More Great Moments in Park Board History
In 1947 some Parks Commissioner thought it would be a good idea to improve upon nature.
Author: John Atkin
John Atkin is a civic historian, author, and walking tour guide in Vancouver.
New Procedures at City Hall
From a recent internal memo to Planning Staff “Colleagues in Planning, I have been asked by the CMO to pass along some changes to Departmental procedure that will affect our work. Please make a note. Starting on Monday (technically, Sunday at midnight but for most of us this means Monday!), the following new operating procedures… Continue reading New Procedures at City Hall
Great Moments in Park Board History
I received a great document today, it’s a list of highlights culled from the minutes of the Vancouver Park Board compiled in 1948 by Superintendent P.B. Stroyen. In 1906, the Vancouver Moral Association raised objections to one piece bathing suits and the low class of music… Continue reading Great Moments in Park Board History
Metal Work Restoration
The Victoria Block 312-322 W. Pender has been undergoing an extensive renovation and one of the delights of this ongoing work is the nice bit of restoration of the pediment and balcony balustrade metal work. Many buildings in the city featured galvanized tin architectural decoration; it was cheaper and more versatile than stone. Much of… Continue reading Metal Work Restoration
New York City Wins Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, Vancouver Gets Special Mention
New York City has won the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize this year for its urban rejuvenation since the devastating Sept 11 terrorist attacks more than a decade ago. Vancouver was one of 6 finalists selected for special mention from 62 submissions from 27 countries. Vancouver was lauded by the jury for “resisting two… Continue reading New York City Wins Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, Vancouver Gets Special Mention
Hardcore UFO
From Yimmy’s Yayo
Pop up Airline Restaurant
From Time Out London: “The air hostess pop-up restaurant is not a new phenomenon – we first reported on Ms Rubbernurse’s ‘Era Flot’ pop-up in 2010. But Era Flot’s just been seriously upstaged by… British Airways. That’s right, the nation’s favourite airline in running a pop-up restaurant in Shoreditch, based around the flight experience, and… Continue reading Pop up Airline Restaurant
Cemetery Walking Tours
Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver’s only cemetery has announced its 2012 walking tour dates. Check them out at vancouver.ca/cemetery
Gord Price writing in BIV
“The strategic thinking and designing part of planning will be sidelined in the demand for quick results for more housing affordability, with more emphasis on jobs being created, costs being lowered and not so much on the provision of amenities – a trend already begun with the STIR program.” Some interesting observations on Vancouver’s Planning… Continue reading Gord Price writing in BIV
Changing City Walking Tours
Join myself and Andy Coupland for a series of tours based on our book Changing City. As usual, they go rain or shine (even snow) and are $10.00 pp. All tours are start at 10:00 am The next set of Changing City tours are moving to Sundays! Coal Harbour – Industry to Luxury: March 18,… Continue reading Changing City Walking Tours
What Floats to the Top of My Desk 