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AM 730 off air leaves Vancouver without a dedicated traffic broadcast

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Peak Web
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This is a photo of a car radio.
PHOTO: Puneet Aulakh / The Peak

By: Kaja Antic, Staff Writer

“Gone!” reads the last tweet from the @AM730Traffic X account, sent at 7:39 a.m. on June 26 — before the station would quietly cease operations later that afternoon. 

Under the call sign CKGO, AM 730 was the only 24/7 all-traffic station in the Vancouver area. Listeners now tune into AM 730 to be redirected to AM 980, a news and talk radio station with intermittent traffic updates.

Both stations are owned and operated by Corus Entertainment, which also owns Global News and other mass media assets. Corus has seen its revenue decrease recently and has responded with a plan to cut 25% of its full-time workforce by the end of August. 

Corus Entertainment told Vancouver Sun, “We have made the difficult decision to reduce our AM radio programming in Vancouver and Edmonton [ . . . ] As a result, certain roles have been impacted.” 

Listeners from across the Lower Mainland voiced their disappointment on X, with many describing the station as an essential public service, due to the radio’s easy accessibility and hands-free operation. Many tuned in to the station for traffic updates no matter the time, especially during snowstorms. 

“On a night where #Vancouver’s infrastructure and road care failed us, people could still turn on the station and know that [we were] right there with them.” @LucasCelle on Twitter

“On a night where #Vancouver’s infrastructure and road care failed us, people could still turn on the station and know that [we were] right there with them,” former AM 730 anchor Lucas Celle noted in a X thread regarding the 2022 storm. 

There is an active petition with over 400 signatures on change.org to save the station. The petition intends to put pressure on Corus and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to reinstate the traffic-based radio.

AM 730 rebroadcasting CKNW 980 is being viewed as an interim solution, as Corus eventually hopes to only operate one AM station in the Lower Mainland. Corus Entertainment’s statement noted, “Following that interim period, Corus will only operate one AM news-talk station in each of Vancouver (CKNW) and Edmonton (CHED).”

Radio stations, specifically those that broadcast on AM frequencies, are increasingly rare in Vancouver — with three shutting down in recent years. AM 730 joins AM 1040 and AM 1410, which were taken off air last year by Bell Media. 

There is still intermittent traffic information on the 980 and 1130 frequencies. Excluding 730, there are now only seven active AM radio stations serving Metro Vancouver; 690 hosts CBC Radio One, 980 and 1130 are news/talk stations, and 650 is the only remaining dedicated sports station. AM 1200, 1320, and 1470 host a variety of multilingual programs.

BC Provincial Election: Candidates, issues, and voting

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Features
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An illustration of two podiums arranged in front of one another.
PHOTO: Den Kinanti / The Peak

By: Kaja Antic, Staff Writer and Daniel Salcedo Rubio, Features Editor

The provincial election is coming up soon, and for some of us it may be our first time voting in one — or just voting in general! While the election itself is not until October 19, it’s not too early to know who you’ll be able to vote for, what the different parties’ platforms are, when voting dates are, and where to vote. 

How do BC elections work?

Every seat in the provincial legislature is voted on by the citizens of electoral districts, or ridings, which are geographical subdivisions. Each district usually has a candidate for each party, and whichever candidate gets the most votes in their district, earns the seat. The total number of seats each party earns determines how much power they hold in the legislative assembly. The party with the most elected candidates is typically the winner, with the party’s leader serving as premier. 

When can I vote?

While the official election day is October 19, you can vote before then! Advance voting will be available at select locations from October 10–13 and October 15–16. Voter registration can be done online, by telephone (1-800-661-8683), in person at a registration drive, or directly at the Elections BC offices. To qualify for registration, you must be a Canadian citizen, over 18 years old, and have lived in BC for at least six months before the final voting day on the 19.

 “Voter registration can be done online, by telephone (1-800-661-8683), in person at a registration drive, or directly at the Elections BC offices. To qualify for registration, you must be a Canadian citizen, over 18 years old, and have lived in BC for at least six months before the final voting day on the 19”

Where do I vote?

For the 2024 provincial election, new electoral districts have been created to better accommodate BC’s growing population. Elections BC has created a map where you can enter your address and learn more about your new district boundaries. There are also preliminary locations released for the general election day, as well as advanced voting days. These locations won’t be finalized until closer to the election, and once you register, you will receive a “Where to Vote” card that includes the advanced and general voting locations for your electoral districts. If you would prefer to vote via mail, the last day to request a voting package is October 13, which you can order over the phone or online.

Voting is an important part of adulthood, as it not only affects our lives, but affects those around the province. We have the right to vote, and the responsibility to exercise our opinions in a democratic society. Whether by mail or in-person, if you meet the requirements for voter registration, I highly encourage you to do so. Keep up with campaign news, learn the MLA candidates in your district, research their policy positioning, and get out to the booths!

