everything-you-need-to-know-if-you-are-travelling-to-vancouver-for-taylor-swift’s-eras-tour-–-vancouver-is-awesome
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Everything you need to know if you are travelling to Vancouver for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

Bymichael

Get tips on making your trip smoother…however you come to the city. Travellers headed to Vancouver for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour may want to plan for delays – regardless of how they are arriving.  The American star will perform at three sold-out shows at BC Place on Dec. 6, 7, and 8, and thousands of people will be travelling to the city from other parts of the province, country, and around the world. BC Place can hold a whopping 54,500 people nightly so there will be a tremendous influx of people staying in hotels, driving on the roads, flying into airports, sailing on ferries, and taking public transportation in the Lower Mainland. Have a look at everything travellers headed to Vancouver should know about planning their trip to see the “You Belong to Me” singer’s final three shows of her massive world tour. Arriving and departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Concert-goers flying into the city for one (or more) of the shows should brace for possible delays. Many travellers will also travel to the YVR on the same dates, increasing congestion.  Travellers with friends in the city who can pick them up can enjoy 30-minute free parkade use. Once they’ve gotten through security, they can contact their friends to pick them up. While it might be tempting to do this the moment they land, parade stays extending over 30 minutes cost significantly more than they used to.  Pick up from the parkade YVR implemented new rates for its parkade on Nov. 13, increasing costs for each additional 30 minutes from $5.50 to $14.  Travellers have several other options to get from the airport to a hotel or another location in Metro Vancouver. Flate rate taxi fares to Vancouver and Richmond Taxi fares on flat rates to various areas across Vancouver and Richmond have also increased heading from the airport. The taxi stands are located on Level 2 of the Domestic and International Arrivals Area at YVR. Taxis can also take you to addresses in other Metro Vancouver areas, like Surrey, Delta, North Vancouver, or Burnaby.  Related: Map: Here’s how much it costs to taxi home from YVR following price hikes If you’re headed straight to one of the shows from the airport – or if you’re simply feeling fancy – you can also book a luxury sedan, stretch SUV, or limo. Ride App Services at YVR Lyft, Uber, and KABU are authorized providers of Ride App services at YVR. You must download the app of any of the providers to request a ride. You can get picked up at one of the following designated pickup spots:  International Arrivals, Level 2 Domestic Arrivals, Level 2 South Terminal   Unlike taxis, ride app services do not use a flat rate or even a metered rate. They are based on the availability of drivers in the area and may vary dramatically as a result. Public transportation The Canada Line SkyTrain serves Vancouver’s YVR Airport in Richmond, and will get travellers to the city centre. Fans can use the Canada Line and exit at Vancouver City Centre or Yaletown-Roundhouse to walk to BC Place stadium on show nights. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A. Vancouverites can travel from the heart of downtown to the airport on the Canada Line in under half an hour. There are 16 stops along the way and the train takes passengers right to the airport.  The elevator from the train brings travellers right between the International and Domestic Terminals. From there, you can turn left for flights within Canada and right for everything else.  All transit users travelling on the Canada Line leaving YVR are subject to a $5 Canada Line YVR AddFare, in addition to the regular zone fare. AddFare is automatically added when a user purchases a fare ticket. Travellers may also wish to rent a car.  How to navigate Vancouver International Airport  Save time with  Advance Declaration The CBSA advises travellers to save time passing through customs by making an advance declaration in the ArriveCan app. The advance declaration is admissible at the following airports: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton. Using the ArriveCan app cuts a traveller’s time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50 per cent, according to CBSA data. Travellers should also check in with their airline before heading to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in once they arrive.  Pack smart Follow the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) baggage requirements. Remember: liquids, gels and aerosols still need to be in containers that are less than 100 millilitres, and be packaged into one transparent, closed, and resealable plastic bag under one litre. Avoid wrapping holiday gifts since contents may need to be inspected during the screening process for carry-on and checked baggage. Use YVR’s ‘Journeys’ tool  YVR offers a tool that allows passengers to view a step-by-step guide through the airport based on their specific flight information.  Use your smartphone to speed up your time in line Locals who plan to fly to the U.S. from Canada can submit their passport and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone before they leave for a trip. It’s called the U.S. Customer Customs Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app. YVR also offers several tips to help travellers save time at the airport. Arriving and departing from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)  The  Valley Airporter Shuttle  provides service to and from the airport to anywhere within a 120km radius, including locations in Downtown Vancouver.  The Abbotsford Airport Shuttle through Ace Charters offers transportation between the airport and King George Station in Surrey as well

