Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Times July 31 2014 by Maple Ridge Times

Thursday, July 31, 2014

TIMES reporter Eric Zimmer tackled Golden Ears this weekend, and won…

5 Page A15

August 13th

• mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 28 PAGES WITH REW • Investigation

Murder rocks Albion

A surreal scene unfolds for neighbours who live along 240th Street: their homes surrounded by police tape. by Troy Landreville tlandreville@mrtimes.com

www.mrtimes.com

Residents of a relatively new subdivision in the Albion area woke up View early Wednesday morVideo & ning with their neighPhotos with bourhood surrounded by police tape. At approximately 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, a man was shot and Layar or killed outside a home online at the 10300 block of 240th Street. Trevor Koehler, 33, of Maple Ridge was found with multiple gunshots. He was rushed to hospital and pronounced dead. Koehler was shot in his backyard as he arrived home, according to Sgt. Adam MacIntosh of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), which has taken over the case. RCMP cruisers blocked off a section of 240th Street to traffic, and a police car was parked in an alleyway behind the home where the shooting took place. Investigators are looking for a light coloured, possibly white or cream compact import car, possibly a Honda, Toyota, or Acura. Koehler had no criminal record and was not known to police.

Troy Landreville/TIMES

Surrounded by police tape, a neighbour watered his lawn Wednesday morning, near a home where a person was allegedly shot the night before. In the meantime, Sgt. Adam MacIntosh (left) of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) spoke to media during a press conference near the home where a man was shot and killed late Tuesday evening.

This does not appear to be gang related and the motive is yet to be confirmed, MacIntosh noted. “At this early stage of the investigation we can say Trevor was the victim of a targeted attack and this was not a random occurrence,” MacIntosh said. “We’re trying to determine the

exact motive as to why he was targeted in the manner that he was,” noted MacIntosh during a press conference at the scene late Wednesday morning. As part of the investigation, IHIT’s job is to speak to any potential witnesses as to what led up to the point at where shots were fired, MacIntosh said. The task ahead for IHIT is to find out as much as they can

about the victim and determine why someone would want to shot him. “Somewhere, someone decided they wanted to kill this man, we have to find out why,” MacIntosh said. He added that “IHIT continues to work with the Ridge Meadows RCMP to determine why this shooting occurred and who is responsible.”

Chantelle Beveridge took her dog for a walk along 240A Street, just behind the crime scene early Wednesday morning. “I think it’s really shocking,” said Beveridge, who now resides in Victoria and was visiting her parents – who live only a handful of homes south of the crime scene. “The last thing I’d think I’d wake up [to] in the morning is that someone has been shot in the neighbourhood.” Beveridge said she slept right through the night and didn’t hear a thing. “My mother was saying that she heard sirens at night, but she didn’t know what was going on,” Beverridge noted. Her parents didn’t know very much about who lives in the home, she said. “All they know is, it is a pretty good neighbourhood, and that there’s lots of families that live here,” Beveridge added. Children play road hockey on the street and people walk their dogs through the neighbourhood, she noted. Asked if this was an isolated incident, Beveridge said, “I think this has got to be a one-off. I can’t see really this being a troubled neighbourhood, at all. The people here are pretty nice, and kind, and everyone usually knows everybody. The fact that someone got shot is really… I would have never thought that.” Anyone with information regarding this murder or who may have been in the area is being asked to contact the IHIT tipline by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihittipline@ rcmp-grc.gc.ca. To remain anonymous, people can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip at Solvecrime.ca.

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Thursday, July 31, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

today’sdrive 20 14 Fiat 500C

Your journey starts here.

Happily, Fiat’s smallest car continues to age well BY BRENDAN McALEER

brendanmcaleer@gmail.com

•

Tweet: @brendan_mcaleer

In Italy’s epicentre of style, Milan, you’ll almost never see a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. If owning one was cost-prohibitive before, these days the carabineri have a habit of pulling over every supercar they see to check to see if you’ve been paying your taxes – and most of the time, their drivers haven’t. Instead what you get is a stream of diminutive little hatchbacks, many of which are ﬁtted with towhitches. Point is; wheeled style isn’t something the Italians consume in huge, conspicuous packages. La Dolce Vita is more about buzzy Vespas and street side cafes – less goldleaf gilt, and more everyday chic. Fiat absolutely nails this ethos with their 500c city car, an urban runabout that’s sized right for Europe’s crowded streets. But now that it’s been on the market for a while, does the tiny Italian drop-top still appeal, or has something been lost in translation?

Design:

Happily, Fiat’s smallest car continues to age well. The car’s happy little face still beams and its short little wheelbase gives it the air of a bouncing pug. While nearly every other manufacturer continues to work towards an ultimate goal of building the entire car out of mesh grille, the 500c has hardly any grille at all. A bright red Fiat badge makes for a button nose, bright chrome work creates a pair of whiskers, and the car’s face appears to be beaming, rather than scowling. Next to the Fiat, everybody else just feels like they’re trying too hard – it’s not aggressive, it just wants to andiamo! Stepping up to the folding roof version of the 500 is a $4,600 premium over the basic car. For this outlay you get not quite a real convertible; the middle section of the roof slides away, and can also be set to a midpoint to create an enormous sunroof, but the sides of the car stay where they are. So, your open-air motoring experience is somewhat restricted, but if you roll down the windows, it’s hardly noticeable. Naturally, when compared to the standard car, lowering the top does mess with your rearward visibility somewhat. Optioning up for the Lounge model, as this week’s tester

was outﬁtted, gives you lashings of extra chrome on the outside and pretty little 15” alloys to ﬁll the wheel-wells. Priced the same as a well-equipped compact car, it still gives an upscale exterior impression.

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The driver gets a slightly complicated instrument cluster with a twin ring of tachometer and speedometer, with the speed chasing the revs clockwise around the circumference. As with most retro touches, this looks great at the expense of some functionality.

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Given that the 500c is set up for top-down stop-and-go, there’s no shame in opting for the automatic option, a 6-speed gearbox. The manual is a little more fun – and a little more European – but the 500 should do just ﬁne with the auto.

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Fuel economy ratings are excellent at 6.7L/100kms city and 5.2L/100kms highway. However, please note that these are ﬁgures provided under the old testing methods, and realworld fuel economy in mixed usage is much closer to about 1L/100kms worse for each.

Instead, the normal 500c provides acceleration that’s perfectly acceptable, and its little motor does love to rev. If you’ve the skill, the 5-speed manual makes the most of the power, though it’s nowhere near as precise a gearbox as you’d ﬁnd in something like a Mazda 2.

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Lounge versions of the 500c come with Bluetooth as standard, as well as heated seats up front, and foglamps. The leather interior was very good for such a small car, and looked sharp in Marrone Brown.

Performance:

0 84

$ AND

Navigation is available on the 500c, but only as a plug-in Tom-Tom unit that’s so much of an afterthought, it can be easily lifted right out and stolen. It also blocks forward visibility, so maybe give it a miss.

