Delta Optimist December 22 2022

Carriers

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Deltacrewsworkingaroundthe clockonsnowclearingefforts

SANDOR GYARMATI sgyarmati@delta-optimist com

It’s all hands on deck as Delta’s engineering department is trying to ensure the city’s main roads are drivable

Heavy snowfall blanketed the region on Monday night and into Tuesday morning Bitterly cold temperatures for the region followed and more snow is forecasted for Thursday evening

The engineering department updated the Optimist Tuesday afternoon, noting crews have established 12-hour shifts that are providing 24/7 snow removal coverage until further notice

Crews spent the evening working on priority one routes as snowfall was extremely heavy throughout the night.

As weather has eased up, crews began to see some progress on all priority one routes and have begun working on priority two roadways

As far as who is responsible for the various Delta routes, the engineering department notes that the province is responsible for Highways 17, 17A, 91 and 99 including the George Massey Tunnel and the Alex Fraser Bridge

Provincial jurisdictions are looked after by a contractor, Mainroad Contracting

Delta crews look after the west side of Scott Road in North Delta

and the City of Surrey is responsible for the east side of Scott Road

When it comes to Ladner Trunk Road, Delta crews look after the section between Highway 17A to Highway 91 in both directions The province’s contractor looks after Highway 10 from Highway 91 to Highway 1.

A recent staff report on the city’s snow and ice response to council said the Ladner Worksyard was fully stocked with 1,300 metric tonnes of salt

The North Delta Worksyard was also stocked with approximately 1,300 metric tonnes of salt.

As well, the city was securing a contract with Mainroad Contracting that guarantees up to an additional 3,000 metric tonnes of road salt for this season, which in conjunction with the 2,600 metric tonnes currently available in Delta’s salt sheds, would provide a total salt availability of 5,600 metric tonnes

In addition to road salt, engineering operations continues to make its own salt brine Salt brine is used to pre-wet the priority routes in anticipation of snow and/or ice events

Meanwhile, Delta’s emergency response protocol line was updated and available as of

Nov. 7. It is the direct phone line for police, fire and ambulance to request site-specific snow clearing to provide access during emergencies

Salting trucks will divert from their regular duties to assist with emergency services requests.

Also, steps have been taken to ensure staff coverage during the holiday season and a night shift truck driver will be working seven days a week to reduce response time for snow and ice control from Dec. 1 to March 2023.

The “Winter Road Conditions” phone line (604-952-3820) is available to provide a

voice message, updated every four hours during a snow-fighting event, with the current weather situation and Delta’s response levels to the public

Next blast of snow

The next snow event is slated to come into the region just in time for the Thursday night commute with periods of snow continuing overnight Thursday and into Friday when temperatures are expected to finally rise and we will see a transition over to rain throughout the Christmas weekend.

Rain is in the forecast for next week and straight through the New Year’s Eve weekend.

Optimist office closures over the holidays

946-

The Optimist will be closed to the public on Friday, Dec 23 and Monday, Dec. 26.

The office will re-open on Tuesday, Dec 27 with our next office closure on Friday, Dec. 30.

We return to our normal office hours on Monday, Jan 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at the Optimist.

Merry

MARK BOOTH PHOTO

The drive along Highway 99 on Tuesday morning was challenging.

DeltaPoliceserviceisbeingnegatively impactedbyE-Comm,saysmayor

SANDOR GYARMATI sgyarmati@delta-optimist com

The Delta Police Board and the city’s mayor are raising serious concerns to the provincial government about E-Comm

On Dec. 6, Delta Mayor George Harvie, on behalf of the police board which he also chairs, wrote to

Public Safety and Solicitor General and Deputy Premier Mike Farnworth expressing the board’s concerns about what they say is E-Comm’s inability to provide necessary calltaking services for the Delta Police Department (DPD) in alignment with the established service standards outlined in its

contract.

The letter, which was also sent to Doug Campbell, Board Chair, Emergency Communications for British Columbia Incorp., notes that there have been consistent and ongoing challenges relating to unacceptably long wait times for emergency and

non-emergency calls, often leading to abandoned calls.

They contribute to inaccurate crime statistics, impacting the adequacy of policing resources, and police safety strategies, says Harvie Harvie also notes that “the failure to meet service standards impacts

public safety in our community and the province’s mandate to ensure adequate and effective policing. Providing excellence in policing services, including timely response to the citizens who contact the DPD for non-emergency and emergency matters, is a priority for the Delta Police Board (DPB) and the DPD. The DPD is built on a foundation of public trust and the expectation that when a citizen calls for service, the DPD will respond quickly The ‘ no call too small’ philosophy runs deep in the core of the DPD and is the platform upon which all team members perform their duties.”

The letter states that beginning in 2019 and carrying on through 2021, Delta citizens complained to the DPD about a lack of service, not only in wait times but also in E-Comm’s refusal to create calls for service for matters that the DPD is committed to responding to under the “ no call too small” philosophy.

The DPD’s management became aware of

the concerns and began monitoring call-taking and dispatch data.

DPD management attempted to work with E-Comm management to address the issues and produce a viable solution, to no avail, says Harvie

“Effectively, we have lost confidence in the leadership of E-Comm to rectify this long-standing issue, which impacts public safety and effective policing,” Harvie goes on to say

The letter requests immediate attention, support and resources from the Ministry of Public Safety

The Delta Police Board, at a recent meeting, discussed the progress of the department’s pilot project in, which it takes nonemergency calls from the public between 7 a.m. and 7 p m daily

Chief Neil Dubord discussed several options including expanding the program, saying Delta won’t be refunded for the non-emergency call service hours it is not provided because E-Comm indicated it’s either “all or nothing” for its service.

New off-leash area now open in Ladner

IAN JACQUES

ijacques@delta-optimist com

Mary loves the idea of being around many different people, whether that’s line dancing at the ‘happy hours’ or attending the Brain Game program.

She especially loves the fact that while there’s always something to do, you can be as busy or unbusy as you want to be it comes down to finding your own balance of staying social, active, mobile and independent Or as she likes to say, “living the way you want”

The City of Delta announced last week on social media the completion and opening of the new enclosed off-leash dog area at Paterson Park.

According to the city, the area has been re-graded to improve drainage. New topsoil and grass seed have been installed.

“Please use caution as you enter these premises, as the ground is uneven, slippery and soggy in some areas, ” says the city.

Delta council gave final approval for the project at its Sept 20th meeting awarding a contract for $237,000 to Wood Projects Ltd., to build the facility at Clarence Taylor Crescent

Following a public consultation process, council OK’d the design for the project in June

The city used split-rail fencing to enclose the area

The city’s current capital plan said the community wants the City of Delta to create additional offleash dog enclosures.

“You can do as much or as little as you want.”

CBSAreleasesdetailsonmajoropiumbust

IAN JACQUES

ijacques@delta-optimist com

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials recently seized nearly 2,500 kg of opium in what they are saying is the largest opium seizure to date for the CBSA

Details of the seizure and investigation were released during a Friday morning (Dec 16) press conference at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility

“Our border services officers, intelligence officers and analysts work hard to ensure illicit and dangerous drugs stay out of our communities,” said Nina Patel, CBSA Regional Director General/Pacific Region “This record seizure of opium is an example of their outstanding dedication to protect our communities.”

According to the CBSA, in September, the CBSA Intelligence Sections

and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) unit initiated an investigation into a potential significant importation of controlled substances concealed inside marine containers

On Oct 25, the CBSA’s Metro Vancouver Marine Operations conducted an examination of goods within 19 marine containers based on this investigation Using a wide range of detection tools and technology, including X-ray technology, officers discovered irregularities in the shipping pallets as part of a deep concealment method. Further physical examination confirmed approximately 2,486 kg of opium within 247 shipping pallets.

The drugs seized were turned over to the RCMP FSOC unit for further criminal investigation “Committed to pro-

tecting Canadians from the most serious criminal threats, BC RCMP Federal Policing works closely with our domestic and international partners in combating organized crime,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Will Ng “Being jointly responsible for protecting Canada’s border, today’s announcement is a clear demonstration of our dedication to keeping illicit drugs from entering our communities, through our enduring partnership, and ongoing collaboration with the CBSA, at home, and abroad”

Marco Mendicino, Federal Minister of Public Safety said the safety and security of our communities is our top priority

“Our work begins at the borders, stopping illicit drugs from coming into Canada and disrupting criminal activity I want to thank CBSA

employees for their quick and decisive action to keep our country safe,” said Mendicino, in a news release Delta MP Carla Qualtrough was on hand at the press conference on behalf of Mendicino.

“Today’s announcement shows that our front line agencies are working hard to keep illegal substances off our streets,” said Qualtrough “This is effective and essential work that keeps communities, especially

those in proximity to ports, safe from crime. With CBSA making this historic seizure in British Columbia, Canadians can rest assured of the excellent work being done to keep communities across Canada safe.”

