Events: Previous Events

2013

An incomplete recap of recent public space events…

July 27, July 31, August 3 – Celebration of Light

Annual fireworks celebration taking place at English Bay

July 6 – July 9 – Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP)/Planning Institute of BC (PIBC) Conference – Infuse 2013

Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) national urban planning conference that will be held this year in Vancouver, July 6 – 9. It’s the largest urban planning conference in Canada and will bring leading planners from across the country and internationally to Vancouver.

:: More information – Infuse Webpage

June 15, July 20, August 17 – Stanley Park Bike Tour

Vancouver’s urban forest holds a complex history of destroyed First Nations villages and squatters’ cabins, military unrest and forgotten burial places, British enclaves, sports and cultural venues, and of course, renowned natural endowments, some more recent than you might think. Due to its natural popularity, Stanley Park has become an engineered landscape, with many tourist draws such as the totems, blow-down amusement parks, and preserved reminders of the raw force of nature. Enjoy a leisurely paced cycle while digging into the storms and controversies that have formed this majestic park. Meet at Devonian Park at the Northwest corner of Denman and Georgia. $20. 9:30am-11:30am.

:: For more information or to order tickets – Vancouver Heritage Society Webpage

Monday, May 6 – DOXA Film Fest – My Brooklyn

Fulton Mall, in downtown Brooklyn, was a hub of hip-hop culture and a nucleus for Puerto Ricans and African Americans in the 80s. Its diversity and endless possibilities (and low rental rates) drew the likes of filmmaker, Kelly Anderson. By the year 2000, her community was looking whiter and more upwardly mobile than ever before, and her new neighbors had no desire for cheap sneaks, knockoff cell phones, or Fulton Mall. Under the threat of closure, shop owners and concerned citizens mobilized, but snotty neighbors were the least of their problems. Corporate conglomerates and city strategists have their own ideas about urban renewal. A dynamic cast from both sides examines the political climate that enables an old community to be torn down to make room for a new one. Two key players in the battle over Brooklyn are Joe Chan, a hotshot urban planner at the center of every gentrification project, and resident photographer, Jamel Shabazz, who provided a rich pictorial history of Brooklyn from the 80s onward. Combined with Anderson’s savvy editing, they chronicle a system of preferential subsidizing and zoning designed to chase away poor and working class minorities. My Brooklyn asks viewers to decide for themselves, when it comes to gentrification: just because we can, does it mean we should? 6pm screening.

:: For more information or to order tickets – DOXA Webpage

Sunday, May 5 – DOXA Film Fest – The Human Scale

Jan Gehl, architect and urban visionary, believes that we know more about creating good habitat for mountain gorillas or Siberian tigers than we do about designing cities that function well for Homo sapiens. Andreas M. Daalsgard’s thoughtful and compelling film The Human Scale, explores the work that Jan Gehl and his team have been doing around the world. The many smart, sleepless, and frustrated urban planners profiled in the film talk passionately about the ways in which a human scaled city makes for richness, spontaneity, and engagement within communities. Juxtaposed against the organic small-scale model is the spectre of the coming giga-city. Bleak, sterile, composed of neon towers, flyovers, and endless streams of traffic, this dystopian future is funded by the World Bank and promoted by politicians and speculators whose vision of modernity is a city entirely privatized and largely designed for cars. If we’re to avoid lumbering our future with more of this version of urban design, we need to listen to the voices that promote the type of simple adaptive urban strategies that encourage life between buildings. 5:45 pm screening. A panel discussion with the VPSN’s Andrew Pask and former Mayor Sam Sullivan follow the event.

:: For tickets and other information – DOXA Webpage

Saturday, May 4 – I Wanna Walk Workshop – for Kids 8+ years

This workshop is designed for kids that want to walk to school alone! This fantastic one-of-a-kind program will help prepare kids for this new responsibility by covering topics such as bullies, strangers, and traffic safety. 8+ yrs, $25 (parents welcome!). 10:30am-12:30pm. Kensington Community Centre, 5175 Dumfries Street.

