Tri-City News January 5 2023

B C A S S E S S M E N T

Assessments for TC homes are ‘average’

JANIS CLEUGH jcleugh@tricitynews.com

The Tri-Cities is in the middle of the pack when it comes to assessment hikes for Lower Mainland homes

On Tuesday, BC Assessment released its valuations based on the July 1, 2022, market, as well as the physical condition of properties as of Oct 31, 2022

Those numbers will be used by municipalities to set the mill rate for property taxes this summer

BC Assessment’s Bryan Murao told the Tri-City News that this region’s single-family home increases rose about nine per cent, an average jump when compared to West Vancouver (4%) and Pitt Meadows (15%)

Townhouses and condos in the Tri-Cities saw a higher

spike at 13 per cent. Here’s how property values went up locally: Coquitlam

• Single-family home $1,499,000 (2021), $1,650,000 (2022) +10%

• Townhouse/ condo $631,000 (2021), $711,000 (2022) +13%

Port Coquitlam

• Single-family home $1,233,000 (2021), $1,347,000 (2022) +9%

• Townhouse/condo $574,000 (2021), $648,000 (2022) +13%

Port Moody

• Single-family home $1,627,000 (2021), $1,793,000 (2022) +10%

• Townhouse/condo $731,000 (2021), $826,000 (2022) +13%

Where

the dream houses in the Tri-Cities?

The 2022 assessments for commercial and industrial buildings in the Tri-Cities also jumped between five and 25 per cent, Murao said

Tri-City property owners can expect to get their assessment notices in the mail this week

And Murao said residents and business owners who want to dispute their home and land valuations can appeal to the authority by Jan 31 for an independent review by the Property Assessment Review Panel

Appointed by the provincial government, the panels meet in February and March to hear formal complaints

Property owners can contact BC Assessment at 1-866-valueBC (1-8668258322) or online at bcassessment.ca.

“It is important to understand that changes in property assessments do not automatically translate into a corresponding change in property taxes,” said Murao, in a news release

“As noted on your assessment notice, how your assessment changes relative to the average change in your community is what may affect your property taxes”

Municipalities have until May 15 to adopt their operating budgets

Overall, the assessments for Lower Mainland properties increased from $1 75 trillion last year to more than $1 94 trillion this year, ac-

cording to the news release

And nearly $23 billion of the Lower Mainland’s updated assessments is from new construction, subdivisions and rezonings

The total value of real estate on the 2023 roll is more than $2 72 trillion, a rise of nearly 12 per cent from last year

As for the Top 20 valued residential properties in the Tri-Cities, as provided to the Tri-City News by BC Assessment, nearly all are based in the villages of Anmore and Belcarra

The highest assessed property, located at 3333 Caliente Pl , in the Hockaday neighbourhood of Coquitlam, is owned by Diane Spraggs

“Chateau Diane” is a seven-bedroom, 10 5-bathroom home, at 15,760 sq ft on a 16 73-acre lot, and is located next to the Coquitlam River

In 2021, Gracorp applied to the city for an official community plan amendment to change a portion of the site from one-family residential and linear park to compact one-family, subdivision and rezoning for 39 RS-4 lots, one RS-2 lot and four P-5 special park lots

Meanwhile, the TriCities’ second-most valued home, at 277 Turtlehead Rd in Belcarra, has a bridge to Hamber Island, where the house was recently built with additional reporting from Diane Strandberg

Don Drysdale

Richard Rainey

Alexander Huxtable

Family townhomes to be built next to school

Two lots close to Smiling Creek Elementary on Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain will soon have townhomes catering to families.

Last month, city council unanimously gave fourth and final reading to the bid by Annesley Homes to change the city-wide Official Community Plan and rezone

3421 and 3431 Queenston Ave., where the company plans to build 23 three-level townhouse units.

Coun. Dennis Marsden recused himself from the vote, citing past contractual work with Annesley.

According to the city report, Annesley will construct two two-bedroom units and 21 three- and four-bedroom

units in four buildings, at the intersection with Soball Street.

The development is expected to bring in for the city:

• $608,000 in development cost charges

• $113,072 in community amenity contributions

• $20,000 for the community amenity enhancement

program

In 2020, when the proposal came before council, the city received nine responses, including a 66-name petition and two letters, against the project

Opponents cited increased density and traffic, as well as loss of privacy to the single-family home neighbours plus environ-

mental impacts.

Last January, the company hosted a virtual public information meeting to address the concerns.

Andrew Merrill, Coquitlam’s director of development services, wrote in his March 1, 2021, report that Annesley “will be marketing to families due to its proximity to Smiling Creek Elementary School and Queenston Park”

In other development news:

At its Dec 12 meeting, council also unanimously and without comment OK’d fourth and final reading to rezone a Burquitlam property for a weed shop

Seed and Stone plans its cannabis retail shop at 512

Young Dr., in the Anthem SOCO development that’s now under construction (the site was previously occupied by a Best Western hotel).

Seed and Stone also has pot shops in Delta, Chilliwack, Hope and Victoria

Coquitlam approved its cannabis regulatory framework last December and has since allowed dispensaries at:

• 109-2957 Glen Dr (The Local Leaf Cannabis)

• 103-2700 Barnet Hwy (KJ’s Best Cannabis)

• 105-552 Clarke Rd (Imagine Cannabis)

• 102-935 Brunette Ave (Brunette Cannabis)

• Unit B-1052 Austin Ave (Northern Lights Cannabis)

A rendering of the townhomes next to Smiling Creek Elementary ENGAGE ARCHITECTURE

Kingtideresultsindetour

A section of a popular walking trail in Port Moody is closed indefinitely after it was damaged by last week’s king tide

Julie Pavey-Tomlinson, the city’s director of environment and parks, said the elevated wooden bridge portion of Shoreline Trail that cuts across the mudflats at Pigeon Cove was moved off its abutments by the exceptionally high water in Burrard Inlet from last Tuesday to Thursday

The phenomenon known as a king tide

occurs when the Earth is closest to the sun and moon resulting in their greatest gravitational pull on ocean waters According to Environment Canada, this year’s king tide peaked at 5 754 metres on Dec 27

Pavey-Tomlinson said once the high water had receded, city staff assessed the bridge and determined it wasn’t safe for passage

“As a matter of public safety, the bridge and the sections of the trail that lead to the bridge were closed and will remain closed in-

definitely,” she said Pavey-Tomlinson added engineers will need to do a full inspection of the bridge to determine next steps “Until we have more information, we unfortunately won’t be able to provide a timeline for repairs,” she added

In the meantime, walkers on the Shoreline Trail can continue their journey on the paved section along Murray Street and the gravel path next to the rail line behind city hall and Trasolini Field

During January and February 2023, we may need to release more water than usual from the Coquitlam Reservoir to the Coquitlam River

Visitors to Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park check out the high tide waters of Burrard Inlet last Thursday MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

S H O R E L I N E T R A I L

We’re upgrading our 100+ year old tunnel that moves water from Coquitlam Reservoir to Bunzten Lake to generate electricity at Lake Buntzen 1 Powerhouse

Beawareandgetprepared

coquitlam.ca/winterwise

C O M M E R C I A L

AustinHeightsBIAcallsforfivemoreyears

Commercial property owners in the Coquitlam neighbourhood of Austin Heights will be polled this month about the future of the business improvement association (BIA).

