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FIREWORKS FARE
As far as I could tell, city employees were busy covering the garbage receptacles with plastic before the fireworks at English Bay, but no signs were posted to advise people why it was being done. Hmmm?
There were also people selling food that they carried in to the event from their homes or purchased in lots from outside businesses. I noticed three home-cooked meals for sale and about five outside purchases in the small area that I was in. I was under the impression that people had to get a licence to ensure food safety, but I guess not as VPD were standing in front of people selling ethnic food with a large sign posting their prices.
I love the fireworks, but it has become unorganized, soon it will be known as the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»fireworks, swap meet and unlicensed foods event. –MA Kudo
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STRANGER DANGER
Re: “Why fireworks can be a drag for the LGBTQ-2S community,” Aug. 2, 2017. Web only
If the majority of the spectators are coming from out of town (many with the intent of causing problems), then it’s time the “festival” was shipped to them. Then we can show up on their doorsteps, trample the flowers, piss in the bushes and leave our garbage all over the place. The West End has hosted long enough; it’s time for another ’burb to try it and see just how “family friendly” it is. –Shawn Bourgeault
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My former colleagues who work at stores on Davie Street would tell me stories of people coming in at early hours of the morning for protection from gay-bashers. I was shocked to learn the incidents were recent. –Albert Yee
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There are police standing at Davie and Bidwell with automatic rifles. Is this the “inclusiveness” gesture so many privileged white community members wanted to see? I’m boycotting the parade this year. Loved the Dyke March and trans parade. –Janet Shaw
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ROBSON RACKET
What is with you morons that have to circle Robson Street onto Beach Avenue then up to Davie Street and then loop around again with your loud, straight pipes and modified mufflers? This disturbs the peace of everyone on the beach, the patios and apartments around you. I guess you get a big rush everytime you set off a car alarm. Interesting enough is the fact that you’re the only one on the motorcycle or in the car with the radio blaring, looking around to see if anyone is noticing you. Yes, we notice you alright – as a complete inconsiderate idiot! Grow up and get a life! –A˛Ô´Ç˛Ô˛âłľ´ÇłÜ˛ő
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WEST END WOES
Re: “,” July 31, 2017. Web only
I love this neighborhood. I’ve lived in it for 20 years, but unfortunately us families are getting displaced and driven out. Families are living with two and three kids in one bedroom apartments because we love it here in our community!
Look at Davie Street construction. All the buildings along Davie from Jervis to Nicola Street are coming down; my building is next on the chopping block – bought by a Hong Kong developer for $33 million who could care less about our community. There are people who have lived in my building for over 20 years. –Shells Brun
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I moved here from England, have loved the opportunity to live in the West End. The burbs are overrated. There is not enough housing for all sizes of families in the West End. It’s a North American thought that you must move out to the burbs, but in Europe families thrive in downtown cores where there is less isolation. Maybe North America will wake up to the idea that living in a big box and driving for hours is the silliest of silly notions. –Melanee Henderson
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NO THANKS
Re: “,” July 17, 2017. Web only
100,000 square feet of commercial space?!?!?!
There are tons of great little small businesses along the drive, and the Trout Lake farmers market through the summer. Commercial Drive already has all the retail space it needs, and we certainly don’t need a mall full of non-local businesses competing. Also “ The condos are designed to look like the local houses...” Um... do you have eyes? Ěý–Emma Darling
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HEAR, HEAR
Re: “,” July 6, 2017
Bravo to Melanee Henderson’s rant “.” I, too, am lucky, most of the time, to live beside Stanley Park. The unlucky times are when we are bombarded by very unnecessarily loud activities from within the park.
So thank you, Melanee, for complaining as many more of us should.
In future, when any of you are bothered by these loud so called events, call 311, which is the city complaint number. They are supposed to contact the rangers or police or other appropriate persons. Nothing is likely to be done about permitted activities but if enough of us complain someone may eventually listen.
Melanee also makes a good point that if this kind of activity is going to be permitted it could be moved to a part of the park that is far away from residential areas. The weekly drumming group which was an annoying source of noise was relocated to where they cannot be heard in residences. The same could be done with movie night.
As a further suggestion to the operators of the movie night, I suggest they implement alternate ways of providing sound. Many people have handheld devices of various kinds on which they could listen to the audio if it was transmitted in some wireless fashion. For attendees without those devices, a smaller area with more speakers at much lower volumes might alleviate the noise problem.
Unfortunately I understand that we are going to be assailed with even more [events like this], as there will be a festival in Ceperley Park on each of the fireworks nights. Not something we want or need. Bad decision! –Walter Kalyn
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• Have a rant/rave? Email [email protected]! All rants are the opinion of the individual and do not reflect the opinions of the Westender. The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity and brevity, so please keep it short and (bitter)sweet.
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