Tri-City News January 26 2023

Asset replacement funding is short $23.2M, staff say

JANIS CLEUGH jcleugh@tricitynews.com

Coquitlam homeowners can expect to pay an additional $215 or $18 more per month in property taxes and utilities this year

That’s the forecast by city staff who, on Tuesday and Wednesday, rolled out the proposed five-year operational budget for 2023 for council’s consideration, indicating a 3 55 per cent lift

Council is scheduled to give the first three readings to the financial plan bylaw on Monday, Feb 13

Coun. Dennis Marsden was not present for the bud-

getary discussions this week as department heads revealed their wish lists, each calling for a need for more help to meet city demand

Among their requests in the proposed $521-million budget of which 57 per cent is funded by general taxes and 20 per cent from municipal land sales is a total of $1 6 million more for capital asset replacement, equalling a one per cent hike on the 2023 tax bill for owners

City managers and council members voiced concern about the $23.2-million gap for capital replacements.

Newly elected Coun Robert Mazzarolo said past city councils failed to account for the funding shortfall by deferring the costs

, page 5

Former soccer stars set up Workshop in Port Moody

Snack man offers sweet treats from around the world

Pat Dennett shows off the new ramp to allow wheelchair access to the viewing pond at the Mossom Creek Hatchery and Education Centre in Port Moody The hatchery has become the first in Canada to achive gold certification for accessibility from the Rick Hansen Foundation See the story on Page 11. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

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February 17 - March 12

INSTANT MOOD LIFTER

If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit Lights at Lafarge, you’ve got less than a month to see the display

The City of Coquitlam is ending the free outdoor light show on Tuesday, Feb. 21 the day after Family Day in B.C. at Town Centre Park.

Sara Yastremski, Coquitlam’s park services manager, said the winter installation has drawn more than 300,000 people since it opened in late November, “and we estimate around 400,000 for the duration of the Lights, but obviously this is weather dependent.”

The lights are on from dusk to 11 p.m.

The 1.2-kilometre circuit has nearly a million colourful lights, as well as hand-crafted elements such as a sleigh, a dragon over a castle, flowers and animals.

And, by the Town Centre concession, there’s a giant heart feature designed, welded, painted and lit by students at Centennial Secondary School that’s ideal for Valentine’s Day photos. To get to Lights at Lafarge, take SkyTrain to the Lafarge Lake–Douglas station as street parking is limited especially on weekends.

As for the winter lights at Mackin Park in Maillardville, the display in the main plaza area will be up through Festival du Bois.

That 34th annual French–Canadian fete is at the northern end of Mackin Park, from March 24 to 26; this year marks the 40th anniversary of its organizer, Société francophone de Maillardville.

JANIS CLEUGH/TRI-CITY NEWS

Bigbillstopayforpolice,planningandparks

“I want to be clear to the public,” he said “I think it was foreseeable Now, the bill is due and now we’re going to have to make some tough decisions.”

Other elected officials also spoke about how they didn’t want to burden future generations by putting off replacements of the civic assets, which have a combined value of $2 3 billion

“It’s more difficult to bring down that gap over the years,” Coun. Brent Asmundson said.

As for new capital works over the next five years, the city plans to bring a proposal before council in a few weeks to borrow $90 million from the Municipal Finance Authority to pay for the Northeast Community Centre, its park and plaza, said finance director Gorana Cabral.

She said the draft budget comes as the city grapples with post-pandemic realities: an “uncertain economy” showing a tight labour market, supply chain issues and higher inflation.