The city will canvass 69 owners whose land is located between Blue Mountain and Gatensbury streets and Austin and Ridgeway avenues to see who doesn’t want to move forward with the BIA’s mandate and budget for the next five years

In November, the BIA’s volunteer board of directors voted unanimously in favour of the 2023–2028 financial plan:

• 2023/2024: $268,809 (up 12%)

• 2024/2025: $301,066 (up 12%)

• 2025/2026: $331,173 (up 10%)

• 2026/2027: $357,666 (up 8%)

• 2027/2028: $386,280 (up 8%)

Area property owners within the BIA jurisdiction

R E S I D E N T I A L F I R E

will be mailed a counter-petition (vote against); the letter will also state how much they will be required to pay to support the BIA’s programming Funds from the property owners will be collected

by the city at property tax time in July and remitted to the BIA The estimated 2023 levy, using 2022 assessments, is $0 8886/$1,000 of assessed value

A total of 289 businesses are located within the Austin

Heights boundaries; property owners typically pass all or part of the annual BIA levy to the tenants as part of the leasing fee agreements, wrote deputy city manager Raul Allueva in a report

In November, Lisa

ChristmasEvefiredisplaces26people

A fire at a Burquitlam apartment building on Christmas Eve appears to be suspicious, the City of Coquitlam says.

The blaze broke out in the common area stairwell in the morning on Dec. 24 at Building 5 at Whitgift Gardens, at 550 Cottonwood Ave , leaving 26 people from seven units temporarily homeless

No one was injured in the fire; the suites were not damaged

Kathleen Vincent, Coquitlam’s communications manager, told the Tri-City News last week that

the fire department has now wrapped up its investigation and, while the cause is still unknown, the fire “appears suspicious”

Staff from the city’s building division are assessing the fire, smoke and water damage to see when the tenants can return

“At this time, there is no confirmed date and it may take several weeks to complete the repairs,” she said, noting the property manager will contact the residents directly when it’s safe to go home

Whitgift Gardens is a rental complex next to

Cottonwood Park that’s owned and managed by Concert Properties, an active developer in western Coquitlam

John Corry, Concert Properties’ director of corporate communications, told the Tri-City News on Tuesday that the company is reimbursing impacted residents for rent paid Dec 24 to 31, and it will cancel their January rent

Vincent said evacuated tenants went to a reception centre, set up by the city’s Emergency Social Services while the fire was underway And those who didn’t have

a place to go went to a hotel, and given food and gift cards

As for donations, Vincent is asking the community to hold off due to holiday closures and staffing absences at charities and non-profit agencies.

“Unfortunately, situations such as these can give rise and opportunity to scams and misdirected intentions, and we want to ensure that any assistance offered makes it to those in need”

Landry, executive director of the Austin Heights BIA, told council that the organization’s mandate was up on Dec 31, 2022, and needs to be formally renewed

And she listed its recent accomplishments to keep Coquitlam’s oldest commercial district safe and welcoming.

These include graffiti removal, security, street banners, holiday lights, cigarette recycling receptacles and the Coquitlam Munch

Landry said the inaugural HollyDaze, an outdoor winter gathering to showcase the area on Nov 19, drew twice the crowd that organizers expected about 2,300 visitors.

The BIA also partnered with Tri-Local, a collective that includes the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-City News, as well as Hub Cycling and the City of Coquitlam the latter for a summer pop-up park in front of Safeway

As for 2023 activities, the BIA will split the costs with

the municipality for two gateway signs along Austin Avenue to promote the shopping district

It also hopes to add customized street sign blades with “Austin Heights” at the top, add public art, erect a Christmas tree and launch a parade to kick off HollyDaze.

Landry also pointed out the area’s revitalization, which includes a new Safeway and residential towers

“I think our Austin Heights BIA has done a spectacular job of raising awareness in the area,” Coun Dennis Marsden said at the Dec 12 council meeting, in support of the BIA’s five-year renewal.

“I think it’s a great example of the community and the local businesses stepping up to add vibrancy to an area,” added Coun Matt Djonlic, who used to work in the area as an executive assistant to Coquitlam MLA Selina Robinson “I wish we could see more of that throughout the city”

Updates will be on the city’s website (coquitlam ca/ cottonwood), as well as on its social media channels Building 5 on Monday

The Business Improvement Association for the Coquitlam neighbourhood of Austin Heights represents 69 property owners and 289 businesses. The mandate and five-year budget for the BIA is now up for renewal. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

JANIS CLEUGH/THE TRI-CITY

R I V E R S I D E S E C O N D A R Y S C H O O L

Games play a role in new high school course

Role playing games teach leadership, communication

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

A rich tradition of role playing and oral storytelling in popular fantasy games involving quests is now a course at a Port Coquitlam secondary school

School District 43 trustees have approved a new Grade 11 course called Social Dynamics in TTRPGs (Table Top Role Playing Games) after an enthusiastic presentation by three Riverside Secondary school teachers

Teacher Cary Brett told trustees that students will use their imaginations, along with pen, paper and dice to embark on quests, with students taking on different personas and leading the game

Although Dungeons and Dragons isn't the only game they'll play, students will learn leadership skills, such as positive communication, through the TTRPG format

As well, the for-credit course starting this fall will require writing and math, and allow students to explore 3D printing, painting and art as well as coding, and produce podcasts and YouTube videos.

First Nations' oral storytelling traditions will also be part of the high school course, which grew out of Riverside's 60-member Dungeons and Dragons club

"There’s a huge group of students who show these different leadership qualities while they play," said teacher Mike Schoenhals

"They [games]provide students with the ability to build confidence in their classes and beyond as they

become life long learners."

Teacher Angela Beckett said the skills students learn through Social Dynamics in TTRPGs are those they'll need to "confidently run a board meeting "

MENTAL HEALTH

"We see the skills are going to translate outside the game because there is such an emphasis to build these connections," Beckett said.

He also stressed the mental health benefits

of TTRPGs as students work collaboratively on their quest.

Noting that there is a "high number" of students suffering from anxiety and depression "especially since COVID," Beckett said the course will build skills that are "predictive of success," including self-control, empathy and an overall sense of well being.

"Some students may not be thriving," Beckett said.

But, he added, "in a safe

setting they’re really gong to shine."

A course outline explained how playing D & D or other TTRPGs, such as Blades in the Dark, Call of Cthulhu, Monster of the Week, Cyberpunk Red and Lasers & Feelings, can build social skills

"To achieve a successful play session, individuals need to feel valued and heard. TTRPGs require skillful co-ordination, co-operation, and interaction with

others to make this happen. TTRPGs involve significant personal exploration and growth "

"Throughout any given session, individuals face many challenges and decisions that will have them explore facets of their beliefs, morality and personal growth "

Trustees were told how students blossomed at Riverside after joining the club, first taking part as introverts than leading game

play as they gain more experience.

