Lest We Forget: Seeour special Remembrance Day feature startingon Page 17.
Metroapproves 25% regionaltax increase
GRAEME WOOD Gl acierMedia
Metro Vancouver homeowners are set to face a record-setting property taxincrease next yearafterthe regional government’s board of directors approved the 2025 budgetFriday
This year, the average household paid$698for criticalutilities. Next year, the samehousehold will pay $875, a 25.3 percent increase, on average.
Much oftheincrease
$98,or14 percent— is to account forthecommencement of payments forthenearly $4-billion North Shore Wastewater Plant.
The sewage plant project has faced remarkable cost overrunsanddelays, someonly made public earlierthis year.
Metro Vancouveris also looking its overalloper
bill,whichaccountsfor a 9.9 percent hikeforthe average householdin 2025,on top ofthe sewage plant costs
Some regionsarefacing stifferincreases than others, most notably taxpayers inthe North
“North Shore Sewerage Area” theproperty taxbill will rise from$813this year, to $1,147in2025 a 41 percent increase
Those inthe “Fraser Sewerage Area,” such as Delta, Surrey and Langley, will see their
per cent increase.
The board also approved the regional government’s five-year plan,which shows average annualtaxincreases offive per cent between 2026and2029.
The board voted ear-
cost-sharing planand maintainexisting infrastructure payment modelsthat sees sub-regions pay for much oftheir respective infrastructure.
That means North Shore municipalities will bearthebrunt ofthe $2.8-billioncost overrun onthe sewage plant still
underconstruction.
The average North Shore householdis expected to have an annualtaxbillof$1,792 in2029,nearly double the$903bill expected to land at thedoorofthe average household south oftheFraser.
Tax increases facing North Shore residents ultimately led City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan andDistrictof North Vancouver Coun. Lisa Muri to callforan“11th hour ” pause to the budget-approvalprocess.
Theysought a target increase ofonly five to seven percent, on top of the sewage plant costs. Theirplan:identifyfurthercost reductionsin each department.
“We are spending far beyond our means,” said Buchanen.
GRAEME WOODPHOTO
TheMetro Vancouverboardapproveda record-settingproper ty taxincreaseatitsmeetingonNov. 1.
Delta South’s BCConservative ready for new legislature
PHIL MELNYCHUK pmeln yc huk @d elta-optimis t.co m
TheNDP’s invitation to become Speaker of the B.C. Legislature was a flattering one, but one to whichDelta South’s ML A says thanks, but no thanks.
Ian Paton,formerly a BC United ML A, nowa BC Conser vative, was reelected Oct. 19ina nailbitingnightthat eventually gave theNDPa bare majority of47 seats, with the BC Conser vatives winning44andthe BC Greens winning two.
“It’saprestigious role. It’s reallyabigdeal,” Paton said,addingthe job requires spendingmostofthetimein Victoria
He saidit’s just aploy by theNDP to further reducethe numberof BC Conser vativesinthe House.
“It wouldtake away a vote fromthe BC Conser vatives by putting one ofusasthe Speaker,”
he said. “I’mnotinterested becauseit would be betraying my own team of BC Conser vatives.”
He pointed outonX (formerly Twitter)that whilehe washonoured, it’s the roleofthe governing party to propose its own candidatefor Speakerofthe Legislative Assembly.
As Speaker, whois supposed to be neutral, Paton wouldn’t be able to vote onanybills unless to breakatie, leavinghis party with onefewer vote inan almost evenlydivided house.
Thenew session meansanewexperience for several raw rookies
on both sideswhoare stillfindingtheir way aroundthelegislature buildingin Victoria Only sevenMLAsin the BC Conser vativecaucus have served before.
BC Conser vatives go back to thelegislature Nov.12 to be swornin, withNDPPremier David Ebythen callingallMLAs
back sometime laterin themonth to namea Speaker.
Patonhopesthat over time, someoftheformer BC United MLAs will bringmoderation to the partyafter someextreme comments made by BC Conser vative candidates duringtheelection.
“Weneed to bring things back to common sense, maybealittlebit more back toward the centre. We want to see the partyflourishand do well— wellinto the future,”he said.
That can happen by gaining publicconfidence by weeding out someofthe people with somecrazyideas, Paton added.
Withdozensofnew MLAs, “It’s going to be quiteaninteresting learning curve overthere withallthesenew people inthelegislature,” he said.
He saidhe wasdisappointedincoming so close to forming
government, sayinghe hada good chanceof becoming agriculture minister, alifelong dream, whichnolonger will happen withthe BC Conser vativesin Opposition.
Paton was agricultural critic beforetheelectionwhenhe wasa BC United ML A.
He joinedthe BC Conser vativesin Septemberafter BC United leader Kevin Falcon suspended BC United’s campaign in August
Paton’snotoptimistic aboutthe spring session, sayingtheNDPis saying littlelegislation will be broughtfor ward.
And withhim remaininginOpposition,the chancesof gettingprovincialdollarsforlocal projects, such asdredgingtheFraser River channelsnearLadner, are reduced.
“They’renot going to giveit(money) to you,” said Paton.
OPTIMIST FILEPHOTO
Ian Patonisgetting readytoheadbackto Victoriaas Delta SouthMLA.
DeltassistChristmas ForKidsProgram
Wearecollecting
donations for Deltassist’s Christmas Giving Program
City moves Ladner Village hotel proposal to next step
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
A formal application has been submitted by theCity of Delta to itself to rezonecity-owned landinLadner Village for a potential hoteland otheruses.
The rezoning and subdivision applicationisfor a six-storey mixed-use development “that could include tourist accommodation, apartment dwelling units, commercial retailand restaurants as permitted uses.”
The applicationis consistent withtheurban centre designationinthe Official Community Plan (OCP),according to the planning department, adding that the application has been submitted
by thecity andisassociated withtheissuanceof a request for Expressions of Interest (EOI)forlease ofthe site
It remains to be seen if someone will be interested inestablishinga hoteloperation at the site across the streetfrom Ladner Harbour.
An EOI process is required totest the market andidentify/shortlist interested parties to submit fullproposals
In a 4-3 vote in September, council moved theidea of buildinga new hotelthere to that next phase, issuing an EOI to see who may be interested indeveloping the siteto reflectthe historic character ofthe area inthedesign andfinishings.
Earlierthis year, the
city purchased land parcels at 4940and4946 Chisholm St. and4926 Delta St.,which, when combined with land parcelsthecity already owned at 4918 Delta St and4952and4958 Chisholm St.,createda 1.2-acre landassembly for redevelopment. The city earlierthis year also retaineda consultant to investigate thefeasibility of a hotel at the site.
Salim Kassam, representing Kadence Hospitality& Development, outlined theiranalysis at a council meeting in June, concludinga six-storey, 88-unit accommodation with more than 18,000-square feetof commercial space would be viableforthe market
A new applicationfor a mixed-used development on a Tsawwassencorner has been revised to be eventaller.
The City of Delta earlier this year received an application,andthen held a publicinformation meeting, for a five-storey mixed-use building at 5360 12th Ave. and1146, 1156 and117053A St
The proposed project included 65 residential apartment units, including 13lock-offunitsthat could be divided into separate living units.
Called The Park, the rezoning applicationalso included 8,858-squarefeetofcommercialfloor area at-grade, along
with143 vehicle parking spaces
According to theplanning department at thetime, theproposal adhered to theproposed newOfficial Community Plan (OCP),which was subsequently approved
An application to build a new3.5 storey office/retail building at the Tsawwassen site was previously considered, but following a public hearing last year,council unanimously voted to reject that proposal, preferring the site focus more on residentialuses
That earlierproposal wasacontroversial one forneighbours who argued the building didn’tfit withthe residentialarea.
The city willnow con-
sider a revision to the new application,which is seekinga rezoning, subdivisionanddevelopment permit to allowa six-storey mixed commercialand residential building.
The newproposal will still have ground-level commercial space, as wellas67 larger apartment unitsandnolockoffunits.
The proposalis consistent withthe Neighbourhood Centers and Corridors designationinthenew OCP, according to theplanning department. It’s oneof several development applicationsthroughoutthecity thathad been revised this year withthearrival of thenew OCP.
FREEPILATES OPENHOUSEEVENT
Delta police keptbusy withHalloween calls
IAN JACQUE
S
ijacque s@ delta -o ptimis t. co m
It wasa busy Halloween night for Delta police.
Between Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 1 at 6 a.m., officers attended 104 callsfor service.
Publicaffairs manager A/ Insp James Sandberg saidthe 104 callsarea littlemore than doubletheusual volumeof callsin a typical12-hour overnight period
He saidmost ofthe calls were noise bylaw andfireworks related.