:: More information – City of Vancouver Webpage

Saturday May 4 – Heritage Vancouver: Top Ten Endangered Sites Bus Tour

Loading begins at 12:30pm and bus departs at 1:00pm sharp for this exclusive, guided tour of Heritage Vancouver’s 2013 Top Ten Endangered Sites. Tour starts 1:00pm at the Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street. Admission: $40.00 ($35.00 for Heritage Vancouver members). Purchase tickets online at hvs-topten2013.eventbrite.ca. Please print out the receipt and bring to the event.

:: More information – Heritage Vancouver Website

Saturday May 4 – Sunday May 5 – Jane’s Walk 

Jane’s Walk is the street-level celebration of Jane Jacobs’ legacy that combines the simple act of walking with personal observations, urban history and local lore as a way of knitting people together into strong and resourceful communities.

Jane’s Walks very widely. One tour might focus on history and architecture, and another might be about tracking down the best local samosas and park benches – but they all boil down to being a conversation about between people who like talking to their neighbours and learning about cities. Jane’s Walks have been led by urban planners, guerrilla gardeners, youth, professors, newcomers, social historians, cyclists, homeless rights activists, and former mayors. Lead a walk, or go on a walk: We hope you’ll join us in re-discovering Vancouver’s vibrant and fascinating neighbourhoods.

:: Sign up – Jane’s Walk Webpage
:: Local Inquiry: yuri [at] janeswalk [dot] net

Saturday, May 4 – Terminal City PANIC

PANIC! is a sudden G.A.S. (Guerilla Art Show) which dominates or replaces thinking and often affects groups of people or animals. All are welcome to participate. All Art welcome. All music welcome. All artists are responsible for the care of their work. If help is needed bring large pieces/installments please email go.vs.chess[at] gmail [dot] com. 9pm – Infinity. Secret location.

:: More information – Facebook Event Page

Saturday, May 3, 7, 11 – DOXA Film Fest – Occupy The Movie

In keeping with the spirit of the protests it profiles, Occupy The Movie is independent, canny, and fiercely intelligent. The larger economic forces that have led to such global financial disparity are laid out in animated sequences, aided by cheerfully caustic commentary from analyst Reggie Middleton. Interviews with Chris Hedges, Cornel West, and Adbuster’s Kalle Lasn, add intellectual heft. But it is ordinary people who describe the personal cost of putting their bodies on the front line that speak the loudest. What emerges is a deeply human portrait of social change, warts and all.

In this film, hope, that most stubbornly persistent and powerful of human qualities, takes wing and sets off for an unknown future fuelled by the need to make a better, more equal and more just world.

:: For more information or to order tickets – DOXA Website

Thursday, May 2 – Public Dialogue – Serious Cash for Cycling

The British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) is hosting a panel discussion about the future of funding for cycling in BC. This election, cycling organizations are endorsing a Provincial Cycling Strategy which includes the recommendation that the province invest $75 million a year to improve cycling facilities and provide education for people of all ages and abilities. Isn’t it time to make this kind of serious investment in cycling? Please join our three panelists as they discuss the future of cycling funding in BC: Richard Campbell, President of the British Columbia Cycling Coalition; Erin O’Melinn, Executive Director of HUB:Your Cycling Connection; John Richards, School of Public Policy, SFU, Harbour Centre. Simon Fraser University, Harbour Centre, Rm 1600. 12:30 to 2:00pm.

:: For more information or to register – BCCC Webpage

Thursday, May 2 – Community Transit Forum – What’s Next Broadway?

The AMS at UBC-Vancouver is holding an open discussion on the future of the Broadway corridor. The Broadway corridor (from Commercial Drive through to UBC) is a key economic, residential, and institutional area. The corridor has the highest concentration of jobs in the lower mainland outside of the downtown core and more than 100,000 bus trips occur on Broadway each day. AMS is inviting a number of speakers to lead a discussion, with community input, on the kind of future that is envisioned for Broadway. Doors open at 5:45. Free, but registration is required.

