Agenda Index City of Vancouver

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

TO:

Vancouver City Council

FROM:

City Clerk

SUBJECT:

Continuation of Greater.vancouver TV series

RECOMMENDATION

CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to:

1. Update Council on the 2000 season of the Greater.vancouver television show;
2. Inform Council of the GVRD's and Shaw Cablesystem’s interest in producing the show for another year; and
3. Request Council approval and funding to extend the Greater.vancouver show into the 2001 television season.

BACKGROUND

In an effort to improve residents' understanding of civic issues, in 1998 the City piloted a six-episode, half-hour news magazine TV show with the Vancouver School Board and Rogers Community TV. Called City.vancouver, the show focused on City and school programs, services and issues. City.vancouver was honoured with two awards -- the Impression Awards for “Best Public Affairs Program” and “Best Magazine Program” -- in a national competition involving all Rogers Community TV programs.

Based on the success of the pilot series, in 1999 the show was expanded to 12 half-hour episodes and renamed Greater.vancouver. The GVRD replaced the School Board as the primary public sector partner. As well, the scope of the issues examined in the show was expanded to include more city stories that had regional implications. Topics ranged from the future of Hastings Park to the Vancouver Landfill and the proposed Sky Train expansion. The show went on to win another Impression Award for "Best Magazine."

The 2000 season continued with the same partners. Topics included Vancouver's millennium project Portrait V2K; the City's test case before the CRTC examining who pays for digging up municipal street; and an entire episode dedicated to exploring the four pillars approach to solving the region's drug problem. Each episode was aired three times a week over a two-week period.

Both the 1999 and 2000 seasons began airing in January. The shows were aired throughout the Lower Mainland with the exception of the City of Delta which is served by different cable company. Both seasons later aired on Rogers Television summer programming, and then in the fall on Rogers Multicultural Channel. These additional airings provided the show with more exposure, at no extra cost, and also enabled the show to reach an even more diverse audience.

The budget involves equal monetary contributions from the City, the GVRD, and an equivalent contribution by the broadcaster for equipment (i.e. cameras, lights, cell phones, tapes and vehicles) and editing studios.

The show is guided by a cross-departmental editorial committee, which also includes representation from the GVRD. The production team -- which includes a few staff from the City and the GVRD -- reports to the the City's Corporate Communications Director.

DISCUSSION

The purpose of the show is to promote civic awareness and inform the public on regional issues and programs. The issues are explored in an informative and entertaining way, using a fast-paced, upbeat news magazine format. Generally, about five to six different stories are aired in a single episode.

Over the years, Greater.vancouver has covered numerous stories, and has been shot in various locations throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Many episodes have been theme based, with every story relating to an overall theme. For example, Greater.vancouver spent an entire episode examining various aspects of the Fraser River. Other theme based episodes in the 2000 season examined transportation, creating community, and water issues. In fact, theme-based episodes tended to have the largest audience shares. (See Appendix 1 for a listing of stories from the 2000 season.)

On occasion, the show would do a historical piece to help residents understand what events have helped shaped contemporary Vancouver. In the 2000 season we provided a historical overview of Vancouver's Chinatown, as well as Vancouver's port and the Fraser River.

The show has also dedicated entire episodes to exploring the range of debates surrounding a complex issue. In 1999, Greater.vancouver took an in-depth look at the Downtown Eastside. In the 2000 season, the show dedicated a full half-hour episode to examining the four pillars approach to solving the region's drug problem.

The show has been effective in helping the City deliver inexpensive public service announcements. PSAs are usually 30-60 second commercial-like spots that provide tips or announcements in support of programs. In the 2000 season, Greater.vancouver produced and aired tips on navigating traffic circles, getting a dog a license, making a house earthquake proof, shutting off gas in case of emergency, and joining the Keep Vancouver Spectacular clean-up program. Many of these PSAs were also aired separately during Council breaks. In previous years, PSAs were produced on topics ranging from composting to a sprinkler recall program for homeowners.

Neilsen ratings suggest there is a strong audience for the show. The show averaged 44,500 viewers per episode during the 2000 spring season alone, with audience numbers reaching as high as 71,000 for the episode on a comprehensive approach to drugs. (See Appendix 2). Considering that each episode was also aired during the summer on Rogers Television and in the fall on Rogers Multicultural Channel, the overall number viewers is actually greater than the Nielsen ratings indicate.

The show's viewer response line received a significant number of callers, the vast majority of whom provided detailed comments and praised the show. As well, many of these viewers offered ideas for future programs. Viewers often commented that the show helped them learn something new about the region in which they live (see Appendix 3 for a sample of viewer comments).

In 2000, the show made some improvements to its Web site to further the use of Web-based video technology. However, these improvements were limited due to the constraints on theshow’s budget.

There were more ideas for stories than the program was capable of covering, due to the restrictions of the show's 30-minute format. Many of these ideas could be explored in the next season.

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the show and the effectiveness of the program as a far-reaching educational/outreach tool, the Greater.vancouver editorial committee recommends the show be produced for another season.

The editorial committee wishes to proceed with a similar format to that of the last few years -- combining theme-based episodes with other shows that cover a variety of unrelated topics. As well, the editorial committee, in response to Council direction from last year, wishes to make major improvements to the show's Web site including more use of video and value-added information.

In the early summer, the GVRD’s Communications Manager presented to the Board the recommendation to support another season. The GVRD has provided policy support for continuing the show another season.

Meanwhile, Rogers Cablesystems and Shaw Cablesystems are undertaking an exchange of assets in the Lower Mainland. Shaw Cablesystems will be taking over from Rogers. The exchange is expected to take place sometime in the fall of 2000, and would affect the community channel on which Greater.vancouver has been airing. By January 2001, Shaw is expected to introduce its own format for the community channel. Although the final format of that channel has yet to be determined, Shaw has indicated support for continuing on with the show for at least another season. During that time, Shaw Cable will determine its long-range programming plans for the channel.

