings on Victoria’s CHEK-TV.
While the show may still be somewhat in its infancy, the two broadcast stalwarts have seamlessly found that sweet spot as a tandem.
For Steele, following a lengthy career as the evening news anchor on Global Edmonton, the award-winning journalist relocated to CTV Vancouver in 2011, tackling the consumer investigative beat: “Steele on your Side.’’
That preceded a flip to talk radio in 2015 to create “The Lynda Steele Show” show on CKNW.
It is here that the two would soon cross paths.
After a six-year run in the top-rated afternoon timeslot, Steele stepped away.
“Frankly, I was burned out,” she admits, citing Donald Trump and COVID, both fuelling an insanely hot news cycle over her reign.
“I was out of gas and also feeling guilty about not being more available to see my dad in long-term care.
“I figured he needed me more than CKNW did, so I pulled the plug and spent the next year and a half doubling up on dad visits.”
Eventually Steele would figure out the work/ life balance where, as she states, “I could scratch my news itch and make sure my dad felt loved and well taken care of.”
Jody Vance is replete with impeccable creden-
tials of her own, building an impressive career in broadcasting over the past thirty years.
Following almost a decade in radio, Vance became a TV mainstay across Canada on Sportsnet before co-hosting “Breakfast Television” on City TV in Vancouver.
In addition to Steele and Vance duties, the Kitsilano resident remains the Canadian correspondent for Al Jazeera English, an active online columnist and podcaster as well as CKNW’s lead fill-in host.
Having previously been paired with Steele within the CKNW environs, she recognized their chemistry immediately.
“Lynda and I had the best “bounce” on air years ago, when I was filling in for Drex on their show,” says Vance. “Her professionalism and attention to important facts and detail is remarkable.
“I feel as though we fit like puzzle pieces—we are very different, yet we go together.”
‘‘It’s a fact not lost on Steele. “The key to a successful on-air partnership is to prepare, share, be curious and have fun,” she notes.
“A lot of hosts are not okay with the idea of performing live-to-tape without a safety net, but Jody and I both have TV backgrounds and live radio experience, so it’s a perfect match.
“I love having a co-host that can roll with the unexpected, always has something interesting to say, and is quick to laugh.”
Since its launch last year, “Steele and Vance” has become appointment viewing as the two tackle a variety of often heavy topics in a casual but unflinching manner.
They are two of the most accomplished in their field so it’s not only natural to team them up, but seemingly necessary given today’s information environment.
“There is an element of starvation in our current state of broadcasting that needs to be urgently addressed,” says Vance, citing understaffed newsrooms and underpaid staff, among other problems.
“We should also have a standard for what is news and have it differentiated from what is opinion. There should be a clear disclaimer when any media is rooted in disinformation.”
As for future plans for the talk titans, they admittedly remain in growth mode as partners.
“‘Steele & Vance’ is ours: our brand; our outlet,” says Vance.
“We own this show and plan to grow it for as long as our audience continues to tune in.”
While not initially in the career path of either host to pair up, one’s media journey can often take unexpected turns, as proven by Lynda Steele and Jody Vance
They report that viewer response to the duo thus far has been “incredible.”
“Here we are, nearly eight years later, co-hosting a current affairs TV show on CHEK,” says Steele. “I didn’t see that one coming.”
“I love having a cohost that can roll with the unexpected, always has something interesting to say, and is quick to laugh”
Authentic, non-conformist home decor.
Story by Joe Leary
Consistently ranking within the top one and two percent among 20,000 Royal Lepage realtors across Canada over his 30-year career, Glen Bohnet has gained a lot of expertise in the real estate industry.
Earning his license in 1993, Glen’s career began with a 23-lot custom home development of Burnaby’s Deerbrook Estates.
That was followed by an opportunity to sell a development of eleven custom homes in a luxury boutique subdivision off Bainbridge in Burnaby, known as Bainbridge Estates.
About 25 years ago Bohnet created a team now known as Teambold. The team focused on being part of the overall transformation of the Tri-Cities area and, in particular, making neighbouring Anmore into the next great luxury neighbourhood.
His most recent development in the area was Pinnacle Ridge Estates. Situated along the shores of Indian Arm, just north of Port
Moody and 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Anmore is establishing itself as a prime sought-after residential destination.
Bohnet describes the area as the ‘Hamptons of Vancouver’ and all indications would suggest that’s a fair description.
“Within the last few years, the most-searched areas are Coquitlam and Port Moody on affordability, as the value is tremendous,” says Bohnet.
“Anmore has become one of the most recognized luxury neighbourhoods to live in because you can purchase a one-acre, a thirdor half-acre lot with a home, the value of which is considerably less than comparables in
It would appear that the word is out and Anmore and the Tri-Cities area have become a popular target for the discerning buyer.
“I’m noticing over the last five years there is a steady migration of people from North and West Vancouver and even Coquitlam moving to Anmore, because there is limited land which makes the area even more exclusive.
“It’s similar for the Tri-Cities areas. You’re getting a good-sized lot that’s within easy reach of all amenities, which is of added value coming from the other areas where those things are abundant.
“We have stunning waterfront properties creating safe neighbourhoods and family living, all within close proximity to flagship chain locations, the famous Brewer’s Row and a high quality outdoor, healthy lifestyle that caters to everyone from first-time buyers and starter families to ideal retirement locations.”
Bohnet and wife Julia live on a one-acre property in Anmore as it fits their lifestyle to a tee.
“We both like outdoor life, it’s a great, safe area for walks with plenty of nature,” he says.
West Van, North Van, Burnaby and even South Surrey. You get way more for the value.”
Bohnet cites an example from pre-2000:
“I sold a house in Anmore about 25 years ago,” he recalls.
