|
Editorial Committee: Evan Alderson, Susan Wright, Sharon Yandle
Production Editor: Robyn Chan
Proofreader: Kathryn Woodward
Contributors this Issue: Nathan Edelson (RePlan Project Manager), Daniela Elza (False Creek Housing Co-op), Roxanne Brooks (Spruce Village), Susan Wright (Henley Court), Evan Kligman (Marine Mews), Susan Harris (Newport Quay), Simon Litherland, (False Creek Rowing Club), Yael Stav (Spruce Village), Cynthia Crampton (Alder Bay Co-op), Beth Dempster (Convivial Café)
|
|
|
New Association Initiative
FOCUS ON SEAWALL SAFETY
|
|
|
At its October meeting, FCSNA delegates Nancy Kirkpatrick (Pacific Cove), Kathleen MacKinnon (Regatta) and Charlie Richmond (Henley Court) agreed to head up a working group on current False Creek South seawall issues.
First among these is our old seawall friend, Speed.
This became less of a problem than when bikes and pedestrians shared the same lane – something that the 2017-18 massive re-do of the False Creek South seawall corrected.
Since then, of course, seawall traffic itself has changed with micromobility - the advent of battery-powered transport including bikes, trikes, scooters, hoverboards, unicycles, wheelchairs and rickshaws. And the list keeps growing. What all these motorized vehicles have in common is the ability to go faster (although some speedsters cycling the old fashioned way can also continue to run you down).
|
|
|
Ironically, our seawall – designated as a ‘shared pathway’ – is officially restricted to non-motorized bicycles, inline skates, and motorized wheelchairs travelling at no more than 15 km/hour. One would only know this by scouring the City of Vancouver’s traffic bylaws.
The seawall lacks basic signage indicating speed limit and permitted usage. Meeting delegates raised seawall maintenance as another problem, citing the fading and sometimes disappearing painted lines that separate bike and pedestrian lanes. This is particularly acute just east of Anderson (the vehicle entrance to Granville Island) where the seawall path is at its narrowest.
Before making recommendations on how to improve safety on the seawall, the working group wants your input. Answering all or some of these questions will assist in developing recommendations to the City of Vancouver's Transportation Advisory Committee:
- How can we further improve safety on the Seawall?
- Are there particular spots that are more dangerous than others? If so, where?
- What kind of signage would be effective? Where should they be placed?
- Should certain types of vehicles be “banned” from the Seawall? If so, which ones and why?
- How could existing regulations could be enforced?
Please send your input to the working group by December 1, 2022: *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*.
|
|
REPLAN UPDATE
Nathan Edelson, RePlan Project Manager
|
|
|
Interacting with COV
This is a period of considerable change at City Hall and in the Provincial Government. RePlan leaders are meeting with elected officials and others who have been working with them to get a better sense of the priorities they are bringing to government and how these may impact the future of False Creek South.
We are focusing on how to move forward with the unanimously adopted motions Council approved in 2021 and their implications for lease negotiations and community planning. We are also reaching out to staff to help ensure that our understanding of census and other data are the same as that used by the City, and how we might best work together with a common understanding of facts that portray the community's current population and density.
Community Planning
RePlan leaders have been meeting informally with City Planning staff to help identify outstanding issues in order to ensure that the City-led process will address issues in a way that can be understood and hopefully supported by local residents. Staff are preparing a work plan during the first quarter of 2023 that will include engagement by local residents as well as others who have an interest in the future of the neighbourhood.
RePlan's Community Planning Working Group will be reaching out to residents to review the emerging updated community-based community plan first created in 2019 to help develop a path forward consistent with Council-approved policies. There will be opportunities for interested residents to join the working group.
|
|
|
Writers’ Workshop
VOICES AND COLLABORATIONS
Daniela Elza, False Creek Housing Co-op
|
|
|
In September we wrote about place in Leg-In-Boot Square. Thank you to all who joined in the writing and word play during the four workshops. I invite you all to stop by Convivial Cafe (680 Leg in Boot Square) to share in some of the poems on display that came out of our work together. The weather was usually an active participant in the writing. Our bodies too moved in and out of shade or sun. We built word shields for the wind.
|
|
In the display you will find some collage poems which I put together from lines and echoes caught out of the air on each of the four days. The lines came from the writers, the arrangement was mine.
You will also find a few circle poems (collaborated poems) on display, where we passed a paper around and each person kept adding lines until there was a poem. Sometimes the seagulls and crows were active participants in the writing as well. The serendipities were delightful. Just when we talked about words as suitcases which have a lot packed in them, a man rolled a loud suitcase through the Square.
