Vinca’sKitchen,Soups andStews with Chef Bruno Presenter:Chef Bruno Tuesday, Apr15,6:00 -9:00pm
VanDusenGardens: PiratesandAstronautsGuided Tour Presenter: VanDusenGardenGuides Wed,May14,10:00 -2:00, Bustransportationprovided.
Ladner familymakes a$1MdonationtoDHCHF
IAN JACQUE S
ijacque s@ delta-optimis t. co m
Bob Binkleyand ShirleyCookhavemadea generouscommitment of$1milliontowardscriticalcare needsatDelta Hospital.
Thisgiftisdesignatedtowardshighpriorityprojects and equipmentforthe Delta HospitalCampusof Care andincludes$250,000 beingallocatedtothe new Beedie Long Term Care Centre.
Boband Shirleybeensupportingthe DeltaHospital and CommunityHealth Foundation since2003. Their supporthas gone towardsdiverse needsthroughout the hospital campusincluding, ER,Diagnostic Services and Surgical Services.
“Weare so thankful to Boband Shirleyand their longhistory ofhelpingfund priorityneedsatthe DeltaHospital CampusofCare,”saysLisaHoglund, executivedirectoroftheDHCHF. “Support like this, makesanincredibledifference to serviceson site and patientcare.”
Reflectingontheircommitment, BobBinkley shared,“We have lived anddone businessinthis communityfor45 years. Givingbacktoourhospitalseemslikethe rightthingtodo. Havingthe best equipmentand services nearbyisver yreassuring to ourfamily. Delta Hospital hasprovidedcaretous severaltimes overthe years, and we want to ensure that themedical staff have what theyneedtohelp our neighbours,familyand friends well intothe future.”
BobBinkleyand ShirleyCookhave made agenerouscommitmentof
Fillinthegridsothat everyrow,every columnand every3 x3box contains thenumbers 1through 9onlyonce Each 3x3box isoutlinedwith a darkerline. Youalreadyhave a fewnumbers to get youstarted. Remember:youmustnot repeat the numbers 1through 9inthesameline, columnor 3x3 box.
UPFRONT
GotNews?
City of Deltalists questionson FortisBCLNG expansion
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
Will FortisBC’s proposed secondphase of a Tilbur y LNG plant expansion require additional power lines running through Delta? How will noise be mitigated forthe local animalshelter?
Those questions remain to be answered as the City of Delta has submitted several questions andconcerns regarding the application to the BC Environmental Assessment Office (E AO) as theproject is currently in the Application Review phase. The phase involves a 45-day public comment period, which wraps up March 3,2025, to collectfeedback on the application fromthe public.
A virtual information session was heldon Jan. 21 andan in-person public openhouse tookplace two dayslater at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn.
The City of Delta is also participating as a
memberof the Technical Advisor y Committee for theproject.
Among the issuesthe city has raised concerns is power, as staff have requested more information on where the additional power is coming from to power the expanded facility,and if theoff-site impactsof additional power infrastructure were assessed, a staff report notes
“Do you have confirmation with BC Hydro that they can supply enoughelectricity to meetthe additional capacity needed for the compression/refrigeration process forthe proposed expansion?
Appendix Pof the application states this will requirea230-kilovolt power line connecting the Tilbury LNG facility and BC Hydro’sArnott Substation. What is the status of this project and has it been includedin this EA?” Delta’s submission to the BC EAOasks.
Among theother
The TilburyPhase2LNGExpansionProject includesanewLNGstoragetankwitha working volumeof142,400cubicmetres,newliquefaction facilitieswith capacityofupto 7,700tonnes per day ofLNGproduction,naturalgas receiving facilitiesandsupportinginfrastructure.
questions raised is traffic during theconstruction phase, as FortisBC has decided not to use bargesand tugs to deliver modularcomponentsor bulkconstruction materialsdue to concerns about fish species.
Construction materials, equipment andother deliveries to theproj-
ect site will instead be brought by roadfreight onexisting roadsand highways.
While it willhelpprotect wildlife and fisheries values in theestuary, it has implications fortraffic on Delta’s roads, traffic flow,and public safety, the report notes, adding that to address thecon-
cerns, Delta requeststhat FortisBC provide a construction andtraffic management study for Delta’s review and approval prior to the commencement ofconstruction.
Meanwhile, the air quality neartheproject site is expected to decline as a resultofconstruction andoperation of theproject, possibly exceeding Canadianand regional airquality standards, the report notes. Mitigation measures to reduce emissionof air pollutants to withinair quality standards will be proposed later.
Among theother issues Delta wants to see what mitigation will be in place is the noise impacts onthenearby Delta Community Animal Shelter.
“Changes in noise may affectdogsmore significantly sincethey have more sensitive hearing than humans. Was acousticnoise modeling only focused on humans, ordogs/animalsas well?
Constructionnoise is expected to be reduced withthe mitigation measures in the CEMP ; can mitigation reduce noise during operations too? Delta requests to be involved in the review of noise mitigation plans going for ward,” Delta’s submission to the BC EAO asks
Staff have also asked FortisBC to providefire flow demands to confirm whetherthe city’s water distribution system can support the facility expansion andprovide watermain upgrades where required.
The application is undergoinga coordinated federalandprovincialassessment called “substitution” where theprovincialprocess is substituted for the federalprocess, while ensuring additionalfederal requirementsare addressed. Boththefederalandprovincial governments make separate decisions at the endof that process.
DELTA OPTIMIST FILE
Winter weathermeans motorists have tobeprepared
PHILMELNYCHUK
pmeln yc huk @d elta-optimis t. co m
If you’re anincurable optimist and don’t believe the West Coast gets winter, anddon’t want to winterize your car, that’s fine
Just don’t be onthe roadif winter doesdecide to make a guest appearance.
Preparedness, or lack thereof, is a big problem, says Delta police A/Insp. James Sandberg,public affairs manager forthedepartment.
“Forwhatever reason, our region generally is lacking inpreparedness for whenthat weatherdoeshit,” he said.
Usually,there’s at leastone snowfall a yearandif people are notprepared, “thenwhathappensis chaos.”
“If you’re not going to be prepared for the weather, thendon’tdrive in it. Don’t go out and be theonethat causes that first bottleneck or blockage because you have notraction,” headded.
If you want to save money andnot prepare forthe weather, “thenprepare not to drive when the weatherhits,” Sandberg said.
Winter weather appeared last weekend, but not to theextent inprevious years, bringing varying amountsofice and snow to Delta roads
Sandberg suggested some safety basicsneeded for winterdriving, such as clearingyour car entirely of snow and ice before starting out.
Also ensure your tires have enough tread and there’s at least half a tankof gasoline
“If you’re sitting idle in a traffic blockadeforhours, the last thing youwant to dois run out of gas,” he said.
FREEPILATES OPENHOUSEEVENT
Also, keepanemergency kit with water, food and a blanketin case you get stuck or stopped onthe road.
Asfordriving itself, reduce your speed ordrive according to conditions and increase your following distance and accelerate andbrake gradually.
Keepinmindthat roadsonbridges and overpasses freeze upmore quickly than solid ground.
Motorists can still get ticketed for driving too fast forthe roadconditions, evenifthat’s below the posted speed limit.
Tires are probably themost important part of a safe winterdriving approach.
In most parts of B.C., mainly east of Hope, wintertires withthe snowflake orM+S symbolonthetire’s sidewall are required between Oct. 1 and March 31 or April 30.
But inthe Lower Mainlandor southeastern Vancouver Island, because of the milder climate, “drivers are not required to use wintertires in many areas along thecoast,” saidthe Ministry ofTransportationandTransit’s website.
Butticketscould still be issued ifan accident results, Sandberg added.
The site cautionsmotoriststhat winter tiresare required onmost highways outsidethe Lower Mainlandand southeastern Vancouver Island.
