Agassiz Observer, December 25, 2014 by Black Press Media Group

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

The Agassiz Y Harrison

Merry Christmas to all!

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Rockin’ Christmas Celebration

WINTER Hemlock Resort waits on Mother Nature to open slopes.

WRITING Famed Älm producer reinvents himself in his writing.

INSIDE Christmas dinner . . . . . 3 opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 mailbag . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 BC Wines . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hunting changes . . . . 11 ClassiÄeds . . . . . . . . . 14

Lorene Keitch / OBSERVER

Hundreds of people turned out for the CP Holiday Train stop in Agassiz Wednesday, Dec. 17. Jim Cuddy, frontman for Blue Rodeo, and fiddler Tracey Brown entertained with their upbeat songs while volunteers collected donations for the food bank. Canadian Pacific also donated $7,000 to Agassiz-Harrison Community Services.

Christmas comes early for Harrison Festival by Lorene Keitch THE OBSERVER

The Harrison Festival Society has been awarded more than $100,000 to help with costs for putting on both the Festival of the Arts and the Season of Performing Arts. The society will receive $57,000 for the 2015-2016 operating season and the same for 2016-2017. The festival society has received funding from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund

before. But, as with most grants, they must reapply for funding every couple years and there is no guarantee they will receive the same grants or amounts each time they apply. So this is good news for the local arts scene, according to artistic director Andy Hillhouse. “In terms of funding we get, it’s a good chunk,” he explains. “Without this level of funding, the festival would be a lot different.”

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Hillhouse. The Canada Arts Presentation Fund gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences. “The Harrison Festival Society

He explains that funding such as this allows the Festival of the Arts to include the free shows on the beach, providing access to top-quality entertainers from near and far for people who want to experience the festival but cannot always attend an evening performance in Memorial Hall. “Not only does it allow us to bring in quality performers from far afield, it makes the festival accessible,” says

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As of Monday morning at Hemlock, there was 10 centimetres of snow at the base and 30-40 cm at the top.

By Lorene Keitch THE OBSERVER

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Hemlock Resort undertook hill grooming over the summer to allow for earlier opening if the snow takes its time in coming. Samuel Hicks, director of operations and human resources manager, says staff are fully trained and now they are just waiting on a few good snowfalls before starting up. "We're ready to open. We've been ready since December 1," Hicks told The Observer Friday. Due to late snowfalls, local hills did not open until January 18 last season. Staff at the local hill are hoping the flurries come sooner and harder this year. But they do not need to wait for as much snow this year as they did last

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The Agassiz Y Harrison

provides our community with access to a variety of professional musical, artistic and cultural experiences. The Festival especially has been a mainstay of summer and has been enjoyed across

generations in the Fraser Valley,” said Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP Mark Strahl in a press release last week. “I am pleased that this investment will continue to support the important cultural and artistic programming of both initiatives.” The 37th annual

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"We're all in the hands of Mother Nature," Hicks remarks. As for the season, Hicks is excited the mountain is offering its popular ladies and family deals again. Back by popular demand, Hemlock is offering free skiing for women every Thursday starting January 8. They also have a deal for families of four every Friday starting January 9. For all the up-to-date information and offers, check out their website at www.hemlockresort.ca.

Harrison Festival of the Arts will take place from July 11 to 19, 2015. The Festival presents a variety of programming, including music, visual and literary arts, an outdoor art and craft market, workshops, and a special day for youth and children. The

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year. Hemlock's owners invested significant funds this year to do some summer grooming. Workers bulldozed the scraggly growth around the yellow chair and a large portion of the red chair. Hicks explains that the summer grooming should help the hill to open sooner because less snow is required on a summer-groomed hill to make a good run. It requires a "much smaller snowpack" for great ski conditions. "This year the ownership group committed a lot of money to do the summer grooming," says Hicks. It did start to snow at Hemlock Thursday December 18 and flurries continued through the

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News

Strong turnout for Community Christmas Dinner

By Lorene Keitch THE OBSERVER

Spirits were high at the annual Community Christmas Dinner, with 40 more plates served than last year. There were 187 attendees at this year's banquet, according to organizer Andrew Brohman. There were actually more people than expected and volunteers had to set up some extra tables for the dinner at Agassiz’ Agricultural Hall

last Thursday, Dec. 18. Brohman is happy to see more people attending each year, with a steady growth from about 80 the first year to approximately 140 last year. "Slowly each year it's getting bigger and bigger,” he states. Brohman and other firefighters from the Agassiz Fire Department, with help from a few other individuals, put together the event each December for local families who are feeling the pinch. Lori's

Catering provides all the food for the event, with turkey, ham and all the trimmings. The department gave AgassizHarrison Community Services 300 tickets to hand out. Brohman's hope is that, as the dinner becomes more well-known each year, more and more of the people given the tickets will come. Locals can also buy tickets to come to this great social event, with proceeds benefitting Agassiz-Harrison

Community Services. The purpose of the dinner is "to provide a nice Christmas meal for those in need," says Brohman. He says it was good to see such a positive turnout this year and that people really seemed to enjoy the meal. Santa Claus even dropped in for a visit, giving out oranges and candy canes to the kids. “Everybody was appreciative,” he remarks. Several companies donate

Christmas dinner for one and all

By Lorene Keitch THE OBSERVER

The Agassiz Anglican Church is hosting a Christmas dinner for anyone and everyone who doesn't have Christmas plans. "We don't want anybody to be alone on Christmas," says organizer Marceline Billis. "Anybody can come - young

and old." This will be the second year for the event, organized and run by volunteers from the church. Billis says the first event last year saw about 60 people come out for the traditional Christmas dinner. Each attendee will also receive two "lovely" gifts. "People were talking about

it all year long," she shares. "It was wonderful." The event is free. However, there will be an opportunity to donate to the cause of an Anglican church in the Yukon that is sinking due to permafrost changes. "For the local people there, it's almost a second home," Billis explains of the

importance of the church there. Doors open at 2:00 pm, with dinner at 3:00 pm. While you can just show up for the dinner, organizers would prefer if you let them know beforehand so they have an idea of numbers. You can phone Marceline Billis at 604-796-0566 if you would like to come or for information.

Development variance permit approved By Lorene Keitch THE OBSERVER

Village of Harrison Hot Springs council approved a development variance permit for a property located at 480 Hot Springs Road during its last regularly scheduled council meeting for 2014. "It definitely has some constraints for building a single-family dwelling," explained Lisa Grant, manager of development and community service in a presentation to council. She showed a diagram of the property, located across the street from the Village office and explained the permit would allow the house to shift forward and provide more space at the back for riparian area requirements. According to the report in the council agenda for December 15, the property is currently undeveloped. It is .98 acres long and narrow-shaped. It gently slopes towards the Miami Slough at the rear and is fronted by the Hot Springs Road. The property is zoned Low Density Residential R-2. The village's zoning bylaw requires a setback of 7.5 metres. The development variance permit was requested to allow the setback to be reduced to 4.5 metres to maximize the property for building. Grant reported the applicant still needs to

meet other requirements before building, such as working through the riparian area approval process, obtaining an engineering report and building permit. The developer will also require Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Highway Access Permit. "Staff is supportive of this development variance application at this time," Grant told Council. Council members briefly discussed the permit. Councillor John Buckley commented that there was no reason it should not be allowed as other variances have been given in the past. "I see no problem with this recommendation before us," he stated. Councillor John Hansen was missing from the meeting but all others voted in favour. Harrison resident Ed Wood questioned how the property value will be affected. He wondered if there was a process in place for the Village to recover costs as his understanding was this property was part of the parks and trails concept map which shows the Miami Slough greenway for future trails. Ian Crane, chief administrative officer, responded that this property is not designated as a park or greenway but is designated as a resource property which allows

for the building of a single-family home. Wood also questioned allowing the building to be constructed closer to the road. He remarked that the moving of the property is a "huge eyesore" for the community. Mayor Leo Facio disagreed, remarking he doesn't think it will make a huge impact on the appearance of the community. Other business in the meeting was to approve committee appointments for 2015. Mayor Leo Facio is fulfilling the role as municipal director for the Fraser Valley Regional District and Hospital Board. Councillor Samantha Piper will be sitting

on the Fraser Valley Aboriginal Relations Committee while the Fraser Valley Regional Library Board representative is Councillor Sonja Reyerse. Deputy mayor for January through March is Reyerse, followed by Hansen then Buckley then Piper for three month periods each. At the brief meeting, Council also authorized village staff to make an application to renew the current tenure for the Civic Plaza. The village's 30 year lease expires in May of 2015. The new lease will be for another 30 years of use by the community for the public space.

