Frances Bula
@fabulavancouver
Followers
26,356
Following
3,005
Media
1,133
Statuses
59,268
Cities are life! Urban issues/politics writer Globe + Mail, various magazines. Adjunct prof UBC. Grand-daughter of farmers in Treaty 2 and 4 territories Sask.
Vancouver
Joined February 2009
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Netanyahu
• 864088 Tweets
Merchan
• 148491 Tweets
Cauca
• 119731 Tweets
Costello
• 87337 Tweets
Espinoza
• 42093 Tweets
ラヴィット
• 32710 Tweets
Intelectuales
• 32680 Tweets
ETH ETF
• 23683 Tweets
#LOSEMYBREATH_Hot100
• 20280 Tweets
STRAY KIDS HITS HOT100
• 20261 Tweets
#StrayKids_Hot100_Hitmakers
• 20008 Tweets
定額減税
• 14736 Tweets
Scarlett Johansson
• 14168 Tweets
Oviedo
• 12484 Tweets
Just remember, folks. The world you want after this is all over is the world you're supporting now. Order everything from Amazon and that's what will take over. Support your local businesses and you help them be part of The After.
72
2K
4K
Repeating the most useful "how to vote in an election" advice I've ever seen. Voting is not like Tinder. It's not about finding your love match. It's like transit, finding the bus that takes you the closest to where you want to go. So many people I hear want to be in love.
58
1K
4K
@DrJenGunter
Nora Ephron wrote that, if you have children, you should get a dog so that at least one sentient being is happy to see you when you get home.
10
12
2K
Convoy protesters now trying to back out of Terminal
106
129
1K
Current stand-off between convoy and counter-protesters on Terminal east of Main
68
94
804
I just realized today why this all feels so familiar. Non-boomers, this is how we grew up! Every single meal at the house, basic repeat menus. I don't think I went to a restaurant with my mother until my teens. Endless hours at the house just doing projects and house-cleaning. TV
56
47
636
Extremely quiet around Vancouver General Hospital except one small group of health-care-workers supporters at 12th and Laurel
26
27
605
Much admiration today for my Vancouver Sun/Province colleagues who are publicly criticizing the bizarre opinion piece that ran in the paper on the "dangers" of diversity. It's not easy to do. But it doesn't surprise me that this tipping point finally arrived.
23
107
595
The province announced today putting half a billion into building 4,900 social-housing units. I'm not sure people are getting what a sea change this is. This is the return, after 17 years, of social housing aimed at low/mid-income working people, not just the poorest.
20
189
560
My unpopular opinion of the day: Vancouver should start enforcing parking payment again. If people are untraumatized enough to drive to Costco downtown and wait there for half an hour to shop or to line up at various places around town for same, they can pay for their parking too
54
36
526
One of the things about a crisis is how much you learn. There are people in B.C. who have now developed a vast knowledge of the Barrowtown pumping station and the history of the lake that once existed at Sumas Prairie.
18
20
491
Just got this desperate message from someone on Galiano Island: Hi Frances, there are 75 cars booked to come to Galiano tonight! We are freaking out as we have only a half-time doctor and limited medical resources. 1/3
94
246
442
Finally, not to be a downer, but is anyone else thinking we need to go back to essentially a March/April/May limited set of activities, given the variant and no sign of when any of us will be vaccinated in B.C. I'm feeling so nervous.
63
22
430
Can someone remind me why most of us under 70 but still not spring chickens can't get a second booster in this province? Even if they're CEV like me? Any clue as to the reasoning? Cost? All my U.S. friends my age got theirs months ago.
91
59
411
Anyone who has lived in a household with an unhappy, violent person who deals with life through anger and threats was affected by the Trump presidency more than others. Having him elected again would have felt like authorities sending us back to that home. I feel a weight lifted
14
31
415
I see that the platform document for ABC Vancouver has disappeared from their website. But I have it, my friends, I have it in paper. Will be checking this list
26
36
402
Okay, officially giving up on a semblance of normal Christmas. The multiple crises emerging make the idea laughable. I think we should all head to the beach with a bottle of wine each and get drunk socially distanced.
34
5
403
I am in a club. Listening to live music. I am the oldest person here by a good 20 years. It's already way past my bedtime and we're only on the warm-up act. Pray for me.
20
4
399
I often can't get that excited about any candidates in a race. But I think about: who is the most likely to push for the things I care about, genuinely and with energy.
5
58
396
One of my fantasies for my retirement life is that I just travel around Canada and the U.S., going up to various notable people who I believe are causing the death of democracy and civil society and asking, "Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"
39
12
390
Came downtown for an event tonight by transit and, oh, a beautiful fall evening, people everywhere, a singer at the hotel bar, 99.9 per cent or the transit riders had their masks on, the teens, the bros, the suits, and all those quiet good citizens make me teary.
