It’s not as old as the Pattullo or as iconic as the Lions Gate but today the Knight Street Bridge turns 39. It was on January 15, 1974 that the Richmond and Vancouver bridge opened to traffic. Over the years it has served a purpose and its most noteworthy and newsworthy moments haven’t usually been the most flattering.
January 1974: The Knight Street Bridge opened and replaced the Fraser Street Bridge (located 1.6 km to the west) that was built in 1905.
1955 – Fraser Street Bridge repairs. VPL Number: 39785. Photographer: Province Newspaper.
1955 – Fraser St Bridge repairs. VPL Number: 39785
1956 – Traffic at the north end of the Fraser St Bridge. VPL Number: 39798.
Photographer: Province Newspaper
November 2000: The bridge was shut down when a crane floating on a barge hit the deck from underneath, moving the bridge about 15 centimeters, causing major structural damage and bursting a water line.
June 2008: As a part of Translink’s Major Road Network the bridge received seismic upgrades that included reinforcing the bridge piers and foundations, resurfacing the southbound lanes of the Marine Drive overpass, and replacing the bridge deck joints.
November 2009: All of BC’s Top Ten crash sites were in Metro Vancouver this year with the Knight Street Bridge on and off ramps listed at number three.
October 2011: The bridge received the VRCA Innovation Award for a comprehensive upgrade of distribution and lighting (by Houle Electric).
January 2013: Transport Canada listed the Knight Street Bridge and SE Marine Drive’s on and off ramps as Canada’s most dangerous intersection.
Two years ago John and I had our first Bed & Breakfast experience at Humboldt House in Victoria. The historic 1893 inn exceeded any expectations we had and we have yet to experience another bed and breakfast quite like it. We returned this past weekend as WordCamp Victoria put me up at Humboldt House for being a speaker. This time we tried the Gazebo Room (having previously stayed in the Oriental Room) to get another feel of the luxurious accommodations.
Homemade chocolate truffles and a small bottle of bubbly awaits every guest and each room at Humboldt House has a jacuzzi tub, wood-burning fireplaces, a guest journal, complimentary WIFI and parking, and a CD player with iPod dock.
There are three rooms on the main floor along with a library where you can do some reading or enjoy some brandy that’s left out for guests, and three rooms on the top floor.
The Gazebo Room features floral prints, greenery, a lace bed canopy, and a ceiling that reaches up to a point making it the largest room in the house. Kicking off our shoes and settling in for the night, we huddled together with flutes of prosecco as the fire crackled and popped. It was good to be back.
When we first arrived we signed the breakfast sheet which is located in the foyer. We jotted down our desired breakfast time and made our selection from the menu. Eggs benedict, crepes two ways, or continental. Free-range eggs from Highland Ranch Farm, Fair-Trade coffee from Level Ground Trading Co., fresh herbs and produce from their own garden.
The hot meal (accompanied by fruits, croissants, and tea or coffee) is great but it’s the delivery method that makes me giddy. I like to call it a “magic cubby”, they call it a “two-way pantry” and I’ve heard it’s called a “butler’s pantry”. Basically there is a small door in the hallway that opens up to a cupboard that also has a door on the inide of the room. In the morning your breakfast basket is delivered into that cupboard and quick ‘tap tap’ lets you know it has arrived. I may have also referred to this as “Breakfast Santa“.
Pulling John out from under the goose-down comforter was quite a feat but I won him over when he laid eyes on the bounty from the basket that I setup on the glass-top table by the window. Lighting another fire in the morning to warm up, sipping hot coffee, a warm and crumbly croissant, we really didn’t want to leave.
We appreciate the little things at Humboldt House. The wood-burning fireplace, the hot breakfast, the free WIFI, and its convenient location being about 5 minutes walking distance from downtown Victoria. You could lock yourselves away with the comforts of your room or explore the city all day and return to soak in the tub. It’s a destination and an accommodation, with modern conveniences and classic comfort.
Victoria is a beautiful city to visit in the spring and summer with all of its gardens and blossoms however you can get great deals on rooms during the off-season — and lighting that wood fireplace ands so much warmth to an already comfortable and romantic stay.
From October 16 to April 30 (Sun-Thu) the Gazebo Room in which we stayed can be booked for $189* CDN a night (breakfast and everything I mentioned is included for all guests). They do have packages, last-minute specials and great rates on the other rooms starting at $145. *Check the online reservation system for the most accurate pricing information.