With a 1.4L four-cylinder cranking out 101hp, the 500c was never going to be a rocketship. That’s not the point, and if you’re looking for a few more Italian stallions under the hood, best to wander over to the part of the showroom where the Abarth models are parked.

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Rear seats and cargo area? Both are pretty tiny, so you better be good at either Tetris or friends with contortionists.

≠

With the top fully down, the 500c has (as previously mentioned) some pretty woeful rear visibility, but because it’s so small it’s not really a demerit. Also, not being a very ostentatious car, it seems like other drivers don’t mind you cutting in, and getting across Vancouver in congestion was actually a fairly relaxing experience.

Less impressive is the very plain-jane audio system, with its knobless design – Fiat might have done well here to go for an old-school look, and it’s far easier to use the steeringwheel-mounted audio controls rather than try to push the necessary buttons without looking. However, optioning the 6-speaker Beats audio does give the little Fiat quite considerable sonic punch.

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Without wishing to cause offence, the 500c drives a bit like a weeble – it wobbles but it doesn’t fall down. Cornering is a little bit tippy, but not really alarming as you’ve only got 101hp on tap, and the only real detriment to highway driving is some fairly high road noise. Then again, this is a subcompact convertible, so what did you expect?

Inside the 500c’s diminutive cabin, a tall roof-line and upright seating position impart an airy feeling, even though this is a very narrow car. The dash is dominated by a slick bodycoloured panel that apes the 1950s version with its all-metal interior. Trust me; this one’s quite a bit safer.

500c feels light on its feet, and can wriggle through tight spaces with ease. The turning circle is very good, at just 9.3m, meaning it can whip around in a hurry too. Take note, the morepowerful Abarth version doesn’t have this same level of ﬂexibility thanks to larger tires.

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Thursday, July 31, 2014

UpFront

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Municipal elections 2014

HOT

Swirly hearing set A former teacher and convicted sex offender, Christopher Paul Neil (a.k.a. Swirly Face) goes before a judge in October. Ten days have been set aside for a preliminary hearing in Port Coquitlam provincial court to determine if there’s enough evidence to take the former Maple Ridge resident to trial. • More at www.mrtimes.com

Eric Zimmer/TIMES

SUV flips in Pitt crash Police are still investigating the cause of an accident on Hammond Road in Pitt Meadows Monday night where a SUV flipped over on its roof after colliding with a parked RV. The lone male driver was able to climb free before emergency crews arrived. He was taken to hospital. • More at www.mrtimes.com

Festival moves to town The BC Renaissance Festival, which has been held in Langley for the past eight years, is now moving to Maple Ridge – specifically to the Albion Fairgrounds. With a change of location also comes a change of date for the annual swashbuckling event. It will be held Aug. 15 to 17. • More at www.mrtimes.com Chef Dez is a food columnist and culinary instructor in the Fraser Valley. Visit him at www. chefdez.com. Send questions to dez@chefdez.com or to P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 6R4

On Cooking by Chef Dez

Melons ideal in heat A favourite food to help fight summer heat is chilled slices of melon, and TIMES contributor Chef Dez chats about this much loved food in his latest column. • More at www.mrtimes.com

Button Issues for school

board trustees

This month’s topic: Technology

mrtimes.com

It took crews a few hours to clean up a crash scene on Hammond Road Tuesday.

Christopher Sun/TIMES

RCMP Cpl. Steph Hamel and Const. Shannon Stenbeck, aboard a 90-horsepower Zodiac, toured Pitt River and Pitt Lake last Sunday. Heading into the holiday long weekend, they plan to be out patrolling again in the new police boat.

“Yes, we should and we do place a high level of importance on the use of technology. But it will always be subordinate to the importance we place on quality teachers and support staff… Yes, we should invest importance on technology but never in place of a real emotional being.”

TIMES exclusive

Floating Mounties keep watchful eye on waters A used boat recently given to Ridge Meadows RCMP equals a whole new vantage point for officers.

added. Hamel estimates the boat they received would normally cost $25,000, not including equipment. “For the last three years we have been writing a business case to get one, but every year it was turned down, turned down, by Christopher Sun turned down,” Hamel said. editorial@mrtimes.com “When the Fraser Lake boat became available, we got it.” Ridge Meadows RCMP’s new ride is makPrior to this acquisition, the local Mounties ing waves as police set their sights on keephad to borrow Mission RCMP’s boat – when ing the local rivers and lakes safe. it was not being used – or ask the Ridge The newly acquired used boat, a 17-foot, Meadows Search and Rescue 90-horsepower, rigid-inflatteam for assistance in helping able Zodiac, was recently “When the Fraser stranded boaters or searching given to local Mounties from Lake boat became for missing persons. the Fraser Lake RCMP – free Ridge Meadows RCMP available, we got it.” of charge. have always been responCpl. Steph Hamel said there Steph Hamel sible for patroling part of the has been a need for such a Fraser River, Pitt River, Pitt boat for years as the numLake, and Alouette Lake. But it’s been years ber of recreational boaters has increased. since local police force had its own boat. Regular policing of the lakes and rivers has Last weekend, their new boat was been inadequate due to this limitation due deployed for its third and fourth time in as there was never have never been enough Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. money in the budget to purchase a boat, he

guns ammo optics accessories

continued on page A11…

How much importance should the school district place on the use of technology in the classroom?

Mike Murray School board chair

Ken Clarkson School board trustee

“In today’s world, technology is a critical tool for learning and communicating. The school district has acknowledged that strategically in its Roadmap to Excellence and in its current delivery of public education.”

“…we would be amiss

to not be including the importance of technology in and to the world around us. If leaders in education are not providing students with the tools needed to succeed in a highly technological world, there is a risk of falling short.”

Eleanor Palis School board trustee

The question was put to each of the school board trustees serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. A majority have chosen not to respond. ••• These are excerpts from their answers. Full answers at www.mrtimes.com, search “technology”

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Thursday, July 31, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

More Photos Online

www.mrtimes.com Firefighter Josh Wire (left) was among 32 career and paid-on call Maple Ridge firefighters who turned out Saturday to help wash cars for charity at the Maple Ridge Baptist Church. Rick Moyer/TIMES

Charity work

Outreach: by the numbers by Roxanne Hooper rhooper@mrtimes.com

From a numbers perspective, this weekend’s firefighter car wash at the Maple Ridge Baptist Church was a howling success. The event ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. By the numbers, that equates to six hours. There were 32 career and paid-on call members of the Maple Ridge fire department who donated their time to raise money for the burn units at Vancouver General Hospital and BC Children’s Hospital. It’s a fun summer event they’ve been hosting for 15 years now. More numbers: 291 vehicles were

washed, slightly more than 2013 with 276 cars. Simultaneously, however, donation numbers are down slightly, from $4,940 to $4,168. Regardless of the numbers, however, assistant fire chief Timo Juurakko said it was a resounding success that will attempt to be duplicated or bettered next summer. “It’s another $4,000 they didn’t have before,” he said. In the meantime, Maple Ridge firefighters are now turning their attentions to other charity endeavours, including a fundraising dinner they’ll make up for the winner of a hospital foundation raffle and – believe it or not – their giant fund and food raising drive at Christmas.

