The Cascade, Volume 32, Issue 1

JANUARY 31, 2024

VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01

Selling a kidney for rent since 1993

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THE HOUSING ISSUE

YOUR SOUL

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NEW CAMPUS RESIDENCES

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THE ATANGARD COMMUNITY

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UFV SPEAKS: HOUSING

VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01

Editor-in-Chief Brad Duncan brad@ufvcascade.ca

Managing Editor Jayden Talvio jayden@ufvcascade.ca

Production Manager Sherryl Agingu sherryl@ufvcascade.ca

Creative Director Gabriela Gonzalez gabriela@ufvcascade.ca

Business Manager Marie-Ange Routier marie-ange@ufvcascade.ca

News Editor Rachel Tait rachel@ufvcascade.ca

Culture Editor Kiara Okonkwo kiara@ufvcascade.ca

Opinion Editor Emmaline Spencer emmaline@ufvcascade.ca

Features, Cover & Illustrator Eseniia Bondar eseniia@ufvcascade.ca

Copy Editor Aasha Khoyratty aasha@ufvcascade.ca

Digital Media Manager Wilson Agyapong wilson@ufvcascade.ca

Features Editor Brad Duncan brad@ufvcascade.ca

Digital Design Manager Diana Blanco diana@ufvcascade.ca

Arts Editor Gianna Dinwoodie gianna@ufvcascade.ca

Snapshot Illustrator Iryna Presley iryna@ufvcascade.ca

Illustrator Arsena Eeg arsena@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Gauri Sethi gauri@ufvcascades.ca

Staff Writer Jay Peter jay@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Veronica Powell veronica@ufvcascade.ca

Distributor Kirat Dhami kirat@ufvcascade.ca

Community Engagement Coordinator Sabrina Morgan sabrina@ufvcascade.ca

CONTRIBUTORS: Jeffrey Kennett Jessica Blanchard

WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA INSTAGRAM.COM CASCADE_FY TIKTOK CASCADE_FY Volume 32 · Issue 01 Room S2111 33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 604.854.4529

The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. This means that The Cascade is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting. It also acts as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, and is overseen by The Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority. The Cascade is published every other Wednesday with a print circulation of 800 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities.

The Cascade is open to written, photo, and design work from all students; these can come in the form of a pitch to an editor, or an assignment from an editor. Pitch meetings will be digital for the remainder of the semester. Please email managing@ufvcascade.ca to be put on the assignment email list.

In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief, copy editor, and corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. The Cascade will not print any articles that contain racist, sexist, homophobic, or libellous content.

Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 200 words. As The Cascade is an autonomous student publication, opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of UFV, The Cascade’s staff and collective, or associated members.

The Cascade is published on the traditional, unceded territory of the Stó:lō peoples. We are grateful to be able to work and learn on this beautiful land.

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Editorial //

Dying for a place to call home

The housing crisis isn’t just an affordability issue — for those who slip into homelessness, it’s a matter of life and death BRADLEY DUNCAN Rates of homelessness are spiking across the country, and not just in the urban areas of Canada’s largest cities.

Regions that have traditionally seen lower numbers of people experiencing homelessness, and have less robust support systems in place because of it, are struggling to adjust to their new realities. Edmonton declared a homelessness emergency earlier this month in response to a doubling of the officially recognized homeless population from pre-pandemic levels. Police have been dismantling the resulting encampments, citing concerns over crime, predation, and safety, but advocates claim the city has failed to provide adequate resources. Without proper shelter, people often rely on propane burners to survive the sub-zero conditions Canada’s climate brings, but such provisions come with serious safety concerns.

On Feb. 27, 2019, firefighters responded to multiple explosions at the St. Anne Camp site in Maple Ridge.

The ensuing fires came only a week following the enforcement of a B.C. Supreme Court Order in which the city “removed approximately 100 propane tanks plus gasoline canisters, generators and other ignition sources and accelerants from the site,” according to an official release. Propane tanks and burners are often provided to homeless populations by outreach groups and concerned citizens to ward off the cold, but they also lead to an increased risk of deadly accidents. In Halifax, where the homeless population doubled in 2022, and again in 2023, so have incidents of fires.

The national database estimates that Canada has a homeless population of approximately 235,000 people, however, the Lawson Health Research Institute puts the true number at nearly three times that, accounting for the “hidden homeless” by incorporating data from Canada’s emergency rooms. “We’ve been seeing this trend, where you have homeless people who have jobs,” said Dr. Michael Batu, assistant professor of economics at The University of the Fraser Valley. “They are working

— they have pay stubs — but they couldn’t afford the rent.”

In 2022, the B.C. Supreme Court prohibited the City of Vancouver from evicting the residents of the CRAB Park encampment, ruling that the city had failed to provide adequate shelters. The encampment is still there — its residents enduring the latest arctic blast or ensuing snowstorm. Not everyone survives. CTV News Vancouver reported last December that “at least 342 homeless people died in 2022, which is 75 more than in 2021, and 198 more than in 2020.” The solution isn’t to protest the removal of tent encampments, but to create safe, affordable housing at every level of the housing continuum — something we’ve neglected for decades.

Dr. Batu is surprised there haven’t been widespread demonstrations over Canada’s state of housing. “In France right now … they’re literally throwing shit at politicians,” he said, referring to the massively disruptive farmer protests, “but here in this country? I don’t know why there’s been no movement — people in the streets protesting. I don’t understand. Especially young people.

Are we that desensitized already?” Sadly, I think it was a rhetorical question.

Illustration by Andreea Popa (2018) Unsplash

NEWS

SPORTS

3........... UFV Senate ............ Campus housing ............ Cafeteria renovations 5........... Professor Profile: Dr. Michael Batu

12......... The Canucks by the numbers

OPINION

13......... Campus Fashion: accessorize, people!

13-14.... Atangard welcomes you home 14......... UFV is a Drag 15......... UFV Speaks: Housing 16 ������� The Cascade Kitchen: Aunty Carrie’s soup 17-19.... Study Break

6........... Creating better mental health 7........... Snapshots

FEATURE 8-11...... Building a better yesterday

CULTURE

ARTS 19......... CIVL Shuffle

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01 news@ufvcascade.ca News Editor — Rachel Tait

NEWS

UFV //

January Senate recap The first Senate meeting of 2024 sees a familiar face return to the UFV halls RACHEL TAIT Senate is the academic governing body of UFV, with the university president and vice-chancellor Dr. Joanne MacLean as chair. They are responsible for making decisions on everything academic, including: approving new courses and programs, approving changes to programs, and setting entrance requirements and the academic calendar. The Board of Governors, which looks at the business side of the university, is advised

by Senate on matters of mutual interest.

All at the university are welcome to attend Senate’s public meetings, held once a month. Senate makes decisions that impact the daily lives of both students and faculty. This article will recap the

main agenda items of the hybrid Senate meeting on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

Dr. Joanne MacLean, university president and chair, has returned to UFV after a year of medical leave. During the senate meeting, MacLean expressed how grateful she was to be back at UFV and thanked the board for all their hard work, especially Dr. James Mandigo, provost and vice president academic, for filling in for her during her absence.

Mandigo made a motion for the Senate to approve the request made by the Physics department to turn the Engineering Transfer Program into the Engineering Common Core Certificate. A memo sent

by Dr. Claire Carolan, associate director, Program Development and Quality Assurance (PDQA), stated that there were no changes made to the admission

requirements or the program curriculum.

One of the main reasons for this change is so that students can use it as a credential.

The Senate voted in favor of the motion.

University registrar David Johnston successfully motioned to approve the proposed changes to the entrance and program requirements for the Business Administration (Aviation) diploma program. According to a memo from Samantha Hannah, undergraduate education committee chair, the proposal would enable students to have more “flexibility in course selection.” The changes will be implemented September 2024.

Another successful motion was made

by Johnston for the Senate to approve the changes made to the Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning requirements.

According to a memo from Hannah, this

will enable direct entry into the program, no longer requiring students to wait until their third year for admission.

In Mandigo’s final report as acting president, he officially welcomed the return of MacLean while thanking his peers for their support, especially Dr. Tracy Ryder-Glass, for taking over his role as provost and vice president academic.

