I was recently approached by a team project management students from SFU about their initiative, The Good Drive, and have since signed on as an event sponsor. The Good Drive is a one-day event to collect household goods donated by individuals and families from across the Lower Mainland. These goods will then go directly to […]

John “Gassy Jack” Deighton had a saloon in New Westminster but it wasn’t until he headed around to the Burrard Inlet that he left an indelible mark on our city. In 1867 he told mill workers along the harbour that they could have all the whiskey they could drink if they helped him build a […]

For over 80 years the Orpheum theatre on Granville Street has been far more than an iconic neon sign. Hosting concerts, comedy showcases, the VSO, and even my high school commencement ceremony, this gorgeous venue is an magnificent slice of Vancouver history. The Orpheum 1929 – VPL Accession Number: 11035. Photographer: Leonard Frank. “All around […]

A few months ago I put the call out on Twitter to see what people have been curious to know about Vancouver’s past. There were some great suggestions about Joe Fortes and the Great Fire along with several more tidbits that would be interesting to research. A few people asked about the Burrard Bridge and […]

Vancouver’s downtown has many neighbourhoods; some officially named while others are giving nicknames by locals. There’s Gastown, then if you head along Beatty you’re in Crosstown until you get to Yaletown. The West End starts at Burrard and there’s Davie Village, English Bay, and Stanley Park. Coal Harbour faces the North Shore while the Financial […]

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 […]

The first annual West End Fest takes over the West End Community Centre September 10th. This event will combine family fun (bouncy castle included) as well as a beer garden and live music stage. The best part is, it’s also a fundraiser for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. The line up so far includes: 6:00pm – […]

This year’s Victory Square Block Party happens this Sunday, September 5th in the iconic meeting place on the edge of Gastown. Festivities will be at Cambie and Hastings from 2:00pm until 9:00pm and the Block Party is totally free for the public. Music and comedic guests include: The Pack AD, The Tranzmitors, Apollo Ghosts, Lord […]

The Davie Day Street Festival in Vancouver’s West End takes place Saturday September 11th. Davie Street will be closed from Burrard to Broughton for a full day of family-friendly entertainment and activities. This giant block party will feature a main stage for live acts, a market, and plenty of food from the restaurants along the […]

As of September 7th, trolley buses will be returning to their Granville Street routes that have been inactive for almost half a decade. Photo credit: Roland on Flickr The affected bus routes are: 4, 6, 7, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, and 50 [download a PDF map here]. Note, the 5 will continue to be […]