Students whose first language is not English could also take the course, Brett said

"Even those students whose language might be a barrier there are many ways we an get around it, we would ensure that would be accounted for," Brett said.

If the program is successful, it could also be expanded to other high schools in the Tri-Cities.

Riverside Secondary School's D&D Club includes (front, left to right): Salina (Sal) Rajan, Owen Giles, Shea Hynes and Jack Hoegler and (at back, left to right) teachers Mike Schoenhals, Cary Brett and Angela Beckett. RIVERSIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL PHOTO

I’m in the Tri-Cities. Where are the cheapest gas prices right now?

The LUC has vacancies for volunteers from all neighbourhoods. Volunteers will be appointed by Council Read more about the opportunity and apply online by Friday, January 13, 2023 at portmoody.ca/committees.

Clockwise from top left, swimmers brave the cold waters of Burrard Inlet at Sunday's Penguin Plunge. Spectators cheer the swimmers from the pier Jack Eaton, 12, struggles to stay warm. The bonfire is a popular post-Plunge destination Cheryl Espada stays dry before getting wet. Swimmers charge down the boat ramp at Rocky Point Park. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

Use our online resource to find the best gas price near you – right now!

P E N G U I N P L U N G E

A chilly plunge into new year

Pandemic scuttled fundraising event in 2021 and last year

a semblance of normalcy after two years of weathering the pandemic as it is about ringing in the new year with a bit of lunacy.

MARIO

BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Dozens of (fool)hardy swimmers braved a cold drizzle and the even colder waters of Burrard Inlet at the return of the Penguin Plunge Sunday at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park

It was the first time the event had been held in three years after COVID-19 public health restrictions caused the cancellation of the New Year’s Day tradition in 2021 and 2022

Judging by the anticipation at the caution tape stretched across the top of the boat ramp, everyone was keen to get wet. Several said they were first-timers One travelled from as far as Abbotsford

David Stuart, the president of the Pleasantside Community Association that’s organized the Plunge since it began in the 1970s, said the event’s return is as much about welcoming back

Money raised from the $5 registration fee goes to support community groups that operate out of Old Orchard Hall

After the ceremonial placement of a block of ice into the water by a costumed penguin to ensure the water was as cold as it could be, the swimmers sprinted down the ramp and splashed into the water Most reversed course and headed right back up the ramp and into the embrace of warm towels and thick, fluffy robes as soon as they got sufficiently wet Others lingered and even swam a few strokes

Hundreds of onlookers lined along the rails of the pier raised their cellphones in the air to capture the madness

Ten minutes later, the ramp was quiet Many of the swimmers gathered round a giant bonfire tended by members of Port Moody Fire Rescue. Some lined up for free hot beverages and others headed straight back to the warmth of their vehicles

Save Time. Save Money.

I’m in the Tri-Cities. Where are the cheapest gas prices right now?

Public Hearing Notice

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7pm

Where: Electronic Meeting, open to in-person attendance in Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Newport Dr., Port Moody, B.C. (see portmoody.ca/ph for details)

Port Moody Council is holding a Public Hearing to consider the following proposed bylaw:

LOCATION MAP - 111 Jacobs Road N

SUBJECT PROPERTY

Notice of Temporary Use Permit

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7pm - Regular Council Meeting

Where: Electronic Meeting, open to in-person attendance in Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Newport Dr , Port Moody, B C (see portmoody ca/councilmeetings for details)

Port Moody Council will consider approval of the following Temporary Use Permit:

LOCATION MAP - 2326 Clarke Street

Application: REZ00018

Bylaw: 3374

Applicant: Arben Durmishaj

Location: 111 Jacobs Rd

Purpose: To rezone 111 Jacobs Road from Single Detached Residential (RS1) Zone to Single Detached Residential – Small Lot (RS1-S) Zone in order to subdivide the land into two lots.

Get in touch!

How do I get more information?

Copies of the bylaw(s) can be inspected online at portmoody.ca/publichearing at any time and in person at the second-floor counter in City Hall, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, from 8:30am to 5pm (Please note that City Hall will be closed from 12 noon, December 23, 2022 and reopen on January 3, 2023) You can also contact staff at planning@portmoody ca or 604.469.4540 with any questions.

How can I provide input?

1 If you believe your property is affected by this rezoning application, you may comment directly to Council at the Public Hearing at 7pm on January 10, 2023 by joining the electronic meeting as a participant or attending at City Hall in person. Visit portmoody.ca/ph for instructions on how to join the electronic meeting

2. You can also send a submission in writing before 12pm on January 10, 2023 by emailing clerks@portmoody ca or faxing 604.469.4550

Kate Zanon, General Manager of Community Development

604.469.4500 www.portmoody.ca

Application: TUP000020

Applicant: Greg Axford

Location: 2326 Clarke Street

Purpose: To consider approval of a temporary real estate office for up to three years

Get in touch!

3, 2023) You can also contact staff at planning@portmoody.ca or 604.469.4540 with any questions

How

Kate Zanon, General Manager of Community Development

604.469.4500 www.portmoody.ca

Topic: Caponfooddeliverychargesto restaurants?

Spending spree coming in 2023

It is nearly always hazardous to make predictions of how things will unfold in B C politics in the coming year but it is still a fun exercise and, heck, I only do it once a year

So here is my short list of what I expect (and do not expect) to happen on the provincial political scene in 2023

I expect the BC NDP government will embark on quite a spending spree in the next three months as it spends as much of its $5 billion budget surplus as possible before any money still on hand on March 31 by law goes to pay down government debt

However, very little of the spending will be the kind that becomes embedded in existing program spending be-

cause that money would have to be used again in subsequent years Rather, look for a lot of one-time grants for things like research and development projects, community organizations, rebates and the like

I do not expect Premier David Eby to call an election this year Despite the constant speculation by some that he will, he has pledged to stick to the legislated election date slated for fall 2024

Eby’s words aside, his party simply is not prepared to fight an election any time soon

The muddled leadership race that installed Eby as leader exposed the BC NDP’s vastly shrunken membership base, and the party is not well organized in some key ridings

in Metro Vancouver

This fiscal year’s mammoth budget surplus notwithstanding, I expect new Finance Minister Katrine Conroy to deliver a huge deficit when she introduces her first budget in February

The current fiscal plan had projected a $4 2 billion deficit next year and it is hard to see how that figure will be much lower The economy is slowing down and may be headed for a recession, which could do huge damage to government revenues

I do not expect the many challenges in the health-care system to disappear any time soon, because our population is increasing and also aging, which means more people are seeking more health care Until the staff

shortages plaguing the system are fixed, it is hard to see much room for improvement

Still, some changes are being made and they will have a positive effect down the road

I expect the BC Liberal party will find that changing its name to BC United is going to be a far trickier thing to pull off than many party members may think Changing a brand is not done overnight, and I am not sure there is enough time left in the current election cycle to successfully pull it off Finally, I expect to be wrong about at least a few things in the coming year But I hope to be more right than wrong

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC

Last Week t

This Week t

“Positive step but 20% is still a huge chunk for small restaurants out there

“It’s not a huge chunk at all Part of doing business ”

Contest a reminder to help conserve habitat

Local winners help build awareness of salmon through art

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews com

Future stewards of B.C.’s threatened salmon species are showing love for the keystone species through art.

