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Top Ten Vancouver Cafés

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Peak Web
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Coffee beans
Hand roasted beans from local café Farmer’s Table. PHOTO: Louis Hansel / Unsplash

By: Sara Brinkac, Humour Editor

1. Black Coffee

An easy Top Ten contender, this café provides Vancouver coffee lovers the simplicity they’re sometimes looking for. By stripping down all the parts of the business, including their menu, Black Coffee tells the customer exactly what they’re getting and how they’re getting it. 

Cost of a 12 oz. cup: $5.75

 

2. The Hot Spot

Both a Hot Spot for coffee lovers and a literal hot spot due to its being located in an infrared yoga studio, this establishment is Vancouver’s favourite multi-activity café. The Hot Spot’s one of a kind studio allows customers to sip a cup of rainwater brewed tea from the inner peace of their yoga mat, and it’s delightful. Once you come you’ll want to nama-stay forever. 

Cost of a 12 oz. cup: $10.75

 

3. Farmer’s Table

While all Vancouver cafés care about ethically sourced ingredients, only Farmer’s Table is committed to a completely locally sourced venture. With each bean strenuously grown in BC’s coffee resistant climate and each table handcrafted by confused farmers, Farmer’s Table is handcrafted through and through. As soon as you walk into this café you know it was built with the bare, amateur hands of Vancouverites committed to the cause of “local.” 

Cost of a 12 oz. cup: $15.00

 

4. The Temperate Forest Café

If there’s one thing Vancouver loves in it’s cafés, it’s plants. And lots of them. Literally taking from BC’s own temperate rainforest, this café is adorned with the most rare and beautiful plants nature has to offer. Grab your friends head down to Mount Pleasant and try our personal favourite roast “bold growth forests.”

Cost for a 12 oz. cup: $8.50

 

5. gęñtrįfÿ 

Taking a page out of Black Coffee’s playbook, this café makes its business model clear in its name. Opening sterile, modern locations in all of Vancouver’s character communities, gęñtrįfÿ has caught the attention of coffee trend followers everywhere. With a European look and baristas that clear citizens from the premises, this café is the perfect place to go when you want to drink up the future of our city. 

Cost for a 12 oz. cup: $13.50

 

6. Unparalleled Roasters
“We keep seeing businesses using 49th parallel in their names for some reason,” says café owner T. Kups. “We didn’t want to confine ourselves to 49/100, we wanted to go above and beyond a cup of coffee.” And beyond a cup of coffee they have gone. With a beverage menu of over 300 different drinks, Unparalleled Roasters quench Vancouver’s unbridled thirst for large quantities of options.

Cost for a 12 oz. cup: $6.50

 

7. The Miner’s Pan 

While The Miner’s Pan has extremely mediocre food and coffee, we believe it’s their exquisitely Vancouver atmosphere that makes them an undeniable Top Ten pick. With raw wood, exposed light bulbs and a ceiling full of painted pipes, The Miner’s Pan reminds Vancouver of a nostalgic time we are constantly trying to revive. Personal favourites of the café atmosphere are the tin cups and literal miner’s pans they serve all their drinks and dishes in. 

Cost for a 12 oz. cup: $11.00

 

8. Pet and Stay

This café was opened with four cats, a dozen dogs, 32 hamsters, and a dream. To be the snuggliest, calmest, most hair-balled café in Vancouver. And they’ve achieved just that. Not only do frequenters of the café lovingly pet, they also insist on staying indefinitely because they “just can’t say goodbye” to the adorable, unadoptable animals. 

Cost for a 12 oz. cup: $10.25

 

9. jacques

Totally French, totally cool, totally jacques. With monotone music by French bands you’ve never heard of and blurry photographs of naked bodies in various positions hung on the walls, this café has the most undeniably cool atmosphere in town. You can’t help but just want to be a part of the jaques crowd, whatever the cost. 

Cost for a 12 oz. cup: $16.00 

 

10. Light Room

Finally the café everyone in Vancouver has been waiting for — a place completely dedicated to perfect lighting. With warm overhead tones and complimentary ring lights per table, it’s impossible to take an unflattering picture in Light Room. So grab your friend, order a cup of their famously complex latte art and start posing today. 

