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Cool Down, Save Money, and Explore: Your Vancouver Weekly

Cool Down, Save Money, and Explore: Your Vancouver Weekly

Deep
July 09, 2024

It’s Tuesday July, 8th and this weeks weather calls for:

Clothing

Light, breathable fabrics: With temperatures ranging from 25-32°C (77-90°F) during the day, opt for loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen.

Sun protection: Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect the face, neck, and ears from direct sunlight.

Layering: Despite warm days, evenings may cool down to 15-19°C (59-66°F). Bring a light jacket or cardigan for evening outings.

Comfortable shoes: Choose supportive, breathable footwear for walking in the warm weather.

Skincare and Accessories

Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin, reapplying every 2 hours or after sweating.

Sunglasses: Wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield eyes from glare and harmful rays.

Hydration: Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the warm weather.

Moisturizer: Use a light, non-greasy moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy in the heat.

Lip balm: Apply a lip balm with SPF to protect lips from sun damage and dryness.

Cooling products: Consider bringing a small handheld fan or cooling towel for relief on particularly warm days.

Remember to stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day and take breaks indoors if needed. The consistently sunny forecast means sun protection is crucial throughout the week for seniors' comfort and health.

The weather
A chance to lower heating and cooling bills
Our beloved skyline
The latest on Robson Street
New beach access for seniors

IN THE NEWS

Staying Cool: Important Heat Warning for Vancouver Seniors

As you probably well know by now, Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for our area, and it's important we take care.

Here's what you need to know:

It's going to be hot until Tuesday night.

Inland areas could see temperatures in the low to mid 30's.

Along the coast, expect upper 20's.

Nights will stay warm too, around 17 degrees.

Now, we know you've seen hot days before, but it's crucial to stay safe. Here are some tips:

Stay cool: Find shady spots or air-conditioned places like the library. Here is a list of cooling centres as well as some great advice.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you're not thirsty.

Check on each other: Give your neighbors a call to make sure they're okay.

Remember, if you're feeling unwell, don't hesitate to call 8-1-1 for advice.

Let's look out for each other during this hot spell. And who knows? You might just have an excuse for an extra ice cream or two!

Stay cool, friends.

Comfortable Home, Lower Bills: What Every Senior Should Know About BC's Latest Offer

You may have heard about heat pumps, those clever devices that keep homes cozy in winter and cool in summer.

Well, our provincial government has some welcome news that might interest many of us.

They've increased the rebates for heat pumps, and more of us can now qualify. Here's what you should know:

If you or your household earns less than $185,621 a year, you could get back as much as $10,500 when you install a heat pump.

For those of us on tighter budgets (earning under $87,350), the rebate could be up to $16,000.

Now, don't worry about paying everything upfront. Once you're approved, the rebate comes right off your bill.

Heat pumps usually cost between $8,000 and $19,000 to put in. They're meant to replace our old oil or gas systems, which can be quite costly to run these days.

If you're curious about whether this might work for your home, just visit betterhomesbc.ca or give them a call. They'll be happy to explain everything.

Vancouver’s Skyline You Know and Love Might Change: What You Should Know

You've probably admired Vancouver's beautiful mountain views for most, if you all of your entire life.

Well, there might be some changes coming that could affect those familiar sights.

Our city council is thinking about adjusting the rules for what they call "view cones." These are special areas that have protected our mountain and ocean views since 1989.

Here's what's happening:

- The council is looking at relaxing some of these view protection rules.

- This could make room for more housing, offices, and hotels in our growing city.

- The biggest change might be around Queen Elizabeth Park.

- If approved, we could see taller buildings in some areas.

Now, why are they considering this? It's all about making space for more homes. Vancouver's got a housing shortage, and this might help.

But not everyone's happy about it. Many of us worry we might lose those postcard-perfect views we've loved for so long.

The city council will talk about this on July 10th. If you have thoughts on this, now's the time to let them know.

And while you’re at it, please feel free to reply to this email and tell us what you think about this idea.

Robson Street Update: Nostalgia Meets Progress

A large chunk of Robson Street's famous shopping area has just been sold. Here's what you should know:

- The building called Robson Centreplace, at the corner of Robson and Thurlow, has new owners.

- This building houses stores like Banana Republic, Zara, and H&M's COS.

- It's one of the busiest shopping spots in all of Canada.

- The building is newer than most on Robson, built in 1996.

- It's designed to look like six separate buildings to keep that village feel we all love.

Now, you might wonder, "What does this mean for me?" Well, for now, probably not much. The shops are still there, and the area's charm is protected by city rules.

But it does show that our city keeps changing, even in familiar places. Who knows? We might see some new shops or updates in the future.

Next time you're on Robson Street, take a moment to look at this building. It's a good reminder that while Vancouver grows, it still values its special character.

What do you think about these changes? Do you have any favorite memories of shopping on Robson Street?

New Beach Access for Seniors at Tatlow Park

As part of the recent improvements to Tatlow Park in Kitsilano, the city has added something special - a new accessible ramp leading right down to the beach.

Here's what you should know:

- The ramp provides easier access to English Bay's shoreline.

- It's part of a bigger project that's brought back an old creek to the park.

- You can now follow the creek's path through lovely green spaces before reaching the beach.

This new ramp means more of us can enjoy those spectacular English Bay views up close. No more worrying about tricky steps or uneven ground!

Why not plan a visit to Tatlow Park soon?

You could take a leisurely stroll along the restored creek, then use the new ramp for a relaxing time by the water.

Don't forget to bring a friend - and maybe a thermos of tea to enjoy with that view!

Have you tried out this new ramp yet? We'd love to hear about your experience at Tatlow Park.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Seniors Social – Walking Out Trip

When: Wednesday July 10th at 1:00 pm to 2.30pm

Where: False Creek Community Centre

Socialize with others in the community with a leisurely walk!

Refreshments and beverages provided while mingling and meeting new friends!

More information.

Senior Dance

When: Thursday July 11 at 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Where: Kiwassa Neighbourhood House

Get your dancing shoes on this week at Kiwassa Neighbourhood House to show off your fancy footwork with friends.