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Monday Music: Cottage core

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Peak Web
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“Monday Music” in orange block text on a yellow rectangular background with rounded corners and an orange border.
Monday Music: your weekly themed playlist. Image courtesy of The Peak.

By: Petra Chase, Arts & Culture Editor

I don’t know about you, but when midterms hit and deadlines all come crashing at once, it can be hard to find brief moments of respite in the chaos. I don’t know how I would cope without my daily walks or bike rides and the music that accompanies them. Lately, my cottage core playlist has been doing it for me. With genres ranging from folk to twee pop to country, the songs transport me to a picturesque, cottage core setting (think fields, linen, prairies, berries, and picnic baskets). There’s something about daydreaming of simple living in a remote landscape that helps me step out of my everyday hurdles and find peace.

“Anything” by Adrianne Lenker
Photo credit: 4AD Records

“Anything” opens with poetic imagery of a sunny day hanging laundry and eating mangoes. The words meld together so euphoniously, like “Mango in your mouth, juice dripping / Shoulder of your shirtsleeve slipping.” Lenker’s soft voice is sepia-tinted by a muffled guitar backdrop, making this song feel like a hazy, joyous memory of summer. The lyrics, “I wanna sleep in your car while you’re driving / Lay in your lap while I’m crying” sum up the pure romanticism of this song.

“Strawberry Blonde” by Mitski
Photo credit: Good Harbor

“Strawberry Blonde” by Mitski is as cottage core as they come, with fast, folky guitar and harmonica, and lyrics like “fields rolling on,” “the grass where you lay,” and “can you hear the bumblebees swarm?” But don’t misinterpret the lyrics as lighthearted (if you know Mitski, you know her music is anything but). “Strawberry Blonde,” similar to her track “Your Best American Girl,” is an important statement about “Asian-American desirability in conjunction with white romantic desirability.” What makes Mitski so beloved is her ability to capture the raw emotions so many can relate to, and turn it into a beautiful song in the process.

“Visions” by José González
Photo credit: Mute Records

The Swedish singer/songwriter works wonders with an acoustic guitar and his soothing voice. His latest album, Local Valley, is a pastoral landscape full of deeply introspective lyrics, resounding guitar strumming and picking, and songs in three languages (English, Spanish, and Swedish). “Visions” is my favourite song from the album, with chirping birds in the background that are perfect for clearing my mind. It’s easy to get caught up in my day-to-day worries and forget to appreciate the nature and ecosystem that surrounds us. Gonzáles told Far Out, “We are changing our surroundings in an exceedingly rapid pace, so much that we’re becoming stewards of our planet whether we like it or not.” This song helps rekindle my connection to nature.

SFU Football Alumni Spotlight: Jamie Clayton

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Peak Web
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photo of Clayton holding the Shrum Bowl trophy on the field with teammates.
Clayton (41) holding the 1991 Shrum Bowl trophy with teammates Jason Exner (44) and Scott Arsenault (77). PHOTO: Jamie Clayton

By: Hannah Kazemi, Staff Writer

We often hear about SFU athletes who have stepped up or had a particularly impressive season, but what happens to those athletes when they graduate and leave SFU? The Peak speaks with SFU football alumni to find out how and why they continue to support SFU’s young student athletes 30–35 years after their time with the program. 

Jamie Clayton, current secretary of the SFU Football Alumni Society, played on the SFU football team from 1988–91 as a linebacker.

While Clayton was happy to have “beat UBC three years out of four” during his time on the SFU football team, what he most takes away from his alma mater is what he received after his time with the program: a degree. “If it wasn’t for football, I wouldn’t have gone to SFU,” Clayton said. 

Clayton has continued to be involved with SFU football since he graduated. “I always tell the guys if I could write a big cheque I would, but I can’t. I don’t have the financial means to do that,” he joked. “So what I do is put my time in supporting the student athletes at SFU. I feel it’s made a huge difference in my life, and I think that for many students that are athletes at a university, it makes a big difference in their life.” 

Clayton says one of those difference makers is a student’s bond to SFU, which he believes is largely lacking otherwise. “I think [SFU] needs a lot more of connecting students to the university in a way that creates a really strong bond, so that students like myself will give back to the school in many different ways.”

One of the many ways alumni give back to fellow athletes is through raising money for scholarships. “Athletics is a representation of SFU, just like the science department, [and] the business department,” Clayton said. “You want to attract the best of the best if you can. You can’t just say ‘come and spend your money here,’ right? There has to be some incentive.”