“Many drivers choose to use M+S tires year round,” saidthe website.
Anotherthing to keepinmind is to ensure the lug nutsonwheels are tightened properly 100 kilometresafter having snow tiresinstalled.
“About100kmafter every wheel change, you need to check your lug nuts to make sure they haven’t loosened,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
He saidthat most servicecentres offer a free lug-nuttightening follow-upafter they have changed your wintertires, or motorists can also do so themselvesin less thanfive minutes withthe vehicle’s service manual, a torquewrench and a lug wrench (tire iron).
“Along with checkingyour lug nut tension at least twice a year, BC Highway Patrol recommendsthat you regularly check yourtire wear, tire pressures, and to make sure there are noforeign objects stuck in yourtiresorwheel wells.”
Joinusanytimebetween 5PMand 7PMto discoverhowRadioFrequencyandIntense PulsedLighttreatmentscanprovideeffectiverelief fordryeyedisease. We willalsobeshowcasingother productsforathomesymptommanagement.
ChamberofCommerce, city launchtariffsurvey
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
The Delta Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction withtheCityof Delta, is conductinga survey of Chamber members andlocal businesses to understandthe potential impact of U.S. and Canadiantariffs on businesses inthe city.
According to thecity, thefeedback is valuableinhelping assess theimpacts and identify potential areasof support for local businesses.
U.S. President DonaldTrump had signed ananexecutive orderimposing a 25 per cent tariff on Canadianimports and a 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy, only at the last minute to delay the move for 30 days
“These newtariffscreatesignificant uncertainty. They will raise costs for everyone—individuals, families, and businesses alike. Local Delta businesses across manufacturing, transportation, distribution,and retail will be hit hard. As will other sectors. They will
faceincreased costs, reduced demand, disruptions to supply chains, andthe effects of a weaker Canadian dollar,” the city notes in a statement.
“In these challenging times, itisvital that Delta, andall of Canada, stand united. We recognize that theimpact of these tariffs willextend beyond businesses. Rising prices, job losses, and strainedcross-border relationships willaffect us all. It ismore important than everthat we support each other.
Local businesses are the backbone of our economy,and by choosing to shop Canadianandlocal, Delta residents can play a crucial rolein sustaining our economy and supporting our community,” thecity adds.
The city notesthe business survey will remain open untilend of day Feb. 17
Citycouncil recently endorseda motion calling on the B.C. government to respond to thethreat in several ways includingamending all applicablelegislation to allow municipalities to accept only Canadian businesses inprocurement bids.
y22nd
Metro lettingCentennial Beachvisitors checkparkinginadvance
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimi st .c om
A Metro Vancouver pilot project, that enabled people visiting Centennial Beach in Tsawwassen tocheck the parking situation inadvance, has been successful.
That’s according to a report to the regional Parks Committee on theproject providing real-time parking capacity information to people planning to travel to Boundary Bay Regional Park and Iona Beach Regional Park.
The report notesthe technology achieveda highaccuracy rate of around 95 per cent intracking vehiclesentering andexiting the pilot sites, demonstrating reliable performance, whilethe system’s uptime was consistently high throughoutthepilot, with only one brief downtimeincident caused by calibration adjustments
The system was also effective in providing useful data on peak parking periods, supporting its applicability for providing real-time parking stall availability during peaktimes to park visitors, the report adds.
Effortsare stillunderway to more fully
examineandquantify operationaleffects and publicvisitation benefitsthat the program isproviding, the report notes.
“Overall,the pilot has successfully reached thefinalmilestone. The tech-
We’relikeBotoxfor yourshower!
nology demonstrated robust accuracy andminimaldowntime, while theinsights gained have enhanced the understanding of parking usage trends at the two parks. These outcomes pro-
vide a strong foundationforconsidering future deployment andexpansion. Now that thetrial is complete, systemdesign, infrastructure installation, and operation may be replicated to address parking capacity issues at other locations within the system. Consideration is being given to theexpansion of theprogram to Belcarra and Tynehead regional parks,” the report adds.
A report last year to the committee noted thenew tool was to help people make betterdecisions about when to access the park, what mode of transportation to use andwhether to consider visiting other parks ifthe parking lot is full.
A video camera withanalytical capabilities was installed to detect the number of vehiclesentering andexiting the park, andasthe camera counted vehicles, the system calculated current parking lot capacity,which displayed in an online platform in real-time
Using artificialintelligenceandpredictive analytical tools to provide realtime parking suggestions to the public, the camera was not to use any form of facial recognition or collectany personal information, such aslicence numbers.
City receives fives expressions of interest for possibleLadner Village hotel
The City of Delta has received five Expressionof Interest (EOI) submissionsfor a tourist accommodationin Ladner Village following the first round of the EOI process.
As part ofongoing efforts to revitalize Ladner Village, councildirected staff at the Sept. 23,2024,council meeting to seekproposalsfor a potential hotel along Chisholm Street The submission process closed on Jan.31.
The five proposals will be reviewed and scored by theCity’s Ladner Village Revitalization Staff Task Force based on the experienceand reputationofthe developer, alignment withthe community’s vision,andtheproposed operating modeland valuefor Delta
A shortlist ofproponents willthen be invited toparticipate in Round 2 ofthe EOI process and will have until Aug. 31, 2025, to submit a detailed proposal. The names oftheshortlisted proponents submitting formal proposals will be shared at that time Oncedetailed proposalsare received and evaluated, staff will report back to council with recommendations. Prior to the launch ofthe EOI Process, staff attended pop-up events
throughoutthe summer of 2024, speaking with residents about the potential of a tourismaccommodation inthevillage. Conversations with approximately 400 residents, as wellas 319feedback forms submitted throughletstalk.delta ca, helped shapealist offeatures demonstrating what the communitymost valued in a potential accommodation. Thislist included reflecting the historiccharacterofthevillage, working withlocal suppliers, considering the streetscape, and amenities forlocals, among other elements
Preparation work at the Chisholm Street site is wellunder way, withasbestos removal inprogress and demolition ofthe structuresanticipated to begin this month. Environmental site investigationand remediation work required to obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the Ministr y of Environment is complete andan application to the Ministr y is currently being prepared. FriendsofLadner Village recently submitteda petitioninopposition to theproject. The petitioncontained 460 names.
The Delta Optimist is a member of theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependent organization established to deal with acceptablejournalistic practices andethicalbehaviour If you have concernsabouteditorial content, please contact theeditor at: ijacques@delta-optimist.com or call 604-998-3616 If you are not satisfiedwiththe response and wish to file a formal complaint visit the website atmediacouncil. ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
The last seven monthsprobably feltlike a rollercoaster for Canadians.
Electionsin B.C. and Saskatchewan returned incumbent governments withsmaller mandates,DonaldTrump won the U.S. presidential electionand JustinTrudeau announced his intention to depart as Canada’s primeminister.
Oddly enough, our viewson thecountr y’s financial standing are exactly where they were in August 2024. Only 32 per cent of Canadians rate the economic conditionsin Canadatoday as “ver y good” or “good,” while almost two-thirds(64 per cent) considerthem“bad” or “ver y bad.”
Canadianswho voted for the Conser vative Party in2021 maintain agloomierviewofthe national economy, withonly 23 per cent believing itis “ver y
good” or “good.” The proportions are higheramong those who cast ballotsforthe NewDemocratic Party (30 per cent)orthe Liberal Party (42 per cent).
While Canada appears to be stagnant, households report an improvement. Just over halfof Canadians(52 per cent, up six points) say their own personal finances today are “ver y good” or “good,” while almost half (46 per cent, down five points)deem them to be “bad” or “ver y bad.”