What do you think? email: news@ ahobserver.com

money for the event each year. In past years, they used the money to make the setting more festive with Christmas decorations. This year, organizers decided to use the funds to buy gift certificates to hand out to some of the attendees. They hope to give out certificates again next year and gladly welcome donations. For more information regarding donations, call the Agassiz Fire Department at 604-796-2614.

Pursuant to s. 127 of the Community Charter, Council of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs hereby gives notice of the following schedule for the Regular Council Meetings for 2015 January 19 February 2 February 16 March 2 March 16 April 7(Tuesday) April 20 May 4 May 19(Tuesday) June 1 June 15 July 13 August 10 September 14 October 5 October 19 November 2 November 16 December 7 December 21

2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015

Regular meetings commence at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers, 495 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs. For further information, please contact Debra Key, Corporate Officer at 604-796-2171

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ART GREEN Green Party of Canada candidate for the Federal Electoral District Association (Riding) of Matsqui/ Mission/Fraser Canyon

News

Rent controls are here to stay, province says

Thanked for Service

No change to formula capping rent hikes Jeff Nagel BLACK PRESS

The provincial government will not change B.C.'s system of limiting rent increases, reeling in a trial balloon floated by Housing Minister Rich Coleman that the current controls might be relaxed. Coleman's ministry announced Wednesday the maximum annual rent increase for 2015 will be 2.5 per cent, following the usual formula of two per cent plus inflation. Ministry spokesperson Sandra Steilo said no further review of the rent control policy is now planned. "It's been looked at and we're going to keep the current formula as it is," she said. Coleman had suggested in early December that higher annual increases might be considered because property taxes and utility bills often rise faster than landlords are permitted to raise the rent. Landlord B.C., an association of rental housing owners and managers, had been lobbying for

reform. "We've proposed the outright phasing out of rent controls," said David Hutniak, CEO of Landlord B.C. "It's a deterrent to developers investing in purpose-built rental buildings. We haven't seen anything of consequence built in 20-plus years." He said allowing rents to rise faster would correct the current imbalance between supply and demand that has caused a nearzero vacancy rate in Metro Vancouver. NDP housing critic David Eby had argued against any change, saying renters need the predictable rent increases in order to budget and eroding the current controls would result in housing insecurity and unaffordable cost increases for thousands of residents. Landlords are still able to raise rent between tenants or after renovations, and can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for higher rent increases if they face extraordinary expenses.

Zoltan Kiss receives a plaque for his service as a councillor from Mayor Leo Facio at Monday nights' Council meeting. "This makes it well worth the effort. Almost," said Kiss when he went back to his chair in the gallery. The village also had a plaque for Allan Jackson, who was not in attendance.

No ride home for local partiers Operation Red Nose will deliver here but not pickup

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Operation Red Nose is doing its final run of the season this New Year’s Eve. But locals will only be able to get home using this service if they need pickup from Chilliwack. Operation Red Nose is an annual volunteerrun program, in place in Chilliwack since 2004. It pairs sober drivers with intoxicated individuals, bringing them and their cars safely home. The Kiwanis Club of Sardis took over the program in 2012 from Chilliwack Restorative Justice. Kiwanis Club president Dennis Sherwin explains they can give people a ride to Agassiz or Harrison from Chilliwack. However, if an intoxicated person needs a ride home within this

community, they will have to find another way. “What we had to do is cut back our service slightly because we didn’t get the number of volunteers we were hoping for,” explains Sherwin. It might not be full-service here, but Operation Red Nose has been used by locals this season to get home. Sherwin says he will have full statistics at the end of this year’s operation but knows

he personally has driven several individuals to Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs throughout the eight nights of operation. This year, Operation Red Nose in Chilliwack has around 100 volunteers, operating nine to 10 teams each designated night of the program. The logistics are complicated, with threeperson teams sent out from headquarters in Chilliwack to

a person’s location who has called. Then one person drives the “chase” vehicle while the other two drive with the intoxicated individual in that person’s own car back to his or her home. Then the three volunteers climb back in the chase car and head back out for another call. The service has such high demand, there can be upwards of an hour wait, according to the Chilliwack Operation Red Nose Facebook page. Nine nights were scheduled for pickup this year, between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. While the service is free, donations for the Kiwanis Club of Sardis are gladly accepted. To call for pickup from Chilliwack on December 31, phone 604-393-3000, between 9 pm and 3 a.m.

What’s Better than sunshine, lollipops & rainbows? OUR BLOG . . . seriously. Check it out blog.blackpress4good.com Showcasing heartfelt community stories from around the province.

Agassiz Harrison Observer Wednesday, December 24, 2014 5

Film producer reinvents himself in his writing By Lorene Keitch THE OBSERVER

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So Martin brought the spruce tree home To show to all his children, And told them of the miracle he had seen. Hi fixed up lighted candles to represent the stars, And asked his friends to come and see the sight. Then with wonderment and thankfulness They went into the woods, To bring their own tree home that winter night.

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Agassiz has gained an author to its population with the recent arrival of Alex Hamilton-Brown. Hamilton-Brown unpacked his bags here eight weeks ago and is already settling in just fine. He enjoys meandering through the shops downtown and loves the local library. “It’s a great little town, people are friendly and there is a wonderful library here,” he praises. Born in Scotland in a small mining town between Glasgow and Edinburgh, he moved to the United States then headed north to Ontario. Hamilton-Brown made a career for himself in the film industry, winning numerous awards along the way. He spent decades researching, writing and producing educational programs and documentaries for Canadian and American networks. Throughout his career, he wrote dozens of film scripts so he had lots of practice in the field. And through it all, Hamilton-Brown has written poetry as an outlet for his imagination. Since filming his last documentary in 2005, HamiltonBrown has taken up writing as

a hobby and a passion. He has published and won awards for several poems and short stories. “Poetry is important because it makes us think,” Hamilton-Brown writes about his work. “It is in its subtle yet powerful way a discipline for re-engaging with a world we take too much for granted.” In a recent interview with The Observer, he elaborates on that statement. “It’s more than condensed prose,” he says. “I’m reinventing an inner self that seems to have emerged. It comes from a mysterious place you just have to respond to.” Hamilton-Brown always has a few projects on the go at a time. He is currently working on a book, a few short stories and, always, poems. His style stretches as far as his imagination will go, writing on anything from futuristic beings to the world as seen from animal’s eyes. This Christmas poem, (see below), was written after he heard a tale about how Martin Luther incorporated a tree into the Christmas tradition. This poem, titled The Little Spruce Tree, is Alex Hamilton-Brown has taken up writing as a hobby and a how Hamilton-Brown thinks the passion. He has published and won awards for several poems tradition began and he gladly shares and short stories. it with Observer readers today.

