March 3, 2011 by Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer

starting at

399

$ 7-09 JB23

www.jballamfurniture.com

Recliners

SPORTS

Masters starts today See Page 5

NOTARIES PUBLIC Real Estate Transfers|604.796.2925

45921 Wellington, lli Chilliwack • 604-793-9766

The Observer Ag assiz Y Harr ison

ahobserver.com

office: 604.796.4300

classifieds: 604.796.4300 | newsline: 604.796.4302

T H U R S D AY, M A R C H 3 , 2 0 1 1

Drivers urged to stop for school busses Jessica Peters

license plate, and RCMP say that the driver has been dealt with. But School District 78 bus driver Agassiz RCMP issued a stern warning to drivers this week: Not Milt Wilhelms says that drivers heeding the lights on a school bus ignoring the many Áashing lights is a huge concern. could cost the life of a child. "It probably happens about one to The warning came after a very close call on a local bus route in late two times a week," he says. "Quite often, right by the police ofÀce (in February. A young boy was getting off the Agassiz) or near Cameron on the bus, walking to the waiting arms of Lougheed Hwy, and along Hot his mother on the other side of the Springs Road." And yes, he says, he is watching. street. So are the nine other district school The red lights were Áashing. The bus drivers, along school bus with the drivers was stopped. ‘People are just not paying for Seabird Island, The requisite Chehalis and the "STOP" sign attention’ private schools. was drawn The drivers all out across Milt Wilhelms, bus driver watch. They also trafÀc, alerting record, and they drivers that deÀnitely report. children were Wilhelms says that they work in the road, leaving the bus, and quite closely with the RCMP to help ticket possibly crossing the road. But on this day, one driver either offenders. "People are just not paying didn't care, or didn't notice. That little boy came "within inches" of being hit attention," he says, but whether they're by a passing motorist, local RCMP too busy sightseeing (in the tourist months), texting, or being impatient, told the Observer. The driver didn't even stop to the risk is the same. In the 21 years that Dan Landreth acknowledge the close call, but luckily the child's mother and the CONTINUED – ON PAGE 4 bus driver were able to jot down the THE OBSERVER

Milt Wilhelms says at least one to two drivers a week are running through the numerous stop lights and signs on school busses. The fine is $187, and the risk is injuring or killing one of the 875 students who ride the bus daily in this school district. JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER

MARCO D. CEDRONE

3(5621$/ ,1-85< /$:<(5

7070 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz BC _ ZZZ FDVFDGHODZ FRP

INSIDE THE OBSERVER

news . . . . . . . . . . 2 sports . . . . . . . . . 5 opinion . . . . . . . . 6

1BQB #VSHFS GPS

mailbag. . . . . . . . 7 community . . . . . . 9 classiﬁeds . . . . . 13

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Thursday, March 3, 2011

OBSERVER news Spray park could end up at Centennial

ACE serves up dinner

Jessica Peters THE OBSERVER

ACE principal Sandy Balascak helped her students cook dinner for School Board trustees on Tuesday afternoon this week. The dinner was part of the monthly school board meeting, and was held at the Agassiz Legion. ACE has been working with the Legion for the past few years, through a number of teen projects. CHRIS BLANK/ OBSERVER

Professional days not changing Jessica Peters THE OBSERVER

A motion to pass afternoon professional development time for teachers does mean there will be fewer Pro D days for students, Dr. Karen Nelson, Superintendent of Schools said Friday. The Observer reported earlier

this week on a recent motion by School District 78 that states: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The FCTA and senior administration support the concept of collaboration time and concur with research that indicates that the most powerful forms of staff/ professional development occur in ongoing teams that

meet on a regular basis; Therefore it is recommended that: The Board of Education for School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) approve 10 to 12 hours of after-school Pro-D sessions in lieu of two Professional Development days during the 2011-2012 school year.â&#x20AC;?

That does not mean the two professional days will still not be held, Dr. Nelson said, deferring any ofĂ&#x20AC;cial comment for the time being. The motion was passed at the February 8 board meeting. The Observer apologizes for any confusion related to this error.

WIN! Enter for your chance to

Village of Harrison Hot Springs NOTICE OF INTENT DRAFT BYLAW NO. 960 DEVELOPMENT COST CHARGES 7KH &RXQFLO RI WKH 9LOODJH RI +DUULVRQ +RW 6SULQJV LQWHQGV WR DGRSW D QHZ 'HYHORSPHQW &RVW &KDUJHV %\ODZ

A PRE-SPRING

FLING

at the gorgeous Inn at Laurel Point

in Victoria!

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;DRAFT DEVELOPMENT COST CHARGES BYLAWâ&#x20AC;? RU HPDLOHG WR GNH\#KDUULVRQKRWVSULQJV FD

Imagine stealing away for two nights to the beautiful city of Victoria! This amazing getaway includes luxury accommodation and admission to the beautiful Butchart Gardens. For more details visit www.getawaybc.comâ&#x20AC;Ś

)RU IXUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH GLUHFW \RXU HQTXLULHV WR RXU 9LOODJH &$2 DW 'HEUD .H\ &RUSRUDWH 2IILFHU

Cheryl MacKinnonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite destinations atâ&#x20AC;Ś

The snow was falling heavily last Monday night, but inside Agassiz's council chambers, the talk was about summer play time. Mayor Lorne Fisher and council members were presented with several potential locations for a spray park â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an amenity residents can look forward to if a Towns for Tomorrow grant comes through. Of the varied locations, council seemed to favour Pioneer Park and two locations in Centennial Park, although the latter proved more popular for a number of reasons. Council bandied about the locations for about a half hour. Centennial Park, while not visible to most tourists, already has washroom access and close proximity to other recreations services such as ball diamonds, the skate park, the Fitness Activity Centre and the outdoor pool. Council's long term vision is to also have an indoor pool on that site. There are two locations at Centennial, one at an area near the front of the property, and the second behind the parking lot. The estimated cost of hooking up to water services would be $20,000, at either Centennial Park location, Director of Community Services Kerry Hilts pointed out. Pioneer Park was also discussed. And while council didn't strike down the idea, they did bring up several negative points against that location. While Pioneer Park is highly visible, Councillor Darcy Striker pointed out that parking downtown is already at a premium He, along with the rest of council, also voiced concern that any more development of Pioneer Park would equal the loss of valued green space. Councillor Ken Schwaerzle, who also sits on the Fall Fair board, says that having a water park at the Centennial Park site shouldn't hamper operation of the fair, namely the midway. "I don't think it would matter to the midway," he said. "It may even be beneĂ&#x20AC;cial that way." They also discussed what many councillors said was "a high cost" for a small park. The estimated costs of such a project is about $270,000 plus taxes, based on an analysis by van der Zalm + associates. Towns for Tomorrow offers up to 80 per cent of the cost of infrastructure development. For a project of the estimated cost of the spray park, that would equal a grant of about $216,000. The district's portion of the total would come from development cost charges. A contingency budget of $25,000 is already included. Hilts says two thirds of the total budget would cover the costs of items such as engineering and installation, while one third of the budget would cover the actual play features. Hilts expects to hear more about the grant request "mid to late April if we're lucky." A member of the public asked about the expected cost of maintenance, and the answer was "$1,500 to $2,000" a year, and that work would be handled by Public Works crews. If the grant is approved, the issue will still go through more public consultation before any Ă&#x20AC;nal decisions are made, CAO Wallace Mah assured. Councillor Schwichtenburg asked Hilts if he could provide council with a breakdown of the budget at that meeting, so that he and others would be able to explain the costs to the public. At council this Monday, Schwichtenburg thanked Hilts for supplying that budget breakdown. Also read into record this Monday was a letter of support from a daycare operator in town, Paula Morrison. She mentioned Schep Park as a location, which was one of the neighbourhood parks suggested in Hilt's report. news@ahobserver.com

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

OBSERVER news

Men charged in Echo Island break ins Video being posted to popular website led to charges: RCMP Jessica Peters THE OBSERVER

Two of the three suspects of a Harrison Lake robbery, broadcast by the victims on Youtube, have been arrested by RCMP. Three men were caught on surveillance camera by some proactive cabin owners on Echo Island. The video shows the men breaking into a the remote cabin, while armed with riÁes. They allegedly stole beer, some clothing and a pair of binoculars.

That was back in either November or December, and when news of the video was published in this newspaper in January, calls immediately came pouring into the Agassiz RCMP. "We really appreciate, Àrst of all, the people who were broken into for putting the video on Youtube," said Sgt. Mike McCarthy. "But also, the people who know these people, that they cared enough about the community to call in and identify them."

What many people may not have realized, is that the trio allegedly broke into a second cabin as well. "It turns out it was two cabins they broke into," he added. "In the Àrst cabin they broke windows and took a number of things. The second one is the one that was caught on video." The men, who are First Nation, are aged 27, 29 and 32. Two have been arrested and released on conditions until they make their Àrst appearance in court. "There are two that have been dealt with, and for the third were asking for a warrant," McCarthy said. RCMP did not release the names of the men involved.