The shaky ground also impacts the development industry, which Coquitlam relies on to fund its growth Cabral said Coquitlam currently has 50,000 homes in development or being built

She also noted the city based its budget on feedback from 578 survey respondents, many of whom said they want to keep core services at the same level as 2022 rather than scaling back

Here are some highlights of this week’s budget talks, divided according to city department:

DEPUTY MANAGER

Raul Allueva, who is also acting as city manager

following this month’s retirement of Peter Steblin, is asking council for an additional $145,000 annually to pay for a new position in his portfolio: a business growth manager, aimed to attract and retain economic development

PARKS & REC

General manager Lanny Englund is requesting an extra $379,800 annually for five new positions: a booking clerk; a receptionist at Poirier Community Centre; a park protection officer (following filming and events); a building maintenance worker; and a lead building services worker

As well, Englund is asking for nine labour conversions totalling $716,900, but at no additional cost to taxpayers Englund said his department continues to struggle with staffing shortages after about 800 staff mostly

auxiliary workers at pools and community centres were laid off in 2020 “We’re spending a lot of time on recruitment and retention,” he said.

FIRE/RESCUE

Fire chief Jim Ogloff said the demands on emergency services continue to escalate and, with the number of public health incidents related to weather and the pandemic, “we’re often calling in off-duty resources.” Ogloff is requesting another $88,300 a year for a FireSmart coordinator to lead wildfire education and to promote FireSmart awareness, as provincially mandated

CORPORATE

General manager Nikki Caulfield is asking for another $844,400 a year for eight new jobs: digital strategy manager, wellness ad-

visor, talent strategy and acquisition advisor, ICT project manager, systems analyst, corporate services clerk, digital communications coordinator and desktop support analyst. As well, she’s calling for a systems analyst funded by development

ENGINEERING

General manager Jaime Boan is requesting another $177,700 for a business analyst and a budget increase to handle extreme weather. As well, he wants two net-zero labour conversions: one for a maintenance worker on roads; the other for engineering inspections for new vehicles

PLANNING

General manager Don Luymes is asking for 11 new positions in his development department, of which two are proposed to be funded from the general fund at $174,500: an administrative

clerk and a community planner The other nine jobs, if OK’d by council, would be paid by development to keep up with the high growth: a senior plans reviewer, a planning technician, a project administrative coordinator, a major project planner, a planning assistant, a building clerk, a planner, a clerk and a plans reviewer Since 2019, there’s been a 79 per cent hike in the number of development applications with 3,600 net new housing starts last year alone.

RCMP

Supt Keith Bramhill is asking for $700,400 more per year a cost proposed to be shared with the City of Port Coquitlam to pay for five more Mounties to address sex crimes, professional standards, missing persons and mental health units. Calls for mental health services rose by 17 per cent last year.

Chargeslaidinfatalstabbing

Homicide investigation lasted 11 months

KYLE BALZER

kbalzer@tricitynews.com

Charges have been laid against a 21-year-old Surrey man in connection to a fatal Coquitlam stabbing from nearly a year ago

Homicide investigators said Jeffrey Stevens was charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault on Saturday (Jan 21)

The Maillardville incident in February 2022 claimed the life of Terry Miller, who died in hospital at the age of 66 The attack also severely injured a second surviving victim allegedly his eldest son

Stevens was safely arrested last Friday (Jan 20) after an 11-month extensive case was conducted by local and regional Mounties

“Yesterday’s arrest followed a year of dedicated work by investigators,” said Sgt Timothy Pierotti, spokesperson for the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), in a statement

“I’m proud of the hard work of the investigators

who were committed to seeing this through”

The homicide took place on Feb 10 in the area of 228 Schoolhouse St a strip mall just north of Lougheed Highway where Coquitlam Mounties were called to reports of a man suffering from stab wounds

around 8:15 p m

First responders rushed him to hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries, while RCMP taped off a large section of the parking lot to collect and examine evidence

IHIT took lead on the investigation, which was believed to be targeted

Miller was identified as the victim and died of his wounds almost two weeks later on Feb 22

Stevens was scheduled to make an appearance in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court on Monday (Jan 23)

The BC Prosecution Service laid a second-degree murder charge against Stevens for Miller’s murder, as well as a count of aggravated assault in relation to the second victim

The case was a joint effort between IHIT, Coquitlam RCMP, BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section

Second drowning at marina in two years

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

A man in his 60s is dead after an apparent drowning at Port Moody’s Reed Point Marina on Saturday