For this reason, the Greater.vancouver editorial committee is requesting funding for only another year. During the 2001 season, the City's Corporate Communications Director and the GVRD's Communications Manager will work with Shaw Cable to provide greater certainty around future series.

SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The renewal of the Greater.vancouver show will provide the City with:

1. a vehicle to explain complex civic issues in an informative and entertaining way,
2. inexpensive access to the communications medium from which most people today obtain their information,
3. the ability to react quickly to the educational/information needs of the public andpublicize and solicit involvement in new programs and projects;
4. a cost-effective way to reach a broad audience -- each episode is repeated six times, and the potential household reach is 650,000+ (the number of households with cable in the Lower Mainland); and
5. additional opportunities to promote co-operation and learning between the City and the GVRD.

PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS

There are no long-term staffing requirements. Similar to last season, the core production team would be hired on a temporary contract and supervised by the Corporate Communications Director.

The project will continue to promote interdepartmental cooperation. Story ideas will be brought forward and approved by an editorial committee comprising members of each department and a representative from the GVRD. Existing City staff will be involved as part of their public information responsibilities, serving as editorial advisors and on-camera experts.

As well, the TV show will continue to provide an opportunity for some City staff to expand their skills set by getting them involved in different phases of the show's production (e.g., research, script writing, field production, etc.).

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The project involves no long-term financial committments beyond the season requested. Although last year Council requested that the editorial committee consider making the funding of the TV show part of regular budget process, changes to the show's broadcaster means the editorial committee and Shaw Cablesystems will need to review the partnership and future support for the show beyond the 2001 season.

The show’s costs for the 2001 season is budgeted at $160,000. Half would come from the City of Vancouver ($80,000) and the other half from the GVRD ($80,000), with Shaw Cable supplying an equivalent amount in equipment and facilities (i.e., cameras, lights, editing studios, cell phones, vehicles, and air time). The budget covers such things as the producer's fees, the production assistants, the host, freelance videographers, editors, supplies (tapes, batteries, etc.), Web site development, motion and print graphics, dubs, mailing/courier costs, and marketing/advertising over 12 episodes.

The $10,000 increase in the City's contribution over last year reflects a number of changes:

· Planned improvements to the show's Web site and particularly its ability to providevideo clips and value added and more interactive content. (note: Last year Council suggested the editorial team explore using more streaming video to deliver show stories to an even wider audience.)
· Additional funding for motion graphics/animation to help illustrate ideas and to freshen up the show’s visuals.
· An increase in the daily rates paid to the production team. (note: there has been no increase in rates for three years.)
· Funding to pay for a makeup artist who will be available during the days that the show’s host is being filmed on location.

This would be the show's first increase in funding in three years.

The show offers excellent value to the City in terms of its outreach. No other communications tool produced by the City has as broad a reach as the television show.

The show also will enable the City to save money on video production in other areas. By utilizing footage captured for the show, Corporate Communications is able to produce videos to departments at a cost substantially less than if departments went to an outside producer. Standard corporate videos cost, at minimum, $1,700- $2,500 per finished minute to produce. In the last couple of years, Corporate Communications has been able to reduce those costs to $500-$700 per finished minute of video by utilizing the show's production team.

IMPLEMENTATION

Shaw would like to air the new episodes starting January 2000. If Council approves this plan, production of the show must begin in late September 2000 in order to do significant research and filming while the weather is dry and there are more daylight hours.

A production team would be contracted. Simultaneously, the City and the GVRD would review issues and informational needs for the next 12-month period. Ideas from viewers and other City departments, as well as suggestions provided last season, would be reflected in the show's story line up.

Stories for next season could include: Vancouver's Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program, Mountain View Cemetery changes, the Downtown Transportation Plan, an update on Skytrain, a profile of the winners of the Cultural Harmony Awards, etc.

CONCLUSION

The editorial committee recommends the Greater.vancouver TV show continue for another season as a half-hour, 12-episode news magazine program.

The GVRD Board has approved continued support for the Greater.vancouver show. Meanwhile, Shaw Cable has stated that they are interested in co-producing and airing the show for another season.

- - - - -

Appendix 1: 2000 Season Stories

Episode One January 5/00

Episode Two January 19/00

Episode Three February 2/00

Episode Four February 16/00

Episode Five March 1/00

Episode Six March 15/00

Episode Seven March 29/00

Episode Eight April 12/00

Episode Nine April 26/00+

Episode Ten May 10/00

Episode Eleven May 24/00

Episode Twelve June /00

Appendix 2: Viewer Numbers for 2000 season

Airtimes: Wednesdays 10:00 a.m., 9:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 p.m.

Episode

Weeks

+Reach of All Occasions of Program

1 Misc.

Jan 3-16

71,000

2 Animals in the Region

Jan 17-30

46,000

3 Fraser River

Jan 31-Feb 13

36,000

4 Misc.

Feb 14-27

20,000

5 Port of Vancouver

Feb 28–Mar 12

35,000

6 Arts

Mar 13-26

14,000

7 Transportation

Mar 27-Apr 9

58,000

8 Creating Community

Apr 10-23

56,000

9 Drug Solutions

Apr 24-May 7

71,000

10 Misc. -Van Dusen Links

May 8-21

48,000

11 Water

May 22-June 4

50,000

12 Extreme Sports

June 5-18

50,000

Average viewers per episode

  

44,500

+ Total number of viewers to all six airtimes

Source: Nielsen Media Research

Appendix 3: Viewer Comments

Episode One: January 5, 2000
"I think the show is just great! Keep up the good work."

"I think the show is good because in enables people to know what I going on in their neighbourhood and community. Helps them understand the kind of things that are needed and urges people to be active in their community. Encouraging civic responsibility."