The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) has announced the winners of its second annual Kids Salmon Art Contest, including two

Coquitlam children.

In a release, the organization said the two local youngsters were among hundreds who sent in paintings in the hopes of winning prize packages worth $150.

The local winners included 11-year-old Katie

Ly Sin, a Summit Middle School student, who won first place in the age 11–12 category, and noted in a statement that she took inspiration from a story about the northern lights.

“My art of my salmon painting is to show the dif-

ference of how a real life salmon looks and how a First Nations salmon looks like. I got inspiration from a story I read as a kid about, the northern lights and how they were created by flying salmon. My art is also about salmon going back to their

birthplace to lay eggs. The salmon in the sky is meant to be good luck to the salmon swimming below, that they will reach their birthplace safely.”

LIFE CIRCLE

Candy Zeng, age 13, also a Summit Middle School student, won first place in the age 13-plus category for her artwork that depicts the life cycle of salmon

“I came up with this idea is because I want to show more about salmon on my work, so that’s is why I came up with this life circle thing,” Zeng stated

“This shows how a salmon will grow up”

The PSF’s Kids Salmon Art Contest received more than 500 salmon-inspired art submissions from students across B C and the Yukon

British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Lower Mainland Reactive Power Reinforcement

Project

On November 22, 2022, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) filed an application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission seeking a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Lower Mainland Reactive Power Reinforcement Project The project will install reactive power compensation equipment at the Ingledow, McLellan, Clayburn, and Meridian substations in the cities of Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, and Coquitlam, respectively BC Hydro also proposes to stop operations at the Burrard Synchronous Condenser Station which is presently used to manage reactive power on BC Hydro’s transmission system. BC Hydro states that the expected cost of the project is $102.5 million

The students produced art pieces celebrating the journey of Pacific salmon and raised awareness for declining populations

The art entries were submitted by children aged four through 17 and bring hope to the future of salmon following the multitude of climate change and habitat loss challenges they’ve faced in recent years

AWARENESS

Michael Meneer, CEO and president of the PSF, said in a statement that the artwork showed a “profound awareness of salmon”

“Seeing salmon through the creative eyes of young artists is such an inspiration and reminder of why we must do everything to help conserve salmon for generations to come,” Meneer said

Summit Middle School student Katie Ly Sin works on a painting. She recently won her age category in the second annual Kids Salmon Art Contest. SUB-

MITTED PHOTO

A C H R I S T M A S S T O R Y

Small acts helped make the season merrier

The Editor:

This is how part of how my real-life Christmas Eve went

I was glad that the snow had stopped falling and had started melting so I could make it out to get a few things from our local shopping area

The walk there was not great as for one block nobody had shovelled their sidewalks

Instead, I had to walk out on the road

My first stop was at the library to drop off a couple of items and get some new ones

As I normally do, I sat in

the reading area and read the daily paper before I left lots of doom and gloom in the international news of course

After I left the library I went to the grocery store to buy the other things I was out to get

I found everything I had needed and got in the line for the checkouts

There had been a few people in the line ahead of me so I knew it would be a bit of a wait

One of the employees came up to me and asked, “Is that all you have and does nothing have to be weighed?”

I said yes and she took me to the customer service counter, bypassing the wait for the checkouts

When I took my items out of the bag I realized that I did indeed have one bulk item that would have to be weighed

She laughingly said that she could weigh it but would charge me double

She didn’t of course, and I was out of the store quicker than if she had not taken me out of the regular lineup

Now for the trip back home: Same route but in reverse of course

At the part where I have to walk up a short hill a car

going my direction stopped on the road and called out to me asking if I wanted a lift I thanked the woman very much for the offer and

explained that I was only two houses from home

We both smiled and wished each other a Merry Christmas

Small acts of kindness help fuel the Christmas spirit, says a letter writer from North Vancouver

ADAM NEMEROFF/UNSPLASH

All it takes is a couple of people like that to make your day so much merrier

Don McBain North Vancouver

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

Public Hearing Notice

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7pm

Where: Electronic Meeting, open to in-person attendance in Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Newport Dr., Port Moody, B.C. (see portmoody.ca/ph for details)

Port Moody Council is holding a Public Hearing to consider the following proposed bylaw:

LOCATION MAP - 1008 Tuxedo Drive N

Public Hearing Notice

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7pm

Where: Electronic Meeting, open to in-person attendance in Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Newport Dr., Port Moody, B.C. (see portmoody.ca/ph for details)

Port Moody Council is holding a Public Hearing to consider the following proposed bylaw:

LOCATION MAP - 988 Seaforth Way N

SUBJECT PROPERTY

Application: REZ00019

Bylaw: 3388

Applicant: CityState Consulting Location: 1008 Tuxedo Drive

Application: REZ00014 Bylaw: 3386

Applicant: Cole Shafer Location: 988 Seaforth Way

Get in touch!

How do I get more information?

Copies of the bylaw(s) can be inspected online at portmoody.ca/publichearing at any time and in person at the second-floor counter in City Hall, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, from 8:30am to 5pm (Please note that City Hall will be closed from 12 noon, December 23, 2022 and reopen on January 3, 2023) You can also contact staff at planning@portmoody ca or 604.469.4540 with any questions.

How can I provide input?

1 If you believe your property is affected by this rezoning application, you may comment directly to Council at the Public Hearing at 7pm on January 10, 2023 by joining the electronic meeting as a participant or attending at City Hall in person. Visit portmoody.ca/ph for instructions on how to join the electronic meeting

2. You can also send a submission in writing before 12pm on January 10, 2023 by emailing clerks@portmoody ca or faxing 604.469.4550

Kate Zanon, General Manager of Community Development

Purpose: To rezone 1008 Tuxedo Drive from Single Detached Residential (RS1) Zone to Single Detached Residential – Small Lot (RS1-S) Zone in order to subdivide the land into two lots. 604.469.4500 www.portmoody.ca

Get in touch!

How do I get more information?

Copies of the bylaw(s) can be inspected online at portmoody.ca/publichearing at any time and in person at the second-floor counter in City Hall, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, from 8:30am to 5pm (Please note that City Hall will be closed from 12 noon, December 23, 2022 and reopen on January 3, 2023) You can also contact staff at planning@portmoody ca or 604.469.4540 with any questions.

How can I provide input?