Make Your Home Safe for Independent Living Are you a low-income senior or a person with a disability who wants to live safely and independently in the comfort of your home? Do you have difficulty performing day-to-day activities? Does your home need to be adapted to meet your changing needs? If so, you may be eligible for financial assistance under the Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) program. Find out today if you are eligible and if you meet all of the requirements as a low-income homeowner or as a landlord applying on behalf of an eligible tenant. To apply or learn more, visit

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H O U S I N G M AT T E R S

Police files

Man arrested in car attack

A 41-year-old Maple Ridge resident was taken into custody this weekend after damaging a car in Haney. A potentially “unstable” man was arrested and kept behind bars overnight, after allegedly jumping up and down on the roof of a high-performance car in Maple Ridge this weekend. Mounties, responding to complaints, arrived in the 224th Street and North Avenue area of Haney at about 3 p.m. on Sunday to find a man “sitting Damage to a car roof landed a Maple on the roof of a Saleen Ridge man jail time this weekend. Mustang,” explained Ridge Meadows RCMP Sgt. Jennifer Hyland. Talking with witnesses, police soon learned that the man had been jumping up and down “without provocation” just moments before, and fled when officers arrived. “The suspect is very well known to Ridge Meadows RCMP, and is a person who exhibits unstable mental health,” Hyland said. Police quickly located and arrested the suspect, a 41-year-old Maple Ridge man who now faces charges in connection with damaging the vehicle.

• More at www.mrtimes.com, search “Hyland”

HAFI Funds Home Modifications for Disabled Man When Lorie and Walter bought their home in Port Alberni 13years ago they slowly began renovating the unfinished basement to accommodate Walter’s changing needs as his muscular dystrophy advanced. “The basement was a black hole when we moved in,” recalled Walter. “After 12 years of skimping and saving, we made the downstairs completely wheelchair accessible, except for the bathroom. It was way too small. I could only stand for about a minute and a half without collapsing in the shower stall and I could no longer pull myself out of the tub in the upstairs’ bathroom, even with Lorie’s help.” Through funding from BC Housing’s Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) program, Walter and Lorie were able to work with a contractor to transform the space. A wall was removed to make room for a wheelin shower with benches, grab bars were installed, and the vanity and fixtures were relocated.

“ I just slide into the shower now,” said Walter. “I feel safer and no longer dread trying to wash myself. What was previously a dangerous chore for me is now a welcome treat.” Walter and Lorie hope to spend the rest of their lives in their home. The HAFI program provides financial assistance to help eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities adapt their homes so they can continue to live independently.

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Dog death

Pitbull attacks, kills dog

A routine, early morning walk with his dog ended in tragedy for a Pitt Meadows man and his family.

For Wyatt the tragedy of losing his beloved pet is compounded by the fact that he believes the whole event was avoidable. Wyatt and his wife Judy live in a strata residence, and noted that a year and a half ago, a neighbour told them her dog by Eric Zimmer was attacked by the same pitbull. ezimmer@mrtimes.com “We had warned the strata that someAt 6:40 a.m., on Wednesday morning, thing like this could happen, but no one Pitt Meadows resident Greg Wyatt took seemed to want to address the issue,” said his Yorkshire terrier Tucker for a walk. Wyatt, who claimed to have sounded the He couldn’t imagine what would unfold alarm in his family-oriented neighbourbefore he returned to his Shoreline Strata hood, fearing a baby or young child could home, located on Fraser Way in Pitt be next. Meadows. “It’s so sad,” he said. “What if that had As Tucker and Wyatt been someone’s child?” made their way down their Some of Wyatt’s neighdriveway back to the house bours witnessed the around 7 a.m., a pitbull attack, and since then the being walked by another SPCA, the RCMP, and the resident in a neighbourStrata company have been ing complex, broke free informed. of his owner’s hold, ran Mounties and the City are towards Tucker with the investigating. In the meanGreg Wyatt photo leash still around his neck, time, Wyatt said he conTucker was killed after being and attacked the small sidering civil action against attcked by a pitbull on Wednesday. the strata. dog, killing him, Wyatt recounted. An event like this should The entire attack took less than a minbe cause for the strata to seriously quesute, said Wyatt. tion its policies on what kind dogs resi“Tucker’s neck was broken and his dents are allowed to own, he said. tongue was hanging out, but the dog was “This dog has caused trauma and still shaking him,” Wyatt told the TIMES. it’s really gotten out of hand,” Wyatt “I was punching and kicking the pitbull explained. to try and make him stop, but he didn’t At the moment, however, all his family’s even flinch.” focus is on mourning the loss of sevenEventually, the pitbull stopped shaking year-old Tucker. the eight-pound Tucker, dropped him, “All I know is I have a dead little dog then backed away. who was the sweetest dog ever,” he said. It was only then, he said, that the His wife said she was “heartbroken” by pitbull’s owner intervened, took the dog the loss. “These little ones are part of your away, and carried on with their walk. family.”

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Thursday, July 31, 2014

International aid

Well a meaningful memorial to bookstore owner A local couple enlists the charitable work of George Klassen and Project Wellness to create positive change in a parent’s name.

This well in Malawi, Africa was funded in honour of Grace Robinson and was the 26th well drilled by Project Wellness.

by Ronda Payne editorial@mrtimes.com

George Klassen is an unassuming guy, going about his work of making a difference for widows, children, and orphans in Malawi, Africa without making a fuss about it. It surprised Wes Robinson when he read about the projects Klassen has been involved in through Project Wellness (a division of the Amazon Evangelism society) in The TIMES because Robinson recognized Klassen’s name from the church they both attend. Until reading the articles, Robinson was unaware of the work Klassen, a fellow Maple Ridge resident, was doing. “He does some really great work for the families ows, orphans and children in the in Malawi,” said Robinson, region. who with his wife Lori, asked “We have grown so much,” Klassen how he could help Klassen said. “We have 26 wells continue the efforts. and I’m going to drill [numbers] Project Wellness has drilled 27 and 28 in October.” 26 wells in the small, landRobinson sees the benefit of locked country of Malawi in Klassen’s work. southern Africa. “George is thinking long-term Grace Robinson Klassen also ensures food for and sustainably,” Robinson In memorial orphans in the organization’s noted. “It changes the life partwo orphan care centres, ticularly of women and chilhas started to build a third orphan care dren.” centre, and generally attends to the basic According to Robinson, it can take needs so often absent in the lives of widwomen and children in Malawi half a day

