The last week in May was Bike To Work Week and, for once in Vancouver, the weather co-operated to bring plenty of people out on their bikes! HUB’s online dashboard boasted over 10,000 participants, 2934 of which were new to Bike To Work Week. As one of those new participants I decided to jot down some of my thoughts on the event.

Aside from the fact that I love riding my bike and getting to be outside on my commute to the office, it’s actually faster for me to get there on a bike than it is to take transit, a fact HUB were touting for much of the week.

From the beginning I was super impressed with the way everything was set up for Bike To Work Week. The HUB website was easy to navigate and very informative in terms of how to log routes, where the celebration stations would be located and how you could win prizes. One of my favourite features was the group and individual stats on the dashboard page as it really put into perspective the benefit of cycling to work. I’d never really thought about how far I cycle in any given week but I was shocked to find out that it’s around 70km just for riding to and from work; those little trips sure add up fast!

Throughout the week I only saw a slight increase in the number of riders on my usual route but, as I rode to the free BBQ on Friday, there was almost a bicycle jam on 10^th Ave. There were so many people out riding! From the buzz I heard from other participants it sounded like there was a definite uptick in the number of people cycling around Downtown and plenty of inter-office competition which can only be a good thing for the state of cycling in Vancouver!

I think the celebration stations are a great idea and a great initiative for an event like Bike To Work Week. There’s nothing like the incentive of a free coffee or free snack to motivate people to stop by and chat on their way to work. Although there weren’t a huge amount of stations south of 10^th Ave, I made sure to detour to stop at one in Mt Pleasant for a coffee, free water bottle and protein square! Although the freebies seem like a small gesture it was definitely appreciated and I know it encourages more people to engage with the initiative as well as enhancing the experience of those who don’t usually ride to work.

The final event of the week was the BBQ in Creekside Park which again was a really well run event. There was a nice range of sponsors there, from bike wrenching stands to free food, raffle tickets and cycling gear. The BBQ line up was pretty busy the whole time but the ladies running it were lovely and patient and it was great to just sit down and soak in the atmosphere on the grass.

Photo from https://bikehub.ca/bike-to-work

In the future I’d love to see Bike To Work Week grow further. It would be great to see increased visibility and advertising before the event. I saw very little local news about Bike To Work Week in the days leading up to the event. It would also be great to have celebration stations more evenly distributed throughout the city to encourage riders south of 10^th Avenue.

In all, I had a wonderful first Bike To Work Week and it’s an experience I’d happily participate in again. Although the gorgeous weather definitely contributed to turnout, if even 10% of the participants decided to bike to work more often we would have a much happier and healthier Metro Vancouver!

December 20, 2013 snowfall. Photo by Brent Granby.

Happy snowy solstice Vancouver! Don’t the city’s public spaces look extra cozy under that dusty white blanket? Aren’t you feeling all snuggly-wuggly? For those of you who may be looking at the snow and feeling yet another layer of a holiday-related pressure… stop right now. Grab a cup of cocoa. Sit down. We’re here to help.

We first ran a version of our “Gift Ideas” post last year and it proved to be one of our most popular articles ever. We’ve shared it a few times since them, but we’re now reissuing it with a slew of additional updates for the 2013-14 winter season. Good news for the snow-adverse: some of these options don’t even require you to go outside!

As we noted last time, our gift-giving rituals don’t all have to be about crass cable-knit sweaters (though for some reason those are actually popular this year). For the public space loving urbanists out there, there are a host of things that you can give to your friends and family that will not only make them happy, but do a nice turn for the city as well.

Hang tight – there’s a whopping 18 last-minute holiday gift ideas in this post. All of them are awesome. Enjoy!

(1) Support a local parklet project and contribute to the creation of neighbourhood public space. There are two AWESOME parklet projects currently under development in Vancouver. Design work on both sites are complete, and each project is now using crowd-funding as a means to finance the building and programming of the spaces.

• French Quarter Parklet – will transform two parking spaces (located in front of Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France at Main Street and East 21st) into a vibrant outdoor seating area. The clever design and landscaping (featuring snappy triangle benches) also features a bike car for folks that want to stay on their bikes while having their coffee. The project is a collaboration between Choclaterie, and our good friends at PWL Partnership Landscape Architects and Cycle Chic. Donate to the French Quarter kickstarter campaign here.

