Oh, rats!
dan toulgoet
N e W s + l i f e s t y l e — A N e x t e N s i O N O f VA N c O u V e r i s AW e s O m e . c O m
Thousands of rodents are looking for a new place to hang A8
massive effort to house the homeless now underway The B.C. government is moving people out of Oppenheimer Park and other camps A13
crime
c u lt u r e
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Get free Vancouver colouring sheets
VPD find suspect in hate crime against 92-year-old A5
Vancouver Heritage Foundation offers free downloads A17
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VANCOUVER IS AWES OME THURSD AY, APRIL 30, 2020
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Welcome
VANCOUVER IS AWES OME THURSD AY, APRIL 30, 2020
VANCOU VERISAWESOME .COM
Listen to Dr. Bonnie Henry’s expressive sign language interpreter Have you seen the “Listen to Nigel” posters up all over town right now, which say VancouverIsAwesome.com on the bottom of them? We didn’t put them there! Our editorial cartoonist, Geoff Coates, was recently approached by a thoughtful citizen named Eric Buchanan. Eric wanted to get the word out about physical distancing after he saw Geoff’s cartoon for our publication that features Nigel Howard, Dr. Bonnie Henry’s expressive sign language interpreter. We allowed Eric to use the artwork and he paid to get a bunch printed and put them up on his own. We’ve since had many requests from people who wanted to buy posters off of us, so we set the wheels in motion. We’re taking orders right now.
We’re selling these with Nigel’s blessing, and partial proceeds are going towards his non-profit of choice; the Deaf Children’s Society of B.C. We’re selling these with Nigel’s blessing, and partial proceeds are going towards his non-profit of choice; the Deaf Children’s Society of B.C.. Nigel tells us that their government funding hasn’t increased for many
years yet the number of families with deaf children who need their services continues to increase. Artist Geoff Coates will also be paid royalties from the sales of these posters (and he has chosen to donate those funds to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank), and what’s left will be put toward supporting local news (us). The posters measure 11”x17”, printed digitally at VanPrint on Broadway, on 60lb paper stock. Shipping is through Canada Post (sorry, no pickup at this time). Pricing is 1 poster for $15, 3 for $30, 10 for $50 or 25 for $100. Order online at www.bit.ly/listentonigel and you’ll be supporting three local causes, as well as getting a memento from this very strange time. File one away, put one on the wall, or order a bunch and put them up in your building to remind people that they should be continuing to practice physical distancing. Thanks for your continued support. Now go wash your hands.
Bob Kronbauer Publisher and Editor-In-Chief bobk@vancouverisawesome.com | 604-439-2688
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 VANCOUVER IS AWESOME
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Crime
VANCOUVERISAWESOME.COM
“ D E S P I C A B L E ” VPD identify suspect in racially-motivated assault on 92-year-old man Less than 24 hours after Vancouver police released disturbing surveillance camera footage showing a convenience store customer assaulting an elderly man by tossing him onto the sidewalk, the suspect in question has been identified. Vancouver Police say after the video and photos of the suspect were released last week they received numerous tips from the community regarding the suspect.
confronted by a suspect “yelling racist remarks at the victim that included comments about COVID-19.”
The incident under investigation took place on the afternoon of March 13, with the VPD calling the act “despicable”.
Staff at the store, located near Nanaimo Street and East 1st Avenue, had been trying to help the man when the suspect - a white male in his 50s - launched his tirade.
A 92-year-old Asian man who suffers from severe dementia had wandered into the East Vancouver convenience store when he was
Surveillance video from the store shared by the VPD shows the suspect grabbing the victim and tossing him outside the door of the store,
where the elderly man immediately falls to the ground and hit his head. Two customers arrive at the store at the same time, and step over the elderly victim and past the suspect as they enter the building. The suspect then returns to the victim’s side to sit him upright on the sidewalk, before returning inside to complete his transaction. Vancouver Police note that in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, they have seen an uptick in reports of “hate motivated” incidents and behaviour targeting members of the Asian community. The March 13 convenience store assault is being investigated as a hate crime, said the VPD, and the case does remain under investigation. Police would like to thank the community and partners for their overwhelming support on such a serious, intolerable incident, said the VPD in a media release.
Anyone who has information to share about this crime is asked to call investigators at 604-717-2763 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anyone who has information to share about this crime is asked to call investigators at 604-717-2763 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477. Investigators will be supplementing the file with tips and information from the public. They will reach out to specific people if they require more information. The video shared by the VPD of the alleged assault can be viewed at www.bit.ly/ despicableassault By Lindsay William-Ross
Jody Wilson-Raybould
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville
Don Davies MP P
While our physical office is closed to the public, we are still working. If you need any assistance or have concerns, please reach out to our office via email or phone at:
(tel) 604-717-1140 (email) Jody.Wilson-Raybould@parl.gc.ca
For up-to-date COVID-19 information, visit our website at:
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VANCOUVER IS AWESOME THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
VANCOUVERISAWESOME.COM
our store is open! tinkerine
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We’re open! Monday–Sunday 9am–5pm
Charity asks for face shields that allow the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to communicate the B.C. government has stated that surgical and cloth masks are an important means of slowing the spread of COViD-19. However, for the De eaf and d Ha ard d of He earing g commu unitty, the ese ma askss re estricct the eir wa ay of life e. In sign language, facial expressions serve as cues for grammar and tone. What’s more, lip reading is often vital to both Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to supplement auditory understanding. As such, wearing a cloth mask prevents them from seeing a full range of facial expressions, which includes reading lips.
COVID-19 Support Resources for Small-Businesses As of April 16, 2020
Provincial Supports
Federal Supports
Visit gov.bc.ca/Covid19 or Call 1-888-COVID19 for all non-medical information
Canada Emergency Business Account will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to eligible small businesses.
Tax and utility payment deferments including BC Hydro, EHT, PST, municipal and regional district tax, and more.
Federal Gov will cover up to 75% of wages for businesses, charities, and non-profits who’ve lost more than 15% of revenue in March.
School property tax rate reduced for commercial properties for an avg. 25% reduction to total property tax bill
Business Credit Availability Program through your bank helps secure loan guarantee and a BDC Co-Lending Program for small-medium enterprises.
For more informaaon
To combat this, In lieu of face masks, Wavefront Centre they are implementing for Communication 3D printed face shields into Accessibility, a their day-to-day operations non-profit and that often require in-person a government designated essential interactions. service, has created an alternative form of protection. In lieu of face masks, they are implementing 3D printed face shields into their day-to-day operations that often require in-person interactions. Produced by Tinkerine, a local 3D printing studio, these face shields will allow Wavefront Centre’s staff and clients, “to safely interact while allowing the Deaf and Hard of hearing community to properly communicate using lip reading and facial expressions.” Right now, Wavefront reports that they have a modest amount of personal protective equipement. As a registered charity, they are asking the general public to donate face shields to help support its vulnerable community. In partnership with Tinkerine, those that want to give a hand can do so by buying a face shield and donating it directly to Wavefront Centre via tinkerine.com/wavefrontcentre Based in Vancouver, the As a registered charity, centre is the they are asking the general only non-profit public to donate face shields of its kind to help support its vulnerable in Western community. Canada. Its mission is to, “serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, their families and the community by delivering innovative programs, products and solutions to achieve full communication accessibility.” By Elana Shepert
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 VANCOUVER IS AWESO ME
VANCOUVERISAWESOME.COM
publisher and editor-in-Chief
for advertising enquiries please email advertising@vancouverisawesome.com
reporters
bob Kronbauer bobk@vancouverisawesome.com 604-439-2688
elana shepert Megan lalonde Mike howell Jeremy hainsworth graeme Wood
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Michelle bhatti mbhatti@glaciermedia.ca 604-630-3503
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for general editorial enquiries please email hello@vancouverisawesome.com
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geoff Coates sales reps
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Please check our website and social media regularly for any announcements or changes to our hours of operation. Please respect that we are limiting the number of customers allowed in the store, and if possible, plan for only 1 family member to shop in the store. This will help to reduce wait times for everyone.