Const Sam Zacharias, of the Port Moody Police Department (PMPD), said officers responded to a sudden death call at the marina shortly after noon on Sunday He said the victim is believed to have accidentally drowned and the death is not considered to be suspicious

The BC Coroner Service attended the

scene and is leading the investigation

It’s the second drowning at the marina in the past two years In Feb , 2021, a 74-year-old man from Burnaby slipped on some algae on the deck of his boat as he prepared to launch a fishing trip with some friends, striking his head as he fell into the water Resuscitation attempts by emergency services were unsuccessful

Reed Point Marina is the largest full service marina in British Columbia, with berths for 800 vessels up to 100 feet in length, as well as more than 40 boat houses It’s located along the Barnet Highway near the western border of Port Moody

THE ARMS PUB

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

Served from 11am - 2pm

DINNER SPECIALS

Served from 5pm - UNTIL SOLD OUT

Terry Miller, 66, died last February after he and another man were stabbed in the parking lot of a Maillardville strip mall.

CALENDAR

Thursday,Jan.26

LunarNewYearLuncheon 11:30am –1pm GlenPinePavilion coquitlam.ca/registration

ScavengerHuntatLights atLafarge 5:30–8:30pm TownCentrePark coquitlam.ca/parkspark

Friday,Jan.27

LightItUpSportsNight atLightsatLafarge 5:30–8:30pm TownCentrePark coquitlam.ca/parkspark

Saturday,Jan.28

CarnivalNightatLights atLafarge 5:30–8:30p.m. TownCentrePark coquitlam.ca/parkspark

Monday,Jan.30

Council-in-Committee 2pm RegularCouncil 7pm coquitlam.ca/council coquitlam.ca/agendas

FitnessandFun

ExpandYourCulinaryKnowledgeatMCC

Discoveryourpassionforfoodincookingclassesat MaillardvilleCommunityCentre,locatedat1200CartierAve LearnculinaryfundamentalsinVinegars&Oils(CourseID# 111436)andIntrotoFreshHerbs(CourseID#111446),Pickling (CourseID#111443)andSalt(CourseID#111445) Takeyour eventstothenextlevelwithAppetizers&Dips(CourseID# 107551)andHomemadePizza(CourseID#107520)

Tosignup,visitcoquitlamca/registrationandclickRegisterfor Programs Intheonlineregistrationsystem,searchtheCourse ID#,orcall604-927-4386

LookingOutfortheEnvironment

TrackWaterMainFlushingwithNewOnlineMap

Haveyounoticedonoccasionthatyourtapwaterisn’tasclear asusual?Don’tworry it’slikelytheresultofwatermain flushing,andit’stemporaryandsafe Coquitlamflushesathird ofitswatermainsfromfalltospringeachyearonarotating basistomaintaingoodwaterquality

Youcaneasilyfindoutwhenflushingistakingplaceinyour neighbourhoodbyviewingournewonlinemapthattracks current,upcomingandcompletedflushingactivitythroughout thecommunityWatermainflushingisacommon maintenancepracticeandthewaterisstillsafetodrinkevenif itlookscloudyVisitcoquitlamca/watermainstoviewthemap andfortipstofixcloudywater

KeepingOurCommunitySafe ColderTemperaturesAhead

Weareanticipatingbelowfreezingtemperaturesinthe comingdays Eventhoughthereisnosnowintheforecast, residentsshouldstillprepareforfrostandslipperyconditions Makesureyouroutsidewatertapsareshutofftoprotect plumbing Whenheadingoutside,wearwarmclothingand solidshoesorbootswithgoodtraction.Considerhelpingyour neighbourmovetheirgarbagecarts especiallyiftheyare elderlyorhavelimitedmobility

Makesureyou’repreparedforanysevereweatherbyvisiting coquitlamca/winterwiseforhelpfultipsandinformation

