sign in sign up
<<
Home , Aberdeen Centre, Greater Vancouver, Metropolis at Metrotown, Retractable roof, Roads in Saskatchewan, SaskTel Centre

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Western !

The IMAGINiT territory is made up of the following provinces… from west to east… (we just say BC, where our office is), (where our and offices are) and (we just say Sask, where our office is). The best way to pronounce Saskatchewan is just take out the vowels, everyone say it together…ssktchwn. We also work with a couple of northern territories, and . In this month’s issue we will feature Vancouver and Saskatoon. Stay tuned for our article about our Alberta offices in an upcoming newsletter!!!!

The distance “as the bird flies” between Vancouver and is 2090 miles. The distance between Vancouver and Calgary is 420 miles. Calgary to Edmonton is 175 miles and Edmonton to Saskatoon is 301 miles.

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Vancouver:

We have three employees in the Vancouver office, Carrie Urdiga (MFG Account Executive), Paul Hollas (AEC Account Executive) and Jeff Morrow (AEC Sr. Solutions Consultant).

Carrie Urdiga and Paul Hollas Jeff Morrow

Our office is located in the city of Richmond, BC, a south of the City of Vancouver. The area is made up of many cities, Richmond, Surrey, Delta, , , and Langley to mention a few… which are usually generalized into “Vancouver”. The population of is 2.5 million. Vancouver is a city surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Rocky Mountains to the east. The city itself is very mountainous… but has rich farm soil throughout. A cosmopolitan city right on the edge of nature, Vancouver makes it easy to combine an urban getaway with outdoor adventure. From family-friendly fun to thrill-seeking exploits; from marine exploring to mountaintop luxury, you'll find plenty of things to do in Vancouver.

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Cool Facts about Vancouver:

 Vancouver was recently ranked as the third most “livable place in the world” for its high standard of living and quality of life, while it is ranked as the 10th cleanest city in the world.

 Vancouver has the mildest climate in Canada. Although, it receives on average, 1,589mm of rain per year.

is 65% residential. Don’t be surprised to see a lot of high-rise condominiums as there are many!

 Vancouver has the highest real estate prices in Canada. In 2011, the average price of a detached home was a staggering $1,204,587. Some say this is close to rivaling New York City and London.

 Vancouver is the largest television and film production center in North America, after Los Angeles and New York City. Don’t be surprised if you run into a celebrity or see the paparazzi chasing someone famous!!

 Vancouver has the 4th largest cruise ship terminal in the world.

 Greenpeace, one of the world’s oldest and most successful environmental groups, was established in Vancouver.

 In 2010 Vancouver hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Fun stuff to do in and around Vancouver:

Vancouver has an endless supply of attractions and things to see and do. It doesn't matter what time of day or what time of year - whether you want to be indoors or out, active or a spectator, spend a lot of money or none at all - Vancouver has it all!

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Leisure and sports:

If the weather is cooperating and you’re up for a swim, why not check out Canada’s longest pool. Measuring 137.5 meters (451 feet), it is nearly the size of three Olympic pools. This outdoor, saltwater pool is a major tourist attraction and is open year round.

Up for a walk in the park? Well is no ordinary park! It’s an urban oasis, which is 10% larger than New York City’s and is a staggering 1001 acres (this could literally take a few days!).

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Do you love aquatic life? Well then you can visit the wide array of marine life at the , which ranks in the top 5 worldwide. Belugas, penguins, sea otters & 50,000 other aquatic creatures await your arrival!

Vancouver Aquarium

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Are you a fan of professional sports? Depending on the time of the year, you can catch a (NHL) game and cheer on the at the . How about pro football? Well then you might enjoy a League (CFL) game, where the BC Lions play under the retractable roof at BC Place. The pass-centric game is quite different from the NFL (a longer and wider field with only 3 downs and other cool rules such as a “rouge” – a point awarded if a field goal is missed but caught by the opposing team and contained to the end zone). The Vancouver Whitecaps FC will satisfy your soccer/football desires at BC Place as well. The retractable roof over BC Place is truly a technological marvel, transforming BC’s largest and most versatile venue into a busier, and more exciting place to host world class events. The cable-supported fabric roof is the largest of its kind in the world - designed and engineered specifically for Vancouver’s climate.

There are also junior professional sports teams located in Vancouver that are the developmental organizations for Major League and the NHL. For a great deal, you might want to get tickets to a Canadians single A baseball game or Giants (WHL) game.

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Culture, dining and shopping:

Vancouver is home to some of the world’s best fine dining, shopping, museums, galleries, music and theatre.

