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Editorial Committee: Susan Wright, Sharon Yandle
Contributing Editor: Karen Hausch
Production Editor: Robyn Chan
Proofreader: Kathryn Woodward
Contributors this Issue: Susan Dehnel (666 Leg-In-Boot Square), David McCann (Creekhouse, Granville Island), Kate McBride (Market Hill), Nancy Hannum (Alder Bay Co-op), Yael Stav (Spruce Village), Evan Kligman, MD (Marine Mews)
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The Plaza in Leg-In-Boot Square
DECEMBER BRINGS EXCITING EVENTS
Susan Dehnel, 666 Leg-In-Boot Square
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The Peace Tree – Come and hang a decoration for “peace on earth”. Decorating begins on Sunday December 10th at the Write for Rights event. (For more information on Write for Rights see the article in this issue)
WinterFest – Wednesday December 13th – come to the Square for Festive Fun! We’ll start with carolling and Peace Tree decorating at 5:30pm followed by seasonal entertainment and treats from Convivial Café. The False Creek Elementary Carollers will make a brief appearance as they wend their way through the neighbourhood, warming up afterward with a few more treats and drinks for the kids (and their grown-ups) at the False Creek Co-op’s common room in Sitka Square.
Lantern Festival – Thursday December 21st – 6pm. This is the 30th Anniversary of the Lantern Festival: Celebrate the darkest night and return of the light by joining in the procession from Leg-In-Boot Square, one of the three processions that converge in the Water Park at Granville Island. Pre-festival lantern workshops take place from Dec.9-21 at False Creek Community Centre. For more information check out: https://www.secretlantern.org/granville-island
All events are in the early planning stages so please watch for announcements on www.leginboot.ca and at Convivial Café for more information as things develop.
Susan Dehnel is the FCSNA’s Chair of the Community Engagement Committee
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The Province has proposed legislation to fast-track density near transit hubs. If passed, residential buildings with minimum heights of up to 20 storeys will be permitted within 200 metres of a station.
This announcement came two weeks after Vancouver City Council released its Strategic Priorities for housing through 2026, which include “advancing towards optimizing the number of housing units on City land in False Creek South.”
The combination of these initiatives means that growth is likely to arrive at the Olympic Village SkyTrain Station area. At RePlan, we’re in touch with the City’s Planning department and, through the False Creek South Neighbourhood Association, have reaffirmed to Council that the community is ready to be involved (see letter in November 9th issue of Between The Bridges).
Additionally, City Council voted in November to expand the mandate of the new Vancouver Housing Development Office to include enabling middle-income housing on City-owned land. Another motion of interest was also approved last month to explore opportunities to increase family-oriented density near schools.
RePlan will be holding drop-in office hours in December and January – but we’re still working on the times and dates. We encourage residents to stop by 711 Millyard! |
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STUDENTS COLOURING WITH LEGO
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Students at False Creek Elementary are literally going up the wall with a new creative project.
Lego walls have become popular at many schools and even business locations. With the support of teacher librarian Jorden Corvet, False Creek students are now combining technical and design skills with creative thinking to produce their own visions of what Lego art can be.
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Jorden became a fan of Lego walls after building one at his last school. There, both teachers and parents were impressed by how excited students became with the project.
At False Creek Elementary, Lego bases are now attached to several feet of library wall. Students can work on the wall as a member of the new Lego club or when visiting the library. One of their first completed projects was a False Creek sign.
Jorden has plans to post pictures of famous buildings from around the world and challenge student to recreate them in Lego. He expects students will soon be building mazes, as well as their own vertical worlds and art projects.
More Lego supplies will allow for new creative opportunities. Jorden says all Lego donations will be accepted, but bricks are especially useful. Donations can be delivered to him in the school library or to Maika in the school office. Financial contributions are also welcomed. To contribute, go to https://vsb.schoolcashonline.com/ to receive a tax receipt, or write a cheque to False Creek Elementary.
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SUPPORT STUDENT GIFT GIVING
False Creek Elementary is accepting donations of small gifts for its annual holiday bazaar. During the bazaar, students buy the donated items to give to family and friends on their gift lists. Bazaar prices are set to enable students to be gift givers as well as receivers.
Donations can be dropped at the school from December 4 to December 12. Look for the collection boxes outside the gym doors at the top of the stairs. Please do not donate clothing or stuffed toys.
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ACCOLADES FOR THE “AWESOMEST POEM”
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ED NOTE: Between The Bridges is always happy to report on the accomplishments of False Creek South residents. Here the literary magazine Arc Poetry praises a work by Daniela Elza (False Creek Co-op).