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• We are diligently sanitizing buggies, grocery baskets, counter tops, pin pads & railings to help create a healthy shopping environment for you and your family. • We are only accepting clean Avalon glass milk bottles for bottle refunds. • Please check our website for our updated return policy. Thank you for your support, patience & understanding. Wishing everyone the best, Famous Foods
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VANCOUVER IS AWESOME THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
For the latest information on the CoViD-19 pandemic, go to
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Local news
A8
ratty situation thousands of rodents to migrate in Vancouver due to CoViD-19 Depending on where you live in Vancouver, you might start to see an uptick of rats in your neighbourhood in the coming days and weeks.
THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING THIS NEWSPAPER.
Rats are creatures of habit, and if they have a constant food source, they’ll typically stay put. However, thousands of restaurants and businesses have shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which means that many of these rodents are looking for new places to dine - and that might mean that they’ll move into residential areas. Vancouver Is Awesome spoke to Mike Londry, president of Westside Pest Control, about the change in rat behaviour, as well as how COVID-19 has affected the way his business operates. “This is typically the time of year where we’ll start to see more rats outside,” explains Londry. He tells us there hasn’t been an alarming number of rat and mouse calls yet but believes
Know your watering times Lawn sprinkling regulations are in effect starting May 1. Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Saturday mornings, 4 am – 9 am Odd-numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday mornings, 4 am – 9 am NON RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES Even-numbered addresses: Monday mornings, 1 am – 6 am; Friday mornings, 4 am – 9 am Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday mornings 1 am – 6 am; Friday mornings 4 am – 9 am Water wastage, such as watering roadways and sidewalks, is prohibited at any time.
Getty ty y imaGes
Watering outside of the permitted days and hours for your address or wasting water may be subject to a $250 fine.
Visit: vancouver.ca Phone: 3-1-1 TTY: 7-1-1
Londry says that when you take away a rat’s food source - which could be anything from a restaurant to a garbage can in Stanley Park - the animal will relocate to find a new one. He adds that this isn’t always pretty, as rats are extremely territorial. If a family of rats has been living at a given residence for a long time, they won’t take kindly to new arrivals. “Rodents are very cannibalistic and very territorial. They’ll kill each other over a food source,” notes Londry. Rats will eat each other when desperate for food, and Londry says that technicians have checked traps and discovered that another rat has devoured most of the animal in it.
As a result, Londy says it is important for people to call pest control if they suspect they have a rodent issue. Rats can carry over 50 different viruses, and they can make people extremely sick.
“this is typically the time of year where we’ll start to see more rats outside.” Mike Londry Westside Pest Control technicians are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19, and wear a full face respirator, gloves, booties, and sometimes a full protective suit. For people who are high-risk, technicians will investigate the property from the outside to locate the rodent’s entrance, which enables them to do as little work inside as possible. By Elana shepert
RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES
FOR MORE INFORMATION: vancouver.ca/waterwise or phone: 3-1-1
“There’s going to be a massive disruption.”
With this in mind, he notes that rodent behaviour will change due to the pandemic, and that there could be a significant migration of rats in Vancouver. For example, he says Stanley Park rats could migrate into the West End.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 VANCOUVER IS AWESOME
VANCOUVERISAWESOME.COM
A9
glacier media special report
On B.C.’s rOad tO reCOvery
B.C. restaurant reopenings could start in May Hospitality |
By Glen Korstrom gkorstrom@biv.com
bc
restaurants could be allowed to open their dining rooms as early as next month, although the provincial government has made clear that any loosened restrictions w i l l come from provincial health officer bonnie Henry. When she issues orders to loosen restrictions, she will act in part on recommendations that the industry has drafted and provided to government. Henry said on April 20 that she wanted to work with the industry to come up with “innovative ways that we can have in-restaurant dining that protects both the staff, as well as people who are coming in.” customers may have to pick up their food from an area in the restaurant that is behind a Plexiglas shield, ian tostenson, cEo of the bc restaurant
Public confidence key for restaurants to return to profitable operations
& Foodserv ices A ssociation suggested. Hand sanitizer will almost certainly be at the entrance, and customers and employees may have to be temperature-checked before entering the premises. if the bistro has servers, they may be required to wear masks and gloves. there will almost certainly be a limit to the density within the restaurant – perhaps halving the number of seats that it is allowed to service. Whatever proportion is necessary to maintain physical distancing, tostenson said, would also have to allow a restaurant to remain viable. tostenson sprang into action when he learned that Henry wanted to work with industry to come up with guidelines for how to open dining rooms. He put together an “A team” of hospitality-sector leaders to come up with a plan for how to operate safely and profitably. He then organized an April
B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association CEO Ian Tostenson intends to present a plan to government on how the sector can be safe enough to open for dine-in service | chung chow
22 conference call with several dozen industry insiders from companies such as the glowbal group, Earls, cactus club and starbucks (Nasdaq:sbUX). Unions were also represented. “i would love to see this industry develop standards that are so aspirational that we become a
model, with Dr. Henry, for North America,” he said. “they can point to b.c. and say, ‘You know, what those guys up there did it right.’” Henry ordered a stop to all dine-in service at restaurants provincewide on march 20 – a crushing financial blow to many in the industry. some switched to take-out only, or debuted delivery service, but even with those stopgap measures many wondered how long their ventures could survive. “We’re going to do this in a way that is so strict from a safety point of view, but we’re going to have fun doing it from a hospitality point of view,” tostenson said. tap and barrel restaurants group cEo Daniel Frankel – one of the restaurant owners in tostenson’s group – had to lay off approximately 600 hourly workers at his six restaurants. He is left with 100 salaried staff.
