Who can harness the wind?

In Steveston, we are no strangers to the wind.



As soon as the weather improves, it seems, we converge at Garry Point Park to watch kites being pulled and tugged to the sky. You can spot their colourful bellies grow full and hear their tails snapping as they pressed against the wind. Any British Columbia Kitefliers Association member would tell you that Garry Point Park is one of a few favoured locations to host kite competitions in the province.

It came as no surprise then that Olas de Viento - or wind waves - took up temporary residence at Garry Point Park in early December 2009. What better place to showcase the red circular form of steel curves that represents - what else - the wind that blows through the landscape and the waves that break at its feet.



And there couldn’t have been a more fitting place to embark on a nature-inspired experiment.

When I first came upon the light pole just steps away from the Garry Point Park concession window, I was intrigued by the solar panel and mini wind turbine sprouting from the top of what would otherwise be a very ordinary looking light pole.



To create a more sustainable community and reduce its greenhouse gases emissions, the City of Richmond has installed wind turbine and solar powered lighting system - one at the Vancouver Airport and one at Garry Point Park - to test the viability of the hybrid power system.



The pilot project commenced on May 14, 2008. The ten metre pole uses Innoair 600 PV technology to channel energy harnessed from the wind and sun to a battery pack, which provides illumination from dusk to dawn.

The success of this study will lay the foundation for further expansion to designated locations around Richmond. If adopted in the wider community, can you imagine a neighbourhood with no electrical cables and a green lighting system that’s 25 percent cheaper than that provided with the standard street light?

OK, I hear the naysayers say! What would happen when the sun decides to hide behind low lying clouds? After all, it happens, even Richmond. Are we then doomed to go about our business in darkness after sunset?

Apparently, the wind is a much more dependable source of energy than the sun, and the next item on the project team’s agenda would be to determine whether or not this light could function with only wind power.

In the meantime, whenever I need to press my hat down, or pull my jacket close to my chest, or turn my umbrella right side out, instead of complaining, I will think about the tremendous power we can harness from this force of nature and rejoice in its endless supply and enduring strength.

Spring arrives (extra) early at Garry Point Park

Back in mid-January, I bemoaned the stillness that hung over Garry Point Park. Instead of greasy balled up napkins, salt and pepper spills, and the occasional smears of ketchup, the picnic tables were covered only with lingering dew drops. The service windows of the concession stand were pulled down as though the building itself had gone into hibernation. Even the crunching sounds under my shoes were hushed, perhaps deferring to the sombre mood of this forgotten corner of the village.

But what a difference three weeks could make!

Saturday, February 6th dawned bright and the temperature climbed to a joyous 10 degrees Centigrade. As though pursuing an invisible pied piper, residents flocked to Garry Point Park - on foot, on wheels, and in buggies.

Pajo's counter was open for business and kids begged, cajoled, and charmed their parents into buying them snacks.



Dogs out on a stroll with their owners approached and sniffed each other, as though trying to get re-acquainted after a long period of separation.



Crows, ever the resourceful scavengers, took up positions so they could snatch leftovers whenever they came into their line of sight.



And the view of the river was worthy of speculations and endless discussions.



Everywhere you turned, the world seemed to be reawakening with colours. Tender blossoms burst forth from branches,



from planters,



and from the earth itself.



Let's hope that the mild and bright days will gain a toehold and remain with us till spring officially starts. We can all use more Pajo days in the park - and the earlier the better - don't you agree?

Garry Point Park concession stand - a must for picnic lovers

Garry Point Park concession stand

The grass is still green but the concession stand appears lifeless today. The air is calm and the stillness unruffled by barking dogs and children's laughter. The service windows are tightly shut and the picnic tables look sadly abandoned.


Empty picnic tables

Once more I asked myself why, given its proximity to the village, didn't I ever grab fish and chips and frozen cones from here last summer.

Believe me, I don't get an adrenaline rush from racing down the plank to Pajo's on the dock or elbowing my way to the line-up at Timothy's on the landing.

The sad truth is, the existence of the concession stand on the corner of Garry Point Park, totally eluded me. I wonder if this happens to anybody else.

Which is remarkable, given all that it has to offer, such as:


Public washrooms and a drinking fountain


Strategically placed public benches


The Fisherman's Memorial


Japanese style Kuno memorial garden

And don't forget a spectacular view of the Fraser River and the Gulf Islands.

This year, I plan to make regular use of this outdoor food stand. Just in case you plan to join me, here's the schedule of hours of operation tacked onto the bulletin board.


Believe me, they won't be able to keep me out!