You’llbeinthespotlightthis week, whichcould make you feeloverwhelmed,stressedor anxiousattimes. Take some timeto rechargeyourbatteries beforetheendoftheweekto restoreyourinnerpeace.
CANCER June21-July22
Youcouldbegiven new,moreimportant responsibilitiesat work. Your reliabilitywillearn youthetrustand respectof yourcolleaguesandclients. Your reputationas areliable professionalprecedesyou.
Whenshopping,give yourselftimetonegotiate. Don’tbeafraidtospeak up alittleto make sure you’reheardand respected. Expressingyouremotions clearlycan make abig differenceinhowyoufeel.
PISCES Feb. 19-March20
Physicalactivityisgood foryourwell-being.It’sa fantasticwaytoconnect withothersandenjoyshared experiences,whetherit’s through afunactivityor deepconversationsabout spirituality
HOWTOPLAY:
Fillinthegridsothat everyrow,every columnand every3 x3box contains thenumbers 1through 9onlyonce. Each 3x3box isoutlinedwith a darkerline. Youalreadyhave a fewnumbers to get youstarted. Remember:youmustnot repeat the numbers 1through 9inthesameline, columnor 3x3 box.
DeltaOptimistValentine’sContestGiveawayrules:Nopurchase required.The contestbeginsonJanuary27, 2025,at10a.m.PSTandendson February10,2025,at11:59p.m.PST.Thereisatotalofone[1]prize retail value of$428availabletobewon[clickontheboxesabove forprizedetails].Skill-testingquestion required.Open to legal residentsofBritishColumbia,Canada,whoaretheageofmajorityintheprovinceatthetimeofentry.Odds ofwinningdependonthenumberofeligibleentries receivedbeforethe contestcloses.Limit 1entryperperson. Enterat:delta-optimist.com/contests/valentines-day-give-away
UPFRONT
GotNews?
U.S.tariffsloom,Dixpromotes home-grown food
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimi st .c om
Buying B.C. and expanding capacity will ensure needed support for theprovincial economy, fortheshort andlong run,as U.S. President DonaldTrump’s tariff threatsloom over Canada
That was themessage from AdrianDix, B.C. Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, Friday at the huge Windset Farms greenhousesin Ladner to celebrate the operation’s clean energy partnership with BC Hydro, which saw the vegetable growerundertake extensive upgrades to maximize efficiency and sustainability.
Dix, whoalong with Diana Stephenson, BC Hydro’s seniorvice-president of customerandcorporate affairs, presented Windset Farms president and CEO Steven Newell withthe Clean Energy Champion award, said clean,affordableelectric-
ity isanadvantage for B.C., helping ensure that theproducts produced are low carbon, making themmore competitive domestically andinternationally.
Asked about potential impacts to theprovincial economy andfood security if Trump follows through ondevastating tariffs,Dixprovideda lengthy response, including theimportanceof buying B.C. productsand supporting local producers.
“Theextent you can here in B.C. is by supporting B.C. farmers everywhere, andthisisn’tthe first challenge we faced
“Even withoutthe issueoftariffs,theissue offood security in B.C. isafundamentalquestion,andthat means supporting B.C. farmers everywhere we can. Theseproductsthat are developed here are part ofa partnership,obviously, with BC Hydro to help make thathappen. So,what you seehereis
“B.C. agriculture is a littledifferent. We don’t have often single, big crops some jurisdictions have, but it’s critical to our province.
“We have to develop ontheproduction side, farming side, processing side. We’ve got to build B.C. businesses, because every time we dothat, onesmall step at a time, we’re better able to sustainthe challenges of climate change, which we’re seeing now everywhere inthe world andaffects our agricultural economy, andaffects California’s economy…
systemsensurea reliable, year-round supply of vegetables to major grocery chains
“There’sa real push from retailers andconsumers to have locally grown produceand to make that possible, itall camedown to the availability of power,” said Newell.
“Knowing we’ve got the electricity we need gives usand our retail partners, certainty ofanassured locally grown, B.C. supply, year-round.”
animportant part ofthe response …” he said.
Dixnoted it was important to learnfromthe experiencesof COVID-19, including theneed to developdomestic capacity,asother challenges may comeinthefuture.
“There’s lotsofthings we can say about this
tradeissue andthepremiers andtheprime minister andothers who are dealing withthatat thehighest level, but, fundamentally, we will only be prepared for this if we support businesses like Windset Farms and the self-sufficiency that requires.
“I thinkwhen people see this, andthey see the productsinthe stores, it’s absolutely worth supporting by buying B.C. and buying locally,” added Dix
With support from BC Hydro, Windset Farms has upgraded itsnewand existing greenhouses to a higher-powered transmission system.
BC Hydro says adding thenew state-of-the-art
BC Hydro notesitalso provided $4.8millionin LED lighting incentives, allowing a complete switch fromenergyintensive high-pressure sodiumlighting to energy-saving LEDs.
The upgrademeans the Delta greenhouses now boast48 acresof litproduction, making itthe largest lit greenhouse vegetablefacility in western North America, while reducing electricity consumption by about 55 percent.
SANDOR GYARMATIPHOTO
Auxiliary to receive naming for new Day Program for Older Adults
Society recognition thanks to donation to Delta HospitalandCommunity Health Foundation
Thanks to anhistoric pledge of$3million,the Delta Hospital Auxiliar y Society will have a naming recognitionforthe Day Program for Older Adults at thenew Beadie Long-Term Care Centre at the Delta Hospital Campus of Care
The 32-space Day Program for Older Adults willprovidecrucial services to seniors, offering health checks and activitiesaimed at promoting physical,mental,and social well-being. In addition,theprogram will offer respite for caregivers, helping reduce stress whileensuring loved onesare cared for in a safe, supportive environment.
“The naming ofthe Day Program for Older Adultsin recognitionof
thisextraordinar y donationunderscores the Delta Hospital Auxiliar y Society’s unwavering commitment to improving health care for seniors in Delta,” said Jim Short, president ofthe Delta Hospital Auxiliar y Society.
“We are incredibly proud of our volunteers andtheir hard work, which has madethis significant donation possible. It is our largest contribution to date, and we are honoured to play a rolein such an impactful project.”
The society’s $3-millionpledge ranks as oneofthe largest donations ever made by a hospital auxiliar y inthe province Beyondthis transformative gift, the auxiliar ydonates more
Thankstoanhistoricpledgeof$3million,the DeltaHospital Auxiliary Society willhave naming recognition forthe DayProgram forOlder Adultsatthenew Beadie Long-Term Care Centreatthe DeltaHospital Campusof Care.
than$750,000annually to Delta Hospital Community Health Foundationin support of
hospital-wide equipment needs. In addition,they fund spiritual, music, and recreationprogramsfor
residents at Mountain View Manor,Delta Hospital’s current longterm care home.