“t he key is el i m i nati ng as many touch points as possible,” Frankel said. For example, he said that instead of leaving cutlery on tables servers will likely have to bring out fresh utensils after customers arrive. some of Frankel’s restaurants are licensed to serve hundreds of people, and much of the seating for them is outside. He said it could make sense to have a different maximum allowable density outside because Henry has said repeatedly that transmission of coviD-19 is much easier inside. gaining the public’s trust is as important as convincing Henry to loosen restrictions. An Angus reid poll released April 20 found that 60% of canadians said that they would wait at least until their province had gone two weeks without discovering a new case of coviD-19 before they would return to prepandemic routines. •
The province’s fashion retailers face a long road to recovery retail |
Insiders differ on when they think B.C. government will allow non-essential stores to reopen
By Glen Korstrom gkorstrom@biv.com
r
etailers in b.c. face major changes to the shopping experience they offer when fashion boutiques reopen after the coviD-19 pandemic eases. many fashion retailers have closed partly because customers want to try on clothing, which poses the threat of infected garments. others closed because they doubted they could remain profitable if they limited the number of people in their stores. closed fitting rooms, extending the time in which customers can return goods and limiting customers is a strategy that Fields cEo Jason mcDougall said he has
pursued in his 64 stores’ fashion departments. He also sells food and other essentials. Whether b.c. companies such as Lululemon Ath letica inc. (Nasdaq:LULU) or Aritzia inc. (tsX:AtZ) can keep their bricksand-mortar stores open while prohibiting shoppers from trying on clothes remains to be seen. “change rooms are going to be essential,” said Lululemon founder chip Wilson. “Women are wearing different types of clothing, and fit and look is so critical.” Wilson added that he expects the coviD-19 virus to “pingpong” a rou nd the world for years and that people younger than 40 will want to get on with
their lives, and that will include shopping. Not allowing returns would deter sales because there would be such a high cost and risk to the consumer, he said. boys’ co. owner David goldman said he didn’t know if it would be viable to operate without allowing customers to try on clothing. both goldman and mcDougall have asked landlords for patience during the pandemic. mcDougall believes that his 31 stores in b.c. will survive the downturn. Predictions differ on when non-essential retailers will open but that decision will be up to corporate owners and not the
government because even though many non-essential retailers have closed they are allowed to stay open. the catch is that retailers must “adapt their services and workplaces to the orders and recommendations of [Provincial Health officer bonnie Henry], according to the b.c. government. retail insider media owner craig Patterson said he foresees those stores reopening in early summer, but the fear of catching coviD-19 may keep customers out. High-end retailers on vancouver’s posh Alberni street may be particularly hard hit because they rely on tourist spending, and non-essential international
travel appears to be months away. “there will be a significant decrease in demand for fashion clothing,” Patterson said. “How many formal events will women go to where they have to be seen? How many ball gowns are you going to sell?” Joseph calvano agreed. He founded Dollar giant in 2001, sold the company to Dollar tree in 2010 for $62 million, and was president of Dollar tree canada until he retired in 2018. “i don’t see fashion being a priority from a shopping point of view for many people,” he said. “the majority of stores in the fashion business will be in for a rough ride for the next 12 months.” •
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VANCOUVER IS AWESOME THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
VANCOU VERISAWESOME .COM
glacier media special report
On B.C.’s rOad tO reCOvery
Big energy projects await return to full power resources |
Some B.C. megaprojects don’t need to restart because they never stopped
By nelson Bennett nbennett@biv.com
U
nlike other sectors, like hospitality and retail, big energy projects underway in b.c. have not been forced into a wholesale shutdown by the coviD-19 pandemic, since they were deemed essential, although a number of them with large work camps have had to drastically scale back their work force. so like all other business in b.c., they are just waiting for the green light from the provincial health officer so they can gradually start bringing workers back to make up for some lost time. they expect that, even when restrictions begin to ease up, many of the preventive measures now being enforced will remain, such as limits on the number of people on work sites or in work camp dining halls, enhanced cleaning protocols and screening of employees coming in to work camps to begin two-week work rotations.
There would typically be 1,700 workers at the Site C dam work camp, but COVID-19 measures have reduced it to less than 1,000 | Bc hydro
the four big energy projects in b.c. that were underway when restrictions on travel and physical distancing in the workplace went into effect in march were the $40 billion Lng canada project, the associated $6.6 billion coastal gasLink pipeline, the $12.6 billion trans mountain pipeline expansion and the $10 billion site c dam project. Lng canada drastically scaled
back its workforce in kitimat in march, reducing the number of workers at the site and in a work camp there by 65% – from 1,800 workers to about 600. there has been one confirmed coviD-19 case at the site. ramping back up to pre-pandemic activity depends on guidance from public health officials, said susannah Pierce, Lng canada’s director of corporate affairs.
“We really don’t have a timetable for it,” Pierce said. “it’s really just going to have to be when we’re able to do it safely. ty pically, we’re going to want to get back to doing those things that have already been underway.” that includes completing the construction of cedar valley Lodge, a 4,500-unit work camp in kitimat that will house all the workers who are working on site. “We will not do anything until it’s safe to do so,” Pierce said. the related $6.6 billion coastal gasLink project has been less affected by pandemic restrictions than the Lng site construction in kitimat. Work has continued to clear the natural gas pipeline route. the project is operating with a reduced workforce right now, with about 300 workers, about 30% of whom are in work camps. but that reduction was more about spring breakup than pandemic health and safety restrictions. “ t y pic a l ly, we wo u ld s e e
construction activities begin to increase after spring thaw in midto-late may,” coastal gasLink said in an email. “However, due to the coviD-19 pandemic, we are currently evaluating, and will adjust our construction schedules as required, prioritizing safety, working closely with our contractors.” bc Hydro and its contractors have reduced the workforce at the site c dam work camp to 961. t he project would typically have 1,700 workers on site pre-pandemic. Work on the trans mountain pipeline expansion, meanwhile, has never stopped throughout the coviD-19 pandemic. more than 2,000 workers have continued to work on the project in Alberta and b.c. For trans mountain, it has basically been business as usual, minus the public protests. “We expect to have construction underway in every spread and at all our terminals in b.c. and Alberta this summer,” trans mountain said in an email. •
Pandemic could usher in online era of property sales real estate |
Buyers and sellers will face changed market landscape after lifting of restrictions
By Graeme Wood neWs@biv.com
b
uying real estate is likely never to be the same as it was before coviD-19 restrictions were introduced into the marketplace. significant logistical limits to buying a home are currently in place, but with an expected easing of pandemic-related health advisories over time, a new online buying and selling landscape will emerge as the new norm, according to Dinnell real estate group. real estate sales have been declared an essential service in b.c., and property sales have
continued during the coviD-19 lockdown – although in significantly limited capacity. the sector is one of a few that has not entirely shut down, so buyers and sellers have had to quickly adapt. Until at least some public health advisories are lifted, b.c. residents can expect a slower and different process to buying and selling a home as the real estate council of british columbia (recbc) encourages limiting in-person interactions, which are typically the norm for transactions. the most apparent shift has been the cancellation of open houses – not a legal requirement but rather a recommendation of
the recbc and one that is supported by the bc real estate Association (bcreA) via the cancellation of bookings and notices on the multiple Listing service website. realtors Angela Dinnell and chris Dinnell said virtual open houses will likely persist, but they hope that in-person viewings will not become a thing of the past. Angela Dinnell, however, sees realty services being pushed further into the digital realm. “How can we evolve and do the same things in our business as we did before and do them online? We’re doing that now,” she said. t he Home i n s p e ctors A ssociation of bc has published
guidelines for inspectors entering homes. in the near term, inspections may be delayed as a result of owners who are sick, isolating or have had possible contact with the ill. inspectors are to conduct an inspection alone, with various precautions. And expect to see more online documentation regardless of when restrictions ease. For instance, the Land title and survey Authority of british columbia is now allowing remote witnessing of affidavits in support of land title applications. this practice enables only lawyers and notaries to remotely witness affidavits, at the direction of
