Richmond News June 22 2023

TRAIL TRAGEDY ON THE

A Richmond family is urging everyone to get first aid training, after a jogger collapsed and died on the West Dyke Trail. The man who tried in vain to save him had a tearful meeting with the runner’s wife and daughter at the spot where he passed away

South Arm Play Park opens P3

Ride-hailing sting nets offenders P5

Knife attack suspect appeal P7

Be utiful Smiles Cr ted by the Artisans at EstheticsDenture Stud o

Advantages and benefits of being an Esthetics Denture Studio patient:

• Alex Hupka has 26 years of experience as a registered dental technician and 16 years experience as a registered denturist.

• A Combined experience of 42 years in the dental field produces results of esthetic beauty with unparalleled accuracy in all our products

• Natural beauty esthetics and function, immaculate attention to detail

• We provide integrated treatment planning with your dentist or surgeon

• Implant supported and retained denture treatment planning and engineering

• Highest quality dental materials available with no compromise

• We have an in house laboratory for all your needs, to maintain product and quality control

• 5 year warranty against breakage during eating

• Free home care kit, including professional denture cleaner with new cosmetic and partial dentures for the lifetime of being our patient

Cosmetic Precision Denture System™

Premium quality Cosmetic Precision Dentures instill confidence and provide optimum function while eating, speaking and laughing. Sophisticated instrumentation records facial and anatomical information to recreate your natural smile and the youthful facial contours of your lips and cheeks.

Our premium quality teeth duplicate natural teeth. The contours of our premium teeth are designed to match your skeletal type with feminine and masculine characteristics to accentuate your appeal.

The Art and Advantages of Cosmetic

Precision Dentures:

Esthetics - created with natural nuances, so you can speak, smile and laugh with confidence.

Contours - Naturally sculpted tissue surfaces, make Cosmetic Precision Dentures almost indistinguishable from natural tissues.

Health - eat virtually any food efficiently, improve digestion. Strength and Fit - extremely dense materials provide a strong, secure, non irritating comfortable fit.

Biocompatibilty - dense equalized materials aid in the prevention of stain and odor buildup.

Families are loving the new look South Arm Play Park

VIKKI HUI

vhui@richmond-news

com

A big zipline, towering slides and swings are some of the features in the newly reopened South Arm Community Park playground

The playground was closed for almost a year for reconstruction due to the scale and complexity of the project At the time of closing, the removal of its iconic castle left the community feeling conflicted. Although there is still some minor work left to do, city spokesperson Clay Adams said the playground was deemed safe to reopen last week

Richmond resident Miriam Still and her two kids, like many in the community, decided to check out the playground as soon as they saw others playing inside it last Wednesday.

“We live nearby and my kids were so excited that the playground has opened,” Still told the Richmond News.

So far, her son likes the big slide with multiple climbing features the most

Carol Chan and her two daughters, four and two years old, also visited the playground as soon as it reopened Her four-year-old, along with many other young patrons, is especially enamoured with the big zipline.

The proximity of the play areas for older and younger kids was another standout feature for Chan.

“I will come here again It’s just easy for me to watch (my two daughters),” she said

Carol Chan and her two daughters have been enjoying the new playground. Vikki Hui photo

Miriam Still and her two kids enjoying time on the seesaw Vikki Hui photo

The South Arm Community Park playground reopened on Wednesday Vikki Hui photo

Jack Holmes with dad Garrett Holmes on one of the new climbing features. Vikki Hui photo

Employee accuses city of sexual discrimination, harassment

VIKKI HUI Vhui@Richmond-News com

A City of Richmond employee has accused management of paying her less than men, sexual harassment and mocking her mental health

The woman, a long-term unionized employee who is not being named, is taking the city to a B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.

The city claims it investigated the woman’s claims in full and tried to block her case proceeding.

However, in a recent published decision, the tribunal has struck down the attempt and the matter will proceed.

