Vancouver and Beyond

Courtesy of www.canada2mexico.com
Featuring Darlene & Bill Jones from Comox,
British Columbia

We live in Mexico 4 to 5 months of the year. We started going south to escape the cold prairie winters. A couple of years ago we decided to invest in the property market in Mexico and we built
Bungalows Casa Ana. We purchased a lot close to the beach, and the adventure building in Mexico
and living through the construction process is something we will always remember. We chose the
resort town of Rincon de Guayabitos in the state of Nayarit for its’ wonderful beaches, small town feel,
lack of crowds and its proximity to Puerto Vallarta.

We feel we chose wisely as property values along the entire Nayarit coast have appreciated significantly during the past few years. In fact, we are delighted because during our first year in
business we were full for the entire tourist season!

Besides the wonderful weather, we love the camaraderie of the friends we have made, the exercise of body boarding, the food, the music, the margaritas… As, we are in Mexico part of the year only, we are able to enjoy the best Mexico has to offer and maintain the best of our home in Canada.

Of course we have faced some challenges, particularly when we were constructing the bungalows. Fortunately, we had a Mexican son-inlaw working for us and our daughter who lives in Mexico full time speaks fluent Spanish.

Now that the construction is complete, our life is much more relaxed and we enjoy spending our
winters in Mexico, visiting our daughter, and relaxing poolside at Casa Ana. We are learning Spanish and find each year that the town’s people speak more English so daily life is simplified. We still find it wise to be cautious in transactions, to check that the prices are correct and that the correct change has been given as some vendors and store staff will try to take advantage of tourists.

We always carry travel insurance and have had to use it for minor illnesses only. If you are visiting
Rincon de Guayabitos we highly recommend Dr. Lydia, in La Penita, but her English is a bit limited.
We recommend bringing enough of your medications with you, for the time you will be in Mexico. Medications are sold over the counter here, but they are not always the same dosage or prepared as we know them. For a major emergency, go to the San Javier Hospital which is located close to Wal-Mart in Puerto Vallarta. There are two new modern dental offices in town. We have not used them but we hear good things about both.

We have driven from Canada to Mexico, twice and we will not do it again only because it is such a long
drive. The toll highways are great–much easier to drive than the highways in the USA. Our advice is
to stick to the toll highways and find a hotel early to avoid driving in the dark. Local two lane roads
require patience and defensive driving skills, and an understanding that if someone tries to pass, can’t
make it, and has to cut in front of you, you let him in–don’t think the driver is cutting you off deliberately–it’s simply typical of Mexican drivers.

Truck drivers will often signal that it is okay to pass but don’t take their judgement as gospel. What
they think is a safe passing distance and what you think can be two different things. Also, if you have
to slow down suddenly or warn others of something on the road (e.g. animal, accident, construction)
put your four-ways on to alert the drivers behind you, a common practice in Mexico.

In four years of driving in Mexico, we have come to know the Guayabitos area well and know how to
drive there. We have only had one negative experience with the Transit Police in Guadalajara. The policeman said my husband had made an illegal left turn. He was going to take his driver’s license away but then said we could pay the fine on the spot and named a price. Don’t expect a receipt!

There are many things to love and enjoy in Mexico but after 18 years of visiting the country annually, we are always cautious in all our dealings as the fact remains, we are foreigners in a third world country. Living in Mexico is definitely less expensive than in Canada but prices are rising.

Depending on the life style you want, you can no longer expect to live on a shoestring. I would strongly advise anyone wanting to live in Mexico year round, to spend four to six months in the area of their choice before buying–go in the worst heat of the summer–June to October and if you can handle that, you’ll be fine.

Submitted by Darlene & Bill Jones from Comox, British Columbia. Darlene & Bill spend their winters in Rincon de Guayabitos, in the state of Nayarit with their daughter Leeme who lives there full time with her husband Gabriel, and manages Bungalows Casa Ana. Leeme and her husband, are expecting their first child, and have made the difficult decision to sell Bungalows Casa Ana so they can move to Canada so their child can be close to their grandparents, and be schooled in Canada. For more
information about Bungalows Casa Ana please contact Leeme directly by email at saanam@hotmail.com or by calling 011 52 327-274-3291.

