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February 2, 2011+ Over the Edge

Expose: Third Avenue Collective
Prince George's hidden resource centre for radical information

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‘The 3rd ave collective is a unique space open to all people in Prince George which provides a community to share radical information not readily available other places

DARCIE SMITH
ARTS EDITOR

Since Mike Houg opened Third Ave downtown last
spring, a lot of great things starting happening for
Prince George, and the Third Ave Collective is one of
the best. Inspired by other free information shops such
as the Camas Books & Info Shop in Victoria and Boing
House in Salt Lake City, local activist Jay Myers opens
up the free, unique space downtown every Tuesday to
Saturday from 12-6pm. Complimentary coffee and tea

are always provided.

The purpose of the shop is to supply a centre for
building community and providing radical information
to the public that is normally unavailable, as well as
providing a free venue for charitable events to promote
a healthy community. During its hours of operation, the
Collective is open to anyone as a space to hang out
and talk openly without being judged. Myers maintains
that the Collective is “an open-minded, encouraging
environment that promotes and embraces individuality
and difference.” There are pamphlets for viewing
with information on works ranging from topics such
as imperialism, world politics, gender deconstruction,
anarchy, and veganism. The information provides a
chance for people to learn that there are solutions for
solving issues that may not always be readily available
to the public. Myers stressed that we are living in dire
times - with issues including the conflict surrounding
Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline — and that not
enough people know how to access the information

that can help us stand up against what is happening.

The idea for the Collective came from the
aforementioned shops: Camas Books & Info Shop
in Victoria, BC (camas.ca) and Boing House, located
in Salt Lake City, Utah (boing.vegcrew.net). Myers
came across these shops, and numerous others while
travelling, and was encouraged to bring the idea to
his hometown. The shop is an important outlet for
freethinking individuals who feel that our society has
become too structured and regimented, and desire
a positive change. He stated that, “the human race
has taken a direction for the worse, and that we have
created so many problems for ourselves such as
class, hierarchies, oppression, and inequality. . . the
only way to counteract these problems is to wake up

and deconstruct all of these systems.”

Areas of growth and improvement that Myers would
like to see for the Collective include simple things
such as acquiring more advertising, holding more
events, and getting the word out more. He wants
to work with other charitable organizations that could
make a positive use of the space for their events, and
he also expressed an interest in working with the Sea
to Sands Conservation Alliance.

Other goals include connecting with other activists
to bring more informed individuals to Prince George’s

downtown, and reaching out to high school and &
university students. The space is also welcoming ;

for families and children, as there are lots of toys
provided for any youngsters who should visit.

A few ways for members of the community to get
involved and support the Collective include coming

down and visiting the shop, reviewing the information, —

and offering any ideas or suggestions that would
benefit the progress and growth. Myers welcomes

any support or suggestions, and is willing to work PG i.

with any one interested in getting involved.

A small sample of the literature available in 3rd.

DARCIE SMITH

DARCIE SMITH

DARCIE SMITH