Vancouver and Beyond

The City of Vancouver and Bombardier Transportation will provide a modern streetcar demonstration service to Vancouver residents and visitors during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan and Bombardier Transportation President of Light Rail Vehicles Grego Peters announced today.

The Downtown Streetcar 2010 Demonstration Project is a state-of-the-art, accessible and sustainable transportation project that will connect Granville Island to the Canada Line Olympic Village Station (Cambie Street and West 2nd Avenue) during 60 days of celebration between January 21 and March 21, 2010.

As part of the partnership agreement, Bombardier Transportation will bring two modern streetcars on loan from Brussels, Belgium to Canada. Bombardier will also operate and maintain the vehicles during the demonstration project.

“As Host City of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the City of Vancouver is delighted to be able to partner with Bombardier Transportation to offer a modern transportation experience,” said Sullivan. “This sustainable transportation showcase is an important first step in realizing our vision for the future of the streetcar – a clean, sustainable public transit option for which we believe the day has once again come.”

Sullivan also announced that the City of Vancouver has received permission from the International Olympic Committee and The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to name operation of the streetcar service The Olympic Line – Vancouver’s 2010 Streetcar for the duration of the 2010 demonstration project.

“Vancouver’s Olympic Line will demonstrate a new mode of sustainable rail transportation in one of the world’s most progressive transit environments,” said Bombardier Transportation’s Grego Peters. “We are delighted to contribute to the Downtown Streetcar 2010 Demonstration Project and are eager to showcase our high-performing streetcars in Vancouver and to visitors from around the world.”

The City of Vancouver is investing $8.5 million to upgrade the Downtown Historic Railway (DHR) infrastructure, including a $500,000 contribution from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which owns and operates Granville Island. This funding will be used to replace the aging and deteriorating DHR rail infrastructure between Granville Island and West 2nd Avenue. The investment creates the opportunity to demonstrate modern low-floor streetcar technology during the 2010 Winter Games while ensuring the continued future operation of the heritage railway after 2010, and making an investment in a future potential streetcar service along the alignment.

About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation has its global headquarters in Berlin, Germany with a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide. The Group offers the broadest product portfolio and is recognized as the leader in the global rail sector.
For more information, visit www.bombardier.com.

Media contacts:

City of Vancouver
Corporate Communications
604.871.6336

David Slack
Bombardier Transportation
450.441.3190
david.slack@ca.transport.bombardier.com

Tags: 2010, british columbia, canada, olympic games, transportation, vancouver

Calgary Herald

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Canada2Mexico Consulting is offering a seminar with information about the growing real estate market in Mexico.

It covers everything from real estate in Mexico to visa requirements, with speakers including David Ingram, Canadian and Mexican taxation expert, and Luis Brasdefer, corporate and real-estate law expert and founder of Mexico Consulting.

Other speakers include Caren Cross, award-winning documentary filmmaker and director of Lost and Found in Mexico.

The seminar is slated for Sunday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Delta Bow Valley at 209 4th Ave. S.E.

Online registration can be made at the website, www.canada2mexico.com/registration, for $95 per person — with a discount for realtors and travel agents.

Tags: calgary, canada, canada2mexico, mexico, retirement

Vancouver, BC — Three powerful words known to all Canadians will be forever linked with Olympic and Paralympic athletic achievement, with the 2010 Winter Games and with Canada. With Glowing Hearts was announced today as the motto for the 2010 Winter Games by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).
“With Glowing Hearts is connected and familiar to all Canadians through our anthem ‘O Canada’ and it also embodies what it takes to be an Olympic or Paralympic athlete,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “It embodies the emotions every athlete will feel — no matter where they are from or what flag they stand under — when they have the honour to represent their own country on the world’s grandest international stage in 2010.”
“With Glowing Hearts captures in a few simple, time-honoured words what it means to be Canadian, the deep pride we have in our country and who we are. It’s our hope that Canadians will see themselves in these words. They reflect our personality, our values as a country and our rich history,” continued Furlong.

Des plus brillants exploits was also revealed today as the French motto for the 2010 Winter Games. While the French and English mottos are different, they are drawn from the same inspiration. “Des plus brillants exploits references the pinnacle of achievement and the extraordinary feats of human endeavour that will occur, both for the athletes and for everyone involved in staging the 2010 Winter Games,” said Furlong.

