Voice Over IP technology (VOIP) is a popular choice these days, because of its good value.
While the quality of the sound is not as good as Telus or Shaw (but very comparable), the monthly bill is as low as $9.99, with all the features included (caller number ID, conference, call waiting, call forwarding, voice messages sent to e-mail or regular voicemail, anonymous call blocking, and many more). It also works with your current telephone, so you don't need to buy a new phone.
One of the main advantages is that you can take your phone anywhere in the world where there is a high-speed Internet connection, and boom, you can call Vancouver as local calling.
Do your homework, of course, and see if this is right for you. There are many local companies that you can find by a simple google search, such as
www.netfone.ca - they have a $9.99 plan, especially if you don't want to pay for the long distance plans that everyone else seems to force on you.
For Internet access alternatives, check this out:
http://www.ubn.ca/broadband.html.
Fibre optic broadband (much faster than traditional Shaw cable connections) has been the standard for many years in Japan and other countries. Their $10/month plan will satisfy many, if not most Internet users. That is, if the company has brought their service to your neighbourhood yet.
Cheers,
guy