MARK BOOTH PHOTO

Canada Border Services Agency acting director for Metro Vancouver District, Pacific Region, Rahul Coelho shows reporters how the opium was hidden inside the pallets.

Deltapatrolofficerstousebodyworncameras

SANDOR GYARMATI sgyarmati@delta-optimist com

The Delta Police Department (DPD) is expanding its use of body worn cameras (BWC)

In May, the department became the first in B C to deploy the cameras operationally, starting with the Interdiction Team and later expanding to the Traffic Section

At its Dec. 14 meeting, the Delta Police Board approved a pilot for the DPD’s frontline Patrol Services Section (Patrol) to deploy the cameras

A DPD news release this week notes that the pilot is expected to begin in February for six months

The cost for the Patrol pilot project, primarily related to the purchase of four additional BWCs and equipment (chargers), will be approximately $6,400.

The department notes that the project will be used following existing policy and provincial standards, with oversight from the Delta Police

Management Team

Under the policy, people are made aware that their interaction with police is being recorded

The policy also thoroughly outlines the circumstances under which DPD officers may use the cameras, while indiscriminate and continuous recording is not permitted, the department explains

The DPD notes that the benefits include enhance evidence documentation

Among other things, the cameras, according to the department, can also provide enhanced transparency, public trust and confidence in policing, as well as enhanced officer safety by discouraging use of force against police and de-escalating high-conflict situations

Community consultation was undertaken earlier this year According to the DPD, the consultation found that 93 3 per cent of the community supports expanding the BWC program to the frontline, while 6 7 per

cent oppose expansion

Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Laura Cassidy and the First Nation’s Executive Council added their support for the expansion.

“Police legitimacy and public trust are emerging themes in the current

policing landscape and must be at the forefront of a modern and progressive community policing approach, to which the DPD remains commit-

ted to,” said Chief Neil Dubord in the news release “The continued expansion of the BWC program is the fruition of that commitment, in alignment with our community’s expectations to whom we are ultimately responsible and provide services to. I am fortunate to have a front-row seat in witnessing our team’s commitment, and dedication for our community’s safety and wellbeing and this pilot will support the work of our team”

Mayor George Harvie, who chairs the police board, said their decision focuses on fostering community trust in police while allowing officers to do their job safely, and the decision further supports the DPD’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan

Footage will be stored in a centralized Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS), which is

mandatory for all municipal police departments.

The DPD says it has also established a strict policy around accessibility and release of BWC footage, meaning footage is only accessible to an investigating officer, their supervisor and others with an investigative or documented need to see the footage.

As far as what the final price tag may be for the department, the DPD admits there may be additional costs related to processing requests that may come from the public, court-related disclosures and other agencies, which can currently be managed with existing staffing and resources

However, should there be a need to hire for a related position, the expected annual cost will be $84,738, but the DPD says it will make every effort to find internal efficiencies for such a position

Delta scrapping most of its advisory committees

SANDOR GYARMATI sgyarmati@delta-optimist com

It’s out with the old, in with the new at Delta municipal hall when it comes to the city’s advisory committees.

Council recently endorsed a staff recommendation to scrap most of the previous committees and commissions in favour of a new format

A report to council notes that, consistent with practices in other cities and to streamline the decision-making process and improve transparency, council’s Committee of the Whole has replaced most of the previous council committees

The Committee of the Whole allows council members to meet with more members of the community and broaden the level of engagement on important topics, the

report notes

Some separate committees will still provide advice on specific issues including the Delta council/Delta Board of Education liaison committee

In addition, three new committees are proposed to be established including the Community Investment Committee, the Agricultural and Hunting Regulation Advisory Committee and the Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Committee, all meeting twice per year

The report also notes that while the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission is concluded, Delta’s sport groups will have an enhanced opportunity to engage directly with council through the new City of Delta Sports and Culture Councils - Indoor/

Outdoor Mayor George Harvie and council members will host separate summits twice annually for the indoor and outdoor sport user groups as well as culture stakeholders

Meanwhile, to further streamline things at municipal hall, council also approved a bylaw to delegate decision-making authority on a number of procedures to staff, including many existing procedures that had been considered routine Opportunities for additional, more specific new delegations of authority to increase efficiency, particularly in relation to the administration of development applications and waiving of municipal fees and charges, are being investigated, according to staff who will report back to council in early 2023

The DPD currently has 16 BWCs available for use by officers

DELTA POLICE PHOTO

The DPD, with the support of the Delta Police Board, over the past two years has used a phased approach in implementing a BWC program.

KinVillagerentalapartmentbuildingprojectapproved

SANDOR GYARMATI sgyarmati@delta-optimist com

Delta council has granted final approval for a major redevelopment at KinVillage in Tsawwassen

All suites and common building areas, including the Day Program for Older Adults area, will include air conditioning

“We can confirm that every suite will have air conditioning, as will all building common areas, including amenity spaces, administrative and office spaces, and the Day Program for Older Adults KinVillage ensures the comfort and safety of their residents are held to the highest standard Further, as a BC Housing funded project we are required to meet certain thresholds related to thermal comfort,” KinVillage CEO Dan Levitt wrote to the city this summer.

The project’s site

currently contains KinVillage’s North Court building, which is to be demolished when the new facility is completed.

Levitt told council that an analysis determined the development would have no significant impact on traffic and the available parking would meet the future demand of facility residents and visitors

The development is being funded and financed through BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund Council in 2019 approved an Official Community Plan amendment for the longterm expansion vision for the entire site

The site currently contains five buildings ranging in height from one to three storeys.

KinVillage currently operates 310 affordable rental units for seniors, including 68 in assisted

living and 100 in residential care, as well as a community centre.

A total of 798 units are planned in the re-development, comprising 544 seniors’ rental housing

units, 119 units in congregate care and 135 community care beds

The development would be phased in over 10-to-15 years

The next phases would

include a new residential care facility, after which time the current residential care facility, would be torn down

The current KinVillage Community Centre is

to be closed in about 10 years, but Delta has a master plan for the adjacent Winskill Park that envisions a replacement centre being built as part of future park redevelopment

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The KinVillage Association is planning to transform the entire site over several phases. Receiving the final go-ahead from the city, the first project is a 152-unit rental apartment building.

5008 47A Avenue Delta, BC V4K 1T8 Phone 604-946-4451 Deliveries 604-946-5171 wwwdelta-optimist com

PUBLISHER: Pierre Pelletier ppelletier@delta-optimist com

EDITOR: Ian Jacques ijacques@delta-optimist com

SPORTS: Mark Booth mbooth@delta-optimist com

REPORTERS

Sandor Gyarmati sgyarmati@ delta-optimist com Mark Booth mbooth@delta-optimist com

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jim Kinnear jimgkinnear@netscape net

DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Marianne LaRochelle mariannel@glaciermedia ca

SALES REPRESENTATIVES:

John Gallinger jgallinger@ delta-optimist com Ruth VanBruksvoort rbruks@ delta-optimist com Lee Fruhstorfer lfruhstorfer@delta-optimist com

SALES SUPPORT: Linda Calendino lcalendino@ delta-optimist com

DISTRIBUTION: Kristene Murray 604-946-5171 kmurray@glaciermedia ca Roya Sarwary rsarwary@delta-optimist com

CLASSIFIED 604-444-3056 classifieds@van net

Snowangels amongus

IAN JACQUES

Those wishing for a white Christmas will be getting their wish

Thanks to an unprecedented snowstorm Monday night and Tuesday morning where in some parts of the region up to 35 cm of the white stuff fell, we will likely be waking up to snow on Christmas morning How much will be sticking around remains to be seen as warmer temperatures and heavy rain is in the forecast starting Saturday. It will be white and certainly wet – more like a cool, slushy outside.

I for one am not a fan of the white stuff. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, I moved out to B C in 1988 with my siblings and parents and we were looking forward to some of those famous wet coast winters That has not been the case I think there have been as many white Christmas’s as wet ones

It has been a challenging few days for travel for many of us, but thanks to the hard working crews from the City of Delta, the main roads are in great shape as I pen this column Wednesday morning from our office in Ladner

Several keyboard warriors on our local social media pages say otherwise however and while everyone is entitled to their opinion, for those that are complaining, I wish they would just pause and think for a few minutes before blasting off a comment It’s easy to criticize from the warm, comfort of your home with a hot chocolate by your side This is a tough job with Delta crews working 24/7 to clear our roads

As I said they have done a great job.

Also kudos to all the enterprising youth who have offered their snow clearing services Those posts on social media and the heartwarming thanks from residents who they have helped are the types of messages you want to see. Great job by all these snow angels!

As this is my last column for the year, I will end with a Merry Christmas to all I hope we all get to enjoy time with family and friends this weekend.

