After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

Tamsyn Burgmann

Writer for The Canadian Press.

Music fest crowdfunds for drug-checking machine amid fentanyl overdose crisis

For the past 14 years, organizers of a giant electronic music festival on a British Columbia mountain ranch have quietly helped participants test their recreational drugs to find out what substances...

American skier lauds new technique at Vancouver hospital for brain recovery

Jamie Crane-Mauzy says she experienced the world like the protagonist in the movie "50 First Dates" before her treatment.

Lost soldier, son of former B.C. premier recognized by university

The 21−year−old soldier has no grave and his name doesn’t appear on any war memorials.

A look beyond his books: Dr. Seuss secret artwork displays author's private mind

More than 40 reproductions spanning 50 years of Geisel’s unknown artistry will be unveiled to the Canadian public for the first time on Monday at a gallery in Vancouver.

Anti-robot project explores human relationship with technology in AI future

Engineers and fabricators are building a two−storey tall, 3.5 tonne racing robot with four steel legs and a massive battery pack in its belly. But this robot won't be autonomous. It needs a pilot.

Vancouver mayor pushes B.C. to tax empty homes or he will act alone

Vancouver's mayor says he's prepared to go it alone if the British Columbia government doesn't help boost the city's near-zero vacancy rate by establishing a tax on empty homes as leverage against...

Japan gives kudos to king of Vancouver sushi kitchen, chef Hidekazu Tojo

When Hidekazu Tojo began preparing sushi at a modest Japanese restaurant in Vancouver 45 years ago, customers were squeamish about eating raw fish wrapped in seaweed. So the 21−year−old...

Recommendations loom for Trans Mountain pipeline expansion from Alberta to B.C.

The National Energy Board is set to announce by Friday whether it supports Kinder Morgan's proposal to triple the capacity of the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Kelly Ellard.

B.C. teen killer Kelly Ellard seeks day parole 18 years after Reena Virk murder

Almost two decades since an ostracized 14-year-old was swarmed, viciously beaten and then callously drowned near a Victoria bridge, Reena Virk's most notorious killer is asking for release. Kelly...
4-20 event in downtown Vancouver April 20, 2015

Vancouver pot protest 'necessary' despite legalization promise, activist

VANCOUVER — Optimism mixed with thick clouds of pot smoke in downtown Vancouver last year as tens of thousands of people gathered for the annual "4-20" marijuana legalization rally under a massive...