New Westminster Record March 16 2023

City looks at safety fixes for East

TheresaMcManus

tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

The City of NewWestminster is hiring a consultant to lead work addressing safety concerns in an area of Sapperton where a pedestrian was recently killed

A man in his 50s died

on Sunday, Feb 19 after being struck by a truck in the 100 block of East Columbia Street, near Cumberland After an investigation that included witness testimony and a review of video footage, NewWestminster police concluded there was no evidence to support charges against

the driver

Following the death, Mayor Patrick Johnstone and engineering director Lisa Leblanc said staff would be reviewing what could be done to improve safety in that area

At its March 13 meeting, council received a report related to that section

of East Columbia Street

The city will look at interim safety improvements for the stretch of East Columbia between Cumberland and Brunette Avenue/ Debeck Street, and it will also look at a long-term improvement plan for the approaches to the intersection.

“Staff will proceed with a detailed, objective study of the area to identify interim measures that could be implemented relatively quickly to better protect pedestrians from the possibility of falling or stepping off the sidewalk, or from motor vehicles crossing into the sidewalk,

and to support cycling on East Columbia Street,” said the report On Monday, council directed staff to proceed with the next steps as outlined in the report These steps include: engaging a consultant to serve as project manager;

Continued on page 3

PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE: Looking for some entertainment for the kids during spring break? You can catch the family-friendly new production ADinosaurTale onstage at Massey Theatre this

Up Front City wants to close ‘loophole’ on public drug use

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

NewWestminster will seek support from other municipalities to close a “loophole” that allows cities to enforce alcohol consumption in parks but not the use of drugs like crack or crystal meth Council has unanimously approved a resolution it would like considered by the Lower Mainland Local Government Association and the Union of B C Municipalities. It’s requesting that the B C government ask Health Canada

to add “public park spaces designed for and used by children and youth” to the list of exceptions to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act

Acting deputy fire Chief Brad Davie prepared a report for council on behalf of the city’s drug decriminalization working group The issue relates to the exemption Health Canada has granted to the B.C. government regarding the decriminalization of the possession of certain drugs, one of its efforts to tackle the toxic drug crisis

“Under the exemption, adults in possession of 2.5

A new era

A 29-storey rental highrise is coming to a prominent Sixth Street block

NewWestminster city council recently supported a housing agreement requiring that all residential units in the soonto-be-built highrise be secured as rental housing for the foreseeable future

All of the units including 10 below-market rental units and 328 market rental units at 612 Seventh Ave must be secured as rental for 60 years or the life of the building, whichever is longer

The 29-storey highrise will include retail facing Sixth Street and a public plaza

It’s being constructed on a site formerly known as 616 to 640 Sixth St

Demolition of the existing buildings on the site is now underway Those buildings have housed a number of local shops and restaurants, including theWaffle House, NewWest Cobbler and other office and retail space.

–Theresa McManus

grams or less of opioids, cocaine derivatives and amphetamine derivatives will not be charged, fined or have their drugs seized by police,” said the report “Instead they will be offered information about health and social supports, including local treatment and recovery services ”

The report noted there are a series of exceptions, including on kindergarten to Grade 12 school premises, on the premises of licensed child-care facilities, in airports, and in a motor vehicle or watercraft operated by a minor

The working group,

however, noted a “gap” in the list of exceptions the ability to use illicit drugs in public parks

Dean Gibson, the city’s director of parks and recreation, said council adopted a bylaw to permit the consumption of liquor in designated locations in certain parks

He said those areas are generally designed to be away from spots where children play and there are penalties if the bylaw isn’t followed.

Coun Daniel Fontaine said he hopes the city’s action will kick-start a process that gets the federal government to close the loophole.

“I think that’s an important clarification for the public to know that, if you’re consuming a vodka cooler, you could fall under some kind of a penalty in certain parts of parks,” he said “But if you’re consuming crystal meth, you’re not.”

Davie confirmed there is no tool cities can use in parks to address the public use of the drugs that have been decriminalized for personal possession

Coun. Paul Minhas, a business owner on Columbia Street, said he sees a lot of children walking with their parents through Westminster Pier Park and other parts of the downtown, where there’s open use of hard drugs

“It is a serious concern that I have, and it’s very much out in the open,” he said “I have some serious concerns in regards to this behaviour.”

Downtownbar staffassaulted withbearspray

A group of youths allegedly assaulted staff at a downtown bar with bear spray after being refused service

The NewWestminster Police Department reported its officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Columbia Street at around 11:30 p.m. onThursday, March 9, after staff at Georgie’s Local Kitchen and Bar were assaulted by a suspect using bear spray Staff told police they were assaulted after asking a group of underage youths to leave the bar

According to an NWPD press release, the group of youths fled towards Columbia SkyTrain station. One person was detained by members of the Metro VancouverTransit Police Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 604-525-5411

‘I don’t want us to rush to do the wrong thing’: mayor

Continued from page 1

bringing all of the studies and concept designs together and formulating a plan for addressing safety issues and improving conditions for walking and cycling, including the provision of protected cycling facilities separated from the pedestrian facilities; conducting an objective safety assessment, including road design; and recommending a com-

plete intersection improvement program

Coun Daniel Fontaine said a staff report stated the intersection in question is not ranked in the Top 20 “most dangerous intersections” in New West He questioned what would trigger capital investments on an intersection that’s not among the most dangerous in the city

Lisa Leblanc, the city’s director of engineering

and acting chief administrative officer, said intersection safety studies referenced in the staff report characterize and rank intersections based on statistical analysis of the crashes that have occurred there.

