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Co-Editors: Susan Wright, Sharon Yandle
Contributing Editor: Karen Hausch
Production Editor: Robyn Chan
Contributors this Issue: Yael Stav (FCSNA Sustainability and Resilience Committee; Spruce Village), Matt Brown (False Creek Friends), Robyn Chan (RePlan Project Manager), Megan Reed (Creekview Co-op), Jordan Covert (False Creek Elementary Librarian)
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| Repair Cafe Tomorrow:
DON’T TOSS IT: FIX IT!
Yael Stav, FCSNA Sustainability and Resilience Committee |
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Repair Cafés are community events where people bring broken items like clothing, electronics, bikes and small appliances, and volunteers help fix them at no cost to the individual. The goal is to reduce waste, share skills, and promote a culture of repair over disposal. They’re also great places to connect with others, learn new things, and build a more sustainable, circular economy. |
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This month’s Repair Café is happening at Killarney Community Centre. Bring your small appliances, clothing, bikes, and more—we’ll do our best to fix them and keep them out of the landfill. You can register in advance or simply drop by. Walk-ins are welcome, with services offered on a first-come, first-served basis. When: Saturday, May 17th, 9:30 am-1:30 pm Where: Killarney Community Centre, 6260 Killarney Street, Vancouver Learn more and reserve your spot here. |
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The watery part of the Creek
NEW PODCAST SERIES A CALL TO ACTION
Matt Brown, False Creek Friends |
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Join False Creek Friends Society in celebrating World Ocean Day on Saturday, June 8th, with a live taping of their new podcast, Waterbodies. This new video podcast glides, dives, and paddles through the Creek to better understand, explain, and bring awareness to Vancouver's unique and remarkable urban watershed. The show's focus is aligned with False Creek Friends Society's mission of False Creek 2030, an initiative in conjunction with the United Nations Sustainable Goals of protecting 30% of land and seas by 2030.
Waterbodies is storytelling at its finest, helping us learn as a community about the indigenous history of False Creek, the ongoing need for more collaborative stewardship with our local First Nations, and about life beneath the surface. False Creek is alive!
This multi-part series will hear from experts in marine biology, Indigenous Protected Conservation Areas, politicians, health professionals, scientists, and community advocates, working towards a collective goal of designating False Creek as a National Urban Marine Park. |
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This idea is part of an ongoing community engagement process, where False Creek becomes a living lab for residents and visitors alike: a place to gather for all, to explore, learn, and engage with the False Creek ecosystem, and ultimately be part of transformational change in caring for our urban waters.
But Waterbodies is more than a podcast. It’s a call to action to get involved, to use the water, and support the plethora of community groups, members, and passionate advocates toward a collaborative approach to creating sound governance and policy that benefits all of us above the water, and all the life we rely on beneath the water.
Join us in helping shape the narrative around a watershed in your backyard. A waterbody for all. A space to convene. A place to heal and grow, as a community. False Creek is alive, and needs us all to thrive. |
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REPLAN UPDATE
Robyn Chan, RePlan Project Manager |
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Meeting with City Staff
RePlan staff and Nancy Hannum, Chair of the Co-ops' Authorized Working Group, met with City staff recently, including Deputy City Manager Armin Amrolia. The goal of the meeting was to better understand the City’s approach to lease extensions and redevelopment for co-ops. City staff said that the infrastructure and engineering studies that are part of the new landowner’s plan, as well as senior government funding, must be finished before any new construction or redevelopment timelines are set. At that point, they will have a better idea of the possibility and length of lease extensions for the co-ops. They reiterated their, and Council’s, commitment to co-ops as an integral part of False Creek South.
Meetings with Stratas
RePlan has been meeting with strata councils - most recently Heather Point - to share updates about RePlan's work, the Strata Residents Subcommittee, and to hear how RePlan can continue to support strata owners in the community. Any strata councils or residents that are interested in meeting with RePlan are welcome to reach out to Robyn at *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*.
New Co-op Member Engagement
RePlan will be holding a series of Listen and Learn Dialogues for new co-op members in the next few weeks. The goal of the Dialogue sessions are to both hear from new co-op members and for RePlan members to share their experience aspiring to achieve lease renewal and long-term land tenure for co-op residents in False Creek South.
