New Westminster Record December 8 2022

DECEMBER 1, 2022 - JANUARY 31, 2023

Shine Bright Light Displays:

• Reasons for the Seasons: 12 magical eco art sculptures in 8 locations.

• Shine Bright Downtown: Light attractions at Hyack Square and beyond.

Shine in Creativity:

• New West Craft Market

35+ local markers & artisans River Market

Saturday, 11:00 am 4:00 pm December 17

• Winter Solstice Exhibition 30+ local artists featured.

The Gallery at Queen’s Park December 7 21

Shine On-stage

• Quayside Voices

All ages concert by local a Cappella band.

Century House Wednesday, 7:00 8:30 pm December 14

Call 604 519 1066 to register

• Winter Celebrations

A Winter World Lantern Labyrinth, community performances, and activities.

Anvil Centre December 21 31

Shine Outdoor Activities

• New West Farmer’s Market Holiday Market

Featuring over 90 vendors selling everything you’ll need for the holiday season. City Hall Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 am 4:00 pm December 10 & 11

• Shine Bright Downtown Shop Nights

An elevated shopping experience including entertainment and a contest.

Downtown New Westminster Thursday, 5:00 8:00 pm December 8, 15, 22

• Sapperton Sing and Shop Live music and a visit from Elsa and Anna Sapperton Plaza Monday, 5:00 7:00 pm December 19

• Uptown Holiday Market

Craft vendors, treats, workshops, music & more. Uptown New Westminster Friday, 5:00 9:00 pm December 23

Find 50+ opportunities on our website.

Times are tough for folks across the country and that’s impacting New Westminster charities as they enter the holiday sea son

“This year across all programs we’ve seen more families and indi viduals struggling to make ends meet,” said Maria Howard, CEO of Family Services of GreaterVan couver “Food, housing, and safety are critical, ba

sic needs that must be ful filled before Family Ser vices can walk alongside people as they heal from trauma, overcome ad diction, or improve their mental health It’s hard to focus on the future when you’re constantly think

ing about how you will pay rent or put food on the ta ble for your family”

Nipa Bhalla, who over sees resource development at the Seniors Services So ciety of B.C., echoed those concerns

“The rising cost of liv

ing, especially hous ing, is our greatest chal lenge,” she said “Seniors who are on low, fixed in comes struggle to pay rent and meet their nutritional, health and mental health needs ”

The Lower Mainland

Purpose Society is tell ing a similar story and it doesn’t anticipate things getting any better in 2023

“In 2022, we have seen housing becoming so scarce that it seems impos sible for the average

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

TIDINGSOFCOMFORTANDJOY: Leona Green, co owner of Greens and Beans Deli in Sapperton, offers up grilled cheese sandwiches as part of her Comfort Food for Comfort Items fundraiser on Saturday She served up hot sandwiches and soup for customers who came in with donations of comfort items hats, gloves, scarves and the like to be donated to organizations that help folks in need around town For more on how

can help out, plus details on Green’s new donation drive, check outa story on page 18 of this edition PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

New West police seize $2.4M worth of drugs

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

A traffic stop in New Westminster resulted in the seizure of drugs be lieved to be fentanyl, crys tal methamphetamine, heroin and codeine having an estimated street value of $2 4 million

The NewWestminster Police Department reports that one of its officers was on patrol on Sunday, Nov 27 at about 2 p m and spotted a suspicious ve hicle that had front end damage and was registered as failing to stop for police in a neighbouring munic ipality

“The officer conducted a traffic stop to speak to the driver,” said a NWPD press release “In the course of the traffic stop, the officer found a large quantity of drugs ”

According to the NWPD, the driver was ar rested and police seized approximately: eight kilo

grams of suspected fenta nyl powder; 500 grams of suspected fentanyl pills; 1 5 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine; 1.5 kilograms of suspected heroin; and 400 millilitres of codeine

“Drug offences neg atively impact our com munities at many differ

ent levels, and we’re very impressed with the ex ceptional work that was done by this officer,” said NWPD spokesperson Sgt. JustineThom. “We want to let criminals know they’re not wanted in New Westminster.”

The investigation is con tinuing, police say

“There are no charges at this time as this investi gation is ongoing,” said the NWPD in an email to the Record

Residents are asked to call the NWPD at 604 525 5411 if they believe suspicious activity is hap pening in their neighbour hood

NewWestminsterresidentsarechasingthechill

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

A yarn bombing of scarves and toques took place in Hyack Square on Saturday all with the goal of helping to keep folks warm on cold days

NewWest resident Dee Cava nagh launched the local Chase the Chill initiative in 2018, with the goal of distributing hand crafted toques, scarves and cool weather accessories to commu nity members

Cavanagh said 11 people con tributed 377 handmade items to this year’s Chase the Chill pro gram 229 scarves, 118 hats, 15 cowls and five headbands.