NOTICEOF INTENTION
“We are deeply appreciative ofthe auxiliary’s generous donationand theirdedication to enhancing thequality of care for Delta’s seniors,” added Lisa Hoglund, executive-director, Delta Hospitaland Community Health Foundation. “This generous leadgift will play a pivotal rolein our $18.25-million Coming Home campaign, greatly enhancingour capacity to deliver a high-quality, home-like care to our aging population.”
To learnmore about the Beedie Long Term Care Centre and how you can support the Coming Home campaign, see theDHCH Foundation website at www.dhchfoundation.ca/capitalcampaign. - Submitted
Notice of IntentiontoDispose of an Interest in MunicipalP roperty by Lease (PursuanttoSections26and 94of the Community Charter)
TAKE NOTICE thattheCityofDelta (“ Delta”)intends to leasethe following municipalpropertytoIMS EducationTsawwassenInc.asthe tenant:
Thepurpose of thelease isforoperatinganearly-agechildcarefacilityin accordance withtermsset outina leaseagreementwiththetenanttaking possession of thepropertyonorabout January31,2025 tocomplete renovations.ConsiderationtobereceivedbyDeltaunderthe leaseagreement is $189,900(plus applicable taxes) inrent perannum. Theinitial term of the leaseisten yearswithrenewal options.
THIS NOTICE IS FORTHE PURPOSEOFPUBLICNOTIFICATIONONLY. ITIS NOT AN OFFERTOTRANSFER, LEASEORGRANTASSISTANCE TO ANOTHER PARTY
Anyinquiries should be made to Eric Freudenreich,RealEstate Manager, 604-354-6686,Mondaythrough Friday (except statutoryholidays) between thehours of 9:00 amand5:00pm.
City investigates massive new buildings on farms
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
The City of Deltaplans to investigate recent developmentsonlocal farmlands where large new buildings have beenconstructed orare in the process of being built.
The motion put for ward by Coun. Dylan Kruger, and approved by councilthis week, notestheaccessory structures “appear inconsistent withtheobjectivesof Delta’s Agricultural Planand Official Community Plan,as wellas AgriculturalLand Commission requirements.”
Noting bylaw staffshould review the city’s new agricultural bylaw as wellascoordinate andassist anunderstaffed AgriculturalLand Commission (ALC) in monitoring and enforcement onnon-compliant structures, Kruger toldcouncil that, ideally,any farm buildings on agricultural landshould
have adirect benefit to agriculture, and theALC shouldprovide enforcement.
“Simply,what I’ve seenfrom ALC enforcement has not been good enough on someofthese properties. We have to ensure that our Delta rulesare as clear asthey can be, that projects that arecoming forwardin our community are going to benefit soil-based agriculture and food production in Delta. That is the purpose of agricultural land …” said Kruger.
A staff response to the motionnotesthat applications to construct a newfarm buildingon agricultural landare assessed in accordance with Delta’s bylawsand applicable provincial legislation. If a building is notused orconstructed as outlined in the building permit application, Delta staff undertake enforcement action as it relates to the bylaw contravention.
The ALC and Ministry of
Agriculture and Food are responsible forcompliance related to the provincial legislative requirements.
Coun. Alicia Guichon, a member ofthe city’s agricultural advisory committee, said taking responsibility formonitoring and enforcement offthe ALC’s hands would give the city more control overthe situation that could be “getting out of hand”, but there could also be some unintended consequences if the city overregulates what a farmerdoes. She asked that hercommittee and Delta Farmers’ Institute also provide comment.
Coun. Jessie Dosanjh expressed opposition, readinga statement that “there has been long-standing bias against family farmers whoare struggling to be economically viable.”
Noting many older barnsare falling apart andneed to be replaced by modern structures, Dosanjh saidit’s theALC’s and
provincial agriculture ministry’s jurisdiction when it comes to complianceandenforcement.
Krugercountered he wants to make clear he wantsa review of Delta’s zoning bylaw to ensure they are in alignment withthe city’s agriculture planandOfficial Community Plan(OCP),as wellas stepup enforcement onnon-compliant buildings.
“We have to ensure that we’re following the rulesthat this council has set out. We have to ensure that we’re supporting agriculture, Delta agricultural valuesas laid out in our agriculture planand Official Community Plan. This is not a change in policy…I would hope andexpect that ever y member ofcouncil supports local farming and agricultural values.
“I’m re all y quit e sh oc ke d to hear so meofthecomments to sayt ha t wewo uldn’t be
doin g so,” sa id Kruger. Coun. Rod Bindernoted that thenon-compliant use ofnew buildingscoulddrive uptheprice offarms, making themless economically viable He added whenthe issue was raised withprovincial representative at last year’s Union of BC Municipalities convention, Deltaofficials were told theprovince simply doesn’t have the capacity to monitor and police allfarm buildings, and it’s municipalities that are relied uponfor monitoring.
Following this week’s council meeting, Dosanjh and Mayor George Harvie were on a local radio station criticalofthe motion, prompting Kruger to also go onthe air waves to argue the intent oftheA1 bylaw is not to cover up valuable farmland with large permanent structuresthat arenot really farm buildings, but instead couldactashousing, hostelsor banquet halls
Company hasfiledan environmentalassessment application with province’s
SANDOR GYARMATI PHOTO
TheprojectincludesanewLNGstoragetankwith a working volumeofupto142,400cubicmetres, new liquefaction facilities with capacityofupto 7,700tonnesperdayofLNGproductionandnaturalgas receiving facilitiesandinfrastructure.
SANDOR GYARMATI sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
Delta residents last week had anopportunity to get more information and pose questionsinperson to FortisBC representatives regarding the application to expandthe Tilbury LNG facility.
The information session at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn on Thursday (Jan.23) was part ofthe latest round ofconsultationsasthe current publiccomment period ends March 3.
The environmental assessment applica-
tionforthe Tilbury Phase2 LNG Expansion Project in Delta was filed last month with the BC Environmental Assessment Office.
FortisBC explainsthat thenext phase will see the EAO work with First Nations,a technicaladvisory committee, community advisory committee, local governmentsand the public to reviewthe application foranenvironmentalassessment certificate.
Winding its way through a lengthy applicationprocess, theproject wouldincrease the
Tilbury facility’s LNG production capacity by more than50 percent, up to 7,700 tonnesof LNG per day,foranoperational lifeof at least 40 years.
The expansion would allow for a total storage capacity ofup to 216,400 cubicmetresof LNG and includesanadditional storage tankandliquefactionfacilities.
The project isundergoinga substituted environmentalassessment reviewunder thefederalImpact Assessment Act andthe B. C. Environmental Assessment Act. The
Delta consideringchangingDCC collection
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimi st .c om
Deltacouncil last week agreed to have staffconduct a financialanalysis ondelaying collectionofdevelopment cost charges (DCC) to thetime of issuanceof occupancy permits, instead of at the time of a subdivision applicationor issuanceof a building permit, depending onthe land-use category.