The night started offin North Deltawhere officers made a major fireworks seizure.
“Thanks to an alert community member, our team was notified of a van cruising residential streets, offering fireworks for sale,” said Sandberg.
“The seller, instead of making profits tonight, lost his stash and received a $500 bylaw ticket forhistroubles.”
Delta police had additional officers onthe road,as well as Community Crime Watch volunteers, supported bybylaw officers, andCity of Deltacrews.
Below are somehighlights ofthenight of Halloweenand non-Halloween-related calls :
• Mischief– intentional damage to residentialfront door via fireworks. Video not suitablefor identification purposes, ID notconfirmed.
Deltapolicewithfireworksseizure inNorth Deltawherea man wasstopped forsellingillegalfireworksfromhis van.
Estimated $500 damage
• Impaired driving collision. Arrested and charges to be forwarded. Impaired driver struck four parked cars on Nicholson Road
• Onlinethreats to burn down trees in Winskill Park
• Assault – one personarrested forshooting fireworks at bylaw officers. Released withfollow-upinvestigation to be conducted
• Mischief over $5,000 –Vehicledoing donuts on schoolfield between Bursnview Secondary and Chalmers elementary. Vehicle got stuck. Two occupants arrested. Damage to fields to be evaluated in daylight Vehicle so stuck, heavy wrecker will be required for removal
• 25 calls specific to fireworks andnoise complaints
• Three separate files related to youthsintoxicated in public One was not locat-
ed, one was arrested and takenhome toparents, one was taken to hospitalfor medical care •Onesmallshrubfire in Ladnerfromfireworks. Extinguished by anofficer prior to Deltafire department arrival.
“Allinall, our team remained busy throughoutthe12hours,” said Sandberg. “We know oflots offireworks use, but minimal property damage, andno reflectionofthe large incident we
saw in2022in Tsawwassen.
“Overall,albeit a busy night, the Delta Police Department seesthe reductioninproperty damage complaintsfromprevious years as a positive step We acknowledge theconcerns overfireworks usage andtheir related noise. Untilall jurisdictions within our region have similarlegislation regulating or restricting fireworks salesand usage, we willcontinue to face a challenge ineliminating the disturbancefromfireworks.
Delta Fire and Emergency Services
Fire Chief Guy McKintuck saidit wasa fairly quietnight withminimal callsfor service McKintuck saidthedepartment did receive one permitfor a request to set offfireworks, but the resident didnotmeet all the requirements, so the permit was denied.
“Zero permits were issued by usfor Halloween, but there was still a lotoffireworks being set offthroughoutthecommunity,” he said.
“We had onefire as a result of fireworks being discharged into a hedge, but otherthanthat, we didn’t have any otherincidents reported to us, whetherthat wasa fire oraninjury as a result offireworks.
“It wasa quietnight, but one ofthebig drivers ofthat was the weather. It was cold. It was rainy. Less people were out setting offfireworks withthose weatherconditions.”
PHOTO COURTE SY DELTA POLICE
PHOTO COURTE SY DELTA POLICE More evidenceoffireworks.
She said the 9.9 percent tax hike in 2025is“too much for our familiesand businesses topay— andit stilldoesn’t include the wastewatertreatment plant.”
Mur i expresse d frustration at the budgetconsultationprocess, claiming it has be enonerous to obtain basic infor mation to share with the public. Ultimately, the board defeated the motionsfrom the North Shore officials.
Former chair Sav Dhaliwal said Metro Vancouvertaxesare still relatively low and a good dealfor homeow ners. The billamounts to about $3 per day for chief services, including water, sewer and regional parks.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said evenif such a tax re duction was achieve d it wouldonly amountto about $20 per hous eholdannually. He saidit wasn’t worth the effor t.
Brodienoted the budgettask force brought down the or iginaltaxincrease estimate from14 percent to 11 percent andfinally 9.9 percent, aftera final review.
The tax hikescomeasinflation rates for steel andconcreteare in the doubledigits, far aheadof overallinflationmeasured by Canada’s Consumer Price Index Thatjustifies thehike,
said Dhaliwal.
The regional government isfaced with the dueltask of building new, expensive infrastructure while renewing existing pipes, plantsand reservoirs.
Brodie and Dhaliwalare among the two most longstanding members of the board, which has, afterdecades, leftthe regional government withoutenough money topay for the future costs of infrastructure upgradesandgrowth
Infrastructure costs to be paidfor by D CCs, future taxes
Metro Vancouverisalso poised to significantly increase development cost chargesfor new home construction, to pay fornewinfrastructure associated with a growing population.
“A majority of our budgetisdriven by capitalexpenses,” Metro CEO Jerr y Dobrovolny told the board during debate Friday.
Over the next five years, Metro Vancouver will spend$10.6billionon sewage treatment capitalprojects Of that, $4 billionisconnected to new demand from new housing.
To pay for that bill, Metro islooking to borrow money that will eventually be paid back through$5.8billioninfuture taxes and$2.8billionindevelopment cost charges.
• Fivehallmarksof aqualityretirement plan
• How togeneratetax-efficientretirement cashflows
• Whentodraw incomefromRRSPs, CPP, andOAS?
• Care costsareexploding,planningis needed • HowwebuildanEstatePlan
Published every Thursday by the DeltaOptimist, adivisionofLMPPublication Limited Partnership
The Delta Optimist is a member oftheNationalNewsmedia Council,whichisanindependent organization established to deal withacceptablejournalistic practices andethicalbehaviour If youhave concernsabouteditorial content please contact theeditor ateditor@delta-optimist.com or 604-998-3616 If you are not satisfied withthe responseand wish to file a formal complaint, visitthe website atmediacouncil. ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additionalinformation.
OPIN ION
Lest We Forgetthis Nov. 11
Editor’s Note
IAN JACQ UES
Remembrance Day is a timefor sombrereflectionand thanks to thos e who served andwho continue to serve to protect the freedoms we allenjoy
My heart is always filled withgratitude thistimeof yearas wewear our poppies andshow suppor t to our veterans.
The tributesand remembrances run deepin ever y community that I have be en lucky enough to callhome and work in during my30 years in journalism.
Each one had their subtle differences, but thecommonthemeamong allofthem wasa great sens e ofcommunity,pridein that community andthanks for all who gave uptheultimate sacrifice.
Here in Delta, Remembrance Day star te d on Nov. 1, withthecrosses of Remembrance –a wonderfulannual project spearheade d by the Interact Club students at South Delta Se condar y incooperation withthe Tsawwass en Rotar y Club.
You can read more about this wonderful initiative by thes e studentsin our special 12-page Remembrance Day se ction in today’s edition.
All schoolsinthe Delta SchoolDistrict will be holding Remembrance Day ceremoniesonFriday, Nov. 8, with some schools – likePort Guichon Elementary inLadner – goinga stepfor ward with a fantastic educationalexperiencefortheir students.
It is truly important that today’s youth learn about past wars and conflictsandthe sacrificesthat were madeandthat noone evertakes forgrante d thefreedomsthat we allenjoy inthiscountry.
Monday, Nov. 11, will se e thecenotapharea in Memor ial Park fille d with residents, young and old,andthe Ladner Legionhoststheannualceremony of Remembrance. The City of Delta willhold a similarceremony in North Delta
This Monday, pleas e attendthese important ceremoniesand if you can’t, be sure to take time to remember and reflect.
Let’s
talkwithour neighbours
Ifcommunity chatteris to bebelieved, we have aproblemin South Delta.
We areasking bylaw officers to resolve pettyproblems with ourneighbours, insteadofgivingdiplomacya chance.
Would you calla bylaw officer to report toys scatteredina backyard, teens that are workingontheir cars inthedriveway,or make anoisecomplaint abouta child’s birthday partyona Saturdayafternoon?
Probably not.
Peopleare reporting neighbourswho washtheir caronthegrass, ora cat aggressively staring at them, evenafive-year-oldgirl buildingapretend road with bricks was reported forillegal construction.
People, get ridof your grumpy faceand starttalking, insteadof reporting.
Delta bylawenforcementofficers respond to
Community Comment
INGRIDABBOTT
complaints withavisit to theproperty inquestion,12 hoursa day, seven days a week.
That’s impressive, yetit appears many arefrivolous andtrivial.
If we digdeeper, we could concludethistrendof over reporting signalsa suspicious community, withafearofthe “other.” Sadly, we don’tknow ourneighbourslike we used to knowthem.
Choosing to report over
talking suggests society’sfear ofconfrontation,not surprisingas rhetoricin politics and on socialmediaisextreme.