“Isn’t that amazing?” she said “Two ladies actually brought 100 each Isn’t that something? Some of them have done it be fore; actually, most of them have done it before My husband, he makes a lot He made stuff all year ”

Cavanagh said her husband, Ed, loom knitted 33 scarves and seven hats for Chase the Chill

2022

“Two ladies came and helped Ed and I put them all up,” she added “There were so many, so it was good to have their help”

On Saturday, items were draped over tree branches, tied around light poles, and laid out on a cement ledge in Hyack Square Passersby were invited to take items home

“This one lady said, ‘I have never seen anything as sweet as this ’ And then she said, ‘It makes me so happy,’” Cavanagh said “It’s quite something ”

The local Chase the Chill ini tiative is based on an event that started in Easton, Pennsylva nia in 2008 and subsequently spread to cities in the United States and Canada. After hear ing of the initiative, Cavanagh launched it in NewWest in 2018.

Items have been dispersed each December, with the excep tion of a one year hiatus in 2020 because of COVID The contri butions have increased through the years, with this year’s ef

fort almost quadrupling the 110 items given out in Hyack Square during the first event in 2018

While everyone is welcome to help themselves to the hand made items regardless of in come, the hope is that some of the items get to folks in need to chase the chill away on the

cold days and nights they may face if they’re outdoors

“For the last month I have been watching the weather and thinking, ‘I hope it doesn’t rain or snow too much because I re ally couldn’t have it then.’ I was so glad with the weather,” Cava nagh said “It was just perfect

For information or to help, contact Cavanagh on the Chase the Chill In NewWestminster page (@deenwbc) on Facebook.

“Anybody that is interested can contribute,” Cavanagh said “We took the leftover items to Purpose Society and Lookout Society”

Non-profits struggling to meet rising need in the city

person to find hous ing they can afford,” said Lynda Fletcher Gordon, acting executive direc tor at the Purpose Society “People who are on lower or fixed incomes are in an even worse position The price of gas, inflation and rising bank rates have cut into the average person’s disposable income, and some families are finding it extremely difficult to meet all their daily needs ”

Sadly, Fletcher Gordon doesn’t expect that situa tion to change in 2023.

“Unfortunately, there is no indication that this situation will change any time in the near future and some predictions are that it will carry on throughout 2023,” she said “All of us who are part of the New Westminster community will be faced with the con sequences of these dreary fiscal times and, hope fully, we will remain car

ing, compassionate and giving ”

Along with individuals, non profits are faced with rising costs and that’s affecting their ability to do everything they want for clients at Christmas.

“With the rising costs of goods and our grow ing need for a new and improved office/admis sions building,Westmin ster House is struggling to go the extra mile this year in making our clients’

Christmas a special one,” saidTressa Cooper, busi ness development assistant atWestminster House So ciety “By contributing to ward our wishlist, you can help ensure their experi ence in treatment over the holidays is a warm and memorable one ”

HOWTO HELP: A GUIDE TO NEWWEST GIVING

Want to help local char ities? Each December, the Record puts together a

Guide to Giving that lists some of the local charities working in the city such as assisting people who are unhoused, helping seniors or youth, or building com munity through the arts and ways you can help them do their good work during the holidays and beyond by giving money, items or volunteer hours

You can find the 2022 Guide to Giving at www newwestrecord ca

All of us

SHARINGTHEWARMTH: Nearly 400 handmade scarves, toques, cowls and headbands were dispersed as part of Chase the Chill Many of the items were given out in Hyack Square on Saturday PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

SOME-BUNNY TO LOVE THIS WINTER

New Westminster Animal Services has an abundance of bunnies waiting for their forever homes. During the month of December, get a 50% discount on rabbit adoption fees (which includes spaying/neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations), as well as a free adoption kit to help set up your new furry friend’s home Not sure if a rabbit is right for your family? Drop in to Café Rabbit at the Queensborough shelter on Dec 10 from 10:00 am to 2:00pm to meet the bunnies available for adoption and ask questions. Learn more at newwestcity ca/rabbit

2023 SCHEDULE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS

The 2023 schedule of Council meetings is now published on our website at newwestcity.ca/council

Watch council meetings, council workshops, public hearings, and some special meetings online Note that meeting dates, times, or venues may vary each month, so please double check the online calendar in advance

DON’T GO HUNGRY DONATION COLLECTION

The City is supporting the Don’t Go Hungry Food Program, a food hamper program serving 1,300 people in New Westminster and south Burnaby who can’t access weekday food programs Donation bins have been set up at Anvil Centre, City Hall, Century House, Queensborough Community Centre, and Massey Theatre These will be available until Dec 23 to collect personal care items, dish and laundry soap, canned proteins, and children’s snacks. Learn more at newwestcity.ca/dgh-donation