But what’s the incentive for alumni to support a football program that made up just a sliver of their life? Clayton says it’s the types of bonds that only football can create. “I don’t know if every sport is like this, [but] football is for sure. You just build a very close-knit group of people, and you never really forget the time that you had together — the good times and the bad,” he says. “We all wear our SFU red with pride.”

How I fell in love with hockey

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Peak Web
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illustration of a girl with long brown curly hair and bangs sitting amazed amongst a crowd at a hockey game.
I may look happy, but I’m actually just a big ball of nerves. ILLUSTRATION: Andrea Choi / The Peak

By: Isabella Urbani, Sports Editor

I didn’t fall in love with hockey until I was 13. It was a couple months after the 2016 National Hockey League (NHL) draft, and the Toronto Maple Leafs number one pick, Auston Matthews, was all over my Instagram feed. Video after video showed clips from his first NHL game: his first, second, third, and fourth goal of the night. In just his first professional game, Matthews had accomplished a feat no other player had: most goals in an NHL debut. Overnight, the 19-year-old had become a sensation. And while four goals was enough to make me do my own research about the future Rocket Richard Trophy winner (for most goals in an NHL season), it wasn’t enough to convince me to tune into the team’s next game. No, it was the fact that the Maple Leafs had lost that game 5–4 in overtime, even with Matthews’ four-goal performance. How bad did the Toronto Maple Leafs have to be? I found out next game: pretty bad.

You never quite knew what version of the Maple Leafs was going to skate out on the ice. Would they play a solid 40 minutes, carve themselves a sizable lead, and then hand it over to their opponents in the third period? Or would they have the worst start imaginable, play catch-up for the remainder of the game, and barely squeak out a win? The team had no semblance of order whatsoever, and that was the best part. It was like going on a roller coaster. Except the roller coaster you thought you were going on is actually the one over there, and oh my gosh, you’re suspended upside-down in the air, and there’s no seatbelt???

I didn’t fall in love with hockey over dazzling plays. I fell in love with the theatrics of the game and its storytelling. As a fan, you’re witnessing players write a story in front of you, and it’s different every time. Each game starts out the same: three 20-minute periods. But they rarely ever unfold in the same way. This is exactly why an underdog team can beat a playoff contender, and subsequently lose their next game to the worst team in the league. That’s what the writer in me loves the most: the storylines, the arcs, and the heroics. Will a goalie stand on their head and pull out a win for a team who had no business doing so? Or will a fourth-line, low-minute player, be the one to find the back of the net when their team needs it the most?

You don’t have to understand hockey to tune into a game. You don’t have to root for a team, or care who wins. I grew up in a family full of hockey goalies, but I didn’t bother to watch games on my own until I saw the pandemonium that was, and still is, the Toronto Maple Leafs. I promise you, without any of these stakes, you’ll be just as fascinated. You’ll find yourself feeling emotionally invested. You won’t be able to shake the feeling of watching a goal go in. No matter where you’re watching the game, regardless of the fact that you can’t see the millions of people doing so alongside you, you’ll all collectively hold your breath. The puck will inch its way into the net in slow motion, and before you know it, you’ll all be standing up and screaming. 

That’s the beauty of sports. I’ve never felt more exhilarated and more anxious in my entire life, and I’m already an anxious person! But there’s just something so magical about hockey that keeps pulling me in. It’s the same reason I watch it every day, why I turned it into my career, and why I can watch any game, at any level, and still enjoy it just as much as the next. For me, hockey is far more than a hobby. I’ve devoted my life to the game at this point, and I’ve still never felt tired of watching a hockey game, not even for a second. I know that while the game will continue to stay the same, there’s a whole generation of players I haven’t heard about yet, waiting to make their impact, with stories demanding to be witnessed.

A newbie guide to Vancouver

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Peak Web
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PHOTO: Kyle Thacker / UNSPLASH

By: Daniel Salcedo Rubio

Don’t worry, today I’m not speaking about science at all, I’m actually going to talk about my experience in Vancouver so far. Vancouver is such a beautiful and diverse place — and like most cities, there are tons of things to do. This is aimed towards the new arrivals rather than Vancouver veterans, but maybe even locals will find something interesting to do if you keep reading. 

