Hi friends!
My daughter asked what Oakridge used to look like.
I tried to explain: "It was a mall. With a Safeway. And a food court. And you could just... park there and buy things."
She looked at me like I was describing the dinosaurs.
Anyway, it's finally opening this spring. Here's what else you need to know this week…
Here’s what’s inside this issue:
🛍️ Oakridge Is Happening: It's actually opening this spring. Safeway, Time Out Market, and everything.
🏃 Half Marathon Heads-Up: Stanley Park road closures Sunday morning. Plan accordingly.
⛸️ Skating Registration: Set your alarm for 7 PM. You know the drill.
🔨 Home Depot Kids Workshop: Leprechaun traps. Free. Registration opens Feb 16.
📚 $2 Books: Friends of the Library sale in North Van this weekend. Bring a tote bag.
🎨 Free Emily Carr: VAG is free Friday 4–8 PM, and a major new Emily Carr show opens the same night.
Let's get into it. 👇🏼
🗓️ Registration Alerts: Set Your Alarms
1. Parks Board Skating Lessons (Set 2)
It is once again time for the only competitive sport that matters: Trying to register for swimming or skating before the website crashes.
What: Registration for Citywide skating lessons.
When: Opens Thursday, Feb 12 at 7:00 PM.
Link: vanrec.ca
The Move
Log in to your account at 6:50 PM. Check that your credit card on file hasn't expired. Refresh the page like your life depends on it.
Why It Matters
These spots vanish fast. If you miss this window, you’re likely waiting until spring.
2. Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Leprechaun Trap
Free woodworking for kids? Yes. Giving a 4-year-old a hammer in a public place? Also yes.
What: Build a "Leprechaun Trap" (wood kit included).
Registration Opens: Monday, Feb 16 at 10:30 AM (for the March event).
Workshop Date: Saturday, March 1 (confirm when booking)
💸 Cost: Free
Link: Home Depot Workshops
The Move
Make sure you select the Cambie & W 8th store before you book, or you’ll accidentally be driving to Burnaby.
Why It Matters
We went to the January one and honestly? It was great. The materials were solid, the instructions actually made sense, and the kids were genuinely proud of what they built. It’s busy/chaotic, but in a "wholesome community vibe" way. Plus: Free.
🌳 Dollar on the Tree: $2 Books (North Van)
If your kids have read all the books into oblivion, this one's worth the drive. The Friends of the Library book sale at Lynn Valley has books, DVDs, and CDs for all ages — most under $2.
📅 When:
Friday, Feb 13 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Saturday, Feb 14 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday, Feb 15 | 10 AM – 2 PM (shorter day)
💸 Cost: Most items under $2
🔗 Link: NVDPL Friends of the Library
The Move
It’s a trek across the bridge, so make it count. Bring a tote bag and go early for the best selection.
Why It Matters
Cheap books. Supports the library. And if you're heading to North Van anyway, Lynn Valley is a solid combo trip — the library is right next to the mall and a quick drive from the Suspension Bridge if you want to make a day of it.
📌 The Notice Board
🏃 Traffic Advisory: Half Marathon Road Closures (Sun, Feb 8, 2026)
If you were planning a Sunday morning trip to the Aquarium or the Seawall, you might want to rethink your route.
What: The "First Half" Marathon (yes, people run for fun in February).
When: Sun, Feb 8 — road closure posted as 8:00–11:00 AM (plan for delays until ~11:30 as things clear)
Where: Stanley Park — East side fully closed
Park Drive (from the entrance traffic circle to north of Pipeline)
The Move
If you absolutely must go downtown or into the park before noon, you have to use Pipeline Road—it’s the only part staying open.
Why it matters
Because nothing says “family fun” like a car full of snacks + a surprise closure + a child who suddenly needs the washroom.
🎨 Free Night at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Fri, Feb 6)
The Vancouver Art Gallery does free admission on the first Friday of every month from 4–8 PM. This Friday is that Friday.
The Big Thing: A major new Emily Carr show opens Fri, Feb 6 and runs Feb 6–Nov 8, 2026.
What: Free First Friday Night at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
When: Friday, Feb 6 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Where: 750 Hornby Street (Downtown).
Cost: 100% Free.
The Move
You cannot just show up. (Spontaneity in Vancouver? Nice try). You must reserve your free timed-entry ticket online ahead of time. Book the 4:00 PM slot so you can get in, get some culture, and get out before the downtown Friday night crowd gets heavy
Why It Matters
A big-name exhibition + a genuinely free window + kid-friendly programming = an outing that doesn’t require a spreadsheet (or a second mortgage).
🎨 Winter Craft Fair at Granville Island Kids Market
Got a kid who's been making friendship bracelets, slime, or "art" that's been piling up on the kitchen counter? This is their chance to go legit.
The Kids Market is hosting a Winter Craft Fair where kids ages 6–14 can be actual vendors and sell their handmade creations.
📅 When: Sunday, Feb 8 | 11 AM – 5 PM
📍 Where: Granville Island Kids Market
👧 Ages: 6–14 (vendors, not shoppers)
🎟️ Spots: Only 14 available
📧 To Register: Email [email protected]
The Move
If your kid wants a table, email now — 14 spots won't last. All items must be handmade (so no raiding the dollar store).
Why It Matters
It's a cute, low-stakes way for kids to experience "running a business" without any actual risk. Plus, the Kids Market is always a solid family outing — you can grab lunch, let the kids run around, and call it educational.
🛍️ Oakridge Park: Spring 2026 Opening (Confirmed)
Remember Oakridge? The giant hole in the ground. The one that’s been “almost ready” for… a while?
It’s finally happening — Oakridge Park is targeting a Spring 2026 opening.
When: Spring 2026 (mid-to-late, based on current progress)
The Food: The massive Time Out Market is coming with heavy hitters like DL Chicken, The Lunch Lady, and Robert Feenie.
The Essentials: Safeway and BC Liquor are returning (Hallelujah).
The Catch: The rooftop park won’t be ready until the end of 2026.
Why It Matters
A grocery store is coming back to the neighbourhood. That alone is worth celebrating. The rooftop park is expected by end of 2026. So, one thing at a time.
The Downside
Overnight construction continues through April 1st. If you live nearby, the 3 AM beeping isn't over yet. Hang in there.
📊 Let's Settle This ...
That’s a wrap for this week.
We’ve got this!
Saba Yazdani
The Cambie Memo
