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May 20 2025: Who’s afraid of Gregor Robertson?

May 20 2025: Who’s afraid of Gregor Robertson?

Plus: Are B.C.’s alcohol regulations hurting small businesses?

May 20, 2025

Hey there. Welcome back after the long weekend.

I attended a wedding in Penticton, which was lovely. Less lovely was the fact that it was threatening to pour for the whole outdoor affair, and yet I still managed to get sunburnt. Sunscreen season is upon us once again.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

Gastown fashion boutique Siista is not so secret anymore

When Alejandra Rivera shops for Siista, she isn’t chasing trends—she’s following her instinct. “I shop for the store the way I shop for myself,” Rivera tells the Straight. “If I want it and can’t find it in Vancouver, I figure other shoppers must be looking too.” The result has become one of Gastown’s buzziest boutiques—where basics are out, and unique pieces are in.

— CITY & CULTURE —

5 ways to look at Gregor Robertson’s new housing minister post

In the decade that Gregor Robertson served as mayor of Vancouver, house prices ballooned. Here are five perspectives on how the Happy Planet juice giant might fare in his new cabinet role.

The Canucks have hired Adam Foote as head coach
A Soldier for All Seasons honours Chinese Canadian veterans
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.*
From classroom to community, Lacey Drozdowich is reconnecting people with the story behind their food—one conversation at a time.*

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— ARTS —

Inner Elder transforms the pain of the past into something positive

Michelle Thrush’s childhood was anything but a charmed one, but her award-winning play, Inner Elder, wouldn’t exist if things had been different.

MOVETHECOMPANY’s 20th anniversary is all about ballet
Modo’s art grant returns to help creatives get around
Last chance to get your tickets for Arts Umbrella Dance's Season Finale, a celebration of dance taking place at the Vancouver Playhouse May 22-24.*
The Chilliwack Mural Festival has confirmed ten artists from Chilliwack, Agassiz, Vancouver, Toronto, France, and California to paint murals between June 1 and August 17 in Downtown Chilliwack, District 1881, and Sardis.*

*sponsored listing

— FOOD & DRINK —

Commentary: B.C.’s food system has a bureaucratic hangover

B.C. seems to make it as hard as possible for establishments to get the booze they want, and for small-batch producers to sell the booze they make. Holy Seed Beverage Co. CEO Paul Geller explains the pain points.

Pizzeria Farina is closing its Main Street location
AM Cafe isn’t afraid to switch it up

— ICYMI —

There’s a free craft fair happening at VanDusen
The Museum of Vancouver is reopening its feature galleries
Harbour Air has your summer travel plans sorted
Nick Cave took the Queen E to church
La Taqueria’s OG spot has its final fiesta

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

COMEDY: Alien drag queen Juno Birch probes the absurdity of life on earth. (May 20 @ Rio Theatre)

MAGIC: Champions of Magic: Chasing the Unbelievable will make you wonder how they did that. (May 20-22 @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre)

VISUAL ARTS: Three artists explore identity and acceptance in Chromatic Complexities. (May 21-June 22 @ Kay Meek Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

FOOD & DRINK: Learn how to make modern, classic cocktails in a mixology workshop. (May 21 @ Everything Wine River District)

FOOD & DRINK: Chef Robin Kort leads a foraging workshop. (May 21 @ UBC Farm)

TALKS: VanDusen hosts a series of talks for its 50th anniversary, beginning this week. (May 21-October 1 @ VanDusen Botanical Garden)

PERFORMING ARTS: Aussie circus company A Simple Space gets visceral in Gravity & Other Myths. (May 22 @ Kay Meek Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

—

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

That’s it!

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