:: To register for the event – Eventbrite Page
:: Additional information – Facebook Page

Thursday, May 2 – Tubes and Exchanges: Discovering the Real Places of the Internet 

When a squirrel chewed through a cable and knocked him offline, journalist Andrew Blum started wondering what the Internet was really made of. So he set out to go see it — the underwater cables, secret switches and other physical bits that make up the net. Blum’s talk will take you on a journey through this network of networks. 7pm, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

:: To reserve a spot at the lecture – visit www.sfu.ca/reserve

Apr 1– April 30 – Vancouver Rain – Paintings by Dave Denson

For the month of April, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden will be celebrating one of Vancouver’s most notorious features – rain – as Dave Denson’s vibrant and colourful depictions of our rainy city bring seemingly ordinary scenes to life. Dave Denson has lived in Vancouver for over 20 years and draws inspiration from the city where he lives and others that he visits. His work reflects this belief by taking what may seem like an ordinary scene in the city and transforming it into something colourful and vibrant. Opening Reception: Sunday, April 14, 2-4 pm. Exhibition takes place at The Hall of One Hundred Rivers. 578 Carrall Street.

:: More information – Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Webpage

Tuesday, April 30 – MOV – Visible City App Launch Party

The Visible City goes beyond the walls of a traditional museum, allowing you to experience history through augmented reality. Discover the rise, fall, and revival of neon on two interactive walking tours of the city’s most colourful neighbourhoods.

The MOV is the first museum in North America to have such an app, and we invite you to join us for its launch at the wonderful Vancouver Fanclub on Granville Street! Come for a drink, download the app, share your own neon story, and then take a jaunt down the street to test out the tour. $10. 4:00pm-7:00pm, Vancouver Fanclub, 1050 Granville Street.

:: More information & tickets – MOV Webpage

April 16, 17, 18, 22, 24, 29 – Vancouver School Board 2013/2014 Budget

It is budget time at the Vancouver School Board. Earlier this month, district staff brought their recommendations around budget to the Board. You can download senior management’s full budget proposal by clicking here. For a two page summary of the budget proposal, click here. To download a powerpoint outlining the suggested budget, click here. The VSB is now holding a series of sessions where we will be receiving submissions from our stakeholders and the public.

:: Information on times & locations – VSB Budget Webpage

Sunday, April 28 – Renfrew Ravine Clean-up & Planting Party

Join the Renfrew Ravine crew for their monthly ravine clean-up and planting party! Your job: hunting unwanted garbage in the ravine, re-introducing native plant species, and conducting water quality tests. Meet at the ravine by 27th Avenue to get your hands dirty. Tea and treats afterwards at the Art House in Field at Slocan Park.

:: More information – Renfrew Ravine Facebook Page

April 3 – April 27 – Tree Walks & Talks

Various walking tours throughout Vancouver – all to coincide with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Takes place at Coal Harbour, Van Dusen Gardens, Oppenheimer Park, UBC, Stanley Park, QE Park, West End and Downtown.

:: Details – Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Webpage

Saturday, April 27 – Bike the Blossoms

Join Velopalooza and the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival for a fun, free guided bike ride. The ride will tour the blossom cherry trees in Vancouver and include a talk by Parks Board Arborist, Bill Stephen.

:: Details – Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Webpage

Saturday, April 27 – Ribbons of Colour Street Fair & Mount Pleasant Community Plan Open House

Celebrate Mount Pleasant by joining in a neighbourhood cleanup, street fair and community plan open house. Includes: Keep Vancouver Spectacular neighbourhood cleanup, (10:00am – 12 noon meet at Fraser Street and 8th Ave); Ribbons of Colour Street Fair (12 noon – 2:30 pm, near Sahalli Park at Fraser Street and 7th Avenue); and a Mount Pleasant Community Plan Open House (2:30-5pm at Mt. Pleasant Neighbourhood House, 800 East Broadway). At the open house, learn more about the progress of the Mount Pleasant Community Plan. Information displays will detail the implementation priorities which include ideas for improvements and changes to buildings, streets, sidewalks, and public benefits for the community. City staff will be on hand to answer questions and gather input.