“One of the great things about being Acting President,” wrote Mandigo, “were the opportunities I had to share the UFV story with the external community and to hear the impact that UFV has made in the lives of those in our community.”

UFV //

Home is where the tuition is Construction begins in Abbotsford for more UFV student housing VERONICA POWELL Construction is currently underway for a second housing complex on the Abbotsford campus. The new structure is scheduled to open next year, and will be a six-story wood frame building located on the existing Lot 10 parking site, across from Lá:lem te Baker, UFV’s current on-campus residence. According to UFV’s website, in addition to the 398 beds the project will add, the first floor will be home to “mixed-use amenity spaces, including a student lounge, shared kitchens, study spaces, student programming space, a retail [unit] with a food vendor, and a cultural space.”

“It’s a struggle to find affordable housing in B.C.,” said Lily Chan, director of Capital Projects, an arm of UFV’s Campus Planning and Facilities Management (CPFM). Chan said that the university understands that a lack of housing in Abbotsford was negatively affecting students, and that the project was inspired by “the necessity to provide affordable housing.” Chan explained that UFV is committed to supporting both local and international students, and hopes that the new development will help create a stronger campus culture.

“I think that having more students on campus provides opportunity for community, and the ability for amenity spaces

supported by a larger population of students to exist. There’s kind of a critical mass that is required to support certain amenities.” Chan noted that the construction of both the new housing development and expanded dining hall was not a coincidence. “The student housing supports the dining hall expansion,” said Chan, and “the dining hall expansion is supporting student housing. The campus as a whole benefits from that.”

“I think it’ll make the campus a little more — I would say livable. You see a lot of this happening in UBC and SFU where campuses are becoming little villages.

You can’t do that with one building, so by bringing more students on to campus it allows for that to happen.”

The project is a large undertaking that utilizes a model called integrated project delivery. “The university is in some ways among the pioneering groups who are trying this,” said Chan. “Integrated project delivery is fairly new for Canada, but… what that does is [it] allows the consultants and builders and owners to work together as a team to build buildings more efficiently and faster. So some of the things that we’ve been able to work through to-date is actually — in the time frame that we were able to do that — has been very impressive.

The new residences have been designed with sustainability in mind, and the building is expected to achieve LEED gold

certification. Architects are currently to support,” said Chan. If all goes to plan, working on plans to expand student hous- the new housing is slated to see its first ing in Chilliwack as well. “The addition residents for the Fall 2025 semester. of the resident student population will go a long way to creating the vibrant residential community on campus we hope Photography by blog.ufv (2023)

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VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01

NEWS UFV //

Construction of UFV’s expanded dining hall has begun An improved space for students to experience community, companionship, and most importantly… food!

VERONICA POWELL UFV’s plan to significantly upgrade the Cascade Café is officially underway.

Building B will remain the location of the cafeteria, but another floor will be added to the layout. The much larger dining hall will increase the existing seating capacity from 121 to 350, and provide space for an expanded array of food options. Students can expect the dining hall to open sometime in 2025. The Cascade had the opportunity to interview Lily Chan, the director of Capital Projects, which is overseeing the expansion.

The renovation was driven by the need to accommodate the growing student population, especially with new student housing being built concurrently. “In order to support the extra students that will be in the new student housing building, and the meal plans that are required, we needed an expanded kitchen,” said Chan. “That inspired the dining hall.”

“It’s beautiful,” said Chan. “The dining hall is very well conceived, and we can see this as being a nexus or hub of student, faculty, and staff activity.” The remodeled cafeteria will be designed for comfort, so it will be easy for students to gather.

“Space is always a challenge on campus, just for small groups to get together on projects or to socialize with your friends.

It’s all part of that campus culture… and it’s always supported by food.”

“I think that the campus community, and how that community supports a young person in their learning journey, is very important. The experience of being a part of a community is part of that learning journey. I think it’s not just about going to

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class — it’s [also] everything else — the support system that supports your learning.” Chan notes that part of that support comes not from the university, but from peers. The new dining hall can facilitate that support by providing “opportunities to meet people you otherwise might not.

You end up learning from those people as well.”

Chan is encouraged to see the effect the reimagined facility will have on

the student body, and the formations of relationships. “As a young person, the experiences you have influence you so deeply for the rest of your life. To provide the infrastructure and environment where positive experiences can happen, I think is part of the administration’s aim and what they’re trying to do here.”

In March, Capital Projects will host an open house where guests can see visuals and rendering of the projects. Architecture

and design teams, builders, and organizers will also be on-hand to answer questions from the community in greater detail.

Plans are also in development to upgrade and expand the Chilliwack campus’ facilities at a later date.

Photography by ufv.ca (2023)

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NEWS UFV //

Professor Profile: Dr. Michael Batu

The professor discusses his indirect road to economics, the value of teaching, and his take on minimum wages GAURI SETHI Dr. Michael Batu is a Filipino-Canadian economist and an assistant professor at the UFV’s Department of Economics. In addition to years of teaching experience and several awards under his belt, he also has a long list of notable research initiatives and publications to his credit. “My goal was to become a lawyer,” said Dr. Batu, when asked about his motivation to study economics. “I applied for programs that [would] eventually lead me to become a lawyer.” However, when Batu arrived on campus as a young man, he was met with imposing line-ups to many of the program registration booths. Economics, however, was an exception. “There was nobody there.” Batu registered for Economics, fully intending to transfer into a Law track after his first year. However, a period of illness caused him to postpone his original plan to change the program.

The additional time spent in the program — surrounded by excellent professors in the Philippines who introduced him to the world of economics — further cemented his interest in the field. “In my case,” said Batu, “they were the ones that were mainly influential as to where I am now.”

At the age of 22, he began to teach

in the Philippines while pursuing his master’s degree. In time, he applied for a Canadian visa, as he had relatives in the country. While he waited, he continued to teach and to study. “I taught in the Philippines for like four years, and then my visa arrived,” said Batu.

Despite holding degrees from the Philippines, Batu encountered difficulties finding work in Canada as his credentials were not valued in Canada. He took on a variety of odd jobs: counting cash in ATM deposits, working in a call centre, and nearly going into security. But, he was adamant about pursuing possibilities that aligned with his academic background and eventually secured an internship with the Ontario government.

Batu emphasized the challenge of bridging the age gap with students each year. He believes that teaching and fostering relationships are just as vital as analysis, despite the emphasis many colleges place on research. In Dr. Batu’s experience, big research universities don’t prioritize teaching, calling it a “secondary” concern. “They’re not putting in a lot of effort there,” said Batu. “Here at UFV, teaching is primary… If you want to hone your teaching skills, we have the support for that.”

Illustration by Mohamed Mahmoud Hassan (Accessed January 2024) “It’s very helpful in terms of keeping my craft up to date — keeping my teaching skills up to par,” said Batu. In the age of social media and short attention spans, he stresses the value of relatability and engagement, incorporating humour into his lectures to connect with students. “I crack jokes from time to time. It’s probably because I wanted to become a stand up comedian … You really have to present [information] in a way that students will like.”

Professor Batu’s impact goes beyond the classroom. The Windsor Star and Washington Post, among other local and international media outlets, have featured his research and insights. He’s even been recognized by Philippine news and current affairs programs. Discussing his current research interests, Professor Batu delves into the effects of raising the minimum wage, a critical aspect of economic policy. “If you increase the minimum wage, it increases the cost of production, and what will happen to prices? Prices will just go up, because if you’re a businessperson, you’re not going to absorb that. I’m just going to jack up the prices so that we cover the increase in cost. Now, that’s the traditional way of thinking about it.” The question is, however, is it

really true that raising the minimum wage causes prices to rise? There are opposing viewpoints in the literature, said Batu. He also pointed out that an important factor in the relationship between wages and inflation is the current level of development of the country in question, and a lot of attention is given to developed nations like Canada and the U.S. Professor Batu performed research using data from the Philippines to add to this discussion. His research showed that “a 10 per cent increase in minimum wage only gives a 0.5 per cent increase in inflation.” Batu argued that it was “a very tiny increase. So, I build the case of providing what we call a ‘living wage’ for people.”

He further argued that the “minimum wage is not [a] living wage.” He added that people desire “a wage where [they] can live decently, with dignity.” Professor Batu’s study in the field of public policy seeks to offer workable solutions in the debate on minimum wages.

