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CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Uncover the rich history of the Vancouver Public Library's central branch as it celebrates its 30th year
People wearing face masks enter the Vancouver Public Library's central branch after it and four other branches reopened with limited services, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck As the Vancouver Public Library's central branch celebrated its 30th anniversary at the end of May, staff reflected on the milestones and memorable moments experienced at the building since it opened on West Georgia Street in 1995. Its inception had been the result of a public referendum calling for a new facility to replace the aging VPL building on Burrard Street and those memorable moments, says Kay Cahill, VPL's director of Information Technology and Collections, had begun to mount before the ribbon had even been cut. 'The move from the old building to the new was really quite something. There were 600 or so truckloads of materials that had to be transported,' she says. An invitation to the public to take part in what the library called 'Operation Bookworm' saw book lovers come together to form a human chain and pass the hundreds of publications from the old library building to the new. 'I believe the first book to arrive was actually the World Bibliography of Bibliographies,' says Cahill, adding how the library now offers up over one million publications in its collection. The interesting tales and tidbits created during those first few weeks would be joined by countless others as time went on, giving the library a history at 30 years that is storied in a way rarely associated with buildings of such youth. Few people will know, for example, that if you enter the doors of the central branch and look directly upwards, you will see a time capsule, buried between levels 2 and 3, that was made and hidden during the library's 16th anniversary in 2010. Naturally, Cahill refuses to divulge what exactly can be found inside. It would spoil the secret ahead of its opening in 2040, she says, but she does disclose that its contents revolve around the theme 'One Book, One Vancouver.' The World Bibliography of Bibliographies might have been the first text to enter the library's front doors, but the most impressive publication to do so is one that has been passed down for centuries, and through more hands than just those of the Vancouver public. A Breviarium, a medieval manuscript written by nuns in a German convent in 1430, is kept with other old and rare books in a special, climate-controlled vault on the library's seventh floor. It is the facility's oldest artefact, sitting alongside periodicals, maps and manuscripts from B.C.'s first explorers. Cahill says the library is currently working to digitize some of the ancient texts to allow the public to peruse them safely online. Until then, it can only be viewed upon request and under the guidance of library staff. Cahill, who joined the library on its 10th anniversary and is celebrating her 20th year with the facility as it celebrates its 30th, has witnessed firsthand some of the change and growth the library has been subject to over the decades. She notes the reclaiming of the 8th and 9th floors that, for the first 20 years of the library's lifespan, were leased out to the provincial government. It was a major turning point for the facility, she says, namely because the space was repurposed to become the library's rooftop garden – one of few rooftop spots in Vancouver where one can enjoy the sun without paying $30 for a cocktail. The Inspiration Lab, which opened in May 2015, features analog-to-digital conversion stations where visitors can digitize their old videotapes and photo negatives. A particularly fond memory of Cahill's is of one man who arrived at the lab with a pillowcase stuffed with videotapes, not realizing, in his excitement to digitize them all, that the project would take at least three weeks to complete. The space is also home to green screens, computers with editing and graphic design software, and recording studios available to be used by musicians and podcasters. 'There's actually a really inspirational story about a busker who busked on Granville Street for years and years and was constantly asked whether or not he had CDs of his music,' recalls Cahill. 'He was able to come into the library, make a recording, use the software to do the editing, and then he was able to make his CD and have that available for people to buy. It changed his whole way of being.' Musical instruments – guitars, ukuleles, violins, keyboards – are also available to be rented, and Cahill says the library 'works really hard' to make the public aware that the facility is about more than just books. 'It's always going to be a journey of exploration when you come to the library,' she says, touching on how the space is a place of community connection and a hotbed of creativity when it comes to the worlds of music, art, writing, and film. Film buffs will likely know that the central branch building has featured in numerous movies and TV series, including The Flash, Supergirl, Altered Carbon, Battlestar Galactica, and the Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi action flick The 6th Day, where it was blown to smithereens. With such interesting tidbits making up much of the library's history, Cahill expects the Vancouver public to come out in full force for the guided tour that has been put in place to celebrate the 30th anniversary. There's plenty more to be learned, she says, and countless other accomplishments to acknowledge regarding the library's literary programs and First Nations connections. The June 12 tour is a drop-in event starting at 6 p.m., although Cahill recommends swinging by in advance. With over 1.5 million visitors having visited the library in 2024 and much of the Vancouver public hankering to be a part of its ongoing history, there could be a queue.
Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Varroc Engg gains on reporting turnaround PAT of Rs 21 crore in Q4
Varroc Engineering advanced 2.86% to Rs 519.95 after the company reported consolidated net profit of Rs 20.57 crore in Q4 FY25 as against net loss of Rs 47.43 crore posted in Q3 FY25. However, on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, consolidated net profit fell 63.82%, although revenue grew by 6.29% in Q4 FY25. Profit before exceptional items and tax stood at Rs 103.36 crore in Q4 FY25, up 3.55% from Rs 99.81 crore posted in the same quarter last year. The company reported exceptional items worth Rs 56.41 crore during the quarter. EBITDA stood at Rs 213.4 crore in Q4 FY25, registering a decline of 2.42% YoY. EBITDA margin reduced to 10.2% in Q4 FY25, compared to 11.1% reported in the corresponding quarter previous year. On segmental front, revenue from the automotive business was Rs 2,035.63 crore, registering a 5.84% YoY increase, while income from other segments came in at Rs 63.58 crore, up 23.09% YoY during the same period. Tarang Jain, CMD said, India has now become the 4th largest economy and the GDP had a steady growth of 6.2% in Q3 FY25. Softening of inflation in the last few quarters and interest rate reductions globally encouraged our central bank to reduce the repo rate by 50 basis points. Weak growth in consumption, on top of global & regional conflicts and an uncertain tariff regime, may impact discretionary spending, which can have an impact on the automotive industry. However, we remain confident about the medium- to long-term growth prospects of the automotive industry. During Q4 of FY25, all the segments registered moderate growth on a YoY basis: - 2W grew by 5.8%, PV grew by 5.2%, CV grew by 3.1% & 3W grew by 9.5%. On a QoQ basis also, almost all segments, other than 2W, reported strong growth, as normally Q4 is a strong quarter for the Indian automotive industry every year. 2W de-grew by 1.2%, 3W grew by 3.0%, PV grew by 20.4%, and only CV grew by 20.9%. Now coming to the operational performance, during Q4 FY25, the company registered consolidated revenue of Rs.21 bn with a growth of 11% YoY on like-to-like basis, with India operations growing at 13%. Our EBITDA for the quarter was around 10.2% on back of improvement in the gross margin and benefits of operating leverage. Our PBT before exceptional items and JV profits was over Rs. 1 billion or 4.9% of revenue in Q4 FY25. As you all know, we have been working on structural changes like merger of VEL and VPL and exiting from China JV. We had to recognize certain one-time exceptional items primarily relating to these initiatives, which will simplify our operations and also improve our financial performance going forward. We continue to strengthen our balance sheet and return ratios. The net debt of the company in FY25 reduced by 2,348 million, and as a result the net debt to equity reduced to below 0.5x at the end FY25 from 0.64X at the end of FY24. The absolute net debt figure was at 7,480 million. ROCE (before tax) for FY25 was 20.8% and free cash flow generation was also healthy at Rs 3,116 million, or 3.8% of revenue before growth capex in land. In FY25, we also achieved net new business wins with annualized peak revenues of Rs.11,734 million, with EV models constituting more than 55% of this. It is more heartening to see business wins in our overseas operations also, which will improve profitability from FY 27 onwards. Our continuing focus on revenue growth, improvement in gross margin, control on fixed cost and optimization of capex and working capital will enable us to generate healthy free cash flows in the future also. Meanwhile, the companys board has recommended a dividend of Rs 1 per equity share for the financial year 2024-25, subject to shareholder approval at the 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM). The company has fixed Friday, 8 August 2025, as the record date to determine shareholders entitlement to the dividend. If approved at the AGM, the dividend will be paid within 30 days from the date of the meeting. Further, the companys board has approved the re-appointment and payment of remuneration to Tarang Jain as chairman and managing director of the company, liable to retire by rotation, for a period of 3 years from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2028, subject to approval of the members of the company. Furthermore, following the scheme of amalgamation of wholly owned subsidiary Varroc Polymers with Varroc Engineering, effective from 1 February 2025, the authorized share capital of the company increased from Rs 50.45 crore to Rs 55.94 crore. The board also approved the reclassification of Rs 5.49 crore of authorized share capital, converting 54.90 lakh equity shares of Rs 10 each to Re 1 each, subject to shareholder approval. Lastly, the board has resolved to seek shareholders approval via special resolution at the AGM to issue secured or unsecured redeemable non-convertible debentures (NCDs) amounting to not more than Rs 500 crore, in one or more tranches, either in Indian rupees or foreign currency, on a private placement basis. Varroc Engineering designs, manufactures, and supplies exterior lighting systems, plastic and polymer components, electrical-electronics components, and precision metallic components to passenger car, commercial vehicle, two-wheeler, three-wheeler and off-highway vehicle ("OHV") OEMs directly worldwide.
