Kim Pemberton
Sun
IT’S NO SECRET: WE’RE A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE
We know it, but the word is spreading. Vancouver was described as one of the “primate cities” or “places where the world’s well-off want to live or visit regularly,” according to a June 12 article in The New York Times.
The article, headlined “Real Estate, the Global Obsession,” examined the worldwide housing boom, particularly areas experiencing significant price hikes. Besides Vancouver other top hot spots include London, Paris, New York, Boston, Shanghai, San Francisco, Miami and Sydney.
BEST FOOT FORWARD: WALKING TOURS ARE HERE AGAIN
The Architectural Institute of B.C. has begun its annual Vancouver walking tours, giving participants the opportunity to experience a different flavour of the city. The six routes include: Victory Square and Gastown: Where the City Began; Chinatown: Yesterday and Today; Strathcona: Neighbourhood of Change; False Creek North and Yaletown: Industrial to Residential; The West End: The Manhattan to Mole Hill; and The Downtown Business Core: Modern and Contemporary.
All tours cost $5 per person, take approximately 1.5 hours to complete and run rain or shine. Vancouver tours begin either at the Architecture Centre (440 Cambie Street) or at other specified points in the downtown area at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Call (604) 683-8588 for more information.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY STARTS PHASE 3 OF PROJECT
There are over 13,000 households on social housing waiting lists across B.C. and about 10,000 are families with children, according to Habitat for Humanity Society of Greater Vancouver. The non-profit organization, which is beginning phase 3 of an affordable housing project on Government Street in Burnaby, reminds readers in its recent newsletter over 43 per cent of B.C. renters pay more than 30 per cent of their household income on rent. While Habitat for Humanity is only able to help a handful of families achieve affordable housing the endeavour is still worthwhile. To get involved, with either a commitment of time or to make a financial donation call 681-5618. See photos on page I13.
© The Vancouver Sun 2005
