City Hall proclaimed April 1st  “The Official Opening of the Tides Renewal Centre at The Flack Block Day” in Vancouver.  Mayor Robertson joined over 300 guests to read the proclamation, cut the ribbon and kick off the festivities.

Guests were also celebrating that the building was recently awarded City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Honour.  The Vancouver Heritage Commission recognized Acton Ostry Architects for their outstanding and sensitive work on the Flack Block.

Toasts were made with Artisan Wine Company’s delicious White Bear vintage.  Tours were guided, up and down the spectacular restored stairwell, and through the mysterious back ways of the building.  Guests checked out the offices of Tides Canada, Bullfrog Power, Octopus Strategies, Raised Eyebrow Web Studio, Across Borders Media, Forest Ethics, Rainforest Solutions Project, Renewal2 Investment Fund,  Idealever, and Renewal.  Shelley Penner’s stunning modern design was admired, the LEED components of the building highlighted, and the landmark restorations appreciated.

Home to a stellar group of innovative social change agents, the Centre was conceived to create a venue where a synergy of ideas and actions could take place.  And in a few short weeks the energy within the building, and the excitement surrounding, has blossomed.

See the Ribbon Cutting

See the Grand Opening Photos   -  courtesy of The Vancouver Observer