According tothe decision,the employee also claimed she was either not supported in her attempts to raise the issue, or even “actively discouraged or penalized” in some instances.

The city objected to the employee’s complaint, claiming WorkSafeBC already dealt withit“appropriately,”mostofthecomplaints were filed late and the employee’s complaint had no “reasonable prospect” of succeeding

The employee’s allegations span three years from 2015 to 2018 and include eight instances of discrimination These include being put in lower-paying positions where her male coworkers made at least $3 more than her per hour, hearing sexist comments such as “a guy

would have done that work faster,” and having a superior attempt to touch her on the buttocks

She also claimed a manager and a union representative had told her to “not f*** this up” when she complained about the pay discrepancy, and a co-worker pinned her against a truck and screamed at her after she told her manager the co-worker called someone “useless”

Most recently, in late 2018, the woman had helped city workers with a traumatically injured man who later died and she was later diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

According to the employee, a city manager in human resources called her while she was taking time off to tell her she should be back at work instead of “at home eating bonbons and watching re-runs of I Love Lucy”

“The common thread running through all of (the employee’s) allegations is a poisoned work environment connected to her gender as a woman,” reads the tribunal decision

The City of Richmond, on the other hand, said it had hired an independent investigator tolookintotheallegationsin2019,whofound discrepancies in the employee’s allegations and decided her claims were unfounded or had overwhelming evidence to the contrary

The investigator also preferred the human resources manager’s side of the story, who claimed the employee had misunderstood the call and the employee was the one who made the disparaging comment about eating bonbons

The employee had tried to apply for compensation through WorkSafeBC in January 2019, claiming she developed a mental disorder related to workplace bullying and harassment, but it was rejected because her claims were made after the one-year time limit. WorkSafeBC also said the human resources manager’s comment did not amount to “threatening or abusive” conduct

Employee has no prospect of winning: City of Richmond

In a decision issued last week, the B C Hu-

man Rights Tribunal concluded the employee’s complaint has not been dealt with appropriately despite having been rejected by WorkSafeBC, since the tribunal assesses time limits in a different manner.

WorkSafeBC also only dealt with one out of the employee’s eight allegations and did not decide whether it was discriminatory

“The issue of whether the (City of Richmond) discriminated against (the employee) based on sex and mental disability, in relation to her eight allegations, has not been decided in another proceeding,” reads the decision

The tribunal also concluded the employee’s complaints were timely, her allegations had a common theme of sexual discrimination and the allegations were “sufficiently repetitive and frequent in nature”

Although the City of Richmond claimed the employee had no “reasonable prospect” of succeeding, the tribunal thinks a hearing is necessary to resolve the conflicting versions of events given by both sides

It’s also inefficient, wrote the tribunal, to pick apart the employee’s allegations and dismiss some of them when she’s alleging a “pattern of discrimination” and individual events need to be considered together in context

The employee will be allowed to proceed with her complaint

The common thread running through all of (the) allegations is a poisoned work environment.

TRIBUNAL MEMBER

“I couldn’t believe it! I named my price and got the RV I wanted, right on the spot.” -Kambria N-

Park drinking nixed, for now

BY MARIA RANTANEN mrantanen@richmond-news com

A proposal for a pilot program allowing drinking in five Richmond parks was voted down on Monday by the majority of city council

But the item is expected to be back on city council’s agenda next week

At Monday’s committee meeting, two city councillors, Bill McNulty and Chak Au, spoke adamantly against drinking in parks, while some others wanted to limit the program

City staff, directed by city council, had proposed allowing alcohol consumption in Garry Point Park, Minoru Park in the Minoru Lakes area Aberdeen Park, King George/Cambie Community Park and McLean Neighbourhood Park

McNulty said he hasn’t had anyone approach him asking for alcohol to be consumed in parks, while Coun. Kash Heed, who initiated the idea, said drinking is already happening in parks

