New Westminster Record July 20 2023

Pride gets set for summer fest

COMMUNITY 9 12th Street Festival is back

EVENTS 11

Memorial honours Tsilhqot’in Chief Ahan

TheresaMcManus

tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

“They wanted the land, and they wanted us out of the way”

Those were the words of Carla Alphonse, a member of theTsilhqot’inWomen’s Council, one of about 80 people who attended a July 18 event in NewWestminster commemorating war Chief Ahan from the ChilcotinWar of 18641865

After members of a road crew intruded on theTsilhqot’in territory in 1864, they were killed FiveTsilhqot’in chiefs were tried and hanged in the Chilcotin in 1864 Chief Ahan was tried and hanged in New Westminster in 1865

The provincial and federal governments have fully exonerated the chiefs for any wrongdoing related to

Continued on page 8

SOUNDS OF SUMMER: Alpha Centauri, originally from Zimbabwe, performed on the main stage at the TD Uptown Live street party on Saturday. Crowds turned out under hot, sunny skies to enjoy music on three stages, plus food, kids’ activities and an artisan market See more at www newwestrecord ca

PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

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New West Pride set for an action-packed return

This summer’s celebrations promise 10 days of fun for NewWest’s queer community and allies,Aug.10 to 20

TheresaMcManus

tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

Some old favourites and some new additions are in the works for NewWest PrideWeek 2023

The NewWest Pride Society is hard at work on plans for the 14th annual PrideWeek 2023 celebrations, which take place from Aug 10 to 20

“Pride is an amazing opportunity for our community, both allies and queer people, to gather and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of gender and sexual orientations,” said Katie Stobbart, president of the NewWest Pride Society. “But it’s also something else; while homophobia and transphobia threaten the well-being of our neighbours, friends and family on an international scale, our Pride celebrations are an important signal to our community and beyond that New Westminster is a place of belonging for all.”

PRIDE FLAG-RAISING SET FOR AUG. 11

Don Ralph, a member of the NewWest Pride Society’s board of directors, said PrideWeek includes more than a week of activities, such as brunches, karaoke and yoga events, and a Pride Hoedown. He said a flag-raising ceremony will take place at New

Westminster City Hall at noon on Friday, Aug 11 and a kickoff party will take place at 6 p m that evening at Eighth + Eight at the MasseyTheatre complex

The NewWest Pride street festival returns to Columbia Street on Saturday, Aug. 19. It includes a variety of performers on three stages, roving entertainment on Columbia Street, food trucks, vendors, a Family Zone put on by Family Place and more

SITE-WIDE LIQUOR LICENCE IS A FIRST

“In addition to what you may have come to expect from our annual event, we’ve got a couple of new surprises this year,” board member Jeremy Perry told city council July 10. “For the first time, we’ll have a site-wide liquor licence, which will give guests the ability to wander the festival site with a drink in hand, as well as providing a new source of revenue for the society This is one thing that we’re doing to make the festival both fun, but also financially sustainable.”

Perry said another fun addition to this year’s PrideWeek is a 50-50 draw, which follows up on a recent 50-50 draw that raised more than $2,000 for the society

“Tickets will be available for purchase the two weeks leading up to the street festival, so watch our social media,” he said. “We hope the entire community will participate in that, as this is a funding stream that is trying to help us be able to continue to put this festival on for years to come.”

YEAR-ROUND EVENTS

Kevin Lee, vice-president of NewWest Pride, said the society puts on PrideWeek, but it also offers events at other times of the year, including social drop-ins at local restaurants and pubs on the

secondTuesday and last Thursday of each month

In addition to two temporary galleries that will open during PrideWeek one at Columbia Square and another at Eighth + Eight a year-round queer art gallery is being launched in NewWestminster during PrideWeek.

NewWest Pride hopes to host four to six exhibits every year at Moodswing café and bar downtown, in collaboration with Moodswing, Arts NewWest, NewWest Artists, Arts in the Boro, Eighth and Eight Creative Spaces and Arietta Art Studio

PRIDE PROCLAMATION

At its July 10 meeting, the City of NewWestminster proclaimed Aug 10 to 20 as PrideWeek, which aims to promote education in diversity, equality and belonging, as well as providing opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members to connect for the good of all

“Internationally and close to home, homophobia, transphobia and hateful rhetoric and actions are threatening the peace, well-being and lives of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, inter-

sex and asexual people,” said the proclamation Coun. Nadine Nakagawa said it’s important to recognize that anti-queer and anti-trans rhetoric is rising, not just south of the border, but in this community as well.

