New Westminster Record January 12 2023

Hospital reacts to surge in demand

Columbian

Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster is reactivating its emergency operations centre in response to the continued surge in respiratory illness in the province

The province is reactivating the emergency operation centres (EOCs) at 20 of the province’s largest hospitals for at least the next six weeks to bolster the health-care system at a time when hospital occupancy is rising, Health Minister Adrian Dix announced last Friday (Jan. 6).

He called the move a “proactive step” and said that there are no plans to reduce surgeries to add more hospital capacity

Dix said that as of Jan 5, there were 10,226 people in B C acute-care hospital wards across the province more than there had been for months B C has 9,202 regular, or “base,” hospital beds as well as 2,478 “surge”

SkyTrain stabbing leads to arrest

A person was rushed to hospital with “significant but non-life-threatening injuries” after a stabbing inside a SkyTrain car in NewWest last week

MetroVancouverTransit

Police responded to reports of

a fight on board a train at Columbia SkyTrain station on Wednesday, Jan 4, according to a transit police spokesperson

When officers arrived, they found one person suffering from apparent stab wounds,

police said A press release from the NewWestminster Police Department, which took over the investigation, says that within minutes of police containing the scene at the SkyTrain station, a NWPD patrol officer

recognized someone matching the suspect’s description, and arrested a male suspect on Fourth Street

Police ask any witnesses who have yet to speak to investigators to call the NWPD at 604-525-5411

GlenKorstrom

Glacier Media

A closer look

‘Our city taxpayers are not an ATM machine’ How

TheresaMcManus tmjcmanus@newwestrecord ca

NewWestminster wants to determine how much money it’s spending on programs and services that have been downloaded from senior levels of government.

Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas presented council with a motion stating the city is facing “unprecedented” downloading from senior orders of government and has taken on the financial burden of operating a number of programs and services, as well as investing in capital infrastructure, that would normally be funded by the provincial and federal governments.

The motion, which was discussed at the Jan 9 council meeting, said cities collect approximately only 10 cents of every tax dollar, with the federal and provincial governments collecting the balance

“We need to begin quantifying, likeVancouver has done, how much all of this downloading of costs is costing our local residents and our businesses,” Fontaine said

VANCOUVER REPORT

SHOWED $219M TAB

Fontaine said a report done by the City ofVancouver contained some “staggering” findings.

“In 2021, it is estimated by (Vancouver) city staff that municipal ratepayers were picking up a $219-million annual tab for costs that should be funded by the province or the federal government,” he said “And while the scale of downloading may not be as grand here in NewWestminster, once quantified, I have no doubt that the citizens … will find it jaw-dropping ”

Fontaine said the City of New Westminster is facing a “very, very challenging” budget process this year and could be considering hefty property tax hikes at a time when people are dealing with high inflation He thinks it’s critical that the city

quantify the downloading costs from senior orders of government

Fontaine wants the city to use the data collected to demonstrate the need for senior governments to pay for critical supports, such as helping people who are unhoused, developing below-market housing and providing critical mental health supports.

“If you simply keep picking up the tab, what incentive do other orders of government actually have to pay? I would dare say none I hope we send a very strong signal that our city taxpayers are not an ATM machine, especially given how senior levels of government are awash in cash at the moment,” he said “We are facing significant budget pressures, and senior orders of government, with much deeper pockets, bigger budgets and massive, unspent surpluses, should be stepping up to help”

WHAT IS A ‘CORE SERVICE’?

After much discussion and several amendments to the original motion, council unanimously approved a motion to have staff to report back to council with an itemized list of expenditures and senior government revenues that the City of NewWestminster has incorporated into the operating and capital budgets, which are typically considered outside of municipal jurisdictions and are not part of the city’s “core services ”

Coun Jaimie McEvoy cautioned there’s some subjectivity in defining what a “core service” is for a municipality

“When it comes to really basic things like roads, and parks, there is actually no legal require-

costing the city? Council aims to find out

ment for cities to provide those things. So it’s an open question: what counts as a core service? It depends who you talk to; (they) will have different interpretations of that,” he said “But I have no problem saying there has been downloading of social services onto municipalities, where the federal government has the strongest taxing power, and provincial governments have constitutional responsibility for social programs.Those two entities do have some formal responsibility in these things ”

McEvoy said some local governments, non-profits and churches have stepped in to make a difference when senior governments weren’t meeting their responsibilities He supports getting information that highlights costs that have been downloaded onto cities and taking that to the federal and provincial governments.