A motion put for ward by Mayor George Harvienotes residentialandcommercial
development activity has stalled because ofincreases in pricesfor building materials, skilled labour, higherfinancing costsand scheduled increases to theCity of Delta, Metro Vancouver andTransLink DCCs
It als o asks Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon to consideramendments to legislation to allow local governments to change thetimefor collection.
Harvie said the change is neededthroughoutthe region to assist thedevelopment com-
munity to start building.
“What I’ve heard back from thedevelopment community isthat this would be a gamechanger forthem, and at the sametime, not be a financial impact to the city,” he said.
Harvieadded the change wouldnot be any kindof subsidy but simply a change in process which would result in reducing “considerable impacts” having to borrow for DCCs before projects can get going.
Council last year approved increased Delta DCCs, after a
review, to reflectnewgrowth projections, developmentdriveninfrastructure projects and current-day construction costs The previousupdate was approved in2017.
Meanwhile, Metro Vancouverisundertakinga reviewofits DCC program.
EAO
BC EAO isleading the review,which consistsof seven phases.
The Tilbury Phase2 environmentalassessment isnow inwhat is called applicationdevelopment and review.
The latest phase is to, among otherthings, have the EAO gather public feedback ontheaccuracy andcompleteness ofthe application,which includes such detailsas theproposed design of theproject, where it will be located as wellasthe potential environmental, social, economic, cultural andhealthimpacts.
The reviewis to includecollaborating withthedevelopment industry,member jurisdictionsandtheprovince to explore options to mitigate any potentialimpactsofthe DCC program on residentialdevelopment, such asextended in-streamprotectionandthe timing of DCC collection.
SANDOR GYARMATIPHOTO
Delta councillor wants fence at U.S.-Canadianbordertakendown
PHIL MELNYCHUK pmeln yc huk @d elta-optimis t.co m
Canada andthe U.S. have long hadanundefended border so local Coun. Daniel Boisvert doesn’t want theCity of Delta to be thefirst to breakthat tradition.
He plansonasking city council toteardown the newly constructed fence separatingthe twocountries at the southendof English Bluff Road,in Tsawwassen.
The chainlinkfence, installedon Canadian land, runsforashort distanceand separates Monument Park inthe U.S.,from Tsawwassen, in Delta.
“My mainobjection is what it symbolizes. Canada andthe United States have beenfriends for 150 years, give or take. We trust each other.
That’s why we have this wonderful,undefended border,” Boisvert said last week.
Canadiansand Americansknow they have go to aformal bordercrossing to go into each other ’s country,he said.
“That’s why we don’t have to putupfences and wallsandwhat not,” he said.
“Symbolsmeanalot tousandthis to me,is a symbolthat maybe there’s a lack oftrust now.”
He doesn’t want Delta to be thefirst to putup a barrier between two countries. That’s how things start, he said.
“Let’s just notdothat. There’sno real reason to dothis,” he said.
Thefence was installed by theCityof Deltaon Jan.16,fol-
lowing a reviewofa November2023incident whena senior walked from Tsawwasseninto Point Roberts. He was founddeadafew days later.
The recommendationfromthe review wasimplemented to improve public safety andenhance awarenessoftheinternational border, Delta police said previously
But Boisvert saidthat November2023incident didn’t requirethislevel of response.
Boisvert is going to introduceanoticeof motion at Feb. 3’scouncilmeetingasking that thefence be takendown.
Thetiming wasnotthe greatest, withthefence goingup within days of U.S. President Donald Trump’sinauguration andhisthreats toslam
Canada with25-percent across-the-board tariffs. Boisvert saidthat the constructionofthefence isacoincidencegiven current Canada-U.S. relations.
andothercountries,and onalmostthe very day he getsinaugurated, we putupafence.”
He saidhe readupon theissue and was told by a U.S. lawyerthat the fenceviolatestheTreaty of Ghent which says you can’t put up a barrier
withinthree metresof the border. The treaty ended the War of1812 between Canada andthe U.S.
He addedthat any such projectsareup to bothfederal governments to decide.
He’s nottrying to blame policeorcity staff.
“Everyone’s doinga good job. It’s just oneof thosethingsthat probablyneeded to just have a bitmorethought putinto it beforeit wasdone,” he said.
Former Point Roberts chamberofcommerce presidentBrian Calder saidthe Monument Park location hasalways been used asameetingplace forfamiliesandfriends from both sidesofthe border to visitand keep in touch. Theywould bringpicnictablesand chairsand sitonthe49th parallelandvisit.
PHILMELNYCHUKPHOTO
DeltaCoun. Daniel Boisvert and Point Rober ts residentBrian Calderatborder fence.
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 you have concernsabouteditorial content please contact theeditor at: ijacques@delta-optimist.com or call 604-998-3616 If you are not satisfiedwiththe responseand wish to file a formal complaint visitthe website atmediacouncil. ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163 for additionalinformation.
OPIN ION
How many times must we pay Metro Vancouvermayors todotheir work?
What’sa politician worth?
If you’ll stop laughing for a moment, let’s reframethe question. We’ve veered into anunhealthy debate onthis subject of valueformoney
More precisely: How much should a politician be paid – that is, how much ought to be in keeping withthe scope ofthe job, the size of thecommunity being served, andthe scale ofcomparable rolesintheprivate sector?
Can we ever solve the chicken-and-egg, what-comes-first dilemma involving capabilities andcompensation with politicians and pay packages? Specifically,do we offer great salaries to attract good peopleordo we get goodpeople to then reward great salaries?
Can we really attract great skill to public lifeandits responsibilities without bestowing significant sums?Andhow might thrifty compensation repelthe best andbrightest from serving?
And to add awrinkle to this, because this appears to be the topicdu jour, yet another question: when our elected officialsare appointed to additional public agencies, shouldthey be entitled to double-,triple-, evenquadruple- andquintuple-dip?
We areina curious blendofdispleasure: inadequate oversight of setting compensation, insufficienttransparency about it, andinfuriating periods between electionsasthe sole sourceofinstilling accountability.
At themoment, we are gnawing on themost recent Statement of Financial Informationfor Metro Vancouver It contained – if you dredged hard –thecompensation minutiae of our mayors andcouncillors atop what they were earning in their supposedly full-time rolesintheir communities.
SOFIs in various jurisdictions turninto annual rituals that send journalists out to conduct “streeters” withthepredictably antagonized public.They bring out the Canadian Taxpayers Federationforitsceremonial accusationof waste andquestioning of sanity. They elicitunctuous politicianswho cannot fathomwhy wewould dare challenge their comp. Andthey find an occasional outlier who agreesthe rolesdonot befitthe rewards.
