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Kitsilano Fitness World: Vancouver’s Best Local Gym

Step into the vibrant world of Kitsilano Fitness World for a premier local gym experience that combines high-quality facilities with the joy of fitness. Featuring state-of-the-art equipment, specialized zones including Olympic lifting platforms, and a private section for women, it’s designed to let you tailor your fitness journey exactly how you want it.

Kitsilano Fitness World is your all-encompassing destination for meeting your health and fitness goals. Offering a range of services from personal training to dynamic group classes, and a specialized recovery area equipped with Normatec compression massagers, this fitness center is equipped to support your wellness journey from start to finish. Dive deeper into what makes this fitness center standout in their latest blog post.

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Mon Pitou Announces Easter Dinner for Four

Spring has sprung in Vancouver, and with it, Marché Mon Pitou proudly announces its much-anticipated Easter weekend dinner! Beyond their beloved weekly tradition of Sunday Roast Chicken Dinners, they’re adding a unique Easter celebration feast for $150, available for pre-order and pickup on Sunday, March 31st.

This Easter, indulge in a delectable dinner for four, featuring a whole marinated chicken prepared for roasting, sumptuous creamy garlic mashed potatoes accompanied by a homemade mushroom gravy, lemony roasted broccolini adorned with parmesan, a vibrant mixed green salad with thin slices of fennel, plump pomegranate seeds, sweet candied pecans, and soft crumbled goat cheese, complemented by four freshly baked hot cross buns.

Dessert is a grand finale with a whole Coconut Cream Pie for sharing, along with a refreshing bottle of San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water to cleanse the palate. Additionally, Marché Mon Pitou is accepting separate pre-orders for their historic hot cross buns. These aromatic, lightly spiced rolls, dating back to the 12th century, are sold by the half dozen for $15, marking the perfect celebration of spring’s arrival.

Place your pre-orders for the Easter dinner or hot cross buns at www.marchemonpitou.ca. Act swiftly, as orders will be accepted only until 2pm on Monday, March 25th. Wishing you a delightful Bon appétit!

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Coho and Happy Belly Forge Path for Purebread’s Expansion in Vancouver’s Kitsilano

Purebread’s latest venture in Kitsilano marks a strategic collaboration with Coho Collective Kitchens Inc. and Next Level Partners, aimed at advancing market expansion and operational excellence. The decision to establish roots in Kitsilano underscores Purebread’s dedication to community engagement and delivering top-tier baked goods.

Scheduled to open its doors in summer 2024, Purebread’s arrival adds a new dimension to Vancouver’s culinary landscape. This move is part of a broader partnership strategy between Coho Collective Kitchens Inc. and Next Level Partners, a division of Happy Belly Food Group, designed to propel Purebread’s growth and elevate its presence across British Columbia, with aspirations for national expansion by 2026.

Fueled by a commitment to quality and innovation, Purebread is leveraging this collaboration to fortify its brand and deepen connections within the community. Sean Black, Chief Investment Officer of Happy Belly, expressed optimism about partnering with Coho to bolster Purebread’s footprint in British Columbia. Coho’s CEO, Andrew Barnes, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the alignment of this partnership with Coho’s mission to expand the Purebread brand nationwide.

The selection of Kitsilano as Purebread’s latest destination is strategic. Renowned for its relaxed ambiance, cultural diversity, and tight-knit community spirit, Kitsilano, or ‘Kits,’ provides an ideal backdrop for Purebread’s distinctive bakery experience. With a demographic mix comprising young professionals, families, and culinary enthusiasts, Kitsilano emerges as a natural choice for Purebread’s expansion efforts. Andrew Barnes expressed enthusiasm about Kitsilano’s potential to evolve into a culinary hub, offering both residents and visitors an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

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New Broadway condo and grocery store building coming to Kitsilano

Jim Pattison Developments is set to transform the southeast corner of West Broadway and Balaclava Street in Kitsilano with an ambitious new project. A development permit application outlines plans for a four-storey mixed-use building at 3048-3080 West Broadway, marking a significant change for the area.