REPORTWON’T BE PART OF CITY’S BUDGET PROCESS

Council made some amendments to Fontaine and Minhas’s original motion, including a suggestion from Coun Ruby Campbell to have staff to report back on revenues (not just expenses) received from senior governments

Lisa Spitale, the city’s chief administrative officer, said it would be challenging for staff to compile downloading costs as part of the 2023 budget because of the time it takes to quantify that information.

She suggested not tying the motion directly to the 2023 budget development process

“It may take us longer than that council to itemize it to the extent that I think it will be an important document for council and for council’s advocacy,” she said.

The original motion asked that staff report back to coun-

What’s in a name?

Just what is a ‘core service’

anyway?

Elliot Rossiter, an Uptown resident who has served on the city’s poverty reduction committee, says defining a ‘core service’ is a matter of deep discussion.

In response to council’s motion about downloaded costs, Rossiter supported the focus on appealing to higher levels of government to address some of the pressing issues in the city

But he expressed concern that a motion from councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas refers to expenditures that are “typically considered outside of municipal jurisdiction, and not part of the city’s core services”

“My basic objection to this motion is, while I’m sympathetic to certain aspects of it, that I think that the distinction between what is and is not considered a core service is a really deep, ethical question,” said Rossiter, a faculty member in the department of philosophy at Douglas College.

“Ultimately, that is a discussion that’s worth having. But I think it’s outside of the scope of this kind of motion and cannot

cil with an itemized list of expenditures (related to costs downloaded from senior governments) as part of the 2023 budget process Council amended the motion to remove references to the 2023 budget

As someone who is “data driven,” Mayor Patrick Johnstone thinks it’s better not to rush the process of quantifying the downloading costs from senior governments He said council needs to have a meaningful conversation about the data that’s being collected about what is considered a core service for the municipality

“It’s a deeper conversation for us,” he said “I am not opposed to this idea at all, but I do think that we should include it as part of our discussions, as opposed to

simply be assumed”

Rossiter believes the city needs to continue supporting issues around housing insecurity, food insecurity, economic insecurity, and various forms of deprivation and social exclusion, and he worries that could be impacted by formulating a list of services that have been downloaded onto municipalities from senior levels of government.

“My further worry about this list is that it will be used not just for advocacy, but could potentially also be used to justify budget and service cuts,” he said

“But I think that this is really not a time for austerity, and that it’s important, really, to focus on those who face various forms of deprivation, social exclusion and to continue to prioritize the city’s commitments

“Now I’m not arguing here for spending without limit; I think that fiscal responsibility is an important value, but that fiscal risk responsibility must never be divorced from our broader and social environmental responsibilities including reconciliation, climate action and economic justice for those in need.”

assuring that we have a list done for the 2023 budget process ”

While discussing the motion, Campbell expressed concern about the its reference to “core services,” given that there’s no typical definition of core services for municipalities.

She noted that philosopher Elliot Rossiter had pointed out earlier in the meeting that “core services” could be an ethical question (see sidebar story above)

During a lengthy discussion on the motion, council considered removing the reference to “core services” from the motion Ultimately, however, it was included in the motion as council members said “core services” would be clarified during future discussions about downloading impacts

DanielFontaine citycouncillor

JaimieMcEvoy citycouncillor

PatrickJohnstone mayor

DON’T GO HUNGRY DONATION COLLECTION EXTENDED

The donation collection period for the Don’t Go Hungry Food Program has been extended through the end of January Donation bins are located at Anvil Centre, City Hall, Century House, Queensborough Community Centre, and Massey Theatre High demand items include canned protein, children’s snacks, personal care items, and dish/laundry soap This food hamper program serves 1,300 people in New Westminster and south Burnaby who can’t access weekday food programs. For more information, visit newwestcity ca/dgh-donation

CITY-LED

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

COMMENT PERIOD: January 3 – January 24, 2023

REZONING APPLICATION FOR 228 Seventh Street (REZ00229)

WHAT IS THE REZONING (REZ00229) ABOUT?