LookingforaFureverHome

RemembertoRenewDogLicencesbeforeFeb.1 Don’tgetcaughtwithoutyourlicence!Purchaseorrenewyour doglicencebeforeFeb 1andreceiveadiscountedrate Should yourdogeverbelost,it’safasttrackhome Plus,licencefees helpsupportthepetsattheAnimalShelterToregisteror renewonline,visitcoquitlamca/dogs

Hillsidechurch‘therapist’jailedforsixyears

JANIS CLEUGH jcleugh@tricitynews com

A former pastor, therapist and counsellor who worked for churches in Coquitlam and Vancouver walked out of a court prisoner’s box last Friday to be handcuffed and led to jail

On Jan 20, BC Supreme Court Justice Paul W Riley imposed a sentence of 12 years and 11 months against Raymond Gaglardi; however, it was reduced by half under the totality principle due to his age, meaning Gaglardi will be behind bars for six years and six months

Gaglardi, a diminutive man of 78 years old, showed no emotion while Riley took nearly 90 minutes to read out his reasons for judgment, or when the judge imposed the sentence

His wife of 49 years, who sat behind the prisoner’s box, also showed no expression as well

But some victims present in court, and their spouses, brushed away tears after the decision Several other victims some dating back

four decades watched the hearing online

Last year, following a trial, Riley convicted Gaglardi on 11 of the 25 offences before him On the counts, each of the 11 victims experienced between one and three sexual assaults Riley recounted how Gaglardi befriended his victims at the Glad Tidings Church in Vancouver, its academy or summer camp, as well as at the Hillside Community Church in Coquitlam or at his counselling practice, located in the basement of his Coquitlam home

The judge said Gaglardi

“preyed” on adolescent boys or young men who came from troubled homes or were in need of help They came to trust “Dr Ray” for emotional support because he was part of the church and he told them he held a PhD in philosophy from Ohio Christian College, a post-secondary institution in the U S that was later declared to be fraudulent Gaglardi’s interactions with the boys and young men were “bizarre” and “opportunistic,” the judge told the New Westminster courtroom: In private, Gaglardi would check their bodies

WhoCanApply?

for venereal disease, touch their penises, use a pen-like instrument to examine their genitals, massage their prostate, provide pornographic material to masturbate or perform an enema In another case in Coquitlam, Gaglardi did an anal swap with a Q-Tip

And when the boys reported Gaglardi’s sexual conduct, they were often shunned from their broken families who believed the church-going authority figure instead of their children

The impact was long-lasting, the court heard, as many victims said Gaglardi’s

ResidentslivinginaCoquitlamresidentialhomewho replacetheir13-litre(35gallon)toiletwithasingle-flush modelthatusesupto48litres,oradual-flushmodel thatusesupto4.1to6litres(mustalsobeCanadian certifiedasperBCBuildingCoderegulations)

actions led to shame, embarrassment and emotional harm that had a ripple effect on their relationships

In sentencing, Riley said he took into account Gaglardi’s age and his lack of criminal history, but also noted his abuse of position within the two churches, his claim he was a trained doctor and therapist, and the duration of his crimes, which lasted 1971–2017

Besides the 155-month sentence in prison cut to 78 months behind bars Gaglardi will also be on a sex offender registry for 20 years and provide a DNA sample, Riley ordered

Last year, the court heard that the victims are now suing Glad Tidings and Gaglardi

HowtoApply? It’seasy!

You can have a say about Coquitlam’s future by taking a seat at a civic advisory table this year

The municipality is calling for volunteers for its committees and board of variance Positions are available on the following committees:

• Community Safety

• Culture Services

• Economic Development

• Multiculturalism

• Sports and Recreation

• Sustainability and Environment

• Universal AccessAbility

The deadline to apply is Feb 7, 9 a m

Qualified candidates who live in Coquitlam and who come from a diverse background are preferred, but applicants can’t be city staff Visit coquitlam ca or pick up a package at city hall (3000 Guildford Way)

1.Takephotosofyouroldtoiletstillinstalled,removedwith thetankcracked,andofyournewtoiletinstalled.

