Vancouver Magazine February 2025

PHIL WIZARD makes our list for breaking it down on the world stage. See where he ranks on p.33

POWER 50

WHO POWERS THIS CITY?

PRESENTING SPONSOR

POWER PLAY SPONSORS

ALUMNI PARTNERS

TRANSFORMING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

Igniting Excellence

STRONG MINDS, KIND HEARTS, BOLD FUTURE.

Innovative education, global opportunities and student-centered growth at Stratford Hall

IGNITING EXCELLENCE: THE STRATFORD HALL ADVANTAGE

Students at Stratford Hall learn a holistic balance of academics, leadership, critical thinking and global stewardship, preparing them for any future they can imagine.

The Independent School Advantage

Perhaps the foremost question a family asks when considering independent school is: What’s the advantage? That difference is multi-layered, but it begins outside of the curriculum with a strong focus on character education, fostering curiosity, belonging and integrity. At Stratford Hall, students are encouraged and empowered to grow and evolve on their own trajectories. They are provided the resources and support to think deeply, create without abandon, and explore the world driven by their own interests. Inspired by leadership, cultural awareness and a thirst for innovation, Stratford Hall students thrive in small classes and personalized learning environments, led by a dedicated team of educators.

“Our role is to inspire students to take ownership of their learning, embrace challenges and grow into compassionate, confident global citizens,” says Hazel Chee,

senior school principal at Stratford Hall. “We achieve this because our team cares. We are compassionate, committed and most importantly, we connect with our students, your children.”

IB Education & Curriculum Structure

The International Baccalaureate education offered at Stratford Hall is a cohesive curriculum from kindergarten through grade 12, emphasizing inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. It offers rigorous academic standards paired with a balanced approach, supporting students’ emotional and intellectual growth by building conceptual understanding and application—learning that is deeper, transferable to other areas of life and learning.

“We strive to give students voice, choice and ownership,” Chee says. “That means opportunities for students to develop their voice and express themselves clearly;

make decisions for their learning through goal setting and learning opportunities; and become advocates for change.

We want success not to be defined by accomplishment but by contributions.”

IB also helps students develop essential skills, including communication, research, self-management, collaboration and critical thinking. A key tenet of that critical thinking piece is the students’ ability to take ownership of their learning through projects expressed at Stratford Hall, such as the Grade 5 Exhibition, the MYP Personal Project and the DP Extended Essay.

“In the Primary Years Programme, one of the six units of inquiry falls under the theme, ‘How We Express Ourselves’,” says Smita

learning in a dynamic maker space.

“These programs help students become critical thinkers, active problem-solvers, leaders and lifelong learners,” Chee says. “In our urban environment, students learn to overcome obstacles with grit, earn authentic experiences, and have a safe place to make mistakes, get back up and try again.”

The Stratford Hall Difference

Programs like Outdoor Education and Design Thinking aren’t the only platforms from which students can explore their individuality and learning styles. A focus on creativity and problem-solving is woven throughout subjects, preparing students for future challenges.

“To be global citizens, students

Karam, Junior School Principal. “This unit invites students to explore the various ways in which we can express and reflect upon our feelings, cultures and beliefs, celebrate creativity—our own and that of others—and embrace open-mindedness.”

Within the IB curriculum, Stratford Hall can offer students a range of dynamic learning environments because they have greater flexibility to innovate. Just consider Stratford Hall’s Outdoor Experiential Education—an integrated outdoor learning program that promotes environmental stewardship, leadership and resilience, or the Design Thinking program, offering all grades an Ideas Lab where students explore innovation, design thinking and hands-on

understand various social, cultural, political, environmental and economic contexts within their own and international communities,” Karam says. “Students become aware of their decisions and actions and how they will have an impact on others and the planet.”

Students leave Stratford Hall with a commitment to truth and reconciliation, learned through meaningful projects like the Witness Blanket and reflective initiatives for Orange Shirt Day. Global programming helps foster global citizenship, a foundational piece in student development and education.

“Diversity brings a lens from which we can all learn,” Karam says. “For instance, our grade 2 students explore diversity through storytelling from various different

cultures, while our grade 3 students examine how personal identity shapes the creative expression of their passions.”

Stratford Hall students consistently gain admission to their universities of choice. They enter post-secondary prepared for the challenges therein, and alumni excel in diverse fields, from business and medicine to arts and social impact work. This highlevel success is attributed to Stratford Hall’s strong emphasis on developing selfdirected learners who thrive in competitive environments.

“Universities are looking for well-rounded students who can demonstrate a multitude of skills,” Chee says. “The focus on good grades isn’t enough.”

Why Stratford Hall?

Above all else, Stratford Hall offers students and families a vibrant, inclusive community driven by a commitment to excellence, belonging and integrity. It has curated a distinct balance of academics, outdoor exploration and creative innovation, driven by a strong faculty and staff who inspire and support every student’s individual journey.

Through an authentic IB World School experience, Stratford Hall is preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving global landscape, and it ensures a strategic focus on cultivating leadership and responsibility through community engagement and sustainability initiatives.

“Most of all, our graduates embody ethical values, celebrate personal growth, activate positive change and embrace authenticity,” Chee says.

Discover Stratford Hall at stratfordhall.ca

The World is Your Classroom

Contents

PERSONAL SPACE

Inside the Kitsilano haven of Pyrrha’s music-and-artloving founders, Danielle and Wade Papin.

SHOP HOP

The latest incarnation of Kit and Ace is all about the capsule wardrobe.

SO FUN CITY

Mondays Run Club invites any Vancouverite with a pair of sneakers to come sweat and socialize.

ON THE RISE

Vancouver artist Danica Kaspar uses ceramics to surprise.

THE HAUL

These are a few of comedian Julie Kim’s favourite things.

DISRUPTOR

William Rees coined the term “ecological footprint.” But there’s still work to do.

KNOW-IT-ALL

What happens if a trolley bus goes on the lam?

Power Hour

For this year’s Power 50 issue, we’ve produced four separate covers featuring some key honourees: author Naomi Klein (pictured above); breakdancer Phil Wizard (previous page); restaurateurs Paul Grunberg and Craig Stanghetta; and the Rise FC’s Sinead King, Stephanie Labbé and Christine Sinclair.

94 96 98 84 80

THE NEW POWER LUNCH

These modern Vancouver lunch spots really mean business.

(LATE) MORNING GLORY

Save this for Sunday: the best brunch in Kits.

MANGEZ ICI

Where to eat the next time you’re in Montreal.

BEST THING I ATE

A pizza with some serious Filipino flair.

WINE LIST

Oregon grapes save the day for Okanagan vintners.

THE

GUIDE

Tips for buying (and keeping) flowers fresh.

ceo and group publisher Ryan Benn

group vp , publishing and operations Nina Wagner

editorial

vice president , content Anicka Quin

editors - in - chief Stacey McLachlan ( Vancouver ), Nathan Caddell ( BCBusiness )

managing editor Dani Wright

assistant editor Kerri Donaldson

wine and spirits editor Neal McLennan

contributing editors Frances Bula, Melissa Edwards, Alyssa Hirose, Matt O’Grady

editorial interns Clarissa Nguyen, Hazel Love, Elif Zaimler email mail@vanmag.com

design

creative director Jenny Reed

art directors Stesha Ho ( Vancouver ), Edwin Pabellon ( BCBusiness )

advisory council

Angus An, Maenam; Patrick Barron, Telus; TC Carling, North Shore Winter Club; Victoria Emslie, Nicola Wealth; Peter Jackman, Terminal City Club; Carol Lee, Vancouver Chinatown Foundation; Carol Liao, UBC Peter Allard School of Law; Matt McClenaghan, Edgar Devlopments; Jennifer Murtagh, Maturn; Gary Pooni, Pooni Group; Jen Riley, Bosa Properties; Ken Tsui, Telus Originals; Greg Zayadi, Rennie Group

sales representation

vice president , sales Anna Lee

senior media specialists Brianne Harper, Mira Hershcovitch, Sheri Stubel, Genicca Whitney sales coordinator Rebecca Scutt email sales@canadawide.com

u s sales specialist Hayes Media Sales tel 602-432-4868 email lesley@hayesmediasales.com

production / administration

group vp , education and administration Jane Griffiths

group director of operations Devin Steinberg director of circulation Tracy McRitchie digital manager Rebekah Ho executive assistant and producer, events Hannah Dewar

manager / digital ad coordinator Kim McLane production associate Natasha Jayawardana production support technician Ina Bowerbank events and office manager Tessa Bilida finance

group vp , finance Conroy Ing, CPA, CMA vp of finance Sonia Roxburgh, CPA, CGA accounting Terri Mason, Eileen Gajowski

POWER 50

Our annual ranking of the 50 biggest changemakers in the city is back for the 24th year. From entrepreneurs to philanthropists to activists to artists to soccer stars, these are the inspiring folks powering Vancouver right now and making this a better place to live every day.

Avenue Sectional by Twils Italy

Power Play

The Power 50 list is here... and to quote Taylor Swift, who brought some serious power of her own to the city last year, it’s been a long time coming.

Prep for the Power 50 issue begins in summer. We gather insiders from a variety of key Vancouver industries for a very nice dinner in a big private room at Hawksworth—and then let our food get cold as we furiously type to capture the hundreds of nominations and suggestions that this advisory council lets loose over the ensuing hours. (If you saw our editors leave the restaurant that night, eyes spinning, please know it was from Google Doc overload and not from too much wine.)

And then: the aftermath. Every year I joke that we should consider changing the name of the list. “What about the Power 10? Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it?” I’ll say, daunted by the task ahead of us and trying to whittle down our workload. It’s a lot to research, write up and fact-check profiles on 50 very impressive, very accomplished Vancouverites, and the pressure is high to do them all justice—a list of 10 would certainly take the intensity of this annual project down a notch. But then, three weeks later, I change my tune, enthralled by each of the formidable people on our long list and now paralyzed at the prospect of cutting any of them: “What about a Power 100?”

Our city is jam-packed with incredible, passionate changemakers—so many that scaling down just to a top 50 (well, a top 50-plus, if you count the few groups and duos we squeezed onto the list) can sometimes feel impossible. But here we finally are, thanks to long nights, countless spreadsheets, dozens of good-natured debates and the tireless help of some intrepid freelancers (thank you, thank you, thank you to Frances Bula and Matt O’Grady!): ready to present our final list of the 50(ish) people who are powering our city right now.

You’ll find no shortage of do-gooders and community builders on this year’s list, from a wide range of worlds. There are developers who are proving affordable housing is possible, soccer stars showing us that women’s sports deserve a place on the main stage, restaurateurs hustling to make Vancouver into a world-class food city and many, many more. We’ve got our Hall of Fame list, too, paying tribute to an indelible group of people who have an enduring power of influence, and our Ones to Watch, the up-and-comers on their way to helping make this place the best it can be.

What you won’t find this year, surprisingly, are many politicians. We set out to honour Vancouverites making big, positive impacts on their communities, and this year, our sources found that our politicos didn’t make the grade. That’s not to say our elected officials won’t step it up for next year—but for 2025, it’s all about people power.

STACEY McLACHLAN

editor - in - chief

smclachlan @ canadawide . com | @ stacey mclachlan

Coming Up Next Issue

Reasons to Love Vancouver

You’d think that the mountain views, world-class sushi and let’s-hit-the-beach-after-work vibes would be enough, but we love our fair city for so, so much more than that.

expectations?

On the Web

Vancouver’s Best Happy Hours

Intrepid reporter and proud cheapskate Nikki Bayley goes hunting for the best happy hour deals in town in her new monthly online column.

The Review: Elem With culinary talent from Banda Volpi and Zarak at the wheel, will the hotly anticipated new Elem live up to high

CULTURE

Silver Stars

Pyrrha founders Danielle and Wade Papin cozy up at home with great art and records galore.

by

Stacey McLachlan photography by Tanya Goehring

Over the past 30 years, Pyrrha has developed into an internationally renowned brand with celebrity superfans (Ryan Gosling! Lady Gaga!) and big-deal collabs (hello, official Wicked collection)—but Vancouverbased founders Danielle and Wade Papin remain thoroughly rooted to this place. Their impressive custom studioshowroom in a repurposed heritage house is just over in Mount Pleasant, and the couple has lived in their circa-1940s Kitsilano home since 2005, after renting across the street for years prior. No matter how Hollywood things get for the business, this is always going to stay home sweet home.

If you’re familiar at all with the jewellery of Pyrrha, you won’t be surprised by what you’ll find inside the couple’s personal space. “We like the juxtaposition of old and new,” explains Wade—a sentiment just as true of Pyrrha’s iconic talismandesign pendants as it is of their eclectic interior design.

In the kitchen, there’s fresh walnut flooring underfoot, while in the living room, you’ll find the original boards; sleek marble countertops coexist with vintage radiators (which the contractor failed to convince them to replace); a state-of-the-art sound system is used to play perfectly scuzzy ’70s post-punk records. There are high-design pieces here—Bocci lights, Herman Miller chairs—but most of the duo’s treasures are sourced from estate sales, vintage shops or garage sales. “We’re not really curators,” shrugs Danielle. “We buy what we like.”

Weirdo Hero Marcel Dzama, a Winnipeg artist most well known for designing the Guero album cover for Beck, did the piece above the radiator—a series of grotesque caricatures of art critics. “Everything he does is kind of weird,” says Danielle. “Wade bought it for me for Christmas and I googled all the names and they’re all real people.”

The couple loves music (Patti Smith played at their 20th anniversary party) and hundreds of records are stored in the dining area. You’ll find rock classics , jazz albums and obscure New Wave here.

Brain This bird sculpture is one of three by Vancouver artist George Vergette.

“It’s weird as vegetarians to have this in here but I think he said it was already taxidermied by his grandfather,” says Wade.

Spin Me Right ’Round

Bird

Take a Seat The sofa in front of the Casey McGlynn painting was an SPCA thrift store find, reupholstered in black vinyl. “The upholsterer had to do every little square on here individually and said he’d never do it again,” says Wade.

The Hearth Instead of a roaring fire, the vintage fireplace frames a television—but the mantel is actually a facade.

“There was never a fireplace, there’s no chimney,” explains Danielle. (“So we don’t have to feel bad,” adds Wade.) The couple kicks back here with their 12-year-old daughter Hazel to watch movies: Raising Arizona was a recent feature.

Sound Hound Wade says his PrimaLuna Dialogue setup offers “the purest expression of analog sound” with its glowing tubes. A series of accompanying amps are constantly out for repair.

“One is always in the shop; it’s like a Jag. We never have all three at the same time,” laughs Danielle.

Cheers to That The Papins are big home mixologists, and the bar features all of their favourite spirits and glassware (and can even transform into a serving station, thanks to a fold-out countertop). Right now, they’re into paper planes and negronis. “We like classic boozy cocktails,” says Danielle. “We’re bucking that non-alcohol trend.” (Wade adds, deadpan, “We do Wet January.”)

Be My Hero

A contact sheet from David Bowie’s Heroes album shoot hangs framed above the home bar, signed by the photographer.

Aces High

The modern workwear brand is all business with a new shop on West 4th.

by Stacey McLachlan

For a brand that’s only 10 years old, Kit and Ace has had a lot of different identities. (Where’s K&A’s Eras Tour?) When it kicked off in under the direction of former Lululemon lead designer Shannon Wilson and her stepson, JJ Wilson, “technical cashmere” was the main selling feature—luxurious pieces with an athleisure spirit. It opened dozens of stores across the globe within two years, but that was too much, too soon, and the company faced some serious strain. So the brand pivoted, and pivoted, and pivoted again: the Wilsons are long gone, 61 global stores have been whittled down to nine—and, today, Unity Brands (owned in part by Joe Mimran, he of Club Monaco and, more importantly, Joe Fresh fame) is steadily at the helm. In 2024, Kit and Ace is focused less on effortless luxury and more on the humble capsule wardrobe—specifically for the type of hybrid-working professional who doesn’t want to deal with an iron.

“We’re focused on simplifying the art of getting dressed,” says Sydney Bicknell, director of marketing operations for Kit and Ace. “We’re taking wardrobe essentials and elevating them to wash, wear and repeat.”

With that in mind, unsurprisingly, there are not a lot of bells and whistles in the serene, neatly organized new flagship store on West 4th, designed by Toronto firm

Burdifilek. “It’s a true embodiment of the brand,” says Bicknell. Classic comfort is king. “The focus is on the product, and an efficient shopping experience.”

All in all, it’s a space that’s just chill—relaxed, just like a shirt that won’t wrinkle no matter how small you had to scrunch it to get it into your bag for that work trip.

COURTESY OF KIT AND ACE

Chill Commerce

Soft lighting, neutral finishes and warm woods make the new flagship store a relaxing spot to snag that new pair of chinos.

Best Bets

What Sydney Bicknell and our editors are loving right now.

BICKNELL’S PICK

Essential Fine Gauge Merino Sweater ($170) Machine-washable merino wool—what’s not to love? “It’s your new seasonal staple,” says Bicknell. (One that comes in six colourways.)

Navigator Commute Pant ($220)

The extra-stretch cotton is water repellant, so obviously it’s become an instant Vancouver classic.

Bicknell says it’s “a cult favourite for a reason.”

The

and

EDITORS’

Chalet Waffle Lounge Set ($270)

Sure, it’s a sweatsuit, but there’s a collar, so that makes it Zoom-appropriate, right?

We dare you to pair this sandy-hued woven belt with a brown-on-brown ensemble for pure earth-toned drama.

EDITORS’ PICK

Frame Relaxed Shift Dress ($150)

Wear it over a turtleneck or button-up for now, and then ditch the underlayer in the summer.

Not quite a puffer, not quite a windbreaker, it’s the ideal outerwear for oh-my-godits-finally-spring walks in the forest.

PICK

BICKNELL’S PICK

EDITORS’ PICK

Coastal Insulated Jacket in Pacific ($250)

BICKNELL’S PICK

Oslo Recycled Quilted Jacket ($250)

oversized collar on this layer-it-up jacket is everything. “Function

sleek design can coexist,” she says.