Westminster House Society currently operates a provincially and municipally licensed residential recovery house at 228 Seventh Street A rezoning application has been received for this property, which would change the zoning to make it consistent with its current use The application would also permit construction of a two-storey, detached accessory building that would help provide additional client intake and administrative spaces. The project does not propose an expansion to the number of clients served by the recovery house; rather, the building would improve and expedite clients’ access to services and better accommodate staff needs. The application proposes to rezone the property from Single Detached Residential District (RS-1) to a site-specific, Comprehensive Development (CD) District The applicants have updated the design based on feedback received during the applicantled consultation, held from November 1 to November 22, 2022

Images of the proposed development are available on Be Heard New West This is the last opportunity for public comment on the updated proposal prior to the application being forwarded to Council for consideration.

HOW CAN I BE HEARD?

Complete the comment form and find detailed project information on the project webpage at:

RESOURCES FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OWNERS

Are you a business owner in Downtown New West? Visit our website for information and updates on the Downtown Livability Strategy, as well as helpful resources such as presentation boards, recorded webinars, and information sheets newwestcity.ca/downtownlivability

FAMILY SKY LANTERN WORKSHOP

Anvil Centre, Main Level | Sunday, Jan. 15, 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Listen to storytelling, celebrate the year of the rabbit, and decorate your own sky lanterns. This free drop-in event for all ages is open to anyone wanting to learn and light up the sky! All supplies included Instructor provided by Asian-Canadian Special Events Association.

OUTSIDE/IN

Celebrate the arts and culture of six regions of Canada, outside and in! OUTSIDE you will find street festivals featuring local artisans, musicians, and more. INSIDE, enjoy performances by artists from each featured region.

• Jan 21: British Columbia

• Jan 28: Prairies

• Feb 18: East Coast

• Feb 25: North

• Mar 11: Ontario

• Mar 18: Quebec

This event is free Details and ticket information are available at newwestcity.ca/outside-in

FORTUNE IN YOUR HANDS BANNER WORKSHOP

Celebrate Lunar New Year and the year of the rabbit with a traditional paper cutting art experience Create your own unique fortune banner decoration in this free workshop for ages 6 - 12 years (parent participation required). Held at Centennial Community Centre on Sunday, Jan. 15. Register at newwestcity.ca/register

Provincial consideration of comments relating to the Rezoning application require a name and address, and may be made publicly available A Public Hearing may be scheduled in the future, if determined by City Council.

New Westminster residents who are newly registered with Energy Save New West's Existing Home Program can access free Properate services. Properate reports go above and beyond the assessments provided through the EnerGuide evaluation and are designed to provide homeowners with customized cost analyses to best identify optimal energy-saving opportunities. This will help you plan, and get the best value out of, your energy retrofits. This service is available for a limited time on a first come, first served basis or until the funding runs out Register now at: energysavenewwest.ca/existing-home-registration

COVID vaccination rates still low for local kids

JulieMacLellan jmaclellan@newwestrecord ca

A “tripledemic” of COVID-19, influenza and RSV continues to take a heavy toll on B C children but it’s not driving up vaccination rates among NewWest families

The B C Centre for Disease Control’s first vaccine progress report of 2023 shows the province hasn’t made much headway among children and teens in its push to have people get their COVID-19 vaccine boosters

NewWestminster has the highest rates of pediatric COVID vaccination in the Fraser Health region (the area from Burnaby to Hope) but, even at that, rates remain low as of the latest data (Jan 4)

Zero-to-four-yearolds: One dose 25 per cent; two doses 14 per cent

Five-to-11-year-olds: One dose 63 per cent; two doses 54 per cent; three doses 26 per cent

Twelve-to-17-yearolds: Vaccination rates were significantly higher for youth in the 12-to-17 age group, with 90 per cent having one dose and 86 per cent having two doses But booster shot take-up has been low, at just 49 per cent unchanged since before Christmas and only 20 per cent have received the fourth dose

HOSPITALIZATIONS STILL CLIMBING

Data around hospitalization and critical care admissions isn’t broken

down on a local level, but the latest provincewide numbers show a total of 54 new hospitalizations among zero-to-19-yearolds in the eight weeks leading up to Christmas, and a total of nine new critical care admissions

Since the pandemic began, a total of 1,074 children and teens have been hospitalized with COVID-19: 675 in the under-10 age group, and 399 in the 10-to-19 group

There have also been 146 critical care admissions: 86 among under-10s, and 60 among older children and teens.

That amounts to an average of one child hospitalized with COVID-19 each day since the pandemic began, and one each week sent to critical care.