OUTDOOR POOLS 2022 SEASON FEEDBACK

Share your feedback on the 2022 outdoor pool season. We’ve posted a series of questions about our reservation system, lane swimming capacity, aquafit registration, and swimming lesson formats. Complete the full survey online before Dec 19 Visit the website for details: beheardnewwest.ca/pool-feedback

FOOD SAFE AND FIRST AID COURSES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 1 – January 31

Shine Bright events and activities Various locations newwestcity.ca/shinebright

Saturday, December 10

10:00 am

Café Rabbit (open house) City animal shelter, Queensborough 420 Boyne St

SHINE BRIGHT

Dec 1, 2022 Jan 31, 2023

Monday, December 12 6:00 pm

Council Meeting Council Chamber, City Hall and online

•

•

Shine Bright and unite in the spirit of the season! Everyone is invited to put up holiday lights and enjoy winter holiday activities. Shine Bright activities include light displays and opportunities for the New West to shine creatively, outdoors, and on-stage newwestcity ca/shinebright

Notice of Disposition of Land

Whereas the Corporation of the City of New Westminster wishes to licence a building known as Queensborough Kids located on a 516 1 square metre parcel of land having a civic address of 490 Furness Street, New Westminster B.C., and which land and building is not available to the public for licensing; therefore, the Corporation of the City of New Westminster hereby gives notice subject to Section 26(3) and 94 of the Community Charter:

(a) The land is more particularly described as: Parcel Identifier: PID 030 654-548

Legal Description: LOT 2 DISTRICT LOT 757 GROUP 1 NEW WESTMINSTER PLAN EPP85642

(b) The City proposes to licence the above described property to: KOLUMBIA INN DAYCARE SOCIETY (K.I.D S.) (Society Number S-0020652), 236 Ross Drive, New Westminster, B.C., V3L 0B2

(c) The nature of the disposition: a non-exclusive licence for the purpose of carrying on a licensed child care facility from Monday to Friday between the hours of 6:00 am to 6:30 pm for three months commencing on January 1, 2023 and ending on March 31, 2023.

(d) The consideration for which the Licensee shall pay to the city is the sum of $1,650 monthly as the licence fee for a total of $4,950

For more information concerning this licence, please contact Karen Campbell, Project Manager, Civic Buildings and Properties, Department of Engineering Services, City of New Westminster at 604-527 4617

Jacque Killawee, City Clerk

B.C. flu shot blitz comes to New West

JulieMacLellan jmaclellan@newwestrecord ca

Families are being in vited to drop in to the NewWestminster pub lic health unit for their flu shots this weekend as part of a B C wide children’s immunization blitz

The province an nounced its plans during a media briefing held Mon day (Dec 5) with Health Minister Adrian Dix, pro vincial health officer Dr Bonnie Henry, and Dr Penny Ballem, who’s in charge of B C ’s vaccina tion program

The planned vaccina tion push comes in re sponse to rising numbers of respiratory illness in children a spike that’s causing unprecedented demand for emergency departments and pediatric intensive care beds in pro vincial hospitals

Henry said B C has seen a “dramatic increase” in influenza this season

The flu circulating in B C now is primarily the H3N2 strain of influenza A, which Henry noted causes more severe illness across the board, partic ularly in young children and older people

She warned it can also lead to secondary bacterial infections, which can then cause severe pneumonia

The good news, Henry said, is that this year’s flu shot appears to be a “very good match” for the ill ness that’s circulating.

“We still have time to blunt the impact of this transmission by getting people vaccinated,” Henry said “I cannot stress enough the importance of the influenza immuniza tion right now, this year in particular, as the best pro tection we have against in

fection and virulent illness from influenza, and partic ularly for children, who we are seeing being affected right now”

As of Monday’s brief ing, vaccination rates among children and youth in B C remained low: 21 per cent for those aged six months to four years; 20 per cent for five to 11 year olds; and 15 per cent for teenagers

A provincial blitz start ing this week is hoping to change that

Ballem said the prov ince is planning what she dubbed a “vaccifluoza” to reach as many families as possible in a short time

“If you get Friday, Sat urday and Sunday and get a vaccine, you’re ready for two weeks away when your immune system has responded and you’re moving into your holi day season with your fam

Flu shots

What: Family influenza immunization clinic (aimed at families with children aged six months to 12 years)

Where: New Westmin ster public health unit, 218 610 Sixth St (upper level, Royal City Centre)

When: Friday, Dec 9, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Satur day, Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p m

Info: tinyurl.com/Fraser HealthFluShots2022

ily,” she said, adding that the push is aimed at Dec 9, 10 and 11. “There’s a lot of effort being made to make sure that we’ve got the vaccine available and it’s in convenient places and that we’re able to wel

come families ”

Families are still be ing encouraged to register through B C ’s GetVacci nated system (www get vaccinated.gov.bc.ca) and schedule appointments once they receive an invi tation to do so

This week, the province is also sending out text in vitations to about 150,000 families of children in the youngest age group, who haven’t previously been set up in the automated sys tem

Walk in immunizations are also being made avail able to increase conve nience for families in cluding one at the New West public health unit (see details in information box)

Families will be able to ask for nasal spray vac cines for those children who have issues with nee dles, Ballem said

Cityhall lightedin orange

NewWestminster City Hall is adorned with or ange to highlight the need to end violence against women and girls.

