THE TALK OF THE TOWN

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A MESSAGE TO OUR READERS
From The West End Journal’s Editor & Publisher

We’re Taking A Break

I want to let you all know that, due to some health issues on my part, I have decided to put The West End Journal on hiatus until March, 2025. So we won’t be landing in your inbox in January and February.

Kevin dale McKeown

In making this announcement, I’d like to include a shout-out to the wonderful personnel at the Vancouver Cancer Clinic and the volunteer drivers of the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society.

And a big thank-you to the terrific team of contributors and columnists who have made The West End Journal the great monthly read that it is.

While we’re on hiatus, follow The West End Journal on Facebook, where we’ll continue to post daily news of interest and information about upcoming West End / Coal Harbour events. And please “like” and “follow” us there, to let us know you’re tuned in.

We’ll be back with a March issue — watch for it!

Y’rs,
Kevin Dale McKeown
Editor & Publisher
The West End Journal

What Do We Have For You This Month?

The Talk of the Town is a little light on content this month, for reasons explained above. But we’ll be back with a March issue with all your favourite columnists and features. In the meantime, enjoy this month’s great columns by John Streit (A Closer Look), Nate Lewis (Stanley Park Notebook), Henry MacDougall (The Dragon’s Pen), Jake McGrail (Developing Stories), and Joy Metcalf (Joy’s Journal). And at the bottom of the page you’ll find links to many topical West End - Coal Harbour stories reported in the local media in the past month.

Here’s today’s two top stories …

West End News & Notes

WEST ENDER COUNCILLOR CARR CONSIDERS STEPPING DOWN
More Time With Family, and Frustration With The ABC Regime

Vancouver City Councillor Adriane Carr, one of two Green Party representatives on Council, has announced that she is “seriously considering” resigning from council before the end of the current term, which raises the possibility that a second council seat may be up for grabs in the upcoming spring by-election.

Councillor Carr

Carr, a longtime West End resident, told The West End Journal that she will be discussing her options with her family over the Christmas holiday before she makes a final decision. Carr may resign her seat as early as January.

Both personal and professional considerations are part of her decision, Carr said. On the one hand she would like to be able to spend more time with her husband, Western Wilderness Society co-founder Paul George, her children, their spouses, and their three grandchildren. Professionally, Carr is frustrated by the politics of city council under the current ABC majority. She was especially concerned when herself and all non-ABC councillors were removed from appointed roles and replaced by ABC loyalists, bouncing her off of the Metro Vancouver Board, Metro’s climate action committee, and the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre.

A spring byelection will be called to replace OneCity Councillor Christine Boyle, who was elected in October as a B.C. NDP MLA. “I wouldn’t consider resigning at this point” said Carr, “if there were not already a by-election planned. This is an opportunity for another strong Green candidate to step up.”

SEAWALL CLOSURE THROUGH DECEMBER 6
Third Beach to Prospect Point

The Park Board’s news release reads as follows:

Visitors to Stanley Park are advised that through December 6, the seawall between Third Beach and Prospect Point will be closed to accommodate the removal of dead trees impacted by the Hemlock looper moth.

The NORTHWEST Side of the seawall between prospect point and third beach reopens December 6 / park board photo

Since November 14, and continuing through December 6, a helicopter has been periodically deployed to safely remove and transport the felled wood from the cliffs above the seawall. The helicopter will be in use during daylight hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., in accordance with the City’s noise control by-law.

Due to the risks of removing these logs on high slopes, and to ensure the safety of crews and park visitors, the seawall between Third Beach and Prospect Point will be closed for the duration of this work. The parking lot at Prospect Point cafe will also be closed, while Stanley Park Drive from the Causeway off-ramp to Prospect Point picnic lot will be subject to periodic 15-minute closures.

Slope stabilization and maintenance

Concurrently, throughout the month of November, Park Board crews conducted their annual work to stabilize and maintain the slope near Siwash Rock.

Undertaking these necessary repairs in conjunction with this critical tree removal work will help minimize the impact to park visitors and reduce the chances of needing to close this section of the seawall at a later date.

Crews will remove unstable material from the slopes and ensure that rock slabs are securely connected to the main rock wall to minimize the impact of additional loads on the slopes.

Temporary detours will be in place for those looking to bike, walk or roll the seawall during the closure period.

The West End & Coal Harbour In The News

  SUPPORT YOUR WEST END - COAL HARBOUR COMMUNITY MEDIA

The West End Journal, including “The Talk of The Town”, is made possible by local advertising and monthly contributions from our Faithful Readers Circle. If you would like to support your community media, please visit our fundraising site here to contribute any amount from $5 a month up.

If you have a business in the West End / Coal Harbour neighbourhood, check out our advertising rates and information page here.

Thank you!
Kevin Dale McKeown
Editor & Publisher
editor@thewestendjournal.ca