Welcome to Metro Vancouver Updatehttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/188/Welcome to Metro Vancouver UpdateWelcome to Metro Vancouver Update<div class="ExternalClassD419C644B7AA4C7A9F7E26151EBEC551"><p>It's nearly Thanksgiving, when kitchen menus switch from summer fare to autumn meals. Whatever you cook, find new ideas on saving food and money with the Love Food Hate Waste campaign.  In addition to avoiding food waste, there's a buzz around waste reduction in all its forms; packaging, sourcing materials, product design and more. If you're interested in local and national conversations about waste,  the Zero Waste Conference might be for you. </p><p>Also in this edition find updates on our utilities, tools for assessing your air quality, tips for taking care of your plumbing, heart-warming photographs from our regional parks photography contest and an invitation to join apple festivals, fall hikes, and to volunteer your time to help the environment at an EcoBlitz. </p><p> </p><p><em>Metro Vancouver is a partnership of 21 municipalities, one Electoral Area and one Treaty First Nation that collaboratively plans for and delivers regional-scale services. Its core services are drinking water, wastewater treatment and solid waste management. Metro Vancouver also regulates air quality, plans for urban growth, manages a regional parks system and provides affordable housing.</em> </p></div>Welcome0 0

 

In this issue

 

 

Announcing Metro Vancouver’s 5th Annual Zero Waste Conference, Thursday, October 29, 2015http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/170/Announcing Metro Vancouver’s 5th Annual Zero Waste Conference, Thursday, October 29, 2015Announcing Metro Vancouver’s 5th Annual Zero Waste Conference, Thursday, October 29, 2015<div class="ExternalClassB34C905D712D4FFEA1B4A166C920B91E"><p>​Metro Vancouver's Zero Waste Conference has grown in strength and numbers year to year as word gets out that Metro Vancouver is serious about tackling waste reduction locally and nationally. Get motivated, and get more information on where we are heading as a region, and a country, on waste reduction. Join us in <em>'remaking the way we make things'</em>.</p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue12-zwc.jpgRead more...zwcFull
Zero Waste Conference Opening and Closing Keynoteshttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/172/Zero Waste Conference Opening and Closing KeynotesZero Waste Conference Opening and Closing Keynotes<div class="ExternalClass7255A4F7EFB34D8C9B5D0CAB6A80029F"><p>​This is your chance to hear from two unique keynote speakers: William McDonough, architect, designer, and author, and cofounder of the <a href="http://www.c2ccertified.org/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute</span></a>, and Stefan Sjöstrand, president of IKEA Canada on<strong> </strong>IKEA's <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_CA/this-is-ikea/people-and-planet/index.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN">People & Planet Positive initiative</span></a>.</p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/keynotes.jpgRead more...keynotesFull
Looking back at how we used water in summer 2015http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/175/Looking back at how we used water in summer 2015Looking back at how we used water in summer 2015<div class="ExternalClass6403DC08907E43818A26A6E1FDFCDDB9"><p>​In summer 2015 we had very unusual weather in winter (low snow pack), spring (low rain) and summer (drought and high temperatures).  Metro Vancouver has generated an infographic using water consumption and reservoir levels data, and Environment Canada's weather records. Take a look at how we used our water in summer 2015…</p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue13-water-use.jpgRead more...waterFull
This Thanksgiving find one new way to Love Food Hate Wastehttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/176/This Thanksgiving find one new way to Love Food Hate WasteThis Thanksgiving find one new way to Love Food Hate Waste<div class="ExternalClass647AE48758274C51BE0236568746727D"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#444444;font-family:"segoe ui","sans-serif";font-size:10pt;">Metro Vancouver's <em><span style="font-family:"segoe ui","sans-serif";">Love Food Hate Waste</span></em> campaign is expanding. Befriend it on Facebook, and see it at a grocery store near you. Look for tips on how to save up to $700 per year on your grocery bill, and then share your own tips to loving your food,  but not the waste. </span></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue37-lfhw.jpgRead more...lfhwFull
