For those not familiar with Tugboat Landing, this is a great little community along the Fraser River in SE Vancouver located just below SE Marine Drive.  Many of you may have heard the news about the new River District development, well under way just to the East. Whereas, Tugboat Landing has been a bit of a secret. Many people don’t know about the area, and as one of its many residents, I haven’t minded it all that much.  The community comes, in part, from the geographical layout of the area, as we are a bit cut off from the rest of the City.  Add to that, what keeps us below Marine Drive, are the river walkways on which you can catch daily glimpses of eagles soaring over the Fraser River, hummingbirds flitting about the bushes, the ever present herons and beavers on the edge of the river banks.  Tugboat Landing is situated next to Gladstone Park, which has walking trails that continue into Burnaby and beyond. The river views, nature and wildlife, along with the central location, are the reason many people move, but once here, most don’t leave.   

This weekend, you are invited to come down and experience some of the community that is Tugboat Landing.  They are hosting a smaller, intimate, artisan market on Saturday, December 17th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at 2010 East Kent Avenue (foot of Victoria Drive).  There will be a number of local residents participating including, Jill Bartlett of Cord & Stone, who makes beautiful jewellery crocheted from reclaimed Argentium sterling silver wire, and Deborah Wilkins, with exquisite infused glass pieces.  They’ve invited a number of other local makers to join them in offering some opportunities for gift giving this holiday season including, The Uncommon Good with beautiful wooden Christmas ornaments made from salvaged wood, DiG Leather with handmade leather goods, Pep Soap, with beautiful gift sets, North Bay Candle Co. with great scents like Big Sexy, LuLu Island Honey and Non La Designs with stunning shawls and cowls. Organizers will also be hosting a raffle with a gift basket that includes a number of great offerings donated to raise funds for two charities near and dear to this pet loving community 1) Vancouver BC SPCA and 2) SAINTS Rescue, an end of life sanctuary for senior and special needs animals.  Some of the gracious donations include the new book ‘East Van Foodie’, driftwood coasters made by artisans in Victoria, coffee by The Drive Coffee Bar, a beautiful cowl by Non La Designs, some jewellery by Cord & Stone, and delish macarons by East Van Sweets. There will be hot coffee brewing, sweet treats and a fireplace roaring to keep those brave enough to face the cooler temperatures, warm and toasty. The coffee and treats are available by donation with all proceeds going to the two sponsored charities.

Hope to see you down by the river this Saturday. It’s a great place to walk and take in the river views. If you get hungry, we invite you check out Romer’s Burger Bar within walking distance or a short drive. Or if you are thirsty, stop in at our local brewery, Dogwood Brewing offering BC’s only organic beer. So many reasons to come down to the river.

Tags: Cord & Stone, DiG Leather, Dogwood Brewing, East Van Foodie, East Van Sweets, Lulu Island Honey, Non La Designs, Pep Soap, Romer's Burger Bar, SAINTS Rescue, Shop Local, The Drive Coffee Bar, The Uncommon Good, Tugboat Landing, Tugboat Landing Artisan Market, Vancouver