Strathcona Green Zone Resource Park Launch
On September 20, we held an event to open our small-scale commercial recycling and composting facility and promote it as a model to other business associations and waste reduction stakeholders. A Community Approach to Commercial Waste, which included a luncheon and a tour of the Strathcona GZ Resource Park (1245 East Hastings), was a celebratory and informative occasion.
 Councillor Andrea Reimer and SBIA chair Toby Barazzuol were on hand for opening remarks at the Resource Park, where Councillor Reimer unveiled a plaque recognising the contributions of over 70 volunteers and 20 donor organisations.
 The luncheon featured the first public viewing of the video we commissioned to tell the story of the Resource Park. Strathcona BIA Zero Waste Challenge & Resource Park is the eleventh video in our Snapshots of Strathcona series, and you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWRZA2_5OJI .
Here are links to media coverage of the Resource Park:
Metro Vancouver Press Release
Vancouver Courier
Tricity News
24Hours
Metro
Vancouver Sun
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Local Area Planning Process Update
On September 28, the Downtown Eastside Local Area Planning Process concluded its Review Phase with the "What We're Hearing" integrating event at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall. The integrating event gathered over 150 people for a review on feedback collected thus far on core issues of housing, jobs, public spaces and well-being.
The LAPP is now moving into Phase 2, the Planning Phase. This Phase will begin in October and run until March 2013.
The Planning Phase will consist of several Roundtables that will build on the focus of the core issues: Our Homes, Our Well-Being (community development, access to affordable food, child care spaces, living spaces and facilities, etc.); Our Places (built form, zoning, public spaces), and Our Livelihoods (jobs, enterprise, economic development). Roundtables will meet approximately five or six times during the Review Phase and will each consist of several members of the LAPP committee along with residents, business owners, government authorities and community organisations.
If you are interested in joining a Roundtable, please contact the BIA office at 604.258.2727.
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O pportunity To Get Climate Smart
The SBIA is once again partnering with Climate Smart, a Vancouver-based social enterprise that helps businesses calculate and reduce their carbon footprints. As part of our strategy to foster environmental responsibility among businesses, we are offering ten SBIA members the opportunity to become Climate Smart businesses at a discount of up to 80 percent.
The first session takes place on Wedensday, October 24, from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. However, Climate Smart is offering an alternative start date on Thursday, November 15 for businesses who are unable to attend next week's session.
 The Climate Smart training program for businesses involves attending three interactive half-day training sessions at which you will learn to measure and reduce your carbon emissions and costs. During the first session Climate Smart team explains complex global standards and makes it simple for you to assess your environmental impact. Your second training session will focus on reduction strategies and help you project your cost savings and potential payback period on each strategy. In the final session, you will learn how to build internal buy-in for y our strategies and how to market your progress authentically.
There are still spaces available; please contact rachel@strathconabia.com or call the SBIA office at 604-258-2727 if you would like to enroll.
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Launching Regional Industrial Symbiosis in Metro Vancouver: Our Pathway to a Low Carbon EconomyOn Tuesday, Octover 16, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, please join Light House Sustainable Building Centre and One Earth for an engaging presentation and discussion on industrial symbiosis, also known as "waste=food". Learn more about the UK's successful National Industrial Symbiosis Programme for businesses, and get a sneak peak into our own Metro Vancouver regional industrial symbiosis project launching in early 2013!
This event features the UK's Peter Laybourn who has created eco-industrial parks and symbiotic connections among industry in the UK, Mexico, Brazil and China.
Venue: Kentwood Studios, 2058 Pine St.
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Strathcona Community Centre 40th Anniversary Gala
On Saturday, November 3, the Strathcona Community Centre Association is celebrating the Centre's 40th Anniversary with an evening at the Pink Pearl Restaurant. The event includes youth dancers, performers, music by Mark Wardop's local jazz ensemble, and a silent auction of incredible art, sports memorabilia, and great packages from local businesses. The evening is also a fundraiser for critical programming in food security and youth leadership, and for access to arts and recreation funding for all children, families, and seniors in our community.
To order tickets, please call 604.713.1838 or visit http://strathcona40gala.eventrbrite.ca/.
Single seats are $65, and tables of 10 are $600.
And if you would like to donate merchandise and/ or gift certificates to the silent auction, please contact sjoe@sunrise-soya.com. |
Graffiti Removal Service
The SBIA provides graffiti removal service to its members. If your building has been tagged, please call Mission Possible Maintenance at 604.253.4469 and select the graffiti removal line. You may also email graffiti@mission-possible.ca. 
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Upcoming SBIA Members' Workshop: CPTED Principles
In late November, we will be offering a short daytime workshop on CPTED: Crime prevention through environmental design. The Justice Institute of BC will facilitate. We will send registration information as soon as the date is finalised.
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Staffing Transitions at the SBIA
As many of you know already, Sophie Agbonkhese - who joined the SBIA as Sustainability Coordinator in June 2010 - has decided to homeschool her daughters. She will now work mainly from home as a part-time Green Zone Consultant for the SBIA. Rachel Leigh, formerly our administrator, is transitioning into the role of Sustainability & Communications Coordinator. And Sam Hamilton, who began working with us as an intern in January, is now officially our Office Assistant. One constant amid the change is Joji Kumagai, who remains our Executive Director!
 | | Joji Kumagai, Rachel Leigh, Sophie Agbonkhes, and Sam Hamilton |
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