Tags: canada, comox, guayabitos, living, mexico, retirement

Tony Robbins invites you to experience this powerful weekend event!
Where: Thunderbird Stadium
Stadium Road University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
When: Oct 17-20, 2008
Details: UBC Thunderbird Arena
Unleash The power within is for people of action and influence. “Unleash the power within” is for people of action and influence. Be a part of an incredibly entertaining environment that empowers you to take action immediately to transform your life forever.

http://www.powerwithin.com/

Tags: anthony robbins, british columbia, october, power within, thunderbird stadium, ubc, 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

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

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

Whistler ready for the world in 2010

Whistler, B.C. – With the Olympic flame extinguished in Beijing, the eyes of the world will now turn to Vancouver and Whistler as the Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Winter Games, less than 18 months away.

And though it’s already known as one of the world’s top winter and summer resorts, Whistler – where more than half of the 2010 Winter Games medals will be won and awarded – is ready to give the thousands of visitors, athletes and officials an unforgettable shared experience, says Barrett Fisher, Tourism Whistler’s President & CEO.

“The energy and excitement surrounding the 2010 Games has been building in Whistler for years, but it took a noticeable jump during the Beijing Olympics, because we know we’re next,” says Fisher. “All the hard work and effort put in by the Whistler community: The Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, VANOC staff in Whistler, hotels, restaurants and other tourism operators, have put us in the position to walk onto the world stage confident that people who come here before and during the Games will have a memorable experience, immersed in the spirit and the pulse of the 2010 Winter Games in a beautiful mountain winter setting.”

Whistler’s three competition venues are complete: Whistler Creekside for alpine skiing events, the Whistler Sliding Centre for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton, and Whistler Olympic Park, for Nordic and cross-country skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping. Whistler Village’s pedestrian stroll, already lined with restaurants, cafes and pubs, will be dotted with six Live Sites, where thousands of people will gather each day and evening to watch Games events on large outdoor screens, and to take in free entertainment including bands, performing artists, and theatre. Medal presentations will be held at Celebration Plaza each evening. Most of the Paralympic Games events a month later are also held in Whistler.

“We know that people want to attend the events, but people also have a tremendous desire to be with each other and to celebrate with people from around the world. If people are in Whistler Village during the Games, they’ll be in the centre of the action as Whistler adds its own energy, spirit and history to the Olympic legend,” says Arlene Schieven, Tourism Whistler’s Vice President of Marketing. “And remember that throughout the Games period, more than 90 per cent of Whistler Blackcomb will remain open for skiing and snowboarding. Only a small part of the mountain will be affected by the events. As well, outside of the weeks leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games, the 2009/ 2010 season will be business as usual.”

For those who don’t want to wait until February 2010, there are many ways to get a taste of Whistler before the Games. Tours of the Whistler Sliding Centre (whistlerslidingcentre.com) go until August 31 this year, and will continue next summer. Self-guided tours of Whistler Olympic Park (whistlerolympicpark.com) go until September 1 this year, and continue next summer. Both tours provide a close-up and hands-on experience of what those events look like. Skiers and snowboarders can experience the Dave Murray Downhill at Whistler Creekside, where the alpine skiing events will be held.

Another reason to visit Whistler before the Games is the new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, opening in December 2008, which will stretch from the top of Whistler Mountain to the top of Blackcomb Mountain and travel a distance of 4.4 kilometres (2.73 miles) in just 11 minutes. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will be the longest, highest gondola of its type in the world and will let skiers and snowboarders easily move around to access the best weather and conditions on any given day at Whistler Blackcomb. It will run in summer too, giving visitors breathtaking alpine views.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – opened 2008
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – where mountains, rivers and people meet – embodies the spirit of partnership between two First Nations and their shared values of preserving and sharing our traditional cultures.

The Centre is the first of its kind in Canada, showcasing two distinct cultures: the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. The Centre is a spectacular building located on traditional territory, nestled in a pristine forest and mountain setting. This magnificent venue, designed in the form of a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken (underground pit dwelling), houses a Great Hall, museum, theatre, the Squamish Lil’wat giftshop and café.

Whether viewing canoes of different styles from both Nations, discovering how cedar is harvested, learning Salish wool weaving or cedar weaving from accomplished artisans, watching a cultural performance, or viewing a series of films on the cultures, a visit to the Centre is designed to be an enriching and transformative experience.

