Richmond News June 8 2023

Opinion: We cannot arrest our way out of the drug problem

BY KASH HEED Guest editorial

When I was the Commanding Officer of the VPD Drug Unit in the early 2000s, our aim was to arrest drug dealers

Almost every week, I unveiled eye-catching, drug-busting measures in front of the cameras; even so, I was struggling to get on top of the problem I was frustrated by fighting what I saw as an invincible battle

There was an enormous number of people who wanted to buy drugs Whenever we took a dealer out, the gap was filled Enforcement was able, at best, to displace the market The consensus was that drug dependency was primarily a health issue rather than a legal issue. However, the inability of “the system” to respond to immediate needs created a huge credibility problem for our drug strategy

Health apart, drugs cause other kinds of harm, not just to the individualbuttosocietyatlarge Chaoticdrugusersaredisproportionately likely to commit crimes Where drug use directly harms society, the police are right to intervene

But if the best way to protect society were to increase enforcement, police would begin by pursuing alcohol users who cause far more aggression and misbehaviour than any other substance, legal or illegal.

Drug use is one of the nation’s most difficult and complex problems, and society must refuse to accept the notion that somehow it is beyond their reach to solve

Equally important is the need to refrain from the notion that unless we win unconditionally, we have failed This is not a problem that developed overnight, and it will not be solved overnight.

Many people take drugs because they get pleasure from them To those who prefer a glass of wine and a cigar, that may seem hard to understand It is, however, unlikely that so many people would spend so much money on willingly smok-

ing,sniffingorinjectingdrugsifdoingsobroughtthemnothing but misery

That said, abusing drugs unquestionably wrecks many lives

Once people become truly dependent, the pleasure then consists mainly of avoiding the pain of giving up

The dangers of drugs should not be underestimated, yet they should not be exaggerated either.

Addicts face social, economic, physical and legal environments unique to their situation Asking an addict to be patient and wait for an available slot for detoxification and treatment is frankly a waste of time.

The crisis will pass, and the addict will simply pick up their usual habits

The opportunity to intervene will be lost, and the addict will view “the system” as useless and ineffective Repeated experiences of this sort simply reinforce to the addict that they cannot initiate change

We must accept and respect the fact that addicts are people

too They are not a lost group They have an identity, they have stories, and they can still lead useful lives.

To begin to put in place pragmatic policies is a step forward Polarized debate and conflicting ideas need to be left behind and we need to concentrate collectively on issues where agreement exists, as opposed to those that breed discord.

I am aware discussing a topic that is the subject of heated social debate may have its political hazards

My 32 years of policing, four years as an MLA, and now my term in Richmond city council has shown me many are reluctant to openly discuss this issue, while politicians are concerned about the prospect of losing their supporters

Policymakers who advocate for more liberal laws or approaches risk being pictured as favouring drug use

Nevertheless, it is clear people view the illegal drug trade and subsequent health consequences as a serious challenge, and frequently point out the threatening nature of drug use and its impact on society

Many argue the criminal justice system does not respond adequately to people who sell drugs or commit crimes to sustain a drug habit Others suggest that substance abuse is primarily a health issue and should be dealt with by increasing services to those who are addicted to drugs, and that the solution to the drug problem must be found in broad-scale social change

For the moment though, even having an honest discussion concerning drug policy is extremely difficult

Drug strategies are often characterized by heated debate, disagreement, and bitterness Stakeholders, subject to their different worldviews, ideologies, and frames of reference, challenge other stakeholders, while academics, policymakers, and practitioners who operate largely within their own communities, reinforce this condition

Furthermore, pure reason competes with politics in shaping the response of our government.

Classified: 604.630.3300, 604.444 3056 or email classified@van.net

Kash Heed, currently a Richmond city councillor, used to be head of the Vancouver Police’s drug squad

Let’s not think about taxing our way to prosperity

Dear Editor,

Re: “A national wealth tax may be a timely idea,” Column, Richmond-News com

In Tracy Sherlock’s column advocating for a “wealth tax” with a claim that it can generate billions of dollars to fund pharmacare, post-secondary tuition, non-market homes and public transit she notes that a wealth tax is untested in Canada, could cause a mass exodus of rich people and could have unknown effects

She goes on to say “ … I think it might be worth the risk Heck, it might even free up some much-needed housing for folks”

Sure, let’s experiment with the economy and chase investors and their billions of dollars of capital out of the country and see how big a train wreck we can create for ourselves

So where to start? So often the first idea to bring in more money is to tax the wealthy. It would be refreshing to see someone put on their thinking cap and see how we could 1) cut government costs 2) cut government red tape and 3) make it easier for entrepreneurs to in-

Why ‘made in China’?

Dear Editor,

vest capital to create more goods, services (including jobs) and the resulting additional tax revenue that would follow

The following quote is from the economist Thomas Sowell as reported in the Daily Telegram: “When the state of Maryland raised its tax rate on people with incomes of a million dollars a year or more, the number of such people living in Maryland fell from nearly 8,000 to fewer than 6,000 Although it had been projected that the tax revenue collected from such people in Maryland would rise by $106 million, instead these revenues FELL by $257 million There was a similar reaction in Oregon and in Britain Rich people do not simply stand still to be sheared like sheep. They can either send their money somewhere else or they can leave themselves”

Let’sworktowardsarobust,investorfriendly economy that will strengthen our cities, provinces, country and citizens and do away with theideathatwecantaxourwaytoprosperity!

Craig Franzen RICHMOND

Every once in while there’s a story where a journalist writes about an event that is happening here in Richmond and it makes me question “Why? Surely we can do better ”

Recently, there was an article called “Art unveiled at last” where a piece of public art that has been recently installed at the end of Hollybridge Way by the Oval

The story said that the sculptures could “only be fabricated in China”

This statement is really concerning and now the question is “Why would city council approve the project?”

We’ve all heard the slogan “shop and support local businesses” and the same should apply when city council is making decisions such as approving this public art project and other projects

We should have projects made in Canada and if it can’t be made here then find another project that can be.

Thank you, Richmond News, for writing this article Change can only happen when the public is well informed so we can bring our concerns to Richmond city council.

Kerry Starchuk RICHMOND

Puzzled by reverse racism claim

Dear Editor,

Re: “Thankful not to be burdened by having the mind of a racist,” Richmond-News com, May 27

I find it fascinating that in 2023 people in this city “hear” racist comments directed towards them

Frankly, I have heard much more racist comments and language directed towards visible minorities.