“At that point it was pretty remote, with no real infrastructure and kind of rough overall. As the market started to turn and values started to increase, it became a different story.
“I sold a home in 2016 in Anmore and it was tough to get appraisals and to sell the home at $3.6M as it was the highest sale at the time. Today that same home would be around the $7M plus price range and this represents the tremendous value back then and even today.
“That same home in West Vancouver would be in the $12-14M range. So it’s almost half the price and you’d be on a smaller lot and not have the same square footage.”
Glen Bohnet has a passion for fine wine, being a member of California Cult Classics; he is a watch collector; and he has enjoyed a long relationship with Brian Jessel BMW.
“I like the fit and finish of their cars,” he says. “I’ve ordered and am really looking forward to taking possession of the new 2024 X6 M Competition.
And as sales continue to gather steam in the Anmore area, Bohnet says the quality of life in that area can’t be beat.
“It’s hard to believe that all this exists less than an hour from downtown Vancouver,” he says. “It’s green and lush and it’s becoming more popular all the time.
‘There are not many areas like this left.”
"Bohnet describes the area as the ‘Hamptons of Vancouver’ and all indications would suggest that’s a fair description."Glen Bohnet Founder, Team Bold Real Estate Royal LePage West R.E.S.
"We have stunning waterfront properties creating safe neighbourhoods and family living, all within close proximity to flagship chain locations..."Chestnut Cresent Black Bear Way Ridge Mountain Drive Ridge Mountain Drive
The first thing that strikes you about Mathew V is his voice: commanding, controlled and so compelling.
Not surprisingly, his classically-trained background plays a significant role.
Trained in opera, musical theatre and jazz from the age of seven through his teen years, he spent a year of vocal training in London, England at the Institute of Contemporary Music, along with local private training.
“It was a really amazing jumpstart that I don’t take for granted,” he says.
“I think those styles influenced how I sing to this day and that training really built my voice and my instincts from the ground up.”
Story by Joe Leary Photos by Matthew Miller
Vancouver-born and raised in Delta, the Juno-nominated singer’s penchant for the crooner singing style was intrinsically honed and honestly come by.
“I’d say that my artistry was built at home on my boom box, listening to some of the best singers of all time, like Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Singers like that really inspired me to emote in that way.”
The family’s home playlist was vast and varied. “I was really heavily influenced by what my parents listened to,” he recalls.
“Although they aren’t musicians themselves, they were big appreciators of music. My mom loved Celine Dion and Shania Twain (very Canadian) and my dad loved Motown and Meat Loaf.
“I also loved watching “American Idol” and vividly remember the “American Songbook Week.” I fell in love with the classics and dove in deeper.”
A chance encounter with a record company executive would suddenly change Mathew V’s career trajectory.
“I met Mathew in 2016 at the Biltmore,” recalls Joseph Martin, 604 Records senior project manager, A&R.
“I’m not sure he was even old enough to be in there if he wasn’t performing, but I heard him singing during his sound check and my ears perked up immediately. His intonation was spot on and his voice just filled the room. I knew I had stumbled on a really legitimate singer.”
Fate definitely intervened that evening, as Martin wasn’t there to scout emerging artists. In fact, he was working the gig for the show’s headliner.
“It was my early days with 604 and I was finishing up some freelance commitments,” he adds.
“Mathew just blew the other acts away, so I made it a mission to sign him to the label.”
“my artistry was built at home on my boom box, listening to some of the best singers of all time”
While talent is definitely a major component when a record label signs an artist, other variables factor in, often in equal amounts.
“Beyond his talent as a singer, I have to testify to his work ethic,” says Martin.
“He puts in the hours with all the other not-asfun jobs that come in this highly competitive space. From his commitment to building his social media, learning how to lead a band and how to stay healthy on the road, Mathew is constantly improving.
“I’m grateful to have had what is now a sevenyear long relationship with an artist whose talent and drive I find incredibly inspiring.”
For Mathew V, being signed to a label is an opportunity he values.
“After coming home from the UK, I signed my deal with 604 Records,” says Mathew, “and since then we’ve become a team, moving
forward and building my career.”
604 Records president Jonathan Simkin is thrilled to have him on the team.
“Joseph was there to see another artist that night, but he came out raving about Mathew and I love stories like that,” says Simkin, who further extols the young singer’s virtues as being the “real deal.”
“Mathew is not just a great, hardworking artist, he is also a reasonable, decent human being who is a real joy to work with.
“I am always extra motivated to work for artists who are not just great artists but great people.
“It’s pretty rare in this godforsaken business.”
Now that he has a growing social media fan following and a new release, “Anything Goes,” to soon take on tour, one can only imagine what the future holds for the immensely talented local lad.
Being a crooner places him in a fairly unique genre and one that is not widely offered in today’s musical landscape. It certainly provides a great opportunity for his peer group to gain an appreciation of the classic music of a bygone, golden era.
“I’ve found that a lot of my generation is unfamiliar with the “Great American Songbook,” and that’s another reason I’m so thrilled to be introducing these songs to a new generation of listeners,” he says.
“These songs are a foundational building block to every modern style of music, so it’s been exciting doing my part in bringing them back into the foreground.”
That said, one can only imagine where Mathew V sees himself five years down the road.
“Singing better than ever before… playing cities and countries I’ve never seen before and collaborating with some of my favourites,” he envisions, adding, “and maybe even doing a season on Broadway. I live my life with the sky being the limit….and beyond.”