“What better metaphor for the incredible achievements of the world’s best athletes than the heart itself?” Furlong continued. “And perhaps most importantly, the mottos describe the pride that results from outstanding achievement, be it an athlete’s performance of a lifetime or the valuable contribution of a dedicated volunteer. There’s a champion in everybody and the mottos invite everyone to step up to their own podium and give their very best through the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the 2010 Winter Games.”

The motto was launched today with the participation of several noted Canadian Olympic and Paralympic medal-winning athletes, including Daniel Wesley (Paralympic alpine skiing), Duff Gibson (skeleton), Carol Huynh (wrestling) and Denny Morrison (speed skating). Joining via video message was Nathalie Lambert (short track speed skating and Canada’s chef de mission for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games).

“I think With Glowing Hearts works no matter where you are coming from. It’s about being proud and working hard,” said Nathalie Lambert, a four-time Olympic medallist. “It’s about commitment, passion and dedication, and everybody has that when they make it to the Games. I think everyone will be inspired by that motto.”

“Finding the perfect motto for the Olympic Games is one of the great challenges Organizing Committees face,” said Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). “It may be the last inspirational words an athlete reads on the field of play before their performance of a lifetime, or the first celebratory words they see when stepping onto the medal podium. It should both welcome visitors from around the world and motivate an army of volunteers. With Glowing Hearts is an inspired motto choice and we commend VANOC on selecting a motto that delivers on all of these counts and invites the world to share in these time-honoured words from Canada’s national anthem.”

“The 2010 Winter Games motto will evoke the emotion and pride that everyone feels when performing at their best,” said Sir Philip Craven, MBE, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). “The motto captures the warm and welcoming spirit of the Host Nation and it promises to the world that the extraordinary achievements of all athletes will be honoured and celebrated. The motto also continues the spirit of the Paralympic values: courage, determination, inspiration and equality.”

With Glowing Hearts today becomes an integral element of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games communications platform. It will be integrated into pre-Games and Games-time materials and activities, and will be a key component of the 2010 Winter Games graphic identity that will be seen throughout the host region and at sport venues in 2010.

VANOC does not have and has no desire to own the phrases With Glowing Hearts and Des plus brillants exploits and VANOC’s use of the motto in no way changes how these words can be used by Canadians or how Canadians enjoy the national anthem as a whole or the specific phrases. VANOC has taken steps to protect its use of the motto, in both English and French, by registering the marks under trademark legislation but would only review the use of the motto if a business began using them to create a specific, unauthorized commercial association with the 2010 Winter Games.

With Glowing Hearts was selected in the fall of 2007 and was followed by focus testing in Vancouver, Toronto and Quebec City to ensure the concept, in both official languages, resonated with all Canadians. The VANOC Board of Directors and the IOC formally approved the motto in the spring and early September of this year respectively. A full creative campaign was then developed. With Glowing Hearts is being launched this fall with a national advertising campaign featuring television, internet and cinema spots as well as a print advertising campaign. The new thematic commercial that includes With Glowing Hearts is available immediately at www.vancouver2010.com. The site also includes a new desktop wallpaper for download featuring the new motto.

History of Olympic and Paralympic Games Mottos
Historically, Olympic and Paralympic Games mottos have been used to capture the essence of the Host Country. Recent Games mottos include Beijing 2008: One World One Dream; Torino 2006: Passion Lives Here; Athens 2004: Welcome Home; and Salt Lake City 2002: Light the Fire Within.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Contact
VANOC Communications
mediarelations@vancouver2010.com

Tags: 2010, canada, olympic, paralympic, vancouver, winter games

by Rick Cropp and, Barbara Braidwood
The Province

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Have you ever thought about owning a piece of waterfront property in Mexico or retiring there? The Canada2Mexico Retirement Seminar (www.canada2mexico.com) will save you hours of Internet research and answer the hundreds of questions you may have.

Subjects include the many options and benefits of buying real estate in Mexico for holidays or retirement, whether it is best to buy or rent, the pros and cons of coastal or inland lifestyles, medical and healthcare costs, documents and immigration, banking, cost of living and info on the treaties between Mexico and Canada that cover pensions, taxation and investment.

The event takes place on Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre.

In addition to the seminar, there is a free lifestyles exhibition where you can find people willing to answer specific questions. The seminar tickets start at $98 for a single ($120 at the door) to $185 for couples.

Mountain pampering

Head to Whistler this fall to relax and recharge. Indulge with Whistler Spa Escapes until Oct. 31 and take advantage of the Fall Spa Specials offered by nine participating spas. Plus, if you pay for your spa treatments with your Visa, you can get added savings.

