Issuu

midweek edition WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8, 2010

Vol. 101 No. 98 • Established 1908 • West

40 41 Endangered schools promised stay of execution Holiday happenings

Field fees

Trustees endorse closure moratorium Naoibh O’Connor Staff writer

School board chair Patti Bacchus and other trustees support a moratorium on school closures. photo Dan Toulgoet

School closures to save the district money have likely been averted—at least temporarily, but the VSB still faces an anticipated $9.6 million shortfall in its next budget. If all ﬁve schools considered for closure were shut down, it would have saved roughly $1.4 million. A staff report released Sunday recommended a moratorium on school closures until March 2012. “After careful consideration of all of the information received to date and through the public consultation process, senior staff believe that more needs to be done to vitalize Vancouver public schools as central

elements of our neighbourhoods and communities. The district will work with our partners to develop a rich future for our communities and their schools,” staff concluded. Vision trustees Patti Bacchus, Mike Lombardi and Ken Clement, immediately endorsed the report, indicating they will vote to keep the schools open. COPE trustees Jane Bouey, Allan Wong and Al Blakey followed suit, welcoming the moratorium. Bacchus said the budget crunch remains, but public feedback suggested school closure was the wrong way to go. “What we heard was the cost to those communities would be far greater than the savings.” See NPA on page 4

Owner says he wanted to improve neglected garden Property owners removed dead and dying trees without permits Naoibh O’Connor Staff writer

Most of the trees knocked down without city approval on a multimillion-dollar West Side property last week were dead or in poor condition, according to an arborist report conducted after the trees

were removed. The property’s owner Arran Stephens, who also runs Nature’s Path organics with wife Ratana, commissioned the report by Norman Hol of Arbortech Consulting Ltd. Hol found 23 stumps were cut recently and of a size requiring

a permit. Five were previously dead, ﬁve were in very poor condition, 10 were in poor condition and three were in fair condition. Hol, who noted the landscape was poorly maintained, said he could “reasonably conclude” that the 10 dead or very poor trees would qualify for approval

to remove had a permit been requested.” “Notwithstanding that the evidence of the crown condition was not available, the other 13 trees (poor and fair condition) may have been viable for interim retention until such a time that the subject area of the property was

redeveloped for active land use,” he wrote. Hol indicated machinery may have caused unseen root damage and soil compaction that will likely have long-term effects on the health and recovery of the remaining backyard trees. See LAST on page 4

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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BY CHERYL ROSSI Heather Kleim touched up a tree at Sereena’s Housing Monday as her group of home stagers renovated a breakfast and TV room for the female residents.

N E W S

Massaging the message

MIKE HOWELL The mayor says the city manager devised city hall’s stringent new media policy, but says it makes city staff more efficient.

Sisters act

MIKE HOWELL The Vancouver Police Department rebrands its campaign to fight violence against women in the Downtown Eastside. BY

FIONA HUGHES Closing down washrooms in public parks is at odds with common sense and nature’s call. BY

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BY JENNIFER KONG In the latest Soapbox column, a parent at McBride Annex talks about the anguish families felt as they feared their school would close.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

news

Last prosecution under tree bylaw took place in 2007

Continued from page 1 Some of the remaining trees, however, have defects such as heavy ivy infestation, excessive lean, stem decay and asymmetry. Hol recommended a tree risk assessment be undertaken, which Stephens has agreed to. The city completed its investigation and forwarded that information to the city prosecutor who determines charges and if further investigation is required. The city won’t discuss details of the case other than stating that 21 trees were taken down without a permit. Permits are required even for dead and dying trees. Stephens, a longtime environmentalist, said he’s lost sleep over the controversy. His ownership of Nature’s Path, a company that highlights sustainability, added an ironic twist to an issue that generates anger among tree-loving Vancouverites. Critics complain wealthy landowners see bylaw penalties as the cost of doing business. The last suc-

cessful prosecution under the city’s tree bylaw was in 2007 regarding three adjacent sites on Belmont Avenue listed for $14.8 million. Seventy-two trees were axed without approval. Realtor Paulo Leung pleaded guilty and was fined $2,850 for each tree for a total of $205,000. Rosy Palace Investments, which owned the properties, was found not guilty. Stephens acknowledged responsibility immediately and is prepared to pay a fine. The family intends to restore the house and add a greenhouse, composting, vegetable and fruit garden, grape arbour, meadow, pond, and an orchard with 30 new trees. “My original plan from the get-go was to clear out the brush and the old decayed fruit tree orchard and replace it with 30 healthy fruit trees, a pond, an organic vegetable, flower and herb garden with outstanding beauty,” Stephens told the Courier. “I hope my vision for a healthy sustainable orchard will endure.”

Supporters of the couple have spoken up in their defence. Dr. Eric Yoshida, head of gastroenterology at UBC, contacted the Courier to underline Stephens’ philanthropy. After speaking with Yoshida at a banquet, the couple donated $1 million to Vancouver General Hospital to purchase equipment. “[The foundation] had been desperately trying to fundraise ourselves and it kind of instantly solved a problem. Suddenly they said they knew there was a great need and it would help a lot of people,” Yoshida said. “I was totally stunned. That has never happened to me in my entire life—that someone has given this large a gift.” Listing agent, Dave Peerless of Dexter Associates Realty, as well as neighbours said the property was overgrown and, in past years, trees fell in windstorms and created a hazard. noconnor@vancourier.com Twitter: @Naoibh

The city is investigating the alleged axing of 21 trees on a sprawling Point Grey property. photo Dan Toulgoet

NPA trustee accuses Vision, COPE of political posturing Continued from page 1 “That they just didn’t think it would be justiﬁed,” added Bacchus. “We knew we would still have a big budget shortfall. It wasn’t like [closures] would mean no more budget cuts. We’d be at $8.5 million instead of $10 million on top of the $17 million already cut,” she said. Bacchus said the district needs time to see if options, such as turning Queen Alexandra elementary into a district arts program, are

successful. She conceded trustees might still have to consider closing schools, although not necessarily the ﬁve under consideration. The VSB is looking at reviewing programs and how best to conﬁgure schools, according to Bacchus. “Maybe we should take some of the really big schools and make them into smaller schools. Maybe we should cluster them differently. It may be after a review like that we come back to clo-

sures, but possibly not these ones,” she said. NPA trustee Ken Denike sees Vision Vancouver and COPE trustees’ latest position on school closures as political moves designed to push a decision until after November’s civic election. “They’re not showing any management. They don’t know where they’re going, quite frankly. They’re grasping at putting decisions off until later for the next board. How long can you continue

to do that? I don’t think very long,” he said. Denike, and the NPA’s Carol Gibson, maintain their political counterparts “short-circuited” costly public consultations held in recent weeks. “As far as I’m concerned we’re still going through a public process. The fact that Vision and COPE have abrogated their responsibility of continuing with the consultation process doesn’t mean the consultation process doesn’t go on,”

Denike said. “I think people will look back and say what were you guys doing? It’s a complete lack of management.” A committee meeting was scheduled for Tuesday night, after the Courier’s print deadline, for the formal presentation of the staff recommendations. The board is expected to vote Dec. 14. Chris Harris, president of the Vancouver Elementary School Teachers’ Association, said there’s no question there was general support to keep

all five schools open and blames funding problems on the provincial government. “It is quite clear that it was not these five schools that were the problem, but the amount of funding from the provincial government. In order to restore funding to 1991-92 ratios, the provincial government would need to find an additional $3.74 billion for B.C.’s public education system.” noconnor@vancourier.com Twitter: @Naoibh

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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news For the record, the mayor campaigned on a more open, transparent government at city hall. Yes, the city has released in camera documents related to the Olympic Village and Ballem speaks to reporters—something her predecessor Judy Rogers never did—but making a journalist’s job more difﬁcult was not part of Robertson’s campaign. On it goes.

12th & Cambie

with Mike Howell

Command and control

If I heard Mayor Gregor Robertson correctly Monday morning, he has no plans to change a controversial media policy at city hall. This is the policy that says reporters have to get funneled through the city’s communications department instead of making a direct phone call to a planner or engineer or ﬁnance guru—something I’ve done for almost a decade. Never been a problem. I’ve offered examples in previous entries in this space on how the policy is fraught with problems. My colleagues in the biz have done the same and repeated the refrain Monday morning in a scrum with the mayor after an event in the Downtown Eastside. What we learned from the mayor was that it was city manager Penny Ballem’s decision to implement the policy. Robertson hired Ballem in December 2008 to run the city’s business. So, in effect, he could have a say in changing the policy. But the mayor is sticking with

Premier ship

During a press conference Monday morning, Mayor Gregor Robertson declared his support for city hall’s photo Dan Toulgoet stifling new media policy. Ballem’s decision, saying that he believes the policy is “efficient.” Efficient for whom was the question Monday. “It’s more efficient for city staff and the workload that they juggle,” Robertson replied. “There is a real strain on resources. So the efficiency within all the departments to focus on getting the work done is critical.” OK, but what about us journos?

“First and foremost, staffers are charged with getting the work of the city done and the communication element is crucial. But we’ve got to make sure that we’re performing the services demanded by the taxpayers. It’s important to create an efﬁcient system for the communication side but not at risk of undermining all the work that taxpayers are expecting to be done.”

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So when you say efﬁcient, you mean more controlled? “No, it’s really about time management and ensuring that people can focus on their work and that we have an efﬁcient system. This is a system adopted by most other governments that I know and it’s early stages and hopefully if there are challenges with it, we can work through those and ensure the service is good for media.”

One more thing about the mayor… In light of Carole James’ announcement that she’s resigning as the provincial NDP leader, you’ve got to think Robertson will be pressured by his NDP pals to take a run at the job. He’s young, has a big proﬁle and is familiar with the nasty business that is provincial politics, having served as the NDP MLA for Vancouver-Fairview before he shifted his focus to civic politics. But, as he has repeated several times since he was elected mayor in November 2008, Robertson told reporters again Monday that he’s not interested in returning to provincial politics. He says he will seek a second term as mayor in November 2011. Do you believe him? mhowell@vancourier.com Twitter: @Howellings

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

news

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According to historian and Fraser River watchdog Terry Slack, Vancouver in the 19th century had more than 120 kilometres of salmon-bearing streams in Vancouver and most of them had fall runs of wild coho spawning. He notes spawning streams drained into the North Arm of the Fraser River and the longest was known as “Khahtsulek Creek,” or as early loggers called the Dunbar stream, “Lake at the Head Creek.” Standing at the corner of West King Edward Avenue and Crown Street last Thursday afternoon, Slack pointed to the nearby bush and explained the salmon would spawn in the area and follow the stream back to the river. The stream was famous for its large fall runs of wild coho, sea-run cutthroat trout and steelhead salmon. But in the late 1800s, about one-quarter of the salmon stream’s water was diverted for the new steamdriven Celtic Salmon Cannery located at the south foot of Balaclava Street. According to Slack, this was the beginning of the end of the salmon runs to Khahtsulek Creek. It’s ﬁtting, he says, that Khahtsulek Creek

An Invitation to join us for the

Imperial Paving superintendant Randall Bires (foreground), Terry Slack (l), Harley Machielsel and Phil Mew are part of a project that will recognize lost salmon streams in the city, including photo Dan Toulgoet one near Chaldecott Park on the city’s West Side. will be the ﬁrst lost salmon stream in the city to be recognized as part of a new initiative to mark sidewalks above the streams with a salmon-shaped stamp. Harley Machielse, the city’s project engineer for street design, says the stamps will be permanently imprinted into new concrete either as an addition to an existing sidewalk or when construction calls for new sidewalks above a lost salmon stream. Machielse says the design for the salmon stamp came from the Stream of Dreams Murals Society, and the metal work was completed by the city’s fabrication shop. He notes the initiative came about as the result of discussions with Dunbar Residents Association members. Many were concerned with a new sidewalk being

installed next to Chaldecott Park where this ﬁrst salmon stamp will be installed as soon as the weather cooperates next year.

Cancelled meetings

One of the proposed cuts to park board services as a result of a $1-million 2011 operating budget shortfall is eliminating community-based meetings, unless the board can ﬁnd other ways to pay the $30,000 annual price tag. These are regular park board meetings held across the city designed to make the commissioners more accessible to the community. In 2010, the park board hosted four community meetings. I’ve attended several of these meetings in the past and they’ve all been standing room only, though there’s typically been a hot-button

issue on the agenda, such as aquarium expansion. I’m curious as to whether residents will care if these community meetings are cancelled. Anyone considering attending their ﬁrst park board meeting would be more inclined to do so if it’s held nearby at their local community centre, rather than the Beach Avenue ofﬁce. But on the other hand, cancelling community meetings to save money also seems like a lesser evil than closing washrooms in parks. The park board report on the proposed cuts to service is available on the Dec. 13 agenda at vancouver.ca/ parks. The park board is expected to make a decision on its 2011 operating budget Dec. 13. sthomas@vancourier.com Twitter: @sthomas10

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

EW07

opinion

Roberto Luongo, David Suzuki receive just deserts

A Christmas gift list for Vancouver’s naughty and nice markhasiuk I generally reject the commercialization of Christmas. When confronted by shopping mall Santas, I reach for my Browning. Nevertheless, in the spirit of consumerism I’ve compiled a Christmas gift list for Vancouver’s naughty and nice. A giant megaphone: For David Berner, executive director of the Drug Prevention Network of Canada. Berner’s voice of reason, crafted from 40 years of experience with addictions treatment, grows in value as the Downtown Eastside darkens by the day. Berner’s ideas honour the strength and dignity of humanity. Abstinence-based

recovery. Decentralization of social housing. No supervised injection site. No free heroin. No free crack pipes. No quick fixes based on myopic and politicized “harm reduction” philosophy. Hope, always hope. A history book: for the University of British Columbia’s student-run Israel Awareness Club (IAC), which tried to block a $700 donation to the Canadian Boat to Gaza, an aid flotilla aimed at the Gaza Strip. Occupied by Israel since 1967, Gaza, a 146-square-mile strip along Israel’s southwestern flank, is home to 1.5 million Palestinians. Israel invaded two years ago this month, killing 1,400 men, women and children. Gazans live in virtual bondage, plagued by mass unemployment, a collapsed economy and inadequate water/sewage systems. The students of IAC launched a campaign online and on campus, falsely tying the $700—and UBC’s Social Justice Centre, which

Mayor Gregor Robertson donated the money—to Hamas, the militant governors of Gaza. Last Wednesday, UBC student council approved the $700 donation. Repairs to student relations are pending. An American ﬂag: for Mayor Gregor Robertson, who owes his political career to American sugardaddies such as Joel Solomon, the progeny of wealthy mall developers from Tennessee. Solomon and other American millionaires bankrolled Robertson’s successful MLA bid in 2005 and his ’08 mayoral victory. The mayor’s party—Vision Vancouver— continues to receive cash

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from Americans such as Solomon and Rubbermaid heiress Carol Newell. However, like the United States, Robertson’s had a tough year. A recent Angus Reid poll clocked his approval rating at 43 per cent, a 35point drop from a Stratcom poll released last spring. Once considered a fresh face of the new millennium, Robertson’s handsome mug has waned. His rare public appearances seem rehearsed and robotic. He takes ﬁre from all sides. He’s no longer hip. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Robertson was elected mayor amid waves of green hysteria. A twoterm mayoralty, followed by provincial or national election, seemed plausible. What’s that old saying? The best laid plans of mice and men on 12-speeds? One last chance: for Canuck goaltender Roberto Luongo, who made mockery of his “world’s best goalie” status during the last three Canuck playoff runs. This sea-

Roberto Luongo son, Luongo will make $10 million, the second highest salary in the league. Thanks to great work by Canuck GM Mike Gillis, Luongo backstops arguably the league’s best blueline. So, enough about your groin and your weak bladder. Or the tough schedule or guys in your crease. Your jar of excuses expired two years ago. Take this team to the ﬁnals or take your act elsewhere. A chill pill: for David Suzuki, the longtime environmentalist and host of CBC’s The Nature of Things, who has lost all patience with humanity. Once a reasoned and contemplative advocate,

Suzuki has grown angry—in a weird, old-guy kind of way. His main target: climate change “deniers” (ignore obvious attempt at Holocaust conﬂation) who dare question the sacred eco-script crafted by enviro-researchers in Europe and Washington, D.C. According to Suzuki, the coal and oil industries fund “deniers” in the media and elsewhere. Of course, Suzuki, who lives in a lovely leafy home in Kitsilano, took an oath of poverty 30 years ago. During decades of ﬁnger-wagging, he hasn’t made a dime. A kind word: for Christians in the Downtown Eastside (First United Church, Agape Street Ministry, Jacob’s Well, etc.) who act on Christ’s message while popular culture equates Christianity with Hollywood slurs and Sarah Palin. True service (doing unto others) is its own gift. Recognizing beauty in brokenness is priceless. mhasiuk@vancourier.com Twitter: @MarkHasiuk

EW08

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

opinion

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All the civic affairs news that’s fit to blog

Kudos & Kvetches

Because you shouldn’t have to wait twice a week to be offended

Page Three

Your guide to the Courier on the web

Central Park

Digging up the dirt on park board and community

WEB POLL NATION Go to www.vancourier.com to vote What’s your choice for Vancouver Newsmaker for 2010? Olympics School closures The bicycle Tower developments The Wu beating

Pedestrian decals a waste of money

Last Thursday as I was driving home from work, I stopped at a red light on West Seventh Avenue at Granville Street, travelling east. When the light turned green and I began to accelerate, a well-dressed woman standing on the sidewalk glanced over at my car, made eye contact with me, and then stepped directly in front of my vehicle. I slammed on my brakes just inches from the woman and honked my horn. She scared the heck out of me. In response, the woman continued crossing against the light, staring at me with what can only be described as the Vulcan Death Glare. How I became the wrongdoer in this situation is beyond me, but since trying not to hit jaywalkers has become a daily sport in this city, I chalked it up to stupidity on her part. Stupidity, because surely her choice to step in front of a moving car could have nothing to do with an over-inﬂated sense of entitlement or some kind of thrill-seeking game of Chicken. Luckily for the woman, and the thousands of other pedestrians who cross at red lights or when the “Don’t walk” sign starts ﬂashing, the city, in partnership with Translink and the Downtown Business Association, has offered a solution for the stupid—at least on Granville Street. Because Granville Street was blocked off to buses for so long due to Canada Line construction downtown, pedestrians became used to crossing at will.

sandrathomas Now that the buses are back, there’s fear a pedestrian will unknowingly walk in front of one, so the cash-strapped city, the even more cash-strapped TransLink and the BIA, are spending almost $40,000 to install decals on Granville Street reminding them to be careful. Ten of the decals will be huge and feature the image of a bus bursting through a diamond with the word “Look” emblazoned on the edges. Another 20 smaller decals will also be installed warning pedestrians against jaywalking. A better idea would be to install decals featuring images of real pedestrian fatalities, or ones that warn, “Jaywalking will result in a $100 ﬁne.” It’s doubtful anyone crossing the street will notice decals on the ground—no mat-

ter what they look like—because they’re too busy texting. There are also many drivers who need to pay more attention to crosswalks, but when you combine a distracted driver and a texting pedestrian, you know who’s going to get the raw end of that deal. It’s up to pedestrians to take more responsibility and watch out for themselves. It’s confusing how this became the responsibility of the city, TransLink and the BIA—the taxpayer essentially—to ensure pedestrians don’t make stupid choices. It’s the job of the powers that be to ensure there are enough cross walks, with lights that last long enough to allow someone to safely cross the street. It’s not the city’s responsibility to hold their hand while doing it, no matter what part of Vancouver you live in. I called the city for an update on the proposed plan to hire crossing guards in the Downtown Eastside to help pedestrians cross the street. The proposed cost of that plan was $30,000. (No one was available to comment.) In the past, the VPD has targeted jaywalkers in the Downtown Eastside, ticketing people who have no means to pay. Should the VPD want to generate revenue, it could set up a jaywalking sting anywhere on Granville Street. Might I suggest the corner of West Seventh and Granville as a starting point. sthomas@vancourier.com Twitter:@sthomas10

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

opinion PARK BOARD AIMS TO SAVE $300,000

Plan to close public toilets flush with potential harm My bladder seized up and went into convulsions after reading the Courier’s front page story last Wednesday about the park board considering closing public toilets or reducing cleaning at 40 per cent of the city’s parks—year round. If you’re like me and are convinced you have the world’s tiniest bladder, this is worrisome news. (One coffee equates to two trips to the loo for this lady.) The worry is multiplied when you factor in two young children, one of whom seems to be afflicted with an equally small bladder. Then there is the even bigger problem of what to do in a park when I or my little ones need to do the business of number two and the toilets are closed. Scooping my kids poop isn’t going to happen and I’m not about to carry around pint-sized portable potties. Many toilets close in the winter due to the drop in park visitors and people plan accordingly (most of the time, but accidents happen). Summer, however, is an entirely different matter in a city that prides itself on being fit and sporty. Budget crunches are the norm for all levels of government, including the park board. Staff are undoubtedly under enormous pressure—particularly from city council and city manager Penny Ballem—to find ways to cut, cut and cut some more. It has to be a tough job. The park board estimates reducing the cleaning and closing toilets could save $300,000 of a targeted $1.03 million in budget savings. Other cuts under consideration include eliminating park security at Andy Livingstone Park, which would save $75,000; reducing the flower and shrub beds by 10 per cent in downtown core parks, such as Stanley Park, English Bay parks and at community centres to save another $75,00; introducing fees for youth use of grass fields to generate $100,000; introducing new fees for playfields for $300,000 in revenue; lengthening the time between tree pruning from seven to eight years for a $100,000 savings; eliminating mowing in 14 per cent of passive turf areas for a $150,000 savings. There are a few more options under consideration and I encourage Vancouverites to visit the park board website and learn more. To quote Vision Vancouver commissioner Aaron Jasper, who spoke to reporter Sandra Thomas last week: “What we’re facing is a series of bad choices.” Odoriferous choices. I’m all for simplifying my life and getting back to basics, but closing toilets and/or reducing

letter of the week

ﬁonahughes cleaning strikes me as a massive step backward. (There will be no reduced maintenance for washrooms in the Downtown Eastside.) While local school children happily raise money to build toilets in African villages to improve hygiene, here we are in Vancouver considering closing perfectly functioning washrooms. Do we, in the most expensive city in Canada, have to start a new local charity to raise money to keep local park toilets open? It would be globally embarrassing, though it’s doubtful the toilets in tourist areas such as Stanley Park, or at concession stands or at English Bay would ever close or get reduced cleaning. But isn’t all of Vancouver one big tourist area—for locals and visitors? The park board’s website states that “Our parks provide special places for a wide variety of organized activities and sports, places for friends and families to gather and quiet places to relax amidst natural surroundings.” Indeed they do, but with no toilets, relaxing will be next to impossible if nature calls and hardly special if the smell of urine and feces fills the air. Running to a nearby café or business is already the norm in the summer time at certain fields, but many of the city’s 200 parks are surrounded by single-family residences. At a park in North Vancouver recently, the toilets were closed on a busy soccer Saturday due to vandalism. With about 300 girls playing soccer that day, that meant a lot of girls peeing in the treed area next to the fields and right beside a number of houses. I remember thinking how glad I felt not to live right next to a park. Is it time to introduce pay toilets? Tough question as it would create two-tier toilet access. But don’t fret. If commissioners vote to eliminate mowing at certain fields and let the grass grow tall, there will at least be some privacy when you can’t wait to get home. The board votes on the budget initiatives Dec. 13. fhughes@vancourier.com

The city is investigating the alleged axing of 25 trees on a sprawling Point Grey property near the University of B.C. file photo Dan Toulgoet To the editor: Re: “Organic breakfast moguls allegedly axe 25 trees,” Dec. 3. So Mr. Mayor, what are you going to do about this? Hide, create some spin, and drag it out till you hope people forget? Or bring a

signiﬁcant ﬁne against these people and thereby send a message that this will not be tolerated in Vancouver? I’m not an NPA hack, just a fed-up taxpayer in Vancouver. Don Gardner, Vancouver

Hastings Park plan should focus on feet, transit

To the editor: Re: “Central Park,” Dec. 1. I wholeheartedly applaud the current city council’s efforts to get people out of their cars and on to their feet, bikes or public transit. However, I am curious why in the 20-year Hastings Park Master Plan there is such an emphasis on parking. There was no onsite parking for the 2010

Winter Olympics and yet spectators managed to get there. Why doesn’t this council insist on feet, bikes or public transit for events at Hastings Park? Parking is only needed for people with disabilities. The city is also missing an amazing opportunity to create a real green habitat park at Hastings. The Master Plan is all about commercialization

and money making. The original concept of “a fair within a park” has been shelved. It would indeed be wonderful if Vancouver does manage to become the greenest city in North America but city council has to be bold and create more than bike lanes.

