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- What’s going on with the public pool dress code?
What’s going on with the public pool dress code?
Plus, is Chinatown undergoing a revival?
Geoff Sharpe
April 21, 2023
Good morning,
Hearing about new ways to travel between the Island and Vancouver is always exciting. But like the last failed experiment, I have trouble believing this new ferry venture between Nanaimo and Vancouver will actually work. But we shall see!
Today we’ve got:
A breakdown of a new dress code policy at Vancouver pools 🩳
Chinatown’s revival? 🌆
Some new restaurants to try 🍽️
Let’s get to it.
— Geoff Sharpe, Vancity Lookout newsletter writer
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WEATHER
Friday: 11 🌡️ 6 | 🌧
Saturday: 11 🌡️ 8 | 🌧
Sunday: 12 🌡️ 7 | 🌧
Monday: 14 🌡️ 6 | 🌧
VANCOUVER BY THE NUMBERS
🚓 7.3%: The increase in Vancouver’s property crime from January to March, compared to the same time last year. [Vancouver is Awesome]
🌳 100,000: The number of new trees Vancouver parks board commissioner Marie-Claire Howard wants to see planted across Vancouver by 2026.
🏠$21,360: The average amount of extra money you’ll need to purchase a home since last year. While prices fell, interest rates have made it more expensive, which is the biggest increase in Canada. Sometimes it’s not great being number one! [Business in Vancouver]
PARKS
The swimming fashion police
Scandalous swimwear? Baggy, loose pants? You soon may no longer be allowed to swim in them at Vancouver public pools, if the parks board approves a new clothing policy.
Breaking it down: Next Monday the parks board will hear a report about establishing a policy on what can and cannot be worn, according to CBC. The emphasis is on covering up peoples’, ahem, genital region, as well as ensuring safe swimming attire.
What it includes: The report outlines what is appropriate swimwear which is, well, exactly what you’d expect. Unacceptable swimwear “includes items designed for sexual or intimate purposes, clothing that absorbs water and becomes heavy, like jeans and sweatpants, and long, flowing fabrics.”
There are nine indoor pools and five outdoor ones, which are very popular in the summer.
City’s response: The rationale for the policy is to create a space where pools are welcome for all, especially young families, says the report.
The problem: A B.C. Supreme Court ruling supported the right for women to bear breasts in public. According to CBC, Edmonton’s policy is to allow everyone to “swim and lounge at the city's pools without a top on, regardless of their gender identity.”
In other news: The parks board will also vote next week on expanding alcohol permanently at 32 parks in the summer, according to Global. The pilot programs would include Kitsilano Beach, Spanish Banks and Stanley Park’s Second Beach. Looks like the alcohol-patrolling beach cops will have to find a new spot to patrol.
QUOTE
“Artists don't live in those cities anymore or work there…. They have to work outside those cities because they can't afford to be there." Alix Sales, senior planner for the City of Vancouver, explaining the larger problem of artist displacement that’s taking place around the world, not just in Vancouver. [CBC]
THE AGENDA
👮 A police officer testifying at the coroner’s inquest said he slammed Myles Gray’s head into the ground because it was the only way to subdue him. He says he did not recall where he hit Gray, who died after the altercation with police. An officer also said a senior union member told him not to take any notes about the altercation. The family members of Gray said they did not believe the officer. [CBC]
🪧About 100 members rallied at Douglas Jung Federal Office, as over 155,000 PSAC members went on strike across Canada. Wages are a sticking point, and the union has been without a contract for the last three years. [CTV]
⚽ A U.S. holding company bought the Vancouver Canadians last week, with the goal of professionalizing the business. The company owns 15 other minor league teams. [BIV]
⛴️ In an interview, B.C. Ferries CEO promised to focus more on people who use the ferry system, rather than large investments in infrastructure. Staffing shortages continue to plague the ferries, and there may be good news soon about the always-closed Pacific Buffet. I’ll believe it when I eat it. [CBC]
🌲 Some communities across B.C. are shifting their focus from forestry as an economic export to the natural economy, where trees become more profitable to leave up and maintain as part of tourism. [Global]
🛣️ Scramble crossings could be coming to Vancouver. Scrambling may sound bad, but it’s actually good. It allows pedestrians to cross the street in all directions. Only five of them exist in Canada. Council will vote on a motion next week and city staff will provide recommendations by September 2023. [Daily Hive]
🚌 The Fraser Valley transit strike is continuing and there’s no end in sight. The union says workers make 42 percent less than similar workers in other communities. [CTV]
🏠 Canada’s Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released its latest Housing Supply Report. Currently, home inventories are at historic lows and in Metro Vancouver condo construction dropped, but rental construction rose. [Urbanized]
🏒 Canucks assistant coach Jason King was fired yesterday after three seasons and three head coaches. He was originally from the farm AHL team and was there for five seasons. [Sportsnet]
🏞️ You’d think a new park would be something to celebrate. But the new proposed Metro Vancouver park on Bowen Island is meeting opposition from locals. The city set aside $40 million to create the 97 acres park at Cape Rogers Curtis. [Richmond News]
🏗️ Oak and 41st Avenue could see five towers and 30 stores of apartments. It’s currently working in the rezoning approvals process. [Urbanized]
CITY HALL
Chinatown, the times they are a-changin’
Much like the title of Bob Dylan’s beloved song, things are looking a little different in Chinatown these days.
What happened: A report by Global News sheds light on the changes in the area in the last few months, as well as how residents are feeling about the changes. Overall it’s mostly good news, with some reservations, as residents and business owners get used to life post-encampment.
What residents said: Dollar Meat Store owner Joey Wong told the broadcaster “overall Chinatown has been cleaner than it was, but there’s still room for improvement.” Business owners remarked that while the community has felt safer, much still needed to be done.