Cost for a 12 oz. cup: $18.50

Vancouver Black Library aims to foster connections that have been historically lost

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Peak Web
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Collage of book covers, primarily featuring the colours red, orange, and yellow.
Support this student-led initiative. PHOTO: Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak

By: Gurleen Aujla, Peak Associate

Maya Preshyon is at the forefront of an exciting and much-needed initiative to create the Vancouver Black Library (VBL). “I wanted for a long time to make a space that can fulfill community advocacy needs,” said Preshyon. She hopes VBL will “address the lack of community for Black people, specifically in Vancouver.” 

Preshyon, who is Zimbabwean and Indigenous, came up with the idea for VBL while pursuing a double major in social work and Indigenous studies. 

“I never thought that I would be at the forefront of an organization that’s pursuing change,” they said. However, finding it difficult to make substantial change in the local arts scene, they felt compelled to take action. “I started it not because I felt called to, but because I was so frustrated with not seeing the kind of changes I wanted to see,” Preshyon said.

The VBL will prioritize the needs of the Black community. Run by Black organizers, the library will serve as a safe space for Black and BIPOC community members to connect with each other and borrow books. It aims to become a launchpad for initiatives such as group therapy, poetry readings, and more. As for VBL’s first event, Preshyon intends to draw on her work organizing music festivals and her interest in DJing to host a soft launch karaoke party. 

Preshyon hopes the library will operate from the Hogan’s Alley area in Strathcona. This would pay homage to the Black community that took root there. Efforts are being made to revitalize the neighbourhood after its dismantling in 1970 with the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts. However, Preshyon believes Vancouver is behind in terms of creating the infrastructure and localization of meaningful community support. “The effects of that are noticeable by every Black person,” she said. 

Speaking about VBL as part of a larger movement, Preshyon said marginalized groups need to continue mobilizing within themselves to form and share knowledge and infrastructure. They discussed how, since 2020, they’ve seen “clusters of people coming together, not just because of shared struggles but [also] celebrating shared joys. 

“It’s important to bring people together who cross paths but never really connect; that connectivity is a resource, and the more people are connected to it, the stronger the resource is.” 

VBL is currently accepting monetary and book donations. After surpassing their initial GoFundMe goal of $6,000, VBL is aiming for $35,000. At the time of publication, VBL has raised over $28,000. 

Funding will be put towards “paying rent for an accessible space that is large enough to house all the books that the community has requested and large enough to be a communal space.” Funds will also be used to compensate people for their operational support and for running workshops and programming, while keeping these offerings free to the public. 

Book donations can be dropped off (more information online) or accepted through their partnership with Massy Books. Massy Books will take used books or allow supporters to purchase books off of VBL’s wishlist at a discounted price. VBL has launched a toolkit to assist any group, including student clubs, organizations, and businesses interested in hosting their own book drive for VBL. 

Currently, their online database, featuring a PDF collection of books, is available to any member of the public for free. 

To stay updated on VBL’s activities and learn how you can get involved, follow them on Instagram, @vanblacklibrary, or visit their website.

SFU Fairtrade launches cashew campaign to encourage safer manufacturing practices

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Peak Web
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a clear glass jar with cashews inside
Cashews have a dangerous chemical in their shells that can burn skin during harvest. PHOTO: Krystal Chan / The Peak

By: Karissa Ketter, News Writer

Content warning: mentions of violence and forced labour

SFU Fairtrade has launched a campaign to encourage local BC businesses to make the switch to Fairtrade cashews. The Fairtrade program offers farmers protection against market fluctuations, supports sustainable practices, and ensures workers are paid a livable income.

Canada continues to be a major consumer of cashews, often sourced from India and Brazil. Alongside these two countries, Vietnam is among the biggest exporters of cashews. As more companies emerge to supply cashew-made products such as cashew milk, cashew ice cream, and cashew cheese, the demand for these nuts grows. 

Cashews are dangerous to harvest because their shells contain anacardic acid — an extremely toxic chemical. SFU Fairtrade reports workers are often asked to shell the cashews with their bare hands, exposing them to the anacardic acid. 

The Peak spoke with program coordinator Daphne Chan to find out more about the campaign. “We want to educate the public to change their consumer behaviours,” said Chan. “When they do grocery shopping, we want them to think about [two things] — will this product be benefiting farmers? Or is it going to support child labour and other [labour] problems in the Global South?”