BC as a whole is also home to a vibrant and historically significant Aboriginal/First Nation’s community. You will most certainly pass by totem poles along the road and come across shops featuring Aboriginal art such as carvings and the like. Many venues offer a glimpse into this wonderful culture including dance and a wide array of indigenous food. The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) creates Vancouver-focused exhibitions and programs that encourage dynamic conversations about what was, is, and can be Vancouver. Permanent exhibitions tell the city’s stories, starting with an exhibition on the Musqueam First Nation's ancient landscape and living culture, continuing through the late 1970s.

Want a glimpse into Vancouver’s past? Then you’ll likely enjoy the Burnaby Village Museum to see what the town was like back in the day. For a sampling of Asian culture that’s wonderfully displayed, take a short drive to the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre where you feel immersed in Japanese culture and explore that region’s historical linkage with BC.

With a booming craft beer industry, killer cocktail scene, and its own wine-growing regions, you won’t go thirsty while you’re in Vancouver! The city’s restaurants, bars, lounges, breweries, and tasting rooms all have something unique to offer. Whether it’s a selection of on-site brewed ales, an awesome patio, an award-winning wine list, or a jaw- dropping view. Some of the tried and tested spots are The Keg Steakhouse and Bar, a North American chain that began in the area in 1971, or Milestones with their eclectic menu and famous Bellini (a delicious frozen peach and raspberry cocktail) – there are several locations of both of these landmark restaurants around the city as well as home grown classics such as Earls, Joey and Cactus Club. A couple of the trendier places these days are The Cannibal Café in East “Van”, where you can enjoy mouth-watering beef burgers, refreshing brews, and traditional milkshakes in their authentic rock and roll diner. Fancy an authentic noisy Japanese bar experience? Then why not try out Hapa Izakaya? Hapa is a local mini-chain that offers a combination of delicious cuisine, fun and culture where each location has its own unique personality.

Whether you’re looking for a small souvenir of your time in Vancouver, or a brand new summer wardrobe, shopping ranks high on the list of vacation activities for many visitors. And Vancouver doesn’t disappoint! As a cosmopolitan metropolis, shopping here runs from international designers and popular brands in shop-‘til-you-drop malls, through to local designers and one-of-a-kind craft studios in unique neighborhoods. You’ll find everything you’re looking for, as well as plenty of things you didn’t even know that you needed! Time limiting your stay around the office? Well Vancouver has something for you right in one of its wonderful neighborhoods. Check out the , , Charlie’s Chocolate Factory or Burnaby Artisan Farmers’ Market. Neighborhoods such as Commercial Drive, Chinatown, Granville St and (to name just a few of the many in Vancouver!) Local Culture Corner September 2016

Vancouver is considered a haven for lovers of the arts scene with plenty of museums, performing arts and music to enjoy. Whatever mood you’re in, you’ll find something to suit you. The and Science World are two of the bigger venues. For performing-arts lovers, Vancouver is home to a number of theatre companies producing plays and musicals, from classic to the contemporary. Vancouver's dance scene is one of Canada's best with regular performances by Ballet British Columbia. If you’re looking to enjoy an evening of music, you can treat yourself to a symphony or opera in one of Vancouver's state-of-the-art facilities. Catch a live music gig at any number of intimate clubs, or try a concert at the opulent and historic Theatre, home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra since 1930. Rogers Arena and BC Place host concerts for large scale, international musical stars and always offer a great show! For live theatre, check out the Vancouver Fringe Festival or one of two outdoor theatrical events - Bard on the Beach and Theatre Under The Stars.

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Saskatoon:

The IMAGINiT office in Saskatchewan is located Saskatoon. There are two people holding down the fort in Saskatoon, Shane Baillargeon (AEC Account Executive) and Scott MacDonald (MFG Account Executive). There are primarily two areas where we conduct business in Saskatchewan… Saskatoon and Regina, which is in the southern part of the province.

Shane Baillargeon and Scott MacDonald

The population of the province of Saskatchewan is 1.14 million, Saskatoon carries 261,000 and Regina has 193,000. It is mainly a farming and mining province and is the largest miner and exporter of potash. They are home to the CFL football team. The Roughriders are one of the most merchandised teams in North America. Last year they made $10 million on merchandise… that is third highest in Canada behind the Toronto Maple leafs and Canadians hockey Teams. Saskatoon recently joined the professional league with the team the Rush… and they are currently the league champions!

Canadian Light Source (CLS), on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon, is home to the synchrotron, one of the largest science projects in Canadian history and the only one of its kind in Canada.

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Saskatchewan lakes are also a fishing paradise, with anglers having caught three world record fish:

 25.1 pound burbot caught on Lake Diefenbaker in 2010 (all tackle world record);  48 pound rainbow trout caught on Lake Diefenbaker in 2009 (all tackle world record);  18.3 pound walleye caught on Tobin Lake in 2005 (world ice fishing record).