BC New Democratic Party
Current seats: 55
Leader: David Eby

The BC NDP principles revolve around creating an affordable province for everyone, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, fighting climate change, and prioritizing the working class and small businesses. They’ve held the majority of seats since 2017, taking over from the then-BC Liberals. 

The party has yet to release an official platform for the 2024 election, though much of the proposed 2024–25 budget has indicated what their focus will be for the fall:

While they have projected a deficit of $7.9 billion, the party says those deficits come in the form of benefits for “ordinary British Columbians.” This includes a $248 million one-time bonus to the BC Family Benefit fund (where roughly 340,000 families will receive an average of $445), a one-time BC Hydro credit off-setting about $100 per consumer per year, and a 10% increase to the Climate Action Tax credit, among other changes. While these aren’t new programs, the increments are meant to curb the burden of high living costs in the province for middle and low-income earners. However, some have criticized the budget. BC United’s finance critic Peter Milobar, argues the NDP has a “spending problem.” He pointed out that the new taxes and increments to existing ones have resulted in billions in revenue, which he claims, is coming from “small businesses or average British Columbians.”

At the biennial BC NDP convention in November, Eby and hundreds of delegates discussed key priorities for the party going forward. Notable policies that were agreed upon include:

  • Expanded speculation and vacancy tax — which aims to reduce the amount of vacant housing by taxing owners who leave units empty, ensuring foreign owners contribute to Canada’s tax system.
  • Combating high grocery prices with a proposed price cap on essential goods at the federal level.
  • Increasing climate action initiatives — they will continue and expand CleanBC policies, which is the government’s official plan to further reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices.
  • Improving rural health care services, though the NDP has not elaborated on their plans to do this. 

BC United (formerly known as BC Liberals)
Current seats: 24
Leader: Kevin Falcon

BC United currently holds the second-largest number of seats in the BC legislative assembly. The party is losing support across the province, with a decrease in funding, defecting candidates, and an increasing number of MLAs leaving to join the Conservative Party. 

BC United’s platform for the 2024 election includes proposals for the environment, every-day living costs, housing, and more. Their policies are:

  • Affordability: To combat high living expenses, they’ve proposed the removal of the tax on fossil fuels and carbon tax hikes, which they argue will also reduce grocery prices. Other proposals include the removal of the electric vehicle subsidy, which they argue only benefits the wealthy. They also plan on affordable child care for all low and middle-class families.
  • Environment: The party plans to scrap the NDP’s CleanBC climate action plan, as they argue it’s not beneficial for the environment and it’ll come at the expense of jobs. However, in 2023, BC’s environment minister said the NDP’s plan made progress to climate action, as “the province has cut oil and gas methane emissions by 50%” and “22% of new vehicles sold are zero-emission.” Some other proposals by BC United include revamping firefighting services, prioritizing local experience and response teams for wildfire management, and investing $200 million in revitalizing BC’s habitats. 
  • Safety and healthcare: The party proposes strengthening the justice system by hiring more police, and preventing violent offenders from being released and posing danger to the public. The party also plans to reverse the decriminalization of controlled substances, a measure which has been effective in reducing stigma and drug mortality rates in some of the cities which have implemented it. For healthcare, the party plans to make treatments affordable and treatment beds available to those who need them, and hire back unvaccinated healthcare workers.
  • Housing and education: BC United intends to establish a rent-to-own program for first-time buyers, and require developers set 15% of participating developments as part of this program. The party will also require universities to provide enough housing for domestic students before accepting international students. For education, they plan to ensure “kids learn the basics and get back to improved results,” which would include reimplementing letter grades, banning cellphones in class, and including parents in the education system, though there is no mention of how these actions correlate to an improved academic output.

Conservative Party of BC
Current seats: 4
Leader: John Rustad

The Conservative Party of BC’s principles lie in individual liberty and freedom, social responsibility, and an economic model with minimal government interference. The party is led by MLA John Rustad, who was removed from BC United after questioning the legitimacy of climate change science regarding carbon emissions being harmful to the environment. Rustad briefly served as an Independent MLA, before joining the provincial Conservatives, becoming leader as the only Conservative MLA to hold a seat.

The policies of the Conservative party echo similar declarations as BC United:

  • Environment: The party wants to scrap the carbon tax — a federal mandate which can’t be repealed by the provincial government. They also aim to expand production and exportation of liquified natural gas, and build more pipelines for the transport of oil and natural gas. Some of their other policies include encouraging the sustainable development of BC’s resource industries, such as mining, hydro-electricity, and fishing — they plan to hold activists protesting resource development legally and financially accountable. 
  • Education: The party plans to remove “ideology” from classrooms, however, the party isn’t clear on what “ideology” entails. Other policies include supporting parental choices in their children’s education, provide funding to all forms of education, including public, private, or homeschooling. Finally, the party also intends to re-allocate post-secondary funds towards medicine and engineering rather than arts and social sciences.
  • Healthcare: The party plans to repeal vaccine requirements and rehire government and healthcare workers who were fired due to them. They also intend to reform the healthcare system, allowing private clinics, reducing wait times, and increasing doctors and nurses by funding and supporting training programs. Other policies include re-opening mental health facilities, ending safe supply of illicit drugs, and rehabilitation. 