Capilano Road open to local traffic during construction of a major water mainhttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/177/Capilano Road open to local traffic during construction of a major water mainCapilano Road open to local traffic during construction of a major water main<div class="ExternalClass9295D751DE1B488A91B87C0BC690A89D"><p>​Metro Vancouver is in the midst of a major infrastructure upgrade right in the middle of Capilano Road in North Vancouver. Thanks to careful planning, the road remains open to local traffic.</p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue37-capilanoconstruction.jpgRead more...capilanoFull
Matsqui Transfer Station closing October 31, 2015http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/178/Matsqui Transfer Station closing October 31, 2015Matsqui Transfer Station closing October 31, 2015<div class="ExternalClass25F056B787EE45099BC08C38B5BC93E4"><p>​Metro Vancouver and the City of Vancouver operate six transfer stations serving the region. The seventh, the Matsqui station is closing as of Oct 31. </p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue37-transferstations.jpgRead more...matsquiFull
Never Flush Wipeshttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/179/Never Flush WipesNever Flush Wipes<div class="ExternalClass0CF1227B50BB47BB8F7047BC197BE6EF"><p>​Many household and hygienic wipes are labelled "flushable", but don't easily break down in the sewer system. They clog pipes, damage equipment and spill sewage into the environment. Wipes belong in the garbage. Visit <a href="/services/liquid-waste/preventing-problems-pipes/wipes/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-decoration:underline;">neverflushwipes.ca</span></a> for more. </p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue37-unflushables.jpgRead more...nfwFull
Sapperton Landing development protects the environment and increases green spacehttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/180/Sapperton Landing development protects the environment and increases green spaceSapperton Landing development protects the environment and increases green space<div class="ExternalClassDC52BBFE2C4C4A63A47A40AF5C4997D0"><p>​Metro Vancouver is redeveloping a piece of Sapperton Landing in New Westminster to accommodate a new liquid waste pump station, and to also add green space, public washrooms, and a work and storage space for Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. </p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue37-sapperton.jpgRead more...sappertonFull
Smoky skies and air quality advisories in summer 2015 http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/181/Smoky skies and air quality advisories in summer 2015Smoky skies and air quality advisories in summer 2015 <div class="ExternalClass3A9B3D94544D407CA8E85126AB5576DC"><p>​Metro Vancouver issues air quality advisories for both Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in partnership with Environment Canada, the Fraser Valley Regional District and B.C. Ministry of Environment. Three of the four <a href="/services/air-quality/emissions-monitoring/advisory-status/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-decoration:underline;">air quality advisories</span></a> Metro Vancouver issued this summer were directly linked to wildfire smoke.</p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue37-clearair.jpgRead more...air-qualityFull
Exploring Community Energyhttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/182/Exploring Community EnergyExploring Community Energy<div class="ExternalClass636601FE65564AD49181B3F7D94DBFE2"><p>​With support from Metro Vancouver, researchers at UBC's Collaborative for Advanced Landscape Planning have created a tool called the <a href="http://www.energyexplorer.ca/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">Community Energy Explorer</span></a>, which provides easy-to-understand information about our region's energy supply, energy demand, and renewable energy potential.</p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue37-energyexplorer.jpgRead more...communityFull
Congratulations local photographers - Metro Vancouver Parks Photo Contest http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/183/Congratulations local photographers - Metro Vancouver Parks Photo ContestCongratulations local photographers - Metro Vancouver Parks Photo Contest <div class="ExternalClass9903DE0447E94DE987619F21166CED04"><p>​Our expansive regional parks system reflects some of the most natural areas accessible to all of us living in the urban centre- and are part of what makes a livable region. All of these pictures were taken close to where you live – come out to your regional parks, rain or shine, and see what's on offer.</p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue37-photo-contest.jpgRead more...photo-contestFull

