The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) is welcoming the Government of British Columbia’s announcement of fixed permitting timelines and $3 million in new spending for mineral exploration.

The announcements were made during the AME Roundup 2026 in Vancouver last month.

“AME has been calling on the government to allocate more capacity funding for permitting and the MCCF implementation,” said AME President and CEO Todd Stone.

“To that end, we thank the government for their provision of $3 million in additional funding. This is a key initiative to assist prospectors and junior miners. AME will continue to work with government to make sure that these dollars are put to use immediately and efficiently to help deliver on the government’s promise of fixed permitting timelines for all explorers.”

British Columbia’s Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF), which came into effect last year, replaced automatic online staking with a 90-120 day, application-based system to meet the duty to consult First Nations.

It requires consultation before mineral claim registration following the 2023 Gitxaala ruling, involving application, review, consultation, and decision phases.

According to the AME, The MCCF, has struggled to meet its service timeline of 90-120 days, currently averaging 127.

“Information released by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals earlier in January indicated a decline in mineral claims staking of 29 per cent and a 60 percent decline in the area of claims staked against the seven-year average,” stated an AME press release. Properly resourcing the MCCF is key to getting early-stage mineral exploration and prospecting back on track.”

Also last month,AME launched the Minerals for Tomorrow campaign to highlight the need for a strong mineral exploration sector to supply the future materials the world needs for everything from our devices to clean technology and defence.

“Canada is at a crossroads,” said Stone. “The technologies and infrastructure we rely on every day — from clean energy and healthcare to housing and national defence — all begin with mineral exploration. Without exploration, there are no future mines. And without future mines, Canada becomes more dependent, more expensive, and more vulnerable.”

Valentine’s Day is coming up and you still don’t have a reservation.

No judgment, we’ve all been there.

The good news is that Vancouver restaurants go pretty hard for Valentine’s Day, with special menus, wine pairings, and all that romantic stuff.

The bad news? The best spots book up fast.

We found several restaurants doing Valentine’s specials between February 13-15 that still have availability for two.

Book soon though. These won’t last.

1. Botanist

If you want to feel like you are dining inside a very expensive architectural magazine, Botanist is the place.

They are running a six-course tasting menu that is as aesthetically pleasing as the room itself.

Executive Chef Hector Laguna is likely showing off with dishes like Wagyu Beef, Northern Divine Caviar, and their signature hand-cut pasta.

The cocktail program here is arguably the best in the city, so do not skip the “Cocktail Lab” pairings if you want to impress your date.

Date: February 14, 2026 Location: 1038 Canada Place (Fairmont Pacific Rim), Vancouver, BC Price: See Menu (Ticketed Event) Menu: See the Menu

Reserve now: Book Here

2. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

If you are trying to impress someone who knows their food, Boulevard is the power move.

Executive Chef Roger Ma has put together a four-course menu designed for sharing, so you don’t have to fight over bites.

They even offer floral add-ons (like a $100 rose bouquet) during booking, which is a lifesaver if you are the type to forget gifts until the last minute.

Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request, so no one leaves hungry.

Date: February 14, 2026 Location: 845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC Price: $175 per person Menu: See the Menu

Reserve now: Book Here

3. Provence Marinaside

If Paris isn’t in the budget, this Yaletown staple is the next best thing.

They are doing a massive seven-course menu that is basically a marathon of French comfort food.

Expect dishes like Dungeness Crab Tagliatelle, Beef Tenderloin Rossini, and a “Rose Champagne Granité” palate cleanser.

It ends with a “Dessert Platter for Lovers,” which is honestly the only way to finish a meal this big.

It is priced at $145 per person, but you can add wine pairings for $105 if you want to let the sommelier make the decisions for you.

Date: February 14, 2026 Location: 1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC Price: $145 per person (Wine pairing +$105) Menu: See the Menu

Reserve now: Book Here

4. ARC Restaurant

If you want a view of the harbor to go with your dinner, ARC is situated right at Canada Place.