Sunset Farm During Winter 1954

This 1954 photograph depicts Sunset Farm in Tsawwassen, the home of Ben and Martha Brandrith, and the future home of the Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course. A blanket of snow covers the buildings and ground as massive icicles hang off the house You can also see a dog in the foreground

Delta Archives - 2022-020-016

Making special Christmas memories

Imust admit that I am a sucker for a good snow dump, especially at Christmas time

Last year the Christmas snowfall added a beautiful backdrop for the big days’ festivities and it remains to be seen what the weekend will bring. It will definitely be white, but likely a wet white

I was out and about on Monday night taking in the lights amidst the rapidly accumulating snow I absolutely love the muffled sound of cars as they crunched their way through the white stuff

We had our first big gathering of the season this past Sunday as out of town relatives came over for a festive seven-hour lunch before going back home to enjoy their own gatherings. The food was plentiful and the fire was warm. Photo albums, Christmas carols, laughter and egg nog provided a lovely backdrop for the occasion

The star of Sunday’s event was Nana who was wheeled over in her chair through the snow from KinVillage by her daughter and one of her sons

As it happened the 97-yearold was transported at the heaviest snow fall, which was right around noon When she arrived, she was covered by a layer of dry powdery snow and looked cold, but had a big smile on her face

The past couple of years have been difficult for many of us and appreciating a new found sense of normalcy sure makes a difference at this time of year. Life still has its stresses Inflation, geo-political unrest in many parts of the world, climate calamities and occasional reflections on an uncertain future still exist, at least they do for me

My regular routine at this time time of year to de-stress, is to channel my inner child and remember the magic of Christmas’s past. The Christmas morning breakfast feasts at our family home were spectacular We were always joined by my beloved grandparents who lived up the road. It was exciting to hear them come up the front steps with their sacks of toys for us boys

My brothers and I were not allowed to leave the table until everyone was finished. The bounty under the tree would not be touched until every last piece of bacon and blueberry muffin was gone

The anticipation was almost unbearable, a ritual form of torture that my grandmother loved

After gifting, my brothers and I would head downstairs to play with our toys while the intoxicating smell of the turkey being cooked intensified during the afternoon

I hope you cherish your Christmas memories as well I can hardly wait for the weekend! Merry Christmas and peace and love to you all!

The Delta Heritage Society is pleased to celebrate 100 years of the Delta Optimist Please visit us at the Douglas J Husband Discovery Centre Do you have photos that help tell Delta’s story? Interested in becoming a DHS member? Contact us at info@deltaheritagesociety ca

MIKE SCHNEIDER

Anothernailinthecoffin ofpublicengagement

Editor:

On Dec. 12, Delta council approved, without discussion, two bylaws that significantly alter the public hearing process

The bylaw states that “The director (of Community Planning and Development) may exercise all the powers and perform the duties of council in deciding whether to hold a public hearing where a proposed zoning bylaw is consistent with the Official Community Plan”

This puts the decision on one position at city hall With this in place,

there is the potential for councillors to rely on a project being studied by the director in isolation and then accept the recommendation of the director

The people of Delta elected council to perform the duties of council We did not elect city officials to perform their duties. It is stated that council may intervene, and if, for example, one councillor decided that a public hearing is warranted, but then it would take a majority of council to agree to make a public hearing necessary This is another nail in the coffin of public engagement

in projects that affect the residents of Delta. There are no guidelines to determine whether a public hearing would be necessary.

The residents of Delta lose again to Mayor Harvie and now his newly elected “team”

Councillors must remember that they are elected by the people of Delta and are accountable only to the people of Delta They do not work for, report to and are not accountable to the mayor, staff or developers Mayor and council must listen to the people they represent Pat Zawalykut

Please slow down and watch for pedestrians

Editor:

I pen this letter to a driver who on Dec 15 at 1:15 p m at Tsawwassen Town Centre, almost hit me while I was walking north on 54A across 12th Avenue in a marked crosswalk while the walk signal was illuminated

The woman driver of

a later model white SUV was driving southbound across the intersection turning immediately eastbound onto 12th. She obviously did not see me

I stopped halfway across, waving to get her attention. If I had not stopped she would have hit me. When the driver

saw me, she looked at the walk sign and accelerated eastbound She did not slow down nor stop at any point. This careless lack of attention could have had very ugly consequences.

Please take a breath, slow down and pay attention to the road P. Cropo

More educational oversight needed

Editor:

I was shocked to read in the Optimist last week that a former Delta teacher was recently disciplined with a one day suspension and a positivity re-education course for showing R-rated movies and an on-line murdering game to children in Grade 2 Not only that, but this individual thought it appropriate to talk to seven-year-olds about bullying other students and smearing dog feces on lockers.

I find it concerning that the only reason this teacher was called out for this behaviour was because a frightened child told their parent and that parent took action. This suggests a worrying lack of oversight in our school system

We entrust our children to the school system, which must provide for their education as well as their safety. This teacher clearly should have been immediately fired

and possibly charged with child abuse as these young kids could have on-going long term trauma from these incidents.

This begs the question of how many more teachers are acting inappropriately and whether their conduct is being overlooked or tolerated by the school system?

This is one more reason why parents desperately need more control and oversight within our schools

Alisa Horth

KeepLadnervillagea“Village”

Editor:

Village definition; Ladner is considered a “Village” and according to National Geographic “ a village is usually located in a rural setting” and surrounded by natural borders such as waterways or other natural landscapes such as farmland or mountains.

Other definitions also state that a modern village has buildings four storeys or less and two to three storeys is the norm Ladner is a unique

Letterslocation in the entire Metro Vancouver district with rich history in farming and fishing and combining the smaller businesses with the current décor is a wonderful place to visit and live.

Now a developer wants to place a large, six storey structure right in the centre of our village. This structure will rob many northern and western properties of natural sun light for the better part of the year The sky line will change forever It was not

too long ago a five storey complex close by was denied and eventually the townhouse development has three storeys with sub surface underground parking This development fits the definition.

Delta city council is setting a dangerous precedent by allowing six storey buildings in a small urban area

Please reconsider and keep “Ladner” the perfect little “Village” it has always been

Doug Hastings

Public engagement is crucial

Editor:

Re: How is three percent a majority (Optimist, Letters, Oct. 15).

It’s unfortunate that this letter writer misrepresented facts about the number of Ladner residents opposed to the six-storey Ladner Village Official Community Plan.

The more accurate number should be 89 per cent of residents (who took the time to write or speak to council in

December, 2021) were opposed to six storeys.

His claim of three per cent fails to take into consideration that he used 22,193 (2016 stats) for Ladner’s population – stats which include children who rarely if ever appear at public hearings or send emails to council on developments

More important than quibbling over stats, it is crucial Ladner residents make their views known

about this proposed development application by writing to council mayor-council@delta.ca and the city website specific to this project at: https:// letstalk delta ca/lu009302 Also attend the public consultation meeting on Jan 11 or 17 at the Ladner Community Centre.

Let’s hope this time Delta council actually acts on “wishes of the majority.”

Bev Yaworski

Editor:

Could you please help me understand why we taxpayers are funding a major construction project to erect a very large, impressive and no doubt extremely costly “

Tax increase

Editor:

Delta council has approved a 4 9 per cent increase in property taxes

dog park” within an existing

every

Dogs do not care where they play and do their other stuff

Unavoidable conclusion is: dogs one, humans in need and in crisis zero

Don German

does not sit well with this reader

money

*We are heading for a recession

Seriously? Well Merry Christmas to you too Allow me to inform you Mr Mayor and council on a few facts to consider:

*The Bank of Canada rate has gone up four per cent just this year, so some homeowners cannot afford payments They just do not have the

*A flu pandemic causing parents to miss work (unpaid) to care for their children

-Food banks seeing extreme, unprecedented demand

-Inflation is at an alltime high with grocery prices continuing to rise.

Please don’t give me the same old song and dance that all the other municipalities are rais-

ing their taxes too Just because my neighbor repaves his driveway and gets a new roof that I must too

Raising taxes seems to be the easy way out for you Complaints are simply ignored and filed away

Why not try to set a precedent you can be proud of and try lowering taxes Do it for your constituents who voted for you That is your job

W.V. Fulcher

Kahlon named first housing minister in B.C.

SANDOR GYARMATI sgyarmati@delta-optimist com

The first ever minister of a standalone ministry aimed at tackling B.C.’s housing crisis is going to have a lot of work ahead

Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon, was named Minister of Housing on Dec 7 by Premier David Eby It’s one of two new ministries announced with the rest of the new cabinet that was sworn in.

“Housing is a generational question. You can’t go to a house party or any meeting without the housing issue coming up one way or the other It can be older folks worried about their kids or their grandkids worried about where they are going to stay The premier has made this a top priority to move this important issue of housing forward to make sure people have access to the housing they need in their communities,” said Kahlon in an interview with the Optimist.

Kahlon, who had previously been Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, said the new housing ministry will deal with a wide range of issues, from ensuring people are not living in tents, supporting them so they can get back on their feet, to student housing and affordable rentals, working with the private sector as well as non-profits.

The province recently announced other changes aimed at helping local governments speed up their application processes to approve housing proposals, as well as other measures including ending rental restrictions making local governments meet housing growth targets.

