Raffi urges Vancouver to “shun” Christy Clark-backed yoga event on Burrard Bridge

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      As thousands of yoga practioners get ready to practice their sun salutations on the Burrard Bridge, a beloved local children's entertainer isn't as excited about how Premier Christy Clark and friends are planning on celebrating the UN's inaugural International Day of Yoga (IDY).

      Raffi Cavoukian is urging Vancouverites to #ShunTheBridge on June 21 in favour of doing yoga elsewhere.

      On Friday (June 5), Clark announced the Burrard Bridge closure, which will happen from 4 to 11 a.m. on June 21 (yoga events begin at 8:30 a.m.).

      During the press conference, Clark said the event was to foster business relationships with India and highlighted the potential for photo opportunities: “I don’t think there will be a picture in the world more beautiful than the one of the thousands of yoga mats on the Burrard Street Bridge on, hopefully, a sunny day."

      Some critics are questioning the need for the bridge closure at all, considering free IDY events are scheduled for the Plaza of Nations in Vancouver, Guilford Recreation Centre in Surrey, and Hindu Temple Burnaby.

      Cavoukian is also criticizing Clark's decision to host a prominent yoga event on the same day as National Aboriginal Day.

      The Burrard Bridge event is co-sponsored by lululemon athletica, which donated $10,000 to the B.C. Liberal party in the run-up to the 2013 provincial election. (Lululemon founder Chip Wilson also donated $50,000 to the Liberals in 2013 through Low Tide Properties, of which he is the sole proprietor.)

      AltaGas, an Alberta energy company, is spending $10,000 to sponsor the event; since 2013, AltaGas has donated $15,635 to the B.C. Liberals.

      Comments

      45 Comments

      Steve y

      Jun 8, 2015 at 5:14pm

      Raffi has official lost his mind

      Natty

      Jun 8, 2015 at 5:16pm

      This so-called event is moronic on every level. Are any real people (non-politiciams, non-lululemon employees) actually planning to take part?

      Lesley Davies

      Jun 8, 2015 at 6:31pm

      Not the dumbest idea shes come up with yet, but
      dammed close to it....
      Wonder what is going to go on while everyone is finding their
      centre on a bridge?
      Pipeline signing perhaps?

      Roxann Reid-Rojas

      Jun 8, 2015 at 9:48pm

      This is wrong for so many reasons!!! What is she thinking? Oh pardon me, this is Chrusty Clarke we are talking about - she doesn't think - at all!

      dexter

      Jun 8, 2015 at 9:59pm

      Now I know she has lost her mind! Who the H does she thinks she is?
      This circus is like a bad joke - yoga on a bridge that is one of the main arteries to get downtown. Should she be evaluated by a shrink? please, please get rid of her. I can't believe they allow her to do this!

      McLaren 650s

      Jun 9, 2015 at 2:48am

      Who cares! June 21 is a Sunday & most party animals don't get up until after 12 noon on any given Sunday so that yoga BS will be over by then.

      ann davies

      Jun 9, 2015 at 7:42am

      is there something wrong with hosting this on green space - geez like Stanley park - where it belongs. hard enough to drive in Vancouver as it is.

      Sgt Transom

      Jun 9, 2015 at 8:32am

      Not a fan of yoga culture, nor this publicity stunt, but it will be well attended. As for Raffi, I'm guessing he's just wanting to get back at Clark any way he can. He seems kind of childish.

      Kevin N.

      Jun 9, 2015 at 9:39am

      Once again the city of Vancouver has no consideration for the commuting public. Why should a minute demographic inconvenience the vast majority. Vancouver has so many places that would be better suited for an event like this, David Lamm Park for instance which is accessible by transit or Stanley Park which seems like the perfect setting to practice yoga. This will likely going to open a can of worms that's cannot be closed as well. What's next, Tai Chi or Zoomba? Come people, say no to this idiosy!!!!

      @Natty

      Jun 9, 2015 at 10:18am

      you summed it up, perfectly