Hospitalsrespondtosurge inrespiratoryillnesses

Continued from page 1

beds, or beds that need extra resources to operate and, in many cases, are not ideal hospital beds, according to Dix The result is 11,680 total hospital beds

He said while current B C hospital occupancy is about 88 per cent of the province’s total capacity, his concern is that the current occupancy is 111 per cent of the base hospital bed count That means that more hospital staff are needed to treat patients in many of the beds, and patients are being treated in spaces such as hallways and sunrooms

The hospital-patient count is higher than it has been, as respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV are surging in the wake of

many people attending social gatherings during the holidays

January is also a time of year when the number of surgeries is up That is in part because people who are able to delay surgeries often prefer to have the surgery after the holiday season than during it

The province has had EOCs in the past as recently as several months ago The EOCs will include what Dix called dedicated leadership teams that will review how many hospital beds are available and identify solutions to ease emergency department congestion

“The EOCs enable the leadership teams to support patients who are ready to be discharged from hospital, helping to transition in a safe way,”

Dix said Those transitions mean that some patients will be recuperating at home instead of in hospital

Dix listed many things the province has been doing to improve the situation in hospitals He said the province has: improved the triage process in emergency departments; further implemented quick response teams to connect patients with care in the community; hired additional patient care coordinators; increased integration of hospitals with urgent- and primary-care centres; and improved communications.

“In addition, of course, we proceed to open longterm-care beds, all over B.C.,” he said.

Register online for:

Lucky Banner Workshop (6+ years)

Centennial Community Centre

Sunday, January 15

11:00 am - 12:15 pm 170024

1:00 pm - 2:15 pm 170025

Lunar New Year Cooking (3 - 5 years)

Centennial Community Centre Wednesday, January 18

12:00 - 1:00 pm 164283

Lunar New Year Cooking (6 - 12 years)

Queensborough Community Centre

Thursday, January 19 11:00 am - 12:30 pm 164286

Drop-in for:

Family Sky Lantern Workshop (All Ages)

Anvil Centre Sunday, January 15 2:00 - 5:00 pm

MY VIEW KEITH BALDREY

Viruses, surgery backlog put strain on B.C. hospitals

Maybe it is time to reinstitute the once-nightly ritual of banging pots and pans in tribute to front-line healthcare workers

That’s because even after the extraordinary pressures brought to bear on them because of the pandemic, those who work in B C hospitals are experiencing the busiest times on the job in years

In fact, it appears January may be one of the all-time busiest months for the system, at least when it comes

to hospital activity

Last week ended with more than 10,200 people occupying a hospital bed in this province

While January is typically a busy time for hospitals, this month is particularly busy because of a combination of factors

We have recently experienced a significant increase in the number of people requiring hospitalization because they are seriously ill with a respiratory illness, particularly COVID-19, RSV

or influenza

As well, as a further sign that we are getting back to “normal,” people are now going to a hospital when they likely avoided going anywhere near one during much of the pandemic

Also, January is when a lot of elective surgeries are performed because many people decline to have surgery before the holiday season (who wants to spend Christmas Eve in a hospital bed?) and so the system has to catch up

Further straining an already overwhelmed situation is the ongoing high level of workplace absences among health-care workers because of illness

All these factors are why, beginning this week, health authorities will reactivate “emergency operation centres” in 20 hospitals (including Royal Columbian) It means reallocating resources to ensure things like patient flow and emergency room congestion are dealt with properly

These measures will be in place for six weeks, to a point when, it’s hoped, the number of people seriously ill with respiratory illnesses begins to decline and the catch-up in delayed surgeries is complete

On the good news front, the number of people requiring hospitalization from influenza has been declining in recent weeks However, COVID-19 hospitalizations have been increasing the past few weeks (after a steady decline) and

RSV hospitalizations have been ramping up as well Nevertheless, everything adds up to this month being a very, very busy time for B C hospitals and front-line health care workers who have already been run off their feet during the pandemic

Next time you see one, offer some thanks Or head to the balcony and front yard and bang those pots again

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC

How not to solve the NewWest housing crisis

Editor: I’mwritinginregardingamotion broughtforwardtoNewWestminstercity council(“Reducingthecostandtimerelated tothedevelopmentofnewhousinginNew Westminster”)

Assomeonewhohasworkedonprojects inNewWestminsteraswellasavarietyof municipalities,Iunderstandfirsthandthe complexitiesofourhousingcrisisandthe challengesofhousingdevelopmentapprovals However,thismotionwillinfactprovide theoppositeeffect.