You will also find some individual poems on display from some of those who participated.
Perhaps they would inspire you to write your own piece about the place you live in, and what belonging here, or displacement, mean to you.
For the collage poem which came out of the first day, please go to: http://www.falsecreeksouth.org/2022/11/writers-workshop/
We hope you enjoy it, and the rest of the poems on display at Convivial Cafe.
|
|
False Creek Elementary
DRAGONS BEWARE!
Roxanne Brooks, Spruce Village
|
|
In school news, we have a rad new club – the kids are loving the new Dungeons and Dragons club being hosted by one of our beloved teachers.
Our volleyball team starts playing games next week with other Vancouver School Board elementary schools – and we’re looking forward to it!
We had our first assembly in two and a half years on Thursday November 10th. It was a Remembrance Day assembly and went incredibly well. So nice for the school to come back together in this way.
|
|
ElderShare
“AGING WELL” IDEAS COMING IN
|
|
|
ED NOTE: Last issue Between The Bridges invited readers to add to a conversation Evan Alderson (Regatta) began on the question: What does “aging well” mean? Two residents accepted, as seen below, both focused on sharing ideas and resources toward answering that question. You can participate as well: Send to *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*; we want to hear from you.
|
|
|
SHALL WE CIRCLE UP?
Susan Wright, Henley Court
I’m wondering if it is time for elders in False Creek South to take our interests in climate change, social justice and regenerative living to the next level. What about circling up to use our time, talent and resources to take action on behalf of future generations?
For example, I’ve been part of a group called the Elders Action Network for many years. I have learned from their workshops and participated in their learning circles. Although they are a US-based network, there are many Canadian and International members. Right now, the *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*" target="_blank" style="mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #007C89;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Climate Action Group is sharing a film drawing attention to the impacts of climate change on children, with actions we can take. Or we might join the November 30th session on Climate Anxiety and Grief with a follow-up conversation. You can learn more through their monthly welcome webinar; next one is on December 2nd from 10 to 11 PST. You can register at: https://eldersaction.org/event/welcome-to-ean-webinar/2022-12-02/.
I would love to find interest in our neighbourhood in creating a circle of elders like the Elders Action Network. We could, for instance, start a local chapter here in False Creek South with help from the EAN website at: https://eldersaction.org/elder-action-chapters-tips-for-getting-started/. I for one would sign up for that!
|
|
|
ELDER BROWSING
Evan Kligman, Marine Mews
Since moving to Vancouver in 2018, I have been looking for websites to recommend to my senior patients that have easy to understand information on a wide spectrum of diagnoses and maladies, and that also connect them to programs or services with minimal or no cost.
Three websites not only meet these criteria, but will also lead you to some of the best medical journals and resources in Canada:
mcMasteroptimalaging.org offers a detailed and diverse list of healthy aging and research topics with practical recommendations for wellbeing. It also provides reviews for other websites and diverse blogs. @Mac_Aging News sends emails to subscribers about the latest findings, customized to their personal interests. An article on how to improve my memory led me to sign up for ukulele lessons and an art class! This website also shares ways that older adults can help make a better world by following 17 sustainable development goals and also enables a connection to AGE-WELL NCE, Canada’s technology and aging network to learn how to maintain health and independence through new home technologies and services.
bchealthyagingcore.ca is a guide on how to get training, find resources, and join community programs offering nutritional support, creative arts, affordable housing and personal advocacy. (Most of the programs are offered through community senior centres). This site offers hundreds of resources on topics such as dementia, planning for extreme heat, and aging in the right place.
bcbrainwellness.ca offers no cost and online (Zoom) classes for persons (and their partners) living with chronic brain conditions, as well as healthy agers. Classes range from balance and strength training to aerobics and agility to a monthly Movie Club. My wife and I signed up this Fall and have improved our physical and mental functioning already! Free form (ecstatic dance) improves your thinking, feeling, and dancing, and is both relaxing and invigorating!
|
|
CROCHETED COMFORT COZIES AT CONVIVIAL
Susan Harris, Newport Quay
|
|
|
If you think that because of the unseasonably cold weather now you can no longer sit outside at Convivial and enjoy the sights and sounds along the seawall, think again!
Thanks to the talents and generosity of neighbourhood “Creeker” Randi, you can keep warm with a beautifully crocheted lap blanket (or two). They’re multi-coloured, pleasing to the eyes and will keep you cozy as you sit out front and enjoy one of Beth’s delicious homemade scones or mini-loaves with your preferred coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
For the upcoming holidays, Randi is crocheting adorable little gifts, such as the snowman candy holder proudly adorning the main counter at Convivial. Stop by for a winter warm-up and continue to enjoy the seawall sites out front while snuggled under a cozy little lap blanket!
