We are pleased to report that George McWhirter, esteemed Vancouver poet and Professor Emeritus of UBC’s Creative Writing Program, has been named today as Vancouver’s inaugural Poet Laureate. The appointment is for a two year term commencing in April, and comes with an annual stipend of $5000.

City council meets an average of three times per month; does this mean that we should expect at least three dozen official poems during the coming year in celebration of their decisions? “Ode to Subdivision By-law No. 520”; “A Sestina Celebrating the Awarding of Contract for RFP#PS06027”; “Indemnification for Property Tax Policy Review Commissioners: A Sonnet Sequence” …