Meet some of Vancouver's top entrepreneurs as they consider a post-pandemic world.
photos by Lia Crowe, Don Denton and Brian Giebelhaus makeup by Farrah Sanei / words by Sean McIntyre
Boulevard presents: The Influencers
This edition of Boulevard’s The Influencers is set against the lush and colorful backdrop of Vancouver’s historically rich Sylvia Hotel
Perched on the edge of English Bay, near Stanley Park and just five minutes from downtown Vancouver, the Sylvia was built in 1912 and designated as a heritage building in 1975. The tallest building in the West End until 1956, this city landmark is immediately recognizable by the brick and terra-cotta exterior and Virginia creeper-an ivy like plant-which covers more than half of the property in a coat of color that changes with the season.
Built as the Sylvia Court Apartments for a “Mr. Goldstein” (who had a daughter named Sylvia), the building fell into hard times during the Depressions and in 1936 was transformed into an apartment hotel. During the Second World War, many of the suites were converted to rooms to provide accommodation for merchant-marine crews. But by the 1960’sit had become a full-service hotel.
In 1954, Vancouver’s first cocktail bar-the medieval-themed Tilting Room – opened at the Sylvia. It was an instant classic, playing host to the likes of Malcolm Lowry and Errol Flynn.
In another piece of Sylvia history, the hotel’s cat, Mr. Got To Go – a stray who arrived at the Sylvia Hotel one day and decided to check in permanently – has inspired popular children’s books and is even included in a song. Perhaps this is why many of the rooms in the hotel are pet friendly, and pets stay at no extra charge.
Today, the Sylvia has 120 guest rooms and suites and several spots to dine and revel in the views, including the hotel’s hugely popular, ocean-view lounge-with it’s large picture windows and cozy fireplace-a sunny patio and Sylvia’s Restaurant with amazing views of English Bay.
“I think the pandemic has really put a spotlight on how busy life and business can become and how quickly it can overrun us, causing us to forget about the little things in life. Post-pandemic I’m really looking forward to finding a healthy balance between the two.”
Justin Vroegop
Sales Manager
“Personally, the pandemic has shown me how fragile and quickly things in life can change. Our business has shown how, when we work together as a close team, we can overcome large obstacles.”
Massimo Rizzi
Branch Manager
Westeck Windows and Doors
westeckwindows.com
877-606-1166
Recently, Westeck’s Branch Manager Massimo Rizzi and Sales Manager Justin Vroegop were featured in the Boulevard Magazine Influencers Edition for June 2021.
Boulevard magazine, celebrating over 26 years of publishing, is a British Columbia based publication proud to represent the great region we live in. Our readers live “Life at its Finest” in Canada’s most desirable environment.
About Westeck Windows and Doors
Westeck is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors. As each window and door is built to order, our customer have the freedom to design and create a product that is unique and personal. Enjoy our latest line of doors designed to enhance modern and contemporary architecture.