Squamish and Lil’wat hosts will welcome guests as they approach on a walkway graced with pictograph-adorned boulders and enter through magnificent hand-carved cedar welcome figure doors. Once inside, massive spindle whorls, suspended canoes, intricate weavings and thundering drumming – with a spectacular backdrop of mountains seen through unobstructed glass – provide a truly dramatic setting. Future plans include a traditional Squamish Longhouse, the Lil’wat Istken (earthen dwelling with fire pit), outdoor barbeque facility and ethno-botanical gardens. The culturally rich program options and authentic arts add a new dimension to the Whistler experience.
Nita Lake Lodge – opened 2008
Perched on the shore of lovely Nita Lake, offering gorgeous views of surrounding mountains, lake and forest, the luxurious Nita Lake Lodge is steps away from Whistler Creekside, site of the alpine events of 2010 Winter Games. The 77-suite lodge features deluxe studio, one, two and three-bedroom suites. Exclusive private residences offer guests the intimacy of a high-end private chalet and the amenities of a luxury hotel. The lodge boasts a full-service spa, wellness centre and lakeside restaurant. The Lodge includes 4,000 square feet of meeting space, two function rooms and state-of-the-art technology for meetings and business functions.

Tags: 2010, olympics, vancouver, whistler, winter games

The City of Vancouver held a special ceremony today to honour the nine distinguished citizens selected to represent Canada as torchbearers in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Torch Relay. The tenth torchbearer, Mayor Sam Sullivan, is already in the Chinese capital.

The theme of the Beijing Paralympic Torch Relay is “Transcendence, Integration and Equality” and the total length of the route is 13,181 km. The lighting ceremony of the torch relay was held at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven earlier today and a total of 850 torchbearers will take part in the nine-day event.

Among the Canadian torchbearers, Andrea Holmes, Bruce Gilmour, Shirley Olafsson and Duncan Campbell were chosen by a five-member community panel to represent the City of Vancouver. A total of 68 applicants or nominees were nominated based on their Olympic or Paralympic Games performances, their contributions to the cause of the Games, or their abilities to inspire and motivate fellow citizens.

At today’s ceremony, Deputy Mayor Raymond Louie received a Paralympic torch, specially flown in from Beijing to officially mark Canada’s participation in the event, from Consul General Yang Qiang of the People’s Republic of China.

The Canadian torchbearers will fly to Beijing next week and participate in the relay which will be in 11 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

Vancouver was originally selected as one of three international cities to host the first-ever International Paralympic Torch Relay. In June of this year, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 29th Games of the Olympiad (BOCOG) announced that the relay route had been modified and the international leg of the event was cancelled. BOCOG subsequently announced that 10 Canadians would participate in the Beijing torch relay, along with 10 torchbearers from London, England and 10 from Sochi, Russia.

The City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) partnered to select the 10 Canadian Torch Bearers. Four were selected by the City of Vancouver, two by Whistler, and four by the CPC, which included Mayor Sullivan among its selected torchbearers.

Biographies of Vancouver Torchbearers
Andrea Holmes

Andrea Holmes is a below-the-knee amputee who has turned her physical limitation into a powerful strength. She has been competing for Canada for 6 years, and represented our country at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Olympic Summer Games and at the Commonwealth Games, where she won a bronze medal in long jump. In 2006, Andrea made a transition from track and field to Alpine Skiing, and now trains daily in preparation for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. In addition to being an amazing athlete, she is also a role model and inspiration to many through her public speaking as an RBC ambassador. Andrea motivates young and old to overcome any disabilities. Her goals are to ensure everyone in Canada knows about Parasport, and to ensure that no one with a disability misses out on the opportunity to experience the thrill of sports.

Bruce Gilmour

Bruce Gilmour represented BC at the Canadian National Summer Games as a middle and long distance runner. He was selected to the standing national track team for the New York 1984 Paralympic Summer Games, and serves as the first VP of the Canadian Blind Sports Association. Bruce is also an active member of the BC Blind Sport and Recreation Association (BCBSRA). Bruce lost his eyesight from an accident in his early 20s. His love of recreation and leisure activities led to a Bachelor Degree in Forestry and Geography and a successful career in the forestry industry. Bruce is very active in community service and sits on the 2010 Legacies Now Disability Advisory Committee to support inclusion and sustainability in the 2010 Winter Games.

Duncan Campbell

A Winnipeg native, Duncan Campbell is affectionately known as the “Quadfather” of Wheelchair Rugby (aka Murderball). Quad Rugby, which he invented in the late 1970s, is an action-packed, must-see sport that has raised the profile of wheelchair athletics throughout the world. Duncan was a recreation therapist at G. F. Strong Rehab Centre for approximately 16 years, and colleagues from his tenure there are especially proud of his contribution to the world of sport. In 2006, Duncan was honoured by the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association (CWSA) in the “Builder Category” for his role in the creation and evolution of the sport. He is a member of the Paralympic Hall of Fame, and the annual trophy awarded to the Wheelchair Rugby National Champions is now called the “Campbell Cup.” Duncan humbly acknowledges that his role as athlete, coach and advocate for Wheelchair Rugby has changed his life and the lives of countless others. Duncan currently works with the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association.