The Global News/Corus newsroomsare making ameal of the Metro Van one lately Andon theface ofit, someofthedough appears outsized, considering thesmall-city officials : Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley pulled
...should they be entitled to double-,triple-, evenquadruple-and quintuple-dip?
in$393,075, Delta Mayor George Harvie tookin$346,780, Port Coquitlam’s Brad West received $342,512;and Richmond’s Malcolm Brodiebrought in$331,959
Asothers point out, thisismore thanthe premierorhis cabinetmembers make, and fuelsfrustrationand a perceived gap between earnings and outcomes.
Someleaders forego income to take positions(former Bankof Canada governor Mark Carney might soon),whileothers have never earned more thanwhat they earnas politicians(Conservative LeaderPierre Poilievre), and stillothers wouldnever earnmore than what they are making inoffice(let’s not name names).
What we can say isthatmany excellent peopleare not running foroffice, and many in officeare excellent at securing side hustlesin adjacent publicentities that less directly serve those whoelected them.
It’s unclear what can be done about thefirst issue, because it’s notall about themoney. The public scrutiny has gone overboard now into a toxic climate.
When someoneon a skislope feelsentitled totelltheholidaying JustinTrudeau to get out of B.C. (infarless -polite language) ordisrupt Chrystia Freelandasshe makes her opening argument to succeed Trudeau, we’ve fallen off our rockers. We owe politics a viable and
respected pathforthose withthe skillsand dedication to lead.
But, agreed, when our civicofficials earn extensive extra salariesand per diems, often more thantheir main roles, they’ve lost the plot, too.
Andthere is a rather simplefix.
Overthe years, my bosses permitted me to freelance(I’mdoing that now),underthe conditionitdidn’tinterfere withthe main job I’d beenhired to perform. I put inextra hours whenthe part-timeinfiltrated thefull-time so I didn’tshortchange the largeremployer.
A challenge withelected officialsisthat the bargainthey strike withthe publicis to be constantly accessiblewhennoton vacation –sometimes evenwhenthey are. Maybe unfair, always been so
But today’s Metro Vancouvercohort takes timemore directly fromthebiggeremployer to occupy theextra ones They owe theirtime andenergy to the peoplewhoelected them. Iftheextra work istruly designed to serve theirconstituents, why notdeductthe portionoftimethey spend away fromhome base fromthecompensationthey get back there?
Treat Metro Vancouver, TransLinkand other agencies as part of the job andconsolidate compensation, but only afteranindependent reviewof salaries
While we’re at it, instill some real-world metricson budget management, infrastructure delivery or evenhousing startsas performanceincentives. Andplease, make itall transparent instead of a treasure hunt inthe documents
Kirk LaPointe is a Glacier Media columnist with an extensive background in journalism
GRAEME WOODPHOTO
RecentdiscussionatMetro Vancouver regardingthis year ’s budget.
Affordability is my ‘key priority’
MIKE HURLEY
Across the region, we’re all feeling the strainof rising costs. It’s nodifferent for your regional government : at Metro Vancouver, thecostsofprovidingthe essential servicesthatmake our region livable have also goneup.
As we planfor our 2026 budget, Metro Vancouveris looking for ways to reducecostsfor ratepayers. Since I was first elected as chairofthe Metro Vancouver board in June, I’ve made affordability my key priority and I, together withthe40other elected officials who oversee theorganization,am determined to continuethat work
The reality isthat infrastructure is complicated andexpensive. Water treatment plants, dams, wastewater treatment plants, massive water supply tunnels andthe like require considerable investment andtime to construct.
On the North Shore, we are working to construct a new wastewatertreatment plant to meetfederal regulations andaccommodate the growing population. Metro Vancouver began legal action against thepreviouscontractor on theproject for failing to meetthe terms ofitscontract, resultingincost escalationsanddelays.
Now we’re moving for ward: our job is to deliver a quality project, and that’s what we will do.
For over50 years, Metro Vancouver has delivered the vast majority of our complex infrastructure and construction projectsontimeand on budget
We have more than300construction projectsunder way rightnow. But, you don’t usually hear about theones that get completed without a hitch
We’re always making improvements to ensure we continue to deliver reliable, high-quality essential services at a low cost. Asthe region’s population grows, we must keepup withdemand. Thismeans building biggerpipes, higher capacity,moderntreatment facilities, andotheressential infrastructure that’lllet us fulfil our responsibility to protect human andenvironmental health.
At the sametime, it’s important we take thetime to evaluate our performanceandmeet our mandatewhile respecting theinterests of ratepayers
We are already looking toward our 2026 budget.
This week, the board received a report from Metro Vancouver staff with potential operationalcost savings by department, including details offinancialand serviceimplicationsforany potential revisions This work is being integrated into an earlier budgeting process, and will give the board more informationand earlieropportunities to providefeedback on where improvementscould be made This review will help guidedecisions related to the 2026 budgetandthenext five-year financialplan.
I’m also advancinga governance review. It will explore the way the Metro Vancouver board makes decisions, receives andshares information,and any potential efficienciesthat could be explored throughprovincial legislation. The independent performance review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project is also underway and will continue.
Metro Vancouver ’s servicesare foundational to thequality of lifein this region We will continue to meet our mandate as a regionaldistrict, as a water, sewerage, and solid waste utility, and asoneofthe largest providers of non-market rentalhousing in B.C. and we’ll meetit with carefulconsiderationofhow we spend yourtax dollar.
Metro Vancouverboardchairand BurnabyMayorMikeHurley.
We’llalways be a bedroom
Editor : The proposed Tsawwassen Town Centre Malldevelopment, represents more than a 10 per cent increase inthe populationof Tsawwassen, onaneight-acre parcelof land,onthe busiest cornerinthe community.
If approved, this proposal will cause immediate, long-term and permanent trafficcongestion, causing daily bottlenecks, noise and dangerous roads and parking nightmares fromthe day theshovels hittheground,andthen
permanently,after3,000 new cars tr y to exitthe areato commute.
To believe that most of the1,430-plusunits will not house two working individuals with vehicles is wishfulthinking.
But thisincreased population will get us better transit, right?
Oh really?
It isunrealistic to believe that, once built, a bus system will serve these new people, orthat loftiest of carrots, the Sky Train, will reach here.
Any transitimprovements will be allocated
tolarger communities such as South Surrey or Langley,where ridership can support thecosts It’s about economies of scale. In the scheme ofthings, we willalways be a tiny, bedroom community, a peninsula with two roadsinand out, feeding one main, already-clogged highway.
We willalways be granteda tiny pieceof the Metro Vancouver piein terms oftransit services, roadupgrades andotherinfrastructure improvements Christine Cummings
Yes, Tsawwassen can change
Editor :
years, we have witnessed changes, such asthe build-outsin Southlands, Tsawwassen Springs, Windsor Woods, the Town Centre, andthearea aroundthe Save-On mall, to name a few.
history provesthisisnot the case. South Deltais attractive because itoffers a habitable, small-town feeling.
