Burnaby Village Museum Heritage Christmas

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

It was November 19, 1971 that the Burnaby Village Museum was opened by Governor General Roland Michener. The 1920’s village combines heritage and replica buildings in a typical “tram-stop community along the BC Electric Railway.” Costumed townfolk give demonstrations in homes, shops, and at the blacksmith’s, there’s a self-guided tour, and the restored 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel for all to enjoy.

Merry go round horses
Photo credit: Carol Browne on Flickr

To celebrate their 40th anniversary year, the Burnaby Village Museum has had free admission for residents and visitors since March, 2011.

The village is known for hosting seasonal activities in particular its winter programming. Starting November 26th you can stop by to enjoy their Heritage Christmas.

Where Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Ave)
Tickets Admission is free for their anniversary year but tickets are needed for activities like guided tours ($6) and carousel rides ($2.25).
When November 26, 2011 to January 1, 2012. Open 12:00pm to 4:30pm until December 14, then 12:00pm to 8:00pm December 15 to January 1. The village will be closed December 24th and 25th.

Walk through the decorated village, adorned with boughs and bows, listen to carollers and participate in making some crafts with the kids. Father Christmas will be on hand for visits among storybook scenes and a new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer display. The Footlight Theatre will put on a children’s play and there will be scavenger hunt as well.

Transit Pet Peeves Contest

Comments 216 by Rebecca Bollwitt

TransLink has launched a “Transit Pet Peeves” campaign with illustrations depicting some of our greatest annoyances when taking the bus or SkyTrain. They have pitted eight characters against each other in an ultimate pet peeve showdown on their Facebook page.


Disco Dog. Read the Buzzer Blog’s interview with illustrator Ed Spence

Many have a pet peeve when they take public transit. Using seats for bags instead of for people to sit, and eating on transit are just a couple. TransLink has put together eight of the most popular complaints people have posted and tweeted on TransLink’s social media channels, particularly Facebook. The Transit Pet Peeve Battle starts today and will match up characters or “petsonas” every weekday until November 28, 2011. When you vote, you are also entered to win some great prizes from Translink including an iPhone 4S, monthly fare cards and more.

To promote the Transit Pet Peeve Battle, TransLink has also exclusively offered two prizes to my readers. You can enter to win a 3-zone monthly fare card (for December, 2011 or January, 2012 – your choice) as well as a prize pack with a $40 Blenz card, travel mug, travel kit, umbrella, and bike light. Here’s how you can enter to win one my prizes:

  • Leave a comment here naming one of the 8 “petsonas” (full list here) – (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I entered to win a #TransitPetPeeveBattle prize pack from @Translink & @Miss604 http://ow.ly/7x8dA

This is all in good fun and I know we all hope for a pleasant transit experience. I will draw two winners (one for the fare card, one for the prize pack) at 10:00am on November 28, 2011. The winner of the Transit Pet Peeve Battle will be announced by Translink at 3:00pm that same day.

Update The winners are @778Yvonne (fare card) and Farhan (prize pack).

Archives Photos of the Day: Mayors

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

This week’s theme is a not-so-subtle reminder that there is a civic election happening this Saturday, November 19, 2011. The City of Vancouver has had 39 individual mayors in its 125 years, here are just a few of them in action over the last century.


1886 – VPL Accession Number: 508.
The first council meeting with Mayor M.A. McLean after the fire.


1907 – VPL Accession Number: 6765. Photographer: Philip Timms.
A baseball game at recreation park (Smithe & Homer) with Mayor Alexander Bethune about to pitch.


1919 – VPL Accession Number: 3897. Photographer: Leonard Frank.
The Prince of Wales with Mayor R.H. Gale (on the left, in the top hat).


1923 – VPL Accession Number: 21697. Photographer: Dominion Photo Co.
Mayor Owen broadcasting at CJCE, a radio station owned by the Vancouver Sun.


1929 or 1930 – VPL Accession Number: 30269. Photographer: Dominion Photo Co.
Mayor W.H. Malkin (on the right)


1928 – VPL Accession Number: 22738. Photographer: Dominion Photo Co.
Mayor L.D. Taylor and Captain of U.S. ship Pennsylvania


1936 – VPL Accession Number: 4691. Photographer: Leonard Frank.
Vancouver City Hall cornerstone laying ceremonies with Mayor G.G. McGeer officiating.


1950 – VPL Accession Number: 81429. Photographer: Artray.
Mayor Thompson turns first sod for Capilano Stadium on Little Mountain (which is now Nat Bailey).


1951 – VPL Accession Number: 42588. Photographer: Province Newspaper.
Mayor Fred Hume (on the right, with the pipe) with council members.


1951 – VPL Accession Number: 47940. Photographer: Province Newspaper.
Mayor Fred Hume (centre) with Brig Megill, R.C.A.F Gordon along Georgia Street.


1958 – VPL Accession Number: 42535. Photographer: Province Newspaper.
Mayor Tom Alsbury and his wife at election.

Please remember to get out and vote on Saturday if you haven’t done so already. You will be selecting one Mayor, 10 Councillors, 7 Park Commissioners and 9 School Trustees. Fill out your ballot and remember to flip it over as there are some questions on the other side of the form. Polls are open in your community from 8:00pm until 8:00pm.

NOTE: This post was published in 2011. Click here for 2014 information.

Disney on Ice Toy Drive in Surrey

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Disney on Ice presents Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 in Abbotsford this week (November 18 – 20) and Vancouver the week after (November 23 – 27). However, they’re making a stop in Surrey in between. Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and the gang will be at Central City Shopping Centre in Surrey to collect toys for the Surrey Christmas Bureau.

Disney on Ice presents Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3
Photo © Disney on Ice presents Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3

Toys are Back in Town Holiday Toy Drive
When Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Where Surrey Central City Shopping Centre, 2153-10153 King George Blvd. Bring donations to the rotunda near Tim Horton’s and The Brick.

All those who bring a new toy for the Surrey Christmas Bureau will be able to meet the characters and get a photo with them. They will also be entered into a draw to win a four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 in Vancouver.

The Surrey Christmas Bureau also operates an Adopt-a-Family program and they’re in need of sponsors and volunteers this season.

Grey Cup Party Fundraiser for SHLF

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Strachan Hartley Legacy Foundation (“SHLF”) is hosting a 2011 Grey Cup party on Sunday, November 27th. They will be raising funds for their education and sport programs for at-risk youth in Vancouver.

When: Sunday, November 27, 2011
12:00pm (3:30pm is the Grey Cup kick-off)
Where: AuBar at 674 Seymour in Vancouver
Where: *New Venue* The Manchester Public Eatery (1941 W Broadway, Vancouver)
Tickets: Available online for $20.
Your ticket includes a burger and a beer.

All proceeds will go directly to SHLF’s programming which includes partnerships with Streetfront Alternative School and the Take a Hike Foundation. SHLF is run by volunteers in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. Find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Must be 19 years of age to attend the Grey Cup party. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe ride home.