"Can you tell me when the show is on? Also, I really enjoyed the segment on disaster response routes. Do you know what the sign means on the south end of the Second Narrows Bridge that is black with diagonal lines? Is this a dangerous goods route? I have a seventeen-year-old son who is learning how to drive and this sign is not in his driving manual... Any idea of what it means? Thanks. I enjoyed the show!"

Episode Two: January 19, 2000
"I am sitting here watching your show right now and I really like the short segments and good music. The show provides good information, it captures your attention and my children really enjoy it too!"

"I loved the Burns Bog addition and would love to see more stories about parks and green lands in the Greater Vancouver area. I thought the show was very uplifting…I didn't realize that you could walk around the Bog but I will certainly go out and o so after seeing the show.”

"I really like the show and particularly enjoyed information on the Burns Bog, which I think gave a good overall view of what has been happening around it. When the fellow is talking about attracting birds to backyards he made one error I thought I would bring to your attention. Starlings are not a native species of bird to the Lower Mainland...they are introduced. Therefore it is not a good idea to make nest sites for Starlings. In spite of this bit of misinformation I really enjoyed the show. Just thought I'd give you my two bits."

"Just watched your show and I loved it. Keep up the good work I think it’s a great show and I'll look forward to future ones."

"Hello, I just finished watching your show for the first time. I loved all the different parts covered - from Burns Bog, to the dog pound, to reptiles.  It has given me some ideas for what to do on those days when you need a fresh idea for an outing.” 

Episode Three: February 2, 2000
"I just finished watching your show and I think Greater.vancouver sounds like a great idea. I saw a friend of mine on the show, Archie Miller. He knows a lot about the history of the Fraser. A group I play in called Tiller's Folly, has a recent CD that is about the Fraser river called, Ghosts of the Mighty Fraser. If you would like a copy and think that you might be able to use it on your show please give me a call and I will mail one to you."

"Hi. My husband and I were watching your show at 9pm and found that the background music was so loud it interfered with the person you were interviewing. However, we still really enjoyed the show. Keep up the good work!"

"I think the show I very informative and I found out a lot of things that I didn't know about even though I've been living in Vancouver for 30 years. It's really nice to hear about things going on in the region and find out about the history. I am going to call a friend to tell her about it. I'm sure she'll love it. It’s good to know more about BC and the river... Canning and fishing etc...."

"I would love to get a copy of the show. I think it is very educational and great for the promotion of the region. I actually work for the Fraser River Port Authority and would like to show it to some other people at work. It's a fabulous video. Look forward to hearing from you."

"I think it's great! It's the first time I've ever watched the show, but as a newcomer to BC…I've been here for about 4 months…I enjoyed it immensely. The heritage of the river is extremely important to people. I believe everyone should be engaged in knowing more about it. If all of your stories are like these ones I'll be watching from now on!!"

"Marvelous! I enjoyed all of the scenery on this episode. It was great. I would love to see something like it again and I really enjoyed the sense of place that the history added to it. Thanks for the great show"

"Saw your show for the first time tonight and I really enjoyed it. I am really happy to see that someone is doing this kind of thing."

"It was a really good show. I enjoyed finding out about the sturgeon and from where Deas Island acquired its name. It's neat to see stuff happening on the Fraser. I think it’s important. We should all be worried about the Fraser, but it’s nice to know that there are people who care and have some hope. I wish there were more people doing stuff like this. Anyway, I love the show, the stories and interesting stuff - so I'll be watching more show's in the future."

My wife and I found the program on the Fraser River basin really interesting, and we watched it right through to the end, but we have to say that some of our enjoyment was spoiled by the background music. This program is not alone in suffering from this problem - it seems all too common these days. In our opinion, those responsible for sound mixing should realize that if you go to the trouble of providing an interesting commentary, it should not be drowned out by unnecessary music. That said, we thank you for the program.”

"I've been here for about four months from out of province and I think it’s a great place to live. I'd like to see more about Maple Ridge, Haney and Pitt Meadows on the show. Maybe you've already done this, but I think it would be interesting to feature certain areas and their history. I am wondering what the roots of this place are? Or how its institutions got started. Even how it was founded, or discovered...information on Medical issues, education, commerce, projected growth, current problems, transportation. What is it famous for? What has it been known for in the past? I really enjoyed it and I'll look forward to watching more. Thanks."

“I listened to the program Greater.vancouver and I enjoyed the show but with one complaint. The music was too loud and over riding the narration. Many other shows have this same problem and it’s a bad habit. When it’s so interesting I’d like to hear what the person has to say. That’s my comment for what it’s worth. I hope you’ll put it to good use. See what you can do.”

“I really enjoyed the show and I’d like to enter the draw”

“Hi I just watched your show on the Fraser River and thought it was very well done. It teaches you a bit about history and lets you know what you might be able to do for the next weekend. So it combines both the past and what you can do in the present. It’s very good that way. Thanks.”

“I just finished watching your show on Sunday night about the Deas Island area. I find it very informative as well as the background. I also really enjoyed finding out about the Flood of 1948, it’s something we should all be concerned about. Local history in essence I really enjoyed. I look forward to watching you in the future. I think that environmental issues and showing people how important it is to protect the environment is good.”

“I just finished watching your show Greater.vancouver and enjoyed it very much. I would like to see more of the same type of programming. Thank-you”

“ I would be interested in seeing some stuff on day trips within an hour radius of the City of Vancouver by car or motor home around town somewhere within the GVRD. Wildlife areas, parks etc”

“I just saw your show on the Fraser Valley and enjoyed it very much. Several years ago we bought a cabin up the valley and started reading about the flood and it was very nice to see a perspective done with actual people who had researched and worked through it. Their perspectives etc”

“I just watched the young women doing the commentary and other historical footage and photography the story of the Fraser River. I would like to see a segment done on artists in the region that have drawn the Fraser River or wildlife around it in the Lower Mainland. I do enjoy the show and it’s been a very nice half-hour.”