At the meeting, Richmond’s medical health officer, Dr Meena Dawar, disccouraged city council from going ahead with pilot, saying it would further normalize alcohol consumption, especially among youth and children

Sex offender caught in sting

It was recommended there be a 10-metre buffer between designated drinking areas and areas where youth and children normally congegrate such as ball diamonds, playgrounds and spray parks to “minimize the risk of adverse role-modelling”

The province allowed municipalities, starting in June 2021, to allow drinking in parks Several Lower Mainland cities such as Vancouver, New Westminster and North Vancouver, changed their bylaws to allow some drinking in parks

Mayor Malcolm Brodie told city council he’s spoken to some mayors in the Lower Mainland on the topic and there have been no issues

“They relate they have had no problems with it none,” Brodie said.

However, he said he didn’t want Garry Point Park and Minoru Park to be included in the pilot program. Amendments to take out these two parks, however, failed, and, in the end, the majority voted against the pilot project.

Voting against the motion were Brodie, as well as Couns McNulty, Au, Andy Hobbs and Michael Wolfe

The pilot would have run from July to September

Temporary Commercial Use Permit Seasonal Patio

VIKKI HUI vhui@richmond-news com

A convicted sex offender was among several drivers caught in a recent illegal ride-hailing crackdown near Bridgeport Station The operation, jointly held by Transit Police and the provincial Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement branch, led police to drivers with more skeletons in their closets.

Of the drivers who were not licensed to operate ride-hailing vehicles, one did not have a valid driver’s license. Another one had “danger-

Transit Police and the CVSE caught several unlicensed drivers in a recent illegal ride-hailing crackdown Transit Police photo

ous tires” on their vehicle Yet another one was a convicted sex offender

The Richmond News has reached out to Transit Police for more information

Body found in Steveston harbour

VIKKI HUI vhui@richmond-news com

The body of an unidentified man was recovered from the Steveston Harbour area about

twoweeksago RichmondRCMP were alerted to a possible body spotted in the Fraser River at around 9 p.m. on June 9.

A police boat, The Fraser

Guardian, attended the scene along with the B C Coroners Service

The investigation, according to police, is active and ongoing

An application for a Seasonal Patio, in effect between April 1 and October 31, has been received by the City of Richmond from Five Roads Brewing Co, doing business as Five Roads - local Eats and Craft Beer, at 130 - 12251 No 1 Rd , Richmond, B C , which requires a Temporary Commercial Use Permit

Those persons who consider themselves affected by the proposed Seasonal Patio application are invited to make written submission to the General Manager, Community Safety at 6911 No 3 Road, Richmond, B C , V6Y 2C1, or by email to buslic@richmond.ca. All written submissions received prior to the proposed approval date of June 29, 2023, will be forwarded to the General Manager, Community Safety for consideration.

For more information on Patio Programs please visit https://richmond.ca/ business-development/resources/business-licences/patio.htm or contact the Customer Service Section at 604-276-4114 or businesshelp@richmond.ca.

‘Intrusion’ into city’s email system

MARIA RANTANEN mrantanen@richmond-news com

The City of Richmond is warning the public of unsolicited emails they might receive after what appeared to be an external “intrusion” into its email system

About half a dozen residents received strange, phishing emails mimicking city emails and information in them The city has hired a cyber-security company to tackle the issue

“We were able to lock it down quickly,” said city spokesperson Clay Adams It doesn’t appear, however, the intrusion went further than the email system, and no one’s financial information should be compromised, he added

The emails appear to be an attempt to install malware onto people’s computers

Woman attacked by man with knife

ALAN CAMPBELL acampbell@richmond-news com

Martin van den Hemel received one of these emails, referring to a ride-hailing business he used to work for The email appeared to be from a city employee who left the city two years ago

It contained very specific information about tickets issues to ride-hailing drivers and how they could be resolved information was supposedly in an attachment

van den Hemel noticed it wasn’t an actual city email

Any email from the city will be from a “@richmond ca” email, Adams explained The city is warning people not to clickonanylinksordownload files from any emails that appear to be from the city but aren’t from a @richmond ca address

The city has also contacted the RCMP and the privacy commissioner on the issue

Police are asking the public for help after a woman was subjected to a terrifying knife attack in south Richmond Richmond RCMP said the woman got off a bus at around 11:30 p m on Wednesday, June 7 close to Williams and Seacote roads.