Cool Facts about Saskatoon:

 The lowest temperature ever recorded in Saskatoon was -50 C in 1893. The coldest temperature with wind- chill ever recorded was -60.9 C. (oooh yeah! -78 F)  Saskatoon averages 2,380.8 hours of sunshine per year.  The only earthquake ever recorded in Saskatoon occurred on May 15, 1909. It lasted for about 30 seconds.  Saskatoon lies on the South Saskatchewan River. That explains why there are seven bridges in the city.  There are more Tim Horton’s coffee shops per capita than in any other city in Canada.  Saskatoon has one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada – and great ones with many of them embracing the farm to fork philosophy.  Saskatoon is a city of parks with over 870 hectares set aside.  The Meewasin Valley Trail – listed as one of the top 10 greatest hikes in Canada in the fall – extends for 60 kilometers along the east and west banks of the South Saskatchewan River. You can also cycle the trail.  Manitou Lake, southeast of Saskatoon. The briny water of the lake possesses natural therapeutic skin and body care properties only found in a few other places – plus it offers impossible-to-sink buoyancy.  According to Highways and Infrastructure, there are 16,000 miles of highways in the province and a total road surface of 100,000 miles – enough to circle the equator four times. When rural and municipal roads are added to the equation, there are over 155,000 miles of roads in Saskatchewan.

There is a good chance the next time you are putting mustard on your hot dog or hamburger, it came from Saskatchewan. 75% mustard is produced in Canada, which in 2010 was just over 150,000 tones, tops in the world.

According to Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, 96% of lentils, 90% of chickpeas and 70% of the dry pea crop grown in Canada comes from Saskatchewan.

The first automated teller machine in Canada was developed by Saskatchewan credit unions in 1977. Local Culture Corner September 2016

The Athabasca sand dunes, found in the northwest corner of the province near the Northwest Territories, is the most northerly active sand dune formation in the world. The dunes stretch for approximately 60 miles along the south shore of Lake Athabasca. They are the largest active dune fields in Canada, and the largest this far north anywhere in the world. Fun stuff to do in Saskatoon:

With so much to offer, Saskatoon is one of Canada's most talked about destinations. As it thrives economically and excels as a forward thinking metropolis, the door is always open for discovery. It is the place to experience fresh eateries, bustling nightlife, river trails and other outdoor spaces as well as cultural institutions and museums. With over 65 annual events (40 in the summer alone), there is no shortage of things to see and do! Leisure and sports:

Saskatoon is a city of parks with over 870 hectares set aside and is nestled on the edge of nature that offers visitors countless outdoor activities to enjoy. The renowned Meewasin trail is home to beautiful pathways that wind along the South Saskatchewan riverbank and displays stunning views of both downtown and the forested riverbank.

An active person can take in an abundance of adventures like canoeing along the river, bike riding, golf, tennis, skating in the Cameco Meewasin outdoor skating rink, hiking the trails at the Beaver Creek Conservation Area, or hitting up any of the nearby provincial parks. With long hot summer days and winters that will keep you moving, Saskatoon is a wonderful destination for the outdoor enthusiast.

Sports fans have plenty of teams to cheer for in Saskatoon. Head to Sasktel Centre and see the Western Hockey League's in action on the ice. Stop by Griffiths Field on a Friday night to watch the University of Saskatchewan's Huskies football team under the lights, or check out the Shaw Centre and experience world-class diving and swimming.

Local Culture Corner September 2016

Culture, dining and shopping:

Whether its art, live theatre or a comedy act that catches your fancy, the Collector’s Choice Art Gallery, Broadway Theatre and Barn Playhouse are just a few of the great places to decompress and let your mind wander. Looking for some truly Canadian culture? Well then Diefenbaker Canada Centre is for you, offering a distinctly Canadian cultural experience the DCC presents traveling exhibits that celebrate Canadian history, citizenship, leadership, & human rights alongside period replica rooms and a permanent exhibit that chronicles the life and political accomplishments of John G. Diefenbaker, one of our most famous and influential Prime Ministers.

Saskatoon has one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada – and great ones with many of them embracing the farm to fork philosophy. With everything from specialty deli shops to a rustic Italian pizza joint, you can find it here! Lovers of ethnic cuisine will find authentic Mexican, Burmese, Indian, Thai and Jamaican restaurants. Some of the current hotspots are Ayden Kitchen and Bar – try their Thai wings, the charcuterie board or the chicken and waffles. For a great selection of comfort-style foods that hit the spot no matter what, such as bourbon chicken and blackened catfish give Bon Temps Café a try. BBQ? See and taste how the professionals do it at RibFest in Diefenbaker Park - you will go to BBQ heaven!

Saskatoon also has a number of one-stop shopping centers for your convenience that are easy to get to, and will satiate any diehard shopper. Not only will you find the basics, but you'll also find that special something at one of the exciting new shops at malls such as The Centre and Plaza. The Waterfront Fine Craft Art Market is the perfect opportunity to find that handmade piece of Saskatchewan to take home and show off.