EDITORS’ PICK

Braided Stretch Belt in Sand Dune ($55)

Sole Mates

Mondays Run Club is finding its stride as the city’s least intimidating running community.

by Kerri Donaldson

Like many new transplants, Veronica Skye arrived from Toronto with visions of mountain hikes and beach weekends… and a sudden love for fitness. “I decided before I even moved to Vancouver: I’m going to be one of those cool girls who runs the seawall,” she says. Only one small hiccup—she wasn’t actually a runner.

Undeterred, she ordered her first pair of Nikes and hit the pavement. Reality hit back. “It was terrible. I hated it,” she laughs. But she kept at it, determined to understand what kept so many Vancouverites lacing up in rain or shine, chasing that elusive “runner’s high.” And when the pandemic hit, she found herself using running to chase community, too, trying in vain to discover a casual, community-driven run club. When she couldn’t find one that fit her vibe, she created her own, posting an open invite on Instagram for a 3K run followed by a beer. To her surprise, a handful of people showed up.

“We ran, took breaks, grabbed a beer—and it was really fun,” she recalls. In its first year, the club drew a steady 20 or so regulars, but one rainy Monday after New Year’s, attendance spiked unexpectedly. “There were like 40 people,

and we thought, ‘OK, this is weird,’” Skye remembers. “But then I realized it was likely New Year’s resolutions —everyone wants to try something new, be brave, get fit. From that point, it just kept growing.”

Three and a half years later, Mondays Run Club has grown to upwards of 150 runners meeting weekly, with a seven-person leadership team keeping things organized. They’ve yet to miss a Monday. “Mondays are a fresh start—a chance to make good

choices,” says Skye. There are no attendance caps, with pace groups for different skill levels and even a walking group led by Bryony Wright, a life coach who keeps conversations meaningful with thoughtful prompts.

From its inception, Mondays had been about more than running; it’s also about being social, with Halloween costume runs, brunch meetups,

mural tours, “City Bingo” and beach days to help fuel the friendship fires (or more-thanfriends connection: this past summer, Skye launched Sole Ties, a six-week singles running series to help Vancouverites meet-cute face to face).

“All you have to do is show up,” says Skye. “That’s where the magic happens.” Even if a runner’s high isn’t real, a Mondays’ high sure is.

Pace Yourself Each week, the club (led by Veronica Skye, bottom photos) meets at a different location, splits into pace groups— the “Spicy 6” for faster runners, the “Icy 6” for a conversational pace and the walking group—and gathers post-run for socializing and a few drinks.

THE DEETS

Mondays Run Club is free to join; learn more at @mondaysrunclub

Salvation Army’s 23rd Annual

Thanks to our generous supporters and donors, over $325,000 was raised at the 23rd Annual Hope in the City Breakfast presented by Craftsman Collision. Because of you, we continue to feed, clothe and shelter the community’s most vulnerable. Because of you, we are Giving Hope Today and every day.

Hungerford Management Ltd.

Dirk C.A. De Vuyst

HERO

The Salvation Army Cariboo Hill Temple Brass Band SoundWave Handbell Choir

Hungerford

The Salvation Army Cariboo Hill Temple Brass Band SoundWave Handbell Choir

Your Ultimate February Fun Guide

February may be short, but the list of things to do is not. by Kerri Donaldson

SPEAKS VOLUMES:

TO BE SEEN, TO BE HEARD AT MOA

WHEN Through March 2025

WHERE Museum of Anthropology

COST $12 to $20

Explore the bold, powerful voices of Indigenous women in this exhibition that challenges norms and packs an emotional punch. It’s art that talks back—and you’ll want to listen.

LOVE ON THE ROPES: BOOM PRO WRESTLING

WHEN February 14

WHERE Scottish Cultural Centre

COST $35

In this very special weddingthemed edition of East Van’s cult-fave wrestling soap opera, evil landlord wrestler Tony Baroni attempts to tie the knot with his alleged love Raven Lake. Expect both bouquet tosses and body slams.

8 9 5

COOL ART: VMF WINTER ARTS

WHEN February 13 to 16

WHERE Gastown COST Free

Gastown turns into an open-air gallery this February with outdoor art installations. Grab a hot drink, hit the streets and get your art appreciation (and winter coat) on.

HIGH ON ROMANCE: LOVE LIGHTS AT CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE

WHEN January 31 to February 23

WHERE Capilano Suspension

Bridge Park

COST $72 for adults

Walk the lit-up bridge, snap pics under the rainforest chandelier and sip a rosé martini. Romance and balance required.

FEAST FEST: DINE OUT VANCOUVER

WHEN January 22 to February 9

WHERE Various restaurants across Vancouver COST Varies

With exclusive menus and killer dining deals at hundreds of spots, this is your chance to eat fancy without breaking the bank— perfect prep for Valentine’s Day splurging.

STRIKE

A POSE: PUSH FESTIVAL’S DUNE WARS KIKI BALL

WHEN February 2

WHERE The Birdhouse COST $15

Celebrate PuSh Festival’s 20th anniversary with Van Vogue Jam at the Dune Wars Kiki Ball. Expect cosmic runway looks and interstellar performances in this astro-glam showdown.

HEART STRINGS: WEST COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S PICTURES OF LOVE

WHEN February 8

WHERE Christ Church Cathedral COST $30 (suggested)

Treat your valentine to a night of rom-com-level romance with classic mood-setters like Elgar and Mussorgsky, plus some violin magic that’ll pluck at your heartstrings.

CHILL GLIDES ONLY: FREE ICE SKATING

WHEN All month long

WHERE Robson Square ice rink COST Free

Christmas may be over, but Robson Square’s rink is still open for spins, twirls and the occasional wobbly glide. Bring your own skates or rent a pair and get ready to channel your inner ice dancer.

FILM NOIR: VIFF BLACK HISTORY MONTH SERIES

WHEN Various dates throughout February

WHERE VIFF Centre COST Varies

Celebrate Black History Month with a lineup of thought-provoking films highlighting Black stories and voices.

LAUGH YOUR GUAC OFF: TACO TUESDAYS ALL-LADIES COMEDY SHOW

WHEN February 11

WHERE Comedy After Dark COST $14

Tacos + hilarious women = the best Tuesday ever. Head to Comedy After Dark for your fill of punchlines, laughs and guac.

GET FUNKED: MAGIC CITY HIPPIES

WHEN February 22

WHERE The Pearl COST From $35

Get your groove on with Magic City Hippies and their beachy indie-funk that feels like sunshine in your ears.

A HOWL: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: WILD WOLVES OF YELLOWSTONE

WHEN February 12

WHERE Vancouver Playhouse

COST From $35

Wildlife biologist Doug Smith shares captivating tales from the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone (meanwhile, your own dog can’t stop ralphing up his new organic dog food).

TAKE OFF: FLIGHT AT VANCOUVER OPERA

WHEN February 8 to 16

WHERE Queen Elizabeth Theatre

COST From $50

Love, drama and laughs collide in this operatic airport adventure. Finally, an airport experience that doesn’t involve explaining to security why you need so many liquids.

THE PLAYLIST

The local comedian, filmmaker and actor is also one half of sample-rock duo Jackson Ramsey; here, Maarten Bayliss shares what’s on his digital playlist.

FLIP OUT: COUNTERPOINT

WHEN February 12

WHERE Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

COST From $16

If you’ve ever been torn between a tap show and a piano show, now’s your chance to truly have it all as pianist-composer Conrad Tao and dance prodigy Caleb Teicher collaborate on a joyful, expansive multidisciplinary duet.

GEEK OUT: FAN EXPO VANCOUVER

WHEN February 21 to 23

WHERE Vancouver Convention Centre

COST From $35 a day

Comic legends, sci-fi stars and anime icons are coming, so you better be on your nerdiest behaviour: bringing your full Deadpool cosplay, panel questions that aren’t totally cringe and a stash of merch-line snacks.

THE BAND Cindy Lee

I have a weird obsession with Cindy Lee. They shred whilst making me cry. I told them at a show that I’d been going on a drunken Cindy Lee rabbit hole on YouTube and they asked if I was OK. (I was not.)

THE SONG “Renata” by James Holden

This is my must-play DJ song. It’s on the weird side but it’s got the people goin’ on several occasions.

THE BINGEWATCH SHOW English Teacher

Mostly for Carmen Christopher.

THE MOVIE Hundreds of Beavers

I had no idea what to expect, and it turned out to be a high-octane, gag-heavy half live-action, half animated black-and-white silent comedy that felt like a real-life Bugs Bunny cartoon. It’s on Tubi!

Bayliss’s solo EP, Airing, and Jackson Ramsey’s latest album, Tropical Drone, are both available on streaming services now.

Clay Time

Danica Kaspar’s ceramic work is built to move.

by Stacey McLachlan

Clay is hardy, rigid: famously so. And yet Danica Kaspar’s ceramic work is all about movement. Vessels are wavy and warbled, edges rippling. Chains are a prominent theme in her output right now, draped and dangling off of classically shaped, matte-glazed vessels. Big or small—and some of Kaspar’s work is large, like a striking, sculptural wall installation at Four Winds Beach House and Brewery in Tsawwassen—they are all pieces designed to provoke interaction. “I want pieces that feel like you’re supposed to engage with them beyond just looking,” says Kaspar. “I want you to feel like you’re supposed to touch them.” Clay links hang loosely off of handles and lips, flowing and colliding to create ethereal sounds. “People find that surprising, and it gives them a lot of joy,” she says. “I find my work is happy work. It’s moody, but not in a bad way.”

Kaspar went to art school for photography in 2004, but she had access to the campus wheel and kiln, so she’d play around with clay between assignments. “It was just something I did for myself,” says Kaspar, who had taken classes as a crafty kid. The hobby lay dormant for years after graduation until she felt a creative nagging to get back into the studio. “I signed up for a class to have access to facilities... and then I just didn’t stop,” she says. She now shares a studio on Bridgeway Street with a few other ceramicists and builds full time. And while she’s no longer just creating for herself, her practice hasn’t

EDITOR’S PICK

Kaspar’s illustrative plates and platters are the ideal starting point for a collector, an feature fish, people or fruit; starting at $95

changed. “I’ve always held onto the idea that if I want to make it and like it, there are probably other people out there who also will like it,” she says. Though there are practical pieces in her body of work (cups featuring handles with reaching, painted fingers; wavyedged platters painted with fish), she’s more often crafting oneof-a-kind commissions—a mug factory, she is not. Kaspar creates custom wall sculptures, ceramic light fixtures and larger-than-life

vases that anchor a space. Fans include interior designer Gillian Segal (you’ll recognize her work from Dear Gus) and Vancouver jeweller Melanie Auld. “Getting reassurance that it’s not just me, other people like it and get it— that’s validating,” she says.

Ceramic Magic (Clockwise from top left) Illustrative plates and platters; a clientcommisioned wall light sculpture; Danica Kaspar; sculpture at Four Winds; a hanging sculpture at Melanie Auld’s Vancouver flagship store.

The Haul

Julie Kim identifies as a stand-up comedian, a writer… and a consumer. “I wish I could say that my favourite thing was a patch of grass,” she says, “but my favourite things are products that let me live life more effectively and efficiently.” Here are the goods that help her do just that, in advance of her latest Canadian stand-up tour which runs through May 2025.

1. Vessi Waterproof Stormburst Low Tops

My family goes on a lot of hikes. OK, “hikes” is a strong word. We walk outdoors on purpose. Because it’s beautiful, and because when we’re inside for a long time we yell at each other. Good waterproof gear like these Vessis has changed my lifestyle and outlook in Vancouver, and it’s enhanced my mental health. $160, vessi.com

2. Manta Sleep Mask

My only objective for a red-eye flight is falling asleep immediately and waking up at the last possible second (even missing meal service, which is a big deal because I rarely turn

down free food). The first time I achieved this, it was with my Manta sleep mask. You can adjust the position of the little cups for your eyes in case your eyes are closer together or further apart. Even if your eyes are next to your ears, this mask will still work for you (but you may want to see an ophthalmologist). $15, sportchek.ca

3. Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

These glasses helped me capture a lot more content easily, so people can see how boring my life is in more detail. They have also been useful for when I shouldn’t be listening to something. Like on a bike ride with my family. $409, prestigeoptical.com

4. Ogojo Jan Japanese Chili Sauce

My fave go-to quick lunch is as follows: re-heat some calrose or jasmine rice and add crispy fried organic eggs and about one and a half tablespoons of this chili sauce—a gift from the Japanese heavens. So much happiness in a blate (a bowl-plate hybrid, basically a pasta bowl but with a newer label that isn’t tied to pasta because rice is my pasta) in less than three minutes. $18, granville islandspiceco.com

5. Shiseido Clear SPF

50+ Sunscreen Stick

I have this sunscreen stick on hand all the time. It glides, never leaves streaks and feels

like a face massage. I am more protected from evil things like UV rays and premature wrinkles because of this product. Plus, I don’t have to worry that the actual colour of my face is changing. In today’s climate, I can’t be putting on that opaque mineral SPF that leaves people wondering if I’m doing white face. $42, holtrenfrew.ca

6. Ember Mug

When I was eight months pregnant, we went out for Sunday breakfast and our very loud waitress barked at me, “Better enjoy your time now ’cause your coffee will always be cold!” I hate unsolicited “advice” and I hated her instantly. But she was right. Solution: the Ember

mug, which allows me to adjust the temperature of the liquid in my mug from an app on my phone. And it feels ceramic so there is a homey coziness to it. $214, williams-sonoma.ca

7. Green Protein

Smoothie by Juice Truck

8. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

This book is not a light and fun read. I read it after university, and it impacted me in many ways and on multiple levels. I don’t believe I grew up with empathy, but I became enraged at the injustices that the characters in Mistry’s novel experienced, and appalled at the caste system (which sounded somewhat similar to the engrained hierarchy in South Korea, where my family is from). I get that people learn “things” from books regularly, but I’m grateful to this book for expanding my mind and heart. $27, indigo.ca

Like every other woman in North America, I think about my protein intake daily. I mean, 10 times daily. I try to make my own smoothies at home but they’re not very good. I’ve thought about it a lot and I believe the problem is that I am making them at home. The Green Protein is a smoothie from the Juice Truck that is a special treat that I get for myself, usually when I’m solo grocery shopping at Whole Foods on Cambie and 8th. $12, thejuicetruck.ca

CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM

china before communism

“Magnificent very enlightening!”

—Tony Robbins, motivational speaker

A Performance That Truly Matters

“There is a massive power in this that can embrace the world. It brings great hope.”

This Is What You’ve Been Waiting For

A Performance That Truly Matters This is What You’ve Been Waiting for

A Performance That Truly Matters This Is What You’ve Been Waiting For

See the magnificence of China before communism. It’s a journey that will fill you with hope and inspiration—one you’ve longed for.

See the magnificence of China before communism. It’s a journey that will fill you with hope and inspiration—one you’ve longed for.

Discover 5,000 years of wisdom, beauty, and wonder, live on stage.

Discover 5,000 years of wisdom, beauty, and wonder, live on stage.

“Thank

—Daniel Herman, former culture minister, Czech Republic

—Daniel Herman, former culture minister, Czech Republic

“Spiritually uplifting. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you must not miss it!”

“Spiritually uplifting. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you must not miss it!”

—Coral Drouyn, theater critic

—Coral Drouyn, theater critic It brings great hope.”

William Rees Knows How to Save the World

The Vancouverite who coined the concept of the “ecological footprint” has the solution to our climate emergency—but will anyone listen? by

Michael Harris

The epiphany came on a hot July day at a modest farm near the village of Iroquois, Ontario. This was the early 1950s, and 10-year-old Bill Rees had spent the morning milking cows, loading hay onto a

wagon, fetching water from the pump house. He sat—dirty and sweaty—alongside uncles and cousins at his grandmother’s porch table, waiting to be fed his lunch. And when the plate finally arrived

Here on Finite Planet

Now 81 years old, UBC professor William Rees has spent a career and a lifetime trying to get the world to see what he sees: that we can’t buy or build our way out of this climate emergency.

(stacked with carrots, chicken, potatoes) an odd sensation came over him. The ground seemed to drop away a little. The boy stared at the plate and thought, “I am involved in all of this.” Were he a little

older, the epiphany might have been expressed this way: All human effort, our entire civilization, is just a sub-system of nature. No marvel of human ingenuity can move us beyond nature’s law.

The current focus on climate change is an unfortunate distraction, according to Rees. The larger problem is a situation called ecological overshoot— where a life form grows so numerous and ‘successful’ that it outstrips the environment’s ability to support it.

A simple truth, perhaps. But one that most of us spend our lives denying.

William Rees has been exceptional in that he decided early on to never ignore that truth. In fact, he became obsessed over the problem of our bond with the natural world (what we take from it) and our ignorance of that bond (how we pretend to be free of natural constraints). Twenty years later, as a young professor at the University of British Columbia, Rees spoke with colleagues about the earth’s “carrying capacity.”

They had little time for such Malthusian hand-wringing, though, and tried to explain to Rees that new inventions (and the “green revolution” of the 1970s, which amped up food production) would always allow humans to expand our civilization and grow. The arithmetic never quite made sense to Rees, though. How exactly could there be infinite growth on a finite planet?

Not until 1990 did he (and his graduate students) conceive a new way of thinking

that explained his position. “Carrying capacity”—the question of how many animals a parcel of land can support— could be turned around, he realized. What if he flipped the equation and asked: How much land, how many resources, does each animal— in this case, each human— consume? Thus was born the “ecological footprint.”

Rees’s new term offered a fresh way to visualize humanity’s untenable situation. A typical Vancouverite, for example, may live in a small downtown condo while in fact consuming a portion of the earth’s resources that is hundreds of times larger than the bachelor pad implies. Once we realize that humans collectively use the resources of 1.7 earths (while having only the one planet to work with), our situation is drawn into stark focus. Richer countries, of course, exacerbate the issue: if all people lived like Canadians, we would need more than eight planets to sustain us. This is the hardnosed reckoning, the unforgiving math, that Rees learned to

offer up. The world has, in the decades since, embraced the term “ecological footprint.” His childhood epiphany—the idea that human civilization is always part of nature, and not above it—is now baked into much of the environmentalist movement.

And yet we have still not entirely absorbed his lesson. We still haven’t quite felt what that 10-year-old boy felt when the earth dropped out from under him.