2.CompleteandsubmittheToiletRebateApplicationFormat coquitlam.ca/toiletrebatealongwiththephotosandyour purchasereceiptforthenewtoiletto: waterconservation@coquitlam.ca(mustbesubmitted within90daysofnewtoiletpurchasedate).

3.DisposeofyouroldtoiletproperlyattheUnitedBoulevard RecyclingandWasteCentre,955UnitedBlvd. Maximumoftwotoiletrebatespermittedforeachproperty

"Dr Ray" will be 84 when he is released from federal prison

Hillside Church, located on Austin Avenue in Coquitlam, is where Raymond Gaglardi worked as a counsellor from 1993 to 2015. Of the 11 victims of sex crimes Gaglardi was convicted of, six came from Coquitlam four from Hillside. JANIS CLEUGH/TCNEWS

RAYMOND GAGLARDI

Shopoffersanaround-the-worldtourofsnacks

Most products aren't available in Canadian stores

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

A snack shop tucked away in Port Coquitlam's newest development has become a fan favourite among candy, pop and chip lovers with discerning tastes

Ilu’s Convenience Store has been in Montrose Square (3160-2180 Kelly Ave ) for about 10 months and has become the go-to for around 400 residents in the area, as well as families visiting Port Coquitlam Community Centre for swimming, hockey and lacrosse

In addition to daily items, such as paper products, canned goods, and pet food, Ilu’s sells snacks from all over the world, including Kit Kat bars from Japan, 7-Up from France, Lay’s chips from Vietnam, breakfast cereal from the U S and candy from Korea

Owner Sukh Duggal told the Tri-City News he enjoys how snacks have become a cultural phenomenon,

with name-brands offering unique flavours from different countries in the world

“I see a lot of other cultures trying different products It’s a very good thing,” the 23-year-old entreprenuer said

Most of the products you can’t find anywhere else, Duggal added, who started his business online

He’s following in his

father’s footsteps with the business as Duggal's dad owned a convenience store in Vancouver before retiring

And while Duggal also hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement one day, the KPU criminology grad and former police services volunteer is enjoying his role as snack czar to the Port Coquitlam community

“I’m passionate about

snacks and law enforcement”

Among the intriguing flavours offered are taro and lime and chicken-flavoured chips, and Mojito a 7-Up drink from France with a mint lemon flavour that hits your taste buds like a Mack truck

There are also more than 100 flavours of Kit Kat bars, with flavours such as

Milk Tea and Cheese Cake and Oreo cookies that come in coffee flavour

Bagged candies are available in multiple flavours, boxes of sugary cereal with flavours line the wellstocked shelves and there's also Mackintosh toffee bars a favourite when this reporter was a kid

You can even get a giant pickle in a pouch

Ilu’s also sells popular Prime Energy Drinks in tempting flavours, such as Blue Raspberry and Orange Mango

Prime Energy Drinks are a caffeinated beverage that are all the rage after being promoted by English rapper and social media star KSI, and US YouTuber Logan

Paul, who have a combined TikTok follower count of 27 million and almost 40 million on YouTube

On the day the Tri-City News visited, a young couple was “oohing” and “ahing” over the treat selection, which also includes ice cream

“These are for me,” squealed the woman, as she pulled out a Snickers ice cream bar A Sonic ice cream treat was also selected and it wasn’t long before she and her partner had a handful of snacks as they headed out the door

For shop owner Duggal, it’s just another day at the office

“I love putting smiles on people’s faces,” he said

Sukh Duggal shows off some of the unique snack foods he offers at his Port Coquitlam variety store. The products include chips and confections from around the world. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

UBC Faculty of

UBC

(Full

(Full

Save Time. Save Money.