5
20
380
I would just like to personally encourage everyone to support local businesses during all this. You can get giant bags of basmati at Fraser/Main Street for great prices, fruits and vegetables at small stores everywhere, order food, if you don't want to eat out, from local restos
15
76
381
Maybe if the media was at the toll booth in Tsawwassen asking people why they felt they had the right to go to a small community, perhaps carrying a virus that, until now, has not hit us.
16
71
366
Out for a morning grandbaby walk in concrete, soulless, dirty crime-ridden Vancouver again. Every dog walker, other parent, senior we passed or was sitting outside our coffee place said Hi so the little one could practice a Hi back
33
11
368
Here's my 2022 message. All you people who never liked cities, were only here for the jobs, hated density, bars, basketball courts, apartments, daycares, noise of any kind, etc etc. -- now is your chance. You can leave. Free yourself!
24
29
366
They just opened up vaccine appointments for everyone over 65. I called, got through in two minutes (for SO), and got a spot April 13.
36
19
360
I feel like excellent preparation for City of Vancouver's housing-supply panel would be for each panelist and attendee to spend two hours reading Craigslist rental ads and then another hour on Facebook Vancouver Rentals and Roommates to get a picture of what's going on. Scary.
16
48
360
I have a landline and Telus. I feel like friggin' Alexander the Great today.
25
9
351
A lovely picture from the '70s. Broadway/Arbutus, with the Royal Hudson choo-chooing by on the rail line. Courtesy of a big rail buff in town.
18
51
350
I just saw a job advertised where the company wants applicants to have some kind of degree in a creative design field plus three to five years experience and they're offering a salary range with $19 an hour at the bottom end. Hoo boy, this town.
55
23
336
Very sad news for many. Former mayor Philip Owen has died. He is remembered by so many as the NPAer from an elite Vancouver family who became a champion for people in the Downtown Eastside and for the supervised injection site that was a first in North America
22
48
332
It's okay to pour the first glass of wine now, right? 5 is the new 8?
72
9
331
A picture from my neighbour at the Terminal Ave convoy/counter-protest
17
49
314
I love small towns. Just phoned a city hall in east Kootenays B.C. "Can I speak with the mayor?" "Oh, she's not in but here's her cell number."
9
19
307
I'm in the group that can get a vaccine by June. But I get to work at home easily and can avoid contact. Shouldn't some 50-year-old teacher or bus driver or food server get it before me? (Go ahead, explain the science. I have all day.)
63
22
302
Just talked to a server at a major downtown hotel who is panicking because the affordable one-bedroom rental she has in east Van ($1,200 in a house) is at risk because property being sold. She doesn't see any other options anywhere in same price range. This is a city problem.
75
38
305
I've just realized that if the province goes ahead with the Daylight Saving thing, my car clock will be wrong 12 months of the year instead of just six.
19
21
300
A Toronto friend staying with us just drove across Canada. Lest you think it's only the big cities affected by the sudden increase in visible poverty and homelessness, he said he was shocked by seeing the same and more in many small towns he stopped at. A troubling feel to them.
48
66
295
One hour 52 minutes until I get my vaccine, in case anyone is wondering why I'm tweeting so much random stuff this morning. I'm too wound up to concentrate.
21
1
299
For those who think that somehow Vancouver is the only city saying it's on the brink of disaster, please read the story in tomorrow's Globe story that I co-reported with Ontario and Quebec. Every city in Canada is looking into the same abyss.
32
58
289
Let my housecleaner know that she doesn't need to come for the foreseeable future but that I'll be paying her the usual from now 'til whenever anyway. I think people like her will be hard hit by this. (She also works in hotels. Or did, I'm guessing.)
28
18
294
After teaching journalism for a quarter century, I saw something new this year: several of my graduating students got multiple offers of jobs by the end of term or shortly after.
#believeitornot
8
18
290
Oh, guess who’s back after I paid many hundreds last year to have them relocated from under my back deck
49
13
284
For all those constantly wondering why private developers won't build new apartments that rent for $800 a month or less -- $1,273 is the lowest the CCPA could get to with no profit for builder, free land, no city fees, no parking, and cheapest construction, four-storey wood frame
How much would it cost to build genuinely affordable rental housing in Vancouver? Cut out developer profits, use public land, eliminate parking requirements and drive down other costs. New 1-BR for $1273/mo
16
79
172
30
108
284
I can't get over how my day is divided between the lucky ones, who are obsessed with sourdough and haircuts (not dissing, I'm one of them at times), and the unbelievably distressed others whose worlds are falling apart. Never experienced such a separation so blatant.
20
39
284
People: I shaved my legs, put on a pencil skirt and uncomfortable non-runner shoes, and went downtown today for a breakfast meeting/interview. I see light at the end of the tunnel and it is the train of a much more hectic and complicated life coming towards me.
