Burnaby Now January 12 2023

Way and another at 8518 Glenlyon Pkwy.

“The company is committed to keeping Canadians safe by creating a new standard of PPE

is constantly innovating to develop best in class, ethical products for the health and safety

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow

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Mountiehurtinhit-and-run‘upset’bydelays

Sentencing of driver in incident has been held up because his wife is having problems with a pregnancy

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow com

A Burnaby Mountie whose arm was broken in a 2018 hitand-run is “quite upset” that the sentencing of the driver charged in the incident has been adjourned for another two months

Fabian Ernesto Argenal Lopez, 33, was charged in February 2022 with failing to stop at the scene of an accident involving bodily harm, driving while disqualified and obstructing a police officer

A hearing was scheduled in Vancouver provincial court Friday for Argenal Lopez to enter guilty pleas, and his sentencing was scheduled for this past Monday

Defence lawyer Justin Myers told the court a plea deal has been reached in the case, and, if the judge agrees to a joint sentencing submission, his client will spend some time in jail

But Argenal Lopez’s wife is pregnant and “unexpectedly having some difficulties” with the pregnancy, according to Myers; he asked for the sentencing to be adjourned to March 8

“Him going into custody on Monday would be very difficult for her,” Myers said

He explained Argenal Lopez and his wife had moved to the Lower Mainland to be closer to Argenal Lopez’s family but that

his mother is away until after Feb. 20.

Crown prosecutor Margaret Mackie said she didn’t oppose the adjournment but noted the police officer involved in the incident, Burnaby RCMP Const Diane Marsh, wasn’t happy about it.

“She’s quite upset by having a further delay of this matter,” Mackie said, “so I’m hoping that this is the last time that there is delay and that we’re able to complete the sentencing on March 8 ”

Mackie noted Marsh has prepared a victim impact statement

and plans to present it to the court in person B C provincial court Judge Harbans Dhillon agreed to the adjournment but called it a “long adjournment for a dated matter ”

Argenal Lopez’s charges are linked to an incident at a Husky

station at the corner of Willingdon Avenue and Parker Street on July 4, 2018.

According to police media releases at the time, an officer tried to stop a grey Dodge Nitro SUV by the gas station at about 10 a m that day

Police said the driver appeared to have been using an electronic device behind the wheel, and the Mountie, who was on foot, signalled for him to pull over, but the driver ignored her and took off southbound onWillingdon, hitting the officer in the process.

After an investigation that lasted three-and-a-half years, charges related to the incident were laid against Argenal Lopez on Feb 1, 2022

He was arrested in Alberta on Feb. 3, 2022, and released the same day pending a court date in B C , Burnaby RCMP said

At the time of the July 4, 2018 incident, Argenal Lopez was already facing a charge of driving while prohibited in March 2018 inVancouver, according to Court Services Online

Sevenworkershavebeeninjuredafterbeingcaughtinmachinery

of our communities,” stated a September 2020 Vitacore news release

When it comes to worker safety, however, reports obtained by the NOW through a freedom of information request outline numerous violations in the company’s past.

On June 28, 2022, a machine operator was working at a mask manufacturing machine when

they tried to pull and adjust the material between two rollers, according to a June 30, 2022WorkSafe report.

The worker was caught between the rollers and sustained “serious injury,” but the specific nature of the injury or the part of the worker caught between the rollers was redacted for privacy reasons, according toWorkSafe

AWorkSafe investigation into the accident

found the machine’s moving parts hadn’t been properly covered

“Based on the preliminary investigation, the rollers on the mask manufacturing machine were not adequately safeguarded and easily accessible by a worker,” states the report “In addition to the unguarded rollers, I also observed gears and sprockets that were also easily accessible to the workers ”

It wasn’t the first time a worker had been caught in one of the company’s machines or the first timeVitacore had been warned about inadequate safeguarding

Within one six-month period in 2021, at least six workers had been caught in machinery and injured at the company’s Glenlyon plant, according to anotherWorkSafe report

An inspector found numerous contraventions of

the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation at the Glenlyon facility, including inadequate safeguarding on machines, inadequate lockout procedures for workers who have to clear jammed materials and no orientation or training for new and young workers on safeguarding or un-jamming machines

The inspector who investigated the June 28, 2022 incident atVita-

core’s North Fraser facility noted similar machines were used at both plants

In September,WorkSafe issued the company a $13,154 99 fine for “repeated violations ”

The fine has not yet been paid, butWorkSafe saidVitacore has since complied with all the orders it made to remedy the safety problems

Vitacore has not responded to multiple requests for comment

CHARGED: Asuspectina2018hit-and-runthatinjuredaBurnabyRCMPofficeriscapturedonsecurityvideo PHOTO BURNABYRCMP

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow com

A Burnaby massage therapist has been disciplined for using her cell phone to check the time and read texts while massaging a client

The College of MassageTherapists of B C

launched an investigation into registered massage therapist Najia Xu after a complaint from a patient in November 2021, according to a notice posted on the regulator body’s website

An undercover college investigator posed as a client in February 2022, ac-

cording to the notice, and the investigator’s camera captured Xu using her phone three times for between 30 seconds and five minutes during the massage

In a consent agreement, Xu admitted she had violated the college’s bylaws, code of ethics and stan-

dards of practice

She admitted she had used her phone during sessions with a client between June and October 2021, checking the time, reading a text and massaging the patient with one hand while holding her phone with the other for a period of time

She also admitted to massaging the investigator with one hand for a period of time while holding her phone with the other and to sending a text to the front desk during that session to say there was no music in the treatment room.