To find out more about the crocheted holiday gifts, you can contact Randi at: *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*.
|
|
“There was a lot of water…”
ROWING IN AN ATMOSPHERIC RIVER
Simon Litherland, President, False Creek Rowing Club
|
|
|
On October 30th we hosted the tenth edition of the Head Up The Creek Rowing Regatta. There was a lot of water in False Creek – and it feels wider when you are rowing during a high tide. Add in the 2 ½ inches of rain that we got that morning and there was more water than you could have ever wished for.
|
|
|
Thanks to the work of the Vancouver Police Department, the City of Vancouver Engineering Department and Transport Canada, many of the abandoned vessels in False Creek had been taken to recycling and most of the others shepherded out of the accepted navigation channel. There were several anchored boats east of Cambie Bridge that created an unsafe barrier, so we cut that end a bit short.
A large turnout of over 60 boats competed in 2 flights. The weather did reduce our anticipated entries to some degree, but people from across Metro Vancouver came out nonetheless. The Rowing Canada Aviron licensed officials (or “umpires”) included Joy Fera who rowed for Canada in the 1976 Montreal Olympics and Mike Bagshawe who officiated at the Beijing 2009 Olympics. However, most of our competitors are new to rowing and include both adults and youth.
The overall City of Vancouver Rowing Champion went to a group of young men from Vancouver College’s rowing program. They had recently returned from Boston and the Head Of The Charles Regatta which is over 30 times the size of ours. We don’t give medals but we do provide a cake to the winners who, I understand, consumed it in its entirety.
Since the Regatta, I have been in touch with the City of Vancouver as they continue to find paths forward for a growing number of saltwater sport participants on False Creek. I don’t know how the recent election will change things but I suspect that with the momentum we have now, further changes are looming.
|
|
EV’s, Heat Pumps And More
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AT HENLEY COURT
Yael Stav, Spruce Village
|
|
|
On a warm October evening, FSCNA's Sustainability/Resilience Working Group met at the entrance to Henley Court after nearly two years of meeting only via Zoom. The group wanted to see three interesting energy efficiency tools now in use at that strata: EV chargers, a hybrid heat pump water heater, and a heat pump space heater/cooler. Other stratas/co-ops may be interested in learning from Henley Court's experience.
|
|
|
|
Yael Stav (Spruce Village) is front and centre here, along with other members of the Neighbourhood Association’s Sustainability/Resilience Working Group. Left: Kayin Fields (Strathearn Court) and Monty Wood (Spruce Village) opposite Tineke Hellwig (Fountain Terrace) and Charlie Richmond (Henley Court).
|
|
|
EV Chargers
Henley Court takes a gradual approach to EV chargers. When a resident needs to install a charger the strata will generally cost-share the installation: the strata pays for the infrastructure of Level 1 chargers (regular 120V outlet) and the resident pays for any improvement above that. In Henley Court there are now a total of four EV chargers installed while twenty more residents would like to install chargers in the future. One of the existing chargers is Level 1 and the rest, with greater charging capacity, are Level 2. Residents using the chargers each pay a flat fee of $25 per month to cover the cost of the additional strata hydro bill.
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater
Henley Court is one of a few buildings in False Creek South with a centralized hot water system. All units receive their hot water from the main boiler room. The life span of the existing gas water heaters is only five to seven years on average, based on Henley Court's usage, which is extremely light. Initially with four gas water heaters (now down to one), the strata recently installed a new hybrid electric heat pump water heater. It uses a fraction of the energy and has a longer life span than gas.
Space Heating/Cooling Heat Pump
The group also saw a heat pump installed on the patio of one of the units and connected to its living room. It replaced a baseboard heater but, with a triple (x3) capacity, is probably strong enough to heat the entire unit. Recently the City of Vancouver began requiring a permit and inspection (cost $225) to install a heat pump with the entire installation typically costing $3000-$4000. The real bonus is that most heat pumps can also cool the same space in the summer.
As some of these initiatives unfold, it will be interesting to follow the decisions of Henley Court, an early-adopter strata making smart decisions while addressing environmental concerns.
|
|
On Lamey’s Mill Road
GUERILLA GARDENING LEGAL HERE
Cynthia Crampton, Alder Bay Co-op
|
|
|
|
|
Photo credit: Jonelle Perron, Alder Bay Co-op
|
|
|
Have you noticed the flowers proliferating on Lamey's Mill Road by the railroad tracks, opposite Dean's Market? They change with the season, always colourful and well attended.
