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Kitsilano Pool Opens June 4th

Vancouver’s scenic Kitsilano Pool is gearing up for a grand reopening. The Vancouver Park Board has announced that this beloved outdoor saltwater pool will open on Sunday, June 4. Repair teams are currently wrapping up their work, actively filling cracks and testing mechanical systems that a January 2022 storm damaged. Kitsilano Pool Opens June 4th.

The cool, wet conditions this spring delayed necessary repairs to Kitsilano Pool, requiring at least 10 consecutive days of dry, warm weather to ensure the fixes properly cured and set. Work finally commenced in late April. Once it reopens, Kits Pool will offer 2½-hour swim sessions throughout the day. Due to expected high demand, the Park Board recommends that swimmers pre-register online via Showpass. Reservations for swimming times open at 12 p.m., three days prior to the desired date. While the pool does accommodate drop-ins, securing a spot cannot be guaranteed.

In the meantime, both New Brighton and Second Beach pools are already open and welcoming guests. Maple Grove and Hillcrest pools are set to join them, opening on June 15. Prepare to dive into summer at Kitsilano Pool starting June 4th and relish one of Vancouver’s most beautiful aquatic settings. Kitsilano Pool Opens June 4th.

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Snacks, Snacks, Snacks!

A new snack shop, Snack Pack, is setting up in Kitsilano at the former site of local chain Thirstyyy, located at 2204 W4th Ave. Thirstyyy, once widespread across Vancouver, has closed its doors, including this prime spot at the corner of West 4th and Yew Street. Signs already up hint at Snack Pack’s imminent opening. A business license application for Snack Pack is currently under review by the city. A new snack shop.

Previously, Thirstyyy operated several other locations, including 1789 Robson St. in the West End, 2253 W 41st Ave. in Kerrisdale, 3378 Dunbar St. in Dunbar, and 4517 W 10th Ave. in West Point Grey—all of which have now ceased operations. Interestingly, other convenience stores have quickly filled some of these vacancies. For instance, Milamoon took over the Kerrisdale location, while Snack Street launched last spring in the Dunbar spot. Meanwhile, the West End site has transformed into a barber shop.

Despite a series of recent closures, Thirstyyy continues to operate a vibrant outpost at UBC’s AMS Student Nest. As Thirstyyy gradually reduces its footprint, the stage is set for Snack Pack’s emergence. This fresh addition will introduce exciting flavors and unique experiences to Kitsilano’s diverse community. Anticipation mounts as Snack Pack prepares for its grand opening, promising to quickly capture the hearts of local snack aficionados. Be sure to watch for this shop’s debut, as Snack Pack aims to become a new favorite in the neighborhood. Ready to energize the local snack scene, Snack Pack offers a lively atmosphere with distinctive and appealing choices. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for what is sure to be an invigorating addition to local dining options.

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Kitsilano’s Newest Italian Gelato Shop


Kitsilano, prepare for a delicious adventure at your soon-to-be favourite gelato destination, Tutto Belle Il Gelato! Our community member (@linds.eats.lots) recently spotted this new gem. Exciting news just in: Tutto Belle Il Gelato will soon grace 2151 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, with its presence. Brace yourselves for their impending soft launch. Kitsilano’s Newest Italian Gelato Shop.

Savour the taste of classic Italian gelato, uniquely twisted with creativity. By fusing traditional methods with local ingredients, they craft flavours sure to dazzle. Imagine diving into exotic Madagascar Vanilla, indulging in rich Cheese Fig, or enjoying the homey feel of Cinnamon Apple Pie. These selections represent just a snippet of what Tutto Belle has in store.

The buzz doesn’t stop at the gelato. With plans for family-friendly activities like balloon twisting, the soft launch promises fun for all ages. Perfectly positioned beside the popular Kitsilano Jam Cafe and taking over the space once occupied by Pacific Poke, Tutto Belle Il Gelato is poised to become a beloved local haunt as temperatures rise.

Expect more than just gelato; Tutto Belle aims to create a community hotspot where families can enjoy sweet treats and cheerful gatherings. Whether you’re a gelato aficionado or a family looking for a delightful outing, this spot is bound to be a hit. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for the opening date. This is more than just a gelato shop—it’s a new chapter in Kitsilano’s culinary story, blending tradition with innovation. Get ready to experience flavours that tell tales, in a space designed for making memories. See you there, Kitsilano! Kitsilano’s Newest Italian Gelato Shop.

Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash

Thrifting in Kits

West Broadway in Kitsilano is a treasure trove of intriguing shops that invite exploration. A standout favorite is Step Back (2936 W Broadway), a vintage lover’s haven. On our last visit, we scooped up some Scrabble tiles from their eclectic collection, ideal for craft enthusiasts. West Broadway in Kitsilano features captivating shops.

For those passionate about thrifting, the Salvation Army at 2714 W Broadway is a must-visit destination. Additionally, serious treasure hunters will find themselves drawn to the SPCA Thrift Store at 3606 W Broadway, a prime spot for vintage clothing and unique home goods. Just a stone’s throw away, the Hospice Opportunity Boutique (HOB) at 3626 W Broadway offers a range of collectibles and high-end home décor, catering especially to those with a refined taste in art.

Our personal tradition enriches each shopping trip: we collect a piece of artwork from every destination we visit. This ritual began in the ’80s with a Joan Miro lithograph from San Francisco. Nowadays, our rule is simple—each artwork must be under $100 and portable enough to take home with us. This tradition not only captures memories but also decorates our space with stories from around the world.

Enjoy a delightful meal at Jo’s Italian Deli (2505 Alma St), just steps from the Hospice Opportunity Boutique (HOB). Here, you’ll enjoy hearty sandwiches and perfectly prepared pasta at reasonable prices. Next, art lovers should take a short stroll to Folk Art Interiors at 3720 W 10th Ave. This charming shop overflows with unique folk art and vintage treasures. Also, make sure to indulge in the superb hot chocolate at Koko Monk Hot Chocolate Lounge (2883 W Broadway) — a memorable treat. As you explore, West Broadway in Kitsilano reveals captivating shops that enhance this vibrant community’s charm. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or immersing yourself in local culture, this neighborhood is sure to enchant you. Kitsilano features captivating shops.

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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.

Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash

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.

Photo by Amy Vosters on Unsplash

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.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash