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Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver Sun honoured with Michener citation of merit
The Vancouver Sun received a Michener citation of merit for the work of longtime Postmedia journalist Lori Culbert on the circumstances around the overdose death of a University of Victoria student. The Sun was nominated for Culbert's relentless reporting on Sidney McIntyre-Starko, who collapsed in a UVic dorm in January 2024 and did not receive life-saving medical care after he overdose was mistaken for a seizure by the 911 call-taker and first aid attendants at the scene. It was one of six nominations honoured at a ceremony hosted by Governor General Mary Simon at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Thursday. 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. La Presse was named the winner of this year's Michener Award for its stories exposing abuse, dysfunction and systemic failures in Quebec's youth protection system. Other finalists included Global News, The Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail, which had two entries. Established in 1970 by then Governor General Roland Michener, the Michener Award recognizes excellence in public service journalism. At Rideau Hall, Culbert thanked McIntyre-Starko's family including her mother Caroline McIntyre, an emergency room physician, for 'their incredible courage' in fighting for change. Just hours after Culbert's story was published in May 2024, the province called for an inquest into the student's death. Since then, a number of changes have been introduced, such as providing provide 1,600 new nasal naloxone kits in dorms , bars and other high-traffic buildings around the province. Campus first responders and 911 responders received updated training on handling overdoses. High school students across the province now also receive CPR training. An inquest also unfolded over 12 days in April and May this year, with a number of recommendations made to prevent similar deaths. This was Culbert's fourth time being named a Michener finalist. She was a co-author on three previous Vancouver Sun projects that were nominated for a Michener Award. A series of stories about the disappearance of women from the Downtown Eastside received an honourable mention in 2002. A series about B.C.'s child-protection system received a citation of merit in 2006, as did a series about children who age out of the foster care system in 2015. • Day 1: UVic student's mother takes stand on Day 1 of her coroner's inquest • Day 2: UVic student contradicts campus security evidence at coroner's inquest • Day 3: UVic security officer defends actions on day of student overdose death • Day 4: We 'did the best we could': Second UVic security guard testifies about evening student died • Day 5: 911 operator relied on what witness described as seizures of UVic students, coroner's inquest hears • Day 6: Paramedic suspected fatal UVic call was more serious than 911 report • Day 7: Drugs found by UVic students like something out of 'a Scarface movie,' police tell coroner's inquest • Day 8: U.S. doctor tells inquest B.C. 911 operators don't use best approach to cardiac-arrest calls • Day 9: After death of UVic student, changes aim to trim delays in getting paramedics to patients • Day 10: B.C.'s 911 system needs major changes, emergency care expert says • Day 11: U.S. firm that made B.C. Ambulance's 911 dispatch system told how to fix it • Day 12: B.C. coroner's jury deliberating changes to ambulance, education systems
CBC
5 days ago
- Business
- CBC
After decades of trying, can the new Granville Street plan succeed where others have failed?
Social Sharing "Through the years Granville has been the roughest main drag of any major city in Canada," declared the Vancouver Sun after renovations were done to provide beautification, remove cars, and revitalize the street in downtown Vancouver. "It's the first time in nearly 40 years that it gives the appearance of going any place." That column was published in 1974, more than 50 years and nine mayors ago. Since then, there have been a number of attempts to breathe new life into Vancouver's main theatre district and nightclub area. Every decade or two, a new plan emerges to balance entertainment and pedestrian needs while reducing issues surrounding crime, housing and safety. "It's probably the most complex urban space downtown," said Brent Toderian, who became Vancouver's city planner in 2006 just after the launch of a Granville Street redesign inspired by the 2010 Winter Olympics. "When you have a higher degree of difficulty, it's easier to fail … we're talking about a particularly sophisticated and complex street, so that just means it's harder." Plan unanimously passes Now, Vancouver is trying again. On Wednesday, city council unanimously approved a new strategy for Granville Street in its downtown blocks, a vision that will eventually involve the removal of vehicles (with buses diverted to Seymour and Howe streets), a destination public space at Robson Street, and the replacement of SROs with rental and social housing. The full plan can be read here. "Granville Street has a long and storied history," said Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung. "We want to build on that, but we also want to imagine a new, modernized, revitalized street that people want to go to not just for nightlife, but during the daytime, not just on the weekend, but during the weekdays." The city estimates the plan will cost between $90 million and $140 million, not adjusted for inflation. It will also be stretched out over a 20-year period, with the removal of vehicles not happening for at least six years. But what will make this attempt work better than previous plans? 