The Food

As I said, Vancouver is a beautiful and diverse city, not only in its people but also in its foods, from getting breakfast on Granville Island to enjoying the Richmond Night Market. Here are some of my recommendations if you ever want to eat out:

IKEA 9.5/10

I don’t care what Disney says, IKEA is the real “happiest place on Earth.” Imagine, you just moved into the city, and you need some furniture for your new place: where do you go? IKEA, of course. So after what feels like five hours of aimlessly walking around and realising you only have the budget for a chair, a fork, and one hanger, you find yourself in their restaurant ordering some Swedish meatballs and poutine. And why is it so good? Is it dehydration from being lost for the last five hours? Who knows; just put your earphones on, play ABBA’s greatest hits, and enjoy the wonders Sweden has given us.

Tim Hortons 8/10

I’ll begin by saying I love Tims. Harvest Breakfast Sandwich on an English muffin, a sour cream glazed doughnut, and an iced coffee? I would order it every single day if I had the money. The only reason I’m not giving it a higher note is there isn’t much variety in their sandwich menu, but their baked goods compensate for it. Also, if you prefer Starbucks over Tim Hortons, I’ll fight you.

Honey Doughnuts & Goodies 10/10

These doughnuts. God . . . no words. Try every single flavour, but the must-try is their speciality: the honey-glazed doughnuts.

Vonns 8/10

This tiny restaurant is located right by English Bay. To be completely honest, the hamburgers are good, but not impressive. But their truffle fries are mouth-wateringly tasty. These are french fries with truffle and parmesan cheese. My recommendation is, don’t eat there, just order some fries to-go and take them to English Bay to watch the sunset. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and be careful with the seagulls!

Of course, there are so many more restaurants out there that you should try. I love eating in a Japadog every now and then and Donair Dude has become a staple after a night at Cambie. Before moving to the next section, I want to give an honourable mention to some of my favourite Canadian snacks: I can easily down a whole bag of Ketchup chips, All-Dressed, and Canadian Oreos (you know, those maple leaf-shaped cookies with maple cream filling) are beyond delicious. 

The Hikes

Okay, I want to start by saying that I’m scared and also impressed at how casual some Vancouverites are with the chance of crossing paths with a bear on many hikes. On the other hand, I totally understand — there are some beautiful hiking trails out there that are totally worth the risk of running into a bear. So far my favourite trails have been:

Lighthouse Park | West Vancouver

Not sure if this can be considered a hiking trail or just a park. Anyways, this is a relatively small hike that will eventually take you to the Lighthouse viewpoint, which is quite pretty. There’s another path near the cabins that will take you all the way to the shore where you can catch a beautiful view of the Lighthouse during the sunset. Also, if you are lucky enough, you might get to see a sea lion poking their head out of the sea. Do I need to say more?

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge | North Vancouver

Do you want to see the Capilano Bridge but don’t feel like spending $40 on the entrance fee? Then Lynn Canyon is for you! Whilst small, this trail still offers great views of the suspension bridge and the Twin Falls bridge. The trail is incredibly well kept and you can feel at peace with nature here. In my opinion, this is probably the best trail to go with some sandwiches, coffee, and just chill by the river.

Diez Vistas Trail | Anmore

To be honest, I kinda hate and love this trail. On one hand, the views (or at least the one view I got to see) are beautiful; on the other hand, getting to the first viewpoint is brutal. I know I don’t have the best stamina out there, but I swear the first 2km are ridiculously steep. I almost quit before getting to the first viewpoint, but thankfully I’m a stubborn Latino and I managed to get to Punta del Este. I must say, totally worth it. I’m also giving extra points to Diez Vistas because Buntzen Lake is literally only a 10-minute walk from the start of the trail — this is literally the perfect day plan.

Activities and others

The ten-stop Vancouver Bike trail

You’ve probably been recommended to do the Stanley Park seawall trail, and yeah, you totally should. Rent a bike near Coal Harbor and then move towards the start of the Stanley Park seawall. Enjoy some of the best views towards the north shore and the Lions Gate bridge, and take a quick break on either the Third or Second Beaches before getting to English Bay Beach. Afterwards, you should move towards Sunset Beach and continue the path along False Creek: you’ll pass by Science World and eventually end up at Granville Island. 