There are multiple reports from Vietnam of forced labour centres where workers undergo brutal conditions as part of a drug treatment program. In Vietnam, people who use drugs are arrested and placed in labour centres as a form of therapy. According to the reports, detainees work for up to seven hours a day under threat of abuse. 

One worker, Que Phong, reported to Human Rights Watch that the resin from the chemicals on the cashews burnt his hands. He was forced to continue working and was threatened to be slapped by the staff if he refused. 

Their work is severely underpaid or unpaid entirely. Phong was paid less than $3 USD a month for his labour. The drug treatment programs are often advertised as one year, but are often extended for two or three. Phong worked for five years.

In an attempt to aid these labour issues, SFU Fairtrade said they have sent three emails to local BC cashew companies to encourage stocking Fairtrade nuts. Through their research, they discovered the popular cashew nut brands in BC, and they focused on those businesses. 

SFU Fairtrade is currently waiting for responses. They hope to communicate with the businesses to discover their interests and concerns about the Fairtrade program to see what is stopping them from participating. 

Chan reported SFU Fairtrade is planning a documentary screening in March to educate students on the manufacturing and sourcing processes of cashews. 

To find updates on the documentary screening or the campaign progress, visit their Instagram, @sfufairtrade.

SFU majors take on society’s minors

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Peak Web
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Various people in different majors arguing
The most opinionated minds are on the case. ILLUSTRATION: Jiamin Bai / The Peak

By: Maya Beninteso, Peak Associate

Recently, while a cup of tea was being brewed at The Peak offices, an innocent question was asked: “Is water wet?” While benign in nature, this query sparked an extremely aggressive debate in the office. As no liquid could be consumed until this debate was resolved, The Peak consulted the bright minds, and various majors, at SFU to see their take on this timely, and poignant question. 

Chemistry I:

This shouldn’t be a debate — water is irrefutably wet. When water touches something, such as a shirt, the shirt gets wet. If it touches your hair, it gets wet. If water from your eyes falls onto your homework paper for the fifth time this semester — your homework paper is wet.  Water is simply a collection of individual water molecules (H₂O) that are all touching each other. When water touches something else, that thing becomes wet. By this ironclad logic, water is most definitely wet. There is no counter-argument. 

 

English:

To be or not to be . . . wet? That is the question. 

 

Psychology: 

I have no clue. I know that the failure to drink water can cause impaired cognition. I know that our brain needs water in order to survive. But the truth is, I’m only here to analyse hundreds of dollars worth of textbooks because I thought this would be cheaper than actually attending therapy. I was wrong. Honestly, all I know is the real question should be: what makes you think my answer to “is water wet” would be correct? pulls out a legal pad clicks pen And how does that make you feel?

 

History with a Certificate in Writing and Rhetoric:

Ah, an interesting question, indeed. You see, historically the root of this query may be traced back to an educational episode of Wizards of Waverly Place. But I believe humans have been pondering this question for centuries. So, let us now follow our pensive ancestors footsteps and entertain the ramifications of both possibilities . . . If water is wet, then is a body of water, such as an ocean, wet? Do we consider seaweed, that is fully submerged in water, truly wet? Diametrically opposing the aforementioned option, we take that water is — in fact — not wet. Does that make water, by proxy, dry? Is it then logical to assert water merely makes things wet but is not itself wet?

 

Dance:

Water is a fluid and my movements — like a babbling glacier stream in the spring — should also be fluid, seemingly effortless.

Horoscopes: February 28–March 4

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Peak Web
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An illustration of a girl with long flowing hair. Astrological signs and stars shine around her.
ILLUSTRATION: Marissa Ouyang / The Peak

By: Hannah Kazemi, SFU Student, Cosmic Counselor in Training

Aries

You’ve yet to venture out of your comfort zone and find the hidden gems of the Burnaby campus. Be sure to try the tables under Images Theatre for your next cry sesh. They’ll never fail you — unlike your MATH 159 prof.

 

Taurus

Make a B-line for the avocado next time you feel tears gather and your eyes start to sting. If anyone asks, just say you’re just so touched by the beauty of the art piece you can’t help but tear up at the sight of it. That’s believable . . . Right?