Photography by ufv.ca (Accessed January 2024) 5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

OPINION

VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01 opinion@ufvcascade.ca Opinion Editor - Emmaline Spencer

Advice //

Spawning stability from creativity I wrote a poem and now I sorta feel better EMMALINE SPENCER There is an age old myth of creativity and poor mental health going hand in hand. When we look back at famous creatives, it’s not hard to see the distinct issues they dealt with: F. Scott Fitzgerald with alcoholism, Vincent Van Gogh with depression, or Elton John with anger and addiction. In contrast to the emphasis on this connection of creative people being distressed, studies have shown that those who work creative jobs are no more likely to struggle with stress or anxiety than a person working a non-creative job.

A positive relationship has been demonstrated between mental health and creativity — and a correlation exists between mental instability and great creative heights. From one angle, you could say that great art comes from unstable minds; but it could also be reasoned 6

that creativity allows a precarious mind to find stability. Van Gogh was prolifically creative during his stay at a psychiatric hospital in the south of France, but produced very little in the depths of his depressive episodes.

For the last five months I spent hours on end growing my creative ability to see how helpful it really is to my mental health. In the past I would go to counseling where I was encouraged to try writing my feelings down in a journal or illustrating them in painting, but for some reason, neither seemed to ever stick for me.

Even though journaling never seemed to work out for me in the past, there must be a reason it is such a common therapy tool.

According to the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association, the aid of art in therapy presents the “expressive language of the conscious and the unconscious mind.” Following that concept, I took a new shot at art therapy without

being limited to my preconceived idea of it having to be journaling or painting.

I opted to try something a little bit different than what previous counselors have recommended to me. I focused on writing for myself, instead of for a counselor or imaginary audience, and instead of journaling, I tried creative writing. I started writing poems about my dreams, nightmares, and realities. Through the process of writing, I found myself getting better at displaying and communicating my emotions. Over time, I also felt more comfortable sharing the poems themselves. Initially, they were just a way for me to put my scrambled thoughts to paper.

It was a freeing experience to create something with no purpose. I wasn’t trying to perform for an audience or write just the right words to get an A on an essay; I was just creating for the sake of creating. I thrived on knowing that what was written entertained me and it didn’t

matter if someone else wasn’t impressed.

I can’t say that working on creative projects will magically fix your problems in life, but it might be worth a try to pursue those hobbies you put off in favour of getting ahead in the workplace, academics, and perceived life milestones.

I opted for writing, but the options are limitless: woodworking, painting, music, photography, or just learning something new for its own sake. I wrote some poems — and, yeah — I do feel a bit better.

Illustration by Woman Writing Book (Accessed January 2024) Mohamed Mahmoud Hassan

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SNAPSHOTS Illustrations by Iryna Presley

To critique or not to critique?

Cheers to no pressure

I am tired of criticism and being asked to think critically about everything I consume. What if I just want to enjoy a movie and shut my brain off for a couple of hours? Am I not allowed to view something for pure enjoyment? Elements of society have pushed more and more for the media and art they consume to cater towards everyone and their individual needs while demanding that the creators and entertainers be depictions of their own ideals. This has resulted in the rise of “cancel culture” and the belittling of one another for consuming any media we deem inappropriate or the fruit of unjust creators.

Never one for New Year’s resolutions, when I decided to make one this year, I thought about the unwritten rule stating we must have one to garner permission to utter the words, “new year, new me.”

Every time we ring in another year, there’s pressure to start fresh and transform into a new person by starting a hardcore workout routine or quitting that one bad habit.

Is this really an attainable standard?

Our busy lifestyles often impede our motivation to fulfill our resolutions.

Also, the goals we set are often ones that we don’t even like the idea of in the first place. We know that cutting out sweets

I move that we take a break from these hard-hitting stances and try to just enjoy the art again. Let’s save the criticism for more important matters. We don’t always have to separate art from the artist, but I think it’s okay to not always do a deepdive history search on everyone involved in the creation of something. I’d like to listen to a song — or watch a movie — and not be shamed because someone involved with it tweeted some perceived offence a decade ago.

EMMALINE SPENCER

What if…

What if the last thing I say to you is not “I love you”? What if I never get to taste your cooking again? What if this is the last time I get to walk my dog; pet his fur; smell his breath?

What if something better comes my way? What if something worse arrives instead? What if I never hear your laughter again? What if I never get over it?

What if I forget it completely?

What if I regret this? What if I don’t?

What if my life changes? What if it stays the same? What if no one else has these fears? What if I’m no different from the rest?

What if I say something wrong? What if I never write anything of substance?

for the year despite our sweet tooth is futile. We’re filled with dread until we inevitably fail and are left disillusioned for not achieving what were unrealistic goals in the first place.

I believe we should treat our New Year’s resolutions with a grain of salt.

Instead, let’s take each year as it comes while appreciating what we’ve already accomplished. We don’t need to drastically transform ourselves or our lives every year.

VERONICA POWELL

The pigeon What if I am forgotten — and it all meant nothing? What if I can’t let go of yesterday?

What if tomorrow never comes?

What if I stopped torturing myself with psychological time travel based on what-ifs… … and just lived for today?

MARIE-ANGE ROUTIER

He was alone. That was the first thing that seemed odd. Birds of a feather flock together — and this little pigeon was solo.

He also wasn’t flying. Instead, he huddled in the narrow alley beside my building, unconcerned about the man who had rounded the corner only a few feet away. The little bird let me come within arms reach before it beat its wings just enough to regain a few feet of separation.

Something was wrong.

I went back upstairs, Googling possible causes. It could have been injured by flying into a window; it could have eaten something toxic; it could be suffering from the summer heat; it could have simply been old. I rooted through the kitchen for

seeds, nuts, and berries, washed a yogurt container, filled it with fresh water, and brought the lot down to the ailing fowl, who promptly ignored it. I gave it some time and space.

That night, he was still there. Food and water untouched, his tiny beak nestled in his plumage. The SPCA and bird sanctuaries apparently don’t come for pigeons.

There he remained — fixed like a living statue, awaiting a fate I feared we both anticipated. On the fourth day, he was gone, with only my litter remaining.

BRADLEY DUNCAN 7

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Building a better yesterday To address the housing crisis, our past may point to tomorrow’s solutions BRADLEY DUNCAN Things were not looking good. The established the Housing & Development Count identified 4,821 individuals city — the entire country, really — was Board (HDB), tasked with building experiencing homelessness (a 32 per in the midst of a housing crisis. The public housing. After the fire, the HDB cent increase from 2020), it seems government struggled to rehome people so quickly and successfully housed the unlikely that it would accomplish much. who preferred their marginal, commu- displaced population that it gained a Canada’s housing crisis shows no signs nity-centered lifestyle to the shelters the remarkable reputation. Their operation of abating, and the provincial governcity had provided. On top of that, the quickly scaled and cemented public ment has rolled out new restrictions subject of immigration was leading to housing as a viable and attractive option in an attempt to alleviate the strain. In increased racial tensions. When a fire for many residents. Now, roughly 80 per recent years they introduced the foreign broke out in a squatter settlement in cent of Singapore’s population live in buyers tax, implemented and expanded which four people lost their lives, the public housing that is designed and built the speculation and vacancy tax, and government resolved to act — swiftly. by the HDB, and these homes exist in cracked down on short-term-rentals like If this sounds familiar, it should, expansive planned communities in one Airbnb. They’re also reducing barriers to construction and encouraging densibecause very few of our problems of the globe’s most sustainable cities. are ever entirely novel, and you’d be It’s difficult to say how a Canadian fication around Skytrain stations. forgiven for assuming that the fire in city would respond if, say, a sold-out The federal government is wading question had erupted in a tent city in crowd at the Pacific Coliseum lost back into the housing issue as well, with Vancouver or Toronto. However, the fire their houses overnight, but given that new money for building projects across actually broke out in May of 1961 — in Greater Vancouver’s 2023 Homeless the nation. But these policies often Singapore. The blaze was devastating, leaving roughly 16,000 instantly homeless. The story, however, is ultimately The blaze was devastating, one of success, because the tiny island leaving roughly 16,000 instantly nation rehomed everyone within a year.