Surely, there is a case forpreserving communitiesthat valuelivability overdensity.
In 1981, we moved to Canada, and to our good luck, we landed in Tsawwassen. We have beenin South Delta since. Tsawwassenisan outstanding place to raisea family, particularly with its walkability, amenities, and easy access to Vancouver Overthe
I understandthere are those who believe residentsof South Delta are against change, but
There are more suitable locationsfor high-rises Dave Stanton
Support ourlocal farmers
Editor:
One thing we can do right away to counter the snorting fromtheerstwhile republic to the south is toeat more blueberriesandfewer Florida oranges. We, ofcourse, grow blueberries They are health-giving, and evenwhenfro-
zen,are sweet anddelicious. At least oneLadnerfarmer hasa freezer fullof themfor sale right nearthefield. Consumer choices can count.
Here is a simple way to start making it so
Gail Neff Bell
Editor : On Jan.17, I attendeda performance offourtalented chamber musiciansas part ofthe South Delta series, presented by the Vancouver Chamber Music Society.
This was oneofthe best classical music concerts I have experienced in decadesoflistening across Canada and
Europe. The trioandquartet combinations ofpiano, violin,celloand clarinet performed by this dynamic group of players captivated the attentionofthe audienceandinspired our appreciation ofthe classical music repertoire.
A truelive and personable evening, forwhichI was grateful.
Gerald Maier
Deathof Ladnermanprompts
outpouring of affection
PHIL MELNYCHUK
pmeln yc huk @d elta-optimis t.co m
A fixture ofLadner Village isnolonger on Elliott Street, huddled in a tiny shelternext to the sidewalk, saying hi to strangers who walked by or chatting with long-timefriendswho dropped infor a visit
Gregory Morris Kazakoff, died Jan. 9 after spending most ofhislife in Ladner, thoughhe was borninGrand Forks.
Kazakoff, 55,used to sit in a littlenook, called his “office” inthe bushes besidethe sidewalk, across fromthe bottle depot, inall types of weather withhiselectronicdevicesplugged into an outletthat someone had connected to a power pole
Often, passers by would chat asheoffered friendly greetings to one andall. Rarely was therea timewhenthere weren’t people chatting withhimonthe sidewalk
“He always hada kind word or a funny stor y to share,” saidhisobituary.
“Greggy fromLadner Pleased to meet you.”
Friend Peggy Boon knew Kazakofffor30 years and saidhefound the daytime hangouta few years ago.
“He, I think, hada big-
a lotof response online and withinLadner. “It really does speak to the community stepping up to help their own andhelp theless-fortunate people and seeing the beyondthe surface,” she said.
Jamie Gillespie, also knew Kazakoff, and said thatmany peoplehelped him overthe years, but hecouldn’t settledown and moved around a lot. In the last decadeor so he’d lived onthe street offandonor sometimes stayed withfriends.
gerimpact on thecommunity thanhe really realized,” she said.
“He was friendly. He was humble He didn’t ask forthingsor beg forthings. He sat there, it just became a place where he builtcommunity, inthat little spotinthe bushes. He builtcommunity right there andthe community came to him ever y day.”
Whenhe was younger, he wasa good, hard worker, just anhonest guy that fellon hard times, sheadded.
“He wasa good, Ladner kindof a guy.”
Anotherof his favourite spots was nearthe Chilukthan Slough, aroundArthurDrive and behind Save-On Foods. His death has led to
“It’s tragicinits own sense but it wasalsohis choice,” Gillespie said.
Kazakoffdidn’t have a home at thetimeofhis death.
A celebrationoflife has beenplanned for Feb. 1 at Ladner Fisherman’s Hall, 4481 Savoy St., from 2 to 4 p.m. After that, people willmeet at the Sundance Pub, 6574 LadnerTrunk Rd Allare invited.
A memorial bench and plaque have been purchased fromthe City of Delta. The bench will be in Magee Park, near the red bridge, onthecornerofArthurDrive and LadnerTrunk Road.
Anyonewho wishes to help withcosts can donate via e-transfer at : gregfromladner604@ gmail.com.
Metro Vancouverdirector blasts mediaamidbudgettalks
GRAEME WOOD
Gl acierMedia
Metro Vancouver Regional Districtdirector Lisa Muri was outspoken against media Thursday duringa special board meeting to discuss the government’s scope of servicesandmeans to pare down its2026 budget.
The meeting was called by board chair Mike Hurley to address public concerns about the government’s expensesasit grapples with a roughly $3-billion cost overrun at the North Shore Wastewater Treatment plant.
The cost overrun resulted in a 25.3-percent increase to Metro
Vancouvertaxesandutility feesonthe average household last year.
Muri,a councillor withtheDistrictof North Vancouver, suggested the government isdoing a good job anditisthe media thathas the matter wrong.
“We need to standup and push back We do exceptional work inthis
region,” said Muri,adding “right now we have thenewsexplaining that and I don’tthinkthey do a very good job; I think they’re biased.”
Global Newsthis week outlined the many extra payments politicians receive for sitting onthe board,on top oftheir respective municipal council roles, prompt-
ing Premier David Eby to express concern about its governance.
Thethree-hourmeeting ultimately led to no finaldecisions but rather direction to staff to examineand report back on serviceand scope reductionsin someareas, such as regional climate policy co-ordination.
“Thetalkis that Metro is out ofcontrol. This [meeting]is to fish out if we are intotoo many things,” said Hurley, Burnaby’s mayor.
Another service to be examined is Invest Vancouver,a $4.8-million entity comprising of economistsandanalysts with a stated goalofimproving investment conditionsin the region.
Dobrovolny referred to the25.3 percent taxhike as a “big adjustment.”
One itemon theproverbial chopping block is a $550,000communications booth at the Pacific National Exhibitionthis summer.
Muri saidthe boothis valuable for communicating Metro Vancouver services.
Termsand Conditions:40%offanyorder of$1000 ormoreor30%offanyorder of$700-$1000 onany completecustomcloset,garage,orhomeoffice unit. Take anadditional15%offonanycomplete systemorder.Not validwithanyotheroffer.Free installationwithanycompleteunitorderof$850or more. Withincomingorder,attimeofpurchaseonly.
TermsandConditions:40%off anyorder of$1000 ormoreor30%offanyorderof$ 700-$1000 on any completecustomcloset,garage,orhomeoffice unit Takeanadditional 15% offonanycompletesystem order.Notvalidwithanyotheroffer.Free installationwithanycompleteunitorderof$850or more.Withincomingorder,attimeofpurchase
Conditions:40%offany order ormoreor30%offany order of$700-$1000onany completecustomcloset,garage,orhomeofficeunit. anadditional15%offonany complete validwithanyotheroffer. Free installationwithanycompleteunitorderof$850or more.