 

Gemini

You don’t get a cry location this week because you never actually go to campus. You’ve spent the past two years of your degree (the only two years of your degree) logging onto Zoom lectures from your bed and haven’t cried real tears since 2014. Go to fucking therapy or something Gemini. 

 

Cancer

Pay your academic advisor a visit. Trust me, it’s a perfectly safe space to let a few tears slip — they’ve seen it all.

 

Leo

You live for drama and will seize any opportunity to talk about yourself. So, park your ass in Convo Mall on a sunny Tuesday and let the tears take over — you’re sure to attract a crowd.

 

Virgo

The bathrooms in West Mall are calling your name, Virgo. Be sure to snag the stall at the farthest end for some privacy. If you run into anyone on your way out, pretend your puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks are just part of the character you’re playing for that Contemporary Arts class you definitely aren’t failing.

 

Libra

You break down so frequently, you might as well make yourself comfortable. The nap room in the SUB is the perfect place for you to express yourself, Libra. Bring a blanket, hit the lights, and settle in for the best cry sesh of your life.

 

Scorpio

Your bed is calling and I’m begging you to answer the phone. Now is not the right season for Scorpios to be crying on campus. Save it for December and do that shit at home.

 

Sagittarius

The sound of the 145 rattling its way up Burnaby Mountain is perfect for muffling your sobs and sniffles while you check your Canvas grade notification. Choose the seat all the way at the back corner of the bus, throw on a pair of sunglasses and you’re golden, Ponyboy.

 

Capricorn

Protect your pride and find a spot to wallow in private. The tables hidden in the depths of the physics building are the perfect spot for this. You can even stop and play with the interactive stuff on the walls as you make your trek down — maybe then you’ll actually start to feel something.

 

Aquarius

Rest and recharge after midterms with Puppy Therapy. Pick the most adorable one out of the bunch to cuddle and declare that it’s “just so cute I could cry!” Then, proceed to burst into tears for at least 25 minutes.

 

Pisces

Channel your inner-fish this week Pisces and spend some time at the koi pond. Go Troy Bolton à la High School Musical 2 on the koi pond and stare intensely at your reflection as tears drip dramatic ripples off your cheeks. But be careful: lean too deeply into your misery and you’ll be crying about more than just a bad midterm grade.

English Student Union and Poetry Club host sentimental open mic night

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Peak Web
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An orange envelope with “confessional” written in cursive across it. The envelope is surrounded by a bunch of hearts.
Pour your heart out post-Valentine’s Day. ILLUSTRATION: Marissa Ouyang / The Peak

By: Petra Chase, SFU Student

Just in time for Valentine’s week, SFU Poetry Club and the English Student Union held 2 Sappy 2 Stories, a virtual love-themed open mic night. 2 Sappy 2 Stories was a sequel to the ESU’s event last year, Sappy Stories, which was a group story writing workshop. This year’s theme expanded the scope from stories to poetry and music, and the outcome was a night full of nimble wordplay, expressive vocals, and personal anecdotes on the ups and downs of love.

The event kicked off with a guided meditation, welcoming introductions, and a writing workshop featuring festive love-themed prompts like writing about a “Bad Romance (Ra Ra Ra Ra)” and “What is Love? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me).” After a writing session backed by ambient instrumental music, students opened up on the virtual floor by sharing spoken word poetry, short stories, and even original songs. The event also included a giveaway to Iron Dog Books, a local Indigenous-owned bookstore.

“We’d like to broaden the horizons of what people think poetry can be,” SFU Poetry Club president Anita Shen shared with The Peak. “Poetry can be anything. It doesn’t have to be literary. We really welcome writing in different languages. There’s some folks who write hip-hop lyrics. Stuff like that.

“I’ve got a huge passion for literature and social justice.”

After organizing and conducting writing workshops for sex workers, Shen brings their care and passion for facilitating social justice events to the club. They guaranteed everyone had a chance to share their accessibility needs and prompted them to set an intention for the evening.

As someone who wrote poetry throughout high school, I can testify that writing is not only a creative outlet, but a way to process emotions and thoughts. To be able to be vulnerable and share your innermost feelings in a safe and inclusive environment is a crucial resource for students’ mental health.