“It would be nice on your show if you could talk some more about the boats on the river, and older boats that were once used on the river, along with the tug boats and everything that’s happening.”

“I really enjoy your show. It’s great to see Canadian content on TV. I thought of something I thought might be nice to see on your show. Maybe something about the first European settlers here and something about how the pioneers looked after the Fort Langley area and what a nice area it is to enjoy. Thanks again and keep up the good work.”

“Hello I’ve been listening to your program over the last half-hour and I really enjoyed it. I am very pleased to have seen it. Anything on the history of the region and the Fraser River. Even the piece about the Sturgeon kind of lets you know what is happening there along the river. I have found Vancouver a very exciting city, but the idea of a historical tour along the river certainly appeals to me. I would also like to get in touch with the Conservation society. If you have anything that you think I might be interested in I’d love to hear from you. Thanks.”

“I guess I am already recording. I am fifty years old and I live in East Vancouver. I think that Rogers Cable has the best programming and viewing out of any of the stations I receive. I’ve never done this before, but I wanted to let you know that I thought the Greater.vancouver TV show was excellent and I think that you do a very fine job.”

“I just finished watching your show and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderful.”

Episode Four: February 16, 2000
“I would like to see you do a program on the Hope Line Foundation and there phone number is 714-0155 and they are based here in Vancouver.”

“Yeah, hello Greater.vancouver. I just finished watching the show and thought it was pretty interesting and I have a story idea for you. There is a woman in Abbottsford Marcine Mainly who published a book called “How to supercharge your garden” Its about indoor gardening. Um it sells throughout Canada, the US, England and Australia. Its about BC hydroponic technology which is the leader in the world for indoor gardening and I thought it was a good idea for a show so that people can know how to grow good food. You could have her in a hydroponic store to explain about indoor gardening. Um I could help you set it up if you like.”

Episode Five: March 1, 2000
“I haven’t really seen your show too often, but I have watched a few programs and what I do actually like about it is that is very informative about our area here and the stories that you guys are doing, of what I’ve seen so far, are things that I haven’t heard to much about or seen and I find it very informative.”

“I just saw your show on Rogers cable this morning all about the Longshoremen and port activities. I thought it was a really excellent presentation on TV. There were a lot of things I didn’t know and I work down at the waterfront. It’s a great show. Anyway, the show isn’t over yet, I’m still watching it, but I thought that next time it might be interesting if you talked about the different industries down there the coal and sulphur etc.. Maybe the Grain Commission and what their roles are, what they do down there… I think otherwise overall it’s a excellent program, especially the segment on the Longshoremen. Um I don’t have any other suggestions except I’d like to know more about what we export down there and stuff.”

“I’m just watching your show in the morning on the Vancouver Harbour. Is their a time when this will be run again? My husband is a real boater and water man and I would love to record it. So give me call and let me know or if I can get a copy of it. Thanks. I’ll leave it at that.”

“I just finished watching your program on the Working Harbour Tours and I found it extremely interesting, very very interesting and I just wanted to enter my name in the draw contest”

“I missed the phone number for Working Harbour Tours. Could you contact me with this information? Thank-you very much.”

“Good Morning. I watched your show for the very first time this morning on the Port of Vancouver and if your looking for new topics, I was a truck driver all my life and truck drivers are the ones that supply the containers to the dock and take them away. I don’t know if this would be a good topic or not but I’ll be watching your show in the future. Cause I find it very interesting. I watch Ingram before your show.”

“I am a longshoremen in Vancouver and I would like to see something about the Hope Line Foundation bringing businesses and communities together on your show. Its quite unique, everyone can benefit from it and nobody’s ever done it before. Their office number is 714-0155 I believe you want to speak with Curtis.”

“I quite enjoyed the show. I am kind of a grassroots interest person. Perhaps in the future you might want to have a segment on the arbor culture department in Vancouver. About how they take care of the trees…the crews are out there and people don’t always see what goes on, how they take care of our beautiful trees here in Vancouver. I’d also like to enter your prize draw.”

“I’ve just watched your Rogers show on the Harbour and the story of Vancouver. I certainly wish that this show was shown in other provinces and across Canada. I’ve only been in Vancouver a year now, I am from Ontario and I try to watch your show as much as possible to find out more about this beautiful province. Becoming well versed as a local. I enjoy the show.”

“I am a commercial fisherman and your show was very interesting to me today. If you can point me in the direction for more information that would be great. Or…um I hope I win”

“I was just watching your show. It was very good today. Ok. I hope I win some stuff.”

“Hi I liked your show on the Vancouver waterfront. I thought for the show you might do one similar on the Fraser River waterfront of Vancouver. You could do a working one and one about the Parks along the river. Anyhow, that’s my idea. Enter me in the contest please”

“ I always find the show very educational and entertaining as well. Its always on very up to date topics about things in the region that I wasn’t aware of before. Uh, I’d like to enter the draw.”

“I just finished watching your show on the Vancouver Port Authority and I thought it was great! We need more programs like yours that focus on what Vancouver has to offer to the rest of the world. Keep up the great work!”

“Hi there I just watched your program about the port and longshoremen, I thought it was great and very interesting. It’s always nice to see the waterfront on television. I think the show is great. Keep up the good work.”

“I like to watch this program. I’d like to see it more often. Thank-you very much”

“Hello I just watched your show about Vancouver north shore and harbour and it was quite interesting and I really enjoyed it. My only comment is that it was really enjoyable, useful and it was really good timing. It was a good time to put there. Thanks. Bye.”

“I think your show is beautiful”

“I like your show immensely. I go down to the waterfront a lot and it’s the first time I’ve seen your show, as a matter a fact. I’d be very interested in taking the tour around. I learned a lot from it. Thanks a lot. I’ll watch the show again.”