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Opinion Let’s keep it safe It’s a familiar refrain this time of year. No, not “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” Rather, the plea to motorists and pedestrians to take special care while they’re on the streets. Just recently two pedestrians died in separate incidents in the Lower Mainland. They joined a stark and growing statistic: Every December in B.C., an average of seven pedestrians are killed and another 269 are injured. The often dark, rainy weather, slippery streets and poor visibility all conspire to make driving more difficult. There’s nothing we can do about the weather. But we is make an extra effort to see and be seen. ICBC has a few suggestions. They make them every year but they are worth repeating. For motorists: Remain attentive at all times. Not only is it illegal to use a hand-held device while driving, the consequences can be deadly. Pay particular attention around intersections, where 75% of all pedestrian incidents occur. Watch while turning left or right for pedestrians who have already begun

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

to cross. And remember that the rain — snow and ice, too — makes the roads slicker, so build in a bit more braking time. For pedestrians: Never assume that just because you see a vehicle, its drivers sees you. Headlights, traffic and other distractions affect visibility. Do your part by ensuring you are dressed to be seen; wear reflective clothing, a reflective arm band or carry a light. Keep your eyes and ears open, and focus on what’s happening around you — that means pulling out your headphones or putting the phone away while crossing a busy street. But the most important point is to never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact and always err on the side of caution — after all, the consequences of an accident are far graver for the pedestrian than for the driver. The holidays are a hectic time of year. We all have places to be and things to think about. But they’re also meant to be a happy time. Don’t let a preventable accident spoil that.

Do you make New Years resolutions? To answer, go to the Home page of our website: www.ahobserver.com

LAST WEEK WE ASKED:

Are you over spending this Christmas? Here’s how you responded:

Yes 50% No 50%

Climate talks end 2014 in disarray B.C. VIEWS Tom Fletcher Victoria – In case you missed the outcome of the latest United Nations climate change conference in Lima, Peru, it was another costly, embarrassing failure. This one is likely to be remembered mostly for a staggeringly stupid stunt by Greenpeace employees, who were threatened with prosecution for defacing the Nazca Lines, a world heritage site in the Peruvian desert. These vast 1,500-year-old petroglyphs, visible from space, are among the great mysteries of archaeology. “Time for a change!” blared huge yellow letters dragged across the sacred site by paid protesters trampling the delicate terrain. I’ll say it’s time for a change, starting with scratching Greenpeace off your Christmas card list. Earlier there was the spectacle

of Canada’s national media, reflexively denouncing Ottawa’s supposed inaction on greenhouse gases after U.S. President Barack Obama unveiled a surprise climate agreement with China in advance of Peru. “Over to you, Mr. Prime Minister,” chirped CBC anchor Wendy Mesley, joining other TV networks in falsely portraying the U.S. deal as a breakthrough. This non-binding gesture soon produced many cartoons, one of which shows Obama stripped to his underwear in a poker game with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is surrounded by a pile of chips and an American flag. The U.S.-China announcement served as a preview of Peru, where developing countries would again refuse any substantive restrictions on their fuel use. China graciously agreed to continue ramping up its world-leading greenhouse gas emissions until 2030, while lame-duck Obama pretended he

The Agassiz Y Harrison

could commit the U.S. to further reductions. Between them, the U.S. and China account for about half of global human-caused carbon emissions. Due mostly to the surge from China

“In the latest sign of the U.S. public’s lack of interest in reducing emissions, sales of larger vehicles immediately spiked up as gasoline prices fell”

and India, Canada’s share has fallen from two per cent to 1.5, which should help put all those “tar sands” protests into perspective. Days later, Environment Canada released its latest national emission statistics, an event ignored by most

P.O. Box 129 7167 Pioneer Ave. Agassiz, B.C. V0M 1A0 Phone: 604-796-4300 | Fax: 604-796-2081 www.agassizharrisonobserver.com

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media. “Between 2005 and 2012, total Canadian GHG emissions decreased by 5.1 per cent, while the economy grew by 10.6 per cent over the same period,” the report states. B.C. Environment Minister Mary Polak joined the throngs who jetted to Lima. There she met officials from California and other U.S. states to re-announce their modest efforts to put a price on carbon emissions. TV anchors and other wide-eyed innocents might have been left with the mistaken impression that the huge U.S. petroleum industry is cutting back, when in fact it has grown enormously thanks to shale oil and gas production. And California continues to produce, by its own state government measure, the most carbon-intensive heavy crude in North America. Overshadowing all of this is the drop in the world price of oil, mainly the result of Saudi Arabia flooding the market in an effort to push competitors out of business. In OFFICE HOURS Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Sat., Sun., & Mon.

the latest sign of the U.S. public’s lack of interest in reducing emissions, sales of larger vehicles immediately spiked up as gasoline prices fell. I’m still receiving criticism for a recent column in which I declared myself an “agnostic” on humancaused global warming. Agnostic means searcher, and my search has continued for real signs of climate change and its potential causes. Our glaciers are receding, no question, but the current trend started around the 1850s, when a sport utility vehicle had one horsepower in leather harness and B.C. was about to be declared a British colony. But amid the noise, there is serious evidence being put forward that our province is undergoing a climate shift with major consequences. And there are calls for action. I’ll discuss that next week. Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press newspapers. Email: tfletcher@ blackpress.ca

CNA

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.

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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

Agassiz Harrison Observer Wednesday, December 24, 2014 7

Mailbag Site C construction plans welcomed I’m glad to see that the Site C Dam project is finally moving ahead after 50 years of talk. The dam is going to take a full 10 years to build before it produces a single megawatt of power, so the sooner we get things going the better. After all, who can imagine what the clean energy demands on our province’s power grid will be a decade from now in 2024. It could be LNG, it could be new, next generation mines

and processing plants, it could be something that’s not even on the radar yet. Whatever it is, having a robust supply of reliable, cleanly generated energy is an economic asset that gives us an ongoing edge in a world dealing with climate change and the need to lower carbon emissions. Bravo to all those who worked to make Site C a reality. Jimmy Pelk

The perils of a 'parallel state' Re: Nisga’a proving critics wrong (B.C. Views, Dec. 4). Tom Fletcher seems to have had an epiphany that’s led to his urging acceptance of Supreme Court of Canada rulings which enabled the creation by the Nisga’a Nation of (Fletcher’s words) “a parallel state” in B.C. Fletcher may never have learned “that two wrongs don’t make a right.” The first longstanding wrong at issue is the sorry treatment of aboriginals in both B.C. and across Canada. Despite significant improvements over recent years, more remains to be done. The second wrong is that the Supreme Court of Canada now enables a new layer of government in B.C. What’s been created is a “landed gentry” of sorts who’ve in effect received authority to exercise sovereign powers, and they now plan to establish multiple exportenabling LNG terminals

on the B.C. coast. B.C. taxpayers will follow such developments with interest, particularly if there is no parallel commitment by the Nisga’a to assume increasing responsibility for both federal and provincial government services as their “parallel state” business plans prove profitable. The old adage that “there’s only one taxpayer” could, with Nisga’a concurrence remain a truism. It’s based on the realization that whether for services provided by local, provincial or federal governments, most voters and elected leaders have long recognized that it’s the voting taxpayer who, over time, determines both government funding levels and program priorities. Un a n s w e re d questions include: Will this aboriginal “parallel state” acknowledge a responsibility to – within its anticipated capability – participate

as a fully functional entity within our national federation? Will it fund a portion of the many provincial and federal government services it now receives? Will it commit to creating and funding its self-determined unique government service programs? Historical antipathy between First Nation, local, provincial and federal agencies indicates a need for strong but flexible leadership at all four governmental levels. In seeking a comprehensive governmental rebalancing, we’ll hopefully avoid historically based emotional rhetoric supporting retributive rationale if we’re to minimize costly, confrontational negotiations. In B.C., our oftenenvied Canadian cultural mosaic is at risk of becoming a dysfunctional and tattered societal quilt. Ron Johnson Saanich

The Observer welcomes letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit for brevity, clarity and legality. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone number (for verification purposes only) Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not necessarily that of The Observer or its staff. Email: news@ahobserver.com

Community

Christmas Dinner

Thank you...

