WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
Elections Canada – Ways to Vote
Election Day is Monday, April 28th!
To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old on election day and prove your identity and address.
Plan early. Make a plan and choose the voting option that works best for you. You can vote almost any time.
Click here to view the different ways you can vote | Click here to view information on accessible polling stations
Collingwood Neighbourhood House – Income Tax Clinic
Our annual income tax clinic will be available from March 1 to April 30, 2025. Book an appointment today and our volunteers will be able to assist with your taxes. Drop-offs are also accepted.
Services provided through the tax income clinic are free. However, donations are always appreciated. The income tax program is volunteer-coordinated and operated.
Files dropped off after April 30 will still be processed but there are no guarantees that it will be filed by April 30. (This only impacts clients expecting to owe taxes.)
Registration for all appointments is required.
- By phone: 604-428 9142
- Online: https://regportal.cnh.bc.ca/ (available up to 15 days in advance)
What to bring:
- Government-issued photo ID (passport, BC ID or BC driver’s license)
- All T-slips; if any are missing, please inform the volunteer or note on the intake form
- Copy of your prior year (i.e. 2023) tax return, if applicable
- A copy of your prior year’s notice of assessment/reassessment (letter you get from the CRA after you filed your taxes), if applicable
To cancel your appointment, you can do it online or call 604-428-9142.
Note: if you are exhibiting any flu or cold-like and not feeling well before the appointment, please cancel and re-book your appointment and refrain from entering the clinic.
WHEN/WHERE: Saturdays | 10:00AM – 3:00PM | In-person. CNH Joyce (5288 Joyce St, Vancouver)
Mondays and Fridays | 1:00PM – 3:00PM | Drop-off & in-person. CNH Annex (3690 Vanness Ave, Vancouver)
COST: Free. However, donations are always appreciated.
Still Moon Arts – Path to Restoration
This portion of Still Creek, which was daylit in 2011, is an ongoing stewardship area for Still Moon Arts. A few invasive plant species currently dominate the area: English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and Japanese Knotweed.
The focus of this session is to increase volunteer accessibility and make the site safer for future volunteer events. There is a lot of built-up debris that limits access into the forest; we will be hauling some of the debris out to increase safety and try to identify other routes for easier entry.
We’ll also remove any garbage we see and do some invasive species removal. We’ll be back at this site often this year to restore native habitat.
Still Moon will provide all of the gloves, tools, and light snacks for the day- just bring yourself!
This event is led by Still Moon’s Stewardship Program Manager, Connelly Stirling, who is keen on community stewardship and loves to share knowledge about birds, bugs, and plants.
Summary of Logistics:
- Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Time: From 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Location: Meet at the corner of Nootka St. and E. 14th Ave. (Google Map Location)
- If you arrive late, follow the path along the southern fence into the forest and you should see us (Google Map Location)
- This is a free event. Donations are appreciated.
What to expect
- This program is best for those who are 14+, as the slope and uneven terrain are a bit challenging.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- We will provide light snacks, fruit snacks and granola bars, as well as some beverages, such as tea or Bubly.
- Please bring a full water bottle to stay hydrated.
- We will be working on slightly steep slopes.
- Please wear sturdy closed-toe footwear (hiking boots, trail runners, rubber boots with good traction).
- Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Still Moon will provide all tools, including gloves, shovels, garbage reachers, trowels, sharp boxes, and a first aid kit.
- Photos and/or videos will be taken to document the event for Still Moon Arts Society’s archival and promotional purposes. You will be asked for consent at the beginning of the event and your choice does not impact your ability to participate fully in the experience.
Accessibility
- This site is accessed by a narrow, overgrown path; and we will be working in an area with very uneven terrain – some may be accessed via the path. The site is also moderately sloped. This event is not recommended for folks with mobility issues, check out our events at Renfrew Community and Renfrew Ravine Parks or Cornett Road for events that are more accessible. If you need help getting to the site or have other questions about accessibility, please email connelly@stillmoonarts.ca.
Getting There
- Nookta & 14th is a 10-minute walk from Renfrew Skytrain Station. Limited street parking is available.
- Washrooms are not available on site. The nearest washrooms are a 5-minute walk away at the Chevron station.
About the Facilitator
Connelly (she/her) is a biologist with a passion for nature, science, and community. She received her Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Biology from the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC. During her career, Connelly has participated in pollinator research, led nature education in the Gulf Islands, and guided stewardship efforts in local parks.
Connelly is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can learn, participate, and cultivate a passion for healing the land and waterways of our local parks. Outside of work, Connelly can usually be found birding, knitting, or reading a good book with her cat on her lap.
