POWER SURGE: 麻豆传媒映画Magazine released its annual Power 50 list ranking the year鈥檚 top power brokers, movers and shakers, and influencers shaping our city. Not surprisingly, Premier Christy Clark was crowned the top power player. In a real estate obsessed town, developers, along with politicos and city officials filled the pages. They were once again feted at an awards celebration held at the 麻豆传媒映画Club. Fronted by newly appointed publisher Dee Dhaliwal and editor-in-chief Anicka Quin, the 16-year tradition also welcomed some fresh faces and influential voices who are shaping the sphere鈥檚 of politics, entertainment and culture, including CEO of Creative BC Prem Gill, Social Concierge鈥檚 Jordan Kallman and Tyson Villeneuve, and Daily Hive principals Manny Bahia, Farhan Mohamed and Karm Sumal.
REBUILDING CHINATOWN: A mainstay on the Power list, Carol Lee has been trumpeted for her business acumen and her efforts to save Chinatown, a neighbourhood she still calls home. In addition to purchasing key buildings and businesses in the historic part of town, Lee created the Chinatown Foundation to help to preserve the district鈥檚 cultural heritage. Immediate initiatives include secure senior housing and affordable accommodations for many of the area鈥檚 long-term residents. Lee recently staged her inaugural ball in support of her efforts. Fronted by fellow Power 50 stalwarts Leslie Diamond, Carole Taylor and Jimmy Pattison, the magical night at the Hotel 麻豆传媒映画raised more than $1 million. More is expected as five pledges of $1 million from local developers came in 鈥� including one from Lee鈥檚 father Robert Lee.
HEAVY LIFTING: Equinox officially opened its first club in 麻豆传媒映画and 84th globally. The high-end luxury fitness chain catering to the rich and famous made an impressive debut hosting a preview party for select media, influences and high performing executives. Catering to a market that does not mind spending big money on fitness, the multi-level facility is impressive. Natural light fills the main fitness floor with expansive training options that include six different studios, including dedicated yoga, cycling, barre, Pilates and boxing studios. Equinox also includes cardio and fitness floors where members can work out on their own or with one of Equinox鈥檚 highly skilled personal trainers. Designed for West Coast sensibilities, Equinox鈥檚 33,000 square-foot space features bleached walnut woods, concrete floors and reflective metallics, juxtaposing manmade and natural materials.聽 A spa, lounge and cozy fireplace rounds out this ultra-lux fitness centre on West Georgia, next to Trump Tower.
FOREVER BLUE AND GOLD: Earlier this month, alumni UBC recognized the outstanding achievements of their alumni. More than 250 guests filled the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre to celebrate these esteemed individuals and their achievements at the annual Boyden-sponsored dinner recognizing their determination and influence. Recently installed as UBC鈥檚 15th president and vice chancellor, Professor Santo Ono was in attendance to raise a glass to their extraordinary service to UBC and the global community. Cited for taking the lead on important issues to create positive social change, Dr. Philip Lind, Dr. Tara Cullis, Dr. James Frankish, Dr, Herbert Rosengarten, Dr. Donald and Elizabeth MacRitchie, Dr. Jessica Otte and Christopher Roach made this year鈥檚 honour roll.