8-taylor-swift-afterparties-to-dance-the-night-away-in-vancouver
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8 Taylor Swift afterparties to dance the night away in Vancouver

ByDH Vancouver Staff

So you’re coming to Vancouver for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Or maybe you’re a local who didn’t cop tickets but still wants to partake in the fun. The night doesn’t end when Swift sings her final note. No, the weekend of December 6, 7, and 8 is set to be lively well past Midnight(s). Several bars, clubs, and restaurants have Swiftie-themed afterparties planned. Downtown’s Granville Entertainment District is sure to be bumping. And those looking for a genre change could also pick up tickets to see one of two electronic artists who are in town that weekend. Are you ready for it? Taylor Swift Welcome to Vancouver Party Our first item isn’t technically an afterparty — it’s a night to kick off your weekend in Vancouver. Named after a spin on the opening song of Swift’s 1989 album, this party at Gastown’s resident Irish pub promises its DJ will play Taylor’s songs all night long. The pub will have Eras Tour drink specials and prizes for the best costumes. Where: The Blarney Stone — 216 Carall Street When: Thursday, December 5 Time: 9:30 pm to 2 am How much: Tickets $10 End of an Era Tribute Enso Event Centre Swifties United is hosting what it bills as the ultimate Eras Tour afterparty at the Enso Event Centre on Saturday, December 7. The night celebrates the conclusion of the Eras Tour with Swift’s greatest hits, EDM tracks, top 40, and an immersive music video experience. Where: Enso Event Centre — 750 Pacific Boulevard When: Saturday, December 7 Time: 10 pm to 3 am How much: $47.27 via Eventbrite Cabana Lounge’s Eras Tour Un-Official Afterparty A hallmark of nightlife on the Granville Strip is hosting a Taylor-themed night on Saturday, December 7. Purchasing a ticket guarantees entrance without a cover charge. Where: Cabana Lounge — 1159 Granville Street When: Saturday, December 7 Time: 10:30 pm to 3 am How much: $12 tickets via Eventbrite Levels Nightclub The End of an Era This downtown clubbing staple is hosting a party to mark the true end of the Eras Tour on Sunday. “We will be playing the entire show, plus a few extra favourites that didn’t make the cut (some more Speak Now perhaps!),” the club says in its event description. Where: Levels Nightclub — 560 Seymour Street When: Sunday, December 8 Time: 9 pm to 1 am How much: Tickets for $23 via Eventbrite Yale Saloon Eras Tour Unofficial Afterparty This country-themed Granville bar is hosting a sendoff for Swift’s mega-popular tour every night she plays. It promises to let attendees Shake it Off one last time with the chance to win Taylor Swift merchandise. Plus, the bar has a mechanical bull. Where: Yale Saloon — 1300 Granville Street When: December 6, 7, and 8 Time: 8 pm to late How much:  Tickets from $15 to $110 D6 The Wrap Up The bar and lounge inside the Parq casino in Yaletown offers stunning skyline views. It’s hosting afterparties every night of the Eras Tour. Encore Rewards members can receive a free cowboy hat if they stop by Guest Services. “The scene will be decked out with pop-icon decor and swag giveaways. We’re bringing in the best local female DJs spinning all the hits you love. Step into the Hidden Lounge for House/Remix Swift songs all weekend,” it says of the event. Where: D6 Bar and Lounge inside JW Marriott Parq Vancouver — 39 Smithe Street When: December 6, 7, and 8 When: Evening until late How much: We’ve asked D6 for more details K Motionz at Village Studios This UK drum and bass artist is playing in the West End on Friday, December 6. Where: Village Studios — 1024 Davie Street When: December 6 Time: 10 pm to 2 am How much: $40 via TicketWeb Of the Trees at Hollywood Theatre Blueprint Events Bass artist Of the Trees is visiting a historic Kitsilano theatre on Saturday, December 7. Openers start sometime after doors open at 9, but Of the Trees likely won’t play until well after the Taylor Swift concert wraps up. Where: Hollywood Theatre — 3123 West Broadway When: December 7 Time: Doors at 9 pm How much:  Tickets start at $45

ndp-calls-for-ticketmaster-investigation-over-alleged-taylor-swift-price-gouging
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NDP calls for Ticketmaster investigation over alleged Taylor Swift price gouging