In aneraof road rage and iPhones, peopleare understandably fearfulof repercussionsfor speaking their mind. Some peoplecouldpresumeacomplaint will turn into confrontation, sowe acquiesce to the authorities. Obviously,therearetimes when reporting becomes our civicduty, such as aggressive dogs,filthyconstruction sites, tree removals without permits,or abandoned homes with ratproblems.
Good communicationis the backboneofany successful relationshipandshould always be the pathway, even when someone’s dog poops in your yard
Think before you report, andthenask yourself, canI work this out with my neighbour?
Ingrid Abbott is a freelance writer who has no complaints.
Thingsin Deltaare donedeals
Editor :
A great numberof people feel they have not beenlistened to by theCity ofDeltaandthat thenew Winskill Park design wasa donedeal before the community engagement tick box was checked.
I don’t believe there ever was any publicengagement onthefourthdiamond option that willnow resultinthe near-complete loss ofexisting green space
Whilethecity has comefor ward with options to relocate thedisc golfcourse, this appears to have beenanafterthought. Analternate locationshould have been part ofthe original plan. We shouldnot be surprised by how this has unfolded.
Let’s notforget the recent Official Community Plandebacle that willnow transform boththeheart of Tsawwassen and Ladner ’s historic village into urban centres withconsiderable building heights, out of character withthe existing communities.
Despite overwhelming public opposition,and hundreds of people who
spoke passionately against the OCP, there was noeffort by anyoneoncouncil to give sober thought about those concerns - eveniffor optics alone
A motion to approve thenew OCP went quicklyto a vote, and without any discussion,thenew OCP was approved unanimously
This wasastonishing, considering the importanceof an OCP.
Thefinal OCP, as approved, was substantively identical to the draft OCP, indicating theentire public-engagement exercise was meaningless.
The Winskill Park project has turned out nodifferently.
Andrew Boyce
Winskill forest behind a fence
Editor:
Since Monday evening Oct. 28,the Winskill publicforest isnow in prison with a death sentence pronounced by Delta counciland guarded 24 hoursa day untilexecution.
Withorange metal fenceserected around theforest and security guards patrolling 24 hoursa day,theforest andthe people who care about itare waiting to see what the next days willbring-the soundof chain saws cutting down theforest or a miraculous reprieve for reconsiderationand opportunity forthecity to hearfrom Delta residentswholove theforest andare trying to save it
It is a sad and regrettable situationthatmany
inthecommunity feel divided about thefuture ofthisforest land. It seemsthat all agree that new facilitiesare needed but many residents, including myself, also greatly appreciate and respect the valueofthe Winskill publicforest land.
Located at thecentre of Tsawwassen,the Winskillforest hasa long history as a favourite park area, much loved andenjoyed by generationsof residents, not to
mentionthe forest animals which live inandvisitth forest.Publicfores have becom extinctin De
It isunfor thelocation thenew aquaticcentre reduces sports land at Winskill,creating the need to be compensated withnew sports land. But isdestroying the forest the best oronly possible solution to provide a baseballdiamond?
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Germany now topsource of foreign high schoolstudents in Delta
PHILMELNYCHUK
pmeln yc huk @d elta-optimis t.co m
The mixof overseas students attendingDelta secondar y schools is changing, with Germany now taking top spot, although overall numbers inthe schooldistrict’s internationalprogramare stable
Currently,after Germany,theother topfive sourcecountries are China, Japan, Italy and Spainin a program where studentscome from30countries
Five years ago, China was the largest sourceof studentsfollowed by South Korea, Japan and Vietnam, said Karen Symonds, director ofinternational student programs with Delta SchoolDistrict
“There’s definitely been a shift,” said Symonds, noting that students from Europe tend to stay for shorter periods such as six months, although Spanish studentsoften stay the whole year
“Ten years ago, or12 years ago, when I started ininternationalprograms, if you had asked meifthat wasever going to be the case,I would have said,no way.”
German students likeDelta’s mixof rural, suburban andcity surroundings, the sports, skiclubs and field trips andthefactthat Delta SchoolDistrict runsits own home-stay program instead ofcontracting that out to anexternal agency,she said.
She added that ever y
culture bringsits own benefitsand challenges.
“Thediversity inthe program is really desirable for a variety of reasons,” she said.
Theimpact of COVID19,as well as, “challenges anddelays for students coming from China to get study permits,” as well as from Vietnam, has resulted in some families being reluctant to apply because oftheuncertainty and long leadtimes required.
Anddespite thefederal government’s reduction inthe numberofinternational student permits at the post-secondary (university andcollege) education level, there’s been noeffectonthe numbers ofinternational students inprimary orhigh school.
“Currently, there are
noplans to limit study permitsforminor studentscoming and studying because there’s not the sameconcern over abuses I guess, inthe system,” she said,adding they’re notplacinga burdenonhousing.
Host families receive $1,150 a month, which will be rising to $1,200 a month in September 2025. Last school year,Delta SchoolDistrictaccepted 630international studentsandthis year, 658.
“It is astable situation though,I would say,” Symonds said, although somecountriesare going through economic slow downs.
“We are stable here as well, because we continue to have a plateauin our home stay availability.”
Centennial Beach concession building under microscope
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
Metro Vancouverislooking at potentialfuture usesforthe Boundar y Bay Regional Park Centennial Beach pavilionconcession building.
A staff report to the regional parks committee notes staff is currently engaged with a consultant teamcomprising architects, business/budgeting professionalsand a kitchenconsultant, to evaluate potential uses.
The study iscomparing the current facility with possiblefuture configurations providing combinationsoffood servicesand publicuse of the pavilion space, the report notes, adding the analysis willalso examine park operational impactsandany capitalimprovements.
The report also statestheviability for potential concessionaires/food service providers, as wellas publicamenities will be reviewed.
If a reconfigurationofthe spaceis
recommended, based onthe consultants’ work, detailed design andconstruction would be budgeted infuture years
Centennial Beach is municipally owned landthat isleased to Metro Vancouver to manage as part of Boundar y Bay Regional Park
Costing more than$2millionwhen itopened,the pavilion building houses washroomsand change rooms, as well the eatery thathas indoorand outdoor seating.
The contracted food andnon-alcoholic beverage caféoperatesonly seasonally,frommid-April to mid-October
A staff report to thecommittee last year stated that sincethe building’s openingin2012,the equipmentin thefood preparation/food storage areas has required frequentandcostly repairs.
It has also provendifficult to attract contractors to operate theconcession given the financialand staffing challenges ofthe seasonaloperation.
CABINET REFINISHING
TRACEYBOOTH -FOUNDER
2025Budget Council Workshops
The engagementprogramfor the2025Budgethas wrapped upandthe resultswill be sharedwith Council andpublishedat letstalk.delta.ca/2025-budget.
Ifyou wouldliketospeak to Councildirectlyabout the budget,pleasejoinusfor CoffeewithCouncil inadvance of theupcoming CouncilBudget Workshops.
Wednesday, November13
City Hall
CoffeewithCouncil
5:00 –6:00pm
Council Budget Workshop #1
Begins at 6:15pm
Thursday,November14
NorthDeltaCentre fortheArts
CoffeewithCouncil
5:00 –6:00pm
Council Budget Workshop #2
Begins at 6:15pm
Wednesday, November20
City Hall
Council Budget Workshop #3
Beginsat5:00pm
Council willreceivetheengagementresults and discuss theproposedbudget attheCouncilWorkshops onNovember13,14,and20.Residentscan watchthe workshopsinpersonoronlineatDelta.ca.More informationabout thedraft2025Budget is available at letstalk.delta.ca/2025-Budget.
Drop by CoffeewithCouncil to speakwithCouncil aboutthebudget!
Community
New mentalhealth initiative launching in Delta
Launch event for Step Forward Society is Nov. 16
A new non-profit organization dedicated to providing accessible mentalhealth services is launching in Deltathis November.
Step Forward Health Society,a wellness initiative committed to breaking down financial barriers to mentalhealth care, will hosta launch event on Nov. 16 at The Red Barn at Southlandsfrom 6 to 9 p.m. The event will introducethe community to its services andvision to promote mental, physical, emotional,and spiritual well-being.
Step Forward Health Society’s mission is clear: to ensure that no one is turned away from receiving vitalmental health support due to
financiallimitations
With a multidisciplinar y approach, Step Forward Healthintegratesqualified mentalhealth care, education, training, and community partnerships to deliver holistichealth services to individuals, couples, youth, andfamilies.
“Ourmission is to remove financial barriers and offer mentalhealth programs to individuals who other wise couldn’t afford them,” says Meg Neufeld,president of Step Forward Health Society.“We believe that mentalhealth care should be accessible to all,and we’re excited to create a spacethat cares for the whole person— mind, body, and spirit.”