Send

Development Permit Panel Meeting

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

3:30 p.m. in Council Chambers

Agenda Items:

1. 12551 No. 1 Road - DP 21-935984 - Gordon Chan - To (1) permit the replacement of all the existing single-glazed windows with new double-glazed windows, the replacement of two doors on the front (north) elevation and the removal of the overhead garage door on the rear (south) elevation at 12551 No. 1 Road; and (2) vary the provision of Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500 to reduce the minimum front yard setback to the garbage and recycling enclosure from 3.0 m to 0 m.

2 6520 Williams Road “DP 21-936149 - Gradual Architecture Inc.” To (1) permit the construction of eight townhouse units at 6520 Williams Road on a site zoned “Low Density Townhouses (RTL4)”; and (2) vary the provision of Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500 to reduce the minimum required lot width from 40.0 m to 36.6 m. Please call 604-276-4395 for further information.

Please note: If you are unable to attend the Development Permit Panel meeting in-person, you may provide written comments in advance of the meeting by email to cityclerk@richmond.ca, by standard mail, or participate in the meeting remotely by teleconference. Registration to participate remotely is available starting on the Friday prior to the meeting until 1:00 p.m on the date of the meeting. Information on how to register is available on the City website: https://citycouncil.richmond.ca/meetings/phone-participation.htm

An online search will show that government reports, legal societies, administrative tribunals and actual court cases which have decided and ruled that the term “Gweilo” is not a racist term at all

I am saddened that “white” fragility and “reverse racism” are now commonly accepted concepts in Richmond

Alvin Lee RICHMOND

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Toxic drug crisis hits families hard

BY VIKKI HUI vhui@richmond-news com

“I’ve lost one person a month since my brother died to these drugs, like it’s so common now,” said Richmond resident Trevor Tablotney.

“And it’s the same story, with almost all by themselves, in their bedroom or in their apartment.”

Trevor’s brother Curtis passed away from a drug overdose six months ago

“My brother, on Dec 14, passed away He was one of two men in Richmond on that day And just like many other men, he died while playing PlayStation in his bedroom,” Trevor told attendees at a recent Richmond rally to mourn lives lost to the toxic drug crisis

According to BC Coroners Services’ latest statistics, almost half of unregulated drug deaths in B C so far this year have taken place in private homes, another 31 per cent in other types of residences and 15.8 per cent outside Last year, the majority toxic drug deaths in Richmond at least 18 out of 29 happened indoors

Trevor attributes this to the social stigma faced by people using drugs.

“We’ve isolated (drug users) so no one knows they’re doing the drugs because they have to do them by themselves,” he said “It starts out social, where you’re doing it with friends. And as you get older, you end up doing them by yourself”

Trevor remembers his 36-year-old brother as a kind and energetic person with a deep compassion for animals Curtis enjoyed socializing and connecting with others, but he struggled with stigma, not feeling accepted in society because of his drug use

“As a family member, it’s hard to watch and go through,” said Trevor

Not just adults dying

The majority of people dying from toxic drugs are between 30 and 59 years old, but this doesn’t mean teenagers aren’t affected. In the first four months of 2023, eight people under 18 years old died from drug poisonings in B C

In 2022, this number was 34, including 16-year-old Ronan Downey-Price, a student at Hugh Boyd secondary

His father, Art Price, said what hurts is the questions he’s left with after losing his son

Around Easter weekend, Ronan got some pills, but from where and why is a mystery to Art Although police officers took evidence from Ronan’s room, the investigation never went very far

“You’re never going to be able to find the people who sell or make this stuff or find

out why or how a 16-year-old child would get involved it,” he said. “But the police just aren’t able to take these investigations very far.”

“We will never find out That’s another thing that really hurts knowing that we’ll never be able to get justice for his death.”

Art describes his son’s gorgeous smile and love of running and weightlifting Father-andson memories include trips to Vancouver Island hunting for fossils and watching Ronan craft weapons such as stone axes.

“He was caring, he was giving, he was generous,” Art said “He always thought of others”

Lack of supports

Two years have passed since 25-year-old Tristan Coatta passed away from a drug poisoning, and his parents, Louise and Terry, still grapple with their loss.

Stigma has made talking about his death difficult His parents feel isolated, as friends and family are unsure of how to broach the topic of mental health and drug addiction

Louise said one of the hardest things is the perception that people addicted to drugs are “disposable” and “they have made a choice thatmakestheirlivesnotvaluableorlessvaluable than a person judging them”

“I challenge that,” said Louise

“Everybody has their own path through life, their own challenges, their own triumphs and their own defeats. And it could have been any of us who, for one reason or another, finds themselves in incredibly difficult situations

“And with something like the opioid crisis the cost of a single mistake is so high”

The Coattas hope the more people speak out as they did at a recent Richmond rally to raise awareness about the toxic drug crisis the easier it will be to have such conversa-

tions

“Hopefully, we get to the point where these conversations are happening, not after a death, but while somebody is struggling,” said Louise

Tristan was an intelligent, funny and loyal son and friend who expressed his creativity through photography, cooking and creating ornately decorated aquariums He was studying to become a software developer But he struggled with his self-worth, making him sensitive to any criticism, Terry explained.

Like many parents and loved ones, Terry and Louise tried to find help for Tristan, but the services and support offered seemed “utterly disconnected”

“There’s no central person that you could go to and say, ‘Can you help find out what r e s o u r c e s are available for this?’ Or, ‘What things would be appropriate in these circumstances?’” said Terry

“You kind of just had to do everything yourself, down to the last little detail”

The Tablotneys also struggled for years to find help for Curtis It was an endless cycle in and out of hospital, with overdoses and detoxes, but inevitably, Curtis would quickly be released from hospital Trevor felt his parents were stuck between a rock and a hard place They wanted to keep Curtis safe, but his be-

haviour would sometimes pose a risk to them.

Changing the conversation

Like Louise, Trevor thinks the conversation about the toxic drug crisis needs to change, starting from media portrayal. Furthermore, he doesn’t think drug use and mental wellbeing should be treated as “synonymous”

In hindsight, his tough love approach with Curtis wasn’t effective for this very reason “I was constantly treating him as though it was the drugs that were the problem But it wasn’t necessarily that, it was a number of factors,” he said. This included a long-undiagnosed mental illness

Trevor encourages friends and families to talk openly with their loved ones who are using drugs and encourage them to use safely

“My mistake was thinking that you could force him into wanting the help But unless somebody wants off the drugs, they’re not going to get off the drugs,” he said.

