Ohrn Words: Hard to tell parody from reality

Such is the state of real estate nuttiness, and public gullibility (see the petition, below), that these two indistinguishable media events differ in that one was (or is) real and the other is a parody. But without a guide, its hard to tell which is which. Or if either is; or isn’t; or something.
First – the gag, and the guide.

PICTURE YOURSELF HERE

The Canvas at Georgia is more than just a living space: it is a whole new way to experience Vancouver. Built upon the solid foundations of the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Canvas will transform Vancouver’s downtown core into a hub of artistic living.
A community for lovers of art and style, the Canvas at Georgia is within walking distance of much of what makes Vancouver what it is. The top-notch shopping opportunities of the Pacific Centre Mall are just across the street, while the safe, clean space of Canada Place is a five-minute walk.

And the Sun story: Only in Vancouver: Parody condo proposal inspires petition against it

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Second, here’s the First Baptist Church proposing a condo tower on its parking lot near Nelson and Burrard.  Another Sun story: Downtown Vancouver church plans to build 56-storey highrise.

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In an unusual partnership, the First Baptist Church in downtown Vancouver is working with Westbank Projects and Bing Thom Architects to build a striking 550-foot residential tower behind its Gothic-style church at Burrard and Nelson.
The tower, if approved, will be at the peak of the city’s downtown peninsula and will closely rival the Shangri-La tower on the city’s skyline, although it won’t be as tall.

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It’s fascinating that this breathlessly angry petition finds a way to blame CoV councilor Geoff Meggs and that evil Bob Rennie for this. As parodies go, maybe it’s just phase two of the overall gag.

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It’s been a long time coming, ever since city councillor Geoff Meggs proposed the move back in 2011(http://bit.ly/1Sl04YI). “Condo King” Bob Rennie then supported the idea (http://bit.ly/1SPsncE). Now, it appears the idea to ditch the gallery is going ahead, and it’s going to be turned into giant monstrosity called the Canvas at Georgia (http://bit.ly/1gsUPVg).