Middle-aged Canadians—a crucialcomponent ofthe Liberal Party’s victoriesof2015,2019and 2021—are particularly anxious. In thisgroup, negative views about the current state ofthe Canadian economy reach 67 per cent, while anunfavourable assessment oftheir personal financial standing is at 51 per cent.
A uniquefeatureof public opinionintheTrump years is the way inwhicha snapshot can move based ontheimmediacy of
thefacts—real or “alternative” coming out ofthe White House. As we await to see how theissue oftariffsdevelops, almost half of Canadians (48 per cent, up 14 points)expect the Canadian economy to declineinthenext six months, while31 per cent (down 12 points)foresee no change and only 15 per cent (unchanged) predictanimprovement.
The responsesontheissues that keepusup at night echo someofthe results we saw during theglobalfinancialcrisis of2008. More than two infive Canadians have worried “frequently”or “occasionally” about the safety oftheir savings (43 per cent, down eight points), unemployment affecting their household (45 per cent, upthree points),the valueoftheirinvestments (47 per cent, down five points), being able topay their mortgage or rent (47 per cent, upfive points)ortheiremployer running into serious financial trouble (48 per cent, up15 points).
Our collective inflationconcerns have not subsided. More thanthree infive Canadians foresee more expensive groceries(78 per cent, up two points), gasoline(78 per cent, upone point),new cars (71 per cent, upthree points)andnew television sets(61 per cent, upeight points). Realestate is at the bottom ofthelist (57 per cent, down eight points), with someBritish Columbiansand Ontariansfeeling that the market will become more affordable.
OppositionleaderPierre Poilievre saw his standing as a personwho canbe trusted to dothe right thing to helpthe economy increase from 41 per cent to 45 per cent. The departing Trudeau also improved, from 36 per cent to 39 per cent, asdid Bankof Canada Governor Tiff Macklem(from35 per cent to 39 per cent).
Mario Canseco is president of Research Co.
Developers are changing theaesthetics ofour community forever
Iget it, we need more housing in South Delta In 2023 Metro Vancouver grew by 120,000 people which was doublewhat was projected In 15 years, we could have fourmillion people living inthe Lower Mainland. In preparation,theprovincial and municipal governments, relaxed the rules fordevelopers andnewhousing configurations are coming onlike never before.
As a result, thesmall town ‘feel’ of Tsawwassen andLadner willnever be the same. We are in the firststagesof mourning with very little recourse.
Famous Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius said, “Architecture isfirmness, com-
modity anddelight.”
Firmness givesit structure, and commodity meansit can fulfillits intended function.
What we are lacking innew developmentsthroughout Metro Vancouverandhere in Deltais delight. In my opinion,the most important factoris good architecture.
To be successful, “Architecture must be aesthetically andvisually pleasing, lift spiritsand stimulate the senses,” said Vitruvius
I see noneofthese attributes as our beautifulcommunities prepare forthebig dig.
I seea rush to overbuild, withoutthought to aesthetics
I see future chaosas our roads andinfrastructure become over-
whelmed. I see apathy asmost people believe they have no voice.
Peopleare considering leaving here asthey contemplate the future densification andwhat that might meanfor gettinga jug ofmilk or getting to the highway
Thisis a shiftinhow we live and our functionality inan everchanging environment. It brings sadness andfrustration.
The Tsawwassen Town Centre Mallproposalis a behemoththat inthecoming years will test the willofthecommunity. It will make the Southlands development looklikea walkinthe park.
Ladnerisinforbig changes too asthey openproposalsfor a possible river front hotel.
In the words of Betty Davis, “Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
Abbott is a freelance writer who loves small towns
Ingrid
Metromayorsneed tocut theirsalaries
Editor:
Howmanytimes must we payMetroVancouver mayorsto do their work… an excellentcolumnin the Jan.30 editionof the Op imis from Kirk Lapointe ofwhichIagree wholeheartedly. TreatMetroVancouver, Translink,and other agenciesas part of the jobandconsolidatecompensation, butonlyafter an independentreview
of salaries.Whatanovel idea
Iamabsolutely appalledatthe audacity of MayorMikeHurley to suggest“affordabilityismykey priority” in his columnin the same edition while receiving $400,000 ayearalong withfellowmayors.
Hurley stated that there is 40 other elected officials whooversee the organizationanddetermined
to continue their work.I wouldlove to seesome justificationforanything closeto40other elected officials.
MayIsuggestreducing your$400,000that you mayhavepulledinand reducingthe numberof elected officials would be anexcellentstarting pointtowards creatingyour“keypriorityof affordability.”
RobLeeson
Whynotlookatco-ophousing?
Editor:
In his Jan.25online article,“Housingeyedfor lands ownedbyCityof Delta”, staffwriter Sandor Gyarmatireportedthat the cityhasissued a requestforproposals for aconsultanttohelp developaninventor yof properties …andidentify potentialsitesforfuture housingprojects.”
Thisfirststepis along time coming.
This was, infact,the topicof aletterIsubmittedtomayorandcouncil nearly ayearago on April 30, 2024, whichonly garnered a“ Very much appreciate readingyour email”and “pleasestay in touch” in response. Ihavepersonallytried to obtainfrom the citya listofDelta ownedlands
onlytobetoldthat they “don’tbelieve its publicly availableinformation.”
That said,if we can establishsuchaplan,it wouldshow greatforesightifaco-operative housing model wasfollowed.
Amoderatedensity six-storeydevelopment, usinglandslikethe seemingly CityofDeltaowned parcel at the entrance to Tsawwassen at56 Streetand Highway 17,couldprovide3,000 to 5,000unitsat alocation nearour“transithub” at the SouthDelta Rec Centre,with easy access to the highway,nearby to shoppingatTsawwassen Mills and Commons,and notfarfromdowntown Tsawwassen. Entrancesalong52nd
and56th Streetsalong withmorelimited access via Highway17towould ensure the likelihood of commuterchaosfrom the proposedhigh-density TsawwassenTown Centre planisnotanissuehere.
Co-op housingwould also provide ameans by whichnotonlyfirst-time home buyers and young familiescould purchase butalsoaplace forempty-nesters anddownsizerstoconsider.Oneonly need look at Crescent DownsinLadneror visit the Co-operative HousingFederationof BC websitetosee how successful this model hasworkedfordecades with over260non-profit housingco-ops currently operatinginB.C.
Mark Schoeffel
The Optimist encouragesreaderstowriteletters to the editor.Lettersareacceptedonanytopic, although preferenceisgiven to thoseonlocalmatters TheOptimist reservestheright to editletters andthedecision to publishis atthediscretion of the editororpublisher. Alllettersmustbesigned, datedandincludethewriter’s phonenumber(notfor publication). TheOptimist willnotprint “name withheld”letters.Copyrightin lettersand other materialssubmitted voluntarily to the publisher andaccepted forpublication remains withtheauthor,but thepublisheranditslicenseesmay freely reproducetheminprint,electronicorother forms.
We encourageyou to connectwithlovedonesandexplore Delta'sbeautifultrailsandparksorparticipateinafree Family Dayactivityatone ofourrecreationfacilities. FromourDeltafamily to yours, wishingyou afantasticFamilyDay.
COMINGFAMILYDAY 2025
Delta’sYouth AndKidscannow YAKCESS recreation like neverbefore! ForDeltaresidents 18yearsofage andunder —mustprovideproof of residency. Learnmoreat Delta.ca/YAKPass.
(lefttoright): Councillor DanielBoisvert,CouncillorJessieDosanjh, CouncillorDylan Kruger, MayorGeorge V. Harvie, CouncillorAliciaGuichon, CouncillorRodBinder,CouncillorJenniferJohal
Changes coming for this year’s Ladner VillageMarket
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
The City of Delta says applications fortheLadner VillageMarket arenow openfortheupcoming 2025 season.
Thos e attending the popular annual openair summerfarmers’ market, one of western Canada’s largest, willals o se ea few changes that were approved by city council.
