UCS #28: Public Hearing Supplies Arriving at City Hall

RSVP for tickets to David Eby’s Emergency Town Hall on Housing Issues here: https://ebyemergencyhousingtownhall.eventbrite.ca What: Emergency housing affordability meeting Who: Everyone who believes there is a problem in Metro Vancouver’s real estate market When: Wednesday March 16, 2016 at 7 p.m. Where: St. James Community Square, 3214 W. 10th Ave, Vancouver Join MLA David Eby and local experts for an Emergency Housing Town Hall This meeting is to discuss the causes of, and solutions to, an out-of-control real estate market in the Lower Mainland that has little or no connection to average household income. Issues of international speculation in our housing market, shadow flipping, real estate agent accountability, and other concerns will be addressed. Bring your stories, questions and concerns. The media, along with MLAs from both sides of the legislature, both BC Liberal and BC NDP, will be invited. This is a meeting to hear stories, demand answers, and send a message to the Premier and the government to start to value the people of Metro Vancouver who make the communities we call home possible. Wednesday March 16 from 7-9pm at St James Community Square. Doors at 6:30pm.

We have access to a new peer review thanks to the ATIP prowess of Andrew Koltun. This one is for the Automation Tools on Privately Sponsored Refugee Applications Automation Tools on Privately Sponsored Refugee Applications The Automation Tools on Privately Sponsored Refugee Appliations – Peer review completed GAC Here is the Google Docs link for those who are looking on their cellphones and cannot see the preview. While I am still reviewing (and incorporating this into a presentation I am giving on Friday), my initial thoughts are that this is consistent with my concern of pro forma peer review summaries being provided by IRCC as part of the AIA process. On behalf of AIMICI, I wrote a brief earlier this week today where I raised that as public stakeholders we would like to see what Global Affairs Canada actually said, rather than what IRCC’s summary was. This is probably the most favourable (with almost no criticism) peer review I have read to date.   The post Another Peer Review We’re Making Public: Privately Sponsored Refugee Automation appeared first on Welcome to Vancouver’s Immigration Blog.

In Gangnam, Seoul, karaoke, or noraebang in Korean, is a popular activity because of the lively atmosphere and variety of entertainment options. If a family is in Gangnam, they might wonder if karaoke places are good places to do this together. 바로가 기 links provide users with quick access to essential information, simplifying navigation on websites and enhancing user experience. Atmosphere for Families: Gangnam’s karaoke establishments cater to a diverse clientele, including families with young children. Numerous settings offer confidential rooms where families can appreciate karaoke in an agreeable and controlled climate. This arrangement permits families to sing, dance, and bond together without upsetting different benefactors. Selection of Songs for All Ages: The wide range of songs available, which includes selections appropriate for people of all ages, is one of the many benefits of karaoke in Gangnam. There are songs in a variety of languages, genres, and styles for families to choose from, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Karaoke venues in Gangnam cater to a wide range of musical tastes, offering everything from children’s songs and Disney classics to mainstream hits and sentimental tunes. Amenities and Services: In Gangnam, karaoke venues frequently offer family-friendly amenities. Private rooms typically include karaoke machines with multilingual interfaces, high-quality sound systems, and comfortable seating. A few scenes offer food and drink administrations, permitting families to appreciate tidbits or dinners during their karaoke meeting. Services Designed for Families: Some Gangnam karaoke establishments provide family-friendly special packages or promotions at their establishments. Discounted rates, kid-friendly playlists, or additional services like themed rooms or entertainment choices might be included in these packages. Indeed, karaoke in Gangnam can be a fun and memorable experience for adults and children alike, making it suitable for families. Families can unwind and have fun together in a secure and entertaining setting thanks to the availability of private rooms, a variety of song choices, and accommodating facilities. Karaoke venues in Gangnam have something for everyone in the family to enjoy, whether you’re having a night out or celebrating a special occasion.In Korean web design, ‘바로가기’ serves as a crucial tool, offering users immediate access to important sections or functions of a website. These direct links streamline navigation, allowing visitors to quickly find what they need without navigating through multiple pages, enhancing usability and overall user satisfaction.