• Commercial Drive Parklet - will convert two parking spaces (located in front of Prado Cafe at Commercial Drive and East 4th) into a permanent seating and gathering area for the whole community to enjoy. The Drive desperately needs more outdoor seating areas, and we’re pleased as punch that VPSN friend Julian Thomas and Board member Stewart Burgess are among the collaborators on this fine venture. Donate to the Commercial Drive Parklet Kickstarter here. (Note: this project lost some anticipated grant funding and are now looking to go beyond the initial $3,500 target. In addition to its great placemaking value, the Commercial Drive Parklet will be a vehicle to provide skills training for community youth).

(2) A copy of one (or more) of the excellent books to come out this year by local urbanists. There were a lot of fine books on public space and urban issues to come out this year. We’re happy to recommend two that are near and dear to our heart. (We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with both these authors in the past and love the work that they do!). Both are available at better bookstores around town.

• Happy City – written by local journalist and city-thinker Charles Montgomery – promises to “change the way you think about urban life,” doing so by exploring the multifaceted connection between urban design and the science of happiness.

• Focusing closer to home is Lani Russwurm’s Vancouver Was Awesome – a visually rich exploration of collects stories of “the people, places, events, and phenomena that collectively have infused Vancouver with a distinct flavor and flair.”

(3) Invest in your community with some Seedstock. Sure Bitcoin gets all the press, but while it may circumvent some of the problems of a global banking system, does it really do anything for local business? Did you know there’s actually an alternative currency that specifically supports local Vancouver business and non-profits? Seedstock Community Currency lets you do double with your money: exchange cash for Seedstock with a local cause to support their work, and get the equivalent amount of Seedstock back to spend at over 80 local businesses! (Find out where here). You can get ahold of money that feels good to spend – or give! – at the local xChange Station.

(4) Go weekly or seasonally with some urbanist subscription action. Like reading about urban issues? Forefront is a weekly long-form essay that covers city-building activities from around the globe. It’s the product of Next City, a superb blog . You can obtain a subscription here. And of course, there’s also our good friends at Spacing, who produce a magazine (and several blogs) that “uncover the joys, obstacles and politics of Canada’s big cities by cutting through the cynicism that often pervades any discussion about urban issues.” Pretty good, eh? Their national issues come out twice a year and are a superb read. Order them here.

(5) Give the gift of edumacation. Vancouver’s Community Centres and public schools offer a dizzying array of classes – everything from sports to singing, music lessons to language studies, fine arts to business, crafts to computers. Classes vary in length, location, and cost, but it won’t take more than a bit of research to see what’s available in your neighbourhood. Information on the city’s 24 community centres can be found here or you can zip over to the Vancouver School Board website to see what’s on offer there. Why not double-up the fun? Don’t just sign your loved one up for lessons… join them for the learning as well!

(6) Get sticky with your neighbourhood. Have you seen the Neighborland app and online platform? It’s a great way to share ideas on neighbourhood placemaking and community building ideas. Not content to stop at online connections, the creators have produced some handy “I want ____ in my neighbourhood” stickers. You can make your own via their open source files or order a set via the Neighborland website. (Of course it goes without saying that you’ll want to place these around your neighbourhood in a responsible, community-friendly fashion.)

(7) Take your loved ones out for a bedazzling or ghostly experience. Two of Vancouver’s biggest public spaces – Van Dusen Gardens and Stanley Park – get a special holiday make-over. How about a trip to one or both of these seasonal gems:

• Van Dusen Gardens – Festival of Lights
• Stanley Park – Christmas Train

(8) Support your local street performer. (Go retro, buy a CD!). There’s tons of local musical and artistic talent to be found around the city – on the streets and in transit stations. Like something you see or hear? Lots of street artists offer CDs, sketches and painting for sale – a perfect opportunity to support the local scene and share some of the magic with a friend.

