Collingwood is really convenient for me to get to, so it's a shame that it doesn't have a fitness…read moreroom, and only offers classes. However, I have had a lot of fun going to the classes over the years, and have made some friends through the classes. But they no longer have Bellyfit with Alicia (that was an amazing workout), and I am so damn bored with Zumba, that I don't go as often I used to. I just go for the Zumba Toning on Tuesday nights (I really wish they would change the Sunday afternoon Zumba class to Zumba Toning!), and when I have the day off (yay for flex days!), I try and make it to the new Monday afternoon Zumba Step class with Shadia.

this is a rather cute small community centre in a great neighbourhood home to a lot of young…read morefamilies. ive stopped in to watch an old bf play some pick-up basketball. i myself have only done drop in volleyball. i find the the activities are organized very well, they don't take payments over the phone so you have to make sure you get there and register a little early so you won't get turned away. i can't remember if they will take 'pre-registrations'. once inside, they set everything up and you can break up into the teams you want and you are off! the gym is nice, a normal size gym. (the size of 2 courts)...i know they offer bball and vball...probably badminton too and indoor soccer? they have a field behind it that hosts a lot of organized activities-ive seen mostly soccer lately. they have a great childcare program which includes infants, toddlers, daycare, preschool, kindergarten...etc. and the outdoor kiddie playground looks SUPER fun to play in!! (i just peak through the fence sometimes...lol)

Always a good feeling when you are witnessing the loving side of human nature, with enormous…read morededication and self sacrifice, this non-profit society has been at the forefront of saving the lives & rehabilitating the Raptor population in BC, and also surrounding States. With many helping volunteers, the facility is home to over 40 non-releasable birds, as they all had been injured through traffic accidents, flying into power lines, poisoned by toxic food source etc. If you are joining their Tour you will learn of all the stories each of the bird brings. Annually, the society helped Raptor patients number over 700!! They include spices of : Eagles, falcons, hawks, ospreys, owls & vultures! During our visit kindly arranged by our good friend Frank ( has been a volunteer for over 6 yrs ), we were able to visit the behind the scene facilities, and I was particularly impressed with all the work the volunteers are doing; cleaning all the habitats, preparing meals, helping with training the birds for educational purposes during school visits etc. The society received donations from individual & cooperate alike. I am attaching their website for more information regarding Tours for the public and ways to contribute to this very meaningful cause!! And of course donations too! https://www.owlrehab.org

* What a great way to get out of downtown and avoid the Olympic madness! *…read more Ok, I finally figured out a positive for the Olympics (they are far and few between!). It encouraged us to get out of town and explore some of the surrounding areas that have a lot to offer. This weekend we visited O.W.L. It is a nonprofit wildlife rescue organization that specializes in helping injured birds of prey. They help a few hundred birds a year, and as part of their efforts they also give free tours to encourage awareness. They didn't seem to focus on having the tour even generate donations as we had to seek out a way to make a donation to help the very worthy cause. We saw about 20 birds, including snowy owls, great horn owls, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures among others. The tour guide was really knowledgeable, and was able to give a background on each bird's story. The birds each have a name based on something about their character. Perhaps the most interesting backstory was the barred owl named Demon. Demon flew into a high rise building and got brain damage. When get gets angry and flies at someone he does so with his head upside down! Thankfully he was happy when we were there - but I can entirely understand the name! Perhaps the cutest were the snowy owls. Piggy (and yes another is named kermit) was doing this gaping mouth movement that entirely made him look like a cartoon character. You could never tell he had been hit by an airplane 18 years ago! The society helps heal the birds and releases those that can survive back into the wild. But there is a permanent group of "education birds" who would not be able to survive in the wild. The society gives them a permanent home and takes good care of them. This is a lovely excursion and a great way to spend an hour or two marveling at these wonders of nature. They were the perfect remedy to the Olympic invasion, and I thank the Olympics for encouraging us to get out of town and explore the surrounding areas!

It's very close to New Westminster station…read more Inside, very organized, no bad odor from second hand goods and very tidy up. It's very pleasant for looking for treasures.

This store is immaculately clean, well-organized and doesn't have that second hand store smell. The…read morestaff are friendly and helpful too.

My son Giuliano attended Kensington Montessori when he was 4 years old, where he was taught by Mrs…read more Athina. From the moment we walked into her classroom, it was clear how much care and dedication she put into creating a nurturing and structured learning environment. Her classroom was always neat, organized, and filled with engaging educational materials, hands-on activities, and books that supported each child's development. There were many children Giuliano's age, and it was so comforting to see how happy and excited they were to be there each day. My son truly enjoyed going and developed a love for learning early on. Mrs. Athina took the time to guide him not only academically--with early arithmetic--but also with important life skills like sharing, independence, and responsibility. Through her support, Giuliano built confidence and strong foundational skills that I am still grateful for today. I am also so proud to see her daughter, Marisa Dritsas, continue this beautiful legacy. Her Montessori classroom is absolutely stunning--bright, clean, and thoughtfully designed with natural materials and child-sized learning spaces that encourage independence and exploration. The outdoor area is just as lovely, giving children space to play, learn, and connect with nature. Marisa is calm, patient, and genuinely caring. She goes above and beyond to support each child's individual needs and learning pace. The Montessori approach is truly reflected in her work--fostering independence, creativity, and confidence in every child. I highly recommend Kensington Montessori to any parent looking for a warm, supportive, and enriching environment for their child's early education.

