THE TALK OF THE TOWN

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What Do We Have For You This Month?

Welcome to The Talk of The Town for April, 2022. Scroll through the following features (and click on images to enlarge) to find:

You can click on any image in The West End Journal to enlarge.

 

Our Lead Story

Palm trees can be found in many corners of the West End. (KDM Photo)

STREETS FULL OF WONDERS
West End’s Tropical Flora

by Lucas Pilleri

Palm trees, cherry trees, banana trees… The West End houses some exotic flora. But how did these foreign species get here exactly?

“Trees tell the story of the city,” David Tracey writes in his “Vancouver Tree Book”. The environmental designer and community ecologist couldn’t be more right.

Take the cherry trees, for instance. They were donated in the 1930s by the Japanese cities of Yokohama and Kobe as a way to honor the Japanese Canadians who served during World War I.

In the early 1900s, large trees such as helms, sycamores, and maples were prime choices. Yet, by the 1930s - 1940s, Vancouver started to shift towards ornamental trees – this is when cherry trees started to blossom.

“People went crazy for them and they became very popular,” Tracey says. Too popular, in fact: by 1990, a third of the city’s 100,000 trees were cherry or plum trees.

“There was too much of one thing,” says Bruce McDonald, Bloedel Conservatory and Sunset Nursery superintendent. The problem with monoculture is that diseases spread quickly, especially as these Asian, exotic trees tend to dislike our mild, wet winters.

Lovely to look at, but don’t eat the bananas you’ll find later this year on palm trees such as this one at Haro and Cordova. It is said that banana trees were introduced in the 1980s by Vancouver landscaper Gerard Pury, also nicknamed “the father of palms”, a long-time member of the Northwest Pacific Palm and Exotic Plant Society. (Lucas Pilleri Photo)

Palm trees are other tropical gems commonly found in the West End. Many were introduced by the Vancouver Palm and Exotic Society about 25 years ago. While the first specimens were planted along English Bay, they have now become part of the whole neighborhood’s signature look.

The majority of the palm trees here are Trachycarpus fortunei, a fancy name for ‘windmill palms’. McDonald believes they come from China: “They’re a little shorter and stockier than in their usual environment,” he notes.

That said, they’re hardy enough to survive our winters, which might be surprising at first. “It’s probably two to three degrees warmer along the English Bay,” the botanist says. “There are things that grow there that can’t grow in other parts of the city.”

Thanks to their great acclimation to the local weather, palm trees became a local favorite by the 1990s. “People started to push the boundaries on the things they could grow,” McDonald says.

Banana trees are certainly some of the most unexpected species found in the West End – some even grow bananas! They are Musa basjoo, also known as hardy banana or Japanese banana – although they are now thought to originate from China. They grow in temperate rainforests and are able to sustain temperatures as low as -10 Celsius degrees.

The Pacific Ocean is no stranger to these favorable conditions. “We can thank the ocean for providing a temperate climate,” author Tracey says. “We don’t get a real winter here, the summers typically are not too hot and the winters not too cold.”

This plant hardiness map indicates the types of species that can grow in Canada by taking into account seven variables such as minimum temperatures or amount of rainfall. (Courtesy of National Resources Canada)

The ocean moderates the temperatures, making the West End “one of the most tree-friendly climates in the world” according to the ecologist. “When tree experts from all over the world come here, they’re often delighted at the variety,” Tracey points out.

And climate change might just help West Enders grow even more and better exotic plants. As global warming intensifies, Vancouver’s plant hardiness zone level – a level that indicates what can grow where – might shift from Zone 8 to 9. “Trees that have been growing here for thousands of years are now struggling. We are becoming more like San Diego or Los Angeles,” Tracey says.

What’s too hot for some trees is just good enough for others.

West End News & Notes

Joe Average with Lieutenant-Governor Janet Austin and Premier John Horgan receiving his Order of British Columbia.

JOE AVERAGE
Honors & Puzzles & Fundraisers

Internationally renowned West End artist Joe Average has been a busy man lately.

Recently inducted into the Order of British Columbia, Joe has of late partnered with the Coal Harbour nonprofit housing provider PAL Vancouver for a fundraising initiative. The “One World, One Hope” 1,000-piece puzzle showcasing Joe Average’s original artwork is now available for orders online. Partial proceeds for each puzzle sold will go to support affordable housing for members of Metro Vancouver’s arts and entertainment sector. 

The gift box branded by Average as “It’s more than a puzzle, it’s art,” features a full-size image of “One World, One Hope” which was originally commissioned and designed for the 11th International Conference on AIDS. The kit includes materials to seal Average’s artwork in order to hang on a wall. 

A 1,000-piece puzzle of Joe’s famous “One World, One Hope” image.

“What I wanted to express in this image with the stained-glass feeling is that we are all fragile in the face of AIDS, but working together with love (the heart in the center) is what we need to do,” says Joe.  

“It fills my heart to think this artwork can serve another great cause by supporting the actors, singers, dancers, painters, sculptors and musicians at PAL Vancouver and allowing them to live there affordably.” 

“I have always loved the idea of taking better care of our elders: especially those in the performing arts community who have dedicated their lives to giving us all so much joy.” 

PAL Vancouver, which operates a 111-unit housing complex at 581 Cardero, provides housing to members of the arts and culture community who have low annual incomes in a region that has become increasingly unaffordable. 

“We are truly excited by this generous offer by Joe Average to use partial proceeds of the “One World, One Hope” puzzle to help fund our organization,” says PAL Vancouver president Mike Klassen. “It makes us proud to see the puzzle container emblazoned with our logo and knowing that each sale of the puzzle going forward will support our mission to create affordable housing for B.C.’s artists and entertainers.” 

A link to the order page is on PAL Vancouver’s website here. 

Betty Lepps.