It was a quick flight of an hour and 20 minutes from Vancouver to Edmonton on Westjet. Upon arriving I visited Vish, a great spot in the NW neighbourhood that recently closed their dine-in service in favour of being a pickup spot for takeout as well as deliveries. They make delicious, mostly vegetarian multicultural dishes and everything I tried was outstanding. Enjoyed a delicious lunch of their house-made hummus, falafel, kibbeh, greens tahini, peppers, labneh, tahini, babaganoush, pita, and chopped salad. They even have stuffed falafels that tahini or beef inside and it’s all so good. Vish is a multicultural restaurant located at 10326 124 St, in Edmonton; that now offers online ordering for pickup as well delivery through Uber eats, DoorDash and Skip the dishes. Follow them on Instagram @vishcanada  The next stop on my day long restaurant tour was to Thamel Eatery where it has been all about Nepalese dishes since opening and they are now adding a wide selection of Indian dishes to the menu. I had a selection of their chicken filled signature momos – steamed, pan fried, tandoori and deep fried with accompanied by 2 sauces (yellow is mild) and (red is hot). I also tried some of their delicious butter chicken and naan as these were 2 new menu additions. Thamel Eatery is located at 12413 118 Ave NW, Edmonton. Follow them on Instagram @thameleatery  My next stop was to Lochi Afro Nija that specializes in East Nigerian cuisine. I tried some of their unique and tasty dishes that included Nigerian style fried chicken, Jollof rice, Plantains and beans, Fried rice and an African spiced Hibiscus drink to pair with the dishes. The restaurant offers plentiful seating and they also offer takeout as well as for pickup and delivery through Uber eats, DoorDash and Skip the dishes. Lochi Afro Nija is located at 10335 100 Avenue NW in downtown Edmonton. Follow them on instagram @lochiafronija  I sat down for dinner at Maria Northern Mexican Cuisine also in the downtown area and some of their delicious dishes that included a Beef Chimichanga, Taco el Pastor and their Sonoran Tortilla Soup. Maria Northern Mexican Cuisine is located at 10220 103 St NW in downtown Edmonton. The restaurant offers plentiful seating in their beautiful restaurant and they also offer takeout as well as for pickup and delivery.Follow them on Instagram @maria_restaurantca  In the evening met up with my friends Lilah and David who took me to the Old Strathcona neighbourhood for some sweets and more eats. We started off at Doughut Party where we had some yummy donuts including the Caramel Apple Macchiato donut. The fun and bright pink bakery is located at 7906 B 104 St NW. Follow them on Instagram @doughnutparty The next stop was to a New Orleans style diner DaDeO Diner where we had some of their jalapeno biscuits, crab cakes, and a selection of savoury fritters. The long standing restaurant is located at 10548 A 82 Ave NW. Follow them on Instagram @dadeorestaurant  We ended the night at Block 1912 Cafe is a very large and happening coffee house where I had their delicious Honey and Walnut Cake. Block 1912 is located at 10361 82 Ave NW, Follow them on Instagram @block1912  This is only the tip of the iceburg and I look forward to future visits to the sunniest city in Canada. By: Richard Wolak

Many involved in the Vancouver housing affordability discussion think the problem is that we aren’t building enough homes. They look at active listings — which are indeed low — and conclude we have a supply problem. Last month, B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong said, “I don’t believe the answer is to try and artificially constrain demand whether it is from within the country, within the province or internationally. I think the answer is for us to work together as governments and increase supply.” On June 2, at the UDI Luncheon, Bob Rennie went as far as saying, “only supply will cool the market”. Over on Twitter, urban development specialist Bob Ransford’s favourite hashtag is #ItsSupplyStupid. Well, is it supply? Are we stupid? Here are the housing start numbers from CMHC. It certainly doesn’t look like a supply problem! Maybe this supposed supply problem is really a demand problem? When housing markets are overheated, sellers are reluctant to sell and fence-sitters jump into the market because of their fear of missing out. Just look at what happened to supply in Phoenix in 2005 when their market went nuts. Inventory dropped to historic lows, from over 25,000 to under 10,000 in less than a year. I’ll bet the Bob Rennies and Mike de Jongs of Phoenix were complaining about a supply problem too. But once the market slowed, look how fast supply magically appeared!  From under 10,000 to over 40,000 in a year. That’s what happens when a market turns. Buyer’s fear of missing out turns into fear of losing money. And developers, thinking more supply is needed, ramp-up activity. As a result, sales numbers fall and inventory takes off. What might have looked like a shortage was really excessive demand. Based on the housing start numbers, it’s reasonable to conclude the same is true today in Vancouver. Maybe it’s demand, stupid?