Story by Lin Stranberg Image Credit Michelin
From molecular gastronomy to sous vide to macarons and avocado toast, our relationship with the table through the decades has been fairly fickle. Foodie trends, culinary techniques and dining styles come and go, but there is only one enduring loyalty: the Michelin Guide. It has been the definitive authority on eating out for more than a century, the dominant voice of good cuisine with the power to make or break a restaurant or a chef. For example, the French edition published at the end of February 2023 demoted Guy Savoy, a French chef known as “the best chef in the world” by stripping him of a star. His Paris restaurant La Monnaie, famous for its artichoke soup with black truffle parmesan, was suddenly reduced to two stars from the three it had enjoyed since 2002 (reasons are only revealed to chefs, not the general public). This caused considerable hand-wringing among Paris foodies, with Le Figaro declaring Savoy the “quintessence” of French cuisine. Michel Sarrin, whose Toulouse restaurant serves dishes like braised rabbit with Madiran wine, admitted to shedding a few tears this year when he learned of his downgrade from three to two stars. Then there’s Bernard Loiseau, the chef who in 2003 reportedly shot himself when faced with the potential loss of one of his three Michelin stars.
That’s serious status power for a guide that was initially conceived as a marketing tool. Here’s how it came to be: In 1900, there were just a few thousand vehicles on the roads in France. To increase demand for cars and thus expand the market for tires, tire manufacturing brothers Édouard and André Michelin published the eponymous Michelin Guide. The first edition was free and nearly 35,000 copies were distributed. It was an easy source of key information for car owners, including maps, tire repair and replacement instructions, listings of auto mechanics, restaurants, hotels, and parking lots. It was dedicated to supporting car culture and pleasant road trips. Soon the Guides began to be published in other
countries in Europe as well as North Africa. In 1909, the company put out an English-language version of the Michelin Guide to France.
After World War I, when all publication was suspended, newly revised editions of the guide continued to be distributed for free. This went on until 1920. Then, as the story goes, André Michelin, after noticing that copies of the guide were being used to prop up a workbench at a repair shop, decided to charge for the guide, based on his theory that people only respect what they pay for. The brothers also made several changes around the same time: listing restaurants by specific categories; adding hotel listings (initially only for Paris); and removing ads. Capitalizing on the growing popularity of the restaurant section of the guide, the Michelin brothers recruited a team of inspectors to anonymously visit and review restaurants. Their criteria were the same then as they are now: quality of products; mastery of flavour and cooking techniques; the personality of the chef as represented in the dining experience; the harmony of flavours; and the consistency of these criteria between inspectors’ visits.
In 1926, the Guide started awarding stars to fine dining restaurants. This system was later changed to one, two, and three stars as a rating. True to its roots, there’s a road trip slant:
1 Star: “A very good restaurant in its category” (Une très bonne table dans sa catégorie.)
2 Stars: "Excellent cooking, worth a detour" (Table excellente, mérite un détour.)
3 Stars: "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey" (Une des meilleures tables, vaut le voyage.)
Chiputo |
Photo credit: Ruben Nava
Nightshade
Photo credit: Christian Nambayan
Kissa Tanto
Photo credit: Mark Yammine
Little Bird Dim Sum + Craft Beer
Photo credit: Anthony Practico
The Bib Gourmand designation (not quite a star, but a lot more than a consolation prize) was introduced in 1997 for restaurants that offer both great value and quality, specifically two courses plus either a glass of wine or dessert for under $60 Canadian. Bib is short for Bibendum, the Michelin Man’s actual name, and in the guides his face is shown with his tongue licking his lips, designating “restaurants offering exceptionally good food at moderate prices.”
The Michelin Guide keeps tabs on local food preferences, too. In countries like Spain, for example, where tapas are served, good tapas bars are identified with a wine and toothpick icon; in the UK/Ireland guide, worthy pubs are indicated with a beer mug icon; and a cart symbol recognizes Asian street food stalls. Restaurants with notable wine, sake and cocktail lists are acknowledged with a grape, sake bottle or cocktail glass icon, respectively.
In 2005, Michelin published its first American guide, reporting on 500 restaurants in the five boroughs of New York City and 50 Manhattan hotels. The Guide has expanded through Europe, Asia and North America. Except for the Spain and Portugal version, which is in Spanish only, it is written in the language of the country for which it is published. The symbols are the same for all editions.
After striking a deal with Destination Vancouver, the Vancouver Michelin Guide finally made it to Vancouver last year. After much fanfare and speculation, the Guide gave out eight one-star rankings and twelve Bib Gourmands in Fall 2022. Here’s the list:
Anh and Chi
3388 Main St., Vancouver
Chupito
322 W. Hastings St., Vancouver
Fable Kitchen
1944 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver
Fiorino, Italian Street Food
212 E. Georgia St., Vancouver
Kin Kao Song
317 E. Broadway, Vancouver
Little Bird Dim Sum + Craft Beer
2958 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver
Lunch Lady
1046 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Nightshade
1079 Mainland St., Vancouver
Oca Pastificio
1260 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Phnom Penh
244 E. Georgia St., Vancouver
Say Mercy!
4298 Fraser St., Vancouver
Vij’s
3106 Cambie St., Vancouver
Annalena (contemporary cuisine)
1809 W. 1st Ave., Vancouver
Barbara (contemporary cuisine)
305 E. Pender St., Vancouver
Burdock & Co (contemporary cuisine)
2702 Main St., Vancouver
iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House (Chinese cuisine)
2808 Cambie St., Vancouver
Kissa Tanto (Japanese cuisine)
263 E. Pender St., Vancouver
Masayoshi (Japanese cuisine)
4376 Fraser St., Vancouver
Published on Main (contemporary cuisine)
3593 Main St., Vancouver
St. Lawrence (French cuisine)
269 Powell St., Vancouver
St. Lawrence Photo credit: J.C. Poirier
If indeed the sky’s the limit, Vancouver’s number one heli-tour and adventure company, SKY Helicopters, is flying high!