For example, the Avello Spa and Health Club at The Westin Resort and Spa is offering a Fall Spa Special of 25 per cent off selected spa treatments. Pay with your Visa card when you indulge in an 80-minute massage and you’ll receive a complimentary Heavenly Milk Bath.

Have a look at www.whistler.com/ spa_escapes for details. Room rates start at $99 per night.

Famous house tour

The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles is exhibiting Between Heaven and Earth: The Architecture of John Lautner (1911-1994). Chances are you’ve seen one of his houses. At least two of them have been in numerous films. The most famous is the “Chemosphere,” which is a flattened sphere with wrap-around windows that stands high above a canyon on a single support.

The exhibit runs until Oct. 12. On that date there will also be a special tour of the 1963 Sheats/Golstein House. Tickets are $55 US.

See www.hammer.ucla.edu/exhibitions/139/ for details.

Britrail savings

You can save 20 per cent on a BritRail Consecutive Day Pass or a BritRail FlexiPass for travel between Nov. 1 and Feb. 28 when you buy it before Feb. 15. BritRail passes are not available in Britain and must be purchased before you leave home. Contact www.britrail.com or a travel agent.

Barbara Braidwood and Rick Cropp are Vancouver based-writers.

© The Vancouver Province 2008

Tags: baby boomer, canada, canada2mexico, investing, investment, mexico, museum, retire, retirement, spa, whistler

Location: 135 Southland Drive S.E.
When: Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Email: canada2mexico@gmail.com
WebSite: www.canada2mexico.com
Taking a beach vacation to Mexico is one thing – moving there involves much more planning. Find out everything you need to know about investing or retiring in Mexico. At the Retire & Winter Seminars and Exhibitions you will access all the important information you need to make an informed decision about moving to Mexico. Come and hear our highly trained experts from Canada, the US and Mexico. You will learn about tax benefits for Canadians, legal matters to consider, health care issues, Mexican culture, real estate and more.
Remember, our exhibitors and speakers are there to give you the tools, resources and tips to make your investment or move to Mexico a complete success.

Tags: baby boomers, calgary, canada, mexico, retirement

A great event for a great cause… Let’s all help create a future without breast cancer.

The High Tea & High Fashion Fundraising Event for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Region is at Season’s in the Park Restaurant! Join us for High Tea, fabulous fashion and superb shopping in our Prêt-A-Pour-Tea Silent Auction. Proceeds will be donated to CBCF to help advance breast cancer detection, treatment and cure, creating a future without breast cancer.

Where: Seasons In The Park Restaurant
Queen Elizabeth Park
Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M5
When: Oct 21, 2008, Tue 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Details: For more information please call: 778-552-1301

Tags: bc, breast cancer, silent auction, vancouver, yukon

Vancouver BC (OPENPRESS) September 6, 2008 — Blenz is participating in the 2009 Vancouver Fringe Festival as a Signature Sponsor, and have set up a temporary storefront at the Grolsch Fringe Bar and Coffeehouse, where they are offering Fringe-goers beautifully handcrafted coffee, tea, and chocolate-based beverages.

Blenz is taking this opportunity to invite the public to experience a little taste of coffee culture at Vancouver’s First Annual International Free Pour Latte Art competition.

The preliminary round will take place Saturday, September 6th, starting at noon. Many local coffeehouses are represented, including Caffe Artigiano, Caffe Crema, JJ Bean, Wicked Café, Cito Espresso, and Blenz stores.

The emcee for this event is Blenz’ own Layla Osberg, two-time international champion free pour latte artist.

The panel of judges includes some of Vancouver’s most respected members of the coffee community. John Sanders, owner of Origins Organic Coffee and Hines Public Market Coffee, is a longstanding technical committee member of the World Barista Championship, Specialty Coffee Association of America, and the US Barista Championship. Arthur Wynne of Wicked Café is a certified World Barista Championship judge. Wayne Wright is co-owner of Bravo Coffee Group.

Scoring competitors’ latte art will be based on four weighted categories totaling 50 points; the categories are Colour Definition, the infusion of the pure white milk foam into the rich espresso crema, worth 15 points, Symmetry of the latte art in the cup, worth 15 points, Esthetics or overall beauty of the free pour latte art, worth 10 points, and Creativity, something different than the traditional free pour rosettas, worth 10 points.