“Our priorities for the ministry is to ensure that we can increase the speed of approvals so that we get more housing online faster, to get the supply onto the market we know is currently important on the market side but also the non-market

side. Synergies will be important because this role is going to require us to work with a lot of stakeholders, the development community and local government officials and non-for-profits We want to hear the voices from communities how they want their communities built. It’s going to require a lot of coordination and working with our partners to make sure we get the housing we need,” said Kahlon.

Delta is the leader among B C communities, says Kahlon

As far as the recent legislation giving the province the ability to set targets for local governments, Kahlon noted some communities are still behind.

“What we don’t want to do is leave the responsibility of bringing more housing to only a few communities. Everyone has a responsibility to be part of the solution That is our focus. It’s not to be adversarial but we will have tools I’d be shocked, though, if any of the mayors don’t want to be part of the solution,” he added Kahlon, who made a presentation to Delta council earlier this year saying the province is willing to partner with the city, was highly complimentary of the City of Delta’s efforts, which included

undertaking a housing needs assessment, coming up with a new housing action plan to recently introducing streamlining measures including not requiring public hearings for applications that already comply with an official community plan.

He said the city has done a good job bringing different voices to the table to be part of community planning, while creating clear guidelines for the community, developers and not-for-profit sector

“British Columbia has always been and will continue to be a welcoming place for people all over the world. We know that last year we had a 100,000, net, people come In the first two quarters of this year, we ’ re at 72,000 That’s great because we are going to need that for the economy, but we ’ re also going to need to ensure that we ’ re going to have the housing I’m not saying we ’ re going to add housing just for millionaires who park their money in our communities, because that’s not what we want We want units where people can afford to live in the community. We’re going to work with our partners to ensure we have regional goals in place and that we can meet our targets,” he said

PROVINCE OF B C PHOTO

Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon, pictured with BC Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin after he was sworn in with the new cabinet on Dec. 7, said it will be important to bring many different stakeholders to the table on the issue of housing

Tsawwassen subdivision applications draw ire of residents

SANDOR GYARMATI sgyarmati@delta-optimist com

Delta council moved a couple of Tsawwassen property subdivision and housing redevelopment applications a step closer to final approval following a public hearing on Monday, Dec. 12, but heard opposition from nearby residents.

Among the applications considered was a proposal to split two single-family lots into three at 998 and 1008 50B Street The three residential lots would each have new single-detached homes with secondary suites, attics and accessory structures.

Another rezoning application would see three large residential single-family lots at 5121, 5135 and 5149 12 Ave split into 10 smaller lots. Each lot would contain a detached single-family dwelling with in-ground basements and secondary suites

A 38-unit townhouse complex was proposed at that site, but the planning department during the pre-application stage suggested the applicant submit another proposal

that was not a big departure from what’s currently in the neighbourhood

More than a dozen residents spoke against both applications, conveying concerns about density and traffic and claimed that the size and scopes of the projects are not appropriate for the areas

Several residents also conveyed concerns about the loss of privacy for the 50B Street application, while some also argued developers motivated by profit wanted to create too much infill housing

Planning staff noted the application does not request a variance and is consistent with the

Official Community Plan (OCP)

As far as the 12th Avenue application, one speaker said they weren’t opposed to “gentle densification” but the proposal was more like “violent densification” for the neighbourhood

The city received more than 180 letters, with some noting the alternative for the large lots would be three much larger houses that don’t require rezoning and would not be a good fit with the surrounding area

A nearby resident, who submitted a 52-name petition in opposition, warned “ a can of worms ” would open if such a large split is allowed

Another speaker suggested fewer lots would be more appropriate because the current proposal is “really too much for us to bear.”

A speaker in favour, however, said Delta needs more stock for renters, young families and downsizers, yet some residents are speaking “in hypocrisy” in that they support such housing but not where they live

Another speaker

opposed countered that those who don’t live in Tsawassen shouldn’t have a say on the application Mayor George Harvie responded that everyone has a right to speak

Planning staff told council the proposal also requests no variances, complies with the OCP and is in line with the recommendations in the Delta Housing Action Plan.

Design consultant Sarah Gallop, who is working with the applicant, explained what they were trying to achieve. She told council the smaller homes close to the town centre will meet the needs of young families, downsizers and also offer multi-generational housing options for families.

Granting third reading for both applications, council agreed on the need for a mix of housing, but also asked staff to come back with a report on how the city can ensure the lane next to the 12 Avenue proposal won’t be eventually extended to become a through road to Winskill Drive

F LE PHOTO

A pair of Tsawwassen subdivision applications drew a lot of negative feedback from residents at a public hearing on Dec 12

LIFESTYLES

StudioWestdazzleswithTheNutcracker

Studio West Dance started a new holiday tradition over the weekend with a wonderful production of The Nutcracker at Genesis Theatre in Ladner JIM KINNEAR PHOTOS

Community

ELIZABETH PERRIN Delta Naturalists Society

We are so lucky that beautiful little Anna’s Hummingbirds now overwinter in Delta but, when the weather turns cold, they need our help. All summer they have fed on colourful, nectarrich flowers such as fuchsia, salvia and vermillionaire, but once that

bounty is gone, they must rely on feeders If you haven’t already put out feeders, please consider doing so

To keep our little friends healthy during really cold spells, we may have to be somewhat creative to prevent frozen feeders Although there are now quite a few heated feeders on the market, not everyone has a handy

source of electricity on their decks or balconies, or the patience to deal with battery operated models

If this is your situation, there are a few things you can try

Wrapping your feeder with a towel, scarf or bubble wrap can help prevent the nectar from freezing, as can attaching a feeder to the window

of a heated room. You can bring your feeder in at night to prevent freezing, but remember those little ones may be looking for food before sunrise, so put it back out early I am not an early riser but, when it is freezing overnight, I have a second feeder, along with warm boots and a fleece robe, ready for a quick pre-dawn run to replace

a frozen feeder before going back to bed

Making the nectar richer can help prevent or at least delay freezing Instead of one part sugar to four parts water you can use one part sugar to three parts water, but this should only be done when it’s really cold Long-term feeding on rich nectar can be hard on the hummers’ diges-

tive systems. Place feeders in an area protected from weather if possible, clean them regularly, ensure feeding ports are not clogged by snow and enjoy watching those delightful creatures

Editor’s note: Nature Notes is a once-a-month column prepared by the Delta Naturalists Society and their community partners.

Community

Tsawwassen student awarded IODE British Columbia 2022 Arts Award

Marg Allan, education officer, of the Boundary Bay Chapter of the IODE, had the honor of presenting Joshua Elliott with the IODE BC Arts Award recently

The award, along with a $1,000 bursary, is given each year, in competition, to a student of the arts (visual

or performing), who has shown great promise in his/her chosen arts field

The applicant must be a resident of B C and be in grades 10 through 12 Elliott is a Grade 12 student at South Delta Secondary His artistic field of study is music composition

He says that his musical style is mainly in the realm of film music, classical music and jazz and that he would love to go to school for music composition

He wants to write scores for movies and TV professionally and produce and arrange music as well

He is an accomplished musician who plays a variety of instruments including the piano, cello, trombone, accordion, bassoon and flute

In 2022 he was awarded the VAYA Festival Outstanding Composition Award; gold standing for duets

for clarinet and saxophone and silver standing for Lost Civilization

His passion for music is found both inside and outside of school

He has performed in many musical productions at SDSS He also volunteers at his church playing keys and cello and has volunteered his

time at many carnivals, dinners, and banquets, playing piano and accordion to entertain guests.

He is not only a gifted musician, but an excellent student He is applying to university and hopes to study music or engineering

-Submitted by IODE Boundary Bay Chapter

Heart

Church

Join us on Christmas Eve at 7 pm or Christmas Day at 10 am for Family Service with Carols. For more information www.allsaintsladner.org or call 604-946-8413. 4755 Arthur Drive, Delta

6:30 PM

Christmas Eve Service

The Light of the World 10:30 A M

This Christmas Sunday Matthew 1:1, 16; Luke 1:26-45

The Mothers of Jesus: Ruth Pastor Jason Truell 中文主日崇拜 10:30 am Nancy 楊傳道 4594 – 54A Street, Ladner, B.C. 604-946-7033 email: office@ladnercrc.com visit our website: www.ladnercrc.ca

Community

Christian Christmas

This Sunday morning, families will gather next to decorated trees, and carefully, or not so carefully, unwrap gifts. For most people, this will be the height of the Christmas celebration, but for those who confess Christ as Lord, the celebration will take on a far more profound aspect.

