Vancouver, Canada’s third largest city and its biggest in the West Coast is strategically located near the Pacific Ocean. Its location provides the city with good natural deepwater harbors which are perfect for port activities and tourism. Vancouver’s ports are some of the busiest ports in North America. These ports are also the seat of Vancouver’s major industrial areas. What makes Vancouver stand out among the world cities is its natural environment boasting of 190 parks. These environmental haven plus the good industrial and economic opportunities that await migrants and tourists has made Vancouver a consistent top rater in the most livable cities of the world.
A City of Mix Cultural Heritage
Although Vancouver is previously inhabited by aboriginal people, it has not been spared from European voyagers who settled in the then city’s rich natural habitat. Various European traders have reached the city as early as in 1791 and have been instrumental in the transformation of Vancouver as a sprawling city of opportunity and mixed heritage. Throughout the years, an influx of immigrants have chosen to settle in Vancouver. As of 2001, 46% of the residents of Vancouver are immigrants mostly coming from Asian Countries. This inter-cultural mixing of heritage has made Vancouver one of the richest cities in terms of cultural background.
Living in a Livable City
Finding a home in Vancouver is done either through rental or real estate purchasing. There are many establishments which offer house for rent and most of them are cozy and of good quality. Hotels are pretty expensive and are not advisable if one is considering staying long in Vancouver. For permanent settlers, purchasing a real property could be the best option. Real estate sale in Vancouver is done through a real estate agent. There are various houses and mansions that one can opt to purchase in all of Vancouver’s localities.
A City of Peace Governed by Competent Officials
Vancouver is aptly governed by an elected mayor aided by ten elected city councilors. Together with the City Park Board Commissioners, these people make sure that Vancouver’s peace and order, cleanliness and economic activities are in order all the time. The City Hall is located at 453 West 12th Avenue and it oversees the day-to-day administration of the city affairs. Among these tasks is the administration and management of the City’s revenues gained from property taxes which are collected from homeowners and other property owners. Elections in Vancouver is held every three years, and all Canadian citizen who are 18 years old or older, have lived in British Columbia for six months before election day and who have lived in Vancouver 30 days before voting day, are eligible to participate in the election.
A City with Valuable Services and Programs
The Vancouver City government officials and Park Board Commissioners ensure that basic services and programs are carried out and provided to its citizens and visiting tourists at all times. The city’s emergency hotlines (9-1-1) are a round the clock help line which anybody within the city can dial in times of emergencies. Fire and rescue services are provided on time during emergency call.
Vancouver City officials especially the Park Board ensure that the city is kept clean and environmentally safe. The city encourages individual citizens to practice garbage recycling and proper garbage disposal. For recreational activities, Vancouver has 192 parks, all maintained regularly and kept clean at all times. Family picnics and other activities are held in these parks all year round. These parks have children play areas, tennis courts, golf courses, skating rinks, jogging places and other sports activities.
For the intellectual savvy, Vancouver has its own Vancouver Public Library which is centrally located in the heart of the city. The Vancouver Public Library boasts of almost 2.2. Million holdings of books and other informational materials. It certainly is the perfect place to learn about Vancouver and other related knowledge as well.
To keep the peace and order within the city, there are roving police officers round the clock apprehending violators and crime perpetrators. Vancouver police officers are professionally trained individuals who come from different cultural backgrounds. These ensure that citizens are treated equally and without prejudice.
[...] In British Columbia - land of totem poles and fog-enshrouded coast - the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Vancouver rivals Hong Kong and Capetown as the most beautiful setting for a city. Here you can eat Szechuan Chinese food - or dine on salmon at a traditional Coastal Indian feast. Take an aerial tram ride to the summit of Grouse Mountain - right in the city of Vancouver - for a meal, a theatrical presentation, and a breathtaking view. Or take a wine tour to sample the fine vintages of the Okanagan vineyards. [...]
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