Welcome to #TheNewVCB.

Some months ago, we came to the realization that we had outgrown our former site design. The truth is – we are now producing more content than ever and our traffic is growing exponentially month on month. We’re extremely humbled and proud of the growth that Vancity Buzz has seen to-date after five amazing years of being online.

With more and more stories and growing traffic, we knew that a change was in order. But one of the most compelling reasons for our re-design was that, simply put, we had outgrown our ‘blog.’ It became pretty obvious quickly, that our style and structure more closely resembled that of an online magazine. With all these things considered, we knew it was time to show a different look and feel that would help feature the wide range of content we offer, and to help our readers navigate that better.

The task was very exciting, but equally daunting. And after long, countless hours and revisions, we present you with this current design.

What do you think?

Below is a short breakdown of what the new areas offer and how you can find what is valuable to you. But before we get there, we’d like to offer a big, heartfelt – thank you very much – to all of our readers, supporters and partners. Your feedback and readership is what keeps us full of zeal to publish story after story.

Here’s to another five years, Vancouver!

What’s new?

All of our stories in chronological order: Along the left, you’ll see a running list of all of our stories shown in chronological order with the most recent at the top. Check this section in your daily news scans to see if there is any current news that you’re be interested in.
Only the trending news, please: If you only want to view our most popular content, be sure to check out the trending section on the right hand side.
Featured stories across all sections: In the main area of the site, you’ll see a nice sampling of some of our newest stories broken down by category.
Dedicated sections: If there is a certain section that you’re keen on (look for the coloured tabs), scroll down to see it below with other similar content.
Special Series: We have some stand out series on the site. Scroll down to the bottom to see a snapshot of the original features we offer.
NEW! Events: We’re very excited to be introducing our new events section that will feature events in the Lower Mainland. Search events by date or category or even upload your own event into our section. Along the top, we’ll showcase three featured events that we think you should check out.

Lastly, you’ll always have the header and the search function to find exactly what you’re looking for!

To reward you, our readers, for five years of support, we thought it was only fitting that we collaborate with 17 of our partners that have been great to us over the last few years. Read below to learn how you can win some prizes valued at over $4,500 in total!

Contest

TheNewVCB Contest

How to enter

In order to enter our massive prize pack giveaway contest, you must complete the following steps:

Like us on Facebook.
Leave a comment below telling us which prize you want to win the most (sign in with your email or Twitter).
Retweet any (or all) of the tweets below!

Vancouver Canucks

Retweet the following for a chance to win a team signed stick:

Win a #Canucks team signed stick via @VanCanucks & @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon http://ow.ly/mkAEm #TheNewVCB RT to enter!

Vancouver Whitecaps

Retweet the following for a chance to win a pair of tickets to exclusive Pitch Side Club seats:

Win a pair of exclusive pitch side club seats to a @WhitecapsFC match via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon http://ow.ly/mkAEm #TheNewVCB RT to enter!

BC Lions

Now entering their historic 60th anniversary season, the BC Lions Football Club is British Columbia’s most successful professional sports organization with six Grey Cup titles to their credit. Drawing on pride, decades of tradition, passion and a spirit of excellence, the BC Lions seek to touch the lives of our community in a positive way and are dedicated to serving partners, sponsors and fans.

Retweet the following for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the July 20 game, merchandise package and pre-game sideline passes to watch the team warmup:

Win a @BCLions prize pack including a pair of game and sideline passes via @VancityBuzz http://ow.ly/mkAEm #TheNewVCB RT to enter!

Science World

Retweet the following for a chance to win 4 tickets to August 16’s SWAD (Science World After Dark) event. A popular event where adults come to play without the kids. Wine and beer available and there’s usually a theme.

Win 4 tickets to @ScienceWorldCa After Dark via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon #TheNewVcB http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter!

Vancouver Art Gallery

Retweet the following for a chance to win a Galleries & Goodies package: 4 express entry passes to see their brand new exhibit Persuasive Visions: 17th Century Dutch and Flemish Masterworks and Contemporary Reflections and a $50 gift card to use in the Gallery Store.

Win a Galleries & Goodies Package via @VanArtGallery & @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon #TheNewVcB http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter!

