This afternoon a bear was tranquilized in downtown Vancouver after hitching a ride into town on a garbage truck. Reports and photos have been pouring in across all social and traditional media outlets including a set of images from the Vancouver Public Library.
CBC News says that the truck was stopped near the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the area of Georgia and Cambie.
From The Province: “It’s a yearling, probably one or two years old,” said Desjardins, who tranquilized the youngster. “The driver had made a pickup on the North Shore, and he came downtown for another pickup.”
From CTV News: “The police just patted its back and coaxed it down,” said Karyn MacDonald, who arrived at the scene shortly after the animal was spotted. “I can’t believe they just pet it.”
Bear sightings in Vancouver are about as rare as they come but they weren’t that uncommon in the city’s early days. In fact, several families even had black bears as pets.
1900’s man with pet bear cub on Hastings. Archives item# CVA 677-378.
1909 – Little boy & a pet bear in Kitsilano. Archives item# CVA 7-13. Photographer: James L Quiney.
Onlookers and those hearing the story are concerned about the future of today’s urban bear. We don’t yet know what that is just yet but he’s currently being removed from the location while sedated. According to CTV News and a witness, the bear will be released back into the wild. The Province confirms this with a quote from Conservation Officer Desjardins: “He’s going to be translocated, most likely to the Squamish Valley.”
In May of 2010 a grey whale wandered right into False Creek and gave residents and visitor quite a thrill as well.
It was on this day, December 12, 1883, that the first local phone call was made — it was between Port Moody and New Westminster [source]. In honor of this, my theme for today’s archive photo collection is telephones with images from the Vancouver Archives and the old BC Telephone company.
1895 – Operators and switchboards. Archives item# CVA 1376-459.
1927 – Telephone & telegraph exchange building in Coal Harbour. Archives item# Out P967.
1940-1948 – Telephone operators at work. Archives item# CVA 1184-2832. Photographer: Jack Lindsay.
1940-1948 – Giant rolodex directories. Archives item# CVA 1184-2835. Photographer: Jack Lindsay.
1940-1948 – Switch operators. Archives item# CVA 1184-2838 & CVA 1184-2839. Photographer: Jack Lindsay.
1940-1948 – Service shortage ad. Archives item# CVA 1184-2864. Photographer: Jack Lindsay.
1940-1948 – Woman wearing ad for service shortages. Archives item# CVA 1184-2863. 1940-1949 – Women on a public phone & looking at phone service poster. Archives item# CVA 1184-2866. Photographer: Jack Lindsay
1905 – BC Telephone linemen & equipment. Archives item# Port P558.
1940-1948 – Technicians and equipment. Archives item# CVA 1184-2823. Photographer: Jack Lindsay.
1947 – BC Telephone workers on Robson Street. Archives item# CVA 1184-2894.
Photographer: Jack Lindsay.
1940-1948 – Operator and switchboards. Archives item# CVA 1184-3198. Photographer: Jack Lindsay.
The Westin Grand on Robson has been keeping a secret, Hidden Tasting Bar & Social Lounge. After coming in off the sidewalk near Robson and Homer, head up the large winding staircase toward the hotel’s lobby and there you’ll find Hidden. Windows stretching to the height of the massive ceilings surround the purple-coloured dining area lined with rounded booths. Here’s a sampling of the tapas-style dinner John and I recently shared at Hidden:
Our Hidden Experience
Bites
We started off by ordering a bowl of roasted hazelnuts, brazilian nuts and almonds ($5) while we looked over the beer list and the rest of the seasonal menu.
Earth
We’ve become big fans of beets lately and we really enjoyed medley that was offered. It actually went very will with a handful of roasted hazelnuts and almonds that we still had on the table.
Olive oil glazed baby vegetables with herb marinated grilled tofu ($8)
Candy cane, golden & white beet salad, cranberry hazelnut vinaigrette, goat cheese puree ($12)
Sea
Our friendly server, Bob, recommended these two dishes (below). I heard another server recommend them as well but he told us that he’s in love with the lobster poutine. My favourite of the two though was the black cod as it simply melted in my mouth – a nice follow-up to our crunchy appetizers.
Lobster poutine with Montreal cheese curds & béarnaise ($10)
Brown butter cauliflower puree, seared black cod, asparagus, fennel salad, lemon caper vinaigrette ($13)
Land
We went back and forth on this one as we were unsure if we had enough room left in our bellies. The temptation of something “bacon-wrapped” got the best of us and we’re glad we went through with it. Along with the black cod, the striploin was my favourite of the night.
Tiroler bacon wrapped striploin, truffle scented whipped potatoes & green bean bundle ($12)
Flight of crème brûlée ($9)
Indulge
Ready to skip dessert, Bob assured us that the flight of crème brûlée would be the best way to round out the night. We once again heeded his advice and were not disappointed. The three dishes each had their own flavour: nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. “All together, you get eggnog!” said Bob with a smile.
John and I decided to take advantage of the beer list, over the wine list, that evening. I went with the Whistler Bear Paw Honey Lager, Phoenix Gold from Phillips Brewing, and the Whistler Brewing Whiskey Jack Ale. John’s selections were the Double Decker IPA (he was a little disappointed there was only one IPA on the list), St-Ambrose Apricot Wheat (a bit of a miss as he’s not big into flavoured beer), and the 650ml Phillips Longboat Chocolate Porter, which was his favourite of the night. The Chocolate Porter even complimented dessert with its cocoa, coffee, and cola notes.