The organization’s offerings willinclude mentalhealthcounselling, educationalprograms, andgroup support servicesdesigned to be inclusive and affordable Through collaborative partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and clinicalprofessionals, Step Forward Health strives to create a culture ofopendialogue around mentalhealth, dismantle stigma, and fostera more supportive community.
The launch event will allow attendees to learn more about the organization’s mission, meetthe team behindtheinitiative, and explore waysto get involved Attendees willalso be introduced to sponsorshipand donationopportunities, which allow local businesses and organizations to support thisimportant cause andhelpexpandmental healthaccess across the Delta community.
“We are seeking partners whoshare our vision of healthier communities, and we invite businesses and community membersto joinus at our launch event,” added Neufeld. “Together, we can strengthenaccess to mentalhealth support and make a realdifference inthe lives of those whoneed it most.”
For more details about the event or sponsorship opportunities, visit https://www.stepforwardhealth.ca -Submitted
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Community
Trees and shrubsmark Ladner Rotary 65Anniversary
WesthamIsland Park gets a facelift
ThesmallCity of Delta park on Westham IslandinLadner, former landofthelocal farming community school, has been busy in recent time, withlocal families and familiesvisiting the farm outlets and Reifel Bird Sanctuary.
The park now has newtrees andshrubs
sponsored by the Rotar y ClubofLadner to mark its65thAnniversary, and by Global Container Terminals (GCT).
Chartered on Dec. 27,
1957,theLadner Rotar y Clubnegotiated withthe city onthelocationand use offundsforits65th Anniversary gift of $8,600 to thecommunity to support thecity’s urban reforestation strategy while pursuing oneof
Participatinginthe65thAnniversarytreesand shrubsplantingdedication ceremony were (l tor) DeltaCouncillorDylanKruger, Delta South MLAIan Paton, Denis Denischuk, WaltHayward, President David Rushton, GlynAbraham, Global Container Terminals(GCT)Manager,Corporate AffairsJennifer Perih, Richard ShantzandGCT Vice President,Public AffairsMarko Dekovic.
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GCT, with a focus on theenvironment and support ofthe Delta community, agreed to help sponsortheproject.
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A mixof Pacific Crabappleand Serviceberr y deciduous trees and some Douglas Fir trees are planted throughout the park
Also featured, in keeping withthelocal farming community,is a garden planted as a hedgerow. Hedgerows, asdescribed onaninformation board
at the park, are linear barriers madeof native trees, shrubs, and perennialsoften seenalong the edges offarm fields. The City of Delta has beenimplementing its Urban Reforestation Project asanactive tree planting initiative since 2015. The city says the urban forest plays critical environmentaland social roles : it cleanstheair, absorbs rainwater, reducesair temperatures, providesbird habitat, and improvesthehealthand well-being of residents.
BritishColumbia Pictures aretravelling to theinf luential
AmericanFilm Market
South DeltafilmmakersPale Thomas and Daniel JosephofBritish Columbia Picturesaretravellingtothe influential American Film Market(AFM) to not onlynetwork with keyexecutives to pitch theiroriginal Canadianprojects, buttoalsohighlightthe richcultural tapestry of B.C. and Canada.
“We arecommittedtofostering diverse voices,embracingnew technologies and pushingthe boundariesof storytellingtodeliverhigh-qualitycontent acrossallplatforms,” says Thomas, CEOofBritish ColumbiaPictures.“Our focusisondevelopingoriginal,engagingCanadianprojectsthat capture theessenceofthehumanexperience and reflectthe richculturaltapestr yof British Columbiaand Canada.”
Thomasand Josephareexcited to pitch severaldiverse Canadianfilms, including TheGuardian, anactionpackedCanadian spythrillerand a footballdocumentar y American Soldier : ACanadianStory aboutCFLAll-Star Larr yThompson. In addition,these twoVancouver filmmakerswill be shootingtheirnew documentar y ThePitch,whichwill highlight thefilmindustry,insight from industr yprofessionalsandtheir journey
Featuringlocalartists, the showbringstogether diverseworks that focus on the natural rhythms oflife.Foranartist, this
involvestrialanderror, change ininterpretation, reactions to scenery and colorthat speaktous, as we create allthingsartistic ArtistspresentEbb and Flow through variousmediums, includingpaintings,drawings, sculpture, andwhimsical objects.Theshow reflects theconstantmovement in nature and human experience. Theguildandthe
gallerywelcomeall peoplewho have alove ofart, includingnewand emergingartists.The guildoffersworkshops duringthe year,socheck the websiteat: www. southdeltaartistsguild. com for subjectsand dates.
Galleryhours arenoon to 4p.m.,Friday through Sunday.Admissionisfree Gallery1710ison56th St. in Tsawwassen besidethe South Delta Rec. Centre.
to American Film Marketastheystrive to pitch theirprojects to keyexecutives andcompanies.
“British Columbia Picturesaims to producecompellingnarrativesthat resonate with audiences worldwide,”
addedJoseph,VicePresident –Sales “Weare excited to be attendingthe prestigiousAmericanFilm Market to highlight ourunique Canadianfilms anddocumentarieswiththe goal of securing partnerships withproduction, distributionor salescompanies.”
Recently,British ColumbiaPictures released its musicdocumentar yVancity Raps,which showcases Western CanadianhiphopartistsincludinglegendslikeMokaOnly, veterans EmotionzandTravis Turneraka Little T, andup-and-comersBenzosa and Baby C.
Thedocumentar ywon ‘Best Canadian Documentary’ at the VancouverIndependent. Film Festival; ‘BestSoundtrack’atthe Rotterdam IndependentFilm Festivaland was anOfficial Selection at the Austin Filmmaker Awards.
VancityRaps is currentlyavailablefor streamingonAmazonPrime.
TheAmericanFilm Market will be takingplaceinLas Vegas, from Nov. 6 to 10.
The festival will feature fantastic local drumming talent while enhancing music education in the Lower Mainland
The sixth annual South Delta Drum Festivalis set for Sunday, Nov. 17 at Genesis Theatre in Ladner.
The festival will feature fantastic local drumming talent while enhancing music educationinthe Lower Mainland. Rather than a usualconcert, clinicians will perform, then pause andexplain what they’re doing. It’s about developing percussionunderstanding andexpertise, as well as a chance to learnfrom people who have beenin the field for many years. Featured clinicians
include EddieTrovato, Jason Over yand Mike Michalkow
Klemm has organized thedrum festivalfor years.
Last year,for the first time, he participated in anadditional role as a clinician. He also makes KlemmDrums and annually donatesone ofhis snare drums for a fundraising raffle Delta Secondar y music teacher Catherine Campbell said students will be workingtheconcession, handling lighting and stage set-up as well as attending to learn
more about drums.
Campbell has appreciated the fundraising effortsof this event. Net proceeds fromticket sales and all money raised from raffle tickets go to the Delta Secondar y bandand music program.
Thanks to the generosity of numerous sponsors there will be many door prizes
Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Ticketsare $20and can bebought at the door andonline at : https://SDDF24. brownpapertickets.com -Submitted
PHOTO SUBMITTED
South DeltaDrum Festivalorganizer Rick Klemm(right)and Delta Secondary musicteacher Catherine Campbell.
REMEMB ERIN G
HO SE WH O s ER VE D
LestWeForget
The Poppy is a powerful symbolof Remembrance
The red floweralsoisthe symbol of theLegion’s Poppy Campaign, raising funds to support Veteransand their families in need.
From the last Friday in October to Remembrance Day,millions of Canadians wear a Poppy as a visualpledge to never forget those who served and sacrificed.
The red flower also isthe symbolof the Legion’s Poppy Campaign, raising funds to support Veteransand theirfamiliesinneed.
The Legion’s lapel Poppy is a sacred symbol of Remembranceand should not be affixed with a pinthat obstructs the Poppy. The Poppy should be worn on the left side, overtheheart.
In Flanders Fieldsis a poem written during the First World War by Canadian LieutenantColonel John McCrae afterhepresided overthe funeral of a friendand fellow soldier.
So many years later, his poem continues to poignantly express the tragedy of the losses of war.
In Flanders fieldsthe poppiesblow Between thecrosses, row on row, Thatmark our place; andinthe sky
The larks, stillbravely singing, fly
Scarceheard amidthe guns below.
We are theDead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunsetglow, Loved and were loved, andnow we lie
In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel withthefoe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold ithigh
If ye break faith withus whodie
We shall not sleep, though poppiesgrow
In Flanders fields. -Submitted
THOSEWH O sERVED
The day to salute and remember those who sacrificed for Canada’s freedomis approaching and willfeature two eventsin Delta.
In South Delta, the parade will begin in front of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 61,inLadner Village.