She said the idea of “most dangerous” has “many, many implications.”

Leblanc said the list of theTop 20 ranked intersections, as determined

through the intersection safety study, will be released when the report is complete

STUDYTIMELINE

Leblanc said the city first needs to go through a procurement process to hire a consultant, estimating that could take about six weeks seven by the time a contract is signed She said it would likely take a minimum of three

to four weeks to get a preliminary report prepared Depending on what the city hears from the consultant, it may take longer to finalize a report

Leblanc expects the consultant will come back with a range of recommendations and a list of implications associated with each recommendation She said changes requiring support from TransLink or the province

could take longer to implement than recommendations the city can implement on its own Johnstone supported the plan, emphasizing it should be done with as much urgency as possible.

“I don’t want us to rush to do the wrong thing But I do want us to be deliberate in doing the right thing here, to make the road safer as soon as we possibly can,” he said.

ENDOFANERA: The building at 636 Sixth St that formerly housed New Westminster’s iconic Waffle House was torn down on Monday Demolition of the buildings from 616 to 640 Sixth St is paving the way for a new 29-storey rental highrise and a public plaza

PHOTO CORNELIA NAYLOR

Paul Minhas city councillor

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT: THROUGH THE LENS

Anvil Centre

(4th Floor) | March 25 - May 1

Created by participants of the Building A Child Care System That Works for Immigrant and Refugee Women project, “Through the Lens: A Photographic Exploration of Inclusion, Exclusion, and Belonging in the Childcare System” is a series of photographs that aim to raise awareness about the intersectional access barriers immigrant women face. Touching on stories of discrimination, isolation, resilience, but also joy and empowerment, this photographic exhibition is an open window to connect with community members impacted by the issue and decision makers driving change in the childcare sector An opening reception will be held March 25, 1:00 - 3:00 pm. anvilcentre.com/our-events/through-the-lens

PUBLIC HEARING

MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2023 AT 6:00 PM

Meeting held electronically and open to public attendance in Council Chamber City Hall

Heritage Revitalization Agreement Bylaw No. 8379, 2023 and Heritage Designation Bylaw No. 8380, 2023 for 802 & 806 Eighth Street and 809 Eighth Avenue

Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) and Heritage Designation Bylaw applications have been received for 802 & 806 Eighth Street and 809 Eighth Avenue

The project would protect and restore a 1929 heritage house, which will be relocated on-site In exchange, the HRA would allow subdivision and construction of three new townhouse buildings. A total of 18 residential units are proposed, including four accessible studio units and 14 familyfriendly units. An overall Floor Space Ratio of 1.08 is proposed Smaller lot sizes, higher densities, minor increases to building heights, and construction of the townhouse units are among the primary Zoning Bylaw relaxations proposed by the HRA Several minor siting relaxations are also being requested

HOW CAN I BE HEARD?

• Written submissions by email, post, or dropping off at the mailbox on the north side of City Hall are welcome and encouraged

Speak at the meeting by computer smart device or phone via Zoom:

1. Computer, Smartphone or Tablet: go to newwestcity.ca/council, and click or tap the Meeting ID button 686 8875 2527

2 Phone: Call 778-907-2071. Enter Meeting ID: 686 8875 2527, followed by #

• Speak in person at the meeting A mask is recommended.

Starting at 8:30 am on March 16, 2023, register online at speakers.newwestcity.ca, or contact Legislative Services to register to speak: Phone: 604-527-4523 Legislative Services Department, Email: clerks@newwestcityca 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?

From March 16 to March 27, 2023, the proposed bylaws and related material are available for inspection at Legislative Services, City Hall 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, and online at newwestcity.ca/publicnotices

Written comments received by 5:00 pm, three business days before the meeting will be included in the agenda package Later comments received until the close of the hearing will be distributed on table at the meeting All comments are published.

Acting Corporate Officer

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday, March 20 No Council Meeting

Saturday, March 18 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

Outside/In: Quebec newwestcity.ca/outside-in

ART EXHIBIT: THE ETERNAL DANCE

Community Art Gallery, Anvil Centre | March 27 – May 24

Artists Clarissa Banos and Dan Santa Cruz Siglos explore the space between the sun, the moon, and the stars in the universe, and its vital role in the creation of life Visit anvilcentre com/community-art-gallery for Gallery information.

OUTSIDE/IN - CELEBRATING QUEBEC!

Celebrate Canada and Quebec this Saturday, March 18 with Outside/In. OUTSIDE, at 2:00 pm in Hyack Square, you will find a street festival featuring local vendors, music, and more INSIDE Anvil Theatre at 7:30 pm, enjoy a performance by Sinha Danse Online tickets are sold out, but rush tickets are available at the door! Find out more about this final Outside/In event at newwestcity.ca/outside-in

Whereas the City Council of the Corporation of the City of New Westminster wishes to license a 384 sq. ft (more or less) area of the basement of Century House, at 620 Eighth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 3S6, which land is not available to the public for acquisition (license); 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: 014-891-620

Legal Description: THAT PORTION MARKED "MOODY SQUARE" PLAN 2620

(b) The City proposes to license the above described property to: New Westminster Amateur Radio Club

(c) The nature of the disposition: a license for 3 years from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024

(d) The consideration for which the Purchaser shall pay to the city: The sum of $150 00, ($50 00 per annum).

