Richmond News December 15 2022

Delilah the chihuahua (inset) was found shivering and in poor health in a cardboard box in Richmond. She has been reunited with her family, almost 3 years after going missing from their front yard

fantastic, system insane

Eve Edmonds

It is news to precisely no one that our health care system is in crisis. Yet, when it hits close to home, it is truly shocking to see just how dysfunctional a fundamental institution of our society has become in such short order

I say short order, but I know those in the profession have been warning of this for some time. Still, the difference between the care my mother got when she left the hospital in October 2019 and what my dad is getting now well, you’d think we’re living in a different country

Here’s just one example, when my mom left the hospital, a prescription was sent to the Red Cross for the temporary use of some items to make her transition home smoother a walker, bed rail, etc.

At home, she was visited by an occupational therapist to ensure she could get around safely. Meanwhile, personal care aids were sent in every morning for the

first week to help get her up and going. (Although, she quickly dispensed of that when they started laying out her clothes for the day.)

Just over a week ago, my dad was in ER (for a mere 10.5 hours) because of an infection on his leg. I won’t go into the whole sordid story, but one of the upshots is he needs a wheelchair.

The transition nurse at the hospital said she’d request one from Red Cross, and I may be able pick it up the next day Two days later, I was told “we’re stuck.” She then sent me a list of vendors, suggesting I find my own wheelchair

When we asked about home support for my dad, we were told to submit my parents’ notice of assessment. We did the same for my mom, but clearly requirements have changed as we didn’t qualify this time despite their income being the same. Again, we were told to go find our own private home support.

And here’s the latest, my dad requires a home IV set up, which involves hav-

ing a bag of medication changed daily My parents can’t do it. I have asked the pharmacy, who we pay to come in daily to administer medication, but they’re not qualified. The private home support we’ve hired are not qualified. And I’ve already taken a week off work to take him to the IV clinic, I can’t take another one.

At the clinic, I asked what will happen if I can’t find anyone to change this bag. Their reply was telling.

Because our health care system doesn’t have the resources to send a nurse over to my parents for 10 minutes a day to change a medication bag, my dad would have to go back down to emergency, clog up the waiting room with a non-emergency, so he could be admitted into the hospital where he’d take up an expensive bed and be seen regularly by specialists he doesn’t need to be seen by for possibly weeks. All so this bag could be changed once a day

When they told me that, I suggested we just pause for a minute to appreciate the true insanity of this situation. They burst

out laughing and shook their heads saying, “you don’t have to tell us.”

I want to stress, through out my various dealings with the hospital and the health care system, I’ve met nothing but fantastic people. They are caring, compassionate and true professionals, but they’re working in an untenable situation. It appears governments have simply ceded primary home health to the private sector

Right now the provincial governments are squabbling with the federal health minister regarding health care funding. The provinces want more money, the feds want to see a long-term strategy for that money The situation I just described is not just about money, it’s about where the money is going. But figuring out how to change the flow and create a more integrated system also takes resources.

I want to believe things will change, that public primary care and home health will be given its due. But, right now, I’m left with a truly disheartening sense of abandonment and confusion as I try to negotiate this fractured system.

MP defends attendance LETTERS

Dear Editor,

Re: “What were they thinking?“ Letters, Dec. 11.

I am writing in response to Joanne Teraguchi’s letter

First, I thank Ms. Teraguchi for her close attention to the issue of foreign interference.

This is a matter that I and our government take very seriously Our commitment to defending against interference is evidenced in our work.

MPs on the Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC) have spent four meetings studying possible election interference.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be appearing at the meeting of today’s committee to answer MPs’ questions and update the members on what the federal government is doing to counter efforts to interfere with Canada’s elections.

As a member of the Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI), I supported a motion to study at-

tempts by foreign governments to interfere in our elections to begin in the new year I look forward to seeing the PROC committee’s report and taking up the study in the ETHI committee.

The event in question was advertised as a way to recognize the charitable efforts of numerous organizations toward flood relief, Richmond Hospital and numerous contributions to our local community That is all I attended for

As our prime minister has stated, we know of reports on Chinese police stations operating in Canada, including one reported to be in Vancouver

This is something that our public safety officials and agencies are looking into and will continue to focus on closely, and we are all remaining vigilant to keep Canadians safe.

Furthermore, I am personally committed to work with all our public safety agencies to keep Richmond safe.

Parm Bains MP, STEVESTON-RICHMOND EAST

Stranger spreads joy

Dear Editor,

I wanted to share a wonderful story of something that happened to our family this last weekend when we were out buying our Christmas tree

One of our favourite traditions is picking out a real tree for our home and we went to the lot on Steveston Highway and Gilbert Road The staff are always really friendly and one of them showed us around and explained all about the different trees, etc

There was warm apple cider to sip, a campfire and lovely Christmas music playing The snow on the ground also added to the wonderful winter feeling

We walked all around and finally found the tree we wanted to bring home We brought the tree to get wrapped up and I went to pay What a lovely surprise when I handed her my card and someone said, “Merry Christmas Your tree was just bought for you by this man ”

We turned around and met a man who was there with his own two grown kids

spreading Christmas joy and buying trees for families at the lot We were filled with gratitude for the kind gesture

He was wearing an amazing Christmas blazer and just chatting with the families taking in the fun

We were genuinely touched by the lovely gift and it was the perfect way to start off the Christmas season It truly made us reflect on the meaning of the season doing kind things for other people without the expectation of anything in return

On behalf of all the families you bought trees for, we wanted to say a sincere thank you for your kindness

In the hustle and bustle of the season, it was wonderful to know there are people who just want to spread some Christmas joy with others

That’s what it’s all about

Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with health, happiness, joy and laughter

Lorri Johnson and family STEVESTON

“Spider-Man” climbs tower

Vikki Hui VHU @R CHMOND-NEWS COM

It appears Spider-Man is not the only one who likes to scale tall buildings in the chill of the night

A man was spotted climbing an east Richmond apartment building in the wee hours of Sunday morning although he wasn’t spinning webs or catching thieves, just trying to get back into a party, according to one witness

In a video, sent to the Richmond News, a man is seen climbing onto the balcony frame of a lower apartment unit to get access to a secondfloor balcony around 4:30 a m on Dec 11

Richmond resident Jason Trieu, owner of the lower floor unit, told the News he was woken by his wife, who in turn had been woken by the ruckus caused by the climber

“It took me by surprise with a rude awakening push from my wife to wake me, ” said Trieu, adding that his dogs “went nuts” running around and barking

The Spider-man-wannabe, who ap-

peared to be in a “drunken state,” tried phoning his friends to let him back into the building, but no one picked up, according to Trieu. He then started climbing the side of the building by using the apartment balconies

“I was going to walk him to his friend’s unit, but he wasn’t sure which unit number he was from in his drunken state,” said Trieu

Despite Trieu’s attempt to convince the man to come back down, he “insisted on climbing up ”

“At that point, I knew I couldn’t stop him, so I stood there and was anticipating his fall ”

However, the man made it safely to the second-floor balcony, but that wasn’t the end of his climbing adventure

He continued up to the third floor, and while he safely got into that unit, Trieu called Richmond RCMP to inform them of the incident

The News has reached out to the RCMP for comment but didn’t hear back by press time

Loo asks to adopt new antisemitism definition

forward by Vancouver councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung last month