16
4
284
Okay, the world really has turned upside down
Do you know what one of the most popular ways to manage stress is? Baking! Stay tuned for some long-weekend inspiration...
#cheesecake
983
989
8K
29
22
280
MST Development has revised Jericho Lands plan to increase homes by 50 per cent -- 9,000 to 13,000. That means more social and moderate-income rental, because they are 20 and 10 per cent of total. More wood in lower-height buildings, more variety in height.
15
41
278
I'm a bit concerned that the premier doesn't get who the influencers for Granville Street, Kelowna houseboat, Vancouver condo penthouse, Third Beach partiers might be. Michael Buble and Michael J. Fox next on his list. Can Paul Anka be next on the list? (FTR, I love MJF. But ..
33
13
275
For those wondering how to deal with the occasional toxic storms on Twitter, I offer my solution. Compulsive non-stop knitting. Just finished this cardigan in gotgeous Manos del Uruguay (celadon)
25
3
276
A lovely end to the day seeing all the GenXers partying and joking and crying with excitement online about getting vaccinations
13
5
273
Okay, you have to admit the Barge on the Beach -- and the many funny comments about it -- has produced some much-needed comic relief in these apocalyptic times.
9
9
274
Whenever I go to this Fraser/Broadway corner, I’m reminded how this social housing was planned to have two more stories of inexpensive rentals but a scared council lopped them off because residents worried about loss of views and fears of rampant towerization. Twenty fewer homes
21
46
269
Very much hoping someone will save this sign on King George Boulevard
33
20
265
I am grateful every day that every political leader in Canada, no matter from which part of the spectrum, is taking the C19 situation seriously and acting like a grown-up. I've come to realize what I'm the most alarmed by these days is not the disease, but the erratic president
13
21
263
I will never understand Vancouver retail. There is a Michael's craft store on Alberni Street, in the heart of the Crazy Rich Rich People's shopping area, which has Coach, Rolex, Versace nearby. Just in case those people need some pipe cleaners or felt squares for their projects.
33
16
255
My vote for the word to ban in 2021: gaslighting. I never am completely sure what it means, have to look it up, and then am never quite convinced the person using it meant it in the way I'm now interpreting it. Isn't there some regular English phrase we could use instead?
77
8
253
One of the times I appreciate my tax dollars at work the most: getting a lakeside campsite in one of the most gorgeous spots in B.C. for $25. Vacation socialism rules
14
12
251
Just went for my booster at the Italian Cultural Centre and some volunteer mentioned that fights had broken out yesterday because some people wanted to get multiple shots to be extra protected. What a world we live in. Very long line there today.
46
23
251
So you're in charge of Vancouver. The city is projected to lose $61 m by April 30, $189 m by Dec. 31. Some people are calling to roll back tax increase, which would mean $55 m more. Tell me what you cut. You CAN'T just say "efficiencies" or "comms staff." Your specifics: go
174
58
241
This is somewhat of a side note to the major issue of democracy at risk, but I look at the pictures, video, reports coming out from the reporters and photographers and think of what it takes to stand in the middle of an unpredictable mob and do that.
9
24
247
In retrospect, I am very sorry years 2015 and 2016 that I didn't appreciate you more at the time. Didn't realize that was going to be the peak before a long slide.
7
14
245
Here's something I think I'm going to post once a month for the next 20 years: It took 30, some would say 50, to create the housing mess Canada has now by ending MURB programs for private rentals, investments in social housing. It won't get fixed in two or five or even 10 years.
32
34
243
At the risk of bringing a storm of scolding down on me -- what are people using for garbage bin liners now that there are no grocery-store plastic bags for those wanting to start a new way of doing things.
175
11
239
I know some will say I'd feel differently if I were a regular transit commuter, but I just cannot get over how ridiculously happy I feel every time I take transit -- the joy of being able to do stuff (knit, read, talk on phone) while looking at Vancouver scenery is Kondo-esque
31
15
232
Whenever I see this lovely little apartment building (21st west of Main), it makes me sad that these aren’t allowed any more. Neighbours tell me this 1910 six-unit building (on a standard 33x122 lot) has been a source of low-cost housing forever for caregivers, nurses
21
26
232
I’m thinking if
@Dave_Eby
is smart, he’ll require a referendum to get rid of the park board (so don’t repeat Surrey fiasco) and then that will take over the 2026 election in the weirdest way. Civic reporters breaking out the party hats now
27
34
231
I’m concerned that everyone in Vancouver is a little too blissed out by the incredible warm weather this weekend and it’s going to be a hard crash when the rains and wind and leaves blowing across the dark skies start
42
8
228
Feeling exceptionally pleased with my sharpness this morning, as I realized my blouse was on inside out BEFORE I left the house to go to city hall. Five stars for me!
