History Walks in Vancouver with James Johnstone - April 2023

Hello Friends,

History Walks in Vancouver is back in April 2023!

History Walks in Vancouver - BlogSpot

Once again, Kati Ackermann (of VSPI) is co-hosting History-Ghost Walks with James Johnstone, historian & house genealogist 

Sunday, April 16 @ 10am - East Hastings at Heatley / 2-3 hour walk / Cost $40/person / Limited space.
History-Ghost Walk #1

Sunday, April 23 @ 10am - corner of Ramur Ave and Malkin (near Cottonwood Community Gardens) / 2-3 hour walk / Cost $40/person / Limited space.
History-Ghost Walk #2

As Intuitive, Kati reads the "Spirit" energy of the houses/buildings, while James brings its history alive.

These walks are fantastic.
Not only do you learn about some of the oldest communities in Vancouver; you get to meet the past in a wonderful 2-3 hour walk while learning about the people that first called the area "home", as well as discovering the spiritual side. You'll learn about the types of dwellings that first stood on the land, and hear of the history involved that made Vancouver a city people were drawn to.

If you are interested, please book immediately as there is a limit of space available. These walks are fantastic for your morning exercise regime. Ensure you wear comfy shoes, bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated, a snack or two.. and note, there are no washroom breaks, so be prepared. Come rain/shine.

To book, email historywalks@gmail.com - you can pay the fee at the Walk or email transfer it to James.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely, your friend as always,

Kati

PS: James Johnstone also hosts other History Walks (see the BlogSpot link), which I recommend. He's fantastic at bringing the stories of the heritage areas alive. Check it out and book quickly.

The Chicken Thief with Intent to Murder! (Convict Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

Today the story I bring you is about a convict buried at New Westminster's Boot Hill Cemetery, belonging to the B.C. Penitentiary (decommissioned May 10, 1980, and demolished), with a bit of a twist. It took some time to put it together, but finally I believe I have enough information to present this most interesting and puzzling case.

Meet Convict #1948 - "Unknown Gim"

Photo by Kati - Convict #1948 (middle section, south edge)

VSPI Travels to Northern California

Hello Friends,

Tomorrow morning, Dec.24th, I'll be travelling south to Sonoma County, Northern California. Oh how I love it there! Not only is the history rich, but it's always a wonderful place to explore Cemeteries. Often we find those hidden away that are left abandoned or less visited. Exciting never the less. It's value is in our research of the area, and in connecting with the "other side".

I'll spend time in the county until Jan.15th, 2017.
Perhaps my wife, Lesli, and I will take in some UFO hunting as well. We'll see where our exploration leads us.

We wish you, our friends, a Wonderful and Merry Christmas & Holiday Season!

If you are in the Sonoma County area and need help, or know of a place we can explore with you, please reach out to us via our "Contact Page". We'll be checking our email box regularly!

Be safe this holiday season, hug your family, and send blessings to those who have passed on before you..

Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for updates, photos of where we've been and more.

Sincerely,
your friend,
Kati

Kati, Alfred Hitchock, and Lesli @ Bodega Bay, California - Jan.2016

Ghost Towns & Cemeteries of Crowsnest Hwy #3 BC

Hello Friends..

My wife (Lesli) and I decided to take a road trip during our vacation period at the end of September, and when the opportunity arose, we jumped into a rental car and headed east across British Columbia on the Crowsnest Highway (BC Hwy #3). It was an experience we'll never forget.

Our Trip Map (Google map + edits by Kati)

VSPI had been contacted by a family in the Kootenays about activity in their home around the time when I was making plans for our vacation. Our promise to our clients is to find a way to assist them and the spirits of the house in finding peace. This case had extreme activity; from frightening dreams of a woman screaming, choking sensations in their sleep, to a black shadow man in the baby's bedroom and unusual sounds heard throughout the house. The homeowners have a small child to consider and were at their wits end. Research brought about evidence of a large number of deaths in the area due to mining, the lumber industry, drownings, overdoses, murder and suicides. It makes for a lot of dark energy in a small area. We had to do something.

Note: I wrote about the case in our previous blog: Calling Spirit Energy. Give it a read before you continue here, to get a full picture of what was going on.

Calling Spirit Energy...

Hello friends,

I sat in my hallway, candles flickering around me. A crystal, feather and seashell on a stand in front of me to represent our earth, the air and oceans. I positioned a variety of electromagnetic meters, a vpod (creating its own energy field around the antenna which spirits are believed to manipulate for communication), digital recorder, and my pendulum in hand.

