strathcona Tag

Businesses Open in Strathcona

The following Strathcona businesses are still open and offering take-out, delivery, or other services. All are doing their best to support measures to help flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19 while still providing much needed provisions at this time. Let’s support these amazing local and independent businesses that call Strathcona home.

Agro Roasters

Clark Dr.Order freshly roasted organic coffee through their new online shop which offers home delivery. Choose your coffee type and select your grind. Free shipping over $40.  ????:@agroroastersShop Coffee Online

Ask For Luigi 

305 Alexander St.

Take-out menu of salads & starters, Luigi’s famous pasta, and desserts available for pick-up Tues-Sun 4pm -9pm. Order by phone at 604-428-2544 or online. 50% off list price for all wines. Delivery also available through Uber Eats.  ????:@askforluigiTake-Out Menu

Axum Restaurant

1279 E Hastings St

Open for take-out from their delicious Ethiopian food menu between 1pm-7pm. Order for pick-up or delivery at 604-253-2986 or through their website. Delivery is also available through foodora or skipthedishes. All meals include their famous injera. ????: @_joycengTake-Out Menu

Belgard Kitchen

55 Dunlevy

Retail store is open for beer, wine, + cider off-sales Wed-Sun 4pm-6pm. Order ready to go meals and meal kits by 2pm for same day pick-up or delivery to your home. Option to pay for a meal for someone in need.  ????:@belgardkitchenStaff Meal Menu

Container Brewing

1216 Franklin St.

Open for take-away in person from 1pm-7pm seven days a week. Order online before 1pm for same day delivery. Minimum online order $30. Delivery window is 2pm-6pm daily.  ????:@containerbrewingOrder Beer Online

Dixie’s BBQ

337 E Hastings St.

Known for authentic Central Texas BBQ, Dixie’s take-out menu is available for delivery by UberEats and DoorDash Thurs-Sun 4pm-9pm. Menu includes amazing burgers and sammies, hot dogs, and sides. Direct delivery coming soon. ????: @meatatdixiesDelivery MenuDosanko Restaurant

566 Powell St.

Offering a delicious Japanese comfort food take-out menu. Available for pick-up or delivery by Uber Eats Tues-Sat from 11:30am to 7pm. Local craft beer and local wine available for purchase with your meal. Can be reached at 604-251-2020.  ????:@dosankorestaurantTake-Out Menu

Eclipse Awards

614 Alexander St.

Open from 9am-3pm. Eclipse Awards can help you recognize everyday heroes in your community with their eco-friendly timeless awards, trophies, & plaques. Orders can be placed online or by email to sales@eclipseawards.com ????: @eclipseawardsShop Awards

Landyachtz Bikeshop

1146 Union St.

Store is open 10am-6pm daily. Set up with lot’s of sanitation measures and to help one person at a time. Bike service can be booked by phone 604-253-2005 or by email bikeshop@landyachtz.com. Online store offering free delivery of ready-to-ride new bikes in the Lower Mainland.  ????:@landyachtzbikesShop Online Store

les amis du FROMAGE

843 E Hastings St.

Open daily from 10am-6pm. Maximum 6 people in the store at once and allow a safe distance between shoppers. Card payment only and no reusable shopping bags. Plentiful selection of cheese, charcuteries and pantry staples like pasta and tomato products.  ????:@cheese_ladfPlace Email OrderLiquids and Solids

901 E Hastings St.

Take-out menu of fresh soups and sandwiches available for pick up from 8am-4pm Mon-Fri or by delivery through Uber Eats. Pre-packaged 750ml soups also avialable for delivery, look for the Soupetc! brand.  ????:@liquids_and_solids_yvrTake-Out/Delivery Menu

Lita’s Mexican Foods

Available in several stores

Lita’s makes delicious and natural Mexican style flour tortillas. Find them in several grocery storesin Vancouver. They also make award-winning vegan taco meal kits that are now available to order for home delivery here.  ????:@litasmexicanfoodsOrder Vegan Taco Meal Kit

