#MyTransLink – June 26

A weekly friendly reminder that the next installment of the #MyTransLink series is up again! Through #MyTransLink, we share photos of the region submitted by you, who represent our beautiful community of residents and visitors. Scroll on down to see where transit takes you in all of Metro Vancouver’s glory! Thanks again to all you dedicated transit photographers! Without you, this series would be impossible.

Want to be featured? Snap and share your photos on social media using #MyTransLink.

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Transit your way to these awesome Canada Day events in Metro Vancouver

Canada Day is Monday July 1st!

“Happy Canada Day!” by Ian Muttoo is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

We want to see you get out there and be the proud Canadian you are! Here is a list of Canada Day events in Metro Vancouver lined up for this year and how to enjoy them taking transit. Ever wonder what Canada will be like in the next 30 years? Or specifically, what will your transit to Canada Day in 2050 would look like? Help your community shape the future of transportation in Metro Vancouver with the Transport 2050 survey. Keep an eye out for our Transport 2050 Engagement Bus at a couple of these events and more throughout the summer too!

Be sure to plan ahead with Trip Planner, keep up to date with the transit holiday service and to use the #MyTransLink tag to show us your awesome adventures. (You might get featured on our Instagram page!)

Fireworks over Burrard Inlet on Canada Day.

JUNE 27, 2019

Canada Day Celebration

Location: Thunderbird Community Centre Vancouver, 2311 Cassiar St, Vancouver, BC V5M 3W9
Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Transit: 27 bus from Rupert Station (or 8 min walk)

Not available on July 1st to celebrate Canada Day in all its glory? Don’t worry, there’s an early community event for you and your friends or family to celebrate your Canadian pride. Check here for more info and cool stuff that’s happening in the community.

JULY 1, 2019

Surrey Canada Day

Location: Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, 6386 176 St, Surrey, BC, V3S 1W8
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Fireworks: 10:30 p.m.
Transit: from Guildford Exchange (320 and 364 bus), from Surrey Central (502 and 364 bus)

This free family-event is expected to be the largest Canada Day event in Western Canada, welcoming over 100,000 throughout the day. The event features three stages of programming, food trucks, amusement rides, interactive activities and a variety of vendors.

Stevenston Salmon Festival

Location: Stevenson Village, 12740 Trites Rd, Richmond, BC V7E 3R8
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fireworks: 10:15 p.m.
Transit: 402 or 406 bus from Richmond-Brighouse Station

This festival is known for its beloved west coast seafood- salmon! The famous salmon barbecue over a fire pit is a must-try when venturing out on Canada Day in Richmond. Check here to see what other delicacies are offered and activities lined up.

Canada Day

Location: Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fireworks: 10:00 p.m.
Transit: 144 bus

In addition to learning more about Canadian history and posing for photos with actors in historical costumes, festival go-ers can enjoy a Canada Day cake at Edmonds Plaza and Park. There will also be concerts at Swangard Stadium. Full info at this link.

Canada Day

Location: Westminster Pier Park, 1 6th St, New Westminster, BC V3M 6Z6 (and Westminster Quay)
Hours: 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Westminster Quay from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Fireworks: 10:00 p.m. (at Westminster Quay only)
Transit: walk 2 mins from Columbia Station (Westminster Quay walk 2 mins from New Westminster Station)

There are lots of things happening in downtown New West! Visit both locations to get a full experience of what there is to offer while you are out with friends! Check here and here for more information of the events.

Golden Spike Days Festival

Location: Rocky Point Park, 2800 Murray St, Port Moody, BC V3H 1X2
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (July 1st)
Fireworks: 10:00 p.m.
Transit: 181 or 182 bus

This is one of the oldest and longest running festivals in BC. It kicks off on Friday June 28, until July 1st! There are a variety of food trucks and live performances for the Canada Day weekend. For more info on dates and times check here. (Note: Admission by donation.)

