COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
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The following is a compilation of links to West End and Coal Harbour community organizations and services and other links that may be of interest to West Enders. If you’d like to suggest a link to add to this list, please contact us at editor@thewestendjournal.ca.
COMMUNITY FACEBOOK GROUPS
BUY NOTHING: A network of community online swap-meets whose mantra is “Give. Share. Build community”. The groups are “hyper-local”. The West End - Lost Lagoon group is for neighbours from Coal Harbour to Nelson Street and Lost Lagoon to Nicola Street. The West End - Davie Village group is for neighbours within the boundaries of Nicola, Nelson, Burrard and along the shoreline in the West End of Vancouver. WEgift! Buy Nothing is a group serving all of the West End / Coal Harbour community.
DAWN Community Association: Denman and West Neighbours (DAWN) is an association of concerned residents living west of Denman, promoting affordable housing, reduction of noise and other pollutants, better public transport, protection of public spaces, and the vitality of small businesses, working with the City to ensure that new development considers residents' concerns, and with Park Board to maintain the quality of the neighbourhood's natural environment.
THE WEST ENDERS: A neighbourhood group for discussion of any and all topics related to the West End. Facebook
VANCOUVER WEST ENDERS: Billed as “a virtual park bench” online gathering place for West End neighbours to gather and share. With more than 2,000 members, probably the largest such online group in our community. Facebook
WEST END - COAL HARBOUR PARENTS NETWORK: . Helping to connect families who live and/or play in Vancouver's West End and Coal Harbour neighbourhoods. A supportive place to share information and ideas, seek advice, arrange outings and find local activities." Facebook.
WEST END CITIZENS ACTION NETWORK (WECAN): . Facebook.
WEST END FAMILIES IN ACTION: Facebook
ASSOCIATIONS & COMMUNITY CENTRES
WEST END BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (WE BIA): The official organization for West End businesses. Website and Facebook.
GORDON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE: A community centre in the heart of the West End, offering services and activities for all ages. Website and Facebook.
MOLE HILL HOUSING SOCIETY: A heritage housing community in the block framed by Thurlow, Pendrell, Bute, and Comox Streets. Their mission is to provide and advocate for secure, affordable housing for low and middle-income singles, seniors and families.. Website and Facebook.
PAL STUDIO THEATRE: A black-box theatre located on the 8th floor of Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) Vancouver at Cardero and West Georgia. The theatre is home to Western Gold Theatre, a company of veteran performers, and is the venue for numerous theatrical and musical events. Website and Facebook.
ROBSON STREET BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: The voice of the 150 shops on Robson in the three blocks between Burrard and Jervis. They hold several annual community celebrations and sponsor many neighbourhood enhancement initiatives. Website and Facebook.
ROEDDE HOUSE MUSEUM: A heritage house built in 1893 by Vancouver’s first book-binder Gustav Roedde and his wife Matilda. Lovingly restored, the museum offers regular tours and ongoing music recitals and is available for rental for private events. Website and Facebook.
WEST END CITIZENS ACTION NETWORK (WECAN): Website and Facebook.
WEST END ACT NOW: Facebook.
WEST END - COAL HARBOUR COMMUNITY POLICING CENTRE: Website and Facebook.
WEST END SENIORS’ NETWORK: Provides social, recreational, educational and supportive programs and services for adults 55 years of age and older. Their three locations include Barclay Manor in Barclay Heritage Square (604.669.5051), Kay's Place information and drop-in centre at Denman Mall (604.669.7339) and the Clothes and Collectibles Thrift Boutique (604.682.0327) also in the Denman Place Mall. Website and Facebook.
QMUNITY: Vancouver’s largest LGBTQ organization, with services provided from their upstairs office on Bute Street at Davie. Website, Facebook.
VANCOUVER FRIENDS FOR LIFE SOCIETY: Since 1993, Vancouver Friends for Life Society (VFFL) has welcomed people facing HIV, Cancer, Hepatitis C and other illnesses to participate in specialized support programs. VFFL provides emotional, informational, spiritual, and practical support to people living with life-challenging illnesses. Website, Facebook, Donations.
REPORTS, STUDIES, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS OF INTEREST
THE WEST END COMMUNITY PLAN: An overview here, an infographic here, and the full West End Community Plan 139-page document can be found here, and a video produced by the City of Vancouver is here.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP
ST. ANDREW’S-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH: The West End’s United Church, dating back to 1927. The church is currently undergoing renovations and structural reinforcement and services and activities, including the weekly Sunday Jazz Vespers, take place in several other nearby venues. Website and Facebook.
ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Serving the West End in several locations since 1889, offering a full calendar of liturgical worship, community events, and services. Website and Facebook.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH: A community church opened in 1911, holding regular worship services and numerous community service activities open to everyone. Website and Facebook.