To the editor: Re: “12th and Cambie,” Nov. 19. It’s great news that city council is about to make some changes with regard to the horrendous situation for pedestrians in Vancouver. One very simple improvement would be to have crosswalks marked, in all four directions, at every intersection. Most people in Vancouver seem to think that it is a courtesy for drivers to stop for pedestrians at an unmarked

intersection. This is not the case—they are required by law to do so. Marking all crosswalks would act as a constant reminder to drivers of this law. I was in San Francisco last summer and noticed that markings on the street were present at every intersection—together with signs reminding drivers that it was state law to stop at every intersection. I was amazed to see how much safer it felt to walk and cycle there, compared to Vancouver.

The police need to do a ticketing and education blitz. Plain clothes police should walk across intersections and ticket everyone who does not stop. This law seems to be ignored by the VPD at present. I was walking across Fraser and 28th recently (actually a marked crosswalk) when a driver blew through. A VPD member happened to be nearby and just laughed! No wonder pedestrians are at risk

Virginia Downes, Vancouver

We want

YOUR

Ticketing blitz would improve pedestrian safety opinion

Mary Sherlock, Vancouver

Havergal College does not encourage racism

To the editor: Re: “Provocative magazine article prompts race ruckus at UBC,” Dec. 1. As Ms. Hughes cited in her article, the two young women referred to in Maclean’s article “Too Asian” are anonymous sources. In fact, Maclean’s has not conﬁrmed to us that the two women quoted in the article did indeed graduate from Havergal College.

I agree with Ms. Hughes that what the Maclean’s article has done is to highlight the need to address the issue of racism and stereotyping with young adults and in school environments. For those who know Havergal College, it would be clear that this is something we strive to help our students to understand. Dr. Susan R. Groesbeck, principal Havergal College, Toronto, ONT.

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editor@vancourier.com Letters to the editor (1574 West Sixth Ave., Vancouver V6J 1R2, fax 738-2154 or e-mail editor@vancourier.com) may be edited by the Courier for reasons of legality, taste, brevity and clarity. To be considered for publication, they must be typed, signed and include the writer’s full name (no initials), home address, and telephone number (neither of which will be published), so authorship may be verified.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

opinion

Vancouver School Board courageous in opposition to school closures

Possible school closure runs parents through ringer Soapbox

Opinion from readers Jennifer Kong

Guest columnist It takes courage to stand up for kids. And, I don’t mean the kind of courage that’s instinctual if you happen to see a child toddling into the path of a car—or saving a child from a burning building. No, I’m talking about the courage to say, “Hey, this is not good for kids and I’m courageous enough to say so!” This is the message that the communities of the ﬁve schools listed for closure have said in the past months and what the VSB Final Report said. All of us have rallied together to say so—and at what cost?

I can only speak from the perspective of a parent of students at one of the ﬁve schools threatened with closure. We were the smallest of the ﬁve schools and we didn’t have the luxury of hundreds of parents to rally behind us—and I commend every person who did so. We were worried that the one feature that made our school so alluring, our relatively small size, was our impediment when trying to mount a defence. We quickly realized that we couldn’t do big, but we could do smart. Our team was passionate about our cause and went through the whole gamut of emotions—probably similar to those felt by all who were advocating for their school. The shock and sense of grief when our school was on the list a mere two days before the end of the school year in June; the sense of frustration over the summer as no information from the VSB was

forthcoming as promised; the feeling of being picked on in October when we remained on the short list. We’ve had parents cry at the thought of losing their beloved school. Worry from neighbours about what the future will bring with a closed building sitting as a target for undesirable activity. Anger at the whole process. And betrayal as some members of the media swarmed around our school, in an apparent effort to catch our parents either crying or angry. We hoped the media could help spread our message rather than focusing on the emotional side of the story and trying to force “good guy/bad guy” roles. It is now a few hours after the VSB has released its ﬁnal report with the recommendation of having a moratorium on closing schools until 2012. This was the ﬁrst feeling of hope we’ve had in the past

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six months. And then we felt a hint of jubilation as we heard that three of the eight VSB trustees have announced that they would not vote to close any school. I considered about how the remaining school trustees may feel as they make their decision. Deciding on whether they, as an individual, have the courage to stand up for kids. All of a sudden, I am now humbled at the thought that VSB staff and each of the school trustees may have more courage than our team combined. They have heard the public’s message and are preparing to take a stand and loudly proclaim that school closures are not good for kids. It is now a lot easier for us to ﬁgure out who the good guys are. So, here is my take home message. To all of those who have advocated for your school, whether it was on the closure list or not, I ask you to help support our VSB board and trustees as they take a

stand. All of the passion, ingenuity, energy, and combined voice will be needed to help defend the VSB. And we won’t be alone, the teachers and school staff of all VSB schools are behind us. All of us want the same thing according to the recently released ﬁnal report: “moving our Vancouver public education system, not from good to great, but from a place of excellence to a position of exceptional quality that is a beacon for all.” Dr. Jennifer Kong is a parent of children at McBride Annex. Got something to say about an issue in Vancouver? Get on your soapbox and become a Courier guest columnist. Send submissions (700-750 words) to editor@vancourier.com. Sorry, no handwritten submissions allowed. Guest columns may be edited for content and length.

THE SANDWICH GENERATION by Chris Clark You’ve likely heard of the “sandwich genera- How do you choose a home health care provider? tion”? You and your spouse, still professionally Today nearly three million Canadians receive engaged, finally have the freedom to live your care at home - a number that will continue to own lives. Then, one or both of your elderly climb as our population ages. Knowing what to parents gets ill and needs help. To make mat- look for and the right questions to ask is an imters worse, one or more of your adult children portant part of choosing the home health pro- whom you had thought were on their way to an vider that is right for you. independent life, suddenly come home to “find Home health care lets seniors who want to stay themselves!” in their homes remain independent It’s the profile of thousands of for as long as possible. But hiring Canadian families and the numbers the right help can be confusing, so are increasing as our population conwe suggest you ask all of the followtinues to age. ing questions to be sure you find the With so many seniors living longer, right provider for you. healthier lives today, the right mix of • What kind of services do you pronursing, personal care, home support vide? Chris Clark is the Vancouver Area Director for and companionship services is allow- Bayshore Home Health. • What type of training has your ing them to live comfortably in their staff received? own homes for a longer period of time. Home • How do you ensure the quality of your service? health care can be paid for privately, or funded • How do you evaluate the skills and abilities through government care programs, through of your staff? personal and group insurance plans, and with • How long have you been in operation? workers’ compensation insurance. • Do you provide a personalized care plan? Talking openly with aging parents about op• Will you consult with my doctor? tions and services is an important first step in • Will my caregiver be supervised by a nurse? arranging for the best quality care that will meet • Will you assist in investigating my home care the needs of the entire family. It may not be an funding options? easy subject to broach, however. We suggest that • Do you ensure your staff are bonded, insured asking yourself and your parents these questions and professionally licensed or certified? is key to deciding what kind of care is appropriOur Registered Nurses and other staff have no ate: difficulty responding to these and other ques• Do my parents have a large home to maintain? tions, but the focal point of our first interview • Is it necessary to use the stairs frequently? with a prospective client is their personal situ• Are they eating properly? ation and what is required to make their lives • Dotheyrequireadditionalcareforahealthissue more fulfilling and comfortable. There is no or following a hospital stay? charge for a comprehensive private consultation • Are they isolated or do they see other people? with a Registered Nurse. Home care is designed to deliver just the right support to keep your parents independent, happy and healthy in their own home.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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opinion

Courier’s resident shutterbug combing city in search of seasonal snaps

Alternate ‘Newsmaker’ choices also made news Editor’s Desk with Barry Link

Newsmaking

We’re one issue away from our Vancouver Newsmaker for 2010, which we’ll reveal Friday. Our online reader’s poll on what you think the choice should be continues until Thursday at vancourier. com. As I write this, the Olympics, school closures and the bicycle are gobbling up the great bulk of the votes among the ﬁve candidates for Newsmaker. So what about the remaining two choices this year—why are they part of the voting? We included tower developments as a potential candidate because this year saw proposed tower developments sprout up across the city. From Granville and West 70th Avenue, to Broadway and Fraser, West Second Avenue near Main, and Burrard and Drake, planners and architects thought up was the way to go in

2010. While laneway housing created a furious debate this year, particularly on the West Side, the latest tower developments have the potential to change the nature of entire neighbourhoods by blocking long-established views, supercharging density and adding a design texture to parts of Vancouver seldom seen outside the downtown core. As the city’s director of planning Brent Toderian noted in a recent story about increased density at Canada Line stations along the Cambie corridor, the single-family home is not a priority. Stacking up homes high into the air is. We included the Wu incident as an example of how general agreement on investigating and providing a transparent system of justice for police incidents and behaviour still elude us as a society. East Side resident Yao Wei Wu was mistakenly arrested by two Vancouver police constables in January and received substantial injuries during the arrest. It took until October before an investigation by Delta police exonerated the actions of the Vancouver ofﬁcers. But just last month,

Santa success

Proposed tower developments, such as a planned development at the old Opsal Steel building on East Second Avenue, have the potential to change entire neighbourhoods photo Dan Toulgoet couver Christmas Market was our most popular feature online last week, and remains available for view. Toulgoet, the creative mind behind City Frame and the person who gives our stories visual punch, will have more holiday images as the month progresses. We want your seasonal pictures for more online galleries. Displays of lights and decorations are going up around the city, and other readers want to see them. Send your pics to editor@vancourier.com-

the police complaint commission cited what it said were ﬂaws in the Delta investigation and called a hearing into the case. Wu is still suing, and this ugly episode continues.

Seasonal online pics

Our ﬁrst holiday-themed picture galleries are on our website at vancourier.com. Photographer Dan Toulgoet is working his way through town in search of seasonal snaps. His ﬁrst gallery on the Van-

Santa’s Best Buys

We have a gallery of contributed pictures from Sunday’s Roger’s Santa Parade online in our Community section. I’d call the annual event a success. Thousands of people were downtown Sunday morning and afternoon, and the crowds around the Canada Line station at Granville and Georgia had an Olympic festive feel but without the booze fest. The weather was cold, but not biting, it didn’t rain, and the toddler in my party at the parade survived despite threatening a meltdown at the half way mark. As for entrants, I’d prefer more horses and fewer dance schools. City hall had no presence in the actual parade (hello, Mr. Mayor) except for garbage trucks with festive signs encouraging us to recycle. The veterans who led off the procession seemed fewer in number than in past years. And, as in past years, the school marching band from the Mennonite Educational Insitute in the Fraser Valley blew everyone else away. blink@vancourier.com

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

news

Annual Marpole Cares initiative helps local families in need The Marpole Business Association is pleased to work with Marpole Oakridge Family Place and the Lord’s Peace Chapel in the second annual Marpole Cares campaign, helping out local Marpole families in need. Community members are encouraged to drop off a new, unwrapped toy, toiletry item or non-perishable food item to one of five drop-off locations in Marpole: the TD Bank, Marpole Library, Royal Bank, VanCity, and Marpole Place (70th & Hudson). “We identify the local families, many of whom are single-parent-led, who would most benefit from a hamper. The collected items are sorted and put together to be dropped off confidentially by volunteers at the Lord’s Peace Chapel,” describes Tracy Howard, Executive Director of Marpole Oakridge Family Place. “This initiative is a true community partnership involving local businesses, residents, nonprofit and religious groups working to help our neighbours,” says Claudia Laroye, Executive Director of the Marpole Business Association. “Last year’s first Marpole Cares helped ten local families celebrate a very special holiday season.” Marpole Cares will be collecting new toys, food and toiletry items until December 15th.

Drivers and Cyclists Sharing Winter Roads

ritish Columbia’s unseasonably early snowfall in late November brought untold grief to numerous families. Crashes in Chilliwack, Chase, Revelstoke, Savona, Campbell River, and Surrey resulted in six people killed and at least five people injured. Reports of the variCedric Hughes ous crashes cited lack of snow tires and loss of control on icy roadways as particulars in some of the cases. Just before the snowfall, Vancouver police had warned lower mainland drivers that if they were caught blocking traffic in the snow for lack of winter tires they could be ordered to equip their cars with snow tires and resume driving only after an inspection confirmed compliance with the order. The fine for non-compliance: up to $500. Reports also mentioned fines of up to $100 under a Vancouver bylaw prohibiting obstructing a roadway or driving without due consideration under the Motor Vehicle Act for lack of winter tires having a tread depth of at least three to five millimetres. The police also gave all the usual reminders to drivers about driving on snow-covered roads: • Slow down and leave lots of space between you and the car in front to allow for longer braking times or slipping while braking. • Add extra travel time to deal with the slower moving traffic conditions you will inevitably encounter. • Stick to the main roads, which are more likely than side roads to have been sanded, salted and plowed. • Improve your vehicle’s traction by adding extra weight —sandbags for example— to the truck box or trunk. • For longer trips, pack an emergency kit of extra clothing and blankets, water and a thermos with a hot beverage… just in case.

Police also advised pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers and to ensure that before stepping onto the roadway, whether at controlled intersections or at pedestrian crosswalks, all vehicles were stopped completely. Reminders about equipping your vehiBarrister & Solicitor cle for winter driving and about winter driving techniques are all to be expected at this time of year. What is not expected but increasingly should be are reminders that when the snow clears and the rain resumes, cyclists are back on the roads. The Vancouver Sun recently reported that, “The City of Vancouver estimates 60,000 trips a day are made by bicycle in the city, with more than 3,500 cyclists commuting to work downtown.” Darkness, cooler temperatures, fog, sleet, showers, and even snowfall leftovers aren’t deterring the growing contingent of dedicated cyclists. In the same article, The Vancouver Sun also listed the ten most dangerous intersections for cyclists in Vancouver accompanied by a photograph of a young female bike rider standing beside her bike who was broadsided by a vehicle at Clark and East 10th Avenue last June by a car reportedly running a red light. Online commentators noted that in the night-time photo shown in the newspaper (presumably taken some considerable time after the collision), she was dressed in dark clothing, was not wearing a helmet and apparently had no light on her bike.

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Marlene George, chairperson of the Women’s Memorial March Committee, is hopeful the photo Dan Toulgoet VPD’s latest safety campaign will reduce violence against women.

Copcampaigntargetsviolenceagainstwomen Mike Howell Staff writer

The Vancouver Police Department has renamed its campaign to end violence against women in the Downtown Eastside and is adding posters to 18 bus shelters advertising an anonymous tip line. The Guardian Project, which was launched last month, is now renamed Sisterwatch, said Police Chief Jim Chu Monday as he stood on a sidewalk near Main and Hastings to explain the name change. “Through many hours of consultation with the community, it was decided that a more effective name would be Sisterwatch,” said Chu, noting the name is consistent with other VPD crime prevention programs such as Barwatch and Blockwatch. The campaign includes police and community workers distributing business cards with the tip line number (604-215-4777) to residents. The city and CBS Outdoor Canada have provided 18 bus shelters worth more than $250,000 in advertising space for posters, one of which was featured as a backdrop for Monday’s press conference. “When you are in trouble, afraid or in danger, call Sisterwatch,” says the poster, which includes the tip line phone number. The posters will remain at the bus shelters until April. “The Vancouver Police Department is committed to making these streets and this community safer for the women who come down to the Downtown Eastside,” the chief added. “But we cannot do it alone.” The VPD set up a tip line in early November that is monitored by women operators at the E-Comm dispatch centre. At least seven calls have been made to the line but police will not disclose details of the information. Three of the calls are related to the death of Ashley Machiskinic, whose body was found Sept. 15 outside the Regent Hotel. Police continue to investigate and haven’t

“WE KNOW THAT SHE DIDN’T COMMIT SUICIDE.” Marlene George

been able to say whether Machiskinic committed suicide or was pushed from the window. The VPD has offered a $10,000 reward in the case. Marlene George, chairperson of the Feb. 14 Women’s Memorial March Committee, said she and other advocates are hopeful the police campaign will make a difference in reducing violence against women and solve the mystery of Machiskinic’s death. “We know people in the community have information, we know people were in that room when she went out the window,” George said. “We know that she didn’t commit suicide.” George said she and other members of women’s groups meet regularly with Chu and senior ofﬁcers to discuss initiatives to make things safer for women in the Downtown Eastside. As the Courier reported Nov. 24, the VPD is meeting with Telus to discuss the possibility of installing phones in the Downtown Eastside only capable of reaching 911 emergency services. The VPD will also continue its regular “town hall” meetings with residents in the new year. Another facet of Sisterwatch is what the VPD refer to as a speakers’ bureau, where female police ofﬁcers are available to speak to groups on personal safety and other matters of interest to women. The Sisterwatch project was announced on the annual National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, which commemorates the Dec. 6, 1989 murder of 14 women at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. mhowell@vancourier.com Twitter: @Howellings

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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Kulli Yee was one of a dozen designers who redecorated two rooms at Sereena’s Housing for Women in the Downtown Eastside. photo Dan Toulgoet

Home stagers reach out to troubled women Cheryl Rossi Staff writer

Heather Kleim was fretting about what to wear to a meeting with a real estate agent when she had a reality check. Kleim, a 33-year-old owner of a home staging business, saw a news story about Louise Edwards, a Kamloops woman who has helped women and children in need in the Downtown Eastside for more than 30 years. “She knows what it’s like to live life having absolutely everything that you need and she just saw a really great need down here,” Kleim said. Kleim, the owner of Epic Empire Designs, contacted the reporter to get in touch with Edwards. Kleim and Heather Stewart of HS Home Staging started the City Stagers Meet-up group of professional designers and industry partners with a mandate of community involvement. With so many of their clients wanting to purge household items, helping those in need of furnishings seems like a natural fit. Edwards spoke at one of the home stagers’ first meetings. She told them about Sereena’s Housing for Women, located in the former New Wings Hotel that’s kitty-corner from Oppenheimer Park. Run by Atira Women’s Resource Society, it provides a home to 56 women dealing with medical and mental health problems. Many work in the street-level sex trade. The building had a TV and breakfast room that was laid with chipped, painted plywood floors and was painted sterile white before City Stagers and their volunteers arrived. Kleim asked Sarah Louie, program manager of Sereena’s Housing, for a wish list of furnishings and everyday items Sereena’s needed. The home stagers tweeted and blogged to draw donations.

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“SHE KNOWS WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE LIFE HAVING ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.” Heather Kleim

Kleim told clients she’d cart away their castoffs. At one point, her one-bedroom apartment in the West End and the basement of her boyfriend’s home were stuffed with goods. The designers wrangled free paint, flooring, art, a stove, a dishwasher and crafting supplies. Go Truck Go donated its time to transport the goods. The flooring was put down in the breakfast and TV room, which was painted golden yellow and green by a volunteer. The women gathered at Sereena’s on Monday to pull together the finishing touches and spruce up the room with new seating areas and a Christmas tree. Residents, Louie said, were annoyed they were barred from the breakfast and TV room that morning. But they had volunteered to clean the new floor after it was laid because they were so pleased with the change. The stagers were to add a desk to an adjacent and under-used room so Louie can be stationed there and the space, which is big and bright, used by the women. Louie was glad for the donations from City Stagers because Atira has no money for furnishings. But communal rooms are important in the building where residents live in little rooms and share bathrooms and kitchens. The designers brought donations of clothes and small presents for each resident. “It’s been a great way to get to know each other on a personal level,” Kleim said of the work of the Meet-up group of 15 women. “It’s a nice group of women helping women.” crossi@vancourier.com

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news

Owner started business with $1,500 and a few boxes of book

Bookshop celebrates 40 years of spirituality Cheryl Rossi Staff writer

Forty years ago, books on yoga, spirituality and meditation were hard to ﬁnd in Vancouver. Four decades on, Banyen Books and Sound classiﬁes books in 300 subject sections in its nearly 5,000-square-foot store on West Fourth Avenue at Dunbar. The bright space with its arched entrances to different sections, wide aisles, subtle scent of incense and strains of classical music buzzed with shoppers Friday afternoon. The bookshop that Kolin Lymworth started at age 21 with $1,500 and about 10 boxes of books is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a fundraiser, Dec. 9. Lymworth, who grew up in Kerrisdale, gravitated to Kitsilano in 1966, like the other young hippies and “seekers” of that time. Ground zero was Fourth and Burrard, he said, the site of two grassy lots where they did “a lot of hanging out.”

Back in 1972, Banyen Books and Sound on West Fourth Avenue ﬁrst offered books about yoga and meditation. submitted photo Lymworth initially stocked a corner of the Golden Lotus Restaurant and Natural Food Store at Fourth and Bayswater with books about natural foods back in 1969. He travelled to India for six months, asked everyone to recommend their favourite books and visited a co-operatively owned

wholesaler of books in Berkeley, Calif. to buy his ﬁrst stock. He remembers ordering 150 copies of Be Here Now, a book about spirituality, yoga and meditation by Western spirituality teacher and yogi Ram Dass. “It launched the whole generation of spiritual seeking and dis-

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To celebrate 40 years, Banyen is holding an anniversary party and fundraiser for Seva Canada at The Ridge. Ram Dass will participate via Skype while Rameshwar Das, the co-author of Dass’s latest book, Be Love Now, will discuss and sign the book. The Ridge will also screen Saint Misbehavin,’ an award-winning documentary about Wavy Gravy, the poet, psychedelic explorer and activist clown who’s famous for offering 400,000 people breakfast in bed at Woodstock. Dass and Gravy both helped found Seva. Lymworth recalls designing a poster in the early 1980s for the Canadian iteration of the organization that helps restore sight and prevent blindness in the developing world. “For $15 you could help a person see,” Lymworth said. “To me it’s a good charity.” The party starts at 7 p.m. For more information, see festivalcinemas.ca. crossi@vancourier.com

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covery and practicing meditation, being interested in healing arts. The entire little tiny store was all in blue because it had a bright blue cover,” Lymworth said. “And that was just the beginning.” Hippies of the day ﬂocked to the store, but it’s not just aging baby boomers buying Banyen’s books these days, he said. “The many different aspects of personal growth and healing potential have really just become normal, like this is our life, rather than some special, esoteric or weird thing,” Lymworth said. Lymworth concedes sales have decreased over the last three years. But the Vancouver institution has owned its own building since 2003, its ﬁfth location after various stops on Fourth and West Broadway, and Lymworth hopes Banyen will serve as an oasis and resource for decades to come. “We’re always suffering from just anxiety to the anguish of the heart in so many ways,” he said. “The need for clarity and loving kindness, it’s a perennial need.”