They are setting the mood with live music and a four-course menu that starts with a Dungeness Crab Tart.

You can choose between mains like Prime Beef Tenderloin or Cashew-Crusted Sablefish, which feels very “West Coast” in the best way.

The night ends with a dessert that the chef describes as a “Eureka” moment, so expect something dramatic.

Date: February 14, 2026 Location: 900 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC Price: $129 per person Menu: See the Menu

Reserve now: Book Here

5. The SandBar Seafood Restaurant

The Sandbar’s going à la carte for Valentine’s weekend, so you can mix and match dishes like lobster bisque and whatever else catches your eye. No set menu pressure here.

Available from 11:30am on Feb 13-15, this one’s flexible if you want a lunch date or aren’t into the whole prix fixe thing.

Date: February 13-15, 2026 (from 11:30am)Location: 1535 Johnston Street (Granville Island), Vancouver, BCPrice: À la carteMenu: See the Menu

Reserve now: Book Here

6. Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge

If your idea of romance involves velvet banquettes and live piano music, this is the only reservation that matters.

They are serving a four-course “Taste of Romance” menu that leans hard into the classics.

We are talking Cherrywood-Smoked Duck Breast, Short Rib Ravioli, and a proper Beef Wellington.

Finish it off with a Valrhona Chocolate Raspberry Petit Gâteau and try not to propose on the spot.

Date: Feb 13 & 14 Location: 845 Hornby St (Wedgewood Hotel), Vancouver, BCPrice: $199 per person (Wine pairing +$85) Menu: See the Menu

Reserve now: Book Here

7. H2 Kitchen + Bar

If you want a high-end experience without the usual sticker shock, this is the best value on the list.

They are doing a three-course menu for $150 per couple (yes, you read that right), which includes a starter, main, and dessert for two.

You can choose between mains like Sorghum Glazed Smoked Short Rib, Maple-Bourbon Lingcod, or a Winter Truffle Mushroom Mac that is pure comfort food.

It ends with a Dark Chocolate Cheesecake for two, and you can even book a private dining dome if you want to be extra.

Date: February 14, 2026 Location: 1601 Bayshore Drive (Westin Bayshore), Vancouver, BC Price: $150 per couple (Approx. $75 per person) Menu: See the Menu

Reserve now: Book Here

8. Dockside Restaurant

If you need a backdrop that does the heavy lifting for your date night, this Granville Island spot is the move.

They are serving a four-course dinner with panoramic views of False Creek that are honestly better than any card you could write.

The menu includes starters like an Ahi Tuna Crudo or Beetroot & Burrata salad, followed by mains like Miso Maple Black Cod or a Filet Mignon with truffled risotto.

Dessert is a choice between a Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake or a Honey Orange Lavender Crème Brûlée—because obviously, you need a sweet finish.

Date: February 13 – 14, 2026 Location: 1253 Johnston Street (Granville Island), Vancouver, BC Price: $89 per person Menu: See the Menu

Reserve now: Book Here

A few things to keep in mind:

Book early. Like, now. Valentine’s tables disappear fast, especially at the popular spots.

If you’re planning something special (anniversary, proposal, etc.), let the restaurant know when you book.

They’ll often hook you up with a better table or a little extra attention.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Vancouver’s auditor general said the city engaged in “serious wrongdoing” when they failed to track whether $6 million in promised community amenities for a much-publicized downtown tower ever happened.

“The deficiencies in the City’s management … for Vancouver House represent an unacceptable level of risk to the City and do not meet the high standard expected at the City of management of public funds,” wrote Mike Macdonell, the City of Vancouver's independent auditor general, in his report.

“The City’s failure to document, monitor or enforce in-kind Community Amenity Contributions falls below a reasonable standard such that it meets the definition of waste.”

Vancouver House, a twisting skyscraper at the foot of the Granville Street Bridge, was approved by then mayor Gregor Robertson and Vancouver council in 2013, after they sold the majority of the land to development company Westbank for approximately $32 million.

