Landmark complex’s new look features redesigned food court, lower level

Vancouver, B.C.; January 22, 2014 – This week, Harbour Centre Complex Limited is marking the official opening of its lower level and food court after a multi-million dollar redevelopment. The extensive interior upgrades began last spring and focused on creating a brighter, more welcoming space through higher ceilings, open-concept lounge spaces, and a fresh colour palette

The expanded eating and common area occupies approximately 17,500 square feet, and features seating for more than 600 patrons. 13 vendors in the redesigned food court offer a variety of options ranging from healthy fare to selection of world cuisines, including local concept Rice ‘N Spice and the first Canadian retail location of popular New York based chain Famous Famiglia Pizzeria.  A full list of retailers can be found here: http://bit.ly/1dPjtMY.

“There’s a daytime population of 130,000 within one kilometer of Harbour Centre. We saw an opportunity to create a more contemporary and inviting atmosphere to better serve existing customers and attract new patrons to the Centre,” says Richard Lui, General Manager, Harbour Centre Complex Limited. “We’re thrilled with the finished product and look forward to welcoming customers to the revitalized space to experience all we have to offer.”

Other new amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi zones, larger washroom facilities, and digital directories. The redevelopment was designed by SSDG Interiors Inc. in conjunction with project architects, DA Architects + Planners.

The building’s exterior façade is also currently undergoing improvements that are scheduled for completion in late spring. Wider entryways, new canopies, and improved signage will add colour and light to the building, improving street presence for pedestrians.

About Harbour Centre Harbour Centre is home to a 28-story office tower, a nine-story office building with historic origins, Simon Fraser University Downtown Campus, The Vancouver Lookout Observation Deck, Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, and two levels of shops and services. Recognized as the Information Technology Hub of Western Canada, Harbour Centre houses 5,000 office workers, students, and faculty. Located at the junction of Vancouver’s key transportation arteries, it is easily accessible from anywhere in the Lower Mainland, by road, bus, train, floatplane, Seabus, or Helijet. For more information, visit www.harbourcentre.com.

Earlier this year, we met with the team from The Kettle Society to talk about their Facebook page.  Together we all brainstormed some ways they could build a stronger page, engage their existing audience, and gain new followers that would find their page helpful and interesting.

Since then, they’ve done an awesome job with their updating their page regularly and posting valuable content related to their services, events, news, and topics important to their organization.

Head to their Facebook page  to learn more about the society and the great work they do!

File this one under: Really Great Gift Idea for the foodie / spirit connoisseur on your Christmas List. Vancouver's first micro-distillery, Long Table, has launched Peppermint Mist just in time for Christmas. Made with local, organic peppermint, this little tipple has Christmas in every drop. Imagine Peppermint Mist in hot chocolate, drizzled over vanilla ice cream, or served chilled as an accompaniment to a chocolatey Christmas dessert.

I, for one, can't wait to take this beauty along on my next wintery hiking trip. It will be heartily enjoyed along with some hot coffee on top of a snowy North Shore Mountain.

And in other news, Charles & Rita Tremewen, owners/distillers of Long Table, have just told us that next week they are launching Vancouver's first Aquavit. Aquavit is a traditional Scandinavian spirit made with herbs and spices. It's traditionally served around Christmastime, so it makes another great gift choice for a spirit-lover on your list.

- Simone

Vancouver Airport Authority's Engineering team created a can-sculpture out of 800 tin cans.

On Thursday, the Vancouver Airport Authority and its partner businesses on Sea Island came together with a Christmas Food Hamper Drive in support of Quest Food Exchange.

More than 450 hampers were contributed by employees of companies right across Sea Island. The hampers, each of which will include a turkey courtesy of the Vancouver Airport Authority, will benefit Quest families in need this Christmas.

YVRAA & Quest

Just some of the 450 hampers donated.

The tally board shows the spirit of the YVR community,

Showstoppers made sure everyone was in the Christmas spirit.

Elettra Communications with Santa. Happy to be part of the big day at YVR!

Black Friday came to Richmond Centre and Pacific Centre for the first time this year and shoppers got some great deals. Here's a story in Saturday's Vancouver Sun.

Zoe Pawlak is featured in Elle Canada's Five Minutes With profile. She talks rugs, colours, and fashion collaborations. Read it here.

Vancouver, BC; November 21, 2013 – Burritt Bros. Carpets & Floors is announcing the official launch of the Zoë Pawlak Over Oceans Rug Collection.  The collection, which is a series of five graphic area rugs inspired by a single Pawlak painting, is a stunning example of what is possible when art, technology, and business meet. “It has been incredible to see Over Oceans, a piece that is so personal for me, transformed into something entirely new,” says Zoë Pawlak. “Through this rug collection, I’ve been able to explore the variations that are made possible by working in a new medium. It’s opened up an opportunity to connect with art buyers in whole new way.” The source painting, Over Oceans, explores the passing of time and crossing the ocean, a once-unimaginable distance to traverse. Each of the rugs in the series depicts the movements, variations, and endless possibilities that a single, massive expanse of water can have.