Alligator found during weekend crime spree A Popkum resident has been charged in connection with a day-long crime spree earlier this month that had police in Agassiz and Chilliwack following a trail that included one woman’s emergency 911 call, one vehicle burning under the Agassiz/ Rosedale bridge, one dust-up with a Chilliwack car dealer, one startled shopper in the Chilliwack Safeway parking lot - and one alligator. “They knew it was the same person linking them all,” RCMP Const. Tracy Wolbeck said, about the trail of crimes police were tracking. But the challenge was assessing all the information coming rapidÀre into two RCMP jurisdictions, and catching the suspect before his next crime. The spree began at about 5 a.m. on Feb. 11 when police responded to a 911 call from a woman on Bernston Road in Popkum. “While Agassiz police were clearing the residence, they discovered a small (marijuana) grow-op in the basement and an “exotic pet” that was later caught by animal control ofÀcers. Wolbeck could not disclose the nature of the 911 call. The “exotic pet” was an alligator. About 45 minutes later, at 5:45 a.m. police responded to a robbery at the Tempo gas station

on Hocking Avenue in Chilliwack where a male had taken off on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. At 11:52 a.m. a man entered the Valu Auto Sales Sales on Young Road asked to test drive a vehicle. When the salesman refused, the suspect grabbed the keys and took off in the vehicle, which was later found burning under the Agassiz/ Rosedale bridge. But it appears the suspect had earlier tried to switch vehicles, trying to steal a pickup truck in the Chilliwack Safeway parking lot on Young Road at about 1:04 p.m. “As the owner of the truck approached the vehicle, she saw a man sitting in the vehicle,” Wolbeck said. But after a “small altercation” with the woman, the man Áed in the vehicle stolen from the dealership. Finally, at 2:30 p.m., Agassiz RCMP responded to a theft of vehicle complaint at Hwy 9 and Yale Road East. The stolen vehicle was found on Popkum Road. “A short distance away police found Bradley Vangeel walking and noticed he Àt the description of several other crimes which took place earlier in the day in Popkum and Chilliwack, Wolbeck said. He is also the occupant of

the house where the woman’s 911 call was made, and where the grow-op and alligator were discovered. Vangeel, 27, is charged with robbery, theft over $5,000 and possession of stolen property. Further charges are pending. Wolbeck said the spree was brought to a “peaceful end” with the collaborative work of police ofÀcers in the RCMP’s crime reduction unit, serious crimes unit, forensic identiÀcation unity, and general duty ofÀcers from Agassiz and Chilliwack. “There were complicated Àles, and thankfully (it) was brought to a peaceful end before anyone was seriously hurt,” she said. Police are looking for two witnesses who may have important information about some of the events that day, a man named “Dave” who saw the suspect on Hwy 9 between the Agassiz/Rosedale bridge and the roundabout at about 2:15 p.m., and another witness who was in the gas station at the time of the robbery. Anyone else with information is asked to call the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611 or the Agassiz RCMP at 604-7962211. Tips can also be called in to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS. -Black Press staff

YYour ads are M MY Y BUSINESS. Kerry Ferguson

604-796-4300 kerry@bcclassiﬁed.com

The Observer Ag as s i z Y H arr i s on

This still image from a video posted to Youtube shows two of the three men suspected, and now charged, with a variety of offences following a break in YOUTUBE IMAGE at a cabin on Echo Island late last year.

Turn your unwanted old gold into 604.853.9192 ABBOTSFORD

cash!

PUBLIC AUCTION A large wholesaler of ﬁne Persian & Oriental carpets is now insolvent. Their assets are ordered to be sold by auction. All items are guaranteed as hand woven, or hand-made with natural ﬁbres. Consignments for liquidation from various cancelled exhibitions have been added to this auction.

VALUABLE CONNOISSEUR HEIRLOOM PERSIAN: ORIENTAL CARPETS LARGE WOOL AND SILKS

AUCTION: SUNDAY, MARCH 13 AT 2:00 PM VIEW FROM 1:00PM

Traditional as well as contemporary; Turkoman, Tabriz, Kashan, Heriz, Bukhara, Khal Mohamedi, Chobi, Nain, Qum, Triabal Balouch, Julien, one of a kind Village Rugs, Master Work by renowned artisans, Runners, Scatter Rugs, Oversized and many large Dining, Living Room sizes.

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

100 ESPLANADE, HARRISON HOT SPRINGS Terms: Cash, Visa, MC, Amex, and certiﬁed cheques. 15% Buyers premium plus HST in effect. Some items in advertisement are subject to prior sales/error/omissions. All sales are ﬁnal. For more info call 604.229.1800. Licensed auctioneers.

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Thursday, March 3, 2011

OBSERVER news

Safety features added through years CONTINUED – FROM FRONT

has worked for the school district, no one has been hit while leaving a school bus. But like all bus drivers, Landreth has seen his fair share of close calls. And more importantly, he's helped prevent them. There was the time he noticed a new driver (who used to ride the very same bus) pull up along the right hand curb to pass an unloading bus. While the students were walking down the stairs to the

bus door, Landreth noticed the car, pulled the doors closed, and kept the kids safe. Landerth reported one driver, who he says turned out to be a Mission school teacher. "She was late for work," he says. "Just amazing." There are 875 School District 78 students registered to ride 10 busses, over 10 routes, from Agassiz and Harrison to Boston Bar and Hope. As transportation superviser, it's Landreth's job to keep the busses

safe for those kids. Over the years, there have been safety adjustments made to Áeets across the country. Here, Landreth has changed from incandescent to LEDs, which are brighter. There are also bars that come out from the bus, keeping the students from walking directly in front of the bus. This, Landreth says, improves visibility for the driver, by keeping children away from a potential blind spot in front of the longnosed busses.

Then there's communication, such as sign language, between the driver and the kids. Wilhelms and Landreth say they use hand signals and eye contact to let kids know when it's safe to stop. Similarly, they may reach out a window and signal for an oncoming driver to stop, before it's too late. If they notice kids with hoodies on, or listening to headphones, they remind them to watch for trafÀc. When possible, they pull over to let trafÀc pass, or wait to let

oncoming cars drive through before activating the stop lights. And when things go well? "I wave and say thank you" to drivers who are paying attention. While there is a Àne for disobeying bus signals, $187, Landreth says it's not about the Àne at all. "It's not a monetary issue," he says. "This is about getting the information into the public so kids don't get hurt," he says. "People need to try to be a little more patient," he adds.

Jammed hospital turns Tim Hortons into overflow ward BLACK PRESS

Hallway medicine is hitting new highs in congested Lower Mainland hospitals, as was demonstrated Monday night when Royal Columbian Hospital was forced to use its Tim Hortons outlet as an overÁow ward. Fraser Health ofÀcials say a combination of multiple trauma case airlifts earlier in the day and heavy pressure on the emergency department led staff to put patients in the hospital coffee shop. It's an unusual example of what has become a routine problem across the region: too many patients and not enough beds. "Last night the hallways were two and three stretchers deep with patients," said

Dr. Sheldon Glazer, an emergency physician at Royal Columbian, the region's trauma centre. "This is just a natural progression of what we've been dealing with for a long, long time," Glazer said. "We are forced to see patients in waiting rooms, in hallways and, now, in the Tim Hortons." The veteran ER doctor says halls jammed with stretchers are both inefÀcient and dangerous – particularly if a Àre broke out. The persistent crowding region-wide suggests the region needs to build at least one or two new hospitals, he said. "It's like playing musical chairs," Glazer said. "When the music stops, somebody gets left out."

One measure of hospital congestion – the number of patients admitted through ERs who don't yet have a bed – has climbed in Fraser Health from a daily average of 136 in 2008 to 148 in 2009 and reached 175 for the Àrst six months of 2010. In recent weeks, Fraser has averaged 220 admitted patients who are stuck waiting for beds at any given time, although ofÀcials note that coincides with the traditional winter surge when ERs are at their busiest. "We do have a noticeable trend upward," Fraser Health public affairs director David Plug said. Emergencydepartment visits are up, he said, because of population growth, aging, and the

rise of chronic disease. Another yardstick of hallway medicine is the percentage of patients who get a hospital bed within 10 hours of the decision to admit them. Eleven Lower Mainland hospitals – including busy Surrey Memorial, Abbotsford Regional, Richmond and Lions Gate – are averaging less than 55 per cent of patients admitted within that 10hour standard, far below a provincial target of 80 per cent that was set back in 2005. Mission Memorial at 72 per cent, Royal Columbian at 69 per cent, Burnaby at 68 per cent and Vancouver General at 64 per cent are closest to reaching the goal. Worst are the smaller hospitals – Delta (23 per cent), Peace Arch (29

H EALTH C ORNER

chilliwack bruins

E GAMS DAY

To be featured in Health Corner, call Kerry 604.796.4300

AGASSIZ FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE Dr. Darren Paul, B.Sc., D.C. Trusted Family Chiropractor in the Community for over 12 years

Accepting New Patients Registered Massage Therapist Sunset Holistic Therapies Custom Orthotics WCB and ICBC Claims Welcome On Site Xrays Nutrition and Wellness

per cent), Eagle Ridge (32 per cent) and Ridge Meadows (37 per cent). At those facilities, Plug said the problem isn't so much ER demand as the large numbers of elderly and chronically ill patients who often end up in hospital, occupying beds that can then slow admissions through the ER. "For community hospitals serving areas with a sizable seniors population or signiÀcant chronic disease, that can increase pressure," Plug said. The growing trafÀc jam in hospitals comes despite construction of some new facilities and various tactics to improve patient Áow. The $450-million Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre opened two

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 - 7:00PM PROSPERA CENTRE KAMLOOPS VS

BLAZERS

PRESENTED BY CASCADE’S CASINO FEATURING: BELKORP ZERO WASTE AWARENESS

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 - 5:00PM PROSPERA CENTRE

VS PORTLAND

NTTEERHAWKS WIIN PRESENTED BY TICKETS:

call: 1.800.663.9311

Presenting Sponsors

6660 Pioneer Ave. | Phone: 604.796.3559 | Fax: 604.796.1292

Media Partner

3/11H CB3

Jeff Nagel

years ago, replacing its predecessor and adding a signiÀcant number of beds. Hospitals have also tried everything from improved triage procedures to opening separate minor treatment units to pull less severe cases out of crowded ERs. New hospital construction is also underway. A new $237-million outpatient hospital opens in Surrey June 1 that is expected to help decongest Surrey Memorial by taking over day surgery and diagnostics. And an entire new emergency department and critical care tower, at a cost of $525 million, will bring more relief at SMH in 2013-14 by adding another 151 beds. "The next top priority is Royal Columbian Hospital," Plug said, adding a similar critical care tower is under consideration there. Planning processes are also underway to look at the future needs for Peace Arch and Delta hospitals, with Eagle Ridge to follow. Building new hospitals is not the only answer, Plug said. "We need to do that but we also need to be operating as efÀciently and effectively as possible and we all need to live a healthier lifestyle," he said. Back at RCH, Plug said, congestion was well down by Tuesday and Tim Hortons was again serving coffee drinkers instead of patients. Plug said the coffee shop is not a formally designated overÁow area, but staff are empowered to use various nonclinical areas when conditions warrant.

