Maple Ridge PItt Meadows Times October 29 2013 by Maple Ridge Times

Tuesday, October 29, 2013 Maple Ridge’s inaugural Zombie Walk attracted a surprising number of undead to the local streets.

Page A3 • LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT • mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 24 PAGES

Gaming centre opens amidst big fanfare Great Canadian Gaming Corporation opened its newest jewel in its crown in Maple Ridge last week. A few hundred people were lined up outside the doors waiting to get in when the Chances Maple Ridge gaming centre was officially opened at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The ribbon-cutting and opening of the doors followed a VIP reception where a number of guests were spotted in full “casinostyle” regalia. • See more about last week’s opening on pages A4 and A9, and learn more about Chances on pages B1 to B4. Ronda Payne/TIMES

View photos with or online at

www.mrtimes.com School District No. 42

Sea cadets hit by huge rent hike for gym

The school board chair claims January increases are necessary; youth groups can no longer be subsidized. by Maria Rantanen

mrantanen@mrtimes.com

Sea cadets will have to pay six times more than previously to march in the gym of Glenwood Elementary. Needless to say, the youth group is looking for a new space, after the school board said it can’t continue to subsidize rents for outside groups as money

needs to be protected for classroom use. In the past, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District No. 42 subsidized rentals for youth non-profit groups that paid only a nominal fee, said Irena Pochop, manager communications for School District No. 42. For classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, and libraries, the fee was $1/hour; for gyms and kitchens it was $5/hour. These rental rates are lower than those in surrounding school districts and haven’t been reviewed since 2009. “Although the school district has been able to subsidize com-

munity rentals of school budget.” district facilities in the The Royal Canadian past, continuing with legion Branch 88 sponsuch subsidies during sors all the local cadet a time of enrolment corps and they have decline and a budget given some extra funds shortfall would be fisto help the sea cadets. cally irresponsible,” Legion cadet liaison Pochop said. Peter Kane said youth “This past year alone, education is a priority Mike Murray we have incurred a cost for his organization. School board chair of nearly $110,000 in “We are doing our renting out school facilibest to support youth ties to youth non-profit groups.” and we’d like to see more she added. consideration from the school “Unfortunately, we can no board,” Kane added. longer afford to absorb the The sea cadets have been gathmajority of the costs associated ering in Maple Ridge since 2007, with these rentals out of our open to kids ranging in age from

Scribes are invited to honour our veterans in a TIMES-sponsored poetry contest… Stop by Welcome to the Neighbourhood & pick up a copy

12 to 18 years old. They meet once a week for three hours, at least for now at Glenwood. Kane describing cadets as a positive, healthy activity for youth. School board chair Mike Murray defended the decision. “As a board, we would prefer not to have to do this,” he said. “But the reality is that our budget has been hit so hard with so many things over the last while, it’s a choice we have to make,” Murray elaborated. The new rental rates were approved by the board in June and take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

• More at www.mrtimes.com

Participants must email their poems to editorial@mrtimes.com, making sure to include their full name, email address, phone number, and community. One poem per person, please. The keyword “Veterans” should be in the subject of the email. Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. Online, all the time...

www.mrtimes.com

Injured? Apply a legal remedy. www.beckerlawyers.ca

Connect With Your City

604-465-9993 pittmeadows.bc.ca facebook.com/pittmeadows @citypittmeadows

Tuesday, October 29 , 2013

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

SHOP LOCAL... SHOP CANADIAN! available in over 30 colours starting at...

100% CANADIAN MADE LUXURY LAMINATE

9 9 1

sq ft

100% Canadian made, Uniboard’s® rich and authentic hardwood designs are chosen by industry experts to ensure the right fit with your interior design needs. From modern urban trends to rustic reclaimed favorites, Uniboard luxury laminate flooring is the perfect choice for those seeking the beauty of nature paired with the exceptional performance characteristics of premium laminate.

Available at Laminate Warehouse - your authorized Uniboard dealer R

Installation is a snap with SnapLOCK vinyl! 100% Waterproof ~ Snap Installation ~ Rigid Honeycomb Core Snap together installation system is the strongest vinyl lock available on the market 10.5 mm overall thickness offers a more solid feel than click together vinyl flooring

SnapLOCK

self-locking system 8 mm - Recycled plastic base

0.5 mm wear layer is very durable and suitable for any room in your home or office

2 mm - PVC top layer 0.5 mm Wear layer

‘GOLD’

2 9 s q ft

THE ULTIMATE VINYL FLOOR!

100% waterproof product is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, foyers and laundry rooms 8 mm rigid honeycomb core provides for better air flow and increased r-value on concrete 2 mm PVC top layer has a beautiful luxurious look and increased underfoot comfort

30 YEAR RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY - 15 YEAR COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

Laminate Flooring Specials is the new standard in acoustic underlay!

10 COLOURS STARTING FROM

W histler Premium Laminate

Hardwood Flooring Specials

DuraBuild Acoustic gold foil * flooring underlay is strata approved & sq ft Certified IIC 72

WE BUY FACTORY DIRECT AND PASS THE SAVINGS ON TO YOU!

3 strip engineered flooring can * be nailed down or glued together sq ft starting from...

8.3 mm wide plank laminate * designed to fit any renovation budget sq ft starting from...

High density fiberboard core for stability

69 99

12.3 mm bevel edge plank available in a wide variety of colours starting from...

AC 4 wear layer with lifetime warranty E1 certified to meet environmental standards Waxed sealed edges protect against moisture QUICK LOCK system saves you time and money

* sq ft

INSTALLATION SPECIAL

Purchase 400’ of Whistler Premium laminate and have it professionally installed for only $1.00 per sq ft * Or install it yourself and receive FREE UNDERLAY! *

2 69 2 79 2 99

handscraped engineered flooring * can be installed on or below grade sq ft clearance price... solid oak hardwood available in * a wide variety of styles & colours sq ft starting from...

! , $ # , ) ( & , + ( % " ' * ( 604.795.1000 604.463.1000 22753 Dewdney Trunk Road . . . MAPLE RIDGE Mon - Fri 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 Closed Sundays & Statutory Holidays

WE FINANCE! * Some restrictions apply. See store for details.

45690 Yale Road . . . Chilliwack Mon - Fri 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 Closed Sundays & Statutory Holidays

w w w . l a m i n a t e w a r e h o u s e . c a

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

UpFront Click

for community

View photos with or online at

www.mrtimes.com

mrtimes.com

Katzie elect new chief After a tie vote in early September, the Katzie First Nation held a run-off by-election to elect a new chief. Susan Miller, who lives on the Katzie reserve #2 in Langley, won the election on Friday with 89 votes, beating Peter James of Barnston Island who got 79 votes. Miller is chief until the next election set for April 2014. • More at www.mrtimes.com

Troy Landreville/TIMES

Hundreds of people were transformed into zombies for the inaugural Zombie Walk Friday afternoon, starting at the Valley Fair Mall. Among them was Zombie Mya Watts, who put her arm around her kid brother Ryley, dressed as a pumpkin.

Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES

Zombie invasion Readers can Facebook The TIMES to win, if they can identify this person.

Undead walk Maple Ridge streets A Halloween fundraiser proved a shocking sight for those who weren’t in the know.

A few of the zombie wannabes arrived as early as 1:30 p.m. to have work done on them for the walk that got underway at 4 p.m. Hatley admitted that the makeup artistry became less elaborate due to the sheer by Troy Landreville volume of participants who flooded into tlandreville@mrtimes.com the mall during the afternoon. “We had to push them through, If you were in or around Valley but they still looked fabulous,” she Fair Mall at roughly 4 p.m. Friday said. “They couldn’t pick every and witnessed a horde of the detail that they wanted because of undead shambling towards you, the time frame.” fear not: the end of the world is Those who “rise from death” not nigh. have certain facial features, Zielke It was actually all in good fun. noted: “Definitely the veins on In support of the Friends In the face, sunken look, sunken Need Food Bank, the Downtown cheekbones...” Maple Ridge Business Zielke said when she heard Improvement Association hosted about the walk, she “jumped” on the inaugural Zombie Walk. the opportunity to add her talents The catch-line: “Bring a canned to the cause. food item for the Friends In Need As ghoulish as it may seem on Food Bank because real people the surface, the walk was all about don’t eat brains.” “community involvement, community A team from the Emerald Pig fun,” Hatley said. Theatrical Society transformed normal The beneficiary, the food bank, folks, ranging from adults to Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary received “hundreds of pounds of infants, into soulless corpses. student Caitlin Chase was among those who food and some cash donations as To become a zombie, all partook part in the inaugural Zombie Walk. well,” Hatley added. ticipants had to do was bring a The “creatures” gathered outnon-perishable food item for the side the Save-On-Foods store local food bank. before travelling together (along the safety of the It took roughly two hours for a makeup team sidewalk and not the road to avoid a real-life horthat included professional makeup artist Kelsea ror show) towards the Dairy Queen location on Zielke, Emerald Pig president Sharon Malone, and Lougheed Highway. Kathleen Hatley, one of Emerald Pig’s executive Many of the walkers showed the tell-tale signs of members, to perform the ghoulish work. Zielke figured about 30 people were going to take being “undead:” the vacant stare, gaping mouth, and, the go-to move for all zombies, the lurching part. She was shocked to work on as many people forward of one leg, pulling the other leg behind as she did: according to the BIA’s Facebook page, them, with the foot dragging along the ground. 350 zombies participated.