Withapprovedcredit.Callorask your Designer fordetails. Notavailableinallareas. Offernotvalidinallregions. Expires11/30/23.
Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger took to X.com afterthemeeting, for which heandother directors were paid$547 to attend, to call Invest Vancouver “a fake business association run by Metro Vancouver that duplicates services already provided by private organizations.”
Dobrovolny said for every $1millionshaved off the service budget a dollaris taken off the average householdtax bill ($875),prompting some directorsto questionthe utility ofthemeeting.
SPECIALFINANCING
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Also onthe chopping block are culturalgrants operated by the government, whichclaims to primarily be a utility provider(water, sewers and waste).
Metro Vancouver chief administrative officer
Jerry Dobrovolny presented the board withthe government’s $152-million service budget, prompting directorsto debate what could be cut.
Dobrovolny noted Metro Vancouver has already deferred $650millionofprojectsinorder to keepprojected annualtax increases to five percent overthenext four years (stillmore than twice the rate ofthe Bankof Canada’s inflationprojections).
“We’re wasting time onlittlethings It is infrastructure coststhat are driving upthe budget,” saiddirector Sav Dhaliwal, a Burnaby councillor.
And yet another Metro Vancouverquagmire was raised by director Brenda Locke, Surrey’s mayor.
“I continue to be very concerned about scope creep,” said Locke adding Surrey taxpayers don’t feelthey are being treated equally.
“We’re told to put on our regional hat but it’s different when we’re seeing aninequitable situation.
“I really wouldlove to seea budget for only core responsibilities,” said Locke.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Metro Vancouver
LI FE STYLES
What is photography?
And why should you care?
Is a camera simply an artistic toollikea pianoor paint brush, or doesitassumecreative choices without our input?
Technological advances have meant that more andmore camera functionsare made automatically, and now,artificial intelligence can insert and remove elements in a photographon demand. Photography bringsinto focus the intersectionof human creativity andthe objective capture of the visual world.
TheDelta Photo Clubispleased to invite the public to a talk onthephilosophy of photography by UBC KillamProfessor Dr. Dominic McIvor Lopes on Feb. 5 from7:30 to 9:30 p.m. atKinVillage Community Centre in Tsawwassen.
Lopes is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and University KillamProfessor at the University ofBritish Columbia. He isthe authorof books and papers onpicturesand their values, new technologiesinthearts, the nature ofart, andthe nature and significance of aesthetic value. Attendanceis free but attendees must register using this form: https://deltaphotoclub.com/ dpc-event-registrationform/.
-Submitted
ijacques@delta-optimist.com or 604-998-3616
KinVillageacceptingbooks for its annualsale
The KinVillage Giant Book Saleis returning for its19th year Feb. 28 to March 2, but before that, there is a drive-thru drop off this Saturday
A drive-thru bookdropofaccepted items will be held Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the frontentrance ofthe Community Centre, 5430 10th Avenue.
A host of volunteers will be waiting to assist by taking itemsdirectly from your car to their sorting area. Items may also be donated inthe book saledonationbins, found just insidethe front entrance doors.
Accepted itemsinclude fiction,non-fiction, children’s books, puzzles, games, DVD’s and vinyl records.
Itemsnotaccepted includeCD’s, textbooks or reference books, religious texts, booksin poorcondition, Readers’ Digests, sports/health/ business/travel/educational books more than five-years oldand spiral bound cookbooks
Fora complete list of accepted and not-accepted items, visit : www. kinvillage.org/community-centreevents.
The KinVillage Community Centre Giant Book Saleis a truecommunity event, welcoming hundredsof book lovers eachday ofthe sale. This sale isthe largest fundraiserofthe year withall funds raised going to help support the Community Centre’s programming and activities -Submitted
GRAPHICSUBMITTED Feb. 2marks the fourthtimebacktoSunday@3 atLadnerUnitedChurch, featuringthetalentsof Linda KidderandAlexWhittaker.
Fourthtimeisthecharm atSunday @3
Feb. 2 marks the fourthtime back to Sunday@3 at Ladner United Church, featuring thetalentsof Linda Kidder andAlex Whittaker
Kidderisaneight-time awardwinner for BCCA andCMAas wellas Juno nominee for bass playerand vocalist. She wears many hatsas a full-timeartist, singing, writing and recording her original music, playing bass, drums, guitar, coaching, theatre actor, painter andmost recently, a Jikkiden Reiki professional She loves dogsand catsand making people laugh
Whittaker, alsoa man of many talents wearinga dozen hats, guitarist, vocalist, writerof songs andjingles, having his own company, FreshEars Music. He can write you a song, play ever y instrument onit, sing itand master it He is a master musician. He also loves dogsand catsand making people laugh!
Admission for Sunday @3is$10 (cash) at thedoor Ladner United Church islocated at 496028th Ave, Delta(Ladner).
-Submitted
The KinVillage Giant Book Saleis returning forits19th year Feb. 28toMarch 2.
L IVINGTHE G OODLIFE +
Fitness isanimportant component of overall wellness.
Indeed, staying active has been linked to several noteworthy benefits, including decreased disease risk and improvedmentalhealth.
Routineexercise helps a person burn caloriesand maintain a healthy weight.
Tufts Medicine says weight gainiscommonamong aging individuals, with bothmen and women tending to put on weight intheirmid-sections
Weightgainis a risk factorfor diabetesand cardiovascular disease. Older adults may need to stepuptheirfitness regimens to combat growing waistlines
Staying active also can help with muscle and bonedensity,
which can decline with age.
Now that it is apparent why fitness is key during senior years, it’s time to explore some routinesthatmay bebest for people aged 50 and older.
Yoga
Yoga is a low-impactpractice that improvesmuscle strength, balance, mobility,and flexibility. All these factors are important for seniors. For those who findthat conventionalforms of yoga are too taxing on joints and bones, chair yoga is a lower-impactform oftheexercise.
Cycling
Ridinga bike is a cardiovascular workout that offersa wide range of benefits Most people find ridinga bike is easy onthe joints, and regular cycling can
increase muscle strengthand enhance flexibility. The pace andintensity of rides can be customized depending on riders’ speed andthe routesthey ride.
Pilates
JosephPilatesdeveloped an exercise routinethat now bears his nameinthe early twentieth century Pilatesemphasizes core strengthand stability but works all the major muscle groupsinthe body. Sinceitis another low-impactexercise, it can be suitable for people with joint issues.
Body weightexercises
As individuals age, they may findthat working with dumbbells, barbells or weight equipment at the gym is too
Fitness regimens for those50-plus
taxing. Using body weight to build strengthis a low-intensity option. Squats, wall push-ups, chair push-ups, and resistance bands can be used to build strength.