Richmond city council has remained divided over the issue of safe-injection sites

Coun Chak Au took a “principled” stance against safe-injection sites during the last election, while Coun. Kash Heed has argued one is needed in Richmond as people will not travel to downtown Vancouver to consume drugs safely

Au told the News safe-injection sites “don’t work” and noted since they’ve been in existence, even more people are dying of toxic drugs He prefers to focus on anti-drug campaigns.

Trevor disagrees, adding the keyword is autonomy With drugs laced with powerful opioids such as fentanyl, any agency a drug user has is stripped away

“We’re taking away their right to… doing a safe drug To doing the drug that they intend on doing”

He thinks a different approach, similar to the legalization of cannabis, should be explored “Prohibition didn’t work for alcohol, it didn’t work for marijuana, it doesn’t work for drugs,” said Trevor “People will do things that they consider to be taboo, just because And they will do it in the shadows, they will do it by themselves.”

This article is part of an in-depth, provincewide journalistic effort by Glacier Media to examine the scope, costs and toll of the opioid and toxic drug crisis in B C – a public health emergencythathastakenatleast11,807lives since 2016

If you or someone you know is in an emergency,call911.Ifyouneedhelpwithsubstance abuse, call the B C government’s alcohol and druginformationandreferralserviceat1-800663-1441. It’s available 24 hours a day.

Tristan Coatta was a fiercely loyal son and friend

Louise Coatta photo

Curtis Tablotley (right) died of an overdose in December and is deeply mourned by his two brothers and a large family and friend group. Photo submitted

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Opinion: It feels like my son was murdered

MARIA RANTANEN mrantanen@richmond-news com

Some days it feels like my son, Michael, was murdered

He bought something to consume, it was poisoned by someone up the chain of production, and now he is dead

And, every day, six or seven more people are dying like he did, and yet the coroner continues to call these deaths “accidental.”

Michael was just shy of his 26th birthday when he died of a drug poisoning

He had possibly 50 years of life on this planet robbed from him because those in power don’t have the guts to give people addicted to what are deemed illegal substances clean, safe products

If British Columbians were suddenly dying from poisoned alcohol or tainted nicotine or adulterated medications, there would be hell to pay for suppliers

But because some people choose to use substances that aren’t on the list of socially acceptable drugs, they rely on criminals to get their unregulated products in an unregulated market

On Mother’s Day, I spent some time at a tree planted in my son’s memory. Beside me were my two other sons, who will spend the rest of their lives mourning the loss of their older brother.

Walking back with my youngest son, I tried to explain how the loss felt to me I’ve described it as feeling like one-third of my heart was ripped out I wonder if the loss of a child changes a mother’s biology

At least it’s altered my brain.

Every day, I function and work and spend time with my loved ones But the second there is no distraction, my thoughts always

go back to Michael It might be a wonderful memory, or it might be a horrible memory like finding him dead in his bedroom

Sometimes, it’s accompanied by unfathomable grief.

At other times, I just have questions could I have done something differently to help him? What did his life mean?

I have come to some measure of peace with Michael’s death and when I feel that aching in my heart, I know it’s him trying to stay near me

But it doesn’t mean I’ve accepted what happened

The fact that our mental-health and addictions “system” didn’t offer any solutions just makes me furious I use quotation marks because it doesn’t seem to be working systematically to help anyone Rather, piecemeal, patchwork solutions are sporadically offered, with little to no follow-up

Maybe, the system just expects everyone to pull themselves up from the bootstraps. Take some responsibility Just say “no” to drugs

I have no answers as to how to tackle this crisis of poisoned drugs and its consequences that are throwing family after family into grief There appears to be a whole industry of “experts” out there, but, honestly, I don’t believe they have any real answers either But I do have a question for anyone strug-

gling to cope with a substance-use disorder

It’s not “how can I help you stop using drugs?”

It’s not “why do you use drugs when you know it’s causing more problems than it’s fixing?”

It’s not even “what went wrong in your life to take you down this path?”

Because all those questions are based on the presumption that I have the moral authority to tell someone else how they should live their life

The question we should ask someone who is struggling with a substance-use disorder is “what can I do to make your life better?”

Let’s look at people who use drugs as people first and give them some dignity, stop the moral judgments and help them stay alive. Because, quite frankly, whether or not people use drugs is really none of our business

But to keep people alive, healthy and thriving is our responsibility

This article is part of an in-depth, provincewide journalistic effort by Glacier Media to examine the scope, costs and toll of the opioid and toxic drug crisis in British Columbia

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911. If you need help with substance abuse, call the B C government’s alcohol and drug information and 24/7 referral service at 1-800-663-1441.

Feds, province spend money but results are wanting

BY ALBERT VAN SANTVOORT, CLAIRE WILSON & DAISY XIONG Glacier Media

Since the province declared opioid overdoses and deaths a public health emergency seven years ago, at least 11,807 people in the province have died.

Since Canada announced a new drugs and substances strategy focused on harm reduction, roughly 34,455 Canadians have lost their lives to an opioid overdose.

Since 2016, when both events occurred, the governments of B C and Canada have committed more than $2 billion combined toward addressing the toxic drug crises that have intensified within their respective borders, with deaths continuing to climb.

Business in Vancouver and Glacier Media reviewed government budgets, records, announcements and commitments in an effort to account for how much money has

been directed toward this crisis Canada: Policy reform needed

From 2017 to 2022, there were $654 million in federal expense line items that specifically mention opioids In 2023, the federal government proposed its largest annual opioid crisis expenditure to date: $359 million, bringing the total amount specifically spent on the crisis to more than $1 billion

The money mostly funds community organizations that deliver opioid and other drug and substancerelated programs, including opioid agonist therapy, safer supply programs, awareness and access to naloxone, reduced stigma and support for families and other harm-reduction initiatives

Currently, the Government of Canada’s website identifies $134 2 million in funding for active projects to combat the opioid crisis, with an additional $93 8 million for programs that address the use of substances,

including opioids British Columbia is currently benefiting from onethird of all funding for active programs combatting either opioids or multiple other substances – a total of $74 1 million, more than half of which ($39 8 million) is directed specifically to opioids.

The most expensive active program in B C is the Safer Alternative for Emergency Response for Vancouver Coastal Health, at just under $5 million. The project aims to deliver a safe supply program, prescribing pharmaceutical-grade opioids to people most at risk of overdose

While funding has increased, the question as to its impact and effectiveness is difficult to determine Opioid deaths in Canada have continued to climb in the years following the renewed focus on the crisis Federal investments, particularly in developing a safe drug supply, are a critical and important intervention, said Kora DeBeck, research

scientist with the BC Centre on Substance Use

But they are not as effective as lower-cost policy changes, such as drug deregulation, decriminalization or legalization, said DeBeck, who added criminalizing drug users bears significant costs, and does little to prevent drug use or public health-related harms.