RO T

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to collect water. With a well delivering clean, safe water, that time can now be spent in other ways. “It enables children to go to school,” Robinson said. “It provides them with other time in their day.” About a year and a half ago, Robinson’s mother, Grace Robinson, passed away. She ran Skylark Christian Books in Maple Ridge for about 15 years from 1975. “My mom was born in New Westminster, but lived in Maple Ridge her entire life, from 1929 on,” Robinson commented. Robinson and his brothers challenged

their kids and grandkids to set individual goals to do something to help someone in memory of their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. “She always had a natural desire to help others,” Robinson said of his mom. “Especially women and children.” Recognizing how the work Klassen does helps women and children first and foremost, funding the drilling of a well in his mother’s name was a natural fit. “It’s already long done,” Klassen said of the well in Grace Robinson’s name. “About a month and a half ago.” As an entrepreneur, Robinson appreciates Klassen’s spirit to “just get the job done.” “Lori and I want to see things that are accomplished, that are making a good use of our money and donations and George is providing that,” Robinson said. “He challenges us all.” Klassen’s next trip to Malawi is set for early October when the new orphan care centre to accommodate approximately 400 children, will be completed. Learn more about Project Wellness and how to get involved at www.projectwellness.ca.

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Thursday, July 31, 2014

Opinion Who we are The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows TIMES newspaper is a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership. We’re located at 22345 North Avenue, Maple Ridge, B.C. The TIMES has a CCAB audited circulation of 29,950.

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Our View

Enjoy the heat, avoid the risk

Lots of folks find the best way to celebrate a long weekend is to get away and enjoy some vacation time. After all, it’s summer, and what better time is there to enjoy some of the great sights and activities that nature provides us throughout the province. The first rule of enjoying any vacation spot is to make sure you get there safely. Drive carefully, and plan your holiday trip so you’re not rushing to get away at the last minute. Speed kills on the highways, especially when it is combined with distractions caused by stress. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition: brakes are in good order, tires properly inflated, no mechanical defects to leave your trip to unfortunate chance. It’s hot out there. Take that into account when you’re setting up for your road trip. Make sure youre family is equipped with plenty of fluids, pack up the sunscreen to block those intense UV rays, and treat your vehicle with respect. It can become your enemy in the hot sun. The danger of hot, closed cars has been mentioned a lot this year – but that’s because, time and again, some people have failed to get the message. The temperature in a parked car, even in the shade with the windows partly open, can rapidly reach a level that will seriously harm or even kill your pet or child. When temperatures reach 27ºC outside, the inside of your car can reach 36ºC, at which it can cause serious sickness in pets and children in less than 30 minutes. And it doesn’t stop there. Temperatures can easily go higher still, shortening the time it takes to create a dangerous living environment. Heat stroke can occur when body temperatures exceed 40ºC. Get out this weekend and enjoy it fully. But if you see a pet in distress, or hesitate – call 9-1-1. You may save a life. – B.G.

This Week’s Question What are your plans for the BC Day long weekend? ■ Your View Last week’s question, results… What are you doing to conserve water this summer?

Water should be free.

12 %

I follow all the restrictions.

42 %

I only water my garden.

27 %

My well is my own!

My well is already very low.

My grow op is my first priority.

13%

Vote online at: www.mrtimes.com

Opinion

Victoria drops ball on region When SkyTrain passengers and needs to shape up. got stuck in the middle of some This comes as little surprise to of the busiest times of the day, most residents. While our health twice in two weeks, it revealed care providers are still working a lot about how our region is hard, doctors and nurses can only governed. do so much. They need more hosFirst, there was TransLink’s pital beds, expanded wards, new rather petulant apology, which equipment, better systems to slash managed to wag an accusing finwait times. ger at the riders who had pried We do get improvements, in open the doors of their trains dribs and drabs, and almost and walked down the tracks. always too late. by Matthew Claxton “Bad!” said TransLink officials. Yet again, it’s Fraser Health that “That damaged the train! And it gets the brunt of the hatred, not was dangerous!” the province. Yet again, a regional authority is Well, let’s lock the TransLink executives in a administering a provincial responsibility, and not small room, with no washrooms, inadequate air doing a terribly good job of it. conditioning, and no idea when they’ll ever get How about education? out, or if any help is coming. Let’s see how long Well, here we have a system of school boards it takes them to start kicking down the doors. that goes back to the start of the province. And Of course, TransLink is now getting a verbal of course, municipal governments have to plan kicking from the mayors (who don’t have control neighbourhoods. And between the two of them, over day-to-day operations) and from provincial they make informed guesses about how many politicians (who don’t directly control it either). more students are coming… and then they have Notice a pattern? to wait until existing schools are groaning under TransLink was ostensibly created to give the massive overcapacity before the province will most densely populated part of B.C. a single grudgingly loosen the purse strings and toss out agency that would oversee major roads, buses, some funds for new construction. Hope you like trolleys, and SkyTrain. portables, kids! Don’t worry, the lack of air conIn practice, it has evolved through a variety of ditioning will help you and your teachers sweat systems of control, all of which have only one off a couple of pounds come next June! thing in common: they allow the province to All of these local and regional systems are wash its hands of the situation. children of the province. Victoria’s control of the Right now the local mayors, who still have money remains nearly complete. some control over TransLink’s budget and planHere in the suburbs, Maple Ridge and the ning, are trying to put together a budget that will south of the Fraser, we’re seeing massive allow for the massive growth south of the Fraser growth. People are moving here in droves. And and in other suburban regions, while being told our hospitals date back decades, our bus serthat the province will essentially not kick in any vice is stalled, and we haven’t seen extended cash. SkyTrain service since the 1990s. How about other “regional” authorities? We don’t need another reorganization of Fraser Health has recently been the subject of TransLink or consultation with local school disa fairly scathing report suggesting it is falling tricts. We need Victoria to take responsibility for down on the job, is underperforming compared the future of B.C. Because the outer suburbs are to pretty much every other health region in B.C., the future of B.C.

Painful Truth

editorial@mrtimes.com

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Education

Teacher refutes ‘axe grinder’ Dear Editor,

I regret to inform Ms. Ashwell [Students pushed two steps back, July 18 Letters, TIMES] that she has been sadly misinformed – perhaps by someone with a Liberal axe to grind. Allow me to address some of the misconceptions stated in her letter: “Business means passing students regardless of their grades...” Teachers had nothing whatsoever to do with this decision. It was the directive from the district office for students in Grades 8 and 9. Teachers were the ones who marked that third term work. It was not a BCTF or an MRTA decision, it only affected Grades 8 and 9, and there was a provision that if any corrections needed to be made, they would be done on a student-by-student basis at the end of the strike. “…Thoroughly planned decision to cancel summer school…” The LRB ruled that summer school was to run for students who had failed a course and who would not be able to re-take it at their school the following year. It was the LRB ruling, and it was the district that determined that SD42 would not run summer school – not the teachers. Secondary students in this district missed three actual instructional days due to the rotating strikes. After June 17, there were no further scheduled classes. Three missed days would be highly unlikely to affect anyone’s admission to university; admissions offices are well

aware of the B.C. labour dispute. If, as Ms. Ashwell suggests, graduates “slacked off” in the final months of school – strike or no strike – that could (and should) affect their conditional acceptance at university. Slacking off for the “last months of school” is not a “little mistake.” I hope such students develop a better work ethic before hitting post secondary. Again, I am not at all sure how teachers would be to blame for this. None of this information is cloaked in secrecy. One may contact either the MRTA or the District 42 office for confirmation of what transpired, in terms of LRB rulings, grades, and reports. My information is first hand. I do not know how many degrees of separation existed between Ms. Ashwell and the truth. Ironically, the misinformation in this letter paints an inaccurate portrait of the roles played by both sides. If Ms. Ashwell ever sat in a crowded classroom, was unable to take a course because her school could not offer it because enrolment didn’t meet quota, if she, or any of her friends required learning support, then perhaps she can appreciate why her teachers are out there fighting to have education funding returned to her school that was illegally taken away.

