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Stephen Quinn.Globe files

2011: The Year in Review. Yes, 2011. Because you shouldn't have to wait a whole year to find out what kind of year you're about to have.

January:

Marijuana activist Dana Larsen remains only declared candidate for BC NDP leadership.

Moe Sihota petitions NDP to amend constitution to disqualify any leadership candidate who is "pretty much high all the time."

Mr. Sihota's petition fails.

Mike Farnworth, Adrian Dix, Jenny Kwan, George Heyman, Jim Sinclair "still thinking things over."

Carole James not seen in public since Dec. 6, 2010.

Moira Stillwell not seen in public since Nov. 22, 2010.

Vancouver City Council defers decision on future of Georgia and Dunsmuir Street viaducts.

February:

Moira Stilwell wins the leadership of the BC Liberal Party on a record fourth ballot, after front-runners Christy Clark and Kevin Falcon refuse to deliver supporters to other contenders. Run-off between the two is decided by best two-out-of-three arm-wrestling competition, which ends in tie.

In her victory speech, Ms. Stilwell promises to remain invisible.

George Abbott blames poor finish on "not being able to get the hang of that Twitter thing."

Ms. Stilwell makes good on promise to move up date of HST referendum - from Sept. 24 to July 3, Canada Day weekend.

Anniversary of 2010 Winter Olympics celebrated with "Win an Olympic Condo" lottery, which fails to break even.

March:

John Furlong leads $1.84-billion St. Patrick's Day parade.

Mike Farnworth, Adrian Dix, Jim Sinclair "seriously considering their options."

April:

Marijuana activist Dana Larsen acclaimed BC NDP leader after no other candidates step forward to challenge. Mr. Larsen declares it "a great day for democracy, and for people who like to smoke tonnes of weed."

May:

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says based on ridership numbers and public input, Dunsmuir and Hornby Street dedicated bicycle lanes have been "a huge mistake … an abject failure … a disaster really." Concludes: "I don't know what the [expletive deleted]I was thinking."

City crews begin dismantling bike lanes 6.5 hours before council votes in favour of doing so.

Record numbers turn out to month-end Critical Mass bike ride. Riders vow to squat on Georgia and Dunsmuir Street viaducts until mayor reinstates bike lanes.

June:

Vancouver Canucks defeat Chicago Blackhawks in seven games to win Stanley Cup for first time in franchise history.

Post-game revellers clash with Critical Mass squatters. Viaducts collapse under weight of skirmish, sparing council from having to make decision on whether to demolish them. Vancouver Art Gallery claims newly created vacant land.

BC NDP files complaint with Chief Electoral Officer about government's "Why bother voting? You're at the cottage!" ad campaign on the eve of the HST vote.

July:

HST rescinded by overwhelming majority of the 7 per cent of eligible voters who cast ballots. Voter turnout so low, legislature forced to disregard outcome of referendum.

August:

Three more people move into Olympic Village housing. Mayor's effort to capitalize on "good news" story one more time thwarted when it is learned all three new residents are police officers suspended with pay following well-publicized "toddler brandishing sippy-cup" incident.

Vancouver Civic Non-Partisan Association city councillor Suzanne Anton announces intention to seek mayoral nomination, saying the city needs a leader who is not afraid to turn tragedy into political opportunity.

Christy Clark announces she will challenge Ms. Anton for NPA leadership, because she "needs the work."

September:

School year begins with Vancouver School Board threatening to close "every single last school" if province doesn't increase per-student funding.

October:

Translink Mayor's Council once again votes against increasing property tax to finance long-promised Evergreen Line. Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini threatens to build the line himself "with my own two hands."

Senator Larry Campbell sues self over diminished value of Olympic Village properties.

VSB chair Patti Bacchus says closing of all city schools no longer necessary, but new volleyballs on order will have to wait.

November:

Surrey Mayor Diane Watts re-elected with 99.7 per cent of popular vote.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson wins re-election, beating Christy Clark by just 13 votes. "Wow, that was really [expletive deleted]close," says Mayor Robertson.

Grey Cup game suspended indefinitely in third quarter after BC Place officials unable to close retractable roof during sudden snowstorm. BC Lions leading Saskatchewan Roughriders 48-3 at the time.

December:

As Vancouver's 125th birthday year comes to a close, journalistic year-end reminiscences highlight demise of the anti-HST campaign, the Georgia Viaduct, Christy Clark and, once again, the Evergreen Line.

Stephen Quinn is the host of On the Coast on CBC Radio One, 690 am and 88.1 FM in Vancouver.

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