While federal funding has helped, DeBeck said, the overall level of funding remains insufficient for the scale and scope of the crisis

“We know that investments in those areas are not enough and that people aren’t getting the services that they need,” she said.

The driver of deaths, DeDeck added, is a toxic drug supply She said the the best way to tackle that issue is to remove the supply-side of the equation from the black market.

“We can’t spend our way out of this, we can’t treat our way out of this,” she said. “We need policy re-

form”

B C : Deaths rise despite billions

The B C government has invested almost $2 billion of direct, indirect and targeted funding into the province’s toxic drug crisis since 2014, according to a Glacier Media audit However, experts say these investments have not done enough to lower the number of overdose deaths So far this year, 596 people have died from toxic drugs in B C

“If your success is measured by overdose deaths, we still have a complete disaster on our hands It is an ongoing crisis that has been going on for years now,” said Mark Haden, a professor at UBC’s School of Population and Public Health But many issues remain, such as ensuring access to B C’s safe drug supply, integrating treatment and harm reduction, and the framing of addiction and mental health, according to those who spoke to Glacier Media.

Michael Rantanen, the son of Richmond News’ assistant editor Maria Rantanen, died of carfentanil poisoning on July 15, 2022

Man facing 2 years in jail after rush hour rampage

VIKKI HUI

vhui@richmond-news

com

The man who smashed at least eight cars with an oxygen tank on Steveston Highway last summer may have to spend up to two years in jail

Kenneth Roy Preece, 56, appeared by video in Richmond Provincial Court on Friday afternoon for his sentencing hearing involving three separate incidents

The first occurred during rush hour on July 22, 2022, when Preece went on a “violent, meth-fuelled rampage” and smashed at least eight cars near Ironwood Plaza, Crown prosecutor Spencer Gillespie told the court

“This was an extremely dangerous road hazard in the middle of the road Mr. Preece created in the middle of rush hour on a busy roadway,” said Gillespie, adding that it was “fortunate” that the incident did not result in collisions when drivers scrambled to avoid Preece

Preece was sent to Richmond Hospital after the incident, where he made “graphic threats” to five nurses about killing them

Fast forward to Jan 9 this year, Preece was seen throwing rocks into a commercial building at Ironwood Plaza while screaming and yelling at around 11 p.m.

Gillespie told the court that Preece was holding a crowbar and was “combative” toward police officers who attended the scene

“And that standoff ultimately concluded with Mr. Preece turning into a nearby gas meter, saying, ‘I’m gonna do it I’m gonna

do it ’ And then smashing that gas meter with a two-handed overhand strike,” said Gillespie

Preece’s strike cracked the gas line, causing a natural gas leak. The “large cloud of flammable natural gas” reached as far as 100 metres away and the entire area had to be evacuated, affecting around 3,000 people

“Very fortunately, nothing ignited that gas cloud,” said Gillespie.

“Although there was certainly a potential for that to happen, given the size of the cloud and the fact that Mr Preece was swinging a crowbar on a metal pipe… a spark could easily have resulted and have that happened ”

Preece also pleaded guilty to another incident that took place on April 29, 2023, where he smashed the windshield of a parked vehicle in Richmond.

He is currently in custody

The prosecution is seeking a “significant period of incarceration” of 18 to 24 months of jail and two months’ probation, which would include a condition to ban Preece from going near Ironwood Plaza

Gillespie told the court Preece is not young and has an extensive criminal record showing he has “serious issues with anger management combined with a tendency to react very violently with minor provocations.”

Preece is scheduled to be sentenced at Richmond Provincial Court this week, after the Richmond News’ press deadline for this edition

Driver pleads not guilty to fatal Massey Tunnel crash

VIKKI

HUI

vhui@richmond-news com

A man facing charges of impaired driving causing the death of a 61-year-old Richmond woman in the Massey Tunnel has pleaded not guilty

Sundeep Singh Mann appeared at Richmond Provincial Court last week to face the charges, following the fatal accident in 2020

The woman, who was driving another vehicle, died after colliding head-on with a southbound vehicle that crossed the centre line inside the tunnel shortly after

midnight on Sept 2, 2020

Her passenger was sent to the hospital with serious injuries

Mann faces six charges, including two for having a blood alcohol concentration that was equal to or in excess of 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood while driving a vehicle.

Mann appeared in court on May 23 and pleaded not guilty to all six charges He appeared again in court the next day and is now scheduled to appear at Vancouver Provincial Court on July 5, 2023 for another pre-trial conference.

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Dream trip turns into holiday from hell

BY VIKKI HUI vhui@richmond-news com

A Richmond family’s long-anticipated dream trip to the Canadian Rockies ended abruptly, and in scary circumstances, when their rental car caught on fire before they’d even reached the famous mountain range.

When Sweta and Abhishek Choudhary panned for gold with their family at Hells Gate, north of Hope, they had no idea their vacation would turn into a holiday from hell

“Our whole vacation was ruined My brother, he spent 70,000 (rupees) coming from India to be here and he (didn’t even get to) see the Rockies…,” said Sweta, whose brother was visiting Canada for the first time

The family of eight, including two kids and two toddlers, embarked on the five-day road trip to see the Rocky Mountains in Alberta during the Victoria Day long weekend.

The vacation was five months in the making, but things went south before they even left B.C.

Day one went by without a hitch, but as the Choudharys bid Clearwater, B C goodbye on Friday, the second day, and headed toward Jasper, they started hearing strange sounds in their eight-seater car at around 4 p.m.

The car was rented through Turo, a car rental service

Smole billowing out of engine

Abhishek pulled over on the highway just 58 kilometres outside of Valemount, B.C. and drivers in passing cars turned back to tell him there was a small fire and smoke coming out of the car. The car had experienced a mechanical breakdown

“There was no internet (and) no telephone

connection, no cell phone connection,” said Sweta.