“I think we just have to name that and push back against it,” she said. “New West is such a beautiful and inclusive community where a lot of people do feel safe, and we need to keep it that way by explicitly standing up, especially for trans people in our community, who are always at most risk ”

PRIDE RETURNS: The New West Pride street festival (seen here in 2022) returns to Columbia Street on Saturday, Aug 19

PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thursday, July 20 7:00 pm

Queen’s Park Concert Series

Queen’s Park Bandshell

CITYPAGE

THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS IN OUR CITY

2024 CITY BUDGET ENGAGEMENT CONCLUDES

Sunday, July 23 2:00 pm

Queen’s Park Concert Series

Queen’s Park Bandshell

Monday, July 24 No Council Meeting

DROUGHT SEASON IS HERE

As we continue to face this warm, dry weather that puts stress on our water system, we encourage you to continue limiting outdoor water use and abide by the one-day-per-week lawn watering rule (or even stop watering your lawn entirely) to help conserve our region’s water supply Successful conservation will help ensure the continued delivery of drinking water where it is needed most – for drinking, cooking, and cleaning – and will reduce the likelihood of Metro Vancouver needing to increase watering restrictions Find watering regulations and conservation info at newwestcity.ca/lawnwatering.

Further to water conservation, please be mindful the dry conditions have made the local fire risk very serious Be cautious of where you put cigarette butts and cooking devices Please visit bcwildfire.ca for current conditions and bans/ restrictions, and keep an eye on City channels for New Westminster-specific updates.

SET UP YOUR RAIN BARREL THIS SUMMER

While rain has been a MIA from the forecast lately, you can still get your rain barrel set up while it’s dry and have it ready for when the rain returns. Did you know? Rain barrel water is healthier for your plants as it is unchlorinated and oxygen-rich Plus, it’s a sustainable option when watering restrictions are in effect (May 1 to Oct 15)

New Westminster residents can purchase a rain barrel from the City for $70 + GST. These barrels hold 208L of water, and are 34" high by 24" wide. Order your barrel at City Hall, or email waterconservation@newwestcity ca The next pickup dates are July 29, Aug 12, and Aug 26 For more product information and pick-up details, visit: newwestcity.ca/water-conservation

ARCHIVES IN SCI-FI: FILM SERIES

Anvil Center Studio 417 | Thursday, July 20, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Love Sci-Fi? Watch your favourites in a new way Every month you can join the city’s Archivist, Erin, as she screens and speaks to the influence of archives in sci-fi film and TV This month, Erin will discuss Back to the Future Part II (1989) This series is for those 16+: Cash bar provided for those of legal drinking age Film contains adult themes and imagery Registration is $5; register online at newwestcity.ca/register (ID# 181932).

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback on the 2024 City Budget! We heard from 470 community members on their priorities for how the City should spend its money A full report on findings from the engagement will be shared on Be Heard in the coming weeks In the meantime visit beheardnewwest.ca/budget2024 for a few highlights from what we heard!

UNCOVERING COMMUNITY WITH MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

New Westminster Public Library (Uptown) | Thursday, July 20, 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Explore time through Archaeology! Join museum staff for this FREE DROP-IN in a group dig to uncover community items and stories Ages 8-12 recommended; children aged 8 and under should be accompanied by an adult Learn more at nwpl.ca/events-calendar.

A YEAR OF TRUTH CONTEST

In order to understand Truth and Reconciliation, truth must come first. We need to understand the mistakes of our past in order to make meaningful reconciliation

A Year of Truth is a time for us to acknowledge where we are responsible and to learn as much as we can about the Indigenous experience in Canada. The Year of Truth contest is your opportunity to share what you have learned about the Indigenous experience for a chance to win some great prizes, including gift cards to local Indigenous businesses, an invite to a soup and bannock lunch with the City’s Elder in Residence, and/or your entry displayed on city banners Enter as many times as you wish until the end of July! yearoftruth.ca/contest

THINK LOCAL FIRST FOR BIG IMPACT

Did you know that moving just a portion of purchases to local businesses has a big impact on the local economy ' s bottom line? Purchasing goods from locally-based suppliers creates nearly twice as much benefit to the local economy as buying from multinational chains It s true that not every purchase you might need can be made in New Westminster but thinking local first has a big impact and is one easy step you can take to support local businesses and keep our economy strong and growing. Want to learn more? LOCO BC commissioned a study and looked at real world examples here in Metro Vancouver You can download the whole report from their website at locobc.ca Make a choice to invest in New West by thinking local first

INVEST NEW WEST NEWSLETTER

The Economic Development Office sends a monthly e-newsletter for business operators Topics include opportunities, grants, resources, news, events, and other relevant business-focused content. Plus, occasionally, the City sends time-sensitive information Join more than 1,000 other subscribers and sign up! Visit bit.ly/43qCAHS or use the QR code to access the form

City

Historic oak tree to be protected in ’Borough development

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

A stately oak tree could become the first tree in NewWest to be protected through a heritage revitalization agreement.