Rustad has held numerous transphobic stances in his term, such as a failed bill to ban trans athletes from publicly-funded sports, and compared the “genocide of Indigenous children in residential schools” to the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, as both were impeding so-called “parental rights.”

BC Green Party
Current seats: 2
Leader: Sonia Furstenau

The BC Green Party is part of the Global Greens network, meaning they follow sustainability, participatory democracy, social justice, ecological wisdom, non-violence, and respect for diversity as their core principles. The party is largely concerned with the electorate’s “wellness and all issues that impact it,” which includes healthcare, housing, climate action, businesses, and more. The party has been led by Sonia Furstenau since 2020, who has been a Vancouver Island-based MLA with the party since 2017.

While the Green Party’s 2024 platform is still unavailable, their BC Green Policy document provides insights into their goals: 

  • Healthcare: The party supports accessible and publicly funded healthcare for all, with a focus on preventive care and early intervention. Other policies include stricter standards for mental health providers, evidence-based strategies and safe supply access for substance use, and prioritizing accessibility and economic support for people with disabilities.
  • Social and Economic: The party promotes income security through a “livable income, low-cost housing, and increased employment opportunities.” Other policies in this area include affordable childcare, promoting intercultural programs led by BIPOC communities to tackle racism, and tackling inequalities in the criminal justice system by collecting disaggregated race data. The party also endorses the integration of Indigenous knowledge and comprehensive climate education.
  • Environment:  The party goals for the environment revolve around “protection, restoration, and remediation.” One of their priorities is to support greenhouse gas reduction targets, ending subsidies for fossil fuels and halting related industries’ expansion, and expanding the carbon tax. Other policies include support for biodiversity conservation by funding conservation efforts and expanding protected areas, support the development of renewable energy projects, and responsible forest, water, and resource management.

The Hangry Games: The ballad of snacks and a momma raccoon

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Peak Web
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Raccoon mom and her two babies being interviewed by a human interviewer.
ILLUSTRATION: Aliya Nourlan / The Peak

By: Amrit Kamaal, Peak Associate

Burnaby Mountain, known for its thriving ecosystems and wildlife, was hit by an influx of humans in 1965. Once known as the spot for critters to flourish, it was taken over by people, with no consideration for these creatures’ feelings or bellies — only “engagement,” whatever that means. Raccoons have historically been shamed the most, with phones shoved in their faces. Sheryl, a single raccoon mom to her children Emmaleigh and Lakynn, is at the centre of a scandal. Most recently viral all over Reddit, a video documents Sheryl attempting to adjust to human meal customs, entering the SFU Dining Hall but being alienated by her human peers. She’s come today to The Peacock newspaper (no connection with our rivals at The Peak) to clear her name and the names of all trash pandas across campus. 

Interviewer: Hello Sheryl, I’m sure you’ve seen the video of you circulating all over the internet and the comments people have left. How has this incident affected you and your family?

Sheryl: Well, it’s great you asked that. As a single mother with two children, I try to look out for my babies whenever I can. It’s been a roller coaster lately; Lakynn and Emmaleigh are too fond of our newfound fame. They keep showing me memes and reaction videos of people crying while I’m mid-chew in my “nobody’s gonna see me” fur. Personally, I don’t bat an eye when y’all double-dip or attack your drinks with a straw and spill everywhere. 

Interviewer: Why the SFU Dining Hall specifically?

Sheryl: As well as working as a Peacock Associate, I am also a TA for CMPT 433, graduating this fall as a Raccoonomics major. It was Bring Your Critters to Work Day, and I told them to be on their best behaviour around mommy’s colleagues. I deserve a meal, too. I got a free meal voucher for this! 

Interviewer: What do you want our community to take away from this incident? 

Sheryl: I hope everyone realizes that we raccoons aren’t just sneaky bandits. Y’all also make it impossible not to be by leaving your Apple Ecosystems on display. I pride myself on being sophisticated enough to be allergic to apples to not even consider stealing your devices. My fellow “trash pandas,” stay fabulous, stay sophisticated, and stay fed. 

Interviewer: Witty words and wisdom. You’re the full package, alright! Thank you once again for joining us on The Peacock.

Sheryl: Thank you for having me! And hey, if anyone needs a raccoon consultant for their next dumpster raid, I’m your girl!