As part of the consent

agreement, Xu has agreed to a five-day suspension, a formal reprimand, a $1,000 fine, partial payment of the college’s investigation costs, remedial education and a permanent condition not to have a cell phone in any treatment room where she is providing massage therapy

from January 11 to 23, 2023, Mondays to Fridays from 8 am to 4:45 pm, and on Thursdays from 8 am to 8 pm.

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow com

A 41-year-old man who “put his head in the sand” and tried to ignore Burnaby drug charges dating back to May 2014 has been sentenced to one year of probation and 25 hours of community work service

David EdwinWest was pulled over in a taxi on Highway 1 in Burnaby on May 1, 2014 with a black leather briefcase containing marijuana, MDMA and cash, according to facts presented at a sentencing hearing inVancouver provincial court last week

He was eventually charged with five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, but

his defence lawyer, Darrel Schultz, said the reason his client had had so much marijuana on him is that he had recently been at the 4/20 cannabis protest festival at theVancouver Art Gallery

“At the end of the day, people were selling their remaining items for ridiculously low prices, so he ended up purchasing a good chunk of marijuana that was sold at fire sale prices,” Schultz told the court.

Crown prosecutor Heather Pineo saidWest was in the taxi on May 1, 2014 because he had gotten into “an altercation” with his domestic partner (He was later sentenced to one day in jail and 24 months of probation for assault in connection with

that incident)

“Eventually Mr.West gathers some things and leaves,” Pineo said “He gets into a cab and he’s headed east on Highway 1 Police eventually locate him and arrest him ”

In his briefcase, police discovered a total of 768 68 grams of marijuana, 87 3 grams of MDMA, a digital scale with cannabis resin on it and $233 10 in cash, according to Pineo.

Schultz saidWest avoided responsibility for the case for years, originally fleeing to Ontario, but he eventually turned himself in.

“He put his head in the sand about the outstanding warrant,” Schultz said

In October 2022, he pleaded guilty to one of the five counts for possession for the purpose of trafficking (for the MDMA) and one count of the lesser charge of possession of a controlled substance (for the marijuana)

In a joint sentencing submissionThursday, Pineo and Schultz both called for a suspended sentence with 12 months of probation, including a counselling provision, and 25 hours of community

work service

B C provincial court Judge Donna Senniw agreed to the proposed sentence

She notedWest’s criminal record, which includes two convictions for domestic assault, and the fact that he had been “at large” and didn’t deal with the charges were aggravating factors in the case.

As mitigating factors, Senniw notedWest’s guilty plea, his steady employment at a blueberry farm and the fact he helps care for a son with medical problems.

The rest of the charges againstWest, including one for breaching a release order and another for not appearing in court when he was supposed to, were stayed.

MY VIEW KEITH BALDREY

Surgery backlog, viruses put extra stress on B.C. health care

Maybe it is time to reinstate the oncenightly ritual of banging pots and pans in tribute to front-line healthcare workers

That’s because even after the extraordinary pressures brought to bear on them because of the pandemic, those who work in B.C. hospitals are experiencing the busiest times on the job in years.

In fact, it appears January may be one of the all-time busiest months for the sys-

tem, at least when it comes to hospital activity

Last week ended with more than 10,200 people occupying a hospital bed in this province

While January is typically a busy time for hospitals, this month is particularly busy because of a combination of factors.

We have recently experienced a significant increase in the number of people requiring hospitalization because they are seriously ill with a respiratory illness,

particularly COVID-19, RSV or influenza

As well, as a further sign that we are getting back to “normal,” people are now going to a hospital when they likely avoided going anywhere near one during much of the pandemic.

Also, January is when a lot of elective surgeries are performed because many people decline to have surgery before the holiday season (who wants to spend Christmas Eve in a hospital bed?) and so the system has

to catch up

Further straining an already overwhelmed situation is the ongoing high level of workplace absences among health-care workers because of illness

All these factors are why, beginning this week, health authorities will reactivate “emergency operation centres” in 20 hospitals. It means reallocating resources to ensure things like patient flow and emergency room congestion are dealt with properly

These measures will be in place for six weeks, to a point when, it’s hoped, the number of people seriously ill with respiratory illnesses begins to decline and the catch-up in delayed surgeries is complete.

