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Editorial Committee: Susan Wright, Sharon Yandle
Production Editor: Robyn Chan
Proofreader: Kathryn Woodward
Contributors this Issue: LJ Hawes (Pacific Cove), Sarah Brown (Twin Rainbows Co-op), Evan Kligman MD (Marine Mews), Beth Dempster (Convivial Cafe), Dolores Bzdel (Creekview Co-op)

 
Your story ideas and news items are always welcome at *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*. Find this issue and all previous stories at falsecreeksouth.org/betweenthebridges.

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RECONCILIATION INCLUDES REMEMBERING
In recognition of Truth And Reconciliation Day September 30, Susan Dehnel (666 Leg-In-Boot) sent us this post from the Facebook group Much Ado About Vancouver.
August Jack Khahtsalano and his wife Swanamia (Marian) and a child in a dugout canoe, 1907. Photo: W. Chapman, CVA#1376-203. *Note: the Archives descriptor dates this “ca. 1907,” while “1919” is written on the photo.
The ancient village site of Snauq or Sun'ahk (səna?qw to the Musqueam and Sen’ákw to the Squamish) was made an Indian Reserve at the southern mouth of False Creek by the colonial government in 1869. As Vancouver grew, the land became too desirable for settlers to leave it be and the people living there were pressured to sell to the government and move in 1913.

The transfer of the land, which includes the south side of Burrard Bridge and Vanier Park, was illegal under the provisions of the Indian Act. After decades of fighting to reclaim Snauq in the courts, the Squamish Nation was awarded 10.3 acres at the south end of Burrard Bridge in 2002.
REPLAN REPORT
Over the summer, RePlan representatives met with Provincial Ministers Ravi Kahlon (Housing) and Brenda Bailey (Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, and MLA for Vancouver-False Creek). We expressed the community’s desire to expand affordable housing beginning with nearby vacant public land, and provided an update on leases.

We also outlined the vision for growth through an Intergenerational Hub – anchored by a Campus of Care, providing kindercare to eldercare – to create over 1,000 affordable new homes (co-ops, workforce housing, long-term care, and permanent homes for Margaret Mitchell Place residents).

Minister Bailey offered to brief Health Minister Dix on the Campus of Care, with Minister Kahlon’s assistance, following a subsequent meeting to be held between Minister Kahlon and the Broadway Group CEO, Kathrin McMath.

Highlights from Minister Kahlon include:
  • The Province recognizes that market-rate housing is not meeting the needs of many low- and even middle-income families.
  • The Province sees intergenerational models as promising for social housing and care facilities.
  • The Intergenerational Hub is an example of this.
  • The Minister affirmed that the provincial policy is to not displace existing residents; it is to greatly expand supportive and social housing due to the dire need.
  • RePlan requested confirmation that the Province would not fund replacement housing for the premature demolition of existing affordable housing on public land when there is vacant, public land nearby.
  • The Minister assigned a point person in order to continue the dialogue and the relationship between RePlan and the Ministry, with the next meeting likely to be in-person in False Creek South.
DATE SET FOR NATHAN EDELSON MEMORIAL 



The memorial for Nathan Edelson, RePlan’s Project Manager for many years who passed away suddenly earlier this month, will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 4 pm at the Vancouver Unitarian Church, 49th Avenue and Oak Street. Reception to follow.

In announcing the memorial, Nathan’s son, Mariner, offered  “thanks and love to friends, family and people from all over the world who have sent in such kind memories and photographs”.
 
NEIGHBOUR PROFILE: MARIAM HABIB

Mariam Habib moved into Alder Bay Co-op in 1979 on a rainy, muddy December day where the only signage was freshly painted graffiti chalked on a wall on Fountain Way that read: JIMMY HENDRIX!

“There were no other landmarks or street signage”, she said.
 
Mariam, her husband and their son, Karim, fled East Africa in the ‘70s. Subsequently, her husband returned to his homeland and Mariam, then a new single parent, completed her Social Work studies at UBC.

One of the “originals” in the 1970’s new False Creek South community, Mariam joined with  others in helping to  build - literally - the neighbourhood from the ground up, aiding the work of various levels of government to improve infrastructures, public transportation, street lights and signage as well as the Laurel land bridge.

Something that neighbours still appreciate: Mariam and others petitioned the City for a convenience store in the Wellington building. Dean’s Food Store exists to this day. 

Marian adds that “the original Dean” (by the way, her brother-in-law) “won everyone’s hearts, especially the kids. They all grew up knowing there was a safe welcoming store to hang out in after school.”

Marian’s son attended False Creek Elementary and was in its first graduating class in 1983. One neighbour still residing here remembers Karim as “a really sweet kid”.

Karim in False Creek Elementary
Karim - all grown up - with  Mariam 

Over the decades, Mariam worked in several federal government departments including Veterans Affairs, Health & Welfare, and Employment & Immigration.