. . . to the following businesses & individuals for your support towards the Community Christmas Dinner: • Lori’s Catering • Pioneer Acres • The Agassiz Harrisonn Observer • Agassiz Harrison Printers • Rainbow Greenhouses • Agassiz Agricultural and Horticultural Association • Agassiz Harrison Community Services • Pioneer Motors • Winks Convenience and Video • Heritage Coffee House • Agassiz Produce

• Sam’s Construction and Bobcat Services Ltd. • Soulsen Construction • Agassiz Fire Department • Carol Vantol • Scott’s Tree Care • John and Vicki Veldman • Ian Wilson • Jan Falkoski • Rita Bruneski • Tony Flukiger • Cordel Myles • Kayla Myles • Agassiz Fire Fighters • Katrina Ozzard

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Re: Global warming stalled politically too (B.C. Views, Nov. 13). I’m glad to hear there are a few skeptics out there. I often feel as if I’m trapped behind enemy lines here on Vancouver Island. I guess the reason is that skeptics who have some scientific knowledge tend to be hesitant about making absolute statements about future climate trends and their economic effects, while the warmists respond with passionate certainty backed up with an air of moral superiority. I get blank stares when I point out that we are standing on a glacial outwash fan that was under two kilometres of ice when our First Nation ancestors were chasing reindeer in Europe. Now THAT was global warming. Wonder how we caused that. Dick Robertson

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8 Agassiz Harrison Observer Wednesday, December 24, 2014

News

B.C-only wines to come to some grocery stores Jeff Nagel

Under the change, existing VQA and independent wine stores can relocate or transfer their licence to an eligible grocery store as long as 100 per cent B.C. wine is sold. Those licence transfers won't be limited by a rule that disallows new outlets if there's an existing one within one kilometre. Liquor policy reform leader John Yap called it a "winning combination" to allow grocery shoppers to also buy B.C. wine and support the local industry. "The B.C. wine industry is entering into a new era of winemaking," added Chaberton co-owner Eugene Kwan. The new model is different from

BLACK PRESS

The province's latest liquor reform will make it easier for wine stores to relocate into grocery stores â&#x20AC;&#x201C; provided they offer only B.C. wines â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â but there's no sign the government is rethinking its change to wholesale wine pricing that will sharply drive up the price of more expensive bottles. Friday's announcement by Justice Minister Suzanne Anton in Langley at Chaberton Estate Winery is being hailed by B.C. wineries because some supermarkets that can begin selling wine come April will be barred from stocking foreign wines.

the store-within-a-store model in that it allows B.C. wine to be on regular grocery store shelves and shoppers would pay for it at designated registers staffed by trained employees who are at least 19. Anton said a limited number of new licences â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â she would not specify how many â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â will be made available to sell just B.C. wine in grocery stores. The extra licences will mean more competition for private wine stores that have already been critical of some of the province's liquor reforms. Vancouver lawyer Mark Hicken, who acts for the wine industry,

predicts there will be "no takers" on wine stores relocating under the new B.C.-only model because they would lose most of their international product lines. Hicken said the B.C.-only rule may violate Canada's international trade agreements.

Pricing change a worry A major concern for both wine stores and many B.C. restaurants is the change unveiled recently to the province's wholesale pricing formula for wine that ends the discount advantage for independent wine stores. It may mean little change or even cheaper prices for wines that now

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cost $15 and under. But the final retail price of pricier bottles is expected to rise sharply come April, in both private and government stores, and in restaurants. Hicken has estimated wholesale prices in B.C. will rise 12 to 29 per cent on higher-end wines as a result of the change. He estimates a bottle that now retails for $30 will be priced at $33 to $40 under the new model, and the price hikes could be 25 to 50 per cent on the most expensive bottles that now go for $100 and up. BC Restaurant and Foodservice

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Agassiz Harrison Observer Wednesday, December 24, 2014 9

CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

HARRISON-AGASSIZ

Dear Santa, ss British really, really hard to support communities acro In 2014, small business has continued to work employment le, representing 55 per cent of the private-sector Columbia. We provide jobs for over a million peop payroll taxes rnment — including sales taxes, income taxes, in the province. We pay taxes to all levels of gove — although the plethora of rules coming from government too and property taxes. We do our best to abide by tics Canada very challenging — sales tax compliance, Statis the sheer volume of rules to comply with can be standards, , sign bylaws, business licensing, employment surveys, records of employments, recycling rules anti-spam legislation, and the list goes on. income tax forms, payroll taxes, privacy policies, adversity And we have remained optimistic in the face of As you have taught us, it’s important to believe. Every day, we are currently the most optimistic in the country. and global uncertainty. In fact, B.C. businesses loyees and confidence and support. We greatly value our emp serve and support our customers to justify their tmas events including supporting local sports teams and Chris we give as generously as we can to local causes, in your honour. a spot on your nice list. We hope you agree, Santa, that we have earned In terms of presents, we’re not asking for much: valued customers continue to support us. 1) Our first wish is our most important — that our e, even gift when it agreed to respect any written tax advic 2) In 2005, the B.C. government gave us a great following an auditor telling us we owe a lot of money for if it is wrong. This is critical protection against Revenue too often before). A few years ago, the Canada bad government advice (something that happened gh their “My agreed to respect advice given in writing throu Agency started to follow B.C.’s lead when they and respect CRA would extend their fairness as far as B.C. has Business Account.” This year, it would be great if tins. all written advice they give, including their tax bulle lling jobs understand that they are starting to retire, and refi 3) Santa, are the rumours of elf shortages true? We orary Foreign ur shortages and have on our list a better Temp is challenging. We too, are struggling with labo ency for ram so it creates a pathway to permanent resid Worker Program. We would like to change the prog we need use, like you, we don’t need temporary help, people wanting to live and work in Canada beca permanent help. d what kind of connections you might have, but coul 4) This last wish may be the hardest. We don’t know an be not on property tax increases for next year? This may you see what you can do about putting a freeze nt. with the increasing cost of local governme issue at the North Pole, but we are really struggling provincial and federal, are always a big hit. Looking for stocking stuffers? Balanced budgets, mbians. these gifts to good use to benefit all British Colu Santa, please keep us in mind as we would put

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Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $1500 credit available on all eligible Chevrolet vehicles. Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any model year 1999 or newer pick-up truck that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive): $1,000 credit available towards the retail purchase, cash purchase or lease of one eligible 2013, 2014 or 2015 model year Chevrolet light or heavy duty pickup(except Colorado); delivered in Canada between December 2, 2014 through January 2, 2015. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited by law. See your GMCL dealer for details. 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Discounts vary by model. ‡$8,500 is a combined total credit consisting of a $4,000 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) for 2014 Silverado Light Duty Double Cab, $1,000 Holiday Cash for Truck Owners (tax inclusive), $500 Boxing Week Bonus (tax inclusive) and a $3,000 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive) for 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty (1500) DoubleCab, which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $3,000 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. *†$5,500 is a combined total credit consisting of a $1,000 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) on 2014 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ, a $750 Holiday Cash (tax inclusive), $500 Boxing Week Bonus (tax inclusive) and a $3,250 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive) for 2014 Cruze LTZ which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $3,250 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. ~Visit onstar.ca for coverage map, details and system limitations. Services vary by model and conditions. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. After complimentary trial period, an active OnStar service plan is required. ††Based on Wardsauto.com 2013 Large Pickup segment and last available information at the time of posting. Excludes other GM vehicles. 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10 Agassiz Harrison Observer Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Agassiz Harrison Observer Wednesday, December 24, 2014 11

