This afternoon Krista Rand sent me a message on Twitter with a photo of the Orpheum sign coming down. Many panicked at the news that the iconic neon beacon on Granville was being removed however it has been determined that it’s all part of a master plan. Photo credit: Krista Rand on Twitter Since the […]

The other day I saw Mark Pilon (@atomos) post a photo of an old sidewalk stamp on Instagram. The caption read: “1912, this is the oldest sidewalk stamp I’ve seen to date in Strathcona.” I immediately recognized and identified the concrete marking with one in my neighbourhood — a sidewalk stamp at Robson and Bidwell […]

It spent much more time as the provincial courthouse building but we know it today as the Vancouver Art Gallery (since 1983). 101 years ago tomorrow (October 10, 1911) the building first opened up as the courthouse. Perched between Hornby, Georgia, Howe, and Robson it’s a cultural melting pot both inside and outside of its […]

It’s Homelessness Action Week in Vancouver and the Union Gospel Mission is inviting everyone to explore their neighbourhood in the Downtown Eastside to learn more about the community, its history, and the people who live there. The Eastside Stride walking tour series is led by a community member who will take you from the UGM […]

The Marriott Residence Inn in downtown Vancouver recently underwent a major design overhaul that lasted about 8 months. I’m asked often about hotel recommendations for downtown Vancouver so I was pleased to receive a tour of the remodeled property last month to preview the upgrades. Suited for extended stays (featuring full kitchens, laundry and grocery […]

Earlier this year it was announced that Sears downtown was closing. Immediately rumours began to fly about what would occupy the space and if the bare white fortress-like walls of the structure at Pacific Centre would undergo a facelift. Photo credit: Tom Wiebe on Flickr Drawings have been circulating on the internet for months, some […]

It will be a weekend of books, magazines, story-telling, and “literary mayhem” when the 18th annual Word on the Street Festival comes to the Vancouver later this month. The three-day festival starts on Friday, September 28, 2012 at Banyan Books & Sound and at Historic Joy Kogawa House. On Saturday there are events at the […]

We love going for trail walks through Stanley Park at any time of year but there’s just something extra special about autumn. It’s not here just yet, but there’s much to look forward to. Bright greens turn to fiery reds and oranges, leaves crunch underfoot and the crisp air tickles your nose while squirrels scurry […]

Vancouver’s Commodore Lanes, Canada’s oldest surviving bowling centre, opened up below Granville Street on September 8, 1930. Since its neon sign has been advertising bowling and billiards in the downtown entertainment district for the last eight decades, I’ve decided it should be this week’s featured Vancouver Icon: 1946 – Theatres and the bowling sign on […]

The Vancouver Retro Cinema Fest is bringing cult classics and pop favourites to the Denman Cinemas this month. The 8-day festival will feature 15 hits at the West End theatre including: Sunday, September 23, 2012: An Opening You Can’t Refuse: Godfather I, II Monday, September 24, 2012: Tarantino Night: Pulp Fiction, Inglorious Basterds Tuesday, September […]