A deep Revelation lies in Leif Vollebekk’s intricate indie tunes

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Peak Web
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A black and white close-up of a man holding a guitar and playing it, his facial features relaxed.
PHOTO: Nicholas Sutton Bell

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

Born in Ottawa, and a long-time resident of Montréal, Leif Vollebekk is an indie artist whose music is full of smooth rhythms, soft melodies, and lilting lyrics. His highly-anticipated album, Revelation, will be released on September 27, with a European tour to follow this fall. I had the pleasure of interviewing Vollebekk over the phone ahead of his performance at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, which took place on July 19.

“It’s always lovely playing a folk festival. I haven’t played Vancouver in what feels like a million years,” Vollebekk said, adding that he feels at home on stage. He also touched on how “the audiences are always so nice” at folk festivals around the country — where he’s also playing in both Calgary and Edmonton.

Vollebekk’s musical influences stem from a variety of places. “I listened to a lot of Bob Dylan,” he said, also listing The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Radiohead. From thoughtful musicality to pondering lyrics that seep through every line of a Bob Dylan song, Vollebekk reminisced on his early days of music. “I kinda got lost in that,” he said. 

As our interview took him on a trip down memory lane — combing through his inspirations, songwriting, and recordings of the past — it was evident that Vollebekk has come a long way, shifting his sounds and focus. Regardless of Vollebekk questioning whether he’s “evolved” as a musician, it’s clear the answer lies in the thread-woven orchestration of his songs and the depth of his lyrics. “I’ve definitely doubled-down on a couple of concepts, like playing live and recording with a live band,” he added.

“Once I get the band together and the studio together, and everything sounds good, and we get all the sounds right, then we just do one live take,” he explained. “It’s kind of like an old-school way of making records,” he said of playing live off the floor — meaning from start to finish, with vocals and instrumentals done all together — and recording to tape. 

With Revelation, Vollebekk was able to “get a bit closer” to his desires. “When you first start out, you don’t know anything,” he said with a hearty laugh. At first, he didn’t know what mixing and mastering was, and that a song wouldn’t be finished immediately after being recorded, but quickly learned to unveil the multiple layers involved in producing a record. Now, with more experience and four years’ worth of effort poured into it, Vollebekk looks forward to Revelation’s release this September. 

Two singles have already been released ahead of Revelation being dropped: “Moondog” and “Southern Star.” Vollebekk had “Southern Star” in his back pocket for years, which he used to play live before ever recording it. With deep, echoey piano keys and tender poetry spoken of the speaker’s “friend or lover,” this track is the perfect slow dance ballad for a cool summer night. At first, Vollebekk sung it solo, then later landed on the drum part. Once those pieces came together, the recording process took shape, and it soon became the first track recorded for Revelation.

“‘Moon Dog’ was written entirely on acoustic guitar,” Vollebekk explained, knowing the idea of the song right off the bat. A kickdrum was all that was needed to set the track ablaze with rhythmic emotion. Vollebekk recalled watching The Beatles: Get Back documentary, where they didn’t fully have “Get Back” together until the keys were added in by Billy Preston. Evidently, Vollebekk relates this to his own songwriting and recording processes, as he continues to find elements that perfect a song. 

From adding strings, harmonies, orchestration, and synthesizers, with various band members, and even quartets, Vollebekk’s recording process is vast. He leaves no stone unturned when squeezing out every ounce of talent and pouring it into his works. “It involves people’s emotions,” he explained. “When people are all in the room together, they really wanna get it,” Vollebekk said, of capturing the takes.

Touring gives Vollebekk a space to further develop his idea, and looks forward to getting back on the road. Listen to the release of Revelation come September 27, and prepare to be immersed in vast orchestration and effortless vocals.

Imperfect fits: Pride edition

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Peak Web
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3. Two people wrapped in all-white toilet paper. The first one is using their body to shape the letter "E" and the other is using theirs to shape the letter "W". They are standing in front of a rainbow background.
ILLUSTRATION: Andrea Choi / The Peak

By: C Icart, Humour Editor

Vancouver is hosting Pride this week, and even though “we are all born naked,” that is not the appropriate outfit for the occasion. So, you could make endless Pinterest boards until you develop the perfect Pride look. Or, you could just wrap yourself in a Pride flag and call it a day. You could even use an app inspired by Cher Horowitz’s digital outfit generator in Clueless. But I’m fully embodying the gay best friend trope today by only existing to tell you what to wear. Alexa, play that audio that goes “Emergency, emergency, paging Dr. Beat.”

1. The Brick 
This one is for the queer historians. The first brick that may or may not have been thrown on June 28, 1969, is a queer icon. After all, she marked the beginning of the Stonewall Uprising and Pride as we know it. This brick and who potentially threw it has been at the centre of so many arguments, but this outfit is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Use foam to create the legendary brick shape, and don’t forget the red body paint so your legs and face match.   
2. Miss Mermaid, Miss Mermaid, Miss Mermaaaaaid
Obsessing over “serving fish” is so not the vibe this season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still rock a fishtail! Miss Vanjie walking offstage while repeating her name like it was some sort of spell is an integral part of queer history. Commemorate this moment by embodying the mermaid Barbies on her bodysuit. Find the most beat-up blonde wig in your closet and stick it in the blender to destroy it more. Then, apply your makeup with your eyes closed while in the passenger seat of a moving vehicle. The last step is obviously finding a Party City mermaid tail to complete the look! 