Hunters protest shift favouring non-residents By Tom Fletcher

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As B.C. hunters packed rooms to protest regulations giving guide-outfitters and their out-of-province clients a larger share of big-game permits, the provincial government argues that the shift is being exaggerated. The latest increase in the share of guide permits to hunt moose, grizzly bear and other restricted animals in limited-entry hunting areas of B.C. totals 618 "hunting opportunities" across the province per year, says a statement from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. Based on the success rate of hunts for different species, "this model represents a transfer of approximately 186 animals from residents to guides." The B.C. Wildlife Federation's estimate that the wild game allocation policy could result in 5,000 fewer hunting permits for resident hunters under limited entry hunting rules is "not accurate," the ministry says. Forests Minister Steve Thomson said in an interview he made the decision on the latest allocation after a long consultation where the BCWF and the Guide Outfitters Association of B.C. couldn't agree. The decision was to provide certainty for guide businesses, but also took away guides'

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Registration forms Registration forms available availableatat www.agassizchristian.com www.agassizchristian.com theoffi ofﬁce ce (closed (closed Dec. Dec 17 ororatatthe 22 -- Jan Jan.3)2) B.C. hunters are concerned that the share reserved for guide-outfitters is now higher than anywhere else in North America. Under the latest policy.

rights to pool regional game allotments and hunt in vacant guiding territories. "There are arguments over the number, depending on which base you use, and I expect those arguments will continue," Thomson said. "At the end of the day we all want the same thing, which is healthy wildlife populations." BCWF hosted hunter meetings in Kelowna and Langley last week, and spokesman Jesse Zeman said hunters were lined up out the door in Langley. He said the latest changes are part of a longer-term shift going back more than a decade that has seen a loss of harvest share for resident hunters. B.C. hunters are concerned that the

share reserved for guide-outfitters is now higher than anywhere else in North America. Under the latest policy, that share is 20 per cent for elk, 20 or 25 per cent for moose depending on the restricted region, 35 per cent for mountain goat, and 40 per cent for grizzly bears. Open season areas for moose and other animals remain in the southern Interior and northeast, where anyone can buy a license and tag to hunt. Abundant species such as mule deer, whitetail deer and black bear have no hunting quotas in any part of B.C. Zeman said for prized species such as Roosevelt elk on Vancouver Island, winning a resident tag in the lottery is

rare enough to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As hunter numbers rebound, they increasingly face the choice to aim for another species, drive long distances to an unrestricted region, or hire a guide. The latest changes include returning Kootenay bighorn sheep to a general open season for guided hunting. The restriction that only full-curl rams can be hunted remains in place. Thomson said the population will be closely watched, and harvest limits returned if necessary. Zeman said the BCWF is concerned that this iconic Rocky Mountain trophy could once again be overhunted.

The popularity of hunting in B.C. continues to increase, from about 81,000 licences issued in 2003 to more than 100,000 last year, which means more resident hunters are losers in regional hunting lotteries. BCWF compiled statistics for moose, the most popular biggame target. Moose populations have declined in some areas while both applications from resident hunters and the share reserved for guides has risen. In 2005 there were 56,000 applications for moose, with only one out of five successful. By 2013, there were nearly 67,000 would-be resident moose hunters, 54,000 of whom were refused a moose tag.

7571Morrow MorrowRoad Rd. 7571 Phone: 604-796-9310 | Fax: 604-796-9519 Phone: 604-796-9310 ofﬁce@agassizchristianschool.com offi

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CLOSED MONDAYS

Liquor changes worry restaurant biz From page 8

Association president Ian Tostenson said restaurants must pay retail prices and usually charge their patrons double, so the price of a nicer bottle when having dinner out will soar, putting more pressure on an already struggling service industry. He said restaurants are bracing for 10 to 20 per cent wine price increases on bottles over $17 or $18. Tostenson hopes the province will realize it has made an error and correct the wholesale pricing formula. "I think they're going to do some adjustments," he said. "This is supposed to be a revenue-neutral

exercise. Government doesn't want to be seen to be putting prices up. So there seems to be a miscalculation somewhere." In a statement emailed by her staff, Anton said the standardized wholesale price is to level the playing field for all liquor retailers and enable more competition. "Trying to guess what each individual retailer will charge per product at this point is complete speculation," she said, predicting consumers will see little if any change for most products. Anton said the province is watching to ensure the new policies have no unintended consequences.

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY, BOXING DAY & NEW YEAR’S DAY

DEADLINES DECEMBER 25TH PUBLICATION ADVERTISING ............Dec. 17th @ noon CLASSIFIEDS ......... Dec. 19th @ 5:00 pm

JANUARY 1ST PUBLICATION ADVERTISING ............Dec. 23rd @ noon CLASSIFIEDS ......... Dec. 23rd @ 3:00 pm

7167 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz 604.796.4300 TF: 1.866.865.4460 In print every Thursday or see us online 24/7: Restaurants are bracing for 10 to 20 per cent wine price increases on bottles over $17 or $18.

12/14_JWD23

News

agassizharrisonobserver.com

12/14_MH12

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40 0 down *

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‡In order to achieve $0 down payment, dealer will cover the cost of tire/battery tax, air conditioning tax (where applicable), environmental fees and levies on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD, Civic DX and Fit DX only on behalf of the customer. ΩLimited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES. ¥1.99%lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $69.89 based on applying $400.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $18,171.40. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. †Limited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 Civic DX model FB2E2FEX. €2.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $44.90 based on applying $600.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $11,674.00. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. *Limited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 Fit DX model GK5G3FE. #2.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $39.97 based on applying $875.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $10,392.20. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. ‡‡$500 Consumer Incentive Dollars “Holiday Bonus” (“Holiday Bonus”) available on any new 2015 Civic and new 2015 CR-V models, purchased or leased and delivered by January 2, 2015 and can be combined with advertised lease and finance rates. “Holiday Bonus” includes GST and PST, as applicable. Visit a participating Honda dealer for eligible products & services applicable to “Holiday Bonus” redemption. Offer ends January 2, 2015 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. £For more information about the 2015 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® award, visit http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/2015_honda_cr_v_is_the_motor_trend_suv_of_the_year/ **MSRP is $27,685 / $17,245 / $15,990 including freight and PDI of $1,695 / $1,495 / $1,495 based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES / Civic DX model FB2E2FEX / Fit DX model GK5G3FE. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. ‡/Ω/¥/†/€/*/#/**/‡‡ Prices and/ or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent’s fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD, Civic DX and Fit DX only. Offers valid from December 2nd, 2014 through January 2nd, 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.

12 Agassiz Harrison Observer Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Phone:

604-792-2724

Toll Free:

1-866-HONDA-88

www.murrayhonda.ca

S A L E S H O U R S O F O P E R AT I O N : M O N & T H U R S 8 : 3 0 A M - 7 P M • T U E S , W E D , F R I , S AT 8 : 3 0 - 6 P M

Agassiz Harrison Observer Wednesday, December 24, 2014 13

News

Lack of addiction treatment flagged by crime panel

Community Corner December 2014

Prolific crime tied to drugs, alcohol, mental health Jeff Nagel BLACK PRESS

A blue ribbon panel on crime reduction has urged the province to concentrate even more on the few prolific offenders who commit most offences and expand drug addiction treatment and services for the mentally ill. Chaired by Abbotsford South MLA and criminologist Darryl Plecas, the panel appointed by Justice Minister Suzanne Anton also urges the province to appoint a senior crime fighting leader to get different agencies to work better together. The province has already passed legislation that will allow it to force holdout municipalities to join specialized policing teams, such as the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. The panel report said lack of access for drug and alcohol addiction treatment was "a major issue" it heard across the province, and was told that in Port Hardy, for example, 500 people needed treatment but there were only six treatment beds. "The lack of funding for abstinence-based and other recovery support programs was described as a serious issue everywhere and as one of the main reasons for the high rates of recidivism observed across the province amongst offenders suffering from substance abuse disorder." The report recommends spending more money on drug addiction treatment and mental health services, citing estimates that every dollar spent curing addiction cuts drug relatedcrime and justice costs by up to $7, and $12 if health care costs are counted. The report also calls for a task force to probe problems with the proliferation of unlicensed and sometimes "predatory" drug recovery houses. It noted there are 240 drug

Community Events the Harrison Tourism Harrison and rce presents: me Agassiz Chamber of Com - On display in es Tre of l tiva Fes The Annual Resort &

Hot Springs the lobby of the Harrison through the brilliant Spa till January 3rd. Wander by local businesses ed orat display of trees dec and community groups.

