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Cultus Lake cliff-jumping proves fatal for Abby man Robert Freeman The Progress The death of a 26-year-old Abbotsford man cliff-jumping into Cultus Lake Saturday isn’t the first such tragedy at the popular recreation site. But it would be hard for officials to police the activity, in any event. Sacha Peter, chair of the Cultus Lake park board, said it’s his understanding the tragedy took place near Lindell Beach, which is the jurisdiction of the Fraser Valley Regional District. But FVRD area director David Lamson said he believes the area called Needle Point is Crown land, which would be under the jurisdiction of the province. Police investigators were not available Monday to comment on jurisdiction. Peter agreed it would be difficult to stop people jumping from the cliff into the lake, but he agreed warning signs might at least give cliff-jumpers second thoughts. “You have to hit the water perfectly vertical,” he said, to avoid serious injury, because hitting the water from a height is “like hitting concrete.” Police said the young man was with three friends who were videotaping their plan to jump into the lake from the cliff. “The first male climbed to approximately 80 feet on the cliff and was videotaped entering the water in an awkward position,” Const. Tracy Wolbeck said. “The man was seen descending into deeper water, and did not resurface,” she said. One of the friends called 911 at about 4:20 p.m. to report the incident. An RCMP dive team, assisted by Chilliwack search and rescue volunteers, recovered the man’s body at about 7:30 p.m. Wolbeck said there was no indication that alcohol was a factor in the accident. The victim’s name is not being released, pending notification of the family. Investigations by the RCMP and the B.C. Coroners’ Office continue. rfreeman@theprogress.com
Wayne Massey (centre) joins a group of board members, volunteers and clients with Ruth and Naomi's Mission to celebrate the start of construction to replace facility Monday morning. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS
Construction starts for new mission Jennifer Feinberg The Progress Construction of the new Ruth & Naomi’s Mission building on Fletcher Avenue is finally underway. “We’re really excited,” said Mission founder Ted Stoker. “It’s been a long three years.” When he and his wife Ann launched their faith-based street ministry in Chilliwack 16 years ago, a facility to feed and shelter the homeless was always part of the long-term vision, Stoker said. “This is huge for us,” he added.
The building permit was issued last week, and Monday morning saw the dedication ceremony and blessing at the building site. “We’re starting this whole thing off right,” said Wayne Massey, chair of the Ruth & Naomi’s board of directors. Construction of the new 8,000-square-foot building, with its tilt-up design, will take eight months to a year. Plans and a building design have been ready to go for a few years. But the former dry cleaners’ site had to be environmentally remediated and a certificate of compliance issued
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before they could start building. “We’ve also arranged it so that our guests will be registered into addiction and mental health programs through the new Chilliwack Health Contact Centre, so there will be no duplication of services,” he said. “We’re working to bridge the two entities.” The approximate cost of the new Ruth & Naomi’s facility will be $1 million and the two-storey building will contain a commercial-grade kitchen, a dining hall for 150, as well as housing for 30 people.
The organization feeds about 100 to 150 people every day, and they plan to have the capacity to shelter at least 40 people in an emergency situation. The timing of the building dedication was perfect on Monday, said Massey.It gives them the chance to remind everyone that Saturday, April 16, is the date of the annual Ruth & Naomi’s Mission Spring Fundraiser, at 6 p.m. at Chilliwack Alliance Church. “This event will be focused on raising the operating expenses so we can continue to feed, shelter and clothe those most in need in our community.”
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