If you moved into a co-op in False Creek South since 2020 and would like to attend a Dialogue session, please reach out to *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*. |
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Madelein Service writes:
I read the article about Bald Eagles and whether owners should be concerned about their small dogs. The answer is yes they should take extra care. I attended this talk by Dr. Judith Knapp and Wolfgang Pauli who told a story about a woman who was walking their small dog next to Bald Eagles in Squamish that sadly took the dog. If I recall correctly, the dog was on a leash and Dr. Judith Knapp had suggested they carry the dog past the nest. I'd recommend reaching out to them for more guidance on this, as they are extremely knowledgeable about eagles.
Thanks for the incredible newsletter, as per usual! |
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| COMING SOON: CIRCLES IN THE SQUARE |
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Circles in the Square will be a gathering place in Leg-In-Boot Square where friends and neighbours are welcome to enjoy processes for contemplation and creativity in community.
You are invited to participate in these circles focused on movement and stillness, learning and teaching, conversation and art.
Between the Bridges Co-Editor Susan Wright, a Master's student at the Vancouver School of Theology where she is learning public and pastoral leadership, will host Circles in the Square along with a group of colleagues. Community groups that need a place to gather are also welcome. Those expressing interest to date include an environmental group, a seniors’ network, an art-for-everyone workshop, and movie and discussion evenings (with popcorn).
Watch for Open House events in June and scheduled programs beginning this summer. |
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| WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND HERE? |
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May 17: Repair Café. Bring what needs fixing. Register, or just show up. See DON’T TOSS IT: FIX IT! Elsewhere in this issue. * May 21: Yael Stav leads a gardening workshop at the Community Centre. See AN INVITATION TO DISCOVER VERTICAL GARDENING in this issue. * May 22: Co-ops and stratas and especially Creekview: Learn how to have fresh local produce delivered to your door. See ZERO WASTE INCLUDES FARM TO PLATE in this issue. * May 25: Nathan’s Book Club. Selected chapters from Planning On The Edge by Penny Gurstein and Tom Hutton, 2-4 pm, False Creek Co-op meeting room at Sitka Square. You can borrow the book or pick up photocopied chapters from Sarah Brown, *email is hidden, JavaScript is required*. * May 26 - June 1: The annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival will be all over Granville Island soon. For information, tickets, and more, go to childrensfestival.ca. * June 8: Hold the date for World Ocean Day; see NEW PODCAST SERIES A CALL TO ACTION elsewhere in this issue. |
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For co-ops, stratas, rentals
ZERO WASTE INCLUDES FARM TO PLATE
Megan Reed, Creekview Co-op |
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A group of Creekview Coop members has taken a significant step towards sustainability by joining the Zero Waste Club in the False Creek area. This collaboration marks the beginning of several exciting initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting local produce.
One of our first initiatives is a Farm to Plate Community Hub. In partnership with Farm To Plate, a local non-profit organization, we are offering our members a unique grocery buying experience where products are delivered directly to our Co-op. This innovative approach supports local vendors, with offerings changing according to the seasons to ensure fresh and varied produce. |
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An outstanding feature is Farm To Plate’s commitment to rescuing food that is near its expiry date but still perfectly edible. Rather than letting this food go to waste, Farm To Plate provides it to customers free of charge, making it a win-win situation for both the environment and our members.
Our first delivery took place last week, and it was a resounding success. The quality of the food exceeded expectations, reinforcing our confidence in this initiative. We are enthusiastic about expanding this program to include more co-ops and stratas in the neighbourhood, fostering a community dedicated to waste reduction and support of local agriculture.
Together, we are making strides towards a more sustainable future, one meal at a time.