1 If you believe your property is affected by this rezoning application, you may comment directly to Council at the Public Hearing at 7pm on January 10, 2023 by joining the electronic meeting as a participant or attending at City Hall in person. Visit portmoody.ca/ph for instructions on how to join the electronic meeting

2. You can also send a submission in writing before 12pm on January 10, 2023 by emailing clerks@portmoody ca or faxing 604.469.4550

Kate Zanon, General Manager of Community Development

Purpose: To rezone 988 Seaforth Way from Single Detached Residential (RS1) Zone to Single Detached Residential – Small Lot (RS1-S) Zone in order to subdivide the land into three lots. 604.469.4500 www.portmoody.ca

B A C K Y A R D B I R D I N G

How to keep hummingbirds fed and flapping

Cold winter weather can take a toll on the tiny birds

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews com

Keep your hummingbird feeder warm because slushy or frozen nectar can do more harm than good, says the Wildlife Rescue Association

Volunteers were kept busy responding to calls about the tiny, winged household visitor in December when an arctic outflow descended on B C , including the TriCities And while the cold weather has since eased, it will be back

Common winter injuries include: frostbitten and damaged tongues; injury from fighting rivals for access to limited food supplies; hypothermia (frozen to feeders or other structures; and dropped to the ground), and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, from not consuming enough calories)

One of the biggest problems is frozen feeding tubes but hummingbirds can also get stuck to the feeder or pass out from the cold and land in the snow

Fortunately, many of these injuries can be pre-

vented through proper feeder care, according to the association

Taylor Martin, communications spokesperson for the rescue association, said people calling in during the December cold snap were mostly concerned about hummingbirds and varied thrushes, which stick around in the winter and spend time on the ground

“Sometimes birds just need a break from the cold,” said Martin

However, the association warns against warming up birds too quickly because it could put them into shock while the best way to pick up a bird is to scoot it into a well-ventilated box, with the addition of a paper towel or low-pile towel at the bottom of the box

Keep the bird in a cool garage to allow them to regain their warmth rather than a heated spot, Martin said, and release them when they appear revived

“If the bird looks OK, it’s OK to send it out again,” said Martin

As for safe winter feeding of hummingbirds, it’s important to ensure their nectar is heated Additional

information about Arctic outflows impacts on hummingbrids can be found on the association’s website

If you have questions or doubts about what to do, call the help line at 604-526-7275 or email wildlife@wildliferecue ca

Weighing less than a loonie, hummingbirds require significant amounts of food to keep flapping their tiny wings to 50 times or more per second, according to information on the Wildlife Rescue Association’s website

While most hummingbirds fly south for the winter, except for a few stragglers, the Anna’s Hummingbird stays on the Pacific coast year-round

How they stay alive during a cold winter’s night is by going into a state of “torpor,” where their heart rate and body temperature decrease

“Yet even during torpor, a hummingbird’s metabolism is so high, they will lose around 10 per cent of their body weight overnight To deal with the scarcity of nectar, hummingbirds tend to eat more insects over the winter,” the website states Hummingbird feeders also help to fill in the gap However, they must

be cleaned often. The BC SPCA is warning people to clean hummingbird feeders frequently due to a risk of spreading Avian flu

Bird feeders that attract multiple types of birds should be taken down; however, due to the risk of birds getting sick, the BC SPCA said in a recent statement

Here are a few tips from the Wildlife Rescue Association to keep your hummingbird feeders from freezing

• Purchase or make a feeder heater to use when temperatures drop below zero

• Get a couple of feeders, keep one inside and alternate them when the ice starts to form

• Keep your feeders clean change out the solution and thoroughly scrub the feeder every few days at minimum

• Use a plastic feeder with no metal parts

• Create a warming zone, protected from wind and snow

• Remember that the most important part of the feeder to keep liquid (thawed) is the entrance/ channel to the feeding tubes; this is where the tongue injuries occur when they freeze to the feeder

hummingbird’s

WHAT’S NEW AT COQUITLAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

for Families

Drag Queen Story Time

For families with children of all ages. The unstoppable Conni Smudge will lead us in stories, songs, and crafts. Make your own drag queen doll all supplies included!

City Centre Saturday, Jan. 14 | 10:30–12:00

Registration: Drop-in

Trivia: The Office

Listen up everybody! All those hours you spent watching The Office were totally worth it, because now you can show off how much you know in our fun trivia competition. For ages 12 and older.

on Zoom Thursday, Jan 19 | 7:00–8:00

Registration: coquitlam.libnet.info/event/7539517

Pokémon Party

Recommended for ages 6 and up Our Pokémon Party features a library-wide scavenger hunt, crafts, a trivia game, and a screening of Pokémon the First Movie. Come to one or two events, or catch them all!

City Centre Saturday, Jan. 28 | 12:00–4:30

Registration: Drop-in

for Adults

Rescue Me: Real-Life Stories of Search and Rescue

The spotlight is on the brave volunteers of Search & Rescue. Join locals Cathalynn Labonté-Smith and Annette Poitras as they share gripping stories of the rescuers and the rescued

City Centre Saturday, Jan 14 | 2:00–4:00 Registration: coquitlam libnet info/event/7526215

Healthy Brain

Learn strategies to maintain or improve your brain health. January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

on Zoom Wednesday, Jan 25 | 6:00–7:00 Registration: coquitlam.libnet.info/event/7539791

Linux: A World Worth Exploring

What is Linux? Why would I want it? How can I get it? Discover the answers with instructor Bob Bates, who will provide an introduction and demonstration of the free, open-source operating system

City Centre Saturday, Jan 28 | 1:30–2:45 Registration: coquitlam libnet info/event/7546373

for

Newcomers

Buying Your First Home in Canada: 7 Mistakes Newcomers Make

Learn what you need to do to buy and finance a home within the next year, and avoid the mistakes that will delay homeownership

City Centre Thursday, Jan. 12 | 7:00–8:00

Registration: coquitlam libnet info/event/7537696

Five Power Moves for First-Time Homebuyers

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’ll have lots of questions: Should you buy or rent? What can you afford? Which type of mortgage should you choose? Learn the answers you need to get closer to your goals.

City Centre Thursday, Feb 2 | 7:00–8:00

Registration: coquitlam libnet info/event/7537596

The Homeownership Series is presented in partnership with Julie Toh, licensed Mortgage broker at Verico MortgagePal

New Tech Tools

Happy Light Lamps Light therapy lamps emit a bright light that can help improve sleep, mood, energy, and focus. Beat the winter blues!

Lunar New Year Festivities

Celebrate Seollal 설날, Korean Lunar New Year

Celebrate Seollal with a special family story time in Korean and English, followed by Korean crafts and games.

Presented in partnership with S.U C C E S.S.

City Centre Saturday, Jan. 21 | 10:30–1:00

Registration: Drop-in

Lunar New Year Bilingual Story Time

The Year of the Rabbit begins on January 22. Have fun and learn all about Lunar New Year with a story time in English and Cantonese For families with children age 2–5 years old

City Centre Friday, Jan. 27 | 10:30–11:00

Registration: Drop-in

MiFi Hotspots MiFi hotspots provide a secure, reliable wireless internet connection so you can get online anytime, anywhere

Radon Detectors Invisible. Odourless. Tasteless. Radon gas is the #1 cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers Use this kit to test your home’s radon levels

Vehicle Diagnostic Scanners Is your car’s trouble light on? Use the OBD II scanner to connect to your vehicle’s computer and determine what is wrong.