:: More Information – City of Vancouver Event Page

Saturday, April 27 – Walking Tour – Mountain View Cemetary

Join Lorraine Irving from the BC Genealogical Society for a walking tour of the 1919 section of the cemetery. Located on the south side of 41st Avenue, this section is the last resting place for Joe Fortes (a stamp in his honour was recently released by Canada Post) and Janet Smith whose murder has never been officially solved. As well, there are other murder victims, those that died in the sinking of the S.S. Sophia and Britannia Mine disaster, there’s the first memorial for the Sons of Italy, a memorial for firemen, and much more. Come hear their stories. $10. 10am to noon. Meet at Celebration Hall), 5445 Fraser Street (enter at 39th Ave).

:: More information – City of Vancouver Event Page

Saturday, April 27 – Strolling the Stroll

A guided tour of the area of the West End that provided a safe environment for sex workers before they were evicted in the 1980s. This fascinating journey through not-too-distant history will be lead by Jamie Lee Hamilton, who will share rich stories and insights from her own days working the Davie Stroll. The tour will focus on 8-10 stops in the Davie Street area, then continue down to the Aquatic Centre. Concludes at Museum of Vancouver. Tour fee ($15) includes water transport and admission to Museum of Vancouver’s Sex Talk in the City exhibition.

:: Details and tickets – Museum of Vancouver Event Calendar

Friday, April 26 – Brothels, Strolls and Stilettos: Histories of Sex Work in Vancouver

Vancouver was once a haven for bawdy houses, with more than 100 brothels operating in the city’s east end in the 1930s. Decades later, in the early 1970s, the city’s West End emerged as home to a gender-diverse, racially-mixed, and pimp-free stroll of sex workers. After vigorous opposition to prostitution in the West End, sex workers were expelled from the neighborhood in 1984. As they were displaced further and further east, the era of missing and murdered women began. With challenges to prostitution laws now being considered by the Supreme Court of Canada, it’s time to learn about the multi-faceted history of on-street and off-street sex work in Vancouver. This panel event will include rich stories and images from the past and from the courts, and an opportunity to ask sex workers (currently working and retired) questions about their changing world. Moderated by Becki Ross. Panel includes Jamie Lee Hamilton, Scarlett Lake, Susan Davis, Sheri Kiselbach and others.

:: For more information or to order tickets – Museum of Vancouver Website

Thursday, April 25 – Projecting Change Film Fest – Edible City

Edible City is a feature-length documentary film that tells the stories of extraordinary people who are digging their hands into the dirt, working to transform their communities and doing something truly revolutionary: growing local Good Food systems that are socially just, environmentally sound, and economically resilient. 1pm screening.

:: Tickets and Further Information – Projecting Change Webpage

Thursday, April 25 – Projecting Change Film Fest – This Space Available

You can turn a page, change a channel or close a window on your computer, but you can’t erase a billboard from a landscape. This Space Available is a captivating documentary that takes us to several of the world’s greatest cities including Toronto to explore outdoor advertising’s proliferation and dire lack of regulation. The film considers the blurry line dividing art and ads, questions the economic viability of billboards and asks: at what point does advertising become visual pollution? It also shows how ordinary citizens combat the excesses of advertising some legal, some not so much. Either way, the film proves we shouldn’t remain passive recipients to the hard sell. 7pm Screening.

:: Tickets and Further Information – Projecting Change Webpage

Thursday, April 25 – Projecting Change Film Fest – Biophilic Design

Biophilic Design is an innovative way of designing the places where we live, work, and learn. Come on a journey from our evolutionary past and the origins of architecture to the world’s most celebrated buildings in a search for the architecture of life. Biophilic Design points the way toward creating healthy and productive habitats for modern humans. 9pm screening.

:: Tickets and Further Information – Projecting Change Webpage

Thursday, April 25 – BCSLA Pre-Conference Landscape Cafe – PUBLIC Architecture + Communication

Join the BCSLA for a pre-conference event exposing the diverse and interdisciplinary style of PUBLIC Architecture + Communication. PUBLIC’s work spans parking lots, sidewalks, and setbacks to frame and define spaces that activate public life. Since opening their doors five years ago they have collaborated with landscape professionals at the intersection of architecture and communication media. In 2012 they were recognized with the AIBC Emerging Firm Award and Western Living’s Arthur Erickson Memorial Award. Registration required.