Coquitlam celebrates Canada Day

Location: Town Centre Park
Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fireworks: 10:00 p.m.
Transit: 183/186/188/191 bus from Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station

This is one of the biggest Canada Day festivals in the Tri-Cities area, check out for more information and see the site map here.

Canada Day by the bay

Location: White Rock West Beach
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fireworks: 10:15 p.m.
Transit: 361 or 362 from White Rock Centre

Celebrate Canada Day by the bay! Enjoy the live music with a stroll on the beach or enjoy an cold drink on the outdoor patios. More info here.

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We’re bringing #Transport2050 engagement to you this summer!

Our Transport 2050 engagement team and bus will be at community events throughout the summer!

TransLink is creating a new strategy for the next 30 years of transportation called Transport 2050, and we need your help. Find us at community events throughout the region to tell us how you want to move and live! Read more »

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The Summer 2019 edition of The Buzzer is now on the system

Summer is coming and we’re kicking it off with the latest edition of The Buzzer!

Read more »

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TransLink marks National Indigenous Peoples Day on SkyTrain

Staffer Dwayne Cunningham voices TransLink’s National Indigenous Peoples Day announcement on SkyTrain.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day and we’re thrilled to be marking this occasion on SkyTrain with voice announcements.

The voice belongs to Dwayne Cunningham, a TransLink staffer and member of the Katzie First Nation, whose traditional territories are along Fraser River near Port Hammond in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

Dwayne spent his teenage years living on the Katzie Indian Reserve and remains active in the community today, visiting his extended family at least once a month.

He says Indigenous cultures like the Katzie can feel distant, but there are vibrant communities throughout British Columbia and across Canada – all doing historically interesting and exciting things. Everything from pow wow dances to participating in Native fisheries throughout the summer.

“Indigenous culture can feel distant or other cultures aren’t invited into those places or things, but those doors are open,” says Dwayne. “It’s just do people want to come in?”

“I think National Indigenous Peoples Day might be that opportunity to open that door a little bit and just kind of look in and see what that culture has been about, what it is about and where it’s headed.”

That’s Dwayne’s message to transit riders in the voice announcement.

He invites transit riders to visit translink.ca to see what National Indigenous Peoples Day events are happening in their community and learn how to take transit to get there.

And that’s ultimately what National Indigenous Peoples Day is about – it’s an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the cultural diversity of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

While these groups have similarities, each group has some distinct differences that make them unique through cultural practice, languages and more.

Dwayne challenges everyone to make a concerted effort to understand where Canada comes from and what Canada even is.

“You often hear people say Canada has no culture of its own or Canadian cuisine isn’t a thing,” he says. “But we just haven’t taken a moment to investigate it.

“Salmon is absolutely British Columbian. That is Native cuisine and that is in my mind Canadian cuisine.

“Hopefully that will spark some pride in the cool nation that we live in.”

The voice announcements play at all Canada Line stations, select Expo and Millennium Line stations, and onboard Expo Line trains travelling between Commercial–Broadway and Main Street–Science World stations through June 22.

Author: Allen Tung

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#MyTransLink – June 18

We’re back at it with another week of #MyTransLink. A special place where we share the regions photos as submitted by you – Metro Vancouver’s community, neighbours and visitors. Scroll on down to check out the latest in #MyTransLink.

Read more »

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TransLink takes you to National Indigenous Peoples Day events

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canadians coast to coast will be celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples! While these groups have similarities, each group has some distinct differences that make them unique through cultural practice, languages and more.

Between June 16 and 28, there are a myriad National Indigenous Peoples Day events happening throughout Metro Vancouver! We’ve compiled a selection below — transit can get you to these events. Plan your trip using our Trip Planner, and sign up for Transit Alerts and know before you go.

TransLink works, operates and serves on the traditional territories of 46 Coast Salish First Nations within Metro Vancouver.