Shelley Evans, Maple Ridge

[Note: A fuller version of this letter is online at www.mrtimes.com. Click on Opinion/Letters, or search “Evans”.]

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Business growth

Rename Maple Ridge to Mayberry

of 13.3 per cent, while residential owners I am struck with the notion that, after paid 86.6 per cent. Mission’s tax ratio was four years of planning, council is not 75.7 per cent residential and 22.7 per cent ready to move forward [Plans afoot for commercial, with farming contributing 1.6 business, June 10, TIMES]. per cent. Letters This commercial strategy should Maple Ridge’s tax ratio was 93 have been ready a decade ago. We per cent residential and seven per to should have a commercial tax base cent commercial. the in place by now, relieving the everTo be fair, all of these numbers increasing burden on the residential are before the last municipal elecEditor taxpayer. tions, with commercial growth hapInstead, council warns us we can pening in the other communities. look forward to several more years of tax But not Maple Ridge! increases. I fail to understand how this and past Clearly, Maple Ridge is Mayberry, and councils continue to promise, and fail to will continue to be a bedroom community deliver, every time. of commuters with high residential taxes, No wonder we have so much apathy because we have very little in the way of and the very poor turn-out at our eleccommercial tax base to balance the needs tions. Is this the year we have major chanof a growing community. ges? Or will we continue down the same Smaller progressive communities like road, expecting a different result? Jim Bulpit, Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows had a commercial tax ratio Dear Editor,

What you’re telling us on Facebook

• Beware: There be bears out t’ere. Conservation officers are pleading

with locals to be diligent: pick up ripened fruit and keep garbage locked up until collection day. Readers shared their thoughts. “Quite a bit of money in fines could be collected on our street as many people keep their garbage cans in front of their house. We have also had a bear hanging around the last few months eating the garbage. No visits from the conservation officer, though we have made a few calls. Hopefully the bear has moved away to the blueberry fields for the summer.” – Kathryn Rankin

Share your views. Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MapleRidgePittMeadowsTimes

Engineering

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Rethink traffic flow Dear Editor,

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This is something for Gordy Robson to talk about: Maple Ridge traffic lights. I did some traveling around Canada after moving here from Europe, and this must be about the most hopeless situation S RE SP S R Y OSP YDA REY OSP around. There is no hope to get through OSDPAYSROEYD YSO DA S R this city and hit one green light. The mayor and his crew must own the company that sells traffic lights, or have 90 per cent share in brakeshoes. by I know this is not an easy thing to solve, but at least have a green zone when you Fun for everyone! drive 50 kilometres per hour, and get right Bring your chairs and picnic blanket to enjoy the full day of festivities! through town, or have Lougheed Highway Visit ospreyvillage.com to book a vendor table and Dewney Trunk Road one way each, then there is only a light needed for pedestrians to cross. Looks like what they did in Mission seems to work very well. Just saying.

FUN & FESTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES! LOCAL VENDORS KIDS GAMES BBQ LIVE MUSIC THE GREAZY LIZARDS!

John Claassen, Maple Ridge

LETTERS POLICY: Copyright in letters and other materials submitted voluntarily to the Publisher and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic, or other forms. Letters are also subject to editing for content and length. The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows TIMES is a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership.

A10

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

City Talks August 2014

Summer Serenade in Spirit Square Music is back in Spirit Square this summer with the return of the Summer Serenade series on Wednesday evenings with the Bruce James Orchestra. The Bruce James Orchestra perform on Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm at Spirit Square throughout the summer. Bring a blanket or sit on the grass in the Square and enjoy some great music!

Community Building & Engagement

Economic Development & Land Use

Transportation

Bring Hot Summer Nights to your neighbourhood!

Support Local Business. Visit thinkpittmeadows.ca for weekly local business features! You will meet inspiring Pitt Meadows entrepreneurs, and learn more about what is available in our community. If you are a local business interested in being our Business of The Week, visit the Pitt Meadows Economic Development Corporation website at thinkpittmeadows.ca and fill out the online form.We want to hear from you!

2014 Road Works. Road work will be starting the week of July 14 and continuing until September 15, 2014. Projects will include paving of 194B Street north of Park Road, paving 116B Avenue from Bonson Road to 197B Street, sidewalk installation on Bonson Road from Hammond Road to 116B Avenue (east side) and sidewalk installation adjacent to Davie Jones School on 194B Street.Watch for traffic warning signs and traffic control personnel.

The Pitt Meadows Fire & Rescue Service is once again hosting its Hot Summer Nights program.At a Hot Summer Nights event, local firefighters will visit your neighbourhood and people will be able to meet the crew, check out the fire trucks and equipment, get wet with the giant sprinkler, have fun and learn about fire safety.To book a Hot Summer Nights event in your neighbourhood, call 604.465.2401 or visit the Fire & Rescue Service website at pittmeadowsfire.com.

In August, Council takes a summer recess.There will be a Council in Committee meeting on August 26 at 3pm.The regular meeting schedule begins again on September 2. Check the Council Meeting Calendar online at pittmeadows.bc.ca > City Hall > Council Agendas and Minutes, and click on the link in the top right corner.

Public Works & Safety

Summer is wildfire season. Drier weather means a higher risk of fires. Remember to follow these fire safety rules during hot weather: • Never throw cigarette butts on the ground. • Keep loose, dry debris and brush away from your home. • Be careful when running machinery and vehicles in areas of dry grass. • Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher on hand and keep a water hose handy. Open fires are banned in Pitt Meadows, so bonfires, pit fires or outdoor fireplaces are not permitted at any time. To report a wildfire, dial 9-1-1 or call the wildfire hotline at 1-800-663-5555 (*5555 on a cell phone).

Council This Month

The City will soon begin business planning for the following year.

The business planning process supports the annual budget process and plans.While the Financial Plan provides details about the projected revenues and expenditures for the organization as a whole (as well as other related information), business plans provide the details of the services provided, the results to be achieved, and the specific financial needs of each City department.

