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Editorial Committee: Evan Alderson, Susan Wright, Sharon Yandle
Production Editor: Robyn Chan
Proofreader: Kathryn Woodward
Contributors this Issue: Monty Wood (Spruce Village), Brook Houglum (False Creek Co-op), Robert Renger (Heather Quay), Tracey Betel (False Creek Elementary), Beth Dempster (Convivial Cafe)
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Swap Meet June 25
BRING, BUY, GIFT
Monty Wood, Spruce Village
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On Saturday, June 25 at noon, the first of what may become a series of swap meets will set up in Leg-In-Boot Square.
Bring Buy Gift evolved out of discussions at weekly meetings of the Leg-in-Boot Reboot work group. They were searching for ways to augment Summer Music-in-the-Square while doing good for the False Creek South neighbourhood. A Crafts Fair, already approved, was held out as a good example.
At one point in the discussion, a “swap meet” was mentioned but initially dismissed as seeming a bit opportunistic. But what if it were used to recycle those useful household items frequently found in piles, abandoned in the underground parkades of the False Creek South residential enclaves & complexes? A few neighbours may take one item home, but the number of abandoned items left in the parkades is much bigger. This chronic inconvenience was reported to be wide spread.
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The group saw merit in this twinned approach. One suggestion for finding new owners for used but useful housewares was to market to a bigger audience such as at a “swap-meet” in coordination with Saturday’s Music-in the Square.
Another very promising solution, suggested at the same meeting, is to encourage individuals to offer their useful items as a gift to their extended neighbourhood, which could indirectly strengthen community bonds & informal networks. There is an app for this: “BuyNothing.” A consensus formed around doing both.
The Bring, Buy, Gift event will set up tables to display housewares at the north side of the Square two hours before the music program (this week featuring traditional Irish music) starts at 2 pm at the south end. Items will be both for sale and free.
From about noon to 2pm, one set of attendants will oversee the marketing of the housewares on display while another will guide interested individuals through the channels to join BuyNothing. The tables will remain semi-open during the 2-4pm music session. Around 5pm a cleanup crew will start dismantling the tables and disposing of any remaining goods.
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RePlan project manager Nathan Edelson reports on a meeting with the City Manager (and its aftermath), co-ops liaising with Council liaisons, another unanimous Council motion on False Creek South, ideas for upcoming candidate meetings, and reaching out to residents. Check it out here: http://www.falsecreeksouth.org/2022/06/replan-update-june-24/ |
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The Light Trap Project
SEEKING SENTINELS OF CHANGE
Brook Houglum, False Creek Co-op
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I’ve walked the seawall along False Creek a million times in the last couple years—okay, at least 1,000 times!—often twice a day during the long pandemic and after, at high tide, low tide, surface shiny or flat. Maybe you’ve walked this route a lot lately, too. I signed up to volunteer with the Hakai Institute’s “Sentinels of Change” Light Trap Project because I was curious about what is beneath the surface.
This project is made up of over 40 sites across the Salish Sea. At night, LED lights in each trap turn on, attracting tiny marine creatures. The project tracks the dispersal patterns of Dungeness crab larva at the Megalopa stage—the stage right before the crab settles on the seafloor. Dungeness are an indicator species and important to marine food webs. They are a traditional food of the Musqueam and Squamish Nations who fished for thousands of years in the tidal slough of what is now called False Creek.
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Walking down to the dock at Heather Marina, where the False Creek light trap is located, feels like entering a close-to-the-water zone, like sitting in a kayak near shore. When you pull up the light trap you let the water drain out, and then gently (amazing curious moment!) release the creatures (crazy minute swimmers!) into a container and later back to sea. Here’s what we’ve seen so far in False Creek: Sand lances, Sticklebacks, Pipefish, Polychaetes (long, thick worms!), copepods, amphipods and isopods (tiny crustaceans), Blackclaw crab larva. Across the light trap network, numerous species have been spotted: Sentinels of Change Light Trap Monitoring · iNaturalist Canada.
It’s fascinating to see what is there. Questions are emerging: will the Dungeness Megalopae come into False Creek, as they already have in the Gulf Islands and beyond? Participating in the project has given me a greater sense of the ecology and biodiversity of False Creek and of the ways it’s connected to the currents and creatures of the larger Salish Sea and Pacific Ocean.
If you’d like to participate in this project or the False Creek Bioblitz (sponsored by the Hakai Institute and supported by False Creek Friends), more volunteers are needed this summer!
Any questions? Contact Brook *email is hidden, JavaScript is required* or Zaida *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*.
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Rain Or Shine
AGE-FRIENDLY CONVERSATIONS CONTINUE
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On a rainy June 15, an interested group huddled together under canopies in Leg-In-Boot Square to participate in a discussion, led by Envision physiotherapist Brent Stevenson, about possible treatments of physical limitations brought on by ageing.