 

 

Check it out - Fall edition is out nowhttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/184/Check it out - Fall edition is out nowCheck it out - Fall edition is out now<div class="ExternalClass22BC82D16F3D49948CB7C6F4C126F07C"><p>​Apple festivals, spawning salmon, birding walks and a murder (of crows that is). Intrigued? The <a href="/events/regional-parks-nature-program/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Fall 2015 event guide</a> has great programs and events for you, and your family, to learn about, connect with and enjoy our Regional Parks.</p></div>Read more...Check It OutSummaryBottom
Regional Arts & Culturehttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/189/Regional Arts & CultureRegional Arts & Culture<div class="ExternalClass5ADBB075E6C54B18B019B849C3B2C5A5"><p> <img src="/metroupdate/PublishingImages/maxguide-logo.PNG" alt="" style="width:150px;padding-right:20px;float:left;" /> <a href="http://www.maxguide.org/" target="_blank">​MAXguide.org</a> Metro Vancouver’s regional arts and culture calendar, is a collaboration of regional culture stakeholders, providing free listings of arts and culture events for arts organizations, individuals and selected art businesses<span lang="EN-US">.  Check out what’s happening across the region.</span></p></div>Read more...MAXSummaryBottom
The Sustainable Region and Metro Vancouver Close Uphttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/185/The Sustainable Region and Metro Vancouver Close UpThe Sustainable Region and Metro Vancouver Close Up<div class="ExternalClassDCC2951B825B43F6BE38BA6677B20B5D"><p> <img src="/metroupdate/PublishingImages/TSRLogo.jpg" alt="" style="width:150px;padding-right:20px;float:left;" /><a href="/media-room/video-gallery/the-sustainable-region" target="_blank"><strong>The Sustainable Region TV</strong></a> series examines how Metro Vancouver manages growth, protects the environment, and delivers vital services to residents of our region.</p><p><a href="http://bcove.me/3i9u73u1" target="_blank">TSR Episode 09 2015 Burns Bog</a> (repeat from 2014) - Burns Bog is the largest undeveloped urban land mass in North America and home to a wide array of plants and animals. See what's being done to protect this vital 300 hectare ecological conservancy area and meet some of the people who make it happen.</p><p> </p><p> <img src="/metroupdate/PublishingImages/metrocloseup-logo.jpg" alt="" style="width:150px;padding-right:20px;float:left;" /> <a href="/media-room/video-gallery/metro-vancouver-close-up" target="_blank"><strong>Metro Vancouver Close Up</strong></a> shows how municipalities and community groups are promoting sustainability and shared regional goals. New videos are posted each month. </p><p>Current videos include: </p><ul><li><a href="http://bcove.me/hmbl2dqd" target="_blank">Greenest City Grants</a> - Vancouver gets closer to its greenest city goals with the help of the Vancouver Foundation and Green City Grants. $1.4 million has been allocated to 500 projects. See how the funding program fosters creative solutions & supports local green efforts.</li><li><a href="http://bcove.me/s695xu0w" target="_blank">Building Community 2015</a> - When it comes to building community, individuals can make a difference - one hug at a time! See how projects such as 100inaDay and Abundant Communities harness people power to strengthen our social fabric with positive, grassroots initiatives.</li><li><a href="http://bcove.me/wr4o8i71" target="_blank">Linwood Garden</a> - Community Gardens give people such as apartment dwellers a chance to get their hands dirty and grown their own food. Learn how the City of Langley and LEPS worked together to create this all-ages, wheelchair accessible amenity for its residents.</li></ul><p>These programs air back to back on Shaw TV4, Delta Cable 4 and Novus TV4:</p><p>Shaw TV 4: Wed 7:30pm; Sat 12:30pm; Mon 3:30pm; Tues 11pm<br>NVTV4: Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri at 8:30pm; Tues, Thurs, Sat at 9am & 3:30pm<br>Delta TV: Sun/Mon at 8am & 2pm; Mon-Fri at 11:30am</p><p>And they are always available <a href="/media-room/video-gallery/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">online</a>.</p></div>Read more...TSRSummaryBottom
Sustainability Community Breakfasthttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/186/Sustainability Community BreakfastSustainability Community Breakfast<div class="ExternalClass09D6CC04053C4EF4B4D0D4D1889EF919"><p>Metro Vancouver's Sustainability Community Breakfasts is a series of monthly breakfast meetings that support the Sustainable Region Initiative. They provide an opportunity to build networks and partnerships, to increase awareness and understanding of the opportunities and challenges related to sustainability, and to bring together individuals and organizations interested in the sustainability of the region. Find out more.</p><p>The next Sustainable Community Breakfast is scheduled for October 14, 2015 and the topic is Building Community in the Metro Vancouver Region. </p><p><a href="/events/community-breakfasts/Pages/default.aspx">Information and registration</a></p></div>Read more...breakfastSummaryBottom
Facts about zero wastehttp://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/issue-13/187/Facts about zero wasteFacts about zero waste<div class="ExternalClass834B8533802843FA9E85E0A6723A92FE"><p class="ExternalClass3726EE51F5034B3DA0BA44AD5FCB13EB">Metro Vancouver is responsible for long term planning and disposing of the waste generated by residents and businesses in the region</p><div class="ExternalClass3726EE51F5034B3DA0BA44AD5FCB13EB"><ul><li>Some of <a href="/services/solid-waste/about/reports-resources/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">what goes to disposal</a> can be avoided; over 30% of Metro Vancouver's waste is food, over 10% paper and nearly 15% plastics. </li><li>Metro Vancouver works with our member municipalities to improve regulations, public education and access to recycling to reduce our waste further</li><li>Our goods come from all over the world, and whether locally or internationally produced, the majority of these products are designed without waste reduction and end-of-life recycling in mind</li><li>The National Zero Waste Council was formed in 2013 to address the environmental and economic costs of waste, and to substantially reduce waste</li><li>The annual <a href="http://www.zwc.ca/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Zero Waste Conference</a>, October 29, 2015 in Vancouver, is the place to get more information on where we are heading as a region, and a country, on waste reduction.</li></ul></div></div>Read more...Did You KnowSummaryBottom