Today the CBC launched a very handy map, one that shows where the best (and worst) parking deals are located in Downtown Vancouver.
The Google Map shows meter parking as well as city-run EasyPark lots, where you might find a better deal parking in a lot than a nearby meter — or vice versa. The cheapest parking downtown can currently be found for $1 an hour at Powell and Cordova. However, supply in demand is at play so when meters are packed or empty, the city can put the prices up or down.
The Province put together their own Cheap Vancouver Parking map as well, which covers a smaller portion of downtown but includes monthly and daily parking rates. Other resources for cheap parking in Downtown Vancouver include “15 Top Parking Secrets” and these “Parking on the Cheap” tips.
The largest automotive event in Western Canada, the Vancouver International Auto Show, returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre from March 25th to March 30th. Leading global manufacturers will be showcasing the hottest new models and trends, with the latest design and technology innovations.
Presented by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, the Vancouver International Auto Show provides the best opportunity of the year for a hands-on experience with some of the world’s most popular brands.
It all kicks off with the Auto Show Preview Gala on Monday, March 24, 2014 then special features at the show will include the Exotics, a selection of truly exhilarating automobiles; Classic Alley, a tribute to our shared automotive history and the summer’s collector car shows; the Green Ride and Drive, offering guests the opportunity to test-drive the latest eco-friendly vehicles from top manufacturers; and the Red Line Stage, presenting special guest speakers and events.
Auto Show Hours
March 25-30, 2014
Vancouver Convention Centre West
Tuesday to Friday: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
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Auto Show Tickets
General Admission: $15
Seniors (65+) and Students (w/valid ID): $10
Kids 7-12 (accompanied by an adult): $4
Kids 6 & under FREE (accompanied by an adult)
Family Pass (2 adults +2 kids 12 & under): $30
Multi-Day Pass (good for any 2 days): $25
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Last year we had a great time at the Auto Show and I even interviewed Ford Canada’s CEO Dianne Craig. I’ve been working with car companies a lot more recently, especially Honda Canada, so it’s been great to see the latest technology, features, and eco-options on new vehicles.
Auto Show Contest
If you would like to check out the Vancouver International Auto Show, I have a family 4-pack of tickets to give away. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. Follow the Vancouver International Auto Show on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
Update The winner is Greg N!
Rain City Chronicles, Ken Tsui & Bestie present Das Lexikon — a mix of stories, supper, and German appreciation. Happening March 22nd, this event will be infused with Krautrock, German beer, entertaining stories inspired by German vocabulary handpicked by Rain City Chronicles, and a delicious bratwurst dinner by Bestie.
After staging a memorable two night popup restaurant in a school cafeteria this past November for Rain City Chronicles’ “Tales from Public School” show series, edible popup producer Ken Tsui continues his partnership with Rain City Chronicles for Das Lexikon. In working with Lizzy Karp, the event transforms a culturally treasured space into a playful and energetic experience unlike any other in the city.
Rain City Chronicles, Vancouver’s premiere storytelling night, is pairing a diverse roster of Vancouverites with a collection of unique German words that spark captivating stories. From tales inspired by moments of “schadenfreude” (the pleasure derived from someone’s misfortune) to “waldeinsamkeit” (forest solitude), the evening revels in the idiosyncrasies of the German language.
With a casual, friendly and fun approach, the local German street food wunderkinds of Chinatown, Dane Brown, Clinton McDougall and chef Colin Johnson will serve up their take on the traditional German supper. Bestie’s dinner for Das Lexikon is a unique menu that celebrates the fundamentals of German comfort food, served one night only and created exclusively for the event. And yes, vegetarians are welcome.
Das Lexikon will take place on March 22nd at the Vancouver Alpen Club, an institution of a century’s worth of local German history. Bestie’s menu is available online now so you can see what delectable German treats will be available to devour — including all natural, gluten free, dairy free, free range bratwurst.