The City of NewWestminster has received an application for a heritage revitalization agreement for a six-unit stratified townhouse development at 203 Pembina St in Queensborough As part of that project, the applicant would protect and designate a northern red oak tree on the city’s heritage register

“Retention of the oak tree through an HRA would be a very unique situation,” said a staff report “Only one tree in New Westminster is currently

listed on the heritage register, and therefore has formal recognition as an individual heritage resource ”

The oak tree is estimated to be more than 60 years old and is about 18 2 metres (60 feet) tall, said the report

“As a highly visible local landmark, it possesses esthetic heritage value for its significance to the landscape, and the oak tree (is) of such age, size and prominence in Queensborough,” said the report “It may also possess historical value, given its association with the former fire hall, located south of the property. Based on an interview with the former property owner, firefighters would sit under the tree’s canopy and participated in its

maintenance ”

According to the staff report, one of the townhouse units would front Pembina Street and five of the units would be sited at the rear of the prop-

erty in a separate building Staff said the units are being configured to support the retention of the oak tree, which has a “significant critical root zone” that needs to be consid-

ered in order to ensure its long-term retention.

A shared amenity space for the development’s residents is being proposed for the area around the tree

At its July 10 meeting, council received a preliminary report about the heritage revitalization agreement This site’s current zoning allows for a single-detached house, so a rezoning or heritage revitalization agreement is required to build townhouses Council directed staff to work with the applicant on a development plan

Coun.Tasha Henderson said it’s an interesting idea to design a project around the retention of a tree.

“I really love the idea

of the careful planning to maintain this tree in the long term, and that the project is built around the tree rather than sort of starting over and planting new small trees, which we don’t realize the impact of that tree canopy for so many years,” she said “So I think it’s really innovative and creative I’m eager to see how this might be a model for other future developments with large mature trees that are really valued by the community.”

JackieTeed, acting director of climate action, planning and development, said this would be the first time the city protects a tree through an HRA and, if it goes well, it could be something staff encourages in the future

SAVE THE TREE: A 60-year-old oak tree could become the first tree to be protected in New Westminster by a heritage revitalization agreement

PHOTO GOOGLE STREET VIEW

What do you think of plans for a mixed-use highrise development on lower 12th Street?

Do you intend to get another COVID-19 booster in the fall if it’s available to you?

MY VIEW KEITH BALDREY

Federal election could raise constitutional intrigue

The next federal election is theoretically still a long way off, but there is already speculation that a potential outcome could set off constitutional alarm bells

The scenario is this: what if the Conservatives win the most seats but fall short of a majority?Would that prompt the Justin Trudeau-led Liberals to try to form government and continue in power?

It is an intriguing outcome and certainly within the realm of possibility Poll after poll after poll suggests neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives will win anything close to a majority of seats in the House of Commons whenever the next vote is held

The idea of the second-place finisher in an election forming government may strike some folks back East as preposterous, but one needs to look back only recently in history to find a precedent, and it occurred right here in B.C.

In fact, two events occurred after the 2017 election in B C that may ultimately play a role in determining who gets to rule after the next federal election

First, even though her party failed to win a majority of seats, then-Premier Christy Clark reconvened the legislature as if it was business as usual. Under our system of government, she had every right to do this.

Despite every indication they were doomed to failure, Clark and the BC Liberals remained on the government side of the legislature chamber, helped choose a Speaker and delivered a throne speech that sounded like the recitation of the Green Party’s election platform (her party was desperately trying to win the support of the three Green MLAs to give the Liberals a majority)

Come the next federal election, these

developments should bear remembering. No matter what the outcome,Trudeau will still be prime minister until certain events play out More on that in a bit

Within days, of course, the Clark-led government fell from power because the Opposition parties voted a non-confidence motion against the government. Clark, even then still the premier and thus still First Minister, travelled up the hill to Government House to meet with thenLt.-Gov. Judith Guichon.

According to the book A Matter of Confidence, authors Richard Zussman and Rob Shaw wrote that Clark advised her to call another election, arguing an NDPGreen alliance could not effectively govern Guichon declined her suggestion and instead turned to John Horgan the leader of the party that finished second to lead the government.

Again, we could easily see an outcome of the next federal vote that has the incumbent Liberal government winning the second most seats and the Conservatives winning the most

Yet theTrudeau-led Liberals could keep governing if they continued to be backed by the NDP in an arrangement that would produce a working majority in the House of Commons. In such a scenario, it is important to remember thatTrudeau would have never stopped being prime minister and therefore would have the power to recall the House of Commons and put the arrangement to the test

There is indeed a way for a secondplace finisher to form government. It can be infuriating for the first-place party, of course. Just ask the old BC Liberal Party. Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC.

Editor: I am always happy to hear about purpose-rental buildings being built We do not have enough housing to meet our current population demands That plus the Bank of Canada’s one-trick-pony method of handling inflation is putting more pressure on the price of rental housing and homes for purchase

What concerns me most, however, is we keep going back to the same solutions and expecting that they will somehow fix the housing crisis. There’s a reference to “market price” rentals in every proposal For those of us fortunate enough to be homeowners, we are facing the squeeze of ever-increasing mortgage rates and property taxes also based on so-called “market value” so the government has a vested interest in higher market values, and that’s really the problem.