The family had to huddle on an island on the side of the highway, but fellow drivers were quick to come to their rescue

One driver gave a ride to Abhishek and his nephew so they could get help from Valemount, while a construction worker offered to let Sweta use his wifi to contact friends and family in Vancouver

“The local people around there, the police, local people travelling on the road, local people in town, all sorts of people helped us a lot

Amazing,” said Abhishek

In Valemount, things were looking up as Abhishek got a call from Turo customer service representative, who promised to send a new

car and help them book their accommodation. However, that was the last time they spoke to that representative

“From that moment till night, 11:30 p m (or) something like that, they never called us back,” said Abhishek, adding he had to call Turo at least four or five times but was met with customer service representatives who didn’t understand the situation

The family was eventually able to book accommodations in Valemount for the night and hitch a ride from the side of the highway to the hotel after two hours, but the story did not end there

At around 10 p.m., the family realized their Turo reservation was cancelled unilaterally, having only charged them for the first day of the trip

They were told Turo wouldn’t be able to provide an alternative car for them, since they were going on a one-way trip and would not be able to return the car to its original location, Jasper.

As it was the long weekend, the family was also unable to find any alternative transportation

Family stranded in Valemount

“There was no buses, no Uber, no taxi,” said Sweta

Stranded in Valemount with no means of continuing their trip, the Choudharys were forced to cut their trip short with a 21-hour train ride to Vancouver, costing them $1,000.

“The Rockies is the main thing (on the) West Coast, there was nothing else And we booked everything since January. I booked for Icefields Parkway, I booked for gondola ride,” said Sweta, adding she booked three to four

hotels for the whole trip

The train, which departed on Saturday, was the Choudharys’ last chance to return to Vancouver The next train was scheduled for Wednesday

Although they managed to get tickets for the Saturday train at the last minute, they weren’t able to get a sleeping coach and had to sit for the full journey Being vegetarian also meant they struggled to find food options

And it appeared that they had narrowly missed two bears spotted just two kilometres away on the highway when the car broke down, according to a police officer who stopped by to check on them.

Sweta told the Richmond News the trip was a “disaster” and that no one should have to deal with the kind of customer service they received from Turo

Including parts of the trip that the Choudharys were unable to cancel, they incurred around $2,900 in expenses

“The worst part was that my brother was not able to even see the beauty of the Rockies because we didn’t reach there,” said Sweta

In a statement to the News, Turo said the Choudharys’ experience is “extremely rare” and the rental company has provided a full refund and is in the process of reimbursing their travel costs

Turo is also offering future travel credit so the Choudharys can “book a new and improved Turo experience.”

“We have also restricted this vehicle and our quality assurance/reporting teams are investigatingwaystoensureexceptionalTuroexperiences moving forward,” reads the statement

Development eyed for historical store property

MARIA RANTANEN

mrantanen@richmond-news com

The last hardware store in Steveston which closed in 2018 could be torn down soon and replaced with a new commercial building topped by four condos.

Steveston Marine & Hardware closed five years ago after the owner sold the 55-year-old building A hardware story had been a fixture at this location on Moncton Street for 77 years

While the current building isn’t considered a “historical resource” by the city, that is, having any historical value, it wasn’t the first building on the property

In fact, the property and original building was owned by a Japanese

Canadian fisherman, Matsu Tanaka, before the Second World War

The original building most likely had living quarters on the side and rear of the commercial building

Tanaka ran the commercial and

hardware store until 1942 when all peopleofJapanesedescentwereinterned for the remainder of Second World War

While many properties were expropriated from those who were

interned, it appears some of Tanaka’s properties were sold and he received the proceeds, albeit lower than what the properties were assessed for

For example, he owned a vacant lot at Chatham Street and 7th Avenue valued at $450, but it sold on Jan 13, 1945 for $100, according to documentscompiledbyLandscapes of Injustice with the University of Victoria.

According to Landscapes of Injustice, Tanaka was born on March 18, 1885. In addition to owning the hardware store, he was a fish broker. He had a wife, Masaye Nakata and a son, Masao Tanaka Tanaka’s name is also listed as the owner of the Steveston fishboat

Shuchona No 4 from 1927 to 1937

The Shuchona No. 4 was built by Atagi Boat Works No owner is listed between 1937 and 1942, but it is listed as being owned by B C Packers from 1942 to 1973

Tanaka was interned in 1942 to Grand Forks, and he was exiled to Japan on Oct 2, 1946

The heritage consultant, who looked at the significance of the building on behalf of the developer, recommended the development include a commemorative element to recognize the historical or cultural significance of the property

The development application, submitted by Inter Luck Trading Corp , is being dealt with at this week’s city council planning meeting.

The Choudharys at Hells Gate on the first day of their road trip (Sweta Choudhary)

A development application has been received by the City of Richmond for the former Steveston Marine & Hardware property.

$9.1M funding boost for affordable rentals in Steveston

DAISY XIONG

dxiong@richmond-news com

Richmond has received $9 1 million in federal funding to build a new affordable rental housing project in Steveston

The project will provide 25 units 10 two-bedroom units and 15 studios to low-income women and women with children who face challenges in find housing

The funding will cover the construction costs of a threestory building on city-owned land at Steveston Highway and Railway Avenue

If the rezoning application to turn the land from single-family use to multi-family use is approved by city

City centre child care centre opens

A new child care centre has opened in Richmond’s Oval Village neighbourhood, one year later than expected

The Hummingbird Child Care Centre, at 6899 Pearson Way by River Road, will provide 37 new licensed child-care spaces for infants, toddlers and children up to school age

The facility was originally expected to be ready by spring 2022, but it experienced construction delays as well as supply and trade challenges after the pandemic

council in the fall, the project is set to be completed and open doors to tenants in late 2024.

“We had announced the initial plan to do this with the city just a few weeks ago And very quickly, the Rapid Housing Initiative has been put into place, and we’re seeing a plan already in place to build,” said Parm Bains, MP for Steveston-Richmond East

BC Housing has promised to cover the $7 2 million operational costs, and Turning Point Housing Society, a notfor-profit providing housing and counselling services, will manage the building and its tenants once it’s built

The rent of the affordable units will not exceed 30 per cent of the tenant’s income, according to the city

Man

found

dead in city centre bushes

VIKKI HUI

vhui@richmond-news com

A man was pronounced dead after being found in a bush area last week

Richmond RCMP officers went to check on the man shortly after 6 a.m. on May 29 after he was spotted lying unresponsive in the bushes near the corner of Alderbridge Way and Minoru Boulevard

Community members posted on social media on Tuesday wondering what had happened to the man after spotting police activity in the area

“Despite the best efforts from emergency services personnel, the man was pronounced deceased,” said Cpl. Dennis Hwang, Richmond RCMP spokesperson

Hewaslateridentifiedbyfingerprintanalysisasa39-yearold man believed to have been living in the bush area Police do not consider the incident to be suspicious

Richmond Centre MP Wilson Miao (centre), with MP Parm Bains (second from right) and Couns (from left to right) Carol Day, Andy Hobbs and Chak Au at Friday’s funding announcement.

