This hardy rosebud started last summer and survived the winter, just opening with the sun of Feb. I rescued the rosebush from a dumpster two years ago.
Friday, February 22, 2013
First colors of spring!
This hardy rosebud started last summer and survived the winter, just opening with the sun of Feb. I rescued the rosebush from a dumpster two years ago.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Double-whammy city planning
Twice in the last week I've visited an urban planning meeting/open house here in Vancouver.
The first was regarding the congestion of the popular Kitsilano/Point Grey and suggested several proposals to make this area more cyclist and pedestrian friendly. I've cycled along West 4th Ave and think it's like running a gauntlet between traffic and parked cars so would be glad for some improvement, yet the curbs for bike lanes threated to cut off Chestnut St for drivers turning right off Burrard St to get to the marina and public boat launch - as boaters we felt we should bring attention to how difficult it is for vehicles with boat-towing trailers (think any watercraft over 10 feet, including sea kayaks, dragon boats, sailboats and powerboats) to turn corners and negotiate roundabouts in "traffic-controlled" neighbourhoods. While I applaud Vancouver's efforts to become more environmentally green, please do not hinder recreational watersport enthusiasts.
The same meeting alluded to but did not officially address the expansion of the Seawall promenade from Kits beach to Jericho. I had previously supported this wholeheartedly as I'd personally prefer a waterfront view than looking at gorgeous but pretentious (unwelcoming?) homes. As it stands now it's great for walkers and dog lovers but not cyclists, rollerbladers, and wheelchair/disabled users, and city developers are increasingly obligated to make natural spaces accessible to all. But my walk along the proposed development area revealed that this is the last stretch of pristine coastline of Vancouver, with sandstone cliffs and important breeding grounds for smelt. I'm glad I took the time to explore that area instead of trusting an objective map, and I encourage everyone to personally research well before making decisions and to be informed about what's being done in your own backyard. Now I feel that the Seawall could extend along waterfront that's already developed (the graffitied concrete retaining walls that support the waterfront homes), but not at the sacrifice of this wonderful geology.
The first was regarding the congestion of the popular Kitsilano/Point Grey and suggested several proposals to make this area more cyclist and pedestrian friendly. I've cycled along West 4th Ave and think it's like running a gauntlet between traffic and parked cars so would be glad for some improvement, yet the curbs for bike lanes threated to cut off Chestnut St for drivers turning right off Burrard St to get to the marina and public boat launch - as boaters we felt we should bring attention to how difficult it is for vehicles with boat-towing trailers (think any watercraft over 10 feet, including sea kayaks, dragon boats, sailboats and powerboats) to turn corners and negotiate roundabouts in "traffic-controlled" neighbourhoods. While I applaud Vancouver's efforts to become more environmentally green, please do not hinder recreational watersport enthusiasts.
The same meeting alluded to but did not officially address the expansion of the Seawall promenade from Kits beach to Jericho. I had previously supported this wholeheartedly as I'd personally prefer a waterfront view than looking at gorgeous but pretentious (unwelcoming?) homes. As it stands now it's great for walkers and dog lovers but not cyclists, rollerbladers, and wheelchair/disabled users, and city developers are increasingly obligated to make natural spaces accessible to all. But my walk along the proposed development area revealed that this is the last stretch of pristine coastline of Vancouver, with sandstone cliffs and important breeding grounds for smelt. I'm glad I took the time to explore that area instead of trusting an objective map, and I encourage everyone to personally research well before making decisions and to be informed about what's being done in your own backyard. Now I feel that the Seawall could extend along waterfront that's already developed (the graffitied concrete retaining walls that support the waterfront homes), but not at the sacrifice of this wonderful geology.
Lastly was the public consultation of the Parks Board to discuss the pooling of funds from Vancouver community centers - effectively redistributing wealth from richer neighbourhoods to poorer ones, to offer consistant services and facilities in all branches. I attended to support two friends speaking on behalf of the marina who have seen the effect such decisions have had on our services and facilities, and let that serve as a warning... Did you know that the measure of whether a dock piling needs to be replaced or not, is whether it has any holes in it the size of a rat's head??!! 73 people signed on to speak that night, almost all of them opposed to this move, the discussion (debate?) lasted until 3am and made the local press for several days. The Parks Board then voted in favour of "managing" our resources despite our protests. Nice.
What do we learn from all this? As cynical as it sounds, I think we should put our voices to what we support, yet enjoy what we have while it lasts, before it's taken away from us. The only constant is change.
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