Hidden inside William Rees’s famous idea is a darker truth than any of us cares to confront. Now, at the age of 81, he is laying that truth out for anyone who is ready to listen.

“Come in, keep your shoes on!” When I arrive at William Rees’s century-old house in Dunbar, I’m greeted by a surprisingly relaxed man. He’s avuncular, full of cheer in his fleece vest, with a neat grey beard and spectacles. Rees has hardly slowed down. While it’s been a while since he held a formal job, he authors as many papers as he did during his academic career, and his input is constantly sought—both by supporters who want his help and detractors who hope to tangle with him. He seems to take it all in stride, cooking with his wife Alison (“we’re gourmet chefs”) and cycling several kilometres daily. Motorcycle camping trips are still on the calendar, too. And yet there’s also something very serious about Rees’s presence: in conversation he wields a frightening array of facts (seemingly drawn from the air) and also

We cannot, Rees insists, invent our way out of this problem. The creation of ‘green cars’ and ‘green food’ and ‘green flights to Hawaii’ may promise that some version of our opulent lifestyles can continue if we’re just clever enough, but Rees shakes his head at that idea. The basic truth is this: such consumption has already outstripped the planet’s ability to regenerate, no matter how many EVs we drive or paper straws we suck.

When I ask him what such a massive reduction would look like, he tells me to imagine life in the 19th century.

an aura of something beyond mere recall—a time-won wisdom.

We chat in his living room, where Rees sits in a wooden rocking chair, a sheepskin laid over the back. Over our heads the ceiling is peeling.

“Don’t worry.” He waves at the damage. “It won’t fall on our heads.” There is a surprising lightheartedness about him, despite the fact that Rees believes very plainly that even the environmental movement has got its priorities dramatically—disastrously—wrong.

Climate change dominates our attention and yet, Rees tells me, it’s only a (catastrophic) symptom of a much more fundamental problem with human behaviour. “The current focus on climate change,” he says, “is an unfortunate distraction.” The larger problem is a situation called ecological overshoot—where a life form grows so numerous and

“successful” that it outstrips the environment’s ability to support it. The term can refer to smaller scenarios, like a group of deer on an island without predators—the deer multiply, eat all their food and then suffer a huge drop in numbers. But Rees is interested in a planet-sized version of the same problem: the overshoot that humans are bringing about: “The global community is in a hell of a predicament.”

While much of the world is focused on technical solutions to humanity’s quagmire—solar panels, carbon capture, wind turbines—Rees says these are all ways of avoiding the real issue. Much of the environmentalist movement amounts to “business as usual,” he explains, and it ignores the cultural upheaval that’s necessary. “The only cure for overshoot is a massive reduction in economic throughput,” he says.

We cannot, Rees insists, invent our way out of this problem. The creation of “green cars” and “green food” and “green flights to Hawaii” may promise that some version of our opulent lifestyles can continue if we’re just clever enough, but Rees shakes his head at that idea. The basic truth is this: such consumption has already outstripped the planet’s ability to regenerate, no matter how many EVs we drive or paper straws we suck. So, it’s not our lack of ingenuity but our dogged obsession with growth and consumption that will ultimately damn us.

But what does it really mean to call for a system-wide retreat to the 19th century? Does Rees expect humanity to wake up tomorrow and give up on growth? Cast aside our phones and same-day deliveries and Netflix?

In fact, he doesn’t. “I don’t think this is a solvable problem using conventional approaches,” he tells me. “I really don’t.”

But here’s the thing: if we do not solve the problem for ourselves, nature will go ahead and solve it for us.

A rough prognosis: the eight billion people on the planet (a blip of homo sapiens exuberance made possible by just a couple of centuries of fossil fuel exploitation) will collapse to two billion. This collapse will be the consequence of what Rees calls “negative feedback,” which includes the sort of population

limiters that Thomas Malthus warned about: wars, disease, the degradation of the environment. There will also be less predictable influences, like the collapse of sperm counts and disinterest in having babies.

That said, there is another kind of change. Humanity is not merely shaped by brutal external forces. We are also shaped by what Rees calls “cultural overrides.” These are things like the suppression of murder through laws, or tamping down polygamy through marriage. Our genetic dispositions are often countered by the pressures of an organized society. Could similar “overrides” perhaps save us from that primeval instinct to eat the world?

Rees says that the only “cultural override” that would work is a change in the price of things. “Corporations externalize costs—they offload the whole price of things onto the environment,” he says. When you buy a $20 pair of jeans on Shein, for example, you are in no way paying for the thousands of litres of water that went into its production (nor are you paying for the 33 kilograms of carbon emissions that were released during that production). “If people had to pay those full costs, then consumption would go down,” he says. For a brief, utopian moment, Rees even imagines a globally agreed-upon cap on the output of fossil fuels. But then, with a sigh: “It would be rational—but it ain’t gonna happen.”

Overriding our collective instinct to consume is simply

too great a challenge, he fears. “For 99.9 percent of human history, life was relatively tough,” he says. “There was a natural tendency to use what you could get your hands on—a piece of meat, a piece of fruit— before it went bad. We’re wired to consume as much as we can while we have a chance.”

In other words, we’re driven to use all available resources unless constrained by those Malthusian negative forces.

We won’t need to wait long to see those forces in action.

Climate scientists say we’re on track for three to five degrees of warming above pre-industrial levels. Rees believes five degrees would be “catastrophic, likely fatal to civilized existence” and even three degrees would be “enough to inundate coastlines, empty megacities, destroy economies and destabilize geopolitics.”

But holding the line below three degrees of warming would mean an unprecedented de-carbonization of the global economy by 2050. It would mean somehow engaging those “cultural overrides” like never before—a complete undoing of both our material lifestyle and the base animal instincts that fuel it.

By choice or by force, then, Rees foresees the collapse of our economies and populations. The reality of overshoot is that the one-time-only boom in wealth and prosperity that began with the Industrial Revolution is about to go bust.

This is, perhaps, not the news we were hoping for. And Rees’s solution is, admittedly, anathema to modern life. The retraction of the econo-

my—the conscious reversal of endless growth in favour of a “soft landing”—seems almost inhuman. (Or, at least, anticapitalist; and isn’t that the same thing these days?)

At least mitigating our crisis might be possible, Rees says, if we can somehow change the story humans tell ourselves about our relationship with the natural world. “Human beings don’t live in the real world,” he says. “We live in socially constructed stories. We make up narratives.” And the dominant economic narrative today, he notes, is a neoliberal story that tells us the economy and the environment are separate systems, and that technology can find substitutes for goods or services provided by nature. “Our model springs from ‘human exceptionalism,’ a notion that human activity is separate from the ecosystem,” he says. “We think we’re decoupled from nature. That humans are exceptional.”

Maybe that’s what shook 10-year-old Bill Rees when he sat down to lunch on his grandparent’s farm: the unnerving awareness of a new narrative—one in which humans are again coupled with nature and we do not try to invent our way beyond nature’s laws. The world that such a narrative would support is sometimes called a zero growth society. Rees refers to a “controlled contraction.” It’s his most optimistic (least chaotic) vision of our shared future.

Are we capable of such a future? Or are we like the proverbial goldfish who eats itself to death because it has

no concept of “enough”? The cynics believe catastrophic collapse is a more likely route toward sustainability than any “controlled contraction.” They point out that there have been dozens of international climate pacts in the past half century (the Kyoto Protocol, the Copenhagen Agreement, the Paris Agreement and on and on) while atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and other greenhouse gases keep rising. And yet there’s nothing irrational, after all, in imagining massive change. Change is very possible. In the 1960s, North Americans lived off half the energy per capita that they consume today. Massive change via “cultural overrides” isn’t just possible—it happens all the time.

Whatever change we are capable of, though, it will begin with a simple reckoning. It begins with looking with clear eyes at all we consume and knowing—as 10-year-old Bill Rees knew—that we are of the world, and not above it.

A grandfather clock in the hallway dongs and we rise to make our goodbyes. Rees starts telling me about his vegetable garden out back. His eyes light up. “We grow beans and garlic and tomatoes and squash. Lots of rhubarb,” he says. I stow away my final question—Do you ever get depressed?—because it seems so out of line. He’s 10 years old again, back on the farm (“the happiest time of my life”) and intimately tied to the earth. He’s literally digging up sustenance in his own backyard. We all are, I suppose—the only difference is he knows it.

How Far Can a Trolley Bus Go Off Its Cables?

Untethered, these electric buses can make a small, steady break for freedom.

Have you ever watched Speed, the 1994 action-thriller and salute -to-transit-systems? Starring a young Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock’s best haircut and 11 GM New Look buses? They have to drive a bus at over 50 miles an hour or it explodes? Ferris

Bueller’s best friend Cameron is there too? They all have some laughs? Remember?

I bring this up not just because I only saw the first half and I’m hoping someone can tell me how it ends. (Action movie idea: a 37-year-old mother has to stay awake over the course of a full movie or her apartment building will explode.) I mention this cinematic classic because I’m sure that you, like me, once watched it— or most of it—and immediately wondered what would happen if a disgruntled Dennis Hopper had tried the same stunt on one of Vancouver’s trolley buses.

navigate to bide time, but the strictness of the route would really hamper our ability to dodge traffic jams or the crosswalk-deniers of Commercial Drive. Unfortunately, though, we’d need to stay tethered if we wanted to make it through the Speed experience, because, offline, trolley buses can only go 30 km/hr, and can only travel up to one kilometre. It’s what the L.A. Bomb Squad might call “a bit of a pickle.”

by Stacey McLachlan

by

illustrations

Hayden Maynard

If you aren’t aware of the trolley bus, well, congrats on owning a car. There are more than 260 of ’em in our fair city, currently running along 13 routes, all powered by electricity gathered from overhead cables. Anyone who’s taken the #14 around a sharp corner on a snowy day knows that a ride on a Vancouver trolley bus is thrilling even without Wile E. Coyote-level explosives involved: at any moment, the cables could become detached and you could get to see the bus driver heroically don a safety vest to fix it with an Official TransLink Whacking Pole. Break out the popcorn! This is my kind of action!

Hopefully, TransLink and the Coast Mountain Bus Company never find themselves in the same situation as Keanu and Sandy, and can just focus on operating the only trolley bus system in Canada—North America’s second-largest fleet, in fact. (San Francisco technically has more trolleys, though according to a helpful TransLink rep, we’ve got more kilometres of overhead wires, so our electric buses actually cover more distance; this is a transit nerd equivalent of a mic drop.)

Got a question for Know-It-All?

stacey.mclachlan@ vanmag.com

In the case of a Speed-style emergency, though, Whacking Poles and vests just wouldn’t be enough. A true action-ready bus needs agility, freedom and, you guessed it, going-fast-ness. Yes, there are 320 kilometres of trolley line we could circum-

Maybe they wouldn’t be able to survive the 1 hour 56 minute runtime of the most popular public transit film in history, but trolley buses have their own strengths that some might say are even cooler than the catchphrase “pop quiz, hot shot.” For instance, trolley buses run on 600 volts of direct current, and have the ability to generate electricity through braking that actually goes back into the circuit to power other buses. They’re creating their own sequels, in a way... ones that, even at a plodding 30 km/h, still have more oomph than Speed 2 did.

To be clear: this list isn’t about highlighting only those in power. It’s about honouring those who power our city. A nd if you think we’re being pedantic, well, we’re editors. It’s our job. What seems like a small distinction is actually an important one—a framework that explicitly spotlights the people who are giving back to Vancouver. In 2025, the power players most worth celebrating, in our humble opinion, are the ones who energize, empower, enlighten, excite and educate others. Fewer politicians. More philanthropists and power to the people.

WRITTEN BY FRANCES BULA, NATHAN CADDELL, KERRI DONALDSON, STACEY McLACHLAN, MATT O’GRADY, ANICKA QUIN AND DANI WRIGHT

(LEE) EVAAN KHERAJ

A Seat at the Table

Carol Lee’s impact on Chinatown is wide-ranging and indisputable. Lee is pictured here at her beloved and critically acclaimed restaurant, Chinatown BBQ.

CAROL LEE

For changing life for the better in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside

CO-FOUNDER AND CHAIR, VANCOUVER CHINATOWN FOUNDATION PREVIOUSLY #5, 2024

Since launching the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation in 2011, Carol Lee has become the best-known ambassador for the historic neighbourhood—bringing food and entertainment to the streets through the annual Light Up Chinatown and Taste of Chinatown events and sharing the stories of founding families at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. She’s also a one-woman entrepreneurial force, with several ventures in Chinatown (past and present) including Chinatown BBQ, Foo Hung Curios and Linacare Cosmetherapy.

But perhaps her greatest legacy will end up being Bob and Michael’s Place, the massive social housing project at 58 West Hastings Street, which opened its doors this past June. Named after her father, the late developer Bob Lee, and his fellow developer Michael Audain, Bob and Michael’s Place (for which the foundation was a lead investor) is billed as the largest such project in the Downtown Eastside, with 231 social housing units operated by the United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society. For a city with chronic housing issues, the development couldn’t come soon enough.

As if her plate isn’t full as-is, Lee, in a full-circle moment, also became chair of the UBC Properties Trust in 2024—leading the organization her father founded in 1988 and led until 2011.

FIRST NATIONS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

For shaping both conversation and action around Indigenous rights

GRAND CHIEF STEWART PHILLIP, PRESIDENT, UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS; CHIEF DON TOM, VICE-PRESIDENT, UBICC; CHIEF MARILYN SLETT, SECRETARY-TREASURER, UBICC; CHERYL CASIMER, ROBERT PHILLIPS AND HUGH BRAKER, EXECUTIVES, FIRST NATIONS SUMMIT; TERRY TEEGEE, REGIONAL CHIEF, B.C. ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS NEW

“They all carry a pretty big wake in Victoria with this government and certainly the two Greens.” That’s the word from inside the NDP governing tent when it comes to the group of people who talk directly to B.C.’s politicians and bureaucrats about how the province is going to move forward on reconciliation and Indigenous rights. They were at the forefront of the deal announced last April to recognize Haida Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii, called historic by Indigenous scholars. It has produced a flurry of legal analysis about what it all means. The council has already shined a spotlight on issues like horrific cases of child abuse in the foster-care system and autism care. It also succeeded in getting the province to provide $200 million to help Indigenous groups participate fully in bringing in changes to B.C. through the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The council includes the leaders at three organizations: from the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president since 1998, vice-president Chief Don Tom and secretary-treasurer Chief Marilyn Slett; from the First Nations Summit political executive, Cheryl Casimer, Robert Phillips and Hugh Braker; and from the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, Chief Terry Teegee.

(Clockwise from left) Cheryl Casimer, Chief Don Tom, Hugh Braker, Chief Marilyn Slett, Robert Phillips, Chief Terry Teegee and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip

RYAN AND CINDY BEEDIE

For building for good

PHILANTHROPISTS

PREVIOUSLY #3, 2024

3 4 THE SECONDGEN BUILDERS

Being a big-name developer in Vancouver gives you some automatic cred. And Ryan Beedie—steering the eponymous business his late father Keith launched in 1954—has more credibility than most, having turned the company (also named, simply, Beedie) into one of the largest industrial developers and property managers in Canada.

From the beginning, the younger Beedie set out to do things differently from Keith, not just in the type of developments his company would pursue but also with the corporate ethos—called Built for Good—that guides all Beedie initiatives, from investments to philanthropy. Core to that socially responsible ethos has been education. In 2018, Ryan Beedie marked his 50th birthday by donating $50 million to launch Beedie Luminaries, a scholarship program that aims to remove barriers to education for hundreds of students; Luminaries has since expanded beyond high school to include scholarships for single parents, refugees and immigrants, and, as of 2024, aspiring tradespeople.

While education is a passion for Ryan and his wife, Cindy, their philanthropic interests are fairly broad, with regular big-ticket donations to hospitals, shelters and food banks around the Lower Mainland. The Beedie Foundation, for which Cindy serves as executive

ARMIN AMROLIA

For running at our housing problem head-on

DEPUTY CITY MANAGER, CITY OF VANCOUVER PREVIOUSLY #30, 2023

Armin Amrolia spent 30 years with BC Housing, strategizing about where and how to build affordable housing units, from shelter to transitional units to purpose-built rentals. By the time she left to join the City of Vancouver in 2021, her team was delivering 3,500 affordable homes annually. Now, as one of three deputy city managers, her targets are even more ambitious. In Vancouver’s new 10-year plan, approved in June, Amrolia and her team have set out to build more than 83,000 new homes between 2024 and 2033, with 75 percent designated rental housing. In a hopeful note—per our panel— Amrolia stands as an example of effective bureaucracy at city hall.

For building on their parents’ legacy

COLIN BOSA, CEO, BOSA PROPERTIES; DALE BOSA, CO-OWNER, BOSA PROPERTIES; BYRON CHARD, CEO, CHARD DEVELOPMENT; PETER EDGAR, CEO, EDGAR DEVELOPMENT; TIM GRANT, PRESIDENT, PCI DEVELOPMENTS; MIKE MACKAY, CEO, STRAND; NIC PAOLELLA, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, MARCON DEVELOPMENT BOSAS (PREVIOUSLY #12, 2024); GRANT, MACKAY (PREVIOUSLY #35, 2023); CHARD, EDGAR, PAOLELLA (NEW)

Their dads built the Vancouver (or in Peter Edgar’s case, Edmonton) of the 1980s, ’90s and early ’00s. Now the second generation of city-raised developers is taking over and doing its best to make the place better. Tim Grant at PCI Developments, Colin and Dale Bosa at their family-named company, Byron Chard at his family company, Mike Mackay at Strand, Peter Edgar at Edgar Development and Nic Paolella at Marcon Development are forging ahead steadily with building homes for city residents. Unlike what has happened in Vancouver with some offshore companies or newbie developers in the last couple of years, this group is avoiding shipwreck on the shoals of the current tough construction climate that has seen a few notable bankruptcies, takeovers and signs of distress. Instead, this hometown crew appears to be well capitalized and willing to go where others aren’t always. They’re building thousands of rental apartments aimed at providing homes for young workers across the region. Some, like Marcon and Chard and PCI, work with nonprofits in various capacities or, like Bosa Properties, are planning to use money from a family foundation in its innovative proposal for a new development at the old Army and Navy building on Hastings, to provide rentals at below-market costs. Marcon is pitching two full-service hotels for downtown Vancouver—something many developers say is too tough to take on—along with a portfolio that also includes condos, seniors housing and social housing. If Vancouver makes it through this housing trial by fire, it will be in part because of this group.