Thos e tr ial changes include, among otherthings, adjusting the market layout to extendthe marketdown Delta Stre et to Bridge Stre et, allowing businesses fronting the market route to establish pop-up patiosforfood and beverage salesafterobtaining all re quired permits, creatinga community activitiesarea/eating area and an artist’s corner, as wellasadding an eighth market day on Sept 21,2025.
However, councildidnot to approve a re commendation to remove the current “no dogs permitte d” policy.
In 2023,thecity announce dit had entere d into an agre ement with Ladner Village Market Ltd. to assume theassetsandoperationofthe market forthefollowing season.
Afterinvestigating multipleoperationaloptionsand engaging with other marketoperators in B.C., staff determine d that the best model foroperating theLadner Village
Marketin2024and be yond was to utilizea dedicated market manager, a staff report noted, adding that the Collective Markets was invited to take onthe management role be caus e of theirlocal experience bothtransition-
ing ow nershipandoperationofthe Clayton Heights Marketandoperating the Southlands Market
Meanwhile, thecity re cently began the search foranoperator to bring back a summer North Delta market.
A farmers marketpreviously operated atSudbur y Hallandthenon the North Delta Re creation Centre grounds betw een 2014and2020.
The staff report noted that the success oftheLadner Village Market has highlighte d the potential for re establishinga North Delta market.
Council gave staff approval to undertake anopenprocess to solicit interest inoperatinga marketon Sundays that doesnot conflict with theLadner Village Market
The city note d itis se eking to identifyanindividual or business to assume responsibility fortheoperation of a “Make it, Bake it, Grow it ” marketfor the2025and2026 seasons, from June to September.
The market would be locate d at the North Delta Re creation Centre parking lot fronting 84th Avenueandthe Social Hear t Plaza.
Info meetings announced for Tsawwassen TownCentre redevelopment
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg
yarm ati@delta-optimi
st .c om
The City of Delta has announced upcoming publicinformationmeetings to discuss the redevelopment application for the Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall.
The engagement program began Feb. 4 and will run until March 16.
There are three opportunitiesfor residents to speak directly with staff and the applicant about the proposal: Online Information Session
Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (presentationand Q& A). Onlinevia ZOOM(registration required at letstalk.delta.ca/ttc).
Public Information Meeting#1
Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the South Delta Recreation Centre (Main Hall)172056th Street, Tsawwassen.
Public Information Meeting#2
Thursday, Feb. 27,from 5 to 7 p.m. at the South
Delta Recreation Centre, Main Hall.
The Centur y Group Lands Corporation proposal to replace the one-storey mall, which opened in1971, includes four mixed-use residential buildings up to 24-storeys in height situated on separate podiums The low-rise residential buildings and podiums, between five-and-six storeys, are proposed at the site peripheriesadjacent to neighbouring landuses.
To have 1,433 residentialunits, including a mixof strata, market andnon-market rentals, as wellascommercial spaceincludinga 31,000-square-footgrocer y store, the rezoning would be consistent with the site’s Urban Centre (UC) landuse designationunder the new Official Community Plan (OCP), which allows up to 24 storeys.
Centur y isproposing that 20 per cent of the total residentialunits to be rental units, while five
percent of the total housing units would be provided as below-market rental housing.
Century isalso proposing to provide a new Community Hub, consisting of a librar y and mobility hub spaceas wellas a publicly accessiblecentralplaza.
Noting Sobeys, which owns the Thrifty Foods
at the current mall, has been “ver y involved” in helping plan a new andimproved store that would be builtin the first phase, Centur y Group president Sean Hodgins told the Op imis when the application was submitted that his fundamentalvisionis having anurban neighbourhood with homes, shops and
services
Information will be availableon the application, site plan,traffic study and other components.
Once the publicconsultationwraps-up,a reportwill be compiled forfurther review by the applicant, the publicand council.
Noting the applicationisconsistent with the OCP, so a public hearing isnot permitted underprovinciallegislation, the City of Delta says all householdsin Tsawwassen received a mailout last week with more informationon the proposalandaninvitation toparticipate in the engagement program to share their feedback.
JoinyourteamfromExpediaCruisesSouthDeltaalongwith Chad KowalenkoofCelebrityCruisesattheCoastTsawwassenInn.
TheCityofDeltahasreceivedanapplicationfortheredevelopmentofthe Tsawwassen Town CentreMallsite.Theapplication forsubdivisionandrezoningproposes 4mixed-useresidential towersup to 24storeysinheightaswellasseveralmid-rise buildingsup to 6storeysinheight.Theapplicationis consistentwiththeOfficial CommunityPlan. ADevelopment Permit wouldberequiredforeachphaseoftheproject to regulateformandcharacteriftheapplicationisapproved.
Complete informationabouttheapplicationis availableat letstalk.delta.ca/TTC.Feedbackwillbe collectedthrough to March16,2025. Formoreinformation,emailttc@delta.caorphone604-952-3814.
ProposalDetails
•1,433residentialunits, including amixofstrata, marketandnon-market rentals
•6,596m2of commercialspace, including a2,880m2grocery store
Residentsareinvited to learnmore abouttheapplicationand completean onlinefeedbackform to sharetheir viewsprior to March16,2025. Consider attendingoneofthefollowingthree informationsessions to engagewith staffandtheapplicant.
Deltahasbeenordered by theProvince to add3,607unitswithin 5yearsand recentestimatesshowtheneedisgrowing.Someofthehousingproposed couldhelpmeettheneed.
Howlongwillittaketobuildifapproved?
Itisexpected to takeatleast10years,dependingonmarketdemand.
Howwillitimpactschoolsandhealthcare?
DeltaSchoolDistrictand FraserHealthare awareofourpopulationprojections andareplanningforgrowth.Theyhave received copiesofthisproposalfor comment.
Dowehave theinfrastructure?
Theapplicant wouldberesponsibleforupgradinginfrastructure to support theirproject. TheCityisalso workingonplansforwater,sewer,stormwater, andtransportationservicesforthethreegrowthareasidentifiedintheOfficial CommunityPlan,including Tsawwassen.
Whatwillhappen to thegrocerystore?
Theapplicantis workingwithThrifty’s to relocateintotheproposeddevelopment.
Whatisthe ‘community contribution’?
TheOfficial CommunityPlanallowsfordevelopmentsup to 24storeyswitha significant communityamenity.Theproposalincludes anewlibrary,centralplaza, publicart,andmarket-rentalandbelow-markethousing.
Willtherebe apublichearing?
Apublichearingisnotallowedunderprovinciallegislation (Section464ofthe LocalGovernmentAct).TheCityis conductinganengagementprogram to share informationandgatherfeedbackfromthe community.
Crashes complex, motorists fume as police dotheir work
PHILMELNYCHUK
pmeln yc huk @d elta- optimis t.co m
When a northbound commercialtruck crossed into the southbound lanesof Hwy.99 in December, the results were chaotic
Vehicles were overturned,motorists seriously hurt and rushhour traffic stopped inits
tracks,for hours
“Thiscollision scene spanned just over200 metres long. It involved 11 vehicles, including two tractortrailers. Four vehicles were overturned. Seven people went to hospital with multiple kindsofinjuries, nofatalities, actually amazingly, giventhat two semis were involved,” said Staff
The near catastrophe that tookplace in the middle of rushhour Dec. 12 about 5:30 p.m., shut down Hwy.99,near Hwy. 91, in bothdirections, forhours, withthe major B.C. roadonly fully opening by mid-morning the next day.
CurtisKreklau, with SouthFraser News Services, was onthe sceneand saidthe cable barrierthat separates traffic in themedian was stretched across the road.
He saw three cars rolled over, with at least two requiring firefighters tocut apart the vehicles andfree the occupants.