the Law society of bc. As restrictions ease and people become more accommodating to online interactions and sales activity picks up, buyers, sellers and realtors will need to make more judgment calls. “common sense is important,” kim spencer, bcreA manager of professional services, said in a bcreA podcast. “since real estate is an essential service, professionals are relieved of liability if someone contracts coviD-19 at a showing, unless of course there is “absolute negligence.” He advises everyone to document health advice and known health risks. •
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 VANCOUVER IS AWESOME
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glacier media special report
Public confidence is key to B.C. tourism resurgence tourism |
Industry’s many sub-sectors will face different timelines for restarting their operations
By Glen Korstrom gkorstrom@biv.com
t
he consensus in the tourism sector is that governments will gradually lift restrictions and that a return to anything resembling how the economy operated in February will not be possible until at least next year. A reopening of hotels could mark the beginning of a recovery. many are closed even though they are allowed to be open. golf courses – another tourism niche – are allowed to be open, but many owners have decided to close. the cruise sector has been ordered not to operate until July 1. industry representatives such as barry Penner, spokesman for cruise Lines international Association - North West and canada, hopes that part of the season
can be salvaged. if it can, he said, cruise lines may offer significant discounts, easier cancellation policies and other perks to attract passengers. separate government restrictions govern where airlines can fly. Air canada (tsX:Ac) has suspended scheduled flights to the U.s. until may 22, and most international flights until June. Air transat (tsX:trZ) and sunwing Airlines Ltd. have cancelled all trips until may 31. tourism industry Association of bc cEo Walt Judas said he expects all travel restrictions to be lifted only after authorities are confident that the virus is under control worldwide. He foresees the U.s. border opening first, with restrictions eased on international travel to follow. singapore’s experience in loosening travel restrictions only to
The Vancouver Aquarium has warned that it might not survive if COVID-19 restrictions continue for many months | rob kruyt
see a resurgence in coviD-19 cases could serve as a warning against governments acting too quickly. meanwhile, danger looms large on the horizon for local attractions. vancouver Aquarium and
science World bc executives have voiced uncertainty about their organizations’ futures. “some attractions are perilously close to folding,” Judas said. outfitters and backcountry guides in b.c.’s northern and
interior regions might have some reason for optimism, he said, because their season starts in may and extends to september or october. tourism vancouver acting cEo ted Lee is co-chairing a task force made up of more than 50 tourism groups and businesses that is lobbying government for increased wage-subsidy programs and other funding to help the sector stay afloat. it has modelled three scenarios for recovery or a loosening of restrictions of groups with more than 49 people. one model contemplates a midlate summer loosening, but Lee said that this is “fairly optimistic.” the other two scenarios include an opening up in the fall and an opening up in spring 2021. Lee and Judas suggested that the pandemic will change the sector as indelibly as the september 11, 2001, terrorist attacks did. •
Smaller crews, higher costs face post-pandemic film industry film and tv |
B.C.’s reliance on foreign productions will require dealing with border restrictions first
By tyler orton tortoN@biv.com
i
f b.c.’s film and tv sector can make buildings safely explode for the cameras, Phil klapwyk feels confident his industry can devise ways to make workplaces safe from coviD-19 when productions resume. “these are challenges or difficulties with safety that are being contemplated by some of the most creative and innovative professionals that b.c. has,” said the business representative for iAtsE Local 891, the labour union representing 9,000 artists and technicians in b.c. and the Yukon. First up will be dealing with border restrictions, which klapwyk described as being a particularly thorny issue. s e r v i c e w o r k fo r fo r e i g n
productions accounted for $2.82 billion out of the $3.4 billion of b.c. film and tv production volume generated during the 2018-19 fiscal year, according to the canadian media Producer Association’s (cmPA) Profile 2019 report. restrictions against non-essential travel between the U.s. and canada will remain in effect until at least may 21. Liz shorten, chief operating officer for the cmPA’s b.c. chapter, said her industry is developing protocols for quarantine measures, which could either apply to sets used for filming or to industry professionals entering canada for work. Protocols involving personal protective equipment and sanitation, as well as potential new requirements such as providing an on-set nurse, are among the most pressing matters that must
be addressed before productions can resume, she said. Peter Leitch, president of North shore studios and burnaby’s mammoth studios, said a timeline for how long it would take to restart productions after getting the go-ahead from government is difficult to determine. but current productions – those with sets already standing – are the most likely to resume first, he said. Leitch added that changes will even affect catering services, which will need to adjust how they serve food on sets that have smaller crews that must practise social distancing. “i f you’re pu sh i ng a dol ly arou nd w ith a camera on it, there’s no way the camera operator, and the dolly grip, and the focus puller [camera assistant] can ever be more than three feet
way from each other. it’s just physically difficult,” klapwyk said. considerations will also need to be made to facilitate good hygiene for outdoor location shoots as well concerns over sanitization before and after shooting at private homes. since productions were halted march 13 on the West coast, more than 70 stakeholders – unions, producers, studios – across the country have been taking part in weekly conference calls to help navigate challenges facing industry. shorten said scripts may have to be adjusted to accommodate the new reality of working with sma l ler crews, wh i le crowd scenes might have to be created digitally. An April 21 report commissioned by the cmPA, meanwhile,
estimated disruptions brought on by the pandemic could cost the industry $2.5 billion nationwide and affect up to 81,000 jobs directly. those estimates are based on production suspensions extending to the end of June. What comes next in a second phase, in which production activity picks up significantly, remains difficult to discern at this point, Leitch said. “that [first phase] might last for quite some time. that may be the new way of how we work until there’s some sort of a vaccine. the worst-case scenario for us is that we have outbreaks in the film and television industry because we did the wrong things. … so i think you’ll see us erring on the side of caution. but that might be the new norm for quite some time. •
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VANCOUVER IS AWESOME THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
VANCOU VERISAWESOME .COM
glacier media special report
On B.C.’s rOad tO reCOvery
Post-secondary schools focus on the fall education |
By Hayley Woodin hwoodin@biv.com
s
tudents from kindergarten to grade 12 could head back to school before the end of an unusual school year. while a date of return remains merely a possibility, the idea has not yet been ruled out by the b.c. ministry of Education. the same isn’t true for b.c. postsecondary schools, which have largely committed to delivering courses online throughout the summer. over the last two weeks, those institutions have started to shift their focus to the fall, according to Universities canada president and cEo Paul davidson. And a big part of that focus is to find ways to deal with a potential financial hit if the number of international students attending canadian colleges and universities doesn’t recover from losses suffered in the covid-19 pandemic. “in straight business terms, universities are facing a real challenge when it comes to the future of international students in canada,” davidson explained,
Restoring international enrolment is top priority for colleges, universities
adding that students from abroad contribute more than $22 billion to canada’s economy on an annual basis. “what do you do if, come the fall, the borders are still closed? t hat’s going to be a significa nt challenge for ca nada’s universities.” At present, it remains unclear when and how canada may reopen its borders, which means educational institutions are planning for a variety of scenarios. University canada west (Ucw), a private university with a new campus slated to open in vancouver this summer, has a new term starting in July, but president brock dykeman isn’t expecting to physically welcome international students, who make up the majority of the school’s student body. “i think it’s going to be messy for quite a time,” he said, adding that while international students can take Ucw courses online, enrolment numbers for the current term are already down between 25% and 50%. “it’s definitely going to hurt. it is hurting and will continue to hurt.”