TIMES files

Who am I? Join the fun with Who Am I?, part of a twice-weekly Facebook feature where readers are asked to identify people from this community’s distant and recent past. For instance, last week’s subject was community volunteer and equestrian trail-blazer Bill Archibald. Congrats to Melanie Williams for correctly identifying him and winning the weekly draw. • More at www.mrtimes.com

Fire crews busy A house fire in Albion Friday, as well as a hog fuel fire at a mill, an attic fire on 203rd Street, and a hazardous material call at the Quality Inn all on Sunday, kept Maple Ridge firefighters hustling this weekend. • More at www.mrtimes.com

Troy Landreville photos

At 11 months old, Connor Sayer was one of the youngest of the undead.

Experience Some images and advertisements in today’s edition of The TIMES have been enriched with Layar and contain digital content that you can view using your smartphone or tablet.

How it works:

Step 1. Download the free Layar app for iPhone, Android, iPad, or tablet. Step 2. Look for pages with the Layar logo. Step 3. Open the Layar app, hold your device above the page, and tap to scan it. Step 4. Hold your device above the page to view the interactive content, and hit scan.

Community fireworks, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. Albion Fairgrounds – Provided by Maple Ridge fire department, Lions Club, and Marv Jones Honda

NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• Mall Interior Renovations Continue! ..................................................................................................................... November 1-25 • Fraser Health - Flu & Respiratory Clinic - 9am to 4pm .................................................................................. November 2 • Black Bond Books - Book Signing with Mike McCardell ..........................................................................................November 9 • Remembrance Day - Mall Hours Noon to 5:00pm .........................................................................................November 11 • Caring Crafters & Eco Home Spa - Hand Made Crafts & Bodycare ................................................................. November 11-16 • Ridge Meadows Hospice Society - Celebrate a Life ......................................................................................... November 13-16 • Christmas Gift Show Begins!........................................................................................................................November 25-30 • Black Friday - Watch for Store Specials! .................................................................................................................November 29 • Santa Arrives!........................................................................................................................................................November 30 • SPECC-tacular Productions Theatre Group – Aladdin & His Magic Lamp pantomime promotion......November 30

Runners & Booties Shop’n’Stroll Exercise Program Thurs. 9:30-10:30am Contact Lara 778.285.6265 Tri Hard Walking Club Mon, Wed & Fri 8:30am Beverly Hernandez 604-467-9407

Watch for Exciting Interior Improvements! All Stores are open during renovations.

224 St. & Lougheed Hwy

•

604.467.1554

•

haneyplacemall.com

Tuesday, October 29 , 2013

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Sheryl Jones/TIMES

Shelley Ozeroff, who was first in line and scored a number of prizes, was invited to help Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin cut the ribbon on opening day at the Chances Maple Ridge gaming centre last week.

Entertainment industry

First Chances visitor scores

A Coquitlam woman raked in prizes by escorting her parents to the new gaming centre in Maple Ridge.

Gaming Corporation’s newest facility. There were at least a few hundred people lined up outside prior to the grand opening, waiting for the chance to be among the first to view the gaming centre. Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin, who Shelley Ozeroff thought her parents was among those on hand for the cerewere too eager about getting to Chances monial ribbon cutting, said he was astonMaple Ridge Wednesday evening for the ished to see an estimated 300 in line. grand opening of the new gaming centre. “It’s gorgeous,” Daykin said, once Her parents were ready by 3:30 p.m. inside. “They’ve exceeded my expectaand the public opening was at 5 p.m. tions. It’s really well done,” he said of the When Ozeroff suggested they wait, her architecture and decor, liking small efforts mom, Joan Boardman convinced her to made to honour this town’s heritage. leave early. Daykin was also excited to hear of addi“We stood in line for maybe an hour tional jobs created by the centre, underand 15 minutes,” Ozeroff standing as many as possaid. sible of the 50 staff from She received a hint of the 224th Street bingo hall what was to come by staff were moved over, then related coverage on at Chances. They told her more were hired, bringing Chances Maple Ridge it would be worth her the projected total to about on pages A9, and B1 to B4 while to stay at the front of 90 staff for Chances Maple the line. Ridge. At the stroke of five, Ozeroff was invited He described it as a complement to The to help cut the ribbon and the public welACT, providing another entertainment comed in. venue in town that keeps people from For being first and for her efforts, having to drive into Vancouver. Ozeroff received a gift basket and another “It’s a form of entertainment people are “rocking” gift. looking for and obviously want,” Daykin “I got a guitar and two tickets to said, admitting he won’t be found gamHedley,” Ozeroff excitedly told The TIMES. bling in the centre, but might be a regular She also won a night out on the town in for lunch, make use of the rooms available Maple Ridge and “a few other goodies.” to community groups, and catch some of “I just can’t believe it,” the Coquitlam the live shows. resident said, admitting she’d be back “We’re growing up,” he said, noting to Chances again soon because her parthat the new gaming facility at Lougheed ents live in Maple Ridge. Given her great Highway and 227th Street was under confirst impression, in fact, it may become a struction for almost a year, and with its favourite outing for the family. completion has literally shifted the downGuests Wednesday afternoon seemed town “a little further east.” anxious to check out Great Canadian • More at www.mrtimes.com, search “Ozeroff”

Please watch for ghosts & goblins

Johnston Meier I N S U R A N C E A G E N C I E S LT D .

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

Lougheed Hwy.

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

604.465.5507

MEET THE TEAM

Financial experts here to help you Achieve better balance. Kathy Blom, Phil Bourque & Brian Elson

GET READY FOR WINTER

Signature Service Oil Change

OFF

any synthetic oil, lube & ﬁlter CODE T 01 Expires Nov. 30 2013

Valid Only at Maple Ridge, BC Location

Not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of service. Not Valid with Carwash. Jiffy Lube, The Jiffy Lube design mark and Jiffy Lube Signature Services® are registered trademarks of Jeffy Lube International Inc. © 2012 Jeffy Lube International, Inc

FREE Financial Planning Seminar Join us on October 29, 2013 at Meadow Gardens for a unique opportunity to learn about SEGREGATED FUNDS and ESTATE PLANNING.

Visit wscu.com/financialplanning to register.

No Appointment Necessary! • Warranty Approved • FREE WIFI • FREE COFFEE

SAME LOCATION AS WASH WORLD

20287 Dewney Trunk • 604.465.0181

604 517 0100

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

or online

Casino

www.mrtimes.com

View video & photos with

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Virgin

academy

LEARN BLACKJACK & ROULETTE WIN A TRIP TO LAS VEGAS!

TURN YOUR GAME ON learn how to be a player thursdays at 7pm

One fish…

Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES

Quin Callander, a six-year-old 1st Laity Beaver, proudly showed off his lone fish egg. He attended the annual return of the salmon event, held by the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society and Metro Vancouver. This event, which started in 1987, is held at the fish fence at 240th Street near Kanaka Creek Road and attracted dozens of excited children and families anxious to see the fish swimming up Kanaka Creek to their home. Coordinator Ross Davies predicted 10,000 chum salmon – which return every three to four years – and another 3,000 pink – with a two-year cycle – will swim up the Maple Ridge waterway this year.

in partnership with

2080 ;7@A13 /5?<1>:%3- .5&?@A<:9 /. ' 0*4 2)( 0,,, ' ===+8<>36:$@75+659 All contest and promotional information available at Casino Guest Services.

Smile Brighter for Life!

“Meadowvale Family”

New Patients & Emergencies Welcome • Family & Cosmetic Dentistry • Walk-ins • Sleep Dentistry • Oral Surgery • Oral Cancer Screening • Root Canal Therapy

• Implants • Invisalign • Porcelain Veneers • Crowns & Bridges • Teeth Whitening

EVENING & WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

FREE

ed take personalihzit ning home w ewith kit for lifet exam new patieanning. and cle Expires Dec.

30, 2013

604.457.0990

Meadowvale Shopping Centre 111-19150 Lougheed Hwy Pitt Meadows

www.meadowvalefamilydental.com

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

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.