Ryan Beedie (left) and Cindy Beedie

6

AMAR DOMAN

For making BC Lions games a mane event again

CEO, FUTURA CORPORATION

PREVIOUSLY #9, 2024

Just a few years ago, it was hard to imagine the BC Lions being at the centre of some of the buzziest half-time shows in the country (the Jonas Brothers at the Grey Cup, 50 Cent at a sold-out home opener). But when Amar Doman—whose day job sees him steering Futura Corporation, an asset management company—purchased the team in 2021, he focused his entrepreneurial experience on bringing local enthusiasm back to the Lions, right down to both landing the Grey Cup in Vancouver and booking the right acts. “Amar has a way better playlist than I do,” Randy Ambrosie, commissioner for the CFL, lightheartedly told BCBusiness about booking 50 Cent. “He had a good idea of what he wanted—an act that would speak across generations and be a big attraction for younger fans.” He was recently celebrated for his efforts with CFL’s top honours, the Commissioner’s Award, in November 2024.

7 AJAY PATEL

MINDY WIGHT

For bringing an economic lens to reconciliation

CEO OF NCH’KAY DEVEL-

OPMENT CORPORATION

PREVIOUSLY: #32, 2024

As head of Nch’kay Development Corporation, the development arm of the Squamish Nation, Mindy Wight (a trained CPA) has championed the cause of economic reconciliation—helping to build a $3-billion highrise complex in Kitsilano, spread over 10 acres, that in a few years’ time will house some 10,000 people.

Senákw is one of five development projects Nch’kay has on the go, but economic reconciliation takes on less visible manifestations, too: last year, Scotiabank announced the creation of Cedar Leaf Capital—Canada’s first Indigenous-led, Indigenous-owned investment dealer—of which Nch’kay is one of three Indigenous shareholders.

For thinking beyond the campus

PRESIDENT, VANCOUVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PREVIOUSLY #10, 2024

It’s the largest and oldest community college in B.C., but under Ajay Patel’s direction, Vancouver Community College has been anything but stagnant. There are more than 100,000 electric vehicles on the road in B.C. today (up from a mere 5,000 less than 10 years ago), and VCC is positioning itself as a training hub for work in the clean economy—with construction for a massive Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation kicking off this year. Patel has also been a central figure—along with PCI, Onni and Low Tide—in working on plans to turn Great Northern Way into a fascinating “cultural ribbon” filled with creative businesses. And plans are in the works for building an additional 3,300 residential units on its Broadway campus, with at least 20 percent of those below-market housing rentals. “I don’t see other post-secondary institutions doing the amount of work he’s doing for community building and supporting affordable housing for students,” noted one of our Power 50 advisory panellists, “along with supporting the need to diversify our economy for clean energy economy infrastructure.”

Jen St. Denis Knows Power. Now She’s On The List.

Story after story, she exposes scandals. Reveals solutions. Maps the corridors of power.

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Here’s to ace reporter Jen St. Denis. And to journalism with a future.

JOHN NICOLA AND DAVID SUNG

For sharing the wealth

FOUNDER AND CHAIR, NICOLA WEALTH; EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIR AND DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL, NICOLA WEALTH

NICOLA (NEW); SUNG (PREVIOUSLY#27, 2024)

Yes, Nicola Wealth ostensibly exists to provide financial services to the affluent—but the two men at the helm of the wealth and asset management company seem to spend half their time servicing those with deeper needs. Founder and chair John Nicola has grown his organization to a team of 500-plus managing more than $16.4 billion in assets, all while deploying millions of his own dollars to supporting at-risk youth, mental health causes and underserved populations with his Nicola Family Foundation; under his leadership, a Nicola Wealth Gives Back charitable committee directs millions more into charitable causes across Canada annually. Second-in-command David Sung follows suit with a dedication to community empowerment. He’s been instrumental in expanding the firm’s presence in Canada, but he’s also a vital player on the charity circuit as chair for both the Vancouver Police Foundation and the Arts Umbrella boards. It’s a shining example of both corporate and personal responsibility— two high-powered execs investing in

GARY POONI

For knowing everyone who’s anyone

PRESIDENT, POONI GROUP

PREVIOUSLY #17, 2024

If we still used Rolodexes, Gary Pooni’s would need its own personal assistant to lug it around. He’s a development consultant—his team was key in getting the OK for huge developments around the region, including the Columbia Square plan in New Westminster—but Pooni has everyone from the premier to the mayor to various Canucks and FIFA VPs on speed dial, making him the connector for those who need to get things done in the city, the province and beyond. He’s typically behind the scenes, but he’s the wind behind the sails of community events like Broadway Rocks (and soon, a pro-wrestling project). No surprise that his foray into podcasting this year focuses on folks in town driving positive change; the first Poonicast kicks off with Canucks team ambassador Kirk McLean.

CHIEF WAYNE SPARROW, DEBRA SPARROW AND JOHNNA SPARROW-CRAWFORD

For making power a family affair

MUSQUEAM CHIEF; TEXTILE ARTIST; ABORIGINAL RELATIONS ADVISOR FOR AQUILINI CONSTRUCTION

WAYNE (PREVIOUSLY #10, 2016); JOHNNA AND DEBRA (NEW)

Consider the Sparrows another entry into the Talented Family Hall of Fame (see: the Sedarises). Siblings Wayne Sparrow, Debra Sparrow and Johnna Sparrow-Crawford are each masters of their individual domains—Johnna, the youngest, is a vital player on the Aquilini development team, brokering relationships between the Aquilinis’ businesses and the three host First Nations. (“The rise to power for the host Nations on the development side really stemmed from the support that the Aquilinis provided over the last couple of decades,” reports one of our advisory council members. “Johnna is at the centre, keeping it all together.”) Meanwhile, brother Wayne is the Musqueam’s longtime chief and sister Debra is an acclaimed textile and jewellery artist whose designs inspired a potential facade of the upcoming Vancouver Art Gallery. But together, they’re power brokers within the Musqueam community and ambassadors for the business, artistic and cultural aspects of their people.

(From left) Johnna Sparrow-Crawford, Chief Wayne Sparrow, Debra Sparrow

John Nicola (left) and David Sung

THE BIOTECH BLOCK

For giving the life sciences sector, well, life

CARL HANSEN, CEO, ABCELLERA; PIETER CULLIS, FOUNDER, ACUITAS THERAPEUTICS; PAUL GEYER, CEO, NIMBUS SYNERGIES

HANSEN (PREVIOUSLY #9, 2020); CULLIS AND GEYER (NEW)

Vancouver has been attracting attention for the last several years because of an explosively growing life sciences sector that took off during the pandemic. It’s the fastest growing one in Canada, bringing in $13 billion in private-sector investment in the last 10 years, as well as a billion in provincial and federal grants in the last two years. A few key people and companies are the big drivers in this ecosystem, a group that has won any number of awards, filled buildings around Metro Vancouver and made the city a major player in the biotech realm. They’ve also been mentors to many others and fostered innovation throughout the sector. Among them, Carl Hansen, at the head of AbCellera, focused on antibody medicines; Pieter Cullis, who founded Acuitas Therapeutics, with a global reputation for innovative lipid nanoparticle delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics; and Paul Geyer, a pioneer in Vancouver’s life sciences industry since the ’90s, who has most recently invested more than $10 million in digital health companies with his venture-capital firm Nimbus.

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BRIDGITTE ANDERSON AND JANE TALBOT

For championing a revitalized downtown

PRESIDENT AND CEO, GREATER VANCOUVER BOARD OF TRADE (GVBT); PRESIDENT AND CEO, DOWNTOWN VAN (DVBIA) ANDERSON (PREVIOUSLY #25, 2024); TALBOT (NEW)

Whether you’re a big business with offices in the clouds or a small one entrenched in Vancouver’s streetscape, 2024 was a difficult year. But two women—Bridgitte Anderson and Jane Talbot—are working hard to bring prosperity back to their communities.

For Anderson—whose Greater Vancouver Board of Trade represents over 5,000 business leaders—the central challenge is finding ways to innovate and attract high-paying jobs to Vancouver; in late November, she attended the Cascadia Innovation Corridor conference in Portland, seeking cooperation among business and government leaders across the Pacific Northwest.

For Talbot—whose business association represents 7,000 business and property owners in Vancouver’s downtown core—the focus is not only improving safety on Vancouver streets, but also making them more attractive. In July, the DVBIA announced a five-year strategy to activate laneways off Granville and Hornby, between Waterfront Station and the VAG, pushing hard to revitalize a challenging area.

14

CHRISTINE BOYLE

For bringing a breath of fresh air to politics

NDP MLA AND MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION

PREVIOUSLY #13, 2024

It’s been a rocket ride for 40-year-old Christine Boyle. She was elected to Vancouver council six years ago, rapidly becoming the flag-bearer for newborn OneCity, the left-wing civic party that many hoped would morph into a new political force in the city. Then Boyle, a big voice on council for climate-change strategies, abruptly jumped to provincial politics and was elected an NDP MLA for Little Mountain last October, then was quickly named the minister for Indigenous relations and reconciliation. Married to prominent climate activist Seth Klein (brother of Naomi Klein, #38) and old friends with Premier David Eby and his wife, Cailey Lynch, and armed with a savvy ability to build networks, Boyle is expected to make an impact.

CHRISTINE SINCLAIR, STEPHANIE LABBÉ AND SINEAD KING

For kicking off the women’s sport revolution

CO-OWNER, SPORTING DIRECTOR AND PRESIDENT, VANCOUVER RISE FC

SINCLAIR (PREVIOUSLY #31, 2024); LABBÉ (NEW); KING (NEW)

Christine Sinclair could have retired on a high note—after all, hanging up your cleats as the world’s top international goal scorer (regardless of gender) is a mic drop that doesn’t need a follow-up. But instead of stepping off the field, the Burnaby-born legend stepped into a new chapter as co-owner of Vancouver Rise FC, the city’s first professional women’s soccer team. (It’s the perfect place for her to be as she continues her push for pay equity; Sinclair was pivotal in securing 2024’s landmark equal pay deal for Canada’s men’s and women’s teams.)

Slated to debut in the Northern Super League this spring, Rise FC isn’t just another sports franchise—it’s a rallying cry for women’s sports in Vancouver. Joining Sinclair is Stephanie Labbé, the Olympic gold medal-winning former goalkeeper for Canada’s women’s national team, serving as Rise FC’s general manager and sporting director and building the dream team from scratch. Off the pitch, she’s just as formidable: she’s a passionate advocate for mental health and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and her 2024 documentary Shut Out broke ground by addressing anxiety, depression and burnout in sports, sparking candid conversations on issues too often sidelined. Meanwhile, Sinead King, the club’s president, brings a combination of operations experience, startup hustle and a personal love for the beautiful game to her role—and, more importantly, a keen awareness of just what this new league will do for the future of girls in sport. Let the games begin.

Bridgitte Anderson (left) and Jane Talbot

TANYA GOEHRING; STYLING BY KRISTIN MORAWSKI; CLOTHING BY HOLT RENFREW; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY KATIE ELWOOD

PLAYING THE FIELD

(From left to right) Sinead King, Christine Sinclair and Stephanie Labbé are the faces of Vancouver’s newest sports team, the Rise FC, part of the burgeoning Northern Super League.

JILL SCHNARR

For proving that big business can make a big difference

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS AND BRAND OFFICER, TELUS PREVIOUSLY #8, 2024

As Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” In times of crisis, Jill Schnarr has been a helper of the highest order, rolling up her sleeves and stepping in where it counts. This year, as Telus’s chief communications and brand officer (a title as long as her to-do list), she helped the company hit a milestone few others can match: $100 million donated to Canadian charities through its Community Boards. That money fuels thousands of grassroots programs—from KidSafe to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre—helping Vancouver’s most vulnerable thrive. And when wildfires tore through Jasper this summer, Schnarr and her team acted fast, deploying emergency cell towers, donating $100,000 to local charities, distributing disaster kits and even offering free counselling sessions. They also waived mobile fees for evacuees—because staying connected during a crisis shouldn’t come with a price tag. But Schnarr isn’t just about putting out fires. She’s building a better future with programs like Telus’s She Can Coach program, which breaks down barriers for women in sports, and the $100-million Pollinator Fund for Good that backs startups like Flash Forest, which uses drones to reforest wildfire-scorched areas. And with initiatives like the CHLOE Awards, which

DANIEL VIGO

For taking action against an epidemic

CHIEF SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR FOR PSYCHIATRY, TOXIC DRUGS AND CONCURRENT DISORDERS, PROVINCE OF BC NEW

In June, Premier David Eby announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel Vigo as B.C.’s chief scientific advisor for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders, and since then, Eby has regularly referred to him as the guide for his institutionalization policy. Finding a solution for the thousands of people struggling with these issues is no easy task, but Vigo has collaborated with health authorities from across the province to provide evidence-based recommendations that are already changing the game (even if not all critics agree with the solution): in September, Vigo and Eby announced plans for involuntary care centres and B.C.’s first “approved home” care facility to help the few hundred complex patients (those whose substance use disorder has caused mental impairment) who are falling through the care gaps.

WALTER SCHNEIDER

For showing us the money

CEO, NEW RELATIONSHIP TRUST NEW

WE’RE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THIS NEXT WAVE OF CHANGEMAKERS.

1 /4. Becki Chan

The jewellery designer and event producer’s inaugural Design Festival Vancouver featured more than 40 events over the course of 11 days— an ambitious, heartfelt play to elevate our city’s design scene.

Nearly 20 years ago, the B.C. government passed the New Relationship Trust Act, which transferred $100 million to B.C.’s First Nations—money aimed at developing capacity in governance, leadership and human resources. Walter Schneider, as CEO, helps the nonprofit deliver on its promise, with top projects in 2024 focused on the clean energy transition—including the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) and the Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program. (He’s a busy guy: “He’s got so much on the go and his finger in so many pies,” says one of our advisory panellists.) Schneider also sits on the board of the First Nations Market Housing Fund, which promotes homeownership for First Nations people across Canada.

(VIGO) PAUL

JOSEPH

JEN ST. DENIS

For covering the stories that matter

JOURNALIST, THE TYEE NEW

Tyee reporter Jen St. Denis doesn’t just report on fire code violations that leave tenants homeless or Vancouver’s bleak rental market (where listings proudly advertise “private rooms” separated by a curtain). She shines an unflinching spotlight on these injustices, demanding accountability with every word, taking on bad landlords and the systemic neglect of the Downtown Eastside with a laser-sharp focus. This year, her reporting delved into the aftermath of devastating fires like the Winters Hotel blaze, highlighting the human toll on displaced residents and calling for urgent safety reforms. Her relentless pursuit of the truth earned her a nomination for the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s Landsberg Award, celebrating her groundbreaking reporting on missing Indigenous women and youth. And in 2024, she brought her sharp investigative lens to the B.C. provincial election, dissecting political controversies and policy moves with a clarity that many voters desperately needed.

20 21

ROGER HARDY

For seeing a clear business opportunity

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, KITS EYECARE NEW

Clearly Contacts and its eventual sale (for $445 million to French eyewear giant Essilor) made Roger Hardy one of B.C.’s most successful entrepreneurs. His next venture, Shoes.com, failed and sank his reputation. But Hardy didn’t give up. In 2018, he went back to eyewear with a simple proposition: make buying good glasses easy and cheap. On Black Friday 2024, Kits Eyecare hit over $1 million in revenue on a single day, with around two-thirds of that business from repeat customers. But in an age when practically everything is made offshore, Hardy’s most mind-boggling accomplishment may be that almost all of his company’s manufacturing is done in its East Vancouver facility.

Finding a solution for the thousands of people struggling with these issues is no easy task, but Vigo has collaborated with health authorities from across the province to provide evidence-based recommendations that are already changing the game (even if not all critics agree with the solution).

MELISSA LEM

For caring about the health of the earth, too

DOCTOR, PRESIDENT OF CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT NEW

If Melissa Lem is your family doctor: good for you. How she has time to help you between all her other activism and advocacy is anyone’s guess. As the president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and director of PaRx, B.C. Parks Foundation’s national nature prescription program, she’s a fierce advocate of nature as the fourth pillar of health. Planetary health is integral to our wellbeing, she argues in her policy consulting, media appearances (she’s a regular climate change panellist on CBC Radio) and across the world as an internationally recognized voice in the field of nature and health.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TANYA GOEHRING; STYLING BY KRISTIN MORAWSKI; CLOTHING BY HOLT RENFREW; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY KATIE ELWOOD

S paghetti Western

Banda Volpi’s Craig Stanghetta (left) and Paul Grunberg have found the magic formula for restaurant success, with four acclaimed rooms now in their portfolio.

MARIANNE AMODIO

For filling in the missing middle

23 24 PAUL GRUNBERG AND CRAIG STANGHETTA

For serving up the city’s tastiest rooms

CO-OWNERS, BANDA VOLPI RESTAURANT GROUP GRUNBERG (NEW); STANGHETTA (PREVIOUSLY #39, 2016)

Interior designer Craig Stanghetta (principal and creative director of famed Ste. Marie) and industry vet (and former co-owner of L’Abattoir) Paul Grunberg’s Banda Volpi Restaurant Group has redefined the culinary scene in Vancouver over the past nine years. The powerhouse duo are legends in the city thanks to their ability to open consistently buzzy restaurants with a distinctive point of view—take Pepino’s Goodfellas-esque vibe or Savio Volpe’s rustic charm—while still maintaining a cohesive overarching theme of Italian food done right. They opened their newest venture, Elio Volpe (a masterclass in coastal Italian cuisine), in March 2024 to immediate praise, proving yet again that style, culinary creativity and true hospitality are the backbone of the industry.

WE’RE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THIS NEXT WAVE OF CHANGEMAKERS.

