Minister Blair Lekstrom fuels up Chevy Volt at the 2010 BC Hydro Power Smart Village

OPENING ON FEB 10th: Olympic officials regularly remind us that Vancouver's 2010 Games are going to be the most sustainable in history. It's this growing interest in the environment and energy conservation that BC Hydro officials hope will drive people to their new Power Smart Village in downtown Vancouver. CityCaucus.com had a chance to visit the venue in advance of the official opening later this week and we can report that it's definitely not short on energy!

NY Times witnesses a DTES altercation accompanying former Mayor Sam Sullivan

Whether we like it or not, Vancouver is now on the world stage warts and all. A lot is being written about the underbelly of our city, which is consistently rated as the world's most livable despite the scourge of drugs, poverty and mental illness that is concentrated in the Downtown Eastside community. If there is any bright side at all, and I use that term advisedly, is that we're not sweeping these problems under the rug just because a TV station from Berlin has arrived.

A Thomas Haas chocolate creation – photo: Yumtastic

I must admit that I’m a bit of a chocoholic and, while I try to stay on a reasonably healthy diet, I just can’t help indulging in one of life’s true pleasures. As a kid, my chocolate cravings were satisfied by gifts of cheap chocolate in boxes (Black Magic anyone?). My travels through Europe introduced me to wonderful chocolatiers – this was art as much as food. Little did I know then that Vancouver would come to compete with the best in quality, design, and taste. Gentlemen, with Valentine’s coming, pay particular attention to today’s recommendations: love and chocolate are two sides of the same coin.

Katarina Witt and Elizabeth Manley appear at Robson Square. Photo by brendan.lally.

Former rivals from the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games join forces yesterday to wow a large crowd assembled at Robson Square. Manley told local media "This brings back great memories, I mean the Olympics in Canada...It really brings back all the memories of Calgary, and to be here with Katarina, it makes us feel young again." The event was of course...free!

Popular talk radio host Christy Clark says Granville Island will be a top destination

She's the former Deputy Premier of British Columbia and now Christy Clark hosts a popular talk radio show in Vancouver every afternoon. CityCaucus.com caught up with her last week and asked her which of the free pavilions she was looking forward to visiting during the Olympic Games. Here is what she told us...