ByNational Trending Staff

The federal NDP has some “Bad Blood” with Ticketmaster and is calling for an investigation into the company after bots and scalpers drove up the prices of Taylor Swift concert tickets. In a news release, the party said that its critic for Innovation, Science & Economic Development Brian Masse wrote to federal minister François-Philippe Champagne outlining the reasoning for the investigation, noting that scalpers and bots were quick to purchase the tickets, selling them for excessively high prices. “Moms who have saved up for a gift for their kids and hard-working young people struggling to get ahead have been heartbroken to find out they cannot afford tickets,” wrote Masse. “Instead, scalpers and bots have been allowed to scoop up these highly sought after tickets and resold them for thousands of dollars each – far out of reach for ordinary people.” Masse noted that Ticketmaster dominates the ticketing and event industry, and uses dynamic pricing, which results in high ticket costs. The company also has its own resale platform, giving little incentive for it to crack down on resellers and bots. He added that the US has taken action, as an anti-trust lawsuit was recently launched, seeking to restore competition by breaking up Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation. Masse argued that not enough has been done to stop these practices in Canada. “The Competition Bureau last looked into Ticketmaster in 2019. At the time I warned your government that failing to go after Ticketmaster bots and resale practices was giving them a free pass to continue their predatory practices against consumers,” he wrote. “As Minister you have the power to launch an investigation into Ticketmaster and ticketing industry practices, yet you have stood by and done nothing.” He pointed to the Liberal Party’s promise made in Budget 2024 to work with provinces and territories to adopt ticket sale best practices and crack down on fraudulent resellers and reseller practices. “Anyone who has tried to buy a concert ticket recently can tell you this has been a failure,” Masse wrote. The NDP added that price gouging hasn’t ended with tickets, as hotel prices in Vancouver and Toronto have skyrocketed during the time Swift will be playing in those cities. “At the same time, these hotels are gouging fans they are failing to give their workers a fair deal.” In Canada, class-action lawsuits have been filed against Ticketmaster Canada over delays in refunding customers for tickets they bought to shows affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadian Taylor Swift fans have also tried to take action against the ticket seller, launching a petition demanding that Ticketmaster change its policies surrounding resellers and its Verified Fan registration process.

“showstopper”-home-in-bc-listed-for-a-whopping-$14.8m
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Luxury home in BC listed for a whopping $14.8M

ByBeth Rochester

A recent waterfront home for sale along the Sunshine Coast embodies the saying, luxury living. Located at 5871-5879 Sunshine Coat Highway, this stunning property overlooks breathtaking views of Trail Bay in Sechelt — the only thing more jaw-dropping than its views is its $14,800,000 price tag. According to Zealty, the property’s asking price is almost three times higher than its assessed value, which came to $5,660,000 in 2024. InFrame Real Estate InFrame Real Estate InFrame Real Estate The waterfront estate offers its future owners five bedrooms and eight bathrooms and is described as an “architectural masterpiece.” There are custom-tailored bespoke finishings throughout the home, from custom entry doors to a gorgeous wrap-around staircase. It is constructed with a traditional timber frame, which mirrors the beauty of the surrounding nature inside the property. The real showstopper of the home is its floor-to-ceiling fireplace, which spans an impressive 30 feet. Constructed of ancient Utah ocean floor rock and anchored by a six-ton solid black granite hearth, this fireplace takes the already-luxurious living room to a whole new level. InFrame Real Estate InFrame Real Estate But it’s not just the inside of this property that will leave you speechless. As you step into the exterior of the home, you’ll find multiple outdoor spaces extending the living area while maintaining an unobstructed view of the ocean and sunset. During the summer months, you can enjoy your lunch breaks outside on the vast patio and even take a quick dip in the pool between meetings. InFrame Real Estate InFrame Real Estate InFrame Real Estate It’s not hard to see why this estate has a hefty price tag. So, if you have a cool $15 million to spare, why not pay a visit to this property? To check out the full listing, click here.