2 /4. Peter Xotta

The new CEO of port operations has his work cut out for him. But if he navigates the port’s ambitious expansion plans, record-breaking cruise traffic and contentious strikes, he’ll be in ship shape.

If you’ve been hearing a lot of talk about the “missing middle” in Vancouver housing over these past few years, chances are you’ve also heard architect Marianne Amodio of MA+HG Architects being sourced as a boots-on-the-ground pro on the subject. The “missing” component— medium-density housing, like townhouses and low rises, that bridges the gap between single-family homes and mid-to-high-rise apartments—happens to be a specialty of Amodio’s. Her work aptly demonstrates that density can be both a functional and beautiful way to live: the firm was recently celebrated by Urban Development Institute BC’s Awards for Excellence for their e15 townhouse project, which orients each home at a 45-degree angle—opening up more courtyard space while also creating a better streetscape from the classic solid wall of houses. And their “Our Urban Village” project (in partnership with Tomo Spaces and Happy City Labs, see #40) was one of the first successful co-housing projects with an affordable home component to be greenlit in the city. (Creating smartly designed residential buildings isn’t the only trick in her book—she’s the architect behind the thoughtful renovation that brought the Hollywood Theatre back to being a hot spot again.)

JIM RUTHERFORD

For stickhandling the Canucks toward stability

PRESIDENT OF HOCKEY OPERATIONS, VANCOUVER CANUCKS NEW

Veteran NHL executive Jim Rutherford was the life preserver at the end of the shipwreck that was Jim Benning’s tenure as general manager of the Vancouver Canucks just over three years ago. The team went on a torrid playoff run last season and Rutherford, who brought in his longtime protege Patrik Allvin to serve as GM, signed a three-year extension in 2024. Even though his public appearances are rare, he’s brought professionalism and stability to an organization that badly needed it and retains the final word on all hockeyrelated decisions.

PRINCIPAL, MA+HG ARCHITECTS NEW

25 26 MARTIN THIBODEAU

GINGER GOSNELLMYERS

For helping the city find its soul

FELLOW, URBAN INDIGENOUS POLICY, PLANNING AND DECOLONIZATION, SFU PREVIOUSLY #40, 2024

In May, Ginger Gosnell-Myers took centre stage as a keynote speaker at a sold-out sustainable urban planning event co-hosted by the City of Vancouver and C40 Cities. Her message was as powerful as it was clear: a city that doesn’t reflect Indigenous knowledge is a city missing its soul. Attendees walked away buzzing about her vision for greener, more inclusive urban spaces—but Gosnell-Myers is doing more than just talking. As SFU’s Indigenous Fellow at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Gosnell-Myers has been busy crafting policy blueprints that embed reconciliation into the DNA of urban development. Her work is about more than consultation; it’s about transformation. This year, she also stepped into a deeply personal fight, advocating for her Mosquito Creek community in the face of evictions. For Gosnell-Myers, the journey of Indigenous rights and sustainability isn’t abstract—it’s rooted in the places she calls home.

BILL TAM

For charging up the tech sector

TECH ENTREPRENEUR, BOARD DIRECTOR NEW

For anybody working in that intersectional world of tech, media and the arts, Bill Tam has become the go-to governance guru. Tam got his start 30 years ago helping Rogers enter the broadband internet market, and has since launched several tech startups of his own; he also co-founded the Digital Technology Supercluster, led the BC Tech Association and was vital in helping Michelle Collens (#28) land the upcoming Web Summit. But these days, the real value Tam adds is as a board member: in addition to chairing the Digital Media Centre board, current appointments include co-chair of Creative BC and a director for CBC.

For making money matter

REGIONAL PRESIDENT, RBC ROYAL BANK PREVIOUSLY #29, 2024

Does Martin Thibodeau ever sit down? If there’s a fundraiser, gala or grassroots initiative happening in Vancouver, chances are he’s there—not just cutting ribbons but also contributing his own money. In a corporate banking world often criticized for its detachment, Thibodeau’s hyper-local philanthropy is rare and refreshing. In his day job at RBC, Thibodeau navigated through one of its most ambitious moves yet: the acquisition of HSBC Canada, bringing 780,000 new customers under the RBC wing. But his crowning achievement in 2024 went beyond mergers and acquisitions—he’s ensuring that a significant portion of RBC’s loans are set aside for local real estate developers. It’s a move that could reshape Vancouver’s housing market, with a five-year plan designed to keep key projects on track and support regional growth.

WE’RE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THIS NEXT WAVE OF CHANGEMAKERS.

3 /4. Donnie Rosa

In their new role as CEO of Atira Women’s Resource Society, they’re putting the previous leadership’s conflict-of-interest scandal behind them and focusing on supporting women in vulnerable positions in the DTES.

We’ve been chatting with our BC community, and here’s what we learned

DINING HABITS: DID YOU KNOW THAT 72% OF VANCOUVERITES DINE OUT 1-2 TIMES A WEEK ?

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:

We love the great outdoors! WALKING is Vancouver's favorite outdoor activity ( 87% ), followed by HIKING ( 53% ) and PICNICKING ( 39% ).

WHAT MATTERS TO US:

Vancouverites are passionate about the cost of living , healthcare , and affordable housing . Are these topics important to you too? Now we have a question for you! What generalizations or stereotypes do people make when they find out you're from British Columbia?

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28

MICHELLE COLLENS

For working hard so we can play hard

DIRECTOR, SPORT HOSTING VANCOUVER

PREVIOUSLY #24, 2023

If you think you’ve heard the name Michelle Collens before, it’s because she’s one of the key players who brought the Grey Cup, Invictus Games and FIFA World Cup to the city (and was on this list for doing so in 2023). Now, she’s setting her sights beyond the world of sport: starting in May 2025, she’s bringing the Web Summit to Vancouver (it’ll be hosted here until 2028). The “Olympics of the tech world” is the largest technology event in North America and is set to attract thousands from around the globe, with Destination Vancouver predicting an economic boost of $172 million in direct spending and $279 million in overall economic impact for the province over the next three years.

PREM GILL

For being our Hollywood hero

29 HASAN ALAM

CEO, CREATIVE BC

PREVIOUSLY #37, 2024

From books, magazines and music to the dense output of Hollywood North, Prem Gill has championed the cultural sector of the province as CEO of Creative BC since 2015. Last year she made this list for her hard work in maintaining B.C.’s multi-billion-dollar film industry during the infamous Writer’s Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes. But her work wasn’t and isn’t done—in September 2024, Gill and her team announced that 12 B.C. production companies would receive a total of $600,000 through Creative BC’s Slate Development Program, injecting capital and, in turn, more jobs into the still-recovering industry.

For helping keep speech free

PRESIDENT, BC CIVIL LIBERTIES ASSOCIATION NEW

When Hasan Alam was named president of the BC Civil Liberties Association board last August, he became the first BCCLA president from a racialized background. Alam, a staff representative for the BC General Employees’ Union, acknowledged a special responsibility to continue the BCCLA’s ongoing work “to better reflect at a governance level the communities it serves.” For Alam, fighting for marginalized communities is his life’s work: he also serves as community liaison for the Islamophobia Legal Assistance Hotline (a service he co-founded) and is past president of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers. This year, he caught our panel’s attention for his work on cases around suppression of the right to protest and speak out—like for Amy Blanding, who was removed from her post as a director for the Northern Health Authority for expressing sentiments about human rights in Palestine. “In B.C., the way to take a principled stance legitimately is with the BCCLA,” says one Power 50 advisor. “Hasan is the spokesperson for that.”

“

For Alam, fighting for marginalized communities is his life’s work: he also serves as community liaison for the Islamophobia Legal Assistance Hotline (a service he co-founded) and is past president of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers.

JENNIFER WONG

For spreading the Super Puff gospel to the world

DAVID AND JONATHAN BARNETT

For healing on a high note

HALL OF FAME

CEO, ARITZIA

PREVIOUSLY #47, 2023

In 2024, Aritzia continued its streak of record-breaking growth, with CEO Jennifer Wong still at the helm. The homegrown fashion juggernaut opened new flagship stores in New York and Chicago, solidifying its U.S. expansion and setting the stage for even bigger ambitions. The numbers speak volumes: under Wong’s leadership, Aritzia reported a jaw-dropping $498.6 million in net revenue in Q1 of fiscal 2025. It’s a clear sign of the brand’s growing dominance in the global fashion arena, but despite her focus on scaling the company, Wong remains fiercely local, often crediting her climb from storefloor salesperson to CEO as a testament to Aritzia’s commitment to mentorship and leadership development. Of course, rapid growth comes with growing pains, and some critics have flagged concerns over quality as the brand expands. But Wong’s relentless drive to position Aritzia as the epitome of accessible luxury has kept the company more than thriving: it has cemented Vancouver’s place on the global style map.

FOUNDER, MUSIC HEALS, EVP DAYHU GROUP OF COMPANIES; PRESIDENT/ CEO DAYHU GROUP OF COMPANIES

PREVIOUSLY #41, 2024

What happens when you combine a love of music with a commitment to giving back? For David and Jonathan Barnett, commercial real estate developers with their company Dayhu, the result is Music Heals, one of Vancouver’s most dynamic charities. Since its founding, Music Heals has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to expand access to music therapy for cancer patients, seniors and others in need. From hospital wards to community clinics, their work proves that music doesn’t just entertain—it restores. Together with a team of dedicated supporters, the Barnetts have built a movement of donors, musicians and therapists who share a focused vision: making music therapy accessible to everyone. How’s that for ending on a high note?

Last year, we launched our Power 50 Hall of Fame to honour the city’s most consistent, enduring sources of influence. For 2025, we continue this new tradition, and we’re pleased to induct five more pivotal political and cultural figures into this esteemed group. These are people who have graced the list multiple times over the Power 50’s 24-year history, and who continue to inspire and impact the city with everything they do.

Penny Ballem

Her CV is staggering: not only is Ballem a highly respected physician, she’s also had impactful stints as an outspoken government advisor, clinical professor at UBC and longtime city manager. A power player, wherever she goes.

Carole Taylor

Taylor started her career as a journalist and then never stopped asking the important questions; her tenacity and commitment to service led her to a political career, where she introduced North America’s first carbon tax.

continued on page 56

FRED LEE

For electrifying the charity circuit

HOST, PRESENTER AND AUCTIONEER PREVIOUSLY #44, 2024

We dare you to find a person with a busier social calendar than Fred Lee. The go-to emcee and auctioneer is in such demand to host charitable galas that charities now book their calendars—and million-dollar fundraising events—around his availability. (And for at least one such event last year, they arranged for a car to bring him to their gala after he finished with the auction at another on the same night.) And Lee’s hostwith-the-most status goes beyond what happens on the floor at the gala: when he agrees to work with a new charity, he’ll meet and coach them on how to make the most of their event, using the best practices he’s developed over the years. Now that’s charitable giving.

BRIAN McBAY

For putting bureaucracy to work for artists

FOUNDER, 221A NEW

Why dwell on how many arts spaces have shut down in the past five years (RIP, Toast Collective) when you could instead dream with Brian McBay about a future where artists actually own their own real estate?

McBay—whose nonprofit 221A is managing a new government-and-developer-funded artist studio tower that opened this year in the West End—is now on a mission to fund 221A’s Cultural Land Trust. The CLT model has been successfully implemented in certifiably cool cities all over the world (London, Austin) and basically operates as an entity that purchases and manages land with the goal of providing arts organizations and artists stable rent and pathways to ownership. It’s a lofty dream in a city where even finance bros struggle to find affordable housing, but 221A earned Vancouver City Council support this summer, resolving to form a working group to create recommendations for how they can help this grand plan move forward. Sure, no ground has been broken yet—but it’s a groundbreaking concept all the same.

PHILIP KIM (A.K.A. PHIL WIZARD)

For breaking it down on the world stage

GOLD MEDALLIST BREAKDANCER NEW

Confession: this year’s Power 50 list took twice as long as usual to write because we kept stopping to watch Phil Wizard breakdancing videos. If you didn’t get a swell of hometown pride watching the jaw-dropping talents of Vancouver’s B-boy ambassador during the 2024 Paris Olympics, maybe get that pulse checked. Wizard (known to friends and the government as Philip Kim) brought home a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics in the first-ever men’s breakdancing competition, wowing judges and winning hearts with expressive, laws-of-physics-defying moves he honed training with Vancouver’s tight-knit breaking community at Boogaloo Academy in South Van. Call him our golden boy—a representative not just for our country, but also for every dancer who ever busted a move at Robson Square and dreamed big.

WE’RE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THIS NEXT WAVE OF CHANGEMAKERS.

4 /4. Eden Fineday

With her Indiginews project, publisher Fineday is trying to transform how journalism is done, working collaboratively and respectfully with the people her team is reporting on. In just four years, it snagged a National Newspaper Award from the rabblerousers at The Narwhal... and caught the eye of legacy media in the process.

Wizard wears a Sacai vest, Skims tank, Jacquemus Pant, Adidas sneakers and Nialaya bracelets

TANYA GOEHRING; STYLING BY KRISTIN MORAWSKI; CLOTHING BY HOLT RENFREW; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY KATIE ELWOOD

Spin Doctor

A rare photo of goldmedal breakdancer Phil Wizard standing still.

ANTHONIA OGUNDELE

For engineering opportunities for the next gen of Black tech whizzes

37

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ETHÓS LAB EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY NEW

Anthonia Ogundele is more comfortable in the world of tech—but here she is, gracing the pages of yet another magaziner. (Her appearance on BCBusiness’s 2024 Women of the Year list even landed her the cover.) But while she’s in the spotlight right now, her work as founder of Ethós Lab is really about sitting back and letting tomorrow’s all-stars shine: the nonprofit STEAM academy gives teens—particularly Black youth—a chance to get involved in science, technology, engineering, applied arts and math, an industry that has traditionally been lacking in representation. More than 1,100 kids have been impacted by her programs this year (whether that’s the immersive “Blackathon” hacking workshop or VR-focused field trips); partnerships with Microsoft, Vancity, Sony and EA and a recent election to the UBC Board of Governers are bringing her mission of an inclusive tech scene into the workplace and higher education, too.

QUARTERMAIN

For showing that a mining magnate can see what’s more valuable than gold

RESOURCE ENTREPRENEUR; ADVISOR TO ARC FOUNDATION

NEW

Forgive us for stereotyping, but “mining magnate” and “advocate for queer youth” are not typically two identities we think of as overlapping (Billy Elliot did a number on us, it seems.) Robert Quartermain proves us wrong. He’s one of the most prolific mining executives in the city, a former executive chair of Pretium Resources and a past CEO of Silver Standard, and is still an influential voice in the mining community. But he’s also tapped into something more precious than metal with his activism work: his ARC Foundation created breakthrough collaboration models for reducing 2SLGBTQIA+ discrimination in schools. Through ARC, Quartermain championed SOGI 123, a tool for educators to make schools safer and more inclusive for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities through teaching resources, policies and procedures and guidance on creating inclusive environments. He’s the organization’s largest personal donor over the last 17 years, and at a time when SOGI is under threat from conservative detractors, he’s expanding his efforts into the post-secondary world with the new Robert Quartermain Centre for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Inclusive Education, which will open at UBC beginning January 2025.

NAOMI KLEIN

For always putting the facts first

AUTHOR, JOURNALIST AND CO-DIRECTOR, UBC CENTRE FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE PREVIOUSLY #23, 2023

As founding co-director for the UBC Centre for Climate Justice, Naomi Klein has worked tirelessly to advance the changes necessary to combat the ongoing and escalating climate crisis. In her journalism work, she advocates for our future through columns in The Guardian and appearances on Democracy Now (an award-winning independent news hour). And while her recent, instant bestseller Doppelganger tackles a different topic—conspiracy theories, false narratives and the rise of misinformation—ultimately, all of her work aims to expose the truth of our world, and pushes audiences to confront the realities (for better or, usually, for worse) of the vulnerabilities in our social, economic and environmental systems. Her consistent mix of humour and biting truth makes even difficult subject matter approachable.

The Fact of the Matter

The bestselling author brings a keen eye (and wit) to her work, whether she's tackling climate justice or the misinformation epidemic.

TANYA GOEHRING; STYLING BY KRISTIN MORAWSKI; CLOTHING BY HOLT RENFREW; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY KATIE ELWOOD

HALL OF FAME

continued from page 51

Douglas Coupland

He was one of alt-literature’s darlings in the ’90s with generation-defining novels like Gen X , and, over the ensuing decades, he has become a multidisciplinary artist exploring themes of pop culture and identity. His public artwork (both government and private commissions) are now landmarks: hello, Digital Orca

David Suzuki

He was an early, public voice raising awareness about the climate emergency and sustainable living—there’s no doubt that Vancouver attitudes over the past decades are due at least in part to him. After 44 years, Suzuki stepped back from hosting his CBC show The Nature of Things, passing the torch to his daughter in January 2024—not a bad run.

John Horgan

We were heartbroken to hear of the former B.C. premier’s passing this past fall. A fixture on this list for his political work during his time in office, he was also a generous and kind leader with a sharp sense of humour. His memory lives on.

PAST INDUCTEES

The Aquilini Family, Michael Audain, James K.M. Cheng, Darren Entwistle, Thomas Fung, the Fuller Family, Ian Gillespie, Frank Giustra, Yoshiko Karasawa, Brandt Louie, Joy MacPhail, Jim Pattison, Bob Rennie, Tamara Vrooman and Chip and Shannon Wilson

RYN BROZ AND PAIGE FREWER

For bringing the party to Mount Pleasant

CO-OWNERS AND OPERATORS, THE BIRDHOUSE PREVIOUSLY #50, 2023

Mount Pleasant is known for a lot of things (Michelin-starred restaurants, vintage shopping, men in plaid, et cetera) but nightlife isn’t one of them. Ryn Broz and Paige Frewer are changing that with their pulsing, sweating party space at 44 West 4th Avenue, home to some of the city’s most interesting and inventive queer programming. The Birdhouse hosts wild and wonderful drag shows (‘Break the Internet’ night features artists dressed up like specific memes), playfully niche dance parties (queers who love comfort footwear fill the floor during ‘Club Croc’) and internationally renowned DJs, but it’s also a club that’s about more than just good times for the queer community: Broz and Frewer approach their role with inclusivity and care at the forefront, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for oppressive behaviour and a dedication to extensive, thoughtful accessibility measures (see the eight-page accessibility info document and roaming Buddy System volunteers available to every eventgoer). Party on.