Vancouver Sun
16-05-2025
- Science
- Vancouver Sun
5 things to know about B.C.'s long-extinct Coast Salish Woolly Dog
Long gone from existence, the Coast Salish Woolly Dog is brought back to life in the pages of a new book: The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog. Rich with stories from Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō, Suquamish, Cowichan , Katzie, Snuneymuxw, and Skokomish cultures, the book highlights the story of the animal whose coat was used by Indigenous weavers to craft blankets and other woven items. Co-authored by Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa with weavers, knowledge keepers and elders, the book comes out May 25. Hammond-Kaarremaa, along with a number of Coast Salish contributors to the tome, will be doing readings at the VPL Central Branch on June 4 at 7 p.m. and the Museum of Anthropology on June 5 at 7 p.m. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. 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 Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. What is a Coast Salish Woolly Dog? The Coast Salish Woolly Dog, or sqʷəmey̓ in the Hul'q'umi'num (a traditional Coast Salish language), was a small-to-medium-sized dog that was bred for its woolly fibres, which Indigenous weavers wove into traditional blankets, robes and regalia. The dogs lived throughout B.C. but mostly on Vancouver Island and the Puget Sound area of Washington state. How far back does the Coast Salish Woolly Dog go? Word in the scientific world is the dogs were developed as a breed before European contact in this part of the world. The oldest remains of the Coast Salish Woolly Dog were found in Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia, and date from 4,000 years ago. Who is Mutton? In 2000, the pelt of a dog was discovered in a drawer at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. The pelt, it turns out, was from a Coast Salish Woolly Dog named Mutton and it had been donated to the institution in 1859 by ethnographer George Gibbs who worked on the Northwest Boundary Survey expedition (1857-61) that mapped the land between B.C. and the U.S. What is a modern breed that resembles the Coast Salish Woolly Dog? The Coast Salish Woolly Dog would have most resembled the modern-day Spitz breed. The two share a small-to-medium build, with thick ivory-white hair, pointed ears and a curly tail. What happened to the breed? Colonization happened and the dog population declined in the 19th century, and then pretty much disappeared by the early 1900s. A simplified answer to the decline was that during colonization sheep wool blankets were introduced and basically put the woolly dogs out of work. But scholars also say contributing to their extinction was the welfare of the caretakers of the dogs as things like disease, cultural disruption and displacement wreaked havoc on Indigenous communities.
Vancouver Sun
16-05-2025
- Science
- Vancouver Sun
5 things to know about the Coast Salish Woolly Dog
Long gone from existence, the Coast Salish Woolly Dog is brought back to life in the pages of a new book: The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog. Rich with stories from Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō, Suquamish, Cowichan , Katzie, Snuneymuxw, and Skokomish cultures, the book highlights the story of the animal whose coat was used by Indigenous weavers to craft blankets and other woven items. Co-authored by Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa with weavers, knowledge keepers and elders, the book comes out May 25. Hammond-Kaarremaa, along with a number of Coast Salish contributors to the tome, will be doing readings at the VPL Central Branch on June 4 at 7 p.m. and the Museum of Anthropology on June 5 at 7 p.m. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. 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 Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. What is a Coast Salish Woolly Dog? The Coast Salish Woolly Dog, or sqʷəmey̓ in the Hul'q'umi'num (a traditional Coast Salish language), was a small-to-medium-sized dog that was bred for its woolly fibres, which Indigenous weavers wove into traditional blankets, robes and regalia. The dogs lived throughout B.C. but mostly on Vancouver Island and the Puget Sound area of Washington state. How far back does the Coast Salish Woolly Dog go? Word in the scientific world is the dogs were developed as a breed before European contact in this part of the world. The oldest remains of the Coast Salish Woolly Dog were found in Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia, and date from 4,000 years ago. Who is Mutton? In 2000, the pelt of a dog was discovered in a drawer at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. The pelt, it turns out, was from a Coast Salish Woolly Dog named Mutton and it had been donated to the institution in 1859 by ethnographer George Gibbs who worked on the Northwest Boundary Survey expedition (1857-61) that mapped the land between B.C. and the U.S. What is a modern breed that resembles the Coast Salish Woolly Dog? The Coast Salish Woolly Dog would have most resembled the modern-day Spitz breed. The two share a small-to-medium build, with thick ivory-white hair, pointed ears and a curly tail. What happened to the breed? Colonization happened and the dog population declined in the 19th century, and then pretty much disappeared by the early 1900s. A simplified answer to the decline was that during colonization sheep wool blankets were introduced and basically put the woolly dogs out of work. But scholars also say contributing to their extinction was the welfare of the caretakers of the dogs as things like disease, cultural disruption and displacement wreaked havoc on Indigenous communities.
Calgary Herald
16-05-2025
- Science
- Calgary Herald
5 things to know about the Coast Salish Woolly Dog
Article content Long gone from existence, the Coast Salish Woolly Dog is brought back to life in the pages of a new book: The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog. Article content Rich with stories from Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō, Suquamish, Cowichan, Katzie, Snuneymuxw, and Skokomish cultures, the book highlights the story of the animal whose coat was used by Indigenous weavers to craft blankets and other woven items. Article content Article content Co-authored by Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa with weavers, knowledge keepers and elders, the book comes out May 25. Hammond-Kaarremaa, along with a number of Coast Salish contributors to the tome, will be doing readings at the VPL Central Branch on June 4 at 7 p.m. and the Museum of Anthropology on June 5 at 7 p.m. Article content Article content Article content The Coast Salish Woolly Dog, or sqʷəmey̓ in the Hul'q'umi'num (a traditional Coast Salish language), was a small-to-medium-sized dog that was bred for its woolly fibres, which Indigenous weavers wove into traditional blankets, robes and regalia. The dogs lived throughout B.C. but mostly on Vancouver Island and the Puget Sound area of Washington state. Article content Word in the scientific world is the dogs were developed as a breed before European contact in this part of the world. The oldest remains of the Coast Salish Woolly Dog were found in Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia, and date from 4,000 years ago. Article content Article content In 2000, the pelt of a dog was discovered in a drawer at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. The pelt, it turns out, was from a Coast Salish Woolly Dog named Mutton and it had been donated to the institution in 1859 by ethnographer George Gibbs who worked on the Northwest Boundary Survey expedition (1857-61) that mapped the land between B.C. and the U.S. Article content The Coast Salish Woolly Dog would have most resembled the modern-day Spitz breed. The two share a small-to-medium build, with thick ivory-white hair, pointed ears and a curly tail. Article content Article content What happened to the breed? Colonization happened and the dog population declined in the 19th century, and then pretty much disappeared by the early 1900s. A simplified answer to the decline was that during colonization sheep wool blankets were introduced and basically put the woolly dogs out of work. But scholars also say contributing to their extinction was the welfare of the caretakers of the dogs as things like disease, cultural disruption and displacement wreaked havoc on Indigenous communities. Article content Article content