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

EW15

news

Unidentiﬁed groups hope to inhabit Downtown Eastside building after police relocate

Aging Main Street cop shop may remain standing Mike Howell Staff writer

The city will likely not decide until mid-2011 whether it will knock down the Vancouver Police Department’s aging precinct on Main Street or find another use for the building that is being vacated by officers over the next five months. Ken Bayne, the city’s general manager of business planning and services, said groups have approached the city about moving into the station at 312 Main St. But Bayne declined to identify the groups or reveal their purpose for the building. “We assumed, to be quite honest, that when the police department moved out, we’d pull the building down,” he said, estimating the property would be worth $5 million to $7 million. “But now there is discussion about potential uses. It’s just a question of whether any of them pan out.” For years, politicians and activists have called for more housing and treatment facilities for drug

“IT’S JUST AT THE END OF ITS LIFE.” Ken Bayne

addicts and the mentally ill in downtown. The geographical location of the Main Street station would appear to be of interest to groups lobbying for such initiatives. “The city has always been willing to make what real estate and what properties it has available when worthwhile housing initiatives come forward,” Bayne said. “I don’t think the situation is any different here.” The VPD began moving out of the station last month. The building opened in 1954, has operated 24 hours a day and is now in disrepair and requires signiﬁcant renovations, including being seismically upgraded. “It’s just at the end of its life,” Bayne said. “It’s just old and tired and there has not been a complete assessment done on what it would take to bring the building

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The Vancouver Police Department’s precinct at 312 Main St. has operated 24 hours a day since 1954. photo Dan Toulgoet back up [for other uses].” For now, the city is focused on getting the officers moved from the Main Street station to the former VANOC buildings at 3585 Graveley St. The move also means traffic officers will relocate to the VPD’s other main building

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pected to remain in the Downtown Eastside and work out of an annex behind the Main Street station. When all the moving is done, investigators from major crime, sex crime and gang squad will work out of the new site on Graveley Street with administrative staff, support services, ﬁnance and human resources. The Main Street station is expected to be vacant by April 2011. “Our concern, obviously, is that once the police department has moved out of the building, we’ll have an empty building to manage,” said Bayne, noting it has cost the city roughly $2 million a year above regular maintenance costs to keep the building running. Graveley is a temporary location to be used for possibly eight or more years until one or two main stations are identiﬁed or built. Total cost of the move to Graveley Street and renovations is $15 million, with $10 million from the city and $5 million from the federal government. mhowell@vancourier.com Twitter: @Howellings

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

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City hall faces $20 million budget shortfall

City workers’ union keen on tax hike

Sandra Thomas Staff writer

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The president of CUPE 15, which represents 2,500 city and park board employees, says a three per cent residential tax increase for 2011 would prevent cuts to services across the city. Paul Faoro said city council needs to ask what percentage increase would maintain city services. “At the end of the day the difference between two and three per cent is between $30 and $40 a year,” said Faoro. “If you actually look at the real amount of money, sure it’s money, but not a whole lot.” Faoro said Vancouver residents told a recent city survey they receive good value for their tax dollars. He believes they’d be willing to pay $30 or $40 a year extra to avoid library closures or cuts to park board programs and services. The city has a $20 million budget shortfall and is asking each of its departments to cut costs. The Vision Vancouver-dominated council wants to keep the upcoming residential tax increase to two per cent and will need to cut costs to balance the books. The park board is facing a $1.03 million budget deﬁcit for 2011 and is considering cuts to services such as reducing ﬂower and shrub beds downtown, and closing some public washrooms and reducing cleaning in others. “Closing washrooms is just ridiculous,” said Faoro. “It’s the craziest idea ever offered. Closing washrooms in a world-class city makes no sense and the last time I looked Vancouver was a world-class city.” Faoro said the city’s budget problems began in 2008 when the then NPA-dominated council voted to shift the tax burden from business to residential, a practice Vision Vancouver councillors are continuing. If approved, in 2011 the city will cut business property tax by two per cent,

Due to a budget crunch, services such as public washrooms may be cut. photo Dan Toulgoet which would require an increase to homeowners of four per cent to meet the city budget. But by keeping residential property tax to two per cent, that difference has to be made up from cuts to services. Vision Vancouver Coun. Raymond Louie said residents are struggling to pay their bills in a tough economic climate and the city has no intention of adding to their burden. “It might seem simple enough, but the effect on families and businesses would be challenging and we’re not inclined to move signiﬁcantly off two per cent, which is close to the rate of inﬂation,” said Louie. “On the other hand, we didn’t go with zero per cent because we need to continue to provide core services, which is why we’re keeping libraries available to the most vulnerable.”

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Louie said the city increased funding to the park board this year, but not as much as the commissioners wanted. He noted Vision Vancouver park board chair Aaron Jasper addressed council last week. “His job is to advocate for the park board and my job is to balance their needs with the needs of every other department,” said Louie. “I thanked Aaron for his comments and noted it’s the opposition that says it’s not good enough. He’s not with the opposition, but he still has hard decisions to make. Just like on council, the opposition doesn’t offer any real solutions.” The park board will vote on the proposed 2011 operating budget Dec. 13. sthomas@vancourier.com Twitter: @sthomas10

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

ADVERTORIAL

The Port is bringing 2,000 square metres of park improvements to the North Shore. To make rail operations more efﬁcient, Port Metro Vancouver and its partners are building a new rail bridge over Lynn Creek. And while they’re at it, they’re upgrading the nearby Harbourview Park to make it more enjoyable for everyone. The project represents a unique collaboration between government and industry to improve land in the community, while enabling growth in international trade.

The goal of the park improvements is to preserve and enhance the historical, recreational and natural resources of Harbourview Park. In other words, making a good park even better. Among the planned improvements are a revamped parking lot, a new lookout with a seating area, and the restoring of native trees and shrubs.

1. Lookout with seating 2. Native restoration planting 3. Timber fence 4. Trail

Staying on the rails. The new rail bridge is important too. Rail is already considered the most fuel efficient method of transportation for bulk commodities. This project supports the use of longer trains, making rail operations even more efficient. A side benefit is, by accommodating longer trains, there will be less noise from having to break trains into smaller blocks of rail cars.

Stacked timber fence: This fence will provide a safety barrier between the river and the trail, while native seeding will help to redevelop the river’s edge.

Sharp & Diamond

For the ﬁrst time, visitors will be able to walk along the entire length of Lynn Creek.

Native plant restoration: Invasive plant species will be removed and replaced with native tree and shrub species. Any areas that have been disturbed will also be restored with native seeding.

Long walks along the creek.

A part of your community.

Sharp & Diamond

Perhaps the most exciting of the new additions to the park is the pedestrian walkway being built under the new rail bridge. The walkway will connect the trails in Harbourview Park to the rest of the Lynn Creek trail system, which means that for the ﬁrst time, visitors will be able to walk along the entire length of Lynn Creek. That’s great news for dog walkers, joggers and anyone else who enjoys a stroll alongside the creek.

Sharp & Diamond

Getting a better Harbourview.

Sharp & Diamond

EW18

Harbourview Park’s trail will be extended northwards so visitors can access the shores of Lynn Creek wherever possible.

To learn about the Port’s other community initiatives, visit port metrovancouver.com.

As a neighbour to 16 different municipalities, Port Metro Vancouver is committed to running operations responsibly and sustainably. Creating a new walkway in a newly improved Harbourview Park is just one of the ways the Port is giving back to the communities in which it operates.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

news

Class Notes

Naoibh O’Connor

Honour role

Bayview elementary teacher Lia Dodge was credited with helping save the life of a colleague in a ceremony earlier this month. Fellow teacher Gina Gustafson choked on food during lunch in late November. She couldn’t breathe and pointed to her throat. Dodge did the Heimlich manoeuvre to dislodge the obstruction. Last spring all the staff at Bayview took an emergency first aid course offered by the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service. Assistant fire chief Dave Wallach, the fire firefighters who taught the course, students and teachers took part in the Dec. 3 ceremony honouring Dodge.

Political games

NDP leader Carole James’ resignation had barely hit Twitter when subsequent

Climate changing

Student environmentalists are taking on the tar sands at a climate change conference Dec. 10. Called C3: Enter the Athabasca Tar Sands, it’s

ACT NOW!

designed to bring Vancouver youth together “to educate on the Tar Sands and inspire action on environmental and social issues,” according to organizers. “We feel that the tar sands are a huge environmental disaster that is close to home and something Canadians need to learn about. Starting from a grassroots movement is the perfect way to show that the youth of Vancouver care and desire decisive action on environmental disasters such as the tar sands,” Windermere secondary student Emily Chan wrote me. Chan helped organize a similar conference last year. James Hoggan, a law school graduate with an interest in social justice and author of the Climate Cover-up is the keynote speaker. Hoggan is chair of the David Suzuki Foundation and a trustee for the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education. Andrew Nikiforuk, an environmental journalist whose most recent book is Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the future of a continent, is also a keynote speaker. The event is at Windermere from 8 to 3 p.m., Dec. 10. noconnor@vancourier.com Twitter: @Naoibh

A new TD Canada Trust branch in my neighbourhood.

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Visit our new TD Canada Trust branch by December 17, 2010 for details of this exclusive offer. Photo by Pablo Su

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tweets joked about political battles that may emerge from the fallout of Liberal and NDP internal troubles. Even board chair Patti Bacchus, a Vision Vancouver trustee, has been joking about the possibilities. “There’s rumours of Christy Clark running in Point Grey if Campbell gives up his seat, which is my riding, which would be awfully tempting,” Bacchus said. “Just to entertain you [media] guys—[Clark] and Patti go at it.” Bacchus added that while it’s “an awfully interesting possibility” she hasn’t given provincial politics much thought yet. She acknowledged, however, that she’s been approached by a variety of people to run for an MLA seat. “Right now I’m pretty focused on the Vancouver School Board, but as you know, we keep running into the provincial issues… but I really haven’t had time to fully consider it.”

EW19

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

community briefs False Creek feedback

Considered an area of enormous civic importance, Northeast False Creek includes one of the larg-

est undeveloped areas in the downtown peninsula. Learn more about the options being considered for the Plaza of Nations site

owned by Canadian Metropolitan Properties. The city of Vancouver hosts an open house and walking tour of the area, which

includes BC Place, Rogers Arena and an empty lot owned by Concord Paciﬁc. An open house runs Dec. 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the

Roundhouse Community Centre, located at the corner of Davie Street and Paciﬁc Boulevard. The walking tour starts at 6 p.m.,

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rain or shine. It will be followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. Public comments, ideas and feedback are encouraged. City staff and the site’s developer will be present and ﬁelding questions. Help yourself and your family manage stress during the busy holiday season when it seems spirit and tradition can too often be sacriﬁced for materialism and vanity. The Canadian Mental Health Association presents Handling Holiday Stress with psychotherapist Janyse Hrynkow who will discuss understanding family dynamics, setting realistic expectations, remembering to consider the meaning of the season, and developing healthy coping strategies. Hrynkow, a motivational speaker and former Simon Fraser University instructor, speaks about treating ourselves and others with love, thoughts, words and actions to foster cooperation and promote peace. It’s Dec. 8 at the John Braithwaite Community Centre (145 West First St. North Vancouver). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., speaker at 7 p.m. By donation. For more information, contact 604-987-6959.

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CityReach Care Society, a local organization supporting low-income families in Vancouver with nutritious food and education, is in search of sponsors for its Food for Families program, which has seen tremendous growth over the past year. The program is more than just a weekly food bank. It also has a focus on providing nutritional food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, while educating participants on how to create healthy, delicious and low-cost meals for their families. The Food for Families program, which launched in 2007, consists of a food bank featuring healthy, locally grown food with a focus on providing the four basic food groups. The program is integrated with EduKitchen, which provides nutritious cooking techniques and low-cost menu planning. The program is in search of monetary, in-kind food and inkind courier sponsors. For more information about donating to CityReach’s Food for Families program, visit www.cityreach.org or contact executive director Tammy Cheetham at 604254-2489.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

EW21

exotic courier Courier readers: Kari, Jamie, Anne and Marion Boyle Destination: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Favourite memories of trip: Eighty-one-year-old Marion Boyle, her son Jamie, and

daughters Anne and Kari visited the Galapagos Islands in September and wanted to get a photo with one of the island’s famous giant tortoises in its natural habitat. After a week in the Galapagos, they went to Peru to explore Machu Picchu, Marion’s dream of 40 years. “A fantastic trip,” Kari said.

Courier reader: Cindy Goundrey Destination: Gibraltar Favourite memories of trip: Flanked by her

friends Carole and Hans von Tiesenhausen, Cindy embarked on a two-week cruise from Copenhagen to Barcelona that included a stop at Gibraltar where the Barbary apes and the local airport impressed her, not to mention the torch relay for the European Special Olympics.

Include the Vancouver Courier on your next vacation and send a photo of yourself displaying an edition of the Courier, along with a brief description of your trip, your name and contact information to fhughes@ vancourier.com.

HO! HO! HO!

AS SANTAS’ NEWEST HELPER I WANT TO GIVE YOU $500 CASH TO SPEND HOWEVER YOU LIKE….. Dear Friend, It s true!! I ve just received word from the North Pole ... I ve ofMcially been named as one of Santa s helpers!! This special assignment allows me to do something very special for you!! From now until December 22 ... I am going to give you an immediate $500 rebate on any new furnace, boiler or system you buy from me.* This cash you can use to pay for holiday gifts, travel - whatever you would like ... With every new complete heat pump/furnace system we install until December 22nd, we will give the furnace for free!!* That s right, the furnace is free!! Whatever type or efMciency heat pump/furnace system we install the furnace is free!!

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W22

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

W23

community briefs Dog killer wanted

The B.C. SPCA has intensified its search for information on a dead female, chocolate-coloured pit bull found stuffed into a suitcase in a lane behind the 200-block of East 12th Avenue (between Main and Sophia). After learning how the dog died, the SPCA is anxious to find out who killed her. Passersby found the dead dog in a black Kika brand suitcase near a dumpster on Nov. 29. Raw, bloody marks around her muzzle suggested to investigators her mouth had been wound tightly with a restraint—likely nylon or wire. “The necropsy results have revealed that the dog died of a blunt force trauma while her muzzle was tied shut,” Eileen Drever, senior animal protection officer for the B.C. SPCA said in a news release. “It is absolutely sickening to think of the terror and pain this dog must have experienced and we urge anyone who knows something about this case to please come forward with information.” The pit bull was about four years or older, with cropped ears. She had white paws with brown spots and looked as if she’d had puppies in the past. Anyone with information on this case is asked to please call the B.C. SPCA’s Cruelty Investigations Department at 604-709-4670.

Slow food

Slow Food Vancouver celebrates local food—and the people who produce it on Terra Madre Day, Dec. 10. The event is at the Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan St., at Grandview Highway between Renfrew and Nanaimo, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Meet the people who grow your veggies, ﬁnd out about community-supported agriculture and enjoy samples dished up by local chefs using home-grown ingredients. Learn about this year’s international Terra Madre conference held in Torino, Italy from knowledgeable delegates, including Mark Bomford, Heather Pritchard and Joanne McKinnon. Admission is by donation. Find out more at slowfoodvancouver.com. The event is co-sponsored by FarmFolkCityFolk and the Italian Cultural Centre.

Seniors concert

The last of the Kerrisdale Seniors Singers ﬁve Christmas concerts is Dec. 16. The group is a volunteer choir of seniors that performs at seniors homes, hospitals and community centres. Their Dec. 16 concert is at 1:30 p.m. at the

Kerrisdale Community Centre’s seniors wing at 42nd and West Boulevard. Admission is $1. For further information about the choir, contact Marilyn at 604-876-8666.

Dickens in December

Dickens in December, a Victorian Christmas Celebration, takes place at St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Ave. at Trutch, Dec. 20. It starts at 7 p.m., but doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Victorian Christmas celebration is for all ages. Learn about Charles Dickens and his famous story A Christmas Carol, through dance, music and theatre—and a Christmas carol sing-along. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Half of the proceeds go to Vancouver Food Bank. It’s a Silkmoth Presentation. For more information, contact silkmothdance@ gmail.com.

Comedy for a cause

Stand Up for Mental Health comics will perform at the Yale, Dec. 8, as a fundraiser for Pivot Legal Society. The 2010 graduates of the comedy writing and performance classes for people with mental illness, Stand Up for Mental Health alumni and the Stand Up for Mental Health/PACE comics will perform. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. at 1300 Granville St. Tickets are $25 and are available at pivotlegal.org.

An atheist’s Xmas

The Centre for Inquiry Vancouver Freethinkers book club will discuss There’s Probably No God—The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas, Dec. 11. The discussion starts at 1 p.m. at the Grind and Gallery Coffee Bar at 4142 Main St. Admission is free, but donations to keep the program running are appreciated.

Potluck Fundraiser

The Potluck Café Society proudly presents the ﬁfth annual Barney Bentall and The Grand Cariboo OPRY Fundraiser For The Potluck Café Society, Dec. 11 at the Vogue Theatre. Ridley Bent, Dustin Bentall, Wendy Bird, Kendel Carson and the Entire Grand Opry Cast will perform along with Barney Bentall at the event that over the last four years has raised enough money to feed 40,000 nutritious meals to residents living in the Downtown Eastside. The Potluck Café Society prepares and serves more than 30,000 nutritious meals each year to Down-

town Eastside residents, while creating training and job opportunities in the community. The fundraiser happens at 918 Granville St. The doors are at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $29.95 to $49.95 plus fees and are available at the Vogue box ofﬁce or at voguetheatre.com.

Clean socks needed

Help provide clean socks for Downtown Eastside residents who suffer from

poor foot health. Foot infections caused by ill-ﬁtting shoes, no socks or wet socks and walking for as many as 20 miles each day contribute to lesions, blisters and abscesses. Donate new or gently used socks at all Vancouver London Drugs stores, city hall and the Grandview-Woodland policing centre on Commercial Drive until Jan. 31. Socks donated this year will beneﬁt the PHS Community Services Society’s Lifeskills

Centre in the Downtown Eastside. The goal is to collect 20,000 pairs of socks.

Free Xmas dinner

The Dunbar Baptist Church, 3996 West 17th Ave. at Crown, is inviting the public to enjoy a free Christmas dinner on Dec. 25 at 12:30 p.m. If you need a ride, the church can pick you up. Christmas Day service will be at 11 a.m. Call 604-2241031 for more information or to rsvp for dinner.

Got an event?

Got a community event that’s happening within the City of Vancouver you’d like to share with our readers? Send it to events@vancourier.com. Events will be included on a space-permitting basis. School and charitable entertainment events are also welcome, but all other entertainment listings (ﬁlm, theatre, dance, music, etc.) should be sent to mkissinger@vancourier. com.

You deserve a gift — just for being you. Well, being you, and opening a Free Chequing, Free Debit and More Account..TM Sign up at our Yaletown, Georgia or West Broadway branches before December 23, and we’ll throw in a free $50 gift card, valid at Pacific Centre. With unlimited free debit card transactions, no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement and this free gift, why not go ahead and sign up today? You deserve it. Visit www.coastcapitalsavings.com to find the Vancouver branch location nearest you.

Not open to current members. Offer subject to satisfying account opening criteria. Not valid for online account openings. Limit of one gift card per new membership. The gift card is subject to British Columbia gift card legislation and the terms and conditions of the Cadillac Fairview shop! card® gift card. Offer expires December 23, 2010, Coast Capital Savings Credit Union may cancel gift promotion at any time.

EW24

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

EW25

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

MORE PEACE, MORE JOY Creating new family Christmas traditions based on practices from around the world by Emma Lee

hristmas is around the corner, and for most families in Canada, it’s a holiday that is filled with traditions including gift-giving, Santa Claus, eating roast turkey and all the trimmings, and decorating the tree. But have you ever thought of incorporating something new in your holiday celebrations? Why not take a page out of another country’s book and introduce a new family tradition this winter? Here are some ideas on how to take traditions from around the world and making them your own.

Germany

Tradition: In Germany, children set out a shoe or boot outside of their home’s door on St. Nicholas Eve (December 5) in hopes that they’ve been good enough that St. Nicholas will fill it with goodies (typically food) instead of twigs for naughty children. This tradition is practiced in other countries around the world with slight variations, and it’s similar to what we do in North America when we set out stockings. New twist: This year, set out a shoe or a boot, instead of stockings, to be filled by Santa Claus.

Scotland

Tradition: The Scottish forget the past and look forward as part of their Christmas traditions. They burn the branches of a rowan tree, which symbolizes the banishing of any ill will between friends or family. New twist: It might be hard to find a rowan tree branch to burn, but you can take the

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sentiment of the Scottish tradition (forgetting the past and looking forward) and make your own tradition with candles. For example, each family member can light a candle to symbolize the discarding of old habits and to signify the fuelling of new hopes and dreams. It’s like making a Christmas wish.

Romania

Tradition: In Romania (and other countries), it is tradition to open gifts on Christmas Eve. New twist: If opening all the gifts on Christmas Eve is too much of a shock to your family tradition of gift-opening on Christmas morning, why not let everyone open one gift on Christmas Eve for a change?

Argentina

Tradition: In Argentina, colourful paper balloons, called “globos” are traditional. They’re lit on the inside and then sent floating into the sky. New twist: The cold and wet weather of the Christmas holidays aren’t usually conducive to floating large paper balloons outside, but why not make smaller colourful paper balloons as decorations inside the home? You can hang them on the tree, inside your windows...wherever you would like. We found easy step-by-step instructions for building an origami balloon online: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-OrigamiBalloon. Choose different colours of paper for variety.

Childcare Spaces Available Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House is accepting registration for the following programs: Before and After School Care Preschool Daycare for children 18 months to 6 years of age

Ballet BC and The Vancouver Courier Newspaper want 2 lucky winners to win a family pack of 4 tickets to Alberta Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Kindercare Our innovative and dynamic programs are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, an internationally acclaimed model of high quality, creativity-based early childhood education.

Simply mail or drop off entry: c/o The Vancouver Courier Newspaper, 1574 W.6th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1R2 or email us at: contest@vancourier.com with subject line: NUTCRACKER.

NAME: ______________________ PHONE: _____________________ Draw date: Friday, December 17 by noon. One entry per person.

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Kidz

beat CHECK OUT THE NEXT ISSUE OF KIDZBEAT:

Healthy activities for kids to start the year off right! next publishes Friday, January 7, 2011

EW26

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

Kidz beat

SPOTLIGHT ON BLANKET BC One family gives warmth from the heart by Emma Lee

hen Greg Ould asked a man lying by the side of a building on a cold October night if there was anything he could do to help him out, he received an answer that would change his life forever.

“I could use a blanket...to survive the night,” the man replied. If you have time, collect blankets from your friends or family with your children. It’s a great opportunity for you and your kids to experience the joy of helping and giving this holiday season. For more information about Blanket BC and how you and your family can help -- whether it’s through donations or through volunteering

visit www.blanketbc.com.

Ould recounts, “When he told me he needed a blanket, something inside me sparked. I came back with a blanket. It was just something I had to do as a human being. I was blown away that something so basic could mean the difference between life or death for him.”

That was five years ago, and since then, Ould, who works as an attendant on the Canada Line, has collected a whopping 35,000 blankets for those in need through the Blanket BC Society, a Mission-based organization that he founded with his son Ben, then just one-and-a-half years old. Ould says his son Ben, now 7, along with his sister Emma, 3, are a big part of the reason he started Blanket BC. He explains that he wanted to show them they can do something good by helping others. But clearly, the Ould kids don’t need any push to spread the word about the need. Both Ben and his sister actively let friends know about the need for blankets. “Ben just goes out there and and

Festival of Trees 2010 Join us now until January 5, 2011. Visit the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and Paciﬁc Centre to celebrate the season of giving at Festival of Trees. Also visit www.bcchf.ca/festivaloftrees for information about Port Alberni and Victoria Festival of Trees events.

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tells kids at school or at the playground that we need blankets,” Ould says. “This world would be a hell of a lot better place if we just listened to our children.” Most of the blankets are donated during Blanket BC’s “Drive on the Line” campaign. The event occurs once a year on November 26 – officially “Blanket BC Day” as it was proclaimed by the City of Vancouver. It’s a day-long blanket drive along the Skytrain’s Expo, Millennium and Canada Line stations. On this day, everyone was invited to bring a blanket with them on their way to school or to work. But people can still continue to donate after that day. In the weeks following the blanket drive, until the end of February 2011, Ould hopes to gather a total of 35,000 blankets, equivalent to the total number his organization has collected in the last five years. The collected blankets -- which in many cases are being saved from being dumped in landfills -- get a new life, and are divided

and distributed to shelters, churches and other organizations that need them. It’s a lot of work for anyone, and Ould emphasizes that his wife Jennifer and children are what keep him going. Ould also adds that he couldn’t do what he does without the generous and passionate support of Blanket BC’s sponsors: Pivotal Concepts, Great Little Box Company, Canada Line, The Media Merchants, Williams Moving & Storage, Protrans BC, Ron Perron Photography & Design, and Maple Leaf Storage. “We just want people to do -- to go out there and do something good. It’s easy. That’s the message we want people to hear,” Ould adds.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

EW27

WIN justin bieber’s new CD “My Worlds Acoustic” Plus a poster & Sticker

A SUESSICAL SENSATION!

