Picture of the Day: Bizarre Bench Bump

A "bench bump" on the Granville Street Bridge

We like the new upgrades on the Granville Street Bridge, but what the heck is this?

On the the bridge is a protected biking and walking path, and there are periodic so-called "bench bumps", a kind of ramp made of asphalt outlined in bright yellow and a bench on there.

People have commented that they look like last-minute additions because they stick out and not clearly thought out. Others say when you sit on the bench, you see the railing, not the northwest view of the Burrard Street Bridge and English Bay.

One person said they have a friend who needs the opportunity to rest their legs periodically and this fits the bill despite the slap-dash appearance of the bench.

Apparently these bench bumps are temporary, but that could last between a few months to a few years.

After spending $54 million, they can't get bench bumps right? Why aren't they fully integrated with the sidewalk for pedestrians, and why so low that people's views are blocked by the railing?

Why can't our taxpayer dollars be spent in a more aesthetically-pleasing way?

High Levels of E. coli in Waters off Vancouver Beaches

Kitsilano Beach is one of several with high levels of E. coli

Summer in Vancouver is going to be long this year, it's really hot already, and now you can't cool off on the beach because the water has been tested with E. coli.

Several beaches including Second Beach, Third Beach, Kitsilano Beach, Sunset Beach, English Bay, and Trout Lake have a no-swimming advisory after being found with high levels of E. coli.

It's a bacteria commonly found in the intestinal tract of animals and humans, but it can also be found in swimming water that has been polluted with untreated waste. In this case it could be because of leaking septic tanks, discharge from boats and storm water runoff after heavy rains.

While Vancouver Coastal Health is not prohibiting people from going to the beach, they are strongly advised not to go into the water.

Health officials say if you swallow water with high levels of E. coli, that could lead to vomiting, infections and diarrhea. E. coli can also irritate skin, and seniors, children and people with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to it.

Eeeeek!

Another reason to stay home in air conditioning!

A Chilly Plunge to Start 2025

A group of people took the plunge into English Bay today

January 1 not only marks the first day of the new year, but it's also the day for the annual Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver, and in parts of British Columbia.

Thousands of people showed up at the English Bay to either dip their toe into the freezing water, or plunge their entire body into the water. While the outside temperature was 7 degrees, the water was much colder, and it's still chilly even in the summer.

The Polar Bear Swim is in its 105th year

The key to a successful polar bear swim is preparation. Old hands advise having a towel, shoes, and clothes laid out before taking the plunge so that you can quickly get warmed up. It also helps if you have friends or family to assist.

The Polar Bear Swim is in its 105th year, started by Vancouver restaurant owner Peter Pantages in 1920. His granddaughter Lisa Pantages says her Greek immigrant grandfather always swam in the ocean every day -- which is why he decided to make it an event on New Year's Day that year.

"It was sponsored. My grandfather would have people back to his restaurant. Anybody who swam got a free hot meal afterwards," she said in a CBC radio interview.

These days cold plunges are very popular, though there isn't much scientific evidence that claim it eases inflammation and improves mood, among other purported benefits. But it's something about a group of people gathering together and running into the water to start the new year that makes it extra special.

Picture of the Day: Celebration of Light with Mexico

Dazzling fireworks from Mexico this evening

The annual Celebration of Light has returned to Vancouver where different countries compete in showing off their best pyrotechnics in the sky.

Tens of thousands gathered at English Bay early to grab a spot and watch the sunset before the fireworks began at 10pm.

There were tons of people, as the Chinese expression goes, 人山人海, basically meaning "people everywhere". There were several food trucks lined up next to each other, and each one having a queue of hungry customers for hotdogs, popcorn, Thai food, and tacos. 

We are lucky to have an amazing view of the dazzling spectacle, though we too had to arrive early before the roads were closed off to traffic.

While the half-hour show wasn't as full-on as Australia's was, there were lots of interesting shapes and colours as well as a variety of fireworks on display from Mexico.

Closing off the event on Saturday is the Philippines, making its debut this year.