EVENTS ON SUNDAY JUNE 16, 2019

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location/Venue: Oppenheimer Park, 488 Powell Street
Transit: 95 B-Line bus
Event information can be found HERE

EVENTS ON FRIDAY JUNE 21, 2019

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration 2019 – New Westminster

Time: 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Location/Venue: Moody Park, 600 8th Street
Transit: near New Westminster Station 
Event information can be found HERE  

National Indigenous Peoples Day at Trout Lake in Vancouver

Time: 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Location/Venue: 3350 Victoria Drive, Trout Lake Community Centre
Transit: Near Commercial-Broadway Station, near 20 bus
Event information can be found HERE

Free Gallery Admission – National Indigenous Peoples Day

Host: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2G3
Transit: Burrard Station
Event information can be found HERE

Surrey’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and Wellness Event

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location/Venue: Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Road
Transit: King George Station
Event information can be found HERE

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Community Paddle – Port Moody

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location/Venue: Rocky Point Park, 2800 Murray Street
Transit: Moody Centre Station
Event information can be found HERE

National Indigenous Day Event & Button Blanket Workshop – SFU

Time: 10:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location/Venue: SFU Education (EDB 7608), 8888 University Drive, Burnaby , BC V5A 1S6
Transit: 145 SFU bus from Production Way-University Station or 143 SFU bus from Burquitlam Station
Event information can be found HERE

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Time: See site for more info
Location/Venue: 200-1131 Howe St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2L7
Transit: Waterfront Station
Event information can be found HERE

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Burnaby Public Library Civic Square, 6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Transit: Metrotown Station
Event information can be found HERE.

House Pole Raising

Time: 1:00 p.m. and onwards
Location: Stoney Creek Community School, 2740 Beaverbrook Crescent, and, Edmonds Community School 7651 18^th Ave
Transit: Stoney Creek –136 bus from Lougheed Station
Edmonds Community – 123 bus from New Westminster Station 
Event information can be found HERE.

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration at Rocky Point Park

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (meet at the Cottonwood office at 5:00 p.m.)
Location/Venue: Rocky Point Park, 2800 Murray Street
Transit: Moody Centre Station
Event information can be found HERE

Film Festival: Smoke Signals (1998)

Time: 6:50 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.
Location: Tommy Douglas Branch, 7311 Kingsway, Burnaby
Transit: 133 bus 
Event information can be found HERE.

Read more »

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This is Vancouver’s newest Instagram hotspot: SkyTrain’s Joyce–Collingwood Station

The upgrades at SkyTrain’s Joyce–Collingwood Station are now complete and not only is there a new, upgraded elevator and escalator to improve passenger access, there’s a colourful public art installation that wraps around the new stationhouse and the nearby bus loop! Read more »

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Talk Transport 2050 with us at Car Free Days this weekend, June 15–16

Last year’s Car Free Day on Main Street!

Car Free Day Vancouver is back on June 15, 16 and July 7 and we’ll be there to talk Transport 2050 with you.

Transport 2050 is a new shared regional strategy that will help navigate the next 30 years of transportation in Metro Vancouver!

Read more »

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#MyTransLink – June 11

It’s that time of the week again, where we share the regions photos as submitted by you – Metro Vancouver’s community, neighbours and visitors. #MyTransLink celebrates the beauty of our region through select transit-related shots. Scroll on down to check out the latest in #MyTransLink.

Read more »

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#Transport2050: More than 9,700 completed surveys and ideas!

After just one month of engagement, Metro Vancouverites have completed almost 9,000 surveys and shared almost 900 bold and creative ideas for the future.

TransLink is leading the development of Transport 2050, a new long-term transportation strategy for our region. And thousands of you who live, work and play across Metro Vancouver have stepped up to have a say!

Transport 2050 will set out what our region needs to build, do, and provide to meet our transportation needs between now and 2050. And a regional strategy needs regional input, so we’ve launched the largest engagement in our history to ask: What’s important to you? What are your transportation priorities? And, what are your ideas for the future?