“For September's Award of Awesomeness, Susan Gillis asked for poems that engaged with ‘Haze’... and the awesomest poem we received was "Vancouver, 2023" by Daniela Elza,
“Susan had this to say about Daniela's poem: ‘I love how “Vancouver, 2023’ speaks to its namesake in the city’s own forms, crowding and blocking and isolating its ferocious language on the page. The glamorous natural setting is shoved into one short phrase; even the title, referencing a point in time, suggests the haze of alienation is trending toward obliteration. Wow!”
You can read the poem here: https://buff.ly/3Q6xPyx |
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Granville Island Campaign
CAN $1,000,000 MILLION BE RAISED FOR KIDS?
David McCann, Creekhouse, Granville Island
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Over 50 years ago, a group of young entrepreneurs wandered by Granville Island and were greeted by the sight of a derelict and essentially abandoned industrial wasteland. Fortunately for Vancouver, they were able to see beyond the grit and grime and envision something totally different! We owe them a huge "THANK YOU!" for their vision, hard work, and their willingness to partner with other entrepreneurs and the Canadian Government to create the Granville Island we have all come to love and cherish.
I am celebrating my 30th Anniversary here on Granville Island, and rather than either of us having a huge party, we are going to practice a very special random act of kindness. We are partnering with the Vancouver School Board, A Loving Spoonful Meals Society, the Vancouver Sun's Adopt A School Program, and a number of other organizations and groups to raise at least $1,000,000 to help feed hungry school kids.
We are calling our campaign GRANVILLE ISLAND CARES FOR KIDS.
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Even the rain won’t dampen the fundraiser Granville Island Cares For Kids
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My company WIIFM Management Ltd. (Why Investing In Families Matters) and I have also pledged to match the first $250,000 raised in this campaign.
Our campaign was launched at a successful fundraising dinner at the Teahouse Restaurant in Stanley Park on November 22. I am delighted that we have raised over $60,000 to date, which is enough to purchase almost 10,000 nutritious meals to help feed hungry kids. We are planning a number of other events, including a fundraiser with the Vancouver Men's Chorus during their upcoming holiday concerts at the Vancouver Playhouse December 8, 9, & 10.
Over the next two years we are looking forward to partnering with other Granville Island businesses and with CMHC who manage the island in this campaign. Hopefully, we will exceed our fundraising goals. It would be a wonderful way to thank everyone who has contributed to making Granville Island such a fantastic people's place.
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WRITE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Kate McBride, Market Hill
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This year International Human Rights Day takes place on Sunday, December 10. For the third year, Amnesty's Write for Rights event in False Creek South will be held in Leg-In-Boot Square from 10 am to 2 pm.
Leading up to that day, everyone is welcome to become familiar with the human rights cases that are the focus of the 2023 letter writing campaign; an information binder is available at the Convivial Café. We’re very happy to receive letters early. You’ll find supplies provided like paper, envelopes and pens at the café and we are gathering both stamps and funds for stamps. A container to deposit completed letters is in the café.
New this year, we are offering to help with letter-writing on Saturday, December 9 from 10 am to 2 pm We will also be, available for letters dictated to us and typed on an old-fashioned typewriter. Everyone is welcome to come and ask questions – and have your letter typed up, if desired.
We look forward to seeing you on event day - and before.
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About those view cones (Between The Bridges, October 21 and November 9) Joe Haag, Alder Bay Co-op, writes
I’m an artist/resident of Alder Bay Co-op, maintain a studio in the Mount Pleasant area, and belong to the Mount Pleasant Heritage Society.
My long-term interest in ‘sight lines’ (my term, more recently ‘View cones’) stems back to 2005 or earlier. I’ve been photo documenting the downtown area high rise constructions as they come closer and higher, and the looming obstruction of the “Main Street/ Kingsway” sight line of the ‘Sisters’ from that intersection. The obstruction happened finally about eight years or so when a residential building was built on the lot between 6th & 7th on Main Street, thus removing the ’Sisters’ historic sight line at the (also) historic intersection of Main Street and Kingsway.
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Aging In Uncertainty
FACING RETIREMENT - AND HOMELESSNESS?
Nancy Hannum, Alder Bay Co-op
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A new comprehensive British Columbia report, Aging in Uncertainty: The Growing Housing Crisis for BC Seniors poses a harsh reality:
“Imagine a life spent working hard, only to find yourself retiring in your 60’s or 70’s, facing the prospect of homelessness.”