For more information concerning this license, please contact Christy Mereigh, Manager, Strategic Projects, 604-527-4502

Lisa Spitale Acting Corporate Officer

City

Trees, wildflowers planned for city hall lawn

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

A grove of trees is planned for the front lawn of NewWestminster City Hall

On Monday, council approved a plan that will see a full grove of up to 60 trees planted on a portion of the land in front of city hall The plan will see up to 60 deciduous trees planted on a grid, with a tall grass and wildflower mix below the tree canopy and mowed pathways to accommodate pedestrians

It’s all part of the city’s commitment to plant 2,200 new trees in city parks and open spaces

Erika Mashig, the city’s manager of parks and open space planning, design and construction, said the city has received a $1.7-million grant from the Investing in Canada

Infrastructure Program to be used to plant 2,200 trees. She said 800 trees were planted in 2022 and 1,400 will be planted in 2023 as the funding must be used by Dec 31, 2023

She said the tree planting will respect the space needed for Remembrance Day events at the cenotaph

The City of NewWestminster’s 2017 Urban Forest Management Strategy aims to increase the city’s tree canopy to 27 per cent by 2035 to help the city meet its climate goals.To meet that goal, the city will need to plant about 11,800 trees 2,200 on city-owned parks and open spaces, 6,300 on streets and 3,300 on private lands

Working with consultants, staff identified the front lawn of NewWestminster City Hall as a lo-

cation for about 60 new trees

Coun. Nadine Nakagawa said having shady areas will be crucial to the city as temperatures continue to go up She pointed out the trees will benefit people attending the farmers’ market.

“It can be really hot in the summertime, so I think having some shade there would be really appreciated,” she said

Coun Daniel Fontaine suggested the report and decision be tabled until the community could be engaged about the plan and staff could report back to council about specific financial details, such as the cost of trees, consultants’ services and irrigation

Dean Gibson, the city’s director of engineering, said the project has already been incorporated into the city’s capital plans and

noted that level of detail wouldn’t typically be provided for a project that has been previously approved and that’s working within approved budget limits.

Fontaine’s motion to table the decision lost in a 3-3 vote, with councillors Paul Minhas and Jaimie McEvoy supporting it Council then voted 4-2 in support of the staff rec-

ommendation to approve the planting of trees on city hall lands.

Mayor Patrick Johnstone said council is not being asked to fund the project, as it’s already been approved

He said the grant is allowing the city to plant the trees sooner than it had anticipated

“This is staff asking us

to endorse what is going to be a very visible change in the city when it gets done,” he said “It is already funded ”

Johnstone said the downtown neighbourhood is very short in terms of its tree canopy

“This area provides easy access to people who live in the downtown area to a tree-covered area,” he said.

Urban greenery: A conceptual rendering shows proposed locations of the trees approved for planting in front of New Westminster City Hall PHOTO CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER

MY VIEW KEITH

BALDREY

Tax hikes worsening B.C.’s affordability crisis

Governments at all levels and politicians everywhere have been grappling with the “affordability” issue for several years now, but there is mounting evidence that the problem is getting worse and not better

For example, numerous city and municipal councils are raising property taxes by amounts not seen in years

In MetroVancouver, at least 11 councils have approved increases of more than five per cent, and four are in double digits

Surrey is tentatively looking at an increase of 12 5 per cent, whileVancouver is raising taxes by 10 7 per cent

The larger-than-usual hikes are not confined to the Metro region, as the city of Victoria will see a nine per cent increase and Prince George is looking at an eight per cent raise

There is a chance some of these increases may be pared down if a municipality opts to use the one-time windfall coming its way courtesy of the provincial government’s new $1 billion Growing

Communities Fund

The money is significant Surrey is getting almost $90 million, while Vancouver is getting $49 1 million Pretty well all towns are getting at least a half million dollars About 160 municipalities and 27 regional districts are receiving an average one-time grant of several million dollars

But the key term is “onetime ” If a municipality rolls this funding into its operating budget to keep tax increases down, it will have to find that money in the next

budget year if it wants to keep funding those services

However, municipalities are not the only level of government passing on larger than usual tax hikes these days

While the B C government’s recent budget generated a lot of headlines regarding spending, there was also one tax increase included that will eventually take quite a bit out of wallets

I’m referring to the carbon tax, with a new tax regime mandated by the

federal government

Page 80 of the provincial budget lays out a “new carbon pricing model” that shows annual increases of $15 per tonne, taking it from the current rate of $50 per tonne to $170 per tonne by 2030 (The next increase is set for April 1 )

This means more than a tripling of the tax in less than 10 years The tax on gasoline at the pump will jump from 11 cents per litre to 37 cents per litre over this time

The tax (which was orig-

inally revenue “neutral,” as it was first tied to an income tax cut) has become a huge part of the provincial government’s budget (carbon tax revenues are projected to increase by more than $1 billion in three years) So it is here to stay