The collision required
a meticulous, timeconsuming investigation, whilemotorists waited forhours onthegridlocked highway.
Houghton acknowledges theinconvenience.
“There’s oftenfrustration withhow long, especially major highways, are closed down inthese investigations Obviously, we want to re-opentraffic. We know that traffic jamsare some ofthegreatest sources of frustrationfor people,” he said.
But ifthere’s any hint ofcriminality,theexact seriesof events has to be reconstructed for any chanceofconviction, he said,adding anyone would want police to do the sameiftheirfamily was involved
Rushhourcrash Dec. 12 shutdownHwy. 99 near Hwy.91 forhours.
a similarcrash happened nearby in Delta.
Delta police say thatat 3 p.m. on Dec. 9, a fully loaded semi-truck drove through a concrete barrierinthecentre median, into two lanesofoncoming traffic, before smashing into the concrete barrierontheopposite road shoulderinthe7500block of Hwy.17.
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Houghton said some collisioninvestigations are ascomplexashomicide cases. Key to the process isthe Integrated CollisionAnalysisand Reconstruction Service where officers use drone photography and3D laser scanning to help determine whathappened.
Whenitfinally stopped, it was blocking an eastbound laneand two westbound lanes, resulting in a six-hour road closure. There were noinjuriesandthere’s no indicationalcohol was involved, police said.
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It’s a painstaking process which takestime and requiresthe road to stay closed
“We know thelevel of rigourthathas to be placed on a criminal investigation, right from thetime we arrive on scene, inorderforus to satisfywhat Crown is going to need in order to consider laying a charge …, ” Houghton said.
Any case has to be able to standupincourt underdefence scrutiny whooften will have their own experts
He expects Crown prosecutors to decidein a monthon charges.
Highway 17crash
Just three daysearlier,
Delta policeA/Insp. James Sandberg said re-aligning theconcrete barriers and removing thefully ladentruck off theshoulder tooktime. He added that the department reviews ever y major road closure to see ifthere’sa way the roadcould have reopened sooner That involvestalking the Ministr y of Transportationand Transit, towing companies or road maintenance companies.
“We’ll see what’s involved where we can identifyimprovementsin speeding uptheprocess, because we recognize theimpactonthe public andtrafficanditisone of our considerations that we make when we’re looking at road closures,” Sandberg said.
Construction continues atCromie Park
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimi st .c om
A large newfeature can be seenfromCromie Park inLadner.
Constructionofthe Ladner Minor Baseball Association’s (LMBA) new indoor baseball training facility isexpected to be completed this April, a 14,600-squarefootfacility located at the southern edge ofthe park.
It is situated between the existing baseballdiamond andthe current all-weatherfield,whichis intended to be converted
into a third diamondthis year.
Council last year approved a construction andlease agreement with the LMBA for the $3.7 million facility, withthe city providing $2.5millioninfunding andthe remaining fundscontributed by the association.
The city last fall announced that an alterationin theoriginally planned design will see the building’s exteriorcolour changed to address glare from theproposed metal siding, also incorporating the LMBA team colours
andadopting “red barn” colouring to reflectthe community’s farming roots
The facility willinclude exterior public washrooms, meeting space,a concessionand storage space.
According to the city, the LMBA will be responsible for booking the facility foruse by other Delta-based sport and community groups.
The association will have the sole discretion to allocate and book thefacility,while Delta will have access to any remaining hours that
may be available at no cost.
Meanwhile, the city’s Transportation Advisor y Committee was recently told staffinvestigated traffic safety concerns and conducted speed analysison Whitworth Crescent, determining that there are noconcerns at thistime and willshare the data with residents.
Noting they willcontinue to regularly monitor thearea, staffalso saidthey are open to new informationand commentsontrafficoncethe fieldhouse isopen.
The City of Deltais currently gathering publicfeedback on a plan to replacetheplayground equipment at Bell Park in Ladner.
The purpose oftheengagement is to evaluate theneeds of thecommunity forthenew playground,astheexisting playgroundis at theendofits lifespan,andthat input willhelp shape thedesign ofthenewplayground,according to thecity.
Playground design options willthen be presented to the community withanother roundofcommunity engagement this spring.
The project is part ofthe city’s annual Playground RenewalProgram.
Meanwhile,a plan to install a newplayground at Ladner Lions Park, aimed at inclusivity by having accessiblefeatures, remainsinlimbo afterbeing put onholdfour years ago.
In 2021,city council approved a staff recommendation to awarda $223,980 contractfor a newfully accessible playground at the park, which would have had new play structuresas wellastheadditionof rubberized surfacing.
A staff report noted that withtheadviceand guidanceof Delta’s Mobility and Accessibility Committee, the
city has focused on making playgrounds more accessible for people with disabilities.
However, site preparation work forthenew playground projectinLadner ’s Lions Park was abruptly put onholdthat summerfollowing a sudden flood ofemails to city staff, the mayor’s officeand comments on socialmedia.
Councilthenheld a special meeting wherea motion was passed to stopany work onthe projectand have staff providea detailedreport.
The motion, made by Mayor George Harvie, only saw then Coun. Lois Jackson opposed.
Jackson said, ““Everyone seems to be running thisorgani-
zation by things on the Internet andwhat peopleare saying…”
Thencity manager Sean McGill responded comments were made regardinga lack of consultationandtheproposed design elements.
Asked by the Optimist foran update ontheproject, the city’s communicationdepartment last weeknoted the replacement ofthe playground equipment was deferred based on community feedback at the time.
There areno plansfor a replacement in2025, but the city continues to assess needs forfuture replacement projects
WhenLadner Lions Park
playgroundisidentified for a future project, Delta would undertakea process to obtain community input andfeedback, thecity noted It was also noted some improvements were made to theexisting playgroundincludinga bridge replacement, bubble replacement and border improvements.
“Additionally,as part of the2025 budget, thecity continues to invest inthe Playground RenewalProgram, identifying playgroundsin need of replacement and making upgrades where needed, including accessibility improvements,” thecommunicationsdepartment added.
SANDOR GYARMATIPHOTO
City toallow commmercial vehicles on residential driveways
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co
m
Council recently approved zoning amendments to permit the parking ofup to two Deltabased commercial vehicleson a residentialdriveway
The stipulationsinclude vehiclesnotexceeding 5,500 kg ingross weight, are licensed and registered to the ow neror occupierofthe lot, are stored or parked in such a mannerthat they do notobstructthe street, and are anasset of a commercial business based in Delta with a valid Delta business licence that isalso ow ned by the ow neror occupierofthe residentiallot.
“Like other municipalities, Delta currently restrictsthe parking of commercial vehiclesin residential zoneswhile also requiring commercial zones to have on-siteparking to meettheir business needs. Whileallowing a limited scope
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quences to the bylaw amendmentsthathave not been identified at this time,” a staff report notes.
“Shouldcouncil wish to give this matter furtherconsideration, staffcouldinclude theproposal to allow commercial vehicle parking in residential zonesas part of community engagement on broader updates to residential zones which isanticipated to take place later this year,” the report adds.
Althoughhe voted infavour, Coun. Jessie Dosanjh saidhe wants assurances commercial vehicles will remainondriveways on not endup parked on the street, causing aninconvenience forneighbours.
City manager Donny van Dyke saidthe changes are something that “may work very wellorit may have consequences we haven’tforeseen yet.”
Noting enforcement will be critical, Coun. Rod Binder saidthere will be significant boundariesand guidelines for bylaw staff to monitorand enforce.
“There are sites, there are propertiesthat are not in compliance right now,ir respective ofthis bylaw,and I see itin many, many neighbourhoods. And, I thinkthat ’s theconcern some ofthe people had,ifthe current bylaw isnot being enforced,whathappens if we move for ward onthis one?” said Binder.