(BROZ AND FREWER) EVAAN KHERAJ

Ryn Broz (left) and Paige Frewer

40

CHARLES MONTGOMERY, MARK SHIEH AND LESLIE SHIEH

For caring about happiness as much as density

CO-FOUNDER, HAPPY CITIES; FOUNDERS, TOMO SPACES

NEW

Charles Montgomery put Vancouver on the international map a decade ago with his book Happy City, which focused on how to use urban design to create more connections among residents and visitors. Montgomery, a journalist, created the consulting company Happy Cities following that. Happy Cities has since worked with developers and city planners around Metro Vancouver on everything from tools for city planners to policies that promote social engagement in new housing (done together with Hey Neighbour Collective) to strategies for Vancouver seniors’ housing and private multi-family projects to ideas for better use of streets and laneways everywhere. (And somehow Montgomery has found time to write a soon-tobe-published book about how to build social trust.)

Mark and Leslie Shieh at Tomo Spaces complement the Happy Cities approach with their work on unusual housing and public-space projects, including Our Urban Village, a co-housing project in central Vancouver (designed by architect Marianne Amodio, #23) that Happy Cities is studying to assess its impact on its residents’ sense of well-being. Happy days may be here again.

MALIK TALIB

For investing in the power of people

41 KIRSTEN KOPPANG TELFORD

LAWYER, ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST PREVIOUSLY #37, 2018

Malik Talib is a man of many interests and widespread influence. The lawyer-cumentrepreneur has put his mark on a bunch of businesses, finding recent success in real estate and food processing (MadeFresh Foods). Years after leading the Aga Khan Council for Canada, Talib remains a force within the famously charitable Ismaili Muslim community, serving on the National Committee of Aga Khan Foundation Canada and chairing the Ismaili Leaders International Forum. Outside the role, he’s made knowledge and time commitments to BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver Foundation and United Way, and personally championed Vancouver Foundation’s loneliness study. “He wants to protect Vancouver’s most important asset: its people,” says a source close to him.

For taking Shine Theory to its full potential

CEO, THE FORUM NEW

Kirsten Koppang Telford could’ve just taken the money from the sale of her emergency communications tech company, ePACT and had a nice little early retirement. Instead, she’s spent the last year advocating for, coaching and hyping up the female and trans femme entrepreneurs who look to her for wisdom in her role as CEO of The Forum. This year, the organization raised more than a million dollars at the pitch finale to help provide financial capital to the community’s 2,792 members.

“This is what community and leadership looks like,” said one of our advisors. “She is the voice of that organization.” From new businesses to growth-stage entrepreneurs, Telford is shaping the future for women in business from the ground up.

(From left) Charles Montgomery, Leslie Shieh and Mark Shieh

How to Dress Like a Power Player

Whether you’re accepting a big award (ahem), rolling into a job interview or meeting your future in-laws, there are some occasions for which sweatpants simply won’t do. That’s when it’s time to reach for the power outfit: a look that fills you with confidence and composure. Kristin Morawski is here help you make your big sartorial statement... whether that involves big shoulder pads is up to you.

GET PERSONAL

If a power suit makes you feel good, go for it, but don’t think of your power outfit as a costume. “Unknown situations can feel like scary territory. It’s important to have on an outfit that will support you and bolster your courage,” says Morawski. “Wear something that feels like you.” Personalization is where true power lies—Morawski’s own go-to power look always involves jeans, whether paired with a strappy sandal, with a structured double-breast blazer or (gasp!) more denim. “It’s my Alberta roots,” she laughs.

CONSIDER THE SITUATION

The dress code is there for a reason (a fact more Vancouverites could take note of—we’re looking at you, guy who wore cargo shorts to the Restaurant Awards). “Being too over-dressed or too under-dressed for a situation can really undercut your confidence. Preparation will help you feel more powerful,” says Morawski.

HIT THE FITTING ROOM

Online shopping is no substitute for the in-person hunt.

“Based on your colouring, height, and body type, there will be colours, patterns, and shapes that will work better on you,” says Morawski. “Go into a store and try things on. In the fitting room you can experiment until you find what works best for you.” Make a day of it—time for a makeover montage!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Homing in on your personal style is the real key to finding an outfit that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

“Is there a celebrity whose style you admire? Do you follow someone on social media you think always looks great?” asks Morawski. Collect images of looks you love, then analyze them to understand the common thread.

MAIKO YAMAMOTO

For inviting us all to be theatre kids

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER, THEATRE REPLACEMENT NEW

If you’ve ever cackled your way through the East Van Panto or been so captivated at PushOFF that you forgot to check your phone, you’ve experienced the Maiko Yamamoto effect. As the artistic director of Theatre Replacement, she’s quietly (OK, not that quietly) making Vancouver’s theatre scene cooler, weirder and way more fun. Let’s talk about the Panto for a second. While we’re laughing at the goofy jokes and over-the-top characters featured in this annual, hyper-localized fairy tale tradition, Yamamoto is creating real work for local artists behind the scenes, proving you can mix ridiculous humour with serious impact. But Yamamoto doesn’t stop there. PushOFF, Theatre Replacement’s showcase for experimental work, has become an international highlight, bringing bold, boundary-pushing theatre to Vancouver. And this year, she launched the Accelerator Lab, a program for up-and-coming theatre-makers to test new ideas and shake things up even more.

SIRISH RAO

For giving the arts a fresh start

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING, VANCOUVER ART GALLERY NEW

For all of the problems the Vancouver Art Gallery is having getting a new home built, it maintains an important connection to the city—and Sirish Rao, in a leadership role since 2023, has made that bond even stronger, with diverse programming attracting new audiences. Rao brings deep experience to the job, having co-founded Vancouver’s popular Indian Summer Festival and led Tara Books, one of India’s top publishing houses.

RICHARD JAFFRAY

For refusing to stay out of the kitchen

FOUNDER AND CEO, LFG GROWTH PARTNERS

PREVIOUSLY #43, 2016

We should’ve known that the sale of Cactus Club wasn’t the end for Richard Jaffray. Though he co-founded the perpetually award-winning restaurant chain 36 years ago and deserved a chance to simply spend some quality time with his surfboard once he was bought out of his ownership stake in 2022, he immediately started scoping out new opportunities in Vancouver’s restaurant scene. (A restaurateur is always hungry in that way, we suppose.) Two years after breaking the chain, so to speak, he’s managed to put together a tasty portfolio of rooms under his LFG Growth Partners shingle—Oddfish, Nook, Radish and Nightingale among them, with a lease recently secured for a second Nightingale location in Yaletown—and is standing once again with the heat of several kitchens keeping his entrepreneurial passions warm.

ANOOP GILL

For helping the queer community lay down the law

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, QMUNITY NEW

GUY FELICELLA

For daring to advocate for compassion

HARM REDUCTION AND RECOVERY ADVOCATE

PREVIOUSLY #41, 2020

It’s an idea that’s almost radical in its simplicity: what if, instead of fighting about whether to implement harm reduction strategies or addiction treatment, we implemented harm reduction strategies and addiction treatment?

It’s a question advocate Guy Felicella has been making waves with as a rare but refreshing calm, sane voice on social media, making the case for the province to provide support for multifaceted addiction—an argument that’s particularly vital now as the clash of extremes between both sides heats up. (His callout of B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad on X/Twitter was the stuff of activist legend.) He’s now on the team at Coastal Health as a peer advocate, sharing an important first-person perspective as a former substance user and someone who experienced houselessness: “I wouldn’t be alive today without harm reduction, and I wouldn’t have the life that I have today without recovery. We need both,” he insists.

As of 2022, Anoop Gill was sharing her executive director role with co-ED Tracy London, but today she’s riding solo as the leader of the longstanding, nonprofit Qmunity—and making some of the biggest changes in the organization’s 45-year history. Under Gill’s watch, a long-delayed 154-unit Qmunity social housing project is nearing completion, and the organization launched a new in-house pro-bono legal clinic with the support of the Law Foundation of British Columbia and the office of B.C.’s attorney general. It’s the first ever 2SLGBTQIA+ legal clinic in B.C., and at a time when the rights of queer and trans folks are facing backlash on both a social and legislative level, legal support (especially in the fields of housing, employment and family law) will be life-changing.

MIJUNE PAK

For being Vancouver’s most prolific foodie ambassador

FOOD PERSONALITY NEW

As an international food and travel personality—and judge of Top Chef Canada, Iron Chef Canada, our own Restaurant Awards and more—Mijune Pak has a reputation for impeccable taste, readily sharing her expertise and recommendations. An advocate for culinary tourism, Pak has also garnered our attention as she champions Vancouver’s local food scene on a grand scale; as host for the city’s third-annual Michelin Awards, she acted as the bridge between the voices of those in the culinary industry and of those of us who are always hungry to dine at the city’s most-loved restaurants.

BRIAN GRANGE

For floating an innovative housing solution

PRESIDENT, BRIDGEMANS SERVICES GROUP NEW

As president for Bridgemans Services Group, Brian Grange has supported the resource, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors by developing turnkey facilities to host workers in remote locations in an innovative way. Dubbed “floatels,” the accommodations are made from refurbished cruise ships that have been retrofitted in order to lower their environmental impact while still being able to house up to 1,500 people at a time. The almost-luxurious floatels include hotel services like a 24-hour reception desk and daily housekeeping, plus amenities like games rooms and fitness centres—but they stand out from land-based facilities due to how quickly they can arrive at remote sites and be ready for use, like the MV Isabelle X, which now sits in Howe Sound providing housing for a Woodfibre LNG project in Squamish. And however you feel about LNG, creative housing solutions—even temporary ones—are something to celebrate in this city.

“

50

THE SIGN ON CHIP WILSON’S LAWN

For getting out the vote

A HOMEMADE BILLBOARD NEW

Whatever side you were on, the last provincial election was a nail-biter, thanks to a record number of voters (58.3 percent). Who do we have to credit for this impressive turnout? We’ll give kudos to the polarizing signs on the front yard of Low Tide Properties owner and Lululemon founder Chip Wilson. He’s a billionaire’s billionaire, and he’s not afraid who knows it, as pre-election op-eds calling the middle class lazy hinted, but whether you agreed with his series of front-lawn billboards (one called the NDP communist) or not, it was certainly a galvanizing message. Thanks for getting out the vote, Chip!

Under Gill’s watch, a long-delayed 154-unit Qmunity social housing project is nearing completion, and the organization launched a new in-house pro-bono legal clinic with the support of the Law Foundation of British Columbia and the office of B.C.’s attorney general. It’s the first ever 2SLGBTQIA+ legal clinic in B.C.

BUILDING LASTING LEGACIES: NICOLA WEALTH’S CLIENT-CENTERED APPROACH TO WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Inspired by its Vancouver roots, Nicola Wealth and its next generation of leadership have grown to meet the diverse needs of business owners and professionals across Canada.

In the evolving world of wealth management, Nicola Wealth plays a key role in providing strategic solutions to clients across Canada. Over the past 30 years, the firm has been a trusted partner for many entrepreneurs, guiding them through complex business transitions with an integrated financial planning approach. Nicola Wealth addresses each client’s unique challenges, from tax optimization and business succession to charitable giving and estate planning.

One ultra-high-net-worth family experienced the value of Nicola Wealth’s approach when they sold their business after years of working with the firm. During the business liquidation, Nicola Wealth implemented tax mitigation strategies, including the establishment of a donoradvised fund, which allowed them to save on taxes and start building a philanthropic legacy.

Although the family initially made annual donations, they felt their giving lacked meaningful impact. By working closely with Nicola Wealth, they developed a strategic giving plan aligned with their values and longterm goals. This enabled them to structure their giving to maximize both tax benefits

and impact, providing multi-year support for causes close to their hearts and offering meaningful assistance to those close to them.

The roots of giving

Nicola Wealth’s commitment to helping clients build lasting legacies has shaped its growth since John Nicola began his career in the financial industry and ultimately founded the firm in 1994. Over the years, John has consistently identified market gaps and challenged the status quo to deliver personalized, multi-dimensional wealth planning. Throughout his journey, John has remained grounded in the values of giving back—values that have been the cornerstone of Nicola Wealth since its inception.

John’s entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in the firm’s focus on building a better, not just bigger, business. Nicola Wealth connects the dots across individual, family and business needs, offering multidisciplinary advice that spans tax, insurance, succession planning and philanthropy. This approach offers clients peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what truly matters to them.

At the heart of this mission is the firm’s “share the pie” philosophy, which means sharing the successes of the business with clients, staff and the greater community.

Through this, Nicola Wealth actively contributes to advancing social, economic and health equity for all.

The business of good

“Doing well by doing good” is a concept that has fuelled the firm’s growth, with initiatives like Nicola Wealth Gives Back, which historically has been 3% of the firm’s revenue, to improving communities. Local partnerships with charities such as Canuck Place, BC Children’s Hospital and Vancouver Chinatown Foundation reflect Nicola Wealth’s commitment to supporting causes that matter to its clients and align with its values. This commitment extends further by helping clients create meaningful legacies.

The Nicola Wealth Private Giving Foundation integrates charitable giving with financial and tax planning, offering clients a flexible, tax-efficient donor-advised fund to support causes close to their hearts. Nicola Wealth legacy advisors assist with charity selection and administration, ensuring giving is aligned with clients’ broader financial goals.

Clients at the centre

This focus is part of a larger, holistic approach to managing and growing wealth that goes beyond traditional financial

management. The firm’s wealth advisors craft forward-thinking strategies, while offering bespoke solutions and service to high-net-worth individuals and families. A distinguishing aspect of Nicola Wealth is its access to quality private funds, providing clients opportunities to invest in private markets such as private equity, private debt, real estate and infrastructure—diversifying portfolios with the aim of reducing volatility.

The firm also plays a key role in helping families manage wealth and supporting families across generations. Its tailored strategies aim to provide security, foster family harmony and empower clients to feel confident about their financial future. Solutions such as Whole Life and Universal Life insurance help minimize taxes and support the continuity of businesses for future generations.

Nicola Wealth’s approach to delivering exceptional client experiences helps set the firm apart. Its two-advisor model is designed to provide clients with complementary perspectives in financial planning and investment management. This approach fosters continuity, with advisors working collaboratively to deliver personalized service while ensuring smooth transitions as clients’ needs evolve. This model also supports Nicola Wealth’s Employer of Choice ethos,

• $16.9B in AUM enabling access to comprehensive investment opportunities.

• Over 550 dedicated professionals committed to providing exceptional service.

• Regional presence across three Canadian provinces, ensuring seamless service for clients with coast-to-coast needs.

fostering mentorship and professional growth among advisors, ultimately translating into enhanced client experiences.

Next generation leadership

The evolution of Nicola Wealth is driven by a new generation of leaders, including Chris Nicola as President, David Sung as Executive Vice Chair and President of Institutional, and Vanessa Flockton as President of Private Wealth. This leadership team is focused on innovation, addressing client needs, and tackling common frustrations with traditional wealth management, all while staying grounded in the firm’s founding principles.

Guided by the vision of founder John Nicola, the leadership team is committed to delivering an elevated client experience. As the firm

expands its national presence and enhances its technological capabilities, they continue to build on the legacy of trust and personalized service. Their forward-thinking approach blends innovation, expertise and community involvement, ensuring the firm stays nimble and responsive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This leadership team’s focus on technology and growth positions Nicola Wealth to keep delivering tailored advice and personalized service, supporting clients in their efforts to build meaningful legacies while adapting to the evolving wealth management landscape. It’s a vision that honors the firm’s past while boldly stepping into the future, working to raise standards in wealth management across Canada.

Nicola Wealth Management Ltd. (Nicola Wealth) is registered as a Portfolio Manager, Exempt Market Dealer, and Investment Fund Manager with the required securities commissions. All data as of January 2025.

@nicolawealth@nicolawealth

@nicola-wealth-ca

PLANNING YOUR LEGACY

How to maximize philanthropic impact now and into the future with lesser-known strategies to help build your legacy.

The first step in gifting to charity from your Will or estate is to decide what legacy you want to leave behind. “Is there a particular cause that was close to your heart? What do you want to be remembered for?” says Craig Hikida, vice-president, donor services, Vancouver Foundation.

“It can be helpful to consider your personal values and imagine the type of support you want your future family, neighbours and community to have access to,” says Maria Howard, CEO of Family Services of Greater Vancouver. “Today, that might be services like free counselling and literacy and life skills workshops, but those community needs will always evolve. By supporting a charity with a proven track record of meeting community needs, you’ll also know that your legacy will support people in the ways that matter most for generations to come.”

WHY LEGACY?

Giving to charity as part of one’s estate has

important benefits beyond the philanthropic. Legacy gifts are eligible for a tax-receipt for 100% of the gift value, with some types of gifts providing tax benefits now, and some to your estate.

“People often choose to engage charitable gift strategies to make their donations tax efficient and as part of a long-term philanthropic plan,” says Danielle Sleiman, vice-president, development, at

(TOP) VANCOUVER FOUNDATION; (BOTTOM) CEO OF FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER VANCOUVER, MARIA HOWARD

Burnaby Hospital Foundation.

Because legacy gifts can be of various sizes and invested to fulfill or contribute to a long-term giving strategy, they can be the backbone of an organization when they are used to fund operations or specific, ongoing programs.

“Choosing to support the operations of a charity means it can continue to hire the people behind the scenes and keep up to date with infrastructure, facilities, IT and cybersecurity—elements of running a business today that are critical to success,” Howard says.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Hilary Beard, director, gift & estate planning, for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation (BCCHF) says BCCHF recommends a seven-step approach to legacy planning that involves prioritizing why a Will is essential, committing to a simple plan, determining all assets and liabilities and their value, choosing an executor—and choosing wisely, deciding on beneficiaries, agreeing on guardians for children and finally, meeting with professional advisors to make sure all the details are in order.