:: More information [PDF] – BCSLA Registration Form

Wednesday, April 24 – SALA Lecture – Sir Peter Cook: Nosing Around

Sir Peter Cook is a renowned architect, lecturer, and writer. He co-founded avant-garde architectural group Archigram in the 1960s. Often referred to as the Beatles of architecture, Archigram received the Royal Institute of British Architects Gold Medal in 2002. This is a ticketed event, and seating is limited. To secure your free ticket, please RSVP to reception@sala.ubc.ca. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Takes place at the Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street.

:: To RSVP – reception@sala.ubc.ca

Sunday, April 21 – Earth Day Celebrations & Stanley Park

The Stanley Park Ecology Society is hosting two great Earth Day-themed events: Forest Fundamentals, and Community Invasive Species Management. Learn about forest ecology and habitat!

:: More information and registration details – SPES Website

Sunday, April 21 – Still Creek Walking Tour

Still Creek Found Walking Tour with historian Bruce McDonald. Follow Still Creek along Renfrew Ravine and learn about the creek’s history including beaver dams and duck ponds. Meet at the 29th Ave. Skytrain station. Sponsored by Still Moon Arts Society. 2-4 PM.

:: More information – Visit the Still Moon Arts Society website for more details.

Saturday, April 20 – Earth Day Parade and Celebration – Grandview-Park

March from Commercial and Broadway to Grandview Park, for a celebration complete with speakers, musicians, and all the good things that come with gathering together as a community to address the things that matter most today.

:: More info – Earth Day Parade Webpage

Saturday, April 20 – Earth Day Celebration at Everett Crowley Park

Vancouver’s longest running Earth Day celebration takes place at Everett Crowley Park. There will be a wide range of free family-oriented fun including professional performers, music, dancing, cultural and ecological exhibits, and children’s activities. The entertainment, exhibits and activities are all free and wheelchair accessible. This annual event is organized by local residents, and is supported by local businesses and the City of Vancouver. Food vendors will be on site. More than 1,000 native trees and shrubs supplied by the Vancouver Park Board will also be planted. 8200 Kerr Street. 11am – 3pm.

:: Visit earthdayvancouver.org for more details

Saturday, April 20 – Renfrew Park Earth Day Celebration

Meet beside Still Creek in Renfrew Park on the west side of the stream and listen to original water inspired poetry inspired by local poets and enjoy a cup of tea, too. Sponsored by Still Moon Arts Society. 2929 East 22nd Ave. 3-4pm

:: Visit the Still Moon Arts Society website for more details.

Friday, April 19 – Community Clean-Up – Oak Park

Join the Marpole-Oakridge Youth Environmental Committee in a community clean-up of Oak Park. There will be prizes for the team that picks up the most garbage. Cleaning supplies provided. Oak Park is located at 990 West 59th Avenue and is home to the Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre. 2-4 pm.

:: More information – City of Vancouver Webpage

Thursday, April 18 – City Conversations – Where is Big TOO Big?

Vancouver has had periodic debates over heights of new buildings, first in downtown, then in some neighbourhoods like Mt. Pleasant. Successive councils have allowed developers to build taller buildings than zoning would otherwise allow, in trade for developers’ donations of parks, preservation of historic buildings, day care centres, recreation facilities and other public amenities. But where is the tradeoff inappropriate? Join Vancouver City Councillor Raymond Louie, former planning director Brent Toderian, and architect/developer Michael Geller for the discussion. Share your ideas. Feel free to bring your lunch. 12:30pm at SFU Harbour Centre, Room 2270.

:: More information – SFU Webpage

Thursday, April 18 – All-Party Forum – How Will BC Leaders Invest in Transportation?

How will projects such as tunnels and bridges, cycling paths, light rail and subways affect the economy and environment of our region?

Metro Vancouver expects another half million jobs and 1.2 million more residents over the next 30 years. Our continued economic success depends on layered public transportation in our urban centres, strengthened connections to rapidly growing suburban communities, better use of existing space for goods movement, and more affordable and healthy options. 7-9 PM. Registration required.

