Walking by the torn up Robson Square above-ground plaza yesterday I realized I still haven’t posted about the construction. Shortly after the Olympics and Paralympics ended, my regular #5 downtown bus driver said that the route would be on a detour (right at Thurlow, left at Smithe, left at Burrard, along Pender) until at least September. Now that September is here and the plaza is still a bit of a mess, here’s the scoop on what’s going on over there.
Remediation work continues at Robson Square to preserve the heritage architecture of this three-block complex designed by Arthur Erickson. The project is part of a BC Government initiative that began in 2004 to renew the 30-year-old “building envelope” and introduce other site enhancements, including the revitalized outdoor plaza and public skating rink. The remediation project will continue through 2010. [UBC Robson Square]
The latest update on the Government of BC’s website confirms that 90 percent of the building structure is now waterproofed, which was the main concern. Where the “red spring” sculpture stands on the street-level of Robson Square they are about 60 percent complete. The road area was ripped up a few weeks ago and that stretch is now being completed. The construction is not expected to wrap up for another few months with Robson Street (between Hornby and Howe) reopening the second week of December, 2010.
Photo credit:
dooq on Flickr
The Ministry of Citizens’ Services says the “green roof” that went up and down hills on the plaza will be restored using modern green roof technology (that they did not have 32 years ago when it was first built). Trees, vines, shrubs and bushes will return (some were saved) and will be replanted.
It looks like the project will be complete by the time ice skating opens up again down below in the Robson Square GE Plaza Ice Rink.
Update It looks as though the future of the rink is undecided. News1130 reported the following September 15, 2010: “Former Minister of State for the Olympics and current Minister of Citizen Services Mary McNeil knows exactly what benefits the rink brought during the 2010 Games. However, it may not be re-opened to the public this winter. “It was an exciting spirit I think we want to try and continue. We are looking at what we can do. As you know, it’s in the midst of a huge remediation project and the building is old.” A maintenance and build contract with General Electric expired after the Paralympic Games. McNeil says the government is still looking at new funding partners.”
Update Per UBC Robson Square’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, the ice has gone down and the rink should be open for the weekend on December 5th.
Tickets for the upcoming 2010-2011 Vancouver Canucks seasons go on sale today. This is the Canucks 40th anniversary season and with changes in the lineup and a new name for their home rink, things have definitely been shaken up a bit. Whether that’s for the better or not is yet to be seen but according to those I’ve chatted with so far, everyone’s looking forward to seeing what this season will hold.
1968 program cover designed by George McLachlan
Let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane to see how the team as we know it has spent the last 40 years. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
Tonight the Lotus Awards hosted a networking event to introduce their judges. They are: Michael Borosky from Eleven, Tyson Damman from Big Spaceship, Christian DaBica from Jager Di Paola Kemp and the guys (Craig Allen and Eric Kallman from Widen + Kennedy) that gave us the legendary social media campaign; Old Spice’s The Man Your Man Could Smell Like.
Many of Vancouver’s top advertising, marketing, and communications agencies were in attendance to chat with the judges and network. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
This summer I had my first experience at Seasons in QE Park and while forest fire smoke and smog clouded the usually impeccable view of the Vancouver skyline, nothing could have ruined the delicious meal and friendly service.
Seasons has been hosting In The Park Wine Tastings and their final “Summer Series” event takes place September 21st. Anne Kestell of Mark Anthony Wine Merchants will be pouring the following sparkling wines to end the summer in style:
Henkell Trocken Sekt, Col di Salici Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Doc, Lucien Albrecht Creman Brut Rosé, and Lanson Black Label Champagne. Canapés will be specially prepared by Executive Chef Buddy Wolfe to accompany and complement the select wines.
The event is almost sold out with tickets going for $30. Fortunately Seasons has set aside a pair of tickets for one Miss604 reader and a guest. Please leave a comment if you would like to enter to win this wine tasting experience for two.
Follow @SeasonsinQEPark for updates and information about the restaurant and their special events.
Update The winner is Chloe! Have a fantastic time at the event.
Fine print: Since this is a wine tasting, you will need to be 19 years or older to be eligible to win. I will draw one winner (who may bring a guest) on September 15th at 9:00am 12:00pm.
The Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show kicks off today at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Aside from home beautifying, room decorating, and bathroom renovating, the show will feature exhibits and special presentations from HGTV and Food Network Stars. Janette Ewen, Wendy Russell, David Adjey, and Wes Thurn will take to the main stage throughout the event to present DIY tips and the latest trends.
The cooking stage will host chefs from around the country including some local favourites such as Chef Tojo (Tojo’s), Chef Karen Barnaby (The Fish House), Chef Curtis Web (Goldfish Pacific Kitchen), Chef Thomas Hass (Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates & Patisserie) and more.
I also heard that Coleman Heating will be giving away a $650 Stainless Steel BBQ. You can read Keira-Anne’s post about how to enter to win the BBQ either at the show or online.
If you would like to attend the Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show, I have a pair of tickets to give away (regular price is $15 for adults). Please leave a comment on this post to enter and I will draw one winner at 5:00pm today so that they have enough time to get to the show, which ends September 12th.
Update The winner of the tickets is Vikki L. – thanks to everyone for entering & have fun Vikki!