According to council documents, Westbank agreed to a $10 million community amenity contribution, a commonly-used negotiation by Vancouver and other B.C. municipalities to gain money for infrastructure improvements to offset the increased demand on public services and infrastructure that comes with higher densities.

A staff report said $4 million of that would be cash, while a number of in-kind “public realm improvements” to the surrounding area, valued at $6 million, would be planned, including “special lighting, kiosks and public seating” along with “basic infrastructure to facilitate event programming … and accessibility to public washrooms.”

But the auditor general found no evidence of any of those improvements happening.

No enforcement, no lists

Macdonell’s report, said that “no enforceable, specific and itemized list of what was to be delivered, broken down by the value of each component, was produced”, and that the city had “no enforceable agreement regarding those specific improvements.”

The only example of something proposed in council reports becoming reality was an elevator from the development's ground floor to the deck of Granville Street Bridge, but has been closed to the public.

Macdonell said some of that became public in 2015, when council agreed to a request from the engineering department to scrap some of the $6 million in pledges, because of concerns around long-term maintenance costs.

But Macdonell criticized the lack of documentation by the city of those changes, a lack of action to "quantify and replace the value of the eliminated amenities”, or any record of the city tracking changes between agreed upon amenities by developers and end results.

“Performing such calculations is essential to having credible evidence that the publicized agreement between the City and developer was satisfied,” he wrote, saying it met the city’s definition of waste under its whistleblower policy.

“The nature of what was initially agreed upon by the developer, and what was eventually delivered appear material.”

'There's no accountability,' says whistleblower

Robert Renger, a retired development planner for the City of Burnaby, put forward the complaint and applauded Macdonell’s findings.

“I think there’s a real problem in Vancouver that when mistakes are made or concessions are granted without approval of council, there’s no accountability,” he said.

“City staff should be protecting and representing the public interest, and somehow that's got lost.”

Macdonell made a number of recommendations in his report, including the creation of a clearly itemized and costed list of deliverables to be included for in-kind community amenity contributions, and council approval of changes to those agreements.

The City of Vancouver did not respond to a request to respond to Macdonell’s report, but Renger said he hoped the city would take it seriously.

“[We need] more reporting to council, not giving concessions without getting them approved by council,” he said.

“And unfortunately, I think we're moving in the other direction.”

A spokesperson for the city declined an interview request, but said it recognized the auditor general's findings over the amenity contributions for Vancouver House.

"Our processes have advanced since then and we remain open to improving our practices to support accountability and transparency for residents," they said in a statement.

A major philanthropic gift is set to dramatically expand youth mental health and addictions treatment services in British Columbia, following the donation of a four-storey downtown Vancouver building valued at more than $13.8 million to support Foundry’s work with young people.

The building, located at 1220 Homer St. in Yaletown, has been donated to St. Paul’s Foundation for use by Foundry, a province-wide network providing free health and wellness services to youth aged 12 to 24.

The donor, a private foundation that wishes to remain anonymous, made the contribution to help address rising mental health needs among young people across the province.

The property is located near the southwest corner of the intersection of Davie Street and Homer Street — half a city block from Yaletown-Roundhouse Station on SkyTrain’s Canada Line.

This new replacement and expanded location is also near Foundry’s existing downtown Vancouver location at 1260 Granville St. (on Drake Street), which opened a decade ago.

The Yaletown property was originally constructed in 1947 as an industrial warehouse and underwent an extensive revitalization and transformation in 2000, when it was renovated and reconfigured into modern office space tailored to the needs of the prominent Vancouver architectural firm Perkins&Will. The firm occupied the building until relocating to the Arthur Erickson Place office tower in 2024.

$7-million fundraising campaign to double the size of Foundry’s downtown Vancouver location

Following a forthcoming multi-million dollar renovation project, the 20,000 sq. ft. building will become Foundry’s most comprehensive youth wellness hub in B.C. The new space will be twice the size of Foundry’s current Granville/Drake location, serving downtown Vancouver, significantly increasing its capacity to meet growing demand.