It is no easy feat to share something so personal with a room of people, but the outgoing and encouraging attitude of the audience at 2 Sappy 2 Stories broke the ice and made it comfortable. Every performance was unique and expressive followed by an outpouring of compliments and heart reactions in the chat.

Poetry club is always looking for new members! Whether you’d like to enter their upcoming contests, find out more about events, or simply join a supportive community of poets, you can follow them on Instagram, @sfu_poetry, or join their Discord.

The Porter celebrates the lives of Black Canadian railway workers

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Peak Web
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Image of Black train porters waiting at a station platform.
The series spotlights the fight for working rights of train porters. PHOTO: Courtesy of Winston Ma / CBC

By: Tamanna T., Staff Writer

As of late, historical television shows are being made for a very niche audience, and most shows lack diverse representation. But there’s a new historical drama on the block, and this time it commemorates a part of history that doesn’t get talked about enough — Black Canadian lives in the 1920s, after the abolition of slavery in Canada. 

The Porter, which premiered on February 21, is set in Montreal and follows the lives of Black train porters and their families during the unionization movement. Historically, these porters faced exploitation and discrimination from passengers and employers. So the Black porters formed the Order of Sleeping Car Porters, which successfully lobbied for salary increases, better on-the-job sleeping conditions, and more. Inspired by these real-life events, the show commemorates the love, heartbreak, and struggles of these porters. With vibrant shots, visually appealing scenes, and bone-chilling dialogue, I have no doubt The Porter is on its way to become a revered and critically acclaimed series. 

The show takes its viewers on a ride through the lives of porters Junior Massey and Zeke Garrett, played by Aml Ameen and Ronnie Rowe Jr. respectively, as they battle systemic racism while trying to unionize. This series is meant to reframe history by showcasing the full extent of the Black diaspora’s influence.

In an interview with The Peak, Vancouver-based actor Luc Roderique, who plays Winchester Barnes — a porter with a dark and mysterious past — talked about the celebration of Black lives offered by the show and its importance in history. He also discussed his character’s struggles throughout the show.

He began by noting “there is a wealth of incredible stories” related to Canadian marginalized communities we should be showcasing. Calling The Porter incredibly unique, Roderique shared he has “never seen a story like this told on Canadian television” and that the show was a joy to work on. 

“It was the experience that I’ve been waiting for through my career thus far. It’s going to be hard to top this, to be completely honest. To have the opportunity to play a character like this and also to feel such support, freedom, and safety on set to be able to explore these characters,” Roderique said. “We, for once, were being seen and telling our story.”

Discussing Winchester Barnes, Roderique talked about how the character is running from his dark past and fighting for his present and future as a porter. “He’s also a man dealing with some pretty big trauma,” said Roderique. “Personal traumas that we see in the first episode, and wider societal traumas. This is a man who suffers from anxiety and depression.” Consisting of such characters, The Porter has the potential to become a show that viewers will watch eagerly. They depict not only larger movements for labour rights and Black resurgence, but also daily life we can all relate to.

The show also connects to Vancouver in many ways. “In pretty much every metropolitan area in all of Canada, there was a Black community or a Black neighbourhood,” Roderique said. This includes BC’s Hogan’s Alley, “which was a thriving Black community because of its proximity to the train station,” Roderique continued. There was a sense of connection among Black communities across the nation because of the porters working and traveling via train stations, which generated brotherhood.

The Porter will also invite viewers to ponder what life was like in the 1920s for Black Canadians. An important line in the trailer is, “The force of our oppression is the truest measure of our power,” which stuck with me. Talking about how The Porter achieves this measure of power, Roderique said that “simply in telling this story, it achieves that. 

“It’s really incredible to feel like we are continuing the legacy of visibility and equity that these men started,” he said.

The Porter airs Mondays at 9:00 p.m. on CBC TV and will be available to stream on CBC Gem.

Don’t focus too hard on your grades

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An angry-looking person, ostensibly a professor, is throwing a “C-” at someone. The person is distracted, looking at some flowers, and does not seem bothered by the grade bouncing off their head.
Grades can have huge impacts on the way we perceive ourselves, but is it warranted? Illustration: Maple Sukontasukkul / The Peak

By: Ira Rishi, SFU Student

Albert Einstein, the physicist widely regarded for his scientific and philosophical contributions, is quoted to have said: “Try not to be a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” This has been a critical lesson I’ve learnt throughout my degree. Importantly, it distinguishes between success and value. While success can be defined as achievement by others’ standards, it is not always identical to value; the achievement of one’s own standards.