Walking
Walking isanunsung hero in thefitness realm. According to Better Health Channel, just 30 minutes of walking every day can increase cardiovascularfitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power andendurance Walking is low-impactand less taxing on jointsthan jogging or running.
Seniors have a host ofoptions to stay active asthey navigate their changing fitness needs.
-Metro Creative
TThere isno magicformulato ensure long-term health, however, ifthere were such an equation, sleep would be a critical component.
Thoughadults may be able to function with less sleep thandoctors recommend, a consistent lack of sufficient sleep can interfere with work, socialfunctioning and driving ability.
Adultswhofeeltheir sleep quality is pooror those whoaspire to sleep more each night can considerthese three strategies to ensurea more restfulnight’s sleep.
Keepdevices outof
the bedroom
Screensare everywhere inmodernlife, andthat includesthe bedroom. Deviceusage so close to bedtime can adversely affect sleep quality because the bluelight emitted from screens has shorter wavelengthsthanother colours inthevisiblelight spectrum, which results inmore alertness than warmer tones. The blue light confuses thebrain into thinking it’s earlier inthe day,thus making it harder to fallasleep. Skip lateafternoon naps
Short naps can help
people reenergize, but the timing of napscould adversely affect how well people sleep at night. The Mayo Clinicnotesthat napping after 3 p.m. can make it harder to sleep soundly at night. And while short naps can provide a necessary jolt, it’s important thatnaps be nolonger than30minutes. Naps that exceed a halfhour can contribute to feelings ofgrogginess and evencompromise your ability to get restful sleep overnight. Avoidalcohol
Some may consider alcohol a sleep aide, and there’s good reasonfor
LIVINGTHEGOODLIFE +
Adults can considerthesethreestrategiesto ensureamore restfulnight ’s sleep.
that perception, even if it’s misguided.Alcohol can increase feelings of relaxationandtiredness. However, that effect is notlong-lasting, and asalcohol levelsinthe blood drop, individuals are likelyto wake upand may evenfindit hard to fall back asleep Waking upinthemiddle ofthe night cuts down on the timeindividuals spend in themost restorative stage of sleep, which iswhy individuals oftenfeelasif they got little rest after a night ofdrinking. Sleep isanimportant component of a healthy lifestyle Some simple strategies may help adults geta more restful night’s sleep. -Metro Creative
Community Look to thebible to findanswers
The Bible is, without a doubt, the number one selling book of alltime. No other book even comes close. There have been between five and seven billioncopies printed overthe years. Ironically,(think eighth commandment) the Bible is also the most stolen bookof alltime. The reason is because the Bible is God’s Word speaking into His creation. He wants us to know Him. And, I believe most people, evenifthey wouldn’texpressit as such, want to know God. We want to know our lives have meaning. We want to get to theend of our livesandknow there was purpose initall All the effort, all the pain,all thetime spent loving oth-
Minister’s Minute
ers and being loved by them was worth it. There was andis a reason for my existence, andthere is hope when my time on earth is done. There isno other place to go to findthese kinds of answers.
Jamesin1:23-25 says
the Bibleislikea mirror and,“whoeverlooks intently into the perfect law that givesfreedom and continuesinit—not forgetting what they have heard but doing it—they will be blessed inwhat they do.”
God wants us to experiencelove, freedom, hope, peace, blessing and joy,andinthe Bible He showsusthe way to attainthese. If you haven’ttried it, why not pick up a Bible and readit for yourself. You don’t evenneed to steal one Drop by and we willgive youa copy. The Gospel of Mark, inthe New Testament would be a good place to start. While you read, be prepared for God to speak.
JEFFGERMO
LadnerBaptist Church
Shopping Localgives aB oosttoour Economy
Anintegral part ofwhatmakes the South Delta oneofthe best places to liveisthe diverseselectionof businessesinLadner and Tsawwassen.
Residentsfrom acrossDelta have no reason to leavetheir beautifulcommunity to shop somewhere else…everything
theywant, orneed canbefound right here.
Shoppinglocally givesanimmediate boost to our economywhich helps keep South Delta avibrantand thrivingcommunity. It will make you feelgreat to support the same businesses that supportlocal
Another South Delta athleteisheading south of the borderonan NCAAD1 scholarship.
Zach McLeod has committed to Seton Hall University,in South Orange, New Jersey,on a combined athleticand academic scholarship and has beenaccepted into the Schoolof Heath and Medical Sciencesfor the fallof2025.
McLeod had severaloptionsin boththe U.S. and Canada and ultimatelydecided to jointhe BigEast school becauseofitscommitment to bothacademic and athleticexcellence and thegreatfithefound withthecoaching staff and team at Seton Hall.
Currently, McLeod swimsforthe Winskill
Dolphins SwimClub,isa memberof Team BC and part ofthe Swimming Canada National Junior Development Distance Program.
Specializinginthe 200m butterflyanddistancefreestyle events, McLeod has beena nationally ranked swimmer since2022and has represented B.C. in national,and Canada,in internationalcompetitions,and was recently inducted into the Delta Sports Hallof Fame.
On theimmediate horizon,heispreparing fora Junior National team camp in February, in Ocala, Florida.
Thisnine-day camp isfor Canada’s best junior swimmers in preparationfor world
class junior racingthis summer.Fromthere, he will participateinprovincialsand Canadian trials beforeheleaves for Seton Hallin August 2025.
McLeod credits Winskillcoach Judy Bakerfor much ofhis success.
Thelongtime Winskill coach hasaunique ability to getthe best outof her swimmersandcontinues to demonstrate hercoachingprowess leadingasmall but mighty teamof swimmers, severalofwhom are nationally ranked amongthe best inthe countryfortheir ageand members ofthe Junior National Development teamfor Swim Canada.
- Submitted
Sports stories? ContactIanat ijacques@delta-optimist.com or call 604-998-3616
DeltaIslanders have a goodjunior draft
IAN JACQUE S
ijacque s@ delta-optimis t. co m
Stocking the cupboard and building forthe club’s future success were the goals ofthe Delta Islanders heading into the2025 BC Junior A Lacrosse leagueentry draft
Andaccording to clubpresident Matt Hoegg, those goals were accomplished on Jan.18 at the Langley Events Centre withthe team’s eight selections.
Deltaended up with three first-rounders, selecting LeviCrooks (Chilliwack, fourth overall), Logan Hinton (Chilliwack, sixth overall),and Cole Samson (Ridge Meadows, seventh overall).
In round two, they selected Nathan Bonner, from Maple Ridge, 11th overall; Darius Whalen-King, from Surrey, 21st overallin roundthree; as wellas Levi Burns, from Maple Ridge, in roundthree; whilein round six, they drafted Shea Watson, from Surrey, 41st overall, and Rodney Mack Jr.,from Vancouver,
42nd overall. The club also signed free agent, Owen VanBuskirk, from Semiahmoo, who Hoegg said was theirfirst post draftpriority andis anothergreat young addition to the club
“Oneofthe major highlights ofthedraftforus was drafting Levi,whoisthe brotherof our goaltender Jett Burns,” said Hoegg.