“Zoë is an innovator and a trendsetter. Her approach is never bound by what is expected,” says Keith Donegani, Burritt Bros. Carpets & Floors. “This collaboration combines that spirit with the latest rug making technology and Burritt Bros.’ knowledge of what consumers are looking for in their homes. This is a true collaboration between creative entrepreneurs.”

Over the past decade, Pawlak has built a strong following across North America, working with private clients, interior designers, and select brands. Having worked closely with designers to create custom pieces, Pawlak is keenly aware of the opportunity to connect with her buyers beyond their walls.

“I’ve never felt bound to a single medium or a single theme, because there are so many ways to engage and connect with the people who buy and appreciate my work,” says Pawlak. “The business of art is rapidly changing, and that presents new opportunities. By embracing collaboration - whether it’s through canvas, textiles, or rugs - a whole new body of work is born. For me, the connection to people is the most important part of the collaborative process, and Burritt Bros. shares that same value.”

The Over Oceans rugs are individually hand-knotted in Nepal. Stock size for all five rugs is 8’ x 10’, however, as a result of Burritt Bros. custom rug capabilities, sizes can be adjusted to meet each client’s needs. The collection can be viewed at Burritt Bros., 3594 Main Street in Vancouver, and online at http://burrittcarpets.com/zoe-pawlak.html.

The YVR School Tour is in its final month for 2013. Thousands of grade five students from across the Lower Mainland have visited the airport to learn about the operations, art, and architecture of Canada's second busiest airport. They've even learned the very best technique for folding the perfect paper airplane.

Tour Guides Jake and Anna of Elettra Communications have been leading the classes through their airport adventure day. Read about some of the rave reviews our tour guides have been getting on the YVR blog.

Malls across Canada will extend hours and offer promotions on November 29, 2013

Toronto, ON (November 4, 2013) – After kicking off the holiday season with a bang in 2012, The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited is pleased to announce extended hours and that retail promotions will be expanded nationally on Black Friday, November 29, 2013.

A total of 21 properties from across the country will open early for shoppers: Toronto Eaton Centre at 6:00 a.m., 15 properties at 7:00 a.m., and five properties at 8:00 a.m. To kick-off the day, each property will give away $10 Cadillac Fairview SHOP! CARD® to the first 100 shoppers to arrive at Guest Services.

“Canadians want to experience Black Friday, whether it’s for the first time or as an alternative to shopping in the U.S.,” said Wendy Greenwood, Director of Marketing, Ontario Portfolio. “Shoppers’ expectations are constantly being raised and Cadillac Fairview properties provide the unique retail experience that Canadian shoppers are looking for. We are proud to have developed a platform to keep shoppers, and their holiday shopping dollars, in Canada.”

Traditionally Black Friday is held in the United States on the day following American Thanksgiving, and is largely regarded as the start of the holiday shopping season. In 2012, Cadillac Fairview was the first to offer Canadians a widespread Black Friday option, including extended hours, sales and promotions comparable to those traditionally found in the U.S. As a result of the 2012 Black Friday campaign, participating retailers at nine Cadillac Fairview properties in Ontario and Manitoba saw a significant increase of sales and traffic.

"Cadillac Fairview is once again raising the bar in the Canadian retail landscape,” said Agnès Ciccarelli, Director of Marketing, Eastern Canada Portfolio. “Our national Black Friday campaign will provide Canadian consumers with a first-class shopping experience, offering a large selection of sales and promotions from top-tier brands. Black Friday is the perfect day for our guests to kick-start their holiday shopping and maximize their budgets, while shopping for family, friends, and co-workers."

For a complete list of participating shopping centres and more information, please visit shops.ca.

BC · Pacific Centre, Vancouver o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Richmond Centre, Richmond o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Alberta · Chinook Centre, Calgary o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Market Mall, Calgary o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Manitoba · Polo Park, Winnipeg o Open 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Ontario · Fairview, Toronto o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Fairview Park, Kitchener o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Lime Ridge, Hamilton o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Markville, Markham o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Masonville Place, London o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Promenade, Thornhill o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Rideau Centre, Ottawa o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Sherway Gardens, Toronto o Open 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. · Shops at Don Mills, Toronto o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Toronto Eaton Centre, Toronto o Open 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. · TD Centre o Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Quebec · Carrefour Laval, Laval o Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Fairview Pointe Claire, Montréal o Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Promenades St-Bruno, Montréal o Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. · Galeries d’Anjou, Montréal o Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

New Brunswick · Champlain Place, Moncton o Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

About The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited

The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited is one of North America's largest developers, investors, owners and managers of commercial real estate. With a portfolio valued at more than $21 billion, Cadillac Fairview and its affiliates own and manage nearly 44 million square feet of leasable space at 76 properties across North America, including some of Canada's landmark developments, such as Toronto-Dominion Centre, Toronto Eaton Centre, Pacific Centre and Chinook Centre.