“Once you understand what a Will covers and does not, and why it is vital to have one, turn to a lawyer or notary to craft your Will,”

she adds. “Without a Will, a donor’s assets will be distributed according to law and that may not be what they want. And if that Will is decades old or family situations have changed, it should be updated.”

It is important to have an integrated estate plan and, when possible, complete this work while an individual is in good health, so thoughtful decisions are made. “Some of the steps that can be included are taking an inventory of all financial assets, writing or updating your Will and creating an incapacity plan,” Sleiman says.

TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

There are many ways to give a legacy gift, some more common than others. “On top of bequests (cash gifts), there are lesser-known ways to give like TFSA, RRSP, life insurance, endowments, charitable remainder trusts, securities and even real estate and art pieces,” Howard says. “A professional can help you navigate what will make the most sense for your unique situation.”

Sleiman suggests considering donating securities, appreciated stocks, mutual funds or stock options because in most cases this

BURNABY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Leave a gift in your will to support children, youth, and families for decades to come. Visit fsgv.ca/legacy today.

means the donor won’t pay tax on the capital gains.

“Forming an endowment allows you to be more specific on the use of your gift,” she adds. “You can also establish a bequest in your Will with either an outright or a residual gift.”

Life insurance is an option where one may choose to make the charity the registered owner of the policy or the beneficiary. If the charity is able to accept the life insurance policy, premiums paid are eligible for charitable tax receipts. Engage with your charity first before initiating steps to transfer ownership of your policy. Benefits are similar to registered financial accounts, and in addition, life insurance allows for your other beneficiaries to receive all of your estate.

In fact, any gift left in a Will, as well as registered financial accounts, can name a direct beneficiary, and this ensures the

recipient receives the gift more quickly than if a beneficiary is not named or if a person does not have a Will.

“If you do not name a beneficiary, the funds are paid to your estate where they will be subject to probate and executor fees,” Hikida says. “It’s important to note that there can be tax consequences for your estate in naming a beneficiary, and you should discuss this with your tax advisor.”

Charitable gift annuities offer a guaranteed income for life with minimal or no taxes on income paid out. Individuals aged 70 and over benefit most from this type of giving, as they can combine financial security with tax benefits.

“When allocating your estate, we suggest using percentages so each beneficiary share rises or falls with the value of your final estate, and you avoid worrying about specific sums that may not be the proportions you want at a future time,” Beard says.

THE TAX ADVANTAGE

It is important to consider the tax implications of providing a legacy during your lifetime or in your estate, after you pass. Both have advantages.

Additional giving options that involve more complex planning include the use of alter-ego trusts, family trusts, estate freezes, employee stock options, private company shares, the gift of real estate (a cabin property or residential home) and the use of the capital dividend account.

“These options provide the opportunity for a reduction in taxes, security of income and capital in lifetime, ability to transition wealth and decision-making in a cohesive manner, and provide meaningful charitable legacies to beloved charities,” Beard says. “Lastly, and without price, they may help maintain peace within one’s family.”

Your gift changes lives for people with disabilities

For over 75 years, Easter Seals has supported the disability community through affordable and accessible programs and services.

A gift made through your Will is an easy way for you to create a lasting impact on children, youth and adults with disabilities for generations to come.

What we do

A better future for kids is possible. When you leave a gift in your Will, your support can fuel leading-edge technology and groundbreaking pediatric research that transforms lives for generations to come.

Visit bcchf.ca/legacy

CHECK IN WITH THE CHARITY

Once you have mapped out your plan, be sure to consult with experienced professionals such as your financial planner and estate lawyer. It is also important to discuss the gift with the charity, even if the exact terms of the gift are not yet decided. “Not only will the charity want to thank you, but this is an important step to ensure that they can actually carry out your wishes,” Hikida says. “There can often be confusion about what exactly a charity does or how to name it in your will, but the charity often has suggested wording to review with a lawyer.”

PRESERVING YOUR LEGACY

Once you have signed your final Will and have copies of the institution’s forms signed for your designated registered financial assets, it is important to store the documents carefully.

“An original Will should be stored in a secure location and a copy shared with the executor and/or registered with the BC government’s Will Registry to ensure the executor knows where to find the document,” Beard says. “Ensure the secure location of your original copy is known to your executor.”

When choosing an executor, consider a younger, trusted loved one who is organized and capable with finances, and does not have any financial woes of their own.

GET SUPPORT

Charities often have dedicated legacy giving support teams, a network of trusted and experienced estate lawyers, financial planners and other professionals, and some even have partnerships with agencies that can help donors set up their wills.

“The fundraising team at Family Services of Greater Vancouver is available to talk to donors at any point in their decision-making process,” Howard says. “If you’d like to learn more about FSGV’s current work or future plans, please reach out at giving@fsgv.ca.”

Burnaby Hospital Foundation supports people in the process of preparing their estate plans by providing educational materials and one-on-one planning meetings. They also provide connection to community lawyers, notaries, accountants and financial advisors. “Membership to the exclusive Legacy Society is also available to those who have decided to leave a legacy gift to Burnaby Hospital Foundation. To learn more, go to www.bhfoundation.ca/legacy

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation has helped donors explore their options through diverse experiences in accepting many types of gifts. The Gift & Estate Planning Team shares tips and has insight on some pitfalls to avoid, and helpful guides to cover

options, questions and ‘how to’ steps. “Importantly, we are available to collaborate with your advisors to ensure your wishes become a reality,” Beard says. “Please feel free to contact a member of the Gift & Estate Planning Team at legacy@bcchf.ca.”

Vancouver Foundation has flexible planning options to help donors create their own named charitable fund, including the ability to update which charities or causes will be supported without having to write a new Will. “This can make the administration of your estate easier for your executor, as well,” Hikida says. “Our experienced donor services team can guide you through every step of legacy giving. Visit vancouverfoundation.ca to start making a lasting impact.”

Reach out to the charity of your choice to start building the future and your legacy today.

PATIENT GURMEHAR AT BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Create the legacy plan you want, now and into the future

Vancouver Foundation helps individuals, organizations and businesses leverage exclusive legacy planning features to help build a stronger, more resilient and livable BC.

It’s never too soon to consider philanthropy as part of your estate planning strategy. Besides the financial benefits, leaving a charitable legacy in support of causes you care about serves as a true reflection of your values. Vancouver Foundation works with individuals, charities and businesses across British Columbia to create endowed funds—not all of which are permanent. The foundation’s team of experts strategically invests the original capital to continually generate an income, allowing donor gifts to last long into the future or spend down over time.

“We then use that income to support hundreds of charities every year,” says Craig Hikida, Vancouver Foundation’s vice president, donor services. “We offer grants to support projects that address the root causes of important issues and help build healthy, vibrant, equitable and inclusive communities.”

Vancouver Foundation’s Legacy Giving program provides exclusive services and

support for people who are interested in or considering philanthropy as part of their will or estate plans. “When you leave a gift to Vancouver Foundation in your will, you are planting a seed—a seed that, with careful tending, will grow into something for future generations to benefit from,” Hikida says. “Donors can leave a legacy to any registered charity in Canada or select an issue of concern and trust our community advisors to allocate grants where they are needed most. This includes causes in the future that might not be apparent at this time.”

For example, donors from the past left legacy gifts that were activated to provide emergency responses to the COVID 19 pandemic and 2021 flooding in the Fraser Valley.

Vancouver Foundation offers several flexible options for giving, and the staff works with donors to determine the best approach. A nameable Legacy Fund can be set up for $1,000 with a commitment of a minimum of $9,000 in future giving during the donor’s

lifetime or through an estate gift.

Another option is to establish a donor advised fund immediately, starting with a $10,000 minimum gift. “Many donors establish a fund and start supporting their favourite charities during their lifetime,” Hikida says.

Some donors may want to support multiple charities or causes, and dealing with multiple beneficiaries can be a daunting task for executors. Consolidating one’s giving at Vancouver Foundation reduces the number of beneficiaries donors and executors need to work with.

“We see the generosity of our donors in action every day—legacy gifts that feed, that house, that educate,” Hikida says. “We see donor gifts that create a vibrant arts sector, gifts that care for our environment, and gifts that support Indigenous communities.”

Start a fund with Vancouver Foundation and become part of a larger community working together to make a difference.

Learn more vancouverfoundation.ca

Connect on , or @VancouverFdn

PARKWAY | Now Selling

A Downtown Surrey community that invites culture and connection through its energized ground plane. Location: Downtown Surrey Solhouse 6035 | Now Selling

Crafted for outside-in living, every residence at Solhouse features balconies with retractable glass panels that extend your living space yearround. Location: Metrotown, Burnaby

LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY

Leaving a gift in your Will is a wonderful way to celebrate your life and ensure that people in your community today, along with future generations, will benefit from quality healthcare in Burnaby.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

“The

their

PAT DELESALLE Vice-Chair, Burnaby Hospital

or after their

TASTE

Power Play

Miku’s deluxe shokai is one of our top picks for power lunching in 2025. Ordering omakase (“chef’s choice”) just means you save your brain-power for the post-lunch meeting.

You’ve probably noticed from the Power 50 feature: we love a list... and food is no exception. Read on for our rankings of the best brunch in Kitsilano, the newest power-lunch hot spots and must-try places to mangez the next time you’re in Montreal.

The New Power Lunch

Nothing wrong with a good ol’ steakhouse—but a business lunch can be so much more.

by Dani Wright

A traditional “power lunch” would be held somewhere kind of swanky—what better way to impress someone than with a little white-tablecloth razzle dazzle?—but power and business look a lot different today from how they looked 20 years ago. In a city where so many influential industries exist in the creative realm, and at a time when many of us work from home in our sweats, business is pretty casual around these here parts... and working lunches have chilled out to match. Think: fewer back-to-back martinis and more local fare that gets us excited to step out of the office and into face-timing (in person!) with clients, colleagues and potential collaborators. Here’s where to wine and dine and then get back to work in 2024.

You’re a tech worker in Mount Pleasant and you need to vent about your new manager so you go to... Mt. Pleasant Vintage and Provisions

Mt. Pleasant Vintage and Provisions has two patios providing ample space (and ambient noise; they pump some incredible throwback tunes) for a last-minute vent sesh. Plus, the ’70s-themed gem is more than just a weekend fave for folks looking to have a few of its famed Tiger Claws ($10, a house-made take on a White Claw)—

it also serves up some top-tier weekday lunch fare. From a punchy and bright tuna aguachile verde ($22, that’s topped with cauliflower or chicharron!) to the woodfire-grilled and always-tender chicken thigh teriyaki banh mi ($21), the casual-meets-elevated dishes are worth making up an excuse to get out of the office. 67 W 6th Ave. | mtpleasant.bar

Meal Deal

(Counter-clockwise from top left) Mt. Pleasant Vintage and Provisions’ interior; exterior of Vintage and Provisions; Vintage and Provisions’ punchy tuna aguachile verde; Miku’s delish deluxe lunch shokai; Miku’s dining area; dreamy tomato cream yaki udon from New Fuji; New Fuji’s interior.

Miku

Our stunning city should always be part of the sales pitch, and Miku highlights just what makes business in Vancouver so exciting, with jaw-dropping views of the Burrard Inlet. The food is nothing to scoff at, either: founder Seigo Nakamura invented the now-ubiquitous B.C. salmon aburi oshi (an ideal name-drop, if you ask us)—and the restaurant’s “Lunch Shokai” ($45) highlights the skill of the sushi master. It includes chef-selected appetizers, miso soup and 10 pieces of the famous aburi, traditional sushi and nigiri, all of which are made with pitch-perfect rice, expertly sliced fresh fish and timehoned flavours. 70–200 Granville St. | mikurestaurant.com

You’re pitching a collab to an impossibly cool Vancouver brand, so you take them to...

New Fuji

In this city, being cool is less about who you know and more about knowing where to go. We like to up our own cool factor with under-the-radar gems like New Fuji, Kitsilano’s ’80s-themed Japanese restaurant that offers a vibey space for creative takes on classic dishes. Wheel and deal over the uni tomato cream yaki udon ($25), which combines a dashi-spiked rose sauce with crab, ikura, arugula and uni, or the duck breast ($16) that’s kept fork-tender with a sous-vide preparation and hits every flavour profile thanks to salty shiodare, sweetened soy sauce, spiceforward wasabi stems and gently sour yuzu peel. 1815 W 1st Ave. | new-fuji.ca

You need to show off that you’re a big spender, so you pull out the corporate card at... Botanist

Not all old-school methods of the business lunch are dead; sometimes we still like to drop a little dough on our high-level clients. For this we head to Michelinrecommended Botanist, where the food is seasonal, refined and worthy of the finest of power suits. Take its versions of the classic beet salad ($25), where delicate beet “snow,” meringue, punchy mustard greens and burrata are all married with white balsamic, or the pepper-crusted salmon ($38), which arrives with an aweinspiring ginger beurre blanc, spaghetti squash and toasted pumpkin seeds. 1038 Canada Pl. | botanistrestaurant.com

Serving Chic (Clockwise from top left) Botanist’s airy dining area; Botanist’s artfully composed beet salad; Tableau’s French onion soup; interior of Tableau

You need somewhere private where you can trash-talk your COO without anyone overhearing, so you go to...

Tableau

The tucked-away tables at Tableau—a finalist for Best French in this year’s Restaurant Awards—feel effortlessly private even though the room itself is often abuzz with diners. The masterful French bistro fare almost begs you to lean forward and whisper the latest gossip as you dig into the city’s best French onion soup ($17, and the amount of broiled gruyere is shocking and fabulous) or the crushable (and shareable, ideal for joint complaining about upper management) mix of West and East Coast oysters (market price). 1181 Melville St. | tableaubarbistro.com

NEW-SCHOOL ETIQUETTE

Power-lunching (yes, it’s a verb) was once all about removing elbows from the table, knowing which fork is actually for salad and remembering to not sip the lemon water you’re supposed to dip your fingertips in. And sure, keeping all that in mind is still important, but we’ve updated the rules to fit with these modern times, and to help you position yourself as the most powerful person in the room.

TIP GENEROUSLY Prices are currently high across the board, but being stingy when you receive excellent service is never in. If you want to be perceived as powerful and not as a jerk, tip the people who have helped make your dining experience so special.

BRING SNEAKY FLOSS Nothing is worse than hitting up the washroom midmeal and noticing a massive chunk of spinach wedged between your teeth—save yourself the struggle and embarrassment of having to return to the table with salad teeth in tow by carrying some pocket floss. Might as well add a Listerine strip or two, too. Stinky breath does not scream “future CEO.”

BE THE WINE TASTER To be the most powerful diner at the table, take on the sometimes arduous task of the sip-and-nod, and keep in mind that the point isn’t whether you think the wine is tasty, but whether it’s gone off. A quick sniff and swig is all it takes. Please don’t gargle at the table, or pawn off the task to someone who looks nervous or uninterested.

BE INFORMED Take a look at the food and wine menus before you arrive—this means you can suggest dishes, know which wines are truly worth the inflated price (now that’s power) and, most importantly, not spend time hemming and hawing over what you want to order. You don’t want a side dish of regret when you’re trying to close a deal.

DRESS NICELY Each industry has a different standard of what’s considered “nice” workwear. The more creative the industry, the more creative the ’fit; which is A-OK as far as etiquette is concerned. But maybe save your fave crop top and lounge pants for post-work drinks with friends rather than for spending some face time with investors.

(TABLEAU)

LEILA KWOK

MORNING (LATE) GLORY

These six Kits brunch spots are the toast of the west side.

by Dani Wright

What a Dish

the humble breakfast sandwich is the star of the

There’s brunch menu,

flavourful shakshouka shouldn’t be ignored.

whether your Saturday requires something soaked in syrup or you’d rather indulge in the savoury wonder of biscuits and gravy, one fact is indisputable: there’s a brunch spot for every craving in Kitsilano. Here, find six restaurants that elevate this food writer’s favourite portmanteau into something worthy of getting out of bed for.

STACKS ON STACKS

Rumours of Fable Kitchen’s johnny cakes have made their way far beyond city limits, but lucky for us, the cornmeal pancakes topped with a mountain of sauceladen pulled pork, tomato jam and pickled jalapenos live up to the hype. Even the most consistent orderer might find themselves switching up their Saturday go-to thanks to offerings like rotating feature bennies or caramelized challah French toast on the farmto-table menu. Hot tip: upgrade your breakfast potatoes to the rosti (with chive sour cream!) and thank us later. 1944 W 4th Ave. | fablekitchen.ca

WALK THE LINE

Are you truly a Vancouverite if you haven’t lined up for brunch outside of Jam Cafe? Sure, the wait can be long, but the restaurant’s Insta-worthy stacks of creative pancakes (we’re looking at you, cinnamon bun topped with cream cheese icing) and savoury delicacies (like the buffalo blue benny that, yes, has both fried chicken and blue cheese) are worth it. For those more interested in the lunch side of a midday meal, the Meat Me in Little Italy sandwich has chorizobased meatballs. Need we say more? 2153 W 4th Ave. | jamcafes.com

ALL-STAR SANDO

There are many reasons why Their There deserves a spot on this list, from the nitro espresso martinis to the beef brisket hash (note: the potatoes of said hash are of the vastly superior tot variety) to the fresh, made-in-house mochi doughnuts (don’t sleep on these). But the top reason is that the breakfast sandwich here is one of the city’s finest. The brioche bun is the pinnacle of buttery perfection, the egg is expertly folded and chive-dotted, the sprouts cut

Fable Kitchen’s johnny cakes

Their There ‘s bacon benedict and crispy tater tots

Their There’s breakfast sandwich

Jam Cafe exterior

Jam Cafe’s cinnamon bun pancakes

through the richness of the classic sauce and, best of all, the cheese is American. Of course we love a gourmet $15 cheese as much as the next Vancouverite... but the nostalgic nature of the ultra-melty processed cheese makes this sandwich a must-eat. 2042 W 4th Ave. | theirthere.ca

DUCKING GOOD

Sometimes you just want to eat half a dozen crispy fried duck wings at 11 a.m. It’s simply a fact of life. And on those days, Au Comptoir not only has the answer to your cravings, it also rounds out your morning with even more decadent brunch fare. From a herby gruyère French omelette to a buckwheat waffle topped with onion mornay, ham and a soft poached egg—the dishes here will transport you to a bistro in Paris. 2278 W 4th Ave. | aucomptoir.ca

BISCUIT BLISS

Chewie’s menu is eclectic and wide-ranging (think everything from perogies to a slice of N.Y. cheesecake). But we’re here for brunch, so get ready to fall in love with the best biscuits in the city. They’re fluffy, they’re buttery, they’re flaky perfection—and they’re somehow even better

than the sum of their parts when topped with sausage gravy or fried chicken. Yes, you might need a midday nap. Also true? The meal might be the best decision you’ve made all week. 2822 W 4th Ave. | chewiesbiscuitco.com

PERSIAN PERFECTION

The Persian fare at Delara is not your average Kitsilano brunch. Dining here all but

guarantees that your next dozen conversations will include recommending the kookoo sabzi sandwich (herb, walnut, barberry fritters with feta, lemon mayo and greens) or raving about their seasonal dips and seedy sourdough flatbread. And before you ask: you can get the walnut, date and cardamom-honey baklava to go alongside your eggs. 2272 W 4th Ave. | delararestaurant.ca

(DELARA)

SOPHIA HSIN

Au Comptoir’s duck wings

Chewie’s moose sandwich

Delara’s seedy flatbread and seasonal dips

Delara’s interior

Delara’s kookoo sabzi

Mangez

Ici

The art scene, the Biosphere and the shopping are nice and all... but food is going to be the star of any Vancouverite’s trip to Montreal.

by Stacey McLachlan

Stem Bar

wWe have so many excellent restaurants here in Vancouver that sometimes it seems foolish to travel: what sort of meal could you possibly eat that would beat any of our world-class, award-winning rooms? But sometimes you just have to get out of town—whether to take a break from your email inbox or from your toddler—and while you’re out there in the wide world, you’re gonna have to eat... so you may as well find somewhere delicious to do just that.