(9) Stay informed and stay up to date – While on the subject of street vending, keep your eyes peeled for two other items that make for great gifts. The Hope in Shadows calendar features top-notch work by DTES photographers and Megaphone Magazine. Revenue from both of these projects is used to provide education, training and support to low-income people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

(10) Historical pictures. Who doesn’t like to see the way we used to live in years past? The Vancouver Public Library has a great selection of old photographs of Vancouver – which can be purchased for reasonable cost on Floor 7 of VPL Central. Or, you can go the DIY route and visit the Vancouver Archives on-line catalogue – where they have an amazing assortment of high-resolution photographs that you can download for free. Having the VPL and Archives print your pictures for you may mean a bit of a delay — but not to worry, many of their collections are available on-line and in high-resolution. You can print ‘em yourself via your local photo shop.

(A word to the wise – the VPL and Archives collections are different. So if you’re looking for that perfect photograph of, say, Robson Square during the 1960s paint-in, you may have to visit both facilities).

(11) Friends-of Gift Memberships. Both of the aforementioned organizations (the Vancouver Public Library and Vancouver Archives) have volunteer “Friends-of” groups that support their work. The Friends of the VPL and Friends of the Archives both engage in special projects, raise funds for new acquisitions, and champion the work of their respective organizations. Know someone who likes libraries or gets jazzed about archival fonds? Set them up as a patron of one of these groups by buying a gift membership.

(12) Go green with local nature. For over two decades the Stanley Park Ecology Society has played a leadership role in the stewardship of Stanley Park. They do this through a range of education, research and conservation programs. You can support the good work they do by taking out a membership with their organization, “adopting” a bird’s nest, paying to plant saplings or several other things.

(13) More brightening, less frightening – Bike & Ped lights. There are too many people out there still walking and biking around without decent lights or reflective gear (Velcro bracelets, vests, etc.). Why not keep your loved ones safe by upping their visibility. MEC is an obvious go-to (and their new USB plug-in lights are awesome!) but there are lots of other places to get this sort of gear.

Know someone who’s not a cyclist but ought to be? If they have a bike that’s kicking around and gathering dust – why not surprise them with a tune-up (at Our Community Bikes, Kickstand or your neighbourhood bike shop). Another idea, especially for newer bike users: give the gift of cycling confidence and sign them up for a streetwise biking course with HUB.

(14) Make a gift box on behalf of a friend or family member. The holiday season is festive and fun for many of us. For those less fortunate, the seasonal festivities can also be a time of loneliness and challenge – a time that is further compromised by the city’s cold, wet and rainy weather.

There are lots of organizations around town – Lookout, the Aboriginal Front Door, Covenant House, the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, Carnegie, the Union Gospel Mission, the Kettle Friendship Society (to name just a few) – who will take donations of money, food, warm clothing (socks, sweaters, long johns, rainwear), toiletries, and other un-wrapped gifts.

(15) Make your own walking tour. Why wait until May for Jane’s Walk? Plot out a stroll and show your friends and family some of your favourite spots – the architecture you like, your favourite pieces of public art, a hidden park, other good places to meander. Show them why you like the city. Want to amp it up a bit? Put a few more treats into the itinerary – like a stop at your favourite café or restaurant for hot chocolate, or an end-of-walk admission ticket to the VAG or Science World.

(16) Surprise them with some random market magic. Still searching for some stocking-stuffers? You’ve just scored yourself a great opportunity to support Vancouver’s market scene. The annual Christmas Market occupies Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza between now and December 24. For the foodie on your list, there’s the weekly Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium – every Saturday from 10am-2pm). And if you want to go all-in, wander over to Granville Island for any number of specialty gifts.

(17) A membership with Modo – A casual membership to Modo (formerly the Car Co-op) costs $50 and gives you access to a range of vehicles for those times when you actually do need a car (which, for lots of folks, isn’t as as often as they think). It turns out that the self-same membership also gives you a bunch of other perks as well.

And this presents us with another great avenue of gift giving to share…

(18) A membership in another co-operative! You’ve probably heard about co-op housing before, but there are also a good number of co-ops that sell goods and services around town. These include the aforementioned Modo and ever-popular MEC, as well as smaller ones like the Vancouver Tool Library or East End Food Co-op. Co-ops are a good place to shop for those who want to support locally owned, member-driven organizations that operate with a concern for community. Buying a membership in a co-op is a great investment and a smart gift – and will turn your holiday gift exchange into a gala event!