a-lot-of-bureaucracy:-kitsilano-homeowner-blames-city-for-renovation-delays-–-global-news-toronto
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A lot of bureaucracy Kitsilano homeowner blames city for renovation delays

Bymichael

A Kitsilano homeowner, criticized for allowing a garage at the back of his home to collapse, says he has wanted to do a massive renovation but the slow pace of Vancouver’s City Hall is frustrating matters. The house is located on Arbutus Street, valued just under $4 million and across from Kitsilano Beach. Aaron Chan, who currently lives in Taiwan, grew up in Vancouver, got his MBA in New York, then worked in Hong Kong and India before Taipei. But Vancouver has always been home. “We still have a lot of family in Vancouver and we typically bring our kids to to Vancouver in the summertime, you know, except for the pandemic years,” Chan told Global News. He and his wife purchased the house in 2021. Chan said the house is 100 years old and they always planned to renovate it. Story continues below advertisement They started communicating with the City of Vancouver in early 2022 and Chan said they hired an architect. “We were given a list of things that we need to do,” he said. “And we were very patient and we tried to be cooperative and comply with whatever the city wanted. And every time we submitted what was requested and we always ask the question, ‘Is this the list? Is that it?’ And I think the reply has always been, ‘Yes, this is if you do ABCD, this is what we need from you.’” Chan said that despite following what the city requested, they would continue to get emails asking them to do more. 1:33 Buckled garage across from Kitsilano Beach creates safety hazard “I have been doing skyscrapers in New York, in Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo,” Chan said. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. “You know, I’m comparing (this) to some developed country, some major city in the world. And so I thought to myself, if I could handle doing major development in those cities, and the codes and regulations are very, very stringent, this is a wooden structure, this is a house, a small house, actually. I thought I could easily handle that, but I guess I was very wrong about it.” Story continues below advertisement Chan said they only received the demolition permit for the garage this week from the City of Vancouver — two years after starting the process. “This is a house in dire need of some loving and caring,” he said. “And I’m an experienced real estate developer. We’re talking about a three-storey wooden structure. I never expected this to be this difficult by any global standards.” Chan said they still don’t have the permits in place to fix the house. ‘When we started that process, there were still a lot of COVID protocols,” he said. “The responses were not quick. You know, the hurdle that we had to go through was a lot. So, yeah, we’re happy to respond to any request from the city. But there is simply a lot of bureaucracy.” 0:34 Collapsing garage at multi-million dollar home in Vancouver’s Kitsilano In a statement to Global News, the City of Vancouver said that in 2022 the homeowner for the house submitted a pre-submittal application for proposed interior and exterior alterations. Story continues below advertisement The development permit application was submitted on Dec. 7, 2023, according to the city, with fees paid on Dec. 19, 2023. Once the fees were paid, the city initiated the review process. “On April 16, 2024, City staff issued a deficiency list to the applicant, outlining required revisions and providing comments from our Building Review Branch (BRB),” the city said. Trending Now “These revisions are necessary to meet the City’s requirements. Since then, staff have been in regular communication with the applicant to provide support and answer questions. However, the applicant has not yet submitted the revised plans addressing the identified deficiencies.” The city said the delays in this case appear to be related to incomplete revisions and outstanding requirements on the part of the applicant. In June 2023, the City of Vancouver adopted the 3-3-3-1 permit approval framework to fast-track applications. Targets include three days to approve home renovation permits, three weeks to approve single-family home and townhouse permits, three months to approve permits for professionally designed multi-family and mid-rise projects where existing zoning is in place and one year to approve permits for a high-rise or large-scale project. “As you know, this is a big organization and it takes a little bit of time,” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said on Thursday. Story continues below advertisement “What I can tell you is we have amazing people and they have been working diligently, so we have a lot of anecdotal evidence of our permitting process being sped up.” Sim said while there is more work to do, the program has been successful. 2:21 City of Vancouver to crack down on illegal Hastings street market Chan said he understands his house is 100 years old but his experience has been far from successful. “I wish I was given a list of things that we need to comply and do,” he said. “And when we were given that list, it could be given to us in one request rather than piecemeal.” Chan said it does not stop his family’s desire to move to Vancouver. “However, when

hundreds-rally-at-vancouver-city-hall-calling-for-‘pause’-to-broadway-plan-–-ctv-news-vancouver
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Hundreds rally at Vancouver city hall calling for ‘pause’ to Broadway Plan