Luckily, Montreal is up to the challenge, and fulfills an important trifecta of criteria for a timecrunched, tight-budgeted Vancouverite: it’s a direct, affordable flight; your Canadian dollar doesn’t suffer from any nasty exchange rates; and the quaint brick architecture and history offer some visual novelty. So if you must leave Vancouver, it’s a pretty ideal place to go, especially if you’re feeling hungry.

Where to Eat in Montreal If You’re a Food-Obsessed Vancouverite

Casse-Croûte MangeDans MonHood

For When You Don’t Want to Make Too Many Decisions

Bar Otto

For Japanese Food That Will Remind You of Home

When you have some of the world’s best Japanese restaurants at home, it seems silly to go to an izakaya here—but when you want sashimi, you want sashimi. In a warmly lit, wood-lined room, you’ll find fusion-y touches that make it distinct from the usual tuna-roll spots: heirloom tomatoes ($16) appear on the

menu alongside traditional items, like pressed, Osakastyle sushi ($26); said tomatoes are served in a tofu mousse with spicy miso sauce. Soft-shell bao buns ($26 for 2) are a nod to Korea, not Japan, but the cloud-like morsels disappear in a few bites all the same. 2695 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest | barottomtl.com

Burgers don’t need to be complicated: they just need to be good. This seems to be the mission at the hip-hop-blaring underground Casse-Croûe MangeDansMonHood, where just two main options await on the menu in the little, neon-lit counter-service room, and where walls are covered with a collage of nostalgic stickers and paper ephemera. If you’re tuckered out from a day of travel-related decisionmaking, this simplicity is downright blissful. Grab a double-cheese smash burger (make it Happy, with ketchup, mustard, onions and pickles [$8.50], or Cali, with a creamy signature sauce, onions, lettuce, tomato and pickles [$9.50]; Impossible patties are available for vegetarians) and some fries ($4) or poutine ($9) if you’re extra hungry from overthinking things all day. A fridge full of microbrews and unique sodas is on hand to help you wash it all down. 1380 Rue Jean-Talon Est | mangedansmonhood.ca

VERDUN NUNS’ ISLAND

Iconoglace

For an Instagrammable Ice Cream Sundae

You could get a plain ol’ scoop in a cup or even a swirl of colourful vegan soft-serve, and that would probably be a very nice treat—but for a true sugar rush, lean into the wild and whimsical concoctions available at this hip ice creamery. Inventive sundaes (prices vary) like the Life in Purple spill out of the cup, piled high with grilled yellow plums, hot caramel, chunks of almond tart and crispy, maple-caramelized soda crackers. 1320 Rue Bélanger | iconoglace.ca

St-Viateur Bagel

For a Bagel So Fresh It’ll Burn Your Hands

Ordering at St-Viateur, an institution since 1957, is a high-pressure experience. You’ll walk into the door and smack into a lineup that’s blitzing right toward the front, where a crack team of bagel-slingers fulfill rapid-fire orders while handling fistfuls of cash—there’s barely time to peruse the options of freshfrom-the-oven baked goods,

much less review the toppings that are available à la carte from the coolers that flank the lineup. And when you do reach the front and blurt out an order for fresh sesame bagels and an adorable mini-jar of Nutella, you’ll realize that there’s actually nowhere to sit—another panic-instigator when you’ve got the freshest bagel you’ve ever held in your life in your hands. But crouching on the stoop, tearing off pieces to dunk into the hazelnut spread and fending off pigeons, any panic quickly subsides and all

thoughts turn to whether or not you should get back in line for another round. Various locations | stviateurbagel.com

Le Boulevardier

For a Splurgy Date Night

Le Boulevardier, located upstairs from the chic boutique hotel St. Germain, is decidedly sexy, with mirrored ceilings, handsome leatherand-chrome furniture and a real oysters-and-martinisfor-the-table sort of vibe.

The French (France-French)

menu is classically inspired but fresh, infused with locally sourced ingredients—think deer fillets with green béarnaise ($43) or tender wild-mushroom ravioli with lemon ricotta ($32). If you’re splashing out, though, there’s no better way to indulge than with a seafood platter: the Discovery plate ($75) is piled high with oysters, prawns, snow crab salad, octopus salad and gravlax. 2050 Rue Mansfield | leboulevardierrestaurant.com

Stem Bar

For Sipping Pét-Nat with the Cool Kids

Sitting at the bar is a must at the moodily lit Stem Bar on Notre-Dame: it’s where all the action is... and where you’ll have easy access to order another plate of perfectly fluffy salted pancakes with creamy burrata ($21) or razorthin tuna carpaccio ($21), or ask the tattoo-clad somms to snag you another glass of something natty. 2475 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest | stem-bar.com

Janine CaféBrunch

For an Indulgent Brunch

The Wellington neighbourhood markets itself as the “Coolest Street in the World,” and while we can’t necessarily confirm that assertion (the amount of banks and KFCs doesn’t necessarily scream “hip” to us), we can declare

Iconoglace

Stem Bar

St-Viateur Bagel

Le Boulevardier

confidently that it’s at least home to one of the best brunch spots in town. Walk into Janine’s and there’s a lush, Alice in Wonderland-style whimsy at play (mismatched, lushly upholstered chairs; a checkerboard floor; velvet drapery) that puts one in the mood for mimosas ($10). Down the rabbit hole, you’ll also find brioche French toast topped with pulled pork and a bright sunny-side-up egg ($23), flights of vibrant, verdant fresh juice ($8) and crispy potato-and-beet latkes with smoked salmon and tartar labneh ($24). 3900 Rue Wellington | janinecafe.ca

La Banquise

For Poutine Because You Have To

It’s an icon for a reason. The greasy spoon diner has made an art of the classic Quebecois dish. Slide into a vinyl booth and explore the long list of topping options on the laminated menu—smoked meat, pickles and creamy slaw ($14.50), for instance. It’s open 24 hours a day so make it your pre-game meal or your after-hours option... or both

if you really want to get your fill of squeaky cheese while you’re in town. 994 Rue Rachel Est | labanquise.com

Cloakroom

For Sneaky, Cheeky Cocktails

Cloakroom might be hidden behind a mirror next to a menswear store, but it’s on the Canada’s 100 Best list so it’s not exactly a secret. Still, it feels fun and sneaky to slip into the dark, dramatic speakeasy; snag a stool at one of the low tables, tell the server what you’re in the mood for, and a custom cocktail (prices vary) will appear a few minutes later to make your dreams come true. 2175 Rue de la Montagne | cloakroombarmtl.com

Fu Chun Soupe Dumpling

For Hidden-Gem Dumplings

Tender soup dumplings served in steaming baskets are always a good idea; if

you get to kick back to enjoy these little pork bundles ($8) in a kelly-green room just a few steps down from street-level, feeling awash in both sake and admiration for the colourful mural on the back wall, all the better. 1978 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest | fuchuncanada.com

Time Out Market

Montreal

For Efficient Gluttony

Describing Time Out Market as a giant food court for gourmands doesn’t quite do it justice—maybe “theme park” is a better way to cover it. Foodies will experience a real kid-in-a-candystore feeling stepping into the 40,000-square-foot marketplace in Eaton Centre: after all, 14 restaurants and six bars await with dining options from award-winning chefs. Think of it as a sampler pack of some of the city’s best rooms—Le Taj for upscale Indian, Paul Toussaint for Caribbean curries and pineapple-rum ribs, modern Asian fare (hello, salmon

Sens Hotel Montreal

Sens may be smaller than the chains, but the chic boutique hotel manages to hold its own with convenient features like complimentary bike rentals and a 24/7 fitness room. The 108 rooms (from $140 a night) here are each contemporary and luxurious (the building got a reno back in 2020), with luxe wall coverings, lush carpeting and design-y light fixtures. Most importantly, it’s in an eminently walkable location with easy access to the Metro so you can step out the door and start exploring (and more importantly, eating) tout suite. 1808 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest | senshotel.com

tartare) from Chanthy Yen. With luck you’re not travelling solo, because Time Out is best enjoyed with a group with whom you can split a few (or a dozen) dishes in order to take in the taste of this fine city in one gluttonous evening. 705 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest | timeout.com/time-out-marketmontreal

La Banquise

Cloakroom

Janine Café-Brunch

Fu Chun Soupe Dumpling

RESTAURANT AWARDS 36TH

Come celebrate with the restaurant industry and the editors of Vancouver magazine as we announce the winners of our 36th annual Restaurant Awards!

MONDAY, MAY 5 TH , 2025

FAIRMONT HOTEL VANCOUVER 900 WEST GEORGIA ST., VANCOUVER

2:00 PM TO 5:30 PM

BEST THING I ATE

by Dani Wright

Pizza’s Filipino Breakfast,

It’s a Slice

Despite its almost universal appeal, pizza is often subjugated to the fast-food subtype (and yes, I too will scarf down a slice from a late-night spot after a beer too many), but as a pizza fanatic, I stand firm that a pie can reach sublime heights. It’s not just an easily accessible food—it’s a dish that can and should be mastered. And East Van’s Just Pizza is doing exactly that.

Just Pizza’s crust is undoubtedly the rock star here: sourdough gives it a distinct chew while maintaining a structure that allows for some creative toppings (including crust-only additions like spicy honey and cheese powder). Chef Steven Che honed his craft at Michelin-starred restaurants abroad and has brought his skills home with a range of well executed classics like pepperoni and Hawaiian, but his adventurous pizzas are the real draw—and the best in that bunch is the Filipino Breakfast. A garlic white sauce base is topped with mozzarella, longganisa (Filipino sweet sausage), sliced jalapenos, pickled red onions, fried garlic, scallions and a sunny-side-up egg. Despite all the ingredients, it’s not overloaded; in fact, everything appears to be placed with impeccable care. The resulting slice is savoury, spicy, garlic-forward and, when paired with Just Pizza’s Nashville hot chili crisp, the best ’za I’ve eaten in years. 1629 Kingsway, justpizzaplease.ca

REMARKS

Spice It Up

The team behind Published and Bar Susu recently launched a new Mexican-inspired snack bar on Main Street. El Gato Gab Gab brings the heat with its riffs on Mexican-meets-Pacific Northwest cuisine. Standout dishes include chicken skin chilaquiles (with an onsen egg and eggplant) and sakecharred cabbage tacos. elgatogabgab.com

Opened August 2024 | 2650 Main St.

Brunch Bunch

The newly opened Loam brings elevated brunch fare to Lonsdale Quay in a lush, modern setting. The restaurant serves beloved items with a classic-meets-contemporary twist, like an açai bowl that features rosewater and house-made granola, and a bone marrow omelette with chuck roast, coconut gravy and gruyére. loambistro.ca

Opened October 2024 | 230 Esplanade W, North Vancouver

Greek to Me

From the team that brought you Nammos Estiatorio comes Selene Aegean Bistro, a coastal Greek restaurant with experimental takes on classic dishes like oyster mushroom souvlaki (with pickles, tarragon vinegar and walnut skordalia) and spanako-pizza. seleneagn.com

Opened October 2024 | 360 Penticton St.

Just

$23

THE WINE LIST

by Neal McLennan

Southern Hospitality

What’s the opposite of your salad days? Whatever it is, that’s where the Okanagan is right now. A killer frost last January obliterated the fall “harvest,” with many of the vines being so damaged that they had to be replaced—which means waiting three more years before they’re producing viable grapes. But in all this mayhem, a silver lining has emerged in the form of some cross-border cooperation with Washington and Oregon, two stellar wine regions that, amazingly, have grapes to spare. In the coming season, we’ll dive deep into the wines our B.C. winemakers will craft using these American-grown grapes, but first let’s see what our Yankee friends can do with them.

Lingua Franca Avni

Chardonnay, $63

There’s no hotter wine in North America now than Oregon chard—everyone’s fallen for its laser-focused minerality. Sadly, we’ve been largely left out of tapping into the gold rush, but we do have access to this exquisite bottle from cult producer Lingua Franca. It’s taut to a Gyllenhaal-esque level, with super clean fruit and floral aromas. Very much worth the hype.

Sokol Blosser Dundee

Hills Pinot, $50

Pinot noir is Oregon’s calling card, and this bottle—from standard bearer Sokol Blosser—gives a hint of what we can expect. It’s made in the “Burgundian” style, meaning the fruit is less aggressive and secondary notes of mushroom and forest floor can join in a chorus of complex notes. Also, Oregon pinot ain’t cheap—even in Oregon—so don’t expect any deals with our state-provincial mash-up.

Domaine Drouhin

1 2 3 4

Dundee Hills Pinot, $60

Did someone say Burgundy (or Bourgogne, as the French would like us to say now)? Well, this is as close as you can get without flying over the Atlantic. The legendary Bourgogne house Joseph Drouhin bought 235 acres in Oregon’s Willamette Valley in the 1980s because they recognized that the terroir was perfect for pinot, and this bottle—pure, focused dark fruit and seriously ageable—shows how well their hunch paid off.

Wines of Substance

Cabernet Sauvignon, $27

Growers in the Oliver/Osoyoos area are gravitating more toward Washington, which may be the best bang-for-your-buck cabernet in the world. Take this bottle from mini-mogul Charles Smith: it has ample red fruit of course, but there’s an acidity and nuance that doesn’t normally come in the under-$30 zone. These might be grapes that are tough for our growers to wean themselves off.

BEST SLEEP – EVER!

Triple-action, tri-layer tablets for immediate and gradual release

• With

• Contains sleep botanicals passionflower, and hops

5-HTP and calming L-theanine : valerian,

• Promotes falling asleep quickly and improves sleep quality

HOW TO BUY Flowers— and KEEP Them Alive

Local florists share all the dirt on choosing and caring for longlasting local flowers. by Alyssa Hirose

We all remember the earth-shattering moment we were told that the pretty yellow dandelions dotting the soccer field were actually weeds and most likely covered in dog pee—the fact is, not all flowers are created equal. And with bouquetgiving occasions growing closer, now is the time to school yourself on sustainable, stunning floral arrangements. Here’s what Vancouver experts have to say.

flower shipments arrive. “Order flowers for that day or the following day—this will ensure you’re getting the flowers at their freshest,” she says.

Expect a life expectancy. Seasonal or not, some species just last longer than others. Jutha’s list of flowers that age with grace includes lilies, orchids, chrysanthemums and alstroemeria.

In-season is supreme.

Kamila Alikhani of Bloomier, Genevieve Blondin of Garden Party and Rosemin Jutha of Queen Bee Flower Shop all agree that choosing seasonal flowers from local greenhouses is the best way to create a bouquet that lasts (check right for their February reccos).

Don’t leave out the greenery. “Greenery not only adds volume to bouquets, it also helps stabilize and separate the stems when designing,” says Blondin. Jutha adds that using greens can also be a budgetfriendly hack for boosting a bouquet’s wow-factor.

Cut stems at an angle. All three of our experts agree that this is not a myth. “By cutting the stems at an angle, you extend the drinking surface and allow the flowers to drink up as much water as possible,” Alikhani explains.

Match flowers to friends. If you’re not sure what kind of flowers to gift, take hints from your giftee’s personal style. “If they love minimalism, opt for simple, elegant flowers,” says Blondin. “If they have a bold, colourful wardrobe, bright bold blooms might be for them.”

SEASONAL STEMS

Thanks to farmers and greenhouses in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, our experts have plenty of in-season blooms to recommend.

Kamila Alikhani Creative director of Bloomier

Stick to a narrow colour palette. When DIY-ing your arrangement, Alikhani recommends choosing just a few hues for a classy, elegant look. “Go monochromatic,” she suggests. “Add dimensions by going a shade darker and lighter with some blooms.”

Clear the water. Alikhani stresses the importance of clean and clear water in a flower shop—always check the water when building your own bouquet. Once home, says Blondin, change the water every two to three days.

Get the florist’s gossip. Blondin also recommends asking your florist when their

Think all about that vase. The pros say a vase’s material doesn’t matter much, but Blondin suggests choosing a vessel with a narrower neck (“It can support the stems and help keep the arrangement upright and tidy”) and Jutha recommends glass for beginners (“because it allows you to see if the water is dirty”).

Stay away from fruit. “Don’t place your bouquet near the fruit bowl,” advises Alikhani. “It may look great for a still life painting, but actually, the ethylene gas that’s naturally released as fruit ripens speeds up wilting.”

Rosemin Jutha Owner of Queen Bee Flower Shop

Genevieve Blondin Owner of Garden Party Flowers

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