The proposed redevelopment will replace several businesses, including Neverland Tea Salon, Le Petit Spa, Stock Home Design, Circle K, Subway, and Big O Tires, housed in low-storey buildings dating back to 1963. Above the ground-floor grocery store, the development will feature 61 market condominium homes, offering a range of units from studios to three-bedroom residences.

With a total building floor area of 62,600 sq ft and a floor area ratio density of 2.8 times larger than the lot size of 22,400 sq ft, the project promises to deliver a vibrant addition to the neighborhood. The land assembly, completed in December 2021, paved the way for this innovative venture, with Formosis Architecture leading the design.

The development will include two underground levels providing parking for 86 vehicles and secure bike parking for 131 bikes, catering to the needs of residents and visitors alike. Adjacent mixed-use buildings, such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Parthenon Market, have already enriched the area’s urban fabric, setting the stage for the exciting evolution of Kitsilano’s streetscape.

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New store opening up in well-known, recently vacant Kitsilano building

The bustling streets of Kitsilano are set for a new chapter as Urban Outfitters bids adieu to its long-standing location at 2199 W. 4th Ave, marking the end of an era on Jan. 23, 2024. However, the iconic storefront won’t remain vacant for long, as signs of change emerge just a month later.

Aritzia, the beloved Vancouver-based retailer renowned for its “everyday luxury” clothing and items, is poised to take over the heritage building at the prominent intersection with Yew Street. While the new store isn’t yet listed on the Aritzia website, anticipation builds for the brand’s return to its hometown roots.

The location holds significant historical charm, boasting a blend of architectural styles dating back to 1912 when it was first built for the Canadian Bank of Commerce, coinciding with the arrival of streetcars in the area. Previously housing Le Chateau before its transformation into Urban Outfitters, the building underwent notable enhancements in 2001, including a sleek glass addition that harmoniously blends modernity with the neighborhood’s rich heritage.

As Aritzia steps into this iconic space, the community eagerly awaits the next chapter of retail elegance and urban sophistication in Kitsilano.

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Beloved Pie Hole sets closing date for Vancouver shop, will move to new location

In a bittersweet turn of events, one chapter closes for The Pie Hole in Kitsilano, but owner Jenell Parsons has found another slice of real estate nearby to continue serving up delicious pies. Last fall, while grappling with the news of her lease termination at the 1864 W 4th Ave location, Parsons opened her third Metro Vancouver outlet, navigating the uncertain future with resilience.

With a looming exit date set for March 2024, Parsons and her team focused on cherishing the moments and celebrating pie-perfect holidays. Now, amidst more favorable timing, they’ve not only determined the final day of business on West 4th Avenue, slated for March 14—also known as “Pi Day”—but have secured a new location just steps away. Pi Day holds special significance for The Pie Hole, aligning perfectly with their specialty in pies and marking a poignant milestone in Parsons’ journey. The anticipation builds as they prepare to reopen this spring at 2959 W Broadway, the former home of the seafood shop Fresh Ideas Start Here (F.I.S.H.).

Stay tuned for further updates on The Pie Hole’s new Vancouver location, and pie enthusiasts can follow @thepiehole on Instagram for the latest news and delicious pie creations.

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Proposal for 21-storey Kitsilano tower near future Arbutus SkyTrain station

Local developer Gracorp Properties has recently submitted a rezoning application for the construction of a 21-storey secured purpose-built rental housing tower. The proposed development, situated just a short six-minute walk from the future SkyTrain Arbutus Station and 99 B-Line terminus bus exchange, aims to offer high-density, transit-oriented living in the heart of Kitsilano.

The project is slated for 1960 West 7th Avenue, a mid-block site in Kitsilano currently occupied by a three-storey building with 35 apartment units. Designed by Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership, the proposed tower will rise to a height of 212 feet and consist of 100% residential rental units. These units will include 38 studios, 82 one-bedroom units, 45 two-bedroom units, and 18 three-bedroom units. In adherence to the City’s Broadway Plan, 20% of the residential space, or 35 units, will be designated for below-market rental housing, ensuring one-for-one replacement units for existing tenants. The remaining 148 units will be market rental housing.