The centre of Christian Christmas is the celebration of divine incarnation the arrival of God into the world as a human being. The one through whom the universe came into existence took on vulnerable human flesh not just the appearance of humanity, but actual human nature

He would die at the hands of a world that was estranged from God, a world that had chosen death over life, but he came with open arms to forgive and love that same rejecting world, and bring humanity back

Minister’s Minute

THOMAS KEELEY

to God, to give people true life

Humans killed him, but the power of God’s love raised him up. He is the Living Word who enters human hearts to forgive and transform them

As the Apostle Paul told the Roman Christians, “But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is life because of righteousness”(Romans

8:10)

Christian Christmas reminds us of God’s incredible love, which is not an abstract truth, but a concrete reality, and the gift Christ brings is exactly that a gift freely given

It is given without condition and is yours for the taking. It does not depend on what you have done or not done, but only on your need for it, so, I encourage you to search your hearts, take some time to hear and read the story of the birth of Jesus as told in Holy Scripture

Find a local church, take in a Christmas service in-person or online Embrace the child in the manger, the one who already embraces you with a love more profound than the expanse of the universe

May God bless you this Christmas for a safe and joyous celebration!

Tsawwassen United Church

693 – 53rd Street, Tsawwassen

Welcome to everyone for Worship & Friendship Sunday’s @ 10:00 am

Rev Daniel Kirkegaard tuc@telus.net 604.943.2911 “Be Faithful,be true, be a blessing”

BENEDICTION LUTHERAN CHURCH

11 year old Bella Freeman is the winner of the 10-13 year category in the Optimist’s 33rd Annual Colouring Contest. Bella wins a gift certificate from Sublime Art Materials in Tsawwassen. The other contest winners are featured inside our Season’s Greetings section.

DeltassistToyDepotbackinoperation

MARK BOOTH mbooth@deltsa-optimist com

The largest toy store in Delta was back in operation for the first time in three years last week thanks to a huge community effort and the generosity of many.

Deltassist’s annual Toy Depot took over the East Delta Hall where families in need had three days to come through to pick-up toys, books and clothes so there will be presents under the tree this Christmas

It’s the first time the Toy Depot was back up and running after being put on pause due to the pandemic The nonprofit agency had turned to a gift card campaign to still provide for families while working around provincial health regulations Now it’s back to business as usual and it took the help of many to pull it off

According to Deltassist’s Manager of Community and Seniors Services Lisa Pitman, donations started arriving

at the North Delta office in September where they are neatly organized by staff and volunteers

Gordon Food Service Canada generously donated one of their semi-trailer trucks

and drivers to transport the toys to East Delta Hall on Monday (Dec 12) From there, a large group of volunteers took over unpacking the trailer.

The helpers included a contingent from the Delta

Firefighters Charitable Society that also presented Deltassist with a $10,000 cheque that will go directly to stocking the food program. Employees from the Reach Child and Youth Development Society and

RBC Equipment Financing and RBC Commercial Finance Richmond/South Vancouver also stepped up along with the long-time volunteers from within the community

By the time they were done, bags of stuffed animals, boxes of puzzles, books, LEGO, train sets and Barbie dolls were piled as high as the eye could see Families who registered for the Toy Depot all received a card in advance with a specific time to come to the hall where all the donations have been neatly arranged in different sections based on age Pitman says the need for the program has never been greater

“Last year I think we had about 2,100 people registered and I’m sure there will be more this time,” she said “So many people have stepped forward to make this possible It really does take a community effort and I don’t know what we would do without our volunteers”

The toy depot was initially launched in 1998.

MARK BOOTH PHOTO

Deltassist Manager of Community & Seniors Services Lisa Pitman at the Deltassist Toy Depot on Monday, Dec 12 at East Delta Hall.

Season’s Greetings

Volunteers fuel Christmas food hamper program

MARK BOOTH mbooth@delta-optimist com

Weeks of donations and endless volunteer hours have culminated with hundreds of low income families and seniors benefitting from the return of Deltassist’s Christmas Hamper Program

After being halted for the past two years by the pandemic, the warehouses at Paridon Horticultural Ltd in East Delta were buzzing again with activity last week resulting in more than 500 hampers being delivered on Saturday (Dec 17) throughout the city

Making it possible are the dedicated volunteers from various service clubs including the Ladner Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, TOOBs North Delta, Tsawwassen and Ladner Rotary clubs, Scottsdale, Boundary Bay-Tsawwassen and North Delta Lions, Kinsmen Club of Ladner/Tsawwassen and Deltassist

Many of them have been giving up their time for years, including Bob Taggart who was coordinating about 20 or so volunteers when the Optimist dropped by the Paridon facility

“You go to bed every night wondering what shifts we have and what we still need to do,” chuckled Taggart. “It is a lot of coordination, but in the end it’s all worth it knowing just how many we are

helping”

Taggart says the work starts in early October with donations arriving at the warehouse from local businesses while most of the canned goods are collected from school food drives North Delta’s Delview Secondary was a huge contributor this year with more than 16,000 non-perishable items that were donated to Deltassist along with the Surrey Food Bank.

The biggest task for the volunteers is assembling more than 1,000 boxes that are generously donated by a company in Richmond That takes a week alone

and a special staple machine to put them all together. From that point they can start to be filled with two boxes per household and up to three for large families

Longtime Delta farming families, such as Guichon, Bates and Kelly, donate potatoes, cabbage and turnips By Saturday morning all the hampers have been completely packed and are ready for delivery with more than 100 volunteer drivers required Lions Gate Fisheries in Ladner loan out about 150 pallets so the hampers can be moved by forklift to the front

door for the drivers

“We’ve got smarter over the years and know some of the tricks and shortcuts now, ” laughed Taggart

At 72, he added there is plenty more years of giving back to his hometown

“We have John MacDonald and a few other volunteers here who are 84-or-85 years-old and they show up here every day,” he said “It’s pretty remarkable as they are bending over these (hamper) boxes for hours and they just keep on doing it.”

For more on the Deltassist Christmas programs visit: deltasssist com

apyHolida ys

MARK BOOTH PHOTO

Just some of the many volunteers who worked tirelessly last week at the Paridon Horticultural warehouses to make the Deltassist Christmas Hamper program a reality

Season’s Greetings

20 Days of Giving a huge success at Delta Secondary

It is the season of giving and for students and staff at Delta Secondary, it signals the start of a tradition that has been going strong for more than 20 years - the collection of food items, toiletries and gift cards for local families in need.

“Three years ago, we named this initiative the 20 Days of Giving Campaign,” said teacher Colleen Blatz, who has been involved in organizing the fundraiser since 1999.

This year ’ s campaign ran from Nov. 15 to Dec. 2, and the goal was to surpass last year ’ s total of $17,000

“In total, we raised $19,345 including food items, toiletries, and gift cards. We were able to create 26 hampers for local families in the Ladner community and make a positive difference this holiday season because of the generous donations by students, staff and our community members,” said Blatz “I would like to thank everyone for their support of this project It truly takes a village to make this happen ”

The Interact Club, led by teacher Carla Day, organized the food and donation drive thru event on Nov 29 Student government, led by teacher Paige Collings, was responsible for the promotion, collection and tallying of food items, while social studies teacher Graham Harkley looked after cash donations and the total contributions of this year ’ s campaign.

“Thank you to our Pacer students and staff and our community for their efforts this year, ” said principal John Pavao. “We showed our Pacer pride and why we are #Ladnerstrong in breaking last year ’ s total and helping out so many local families

“A special thanks to Colleen Blatz for all the extra hours she put in to organize and assemble the hampers This year ’ s campaign would not be the success it was without her leadership, commitment and work to ensure local families are cared for and have something special for the holiday season ” -submitted by Delta School District

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Delta Secondary School’s 20 Days of Giving campaign surpassed its initial goal, raising close to $20,000, including food items, toiletries and gift cards.

Season’s Greetings

Christmasspiritshiningbright atDeltaViewCareCentre

It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas at the Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre.

Social worker Bailey Archibald sent the Optimist these photos of the decorations at Delta View

Archibald said there are 10 homes (units) all decorated as well as many smaller office door decorations

Residents, family and staff will vote for their favourites “We’ve done this before, but

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The staff at the Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre in Ladner have decoarted 10 homes (units) for the holiday season.

this year seems extra special,” said Archibald “I thought with the pandemic and healthcare staff shortages and now flu season everyone would be burned out, but that is not the case.

The staff have worked together to make the season special for the residents and families at Delta View

As you ’ re aware, long-term care has been through a lot in the past few years It’s nice to see the Christmas spirit.”

from Mayor George V Harvie and Delta Council

Season’s Greetings

English Bluff Holiday Art Gala

raises over $3,300 for Deltassist

Staff and students at English Bluff elementary decided to switch up the traditional holiday music performance and instead find a way to give back to their local community

The result was the Holiday Arts Gala,

which raised $3,380 for Deltassist.

“Here at English Bluff, we are an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) One of the key tenets of the PYP is action, so we thought it would be great to give

students an opportunity to engage in a form of contribution or service,” said Jessica Elkin, IB Coordinator and teacher at English Bluff. “We came up with the idea of a holiday arts gala that could involve the entire school in a collaborative celebration of arts and togetherness”

The holiday arts gala took place at the school on Thursday, Dec. 8 and was a huge hit with staff, students and families alike

Elkin said the hallways of the school became an art gallery, where each student contributed a piece of art that their family could purchase by donation

“Along with the art donations, there was a silent auction with handcrafts by English Bluff families and vari-

ous other gifts,” she said “Throughout the evening, there were choir performances in the library and between sets, parents could purchase handmade clay tree ornaments made by the grade threes or organic cranberry sauce lovingly made by the grade ones

“In the foyer, we had an evening of holiday tunes played by our Grade 7 band members

who formed quartets

In the gym we had a DJ play fun holiday-themed music all evening while families mingled and danced. We had hot chocolate and popcorn for sale by donation, and everyone had lots of fun in the photo booth and making Christmas wishes to hang on the wishing tree”

Principal Toshi Carleton-Gaines was

very proud of the event “I’m so proud of our students, staff and families for wholeheartedly embracing the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season in a different way this year, ” said Carleton-Gaines “In particular, it was wonderful to see our learners so deeply engaged and connected in finding ways to give back to the community.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

English Bluff Elementary School in Tsawwassen switched its traditional holiday music performance on Dec. 8 into a big fundraiser for Deltassist instead.

Season’s Greetings

Town Centre Mall’s Breakfast with Santa

JIM KINNEAR PHOTOS

Opa Rolf and Nana Ruth Zell with their five-year-old grandtwins Willa and Molly Zell.

Volunteers from the Boundary Bay Lions Club and TOOB were busy working the grill.

Four-year-old Avani and two-year-old Avleen, along with parents Sukh and Jagpal got a chance to catch-up with Santa Claus during Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall’s Breakfast With Santa event last month

Season’s Greetings

Briaseniorsplay SantaforDeltassist

Some Delta seniors will have a little something extra under the tree this year, thanks to a partnership between Deltassist and Bria Communities.

This local version of the Santa for Seniors initiative started in 2019 as part of Deltassist’s toy drive and food hamper program.

Seniors who sign up for Deltassist food hampers can also request a special gift to be hand-delivered just before Christmas This year, 30 seniors asked to be included in the program, up from 17 in 2021

“It’s not just kids and families who need extra support at this time of the year, seniors do too,” says Annie Bakehouse, community outreach coordinator for The Waterford and The Wexford in Tsawwassen.

She notes that this year with high grocery prices, buying something extra for Christmas is impossible for many seniors with limited incomes

“We love making Christmas a bit more special and providing a gift

they wouldn’t normally get themselves,” she added

When Deltassist signs a senior up for the program, Bakehouse swings into action. She works with residents and staff at The Waterford and The Wexford in Tsawwassen to purchase specific gifts, bake cookies, wrap and handdeliver gift bags loaded with presents and goodies.

Most of the gifts requested help seniors stay warm: heating pads, throw blankets, socks and slippers

“Each year, I’m surprised at how people aren’t asking for luxuries. They’re asking for real things that matter for their day-to-day lives,” Bakehouse said

The gifts are warmly received.

“I love doing the deliveries The folks getting the gifts are so incredibly grateful, and they almost always invite us in for a cup of tea,” she adds “It’s heartwarming and so lovely to see these seniors with huge smiles It’s what Christmas is all about”

-Submitted by Bria Communities

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Santa’s “elves” Cathy Polson and Fran Gendron busy wrapping presents at The Waterford as part of the Santa for Seniors initiative.

VillageafavouriteforHallmarkChristmasmovies

MARK BOOTH mbooth@delta-optimist com

Hollywood North producers have a special fondness for Ladner Village when it comes to shooting locations for Christmas movies.

That certainly has been the trend over the past decade with Hallmark productions making several stops in the village for their popular holiday movies that can be regularly viewed on the W-Network Most have been filmed in the middle of summer or early fall where set crews are challenged to create typical winter scenes

Here’s a rundown of some of the Hallmark movies where you will recognize Ladner Village stores and landmarks:

Mrs. Miracle (2009)

Overwhelmed widower Seth Webster is searching for a housekeeper to help him with his unruly six year old twin sons Mrs Miracle mysteriously appears and quickly becomes an irreplaceable nanny, chef, friend and matchmaker Stars James Van Der Beek, Doris Roberts and Erin Karpluk

Finding Santa (2017)

Grace is in charge of organizing a

Christmas Parade in Green River, her hometown The parade, in its 50th year, will be telecasted live on television

Everything is going smoothly until the long standing Santa Claus walking in the parade breaks his arm. The best replacement? His son, Ben who hates Christmas and the idea. Desperate Grace, tries to infuse the Christmas spirit in him

Starring Jodie Sweetin and Eric Winter.

Christmas In the Air (2017)

When frazzled single dad Robert finds himself in over his head at home and

work, he enlists professional organizer Lydia to help get his life in order. Starring Catherine Bell and Eric Close Miss Christmas (2017)

Nicknamed Miss Christmas the official tree finder for Chicago’s renowned Radcliffe Tree lighting is left desperate to find the perfect tree A letter from a young boy promising his tree is perfect sends her to a small town where she learns the young boy’s dad isn’t willing to part with his tree Starring Brooke D’Orsay, Marc Blucas

Christmas Joy (2018)

Joy Holbrook is a market researcher about to get a sweet promotion just in time for the holidays But she receives an urgent phone call from home and rushes back to help her aunt recovery from surgery, reuniting with her former crush Ben Starring Danielle Panabaker and Matt Long

A Christmas Duet (2019)

During the chaos of planning a Christmas festival and vying for the Top Winter Lodge Award, an innkeeper rekindles her love of music as well as her love for her former music partner Starring Chaley Rose, Rome Flynn and Chiara Zanni

The Christmas Ring (2020)

Reporter Kendra Adams searches for the love story behind an antique engagement ring with the help of the grandson of the ring’s owner Stars Nazneen Contractor, David Alpay and Chelsey Reist

Maple Valley Christmas (2022)

Erica is a rancher who has spent her whole life working the family farm with her mother and sister When Aaron arrives and disrupts her plans, she starts to question what it is she actually wants Stars Peyton List and Andrew W. Walker.

HALLMARK PRODUCTIONS PHOTO

The latest Hallmark Christmas movie to be shot in Ladner Villlage is Maple Valley Christmas. Filming took place in early August along 48th Ave.

Season’s Greetings

WhatisyourfavouriteChristmasmovie?

The Optimist reached out to Delta political and business leaders and asked them what was their favourite Christmas movie and why?

Below are their responses.

Delta South MLA Ian Paton

My favourite movie to watch at Christmas is Planes, Trains, and Automobiles I like it because hilarity ensues as John Candy and Steve Martin meet and are forced to spend a weekend together when their respective trips go awry. Watching this dynamic comedy duo is gold in the most cringe-worthy way

Delta School Board chair Val Windsor

A Christmas Carol. The black and white version produced in 1951 starring Alastair Sim, is a favourite movie of mine. We could all use a visit by the three ghosts to remind us of our need to be kind to others all year long Scrooge learned that lesson well!

Mayor George Harvie

Every year on Christmas Eve, my family gets together to watch my granddaughter Ronia’s favourite Christmas movie The Polar Express. Her favourite scene is when the whole train sings and dances while being served hot chocolate. Ronia loves to sing along. I cherish these wonderful moments with my family

Valerie Miller – Ladner Business Association

It’s hard to pick a favourite but mine is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer It’s the first Christmas movie I remember seeing and just hearing a carol sung by

Burl Ives takes me back in time We didn’t have a colour TV in 1964 but we all knew Rudolph’s nose was red!

Delta MP Carla Qualtrough

The Sound of Music is our family Christmas tradition. This was one of my favorite movies growing up, and now my kids enjoy it just as much We love the music and know all the words to every song – it turns into a family sing-along every time

CONTINUED: see Page 31

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Delta South MLA Ian Paton, his wife Pam and grandaughter Natalie.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Delta MP Carla Qualtrough’s children Jessica and Matthew in this photo with Santa from 2018..

Season’s Greetings

year

You may think that a police chief might choose a crime-fighting theme for his favorite Christmas movie. There are a lot to choose from, for example, Home Alone, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but sometimes, when you go home, you just want to leave work behind I’m a softie at heart, and Love Actually is my favorite

Barlow, Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association

This is a hard one as I actually have several, but the one that sticks out to me is Elf!

Elf to me is what Christmas is all about Spreading happiness and warmth to others makes it such a special time of

White Christmas is my absolute favourite holiday movie, even before I was born my family would gather to watch this classic I think I could recite the lines for almost every part, sing every song and if I could dance, perform every number alongside Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby!

Lisa Hoglund, Executive Director, Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation

Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord

Christmas movie

Michelle

SUBM TTED PHOTO

Lisa Hoglund provides a little hint of what her favourite Christmas movie is.

SUBM TTED PHOTO

Neil Dubord is fond of a 2003 Christmas romance classic.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

MIchelle Barlow will never get tired of watching Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye

concert from Delta Concert Band

JIM KINNEAR PHOTO

The Delta Concert Band performed several holiday concerts in South Delta and North Delta in early December. Pictured is their Dec. 6 concert at the Ladner Community Centre

Teddy Bear Toss for Deltassist

JIM KINNEAR PHOTO

The Delta Ice Hawks hosted a Teddy Bear Toss night on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at their home game against Grandview. Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, $422.87 was raised for Deltassist as well as five large bags of teddy bears and a large box of food for their food pantry program.