As the cost of living and the cost of fighting climate change keeps delivering big numbers, the affordability riddle will continue to be more than challenging to solve

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC

‘Noisy,swearing smokers’ make parklet unpleasant

Editor: The parklet isn’t a pleasant place to sit, what with the same noisy smokers shouting and swearing amongst themselves

The city planners probably envisioned groups of two or three people relaxing with a coffee or tea, chatting quietly a lovely blend of men and women, or a mum and/or dad having a brief rest with their children Sadly, the reality is that no self-respecting man or woman, parent or otherwise, would dare to sit in an environment where loud, swearing, smoking men are congregated

For that reason, it’s a waste of money, and besides that, it disturbs the traffic flow

Interestingly, the one in Sapperton seems to work I’ve seen individual men and women, couples, family groups enjoying a quiet chat and/or beverage not sure why the one in Sapperton seems to enhance, but the one at Belmont Towers is a congregation area for loud, noisy, swearing smokers These people, generally men, always hung around there on the sidewalk anyway in the alcove of Belmont Towers and up by Tim Hortons

One might conclude the city did Belmont Towers a favour by moving these poor stray men from clogging up the entrance to their building, by constructing a fancy parklet to en-

tice them away, unless it rains, that is then they’re back to the alcove!

Susan Johnson

Neighbour‘dreading’ parklet expansion

Editor: I live in one of the apartment buildings directly adjacent to the parklet, and my unit faces Belmont I am absolutely dreading the expansion of the parklet unless the city commits to enforcing smoking and noise bylaws and making it a part of regular police patrols

The parklet is occupied daily by the same 15 to 20 individuals who stand around smoking marijuana, swearing and yelling at each other, playing loud music, revving and idling their car engines and spitting on the ground

The city pretends that it cares about community consultation, but this is clearly a vanity project that’s going to look great on someone’s resumé while the residents of Belmont suffer

Myself and my neighbours feel absolutely abandoned by the city and our very valid concerns ignored.

Stephanie Lau

What’s in a name?

Editor: I read with interest how New Westminster’s new pool is expected to come in on

budget What a great tribute to city staff and contractors who have been working on this project under often difficult circumstances

But the progress raises another issue, and that is the name of the facility I fully endorse reconciliation and support the use of an Indigenous name My question is how do we pronounce it? I don’t even have adequate keys on my keypad to spell it

My concern is the majority of people won’t use the official name, and just call it the city pool Perhaps there could be a pronunciation guide on literature for the building or even on the building itself

How do we properly respect our First Na-

tions friends and their heritage if we have no idea how to pronounce the facility named in their honour?

David Lange

(Editor’s note: The city has provided a video pronunciation guide at the project’s website, youractivenw ca )

Enforcement needed

Editor: Regarding Mayor Johnstone’s proposal for means-tested traffic fines. While I applaud the social equitability of such a measure, by itself it will do nothing to improve traffic safety

Punishments deter undesired behaviour only if people believe they will be caught and the punishment applied

In my 20-odd years in New Westminster, I have only observed officers enforcing the speed limit once If this is the common experience, then most will believe that the chance of an individual being fined is extremely slim Why would anyone be deterred by something that probably won’t happen?

A more fruitful approach would be to discuss with the chief constable the feasibility of increasing the monitoring and enforcement of traffic laws, perhaps with traffic cameras and special constables to monitor high-risk areas

Paul Larose

Arts & Entertainment

When dinosaurs roamed New Westminster

NaveenaVijayan nvijayan@newwestrecord ca

Dinosaurs might have been extinct for millions of years, but they are still quite alive in pop culture And while most might be all too familiar with Barney, the purple dino, or JurassicWorld’s monstrous killerT-Rex throughTV, here’s a chance to see the prehistoric reptiles up close in New West.

deal with dinosaurs in the real world and fix the situation before they wreak havoc on our world,” said Sarah Glubish, who plays the role of Lisa in the play

In the meantime, the audience will get to see ginormous dinosaurs walk on the stage with their long necks, pillar-like legs and loud roars.

Onstage

What: A Dinosaur Tale

When: Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, with shows at 2 and 7 p.m.

The play A DinosaurTale will take the audience to the rugged brown terrain of the Badlands (a national park in the United States), where two 14-year-old students, Lisa and Declan, are out on a field trip searching for fossils

Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave

Tickets: $20 to $30. Buy at wwwticketsnw ca

“There is a raptor, which is the first dinosaur that comes out, and he’s our main dinosaur He becomes quite a pal to Lisa and Declan throughout the show,” said Glubish There is also a baby triceratops, a T-Rex and a triceratops

dinosaur, there is a human actor controlling its movements using animatronics

moving,” said Glubish

The story takes a sharp pivot when the kids discover a remote control that opens up a wormhole a time route to the past and dinosaurs start coming out

“So now, these two kids must figure out how to

“Then we have a parasaurolophus, which is something we all had to learn how to say,” she said with a laugh

THE MAKING OF THE DINOSAURS

The dinosaurs are not like cartoons but more like the giant towering creatures from Land of the Lost Turns out, inside every

“The costumes are incredible,” said Glubish.