Luppolo Brewing

1123 Venables St.

Open for to-go only 3pm-7pm Fri-Sun. Delivery is available by beervan.ca. Free delivery on orders over $40 otherwise a $5 delivery charge. Same day delivery for orders placed before 2pm.  ????:@luppolo_brewingOrder Beer Online

Pallet Coffee Roasters HQ

 395 Alexander St.

Retail coffee beans and brewing equipment available for purchase 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. Card payments only and one person at a time. Online shop available, now including Oat Milk. Coffee is roasted fresh to order and shipped via Canada Post.  ????:@palletcoffeeShop Coffee Online

Paragon Food Equipment

760 E Hastings St.

Open by phone, email, & website 8:30am-5pm all weekdays. Paragon supplies commercial kitchen equipment to essential services such as restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and social service providers. Free delivery within Metro Vancouver or pick-up at 604-255-9991 or info@paragondirect.caShop Kitchen Products

Railtown Cafe

 397 Railway St.

Take-out meal program available for pick-up from 8:30am-6pm. Order through the Railtown Cafe App. Delivery available through Door Dash. Large individual heat and serve portions. Buy five meals and get the sixth free.  ????:@railtowncafeTake-Out MenuSavoury ChefNew home delivery menu available with chef prepared meals and DIY meal kits. Order online or call 604-357-7118. Order before 12pm for next business day delivery.  ????:@savourychefHome Delivery Menu

Strathcona Beer Company/ Superflux

895 E Hastings St.

Open for take-out beer and pizza 12pm-8pm everyday. Beer delivery available in partnership with Superflux Beer Compnay. Minimum order $35. Deliver to Vancouve and North Van.  ????:@strathconabeerOrder Beer Online

The Garden Strathcona

868 E Hastings St.

Take-out menu available for pick-up 9am-3pm daily or by delivery through Door Dash. Offering personal shopping and free shipping on all local products for sale at the retail store. Saviour Cookie dough available online as well.  ????:@thegardenstrathconaTake-Out Menu

The Heatley

696 E Hastings St.

Open for takeout and beer, wine, and cider pick-up Fri, Sat, & Sun 4pm-9pm. Check out their takeout menu here and call 604-336-3958 to place an order. Pick-up is via their side door on Heatley Ave. ????: @theheatley696Take-Out Menu

The Mackenzie Room/ Say Mercy

4298 Fraser St.

#StaffMeal take-out menu with sister restaurant Say Mercy. Healthy, affordable meals and the opportunity to donate to someone in need. Order Tues-Sat 8am-2pm for same day pick-up 4:30-6:30pm at Say Mercy. ????:@themackenzieroomStaff Meal Menu

The Uncommon Cafe

477 Powell St.

Open 9am-2pm Monday to Friday for pick-up. Order from their menu of delicious home-made food online. Delivery available through Door Dash or Foodora. ????: @theuncommoncafeTake-Out Menu

Top-Valu Foods

575 E Cordova St.

Top-Valu Foods specializes in making delicious noodles, fortune cookies, and wonton wraps. Now offering sales to retail customers. Call 604-253-4558 to order, pick-ups can be made Mon-Fri 9am-4pm via their back alley entrance. 10% of sales donated to Union Gospel Mission.Visit Website

Union Food Market

810 Union St.

Open 9am-4pm Tues-Sun. Implementing social separation rules of 2-3 people maximum in the store. Offering pick-up and delivery service options for people with special needs. You can reach the market at 604-255-5025.  ????:@unionfoodmarketVisit website

VV Tapas Lounge

957 E Hastings St.

VV Pasta take-out menu available by phone at 604-336-9244, or delivery available by Door Dash. Date Night Dinner for Two option includes perfect meal for two, wine, and dessert. BC beer, wine, and cider sold at cost with the purchase of a meal.  ????:@vv.tapasloungeTake-Out Menu

Wilder Snail

799 Keefer St.

Open 10am-6pm Mon-Sun. Implementing social separation rules of 4 people maximum in the store. Specialize in local organic produce and products.  ????:@wildersnailVisit Instagram page

Other ways you can show your support:

• Share this blog post with your networks
• Purchase gift cards or merchandise from businesses
• Engage with your favourite local businesses on social media
• Write a positive review online for your favourite businesses

Are you open in Strathcona and want to be added to this list? Please reach out to johanna@strathconabia.com.