The procession will march to Memorial Park cenotaph for services there. The parade will start at about 10:40 andconclude at about 11:20 a.m., followed by laying ofwreaths.
Rob Gardener, sergeantat arms with the Ladner Legion, saidthat Delta Mayor George Harvie will be thereand is fairly certainthat South DeltaML A Ian Paton will attend, althoughit hasn’t beenconfirmed ifMP Carla Qualtrough will be there. TheDelta PolicePipe Band willalso march inthe procession. He added that the weather and the
11.11.2 4 REMEMBERING
amount of the turnout can affecttiming of the event.
Veterans, cadets, firefighters, paramedics and youthandcommunity groups willall attend.
For those curious about the meaning of parts of the Remembrance Day ceremony, the legionexplainsthat The Last Post signifies the calling home of the spiritsof the fallen to rest Then, at 11 a.m., two minutes of silencefollowsfor Canadians to collectively honour, thank and remember those who have fallen.
The silenceisfollowed by a bugler playing the Rouse, which symbolically wakes the fallen inorderfor them to rest in peace.
Remembrance Day ceremonies also include the bagpipes playing The Lament, which symbolizes the sounds of spouses and childrencrying over
Remembrance Day ceremonies will beheldthroughout Delta
their dead.
The ceremony then concludes with the reciting of the Act of Remembrance after which participants march back to
the legion.
Members of the Tsawwassen Legion participate in the ceremoniesinLadner but also have their own ceremony in the afternoon at theirbranch in Tsawwassen.
The City of Deltaisorganizinga Remembrance Day ceremony, Nov. 11, at the NorthDelta Social Heart Plaza, at 1141584th Ave., in partnership with the Kennedy Seniors Society.
The proceedings begin at 10:40 a.m. and run until12 p.m., with the focus on 11 a.m. That is the time when fighting ceased in1918,in the First World War, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day,of the 11thmonthof the year.
After the event, refreshments willfollow in the main hallof the NorthDelta Recreation Centre.
-Staff Writer
TheLadner Legionwillonceagain hostthe Remembrance Day ceremony inLadneronNov. 11.
OnRemembranceDa y, we H onourAllour Ve terans. Including Au gustineHouse resident Pa tW alton. Pa th aslivedat Au gustine Housesince2003 –t he ye ar we opened. Pa ts er ve dint heSecond Wo rld Wa r. St illonlyinher late t eens , she wa sad river, transportingammunition fortheRAF .
www.augustinehouse.ca
Remembrance Day: a history ofservice
Canadian Veterans have served throughout history in a broad range ofconflictsand situations – from world warsto peacekeeping missions to crisesonthehome front.
The Royal Canadian Legionis committed to honouring and remembering all veterans, whetherthey served in theatre oron Canadian soil,whetherthey keptthe peaceorfought for peace, whetherthey found themselvesincombat orin support ofoperations.
Fightingforfreedom
The Legion honours and supports Veteransof Canada fromall wars –recent and past.
Afghanistan War 2001 - 2014
Korean War 1950 - 1953
First World War
1914 - 1918
Persian Gulf War 1990 - 1991
Second World War
1939 - 1945
SouthAfrican War 1899 - 1902
Peacekeeping
Canadian veterans have protected the rightsandfreedoms of
Canadiansand people fromcountriesall over the world through peacekeeping missions The Legion supports veteransof missionsincluding Lebanon, Somalia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Sudan,andothers. -Submitted
TheCenotaphatLadner ’s Memorial Park.
mediapartner:
THOSEWH
O sERVE D
Jointhe Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choirand Delta Concert Bandfor Lest We Forget –a stirring musical tribute at South Delta Baptist Church. Underthedirectionof Jonathan Quick and Jim Tempest, withpianist Miri Lee, this annual Remembrance Day concert honours those who’ve sacrificed inconflicts past and present.
More than a performance, it’s a community gathering to reflectonthecost offreedom and celebrate resilience. The two-hourprogram, including intermission,promises an immersive experience of remembrancethrough music.
11.11.2 4 REMEMBERING
In these uncertaintimes, Lest We Forget remindsusof our shared humanity and the enduring hope for peace. Be part of thiscollective moment that resonates beyondthefinal note.
The concert is Monday, Nov. 11 at 2:30 p.m. at South Delta Baptist Church (1988 56th St.) in Tsawwassen. Tickets are $35foradultsand seniors and $10for youth(18andunder). Purchase tickets at : https:// vancouverchoir.ca/ticketsevents/.
More from Delta Concert Band
TheDelta Concert Band, a community wind band and
Lest We Forget – anannual concert of Remembrance
registered charity, madeup of a diverse group ofaround 50amateur musiciansfrom
Considered oneofthe top community wind bands inthe Lower Mainland,the Delta Concert Band will also beperforming withthe VancouverOrpheus Male Choiron Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. at Seaquam Secondar y in North Delta Ticketsare available at : Eventbrite.ca.
More concertsare planned to commemorate theirmilestoneanniversary, culminating with a marquee concert on May 24, 2025.
For more details about theDelta Concert Band see: https://www.deltaconcertband.ca/. -Submitted
Jointhe Vancouver WelshMen’s Choirand DeltaConcert Band for Lest We Forget–astirringmusicaltributeat South Delta BaptistChurch.
Interesting facts about Remembrance Day
Canadiansobser ve Remembrance Day each yearon Nov. 11.
Onceknown asArmistice Day, Remembrance Day honours de cease d military members, living veteransand current arme d forces pers onnel.
*Remembrance Day hasalengthy history in Canada Armistice Day was first commemorated in Canada in1919,when King Ge orge V urge d all countriesin theBritish Commonwealth, includingCanada, to obser ve the day.
*The nameofthe holidaywas change d fromArmistice Day to Remembrance Day in 1931.
*The choice to commemorate theholiday that eventually be came
Remembrance Day on Nov. 11 has symbolic meaning. According to the Government of Canada, the choice reflectsthe signing of thearmistice agre ement on Nov. 11,1918,which calle d foranend to hostilities at 11 a.m., which happens to be theeleventhhouroftheeleventh day oftheeleventh month. The armistice ende d The First World War, thoughfighting continue d for hours afterthe agre ement was reache d andtheTreaty of Versailles, which was the for mal peacetreaty that ende d the war, was not signed until1919.
*The poppy has Canadian roots, as a 1915 poem refer re d to thefieldsof poppies grow ing aroundthe graves of First World War soldiers in Flanders. That poem was written by aCanadian Lieutenant Colonel name d John McCrae A nationalceremony isheld each year at the National War Memor ial inOttawa The Governor Generalof Canada, who presides overtheceremony,andthePrime Minister are among thenotableofficials to attend each year.
-Metro Creativ e
*The poppy symbolizes Remembrance Day. Thoughthe re d poppy symbolizes Memor ial Day inthe United States, where Veterans Day is obser ve d on Nov. 11,the poppy is wornin Canada on Remembrance Day to honour fallen service members
Deltaschoolstohold RemembranceDay ceremonies
Every year,all schools inthe Delta School District hostceremonies to commemorateRemembrance Day.
Forthe last couple of years, students at Port Guichon Elementar yinLadner have taken aunique approachto their Remembrance Daycommemoration. Students have prepared variousstationswithdifferentthemes such as The Poppy, Dove,PaperCranesand Fallen Soldiersinthe school gym.
On Friday,Nov.8,theGrade6/7 studentswillhost a20-minutepresentationwhere theytakeeachclassatthe school separately throughthe gymto learn moreabout Remembrance Dayat each station. Parentsand caregivers will alsobeinvited to jointheir children’s class for the walkthrough.
“OnRemembrance Day,itis so importantthat we acknowledge the courageand sacrifice of thosewho served theircountr yandtheimportance of cherishingthe peacethey foughtsohardtoachieve,” saidGrade
Port GuichonElementar yhas taken auniqueapproachtotheir RemembranceDay commemoration.
6/7TeacherLaurieKay.“Empowering students to leadthisimportantlearning has beenextremelysuccessful.Wehave seentheGrade6/7 studentsgrow in confidence andfindtheirvoice asthey create presentationsandsharetheir learningwiththeir peersandfamilies.”
The latest versionof Heritage Minutes isnow Canada wide, with a littlebitofLadnerhelping totellthe story of a Canadianartist who painted theaftermath of the First World War.
The minute-long episodeofthelong-running seriesof snippets about Canadianhistory tells the story of Mary Riter Hamilton,whovisited the battlefieldsofnorthernFrance topaint and capture thehorror ofthe strugglethat ended in
November1918.