However, just before midnight, as she walked north on Seacote at its intersection with King Road a man brandishing a knife grabbed her from behind According to the victim, a struggle ensued and the two ended up on the ground

Police said, thankfully, a driver who witnessed the interaction stopped to see if everything was all right And when the driver got out of his vehicle and called out, the suspect left the area on foot.

Physically uninjured, the woman then walked to her home and reported the incident to Richmond RCMP.

Police say officers, including dog handlers, searched the area but were unable to find the suspect.

He is described as an Asian male of medium build, about 5’7 to 5’9 and be-

What is your vision for a more inclusive and thriving Richmond?

tween 40 and 60 years old with greying hair He was wearing an orange or red long-sleeved shirt or jacket, grey jogging pants with a black stripe and white writing,ablackbaseballcapandalightcoloured medical mask and black runners

Hewasalsounderstoodtobecarrying

what appears to be a large, rectangular paper bag

“We want toassure the public that we areworkingtirelesslytoidentifyandarrest this suspect but we need the com-

munity’s assistance,” said Richmond RCMP’s Insp. Michael Cohee. “We ask anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to or after the assault or lives in the area and has video surveillance installed to call us”

Police say they are canvassing the following area for video surveillance: Williams Road to Kingsbridge Road, No. 5 Road to Shell Road

Anyone who may have seen the suspect in the area or has video surveillance equipment installed is asked to contact Richmond RCMP and quote file number 2023-17348.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www solvecrime ca

“We recognize assaults like this can create concern amongst the public and have increased patrols in the area,” added Cpl Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP media relations officer “Some general safety tips we would recommend include walking in well lit areas, be aware of your surroundings, and if you are suddenly confronted run away, yell or do what you can to attract attention”

Temporary Commercial Use Permit Seasonal Patio

An application for a Seasonal Patio, in effect between April 1 and October 31, has been received by the City of Richmond from ANG Brunch Ltd., doing business as CORA, at 170 - 11380 Steveston Hwy., Richmond, B.C., which requires a Temporary Commercial Use Permit.

Those persons who consider themselves affected by the proposed Seasonal Patio application are invited to make written submission to the General Manager, Community Safety at 6911 No 3 Road, Richmond, B C , V6Y 2C1, or by email to buslic@richmond ca All written submissions received prior to the proposed approval date of June 29, 2023, will be forwarded to the General Manager, Community Safety for consideration.

For more information on Patio Programs please visit https://richmond.ca/ business-development/resources/business-licences/patio.htm or contact the Customer Service Section at 604-276-4114 or businesshelp@richmond ca

This man is suspected of grabbing a woman from behind while brandishing a knife in south Richmond last week

Woman hit by car at Costco gets almost $1M compensation

VIKKI HUI Vhui@Richmond-News com

A woman has been awarded almost $1 million after getting hit by a car in the Richmond Costco parking lot

Parminder Kaur Sunner, 50, was walking through the parking lot in 2017 when she got hit by Myung Ju Lee’s car Sunnerrecalledlandingonthehoodofthecarandhittingher head near her ear.

She felt a headache and pain on her side, and she experienced pain all over her body and suffered “excruciating headaches” after the accident.