The City of NewWest minster has proclaimed Nov 25 to Dec 10 as

Orange Days: Unite to EndViolence Against Women and Girls

The time period marks 16 days of activism from Nov 25, the UN In ternational Day for the Elimination ofViolence AgainstWomen, to Dec 10, UN Human Rights Day.

It includes Dec 6, Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action onViolence AgainstWomen, marking the 1989 murder of 14 women at Polytechnique Montréal

Topic:

Local politicians call for ‘snow summit’ in Metro Vancouver

“The majority of problems I saw were people spinning out with bald or summer tires and people not keeping safe distance in acceleration and braking The problems are not with snow removal equipment ”

“Oh, (the next snowfall) is going to be fun! And by fun I mean dreadful, and expect nothing but another pathetic display of snow removal By both the cities and the province less ”

MY VIEW KEITH BALDREY

B.C. COVID review points to communication breakdown

The release last week of a 144 page review of the B.C. govern ment’s performance in the pandemic was cause for re opening my notebooks from the past couple of years and taking a walk down memory lane

The review concluded the government’s performance was, overall, a good one (with some notable excep tions in certain areas)

“The government of B C’s response to the COVID 19 was strong, showing resil ience, balance and nimble ness,” the review’s authors (three former civil servants) concluded

The authors noted B C did well on many levels The vaccine rollout and take up were stellar and likely among

the best in the country; we had fewer restrictions and closures than other juris dictions; schools remained open, for the most part; and in person dining was restored more quickly than other provinces

As well, our COVID 19 outcomes were generally better than most jurisdic tions

However, the report con cludes that as time went on the communications part of the government’s strategy began to falter and erode

“The approach taken during the initial phase to be calm, competent, and apolitical was very effec tive in assuaging the fears of the public,” the review states “The later communications breakdown contributed to

an erosion of trust.”

Certainly, I can attest to seeing some of that frustra tion mount as time passed. I was besieged with emails and phone calls from hun dreds of people during the pandemic, many expressing confusion as COVID 19 related rules and protocols changed or were imple mented

“The public just wanted certainty and were not prepared for continuous change,” the review says “As a result, many interpreted changes to guidance as ev idence of earlier mistakes, damaging trust”

Another area of frustration was the lack of data being made public on a timely basis

Nevertheless, public

opinion of B.C.’s pandemic performance has remained fairly high through the pan demic, hovering around 60 per cent approval for months. The authors also heard a negative response to government decisions in an online survey, but they noted these folks expressed “an extreme level of vitriol” and that many espoused con spiracy theories about secret government agendas

It is easy in hindsight to poke holes in decisions made in unprecedented times and experiences, but the review’s main point seems to be: B C got through it OK, but we can always do better, especially if there is a “next time”

Keith Baldrey is chief po litical reporter for Global BC

Debbie Cooke via Facebook

Jayson Vonfreizer via Facebook

New West Farmers Market returns for holidays

Holiday food and artisan market returns to NewWestminster City Hall this Saturday and Sunday

JulieMacLellan jmaclellan@newwestrecord ca

Two years ago, in the depths of COVID 19 re strictions, it was one of the very few events on the holiday calendar in New Westminster This year, the New West Farm ers Mar ket’s holi day market is just one event in a jam packed festive sea son but it’s un doubtedly going to be one of the highlights

Mar ket man ager Quinn Kliewer and her team are gearing up for what promises to be their big gest market ever, as the NWFM Holiday Market returns to NewWestmin ster City Hall on Dec 10 and 11.

“Last year was the big gest market we’ve ever had, and I think this year we’re even going to ex ceed that,” Kliewer said “We have a record num

ber of vendors scheduled this year ”

That number? More than 90 and all vendors will be on site both days, so shoppers don’t need to worry about which day to attend

Their offerings will run the gamut of everything you could possibly need to get ready for the festive season.

On the food front, you’ll find an array of holiday de lights in cluding pro duce, baked goods, chocolate, jams and preserves, meats and seafood, sauces and other pre pared foods, including vegan op tions

You’ll also find a wide selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, including coffee, kombu cha, whiskey, mead, wine, beer and more

On the gift front, you’ll be able to shop from handmade artisan wares

jewelry, pottery, home décor, candles, soaps, pet supplies for just about everyone on your gift list

Plus, the market plans to offer up live entertain ment both days, with per formers to help get shop pers into the holiday spirit

A new addition to the lineup this year is the Mu sic Box music studio,

which will have carollers out to provide seasonal songs

Add in eight food trucks and the Sprout Club tent, with crafts and other kid friendly activi ties all weekend long, and you’ve got yourself a full, family friendly outing for all ages

The market team is an ticipating potential record

attendance this year; given that 2,500 folks turned out last year, they’re pre pared to handle more than that.