He calls it a shortterm temporary solution and not what the health region prefers to see. "It was cleaned before and after," he said. "There were no communicable disease concerns." Six stretchers with privacy screens were put up in the Tim Hortons, which had closed by that time of night, and about four patients were monitored there, including one with angina who was hooked up to cardiac monitors. In many ways, Glazer said, the coffee shop is preferable to hallways because there's a bit more privacy. "It's very difÀcult to do a full examination in a hallway or take a history in a hallway, which is quite public," Glazer said. Staff have sensitive conversations with patients – like whether they want a do-notresuscitate order – in the busy waiting room, underneath a TV, he said. One man at Surrey Memorial who was parked on a stretcher in a busy hall for more than a day while awaiting a bed recounted having to use a portable urinal beneath the sheets to relieve himself. "It's just unacceptable," the patient said. None of those experiences is ideal, ofÀcials say. "Certainly our daily experience is challenging," Plug said. "Long term, the prospect is for growth – both in people and the severity of their conditions. We are working on short-, medium- and long-term strategies to improve the situation."

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

OBSERVER sports

Competition bigger at Sovereign Lake Starting today, two local skiers will be competing in the Masters World Cup Cross Country Skiing in Sovereign Lake, Vernon, BC. Shirley Lister and Laurens van Vliet have been training hard for

this international event, which takes place about once every 10 years in Canada. There are over 1100 male and female skiers registered from 22 countries.The competition wraps up on March 11.

Shirley Lister will be competing in Vernon at the Masters World Cup, starting today.

The Masters World Cup (MWC) is the peak of cross country skiing for the non-professional, citizen skier. There are no ofÀcial qualiÀcations for participating in this event. A Masters Skier is any adult age 30 and up, and who is a member of the National Masters Organization in their country. The MWC is open to any skill level and the camaraderie level amongst the competitors is high. Many of these veterans continue competing year after year against fellow skiers that quickly become their friends. “The races are actually a lot of fun competing with so many international skiers, but also inspirational to see skiers over 70 years old competing and some of them even skiing faster than I do” says Laurens,

who participated in 2008 in the MWC in McCall, Idaho. Next week, he will compete in 3 classic technique races: the 10, 15 and 30 km events. Classic technique is the kick-glide technique, also called diagonal stride. Shirley, who has participated in several MWC, competes in the skate ski technique as a skate skier. Laurens mentions that in local races he usually competes with 10 guys in his age category, while at the MWC races there could be up to 100 racers in the same age group. Manning Park Resort is sponsoring Shirley and Laurens for the MWC by making training available free of charge on the beautiful 25 km track-set Cross Country Ski Trails, and by being very supportive of them both as racers.

Laurens van Vliet says that the competition will be much more than in his usual races, with up to 100 skiers in his age category. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

making health simple

SUPER % SATURDAYS!! on your entire purchase

S AV E

between NOON and 2PM EVERY SATURDAY.

See in store for details

Strap on the snowshoes Two snowshoe trips are being offered in March, promising a fun day of winter exploration in the mountains around Hope. On March 5th, a family-friendly snowshoe will explore the gentle terrain around Lightning Lake in Manning Park. Snacks and prizes will be shared with the public, in celebration of BC Parks' 100th anniversary. This is a free family event, with snowshoes and poles provided to the public at no charge. Professional guides will lead the trip, sharing some Manning Park history and pointing out important

wildlife habitat during the day-long adventure. On March 12, a more advanced snowshoe trip will depart from Highway-5 on the Coquihalla Summit and climb toward a peak called The Needle. The route follows a magniÀcent ridge crest that climbs above the treeline, giving magniÀcent views in all directions. Although the terrain is rugged, the particular route offers safety from avalanches. Professional guides will lead this trip, and gear can be rented from Hope Mountain Centre. Participants must be in reasonably good physical condition,

as the route demands at least 2 hours of steep climbing before gaining the ridge. Kelly Pearce, program director with the Hope Mountain Centre, is excited about these March trips. Says Pearce, "I love this time of the year, when the days are longer and the mountain snowpacks are at their deepest. Snowshoeing is a great cure for cabin fever -- it gets you out of the house and up into the mountains to celebrate the beauty of winter!". Both snowshoe trips require registration through the Hope Mountain Centre Web site at www.hopemountain.org.

Paddlers jump in pool for demo By now, you've met someone who has told you all the wonderful things about dragonboating. You've probably seen the long boats gliding through Harrison Lake, in all sorts of weather, or noticed the thousands of people on the beach competing in the annual DragonFest, one of the many regattas paddlers from around B.C. and the U.S. travel to each year.

Well, now is the time to get a little closer to the water sport. The Fraser Valley Dragonboat Club is holding an information night, at the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre. There will be live demonstrations of paddling, in the pool, along with a video sesson and veteran paddlers available to answer all your questions. The info night will be held Tuesday,

March 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about the club, which has several teams and practices at Harrison Lake, visit their website at www. fvdbc.com. The club is actively recruiting new paddlers, in the hopes of creating new teams. Media rep Kathy Preuss says they are also hoping to build a team made up of Agassiz and Harrison residents.

Expert advice & quality products MERRITT Open Tuesday to Saturday HOPE 1998 Quilchena Closed Sundays & Mondays, #10-800 3rd Ave Stats & Long Weekends (250) 378-5584 (604) 869-5545

AGASSIZ PRODUCE 7266 Pioneer Ave. 604.796.8444

SPECIALS: Mar. 3rd - 9rd California 5 lb bag Lunch Box Size $ 98 2 NAVEL ORANGES

Peru Kent MANGOES

Alberta Grown10 lb bag Red

POTATOES Okanagan

Hemlock skiers tote medals home

Golden

Hemlock Ski Team members returned home with three medals after two days of competition in K2 (13-14 years) and J (1516 years) levels at the 75th running of Mount Seymour Ski Club’s Enquist Ski Race, February 19/20. Leading the Hemlock Ski Team in the medal haul was Natasha Crick of Mission, who won a silver and bronze medal in the J category. Nicholas Mitro of Surrey won a Most Improved Medal in

California Green Leaf

Saturday’s slalom race by starting in 44th position and moving up 17 places to Ànish in 27th place against an elite group of skiers from Whistler, Grouse and other ski clubs. Accompanying Natasha and Nicholas on the Hemlock Ski Team were Anders Liljedahl of Port Moody and Connor Liljedahl of Port Moody, both of whom put in solid performances on the challenging course.

Harold Enquist Junior, his wife Phyllis and granddaughter Margo were present to hand out the awards on Sunday, including trophies to Dimitri Djuricic (J1) from Grouse Tyee Ski Club, overall men’s winner, and Kelly Steeves (K2) from Whistler Mountain Ski Team, overall women’s winner. Harold's father built the Àrst lodge at Mt. Seymour, cleared the Àrst ski run and imported the Àrst tow rope.

98¢/ea

DELICIOUS

LETTUCE

$ 88

10 lb bag

$ 98

2 for

$ 98

OPEN: Mon thru Sat 9am to 6pm SENIORS’ DAY: WEDNESDAYS 10% off regular priced produce & grocery items

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Thursday, March 3, 2011

OBSERVER opinion A major change for B.C. B.C.’s new premier elect Christy Clark may have given the Liberals a new lease on political life, but how will the leadership change affect the Fraser Valley? Clark is a Vancouver-based premier, as were predecessors Gordon Campbell, Ujjal Dosanjh, Glen Clark and Mike Harcourt. She is likely soon going to be a Vancouver MLA, as it’s expected she will run in Campbell’s Vancouver-Point Grey seat. Her practical knowledge of this area isn’t as strong as is the case with her closest contender for the job, Kevin Falcon, and considerably less than Abbotsford’s Mike de Jong. In her stint as a talk show host, she on occasion showed a startling lack of understanding of the South Fraser area. She deÀned it, primarily, as just another part of Metro Vancouver, and didn’t seem to understand some of the unique circumstances here. Her learning curve is undoubtedly going to be steep, given that she has an entire province with which to become familiar. However, her Àrst job is to unite her party. All but one of the six South Fraser Liberal MLAs backed Falcon, who is almost sure to stay in cabinet, likely in a senior position. Finance has been mentioned repeatedly, and there are suggestions he could become the point man for the pro-HST sales force. Expect leadership candidate Mike de Jong to stay as well in a senior post. Clark has suggested she may have a smaller cabinet. She is sure to want some new faces around her as well. Residents will be anxiously waiting to see what Clark says about topics such as the provincial spending, transit expansion, education, and health services. Even though a provincial election is theoretically two years away, there are issues like the HST referendum looming. B.C. residents will be watching her closely. – Black Press

Frozen reflections The Fraser River has been attempting to freeze over during the recent cold snap, but on Saturday, was mostly chunks of ice in very frigid water. Rain is forecasted through this week and into the weekend. The question is, will the late snowfall increase our risk of JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER local flooding? P.O. Box 129 | 7167 Pioneer Ave. Agassiz, B.C. | V0M 1A0 604-796-4300 | Fax: 604-796-2081 |www.ahobserver.com

PUBLISHER ANDREW FRANKLIN 604-796-4300

OFFICE HOURS Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Thur., Sat. and Sun.

EDITOR JESSICA PETERS 604-796-4302

DEADLINES Classifieds: Monday, 4 p.m. Display ads: Friday, 4 p.m.

news@ahobserver.com

B.C. VIEWS Tom Fletcher

ADVERTISING CHRIS BLANK 604-796-4301 ads@ahobserver.com

CLASSIFIED FEATURE SALES KERRY FERGUSON 604-796-4300 kerry@bcclassiﬁed.com

Clark has a long road to unity

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ASSOCIATION

CREATIVE SERVICES BRITTANY BEST 604-796-4301 prod@ahobserver.com

Published at Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Popkum/Bridal Falls, Rosedale and surrounding areas by the Black Press Group Ltd. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #116572 Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all material appearing in this issue. The publisher shall not be liable for minor changes or errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions is limited to publication of the advertisement in a subsequent issue or refund of monies paid for the advertisement. BC Press Council: The Observer is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent within 45 days to : B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

VANCOUVER – Christy Clark spoke passionately about teamwork, unity and listening in the moments after winning the B.C. Liberal leadership, with 48 per cent of voting me mbers arrayed against her to the end. “Our government will be stronger because of the dialogue we all started with British Columbians, and we are going to build on that, together,” Clark told a packed convention hall. “We are going to shape the future of B.C., together. We are going to forge a bigger, stronger coalition, together.” A few minutes later, in the middle of the crowded room, an argument between two men turned into a shoving match that escalated until two others jumped in and separated them. Outside the convention hall, Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen was clarifying to reporters that he had not said he was quitting the caucus if Clark defeated his choice, George Abbott. Despite his earlier musings about considering his options in a Clark-led caucus, van Dongen was suddenly impressed with the desire of his colleagues to work together and was keen to do the same. Van Dongen wasn’t the only one shocked at seeing Abbott, the Shuswap MLA and champion of rural B.C., Ànish third. Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett had Àgured the weighted voting system would give Abbott a good shot at bringing his team of mainly Campbell outsiders into the inner circle. Bennett said he felt “pretty good, for a loser,” and showed a brave smile. His choice is not to leave the caucus, but to come back in, if he is invited. The next morning, former Reform and Conservative MP Randy White spoke about the Clark win on CFAX radio in Victoria.

