Latest news with #PacificCentre
CBC
8 hours ago
- Health
- CBC
Applications now open for B.C.'s publicly funded IVF program
Starting today, some people struggling with infertility will be able to apply to the province's IVF program. For those who qualify, the program would provide up to 19 thousand dollars for one round of IVF. The Medical Director at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine says the province's program can help address stigma around infertility.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Fiji leader to spruik security, unity to Australia
Strengthening security and regional unity in the Pacific will be on the agenda when the Australian prime minister meets with his Fijian counterpart. Sitiveni Rabuka will address the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday after he was welcomed to Government House by Governor-General Sam Mostyn on Tuesday afternoon. Later in the week, Mr Rabuka and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the Wallabies-Fiji Test in Newcastle to watch the two national teams clash for the Vuvale Bowl in a statement of the cultural bonds shared through rugby. Fiji's prime minister, whose nation is a key regional ally of Australia, has previously advocated for the concept of the Pacific being the "ocean of peace". That includes adopting foundational ethics and principles for "Pacific regionalism" and outlines themes of climate protection in addition to managing increasing strategic competition between China and the US. Blake Johnson, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Pacific Centre, said Mr Rabuka would likely want to elaborate on the proposal in his televised address. "It's trying to unite the Pacific to push back against some of the competition that's taking place," he told AAP. "To really focus on taking care of the oceans and getting a more unified approach to getting partners like the US and Australia and others to commit to supporting climate change adaptation projects." Mr Johnson said the concept also pushed for a cohesive approach from within the Pacific in trying to resolve the region's security challenges. "That's something that Australia has been getting better at over the last 12 months," he said. "A lot of its different initiatives are trying to support a Pacific-driven security solution that doesn't involve drawing in all of this additional support from Beijing or from the US." Any visit by a Pacific leader to Australia was an opportunity for Canberra to spruik its support for the bilateral relationship, Mr Johnson added. "The security of Australia depends on the security of our surrounding region," he said. "There can sometimes be unrest in Pacific Island countries and if that all spills over, it creates an unstable region around Australia, and that's not good for our overall security." Strengthening security and regional unity in the Pacific will be on the agenda when the Australian prime minister meets with his Fijian counterpart. Sitiveni Rabuka will address the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday after he was welcomed to Government House by Governor-General Sam Mostyn on Tuesday afternoon. Later in the week, Mr Rabuka and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the Wallabies-Fiji Test in Newcastle to watch the two national teams clash for the Vuvale Bowl in a statement of the cultural bonds shared through rugby. Fiji's prime minister, whose nation is a key regional ally of Australia, has previously advocated for the concept of the Pacific being the "ocean of peace". That includes adopting foundational ethics and principles for "Pacific regionalism" and outlines themes of climate protection in addition to managing increasing strategic competition between China and the US. Blake Johnson, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Pacific Centre, said Mr Rabuka would likely want to elaborate on the proposal in his televised address. "It's trying to unite the Pacific to push back against some of the competition that's taking place," he told AAP. "To really focus on taking care of the oceans and getting a more unified approach to getting partners like the US and Australia and others to commit to supporting climate change adaptation projects." Mr Johnson said the concept also pushed for a cohesive approach from within the Pacific in trying to resolve the region's security challenges. "That's something that Australia has been getting better at over the last 12 months," he said. "A lot of its different initiatives are trying to support a Pacific-driven security solution that doesn't involve drawing in all of this additional support from Beijing or from the US." Any visit by a Pacific leader to Australia was an opportunity for Canberra to spruik its support for the bilateral relationship, Mr Johnson added. "The security of Australia depends on the security of our surrounding region," he said. "There can sometimes be unrest in Pacific Island countries and if that all spills over, it creates an unstable region around Australia, and that's not good for our overall security." Strengthening security and regional unity in the Pacific will be on the agenda when the Australian prime minister meets with his Fijian counterpart. Sitiveni Rabuka will address the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday after he was welcomed to Government House by Governor-General Sam Mostyn on Tuesday afternoon. Later in the week, Mr Rabuka and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the Wallabies-Fiji Test in Newcastle to watch the two national teams clash for the Vuvale Bowl in a statement of the cultural bonds shared through rugby. Fiji's prime minister, whose nation is a key regional ally of Australia, has previously advocated for the concept of the Pacific being the "ocean of peace". That includes adopting foundational ethics and principles for "Pacific regionalism" and outlines themes of climate protection in addition to managing increasing strategic competition between China and the US. Blake Johnson, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Pacific Centre, said Mr Rabuka would likely want to elaborate on the proposal in his televised address. "It's trying to unite the Pacific to push back against some of the competition that's taking place," he told AAP. "To really focus on taking care of the oceans and getting a more unified approach to getting partners like the US and Australia and others to commit to supporting climate change adaptation projects." Mr Johnson said the concept also pushed for a cohesive approach from within the Pacific in trying to resolve the region's security challenges. "That's something that Australia has been getting better at over the last 12 months," he said. "A lot of its different initiatives are trying to support a Pacific-driven security solution that doesn't involve drawing in all of this additional support from Beijing or from the US." Any visit by a Pacific leader to Australia was an opportunity for Canberra to spruik its support for the bilateral relationship, Mr Johnson added. "The security of Australia depends on the security of our surrounding region," he said. "There can sometimes be unrest in Pacific Island countries and if that all spills over, it creates an unstable region around Australia, and that's not good for our overall security." Strengthening security and regional unity in the Pacific will be on the agenda when the Australian prime minister meets with his Fijian counterpart. Sitiveni Rabuka will address the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday after he was welcomed to Government House by Governor-General Sam Mostyn on Tuesday afternoon. Later in the week, Mr Rabuka and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the Wallabies-Fiji Test in Newcastle to watch the two national teams clash for the Vuvale Bowl in a statement of the cultural bonds shared through rugby. Fiji's prime minister, whose nation is a key regional ally of Australia, has previously advocated for the concept of the Pacific being the "ocean of peace". That includes adopting foundational ethics and principles for "Pacific regionalism" and outlines themes of climate protection in addition to managing increasing strategic competition between China and the US. Blake Johnson, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Pacific Centre, said Mr Rabuka would likely want to elaborate on the proposal in his televised address. "It's trying to unite the Pacific to push back against some of the competition that's taking place," he told AAP. "To really focus on taking care of the oceans and getting a more unified approach to getting partners like the US and Australia and others to commit to supporting climate change adaptation projects." Mr Johnson said the concept also pushed for a cohesive approach from within the Pacific in trying to resolve the region's security challenges. "That's something that Australia has been getting better at over the last 12 months," he said. "A lot of its different initiatives are trying to support a Pacific-driven security solution that doesn't involve drawing in all of this additional support from Beijing or from the US." Any visit by a Pacific leader to Australia was an opportunity for Canberra to spruik its support for the bilateral relationship, Mr Johnson added. "The security of Australia depends on the security of our surrounding region," he said. "There can sometimes be unrest in Pacific Island countries and if that all spills over, it creates an unstable region around Australia, and that's not good for our overall security."
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Fiji leader to spruik security, unity to Australia
Strengthening security and regional unity in the Pacific will be on the agenda when the Australian prime minister meets with his Fijian counterpart. Sitiveni Rabuka will address the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday after he was welcomed to Government House by Governor-General Sam Mostyn on Tuesday afternoon. Later in the week, Mr Rabuka and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the Wallabies-Fiji Test in Newcastle to watch the two national teams clash for the Vuvale Bowl in a statement of the cultural bonds shared through rugby. Fiji's prime minister, whose nation is a key regional ally of Australia, has previously advocated for the concept of the Pacific being the "ocean of peace". That includes adopting foundational ethics and principles for "Pacific regionalism" and outlines themes of climate protection in addition to managing increasing strategic competition between China and the US. Blake Johnson, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Pacific Centre, said Mr Rabuka would likely want to elaborate on the proposal in his televised address. "It's trying to unite the Pacific to push back against some of the competition that's taking place," he told AAP. "To really focus on taking care of the oceans and getting a more unified approach to getting partners like the US and Australia and others to commit to supporting climate change adaptation projects." Mr Johnson said the concept also pushed for a cohesive approach from within the Pacific in trying to resolve the region's security challenges. "That's something that Australia has been getting better at over the last 12 months," he said. "A lot of its different initiatives are trying to support a Pacific-driven security solution that doesn't involve drawing in all of this additional support from Beijing or from the US." Any visit by a Pacific leader to Australia was an opportunity for Canberra to spruik its support for the bilateral relationship, Mr Johnson added. "The security of Australia depends on the security of our surrounding region," he said. "There can sometimes be unrest in Pacific Island countries and if that all spills over, it creates an unstable region around Australia, and that's not good for our overall security."
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Canada Day 2025: What's open and closed in Metro Vancouver
Gotta love those mid-week holidays. This year's Canada Day falls on a Tuesday, which requires a bit more planning to arrange for a proper long weekend — and may throw a kink into your regular work week routine. That said, there's still plenty of retail stores, restaurants and attractions that will remain open, while others will close to mark the statutory holiday. So if you're trying to run errands or looking for family-friendly things to do, here's a roundup of what's open and closed on July 1: Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. READ MORE: Canada Day in Metro Vancouver: Here's a list of free concerts and performances Metro Vancouver malls are open and welcoming shoppers, albeit with shortened hours. These malls are open with holiday hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 1: • Pacific Centre • Richmond Centre • Metropolis at Metrotown • Park Royal The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby will have holiday hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For outlet shoppers, the McArthurGlen Designer outlet near Vancouver International Airport will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Tsawwassen Mills in Delta will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Grocery stores and pharmacies are generally open on Canada Day. If you're looking for something to entertain kids and out-of-town visitors on Canada Day, many attractions are open and keeping to regular hours. Science World will be open its usual 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with early 9:30 a.m. entry for members. Likewise, the Vancouver Aquarium is open its regular hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with an 8 a.m. early-morning entry for members. In Kits Point, both the Museum of Vancouver and the Vancouver Maritime Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At Canada Place — which will be bustling with Canada Day festivities put on by the Port of Vancouver — Flyover Canada will be taking guests for rides during its regular hours (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Also in downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Art Gallery will stick with its usual hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canada Day is also one of Granville Island's busiest days. Canada Day activities start at 10 a.m., while the public market opens from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early birds can grab a coffee at one of the market's coffee shops between 7:30 to 8 a.m. (Don't miss the ferry ballet performance by the False Creek Ferries fleet at around 8 a.m. at the dock behind the market). The popular free water park beside the children's playground will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. In Vancouver, most community centres are scheduled to close on this mid-week Canada Day, but a handful plan to stay open, including: • False Creek — 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Hastings — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Kerrisdale — 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Killarney — 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Mount Pleasant — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Roundhouse — 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Check the city's website for more information. Most fitness centres will be open, including Hillcrest, Britannia, West End and Kitsilano (check here for a complete list). Ice rinks and the city's golf courses — Fraserview, Langara and McCleery — will be open. For those who want to go for a dip on Canada Day, there's good news. Most pools will be open. The only ones that'll be closed are Kensington and Kerrisdale pools. For libraries, all except Carnegie Branch in the Downtown Eastside will be closed on July 1. For a look at recreational facilities in Surrey, including community centres and pools, check out Surrey's holiday hours here . Most restaurants and coffee shops, especially large chains, will stay open on Canada Day. TransLink buses, SkyTrain (except the Canada Line) and SeaBus will be running on holiday schedules on Canada Day. The West Coast Express will not operate. Vancouver city hall will be closed on Canada Day, reopening on July 2, Wednesday. It's a similar situation for government offices, including Service Canada and passport offices and ICBC locations. Canada Post will not be collecting or delivering mail on July 1. Banks will also be closed. Most, but not all, B.C. Liquor Stores will be open with shortened hours. Check hours for specific stores across B.C. here .
Vancouver Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Developer breaks ground on a downtown Vancouver hotel as builders pivot away from offices and condos
Construction on a 30-storey hotel on Seymour Street near the Pacific Centre mall is to start this week. It will add about 400 rooms in downtown Vancouver and feature two Marriott International brands when it is completed in 2028. The site joins a short list of downtown hotel projects under construction, but comes as there are more rezoning applications and proposals for hotels to be built in downtown than there have been for many years. In April, Vancouver city council updated its policy for hotels and encouraged developers by reducing or removing the minimum site size for mixed-use developments. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'I haven't seen the pipeline for hotels this large since the 1990s,' said Carrie Russell, a Vancouver-based, senior managing partner with HVS Global Hospitality Services. She specializes in valuation, market and feasibility consulting. Russell said it has been a quiet market for years, with just a few major projects adding hundreds of rooms. The Shangri-La Vancouver was completed in 2008 and the Paradox Hotel Vancouver (which opened as the Trump International Hotel Vancouver) was completed in 2016. 'There are a lot of developers who are looking at hotels right now because the market has shifted,' said Jacqueline Ho, executive vice-president of development for Paul Y. Construction (B.C.) Ltd., which is developing the hotel on Seymour Street. The Vancouver company has owned the site for about 30 years. In 2018, it had considered building a mixed-use project with condos and offices, according to Ho. It pivoted to a hotel between 2022 and 2023, which made sense in hindsight as offices become harder to rent out after the rise in working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'There was more skepticism back then about building hotels,' said Ho. Other hotel projects under construction include a boutique hotel on Keefer Street, Bosa Properties' redevelopment of the Listel Hotel on Robson Street, and the Arts & Crafts Hotel on Seymour Street, which will add 73 rooms when it's complete in 2026. Two other projects that are targeting completion in 2027 and will add hundreds of rooms are a 33-storey hotel on Davie Street, which will add 460 rooms, and a 32-storey hotel on West Pender by Marcon, which will add 578 rooms. There has long been demand for more hotel rooms in Vancouver. And B.C.'s limits on short-term rentals, large major events and growth in domestic travel are increasing that demand. But the biggest driver behind more proposals is that developers are pivoting away from office and residential condo projects where the market is facing significant challenges, said Russell. Not all these hotel projects will get built, said Russell, noting there's a limited amount of financing available. High construction costs, elevated interest rates, and stricter underwriting standards means that new hotel construction projects are very hard to underwrite, according to Michael Stathokostopoulos, senior director of hospitality analytics at CoStar Group. 'This is especially true for larger, full-service hotels,' said Stathokostopoulos. As a result, many proposals will remain in planning for a long time before they are built, he said. Despite this, developers are increasingly looking at hotel proposals outside the downtown core of Vancouver, according to Steven Chen, hospitality investment sales at NAI Commercial. 'Bosa (Properties) alone has 14 hotel projects with some in the (planning) pipeline and some under construction,' across Metro Vancouver, he said. Hotel occupancy rates are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, according to a Destination Vancouver study on hotels in Metro Vancouver. From there, the study predicts an increase from 6.9 million room nights to almost 8.2 million room nights by 2030 for an average growth rate of 2.7 per cent per year. jlee-young@