Richmond councillor Alexa Loo is asking the city to adopt a definition of antisemitism that was the subject of some controversy last month in Vancouver

The non-legally binding “working definition” was created by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), and reads “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews ”

It continues to say, “Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

A similar motion was brought

But, according to Vancouver Coun Pete Fry, the definition was opposed by Independent Jewish Voices, which sent in an email with 1,300 signatures

In their letter, Independent Jewish Voices say the Palestinian Youth Movement, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, the Canadian Arab Institute, the BC Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Association of University Teachers and several other groups oppose the definition

“It intentionally conflates antiSemitism with criticism of Israel and Zionism, and support for Palestinian rights,” the letter said “The adoption of the IHRA definition poses a threat to academic freedom, freedom of expression and the right to protest Israel’s violations of international law

Examples of antisemitism cited

after the definition include “manifestation targeting the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity ” But it further clarifies that “criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic ”

However, in October, a U N report called the “adoption, promotion and implementation” by various states of this definition of antisemitism as being a “politically motivated instrumentalization of the fight against antisemitism ”

Loo’s motion further suggests the motion be shared with the RCMP, Richmond Public Library and the board of education for their “ review and consideration as an additional practical and educational tool in identifying antisemitism ”

The motion will come to a council committee meeting Dec 19 with files from Mike Howell/VIA

Cops probe yet another fight outside bar

Richmond RCMP is currently investigating a large fight that broke out in front of Steveston’s Buck & Ear last week

Police responded to reports of a fight at the bar on Third Avenue just before 1 a m last Friday, Dec 3, according to Richmond RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dennis Hwang

Multiple officers arrived at the scene to “break up the altercation and tend to anyone injured,” said Hwang

He added it was a “large fight with multiple people” with “ some possibly armed with knives ”

A video from Richmond resident Ron Dee shows multiple police vehicles parked along Third Avenue as patrons of the club and pedestrians looked on.

“One person was observed with laceration on their hand but did not wish (for) medical assistance,” said Hwang, adding that that most of the people involved had consumed alcohol and some were cooperative with police No knives were located

Police are currently investigating the matter. Just one month ago, at least two people were injured in another late-night fight outside the same bar

‘Scary’ sound was catalytic theft from car

A Richmond woman was surprised by a “loud and scary ” sound coming from the back of her car, before learning the catalytic converter was stolen

Shashi Goel was getting ready to drive her kids to school when she heard a loud noise, “like the motorbike” upon starting her car

The noise startled Goel and her kids, and they decided to walk to school instead

Suspecting it was “ a muffler issue,” Goel took it to the mechanic, where she was told someone had “taken out the catalytic converter ”

Goel said the catalytic converter was “expensive” and as an international student living in Richmond with her family, it was “another additional stress” during rising costs of living

“It sinks you, ” she said.

She decided to report it to the police and suspected it could be an issue that affected others in her building, as the underground parking lot had no garage gates and no security cameras

Richmond RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dennis Hwang confirmed police have received Goel’s report about the stolen part, adding her parking lot had “minimal security features ”

According to Hwang, 172 catalytic converter thefts in Richmond have been reported within just six months in 2022, between June 1 and Dec. 1. Last year, 230 catalytic converters were reported stolen within the first nine months

Hwang said catalytic converter thefts are “ a problem across Canada” and they are “ very costly to replace ”

Vikki Hui/Richmond

A man tried to scale up to the third floor of a condo building after apparently being locked out by his friends

Maria

Vikki Hui VHU @RICHMOND-NEWS COM

Sign

Asbestos, fall hazard net $5,000 fines: WorkSafe

Two different businesses with worksites in Richmond were fined for asbestos and safety violations, respectively

Penta Done Construction Limited was fined $5,000 due to an asbestos violation in a pre-1990 house that was scheduled to be

demolished.

WorkSafeBC also ordered a stop-work order on Oct. 25.

The site was inspected by WorkSafeBC staff who found a pile of debris that had asbestoscontaining material, according to the agency’s website.

“No containment was in place, and no documentation was available to indicate that materials had been removed using safe work practices,” said WorkSafeBC.

In another case, the agency fined Forever Homes Limited

$5,000 for “exposing (workers) to a fall risk.”

According to WorkSafeBC, a worker, who was also a representative of the firm, was on a sloped roof with “no fall protection in place.”

Valerie Leung/News

Councillor balks at bike lane price tag

Maria Rantanen MRANTANEN@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

One city councillor took issue with the cost of building a bike lane on Steveston Highway while another questioned why it wasn’t located on Williams Road

The $5 7 million price tag for a multi-use pathway, from Railway Avenue to No 2 Road, was called into question by Coun Carol Day during city council’s budget deliberations last Monday.

“These dollars just blow my mind,” Day said

The cost of the entire multi-use pathway that will eventually run from Shell Road to Railway Avenue on the south side of Steveston Highway will be about $14 million, but about half of the new segment is expected to be paid for by a TransLink grant.

Much of the city’s portion of the cost comes from developer fees Day asked city staff whether the cost of the multi-use pathway for cyclists and pedestrians could be trimmed

Lloyd Bie, director of transportation with the city, said it would cost about one-tenth to just paint lines on Steveston Highway, but he said city staff have been directed by council to create separated pathways when building on arterial roads

Furthermore, Bie said, if the bike path were put somewhere else, the city wouldn’t get funding from TransLink for it because TransLink has identified Steveston Highway as a part of the regional bike network

During the municipal election, Day was surveyed by the cycling advocacy group Hub, and she said she would like to see the budget for cycling infrastructure increased

At the same meeting, Coun. Laura Gillanders said she was surprised the multi-

use pathway was being built on Steveston Highway as she understood Williams Road was the preferred option

“Even with the funding, I personally don’t know if we would want it on Steveston Highway,” Gillanders said “But the previous council did, so I respect that ”

The three-metre-wide cycling and pedestrian path will be separated from vehicular traffic and include changes to the road lanes, more lighting and new crosswalks

Construction on the section from Shell Road to Mortfield Gate is expected to begin in early 2023, and the section from Mortfield to No 2 Road is expected to be done next summer.

Volunteers needed

Do you want to help the City of Richmond be more accessible?

Richmond Accessibility Advisory Committee Volunteer Opportunity

A Richmond Accessibility Advisory Committee is being created to respond to the municipal requirement of the new Accessible British Columbia Act.

The City of Richmond is encouraging residents to submit an application to become a member of the new Richmond Accessibility Advisory Committee (RAAC) and serve for a two-year term. The RAAC will act as a resource and provide advice to City Council to support the advancement of accessibility in the city so people with disabilities are able to participate fully in all aspects of community life.

Committee members will include citizen representatives who are either persons with disabilities and/or their families and caregivers, or who are individuals who have made substantial contributions to advancing accessibility

Persons interested in this volunteer opportunity are invited to submit an application form and supporting resume by:

• email to cityclerk@richmond.ca

• in person/via mail to Attention: City Clerk, Richmond City Hall, 6911 No.3 Road, Richmond, BC, V6Y 2C1

The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Application forms are available:

• on the City’s website at www.richmond.ca/cityhall/council/boards/ advisory

• at the Customer Service Desk at Richmond City Hall

• by email request to cityclerk@richmond.ca

For further information, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at cityclerk@richmond.ca or 604-276-4007.

The city is striking a Richmond Accessibility Advisory Committee and is seeking seven people who have a disability or are caring for someone with a disability to give advice and act as a resource

to city council to make the city more accessible.