In fact, it was recently ranked as one of the top 10 aerial adventures in the world by Forbes travel magazine and the recipient of a Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Award, placing it in the top ten percent of attractions worldwide.
High praise for a local company founded just over a dozen years ago as part of the Westlund Group of Companies.
The creation of SKY Helicopters was a way to incorporate owner Andrew Westlund’s passion for both helicopters and entrepreneurship and his goal to bring new experiences to his client base, as well as adding an exciting new element within BC’s thriving tourism industry.
“SKY Helicopters’ success was built on providing our guests with the best experience imaginable and to share our passion for helicopter flight,” says Westlund, CEO of SKY Helicopters Inc. and the Westlund Group.
“Being recognized as leaders in the helicopter tourism industry is extremely satisfying, as it validates all the hard work and commitment to excellence by our team over the years.
“We’re proud to say that BC is helicopter country.”
After a humble beginning with just two pilots and two helicopters, SKY Helicopters has since grown to a 15-person team and six helicopters, with continued expansion plans still on the horizon.
SKY Helicopters first took flight in 2011 and quickly established a truly unique and fun experience, orchestrated and crafted to cater to a variety of themes.
Perhaps it’s just a breathtaking flight to marvel at the splendor that is beautiful British Columbia, or maybe it’s one of their more adventurous tours; a craft beer experience; or even champagne flights and backcountry proposal packages (the ultimate setting to pop the question).
“We’ve welcomed thousands of guests from over 70 countries worldwide,” he adds.
“From low-level flights through old growth forests and river valleys to snow-capped mountain peaks, there really is something for everyone on our SKY tours.”
Consistently receiving Trip Advisor’s ‘Certificate of Excellence,’ Westlund’s company was his high school dream, the culmination of his passion for helicopters and his sincere desire to fly.
Mission accomplished!
“As someone who has always had a passion for helicopters, I became a pilot early on and purchased my own helicopter so I could bring the experience to my business associates and clients.
“I quickly saw the opportunity to share this incredible adventure with visitors to Vancouver from around the world, and established SKY Helicopters as a tourism company.”
Based out of SKY Hangar, located in suburban Pitt Meadows, the facility features an expansive 6,000 sq. ft. open concept design with twenty foot ceilings, and provides the ideal setting for bringing various events to the space.
“SKY Hangar was built on a vision of creating a world-class corporate event space,” says Westlund. “We can host business meetings, galas, movie productions and celebrations, all in a state-of-the-art, functional aircraft hangar. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind space for the Greater Vancouver area.”
At SKY Helicopters it’s your sky… your adventure!
“Being recognized as leaders in the helicopter tourism industry is extremely satisfying, as it validates all the hard work and commitment to excellence by our team over the years.
In the broadcasting industry, “pipes” is a term applied to those smooth, mellifluous voices that transcend the everyday and transport your mental imagery to another dimension.
Al Murdoch possesses pipes!
You know the voice by heart but may be hard-pressed to identify exactly where you know it from.
It’s heard in any number of advertisements promoting everything from Ford, Nike, McDonalds, 7-Eleven and Dunkin Donuts to movie trailers for Universal Pictures; network promos for CBS, Fox and HBO; through to the Bud Light Super Bowl ads.
Then there’s his work as the announcer for the NHL Winter Classic; NHL All-Star Weekend; NHL Stadium Series and Heritage Classic outdoor games over the past four years. He’s the voice of the syndicated “Judy Justice” series, the latest television iteration for “Judge Judy.”
Locally, Al Murdoch is most identified as the in-house announcer for the Vancouver Canucks, where his sultry pipes resonate throughout Rogers Arena. There’s also a myriad of other major client contracts.
His path to broadcasting was clearly ingrained early on.
“I remember being about six years old when my Dad brought home a new transistor radio,” he recalls, adding that riding his bike around the neighbourhood with the music blaring became a defining moment when he was a youngster.
“When the DJ came on and I heard his voice, I thought he was speaking directly to me. It was an instant connection and it was at that moment that I knew I wanted to be on the radio.”
That dream for Al Murdoch began in high school with an in-house radio station that would broadcast throughout the hallways. “When I wasn’t in class I was spinning records and sending shout-outs to all my friends.”
reads for stations and that gave me an opportunity to work on my craft,” he says. “I started my own production company in 1997 while still working in radio.
“By 2001 I was making more money doing freelance voiceover work and decided to focus on that full-time. Commercials, narration for corporate videos & documentaries, radio & television promo work, movie trailers, video games all followed.”
His current role as the in-house voice announcer for Rogers Arena began in 2011, when his late friend, the legendary broadcaster John Ashbridge, was in declining health.
“I was asked to fill in during the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs until Ash came back,” he says.
“I had a relationship with the game presen -
tation crew since my earlier days as the public address announcer for the NBA’s Vancouver Grizzlies.”
The two voices would share announcing duties in-house for the next five years until Ashbridge retired in 2016, handing Murdoch the full-time gig.
“John Ashbridge was a huge mentor to me,” he says. “We knew each other for over thirty years and worked together in radio.”
“I am grateful for his friendship and guidance, and vowed to continue his legacy behind the mic and in the community—miss that guy big-time.”
Residing on Coquitlam’s pastoral Burke Mountain, the Winnipeg-born Murdoch enjoys suburban life with his wife of nearly 30 years, Chantal; daughter Maddie, and dog Harley, who he says was named “because my wife won’t let me get a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.”