Due to the inexpensive “bites” menu and the list of over 40 BC craft brews, we decided that Hidden would be our new go-to place before a Whitecaps game or show (at the QE Theatre or The Centre). Although now that I’ve told all of you, it’s not so hidden anymore.
Hidden Temptations New Year’s Eve
On December 31st, Hidden will host Hidden Temptations one of Vancouver’s glitziest New Year’s Eve parties.
This food and wine gala will have gourmet chef stations, a chocolate indulgence buffet, live music and DJ’s, and more.
Tickets are $100 right now but they go up to $120 after December 25th. You can also book a hotel package that includes two tickets and an overnight stay for $369 (or $389 after December 25th).
The Westin Grand and Hidden have offered up the Hidden Temptations New Year’s Eve experience to one lucky reader of mine. The winner will receive 2 tickets to the party and a 1-night stay in a one-bedroom suite that night.
Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Answer on this post: What do you usually do on New Year’s Eve? (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at 11:00am next Monday, December 19, 2011. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter and win. Please enjoy your New Year’s Eve events responsibly and plan a safe ride home.
Update The winner is Brenda!
They’re all jolly, sporting white beards, dressed in red and white, and have one incredible sweet tooth. You better watch out Vancouver, Santacon is coming to town.
Santacon/Santarchy began in San Francisco 17 years ago when several dozen “Santas” went out on the town. Since that time, events have sprouted up each winter across North America. To participate, you need a Santa suit and plenty of cheer (which often comes in liquid form). Think of it as a festive pub crawl with everyone dressed as though they just arrived from the North Pole.
Vancouver’s event is happening December 17, 2011 at 12:00pm. Some Santas are starting out in Richmond (at Legend’s Pub) and taking the Canada Line to the meetup point at Original Joe’s at Broadway and Cambie. From the description on the Facebook event, the next destination is unknown but it seems as though ‘Santa’ will direct the group to additional locations.
There are a few rules and responsibilities for Santas in Santacon that include respecting any children that you might pass, don’t be a ‘bad Santa’, be nice to the staff at the establishments visited along the way, bring small bills to pay cash and move on, wear comfortable shoes, buy a Translink DayPass, and there is to be “no Santa left behind”. Wear your best Santa Claus outfit and feel free to liven it up with colours, patterns, and accessories. The event is free to join.
Please note this is an adult-oriented event (19+) and is not kid-friendly (nor is some of the language on the Facebook event page). Enjoy Santacon (by day) and Santarchy (by night) responsibly and plan a safe ride home.
You probably don’t need me to tell you that the holiday season is here. And while everyone in Metro Vancouver enjoys Bright Nights in Stanley Park or the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens, out here in the Northeast Sector we have some fabulous Christmas events of our own to mark the season. So if you live in or around Port Moody, or you’ll be in the area over the holidays, read on for some festive local highlights.
Holiday Tea
What Drop by Port Moody Station Museum’s 1920s rail car to enjoy some old fashioned holiday music, cookies and a warm drink in a festive holiday atmosphere. Price is $5 per person, tax included. Reservations not required. Cash only.
Where Port Moody Station Museum [map]
When Sunday, December 11 and Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 12:30 – 3:30pm
More info portmoodymuseum.org
Holiday Wine and Cheese Tasting
What Get ready for the holidays at a tasting of incredible holiday value wines! Participants will be sampling 16 wines from around the world all matched with gourmet cheeses, unique spreads, artisan breads and crackers during this unique holiday tasting. This is a stand up salon style self-guided tasting. The room will feature four individual stations including one for sparkling wine, one for white wine, one for red wine, and one for dessert wine. Wine expert John Gerum will be on-site with his event team pouring the wines and discussing unique holiday food and wine matches. All wines sampled are holiday value wines and can be purchased locally for less than $20 per bottle. Tickets are $35 + HST per person.
Where Port Moody Arts Centre [map]
When Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 7:00 – 9:00pm
More info wcwed.com
CP Holiday Train
What The CP Holiday Train returns to Port Moody. This event is a wonderful way to welcome the holidays. Santa has taken time out of his busy schedule to greet everyone. There will be hot chocolate and chili available by donation to the food bank, carolers, an enormous bonfire and more. The train will arrive with John Valdy and Tracey Brown, two popular Canadian artists.
Where Queens Street Plaza [map]
When Saturday, December 17, 2011 – festivities start at 4:00pm, train arrives at 5:45pm
More info CPR
Solstice Celebration Lantern Festival
What The Lantern Festival is a free community event for all ages. Participants are invited to join in caroling, crafts and dance. There will also be Solstice sun cookies, soup and tea. Attendees are encouraged to bring food and beverages to share, as well as mugs and dishes from home. The event opens with a meditation led by Kushala Yoga, followed by a short lantern procession. From there participants will light the Solstice tree, sing a sun song, and wrap things up with a closing meditation from Kushala. The event is taking place outside, so if you attend organizers say, “Dress magical, but dress for the weather.”
Where Rocky Point Park Pavilion [map]
When Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 4:30 – 6:30pm
More info Facebook Event
Happy holidays!
Amber Strocel is a writer, mom, dreamer and occasional cat wrangler who lives in suburban Vancouver. She writes about local news and events in the Tri-Cities at TheV3H.com. She also has a personal blog at Strocel.com, runs an online class for moms who are searching for their purpose called Crafting my Life, and works as the Content Manager for VancouverMom.ca.