He’s working to professionalize a moribund B.C. Conservative Party, and he said he watched a surge of people joining that party as soon as Clark’s narrow victory was known. The B.C. Conservatives will announce new supporters shortly, White said, and people will be surprised. They were not counting on Bennett to be one of those, although White said Bennett told him a month ago he would sign up if Clark won the B.C. Liberal leadership. White is convinced that Clark’s victory is a “deÀning moment” for B.C. politics. No longer will be B.C. Liberals be able to tell voters, it’s us or the NDP. “We’re now acknowledging, and the Liberals are acknowledging that they are a Liberal party,” White said. During the campaign, Clark blundered about on the harmonized sales tax, the timing of the next election and the government’s ability to cap the rapid growth of health-care spending. She’s fond of saying she spent the last four years listening to the people as a radio host. Apparently that’s long enough to start believing the bumper-sticker solutions that are so often the fodder of talk radio. There were more hints of this in her victory speech. Clark’s top two priorities are “job creation and Àghting poverty.” She’s just won the leadership of a party that has been saying for 15 years that government doesn’t create jobs. And the NDP continues its own earnest but mainly fanciful debate about how poverty can be legislated away by government intervention, while trumpeting distorted statistics about the plight of B.C. children. If Clark wants to reach out to conservative-minded voters, she might start by acknowledging that the province is currently running an operating deÀcit of close to $1 billion, with another year in the red still to come. But so far it looks as if she will tack to the left, and risk making the B.C. Conservatives’ day. Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com. tÁetcher@blackpress.ca

Thursday, March 3, 2011

OBSERVER mailbag

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Letters appearing on this page represent the opinions of the letter writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Agassiz-Harrison Observer or its employees.

Meeting schedule discourages public attendance Dear Editor. The scheduling of both Kent and Harrison meetings is on the same night to discourage public attendance and reporting is no accident. It is just part of the cowardly campaign to reduce public participation in local government, particularly offensive in Harrison. Over the past few years, the

opportunities for the public to hold the elected ofÀcials accountable and to get answers on what is happening behind closed doors have been systematically eliminated. Letters are ignored, delegations refused, questions unanswered and citizens are treated with contempt. This has led many of us to give up on even attending the charade which passes for a council meeting.

Now they have cut the public meetings in half ( but, notably, have not reduced their paycheques by a similar factor). All the Àne electioneering talk about inclusive, open government and consultation is proving to be just another bag of phoney bullfeathers. I can only hope that the new Premiere, Christy Clark, reverses

the disastrous 3-year election terms initiated by the last lady premiere,Rita Johnston. This has eliminated timely accountability and replaced stewardship with arrogance. She should also take a hard look at Gordon Campbell’s ill-advised Community Charter which replaced the Municipal Act. This charter has certainly “empowered” municipalities

Poop has reader ‘peed-off’ Dear Editor, Hello my name is Gerd Trubenbach, and I’m peed-off. I’m a resident of Harrison Hot Springs and I use the sidewalk, from the post ofÀce, to St. Alice Street. On several occasions, I've seen three or four big dog poo. Yes, right on the sidewalk. I Ànd it appalling that the owner would not see that their Dog is going to crap right on the sidewalk. Are they blind who is leading the blind?

And then, oh ya it’s winter. Let the dog loose all over Harrison, as the bylaw ofÀcer is only here in the summer. And the latest trick of the dog owners is to come in the evening, to let their dog run free, and then they can not see, where their Dog left a great big pile of poo behind. Oh, we did not see what our dog did! Cheers Gerd Trubenbach

ue sti o n o f th e w e e k Last Week’s Results:

“Is a public spray park a good use of the District of Kent’s money?”

“Have you kept your new year’s resolutions? ”

1/09_QOW21

Got something on your mind? Why not write about it? Email letters to news@ahobserver.com. Visit us online at www.ahobserver.com

but has, unfortunately, created despotic regimes at the expense of the civic rights of British Columbians. Municipalities have now proven that they cannot be trusted with this level of responsibility and need close supervision by Victoria to keep them honest and accountable. John Allen, former Mayor & Councillor, Harrison Hot Springs

A little give and take is needed Dear Editor, Re: Pearson offers 1905 map as proof of natural waterways It seems to us that Mike Pearson's proposal for protecting the last of the endangered aquatic creatures living in Kent's waterways is perfectly reasonable. There can be no doubt that these so called "ditches" were once wild, Áowing, streams and a little give and take on both sides would certainly be in order here. Murray and Ann Brown

Sudoku March 3, 2011

YES: 60% NO: 40%

Intermediate Level

Go to www.ahobserver.com to answer this week's poll

ob·serv·er [uhb-zur-ver]

FUNclub

noun.

1.someone or something that observes. 2.a delegate to an assembly or gathering, who is sent to observe and report but not to take part officially in its activities. 3.

Rave Reviews...

HISTORY in the MAKING.

Ofﬁce Hours 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday closed Thursdays

While on vacation in Mexico, Chloe, a ritzy Beverly Hills chihuahua, finds herself lost and in need of assistance in order to get back home.

Deadlines advertising: 4:00 pm Friday classiﬁeds: 10:00 am Tuesday 604.796.4300 7167 Pioneer Ave In print every Thursday or see us online 24/7: ahobserver.com Ag assiz ❖ Harr ison

Caitlin VanderWyk Joshua Bruneski Mary Balfour Heidi Nelson

The Observer, Petro’s Pizza, The Video Station, and The Adventure Park at Tugboat Junction are inviting kids up to the age of 12 years to join the Observer Fun Club. When your name appears in this section, come in to the Observer ofﬁce with this clipping and you will receive: • a free pizza from Pizza Plus • a free movie rental from the Video Station • a free activity pass from The Adventure Park at Tugboat Junction • a free book from the Agassiz Public Library upon presenting the birthday letter to them. Ag assiz ❖ Harr ison

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Thursday, March 3, 2011

HARRISON-AGASSIZ

Business Excellence AWARDS

Award Winners

1 2 3 4

Non-Proﬁt of the Year

sponsored by Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Agassiz Harrison Community Services

Excellence in Agriculture

sponsored by Mount Cheam Family Chiropractic

Limbert Mountain Farm

Excellence in Tourism sponsored by Poker Run Society

Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Excellence in Retail sponsored by Silverleaf Gifts & More

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

5 6 7 8

Excellence in Culinary Arts

sponsored by Agassiz Family Chiropractic Centre

Crazy Fish Bistro

Excellence in Service - Business sponsored by Tourism Harrison

Holly Tree Florist & Gifts

New Business of the Year

sponsored by Prospera Credit Union - Agassiz

il Carpaccio Deli

People’s Choice Award

SPONSORED BY:

Chateau Fairmont Whistler / Barefoot Wine & Bubbly / Coca Cola / Whistler Bus Advertising Columbia / Resort TV / Black Press / Post Media / TSN / Zoom Media / Newad

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Thursday, March 3, 2011

OBSERVER community â&#x20AC;˘ HARRISON HAPPENINGS

There is always something to do Ruth Altendorf FOR THE OBSERVER

There are some days when one could be forgiven for staying in bed. Last Monday, Feb. 21, was such a day: rainy, cold and wet. Yet, out of habit I suppose, I got up at the same time as usual, had breakfast as usual and called my friend, Carol. We talked about work we do behind the scenes to help bring the Chorfest about and we talked about all the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happenings in Harrison.â&#x20AC;? This prompted us to decide to pay a visit to the Ranger Station Art Gallery to see the exhibit the Monday Painters have put up for the month of February. This group has

been around for a very long time. Once a year they have their main exhibit at the United Church in Agassiz and the collective talent of the group is quite impressive. The mid-winter show in Harrison is much smaller but just as interesting. I was surprised to see the work of "fellow chorist" Judy McKinnon - what a multi-talented lady she is! Though the art gallery is not big, one can assemble a lot of talent in that small room! In the afternoon it started to look like snow and I wondered what this would do to our choir practice, scheduled for that evening at the Kent Elementary

COMMUNITY CORNER MARCH 2011

Ag assiz â?&#x2013; Harr ison

*(Due to space limitations, each week we will publish a different set of groups & activities from the community)

School in Agassiz. But all went well and we had a very good practice. The songs we learn for the Chorfest are again a step up for us and, I think, we all deserve a pat on the back. But much thanks goes to our director, Brenda Di Rezze and faithful accompanist, Beccie Bokenfohr. These two amazing ladies just never tire to get the best out of us and bring us to new heights! When I awoke on Tuesday, the snow had accumulated quite a bit, but I did make it to a Parks and Recreation meeting I did not want to miss. Afterwards, some of us went to the Country

BEST Rates!

