Inside Vancouver

New Hope for Vancouver’s Dying Cherry Trees

by Remy Scalza in Green City on April 16, 2013

Photo credit: Geoffery Kehrig | Flickr

Vancouver’s cherry trees are dying.

But not to worry – It’s all part of the cycle of life. On average ornamental cherry trees live around 80 years. In city conditions, lifespans can average just 25-30 years owing to pollution and other issues, according to a great article in the Vancouver Sun by Jessica Barrett.

Many of Vancouver’s famous cherry trees – 37,000 of which are blooming right now – were originally gifted by the cities of Kobe and Yokohama, Japan, in the 1930s. A second wave of planting occurred in the 1950s, when the park board removed many of the larger elms and maples along city streets, whose roots were damaging sidewalks and sewers.

In other words, Vancouver has a lot of geriatric cherry trees on its hands. Continue reading:
New Hope for Vancouver’s Dying Cherry Trees

Style Meets Sustainability at Vancouver Eco Fashion Week: April 21-24 At Robson Square

by Taraneh in Green City on April 15, 2013

Photo credit: Peter Jensen

Products made within tight parameters tend to show more creativity. Take food carts, for example. Compress the production space and the results are original and irresistibly tasty.

The same can be said for the fashion industry. Vancouver’s pioneering Eco Fashion Week, which kicks off April 21 in Vancouver’s downtown Robson Square, is another stellar example. Ask designers to use sustainable practices in product development, and you get wearable, chic fashion made in really comfy fabrics. We’re not talking about hippie hemp. If you want hemp or granola, Eco Fashion Week founder Myriam Laroche advises you to head to the snack bar.

Eco Fashion Week is in its sixth season this year and has tons of free and ticketed events. Expect glamourous runway shows featuring green designers (local and international), fashion industry panels, and free seminars running through April 24. This year, Eco Fashion week overlaps with Earth Day on April 22; attending the stylish Robson Square events is a great opportunity to get out and celebrate our green city.

With all the good-looking fun, it can be hard to choose what to attend. Find Eco Fashion Week 6th Edition schedule highlights after the jump. Continue reading:
Style Meets Sustainability at Vancouver Eco Fashion Week: April 21-24 At Robson Square

Massive Sea Lions Visit Vancouver

by Remy Scalza in Green City on April 14, 2013

Photo credit: ubermoogle2006 | Flickr

They’re as long as a car and can weigh as much.

Enormous Steller sea lions, which can grow to three metres and more than 1,000 kilograms, have taken up their spring residence in Steveston, in the Vancouver suburb of Richmond. The huge pinnipeds are joined by dozens of only slightly smaller California sea lions, an annual rite of passage off the Vancouver coast.

The colony consists entirely of bachelors. Some 2,000 male sea lions make the migration through colder B.C. waters to balmy California and Mexico every spring for breeding season. Along the way, they stop for a breather along the eight-kilometre-long Steveston jetty.

While the noisy, and sometimes smelly, fraternity is not visible from land, you can spot the sea lions via boat or on an ecotour. Bruce Livingston of Steveston Eco Tours tracks the return of the sea lions every spring and brings guests to within a respectful distance to admire their blubbery prowess. Continue reading:
Massive Sea Lions Visit Vancouver

New Urban Orchard Coming to Main and Terminal

by Taraneh in Green City on April 9, 2013

Photo credit: Solefood Street Farms

You’ve seen the Solefood’s innovative urban farms on your morning jogs along the seawall, or perhaps after a late night at the Astoria. You’ve probably eaten their fruit and veg in some of the best restaurants around town including Hawksworth, Salt Tasting Room and Fable.

After three years, Michael Ableman and Seann Dory, the guys behind the pioneering social enterprise, are expanding beyond raised garden beds. Solefood is planting an urban orchard on one acre of city-owned land at the busy intersection of Main Street and Terminal Avenue. They also plan to have a produce stand onsite at the new location.

According to this coverage in the Straight, Solefood will plant 1,000 fruit-bearing trees including quince, persimmon, pears, and plums starting this May. Continue reading:
New Urban Orchard Coming to Main and Terminal

Exploring Vancouver’s Forgotten Park: Inside Pacific Spirit

by Remy Scalza in Green City on March 28, 2013

Photo credit: michellerlee | Flickr

When it comes to green space in Vancouver, 1,000-acre Stanley Park usually gets the spotlight. Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden play key supporting roles.

But one park that consistently manages to stay off the radar altogether is Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Located on Point Grey, on the city’s West side, Pacific Spirit consists of nearly 2,000-acres of forests and beach (including notoriously clothing-optional Wreck Beach). It’s a massive urban nature preserve that sits right on the doorstep of the University of British Columbia, with more than 70 kilometres of walking paths, as well as bike and horse trails.

Yet because Pacific Spirit is a bit outside of downtown, and because it doesn’t necessarily boast the jaw-dropping views or manicured gardens of the city’s other big parks, it’s easily overlooked – and sometimes completely forgotten. Continue reading:
Exploring Vancouver’s Forgotten Park: Inside Pacific Spirit

New Hope for Vancouver’s Dying Cherry Trees

Style Meets Sustainability at Vancouver Eco Fashion Week: April 21-24 At Robson Square

Massive Sea Lions Visit Vancouver

New Urban Orchard Coming to Main and Terminal

Exploring Vancouver’s Forgotten Park: Inside Pacific Spirit

Download the Visit Vancouver iPad App

Vancouver Event Calendar

counterpoint-banner