My son is in his second year at the preschool/ daycare. It is fantastic. Bother the care and love…read moregiven by the teacher and the curriculum are outstanding.

It's usually my go to store if I get out...today I went there and to a pet store across the street,…read more then to TNT and Safeway...once I got home, I was itching and found 3 bedbugs bites in a row on my stomach. I did call the store to let them know...he said they haven't gotten any complaints...I said, I am complaining now. Spoke to the manager...was told they would check the store...sadly, I won't go there again. I know the bites are from a bed bug because I worked in the dtes before and had to deal with this problem. Hopefully they can heat steam the entire place so the problem is dealt with. Ugh

super small but if you visit every week or two/live or work somewhat nearby you are bound to find…read moresomething. employees are very nice and polite but aisles are narrow and senior ladies with grocery carts block them all the time so its a bit harder to pass. love checking it out but some prices are a bit steep from time to time

SPARC BC : 4445 Norfolk Street,Burnaby BC V5G 0A7…read more The Social Planning and Research Council of B.C. (SPARC BC) is an independent, non-partisan, registered charity that works with BC communities in building a just and healthy society for all. SPARC BC's issues the permits to use designated disability parking spaces. SPARC BC has been advocating for the rights of people with mobility limitations since 1969, and managing the Parking Permit Program for People with Disabilities since 1984. Over 100,000 people rely on this program. Apply for or renew your permit to use designated parking spots anywhere in B.C. FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES Phone: 604-718-7744 Fax: 604-736-8697 Email: info@sparc.bc.caOpens in your application FOR PARKING PERMIT INQUIRIES Office Hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday Closed Saturday, Sunday, and statutory holidays Phone: 604-718-7744 Opens in your application Toll Free within BC: 1-888-718-7794 Opens in your application Fax: 604-736-8697 Email: permits@sparc.bc.caOpens in your application SPARC BC ACCESSIBILITY AND ENFORCEMENT LINE The SPARC BC Permit Processing Fee is $31.00. Permits issued for permanent disabilities must be renewed every three years. Temporary permits will be valid for a period of time as determined by the physician (for a maximum of one year). Customers are welcome to donate to SPARC BC while waiting for the applying or renewing the permits for the designated disability parking spaces. The donation is used for the internal control of the cost of parking permit and Utility bills in order to balance their budget of the SPARC BC annually. Being a registered charity, the SPARC BC, it's their responsibility to file an Audited Financial Statements for the government record.

My lady sought a referral from her family doctor in late-June of this year, to apply for a…read more'handicap parking permit'. Her doctor agreed, had the necessary application, and filled out the required doctor's portion. She filled out the remaining personal information, and such required, attached a cheque for $26, and mailed the application to SPARC. The permits -- which consisted of one to be displayed within the vehicle being used and parked, and a card to carry on person -- arrived in just a few days. The permit to hang in the vehicle was 'punched' to start 'July/22', and end 'July/25'. She was hospitalized at the time her permit arrived, and only came home recently. So it has been a good while before she could get out, and have it applied for the first time to a parking space. Yesterday was 'the' day -- the space was perfect, and she was so delighted by the helpful assistance the permit provided.

Nice chill local drinking hole on Hastings, between Gilmore and Willingdon. Contrary to popular…read morebelief, entry is not limited to service members or veterans. Anyone over legal drinking age can go in. Think of it as a local neighbourhood pub with indirect ties to the Canadian Armed Forces. Parking is plentiful on Hastings, as well as the side streets. The venue is nice and modern, as they tore down the dumpy old building a few years ago. The place is nice and bright, and not too loud at all. Great for socializing. Staff are friendly and chatty. No complaints. They serve pub food and drinks. Selection is limited, but they cover all the bases in terms of typical food types. Pricing is pretty reasonable. Overall a nice drinking hole if one is in the area.

This Legion just celebrated it's 2nd year anniversary. And I'm glad it is back on the Heights…read more They have quite affordable alcohol specials and decent bar food. Service is friendly and they try their best to make this place fun. I have also seen them do community fundraisers for local kids sports and they are a great community organization. I've had a beer here a few times and you don't have to be a member to have a drink or a meal. If you haven't been to a legion stop in and have a beer. They usually have sports on TV!

My son attended the preschool. It was a wonderful experience for him. The teachers were incredibly…read morecaring, fun and loving. Wish there were more schools like that in the area.

A "parent-run" playschool, the Board is composed of parents with children currently enrolled…read more Unfortunately, the Board operates in the manner of most building strata councils, i.e., terribly. Dropping my little girl to school I often worried for her welfare in my absence. However, I made several attempts to communicate my concerns to the teacher and each time I was met with little more than a blank stare. I later learned that my daughter became upset at school one day, inconsolably so, and rather than call me to take the matter in hand, the awful teacher sent her to a corner to cry herself to sleep! I thought this quite abusive, particularly given that my child did not arrive at school in bad humour, nor lacking for sleep, so that was the end of it for me. What a terrible woman, and what an awful introduction to school for my sensitive, intelligent little girl. Changing to another school for the 2011/12 school year, she is flourishing, so parents need to know that the school one chooses must not only be carefully considered, but carefully monitored as well. Never allow a teacher to brush aside your concerns. Ask a lot of questions, and don't leave until you get the answers.Though billing itself as a parent participation preschool, the BFLP is not a member of the Council of Parent Participation Preschools in British Columbia, and it is little wonder indeed.