If you’ve got other public space gift ideas, please send them our way – via info [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca.

Thanks to  Mike, Kevin, Paola, Julian and Kathleen for their contributions to this post.

Main Mall, UBC

It’s that time of year again! Blossoms and buds are filling the air with all sorts of olfactory treats, and the city is beginning to brighten with renewed colour. Lots of good public space and urban-related projects are under way too – our latest issue of Public Space News & Events presents a sparkling assortment of goodies for your reading pleasure.

• SPRINGING FORWARD: with four exciting VPSN projects
• ENGAGE: opportunities to get involved with urban issues in Vancouver
• EVENTS: a calendar of public space happenings for late March & April
• RESEARCH & READINGS: a short miscellany of interesting urban items
• FUNDING: for small neighbourhood projects

Springing Forward with the Public Space Network …

We’ve got a choice selection of things that we’re working on right now. Some coming up very shortly…

Thursday, March 28 – The City on Display: Urban Living and the Art of Public Space 

Get ready for the long-weekend by joining us for a lively presentation on our most-favourite of subjects. The VPSN’s Andrew Pask closes out the City of Richmond’s 2013 Lulu: Art in the City Speaker Series – with a talk that will look at the multiple connections between art and public space.

Andrew’s presentation will examine the history of public space and explore how thinking about the public realm has changed over time. Looking at the present era, it will touch on recent debates, designs and dilemmas associated with the public realm, including new park and plaza projects, the social – and ‘contested’ – nature of public places, and several of the more recent artistic interventions that have enlivened public spaces around the world.

Added bonus! The evening’s event will get started at 7 pm with a short performance by renowned jazz pianist Ron Johnston. The presentation is free, but you need to register to attend. Richmond City Hall Council Chambers; transit: Richmond-Brighouse station.

:: RSVP – Lulu Speaker Series Webpage

UpCycled Urbanism (with the Museum of Vancouver and UBC SALA)

We’ve been pleased as punch to join forces with the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) and UBC School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture (SALA) on a project called UpCycled Urbanism.

Upcycled Urbanism is a participatory design project that empowers people to reimagine Vancouver’s public spaces. The VPSN is one of four design teams that are creating prototypes of public space infrastructure using modular blocks of polystyrene salvaged from the construction of the Port Mann Bridge.

On March 17 we held a design jam at the MOV called “Block Talk.” Our aim was to explore how the infrastructure of public space can shape our connection with friends and strangers. Lots of folks showed up for the event – and the result was a fantastic collaboration where we got to roll-up the sleeves and design the sort of structures (chairs, seating, benches, etc.) that could make our public spaces more communal, connected and interesting.

In July, some of the designs from the four teams will be developed as full-size prototypes… in an as yet undisclosed location in the city. Stay tuned – and plan on grabbing a seat on the next generation of public infrastructure!

:: For more on Block Talk – jonathan [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca
:: VPSN Blog – UpCycled Urbanism Post
:: Museum of Vancouver UpCycled Urbanism Events
:: Twitter: #upcycled urbanism | @museumofvan

Robson Square – Summertime Activation

In the last News & Events we shared the City’s VIVA Vancouver Call for Proposals for the 800-block of Robson Square… and asked if any of you were interested in collaborating on a submission. We got a great response and held a few jam sessions to work out ideas, draw pictures and produce a draft concept.

Our roving reporter Mary Wu was there to cover the activity, and you can read about it in her recent article on the VPSN Blog.

Regardless of how our proposal goes, we’re pleased that the 800-block will once again be a summertime public space. The last two years have featured a pair of great programs for animating the space (Picnurbia & Pop Rocks) – all of which has helped to further make the case for expanding and improving Robson Square on a permanent basis.

:: For more information – robsonsquare [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca

VPSN Goes to Detroit!