The city is looking for four volunteer committee members interested in advancing accessibility, one Indigenous representative, one senior and one youth.

The committee will also include five people from various organizations.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 4 at 5 p.m.

Application forms and information on the new committee are available at Richmond.ca search for “accessibility advisory committee.”

Maria Rantanen/ Richmond News

New rental complex displaces old rental

Maria Rantanen MRANTANEN@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

Some local residents don’t want 330 rental units in their neighbourhood while at least one housing advocate doesn’t understand why there’s such opposition to a rental complex

But stuck in the middle are 50 families currently living in a townhouse complex on Azure Road who will have to pack up and move out when the property is redeveloped

Wendy Torris moved into a two-bedroom unit at Sun Valley Terrace 30 years ago when she was married and expecting her first child A few years later, she moved into a larger unit in the same complex where she raised her family and she still lives there with her daughter and son-in-law

Four years ago, she started hearing about the property being redeveloped, and that set off concerns about where she would go when the complex was eventually torn down to make way for three apartment buildings

Given the current housing crisis and lack of rentals, there’s “not a lot of options” for the 50 families living there, she said Just scanning through Craiglist doesn’t give her much hope of finding an equivalent home especially at the rent she’s cur-

rently paying, which is less than $1,200 a month.

Basement suites in Richmond listed on Craigslist are going for $2,000 per month.

Torris doesn’t want to leave Richmond where she’s lived since elementary school

“I do love it here I like the community,” she said “It’s where my roots are ”

While the current tenants will get the right of first refusal, they will have to live elsewhere in the meantime, she pointed out

The developer has agreed to let current tenants move to the new complex and will give the equivalent of four months rent to those being displaced this was part of the agreement with city hall to develop the property

Three apartment buildings to replace townhouse complex

The townhouse complex is situated on a three-acre lot surrounded by trees and bushes Two-storey high townhouses are arranged around courtyards with greenspace, children’s play areas and parking

The plan is to replace the entire complex with three apartment buildings, two fourstorey ones and one six-storey one with parking on the ground level When fully built out, there will be 50 affordable rental units, 110 moderate income rental units and 170 market rentals

When her children were young, Torris spent a lot of time in the courtyard with other parents watching their kids

“We knew each other, we looked out for each other,” she said.

An apartment complex, like the one proposed, or even a single-family-home area

wouldn’t necessarily have the same neighbourly support, Torris added

The new management company gave them a written notice four years ago that this development was coming down the pike, but since then there hasn’t been any communication on the subject.

In October, city council gave the goahead for the 330-unit development after a public hearing where many residents from the single-family homes in the area spoke against it, worried about the scale of the development, intrusion on their privacy, parking and traffic problems as well as the risk of increased crime in the area with that many renters.

This last remark didn’t sit well with Torris, who attended the meeting suggesting crime goes up with renters was “off-putting,” she said

“I take a lot of pride in my house whether I’m renting or not,” she said.

On the one hand, she is concerned about where she will move to, on the other hand, she realizes nothing can stay forever and redevelopment is inevitable

“I understand change is not easy, ” she said.

In the meantime, she is enjoying her backyard, her “oasis” in a growing city.

Wendy Torris for full story at Richmond-News.com

Higher fees proposed for developers

Maria Rantanen

MRANTANEN@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

The City of Richmond will need almost $2 8 billion over the next 25 years to build all the roads, sewers, drainage systems and other infrastructure it needs

And two-thirds of this could come from development fees, something that one Richmond developer says will be passed on to buyers

City staff has proposed large increases to the development cost charges (DCCs) that developers pay when building new housing, business parks or industrial buildings

Fees paid by developers to build a house, townhouse or apartment will increase between 42 and 54 per cent But the biggest jump will be for major industrial projects, with DDCs costing developers

about $220,000 per acre, up from the current $103,000 per acre

Dana Westermark, a Richmond developer, called these proposed DCCs “punishing,” saying they will ultimately be passed on to buyers

“It affects the end price of all housing,” he said “(It’s) delusional thinking somehow development will absorb the cost and it won’t get passed on ”

Apartments and townhouses will see a per-square-foot increase of about $10, going from the current $23 per square foot to about $33 per square foot

Commercial and institutional DCCs will go from the current $15 per square foot to almost $24 per square foot.

He pointed out the proposed Richmond DCCs are some of the highest in the Lower Mainland

The new DCCs will be higher than those in Surrey, Langley, New Westminster and Delta

For example, development fees for a single-family home in Delta are about $21,000 while Richmond is proposing fees of almost $68,000 (currently about $41,000)

Some infrastructure costs are estimated to increase dramatically for example, the city says it needs to increase DCCs collected for drainage two-and-ahalf-fold, from about $167 million to $583 million by 2047

costs for infrastructure like dyking should be placed on development or be spread out more evenly among existing residents

Development cost charges affect the “end price of all housing ”

DANA WESTERMARK

Westermark questioned whether

“Is that fair to place that on new development, or should every resident be contributing?” he said (Property taxes in Richmond do include a drainage utility fee, for example, a single-family home paid $173 in 2022 )

Westermark said there’s no argument infrastructure is needed and there’s a “strong reason ” to be aggressive on climate change

But, in addition to spreading out

the cost among existing residents, he also questioned whether more should not be paid for by senior levels of government Council

endorses increases

City council endorsed the DCC increases in July with Coun Michael Wolfe the only one voting in opposition and the next step is seeking public feedback before they are changed

The feedback period has been extended to Dec. 16, this Friday.

The three key drivers are higher land values and increased building construction costs, which have gone up by 45 per cent in the past five years The “appropriate level” of DCCs are needed to “fund the required new infrastructures to support the population growth that new development brings to the City,” a city staff report to council notes

Wendy Torris has lived in a rental building on Azure Road for 30 years

Maria Rantanen photo

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City sues firm after diesel spill in canal

Alan Campbell ACAMPBELL@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

The City of Richmond has filed a lawsuit against a diesel re-fueling business, after fuel spilled onto city property and then into a ditch which discharges into a canal

The city is claiming damages from Pro-Quip On-site Diesel Refuelling, Terra-Nisa Property Holdings and a Steve Porchetta, who’s a director of the two companies situated in east Richmond, close to where Westminster Highway crosses over Highway 91.

In its lawsuit filed at the BC Supreme Court, the city alleges that in or around January 2021, Pro-Quip and its employees and agents caused diesel fuel to escape onto the Terra-Nisa Property on Hamilton Road and on to city land.

“In particular, the diesel fuel entered a ditch, which runs along Hamilton Road and discharges into the Queen’s Canal, which runs along Fraserwood Way and under Highway 10 and 91,” claims the city in its suit.

