I had the chance to meet Keira two years ago this summer – outside of the blogosphere. It was several months before I saw her again but since that second time (when I tasted her chocolate torte with raspberry coulis) we’ve been great friends.

Keira will be participating in the BCSPCA Paws for a Cause this September 14, 2008 at Vanier Park in Kitsilano.

Photo credit: Duane Storey on Flickr

Photo credit: Keira on Flickr

If you would like to pledge her effort please visit her blog for more info or check out her personal donation page.

Tucked between the Vancouver Aquarium and Lumberman’s Arch the Canadian Japanese War Memorial in Stanley park stands beneath the blossoming sakura as a quiet reminder. Here are some Flickr photos of this reminder.

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

The memorial is in honor of Japanese Canadians that served Canada in the first World War and was dedicated April 2, 1920.

Ioco is much more than a road that runs through Port Moody, its origins are rooted deep within the history of our entire region.

From the City of Port Moody
– Site clearing for the Imperial Oil refinery at Ioco began in 1913, followed by installation of the crude oil processing equipment in 1914. The refinery began refining in January, 1915.

– As construction continued on the refinery, more manpower was required and as a result the tent town expanded and became a more permanent “shack town.” This tent-and-shack town squatted on both sides of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) right of way south of the present townsite. By 1917, approximately 200 men, women and children were living in the shack town, which now boasted a school and two grocery stores.

– The land was cleared and housing construction began in 1920. The first houses, however, were the cottages from the refinery, which were towed to their new site using donkey engines (portable steam engines used primarily in the lumber industry). Between 1920 and 1924 83 houses were built

Side note: The word Ioco is actually an anagram of Imperial Oil Company.

Being the original western terminus for the CPR in 1879, Port Moody (est. 1913) now flourishes as the “city of the arts”, which contrasts its thick industrial heritage but is a testament to its growth. This makes Ioco well worthy of one of my Day Tripping posts, which is forthcoming – you know… once I get through this whole Blogathon thing.

Photo credit: Duane on Flickr

At one point in time it was the tallest and most majestic structure in the city. Now the Hotel Vancouver (err… Fairmont Hotel Vancouver) is a classic symbol of our young history. Along with tales of statesmen and royalty walking its halls comes the story of the Lady in Red, usually shared around Halloween as this mysterious scarlet femme is not of the living.

The “Hotel Van” is infamous in the local Vancouver community for being the supposed residence of a fashionable apparition named the “Lady in Red”. This ghostly figure is said to glide along the 14th floor of the hotel, and has allegedly been seen by many a hotel guest and employee. [HotelChatter]

Hotel Vancouver, a well-known landmark recognized by its copper roof and gargoyles, is believed to be haunted by a lady dressed in red. Guests and employees have seen this elegant lady walking on an invisible ledge. The hotel’s elevator often makes an unscheduled stop on the 14th floor. When the doors open, this same lady appears to be floating along the hallway. [Suite101]

Back in the 1940s, a lady by the name of Jennie Pearl Cox was a regular at the Fairmont Hotel’s ballroom. Tragically, she was killed in a car crash outside the hotel in 1944. She died in her favorite outfit, an elegant red dress.

Her ghost has been seen on the 14th floor of the hotel where she causes the elevator to make unscheduled stops and is seen gliding down the hallways, her long red dress flowing behind her. [ScaryForKids]

I’m fairly certain these stories might even enhance the allure of the hotel as there are many people out there who would pay good money for a chance to meet the Lady in Red. I for one have never ventured into any part of the hotel but even the presence of these rumours makes goose bumps appear on my arms as I type this.

Known often as a tourist destination and choice spot to take out of town guests, Granville Island is a true gem to locals and visitors alike. A while back John and I took a day trip over to GI – and by that I mean we walked down to the water taxi and spent the afternoon shopping in the market and enjoying the various forms of entertainment along the boardwalks.

Here’s a quick excerpt from VancouverHistory:

“The 38 acres of Granville Island, worth many millions of dollars today, were once a little mud flat worth zilch. The little mound, in fact, used to disappear at high tide. But, to a keen-eyed public official named Sam McClay, that drab little mud flat (some called it a sand bar) under the shadow of the old Granville Bridge looked as if it might be a good base for some landfill….

…A land boom had begun in Vancouver in 1905, you see, and land became so costly (especially if it had access to the waters of False Creek or Burrard Inlet) that many manufacturers couldn’t afford to locate at suitable sites; they had to go to less desirable areas….

…Locals used to call it Mud Island; it wasn’t until about 1938, apparently, that the name Granville Island began to be used regularly…

…In June of 1973 the ownership of the island was transferred from the National Harbors Board to Central Mortgage and Housing, now Canada Mortgage and Housing…
…Some 10.5 million people visit annually now, and many of them go to the Granville Island Public Market, a great urban experience…

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Today Granville Island is home for many artisans, the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, and various playhouses. The key attraction for us on a regular basis is of course the market – the freshest fruits, tastiest cheese and sweetest desserts can all be found within.