Go Green Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is a great way for volunteers to cleanup waterways near their homes and neighbourhoods.This year’s fall Cleanups will be held September 20-28, 2014. If you would like to help clean up our shorelines in Pitt Meadows, please email greenteam@ pittmeadows.bc.ca or visit shorelinecleanup.ca.

Funding generously provided by:

Info on events & grants at: pittmeadows.bc.ca facebook.com/pittmeadows

@citypittmeadows 604.465.5454

What’s On

Business plans and financial plans for the current year are available on our website at pittmeadows.bc.ca.Watch for opportunities for public input over the coming months.

Aug 20 - Pitt Meadows Library Book Club third Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 pm. Drop in and join a discussion about the monthly book choice. Info: 604-465-4113.

Aug 13 & 27 - Games Night at Pitt Meadows Library every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, a variety of board games are set up and light refreshments served. Participants can bring their own board games. Visit fvrl.bc.ca.

SCAN THIS AD WITH

B.C. Day

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Thursday, July 31, 2014

A11

Officers seize eight pot plants from a ‘floating island’ …continued from page A3

www.mrtimes.com

On Saturday, Hamel and two other officers patrolled Alouette Lake, then on Sunday he hit at Pitt River and Lake with Const. Shannon Stenbeck. Besides busting boaters for public drinking, operating a boat while under the influence, failure to produce a boat licence Christopher Sun/TIMES and registration, and not having proper safety equipment on Ridge Meadows RCMP officers rode along board – all of which can net an in a 17-foot, Zodiac, was recently given to almost $300 ticket each – Hamel the local detachment from the Fraser Lake has conducted drugs busts from RCMP – free of charge. the boat, as well. “Last year I was Sea-dooing den with strawberries and bluehere [Pitt River in his free time] berries growing – it was the eight and went up one of the channels marijuana plants outside that and saw this [floating home] in caught the attention of Hamel the middle of nowhere and a and Stenbeck. person, who saw me, gave me a “This is why we needed a dirty look,” Hamel explained. “So boat,” Hamel said, after seizing I came back when I was working the eight plants. While it is quesand there was a grow-op.” tionable if Villeneuve is legally On Sunday afternoon, after allowed to live there, Hamel and issuing tickets and warnStenbeck departed after ings to a few boaters, Hamel explained, was illegal. the plants were destroyed Hamel went back to see “They could get a ticket for and went back to policing if the floating island was that,” Hamel said, before givthe waters. still there. ing them a warning and towing During one of their It was, but it had since them into shore. other stops Sunday, the More expanded in the past Hamel and Stenbeck could Mounties seized bags of Photos year. have easily issued a dozen more liquor from three of five Former military man, boats that were filled with tickets at about $300 a pop, but Online Shadow Villeneuve, has only one was issued, that being about 25 partiers. made it his home for nine to a boater who had eight other Then, as the day was years. While what he has created drawing to an end, Hamel was violations. The rest of the people is impressive – floating platforms docking his boat when called they encountered on the water that are all connected holdreceived warnings for having back to duty. ing up a number of structures one or two infractions. Three people on a boat about such as a two-storey home with “We’re not there to ruin 100 feet away call for help. a solar panel, a chicken coup, They’d run out of fuel. They also people’s day,” Hamel added. makeshift greenhouse and a gar“It’s about safety.” had no oars or paddles, which

Have a Safe

BC Day

Long Weekend!

from the staff at

Johnston Meier

INSURANCE AGENCIES GROUP Serving the needs of Pitt Meadows for over 20 years. MEADOW VALE SHOPPING CENTRE, 19174

Lougheed Hwy.

9-5:30 Mon-Wed Mon-Wed 9-5:30 Thursday Thursday9-6:00 9-6 9-7:00 Friday Friday 9-7 Saturday Saturday9-5:00 9-5

604.465.5507

Shadow Villeneuve (above) clipped his outdoor marijuana plants before giving them to the RCMP during a surprise visit by the boat patrol on Sunday. In the meantime, Cpl. Steph Hamel (left) and other Ridge Meadows RCMP officers issued numerous warning on the Alouette and Pitt Lakes last weekend. Christopher Sun/TIMES

A12

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

HELP BUST CRIME…

Chris Cooper/ www.spiritdancercanoejourneys.ca

Sea lions were spotted off Eden Island about half way into the journey.

BRYCE, Damien Kane

Spirit of the Coast Canoe Journey

Wildlife reinforce goal

Traffic Advisory : Harris & Ford Roads Week of August 4-8, 2014 Upgrades to the city sewer system will require delays to traffic on Harris Road at Ford Road the week of August 4. Traffic will be reduced to one lane each way during this period, and motorists are encouraged to plan their trips around the anticipated delays. The sewer upgrade project will continue along Ford Road and 193 Street affecting local traffic, with completion planned for September 5. Residents should note that the contractor will be using the vacant lot immediately south of the Solaris development as a storage area for materials and equipment.

Age: 26 Wanted in connection with File #2014-9203 Wanted for theft.

Purpose of trip resonates with animal sightings.

O’REILLY, James Patrick

Age: 25 Wanted in connection with File #2014-243 Wanted for failing to appear.

www.mrtimes.com

When a grizzly bear swaggered by their camp in Burnett Bay, when they spotted sea lions off Eden Island, when they watched a black bear swimming across the channel – only a few feet away – in Echo Bay, when a grey whale spouted off in a nearby bay off Vancouver Island, when they caught a few glimpses of resident wolves keeping their distance but watching them intently near Burnett Bay, or during any one of the daily visits from bald eagles who seem to supervise the trip from overhead – all these sightings reinforce for More Spirit of the Coast Canoe Journey paddlers Photos why their 1,300-kilometre quest to Alaska is Online worth it. Poor weather conditions, the temporary departure of their skipper, a broken wrist, the loss of their support boat, the passing of a team member’s uncle – these and other hiccups on the journey are momentarily forgotten when members of the team caught a breathtaking view of such wildlife. “We’ve had some great challenges, and some harrowing tales,” said Pitt Meadows adventurer Chris Cooper, but it’s all been worthwhile if it can bring attention to and education about the irreplaceable coastline.

Ridge Meadows RCMP is looking for the following people. If you see any of them, do not attempt to apprehend them. Please contact the RCMP immediately by calling 604463-6251 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. The warrants attached to these individuals were still outstanding as of 10 a.m. Wednesday. Remember: all of the listed people are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Contractor Equipment Area

KEIZER, Victoria Evelyn

Age: 37 Wanted in connection with File #2014-15489 Wanted for robbery.

119

EVELINE, Joshua Tyler

Age: 26 Wanted in connection with File #2014-10384 Wanted for theft.

• Much more online at www.mrtimes.com, search “canoe”

The contractor will endeavor to minimize disturbances to area residents. Residents will be notified ahead of time by the contractor when the work is to start in their area. Watch for signs and contractor’s traffic control personnel. Thank you for your patience as we work to protect the integrity of our infrastructure.