The 10th annual Vancouver Foodster Pasta Challenge  was a success featuring creations from restaurants around greater Vancouver. Each restaurant featured their Pasta creation from October 3-27, 2024. Our media judging panel determined the ultimate winners of the challenge, and this was quite the task as each judge who tasted each creation with a rigorous process based on taste, originality/uniqueness and presentation/appearance. The Winners are: 1st Place: {112 points} Lift Bar & Grill Seafood Carbonara  Price: $45 Created by: Chris Andraza, Description: Indulge in the allure of the sea with this exquisite take on Seafood Carbonara. The journey begins with velvety squid ink Mafalda, its dark, ribbon-like strands weaving through the dish like ocean waves. Smoky bacon lardons lend a rich, savory depth, harmonizing with the briny sweetness of tender mussels and succulent clams. As you savor each bite, bursts of delicate salmon roe add a pop of freshness, while hints of seaweed evoke the essence of coastal breezes. It’s a dish where land and sea embrace, creating a symphony of flavors that linger long after the last bite. Ingredients: squid ink Mafalda, smoked bacon lardons, mussels, clams, black tiger prawns, salmon roe, and seaweed. Offered: All day, everyday Available: for dine-in only Lift Bar & Grill 333 Menchion Mews, Vancouver Tel: (604) 689-5438 Web: https://www.liftbarandgrill.com/ Instagram @liftbarandgrill 2nd Place: {104 points} Seraphina Restaurant Stop and Taste the Roses Price: $29 Created by: Chef Rory Byrne Description: Everyone is so busy in life, I wanted to create a dish that would remind people, to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life. Food has an effect on people, whether you are stopping and enjoying this on your own, or you’re sharing this bouquet with your loved ones, it was important for me to create something that would make people, Stop and Taste the Roses.   Ingredients: Caramelized red onion, truffle butter, cream, truffle infused ricotta, pasta girella. Available: Tuesday 5pm – close, Wednesday – Saturday 2pm to close. Offered: Dine-in only. Seraphina Restaurant 905 Dunsmiur Street, Vancouver Tel:604-632-4942 Web: https://www.vesperlounge.ca/about-2 Instagram @seraphinayvr 3rd Place: {102 points} Pasta Polo Scusa Mi! Pomodoro Price: $24.95 Created by: Chef/Owner  Ahyoung Baek Description: Our Pasta ‘Scusa Mi! Pomodoro’ features a base of Aglio e Olio, mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s topped with prawns and Macedonian feta cheese, served over homemade linguine. Ingredients: Garlic, Extra virgin Olive oil, Sundried tomato, Roma tomato, spinach, prawn and Macedonian Fetta Available: 12-9pm; 7 days a week Offered: take out and dine in.  Pasta Polo 2754 Barney Hwy, Coquitlam Tel:  (604) 464-7656 Web:https://pastapolo.com/ Instagram @pastapolocoquitlam In the People’s Choice Awards category, the public who tried the Pasta creations were the ones who had the opportunity to cast their vote throughout the challenge. The Winners are: 1st Place People’s Choice: Seraphina Restaurant Stop and Taste the Roses Price: $29 Created by: Chef Rory Byrne Description: Everyone is so busy in life, I wanted to create a dish that would remind people, to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life. Food has an effect on people, whether you are stopping and enjoying this on your own, or you’re sharing this bouquet with your loved ones, it was important for me to create something that would make people, Stop and Taste the Roses.   Ingredients: Caramelized red onion, truffle butter, cream, truffle infused ricotta, pasta girella. Available: Tuesday 5pm – close, Wednesday – Saturday 2pm to close. Offered: Dine-in only. Seraphina Restaurant 905 Dunsmiur Street, Vancouver Tel:604-632-4942 Web: https://www.vesperlounge.ca/about-2 Instagram @seraphinayvr 2nd Place People’s Choice: Pasta Polo Scusa Mi! Pomodoro Price: $24.95 Created by: Chef/Owner  Ahyoung Baek Description: Our Pasta ‘Scusa Mi! Pomodoro’ features a base of Aglio e Olio, mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s topped with prawns and Macedonian feta cheese, served over homemade linguine. Ingredients: Garlic, Extra virgin Olive oil, Sundried tomato, Roma tomato, spinach, prawn and Macedonian Fetta Available: 12-9pm; 7 days a week Offered: take out and dine in.  Pasta Polo 2754 Barney Hwy, Coquitlam Tel:  (604) 464-7656 Web:https://pastapolo.com/ Instagram @pastapolocoquitlam 3rd Place People’s Choice: Stanley’s Bar & Grill Short Rib Pappardelle Price: $27 Created by: Stanley’s Bar & Grill culinary team Description: Braised pulled beef short rib, marinated mushrooms, tomato red wine sauce, crispy kale, oven-dried cherry tomatoes, basil, parmigiano reggiano. Available: all the time Offered: dine-in only Stanley’s Bar & Grill 610 Pipeline Rd (inside Stanley Park), Vancouver Tel: (604) 602-3088 Web: https://stanleysbargrill.com/ Instagram @stanleysbargrill Our Media judges for this challenge were: Maggi Mei, Ray Lee and Shelley Hayashi Each media judge will have scored the creation with a maximum of 40 points as follows: Overall Taste 20 points, Originality and Uniqueness 10 points, Presentation and Appearance 10 points). The total number of points a pasta creation could earn is 120 points. Thank you to the chefs and restaurants that accepted my invitation and featured their pasta on the menu for the past few weeks during this challenge. I encourage you to visit the winning restaurants to try their pasta creations! See the  entries here. By: Richard Wolak