Whilethe set depicts a deserted battleground somewhere in Europe, it was shotin a farmfield on Westham Island, in Delta Productioncrews showed upin August and spenta few days capturing filmof Megan Follows (AnneofGreen Gables) portraying Hamiltonin thehistorical vignette
During the First World War, Hamilton petitioned the Canadian War Memorials Fund to sendher to thefront lines as a war artist, but was denied because she was
11.11.2 4 REMEMBERING THOSEWH O sERVED
LadnerepisodeofHeritageMinutes depicts First World War scene
Her health suffered due to poor living conditionsandalthoughher paintings were successful in Europe, they didnot receive the same receptionin Canada
She donated most of her paintings, anddied on April 5,1954,in poverty, Historica Canada said.
portraying Edwin Baker. Baker wasa Canadian soldierwholost his sight in battleandwhothen went on to helpfoundthe Canadian Institute forthe Blind.
a woman, said Historica Canada which produces Heritage Minutes. Afterthearmistice, Hamilton received a commissionfromthe Amputation Clubof
British Columbia (now the War Amps) topaint battlefield landscapes. Hamiltonarrived in Franceinthe spring of 1919,and went on to create 350 works by 1922.
One ofher paintings, Trenchesonthe Somme, was featured by Canada Post in2020,ononeofits stamps.
The battlefield set also served for another Heritage Minute featuring legally blindactorBruce Horak (of StarTrekfame)
The episode about the artist was shotin August but just released Oct. 29,intimeforthis year’s Remembrance Day ceremonieson Nov. 11.
The videosare on televisionas wellas YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn
Last Friday (Nov 1), the Crosses of Remembrance were once againinstalled in South Delta, asmembers of the South Delta Secondary School Interact Clubplaced 41crosses in the fieldnear the South Delta Recreation Centre.
Each cross honoursa Delta veteran who lost their lifein the First and Second World Wars, the Second SouthAfrican (Boer) War, andthe Afghanistanconflict
Once the installation was complete, InteractcochairAmy Yang reflected on the significanceof the event.
“Remembrance Day is a time to reflecton the
past and honor those who served in wartime,” said Yang. “By placing these crosses each year,the South Delta Secondary Interact Clubaims to show our deep respect for those who fought so courageously.”
Co-chair Evie Li echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the crosses serve as a powerful reminder of the privileges we enjoy today.
“They remind us of the peaceand freedom we have, thanksto the sacrifices made by others,” said Li
Rick Lewall, the Interactliaisonfor the Rotary Clubof
Tsawwassenand a longtimeadvocate for the Interactprogram, supported the installation.
“The display of the white crosses isanimportant traditionfor our community,” said Lewall.
“Peopleare especially impressed to learn that itisdriven by the youth at the high school. These studentsexemplify the spiritof youthleadership that our Rotary Clubis proud to support.”
Through their efforts, the Interact Clubnotonly honours the memory of fallen veterans but also inspires a sense ofgratitude and reflection within the community.
The names appearing on the crosses are:
John Christian, Frederick Bemi, William S. Montgomery, Walter Williams, Stanley Smith, Neil McNiven, John P. Cameron, S.R. Montgomery, Cyril Moore, Homer E. Robinson, Edwin E. Hutcherson, CecilH. Weare, Arthur Mills, William McLennan, John Ross Baxter, LesterW. Hanford, Donald Montgomery, Hume Hilton, John E. Falk, William Lewis, Robert Kettles, Geoffrey McCallan, David Skinner, Eric Walter Cole, Sidney N. Rich, Robert Scott,
Last Friday(Nov. 1),theCrosses of Remembrance were onceagaininstalledin South Delta,asmembersofthe South Delta Secondary SchoolInteract Clubplaced41crosses inthefieldnearthe South Delta RecreationCentre.
Malcolm M Leonard, Richard MaxwellDibsor Love, Guy A. Taylor, Albert Earl Frederick, Basil French, Fred A Cook, Douglas A. Wright, John Mead, Leslie
McCrea, J. W. McDowell, James Clarence Smallwood,Frederick Whitworth, Sidney Welsh, Percy Devereaux and Stephan John Stock. -Submitted
JIMKINNEARPHOTO
First World War veteran RalphHodgson inspired a generationof War Amputees
Ralph Hodgson (18951948)lived by themotto inscribed onhis tombstone: “It’s notwhat you have lost that counts but what you have.”
These words defined hislife’s work, ashededicated himself to ensuring that his fellow war amputee veteranscouldthrive despite theirinjuries.
Hodgson, a law student whenthe First World War began,quickly enlisted with Toronto’s 24th Battalion. In April 1917, he was woundedduring the Battleof Vimy Ridge, resulting intheamputationofhis right leg below theknee.
Hodgson became a founding member of The War Amps, anorganizationestablished over a century ago by amputee veteransofthe First World War. Theirmission was to unite, supportand advocate forthe rightsof amputee veterans.
These First World War veteransplayed a pivotal rolein welcoming and mentoring a new generationofamputees returning fromthe Second World War, helping them adapt andsharing their
hard-earned wisdom.
Hodgson was perhaps best remembered for greeting hospitalships asthey returned with injured soldiers fromthe Second World War. His presenceoffered encouragement to these young men,helping themcome toterms withtheiramputationsandmotivating them to move for ward
Cliff Chadderton (1919-2013), a Second World War veteran who lost part ofhis right leg in Belgiumin1944,vividly recalled Hodgson’s unforgettableimpact.
“Our joy at being home was mingled with a bit of apprehension,” said Chadderton. “Then a strange and wonderful thing happened. Into the ward bounced Ralph Hodgson. Swinging betweena thumb and a forefinger wasa miniature artificialleg. Not only did Ralph walk, spinand dance, but hefinished up by jumping off a waisthightable.”
As The War Ampsfirst Dominion Placement Officer, Hodgson travelled across Canada, tackling the challenge ofunem-
ployment foramputees from both world wars
“He keptplugging away untilallamputeesfromthe wars had found jobs, which Ralph thought should be rightfully theirs,” Chadderton noted.
For his remarkable efforts, Hodgson was awarded theOrderofthe British Empire, a distinctiongiven to civilians who contributed to the war effort by supporting veteransandtheirfamilies
“Mr. Hodgson showed other war amputee veteransthat theiramputations wouldn’tholdthem back from succeeding in life,” says Rachel Quilty, a graduate of The War Amps ChildAmputee (CHAMP)Program.
“He’s remembered not just for securing jobsfor amputees, but forgiving themtheconfidenceand strength to persevere.”
Today, Ralph Hodgson Memorial Park in Port Hope, Ontario, stands as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary commitment to Canada’s war amputee veterans.
-Submitted
Canadians often associate The Royal Canadian Legion with Remembrance ceremonies and the annual Poppy campaign. Throughthese initiatives, we honour and remember Canada’s fallen Veterans and help ensure Canadians never forget.
While Novemberis recognized as a timeof Remembrance, forthe Legion and for many across thecountry, Remembrance is a yearlong commitment. At any givenmoment, there are many opportunities available to anyone wishing to show their appreciationforthose who served, including:
*Becominga Legion member to support Veterans year-round
Therearemany ways to rememberinthe lead-uptoandon Remembrance DayNov. 11.
*Makinga donation to the Legion’s Poppy Trust Fund at any Legion Branch
*Saying “Thank you” to a Veteran
*Wearing a Poppy
*Honouringafallen Veteran onthe Legion’s
Remembrance Day: Ways to remember
Wall of Honour and Remembrance
*Planting Poppy seeds orgrowinga garden of Remembrance
*Visitinga cenotaph
*Invitinga Legion Branch to make a presentation at a schoolorcommunity group
*Wearing ordisplaying commemorative items from the Poppy Store
*Visiting the Canadian WarMuseumorlocal history museums
*Volunteering to help Veterans, and more.
Most importantly,take a moment now and then to reflectonthefreedoms and peacein yourlife, and to remember the men and womenwho served and sacrificed for all we have today.
-Submitted
LEST WE FORGET
OnNovember11,wehonourthededicationandbravery ofour Veteransandactiveservicemembers.Werememberthosewhohave falleninbattleandthosewhocontinuetoserve.Theirlegacyinspires us to cherishthefreedomsweenjoytoday.
The Poppy, wornproudly,symbolizesremembranceandour unwaveringsupportforthosewhohaveservedandthosewhomade theultimate sacrificeforournation.
“ Therefore, donot worr y about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worr y about itself Each day has enoughtrouble of its own”(Matthew6:34 NIV).
I’ma pretty good worrier, especially since my burnout a few years ago. I have a tendency of eitherfixating on past failuresor worr ying about thefuture.