“They were overthe moon thefamily was thrilled to have them bothplaying in Delta. We feellike we have a group ofplayers that willplay in various levelsof our club. They have diverse skill sets We used ourpicksto filllotsofneeds throughout theorganization.”
Via trade, the Islanders worked outa deal with
Burnaby landing the rights to Sam Snyder –a fifth-year playerfrom Semiahmoo that the club isexcited to add.
“Organizationaldepth was the goal [of thedraft] and we feellike we have hitthat onthehead,” said Hoegg.
“The goalnow is to make theplayoffs with the Junior A team. We had some success last yearinB1 getting to the playoffsand wina series. Now,the goalis to get the A teaminto theplayoffs forthefirst timein several years and we feel we are building onthe success from last year
“We are inthe right directionandthedraft really allowsus to continue that momentum.”
PHOTO COURTE SY WINSKILLDOLPHINS
DELTA ISLANDERS PHOTO
DeltaIslandersdraftpicks LoganHinton, Darius Whalen-King,Nathan Bonnerand LeviBurns.
Cometojoin my Successfully Aging class. Myexerciseswillhelpyou feelbetter, strongerandmoreflexible. Youwillbeactiveagain.
Goldmedal: Seaside VolleyballClubSurf 16Uteam wongoldatthe2025 Trans Pacific Championship.Theteamfinishedfirstoutof88 teamsinthe16Udivision.Thewin washistoric asateamfromoutsideofHawaiihasnever won the event. South Delta was well represented with fourplayers andanassistant coachon theteam.Players ontheteamincludedGrace Marriott(Delta), Rebecca Prisecaru(Delta), Paige Achtymichuk(Delta),Chantel Peters(Delta),Hailey
Korness (Surrey), KatieHepting (Surrey),Sienna Cominetti (Surrey), Adelyn Fure (White Rock), AshtonHagel (White Rock),Emma Youngberg (S. Surrey), Vivien Vitalis (S.Surrey),Heidi Leuzinger (Maple Ridge),ChelseyGerdis(New West),HC Shane Donen (White Rock), AC Maryanne Donen (White Rock)andGabePrisecaru(Delta). Seaside VolleyballClubisa SouthSurrey, Deltaand adjoining communityclubenteringits23rd year as a youth volleyballclub.
2025 is of ftoa strong start! If thisis theyeartobuy orsell foryou—reachoutand let’schatabout your real estate goals. Iwas recently votedthe #1 AgentbyRank my AgentinSouthDelta! It is such an honourtoreceive this,havinggrown upand spentmyentirelifeinSouth Delta. Over theyears,Ihave cometoknowevery street,pathand neighborhood likethe back of my hand.Let’s connectand work together to find theright fitfor you!
Thisbeautifully updated5-bedroom,3-bathroomgemis nestled on aspacious6,812sq.ft.corner lot with2,275sq.ft. ofthoughtfully designed livingspace.Theheartofthe homehasanupdatedkitchen, completewith alarge island, newerappliances,andaccessto awraparounddeckand expansivepatio,perfectforyear-roundenjoyment!Updated bathrooms,newercarpets,freshpaint,hardwoodfloors,new windows,air-conditioningandfarmlandviews!Mortgage Helper!! A legal2-bedroomsuite isidealfor rentalincomeor accommodatingextendedfamily.Located close to excellent schools, shopping,and all theamenitiesyou’ll need,this homeperfectlyblendsstyle,space,andconvenience.
We aregrievingthe passingofoneofthekindest humanbeings, ahusband, father,grandfather, great-grandfather,uncle,andgenerousfriend.Born to Helmut FritzThoss andElseKlaraThoss(nee Hoyer)onJanuary3rd,1935,in PlauenGermany.Peter passed awayjust after his90thbirthdayonJanuary20, 2025.
“Retiredoldmeneatingout” club withhis Tsawwassenbuddies
John wasa wonderfulhusbandwellrespectedbyfamily andfriends.Thosewhoknew John wouldalwayssay
“Hewas aGOODMAN”
John willbemissedandalwayslovedbyhisfamily(CanadianandAustralian) andallhisoldandnewfriends.
classifieds.delta-optimist.com
CELEBRATION
BIRTHDAYS
CheerstoJackFroudonhis100th Birthday! J ackwasborninCalgaryonFebruary3, 1925, andgrewup an da ttendedschoolinDelta,BC,beforejoiningth eR CAF n1 943.Uponreturningtocivilia nl ife,heearnedanElectri− calEngineeringdegreeatUBC (1950) andmarriedOlga T ambolinein 1951. Ac aree rint hefiel do fc omm un ications t ookhimandhisgrowingfamily(4daughters)toMontreal, WinnipegandOttawa.
Jack ret ired in 198 7, an dh ea ndOlgareturne dtot hei r hometownofLadner,wheretheyenjoyedthe co mpany of familyand oldfriends,travel,gardeningandvolunteerwork. JackhasbeenlivinginOttawasince2021,wherefriends andthreegenerationsoffamilywillbegathering t oc ele− bratehismilestonebirthday. CardsandmessageswillreachJackat11 0B erriga nD rive, Ottawa,ONK2J0A6.
d ebtedtoRoadwa yT owing Lt d .f orstorag ea ndto wing o n2 012CARGOTRAI L ER wit hV IN# 4 D6EB1 82X C C0314 11. AL ie ni sc laim ed under the A ct.Th ere is presently anamountdueand owing of $5,2 07.84plus a ny additional costsof storage, sei zur ea ndsalethat may accrue. No ticeisherebygiv en th a to n 02/14 /2 025, or ther ea f ter, t hesaidveh ic le wil lb es old.Thevehicle is currently storedat Roadway Towing Ltd.,7391 Progress Pl ace ,D elta , BC, V4 G1A1 , and wasplacedinstorage o n 10/15/2024.Formore i nfor m ation,callRoadway Towing Ltd. 604−940−0329
U-HAULCO.OF VANCOUVER January13,2025 &VANCOUVERISLAND
McKeeSenior sR ecreationSociety is a not-for-profi tm emberorganizationlocated inLadnerB.C.McKeeSenior s Recreation
S ocietyprovide sa varietyofprograms ,c lubs an ds ervicesmemberswhoar e5 0+ .Wea re seeking a caféoperator toprovidein-hous e lu n chandcoffeeservic eM onday –S aturda y. The successfulcandidatemaybe r equested toprovidecaterin gf orholidayluncheonsand othereventsthroughoutth e year.P roposals submitte dbyM onda y, Februar y6,2 025,via emailto frontdesk@Mckeesociety.com