This 66-page report by United Way British Columbia and a coalition of BC Non-Profit community-based seniors’ organizations spotlights the critical issue of seniors struggling to secure affordable housing in the face of soaring living costs, stagnant government retirement incomes, and an affordable housing shortage.
Some key findings include:
- 15.2% of BC seniors are low income, nearly double that of any other age group.
- One in four seniors has an income below $21,800.
- 18% of senior-led rental households spend 50% or more of their income on housing and are at risk of homelessness.
The Report delves into the distinct housing contexts, challenges, and needs emerging later in life as well as potential solutions for meeting the needs of precariously-housed seniors and identifies goals and recommendations,
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Photo: Pedro Ribeiro Simões/CC BY 2.0
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The first three goals address the need for more low-income rental housing stock for all age groups The last three focus on the senior population.
GOALS (Detailed recommendations are included under each goal.)
Goal 1: Increase access to subsidized rent-geared-to-income housing for low income of all ages where tenants pay no more than 30% of income for housing.
- Recommendations include increase in Federal and Provincial investments in non-profit housing and local governments’ best practices to support non-profit developers building low-income housing.
- All levels of government work together to access publicly owned land that can be provided for free or low cost to non-profit developers and reduce the cost of new housing by 15 – 25%
Goal 2: Retain the existing stock of low-income rental housing for all age groups.
Goal 3: Develop multisectoral community tables, coalitions, or alliances to identify common housing issues and develop community driven solutions.
Goal 4: Increase financial assistance for low and moderate-income seniors in private market rental housing through changes to the SAFER program.
Goal 5: Increase access to housing with social and health supports to ensure low-income seniors can maintain their housing tenancy and improve their health and well-being.
Goal 6: Ensure adequate funding for the shelter system and for traditional low-income rental housing that is accessible, safe, and appropriate for homeless or precariously-housed seniors.
To see the full report: https://uwbc.ca/program/healthy-aging/#research-&-reports
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Strata Leaseholders
PAY NOW OR PAY LATER, OR…?
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Strata leaseholders on City land in False Creek South have a decision to make, and soon.
While many may not yet fully understand significant provisions within the City’s offer to extend the existing lease end date, a deadline to act on lease pre-payment is looming.
Unlike a co-op, where a lease includes every member, strata leases are between the City and each leaseholder. The present offer would extend each lease by 20 years and is open for acceptance only until March, 2028. Anyone signing on must pre-pay well before the end dates of the existing leases; these range from 2036 to 2050.
The first payment period from March 2023 to the end of February 2024 has seen little uptake to date as there was nothing at all to be gained by paying before March 2024, when the lease cost is to increase by +-5% each year for four years.
Some leaseholders, including those still undecided about the deal itself, are feeling pressured by those escalating lease costs over time. Is it better to pay now and avoid that +/-5% per year increase? Or not?
The answer is - it depends.
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If you have $150,000+ or +++ under your mattress or stuffed in old socks at the back of the closet and if you like the offer, you might want to pay now. Why not? All that depreciating cash is accumulating nothing but lint.
More likely, if you have and can convert existing savings or investments or property or whatever and effectively pay cash on the barrelhead – should you? There the question becomes one of “opportunity costs”. If you don’t give your money to the City now, is it working for you (increasing in value) enough to warrent delaying lease pre-payment until up to the end of February, 2028?
Much more likely, you don’t have that kind of money collecting either lint or interest. Pre-paying the lease at any stage is going to mean a mortgage that will certainly cost more than +/-5% per year. Unless, unless…the interests rates go down. Or up. Or sideways. You don’t know what interest rates are going to do – and nobody else does either.
Then there are you and your own personal circumstances, responsibilities, plans and wishes. Only you know what they are. You might decide just to ride out your existing lease and see what happens. But the bottom line, as any knowledgeable person will tell you, is to talk with a reputable, professional financial advisor.
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Do us all a favour:
MAKE THIS THE YEAR OF ZERO WASTE GIFTS
Yael Stav, Spruce Village
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Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, the holiday season is upon us and with it the tradition of holiday gifts. However, according to Zero Waste Canada, only 1% of everything the average person buys is still in use after six months.
Should we Reduce, Reuse or Recycle? Apparently, the 3 Rs were not made equal: Reducing consumption and avoiding products with unnecessary packaging is by far the superior way to zero waste.
