For those who wished they had been at the blog gathering, but couldn’t make it, here’s a recap from Kirk

Thanks to those that made it out last night.

For those that missed it, I heard two main topics:
1. The election and the candidates.
2. Vancouver’s future. Housing, investment condos, demographics, schools, you name it.

We are all special snowflakes, but there were some notable names that those who couldn’t be there might have wanted to talk to (in order of appearance): Frances (the guest of honour), Mike Klassen, Pete Fry, and Andy Yan.

I could only join one conversation at a time, so I missed out on other topics. We were there for almost five hours and the discussion was still going strong when we packed it in.

Jeff, I forgot to ask if you had pictures of your cycling trip through Spain. You’ll have to bring some next time.

And Silly Season added this

Excellent evening. Not all fear-bsed, btw! Lots of interesting comments from people across the #vanpoli spectrum and ideas/solutions floated on how to deal with those pressing issues.

Very creative stuff. Politicians should take note.

And I add this

It is a revelation to see how people who sometimes bash each other over the heads on social media can have such a productive, non-combative discussion about difficult issues when we’re all in person. I think there’s something about face to face that makes people strive to agree a little more. Interesting dynamic.

For those who would like to come out another time but fear the policy talk is too elevated, fear not. We also traded good gossip. Which famous family’s kids are driving the neighbours with their wild parties? Who is the former NPA party member whom Peter Armstrong would most like to remove from the face of the earth? Was the fake-Twitter-follower scandal really a scandal? Who was behind it? And much, more more.

As a result of the festivities, I didn’t get home until near midnight and slept in for my call at 7:30 the next morning with a district-energy specialist. Crazy time.