“Hi I like your show it’s not too bad. I’d like to see more stories about First Nations aspects, or stuff about hidden or unique things in BC and the Lower Mainland. For instance some people don’t know about the horse in Maple Ridge and some unique stuff. Anyway, it’s a good show. Thanks a lot.”

“Yeah I like your show.”

“I just wanted to tell you that we live in Langley and love your show and finished watching the show on what goes on down at the waterfront. I absolutely love the show. It gave me the best picture I’ve ever had about what goes on down on the shores and my husband enjoyed it too. Um, I’d like to see another show , about what it would be like to spend a day out on a fishing boat. I think this would be really interesting, and particular to BC. Like when they go to catch fish for canning and so on…”

“I just watched your program on the Longshoremen and I was hoping I could get a copy of the tape if you could call me back.”

Episode Six: March 15, 2000
“We really like your show and in the future would like to see something on the downtown eastside.”

“ I am calling to enter your prize draw.”

“I really enjoy your show.”

“Yes I really enjoy your show and I’d like to enter the contest thanks.”

“I enjoyed your show today it was very informative. And uh, I keep giving out the good information, especially local information. I’d like to see more environmental information included.”

“I have seen your show and I think it’s very good. So I am calling to enter your prize.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen the show and it’s really good.”

“Hi I watched your show tonight and really enjoyed the cultural diversity on it. Thanks. Please enter me in the draw.”

“I really love your show and I am thankful that you have this program happening. It shows the diverse areas in Native art.”

“Yeah I think the show on the native designers has really been good. Thanks for letting me know about it.”

“I really enjoyed your program about the Indian native art. I was flipping there by accident and I was very very impressed and thought it was a good idea to show us these things. I have seen the art at the airport and been to the museum, but I think that this is a very important aspect of Canadian identity that we should be proud to show to the world. Especially when people from other countries come tyo visit us. But the fashion show gave the program a modern twist where indian art is being used outside of tradition. Thanks.”

“Hi its Sunday night and I am watching the part about Raven’s something… anyway I am enjoying it and never been to the museum. Please enter me to win tickets. Thanks. Bye”

“Hello. I watch a couple of other Rogers shows that I think are really good. Like daytime and sports. Please enter me in your draw.”

“I am calling to enter your draw.”

“I am watching your show about the art at the airport and I don’t know if I’ve been living under a rock or what, but I’ve been in BC since 1970 and I’ve never heard about the art out there. I didn’t realize there was art at the airport but I think it’s really great for the newcomer and old time residents. I thought the show was really interesting and upbeat. It was very educational. Um, the piece on the Surrey murals was great and I think the whole program was excellent. It’s nice to know that someone is doing this, especially for people who can’t get out much and the elderly. I think it’s great that someone is bringing the information to the public. I would like to enter your contest. Keep up the good work and I’ll be watching future episodes.”

“Yes, I think it’s a wonderful show a great format and so on. A good story idea I think, would be in Steveston on the history of the fishing industry. You might consider a story on the heritage of fishing, I don’t know if you considered the Gulf of Georgia or not, but you could also do something on the cannery channel. So if your interested in knowing more about it so give me a call.”

“I watched your show and gosh there were a lot of things that I liked about it. I liked the stuff about First Nations art and more modern pieces and the new Vancouver airport terminal. I liked the sayings by native and non-native artists - I believe. I liked the Surrey art youth mural programs. Hold on I’ve got notes here. Oh… I liked the creative way of dealing with graffiti. I also thought the fashion show was fabulous. I loved the earthquake preparedness, well I shouldn’t say I loved it, but I thought it was very good and important to know. I think the importance of art and keeping culture alive through it is very important. So uh you can call me back if you like.”

Episode Seven: March 29, 2000
“Yeah I think your show about the transportation issues in Greater Vancouver is very interesting. Keep it up I think it’s a great show and I’ll keep watching. Thanks!”

“High I’d like to enter your contest to win a ride on the interurban train. Thanks. I enjoy the show.”

“Your show is very good and I’d like to see more about everything. I think it could be an hour long rather than a half-hour.”

“I love the show and I would like to be entered in your draw.”

“It’s me again. I enjoyed your show again. It’s very good. I’d like to see one of the trains or streetcar run out, up the valley to Chilliwack and so one. Show it on TV here. But whatever you put out here is very good. I was also quite amazed at the cost involved in running a car.”

“Hi. I liked the show.”

“ I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your show on the inter-urban line. I noticed it didn’t mention anything about car pooling. I am involved in car pooling. And I am wondering why there is no incentive given to people who car pool. Anyway that’s my message.”

“How about a program that includes 10-15 minutes interviewing Councillors. Each councillor or a councillor per program for example. Talking about a project that they want to see completed in the next year and achieve themselves. Structured in such away that they do not speak on the same issue as another councillor. I don’t want to hear them all speak on the same thing. Again only 5-15 minutes. With some focus on what their agenda is and what they want to see achieved. That’s my suggestion thank-you.”

“Hello, I represent a group called Pets of BC Residents, you may have seen us in the news recently. I love your show, its fantastic, and I am just watching the one about the Transit. Um, what I was wondering is, this is an issue that affects most Vancouverites. You may be aware that Vancouver is one of the worst cities for finding an apartment that will allow pets. What we’re working on is legislation similar to Ontario that says that if your pet is not causing a problem you cannot be evicted from your apartment because of it. You’ll see a story in the Sun on Monday and on Global TV. I thought you might be interested in it as a story idea. Pet Housing in Vancouver compared to other areas etc… I could help you come up with some ideas or we could discuss the issue more. Call me if I can help.”

“Hello. I think you have a great show and it’s very interesting.”