City of Richmond

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

1. RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10433 (RZ 17-791280)

Location/s: 8180 Heather Street

Applicant/s: 1265028 B.C Ltd. (Xinyu Zhao)

Purpose: To rezone the subject property from the “Single Detached (RS1/E)” zone to the “Single Detached (RS2/A)” zone to permit the property to be subdivided to create two singlefamily lots.

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

3. RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10457 (RZ 20-919143)

Location/s: 7371 No. 4 Road

Applicant/s: Fougere Architecture Inc.

Purpose: To rezone the subject property from the “Single Detached (RS1/F)” zone to the “Medium Density Townhouses (RTM2)” zone, to permit development of 19 townhouse units, with vehicle access to General Currie Road.

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

Location/s: 9671 No. 1 Road

Applicant/s: Bradley Dore

Purpose: To rezone the subject property from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” to “Compact Single Detached (RC2)”, to permit the property to be subdivided to create two single-family lots, each with vehicle access from the rear lane.

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

Residential (Stacked Townhouse 1.00 FAR)” to “Neighbourhood Village Centre (Retail and Office with Residential above 4 Storey 1.50 FAR)”, to clarify provision for additional density and building height for new development that includes City owned community amenities in the village centre, and to allow new development on sites with a larger lot area to be considered on a case by case basis, such as the proposed development on the subject site.

Purpose of Zoning Amendment:

To rezone the subject properties from the “Single Detached (RS1/F)” zone to a new “Residential/ Limited Commercial (ZMU53) – Neighbourhood Village Centre (Hamilton)” zone, to permit development of a mixed-use development of approximately 186 residential units, in two buildings ranging in height from four-storeys to five-storeys.

City Contact: Sara Badyal, 604-276-4282, Planning and Development Division

Monday, June 19, 2023 – 7 p.m.

Council Chambers, 1st Floor, Richmond City Hall 6911 No 3 Road, R chmond, BC V6Y 2C1 | www richmond ca

Purpose: To create the “Town Housing (ZT103) – Parking Structure Townhouses (Spires Road – Cook Crescent)” zone, and to rezone the subject site from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” zone to “Town Housing (ZT103) – Parking Structure Townhouses (Spires Road – Cook Crescent)” zone, to permit development of 27 townhouse units and seven secondary suites with a common parking structure with access from Spires Road.

City Contact: Edwin Lee, 604-276-4121, Planning and Development

mail, by calling 604-276-4007 between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday except statutory holidays, commencing June 9, 2023 and ending June 19, 2023.

Participating in the Public Hearing process:

• The Public Hearing is open to all members of the public and that attendance may be done inperson or remotely by teleconference. Advanced registration is required for individuals attending remotely and early registration is encouraged. Registration closes at 1:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting. Information on how to register is available on the City website: http://citycouncil.richmond.ca/ meetings/phone-participation.htm. Please note that advanced registration is not required for in-person attendance and members of the public are welcome to submit written comments in advance of the meeting.

• Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by 4:00 pm on the date of the Public Hearing as follows:

• By E-mail: cityclerk@richmond.ca

2. RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10454 (RZ 21-941625)

Location/s: 10611 and 10751 River Drive

Applicant/s: Fougere Architecture Inc.

Purpose: To rezone the subject property from the “Industrial Storage (IS)” zone to a new “Low to Mid Rise Apartment (ZLR46) – Bridgeport” zone, to permit development of approximately 181 residential units in three buildings ranging in height from four storeys to six-storeys.

City Contact: Sara Badyal, 604-276-4282, Planning and Development Division

4. RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10447 (RZ 22-027435)

5. OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAW 9000, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10452 AND RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10453 (RZ 21-442275)

Location/s: 4651, 4671, 4691 Smith Crescent, 23301, 23321, 23361, and 23381 Gilley Road

Applicant/s: Maskeen (Hamilton) Properties Corp.

Purpose of OCP Amendment

To redesignate the subject properties from “Neighbourhood Residential” to “Mixed Use” in Attachment 1 to Schedule 1 of Bylaw 9000 (City of Richmond 2041 OCP Land Use Map); and to amend Schedule 2.14 of Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000 (Hamilton Area Plan) to redesignate a portion of the site from “Neighbourhood

6. RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10465

Location/s: 8635, 8655, 8675 and 8695 Cook Crescent, and the surplus portion of the Spires Road and Cook Crescent road allowance

Applicant/s: TopStream Management Ltd.

Division

How to obtain further information:

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

• On the City Website: Public Hearing Agendas, including staff reports and the proposed bylaws, are available on the City Website at https://citycouncil. richmond.ca/agendas/hearings/.

• At City Hall: Copies of the proposed bylaw, supporting staff and Committee reports and other background material, are also available for inspection at the Planning and Development Division at City Hall, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except statutory holidays, commencing June 9, 2023 and ending June 19, 2023, or upon the conclusion of the hearing.

• By Fax or Mail: Staff reports and the proposed bylaws may also be obtained by FAX or by standard

• 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.

• 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.

Claudia

Director,

City Clerk’s Office

Jesson

Bylaw 10433

Bylaw 10454

Bylaw 10457

Bylaw 10447

Bylaw 10453

Bylaw 10465

Community cookbook supports mental health

BY VIKKI HUI vhui@richmond-news com

Scallion pancakes, korokke (Japanese croquette), chicken adobo, Korean chicken potato bake and Greek cabbage rolls are some of the recipes representing Richmond’s community

A local mental health organization offering peer support to Richmondites has compiled a community recipe book for a fundraiser, and they’re hoping to find a print sponsor

The cookbook is made up of about 35 recipes donated by peers at the Richmond Mental Health Consumer and Friends’ Society (RCFC) andothercommunitymembers Netproceeds from its sales will help support the RCFC

“The whole cookbook is celebrating family recipes, communities, and we’re trying to create a multicultural array of recipes that we’re sharing with the public,” said Jennifer Campillo, peer support coordinator at RCFC.

“(The recipes are) all pretty simple and very tasty and different and have lots of meaning behind them”

Campillo told the Richmond News her inspiration for the project came from her personal experience of being hospitalized

“I really didn’t like the food at (the) hospital So when I got out of the hospital, I taught myself to cook and I got to feeling like, ‘Oh, I really enjoy cooking,’” she said, adding the idea also came naturally because RCFC had held cooking events before.