:: SFU Webpage – Find out more.

Thursday, April 18 – Tree Keepers – Become a Citizen Forester – Starts Today!

Learn how to care for trees and become a steward of the urban forest. Designated Citizen Foresters will gain the knowledge needed to select, plant and care for healthy urban trees, and pass that wisdom on to others. The principle to plant the “right tree in the right place” is based on guidelines established by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Citizen Foresters will also be empowered to monitor trees distributed through the TreeKeepers campaign. With regular checks to monitor health and size (and discuss any problems), we aim to keep tabs on every tree distributed through the program. The 2013 program has three two-hour courses. The program is free but you must attend all three courses to earn the designation of Citizen Forester.

:: More information on the Citizen Forester Program

Wednesday, April 17 – Open House – Canada Line Cyclist & Pedestrian Bridge

The Canada Line Bridge Connections Project, when complete, will link the Heather, Cambie, Ontario, and Kent Avenue bikeways to the Canada Line Pedestrian-Cyclist Bridge. The Canada Line Bridge crosses the Fraser River from Vancouver into Richmond. Come to drop-in information session and learn more about the project. City staff will be on hand to discuss the design and answer questions. 4-6pm. Langara Golf Course (Clubhouse), 6710 Alberta Street.

:: More Information – City of Vancouver Event Page

Wednesday, April 17 – The WALL – Public Art Official Launch

The official launch of the 2013 WALL exhibit featuring Paul de Guzman’s installation titled “the people are the city…” Located at the CBC Vancouver Broadcast Centre Plaza at 700 Hamilton Street, The WALL is a Vancouver Heritage Foundation public art initiative. Stop by on your lunch break and support public art in your city! Paul will speak about his work and the process of creating for such an expansive space, plus we’ll have tasty treats for all. 12-1pm.

:: More Info – Vancouver Heritage Foundation Webpage

Tuesday, April 16 – Vancouver Volunteer Corps – Orientation Meeting

Lend a hand with the new Vancouver Volunteer Corps – a rewarding way to share and develop skills. Find out how you can help during emergencies and public events. Attend a volunteer orientation at Coal Harbour Community Centre (April 16)

:: More Information – City of Vancouver Event Page

Monday April 15 – Connecting Transportation Professionals – Brainstorm Gathering & Mixer

Interested in starting up a new networking group for individuals with an interest in innovative transportation solutions, particularly in alternative forms of transportation! Join a special gathering on Monday, April 15th to brainstorm ideas as to what the mission of this networking group should be, and what type of events/actions we could organize. This will also be a great networking opportunity! If you are interested in joining in on the conversation, come to a meeting at 6-9pm at the Elephant & Castle, 385 Burrard St at Hastings (in the upstairs area).

Monday, April 15 – Ironclad Art – Manhole Cover Design Challenge – DEADLINE

The City of Vancouver invites everyone who lives, works or goes to school in Vancouver to submit designs for new manhole covers. This year’s challenge presents an opportunity to celebrate Vancouver’s creativity and educate the public about our water infrastructure. Creative citizen participation is key to City of Vancouver’s Greenest City 2020 Action Plan and the Culture Plan for Vancouver. Two winners will be chosen and receive a prize of $2000 each, in addition to seeing their designs cast in iron as manhole covers and placed at select locations in the city.

:: Application details and more information – ironcladart.ca

Monday, April 15 – Friends of Hastings Park – Information Meeting

A community meeting regarding the governance of Hastings Park, and an update on recent City meetings on the subject. 7pm at the Hastings Community Centre.

:: Details – Friends of Hastings Park Webpage

April 6 – April 14 – A Week in the Life of Stanley Park – Photo Contest

As one of the key initiatives to mark 25 years of conservation, environmental stewardship and education in Stanley Park as well as the 125th anniversary of the Park itself, Stanley Park Ecology Society is hosting a photo contest from April 6 through 14, 2013.

Running over the course of an entire week including two weekends, we invite amateur and professional photographers alike to get out their cameras and and get snapping to be in with a chance of winning some great prizes.