ÂŤ Chris @ 604.796.4301 to be featured in

community corner

LOCAL EVENTS

i g March 12 Agassiz Library 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 pm. World of Words: Writers Workshop. Best-sellin author, Robert Wiersema with tips from a pro on how to get writing. Phone 604-796-9510 or drop by the library to register. a writer, March 15 Agassiz Library 7 pm. World of Words: Open Mike Night. If you are their own you can be a reader at this annual event where locals are welcome to share work. Music and refreshements also. Islandâ&#x20AC;?. March 17 Agassiz Library 7 pm. Photo traveling to â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Stones of Easter All Welcome. book from March 18 Agassiz Library 2 pm. Pro D Day: Kids Are Write. Make your own story to a copy you can autograph. Ages 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 13

LOCAL GROUPS & ACTIVITIES - GROUP 2 OF 4 Agassiz Monday Painters est.1961. Meet every Monday from 11am-3pm at Agassiz United Church. FMI call Linda 604-794-5554 Better Beginnings: Pre/post natal education, nutrition and support. Lunch & childcare provided. Tues. 10:30am to 12:30pm. 7272 Morrow Road. FMI call Louisa at 604-796-0313 Bigfoot Toastmasters Club meets at 7pm every Monday evening at the Christian Reformed Church hall, 7452 Morrow Rd. Visitors always welcome. Hope Contact: Sabine Keil 604-8695328. Agassiz contact: Shirlie Caruk 604-796-0677 Bingo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; TUESDAYS Hosted by Agassiz Agricultural & Horticultural Assocation, Doors open at 5pm. Agricultural Pavilion. Agassiz. 604-796-9075 Bingo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THURSDAYS Hosted by Agassiz/Harrison Lions Club. Doors open at 5pm. Agricultural Pavilion, Agassiz. 604-796-9075 Coffee Break/Story Hour - a weekly Bible Study for ladies and children 0-5. Weds 9:30a.m. Agassiz Christian Reformed Church on Morrow Road. FMI call 604-796-9474 Council of Senior Citizens Organizations (COSCO) is an advocacy group devoted to improving â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Quality of Lifeâ&#x20AC;? for all seniors. FMI call Ernie Bayer @ 604-576-9734 or email ecbayer@shaw.ca

Divorce Care Program presented by Mountainview Community Church. FMI call Guy at 796-0244 or email agassizdivorcecare@hotmail. com Green Legacy Society, concerned about the environment? New members welcome. FMI call Alice 604-796-9044 Harrison Community Social Club Drop-in every Thurs at Harrison Hot Springs Gospel Chapel, 10 am: cards, darts, games & coffee; 2:30 pm line dancing. Contact Jacquie 604-796-3105 or Suzanne 604-796-1269 Harrison Hikers Group offers 4 levels of hikes every Wed(easy, light, moderate, strenuous) FMI call Ruth Altendorf 604-796-2084 Friendship House Nickel Bingo on Monday at 1 pm, Tuesday Bridge at 12:30 pm, Cribbage at 1 pm, Sit and Be Fit 10:30 am Monday and Friday, Dropin Floor Curling 7 pm Thursday

Cafe for lunch which is one of the favorite gathering places for us locals. By next morning the snow had accumulated quite a bit and I decided to stay at home, catch up with phone calls and other things in need of being done. Thursday, as you know, is my Aqua Yoga day. It starts at 9 a.m. in the morning and at that time it was quite icy outside and one had to be careful. But once we were in the warm water, the world was beautiful! We were four brave â&#x20AC;&#x153;yogis,â&#x20AC;? one genuine and three students, plus some people who just enjoyed the warm mineral water plus our entertainment.

There was even a lady doing laps who also seemed to have a lot of fun. So, here is to our local hot pool! As a reward for our hard work, we had paninis after at the deli. Life is tough! There was a slide show we wanted to see in the evening about a hike some people took from Mt. Cheam to Hope, but, unfortunately, it was postponed on account of the weather. Friday brought a smile to everybody's face - it was sunny and bright! The air was crisp but, if you dressed right, very invigorating! In the morning I went with another volunteer to the Memorial Hall to look

for Chorfest decorations. The view from the front of the hall over the lake was just superb! Inside, the festival team was setting up for their Saturday concert. We, too, had tickets to the Paper Boys, another sold out event! And, on Sunday, we threw a big â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oscarâ&#x20AC;? party, with a spaghetti dinner, popcorn and wine to celebrate the Academy Awards night. There is nothing going on in Harrison, you say? Well, there is and I can attest to it! Next week I will try to go with some friends to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harmoniesâ&#x20AC;? at the hall on Tuesday. It sounds like a lot of fun and I will tell you all about it! Ruth Altendorf writes weekly for The Observer.

40 years of Friendship House On February 17, The Old Age Pensioners celebrated the 40th anniversary of the local OAPO. Over 50 members and guests attended. A 40 year certiĂ&#x20AC;cate was presented by Provincial President, Fred Coates. Dick Hopkins gave a presentation on the history of the organization. Agassiz Floor Curlers played host to curlers from Chilliwack last Thursday. Unfortunately, weather caused several of them to cancel, and only three attended. Forty-Ă&#x20AC;ve curlers from this area

.JOVUFT DBO

Save you $50 a Week!

participated. The event consisted of four rounds with every player playing two games. After two games everyone enjoyed a nice luncheon.As it was strictly a social function, everyone was a winner. Last year Chilliwack acted as hosts for a similar event. Coming up on March 12 is their annual St. Patricks Day Tea and Bake Sale. Close to 120 people normally attend this event. There will be a rafĂ e, silent auction and hamper

sale along with our bake table. This is one the group's main ways and means project of the year. The door normally is open at 1 p.m. with the bake table opening at 1:30 p.m. They say they are looking forward to the continued support of the community. Anyone who may be interested in knowing more about this event, or becoming a member of the OAPO, please feel free to contact Dick Hopkins at 604796-9470. Submitted by Dick Hopkins

Treeplanting postponed The Miami River Streamkeepers and Village of Harrison Hot Springs Ave. had to postpone a March 3 tree planting opportunity. The public planting of the 300-block Miami River Greenway is postponed on account of the inclement weather, says Janne Perrin, from the Streamkeepers. It is rescheduled to March 24 at 10 a.m. Those wishing to volunteer

should meet at the Fred Hardy Bridge located between the 200 and 300-block Miami River Drive at 10 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning. Coffee, cookies and juice will be available. Tools are provided. Wear gloves, boots and dress for the weather. Restoration of the native plant cover is key to continued enjoyment of the Miami River Greenway, Perrin adds.

Help is available. All day. Every day.

4BWF 5JNF 4BWF .POFZ

Visit our other Black Press sites

BC Problem Gambling Help Line 1.888.795 6111 (24 hrs) For services in your are

a ask for Shannon Thies

ConďŹ dential counselling services are offered free Funding is provide d by of cha rge. the Province of British Columbia. ww w.bcresponsiblega mbling.ca

sen

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR CLASSIFIEDS.

Ag assiz ❖ Harr ison

Phone: 604.796.4300 Fax: 604.796.2081 Email: kerry@bcclassified.com

bbcclassified.com c clas l sifi i fi edd com

After-Hours Call Centre: toll free: 1.866.575.5777 Monday to Friday: 8:30am-5:00pm Open Early. Open Late. Saturday: 9:00am-3:00pm

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS . . . . . . . . . 1-8 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS . . . . 9-57 TRAVEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61-76 CHILDREN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-98 EMPLOYMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102-198 BUSINESS SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . 203-387 PETS & LIVESTOCK . . . . . . . . . . . 453-483 MERCHANDISE FOR SALE . . . . . . 503-587 REAL ESTATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603-696 RENTALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-757 AUTOMOTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 804-862 MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-920

AGREEMENT It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisment and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisment and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

Advertise across the Advertise across the Lower Mainland in lower mainland in the 18 best-read the 17 best-read community community newspapers and newspapers. 5 dailies. ON THE WEB:

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

IN MEMORIAM

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 21

COMING EVENTS

OBITUARIES

114

OBITUARIES

YORK,

George Mawdsley June 6, 1928 - Feb. 25, 2011 It is with great sadness we announce that George passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 37 years, Louise, and his children Jamie (Anne), Robbie (Simon), Tracy (Al), Trina (Gerald) and his sister Denise. He was the best Grampa to Tavis (Jody), Kati, Kevin, TJ, Cody W., Kara, Hailey, Cody Y., Navi and a Great - Grampa to Edan and Naomi. George was born and educated in Trail, BC and began a very long life and career in forestry. George was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman and really enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, curling, bowling and watching hockey. He was an active member of our local Legion and a big part of the poppy sales and golf tournament. Many memories of playing chess, cards and crib will forever be cherished by us all! He made the best waffles! George has left an enormous amount of poetry and writings that will be treasured forever. At George's request there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. The family will be having a private celebration of life for George at one of his favourite places to go fishing, Bella Coola. How I Know I Love You Because when I think "beautiful", I think of you; Because your smile is the most delightful sight I've ever seen; Because to see you look at me with love gives me a lump in my throat; Because to touch you gives me butterflies; Because I always feel you with me; Because "love" and "Louise" begin and end with the same letters. Dream of You I dream of walking hand in hand, Through the shaded trail and timber stand, And hear the call Of heart to heart and soul to soul As side by side Our loving makes our loving whole, And we can't hide Our joy in being here together, Just you and me, Touching softly as a feather.

CHURCH DIRECTORY Readers of The Observer will soon be able to ¿nd the Church Directory in the classifed section.

1x2 ad = $20 2x1 ad = $20 2x2 ad = $35

108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FAMILIES EARNING MORE. Work from home part or full-time. No selling. No inventory. No parties. No large investment or risk. Visit www.familiesearningmore.com.

In Loving Memory of Pauline Chapman (Mar 4, 1947 - Dec 23, 2009.) Pauline would have celebrated her birthday with us on March 4. She is missed dearly by her children Shannon, George & Donnie. Its just over 1 year since she went on her journey. Her smile & laugher will always be with us!

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

To advertise here contact Kerry at: 604.796.4300 kerry@bcclassi¿ed.com

INFORMATION

bcclassified.com

CRIMINAL RECORD? Guaranteed Record Removal since 1989. Conﬁdential, Fast, Affordable. Our A+ BBB Rating assures EMPLOYMENT \TRAVEL & FREEDOM. Call for your FREE INFORMATION BOOKLET. 1-8-NOW-PARDON (1 866 972 7366). www.PardonServicesCanada.com.

041

PERSONALS

DATING SERVICE. LongTerm/Short-Term Relationships, FREE CALLS. 1-877-297-9883. Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes. 1-888-534-6984. Live adult casual conversations-1on1, 1866-311-9640, Meet on chat-lines. Local Single Ladies.1-877-8045381. (18+).