'The city hasn't had a great track record' Revitalizing Granville has been an ongoing priority for Vancouver, with the current plan in the works for two years and a community survey in February receiving nearly 3,000 responses. So too has been creating a pedestrian-only commercial area, with pilot projects on Yew and Water streets the last two summers. However, the Yew Street pilot ended after a little more than five weeks and the city dialed back its ambitions for Water Street this summer, showing the city's difficulty in implementing change for just a couple of blocks, let alone an entire downtown street. "You have to have some humility in terms of how complex the challenge is. It's really hard. But we have to acknowledge that the city hasn't had a great track record of pulling off these kind of street transformations," Toderian said. Kirby-Yung said the city had learned a few things over the past couple of years that gave her more confidence. "I want to see change happen quickly … let's put the capital dollars into making really substantive changes that create a quality public realm," she said. "But at the same time, we also need to invest in short-term solutions to the emergent problems. So more cleaning on the street, better street furniture …it's not a question of, you know, quickly slapping something up. It's about actually developing a public space." WATCH | 20-year plan approved for Granville Street: Vancouver city council approves 20-year plan to revitalize Granville Street 8 hours ago Duration 2:31 Council unanimously approved a new strategy for Granville Street, a vision that would eventually involve the removal of vehicles, a destination public space at Robson Street and the replacement of SROs with rental and social housing. What comes next? In the first five years of the plan, the focus will be on supporting arts and cultural programming, bringing in new redevelopments, establishing funding, and having pilot projects for pedestrian zones. Toderian said a possible problem with such a lengthy plan is that the city would lose the energy required to see the changes through. "The longer it takes to get to the objective, the more likely that you're going to chicken out or you're going to cut the legs out from under the idea or backtrack," he said. At the same time, he said a staged approach could work, but it was contingent on Vancouver approaching it the right way. "Maybe if the first phase is such a success, you build in the nimbleness that allows you to advance it quicker because you can say, 'Hey, look, we did this,'" he said. "But it's not about what you take away, like cars. It's about what you add … we have to have a really high standard for ourselves about creating a marvellous place."
The Province
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The Province
Postmedia's Kim Bolan one of three honoured for courageous reporting by Canadian Association of Journalists
The longtime Vancouver Sun reporter was joined by Daniel Renaud of La Presse and David Pugliese of the Ottawa Citizen Postmedia crime reporter Kim Bolan has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award by World Press Freedom Canada. Photo: Brooke McAllister [PNG Merlin Archive] Photo by Brooke McAllister / PNG Postmedia News reporter Kim Bolan was one of three Canadian journalists recognized at an awards ceremony in Calgary this weekend for their contributions to the craft. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The Canadian Association of Journalists announced that Bolan, Daniel Renaud and David Pugliese won the prestigious Charles Bury President's Award. 'Kim, Daniel and David have all exhibited incredible levels of courage and determination to persevere through unprecedented challenges to tell stories that matter,' said CAJ president Brent Jolly. 'They are living proof that even in today's fragmented age, journalism matters. The power of the pen to tell the truth and expose wrongdoing is an endeavour that is so vital to the proper functioning of our society.' Bolan has reported for the Vancouver Sun since 1984. She has reported on wars in El Salvador, Guatemala and Afghanistan, covered the Air India terrorist attack and its aftermath, and spent much of her career 'shining a spotlight on a long list of minority, women's, education and social service issues,' said the CAJ in a news release on Sunday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Bolan was also the first Canadian to win the International Women's Media Foundation's Courage in Journalism Award in 1999. 'Despite numerous threats on her life over the past 40 years from gangs and militant groups, Bolan's commitment to the craft has been unwavering,' Jolly said. Renaud, who works for La Presse in Montreal, was honoured after reports surfaced last year that chronicled how he had been targeted for assassination for reporting on organized crime in 2021. Pugliese has been with Postmedia's Ottawa Citizen for more than 40 years and specializes in covering the ever-secretive Department of National Defence. Last year, he was accused of being a paid KGB agent in the 1980s by a former federal cabinet minister testifying at a House of Commons committee meeting on Russian political interference. Jolly called the allegations, which have never been repeated outside Parliament, 'nothing more than a McCarthy-esque smear job.' The Charles Bury Award was presented last year to the Committee to Protect Journalists for their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of journalists who work in some of the most dangerous environments around the world. The annual award recognizes both organizations and individual journalists for contributing to a free press. jruttle@ Read More Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver Canucks Sports Junior Hockey News