Residents will have access to shared indoor and outdoor amenity spaces on both the ground level and the entire tower rooftop. Additionally, this application unveils a larger redevelopment trend in the area, with a total of five tower proposals for the city block bordered by West 7th Avenue, Maple Street, West 8th Avenue, and Cypress Street. While Gracorp Properties’ project leads the way as the first and most advanced application, there are also three non-compliant tower proposals in the mix, potentially transforming the entire block with towers reaching at least 20 storeys each. As of now, details about the other four tower proposals remain undisclosed.

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Is Vancouver’s Coolest Nightlife Venue in… Kitsilano?

The Hollywood Theatre isn’t just an events venue; it’s a vibrant rebuttal to Vancouver’s “no fun city” reputation. With its glamorous art deco facade and eclectic programming, it attracts a diverse crowd eager to experience everything from Bollywood dance parties to comedy shows and drag performances. Despite its historic charm, the theatre’s focus on inclusivity and community engagement sets it apart. From partnering with local restaurants for dinner-and-a-movie packages to providing opportunities for emerging talent, the Hollywood fosters a welcoming atmosphere where creativity thrives. With its rich history and dynamic programming, it continues to be a beacon of excitement and innovation in Vancouver’s entertainment scene.

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Robba da Matti closes its Kitsilano location in Vancouver

A beloved local pasta destination bids farewell to one of its branches. Robba da Matti, along with its Passaparola Burrata Bar, has officially closed its doors at the Kitsilano location, situated at 1898 W 1st Avenue. The decision to shutter the establishment was not taken lightly, as the restaurant cites “unforeseen family problems” as the primary reason for the closure. Emphasizing the paramount importance of family, the eatery expressed in a statement that family always takes precedence, even in business decisions.

Robba da Matti, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine and extensive wine selection, continues to operate successfully in various locations across the city, including Yaletown, Gastown, and the West End. The Kitsilano location, which opened its doors in 2021, introduced the Passaparola Burrata Bar the following year. However, in 2023, the restaurant faced temporary closure due to a devastating fire. Despite these challenges, Robba da Matti remains committed to serving its patrons in other vibrant neighborhoods throughout the city.

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NOMAD Coffee: North Vancouver’s Zero Single-Use Cup Cafe To Open In Kitsilano

In the charming, tree-lined streets of Kitsilano, a delightful cafe bakery is quietly making waves among coffee enthusiasts and environmental advocates alike. Introducing NOMAD Coffee, a name already revered by locals in North Vancouver, now poised to make its mark with a second home in Kitsilano. NOMAD Coffee’s journey traces back to the visionary Annette Kim, whose deep passion for coffee and sustainability ignited a movement. From the inception of Bean VGH at Vancouver General Hospital in 2015 to the opening of Bean-on-5th in Lower Lonsdale in 2019, Annette’s dedication to sustainability has been unwavering. These establishments were not just coffee shops; they served as the epicenter for Annette’s sustainability mission.

In May 2022, NOMAD Coffee proudly opened its doors in North Vancouver, becoming the first cafe in the area to eliminate single-use cups entirely. This beautiful cafe offers a meticulously curated selection of coffees, including their renowned Cloud Espresso, accompanied by an in-house bakery featuring a blend of classic and Asian-inspired treats, such as Seoul Gochujang spicy cookies. At NOMAD, sustainability is not merely an option—it’s a way of life. Customers are encouraged to bring their own cups or choose from reusable options available for purchase or rent. This initiative has already diverted 60,000 cups from landfills as of October 2023, a testament to NOMAD Coffee’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Now, NOMAD Coffee is expanding its reach to Kitsilano, taking over a former convenience store and continuing its mission to “Challenge Today and Change Tomorrow.” While details about the Kitsilano location are still emerging, the NOMAD team has revealed their plans to open sometime in 2024. The new outpost is expected to mirror the North Vancouver location’s dedication to the Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC) model and environmental ethos.

Stay tuned as we eagerly anticipate more information about the upcoming Kitsilano location. Rest assured, NOMAD Coffee’s arrival is poised to bring a blend of exceptional coffee, delectable treats, and a profound commitment to sustainability to the vibrant streets of Kitsilano.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash