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U-Pass renewed

87 per cent of students
vote for three more
years of U-Pass

By Dylan Hackett, News Editor

L” week Douglas students
across both campuses
answered the U-Pass
referendum with a resounding
“Yes,” giving Douglas students
three more years of TransLink
accessibility. Twenty-nine per
cent of eligible voters cast 3,202
ballots, a three per cent rise
from the 2010 referendum. The
U-Pass will rise in costs over the
next three years to keep with
projected inflation estimates:
through May 2013 to April 2014
the monthly cost will be $35,
May 2014 to April 2015 will be
$36.75, and from May 2015 to
April 2016 the price will be $38.

Students who voted at
David Lam campus were less
in favour of the new U-Pass
deal with 21 per cent of student
voters rejecting the initiative.

In New Westminster, only
9.5 per cent of students voted
against the U-Pass deal, a drop
from 2010 where only three per
cent of students rejected the
ballot referendum.

“Based on this historic voter
turnout we know that students
are engaged in the campaigns
and services of the DSU,”
said Jill Griffin, DSU external
relations coordinator and
campaigns coordinator for the
U-Pass campaign. “The DSU is
excited to provide our members

with such an important service
that makes the lives of students
a little easier by saving them
money. We are going to work
hard to continue to provide
member with cost-saving
services.”

Other schools in Metro
Vancouver who answered the
referendum have also elected to
renew the U-Pass and according
to Griffin, “Results at VCC and
[from the] UBC Alma Mater
Society have been very positive.
Both student unions had an
overwhelming ‘yes’ vote! This
program has become essential
for students all across the
region.” Students eligible for the
U-Pass currently pay 20 per cent
of the cost of normal adult three-
zone monthly passes, which
have no legislated pricing cap.

“Students should know
the DSU, along with other
student unions across the Metro
Vancouver region, worked hard
to get the lowest price possible
and we will continue to fight for
service increases,” said Griffin.
“At the end of the day we knew
the U-Pass BC program, even
with a moderate price increase,
would save students a ton of
money compared to regular
transit monthly fares.”

Soon after the expiry of
the current U-Pass deal in
2016, David Lam campus will
be connected to the SkyTrain
system via the upcoming
Evergreen Line slated for
completion in the summer of
2016. Douglas College will be
the eastbound terminus stop on
the line.

 

Celebrate the Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year
festivities around
Metro Vancouver

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

‘@} February 10, the lunar
calendar will flip from

the year of the dragon to the
snake. So forget the doldrums of
January and ring in the Chinese
New Year before heading off for
the study break. Firecrackers,
lion dances, and a whole lot

of food are available all across
town. Here are some of the
cultural events happening:

The Aberdeen Centre in
Richmond is hosting the Flower
and Gift Fair on February 6-11.
Since 1989, the fair has been the
main stop for all things Chinese
New Year. Decorations, flowers,
and food stands can all be found
throughout the mall.

On February 9, stay until
midnight for the Chinese New
Year countdown inside of the
main atrium. Musicians, dancers,
and other entertainers will be
performing on the large stage for
the duration of the night.

The next morning on
February 10, out in the Aberdeen
Centre courtyard the Golden
Dragon and Lion Dance
will present an extravagant
performance starting at 11 a.m.

If you want to settle down

and enjoy live performances,
the Aberdeen Chinese New Year
Cultural Spectacle on February
10 and 11 will host two separate
shows. On the 10th, the BC
Chinese Music Association and
Vancouver Academy of Dance
take the stage at 1:15 p.m.—4
p-m. On the 11th, the Colours of
Dance Academy and Vancouver
Cantonese Opera will be
performing from 12:30 p.m.—4
p.m.

Popular downtown nightclub,
Pop Opera presents the Year

of the Snake Celebration on
February 9th. Ring in the New
Year with a night of dance and
drinks. The first 50 people to
arrive will receive red envelopes
with money.

Come by the Crystal Mall in
Burnaby on February 10 at noon
to meet the God of Fortune and
get a free calligraphy greeting.
Then stay for the lion dances
and the lucky draw.

The International Village
Celebration takes place from
February 15-17, containing
multiple exhibits and hourly
performances and draws.
Admission is free.

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
Snake Temple Fair in
Vancouver on February 17
combines the festive with the
spiritual. With a suggested entry
donation of $5 you can enjoy
food and musical performances,
as well as visit exhibitions and

Photo courtesy of Lindsay Dianne Willett

learn more about the Chinese
tradition.

And finally, the Chinatown
Parade on February 17 is the
most renowned event in town.
The 1.5 km parade from Pender
to Keefer Street gathers a large
crowd every year. Martial
artistes, dragon and lion
dancers, and marching bands
will be making their way across
historical Chinatown from 12
p-m.—2 p.m. Arrive early to get
a good spot and then head over
to the Sun Yet-Sen Plaza for the
Festival and Cultural Fair from
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Happy Year of
the Snake!