RIVER DISTRICT
L I V I N G

OUR COMMUNITY
GUIDE TO LIFE & STYLE IN THE RIVER DISTRICT
MURALS & MAKERS
HALLOWEEN & FALL EVENTS
EATS & TREATS
L I V I N G
GUIDE TO LIFE & STYLE IN THE RIVER DISTRICT
MURALS & MAKERS
HALLOWEEN & FALL EVENTS
EATS & TREATS
www.riverdistrictliving.ca
riverdistrictliving.ca@gmail.com @riverdistrictliving
@riverdistrictlivingmagazine @riverdistrictlivingrealestate
We recognize and acknowledge that River District is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Contributing Photographers / Artists
Julie Solvstrom
Allan Pangilinan GARDENWORKS
Coco Okamoto
Cindy Mangao
Samantha Scholefield
Michael Audet
Ogi Radoicic
Verna Segui
Ramon Segui
Katherine Hall Fraserview Veterinary Hospital
Cover Art
Mural by Julie Solvstrom
ARTHUR PANGILINAN & MEHRDAD GHAFOURI
Odd Couple Company
Contributing Writers
Julie Solvstrom
Arthur Pangilinan
Mehrdad Ghafouri
Olivia Johnson
Kaileyne Stevenson
Coco Okamoto
Verna Segui
Ramon Segui
Editor-in-Chief & Content Director
Katherine Hall
JULIE SOLVSTROM
Illustrator & Lettering Artist “Home To All”
OGI RADOICIC Bufala
Samantha Scholefield
Antonia Hu
Cindy Mangao
Ogi Radoicic
Katherine Hall
Dr. Cherri Deng Fraserview Veterinary Hospital
Advertising Sales
Katherine Hall
OLIVIA JOHNSON & KAILEYNE STEVENSON
GARDENWORKS
DR. CHERRI DENG Fraserview Veterinary Hospital
COCO OKAMOTO CINDY MANGAO
Proud Pawrent of Moana
RAMON & VERNA SEGUI
Artsy Candle
Goldilocks Bake Shop
What really left a lasting impression on me during my time at the River District was the supportive community we engaged with every day. The locals greeted us with curiosity, kindness, and genuine appreciation. They would pause during their daily walks to chat, ask questions, and express their gratitude for bringing art into their neighbourhood. Interacting with the people of the River District was a heartwarming reminder of how art and creativity can bring people together, creating a bridge that invites conversation and connection.
We love the River District in Vancouver for its vibrant mix of nature and urban living. The scenic Fraser River views, peaceful walking trails, and easy access to outdoor activities create a relaxing atmosphere. The community is friendly, with plenty of local shops, cafes, and parks, making it a perfect spot to unwind while staying connected to the city’s conveniences. Perfect place for pet lovers too.
GARDENWORKS loves River District's dedication to sustainability and community integration! The focus on green spaces, support for local businesses, and commitment to environmental stewardship make us the perfect pair. River District embodies a vibrant and environmentally aware community that deeply connects with GARDENWORKS, and being just minutes away, we look forward to growing together through the seasons!
Since our kids go to Willowbrae, we have good connections with other parents and their kids, so this neighbourhood is very good for families with young children. Also store staff are very kind to our kids and dog, which makes us very comfortable living in River District. Surrounded by nature, the walking path is good for exploring what kind of plants we can find with our kids. My dog loves to walk around River Walk as well.
Vancouver’s River District is more than just a location for us it’s a vibrant area that mirrors our values of connection, building community, and inclusivity. We love the way the district brings together diverse groups of people, all with unique stories, to share experiences, culture, amazing art murals, and of course great food. Since attending the Tugboat Landing Artisanal Market in 2023, we've really embraced the area more and more and that’s why we've committed to maintaining free drops to all River District residents since then!
We love River District for its vibrant community, picturesque waterfront views, and ever-growing diversity. This charming area beautifully blends urban living with nature, with a wide arrange of shops. Its friendly atmosphere fosters a warm inviting feeling to our growing community.
It’s really fun to be part of a community that is new, growing, and so engaged! River District is packed with a wide variety of residents, and we love being a welcoming place for all I love going for a nice long walk by the Fraser River (and it always makes me feel less guilty about ordering a Tiramisu later)
Spooky Season has arrived in River District, and with it an amazing number of things to get us into the Halloween spirit and enjoy all Autumn has to offer our beautiful community!
Make sure to stop by Riverfront Park for the Community Dog Trick-or-Treat event on Oct 27th! Launched last year, this event has quickly become a favourite for local dogs and their families Later that evening, Bosley’s River District will once again turn their store into a haunted lair filled with spooky tricks… but also lots of treats! This is something our River District dogs look forward to every year – due to its popularity we recommend getting your paws on tickets early!