Post-secondary schools such as Simon Fraser University have faced a steep decline in international enrolment, which typically provides a significant portion of operating revenue for B.C. colleges and universities | Submitted
Accord i ng to dav id wa l ls, president of college of the rockies, the presidents of more than two dozen post-secondary institutions in b.c. speak with the province’s deputy minister of advanced education on a weekly basis. collectively, the sector is exploring what the easing of government restrictions in mid-may
could look like. “we’re beginning to think about what would that be like, what would the fall semester look like,” said walls. “we’re not expecting that we suddenly could to be delivering a l l face-to-face i nstruction either. Everybody’s talking about probably a bit more of a hybrid situation.” that could be in effect for the fall semester, with some students continuing to take courses online, and some returning to classrooms. it could be one student in every three classroom seats, said dykeman. Feroz Ali, president of the international Language Academy of canada’s higher education division, says classes could be broken into two or three smaller sections per day. “it’s hard to look at people and say, ‘it’s going to end on this day.’ we just don’t know,” said geoffrey Payne, interim president of the University of northern british columbia. it also remains unclear how a downturn in the canadian economy and rising unemployment could affect enrolment. simon
Fraser University president Andrew Petter believes demand could increase, with laid-off workers looking to upgrade their skills. “i think it’s recognized that education is the best insurance against economic uncertainty,” he said. brett Fairbairn, president of thompson rivers University, said, the school is exploring the transition from an all-remote model to a hybrid model, or one where priority services or handson classes are delivered in-person with physical distancing. “we’re really looking at the time frame of about the next 12 months and when in that period we might be able to resume some of those things.” in the span of 10 days, universities across the country plugged more than one million students into online learning as covid-19 physical distancing measures took effect. “it is quite remarkable,” Petter said. “the shift in the whole way we deliver our services, particularly our educational programs, has probably been the greatest challenge.”•
Governments peer anxiously at post-COVID-19 horizon politics |
Municipal, provincial officials aim to mitigate damage while considering their next moves
By mike HoWell nEws@biv.com
bc
municipal officials, civic politicians and members of the legislature continue to discuss what returning to some semblance of normalcy looks like in government. but w it h a l l i nvolved ta king their cues from Provincial health officer dr. bonnie henry, who has cautioned about lifting physical distancing restrictions too soon, plans for reopening governments to pre-pandemic operating levels remain a work
in progress. “it’s something we’re thinking about and talking about, and trying to figure out how to be ready,” said sadhu Johnston, city manager for vancouver, whose present worry is the $5 million per week loss in the city’s revenue. t hat loss, wh ich has come mainly from suspending parking enforcement in most of vancouver and closing community centres and other facilities, will mean the city won’t be able to immediately restart large parts of the organization.
Libraries, for example, are not big money-makers for the city, said Johnston, acknowledging they are an important service for citizens but are largely funded by property tax. “many of the recreational programs that have been cut would bring in revenue, but the question would be, ‘when are people going to want to participate in those types of programs again?’” cowichan valley bc green Party mLA sonia Furstenau anticipates some changes to how government eases back to work both in the legislature and in her
constituency. Furstenau, who is the greens’ house leader, said she received a letter April 20 from the clerk of the legislature about possible options for the next sitting. that may include having a reduced number of mLAs present, as occurred in the march 23 sitting of the legislature, where she attended with about a dozen other politicians. “it was a bit surreal,” she said. “however, i think it’s important that we find ways to ensure that democracy and our institutions continue to operate as
best they can in these types of circumstances.” that connection with people and colleagues during the pandemic has come via the suddenly popular Zoom online conferencing platform. Furstenau said the technology has allowed committee meetings to continue and make for more efficient use of time in the busy calendars of an mLA. “i think there’s going to be a shift on how widely online meeting tools can be used,” she said of anticipated changes in how politicians govern.•
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 VANC OUVER IS AWESOME
A13 Local News
VANCOUVERISAWESOME.COM
B.C. government rolls out massive effort to move homeless from camps in Vancouver and Victoria
T
he B.C. govern rnment n rolllled l out an ambiti tious i and unprece cedented e plan Satu turday u to move close to 700 homeles ess s people from frr camps in Vanco couver o and Victori ria i into hotels, motels and communi co o nity ityy centr cee tres res. s
Professional movers will work with government, municipalities, health officials, hotel owners and several non-profits beginning this week in what will be a massive effort rtt to house people. In Vancouver, one hotel has ass been identified for people who test positive for COVID-19, although public health officials and politicians continue to say there have been no outbreaks in the camps. Officials aim to move at least 300 people from Oppenheimer Park in the Downtown Eas astside s and another 360 living on Pandora Avenue and at Topaz Park in Victoria. Though the pandemic is driving the move, B.C. continues to lose hundreds of people each year to dru rug u overdoses. Homelessness is also on the rise, ass City tyy of Vancouver homeless counts have shown.
Dan ToulgoeT]
“We “W W are at the confluence of two tw w of the most challenging health emergencies our province has ass ever faced, and we cannot leave our most vulnerable vu u behind,” said Mike Farnwort rth, t Minister of Public Safety tyy and Solicitor General, at a news conference. “The “T T time to act is now.” Government expects the majority tyy of campers to agree to move inside, although a ministerial order under the Emergency Program Act set May 9 as the deadline to transition people into housing. Farnwort rth t emphasized the order “is a public safety tyy order, not a health order,” adding that police “and other compliance officials are able to enf nforce f any violations of this Act.”
Officials aim to move at least 300 people from Oppenheimer Park in the Downtown Eastside and another 360 living on Pandora Avenue and at Topaz Park in Victoria. A total of 686 hotel and community tyy centre spaces have been secured in Vancouver and 324 hotel spaces in Victoria. That includes a floor of a hotel in Vancouver strictly for women. A facility tyy in Victoria is also designated for women. Alll accommodations will be monitored by non-profits, Al which will provide 24-7 support rtt for residents, including access to health care and medication-as assisted s dru rug u treatment, if needed.
Daily meals and cleaning serv rvices v will be included. Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Povert rty ty reduction, said he was ass aware of problems at the camps related to assaults, ass weapons, overdoses and a homicide in January ryy at Oppenheimer Park. Simpson said the goal is not to transfer those problems to the hotels. “The “T T serv rvice v providers, the community tyy providers understand that,” Simpson told report rters. t “T “They’re T very ryy ski killed i organizations, they have lots of experience operating other similar facilities successfu fully. u So we’re hopefu ful u that with stru ructu u ture, u with resources, with support rts, t that we can turn tu u the dial on some of that activity ty.” y Staff at each location is expected to monitor people going in and out of buildings to prevent guests gu u from entering. Every ryy person housed must follow isolation protocols and staff has to ensure all individuals who require selflf-isolation f are doing so.