They are large enough to house an entire human, who in turn, makes the dinosaur’s eyes blink and move its mouth

“And there are little video screens inside of the dinosaurs because they’re (the actors) completely enclosed in the costume So they can see out and have a visual of where they’re

The largest dinosaur, the brachiosaurus, Glubish said, is made to move by two human actors inside of a giant puppet one for the front legs and one for the back legs

The team had to work closely with the sound designer who had a range of roars and growls that a dinosaur would make, said Glubish.

“The actors took a lot of time to choose what sound their dinosaur would be

making in that moment,” she said

“And so, through all that process, the puppets of the dinosaurs have become very lifelike, very realistic and very much like a character in this play each with their own personality, their own way of moving, their own way of speaking and their own responses to each moment ”

GEARING UP FOR THE GRAND FINALE

For Glubish, it’s been

a fun journey playing a teenager (“I obviously am not 14 years old I’m a grown woman”) and sharing stage space with a cast that’s largely all dinosaurs one that started with the rehearsals last year, followed by the western Canadian tour of the play in early February

They have already performed in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan; NewWestminster will be their last stop

Continued on page 10

JURASSICTALE: Sarah Glubish takes the role of Lisa in A Dinosaur Tale, a fantasy adventure for the whole family that’s onstage at Massey Theatre this weekend PHOTO ANNERIN PRODUCTIONS

Volunteers wanted for senior survey

A NewWest teen is among the folks who are engaging with older community members as part of a quality-of-life initiative and you could be part of the team.

The Office of the Seniors Advocate is hoping to survey every single long-term care resident living in NewWestminster, and it’s in need of volunteers from March to June 2023 as part of that endeavour

KelanWang, a 16-year-

old NewWest resident, is among the volunteer surveyors who have started visiting long-term care facilities

“Throughout the experience, I have discovered how powerful some words or belongings can mean to people The importance of communicating and understanding each other are also valuable lessons to me,” he said in a news release

“During the survey, I could feel the same way

they felt That made a strong connection with the residents ”

According to the Office of the Seniors Advocate, more than 29,000 residents in B.C.’s publicly funded long-term care homes will be surveyed about their quality of life

The goal is to make improvements for them, both locally and provincially

“In the wake of the COVID pandemic, it is especially important to reassess what life is like for

ADinosaurTale

seniors in long-term care facilities and how we can make it better,” said a notice about the survey.

No experience is necessary to be part of the survey team, and all training is provided for volunteers

To learn more about the survey, which was first done in 2016-17, visit surveybcseniors org

To apply as a volunteer, call 1-877-952-3181 or apply at www surveybc seniors org/volunteer

–Theresa McManus

Continued from page 9

Each time they performed the play, Glubish recalled, “We had so much vocal response from the children ”

“It seems like every time we have a new dinosaur come on the stage, there’s a bigger response I think Louis Hobson (theatre and entertainment critic), who wrote this play, has done a really terrific job of raising the excitement and the stakes with every scene ”

As for Glubish, parts of the play reminded her of the Jurassic Park series and of the many children’s Disney shows that she grew up watching “Where there’s an adventure, and where the children bond during the adventure ”

“And there’s always a moment that’s really scary But then you find courage to face your fears and get through it I feel like this play has all of that ”

YOUTH AWARD NOMINATIONS

Do you know an outstanding New Westminster youth, 11 - 18 years old? Honour and celebrate their accomplishments, or an adult ally, by submitting a nomination in one of these categories:

• Leadership

• Community Service

• Athletics

• Arts & Culture

• Sustainability

• Adult Ally

Nominations close March 24. Visit newwestyouth.ca/youthawards for details.

NOTICE OF INTENTION

TO AMEND THE COUNCIL PROCEDURE BYLAW NO. 6910, 2004

The Council of the City of New Westminster intends to amend the Council Procedure Bylaw No 6910, 2004

Council will consider changes to:

• Incorporate the Notice of Motion Process policy;

• Timing for the taking effect of certain motions.

Copies of the bylaw amendment are available at newwestcity ca/publicnotices beginning Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

Council will consider adoption of the changes to the bylaw at a City Council meeting on Monday, March 27, 2023.

Comments regarding this matter can be forwarded in writing to Legislative Services, by mail, fax (604-527-4594) or email (clerks@newwestcityca). All correspondence is deemed public information.

Mailing Address: Corporation of the City of New Westminster

511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9

Attention: Corporate Officer

S.T.E.P. INTO EMPLOYMENT! NO-COST TRAINING FOR LIFEGUARDS AND SWIM INSTRUCTORS

The New Westminster Scholarship Training Employment Program (S.T.E.P.) provides successful applicants no-cost training required for aquatic City lifeguarding and Swim Instructor positions in exchange for a commitment to work as an employee Successful S.T.E.P applicants will receive no-cost training and certification such as Standard First Aid, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifesaving, and Breaking Waves Learn to Swim Instructor

Applications close Wednesday, March 22 Read more about the application requirements, training process, and employee commitment at: newwestcity.ca/STEP

CITY SMALL GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Consider applying for a One-Time Small Grant! Note there will only be ONE intake this year.

- Grant intake begins on Monday, March 27, 2023.

- Application deadline is Monday, April 24, 2023.