Bymichael

Hundreds of Vancouver residents gathered at city hall Saturday afternoon to urge councillors to “pause and rethink” the Broadway Plan. Adopted in 2022, the policy governs development along the Broadway corridor, aiming to create high-density homes for 50,000 more people along the under-construction Broadway Subway extension. A petition touted by the organizers of Saturday’s event has received more than 2,800 signatures. It describes the plan as “playing out in a way many residents never imagined,” with rezoning signs “popping up like mushrooms” and “18- and 20-storey tower proposals on quiet residential streets some distance from rapid transit.”  Towers were on the minds of protesters CTV News spoke to at the rally, including Gordon Yusko, who said one is under construction behind his Fairview apartment building. “The Broadway plan allows too many high-density towers in too small of an area and it’s going to make neighbourhoods unlivable,” Yusko said. Roni Jones said she’s been a renter in Kitsilano for decades, and has seen people lose their affordable homes in her neighbourhood so that new towers can be built. “For instance, across the street from me was a rental of all seniors, and they’ve all been evicted,” she said. The Broadway Plan includes protections for renters who are displaced by redevelopment. Developers must offer them units in the new building for the same rent they were paying, and displaced renters “may choose to receive a temporary rent top-up,” according to the city.  The forced relocation is still disruptive, however, and market rents are generally hundreds, if not thousands of dollars higher than what long-term tenants are used to paying. “I’m really concerned about that,” said Jones. “I’m concerned about, ‘Where do all these people go?'” Both Jones and Yusko insisted they’re not against increasing the density of the Broadway corridor, but argued that the Broadway Plan as it’s currently being implemented is not the right way to add density to the area. “Density is important,” said Yusko. “I’m not opposed to density, but it has to be livable density, like, six to eight storeys, maximum.” “Yes, density has to happen, but it can happen within consultation with the neighbourhoods to not lose that character,” said Jones.

bear-killed-after-attacking-man-walking-with-dog-on-metro-vancouver-trail-–-cbc.ca
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Bear killed after attacking man walking with dog on Metro Vancouver trail

Bymichael

British Columbia Bear killed after attacking man walking with dog on Metro Vancouver trail B.C. conservation officers say a man was injured earlier this week when he was attacked by a black bear while he was walking his dog on a Metro Vancouver trail. The bear died in the encounter. Conservation service says people should remain vigilant during cold months, as some bears remain active CBC News · Posted: Nov 23, 2024 8:26 PM EST | Last Updated: 11 hours ago The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says a man was injured earlier this week when he was attacked by a black bear while he was walking his dog on a Metro Vancouver trail. (Robson Fletcher/CBC) A man walking his dog on a Lower Mainland trail was injured earlier this week in a black bear attack, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service says.  The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon along an off-leash dog trail near 240th Street in Maple Ridge, according to a Saturday Facebook post by the service.  Conservation officer Jordan Ferguson told CBC News the man heard a commotion behind him and turned to see his dog confronting the bear.  “He tried to grab his dog and retreat from the area, and the bear then turned his attention on him,” Ferguson said. The man then “fought with the bear,” according to the service’s Facebook post. A group of nearby anglers came to his aid and the incident ended with the man injured and the black bear dead.  How exactly the bear was killed is still being determined, but Ferguson said an examination of the scene has shown them that it was done out of self-defence and that there will be no enforcement action against anyone involved.  He said the man was treated for minor injuries and has since been released from hospital, while the dog was unscathed. The bear is undergoing a necropsy at an Abbotsford lab to determine if it was dealing with anything that would have affected its behaviour and decision to attack.  Ferguson emphasized the importance of safety precautions while exploring the outdoors, pointing out that bears in the Lower Mainland don’t “fully hibernate” due to mild winters and food availability. “When you’re going out into these natural areas, you have to be prepared to run into bears all times a year down here,” he said.  “If you’re put in the situation, the best thing you can do is try to leave the area … make yourself look big and back out.” The B.C. Conservation Foundation says people can better prevent encounters with black bears by talking and singing to avoid surprising an animal, managing attractants such as garbage, keeping pets leashed and carrying bear spray. According to the the foundation, black bears account for up to 25,000 calls to provincial conservation officers every year and “can become more assertive or destructive when they have learned to associate humans and their activities with food.” B.C. has among the highest population of black bears in the world, with the foundation estimating up to 150,000 animals live in the province. With files from CBC’s Shaurya Kshatri and The Canadian Press

how-to-send-letters-to-santa-during-canada-post-strike
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How to send letters to Santa during Canada Post strike

