The Port Mann Bridge is nearing completion and amongst talk of tolls and travel times comes a distinct recognition — an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. At 65 metres from side to side, officials confirm that it will be the world’s widest bridge.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge at 49 meters wide is currently the widest in the world. Here are a few more facts about the new Port Mann Bridge:
- Total length: 2,020 metres
- Number of lanes: 10 (5 in each direction)
- Number of cables: 288
- Total width: 65 metres
50 metres of roadway (including shoulders)
5 metre wide path, with 3 metres of clearance for pedestrians and cyclists
10 metre gap/median where pylons support the two bridge decks
- Tower height: 160 metres, including 42 metres of navigational clearance
Tolls will start at $1.50 per crossing and those who sign up before November 30, 2012 will receive a $30 credit on their account. HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane users will also get a 25% discount during peak hours throughout the first year and drivers can sign up for a monthly pass starting at $75. [Source: Vancouver Sun]
Tolling registration can be done online, via a link on the Port Mann Highway 1 Improvement Project website and the bridge will be free for the first month when it opens this December. Follow @PortMannHwy1 on Twitter for daily updates.
The world’s tallest bridge is the Millau Viaduct (1,125 ft) in France; the world’s longest is the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge (540,700 ft) in China; the world’s highest bridge is the Sidu River Bridge in China (1,627 ft).
Related posts: Port Mann Bridge Photos, Port Mann Bridge Time Lapse Videos.
This Saturday the Voices in the Park concert will take over Brockton fields, near Brockton Oval and Brockton Point in Stanley Park. The Brockton Point lighthouse is one of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks and with so many other areas of the park sharing the name, I thought it would be timely to read up on some Brockton history.
Francis Brockton was an engineer on a ship that was captained by George Henry Richards, the namesake for Richards street in Vancouver. Captain Richards surveyed Burrard Inlet and it was Brockton who, in 1859, discovered a vein of coal in the area1. Richards gave Coal Harbour its name and then honoured his engineer by naming the eastern tip of Stanley Park — Brockton Point — after him.
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The second annual Stack the Rack event is coming up on Monday, October 1, 2012 to benefit QMUNITY. Presented by Marquis Wine Cellars and Mark Brand Inc. this unique fundraiser combines a reception with a wine purchasing experience, all for a cause.
QMUNITY is BC’s leading queer resource centre. Located on Bute Street in Vancouver’s West End they are a hub for the lesbian, gay, trans, bi and queer community.
Marc Smith of Amuse Consulting is the brainchild behind Stack the Rack. “I created this event for QMUNITY in 2011,” he told me. “I felt they were the unknown engine of support for our community and they needed a bigger profile and donor base.” Marc added that QMUNITY reaches over 35,000 people every year through their work in the LGBT community, providing programming for youth, adults, older adults and volunteers — and they’ve been doing this for the last 30 years.
Tickets for Stack the Rack are $135 and in return give you an $85 tax receipt along with $50 purchasing power to pick up some fantastic wines from Marquis Wine Cellars on the spot or following the event. There will be delicious wine pairings, live music from pianist Sara Davis Buechner, eeveryone receives a gift bag, and silent auction items will be up for grabs.
Stack the Rack will be emceed by Isla Traquair and Fred Lee at the old Boneta event space at 1 West Cordova downtown. The event will run from 6:30pm to 9:30pm on October 1st. Support a cause and pick up supplies for your wine rack this holiday season all in one stop. Find out more about QMUNITY by following them on Twitter and Facebook.
It’s been 69 years since the West Vancouver Parks Board was established. The 100-year old district municipality set up a parks board on September 13th, 1943 according to Chuck Davis’ Vancouver History and in honor of this milestone, my park series this week features all of West Vancouver’s major parks:
Ambleside Park
Features: Dog off-leash area, pitch & putt course, sports fields, beaches, picnics, skate park, concession, awesome views of Vancouver and Stanley Park from this 59 acre seaside playground.
Caulfeild Park
Features: Shoreline park with more great views.