She told the court she has not been able to work since the accident and has had to undergo a variety of treatments, especially to alleviate the “intolerable” and “non-stop” pain in her leg

“There is little question that the injuries that Ms Sunner incurred as a result of the accident have had a profound and longstanding effect on her quality of life,” said B C Supreme Court Justice Matthew Taylor in his written decision

At the time ofthe accident, Sunner wasworking full-time asa medical imaging booking clerk and was doing freelance esthetician work for friends and family

She also worked as a medical office assistant and a makeup consultant prior to the accident.

Sunner was described as “the life of the party” who exercised almost daily, hosted dinner parties for big groups of friends and there was no evidence she had mental health issues.

MLA launches anti-racism survey

The provincial government has launched the BC Demographic Survey aimed at helping identify and eliminate systemic racism in government programs.

Richmond MLA Henry Yao, citizens’ services minister Lisa Beare, attorney general Niki Sharma and representatives from the Anti-Racism Data Committee made the announcement at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in Vancouver, where they encouraged every resident in the province to participate before the deadline on Sept 29

“It’s unfortunate that racism is embedded in our society,” said Yao

“We are working through by first collecting data, understanding the challenges and how we can improve…and as government how we can address our gaps and barriers in our services to ensure all British Columbians are welcomed, supported appropriately in an equitable manner.”

Fill out the survey at Antiracism govbc ca/bcdemographic

“After the accident, Ms Sunner’s life changed completely,” Taylor wrote.

Sunner told the court she no longer engages in recreation of any kind and the impact on her mental health has been “substantial.”

Defence questioned Sunner’s credibility, pointing out that her testimony about the accident, her employment and income and her hospitalization were inconsistent.

Although Taylor acknowledged the issues showed Sunner had the ability to “exaggerate and stretch the truth when it suits her interests,” he decided Sunner is still credible because her physical and psychological injuries have impacted her memory and recollection

He added Sunner was “generally consistent and coherent” when testifying about her injuries and their impact on her life, andtherewas“anabundanceofexpertevidence”showingthe serious nature of the injuries and symptoms

Judge Taylor ultimately decided to award Sunner a total of $1,208,467 in non-pecuniary damages (compensation for her pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of amenities), loss of her past earning capacity, loss of her future earnings, her future care costs and loss of housekeeping capacity However, he decided to discount the amount by 25 per cent to account for Sunner’s pre-existing back condition and her failure to take “proactive steps” to treat her symptoms, exercise and rehabilitate herself

Notice of Council Meeting

For the purpose of presenting the 2022 Annual Report

Pursuant to Sections 98 and 99 of the Community Charter, City of Richmond Council will receive delegations to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the 2022 Annual Report.

Monday, June 26, 2023 • 7:00 p.m. Richmond City Hall Council Chambers 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC

As an alternative to attending the proceedings in-person, you may:

• stream the council meeting online at www.richmond.ca/watchonline

• register to participate remotely or provide comments in advance of the meeting by emailing cityclerk@richmond.ca

Registration to participate remotely is available 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.

Copies of the 2022 Annual Report are available for public inspection via:

• the City website at www.richmond.ca (City Hall > Finance, Taxes & Utilities > Budgets & Financial Reporting > Annual Reports)

• the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cityofrichmondbc)

• electronic copy by emailing finance@richmond.ca

For more information, please contact Finance Administration at 604-276-4218.

Tearful meeting on dike after jogger collapses, dies

ALAN CAMPBELL Acampbell@Richmond-news com

They hugged, they cried and talked for about 45 minutes after meeting up at the scene of a recent tragic incident on the West Dyke Trail in Richmond

After being connected by the Richmond News, the Hori family met for an emotional get together with the wife and daughter of a man who collapsed and died on the trail near Terra Nova almost two weeks ago. They met at the spot where the man, who was out running, collapsed backwards and hit his head

Kris Hori and a driver passing by who knew first aid tried in vain to save the man Kris was understandably upset by the experience and was frustrated that he couldn’t help more

However, Kris and his mother Kathy were able on Sunday to show the man’s family where he collapsed on the dike and talked about his final moments

“They wanted to thank us for bringing closure to their tragic loss of their dear husband and father,” said Kathy

“They did not have any details of the incident and where exactly it happened They were so grateful to Kris for being there for the last minutes of (the man’s) life

“They are such sweet people my heart broke talking to them We told them that we want them to keep in touch”

Kathy added that the meeting brought some closure to the man’s family and that of her son, Kris, who was still too upset about the incident to talk publicly.