Season’s Greetings

A few residents from The Waterford and The Wexford in Tsawwassen have shared two favourite drink recipes for all our Optimist readers to enjoy this holiday season.

Les Edgeworth from The Wexford loves a Harvey Wallbanger saying, “I never met one I didn’t like”

4 oz orange juice

2 oz Vodka

1 oz Cointreau

Pour the Vodka, Contreau and orange juice into a Collins glass full of ice and serve.

Frances McDonald from The Waterford in Tsawwassen shares a favourite egg nog recipe

1 egg,

1/2 cup half and half

1/2 cup warm milk

Dash of vanilla

Sprinkle of nutmeg

1 shot rum (optional)

Combine the milk and the cream in a saucepan on medium heat When the milk mixture is simmering, remove it Take some of the warm mixture and add it to the egg a bit of a time slowly to keep the egg from cooking. Once it’s

mixed, pour the egg mixture back in with the rest of the milk Heat to low and stir it constantly for about 10 minutes until the eggnog looks thick and coats the back of the spoon Remove from heat and add the vanilla. Pour into a mug, add a shot of rum if you want

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Wexford resident Les Edgeworth cheers to a festival holiday season.

Delta Choral Society Christmas Concert

JIM KINNEAR PHOTO

The Delta Choral Society presented its A World of Musical Gifts Christmas concerts at South Delta Baptist Church on Dec. 3.

Dr Sara Kirby Dr Giulia DeVuono Dr Eva Wong

J M KINNEAR PHOTO

Stephan Smith was one of the many volunteers who helped put on the Ladner Business Association Breakfast with Santa earlier this month at the Ladner Community Centre

DELTA

Pictured (left to right): Sharan Oberoi, Annette Garm, Mayor George V Harvie, Lara Victoria, Firth Bateman, Ian Tait

Season’s Greetings

Legion hosts Toys and Tunes

JIM KINNEAR PHOTO

The Tsawwassen Legion hosted its annual Toys and Tunes holiday fundraising event in support of Deltassist on Saturday night, Dec 17 Southside Vibe and The Mike & Em Show provided the live entertainment while patrons helped raise funds through a silent auction and Toonie Toss. In total, 48 toys were donated with cash donations and silent auction receipts totaling $2,200. This was in addition to the Legion’s donation of $2,000 to Deltassist for their Christmas Hamper program.

Brooks Elliott is pictured checking out the beautiful lighted Christmas tree during the Southlands Tree Lighting event in late November. The Southlands area is another great spot to take a drive or a walk-through to check out all the Christmas lights and displays.

JIM KINNEAR PHOTO

The Tsawwassen Rotary Club presented its annual Gift of Light event at Diefenbaker Park earlier in December. The dazzling display of lighted trees is a must-see this holiday season.

Santa visits with the birds

Santa made a special visit to the Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Ladner earlier this month where he brought toys donated by Secret Santas across Canada for the 60 birds currently at the shelter. Greyhaven relies on community support for donations of cash, goods, and is always looking for dedicated volunteers - and loving homes for the birds For more information visit www greyhavenbirds.com.

Season’s Greetings!

“On behalf of my

I would like to thank our valued customers for helping us to raise $25,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network this year! It’s been an exceptional year and we will be continuing this fundraising effort in December. All proceeds will go to our own BC Children’s Hospital. Thank you for your support”

MARK L DSTONE PHOTO

Team at the Walmart Tsawwassen

Mark Kauhane - Store Manager

Ch

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the store The prices were lowered like never before

The sew foam was waiting for just the right home While vinyls and leather were matched for their tone

Tack hammers and pliers were stacked on the shelf Wth hopes that some trimmer would buy for himself

The roll goods were lined up like little tin men

As I walked by so slowly I turned down the bend

I turned very slowly craning by head I saw what I wanted A viny in red!

I knew it was Christmas tops werent in style But springtime would be here in just a short while

I am always

Season’s Greetings

South Delta Realtors Toy Drive

The return of the South Delta Realtors’ Merry Mingle Toy Drive following a pandemic pause proved to be a huge success. On Dec. 8, 40 realtors gathered at the new Cascades Casino Delta’s Match Eatery and Public House to bring new unwrapped toys that were donated to Deltassist Family and Community Services Society. The event was sponsored by ReMax City Realty, Regency Royal LePage and Sutton Seafair Realty Over 150 toys were donated and another $2,000 raised for the

Delta Food Bank from ticket proceeds.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

South

BC Liquor Store 604-943-3322

Blenz Coffee 604-943-1981

Coastal Olive Oil 604-940-3331

Joes Market 604-943-7736

Peek-a-Boo Japanese Bistro 604-943-7079

Fashion

Boutique Blanche Intimates 604-943-8306

Amanda Jewellery 604-943-6838

Royal Woods Tree Services 604-943-0084

Westland Insurance 604-943-9361

Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association 604-048-0264

Chang's Taekwondo 778-434-3202

Delta Model Railway Club 604-943-8392

District Community Police Office Tsawwassen 604-948-0199

Figaro Hair Design 604-943-1945

Forever Blue Nails 778-434-3443

Nexgen Hearing 604-948-4822

Precision Eyecare 604-943-8400

Nurse Next Door 604-595-1680

Tattered Shoe Repair & Leather Repair 604-943-1126

Ylium Alterations & Tailoring 604-943-0299

Tsawwassen Library 604-943-2271

0

Studio Cloud 30 604-260-8548

Beauty Babe Studio beautybabedelta@gmail.com

Contact Mark at mbooth@deltaoptimist com or 604-946-4451

Devils&Seahawks amongbestinB.C.

Senior girls hoop teams square off in Langley

MARK BOOTH mbooth@delta-optimist com

Delta’s top senior girls basketball teams provided a preview of what’s on the horizon in the weeks and months ahead.

A Friday morning consolation game at the Howard Tsumura Invitational had playoff intensity as the Seaquam Seahawks held off the South Delta Sun Devils 73-71 at the Langley Events Centre.

The rivals saw each other the previous weekend at the Victoria Invitational and there will be bigger games on the horizon, including a league clash at the end of January and very likely the South Fraser Championship game in February

Both teams began the season ranked among the top 10 in the province at the AAAA tier for B.C.’s largest schools.

The Sun Devils are coming off their best season in 17 years, culminating with the South Fraser title and a 10th place finish at the provincial tournament Head coach Sharon Butler’s returning talent features her high-scoring Grade 11

daughter Kaija Rutledge who poured 45 points in the loss to Seaquam The group of seniors includes Mackenzie Campbell who is fresh off earning provincial allstar honours with the school’s volleyball team and will only get better as the season unfolds

Vacationing Grade 12 post Kira Denney was missed in Langley but will also be a major presence in the starting five while Spanish exchange student Silvia Castaneda returns to start at guard. Aged up Grade 10 Kyra Milette rounds out the starting five

Butler says the potential is there for her team to take another step forward this season but there is work to be done South Delta dropped an opening round 66-50 decision to St Michael’s University at the Tsumura Invitational as the powerhouse AAA Victoria school’s full court pressure was the deciding factor, especially in the opening half.

“We didn’t have Mackenzie in Victoria and now Kira this week. We just haven’t really been together as a full team yet and only have had about five practices (due to have heavy game schedule) so

there has been a lot of learning on the fly,” said Butler “I went into the season thinking we can be a top five team but there really is a lot of work to do”

The Seahawks also broke through last season with their first B C berth in recent memory and the future looks

bright as well thanks to arrival of young talent from their provincial championship junior team Head coach Lucky

Toor was recognized as the Delta Sports Hall of Fame’s coach-of-the-year back in October, thanks to his outstanding work in guiding both squads.

Delta hockey standouts named to Canada Winter Games teams

MARK BOOTH mbooth@delta-optimist com

Rebecca Noble and Will Sharpe’s promising hockey careers will be taking them to the Maritimes in February

The Delta standouts have been named to their respective provincial teams for the Canada Winter Games following B.C. Hockey’s final selection camps held over the weekend in Whistler

Noble was one of two goalies selected to the U18 B C female team that will be coached by Kris Hogg She will be joined in the crease by Clara Juca Both play for the powerhouse Fraser Valley Rush U18 AAA team

The selection process for the provincial squad began back in April with 177 participants at open camps in Salmon Arm and Richmond

“It was the hardest selection process I have been a part of and each player gave it everything they had

Although the roster is 20 today, we know that the other players released will continue to be a part of the program, ” said Hogg. “Now we move ahead with more preparation heading into the Canada Winter Games and I am extremely excited to continue the growth of this group, on-and-off the ice, as we prepare for the

biggest stage in P.E.I.”