Council received several letters ofconcernandquestions regarding enforcement. The mainconcerns wereregarding implicationsfor street parking andnegative neighbourhood aesthetics.
Councilalso approved other amendments including the total numberof vehiclesthat may be parked on a residentiallotfromthree to four, in line withthesmall-scale residential parking requirements, as wellasthe removal of limits onthe numberof vehiclesfor home occupation businesses, which would be regulated by the overall vehicle limit.
Vancouver Giants leasewithcity ending
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
The City of Delta has openeda survey to gather publicfeedback onthe weight room at Ladner Leisure Centre.
The goalis to identify areas forimprovement, ensure that equipment andthefacility meetthe needsof patrons, and enhancethe overall experience, according to the city.
The weight roomis
used notonly by the public, but also members ofthe Vancouver Giants hockey team.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seenifthecity signs anotherlease withthe hockey team to continue using theleisure centre as a training facility.
In 2015,council gave the go-aheadforthecity to enter into a second 10-year lease withthe Giants to use the facility.
The municipality origi-
nally entereda deal with owner Ron Toigoin 2005 to move the juniorhockey club’s training facility to theleisure centre.
The Giants paid approximately $1 million towardsa 7,760-squarefootaddition,which includeda new weight roomonthe top floor open to the public as well as spaceforthehockey teamonthegroundfloor.
The Giantsalso received exclusive ice time at the arena.
Delta paidfor part of theexpansionandthe $170,000pricetag to equip the weight room, among othercosts.
Thecurrentdealsees the Giantspayanannual rental feeof$25,000 foruseofthetraining facility.
Giants pay anannual rentalfee of$25,000for thetraining facility. The Giantsalso got exclusive weekdayicetime for practicesandaccess to thefacility fortraining camp and pre-season exhibition games
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The originallease expired July 31,2015, which required Delta to make a balloon payment of approximately $390,000 to cover the outstanding mortgage.
The newdeal saw the
The team would have had topaya 50 per cent penalty ofthe remaining balance ifit decides to terminate the agreement early.
SANDOR GYARMATIPHOTO
Delta to review its heritage conservationgrant
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimi st .c om
Deltacouncil recently approved awarding three applications for a heritage conser vation grant.
The grants include$3,750forexterior repainting ofthe Nicolich Residence in the4100-block of River Road West, $12,495 forexterior repainting ofthe Ladner United Church on48th Avenue and $27,000forthe installation ofan exterior lift forthe Royal Canadian Legion on Delta Street
The program assists owners in the repair and restoration of Delta’s heritage buildings
The grant is a fundthat was created in 2017from a levyon Delta building permits
During council’s discussiononthe applications, it was noted the fund currently hasa balanceofmore than $765,000.
Noting hedoesn’t want the city to
have a pot ofmoney just sitting in the bank,a motion by Coun. Dylan Kruger, and approved by council, asked staff to report back on theprogram.
In the summerof2021, thefund had a balanceof $319,925. At that time, only afewproperty owners applied due to the requirements being too onerous.
The city subsequently made several changes to theprogram to make it easier to apply including, among other things, reducing the numberof required cost estimatesfromproperty owners and streamlining the legal documentation requirements for grant recipientsproposing minor repairs and renovations
The city also increased the maximum annualgrantsfrom$15,000 to $30,000.
The conditions remain that structures receiving funding be placed in Delta’s Heritage Register andthata covenant be signed to protect buildingsfromdemolition for a period of10 years.
Councilapproved awardingagranttothe Royal Canadian LegioninLadner, whichhadalso received
City spending 100konlibrary interiors
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimi st .c om
The city’s latest financialplan has $100,000 budgeted to refreshthe interiors of Delta’s three libraries
Many interiorfeatures within the librar y spaces need ongoing andcontinuousupdates, which is outside ofFraser Valley Regional Library’s (F VRL) responsibility to fund, according to thecity
The funding allowsfor planned and scheduled interiorupdates such as
shelving replacement, carpeting, interior paintingandother beautifications. It also provides funding thatmay be utilized forlibrary furnishingsand equipment, interiorupgrades, service requirementsand other improvementsnot captured elsewhere in the Delta facilities capital budget.
The financial plan notesthe budget is based on information prepared by library staff working in conjunction with city staff.
Council last fall approved another increase forthe city’s share of the FVRL budget.
The recommended option seesan increase in the2025member assessment by 4.25 per cent ($190,916)for a total contribution of $4,682,515. The previous year, the budgetfor2024 saw an increase of6.76 per cent, which worked out to $276,792.
The FVRL board establishes anannual budgetfortheprovision
oflibrar y services to its 15member jurisdictions. Each member municipality is chargeda levy to cover operating costsof thelibrar y branchesand central administration. Council last yearalso voted in favourthat, starting in 2025,the libraries will stay open on Sundays during long weekends. They had been closed on Sundays wherea holiday fallson a Monday.
Community Combat videographerinspired by Canada’s military past
PHILMELNYCHUK
pmeln yc huk @d elta-optimis t. co m
A documentarian whocovered the war in Afghanistan has turned her attention to eventsfromeight decades ago withthehope of giving some inspiration during these dangerous times
Alison MacLean just finished producing Op Faust: Hunger Winter’45,a documentary that explains the Canadian army’s role in getting food to a starving Dutch population during the Second World War.
Operation Faust was the nameofthe operation that set up a humanitarian aid trucking corridor to get supplies into the Dutch population in the spring of1945 while fighting continued in the final days ofthe Second World War.
She started theproject after Delta resident, retired Lt. Col. Will Watkins, approached her about the issue.
“This was and still is a huge army story because it’s about logistics. It’s about direct negotiations, no politicians were involved that’s why the job got done,” MacLean said.
“That convoy saved lives.”
Op Faust involved negotiations with the Germanhighcommand in order to get supplies into enemy territory and wasanexampleof Canada at it’s best, getting the job done, getting the suppliesin, “saving people,” she added.
Given the times we’re in, it’s inspirational,she said. “Canadiansneed to really unify, feel good about our military history numberone, and our ability to negotiate onthe world stage.”
She started thehour-long documentary in 2020,only to have it sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic
She largely finished thefilm last year but waited until 2025 so thefilm’s release coincides withthe80th anniversary oftheendofthe Second World War.
MacLean travelled to the Netherlands and makes extensive use ofarchival footage from boththe Dutch and German governments, along with Canadianarmy newsreelsfromthe time She also has many first-hand storiesfromthe Dutch civilianswho survived the famine, known asthe Hunger Winter, fromthat time.
“The Germans were trying to starve them into submission,” she said. “We are telling the story ofthe past but bringing it to thepresent. I have a lotof eyewitness accounts.I like the people who lived the story, totell it.”
She’s proud ofthe role Canada played in the liberation fromthe Germans in 1944-1945 but frustrated that it’s not being taughtin school.
Canada hasa disconnect with its military history, sheadded.
“Definitelya passion project and defi-
this is me giving back to
military foralltheunsung heroes.”
The documentary’sfirst premiere
will be at the River Rock Resort Theatre, in Richmond, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
ContactIanat ijacques@delta-optimist.com or 604-998-3616
Reach Art Auction for Autismisnow open forbids
ReachChildand Youth Development Society has unveileda wide selectionof originalartwork foritsfifth annual Reach Childand Youth Development Society’s Art for Autismfundraiser.
The online auctionfeaturesartwork from members ofthe South DeltaArtist’s Guild, South DeltaArtisans, North Delta Potters Guild, Delta Potters Association, White Rock Art Walk, VancouverArt Gallery and S. Surrey & White Rock Art Society as well as renowned individual artists.
Theshow runsuntil Feb. 26and features paintings, sculptures, pottery andone-of-akind wearables to raise fundsfor children with support needs at the non-profit Visit www.artauctionforautism.com to bid.