Cadillac Fairview is wholly-owned by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, which invests to secure the retirement income of 303,000 active and retired teachers in Ontario.

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® a registered trademark of The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited.

The renovation of the former Sears/Eaton's building in downtown Vancouver is a massive undertaking, and one that will significantly change the face of downtown. But what is happening to the 6.8 million tonnes of material that are being removed from the site? And what are the unique challenges when renovating a building of that size? Cadillac Fairview's Tom Knoepful answers those questions in this Globe & Mail Q&A.

What do you get when you bring together six of Canada's finest chefs, all of whom have competed for Canada at the Bocuse d'Or (the worlds most prestigious culinary competition)?

A pretty darn spectacular evening of food, that's what.

On Wednesday, the Canadian Culinary Federation's Culinary Team Canada "Bocuse d'Or Laureate" hosted a tasting event at JOEY Jasper Avenue in Edmonton. It was only of only two opportunities the team has to practice together before heading to the Dubai World Hospitality Championships in November. But with world class pros like these, that's guaranteed to be more than enough.

Guests at JOEY Jasper sampled dishes by Chefs Michael Noble, Andrew Springett,  Arthur Chen, Scott Jaeger, Morgan Wilson, and Chris Mills.

Watch CTV's coverage of the event here, and check out the Liane Faulder's Edmonton Journal story about the evening here.

Go Team Canada!

Canadian Culinary Federation selects Canadian Bocuse d’Or Laureate team 

Toronto, ON; September 18, 2013 - The Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC) officially announced today its team of chefs for the Dubai World Hospitality Championships 2013 . CCFCC Culinary Team “Bocuse D’or Laureate” is comprised of former Canadian Bocuse d’Or competitors who will compete against twelve teams from around the world in Dubai, UAE from November 17-19, 2013.

Managed by Dr. Jane Ruddick, - a Bocuse d’Or team “management laureate”- the members of CCFCC Culinary Team “Bocuse D’or Laureate” Dubai 2013 are:

Michael Noble (Team Captain), NOtaBLE ~ The Restaurant – Bocuse d’Or 1995 & 1997 Chris Mills, JOEY Restaurant Group – Bocuse d’Or 2001 Andrew Springett, SAIT Polytechnic Institute – Bocuse d’Or 2003 Scott Jaeger, The Pear Tree – Bocuse d’Or 2007 Ryan Stone, Centerplate – Bocuse d’Or 2011 Arthur Chen, Edmonton Shaw Conference Centre – World Culinary Olympics Pastry Chef 2000 – present Bernard Casavant Culinary Consultant – Bocuse d’Or 1991 Morgan Wilson (Support Member), Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria – Bocuse d’Or Candidate 2005 

The Canadian judge at the Dubai competition is Simon Smotkowitz from the Shaw Centre, Edmonton

“The Canadian Culinary Federation is honoured to receive an invitation to Dubai 2013,” says Donald Gyurkovits, National President, Canadian Culinary Federation. “We have assembled a team of chefs with exceptional experience competing on the world stage against the very best. They are among the finest our country has, and we know they will do us proud.”

Canada is taking part in the Championships at the invitation of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Government of Dubai, and the Emirates Culinary Guild. The event is in its inaugural year, but is expected to become the Middle East’s premier culinary competition. The event is sanctioned and judged by the World Association of Chefs Societies .

“It is always an honour to represent Canada in international competition. I am excited to cook against the best chefs in the world in a city as famous as Dubai,” says Michael Noble, Team Captain and Chef at NOtaBLE ~ The Restaurant in Calgary. “All that being said, my biggest thrill is to be part of this Canadian "dream team" of chefs for whom I have great respect, friendship and admiration." During the competition all international teams will be required to present a themed buffet and hot meal for a group of 54, including judges and special guests. Over the next two months the Canadian team’s planning and preparation will include an official team practice in Calgary (Oct 2) and a tasting in Edmonton at JOEY Jasper Ave (October 9).

The Bocuse d'Or is the world’s most prestigious culinary competition and takes place biennially in Lyon, France. CCFCC’s Bocuse d’Or Canada program engages Canadian chefs in this international competition and promotes the art of cuisine and the profession of chef. CCFCC has participated in every Bocuse d’Or competition since it began in 1987, sending Canada’s best talent to Lyon.

About CCFCC The goal of the Canadian Culinary Federation is to unite chefs and cooks from across Canada in a common dedication to professional excellence. Since its inception in 1963, the federation has enjoyed a deep and long-standing tradition as Canada’s true representation of the professional Canadian culinarian. http://www.ccfcc.ca/

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Follow the team online: Facebook @Culinary Team Canada Dubai 2013 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Culinary-Team-Canada-Dubai-2013/232405846915376

Twitter @CCFCCDubai https://twitter.com/ccfccdubai

Global, CityTV, and CTV all came out yesterday to see the white panel removed from the former Eaton's  / Sears building at Pacific Centre. Watch Global's coverage here.