Read More

2019 Strathcona Holiday Guide

There are plenty of delightful and uniquely Strathcona events happening in our neck of the woods this time of year. We’re excited to share some our must-do Strathcona holiday activities with you.

@TheGardenStrathcona Instagram

First up, fulfill all your plant dreams at The Garden, Strathcona Plant Sale and Holiday Pop-Up shop this weekend. Plus discover amazing local vendors making ceramics, jewelry, cards and more. Happening Dec.14th and 15th, 11am til 4pm at 868 E Hastings.

@peacepeopleproject on Instagram

Experience the Zero-Waste Vegan Holiday market happening Sunday, Dec.15th at The Pace, 520 Alexander from 11am-5pm. Brought to you by Peace People Project, this event has your #zerowaste holiday shopping covered with gift ideas like fabric bulk shopping bags, bath and beauty products, and zwv meal prep memberships.

Ever wanted to learn how to DIY your own oat milk or your own toothpaste? There will be free workshops all day to learn how to DIY zero waste products. Bring your own containers, cups, cutlery (BYOCs) and enjoy amazing vegan hot foods and bevvies. Find all the details at the event facebook page. 

@luppolo_brewing on Instagram

Still on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree? Aunt Leah’s Tree Lot is back at Luppolo Brewing Company  this year. Open today from 1-8pm and this Sat-Sun 10am-8pm at 1123 Venables Street. Proceeds help fund programs that prevent homelessness for youth in foster care and moms in need. Come for a beer, leave with a tree, and support important community work.

@cheese_ladf on Instagram

A visit to les amis du FROMAGE at 843 E Hastings is a Strathcona Holiday must-do. Their shelves are stocked with Christmas specialities like Port-soaked Stilton and Scottish shortbread, plus the best selection of local and imported cheeses and charcuterie. Find everything you need to make the perfect holiday spread. If you hurry you may still get your hands on their famous house made Tourtiere (Quebec meat pie), made only at this time of year.

An extra special selection of sweet treats will be available Dec.20th when Scrape Baking is popping up at the shop from 1pm-6pm (or until sold out). Tis the season to eat cookies. And cheese.

An important must-do for the holiday season is to connect and gather with friends and family. We have some fabulous new food and beverage establishments in Strathcona that might just be the perfect new gathering places for you and your loved ones – places to delight beer lovers, wine lovers and coffee lovers alike! 

Container Brewing, Yeast Van’s latest brewery lounge, is officially open at 1216 Franklin St. Co-founders Terry Brown and Dan Webster have literally been building this space with their own barehands over the last few months and their efforts have paid off. Come for the tasty beer and stay for the warm and inviting space. Plus with dishes like the mushroom barley bowl and palenta bowl, their food menu can seriously fill you up. Open Mon-Wed 3pm-10pm, Th-Sat 11am-12am and Sun 11am-10pm.

@vv.tapaslounge on Instagram

VV Tapas Lounge is a brand new gathering space at 957 E Hastings where you’ll find artfully prepared small plates, locally and internationally sourced wines, craft beers and ciders. Prepare to be enamoured with the beautiful design of their space, open Tues-Sat 4pm-11pm. Their happy hour menu have us eyeing their extensive $4 Apertivo selection. Happy hour runs each day they are open 4pm-6pm, and 9pm-close.

@prototype.coffee on Instagram

Prototype Coffee is a new microroastery in Strathcona, tucked away at 883 East Hastings. They source unique, beautiful, and traceable coffees. All of their roasting for brewing, retail, and wholesale happens in three small Aillio Bullet R1 roasters located right behind the counter in their tasting room. Plus they offer over 14 different coffees at any given time. The experience here is not to be missed by coffee enthusiasts out there. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm and Sat 9am-5pm. 