Once in Granville, take a short break, grab something to eat, and maybe some blue raspberry gelato from Pizza Pzazz. Fresh and ready to move on? Probably not, we’ve been biking all day. Anyways, your next stop after Granville Island should be Kitsilano Beach, you can either stop here and look for a restaurant or just keep going all the way towards Jericho Beach. Almost done! Keep cycling all the way towards UBC alongside Wreck Beach and finish your trail at the Pacific Spirit Regional park. 

Before even beginning, be mindful, this trail is over 32km. You’ll probably spend a good part of the day doing it. Make sure you bring enough water, snacks, and sunscreen!

Richmond Night Market

We might be a bit late for this one, but keep it on your list for next year. Are you hungry for a sushi taco, a deep-fried bao bun and some South American-inspired drinks? Then the Richmond Night Market is for you. There’s so much to do that my only recommendation is to go on an empty stomach. Take your time and enjoy everything the market has to offer —  believe me, it’s a lot, so you’ll probably need to go a couple of times.

Of course, there are many more things to do in Vancouver than what I can write about in this guide. Yet, I hope you found something new to do or something you’ve already done and want to try again. If you have any recommendations or you truly want to fight me over Tim Hortons being better than Starbucks, I suggest you contact me and write an article on your own personal guide to Vancouver! 

Confessionals: I look at episode summaries of shows I say I’ll watch

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Peak Web
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Illustration of a closed envelope, with the text, “Confessionals”
ILLUSTRATION: Marissa Ouyang /The Peak

By: Showstopper

Dearly beloved, sinners, and worse, drivers in downtown Vancouver,

I come to this sacred space to confess another crime. It has taken me years to admit this about myself, but I think it’s always good to set examples of moral backbone to the younger generations. Alright, here goes nothing. I . . . look at Wikipedia summaries of shows I never intend to watch. That’s right, every single friend that asks, “Have you watched x or y?” I will confidently say yes and deliver the episode summary in full with not a single ounce of shame in my moralless backbone. 

Well, just as an example, I don’t really want to watch House of the Dragon because I’m too poor to afford another subscription service. But like, I have to admit there’s only so much you can talk about an uncle and a niece being into each other before you look up something. You get curious! And like, five seasons of Riverdale is too long! Why can’t I watch clip compilations instead and hour long videos of people talking about the show instead? Why can’t I also enjoy the epic highs and lows of high school football?!

The problem, I think, is some people believe I can’t enjoy any show I watch because I look up the critical emotional climaxes before I absorb them in the moment. What these people don’t understand about me is that my impulse control is about as long as my phone, which I’m using to look up an episode summary of Gray’s Anatomy right now. No emotional climax will ever be as gratifying as the knowledge of being right. There’s no such thing as skillful cinematography! No such thing as a satisfying experience! I don’t see it, so I don’t believe it!

I just want to say that I feel like people like me are persecuted when what I’m doing is well within the rights of personal speech. Sure, it’s also well in the realm of an ethical donut hole, but that doesn’t matter! If I feel like I should know something so I can look informed during brunch, why shouldn’t I indulge a little?

. . . So I have another little, tiny, teensy secret for you. It’s really surprising. I’m sure you’ll get it because you are all understanding and kind folks. I flip to the last page of a book to make sure it’s worth reading. Hehe, I guess you could say I live on the wild side.

Letter to a legend: My first role model

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Peak Web
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photo a woman stretching on the ground, leaning over to reach her partner
Mental coaching: I never stopped learning lessons about myself from your teaching. PHOTO: Kampus Production / Pexels

By: Nercya Kalino, Staff Writer

Dear Ms. Dines, 

I decided to write to you because before we met, I hated sports so much. The idea of having to continuously push myself, and test my own mental strength and stamina through movement was so foreign to me. I remember how everyone had immense respect for you, and your tenacity to help student athletes reach their breakthrough.

I also remember the first time I asked you to help me improve my physical health. I want to say thank you for being the first role model in my life to have a lasting impact on my beliefs. Thank you for pushing me to realize that my mind only gets stronger each time I exceed my own expectations. Most of that experience came from being a team player for my classmates. The thought of showing up and getting better for myself and everyone else around me really helped me grow.  I will never forget when you told me, “Just because you practice, doesn’t mean you will get better. Practice does not always equate to perfect results. If you practice the wrong fundamentals, then it’s a waste.” You spoke to the part of me I didn’t know existed — the part that craved movement. 