On the good news front, the number of people requiring hospitalization from influenza has been declining in recent weeks. However, COVID-19 hospitalizations have been increasing the past few weeks (after a steady decline) and

RSV hospitalizations have been ramping up as well Nevertheless, everything adds up to this month being a very, very busy time for B C hospitals and front-line health care workers who have already been run off their feet during the pandemic.

Next time you see one, offer some thanks. Or head to the balcony and front yard and bang those pots again.

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC

Migrants deserve our compassion,not contempt

Editor:Aperceptionpersistsofmigrants,and sometimesevenrefugees,asbasicallywilfully andcontentlybecomingpermanentfinancial/ resourceburdensontheirhostnation.

Thereissomuchunwarrantedcontempt forthesepeople,yetsomanyarerightfully despondent,perhapsenoughsotoworkvery hardincashlessexchangeforbasicfoodand shelter Andtheydowanttopulltheirown weightthroughemployment,evenifonlyto provetheirdetractorswrong

Migrantlabourersshouldbetreated humanely,includingtimelyaccesstoproper work-relatedbodilyprotections,buttoooften arenot

Iftheyfeeltheymust,criticsofsuch refugees/migrantsshouldgetangryatthe politicianswhosupposedlyallowin“too many”migrants,butpleasedon’tcriticizethe desperatepeoplefordoingwhatwe’dlikelyall doifintheirdreadfulposition.

Butthenallthatnolongermatterswhen themigrantsdieintheirattemptatarriving LastwinterayoungfamilyoffourfromIndia frozetodeathtryingtoaccesstheU.S.via sub-zerosouthernManitoba AndIwonder

howmanyhavedied,orwill,whiletryingto accessCanada FrankSterleJr.

B.C.faces‘dismal’future as fracking continues

Editor:Tostartoffthisnewyear,Iwouldlike toalertBritishColumbians,throughthisnewspaper,tothedismalfuturethatawaitsusall asfrackingcontinuesinBC,especiallyasthe provincialgovernmentcontinuestosubsidize thefrackingindustry.

Theproductofthisextraction “naturalgas” isnotnaturalatall!Itisanother climate-wreckingfossilfuelthatisevenmore potentincausingclimatechange,asitemits methane Andafterseveralyearsofweather-relateddisasters,nooneintheirrightmind candenytherelationshipbetweenallfossil fuelextractionandthesedisasters

EverycitizenofB.C.mustactivelylobby theirrepresentativesanddemandthatthe provincialgovernmentstopallfracking

Wehaveeverythingweneedtomakethe transitionofffossilfuelsexceptthepolitical will PennyOyama,Burnaby

March 5-11, 2023

Golden Era Cocktail Revival Gala

March 11, 2023

Take the grand staircase up to one of the most historic and beautiful ballrooms in Vancouver and the marquee event of Vancouver Cocktail Week: The Golden Era Cocktail Revival Gala Raise your glass to the fall of Prohibition and enter the golden era of cocktails at an epic party that takes you on a glamorous journey through tipsy traditions Throughout the ballroom designed in 1939 and with more than 800 hours of hand-painted details stations featuring local bar stars and global brand ambassadors will offer drinks representing different eras in cocktail culture past and present

Come early and enjoy our VIP hour, where you can mingle with our international and national VIP guests while enjoying passed canapés and cocktails

Following the VIP hour, cheer on the finalists in the World Class Canada bartender competition during their speed-round hour before we announce the 2023 Canadian Bartender of the Year

Then enjoy the food stations, live music and DJ, and cast your bids in the silent auction to support the BC Hospitality Foundation

The Golden Era Cocktail Revival Gala is guaranteed to be a night to remember

Note that Fairmont Hotel Vancouver will be offering special room rates for the even ng. fairmont com/hotel-vancouver

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT thealchemistmagazine

ca/vcw

THE BURNABY NOW WELCOMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We do, however, edit for taste, legality and length Please include a phone number where you can be reached Send letters to: The Editor, #201A–3430 Brighton Ave , Burnaby, B C , V5A 3H4, email to: editorial@burnabynow com (no attachments please) or fax to: 604-444-3460 Letters to the editor and opinion columns may be reproduced on the Burnaby NOW website, www burnabynow com

EmergingBurnabymusicianputsherlifeintosong

AbhinayaNatesh anatesh@burnabynow com

April Liang remembers a time when she was eight sitting on her bed, letting her creative juices flow, writing everything she felt on a little notepad

On this particular day, between the first and the last jottings in her book, her words became lyrics, and a musician emerged.