For the Child

in All of Us

Taking the stage currently, until Jan. 1, 2011, this musical revue is geared at ages three and over, and is based on the works of Dr. Seuss, with book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty.

by Helen Peterson

eople of every generation grew up on the whimsical writings and illustrations of Dr. Suess (real name Theodor Suess Geisel.) Parents today recall The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham, and the Grinch, of course. Reminiscing is easy – simply go to www.suessville.com, the official “Suess” site by Random House, publishers of the Dr. Suess catalogue of well-loved, timeless books. Seussville is the place for children of all ages to play and learn with Dr. Seuss’s wonderfully whimsical books and classic characters, which leap to life through interactive games and activities that will enrich each child’s reading experience. Closer to home, you’ll want to take the kids to Suessical the Musical at the Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island.

Youth Living on the Streets

To Dec. 17 Drop off location: 1574 W. 6th Ave The Vancouver Courier is collecting new items for youth living on the streets. Please help us to spread cheer and good will this holiday season to those who have no home of their own. For more information, please contact June Stafford 604-738-1411.

This hilarious musical, produced and performed by Carousel Theatre for Young People, is sure to make everyone laugh and dance in their seats. Seussical the Musical brings the tales of Dr. Seuss to life with this toe-tapping story that spans a wide spectrum of musical styles. The much-loved characters of Horton the Elephant and The Cat in the Hat join other favourites; it’s sure to be the family event of the holiday season. Director Carole Higgins says: “Our audiences have been clamouring for the return of Seussical, and I am delighted to work with a fine group of actors and musicians to present Seussical – it’s a treat for children, parents and grandparents alike!” For tickets, contact Carousel Theatre Box Office at 604-669-3410 or purchase

Kids Market – Granville Island

To Dec. 22 www.kidsmarket.ca Join Kids Market and Elizabeth Fry Society along with the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau and give a gift to less fortunate children. Choose a name from the tree and donate an unwrapped gift at Kids Market before Dec. 22.

Features acoustic versions of Justin’s hits including “Baby,” “One Time” and “U Smile”, plus the new song, “Pray”

www.justinbiebermusic.com Mail or drop off your entry to The Vancouver Courier, 1574 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1R2 or email to contest@vancourier.com with “Justin Beiber” in the subject line. Deadline for entries is Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010 noon. Lucky winner will be contacted by phone. Must be between 12 and 19 years of age.

Name:_____________________________________________ Daytime Phone: _______________________ Age: _________

BE NICE, NOT NAUGHTY!

Vancouver International Children’s Festival in association with the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company present

2n d AD SHO DE W D! featuring: featur rin ing g:

Fred Penner Penne er Charlotte Diamond Bobs & Lolo Norman Foote with MC Dolly Hopkins

1 pm & 4pm 1pm

A special concert for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival Vancouver Playhouse (Hamilton & Dunsmuir) Call 604.873.3311 or visit www.childrensfestival.ca

.com

Donated Design

EW28

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

uon AlexissQ 4 on

turn 23rd! December

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all these DECEMBER Kids!

December 2 Nirvana Bandi ................ 5 December 3 Caleb Tam ..................... 6 Erfan Bandi .................. 15 December 5 Sophia Santos ............... 7

December 7 Nicholas Carter Haydar . 9 December 8 Andrew Wong .............. 13 Adam Greenall .............. 5 December 11 Everett Ng ...................... 7 Nicholas Tracy ............... 7

December 13 Ericsson Sing ............... 13 December 16 Matias Cramer ............... 5 December 17 Brandon Robertson ..... 12 December 19 Sakura Kubota ............... 9

December 20 Emilio Cramer ................ 7 December 22 Elena Cardona ............... 7 December 23 Georgia Rafighi .............. 8 Alexis Quon ................... 4 Ryan Louie ..................... 5

Make a

December 24 Taiki Shickele ................. 5 December 31 Justin Dar ...................... 9

Birthday wish come true

Bring this ad to either listed DQ and receive $5.00 off

a DQ cake! expires 12/31/10

Commercial Drive DQ/OJ 1629 Commercial Drive 604-568-4542 Kitsilano DQ 2601 West Broadway 604-732-3704

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SANTAS

Find all the differences between these 2 Santas and then have fun colouring them in!

Birthday Club Entry Form Name: ______________________________ Phone # _____________________________ Turning_______on: ____________________

Send to: The Birthday Club, 1574 West 6th Ave., Vancouver BC V6J 1R2. Deadline for entries for the upcoming month is Dec. 31st, 2010.

NEXT BIRTHDAY CLUB WILL PUBLISH

JANUARY 7TH, 2011

Hey Kids... Simply send us your name & birthdate and we will publish it the month of your birthday on our special Birthday Page. You will also be automatically entered to WIN a birthday prize from H.R. MACMILLAN SPACE CENTRE & DAIRY QUEEN. Winners will be contacted by phone in addition to an announcement in the paper.

EW29

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

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Tim Hortons now available! In the grocery aisle.

Prices effective at all British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba Safeway stores Thursday, December 9 thru S Saturday, t d December D b 11, 11 2010. 2010 We W reserve the t right th i ht to t limit li itit sales l to t retail t il quantities. titititi Some items may not be available at all stores. All items while stocks last. Actual items may vary slightly from illustrations. Some illustrations are serving suggestions only. Advertised prices do not include GST. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Canada Safeway Limited. Extreme Specials are prices that are so low they are limited to a one time purchase to Safeway Club Card Members within a household. Each household can purchase the limited items one time during the effective dates. A household is deﬁned by all Safeway Club Cards that are linked by the same address and phone number. Each household can purchase the EXTREME SPECIALS during the speciﬁed advertisement dates. For purchases over the household limits, regular pricing applies to overlimit purchases. On BUY ONE GET ONE FREE items, both items must be purchased. Lowest priced item is then free.

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EW30

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

GEARING UP FOR

HOLIDAY GUESTS

HOW TO MAKE THEM FEEL AT HOME

by Coral Nafie

Christmas means happy times with family and friends and Christmas guests are the best part of celebrating the holiday. Your home is decorated for the occasion, food is cooking, children are excited, and adults are rushing around trying to get everything ready for the big day! Be sure that you decorate your home and tree for the people who will enjoy it. Don’t put out heirloom Christmas decorations that can’t be touched if children will be touching everything. Don’t set your table with the finest linens if food will be messy. Don’t use your favourite

holiday china for little children who might break them. When preparing for Christmas, keep in mind that the most important part of the holiday is family and friends gathering together to celebrate this special season. Do what you can to help make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. If you love having family and friends stay at your home, you might have wonderful ideas of your own about how to spend the time together. The commotion is augmented by already-full days of work, kids’ activities, cooking, and running errands. If your schedule includes a visit from family members or special friends, a bit of planning and organiza-

tion ahead of time will help the time fly and both you and your guests will be looking forward to the next visit.

Offer A Small Welcome Gift Let your guests know that you’re happy they’re with you by leaving a small “welcome gift” in their bedroom. And I mean small! A sachet, paperback book, flyers of local attractions at museums or a clipping with movie listings at the movie theatre. And a pretty vase with fresh flowers is always a welcome gift. Don’t forget a short note to greet them.

Don’t Try to Do It All There’s no better way to make a house guest feel uncomfortable than to be

working, cleaning and cooking the whole time your guests are with you. Give you and your guests a chance to relax and really enjoy each other. No one will care if the kitchen is sparkling or the sheets are ironed. And when there is work to do, accept every offer wash the dishes or set the table. Be a team and let everyone enjoy.

Do... Have a Plan Make a written list of things to do and try to have a loose schedule for each day of the visit. Don’t waste time planning at the last minute or the time will fly by. Once you’ve all decided what you’ll do, make sure everyone is ready to go as scheduled. And have fun!

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“IMMIGRANTS stories of Vancouver’s People” explores the many immigrant groups who came to Vancouver over the past century and a half. From the Americans who flocked north during the great gold rushes of the 1850s and ‘60s to the Vietnamese who fled a warravaged homeland by boat in the 1970s, and everything in between, IMMIGRANTS tells the stories of our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and beyond. It explores the reasons why they left their homelands, be it war, famine, economic downturn or wanderlust, and why they wound up choosing Canada. This hard cover book is filled with more than 280 glossy pages. It’s packed with wonderful heartwarming stories as well as photos that will be treasured for years to come.

Born and raised in Vancouver, author Lisa Smedman has been writing about this city’s past, present and future since 1984. She’s received numerous awards for her historical writing over the years, and is the author of the Vancouver Courier’s “History’s Lens” column, which tells the story behind a different historic photo each week.

Contact June Stafford at 604.738.1411 or email book@vancourier.com to order. HST and shipping, if required, are in addition.

Coming... FOOD,

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

EW31

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in the Garden Christmas cards, unique gifts, handmade wreaths 604-822-4529 friendsofthegarden.ca 6804 SW Marine Drive (at 16th Ave)

GLORIOUS FOOD compiled by Helen Peterson

Home entertaining is one of the highlights of the holiday season, a time to enjoy food and flavours with friends and family, says Heather O’Leary, a promoter of locally made, gourmet food offerings. “Increasingly, trends are moving towards elegant flavours and simple, artful food presentation that doesn’t leave the host in the kitchen missing that quality time to connect with guests,” Leary says. What works best? “Cheese plates have long been a home entertaining staple,” she says, “whether it’s a Christmas open house or a cocktail party. And pairings of flavourful local ingredients add sophistication to the table without adding any stress for the host.” For example, Artisan Edibles teamed up with Salt Spring Island Cheese to combine flavours that are a sophisticated showcase of local flavours. “More and more people are entertaining at home but rather than extravagant dinner parties, people are tending towards more simple entertaining so hosts can enjoy quality time with their guests,” says Maureen Drew, co-owner, Artisan Edibles. “These pairings are a stress-free way to add sophistication to your favourite local cheeses. And it supports local producers.” In most cases, Drew recommends plain crackers, to avoid overpowering the subtle flavours of the pairings. The Undressed Cracker from Gone Crackers is a locally-made option, or try thinly sliced baguette or crostini. Salt Spring’s Romelia steps right up in the “baked brie” department. Float a shallow puddle of the Raspberry Cardamom Jelly on top before it goes in the oven. Bake it for ten minutes at 375° and serve with sliced baguette or plain crackers. Pomegranate is a popular holiday flavour and Artisan Edibles Pomegranate

KJM christmas

tree sale & toy drive PICTURED: ROMELIA IS A FLAVOURFUL, SHARP CHEESE THAT COMPLEMENTS THE SPICY SWEETNESS OF RASPBERRY CARDAMOM JELLY.

Receive 10% off your christmas tree when you come enjoy the holiday spirit with KJM country gardens and DONATE A TOY.

Hot Pepper Jelly is a striking complement to the Natural Chevre from Salt Spring Island Cheese Company. Artisan Edibles products are found at fine food vendors. For more information, visit www. artisanedibles.com.

Sensual Perception Vancouver artisan perfume house Ayala Moriel Parfums has joined forces with CocoaNymph chocolatier Rachel Sawatzky to create the ultimate indulgence - scented chocolate bars. Choose from Espionage, with smoked salt, jasmine and juniper; Guilt, a combination of orange blossom, blood orange and wild oranges; and Roses et Chocolat, a fiery rose, saffron and chilli. They make welcoming dessert items for guests (refrigerate, then break into pieces and serve on an elegant platter with dabs of vanilla ice-cream). Magnificent! www.cocoanymph.ca

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Festivities include visit with santa + his ‘reindeer’ • country christmas gift store • hot chocolate • toy drive • goodies By coming out, you are donating to the Lower Mainland christmas bureau (LCMB)* as well as helping to support local tree growers. Also shop our retail nursery for a broad selection of unique gifts for home and garden. *The LMCB has a greatest need for donations for teens and preteens such as electronics, gift cards (suitable for both genders), hair driers/curling irons.

7226 Blenheim Street ( at 55th ave) www.kjmcountrygardens.com

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

health

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Pause gives you time to reﬂect on feelings

Stay in control with mindful breathing

3pm-10pm daily | CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY

Bring the family to enjoy illuminated, magical nights at the Miniature Train and Children’s Farmyard in wondrous Stanley Park, and help raise funds for the B.C . Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

For Information call: 604-257-8531 vancouverparks.ca Admission includes entry to Children’s Farmyard (open till 9 pm) and a ride on the Stanley Park Train. There is no cost to visit displays, but donations are appreciated

Advance tickets available now at ticketmaster.ca or at 604-280-4444

www.burnfund.org

Same day tickets available at the Stanley Park Train from noon daily Note: Half the tickets for each night are available for onsite purchase

MOVIE LISTINGS

online

vancourier.com

davidicuswong Tis the season that provokes difﬁcult emotions. This can be the maddest, saddest, most stressful time of the year. On our streets and in our malls, you can tell the holidays are approaching by the music and decorations, and by the frustration and anxiety in the air. Family celebrations are ironically marked by the shadows of the past imperfect, the unwrapping of old wounds, and the void left by loved ones missed. For most adults, the holiday season comes up fast and passes quickly. Distracted and reactive, you can also lose sight of what you have today. When you are stuck in the

past, caught up in the rush, consumed with worry and focused on what you don’t have, you lose out on the potential happiness of the present. It’s right now that you can experience joy and happiness, not in the past long gone or in an imagined future. You can only be happy in real time, right here. Strong emotions are a part of life. But they can be problematic if we ignore them, allow them to control us or express them inappropriately. Grief unexpressed and unresolved will hold us back from living fully and will haunt us with future losses. Anger denied and suppressed can erupt explosively or turn inward as depression. If we continue to avoid our fears, we can restrict our experiences and our capacity to fully participate in the world. What holds you back from enjoying happiness? What emotions are getting in the way? The ﬁrst step to discovering the potential of the moment is to acknowledge the thoughts and feelings that

may stand in your way. In my last column, I explored how through meditation you can learn to cope with difficult feelings, such as anger and anxiety. When caught up in strong emotion, you can lose your sense of control, and out of control, say and do things you may not otherwise. Mindful breathing can be the first step in putting the brakes on your immediate emotional responses. This deceptively simple practice can give you an opportunity to step back and become aware of what you are feeling. If you’re fuming in traffic or at a standstill at a cashier, seize this mandatory pause to reflect on your feelings, and on what and why you’re doing it. Could you simplify your social calendar and your shopping list? Could you slow down the season and enjoy it more? If you’re dreading another family gathering with the baggage of the past, consider that it may be the last one with all the same loved ones. Look at everyone with freshly opened eyes. Look for change

or growth. Look with the love you would feel if this might be the last time you might see them. It might be. If this was your last chance to show how you care, what would you say and what would you do? Some of us will feel the holiday blues, missing loved ones who are no longer with us. It’s a bittersweet reminder that the gifts in our lives are not ours to keep; they are only ours to cherish and appreciate while we have them. At a card shop recently, I came across beautiful cards for mothers, and I thought of my own mom and another Christmas without her. I was also reminded of her greatest gift—her love that I now give to my children and all the people in my life. Slow down the season, acknowledge your feelings, and reﬂect on your rituals. Live fully in this Christmas present, knowing that it is only in the present that we can experience happiness and only today that we can express our love. Dr. Davidicus Wong is a physician at PrimeCare Medical.

Reporter/Paginator Burnaby NOW, The Record

The Burnaby NOW and The Record are seeking a reporter/paginator for a maternity leave. The Burnaby NOW and The Record are award-winning community newspapers distributed in Burnaby and New Westminster twice a week. The full-time four-day-a-week position is expected to be available within the next two months. It will be for a one-year term. This position is for a talented self-starter with the ability to discover news on a neighbourhood level. The ability to take photos while on assignment is important. Our readers expect daily news updates on our websites and the successful applicant will: 1) Be able to juggle proofing and paginating duties (InDesign) with regular news beats. 2) Embrace ‘digital first’ and the importance of social media (Twitter, Facebook, blogging) in our newsroom. 3) Be able to work independently and exercise good judgment while meeting several deadlines a day. Applicants must have a vehicle and a valid B.C. driver’s licence. Skills in Photoshop and a content management system would be a benefit. The position offers a competitive salary and is covered by a union collective agreement.

201A-3430 Brighton Ave., Burnaby, B.C. V5A 3H4 www.burnabynow.com www.royalcityrecord.com A division of Postmedia Network Inc.

If you are interested in this position, please e-mail your resumé and cover letter to: Pat Tracy, Editor - Burnaby NOW, The Record: ptracy@burnabynow.com by 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 15, 2010 No phone calls please.

Vancouver AM Christmas Breakfast

SPEAKER: Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Tourism,Trade and Investment WHEN: Friday, December 10th WHERE: Fairmont Waterfront Hotel ~ 900 Canada Place Way Quebec Christmas Breakfast with French Children’s Choir

Breakfast at the Bay Downtown

SPEAKER: Rich Gorman, Regional V.P. Store Operations The Bay WHEN: Friday, December 17th, 7:00-9:00am WHERE: The Bay Downtown ~ 674 Granville Street

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

community briefs Turn on the lights

Putting up, admiring and taking tours of Christmas and holiday lights is a favourite activity for a lot of our readers. So is taking pictures of them. We want to share your pictures online. Send us your pics of your holiday-decorated house, your neighbour’s house, all the houses on your street, a local business, or anything seasonal that’s bright and shiny and we’ll put it online in our photo galleries. Send them with a description of the location and anything interesting about the display to editor@vancourier.com with the subject line “Lights on.”

Fireﬁghters collect

Got a non-perishable food item? How about an unwrapped toy? The Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services wants to remind the public that all of the city’s 20 ﬁrehalls are collecting both items. The food will go to the Vancouver Food Bank and the toys to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, which will distribute them to children around the region. All items can be dropped off at the ﬁrehalls between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

South Hill Christmas

The second annual South Hill family Christmas event takes place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 11. It’s being held at East 47th Avenue and Fraser Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit and there will be entertainment, free gifts for children, hot chocolate and coffee to keep everyone warm. For more information, contact info@southhillbia. ca or visit southhillbia.ca.

Free kids science show

Physics of Light and Colour, the seventh annual Faraday Science Show is set for 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dec. 12. It’s at the Hebb Theatre at 2045 East Mall on the UBC Campus. The event is free, but bring non-perishable food items to support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The Faraday Show is UBC Physics and Astronomy Outreach Program’s annual science lecture, designed for children, and presented by UBC faculty members and students. This year, the lecture explores the subject of light. Learn how optical illusions work and how we can create lights of different colours, compare lights in reality and in computer games, and ﬁnd out which type of Christmas light decorations consumes the least amount of energy. Figure out how to use light to generate electricity and check out interesting innovations by faculty members and students. This show is for children of all ages, and adults who are young at heart. For more information, visit outreach.phas.ubc.ca/ faraday, email the program at outreach@phas.ubc.ca, or call 604-822-3675.

Pedestrian safety

A 3D style graphic will be added to Granville Street sidewalks this week as part of a pedestrian safety campaign to increase bus awareness and keep pedestrians safe. The initiative comes from the city, TransLink and the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association. The graphics will be installed on Granville between Hastings and Smith to remind pedestrians not to jaywalk within 12 metres of a crosswalk and to watch in both directions for approaching buses. The colourful safety decals along Granville are a reminder of the changing face of the Granville Mall. After a four-and-a-half year absence—during Canada Line construction and as community space during Rediscover Granville last summer—buses are operating along the street again.

Scottish dancing

The Inverglen Scottish Dancers will perform Dec. 11 between 2 p.m and 3 p.m. at the Kerrisdale Seniors Centre. Sandra Crosby formed The Inverglen Scottish Dance School 30 years ago and since then Crosby and her dancers have been recognized around the world for excellence in dance. In July of 2011, some of the dancers will be travelling to Aviles, Spain to dance in the Beltraine Festival. Crosby has performed and taught Scottish Dance around the world and now offers classes in Vancouver. Admission to the Dec. 11 performance is free. For more information, go to www.inverglenscottishdancers.com.

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Got an event?

Got a community event that’s happening within the City of Vancouver you’d like to share with our readers? Send it to events@vancourier.com. Events will be included on a spacepermitting basis. School and charitable entertainment events are also welcome, but all other entertainment listings to mkissinger@vancourier.com.

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

EW35

travel

Century-old system snakes for 30 kms along island’s north side

Tram travel best way to see Hong Kong Peter Neville-Hadley Contributing writer

HONG KONG—Hong Kong’s Kai Tak is the last word in airport modernity and its Airport Express train into town is a model of quiet, speedy efficiency. The city’s gleaming MTR subway system, with its air-conditioned carriages, is the envy of many cities. But for the visitor, the best way to get around Hong Kong Island is in a less rapid and less technologically advanced manner: by tram. The century-old system that snakes for 30 kilometres along the island’s north side connects the big-name sights and glossy international shopping of Central to a host of lesser-known street markets and traditional Chinese businesses, and its trams rumble along slowly enough for passengers to take in all Hong Kong’s immense bustle and variety. The flat fare is HK$2 (about 25 cents), and this two-dollar tour is the best value for money in town. You board the tram—a battered, doubledeck metal canister with rounded ends— through a turnstile at the rear, and it’s best to make your way up the narrow spiral staircase to the top deck, originally reserved for first-class passengers, for views over the traffic and for eye-level encounters with Hong Kong’s large expanses of bilingual neon signage.

The bustle of Hong Kong is best discovered from the top deck of one of the city’s trams. The system connects famous Central to a host of lesser-known street photo Peter Neville-Hadley markets and unexpected sights. It really doesn’t matter where you get on, or where your tram is headed, or if you spend a whole day riding the system from end to end. But, for example, the No. 5 eastbound from Central will take you past rows of familiar shopping and the digniﬁed buildings of the colonial era, now dwarfed

by the towers of global banking concerns. There’s no air conditioning, but the windows are all open to let a cooling breeze waft down the tram as it moves along. There are stops on average every 250 metres, but the trams travel for the most part in their own dedicated lanes and have pri-

ority over other trafﬁc when they don’t, so while speed is modest, progress is more persistent than that of other trafﬁc. If you see something of interest and want to get off, drop your HK$2 in the slot as you alight from the front of the tram. You might, for instance, want to hop off to see the Suzy Wong-era nightlife of Wan Chai, still surviving along with many traditional buildings, or ride on a little further to see what’s happening under the Canal Road Bridge. Here, in an old tradition rarely seen anywhere else, middle-aged ladies seated on tiny wooden or plastic stools sort out the problems of those who consult them by beating and burning papers representing their enemies. Around Causeway Bay there’s a warren of budget-priced back-street shopping, and pungent smells from the vast copper vats of traditional herbalists waft through the tram’s open windows before it turns off towards Happy Valley with its forest of pencil towers surrounding race course, bowling green, and cricket ground; all so English, and yet so odd when fringed with palms. So forget the icy haste of the subway, and instead do as the signs at major intersections suggest: “Give way to trams.” For more information, visit www.hktramways.com. Peter Neville-Hadley is a member of the Meridian Writers’ Group.

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EW36

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

Mayor Gregor Robertson and chef Thomas WheltonDavis served up breakfast at the Dr. Peter Centre on World AIDS Day.

At CBC’s annual food drive, George Stroumboulopoulos helped raise $300,000 for CEO and president Cheryl Prepchuk’s Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Fred Veronica Fynn was cited with the Global Citizenship accolade at the UBC Alumni Association’s annual Alumni Achievement Awards.

UNLEESHED

Chief Justice of B.C. Lance Finch was honoured at the JIBC Foundation Awards Gala for Justice and Public Safety, co-chaired by Karen Baker-MacGrotty.