Shirley Olafsson

If Shirley Olafsson were still competing she would surely be a Paralympian. Hers is an inspirational story, as she was born with a club foot and extensive surgeries left her with one foot sized 5 1/2, the other sized 9 1/2. Nonetheless, she placed 10th in high jump at the London 1948 Summer Olympics, won the Canadian High Jump Championship in 1949, and placed 5th at the 1950 British Empire Games. In 1947, Shirley was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the Vancouver Hedlunds Basketball Team (winner of the Canadian Championship) and individually as a high jumper. Today, Shirley coaches youth track and field, basketball and curling. She plays tennis three times a week, and swims regularly. Shirley is a member of the Richmond Spirit of BC Community Committee, and helped organize the Beijing 2008 Summer Games Opening Ceremony event in Richmond.

Torchbearers Representing the Resort Municipality of Whistler
Brad Lennea

Brad Lennea has been skiing for Canada on the Para-Alpine Ski Team since 2002. Lennea has not only embraced the sport and competed at the highest level; he has become a true leader in his community. Lennea’s accomplishments go well beyond his success in the gates. Lennea is committed to raising the profile of the Paralympic Games and specifically sit-skiing. He continues to help train individuals at the grass-roots and those on the BC Disabled Ski Team.

Sarah Tipler

Sarah Tipler has been a tireless Whistler volunteer from her home in Squamish. Tipler is a graduate of the Leadership Sea to Sky Forum. Tipler can also be found volunteering at VANOC events and working in the race office during the Rotary GS and BC Para-Alpine Championships. Sarah recently became an Alpine Level 1 Race Official, and is planning on volunteering as a race official for many years to come.

Torchbearers Selected by the Canadian Paralympic Committee
Peter Eriksson

Peter Eriksson is the coach of Paralympic multi-medallists such as Chantal Petitclerc and Jeffrey Adams as well as up-and-coming athletes. He has been to every Paralympic Summer Games as a coach since 1984, and the athletes he has trained have won 103 medals over that time. He is the author of books on wheelchair racing and athletes with a physical disability.

Eamonn Nolan

Eamonn Nolan is public school teacher who has tirelessly supported his wife Victoria, who will be representing Canada in rowing in Beijing. He drives his wife to every practice, training camp and regatta as well as to appointments with massagers, doctors and personal trainers. He has also created a fan website for the rowing team and publicizes the team’s races and individual rowing accomplishments. He teaches all of his classes about people with disabilities and the Paralympic Movement.

Sian Blyth

Sian Blyth is the volunteer president of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program, high performance director for the Disabled Skiers Association of BC, and program coordinator for BC Wheelchair Sports. She has moved the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program from a group of about 35 volunteers delivering 50 lessons annually to a registered non-profit organization with 120 volunteers and nine paid staff who deliver more than 1,000 lessons a year.

Mayor Sam Sullivan

Mayor Sam Sullivan was chosen for his work as a builder and leader in helping to make the perception of disability disappear and replacing it with the inclusion and equity. Sullivan broke his neck while skiing at the age of 19 and is a quadriplegic.  He is the founder of six non-profit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of North Americans with disabilities. After being elected to Vancouver City Council in 1993, Sullivan served as a City Councillor for 12 years and was elected Mayor in November of 2005.
Members of the Vancouver Community Panel:
Maggie Ip: Retired Teacher, Educator; Former Vancouver City Councillor, Founding Chair & Vice Chair S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

David Jang: Regional Communications Manager CBC Vancouver

Rob Sleath: Vice-Chair CNIB BC-Yukon, Division Board President Access for Sight Impaired Consumers, Chair
TransLink’s Access Transit User’s Advisory Committee

Paul Tubbe: President PhoenixRising Solutions: Universal Design, Accessibility, and Business Research/Design Consultants

Kelly Smith: Paralympian, NavCan Air Traffic Controller, Sport Advocate
For more information:     
Corporate Communications
604.871.6336

Tags: beijing, british columbia, canada, olympic, paralympic, vancouver

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 investing and moving to Mexico. Come and hear the 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. (no time share are sold)

Dates & Venues:

Vancouver – Saturday, October 18, 2008 — Simon Fraser University, Harbour Centre
Calgary — Sunday, October 19, 2008 — Delta Bow Valley 209-4th Avenue SE, Calgary
Toronto — Saturday, October 25, 2008 — University of Toronto, 89 Chestnut Street
» REGISTER ONLINE » ENTER TO WIN A HOLIDAY FOR TWO

Program
We bring Mexico to you! We have the answers you are looking for about living, wintering and investing in Mexico. Get information about taxation; visas, immigration and real estate. Learn practical tips for a smooth transition to Mexico. Find out about Mexican culture; the people and their national heritage.