The Cinematheque presents Canada’s Top Ten 2012, an upcoming film screening series that will feature the year’s ten best Canadian feature-length films and ten best Canadian short films as chosen by two separate independent panels of filmmakers, festival programmers, journalists, academics and industry professionals drawn from across the country. If you’re looking to enjoy (and support) some Canadian films, check out the series:
On January 18th, TIFF Artistic Director Cameron Bailey will introduce screenings of Sarah Polley’s Stories We Tell (TIFF & VIFF) and Kim Nguyen’s Rebelle (TIFF & VIFF).
Regular online ticket prices are $12 with double bill prices starting at $15. Check online and box office postings for exact pricing information. Follow The Cinematheque on Facebook and Twitter for more showtimes and information.
Whether you live gluten free, are crazy about cupcakes, addicted to all things bacon or have a deep relationship with chocolate, Vancouver probably has a festival for you. Here are three upcoming events and foodie series that speak to your sweet tooth and your savoury side.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
The 3rd annual Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival takes place January 19th to February 14th, 2013 at locations throughout the city featuring 23 ‘chocstars’ and over 60 flavours. Participating venues include: Beaucoup Bakery, Bel Cafe, Bella Gelateria + To Die For Banana Bread, Beta 5 Chocolates + The Juice Truck, Blenz Alma + Cocolico Chocolates, Blenz Thurlow + Kale & Nori Culinary Arts, Chocolate Arts, Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France, Cocoa Nymph, French Made Baking, Gem Chocolates, Leonidas Chocolates, Rubens Chocolate, Schokolade, Soirette Macarons & Tea, Terra Breads, Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe, and Thomas Haas.
Funds from the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival benefit Vancouver’s A Better Life Foundation. Follow organizers CityFood Magazine on Facebook for more information.
The Oyama Choucroute (Sauerkraut) Festival
Oyama Sausage, one of the busiest stalls at the Granville Island Market on any given day, is hosting The Oyama Choucroute (Sauerkraut) Festival from January 17th to January 20th, 2013. They’re offering up their own Alsatian style sauerkraut for you to take n’ go. Fully cooked, all you need to go is heat it up. They also have beer and wine pairing recommendations thanks to Liberty Wine Merchants and Granville Island Brewing. Pick up some of Oyama’s corned beef to make a reuben sandwich or try it with some of their sausage, smoked pork, and other delicious combinations.
For five generations the Oyama Sausage family has been schnitzing and dicing, grinding and spicing to make the best sausages, hams and pates they can. Find them on Granville Island at #17, 1689 Johnston Street, Vancouver. Follow them on Twitter @OyamaSausage.
Poutine Festival Vancouver
The Poutine Festival is returning to Vancouver after an incredibly high turn-out last year. Anticipating that it will be just as popular this year, organizers are planning ahead and getting the word out early. This Francophone party will take place at Heritage Hall on Main Street (a much larger venue) on Saturday, March 9, 2013 with live music from Liftoff and more poutine for everyone thanks to a partnership with La Belle Patate. Families are welcome and there will be activities for kids so scoop up your tickets early to get in on all the cheese curd and gravy-covered festivities.
Presented by Youthink magazine, BC’s Best Teen Band contest had over 40 entries this year and the judges have now selected the Top Ten. Online voting is now open so that the public can crown a champion from one of the following acts:
Northern Rain: alt-rock band from Surrey
Roy Has Fire: alt-rock band from Castlegar
The Distributors: blues rock band from Nanaimo
Collect Call: indie-rock band from Surrey
DaniElle: country solo artist from Pitt Meadows
ADOB: an alternative, funk, ska band from Port Moody
The Racket: rock, blues, folk band from South Hazelton
Lucy Mistreated: alternative, rock, blues band from Duncan
How We Survive: alt, metal, punk band from Saanichton
The Flying Fishmongers: rock metal band from North Vancouver
The three bands with the most votes will compete live at the Electric Owl in Vancouver on April 27, 2013 then only one will receive the title of Youthink’s BC’s Best Teen Band 2013. The winner will receive a recording session with Jay Evjen of Juicemix Productions at Greenhouse Studios, $2000 cash for artist development, the May/June cover of Youthink magazine and more.
To cast your vote, visit the BC’s Best Teen Band contest website and listen to tunes from each of the finalists.
Follow Youthink (a magazine written by teens, for teens in BC) on Facebook and Twitter. Use the tag #BTBC2013 to follow tweets about the contest.