A Red Ribbon Day: Mayor Gregor Robertson proclaimed November Red Ribbon Month throughout Vancouver in support of AIDS Vancouver’s We Care Red Ribbon Campaign. The month-long awareness program culminated with a gala-gala-do at the Museum of Vancouver, which yours truly emceed on the eve of World AIDS Day. Celebrated every Dec. 1, the global campaign raises awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. • A Loving Spoonful marked the occasion with a benefit luncheon held at the Terminal City Club. CTV’s Pamela Martin and executive director Lisa Martella presided over the fundraising festivities for the 20-year-old, non-profit organization that delivers nutritious meals to individuals homebound with HIV/AIDS. • The Dr. Peter Centre marked the occasion with a special breakfast designed by Books to Cooks’ Barbara-Jo McIntosh and an announcement by executive director Maxine Davis. Yours truly, along with Global TV’s Sophie Lui and CBC’s Gloria Macarenko, served up breakfast to residents of the care facility living with HIV/AIDS. Thanks to an anonymous donation of $500,000 that was matched by the government, Davis announced the Comox Street residence will extend its programs and services to seven days a week. Hear Fred Monday morning on CBC Radio One’s The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM; email Fred at yvrflee@hotmail.com; follow Fred on Twitter: @FredAboutTown.

Commissioner William Francis saw $300,000 collected at the Salvation Army Breakfast of Hope fundraiser emceed by Canada Wide CEO Peter Legge.

AIDS Vancouver executive director Brian Chittock (left) and chair Daniel Dex feted Irene Goldstone and 150 guests at the We Care Red Ribbon Gala beneﬁt.

Founder Easter Armas, director David Goudge and executive director Lisa Martella welcomed attendees to A Loving Spoonful’s World AIDS Day Luncheon.

Eira Thomas, Lyn Anglin and Barbara Caelles were honoured at the Minerva Foundation’s Women in Natural Resources Luncheon.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

1 2 3

1. Hairspray-scented, spandex clad, sort of ironic ’80s heavy metal revivalists Steel Panther headline the annual Santa Fox Ball Dec. 8 at the Commodore. For tickets, call 604-280-4444 or go to ticketmaster.ca. 2. With the recent release of the Beatles catalogue on iTunes and 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s passing, Beatles tribute act Revolver plays a synergetic show Dec. 8 at the Vogue Theatre. From The Ed Sullivan Show to the Fab Four’s trippy encounters with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Revolver performs more than 40 of the Beatles’ greatest hits. For tickets, go to voguetheatre.com or call 604-569-1144.

3. Modern dance and capitalization experimentalists MACHiNENOiSY Dance Society and the plastic orchid factory present two duets commissioned from two choreographers, Fabrice Ramalingom (Montpellier) and Lee Su-Feh (Battery Opera). The double bill of Vancouver vs Vancouver and James & Natalie runs Dec. 8 to 11 at the Firehall Arts Centre. For tickets, call 604-689-0926 or go to ﬁrehallarts.ca. 4. Opening to rave reviews, Vancouver Opera’s production of Donizetti’s masterpiece of madness and murder, Lucia di Lammermoor, continues its killer run at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Dec. 7, 9 and 11. For tickets, go to vancouveropera.ca or call 604-683-0222.

kudos & kvetches Kwan mower

Like a lot of Vancouverites, K&K woke up Tuesday morning to a deluge of sogginess, slippery roads and frustrating trafﬁc that drove around in circles. Yes, we’re talking about Rick Cluff’s interview with NDP MLA Jenny Kwan on CBC Radio’s Early Edition. Cluff did his best to get a straight answer out of Kwan who was one of the so-called Baker’s Dozen responsible for NDP leader Carole James’ resignation Monday and the ear-to-ear grins on every member of the B.C. Liberals which, up until recently, was the most dysfunctional political party in the province. But try as Cluff might, Kwan stuck to her muddled talking points, refusing to address any questions about her culpability in the current sorry state of her party. Not wanting to inﬂict more pain on the public, K&K has constructed a point form summary of Kwan’s elusive answers: “This will make us stronger…. I’m committed to moving forward… renewal process… voters want a choice… an alternative…. united…. unity… moving forward… time of renewal… focused on moving forward… stronger than ever…. united… renewal… unity…

committed to moving forward… moving forward… committed… renewal…. process… voters want a choice… united…. renewal… committed… thank you for having me on your show.”

Pun potential

Monday’s resignation of provincial NDP leader Carole James has left K&K with many questions. Questions like: Does Jenny Kwan realize how insincere it looks when she instigates James’ resignation and then emails a statement to the media saying, “I would like to thank Carole James for her leadership of the NDP and acknowledge her dedication and service to British Columbians over the last seven years in that capacity”? Who will be the next sacriﬁcial lamb to lead the NDP? And which candidate has the best name for headline writers? Not surprisingly, Vancouver-Kingsway MLA Adrian Dix is headline gold in terms of pun potential, so he gets our vote. Same goes for Liberal leader hopeful Kevin Falcon. In fact, we can’t think of anything more enjoyable than seeing some Falcon on Dix action in the future… except, perhaps, a functioning government.

Lit up

arts & entertainment

Picks of the week

EW37

If there’s one thing K&K likes, it’s free stuff. Free stuff and softcore German pornography from the 1970s. Actually, we made that last bit up to balance out the sincere appreciation we’re about to dole out as we get into the holiday spirit… The light twinkled, the stars shone and the smiles were everywhere. We trekked over to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Saturday night for its Light Up the Night event, where 250,000 lights were hung throughout the forest and along the bridge. We’d like to do a shout out to the Capilano staff for making everyone feel like friends and family. Not only was the night free (the only one of the season), the friendly staff gave children a Santa light to wear around their necks upon arrival. There was also free apple cider, hot chocolate (with a shot of Bailey’s for adults if desired) and delicious gingerbread cookies on offer. Donations were gratefully accepted for the Fireﬁghters Burn Fund. A stellar gesture by the organizers was their choice of mugs for the hot chocolate. No wasteful take-away cups, but real, porcelain mugs, which made the rich hot chocolate taste that much better. If only other events would follow suit.

EW38

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

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We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Music director Leslie Dala makes his concert debut with the 80-year-old Vancouver Bach Choir when it performs Handel’s Messiah Dec. 11 at the Orpheum.

Bach Choir music director has Handel on new gig

Talk about big shoes to fill. With the retirement of longtime music director Bruce Pullan, Leslie Dala is the first new music director the Vancouver Bach Choir has had in 27 years. Not only that, Dala’s first season at the helm just so happens to be the 150voice choir’s 80th anniversary. And his full-concert debut? Seasonal favourite Handel’s Messiah Dec. 11 at a hole in the wall called the Orpheum. Not that Dala isn’t prepared—his previous gigs include a seven-year stint as the music director of the Prince George Symphony and five seasons as chorus director and associate conductor of the Vancouver Opera, and he was recently appointed Principal Conductor of the Vancouver Academy of Music Orchestra. Amidst all the demands, stress and intensity that is Vancouver’s heated choir scene, Dala found time to talk to the Courier about conducting under pressure, backstage debauchery and, of course, the length of his baton.

1. As the Vancouver Bach Choir’s first

new music director in nearly three decades, what have you done to make the choir obedient to you and only you? It’s not about obedience but about trust.

What’s the secret to keeping a 150-voice choir from going off the rails?

There are no guarantees in life, but if you have rehearsed well and there is trust, then things should turn out OK (burning incense can’t hurt either).

Do you feel any added pressure knowing that your first full season as music director is also the choir’s 80th season?

It’s actually comforting to know that the VBC has been around for so long: it means it is a force to be reckoned with!

What does the size of a conductor’s baton say about a conductor? No relevance, it’s a question of personal ﬁt.

For the uninitiated, what’s so great about Handel’s Messiah? The piece is a kind of ritual with some of the most inspired music Handel ever wrote. Experiencing the piece live will make you a better person.

Who’s a musical artist you like that might surprise people? Led Zeppelin.

Do you have any kind of unusual rituals or routines before a concert performance? I like to try and get some rest in the afternoon whenever possible, which can be challenging with two kids under the age of 10.

What kind of backstage debauchery happens at a Vancouver Bach Choir concert? Alas, none.

Do you get your own dressing room when you perform at the Orpheum Theatre? Do you get a backstage rider? What’s the food and drink spread like?

Since this is my ﬁrst show with the choir, I don’t actually know. If there is anything worth sharing I promise to email you after the concert.

10.

What are you hoping to get for Christmas this year?

A wonderful performance of the Messiah on Dec. 11 in a sold out Orpheum Theatre. For more info, go to vancouverbachchoir.com. —Michael Kissinger mkissinger@vancourier.com

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

EW39

theatre

Christmas cheer pours out of heartwarming play

Sci-ﬁ ﬂavoured Patron Saint of Stanley Park full of comfort and joy The Patron Saint of Stanley Park

At the Arts Club Revue Stage until Dec. 26 Tickets: 604.687.1644 www.artsclub.com Reviewed by Jo Ledingham

Comfort and joy are the gifts that The Patron Saint of Stanley Park brings to the Arts Club Revue Stage. Written by Hiro Kanagawa, it’s a contemporary Christmas story with a sci-fi twist, which is a natural for Kanagawa who plays Cyrus Xander on SyFy’s Caprica. And it’s local with most of the action taking place near Prospect Point in a signal station that was decommissioned and all but demolished in 1939 when Lions Gate Bridge was built. Kanagawa tweaks time a little by making the big storm that took down so many trees in Stanley Park come in on Christmas Eve. Skookum Pete (Brian Linds) used to be a signalman, guiding in floatplanes, in the station until it closed. This makes him at least 90 at the time of the play or a ghost when he rescues teenaged Jennifer (Valsy Bergeron) and Josh (Joseph Gustafson) from the blowdown in the park. Their father (Derek Metz), a pilot, disappeared on Christmas Eve one year ago, and the kids, in defiance of their mother (Jillian Fargey), have gone down to the park to commemorate his death. Then the storm hits.

Brian Linds plays the mysterious Skookum Pete in The Patron Saint of Stanley Park. The beginning of the play is a bit confusing: who is this ragged old codger who seems to be channeling ﬂight information through his back teeth? But he’s full of wisdom and a desire to see a return of true Christmas spirit. “Shopping, calories and family drama,” he claims are all that seem to be left. And what about all those discarded toys, opened, cast aside and put out with the garbage? In the overstuffed cart he pushes around, he has an ingenious solution for all that waste. Mischie-

Drinking and Driving Enjoy the holiday season. But please, plan ahead for a safe ride home. The Province, police and ICBC launched the December CounterAttack campaign reminding drivers to plan ahead for a safe ride home before they head out to celebrate over the holidays. Through the month of December, CounterAttack roadchecks are on throughout the province to promote awareness about the need to celebrate responsibly when drinking to ensure

everyone stays safe on BC’s roads. According to police data (2005-2008), on average each year, approximately 133 lives are lost, and 3,400 people are injured in approximately 5,600 impairedrelated collisions. ICBC’s CounterAttack awareness campaign (TV ads and radio taglines) will run throughout December in conjunction with police enforcement activities.

vous and twinkly eyed, Skookum Pete could be old Saint Nick himself. Making his Arts Club debut, mid-teen Gustafson plays Josh as a sci-ﬁ obsessed, slightly nerdy but smart 11 or 12-year-old. I don’t know if Gustafson has an older sister, but he sure knows the older sister/younger brother dynamic. And Kanagawa gives him some of the play’s best lines beginning with “Just because you’re a woman now...” when his sister starts getting heavy with him. And he makes

Counter Attack

Drivers are reminded of these safety tips: • You can still enjoy holiday celebrations. Plan ahead for a safe ride home.

• If you see an impaired driver, call 911 to report it to your local police. Talk about the issue often with your family and friends. • Make a smart choice: choose a designated driver before going out, keep money aside for • No amount of coffee, cold showers or fresh air will make you sober. The only cure is transit or taxi, call a friend or stay overnight. time. It takes about six hours for your body to • Remember – a true designated driver is eliminate all the alcohol if you have a blood someone who does not drink. Drinking and alcohol concentration reading of .08. driving starts with your ﬁrst drink. • Visit icbc.com for more information and • Don’t get into a car with a driver who has tips. For more information about the Ignition been drinking alcohol. Ask to get out of the Interlock program, visit website pssg.gov. bc.ca/osmv/ car if necessary.

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palpable a little boy’s anxieties and fantasies surrounding the death of his father. Maybe he’s not dead. Maybe he’s coming back. If you’ve got a teenaged girl in your world, you’ll recognize Bergeron’s Jennifer: skinny jeans, high-top runners, constantly texting fingers and plenty of attitude. But Bergeron also brings the grief and the need for ritual that a young woman would experience when her father dies. She may say, “Dad’s dead,” but with all her heart she wishes it were not so. As an actor, Fargey is such a mom. It’s a role she does well: loving, frustrated, patient, impatient, coping and doing her best. Left with a failing bookstore to run and two kids to raise, life is tough for Marcia and Fargey gives her character the strength and resilience it takes to get through it. In a flashback, we see Marcia and Derek when they first meet in her bookstore and we understand the depth of Marcia’s grief and how hard it must be to carry on. Metz appears briefly, but he shows us what kind of father Kevin was: fun, caring, joking, solid, a good dad. Fancy lighting effects are by Conor Moore and director Stephen Drover sets a lively pace. Kanagawa gift-wraps his own love of life, family, Christmas and Stanley Park in a twohour package that’s original, often funny and always heart-warming. It’s as cheery and as bright as the Christmas lights springing up all over town. joled@telus.net

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

entertainment

Christmas celebrations include harps, Dickens, grizzled blues musicians

’Tis the season for holiday hoopla State of the Arts

with Cheryl Rossi

If holiday hoopla has heightened your stress levels and you’re channelling the spirit of the Grinch rather than joy, love and peace, you might want to put aside the shopping, cleaning and baking to sample the smorgasbord of Christmassy shows. • Until Dec. 17: Off-White Christmas. The Vancouver TheatreSports League explores Christmastime with improvisational shenanigans and a one-act improvisational musical based on an audience member’s wish. Tuesdays to Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. Tickets $19.99; Thursdays halfprice. Vtsl.com or 604-738-7013. • Dec. 10: A Celtic Christmas Comes All Ye. The Dylan Thomas Circle of Vancouver presents a dramatic reading of Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” and rollicking Celtic folk group The Streels at the Red Dragon, a replica of an original Welsh pub, in the basement of the Cambrian Hall, 215 East 17th Ave. The event includes an international buffet with Christmas trimmings, caroling and cheap beer. Tickets $30. For reservations, contact David Webb, 604-299-8755 or rollin@uniserve.com. • Dec. 11: Handel’s Messiah. Leslie Dala, new musical director of the Vancouver Bach Choir conducts the choir and the Vancouver Symphony

Orchestra 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. For more information, see vancouverbachchoir.com. • Dec. 12: The Sing-Along Messiah. This will be the Vancouver Bach Choir’s 30th annual performance of the sing-along 2:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. • Dec. 12: A Holiday Celebration. Fred Penner, Charlotte Diamond, Bobs and Lolo and Norman Foote perform at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in these shows presented by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival in association with the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company. Tickets $25 at the Playhouse box office, Hamilton at Dunsmuir, 604873-3311 or childrensfestival.ca. • Dec. 12: Aliqua Holiday Concert. Vancouver-based female vocal group Aliqua will perform fresh and original takes from their Christmas album All I Want at the Vogue Theatre. Show 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30 ($25 for students) at voguetheatre.com. • Dec. 15: O Holy Night-Christmas Angels in Tibet: A Musical Journey Into the Heart of Christmas. This benefit for nuns in Tibet features performances by Erin Marks on oboe, Rachel Iwaasa on piano, the Radiant String Quartet, Frederik Robert, tenor, and Sheila Christie and Alana Krahn, sopranos, and the Snow Lion Children’s Choir. Show 8:30 p.m. at Saint Mark’s Anglican Church, 1805 Larch St. Tickets $20 at the door. For more information or reservations, contact musicmarks@ hotmail.com 604-788-1318. • Dec. 16 to 19: A Christmas Carol. RAProductions presents its third annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale as a benefit for PAL Vancouver, the Performing

Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker prances about the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Dec. 29 to Jan. 1. Arts Lodge for low-income seniors and disabled people who have devoted their lives to Canadian culture. PAL Studio Theatre, 581 Cardero St. 8 p.m. Dec. 16 to 18, and 3 p.m. Dec. 19. Tickets $10 to $20. • Dec. 17: A Dickensian Christmas. The Vivaldi Chamber Choir will present a program of songs and readings inspired by Dickens’ famous Christmas story. Trinity-St. Mark’s, at West Second Avenue and Larch, 8 p.m. Tickets $15/$18 at the door. For more information, see vivaldichoir. org or phone 604-221-0665. • Dec. 17: The Sumner Brothers Christmas. This local indie-roots act presents its ﬁfth annual Christmas show replete with Christmas lights, a tree, photos on Santa’s knee and prizes for the best Christmas sweaters. Ben Rogers and Their There will also play. The WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac St. 8 p.m. • Dec. 17 and 18: The Christmas Carol Project. Juno-nominated Edmonton-based folk musicians

present the songs they’ve written from the perspectives of each character in Dickens’ tale. 8 p.m. at The Cultch, 1895 Venables St. Tickets from $36 at The Cultch’s box office, 604-251-1363 or thecultch.com. • Dec. 18: Winter Harp. Winter Harp is an ensemble of harps, medieval instruments, flute, tambourines and temple bells, poetry and song. The musicians, dressed in medieval attire, will perform well-known carols to Celtic, medieval and world numbers at St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church. 7:30 p.m. Tickets at Zulu Records, Celtic Creations, ticketstonight.ca or 604-684-2787. • Dec. 19: Blues for Christmas 25th Anniversary. Twelve bands and 75 Vancouver musicians, including Jim Byrnes, Jerry Doucette and Dalannah Gail Bowen and Straight Up will perform in an event to benefit the Downtown Eastside Centre for the Arts and Our Music Family Society, a new organization dedicated to providing assistance to musicians in

times of life-threatening illness. The Commodore Ballroom, show at 7 p.m. $25 in advance; $35 at the door, plus a non-perishable food time. Ticketmaster.ca or 604-280-4444. • Dec. 19: Russian Christmas in Vancouver. Russian Theatre Palme Presents an interactive family-friendly event with a play, Russian royal buffet, games and surprises for kids at 5 p.m. at 2114 West Fourth Ave. To order tickets: 604-763-1462, 604-4384363 or palmestudio@gmail.com. • Dec. 20: Dickens in December: A Victorian Christmas Celebration. Learn about Charles Dickens and “A Christmas Carol,” through dance, music, theatre and a sing-along at this all-ages event. Performances 7 p.m. at St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Ave. $5 and $10 at the door. Half the proceeds go to the Vancouver Food Bank. • Dec. 21: Winter Solstice Lantern Making. The Secret Lantern Society and In the House present lantern making, music by the Harpoonists and the Axe Murderer and storytelling with Naomi Steinberg and Maggie Winston near Commercial Drive. Shows and workshops start at 6 p.m. with a procession to Britannia Community Centre at 7 p.m. Shows by donation; workshop $5. Email info@inthehousefestival. com to pre-register. For more information, see secretlantern.org. • Dec. 29 to Jan. 1: The Nutcracker. Ballet B.C. presents the Vancouver premiere of Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Two evening performances and three matinees. Ticketmaster.ca 604-280-3311. crossi@vancourier.com

For youth living on the streets, there is no home for the

holidays...

Vancouver’s problem with homelessness is at an all time high, with many of those with no home of their own being under the age of 24. At the Courier, we decided to provide an opportunity to our readers to give a little cheer and kindness to the youth on our streets this holiday season.

Here’s how you can help:

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When out shopping for those stocking stuffers this holiday season, see what’s on special and grab an extra something on top of your usual purchase. Please note that we ask all items we collecting to be NEW (please, no used goods at this time)!

Suggested gifts include:

Socks, underwear, mittens, gloves, scarfs, toques, boots, jackets, blankets or sleeping bags, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental ﬂoss, deodorant, soap etc... Transit tickets, grocery vouchers or restaurant/fast-food/coffee shop gift certiﬁcates

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Directions to Youth Services centre, operated by Family Services of Greater Vancouver is our partner in this endeavour, and will distribute the goods to youth who are homeless or living in atrisk situations. Anything you can give will help make the holidays a little easier for the youth on our streets.

Thank you for your support!

Happy Holidays!

Simply drop your items off in the big box situated in the Courier lobby at 1574 West 6th Ave., near Fir St. by Friday, December 17th. Hours are Mon-Fri, 8:30 am to 4:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

B.C. Hall of Fame baseball reporter and former Province newspaper scribe Clancy Loranger died Dec. 4 in Burnaby. He was 89. Loranger began his career in 1939 and retired at 65 in 1986, never stepping far from the sports arena. He covered the Canucks when they played in the Western Hockey League and was remembered this week by Vancouver Canadians owner Jake Kerr, who called Loranger “the dean of baseball writers in Vancouver.” In a news release, Kerr credited Loranger for his “tremendous service to the game both professionally and throughout the amateur ranks. He gave our sport a voice and will forever be remembered for that commitment.” To recognize his contribution to civic life, the Vancouver park board named the boulevard leading to Nat Bailey Stadium as Clancy Loranger Way. He also has a seat reserved for him at the bar in the media lounge at Paciﬁc Coliseum. The Canadians and the Loranger family will remember the late writer at Nat Bailey Stadium Dec. 15 at 12 p.m.

Soccer à Paris

While Qatar will host the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Russia the 2022 international contest, The Homeless World Cup of Soccer will play out next summer in Paris. Sixty-four teams will compete at the ninth annual event and more than 500 players will congregate on the Champs-de-Mars in clear sight of the Eiffel Tower. Canada sent its ﬁrst Vancouver team to the World Cup in Brazil this summer.

Mindful sport

Former Canadian No. 1 badminton champ and Olympian Anna Rice hosts a sport psychology seminar for young athletes 10 years and older and their parents. Just as we train our bodies and develop physical technique, says Rice, we must also train our minds and develop mental skills. The workshop is sponsored by Choose Again, a counselling and healing centre that Rice says improved her athletic performance and personal decision-making. It’s Dec. 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Vancouver Lawn and Tennis Club—$10 for adults, $5 for kids under 19. —M.S.

Dunbar Little League President Joe McDermott is opposed to a park board proposal to introduce user fees for photo Dan Toulgoet youth sports on grass ﬁelds in Vancouver, which they currently get for free.

sports & recreation

Loranger remembered

EW41

Proposed fees for youth sports divide ﬁeld users Megan Stewart Staff writer

Youth sports leagues could be paying to use grass fields and ballparks in 2011 if the Vancouver park board approves a plan to charge teams $2 for every hour of game time and practice. A recent park board staff report indicates youth user fees could generate $100,000 that would be put toward a $1.03 million budget shortfall. The city is short $20 million for next year’s operating budget and is asking its departments to cut costs or generate revenue. Children and teen athletic organizations pay nothing to use the city’s public grass pitches. Synthetic turf fields cost youth leagues $22 per hour. For-profit adult leagues pay $46 per hour to use turf fields and $12 or $15 for grass fields, depending on grade. Opponents say the fee presents a barrier that may deter some families from enrolling their kids in field sports such as soccer, ultimate, football and baseball. “Any additional financial burden will have an effect on running this organization,” said Joe McDermott, the president of Dunbar Little League. He estimates additional charges of $3,500 to $5,000 will be passed on to families next summer if the user fee is ap-

proved at a park board meeting Dec. 13. “That would mean adding another $5 to $8 for every kid.” The non-profit Dunbar Little League is capped at 650 players between the ages of four and 12 because field space is at a premium. Families pay $95 per child, which goes toward league operations and insurance as well as special gravel for the infield, uniforms and umpires. The league runs at cost, depending on expenses and cyclical maintenance. “It all adds up fairly quickly,” said McDermott. “Thirty-five hundred dollars is a lot of a equipment.” NPA park board commissioner Ian Robertson criticized the decision to charge a fee that isn’t guaranteed to directly benefit the paying users. “The money that other municipalities take from fees, they put back into maintaining the fields,” he said, giving Richmond as an example. “If that were to be the case [in Vancouver], I would not have a huge issue with this. Nor do I think the community sports leagues would have a concern if they knew money being charged was going back into maintaining the fields.” However, he said, “The rationale for introducing the fee is to offset our operating budget.”