Cypress Falls Park
Features: Dog off-leash area, playground, sports fields, tennis courts, 2km circuit of forest hiking trails with waterfalls.
Leyland Park
Features: Dog off-leash area, hiking and walking trails, slope-side views of Burrard Inlet from Sentinel Hill. This neighbourhood park is 2 acres in side.
Dundarave Park
Features: No dogs allowed, wading pool, playground, picnic tables, sandy swimming beaches.
John Lawson Park
Features: In the heart of West Vancouver, historic waterfront, gravel and sandy swimming beach, walking paths, pier, wading pool, playground, picnic tables.
Lighthouse Park
Features: Dogs allowed off-leash on trails, 10km of forest and seaside walking paths, rugged lookout points where Burrard Inlet meets Howe Sound. Lots of history here and at the lighthouse at Point Atkinson, which was named by Captain George Vancouver himself. Lighthouse Park has also had its own feature in my Metro Vancouver Park Series.
Whytecliff Park
Features: Rugged lookout points in this 15 hectare park that has a protected salt water marine area. Tennis courts, playground, swimming area, hiking and walking trails.
Horseshoe Bay Park
Features: Spray pool, views of Howe Sound, watch the ferries come and go.
Memorial Park
Features: A peaceful green space in the heart of the Ambleside Business District with lawn bowling area and a playground.
These are just a few of the parks, trails, playgrounds, beaches, and recreational areas in West Vancouver and on the North Shore and we’re very fortunate to be in such close proximity to so many great outdoor escapes.
Over the years I have profiled bloggers from the Northwest Territories to the Fraser Valley, anyone that interests me and that I hope will interest you as well. A few years ago I started asking a standard set of questions and I’ve sent these out to a few local bloggers for this week’s series. Click, share, explore, and enjoy.
Kendra Hagerman
Photo courtesy of Kendra Hagerman
Blog: Van City Pretty
Twitter: VanCityPretty
Facebook: Van City Pretty – Vancouver Style Blog
How long has your blog been around?
I’ve been writing for years, but Van City Pretty was “born” a year and a half ago.
What is your role?
I’m the founder and Editor-in-Chief. As a writer, I also contribute to Tyra Banks’ Type F, MTV FORA, Huffington Post Style, Golden Girl Finance, and a number of other publications.
What does your site do/what is it about
Van City Pretty is an online fashion and beauty magazine. I focus on a wide range of beauty and style, and offer real information for real people.
What can people see, read, and do when visiting your site?
There’s a little something for everyone: designer interviews, fashion/beauty trends, how to, fashion inspiration, DIY, cheap style thrills, local and international beauty/fashion news, interviews with inspiring women in the fashion industry, a breakdown of the Vancouver Holt Renfrew store windows, collection rundowns, and online/in store sale alerts.
One of my favourite features is Thrift Store Scores, where I focus on at least one vintage item that I’ve hunted down at a thrift store. One of my latest finds, a $3 vintage Gucci clutch, has quickly become my “go to” accessory.
Why do you blog?
I started Van City Pretty as a place to share my creativity, ideas, favourite things, and writing portfolio. As a freelance writer, I don’t always have full creative control over what I write about. Since I’m the founder, owner, and writer, there’s no one to tell me what creative direction to take. The choice (and responsibility) is all mine.
I wanted Van City Pretty to be a place where readers can have fun exploring and discovering new things. I wanted to create a website full of inspiration and information. I love interviewing people, hearing their stories, learning from their mistakes, and gaining new knowledge. It’s my passion, and a labour of love.
What is the ultimate goal for your site, how would you like to see it grow?
I’d love to see Van City Pretty continue to grow in popularity, readership, and size. I’d like to continue to use it as a platform to share the things that I’m passionate about, and to become one of the top fashion/beauty websites. No matter how big VCP gets, I want to continue to offer fashion and beauty information that is accessible and applicable to everyone.
I’m also writing a book that I would like to eventually publish, and I would love to share some of it with my readers.
Follow Kendra: Van City Pretty, Twitter, Facebook
Read all entries in my Blogger Profile series and feel free to suggest a blogger for possible feature in the comments of this post.
