A New Westminster man known for making folks across Canada laugh has passed away at the age of 71.
Bob Robertson, part of the Double Exposure comedy duo with wife Linda Cullen, passed away on March 19 in Nanaimo.
“Bob was somebody who, even though they were only here for a short time in New West, contributed wherever they could,” said Coun. Bill Harper. “It didn’t matter what kind of a fundraiser or event was being put on, they would show up and do their act, which they’d normally get paid for, for free.”
Since moving to New West a few years ago, Robertson and Cullen took part in various events, including LitFest New West and the annual Homelessness Action Week dinners.
“They were only in the community for a short period but they engaged in the community quite significantly,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “He had one of the best Jean Chretien impersonations the world has ever seen. Definitely a loss.”
Along with Cullen, Robertson created the CBC Radio series Double Exposure, which later became a television series of the same name on CTV and the Comedy Network.
Scents in the city
Smellwalking? That’s just one of the topics being covered at the second annual Livable Cities symposium that’s coming to New West.
Sensing the City, which is taking place on Thursday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 9 pm. at Anvil Centre, is presented by Simon Fraser University and hosted by the City of New Westminster. The one-day symposium features panels and talks, sensory workshops and sound art presentations.
“Communities in flux across the Lower Mainland present unique opportunities to engage with city planning strategies, urban densification and the impact of soundscapes, smellscapes and mobilities on local urban environmental,” said a notice about the event.
The day’s workshops include topics like: listening at the intersection of contested space on the Fraser River; putting our noses to the ground – principles and practices of smellwalking (exploring city smells); and barriers and facilitators to mobility and participation among mobility device users. For details and tickets, check out the events listing at www.anvilcentre.com.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for seniors aged 55 and up; and free for students with a valid student ID. Tickets includes access to all symposium events, including panels, presentations, workshops and an evening concert curated by Canadian composer and soundscape researcher Barry Truax.
Remembering Vimy Ridge
You may not be able to make it to France to take part in ceremonies commemorating the Battle of Vimy Ridge, but you’re invited to join in on a local celebration.
The Royal Westminster Regiment Association is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge with a parade on Sunday, April 9 at Queen’s Park. Community members are invited to attend this free public event, which commemorates one of the most significant battles in Canadian military history through a ceremonial battalion review.
“The event will commence with the Royal Westminster Regiment marching onto the parade ground followed by an inspection by the reviewing officer, the Honourable Judith Guichon, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia,” said a press release about the event. “This will be followed by a march past and speeches to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge by the commanding officer and lieutenant governor. The Regiment will then march back to the Armoury on completion of the parade.”
About 125 members for the Royal Westminster Regiment, band, affiliated cadets and regimental association will participate in the parade and the Regimental Band will provide music. Members of the public are asked to be seated in Queen’s Park Stadium by 2 p.m.
The event begins with music by the Regimental Band at 1:45 p.m., followed by a march onto the parade ground by the Royal Westminster Regiment at 2 p.m. and arrival of the lieutenant governor at 2:30 p.m. At 3:20 pm., the regiment will “exercise its freedom of the city” and march back to the Armoury along Queens Avenue.