Jesus asked hisdisciples, “Canany oneof you by worr yingadda single hour to your life?” (Matthew6:27NIV)
The answer, of course, isno. As a matter of fact, anxiety notonly decreases our ability to enjoy life now, but it can also cause health problems which can shorten our life.
Sundaysat10:00 a.m. Rev.Jason Truell
中文主日崇拜 10:00a.m.
Nancy 楊牧師
Minister’s Minute
JEFFGER MO
LadnerBaptist Church
Anotherthing to worr y about.
When Jesus told his disciples not to worr y,he didn’t say itshaking his finger at them in a condescending, condemning manner. He saidit asanencouragement. Know that your Heavenly Father cares for you. He loves you. He knowswhat
you are going through He is good. He is allpowerful.
The Apostle Paul said this : “Do not be anxious about anything, but in ever y situation, by prayerand petition, withthanksgiving, present your requests to God.Andthe peaceof God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your heartsand your mindsin Christ Jesus” (Philippians4:6-7 NIV).
When I worr y,it’s becauseI fixate onthe wrong things.I ampracticing fixating onthe goodness of my Heavenly Fatherwho loves meand cares formeandmeets all my needs. Thatmakes all thedifference.
Homeowners go to great lengths to make theirpropertiescomfortableplaces to callhome. Whetherit’s new interiorfurnishingsor renovated outdoor living areas ortheinstallationof various smart home technologies, there’s no shortage of waysto upgrade ahome withcomfort inmind.
Whenhomeowners renovate ahome to make spacesmore relaxing and welcoming, it’s important they recognize the relationship between comfort and safety.
A homeisonly ascomfortable asit is safe, as residentsmight struggle to relax if they’re concerned about their safety.
Security cameras can helpquell such concerns, which isoneof a handfulof reasonshomeowners shouldconsider these increasingly popular safety features fortheirhomes
Securitycameras may help to lower insurance premiums : Exterior security cameras can helpindividualslower the cost oftheirhomeowner ’s insurance policies. The extent ofthose savings may dependonthe type of cameras
homeowners installandwhetherthe cameras are integrated into a wholehome security system. More advanced systems, such asthose which feature alarmsandexterior cameras, can earn homeowner ’s greater savingsontheir policies.
Securitycamerasprovide peace ofmind whiletravelling: Modern security camera systems now provide remote access throughsmartphone apps. That can give homeowners peace ofmindwhentravelling, asthey can monitor theirpropertieswhen they’re away from home and potentially alert local authoritiesifthey notice anything suspiciousontheir remote feeds.
Securitycamerascan give parents peace ofmind: Much like security cameras help travellers keepan eye on theirproperty while they’re away, parents also may findthat access to realtime video footage oftheirhomes can calmtheirnerves when childrenare in thehouse. Parents can utilize cameras to keeptabson youngsters playing in the yard and monitorfeeds to see what
Security cameras canhelpquellsuch concerns,whichisoneofahandfulof reasonshomeownersshould considertheseincreasinglypopularsafety features fortheirhomes.
older kidsare up to while Mom and Dad are at work or away fromthe home forother reasons
Home security camerasarea worthwhile investment that can save home-
owners money andprovide peaceof mind that they’re doing everything possible to make their homes comfortable, safe spaces to live.
-Metro Creative
At Home Facts aboutgarage remodels
Homeowners tend to want to maximize allthe spacethey have intheir homes
For somethis may involve turninga garage from a utilitarian spaceinto one that serves multiple purposes
Garage remodels can create additional storage space, provide an area for a home gym or evencreate roomfora homeoffice. Prior to beginninga garage remodel, homeownersmay have some commonquestions abouttheprocess. How muchdoes the renovation cost?
Several factors willultimately determinethefinalpriceof a garage remodel, but HomeAdvisor says the national average for a garage remodel falls between $6,000and$26,000. Most homeowners come in at around $15,000 for a total garage conversion. Will I recoupthe investment?
A garage conversionadds value to a homeifitcreates newandusableliving space. The firm Cottage, which pulled
together a team of builders, architects and technologists, advisesthe average garage conversionprovidesan80 percent returnoninvestment. That ROI variesdepending onlocation.
How can I upgrade the flooring?
Garages traditionally feature concrete floors. Althoughdurable, concrete floors can feel damp, hard and cold underfoot. Bothvinyl plank and epoxy flooring options can elevate the design andfunctionality ofthe garage
CanI have the bestof both worlds?
Sometimes a garage needs to serve many purposes Lofting the garage means a homeowner can still park cars orutilizethelower spaceas a living area, allthewhileitemsare stored overhead. Someflipthisdesign scenario and have theloftarea as a bedroom or finished living space, whilethelower portion remains a traditional garage area. Anotherthought is to finishonly a portionofthe garage This works well for two-orthree-car garages where
there will be room to parka car, andthe remainder will serve another purpose. What are other waysto improve the garage?
Installing more windows orimproving onthelighting inthe garage can be important. The garage improvement experts at Danley’s say window installationenables people to circulate air in the garage without having to open the garage door. Improving the lighting meansthe garage can still be enjoyed or utilized after dark. Spread out lighting inthe garage anduse a combinationof overheadandtask lighting just asone wouldinthehome itself.
How do I deterbugs orother pests fromentering?
Insectsoften want to hunkerdown in garages, and they may findit easy to get inside a garage Keeping the garage clean andorganized isthe best way to deter pests and to spotinfestations before they become problematic Reducing water and humidity inthe
Priortobeginningagarage remodel, homeownersmayhave some commonquestionsabouttheprocess.
space,weatherproofing at the base of the garage doorandotherentr y spots andutilizing insect repellents to make the garage less hospitablealso can decrease the risk ofinsect infestation. Remodelinga garage can add value andplenty ofusable space to a home. Whether a garage houses cars orhosts neighborhood gamenight, a garage renovation can be well worththe investment.
-Metro Creative
At Home
Dining room conversionideas
Many homeowners can undoubtedly takea stroll throughtheir homes and find at least one space that could be repurposed to provide more functionality.
Realestate professionals know that such sentiments are not uncommon, and many point to formal dining rooms as spacesthathave fallen out of favor in recent years.
Formaldining rooms were once common in newly built homes, but the pivot toward open concept floorplansleft it up to homeowners to decideif such spaces were forthem.
Home office: Though the percentage ofprofessionals working remotely has dipped considerably
sincetheendofthe pandemic, hybrid working is perhaps among the more lasting work-related byproductsof COVID19. In its Global State of Remote and Hybrid study published in early 2024, the careernetworking resource LinkedIn noted that 13 percent of jobs posted to theplatform were for hybrid positions. That means millionsof workers canstill utilize anaccommodating home office space.A formal diningroom can be converted to provide such a space, andthe good newsisthat such a conversionneed not require extensive renovations A freshcoat of paint, an additional outletor two and perhapsa new over-
headlighting fixture can instantly transform the space at minimal cost.
Reading room/library: Homeowners whodream of havinga designated spaceforquiet reading can convert a little-used formal dining room into a space tocurl up with a good book. Some comfortablearmchairs, built-in bookshelvesand perhaps anexpanded floor-to-ceiling window overlookinga sideor backyard can help homeowners create ahome library that will be the envyofany avid reader Studio space: Ifthere’s a resident yogiand/or artist living underthe roof, thenconvertinga dining roominto a yoga orart studio, or perhaps
even a hybrid spacefor those whoenjoy both activities, is a no-brainer. A yoga studioconversion may not require as much investment as a kitchen overhaulor bathroom renovation, but an ideal home yoga space requires more than a mat and room to stretch. The Yogapreneur Collective notesthat flooring in a yoga studioshould be non-slip, easilycleaned, durable, sound-absorbing, andlow maintenance. The Yogapreneur Collective asserts that differentflooring materials may be ideal forcertain types of yoga, noting that cork flooring is a go-to choiceforprofessional studiosthat offerhot yoga. Similarly, the right
formaldining roomstomakethesespaces more functional.
flooring foranart studio may dependontheartist’s preferred medium, whetherit’s oil painting, artsandcraftsoranother artistic pursuit. But any artist knowsthat a floor that’s easy toclean is perhaps best for a home art studio.
Additional ideas : Some additional ways to repurposea dining roominclude a gaming roomfor avid gamers, a
memorabilia showcase forcollectors or a pantry forfoodieswholove to cook but need some extra space to store ingredients and toolsofthetrade.
If a formal dining room isonly utilized on occasion, homeowners may want to considerthe many waysto convert such spacesinto areas that are more usable every day.
-Metro Creative
At Home
Build yourgift list for DIYenthusiasts
Rising prices have pushed people to lookfor new waysto save money. The do-it-yourself approachto home repairs has long been seenas a potential avenue to save money.