BLACK PRESS

A new charge of jumping bail has been laid against one of two Canadians charged with trying to bring a methlab-in-a-box across the Aldergrove border crossing. The new charge was filed against Lola Crystal McKay, 24, on Dec. 12, a week after she failed to show up for a scheduled appearance before a Whatcom County Superior Court judge in Bellingham to

December 31st starting 604-796-2332 available at the Legion, call

istmas Dinner Anglican Church hosts Chr n at 2pm with dinner

December 25th. Doors ope welcome! Dinner is e served at 3pm. Everyon accepted. FMI call ly free with donations glad e at 604-796-0560 celin h Mar 16t s ken Dic Dickens Sweets presents: rning for Seniors as Village - Open 4th Annual Christmas Mo Annual Animated Christm All ages welcome - Christmas morning at the Agassiz Legion from 5. Legion, now until January 10th, 201 FREE tickets available at the visit dickenssweets. 8am - 10am. . FMI email ace@sd78.bc.ca ACE and admission is free. FMI & ry libra com or call 604-793-1981.

Abbotsford South MLA and criminologist Darryl Plecas.

recovery houses in the Fraser Health region but just eight are properly licensed. Jail doesn't stop persistent offenders, the report said, adding it's "particularly ineffective" with the severely addicted or mentally ill. More than two-thirds of offenders in the corrections system in 2012 were repeat offenders, and 40 per cent had 10 or more convictions. Police have been targeting prolific offenders as pilot projects for several years in Surrey, Prince George, Williams Lake, Kamloops, Victoria and Nanaimo. Analysts sift data to anticipate repeat crimes, identified chronic offenders are watched more closely on release and they get social supports that help them break away from the crime track. The re-offence rate of those those career criminals dropped 40 per cent in the first year after release, while more of them took up offers of housing and social services, and had less contact with police. The report recommends that approach be taken provincewide, noting crime rates in B.C. have fallen faster than anywhere else in North America, in part

because of crime reduction strategies. The province should also aim to monitor more offenders with electronic ankle bracelets, the report said, and improve rehabilitation and treatment programs for inmates. The province has not yet committed to act on the report. Anton said one new step under consideration is a regional integrated community safety partnership pilot project that would bring together various agencies to refocus resources, but where and how it might unfold is to be determined. She also pledged to expand job training for offenders to help them return to society. SFU criminologist Rob Gordon called expanded use of wraparound services to help offenders re-enter society a "sensible approach." But he said the report had few surprises and mainly recommended "more of the same" – including more use of integrated police teams rather than any more radical police service reform. "It still does not address the hot spot areas where crime has been a major problem, the most obvious one being Surrey," Gordon said.

New charge in ‘boxed drug lab’ case Dan Ferguson

Newfie New Agassiz Legion Presents: - Wednesday, Year’s Eve Dinner/Dance at 4:30pm. Tickets

set a date on Dec. 5. Court records show McKay didn't actually post bail, but was allowed to go free on a promise to return. However, under Washington State, law, someone "who fails to appear or who fails to surrender for service of sentence as required is guilty of bail jumping" which is a Class B Felony, which can result in a prison term of up to ten years, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. McKay and Calum

James Buchanan, 40, both from Chilliwack, were arrested at the Aldergrove border crossing on Sunday, Nov. 23 after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered what they described as a portable meth lab inside a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am. After a U.S. customs officer became nauseated and vomited after breathing fumes from some plastic wrapped storage containers in the car, the

crossing was shut down in both directions for about an hour while a haz-mat team removed the chemicals. The officer, who was transported to hospital, made a full recovery. Buchanan is scheduled to stand trial Jan. 26. If convicted of possession of meth chemicals with intent to manufacture, the pair could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $25,000 U.S.

Groups and Activities

FOR EVERYONE

Agassiz-Harrison Lions - Meet at 7 pm on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Lion’s Den in the Hooked on Books: Agassiz Library Book Club takes Ag-Rec Hall, 6800 Pioneer Ave. FMI call Joey at 604place on the third Thursday of every month, starting 796-9951 at 6:30pm at the Agassiz Library. Love to read and want to talk about what you’re reading? You don’t Hope Christian Women’s Club Brunch - Free have to be a member, just drop in when you can. nursery by reservation as well. For info & reservations Pick up the book at the library any time before the call Raye 604-869-5420 meeting and get ready to share your opinions! Agassiz Harrison Community Drivers Program Stitch “n” Rip - Every Tuesday from 9 am - 1 pm. - A community based volunteer driver program Come to the Harrison Mills Hall with any unfinished providing rides to all local, Fraser Valley & Lower sewing, stitching, knitting projects, etc. FMI call Kim Mainland medical appointments & other personal services. Always looking for more drivers. Call 604604-796-2336. 798-6228, email agharcommdrivers@outlook.com or Olive Branch Dinners - Come join us for a free visit 7046 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz. home cooked meal. Tuesdays 5 - 6 pm. 7571 Morrow Rd, ACS gym. No expectations, enjoy community Agassiz Monday Painters est.1961 - Meets every Mon. from 11 am - 3 pm at Agassiz United Church. FMI companionship. Families & all ages welcome. The Harrison-Kent Community Singers - Meet call Linda 604-794-5554 every Monday at 7:00 pm at the Memorial Hall. FMI Harrison Community Social Club Drop-in every call Carol at 604-796-2749. Thurs. at Harrison Hot Springs Memorial Hall, 9:30 am: T.O.P.S. - Meets Thursdays at 9:30 am, or 5:45 pm., at cards, darts, games & coffee. Contact Jacquie 604796-3105 or Suzanne 604-796-1269. the Agassiz Christian Church. Friendsh ip House Nickel Bingo on Mon. at 1 pm, Agassiz-Harrison Community Services Thrift Tues. Bridge and Cribbage at 1 pm, Sit and Be Fit 10:30 Store - We’re looking for volunteers! Open Monday - am Mon. & Fri., Drop-in Floor Curling 7 pm Thurs. Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm. Feel free to come by 6919 Kent-Harrison Arts Council - KHAC meets the Cheam Avenue or call 604-796-9932 FMI. third Sunday of each FMI call (604) 796-8604 Royal Canadian Legion - Hosts drop-in “Fun Darts” or email us at kentharrimonth. sonartscouncil@shaw.ca every Mon. at 4 pm & Fri. at 8 pm, Players needed, arrive early to register. Cribbage daily. Non-members Harrison International All-weather Tennis Club - Drop-in tennis at 8 am daily at the Spring Park tennis welcome. Call 604-796-2332 complex. All are welcome. Good fun and exercise is The Wednesday Walkers - Easy hiking every guaranteed at no cost. FMI contact John Allen 796Wednesday. FMI call Eleanor 604-795-0076 9117 Knitting/Crochet Sisters Group - Projects for Jam Session - Every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the worthy causes. Contact Alice 604-796-3060 or email month from 7pm - 10:30pm by donation. Everyone agisborne@shaw.ca welcome, bring an instrument and a friend! OAP Hall, Agassiz Al-Anon. - Is someone’s drinking affecting Friendship Hall. FMI call Derry at 604-796-1084 you? FMI call Shirley 604-796-9865 or Anne 604-793Lions TV Bingo - Thursday nights at 6 pm on Shaw 3103 Cable. Pick up your bingo cards at The Source Agassiz Elks Lounge - 1824 #9 Hwy, open daily Chehalis Store & Ledoux Hardware 3pm till closing. Everyone welcome The Chilliwack

MS Multiple Sclerosis Self-Help Agassiz-Harrison Garden Club - Meets the Group - Meets every third Wednesday of each month

second Wednesday of each month from Oct-July in from noon to 2pm at the lunchroom of the Royal the foyer of the Ag Hall at 7:30 pm. FMI 604-796-3291 Cafe 45886 Wellington St., Chilliwac k. New members or 604-796-2423 welcome. FYI call Owen at 604-795-5216

Best Rates Sarah 604.796.4301 To advertise in this space

14 Agassiz Harrison Observer, Thursday, December 24, 2014

YOUR COMMUNITY YOUR CLASSIFIEDS Phone: 604.796.4300 Toll Free: 1.866.865.4460 email: classified@ahobserver.com

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS ...............1-8 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS ...9-57

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 002A

Are you still Coming?