After just one month of engagement, Metro Vancouverites have completed almost 9,000 surveys and shared almost 900 bold and creative ideas for the future. Below are some highlights from Phase 1 of engagement but if you haven’t taken part yet – don’t despair! You can participate until September 22. Read more »

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Raven Rescued by Your Friendly Neighbourhood SkyTrain Attendant

Being a SkyTrain Attendant means you’re a jack-of-all-trades. On any given day, you may need to help someone find their destination, assist a customer having a medical issue, or even manually drive the SkyTrain (if needed in extreme weather). The list of situations SkyTrain Attendants may find themselves in is long and often falls into the, ‘and other duties’ portion of the job description.

That’s what SkyTrain Attendant Pat discovered last week when he encountered a distressed raven that trapped itself behind a fenced off area.

During his shift at Holdom Station, Pat heard what he described as a child crying loudly. After analyzing the area, he found a raven mimicking the call for help, and a friend circling around to keep it company.

If you ever find a distressed animal by transit centres and don’t know what to do, we recommend notifying our SkyTrain Attendants or call the Wildlife Rescue Helpline (604-526-7275) with a message detailing what you have observed. This is for the best interests of the animal and you.

In this situation, Pat was able to help. Going beyond the ordinary is just one of the things our SkyTrain Attendants do everyday.

Your friendly neighbourhood SkyTrain Attendants have a broad responsibility to provide all our passengers (feathered or not) with a smooth transit experience. To learn more about what they do, take a look at Cheri’s interview as she talks about her 17+ years dedication to the job.

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TransLink Tomorrow’s vanpool a boon for UBC commuter Clay

Clay McMullen, a UBC staffer, is one of close to 48 people participating in TransLink’s vanpool pilot program.

For the last five years, Clay McMullen has been making the stressful, bumper-to-bumper commute between his home in Abbotsford and the University of British Columbia’s Point Grey campus where he works.

The 200 kilometre round trip requires Clay to leave for work at 4:40 a.m. and then leave UBC for home at 3:30 p.m, five days a week.

“Money isn’t the big thing — the big thing is the stress of being behind the wheel,” says Clay.

But since February, the daily three-hour combined commute has gotten a lot easier.

“Two or three, or six of us can share this burden in a vanpool.”

Clay now commutes with six of his coworkers, who live in the Fraser Valley and South of Fraser, as part of a vanpool (a carpool but with vans!), organized by TransLink in partnership with Modo.

He says this small change has been a major boon to his lifestyle.

“Vanpool is good for the environment, good for my stress levels, and good for my wallet.” Read more »

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Join us for TransLink’s Annual General Meeting and Open Board Meeting on June 19, 2019

Join us on June 19, 9 a.m., at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Wilson School of Design in Richmond for our Annual General Meeting (AGM)! You can also watch the livestream on Periscope and Facebook.

You’ll hear from speakers about TransLink’s unprecedented year in 2018 and commitments for 2019, including an update on Transport 2050 — our largest public engagement ever.

We welcome questions from everyone at our AGM, so bring them and we’ll do our best to answer them.

Ask away in the comments if you’re watching the livestream. Any questions that we aren’t able to get to will be getting back to you a.s.a.p.

June’s Open Board Meeting will follow at 10 a.m. after a brief break.

Details:

When: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 9 a.m.
What: Annual General Meeting and Quarterly Open Board Meeting
Where: Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, 5600 Kwantlen Street, Richmond, BC (near Canada Line’s Lansdowne Station)

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8 ways TransLink promotes accessibility

May 26 – June 1 is National AccessAbility Week – a week dedicated to changing the way we think, talk and act about accessibility and inclusion. TransLink is proud to offer a fully accessible fleet to people with different types of mobility, enabling everyone to travel by bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express. Our fleet of vehicles has low floors with ramps and high floors with lifts, and all SkyTrain stations have elevators. It’s all part of our commitment to making transit accessible for as many people as possible. Read more »

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