The canal forms part of a recreational trail, which runs from the south end of Smith Drive in east Richmond, north to River Road crossing Westminster Highway

According to the suit, Terra-Nisa “owed surrounding property owners, including the City, a duty of care to ensure that Pro-Quip implement practices and procedures to ensure that its operations were carried in a manner that would not result in hazardous substances escaping ”

The lawsuit alleges that Pro-Quip and Terra Nisa did not have a spill-response program in place to “mitigate and abate the resulting damage caused by the escape ”

It further claimed that the defendants failed to properly train and supervise employees and/or agents responsible for handling hazardous substances on the property and failed to maintain proper inspection and maintenance systems to prevent the escape of hazardous substances

The city also alleges that the defendants failed to warn the city of the spill, when they ought to have known it would result in contamination and migration

As a result of the defendants’ alleged actions and/or inactions, the land in question became a “contaminated site” which Pro-Quip, claims the city, failed to remediate

As such, the city alleges it has incurred costs to restore the contaminated areas, including the costs of “investigating, controlling, monitoring and remediating the spill and contamination ”

The defendants have yet to reply to the lawsuit and none of the allegations have been proven in court

Dog lost three years ago found alive in box in Richmond

Hui VHUI@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

A holiday miracle has happened as an “extremely cold, skinny and scared” chihuahua was reunited with her owner after three years

Mary Kleiner, who picked up Delilah the chihuahua from BC SPCA Richmond yesterday, said she was in “disbelief” when a community member told her Delilah might have been found

“I was just like, ‘Oh, God It’s been so many years Like, seriously, someone ’ s gonna do this to me now?’”

But when Kleiner and her family saw the pictures on BC SPCA Richmond’s Facebook, they knew the spotted chihuahua who looked like a mix of a cat, a dog and a cow had to be Delilah

“And she lost her teeth when she was like 10 years old, and so her tongue sticks out,” Kleiner added

An employee at Trail Appliances on Sweden Way in Richmond had found Delilah in

“She just happened to look out (the shop window) at the right time,” said Michel

“She saw something moving out of a cardboard box She thought it was like a rabbit and it looked like it was struggling.”

Upon closer inspection, the employee realized it was a chihuahua and quickly reported it to BC SPCA’s Richmond branch

Michel said staff at BC SPCA were “almost all brought to tears” by the chihuahua’s condition

“She was very old It was freezing, she was super skinny,” she explained

The chihuahua was rushed to the vet and staff put a post on Facebook to try to find more information about her

The Facebook post, which described the chihuahua as “cold, skinny and scared” was shared more than 120 times in the past few days, and it was updated to let community members know that, while she would be “needing a lot of care, ” she was safe

Word soon spread to Kleiner, who immediately provided photos of Delilah that matched the found chihuahua’s distinctive features Staff also found an email from Kleiner back in 2020, when she reported Delilah missing Delilah, who had been with Kleiner and her family since she was a two-month-old puppy in 2008, liked to “hang out” in the front yard and would always return home “And one day (in 2020), she just didn’t come back,” Kleiern recalled

Despite the family’s efforts to find Delilah, including putting up posters around the

neighbourhood and contacting the media, they never managed to find her They had feared the worse, such as the possibility of Delilah getting hit by a car or being eaten by a coyote, but they hoped that she was just taken in by a family who “needed her more ”

In a touching video of the reunion, Kleiner could be seen placing Delilah gently into a blanket before taking Delilah into her arms Delilah had come from a big family of seven, and some of Kleiner’s kids had never met Delilah before.

As Delilah appears to have trouble seeing and she’s still adjusting to being back at home, the Kleiner family is taking it “hour by hour” as they care for her.

“We don’t know how long we have with her,” said Kleiner.

And now that Delilah is home again, Kleiner is hoping to find out more about Delilah’s lost years

“I’m not upset I just would like more information If she was in good care and loved (in) those many years, that’s fantastic That’s all we can ask for,” she said

a cardboard box, according to BC SPCA Richmond’s spokesperson Emma Michel

Delilah has now been reunited with her family

Vikki

City gaming grants top$1.5M

Richmond sports and arts groups have received their annual gaming grants to support their activities with a total of more than $1.5 million allocated to several dozen groups

Arts grants total about $370,000 while sports groups received about $1.2 million.

Community gaming grants, distributed annually by the provin-

cial government, come from revenue from lotteries, sports betting and casinos

Some of the larger arts and cultural grants include Gateway Theatre at $85,000 and Richmond Art Gallery Association and Richmond Music School Society at $50,000 each.

In the meantime, the Richmond Jets received a grant of

$175,000, Tennis BC received $119,000 and Connaught Skating Club received $90,000.

The City of Richmond also receives funding from gambling, namely from River Rock Casino This is estimated to be about $14 5 million annually, 10 per cent of its net revenues.

The province announced the community grants this week at the

Richmond Olympic Oval, with a wheelchair basketball demonstration.

BC Wheelchair Sports Association received a grant of $182,500 while BC Wheelchair Basketball Society received a grant of $104,765 Both are based in Vancouver.

Maria Rantanen/ Richmond News

One overdose a day in Richmond

Maria Rantanen MRANTANEN@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

Paramedics respond on average to one overdose or drug poisoning every day in Richmond.

The number of deaths from toxic drugs, as reported by the BC Coroners Service, are low in Richmond compared to other communities like Vancouver and Surrey, with 24 so far in 2022

But of the 24 deaths this year in Richmond, 18 took place inside residences 14 in private homes and four in other residences Three deaths occurred outdoors, and three weren’t specified by the coroner ’ s service

The coroner ’ s office reported 179 deaths from toxic drugs in the province in October, with fentanyl and other deadly chemicals causing fatalities There were no deaths in Richmond in October from toxic drugs, according to the coroner

Across B C , as of Oct 31, 1,827 people have died this year from drug poisonings

According to BC Emergency Health Services, paramedics responded to well over 35,000 overdoses in B C last year, almost 100 every day on average

As of late November, paramedics had responded to 340 overdose patients in Richmond Last year, they responded to 383

‘Continuum of care’ needed Donna Colpitts, who has worked as a counsellor with people in recovery from addiction, said there’s a need for a “continuum of care ” for those struggling with addictions in Richmond, including a safe supply of drugs, harm reduction, detox facilities, treatment, recovery and after-care

She noted there are many people in Richmond who are in recovery and leading productive lives

“In today’s toxic supply environment, many of them may not have survived long enough to get there,” she said “Relapse is usually a part of recovery and, with the drug toxicity we have now, relapse can mean death instead of a step on the journey ”

As for harm reduction, there are

no publicly accessible safe-injection sites in Richmond, where drug users can be supervised while injecting and where drugs can be tested for toxins The health authority, however, provides clean supplies to drug users

One political party, the Richmond Community Coalition which Coun Chak Au belongs to, released a statement during the recent municipal election, saying

it was in “principled opposition” to safe-injection sites in Richmond

But many drug user advocates say the best solution is having an untainted supply of drugs as much of what is sold on the street contains high levels of fentanyl, carfentanil and increasingly benzodiazepines that can be deadly

This would have to come from the federal government, which

regulates drugs and pharmaceuticals.