And, yes, the event will go ahead regard less of weather so rain, snow or shine, you’ll find Kliewer and her team of volunteers out helping to spread holiday cheer

The market is dog

friendly, open to all ages and wheelchair accessible.

“I think people are pretty bummed out once the regular season ends, so the fact we get to come back for another week end during the winter for our community is great,” Kliewer said

You can find a full list of all the vendors at www newwestfarmers.ca.

HOLIDAYCROWDS: Last year’s New West Farmers Market holiday event attracted record crowds to city hall The popular seasonal market returns this weekend PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER/RECORD FILES

Exploredowntownwith ShineBrightShopNights

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

Hot drinks, boozy bev erages and festive music and opportunities to both give and win are part of the fun of Shine Bright Shop Nights

For the second year in a row, the Downtown New West BIA is hosting Shine Bright Shop Nights on threeThursdays (Dec. 8, 15 and 22), when partici pating businesses, commu nity partners and organi zations will activate retail and hospitality spaces from 5 to 8 p m

“There will be Insta gram contests during Shop Nights where shoppers can share photos of their favourite items, themselves in store, and of course,

with the lights for the op portunity to win some amazing prizes which will consist of items from our many member businesses,” said a BIA news release “The goal for Shop Nights is to encourage our com

munity to shop local and support their neighbour hood businesses ”

Some of the highlights of the kickoff event tonight (Thursday, Dec 8) in clude:The Refill Stop

Bright nights: The Downtown New West BIA is hosting Shine Bright Shop Nights on Thursdays leading up to Christmas PHOTO JARROD MCKENNA PHOTOGRAPHY

Merry & Bright Christmas in New West

Looking for something for the hard to buy for person on your Christmas list?Why not gift them with tickets to a Christmas event or browse at a local market?

Check out a few of the upcoming highlights:

SATURDAY, DEC 10

Carols and Bells: Enjoy the 23rd annual Christmas concert at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave Tickets $20 general admission; $15 students/seniors; $10 children via Eventbrite ca

B ight

erplentyofideasforholidaygiving

or call 604 522 1606

AWonderheads

Christmas Carol: Giant masks and whimsical, larger than life puppets bring the Charles Dickens classic to life at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave ) in

a 7:30 p m performance Info and tickets: www ticketsnw ca

Festive Treasures: Head to Van Dop Gallery for a cup of hot cider and a chance to browse new works by Carole Arnston

Lori Bagners, Leanne Christie MOTOKO Megan MacDonald and more, 11 a m to 5 p m , 421 Richmond St Info: www vandopgallery com

Pawliday Photos: Head to Wonderpup Academy (9 Sixth St ) to get your pet’s photo taken with Santa, with 50 per cent of proceeds to the New Westminster Animal Shelter’s holiday list and 50 per cent to Northern Hope Dog Rescue Photos $20, email team@ wonderpupacademy com to book a spot Walk ins will also be taken between 11 a m and 4 p m

Christmas bake sale: Head to Visions Bookstore (330 Sixth St ) for a festive bake sale in support of families in recovery from addiction, through the Family Recovery Society of Canada, 10 a m to 2 p m

SATURDAY, DEC 10

AND SUNDAY, DEC. 11

Holiday market: New West Farmers Market presents its third annual holiday market in front of New Westminster City Hall, 10 a m to 4 p m both days (see story page 7) Info: www newwestfarmers ca

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

AND THURSDAY, DEC 15

Christmas Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a three hour tour on the Fraser River aboard the M V Native, from Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours, featuring a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, plus beverages and other refreshments available for purchase Board at 5:30 p m ; tour from 6 to 9 p m Tickets from $4995; book at www vancouverpaddlewheeler com

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

Winter Harp: Join Winter Harp with its classical and Celtic harps, flutes and rare medieval instruments, for a night of poetry and song at Holy Trinity Cathedral (514 Carnarvon St ), 7 p m Tickets $45 57;

buy at Eventbrite ca

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

The Nutcracker Gala: Royal Principal Ballet Academy stages its first ever Nutcracker Gala at the Anvil Theatre (777 Columbia St ), featuring students of all ages in a performance that features the classic Tchaikovsky soundtrack with original choreography by academy teachers in both contemporary and ballet styles Matinée at 2:30 p m , evening show at 6 p m , buy tickets through www ticketsnw ca

Buddy’s Holly Jolly

Christmas: Join Zachary Stevenson as Buddy Holly in a performance featuring tribute artists Ben Klein (Elvis) and Cassandra Jean (Brenda Lee), with big hits plus favourite seasonal tunes 7:30 p m at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave ) Tickets $55 plus service charges, buy through www ticketsnw ca