Our final must-do activity on our list is to give back to one of the many fabulous community-serving organizations in our neighbourhood. There are so many opportunities to make a difference in this community, especially at this time of year.

This is by no means an exahustive list, but here are some organizations doing great work to serve those in need in our community:

Mission Possible

Union Gospel Mission

Lookout Housing and Health Society

Embers Eastside Works

Atira Women’s Resource Society

Wishing a wonderful holiday season to all!

Read More

What we know about the future of Prior Street

First, some context on the Arterial Route decision.

Decision makers have long debated the best route for a new East-West arterial route through the False Creek Flats/South Strathcona when the viaducts come down. 

In 2019 a Flats Arterial Community Panel was established to make a recommendation on the route.  After four months of in-depth engagement and deliberation on the topic, the panel recommended a National Avenue-Charles Street arterial alignment.

Then this Fall, when the Panel’s recommendation to Council was reconsidered, we saw the residential community of Strathcona rally over the future of Prior Street.  

The route decision was made more complicated by the intention of CN Rail to twin the Burrard Spur Rail Line. There are to be no at-grade-crossings with the rail tracks.  

Council has now made a decision. 

On October 2nd Vancouver City Council voted to support the construction of an underpass at no cost to the City along Prior Street at the Burrard Inlet Rail Line (just after Raymur Ave). Our understanding of the “no cost” piece is that the underpass component of the project will have to be funded in full by CN Rail and other stakeholders. In the same motion decision, Council also voted in a number of recommendations that will downgrade Prior to a “collector” road. 

Collector roads serve to collect traffic from local streets to access arterial streets or distribute traffic from arterial streets to local streets. 

The intention is to permanently reduce Prior Street to one lane in each direction. To do this, a pilot phase of various restrictions will be introduced, including 24/7 parking in the outer lanes. During the pilot phase, impacts to traffic on other local streets will be closely monitored. 

Captured in the decision is the intention for Prior Street to benefit from better public realm treatment, including better sidewalks with improved walkability measures. Also included in the decision is a speed limit of 30km along Strathcona Park. City right-of-ways are to be retained on Malkin Ave so that truck traffic can be prioritized off Prior.  

Pilot phase measures to calm Prior could be implemented as early as January 2020. The goal is to use Pilot phase learnings to inform the final design of Prior Street as a “great street”. In the infrastructure building phase (timeline unknown), we can expect to see wider sidewalks, more green infrastructure, street trees, curb bulges, and beautification measures such as banners, crosswalk murals, and possibly public art initiatives.

For those that want to read all 12 recommendations in the Council decision in detail, you can view the meeting minutes here. The final motion as approved starts on page 19.  

There’s still a lot that we don’t know. 

• It’s unclear how long the pilot phase will run for.
• Will the pilot phase measures solve current traffic safety concerns along Prior? Will they create problems on other local roads?
• It’s unclear on when funding and timelines will be determined for the build of the underpass.
• How will commercial properties and local businesses impacted by the underpass location and construction be supported? 
• What are the plans for the other at-grade rail crossings in the neighbourhood?
• Unrelated to this specific Council decision, what are the expected traffic impacts along this corridor when the St.Paul’s Hospital construction begins? (Plans were officially approved on November 5th, 2019). 

Let us know if you have other questions or thoughts to add to this list. We’re keen to learn about how SBIA members are impacted (both positively or negatively) by the coming changes to Prior Street. Please be in touch with johanna@strathconabia.com with your questions, concerns, or observations.  

Read More

Dialogue & Dinner: Reshaping the Strathcona Brand

Join us for an evening of engaging community dialogue to help us reshape the Strathcona business community brand.

Monday November 4th, 2019

5:00pm – 8:30pm

at The Pace, 520 Alexander Street

Dinner included

Do you believe Strathcona is a truly unique place? The SBIA is turning to the community to help them define, preserve and amplify that uniqueness.