“It didn’t even feel like writing a song,” Liang said “It just felt more like a creative outlet to let out everything I’m feeling which I think is great because music has definitely saved my life ”

That was the humble beginning of the Burnaby-based songwriter’s musical trajectory

Liang, 20, is an up-andcoming artist who has written, sung, recorded and released five original singles, all created with help from her friends-turned-producers

YOUNGER YEARS

Liang was about five when she first started playing piano, but she would soon realize that the Beethoven-inspired life was not meant for her In the next three years, still drawn to music, she started playing guitar, which would change the narrative of her life. She played with numerous

bands and perfomed at concerts. In Grade 11, as part of the ACE-IT program at Burnaby North Secondary, she took a course in which she learned the basics of producing music

When COVID-19 cut her off from much of the outside world, Liang devoted herself to learning more about the vast world of music production She began dusting off some of her old lyrics and revived them with her newly learned skills

A year later, in 2021, Liang released her debut single, Miles, which she remembers started off as an acoustic ballad that she wrote on a plane when she was just 16

She dropped her fifth and final song, Never Mine, in December to close out the year 2022, and she hopes for a brighter 2023 as she works on releasing her EP in the new year

EMERGING CAREER

Like many aspiring artists, Liang went to post-secondary school for music training

However, those classes didn’t pan out, she said, because they were more technical than what she was looking for.

Sticking to her dream of pursuing a career in music, she dropped out of

university

She started working as a sound technician in two local music stores, where she learned the techniques of music production hands-on supplemented with lessons from YouTube

A self-described “dramatic” person, Liang would run to her diary any time she faced a hurdle in life whether it was a painful breakup or a nearby store running out of her favourite chocolate bar

Over time, her diary outpourings would morph

into melody, though sometimes, the melody can find her first, she said.

“I remember this one time, I was super mad about something. And I had this electric guitar I was so upset, I just started shredding on it and I broke a string

“But I [thought] that it would make such a cool melody or chord progression or intro, so I wanted to try to rerecord that I think feelings don’t have to come in lyrics. It could come in the actual sound of the music ”

Speaking of how song-

writing has helped her channel her emotions, she said, “I love that it gets me through hardships because I feel like there’s so many songs out there in the world, and it’s easy to find one that represents exactly how you’re feeling if you listen to a lot of music But if I can, I always just write one myself ”

“I think it’s great because it makes you feel less alone, and it’s like punching a wall but making art instead.”

PERSONAL LIFE

While she said her

guard comes down for her nearest and dearest, Liang described herself as a closed book her story largely remaining a mystery to those not in her inner circle

“Music is a cool way for people to get to know me,” she said

AUTHENTICITY

Baring one’s soul in song can be extremely unnerving, she said

“It’s definitely scary and uncomfortable at first because I’m exposing myself to all these people that either know nothing about me or know me to this extent Are they going to judge me or whatever?

“But it’s definitely a good feeling Because when you put it out, other people resonate with it. I don’t like being vulnerable in front of other people, but music is different.

“I’ve never really been afraid to express myself through music, and I think that’s part of why I love it

“Once [your music] is out there, it’s not really yours anymore People can do whatever they want with it they can relate your songs to their own personal experiences, which is cool And once I put something out there, it’s kind of like me letting out a balloon into the sky”

Singer-songwriter:Burnaby’sAprilLiangisslatedtoreleaseanewEP PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

AbhinayaNatesh anatesh@burnabynow.com

If you’re looking to add some jazz to your evening or weekend, look no further than Burnaby’s very own jazz festival at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts

After a restrictive two years due to COVID, the event is back in person with full-capacity audiences and a dynamite lineup.

Renowned jazz artists

from around the world and across Canada will come together in February for Jazz @The Bolt, a oneof-a-kind weekend music festival Organized by impresario CoryWeeds, the festival will feature a strong lineup, including some of Canada’s finest musicians, alongside revered performers from NewYork Jazz @The Bolt will have two full days of jazz performances, with more than 25 groups and soloists coming together dur-

ing the day and into the evenings on Feb 4 and 5

The two-day indoor event can be experienced under one roof, and audiences can roam from one room to another to enjoy a little bit of everything or stay in one room and enjoy a full set

“We’re thrilled to bring Jazz @The Bolt back to the Shadbolt, live and in person again this year,” saidWeeds in a press release “This year’s programming features a var-

ied and extraordinarily talented roster that includes a broad diversity of new, established and veteran artists ”

Jesse Davis, alto saxophonist from NewYork (now calling Italy home) will be headlining on Saturday, Feb 4, alongside the SpikeWilnerTrio from NewYork, and singer Lezlie Harrison and group, also from NewYork

Aside from international artists on the festival roster, it will also see some

local talent from Lower Mainland stages

In a special performance this year, Vancouver Jazz Orchestra will join New York City tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, who was born and raised inVancouver

MikiYamanaka, one of NewYork City’s most indemand jazz pianists, will perform on Sunday, Feb 5, alongside saxophonist MarkTurner.