Sharpe was one of six blueliners named to the U16 B C male team He was a first round pick of the Lethbridge Hurricanes in last spring’s Western Hockey League Prospects Draft

Team B C happens to be guided by the Delta Ice Hawks’ first-ever coach Brad Bowen who worked with Sharpe last season at the Abbotsford-based Yale Hockey Academy Sharpe, 15, is currently playing for Yale’s U18 Prep team.

“Each spot on this team, the players have had to earn it, and I think that is what is going to make this team successful,” said Bowen “The local club teams have done a great job developing these players and their skill set Prep Camp was extremely competitive and the group came ready to compete I think they are going to make this province very proud”

The Canada Winter Games will take place from Feb 18 to March 5, 2023

Rebecca Noble and Will Sharpe are headed to PEI.

MARK BOOTH PHOTO

Kaija Rutledge poured in 45 points in South Delta’s 73-71 loss to Seaquam at the Howard Tsumura Invitational last week at the Langley Events Centre.

Happy Holidays

This holiday season is unlike any other, to cap off a year unlike any other. Throughout this season, and as we move into a new (and hopefully better) year, we wish you moments of peace amid the difficulties, connections with family and friends even if they can’t be in person, the warmth of memories from holidays past, and wonderful glimpses of the joy that still lives under the surface.

Warmest Wishes! Bob & Linda

Amber Baird

Jennifer Dupuis

It was nine years ago on a snowy December 20 that you had to leave us after fighting cancer for years, first breast cancer, and then brain cancer. You fought hard against both and suffered greatly to stay with your family, but in the end the cancer stole you from us. Cancer stole your brother-in-law, David Trgovcic, on November 8 2022, also on a snowy night, and now you are together… both so deeply missed and forever loved.

CONNOLLY,

Mark left his body, age 63 years, on December 7, 2022 at 3:30pm as planned After 3 years enduring ALS he was grateful for the option of medcal assstance Mark was very clear about the timing and was, n his own words, “looking forward to his next bg adventure ”

Mark wil be deepy mssed by his ong-time love and soulmate Chris Emery He was her rock Together they had many amazng backpacking trips and other traves, but t’s some of the ‘ordinary’ times lke dog walks and watchng rom-coms on Netflix that Chrs wl miss the most Also remembering hm with ove are his mom Edna Eliott, dad Terry (Jule), mother-n-law Roberta, brother-n-law Mke, sister-n-law Jenne (Matthew), extended family Elzabeth (Spencer), Lawrence (Dwayne), Trace (Greg), and best frend Rob (Danta)

Mark had an engineer’s mind whch was put to good use in his 38 years at Accurpress/Halkin Tool When he retred in 2018 as ead of the engneering department he left a legacy of systems that wil be used for a ong time to come Mosty, though, Mark left a mark on the people he worked with He considered the people at Halkin Tool to be famly, saw everyone as havng equal vaue and was aways approachabe and happy to share his knowedge

Anythng Mark dd he dd with a view to excelence and precision, whether it was usng hs mind n sudoku, crosswords, or crib, or his body in sking, hking, or even just cutting the lawn and raking leaves

Mark was kind and generous, aways wllng to help a stranger lost at a bus stop, or chase down a lost loose dog He loved his own anmas deepy and coud be seen over much of Tsawwassen walking the dog, most recently Izzy Greetng him ecstaticaly at the Ranbow Bridge are Sunny, MacKenzie, Tashi, Porter, Mtz the cat, and numerous other extended famly pets

A prvate crematon was held As he wanted, Mark’s ashes wil be spread at 3000 metres elevaton on a fine hiking day next summer

Mark’s advce: “Treat people how you ike to be treated ” To honour Mark, take your dog for a walk, or donate to your favourite anma charity then rase a pint of IPA (Red Racer preferred!)

You are nvited to leave a personal message of condoence at the famiy’s online obtuary at: www myalternatves ca

EASTHAM, Margaret (Peggy) Wilhelmina (Oliver)

Peggy passed away at the Deta Hospital on December 11, 2022 at 4:15am She was predeceased by her son David n 1988, and her husband Percy on January 30 2022

She eaves behind to mourn her loss nephew Henry Walker and his sons Stephen and Michae, niece Joni Walker and great-great nieces Emma and Audrey As wel as Debbie and Alan McLaren, son John and daughter Maresa Cousineau and famiy Marlea and Kevin Pirie and daughter Jane as wel as Brenda Wofe and many long tme frends and al her neghbours at Hunter Green

Peggy was born on October 27, 1925 in Vancouver, B C and marred Percy Turrff Eastham on June 01, 1955 She had a very adventurous lfe with her husband, a Diplomat in the Canadan Foregn Servce, and they ived in the cities of Port of Spain, Brussels, Geneva, London and San Francisco When Percy retred in 1992, they moved back to Ottawa and ater on moved to Tsawwassen where she ived at the tme of her passng

Peggy was a vounteer libraran for the Learnng Dsablites Assocation of Ottawa for eeven years and was Ethics and Personne Advsor for Ottawa Valey Autistc Homes She was awarded The Commemoratve Meda for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederaton of Canada n recogniton of sgnificant contrbutons to compatriots, community and to Canada as we as a Certificate of Recognition in Honour of the Publication of her book “Slent Words” The Char of the Senate Select Committee on the Rghts of the Dsabled designated May 27 1992 as Peggy Eastham Day n the State of Calforna

Her book, entted Silent Words is a bography of her late son David who was autstc Wth the help of Davd s teacher Anne Vlleneuve and many others they developed educational technques through whch he learned to read and communicate

A Celebration of Life wil be hed for Peggy and Percy at a later date in the Common Room at Hunter Green

May the Sunshine of Comfort Dispel the Clouds of Despair

Mark Terence

LAVOIE ~ Annette Louise (nee Gibbs)

OBITUARIES

KOKA, Gord G

Gord G Koka born August 14th, 1955, passed away December 18th, 2022 Born the son of the ate John L Koka and surviving Amro Koka He s survived by hs loving partner Tna, daughter Eli, son Evan (Courtney), grandchildren Huxey and Pasey Gord was born nto a famiy of five chidren, second oldest He leaves behind hs siblngs, Jack, Judy, Janette and Beinda As a young boy Gord oved and doted on his sisters, each one claiming he was an amazing brother He was a hard worker on the famly farm, miking the cows everyday at 4:00am, before heading to his second job in concrete For fun Gord loved to play softbal and golf Gord was known for beng the ife of the party always had your back and rarely sad no, one of the most generous and big hearted ndividuas to ive He was nvoved n many community outreach events and played an actve role in giving back to the community through his lfe Gord was a longstanding member of the Ladner Legion, it was hs second home In his later years, he settled down with his ife partner Tina, and together they enjoyed country ife Gord oved his time wth his chldren and even more so with grandchidren

He will be greatly missed

Service to be held at Riverside Funeral Home, December 29th at 1:00pm, Celebraton of Life to follow at Ladner Communty Center

Ted passed away peacefully on December 11, 2022 at age 78 He battled a short and unexpected ilness with his famly by hs side Ted leaves behind the love of his lfe Lidia, his daughter Shirey (Jim), son David (Lsa), step daughter Leeann (Chad), his grandkds Lauren, Rebecca, Cole, Olva and Jordyn and hs siblings John, Lynda, Jance and Bll Ted had a successful career as a Safeway store manager for more than 27 years One of Ted’s greatest passions was his love of numbers and cacuating figures

He wil be greatly mssed by those who loved hm

COMMUNITY

CREMATION SERVICES

Erma passed into the presence of her Lord on December 14 2022 at the age of 99

She was born in Ladner B C on March 22 1923 the eldest of four children, to Hugh and Emma Burr She was raised on the famly farm and loved the farm lfe, especaly her horses

Erma worked as a switchboard operator and met her husband, Frank, when he was stationed at the Boundary Bay Canadian Armed Forces Staton durng W W l

After ther marriage, Erma stayed at home to faithfully care for her 4 children Everyone was wecome in her home and treated with warmth, kndness and a ready smle Many found joy from being in her presence

She was actve in Ladner and Merrtt Baptst Churches and enjoyed trps to Hawai Palm Springs and a mission to Mexico

Erma was predeceased by her parents Hugh and Emma Burr, Frank, her husband of 65 years, brother Staney Burr, and beloved grandsons Jeremy and Matthew Lnes She wil be greatly missed by her children, Karen (Bob) LaRoy, Debbe (John) Pearson, Sandra (Doug) Pearson, Hugh (Renee) Lines, as wel as her grandchidren and great grandchidren Erma s also survved by her brother Joseph Burr and sster Betty Lunasco

We would ike to thank the staff at Mountain View Manor in Ladner and also Dr Makarenko for ther oving care given to Erma over the past 14 months and previous to that, the caring staff at the Florentne and Dr Ross in Merritt, B C

A memorial wil be hed at a ater date

LEGAL LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

LINES, Erma Elaine

March 22, 1923 - December 14, 2022

PARRY, Edward (Ted)

January 12, 1944 - December 11, 2022