While at the Richmond Jewish Day School recently Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had a “good discussion” on the issue of drug toxicity deaths with B C Premier David Eby

“We were happy to move forward with B.C. on landmark steps on drug supply,” Trudeau said, although he didn’t specify what these steps were

Premier David Eby, at the same event, said there’s a “lot of work to do in the health-care system,” and part of that is addressing mental health and addiction

“I’ve already met too many parents who lost kids, too many families who have been hurt by the opioid crisis, and British Columbia will continue to do everything possible to address the toxic drug supply and support people struggling with addiction and address this issue in our province,” Eby said

Youth want housing, life skills before treatment

drugs in B C , “Youth Voices on Treatment: In the Shadow of the Overdose Crisis,” was published last week by the BC Centre on Substance Use

Young people struggling with drugs don’t necessarily want treatment before they have the rest of their lives figured out, namely housing, employment and romantic relationships

When they access treatment without dealing with these issues first, leaving treatment often means going back to the social conditions that triggered their substance use, explained Danya Fast, a research scientist with the BC Centre on Substance Use and a professor at UBC’s Department of Medicine

“However, in the absence of desirable housing and adequate income, youth were often left with the crushing sense that, despite their efforts, treatment would not ultimately help them to ‘get somewhere better,’” a recent report noted

Since 2016, 1,600 people in B C under the age of 30 have died from drug overdoses or drug poisonings

A study of young people who were using

It includes recommendations on how young people felt they could best be helped, from getting adequate housing and jobs, not being seen as just a “file,” to acceptance by service providers of cannabis as a harm reduction strategy

The young people whom the study followed for several years spoke of their hopes and dreams for a better life, with homes and jobs, to be able to spend time with friends, family and romantic partners, pursue hobbies and leisure activities, and go to school and get a career

Often, young people felt the medical system was “pushing” medical treatment programs, like methadone, suboxone or mental-health medications, instead of addressing what they needed in their lives

“They just pass you pills, and kind of make you feel better better for the day,” was a comment from a Prince George youth, aged 23, in the report

Fast pointed out a medical model of care

with top-down solutions to substance use can remind young people of institutional experiences and, therefore, can make them “turn and run away ” from those trying to help them

Fast has been working with young people under the age of 30 who are struggling with drugs and homelessness for 15 years She said many of them see these institution-like settings as dangerous

They remind them of traumatic experiences, for example, of living in a foster home or of being in juvenile detention The report notes, in particular, hospitals were seen as “unsafe places ”

Even supportive housing can have this effect – “it’s like juvie” they told Fast

Young people need social and cultural connections to deal with underlying issues, something Fast thinks should be offered on par with medical support

It shouldn’t be an either/or situation, both are necessary

Relationships

can be lifesaving in this context.

But there’s a need for “ nonmedical spaces ” where young people can connect with each other and advocates, people whom they trust and respect and who listen to them This could be walk-in spaces where they can rest, get some food and have their priorities, needs and concerns heard

Fast said, of all the young people she’s talked to, almost all of them have one trusted advocate in their lives

Young people feel controlled and like they are under surveillance, Fast explained And what’s being offered doesn’t align with their goals, values and priorities, she added

“Relationships can be life-saving in this context,” Fast said.

DANYA FAST

PM Justin Trudeau said he discussed a safe supply of drugs with Premier David Eby while in Richmond recently Maria Rantanen photo

Search One overdose for full story at RichmondNews.com

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Maria Rantanen

MRANTANEN@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

City of Richmond

1. RICHMOND OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAW 7100, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10390 AND RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10389 (RZ 18-836107)

Location/s: 3360, 3380, and a portion of 3440 Sexsmith Road (east of the proposed extension of Ketcheson Road)

Applicant/s: IBI Group

Purpose of OCP Designation Amendment: To amend the City Centre Area Plan, Spec fic Land Use Map: Capstan Village, by removing one of the two “Institution” designations on the subject site, for the purpose of accurately reflecting the development’s proposed consolidation of “Institution” uses (i.e. church and child care) in a single location at the northwest corner of Capstan Way and Garden City Road.

Purpose of Zoning Amendment: To rezone the subject property from “Assembly (ASY)”, “Single Detached (RS1/F)”, and “School & Institutional Use (SI)” to a site-specific zone created for the subject development, “Residential / Limited Commercial and Religious Assembly (ZMU51) – Capstan Village (City Centre)”, to permit the extension of Ketcheson Road and construction of a two-lot, medium to high-density, mixed use development comprising 392 apartment units in four towers (including 49 affordable housing units and 20 market rental housing units), pedestrianoriented retail along a portion of Capstan Way and the relocation of the Richmond Capstan Alliance Church from 3360 Sexsmith Road to a new four-storey, 2,853 m2 (30,709 ft2) church and child care facility at the corner of Capstan Way and Garden City Road.

City Contact: Suzanne Carter-Huffman, 604-276-4228, Planning and Development Division

2. RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10418 (RZ 21-944801)

Location/s: 20411 & 20451 Westminster Highway

Applicant/s: Choice School for Gifted Children Society

Purpose: To rezone the subject property from “Agriculture (AG1)” and “Assembly (ASY)” to a new site-specific zone, “Agriculture and Education (ZA5) – Westminster Highway (East Richmond)”, to allow the existing education uses to continue and construct a new classroom building, and amend the “Assembly (ASY)” zone to remove the subject property’s site-specific exemption.

City Contact: Steven De Sousa, 604-204-8529, Planning and Development Division

4. RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10425 (RZ 22-009258)

Location/s: 10851/10871 Bird Road

Applicant/s: Rick Bowal

Purpose: To rezone the subject property from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” to “Single Detached (RS2/B)”, to permit the creation of two single-fami y lots.

City Contact: Alexander Costin, 604-276-4200, Planning and Development Division

Applicant/s: Rick Bowal

Purpose: To rezone the subject property from the “Single Detached (RS1/E)” zone to the “Arterial Road Two-Unit Dwellings (RDA)” zone, to permit the property to be subdivided to create two lots, each to contain a front-to-back duplex, with shared vehicle access from Gilbert Road.

City Contact: Cynthia Lussier, 604-276-4108, Planning and Development Division

Notice of Public Hearing

Monday, December 19, 2022 – 7 p.m. Council Chambers, 1st Floor, Richmond City Hall 6911 No 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1 | www richmond ca

uses for lots located on the south side of Bayview Street between 3rd Avenue and No. 1 Road.

PURPOSE OF ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW 10394: To amend the “Steveston Commercial (CS2)”, “Light Industrial (IL)” and “Steveston Commercial and Pub (ZMU10)” zoning districts on a site specific basis to not permit certain uses for lots located on the south side of Bayview Street between 3rd Avenue and No. 1 Road.

PURPOSE OF OCP AMENDMENT BYLAW 10392 AND ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW 10393: To amend the land use policies in the Steveston Village Riverfront area contained in Section 2.4 of the Official Community Plan (Steveston Area Plan) to reduce the permitted heights of buildings to 9 m and amend the “Light Industrial (IL)” zoning district to implement a 9 m maximum building height on a site-specific basis at 3540 and 3880 Bayview Street and 12551 No. 1 Road.

City Contact: Kevin Eng, 604-247-4626, Planning and Development Division

How to obtain further information:

• By Phone: If you have questions or concerns, please call the CITY CONTACT shown above.

requirements and adhere to recommended preventative measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. As an alternative to attending in-person, you may register to participate remotely or provide comments in advance of the meeting by emailing cityclerk@richmond.ca Registration to participate remotely is available prior to the Public Hearing until 1:00 pm on the date of the Hearing. Information on how to register is available on the City website: https://www.richmond.ca/cityhall/ council/phone-participation.htm.

• If you are unable to attend, you may send your written comments to the City Clerk’s Office by 4 pm on the date of the Public Hearing as follows:

• By E-mail: cityclerk@richmond.ca

• By Standard Mail: 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC, V6Y 2C1, Attention: Director, City Clerk’s Office.

• By Fax: 604-278-5139, Attention: Director, City Clerk’s Office.

• Public Hearing Rules: For information on public hearing rules and procedures, please consult the City website at http://www.richmond.ca/cityhall/ council/hearings/about.htm or call the City Clerk’s Office at 604-276-4007.

3. RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10423 (RZ 17-782750)

Location/s: 6851 and 6871 Elmbridge Way

Applicant/s: Landa Oval Development Ltd.

Purpose: To rezone the subject property from “Industrial Business Park (IB1)” to a new sitespecific zone “High Density Mixed Use (ZMU52) – Oval Village (City Centre)”, to permit a highdensity mixed use development comprising of 356 apartment units, a hotel and pedestrian-oriented retail along River Road, Elmbridge Way and a new road to be constructed along the subject site’s entire west frontage.

City Contact: Kevin Eng, 604-247-4626, Planning and Development Division

5.

A. PROPOSED AMENDMENT

TO

SINGLE-FAMILY

LOT SIZE POLICY 5442 (SECTIONS 19 AND 20 BLOCK 4 NORTH RANGE 6 WEST)

To amend Single-Family Lot Size Policy 5442, Sections 19-4-6 and 20-4-6 (as adopted by Council on September 17, 1990, and as amended) to exclude 8220 Gilbert Road.

B. RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500 AMENDMENT BYLAW 10428 (RZ 21-926304)

Location/s: 8220 Gilbert Road

6. OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAW 7100, AMENDMENT BYLAWS 10371 AND 10392 AND RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAWS 10372 10394 AND 10393

Location/s: 3540, 3800, 3866, 3880 and 3900 Bayview Street and 12551 No. 1 Road (Steveston Area Plan)

Applicant/s: City of Richmond

PURPOSE OF OCP AMENDMENT BYLAW 10371 AND ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW 10372

To amend the land use policies in the Steveston Village Riverfront area contained in Section 2.4 of the Official Community Plan (Steveston Area Plan) to no longer permit residential uses and amend the “Steveston Commercial (CS2)”, “Light Industrial (IL)” and “Steveston Commercial and Pub (ZMU10)” zoning districts on a site specific basis to not permit residential and related land

• On the City Website: Public Hearing Agendas, including staff reports and the proposed bylaws, are available on the City Website at: http://www.richmond.ca/cityhall/council/agendas/ hearings/2022.htm.

• By Email: Copies of the proposed bylaw, supporting staff and Committee reports and other background material, may be requested via email between the hours of 8:15 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday, except statutory holidays, commencing December 9, 2022 and ending December 19, 2022, by contacting the CITY CONTACT shown above.

• By Fax or Mail: Staff reports and the proposed bylaws may also be obtained by FAX or by standard mail, by calling 604-276-4007 between the hours of 8:15 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday except statutory holidays, commencing December 9, 2022 and ending December 19, 2022.

Participating in the Public Hearing process:

• The Public Hearing is open to all members of the public. Please note that measures will be taken at the Public Hearing to respect physical distancing

• All submissions will form part of the record of the hearing. Once the Public Hearing has concluded, no further information or submissions can be considered by Council.

Director, City Clerk’s Office

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the City of Richmond will hold a Public Hearing as noted above, on the following items:

Claudia Jesson

Valerie Leung VLEUNG@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

Almost 100 dogs and their owners were spotted along the Steveston boardwalk for the first-ever Steveston holiday dog parade on Sunday morning

Four-legged furry family members donned their best Christmas costumes such as Santa suits, reindeer antlers and even Christmas tree dresses

Owners and pets started the parade from Phoenix Pond Bridge, at Imperial Landing Park, around 11 a m and ended at the Starbucks on Bayview Street and No 1 Road

Many onlookers snapped photos as the dog parade marched through Imperial Landing Some families had a smooth walk, while others got caught in a tangle of excited pooches

Pet owners also brought their pets to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery for photos with Santa after the parade ended

New course focuses on Black history

Maria Rantanen MRANTANEN@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

A course about the history of people of African or Caribbean descent could be taught in Richmond secondary schools.

The board of education was considering approving the proposed course, African and Black Canadian Studies 12, that focuses on the history and culture of Black people in Canada.

The four-credit course has been developed by the Richmond School District and could be offered in the fall of 2023.

A report to trustees notes there is no provincially developed course in Black history

“(The course) is rooted in exploring the impact of power dynamics on the dominant values and belief systems that shape Canadian society,” the course

outline states.

Particularly, it will focus on the contribution of Black Canadians to politics, science, arts, education, sports and business, but will also look at the “impacts of systemic racism and displacement within our local history.”

Its intention is to “shift dominant narratives of history by taking a culturally and historically responsive approach.”

In the goals and rationale section of the course outline, it states the course is intended to teach students “cultural humility,” which is defined as “a process of self-reflection to understand personal and systemic conditioned biases, and to develop and maintain respectful processes and relationships based on mutual trust.”

The board’s decision on the course was expected after the Richmond News’ print deadline.

All high schools to offer Indigenous courses

Indigenous studies courses have been developed for Richmond high schools and could be offered next fall.

All students graduating in 2024 and beyond will have to take four credits of Indigenous studies, out of a total of 80 required credits in Grades 10 to 12.

The province mandated the graduation requirement last spring in order to work toward reconciliation with B.C.’s Indigenous population

It is an action item from the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. “This transformative change to the Graduation Program represents an important next step toward lasting and meaningful reconciliation… to develop deeper understanding of the experiences, cultures, and histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada,” reads a staff report to trustees.

Starting next fall, English First Peoples 12 and BC First Peoples 12 will be offered at all secondary schools in Rich-

mond as well as at secondary alternate schools and Richmond Virtual School.

These are four-credit courses, so one course would meet the provincially mandated graduation requirement.

These Indigenous-focused courses are the equivalent of English Language Arts 12 and social studies courses.

Furthermore, secondary schools in Richmond have the option of offering two two-credit English First Peoples 10 courses to meet the four-credit requirement.

According to a staff report, consultation on these courses was done with the Musqueam First Nation, the school district’s Indigenous Success Team, high school administrators and teachers, the Richmond Teachers’ Association as well as other school district teams.

The new Indigenous-focused courses were on the agenda of the Richmond Board of Education meeting Wednesday evening, after the Richmond News’ print deadline.

Arbor

Thunderous cheers at Richmond debut for HK superstars

event

Mirror superstars Lokman Yeung and Anson Kong made their first public appearance at Aberdeen Centre last Saturday

Hundreds of fans gathered at the Richmond mall to catch a glimpse of the two superstars, who were there to promote the popular “American Idol”-esque reality show, “King Maker ” Event organizer Fairchild Radio even held contests for free meet-and-greet passes.

Yeung and Kong are members of Mirror, the first Hong Kong breakout boy band in a generation, formed by previous “King Maker” contestants in its first season The show is set to expand its reach and recruit contestants from North America and Malaysia for its next season

“King Maker’s” North American auditions were held in Vancouver over the past week, and Richmondites got to meet some of the finalists at Saturday’s

Richmond’s Alex Regis, 22 who was among the finalists is a dancer who often practices K-Pop covers in Richmond’s BGM Studios when he is not dancing at Trek of Arts on Main Street

Regis is the only contestant who doesn’t speak Cantonese he’s Filipino-Canadian but says his friends are helping him cross that language barrier

Regis’ journey to pursue his dreams began soon after he started dancing two years ago He even went to Korea to take part in K-pop auditions But a string of rejections left him discouraged, and he almost gave up

“I’m looking forward to what’s to come and the friends I’ll meet And I’m sure that many times it will be hard, but it’ll be a fun process, ” said Regis The energy from fans has been amazing, he added.