For those seeking to explore one-of-a-kind perfor-

mances, there is the Generations Quartet, featuring father-daughter combo of tenor saxophonist Kirk MacDonald and clarinetistVirginia MacDonald, as well as the Indo-Jazz Fusion project, Raagaverse, led by Shruti Ramani

For more information about the festival and the schedule, visit tinyurl com/ JazzBolt2023

Tickets can be purchased from tickets shad boltcentre com or by calling 604-205-3000

WEEKEND

FRIDAY, JAN. 13

HOUSE PARTY FRIDAYS

Round up your friends and head to the Rec Room at

CLASSIC ROCK FRIDAYS AT THE ADMIRAL PUB

Catch Vancouver’s classic rock band Johnny & the Walkers as they perform in Burnaby for the first time at the Admiral Pub & Grill on Friday The doors open at 8:30 p m , and the cover charge for the event is $6

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 13 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p m

WHERE: The Admiral Pub & Grill (4125 Hastings St )

COST: $6 cover charge

SATURDAY, JAN. 14

SFU BASKETBALL

Can the Simon Fraser University women’s basketball team triumph over their Saint Martin’s University rivals?

Watch as the teams go head to head this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the West Gym on the SFU Campus.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan 14 at 7 p m

WHERE: West Gym on SFU Campus (8888 University Dr W )

COST: $13 adults, $12 seniors aged 65 and up, free for youth aged eight and younger Tickets via eventbrite ca (search for SFU Women’s Basketball)

JANUARY 2023 DANCE

It’s time to get out your best dancing shoes. BC Swing Dance Club is organizing its first event of 2023 with a four-hour social dance session

The best part? The weekly free beginner’s lesson is back for you to take a shot at swing dancing if you’ve always wanted to try it out Keep in mind masks are still required for the event

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 14, from 7 to 8 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p m

WHERE: Confederation Centre (4585 Albert St )

Don’t miss these weekend events & activities!

Find more events online: burnabynow.com/local-events

Please send your information for inclusion to editorial@burnabynow.com

Entry is free; doors open at 10 p m

WHEN: Friday, Jan 13 from 10 p m to midnight

DJ Raediamendz and an exciting rotation of guests will bring you the best throwback, hip hop, R&B and Reggaeton tunes

WHERE: The Rec Room Brentwood (1920 Willingdon Ave , unit 21-06)

COST: Free admission

HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

2023

Winter is synonymous with hot chocolate, and there is no place better to find some than right here

Greater Vancouver’s month-long Hot Chocolate Festival is back this weekend with some to-die-for hot chocolate spots (95, to be exact) in Metro Vancouver Unsurprisingly, Burnaby is home to a few of the best hot chocolate creations in the Greater Vancouver area.

Cozy up to some hot chocolate from your favourite spots in Burnaby including The Pie Hole (hot chocolate paired with the melt-in-your-mouth pies? Take our money!) and Mon Paris Patisserie (film-inspired hot chocolate creations)

WHEN: Saturday, Jan 14 to Feb 14

WHERE: Various locations Check the virtual map at hotchocolatefest.com for Burnaby spots.

COST: Hot chocolate prices vary

SUNDAY, JAN. 15

DRAG BRUNCH SUNDAY

Looking to explore your local neighbourhood for your Sunday brunch fixes? While there are plenty of brunch spots in Burnaby, head to a one-of-a-kind brunch with some of B.C.’s best drag performers at the Rec Room at Brentwood this Sunday

Admission is $40, which will include buffet-style brunch, mimosas and exciting drag performances.

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 15; early show starts at 11 a m - doors open at 10:30 a m ; afternoon show starts at 1:30 p m with doors opening at 1 p m

WHERE: The Rec Room Brentwood (1920 Willingdon Ave , unit 21-06)

COST: Free beginner’s lesson For details, check out @BCSwingDanceClub on Facebook

COST: $40 includes buffet-style brunch and mimosa Tickets are sold by the table (seating two); buy at eventbrite.com (search for The Rec Room Drag Brunch)

Brentwood on Friday for a House Party with DJ Raediamendz

Compiled by Abhinaya Natesh

AbhinayaNatesh anatesh@burnabynow com

Lay yourself down on the grassy hill and look up at the blue sky.The sky is your canvas,draw anything with the white clouds

This is whatTamami Maitland has to say for everyone needing a dose of positivity in life

These are also the lyrics to her original song, Sky Canvas, which she wrote during a period of sadness followed by a moment of healing

The Burnaby-based jazz artist and songwriter remembers the moment inspiration struck for those lyrics She was reeling from the loss of a friend, she said As she sat staring ahead of her at nothing in particular, she became aware of the reflection of white clouds on a nearby

glass table.

The white clouds rolled in, giving her company on a lonely day and prompting her to breathe calmly and slowly Looking back, she credits those clouds with inspiring her and rescuing her from an abyss of grief

Sky Canvas was written as a response to finding light on a dark day Maitland encourages others dealing with their own struggles to do the same She holds to a maxim: “Tomorrow will be a better day.”

Maitland was born in Osaka, Japan Until 2011, her horizons didn’t extend beyond the borders of her homeland Shortly after the massive earthquake that rocked eastern Japan in March 2011, she found a home across the ocean, in Burnaby.