Spencer Levan

slevan@mrtimes.com Publisher

Bob Groeneveld

bgroeneveld@mrtimes.com Editor

Roxanne Hooper

rhooper@mrtimes.com Assistant Editor Editorial Maria Rantanen Sylver McLaren Troy Landreville Advertising Ralph De Adder Nick Hiam Anne Gordon Sheryl Jones Distribution Supervisor Wendy Bradley Administration Rebecca Nickerson

www.mrtimes.com Email us

editorial@mrtimes.com

Write us a letter

#2 - 22345 North Avenue Maple Ridge, B.C., V2X 8T2 Switchboard Classified Delivery Fax

604-463-2281 604-463-7283 604-463-2281 604-463-9943

Our office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows TIMES, a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership, respects your privacy. We collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at www.mrtimes.com. The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows TIMES is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and complainant. If talking with the editor or publisher of this newspaper does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. For further information, go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

Our View

Avoid tragedy on Halloween It appears vampires have the zombies on the run this Halloween. A poll commissioned by Scotia Bank indicates that the next in line for costumes of choice among the 54 per cent of Canadians who this year plan to celebrate All Hallows Eve, one way or another, are witches, fairies, and pirates, all of them outpacing the inevitable – but decidedly outnumbered – lurching zombies. The poll indicates that British Columbians have prepared themselves to spend more on Halloween this year (about $82 on average) than any other Canadians (national average: $70). The top two activities planned across the country are handing out candies and taking the kids out trick-or-treating, to collect those candies being handed out. While replacing trick-or-treating with Halloween parties for kids continues to gain popularity, there will still be thousands of youngsters out on the streets and avenues this Thursday evening. Most will be appropriately dressed (at least from a safety perspective) in bright costumes and reflective clothing, with masks that afford them clear visibility of their surroundings, and will be accompanied by responsible adults as they troll for candies through familiar neighbourhoods. But some will not – they’ll be dressed in dark or drab clothing, stumbling over trailing costumes, without adequate flashlights. In some cases, they will simply have strayed momentarily from a well-organized group. If you’re driving anywhere as Halloween’s dusk begins to fall – the traditional time for ghosts and goblins to traipse from doorstep to doorstep in a quest for bags of sweets – be careful. If your kids are out there, prepare them, impress on them to be careful… and accompany them. Despite the sometimes macabre costumes, it’s supposed to be fun, not tragic. – B.G.

This Week’s Question What’s the most important thing about small business people to you? ■ Your View Last week’s question, results… What steps does your family have in place in case you’re hit by fire?

We have a plan.

24 %

We are making a plan. Get the heck out.

5% 62 %

It won’t happen to us.

It’s not my house.

VOTE ONLINE: www.mrtimes.com

Scan with

Opinion

See the dark side of the moon

Don’t you wish that it mattered the other will disgust us more that some of the most prominent and consequently allow the lesspolitical people in this country disgusting among them to slither – senators and even a prime minfree of the stupid-chains that bind ister and his closest staff – are them, so they can get on with exposing each other as thieves quietly continuing with what and liars? they’ve been doing all along. Don’t you wish senators in this Canadians have been duped country cared about the realizainto believing that our political tion that they absconded with system only works when our hundreds of thousands of illicit political leaders are steeped in dollars? honesty, integrity, and a sense by Bob Groeneveld Don’t you wish that this counof what is right for Canada as a try’s prime minister cared that he whole. was caught with his integrity hanging out of his Meanwhile, our political leaders have duped pants? themselves into believing that none of that matDon’t you wish Stephen Harper cared a bit ters, just so long as the rest of us don’t realize more about maintaining his integrity than caring that those things don’t exist – haven’t done so about how he might be able to bury the quesfor decades. tions about his integrity? Or maybe they’re not scamming themselves at Indeed, don’t you wish that Harper could be all, just us. more concerned about the perception that he has Maybe they just figured out the formula. no integrity than that he has none? Pierre Trudeau was our last successful honest How about Senators Pamela Wallin, Mike politician, managing to extend his term with a Duffy, and Patrick Brazeau? Don’t you wish they western finger and a smirking “fuddle duddle.” were just a tad more concerned that they are Short-termer Joe Clark tried honesty, as did perceived as thieves, instead of being so darned Kim Campbell, and it earned both a quick perturbed that they got caught? boot. (John Turner was just a doofus, and Paul And the rest of the Senate… wouldn’t it be Martin’s scorched-earth campaign against Jean nice if they could try putting the same amount of Chretien was so devastating that his party has effort into fixing the problem as the amount they since ambled through two wannabe has-beens to have been putting into burying it, along with the the door of Kid Trudeau, Caped Crusader for the three senators who got caught – instead of turnLiberal Cause.) ing it into just one more of those mind-numbing Those who have been successful in the past political disagreements? three decades have owed that success to putting Wouldn’t the whole situation feel a little bit politics on the moon – and keeping the dark side more comfortable if the prime minister were away from those of us who live on planet Earth. more concerned that he has been branded a liar Unfortunately for the likes of Harper, Duffy, – he doesn’t even seem terribly concerned if we et al., the moon goes through phases, and every believe he’s a liar – instead of being concerned once in a while, we get a glimpse of the parts that the people who owe him favours might have where the sun don’t shine. proof? I’m reminded of a colleague’s comment that So we are now witnessing the spectacle of the has stuck in my brain since she uttered it more mightiest of our political masters and mistresses than 30 years ago: “Once you can fake sincerity, in a war of opinion attrition, each side hoping you’ve got it made.”

Odd Thoughts

Mailbag

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Traffic safety

Intersection remains deadly

and the traffic intersection there, and there Dear Editor, seems to have been a fair number of acciFurther to the appeal in the vehicudents along that stretch as well. lar deaths of Beckie and Johnny [Crown Now I’m wondering what will happen appeals dangerous driving case, Oct. 22, with the new mall that is going into that TIMES], there is still something very wrong block. Surely, they can’t leave it at at that intersection. 80 km/h, and have people coming I had several correspondences Scan with in and out of a mall. with our MLA and conversations It’s as though lives don’t matwith the RCMP traffic department. ter, but the occasion of yet another The consensus seemed to be that shopping centre will necessitate changes were made to the median lowering the speed limit going west heights, but the posted limits and Letters to at least. traffic signals were enough to conthe Editor The diagram I saw on a television trol the intersection. report was in error, showing the With the speed posted at 80 accident as happening at the merge lane km/h, cars will be going 90-100 km/h and on the southeast corner. The car at fault is racing through yellow lights. supposed to have passed on the right, lost Not long after Beckie’s and Johnny’s control and gone across both lanes left, deaths, I saw another car balancing on the and flipped into the oncoming west-bound median. That accident caused the car to traffic lane, where Beckie and Johnny were rest on the median, so no one was killed. It either stopped or slowed down to make the could have been another fatality. left turn onto Harris. I find it ludicrous that the speed is There but for fortune go all our children. reduced to 60 km/h about a block east, in preparation for the Abernethy Way bypass Eileen Robinson, Pitt Meadows

Hard to smile?

Not Satisfied with your present

Dentures?

We can help!

Bob Shivji who has over 30 years of experience would like to introduce Milad Salasi to his Westwood Denture Clinic • • • • • • • •

Smart meters

No justification for opt-out fee size

Dear Editor, How is a $35 a month smart meter opt-out fee justifiable? I have been billed for meter reading (included in hydro bill) for decades, every other month. Now, suddenly, I’m to believe that it will be a monthly cost to BC Hydro? Why doesn’t this fee get collected every two months? Why does BC Hydro get all

of the benefit of firing so many meter readers? Why don’t people with smart meters get a discount on their bill, now that they are no longer requiring meter reading? We are a family of three in an 11-year-old threestorey home with 2,000 square feet of floor. We are home 350 days a year and have average work and life activities.

Smart meters

Hydro savings unbelievable

Dear Editor, So the smart meters will save us $1.6 billion [Program more than meters, Oct. 24 Letters, TIMES]? First, by faster outage restoration? That seems odd. The faster it is back on, the sooner we use power again. Second, by less wasted electricity? The smart meter will not remind us to turn off a light. The only way it could reduce consumption is if BC Hydro charged more at peak times. Last, by theft detection? Do they seriously believe that power stealers opted for a smart meter? Sadly, I just do not believe that we, the customers, are going to see one nickel of any alleged savings. Does anyone else feel that they are being lied to by BC Hydro? Tom Adlington, Pitt Meadows

What you’re telling us on Facebook

•

Crown is appealing the acquittal of a driver who crashed in Pitt Meadows. That accident claimed the lives of Beckie Dyer, 19, and John De Oliveria, 21, on Oct. 19, 2010. Readers seem pleased it’s being appealed. “Justice needs a push sometimes! Beckie was a lovely young lady.” – Lee Wear “A car is a lethal weapon when driven recklessly. It wasn’t a fault-less accident, excessive speed and recklessness caused the deaths of two precious young people.” – Eileen Thompson Robinson “Good. Hope justice is served this time.”