Government didn’t identify fyy the hotels, many of which remain vacant in most cities in B.C. because of travel restrictions. Glacier Media has earlier report rted t that Roundhouse and Coal Harbour community tyy centres have opened to homeless people. Separate accommodation for youth living in encampments is also being arranged through the Ministry ryy of Children and Family Development. Personal belongings of people in the camps will be put in bins and moved by professional movers dressed in personal protective gear. Storage for additional belongings will be available. Simpson said the goal is to move 15 to 20 people per week into housing, with the ministry ry’s y goal to find permanent housing for all who leave the camps. “We “W W have no intention of these people being put back on the street at the end of this process,” Simpson said. By Mike Howell
A14
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A15
The offer, however, comes with a caveat: in order to enter the draw, tenants must have paid April’s rent. A notice posted in the building’s lobby read, “During these difficult times we thank the residents who were able to pay their April rent on time and in full. We will be holding a raffle for these residents on April 28, 2020 at 10AM — to give away 1 free month’s rent for May 2020.” It goes on to say that it will have two residents witness the raffle, after which the winner will be posted on the building’s office window. “I’m looking forward to it, to see who’s going to win and to be able to put up some positive information - and then to put on the bottom, ‘Next draw May 28,’” said Jo Ann Strcic, who serves as building manager for the 12-floor building located on West 12th Avenue in Fairview, when reached by phone. Strcic, who credited the building’s accountant with suggesting the idea, also said the building plans to continue holding the raffle on a monthly basis throughout the duration of the pandemic. “So it’s not just the first month, but we’ll carry on as long as this is carrying on,” she said.
However, not all residents see the rent giveaway as a positive gesture. James Grey, a tenant in the building, was walking through its lobby when he first spotted the notice, posted on April 16. Grey’s initial reaction was to, “just start laughing,” he recalled. “And then another tenant came out when I was laughing, while I was reading it. She was like, ‘Right?! Like, oh my gosh, this is so ridiculous.’” He added, “If you’ve got free rent to give to people, you might as well give it to people who actually lost their jobs.”
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as British Columbians continue to feel the economic ramifications of the CoVID-19 pandemic, one Vancouver building is raffling off a free month of rent to its residents.
Real Estate
A Vancouver building is raffling off free rent to ‘thank’ tenants who paid on time in April
Strcic, meanwhile, said she hasn’t heard much feedback from tenants about the raffle, aside from “a couple of people that have just called for other things that said, ‘Oh, that’s really neat.’” Four lease-holders of the building’s 49 units will be excluded from the raffle for free May rent, she explained, after being unable or unwilling to pay on time in April. Strcic also estimated that about eight tenants have applied for the BC Temporary Rental Supplement Program. Having four tenants unable to pay their rent on time this month is an abnormal scenario that Strcic attributes to the pandemic, she added. “In that building though, there’s not that many people that aren’t working, I don’t
think,” she said. “And the ones that aren’t have applied for and gotten the $2,000 [Canada Emergency Response Benefit].” Strcic said she hopes the subsequent monthly raffles will discourage any tenants who were thinking of taking advantage of the province’s halt on evictions by failing to pay rent on time to avoid doing so. “We’re hoping it’s just kind of an incentive, as well,” she said. “Because by then everybody would be receiving that $2,000.”
Strcic said monthly rent in the building falls between $1,600 and $1,900 a month, making the raffle “a good one” to win. “I’m excited about it and I’m happy for the tenants,” she said. “It’s just goodwill.” By Megan LaLonde
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As for this month’s raffle, she continued, “Everyone should be paying their April rent because all of this happened in the middle of March. So, what were you going to be doing for April anyway? Everybody should have been prepared for April rent.”
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A16
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A17
OPINION You can download colouring sheets of Vancouver house design styles
Vancouver’s mayor has been completely uninspiring during COVID-19
S
harpen those pencil crayons and your love of architecture when you fire up the home printer to get some incredible colouring sheets featuring the many styles of Vancouver houses.
City Hall
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 VANCOUVER IS AWESOME
VANCOUVERISAWESOME.COM
Before the past few weeks changed everything, if you asked me how I thought he was doing I would have started with a shrug of my shoulders. A visual “Meh.”
The supplemental download is part of an amazing educational resource from the Vancouver Heritage Foundation meant for schools. The “Heritage Study Guide” was created for teachers to use to help young learners get to know our city’s incredible heritage locations and diverse history. In addition to the course materials for elementary and high school students, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation has a robust roster of links to more materials, including interactive maps and further teaching kits. Among the supplemental materials is the Vancouver House Styles Hub, and below that, a link to a set of black and white drawings of each of 10 house styles that you can download and print out (for personal use only).
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Colour in a Storybook house, a Mid-Century Rancher, or an Edwardian residence. And, yes, of course, the set includes the Vancouver Special. Studies suggest that colouring is beneficial to mental health for adults, so now is as good a time as ever to get into something that can help soothe any “stay home” COVID-19 blues. Find them at www.bit.ly/colourvancouver By Lindsay William-Ross
i’ll say it: vancouver’s mayor Kennedy Stewart is doing a poor job at inspiring the residents of our great city during the coviD-19 pandemic. It’s one thing to have a humdrum mayor in normal times, but during a pandemic it would be nice if our leader were able to step up to the plate and make people feel concerned, yes, but perhaps also just a little bit hopeful, and proud of their neighbours and their community.
cva 480-215
Before the past few weeks changed everything, if you asked me how I thought he was doing I would have started with a shrug of my shoulders. A visual “Meh.”
VANCOUVER WAS AWESOME When prohibition hit British Columbia in 1917 it landed with a soft thud, not making much of a difference in peoples’ drinking habits. In order to access alcohol, all one had to do was get a prescription written by a doctor. Some 4,000 were written each month in the year 1918, while the police department’s Dry Squad (pictured here with stills they had seized) focused on dismantling organized exporting operations that were distilling spirits and smuggling them into the United States.
Find the Vancouver WAS Awesome history book at reputable bookstores throughout B.C. By Bob Kronbauer
What followed would be some version of “He’s okay. He’s one NDP vote on council, just kinda cruising along. He’s got very few interesting policy ideas or initiatives, but no major downfalls.” As folk singer Utah Phillips once said about certain politicians, our mayor is like a refrigerator; “The light goes on, the light goes off; it’s not going to do anything that isn’t built into it.” I had been tempted to write a column about him being a “do-nothing mayor” at one point, but the guy did go to work every day and herd a council made up of people from a smattering of different viewpoints and parties. And in the Before Times he did offer himself up to the media often, standing in front of us and answering our questions about things the City was working on. None of those things are memorable. In fact in my mind they all just kind of blur together into one long and droning “We need to solve the opioid crisis and we want to do a whole lot of other things that we have no jurisdiction over and that the feds and the province should be doing” statement. Oh, and there was that one time where he answered a question I asked him about Canuck the Crow’s disappearance. That was okay.