She was very young when she discovered her love for words, she said By the age of eight, she had become a poet

Over time, words started to sing to her She became a singer-songwriter, and hasn’t looked back

Her early musical days included writing songs with Japanese lyrics She later fell in love with jazz,

which prompted her to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, and, closer to home, Capilano University for an extensive jazz education

Maitland said the “complex chord progressions” in jazz first attracted her to the genre “Then the harmony has more depth. Plus the ability of improvisation gives you more free-

dom than classical music,” she said

After a decade of making Canada her home, she started writing in English, drawing inspiration from nature and people around her. Often, her songs are related to the seasons and love

As an introvert, she explains, she is able to use music to form connections with people And she hopes to spread positivity through her words and music especially to people going through difficulties in life

“It’s very soothing,” she said “When people are feeling sad, have bad health or something doesn’t go well, then just play music and feel better.”

She has a couple of concerts lined up in January and February inVancou-

ver before she embarks on a musical tour back to her hometown in Japan in March (See tamamimait land.com for dates and details )

Although she has visited Japan in the past to see friends and family, this is her first musical tour there

“It is exciting and scary at the same time,” she said.

Maitland is thrilled to be performing in Japan for the first time – and has been inspired to write more Japanese lyrics

In 2022, she performed at five music festivals in Lower Mainland She has released 21 singles so far and an album.

“Without music, I will probably be very lonely,” she said “That music is giving me the chance to meet new people, opening so many doors to connect with people.”

Positivenotes:Burnaby-basedjazzsinger-songwriterTamami Maitland PHOTO LAURA-LEE

SFU releases five-year strategic research plan

JessBalzer jfedigan@burnabynow com

SFU has revealed its new five-year strategic plan, which it says identifies key areas of strength and focus for the future.

The university says the new strategic research plan coincides with SFU: What’s Next, a separate consultation to develop SFU’s new strategic plan

“I am very proud that SFU is a research-intensive university,” SFU president Joy Johnson said in a news release

“Throughout our SFU: What’s Next? consultation, our community expressed that research is a critical part of the impact we make on the world The new strategic research plan will build on our strengths to support researchers at the university and beyond, and make it easier for them to do their work.”

Five priority areas were pinpointed in the new

strategic research plan, including: advancing communitycentered climate innovation; supporting the health and wellness of individuals, populations and communities; expanding the foundations of knowledge and understanding our origins strengthening democracy, justice, equity and education; and transforming industry and economies through technology, management and policy

The strategic research plan is also accompanied by an implementation plan for the first time, identifying specific actions to support the priority areas.

“This new plan positions SFU to build on its exceptional research enterprise a portfolio that encompasses fundamental research, innovation and entrepreneurship, knowledge mobilization, sustainability, international partnerships and much more,” said Dugan O’Neil, SFU’s vice-president of research and international

Research-intensive:SimonFraserUniversityBurnabycampus PHOTO SIMONFRASERUNIVERSITY/TWITTER

BCIT parking rate hikes

JessBalzer jfedigan@burnabynow com

A petition calling on the British Columbia Institute ofTechnology (BCIT) to pump the brakes on parking fee increases is gaining momentum

The local post-secondary school recently revealed daily parking rates across three of its campuses would go up on Feb 1

The new rate for Burnaby’s location is set for $9.25 per day up 68 per cent from the current rate of $5 50

It will cost an extra dollar to park at the marine campus at $6 50, while the daily weekday rate at the downtown campus will cost $20 25 instead of $12 75

A Change org petition started by Michelle McDonald is calling on the institution to cancel the scheduled price increases, asking for support in education over inflation

“At first glance one may assume that this increase is a deterrent for students to drive to campus and instead take more sustainable options such as transit or cycling,” the petition reads

“Unfortunately, many students are in circumstances where taking transit or cycling to campus is not possible.This could be due to living far from campus (often associated with rent costs or financial situation) or mobility issues

“BCIT is notorious for programs with demanding

course loads (“usually six to eight rigorous courses per semester” BCIT website:What to Expect), making working outside of your class and homework hours challenging Pairing that with inflation and the high living costs in the Lower Mainland, any additional financial strain jeopardizes the

completion of an individual’s education ”

As of press deadline, the petition had surpassed 1,700 signatures

BCIT said in an emailed statement to the NOW that prices haven’t changed for more than eight years and the rate increases would bring the school “more in line with

parking rates at similar institutions ”

However, a spokesperson said the school is offering other “flexible solutions ”

“We understand some students are feeling cost pressures related to inflation and rising cost-of-living, which is why we are offering a number of flex-

ible solutions to allow students discounted parking rates,” the statement added

“This includes the opening of a daily student economy lot that maintains the current daily rate, a cost-savings for buying monthly vs daily, and the opportunity to purchase a monthly pass at the current rates until Jan. 31.”

BCIT also said students will be able to buy a fourmonth pass at the current rate any time before Jan 31, which would allow them to keep the existing daily rate of $5.50 until May 2023

“We will continue to monitor parking on our campuses closely to ensure we deliver the best solutions for staff, students and visitors.”