3. EW, but make it queer
How would you know it’s Pride if you weren’t seeing brands make their social media logo rainbow, but only in certain parts of the world (can only be gay in the markets where that sells, obvi)! So, why not reference this rainbowfication in an incredibly fashion-forward look? You’ll need a friend for this one, so go grab an ally. First, wrap each other in toilet paper until you look like kids dressing like mummies for Halloween. Don’t be too rough with the toilet paper as you want to be able to reuse it afterwards #ZeroWaste. Pro tip: if toilet paper is difficult to acquire (I know bidets are all the rage these days) you can also steal a Hazmat suit from a research lab on campus. Then, use the skills you learned from the H-O-T-T-O-G-O dance to contort your bodies into the letters E and W. You must do this in front of a Pride flag for it to work. And then, boom, you’ve recreated Entertainment Weekly’s hilarious Pride logo. 

Y2K thrives in femme group NADUH

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Peak Web
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PHOTO: @its.naduh / Instagram

By: Yasmin Hassan, Staff Writer

With ‘90s hip-hop and 2000s R&B tunes, Vancouver-based femme group NADUH “fill the industry thigh gap” with their unique, old-school inspired spin on the genre. Listening to their music reminds me of hearing my big sister’s playlists back in the early 2000s. Their music is filled with influences from the “Spice Girls, a dollop of Warren G and Nate Dogg, and a dash of TLC.” Their 2022 album, HOMIESEXUAL, is “umami for the ears” with its chromatic blend of modern reverbs and retro synths. It’s imbued with “empowerment,” “queerness,” and “spirituality.” 

“Our music expresses this through exuding elements of soft but hard, calm but cheeky,” said Jenny, AKA the group’s “Daddy,” in an interview with The Peak. Each member has their own persona, with Rolly being the “magical fairy godmother,” Larisa being the “local celebrity,” Taraneh the “chef Boii,” and the “lover baby,” Giorgi. Immediately upon hearing their music and seeing their style, I could recognize the Y2K inspiration — I love how they bring a sense of nostalgia in a contemporary form through their style.

Mesmerized by their beats, I wondered what was essential for the NADUH sound. “Harmonies on harmonies, you won’t hear a NADUH track without them,” Jenny told me, explaining that the “saucy chords are at the core of [their] production.” NADUH perfects their blends with “punchy drums, funky or phat bass, and obviously soulful vocals.” Their song “MYSOGINISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS” stuck out to me with its mellow lofi loops and lyrics that explore being objectified, like being asked to smile, and how the girls are just over it! 

“Harmonies on harmonies, you won’t hear a NADUH track without them.” —Jenny, 1/5 of NADUH

The group uses their music “to heal the axis of masculine and feminine,” as told to them by Venus, the goddess of love. Jenny said the group’s sound acts as “a sweet balm, kissing the souls of listeners while they open their hearts to unity, love, and levity.” Staying true to their divine goals, the group says Venus gave them no choice but “to heal the gender divide”  within themselves and the world “by creating with a more feminine touch” and re-writing “the industry ‘standard.’” 

Coming from Vancouver, Jenny tells me about how the city’s music scene is still on the rise to being recognized globally, and that repping home base is their “shot to put Vancity on, and show the world our city is chock-full of talent.”

Catch NADUH at the Official Pride Party Aug 4. Make sure to watch out for their new single “THROBBY,” expected to release by the end of summer, and follow them on Instagram for updates, @its.naduh!

Investigating the Myth: Is Vancouver really that boring?

By
Peak Web
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An illustration of a bus with two people looking outside the window.
ILLUSTRATION: Sonya Janeshewski / The Peak

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

The everlasting debate over whether Vancouver is boring has circulated the city for as long as I can remember. Is it really that boring, or have you just not figured out how to navigate the entertainment options, nightlife, and city-nature harmony? Between comedy clubs and live music that make the nightlife a little more lively, quaint coffee shops, and outdoor activities, there’s lots to do, but is it for you?

While there’s a lot more that the city could offer, there’s also lots to do — you just have to find what you like, and go for it. Whether you’re a city chick, an outdoorsy adventurer, or a combination of the two — like myself — there’s plenty of opportunities for fun. So, let’s dissect the great debate and compare and contrast between what makes Vancouver lively, and what makes it lifeless.

First, let’s discuss the pros, and why I think Vancouver isn’t boring. 