TRAVEL 66

GETAWAYS

GULF ISLAND RETREAT Charming 2 bdrm cottage on romantic Protection Island near Nanaimo. Check out the website at www.paigecottage.com for pictures and rates. Email: paigecottage@gmail.com

TIMESHARE

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE No Risk Program. STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Free Consultation. Call Us Now. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248 SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $95 Million Dollars offered in 2010! www.sellatimeshare.com (800)6406886

TRAVEL

COSTA RICA 10 Days from $995. All inclusive Vacation Packages. Free Brochure: Call 1-800-CARAVAN See all Tours Now: Visit www.Caravan.com SUNNY WINTER Specials. At Florida’s Best Beach-New Smyrna Beach. Stay a week or longer. Plan a beach wedding or family reunion. www.NSBFLA.com or 1-800-541-9621.

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 102

ACCOUNTING/ BOOKKEEPING

Fast paced company seeking a Bookkeeper to handle: General Ledger, Bank Reconciliations, Journal Entries, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable. michael6492@oal.com

108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 80% COMMISSION TRAVELONLY has 500 agents across Canada. Business opportunities with low investment, unlimited income potential, generous tax/travel beneﬁts. Run your travel company, full-time, part-time from home. Register for FREE seminar, www.travelonly.ca, 1-800-608-1117, Ext. 2020. DENIED CANADA PENSION PLAN DISABILITY BENEFITS? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help. Call Allison Schmidt at 1877-793-3222. www.dcac.ca.

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

CLASS 1 DRIVERS req w/flatdeck experience for BC, AB, WA, OR. Exc pay & benefits. Fax resume & abstract to 604-594-8565 or email to lpsvad@hotmail.com DRIVER - Fraser Valley based heavy haul trucking company has opening for one qualified class 1 driver. Must have min 2yrs exp., be bondable and able to cross the border. Fax resume & abstract to 604-852-4112 . No phone calls PLS DRIVERS/OWNER Operators Wanted. Truck contractors need drivers with log haul experience and clean driver’s abstract. Owner operators needed with 6, 7, 8 axle log trailers. Visit: www.alpac.ca or call 1-800-661-5210 (ext. 8173). RTL-WESTCAN HAS OPENINGS for seasonal, rotational and full-time Professional Truck Drivers to join our teams in various Western Canada locations. Minimum 2 years Class 1 experience. B-train experience/Extended trailer length experience. Liquid or dry bulk product experience is an asset. Clean driving/criminal record. Pre-employment medical/substance testing. We offer: $1,400 weekly guarantee, Travel to/from employment location, Good Operations Bonus, Returning Bonus and more! Candidates for all positions apply online at www.westcanbulk.ca under the Join our Team section. Alternatively, e-mail careers@westcanbulk.ca or phone 1.888.WBT.HIRE for further details. Committed to the Principles of Employment Equity.

115

EDUCATION

A PA R T M E N T / C O N D O M I N I U M MANAGERS (CRM) home study course. Many jobs registered with us across Canada! Thousands of grads working! Government certiﬁed. 30 years of success! www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

DGS CANADA 2 DAY FORKLIFT WEEKEND COURSE Every Saturday at 8:30am #215, 19358-96 Ave. Surrey NO reservations: 604-888-3008 www.dgscanada.ca Ask about our other Courses... *Stand up Reach *Fall Protection *Aerial Lift *RoughTerrain Forklift *Bobcat *WHMIS & much more. “Preferred by Employers GAIN ENTRY Level Skills in ATV, Snowmobile, Watercraft Technology. GPRC Fairview Campus, Alberta. Learn to repair small engines, recreational vehicles. Apprenticeship opportunity. Oncampus residences. 1-888-9997882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview. GET YOUR FOOT in the garage door. General Mechanic training. Learn basic engine theory, power train, suspension, job safety. First step to automotive/heavy duty apprenticeship. GPRC Fairview College campus. 1-888-999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview. LEARN FROM HOME EARN FROM HOME CanScribe Career College offers online courses: Medical Transcription and Computers. Great work at-home opportunities. Enrol today! 1-800-466-1535 www.canscribe.com info@canscribe.com

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 115

EDUCATION

WANT A CAREER as an Artist? Register for Visual Arts Diploma program. Multi-use workshop, painting, drawing, sculpture studios. No portfolio required. Grande Prairie Regional College. University Transferable. Call 1-780-539-2909 or www.gprc.ab.ca.

124

FARM WORKERS

Wholesale nursery in Abbotsford requires ofﬁce staff with at least 3 years experience running a small business ofﬁce. Excellent English, computer, organizational and communicational skills essential. Knowledge of horticulture and Simply Accounting an asset. Email exemplarhort@shaw.ca or fax 604-856-7241.

130

HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 126

FRANCHISE

YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN Proven turn key franchise opportunity Prime Lower Mainland Areas CALL NOW 778-549-2135

130

HELP WANTED

ABLE TO TRAVEL National Company Hiring Sharp People. Able to Start Today. Transportation & Lodging Furnished. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. Paid Training. Over 18+ 888-853-8411 ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL Trainees Needed now! Large & Small Firms Seeking Certified A&P Staff Now. No Experience? Need Training? Career Training & Job Placement Available. 1-888-424-9417 FLAGGERS NEEDED If not certified, training available for a fee. Call 604-575-3944 FORD PARTS MANAGER Ford and after market parts experience mandatory. Great wage and benefits package to the successful candidate. Email resumes to dlsales@telus.net or visit www.davelandonford.com.

Hope & Area Transition Society

Stopping the Violence Counselor The Hope & Area Transition Society is a non-profit organization providing free shelter and support/counseling services to abused women and their children. The Society is seeking applications for the position of Stopping the Violence Counselor. This position is considered to a permanent part-time position. Qualifications: The preferred candidate will have: • Bachelor’s degree in Counseling or related field or combined work and educational experience • Have an understanding of family violence • Knowledge of the Aboriginal culture • Ability to create programs to meet the needs of the various First Nation communities, along with the delivery of these programs • Ability to demonstrate assertiveness and leadership qualities, along with both professional and personal boundaries • Excellent verbal and written communication, this includes conflict resolution and mediation • Efficient time, organizational and stress-management skills • Understanding of the diversity within the community of Hope and the Fraser Canyon It is critical that this person be able to demonstrate ethical thinking and make sound judgments and perform in a women-focused manner, respecting the diversity of our community. Ability to pass and maintain security clearance, carry a valid driver’s license. For a detailed job description of this position visit our website: www.hopetransition.org Along with resume send a letter of interest indicating how you meet the qualifications stated above to: The Hope and Area Transition Society Executive Director Box 1761 Hope, BC V0X 1L0 Closing Date: : March 11, 2011 Start Date: ASAP Only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

2_11T_HATS24_4808783

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

INDEX IN BRIEF

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 130

Thursday, March 3, 2011

PERSONAL SERVICES

HELP WANTED

182

MEDICAL OFFICE Trainees Needed! Hospitals & Dr’s Need Medical Ofﬁce & Medical Admin staff! No Experience? Need Training? Local Career Training & Job Placement also Available! 1-888-778-0459

FINANCIAL SERVICES

NEED CASH TODAY? ✓ Do you Own a Car? ✓ Borrow up to $20000.00 ✓ No Credit Checks! ✓ Cash same day, local ofﬁce www.REALCARCASH.com

PROGRESSIVE Tree Company requires certified BC Utility Arborists, 1st or 2nd year apprentice BC Utility Arborists. Generous wage and benefit package. Must have a valid BC Class 5 driver’s license. Send resume, in confidence to fax 250-762-3667 Attn: Larry.

260

SERVICE MANAGER for Okanagan area auto dealership. Minimum 5 years service management experience. Excellent organizational & people skills required. Send cover letter & resume by email to: okanaganjobs@gmail.com

J.H. ELECTRICAL. Licence #7474. New installations, repairs, service. No job too small. Jim 604-798-5742 YOUR ELECTRICIAN $29 Service Call Lic #89402 Same day guarn’td We love small jobs! 604-568-1899

604-777-5046

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

283A

142 OFFICE SUPPORT/CLERKS

SALES

287

Competitive compensation & beneﬁt package offered.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

HOME $ENSE - Reno’s / Repairs Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, decks etc. Call for an estimate. 604798-8480. Homesense@shaw.ca

OUTSIDE SALES

ACR Group, Western Canada’s leader in Rubber and Urethane manufacturing is looking for an outside sales professional for the BC area. The ideal candidate will be familiar with Rubber and Urethane Products for a mining, wood processing and other heavy industries. Extensive travel is required. Good computer skills are essential.

HANDYPERSONS

A HELPFUL HANDYMAN Ltd. 778-808-7442. What can we do for you? Bonded and Insured! www.ahelpfulhandyman.com

FULL TIME receptionist needed for busy automobile dealership. Greet clients, direct calls and perform light clerical work.Polished appearance and professional demeanor a must. Excellent pay plus beneﬁts. Send to resume ﬁumidinisia@yahoo.com

156

ELECTRICAL

300

PETS 477

PETS

BEAGLE PUPS, tri colored, good looking, healthy, males $500. (604)796-3026. No Sunday calls BERNESE MOUNTAIN pup 7 mos old from reputable breeder, healthy family dog. Sell due to allergies. Call 1 604 750 0412. $400 Ono. BERNESE Mtn Dog Puppy. Female. Vet checked & ready for good homes. $800. Lngly. 778-241-5504 CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866 ENGLISH MASTIFF P/B PUPS Fawn & Bridle. CKC reg. Ready to go. $1800. 604-726-3934 GERMAN Shepherd pups & young adults. Quality German & Czech bloodlines Reg/Guar. 604-856-8161 LAB, PUPS pure bred, no papers. Family raised, vet chk, dewormed. Ready to go $350 (604)793-3307 NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com PUGS, fawn, 3 male, 2 females. family raised, vet chk’d, shots. $550. (604)799-1611 Agassiz YELLOW LAB pups. 8 weeks old, ready to go. Vet checked, 1st. shots. Parents on site. $500. 604-852-6176 Abbts

LANDSCAPING

317

MISC SERVICES

GET RESULTS! Post a classiﬁed in a few easy clicks. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Pay a fraction of the cost compared to booking individual areas. www.communityclassiﬁeds.ca or 1-866-669-9222.

AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualiﬁed - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)818-0783 TOBEI COLLEGE: Scholarships: $1000-$4890: Tel 604-284-5030. www.tobeicollege.ca ; Apply

182

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DEBT CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM Helping Canadians repay debts, reduce or eliminate interest, regardless of your credit. Steady Income? You may qualify for instant help. Considering Bankruptcy? Call 1-877-220-3328 FREE Consultation Government Approved, BBB Member $500 LOAN, NO CREDIT REFUSED. Fast, Easy and Secure. 1877-776-1660 www.moneyprovider.com AVOID BANKRUPTCY - SAVE UP TO 70% Of Your Debt. One affordable monthly payment, interest free. For debt restructuring on YOUR terms, not your creditors. Call 1-866-690-3328 or see web site: www.4pillars.ca GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com If you own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS will lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

SOUND/DVD/TV

REAL ESTATE

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 518

BUILDING SALE... “Rock Bottom Prices!” $3.49 to $11/sq.ft. Immediate orders only - FREE shipping, some exclusions. Up to 90 days to pay. Deposit required. Pioneer Manufacturers since 1980. 1-800668-5422. See current specials www.pioneersteel.ca. STEEL BUILDINGS PRICED TO CLEAR - Holding 2010 steel prices on many models/sizes. Ask about FREE DELIVERY! CALL FOR QUICK SALE QUOTE and FREE BROCHURE - 1-800-668-5111

627

BUILDING SUPPLIES

Older Home? Damaged Home? Need Repairs? Behind on Payments? Quick CASH! Call Us First! 604.657.9422

523

WE’RE ON THE WEB w w w.bcclassified.com

524

UNDER $100

UNDER $200

SWISS MADE MENS WRIST WATCH,Brand new, Chronograph, Deep Sea diving & stop watch. $140. 604-796-9060 after 5 pm

530

FARM EQUIPMENT

WANTED: used potato/carrot washer for market garden. Smaller model. 250-395-4042

A-TECH Services 604-996-8128 Running this ad for 7yrs

PAINT SPECIAL 3 rooms for $269, 2 coats (Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint. NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring, Carpet Cleaning & Maid Service! www.paintspecial.com MILANO PAINTING. Int./Ext. Prof. Painters. Free Est. Written Guar. Bonded & Insured. 604-551-6510

332

PAVING/SEAL COATING

ALLAN Const. & Asphalt. Brick, conc, drainage, found. & membrane repair. 604-618-2304; 820-2187.

338

PLUMBING

ASAP PLUMBING & HEATING. Local cert. service plumber. H/w tanks, boilers, gas, plug drains. Fair rates. Mem.of BBB. 604-220-9228

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS #1 Royal Castle Rooﬁng. New & Re-rooﬁng, Best Quality Work, 12% Senior Disc. 604-725-9963

PETS 477

PETS

CHIHUAHUA tiny pups. ready to go now. $600. Call 604-794-7347.

HOMES WANTED WE BUY HOUSES

CEDAR FENCE BOARDS, buy direct from mill & save. Full sawn or custom cut. 604-860-9515

SWISS MADE MENS WRIST WATCH, Brand new $100 604-796-9060 after 5pm

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

696

OWN 20 ACRES Only $129/mo. ..$295/down near El Paso, Texas (safest city in America!) Money Back Guarantee, No Credit Checks, Owner Financing, Free map/pictures 1-800-343-9444 www.20acreranches.com

RENTALS 706

551

GARAGE SALES

FANTASTIC INDOOR ESTATE SALE! SAT/SUN Mar 5 & 6 from 8 a.m. 9440 214 Street Langley V1M 1T3. Furniture, Sm appl, LPs, Kitchen & Hsehld items. Hummels & other German memorabilia.

OKANAGAN KELOWNA, 2 homes, 5 acres orchard, 5 minutes from shopping, $1,150,000. Seniors condo 1300 ft $194,900 Mel @ 250-215-5185 more www.mellemky.com

630

559

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

560

APARTMENT/CONDO

AGASSIZ- 1bdrm apartment close to downtown. Available now. Util incl. $550/m. Call 604-796-2939 AGASSIZ, 2 BDRM apt, beautiful view, 1 car garage, lg yard, avail. now. Call (604)613-2800

Available Rentals 1 bedroom fully reno’d apartment in Woodside Terrace with view of Mt. Cheam. 2 appliances, laminate ﬂooring, separate storage and 1 parking space. $600/mth + utilities.

604-864-6400 Toll Free: 1-877-864-6424 www.strataschoice.com

AUTO SERVICES

WANT A VEHICLE BUT STRESSED ABOUT YOUR CREDIT? Last week 15 out of 17 applications approved! We fund your future not your past. Any Credit. Receive a $500 Gift Card. www.coastlineautocredit.com or 1-888-252-8235.

818

CARS - DOMESTIC

1996 INFINITI I 30, V6, 4 dr. sedan, fully loaded, AirCrd to 2013, Bose Stereo, $3,450 obo. 604-309-4309. 1996 OLDS 88 LS beautiful blue on blue leather w/full Delta LS Option Pkg. Power Everything with a great am/fm cassette, CD sound system. 1 Owner. Never been in rush hour. Very babied. Very loyal & safe car. $2500. Call Tom 604-250-2443. 1999 BUICK REGAL G.S. S. roof, leather + heat seats, low K. V6, $4900 obo. private. 604-593-5072 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE V-6, air, tilt, cruise, & more. Exc. Condition Sry $1950 604.590.1661 2004 ALERO V6. 74,000 kms. Sporty. Loaded. Silver. Cloth seats. Only $6,560. (604)864-6361 2004 BUICK LASABRE. Loaded, estate sale, new tires/brakes. Private, $8900 obo. 778-565-1097.

HARRISON - Studio Apartment, Nice quiet & safe building, suitable for single person. Newly renovated,$550/month includes utilities. Call 604-794-7132

713

COTTAGES

AGASSIZ -1 BDRM Guest Cottage for rent, utilities incl. Avail. March 1 $550/m. call 796-3508 or 793-8752

736

HOMES FOR RENT

Harrison- Large 2 brdm / 2 ba upper ﬂoor. Avail. now. n/s, n/p $1000/m+1/2 util. & DD. Call John 796-8905 / 793-8593 cell

750

2006 HONDA CIVIC 2 door, 5 spd manual, 80K, red, $6450 ﬁrm. Call: 604-538-9257. 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY LE 4dr Snd lots of extras, regular service, excell. cond. $15,000 (604)853-0382 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA grey, V6, cloth, 72,000/kms, no sunroof. Call 604-615-8529. 2009 TOYOTA MATRIX 4/dr auto p/w, p/l, AC, cd player, 88K, silver. $9800. Call 604-825-9477. 2010 TOYOTA MATRIX, loaded, only 33,500 km. no accidents. local car. $14,900 (604)793-5520 DL5961 2011 TOYOTA Camry LE, 7000 kms. auto, factory warranty. No accidents. $22,400. 778-869-3265.

838

HOPE, 1-bdrm large ground level ste. Pet ok. Avail Feb. 15. $620/mo incl heat/hydro/ht water/laundry. 604-860-4819. LANGLEY, 2/bdrm large bsmt suite. Private, quiet, gated farm setting. Close to town. Too many good things to list. N/S. Incl util. $980/mo. (604)230-2808

757

RECREATIONAL/SALE

2010 ADVENTURER 106DBS

SUITES, LOWER

Truck camper w/ dinette slideout, 7’ rear awning, stereo w/ ext. speakers, thermopane solar windows, microwave, etc. $27,995 (stk.30222)

WANTED TO RENT

www.fraserwayrv.com 1-800-806-1976 DL #30644

WANTED TO RENT OR LEASE 50- 150 Acres of farmland in Agassiz or surrounding area. Will pay top fair price. Call Kelly (778)241-9998

2010 SALEM 19 XLT

TRANSPORTATION 810

AUTO FINANCING

Lite trailer w/12’ awning, rear bed, Beauﬂor brand durable ﬂooring, 16,000 BTU furnace and more. $12,995 (stk.29336)

www.fraserwayrv.com 1-800-806-1976 DL #30644 FOR SALE 2009 FOREST RIVER ULTRALITE 5th Wheel 28.5 living space, 2 slides, 1/2 ton capability $29,750. Call Alan 604-796-9602 SPRING TIME HANDYMAN project for summer fun. 10’ camper needs TLC. $500. (778)344-7782

845

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

$0 DOWN & we make your 1st payment at auto credit fast. Need a vehicle? Good or Bad credit call Stephanie 1-877-792-0599. www.autocreditfast.ca. DLN 30309.

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVAL Minimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673 SCRAP BATTERIES WANTED We buy scrap batteries from cars, trucks & heavy equip. $4.00 each. Free pick-up anywhere in BC, Min. 10. Toll Free Call:1.877.334.2288 The Scrapper

660 LANGLEY/ALDERGROVE HOMES FOR SALE-SUPER BUYS

www.dannyevans.ca Homelife Benchmark Realty Corp. Langley

TRANSPORTATION 847 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 1994 FORD EXPLORER, loaded. $1400 obo (604)312-4099

851

TRUCKS & VANS

1988 Chevy Cheyenne 1500 p/u, runs well, body good shape, new rad., $1000. Call 604-858-7609 1988 NISSAN Z24I, low rider. Reduced price ($3600) $2,500. obo. 604-302-0985 aft 6 or lve msg. 1991 Dodge Ram Charger, auto, 4x4, 31” Hankook tires, Aircare hitch elec brakes. $1200 (604)792-4442 1994 RANGER with canopy. 270K New brakes, newer tires. 4 cyl., 5 spd. $2500. obo. Call 778-549-1410 1997 DODGE CARAVAN 7 Passenger. Great condition $1600 obo. 604-369-4705. 1998 Chev 3500 Express van, 266,107k, 4 buckets, running boards, rubber mat, side barn doors, trailer brakes, hitch, manual boat loader. $7500. (604)793-3014 2005 CHEVY SILVERADO 3500, 4 dr, auto, diesel, 120 K, GM insp., $19,500 obo. Call 604-836-5931.