I wondered who the gardener was and finally caught up with him when he was watering.
Dave is the gardener. He lives close by in a co-op and has been working his magic for several years. Yes, he started as a guerilla gardener - gardening away without any official "permission" - but recently the City has given him the okay to carry on.
Dave buys the plants with his own money and, as I discovered, turns down offers to help with the costs. He learns by trial and error what will work in this area. The trees on the railway side often have too much shade to promote growth but other spots are perfect for what he plants. His long hose can cross the street and he’s found ways to protect it from the No. 50 bus going both ways.
Dave is friendly and pleased that people appreciate the blooms – a seasonal delight – but doesn't want any fuss. He first said that another man is doing similar work and I should talk to him. But it was Dave I wanted to talk to.
Thank you, Dave, from your admirers.
|
|
Winter Activities
COMING UP IN LEG-IN-BOOT SQUARE
Beth Dempster, Convivial Café
|
|
|
|
|
Convivial Cafe dressed up for Christmas in 2020
|
|
Winter’s here! Maybe? Soon? Whatever happens, plans are in the works to brighten the Square this winter.
Thursdays (ongoing), 3pm – Afternoon Tea and Social
Everyone is welcome at this FREE informal but fancy tea - served on a white table-cloth, with fine-china tea-cups and sweet and savoury goodies. Enjoy the view, bring your friends, and join others for pleasant conversation - regardless of the weather. (In Vancouver, if you don’t get out when it’s wet, you’ll never get out at all!)
Saturday, December 10, 10-2pm – Write for Rights (Amnesty International)
For the second year, Leg-In-Boot neighbours will host an Amnesty International Write for Rights event. This year’s campaign is focused on protecting the rights of people to protest. Visit the website below or drop by the Convivial Café (later) for information on ten individuals at risk of human rights abuses worldwide. We look forward to seeing you and providing the tools you need for letter writing. https://www.amnesty.ca/writeathon/write-for-rights-cases/
Date TBA – Caroling and Winter Fest
Think of Music in the Square, the Winter Version: Imagine string-lights on the canopies, warm seating, snacks and hot beverages, merry music and sing-alongs for people of all ages. This event combines the False Creek Elementary School's caroling tradition with a music event at Leg-In-Boot Square. Instead of finding a dark and empty space at Leg-In-Boot, they will join with neighbours to celebrate a festive holiday season, including carolers weaving their way, walking and singing, through the neighbourhood.
Sunday, December 25, 5pm – Convivial Christmas Dinner!
Come join your neighbours for turkey dinner with all the fixings - outside! We’ve missed the neighbourly feel of a sit-down dinner at Convivial, so we plan to host the annual event under the umbrellas at Leg-In-Boot. Bundle up for the pay-what-you-can, reservations-appreciated-but-not-required, turkey-with-vegetarian-options dinner, and bask in the warmth of community. If the weather is too miserable, dinner will be served as take-away instead. To inquire or reserve: 604-675-9885 (text/voice) or *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*.
Check the calendar at leginboot.ca for up-to-date information. Those interested in helping can email *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*" target="_blank" style="mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #007C89;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;"> *email is hidden, JavaScript is required* or chat with Beth at the Convivial Café.
|
|
|
(Re: False Creek South: An Influencer?, October 29, 2022) Nancy Hannum (Alder Bay Co-op) writes:
Hey, we made it into Real Estate News 22 most influential. But the real surprise was reading the analysis; someone from the Real Estate News understood us. And better still, they named what is going on in Vancouver, in plain sight!
“Today’s Vancouver is about real estate, not housing…, and so the city has come up with a plan to add tower-form density that will very likely mean rebuilding, and displacing, the globally celebrated community.”
What’s this? Not about housing, but about real estate? No wonder we have people living in tents in parks, on streets. Something is upside down.
The Real Estate News article went on to say about False Creek South :
“…this is a community so tight knit that many have been subsidizing the rents to help their neighbours, out of their own pockets. They’re not about to go down without a fight.”
They got that right! Housing, not Real Estate!
|
|
|
You can run - but can you hide?
If you pass by False Creek Elementary during recess or lunch breaks, you’ll see some (but not all) students wearing highly visible reflective vests. These are the kindergarten kids - still a bit too new to understand basic school rules, like you don’t run off over hill and dale and seawall whenever the spirit moves you. Which is pretty much all the time. Of course, the vests don’t impede the little sprinters but they do give the supervision aide half a chance to spot them on their way.
|
|
|
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/
|
|
|
|
|
|