Much of the building’s already-warm and inviting character stems from the thoughtful renovation previously undertaken by Perkins&Will for its own use.

Artistic renderings of Foundry’s planned conversion — designed by Michael Green Architecture — show that many of the existing interior design’s defining architectural elements will be preserved, including the central atrium with its skylight and the expansive four-storey living green wall featuring real plants. There will also be access to an outdoor amenity space on the building’s rooftop.

The B.C. government has committed $1.5 million toward the renovation, while the federal government is supporting the initiative through the Youth Mental Health Fund. St. Paul’s Foundation is leading a fundraising campaign to raise an additional $7 million over the next year to complete the renovation. If all goes as planned with fundraising, the new centre is expected to open in late 2026.

“We have an opportunity to provide twice as much room for life-changing services,” says Steve Mathias, Executive Director at Foundry.

“This means more room for group therapy, life-skills programming and life-saving mental health and substance use care support to connect and decrease social isolation. This building makes all of that possible.”

The larger space also enables Foundry to bring its research and evaluation teams under one roof.

For Amanda Horne, a peer support worker and former Foundry client, the expansion represents more than bricks and mortar.

“Foundry has always been there for me,” says Horne. “From being a former client at ICY and watching it evolve into Foundry, to now working as an employee, I am immensely grateful for all the support I have received. As a client, Foundry helped me learn to understand and manage my diagnosis to the best of my ability, which helped me become a better version of myself. Now, working with youth, I feel privileged to be able to give back what was so given to me.”

“A powerful precedent for Canada”

The expansion comes amid mounting concerns about youth mental health.

One-in-four Canadians aged 15 to 24 is affected by mental health or substance use challenges, while toxic drug overdoses remain the leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 19 in B.C. Half of the young people accessing Foundry services report having thought about suicide in the past 90 days.

In a statement, the anonymous donor said their decision was driven by Foundry’s integrated, youth-focused approach.

“Our mission is to help those who help others, and the team at Foundry are exactly those people,” the statement reads.

“Their strong, compassionate leadership recognizes not only the need but the incredible opportunity that comes from providing integrated healthcare and mental health support to youth in a peer-focused environment.”

St. Paul’s Foundation president and CEO Sheila Biggers said the donation to her organization represents a milestone for youth mental health care in the province.

“This milestone marks an exciting chapter in transforming youth mental health and wellness in our province, and sets a powerful precedent for Canada,” said Biggers.

“Together, we are building a future for young people to gain greater access to the care and support they need during the most pivotal time of their lives.”

While January has started with lots of rain in Metro Vancouver, the next three months of winter weather may have some reaching for lighter jackets.

Daily Hive chatted with Bobby Sekhon, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), on how the next few months of winter weather are shaping up for British Columbia.

Much like how the temperature has been in parts of the province throughout the winter season so far, the forecast from now into March is hinting at a probability of above-normal temperatures for southern B.C.

“According to the graphs, the probability that southern B.C. will experience above-normal temperatures during this period is between 40 and 50 per cent,” explained Sekhon.

“However, with a seasonal forecast, even if the probability is high, it’s hard to say whether it’s going to be one intense warm spell or a little warmer each day. It’s hard to say what above normal could turn out to be.”

The seasonal forecasts of temperature for January-February-March 2026, issued by ECCC on Jan. 1, 2026, also show a 45 per cent probability of above-average temperatures in Victoria on Vancouver Island.

And in Prince George in Northern B.C., there is a 31 per cent probability of above-average temperatures for the next three months.

The ECCC seasonal forecasts are based on a 20-member ensemble of predictions, 10 members from each of two coupled atmosphere-ocean-land physical climate models. The forecast probabilities are estimated by first computing the anomalies or departures from normal for each ensemble member and then applying the calibration procedure to these values.

If you’re looking for some fun events to check out around Metro Vancouver, no matter the weather, take a look at our list of over 40 fun and fantastic things to do around Vancouver this winter.

Epic concerts, delicious food events, and more. There’s something for everyone to do these next few months.

With files from Laine Mitchell.