A new Ipsos pollconducted on behalfofthe DIY Network foundthat 73 percent of Canadian homeowners have done a renovationproject themselvesinthe past. With so many homeowners tackling projectsaround thehomeontheir own, DIY-related products may be just what’s needed to hammerdown the perfectgift.
The following are some potential home improvement presentsforDIY enthusiasts.
Magneticwristband: Keeping items close athandtakesonnew meaning when oneutilizes a magneticwristband. The BinyaTools Magnetic Wristbandis just one of the versionsofthis handy toolthat’s idealfor wrangling screws, nails, washers, and any other ferrousitems. It’s alsoa great optionforcrafters and jewelr y makers
Painting essentials kit: Painting isan easy andeffective way to transforma room For
siasts.
those DIYers who have yet to compilealltheir painting gear, local home improvement retailers often package kitsthat include a dropcloth, assorted roller sizes, brushes,a paint tray, and even painter’s tape to get started onprojects
Rolling work bench: People serious about projects willneed a place to store all the toolsthey have collected.A rolling work bench, such asthe Gladiatornine-drawer work bench, has drawers to store toolsand a wooden top onwhich smallertasks can be tackled. Rollitwhere needed Hearingprotection: Drills, sanders andother power tools can be noisy.DIYers will want to protect theirhearing, and a set of workshop earmuffs can be a
thoughtfulgift Some, like the3M WorkTunes headphones, evencome with Bluetooth technology to offer bothhearing protectionandthe ability to listen to tuneswhile working.
Headlamp: DIYers need both hands to tackle jobseffectively, which can make holding a flashlight to illuminate theareachallenging. Hands-free lighting is possible withan LED headlamp. The light is easily focused where the userislooking.
Laser measuring tape: A smart measuring tape utilizes a laser to increase measuring size, calculate distancesandensure that ever y homeimprovement project linesup.
Sawhorse: DIYers working on large projects can benefitfroman adjustable sawhorse to support materialsand ensure safer cuts The ToughBuiltC700isan option to consider since it has support pegs that fold out ofthelegs to allow forgreater ease of use.
The list ofgiftsfor DIYers isendless. Tools andadditional gear can help people nailholiday shopping this year. -Metro Creative
Lecuyerfinally madeit to the worldtitle event, the Vinfast Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Oct. 26 to 28.
Butinorder to do well, to hit a personal best or close to it, everything had to go the right way, to fallinto place.
It wasn’tmeant to be howeveras musclecrampsdogged his performanceduringthe gruelling, all-day event.
“You try to takeinfluids …takeinelectrolytes, salts, andthentry to keepmoving for ward.Icouldn’t reallytake any running strides at theend withoutacramp stoppingme so the best Icoulddo was keep walking. Got to thefinish,” Lecuyer said recently.
He finished withatimeof11 hours, 32minutes, well below hisexpectations,inthe50-to 54-year-old category.
In order to qualifyforthe worldfinals,hepreviously ran atriathlonin Australiainnine hours, 46minutes.
“It just wasn’t my day,” Lecuyer said.
But “I wasn’tdropping out. There’sno wayI wasn’t getting to thefinishline.
“To have a personal best,a lotofthings have to go right,” he said.
The Hawaiitriathlonincluded a3.8-km swim,a180-km bike rideanda42-km mara-
thon run. “I hadanamazing time. It was just anincredible experience to be part ofit, so much energy andexcite-
mentaroundthis race,it’s just unlikeany race I’ve ever been part of before,”he said.
Lecuyer,who runs EXL
Engineeringin Delta, has racedintriathlonsaroundthe world.
He saidthe Penticton Ironman Canada triathlon,his first racein1997,asamonghis favourites.
The Penticton raceismoving to Ottawa next year.
For spectacular scenery,the triathlonin Cairns, Australia, wasan “absolutely beautiful
racecourse That wasthe best for scenery,”he said.
Hawaii was spectacularas well, but tough. Strong winds and baking,black lava rock fieldscreated toughconditions.
“It’s amazing to see and challenging conditions, challenging course to raceon,” he said.
Qualifyingforthe world triathlontitle event has been a major goal sincehe started competingintriathlons.
“It’s be en a drea m ofmine for25 ye ar s. It ’s be enon my bu cke t lis t ev er si nce,” he sa id.
Getting to such an eventis a teameffort, he points out, thankinghis wife Lisa,forher support, inaddition to help fromhis strengthtrainer, physiotherapistand chiropractor.
“My wi fe … ha s be enthe re formethewholetime, my ch iefmotiv at or, my pe rs onal ch ef, my sp ortsps yc hologis t, yo u na meit , she’s be en there.”
It’s impossible to compete withouta good team,he added.
Afterthe Hawaiianadventure,there waslittletime to relax, asheandhis wife were signed up to enterthe New York Marathonthefollowing weekend.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Gene Lecuyercrossesthe finishlineinIronman World ChampionshipinHawaii.
We loveyou andmissyou,David. Everysecond,ofeveryday. Youfought so hard,andwere so brave, butcancer stoleyoufromus.
David does aDock Itookastep ontothebeach, tosee howfarthegreat bluecouldreach, itstretchedoutfartherthan ameter, likely taller than acedar, justthen Ifeltthemagic, ofsomething direandtragic, likethedateNovembereight, whencancer sealedhisfate whenI’monthebeach Istillthink ofstonesfallingwith aclink! Whendeath came it was ashock but Ialwaysremember Daviddoesa Dock -WrittenbyAdriana Trgovcic, David’sdaughter,Age 10
FAULKNER, Donald Allan July11,1929 -October 28,2024
DonaldFaulkner,passedawaypeacefullyat MelvilleHospice after ashortillness.Helivedto95 yearsofage.Donwasbornonasmall family farm inConjuringCreek,AlbertatoEnsleyandJessie (neeHoward) Faulkner.Hewastheyoungestof fivethatincludedGladys,Roby,Lester,andMerton Faulkner.Atsixteen,heandhis parentsmovedto Aldergrove,BCwherehegraduatedfromhigh school.Afterseveralstartsandstops,Donald graduated from theUniversityofBritishColumbia with abachelor’s degreeinmathematics.In1953, heenteredtheUniversityof TorontoMeteorology program,obtaineda master’s inphysics,then servedwithEnvironmentCanadawhileexploring rareandisolatedpartsofthecountry. While workinginGooseBay,Labrador,Don fell inlove withandmarriedFloMoulaison.Togethertheyhad twochildren,KimberleyandTerence.Dondreamt oflivingin Tsawwassenwheretheymovedtoin 1969.Donwasdevotedtohis family,workand progressivepolitics.Afterretirement,heenjoyed traveling,woodworking,gardeningandbeing a grandfather. Hehad alifelongloveoflearning, first continuingFrenchlanguagestudiesatSt.Anne’s in Clare,NovaScotiathenattendingSimonFraser Universitywherehecompleteda GeneralArts degreeasanactivememberoftheSFUOpsimath Club.Healsotookaninterestingenealogy,doing countlesshoursofresearchandwritingabookon his familytree.
The familythanksthecaringandpatientstaff at bothDeltaHospitalandMelvilleHospiceaswellas Dr.StewartNoblewhoattendedtoDon’s care for manyyears.Pleaseconsiderdonatingtothe PeaceArchHospiceSociety, Delta Hospital Foundationoralocalcommunitycharityofyour choice.
WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN LUCAS CLIFFORDisindebt ed toRoadwayTowin gL td for storag ea nd to win go n 202 0N issanMurano with VIN# 5N1AZ2BSXLN 107788. AL ien isclaimedunder th e Act. Th er ei sp resentl ya n amoun td uean do win go f $6480. 87 plusany additional costs ofstorage,seizure and sa letha tm ayaccrue.Not ice is herebygiventhaton11/22/ 20 24or thereafter, th es aid vehicle willbesold.Thevehi cle is currentl ys to re da t Roadway TowingLtd., 7391 Pr og ressPlace, Del ta ,B C, V4G1A1 ,a ndwasplaced in storage on3/5/2024.
WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN PASSI, MANYAisindebted to Roa dwayTowin gL td.fo r st orageandtowingon 20 19 BM W/3−S er ie sw it hV IN# WB A5R7C 58KFH 00506. A Lien isclaimedunderthe Act. There ispresentlyan amount due andowingof $9,646.74 plu sa nyadditionalcost so f storage, seizureandsalethat may accrue .N oticeis hereby given thaton11/22/2024, or th ereafte r, th es aidvehi cle wil lb es ol d. Th ev ehicle is currently storedat Roadway Towing Ltd.,7391 Progress Place ,D elta,BC, V4 G1A1 , and wasplacedinstorage on 02/08/2024.
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