Twenty one competitors will be vying for the top eight spots. Those scoring in the top eight will be invited to compete in the finals, held September 26th at Library Square in downtown Vancouver. First prize is an all expense paid trip to Tokyo to attend the World Specialty Coffee Conference and Exhibition in October. Top performers will also be asked to Team BC, a group of coffee professionals sponsored by Blenz who will compete in coffee competitions on a global stage.

Make the Grolsch Fringe Bar and Coffeehouse at the Vancouver Fringe Festival on Granville Island a destination on Saturday afternoon, and watch Vancouver’s finest baristas as they pour their hearts into their work.

About Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd™
Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd is a premium retailer of handcrafted coffee, tea and other innovative and delicious specialty beverages. All of Blenz’ beverages are made in-store from only the highest quality ingredients available. Blenz’ commitment to serving a great cup of coffee, providing an excellent customer experience, and providing world-class staff training, has fueled Blenz’ growth from its inception. Blenz operates a network of over 85 franchise locations in British Columbia, Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and the Philippines.

For information about Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd., contact:
Mr George Moen
President
Blenz Coffee Ltd.
Telephone: (604) 682-2995
press@blenz.com

Tags: british columbia, canada, culture, fringe festival, vancouver

Toronto

Canadians Interested in Mexico Real Estate Opportunities Learn the Ins and Outs from Canada2Mexico Consulting

Customized for Canada, winter seminar series delivers keynote speakers and
ready-to-use information about the growing Mexico real estate market.

September 3, 2008 – For Canadians looking to benefit from the Mexico real estate opportunities now available, leading event-organizing specialists Canada2Mexico Consulting is inviting holiday-home buyers, baby boomers and retirees to what is set to be this year’s key event for Canadians looking to live part-time or retire in Mexico. Held over a week in October at three locations across Canada – Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto – the seminars will cover everything from real estate in Mexico to Visa requirements and more.

“Mexico is the top destination in the world when it comes to retiring and enjoying winter breaks, particularly for Canadians,” says Cecilia Ronderos, founder of Canada2Mexico Consulting.

“The reason for this is simple – Mexico offers first class healthcare at a fraction of the cost of its Canadian equivalent. Add in affordable beachfront properties, the abundance of opportunities for starting your own business and the genuine friendliness and warmth of the locals, and you can see why living or retiring in Mexico offers such an attractive prospect. Our seminars will help to make that prospect a reality.”

The Canada2Mexico seminars are now an annual event following their successful introduction in 2004. This year’s seminars see some of the foremost experts in Mexico’s investment, taxation and medical fields bring their expertise to answer any questions attendees may have.

• David Ingram – Canadian and Mexican taxation expert and media personality.
• Luis Brasdefer – Corporate and Real Estate Law expert and founder of Mexico Consulting.
• Caren Cross – Award-winning documentary filmmaker, director of Lost and Found in Mexico.
• Victoria Pratt – Formerly a resident of BC, who worked as public relations director with Mexico Boutique Hotels before entering the Mexico real estate field in 2004.

Offering an insider’s angle to the seminars will be Tom and Diane Barroll who moved to Mexico from Calgary in 2000. Owners of a successful property management business that was founded in Mexico, the Barrolls will offer their insight into why living or buying real estate in Mexico is the ideal step for Canadians planning for the future.

Rising house prices, an unstable economy and increasingly expensive medical and healthcare costs in Canada is changing the way many Canadians consider their future. The Canada2Mexico seminars will show why these same Canadians should look at buying real estate in Mexico.

Seminar Dates and Locations
• Vancouver
Saturday, October 18, 9 am to 5 pm
Simon Fraser University, Harbour Centre, 515 W Hastings Street

• Calgary
Sunday, October 19, 9 am to 5 pm
Delta Bow Valley, 209-4th Avenue SE

• Toronto
Saturday, October 25, 9 am to 5 pm
University of Toronto, 89 Chestnut Street

To RSVP and for more information about media trips to Mexico, please contact:
Laura Serena
Immedia PR
604.408.6511
laura@immediapr.com

About Canada2Mexico Consulting
Canada2Mexico Consulting is an independent company that organizes the annual Winter and Retire in Mexico Seminars and Exhibition, the largest event of its kind in Canada. The company continues to offer expert advice and help for Canadians who are looking to purchase real estate or retire in Mexico.

Further information about the seminars can be found at www.canada2mexico.com

Contact:
Cecilia Ronderos
Canada2Mexico Consulting
647.892.4052
cecilia@canada2mexico.com

Tags: baby boomer, canada, investing, mexico, retirement, toronto