HatcherysetsaccessibilitystandardinCanada

Mossom Creek facility the first with gold certification

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

A Port Moody fish hatchery’s accessibility efforts could become a template for other such facilities in Metro Vancouver as well as across Canada

The Mossom Creek hatchery and education centre has achieved a gold rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification program, scoring 84 out of 100 points for removing barriers and supporting the inclusion of people of all ages and abilities

It’s the first hatchery in Canada to get gold certification, and the first site in Port Moody

Pat Dennett, a longtime volunteer at the hatchery who managed its reconstruction after a devastating fire in 2013, said the project came from a desire to be able to share the bucolic environs of Mossom Creek with everyone But an audit by a representative from the Rick Hansen Foundation

showed accessibility is much more than providing a ramp alternative to stairs or setting aside a special parking spot

During a tour, the auditor identified several areas that would make hatchery more welcoming to visitors with mobility challenges as well hearing and visual impairments

The assessment was pretty jolting, Dennett said

“I thought we did a pretty

good,” he said of the rebuild that included a gently sloped ramp from the parking area to the education centre “But when I saw the long list of things, it really opened my eyes”

Among the considerations identified were:

• automatic door openers

• better wheelchair access to the viewing pond

• improvements to washroom facilities including the

installation of strobe lights linked to the fire alarm and wrapping pipes under the sink with insulation so a visitor in a wheelchair won’t scald their knees

• installation of an audio system that can transmit directly into hearing aids

• providing a microwave that can easily be reached by someone in a wheelchair

• brighter and larger signs for visitors with visual im-

pairments

Dennett, who’s in the construction business, reached out to his industry contacts and hatchery supporters to raise $38,000 to fund the cited improvements $22,000 in cash and $16,000 in-kind donations of materials and labour

Construction started in April 2022, and the facility was finally ready for its final

evaluation in December

Dennett said the process challenged him to look at the hatchery, and the world, in a new way, through the eyes of someone who can’t take getting around or listening to an audio-video presentation for granted

“It is a learning curve,” he said “It opens up your eyes to the broader experiences It’s a knowledge you gain about the whole world of inclusiveness”

Dennett said while he’s proud of the recognition the hatchery has received from the Rick Hansen Foundation, its journey to full accessibility isn’t over On the horizon is making the creekside viewing area more navigable and other little touches here and there

More importantly, though, Dennett hopes Mossom’s experience will be the catalyst for other facilities to follow its lead Already he’s consulted with a hatchery in South Surrey on accessibility improvements it can make

“Hopefully it will be inspirational to others,” Dennett said “If you’re building a hatchery you want to do it right to be a part of something that makes the world a better place”

Pat Dennett, a longtime volunteer at the Mossom Creek fish hatchery, demonstrates an automatic door opener that includes a special cover so bears can't activate it. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

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

Moneyalonecan’tsolveforestindustrywoes

Premier David Eby has set the bar very high when it comes to tackling some tough issues, and he spent last week dealing with a thorny problem that will be challenging to address for years

Eby made three announcements dealing with the struggling forest industry.

Trying to get that industry back on its feet in a timely manner seems akin to pushing a very large boulder up an incredibly steep hill.

The forestry sector has been in decline for decades More than 35 mills in B.C’s Interior have

closed since 2005, and the industry has lost about 40,000 jobs in the last 30 years

The biggest problem right now is the lack of fibre or timber supply that is forecast to further decline for the rest of this decade

The timber supply was ravaged by the mountain pine beetle infestation that began in 2001. Over the course of that decade, the insects would kill half the of the province’s viable pine

A spruce beetle invasion began in 2012, and it ate up 3,400 kilometres of trees over the next

five years

Then came the bad wildfire years of 2017 and 2018.

To protect the remaining stands of timber, the government has greatly reduced the annual allowable cut, which dictates how many trees can be harvested every year

Eby’s announcements last week partly reflected the new reality facing the industry. His government is giving $50 million to a Vancouver Island mill to help it retool its production line to offer different products than traditional paper, and another

$50 million to the industry for projects that use waste wood and timber damaged by fires and insects

There was also another $90 million for forest companies that require new equipment to support new production lines

The initiatives announced by Eby will help parts of the industry but will likely have little impact on the overall health of the sector

There are more bad times ahead. The deferred logging of 2.6 million hectares of oldgrowth timber will result in the

loss of anywhere from 4,500 jobs (the government’s figure) to more than 18,000 jobs (the industry’s figure).