Vancouver Pop-Ups – Spring Market
![Vancouver Pop-Ups: Spring Market [Pop-Up + Local Vendors]](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F982414503%2F1506164743153%2F1%2Foriginal.20250312-230240?w=600&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&rect=0%2C0%2C6912%2C3456&s=6c6411e448c9b8b5a6320da1701656f6)
🌷 Vancouver Pop-Ups: Spring Market 🌷
🗓️ Date: Sunday, April 13th, 2025
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 Location: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St, Vancouver
🐾 Pet-Friendly Event
Spring is here, and we’re celebrating with a vibrant market featuring over 40 incredible vendors! Discover a curated selection of handmade jewelry, artisanal candles, homeware, baked goods, artwork, and more
The first 30 customers in line at 11 AM will receive a $10 voucher to use at the market—so come early!
FREE admission to this event at the Heritage Hall. You don’t need to reserve your ticket on Eventbrite to come!
Bring your friends (and your furry ones!) for a day of shopping, community, and spring vibes.
See you at Heritage Hall!
Stay Connected!
Keep updated on our next event and learn more about small businesses in BC by following our Instagram page and Website.
Explore April 13th vendors here.
Market Highlights
Local Business Showcase: Discover a diverse array of locally crafted goods and unique products from talented artisans and designers. From handmade jewelry and stylish apparel to art pieces and home decor, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant market.
Delicious Food and Refreshments: Treat your taste buds to a culinary journey with a selection of food vendors offering delightful snacks, and refreshing beverages.
VIFF – Accessibility
VIFF is committed to making our events and screenings accessible to as many people as we can, and we strive to remove barriers to access whenever possible. For more information, please email accessibility@viff.org
Click here to review VIFF’s Accessibility Page
Ticketing
For ticketing assistance, you can reach us at on the VIFF Infoline 604-683-3456 or feedback@viff.org
Wheelchair Positions: We encourage patrons requiring wheelchair positions to call ahead to reserve. The adjacent companion seat is also available to reserve.
Support Companions: Support persons who accompany patrons with disabilities are eligible to receive a complimentary ticket. Contact the Infoline to book ahead or book in-person at the Box Office.
Accessible Tickets: We offer a limited number of discounted tickets to each film for folks who face financial barriers and may not be able otherwise to attend a film. Discounted tickets are available on our website or at the Box Office while quantities last.
Accessible Screenings
Captioned Screenings: Our Wednesday matinee Captioned Screenings welcome Deaf and hard of hearing audiences, along with anyone who benefits from captions.
Relaxed Screenings: Our monthly Relaxed Screenings are open to anyone who could benefit from a more casual, supportive and laid-back experience.
SHOWING: Hard Truths (Hearing Assistance)
Reunited with Mike Leigh for the first time since multiple Oscar-nominated Secrets and Lies, the astonishing Marianne Jean-Baptiste plays Pansy, a woman wracked by fear, tormented by afflictions, and prone to raging tirades against her husband, son, and anyone who looks her way. Meanwhile, her easygoing younger sister, played by Michele Austin (Another Year), is a single mother with a life as different from Pansy’s as their clashing temperaments — brimming with communal warmth from her salon clients and daughters alike. This expansive film from a master dramatist takes us into the intensities of kinship, duty, and the most enduring of human mysteries: that even through lifetimes of hurt and hardship, we still find ways to love those we call family.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 8th | 8:10 PM
WHERE: VIFF Centre – Lochmaddy Studio Theatre (1181 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC)
What is happening in Vancouver in April?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events/
Collingwood Neighbourhood House – Community Lunch Menu for April
Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for an affordable three-course meal at our Multipurpose Room (5288 Joyce Street) for only $7-$8 from 12:15-1:30pm.
Buy your tickets at Collingwood Neighbourhood House reception!
For questions, email Susanna Chu at schu@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0375.
- April 8, 2025: Filipino spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, chocolate chip cookie
- April 15, 2025: Pork bulgogi, rice, egg roll, Korean pancake, kimchi, yakgwa. Please note that there is no vegetarian option on this day.
- April 22, 2025: Curry, rice, naan, salad, ginger cookie
- April 29, 2025: Chicken or veggie tamales, beans soup, pico de gallo, and lemon cake. Special collaboration with Ancestral Foodways
![[ID: Collingwood Neighbourhood House logo.]](https://www.spectrumsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cnh.png)
Vancouver Community Fridge Project
![[ID: a photo of an open fridge, inside is various fruits and vegetables.]](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1606859191214-25806e8e2423?width=entropy%26cs&optimize=medium)
The Vancouver Community Fridge Project is a decentralized food distribution network and mutual aid initiative created to provide healthy, free food and essential supplies to our communities across lower mainland.
Our mission is to combat food insecurity by encouraging our communities to take part in laterally-directed mutual aid, starting with providing free, safe, non-policed, accessible and nutritious foods through community fridges and pantries.
All fridges and pantries that are apart of the VCFP network will be operating on a strict no policing, no-shame policy. This means, the VCFP does not condone patrolling how fridge users engage with the fridge, gatekeeping, or any exclusionary or harmful behaviours. The fridges should be accessible, welcoming places based on trust and communication of needs, established by and for the community.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
Credit Counselling Society
The Credit Counselling Society is an accredited non-profit that helps Canadians solve their money problems. We do this by providing free credit counselling, low-cost debt solutions, and education to help you manage your money better.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools for building the financial success that everyone deserves. We’re here to help you through your difficult times and towards a better future.