What everyone is ignoring is the fact our market is hyper-inflated and chronically overpriced. What is called “market rate” for rentals is out of reach for increasing num-

bers of middle-income earners who are also increasingly giving up on the hope of ever becoming homeowners.

I lost my daughter and both grandchildren to another province in May because my daughter came to the conclusion that she simply can’t afford to raise her family here Rents are too high; home ownership is a pipe dream

The really sad thing is, she was making good money. The same money is now allowing her to rent a home and save to one day buy a place of her own.

“Affordable housing” needs to be housing that families with median incomes of $60,000 to $110,000 can afford to rent or buy. Until steps are taken to correct the overinflated “market price,” the housing crisis will not only continue, it will deepen More families will experience separation as our adult children move to more affordable provinces.

Lindsey bat Joseph

Editor: This weekend I wrote a letter to the mayor … but it wasn’t our mayor not yet. I wrote because I am excited to hear that all three North Shore councils will be looking at motions to further improve their building code requirements; even though I’m not a resident, this is still meaningful because I know my municipality is one of many that has often followed in their footsteps. We also know that this climate crisis will never be solved unless we all work together, and so far strong leadership has mostly come from people exactly like our council members folks on the ground, listening to their neighbours and looking out for the needs of their friends and children

As a scientist, I am honestly terrified by the way the fossil fuel industry and other corporate desires to continue making profits have trumped our human needs to make sensible changes that can cut down GHG emissions especially when there are clear solutions that don’t heap more costs onto already struggling families and local economies.

As a mom and a teacher, I have daily conversations with young people, and they are often discouraged by the lack of effective climate actions being taken by those in

leadership positions It means so much to all of us to know that there are some people who aren’t afraid to make the changes we need to decrease emissions right now and do our best to slow down the rapidly increasing rate of climate disasters

I am also hopeful that all our councils will be open to making an even stronger statement by copying and strengthening this motion One of the easiest things for this province to do to lower our emissions is allow a ban on gas hookups in new buildings; not only would it significantly bring down our GHG emissions, but the health impacts of using methane for cooking and fireplaces is now known to be just as bad as exposing your family to secondhand smoke. While we continue to rally support for this at a provincial level, we count on responsive and responsible local representatives to help show that we can do this by requiring new builds to meet Zero Carbon Step Code EL-4, matching other municipalities like Saanich and Victoria

This kind of leadership will have a domino effect and encourage those of us who want to bring these motions forward to neighbouring communities.

Maureen Curran

When owning a home is a‘pipe dream’for middle-income families,we’re in trouble

Fighting the climate crisis relies on all of us and municipal councils are stepping up

Memorial: ‘We will never forget’

Continued from page 1

the settlers’ deaths

“Today, we reflect the past and commemorate Nits’il?in (Chief) Ahan to provide healing. Memorializing this day is about recognizing the past and claiming a new path for the future.We will never forget, and we recognize the sacrifice of Nits’il?in Ahan and the other five war chiefs made for our people,” said Nits’il?in RogerWilliam of Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government

Each year, a delegation from theTsilhqot’in National Government travels to NewWestminster to commemorate Ahan on the July 18 anniversary of his death.

AtTuesday’s ceremo-

ny, several speakers said theTsilhqot’in chiefs were defending their communities against settlers, who were intentionally spreading smallpox to kill off the people whose lands they wanted

A document from the Tsilhqot’in National Government, handed out at the July 18 memorial, says Chief Ahan had a duty to enforceTsilhqot’in law and to help his fellow warriors, who were ambushed by the Crown at a peace conference in August 1864 Ahan was later ambushed by the colonial agent who was to have ensured his safe passage to a peace potlach

Mayor Patrick Johnstone said Ahan’s fight for the

Tsilhqot’in people is now part of NewWestminster’s history

“As a city, again, we are focused on this uncomfortable, sometimes very uncomfortable, stage of truth telling and truth seeking because we recognize that is the path to reconciliation,” he said atTuesday’s event “So I thank you, chiefs; I thank you, elders; just the keepers of the stories for gifting us today with your stories, with your drumming, with your songs, and for coming to NewWestminster to do this memorial and make sure that the people of NewWestminster don’t forget this history”

Read more on this story at www.newwestrecord.ca.

Community

12th Street Festival rolls back into town this weekend

NaveenaVijayan

nvijayan@newwestrecord

ca

Parts of NewWest’s 12th Street will see a shiny makeover on Sunday, July 23 thanks to the annual 12th Street Festival that brings live music, entertainment and kids’ activities to the historic stretch every summer.