So how did Singapore do it?

It helped that the country was already in the housing business, with a pre-existing stock of apartments. The year before that deadly inferno razed the squatter settlement of Bukit Ho Swee, the Singaporean government had

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homeless. The story, however, is ultimately one of success, because the tiny island nation rehomed everyone within a year.

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move at a glacial pace, with impacts measured over years and decades. We need housing now, and have for a while.

The drastic rise in homelessness across the country is a clear demonstration that Canada is on fire — and much of it has already burned to the ground.

If we truly believe that housing is a human right, why can’t Canada address the crisis more directly?

Canada (and especially Vancouver) touts sustainability and social equity as crucial objectives in its climate goals, but progress has been slow, with piece- who’s left an online review knows, bad a fully privatized system. We still want meal policies and inconsistent applica- news travels much faster than good. BC our tax dollars to fund the services tion. We consistently fall short on our Hydro is a public utility and provincial and robust regulations to control drug commitments. Sure, we incentivize the Crown corporation. My rates are always prices. We also abhor the concept of private sector with grants and loans, reasonable, service is reliable, and most handing a new mother her baby with but the market has its own incentives. days I don’t give any thought to them a $6,000 invoice taped to its diaper.

Its priority will always be its bottom- at all. It’s a good system. Their 2022/23 However, even though we recognize the line. If we truly believe that housing is a Annual Service Plan Repaort showed importance of a roof over our heads, we human right, why can’t Canada address an 89 per cent Customer Satisfaction don’t approach housing with the same Index, and has an employee rating of 3.9 immediacy. We let the market handle it. the crisis more directly? out of 5 on Glassdoor — both numbers The first objection revolves around are slightly higher than for their private “There’s the philosophy that the private sector is actually much more efficient,” “big government” and a criticism that provincial competitor, FortisBC. said Dr. Michael Batu, assistant professuch bureaucratic overreach is slow, expensive, and ultimately dangerous: a So we can already agree that public sor of economics at The University of mummy wrapped-up in red tape. Too institutions play a role in the overall the Fraser Valley (UFV). “If you let often that’s true, and there are many health of a society. They provide power, the free market do it, it will result in a things that should be left exclusively to clean water, roads, and other critical much more efficient way of allocating the free market — but it’s not univer- infrastructure. They also provide for homes.” The problem is that developers sal. When the province proposes a our physical and mental health. While build a lot of the same types of homes: billion-dollar museum upgrade, it sets Canadians have mixed feelings about large, single-family detached homes; off public spending alarm bells that ring healthcare and the ultimate role the townhomes; and condos. The market throughout the province, but as anyone government should play, very few want is incentivised to maximize profits, not build affordable housing. “This is the failure of the free market,” said Batu.

“Affordable housing is the least profitThe latest report from the able among the options.”

Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC) estimates the country currently has a housing shortage of 3.45 million units.

According to UFV’s Dr. Cherie Enns, associate professor of planning,

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geography, and environmental studies, its February 1992 budget, the federal the security of housing for that matter, to coerce builders into supplying afford- government terminated the federal without a healthy non-market sector. able housing, municipal governments co-operative housing program. Over its And by a healthy non-market sector, I impose “inclusionary zoning” require- lifetime, the program built nearly 60,000 mean 20 per cent.” ments in which 20 per cent of new homes homes for low- and moderate-income The value of a robust supply of need to be allocated as affordable hous- Canadians.” However, funding had non-market housing is that if there’s ing. The problem, according to Enns, is already declined sharply by then. Batu enough of it, the market housing needs that “affordability” isn’t well-defined, explained that “if we go back in time, to start competing against it. In Vienna, creating loopholes. “How affordable is after the Second World War, or even in Austria, non-market housing makes up it? Is it just more affordable?” However, the 1930s, actually… the government 60 per cent of the residences. The city in cities like Montreal, the definition is was an active participant in the housing directly owns and operates approxia moot point. The city failed to add a market. When I say ‘active,’ it’s not just mately 220,000 units — roughly 25 per single unit of social housing over a two funding… but also active in the cent of the housing stock. The other year span because it was better for the business of building homes and provid- 650,000 units are owned by private, developer’s wallet to just pay the fine. ing loans to homebuyers.” limited-profit operators. The city also “It’s a totally dysfunctional system,” caps rents at 20-25 per cent of earnsaid Batu. ings. “In general,” said Whitzman, “the

private sector has never been interested / capable of meeting the needs of low income people. So that means that we If the BHA is ambitious, need a new era of non-market housing.” flexible, and well-managed, The era she’s calling back to was an this could be a game-changer earlier time Canada found itself with a for the city and its residents. major housing shortage — the 1940s.

The period saw an increase in immigration and urbanization, and there was an understanding that Canada The latest report from the Canada That departure in the early ʼ90s meant needed homes for its returning serviceMortgage & Housing Corporation that a crucial ingredient of affordabil- men. “One of the terms was Homes for (CMHC) estimates the country currently ity was almost entirely abandoned: Heroes,” said Whitzman. “They’d be has a housing shortage of 3.45 million non-market housing. Sometimes called marrying, they’d be having children, units. For context, Canada’s National public housing or social housing, and they would need small affordable Housing Strategy states that it aims to non-market housing is just that — hous- homes.” A federal commission esticreate 160,000 new housing units by ing that’s not tied to the market. In mated that Canada would need roughly 2028. “It’s a drop in the bucket,” said essence, it’s not there to make a profit. 600,000 homes in the next decade, and Batu. With student visa restrictions It’s not just “affordable housing” because “it recommended a third be public housand rental crackdowns, he admits that it typically sets rents only as high as is ing, a third be rental… and a third be governments are addressing both supply required for the building to function, for ownership,” said Whitzman. The and demand issues, but in totally inef- accounting for loan payments, utilities, government set up the precursor to the fectual ways. “These kinds of policies taxes, maintenance, and other assorted CMHC, Wartime Housing Limited, are very good — politically,” said Batu. fees. In fact, once the initial loan is paid tasked with meeting that objective.

“They’re very good visually, in a media off, costs reduce drastically. That means We could use a wartime mentality now cycle. It’s something good that people these properties get less expensive over — and cities like Burnaby seem to agree. are talking about. But over the long time.

Last year, the municipal government term, would it solve the chronic prob- Canada’s current share of non-market announced that it would be launching lem? The answer is no.” housing sits at approximately five per the Burnaby Housing Authority (BHA), So if the market can’t build us out of cent. Carolyn Whitzman, an advisor at a corporation endowed with the power the crisis, and the government can’t UBC’s Housing Research Collaborative, to acquire lands and existing portfofund its way out of the crisis, what’s the thinks we need significantly more than lios — and get this — to actually build that. In a conversation with Daemon homes. This will give the BHA more solution?

Fairless on CBC’s Front Burner, she direct control of projects, decreasing the “In my understanding it was around said she “can’t think of a country in reliance on consultants, advisors, and 1992 when the federal government the world that has seen improvements middle-men who siphon off funds and dropped the ball on housing,” said in terms of homelessness, or improve- drive up prices of government projects.

Batu. He’s spot-on. According to the ments in terms of the cost of housing, or (For a truly egregious example of this, Parliamentary Research Branch, “In 10

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VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01

Burnaby voters flipped the script when they made housing an issue about people over profits. Since then, the city has taken a page out of the history books, and seems determined to make things better for its residents.

ask the people of San Francisco about their $1.7 million outdoor toilet).

When redevelopment in the Metrotown area began gobbling up old buildings — and a large supply of the city’s social housing with it — voters ousted the long-standing mayor in 2018. The rash of ‘demovictions’ was the number-one voter issue. Burnaby has been steadily losing rental properties for over a decade, and the province’s third-largest city wants to change that trajectory. The BHA wants to offer non-market rentals at half the market rate, and perhaps reduced even further for those in greater need. If the BHA is ambitious, flexible, and well-managed, this could be a gamechanger for the city and its residents.

So why are municipalities having to handle this themselves? Why are the provincial and federal governments not taking a more aggressive approach to reducing housing prices? “Go into the Parliament website,” Batu advised.

“There is a section there about conflicts of interest… If you look at the conflicts of interests of members of parliament, you will see that many of them either are landlords, or have investments in companies in the housing sector.”