– Joan Evans

“Good. I was appalled when I heard the ruling.” – Selby Tifenbach “Ms. Hocimovic’s excuses were absolutely ridiculous! I can’t understand the judge buying into that crap.” – Teresa Tapping Thieman

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

We do not have a homebased business and we don’t have equipment that would require above-average hydro use. On the contrary, we have power smart appliances and CFL bulbs to conserve power wherever we can. Last year we spent, on average, $32.81/month on hydro. Total. That includes taxes, levies, and rate riders. How do you justify an increase of more than 100 per cent? That’s what the opt-out fee amounts to. It is a ridiculous amount. I thought that the BC Utilities Commission was an advocate for the people of B.C., not a strong arm for BC Hydro and/or the BC Liberal government. Sean Orcutt, Maple Ridge

Complimentary consultation Complimentary clean and polish Walk-ins and repairs welcomed Complete dentures and partial dentures Denture over implants* Standard or Precision dentures 5 year warranty on Precision dentures We accept all dental plans

*Procedures to be completed in conjunction with a dentist.

Milad Salasi

DENTURE WEARERS

WESTWOOD DENTURE CLINIC

169-3000 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam

604-468-4867 (Next to Superstore)

Halloween

Front page monstrous

Dear Editor, Wow! What a monstrous sight on the front page of your paper [Horror fan invites like-minded ghouls, Oct. 24, TIMES]! Do you realize children deliver these in the community, never mind the fact that I don’t want to see that and I have young children who walked up to our house and saw that laying on our mat? Have some consideration that not everyone, and I would venture most people, are not interested in seeing images like that. You are only contributing to the desensitizing of our society to gruesome images and concepts. Please refrain from putting images like that in a community paper. You could have easily promoted the event in the community events calendar, minus images. Leah Pillet, 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.

Let lighting reflect your good taste.

Maple Ridge Lighting • 11947 227th Street • 604.463.8682 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5:30, Sat 10-5:30 • www.mapleridgelighting.com

Opinion

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Extinction

Japanese need to rethink sex Just Saying

Start. Grow. Thrive.

Congratulations to our Winners Top row (l-r): Cera Rivers Fairy Cakes Cupcakes Perseverance Award Todd Stephenson Upstart Battery Overall Entrepreneur of the Year Todd Stephenson Upstart Battery High-Tech Award Guy Avidan-Shavit Walker Heavy Duty Construction & Manufacturing Mohamad Kermany IDEAL Immigration Service Award

Do you have a great business idea? Get started! Call the Douglas College Self Employment Program at 604-527-5020 or visit us online at douglascollege.ca/se

Bottom row (l-r): Craig McDowell Zoomies Dog Day Care Retail Award Ashee Coulthard Revive Hair and Body Lounge Smartest Start Award Peter Wang CanBright Enterprises Home-Based Business Award Tasia Pona Sewaholic Patterns Youth Entrepreneur Award

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!

203rd Stre et

Dewdney Trunk

Road

WESTGA TE SHOPPIN G CENTRE

207th Stre et

apanese have a very economics drives the interesting sex life, young adults of today; but not like you they believe they cannot would think. afford to have children. A recent study on That sounds like my Japanese sex life has prochildren’s excuses when duced startling results. I ask about my dozens of In European countries, grandchildren who have immigrant babies have not yet arrived. become the majority of the Others claim the current kids under 20 and it is not child-bearing generation the fault of the immigrants. is just too self-indulgent by Gordy Robson The historical population to make the sacrifices to is not breeding. have children. The interesting thing in looking at It is reported in Japan’s largest cities Japanese numbers is, they don’t have that people are turning to “Pot Noodle immigration. Love,” easy or instant gratification, but Japan has one of the world’s lowest there are no numbers to prove that. birth rates. Its current population of 126 Online porn or virtual reality friends are million has been shrinking in the past dec- either filling the gap, or the generation is ade, and is projected to drop below 100 replacing sex with other urban pastimes. million by 2050. Or maybe someone has put something One survey found that 61 per cent of in the water. unmarried men and 49 per cent of women Abigail Haworth in The Observer on Oct. 18 to 34 years old were not in any kind of 20 wrote at length about the issue, the romantic relationship. best line quoting former Japanese dominAnother study found that a third of atrix Queen Love: “It is not healthy that Japanese under 30 years of age have never people are becoming so physically discondated. nected from each other. Sex with another The survey this year by the Japan person is a human need that produces Family Planning Association found that feel-good hormones and helps people 45 per cent of women age 16 to 24 either function better in their daily lives.” despised or were not interested in sexual Obviously the Japanese sex drive has contact. something to do with the population Meanwhile, the population continues to decrease. Perhaps we should send young, age. This year, they will be selling more college missionaries to keep them focused diapers for seniors than for babies. on human contact. Some Japanese are speculating that The alternative may be they invent the Japan might eventually perish into extincperfect robot partner for personal sexual tion, and if you don’t breed like any other pleasure. Would that be good or bad? branch of the species, it will die out. Just saying… There are many speculations about what Gordy Robson’s column appears Tuesdays in the print and/or the root cause of the problem is. online versions of The TIMES. Reactions can be emailed c/o editorial@mrtimes.com. Some Japanese sociologists claim that

Lougheed Highway

Your Local Shop for Fresh & Organic Loose Leaf Teas in Maple Ridge!

“M o tha re n j boo ust a kst ore ”

Westgate Shopping Centre 520 - 20395 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge www.quiznoswestgate.com 604.460.0330

WE CATER • WE DELIVER • ASK US

25% OFF

Mon to Sat 10am - 9pm Sun 10am - 8pm

30% OFF

BUY 1 GET 1

FREE

ANY COMBO

ANY LARGE SUB

Buy 1 sub. get the 2nd of equal or lesser value free with purchase of 2 regular fountain drinks.

With purchase of a fountain drink.

www.beanaroundbooks.com

Excluding Everyday Value and Breakfast Menu. Coupon must be presented when ordering. One coupon per customer visit. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Taxes extra. Valid only at 520 – 20395 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge, BC. Expires November 30, 2013

Buy 150 grams of Premium Loose Leaf Tea Get 50 grams

FREE!

22626 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge

604.466.2966

Mon-Fri 8:30am-7pm Sat & Sun 11am - 7pm

Across from Langley Farm Market • Parking in the rear.

30% OFF 25% OFF 25% OFF

ANY LARGE SUB

ANY COMBO

FAMILY MEAL

Bring the family & receive 25% off your purchase.

With purchase of a fountain drink.

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

&places

faces

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Celebrating 40 years serving our Community

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows

Showcasing some of this community’s people and happenings

2013

3 197

TIMES publisher Spencer Levan (left) and Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin were both blushing when greeted by a pair of Vegas-style showgirls at the opening of Chances Maple Ridge on Wednesday. Ronda Payne/TIMES

Sheryl Jones/TIMES

Great Canadian Gaming Corp.’s Robin Killeen and a visiting chef Lance Jarvis were at the opening.

View more photos with or online

Evancic Perrault Robertson’s Kathy Halprin and Pat Smith were among the VIPs invited to attend the grand opening of Maple Ridge’s new gaming centre last week.

Brenda Garcia was among the VIPs at the opening of Chances Maple Ridge. She had a chance to visit with the gaming centre’s food and beverage manager Marty Morel.

Ronda

Great Canad Payne/TIMES ian Gaming Corporation employee Natalie Lee handed out travel mugs to all the V IPs and the firs t surge of guests at C hances Map le Ridge durin g the openin g Wednesday .

Sheryl Jones/TIMES

Sheryl Jones/

Ronda Payne/TIMES

TIMES

Boogaards director Ray ce er m u were m f co r Jesse Sidh Chamber o utive directo ces ec an ex h C er e b and cham hand for th n o ts es gu the also among opening. ge id R le ap M

Ronda Payne/TIMES

Shannon Webster, Greystone Manor’s Cheryl Noble, and Simplified Business Solution’s Caroline Le Page were among VIP guests at the opening of Chances gaming centre last week.

How can you share? Do you have a local photo of someone or some place you’d like to share with the rest of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows? Email it to us as a high-resolution .JPEG to editorial@mrtimes.com. Please include a brief description – including everyone’s ﬁrst and last name. Put “faces & places” in the subject line of your email.