She said the man’s family is hoping to put a memorial or a bench at the spot where he died on dike

The man’s daughter, who didn’t want to make her name public just yet, told the News that she was moved when reading our story last week about how Kris “took care of my dad”

“I just wanted to thank him for helping my dad…”

After the tragedy on Wednesday, June 7, Kathy said Kris vowed to get first aid training and she urged everyone out there who doesn’t have it to take a course as soon as possible

Development Permit Panel Meeting

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

3:30 p.m. in Council Chambers

Agenda Items:

1. 9200, 9220, 9240, 9260, 9280, 9300, 9320, 9340 Francis Road - DP 21-934415 - Zhao XD Architect Ltd. - To permit the construction of 25 townhouse units at 9200, 9220, 9240, 9260, 9280, 9300, 9320, 9340 Francis Road on a site zoned “Town Housing (ZT94) – Francis Road (Broadmoor)”.

2. 10340, 10360, 10380, 10400 and 10420 No. 4 Road – DP 21-936427 - Kadium No. 4 Development Ltd. – To (1) permit the construction of 19 townhouse units at 10340, 10360, 10380, 10400 and 10420 No. 4 Road on a site zoned “Medium Density Townhouses (RTM2)”; and (2) vary the provisions of Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500 to: (a) reduce the minimum front yard setback from 6.0 m to 4.5 m, and (b) reduce the minimum lot depth from 35.0 m to 34.0 m.

3. Portions of 8731, 8771, 8831/8851 Cambie Road and 8791 Cambie Road/3600 Sexsmith Road - Polygon Talisman Park Ltd. – To (1) permit the construction of 276 rental housing units in two six-storey multi-family apartment buildings on portions of the properties located at 8731, 8771, 8831/8851 Cambie Road and 8791 Cambie Road/3600 Sexsmith Road on a site zoned “Residential / Limited Commercial (ZMU47) – Capstan Village (City Centre)”; and (2) vary the provisions of Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500 to increase maximum permitted building height for the affordable housing building located on the eastern portion of the site from 25.0 m to 27.6 m to accommodate elevator access to a rooftop garden.

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

Joyful Giving

Gulf & Fraser Powers the Possible in Richmond Health Care

For more than 80 years, community-based credit union, Gulf & Fraser, has invested in what it values most: its members, employees, and communities.

Originally founded by a small group of commercial fishermen, Gulf & Fraser is now 71,000 members strong with $5 billion in assets, and on a mission to build brighter futures for all This includes Richmond, home to the second and third Gulf & Fraser branches established some 40 plus years ago in Steveston and Central Richmond.

Over the years, the two Gulf & Fraser branches in Richmond became an important part of the local community, financing construction for townhomes and single-family dwellings. As Gulf & Fraser Co-Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Shewfelt, explains, “The growth of the Richmond community led to Gulf & Fraser’s growth, which in turn allowed us to play an even bigger part in our community by giving back ”

And they’ve given back in spades Gulf & Fraser has supported Richmond Hospital Foundation for more than 30 years, including donating towards the new Yurkovich Family Pavilion and the In-Patient Mental Health Unit. Most recently, Gulf & Fraser became the Presenting Sponsor for the foundation’s annual golf tournament.

Long-time Richmond resident, Shewfelt recognizes the importance of supporting local health care. “We have a growing community and it is important to make the necessary investments in health care for a strong and healthy Richmond When our community is strong and healthy, that’s when we all thrive ”

Supporting Richmond Hospital Foundation aligns with Gulf & Fraser’s tagline: ‘Power Your Possible’, which speaks to the company ’ s goal to ignite the potential of its members in achieving their hopes and dreams.