KUDOS &

KVETCHES

DAILY: the blog

The Vancouver Field Sports Federation is not taking a position on the proposed user fees, but the organization’s president said he is personally in favour of the idea. Craig Woods said a minimal user fee for youth in addition to the fee for adult clubs is an effective deterrent against booking blocks of field time when less time is actually needed. He gave the example of groups booking multiple hours of field time but using far less once their game and practice schedules are solidified. “Because there is no actual cost, they traditionally haven’t had any incentives to adjust their bookings to match their needs,” said Woods. The park board asks groups to release unused field time. The federation represents more than 40,000 members and generates $500,000 for the park board through membership, said Woods. In McDermott’s experience, ball diamonds are at a premium for East and West Side little leagues. “If we had field space, we’d use it,” he said. “It’s not a question of not booking to save money. We can’t even find field space to add more kids to the league.” mstewart@vancourier.com Twitter: @MHStewart

Because you shouldn’t have to wait twice a week to be

offended

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THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

sports & recreation

Environment Canada ended reports after Winter Olympics

Cancelled forecast worries backcountry visitor

Megan Stewart Staff writer

NO LONGER AT

Help us prevent kids from making bad choices.

Vancouverites hitting the slopes of local mountain resorts or heading into the unpredictable backcountry of the North Shore can no longer rely on the alpine recreation forecasts of Environment Canada. The Meteorological Society of Canada, the weather office of the federal environment bureau, ended its subscription winter weather forecast after the Olympic Games, leaving the private sector to fill the need of tailoring weather reports to specific mountain locations near Vancouver. “The federal weather service changed philosophy, so to speak,” said David Jones, a senior meteorologist with Environment Canada based in Vancouver. The alpine recreation forecast was considered a commercial product and was not distributed to the general public. Subscribers, including Seymour and Whistler Blackcomb mountain resorts, made the information available on their websites. The forecast was invaluable to Jerry Pedersen who spends a few weekends each month snowshoeing in the woods near a cabin in Mount Seymour Provincial Park and relied on the Seymour ski resort to publicize the alpine forecast. “In the winter, the North Shore mountains claim the odd victim. It’s dangerous up there. Every little safety edge people can use is vital,” he said. The Kitsilano resident ap-

Kitsilano resident and outdoor enthusiast Jerry Pedersen relied on Environment Canada’s alpine recreation forecast when snowshoeing in the backcountry of photo Dan Toulgoet Mount Seymour Provincial Park. plauded the Seymour resort for sharing what he considered essential safety information. “It’s simple, it’s really accurate, it’s well-written and it’s been a very valuable tool.” Pedersen ﬁled a complaint with Environment Canada over their decision to rescind the alpine forecast to the private sector. Seymour resort is temporarily relying on the free, computer-generated weather reports from snow-forecast.com, a service based in Wales. Pedersen said the replacement forecast doesn’t leave him with the same sense of security. “It’s going to change my feeling about how I use

Jock and Jill with Megan Stewart

Konar MVP

give.uwlm.ca Please give.

Gridiron pedigree runs in the family for Vancouver College’s Adam Konar. Named the most-valuable player of the weekend’s AAA high school football championship game, Konar is the son of former Fighting Irish alumnus, UBC T-Birds linebacker and two-time Grey Cup winner with the B.C. Lions, Kevin Konar. The Fighting Irish won the 2010 Subway Bowl Dec. 4 at Empire Field by a margin of 13 points over the previously undefeated Terry Fox Ravens of Coquitlam. In the 28-15 win, Konar played both sides of the scrimmage line, bringing in three touchdowns and two interceptions.

the alpine. I absolutely feel less safe.” The Environment Canada forecast provided multi-day weather reports on precipitation, sky condition, air temperature, freezing level, snow fall accumulations, wind speed and wind direction for elevated mountain locations on the North Shore. “Everything that is critical,” said Jones. “If you’re planning a trip and there’s a major snow storm coming on days three, four, or ﬁve, you want to know about that. It becomes a very valuable planning tool.” He said the value of the forecasts came from the professional analysis of meteorol-

“Adam is a very dominant athlete,” said the school’s athletic director Scott Vass. “He’s got all the necessary skills to play both ways. Not only has he natural talent, he also has a great work ethic.” The Grade 12 student played running back and free safety for the Irish’s ﬁrst AAA championship win since 1994.

Football All-stars

Counting down to the Subway Bowl championship game, the B.C. High School Football Association held its awards gala and announced the 2010 All-star team. Student athletes from Vancouver College and Notre Dame were recognized; Vancouver’s lone public school team at Hamber secondary is in the ﬁrst year of its program. VC quarterback Jeff Tichelman was named the province’s all-star pivot. Brydon Cotter of VC and Roberto Perizzolo of ND made the offen-

ogists, including human input, knowledge and skill. “There is definitely a void of important information for folks who are heading out to the backcountry, pretty much anywhere. Province-wide, lots of folks haven’t had the added benefit of site-specific forecasts forever, essentially.” Environment Canada previously forecast winter conditions for the North Shore, Mount Washington, Hemlock Valley and even Mount Baker south of the border. The forecast operated on a cost-recovery basis and coincided with the ski seasons at Whistler Blackcomb and Seymour mountain resorts. Both

sive line and Reiner Theil of VC was named all-star receiver while the accolade of all-star running back went to ND’s Shane Devlin. On defense, Christian Covington of VC took home the MVP title while Daniel Kalinowski of VC and Michael Herdman of ND made the all-star defensive line. Adam Konar and Sean Mayzes, both of VC, were named all-star defensive backs.

HSBC Classic

One of Canada’s most exciting and anticipated basketball tournaments begins this week with the promise of awarding $100,000 in scholarships and prizes to more than 2,000 elementary and secondary school students. The 11th annual HSBC Basketball Classic runs Dec. 8 to 11 and serves as a must-see opening act for a season of hoops play and performance. The tournament forfeits the accolades of most-valuable player and instead recognizes student athletes

were subscribers and paid approximately $400 each month to supplement their own snow reports. Although the service was cancelled in 2006, forecasts continued until last season to accommodate the 2010 Games. The Canadian Avalanche Centre, North Shore Rescue and B.C. Parks also relied on information from the Environment Canada alpine forecast to enhance their own field research and the data collection. Tim Jones with North Shore Rescue said his emergency response teams draw from multiple forecasts, both from commercial and government meteorologists, to gather up-to-the-minute information as needed. “The weather system changes hour to hour. The main thing is it gives us a firm idea whether we actually put people in the field and into a high avalanche situation,” he said. North Shore Rescue works closely with the Canadian Avalanche Centre to determine hazardous conditions and evaluate risk in real-time. Until this year, the Canadian Avalanche Centre used the government’s alpine recreation forecast but now pays for weather reports from Mountain Weather Services, a private forecasting operation run by a former Environment Canada meteorologist. Recreationalists heading to the mountains can visit avalanche.ca for regional winter forecasts. mstewart@vancourier.com Twitter: @MHStewart

who have demonstrated outstanding citizenship, leadership and academic performance. In addition to a high school boys and girls division, the HSBC Classic runs divisions for elementary school girls and boys, wheelchair athletes, First Nations teams and a cheer competition. A detailed schedule of play is available at kelseyhansen.com. The semi-ﬁnal games go down at Winston Churchill on Dec. 10 and the ﬁnal games will be contested at UBC’s War Memorial Gym Dec. 11. Tickets are $10.

B-ball pics

Visit vancourier.com throughout the week for action shots and courtside drama from the HSBC Classic basketball tournament courtesy of Courier photographer Dan Toulgoet. We also want your pics to share with our online readers year-round. Send them to sportsandrec@vancourier.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER MMU

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1010

Announcements

ATTENTION RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SURVIVORS! If you received the CEP (Common Experience Payment), you may be eligible for further cash compensation. To see if you qualify, phone toll free 1-877-988-1145 now. Free service!

1085

Lost & Found

FOUND DAISIES glasses near Blanca and 7th Ave. CALL TO ID 604-224-6191 FOUND. KEYS found in Pacific Spirit Park, Tuesday, Nov. 30, on Sasamat Trail. Call 604 224 9174 to claim. LOST. ARL NECKLACE Wednesday, DEC. 1st, 2010, in alley between W.43rd and W. 44th Ave. Please call 604 732-4207 if found. LOST Gold Chain Necklace with small pendant, vicinity S.E. Marine Dr,. Superstore or Wendy’s, Dec 2nd. 604-329-2957. Sentimental. Reward

1110

LOST: SILVER-GREY Persian cat, in Fromme Rd area of Lynn Valley. If found call, call 604-985-6565 reward. LOST WEDNESDAY, Dec 1st 2010, a PEARL NECKLACE in alley between W. 43rd and W. 44th Ave @ West Boulevard. REWARD 604-732-4207 if found

Volunteers Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services

Wishes to fill vacancies on the Advisory Committee. Persons interested in serving the community, in a voluntary capacity, on the VF&RS Advisory Committee is invited to submit their resume to the attention of: Charmaine Susanthan, Office of the Fire Chief, at charmaine.susanthan@vancouver.ca, no later than Friday, December 17th, 2010. Please refer to http://vancouver.ca/fire/about/ cac/aboutcac.cfm for the committee Terms of Reference and Minutes of past meetings.

EMPLOYMENT 1240

General Employment

Capoeira Ache Brasil seeking Capoeira Inst/Perf. Min. 3 yrs exp. as instructor. Must sing & perf. Brazilian dance. Portuguese nec. $26/hr. 30 hr wk. info@achebrasil.com

1240

General Employment

SKYLINE seeking F/T Cleaning Supervisor. Must have compl. high school & sev. yrs of exp.

OFFICE & BUILDING CLEANER (Light Duty Cleaner) needed. $9.50-$13.50/hr, 40 hrs/wk, day evening - night shift, 1 year exp. Send resume by mail to Innova Dev. Corp., 2719 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, V5T 3E9, email michaelcayetano@gmail.com, Fax 604-568-6348 before Dec 15, 2010

CHILD CARE WORKER

Personal Trainer Certification Earn up to $70/hr as a Personal Trainer. Government Financial Aid may be avail. 604-930-8377 See our ad in todays paper under Education.

$18/hr e-res: info@skylinesolutions.ca

needed to run After School Care Program at a local private school on Vancouver’s West Side. Requirements:

• 2 years experience working with children ages 5 to 13 • Some experience in teaching elementary school or ECE preferred • Clean criminal record check • Current ﬁrst-aid certiﬁcate • Dependable • Solid communication skills The successful applicant will be able to work from 2:30pm-5:30pm Monday to Friday. Position is available immediately. Please email Mr. W. Lee, at wlee@wpga.ca, if you are interested in more information.

General Employment

FLORAL MERCHANDISER

Need a PT job? 1-2 days per week? Floral merchandiser required for Costco in Burnaby & Willingdon. Great for seniors, retirees, mature adults. Fax resume to 604-412-9959

DON GUACAMOLE’S seeking F/T Food Serv. Supervisor. Comp. highschool & sev. yrs of exp. a must. Spanish lang. an asset but not mandatory. $13.50/hr. oviedo781@hotmail.com EXTRAORDINARY LEAGUE CONTRACTING hiring F/T Carpenter-Joiner. Must have min. 4 yrs exp & high school diploma. $ 24 hr / e-res: info@exle.ca

1248

Home Support

LIVE IN caregiver needed to care for 6 yr old child. Email Reply clagria@yahoo.com

Announcements

CRIMINAL RECORD? Canadian pardon seals record. American waiver allows legal entry. Why risk employment, business, travel, licensing, deportation? All CANADIAN / AMERICAN Work & Travel Visa’s. 604-282-6668 or 1-800-347-2540

1240

Some great kids aged 12 to 18 who need a stable, caring home for a few months. If you’ve been looking for a home-based opportunity to do meaningful, fulfilling work. Qualified applicants receive training, support and monthly remuneration. Funding is available for modifications to better equip your home. A child at risk is waiting for an open door. Make it yours. Call 604-708-2628 www.plea.ca

LIVING WELL HOME CARE SERVICES

is currently looking for qualified, caring, & reliable

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS for Live In - especially weekends & Hourly - including overnight

Positions in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Bowen Island, & Squamish. Please visit the Employment page of our website: www.livingwellhomecare.ca for more info. To apply, send resume (indicate if you are interested in a Live In and/or Hourly position) & availability (days & hours) to email: employment@ livingwellhomecare.ca or fax: 604-904-3758 Quote job # LWPM

1250

Hotel Restaurant

F/T FUSION STYLE COOK for Hime Japanese Restaurant in Vancouver Completion of Secondary School 3 yrs or more experience in Fusion Style cooking Fluency in Korean $17.30/hour, 40 hrs/week Email himejapan.lee@gmail.com Fax: 604-909-2793 VANCOUVER TIBET KITCHEN seeks one Cook specializing in Tibetan Cuisine for Permanent Full time position. $17 per hour will be paid. Must have minimum 3 yrs experience. Knowledge in Tibetan or Hindi an asset. Apply in person between 12 PM to 6 PM or mail resume to 6591 fraser Street, Vancouver, BC. V5X 3T6.

1270

Office Personnel

PURCHASING ASSISTANT

required by a leading Canadian based supplier of Horticulture solutions in Delta. This position requires a hardworking professional with great attention to detail, superb organizational skills and the ability to multitask. You have: Previous purchasing success, experience with pricing, costing and margins, strong computer skills and a minimum of intermediate Excel skills. Please submit a cover letter, resume and salary expectations. Purchaser2011@gmail.com

1270

Office Personnel

DO YOU LIKE VARIETY? Downtown CA firm has an immediate opening for a parttime (3-4 days/wk) Administrative Assistant/ Filing Clerk. Your duties will include keeping our file room in meticulous order (approx 50% of job), relief reception, banking, mail and sundry other misc. jobs. Strong spoken English, good typing skills (min. 50 wpm) and attention to detail are required. If you enjoy people and like variety, this is the job for you. Send your resume to: Human Resources Rolfe, Benson Chartered Accountants 1400 - 900 W. Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6C 1E3 Fax: 604-684-7937 or Email: reyre@rolfebenson.com

1285

Retail Sales

CASHIER / RETAIL SUPERVISOR required at Shell Gas Station, Granville & 71st Ave. Full time, 40 hrs/wk, $16.50 per hr. Applicant must possess Bachelors Degree & 18 months experience in retail or cashier. Fax resume to 604-261-6391 or email: C01018@mktng.ca

1300

1310

Trades/Technical

A division of Postmedia Network Inc.

TRUTH IN ''EMPLOYMENT'' ADVERTISING Postmedia Community Publishing makes every effort to ensure you are responding to a reputable and legitimate job opportunity. If you suspect that an ad to which you have responded is misleading, here are some hints to remember. Legitimate employers do not ask for money as part of the application process; do not send money; do not give any credit card information; or call a 900 number in order to respond to an employment ad. Job opportunity ads are salary based and do not require an investment. If you have responded to an ad which you believe to be misleading please call the Better Business Bureau at 604-682-2711, Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm or email inquiries@bbbvan.org and they will investigate.

251-4473

www.sprottshaw.com

FEATURED EMPLOYMENT

ENSIGN ENERGY SERVICE INC. is looking for experienced Drilling Rig, & Coring personnel for all position levels. Drillers, Coring Drillers $35. - $40.20.; Derrickhands $34., Motorhands $28.50; Floorhands, Core Hands, Helpers $24. - $26.40. Plus incentives for winter coring! Telephone 1-888-ENSIGN-0 (1-888-367-4460). Fax 780-955-6160. Email: hr@ensignenergy.com.

EXPERIENCED CLASS 1 DRIVERS

for REGIONAL FLAT DECK and SUPER TRAIN POSITIONS

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY with an Excellent Company! DAVIS GM in Lethbridge, AB is looking for an AUTOBODY TECHNICIAN to join their team. Please submit your resume to info@hire-standard.com or call Lorie at 403-394-2501. TECHNICIAN REQUIRED. Bow Valley Ford, Canmore, Alberta. Great working conditions in a very busy shop with great rates & full benefits package. Contact Joe Hawkeye, 403-679-2270. Fax 403-679-2271. Email jhawkeye@bowvalleyford.com

We Offer:

• • • •

WANTED JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS. Big Lakes Dodge, High Prairie, Alberta. Top Wages, excellent benefit package and working hours. Call Tim 780-523-5007 or Email: tim@biglakesdodge.com

Health Beneﬁts Company RRSPs Dedicated Fleet Managers Pre-Planned Dispatch

working.com • working.com • working.com

Teachers/ Instructors

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION INSTRUCTOR CanScribe Career College offers one of the top Medical Transcription programs in Canada and we are seeking an onsite instructor to join our team. You will work under the direction of our Senior Academic Officer to help ensure the success of our student body. You take pride in your work and love helping people succeed. You have graduated from a recognized MT program and have at least 2 years’ experience working as an MT. QA and/or instructor experience is a definite asset. CanScribe offers a competitive salary, benefits, profit sharing, travel opportunities and an excellent working environment. Please email your resume with cover letter and salary expectations to jclarke@canscribe.com

Call our East Vancouver Campus

(604)

Advertising Account Manager

Full Time Position

The NOW has an immediate opening for an experienced Advertising Account Manager. Utilizing your strong outside sales experience, you will be responsible for: • the management and growth of an established territory • developing advertising programs for print and online • prospecting for new business • exceeding client expectations This position requires great attention to detail, the ability to multi-task, prioritize work, and to work under tight time-lines. Strong communication skills a must. The ideal candidate will possess: • previous advertising/media sales experience, or recent sales and marketing diploma • a track record of success • strong written and verbal communication skills • a willingness to work as part of a winning sales team • a valid BC drivers’ licence and reliable vehicle. Thank you to all applicants for their interest. Only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

201A-3430 Brighton Ave., Burnaby, B.C. V5A 3H4 www.thenownews.com A division of Postmedia Network Inc.

If you are interested in this position, please e-mail your resumé and cover letter to: Catherine Ackerman, Advertising Sales Manager cackerman@thenownews.com by Friday, December 10, 2010. No phone calls please.

EW44

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

Christmas Calendar

GARAGE SALES

at 3H Craftworks 2208 West 4th

Dec 1 - Dec 24

LIKE NEW! 200 100 $ 150 $ 100 $ 300 $ 750 $ $

604.306.5134

Mon - Thu: 10am - 6pm Fri: 10am - 8pm Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm

2020

Vancouver’s ﬁnest felt decorations & accessories. Supporting peoples with disabilities in Greater Vancouver

EDUCATION

Appliances

Fridge Stove Washer Dryer Stacker Coin W/D set

44th 43 rd Annual Christmas Open House

604-736-2113

2010

Auctions

Portable Classrooms for Sale

SHAUGHNESSY ESTATE SALE

Contents of large home include: Pedestal table, sectional, sofabed, rugs, armoire, TVs, desk, dressers, garden furniture, BBQ, books & more. All must go! Sat, Dec 11th, 9 -12 1504 Balfour Ave

View: www.estatesales.bc.ca

To advertise call

604-630-3300

H - WILSON HEIGHTS ★ THRIFT SHOP ★ 1634 East 41st Ave (at Argyle)

Fri, Dec 10th, 5 - 7 pm Sat, Dec 11th, 9am - 12

Richmond WHOLESALERS WAREHOUSE Moving & Clearance Sale Open to public Mon to Sat 11am - 5 pm 2300 Simpson Rd. Richmond, 604-270-1050 $1items, gift items, electronics,

The Province of British Columbia in conjunction with School District 42 is selling via on-line auction, 4 portable classrooms, located in Maple Ridge, BC. For complete details and to bid please log on to www.bcauction.ca For further information please email: greg.lamb@gov.bc.ca

2060

For Sale Miscellaneous

CAN’T GET UP YOUR Stairs? Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad and get 10% off your new Stairlift. Call 1-866-981-6591

food items & MUCH MORE !!

GRAD DRESS ALERT!!

From here. To career. The Shortest Path To Your Health Care Career Train today for: • Health Care Assistant • Pharmacy Assistant • Medical OLce • Early Childhood Education • Medical Records Clerk and more.... Most programs are One Year or less Get practical training from experienced healthcare professionals Multiple start dates mean you can start working toward your career as soon as you’re ready

Find your perfect home at

househunting.ca

2020

Auctions

NEXT AUCTION: Dec. 11, 9am CAN-AM AUCTIONS

Industrial, Construction, Forklifts, Farm & Turf Equip., Fleet Trucks & Trailers, Lumber, Boats . . . see web for more! Cars & Trucks, 9am Start!!!

Located in Langley just minutes from Vancouver WE WELCOME INDUSTRIAL SMALLS.

6780 Glover Rd., Langley, BC • Phone: 604-534-0901 www.canamauctions.com

EDUCATION 1410

Education

FOODSAFE 1 DAY COURSES – ONLY $62 BEST VALUE GUARANTEED Classes Every Sat, Sun & Monday Taught by Certiﬁed Public Health Inspectors ADVANCE Hospitality Education BC’s #1 Foodsafe Choice

www.advance-education.com

604-272-7213

1410

Education

Personal Trainer Certiﬁcation

Earn up to $70/hr as a Personal Trainer. Government Financial Aid may be available. 604-930-8377 Hilltop Academy

Hey are you looking for your Grad Dress 2011? 3 Dresses available! Only Worn ONE time. Will sacrifice @ 1/2 price from original price!! Original Total Value Paid $1250 + taxes. Size Small: Blue dress asking $75, Size 4: Red dress asking $275, and Size 6: Black dress asking $275, again only worn once, mint condition!!! Call or email for photos and info at: 604-880-0288 mandi_babi@hotmail.com Serious buyers only please! STEEL BUILDING SALE... SPECIALS from $4 to $11/sq.ft. Great pricing on ABSOLUTELY every model, width and length. Deposit holds for spring delivery. Pioneer Steel Manufacturers 1-800-668-5422.

1410

Education

2060

For Sale Miscellaneous

100%KONACOFFEE&BLENDS. LOCALLY roasted to order. Perfect Foodie Gift. $55lb Indulge! coffeeofkona@gmail.com HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best Price, Best Quality. All Shapes & Colors Available. Call 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.ca

OAK BARREL Candle Stand Wooden Toys and Gifts @ http://www.woodtoyshop.ca

2070

Fuel

TOP KNOT FIREWOOD est 1981 Dry Alder, Birch & Maple. Pick up or delivered. Rod 604-985-7193

www.FirewoodDeliveryVancouver.com Alder / Birch / Maple • Delivered ✫ 604-328-9722 ✫

2075

Furniture

SOFA, LOVESEAT, leather sell $1850 cost $6,500, marble coffee tble $800. electric heater $39. new white china set, night lamp, picture frame, lrg mirror, 604-329-0008

2095

Lumber/Building Supplies

#1A STEEL BUILDING SALE! Save up to 60% on your new garage, shop, warehouse. 6 colors available! 40 year warranty! Free shipping, the first 20 callers! 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca STEEL BUILDINGS PRICED TO CLEAR - Incredible end-ofseason factory discounts on various models/sizes. Plus FREE DELIVERY to most areas. CALL FOR CLEARANCE QUOTE AND BROCHURE - 1-800-668-5111 ext. 170

nsnews.com

1410

Education

APARTMENT/CONDOMINIUM MANAGERS (CRM) home study course. Many jobs registered with us across Canada! Thousands of grads working! Government certified. 30 years of success! www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-681-5456. FOODSAFE 1 DAY COURSES Guaranteed best value! Six Metro Vancouver Locations: Vancouver • Burnaby • Surrey • Richmond • Coquitlam • Maple Ridge All our Instructors are also working local Health Inspectors! Classes held each week & weekend! Course materials available in 6 languages. Same-day Certification. Visit our website at www.foodsafe-courses.com or call 604-272-7213 ADVANCE Hospitality Education – B.C.’s #1 Choice for Foodsafe & WorldHost Training.