3 197

2013

Marc La Fra Wednes nce, a member day’s en of Atlan tertainm ti perform Ronda Pa yne/TIM ent lineu c Crossing, was ed a Ro ES p p d Stewa rt/Beatle at the Chances art of s/Elton Jo opening . They hn tribu te.

or up to

Celebrating 40 years serving our community

Sales 604.343.2036 Service 604.465.7622 20611 LOUGHEED HWY., MAPLE RIDGE www.marvjoneshonda.com

www.mrtimes.com

Ronda Payne/TIM

rvice staff ong the food se Vodola were am el s Maple ni ce Da an d Ch an x of Lisa Bo and opening n io pt ce y. re P VI ugheed Highwa working at the 7th Street and Lo 22 at ek we st la Ridge

OAC - See dealer for full details

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Halloween addicts

Looking after “Your Baby” in Downtown Maple Ridge A message from Downtown Maple Ridge BIA

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Ineke Boekhorst Executive Director

Fall weather is definitely here and with that, the need to look after our cars, getting them ready for winter! Do you have any of those annoying “dings” in the middle of your windshield? Take care of it now and avoid having to replace your complete windshield when it turns into a large crack after the first night of frost……. it will happen……it`s only a matter of time! Lots of helpful automotive businesses can get rid of those small cracks for you, for less than $50 right downtown Maple Ridge. AND this can be done, while you’re doing some shopping, or getting your hair done, or whatever you need to get done…….. since it`s easy to just walk around in our downtown anyway. Simply visit an independent local business, they will be happy to serve you, offer friendly advise, professional passionate assistance and quality workmanship! Where to go for those nasty little windshield stars you ask; why not visit Broco Auto Glass, Speedy Glass, Crystal Glass, Accent Glass, or Boyd Autobody and Glass, all on Dewdney Trunk Road. Preparing your car for fall and winter conditions is just a matter of dropping off your baby at one of the ``full service`` automotive shops directly downtown Maple Ridge. There is Kelly`s Automotive Services, having served our community for over 20 years, or Sapperton Motors, providing quality repairs and maintenance for imported and domestic vehicles, they are both on Dewdney. Start Automotive, for car & truck repairs and Mr. Sparks Auto & Electric, specializing in reliable & expert electrical service are on 227th. Having your car serviced at an independent local business, of course means your dollars stay in Maple Ridge, thereby supporting a local entrepreneur and contributing to the sustainability of our local economy. Think of it as investing in your community every day. Plus, it’s so much easier to shop where you live! Let’s for instance look at some of the downtown body shops, you`ll find Boyd Autobody and Glass and Kirmac Collision, specialized in body repair & painting, on Dewdney, Eastgate Autobody on 227th Street, in Maple Ridge since 1981, Haney Automotive on Selkirk for car repair & service, brakes, etc and North Fraser Automotive Repairs on 223rd Street looks after full service automotive & light truck repair journeyman auto & diesel. Interested in just a Lube and Oil, Tire Rotations, etc. see Express Care on Lougheed. Or do it yourself, always a good option; you`ll find everything you need at Lordco on Dewdney or T&T Parts Ltd on 227th. Let’s not forget our brakes and muffler; Budget Brake & Muffler will do a great job every time, situated on Lougheed. So, no reason to not be prepared for our wet and cold season, coming up soon! Stay local and get to know the smiling faces behind the counter at a Downtown Maple Ridge business. Hope you`ll try our suggestions and let us know your experiences on facebook, or email Inquiries@downtownmapleridge.ca with your favourites

View photos with or online at

www.mrtimes.com

YEAR END

Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES

• Automotive • Commercial • Residential

1) Quality 2) Price Point 3) Customer Service...

Which 2 Mean the Most to You?

www.accentglasslocksmith.ca

Vintage Solid 3/4” Hardwood 100% Canadian Made

From Great for Active Families!

up to

50 OFF! %

tock In S

tock

In S

AREA RUGS!

40 OFF! %

$ .49 sq.ft.

Made in Belgium, Turkey, Egypt

AC5 Wide Plank

From

sq.ft.

™ ®

www.diverseﬂooring.ca

Made in Germany

$ .99

sq.ft.

tock

Bearlock 12mm Laminate 4 Colours to Choose From

Lifetime Warranty

Flexible Payment Plans Available

13”x 13” Porcelain Tile

.99

sq.ft.

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows #1-20295 113B Ave.

sq.ft.

Installed From

• LIFETIME Stain Resistance • Warranty incl. Pet Urine Stain

$ .79 sq.ft.

Desi gner Ne Colo w urs!

tock In S

From

CARPETS

Authorized Dealer

sq.ft.

*FREE UNDERLAY

™ ®

Financing Services

$ .99

Starting From

Certiﬁcate Programs & Courses

When you’re wanting more than just ﬂoors!

www.diverseﬂooring.ca

60oz Carpet Installed From

604.460.0020

$ .99

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-4 • Sun Closed (Family Day)

* See Store for details

sq.ft.

100% SmartStrand 60oz ‘SILK’ CARPET • LIFETIME Stain & Soil Warranty • Pet Urine Resistant Warranty

Thank you for voting us #1 Flooring Store 4 years in a row!

DEPEND ON YOUR LOCALLY OWNED FAMILY FLOORING SOLUTION PROVIDERS!

$ .65 sq.ft.

A11

Registering now...

Ten-year-old Sydney Lyle and her six-year-old brother Josh frolicked among the pumpkins and took in all the other festivities at the recent Bruce’s Market Apple Fest, while their mother Christy Lyle, a professional photographer, took pictures of the event. Children 12 years or younger are given a chance to guess the weight of Bruce’s Market’s huge Atlantic pumpkin. But in addition to its pumpkins, Bruce’s has become synonymous for other fall produce – namely apples. The market in Albion held its annual Apple Fest on Oct. 19 and 20, drawing hundreds.

Celebrating our 10th Year of Business

• 50 Year Wear Limited Warranty • Platinum Scuff Resistance • Made in the USA

Mammut 12 mm Laminate

Tarkett Sheet Vinyl Fibre Floor From

In S

Shaw Engineered Hardwood

Flexi-Tec & Imagine Sheet Vinyl

A mark of fall

Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES

Solid Maple/Red Oak Semigloss or UV Oiled Wired Brush

Free Estimates / Guaranteed Installations*

#7 - 22724 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Maple Ridge

604.467.4151

or online

INVENTORY BLOWOUT

THE 3 SYMBOLS OF SATISFACTION

• Asthmas & Allergy Friendly

Accent Glass & Locksmith

Ralph Kettle (inset) and Gil Arid have been building their collection of Halloween treasures since moving to their Rogers Avenue home three years ago, and there’s no sign of their collection or interest in goblins and ghouls waning. Those who stop by are encouraged to be careful when walking on the grass “you never know what might grab your foot or leg,” said Kettle. There’s even a blood bank set up for all those willing to make a donation, this station no doubt manned by Dracula and his disciples. Each night, dozens of people stop by their haunted house at 22910 Rogers Ave. They don’t do it as a fundraiser, they simply do it because they love watching the kids faces.

LAST FEW DAYS!!! WE’D RATHER DISCOUNT IT THAN COUNT IT!

(While quantities last)

WINDSHEILD REPAIR & REPLACEMENT

View more photos with

www.mrtimes.com

A10

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM Day and Evening Options – Winter Term FREE Information Session Wed. Nov. 13 7:00 pm Call to register. BUILDING SERVICE WORKER Nov. 12-Dec. 5 6:00 pm $789/15 sessions $40 materials fee FOODSAFE LEVEL 1 Sat. Nov 16 8:30 am $76/1 session $15 text certiﬁcate fee FORKLIFT OPERATOR Sat. Nov 23 8:30 am $179/1 session $30 text certiﬁcate fee MS POWERPOINT 2010 Mon./Wed. Nov 4-20 6:30pm $189/5 sessions $25 Text MS WORD 2010 LEVEL 1 Mon./Wed. Nov. 25-Dec. 18 6:30 pm $219/7 sessions $25 Text MS EXCEL 2010 LEVEL 1 Tues./Thurs. Nov. 28-Dec. 19 6:30 pm $219/7 sessions $25 Text SIMPLY ACCOUNTING LEVEL 2 (SAGE 50) Sat. Nov. 16-30 9:00 am $249/3 sessions $50 Text WORLDHOST Fri. Nov 15, 8:30-3:30 pm $139/1 session

