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- CRAB Park cleanup plans get clearer
CRAB Park cleanup plans get clearer
Plus, a roundup of art events around town

Good morning,
I got so involved in making dumplings that I almost forgot to schedule this email. There’s something really relaxing, almost meditative, about repetitive actions like folding dumplings for an hour. Hopefully, they’ll last a while in the freezer (but more likely less than a week).
Today, we’ve got an update on the plan for CRAB Park and a roundup of art news and events around town.
Let’s get to it.
— Geoff Sharpe, Vancity Lookout editor
PS - Was this email forwarded to you? Subscriber here for free so you don’t miss a single edition.
WEATHER
Wednesday: 7 🌡️ 1 | 🌧️
Thursday: 8 🌡️ 4 | 🌤️
Friday: 13 🌡️ 8 | ☁️
HOUSING
CRAB Park cleanup plans get clearer
What happened: The city has shared more details about the plan to clean up Vancouver’s only permanent and legal encampment at CRAB Park, with the first phase set to begin March 18. But, according to CBC, residents are concerned that the cleanup may lead to a permanent decampment of residents.
Background: The city has been planning the cleanup for months, citing health and safety concerns. The plans had to recently change as it became clear they needed heavy machinery to clean up the area.
A key difference here from the encampment clearing in the Downtown Eastside last year is that CRAB Park is legally allowed to operate after a court ruling in 2022, where the judge refused to grant an injunction to remove residents, according to Global News.
Residents will be forced to temporarily move as equipment is brought in to clean up the area. Advocates say that the removal should wait until a court hears their human rights complaint against the city. Currently, there are 30-50 people living in the park, according to the Globe and Mail.
The human rights complaint has been taken up by the BC Human Rights Tribunal, over allegations that the city is discriminating against the group by not giving residents “basic survival services,” according to CBC.
Further threats: The city's key complaint concerns residents bringing in propane tanks, which are dangerous and a fire hazard. The city noted that if the use of propane tanks and similar items continues, the encampment may need to be removed.
History repeats itself: It echoes a similar language used by the city when they shut down the Downtown Eastside Encampment last year. Public safety due to fires, as well as exploding propane tanks, prompted the city to dismantle the tent encampment, according to CityNews.
What it means: The city’s response seems to indicate that they feel they would be able to dismantle the encampment if public safety continues to be an issue. Given the echoes of language used with the Downtown Eastside encampment, it’s an issue that likely isn’t going away.
Do you think the city will eventually try to permanently clear out CRAB Park? |
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VANCOUVER NUMBERS
❄️ 39%: The percent that the North Shore snowpack is currently at compared to normal levels. That’s up from 30 percent back in February, but still not a good sign for drought conditions this summer. [North Shore News]
💰️ $100,000: You may have to pay this much if you drive a commercial truck into infrastructure like a bridge. That’s up from the maximum of $500 that the law currently allows. It follows multiple commercial vehicles hitting overpasses this year. [CityNews]
🏘️ 21%: Mama mia! This is how much rent has increased in Canada over the last two years, an average increase of $384 per month. [Urbanized]
📉 39 percent: The number of households in Metro Vancouver that say they are in a more precarious situation financially than before the pandemic. [Business in Vancouver]
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Indonesian and Japanese cuisines collide at this West End restaurant