“Yeah. I really appreciated your show. It was really interesting to hear about transportation. I am new to the city. Been here for 8 months and I have noticed the difficulties in driving and um expense with transportation costs when I don’t buy passes etc… So now I am turning to the Skytrain as my main form of transportation and I was wondering how far the Skytrain is going to be extended and how far out. Anyways, I really enjoy the show and hope to see another one soon about some of the improvements that have been made”

“The show disturbs me considerably. Some of the comments made about the additional levy on automobiles. I think $75 dollars. You know the Provincial government to save itself from the voters passed on this responsibility of transit to an autocratic body and who heads it up? My god lets give us a chance. The worst part of it is…that the government has collected millions and millions and millions of dollars in gas tax and other tax that is supposed to be used for road repairs, improvements and transit etc… and the government has done nothing of that nature. Since, since Bill Gillardi (sp?) . So lets, lets tell the truth here once and awhile. I would like to see one of your shows explain the amount of money taken in by government that is now handed to the Transit Commission so that when taxpayers get upset nobody can be voted out of office when people get upset about the amount of money taken in, in highway taxes. They haven’t spent any of the money their collecting, except when some politician on the island wants to get elected. Then they build the island highway which everyone agrees is just a boon dog of a mess. I mean come on…”

“About my earlier call, I didn’t leave my name or number deliberatley. Because what are you going to do give me a pass on one of your silly transit things? Or with some great luck I might get a return ticket? Ha, ha ha…”

“After watching your program I find a lot of things missing. In your statements and claims, you name it. Your talking about private cars creating pollution and so on…people need these to get to and from work. The system proposed by Transit will never, never, never, fulfill the needs of the lower mainland’s residents. Oh sure you can get from one point of the city to another, and then you have a million directions to go, what do you do? Furthermore, as far as pollution from private vehicles, why aren’t you talking about things like Kosovo? And those kinds of things. You know you want to talk about pollution. One day at Kosovo provided enough pollution and enough global heat and energy burns enough energy to provided 10 years of energy for necessary vehicle driving. You know if you’re going to put a program on you want to be honest about it, don’t play one side of it. Hey, what about racing cars and boats and all the races and so on that are supported by government? Do we really need these things? No, but the city supports it, hell the province supports it…. All levels of government supports it! Do we really need all those jet planes? How much global warming is caused by jet planes in one day? I mean, if you had it your way we’d all go back to horse and buggy days. I mean come on. You people are just unreal. You are trying to tackle the wrong person. Wake up.”

“I just watched your show here about the inter-urban and transportation. It was very well done and uh, it was good interviewing and speaking. It was well done, I enjoyed it.”

“Thanks. I enjoyed the show and I’d like to win a couple of passports on the inter-urban if you could enter me in your draw.”

“I was just watching your program on the transportation issues. And one of the guys there said something about the cheaper a car is the more people will use it. Um maybe they should apply that to the transportation system and more people would use it. Maybe the cheaper a skytrain, bus or whatever is. I take the bus from North Vancouver across the bridge to Burrard and back everyday, it takes about 8 minutes and it costs me 4.50 a day. That is not cheap! So maybe they should think about this”

“I just watched your show on the Selkirk school and neighbourhood transportation stuff. I just wanted to let you know that I think that the Neighbourhood Intergrated Service Team project is the best thing that the city has ever done. I think its great. “

“I am a member of the Vancouver Speed Watch group and I noticed that there was no mention about what the police do, or Vancouver speed watch and it might be a good idea to publicize that and let people know that we’re around. Thank-you.”

“I am a second generation Vancouverite, first of all and I used to live, we used to live right next door to the Arbutus street corridor for 18 years. I am really interested in your program and the city. Channel four is great and I am really happy that they are bringing the Street Cars back into the city. I think its great, it would be neat to see the street cars, to give us roots and more of a substance and grounded feeling like its old and we’ve been here for awhile, we belong here… it’s settled. I think it’s really good, and I am glad this is happening. It took a great deal of effort by volunteers and people that are concerned to do the research, look at the details and do all of the scrub work. The people that do that, it took a great deal of energy. So I’d like to win this draw. I am interested in the city… particularly I really like the inner city and the downtown eastside. I go to the planetarium, I’ve seen the light shows, I walk around downtown, I look at all of the picture books on the history of Vancouver, I’ve seen all that too and I think its very interesting. I like the building at Cordova and Gore its beautiful. I think the sense of history is really important. I currently live on 1555 east 6th, but I used to live in Richmond and coincidentally right next to the old Steveston line. I also live by the railway tracks along Granville. I think its really good and it would reactivate that old flavour that created the atmosphere of the city. Ok that’ all.”

“I just wanted to say that I used to live at 16th and Granville, and I now live at Marine and Victoria down near the water and I have to commute to work every morning. And I was watching your show about traffic in the city. It brought up a lot of things that I see every morning and that I am even guilty of myself. There were some really key things. It was nice to see that someone was aware of it and that there are changes happening and being made to curb some of the stuff that happens. Its good that changes will be coming. It was the first time I had seen your show and I thought it was effective.”

Episode Eight: April 12, 2000
“I’d like to give you some suggestions for your show. I wonder if you want to do something survey from the audience about where is the best romantic place in Vancouver. It would be nice for people to share the beautiful places that they know about in the city and region. I am new here and want to see the beauty and sunny place that it has for offer. In summertime, people can then go out and enjoy this place.”