This year, the festival, which is organized by volunteers and merchants from theWest End Business Association, will include three performance stages along the street featuring bands from diverse musical genres including rock, rockabilly, blues, soul and more

The main Metrotown Mitsubishi Community Stage, named after the sponsor, at Hamilton Street will see performances by a host of music artists including Juno nominee Buddy Rogers and his band

Here’s where you can groove to the local blues bandThe Blue Express, and watch Americana singer songwriter PatsyThompson and singer, guitarist, bassist and songwriter Pamela Dominel-

li the Sweet P’s perform.

Meanwhile, the Match and Starlight Casino Stage, on the Sixth Avenue entrance (at Sixth Av-

enue and 12th Street), will have a lineup of performers curated by the local record label Northern Electric and recording studio Little Red Sounds

rockabilly band Dogwood and the Shakers, the psychedelic garage-pop bandTheTop Boost, garage punk rock’n’roll band SLIP~ons and the boo-

gie-woogie rock’n’roll artists from the MikeVan Eyes Band

The third stage on Seventh Avenue will have local musicians Ed, Salve

and friends, and the veteran classic rockers Syndicate entertain the crowd The stage will also present a platform for the students of the Neil Douglas Music School to perform

The festival, which made a big comeback last year after a five-year hiatus, is even bigger this year, said Jim Fuller, secretary of theWest End Business Association.

“We have almost double the vendors that we had last year,” he said.

The list includes Caleb’s Fluffles, a venture by a 13-year-old to support the BC Children’s Hospital, and designer Linda Shea’s handcrafted jewelry, among others. A bunch ofWest End favourites including Empanada Gal, Pho 99 and Amelia Restaurant will also be part of the one-day fest.

Besides local crafts, music and food, the street party will also offer a unique photo opportunity with a vintage transit bus, courtesy of theTransit Museum Society.

The 12th Street Festival is on July 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MUSIC FEST: Rock band Syndicate will be one of the many bands to perform at the 12th Street Festival on Sunday, July 23

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Weekendevents

Don’t miss these weekend events & activities!

THURSDAY, JULY 20

TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT

Soar into the weekend with an Eagles tribute concert. Billed as the “ultimate” Eagles tribute, theTake It to the Limit band will give the audience a chance to listen to the American rock band’s top musical hits such as Hotel California, HeartacheTonight, Peaceful Easy Feeling,Tequila Sunrise and more, right here in the city.Tickets are priced at $56.99 plus service charges

WHEN: Thursday, July 20, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.

DETAILS: www.ticketsnw.ca

FRIDAY, JULY 21

SUMMER NIGHT MARKET

A one-stop shop under the open evening sky the New West Craft Summer Night Market is back following what organizers called an “amazing turnout” at its June edition Browse through a wide variety of items offered by more than 60 artisan vendors both outside on the boardwalk and inside River Market Here, you can pair your shopping with live music and views of the mighty Fraser

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m.

WHERE: 810 Quayside Dr.

DETAILS: www.newwestcity ca/calendar-of-events

SATURDAY, JULY 22

FIERY FRIEND AND FOE

Take some time to learn about a phenomenon that’s been a big part of the news of late: wildfires Learn how wildfires start and move through a landscape, and observe plant adaptations to sur-

viving fire, at an educational and fun session at the Fraser River Discovery Centre. A family ticket for two adults and up to four children is $15, an adult ticket is $6, senior and student tickets are $5 each, and it’s $3 for a child

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr

FRIDAY, JULY 21 BOLLYWOOD BASH

Fridays on Front’s third weekend party is themed after the big Bollywood industry Join the shindig expecting high-energy music, and get ready to shake a leg.The free summer weekly downtown festival has been getting people together on Friday evenings since the first week of July, and the final three sessions are set for Aug 11, 18 and 25.

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Front Street Mews in downtown New West

DETAILS: downtown newwest.ca/Fridays-OnFront

DETAILS: fraserriverdiscovery org/super-saturdays/

SUNDAY, JULY 23

TWELFTH STREET FESTIVAL

The annual 12th Street Festival is all set to hit the historic street on Sunday.With three stages of live music presenting an array of genres including rocka-

billy, blues, soul and more; double the number of artisan vendors from last year; a host of food stalls; and a photo opportunity with a vintage bus and more the festival has all that’s needed for a whole day of fun.

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: 12th Street

DETAILS: 12thstreet.ca compiled by NaveenaVijayan

MOVE IT: Two-year-old Nicholas Senyuk of New West dances along to Foxx & Swann at Fridays on Front in 2022. Get ready to shake a leg again this Friday as the street party returns with its Bollywood Bash edition

PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

Arts & Entertainment Spot the Bot: Comedy show pits comics against AI

NaveenaVijayan

nvijayan@newwestrecord ca

At a time when ChatGPT threatens to take over people’s jobs, a certain set of comedians are getting ready to pit their wits against the bot.