New West Craft: The Arts Council of New Westminster s handmade market, featuring local artisans and makers, returns to River Market (810 Quayside Dr ), 11 a m to 4 p m

SUNDAY, DEC. 18

The Nutcracker: Royal City Youth Ballet brings its annual holiday favourite back to the stage at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave ) Two shows: 1 p m and 4 p m Tickets $44 to $59, plus service charges buy through www ticketsnw ca

WEDNESDAY, DEC 21 TO SATURDAY, DEC. 31

Winter Celebrations: The Anvil Centre once again hosts its holiday festivities, with a variety of events, activities and performances over the 11 day celebration Info: www anviltheatre ca/winter celebrations 2022 Find our complete holi day events listing at www tinyurl com/NewWestChrist masEvents2022

hot drinks from of Hive Café; River Market car oling byThe Caminado Carolers, plus the opportu nity to enter to win a Shine Bright gift pack valued at $150 at Origins Choco lates; Inn at the Quay holiday décor; Arrieta Art Studio free craft mak ing;Wonderpup Acad emy pet photos with the Grinch and local artist dis play; Mila & Paige wine from Pacific BreezeWin ery; Found Boutique DJ spinning festive tunes; and Good Omen beer from Steel & Oak Brew ing Co

You can find a Shine Bright Shop Night’s walk ing guide at www down townnewwest ca (in the Blog section)

Each location participat ing in Shops Night will in clude a place where you

can make a donation to the Lower Mainland Purpose Society’s hamper program.

Items needed include: food and snacks (choco lates, cookies, crackers, hot chocolate, candy canes, pasta, tea, Cup of Soup, apple cider packs, cereal, nuts, coffee, and canned salmon, tuna and ham); toiletries (shampoo, condi tioner, body wash or soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, Chapstick, toiletry or manicure sets, shaving cream, razors, de odorants, hand lotion and sanitizers, tampons and panty liners, body scrub puffs, hand lotion). Other items needed include gloves, men’s underwear, socks, toques, slippers, um brellas, scarves

FESTIVE LIGHTS

While you’re downtown, be sure to check out the

festive lights, including a 20 foot light tunnel in Hy ack Square. It’s just one of the light installations that’s part of the citywide Shine Bright NewWest initiative that’s happening across the city from Dec 1 to Jan 31

“As we approach the longest nights of a chal lenging year, we are calling on you to shine with us As part of a citywide ini tiative, we are encouraging businesses and residents to light up their homes and storefront to show how re silient, connected, and bright NewWestminster is and always will be,” said a Downtown NewWest BIA news release “Shine Bright is a celebration of the holi days in NewWestminster’s historic downtown ” You’ll find details about all of this year’s Shine Bright NewWest events at www newwestcity ca

Community

Christmasornamentsales helpCKNWKids’Fund

The Hyack Parade, maypole dancing and la crosse are featured on a new limited edition Christ mas ornament that’s being sold to raise funds to sup port B C children

Cap’s bicycle shops in NewWest and Port Moody are once again sell ing Christmas ornaments featuring five different de signs to raise money for the CKNW Kids’ Fund 100 per cent of the pro ceeds goes to the fund

The business has once again teamed up with art ist Hilary Morris to create the artwork

“The NewWestminster ball is featuring the her itage buildings and Co lumbia Street We’ve got hand painted images of the Hyack parade, with the May Queen suite in a con vertible And it’s all head

ing towards Queen’s Park where there’s a maypole dancing with beautifully coloured ribbons and a la crosse game,” said Gor don Hobbis of Cap’s Bicy cle Shops

Three previous designs a polar bear, Prospect Point andWhistler are back, and there’s new de

sign that features Port Moody

They’re available at Cap’s Bicycle Shop (434A East Columbia St.) and Cap’s Electric Bike Shop in Port Moody (2840 St Johns St ), as well www allez.shop (search for Christmas)

Theresa McManus

OPEN HOUSE INVITATION

RWAGroupArchitectureLtd wouldliketoinviteyoutoanopenhouseon Tuesday,December13,2022todiscussaRezoningandDevelopment Application, File: REZ00220 / DVP 00697 that has been submitted for 114 and 118 Sprice Street, New Westminster, BC

This development is applying for rezoning from the existing RQ 1 to RT 2D in order to develop 10 single detached homes with options for flexible space on compact lots in the Queensborough neighbourhood

Open House Details:

Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Time: 5:00 to 7:00 pm

Location: Queensborough Community Centre 920 Ewen Ave, New Westminster, BC

Site Location

For more information: Visit the project website: spricestreethousing.ca

Contact Cindy Brenneis at RWAGroup at 604 736 8959 ext 232

Visit www beheardnewwest ca/sprice st Contact the City of New Westminster at devfeedback@newwestcity.ca

Holiday spirit: Sebastian Miraglia, left, and Norm Baker of Cap’s Bicycles display some of the Christmas ornaments being sold at Cap’s New West and Port Moody stores to raise money for the CKNW Kids’ Fund PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Community

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

The Seniors Services Society of B.C. is hoping to bring some joy to local seniors this holiday sea son

The NewWest based society is once again of fering its annual Santa for Seniors campaign.