Vancouver Aquarium Exclusive Jelly Invasion Package

Your exclusive Vancouver Aquarium Jelly Invasion prize package includes a one-year family membership to Canada’s largest aquarium. Membership to the Aquarium supports our aquatic conservation, research and education initiatives. You’ll also receive amazing benefits including unlimited admission, express entry and access to private members’ only events.

This season, we feature Jelly Invasion as thousands of jellies descend upon Vancouver. This immersive experience will showcase the lion’s mane jelly, which can grow tentacles up to 30.5 metres long, to the red-eye medusa. You and up to three friends will learn about the intriguing phenomenon of jellyfish blooms and how smacks of jellyfishes have an impact on marine ecosystems. Your prize package (valued at $600) includes a private behind-the-scenes tour of Jelly Invasion with one of our interpreters who will guide you through a one-hour interactive tour of our newest exhibit, and provide a glimpse of the cool things happening behind the curtain!

To enter the contest retweet the following:

Win an Exclusive Jelly Invasion Package from @VancouverAqua & @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon #TheNewVcB http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to enter!

PNE/Playland

Dare to experience fear made fun at Playland! Now open daily, Playland offers over 30 rides and attractions including two NEW family rides – Teacups and Balloon Explorers. Take a break from the rides to snack on mini donuts or play to win at the Midway Games and celebrate summer at Playland.

Retweet for a chance to win 4 One-Day PlayPasses, 2 Revelation Passes, 2 Drop Zone Passes, 2 Pacific Adventure Golf Passes, 2 Haunted Mansion Passes.

Win a @PNE_Playland Prize Pack (4, one day passes) via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon #TheNewVcB http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter!

FlyOver Canada

FlyOver Canada at Canada Place is Vancouver’s newest must-see attraction! It’s a breathtaking ride like no other: you will take off into a huge domed screen with the latest in projection and ride technology creating a true flying experience. The flight takes you from coast to coast over the nation’s most spectacular scenery. Opening June 29!

Retweet the following for a chance to win 10 ride tickets to FlyOver Canada:

Win 10 tickets to @FlyOverCanada via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon #TheNewVcB http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter!

Joe Fortes

Retweet the following for a chance to win a $200 gift card to Joe Fortes:

Win a a $200 Gift Card to @JoeFortesVan via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon #TheNewVcB http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter!

Pink Elephant Thai

Retweet the following for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Pink Elephant Thai:

Win a $100 Gift Card to @PinkEThai via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon #TheNewVcB http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter!

Blenz Coffee

Retweet the following for a chance to win a Matcha Kit Gift Basket valued at $200, including a $50 Gift Card, complete matcha kit, coffee, mugs and more:

Win a $200 @BlenzCoffee gift basket via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon #TheNewVcB http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter!

Joey Restaurants

Retweet the following for a chance to win a $200 gift card to Joey Restaurants:

Win a $200 Gift Card to @JoeyRestaurants via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter! #TheNewVcB

Future Shop

Retweet the following for a chance to win a Breville Juicer and Tea Maker (combined value of over $450):

Win a Breville juicer and tea maker via @Futureshop & @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter! #TheNewVcB

Crate and Barrel

Visit Crate and Barrel now open at Oakridge Centre! For furniture, home decor, gifts, housewares, registry items and more, visit them today and look no further for style.

Win a $200 gift card to Crate and Barrel, just retweet the following to enter the giveaway:

Win a $200 Gift Card to @CBOakridge via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter! #TheNewVcB

Pacific Centre

Retweet the following for a chance to win a $200 Pacific Centre shop! card®*

Enter to win a $200 Pacific Centre shop! card via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter! #TheNewVcB

London Drugs

Retweet the following for a chance to win a $200 London Drugs gift card:

Win a $200 gift card to @LondonDrugs via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter! #TheNewVcB

Shangri-La Vancouver

Retweet the following for a chance to win a one night stay (between Oct 1, 2013 and Apr 20, 2014 – some blackout dates apply):

Win a one night stay at @ShangriLA_Van via @VancityBuzz @crystal_kwon http://ow.ly/mkAEm RT to Enter! #TheNewVcB

Contest ends Friday, July 5, 2013 at 10 p.m. One lucky winner will be randomly selected for each prize package. *All references to the refer to the Cadillac Fairview gift card program