The Chilliwack
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It’s been cold, wet and grey, so brighten up
City to discourage false alarms
A conversation with Paula DeWitt-Krause
120 YEARS YOUR COMMUNITY
NEWSPAPER
1891-2011
Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R • F O U N D E D I N 1 8 9 1 • W W W. T H E P R O G R E S S . C O M • F R I D AY, A P R I L 8 , 2 0 1 1
Federal election candidates grilled by Rotarians Robert Freeman The Progress Candidates running in the federal election for the mainstream political parties in Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon weren’t cut any slack in their first all-candidates meeting hosted by the Wednesday Rotary Club. Only the candidate for the fringe Western Block Party was spared the hard questions. Conservative candidate Mark Strahl was asked about his “tainted” nomination and his apparent lack of “real world” business experience. Liberal candidate Diane Janzen was asked how she could be “truly a Liberal” with her Christian faith and her small-c conservatism. New Democratic candidate Gwen O’Mahony was asked about her party’s opposition to the purchase of fighter jets when Canadians are sending their sons and daughters “into harm’s way” overseas. Western Block candidate Clive Edwards had a clear run at the meeting to present his separatist views. Two remaining candidates, Jamie Hoskins for the Green Party and Dorothy-Jean O’Donnell for the Marxist-Leninist Party, did not respond to invitations to attend the all-candidates’ meeting. About his nomination, Strahl pointed out that he was the only candidate at the Rotary meeting who had actually been chosen by voting party members. “I’m the only candidate at the table that went through a nomination process,” he said. Continued: QUESTIONS/ p8
Liberal candidate Diane Janzen speaks during the all-candidates meeting at Wednesday’s Rotary lunch at the Best Western. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS
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About 300 Bruins’ fans rally outside Prospera Centre on Wednesday evening. For video from the rally, go to www.theprogress.com. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS
Fans rally to keep Bruins in Chilliwack Eric Welsh The Progress Approximately 300 Chilliwack Bruins’ fans gathered in front of Prospera Centre Wednesday night in a last-gasp effort to save their Western Hockey League team. Though a sale and relocation to Victoria appears to be a done deal, former Chilliwack mayor Clint Hames was one of several speakers who seemed resolute in their belief that a last-minute solution can be found. He exhorted the crowd to send respectfully-worded emails and letters to the WHL, CHL and anyone else who might be able to make a difference.
“Five years ago, we worked really hard to get the Bruins here and we did so because we knew this is a town that loves its hockey,” he said. “I know the league did vote to support the sale of the team, but they haven’t yet made, I don’t believe, a decision on whether to allow the team to move. So it’s really, really important that this community gets up, stands behind the team and lets the league know that we want a team in this community.” Several people came to the rally with signs, most featuring the same ‘Stay Bruins Stay’ theme. One sign highlighted the anger many people feel towards the outgoing ownership, and particularly local managing
partner Darryl Porter, reading ‘Go Porter Go.’ Local band Pardon My Striptease wrote an intro song for the Bruins earlier this year, and lead vocalist Andrew Putt grabbed the mic at the rally. “We got to play at their home opener once, and Dylan (Weightman, drummer) got to drop the puck at another game, so the Bruins have been good to us,” he said. “It would be really sad if they did go. We wrote that song for them and for you and we want the team here in Chilliwack. So, stay Bruins stay!” The final speakers were a pair of gorillas who hang out near the visitor’s bench during games.
They didn’t have much to say, but their frenetic chest-pounding said more than any words ever could. Support continues to roll in on the ‘Keep the Bruins in Chilliwack’ Facebook page, including words from former and current players. “I will miss playing in Chilliwack and the fans and city have done a great job making me who I am today,” said Ryan Howse, the team’s all-time goal scoring leader. “I would much rather drive back to Chilliwack to watch the boys and be around the fans than Victoria. Good luck. Hope everything works out for all the fans.”