ByStephanie Ip

Even though Canada Post mail carriers are on strike, parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Santa is still accepting letters. Published Nov 22, 2024  •  Last updated 4 hours ago  •  2 minute read Don’t worry: Santa will still see your letter – as soon as the strike is over. Photo by JOUNI PORSANGER/Lehtikuva /AFP via Getty Images With Canada Post employees on strike, parents may be wondering whether Santa is still accepting letters this year. Each year, Canada Post collects letters from kids across Canada and delivers them to — ahem — the North Pole for Santa to read. And though mail service has been suspended while the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are on strike, parents can rest assured knowing that Canada Post is accepting letters on behalf of the jolly man himself. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content “As you know, CUPW has shut down the postal service with a national strike, and as a result, we are unable to get mail to and from Santa in the North Pole,” said spokesperson Valérie Chartrand in an email. “It is our hope that postal operations can resume as quickly as possible at this critical time for customers. When operations do resume, we will help Santa by delivering a response to every letter sent to him this year.” According to Chartrand, Canada Post usually receives Santa letters starting in November. Last year, 1.4 million replies from Santa were sent. The program has been running for 40 years,  during which Chartrand estimates 45 million letters to Santa have been delivered by Canada Post. When can I send a letter to Santa? Canada Post accepts letters to Santa between Nov. 1 to the end of January each season. This gives Santa time after delivering all his presents to catch up on his mail. How should I address the envelope to Santa? You can put your letter in an envelope and address it to: Santa Claus North Pole H0H 0H0 Canada Don’t forget to include your return address as well! Do I need a stamp for my letter to Santa? No stamp is needed for your letter. Can I combine several letters in the same envelope? Yes, you can — and it’s encouraged  — include all letters from the same household or family into one envelope. When can I expect a response from Santa? Replies from Santa will be sent as soon as the labour disruption is resolved. Expect them a little later this year than in previous years. sip@postmedia.com Article content

metro-vancouver-eyes-standardized-six-storey-wood-apartments
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Metro Vancouver eyes standardized six-storey wood apartments

ByJohn Mackie

The idea is to streamline design and draft common regulations to cut construction time by at least a third Published Nov 18, 2024  •  3 minute read Rendering of six storey design found in Metro Vancouver report on rental apartments made of wood. Credit: Iredale Architecture. Photo by Iredale Architecture When you think of new construction in Metro Vancouver, you think of concrete towers with glass facades. A Metro Vancouver report on rental housing is considering a different approach: Making it easier to build six-storey apartment buildings out of wood. The report’s name is a mouthful, “Streamlining the Delivery of Rental Housing Through Pre-Approved Plans and Off-Site Construction.” THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content But it has a simple goal: making rental housing cheaper to build. Concrete buildings typically cost 20 to 24 per cent more to build than wooden ones. So the report, which will probably go to Metro in January, calls for low-rise wood frame buildings. The report also wants to make it easier to build. “We’re collaborating with B.C. Housing on (ways) to essentially speed up the delivery of six-story rental wood frame apartments,” said Michael Epp, director of housing, planning and development at Metro Vancouver. “One of the key ones is trying to harmonize some of the regulatory approaches for that type of building.” Building regulations vary from city to city. Going through the bureaucratic process can be time consuming — Epp said it usually takes five years from “conception to occupancy” to build a wood-frame apartment building in Metro Vancouver. “Our short-term goal is to try to bring that time down by at least 30 per cent,” he said. “But I think it’s possible, in an ideal state, to cut 50 per cent of that delivery time. So going from five years from start to finish to a 2½-year start to finish.” By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Article content The idea is to draft regulations for these buildings that essentially pre-approve them, cutting out the need for time-consuming rezoning applications, and to also allow for some prefabrication of the buildings in factories. “Time is a really substantial component of (building) cost, whether or not you’ve got land carrying costs during that entirety of that time,” Epp said. “You’re paying your professional consultants, you’ve got insurance costs, you’ve got (construction) escalation (costs). So the shorter you can make that time, the more you’re saving. “On some projects, this could be hundreds of thousands of dollars a month that can be saved when you’re shaving time off.” Only one rendering of what the six-storey buildings might look like has been released so far. The illustration by Iredale Architecture looks like something you’d see in Vancouver’s West End, a basic apartment block with balconies. The goal is to make regulations that can be adapted to different designs. “The idea here is we’ve got a hybrid approach to building,” said Epp. “This is not a modular building where you ship a shipping container to the site and assemble them on site. It’s more like an Ikea approach to a building, where there would be many components that are flat packed. Article content “Now you’re not only shrinking the time on the approval side, which is huge, but you’re also cutting the time to actually get the project built on site, because you’re able to just bring these components in and assemble them on site.” Eleven municipalities in Metro have signed on as “interested partners” in the study, including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, the District of North Vancouver and New Westminster. The study is aimed at non-market rental buildings, but Epp said new regulations could be applied to market-rent buildings as well. Many low-rise market condo buildings are already built with a concrete base and foundation, with wood