Vigil @ Kati's Home - August 2016

Calling out to spirit(s) is something I believe may work from anywhere that I am, but I’m still working to prove this theory correct. As long as it’s a place where I can concentrate and find peace, it works for me.

Note: I want to stress, I ground myself first and put protection of “white light” and my ancestors’ love around me before I begin.

VSPI 2016 Car Free Day Vancouver Survey!

Hello Friends,

On Sat.June 18th we decided it was time to take an updated survey of the people who visited Car Free Day Vancouver - West End Festival. Although the day was a "wet" one (which is normal in Vancouver, BC), we had fun and met some truly amazing people. We listened to your experiences, shared a few of ours, discussed techniques for cleansing and clearing, and talked about "haunted" buildings in the Greater Vancouver area. All in all, it was a successful event for us, and for the Festival.

We wish to thank those of you who came out and supported us, talked with us, shared stories and took our survey. We appreciate that you took the rain in stride and ventured out regardless! Thank You!

For our Survey results, please visit our website HERE (they are too large to post to our blog) and join in the conversation on our Facebook Page. We'd love to hear your thoughts.
What surprised you the most?
Would you have answered any differently?
What did we miss out?
Let's get the conversation rolling!
In the meanwhile, we have some exciting investigations coming up this summer and into early autumn. Keep an eye out on our website and here for updates.. as well as our continuation about the "Boot Hill Cemetery Convicts" from the old BC Penitentiary.

Until then, we'll talk soon!
Kati

In a Hail of Bullets .. (Convict Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

This time we take you on a ride of an "explosive" nature involving burglary, "safe blowing" and attempted murder with a hail of bullets flying through the air! It made the front page news in Vancouver, B.C. in March 1913. With this, we introduce you to our newest entry in our search of understanding the convicts buried at the New Westminster "Boot Hill Cemetery" for the B.C. Penitentiary.

Meet Convict #1774 - James W Hinds.

Photo by Kati - Unknown # found near James' burial site

Meet VSPI at Car Free Day Vancouver - Sat.June 18th !!

Hello Friends,

Meet VSPI !!!

When: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
What:  Car Free Day Vancouver @ West End Festival
Location: Denman Street (btwn Davie Street & Robson Street)

• bring family!
• bring friends!
• come chat with us!
• participate!
• create chalk drawings!
• take our survey!

There will be so much going on at the festival. Music, Games, Food and fun for all! So bring everyone. Walk, Bike, take Transit! Come by and say "hello". We'd love to hear about your experiences, thoughts and perhaps participate in a survey we have put together.

We'd love to get to know you, so come on down to the West End near Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C. and drop by our tent. Meet some investigators, learn protection methods, home cleansing methods and get to know us, as we'll get to know you.

We look forward to seeing you there! Rain or shine!

Talk soon,
Kati

Visit to Alcatraz

From the moment we landed on the island of Alcatraz, I knew there was something special about this place. Anyone can feel the energy swirling, if they truly pay attention to their body's reactions; however, a lot of anticipation on the cruise over to the island may cause a range of emotions. This being said, I had to be sure that what I was feeling wasn't because of excitement brewing. I shook it off and with my wife, Lesli, we looked around, paid $1 USD for a map of the Island, and made a plan of what areas to visit on our ascent to the top of the island where the famous Main Cell House stands.

Building 64 - Military Housing then Prison Residences

Fighting Negative Energy & Oppression...

Hello friends,

This past weekend VSPI performed one of its most urgent and extreme home cleansings/blessings; as well as cleansing the client of a negative energy that had been attacking her and getting stronger by the day.  This is what VSPI is about, “carrying through with our promise to help our clients as best as we can”.  Indeed something to be proud of and shows that not all paranormal teams are “all about gathering evidence”; that we care, are compassionate, take action to resolve issues, and are a necessary group in this field.

So what happened? Why was this needed? What was going on?  Find below some of the facts of this case. Keeping in mind, we are protect the privacy and confidentiality of the family involved, and will not disclose their name(s) or location of their home.

Shadow People/Beings... Negative Energy or?

Hello Friends,

It has been a perception that “shadow people/beings” are made up of negative energy and may be considered demonic in nature.  However, is this something we can say with absolute certainty?  No, it’s still being debated in the paranormal community.

There are several theories offered.  Skeptics, the science community and those who have never experienced this phenomena may put forward the idea that it's your own imagination, tricks of the eye, illusions, and possibly one with a logical reason (IE: flashlight from another room bouncing off a person, car headlights flooding in from behind, moisture collected in the atmosphere, fog and so on).  But is this true for all sightings? If not, are these entities ghosts or demons or what?