The Vancouver Public Space Network is proud to be part of the Placemaking Leadership Council. We’ll be joining other organizations, policy-makers and designers at the inaugural meeting of the Council, taking place in mid-April in Detroit, Michigan. Organized by our friends at Project for Public Spaces, the two-day event will be bringing together public space advocates and organizations from nine different countries. The aim is to consolidate and strengthen placemaking as an international movement. The event will be structured around four key agenda-items:

• Creating healthier communities and improving streets by redefining transportation planning;
• Improving our built environment by advocating for people- and place-centric design through an architecture of place;
• Supporting sustainable local economies by highlighting the central role of public markets;
• And strengthening communities by creating new urban development models that re-orient our cities and towns around great multi-use destinations.

We’ll be reporting out from the event on our blog and via our social media channels. We’ll also be happily championing the good work of Vancouver placemakers and public space aficionados.

:: For more information – email andrew [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca.

A Plug: Join in the fun!

In addition to the various items profiled above, we’ve got a roster of interesting projects on the go… and are always looking for volunteers who are willing to lend a hand. Our next VPSN volunteer orientation will be taking place on Wednesday, April 3. If you’re interested in learning more about the Network, please join us!

:: RSVP for Volunteer Orientation – Amy McPherson, volunteer [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca.

ENGAGE: GET INVOLVED 

West End Community Plan – Open Houses – April 4 & April 9

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 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 4, 4-7pm, Best Western Sands Hotel, 1755 Davie Street; April 9, 4-7pm, Blue Horizon Hotel, 1225 Robson Street.

:: Details – City of Vancouver Event Page

Ironclad Art – Manhole Cover Design Challenge – Deadline April 15

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

Make an Impact. HUB is Seeking New 2013 Board Members

Are you passionate about making cycling better in Metro Vancouver? Do you want to help shape the strategic and policy direction for HUB to make cycling an attractive choice for everyone? You could be a great fit for the HUB Board of Directors. Board applications are due by April 8th and board members will be elected at our AGM in May.

:: For details on how to apply – HUB Webpage

Join the Vancouver Volunteer Corps

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 Trout Lake Community Centre (March 28) or Coal Harbour Community Centre (April 16)

:: More Information – City of Vancouver Event Page

Lead a 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. It takes place May 5th & 6th, 2012.

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

Want to be an Urban Farmer? Go to School!

Introducing the 2013 season of the SPEC Urban Farmer Field School (UFFS), a program giving people skills in sustainable agriculture – everything from starting your seeds to starting an urban farm. Over 25 courses are being offered, on subjects such as: organic soil management, fruit tree canopy management, seed starting, urban farming on a budget, and more.

:: For more information – SPEC Webpage

Infuse Vancouver 2013: Digital Media Showcase and Competition

Infuse Vancouver 2013 is the 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.

A key part of the conference will be the Digital Media Showcase and Competition. The purpose of the competition is to draw attention to the creative ways that people (from all professions and walks of life) are using digital media (photo and video) to shape, inform, and raise awareness of their communities. The end goal is to encourage planners to embrace digital media as a valuable tool to engage with their local communities (and for their communities to engage with them!) and to promote a more open and creative civic dialogue.

:: More information – www.infuse.ca > ‘Digital Media’ link

The Sharing Project

Check this out! A new project aimed to inspire and guide the growth of sharing in Vancouver. Yes, sharing! Things like cars, tools, workspace, bikes, knowledge, skills, food – you name it. The research this team is doing is aimed at providing intelligent information for community leaders to step forward and create sharing projects that are powerful, meaningful, and desired in their neighborhoods.

Find out more via Facebook, or contribute via the crowdfunding campaign. Things are just getting rolling!

:: Sharing Project – Facebook Page
:: Sharing Project – Crowdfunding Page

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Now – 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

Wednesday, March 27 – Vancouver’s Main Post Office

Heritage Vancouver, Philip Boname of Urbanics Consultants, Patricia Bourque of Bourque Bruegger Architects, and Bruno Freschi, a distinguished architect best known for his role as chief architect for Expo 86, will discuss the future of Vancouver’s Main Post Office.

Admission is free, but registration is required as space is limited. 7pm. Alliance for Arts & Culture, 938 Howe Street.