For more information Contact the City’s Engineering Department 604.465.2428

12007 Harris Road Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B5 The Natural Place Phone: 604.465.5454 Fax: 604.465.2404

WO R S H I P W I T H U S FELLOWSHI P

now located at St. George’s Anglican Church 23500 Dewdney Trunk

Sundays @ 4 p.m.

604.467.1141

Welcome to Welcome to

“Come and experience a safe place to find freedom from life’s hurts, Maple Ridge Baptist Church hang-ups and habits.” 22155 Loughheed Highway Join us every MONDAY for Dinner, Dessert & Coffee 6:00 - 7:00 Group meeting 7:00 - 8:00 For more info Share Groups 8:00 - 9:00 • Celebration Station for kids 5-13 years • Childcare provided for kids under 5 years

604-377-3575 www.celebraterecovery.ca

DISCOVERY CHURCH Church Service 10am - 11:45am Sunday Mornings

Pastor: Trevor Stearns 604.306.3044 11601 Laity St., Maple Ridge Colleen Finlay Place

www.discoverychurchrm.com

ST. ST.JOHN’S JOHN’S est. Est.1859 1859

(River LaitySt.) St.) (RiverRd. Rd.& & Laity

SUNDAYSERVICES: SERVICE SUNDAY SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:30 am a.m. 8:30 8:30&&10:30 10:30 AM

WED SERVICE Church & Nursery 9:30 am School    10:30 a.m.

  both Morning) (Church and School Nursery

604-463-5733 

www.stjohnmr.com   hall  for   Ideal receptions!

10:00 a.m.

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Thursday, July 31, 2014

A13

HAS EXPANDED AND WE’RE HAVING A SALE! COKE BUTTONS, FURNITURE, TOYS AND MORE!

NOW SELLING AND BUYING ANTIQUES NEW LOCATION 3 DOORS DOWN!

TIMES files

Tractor rides are a popular part of the day when Haney Farmer’s Market mkes its annual visit to Brookfield Farm.

Business happenings

Vodka enters vendor lineup

ESTATE SALE ITEMS, COLLECTIBLES, GOLD, SILVER, PAPER MONEY AND MORE!

GRAND RE-OPENING

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Excellent Standing with the Better Business Bureau

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“Each person is only allowed one 10-ml sample,” she said. If someone wants more than that, they are welcome to buy a bottle. For wine, the sample size increases to 20 ml, and beer is 30 ml.

Market’s farm visit a tradition

Down to Business by Eric Zimmer

ow that we’re in the throes of farming season, I decide to dedicate this week’s column to tell you what’s going on at a summertime staple of our community: the Haney Farmers Market This Saturday, thanks to the new relaxed B.C. liquor laws, the market will feature alcohol sales for the first time. Dragon Mist Vodka, a product from Headspring Distillery, a craft distillery in Surrey will be on site and offering sampled of their products. “I’m excited,” said Eileen Dwillies, the market’s executive director. “Dragon Mist has applied to come to all of our markets throughout the season and will be located at the top of the marketplace. We are looking forward to tasting their product.” Dwillies also noted the market is planning to have a brewery as well as a winery featured at the marketplace in the near future. She added that though the laws may have relaxed, strict regulations surrounding the sale of alcohol remain. “There’s a strict liquor directive, and everything is on their heads, not ours,” she said. “We require insurance, and they must have a qualified person running the booth.” In addition, people should not get the wrong idea about free drinking in public.

n Saturday, Aug. 9, the Haney farmer’s market will be held on location at Brookfield farm. The visit is an annual one and a tradition that began back in 2009, when different ideas for interesting market events were being discussed, explained the market’s executive director, Eileen Dwillies. The market’s regular operating hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. will still be in effect, and the same vendors will be featured. However, there will be a wide variety of extras as well. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides down to the barn to visit the chickens, ducks, sheep donkey, and cows. The Golden Ears 4-H club will be hosting a petting zoo and showing off their prize-winning animals. In addition, there will be a fish pond, spin painting, face painting and a host of other activities and attractions for people of ages. Entertainment will be provided courtesy of Brian Ford at 10 a.m., and Paul Surridge at noon. Langley’s Seasonal 56 restaurant will also be on site offering things like smokies and sandwiches. “People tell me it’s their favourite Saturday of the year,” commented Dwillies. Brookfield Farm is located at 20981 123rd Ave., Maple Ridge. Dwillies added that they were “overflowing” with non-GMO corn, vegetables and fruit this year, all available at the market. See you there!

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Thursday, July 31, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Aug. 2: Farmers Market • Haney Farmers Market runs again this Saturday, where people can gorge themselves on all the summer fruits and vegetables between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Memorial Peace Park. One of the highlights of this weekend’s event is the Gourmet Grannies annual fundraiser breakfast. They’ll be serving up pancakes and blueberry syrup from 10 a.m. to noon. Info: www.haneyfarmersmarket.org.

annual Eid Festival, marking the end of Ramadan on the Muslim calendar. It’s a time for coming together as a community and renewing friendship and family ties, and a chance to learn about another culture from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fraser Room. Info: 604-467-7417.

August 9: Osprey Village

• The third annual Osprey Days will be at the Waterfront Commons Park in Osprey Village this year. Organized by the Pitt Meadows Community Association and Osprey Village Aug. 5: Puppeteer businesses, Osprey • Maple Ridge Library is Days is a family music hosting master storytellfestival, with all day er and puppeteer Elspeth outdoor live music with Bowers in the bandstand local band the Greazy www.mrtimes.com at Memorial Peace Park Lizards, local vendstarting at 10:15 a.m. ors and artisans, Dilly Post events by email to: Info: 604-467-7417. the Clown, Children’s editorial@mrtimes.com Tumble Bus, children’s Aug. 6: Lego games and activities • Pitt Meadows Library sponsored by Church on The Rock, and is holding the Great Lego Challenge, from 2 an outdoor barbecue hosted by Stomping to 2:45 p.m. Organizers ask if people think Grounds Café & Bistro. The event and beer they know how to build with LEGO, and if garden will be taking place between 11 a.m. so, invite them to take the challenge. “Can and 6 p.m. Info: www.OspreyVillage.com. you spell your name with LEGO or build a Aug. 9: Market goes to the farm LEGO boat that floats?” Info: 604-465-4113. • Haney Farmers Market once again moves to August 8: Dancing Brookfield Farm, 20981 123rd Ave. in Maple • Friday Night Dance with Robyn Picard Ridge for an annual visit to a working farm. takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. at The ACT, In addition to featuring vendors with seasonal 11944 Haney Pl., Maple Ridge. There will be fruits and vegetables, as well as other food, a beginners drop-in lesson from 7 to 8 p.m. the day includes wagon rides to the barn and a practice dance from 8 to 10 p.m. The to visit chickens, ducks, sheep, cows, and lesson and dance are $13, and the dance is even a donkey. Golden Ears 4-H Club will be $10. These dances are intended as practice hosting a petting zoo and showing off their dances for all levels of dancers and wanna-be prize-winning animals. There will also be a dancers, with guidance and answers to quesfish pond, spin painting, facepainting, and tions to anyone who wishes it. Info: www. live entertainment from Brian Ford at 10 a.m. ilovetodance.ca or www.theactmapleridge. and Paul Surridge at noon. The market runs org. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: www.haneyfarmersmarket.org. August 9: Eid Festival • Maple Ridge Library is hosting the fifth • Full listings: www.mrtimes.com, search “What’s On”

