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It’s Tuesday August 6th, and in this week’s newsletter:

1. Historic Beaconsfield up for sale at $23 million

2. Major redevelopment planned for Kits Safeway

3. Vancouver crime rates show significant drop

4. New tech helps seniors age in place

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IN THE NEWS

A Piece of Vancouver History Up for Grabs: The Beaconsfield

The grand old lady watching over Bute Street – The Beaconsfield – is now up for sale at $23 million!

Built in 1910, this five-storey brick beauty at 884 Bute Street has been a West End landmark for over a century. With its deep entrance courtyard and twin wooden balconies, it's a living piece of Vancouver's architectural history.

Here's what makes The Beaconsfield special:

- 38 rental apartments, some with claw-foot tubs and fireplaces

- Original features like hardwood floors and stained glass windows

- A prime location just steps from Robson Street

Fun fact: The Beaconsfield has starred in several Hollywood productions over the years!

What are your memories of this area? Did you or someone you know ever live in The Beaconsfield? We'd love to hear your stories!

As Vancouver changes, buildings like The Beaconsfield remind us of our city's rich history. What do you think about preserving such heritage gems?

Stay tuned for updates on The Beaconsfield's future. In the meantime, why not take a walk down Bute Street and admire this grand old dame in person?

Big Changes Coming to Kits Safeway: What You Need to Know

Safeway on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano has been there since 1968, and how it’s due to get a major facelift!

Local developer PCI Developments has bought the 2.2-acre site for a whopping $90 million. They're planning to redevelop it, but don't worry – a new Safeway will still be part of the plan.

What does this mean for those of us in the area?

- Our familiar grocery store will be replaced, but we'll get a shiny new one.

- The development will stick to existing zoning rules, so no skyscrapers!

- It's not part of the Broadway Plan, so it won't affect our village feel.

What are your thoughts on this change? Do you have fond memories of shopping at this Safeway? We'd love to hear from you!

Good News, Vancouver! Crime Rates Are Dropping

You know when we used to say, "Things aren't like they used to be" about crime in our city? Well, for once, that's good news!

Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer recently shared some encouraging statistics:

• Overall crime is down 10.5% compared to last year

• Property crime has dropped by 12.7%

• Even better, violent crime is down by 7.4%

What's behind these improvements?

1. More police officers on our streets

2. Focused efforts on repeat offenders

3. Better support for people with mental health issues

But it's not all rosy. While most neighborhoods are seeing less crime, Yaletown and parts of downtown are still facing challenges.

Chief Palmer says we're on the right track, but there's more work to do. He's particularly concerned about the impacts of untreated mental illness and addiction on our communities.

What changes have you noticed in your neighborhood? Do you feel safer now compared to a year ago? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Remember, staying informed and looking out for each other is key to keeping our communities safe. Why not check in on a neighbor today?

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

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READERS LETTERS

Vancouver Pride Parade: A Reflection on Change

This past Sunday, August 6th, Vancouver celebrated its annual Pride Parade. The event drew large crowds, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who joined the festivities.

While many enjoyed the colorful celebration, some long-time attendees have mixed feelings about the parade's evolution. Margaret C, a 68-year-old who has been attending Pride since the 1990s, shared her thoughts on this year's event. Her letter offers a perspective on how the parade has changed over the decades.

Here's what Margaret had to say:

Dear Vancouver Sage,

I've been going to the Pride Parade since way back in the '90s, and I've got to tell you, this year's parade just didn't sit right with me. Don't get me wrong, it's great to see how far we've come, but something's off.

Back in my day, Pride was all about standing up and being counted. We had real activists leading the charge, not fancy floats from big banks. It was raw, it was real, and it meant something!

Now? Well, it's just one big advertising parade, isn't it? Every company under the sun wants to slap a rainbow on their logo and call it a day. Where's the spirit? Where's the fight?

I miss the old days when we had something to say, not just something to sell. Sure, it's nice to be accepted, but have we lost our spark along the way?

Don't get me started on all those young folks treating it like it's just another party. They don't know what we went through to get here.

Maybe I'm just getting old, but I think it's high time we put a little pride back in Pride, if you know what I mean.

Sincerely,

Margaret,

Longtime Pride Attendee

HEALTH & WELLNESS

How Technology is Keeping Seniors at Home

A groundbreaking provincial pilot program is turning the dream of "aging in place" into a tangible reality for many of our fellow seniors.

But how exactly does this technology work, and could it be the key to maintaining independence for the rest of us?

Meet Glenn Maxwell, a 76-year-old Vancouverite who thought his days of independent living were numbered.

With profound hearing loss and dizzy spells, Glenn feared he'd have to leave his beloved Victoria condo. But then, something remarkable happened.

Glenn became one of the first participants in a new program that brings smart technology into seniors' homes.

Imagine having sensors that can detect if you've fallen, even if you can't reach your emergency button.

Picture a medication dispenser that reminds you when it's time for your pills and measures out the correct dose. It's like having a watchful, caring companion right in your own home!

Health Minister Adrian Dix says, "This is not done this way anywhere in Canada." BC is leading the way in senior care, and we're all part of this exciting journey.

If you’re curious about how one might benefit from this innovative technology, here's what you need to know:

1. Program Expansion: Over the next 18 months, the program aims to reach 130 seniors across BC. Eventually, it hopes to support 2,700 seniors and their caregivers over four years.

2. Eligibility: The program is designed for seniors who qualify for or are wait-listed for long-term care or assisted living. It's particularly helpful for those at higher risk of isolation, falls, or who need assistance with medication management.

3. How to Get Involved: While the program is still in its pilot phase, you can reach out to your local home and community care program to express interest and learn about potential future opportunities.

4. Learn More: For more information about the program and its technologies, contact the Broadmead Care Society in Saanich or KinVillage in Delta, the two organizations currently involved in the pilot.

MEMORY LANE

Stanley Park in the 1800s

Imagine strolling through Stanley Park... in the 1800s!

Did you know?

• Stanley Park was officially opened on September 27, 1888

• It's named after Lord Stanley, Canada's sixth Governor General

What are your earliest memories of Stanley Park? Did your parents or grandparents share stories about the park from their youth? We'd love to hear them!

REFER A FRIEND

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