:: To register – Heritage Vancouver Webpage

Now through – April 1 – Easter in Stanley Park

Spring has sprung at the Stanley Park Miniature Train. Ride the train, hunt for Easter eggs, enjoy Easter themed crafts and visit with the Easter Bunny. Easter egg hunts take place throughout the day. Bring your own Easter basket. $8.75 per child and includes train ride and Easter egg hunt / $3.50 per adult to ride the train.

:: More Information – City of Vancouver Event Page

Saturday, March 30 – Kitsilano War Memorial Community Centre Eggstravaganza

Eggciting things will be happening at Kits CC! The gym will be full of fun activities for all ages; crafts, games, face painting, cookie decorating and much, much more! Parent participation required. $6 per child (infants under 12 months free). Starts at 11:00am. Pre-registration required.

:: More Info – Kits CC – Facebook Event Page

Saturday, March 30 – Renfrew Easter Event

Face painting, crafts and our famous Egg Hunt. Register your child for one of the time slots to guarantee their space in the hunt. (Children less than 6yrs must be accompanied by an adult). Limited number of tickets available. $5/child

:: More Info – Renfrew Facebook Event Page

Sunday, March 31, April 28, May 26 – Refrew Ravine Clean-up and Planting party

Come out to Renfrew Ravine for a monthly ravine clean-up and planting party! Lend a hand hunting unwanted garbage, re-introducing native plant species, and conducting water quality tests.

The event takes place on the last Sunday of March, April and May and begins at 10:00am. 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 Info – Facebook Event Page 

Sunday, March 31 – Mountain View Cemetary – Walking Tour with John Atkin & Andy Coupland

Venture off to the cemetery and visit some of the notable residents who helped shape Vancouver’s early skyline. Meet outside Celebration Hall, 5445 Fraser Street (enter off of 39th Ave). Cost $10 (cash only). Lasts approximately two hours.

:: For more info – John Atkin’s Webpage

Tuesday, April 2 – Food Talks Vol 7: Food Trucks

This is the seventh event in this Food Talks series! This edition of Food Talks is themed Food Trucks: The business & the movement. Meet and mingle with other foodies, and to hear some enlightening speakers from the food community.

:: More Info & Tickets – Food Talks Eventbrite Page

Wednesday, April 3 – Bring Your Boomers – All Candidates Election Forum

Our good friends at GenWhy are hosting their next Bring Your Boomers event – and it’s an All Candidates Forum! Come learn about what BC’s provincial political candidates have to say about about address the challenge of climate change in BC. The event will bring together young voters with political candidates and go beyond traditional political debates by presenting an engaging mix of intelligent conversation, media, storytelling and music to provide a culturally-driven entry point to discuss social transformation. The event features the following candidates: David Eby (NDP), Gabby Kalaw (Liberal), Duane Nickull (BC Conservative Party), Bob Simpson (Independent) and Jane Sterk (Green Party). Musical performance by Au4. The event takes place 7pm at the Rio Theatre (1660 E Broadway).

:: More Information – Bring Your Bookers Webpage
:: Tickets (by donation) – Eventbrite

April 4 – 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

Friday, April 5 – Bike Movie Night

The good folks at Kickstand (Commercial Drive & Venables) are screening The Triplets of Belleville. Show starts at 8pm and admission is by donation.

:: More Info – Kickstand – Facebook Event Page

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

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 

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 

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 – 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

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).

Saturday, April 27 – Strolling the Stoll

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

RESEARCH & GOOD READING

A round-up of recent items related to public space, city-building and the urban condition…

Vancouver Archives – Map & Plan Digitization Project

Map geeks rejoice! The Vancouver Archives have recently completed a project to digitize 512 maps and plans in our holdings. You can read about highlights of the project on their excellent blog and can also search through full-resolution versions of the maps.

:: Vancouver Archives Blog – The Map & Plan Digitization Project

30Km/hr on Residential Roads Reduces Casualties

“Recent evidence from Portsmouth shows that, when implemented on a wide scale without traffic calming, (what we call “Total 20”), 20 mph [30kmh] speed limits reduce casualties by 22% and have a varied speed reduction effect dependent upon previous average vehicle speeds.” | More…

Foncie’s Photos – Vancouver Street Photography Collection

Foncie Pulice, Vancouver’s best-known street photographer, shot millions of photographs of people from 1934 through 1979 as they walked along Vancouver’s downtown streets, or beside English Bay, or just inside the P.N.E., or close to the entrance of Stanley Park. For half a century, Foncie captured moments in time, the history of a city, and the lives of British Columbians. This material – or much of it – has now been gathered into a content, and will also be developed into a film.