While they promise an evening of laughter, they are also keen on finding out if the audience can distinguish between the sense of humour of a living comedian and a lifeless bot

The game show Spot

the Bot is the brainchild of Janice Bannister, stand-up comic and founder of the comedy school Laughter Zone 101. She was struck with the idea after getting several questions on the role of AI (artificial intelli-

gence) in comedy.

“I’ve been in the standup comedy business for 20 years, and lately everyone is asking, ‘Are comics using AI to write their jokes?’” she said The question had Ban-

nister experiment with ChatGPT and see if its jokes made her laugh as much as a comedian’s did After doing her own research on whether a bot’s jokes actually tickle the funny bone, she came to the conclusion: “I don’t think we’re ever going to be out of business ”

While a bot can come up with a joke on any topic in a jiffy, “they are not writing them from their heart,” she said.

“They’re not writing from their life story,” she added.

And oftentimes, she noted, the jokes are from a male perspective.The “bot whisperer” has to specifically ask the bot to generate jokes from a female or millennial perspective, she said

“And, in my opinion, it’s very generic.”

So, she came up with a new game show that will help find out if the rest of the world thinks so too.

In the interactive game show, there will be five stand-up comics Jackie Amsden,TaniaTaylor, Parvin Sohal, Roger Nairn and Janice Bannister performing on stage.

MC Erin Jeffrey will pull out random topics that the comics will then perform their jokes on

The twist is one of the comics will be performing an AI-generated joke in every round and the audience has to identify this bot joke camouflaging as one penned by a real comic.

Members of the audience will be given voting sheets where they get to put down their guesses.

At the end of the game, the votes will be tabulated, and those who were able to identify the maximum number of bot jokes will get prizes Audience members can either play individually or in groups

The game show is Bannister’s way of throwing light on the future of AI in humour

“I can see people using it in presentations to add a little punch,” she said

A bot would be a convenient tool to generate a joke for a speech, for instance

But otherwise, she added, “I think stand-up comedy needs to stay authentic and real ”

Spot the Bot will be a 90-minute interactive game show starting at 8:30 p m on Friday, July 21, at House of Comedy, 530 Columbia St. Tickets are priced at $16 and can be bought online at bc.houseofcomedy.net.

Arts & Entertainment Eagles tribute onstage at Massey Theatre tonight

You can get that peaceful easy feelin’ this summer without standing on a corner inWinslow, Arizona or checking in to the Hotel California.

Yes, you can enjoy the greatest hits of the Eagles right here at home in New Westminster, when the Take It to the Limit tribute band hits the stage at MasseyTheatre tonight

(Thursday, July 20)

Billed as “the ultimate Eagles tribute,” the band offers up an array of classic Eagles rock favourites think Hotel California, HeartacheTonight, Peaceful Easy Feeling,Take It to the Limit, Desperado,Take It Easy,Tequila Sunrise and

more

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at MasseyTheatre (735 Eighth Ave ) Limited tickets remain

as of press time for $56 99 plus service charges You can buy online and find more information at www ticketsnw ca

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Nicest Home For Sale in Sapperton! This Cutie has 3 levels, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 kitchens on a 5188 sq ft corner lot. Polished & updated home ready for the next family Move in Condition, beautifully landscaped yard with 2 tiered deck, garage/workshop Steps to school, parks, skytrain, transit, new Rec Centre, shopping and restaurants

BIGGEST Townhome Value with 2477 sq ft of Bright, beautiful, freshly painted Living Space. Great Complex in Sullivan Station Neighborhood. 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 car garage, 3 levels, large Rooms thru out, rec room or 4th bsmt in cool bsmt. Principal Bedroom is huge with separate 5 piece ensuite. Lots of shops, restaurants, schools just a few blks away

BUCHANAN, BURNABY $899,900.00

TOP OF THE WORLD IN BRENTWOOD MALL AREA. Beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo. 1184 sq ft with new flooring, new paint, new appliances. Fantastic Views looking South, West & North from this corner suite. Pet & rental okay Great opportunity steps to skytrain, mall etc. Super Spacious Balcony that can be enjoyed all year long.

PEACEFUL EASY FEELING: The Take It to the Limit Eagles tribute is onstage at Massey Theatre tonight (Thursday, July 20).