How can you and your company get involved in improving health care in the community?

Take an active role in supporting Richmond Hospital by contacting Richmond Hospital Foundation for information on the various giving and sponsorship opportunities.

“Your health goes hand in hand with financial wellbeing,” shares Shewfelt. “When you are in good health and enjoying financial wellbeing, the possibilities to achieve what you desire are endless ”

Gulf & Fraser is enabling brighter futures for Richmond through its philanthropic leadership and positive impact on local health care. Shewfelt adds, “Our hope is to ensure we do our part so that the people of Richmond won’t have to worry about health care services – it’ll be there for them if and when they need it.”

For more information on making a donation, please visit richmondhospitalfoundation.com or call us at 604 244 5252

From left to right: Natalie Meixner, President & CEO, Richmond Hospital Foundation; Jeff Shewfelt. Co-CEO, Gulf & Fraser; Alvin Chow, Publisher, Richmond News & Vice President, National Advertising, Glacier Media Group

Youth soccer clubs merge

ALAN CAMPBELL acampbell@richmond-news com

An historical vote took place last week which will transform the youth soccer landscape in Richmond. At their respective AGMs, both Richmond FC and Richmond United voted to merge into one youth soccer organization

A merger committee was formed between the two clubs earlier this year to begin the process of combining the long-established organizations

The move was understood to be supported by key stakeholders, such as Canada Soccer, BC Soccer and the City of Richmond

For decades Richmond FC was the recognized community soccer club for boys, while Richmond United catered more for girls soccer

However, in recent years, both clubs have ventured into providing soccer platforms for both sexes, leading to what some believed was an inevitable merger

The merger mirrors that of the youth hockey community in 2017 in Richmond, where two competing clubs, Seafair and Richmond Minor agreed to set aside differences and become one for the betterment of the players

Wigs for Kids charity hosting cutathon, taco-eating contest

ALAN CAMPBELL acampbell@richmond-news com

A double-header of fundraisers is coming up this weekend for the Stevestonbased charity Wigs for Kids BC

The Steveston Wigs for Kids BC Weekend, sponsored by The Dinnell Real Estate Group, kicks off Saturday, June 24, with a cutathon at Collective Beauty on Moncton Street in Steveston.

Six stylists and Barber Gotti will be cutting hair from 10 a m to 6 p m with cuts costing $100 but will be free if you collect a minimum $100 in pledges

Other treatments are available Book an appointment at 604-370-0276.

And on Sunday, June 26, it’s the return

ofthethirdannualTacoEatingContestat

Little Mexico Cantina on Chatham Street.

From 1 p m to 4 p m six contestants will be stuffing their faces with as many tacos as possible in a bid to grab the title.

VIP tickets are still available for patio andinsidediningat$50eachandinclude a beer or margarita and two tacos. As well as the two big events on the weekend:

Steveston artist Marion Whiting will be doingquicksketchesoutsideofHarmony

Dental on Moncton Street on Saturday; A Monkey Tree on Moncton Street is raffling off a beautiful butterfly bench until after the July long weekend and

Sinfully the Best on No 1 Road will be making and selling Wigs for Kids cookies all weekend;

Steveston Bakery, also on No 1 Road, will be selling a Wigs for Kids muffin all weekend;

The Steveston Seafood House on Moncton Street will donate two per cent of all sales for the month of June If you say you are supporting Wigs for Kids, it will be four per cent

Wigs for Kids which raises funds to help families of children fighting cancer and other life-threatening conditions recently raised more than $65,000 from its silent auction

Steveston Block Party returns in the summer

Live music, sports teams and community organizations are some of what people can expect at this year’s Steveston Block Party