I wrote this letter to tell you I haven’t been able to find another coach like you. I came to university, and as I approach graduation I ask myself, “Why on earth did I not pursue sports?” It just felt so foreign to move on without your lead. Like I was starting back at step one. Thinking about you made me realize that I need to be physically active for my health. I am still learning about which activities excites me, but for now, aerobics and walking feel good enough for me.

Sincerely, 
Nercya

Hidden Gems: Date spots for lovers or friends

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Peak Web
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The back of a person walking through the aisle of a book shelf
PHOTO: Ritu Mehra

By: Ritu Mehra, SFU Student

Par-Tee Putt on Smithe St.
Location: 670 Smithe St., Vancouver

When it comes to planning a date, I’m a big fan of eating while doing fun activities. Par-Tee Putt, the first indoor mini golf bar in Vancouver that just opened its doors, is a great place to do that. With nostalgic music, yummy food, and 18 themed holes (some of which are Vancouver landmark-themed), you don’t even need to know what a golf club is to have a good time. Plus, there’s lots of cute photo-ops.

Book Warehouse
Locations: Broadway St. & Ash St. / Main St. & King Edward St.

Want something to read this cozy season? Book Warehouse is a great place to pick up your next favourite read and peruse the cute space with your special someone. What I love about this bookstore is that it features staff reviews for most of the books and if you need help finding a book or getting recommendations, their staff are friendly and helpful. The books are both new and used, as well as affordable. Who doesn’t love a book store date mid-autumn? 

BeadWorks on Granville Island
Location: 1666 Johnston St., Vancouver

Is it really cuffing season if you don’t have matching bracelets? Or should I say, if you like it then you should have put a ring on it? If you’re already out exploring Granville Island and want to try a creative activity, check out Beadworks. This adorable store is located outside the farmer’s market in the next building. There are many bead and material options, which are individually priced. Make a ring, necklace, or bracelet for any occasion. The staff are friendly and will help you create the jewelry piece of your liking.

The Bunny Cafe 
Location: 1696 Venables St, Vancouver

You’ve probably heard about Vancouver’s cat cafés, but have you heard about The Bunny Cafe? As a partner with Rabbitats, a rabbit rescue organization, the bunnies are all rescued and up for adoption. I suggest you come 10–15 minutes before your appointment to peruse the store and grab a cup of coffee before you go inside. You will receive some food to feed the bunnies before you enter the bunny area. This is a fun and affordable activity to do indoors for an hour. Located near Commercial Street, there are a lot of interesting stores nearby to explore after your bunny-loving experience. Reserve your one hour time slot online to make an appointment. 

What Grinds Our Gears: Inconsiderate transit passengers ruin my commute

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Peak Web
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overhead shot of someone’s knees sitting on a subway
We need to be considerate and accommodating when we use transit. PHOTO: Charles Deluvio / Pexels

By: Olivia Visser, Opinions Editor

Those who rely on transit to get to school or work know how much of a hassle commuting can be. With buses being off-schedule or often full, our frustrations with TransLink feel like a growing list as students. What’s even worse is fellow passengers who seem to disregard the people around them. 

There are many unspoken rules of transit, and they’re often broken. One of my biggest annoyances is when people put their bags on the seat beside them, even when the bus is full. Seating is already so limited; why make the issue worse? Sorry, but I’m still going to squeeze my way into that chair. 

Riders who blast music over bluetooth speakers deserve a mention here. I mean, come on, you’ve got to be trying to annoy people at that point! Most bus drivers are understandably too tired to deal with the confrontation, so commuters are left at the mercy of inconsiderate passengers. 

As an invisibly disabled commuter, I know we have to be careful about making judgments to those sitting in the disabled seats. However, I truly believe our society would benefit from rethinking how our actions affect those around us. I’ve seen visibly disabled people have to stand on the bus, because no one offered their seat. That’s heartbreaking.

Too often, I see people disregarding those around them on transit. As commuters, we have a responsibility to be considerate of fellow riders. Doing this helps create a positive environment for every transit user.

Calls for BC government to increase sustainable funding amidst droughts

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Peak Web
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This photo is of Echo Lake in British Columbia. The photo is an aerial point of view, looking down at this small lake that is surrounded by forest.
Water basins supply BC with drinking water and water for agricultural production. PHOTO: Province of British Columbia / Flickr

By: Karissa Ketter, News Editor

BC has experienced unprecedented weather conditions this fall. The five major water basins in BC — west Vancouver Island, east Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, and Fort Nelson — are still in a category four drought according to the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). The Government of BC has confirmed all other water basins are experiencing a level one or two drought.