This event is an exciting opportunity for you to provide your honest feedback and perspectives on how we move forward with the Strathcona business community brand. 

Doors will open at 5pm and a light dinner will be provided.

We have partnered with Stormy Lake Consulting to lead us through the evening. You’ll be working in small groups and discussing provocative questions that explore the Strathcona brand from many angles.

This event is open to all SBIA members, organization partners, community members and interested members from the general public. Your participation is valued.

Learn more about the event and register in advance at the event page.  

Read More

Resources to Support People Experiencing Homelessness

There are many small steps one can take to offer support to those experiencing homelessness in our community. The City of Vancouver has developed a resource page with information on actions you can take in different circumstances. It is always important to check in with the person you are concerned about in a safe and compassionate manner to see if they want help, and from there you can use the resources below to assist.

http://www.strathconabia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18-303-Homelessness-Resources-1.png

To learn more about sanitation-related services offered by the City of Vancouver and the Strathcona BIA check out this blog post. 

Read More

Strathcona Tax Empowerment Program

At the beginning of the year, commercial property owners across the city are issued a notice of property assessment. This is the value BC Assessment Authority places on your property based on market value and its highest and best potential use.

The Strathcona BIA has noted a dramatic increase in property values for 2019 and we’re taking action to support our members in the face of rising commercial property tax and its implications. Read on to learn what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and next steps.

Action

After much consideration, the Strathcona BIA Board of Directors has decided to commission a commercial tax agent, Paul Sullivan of Burgess, Cawley, Sullivan & Associates Ltd., to review all SBIA member properties.

This means every member of the SBIA benefits from a professional legal opinion regarding their 2019 commercial property assessment. The agent will then determine if a member has merit or grounds to appeal their assessment ahead of the January 31st deadline. If you are a property recommended for appeal, it will automatically be filed on your behalf. If you’ve already initiated an appeal, our action will not negatively impact it.

Our commercial tax agent, Paul Sullivan, draws from many different data sources and considerable experience to arrive at his recommendations. There is no guarantee our agent will recommend your property for appeal.

Properties with Grounds for Appeal

If an appeal is filed on your behalf, we’ll contact you with the information you need should you wish to proceed with your appeal process after January 31st including:

• The opportunity to learn more about what an appeal could mean for your property, business or organization
• The opportunity to engage Burgess, Cawley, Sullivan & Associates Ltd. or a commercial tax agent of your choice to represent you through the appeal process
• The decision to drop the appeal if it doesn’t serve you
• The decision to take no action therefore allowing the appeal to expire after March 15, 2019

All Members

The SBIA will attempt to reach all members the week of January 28th, in advance of the January 31st appeal deadline, with the results of the SBIA-wide property assessment review. If an appeal is not recommended for your address, and you disagree, you can still file your own appeal by going to bcassessment.ca

Both commercial property owners and commercial property tenants have a right to appeal their assessment.

Benefits

Per the board’s decision, the SBIA is absorbing the cost of $100 per property which includes the benefit of a SBIA-wide review, the agent’s opinion, a final report on Strathcona commercial properties, and the filing of the recommended appeals to the Property Assessment Review Panel. Normally, the cost to initiate a review for an individual property would be higher. However, the SBIA is in a unique position to leverage the scale of our membership for a lower rate, benefiting every business, organization and property across our community.

Next Steps

As members, you will hear from the SBIA regarding this issue and opportunity including:

• An email before January 31st to members containing the results of our commercial tax agent’s final report
• Members with merit or grounds for an appeal will hear more immediately from the SBIA in the coming weeks regarding next steps
• An email and direct mail in Spring, 2019, to all members summarizing our findings and hopefully our success through this collective appeal process

If you’ve never received an email from us before you may not be on our list. To sign up from the SBIA newsletter, please visit our homepage at www.strathconabia.com or email us at info@strathconabia.com.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Read More

Call for Artists – Hastings Urban Tree Nursery

Our concrete planters need a refresh!