“If these policies would come to fruition — and this is what the current home owners fear — is this loss in equity,” said Batu. With decades of low interest rates, property became a safe and very lucrative investment.

“This is their retirement money… If I’m a voter, a homeowner, I’m going to resist this policy.” Voters still hold the power, and many of them are homeowners with very vested interests. This is why so many communities decry the rates of homelessness, but block any attempts to build social or supportive

too few homes, and an army of realtors cashing commision cheques. It’s foreign buyers and private firms scooping up properties; and it’s a homeless person working 40-hours a week. It’s more of the same.

Burnaby voters flipped the script when they made housing an issue about people over profits. Since then, the city has taken a page out of the history housing in their neighbourhoods — a books, and seems determined to make phenomenon known as ‘not in my back- things better for its residents. I hope yard’ (NIMBY) politics. Meanwhile, they do. But we need 3.5 million homes, the youth rarely vote, let alone protest, and that requires believing that all levels of governments should be active seemingly resigned to their fate. participants, and it means voting out the I marvel at the dissonance we so legislators who default to the status quo. often display. We shake our fingers at We should build the vibrant, healthy, Americans because they can’t address sustainable communities we imagined gun control and they can’t reform their back when we used to dream bigger. We healthcare system. Just look at what can. We have. It happens all the time — other countries are doing we scoff. just not here — not anymore. The housThen we unthinkingly hand over 60 per ing crisis is really a crisis of faith — in cent of our earnings to a landlord while ourselves — and in what we can achieve complaining about the price of eggs. We if we try. roll our eyes when the gas pump reads $2 per litre, and then spend $2.39 for a 500 ml bottle of water — clean and free Illustration by Eseniia Bondar at a faucet near you. Am I the only one who feels like a complete chump?

Nobody wants to ‘own’ the housing crisis. Similarly, nobody wants to tank the housing market trying to fix it. So what do we get? Piecemeal policies that look good on paper and get some press in an election cycle — but it’s all for show.

It’s a fine that’s cheaper to pay than the cost of building a home, and an RRSP with a roof. It’s a foreign student denied a visa, a scapegoated migrant worker, and a renter evicted to make way for an Airbnb. It’s a massive price-tag for

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

SPORTS

VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01

sports@ufvcascade.ca Sports

Hockey //

After a string of long summers, Vancouver’s playoff fortunes have improved Analyzing key Canucks statistics at the season’s unofficial halfway point JEFFREY KENNETT Things have changed since the Vancouver Canucks last qualified for the playoffs.

Excluding the 2019-20 COVID-19 shortened season, in which the Canucks took advantage of their opportunity to participate in the NHL’s expanded play-in tournament in Edmonton, the city of Vancouver hasn’t hosted a playoff game since the 2014-15 season.

At the time of writing, the Canucks have played approximately half of their season so far, accumulating upwards of sixty points which has them in the top-five in the entire National Hockey League.

This provides a decent sample size of data that can be evaluated for any trends on the ice. The team has largely exceeded expectations, and put themselves in a position to host playoff games for the first time in nine years.

A driving force of the Canucks’ success this season to date has been their play at five-on-five. Vancouver has been a goal scoring juggernaut at even strength so far, ranking top-five in Goals Percentage (GF%) behind only the Winnipeg Jets.

GF% is an approximation of goals scored for the team versus goals scored against them. With such a high-percentage, the Canucks have shown that they are capable of scoring their way out of trouble, but that may not be a recipe for success come playoff time. Looking at GF% on its own can be misleading, and begs further examination. For example the Pittsburgh Penguins sit in the top five of GF%, only

Photography by Adam Hunger (2024) bcctvnews.ca slightly lower than Vancouver, yet three weeks into January, the Penguins have fourteen points fewer than the Canucks.

With the example of the Penguins in mind, an attempt to determine how sustainable the Canucks’ goal scoring binge is to continue can involve comparing the GF% with the team’s Expected Goals Percentage (xG%) at five-on-five. xG% is a comparison statistic that tracks the quality of goals scored for a team versus the opposition. Having an xG% of above fifty per cent indicates that the

team is controlling play more than half of the game, which would be more effective than their opponent. This is where things start to get slightly more troubling for the Canucks’ long term output. The Canucks sit in the bottom half of the league in xG%, which is contrastingly different from their GF%. The Canucks’ Pacific Division rivals: Edmonton, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Seattle currently sit above Vancouver in xG% — all above 50 per cent.

To increase their xG%, the Canucks

Photography by Darryl Dyck (2023) sportsnet.ca 12

need to create scoring-chances more often than their opponents, which relies on controlling the flow of play by possessing the puck. Possession through shot attempts can be tracked by evaluating the shot attempt percentage (Corsi) at fiveon-five. Corsi is a shot tracking statistic, which tracks shots for a team versus shots given up to the opposition. A positive to take away from the Canucks overall standing in Corsi, is that they’re only slightly below the New York Rangers, who have enjoyed a strong season to this point. However, they’re only slightly above the Ottawa Senators (yikes!) who have been an unmitigated and well documented disaster, having already replaced their coach this season. Controlling the flow of play to create more chances than their opponents is surely an element of the Canucks’ game that they will want to improve upon as they move deeper into the second half of the season.

Despite the trends observed in xG% and Corsi, the Canucks sit with some of the best odds to make the playoffs this season, putting themselves in the same conversation as league heavyweights such as Colorado, Boston, and Winnipeg.

For the Canucks to be in this position at this point in the season is a welcome change-of-pace for fans of the team who can finally look forward to home playoff games on their schedules come spring.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01 culture@ufvcascade.ca Culture Editor - Kiara Okonkwo

CULTURE

Column //

Campus Fashion: accessorize that!

Small accessories can make a big statement RACHEL TAIT Want to look put-together and stand out in a crowd? Accessories are key to having an effortless grace and style in what you wear. Accessories may seem small and insignificant, but they can add wonders to your wardrobe if used strategically.

Jewelry, belts, scarves, hats, and bags can help make an outfit look put-together, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Chances are you already have many of these items in your wardrobe. The art is in knowing how to pair them with outfits.

Jewelry: For a minimalist look, wearing simple jewelry such as a gold coloured necklace (it doesn’t have to be real) can add sparkle and make a statement, especially if it’s worn with an all-black ensemble. Other classic jewelry include hoop earrings, pearls, studs, bangles, and watches. Adding any of these pieces can dress up a simple outfit without overpowering it.

Belts: Belts are another way for you to dress up or down an outfit. Adding a simple black or brown belt to an ensemble can add elegance to a casual look. It

can be paired with numerous pieces such as dresses, tunics, or jeans with a white button down shirt. Belts can add structure as well and style to any outfit, and finding one that suits your personality can help with creating put together looks for your wardrobe.

Scarves: Wearing a signature scarf, whether patterned or a solid colour, can add dimension and texture to what you are wearing. An example is a classic square scarf that you can tie around your neck or double as a hairband. It will add colour and style to an otherwise simple outfit without looking out of place. A thick woven scarf can add depth to an outfit while keeping out the chill this winter. This look will look great with a more casual outfit, such as a knit sweater and jeans.

Hats: Hats are another great accessory, especially in the cold winter months. A nice warm toque or beanie can add style to an ensemble that looks timeless while keeping you cozy. For cooler weather, a classic wool or felt fedora adds elegance to a simple outfit and can be dressed up with an overcoat and boots, or worn casually with a sweater and jeans.

Bags: Owning a well structured handbag can make or break an outfit. According to Vogue, it is fashionable this winter season to have a bag that is minimalist in design and neutral in colour. Handbags not only carry your most important items such as your wallet and keys, but they can also help accessorize and complete a stylish look. Tote bags, leather shoulder bags, and clutches are wonderful quintessential options that can be used to help polish an outfit.