For thefirst time this year, there will be an in-personart show displaying theartwork at Reach childdevelopment centre in Ladnerfrom11 a.m. to 3 p.m. thisFriday, Feb.14.
Members ofthe public can visitthis colourful event showcasing local talent at Reach inLadner at 505047th Avenue
“Whoknewthetalent pool was so deep,” said Reach eventscoordinator Tamara Veitch “Comeand check it out for yourself because thequality ofartwork isnoteworthy: wesendanenormousthank you to our artist donors.”
Local artist andartisandonations have been making this annualfundraiser possible since2020andit has raised a cumulative$ 32,575 for children.
-Submitted
Linda Edwards, Reach events committeeand Rod Winningfrom South DeltaArtist ’s Guildencouragethepublicto comeandseethear tworkthatthey have beenpassionatelygathering.
DoobieBrothers Experience coming to Ladner
The DoobieBrothers Experience is theindustr y leading substitute for The DoobieBrothers Playing to outdoor andtheatre audiences iswhat thisproductionisall about.
Whatmakes TheDoobie Brothers Experience so special? Well, just for starters : look-a-likes of Tom and Pat with vocal similarities, accurate instrumental work, soaring harmonies, and topflight performances - theseare the band’s hallmarks, andfoundation to which their performance has been built
Withmore than 235 years of collective professional experience in the band today,their performancesare as close to the realdeal as you’ll ever get.
TheDoobieBrothers Experience show has evolved into a masterful celebrationof TheDoobieBrothers music. One ofthemost “gamechanging” song catalogsinthehistor y of Rock n’ Rollis performed to perfection before your eyesand ears Most ever y Rock enthusiast knowsthe words toChina Grove, or Long Train Runnin,’ andthose whotruly love Rock, can sing along
when Black Water, Dark Eyed Cajun Woman,or Jesus Is Just Alright comeupintheplaylist. If you love TheDoobieBrothers … then welcome to TheDoobie Brothers Experienceand Listen To The Music.
TheDoobieBrothers Experience comes to the Genesis Theatre in Ladnerfor a7:30 p.m. show on Saturday, March1.
See: https://www.vtixonline. com/the-doobie-brothers-experience/4764/formore information andtickets.
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The DoobieBrothersExperience comestothe GenesisTheatreinLadner
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TURNING
Lifestyles
Lara’s Theme coming to Sunday@3
Lara’s Theme –a melody fromthe legendar y Dr Zhivago movie (1965) that travelled farand wide, became a global hit and a symboloftruelove.
The theme of thisemotional ballad –the search forone’s truelove in an everchanging and turbulent world, runs throughthemost works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Rubinshtein andothers.
A concert andlecture about works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Rubinshtein andothers will be presented by Elena Razlog, Mezzo-Soprano and Tatiana Tyuleneva, Piano at the popular Sunday @3 Concert Serieson Feb. 16 at Ladner United Church
Love may notconquerall, but it inspiresall— from Shakespeare to Tchaikovsky.
When it comes to matters ofthe heart, the stylesof music may greatly vary but themost important thing remains constant– the work must capture thedepthof this great feeling.
The concert-lecture Lara’s Theme is anopportunity to dive into the lush, romantic and even epic music and
learn some interesting facts about these great composers and their works.
Admissionfor Sunday @3 is $10 (cash) at thedoor Ladner United Church is located at 496028th Ave, Delta(Ladner).
-Submitted
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Elena
Lifestyles Go Beyond Boundaries with the Artists Guild
LAURELJOHNSON
The South DeltaArtists Guild allows membersto make up a show featuring some special art works by its talented artists.
Beyond Boundaries, which opens this Friday, Feb. 14 atGallery 1710in Tsawwassen,highlightsthree-dimensionalartwork featuring works by eight galler y artists
Kathy Bond renders beautiful creationsin stone sculpture.
Kate Herring, working withfibre, wire, andfoundobjects, develops delicate wallart. Jennifer Holdham, who enjoys exploring three dimensions, incorporates mixed media magically creating ethereal figures.
Abe Lorenzenuses wood to make not only functionalobjects, butalso thoughtfulheartfeltart.
Gillian Olson,using wood andfound objects,always catchestheviewer by surprise with wonderful results.
Lea Price,a versatile painter, uses wool, beads, and Sculpey,a polymer clay, to form light-hearted,colourful creatures.
Sharee Reynolds, whoalways astonishes us by the scope ofher paintings in many media, also showsoffher skills andplayfulness withherbird houses.
Darlyne Stewart producesimaginativefairy folks andanimalsin stone, addinga whimsical touch to capture our imaginationand peakinto hers.
There is aformal opening forthe show on Saturday, Feb. 15,featuring afternoon tea and refreshments at Galler y 1710 besidethe South Delta Rec Centre.
The show will be ondisplay from noon to 4 p.m. ever y Friday to Sunday until Feb. 23.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, we can contemplate onthe idea oflove.
My three-year-old daughter often likes to hearmeexpress my love forher. Whenshe does something wrong and she knowsshe’s introuble, she approaches me sheepishly andasks, “You stilllove me, right? Even if I’m not being good, you stilllove me?”
Thiscomes from my emphasisin our home that my children will never need to second guess my love forthem ; I willalways love them whetherthey’re being good or bad.
Now, I willcorrectand teach my children so that they hopefullydo good things, but my love for themisunconditioned. So, my daughter likes to
you are my disciples, if you have love foroneanother.”
Jesus says that hisfollowers’ distinctive feature will be Jesus’ own signature move—to love others sacrificially and graciously (as demonstrated throughhis sacrificialdeath onthecross).
hearthat factaffirmed.
“You stilllove me, right?”andtheanswer is always, “Yes.”
In John13:34-35, Jesus tellshisdisciples, “A new commandmentI give to you,that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love oneanother By this all people will know that
In fact, Jesus’ teaching onlove isfoundin John 15:12-14as well: “Thisis my commandment, that you love oneanotheras I have loved you.Greater love has noonethanthis, that someone lay down hislifeforhisfriends.”
Jesus’ love isonethat forgives, showsmercy, and restores. On this Valentine’s Day, I hope you’ll have a chance to reflecton your love for others. Are you reflecting God’s unconditioned, gracious, and sacrificial love to those around you?
Sports stories?
ContactIanat ijacques@delta-optimist.com or call 604-998-3616
DELTA SPORTS Baseballtrailblazersignsfirst pro contract
IAN JACQUE S
ijacque s@ delta-optimis t. co m
It’s anotherfirst for Tsawwassen’s Marika Lyszczyk Lyszczyk has beena baseballtrailblazer overthe yearsandnow hasaddedanotheraccomplishment to her resume.
She will be thefirst Canadian woman to play professional baseballin Californiathis spring after recently signingacontract withthe Dublin Leprechauns,whoareamemberofthe Pacific Divisionofthe Pecosindependent baseballleague.
“This hasalways beenadreamforme.IknewI wanted to play pro ball someday,”she said. “This opportunity came outofnowhere. I hadconnections withafewplayerswhoItrain with at the gymand literally three hours later, one day, outoftheblue,the team calledand saidthey wanted tosign me.I just excited to go onthisnext journey.”
TheGrade12 South Delta Secondary student spent five yearsinthe Whalley Chiefsorganizationafter optingfor baseball over softballwhenshe wasin Grade8.
In 2022she was chosenfortheMLBCreator Class and representedthe class theAll-StarGame, Fieldof Dreams gameandthe World Series.
That summersheplayed another season with
the Sag Harbour Whalersin Long Island, New York beforetransferring to Sonoma State University where sheplayed NC AA Division2men’s baseballasa pitcherforthe2023 season.
In the summerof2023,sheplayed fortheBrockton Roxina summercollegiate baseball teamandthen that November, began workingfor Momentum, whichisa baseball socialmediacompany witha You Tube channel,asacreator.