In the following investigations, I will describe experiences of VSPI and some of our clients with the “shadow people” phenomena.  Unfortunately we were not able to capture them on film.  However, after in-depth client interviews, and thorough investigations using a variety of methods to gather evidence to support the sightings; we may have found some answers, and, unfortunately more questions.

To protect the privacy of our clients, we will not reveal the names/locations of some of the cases.

A Necessary Trip (A Reminder of Why I Ghost Hunt)...

A good friend contacted me asking for help.  She was experiencing frightening activity.  Although she could not see anything (shadow people, anomalies etc.), she knew that something was surrounding her from time to time in what she thought was her safe haven.  This not only added to the stress in her life, but it frightened her about the future.   Her boyfriend, however, was not feeling anything and had no idea how to resolve the issue.

In order to protect their privacy and confidentiality of my friend, I’ll call her ‘Star’ and her boyfriend ‘Moon’.

VPL, Special Collections - Circa 1916 Robson St.

I performed some light research of the area and took the time to visit this lovely friend, her partner, and of course their adorable cats!  I noticed immediately that there was high electromagnetic field readings in her apartment, because my body felt as if it was being charged and it was constant.  So I took a reading with my meters and determined it was due to old wiring (an old oven & refrigerator were the main culprits, while in the bathroom an old lighting fixture raised alarms).  Star and Moon live in a small one bedroom apartment of a high-rise building in Vancouver’s West End.  I determined Star must be hyper sensitive to the amount of energy emitting from these appliances.  I asked her simple questions to help determine what she was feeling, where she frequently sat etc.  This revealed an enormous amount of information to assist me.  I showed them both, explaining in simple terms, what was going on and what I recommended they do.  To learn this was something they could work with and correct, provided much relief from the anxiety Star was carrying.

A few days later, I heard back from Star, telling me that things had gotten much better.  She no longer sat in an area that was immersed in high EMF waves, and had found a way to cope with the energy in the bathroom.

A few months later, I heard from Star again.  This time she was experiencing activity in other areas of the apartment, thus believing it was due to spirit visitations.  She shared photos taken which had light streaks across them.  Star had become extremely concerned and once again was feeling extra stress in her life.

The Ghosts of Salmagundi West...

Circa 1935 - Cordova & Cambie (photo courtesy VPL Archives)

By now most Vancouverites have heard of, visited, and even experienced the spirits of Salmagundi West, a curio shop in the city’s Gastown area.  The incredible eclectic collection of unique items Anne Banner sells in her shop, help lend to the entire “paranormal” claim.  Salmagundi West may also resolve some of your “I don’t know what to get so & so for Xmas” troubles.  If you have not dropped by, please do so @ 321 Cordova St West.  Tell them VSPI sent you.

For Vancouver Spooks, this shop is certainly one of mystery and chills.  However, during our first investigation (end of July 2014), an early evening one and not the usual overnight exposure, we did not collect paranormal evidence to prove the claim of “spirits”.  This doesn't lend to the fact that some team members had personal experiences, which cannot be presented as proof.

VSPI @ ColdCon 2014

VSPI will be at ColdCon 2014! Don't miss out.. here are the details:
When:   Sunday, November 9th
Time:    Starting at 5 pm
Where: The Columbia @ 530 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coldspotters-paranormal-convention-sunday-nov-9th-tickets-12844140169

Drop in, visit with us at our table. Chat, get to know us, and visit with other vendors and teams. It's a great day to explore the Paranormal!
VSPI will have a fundraiser (proceeds go to pay for upkeep of our equipment & travelling expenses) - Use your psychic abilities! Join in to win!

Research Brings Gifts...

Hi Tante Kati (German for "Aunt Kati")! I just moved into a new place and was told by the downstairs tenants that apparently our suite is haunted! One room specifically. The house is definitely old, probably at least 70-80 years. Do you know how I would go about learning more about the history of the place? Maybe you could come over and investigate it! I haven't noticed anything unusual going on, but I have only slept there one night so far since they are currently renovating it." Natasha, my niece, messaged me through Facebook one Thursday evening.

Of course I was intrigued, and wondered if the renovations would kick up activity. I would have to know more. With a few messages back and forth over the next few days, I received the address of the home and began my trek through the wonderful world of research. I let Natasha know that if anything unexplained occurred over the following week, to write it down, text me any time, and I would help as best as I could. I promised to get back to her within a week. A few days later, Natasha let me know her doorbell had rung with no one there, and she witnessed a shadow person, possibly a woman, looking at her.