General Interest & Personal Development Classes HOW TO GET BETTER GRADES IN SCHOOL With Terry Small Mon. Nov 25 7:00 pm $45/family ZUMBA© WITH KATHY WHITE – NEW SESSIONS! Wed. Nov. 6-Dec 11 6:30 pm $56/7 sessions $10 drop-in PILATES WITH KATHY WHITE Wed. 6:30 pm $10 drop-in COMPUTERS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS Sat. Nov. 16-Dec. 7 10:00 am $109/4 sessions E-COMMERCE Tues. Nov.5-19 7:00 pm $79/3 sessions GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS Wed. Nov. 26-Dec. 3 7:00 pm $59/2 sessions PEAK PERFORMANCE & SELF ESTEEM WITH WILLIAM DUNCAN Thurs. Nov. 7-21 6:30 pm $95/3 sessions SELF CONFIDENCE WITH WILLIAM DUNCAN Thurs. Nov. 28-Dec. 12 6:30 pm $95/3 sessions LISA GREGORY’S EVENT MANAGEMENT & TRAINING BOOTCAMP Sat. Nov. 16 9:30 am $89/1 session SIMPLIFIED SOLUTIONS: WESLEY BROWN’S GOAL WORKSHOP: BUCKET LIST Tues. Nov. 19 6:30 pm $39/1 session SIMPLIFIED SOLUTIONS: ORGANIZING MEMORABILIA Tues. Dec. 3 6:30 pm $39/1 session SPEAK! TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH MARIA GALLO Sat. Nov. 2 9:00 am $39/1 session CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS! Do you have a passion, skill or special knowledge that you would like to share? Submit a proposal to Ridge Meadows College outlining course conten, resources needed, length, possible dates and contact information. We may be able to work with you in presenting your course Written submissions only please. Email: rmc@sd42.ca or Fax: 604-463-5437

Course description available at

www.rmcollege.ca

T 604-466-6555 ext. 203 20575 Thorne Ave, Maple Ridge, BC

(2 blocks south of Lougheed Hwy between 203rd & 207th)

Advertising feature

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times | Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013 B1

General manager Andy LaCroix welcomes people to discover the new Chances Maple Ridge, a much anticipated gaming facility newly opened at 22710 Lougheed Hwy., complete with bingo, slots, a restaurant with outdoor patio, a public meeting space, and a bar called The Well.

Game On!

Troy Landreville/TIMES

The new gaming facility on 227th Street focuses on giving back to the local community.

The first 100 people through the doors that morning will he new gaming centre is all about community also receive a gift, LaCroix explained. – and the community has embraced it since its The next Saturday, Nov. 8, the Duelling Pianos will take opening on Wednesday. to the stage next to the restaurant. Opening day for Chances Maple Ridge, a comIn addition to bringing in bigger acts from time to time, munity gaming centre that replaces the old Haney Bingoplex the gaming centre staff is working on a plan to have regular on 224th Street, was “fabulous,” according to its general Thursday-night open mike events. manager Andy LaCroix who welcomed VIPs to an opening The gaming centre is already booking reception and then opened the facility to the Christmas parties and other private events general public at 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. in their “flex area” – LaCroix said they are And Saturday night’s attendance was a Chances Maple Ridge is: still working on naming the space next capacity crowd with people waiting to get • 27,500 square feet to the restaurant that fits 61 people – but into the new facility at 227th Street and • 175 slot machines they will balance that with acts open to the Lougheed Highway. • 200 bingo seats public. “It exceeded our expectations,” LaCroix • 61-person flex space This flex place as well as the 52-personsaid of the first weekend the gaming centre • 52-person board room capacity boardroom on the second floor was open. of the gaming centre can be booked by Chances Maple Ridge, at 27,500 square feet, has a site capacity of 653. There are 175 slot machines, community groups for various functions, for example, a minor hockey annual general meeting or a legion meeting. and 200 bingo seats – a combination of paper and elec(However, LaCroix noted, all participants need to be 19 tronic. years or older.) This weekend, Nov. 1 and 2, will be the official grand In keeping with its community focus, Great Canadian opening weekend, LaCroix said, and keeping with their Gaming Corp. gave a donation of $5,000 to the Ridge mandate of focusing on the community, they have booked Meadows Hospital Foundation on opening day. local country singer Aaron Pritchett to perform both nights The corporation wanted its first donation to be to an starting at 9:30 p.m.

organization that every citizen in the community needs, LaCroix explained, which is why the foundation was chosen as the beneficiary of this donation. A smaller donation of $400 was also made to the Friends In Need Food Bank. continued on page B2…

By the numbers

Aaron Pritchett

Friday & Saturday, November 1 & 2 Show starts at 9:30pm Kick up your boots & get your honkytonk on with local country sensation Aaron Pritchett!

GREAT FOOD. GOOD TIMES.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013 | Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Troy Landreville/TIMES

Erin Oliver is the director of cage operations for the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

New road helps residents get into downtown …continued from page B1 A few days before Chances opened, the new section of 227th Street opened next to the centre, connecting the Haney Bypass to Lougheed Highway, allowing residents to more easily access downtown. People have been “very complimentary” about the gaming centre since it opened, LaCroix said, and, having toured all similar facilities in the province, he believes this is the nicest one yet. “It’s just a vibrant place,” LaCroix said about Chances Maple Ridge. “It changes the composition of the area.”

“We’re very proud to be here as part of the Maple Ridge business area,” he added, thanking the community for its support. The facility was designed by Chris Dikeakos Architects in modern-industrial style, reflecting the early history of Maple Ridge, and was built by Capo Construction. While the look might be industrial, green elements are firmly entrenched into Chances Maple Ridge. The roof is partially covered with a green roof system made up of flowering plants and grasses, a water feature flows along 227th Street, and a bioswale filters outgoing water.

is proud to have provided the architectural woodwork for the Maple Ridge Community Gaming Centre bar and back bar area reception and security desk cash area fireplace

metal paneling washroom vanities feature ceiling barnboard paneling

www.ebonywoodwork.ca

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

?0- 2,3A1 = 1,3B"8/,

MAPLE RIDGE CHANCES

CDA IS PROUD TO BE THE ARCHITECT OF - MAPLE RIDGE CHANCES GAMING CENTRE Congratulations to Great Canadian Gaming Corp. & BC Lottery Corp. on the Grand Opening.

CHILLIWACK CHANCES

35 >,35/CC"3*(' -3*C!,A6!"3* -3C! <(*(#/+/*! D/,B"6/C; 63*#,(!A'(!/C 2,/(! -(*(8"(* 2(+"*# -3,13,(!"3* 3* !&/ CA66/CC5A' 63+1'/!"3* 35 !&/ <(1'/ $"8#/ -&(*6/C 2(+"*# 4(6"'"!%9 ./C! @"C&/C !3 %3A (*8 7/C! 35 'A6) !3 ('' 5A!A,/ #A/C!C:

Suite 301 1224 Hamilton St Vancouver, BC V6B 2S8 T: (604) 568.3711 F: (604) 568.3229

www.lec.bc.ca

LOWER MAINLAND STUDIO SUITE 212 - 3989 HENNING DRIVE BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA 604-291-2660 WWW.DIKEAKOS.COM PROPOSED WOOD VILLAGE CASINO

VIEW ROYAL CASINO

CHRIS DIKEAKOS ARCHITECTS INC.

Congratulations Chances Maple Ridge! P WC

MOBILE HOME MAKEOVER.CA

A division of Peninsula Wall and Ceiling Ltd.

Affordable Modernization for Manufactured Homes Add Beauty, Warmth and Quiet to your Home! • Complete Renovation Solution

Steel Studs + Drywall + Acoustics

The Wall and Ceiling Experts since 2004 PeninsulaWallandCeiling.ca

• Drywall, Paint and Trim • Exterior Restoration – Vinyl Siding • Windows, Doors, Decks and Rails

FREE In-Home Estimate Call (604) 576-4503

Tuesday, October 29 , 2013

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

BLIZZARD

OF BILLS

Like us on Facebook & get more ballots!

A12

Tuesday, October 29 , 2013

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

M5A/ ;R O/15/D 0", '*- 0..*// -! 0## !( !+1 *&.#+/$)* ,*0#/%

:@3

N ; 39 KB

:HC3

J/F =R

K">FL&;96 H6E- <!O @' = KI : J>!Q$> E6 +><,>7!46&P4> *"" M=/ NDJ2?

:G3

39 K6

:HCI

G0! M>#!O- /!E# J&$$!08' GE. *"A$4?>? O/15/D

:EB

:4I

@ G&A%>68 6! E GO&C46> 6! 1$2&8 JO>8$>- C- (!O$?F5$E88 59E#Q&!" 3EOO>" N>>' J$48 )BD 5E8&"! H$!6 5O>?&6 PD< 8D?>05/?>DQ

BUY ONLINE

.com

SCAN TO BUY WITH LAYAR

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

A13

Doors only open with food donation The weekend was considered a test run for Glenhurst Manor, a home at 11661 Glenhurst St. that has been transformed for the second year in a row into a haunted house. The Manor was open Saturday and Sunday nights, attracting more than 300 ghoul-lovers of all ages. It will reopen one last time on Halloween night, on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 10 p.m. Admission is by donation to the Friends In Need Food Bank. The first two nights, the hosts collected five tubs of food and about $300 in cash donations for the food bank.