Disability Alliance BC – MY DTC
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a tax benefit from the Government of Canada. It is meant to help people with disabilities and their families reduce the amount of income tax they have to pay. Benefits like the Registered Disability Saving Plan and the new Canada Disability Benefit coming in July 2025 can be accessed when you have the Disability Tax Credit.
My DTC is a free online guide to the Disability Tax Credit created by Disability Alliance BC. It has information on benefits, eligibility and the overall process, as well as tools to help with applying. Please note, My DTC does not allow people to apply for the DTC directly. This is done through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Visit My DTC here to explore the guide.
BC Hydro – Customer Crisis Fund
If you’re a residential customer experiencing a temporary financial crisis, such as a loss of employment or benefit income, unanticipated medical expenses, or a death in the family and you’ve fallen behind on your BC Hydro bill, you may be eligible for a grant payment to avoid disconnection of your service.
Eligibility for a grant
To receive a grant from the Customer Crisis Fund, you need to meet a few criteria:
- Be a residential account holder.
- Be applying for a grant for your primary residence account.
- Your account must have payments overdue by at least 21 days or be facing disconnection. You can apply as early as when you have a balance owing on your account, but your application will be on hold until your payment is 21 days overdue or your account is facing disconnection.
- You must have experienced a life event, within the last 12 months, that caused a temporary financial crisis.
- Have an outstanding balance of $1,000 or less, and have demonstrated some attempt to make payments towards your bill.
You may receive one grant per account holder annually (one per year). If a grant application is denied and your circumstances change, you can apply again in the same year.
Click here for more information and how to apply!
![[ID: logo of BC Hydro Power Smart]](https://ecofitt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/bchydro.jpg)
Inclusion BC Provincial Budget Alert 2024-2025
Spectrum is a member of Inclusion BC and supports their provincial advocacy on behalf of individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
Click here for their report on the provincial budget announced for 2024-2025.
![[ID: logo of Inclusion BC]](https://files.constantcontact.com/5484ef30101/c09a3cee-3809-41f2-964f-ab73cfcb439f.png)
![[ID: a logo on a white background with text that reads: 'Plan Institute for caring citizenship']](https://planinstitute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Plan_Institute_logo_2016_tagline-grey.jpg){kind=logo}
Plan Institute Webinars
The Plan Institute has FREE upcoming regular webinars on the topics of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and Wills, Trusts and Estates Planning.
RDSP
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan for those with disabilities to better financially plan for their futures. The Level 1 webinar is meant for those who want to learn about what the RDSP is, who qualifies, and how to apply. The Level 2 webinar is for those who already have a RDSP, or have already taken Level 1.
Next Level 1 Webinar: Thursday, April 10th | 4:00PM – 5:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Wednesday, April 23rd | 4:00PM – 5:45PM
Click here to register and for more information
Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (BC Only)
This webinar is meant for those who want to become better informed on the process of wills, trusts and estate planning to better secure the future of your relative or loved one with a disability. There is a limit of 60 participants so early registration is encouraged!
Next Webinar: Thursday, April 17th | 10:00AM – 11:30AM
Click here to register and for more information
Community Support for Spectrum
Spectrum is a registered charitable organization that fundraises to provide the extra things that aren’t covered by government funding. We appreciate the support our community provides in these ways:
Donations: We receive donations through our monthly giving program from both community members and our employees.
Different ways you can donate to Spectrum Society
- You can make a donation online through CanadaHelps.org on our secure donation page here.
- You can complete this Donation Form and send a cheque to our office.
- You can join our monthly giving club and provide us with permission to make a monthly deduction from your bank account. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org or mail it to our office.
- As an employee, you can give us permission to make a deduction from your payroll each pay period. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org.
- Remember Spectrum Society for Community Living when you are preparing your Will. We have an Endowment Fund that provides us with regular income to assist in providing supports to people with disabilities in the Community. Please call if you have any questions about this.
Click here for more information!
REFERRAL PROGRAM
![[ID: a graphic design with a yellow background. There is a white hanging sign with bold yellow text that reads: 'Employee Referral Program'.]](https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/thumbnails/007/558/360/small/employee-referral-program-hanging-sign-on-yellow-background-for-business-marketing-flyers-banners-presentations-and-posters-illustration-vector.jpg)
Is there anyone you know that is looking for meaningful work?
If you have a friend, family member or meet someone in the community that is interested in joining the team and you refer them to Spectrum, you could be eligible for a referral bonus!
If the person referred is hired and maintains at least 6 months of consistent employment with Spectrum, we will award a $250 Referral Bonus.
*for more information on the program, please email hr@spectrumsociety.org
We thank you for bringing us quality applicants/employees!