The city has an abundance of opportunities and events. Let’s talk city life first. You’ve got countless patios (rain or shine) to enjoy drinks with friends like, Social YVR or Mahony’s Tavern. Enjoy festivals, including the Vancouver Mural Festival, where you can admire murals, or join Vancouver Pride, in which you can celebrate Pride culture with various events, including the parade. Seasonal highlights include the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival happening in the spring or the night markets open during the summer, like the Richmond Night Market, the largest nightmarket in North America. 

Vancouver has many artsy neighbourhoods and streets that contribute to its entertainment and live music scene. Hit up a show in the Theatre district, along the Granville Street strip — the most lively of them all. Take the Expo Line to ChinaTown–Stadium, and take a stroll down North America’s third-largest Chinatown, visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, sightsee alongside False Creek, overviewing Science World, and end the day swinging by Rogers Arena or BC Place for concerts and sports. If you want a place to spend your afternoon, evening, and midnight, visit Davie Village, Vancouver’s gaybourhood, with cuisines from all over the world, and local gems like Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium, where you’ll be able to lose yourself in their collection of queer books. Continue the day into the evening and spend the night bar hopping or checking out a drag queen show at The Junction Pub. Also consider Vancouver’s music scene, featuring jazz clubs, like Frankie’s Jazz Club, venues like the Biltmore or Fox cabarets, or intimate performances of local musicians at secret locations, hosted by Sofar Sounds. Vancouver is only third to Montréal and Toronto when it comes to live music.

“Being coined ‘no-fun city,’ Vancouver has conjured up a reputation of being bland and boring, yet somehow still lively and full of opportunity”

Is active adventure more your type? No problem. Vancouver has a lot to offer outside of nightlife. The city has a plethora of activities that the rest of the country surely turns their nose up at, regarding our mild climate and vast outdoor offerings. From sea to sky, you’ve got anything and everything in-between. Go for a short hike and kayak combo in Deep Cove, or challenge yourself with the Grouse Grind and take a photo with local celebrity bears, Grinder and Coola. Take your friends to Buntzen Lake or Kitsilano Beach and make a picnic and lake/beach games day out of it. Definitely expensive, but few things beat taking a scenic gondola ride. While the Grouse Gondola might be more accesible, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola has that pacific-northwest–magic to it, even the ride there is enchanting! Or, if you need a break from society, there are plenty campsites near the city, or in the neighbouring islands — nothing beats a weekend camping adventure in quiet island. The mountains are calling your name, and so is the ocean — when there’s no E. Coli to report, of course. 

However, there are some issues here and there that do bore down the city. Predominantly, it’s the early closing times of venues, bars, clubs, and the like. 

If you want to stay out late into the night, chances are, you’ll be out of luck. They’ll be kicking you out right at close and you’ll be scrambling to find someplace else to go — few places remain open past 1:00 a.m. or so. 

Don’t get me started on the lack of transit options available to get to and from the city. Even if you want to stay out late and there are enough things to do, it’s near impossible transiting home at any hour past 1:00 a.m. If you’re hoping to take SkyTrain back, you better book it to the platform before the last train leaves the station for the night, which is sooner than you’d like. Either that or you have to pay an outrageous price for an Uber — a huge strike to the nightlife.

The nightlife is supposed to begin after midnight, not be wrapping up once the clock strikes 12. This isn’t a Cinderella story. Some of the latest clubs close by 3:00 a.m. or sooner. Catch a late show if you’re lucky, but will the hassle of getting a ride home at that hour be worth it? I’m like Alanis Morissette with “one hand in my pocket and the other one is hailing a taxi cab” that never shows up.

Being coined “no-fun city,” Vancouver has conjured up a reputation of being bland and boring, yet somehow still lively and full of opportunity. Having been to New York City, I’m the first to admit that Vancouver is no Big Apple when it comes to nightlife, but it has a lot of other naturesque and outdoorsy activities to offer. Lack of nightlife? I would argue yes and no. Yes, because everything shuts down a little too early, and no, because we have a vast music scene full of artists and venues that are unique to the city. Sure, there are many evening shows, but don’t expect an all-nighter in what might as well be ghost city shortly after dark. We have countless markets and events if you’re more of a daytime person, and outdoor activities that put just about any other city landscape to shame. Vancouver isn’t totally boring, but surely, it could do much better.

Palestinian solidarity belongs at Pride

By
Peak Web
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PHOTO: Alisdare Hickson / Flickr

By: Petra Chase, Editor-in-Chief

Content warning: mentions of violence against children and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

This summer, Pride parades across the country saw activists protesting the ongoing Palestinian genocide. People have called these protests selfish, saying Pride is “not the place” for them. The participation of corporations and politicians who are complicit in Israel’s genocide is what really deserves outrage. Power-hungry entities like Scotiabank and TD Bank use empty slogans and rainbows to pretend they care about equality and liberation, while they blatantly support Israel’s brutality. Pride’s roots lie in resisting systems of oppression across borders and intersecting identities. Palestinian liberation has always been a queer issue.

