Vancouver poet W.H. New wins civic book award for YVR

The 2012 City of Vancouver Book Award has been presented to W.H. New for his collection of poetry titled YVR.

YVR, the tenth book of poems produced by New, was published in 2011.

“An independent jury selected YVR for its maturity of concept and language, its musicality, rhythm and poetry of Vancouver place names, and the many political, geographic and community voices,” reads a release from the City of Vancouver.

“The jury considered the poetry to be almost flawless, and they recommend the Main Street poems a must-read for Vancouverites.”

New, a literary commentator and former University of B.C. teacher, has also received the 2012 Mayor’s Arts Award for Literary Arts.

Both awards were presented during a gala event at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre on September 20.