1415

Music/Theatre/ Dance

Reg. now! piano, theory lessons. New students of all ages & levels are welcome. Linda Jentsch B. MUS. ARCT. Call 604-224-7935

1420

Tutoring Services

ENGLISH, Grades 8 - 12, by experienced professional. West side. 604-274-6234

Looking for a career in

Step into the career you’ve been dreaming of. Call today!

van.vccollege.ca

Education?

1.800.993.4086 Log on to working.com to ﬁnd a job you’ll love.

Keyword: Education .com/VancouverCareerCollege

.com/VCCollege

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

2105

Musical Instruments

PLAYER PIANO, WILLIAMS fine tone, refinshed cabinet, 200 rolls, $3500 neg. 604-970-3462

2110

3508

Dogs

Office Equipment and Furniture

ENGLISH MASTIFF pups, M/F, p/b, papers, dewormed, 1st shots, 9 wks. $1,850. (1)-604-316-5644

CHOCOLATE LAB PUPS. CKC Reg’d, M/F, hips & eyes clear, shots, dew claw removed, $1200. Ready Dec 18. Jim 604-454-8643

3508

Dogs

3508

Dogs

3508

PERSIAN KITTENS white, silver, black & tri colours. Playful & ready $350 each. 604.615.4356

RAGDOLLS & Exotic X Kittens 604 590-3727 www.puppiesfishcritters.com

★CATS & KITTENS★ FOR ADOPTION ! 604-724-7652

Dogs

2 AKC registered Yorkie terriers jmdouglas001@gmail.com

ALL SMALL breed pups local & non shedding $350+. 604-590-3727 www.puppiesfishcritters.com

AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL PUPS. Purebred, white, vetchecked, all shots, tails docked. $400. 604-858-5528 AMERICAN PIT BULL puppies $500, 9 wks, 2 male, 2 female, 1st shots, vet check 604-828-8819 www.thunderkennel.webs.com

BERNESE MOUNTAIN Dog Puppies, Male and Female, available January 4th. $1,200. Langley. 778-241-5504.

BERNESE MOUNTAIN Dog Pups, vet ✔ 1st shots, dewormed. $950. Chwk. 1-604-794-3561 BICHON/SHIH ZU pups, view parents, 1 shot vet ck. rdy, Dec 15 dep req. $450.00 604 936 6604

Foster homes urgently req’d for rescued, abandoned & neglected dogs. Many breeds. www. abetterlifedogrescue.com

LAB PUPPIES ready to go vet ✔ dewormed & vac. yellow, choc & blk females $475. 604-793-5185

BOSTON TERRIER Pups, CKC reg, vet chk’d, reputable breeder & exc pedigree. 1-604-794-3786

BOXER - CKC registered. Flashy fawn male boxers. Champion dam. Top lines. Mom is pictured at boxerdog.ca/jewel. $975/each. Call 604-596-2090 or 604-614-0952 or 604-792-9003 GERMAN SHEPHERD pups, shots, dewormed, parents to view. $550. 778-344-8280

Dogs

PIT BULL puppies male & female 1st shots, dewormed. View parents. Phone 604-701-1587 PITBULL PUPS, Blue Nose Rasors Edge/Gotti Lines. Wide Low & Very Bullie. $1000, call/text for info 604-819-6006

POODLE/SCHNAUZER X Great Xmas gift. doc’d tails, declawed. 2M/5F. 604-951-6890

RARE! CHOCOLATE, Blue French Bulldogs, 604-802-6934 www.westcoastrarebulldogs.com

ADS continued on next page

MALTESE PUPPIES, family raised, first shots, $700/each. Call 604-945-7807

SUDOKU DOBERMAN PUPS. Males. Tails/ears/dew claws done. Black/ tan. $1,500/each. 604-607-7433

GOLDEN RETRIEVER puppies, males, ready to go, dewormed, shots, $600. 604-792-9850

LAB X Husky pups, well mannered, indr trained, beautiful green eyes$350 Al 604-834-4300

RIDGEBACK PUPS PB $600 no papers parents avail for viewing. Ph 604-842-7199

LEGALS 5505

Legal/Public Notices

CRIMINAL RECORD? Guaranteed Record Removal since 1989. Confidential, Fast, Affordable. Our A+ BBB Rating assures EMPLOYMENT \TRAVEL & FREEDOM. Call for your FREE INFORMATION BOOKLET. 1-8-NOW-PARDON (1 866 972 7366). www.PardonServicesCanada.com NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS THE ESTATE OF JAMES NELSON MCCARNEY, DECEASED All persons having claims against the above estate are required to send full particulars of such claims to the undersigned Executor, c/o Clark Wilson LLP, 800 – 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3H1, on or before the 14th day of January, 2011, after which date the estate’s assets will be distributed, having regard only to claims that have then been received. Marius Soska Executor CLARK WILSON LLP Solicitors NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS RE: ESTATE OF CATHERINE LOUISE COOPER late of The Louis Brier Home and Hospital, 1055 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V6M 1W9 (the “Estate”) NOTICE is given that creditors and others having claims against the Estate are required to send them to the Executor, Robert William Cooper, at P.O. Box 11130, #3000 – 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3R3, on or before January 13, 2011, after which date the Estate assets will be distributed having regard only to claims that have been received. EXECUTOR: ROBERT WILLIAM COOPER SOLICITOR: Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP

5505

Legal/Public Notices

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS NOTICE is hereby given that creditors and others having claims against the estate of SEW, York Moi, deceased, formerly of 2123 Graveley Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5L 3B8, are required to send full particulars of such claims to the undersigned Executor at 2123 Graveley Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5L 3B8, on or before the 30th day of December, 2010, after which date the estate’s assets will be distributed, having regard only to claims that have been received. Executor, Executrix or Solicitor(s),Susan Wallace, joint executor with Shirley Campbell NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS NOTICE is hereby given that creditors and others having claims against the Estate of NOEL JOSLYN DALLEY, also known as NOEL DALLEY, Deceased, formerly of 302 – 4875 Heather Street, in the City of Vancouver, Province of British Columbia, who died on March 29, 2009, are hereby required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned Executor, at 2945 West 37th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6N 2T8, before January 10, 2011, after which date the Executor will distribute the said Estate among the parties entitled thereto, having regard to the claims of which he has notice. Norman Dalley, Executor

Fun By The Numbers

Like puzzles? Then you'll love Sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your Sudoku savvy to the test!

PUREBRED BLUE HEELERS Australian Cattle Puppies. Have had 1st shots and de-wormed. Chilliwack. Call 604-512-7560.

5505

Legal/Public Notices

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS

Re:YIN HO, Deceased, also known as Y. Ho and as Chow Yin, Retired Businesswoman, of 900 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia Creditors and others having claims against the estate of YIN HO, Deceased, also known as Y. Ho and as Chow Yin, are hereby notified under section 38 of the Trustee Act that particulars of their claims should be sent to Shelley Bentley, solicitor for the Executrix, Yvonne Phord-Toy, at #410-1333 West Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 4C1 on or before January 4th, 2011 after which date the Executrix will distribute the estate among the parties entitled to it, having regard to the claims of which the Executrix then has notice.

Here's How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must ﬁll each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can ﬁgure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Reduce Reuse Recycle The classiﬁeds can help! 604.795.4417 604.630.3300

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS Re: Estate of Kwok Lan otherwise known as Lan Kok and Lan Kwok, deceased, formerly of 411-2492 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5N 5Y3. Notice is hereby given to Creditors and others having claims against the estate of Kwok Lan otherwise known as Lan Kok and Lan Kwok, deceased, under Section 38 of the Trustee Act that particulars of their claims should be sent to the Administrator with Will Annexed, James Pak Ning Kok c/o Pryke Lambert Leathley Russell LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, at Suite 500 - North Tower, 5811 Cooney Road, Richmond, British Columbia, V6X 3M1, on or before February 1, 2011, after which date the Executor will distribute the estate among the parties entitled to it, having regard only to the claims that have been received. DATED at Richmond, British Columbia this 6th day of December, 2010. J. Karen, Dylla, Pryke Lambert Leathley Russell LLP, Solicitor for the Adminstrator with Will Annexed.

NOTICE OF INTENT RE: LIQUOR CONTROL & LICENSING ACT HOURS OF SALE FOR LIQUOR PRIMARY LICENSE

BLK LAB pups 2 M & 2 F, family raised ready Dec 11., vet checked $600. 604-991-4158 Chilliwack

3508

Dogs

Cats

KITTENS,10 WEEKS old to an approved home, 3 to choose from,604-823-0009 after 4:30 pm

3508

Dogs

BOXERS, CKC reg. show champion lines, 3 flashy brindle males, 1 reverse, chipped, wormed & shots, ready now, 604-987-0020

DREXEL 26 X 48 inch campaign style desk, oak/walnut, brass trim, leather. $1095. 604-929-2538

3507

3508

EW45

An application has been received by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, Victoria, BC, from Jericho Pub Inc., on behalf of The Cove Neighbourhood Pub at 3681 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC to change the hours of sale from the currently approved hours between 10:00am to 12:00am, Monday through Thursday, 11:00am to 1:00am Friday through Saturday and 11:00am to 12:00am Sunday; to 9:00am to 1:00am Sunday through Thursday and 9:00am to 2:00am, Friday and Saturday. Residents and owners of businesses located within a .8 kilometre (1/2 mile) radius of the proposed site may comment on this proposal by writing to: THE GENERAL MANAGER LIQUOR CONTROL AND LICENSING BRANCH P.O. Box 9292 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, British Columbia V8W 9J8 PETITIONS AND FORM LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED To ensure the consideration of your views, your letter must be received on or before January 1st, 2011. Your name(s) and address must be included. Please note that your comments may be made available to the applicant or local government officials where disclosure is necessary to administer the licensing process.

ACROSS

1. Wainscot 5. Glasgow inhabitant 9. Rural Free Delivery (abbr.) 12. Dry 13. Digital transmitting device 15. Picasso’s mistress 16. City historically called Jassy 17. White poplar 18. Fevers associated with malaria 19. Reciprocal of ohm 20. A way of coursing 22. Chinese kingdom, 304-439 AD 25. At all times 26. Being the ﬁrst or preliminary stage

DOWN

1. County in China 2. Ancient name for Syria 3. Restaurant clean up person 4. Unequivocally detestable 5. Senior ofﬁcer 6. Adult male swan 7. A lyric poem 8. Broadcasted on TV 9. Finger millet 10. Roman satyr 11. The least desirable portion 14. Princess of Colchis 15. Emerald month 21. Medical moniker 23. Possessed 24. Mongolian capital __ Bator 25. Issue forth

27. ___ Farrow, actress 28. Yuppie status car 31. To have 32. Pairs with Mamas 34. What we breathe 35. Pre-2002 Austrian money unit (abbr.) 36. Hawaiian geese 38. Point midway between S and SE 39. Decorate a cake with frosting 40. Military school student 42. Barbie’s boyfriend 43. Port in SW Scotland 44. Egyptian goddess 45. A fencing sword 26. Tobacco 28. Court game 29. One who hoards money 30. Small brown songbirds 31. First Chinese dynasty 33. Intersect to form a cross 37. Scottish tax 41. A citizen of Bangkok 44. Face coverings 46. Sir James Whyte and Shirley Temple 47. Atomic # 58 49. Chadic 50. Segments of a circle 51. The distribution of playing cards 52. Grab

47. Fitted instrument container 48. River sediment 49. Lunacy 53. ___ Dhabi, Arabian capital 55. The size of a surface 56. Sacred Muslim shrine 60. Walking aid 62. Striker’s replacement 63. Sedate 64. Klu Klux __ 65. Language of the deaf 66. Consequently 67. Kill a dragon (var. spel.)

54. Two-toed sloth 57. Swiss river 58. Not small 59. Rapid bustling movement 61. Point midway between NE and E

EW46

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

cont. from previous page

3508

Dogs

4530

YORKIE X PUPPIES Small size. Vaccinated. $575 to $675. 604-588-5195

3520

Travel Destinations

SUNNY SPRING Specials At Florida’s Best Beach New Smyrna Beach. Stay a week or longer. Plan a beach wedding or family reunion. www.NSBFLA.com or 1-800-541-9621.

Horses

OLDER TRAILS WEST horse trailer for sale. Asking $3000.00 Call and leave a message at 604-823-4804

4051

5035

Registered Massage Services

SWEDISH BODY MASSAGE & WAXING

$45/hr. $109 Head to toe pkg. $78/2hrs Body + Facial or Waxing pkg. Brazilian Waxing from $35

5020

Computer/ Internet

WEBSITE TONIGHT All the tools you will ever need at http://www.IansDomains.com

5035

Financial Services

3482 Main St. Van 604-376-1686

$500$ LOAN SERVICE, by phone, no credit refused, quick and easy, payable over 6 or 12 installments. Toll Free: 1-877-776-1660 www.moneyprovider.com

Try the Best 604-872-1702

Cut Your Debt by up to 70% DEBT Forgiveness Program

4060

Metaphysical

LOVE! MONEY! LIFE! #1 Psychics! 1-877-478-4410 CreditCards/Deposit $3.19/min 18+ 1-900-783-3800 www.mysticalconnections.ca

To advertise call

604-630-3300

Avoid Bankruptcy, Stops Creditor Calls. Much lower Payments at 0% Interest. We work for You, not Your Creditors.

Call 1-866-690-3328 www.4pillars.ca

IF YOU own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS will lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue. 1.800.587.2161 ***NEED INSTANT CASH FAST? 1st and 2nd Private Mortgage Loans up to 90% at Competitive Rates! Quick Closings! Call Daman Lehal – Broker/Owner – at 1-888-375-3631 or daman.lehal@eqlending.ca!***

RENTALS 6508

Apt/Condos

1 BR, Kerrisdale, newly reno’d, 750sf, 5 appls incld wd, large patio, ug prkg, heat incld, ns, avail Dec 1, $1200, 604-732-3989

1105-1146 Harwood St 1 br, 1 bath, shared wd, 500sf, leave, np, ns, now, $1100. Eric 604-723-7368 Prop Mngt

1602-3438 Vanness St. 1 Br, balc. 580sf, mtn & city view, Joyce Stn. lease, np, ns, $1200, now,, Eric 604-723-7368 Prop Mngt 2 BR, 2 bath, den, + prkg, 1707 -233 Robson St., 983 sqft, $2200/mth. Avail Jan. 1st. 604-921-8992 * 604-889-9410

6508

Apt/Condos

990 BROUGHTON OCEAN PARK PLACE VANCOUVER

1 bdrms starting at $1285

Water & heat incl. Trendy area off Robson Street. Minutes to the beach. Move in bonus. Call for details.

RENTALS 604-682 8422

www.caprent.com

Instant Cash!

Use your Car, Keep your Car No Credit Checks! Borrow from to $1000 to $20,000 from our local ofﬁce

604.628.2226 www.PITSTOPLOANS.com

5040

#1 JANITORIAL FRANCHISE Customers, (Office Cleaning), Training and support. Financing. www.coverall.com 604-434-7744 info@coverallbc.com

Unique Investment Opportunity Turn $5000 to $10,000 in 12 mos. A fun Food Product with a proven record. Call for info 604-205-9014

5060

Legal Services

DIAL-A-LAW OFFERS general information on a variety of topics on law in BC. 604-687-4680 (Lower Mainland) or 1.800.565.5297 (Outside LM); www.dialalaw.org (audio available). LAWYER REFERRAL Service matches people with legal concerns to a lawyer in their area. Participating lawyers offer a 30 minute consultation for $25 plus tax. Regular fees follow once both parties agree to proceed with services. 604-687-3221 (Lower Mainland) or 1.800.663.1919 (Outside LM).

6508

Apt/Condos

PENTHOUSE STUDIO new, 20th & Fraser, total upgrades, balcony, max view, $1100 Jan 1. Move allowance w/lease 604-250-4555

6522

Furnished Accommodation

1 BDRM Apt., Excellent Temporary Sublet, South Granville for 7 months or less. Avail March 1/11 $1000 mo Call 604-738-0893 1 BDRM garden apt, nice quiet South Van area, next to bus, shopping & golf course. Avail all or part of Jan -Jun 2011/ $1,075 mth. Call 604-828-7474 anytime. 1 BR spacious furnished, 989 Nelson St @ Burrard St, 15th flr, avail now. $1550, np ns. Call Mike 604-649-3028

601 West 57th Ave, Van

Spacious 1, 2 & 3 BR Rental Apartments and Townhouses in the Oakridge area at West 57th Ave and Cambie St. Included are heat & hot water, plus a spacious storage locker. Many suites have big patios and balconies with gorgeous views. Quiet and tasteful gardens, swimming pools, hot tub, gym, laundry facilities, gated parking and 16 shops & services. Near Oakridge Centre, Canada Line stations, Langara College, Churchill High School, Langara Golf Course and much more. Sorry no pets. For more information: 604-327-1178 info-vnc@langaragardens.com www.langaragardens.com Managed by Dodwell Strata Management Ltd.

8030

Carpentry

EXP’D CARPENTER available for Reno’s, int/ext, decks, fences, painting, drywall... 778-887-5871

8055

Cleaning

12TH & Quebec, Clean, Quiet, furn’d room, lady only, n/s, n/p, $425 incls utls. 604-576-1746

6540

Houses - Rent

STOP RENTING-RENT TO OWN ● No Qualification - Low Down ● COQUITLAM - 218 Allard St. 2 bdrm HANDY MAN SPECIAL!!! HOUSE, bsmt/2 sheds..$1,388/M NEW WEST- 1722-6th Av 2 bdrm HOUSE w/1 suite 2 f/p,Long term finance, new roof, RT-1..$1,988/M SURREY- 6297 134 St. Solid 5 bdrm HOUSE w/2 bdrm suite on 1/4 acre lot with views... $1,688/M

SOUTH SURREY- 15532 Madrona Dr 3 bdrm, HOUSE, quiet st, huge yard, dbl gar, 2 y.o. roof....$1,388/M CHILLIWACK - 9557 Williams, 3 bdrm, 1 bath, cozy HOUSE on 49x171’ lot, excellent investment property in heart of town..... $888/M Call (604)812-3718 or (604)786-4663

www.HomeBuyingCenter.ca

8073

Drainage

Crown Roofing & Drainage Residental Div. Roofing installations & repairs. 604-327-3086 DRAINAGE, SEWER & WATER Underground Video Inspection Call Tobias 604 782-4322 Mia Casa − Drain Tile/Sewer Line Water Line Repairs / Replacement & Cleaning. Vince 604-941-6060, Al 604-783-3142

7005

Body Work

8075

DEEP TISSUE Massage. Shoulder/feet/body. By Japanese College masseuse. Naniamo St. Morning discount. 778-588-0946

VICTORIA DRYWALL LTD. 25 yrs exp. Reno’s & New Constr. Call Bruno ★ 604-313-2763

604-739-3998

7010

Personals

DATING SERVICE. Long-Term/ Short-Term Relationships, FREE CALLS. 1-877-297-9883. Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes. 1-888-534-6984. Live adult casual conversations-1on1, 1-866-311-9640, Meet on chatlines. Local Single Ladies. 1-877-804-5381. (18+). FREE TO TRY. LOVE * MONEY * LIFE. #1 Psychics! 1-877-478-4410 $3.19 min. 18+ 1-900-783-3800 NOW HIRING GENTLEMEN! Attractive discreet, European lady is available for company 604-451-0175

Introducing the NEW

Buying or Renting, ﬁnd a great place to call home.

6522

Furnished Accommodation

2 BR, 2 Bath, beautiful town house, by Kits Beach, fully furn, Short term Dec 23rd - Jan. 30th, ns, np, $3500, 604-737-8996

6540

Houses - Rent

8080 A-1 House Cleaning. Free est. wk/bi-wk/mo. Own equip. Exc refs. Bonded workers. 604-764-7043

3 Bdrm Homes! Rent TO OWN! Poor Credit Ok, Low Down. Call Karyn 604-857-3597

6595

Shared Accommodation

6595-20

Coq./Poco/ Port Moody

ROOMMATE NEEDED to share 1800 sqft Townhouse in Port Moody, w/d, laminate floors, $595 incls utils, cable & internet, parking, indoor pool, nr SFU & Lougheed Mall. Suits professional working person or student. References Required. Avail Dec 15 or Jan 1. Call 778-846-5275

6602

Suites/Partial Houses

1 BDRM, near 10th/Alma, avail Now, N/S N/P, includes utils, ground level, self-contained, $1100/mo, call 778-378-3696 1 BR bsmt, large, near Commercial Dr. priv. wd, heated flrs, incl heat, new kitchen, $1150, cat ok, ns, 604-788-7390 1BDRM GROUND-LEVEL. Sunny, large suite with view, new carpet, d/w, fireplace; access to W/D. no pets. $850 incl utilities 604-432-9161 2 BR, $1,000 incl util, 7yr old ste, bright, clean, nr all ammens, ns, np, avail Dec 15th or Jan 1st 778-388-1705 or 604-909-0054 220 SALSIBURY Dr. 1 bdrm bsmt $850, 1 bdrm ste main $950, 2 bdrm top flr $1400, inlc utils, ns np, Avail now, 604-254-6956

Electrical

#1 A-CERTIFIED Lic. Electrician. New or old wiring. Reasonable rates. Lic #11967. 604-879-9394

A.S.B.A ENTERPRISE Comm/ Res, Free Est, $20/hr incls supplies, Insured, 604-723-0162 H.C. Office / House Cleaning Quality & Experience. Bonded & Insured. 604-725-0856

Computer Services

8058

COMPUTER SOLUTIONS 604-721-8434.. 15 yrs experience Cert. Prof. aplusconnectivity.ca

8060

Concrete

CONCRETE & ASPHALT

• Removal & Replace • Free Disposal • Free Estimates • Quality Guaranteed • Fully Insured • Commercial / Residential

L & L CONCRETE. All types: Stamped, Repairs, Pressure Wash, Seal Larry 778-882-0098

#1167 LIC Bonded. BBB, lrg & sm jobs, expert trouble shooter, WCB, low rates, 24/7. 617-1774. A. LIC. ELECTRICIAN #19807 Semi-retired wants small jobs only. 604-689-1747, pgr 604-686-2319 A Lic’d. Electrician #30582. Rewiring & Reno, Appliance/Plumbing. Rotor Rooter & Hydro Pressure Jetting Service, 604-255-9026 - 778-998-9026 Free Estimates / 24 Hr Service ELECTRIC AVE Installations. Electrian lic# 99207, Res/comm, www.electric-ave.ca 604-215-0562 LIC. ELECTRICIAN #37309 Commercial & residential renos & small jobs. 778-322-0934. YOUR ELECTRICIAN $29 service call. Insured. Lic # 89402. Fast same day service guaranteed. We love small jobs! 604-568-1899

8087

Houses - Sale

6020-01

Real Estate

uSELLaHOME.com

$99 can sell your home 574-5243 Delta Price Reduced studio condo, 19+ complex, pool, park, $99,900 597-8361 id4714 Sry Sullivan Mews ground lvl 1200sf 2br 2ba tnhse, 55+complex $220K 834-6935 id5136 Sry E Newton 1 acre lot with 2600sf 6br 2.5ba bungalow $479,900 778-549-2056 id5198 Sry Fleetwood immaculate 2450sf 4br 4ba quiet location $529,900 575-8729 id5270

★ ALERT: WE BUY HOUSES ★ Foreclosure Help! Debt Relief! No Equity! Don’t Delay! Call us First! 604-657-9422 * AT WE BUY HOMES *

one mini, drainage, landscaping, stump / rock / cement / oil tank removal. Water / sewer line, 24 hours Call 341-4446 or 254-6865

8090

* ATTENTION * WE BUY HOUSES WE CASH YOU OUT FAST!