Certain outlets have responded to the recent protests by calling Queers for Palestine “incoherent” and “ironic.” They believe Pride and Palestinian liberation are contradictory because of the existence of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiments in occupied Palestinian territories. The go-to talking point used to dismiss queer people who advocate for Palestinian liberation is to tell them to try surviving in Gaza as a queer person. “They’d be killed!” one online magazine parrots. I don’t deny that homosexuality is criminalized in Gaza and queerphobia exists in Palestinian society. However, this response shows a stark double standard.

I can’t believe this has to be said: the persecution of queer people doesn’t justify a genocide. Israel has bombed hospitals, schools, and killed over 40,000 people. If there is a genuine concern for the lives of queer Palestinians, you would think stopping Israel from killing and displacing them should be a priority. Despite Israel presenting itself as a beacon of hope for queer Palestinians, same-sex marriage is illegal in Israel. 

Even if Israel is safer for queer Israelis, queer Palestinians have a much different experience there. They are not only discriminated against on the basis of their sexuality and gender, but also denied basic freedom in their homeland under Israeli apartheid. According to Vice, intelligence sharing between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, racism towards Arabs, and a lack of basic legal rights means few queer Palestinians seek asylum in Israel. Because Israel may share their information with Palestinian agencies, it also means there is a risk of queer Palestinians “being outed in their own community.” 

Pride’s roots lie in resisting systems of oppression

Homophobia and transphobia are not distinct to Palestine. When people say you’d “get shot” in Palestine, it hinges on a racist and Islamophobic depiction of Palestinians as inherently violent. Hate-motivated gun violence is a real issue for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities around the world, especially in the US, where gun ownership is legal. Trans people continue to have their rights stripped away in North America. Your right to live safely shouldn’t depend on the predominant beliefs where you live. It’s because of deeply-ingrained racism that violence against Arabs and Muslims is normalized.

Disguising colonial violence as social progress is nothing new. It’s also thanks to colonialism that homosexuality is criminalized to begin with, as “the law was inherited from the British” in 1936 due to the British Mandate Criminal Code Ordinance. The west has historically used depictions of colonized people as uncivilized to fuel a narrative of western aid, and Israel is no different. Last year, two months into Israel’s escalated genocide, a photo of an Israeli soldier holding a rainbow flag in Gaza circulated online, which was shared as if it were a win for the queer community. Just like we’re seeing at our corporate-co-opted Pride parades, this is textbook pinkwashing: using queer identities for public relations purposes. Promoting a supposed queer-friendly image to excuse killing and traumatizing a population, including children, is foul and goes against everything queer liberation stands for. 

The inclusion of Palestinian solidarity at Pride isn’t new; in 2010 the Toronto-based grassroots organization Queers Against Israeli Apartheid made its first appearance at Pride. Organizations like Rainbow Refugee, who help people fleeing discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation, demonstrate the importance of transnational solidarity, and communities sticking up for each other.

While we can celebrate how Pride parades demonstrate more public acceptance towards queer identities, we still have a long way to go before queer people are liberated. This is all the more reason to stand in solidarity with queer Palestinians. They should have the right to live safely in their own homes, and feel welcome at our Pride parades. As Palestinian author Elias Jahshan noted, “in terms of real liberation, we cannot achieve that until we have a free Palestine.”

I’m not looking for your unsolicited medical advice

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Peak Web
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ILLUSTRATION: Cliff Ebora / The Peak

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

Unwelcome medical advice is inappropriate in any situation, yet people with disabilities and chronic health conditions have to put up with it on a regular basis. As someone who was born with a permanent physical disability, I’m no stranger to unsolicited comments made by people who think their unprofessional advice will be helpful. From opinions on certain treatments, to taking a certain medication that’s supposedly a “cure-all,” I’ve heard everything there is to hear about every medical advancement under the sun — whether it’s relevant to my disability or not. I’m 100% sure your unsolicited advice won’t help me. 

Unsolicited medical advice can do more harm than good, and can dehumanize people with disabilities and chronic illnesses who are doing their best. Many of us are already undergoing more treatments, have more appointments, and take more medications than you’d believe humanly possible. We’d rather go about our lives without the unwanted opinions of those who have no medical training beyond a quick Google search or WebMD. Often, their ignorance comes from the idea that every person with a certain condition must be the same as the next, because they know or have heard of someone with the same condition. This is not the case. No matter what disability or illness someone has, we’re all unique — and disabilities affect everyone differently.

My personal experiences are worth more than the suggestions of a know-it-all. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people tell me I should try stem cell therapy. Although this may help people with certain conditions — such as some cancers and autoimmune disorders — it won’t do anything for me. Some treatments are just not necessary and can even cause further harm. What works for me is staying active and fit, stretching, and incorporating as much movement as possible so I can stay mobile. However, this also isn’t a catch-all solution for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. 