With a schedule that has allowed him to participate in ‘Ironman 70.3’ twice, over 15 half-marathons, and pursue his love of travel, it’s no surprise that with a voice that distinguishable, he and his pipes have been identified far and wide over the years.
“People recognize my voice in restaurants and grocery stores; mostly for my PA announcer work with the Vancouver Canucks, the NHL, and the Vancouver Grizzlies, back in the day,” he admits.
One such international encounter comes to mind: “I was in Maui and the people sitting next to us on the beach recognized the voice,” says Murdoch. We ended up talking hockey for a couple of hours.”
“People recognize my voice in restaurants and grocery stores”
In the world of high fashion designers, Stefano Ricci proudly stands alongside the biggest names in the industry.
And after more than 50 years at the helm, Ricci has earned his place among the very best, and developed an empire that has become among the most sought-after Italian luxury lifestyle brands available.
It caters to a clientele with the most discriminate taste.
Everyone from CEOs to dignitaries and beyond is outfitted by Stefano Ricci.
Founded in 1972 and originating out of the family home in Florence, Italy, Stefano and his wife Claudia created a line of men’s ties together with their two sons, Niccolo and Filippo. Thus a true family-owned business was born.
Today, although there are 73 stores worldwide, Vancouver proudly boasts Stefano Ricci’s only Canadian boutique.
Manuel Bernaschek is president and co-owner of Stefano Ricci Vancouver.
“We opened the store in 2017,” says Bernaschek of Canada’s sole location at 1139 West Georgia Street.
“The response was immediate and we were thrilled to see such support by Vancouver’s more international families that had recognized the brand from shopping in Beverly Hills, New York, Miami, Shanghai and Paris.
“Although the fashion house is primarily known for its formal wear, Vancouverites have really appreciated the ultra-comfortable casual wear that the Stefano Ricci brand offers.”
Through the ensuing years, Stefano Ricci has been steadfast in his creations, refusing to compromise. Ricci believes that quality doesn’t equate to quantity, and maintains that mantra, fearing the term luxury is somewhat overused.
Stefano Ricci offers luxury in the truest sense of the word.
“Mr. Ricci believes in using the highest quality materials and making everything by hand,” he adds.
“Every so often someone will tell him that if he uses machine stitching on a certain jacket or
maybe a lesser grade of leather or a different kind of zipper they would be able to sell 50 times more of them.
“But Ricci tells them: ‘That world has no pleasure in it for me.’
“In men’s clothing of today the word ‘luxury’ has been abused and almost completely lost its meaning. Most companies are looking to lower costs and increase volume.
“But the few who can afford Stefano Ricci see the importance of supporting the art of producing fine clothing that uses the highest quality material fabrics, the most traditional methods, and exclusive patterns not available to other brands.”
Simply put, their materials start where the others leave off. It’s been their stock in trade since their early days of making men’s ties in their Florence home.
Further indication of the exclusivity of the workmanship is the Vancouver boutique’s
annual ‘made to measure’ event which takes place every year from September 14-16.
Whereas most brands will bring in a sales person to take the measurements, Stefano Ricci sends out a master tailor along with some special fabrics.
The event features champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and live jazz played on a $300,000 custom made Fazioli piano designed to match the shop’s interiors.
Aiming to be the finest event of its type in the entire country, it has already become the talk of the town amongst the city’s movers and
shakers. It’s the event where the local ‘who’s who’ get measured up for their next suit.
It’s a unique brand in that the clothing is only available in the branded stores, not at other retail outlets and, unlike competitors among menswear, there is never a marked-down sale price.
It’s an expensive brand, to be sure, but as Ricci himself has said, “Our customers trust us to offer the very best and we have to, given the prices we charge. That’s just a mark of respect for the customer: that the price is, we think, always justified by the materials, the finishing and so on.”
And for those unfamiliar with the brand, Manuel Bernaschek says their downtown Vancouver door is wide open for a visit.
“I welcome everyone to come in for a tour, even if they are not in the market for anything like this,” he says.
“Just to appreciate what a privilege it is to have Stefano Ricci available in our city. The team will show you details you simply won’t be able to find with any other clothier in the city.”
Though somewhat anecdotal by definition, the term “craft beer” is generally characterized as being “made in a traditional, non-mechanized process by a small brewery; often independently-owned.”
And when the first brews appeared on the BC craft landscape at Horseshoe Bay Brewing in 1982, few could have imagined their eventual growth with any degree of accuracy.
By 2010, there were 54 breweries registered throughout British Columbia.
Ten years later, that number had ballooned, and at last count in early 2023, the tally sits north of 240.
“It’s been phenomenal,” says Ken Beattie, of the growth and ultimate explosion in popularity of an industry that a mere 20 years ago was barely on local radar.
As executive director of the BC Craft Brewers Guild, Beattie is no stranger to suds, having spent nearly a quarter of a century working for Canada’s major brands: Molson/Coors and
Sleeman/Sapporo. He left big beer in 2012 and began his current role a year later, representing the locally owned and operated British Columbia craft breweries.
Their overall explosion in scale surprised even him.
"It is unprecedented growth that has been driven by the consumer’s acceptance across the province to support locally-owned businesses,” he says of its progress.
“This, coupled with our advocacy efforts, working with all levels of government to reduce red tape; the entrepreneurial passion of owners and staff alike to create world-class beers; along with a world-class experience in tasting rooms across BC.”
The tasting rooms have since become meeting places in their communities, offering an inclusive and welcoming experience to local neighbours and visitors alike.
The growth of the industry across British Columbia was such that in 2016, the BC Craft Brewers Guild joined with a consortium of dedicated beer aficionados, consultants, writers and overall craft beer innovators to form the “BC Ale Trail.”