TRAVEL.............................................61-76

Cathy’s 50 birthday

CHILDREN ........................................80-98

Legion Hall Saturday, December 27 1 pm to 4 pm

EMPLOYMENT .............................102-198 BUSINESS SERVICES...................203-387

CELEBRATIONS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 040

INTRODUCTIONS

Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851

TRAVEL

Let Maureen(moe)know: 604-796-5504

PETS & LIVESTOCK ......................453-483 MERCHANDISE FOR SALE...........503-587

bcclassified.com

IN MEMORIAM GIFTS

TIMESHARE

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 115

130

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

REAL ESTATE ...............................603-696 RENTALS ......................................703-757 AUTOMOTIVE ..............................804-862 MARINE .......................................903-920

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.

172 ASTROLOGY/PSYCHICS

NORTHSTARS PAINTING www.northstars-painting.com Master Painters at Students Rates. We will BEAT any Qualified Quotes. 778.344.1069

Ann’s Angel Readings and Mediumship. located in Harrison Hot Springs call: 604-302-8229 for appointment website: annsangelreading.com

182

Are You $10K Or More In Debt? DebtGo can help reduce a significant portion of your debt load. Call now and see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783

338

PLUMBING

BRO MARV PLUMBING 24/7 Plumbing, heating, clogged drains BBB. (604)582-1598, bromarv.com

INFORMATION SOAR is Pacific Coastal Airline’s in-flight magazine. This attractive business & tourism publication is published bi-monthly (6 times/year). Great impact for your BC Business. More than 280,000 passengers fly Pacific Coastal Airlines. Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 or email fish@blackpress.ca

114

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

We Service all Makes •

Need CA$H Today? Own a vehicle? Borrow up to $25,000. Snapcarcash.com 604-777-5046

SEEKING class 1 drivers for super b flat deck work. Canada wide and US hauls. We offer modern equipment, e logs, steady year round work, and family security through extended benefits and a matched contribution pension apply on line at sutco.ca fax resume and abstract to 250-357-2009 or call 1-888-3572612 ext. 230

115

EDUCATION

IN MEMORIAM

287

160

TRADES, TECHNICAL LUMBER DRY KILN OPERATOR

Looking for a Kiln Operator with class 5 Power Engineer Classification and forklift experience for the Chilliwack area. Offering full time hours & competitive wages.

Please send resume: asundher@telus.net Or Fax 1.604.597.3228

PETS

CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866

CATS OF ALL DESCRIPTION in need of caring homes! All cats are spayed, neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. Visit us at:

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

• •

ADT’s, DSC’s, Brinks & all others Medical & Fire Free* Alarm Systems 604-792-8055 / 854-8055

378

VACUUMS

Full Service Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928

320

MOVING & STORAGE

MOUNTAIN-MOVERS.ca (778)378-6683

1PRO MOVING & SHIPPING Across the street - across the world Real Professionals, Reas. Rates. Best in every way! 604-721-4555.

from $499 (Made in BC) Repairs & Service. We extend warranties to all makes. Vacuum needs a service every 5 years just like an oil change! 604-792-8055 / 854-8055

130

HELP WANTED

GOLDEN DOODLE puppies, born Nov. 29. Mom is a sml reg. Golden & Dad is a sml Std Poodle (both 50 lbs). We have bred this litter special to create ideal family companions (intelligent, gentle, easy to train, people pleasers, happy indoors/outdoors, good with kids/animals, and low/no shed). Our dogs are part of our home/life and we wish the same for our pups. Please consider the time/commitment needed to raise a dog and you will have our support & guidance for life. 1st Shots/deworming. $1200. Ph: 604-820-4827

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

Yorkshire Terrier to re-home, 4 yr old intact female, CKC reg, champion lines, serious inquires only $1000. (604)858-9758

130

HELP WANTED

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

Marketing Sales

THE DISABILITY TAX Credit. $1,500 Yearly Tax Credit.$15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg). Covers: Hip/Knee Replacements, Arthritic Joints, COPD. For Help Applying 1-844-453-5372.

Your Community, Your Cl a ssi ﬁ eds. www.bcclassiﬁed.com

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES FLAGGERS NEEDED. No Certification? Get Certified, 604-575-3944

PET SERVICES

fraservalleyhumanesociety.com or call 1 (604)820-2977

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

474

SERRAPET #1 Serrapeptase for animals, including horses, dogs and cats. Used by vets. Serrapet trusted to deliver the best results. $29.99 www.bit.ly/1vNrvsR

477

Req: Carpenters, Helpers Labourers, CSO’s/OFA’s TCP’s, Cleaners $11-28/hr

RV Lot Rentals $8.95 a day. 362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertainment. Reserve by 11/01/2014. Web-site: www.hemetrvresort.com. Call: 1-800-9265593

PETS

FINANCIAL SERVICES

VACATION SPOTS

The Abbotsford News and Mission Record, two of Canada’s leading community newspapers, have openings for a Sales Consultant.

Restoration Technicians

Excavator & Backhoe Operator Training. Be employable in 4-6wks. Call 604-546-7600. www.rayway.ca

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks. Weekly start dates. Job board! Funding options. SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

IN MEMORIAM

We are a highly ethical, professional restoration company based in Calgary, Alberta. We are looking for experienced Restoration Technicians with WRT and AMRT certification, able to run a crew of 4 staff. We offer excellent health and dental benefits. Salary range: $25-$30/h We are conducting interviews in Surrey on Sunday Jan. 11th, 2015 & in Vancouver on Monday, Jan. 12th, 2015. Please, forward your resume to: Mike@rdr.ca

This is a career opportunity for a results-driven individual. Candidates will possess the ability to increase sales to existing clients while successfully prospecting new business in two of the Fraser Valley’s fastest growing markets.

.CAN-PRO Paint and Drywall. Over 25 yrs of quality service. 3 ROOMS, $250. Insured. 604-771-7052

www.paintspecial.com 604.339.1989 Lower Mainland 604.996.8128 Fraser Valley Running this ad for 10yrs

SKILLED trades! Experienced welders and completions team members needed in Grande Prairie, AB. Welders, B-Pressure Welders, Painters with Steel experience. Fly in - Fly out with 1 week at home a month. Accommodation provided. Alberta wages without the high rent! Send resume to: hr@wester nmanufactur ing.ca www.westernmanufacturing.ca

124

FARM WORKERS

PAINT SPECIAL 3 rooms for $299, 2 coats any colour (Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint. NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services.

124

FARM WORKERS

FARM WORKER

_____________

Required for UBC Dairy Education & Research Centre in Agassiz, BC

Advertise across the Lower Mainland in the 15 best-read community newspapers.

Duties Include milking, feeding animals, assisting with research projects and field work.

bcclassified.com

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

New West 604.522.4900

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 by law.

ON THE WEB:

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

Work Today, Daily or Weekly Pay Apply 9AM to 2PM at: 118 – 713 Columbia Street

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 advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

HELP WANTED

CONSTRUCTION SITE In your NEIGHBOURHOOD

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 for typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

EDUCATION

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

PERSONAL SERVICES

Dixie deVries

“Ten years Dix, I wished that I could hold you just one more time to ease the pain. Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning without you. Strength and dignity you wear as a garment, kindness is ever on your tongue. Your children call you blessed, your husband praises you.”