Please see newwestcity ca/grants for more details. Questions? Please contact grants@newwestcity ca Grants Information Session

A virtual information session will be offered on Tuesday, March 28

Lisa Spitale

Acting Corporate Officer

Pre-registration is required. Email grants@newwestcity.ca to reserve your spot

WEEKEND

Don’t miss these weekend events & activities!

Please send your information for inclusion to editorial@newwestrecord ca

Find more events online: www newwestrecord ca/local-events your editorial@newwestrecord.ca

FRIDAY, MARCH 17 TO SUNDAY, MARCH 19

COMMON THREADS

Artist Victoria Mitchell has done a series of paintings exploring the interdependence of humans with their natural world. As part of the show Common Threads, Mitchell will be giving a talk about a certain 100-day environmental project that she took up last year to find ways to express “environmental sensitivities” through her artwork.You can catch the show at the Gallery at Queen’s Park Wednesdays through Sundays until March 26 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m , and the talk this Sunday afternoon between 1 and 3 p.m

WHEN: Gallery open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artist talk Sunday, March 19, 1 to 3 p.m.

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

MORE: Admission is free, but donations to support the gallery are accepted. See www.acnw.ca/galleryexhibit.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

ST PATRICK’S DAY

It’s time to take that spring green T-shirt and pair of shamrock earrings out of the closet, as a local restaurant wants you to come dressed in green for its St. Patrick’s Day party Union Jack Public House (525 Seventh St.) is all set to celebrate the day with green-coloured beer and cocktails, and a lineup of performers including the New Westminster Pipe Band, Eire Born Irish Dancers and the Mad Celts Band.This is your chance to enjoy Irish tunes while noshing on a prime rib dinner and ordering mugs of frothy beer till past midnight.

MORE: See www.tinyurl.com/ March17UnionJack.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

OUT OF BONE AND BARK

If you have often pondered the title of artist Paul Gaugin’s famous painting, Where do we come from?What are we? Where are we going? here is a dance production that’ll have you ponder some more Out of Bone and Bark will throw light on the “essential vital forces that define our humanity” ones that are beyond divisions, affiliations, ethnic groups and cultural identities, as per the event’s description.The contemporary dance piece by Montreal-based dance company

Jazz at theAnvil

Sinha Danse is part of the Outside/In Canadian performance series, and will be live at the Anvil Theatre (777 Columbia St.) at 7:30 p.m.The event is free for all. Online tickets are officially sold out, but rush tickets should be available on site.You can also check out the Outside/In street social in Hyack Square between 2 and 5 p.m.

MORE: www.newwestcity.ca/outside-in

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 AND SUNDAY, MARCH 19

A DINOSAUR TALE

Let your kids enjoy their spring break in the company of a bunch of dinosaurs

A new live action fantasy adventure is coming to Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave.) this weekend, and it promises to have giant dinosaurs and a gripping plot that goes like this: a time-warping wormhole brings dinosaurs back roaming in the world and it’s up to two eighth

graders to send them back.Will they be successful? Find out for yourself at A Dinosaur Tale on March 18 and 19, at 2 p.m and 7 p.m Tickets are priced between $20 and $30.

MORE: Buy tickets at www.ticketsnw.ca.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

THE BLUE ROCK SESSIONS

Two internationally acclaimed music geniuses cellist Bion Tsang and pianist Wendy Chen are coming together for the Vancouver Chamber Music Society’s The Blue Rock Sessions Watch the two perform at the Anvil Theatre (777 Columbia St.) at 3 p.m.Tickets are priced at $44 for adults and seniors and $22 for students

MORE: Buy tickets online through www ticketsnw.ca.

Compiled by Naveena Vijayan

September 27 A Night of Dave Brubeck

October 18 A Night of Ella Fitzgerald

November 29 A Night of Oscar Peterson

December 6 A Jazz Christmas

January 24 A Night in Rio

February 14 A Night in Havana

March 21 A Night in New Orleans

Tickets available online at www.pivarestaurant.ca/piva-presents

Photo courtesy Victoria Mitchell

You can check out Common Threads, an exhibition featuring the work of Victoria Mitchell, at the Gallery at Queen’s Park until March 26

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

Two upgrade projects are underway at the 22nd Street SkyTrain station –with some of the work being done during the day and some being done overnight

NewWest city council recently granted TransLink an exemption to the construction noise bylaw from March 1 to Nov. 30, excluding Sundays and statutory holidays The exemption allows work to take place between 10 p m and 7 a m

The Record checked in withTransLink to see what’s happening at the local station

Thor Diakow, a senior media relations advisor, said the overall construc-

tion at 22nd Street station is part ofTransLink’s SkyTrain Station Access and Safety Project (SASP).

“The purpose of the SASP is to ensure our existing SkyTrain stations can accommodate the new, five-car trains currently in production and ensure the continued safety of passengers and staff,” he said “This work is essential to continue expanding and improving transit service in Metro Vancouver ”

Diakow saidTransLink is working on two upgrade projects at the 22nd Street station increasing the emergency exit capacity by adding a second staircase on the north side of the station, and modifying the walkways along the tracks used by SkyTrain attendants.

“Most of the staircase work will take place during the day and is expected to be completed early next year,” he said in an email to the Record “The walkway upgrades are taking place overnight. While this construction time is expected to take about six weeks, the work blocks will be intermittent and spread out over several months ”

TransLink will soon be updating its website to include this information and other details about the project, Diakow said “Neighbours have been notified there will be some construction noise,” he said “As with all of our infrastructure work, we are making every effort to minimize the impact of this project on our customers and neighbours.”