A member of Destination BC's co-operative marketing program, the BC Ale Trail is a series of self-guided itineraries highlighting local craft breweries and businesses that support or work with the craft beer industry throughout BC and the surrounding landscape.
In all, it encompasses more than 220 breweries across 21 different ale trails and more than 55 communities throughout the province.
“By 2019, BC craft beer was declared a sector and the Guild took over as lead administrator,” notes Beattie. “This further showcases British Columbia as a global destination for tourists and local craft beer enthusiasts alike.”
A collateral benefit of a booming industry means not only increased competition but ever-changing rules and regulations in how the customer can access the fruits of the brewers’ labour.
In the early days, on-premise consumption was subject to stringent regulatory control and tasting rooms were generally limited to a take-out area to get “growler fills” of local craft beer to go.
Today, the tasting room concept has grown exponentially, with the industry as operators who are constantly expanding their food service and menu offerings, along with themed-event nights and various forms of entertainment.
Sam Payne has been around the craft beer industry on the sales, marketing and distribution side since 2004. Beginning with his role in helping start up Red Truck Beer Company, he is now an owner with The Parkside Brewery, Rewind Beer Co. and Good Hustle Beverage Distribution, all based on “Brewers Row” in Port Moody.
Getting “beers in hands” in the infancy of the craft movement proved somewhat challenging. “The big companies and regional/ semi-national brands dominated local taps,” says Payne of that time.
“Craft beer was so new to consumers that the need and opportunity wasn’t front and centre for operators.”
Things shifted quickly, and a new era in the beer business was heralded in just a few years later. “Around 2007, we had a few more opportunities present themselves,” he says.
“Restaurant industry leaders like Trevor Kallies, Jay Jones, Ed Perrow, James Iranzad and Nigel Springthorpe were supporting small breweries and consumers started to see “the little guy” show up on beer lists around town more often, in highly-visible areas.”
Since its inception, the British Columbia craft beer scene has witnessed seismic growth and the industry has more than quadrupled within the past dozen years alone. Now, with the added “BC Ale Trail” app making the overall experience even more accessible to the consumer, Beattie and the BC Craft Brewers Guild are beaming with pride.
“You can’t help but be optimistic about the future of our locally-owned and operated British Columbia breweries, going forward.”
Chart your course along the BC Ale Trail: www.bcaletrail.com
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Story by Joe Leary Photos by Dylan Dufault
Editor’s note:
Jon Paul Holt passed away due to heart issues on May 8, 2023 as this issue was being published. Having been friends for 30 years I was so glad to have been able to chronicle his story which he so looked forward to seeing published in this magazine.
We mourn his passing and present this story to honour his legacy.
That axiom certainly holds true for Jon Paul Holt, a name often mentioned among North America’s most acclaimed hair stylists.
And for the past 32 years, he has been plying his award-winning skills in Yaletown.
Decades after launching ‘Alan Paul,’ the largest chain of hair salons in his native England, the affable Brit continues putting his craft to the task five days a week at his chic ‘Avant Garde Hair Salon’ on Mainland Street, where he is often heralded as the unofficial ‘Goodwill Ambassador’ of the tony neighbourhood.
Jon Paul immigrated to Canada in August, 1981.
It was a bold move, given the fact he had built such a successful hair salon business back home.
“I had a hundred of them,” says Holt of the numerous locations of ‘Alan Paul’ hair studios.
“I came to Canada just to work so that I could be creative and artistic and let someone else worry about the business.”
His reputation clearly preceded him and within virtually no time, Jon Paul’s stylist services were in high demand on the local landscape.
“After a year or so I was doing all of the special hairstyles for TV guests on “The Vancouver Show” on CKVU, The Vancouver Sun Newspaper and the like.
“I was busy right away and quickly getting quite well known in styling circles.
“But I was working at someone else’s salon and doing everything while the owners went to the bar at the end of the day.
At that point I thought that if I was going to be doing all the work again it might as well be in my own salon.”
This of course was despite his earlier protestations to the contrary.
“I said I’d never open another salon – except as we speak, I’m going to open up a creative photographic space for what we offer. But I’m not opening another ‘Avant Garde’, it will be called ‘Kreative Avantgarde,’ so technically I’m not really going back on my word.”
It’s long been asserted that if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.
“I love going to work every day and I love the clients that I’ve got. That has always been my reason for doing this job.”
Jon Paul Holt opened Avant Garde on December 12, 1983, on Georgia Street.
In 1991 he relocated the business to become the first salon in Yaletown.
The initial move from London to Vancouver called for local orientation to get familiar with the two disparate cities.
“You can’t compare them,” says Holt.
“I loved Vancouver from the minute I came here. It’s young, it’s vibrant and exciting and I don’t think it’s really changed those great qualities in forty years.
It’s growing – not quite quickly enough in some ways but as a city it’s still new, young and unbelievably beautiful.”
In his many years ‘behind the shears,’ Holt has opened the door for a growing number of promising stylists to develop their own careers and style and, following his years of tutelage, eventually move on and open up their hair environment.
“Some of the greatest compliments I have ever received are from young stylists around the world that I still hear from after forty plus years.
They tell me that I taught them so much more than being a hairstylist.”
They say, “Everything I achieved in my career was because of what you taught me.
“You changed my life for the better when I came to work and train with you.”
The key to staying relevant in the hairstyling arena, according to Jon Paul Holt, is to never look back; look forward.
“Focus on the future,” he says.
“I’m always searching for what we’re going to do next.
“Not yesterday. Yesterday was great but tomorrow is better.
“If you think that way, everything is good. It’s like the U2 song, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.’
“I live that way in my business approach.”