She also found time to write a book of African short stories and contributed to many publications and collections, including How I Learned to Speak Dog and other Animal Stories” for the BC SPCA. She related her experience of Vancouver in the 70’s in the Oral Life History portion of Vancouver’s Bicentennial Arrivals and Encounters. 

All the above were possible, says Mariam, “only because I had a secure home where my son could grow up among neighbours who supported each other and provided a safe loving environment.

“Now”, she says, “the original members face a multitude of challenges. Mobility issues, caregiver respite and a host of other needs must be included in future planning. Multigenerational extended families, communal living catering to blended families, eco-friendly design and car sharing are just some of the factors to be considered.

“There are many unsung heroes in our co-op, some no longer with us. To all of them, all my deepest thanks for making my son and me better human beings.”

SLOAN BEAT US TO IT (the nerve!)

The Canadian rock band Sloan released its fifth album in 1999, titled Between the Bridges, about 20 years before we began publishing our own version of the same name. Christopher Waters wrote in Exclaim that the album “hangs together as a total experience.” 

Will the same be said of our efforts? (Umm..no reply necessary….)
RABBIT KILLING ON GRANVILLE ISLAND
LJ Hawes, Pacific Cove

Sayonara, bunnies.  

In its wisdom (or lack thereof) Granville Island Administration has contracted the evocatively named Terminix and Rentokil to remove rabbits from Granville Island. Pest control company Orkin’s website puts the cost of removing a single rabbit at between $189 and $565. (Provincial legislation prohibits relocation). Thus, any bunny having survived hurling itself against the cage bars will be killed.  “Squirm, shriek and jump no more,” promises Terminix’s website.

Why? One GI employee told me the rabbits are “destroying the landscaping.” A bewildered friend enquired, “What landscaping?”  Apart from grassy areas and a few scrubby plants along the hotel boardwalk, Granville Island is mostly concrete.  

Another employee explained that the rabbits were attracting coyotes. Coyotes have been in False Creek South for over twenty years. True, more are now moving into our area – not because of the rabbits but because of habitat destruction caused by the massive new development immediately west of the Burrard Bridge. The coyotes will keep the rabbit population under control.  Take away the rabbits, and coyotes will turn to other small furries, including our pets, in the False Creek South area.

A Granville Island Hotel receptionist was horrified to learn of the trapping.  “Our guests love the rabbits,” s/he said.  Other camera-laden visitors to GI are similarly enchanted.

Rabbits are indeed an invasive species and perhaps their population should be controlled, but by killing? Why not repellents (charcoal, owl decoys) or a spay/neuter program?  If Rabbitats or other animal agencies cannot arrange adoption, the animals could be returned to live out their innocent furry lives. Visitors happy, hotel guests happy, coyotes happy and False Creek pets reprieved.   

Probably a pipe dream. Probably the final outcome will be for Granville Island Administration to kill the rabbits, then kill the coyotes.

Anyone with concerns should contact *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*, or call Mariam Hayak at 604-666-6655. 

The Climate Crisis Here
HOW MUCH EMBODIED CARBON IS IN OUR BUILDINGS?
Sarah Brown, Twin Rainbows Co-op
After a summer of unprecedented wildfires, temperature records, and natural disasters across the globe, the urgency of addressing climate change grows increasingly clear. The devastating social, environmental, and economic impacts of carbon emissions are now on full display all around us. It is vital that carbon emissions be calculated and taken into consideration in future community planning, including here in False Creek South.
 
Thanks to a generous grant from Vancity’s EnviroFund (generated by the enviroVisa credit card), a project led by Yael Stav (Spruce Village), chair of the False Creek South Neighbourhood Association’s  Sustainability/Resilience Working Group, will soon be underway to calculate the embodied carbon in False Creek South’s residential buildings. 

(“Embodied carbon” refers to the sum of greenhouse gas emissions released during the life-cycle stages of a building, including raw material extraction, transportation, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, renovation, and end-of-life demolition).
This project will also investigate the carbon impacts of maintaining and retrofitting co-op housing in False Creek South for the full lifespan of the buildings. We seek to better understand the carbon value of preserving existing viable housing for the lifespan of the buildings in comparison to the environmental costs of constructing new buildings in False Creek South.
 
We look forward to sharing the project’s findings within and beyond the community to understand the full picture of what is at stake in how we envision False Creek South’s future.
READERS RESPOND
About our September 9 issue, Val Embree (False Creek Co-op) writes: 

Wow BTB - you hit this out of the park. Amazing issue. Wonderful community.

And from Nancy Hannum (Alder Bay Co-op):

Thank you for the way you reported on Nathan. It keeps sinking in! But BTB was a wonderful picture of everything else going on around here – also an important reminder.
ElderShare
INACTIVITY LEADS TO ILL HEALTH - INCLUDING DEMENTIA
Evan Kligman MD, Marine Mews 
As we enter our 70s and 80s, we need to pay attention to the four top causes of death or disability over age 65:
  • Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes)
  • Cancer
  • Neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disease (such as dementia)
  • Diabetes, and other endocrine disorders
Physical activity can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes. Exercising regularly to maintain normal weight and reduce obesity can also reduce the risk of diabetes.