Over the past few weeks we’ve watched as our mayor has pleaded with people to stay indoors, and follow the instructions that Dr. Bonnie Henry has been giving us. The light goes on, the light goes off. In recent days he’s shifted to full-on doomsday scenario mode, sending out releases and holding press conferences that have been not much more than excuses to publicly lobby the provincial and federal governments. He’s been letting them know (in live updates watched by the general public) that he thinks the City is completely screwed financially. A small survey he got done (did we pay for that?) helped him paint a dire picture of most homeowners defaulting on their property taxes, then Vancouver basically sliding into the ocean in a few months. Unlike other mayors in nearby municipalities, he refuses to back down from the 7% property tax increase approved back in December, because he doesn’t want to see any more staffing cuts made by the City. This might have something to do with him serving the members of the Vancouver and District Labour Council who got him elected, and not a union of homeowners. To be fair, mayor Stewart has managed to throw in a few words of encouragement here and there during his COVID-19 press conferences, but overall Vancouverites have been served a heaping helping of mediocrity by an already uninspiring mayor. It’s unclear how many of the City’s communications staff have been laid off as they’ve done some minor cuts at the City, but perhaps it’s time for those that remain to rally around the man and work on a plan to start encouraging us and letting us know we’re not going to slide into the ocean. We aren’t collectively facing total and complete devastation. However depending on what Kennedy Stewart does in the coming weeks and months, he might be in the next election. By Bob Kronbauer
A18
VANCOUVER IS AWESOME THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
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• Polished Concrete Floors • Pumping • Placing • Sealing • Acid Staining • Decorative Concrete • Forming • Demolition • Foundation Pouring
CONCRETE SPECIALIST Sidewalk, Driveway, Patio Exposed Aggregate, Remove & Replacing Reasonable Rates. 35 yrs experience For free est.
Call Mario 604-253-0049 604-764-2726
604-341-4446
Excavation, Concrete, Drainage & Retaining Walls Sidewalk, Brick Pavers, Disposal, Trenching, Driveways, Blacktop, Landscape and Sod Backhoe/Bobcat/Dumptruck Services
Call 604.833.2103 Today!
FENCING West Coast Cedar Installations New, Repaired, Rebuilt since 1991. Fences & Decks. 604-788-6458 cedarinstall@hotmail.com
DRAINAGE
Free inventor’s guide! PERSONALS **SWEDISH MASSAGE**
604-739-3998 West Broadway at Oak St.
Drainage & Excavation SERVICES • We make Basements Dry • 604-341-4446
HANDYPERSON
HANDYMAN • RENOVATIONS •Kitchen •Bath • Plumbing •Countertop •Floors •Paint & more. Call MIC for quote:
604-725-3127
FLOORING INSTALLATION REFINISHING, Sanding. Free est, great prices. Satisfaction guar.604-518-7508
LAWN & GARDEN
Spring g Specials & Clean-up Chafer Beetle Repair Lawn Seed, Install, Repair
Tree Pruning & ge Trimming g Hedg Blackberry ry Removal
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AGGRECON SPECIALTIES
Professional Work
INVENTORS! Ideas wanted!
#1 Backhoes & Excavators Trenchless Waterlines Bobcats & Dump Truck & All Material Deliveries
CONCRETE
778-919-7707
ATTENTION
EXCAVATING
SPROTTSHAW.COM
• Power Wash & Gutters • Concrete & Stucco Repairs • Driveways •Paths •Patios’ • DECKS & FENCING & more
HOME REPAIRS RENOVATIONS INSTALLATIONS
25+ yrs exp. WCB. Insured
Donny 604-600-6049
604-878-5232 HandymanConnection.com
LAWN & GARDEN
24 years Experience. Fully y Ins’d. Lic’d & WCB • Sp pring g Clean-up p • Lawn Maintenance • Power Rake • New Sod & Seeding • Tree Topping & Trimming • Power Wash • Gutters • Patio’s • Decks • Fences • Concrete • Retaining Walls • Driveways & Sidewalks & Much MORE All work guaranteed Free Estimates
REAL ESTATE WANTED WANTED: Fixer-Upper houses and properties incl. condos/ townhouses in any city, in any condition (private investor) Please call Ali @ 604-833-2103
RENTALS APARTMENTS/ CONDOS FOR RENT
ELECTRICAL LIC. ELECTRICIAN bf#37309 Commercial &
residential reno’s & small jobs.
778-322-0934
SPRING CLEAN-UP • Power Rake • Aerate • New Lawns & Seed • Lawn Cuts •Power Wash • Retaining Walls • Rock, Gravel, Pavers • Hedging & Trimming All Garden Work & Maint.
A LIC’D. Electrician #30582 Rewiring & reno, appliance/ plumbing, rotor rooter 778998-9026, 604-255-9026
#101 - 621 W. 57th Ave, Van Spacious 1, 2 & 3 BR Rental Apartments & Townhouses. Heat, hot water included. Many units have in-suite laundry and lrg patios/balconies with gorgeous views. Tasteful gardens, swim pools, hot tub, gym, laundry, gated parking, plus shops & services. Near Oakridge Ctrl, Canada Line stations, Langara College, Churchill High School & more. Sorry no pets. www.petersonrentals.com
Call 604-327-1178
info@langaragardens.com Managed by Peterson Commercial Property Management Inc.
All advertising published in this newspaper is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to buyers at the advertised prices. Advertisers are aware of these conditions. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any reader encounters non-compliance with these standards we ask that you inform the Publisher of this newspaper and The Advertising Standards Council of B.C. OMISSION AND ERROR: The publishers do not guarantee the insertion of a particular advertisement on a specified date, or at all, although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers. Further, the publishers do not accept liability for any loss of damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred. Any corrections of changes will be made in the next available issue. Vancouver Is Awesome will be responsible for only one incorrect insertion with liability limited to that portion of the advertisement affected by the error. Request for adjustments or corrections on charges must be made within 30 days of the ad’s expiration. For best results please check your ad for accuracy the first day it appears. Refunds made only after 7 business days notice!
604-240-2881
*Power Washing *Window Cleaning *Gutter cleaning *Free est., Worksafe *Owner/operator/20 yrs Terry 604-376-7383
Ken’s Power Washing Plus SPRING SPECIALS Pressure washing Gutter & window cleaning ! Work Safe, Free est. ! !
Cameron, 604-709-6230 NEW TURF, yard cleanups, lawns, new soil, planting, aerations. Tree services. 604-783-2627
Ny Ton Gardening
Yard Clean-up • Power Rake • LAWN MOWING Hedge Trim • Tree Pruning.
604-782-5288
Call Ken 604-716-7468
TRUTH IN EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING Glacier Media Group makes every effort to ensure you are responding to a reputable and legitimate job opportunity. If you suspect that an ad to which you have responded is misleading, here are some hints to remember. Legitimate employers do not ask for money as part of the application process; do not send money; do not give any credit card information; or call a 900 number in order to respond to an employment ad. Job opportunity ads are salary based and do not require an investment. If you have responded to an ad which you believe to be misleading please call the: Better Business Bureau at 604-682-2711 Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm or email: inquiries@bbbvan.org and they will investigate.