“Seniors are the fast est growing segment of MetroVancouver’s home less population The demand and need for groceries, necessities, medications and hous ing navigation is high,” said a notice from the so ciety. “We hope that our holiday gifts will bring some much needed cheer to those seniors with the highest need.”

Community members can help the society assist

local seniors in a couple of ways

The virtual annual Santa for Seniors cam paign the society’s larg est annual fundraiser of the year allows people to donate money to assist vulnerable seniors all year round. Donations can be made online at www seniorsservicessociety ca/ santaforseniors

While going through some papers with her mom, the daughter of a 2021 recipient came across a card her mom had received as part of the 2021 Santa for Seniors She wrote to the society to acknowledge the signif icance of the campaign

“I figure you get a lot of accolades and apprecia tion at Christmastime, but perhaps February, while it feels impossibly late, is a

a senior this

here’s

good time to remind you that you make an enor mous difference, not just for the seniors you serve, but also for the families who are doing their best to look out for their par ents,” said the letter “Put simply you rock ”

In addition to the vir tual Santa for Seniors campaign, folks can also support vulnerable, low income and isolated NewWestminster seniors through a local program

Christmas trees now set up at London Drugs (inWestminster Centre), Save On Foods (Sap perton) andYour Dollar StoreWith More (on Car narvon Street, near the NewWestminster Sky Train station) have orna ments each containing a senior’s wish list

The society invites peo

ple who would like to do nate in person with a physical gift to visit one of those retail partners be fore Dec 11 to support a local senior

People can take those ornaments, purchase a suggested gift from the se nior’s wish list and then return the gift and orna ment to customer service or the designated gift col lection area.

The Seniors Services Society suggests a $50 value for the gifts for each senior Candles and home baked goods aren’t being accepted as gifts for safety precautions.

The Seniors Services Society welcomes volun teer drivers (elves) for this year’s gift drive

Anyone who is inter ested in volunteering can email info@sssbc.ca.

FRIDAY, DEC. 9 TO SUNDAY, DEC. 11

CAFÉ RABBIT

Find more events online: www newwestrecord ca/local events

editorial@newwestrecord.ca

ca

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

KARAOKE NIGHT

The snow hasn’t slid off the roof yet, and there is more rain predicted this week While we all know we’ll get through the rough weather, some might want to express the same by belting Gloria Gaynor’s IWill Survive before a tipsy crowd And for those who want to sing their hearts out, Another Beer Company (30 CapilanoWay) has kick started karaoke night sessions every Friday between 7 and 11 p m Participation

is on a first come first served basis

MORE: See anotherbeerco.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 9 TO SUNDAY, DEC. 11

MOUTHPIECE

Those who are impressed by an OpenAI chatbot’s rather moving letter explaining to kids that Santa isn’t real, might also ap preciate the creative bots at a New Media Gallery exhibition Mouthpiece, the show that ends on Dec 11, includes disembod

What’s it like to care for a pet bunny? Learn all about it at Café Rabbit a one day open house event organized by NewWestminster Animal Services at the animal shelter (420 Boyne St., Queensborough).While just meeting a bunch of hopping bunnies is sure to lighten up your day, you can also go a step further by signing up to adopt, foster or volunteer to care for these furry little beings at the event. And if you plan to take one home, you can do so by paying a half price adoption fee and grabbing a free adoption kit that includes hay, pellets, a toy and a gift card for Bosley’s pet store

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

WHERE: New Westminster animal shelter, 420 Boyne St.

INFO: Find the details on the New West animal shelter’s social media: @newwestshelter on Facebook and @newwestanimalshelter on Instagram

ied rubber heads chanting from world’s re ligious texts and bodiless “Muppet heads” group humming While it may seem like an episode of Black Mirror in real life, it sure isn’t as anxiety inducing The show is on from 10 a m to 5 p m , at the Anvil Centre (third floor, 777 Columbia St ) MORE: See www.newmediagallery.ca.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 & SUNDAY, DEC. 11

WILDFIRES AT S&O

Do you like the idea of browsing through books while sipping a Mexican hot choc olate inspired stout?Wildfires Bookshop, which usually sells its collection out of the cozy Old Crow Coffee Co on Front Street, is bringing a curated selection including both used and new books featuring histor ically and presently excluded voices to NewWest’s Steel & Oak Brewery (1319 Third Ave ) this weekend, between noon and 7 p m

MORE: See linktr.ee/wildfiresbookshop.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 & SUNDAY, DEC. 11