Still styling away after all these years, the enthusiasm for his work is clearly evident and Jon Paul has no plans to sail off into the sunset.
“I love going to work every day and I love the clients that I’ve got. That has always been my reason for doing this job.
“If you’re not having fun, why are you doing it?”
Holt returns to London twice each year and still participates in hairstyling competitions and annual events on the global stage.
It speaks to his love of the craft.
And for young, up and coming stylists who wish to follow in those impeccable footsteps, he offers some sage advice: “Work twice as hard as the others, be focused on the present, have a vision for the future and always know where you want to be.
And then work even harder still.”
Jon Paul Holt died unexpectedly and very suddenly on May 8, 2023 as this issue was being prepared for publication.
He was 73 years old.
Story by Joe Leary
Photos by Veronica Bonderud
With an aggregate of 21 years working as a senior executive within the corporate arena of Canadian telecommunications, Lorenzo DeCicco has identified several key trends in business, regardless of industry or marketplace.
His vast years of experience have taught him that business owners and CEOs alike are increasingly on the lookout for ways to improve the customer experience, all while increasing revenues and inspiring relevance within team members. Succeeding at this makes them seemingly indispensable to their customer base.
And it all starts with a great team.
Having covered the leadership gamut from Fortune 500, professional sport and private and public companies, in job experiences ranging from start-ups and small businesses all the way up to multi-million dollar operations, he astutely sensed an opportunity and Game Changer was created in 2000.
“The best strategy in the world means nothing if you don’t know how to execute it,” says DeCicco.
“This is where Game Changer comes in.
“There is no escaping hard work on the path to success… strategy is not the silver bullet: execution is the key.
“Building a great team that understands the power of culture and execution is the only way.
“In today’s modern business era, when many organizations struggle to execute on their vision, the “what” is often clearly understood, but the “how” is missing.”
The Game Changer method offers a unique, modern approach to traditional leadership and consulting practices.
With a list of clients that include professional sports organizations, marketing and brand agencies, hi-tech, property developers, luxury
automotive, various franchises and numerous other public and privately-held businesses, the Game Changer programs and methodologies are not just theoretical concepts. It has been proven that, when executed effectively, they are guaranteed to deliver results focused on people as an organization’s single greatest competitive advantage.
As for the creation of Game Changer, DeCicco based it on real-world experiences in business, creating proven strategies effective in today’s fast-paced business environments.
“The post-pandemic era created an unprecedented leadership challenge for many organizations,” he says, adding, “and the market is screaming for leadership.
“Game Changer is well positioned to help modernize your business.
“It takes more than a great strategy to win these days. Culture doesn’t only eat strategy for breakfast; it also eats it for lunch and dinner, too.”
It’s with these firsthand observations that DeCicco was able to effectively map out his winning formula.
“These are the very elements that I have spent a career developing and are the cornerstones of the Game Changer methodology.
“There is no theory to our program: everything within the framework has been tested and proven to drive results.”
Acknowledging that businesses can differ dramatically from one another, Game Changer is totally adaptable for each specific client.
Today you will find Lorenzo applying his trade at MET, Canada’s most-beloved and highly-awarded brand partner, where he works closely with industry icons George and Nikos Kallas, focusing on the evolution of the 45 year old company, taking it from commercial printer to brand partner.
It serves as the perfect illustration of the power of people, innovation and flawless execution in a most inspiring way.
And DeCicco is in the business of inspiration.
“There is no greater opportunity to change the game than this post-pandemic moment in history,” he says.
“Are you ready?”
With specialists in each field of service, ZLC has you and your business covered. Contact Garry M. Zlotnik to learn more.
Celebrating 20 Years of Unparalleled Luxury: The Best of Jessel Magazine!
The 20th anniversary of Jessel Magazine was an immense success hosted on the night of Feb 9th at Brian Jessel BMW's lavishly transformed showroom. Hundreds of Vancouver's most influential and stylish citizens, including some of the city's top designers, influencers, and artists, gathered to celebrate two decades of exquisite content from the iconic publication.
Some might say we like to party. We simply love to connect with our community.
We had the privilege of showcasing the incredible sculpture designs by Marie Khouri, surrounded by VIP guests
Raised over $2 million for children’s mental and physical health services at Surrey Memorial Hospital
We were proud to be a part of this incredible event where the community came together to support a great cause.
Introducing Fashion Blooms by CHW: the mesmerizing event held on May 4th witnessed the convergence of automotive elegance and stunning fashion creations as two exquisite cars took center stage alongside the glamorous catwalks, models, guests, and interiors. It was an evening of sheer elegance and style, where fashion and automotive excellence converged in perfect harmony.
Experiencing the perfect fusion of style and luxury at our exclusive fashion show hosted by Brian Jessel BMW Pre-Owned was amazing.
For the second year in a row, we have been the honored sponsors of the annual Vancouver Military Dinner. This event allows us to show our appreciation for those who have served or continue to serve our country with courage and dedication.
Vancouver Skin RMEDY Gala
A night of glamour and philanthropy, with attendees enjoying the opportunity to mingle with influential figures in the luxury industry. The atmosphere of the evening was exceptional, and the guests were delighted to view the brand-new BMW models in person.
The evening of March 28th was a beautiful celebration of women's empowerment as part of Linda Mah’s birthday at the luscious Vancouver House. As the women greeted each other, they were already sharing stories of their successes and experiences in their respective industries. Linda gave a heartfelt speech about how far women have come in the fight for equality and empowerment. She highlighted the many examples of women who had made incredible accomplishments and how far the movement had come, from arts to real estate, urging the women to keep pushing forward in their own fields.
At the end of the evening, the women had a chance to reflect on the conversations they’d had and the progress that had been made. It was an incredible evening that left the women feeling empowered and motivated to continue to do their best in their respective fields of expertise.