Burnabyhousingpricesaredropping—unlikeinterestrates Citynow

JessBalzer jfedigan@burnabynow com

As mortgage rates continue to increase, housing prices in Burnaby continue to trend downward

The Real Estate Board of GreaterVancouver’s (REBGV) December re-

port said 28,903 homes were sold last year across the region, which marks a 34.3 per cent decrease from 2021, when there were 43,999 recorded sales.

Last year’s numbers were also 13 4 per cent below the 10-year sales av-

erage

Locally, a residential property in Burnaby East last month recorded a benchmark price of $1,082,300 (down 2 3 per cent compared to November 2022), $965,300 in Burnaby North (down 1 7 per cent) and $1,057,400

in Burnaby South (up 0 2 per cent)

Single-family detached hit a benchmark price of $1,675,400 in Burnaby East (down 5 1 per cent), $1,889,600 in Burnaby North (down 1 7 per cent) and $2,038,900 in Burnaby South (up 0 5 per

cent)

Townhouse prices also dropped in two of the three REBGV Burnaby areas with Burnaby East at $854,000 (down 0 3 per cent) and Burnaby North at $860,800 (down 0 1 per cent ) Burnaby South was at $948,300 (up 0 4 per

Construction is underway in your area.

cent)

“The headline story in our market in 2022 was all about inflation and the Bank of Canada’s efforts to bring inflation back to target by rapidly raising the policy rate,” said Andrew Lis, REBGV director of economics and data

As construction of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project progresses, we want you to be informed about potential activity in your neighbourhood so you can plan accordingly. On our website, you can view an interactive map of construction areas, sign up for notifications, track what’s happening along the route and much more

As always, safety is our number one priority, every metre of the way

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow com

A Burnaby condo owner will have to fix water damage inside his suite himself, but his strata has been ordered to repair the building’s exterior walls to stop them from leaking into his unit.

Yu Hin Fung co-owns a condo in Sapphire Manor at 9633 Manchester Dr. in the Lougheed neighbourhood

He applied to the province’s Civil ResolutionTribunal in July for an order forcing the strata to fix the 1993 building’s exterior walls and to pay for damage he says exterior wall leaks have done to the inside of his suite, according to a tribunal ruling last month

Fung told the tribunal he had started noticing water leaking from his unit’s walls and windows three years ago but the strata has failed to properly address his repeated complaints

He said he had told the strata management company there was condensation on “almost all windows,” one wall became saturated with water when it rained, a baseboard heater was rusted from water coming through the wall, exterior wall leaks had damaged a paint job and there was water damage to some of his drywall

After Fung launched his CRT case, the strata hired a contractor to repair the stucco on the outside of the building

In an August report,

that contractor said several holes had been found “apparently opened up by woodpeckers,” but it was unclear whether the company repaired the holes, according to the CRT ruling

Fung hired a building inspector to take a look at the building after the stucco repairs, and the inspector noted active leaks in the south-facing exterior wall in Fung’s livingroom, primary bedroom and pri-

mary bathroom, according to the ruling.

The inspector also noted the building’s exterior cladding was “nearing the end of its service life” and the exterior had “significant water damage, holes, sealant failure and damaged deck membranes,” the CRT ruling said

The inspector recommended the strata hire a building envelope engineer and qualified contractor for further investigation and repairs

The strata didn’t deny the building exterior needs “extensive repairs” but told the tribunal it has “multiple other issues at play and must prioritize and make choices as finances are available,” according to the ruling

But tribunal mem-

ber Nav Shukla ruled the strata hadn’t provided convincing evidence there was other, more important work the strata had to prioritize over the building’s exterior wall repairs

“Based on the evidence before me, I find the strata has not properly maintained and repaired the exterior walls as it is required to,” Shukla said.

He gave the strata eight months to have the walls inspected and repaired so they would stop leaking into Fung’s unit, but he dismissed Fung’s claim for repairs to the inside of his condo

Shukla ruled Fung had failed to provide convincing evidence to prove which parts of his suite had been damaged by the exterior wall leaks.

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Sportsnow

SFU men’s, women’s basketball seasons taking different paths

Men

JessBalzer jbalzer@burnabynow com

Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) basketball teams appear to be on different paths in their respective 2022-23 campaigns

The women have won three out of their past five games, including a 66-57 victory on Saturday (Jan 7) over CentralWashing-

ton nationally ranked 24th in NCAA Div II play.

JessicaWisotzki, Sophia Wisotzki, Gemma Cutler and Emma Kramer combined for 53 points that night

The Red Leafs hold a 5-4 regular-season record and 3-2 in conference play, which includes an undefeated road stint of 4-0.

Wisotzki has been a major contributor to SFU’s successes this season.

Her 23 1 points-pergame average (PPG) is second overall in NCAA Div II, only trailing Abby Spurgin of Hawaii Pacific (25 1 PPG)

Meanwhile, SFU’s men’s basketball squad have lost four in a row

In their most recent match, the Red Leafs dropped a 73-52 decision to Montana State Billings on Saturday.

As of this deadline (Jan

11), they hold a record of 5-10, but each win as been at home or against a non-Great Northwest Athletic Conference opponent.

