Apr 2009

Ok, this is a step in to the unknown but try this link for my first video attempt -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d70N-fxQ464
you may need to copy and paste.

Here's a second one which shows the ocean around Pender Harbour, views from Ian & Jackie's home,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aIOXQlrs1k

Greg

30th April saw an early pick up and we were taken by Ed to the Ferry and on to Pender Harbour where we were met by John & Al and taken to a meet with Ian and Jackie and Peter who took us for a walk through some beautiful forest to Skookumchuck Rapids. This is the point where the water from Sechelt Inlet meets the Pacific and runs a set of rapids whcih are quite spectacular (see my pictures - right hand column, authors, 'wilkinson').
This was a round trip of 10k which we all enjoyed in glorious weather and then went to the pub for lunch.
We then visited the new fire station which has been built with significant Rotary help by Peter and his 14 volunteer fire crew who go live in 7 weeks time.
We then went with our hosts for a bit of rest & relaxation.
My hosts, Ian and Jackie, have a superb home overlooking the ocean with the most wonderful views. I could easily get used to this!
Greg

Day 3 Monday 27th April - Downtown Eastside City Planning

On Monday I was extremely fortunate to be invited to spend the day with Kira, a City Planner with Vancouver City, who's focus is on the DOwntown Eastside of Vancouver City.

We started off the day with an overview of the area in Kira's office down the road from City Hall during which Kira introduced me to a number of initiatives geared towards revitalising what is one the last areas within the city which is still affordable for lower income people and families.

The area has become notorious for its very visible drugs, alcohol and homelessness issues, particularly around Hastings and Main. However, what my day with Kira helped me appreciate was that behind the more immediately visible issues exists a community with history and roots in the area and strong networks. The area is under pressure from gentrification programmes which have visibly improved apearances of areas right next door including Gastown, resulting in high-end condos and retail outlets cheek to jowl with social housing developments. The clear challenge is how to ensure that any revitalisation programme of the eastside area will be sympathetic and in line with the aspirations of the local community, and one of the sessions we attended during the day was a community forum at which community members were invited to comment on proposals for a new height of buildings policy to help manage applications from developers.

It was a fascinating day for me and I'm really grateful to Kira and Earlene for organising it.

Day 5 PRREDS

Scott, a PR Rotarian, introduced me to Powell River Region Economic Development Society, an arms length organisation set up by the municipal government and local community representatives. Scott introduced me to a number of initiatives that are underway in the area to help sustain and develop the local economy which ranged from leisure and cultural initiatives such as the music academy of BC to an innovative new partnership between PRREDS, the local first nations band and third party to buy land from the paper mill (which was the original industry around which the town was originally built) in order to ensure it is sold on to industry and devlopment that will benefit the town and members of the community.

Day 5

April 29th provided vocational visits for all of us at Powell River. Sally enjoyed a tour of the hospital arranged by her host Pawel, one of the two resident surgeons, and found that the nurses here were equally interested in what she does at Oxford and so a good information exchange ensued. Alison was taken to a couple of meetings with community members and enjoyed staying with Ashok, the dentist, and his wife who was about to leave for England. Eleanor saw the three museums and appeared in the local press as her host, Joyce, is the editor of the Powell River Peak (can you find it on google?). Emily and I visited the Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment and the courthouse which were both very interesting. Emily persuaded one of our host sergeants to 'parade' in his dress uniform (see my pictures) when we met with the Mayor in the afternoon.
Emilies host, Dan, and the President Elect, Ed, took us for a tour in the afternoon which included Lund, the start of Highway 101 which runs down to South America. They also showed us some major Rotary projects including a trailer park and superb viewpoint. Dan and Ed gave us lots of their time and were full of fun and information. Ed organised a fascintaing two days for us.
In the evening we attended Powell River Rotary Club meeting and met many more Rotarians including a couple from Oxford (Sally had met a nurse from Wallingford in the morning) who will be in Brimingham for RI Conference. Our presentation was well received with lots of questions for Eleanor about Windsor Castle.
Tomorrow, on the move to Pender Harbour.
Greg

Tuesday 28th April started with our first presentation to Quadra Rotary Club which was very well received. The club were super hosts and we enjoyed their meeting. Hopefully we will be able to join in with the singing of the national anthem before too long when we learn it.
We were then taken to Horseshoe Bay and our drivers gave us the scenic tour which was beautiful. We lugged our cases on to the ferry and enjoyed spectacular views as we made for Langdale. Here we were met by Wayne andsBob who had given up their day to host us to lunch and drive us to the next ferry through more spectacular secenery. The second ferry was from Earls Cove to Powell River where we were met by Ed (President Elect) and Dan (verteran of two GSE`s to England) who took us to Viv`s for a superb barbeque before we went with our hosts for a good sleep. The steaks here are unbelievable and Sally is enjoying some beautiful salmon.
I`ve uploaded more photos - so to Authors and click on `wilkinson`in right hand panel.
We are being treated royally and lapping it up!
Greg