20-stunning-christmas-lights-events-to-see-around-vancouver
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20 stunning Christmas lights events to see around Vancouver

ByDaniel Chai

The days are getting shorter, which means there’s so much more time to see all the bright and colourful Christmas lights around Vancouver! Pull on your warmest toque and grab the hot chocolate because there are a bunch of holiday light displays and stunning festivals that you won’t want to miss this year. The good news is that many are running throughout December, and some even last into January! So you’ll have plenty of time to catch as many of these magical events as possible. VanDusen Festival of Lights VanDusen Festival of Lights/Submitted What: Get ready for a walk in a winter wonderland because one of Vancouver’s largest holiday light displays is officially returning for the season. VanDusen Festival of Lights will be delighting visitors at the botanical garden from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, January 5, 2025. Discover over one million lights across 15 acres, with new displays and returning favourites for all ages. When: November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day) Time: 4 to 10 pm (last entry time 8:30 to 9 pm) Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden — 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver Admission : $11-$28, free for children four years and under (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market What: A new holiday festival is coming to Metro Vancouver, and it promises to be an enchanting time for the whole family. Noel Surrey will feature Santa’s castle, a Holly Jolly Hub with food trucks and beverages, bumper cars, and more. There will also be plenty of interactive light displays and photo ops, including a 1 km accessible outdoor holiday light walk filled with illuminated see-saws, a frosty forest, a 150-foot light tunnel, and more. When: November 28 to December 1, December 5 to 8, and December 12 to 23, 2024 Time: 4 to 10:30 pm Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for youth and seniors, and free for children ages 6 and under. Pre-sale online Bright Nights at Stanley Park What: The Christmas Train tickets may be sold out for the season, but there is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout December. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund. When: November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 4 to 10 pm Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance Admission: Train tickets are sold out. Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park What: Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and sway high above the illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on a transformed Treetops Adventure. Finally, walk along the sparkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk.  Don’t forget to snap an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes, and get in on all the festive fun of the many kid’s activities around the Park. Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance online. There are limited tickets available during peak event times, and visits are scheduled in 30-minute arrival increments. When: November 22, 2024, until January 19, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily. Guests are allowed to stay in the park up to an hour after closing. Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents. Purchase online St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display. St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998. More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on Wednesday, November 27. And fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night. When: November 27, 2024 (lights will be on display until January 3, 2025) Time: 6 to 8 pm for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver Squamish at Dusk What: Explore a winter wonderland of lights, art, magic, and stories. Squamish at Dusk is a stunning light experience at Rose Park with immersive installations for all ages to enjoy this holiday season. Bring the whole family and enjoy the mesmerizing tunnel of lights, a sparkling grotto, an enchanted forest, and more. When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from November 28 until December 14, 2024 Time: 4:30 to 9:30 pm Where: Rose Park – 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish Cost: $10-$15, plus fees; free for children four and under. Purchase online Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration Amacon What: One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, the free outdoor celebration will take place at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on Friday, November 29. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, colourful photo opportunities, and free cocoa at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square. Santa Claus is even rumoured to be making an appearance. When: November 29, 2024 Time: 6 pm Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver Cost: Free PNE Winter Fair