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Here are some ideas for near-zero-waste holiday gifts:
1. Buy less. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste. Opting for quality over quantity and/or gifting second-hand items or handmade crafts can make a significant impact.
2. Talk it Out. Avoid the unwanted gift cycle by initiating conversations with loved ones about their desires or needs. Understanding their preferences helps in selecting meaningful presents.
3. Thoughtful Alternatives. Consider giving consumable gifts like gourmet edibles (cookie mix, chocolate, tea) or items like candles, body lotions, or bath bombs. These items bring joy without creating more waste.
4. Experiential Gifts. Experiences create lasting memories. Think about gifting tickets to a show, arranging a picnic or hike, or booking a workshop or class. These gifts not only reduce waste but also create cherished moments.
5. Gift Cards. Did you know you can get a gift card for local businesses such as the Granville Island Tea Company, The Stock Company, Dockside Restaurant, Zara’s Italian Deli and the Granville Island Toy Company?
6. Eliminate Packaging. Choose products without standard plastic packaging. Gift consumables in reusable containers, and use minimalist reusable materials or compostables such as cloth ribbons and tree leaves, to wrap gifts
Other areas to think of include reducing food waste and waste related to decorations, gift wrapping, and Christmas trees.
More ideas can be found here:
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste
https://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/story/61582/how-to-reduce-holiday-waste-50-eco-friendly-tips/
Yael Stav is Chair of the FCSNA’s Sustainability/Resilience Committee
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At the Community Centre
SIGN UP FOR A HEALTHY NEW YEAR
Evan Kligman, MD, Marine Mews
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One of the benefits of living in this community is the opportunity to engage in programs to improve our mental and physical health through our False Creek Community Centre (FCCC). Along with classes like Choose To Move are workshops for improving your memory (and your Bridge games). Other educational workshops are sure to build your skills from emergency preparedness to tax planning.
Winter 2024 registration for FCCC programs begins on Saturday, December 16 at 9:00 am online/in-person, and 10:00 am over the phone.
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Seniors Program highlights:
- Choose to Move -Thursday Jan 11-Mar 14, 1:30-2:30 pm(FREE)
- ActivAge - Thursday Jan 25-Mar 28, 2:45pm-3:45pm (FREE)
- Bridge Practice - Monday Jan 8-Mar 11, 12:15pm-3pm ($1/drop-in)
- Seniors Social - Thursday Jan 25 and Thursday Feb 22, 12-1:30pm ($2/person
- Seniors Spring Luncheon - Thursday Mar 14 from 12-1:30pm ($5/person)
- Book Lovers Reading Circle - Thursday Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 15, 2:30-3:30 pm (FREE)
Free Educational Workshops:
- Emergency Preparedness - Thursday Jan 25, 10am-11:30am
- Memory & Aging - Thursday Feb 22, 10am-11:30am
- Advance Care Planning - Thursday Mar 14, 10am-11:30am
- Tax Planning for Assisted Living & Long-Term Care Options - Feb 28, 10am-11:30am (FREE)
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Neighbourhood Small Grants:
PROMOTING FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOODS
Susan Dehnel, 666 Leg-In-Boot Square
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Have you got an interesting hobby, talent, or vision that you would like to share with the neighbourhood?
The Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program helps residents of any age, experience, or background take part in building community. It offers small grants from $50 to $500 to help you bring your community project to life and join a network of thousands of project leaders who have taken steps to better their neighbourhoods.
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Thanks to this program, False Creek South has seen such diverse workshops as “Intimacy and Poetry of Place”, the “Afternoon Tea”, last year’s “WinterFest” and this summer’s “Garden(ing) Party” put on by neighbours just like you. In other neighbourhoods, people have shared their skills with arts or crafts, different types of cuisine, and various recycling projects, to name just a few, bringing neighbours together to meet and greet in activities that enriched their lives and the community. Projects can be virtual or in person, in your home or in a public space. The application process is friendly and accessible, and anyone can do it.
Neighbourhood Small Grants believes that “the best people to effect change in a community are the ones who live within it, and when we can make money less of an issue, it allows so many unique ideas to shine...magic happens when neighbours connect… It forms friendships, makes our communities safer and more vibrant.”
To find out more about the different ideas brought to life through an NSG, check out:
https://neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/stories/
There are four different types of grants that can be applied for. To find out more see:
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Sylvia Smallman (Alder Bay Co-op) sent us the photos shown here of “this beautiful and friendly cat” that is apparently lost. Neighbours are kindly fostering. If you know where he’s supposed to be, please connect with us at *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*.
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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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