Think you know Vancouver? Think Again! In honor of Vancouver’s 125th anniversary coming up this year, SFU’s Department of History is presenting a series of frank and informative lectures from January to October.

1936 lecture in Vancouver. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-4908

The inaugural lecture takes place January 27th and will be hosted by TV and Radio personality Charles Demers along with SFU Urban Studies professor Matt Hern. They will talk about Vancouver without rose-coloured glasses in an honest and witty discussion. Both are authors of recent books exploring various aspects of Vancouver’s history. This lecture will be held at SFU Harbour Centre downtown from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

When my husband told me that a guy at his work was in a band that I should check out, I didn’t hesitate to do just that. Over the years, I have come to trust (and love) John‘s taste in music so if he sends me a link, shares an mp3 or simply says “listen”, I’m all ears. Turns out the band is called In Medias Res and they have a beautiful, dreamy sound that can quickly transform to pure head-nodding, fist-pumping rock.

Consisting of Andrew Lee, Ryan Flowers, Steve Watts, and Ash Poon, In Medias Res (or simply “IMR”) has been around for the better part of a decade and according to Andrew (vocals/guitar), they have no plans to slow down. “We have always adapted to our growing and changing lifestyles so I don’t see us stopping anytime soon. In fact, half of the band is married and the band will see its first baby later this year so we have found ways to keep rocking and rolling.”

While the band isn’t a full time gig for any of the members, they are all fully committed to the craft. “I think the only goal we ever had as a band was to write and perform music that we all were really proud of,” added Lee. “Being in a band is actually one of the most illogical things you could do if you were trying to make a living from it. You could look at it as a type of rebellion (against your upbringing, being middle class and white [of which I am not], society, etc.) or you could see it as an act of doing something because it brings you joy.”

Having played everywhere from The Purple Onion to Mesa Luna over the years, IMR is no stranger to the live music scene in Vancouver. Lee said that although it’s changed drastically in the last fives years, it is not necessarily representative to the state of music in Vancouver. “Venues shutting down only means that the bands and promoters are having to get more creative in how and where they put on shows. With that said, I think it’s important that Vancouver realize that giving a space for creative people can translate into a form of economic growth.”

Speaking of performing live, IMR will be in concert tomorrow. Being unfamiliar with the band until this very morning, I asked Lee what those in attendance could expect. “Picture this: We are playing our hit single at the Biltmore and everything is going great. It comes time in the song for Ash’s guitar solo. He then unplugs his guitar from his amp and grabs a toaster and plugs his axe into it. He then proceeds to get electrocuted by the toaster while never missing a note of his solo.” Here’s hoping Ash keeps his eyebrows!

You can catch In Medias Res at the Biltmore with Lakefield this Saturday January 8, 2011 – doors at 8:00pm. Follow @IMRMusic on Twitter or Facebook for updates and info.

Should you have a local independent or new music act you would like to promote, feel free to fire me a message.

I have been a resident of Vancouver’s West End for the last five years and it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I found out about a hotel on the corner of Denman and Robson. Discretely advertised yet prominently located, Time Square Suites caters to extended stays with all the comforts of home.

Photo credit: Donnay on Flickr

John and I were given a tour of one of the suites by General Manager Jacqui McMullen after we were buzzed in to the building. The hotel does not have a grand lobby, but an entrance similar to one you would find on any apartment building downtown (including buzzer numbers for the guests in each suite).

Once inside, you can take the elevator directly up to your suite. The one that we toured had washer, dryer, kitchen, living room, bathroom, two bedrooms and a juliet balcony that looked out over Robson Street, on the West side of Denman. The suite had all the comforts of home including a flat screen TV, alarm clocks, microwave, and plenty of wall outlets for charging gadgets. Updates are currently underway in some of the suites to upgrade to more modern furniture and amenities as well.

After the tour of the suite we were shown up to the covered rooftop patio where guests are welcome to lounge overlooking Coal Harbour. There is also a stainless steel BBQ where guests can have their own cookout meals.

Aside from cooking in-suite there are also plenty of dining options down on street level including Tavola (formerly Tapastree) which is directly beside Times Square’s Robson entrance.

We had never been to Tapastree so we didn’t do any comparisons and came in with a fresh set of eyes (and tastebuds). Wine flowed as bowls of pasta arrived, served family-style. The atmosphere was cozy and it seemed like a real neighbourhood establishment, where staff knew the regulars by name. The very popular Nook is also located within Times Square Suites, on the Denman side.

While we didn’t get to stay in Times Square Suites, we were really glad to know about this hotel alternative that is so close to home for us. We have relatives that would would love to invite to Vancouver however our 1-bedroom apartment wouldn’t be the best accommodation for them all.

Times Square Suites is currently ranked #8 of 106 hotels in Vancouver on TripAdvisor so it seems it was one of the best-kept secrets in the West End… until now.

I recently came across a unique series by Paul Hillsdon over on the Civic Surrey blog that looks at commercial and residential growth in Surrey over the last twelve years. In his series “Visualizing Growth” you can see how much the city has expanded into its rural areas by way of aerial photos.

Clayton 1998 / 2010

Sullivan 1998 / 2010

Cloverdale 1998 / 2010

Newton 1998 / 2010

Being born and raised in Surrey, I do notice that much more farmland is now covered in townhomes and cul-de-sac developments than I remember from my youth. Even still, these images are only a small glimpse at what is to come.

“Surrey has been designated through Metro Vancouver’s Livable Region Strategic Plan as the next metropolitan core of the region. Over the next 20 years, cities south of the Fraser River will be absorbing close to 70 per cent of the growth in the Metro Vancouver area,” said Surrey Mayor, Dianne Watts [source].

The ambitious “Build Surrey” program will see over $52 million poured into developments over the next two decades. This includes creating, upgrading and improving the City Centre Library, the Newton transit exchange, the Cloverdale Recreation Centre, the South Surrey swimming pool, and over 20 other projects. Residential development is another story as well as accommodating students in BC’s largest school district.

It will certainly be interesting to see how the city progresses throughout my lifetime and how it will affect the lives of my young my niece and nephews. In the meantime I recommend subscribing to Paul’s blog feed to see charts, imagery, and plans for what’s to come.

Frosty temperatures are flirting with the mild Vancouver climate this week as the area experiences another quick taste of winter. While puddles and ponds may freeze, the City is reminding everyone that icy surfaces will not be strong enough to support body-weight for skating.

Such was not always the case in these parts as deep freezes used to solidify watery surfaces from East Vancouver to Stanley Park.

1929 – Trout Lake. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-1902

1929 – Lost Lagoon. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-1975

While it’s tempting to partake in some pond hockey, there are pretty much two options in the region for “safe” skating alternatives outdoors:

Grouse Mountain
Head over to the North Shore and take the gondola up Grouse Mountain. There you can enjoy several snowy activities including a skate on their 8,000 square foot outdoor rink. Your mountain admission, lift ticket or membership includes complimentary skating and rentals are available for $5-$8.

Photo credit: Marv! on Flickr

Robson Square
Robson Square opened its rink again this year and admission is free while skate rentals are $3. The rink is open for public skating Sunday to Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm and Friday to Saturday 9:00am until 11:00pm. It will remain open until the end of February, 2011. Call the Robson Square Hotline for more information (604) 646-3554.

Photo credit: nolitawanders on Flick

Be safe during this cold snap and keep in mind those who do not have the means to bundle up. Warm clothing donation sites are still open this month.