Until a recent study that followed 50,000 UK participants, there had been no clear evidence that an active lifestyle might reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive problems, and that a sedentary lifestyle might increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. 

But this University of Southern California study, where the UK participants wore a wrist accelerometer for seven years, showed that among people 60 years and older who were sedentary (e.g., watching TV with no physical activity), 10 hours per day of sedentary behavior increased the risk of developing dementia. This risk markedly increased when it reached 12 and 15 hours per day. There was no dementia risk for those sedentary for less than 10 hours per day.
Multiple studies have shown sedentary behavior to increase all-cause mortality and heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and depression, and are now examining the potential of multimodal interventions (such as physical, cognitive and social activity, diet and health status) to determine if risk can be reduced to potentially reverse the most serious causes of morbidity and mortality in our 70s and 80s and beyond.

Locally, we have excellent opportunities at minimal or no cost to provide options to a sedentary lifestyle. And you just might prevent – or at least postpone – the top four health problems that can cause significant morbidity and early death. I recommend asking your family physician for an exercise prescription, especially if you have health problems. Here are some options:
  • Walk for brain health along our False Creek seawall, increasing speed and duration as tolerated;
  • Participate in False Creek Community Centre activities: Osteofit for Life, Zumba Gold, Choose to Move, ActivAge
  • Check out the University of British Columbia Brain Wellness Programs for people having memory problems or a history of strokes. I recommend these classes: Lower Intensity Interval Training and/or Strength and Balance.
In upcoming ElderShare articles, I will share with you other ways to stay healthy, and perhaps live longer and happier!
HEADING INTO FALL AT LEG-IN-BOOT SQUARE
Beth Dempster, Convivial Café
Our summer of music is not quite over in the Square. Many thanks to our very own Jon Dron who showed up with mustard-yellow shoes and matching bow tie to entertain the small crowd that came out in the rain on September 23. Then, after diverging from the regular music schedule for Truth and Reconciliation Day (September 30), there will be two more Saturday concerts. 

October 7: Rising River - Three musicians playing a mix of covers and originals from R&B and indie folk to Latin roots. "Music that floats and plays with the current." 
October 14: The DuoTwangs - Two musicians with guitar, mandolin, harmonica and vocals, playing roots, folk and blues.
These intrepid musicians are committed to playing unless they get washed away by torrential rain or rising tides, so come out and enjoy the music!  

More plans afoot: Have you ever thought of decorating your bicycle (kids or adults)? Check for details on a two-plaza event ending and starting at Leg-In-Boot on October 7 and 21, respectively. And WinterFest was such a success last year that a repeat is likely. Watch for forthcoming announcements on these and other happenings.
Renata (pony-tail) and Rose, en route from their second day at kindergarten and super excited about the new bright red chairs in the middle of the Square. 
Did you notice four new red chairs at Leg in Boot? Whether they are Adirondack chairs or Muskoka chairs, they are great for catching the last rays of sunshine or for sitting with a friend. Our message to the City: Thanks again for adding a bit of colour as the days get increasingly shorter and gray and helping to make the Square a vibrant public space. 

And a heartfelt message to our many volunteers: Thank you SO MUCH for your hard work in making the summer programs a success and continuing to keep the plaza a clean and welcoming place.
Butterflyway Project Report
NEW HABITATS - AND GARDENING TIPS
Dolores Bzdel, Creekview Co-op

I’m thrilled to announce that we have registered four habitats with the David Suzuki Foundation. That’s a great start! They will be added to the Butterflyway map. It shows habitats across Canada. Twelve gardens constitute a Butterflyway; False Creek South has been amazing in the first year!

The focus now is seed collection and preparing for overwintering the gardens. Do not clean the beds too much. Leaves on the ground, logs, debris, plant stems, are all valuable nesting materials for bees, insects and other pollinators. Messy is good!

It doesn’t appear that we will get our two gardens with the Park Board started this fall; we are still waiting for approval for our chosen spots.

We are working on some simple planting guides for residents for next spring. They will have bloom times so it will be easier to have your gardens blooming all season for the much-needed pollinator food.

We’re also going to be working on holding some educational workshops over fall and winter for residents of the neighborhood on establishing habitats, native plant choices, supporting pollinator habitats, pollinators, bat habitats, etc.

If you would like to be involved, please contact *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*. Follow us on Facebook – Pollinator Butterflyway-False Creek South.

PHOTO FINISH
While it’s good to see repairs finally beginning on the buckled seawall pavement west of the Granville Island entrance at Anderson, an early roadwork sign may not inspire a lot of confidence. 
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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