Accessories can be as extravagant or minimal as you desire, provided that it helps to enhance and not detract from what you wear. Adding versatile accessories to outfits can help create new

Photography by Woman Vintage Fashion 1920s (Accessed January 2024) Karen Arnold

Community Spotlight //

Atangard: a model of community living The Project continues to provide much-needed housing for young people in Abbotsford JAY PETER

consists of 20 self-contained rooms with private bathrooms attached, as well as common spaces. “The idea is to gather groups of like-minded individuals from all different backgrounds,” said Thompson, with a friendly and welcoming smile, “and create an environment that nurtures creativity and gives people connection to this bigger thing than them so that they’re able to engage with this greater sense of community and live a more intentional and rich life… It’s not just a low-income housing project. There is a very social component to what we do here.”

Creating a sense of community is one of the Atangard project’s primary goals, and there are several things that make living at Atangard unique: For example, during the tour, Thompson informed me that every resident is required to make dinner twice-a-month so everyone can

Filled with music, dancing, and socializing, the Atangard Community Project’s Open House sounded like a rousing success. Though I was unable to attend myself, I was lucky enough to visit Atangard and sit down with executive director and president of the board of directors of the Project, as well as The Cascade’s former managing editor, Kait Thompson, to learn what the project is all about.

The Atangard Community Project is located in the heart of downtown Abbotsford, and functions as a community living project, billing itself as a space for students and young professionals, aged 19-35. The project began in 2009, and, according to Thompson, “with the exception of the last six months, we’ve been pretty much running at full capacity functioning ever since.” The building CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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CULTURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 sit down and share a meal together. To help make this possible, the residents and directors chip in for a “pantry fund” — then one of the directors heads to the store to buy everything the residents need for the month. The dinners really reinforce the goal of community living, making sure that no one feels left out or alone.

“You think about what life is like,” said Thompson; “you’re just a 20-something, and you go to your job or you go to school, and you don’t realize how isolating it can be until you move into a place like this.”

Atangard also gives back to the Abbotsford community through events that they hold. According to Thompson, previous generations involved with the project were involved in “setting up things like Jam In Jubilee, the free summer

concert series in Jubilee Park.” Not only that, but Atangard has also been the venue for a thriving music scene, hosting punk rock bands and acoustic singer-songwriter nights. Their most recent event was the open house, but it was just the beginning of a year of fun-filled events.

Their next showing is the Summer Eyes concert featuring Trevor Blaak, which will happen onsite on Feb. 23.

The building that houses the Project officially opened its doors to the public as the Hotel Atangard on April 15, 1927, making it one of the most prominent heritage buildings in Abbotsford. The building was renamed the Fraser Valley Inn in 1968, and over the ensuing decades, fell into various states of disrepair. However, the original Clayburn brickworks walls still stand as a testament to the building’s resilience — now reflected in its current

occupants. When the Project took stewardship in 2012 and repurposed it into a community living space, it required a significant overhaul; but their aim to preserve as much as possible carries forward into their current eco-friendly practices.

Thompson said the Project has an autoshare program: a car that any resident can use, and rather than paying for gas, an extra fee gets tacked on to their rent based on how many kilometers they drive.

Coupled with this is the building’s close vicinity to transit, drastically decreasing the residents’ carbon footprint. “Instead of putting [up] all this money and using up all these resources to purpose-build brand new housing somewhere, we’re taking this space and we’re turning it into something, and it’s something that already existed and was just sitting here empty.”

The Atangard Community Project is just the kind of place that’s needed during the housing crisis we are all experiencing.

With a thriving and welcoming community and a positive impact on the environment, it seems like just the place any student would want to live. To apply, you must be between the ages of 19-35 and either be working full time or enrolled in post-secondary education. You can learn more about the project and apply on their website or by checking them out on Instagram, @atangardcommunityproject.

Photography by Atangard Community Project (2023)

UFV Event //

UFV’s A Drag!! brings ‘camp’ to campus A casual event with a spirited and inclusive atmosphere KIARA OKONKWO UFV felt like anything but a drag that Friday night as The Pride Collective delivered on their promise of entertainment, hosting UFV’s A Drag!! With about 20 students in attendance, everyone mixed and mingled, eager to enjoy a night of queer visibility on campus with friends.

The newly minted Student Union Building (SUB) cafeteria housed a safe and sober space on Jan. 12. There were no flashy lights or elaborate productions; just a hard-working DJ behind the booth, and I could feel the heart that went into it all.

For some students, like Micah, this was their first ever drag show, “because it’s all

ages [and] you don’t have to be 19.” What a great introduction to live drag performances given by Colin Alda Monsters, Jester Minute, and Jackie Datona! Of course, monetary support is important for independent creators, and tipping was encouraged at the event. I was delighted to see fives, tens, and twenties colour the hands of many students.

Jackie Datona gave the crowd an energy that I can only muster dancing alone in my room (with the door locked). His second routine was pretty much slapstick comedy — I haven’t seen a performance so relatable and funny. I was looking forward to catching up with Datona after the show.

He expressed his appreciation for the queer community at UFV, and told me

Photography by UFV Pride Collective (2024) 14

Photography by UFV Pride Collective (2024) By Colin A. Monsters, Jackie Datona, Jester where he gathered inspiration from: “My first outfit was really inspired by Denim from [RuPaul’s] Drag Race season four… and then my second look was inspired by [the song] “Rasputin” from Just Dance,” for which he wore a fake beard and an ushanka, referring to his funky outfit as “basically a cosplay.”

Our gracious host (and “death drop” icon) Colin Alda Monsters was familiar with this crowd through performing at last year’s inaugural Queer Prom, a reclamation of the traditional prom experience.

That’s where Amber Kathrine Hawkes, a Media Arts student, was first introduced to these drag royals. “I’m excited to see what they have new and fresh,” she said.

When I asked Hawkes about her experience being queer on campus, she was open about the support she feels from UFV. She said, “As a queer person I feel

very safe… The therapy that they have here is very inclusive too. The faculty respecting pronouns — I love to see it.”

And for that we can offer thanks: To UFV for providing an accessible space for students to explore and connect with this community; and to The Pride Collective, for actively creating opportunities for students to be seen, like lobbying for a Pride Lounge on campus. If you’d like to get involved, send an email to prideufv@ gmail.com and keep up to date by following them on their Instagram, @UFVPC. Fill out the form linked in their Instagram bio to volunteer for this year’s Queer Prom.

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VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01

CULTURE UFV Speaks //

UFV Speaks: What does your future in housing look like?

KIARA OKONKWO In UFV Speaks, our intrepid reporters pick a topic currently relevant to UFV students or staff and ask them for their heated opinions to get a real sense of how the UFV population feels about the facts.

I asked UFV students on campus how they are housed now and what they think their housing situation will look like in the future. I aimed to get a sense of their ideas, hopes, and fears.

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

Student A: Isaac Neufeld / Regional and Community Planning “I don’t feel like I’ll be able to own a house for a long while. I feel like the typical ‘American dream’ or I guess ‘Canadian dream’ of owning a house in the suburbs and whatnot [is] not really feasible anymore, which, I mean, I’m fine with. I don’t want to live in a house in the suburbs anyways. I feel like houses will get smaller, which is just something

we will have to live with — that’s what we will be able to afford… [In terms of my foreseeable 20s,] I honestly wouldn’t really want to live on my own. I feel like that would get really boring and lonely, so living with roommates doesn’t seem like a bad option.”

Student B: Samantha Walmsley / Child and Youth Care “I live with my parents but I do have to pay for my own bills and groceries.

Even with that, it’s really expensive and I’m not sure how or when I would even be able to move out because everywhere I look it either doesn’t include utilities or it includes utilities but it’s an unlivable price. Not to mention, a lot of the work that I do outside of school is minimum wage… I would love to try to own a home but that is definitely impossible… My hope for my 20s is to move out with my boyfriend and live maybe in a basement suite, but I can’t see that happening until [my] mid, maybe early 30s, if anything.”

Student C: Rachael Clarke / Biology “I’m pretty pessimistic about the housing situation lately. I’m still living with my parents, not paying rent, which is amazing… but I’ve been working for the last year a bit, and I haven’t been able to save up anything from the work that I’ve been doing. It’s all going to tuition and bills… [I’m] hoping, when I get full time and I’m not paying tuition anymore, I can save up some more; but it’s gonna be quite a while for sure.”

Student D: Olivia Girgis / Psychology

“I currently live in Langley in a condo that I don’t know how we afford. [I] probably will not live there for much longer [and] probably won’t stay in B.C. ‘cause [it’s] physically impossible, I think, to own a place, which I would love to do.