On June 22, in much better weather, a larger group enjoyed a lively discussion with Beverly Chew, who presented findings of her recent SFU Master’s thesis on how the built environment of False Creek South facilitates – or impedes – the mobility of older adults. She emphasized how unusually accommodating this neighbourhood is for ageing in place. In the following discussion ideas began to emerge about how it might become even better. On both occasions, conversations carried over during the afternoon tea graciously hosted by Convivial Café.
Two more conversations are scheduled for this series: Wednesdays June 29 and July 6 from 3 to 4 pm, with tea and treats by donation to follow.
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East Of Cambie Bridge
WONDERING ABOUT THAT VACANT LAND?
Robert Renger, Heather Quay
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The City has a Development Proposal for its vacant land between the Cambie Bridge and Olympic Village.
Like other residents of False Creek, I have long wondered about the City’s intentions for its large vacant site (about 15 to 20 acres) between the Cambie Bridge and Olympic Village. It’s included in the South East False Creek Official Development Plan (SEFC ODP) for residential use with a park on the waterfront.
The planned residential density in this dated plan (created in 2007) is similar to the City’s neighbouring False Creek South (FCS) development from the 1970s. I have therefore been expecting the City to initiate a plan review process, with public participation, to come up with innovative ideas for the use of this key City site (likely with an emphasis on sustainability and affordability). This vacant land was, however, specifically excluded from the City’s False Creek South: Opportunities for the Future public engagement process in February 2021, which instead focused on the City’s land already occupied by the FCS residential community. That didn’t make sense to me.
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In early October 2021, however, Deputy City Manager Karen Levitt was quoted as saying that the planning for both areas, the vacant site and the existing FCS community, was proceeding in tandem. I wrote to Ms Levitt for more information, and eventually received a detailed response from the City’s other Deputy City Manager, Armin Amrolia. The most interesting information was that the City has already sent its proposals for the development and rezoning of the site to the Planning Department as a Preliminary Enquiry. In a follow-up email, Ms Amrolia advised that she cannot share the City’s Preliminary Enquiry regarding the proposed development of the site, as it is a confidential process, and that she cannot comment on timelines for Public Consultation.
So False Creek residents and the general public will have to be patient a while longer before they find out what the City’s plan for the site is. Hopefully it will reflect Council’s sentiment – “what Vancouver needs is more False Creek South” as expressed by Councillor Michael Wiebe, on October 28, 2021, when Council unanimously and decisively declined to endorse the Real Estate and Facilities Management plan for the demolition and redevelopment of the existing FCS community.
Robert Renger is formerly Senior Development Planner for the City Of Burnaby.
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Now that summer has come and - quick! - before it leaves again, Between The Bridges is taking its annual break until September. Meanwhile, for updates on community happenings, check out the False Creek South Neighbourhood Association on Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks for your continuing interest and support – and special thanks to all our contributors.
Now go play outside in our unique and beautiful neighbourhood.
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CYCLING WITHOUT AGE STARTING SOON
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Among many events planned this summer is Cycling Without Age, an initiative of the Vancouver chapter of a remarkable global movement aimed at improving the lives of the elderly.
Starting June 27, Market Hill resident Jennifer Reid and her team of trained volunteers will offer community rides for the public departing from the Square every Monday morning throughout the summer.
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Cycling Without Age aims to reach out to elders and help them break free from social isolation. “Trishaws” – unique electric-assisted three-wheeler bikes offer space for two in front and a volunteer driver in the rear. Currently working with several care homes in the Vancouver area, including Broadway Lodge, these volunteers take residents for rides to enjoy the fresh air, engage in conversation and together create memories and smiles. More information is available at www.cyclingwithoutage.ca/vancouver.
By offering rides to the public and encouraging family supporters to join in, CWA hopes to acquaint a wider audience with the service and the benefits the elderly experience through “wind in their hair.” All participants must be vaccinated and be able to transfer to the trishaw seat independently or with family assistance. Rides are by donation and details are here:
Sign up for a Community Ride starting at Leg-in-Boot square on Mondays between 9:30am and 12:30pm.
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At False Creek Elementary
RAINBOW DAY AND GRADUATION
Tracy Betel, PAC Secretary, False Creek Elementary
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The PAC Diversity Committee, led by parents Azin Sadr and Kerry Alexander, teamed up with the student Social Diversity Club to plan Rainbow Day in honour of Pride Month. The Social Diversity Club created an LGBTQIA2S+ poster that illustrated what each letter stood for, and what each word meant. The Diversity Committee also put up a Progress Pride Flag in the school.