Not only was this the first time the Mirror members got to meet Canadian fans, it was also their first time visiting Richmond

Kong likened Mirror’s relationship with Canadian fans to an “Internet romance, ” since they hadn’t been able to meet in person prior to this visit and said the “passionate reception” was “ very heartwarming.”

The duo has also been exploring Richmond, with keen-eyed fans spotting

them having dinner and exploring T&T Supermarket a diaspora staple at Lansdowne Centre shortly after arriving The city felt familiar, despite it being a 10-hour plane ride from Hong Kong, Yeung told the Richmond News

“Even though we did leave Hong Kong, it felt like we weren’t far,” he said

Vikki

COMMUNITY

Ghirra drive nets 2,500 toys

Valerie Leung VLEUNG@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

Richmond’s 16th annual Victor Ghirra toy drive saw more than 100 people coming out to donate toys to help benefit various organizations this year

More than 2,500 toys were collected at the Riverside Palace Hall on Dec 3

The toys are being donated to 18 organizations to help “bring some joy to children and families” in need this holiday season

The toy drive is held every year in memory of Ghirra, who was known as the “Secret Santa” for anonymously dropping off toys at BC Children’s Hospital

“Nobody knew, Victor (Ghirra) did this out of the kindness of his heart,” said Michael Ghirra, Victor’s younger brother “He would be very happy to know what we are doing The toy drive means a lot to me and my family to keep his giving spirit alive ”

The organizer of the toy drive, Harvey Kooner, said the need is greater than ever

Canada

this year “This year there will be hundreds of children who will receive a toy during the holidays thanks to (Ghirra’s) legacy,” said Kooner.

“This toy drive continues to grow thanks to all our partners and generous community donors of the past 16 years ”

Organizations that will be getting the toy donations include:

BC Children’s Hospital

Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau

Key Solutions

Richmond Christmas Fund Options BC Canuck Place

Nightshift Ministries Care Centre

North Shore Family Services Christmas Bureau

Second Stage Women’s Centre

Ray-Cam Community Centre

Surrey Christmas Bureau, Kids Play Richmond Food Bank

Two local schools with families in need Recovery Kidz Team Keian

Families on the Downtown Eastside

This year ’ s event was held in collaboration with the Benevolent Brotherhood Society (BBS), the Ghirra family, the Co-operators Insurance agencies, Riverside Banquet Halls, Johnston Meier Insurance, Kids Play team and Vancity Credit Union

Students set to host new craft market

‘Tis the season to explore and support local artists while doing some last-minute holiday shopping, and a brand new Richmond craft market is hoping to stand out

Richmond secondary’s art department will be holding its inaugural holiday market this weekend, which will feature vendors including students, an Indigenous artist and a retired art teacher

Offerings at the market include prints and cards, resin crafts, clothes, ceramics, ornaments and stickers Attendees will also get to enjoy a puppetry performance by a pancake artist and reunite with retired art teacher Kim Swanson.

And a 12-foot-tall metal dragon will also be there The magnificent sculpture, created by world-renowned metal sculptor, Ron Simmer, will be on display for all to admire

The Richmond Secondary Holiday Market will be held Saturday, Dec 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Campbell ACAMPBELL@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

More than $50,000 worth of winter gear is heading to families in the Ukraine, thanks to the generosity of Blanket BC

The charity runs “Drive On The Line” every year, collecting blankets and warm clothing from people along a number of Canada Line stations from Richmond to Vancouver

Last week, Blanket BC handed over the new, unused winter gear which had been donated to the charity over the years to North Shore Fire & Rescue, which is collecting items of warmth for families going through the atrocities of war in the Ukraine

The items, said Blanket BC, had been locked up in storage waiting for distribution, but had stayed in town due to a lack of funding for distribution

“We are pleased to know that these items, among many other donations of blankets will be going to families in need during the harshest of times,” said Blanket BC founder Greg Ould

Blanket BC’s 12th Annual Drive on the Line campaign two weeks ago collected more than 2,600 blankets and clothing and raised $3,400 in cash donations, which will go towards repairing the charity’s only delivery van

“The need is overwhelming this time of year, with

shelters in desperate need to stock up before it’s too late,” added Ould

“This winter is predicted to be one of the harshest and coldest in decades Over the last three weeks, Blanket BC has handed out over 8,500 blankets to shelters, single room occupancies and directly to our most vulnerable on the streets in the DTES and throughout the Lower Mainland ”

The Victor Ghirra toy drive was another roaring success this year.

Alan

Sock Tree...It’s all about the socks at Brighouse United Church where members have been collecting socks to deliver to people experiencing homelessness over the holidays

Photo submitted

Greg Ould (right), of Blanket BC, is sending $50,000 worth of winter gear to families dealing with the war in the Ukraine. Blanket BC runs “Drive on the Line” every year at various Canada Line stations.

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Campbell ACAMPBELL@RICHMOND-NEWS COM

George Tweedlie isn’t sure whether refereeing soccer keeps him fit or if he has to keep fit to ref soccer

Either way, the Richmond whistler has been doing it for 40 years and, at the age of 82, is still loving every minute of it

As recently as just a few weeks ago, Tweedlie was in charge of a youth BC Premier League game and regularly refs teenage boys games and women ’ s games

Such is the high regard in which he is held, Tweedlie has just been given the honour of a life membership in the Vancouver Area Soccer Referees Association

And all for a man who never played soccer at any discernable level.

“ if you know the game, you know where to be You know where the ball is likely going to go, ” said Tweedlie

“The honour was a total surprise to be honest, I never knew a thing about it ”

Tweedlie, who emigrated from Scotland in 1975, said he’s scaled back his refereeing jobs a little over the last few years, but is still out there in all weather, passing on his wisdom to younger officials

“I still feel comfortable getting around the field I’m not sure what comes first, keeping fit by refereeing or reffing to keep fit I think I do a lot of cycling so I can referee ”

Asked about memorable games he officiated in over those 40 years, Tweedlie said the game which gave him the most pleasure was one which involved young players with all kinds of physical and mental challenges

“I got the biggest kick out of that To see the joy on their faces ”

George Tweedlie has been reffing for around 40 years

Alan

REMEMBRANCES obituaries

In loving memory of CUNNINGHAM, Michael Ray

November 19, 1954 - November 4, 2022

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the sudden passng of Michae Cunningham whie staying at his favourite getaway cabn on Hollyburn Mountain

He was predeceased by hs parents Art and Ruth Cunnngham, and his oder sister, Gal Fotheringham (Jack) He s survved by hs oder brother Gen Cunnngham (Mandy) his older sister Tanns Schaub (Hans), neces and nephews; many great nieces & nephews, as wel as hs countless friends Michae grew up n Richmond (Burkevile) and when he was 8 years od he met brothers Bob and Barry Paddington who became hs ifeong cose friends Bob and Michae shared a ove of theatre, a passion Mchael nherited from hs mother Barry and Mchael shared a fondness of sports, especialy football and his beloved BC Lions - he wore a lot of orange! Many years ago his dear friend, Shayla Thompson introduced him to minature dachshunds and these adorable dogs became the loves of his lfe Shayla has ovingy adopted Tink and Solo, left behnd when Mchael passed away

At the age of forty, Michael decided to become a financal advser for Investors Group where he worked untl hs retirement this past March The hardest part of retring for Michae was leaving hs many co-workers, and saying good-bye to hs cients whom he cared for deeply Michael loved people and socalzng with friends and strangers aike One of hs favourite ocal haunts was hs nephew-in-aw’s tki bar where he was known by al as Unce Mike He has eft behind a huge vod and wl be greatly mssed In lieu of flower pease donate to the BC SPCA

October

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Bonnie Martin.