Spring Cleaning?
Complete Renovations • Licensed Builder • Plumbing • Heating • Hot Water Tanks • Boilers •Gas Fittings •Fireplaces
ROMAN’S PAINTING Interior/Exterior Reasonable Rates Warranty Free Estimate
Spring Special
604-767-2667
PGP Contractors
• Hot Water Tanks • Plumbing • Heating • Furnaces • Boilers • Drainage • Res. & Comm. • 24/7 /77 Service
Quality Painting Guaranteed WCB, Free Est, Insured Exteriors Welcome! Com/Res
604-725-0908
PAINTSPECIAL.COM
3 rooms for $375, 2 coats any colour (Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint. NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services.
604-437-7272
778-895-3503
PATIOS .
Patio Covers, Sunrooms, Vinyl, Railings
SPRING CLEAN-UP
PATRICIA’S CLEANGARDENS Spring clean up in flower & shrub beds. 604.222.1585
604-724-3832
JUST LAWNCUTS
Lawn & Garden Care
All Work Guar. Free Est. John 604-616-2934
PLUMBING
D&M PAINTING
604-339-4541
• Power Rake, Pruning • Tree Topping, Trimming
• Power Washing Junk Removal Available. Senior Disc
PAINTING/ WALLPAPER
778-680-5352
.
A.S.U. Enterprises
YOUR ELECTRICIAN Lic#89402. Insured. Guar’d. Fast same day service. We love BIG & small jobs! 604-568-1899 goldenleafelectrical.com
ADVERTISING POLICIES
LANGARA GARDENS
GUTTERS
BC AWNING & RAILING
•Aluminum/Glass Patio Cover •Sunrooms & Windows •Aluminum Railings, Vinyl Deck Free Est • 604-521-2688 PatioCoverVancouver.com
Interior / Exterior Specialist. Many Years Experience. Fully Insured. Top Quality • Quick Work. Free estimate.
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REAL ESTATE
MASONRY AND REPAIRS •Stone Walls •Bricks •Chimneys & Fireplaces •Pavers •Asphalt •& More •ALL CONCRETE WORK •20+ years experience. George • 778-998-3689
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CARPENTRY • ELECTRICAL PLUMBING • PAINTING FLOORING • TO-DO LIST
Done Quick. Licensed. Done Right. Bonded. Guaranteed. Insured.
PATIOS
MASONRY
Free Estimate 604-821-8088 • 604-518-6395
remove your clutter! call 604-630-3300 to place your ad.
BOWEN ALUMINUM
patiocoversunroomvancouver.com vancouverisawesome.com • vancouverisawesome.com
To advertise call
604.630.3300
TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 VANCOUVER IS AWESOME
VANCOUVERISAWESOME.COM
SUDOKU
HOME SERVICES POWER WASHING Gutter Cleaning, Power washing, Window Cleaning, Roof Cleaning Call Simon for prompt & professional service 30 yrs exp. 604-230-0627
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Property Maintenance $50.00 Pressure Washing, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, aerating and power raking. 604−209−3445 www.npservices.ca
RENOS & HOME IMPROVEMENT
ROOFING
778-892-1530
a1kahlonconstruction.ca
ALL Roofing & Repairs. Insured • WCB
HOME REPAIRS RENOVATIONS INSTALLATIONS
40+ yrs exp • Free Est’s
Roy • 604-839-7881
CARPENTRY • ELECTRICAL PLUMBING • PAINTING FLOORING • TO-DO LIST
Done Quick. Licensed. Done Right. Bonded. Guaranteed. Insured.
604-878-5232 HandymanConnection.com
ROOFING
Bros. Roofing Ltd. Over 40 Years in Business SPECIALIZING IN CEDAR, FIBERGLASS LAMINATES AND TORCH ON.
Liability Insurance, WCB, BBB, Free Estimates
604-946-4333
MCR Mastercraft Roofing Right the 1st time! Repairs, reroofing, garage, decks. Hart 604-322-5517
Spring Cleaning?
A-1 Contracting & Roofing New & Re-Roofing • All Types All Maintenance & Repairs GUTTER CLEANING Gutter Guard Installations • RENOVATION WORK • WCB. 25% Discount • Emergency Repairs • a1kahlonconstruction.ca
Greg • 604-767-0277
604-240-5362
Reasonable rates Free estimates. Pat 604-224-2112 anytime
BRADS JUNK REMOVAL.com
• FULL SERVICE JUNK REMOVAL & Clean-Up at Affordable Rates • Pianos & Hot Tubs No Problem • Booked Appointments • Same-Day Service • Residential & Commercial 20 YARD BIN RENTALS
249 for a week + dump fees
$
604.220.JUNK (5865)
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.
PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE
TREE SERVICES
Jag • 778-892-1530
New Roofing & Repairs. Gutter Cleaning • $80 Free Est. • GLRoofing.ca
RUBBISH REMOVAL
TREE SERVICES
QUALITY RENO & HOME IMPROVEMENTS Over 25 yrs exp. offering wide variety of services including: Kitchen, bathrooms, plumbing Ref’s avbl, reasonable rates, call for estimates.
RUBBISH REMOVAL
MCNABB ROOFING
RENOS & HOME IMPROVEMENT
ALL RENOVATIONS: •Kitchen •Baths •Additions •Patio •Stairs •Deck •Fences •P Painting •D Drywall & MORE
A19
remove your clutter! call 604-630-3300 to place your ad.
Pruning, Hedge Trimming Tree & Stump Removal 75 ft Bucket Trucks Covid-19 Safety Guidelines strictly followed.
604 - 787-5915
.
www.treeworksonline.ca 10% discount with this ad
vancouverisawesome.com
.ca
SHOW SUPPORT for the local businesses that give
your community its hometown feel.
ACROSS
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DOWN
Customers are looking for you. '*# , (-++ )$!/0*!! &/!%0". GuidedBy.ca/ApplyNow
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22. Cigarettes (slang) 23.Adoctrine 27. Constrictor snakes 29.Atomic #73 30. Baseball stat 31. Female sibling 32.Asoft gray metal (abbr.) 33. Southern constellation 34. Belgian city 35. Go in again 36. In a different, more positive way 37.Aplace for sleeping 38. Blood type 40. Syrian news agency (abbr.) 41.Asalt or ester of acetic acid
42. Millihenry 44. Populous Israeli city __Aviv 45. Widen 46. Magical potion 47.Acknowledging 48. Private romantic rendezvous 50. Cavalry sword 51. Terabyte .0;"'%2A82@1 2*%611246*86 ./; !$11A43%2*4 +@*6$#6' 55. Breezed through 57. Santa says it three times 61. __ and behold 62. 36 inches (abbr.)
A20
VANCOUVER IS AWESOME THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
VANCOU VERISAWESOME .COM
It’s only natural to have questions about your final plans. We’re here with the answers you need. We’ve received an increasing number of calls from families with concerns and questions about their final arrangements. To review your existing arrangements, or for information, our dedicated professionals are available for consultation by phone, online, or in person with safety measures in place. Visit www.valleyviewsurrey.ca Or call 604-256-7476
14644 - 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC Arbor Memorial Inc.