Steveston Sound and Stage is hosting its second annual block party from 12 to

4 p m on Aug 12 at Lord Byng elementary. There will be live bands on a stage as well as an on-site caricature artist Alex Sagert with Steveston Sound and Stage said the block party is for families

to meet and have fun at the same time

“I remember Steveston when I grew up was more close-knit, so now we’ve got a lot of new residents that have moved in over the years, it’s a great way to get everyone out to meet,” said Sagert

$1,199,000

$1,399,800

#1801-7888 Saba Road

OPAL-the jewel of Central Richmond MOVE RIGHT INTO your own URBAN OASIS, 1300+sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms PLUS a DEN. Located in the heart of the city right near the Canada Line, banks, shopping and restaurants. Gorgeous blonde hardwood floors throughout compliment the kitchen cabinets. Kitchen has quartz counters, stainless appliances, gas cooktop and opens onto the spacious dining/living area.

MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS across the cityscape from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the 2 NE FACING BALCONIES! Huge primary bedroom with double closets and ensuite with double vanity area. 2 other goodsized bedrooms. Building offers park-like areas including a playground and grassy area. Well-appointed amenities including gym and table tennis. AIR CONDITIONING, 2 PARKING! WOW!

Patti Martin 604-273-2828

3040 Blundell Road

ADORABLE 1/2 DUPLEX in Seafair Neighbourhood –located on the QUIET west end of Blundell near the dyke trail system, offering 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Updated kitchen with stainless appliances and brand new stove. Main floor features or ginal oak hardwood floors. Roof 2016. Big, rectangular, south-facing, fully-fenced backyard. Open parking. School Catchment: Gilmore Elementary & Boyd Secondary

Patti Martin 604-273-2828

$299,000 EACH

Lots 30 & 31 Westminster Hwy

m wide x 27.59 m long

(3502 square meters / .87 acres) Zoned AG-1 Agricultural

Currently mature blueberry bushes. Ideal properties for your Hobby Farm for Blueberries or Vegetables and Fruit. Land Only No services available.Virtual tour available.

Patti Martin 604-273-2828

Adam Wachtel 604-315-2746

$1,999,000

2308 E. 30th Ave, Vancouver

INVESTOR & BUILDER ALERTt! Two adjacent 33 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!

Zack Zhang 778-881-9926

$6,300,000

Patti Martin 604-273-2828 / Zack Zhang 778-881-9926

$999,800

2324 E. 30th Ave, Vancouver INVESTOR & BUILDER ALERTt! Two adjacent 33 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

#40-8111 Saunders Road

1 LEVEL RANCHER ON LARGE 8504 SF LOT

SUNSET & WATER VIEWS

that’s close to Seafair Mall, Steveston Village, Gilmore Elementary, Hugh Boyd Secondary and everything West Richmond has to offer 8391 Fairfax Place

RETAIL SPACE 635 SF FOR SALE

Excellent high traffic retail space available for sale. Features 635 SF of space with open corner exposures and great visibility from the central Food Court area at the Parker Place shopping mall. Currently tenanted by a computer business that offers a great return on your investment with opportunities to operate your own business in the future.

#1250-4380 No 3 Road

CominG events

LEGAL

EMPLOYMENT

General employment

FARM LABOURERS

Brar Bros Farms 3585 184 St Surrey, BC

Requred for weedng, pantng, harvesting & gradng vegetabes This job nvoves hard work; bendng, fting, crouchng No experience required $16 75/hour, 45+ hr/wk, 6 days/wk 2 year term; Nov 2023 - June 2025

Fx: 604-576-8945, or email TJ@brarbrosfarm com

FARM LABOURERS

Brar Bros Farms

Requred for weedng, pantng, harvesting & gradng vegetabes This job nvoves hard work; bendng, fting, standng & crouchng $16 75/hour, 45+ hr/wk, 6 days/wk, Nov 2023 to June 2024

Fx: 604-576-8945, or email TJ@brarbrosfarm com

604-653-7851

GARAGE SALES

MULTI