No Fun City

Meaning

Proper Noun

• The city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Origin

• Reportedly coined in 2000 by an organiser of Vancouver's annual Symphony of Fire fireworks exhibition (now known as the Celebration of Light), who was upset over a tobacco company being prevented from sponsoring the event. Strict liquor licensing laws have also been pointed to as the source of the nickname, as has an incident in which police advised people to avoid a New Year's celebration, fearing violence. Further popularized in 2010 via a feature documentary called No Fun City about the struggles faced by Vancouver music venues, directed by Melissa James and Kate Kroll.Rachel Mendelson, ,
• Maclean's, Aug 27, 2009