Iconic $1.49 Day jingle returns to the airwaves

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

An award-winning jingle has hit the airwaves again 64 years after it was created right here in New West

In recent weeks, radio listeners may have noticed the familiar sounds of the $1 49 Day ad created by the lateTony Antonias for Woodward’s Department Stores on radio stations Save-On-Foods is now using the tune for its new $1.49 Day sales.

“We have great respect for theWoodward’s history associated with $1.49 Day Tuesday,” Montana McMullin, internal communications specialist with Save-on-Foods, said in a statement to the Record “We have recreated it as a new promotion, redeveloped the jingle and are excited to bring back this iconic promotion ”

The Save-On-Foods $1 49 Day jingle hit the airwaves in February

NEWWEST ROOTS

Tony Antonias, who died on Jan 25, 2019 at the age of 89, wrote the $1 49 Day advertisement forWoodward’s when he was working as the creative director at CKNW Woodward’s closed its stores in 1993, and the jingle wasn’t heard again until 2006, when someone from Rennie Marketing Systems called Antonias and asked if they could use the commercial to promote the multimilliondollarWoodward’s District development on the store’s old site inVancouver

“I was flattered,” Antonias told the Record at

the time “These guys have done their homework. What else would give the project instant recognition? Of course I said yes ”

When the company asked Antonias how much money he wanted in compensation for using the commercial, he asked that it make a $1,500 donation to the NewWestminster Arts Council’s Hilda Cliffe grants program and $1,500 to theVagabond Players at the Bernie LeggeTheatre

“Rennie was happy to oblige,” he said “And I’m just so glad the money can come back into the Royal City where the legendary ad was created.”

HOW IT CAME TO BE

Antonias was proud of having created the $1.49 Day ad which featured a whistled tune, followed by someone singing “$1 49Woodward’s $1 49 DayTuesday”

In December 1957, Antonias headed home to Australia for a six-week visit with his family Before leaving, he told his bosses at CKNW that if didn’t have a new typewriter on his desk when he returned, he would quit

When Antonias returned from his vacation, there was a brand new Olympia typewriter on his desk. But soon, he had another problem; he was called into the sales manager’s office and asked to do something “very creative” forWoodward’s Department Store’s $1 49 Day ads that normally featured someone reading a list of sale items, a task normally done by a junior

staffer

Saying he was “mad as a wet hen,” Antonias returned to his desk and, when a colleague asked him what was wrong, he relayed what had happened and he hit a key on his new typewriter in disgust

“It went ding Everybody looked up ‘What was that?’ I hit my typewriter and the ding became ding, ding As God is my witness, it was almost like a melody to me,” he told the Record “I sat down at my new typewriter and I wrote: ‘$1 49 DayWoodward’s, $1 49 DayTuesday’ I had the melody.”

Antonias worked with

CKNW’s record librarian, Dick Abbott, on the jingle and recorded it that weekend On Monday morning, when reviewing it with Abbott, Antonias felt something was missing, and they added a whistle at the beginning and the end of the advertisement It took three months to persuadeWoodward’s to use the ad, which launched in April 1958 The $1 49 Day jingle featuring Antonias whistling was an instant hit

Three years later, the Hollywood Advertising Club in California awarded Antonias an International Broadcasting Award for creating one of

theWorld’s Best Broadcast Advertisements

Antonias known to some folks around town as Mr. $1.49 Day cel-

ebrated the jingle’s 60th anniversary on Feb 19, 2018, with a small reception at NewWestminster City Hall.

Historic moment: Tony Antonias, the creator of the iconic $1 49 Day jingle, with the typewriter that helped spark the tune An international award for the jingle hangs on the wall PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER/RECORD FILES

New West schools looking for homestay families

Can your family take in an international student?

The NewWestminster school district is looking for families who would be willing to offer homestays for students in its international education program

The students will be attending NewWestminster Secondary School, coming to NewWest from a variety of locations around the world Most are from Germany, Italy or Japan, with others from elsewhere in Europe, Asia, and Central and South America

The School District 40 international education program needs families who would be able to take in students for a couple of different programs:

a two-week program for Japanese high school students from July 23 to

Aug 6 NewWestminster Secondary School international students who would start in September 2023

Most will be enrolled for the full school year, with a smaller group needing a five-month stay

In a letter to district families, SD40 outlined what a homestay family needs to be able to provide: a private bedroom, with a desk, chair, lamp and a window; three meals a day, plus snacks;

Internet access to support both schoolwork and connections to home countries and families; the ability to support a young person as they make a big transition, alone;

an English-speaking

home environment; and invitations for students to join in family activities or hobbies

Homestay families receive a monthly fee for hosting a student, and the district’s international education team is available to support both students and families

“Being a homestay family is not the right fit for every household But for those ready to welcome new young people to experience all that this country and community have to offer, it can provide lasting friendships and opportunities to see the world in a new way,” the district’s letter says You can find out more about being a host family at www tinyurl com/ NWHomestay2023

Julie MacLellan

Community New West’s outdoor pools set to open this spring

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

You can swim outdoors in NewWest as early as April 22 and you won’t have to reserve ahead to do so