I was buzzing, and not from exhaustion. Jet lag aside, the food experience in Japan — where I'd just spent a month — is unlike anything else. The haunting memory of fresh sushi, yakitori and noodle soups still lingers in my mind, even now.
I was hesitant about doing a food review the day after my flight home. It felt unfair to compare a Vancouver restaurant to the joy that was slurping back ramen noodles, sake, and crunching through chicken hearts and tail at a yakitori restaurant owned by three generations of family members.
But like with all jobs, sometimes you soldier on even as dreams of fatty tuna flash before your eyes.
Located at the old Dover Arms pub, the spot opened up last April, serving what they call elevated Indonesian and Japanese street food incorporating French techniques. They serve both dinner and brunch and offer a happy hour from 3 pm-6 pm and 10:30 pm onwards.
To read this review and subscribe to our free newsletter reviewing and exploring Vancouver’s food scene, click this link to instantly subscribe and read the story.
DREAM HOME
Today’s featured home of the day is a perfect spot in the West End.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment has a spacious 1,085 square feet of living space, and not too many large windows (a personal preference of mine). It includes two smaller balconies and a separate living and eating area. All in all, not a bad place in a great part of town.
THE AGENDA
🛳️ It’s that time of year again. Spring is in the air, the weather is warming up. What’s that sound? An American accent? Yup, it’s cruise ship season again. The first ship of the year heads into downtown on Monday. Experts say there could be a record-breaking 1.27 million visitors this season. Great for local businesses, less so for local residents… [Urbanized]
🔥 No, this wasn’t part of a science experiment gone wrong. Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services had to deploy both steam and high-pressure water to put out a small electrical fire underneath Science World by the water. [CBC]
💰️ Parents at the Henry Hudson Elementary School in Kitsilano are frustrated that they are receiving parking tickets while dropping their kids off at school. They say the city has restricted the parking area by half. One parent has $520 in fines. [Global News]
📈 If you’re looking for affordable rent, stay away from the West End and Downtown Vancouver, which are both the most expensive neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver. The most affordable? Abbotsford and South Surrey. [Vancouver is Awesome]
👮 Vancouver police have charged a man for hate crimes against Jewish people. The man is alleged to have drawn an anti-semitic symbol on a poster and used anti-semitic and threatening language towards people. [CityNews]
🌆 This is not completely related to Vancouver, but this is an excellent episode of the Big Story podcast about how big festivals are struggling after COVID. Not a good sign for people who love summer live events. Closer to home, Vancouver Fringe Festival is asking for help to fund the event. [CityNews]
💊 Oopsie doopsie? After members of the Prince George’s RCMP said that drugs used for safe supply were being diverted in a widespread manner, BC’s solicitor general said they talked to the RCMP commander in the city who said this is in fact not true. [Global News]
👶 He’s got friends in high places… At council that is. Mayor Ken Sim will not be reprimanded after council, dominated by his ABC party majority, voted not to adopt a formal reprimand recommended by the integrity commissioner. The reprimand was because the mayor did not include park board commissioner Laura Christensen in an important meeting announcing the end of the park board because she was looking after her baby. [Vancouver Sun]
😲 Pressure on West Vancouver’s mayor Mark Sager is mounting, with former mayor Mike Smith calling on him to resign. The current mayor is facing investigation over campaign finance irregularities. [Global]
ARTS
Theatre
Made in Italy is all about an Italian teen in Jasper Alberta who reinvents himself as a singer and ladies man. On from now until April 2.
Winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, Parade is on at Raincity Theatre from March 21 to April 13, a story about the trial and lynching of a man accused of murder.
The ever-popular Broadway musical Hairspray about a girl with big hair and big dreams is at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from April 2 to 7.
Music
Killer Mike is one of the headliners at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival this summer, playing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on June 29. [Straight]
Some big shows coming up this spring and summer include Death Cab for Cutie, Avril Lavinge, The Rolling Stones and Norah Jones.
Movies
VIFF has a new Film Studies course covering Screwball Comedy. Each movie has a 25 minute talk followed by the movie screening, taking place from March 18-April 29.
Art house movie theatre Cinemateque features a series of films from Jacques Rivette, a famous French film director involved in the French New Wave. Movies include Le Pont Nord, the Gang of Four, and more.
Art
The Vancouver International Burlesque Festival is on from April 2 to 7, with multiple shows and workshops.
Polygon Gallery is showing an exhibit called Dani Gal: Historical Records which includes 700 vinyls spanning decades, showcasing different art and history.
PHOTO OF THE DAY

Reddit/Andopanda21
Now, that’s what you call a well-framed photo.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Osteria Elio Volpe at 540 W 17th Ave is set to open this week. The restaurant is inspired by southern Italy and is operated by the team behind Savio Volpe, Pepino’s and Caffe La Tana. [Vancouver is Awesome]
🌍 Geopolitics in <5 minutes? Get International Intrigue, the free global briefing crafted by former diplomats. [Sponsored]
Experts are predicting that Vancouver’s cherry blossom season will peak on April 3. [Vancouver is Awesome]
If you work in Vancouver’s nightlife or hospitality scene and have faced discrimination or bullying, the city wants to hear from you.
Bad news Canucks fans — Thatcher Demko is out for at least two weeks, but he will be back in time for the playoffs. [Vancouver is Awesome
Reminder — the city does not send texts for overdue parking tickets, so any you’re receiving is a scam. [City of Vancouver]
Are vegan restaurants in trouble in Vancouver? [The Straight]
Here’s why Richmond Public Market needs to be on your food journey list. [Vancity Lookout Eats]
GAME TIME

Congrats to everyone who guessed correctly that Vancouver expected to get an e-scooter sharing program in June.
Today’s GeoGuesser is somewhere along the Seawall. Can you guess which neighbourhood this is? Respond with your name and correct answer to be featured in the newsletter.
What did you think of today's newsletter? |