Iunderstandtheintentofthemotion Expeditinghousingandaddingmuch-needed newhomestoourcurrenthousingshortage isofgreatimportance However,thismotion illustratesalackofunderstandingaboutthe industryandthecoreissuesthatperpetuate ourhousingcrisis Wearefacinganincreasingamountofregulations,development costs,andthereforerisks.Whileregulations shouldcertainlyexisttoensuresufficientand appropriatehousing,thegovernmentshould notbetaskedwiththejobofdesigningbuildings.Thisistheroleofdevelopers,builders, architects,andengineers whohavespent decadesandtheircareersdoingthisand managingtherisksofbuilding

Eachsiteandbuildingiscompletelyunique andcomeswiththeirrequirements,challenges,andrisks Forexample,eachsitehas differentservicingrequirementsdependingon thelocationinthecityitisbuiltin whether ithasasidewalk,needsupgrades,hasan existingorneedsanewservicesconnection ornot thelistgoeson Theserequirements dictatethefoundationsandservicingentries intothebuilding.

Thelocationofapatioisoftenimpacted bywhetherthereareoverheadelectrical lines,andtheamountofsetbackrequired isalsooftenimpactedbythelocationand sizeofneighbouringbuildings Unitsizesare impactedbytypeoftenureandthetypeof marketneedbasedonlocation Eachbuilding’smassingandfacaderequirementsare oftenheavilyinfluencedbythecharacterof theneighbourhood,whichvariesthroughout NewWestminster

Theseareonlyasmallsampleofthefactors thatcomeintoplaywhenconsideringbuilding design Theideaofa“preapprovedhousing design”isminimizingtheamountofcomplexitythatisrequiredwhendevelopingand buildinghousing.

Thecityisalreadybackloggedandspends toomuchtimeonbuildingapprovals,especiallyformuch-needed,larger,mixed-use projects.Staffarealreadystretchedanddoing theirbesttokeepupwithpermitapprovals

Withlimitedtimeandresources,themoney andtimespentonsuchamotionisanutter wasteofresourcesandwillultimatelyproduce asetofplansthatwillnotbeusablebecause theydon’tfunctionintherealityofhousing development.Furthermore,giventheextreme shortageofhousingoptionsinourcurrent market,thecity’seffortsshouldbefocusedon multi-familyhousingandgettingmuchmore mixed-useandmulti-familyunitsapproved quickly

Helen Lui

Editor’s note: The motion was discussed at the Jan. 9, 2023 council meeting and was referred to the city’s housing task force

Downtown needs a new parking tower

Editor:Iamwritingaboutanewparking towerthatwouldbeawiseinvestmentfor downtownNewWest Asasmallbusiness owner,Iconstantlyhearaboutthelackof parkinginourdowntown

Myclientsarriveveryfrustratedandlate bythetimetheyfindparking.Myfearisthat manydon’treturnasaresult TheserviceI provideissupposedtorelievestress,especiallyforthosethathaveanxiety

Asoneclienthasexplained,Ilovethetreatmentandloveyou,buttheparkingissucha

sh**showIdon’tcomeasmuchasIwould likebecauseIjustcan’tgothroughlookingfor parking Eventheparkadeswerefull,andthis complaintwasmadeafterthesewerconstructionhadmovedpastthedowntownarea

WhileI’mexcitedaboutmorepeopleliving inourdowntown,Iamconcernedaboutthe lackofparking,especiallywhenthetwonew towersatRiverMarkethavelostfourfloorsof parkingduetowaterissues.