Learn more at coqlibrary.ca/learn/tech

coqlibrary.ca | 604-554-7323

City Centre Branch | 1169 Pinetree Way Poirier Branch | 575 Poirier Street

Jersey retirement for Turris, and tree chippings

FRIDAY, JAN. 6

EXPRESS HONOUR

See the Coquitlam Express hockey club honour Kyle Turris, a former NHLer now helping his former team His old #19 Express jersey will be retired at a ceremony before the Express game against the Chilliwack Chiefs, which starts at 7 p m in the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St , Coquitlam)

MORE: coquitlamexpress.ca

LIGHTS AT LAFARGE

The City of Coquitlam’s Park Spark team will be at the TD Community Plaza at Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) to host Carnival Night, where you can try some games in the Park Spark Zone during Lights at Lafarge On Saturday, try light-up Frisbee or badminton or use the lighted walking poles to get around the lake in Light It Up Sports

MORE: coquitlam.ca/ parkspark

ART SHOWS

It’s the last week to see the City of Port Coquitlam’s current exhibits in Leigh Square, city hall and the community centre Until Jan 10, the following shows will be on the walls: Coastal Sentinels by Tatjana Mirkov-

Popovicki (Michael Wright Art Gallery); Footprints and other Worm Signals by Pierre Leichner (The Outlet); God’s People are Beautiful by Coral Chen (city hall); and Resurgence by Enda Bardell (Port Coquitlam Community Centre)

MORE: portcoquitlam. ca/leighsquare

SATURDAY, JAN. 7

TREE CHIP

If you’re ready to say goodbye to your live Christmas tree, this is the weekend to recycle it into

mulch A number of nonprofit organizations are hosting tree chipping events for a donation, but make sure you take off the ornaments and tinsel in advance On Saturday and Sunday, the Friends of Mundy Park are at the Spani Pool parking lot (655 Hillcrest St., Coquitlam) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Kinsmen Club of Coquitlam is chipping trees on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Lot A of Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). And, today only, the Scouts francophone de Maillardville will be at the Canadian Tire

parking lot (1200 Seguin Dr, Coquitlam) from 9 a m to 3 p m Meanwhile, in Port Coquitlam, firefighters will once again have the machine out on Saturday and Sunday at Fire Hall #1 (1725 Broadway St , Port Coquitlam) for a tree chip

The Port Coquitlam Fire Fighters Charitable Society is raising funds to support its outreach programs The cost is a minimum $10 donation, or $20 for Port Coquitlam residents wanting their tree to be picked up from their home (to register, visit the city’s website) And, in Port Moody, IAFF Local 2399 will have its chipper at the Inlet Centre Fire Hall (150 Newport Dr, Port Moody) on Jan 8 only The drivethru is open from 10 a m to 4 p m The cost is a minimum $5 donation per tree with proceeds for the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund To have your tree picked up, email burnfund2399@gmail com

MORE: coquitlam ca; portcoquitlam ca; portmoody.ca

THAT’S A WRAP

Port Moody residents can send their holiday recyclables to the city’s temporary depot in the parking lot next to the Port Moody Recreation Complex (300 Ioco Rd ) From 10 a m to 3 p m , civic staff will be next

to the tennis courts to receive paper gift wrap, boxes, Styrofoam, packaging and plastic film (Styrofoam and plastic film must be bagged separately) Ribbons, bows, foil gift wrap, regular household garbage and glass are not accepted

MORE: portmoody.ca

SALSA NIGHT

Sweat off those holiday pounds at the Salsa and Latin Dance Night party, hosted by Alberto Gonzalez and Teresa Szefler of the Hot Salsa Dance Zone in Coquitlam The pair will be at the Port Coquitlam Legion (2675 Shaughnessy St , Port Coquitlam) from 8 p m to midnight; a beginners' lesson starts at 8 p m No partner is needed Entry is $10

MORE: hotsalsadancezone.com

LIVE MUSIC

What’s Next, a six-piece party band from Vancouver, plays the Asylum Sound Stage in the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd , Coquitlam) at 9:30 p m There is no cover charge; however, guests must be at least 19 years old

MORE: hardrockcasinovancouver.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 8

PLANT REMOVAL

Get in shape while help-

ing Mother Earth in Port Moody City staff will meet volunteers by the Shoreline Trail sign (on the northern side of Murray Street, halfway between Klahanie Drive east and west) at 9:30 a m to pull invasive plants along the trail near Pigeon Cove Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots and older clothes The event is rain or shine Gloves, eye protection and tools will be provided, but bring water and snacks

REGISTER: 604-469-4556

GRANTS AVAILABLE

If you belong to a community group or non-profit organization that benefits Port Moody residents and businesses, now is the time to apply for city funding Groups have until Jan 31 to apply for a community grant; eligible bids will be reviewed by the city’s Citizen Advisory Group This year, a total of $20,000 is up for grabs

MORE: portmoody.ca

MARKET TIME

BaliBites, Keto-Vego and Pastaggio are among the vendors at today’s Port Moody Farmers Market, happening from 10 a m to 2 p m in the parking lot next to the Port Moody Recreation Complex (300 Ioco Rd , Port Moody)

MORE: makebakegrow com

Building will help stabilize hillside: architect

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews com

The architect of an eight-storey rental building being proposed for a hillside in Port Moody’s western end says the project will help stabilize a problematic slope that’s had a history of landslides

Thomas Grimwood, the principal of Vancouverbased Grimwood Architecture, told council recently the 68-unit market rental building on Shoreline Circle would not only provide affordable housing, but its placement into the steep hillside will provide geotechnical stability to the property that’s next to another lot that had a landslide in 1994 and has remained undeveloped ever since

“Not much has been done since that event in ’94,” Grimwood said, noting without any remedial work, the property remains unstable

Building the eight-storey building into the hillside will provide stability as well as protect at least seven adjacent properties from potential landslides, he said “It provides rental housing, but it also conveniently holds up the hillside”

In a report, Port Moody senior planner Wesley Woo said the site for the rental building presents “significant” geotechnical issues

In fact, a 2018 study of soil conditions on an adjacent property to enable construction of a single-family home indicated it could give way, and stability issues prevented a previous development plan to build three duplexes on the subject site from proceeding

“It is likely that the subject property will have similar conditions to those noted for

the adjacent property,” said Woo, adding before any construction could proceed, the developer would be required to provide an updated geotechnical report that could be subject to a third-party peer review at the applicant’s expense

Woo’s report also expressed concern about the site’s distance from transit connections since residents of rental buildings tend to rely more on transit, as well as its scale in a neighbourhood comprised mostly of single-family homes

Grimwood said as most of the complex is built into the hillside, only two storeys would be visible along Shoreline Circle minimizing its visual impact in the neighbourhood

Some councillors agreed, although Mayor Meghan Lahti conceded it would be a looming presence to residents who live below the hillside

Coun Samantha Agtarap suggested a green roof might soften the building’s stature

As well, several councillors said bus connections to the neighbourhood aren’t as onerous as Woo’s report made them out to be: Rather than walking 15 minutes down to Barnet Highway to catch the 106 bus that runs between the Kootenay Loop in East Vancouver and Port Coquitlam Station, commuters can climb a short set of stairs to catch a community shuttle that goes through the adjacent College Park neighbourhood and then connects with major routes

The discussion about the project was a preliminary assessment, which the developer can consider before bringing forward an application for amendments to the city’s zoning bylaws and official community plan

As most of a proposed eight-storey rental building would be built down a steep slope in Port Moody, the project’s architect says only two stories would be visible on Shoreline Circle.