Rainbow Day was celebrated on June 10th. Students were encouraged to wear rainbow colours and were given rainbow heart stickers. Any student who dressed up was entered into a draw for door prizes.
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During the day, the social diversity club set up outdoor stations for Rainbow Chalk Painting and Face Painting. Classes were invited to attend the stations while music played. At the end of the day there was a school-wide dance party.
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Grade Seven graduation was Thursday June 23rd. The grads are, of course, always excited about going off to high school. This year has some added excitement as it will be the first time in three years that families can attend the ceremony in person. (Last year families watched the ceremony over the internet, and the year before there was no ceremony). Students, staff and parents got dressed up and decorated the gym. After the ceremony, there was a potluck lunch complete with a photo booth.
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Dedication Ceremony Coming Up
“THE FAMILY” FINDS A NEW HOME
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Jack Harman's iconic bronze sculpture The Family has recently been permanently installed in the courtyard of the Creekhouse on Granville Island.
The sculpture was commissioned and installed in front of the old Pacific Press (Vancouver Sun) building at 7th and Granville Street in the mid 1960's and was moved to its printing plant in Surrey. It was placed in storage for almost 15 years.
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In 2019, David McCann, Creekhouse property manager and former treasurer of the False Creek South Neighbourhood Association, read an article in the Vancouver Sun that mentioned PostMedia was looking for a new home for 'The Family'. In his own "typically cavalier way" as he described it, David convinced a) the company he worked for, Creekhouse Industries Ltd, to support him in acquiring the bronze sculpture; b) the Editor In Chief of the Vancouver Sun, Harold Munro, to give him the monumental sculpture; c) CMHC and the City of Vancouver to approve the installation; d) the Vancouver Outdoor Open Spaces Sculpture Biennale to include it in their program; and e) a myriad of artists, contractors, engineers, donors, and others to help actually install the three bronze pieces. As they say "The rest is history."
The Family is being dedicated to the memory of: Aline Chretien, Amelia & Hardy Leighton, Shera Morgan, Maria Luisa Castillo Rojas, Tristan Coatta, George A. H Ward, Beryl Wilson and Michael Dean Kennedy -- all members of David's extended family.
There will be a dedication ceremony on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 9:00 am.
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GNOME GARDEN GROWS APACE
One of the gems to be found on our neighbourhood walks from here in False Creek South is the Gnome Garden at 744 West 7th Avenue at Willow. This magical fairyland will bring smiles of delight to the child in all of us.
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Tracy Betel, who took the photos here, says, "It's always so charming, I love walking by it. They seem to add to and update it on a regular basis.” Next time you’re nearby, stop to experience the enchantment for yourself.
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Yes! You!
LEG IN BOOT SQUARE NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Beth Dempster, Convivial Cafe
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Have you been enjoying the 'new' Leg In Boot Square? Maybe you met a friend under a blue umbrella in this lovely spring we were having... Or you've enjoyed some Saturday Afternoon Music... Or maybe you're looking forward to a family picnic with sunny weather on the way...
The City did surveys last fall to determine whether/not each of their Popup Plazas would stay in place. The Leg-In-Boot Popup had more people respond and the highest approval rating at over 90%. If this plaza is going to stay, we need some of those happy people to help out: Stewardship is a community responsibility.
Last year, a crew of volunteers un/locked tables and chairs, watered plants. Our most diligent volunteer, Pat Egan, is still cleaning-up almost every day! This summer we need more people to help out:
- half-an-hour once a week, morning or evening, to un/lock tables and chairs and raise/lower umbrellas (14 volunteers required - we have one)
- half-an-hour once a week, sunny days only, to water plants (seven volunteers required - we have one)
- spares for all tasks (a few at least - we have a couple)
- I am currently coordinating and would be happy to have help on this!
Maybe you have heard the phrase: Volunteer work is the rent you pay to your community. It's time to pay the rent!
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Not the best way to moor a boat.
So concluded the many spectators looking down from Charleson Park. Beyond that, no-one could figure out why the rope was attached to a tow truck above —on the seawall.
A rising tide could free the boat, but why a tow truck? Is the boat to be hauled up the rocks, secured to the truck and, what’s left of it, towed away? If not to be towed, why not tie the rope to a tree?
Time and tide wait for no one, but no one had time to wait for the tide. Eventually, everyone drifted off, leaving unanswered questions in their wake.
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CONTRIBUTOR GUIDELINES: ARTICLES AND PHOTOS
Between The Bridges welcomes readers’ contributions of story ideas, events of interest, original photographs, and completed articles relevant to the False Creek South Neighbourhood Association’s goal to “promote an economically, social and culturally diverse neighbourhood with a friendly, positive and vibrant sense of community”. For details go to:
http://www.falsecreeksouth.org/2021/01/between-the-bridges-contributor-guidelines/
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