The ideal candidate has a positive attitude, a persuasive manner (previous sales experience preferred, but not essential), is highly motivated with strong organizational and communication skills. Training is provided. Our work environment sets industry standards for professionalism and innovation. The News and Mission Record combines a salary/benefits package designed to attract and retain outstanding staff. Please send your application in confidence to: Don Barbeau Advertising Manager 34375 Gladys Avenue Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 2H5 e-mail: donb@abbynews.com Closing Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 The interest of all applicants is appreciated, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Excellent benefit package & great team environment! Please forward your resume & cover letter (quoting position title) to: email: dinn@shawbiz.ca or Fax: 604-796-8413 Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. The University of British Columbia hires on the basis of merit, is committed to employment equity, and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

blackpress.ca X abbynews.com X missioncityrecord.com

Thursday, December 24, 2014, Agassiz Harrison Observer 15 MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 551

GARAGE SALES

ABBOTSFORD

FLEA MARKET Abbotsford Exhibition Park TRETHEWEY @ MACLURE AVE

~ SUNDAYS ONLY ~ 6 am to 4 pm Phone 604-859-7540

560

MISC. FOR SALE

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper? STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

563

RENTALS 706

APARTMENT/CONDO

Meet the Pros

T. Marlowe Manor 1755 - #9 Hwy, Agassiz (Under new Management)

Spacious and bright 1 bdrm....$600/m. Also, new construction, condo quality l bdrm...$650

R.C.E. APPLIANCE REPAIR

and 2 bdrm...$799/m Prkg, coin laundry, elevator & balcony, 5 min walk to all conveniences. Available now. Call 604-703-3405

REAL ESTATE

HARRISON - Studio Apartment, Nice quiet & safe building, suitable for single person. Newly renovated, $595 & $625/month includes utilities. Call 604-819-6422

• All Prices • All Situations • • All Conditions • www.webuyhomesbc.com 604-626-9647

YOUR SOURCE FOR QUALITY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL AGASSIZ

Harrison Hot Springs, 328 Esplanade Ave., 2 bdrm apt. 2 bath, 5 appl., 2 u/g parking spots, neat as a pin with view of the lake, pet negot., avail. now $850/m, Ross Fullbrook, Royal Lepage, 604-792-0077

HOMES WANTED

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

Agassiz - 1 bdrm at Linwood Apts.for rent. Fridge, stove, heat & parking incld. $500/mth +DD call: 604-795-9953 or 604-796-3832

MISC. WANTED

WE BUY HOMES BC

845

December 2014

AGASSIZ 1783 no. 9 Hwy. 1 Bdrm apt, ground floor, secured building w/refs a must. min 6mo, $450mth plus Utility. 604-617-0055 samsonator@gmail.com

FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed Dealer. 1.866.960.0045. www.dollars4guns.com.

627

TRANSPORTATION

TO ADVERTISE

IN THIS FEATURE:

CALL Sarah 604-796-4301

QUIET & clean top floor suite with elevator, new laundry facilities, storage locker, parking and resident caretaker. Easy walking distance to downtown Agassiz amenities. Discount provided to seniors. $575. Call / text 778-918-9062

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

RENTALS 747 706

APARTMENT/CONDO

Professional Service. Servicing the Fraser Valley 1-855-771-2855

Rosedale. RV pads available. $420/month + hydro. Cable & Wifi avail. Laundry facilities onsite. Washrooms open year round. RV storage @ $75/mo available. call 604-794-7361

December 25, 2014

ANSWERS

Sudoku

Agassiz - 1 & 2 bdrm apt. for rent available near post office. Clean building. Laundry and off street parking onsite.$650/mth & 800/mth call 604-491-6380 or 778-834-1951

RV PADS

SCRAP CARS & METALS - CA$H for CARS Up to $300. No Wheels - No Problem! Friendly &

Rick’s Computer Services

The Scrapper

• General Repairs & Data Recovery • Trojans & Viruses Removed • Same day service on all drop offs

JOE’S JUNK

& M E TA L R E M O VA L

NOTHING TOO SMALL, NOTHING TOO BIG.

retractable Integrity s ’ e o DOOR Movers screens MOVING AND DELIVERY SERVICES “We’re not satisfied until you are”

FREE metal p/u Drop by 6438 Lougheed Hwy. (Corner of 7 & 9)

604-796-0538

FREE estimates for junk removal

604.316.0760

NEW TO THE AREA

604-860-5277

We make HOUSE CALLS for Measuring & Installation Call Harry at 604-796-2025 cell 604-316-1668

Telstar Window Service Ltd. 7663 Industrial Way, Agassiz

FINBACK CUSTOM WOODWORKS

Hope Auto Body Ltd.

604-796-1196 | cell 604-857-3375 • New Cabinetry and Cabinet Refacing • Counter Tops • All Custom Cabinets are made from solid wood (no particle board)

• Complete collision & glass services • Courtesy Vehicles • Express repair facility - all insurance company estimates written here

6390 PIONEER AVE., AGASSIZ

V I S I T O U R S H OW RO OM

966 6th Avenue, 604 •869 •5244 www.hopeautobody.ca

www.finback.ca

Your Residential Garbage Service Provider Ask about r us & green ecycle w servicesaste !

Two open heart surgeries.

Toll free 1.844.646.6337 pioneerdisposal.com • pioneerdisposal@gmail.com

contactsecurity.ca

Agassiz All Storage

One big need.

Easy access from Hwy 1 or 7 We have storage for:

Help us build a new BC Children’s Hospital. Please Give. 1.888.663.3033 beasuperhero.ca

• RVS • BOATS • VEHICLES

Call (604) 795-0214 24 Hour Service

Locally owned and operated For more information visit

www.peteandsonplumbing.com

• • • • •

Heated units Long term discounts Security fenced Electronic gate Video surveillance

7651 Industrial Way Agassiz, BC • Ph: 1.604.796.5577 info@agassiz-all-storage.com • www.agassiz-all-storage.com

16 Agassiz Harrison Observer Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Sutton West Coast Harrison Hot Springs Where Happy Memories Last Forever!

604.491.1060

Team3A@sutton.com WeSellHarrison.com

000 , 0 2 $5

Freddy Marks & Linda Marks

s a m t s i r h C s y r y a d i l Mer o H y p p & Ha

Cozy Rancher with Panoramic Views of Harrison Lake • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • 1596 sq. ft.

• 0.27 Acre Lot • Hardwood Flooring

• 560 sq.ft. Heated Garage • Private Yard and Garden

l l a r o f u o Y Thank s in 2014! le a S e th

D D D D D L L L L L SO SO SO SO SO Husky Station & Mini Mall

3 Bedroom Rancher with Shop

135 Acre Lakefront Hobby Ranch

Horsefly Lake, Log Home

2 Bedroom Penthouse, Harrison

D D D D D L L L L L SO SO SO SO SO Commercial Unit, Harrison

Elysia Resort

Walnut Ave, Harrison

Kawkawa Lake, Hope

Fletcher Lake, 2 Bedroom Home

D D D D D L L L L L SO SO SO SO SO 400 Acre Ranch, Chezacut

Hunting Outfit Territory, Chezacut

Strouse Ranch

Building Lot, McLeese Lake

40 Acre, Chilcotin Ranch

D D D D D L L L L L SO SO SO SO SO Bridge Lake, Log Home

Char Springs Ranch

Bar M7 Ranch

Clinton Convenience Store

McLease Lake, 2 Bedroom Cabin

D D D D D L L L L L SO SO SO SO SO Mount Woodside, Mobile Home

Moon Meadow, 140 Acre Ranch

Ross Meadow Ranch

www.WeSellHarrison.com View hundreds of property listings!

Creek Frontage, Clearwater

80 Acres Off The Grid

Visit our local of¿ce in the Harrison Mall!