Tickets for Das Lexikon, at the Vancouver Alpen Club (4875 Victoria Drive), are on sale now for $38 (plus fees). Be sure to select your meal preference, meat or veg, when booking your spot. Follow Raincity Chronicles and Bestie for more information about the event including more entertainment announcements this week.
We have some excellent resources in Vancouver for finding where the best style of cuisine you’re craving might be served up. The Golden Plates and Best of the City provide a wide selection but there are also the Chinese Restaurant Awards, the results of which were released earlier this week.
Best Chinese Restaurants in Vancouver
The public was invited to vote in various categories and the “Best Twenty” are:
Winners will be invited to accept their awards at the 6th annual Chinese Restaurant Awards ceremony at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver on April 23rd, 2014. Learn more about the Chinese Restaurant Awards Dining Guide by following along on Twitter and Facebook.
BC’s first province-wide We Heart Local Partnership Program is here. It’s the best way to find local food, making it easy for consumers who are looking for local options.
The We Heart Local Partnership Program is designed to provide greater consumer recognition for businesses and restaurants across BC offering local products or ingredients. The We ♥ Local symbol next to a food item, menu item, recipe, or establishment provides a clear assurance to consumers that they are buying local.
We Heart Local Partnership Program
Here’s how the We Heart Local Partnership Program works:
- All participating businesses in the program will receive valuable recognition on the Buy Local. Eat Natural. website, and via all Buy Local. Eat Natural. social media channels.
- All participating businesses will be listed and searchable on the newly launched Buy Local. Eat Natural. mobile app, designed to help consumers find local food options. This app, which is being promoted to British Columbians, will become the standard local food-finder for all of BC.
- All participants will have opportunities to be featured in various We Heart Local campaigns and events along with ambassador opportunities such as promoted cooking classes.
- All partners are able to use the We Heart Local brand on menus, storefronts, ads, social media, etc. to make their establishments more findable by locally conscious consumers.
“Much like the Ocean Wise program has driven support for sustainable seafood, our goal with the We Heart Local Partnership Program is to drive the consumer movement towards supporting buying local food in BC,” says Rhonda Driediger, Chair of the BC Agriculture Council, and founding partner of the We Heart Local Partnership Program.
“When businesses enlist in the We Heart Local Program, they’ll be equipped with We Heart Local brand recognition, assuring consumers they supply and support local. Without a doubt, the We Heart Local Program is something all participating businesses will be proud to be a part of.”
Qualifying criteria for the We Heart Local Partnership Program:
- Restaurant partners must have a minimum of 5 menu items made with qualifying products.
- Retail partners must offer at least 10% of their total product mix with qualifying products.
- Merchants, market vendors, food trucks, and boutique retailers must offer at least 20 qualifying products OR ensure that more than 50% of their products qualify.
- Farmers and harvesters must ensure that more than 50% of their products qualify, AND must sell directly to customers.
To apply for this program, visit the Buy Local. Eat Natural website.
We Heart Local App
The launch of the program also coincides with the launch of the new We Heart Local mobile app. This free app connects British Columbians to the local BC food community.
App features include:
- Search, explore and locate tasty local BC food places using the convenient geo-targeted map.
- View mouth-watering recipes based on fresh local BC ingredients.
- Know what’s in season and where to buy it for a fresh and healthy BC farm-to-table experience.
- Learn more about the We Heart Local community. Be proud of supporting local BC farmers for superior quality and flavourful foods.
- Save your favourite local food places and recipes so you can enjoy easy access to the best local BC foods and venues.
- Share all your favourite local food places and recipes with friends and We Heart Local community on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or email.
Buy Local. Eat Natural. is a not-for-profit community forum that aims to promote and bring together BC’s local food products, growers and producers.
An initiative from the BC agriculture sector, Buy Local. Eat Natural. is supported by the BC Agriculture Council and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and sustained by thousands of passionate local food enthusiasts, like yourself!
Follow the program online, on Facebook, Twitter #WeHeartLocal and on Pinterest.