The women will face Western Oregon in their next game onThursday (Jan. 12) at 7 p.m. at home

The men will head north for a two-game road trip through Alaska, playing Fairbanks onThursday and Anchorage on Saturday both with 8:30 p m tip-offs

BurnabyFChires MorganQuarryas executivedirector

JessBalzer jbalzer@burnabynow com

Former Canadian men’s national soccer team general manager Morgan Quarry will take the helm of the newly formed club, according to a news release today (Jan 10)

“After meeting with Mario Montagliani and GuidoTitotto and several other key people, I knew right away this was something I wanted to be part of,” Quarry said

“My passion and love for soccer and my strong belief in the ability of sport to bring communities together aligns perfectly with the vision of this club With good intentions and good people sharing the belief of the value in building relationships and community, we will achieve our ambition of being ‘best in class ’”

According to Canada Soccer, Quarry spent 19 years as the GM of the Canadian men’s national and Olympic teams from 2000 to 2018.

He also served as Canada Soccer’s director of communications from 2000 to 2004

He has also been a part of Canada’s staff at 10 CONCACAF Gold Cups from 2000 to 2017, one FIFA confederations cup

Newarrival:MorganQuarry hasbeenhiredastheexecutive directorofBurnabyFC PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED

(2001) and five cycles of FIFAWorld Cup qualifiers from 2000 to 2016

After leaving Canada Soccer in 2018, Quarry has been the general manager and technical director of Bowen Island FC

“Morgan brings with him a very well-rounded experience level in the game, along with a broad range of leadership skillsets which are truly unmatched in our British Columbia soccer scene,” explained Burnaby FC presidentTitotto.

Last month, it was announced Burnaby soccer clubs Mountain United FC, Cliff Avenue United FC,Wesburn Football Club, Burnaby Girls Soccer and Burnaby District MetroTeams would be merging into one franchise.

have lost four of their last five while women have won three

Inplay:SFURedLeafs’GemmaCutler(left)andGeorgesLefebvre. PHOTO JENNIFERGAUTHIER

Debtor RO: SAMPSON NORMAN Amount owed: $15,567 32 2) 2018 SUBARU IMPREZZA VIN# 4S3GKAU65J3618461

Debtor RO: ATTACHIE CODY Amount owed: $14,620 50

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DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED CREMATED REMAINS

Pursuant to Section 8 of the Brit sh Co umbia Cremat on, Interment and Funera Serv ces Act Regulations, and upon the cutoff of 12 pm on March 15, 2023, the fol owing unclaimed cremated rema ns w ll be interred on or about March 16 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (A division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC), 3789 Roya Oak Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V5G 3M1

The unclaimed Cremated Remains of: William Arthur Henderson, Date of Cremation: May 02, 2019, are current y in the care of Forest Lawn Funeral Home (A d vision of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC), 3789 Roya Oak Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V5G 3M1

If you are the Executor or person w th a r ght to control the d sposition of the cremated remains of the above-named deceased per Section 5 of the Cremat on, Interment and Funeral Services Act, please cal Forest Lawn Funera Home at 604-299-7720 to arrange fina disposit on or to c aim the cremated rema ns

ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION NOTICE

TAKE NOTICE THAT Cedar Island Forest Products Ltd of 320 EwenAvenue New Westminster, BC, V3M 5B1 applies to the Metro Vancouver Regional District (“Metro Vancouver”) pursuant to the Greater Vancouver Regional DistrictAir Quality Management Bylaw 1082, 2008 for a Permit

1 The purpose of this application is to request authorization to discharge air contaminants from a lumber remanufacturing facility located at 320 Ewen Avenue, New Westminster, BC, V3M 5B1

Cedar Island Forest Products, Limited (“CIFP”) is a remanufacturing facility that provides cut lumber and produces fence panels Debarked, pre-cut lumber arrives at the site for re-manufacturing with no kiln drying at the facility CIFPhas been in operation at the site since 1994 The facility in New Westminster has 2 active product cyclones which both collect sawdust for resale Both cyclones exhaust particulate emissions to ambient air

The purpose of this application is to request authorization to discharge air contaminants from:

• 2 process cyclones (ES01 and ES02) controlling wood dust from various saws and planers

• 2 fugitive operations (ES03 – bunker unloading) and plant-wide fugitive emissions (ES04)

Website for more information: http://cedarislandforestproductsltd com/

2 The legal description of the land or premises where the plant, operation or source and treatment works are or will be located is Lot 2, Plan NWP59350, District Lot 757, Group 1, New Westminster Land District

3 Asummary of emission characteristics for the entire facility is as follows:

a Combustion processes: N/A

b Maximum Opacity: 20 Percent;

c Maximum total number of sources: 4

d Maximum duration of discharge of air contaminants: 4,680 hours/year

e Authorization term requested: 10 years

4 The mass of material to be discharged, emitted or stored (per specific time period) is as follows: Total Emissions fromAll