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Sports On the Fly by Jeff Weltz

A fly fishing instructor and outdoor writer, Jeff has fished the area since the early 1970s. Contact him at fishingnewsman@gmail.com

Fishing heats up This week, TIMES columnist and fishing enthusuisiast Jeff Weltz discusses why the next two weeks is his favourite time of the year for fly fishing. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”

Troy Landreville/TIMES

Burrards’ Andrew Murphy was in action in the game against Langley.

Burrards win, play The Maple Ridge Burrards scored a satisfying victory over Langley on Wednesday night. They’ll be in action again tonight when they visit New Westminster • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”

Two gold for teen

Thirteen-year-old Dynamo Throws Club member won two golds at the North American Indigenous games this past weekend. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”

Boxers compete

Recreation

A15

Reach The TIMES' sports desk: Phone: 604-463-2281 or email: sports@mrtimes.com

Get outdoors

Ears a major highlight of summer TIMES reporter Eric Zimmer offers a first-hand account of his excursion up Golden Ears. by Eric Zimmer ezimmer@mrtimes.com

t’s no secret that Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are ripe with outdoor recreational opportunities, and being a relative newcomer to the community, this fact is not lost on me. Growing up in B.C.’s southern interior, getting out and playing in the mountains was a staple of my upbringing. Although I’ve lived throughout the Lower Mainland since 2012, it was just this past June that I made the move to Pitt Meadows. And this past Saturday, I had the opportunity to cross a summer to-do item off my bucket list when I made my up that iconic symbol of this community: The Golden Ears. The area encompassing Golden Ears, Edge Peak and Blanshard Peak (Blanshard’s Needle) was originally called The Golden Eyries, but the similarity of the 1,716 m (5,630 ft) peak with the double summit to ears led people to believe the mountain had the name Golden Ears. The name stuck. In the early 20th century, the government of the day renamed the entire area to Mount Blanshard, and gave Edge Peak its name. They also named the southernmost

summit Blanshard Peak, and coneventually got to the basin below ferred the official name Golden the summit. Ears to the 1,716 m (5,630 ft) It was here the clouds lifted and peak with the twin summit. we caught our first view of the And as I awoke to the 6 a.m. summit. call of my alarm clock, it was the “Wow,” was all I could say. summit that was on my mind. It was also here that we My friend from Coquitlam, who encountered snow. And more was my hiking partner, arrived at clouds. my place about half-an-hour after Truth be told, the situation I woke up, and we did some final looked a lot colder than it was. preparations before making our Both us were hiking in T-shirts way out to and shorts, the starting and the From the basin point of the cooler tembelow the summit, 24-km round peratures and trip: The end reporter Eric Zimmer slight breeze of the road at got his first glimpse was more of the day use a blessing More of the summit, and area and the than a curse. Photos all he could say was beginning It was still Online of the West important to “Wow!” Canyon Trail. watch our We began our step though trek shortly after 7:30 a.m., Our as there were some slippery secgoal was to get as far as we could tions. before the heat of the day could We made our way up the snow take its toll on us. field and arrived at the final ridge The first part of the hike took before the summit. us up a fairly gentle slope on a A nice mix of scrambling and well-beaten path. light hiking was the final section In just a little more than two until at 12:29 p.m., my friend simhours, we arrived at Alder Flats, a ply said, “oh, we’re here.” popular rest stop, and a camping Indeed we were. area for overnighters. We had made it to the top. However, we were just getting And we couldn’t see a thing. started, and felt motivated to We were in thick cloud cover, carry on. with only little glimpses of what It’s not long after Alder Flats might be lying below us. that the trail gets a little more verHowever, the cloud cover tical and a little more technical. wasn’t stationary and little Proper ability, equipment, and patches of clear would appear, know-how is always key to a safe which would be followed by journey, and the Golden Ears is us rushing to take a picture no exception. before the view was covered As we wound our way up again. through the trail, viewpoints After about 15 minutes or would pop out here and there, so, we thought about starting giving us a nice teaser of how far the trek down the mountain. we had come and what lay ahead Then the of us. clouds cleared Throughout the hike, we caught glimpses of the summit – it was covered in cloud. “Oh well,” we thought. “View or no view, a summit is still a summit.” We pushed on, and

www.mrtimes.com

On Deck

Thursday, July 31, 2014

completely. Never before have I been able to see Pitt Lake, Maple Ridge, and Mount Baker all at the same time And that moment will remain as a major highlight of my summer. The cameras came back out and we started madly snapping as much as we could. As we left the summit, and started down a feeling of accomplishment and adrenaline came over me. It’s a familiar feeling each time I reach the top of a mountain, but one that never gets old. A couple hours or so later we were back at Alder Flats and though the hike can be done in one long day, we made camp for the night. It’s summer after all, and there was no need to hurry. I was tired as I fell asleep, but the smile etched on my face wasn’t going away. The next day we casually strolled back to the car and made our way home – but not before a quick dip in Alouette Lake. With the B.C. Day weekend upon us and sunshine in the forecast what better time to get out and explore what we are blessed with here in our own backyard? No matter what your flavour, be it hiking, biking, boating or otherwise, why not take some time this weekend to enjoy all the natural amenities this province offers us? I promise you won’t regret it.

Two undefeated Maple Ridge pugilists will compete in Langley on Friday in a prestgious amateur boxing event. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”

Send your scores and game reports to sports@mrtimes.com

Some choices are hard.

Some are easy.

@craftsmanshops • craftsmancollision.com

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Thursday, July 31, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

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VINTAGE VICTORIA By Miranda Post

Victoria, B.C., long known for high tea at the Empress Hotel, antiques in Oak Bay and roses at Butchart Gardens, is cultivating a new retroculture du jour thanks to a wave of vintage fashionistas, chefs, hoteliers and cocktail-makers. Forget Palm Springs or South Beach—a nostalgic getaway is just across the Salish Sea. Read more at www.vitamindaily.com

TRAVEL & LEISURE

GO KIMONO

Patty Rippel and her mother, Sonja Carlson, both of Maple Ridge, visited Sedona, Ariz. They had a picture taken of them holding up The TIMES in front of the red rock mountain range, and specifically Sisters Peak.

By Janis Galloway

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Just like a superhero’s cape, the kimono billows behind its wearer in an elegant cloud of fabric. Its superpower? Instant chic.

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