The parks and recreation department recently updated city council about the findings from the 2022 outdoor pool season at Moody and Hume Park pools and plans for this year

The city extended the season at Moody Park Outdoor Pool (opening earlier in the spring and staying open until the fall) and Hume Park Outdoor Pool (remaining open into to the fall), in response to the loss of aquatic services with the closure and demolition of Canada Games Pool

‘HYBRID’ SYSTEM

The city has decided on a “hybrid approach” to public swims this season, in response to feedback from people about reserved versus drop-in access at the pools last year

There will still be a reservation system for those who want a guaranteed swimming spot, but 20 per cent of swim spaces will be set aside for drop-in visitors

Corrinne Garrett, the city’s senior manager of recreation services and facilities, said the city’s aquatic services team has used public engagement findings to drive its plans for the 2023 season.

She said statistics from the 2022 season, together with public feedback, have led to some changes in operations for the coming season

“The community was divided in their opinions regarding the reserved system,” she said. “In 2023, a hybrid approach to registration will allow those who prefer to register in advance the ability to do so while also dedicating 20 per cent of swim session

capacity to those who want to drop in and pay with cash or card

“Staff will monitor if swimmers leave or don’t attend, and in this case new swimmers may drop in for the remaining portion of the swim ”

LONGER SWIM TIMES, MORE LANE CAPACITY

A city report showed registered programs at Moody Park Outdoor Pool were near capacity during the spring, summer and fall of 2022 but there were a lot of openings for leisure, lane and aquafit sessions

Other changes to the 2023 outdoor pool season include:

public swim session times increased from one hour to 1 5 hours;

lane swimming capacity increased from three to five per lane; spectators welcome on the pool deck; an increase in aquafit classes; and

a prerequisite system for swimming lessons to allow equal opportunity for available lesson spaces each lesson set

SWIM SEASON DATES

Moody Park pool will be open from April 22 to Oct 1, while Hume Park pool will open from May 30 to Oct 1 (it opened from June 30 to Oct. 10 in 2022)

A staff report noted that Hume Park Pool has minimal lighting within the park and pool deck areas

As the sun sets earlier with each passing day in the fall, staff found that the pool lighting became insufficient for safe operations (in terms of visibility requirements)

“In addition, the current boiler system is an older model and has challenges in maintaining adequate pool water temperatures in the cooler months,” said the report “Also, during the shoulder season, attendance levels for Hume

Park Pool drastically dropped in the month of October ”

For more information about outdoor pool offerings, see www newwestcity ca/outdoor-pools

Marriage Commissioner

The Vital Statistics Agency, Ministry of Health, is looking for an individual to serve as a Marriage Commissioner for New Westminster The individual will perform civil marriages within their community on behalf of the Agency Applicants must reside in New Westminster in order to be considered for this position

For information and an application form please visit our website at: gov.bc.ca/becoming-a-marriage-commissioner

Retirement and Estate Planning Strategies Seminar

Are you between 55 and 70 years old?

Have you or are you going through an important waypoint in life that makes you ask complex questions about your future?

Please join us in a mediated panel discussion and have your questions answered by our specialists.

Topics on the Agenda include Preparing for Retirement, Estate Planning Priorities, Transitioning Wealth to your Beneficiaries, Wills, Trusts, Taxes, and more

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

ExEcutor SErvicES

HOME SERVICES

GIELEN, Johanna C.

December 27, 1925

February 17, 2023

Passed away quietly at New Vista Care home in Burnaby, BC, at the age of 97. Predeceased by her husband Joseph, in 2006 She is survived by her loving daughter Johanna (Heidi), son Gerard (Kathy), granddaughter Carolyn (Matt), great granddaughter Trinity, and grandson Scott (Shelby).

Johanna was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1960, living most of her years in New Westminster, where she worked many years as a seamstress at St Mary’s Hospital. Her smile, outgoing personality, and love of life will be missed by all her family, friends, and every four legged friend she found on her many walks around town.

Special thanks to the caring staff at New Vista Care Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA.

EMPLOYMENT

General emplOyment

GARDENER TO work w th me in mainta n ng my flower garden Coqu t am P s ca : 604-492-2810

LABOURER PART-TIME For Burnaby Res dence Dut es w inc ude: Cont nuous yard c

OLSON, Bertha Elizabeth

May 31, 1930 - February 18, 2023

It’s w th great sadness to announce the recent passing of our mother, Bertha She last res ded and passed away at Kiwan s Care Centre, New Westm nster, BC Survived by daughters; Carren, Maxine, Nancy and (Keith), 9 grandchi dren; 8 great grandchi dren, 3 sisters and devoted compan on Ivan Morris, as well other relatives and fr ends She was predeceased by parents Adam and Theresa Steitzer ex- husband Kar son Roy, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 1 granddaughter

Memorial Serv ce to be held at Olivet Baptist Church

613 Queens Ave, New Westminster on March 24, 2023 at 2:00pm

In ieu of flowers, please consider donat ng to e ther the Alzheimer Soc ety or the K dney Foundation

PERSONAL TAXES

Prepared and Filed for $49

Please call Barry: 604-862-0811

Ema l: barrygreenfeld@yahoo ca

As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you find comfort