Your unqualified opinion isn’t going to get us anywhere but backwards.

I walk predominantly with forearm crutches when I’m in public because I need extra support and balance in crowded spaces and when carrying things. Growing up, I also used a posterior walker for a few years, and I spent four years of my life using a wheelchair. The moment I got out of it, I vowed to myself to never use one again. That’s my personal preference — everyone is different. Despite this, I’ve had multiple strangers throughout my life tell me I should try a walking frame, a different style of crutch, a different mobility device, or they’re just baffled as to why I’m not in a wheelchair and am mobile with my condition. 

These reactions are not only degrading to my physical mobility, but they’re also completely dehumanizing. I’ve worked my ass off to get to where I am today, and to be told by Average Joe on the street that I should theoretically be worse off or try something else because I’m not cured is laughably unbelievable. There’s no cure for what I have — and clearly there’s no cure for their unsolicited remarks, either.

Any kind of unsolicited medical advice — no matter what the treatment, for whatever condition — is unacceptable. Supporting a loved one and helping with appointments, medications, and symptoms is one thing, but your unqualified opinion isn’t going to get us anywhere but backwards. Sometimes, doing too much causes more harm than good. Unsolicited medical advice overlooks those of us who have experienced our disability or illness for longer than you can imagine. So, next time you interact with a disabled or chronically ill person, remember, we’ve already heard it, we’re doing what we can, and we’re just living our lives.

Shit people say to my disabled ass

By
Peak Web
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PHOTO: Courtesy of Hailey Miller / The Peak

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

As someone who was born disabled, nothing makes me cackle more than the ridiculous remarks of arrogance that grace my everyday life. Happy Disability Pride Month — whether you celebrate it or not. I, frankly, never give it much thought. I do, however, love a good statement that keeps human decency more off-kilter than my Humpty Dumpty balance. Considering all the bullshit that spews out of your mouth, some of you aren’t disabled, and it shows.

“Have you tried eating organic to cure yourself?”

Someone clearly didn’t pass organic chemistry. As a vegetarian of nearly 20 years, I’ve eaten organic almost every day. If you think eating a single organic vegetable is gonna do the trick, please! Who’s the laughing celery stalk now? I’ve been eating more vegetables than you’ve ever consumed and haven’t seen any progress yet. Will report back when I’m cured . . . which won’t be ‘til I’m dead.

“Are your crutches permanently attached to your arms?”

Of course they are! I oh-so-conveniently have them surgically attached by the cuffs and sleep with them like they’re the lover I don’t have. Who needs a sex doll when you can spoon with not one but two sticks?! 

“How do you shower?”

I turn on the water, grab my bar of soap that cleanses all the bullshit away, shampoo that makes my hair as shiny as my scintillating clapbacks, and conditioner to make the condescending comments slide right off my spastic muscles. I have a little shower singalong-dance party to “None of Your Fucking Business” written by yours truly. Available on all streaming platforms, alongside “No Scrubs” and “Shower Beer” — which I will desperately need to get through this cringe-worthy inquiry. If you must know, I sit on a chair and contemplate all the ridiculous remarks while penning my wittiest responses in a shower stall that’s slipperier than a Slip ‘N’ Slide.

“Are your legs broken?”

I’m so glad you asked! I was just about to put weight on them. Don’t you see the invisible casts? There’s this new technology called invisi-cast, which makes them nearly impossible to see. You have to get so up-close-and-personal to see them that you’d notice my legs were never broken in the first place. Talk about a medical advancement!

“Is it contagious?”

Achoo! Oh, yes, highly contagious! You better keep your distance and watch your step. You don’t want to get what I have. Just kidding, you can’t catch it if you weren’t born with it. Pff, amateurs. Alas, it’s as incurable as your arrogance. If you stumble, you’ll tumble right into disability land where you’ll be diagnosed with a hefty dose of “Don’t mess with this disabled chick.” Get out of my way, or I’ll trip you up with my spell-binding sticks!

“I’ll pray for you.”

Okay, you do you. That’s really not my thing, but whatever floats your boat. Sprinkling some holy water on me isn’t gonna do the trick to cure me, but you believe whatever you believe, and I’ll be over here, living my best disabled life. Contrary to popular belief, a disabled chick such as myself doesn’t actually want to be cured. Hot girl summer called, and my spasticity answered — soaking up the sun and not giving a fuck!

“Can she have a drink?” asks the wait staff, to someone else at my table, when I’m at a restaurant and simply want to order a drink like a sophisticated bitch.

I really just want to sip my Pinot in peace, but instead, I’m being served an extra side of shock and an interrogation of my ID that’s scrutinized more than a criminal record check. How dare a disabled chick have a valid government photo ID when she doesn’t drive, yet still want to order a nice beverage free from bullshit? Actually, at this point, just bring me the bottle. I’m feeling extra pissed tonight and my disability income doesn’t cover tips for shitty service.

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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