Born in Drumheller, AB, raised in Cedar, BC, she moved to Steveston in 1980, where she bought her home and raised her daughter while working for Pacific Coastal Airlines, RJR MacDonald and Skyline Marina, among others.

Predeceased by her parents, George and Lillian, and brother Dave. She leaves behind her brother Gary (Lori), daughter Lisa (Gregg), grandchildren Ty and Sydney (Bren), a blended family of stepchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Sincere thanks to her friends, neighbours, RCRG volunteers, Dr. Brown, the staff at Richmond Hospital, Home Health, and Salvation Army Rotary Hospice for providing comfort and care in her final days.

Bonnie loved being with people to share a laugh with good food, drinks, music and dancing. She would be happy to know you raised a glass in her memory.

A private gathering will be held at a later date.

1400217 Dyke Rd, London Rd, Princess Lane, St.............................

1410001 4th , 6th, 7th Ave, Broadway St, Chatham St, Richmond St

1410002 11491 7th Ave (Mariners Village).......................................

1410003 11291 / 11391 7th Ave (Mariners Village)..........................

1410004 4th Ave, 6th Ave, 7th Ave, Georgia St, Pleasant St..............

1410005 2nd Ave, 3rd Ave, 4th Ave, Garry St, Georgia St, Pleasant St, Richmond St..................................................

1410019 2nd Ave, Garry St, Georgia St, No. 1 Rd, Richmond St, Garry St..................................... 1410022 2nd Ave, 4th Ave, No. 1 Rd, Pleasant St, Regent St............ 1410024 4th Ave, 6th Ave, 7th Ave, Garry St, Georgia St, Richmond St...................................................................

1410026 11020 - 11500 No. 1 Rd, Regent St (Townhouse route)..... 1420102 Fortune Ave, Gander Crt, Dr, St. Brides Crt Pl, St. Johns Crt, Pl, St. Vincents Crt Pl, Williams Rd................ 1420103 Cornerbrook Cres, Fortune Ave, Freshwater Dr, Williams Rd..................................................................

1420108 Sable Ave, Sceptre Crs, Skagit Dr, Sorrel Dr 1420109 Springfield Crt, Dr, Springthorne Cres................................

1420203 Geal Rd, Groat Ave , Williams Rd........................................

1420204 Pendelton Gate, Dr, Waller Crt, Dr, Williams Rd...................

1420208 Desmond Ave, Rd, Diamond Rd, Earlmond Ave, Elkmond Rd, Lamond Ave, No 1 Rd, Williams Rd................ 1420209 Barmond Ave, Desmond Rd, Diamond Rd, Francis Rd, Newmond Rd, Osmond Ave, Raymond Ave........................ 1420210 Diamond Rd, Oakmond Rd, Raymond Ave, Rosamond Ave 1420212 No. 1 Rd, Pendlebury Rd, Peterson Dr, Pickering Dr, Waller Dr, Williams Rd.......................................................

1420215 Barmond Ave, Diamond Ave, Francis Rd, Newmond Rd, Oakmond Rd..................................................................

1430104 Hollymount Dr Gate, Railway Ave, Steveston Hwy 1430111 Addison St, Defoe St, Goldensmith Dr, No. 2 Rd, Swift, Williams Rd.................................................................. 1430113 Gilbert Rd, Williams Rd...................................................... 1430114 Goldsmith Dr, Steele Crt............. 1430115 Hollycroft Dr, Gate, Hollywood Dr, Williams Rd.................... 1430116 Gilbert Rd, Steveston Hwy 1430412 Francis Rd, Maple Rd, Martyniuk Gate, Pl, No. 2 Rd........... 1440613 Algoma Dr, Arvida Dr, Gate, Bissett Dr, Francis Rd.............. 1440619 Arrowsmith Dr, Pl, Athabasca Dr, Auburn Dr 1490402 Lancing Crt, Pl, Langton Rd, Ledway Rd, Lindsay Rd, Lombard Rd,

MARTIN, Bonnie J.

18, 1947 November 24, 2022

Holiday Season

Fusion cuisine explained on the plate at Broli Kitchen

Theres o ten a ot said about the ntr guing aspects of fusion-style cu s ne Chef Zhuang Li pre ers to do his“ta king”on the p ates he serves up at Broli Kitchen n B undel Centre which s ce ebrat ng its first ann versary

When asked how he wou d characterize h s menu chef L says the main influences are Ital an and French cu s nes with a unique Asian twist to give it that fusion touch One item wh ch best expresses that s the pork be ly pizza

“ use tradit ona ly bra sed Chinese pork be ly add n ce w ld mushrooms, then a kale pesto that he ps balance the r chness of the pork,”Li expla ns.“ t s very popular”

And f that isn t enough, Bro i Kitchen a so serves up a durian p zza.

Long known for ts potentia to raise eyebrows or its unique fragrance, dur an n th s Asian fusion pizza provides an enticing, savoury flavour

“When you eat fresh durian t can have a strong smel ,”L says.“But once you put t into a pizza and bake it it mel ows out and gives you a nice, savoury taste”

Even the standard prosc utto p zza at Bro i K tchen takes on a d st nctive character w th truffle cream and carame ized on ons as ts base and arugu a on top Prawns under chef L ’s gu dance a so benefit from specia treatment, too The appetizer dish uses tradit ona Ch nese chi l sauce and an in-house truffle paste and oil to ba ance out the flavours

“That truffle chil i sauce combination is so popular w th customers that we produce t and put it into ars and se l it separately,”descr bes L

L graduated from the Cu inary Arts program at VCC (Vancouver Community Col ege and went to work at the award-w nning Provence Mar naside seafood restaurant n Ya etown. He also spent 11 years at the Sheraton Wal Centre n Downtown Vancouver where he served as sous chef

He brought al his talent and experience to Richmond and Blunde l Centre when the COV D-19 pandemic hit where he started his own business

And a ter a chal enging first 12 months, customer traffic remains steady as word spreads about the unique menu at Bro i K tchen

“Th ngs are gett ng better”L says “We are getting consistent y good Google reviews and a growing number of regu ar customers.”

And why not when the menu ncludes such unique interpretat ons of class ca dishes?

Take, for example the confit duck, a trad t ona French item

“By tse f t can be a ittle bit o a strong flavour”Li descr bes.“So, nstead of using the tradit ona duck fat to prepare t, use regu ar o l and add lots of Chinese spices orange zest and star anise to ca m it down”

And t’s a b g hit judging from the fact that Bro i Kitchen regularly goes through about 100 duck egs weekly.

“Customers ust love it”L beams, add ng that he even ncorporates shredded duck confit nto a mascarpone cream sauce in h s trademark pasta d sh “ t’s one of our most popu ar th ngs on the menu.”

For more about ntr gu ng tems on Brol K tchens menu, v s t bro ik tchen com

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www.BlundellCentre.com

Expert combinations fill the menu that has delighted customers since opening day a year ago

Bro i K tchen offers un que interpretat ons of your favour te d shes Photo v a Bro K tchen.