This morning Premier Gordon Campbell, author and artist Douglas Coupland, and Terry’s parents gathered to unveil Coupland’s design for the new Terry Fox Memorial at BC Place.

Artist: Douglas Coupland. Illustration by: David Weir, Mauricio Pommella, Douglas Coupland.

“In creating this piece, I wanted to ensure we captured the very essence of what Terry’s run was all about,” said Coupland at this morning’s press conference. “By creating four sculptures depicting the four distinct movements that made up his unusual gait, the aim was to help people understand the pain and suffering he endured to reach his goal. For those of us who actually remember seeing his run on the nightly news 30 years ago, the four sculptures will always remind us of the commitment he made, and his unwavering courage.”

Artist: Douglas Coupland. Illustration by: Mauricio Pommella, David Weir, Douglas Coupland.

“Doug Coupland has always been willing to call on his writing and artistic talents on our behalf to help ensure future generations have an appreciation for Terry’s efforts,” added Betty and Rolly Fox, Terry’s mother and father. “We were confident, based on Doug’s considerable knowledge of Terry’s story and his enthusiasm, that he would capture Terry’s values of courage, hope and determination, and he’s certainly done that in this new memorial.”

Located at the foot of Robson Street the new bronze memorial (that has Terry running West, growing in size) will be complete in the fall in line with BC Place’s grand re-opening. “The work by acclaimed author Coupland is part of B.C. Pavilion Corporation’s $380,000 replacement of the 1984-installed, Roman-inspired triumphal arch.” [Bob Mackin, 24 Hours]

Learn more about the Terry Fox Research Institute and the Terry Fox Foundation online.

Vancouver launched its 125th anniversary celebration campaign last night, in conjunction with the opening night of the PuSh Festival. It was announced that the City has 125 events planned throughout the year which are being made possible by various levels of funding, including the grants that come with being a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2011. Aside from community events, workshops, lectures, history series and exhibits, there will be two major city festivals.

Birthday Live
Date: Mid-afternoon and evening, April 6, 2011
Location: Jack Poole Plaza (Vancouver Convention Centre West)
The Olympic cauldron will be re-lit for Birthday Live which will celebrate with a free, fun-filled, family-friendly event that honours our city’s diversity, First Nations heritage and distinction as a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2011. The will include live music and entertainment, innovative visual art, children’s activities and more. Vancouver’s Mayor Gregor Robertson and other dignitaries will be on hand for official ceremonies including lighting the cauldron and cutting a big birthday cake.

Summer Live
Date: July 8-10, 2011
Location: Stanley Park
Summer Live will be a free, family-friendly, multi-day festival in Stanley Park. There will be a chance to explore First Nations heritage, participate in sporting events and demonstrations, dance, watch live music, experience local food, and more.

Your source for all events, information, volunteering and more is CelebrateVancouver125.ca. You can also follow @Vancouver125 for updates on Twitter.

The Vancouver YWCA announced today that it is now accepting nominees for the 2011 Women of Distinction Awards. I am pleased to once again be the social media sponsor for the event and after the overwhelming support for the nominees last year (before the awards, with voting, and during my ceremony liveblog) I’m looking forward to another fabulous and inspirational event.

Women of Distinction can be nominated in the following categories:

• Arts, Culture & Design
• Business & the Professions
• Community Building
• Education, Training & Development
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Health & Active Living
• Non-Profit & Public Service
• Technology, Science & Industry
• Young Woman of Distinction
• Innovative Workplace

Nominees must live and work (individuals) or operate (businesses and organizations) within the Metro Vancouver region bounded by and including Hope, Pemberton, Sunshine Coast and the United States border. Full details for the nomination process can be found online. Deadline for submissions is Monday, March 7, 2011 at 5:30pm.

Follow the awards on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates and specific event information.

The anniversary celebrations and events for Vancouver’s 125th anniversary will launch tonight in partnership with the PuSh Festival. From now until the end of 2011, the City and various organizations will be hosting events, workshops, exhibits and more to showcase 125 years of Vancouver. My weekly history series will remain but have a “Vancouver 125” focus on specific dates and events. This series is dedicated to the tremendous life and work of Chuck Davis.

January 17
1887: The Hudson’s Bay Co. opened up in Vancouver and sold items such as saws, axes and lanterns that were listed as “necessities of life”. It would have a more permanent location on Granville and Georgia in the 1890s.

1893 – Hudson’s Bay Co., looking North on Granville from Georgia.
Photographers: Bailey Bros. Vancouver Archives Item# Bu P560

January 18
1973: An old brewery on Granville Island was renovated and named the Creekhouse, becoming the first building on the island to be converted from industrial use.

January 19
1934: Prime Minister R.B. Bennett spoke to the Board of Trade at the Hotel Vancouver, saying “Canada is a world example of successful weathering of this depression.”

January 20
1980: The newly renovated Carnegie Building opened its doors as a community centre. Built in 1903, it was Vancouver’s first public library.

January 21
1935: 43 centimetres of snow fell on Vancouver and with gale winds, temperatures dropped to -26C. This caused the roof on the Hastings Park Forum to collapse. The roof was repaired and as the PNE Forum it hosted the PCHL Vancouver Canucks from 1948 to 1969.

1931 – Hastings Park Forum. Photographer: Stuart Thomson.
Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-4015

Follow @Vancouver125 on Twitter for news and event updates. My applicable history posts also have the additional tag Vancouver125.

Last night I hopped on a Vancouver Trolley and I had no idea where I was going. As a guest of the Secret Supper Soirée, all I knew is that the trolley would take us to three locations (that were not restaurants) where we would enjoy four wine pairings and six dinner courses. As it is a secret supper tour, I will not divulge the locations, however some may be able to take a few guesses based on my photos.

Location One

Location Two

Location Three

The food almost took a back seat to the experience on this culinary journey as I visited locations in Vancouver that I have never had the chance of exploring before. With a glass of wine in hand, I thoroughly enjoyed the iconic, unique, and historic venues that I had only previously read (or written) about.

The Secret Supper Soirée runs for five more nights, January 15, 28, and 29 as well as February 4 and 5, 2011 departing from the Pacific Central station at 6:00pm sharp. You will have plenty of time at each stop to wander, purchase additional hand-crafted cocktails, and enjoy your courses. The tour host will give everyone 15, 10, and 5 minute warnings before the trolley departs for the next venue.

The cost is $79 per person without wine pairings, or $119 with wine, and guests can make requests based on dietary requirements/restrictions when you book. I would recommend the tour for a group (of at least 3) as it’s a very social experience — fancy dress is also encouraged.

Update All tours are sold out however you can check out other upcoming culinary events from the organizers, Swallow Tail Canada.

Disclosure: cmp.ly/2