Occasionally I receive visitations from spirits in my own home, usually the week prior to an investigation. It seems as if they know I am coming. Sometimes I get a feeling of whom it is, and other times I’m not sure. When I hear the footsteps on my bamboo runners, or the glass smashing in my kitchen, or knocks on my walls, I always rule out the obvious (living in a cement building transmits less noise than in other structures – I check thoroughly regardless). With the upcoming investigation at Natasha’s, I received a visit from what I felt was a female spirit informing me she was looking for someone. I read out the names of the families I had researched and landed on one that made absolute sense. I kept this information to myself.

The Importance of Standing Together - Family!

In order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the family involved in this case, we have changed their name and location. This investigation took place in August 2014 around the time of the Super Moon.

Be Advised: VSPI does not stand in judgement of anyone. Most of us go through a period in life when we experience difficulties that become overwhelming, and we struggle to find our way out. Do some of these sound familiar? Teenagers rebelling against parents, illness and/or injury, bills piling up, loneliness and sadness, depression, loss of communication within the family unit, fear of change, loss of a family member and so on...
These are some reasons to stop and recognize what is going on within your family, stand together, and ask for help.
The following case describes a family that appeared to be overwhelmed and reached out for help. They are a lovely family, kind and generous; but were lost in what to do next.

Case: A client emailed VSPI seeking help. His family was plagued with activity in their home over the past few weeks, and it was on an up-rise. There was a story connected to a wind up music box, from an old country, but also significant that whatever it is may be attacking certain persons of the household.
I called immediately, listened, acknowledged, asked some questions and let them know their safety was most important to us. Mr. Smith (we'll call the family the "Smith's") sounded urgent, out of breath, and relieved that someone was responding quickly. He was trying to relay everything in just a few minutes, as if he could not believe it himself. A few points I noted was the Grandfather had an injury which put him in the hospital with internal bleeding, and Mr. Smith kept asking his daughter (let's call her Anne) for information of the occurrences in the home. From the telephone interview, I determined that Grandfather and Anne appeared to be the focal people in this case.

After getting the team together, along with a "sensitive" (or "medium"), we drove to a beautiful area where the trees stand tall, the air is fresh, waters rush down from the mountain, and people were splashing, and having fun in the community pool. Lovely!
Well, not so lovely after all. What came next was most interesting, and definitely filled with negativity. It was growing.

VSPI Survey Results

Hello friends,

VSPI participated at the 2014 Car Free Vancouver: West End Festival on Sunday, June 15, 2014.  We were excited and met people of all beliefs.
Some people took the time to answer a few questions on our survey, and we thank them for that! We thought we'd share the survey results with you in two forms: 'Overall' results, and 'Age Group' results. The results were extremely interesting to us, and we hope to you as well.

So here we go: 55 People were polled.

Result One - Overall:

Results Two - Age Group:

Ghosts: As you can see, the youngest group is 100% open to Ghosts (spirit activity etc), while the oldest group is 100% non-believers. Interesting to note is the 35-49 Age Group at 93% "Yes".
UFOs: When it comes to the Alien discussion, the 20-34 age group is the strongest in their beliefs for the possibility @ 80%, while again the oldest group is 100% non-believers.
Cryptozoology: This is most interesting, as the subject is open to a variety of creatures/monsters believed to walk our earth. Again the youngest group is the strongest in their "Yes" beliefs, with the middle age groups not far behind, and the oldest is positive in their beliefs that these creatures do not exist.

It opens up discussion as to how open minded we all are. Does it depend on our upbringing? Is news of our day a factor? It appears more believe than are non-believers. Is this a trend due to television programming, the increase of sightings, and interest in pursuing the truth? Or is this simply something instilled in how we think from childhood on? Are more parents encouraging open minded thinking today than they did over 66+ years ago?

To weigh in, we welcome your thoughts.
Please visit our Facebook page @ Vancouver Spooks & post your thoughts, or send us a private message if you prefer to keep them confidential. We respect your privacy.
Or you can comment to this post.

Something to think about indeed, and discuss with others.
As paranormal investigators our position is to look for evidence; but I'd like to add, VSPI is open minded in our thinking.

John & Kati @ Car Free Vancouver: West End Festival on Sun.Jun15th 2014.

We Thank Everyone who came out to visit with us at our tent display & are excited about new connections, old friends, and the open discussions we had.

Thank You for your Support!


Talk soon,
Kati

Halloween Events

VSPI has been invited to present in two events for the Halloween season.