This September has been the driest in 10 years for BC, according to City News. Environment Canada meteorologist Derek Lee told Daily Hive the warm temperatures are because climate change is altering our weather patterns. There has been a lack of rain in BC which contributes to the warm temperatures and drought. In September, thousands of British Columbians were forced to evacuate due to the wildfires across the province.

The First Nations Leadership Council is calling on BC to invest in the restoration and protection of these water basins and watersheds. The Council is a collection of members from the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and UBCIC.

In the UBCIC press release, Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, UBCIC secretary-treasurer stated, “We simply cannot continue with business as usual while surpassing climate records. A paradigm shift is needed, and First Nations’ values, traditional knowledge, laws, and stewardship play a critical role in the work ahead.” 

The Government of BC said, “At Drought Level 4, conditions are extremely dry and adverse effects to socio-economic or ecosystem values are likely.”

Water basins supply BC with their drinking water, agriculture watering, agriculture manufacturing, and recreation. The water basins also sustain the ecosystems across the province. 

According to BC Tomorrow, human activity is damaging the health of water basins. For example, large parking lots and increased urbanization makes it impossible for water to seep into the ground, or flow into water basins — thus restricting the supply of water. Hydro-electric power dams also restrict the flow of water into water basins. 

Hugh Braker, First Nations Summit executive, said in the UBCIC press release, “We must act now, and the provincial and federal governments must work alongside Rights and Titleholders with a common goal towards protecting our most valued resource.”

Turning back the clock in Chinatown

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Peak Web
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People walking on the streets of Chinatown
PHOTO: Thomas Lardeau, Unsplash

By: C Icart, Staff Writer

This week, I downloaded and tried On This Spot, a free app that “takes people on guided walking tours through the history that surrounds them.” On This Spot is based in Vancouver, but it has tours across so-called Canada and some European countries.

Out of the thirteen tours available in the city, I decided to explore Chinatown. I hadn’t been there much, but after attending a drag show that performed a moving number they called “a love letter to Chinatown,” it ignited a desire in me to visit and learn about the history of the vibrant neighbourhood. 

There are various stops along the tour which props up a picture of what the area looks like now and what it looked like in the past. You’re directed to stand exactly where the historical photo was taken and take one yourself to compare. The Chinatown walking tour has 15 stops and took me a little over 20 minutes to complete. The historical landmarks date back to the 19th century, when many Chinese immigrants sought out work, notably on the Canada-Pacific Railway. 

Because the tour doesn’t focus on prominent tourist destinations, you have to pay attention to ensure you’re not walking past the stops. It took me a while to get the hang of switching between the picture that explains the spot’s historical significance and the map, so I could find the location. On top of this, it would sometimes log me out of the tour and I would struggle to find where I was at in the tour again. It would’ve been nice to have an audio component so I could walk while listening instead of awkwardly looking down at my screen.

I didn’t get to walk down what is left of Shanghai Alley, because it was being used as a set for an upcoming action film — a reminder that Chinatown is now a popular site for Hollywood projects. I learned that alongside the no-longer-existing Canton Alley, Shanghai Alley was a cultural hub in the early 20th century, but almost entirely demolished in the mid-1900s.

The first photo I took was from the Sam Kee Building, a building that is now in the Guinness World Records book and is a testament to the tenacity and inventiveness of its creator. It’s the shallowest commercial building with a depth of only six feet. The basement, however, extends   far under the sidewalk. This happened because the city expropriated most of the land, leaving part of it unusable. Refusing to leave because of the clear discrimination, the owner got creative and was able to successfully use the building for retail shops, social organization, and residential units. 

The second photo is from the Wing Sang Building, one of the oldest buildings in Chinatown. It was owned by Yip Sang, a community organizer who “helped establish the Chinese Benevolent Association, the Chinese School, and the Chinese Hospital in Vancouver.” Historically, the building “brought together educational, societal, commercial, and residential functions in a young city still determining its identity.” Today, it’s an art gallery. 

While the tour only scratches the surface of Chinatown’s rich and vibrant history, it brought some of Chinatown’s important sites to life with photographs and historical facts. It was powerful to see the before and after photos side-by-side. When I walk down the street, I don’t typically think of those who were here before me. Where I previously just saw buildings, I now see symbols of resistance, resilience, and resourcefulness.

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

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For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

For advertising inquiries: [email protected]
For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society