Likethesayinggoes,anounceofpreventionisworthapoundofcure Unfortunately, wehavegonewaypastthat,butanewparkingtowerwouldalleviatesomeofparkingissuesbeforeitistoolate And,itwouldbeone thrivingbusinessinourdowntownforsure Adele Kafer

In response …

NewWesthasfarmoreparkingdowntown thanitshould It’sactuallyegregioushow muchparkinghasbeenallowedsocloseto high-qualitytransit Other,moreprogressive citiesinNorthAmericahavebeeneliminating parkingminimumsandparkingneartransit Whythishasn’thappenedinNewWestis beyondme,andatoddswithmayor/council’s supposedpriorities

Philip James (via Facebook)

THE NEW WESTMINSTER RECORD WELCOMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We edit for taste, legality and length Please include a contact phone number Send letters to: The Editor, #201A–3430 Brighton Ave , Burnaby, B C , V5A 3H4, email to: editorial@newwestrecord ca (no attachments please) or fax to: 604-439-2694 Letters to the editor and columns may be reproduced on the New West Record website, www newwestrecord ca

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Community

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

Crafts and cooking are among the activities being offered in NewWest in celebration of the Lunar NewYear

Lunar NewYear marks the transition between the zodiac signs as theYear of theTiger ends and the Year of the Rabbit begins Lunar NewYear 2023 is on Sunday, Jan 22, but the celebration culminates with the Lantern Festival on Feb 5

Elaine Su, who was recently named as New Westminster’s 2022 Citizen of theYear and is chair of the NewWestminster library board, hosted a pair of Lunar NewYear events at the main library branch on Saturday an all-ages Mandarin storytime event

and a craft session featuring Lunar NewYear decorations

As part of the Lunar NewYear, the library has also set up a book display in its youth department Record readers may recall reading about Su in January 2021, when she went door to door in her Sapperton neighbourhood asking neighbours if they’d be willing to put some Lunar New Year decorations on their doors

“As a Chinese-Canadian family, Lunar New Year is a really special time for us,” Su wrote in a note to her neighbours “We’re trying to raise our kids to be as excited about their cultural celebrations as they are about Halloween and Christmas and everything else

we celebrate That feeling of shared excitement, the sense of community celebrating together is a big part of what makes holidays and festivals so magical ”

In January 2021, more than 50 neighbours embraced the opportunity to decorate their doors for Lunar NewYear. Su’s initiative also prompted the city to contemplate future Lunar NewYear activities for the community.

FAMILY FUN

This year, the City of NewWestminster has several activities planned in 2023 in celebration of the Lunar NewYear.

Fortune inYour Hands: This workshop, taking place on Sunday, Jan 15 at Centennial Community Centre, gives folks aged six and up a chance to celebrate the Lunar NewYear and the Year of the Rabbit with a traditional paper-cutting art experience Attendees will create their own unique “fortune” banner decoration.

Workshops run from 11 a m to 12:15 p m and from 1 to 2:15 p.m. They’re free, but you can register at 604-525-7388 for the 11 a m session (170024) or the 1 p.m. workshop (170025)

Family Sky Lantern Workshop:This free event also takes place on

Sunday, Jan 15 It’s happening at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St , from 2 to 5 p.m.

“Listen to a storytelling, celebrate theYear of the Rabbit and decorate your own sky lanterns,” said a notice about the event “Open to anyone wanting to drop in, learn and light up the sky”

The Asian-Canadian Special Events Association will be providing an instructor for the workshop All supplies are provided

COOKING PROGRAMS

The city’s Lunar New Year offerings part of Shine Bright NewWest also include two cooking programs

Shine Bright: Lunar NewYear Cooking: This program for children aged six to 12 is on Saturday, Jan 14 at Centennial Community Centre and Saturday, Jan. 21 at Queensborough Community Centre Both sessions run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p m

At the hour-and-a-half sessions, participants will learn to cook a delicious meal to celebrate the Lunar NewYear To register for the sessions ($20) call Centennial Community Centre at 604-7775100 (registration number 164290) or Queensborough Community Centre at 604-525-7388 (registration code 164286).

Culinary Heritage: Folks of all ages are invited to attend Culinary Heritage: Cooking for Lunar NewYear It’s on Thursday, Jan 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Olivet Baptist Church

“Explore Chinese heritage through food,” said a notice about the event “Make fried sesame smiley balls for Lunar New Year Cook together, explore cultural heritage and taste the recipe ”

The free program is being held at the Olivet Baptist Church community kitchen in partnership with Family Services of GreaterVancouver To register (code 165751) call 604-527-4640.