About the Hastings Urban Tree Nursery

Four years ago we helped launch the Hastings Urban Tree Nursery (HUTN), a joint project with Hastings Crossing BIA to bring some greenery and beauty to East Hastings. We installed a series of concrete planters housing young trees, that have grown under the care of local businesses and organizations. Additional HUTN stewardship is provided by local social enterprise, Mission Possible Maintenance. Local artists were commissioned to paint unique murals on the planters.

What we are looking for

We’ve loved our first round of HUTN murals from 2014, but 10 of our planters are in need of a refresh. We’re inviting proposals from artists to re-paint our planters with marvelous new murals.

We would love to see works that engage with local community, heritage, culture, and natural elements. The works should enliven and enrich the Hastings corridor, while reflecting the values of the local community and the Strathcona BIA.

Examples of previous selected works:

The Details

Issue date: August 7th, 2018

Submission deadline: August 27th, 2018 by 5pm

Eligibility Requirements

This call is open to artists that reside in the Vancouver area. Indigenous artists and artists with ties to Strathcona are encouraged to apply. Artists who have previously completed works for this project are welcome to apply again. Artists must be able to complete the work before October 2018.

Planters and Associated Budgets

The area to be painted on each planter is approximately 113″ by 36″ (w X h)
Five artists will be chosen and each artist will be commissioned to paint the planters on one city block. Each selected artist will receive a base stipend of $400, plus an additional $200 for each planter painted. The blocks and program participants are as follows:

• 300 E Hastings Block, Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users – 2 planters ($800 allocated)
• 400 E Hastings Block, Vancouver Native Health Society – 1 planter ($600 allocated)
• 500 E Hastings Block, Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House – 2 planters ($800 allocated)
• 600 E Hastings Block, Mission Possible – 2 Planters ($800 allocated)
• 700 E Hastings Block, Mikado Martial Arts, Pure Design Inc, Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects – 3 planters ( $1000 allocated)

The SBIA will provide paint materials up to a maximum of $150 per planter. After painting, planters will be coated with a clear product to protect against graffiti damage.

The SBIA will work with the City of Vancouver to obtain any necessary permissions for selected mural proposals.

A selection committee will liaise with participating businesses and organizations to make the final selections by the beginning of September.

Submission Guidelines

• Submit one proposed design for a planter painting (width to height ratio is approximately 3:1).
• Submit an Artist Statement that introduces your work and the proposal submitted
• Submit up to 4 numbered portfolio images of your work
• Submit your resume
• Include your contact information, including e-mail and phone number

Submit your proposal online using our Google submission form: Submit a proposal here!
You can also submit a proposal by mail or in person at the SBIA office (address below). Clearly distinguish the proposed planter design from portfolio images submitted. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish to have your images returned.

Mail to:
1220 East Hastings St
Vancouver BC
V6A 1S6

We look forward to seeing your submissions!

Read More

SBIA Renewal

Successful Renewal

The Strathcona BIA Renewal process has concluded. On March 8, 2017 City Council approved the renewal term of seven years through 2024 and the funding cap.

During the various consultation sessions members identified many key priorities such as beautification initiatives and public perception of the area, as well as wanting to see continued investment in safety, property maintenance and cleaning programs.

Now that the process has wrapped up we can look ahead and begin evaluating and implementing additional programs such as:

• Beautification projects that could include public art pieces like installations, sculptures, murals, upgraded lighting etc.
• Pilot program to address and support members with debris on private property including hazardous material.
• Sustainable transportation advocacy plan that incorporates parking, movement of goods and people and curbside uses.
• Implementation of a Community Policing Centre on East Hastings.
• Strengthen our advocacy work at various government levels.

Thank you to all our members for your ongoing support, especially those who take the time to submit feedback and attend working sessions. Your feedback is what shapes the programming.

We look forward to working with, and on your behalf to build a thriving mixed-use, inclusive, and resilient local economy.

 

 

Read More