ARCHITECTURE

GRIMWOOD

TRI-CITY ARTS&LIFE

Readers’ choice

A book awards program with ties to the Tri-Cities is out with its top page turners for 2022

The Canadian Book Club Awards, whose program director is Kristain Oliveria-Barnes, a Dr Charles Best Secondary grad, revealed its list Dec 30 Non-Fiction/ Memoir: Lost in Beirut: A True Story of Love, Loss and War, Ashe & Magalena Stevens

Non-Fiction: ALL CAPS, Craig Colby Fiction: Mangos and Snowflakes, Isis Maria Henriquez Health & Wellness/Spiritual: Butter Side Up: How I Survived My Most Terrible Year & Created My Super Awesome Life, Jane Enright Business/Self Help: Healing is Messy AF, Kaitlyn Kenealy Romance: Ten Rules for Faking It, Sophie Sullivan Mystery/Thriller: The Amsterdam Deception Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Tides of the Sovereign, Kate Gateley Anthology/Short Story: The MomBabes: A Motherhood Anthology Volume 2, Christina Walsh & Carolyn Turkington Children’s: What Does It Mean to Be Your Best?, Kelly Shuto Children’s/ Early Reader: One Arctic Night, Donald Whibley Cookbook: Baking Magic: Awaken Your Inner Pastry Chef, Sasha Nary Poetry: North Star Heart, Natasha Silva

Let’s get digital. Search

If you’re a fan of the TV comedy "Letterkenny," you’ll want to set aside some time for the new season. Six new episodes featuring Coquitlam’s Tyler Johnston as Stewart dropped on Christmas Day via Crave The award-winning program created by

Keeso typically releases its new seasons on Dec. 25. Besides Johnston, a Pinetree Secondary School graduate, the show also stars Keeso as Wayne/Shoresy; Jacob Tierney as Pastor Glen; Nathan Dales as Daryl; Michelle Mylette as Katy; and K. Trevor Wilson as Squirrelly Dan. The audience follows the “hicks” and “skids” of which Stewart is the leader in the fictional town of Letterkenny that’s based on Keeso’s hometown of Listowel, Ont. Johnston is also known for his role of Danny Lubbe in "Less Than Kind," another Canadian TV comedy; in that program, he was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor at the Canadian Screen Awards. BELL MEDIA

PoMobookstoregoesdigital

A beloved Port Moody book store is making a third move in just over two years

This time, the business is going to the digital world

Coastal Bookstore is transitioning from its NewPort Village location (272 Newport Dr) and is now a full-time online-only company after it officially closed its doors on Dec 28

The announcement came about a year after its grand opening in December 2021, which was its second location after spending a year in Coquitlam’s Austin Heights neighbourhood Owner Danica Sommerfeldt called Port Moody a “magical place”

for a book store business, but believes it's time for a new direction

“After processing the initial sadness over this necessary decision, my entrepreneurial brain

kicked into gear and I've been reimagining a better way forward for the business,” she said in a social media post on Dec 30

“I truly feel hopeful about what comes next”

Sommerfeldt said she's set to operate Coastal Bookstore out of her apartment

She also hopes bookworms, as well as the general public, can continue to support local regardless of how they contribute to the community

“I talk regularly with a lot of other local business owners and many are experiencing huge struggles right now”

There's also set to be a new website design in conjunction with the revamp

T H E A T R E

Stage 43 strips for ‘Calendar Girls’

Tiffany Markwart let it be known that she wanted to direct a Stage 43 Theatrical Society show

A University of Saskatchewan theatre graduate, Markwart had previously been cast in three productions with the Coquitlam company So, last year, when organizers were looking for a female director for Calendar Girls, they called on Markwart to lead

Next week, Stage 43 opens its second presentation of its 40th season at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre a British comedy that tells of love, loss and an interesting way to raise money

Based on the 2003 movie by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth, and starring Helen Mirren as Chris and Julie Walters as Annie, Calendar Girls is a true story about a group of middle-aged women from Yorkshire

After the death of Annie’s husband from leukaemia, the group bands to create a nude calendar to fundraise for leukaemia research

Markwart told the Tri-City News that she was drawn to the script because of the number of women in the ensemble “and because it has a lot of heart”

Cast in the show are the following Tri-City residents:

• Kate du Cros as Annie

• Lisa Pope as Celia

• Sue Davey as Jessie

• Ross Friesen as John

• Lim Coughlas as Rod

• September Stokes as Marie

• Sharon Notarrigo as Brenda Hulse

• Casey For as Lawrence

Calendar Girls also features the acting talents of:

• Colleen Brown as Chris

• Lorene Stuart as Cora

• Corrine Out as Ruth

• Judy McLellan as Lady Cravenshire

• Dominic Renaud as Liam

• Kelsey Robertson as Elaine

Markwart called her version of Calendar Girls “family friendly,” meaning there is “implied nudity”

“The charm and the comedy come from the strategic hiding of body parts using props and other items, so the audience never actually sees anything Nobody has to worry about seeing something they don’t want to see” And Stage 43 made it a priority that the undressed female actors were comfortable “and they had all the important pieces covered,” the Langley resident said Markwart said the play is appropriate for audience members ages 13 and older and it appeals to a wide demographic The comedy “is what everyone can use a little bit of right now: It’s got that warmth and fun to it And it’s great to get out of the house after all the cold weather we’ve had over the holidays and be with other people while supporting live theatre”

• Calendar Girls runs Jan 12 to 14 at 7:30 p m , Jan 15 at 3 p m and Jan 18 to 21 at 7:30 p m Tickets are $28/$24 through the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way) Call 604927-6555 or visit stage43 org/tickets There is 2-for-1 pricing on Jan 18 for single adult-priced tickets Use the discount code CALENDAR

Jared

T E L E V I S I O N

B O O K S

Danica Sommerfeldt launched Coastal Books as a pop-up store on Austin Avenue. TRI-CITY

NEWS FILE PHOTO

Actors Kate du Cros and Ross Friesen are cast as Annie and John in "Calendar Girls." ROSEMARY MARKWART FOR STAGE 43

Landscapes of this nation seen through the eyes of a new Canadian

“Coastal Oaks” is part of a series of paintings by Port Moody artist Tatjana Mirkov-Popovicki. On Jan. 10, her collection called Coastal Sentinels will end its three-month exhibit run in the Michael Wright Art Gallery at Port Coquitlam’s Leigh Square. Her paintings speak to the natural landscapes that we have now, but may be lost forever She asks her audience, can these places be saved?

