April 8 2025 edition: Is Sim City cooked?

Hey there.  It’s another beautiful day. 

Well, I’ll be honest, I’m not psychic—maybe you’re reading this on a beach in Costa Rica, in which case, stop reading your emails—but even if it is raining, we live in Beautiful British Columbia. As I write this, some people with umbrellas are conducting an impromptu photo-shoot in front of a magnolia tree. A little drizzle can’t dampen our spirits.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

Nominations are open for the 28th annual Golden Plates awards

The nominations for this year’s Golden Plates awards are now open! The Golden Plates have two phases: nominating, and voting. Every year, people are upset that their favourite coffee shop, wine bar, or fried chicken place didn’t make the list of finalists—and every year, it turns out that they hadn’t nominated it. Don’t make the same mistake: nominate your favourite local eateries here.

— CITY & CULTURE —

The Vancouver byelection result sends a clear message to Sim City

COPE’s Sean Orr and OneCity’s Lucy Maloney won a landslide victory in this weekend’s municipal byelection, showing voters are fed up with the ruling ABC party.

• Get to know more about the new councillors with op-eds they’ve written for us. In 2023, Sean Orr blasted the city’s decision to drop the living wage 

• And earlier this year, Lucy Maloney called for renter protections to be enforced

• A new book examines the drama around Olympic Village’s development

• Savour waterfront dining at Dockside Restaurant. Where fresh, local flavours meet stunning views. Join us for lunch dinner or weekend brunch. Reserve your table.*

  *sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY BLACK ROCK OCEANFRONT RESORT

Limited Time Offer - Stay & Save Your Way!

Take advantage of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort’s Stay & Save Getaway this spring. Nestled along the west coast of Vancouver Island’s stunning coastline, Black Rock offers breathtaking ocean views, newly renovated guest rooms, and top-notch amenities.

After a day of exploring the Wild Pacific Trail, enjoy a sunset dinner at Currents Restaurant or relax at Big Beach Lounge and gaze out at the Pacific Ocean. With the Stay & Save promotion, you can enjoy 10% off the best available rate + $100 Resort Credit that you can choose what to do with – enjoy dining or spa.

Don’t miss out on this chance to create lasting memories, all while enjoying the serene and picturesque surroundings of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.

Book by April 17, 2025, for stays up to April 30. *Black out dates apply.

— ARTS —

See Chinatown through new eyes with Vitality

A new exhibition at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre pairs Fred Herzog’s iconic street photos with the stories that lived behind them. Check out more when Vitality: Iconic Images, Hidden Stories opens this week.

• Firehall Arts Centre is hosting the premiere of The Frontliners 

• DanceHouse reveals its bold 2025/26 season

SPONSORED BY THÉÂTRE LA SEIZIÈME

Théâtre la Seizième's Ce que je sais de vrai grapples with the complex nature of family

As the four Price siblings struggle to define who they are beyond their parents' love and expectations, shocking secrets surface and shatter the tranquil appearance of their quiet household. Can a family in crisis love one another too deeply?

April 30 — May 10 2025 @ Studio 16. In French with English surtitles.

— FOOD & DRINK —

Five spots to eat and drink for cherry blossom season in Vancouver

Sakura season is here, and with it a bevvy of delicious limited-time treats. We’ve rounded up some of Vancouver’s best cherry blossom offerings.

• Eat with your eyes: a food-focused art show is coming to Atelier 8.18

• Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a coworking space that's right for you. Connect with a WeWork expert today.*

*Sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY SOME ASSEMBLY THEATRE COMPANY

OUR LAST TREE

Some Assembly Theatre celebrates 25 years with the world premiere of ‘OUR LAST TREE’. Created by Valerie Methot with a diverse team of youth and theatre professionals, ‘OUR LAST TREE’, inspires brilliance of life where the future of the planet is the people. Roundhouse May 2 & 3, at 7:30pm.

— ICYMI —

• 30 can’t-miss concerts happening this month

• And 30 can’t-miss arts events, to boot

• Sex//Work: Lifting the lid on couples sessions

• A History of Motown is inspired by more than just music

• Ins Choi is in his happy place with Son of a Preacherman

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

VISUAL ARTS: Love at First Sight features photographs taken by people who have been treated for vision loss. (To May 2 @ Pendulum Gallery)

PERFORMING ARTS: Catch a night of traditional Japanese music and theatre. (April 8 @ North Vancouver District Public Library Capilano Branch, North Vancouver) 

FILM: We Will Be Brave has a free screening and talkback with its director, tackling healthy masculinity. (April 9 @ VIFF Centre)

COMEDY: Spend too much time online? So do the improvisers in Doomscrolling. (April 9 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

PERFORMING ARTS: An intimate event explores the Vancouver Opera production of Madama Butterfly. (April 9 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

VISUAL ARTS: The 16th annual sewn sakura exhibition, Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation, returns. (April 9 to May 4 @ Silk Purse Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

FOOD & DRINK: Chef David Hawksworth hosts a four-course dinner to benefit a charity for kids with disabilities. (April 10 @ Terminal City Club) 

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

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