But also the concept of owning a place… people don’t pay off their mortgages until they’re 60 and that’s just so sad — that you don’t really own anything until you’re pretty much croaking… I don’t even know if I want to own anything, but renting also kind of sucks, so the whole housing process is not a vibe to me, but I think it’s less of a vibe in B.C.” Student E: Juvraj Singh / Computer Information Systems “Of course no one likes the prices right now, except for the landlords… I just want to finish off my studies but the entire housing situation just feels like a huge burden, especially on students who are on loan over here. Any student who is well off [from] their parents can just buy a house and then make the other students pay for their house rent… I really feel like things are never going to get better.”

Photography by Kiara Okonkwo (2024)

Illustration by Realtor, Real Estate, Real Estate (Accessed January 2024) Mohamed Mahmoud Hassan 15

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01

STUDY BREAK Column //

The Cascade Kitchen: Aunty Carrie’s Kitchen Soup

Illustration by Adobe Express (2024) AI Generated

JESSICA BLANCHARD The Cascade Kitchen is a student-run food column that brings you budgetfriendly recipes and cooking tips.

Check back weekly for something new to try in the kitchen, or if you want to see your own recipe featured next, get started by reaching out to culture@ ufvcascade.ca.

A recipe for the tired and stressed university kid. I lovingly named this warm, hearty meal “Carrie’s Kitchen Soup” after the chef I worked alongside at the Kilby Historic Site.

Chalked full of iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C, this soup is perfect for combating the cold and flu season. For those who have iron deficiencies, this soup will keep you feeling clear-minded and full of energy! It’s easy to make and great to make in bulk as a meal prep. Double the ingredients, portion it out into containers, and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

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Makes: 8 servings

Method:

Prep time: 20 minutes

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Cook time: 20 minutes Ingredients: * 2 L chicken stock * 350g medium tomatoes * 350g black beans * 150g canned corn * 6 carrots * 4 celery * 2 bell peppers (any color) * 1 yellow onion * 2 medium russet potatoes * 3 cloves garlic * 1 tbsp cooking oil Optional: If you want to add protein, choose a red or white meat and cut it into small pieces, or shred it. Add it to the pot in step 2..

2. Prep your mirepoix by peeling and large-dicing the onion, potatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and three of your carrots.

3. Add your mirepoix to a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes or until soft and golden brown.

4. Small-dice the celery, tomatoes, and remaining carrots.

5. Add cooking oil to a large pot. Add diced veggies, beans, and corn. Cook till al dente (5-8 minutes) at medium heat. Once cooked, turn off the heat until your mirepoix that you put in the oven earlier is finished.

6. Carefully add your cooked mirepoix to your pot with the rest of your already cooked celery, tomatoes, carrots, beans, and corn, along with your stock, and turn the heat up to high to bring to a boil.

7. Once boiled, season to taste with any seasoning of your choice. I recommend 3 tbsp of Tex-Mex mix, 1/2 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. This is also perfect to be served with fresh bread, a salad, or just some plain saltine crackers.

Enjoy!

Housing Crossword

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VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01

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STUDY BREAK

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Crossword //

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Sudoku //

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VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01

STUDY BREAK Horoscopes // Your monthly horoscopes made by Yours Truly.

We welcome February with the last quarter moon in Scorpio on the 2nd, asking us to clean up and clear out. Perhaps start by trashing all those syllabus printouts crumpled at the bottom of your bag. We have strong Aquarian energy until Feb. 18 when the sun moves into Pisces. The first half of the month is primed for time with friends, so step out of your social comfort zone and try something new. In the latter half of February prioritize some necessary self-care, plan ahead for those looming assignments, and get the small things done.

Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19

Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19

Aries, remember that stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t have to be high intensity. Attempt reading a book outside of your usual genre or make time to call an old friend. In the second half of the month, complete that task you’ve been avoiding, it’ll give you space to think about other things.

Let loose for the first half of the month, Capricorn. Rally your friends on a Saturday night before the semester gets even more demanding. After Feb. 18, realign with your goals for the semester. You tend to get quite lofty, so if there’s something you want to achieve, make the goal real by writing it down or constructing a vision board. Just remember to put it somewhere you can see it.

Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20 Taurus, don’t let your recent tuition payment and money matters weigh too heavily on you. And if you’re already set in your semester routine, be open to readjustments if it means some needed social time. Seek out a new self-care practice this month, perchance? Some breathwork might help loosen you up.

Gemini - May 21 to Jun. 20 Gemini, take stock of all the commitments you’ve made so far this semester. While you are capable, ask yourself if your endeavors are sustainable.

February invites you to tune into your intuition and listen to yourself amidst all the busyness. Remember that any self-care practice is meant to be relaxing, so do your best not to overcomplicate it.

Cancer - Jun. 21 to Jul. 22 You may be feeling antsy for the first half of the month, Cancer. Take solace in the fact that you’ll ease into February’s watery energy and snap up some wholesome moments. While you wrap yourself up at home with a nice meal, (as you do!) remember that some things are better when you have someone to share them with.

Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22 Leo, how can you use your spirit for service this month? Some time volunteering in the community before the 18th will allow you to use your gifts and contribute to a greater good. As February progresses, be the one to break the barrier. Attempt to form a study group or get ahead on that final group project.

Your efforts rarely go unnoticed.

Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Put down your calendar, Virgo, unless you’ve scheduled some fun. Being well prepared is just as important as accepting the messier parts of yourself.

Be audacious this month. Raise your hand in class even if you think your answer might be wrong. Speak with conviction, sit with discomfort, and don’t attach your worth to it. Then, reward yourself with a treat.

Libra - Sep. 23 to Oct. 22 Libra, take stock of your commitments and ensure you’re allocating your time appropriately, as this will allow you to be more efficient. In the first half of this month, seek out something to make you feel good, like a bit of shopping at a local thrift store with a friend. As the month progresses, make time to conjure up plans for your future.

Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Scorpio, you’re right at home in the energies of February, offering a window to use your powers for good. Check out opportunities to get involved on campus; perhaps there’s a wellness space that could benefit from your sensitive touch. Surrounding yourself with others who are working towards a common goal will bode well for you — now, and in the future.

Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21

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Sagittarius, do you have at least one class this semester that you’re genuinely passionate about? If not, look for an outlet to massage your creative and intellectual interests, like a university club or association. In the latter half of the month, curl up with the latest viral movie or television show that’ll give you something to debate about.

Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 Aquarius, do not neglect the power of how you show up in the world. Dressing in a way that is expressive and feels good could be the key to unlocking more success in all areas of your life. If your birthday is approaching in the first half of February, splurge on a birthday outfit, even if that means buying a new pair of PJs. Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20 Pisces, welcome to your season! How you set yourself up this month can set a tone for the rest of the semester — and the rest of the year. Be mindful of how you show up and remember to slow down. Honouring yourself by listening to that inner voice is the best way to move through a month primed for the celebration of you.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

VOL. 32 // ISSUE 01 arts@ufvcascade.ca Arts Editor - Gianna Dinwoodie

ARTS

Colouring //

CHARTS

SHUFFLE

01. POST-MODERN CONNECTION A WELCOM CHANGE EP 02. HOTEL MIRA I AM NOT MYSELF 03. AUTOGRAMM MUSIC THAT 04. DANIEL SPARROW WITH THE VISIONS WITH THE VISONS EP 05. MIRANDA JOAN OVERSTIMULATED 06. BUKOLA THE CHRONICLES OF A TEENAGE MIND 07. GOOD KID GOOD KID 3 08. INFINITY SONG METAMORPHOSIS 09. JORDAN KLASSEN MARGINALIA 10. NABIHAH IQBAL DREAMER 11. MUNYA JARDIN 12. VERY VERY STRANGE OCCASION 13. AYSANABEE HERE AND NOW 14. SUMMER EYES BENDING TOWARDS THE SUN 15. SAINT SOLDIER THE WAY OF THE ARTIST 16. APOLLO SUNS DEPARTURES

CIVL Station Manager Aaron Levy focuses here on four excellent black artists in advance of Black History Month for the pre-February edition of the shuffle.