:: Details and Contest Application – Stanley Park Ecology Society Webpage

Saturday, April 13 – World Umbrella Dance Flashmob

Learn the moves and do the Umbrella Dance with funky new moves from all over the world! Part of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Takes place at Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza.

:: Details and rehearsal info at Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Webpage 

Saturday April 13, 12pm – Vaisakhi – Punjabi Market

Come out to the popular parade and celebration, marking the beginning of the harvest, the 1699 establishment of the Khalsa (community of baptized Sikhs), and the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Starts at 11am. The parade begins at the Ross Street Temple (8000 Ross St at 64th), before moving south to SE Marine Drive, west to Main Street, north to 49th Avenue, east to Fraser Street, south to 57th Avenue, east to Ross Street and then returns to the Temple.

Saturday, April 13 – Coal Harbour Spring Carnival

Spring has sprung! Come and enjoy the fun at this family friendly spring carnival in the auditorium. Games, bouncy castle, arts & crafts, make a flower facinator, decorate a cookie and enjoy some music! Pre-register to ensure your spot, space limited. 10am. $5-6. Coal Harbour Community Centre.

:: Details – Coal Harbour – Facebook Event Page

Saturday, April 13 – Re-imagining Wayfinding in Yaletown – Signage and Artwork in Development

Friday, April 12 – West Hastings Walking Tour

From Bute Street to Victory Square, the West Hastings corridor holds an amazing amount of Vancouver history. Hastings has been home to Vancouver’s fashion district when Woodward’s and Spencer’s Department stores were thriving, a business centre surrounding the Marine Building, and numerous temple banks some of which still stand, others being converted or demolished. Our walking tour season starts with this brand new tour inspired by the new map guide, and led by Maurice Guibord. 12-2pm. Cost $12. Meet in front of the Victory Square Cenotaph.

:: To Register – Vancouver Heritage Foundation Webpage

Friday, April 12 – CounterCulture Speaker Series: Revolutionary Horizons? Debating the Democratic Potential of the Internet

A debate between Professors Jodi Dean and Andrew Feenberg — two leading thinkers on the role of technology in democratic societies (bios below) — on the degree to which the Internet enhances democracy. 7Pm. SFU Fletcher Challenge Theatre (Room #1900), SFU Vancouver (515 W. Hastings St.)

:: More Info – www.mediademocracydays.org
:: To RSVP – http://revolutionaryhorizons.eventbrite.com
:: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/491281654259341/?fref=ts

Thursday, April 11 – EastVanLove Vol. 8: Journey to Now

On a daily basis, we walk among monuments, memorials and mementos, easily passing by historic landmarks and forgotten memories of a culturally diverse community. #EastVanLove Vol 8 inviting will dig up the past while paying homage to the micronarratives that make up East Vancouver’s historic legacy. Features presentations by Jason Vanderhill (Illustrated Vancouver), Am Johal (SFU Office of Community Engagement), John Atkin (Walking Tours of Vancouver) and Naveen Girn (Vancouver’s Bhangra Story). Takes place at SFU Woodwards

:: East Van Love – Information and Tickets – Eventbrite 

Wednesday, April 10 – Open House – New Park @ 6th and Fir

The Vancouver Park Board is holding the second of three open houses intended to identify the community vision for a new park at 6th Avenue and First Street. You are invited to review the three design concepts and share your opinions and preferences. 4-8pm. Studio 16, Maison de la Francophonie de Vancouver, 1555 West 7th Avenue.

:: More information – City of Vancouver Event Page

Wednesday, April 10 – Vancouver Tool Library / City Commons Application Deadline

Scheduled for July 2013, City Commons will be a multi-day, citywide placemaking event that will encourage community members to transform ten underutilized private and public spaces into common places that foster neighbourliness. By day, participants will collaborate on placemaking projects such as street murals, building community furniture, educational or play areas, or neighbourhood sharing stations. In our first year, temporary and moveable projects are ideal. In the evening, we will continue to gather for workshops, music, and theatrical performances that celebrate our communities.