Taking classes at a university, finishing a degree, and staying on top of it all by having great grades is a sign of a successful student. It follows that people tend to associate success with self-worth and their value in society. In all, it’s a very unfortunate comparison that we as a society have learned to make. Though measuring ourselves by a university’s metric of success can be easy, it is not necessarily the most constructive way to develop ourselves.

Straight-A high school students come into university programs with a reasonable expectation of dominating their classes like they’re used to, but it’s common that we fail to live up to our own expectations. When I see I’ve earned a bad grade on an exam, it shakes me to my core. The way I’ve been conditioned is that a poor grade means I’m not successful, which in turn lowers my self-worth. Lowered confidence, from whatever cause, is a source of decreased academic performance — and this risks a self-destructive feedback loop. When we fall into this downward cycle, we tend to forget that grades are simply a result of a particular moment in time and space. They’re not constant and they don’t determine your worth.

Sure, having passable grades is essential to graduate, and a high GPA can open avenues for other opportunities like admission into different programs. But in no way do these markers determine how successful you’re going to be outside of academia.

Academic validation meant a lot to me during my initial years at university and I ended up getting so roped into it that I paid no attention to the realities of what I was learning. For many of us, one of the most important things about being in university is getting ready for the real world — a life with more meticulous responsibilities and far less structure. And you get ready for the real world not by simply studying for and taking exams, but by putting yourself out there! It takes experimentation, and so much failure — something disallowed under university’s grading schemes.

So don’t be afraid to take that step and move beyond your studies, because growth happens outside our comfort zones. Explore what drives you and motivates you to give your best. Volunteering is typically a great place to start and you can build your way to gaining the skills and experience that might not fit into a class’ traditional curriculum.

If there’s anything I’ve learned in the four years I’ve spent here is that you shouldn’t just work on your grades — it’s important that you also work on yourself.

Professors should be more compassionate towards working students

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A pile of folders and papers are stacked up for the entirety of the photo. Some of the papers are folded, and the pile looks in disarray. The folders are brightly coloured and stand out.
All this work would be manageable if I just had an extra day or two. PHOTO: Sharon McCutcheon / Unsplash

By: Tamanna T., Staff Writer

As students are getting burnt out by life in and outside the classroom, professors need to realize that — pandemic or not — not everyone has the privilege to only focus on academia throughout their degree. Though professors themselves are subject to massive workloads with their own deadlines, empathy towards students’ responsibilities can make a difference. Until the structure and expectations inherent in university can be revised, consideration from professors is much needed.

Noticing a suffering student and lending a helping hand wherever possible can aid a student more than one thinks. Offering support can pave the way for the students to not only learn in a better way — which is a part of a professor’s role — but also feel more comfortable in dealing with their life situations.

Some students have to work a full time job while studying to support themselves through school. Finding the motivation to simply get through the day can be a challenge, because one day can include many hours of work, classes, and then coming back home to study. By being flexible with deadlines, holding extra office hours, or even occasionally being a source of encouragement, professors can ease their students’ academic burdens. These behaviours are huge in helping students remain motivated and also get some well-deserved time to relax.

Professors can further support students by offering a safe space for non-academic discussions. Many of my professors in the English department have office hours for their classes, but students often use this time to share personal issues and build dialogue that helps them feel more comfortable — and maybe even a bit light-hearted. Of course, while these discussions are helpful, they are neither the purpose or responsibility of a professor’s office hours. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, SFU Health and Counseling Services has dedicated counselors and psychiatrists to help students deal with stress and anxiety.

When balancing a full course-load and a full time job, there are sometimes no days off in a week. On certain days, I’ve had to do my homework in the skytrain on my way to work. Other times I’ve had to ask for extensions because I had to stay later at work. By suspending judgment and being understanding, professors can bolster a struggling student’s life by simply saying “yes” to an extension, or showing support for a student’s efforts. Trusting students to do their assigned task within the extension they have asked for without penalty can remove stress and improve the quality of the work. It also helps students have a clear head before approaching (or re-approaching) a subject, which will help them retain and understand information better.