YEAROFTHERABBIT:ElaineSuleadsparticipantsthroughthecreationofacraft

PublicLibraryJan 7 PHOTO JENNIFERGAUTHIER

Celebrating:

PHOTO JENNIFERGAUTHIER

Arts & Entertainment

Locals featured in two CalendarGirls productions

JulieMacLellan jmaclellan@newwestrecord ca

A beloved British comedy is coming to the stage with two separate Metro Vancouver productions and NewWest actors are featured in both of them

Calendar Girls, the stage play byTim Firth, is being presented by Stage 43 Theatrical Society in Coquitlam and by Leather and LaceTheatre in NorthVancouver

It’s based on the 2003 British film of the same name, which follows a group of Women’s Institute members who band together to create a fundraising calendar in support of their local hospital

The play is based on the true story of a group of middle-aged Yorkshire women who gained worldwide attention when they created a nude calendar in support of the Leukemia Research Fund

STAGE 43

You can catch NewWest’s Corrine Out as Ruth in this production, which runs at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 PinetreeWay, Coquitlam) from Jan 12 to 21.

Tickets are $28 regular, or $24 for seniors and students, with two-for-one

pricing on regular tickets for the Jan 18 show See www stage43 org/tickets.

LEATHER AND LACE

This show features two New West actors: Erin Jeffery as Celia, and Christi Arellano as Cora

It’s onstageThursday, Jan 12 to Sunday, Jan 15 at the Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, with shows at 8 p.m. onThursday, Friday and Saturday, plus 2 p m matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

The theatre is at 4360 Gallant Ave , NorthVan

Tickets start at $22 23 Buy through Eventbrite. com (search for Calendar Girls at Deep Cove Shaw Theatre).

Catch Neil Simon farce onstage in NewWestminster

A popular Neil Simon farce is the next outing for NewWestminster’sVagabond Players

The theatre company brings Rumors to the stage at Bernie Legge Theatre from Feb 2 to 25.

Kayt Roth directs the new production of the classic comedy that premiered in 1988

It follows the increasingly chaotic events of what happens at the Sneden’s Landing townhome belonging to the deputy mayor of New York, when four couples gather to celebrate Charley and Myra’s 10th anniversary.

The problem? The host has just shot himself, and his wife is nowhere in sight Since it’s only a flesh wound, his lawyer and his wife must get the story straight before the other guests arrive

Confusion and miscommunication mount as the evening descends into farce

The show features DavidWallace as Ken Gorman, Lisa Teskey as Chris Gorman, Ken Boyd as Lenny Ganz, Monika Curman as Claire Ganz, DevanVanise as Ernie Cusack, Michelle Stanley as Cookie Cusack, Mark MacDonald as Glenn Cooper, Celeste Musseau as Cassie Cooper, Chuck Mayne as OfficerWelch and Joane Berg as Officer Pudney

Shows are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p m , with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Book online at www vagabondplayers ca/ tickets or call 604-5532915

Bernie LeggeTheatre is in Queen’s Park (near the Sportsplex).

– Julie MacLellan

Onstage:LisaPope,SueDavey,CorrineOut,LoreneStuart,ColleenBrowandKateduCrosstarin Calendar Girls TheStage43productionrunsJan 12to21attheEvergreenCulturalCentre It’soneof two Calendar Girls productionsthismonthfeaturingNewWestminsteractors

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

ChristiArellano ‘Cora’

ErinJeffery ‘Celia’

editorial@newwestrecord ca

FRIDAY, JAN. 13 TO SUNDAY, JAN. 15

PAINT THE TRAIN

Here’s what resulted when a group of artists were asked to represent the impact of railways in the region since 1886: a full-blown exhibition of paintings, photographs, and artworks done with mixed media, textiles and more The show, which is organized by the Arts Council of NewWestminster, in partnership with the Arts Council of Surrey, the FraserValley Heritage Society and the Langley Arts Council, will be on at the Gallery at Queen’s Park in the Centennial Lodge until Sunday, Jan 29 Though the event is free, donations to the gallery are encouraged

WHEN: Ongoing to Jan. 29, open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Gallery at Queen’s Park, Centennial Lodge (near the bandshell)

INFO: Find out more on Instagram @artscouncilnw

MORE: See newwestcity.ca/shinebright.