Featuring Elvis Stojko, Kurt Browning, Joannie Rochette& holly cole

#HFOI

friday, December 6, 7:00PM

Tickets At

Or Call 1-855-985-5000

LangleyEvents

langleyeventscentre.com

View photos with

Missing

An opportunity for people that have... To help people that don’t

SATURDAY, DEC 7, 2013 1- 8 pm THIS IS HOW IT WORKS 1. ARE YOU SOMEONE IN NEED? 2. WE PROFESSIONALLY TAKE YOUR PORTRAIT 3. WE PRINT YOUR PORTRAIT 4. AND DELIVER IT TO YOU GOLDEN EARS

GIVE UNITED CHURCH

222 St.

223 St.

22165 DEWDNEY TRUNK RD., MAPLE RIDGE

221 St.

WHO CAN BENEFIT YOUR NEIGHBOUR THE HOMELESS THE OUT OF WORK A SINGLE MOM/DAD & KIDS THE SICK THE LONELY UNDERPRIVILEGED FAMILIES

Dunbar St.

door in Young’s neighbourhood, speaking with the people who live in the area. Traffic services members set up an information road check Friday, handing The search continues, and is intensifyout pamphlets to see if anyone remembers ing, for a Maple Ridge woman, seeing Anita at any time since Anita Young, who has not Oct. 5. been seen or heard from since Meanwhile, Ridge Meadows Saturday, Oct. 5. Search and Rescue did a second “Today is Anita’s 44th birthsearch of an area in and around day,” Ridge Meadows RCMP Young’s residential propSgt. Dale Somerville said erty and surrounding homes Friday. Saturday, including checking a “Police continue to receive number of backyards, as well and investigate reports of as couple acres of bush near Anita being seen in different Whonnock Lake. areas, but so far these leads The local team called on have not panned out. Ridge the support of searchers from Meadows RCMP are pulling Coquitlam, Surrey, Mission, out all the stops on this case,” and the Central Fraser Valley. he said. Police have already utilized Police recovered a bag of the RCMP’s Integrated Lower Young’s belongings on McNutt Anita Young has been Mainland District’s Police Dogs missing since Oct. 5. Road, just north of Dewdney Services and completed an Trunk Road, on Sunday Oct. aerial search, including the use 6. of a Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) Mounties are asking for anyone who camera. may have seen Young near this area to “So far all efforts to locate Anita call. have been met with negative results,” In particular, RCMP members would like Somerville said. to talk to anyone who spoke to or gave Anyone with information about Young’s her a ride. whereabouts is being asked to call Ridge Auxiliary constables are going door-toMeadows RCMP at 604-463-6251.

FREE PHOTOGRAPH FOR ANYONE IN NEED!

220 St.

Mounties claim to be pulling out all the stops to find Anita Young.

RIDGE MEADOWS

York St.

Search enters fourth week

HOPE

LOVE

or online at

www.mrtimes.com

Brown Ave.

Dewdney Trunk Rd

PEOPLE A SHIFT IN THINKING ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY

SPONSORED BY:

TO DONATE OR VOLUNTEER: smile@helpportraitridgemeadows.com helpportraitridgemeadows.com

Diamond Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

A14

Tuesday, October 29 , 2013

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Municipal politics

Pitt Meadows councillors go back to school

Leadership students interactrf with councillors during a special in-school meeting at Pitt Meadows Secondary.

that we ran out of time. I look forward to working with the students and staff of PMSS on several projects that help showcase their community pride.”

by Tracey Rayson

The Q&A section offered a lively exchange of thoughtful queries from students and detailed replies from council. “I was talking to Holly Burrows, our social studies department head, who organized this event,” Keenan said. “She told me that the kids wrote their questions themselves and were given class time to prepare. They were asked to write down what was on their mind, and what was important to them.” Can playing fields be improved? asked Ethan Chung. Holly Christianson inquired about the installation of more garbage cans and recycling bins. “The fact that students are conscious of our environment is impressive,” Walters said. “Those are the types of things that impress me a lot about our youth. The students were enthusiastic and their questions were really thoughtful and reasonable.” “I want to compliment all of you and express how proud I am of you,” the mayor told the students. “PMSS is near and dear to my heart. I was the dry grad chair in 2003 and 2005, and both my children are graduates of the school. I have a lot of pride for PMSS, and when you leave here, I hope you take that pride with you.”

Students question council

editorial@mrtimes.com

Tracey Rayson/TIMES

Pitt Meadows council held its council meeting at Pitt Meadows Secondary school on Oct. 17, as part of its efforts to reach out more to the community. centennial celebrations,” he added. “Feel free to come and visit us any time. Our doors are always open (to council), and we enjoy the opportunity to fill you in on what we’re thinking.”

Kids asked to help centennial

During the centennial presentation, Mark invited students to think about participating, and asked them to offer their time and skills to centennial celebrations. “We want you to consider how you can volunteer,” she said. “There are a lot of opportunities and fun jobs available, and you just need to pick what you are good at and get involved.” The school’s career centre is offering a work experience opportunity for any student – who wants a career in event planning or public relations – to be a part of the planning committee for the 100th anniversary. Additionally, Mark noted they need students’ ideas on entertainment, themes, activities, prizes, and contents, and revealed a list of centennial youth projects for students to volunteer their time, including citizens of the century, an art

show, a time capsule, a community banner program, May-pole dancing, and a video contest. Students expressed a variety of ideas of what they would like to see at the centennial celebrations. Suggestions ranged from a talent show, and museum involvement, to an obstacle course activity. “I was thrilled to see the students’ eagerness to get involved,” said Mark. “There were so many great suggestions

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

HAYWARD LAKE RESERVOIR BEACH CLOSURE EXTENDED SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER 2013 Access to the beaches on the Hayward Lake Reservoir will be closed this fall. The beaches have a very steep drop-off and cannot be used safely when the water is low. The drawdown extension is required for construction related to the Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse Upgrade Project. The Hayward Lake boat launch will also be out of service during the drawdown. The picnic grounds and the parking lot at the Hayward Lake Reservoir Recreation Area remain open. Other closures may be required for construction use or for safety requirements. For current closures, please check www.bchydro.com/ closures. For more information about the Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse Upgrade Project, please visit www.bchydro.com/ruskin, call 1 866 647 3334 or email stakeholderengagement@bchydro.com. 4016

Civic leaders and today’s youth gathered together for a special meeting with Pitt Meadows City council. The result was a mix of thoughtful discussion, inspiring ideas, and a shared enthusiasm for community, reflected Mayor Deb Walters. More than 40 Grade 10, 11, and 12 students at Pitt Meadows Secondary sat attentively in the bleachers of the school’s multi-purpose room recently for a unusual learning opportunity. The students were all from teacher John Rocca’s leadership class, and accompanied by principal Mike Keenan. “It might be the only time some of these kids see a council meeting,” Keenan said. Highlights included an introduction of council members, a PowerPoint planning update on Pitt Meadows 2014 centennial celebration by centennial coordinator Erin Mark, and a presentation by Grade 12 students Janelle Kent and Cole White – prepared by Duncan Stefurak and Mark Almariego. The inclusive meeting was capped off with a question-and-answer session between students and council members. Additionally, students wrote suggestions on colourful Post-It notes and affixed them to the “The Idea Board,” for council’s review at the next centennial planning meeting. Lorna Jones, director of human resources and communications for Pitt Meadows, used City swag as an incentive, throwing ballcaps to the first few students who offered up ideas. “I find it refreshing that our City leaders are connecting with the youth of the community by coming to ‘our house’ and listening to students’ feedback and what’s on their mind,” Keenan said. “I look forward to partnering with our community leaders in organizing and celebrating the many activities that will happen over the next year as part of the

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Resources fun and abundant

A15

Carrier of the week

Rylan Baerg

In advance of Halloween, there were a number of people dressing up in costumes and having their faces painted during the Community Resource Fair in Haney Place Mall. Among those anxious to have their faces done up were Amanda Hart-Dent and her brother, Colin. Along with the kids activities and crafts, the fair allowed residents of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge to connect with local services and businesses in town.

Congratulations on doing a fantastic job. As winner of one of our Good Sport Awards you get

ONE FREE SMALL PIZZA

22441 Dewdney Trunk Rd. MAPLE RIDGE

View photos with or online at

www.mrtimes.com

Mitch Thompson/TIMES

October 30 onward

What’s On

www.mrtimes.com Post events 10 days in advance by email to:

editorial@mrtimes.com

October 29: Halloween

• Pitt Meadows Library hosts a Halloween Special from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. Come to the library in a Halloween costume to hear scary tales and spooky legends. There will be a prize for best costume.

October 29: Autism

• Ridge Meadows Autism Information and Support Group hosts Dennis Tal of ABA Learning Center, sharing suggestions on having successful playdates for children with autism or other developmental disabililties. They meet at Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living, 11641 224 St., Maple Ridge, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. RSVP: tracy.hewgill@rmacl. org or 604-467-8700.