PHOTO MOON COIN PRODUCTIONS

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

KANNIAINEN, Alan

February 4, 1940 - July 3, 2023

Aan Kanniainen passed away surrounded by h s famiy on Juy 3, 2023, in New Westminster at the age of 83 He was a be oved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend Alan s survived by h s wife Zoanne, his children Si ri and Tom, h s sister Le la Evindsen, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Orr e and Kerry Babuk and Butch and Angea Sanderson, and his nieces and nephews He wi l be loving y remembered and sad y missed The family sends sincere thanks to the staff of Camel a Park at Buchanan Lodge for the r kindness and care

Condo ences for the family may be left at www kearneyfs com

Kearney Co umbia Bowel Chape 604-521-4881

PAIGE, Iris Yvonne

May 17, 1928 - July 2, 2023

Iris Pa ge (nee Pickett) passed away peaceful y on Ju y 2, 2023, at the age of 95 years Born n what s now Cooksvi le, ON, she spent most of her adult ife n North Burnaby, BC She s survived by her 4 chi dren: Sharon (John), Dave (Gayle) both of Ca gary, AB, A lan (Chr s) of Toronto, ON, and John (Joanne) of Corbe l, ON She a so leaves beh nd a sister, 6 grandchi dren, and 7 great-grandchildren

Gratefu for the sk l ed and passionate care she had received from many doctors over the years, Ir s has generously donated her body to UBC for medical educat on and research

At her request, there w l be no funeral service

EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL

By virtue of the Warehouseman’s Lien Act

Munde’s Towing, Storage & Service (1976) Ltd wl dspose of:

1) 2005 FORD EXPLR VIN# 1FMZU73W05UB69760

RO: SONNY GANANCIAL

2) 2000 TOYOTA SIENA VIN# 4T3ZF13C2YU189145

RO: DAVID MASSEY

3) 2008 FORD ESCAP VIN# 1FMCU93Z78KA01318

RO: DARRELL JOHN KERR

4) 2019 TOYOTA C-HR VIN# NMTKHMBX8KR070640

RO: JIN ZHENG

5) 2017 K A SPORT VIN# KNDPMCACXH7274371

RO: MARK SULLIVAN

6) 2019 HYUNDA ELNTR VIN# KMHD84LF5KU831048

RO: ALLAN CORNISH

7) 2007 DODGE RAM 1500 V N# 1D7HU182X7J619850

RO: JENNIFER FISHER

8) 2018 VW PASAT VIN# 1VWBA7A31JC019080

RO: ARNOLD VALDENOR

Unts may be viewed and bds to be submtted on TUESDAY, Ju y 25, 2023 at 5917 Thorne Avenue, Burnaby, BC

By

1) 2017 Trerane VIN# 2GKFLVE33H6192071

Debtor RO: Arsenault Vanessa Amount owed: $5500

2) 2011 Chev Travers VIN# 1GNKVGED9BJ230641

Debtor RO: Thomas Ronald Amount owed: $9,000

3) 2016 Hyundia Tuson VIN# KM8J3CA2XGU020798

Debtor RO: Harry Marynavtch Amount owed: $10,520 68

4) 2012 Hyundai Accent VIN# KMHCT4AE9CU259519

Debtor RO: Chrs Haght Amount owed: $5800 36

Viewing by Appointment Un ts can be viewed on ine:: https://kingswayba l ff com/car-gallery/

All email written bids to Kingsway Bailiff Service by July 27, 2023 at: nfo@kingswaybailiff com www K ngswayBa liff com

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice s hereby g ven that on Ju y 24th, 2023, U-Lock Min Storage, 4240 Manor St, Burnaby, V5G 1B2, w l sel the contents of the ockers l sted below:

Un t #3055 - Manuel Mambo

Un t #2911- Danq (Monica) Wu

Un t #1075 - Caire Wheeler

Un t #1824 - Kaden De Haan

These ockers wil be put for auct on via: iBid4storage com on the 24th of July 2023

By virtue of the Warehouseman’s Lien Act

Mundie’s Towng, Storage & Servce (1976) Ltd w dspose of:

1) 2009 JAGUAR XF V N# SAJXA06B89HR45993

RO: BLANKSTUDIO CORP

2) 2005 CHEV UPLDR VIN# 1GNDV23L25D250027

RO: MIGUEL A DE LA CRUZ SANTANA

3) 2002 CHEV MALIB V N# 1G1ND52J52M710254

RO: DEN S SABIC

4) 1997 TOYOTA COROLLA VIN# 2T1BA03E2VC198686

RO: WA MING FONG

5) 2007 PONT AC G6 V N# 1G2ZG58B174115316

RO: MITCHELL K DD

6) 2010 JEEP PATR OT V N# 1J4NT2GBXAD514281

RO: MAR ON REYNOLDS

7) 2005 BMW 325I VIN# WBAAZ334X5KW76958

RO: CARY WONG

8) 1998 JEEP GRCHE V N# 1J4GZ88Z7WC212157

RO: ROLANDO AGUILERA

9) 2003 FORD FOCUS V N# 1FAFP34393W176449

RO: MOGGA BARABA

10) 2006 FORD TAURS V N# 1FAFP53UX6A223883

RO: CHEKRA NAIDU

11) 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO V N# 3G1TB5DGXBL131480