An information meeting is scheduled for May 22 at 6 pm with Anthony Csikos, the founder of the Farm to Plate Marketplace, at Creekview Coop in the common room, and via Zoom. Information will be provided to your FCS Neighbourhood Association representative. For further details on the program, please visit the website farmtoplatemarketplace.com. |
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At False Creek Elementary
LEARNING THE SALMON LIFE CYCLE
Jordan Covert, False Creek Elementary Librarian |
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Salmon, salmon, salmon! In early January, we received 55 Chum salmon eggs to raise in the False Creek library. This is our second year taking part in the salmonoid program, and Division 8, Ms. Lee’s class, has been the steward this year. |
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The students have helped to calculate the timing of the eggs hatching and when the alevin grow into fry. They have also monitored the tank temperature and tested the water for any ammonia, which is harmful to the fish. They have also learned about the salmon's life cycle, its importance as a keystone species to the Pacific Northwest, and about ways we can protect the fish and their habitats from barriers they face.
In a few weeks, Division 8 will take the fry to Spanish Banks Creek to be released and – fingers crossed – some will make it to the ocean. And who knows, maybe in a few years some will even make it back to the creek to spawn! |
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| SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW FALSE CREEK SOUTH? |
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When Susan Webber, as co-chair of a newly-formed strata committee, became its “official” delegate to RePlan, she encountered her first perplexing task: Is there a trick to deciphering all these initials that apparently fuel False Creek South discourse? Here’s a list (to date):
AHO
AWG
BTB
CHF BC
CHT
CLT
CPG
FCCA
FCCC
FCCHA
FCE
FCS
FCSNA
REFM
RGI
RILS
SRG
Kudos to those of you who can decipher them all. On the other hand, if you do know them all, maybe you need to get out more. |
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Grow up!
AN INVITATION TO DISCOVER VERTICAL GARDENING
Yael Stav, Spruce Village |
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In our False Creek South neighbourhood, where space is limited but community spirit runs deep, I believe we have a unique opportunity to rethink how we grow our food.
Vertical gardening has been my passion and focus for over a decade – in fact, I’m the only person I know of with a PhD in the field. I see vertical gardens not just as a clever use of space, but as a way to reconnect urban dwellers with the joy of gardening, even if all you have is a balcony or a sunny wall. |
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On May 21st, 6:30pm, I’ll be leading a workshop at the False Creek Community Centre, as part of Village Vancouver's Westside Food Festival, to share what I’ve learned about vertical gardening systems, smart design choices, and the small tweaks that make a big difference. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is a chance to explore what’s possible when we stop thinking of gardens as horizontal plots — and start thinking vertically. The Westside Food Festival includes a couple more workshops at the False Creek Community Centre: Homemade Kombucha Brewing, and Gardening in a Changing Climate, which I can highly recommend. See registration links for all workshops below. Registration is required — hope to see you there! Introduction to Vertical Gardening - May 21, 6:30 pm Homemade Kombucha Brewing - May 27, 6:30 pm Gardening in a Changing Climate - June 11, 6:30 pm |
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Strata stories
THE SEAWALL RESTAURANT THAT NEVER WAS |
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On the seawall directly south of Spruce Harbour Marina, a narrow strip of grass divides a relatively new bike path and pedestrian walkway. Before that, and for many years, it had been a larger grassy area. But even before that, it was to be a restaurant or bistro at this midway point between Leg-In-Boot Square and Granville Island. |
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The intended seawall restaurant never materialized, largely due to the efforts of some owners of the adjacent Marine Mews strata that directly faced the planned commercial zone.
The issue for the City was simple. Like the rest of False Creek South at the time –and most of it still – leasing the public land in question was a source of revenue for the City. After much petitioning and media coverage, the City and the strata reached an agreement wherein the City leased the land directly to the strata, with the lease cost borne by those owners whose units directly faced the seawall. A caveat gave the City the right to use all or part of that green space for transportation purposes, eventually resulting in the present pedestrian and bike paths, but no restaurant.
This might seem like a Win-Win but not to neighbours in nearby enclaves who had been looking forward to having a restaurant close by, proving, if proof were needed, that you can’t please all of the people all of the time. |
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Between The Bridges co-editor Sharon Yandle and her daughter Jessica were two among many who enjoyed a Mother’s Day tri-shaw trip along the seawall and beyond, courtesy of Cycling Without Age volunteers. Treats in the Square were (of course) courtesy of Convivial Café. |
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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”. Signed articles reflect the views of their authors. For details go to:
http://www.falsecreeksouth.org/2021/01/between-the-bridges-contributor-guidelines/ |
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