• Theatre in the Country presents its third show Sleuth. On Oct. 30, there will be a Halloween dessert preview, on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, there will be dinner theatre. On Nov. 9, 23, and 30, there will be luncheon shows, and on Sundays Nov. 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 4 p.m., there will be just be a performance. Theatre In The Country is located at 9975 272nd St., Maple Ridge. Info: office@theatreinthecountry. com or 604-259-9737.

October 31: Carnival

• Open Door Church presents a Halloween Carnival from 6 to 9 p.m. with games, prizes, candy, hot chocolate, and fun. The family event for kids and adults is free to attend. The church is at 11391 Dartford St., Maple Ridge. Info: 604-779-7229 or info@opendoorfamily.ca.

October 30: Fireworks

• Maple Ridge firefighters, the Lions Club, and Marv Jones Honda are hosting the annual community fireworks event at the Albion Fairgrounds, 23415 105th Ave., Maple Ridge. at 7:15 p.m.

October 31: Block party

• A neighbourhood harvest block party takes place from

REMEMBRANCE WEEK

CHURCH SERVICE Sunday, November 3rd at 11:00am with Pastor Bob Goos

at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88 12101-224th St. Maple Ridge

Members, families and guests welcome

5:30 to 9 p.m. There will be outdoor movies with popcorn, bouncy castles, play area, candy land, petting zoo, train rides, free hot dogs and hot chocolate, and food trucks for adults. The party takes place at 11011 Cameron Crt., Maple Ridge.

November 1: Music

• Local chanteuse Wendy Biscuit returns to Kingfishers Waterfront Grill, 23840 River Rd., for her first hometown performance in almost a year, along with a talented group of the jazz and blues players from Vancouver from 9 p.m. to midnight. Reservations recommended at 604-463-0094. Info: www. wendybiscuit.com.

November 2: Bazaar

• A “Classy Bazaar” will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Golden Ears United Church at 222nd Street and Dewdney Trunk Road.

Space is still available at $30 per booth. Info: Sue Kellas at 604-463-961.

November 2: Market

• Haney Farmers Market is in the greenhouses at Grow and Gather, 24565 Dewdney Trunk Rd., holding its final member appreciation day of the season. There will be a variety show in the Café Corner. Info: www.haneyfarmersmarket.org or 604467-7433, ext 2.

November 2: The ACT

• The Grapes of Wrath perform at The ACT at 8 p.m. The band recently released High Road, their first album in 22 years to feature all three of the band’s original members. Tickets can be bought by calling 604-4762787, by going to www. theactmapleridge.org, or by going to The ACT box office, 11944 Haney Pl. Full list: www.mrtimes.com

We’ll meet you in the

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT

MEAT DRAWS EVERY TUES., THURS., FRI., SAT., SUN. FULL DINING DAILY EXCEPT MONDAYS KARAOKE WITH PHIL EVERY THURSDAY NOV 1-2 ...................... CHEEK TO CHEEK NOV 3 ................................ LINDA JONES NOV 8-9............................... BRIAN ZALO NOV 10-11 ......................... SWEETWATER NOV 15-16..................MIDNIGHT EAGLES NOV 17............ MIDNIGHT EAGLES (JAM) NOV 22-23 ............................. RECKLESS NOV 24 ................................... GREY CUP NOV 29 ........................................BULLET NOV 30 ................................RON ULRICH

GREY CUP PARTY

Sunday, Nov. 24

Bullying damages our kids.

Do something about it. Coast Capital Savings and United Way are preventing bullying. Join us. uwlm.ca/preventbullying

Get your fun ticket…only $14 Includes: Half time buffet tail-gate party, free meat draw ticket, free square entry, Drink specials all day. Door prizes will include hats, t-shirts and other great items.

NOW FOR YOUR ADDED CONVENIENCE WHEN VISITING THE LOUNGE MEMBERS & GUESTS WELCOME. ASK ABOUT OUR FUNDRAISERS.

12101-224th St. Maple Ridge 604.463.5101 (Ofﬁce & Lounge)

Give. Volunteer. Act.

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Sports On Deck

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Recreation

Rookie team’s flame keeps flickering

Pitt Meadows Marauders beat the G.W. Graham Grizzlies Friday.

Grizzlies ripped up

by Troy Landreville

Pitt Meadows Secondary’s Marauders football team devastated G.W. Graham Secondary Grizzlies at the exhibition fields in Chilliwack Friday night. The junior varsity team from Pitt won 36-0. Their next game is against Langley Saints on Friday, Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. on the Langley field. Plus, on the football front, stay tuned to The TIMES for results of the Junior Bantam Knights game Saturday against Langley Bears. • More photos at www.mrtimes. com, click on “Sports”

Getting kids skiing The Canadian Ski Council has a long-time tradition of giving discounted ski passes to Grade 4 and 5 students, in an effort to get kids interested in the sport. So, once again, they’re announcing the ski and snowboarding passes are available for $29.95, and accepted at more than 150 ski areas in Canada. Info at www.snowpass.ca. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”

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

Hockey

The local juniors had mixed results late last week, and will look to inch closer to the .500 mark when they visit the Delta Ice Hawks tonight.

Patrick Bartolo/Special to The TIMES

A16

View photos with or online at

www.mrtimes.com

tlandreville@mrtimes.com

The Ridge Meadows Flames’ win some/lose some pattern continued late last week. The local junior B squad fell 5-2 to the Richmond Sockeyes Thursday at Richmond Arena, then rebounded quickly with a 5-3 victory over the visiting North Delta Devils Friday at Planet Ice. The Flames are 4-3-0-1 in October. Heading into tonight’s (Tuesday, Oct. 29) game against the Delta Ice Hawks at the Ladner Leisure Centre, the Flames are 5-7-21 and sit alone in third place in the Pacific Junior Hockey League’s five-team Harold Brittain Conference. Ridge Meadows head coach Jamie Fiset attributed the Flames’ continued quest for consistency to age and experience. The Flames have a whopping 14 rookies in their lineup. “We knew going into the season with the young roster we have, and all the rookies we have, that

Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES

The Flames defeated the North Delta Devils at home at Planet Ice on Friday, 5-3. consistency would be a challenge at times,” Fiset said. “I look at our game against Richmond and we played a pretty good game for most part. A few bad shifts in the second period was the turning point.” Flames 5, North Delta Devils 3 Up 1-0 after the opening 20 minutes, the Flames dominated

the second frame, tacking on four more goals to carry a 5-0 lead into the third period. Marco Ballerin with two, MacLean Hewitt, Dale Howell, and Brandon Inwood gave the home team a five-goal cushion heading into the final period of play. “That’s one of the nice things about having a young roster,”

Fiset said. “The guys can reset and refocus. We got off to a good start and played a very simple game from there. We’ve shown we can bounce back.” Fiset liked the effort, in particular during the first two periods, from his Flames. The Devils rallied in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals, but were in far too deep of a hole at that point. “We got a little bit sloppy in the third period and they came on pretty strong,” Fiset said. “That refocused us and we finished the finished game.” Ridge Meadows outshot North Delta 35-26 on the night. ICE CHIPS: A Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association product, Boston Colley started the season with the Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League before joining the Flames. Ballarin leads the Flames in scoring with 17 points in 14 games. Oddy isn’t far behind with 15 points. Both veterans have nine goals on the season. Tonight’s game in Ladner gets underway at 7:30 p.m.

• More about the Flames game against Richmond at www.mrtimes.com

MARCHING INTO THE PLAYOFFS PRESENTED BY

SCAN WITH LAYAR TO SAVE ON YOUR EVERYDAY PURCHASES

A20

Tuesday, October 29 , 2013

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Women’s Plush-lined Hoodies Peacock teal, ripe raspberry, eggnog, heather grey. Sizes XS–2XL. (3AFCDHFH3-403) Our Reg. $59.99 SALE $44.99

ALL

SAVE

25%

WOMEN’S PJ SETS A. 3-piece Tee and Flannel Pants/Shorts Set Assorted colours. Sizes S–2XL. (3AFGDHFH3-711)

Our Reg. $39.99 SALE $29.99 More styles available in-store.

SILVER JEANS

B. 2-piece Graphic Tee and Mink Fleece Pants Set Assorted colours. Sizes S–2XL. (3AFGDHFH3-707)

Our Reg. $34.99–$39.99 SALE $26.24–$29.99

SAV E

25%

Leather Moccasins, Cable-knit Booties and Mules Assorted colours. Sizes 6–11 full only. (5DQGDHFH3308/09/10/11/12/13/15/16/17)

Our Reg. $19.99–$34.99

NEW ARRIVAL

WOMEN’S SUKI BABY BOOT

WOMEN’S SLI PP ERS

FROM

19 99

Sale Ends Nov. 4, 2013

22722 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge

604.463.7277

YOUR WORKBOOT EXPERTS

Local shops support local teams and events. Shop local ... Everyone benefits

MON-FRI 9AM - 9PM • SAT 9AM - 6PM • SUN 10AM - 5PM