RO: EMILY MCILWAIN

12) 1995 HONDA ODYSY V N# JHMRA184XSC801665

RO: CHRISTOPHER RON RAVADILLA

13) 2005 FORD FOCUS V N# 1FAFP34NX5W159647

RO: DON NIC MIDGLEY

14) 1997 DODGE CRVAN V N# 2B4FP2533VR354741

RO: TRAVIS KYLLO

15) 2004 ACURA 3 2TL V N# 19UUA66254A805472

RO: JASON V CTOR HERNANDEZ

16) 2002 MAZDA PRTGE V N# JM1BJ222621596714

RO: T NA POWER

17) 2001 HONDA CIVIC VIN# 2HGES15311H917634

RO: SCOTT WRIGHT

18) 2004 FORD EXPLR VIN# 1FMZU77K14UB03255

RO: PATR CK HAINES

19) 2005 SUBARU FRSTR VIN# JF1SG63655H732923

RO: KATHER NE R VARD

20) 2007 FORD FOCUS V N# 1FAFP38Z47W105728

RO: LORI BURTON

21) 2009 FORD EDGE V N# 2FMDK49C09BA88653

RO: JAMES FEE

22) 2013 FORD EDGE V N# 2FMDK4AKXDBA84282

RO: RICHARD LAKE BIRD

23) 2002 MERCEDES C320S V N# WDBRH64J42F228619

RO: NE L BARRASS

Unts may be vewed and bds to be submtted on TUESDAY, July 25, 2023 at 5917 Thorne Avenue, Burnaby, BC between 10:00am to 3:00 pm A l wr tten bids to Mundie’s Towng 5917 Thorne Ave, Burnaby, BC V3N 2T8

To advertise, call 604-362-0586 or email DTJames@glaciermedia.ca

By virtue of the Warehouseman’s Lien Act

Munde’s Towng, Storage & Servce (1976) Ltd wi dispose of:

1) 2021 MAZDA M3 VIN# JM1BPAML4M1336913

RO: HABTETSION SIRAK MEKONEN HABTEZION

YOHANNES WO/CANAD AN DEALER LEASE SERV CE

2) 2017 NISSAN ALT MA VIN# 1N4AL3AP8HN343653

RO: CEARA DELORME/MR MOTORS LP

3) 2009 DODGE AVENGER VIN# 1B3LC76V59N531793

RO: UNKNOWN

4) NISSAN MAXIMA VIN# JN1HJ01S1MT043547

RO: UNKNOWN

5) HONDA ODYSSEY VIN# 5FNRL382X7B502497

RO: UNKNOWN

6) FORD TRANSIT VIN# UNKNOWN

RO: UNKNOWN

7) ACURA RDX V N# 2HNYD18804H562032

RO: UNKNOWN

8) YAMAHA FZ750 VIN# JYA1FT001GA002344

RO: UNKNOWN

9) HYUNDAI VIN# KMHDU45D09U784237

RO: UNKNOWN

10) INFIN TI VIN# JNKCV54E44M821276

RO: UNKNOWN

11) 2010 DODGE CHALENGER VIN# 2B3CJ4DV6AH272641

RO: MANUEL MAMBO

12) 2013 NISSAN ROGUE V N# JN8AS5MV3DW110002

RO: EDWARD DURIE

13)1997 FORD RANGER VIN# 1FTCR10A3VTA17303

RO: PANGLI CONSTRUCTION

14) 2005 FORD TAURS VIN# 1FAFP53UX5A100342

RO: TIMOTHY HOBBIS

15) 1998 SATURN SL2 VIN# 1G8ZK527XWZ279822

RO: ROBERT ZERBE

16) 2002 ACURA RSX VIN# JH4DC54822C806962

RO: OLIVER PH LL PS

17) 2002 SUZUKI MC VIN# JS1VS54A822108545

RO: LAURA-LEE FERRIS

18) 2006 BMW X5 VIN# 5UXFB53546LV25156

RO: K RK MCRAE

19) 2006 HYUNDA TUSON V N# KM8JM72D96U433623

RO: MOUNIB BOUAZZA

20) 2017 TOYOTA CAMRY V N# 4T1BF1FK9HU268261

RO: CALVIN BYF ELD

21) 2003 AUDI ALLRD VIN# WA1YD54B13N080359

RO: DURA D HADI KAREEM

22) 1988 MAZDA RX7 VIN# JM1FC3317J0601348

RO:ANDREA BELL

23) 2019 CHEVROLET CORVT V N# 1G1YA2D70K5109110

RO: MICHAEL CLARK

Units may be viewed and bids to be submitted on TUESDAY, Ju y 25, 2023 at 5917 Thorne Avenue, Burnaby, BC between 10:00am to 3:00 pm Al written b ds to Mund e’s Towing 5917 Thorne Ave, Burnaby, BC V3N 2T8

classifieds.burnabynow.com • classifieds.burnabynow.com

• Use a keyword. Start sale, service offered or the job title.

• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.

• Limit abbreviations. Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.

• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.

• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address

gutteRs

HandyPeRson

vacuumed and hand ceaned 604-524-0667

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.