NEW WEST FARMERS HOLIDAY MARKET

Do you miss walking toTipperary Park and filling your grocery bags with freshly baked goods, kettle corn and handmade soaps everyThursday?The NewWest Farmers Market season is over, but before it bids a final goodbye to the year, the mar ket team is organizing a big holiday market featuring over 90 vendors, this weekend, between 10 a m and 4 p m , in front of city hall (Royal Avenue and Sixth Street).While the entry is free, it is suggested that visitors donate $5 towards the GreaterVancouver Food Bank when they drop by to purchase their bottles of kombucha and box of cook ies

MORE: www.newwestfarmers.ca. compiled by Naveena Vijayan

Photo: Oksana Shufrych/Moment/Getty Images

Community

Holiday donation drive honours former city councillor

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

An initiative aiming to help put food on the tables of folks in need is contin uing in honour of a long time NewWest resident who launched the pro gram

In 2020, retired city councillor LorrieWil liams held a local initia tive that encouraged peo ple to place a food item a day in a box, with the food hampers helping out lo cal folks in need In De cember 2020, community members dropped off 70 boxes of food at Greens & Beans Deli, and the boxes were donated to Monarch Place, the Lower Main land Purpose Society, Saint Barnabas Church and the food bank

Leona Green, co owner of Greens & Beans, and former councillor Chuck Puchmayr are resurrect

ing the initiative this year in honour of their friend Williams remains hospital ized after suffering a stroke on Aug 7

“She would be doing something right now if she could, but she can’t,” Green said “So, we are just going to do it for her ” Green invites commu nity members to bring a box containing non per ishable food items to the deli on Saturday, Dec 17 from 10 a m to 2 p m Puchmayr will be trans porting the donations to a local food support pro gram

“It’s all going to go to the Don’t Go Hun gry program to fill their shelves.We are not ac tually going to hand out hampers,” she said “They are feeding a lot of peo ple.”

WhenWilliams launched her initiative in 2020, she told the Record

that she knows from per sonal experience what it’s like to be struggling at Christmastime.

“When I was a teenager, we had to have a Christ mas hamper. My step father left We didn’t have much money When he left there was no income,” she said at the time “At first when they delivered the box, I turned it down you know how proud teenagers are Mom came home and said, ‘Where is the box?’ She retrieved it.”

Boxes can be dropped off at Greens & Beans Deli in Sapperton, 143 East Columbia St.

“I think it will make her happy,” Green said about Williams

Every Saturday, Don’t Go Hungry provides free grocery hampers to any one in need at four loca tions, three in NewWest and one in South Burn aby.

COMFORT EXCHANGE

On Dec. 3, Green launched another char itable initiative aimed at helping folks stay warm this winter.When people dropped off socks, gloves and scarves comfort items they received a grilled cheese sandwich

and a bowl of tomato soup comfort food.

“It went really well Besides getting a ton of stuff, we got $310 in do nations and then some body matched the dona tions so we have $620 in donations,” she said “Peo ple will be dropping stuff

off for the next couple of weeks, so we are going to have a ton ” Items can be dropped off at Greens & Beans un til Friday, Dec 23 They will then be dispersed to a variety of organizations around town that help folks in need

Holiday warmth: Community members dropped off socks, toques and other comfort items at an initiative underway at Greens & Beans Deli PHOTO

JENNIFER GAUTHIER

Community

As Shine Bright 2022 gets underway around NewWest, the city is bask ing in the glow of some awards for its 2021 pro gram.

The annual Shine Bright NewWest event won its third award last month the Cultural Event Award from Creative City Net work of Canada The award recognizes visionary leadership in producing exceptional cultural events

A city press release said CCNC’s awards jury com mended the city’s “uti lization of a challenging period for events during the pandemic to adjust how events are structured and for adopting lessons learned from these adjust ments to events in the fu ture ”

Shine Bright which features light displays and special events through out the holiday season

has also won two previous awards.

In May 2021, the Downtown NewWest BIA received the Special Events Programming Excellence Award from the Busi ness Improvement Areas of B.C. for Shine Bright Downtown

In May 2022, the city received the Festivals and Events Excellence Award from the B C Recreation and Parks Association

COMMUNITY REMEMBRANCES

obItuarIes

SKULSKI,

Gregory Andrew

November 6, 1960 November 16, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce Greg’s passing. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Erika, and son Ben. He will be sadly missed by his siblings, Jenny, Sue, and Geoff. Through his adventures, he touched many friends and acquaintances and will be fondly remembered for his kindness and positive outlook on life. The family extends a grateful thanks to Dr I. Fadeyeva and the many physicians and staff involved with his care. A funeral service (Celebration of Life) will be held at Willingdon Church Chapel, 4812 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC, on December 14th 2022, at 2 pm, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the BC Cancer Society is appreciated.

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