We Also Take Over Your Payment Until Your House Is Sold. No Fees! No Risk!

Call us First! 604-700-4419

● DIFFICULTY SELLING?●

High Pymts/Expired Listing/No Equity?

We Will Take Over Your Payment Until We Sell Your Property. No Fees. Call Kristen today (604) 786 - 4663

www.HomeBuyingCenter.ca

❏WE BUY HOMES❏

Any Price, Any Location Any Condition. No Fees! No Risk! (604) 812-3718 OR (604) 786-4663

www.HomeBuyingCenter.ca

Fencing/Gates

S&S LANDSCAPING & FENCING

Factory Direct Cedar Fence Panel for Sale & Installation 8291 No.5 Rd Richmond Call 604-275-3158 West Coast Cedar Installations Fencing & Decking EST 1991

604-270-2358, Cell: 604-788-6458

8105

Flooring/ Refinishing

THE ART OF HARDWOOD FLOORS Installations Refinishing & Repairs Dust Free. Affordable Rates! Free Estimates.

Call: 604-240-3344 ANYTHING IN WOOD Hardwood flrs, install, refinishing. Non-toxic finishes. 604-782-8275

Artistry of Hardwood Floors

Refinish, sanding, install, dustless Prof & Quality work 604-219-6944 Century Hardwood Floors ★Hardwood flr refinishing ★Repairs ★ Staining ★ Free Estimate. Contact 604-376-7224 INSTALLATION REFINISHING, Sanding. Free est, great prices. Satisfaction guar. 604-518-7508

THE BUY T SELL T FIND T IN CLASSIFIEDS I I I

BUY SELLIT FINDIT IT

BUY T SELLIT FINDIT BUY SELL T FIND T I I I IT

6020

Houses - Sale

6020-01

Real Estate

www.bcforeclosures.com 5 BR home from $18,000 down $1,800/mo. 604-538-8888, Alain @ Sutton WC Realty W. Rock

6020-26

North Vancouver

YOU MUST SEE this Apt. in a prime position in Lower Lonsdale. 2 Br, 2 Baths In Suite wd, Gas fp, 6 Appls. Price $425,000 for 974sf. Phone: 604-988-6192

6030

Lots & Acreage

We Offer Quick Cash For Your House

Damaged Home! Older Home! Difficulty Selling! Call us first! No Fees! No Risks! 604-626-9647 www.webuyhomesbc.com

Excavating

# 1 BACKHOE, EXCAVATOR & BOBCAT

REAL ESTATE 6020

185 W 45 Ave. Oakridge. 5Br 4.5 bath, yard maintained by owner, 3500sf, lease, ns, np, now $3200. Eric 604-723-7368 Prop Mngt

Drywall

*Drywall * Taping * Texture * Stucco*Painting * Steel stud framing Quality Home 604-725-8925

CONCRETE SPECIALIST, patio sidewalk, driveway, exposed aggregate reas rate 604-764-2726

starting from $1150

LANGARA GARDENS

604.777.5046

HOME SERVICES

LMD Ltd. 604-540-6567

BEAUTIFUL APTS. 1 & 2 BR avail. Rates from $800. Call 604-327-9419.

rentals@capreit.net www.caprent.com

www.REALCARCASH.com

**RELIEVE ROAD RAGE**

1450 WEST GEORGIA ST.

RENTALS 604-669-4185

✔Do you Own a Car? ✔Borrow up to $10000.00 ✔No Credit Checks! ✔Cash same day, local ofﬁce

PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000 weekly Mailing Brochures from home. 100% Legit! Income is guaranteed! No experience required. Enroll Today! www.national-workers.com

MOVE-IN BONUS

Heart of Downtown, easy transit access. Large gym, laundry on every ﬂoor, dishwashers in all suites, in/outdoor parking.

Need Cash Today?

Chinese Full bodywork, gentle or deep tissue 15 yr exp’d Mon-Sat Call 604-329-8218. SE Burnaby

BACHELOR carpet, Avail Jan 1, $575. Knight & 63rd, quiet bldg. no pets, coin wd, 604-321-5540

1 & 2 bedrooms

Money to Loan

GET RESULTS! With a classified ad. Choose your province or across Canada. Best value. Pay a fraction of the cost compared to booking individual areas. www.communityclassifieds.ca or 1-866-669-9222.

318-3250 W Broadway 2 br, 2 bath, 300sf deck, balc. 1044sf, hi ceiling, lease, np, ns, $2100, now. Eric 604-723-7368 Prop Mngt

GEORGIAN TOWERS

5070

Business Opps/ Franchises

2901 - 939 Expo Blvd. view, 2 br, 1 bath, 747sf, lease, np, ns, pool, gym, $1800, avail now,Eric 604-723-7368 Prop Mngt

2 BR, nr 33rd & Windsor, nr bus & schools, $950 incls heat, h/w, cable, laundry, wireless internet ns, np, avail now 604-301-1781

204- 5725 Agronomy Rd. UBC 2 br corner, 2 bath, 900sf, granite, balc. lease, ns, np, $2300, now, Eric 604-723-7368 Prop Mngt

Financial Services

6040

OKANAGAN VIEW ACREAGE 10 acre view property, eastern hillside, upper Carmi Road (lot 4 Deerfield) Penticton, BC.. on school bus route, 6 km Paved Road to Penticton Regional Hospital. Power to Property Line. 1000 +/- Foot Frontage on Paved Road. City View and Okanagan Lake. View North to Peachland. Own your own piece of the beautiful Okanagan Valley for $375,000. Contact owners donaclair@shaw.ca

6050

6035

Mobile Homes

HOMES FOR Sale MODULAR HOME DEALS! 1232SF - Your Foundation $99,999.00! Also Top Quality GREEN-R-PANEL Prefab Building Kits / NO-CRETE TM Basement Foundations. Wholesale Prices / Clearance Specials. 30+ years experience. Details: 1-800-871-7089.

Out Of Town Property

LARGE ARIZONA BUILDING LOTS Full acres & more! Starting at $89/mo, $0 down - 0 Interest. Guaranteed Owner Financing! NO CREDIT CHECK! Close to Tucson Int’l Airport. Recorded Message 1-800-631-8164 code 4040 or www.SunsitesLandRush.com

6052 BUILDING LOT, New West. 33’ x 130’. $75,000 in services paid! No demolition or disposal costs. No HST! 4,240 total sq. ft. Great area - near Wal-Mart. Easy access to 4 Skytrain stations. Priced to sell quickly! $322,888. 604-726-0677

Okanagen/ Interior

Real Estate Investment

TIMESHARE CANCEL. Were you misled when you purchased a Timeshare? Get out NOW with contract cancellation! STOP paying Mortgage and Maintenance! 100% Money back Guaranteed. 1-888-816-7128, X-6868 or 702-527-6868.

Need a New Place?

Find one in the Classiﬁeds To advertise call 604-630-3300

HOME SERVICES 8120

Glass Mirrors

8150

Kitchens/Baths

ANGEL GLASS, Comm/Residential, store fronts, windows & doors, custom shower & tub enclosures, patio doors, mirrors etc. 2837 Kingsway, Vancouver. 604-603-9655

8125

YOUR HOME GUTTER SERVICES

Vancouver Division Since 1985

XMAS SPECIALS • Gutter Installation Cleaning & Repairs • Rooﬁng & Roof Repairs • Moss Control, Removal & Prevention 25 year Warranteed Leaf & Needle Guard

CALL NOW for 20% OFF WCB – Fully Insured 100% Money Back Guarantee

604-340-7189

AFFORDABLE MOVING 1 to 3 Men

1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 Ton $ From

Counter Tops, Custom Cabinets & Refacing NO HST til end of Dec

45 We accept Visa, Mastercard & Interac

• In business 50 years

604-879-9191 Superior Cove Tops & Cabinets #3 - 8652 Joffre Ave, Burnaby BATHTUB REGLAZING - from $325 • refinish old bathtubs • 4 hr dry time •5 year warr. • BBB rated A. 604-597-1171 mrtubman.ca

8155

Landscaping

★ Greenwave Landscapes★ Complete Garden Maintance & Edible Solutions 604-317-3037 greenwavelandscapes.ca

Lawn & Garden

Winter Services Same Day Service, Fully Insured

604-439-9417

JIM’S HOME SERVICES

• ExteriorCLEANING Experts • & Safe Stairs GUTTER REPAIRS • Roofing • Painting • Gutters

Power Washing • Rooﬁng • •Concrete, Power Washing Deck&&Fence HomeRepairs Waterprooﬁng •• Deck

604•831•0303

SENIOR SENIOR RATES RATES 25 20 YRS. YRS. SERVICE SERVICE

DYNAMIC GUTTERS & Exteriors. Full seamless gutters. Installation repairs & soffits. All jobs guaranteed. Fully insured, bonded, WCB. Will beat any competitors price. 604-439-9417 Edgemont Gutters. Sales & Install 5’’ continuous gutter, minor repairs, cleaning. 604-420-4800 Professional Powerwash Gutters cleaned & repaired Since 1984, 604-339-0949

8130

Handyperson

AaronR CONST Repairs & Renos, small repairs welcome. Insured, WCB, Licensed. 604-318-4390 aaronrconstruction.com

SNOW REMOVAL

• Yard Clean-Ups • Pruning • Gutters • Landscaping

• Xmas Lights • Hedges • Rubbish Removal • Odd Jobs

310-JIMS (5467) BOOK A JOB AT

www.jimsmowing.ca

Expert Pruning ISA By Certiﬁed Arborist Ornamental & Fruit Trees, Shrubs & Hedges Northwest Arboriculture Colin Malcolm, Insured

604-618-9741

★ SD ENTERPRISES ★

Winter Clean-up:

• Cedar Fencing • Yard Clean-up • Pruning • Gardening • Landscaping • 20% seniors discount • Free estimates! Call Terry, 604-726-1931 WILDWOOD LANDSCAPING Tree & Hedge Pruning. Hedge removal. 604-893-5745 Ny Ton Gardening Tree cutting & topping, yard cleanup, trimming, hedging, 604-782-5288 T. TRAN -604-723-2468, Tree Pruning, hedging, weeding, leaf cleanup, gutters, etc. Reliable.

• Includes all Taxes • Licenced & Insured • Professional Piano Movers

604-708-8850

AAA ADVANCE MOVING Experts in all kinds of Moving, Storage & Packing. Different from the Rest. 604-861-8885 AMIGO'S MOVING. Delivery. Storage. No Job too Small or Big. Clean up, Garage, Basement. Call 604-782-9511 SOUTH VAN. Mini Public Storage, bus/res. vehicle, motorcyle, furn. Eco Friendly, 604-321-0213

• • • •

Licensed, Insured & Bonded Lic. Plumbers & Gas Fitters Over 20 years Experience Custom Renovations to Small Repairs

604-312-6311

RED SEAL

Drainage & Plumbing Inc.

Plumbing, Drainage, Repairs & Installation

Main sewer lines, water lines, camera inspections, plugged drains, hot water tanks and drain tiles. 24/7 Emergency available Sat/Sun/Holidays Licensed, Insured, Bonded

604-618-4988

Certified Plumber & Gas Fitter * Reno’s & Repairs 24 hrs/day * Furnaces * Boilers * Hot Water Heating * Reasonable Rates * Hot Water Tanks

604-731-2443

8193

Oil Tank Removal

FLECK CONTRACTING LTD.

• Oil Tank Removal • Work complies with city bylaws BC Mainland • Always fair & reasonable rates • Excellent references

For Free Estimates Call

Off: 604-266-2120 Cell: 604-290-8592

Serving West Side since 1987

STORMWORKS

● Oil Tank Removal ● Recommended ● Insured ● Reasonable Rates

★ 3 Licensed Plumbers ★ 66 years of exp. 604-830-6617 www.oceansidemechanical.com

Lorenzo & Son Plumbing & Heating (604) 312-6311 Local Licensed Plumbers & Gas Fitters

8240

Renovations & Home Improvement

15% OFF

MILANO Painting 604-551-6510 Int/Ext. Good Prices. Free Est. Written Guar. Prof & Insured. ★ STAFFORD & SON ★ Interior/Exterior. Top quality work. Reasonable rates. 604-221-4900

★ ★

Christmas ★ Calendar ★

778-319-2120

FERREIRA HOME IMPROVEMENTS

R U N S E V E R Y W EWEDNESDAY D N E S DAY & & FRIDAY S U N DAY U N T I L C H R I S T M A S

★

Advertise

call

604-630-3300

★

www.crownresidentialrooﬁng.com

Renovations & Home Improvement

★ BATHROOM SPECIALIST★ Tiles, tub, vanity, plumbing, paint framing. From start to finish. Over 20 yrs exp. Peter 604-715-0030 BEARING WALLS removed, floors leveled, cathedral ceilings, garage leveled, door and window openings. 604-787-7484 GET OUT YOUR LIST! We do all the fussy little jobs no one else wants to do. Complete home repairs. Workmanship and your Satisfaction Guaranteed. Est 1983. Ralph 682-8256 BATH/KITCHEN Renos, decks, fencing, home repairs. Home Improvment Centre. 604-240-9081 JKB CONSTRUCTION LTD. COMPLETE RENOVATIONS

604-728-3009 jkbconstruction.com

KITCHEN & BATHS Home renovations, 30+ years experience. Call 604-731-7709

8250

Roofing

YOUR HOME ROOFING SERVICES Vancouver Division Since 1985

XMAS SPECIALS • Rooﬁng & Roof Repairs • Duroid, Cedar, Torch-on • Moss Control, Removal & Prevention • Gutter Installation, Cleaning & Repairs

CALL NOW for 20% OFF WCB – Fully Insured

604-340-7189 #1 Rooﬁng Company in BC

Renos • Decks • Repairs

All types of Rooﬁng Over 35 Years in Business Call now & we pay ½ the HST

SMALL JOBS WELCOME RENO Kitchen/Bath, Crown Mouldings, Drywall, Painting, Flooring, 604-771-2201, 771-5197

SALES@ PATTARGROUP.COM

BATHROOM• KITCHEN • BASEMENT EXCELLENT REFS/QUALITY Kelly Construction 604-738-7280

WINTER SPECIAL SAVE THE HST Have Your Roof Done Between Now & Jan. 7 A+

604-588-0833

WWW.PATTARGROUP.COM

Roofing •Re-Roofing •Repair •Maintenance SAVE $$$ WINTERIZE your roof NOW! Call Brad • 604-773-0492

ROOF LEAKS!

Waters Home Maintenance 604-738-6606

Call AFFORDABLE QUALITY ROOFING LTD. 604-984-9004

POINT GREY LTD. ROOFING Established 1946 All Types of Rooﬁng, Re-Rooﬁng & Repairs

604-379-2641

9105

Auto Miscellaneous

$0 DOWN & we make your 1st payment at auto credit fast. Need a vehicle? Good or Bad credit call Stephanie 1-877-792-0599. www.autocreditfast.ca DLN 30309

Additions ★ Renovations Concrete Forming ★ Decks Garages ★ Bathrooms Ceramic Tile ★ Drywall Hardwood Flooring

NO CREDIT? No Problem! Cars, Trucks, SUVS. We finance all types f credit bankrupt, divorced, repos, 9 sins. Apply on-line www.loanmasters.ca

NORM, 604-466-9733 Cell: 604-841-1855

WANT A VEHICLE BUT STRESSED ABOUT YOUR CREDIT? Last week 14 out of 16 applications approved! We fund your future not your past. Any Credit. $500.00 Xmas CASH back. www.coastlineautocredit.com or 1-888-208-3205

''Satisfaction Guaranteed''

Georgie Award for Best Renovation & Design Complete Renovations / Additions Kitchens / Bathrooms

604-728-3009

www.jkbconstruction.com

9125

Domestic

1998 EAGLE TALON ESI, 170k, 2.0 L, excellent condition, 5 spd, no accidents, silver exterior, grey interior. $3900. 604-763-3223

★

• BBB • RCABC • GAF/ELK Master Elite Contractor • Residential Rooﬁng • Liability Coverage and WCB • Designated Project Managers • Homes & Strata • Third Party Inspection Installations & Repairs Call 604-327-3086 for a free estimate •• 24 Hr Emergency Service Quote code 2010 for a 5% discount

★ASK DISCOUNT RUBBISH★ Best Prices, Yard, House/Const, Demo. 7 days 604-727-6153 JACK’S RUBBISH Removal Friendly, Fast & Cheap 604-266-4444

RUBBISH REMOVAL Reasonable rates - Free Est. Pat 604-224-2112, anytime

8300

8307

**HOME PHONE RECONNECT** Call 1-866-287-1348. Prepaid Long Distance Specials! Feature Package Specials! Referral Program! Don’t be without a home phone! Call to Connect! 1-866-287-1348.

8309

ETNA CERAMIC Tile & Remodelling. Kitchen & Bath Specialists. 30 years exp., Call 778-829-3368.

8315

RENOS • REPAIRS

Find your perfect ride at

www.driving.ca

4 SNOW tires on rims, as new, 185/70R14 (4bolt 115mm) honda civic/accord. $450. 604-733-6193

9145

Scrap Car Removal

Removal FREEScrap/Car No Wheels No Problem

HOUR 2Service From Call

Family Owned & Operated

(604) 209-2026

Wildwood Tree Services, Exp Hedge Trimming and Removal & Tree Pruning. Free Est. 604-893-5745

Visit our website @ www.surreyscrap.com Free tow, no wheels, no papers no problem! Hassle free friendly service. 2 hr service in most areas.

Window Cleaning

White Rose Window Cleaning Windows Cleaned Inside & Outside Gutters Cleared & Cleaned FREE ESTIMATES

604-274-0285

9145

Scrap Car Removal

I BUY JUNK CARS & TRUCKS Free Removal & Towing Service! ★CALL★ 604-880-8420 or 604-277-9021

THE SCRAPPER SCRAP CAR & TRUCK REMOVAL

CASH FOR ALL VEHICLES

604-790-3900 OUR SERVIC 2H

Cash for junk cars! $100 to $1000 Ask about our $500 Credit!

Tree Services

Treeworks 15 yrs exp. Tree/ Stump Removal, Prun’in & Trim’in & View Work 291-7778, 787-5915 www.treeworksonline.ca

604-630-3300

Parts & Accessories

Tiling

A to Z CERAMIC TILES Installation, Repairs, Fair Prices Free Est. 444-4715 cel 805-4319

MARKETPLACE

9135

Telephone Services

A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE - Get Your First Month Free. Bad Credit, Don’t Sweat It. No Deposits. No Credit Checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines Today Toll-Free 1-866-884-7464.

8335 Call Today to Place Your Ad in

Stucco/Siding/ Exterior

STUCCO ● STUCCO Seamless, matching any texture comm/res. Call 604-730-8277

AUTOMOTIVE

604-724-3670 Painting/ Wallpaper

RESIDENTIAL DIVISION LTD.

PLUMBERS

Water Lines (without digging) Sewer Lines (without digging) Install. Drain tiles. 604-739-2000

Rubbish Removal

Tried & True Since 1902

8250 10% Off with this Ad! Aman’s Plumbing Service, Lic. Gas Fitter, Reas. Rates. 778-895-2005

EW47

A.J.K. MOVING Ltd. Special truck for clean-ups. Any size job Lic#32839 604-875-9072

8240

TwoGuysWithATruck.ca Moving, Storage, Free EST 604-628-7136. Visa, OK

Andrew’s Painting & Wallpaper 25yrs exp. WCB/Ins. Refs Free est off seas. rates 604-785-5651

JIM’S HOME SERVICES: Gutter Cleaning & repairs, power washing, roofing, home waterproofing, etc. Please call 604-831-0303

Lorenzo & Son Plumbing & Heating (604) 312-6311 Local Licensed Plumbers & Gas Fitters

Experienced Movers ~ 2 Men $50 ~

AAA Professional int/ext painter & wall paperer. Guar work. Free est. John 604-318-2059 (Kits)

DAHIPP CONTRACTING Handyman Services Baths, Kitchens, etc 604.817.0718

Heating

B&Y MOVING

604-723-8434

BEST PRICE! Bath, kitchen, plumbing, flooring, painting, etc. Call Mic, 604-725-3127

8140

(604) 875-9072 873-5292

Free Est. - 15 Years Exp. Insured /WCB

671-0288

SEMI RETIRED HANDYMAN avail - small renos, repairs, fences, carpentry, etc. 604-321-2868

604-729-3864

garage, basement, backyard.

Christmas Special

224-1005 604

AJK MOVING LTD.

8255

Roofing

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE Renovations Big or Small. Water Lines without Digging Broken Water Mains & Sewer Mains. Hot Water Tanks, Plugged Drains, Toilets, Tubs, Leaky Faucets & Broken Pipes, Irrigation Sprinkler Systems. 24 / 7 Emergency Service Fully Licenced & WCB.

www.affordablemoversbc.com Moving. Storage. Deliveries Local & Long Distance MOVERS.... Residential. Commercial. Industrial. Truck for Clean-ups

8250

BBM

Interior & Exterior

Residential & Commercial

Cell:

Plumbing

604-787-8061 604-537-4140

PRIMO PAINTING

Carpentry • Painting • Ceramic Tiles Fences • Kitchens • Bathrooms Basement Suites • Roof • Plumbing Leak Repair • Decks

8220

Licenced & Insured Local & Long Distance FREE ESTIMATES • Seniors Discount

8195

WEST SIDE HANDYMAN

604

Moving & Storage

8185

8160

Full Seamless Gutter Installation/Repairs Sofﬁts All jobs Guaranteed. Fully insured/WCB covered Will beat any competitors price

Masonry

MASONRY REPAIRS •Stone Walls •Bricks •Chimneys & more. George • 604-365-7672

Gutters

8175

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

9160

Sports & Imports

604 628 9044

#1 FREE Scrap Vehicle Removal Ask about $500 Credit!!! $$ PAID for Some 604.683.2200

1999 JAGUAR Xjr 4.0L s/c, local 59k 1 owner, records, a/cared 18' pirelli, $12,500. 778-867-3731

EW48

THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

Christmas Hours December 2010

9:30am 6:00pm

9:30am 9:00pm

9:30am 6:00pm

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11:00am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 5:00pm

9:00pm

6:00pm

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 11:00am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 5:00pm

9:00pm

6:00pm

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 11:00am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am MALL 5:00pm

9:00pm

Gift Wrapping

9:00pm

starts Saturday, December 11th

Pick a card from the Tree of Giving and help make a needy child’s wishes come true this Christmas. Located near Mark’s Work Warehouse.

Santas Hours December 2010

Kids can make some great Christmas gifts and decorate your very own cookie. Co-sponsored by the Mount Pleaseant Lions Club

Tree of Giving until December 23

THE MALL WILL BE CLOSED ON NEW YEARS DAY JANUARY 1ST, 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR

Kid’s Entertainment Kids Sing Chorus 12:15 – 1pm • Centre Court Kid’s Arts & Crafts 1pm – 3pm

9:00pm CLOSED

26 27 28 29 30 31 11:00am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am 5:00pm

Saturday, December 11

9 10 11

Help Keep our Community Kids Warm this Winter

Drop off new mitts, scarves, socks, toques, sweaters, etc. to the tree located by Ruffles and B.C.Lottery. Co-sponsored by Kimount Boys & Girls Club, Kingsgate Mall Merchants, the Vancouver Courier. Distributed by the Kimount Boys & Girls Club

SANTA ARRIVAL 1pm to 3pm 3:30pm to 5pm

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Noon to 2pm 2:30pm to 4pm

Noon to 2pm Noon to 2pm Noon to 2pm 2:30pm to 5pm 2:30pm to 5pm 2:30pm to 5pm

19 20 21 22 23 24

Noon to 2pm Noon to 2pm Noon to 2pm Noon to 2pm Noon to 2pm 10am to 3pm 2:30pm to 4pm 2:30pm to 5pm 2:30pm to 5pm 2:30pm to 5pm 2:30pm to 5pm

Corner of Kingsway @ Broadway

30 Shops & Services • www.kingsgatemall.com