Ghost Hunt @ The Giggle Dam - Event

Event #1:
Thurs. Oct 24th @ 6:45 pm. Poco Heritage & Cultural Society has asked us to host a "Ghost Hunt at the Giggle Dam".
To preregister: email us @ vancouverspooks@gmail.com .
Fee: "by donation". All proceeds go to the Poco Heritage & Cultural Society.
The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre, with it's abundant history, is our focus.
Read about the Theatre:
VSPI - Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre .
We are proud to be working with the Dam crew again. Thank you to Sheila & Jon!

Halloween Spooktacular with VSPI - Event

Event #2:
Fri. Oct 25th @ 6 pm. 
Presented by: T&T Spiritual & Wellness Connections
Where: The First United Spiritualist Church in Burnaby.
Sign Up: @ their website: tandtvancouver.com/events/halloween-spooktacular
Thank you Tara for inviting us to participate!

So what are you up to this Halloween? Why not join us @ either event.
More information can be found at the above links, and at our Facebook page: VSPI - Facebook Page as well as our website.

We'd love to see you there & get to know you.

Have a Happy Halloween!
Kati

Poco Heritage & VSPI - Mini Ghost Hunt (Oct/12)

“Did you hear that?” a young girl asked the group and looking at me with hopeful eyes.
“Yes, it sounded like a chime.” I confirmed her observations.
“I heard the same thing.” Brian, the president of Poco Heritage Society, agreed with us.
Several others nodded in confirmation.

We sat in silence waiting with wonder, hoping to hear the bell-like ringing again. It
came a little later, but this time it was two chimes in a row. Settled on the floor of the backstage hallway in the dark, the group was wide-eyed hoping to capture some evidence of the spirits from beyond. I was leading a group of teenagers and adults in a mini ghost hunt at the haunted Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre. Earlier, I had guided them through a power point session on investigating the paranormal at the Poco Heritage Society’s temporary site, and then walked the group over to the Theatre to put what I taught them into action. We were practicing using our senses, being alert and conducting an EVP session in the dark. Calling out to the spirits of the Theatre, we had hopes to make contact with the main spirit, William (or Bill as he sometimes comes through), who was been murdered in the building in the late 1990s. Wondering if this was a sign from either Bill or one of the other spirits (there’s the man who stands on the stage and appears to children and makes himself known to sensitive’s /  the woman who is seeking her red shoe we believe to be Rose Anne Lilly / and a woman we call "Maria" who died at the famous Essondale Hospital of the Mind, now known as Riverview Hospital, who is seeking someone to help her find her stolen child).  Unfortunately it was not a sign, nor was it paranormal.

2011 Adventures

Hello folks,

It's been a while since I've written.. actually it's been a year. 2011 has been a busy year for me in every way. In July I married my sweetheart in Vancouver BC, and we went on a wonderful adventure in California as our "honeymoon".

We went on a day trip to Fort Ross (Jul27, 2011), on the coast northeast of where we stayed; and conducted a formal investigation of a private mansion outside of Petaluma. Both were interesting trips! We were not looking for "spirits" at the Fort, and didn't find any.. however, we discovered a voice on our digital recorder interact with our discussion at the small Russian Orthodox cemetery just south of the Fort. No one was there. We carry our recorders with us everywhere we go. Lesli & I do not expect "spirits" to be present with each and every trip, and we do not have a belief that "spirits" linger in cemeteries, but perhaps drop in on visitation when family or friends visit their grave. We simply are not expecting "spirits" to hang out where their bodies are buried, but who is to say they don't from time to time? We just don't know.. and I think that is part of the curiousity and questions we have. When I pass on, will I hang around where my ashes are spread? Will I be able to pop in and out when someone visits the spot? Would I want to? It's as simple as that. This voice we caught on our digital recorder was interesting. A man with a friendly voice, reacting to our conversation of the wonderful view of the coast for those who are buried there. (PS: you can listen to the EVPs at our website: http://www.vancouverspooks.com/findings ) It truly is a beautiful and peaceful spot. I am wondering who this man was? He spoke without an accent, but then do "spirits" speak with accents if they are not of English decent? There are so many questions I have when it comes to "spirits" and their abilities or not. It was a bit of a cloudy day when we arrived at the Fort. I love history, and felt refreshed with the park. The displays are truly wonderful, and the fort itself is a recreation as most of the buildings were destroyed. I recommend anyone in the area to check out the Fort! By the time we got to the cemetery it was late afternoon, and during our visit we noticed the fog slowly enveloping the fort (we had a good view of the fort) and rolling towards us. We left shortly after taking a number of wonderful photos. It was getting late and time to get on the road. We drove south along the coastal highway to a small cemetery outside of Bodega. We wanted to visit the gravesite of a young lad who's life was cut short (at the age of 7yrs) during a family trip to Italy. Truly a sad story.