Back in January, the city approved an action plan for Chinatown, with increased cleaning services, graffiti removal and other community services, according to the city.
Yes, but: Chinatown is still grappling with many problems, chief among them small businesses closing. Kent’s Kitchen, a much loved spot on Keefer, is closing its doors at the end of the month, according to Daily Hive. There’s also been a growing problem of arson, with two recent attempts at the Chinese Cultural Centre, according to Global.
Looking ahead: A city staff report is recommending on-street parking be cut to $2 per hour, in an effort to get more people to the area, according to the Vancouver Sun. It would take place from 9 am to 10 pm until the end of 2024.
The report says it would cost the city around $355,000 in annual parking fees
The report also highlighted concerns that other neighborhoods may request similar policies. If applied to others, it could be between $7.2 million to $18.6 million.
Thought-bubble: Rather than just parking, the city could focus on creating more events in the community to draw in visitors.
HISTORY
Looks a little different, eh?
EVENTS
Family
Arts and Crafts for Kids | Pacific Arts Market | Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm-1:30 pm | Painting and craft activities, parents don’t need to bring a thing | Tickets $38
Bike the Blossoms | John Hendry Park (Trout Lake) | Saturday 11 am-2 pm | Ride through the cherry blossoms and finish it off with some coffee | Free
Food
Vancouver Brewer’s Fest | Various locations | Now until April 30 | Numerous events for beer lovers, including Lagerfer, brewery tours and food | Multiple events
Vancouver International Wine Festival | Vancouver Convention Centre | Saturday - April 30 | The best wines in the world, an annual celebration of wine + food, voted #1 Food, Wine and Hospitality Event in Canada | Tickets $100+
Japanese Heritage Cooking Classes: Bento Tov | Tonari Gumi | Sunday 1 pm-3 pm | Cooking lessons with Japanese Jewish combinations, including fishcakes, matzabrie pancakes and more | Tickets $25 (by donation)
Art
Hey Viola! | Gateway Theatre | Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm | Musical exploration of Viola Desmond from blues and jazz singer Krystle Dos Santos | Starting at $35
Vancouver Philharmonic Concert | Shaughnessy Heights United Church | Saturday 8 pm | Live orchestra performance performing John Adams, Rachmaninov and Brahms | By donation
Movies
School of Rock Vancouver: Spring Rock Festival | Rio Theatre | Sunday, 9 pm | Young students perform Rock N Roll tunes | Tickets $35
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 20th Anniversary | Odeon Cineplex International Village | Today 7 pm | The classic returns to the screen, it’s four hours, but very worth it | Tickets $13.99
Little Richard: I Am Everything | VIFF | Multiple days and times | Documentary covering the life of the artist who influenced Boqie, to Prince, to Harry Styles | Tickets $15
Other
meowfest Spring Market | 2323 Quebec Street | Saturday 11 am-4 pm | Play with kittens and shop for the perfect cat gifts | Free
Vancouver Exposed | City of Archives, 1150 Chestnut St. | Sunday 2 pm-4 pm | Eve Lazarus takes you on a tour of Vancouver and the city’s hidden history | Tickets by donation
The Granville Flea presents Save the Beaumount! | The Beaumont Studios | Saturday 10 am-6 pm | Vintage pop-up market | Tickets $6.66
FOOD
Carrot pizza, Greek feast and wine recommendations
Reviews
Novella and Vignette: Run by the same group as award-winning restaurant Published, the wine bar and tasting menu spots use cooking methods such as fermenting and aging. Also, foie gras baklava? Yes please. [Vancouver Sun]
Gastronomy Gastown: Carrot pizza may sound weird, but this new spot is serving up some unique and delicious pies. [Vancouver Magazine]
Sushi Jen: Not for the faint of wallet, but this premium omakase experience will leave you in wonder as the chef brings to bear his Japanese and French-inspired sushi experience. [Vancouver Magazine]
Openings
Street Hawker: The new burger spot, from the team at Potluck Hawker Eatery, is opening in late spring. They plan to incorporate Southeast Asian items, including chili crab, coconut-griddled potato rolls and milkshakes like mango.
Vanmak: You can pick up some Korean-style rice wine at the new spot at 82 Keefer, near T&T. [Daily Hive]
Mnimes: A new Greek restaurant run by a chef at Cioppino’s and other sports around town, the restaurant at 6459 Victoria Dr. will showcase upscale Greek dishes and is opening in late May. [Daily Hive]
News you can use
Farmhouse Fest tickets go on sale today. It's a fun event with an assortment of food, but really focuses on Farmhouse Ale style beer. [Scout]
Scout put together a list of comfort food around town. Curry chips from Irish Heather Shebeen, the bar pie from AJ’s and a trip to Crystal Mall Food Court make up part of the list. I second the Crystal Mall Food Court suggestion. [Scout]
The wine director from Michelin-starred Burdock & Co shared her favourite wines she’s excited about right now. [Stir]
It’s almost summer and you know what that means — it’s time for the Richmond Night Market. Here’s a helpful list of all the things you need to try. [Dished]
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Get ready, water restrictions are set to begin May 1. Get educated about the rules. [Vancouver]
Here’s a helpful list of prayer locations for Eid al Fitr in Vancouver.
Reddit users shared their favourite ciders, including Sea Cider, Sunday Cider and Windfall. [Reddit]
I admit to being confused the first time when using TransLink’s bike rack. This walkthrough explains how to use it. [TransLink]
Vancouver is running a litter cleanup challenge. Check it out and help make the city a little cleaner. [Vancouver]
PHOTO OF THE DAY
Anyone else never get tired of this view? Thanks to Reddit user chimprock who shared this photo from Cypress.
GAME TIME
Can you guess today’s Vancouver Wordle? Try it out and play now.
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