The cookbook also holds a deeper meaning than a regular fundraiser, as it celebrates the legacy and talents of those who will benefit

to the cookbook Photo submitted

from the funds

“If peers are empowered to share their recipes, and it’s part of the fundraiser, it’s an empowerment piece. So that’s why we’ve decided to do a cookbook,” Campillo explained

It took about a year, but Campillo and her team finally managed to collect all the recipes and complete the layout. All they need now is some help with printing

The final product will be available for sale at RCFC’s Richmond office at 7671 Alderbridge Way or at Book Warehouse on West Broadway in Vancouver

“We would like to sell as many books as we can,” said Campillo, adding that the main goal of the fundraiser is to empower those using RCFC services

To find out more and to support the project, email jennifercampillo@vch ca

Hawaiian gifts found amidst thrift store treasures

ALAN CAMPBELL acampbell@richmond-news com

Last week it was retro cut glass decanter sets and train sets, now it’s signed photos of famous comedians and mid-century pottery

You really have no clue what is going to come out of the donation bag down at the Richmond Hospital/ Healthcare Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop in Steveston.

The Chatham Street charity store has posted on social media yet another wonderful variety of items for

sale that you really couldn’t dream up.

This week, there is a signed and framed photo of “dapper golfer Bing Crosby,” as well as some very dainty and cute mid-century pottery

And for gaming lovers of a certain generation, there is a Super Mario Legend of the Seven Stars handheld gaming console going for $50

Oh, and if you’re planning a Hawaiian-themed party, the store is selling a set of five glasses for $15 and a solid wood carving for $29.

These Hawaiian-themed items could come in handy for a party

Jennifer Campillo, peer support coordinator at RCFC, has contributed some of her family recipes

Burkeville gardeners showcase blooms to their community

VIKKI HUI vhui@Richmond-News com

Residents of the Burkeville neighbourhood near YVR enjoyed a sunny Saturday afternoon visiting and learning about their neighbours’ gardens.

One of the 10 gardens featured in this year’s Burkeville in Bloom is tended by mother and son duo Berenice and Ashton Pawlik.

“We often garden alone, and so this is a way to include the community in our garden,” Berenice told the Richmond News Berenice, who has been gardening for around 17 years, is in charge of the flowers while Ashton takes care of the vegetables

“There’s something indescribable about gardening. It’s like planting something and it grows and then you get to eat it It’s really amazing,” said Ashton

“I couldn’t recommend it enough”

The shared hobby has allowed Berenice and Ashton to bond outside of household chores, though they do get territorial at times

“I overplant and overcrowd and he’s like, ‘No, no, no, no, I planted tomatoes’ And then he goes and picks them out and thins them out,” said Berenice

The Pawliks have been cultivating polli-

Developer InformationSession

12931, 13031, 13111, 13131 NO 2 ROAD

Jim Pattison Developments Ltd. has submitted a Development Permit application to the City of Richmond for a two-storey commercial self-storage building located at 12931-13131 No 2 Road (see Map 1). The site is designated for industrial use, with a portion of the site along the western edge designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). The site is zoned Light Industrial (IL) and commercial storage is a permitted use The proposed building will be located outside the ESA.

nator-friendly plants to encourage more bees to return to the community, as there weren’t enough bees in Burkeville for their fruit trees. That has now changed.

“It’s kind of scary sometimes walking around here, just buzzing all over the place,” said Ashton

The two started out as novice gardeners, but decided to take part in a sustainable food gaardening initiative organized by DirtMagicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There wasn’t too much to do so (we) just kind of took it and ran with it. And it’s been really fun ever since,” said Ashton

Berenice told the News she ventured into vegetable gardening because she wanted to reduce the family’s carbon footprint. Instead of purchasing two containers of arugula, lettuce greens or salad mix every week, the family has been getting salad ingredients from their own garden.

From refreshingly sweet peas to broccoli, eggplants, peppers and garlic, it’s always harvest time at Ashton’s vegetable patch And the community is here to help if they have a big harvest

“Last year, we had a chair out and we had little ice cream buckets full of these little lettuce heads or whatever we have an overabundance and people just (came) after work and (drove) by and helped themselves,” said Berenice

Not far from the Pawliks’ is artist Karen Parker’s garden Parker, who has been converting her shady garden into a sunny garden after a tree fell down, told the News participating in the event helped motivate her to work on her garden

Parker’s garden is still in its beginning stages, but she already has some rhododendrons and hydrangeas in bloom. Her

current challenge, said Parker, is to find a way to place her plants to prevent weeds from growing

“And I’m new to gardening, so every spring it’s like, ‘Oh, what survived?’”

Burkeville has a lot of gardeners

Burkeville in Bloom is organized by residents Lorna Clare and Melanie Coath with the support of the Burkeville Community Association. The signs welcoming visitors to each garden were donated by Bob Schmitz, a neighbour who participated in last year’s event

Clare told the News she started the event with Coath in 2022 as a way to showcase all the gardeners in Burkeville Although the community had garden tours in the past during City of Richmond events, it had been a while since something similar was organized

“And it’s just a way to connect with our neighbours,” she said.

Now in its second year, Clare and Coath made sure to feature a different group of gardens from last year

“We didn’t want it to become where these are the only gardens that are important to see because that’s absolutely not the truth So many people in Burkeville love to garden,” said Clare.

DykeRoad

DykeRoad

We invite interested community members to join us on June 15, 2023, for an in-person Developer Information Session to review the proposal and provide comments.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Thursday June 15, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Gym at Homma Elementary (5100 Brunswick Drive)

This is a drop-in event with no pre-registration or formal presentation. A series of self-guided informational boards will be displayed in the venue with members from the project team in attendance to answer questions that you may have

For more information and to provide comments, please visit the project website at www StorageonNo2Rd.ca, or scan the QR code above

Questions? Contact us at angela@poonigroupcom or 604 731 9053 ext 105

Berenice and Ashton Pawlik started planting vegetables during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been enjoying it ever since. Vikki Hui photo

Richmond legends inducted into sports hall of fame

ALAN CAMPBELL acampbell@richmond-news.com

The BC Sports Hall of Fame welcomed some very special Richmondites this week as part of its 2023 inductees

Judo coach and pioneer for the sport Jim Kojima and the all-conquering 1971 Richmond Roadrunners Men’s Lacrosse team now have their place in sporting fame.