A NEW ROLE AT PARK BOARD
Caring For The Homeless In Our Parks

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has announced the appointment of Betty Lepps as their first-ever director of urban relationships. In this role, she will lead the Park Board's work in responding to the needs of people experiencing homelessness, helping to fulfill the City’s humanitarian responsibilities to those sleeping or sheltering in parks. As Director, Urban Relationships, she will also work with partners to help improve the overall safety of all people using Vancouver parks.

 “I believe that this is a unique position, and in my experience I’ve never heard of this role elsewhere. However, it is one that is long overdue in the parks and recreation systems across the country,” said Donnie Rosa, general manager of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “People sheltering in parks is not an operational issue, it’s a human condition that needs a humane approach. Betty brings that approach and her extensive knowledge of working within our collaborative construct will be of huge benefit to Vancouver and its residents.”

Lepps, a graduate of Royal Roads University, joins the Park Board from BC Housing, where she held the role of Regional Director of Supportive Housing/Shelters and co-led the housing of almost 300 people sleeping in Strathcona Park. Prior to that she spent ten years with the Aspen Family and Community Network in Calgary.

The West End’s street banners are due for renewal. Are you an artist with some great ideas?

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

The West End Business Improvement Association has put out a call for local artists to assist with the design of the next round of banners for our community’s commercial streets!

Each street has its own unique character and feel, and as such the banners should reflect the distinctiveness of Davie, Denman and Robson Streets. Initial conceptual design submissions are being requested for consideration by WEBIA staff and the Maintenance and Beautification Committee.

Artists whose submissions are selected will have the opportunity to work with the WEBIA and banner company to finalize and bring their preliminary design concepts to life based on further guidance and technical specifications.

If you're interested in this project, or know someone who would be a perfect fit, you’ll find more information here.

REMEMBERING BOOMER
Floral & Written Tributes Now Removed

The impromptu memorial at the corner of Davie and Bute to the late homeless neighbor known as Boomer has been removed for health and safety reasons.

A marker honoring his memory is being considered for the site. The many tributes to Boomer from friends and passers-by have highlighted both the plight of our city's homeless and the community's ability to respond with kindness and generosity.

We will remember Boomer as the community works to meet the many challenges he faced in life.

SHOW YOUR WORK AT ART IN THE CITY

The West End Community Centre’s annual Art In The City exhibition and sale returns this May 7 and 8 and there are still a few openings for artists interested in taking part. Hundreds of West Enders and visitors from all over Vancouver have enjoyed this event in past years and this is a great opportunity to meet new art lovers and make a few sales.

To receive the application for the Art in the City email westendartinthecity@gmail.com

Mark Your Calendar

Entertainment and cultural events and activities are cautiously returning to normal, and next month The West End Journal will bring back its regular “Mark Your Calendar” feature after a two-year hiatus. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Facebook for regular announcements and updates.

Here is a sampling of some of the goings-on in April …

  • PARTY ON THE PAVEMENT … West End artist Deanna Flinn reprises her successful sidewalk art event at Jim Deva Plaza Saturday, April 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. Grab a piece of chalk (or several) and add yourself to this interactive temporary street mural project.

  • JAZZ IN THE PARLOUR … Roedde House Museum has relaunched their popular Jazz In The Parlour Series. The April concert, on Thursday the 28th, will feature Jennifer Scott (voice and piano) with Rene Worst (bass). Information here.

  • HIGH TEA AT MUSE … Muse Cannabis at 999 Denman is hosting an open-house High Tea Party on Saturday, April 9th from 12 - 4 p.m. and invites you to join them 'down the rabbit hole'. Enjoy local coffee, scones, and a tea tasting from CBD beverage company Everie.

  • MUSIC AT THE SYLVIA … The Sylvia Restaurant & Lounge at the venerable Sylvia Hotel has started up again with their thrice-weekly 7 to 9 p.m. entertainment. The April lineup includes: Sun. the 3rd with Doe Bender’s Jazz Trio; Wed. the 6th with Yvonne McSkimming and Mark Fortin; Thur. the 7th with Doc Fingers, Blues/Jazz & Pop; Sunday the 10th with jazz vocalist Angela Verbrugge; Wed. the 13th with singer/songwriter Claude Duke; Thur. the 14th with The Hot Mammas; and Sunday the 17th with The Kasuals, Jazz & Roots. Follow The West End Journal on Facebook for updates on the balance of the month.

  • BINGO FOR LIFE … A weekly fundraiser at The Junction (1138 Davie) for Friends For Life Society. Hosted by premiere drag diva The Unstoppable Connie Smudge, the fun starts at 7 p.m.

  • ALL ABOARD THE EASTER TRAIN … From April 15-18, families can ride through Stanley Park, spotting eggs and other signs of spring during our first event of the season! It’s the annual Easter Train! Details here.

  • JAZZ VESPERS … Bookings for April are still being finalized, but St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church at 1022 Nelson has brought back their weekly jazz performances, every Sunday at 4 p.m. Check their website here for the latest information.

Got an event coming up that should be listed in The West End Journal? Email editor@thewestendjournal.ca with details.

West End Street Names

THE SHIPS SUTIL AND MEXICANA, DURING THE DIONISIO ALCALÁ GALIANO EXPEDITION IN 1792 IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. DRAWING BY JOSE CORDERO

CARDERO STREET

Surveyor L.A. Hamilton’s draughtsman made an error in tagging this West End street “Cardero” instead of “Cordero, after Cordero Channel, between East Thurlow Island and the mainland, which was itself named after José Cordero, who was, ironically, a draughtsman on Galiano’s ship the Mexicana. Valdes Island has a Cordero Point named correctly in his honor.

For more West End street name histories visit our “Developing Stories” section here.

The West End - Coal Harbour In The News