February welcomes the Year of the Dragon!

During the month of February, Vancouver came alive during its numerous Lunar New Year celebrations, including the incredible annual parade that took place in Chinatown. The weather was not as bright as organizers had hoped for, but I must admit to barely noticing the rain drops as we marched the parade route. The image above captured by a companion shows the fun I was having.

Hats off to the staff and volunteers of the Annual Spring Festival Parade, Lantern Festival, the Victoria Drive BIA, the Sunset on Fraser BIA, and the South Granville BIA for each hosting incredible Lunar New Year celebrations. An evening event hosted at the Floata Restaurant organized by supporters was a highlight as well – featuring 1,000+ and lots of music and performances!

Meeting Prince Harry and Meghan

In February 2025 the City of Vancouver and Whistler, BC will jointly host the Invictus Games. Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation and founder of the Invictus Games, and he and Meghan Markle – Duke and Duchess of Sussex – were in Vancouver as part of a one-year countdown event. I understand protocol and when an opportunity came up to attend an event at Hillcrest Community Centre, I registered not having any expectations other than to attend and show my support. Luck would have it that both Councillor Peter Meiszner and I were invited to greet the Duke and Duchess on behalf of the City. The fact that local musician Michael Buble accompanied them was a bonus. It’s a taste of the excitement that’s coming next year!

Continue reading below…

Month of February 2024 highlights

  • Attending the official Komagata Maru street naming ceremony at Canada Place
  • Proclaiming Vancouver “Women of the Silver Screen” to honour Michelle Grady (Sony Pictures Imageworks), Prem Gill (Creative BC), Liz Shorten (Canadian Motion Picture Association)
  • Celebrating the 67th Founding Anniversary of Filipino Association of British Columbia with organizers at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Touring Emily Carr University campus
  • Visiting with Mayor Brenda Locke, City of Surrey and touring her office after the Metro Vancouver Council of Councils meeting
  • Gathering with colleagues to hear the FIFA 2026 World Cup announcement where Vancouver landed 7 games!
  • Attending the Food Justice Coalition meeting at City Hall
  • Co-chairing the meeting with the Vancouver BIA Partnership
  • Pink Shirt Day
  • Proclaiming Ballet BC Day in the City of Vancouver
  • Touring Sarah McLachlan School of Music
  • Attending the Granville Seniors Centre Town Hall

-30-