:: More info – City Commons Webpage

Tuesday, April 9 – Grandview-Woodland Community Plan – Chinese Workshop

Help shape the new Community Plan at a special workshop conducted in Cantonese and Mandarin. Topics will include housing, transportation, parks and public space, social issues/safety, arts and culture, and heritage and character. You must pre-register to attend. 5:30-8:30pm. Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive).

:: More information – City of Vancouver Webpage [Poster: Chinese, PDF]

Tuesday, April 9 – West End Community Plan – Open House

Since the West End community planning process launched in April 2012, the City has received a wide range of feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders which has helped shape a set of directions. Drop-in to the open house to learn more about the directions and have your say. Your input will help refine the directions and create a draft plan. April 9, 4-7pm, Blue Horizon Hotel, 1225 Robson Street.

:: Details – City of Vancouver Event Page

Monday, April 8 – SALA Lecture – Julie Bargmann (D.I.R.T. Studio)

Interested in landscape design and some clever place-making projects? Check out this free presentation by Julie Bargmann – who will be presenting the 2013 Cornelia Hahn Oberlander Lecture. Takes place at 6:30pm, UBC Robson Square.

:: DIRT Studio – Webpage 

Sunday, April 7 – Vimy Day Commemoration at Victory Square

Everyone is welcome to attend this significant commemoration of a WW1 battle that is considered a turning point in Canada’s history. It is recommended that you arrive at Victory Square between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m. Ten cadet units, consisting up to 300 cadets from across Vancouver, will parade at Victory Square. The program includes a proclamation from the Mayor of Vancouver designating 7 April as Vimy Day, the reading of a poem, and ‘Impressions of Vimy’ by a B.C. recipient of the 2012 Beaverbrook Award. A bugler will sound Last Post, the Lament will be piped and a soloist will sing ‘O’ Canada’ and ‘Maple Leaf Forever’.

:: More information – City of Vancouver Webpage

Saturday, April 6 – City Studio Engagement Expo

Interested in bike infrastructure, pollinator gardens, orphaned spaces and walkability? These are just four of the exciting projects currently under way with City Studio – an interdisciplinary program that connects post-secondary students with key city-building projects. Join the crew at City Studio for a Long Table dinner, workshops and tours, and walk-through current CityStudio projects that help meet Vancouver’s Greenest City goals. With events happening throughout the city, Engagement Expo cordially invites you to take part in seeing how the city is the classroom.

:: For tickets, tours, workshops and more visit www.CityStudiovancouver.com
:: City Studio Engagement Expo – Facebook Page

Saturday, April 6 – Sharing Station at the Farmers Market

Heading to the Winter Farmers Market? Check out the Sharing Station – which brings together Modo, The Vancouver Tool Library, Trade School Vancouver and The Sharing Project. Participate in demos, how-tos, interactive displays and a photo booth

:: More info – Modo Webpage

Saturday, April 6 – Worldwide Pillowfight Day

Here’s your chance to participate in the 8^th annual Worldwide Pillowfight – taking place on the 800-block of Robson Street (between Hornby and Howe). Stow a nice soft pillow under your jacket, show up for 3:00pm, and get ready for pillow fight mayhem!

Getting ready to rumble? There are some pretty sensible rules you should take a look at first – because they’re key to making sure the event is safe, friendly and fun. (You can find them on the Facebook Page).

:: Vancouver Pillowfight – Facebook Page 
:: International Pillowfight Day – Webpage

April 1 – April 6 – Lost in the City

A hand-printed photography show that explore issues of identity, control, knowledge and reality that exists within the chaos of a metropolis. This assemblage is a portrayal of the consciousness of a small group of artists and their experiences of navigating life in Canadian cities. The show opens on Thursday, March 21, and runs until April 6. The gallery is open Wednesday–Saturdays 1–4PM. Positive Negative Gallery, 436 Columbia Street.

:: Lost in the City – Facebook Page

April 1 – April 27 – Tree Walks & Talks

Various walking tours throughout Vancouver – all to coincide with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Takes place at Coal Harbour, Van Dusen Gardens, Oppenheimer Park, UBC, Stanley Park, QE Park, West End and Downtown.

:: Details – Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Webpage