Hi there: Over the past few years I have enjoyed watching Greater.vancouver. While I certainly haven't seen every episode, I catch when I can, but they are great.
Here's an idea I have for an episode - cycling as transportation. I'm rather involved in cycling myself. Currently I'm President of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition [VACC] and the interim chair for the City of Vancouver's Bicycle Advisory Committee. So perhaps I'm aware of many things going on for cyclists. The concept I have is looking at cycling from all parts of the GVRD. And this would make a really aspect to the show. It would be just as interesting to have the public aware of what's happening in Surrey, Maple Ridge, and Vancouver at the same time.
Currently there is the TransLink Municipal Bicycle Committee that is made up of staff people from most of the GVRD municipalities. These people gather once every two months to discuss mutual problems of trying to establish bike routes that are effective. So to help you out I have attached a web page which lists the current members. Currently the TransLink MBC is co-chaired by Peter Stary of the City of Vancouver and Gord Lovegrove of UBC's TREK Program.
Also there can be look at the growing amount of transit buses running around the region with bike racks. One of the issues of concern here is many cyclists do not how to properly secure their bikes onto them. Thus some have come close to falling of the racks. Perhaps Helen Cook of TransLink could assist in this segment.
Further the GVRD Parks are developing a regional network of multi-use trails that would be greatly beneficial to cyclists travelling on non-arterials. Here Don Watmough would be of benefit.
Also the VACC is planning a bike parade in New Westminster during Bike Month, that's June, and this would provide great visuals regarding children and other people who cycle. The VACC contact for this project is Bruce Mol.

Hi: How about a show on the restrictive rental situation for people with pets? You've probably noticed a fair amount of press on this issue in the Sun and Courier recently. There are more than enough local animal welfare groups working round the clock for your staff to get interviews and information. If you want some contacts, I'd be glad to help. If you do decide to follow up on this, please let me know when the show will air.

“H, I like your show. Ok Thank-you”

“I’ve watched your show a couple of times now on Rogers channel four and I think its absolutely fascinating. The episode tonight was on the East Arm community and the Sun Yet gardens down in Chinatown I believe. Continue the good work and maybe do a show on the Nisay in Steveston and the history of the Japanese fishermen going back into the 1820’s and the seizing of their assets etc. To let the young people know aboutthe history and how they have contributed to the community in Richmond and Steveston. I think it would be really interesting for those not familiar with their history.”

Episode Nine: April 26, 2000
"Ok its Wednesday on April 26th and I finished watching your show on channel four between 10 and 10:30. I think you did an absolutely fabulous show, you couldn’t have done a better job. It’s fantastic. For something to add to it… As you already know I live in the Woodlands area and I work out at the Brittania Gym on Commercial at Napier and first of all the Brittania Community Services Society in cooperation with the Parks board, they support and get funding from the Parks board as well as the Planet Bingo on Main and 10th. That’s where their funding is from and supports a wonderful ice rink, gym and other things for fitness and recreation in the area. Now when I go downtown eastside the thing I notice is that there is the Carnegie Centre which I think is a great place, with ceramics, some food service and so on… it’s a incredibly vibrant place and colourful centre. I am quite impressed by it and its got some courts for volley ball and raquetball etc.. But I went down to use the gym because someone was telling me about it, but there is a lot of room for improvement, although I am glad there was something down there. Still I think there is need for more equipment and there is no hot sauna or steam room. Nor is there a pool, which I know would cost a lot of money, but it would be something really important to consider for the future of that area to influence the future direction of the area. I think the Parks Board must have something to do with the funding of Britannia Centre as there is a library etc. in it, but for people living down there, they either have to go to the Westend or come to the Brittania Centre. I think fitness and recreation would be a really important thing to consider in that area. I think it would be a good thing to help people recover from drug addiction, since releasing endorphins are healing and good exercise can help work off a lot of stuff. Anyway, that’s all I have to say right now. I like your show. Thanks."

"Another thing about Greater.vancouver doing a segment on the downtown eastside is it could do something about the history about the area. Like the neon displays, glowing in the dark, talking about the history and maybe looking at the different hotels like the motel. Adjacent from it is the Sunrise hotel which used to have a bar in it, and it was a trouble bar, so although I used to go there I am glad its been shut down. As the Sunrise has been bought and turned into subsidized housing. I’d like to see the same thing done with the Balmoral hotel. Either make it subsidized housing, or someone should buy it and turn it into condos. I just don’t like how it is being run now for single occupancy rooms where people cash their welfare cheques. The government should either own it or have it sold. Even tear it down if neither of these is an option. Bring some money into the area and upgrade it. The less of those bars in the area the better. I think it is a saloon concept or beer parlour that has created this area. I heard someone talk about this and I think the whole bar strip or saloon thing is just right out of the 1930’s or 40’s it should be obsolete. Nowadays its better to have a band cover change kind of thing, like the Columbia Bar, the Brickyard is also great, the Lamplighter, or the Cambie Hotel and other bars that have been redone for people who give a damn about their surroundings. There isn’t a single bar I haven’t been into in this town. I think we should shut down all the watering holes, with owners that really don’t care and create a more positive environment for people. That’s all for now. Thanks."

To Whom it May Concern:
I found your show on the 4 pillar approach to the drug problem very informative. My only regret is that not enough people might have been able to see it!
I would like to point out that I am not a person who has ever smoked or used drugs, but I have always held the belief that treating this problem as just a criminal problem would not work. I am sure there are a lot of people who have the same view. Apart from writing to the premier and Mr. Allan Rock about my belief, who else could I write to to speed up the change?
I also would like to present a topic to investigate. As a single male in my late 30’s, I, and others, have found that dating in this city is not easy. As a male, I have found that I am often treated like a criminal, just because we’re males. .If I was black we would call this racism. Why do I have to pay, literally and metaphorically: the phone number tango, the telepersonals charging men and not women, the irreverent and disrespectful way women treat us when we don’t fit the bill, no pun intended. All this flies in the face of a bigger problem: the incredibly high rates of divorce and affairs, not to speak of prostitution and pornography.
As a well-informed male, I would love to provide some insight -- from my narrow perspective -- to the issue.
Thank-you and keep up the good work.