Haviah Mighty - In Women Colour She played at the Scotiabank Arena in January during halftime at the Bulls versus Raptors game in Toronto. According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, she became the “first black woman and first rapper” to win a Polaris Prize, and the “first woman to win the Juno Award for Rap Album of the Year when her mixtape Stock Exchange (2021) won in 2022.” With songs as catchy and danceable as they are thoughtful and subversive, Haviah is mighty and worth a listen.

Lil Baby - The Bigger Picture This song emerged from the early months of the 2020 pandemic lockdown cycle. This song speaks to social justice, police violence, and disillusionment with the health mandates that divided families and communities.

Beyoncé - Black Parade This celebratory song name-checks multiple cultural cap tips: “Growin’, growin’ like a Baobab tree / Of life on fertile ground, ancestors put me on game / Ankh charm on gold chains, with my Oshun energy, oh / Drip all on me, woo Ankara Dashiki print / Hol’ up, don’t I smell like such a nag champa incense?”

Shad - Real Game Lastly, we return to the basketball theme of the original entry. Juno Award-winning Shad’s 2005 release evokes a wealth of statistical awareness to question if some black NBA players were better than many better-known white NBA players from league history.

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EVENTS CALENDAR 31

Note: Some of the events require tickets, and most are online. If something catches your eye, take to the Internet for more details, including those about any saftey measures for in-person events.

FEBRUARY

10:00AM - 12:00PM Resiliency During Difficult Times @Online via Zoom 11:00AM - 02:00PM Student Wellness Day: Kick-off your Winter Wellness @S1111 12:00PM - 01:00PM Equity Diversity Inclusion 101 @CEP A1426 12:00PM - 01:30PM Tech Talk Forum: The Impact of AI @G124, CEP Library, and Online via Zoom 12:10PM - 12:50PM Self-Care Yoga @ E150 01:00PM - 04:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 12:00PM - 05:00PM

05:00PM - 08:00PM Drop-in Badminton (co-ed) @Cascade Athletic Centre 08:00PM - 10:00PM Drop-in Futsal/Indoor Soccer (co-ed) @Cascade Athletic Centre

Introduction to Community 02 01:00PM - 02:00PM AandBrief Patient Partnership in Health

07:45PM

- 01:00PM Equity Diversity Inclusion 101 @ CEP A1426 13 12:00PM 12:00PM - 06:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 01:00PM - 02:00PM Chat-I (Chat Internationalization) @ Online via Zoom 01:30PM - 02:30PM Advanced Word @ Online via Blackboard Collaborate 06:00PM - 08:00PM Drop-in Volleyball (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre

Open Court (co-ed) @Cascade Athletic

Smarter @Online via 01 01:00PM - 01:45PM Centre,Study Blackboard and 45190 Caen Ave, Chilliwack

06:00PM 07:00PM

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- 12:50PM Self-Care Yoga @ E150 14 12:10PM 01:00PM - 04:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre

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12:00PM - 01:00PM How to have the Conversation if Someone is Struggling @ Online via Zoom 12:00PM - 05:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 05:00PM - 08:00PM Drop-in Badminton (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 07:00PM Jon Pardi - Mr. Saturday Night Tour @ Abbotsford Centre 08:00PM - 10:00PM Drop-in Futsal/Indoor Soccer (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre

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09:30AM - 11:00AM The Power of Negative Thinking: Alternatives to the B.S. of Positive Vibes @ Online 10:00AM - 11:00AM Zoom Integrations in Blackboard @ Online 01:30PM - 03:30PM Senate Meeting @ A225 Boardroom 02:00PM - 03:00PM Blackboard Ally in Practice @ Online 06:00PM WVB vs Alberta @ Abbotsford 07:00PM TobyMac - Hits Deep Tour 2024 @ Abbotsford Centre 07:45PM MVB vs Alberta @ Abbotsford

Research @ Online via Zoom WVB vs Thompson Rivers @ Abbotsford San Jose Barracuda at Abbotsford Canucks @ Abbotsford Centre MVB vs Thompson Rivers @ Abbotsford

03 05:00PM

11:00AM - 03:00PM Cup of Cheer @ 33765 Essendene Ave WVB vs Thompson Rivers @ Abbotsford 07:00PM Abbotsford Canucks vs. San Jose Barracuda @ Abbotsford Centre 06:45PM MVB vs Thompson Rivers @ Abbotsford

- 05:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 05 12:00PM 12:10PM - 12:50 PM Self-Care Yoga @ E150 Drop-in Basketball (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 07:00PM - 09:00PM Paint Nite: The Original Paint and Sip Party @ WINGS Abbotsford

5:00PM - 07:00PM

06 06:00PM - 08:00PM Drop-in Volleyball (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic 12:00PM - 06:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre

Centre 06:00PM - 08:30PM UFV GDD Portfolio and Info Night @ C1422

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10:00AM - 12:00PM Making Effective Selection Decisions @ A203b 11:00AM - 12:45PM The Humanitarian Face of War @ Online via Zoom and B101 12:00 PM- 01:00PM Building Emotional Intelligence @ Online via Zoom 12:00PM - 01:00PM Chat-R (Reconciliation) @ Online via Zoom 12:00PM - 01:00PM Equity Diversity Inclusion 101 @ CEP A1426 12:10PM - 12:50PM Self-Care Yoga @ E150 01:00PM - 04:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 05:00PM - 07:00PM Games Night @ Global Lounge B223 07:00PM Jeff Dunham - Still Not Canceled Tour @ Abbotsford Centre 11:00AM - 01:00PM Beyond Mindfulness - Exploring Structural Opportunities for Change in the Workplace @ A225 12:00PM - 12:30PM Incidents/near misses & hazard reporting @ Online via Teams 12:00PM - 05:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 02:00PM - 03:30PM FECHD Coffee Social @ C1429 05:00PM - 08:00PM Drop-in Badminton (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 08:00PM - 10:00PM Drop-in Futsal/Indoor Soccer (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre

of Practice: Holistic 09 08:30AM - 10:30AM Community Assessment @ Online via Zoom

04:00PM - 08:00PM President’s Leadership Lecture Series @ B101 06:00PM WBB vs Trinity Western @ Abbotsford 08:00PM MBB vs Trinity Western @ Abbotsford

10 05:00PM 07:00PM

WBB vs Trinity Western @ Abbotsford MBB vs Trinity Western @ Abbotsford

12:00PM - 05:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 12:10PM - 12:50PM Self-Care Yoga @ E150 05:00PM - 07:00PM Drop-in Basketball (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 05:30PM - 08:00PM Bad Romance Movie + Bingo Night @S1111

17 06:45PM

WVB vs Alberta @ Abbotsford MVB vs Alberta @ Abbotsford Abbotsford Canucks vs. Calgary Wranglers @ Abbotsford Centre

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02:00PM

Abbotsford Canucks vs. Calgary Wranglers @ Abbotsford Centre

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09:00AM - 10:30AM Community of Practice: Culturally Responsive Pedagogy @ Online 12:00PM - 06:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 06:00PM - 08:00PM Drop-in Volleyball (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 07:00PM Ice Cube - Straight Into Canada Tour @ Abbotsford Centre 07:00PM - 09:00PM Paint Nite: The Original Paint and Sip Party @ WINGS Abbotsford

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10:00AM - 12:00PM 12:00PM - 01:00PM 01:00PM - 04:00PM 02:30PM - 04:00PM

05:00PM 07:00PM

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Polishing your Interview Skills @ A225 Stress and Pain @ Online via Zoom Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre Community of Practice: Culturally Responsive Pedagogy @ Online

12:00PM - 05:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 05:00PM - 08:00PM Drop-in Badminton (CO-ED) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 08:00PM - 10:00PM Drop-in Futsal/Indoor Soccer (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 05:30PM - 10:00PM VALLEY FIGHTS #1 @ 7256 Chilliwack River Road 12:00PM - 05:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 12:10PM - 12:50PM Self-Care Yoga @ E150 05:00PM - 07:00PM Drop-in Basketball (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 12:00PM - 06:00PM Open Court (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 06:00PM - 08:00PM Drop-in Volleyball (co-ed) @ Cascade Athletic Centre 07:00PM Abbotsford Canucks vs. Colorado Eagles @ Abbotsford Centre View our website for more details on current & local events.