We are proud to support such a noble cause and look forward to continuing to work with Kids Play in the future.
We are proud to support such a noble cause and look forward to continuing to work with Kids Play in the future. The night was filled with celebration, joy, and gratitude for the transformational work that Kids Play does, and their unwavering commitment to creating a better future for young people. We were deeply touched by the passion and dedication of everyone involved in making these initiatives a success..
Eid Gala
Brian Jessel BMW, Diplomatic and Military Sales Centre, had the distinct honor of being the title sponsor for Eid ul Fitr Celebrations with BC Premier David Eby hosted by the PC Community Association
Leaders, ministers, and professionals from all areas of business, health, and diplomacy attended the event and participated in the journey of awarding recognition to hard-working members of the locality.
Often referred to as Hollywood North, Vancouver is an ideal place to have a thriving career in the film industry. “B.C. is Canada’s largest foreign production hub and North America’s third largest. In 2022, there were over 490 projects and more than $3.6B in original storytelling content made here, including B.C.’s own dynamic domestic productions,” said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC.
British Columbia and Vancouver are home to many popular feature films and TV series seen worldwide. While we can’t list all the productions, here are a few of the TV series that you can binge-watch this summer and support our BC film industry.
“So Help Me Todd,” airing on Global TV, has been renewed for a second season. This much talked about light-hearted drama stars Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden as razor-sharp, meticulous attorney Margaret Wright (Harden), who hires her talented, but scruffy and aimless, son Todd (Skylar Astin) as her law firm’s in-house investigator. Stream it on StackTV.
In “Fire Country” former “SEAL Team” star Max Thieriot plays Bode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption and a shortened prison sentence by joining an unconventional prison release firefighting program in Northern California, where he and other inmates are partnered with elite firefighters to extinguish massive, unpredictable wildfires across the region. Watch it on Global TV and StackTV.
The verdict is in! The new 10-episode Season 3 of the hit Canadian legal drama “Family Law” has been greenlit. The principal cast including Jewel Staite, Victor Garber, Zach Smadu, Genelle Williams, and Lauren Holly all return for the new season as Abby and her dysfunctional family help other dysfunctional families — all while navigating their own personal
dramas. “Family Law” Season 2 is coming to Global and StackTV this summer while shooting continues on Season 3.
Reality Shows streaming on StackTV include “Rust Valley Restorers” and “Backroad Truckers.”
Pamela Anderson’s journey continues. Filmed from her property on Vancouver Island, Season 2 of “Pamela’s Garden of Eden” will premiere on HGTV Canada in Fall 2023.
Renewed for a seventh season, “The Good Doctor” on CTV and Crave gets better with each season and continues to draw in new fans. Freddie Highmore stars as Shaun Murphy, a young autistic surgeon who has savant syndrome, but he finds his niche using his extraordinary medical skill and intuition to save lives and challenge the skepticism of his colleagues.
One of the most successful reality series, “Highway Thru Hell,” has aired on Discovery Channel and CTV for eleven seasons.
The first season of “The Night Agent” was filmed in Vancouver and is now streaming on Netflix. The series hadn’t even been out a week and Netflix renewed it for season 2.
The wildly popular HBO drama “The Last of Us” will film season 2 in Vancouver for the continuing saga of Joel (Pedro Pascal), who’s been tasked with protecting a 14-year-old named Ellie (Bella Ramsey) who may be civilization’s last hope after a global pandemic.
To keep up with film and TV productions every week, Creative BC publishes a list of current productions that are shooting or about to shoot in British Columbia. www.creativebc.com
Nothing strikes fear in the hearts of the populace like the word “strike.” When something we all take for granted in our daily round gets taken away, we are left perplexed and antagonized. Come on, we implore earnestly, can’t you people just kiss and make up so we all can go back to our regular programming. Thank you very much.
One of the consequences of a strike is that in order to understand the situation, we are compelled to learn more about individual industries and the foibles or vulnerabilities on either side. More often than not, it is a startling exposure of apparent David and Goliath-like circumstances that permeate through most corporate entities. We are not entirely surprised by this, nor are we empathetic, as
we still feel annoyed and resentful that we are being deprived of our creature comforts.
Why would you watch repeats of a late show?
The U.S. writers’ strike is in full swing. Nothing much to be bothered about for the average working person, until they get home from a long day at work. Now they just want to relax in front of their preferred screen, turn to their best-loved series, or catch the latest trending pop culture being mocked by their favourite late show host. Why would you watch repeats of a late show? Not going to happen.
Actors and the entire entertainment profession are profoundly affected by this strike. The pandemic struck down these creatives for
years and just as work life was starting to get back to normal, along came new challenges. Huge technological shifts are in large part responsible, and like the similar strikes before this one, have put many out of work and out of the business. Shorter series and seasons, plus the addition of multiple streaming platforms, have reduced earnings for everyone except the production companies themselves, who have found excellent methods to extend their dollars and maximize profits. Video killed the radio star and now the old distribution models are being murdered. It is indeed a strange new world. The creatives will have to be even more innovative as the future races forward to “boldly go where no alternative intelligence has gone before!”
Backed by trusted people and products, Designs by KS takes a personal approach to each individual project.
With over 15 years of experience in the design and renovation industry, they create life-changing experiences through well designed spaces and with their proven process, will turn your vision into fruition.
through well designed spaces with trusted people and products.
We are Located in a small town in western Norway. A beautiful place in a fjord surrounded by majestic mountains. This scenery is where we find the inspiration to our unique designs. Craftsmanship and the love of furniture has been passed through generations, making our chairs the most comfortable in the world.