"I just caught the end of your program on Sunday and I thought that there might be a follow-up this week -but it appears that only last week show dealt with drug issues --and I am calling to find out if I could get a copy of your program. It was about safe fixing sites and harm reduction. Uh again please call me."

"I am a property owner in the downtown eastside with 40 rooms. And I would like to find out how I can best help in housing for these 40 rooms for people like those that you were showing on the program last week. How can I best get involved? Please phone me."

"Hello I saw a program on harm reduction and drug use in the Downtown Eastside. I coordinate the Volunteers at the Dr. Peters Centre. I thought it was very well done and I was wondering if I can get a copy of it to use for my volunteer training. I would purchase a copy. Thank you so much. I’ll look forward to hearing from you. "

Episode Ten: May 10, 2000
“Hi I enjoy your show very much. Especially the suggestions and practical ideas about enriching soils and pest controls and so on. I think the idea of using plants that are native to our city and so on is really good. I don’t know what else to say. I really enjoy the show. Just keep up the same work and similar things. Thanks again. I’ll be watching!”

“I am enjoying your Wednesday night show about VanDusen gardens and so on. I’d love to see more about gardening and especially shady gardening. Yep. I live in Surrey and I think you should do a show on Burns Bog. Good Luck and thanks.”

“I’d like to find out about the Italian neighbourhood around Commercial Drive and so on. What happened to the area there over time. Some information about the history of this Italian neighbourhood. I’d also like to find out about the waste plants and so on. Thanks.”

“Hello I was hoping to win some tickets to the VanDusen Gardens. I really enjoy your show and watch it all the time. Thanks.”

Episode Eleven: May 24, 2000
“I’d like to see a show on Bonsai plants. I regularly enjoy your show. Thanks very much.”

“Hello. I watched the show again tonight about the Seymour Dam and all of the younger children. And once again I am very impressed with how great the show has become. It’s very informative for those of us that haven’t seen some of these things before. I’d like to see a show on the different Greater Vancouver regions, for example about the Richmond city hall that just opened. It has a number of unique things about it that I think would be very interesting…it’s very innovative, with a system for dealing with the fact that its below the water table, and there is a pumping system under the building and is probably one of the most modernstructures in the region. Once again, I enjoy your show all the time. I hope this helps give you an idea. Thanks again.”

“Hi we were just watching the program about Stoney Creek and the Salmon Send Off. One of my children was in the show and it was nice to see what went on at the event.”

“I love you show its very informative.”

“Uh I really like the show. I think it has a lot of good stuff for kids. And helps create awareness about the environment. And I think it could have some more cultural things, but its really good. Uh… I can’t remember what else I had to say, but I’d like to be entered in the draw. Thank-you. I think the shows great..”

“I am phoning to tell you that I really enjoy your program and I think your host is great. I can’t remember her name, but she does an excellent job and I just really enjoy it. I am not aware of what your re-broadcast programs are, but if you can’t catch it on Wednesday night it would be nice to have it on Thursday Friday Saturday nights for people who work. Uh Ok. Thanks.”

“I think your program was wonderful. I’d like to see the show staying environmental things. I think its great to teach our young people this. I enjoyed the program. Continue the good work.”

“Hi my name is Kelly Earl and I think the show is absolutely fabulous, very informative and me and my family are really enjoying it.”

Episode Twelve: June 7, 2000
“Hi I just wanted to call and say how much I loved the story on the mountain bike trails up at cypress etc. One of my friends is a mountain biker and was in one of those movies, I don’t know which one, it was need seeing… I had never really thought about the environmental effects or the possible problems for parks people and stuff like that. I thought it was really cool that you did a story on it, it was really neat to see. Thanks.”

“Please enter me for both of your contests. By the way you have a great show and a wonderful format. Thanks very much.”

“Hi. I live in Fraser Heights – North Surrey and we’d love to see some more mountain biking or kayaking shows. There a whole bunch of people her, about 30 people here watching the show with me and all of us would like to see more. So keep it up. Thanks.”

“Hi I just saw your show on back country trekking, I thought it was really great, but I thought you needed a bit more information about companies that will take people on treks or that you can take these classes with… It would have been nice to have this hook-up.”

“Hi we really liked your show and thought that the disabled sailing was great. They can get out there and it enjoy it too, it was nice to see. Thanks..”

“Yeah I just wanted to let you guys know that there is a fantastic skateboard park near Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam and if you guys were to go out there, the kids would flock to that place and you’d see a number of real professionals. Give me a call if you need help setting it up. Thanks bye.”

“Hi my name is Owen and I really love your show. I think you need a saran man. This is not no joke. I made this little caricature, he’s a mischievous little guy that’s a skinny little guy with a hairy chest,…bald or nothin. Get him on your show. He’ll make people laugh their asses off. Saran man, he’s a man, he’s Saran man. Theman. Enjoy he’s a saran. Saran man. No I’m not drunk or nothin…. Give me a call. I can make ya famous. Bye”

“Yeah I enjoy your program and I thought I might enter my name to enter a prize. Thanks…bye bye.”

“It’s a great show and I think it covers a lot of areas that otherwise wouldn’t get covered. I am the Coordinator of the Coastal Communities Conservation Society, which is based in Steveston BC. And have you guys ever thought about coming out to Steveston to take a look at our wonderful fishing industry and our heritage and so on? I would certainly love to give you an environmental and historical tour of the area if you wished. Anyway… I enjoy the show. Let me know if you interested or if I can be of any help. Thanks.”

“Your show is great its good to see local TV that is exciting enough to watch. Bye”

“I like your show because its informative and I like the announcers on it. They seem to know what their doing and are talking to some interesting nice people in a way that we can all relate to. It’s a nice show. Thanks a lot. Bye.”

“I am phoning from Pets of BC Residents. I have a couple of story ideas that relate directly to Vancouver and thought that you might be interested. Give me a call. Thanks. Bye”

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