16
2
226
I would pay money to have a speaker at a public hearing say someday: "Your process was very good, you engaged with a lot of people and explained the proposal clearly, but I happen to disagree with what you want to do."
16
25
223
I was reminded again this weekend that you never really know what any individual person is going through that's not known publicly. We all need to be much kinder.
4
27
225
Signage on Vancouver's historic Penthouse Nightclub
9
48
220
Almost 40 years ago to the day, the first story I ever wrote as a full-time reporter was published. Feels so close and so far away
20
9
226
Ordered from Vij's last night (spicy lamb, rapini, kale in fenugreek curry, garam masala portobello mushrooms, naan, daal), $26, and it reminded me that, no matter how inventive and sorta good I can be with home cooking, the pros always bring me deliciousness on another level.
11
4
220
Vancouver looking at charging up to $1,000 extra for a parking permit for a new, large "polluting" (gas-powered) vehicle, under the new system. Part of the overall parking-permit plan now being explained in a city briefing. $500 being considered for moderately polluting vehicle.
61
31
216
I know some get upset when asked "Where are you from?" but that q can come from genuine curiosity. I just finished interviewing a man with a tantalizing unrecognizable accent, couldn't resist that Q. He's British, but grew up in Germany, Malaysia, Britain and Canada. The stories!
63
2
219
I've only spent a week helping someone look for an inexpensive rental in Vancouver and a driving tour through the key areas plus looking at Craiglist and prop-management websites is enough to put me into a profound depression. Forgot how much it makes you feel like a loser.
24
27
212
The only moment in the mayoral debate I moderated this morning where there was spontaneous applause: Wai Young, talking about how to clean up Granville Street: "We need tools to get the vagrants out of doorways." Hector Bremner response: "They're not vagrants, they're humans."
15
41
213
Another thing I'll never get about current Vancouver memes. The city is emptying, all condos are vacant, the 20-sthgs are leaving, as are millennials, Gen Xers, and boomers. Yet the childcare spaces are all full, the schools have waiting lists, the traffic is worse every month.
28
34
205
Okay, here's another brilliant civic-election thought. Everyone running has to state (and it's listed on the ballot) 1. owner or renter 2. Current value of home, if owned 3. Price originally purchased for 4. Mortgage or rent currently paying
31
25
207
This information available to you thanks to people who didn't think it should be kept from the public. Journalists everywhere express their appreciation.
14
50
206
I want to add my personal appreciation here for
@charliesmithvcr
, longtime editor and soul of the Georgia Straight. I more than once disagreed with his take on things. But I always read everything he wrote because it was important and his take was honest and unflinching and deep
9
25
204
To repeat: The tragic thing about mass layoffs at Vancouver Sun and Province today is these are not failing businesses. This is just plunder
11
143
202
It's just so strange to live in a city where the two dominant crises are drug-overdose deaths and the problems of $3-million houses.
9
128
201
I know it's hard to believe, but the Langara Journalism program routinely gets calls from employers these days looking for recent grads and we don't have any names to offer, because they're all working. Stats say 97% of surveyed grads say employed in their field.
11
41
203
Feeling a lot of angst this afternoon after going to research a piece of land in Minneapolis (story to come) and discovering all their property records are online, FOR FREE, with owner's name, assessed value for years back, rental history, SF on each floor and more. We suck.
18
34
196
Hi all. I put out a tweet recently that made a reference to the Hajj as a metaphor for out-of-control shopping crowds. I'm taking it down. It offended a lot of people. I'm apologizing for that. I also want to thank those with whom I've had some helpful off-stage discussions.
21
3
201
I would like to know what the correlation is between people who desperately want any vaccine shot at all and people who would kill to be able to fill out the long-form census every five years.
23
9
200
Anyway, my last tweet for this tonight (who am I kidding) is: We in the Metro Vancouver region would appreciate hearing from restaurants now stuck with extra food, because of cancelled reservations, so we can order take-out from you. Please feel free to list yourselves here.
10
42
200
So I'm thinking, if the city of Vancouver wants to save the oceans, it looks like it should ban dollar stores instead of plastic straws, according to the results of this very scientific survey of mine.
16
14
198
... they'll be short on people to do shifts and everyone is trying to arrange it so that one of the older cashiers gets put in floral, where it's safer, so I'll keep working.
5
9
197
OMG, we just got our first people at the door at 4:23. Has the world gone mad!!!! I don't even have my database set up where I am going to track costume types.
#yvrhalloween
22
7
197
So
@VPL
has people staffing the help line, 604.331.3603, to answer people's questions, find phone numbers, addresses, anything they can from the internet for those who might not have access with the libraries closed.
10
92
193
The grief many are experiencing watching Notre Dame burn says something about how much buildings matter to our sense of a city. I can't stop thinking about all the times I walked across the island it's on, travelling between studies at the Sorbonne and temp work. It was an oasis.
5
27
192