And of course, we cannot wait for the epic main event on Oct 31st – the Community Trick-or-Treat event along the Boardwalk at East Kent Ave No at Jellicoe! Organized and run by residents, t event is an absolute must if you have kids in t River District community!
So, grab some festive Fall drinks and baking Boketto or Starbucks, do a little gardening with t help of our friends at GARDENWORKS, and ta a stroll to enjoy the art and nature throughout o community. Oh, and don’t forget to enter o Mega Giveaway before the clock strikes midnig on Saturday, Oct 12 (details on page 27). O lucky winner will receive over $500 in gift car and prizes donated by our generous sponsors!
Sincerely,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Contact us for info, features, advertising riverdistrictlivingmagazine@gmail com
WRITTEN BY JULIE SOLVSTROM
ARTWORK BY JULIE SOLVSTROM
‘Home To All’ is a celebration of the natural beauty and wildlife that enriches the local River District community.
I want the mural to be a reminder that our shared spaces are not only our own, they belong equally to all the animals and plants that call this place home I think it’s important that we keep asking ourselves if we are living in harmony, with responsibility and respect for our natural co-inhabitants.
It's all too easy to overlook their presence when our paths don’t cross daily eagles don’t frequent the aisles of Safeway, after all. Yet, they are here, a sometimes-silent part of our world, but very deserving of our consideration and reverence. We have already claimed so much of their natural habitat, and I hope my artwork serves as a reminder that their presence is a gift, and one we cannot afford to lose.
"Home
I want the mural to be a reminder that our shared spaces are not only our own, they belong equally to all the animals and plants that call this place home.
My name is Julie Solvstrom I’m a Danish illustrator and lettering artist living in Vancouver, British Columbia In 2017 I graduated from The Danish Royal Academy of Design and a week later I packed my bags and boarded a plane with a one-way ticket to Canada. I had no idea I was embarking on a great big love story with the breathtaking scenery of BC, and that I would be staying a lot longer than I had initially planned.
My background in graphic design and an early obsession with letters and typography slowly morphed into where I am now, creating positive, colourful and playful lettering and illustration pieces featured in brand collaborations, printed goods and murals.
I work with brands of all shapes and sizes I’ve worked on everything from concert merch for a heavy metal band, to a book cover for a poetry collection. I also create paper goods sold in shops all over the world. I love this part of my business. More recently, I’ve had a chance to work on bigger scale projects, in the form of murals, and I’m excited to welcome more of that into my practice.
ure has a very big place in my heart. Animals, ts and flowers are often featured in my work. I nd as much time as possible outdoors - hiking, ng or paddling a kayak up the beautiful waters C.
eeply love what I do I can’t imagine doing hing else and for me it feels like play Every day grateful that I get to do this for a living
ough my work, I hope to inspire others to nect with nature, embrace their creativity, and reciate the beauty in the world around us.
www.juliesolvstrom.com hello@juliesolvstrom.com Instagram: @juliesolvstrom
BY FRASERVIEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL
From a young age, I knew I was destined to work with animals. My love for them has been a constant in my life, and I’ve always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Now, I’m thrilled to be fulfilling that dream at Fraserview Veterinary Hospital, a Fear Free Certified clinic dedicated to making every pet’s experience as stress-free and positive as possible.
My academic journey began at the University British Columbia, where I earned a Bachelor Science in Applied Animal Biology with honours was there that I discovered my passion for anim welfare and environmental conservation, sparking desire to make a real difference in the lives animals. This drive led me to pursue my Doctor Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney spent my time there fostering many dogs and f deeply in love with greyhounds. I’m now the prou parent of a rescued greyhound who brings so mu joy to my life
At Fraserview Veterinary Hospital, I am committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every pet that walks through our doors. I’m a strong advocate for preventative care and am particularly interested in areas such as nutrition and diet consultations, weight management strategies, arthritis management, and behavioural cases. I believe that a healthy diet and proactive management can significantly improve a pet’s quality of life, and I’m always eager to work with pet owners to find the best solutions for their furry family members.
My professional experience is diverse. I’ve worked in shelter medicine, conducted laboratory and field research, and been involved in various animal welfare initiatives. Each of these experiences has enriched my understanding of animal care and strengthened my commitment to advocating for the
From a young age, I knew I was destined to work with animals. My love for them has been a constant in my life, and I’ve always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.
Beyond the clinic, I’m an outdoor enthusiast. Whether I’m hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, swimming, or playing ultimate frisbee, I find that spending time in nature helps me recharge and stay balanced I love the thrill of these activities, and they remind me of the importance of staying active and healthy something I try to pass on to my clients and their pets.
I believe that veterinary medicine is as much about communication and empathy as it is about medical expertise. I strive to truly listen to my patients’ concerns and collaborate with their families to provide personalized care that meets their unique needs. It’s a privilege to be trusted with the health and happiness of your pets, and I take that responsibility to heart. Even on the most challenging days, I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love and to make a positive impact in the lives of the animals and people I serve.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your pets’ health journey I look forward to many happy and healthy years together at Fraserview Veterinary Hospital!
Fraserview Veterinary Hospital
6637 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5P 3X9
Phone: 604-265-6715
Email: info@fraserviewvet.ca
Website: www.fraserviewvet.ca
Instagram: @fraserview vet
Facebook: Fraserview Veterinary Hospital
7:00 pm
River District Paws off my treats,please!
Ready for a spooky, freaky and fluffy fun night?!
You are invited to join us at Bosley's River District on Sunday, October 27th 2024 at 7pm
Tickets are available for purchase on Sunday October 20th 2024 at 9am so make sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and more! This year is the best one yet, so hurry before those tickets are sold out! Each entry will leave with minimum $40 worth of treats!
We’ve got more exciting news! Starting October 1st to 15th, buy a costume valued at $30 or more at our Bosley's River District location, you get one free entry for our Halloween event! So, don't wait any longer, it’s while supplies last
Let's replace the barks with boos for one night only!
r born out of an unexpected friendship between Arthur and Mehrdad, two buddies who met while working together in a health authority office in the Lower Mainland. For three years they shared countless hours collaborating professionally, but soon their bond grew beyond work. With a shared passion for specialty coffee, pastries, and ‘90s hip hop, they began to dream up the idea of a coffee business. During their office banter, they would joke about fun names for coffee roasts and menu items, inspired by their favorite hip hop lyrics and tracks. From this connection grew not only a great friendship but also the foundation for an amazing coffee-roasting journey.
At OCC, we believe great coffee is a gateway to connection and discovery We combine an inviting, easy-to-navigate experience with our clients' desire for great, locally roasted coffee. What makes this experience unique is that we're a made-to-order brand that's been able to roast all of our microbatches with love and package them individually by hand. This is something that our customers have been intrigued about since our inception and have loved our personal touch to each and every single bag of organic, whole bean coffee. This is why we gravitate to the mixtape analogy, as each bag was created specifically for the customer who receives it. Don't know what to choose? No problem, we love making the experience unintimidating and will walk you through finding the perfect bean varietal and roasting profile that suits how you brew.
We believe in the power of community and connection over a great cup of coffee, and music that takes you back to a simpler time. Our roast sheet reflects these values bringing people together with flavourful coffee, nostalgic hip hop vibes, and a unique tie to all your favourite ‘90s jams. Whether you're a novice or connoisseur to coffee, we welcome everyone to try out our roasts and share the love.
Website: www.oddcouplecompany.ca
Instagram: @oddcoupleco
TikTok: @oddcoupleco
X: oddcouplecoyvr
Facebook: Odd Couple Company
Contact: Have questions or want to know more about collaborations and inquiries? Email us at info@oddcouplecompany.ca
WRITTEN BY
OLIVIA JOHNSON & KAILEYNE STEVENSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARDENWORKS
Welcome to the Art of Autumn!
Immerse yourself in the beauty of fall at GARDENWORKS! Until October 20, we invite you to join us for our NEW Art of Autumn Event a celebration of the season’s rich colours, textures, and bounty. Discover everything you need to embrace autumn in your garden, home, and lifestyle with exclusive offers, workshops, and more.
P S Are you already dreaming about holiday trees, warm twinkly lights, and the magic of the holiday season?
Something BIG is returning to our Burnaby Mandeville Garden Centre!
Save the Date: November 13th, 6 – 9pm!
Save up to 40% OFF from September 21 to October 20! Autumn is the perfect time to paint your outdoor spaces into breathtaking landscapes, and the best time of the year to plant trees! We're giving you a whole month to turn your garden, containers, and backyard into a masterpiece!
Buyany2treesorshrubsandreceive 20%OFF
Buyany3treesorshrubsandreceive 30%OFF
Buyany4ormoretreesorshrubsandreceive 40%OFF
Get hands-on with our lineup of workshops and seminars designed to inspire your creativity! From autumn container planting to pumpkin painting, these fun and informative sessions will help you bring the beauty of fall into your home and garden. Learn expert tips, try new techniques, and take home your own creations!
Each of our GARDENWORKS locations will feature a beautifully designed fall front door display These seasonal setups will inspire you to create a welcoming, autumn-themed entrance to your home, full of rich colours, cozy textures, and eye-catching details Whether you're looking to spruce up your space for fall or get ready for Thanksgiving, our front door displays are sure to spark your creativity!
Step into our stores and be greeted by displays brimming with seasonal charm. Find inspiration for decorating your home with autumn-themed wreaths, centerpieces, and table settings. From rustic to elegant, we have everything you need to capture the cozy, welcoming spirit of the season. And don’t forget our in-store experts are always available to offer decorating advice!
Get into the spooky spirit with our Halloween selection! Stock up on Halloween decor to create a haunted atmosphere at home, and enjoy fun, familyfriendly activities. Plus, explore our collection of pumpkins, gourds, and other festive fall accents perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving decorating!
Seasonal gardening and inspiration guides are continuously released! Stay in the know by following GARDENWORKS through the links below:
Facebook: GARDENWORKS Canada Instagram: @gardenworkscanada Website: www.gardenworks.ca
GARDENWORKS Mandeville
Just a 5 minute drive from River District! 4746 Marine Drive Burnaby, B.C. V5J 3G6
Phone: 604-434-4111
Connect the dots! What is it?
Answer:
Draw faces on the pumpkins!
East Kent Avenue North t Jellicoe Halloween Night, hursday, October 31 4:30 - 7:00 pm
out for the 5th walk Community ck or Treat! community-lead ive brings people artments together ort a fun and safe treating experience r local kids. red around large alloween scenes, nd at least 5 candy for kids and 1 for me have some treats fun photos of your s or fur kids.
There are many ways to get involved if you love Halloween and want to get into the spirit! Creative folk are welcome to help create the Halloween art and set it up! Nearby buildings can join us by bringing a table and handing out candy! Volunteer to hand out candy or provide help managing traffic. Donations of individually packaged candy are welcome.
Tell us how you want to be involved - complete the volunteer form by scanning the QR code below.
Thanks to Neighbourhood Small Grants South Vancouver for their support for this event!
Sunday, October 27 1 pm - 3 PM
Riverfront park (East Kent Ave S)
Back by popular demand - the second annual Dog Trick or Treat event for river district dogs!
Bring your dogs in costume for treats and lots of fun for pups and pup-parents alike!
Halloween display for Dog Halloween Photos!
Prize for best dog costume!
agility course with special Halloween components! (weather Permitting)
Treats for dogs & refreshments for humans! And more!
WITTEN
BY
PHOTOS
BY
RAMON & VERNA SEGUI
RAMON & VERNA SEGUI
In a cozy home filled with the warm glow of candlelight, Artsy Candle Co. was born from a deep love for heritage and a passion for craftsmanship. The founders, Ramon and Verna, are Filipino natives who grew up surrounded by the rich scents and vibrant culture of their homeland. After moving to Vancouver, Ramon and Verna found themselves longing for the comforting aromas that had always been a part of their lives the scents that told stories of home, family, and tradition.
Determined to bring these memories to life, Ramon began crafting handmade candles using 100% natural soy wax. The goal was simple: to capture the essence of the Philippines in every candle, allowing others to experience the warmth and beauty of Filipino culture no matter where they were in the world.
Artsy Candle Co quickly became known for its authentic Filipino scents. The delicate fragrance of Sampaguita, the zesty freshness of Kalamansi, and the sweet blend of Halo-Halo transported people back to the Philippines, evoking memories of joyful celebrations and sun-soaked days. Ramon also drew inspiration from beloved Filipino traditions, creating candles that smelled of Kapeng Barako, the strong coffee that fueled many mornings, and Pandesal, the soft, warm sweet bread shared at breakfast tables across the country.
As the collection grew, they introduced candles inspired by iconic Filipino destinations The cool, pine-scented air of Baguio, the tropical allure of Boracay, the serene beauty of Palawan, and the misty mornings of Tagaytay were all captured in their creations. Each candle told its own story, inviting people to take a sensory journey through the Philippines
But Artsy Candle Co. was more than just a business for Ramon and Verna it was a way to stay connected to their roots and share the beauty of Filipino culture with others. Each candle is crafted with care, a small tribute to the places, people, and traditions that shaped them.
Through their candles, they bring the scents of home to life, ensuring that no matter where you are, the essence of the Philippines is never too far away.
Website: www.artsycandle.com
Instagram: @artsycandle rvj
Facebook: Artsy Candle
Email: artsycandle@gmail.com
Phone: 604-725-5031 / 604-767-5786
Burnaby Location
3728 North Fraser Way, Unit 101
Burnaby, BC V5J 5G1
604-736-7744
Vancouver Location 2833 Main St. Vancouver, BC V5T 3G1
604-876-2464
WRITTEN BY CINDY MANGAO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY MANGAO
Goldilocks Bake Shop Canada is renowned for its delicious Filipino treats, but each holiday season, our handcrafted gingerbread houses take center stage. These edible masterpieces are highly sought after and sell out every year, beloved for their quality and intricate design.
Our gingerbread houses have become a cherished holiday tradition for many families Crafted entirely by hand, from the dough to the decorations, each house is unique Our skilled bakers and decorators work tirelessly to ensure that every detail be it a colorful roof or delicate window is perfect, giving each house a personal, homemade touch. We have also introduced a new design which is our Cottage that has 2 trees on
al is the ers can y winter p re. This personalization adds extra meaning for those looking to make their holiday decor or gifts truly unique. Every year, our gingerbread houses are in high demand due to their handcrafted nature and limited availability. Many customers place orders early, knowing that once they’re gone, they’re gone The option for custom orders only adds to their exclusivity, making them a favorite for holiday gifting and gatherings
At Goldilocks, our gingerbread houses are more than just a treat they represent a timeless holiday tradition filled with creativity, craftsmanship, and love. Don’t miss out on this year’s edition; place your order early and bring home a piece of
y to order is October 31, 2024. e to high demand, we may reach our pacity before then, so we encourage early as we sell out right away. To der, please call the Burnaby location at 604-736-7744
*Please note images are not to scale Please confirm dimensions with Goldilocks. ‘Birdhouse’ describes
WRITTEN BY OGI RADOICIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY OGI RADOICIC
Bufala River District
3489 Sawmill Crescent www.bufala.ca Instagram: @bufalayvr
Bufala is an independent restaurant born out of a passion for pizza and beautiful design, and the belief that all neighbourhoods need a great restaurant. For River District, Bufala is that gathering place – where friends and families can gather for delicious food and drink every day of the week.
We prepare fresh, scratch-made classic & contemporary pizzas in the Napolitana style –blistered to perfection in our 900-degree Woodstone-oven. But Bufala is also so much more than just a pizza place; we over a variety of delicious pasta or you can order some small plates to go with your Happy Hour glass of wine with a friend after work… or enjoy a slow, multi-course meal with entrées, dessert, and wine pairings. As great meals require great drinks, GM and Wine Director Lisa Cook curates a robust wine list, and we also offer a delicious selection of cocktails, local craft beers and some wonderful after-dinner selections like Amaro.
We want to ensure that our customers don’t feel like a single visit to Bufala is enough and we’ve created a variety of settings and styles to offer a new experience with every visit. Whether you’re alone at the bar, celebrating a special occasion in a booth with family or friends, enjoying a quiet date, or relaxing on the (coming spring 2025) patio with a book and a Negroni in the afternoon sun, there’s a different side of Bufala to make you feel at home.
We want to ensure that our customers don’t feel like a single visit to Bufala is enough and we’ve created a ariety of settings and styles to offer a new experience with every visit.
’t let the sleek room fool you, we always t to remain approachable and family ndly – and that attitude contributes to e great daily features on both food and k, and a fun kids’ menu for River rict’s littlest residents. We also know that holiday season is right around the corner, we’ve got special event packages for ups of every size and look forward to y fun and vibrant celebrations with our hbours.
OR JUST TREAT!
WRITTEN BY COCO OKAMOTO
PHOTOS
BY COCO OKAMOTO
You may have seen Moana on your walks around River District. She is our 5-year-old livercoloured Miniature Schnauzer. She loves everyone and is a very playful and energetic girl. Always loves getting pets from everyone! She finds excitement in chasing after birds and small pebbles which I throw and walking in Everett Crowley Park. Also, she loves to have a puppuccino at Starbucks in River District. She is such a snuggly baby. She loves to spend her evenings chilling and relaxing on the couch right beside my lap. She loves goofing around when her daddy plays with her and loves to get chased after.
Moana is 17 months older than our twins. (IG @aloha.twins.canada) When the twins were infants, she would let me know when they were crying for something
Although my twins take up most of my time now, so I don’t have as much 1-on-1 time with Moana, she is definitely my oldest child and is irreplaceable.
Feel free to say hi to Moana when you see her around!
Follow Moana & her family:
Instagram @moana the toyschnauzer
Instagram @aloha.twins.canada
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