Vancouver: A No Fun City?

I constantly hear that Vancouver is a no fun city. This is usually followed by a story about how there are no major New Years celebrations and any big parties of any kind. I'm not sure how having 200,000 - 500,000 people 4 time a summer for fireworks doesn't qualify, but that is often forgotten.

However, given the numerous "incidents" that occur any time an event happens it is not a surprise that the city is hesitant to put them on. Once again it is an instance of small groups ruining it for the majority. These small groups look at a major event as an opportunity to be a jackass in relative anonymity, as opposed to the majority who are just looking to have a good time without running into the jackasses.

I think a major reason why Vancouver city hall and the VPD dislike having these major events is because they just don't have the resources to adequately patrol them. Cities like New York are able to have their giant new years celebration because they have a police force who are out in enough force to prevent most problems, although i'm sure there are always a few. The VPD do their best to make sure no alcohol makes it to these big events and then they get shit on for that, they are in a lose-lose situation, so i don't blame them for playing it safe.

In Vancouver we barely have enough police to cover the "Entertainment District" on Granville Street. I am constantly hearing about drunk idiots attacking the police and starting big brawls and resisting arrest. Not to mention that the city has now created bylaws against pissing, shitting and vomiting in public. Honestly is that what we've come to as a society, it isn't just common sense that we don't shit in public, we have to actually create a system of fines to deter people. I can at least understand junkies and bums, they live on the street and have fewer options, its these "cool" kids who get drunk and figure they can do whatever they want. The worst part is that the majority come from out of town to soil up Vancouver, before heading back to the boring 'burbs for another week. I'm not sure what the solution might be, more police is obvious, but also unlikely. I would just like to think that common sense and decency would prevail and people would act civilized and have a good time on Friday & Saturday nights and leave Granville St and surrounding areas in good condition, but no.

It has always baffled me how we are known for being so "laid-back" and chilled out here on the West Coast yet we seem to want to rival the British soccer fans for hooliganism. Obviously case #1 is the Stanley Cup riots, or Guns N' Roses, or the reports after every fireworks of stabbings and fightings. Now it must be remembered that this is but a small percentage of people who come to the fireworks, but guess what the media reports on and the city council and police worry about the most. Not to mention, Have any of you been to a concert in this city? I mean you can go to a fucking Yanni concert and there will be a group of about 30 or 40 drunk idiots starting a mosh pit and pushing and shoving their way to the front of the stage. In England they are able to hold giant festivals and everyone survives, here at the Commodore it is impossible to enjoy a concert up close without getting kicked in the head or pushed, shoved, elbowed by some buffoon who isn't even watching or listening to the show and seems only intent on inflicting injury on those around him. Why do people pay the price for concert tickets, which aren't cheap, and then get so drunk and miss the entire show. Bizarre.

Personally I enjoy my fun in much smaller groups anyway. Vancouver is a fun city, if you know where to look. Any city that has ocean and mountains has ample amounts of fun to be had. Whether its chilling on the beach, hiking the numerous trails, skiing, playing tennis, biking and so on. The possibilities are endless. Unfortunately with the prevalence of idiots it is unlikely that Vancoouver will hold many major events, beyond the fireworks, and I can't blame the city for it. So people get out there and find your own fun and if you can't...then its time to move.