The Province
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
Famed 'Lunch Lady' behind Vancouver, Toronto restaurants has died
Anthony Bourdain-approved The Lunch Lady, Nguyen Thi Thanh, was a 'quiet master of her craft' Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Nguyen Thi Thanh, best known as The Lunch Lady of Saigon, has died. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Article content The famed chef behind the Ho Chi Minh City street food stall died Monday following a flight to Toronto. Thanh reportedly experienced cardiac arrest shortly after arrival and could not be resuscitated. Thanh's food cart, where she offered a signature dish for every day of the week, was a favourite in Ho Chi Minh City until 2009, when the late chef Anthony Bourdain featured The Lunch Lady on his CNN show, No Reservations. It became an international sensation. From that support and exposure, Thanh would go on to call Bourdain both a friend and guardian angel. Her famous Vietnamese food came to Canada in 2020, when restaurateur Michael Tran and his mother, Victoria, opened The Lunch Lady at 1046 Commercial Dr. in Vancouver. Thanh was a founding partner in the Canadian operations. 'She and the Tran family had a beautiful relationship and I'm so sorry for their loss,' says Mia Stainsby, Vancouver Sun restaurant critic. 'She entrusted them with her recipes and techniques, became family. And she enriched the Vietnamese food culture here in Vancouver.' In 2022, Thanh visited the Vancouver restaurant for the first time. 'I was overflowing with happiness as soon as I stepped in the restaurant,' Thanh shared in a video following the visit. 'Its scale was absolutely beyond my expectation.' A second location in Toronto was slated to open June 3.
Vancouver Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Famed 'Lunch Lady' behind Vancouver, Toronto restaurants has died
Nguyen Thi Thanh, best known as The Lunch Lady of Saigon, has died. The famed chef behind the Ho Chi Minh City street food stall passed away following a flight to Toronto. Thanh reportedly experienced cardiac arrest shortly after arrival and could not be resuscitated. Thanh's food cart , where she offered a signature dish for every day of the week, was a local favourite in Ho Chi Minh City until 2009, when the late chef Anthony Bourdain featured The Lunch Lady on his CNN show , No Reservations. Then, it became an international sensation. From that support and exposure, Thanh would go on to call Bourdain both a friend and guardian angel. Her famous Vietnamese food came to Canada in 2020, when local restaurateur Michael Tran and his mother Victoria opened The Lunch Lady at 1046 Commercial Dr. in Vancouver. 'I bought the trademarks to her recipes and the Lunch Lady name,' Tran shared i n an article by Vancouver Sun restaurant critic Mia Stainsby published July 21, 2020. Thanh was a 'stakeholder' in the Canadian operations. In 2022, Thanh visited the Vancouver restaurant for the first time. 'I was overflowing with happiness as soon as I stepped in the restaurant,' Thanh shared in a video following the visit. 'Its scale was absolutely beyond my expectation.' A second location in Toronto was slated to open June 3. A post shared by The Lunch Lady (@thelunchlady) In a post shared to Instagram, the Toronto team behind The Lunch Lady confirmed that Thanh had been travelling to the city in order to assist with the opening. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. 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 West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'She was on her way to celebrate the grand opening of The Lunch Lady Toronto, to be part of this next chapter and share the story she began decades ago in a small alley in Vietnam,' they shared. 'We were ready to welcome her. To honour her. To celebrate this moment together. And now, we are mourning an immeasurable loss.' Noting the creator of the street food sensation was the 'heart and soul of The Lunch Lady,' the late chef was referred to as 'a mother figure, a mentor, a quiet master of her craft.' 'To the world, she was The Lunch Lady. But to me, she was my aunt, my mentor, and someone I loved like family' said Tran in a news release. ' Today, we're mourning more than the loss of our founder. We're mourning her warmth, her generosity — the way she lit up a room without ever needing to speak. Her smile said everything. Her impact went far beyond food. She taught us to lead with care, to cook with soul, and to stay grounded in where we come from.' The Canadian restaurant team is working with Thanh's family to return her body to Vietnam where she will be laid to rest. 'In the meantime, our team is taking time to grieve, to reflect, and to hold space for everything she meant to us,' they shared on social media. The opening of the new Toronto location will be postponed. A new date will be shared by the team 'when the time feels right.' The Vancouver location, which has received three Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, will be closed May 21 for a day of mourning and to allow staff to mourn. Vigils will also be planned in both Vancouver and Toronto, according to The Lunch Lady Canada, with details such as date and locations to be announced. When operations return at the Canadian locations, Tran says the restaurant teams will carry her legacy, with gratitude. ' And with the same heart she brought to every bowl.'