:: Visit the Foncie’s Photos Webpage

Toronto Public Space Initiative – TAPS – Tagging City Hall

Here’s an interesting project developed by the Toronto Public Space Initiative – a civic engagement tool called TABS On Toronto that will let residents, media, staff, and organizations sign up for email alerts from City Council based on their keyword preferences.

For example, a user can type into the system the name of their local street, or a policy issue of interest to them. Whenever that word comes up on a Council agenda item or background document they will get an automatic email from the system informing them of the upcoming Council meeting.

Resident’s will have an easier time keeping informed of what government is doing, never missing a beat, and getting their full 7 days statutory notice.

The system is launching as a beta and is intended to help residents and organizations such as BIAs and Resident’s Associations, City Staff, Media, and NGOs – making it easier for stakeholders to engage with City Hall and hold government accountable.

:: More information – TABS on Toronto Webpage

Toronto Pt. II – Animated Laneways Research

Over 2012 and 2013 the Toronto Public Space Initiative worked with Ryerson University Master Students to investigate how to best implement and develop animated laneways in Toronto’s downtown through an analysis of laneway projects and policies in Toronto and internationally. A report was produced that identifies best practices for laneway animation implementation and viability, as well as guidelines to overcome barriers and challenges that may hinder laneway projects.

:: For more information or to review the report – TPSI Webpage

New Book – Transcultural Cities: Border-Crossing and Placemaking

Our pal Jeffrey Hou (U Washington) has a new book out that examines how placemaking can serves as a vehicle for cross-cultural learning and understanding. Here’s a snip from the promotional blurb:

“Transcultural Cities uses a framework of transcultural placemaking, cross-disciplinary inquiry and transnational focus to examine a collection of case studies around the world, presented by a multidisciplinary group of scholars and activists in architecture, urban planning, urban studies, art, environmental psychology, geography, political science, and social work. The book addresses the intercultural exchanges as well as the cultural trans-formation that takes place in urban spaces. In doing so, it views cultures not in isolation from each other in today’s diverse urban environments, but as mutually influenced, constituted and transformed.”

:: For more on the book – Routledge Webpage

Mark Kingwell – Is Public Space A Public Good? – VIDEO

Philosopher Mark Kingwell was in Vancouver recently, and presented the annual Warren Gill Memorial Lecture. The VPSN’s Katie Stowe wrote up the event in a blog post earlier this month and now – for those that want to see (or re-see) the lecture in its entirety – full-length video is available on YouTube.

Public space is routinely seen as the cure to every imaginable urban ill, from air quality to obesity. But how much of what we call public space is really public? Author and critic Mark Kingwell considers this problem, together with its implications for the notion of urban play and the so-called ‘right to the city.’

:: YouTube – Warren Gill Memorial Lecture 

FUNDING

City of Vancouver / Vancouver Foundation – Neighbourhood Small Grants

The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Foundation have teamed up to help make Vancouver the greenest city by 2020. Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) are designed to help fund projects that have a green focus. The aim is to encourage local initiatives, designed and undertaken by residents, right in their community. Grants of up to $1,000 are available.

:: For application details and criteria – Neighbourhood Small Grants Webpage 

SUPPORT THE VPSN

The Vancouver Public Space Network is an all-volunteer, community-driven enterprise that works on advocacy, education and outreach pertaining to the city’s public realm. We depend on member contributions in order to undertake our projects and activities. Looking to lend a hand? Please consider making a donation or signing up for one of our volunteer projects. Find out how you can help: info [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

CONTACT

Vancouver Public Space Network
Box 2754 Station Terminal
349 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X2

General info: info [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca
Newsletter Submissions: newsletter [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Facebook: VPSN Facebook Group and VPSN Facebook Page

Flickr: VPSN group and photostream

Twitter: @vpsn