SATURDAY, JAN. 14

LIVE MUSIC

It’s been two weeks since the NewYear’s Eve midnight bash So, it’s probably time to unwind at a local pub with some live music again Port Coquitlam-based music artist Ben Crosby will be performing at the Paddlewheeler Pub (810 Quayside Dr ) between 1 and 4 p m this Saturday And while you groove to his music, don’t forget to try out the pub’s Saturday special soft

pretzels and beer cheese sauce

MORE: See paddlewheelerpub.net

SUNDAY, JAN. 15

FORTUNE IN YOUR HANDS

The Lunar NewYear brings with it bright red décor with messages of good luck written on them Here’s a chance for you to join in the celebration and create those red fortune banners to welcome a prosperous year Participants will get to

create their own banners with the traditional method of paper cutting Though open to all ages, parent participation is required for kids The event is between 11 a m and 12:15 p m at the Queensborough Community Centre (920 Ewen Ave ) It’s free, but you can register at 604-525-7388 for the 11 a.m. session (170024) or the 1 p m workshop (170025)

MORE: www newwestcity ca/shinebright

SUNDAY, JAN. 15

SKY LANTERN WORKSHOP

If you watched the movie Tangled on loop just to see the sky lantern scene again and again, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can finally learn how to make those picture-perfect lanterns yourself Join Shine Bright’s family sky lantern workshop between 2 and 5 p m on the main level at the Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St ) and learn to decorate a sky lantern with help of an expert Drop-ins are welcome, and all supplies will be provided

ONGOING

PHOTO EXHIBITION: WHAT HOUSING MEANS TO ME

Take a moment to ponder the importance of housing, belonging and community at this photo exhibition Artist

Mihailo Subotic’s photographs address “the misconceptions and stereotypes about those living in poverty and experiencing homelessness,” as per the event description. Subotic’s project,What Housing Means to Me, was done through a grant from the community poverty reduction committee and in collaboration with Douglas College It’s open for viewing at the Anvil Centre’s Community Art Gallery (on the third floor at 777 Columbia St ) between 9 a m to 5 p m , till Jan 24

MORE: See www.tinyurl.com/ HousingAnvilNW.

– compiled by Naveena Vijayan

Viewing

DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED CREMATED REMAINS

Pursuant to Section 8 of the Brit sh Co umbia Cremat on, Interment and Funera Serv ces Act Regulations, and upon the cutoff of 12 pm on March 15, 2023, the fol owing unclaimed cremated rema ns w ll be interred on or about March 16, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (A division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC), 3789 Roya Oak Avenue Burnaby BC V5G 3M1

The unclaimed Cremated Remains of: William Arthur Henderson, Date of Cremation: May 02, 2019, are current y in the care of Forest Lawn Funeral Home (A d vision of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC), 3789 Roya Oak Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V5G 3M1

If you are the Executor or person w th a r ght to control the d sposition of the cremated remains of the above-named deceased per Section 5 of the Cremat on, Interment and Funeral Services Act, please cal Forest Lawn Funera Home at 604-299-7720 to arrange fina disposit on or to c aim the cremated rema ns

ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION NOTICE

TAKE NOTICE THAT Cedar Island Forest Products Ltd of 320 EwenAvenue, New Westminster, BC, V3M 5B1 applies to the Metro Vancouver Regional District (“Metro Vancouver”) pursuant to the Greater Vancouver Regional DistrictAir Quality Management Bylaw 1082, 2008 for a Permit

1 The purpose of this application is to request authorization to discharge air contaminants from a lumber remanufacturing facility located at 320 Ewen Avenue, New Westminster, BC, V3M 5B1

Cedar Island Forest Products, Limited (“CIFP”) is a remanufacturing facility that provides cut lumber and produces fence panels Debarked, pre-cut lumber arrives at the site for re-manufacturing with no kiln drying at the facility CIFPhas been in operation at the site since 1994 The facility in New Westminster has 2 active product cyclones which both collect sawdust for resale Both cyclones exhaust particulate emissions to ambient air

The purpose of this application is to request authorization to discharge air contaminants from:

• 2 process cyclones (ES01 and ES02) controlling wood dust from various saws and planers

• 2 fugitive operations (ES03 – bunker unloading) and plant-wide fugitive emissions (ES04)

Website for more information: http://cedarislandforestproductsltd com/

2 The legal description of the land or premises where the plant, operation or source and treatment works are or will be located is Lot 2, Plan NWP59350, District Lot 757, Group 1, New Westminster Land District

3 Asummary of emission characteristics for the entire facility is as follows: a Combustion processes: N/A b Maximum Opacity: 20 Percent; c Maximum total number of sources: 4 d Maximum duration of discharge of air contaminants: 4,680 hours/year e Authorization term requested: 10 years