Mirkov-Popovicki’s artistic eye is shaped by her background as an immigrant. In 1994, while the civil war raged in her homeland of Yugoslavia, the then-28-year-old fled and found peace in Canada Her art, she states in an interview with the City of Port Coquitlam, allows her to connect emotionally to this country “The act of travelling with my husband across Western Canada and making paintings became a conversation with the landscape, which gave me a deep sense of belonging,” states Mirkov-Popovicki, who has her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, as well as a painting certificate from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Coastal Sentinels can be viewed in the Michael Wright Art Gallery, at 2002253 Leigh Sq., Port Coquitlam, on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

ARTIST OF THE WEEK: TATJANA MIRKOV-POPOVICKI

NICOLE

B C H L

Turris credits junior teammates for his success

Retired NHLer is getting his Express jersey retired

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Pulling pucks from the net and tapping shin pads of junior hockey players might be a step down for a 13-season NHLer But for Kyle Turris, it’s a chance to stay connected to the sport and pass on some of the things he’s learned since he was one of them

Turris is back on the ice with his BC Hockey League (BCHL) alma mater the Coquitlam Express as a “helper” after a pro career that took him to Phoenix, Ottawa, Nashville and Edmonton, with minor diversions to San Antonio and Sweden along the way Friday (Jan 6), Turris’ old #19 Express jersey will be retired to honour the team’s most celebrated alumnus who led it to a national championship in 2006 when it was temporarily displaced to Burnaby

The following season, he scored 121 points and was named the top junior ‘A’ player in Canada before being selected third overall in the 2007 NHL draft Turris, who’s originally

from New Westminster, has returned to Metro Vancouver to raise his young family and assess his next steps that include resuming

his business management degree that he started during his one season at the University of Wisconsin before he turned pro with the

Phoenix Coyotes

He said after talking with Express general manager Tali Campbell and head coach Patrick Sexton, he

knew he had something to offer the team

“I enjoy working with the kids and just kind of helping them to grow,” Turris said

prior to heading onto the ice to shag pucks and share quips at a recent Express practice.

“There’s a lot of lessons in sport and hockey that translate into real life”

Turris said many of those lessons came his way from the likes of former Vancouver Canucks Darcy Rota and Rick Lanz during his two seasons with the Express, as well as his teammates on that championship team

“You learned what it took to have that success, how to develop into a good professional,” Turris said, adding their teachings often encompassed simple things that can be easily overlooked, like being on time, being respectful

“It’s just being a good person”

Clearly he was paying attention

During his NHL career, Turris developed an affinity for community involvement and giving back, most notably with the Capital City Condors, a community program in Ottawa that extends hockey opportunities to kids who might not otherwise be able to play because of cognitive or physical challenges

Last summer, the BCHL recognized his dedication

Retired NHL player Kyle Turris, left, is now working with his junior hockey alma mater, the Coquitlam Express, after moving his family back to Metro Vancouver MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS see

Junior hockey players face more pressures now

to community building by creating the Kyle Turris Community Award to annually honour one player on each of the league’s 18 teams for service to their community Turris said he respects the pressure the current generation of junior hockey

players endure; when he was coming up, social media was still in its formative stages and the pursuit of post-secondary opportunities has become more expectation than aspiration

“These things are bigger and more prominent now than they were when I was at that age,” he said

On the flip side, young

C O Q U I T L A M A D A N A C S

Lacrossemourns

‘player’sdoctor’

Doc Hedges was team’s physician for 25 years

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews com

Coquitlam’s lacrosse community is remembering one of its legends Donald “Doc” Hedges never played the sport at a high level But his 25 years as the team doctor for the Coquitlam Adanacs ensured many players could keep on playing as he guided them through injuries and rehabilitation

He also served as the team’s president and director for several years

Hedges passed away last week at the Belvedere Care in Coquitlam after a long illness He was 72 years old Hedges’ contributions to lacrosse stretched far beyond the Adanacs He worked with the

Vancouver Ravens professional team, Canada’s national box lacrosse program and the men’s field lacrosse program at Simon Fraser University, where he was its academic advisor as well as team doctor For 21 years, he taught a course in sports medicine at the school Hedges also helped develop the sport in Costa Rica, travelling there with players and equipment

In 2011, he was inducted into the builders category at the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and two years later he was honoured by the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame

In a social media post, the Adanacs said Hedges had “an everlasting impact on many Doc will be missed immensely”

The Western Lacrosse Association called him “the lacrosse player’s doctor”

players today have more resources at their service, like professional guidance for diet, fitness and mental health

“They know what to expect and how to develop into the person who’s ready for the next level,” Turris said

As for seeing his jersey hung at the end of the Poirier Sport and Leisure

Complex ironically an arena where Turris never played as it was undergoing renovations when he was with the Express he said the recognition is more of a reflection of the teams he was part of

“It’s not just my success,” Turris said “I feel like it kind of pays tribute to them and helping me have the success

I had The combination of both years it was more of a team success than a personal success”

Still just 33 years old, Turris said a series of injuries to his back through the latter years of his career hastened his departure from hockey

For now, he’s happy hanging out with his three kids at their new home

in North Vancouver, but doesn’t rule out his role with the Express could be a springboard to greater involvement with the game

“I’ll always have a love for hockey”

• Turris’ jersey will be retired in a ceremony prior to the Express game against the Chilliwack Chiefs Game time is 7 p m at Poirier

obItuarIes

To advertise in the Classifeds, email DTJames@glaciermedia ca

Dy an Wil iam Starratt, passed away suddenly in a car accident on November 25th, 2022

Dylan was born in Richmond General Hosp tal He ived in North De ta, North Burnaby, Port Moody and was a resident of Port Coqu tlam most of h s l fe

Dylan s surv ved by his father B l Starratt (Bonnie) of Bowser, BC, and his mother Georgina Anderson (step dad Stephen) of Sechelt, BC He s also surv ved by h s brother Derek Saunders of Surrey, and his sister Mikaela-Rae Starratt of Sechelt, uncle Michael Deeley of North Delta, grandmother Ardel e Starratt of Hudson, Ontario, and uncle David Starratt (Irene) of Hudson, Ontario Also surv ved by his cous ns, James Deeley (Rebecca), Kath een Dee ey and M chael Starratt (Andrea) and many more cousins and friends

Dylan was a ways wi ling to help others Throughout his schoo years he en oyed playing soccer! Dabb ed in other sports, and also enjoyed s nging and draw ng Dylan was very creative and en oyed sharing his creat ons

Dylan loved his family deeply, and will be greatly missed!

Cremation has taken place A service wi l be planned for a later date, n Port Coquit am, BC

In l eu of flowers, p ease send donations n Dylan’s memory to:

The Last Door (New Westm nster, BC)

https:// astdoor org/

Purpose (New Westminster, BC) https://purposesoc ety org/ or CMHA (BC) https://cmha bc ca/

“Nellie” Greene

STARRATT, Dylan