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Lifestyles in Mexico Exhibition
Free Admission – At this exclusive exhibition we feature Real Estate opportunities, Travel information and services, Spanish schools, Medical tourism and more. Learn about San Carlos, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, Baja, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Ajijc and Lake Chapala and other favourite destinations for snowbirds and retirees.

——————————————————————————–

Speakers
Canada2Mexico connects you to experts with up-to-the-minute detailed, information. Whether you have been at our events in the past, or this is your first time, you will get new perspectives with this year’s new speakers and experts. The Agenda will be posted on September 15th.

Tags: baby boomer, calgary, canada, canada2mexico, event, mexico, retirement, seminar, toronto, vancouver

On August 9 and 10, the City of Vancouver and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) will host a free  2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration alongside the 9th Annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival in downtown Vancouver.

The aim of the celebration is to bring the Olympic and Paralympic spirit and Vancouver’s diverse sporting culture to life in an inspiring weekend of entertainment for the whole family.

The celebration will feature: a giant outdoor screen showing coverage from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, live athlete interviews, sport demonstrations and musical entertainment.

Top Canadian athletes will be available for autograph signings, while 2010 Legacies Now and Sportfit will provide the festival goers the opportunity to experience Olympic and Paralympic sports through demonstrations and the chance to try out some sports themselves.

The two-day celebration event will feature live musical entertainment from around the world, including the Big Bang Big Band, Kutapira Marimba Band, Orquesta Goma Dura, Lache Cercel Roma Swing Ensemble and Johnny Montuno.

When:                   
The Celebration kicks off on the main stage in Chinatown on August 9 at 2 p.m.

Events will take place between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on August 9, and from 12 noon to  6 p.m. on August 10. 

Where:        
Corner of Keefer Street and Columbia Streets.

For more information and a complete schedule of events during the two-day celebration, visit the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration website at vancouver.ca .

For more information:

Corporate Communications
604.871.6336
 Media contact onsite (August 9 and 10):
Anna Parisi
Optimum Public Relations
604.828.2875
 

2008 Olympic and Paralympic Celebration Schedule of Events
August 9 and 10, 2008
August 9       2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
                            

2:00  2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration kick off 
2:30
 CBC coverage of the opening ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
 
3:20
 Athlete interview: – Olympian Alexa Loo, Snowboarding
 
3:30
 Entertainment by Big Bang Big Band
 
4:15
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Garrett Hickling, – Wheelchair Rugby
 
4:30
 CBC overage of competition from the 2008 Olympic Games
 
5:20
 Athlete interview: Olympian Mark Johnston, Swimming
 
5:30
 Entertainment by Johnny Montuno
 
6:15
 Athlete interview: Olympian Stephanie McCann, Pole Vault
 
6:30
 Celebration of the Paralympic Spirit
 
7:20
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Andrea Holmes, Long Jump and Downhill Skiing, RBC Athlete
 
7:30
 CBC coverage of competition from the 2008 Olympic Games
 
8:00
 Event ends
 

August 10     12 noon – 6 p.m.

12:00
 CBC overage of competition from the 2008 Olympic Games
 
12:50
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Misty Thomas, Wheelchair Basketball
 
13:00
 Entertainment by Kutapira Marimba Band
 
13:45
 Athlete interview: Olympian Crispin Lipscomb, Snowboard-Half Pipe, RBC Athlete
 
14:00
 CBC coverage of the opening ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
 
14:50
 Athlete interview: Olympian Margaret Langford, Canoe-kayak
 
15:00
 Entertainment by Orquesta Goma Dura
 
15:45
 Athlete interview: Olympian Tammy Bradley, Freestyle Skiing
 
16:00
 Celebration of the Paralympic Spirit
 
16:50
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Donovan Tildesley, Swimming, RBC Athlete
 
17:00
 Entertainment by Lache Cercel Roma Swing Ensemble
 
17:45
 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration wrap up
 
18:00
 Event ends

Tags: 2010, beijing, british columbia, canada, olympic, paralympic, vancouver