She has been workingandtrainingtherefor baseballuntilnow.
“This has been a major passionforme, and Dublin has been super supportive withmeandflexible so I’m going to be able to still keep my job with Momentum inArizona andplay pro ball, which is just amazing,” she said. “The league startsin May, so they are allowing me to come out andplay whenI can, so most likely I will start playing with them in June.”
Sheplans to documenther journeythrough Momentumtakingviewersona behindthe scenes look at theleague.
“That’s going to be anamazing part ofthisexperience,”she said. “I don’tknow wherethisis going to lead to, butthat’s thefun part.Idon’tknow what it’s going to be, but to play pro balland working with Momentum, helping to inspire youngergirls,that’s pretty cool.”
spring.
Ice Hawks clinchfirst place, awaitplayoffopponent
IAN JACQUE S ijacque s@ delta-optimis t. co m
The regular seasonisin the books for the Delta Ice Hawks who won the Tom Shaw Conference withanimpressive record of34-10-1-3.
Now Delta hasa few days to rest and practice aheadofitsconference semifinalplayoff.
The Ice Hawks willtake oneitherthe North Vancouver Wolf Pack or the Port CoquitlamTrailblazers who finished fourthandfifth respectively in the con-
ference
That series will be a best-of-three series.
The other conference semifinalis set with Richmondtaking on White Rock
Over in the HaroldBrittian Conference, Ridge Meadows clinched the conferenceandleaguetitle with the best recordin the league.They await the winner of the best-of-three play-in series between Langley and Surrey
The other conference semifinal will see Chilliwack take on Abbotsford.
Ice Hawks head coach and general manager Steve Robinson said he is pleased with the regular seasonand finishing in top spotin the conference, but the club willneed to stepup their game when the playoffs begin.
“We haven’t beenonfire the past monthor so,but overall, the big picture, finishing first in the conference was the goal, so you have to be happy withthat,” he said.
Deltacould start their serieson Sunday, Feb. 16, but most likely the series will start on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at
the Ladner Leisure Centre
“No preference between North Van or Poco. It is going to be a competitive series either way,” he said.“We need to getour urgenc y back For most of the season wewere fighting toothand nail with Richmond, but once we gota bit of separationin the standings, we lost our edge a bit, so forus, we need to get back our urgenc y and our competitive spirit We also need to getour power play going, up our compete level and keep our goals against down, those are our keysto success.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Marika Lyszczykwillbethefirst Canadian woman toplayprofessionalbaseballin Californiathis
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Charming CountryHomeon aSpacious Lot. This beautifullymaintained10,740sq.ft.property features adelightful3-bedroom,1-bathroomhome withmodernupdatesandclassiccharm.Enjoya new metal roof,afully renovatedkitchen, aclassic clawfoottub,andnewerwindows.Themainfloor includes 2bedroomsand apotential3rdbedroom or rec/playroomupstairs. Additionalhighlights are a15x28detached workshop,gardenshed,and greenhouse. Outside,the fenced yard offersflower and veggiegardens, afirepit,andspacefora chicken coop.Justa20-minutewalkfromLadner Villageand stepsfromtheFraserRiverDyke, this property combinespeaceful countrylivingwith convenientaccess to amenities.
5533183A STREET
Welcome to ShannonHillsEstatesinCloverdale! This 2,737sq.ft.homeon a1/4 acreprivatelotincludes RV parking, a24x30detachedshop,covereddeck, gazebo,water feature, andfruittrees. Themainfloor featuresspaciouslivinganddining rooms, afamily room,largekitchenwithgas range,eatingarea,full bath,andmud/laundry roomleading to thebackyard Upstairs,find alargeprimarybedroomwithensuite andwalk-incloset,plus4 additionalbedroomsand ahugebonus room. Twoseparateentrances to the secondfloor couldeasilycreate aprivatenanny suite. Thesidedriveway provideseasyaccess to the insulated,poweredshop.Upcomingupdatesinclude anewCloverdalehospital/cancercenter,KPU Tech Campus expansion,andtransitimprovements. $1,749,000
e-rachel@southdelta.homes w-www.rachelmacinnes.ca 2022 -2023SuttonDirector Award
Thisbeautifully updated5-bedroom,3-bathroomgemis nestled on aspacious6,812sq.ft.corner lot with2,275sq.ft. ofthoughtfully designed livingspace.Theheartofthe homehasanupdatedkitchen, completewith alarge island, newerappliances,andaccessto awraparounddeckand expansivepatio,perfectforyear-roundenjoyment!Updated bathrooms,newercarpets,freshpaint,hardwoodfloors,new windows,air-conditioningandfarmlandviews!Mortgage Helper!! A legal2-bedroomsuite isidealfor rentalincomeor accommodatingextendedfamily.Located close to excellent schools, shopping,and all theamenitiesyou’ll need,this homeperfectlyblendsstyle,space,andconvenience.
Priced @$1,499,800
OPEN SATURDAY ANDSUNDAY 2-4
544515B AVENUE,TSAWWASSEN
•3 800 Square Fe et
•6B edrooms 6B athrooms
•2B edroomLegalSuiteand aS tudiosuite
•L argePriva teLot50x150
•PartialView,Q uietandCentralLocation
•S tilltimepicturesomeexteriorcolourand ya rdfinishing
CALL ROBIN604-868-2844
Great 2B edroomAndDenInRoya lO aks. Th isBuildingHas Al waysBeen AFavoriteInTs awwa ss en.Close To AllAmenities AndQuietLocationInDevelopment.GoodFloorPlan Wi th1355 S quare Fe et,LargeDeckA nd Pa tioArea. 2B edrooms &D enUnits. D on’tC ome To MarketOffen.It’sYourMove ! JUSTLISTED CALL ROBIN604-868-2844 ROYALOAKS TWOBEDROOM&DEN $729,000
$1,829,000
$1,199,000
Gorgeous upd ated ho meinfab u louslocation.Homefeatures
5 bedro o m, upd atedgormeykitch en ,u pdatedbathro o ms, n ewer h ighend h ardwo odflooringandbeautifu lf o rmalliving and d inin gr ooms.Homehasexcellen tfl oor p lanthatopen st o an ou tstan d in gp riva te ya rdwith pu ttinggreenan db eautifu l lan d scaping.Don’tm issthisgorgeo u sh o me!!! 5268GLENABBEYPL ACE,TSAWWASSEN CALL
$799,000
#506-5011SPRINGSBOULEVARD
Tsawwassenspringsgolfcourseisresortstylelivingatit’sfi nest. B eautifulopen &b right 2b drm &d enwith 2f ullbathroomsand largeheateddeck. Th iscondohasspectacularviewsofgolfcourse andNorthShoremountainsfeaturing11’ceilings,gourmetkitchen, largeprimarybdrm,big wa lkinclosetandspa-likeensuite.Enjoy th ee ndless 180 degreegolfcourse,NorthShoremountainsand beautifulsunsets. Th isunitcomeswith 2p arkingspacescloseto eliva tortandbikeroom. Wa lkingdistancetoTsawwassen Fi tness Centre, Pa tQ uinn’sR estaurant,Nat’s,Coffee,Newman’sa nd Ts awwa ssenMills.Don’tm issthisfabulouscondo.
CALL ROBIN604-868-2844
Build yo urdreamhomeonthebestviewlotinTsawwassenwith 280 degreeview.Thispropertyisthemoststructurallyengineered lotonTsawwassen’sWesternBluff.New B. C.higherdensity policieswillallow2u nits,biggersquar ef ootage(3,000to3,500 sqft)andDeltawillallowab asement.Deltahallwillprioritizeall developmentpermitsandarefullyinsuppor tofb uilding.Location is a1 0,viewis12andbestpricedpropertyontheMarket. $809,900