KEY TRACK AUTO SALES 2007 HONDA CIVIC 4dr sedan auto fully loaded st#51 $12,500 2006 FORD F350 crew cab xlt 4x4 auto diesel st#40 $17,900 2006 FORD F350 quad cab xlt 4x4 auto diesel st#25 $15,900 2006 FORD F350 quad cab xlt 4x4 auto diesel st#17 $17,900 2006 CHEVY UPLANDER van 7 pass auto st#1 $7,900 2006 DODGE CARAVAN 7 pass loaded st#57 $8,500 2006 HONDA CIVIC 4dr SDN auto fully loaded st#53 $11,900 2006 NISSAN Altima 4dr auto leather loaded st#55 $10,900 2006 CHEVY AVEO 4dr h/back 5 spd st#12 $3,995 2006 CHEVY OPTRA 4dr hatch back auto st#21 $6,900 2005 FORD F250 c/cab lariat 4x4 auto diesel st#58 $15,900 2005 DODGE 3500 crew cab auto 5.9 diesel st#48 $14,900 2005 CHEVY 1500 reg cab long box auto st#60 $5,900 2005 NISSAN SENTRA 4dr auto sedan fully loaded st#15 $5,900 2005 DODGE DAKOTA Ext cab auto 67km st#62 $8,900 2001 FORD c/cab Lariat auto dully 7.3 diesel st#42 $18,900 2001 FORD F350 c/cab Lariat 4x4 auto short box diesel 7.3 st#46 $14,900 1999 TOYOTA TERCEL 4dr auto sedan Aircare st#65 $2,900 1999 FORD F350 crew cab XLT 4X4 auto diesel st#68 $9,900

33166 S. Fraser Way, Abbotsford DL#31038

MORTGAGES

BANK ON US! Mortgages for purchases, renos, debt consolidation, foreclosure. Bank rates. Many alternative lending programs.Let Dave Fitzpatrick, your Mortgage Warrior, simplify the process!1-888-711-8818 dave@mountaincitymortgage.ca

AUTO FINANCING

821 CARS - SPORTS & IMPORTS

WHOLESALE FACTORY DIRECT. Manufactured, Modular & Park models. Tremendous savings. Luxurious 1512 sq. ft home including delivery and installation only $ 109,950. Many other plans available. 877-976-3737 or 250814-3788 www.hbmodular.com

MISC. FOR SALE

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com

812

633 MOBILE HOMES & PARKS

100% Guaranteed Omaha Steaks SAVE 64% on the Family Value Collection. NOW ONLY $49.99 Plus 3 FREE GIFTS & right-to-the-door delivery in a reusable cooler, ORDER Today. 1-888-702-4489 mention code 45069SVD or www.OmahaSteaks.com/family23 CAN’T Get Up Your Stairs? Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad and get 10% off your new Stairlift! Call 1-866-981-5991.

810

Autocredit911.com Best rates, Free delivery BC/AB, cars/trucks/vans/suvs trades welcome. Good, Bad, Ugly Credit, You’re approved! Call 1-888-635-9911 or apply online

ARIZONA LAND LIQUIDATION Starting $99/mo., 1 & 2 1/2-Acre ranch lots 1 hour from Tucson Int’l Airport NO CREDIT CHECK. Guaranteed Financing, Money Back Guarantee. 1-800-631-8164 Code 4001 www.sunsiteslandrush.com

636

CAN’T GET UP YOUR Stairs? Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad and get 10% off your new Stairlift. Call 1-866-981-6591.

LOTS

TRANSPORTATION

OTHER AREAS

ACREAGE

612 BUSINESSES FOR SALE

10 INCH MITRE SAW, with stand $75. 604-796-9060 after 5 pm

HEALTH PRODUCTS

EDUCATION/TUTORING

581

A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE Get Your First Month Free. Bad Credit, Don’t Sweat It. No Deposits. No Credit Checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines Today Toll-Free 1866-884-7464. DISCONNECTED PHONE? Phone Factory Home Phone Service. No One Refused! Low Monthly Rate! Calling Features and Unlimited Long Distance Available. Call Phone Factory Today! 1-877-3362274. www.phonefactory.ca

615 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful ﬁnger pricking! Call 888449-1321

180

WEDDING DRESS!!! STUNNING JADE DANIELS wedding gown from the 2010 collection. Purchased in April from Ivory Bridal in Langley The colour is ivory with a sweetheart top, is fitted to the waist, then flows away from the body. A bustle was added to the dress so the train can be buttoned up during the reception. It is a size 8 (fits a little small). Cost was $1400 plus $100 for the alterations, will sell for $875. Contact 604-768-9109 to see photos or jen_toor@hotmail.com

Alaska Goldmine w/camp/equipment Known resource, large block, over 40 claims! $1.5M Firm. Serious/capable only! By owner dave.fpsak@hotmail.com FPS,p.o. Box 73087,Fai.AK. 99707

knoke trucking

PERSONAL SERVICES 173E

MISC. FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

Own 20 AcresOnly $129/mo. $13,900. Near Growing El Paso, Texas (safest city in America!) Low down, no credit checks, owner ﬁnancing. Free Map/Pictures. 866254-7755 www.sunsetranches.com

ED’S LAWN & Garden Care Residential,Commercial & Strata maintenance Licensed Professional, Fully insured, Landscape Pesticide Certiﬁcation, WorksafeBC covered. Quality commercial equipment to achieve the best results. Visit our website at www.edslawnandgardencare.com 604-796-1213 or 604845-5982

TRADES, TECHNICAL

BANNISTER GM in Edson, Alberta requires Journeyman Automotive and Collision/Painter Technicians. We offer Veteran Managers and Supervisors in a family owned operation. Signing bonuses, moving allowances, and top pay come with the right applicant. Apply in conﬁdence to: dean@bannisteredson.com CERTIFIED Head Marine Mechanic Shuswap Lake. Great work environment! Start $25/hr+ Accommodation avail. Pls contact 250.675.2250 gareth@shuswapmarina.com EXCLUSIVE FINNING/Caterpillar Mechanic training. GPRC Fairview Campus. $1000. entrance scholarship. Paid practicum with Finning. High school diploma, grade 12 Math, Science, English, mechanical aptitude required. Write apprenticeship exams. 1-888-999-7882; gprc.ab.ca/fairview. September 2011. PHOENIX FENCE HIRING Chain Link Fence Installers for Edmonton & Calgary, Alberta. Full-time, premium wages, overtime, beneﬁts, bonus, relocation program. Call Dale 1-800-661-9847. Fax resume: 780-447-2512. Email: dzaps@phoenixfence.ca.

560

603

Fax resume: 604.274.1013 email:twebb@acrgroup-ca.com

160

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

604-855-0666

www.keytrackautosales.com

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Meet the Pros March

2011

YO U R S O U R C E F O R QU A L I T Y LO CA L P R O F E S S I O N A L S

SOFT TOUCH PAWS DOG GROOMING

• Professional Groomer • Drop in nail trim • All breeds welcome • Relaxing, friendly service

Call Marilyn @ 604.796.0960 | 3770 Wildwood Dr. Agassiz

CASTLE CLEANING & ORGANIZATION ❧

the comfort of clean the ease of organized

❧

debra cornish 604.796.0406 www.castlecando.com

DRISCOLL H E AT I N G & G A S • Furnaces • Boilers • Water Heaters • Patio Heaters • Sheet Metal Installations • Pool Heaters • Plumbing

Licensed Bonded Insured P: 604-796-0770

Ser ving the Upper Fraser Valley

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

TELSTAR WINDOW SERVICE LTD. Glass & Window Replacement Installation of Custom Made: • Window Screens • Patio Screen Doors • Storm Doors • Retractable Door Screens 7663 Industrial Way, Agassiz, BC 604-796-2025

Groundworks Landscaping / Lawncare

Baboth Bobcat & Backhoe Service

lawncare & yard maintenance

Hot & Cold Pressure Washing & Interior/Exterior Painting • Houses • Patios

• Siding • Concrete • Gutters

• Heavy Equipment

Residential • Commercial • Agricultural For FREE estimate call Phil

604-796-0189 • 604-703-3319(cell)

POWER WASHING PAINTING

weeding/yard clean up pressure washing hedge & tree pruning bobcat service landscape design

Mark Baboth

paver stones/ retaining walls

604-796-2486

604-819-8786

BOBCAT SERVICES

FINBACK CUSTOM WOODWORKS

KENT PLUMBING & HEATING LTD. For all your Service, Repair & Installation Needs “One call does it all”

› New Custom Cabinetry › Quality Cabinet Refacing › Countertops

604-796-2705 24 HOUR LICENSED SERVICE

604.796.1196 | cell. 604.857.3375 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 6 3 9 0 P i o n e e r Av e. , A g a s s i z

Rick’s Computer Repair A+ Certiﬁed since 1982 Serving Agassiz Since 1997 Trojans, Viruses & Spyware Removed Saving your data & pics come ﬁrst! Let’s Get You Back Online Today! Same Day Service on all Dropoffs! Open 8am to 6pm from Mon. to Sat. 6438 Lougheed Hwy. 604-796-0538

PLUMBING SERVICES

For your

Advertising needs:

R.C.E. APPLIANCE REPAIR

Call Chris @

604-796-4301

604-796-2834 Service to all makes of washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers & refrigerators

Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Thursday, March 3, 2011

WE’RE READY

Terasen Gas and FortisBC now share a vision and an identity — FortisBC When you look into the future, what do you see? We see an opportunity. So our shared future starts March 1st. We’re ready to continue delivering the natural gas and electricity services you expect, safely and reliably. We’re ready with new energy solutions like biomethane and geoexchange. We’re ready to build even stronger relationships in the communities we serve. Above all, we’re ready to deliver on all that you expect from each of us — the employees of FortisBC. For more information visit us at fortisbc.com.

The future. We’re ready.

FortisBC Energy Inc., FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc., FortisBC Energy (Whistler) Inc., and FortisBC Inc. do business as FortisBC. The companies are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. FortisBC uses the Terasen Gas name under license from FortisBC Holdings Inc.