Professors should really be considerate to those busting their backs to get through school. I have heard of many instances where a student will be struggling through life and academically, and instead of being kind, professors have strictly said no to helping out in even the most minor ways possible. By helping students prepare for exams, offering some guidance in papers, or in a willingness to revisit lecture materials professors can make a huge difference.

If I didn’t have some of my professors’ help and support when I was struggling, I never would have continued my degree. Sometimes, a kind gesture — like extending a deadline — can make or break a course for students. So, it’s important for professors to know their students and know that they can truly make a difference.

HorizonTrack offers holistic support for SFU Track team and new runners

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Sports
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Four members of HorizonTrack posing on grey bleachers.
HorizonTrack hosts monthly community runs for runners of all stripes. Krystal Chan / The Peak

By: Luke Faulks, Staff Writer 

How do we get Canadians more invested in track and field? In April of 2021, lifelong runner and SFU track member Jose Castro founded running club, HorizonTrack, with alumni Carlos Vargas. The duo wanted to help SFU track runners get exposure by running on behalf of HorizonTrack during the offseason. This helps them gain practice at a high level outside of SFU.

The club’s first task was to tackle what Castro sees as a recurring issue for Canadian runners: a lack of support, both in terms of finances and year-round camaraderie.

“A lot of runners don’t get advertised even when they are doing well,” said Castro. “After your school season is over, you still run races, but you have to run as unattached [without any affiliation] so you don’t have any team.” 

Castro points to the recent successes of SFU students and alumni at the 2021 Olympic trials. While former SFU student Cameron Proceviat placed second in the 1500m, and current SFU runners Aaron Ahl and Charlie Dannatt placing third and fourth, Castro believes they didn’t get the kind of marketing or media attention they deserved, which could hamper their chances to attend meets in the future. 

HorizonTrack aims to fix the void in athlete marketing for SFU runners by posting photos and workout videos, sharing athletes’ stories, and selling HorizonTrack gear to raise money for the travel costs of student athletes. 

After initially selling Horizon merchandise to friends and families and over social media, HorizonTrack partnered with FitFirst Footwear. Thanks to the store’s proximity to one of SFU’s primary training spots, Burnaby Lake, the store has had a long relationship with the school and has been extremely supportive, revealed Castro. HorizonTrack have their own dedicated booth stocked exclusively with HorizonTrack flags, stickers, and mannequins. Members are even given discounts on some items in store. 

All this isn’t to say that professional athletes are the sole beneficiaries of HorizonTrack. The club hosts a monthly 5km community run, partnered with Fit First footwear and North Burnaby Runners, on the last Wednesday of each month. As is the case for SFU track team, the go-to spot for these runs is Burnaby Lake.

To new runners potentially feeling daunted by running alongside SFU track team members, Castro noted it’s not about competition; everyone is welcome. “It doesn’t really matter where you’re coming from or how you look or who you are. If you want to run, you can run.”

Community runners can even expect some guidance on healthy running habits. “We usually have one or two of our runners leading the warm-up, showing people how to do proper warm-ups.” 

Looking ahead, Castro intends to expand HorizonTrack’s scope. The group will continue elevating runners’ stories through a podcast from SFU track students. “We have all these runners, Canadian runners, who come up and just like talk about their experience, their season, who they are.” 

Highlighting runners’ stories will be a throughline for HorizonTrack. The group is also expecting to launch a website later this year. At horizontrackclub.com, interested parties can sign up for a newsletter, highlighting athletes’ stories and personal bests. The newsletter will also advertise the group’s monthly community runs. 

The next steps for HorizonTrack won’t be easy. The team behind it is still small, but Castro says he enjoys building from the ground up. “That’s the fun part. We honestly love just doing something on the side and creating a community with it.

“When you just step on the track and you really hit your limits, there’s something that’s special in that. Where you know you’ve given it everything. No one can take that away from you. With Horizon, we want to have another outlet where we put in all that we can and showcase who are, as runners and as people.”

HorizonTrack posts about its athletes and merchandise on Instagram, and publishes its podcasts on YouTube and Spotify, and, shortly, Apple Podcasts. Go to horizontrackclub.com to sign up for the HorizonTrack newsletter, and stay tuned for a website update!

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us:
[email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024