December 5, 2000

 

Lions Gate Wins City Book Award

An in-depth look at the past, present and future of the Lions Gate Bridge has been chosen as the winner of the 2000 City of Vancouver Book Award.

Lions Gate (Talonbooks) by Lilia D’Acres and Donald Luxton took the $2,000 prize on the strength of its illuminating stories about the often complicated and sometimes mysterious history of one of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks.

An independent panel of judges cited Lions Gate’s quality of writing, extensive research, and beautiful design. They said the book’s exploration of the myths, politics and characters surrounding the Lions Gate Bridge provided a fascinating perspective on Vancouver’s history, that was impressively supported by a wealth of archival photos, drawings, and historical accounts. Mayor Philip Owen presented the authors with the award at today’s City Council meeting.

D’Acres teaches literature and is the co-founder of the George Woodcock Centre for the Arts and Intellectual Freedom Fund at the University of B.C. Luxton is the director of the Vancouver Heritage Conservation Foundation, the president of the Canadian Art Deco Society, and runs his own heritage consulting firm.

The City of Vancouver Book Award is presented annually to authors of books in any genre that demonstrate excellence and contribute to the appreciation and understanding of Vancouver’s history, unique character and the achievements of its residents.

The award is funded by interest from the City’s Publishing Reserve Fund which was established in 1977 as a permanent legacy for writers and publishers. The fund receives royalties generated from a photo history of Vancouver edited by City staff.

This year’s other finalists for the 2000 City of Vancouver Book Award were: Collin Varner and Christine Allen for Gardens of Vancouver (Raincoast Books); Wayson Choy for Paper Shadows: A Chinatown Childhood (Penguin Canada); and Wing Chung Ng for The Chinese in Vancouver, 1945-80: The Pursuit of Identity and Power (UBC Press).

 

Media enquiries:

Nancy Duxbury
Office of Cultural Affairs
871-6003

 

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(c) 2000 City of Vancouver