Kojima and Roadrunners coach Ron Phillips, along with team captain Gary Bregani, each received a plaque at the ceremony in Vancouver earlier this week

Born and raised in Steveston, Kojima racked up almost 70 years of service devoting most of his life to the sport of judo in various capacities and roles, including as an athlete, coach, referee, official and administrator.

The 1971 Richmond Roadrunners team, meanwhile, won the Canadian Junior A Minto Cup,

Seniors Link invites you to ‘Tea and tell’

ALAN CAMPBELL acampbell@richmond-news.com

A very important, Richmondbased charity helping seniors is going through a bit of a transformation

In 1999, the B C government decided to stop all services such as housekeeping and companionship while offering services to seniors

Above, right, (from left) BC Sports Hall of Fame member Tom Larscheid, Roadrunners coach Ron Phillips and Roadrunners captain Gary Bregan. Below, the famous 1971 Roadrunners

the first western Canadian team to win the cup in nine years

They defeated Peterborough 4-3 in a thrilling seven-game series held at New Westminster’s Queens Park Arena, with the de-

ciding seventh game a 13-11 victory in overtime in front of more than 5,000 spectators

Lacrosse experts consider this one of the greatest lacrosse series ever in Minto Cup history

That was when Richmondites Patricia Cruz and her long-time friend Rudy Carlson, who was a senior himself, decided to start a non-profit, the Senior Link Independent Living Society, to support seniors in the Richmond community

And this year, they have changed their name to Senior Link Society, retaining the registered charitable status

The federal government is supporting Senior Link Society by funding the project through the New Horizons for Seniors Program

Part of it will be the “Memoirs Project,” consisting of interviews with seniors who wish to leave a legacy in the community or simply would like to leave their memoirs to their family and friends

And, coming up very soon, an invitation to a “Tea and Tell” will take place on June 21, Aug 16, Sept 20 and Nov 3, from 2 to 3 p.m., whereafter a photo album, video and a story will be prepared by a committee volunteer

The society is inviting seniors to be part of this project and more information can be found in the society’s Spring Newsletter on its website Seniorlink ca

Senior Link Society is also looking for volunteers and members as the year unfolds

Members benefits include the temporary use of medical equipment, a personal copy of the newsletters and invitations to social events

Jim Kojima (centre) receives his BC Sports Hall of Fame plaque

Custom blt in 2015.

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Patti Martin 604-273-2828

#40-8111 Saunders Road

Elementary & Hugh Boyd Sec. Extra deep lot featuring a fully fenced, grassy east-facing backyard FRESHLY PAINTED EXTERIOR & updated windows, furnace & water tank. Main floor has 1 bedroom & huge family room with gas fireplace Upstairs offers 3 bedrooms renovated kitchen with stain ess appliances & laminate flooring throughout, opening onto an ENTERTAINMENT-SIZED balcony overlooking the backyard. Spacious living and dining rooms. Single-car garage with additional driveway parking 20-minute walk to Steveston Village 8-minute walk to O Hare s Gastro-Pub Your opportunity to live in a great neighbourhood!

Patti Martin 604-273-2828

2308 E. 30th Ave,

& BUILDER ALERTt! Two adjacent

ft x115 ft lots pre-zoned for low-rise 4-story apartment buildings. Potential land assembly opportunity Livable condition property occupied by good tenants on a month-to-month basis which provides some cash flow during the application process. Conveniently located at the centre of Norquay Village with easy access to stores and groceries. Don t miss it!

& BUILDER ALERTt!

11191 6th Avenue $2,788,000

Be prepared to be amazed by this 4 yr old 4 bdrm 3.5 bath unique custombuilt home on a 5194sf corner lot in highly desirable Steveston Vil age voted as Metro Van’s Best Neighborhoods in 2020 Absolutely stunning entrance w/16 ceiling. Adjacent living rm boasts 14 ceiling w/linear gas f/p

Real wood engineered flooring on main & stairs w/ 9’ ceilings &

Dixon Elementary F.I., Boyd Secondary & McMath Secondary F.I., dyke Garry Point Steveston Village Make this yours!

German builder 30 years ago. This 2 level home 4,447 sq.ft. of living space 7 large bedrooms and a den and 7 full baths. Two kitchens, one is a wok kitchen, north or south facing, lot size 8115 sq.ft. 3 car garage access from the back lane or front The home needs work, though there is excellent potential to make this the home of your dreams Convenient location steps to transit, shopping, parks, South Arm Community Centre and excellent school catchments.

DEMMITT, Troy G.

January 25, 1943 May 29, 2023

Troy Demmitt of Gibsons, BC, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on May 29, 2023.

He was born to parents Chelsea and Lila Demmitt on January 25, 1943, in Chilliwack, BC.

Troy was married to the love of his life Johanne Proulx who survives him. He was also married previously to Julie Demmitt (with whom he shared two children, Shaun and Sarah) and Gena Demmitt.

Troy loved all his extended families and loved being a stepfather to Kim and Nicole and Jennifer and Treena.

He was a proud and loving grandad to five grandchildren and four step grandchildren. He was a dedicated High School Theatre/English teacher who positively impacted his many students over a 35 year career.

Learning and travel were his lifelong passions, often combining the two during his adventures around the world. Always open to new ideas, exploring new places and meeting interesting people, many of whom became friends for life.

Troy also loved all music and moving to music he was often the first one up on the dance floor to get the party started and the last one off.

This kind, gentle and loving man will be missed greatly by his family and many dear friends.

JOHNSTON, William Stuart

August 11, 1965 April 5, 2023

Bill was born in Vancouver on August 11, 1965

Passed away in hospital in Richmond on April 5, 2023 Predeceased by his mother, June. Lovingly remembered by his father Brian; brother David (Linda); nieces Taylor and Ashley; uncle Alastair (Darlene); and cousins Greg (Rebecca), Alastair (Lisa), Robert (Ana), James and Douglas. Remembered also by friends, colleagues from 25 years with United Airlines and former teammates with whom he shared good times and triumphs on the soccer pitch. No service is planned at this time.

COMMUNITY

annOunceMents

UR AWAY; but your cat is ok thanks to Rosemary Newspaper, mai colecton, watering pants and mantanng securty for your home and your beloved cat 604-351-3831

cOMing events

Midsummer Night Celebration

Jo n R chmond Garden C ub on Wednesday, June 21, 7pm to 9pm, in Paulik Park (7600 Heather Street) to we come the f rst day of summer Tour the beaut ful gardens and earn how to plant for bees and butterflies and fairies! www.richmondgardenclub.ca

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Canon Camera found in Superstore parking lot. 604 270 3285