Add to the mix the volatility of lumber prices and the ever-present threat of U.S countervailing duties, and the future continues to seem uncertain for what was once B.C’s number one industry.

Eby has made some interesting moves Perhaps there will be more moves in the years ahead, but unfortunately we can expect job losses to continue

This Newspaper Excellence 2020 - FIRST PLACE FundedbytheGovernmentofCanada A13 THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 TRICITYNEWS.COM Find a variety of voices online: tricitynews.com/opinion

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Highfeesshuttingoutinternationalstudents

The Editor:

The high cost of international student fees is becoming a major problem in Canada

Many international students are forced to work full-time jobs, including overtime, in addition to their full-time studies

Unfortunately, very often the jobs that are available to them are low-paid and exploitative, which no one else wants to do

Many international students have little support to help them adjust to a new country which further compounds their stress, worry, trauma and anxiety

The colleges and universities in Canada are directly

responsible for creating many of these difficult and challenging life situations because of the high cost of

international student fees

International students should be encouraged to come to Canada to study

and enhance our educational system They should not have to devote a lot of their time, effort, energy and

money just to survive and pay high tuition fees

If international student fees were lower, then it would increase the quality of international applicants because more people could afford to study in Canada

Canadian post-secondary institutions would benefit from more ideas, innovation and cross-cultural learning, and attract the best and brightest from around the world Being able to attract top global students boosts the reputation, research and educational experience offered by the school

Some countries in Europe have already figured this out

For example, tuition is free for international stu-

dents studying in Norway and at public universities in Germany

Not surprisingly, Norway and Germany are two of the most successful developed countries in the world in part due to their affordable and accessible post-secondary education system

Education is the great equalizer in society It should not matter if you are rich or poor The best and brightest should not have to worry about financial barriers

It’s a great disservice to our world that only the rich can afford to attend many of the top universities in Canada

Alex Sangha

Canadian universities and colleges could benefit by making their programs more affordable for international students. IVAN ALEKSIC/UNSPLASH

Now is the perfect time for older adults to consider renting in Greater Vancouver

Six reasons why renting in a senior’s residence community might be the best move

Home ownership is top of mind for B.C. seniors. With instability in the real estate market, many feel stuck, wondering if this is the right time to sell – even if they know renting makes the most sense for their lifestyle.

Home prices and sales have cooled off from 2020 highs, partly due to rising interest rates. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in November 2022 decreased compared to the same period in 2021 Fortunately, heading into 2023, the REBGV predicts the market is likely to trend toward typical averages and seasonal norms, depending on forthcoming economic factors and housing policies.

On the flip side, as interest rates increase, some homeowners may no longer be able to afford their mortgage payments and will put their houses up for sale. This will ultimately increase market inventory, pushing housing prices down. Also, if you live in a condo or townhouse, new government legislation has removed the restriction on rentals within the strata triggering potential increases in strata fees and insurance premiums.

What does all of this mean for seniors, especially those who are mortgage-free? Now may be a good time to get ahead of the curve and sell your home

Those who decide not to sell may face a conundrum when it comes to managing the increasing burden of home ownership as the cost of living soars. Even if a mortgage is long paid off, ownership comes with a host of costs, responsibilities, and challenges: property taxes, repairs, seasonal maintenance, yard upkeep, safety concerns, isolation, and a lack of cash resources.

in 2023

For these reasons, more and more seniors are turning to renting –especially in purpose-built seniors’ communities. PARC Retirement Living, an active living community for older adults, provides six reasons why renting in a senior’s residence community might be the best move in 2023:

Home maintenance is tougher than it used to be. Renting in a seniors’ community means all the repairs, chores, and responsibilities are taken care of, with the building owner and operator footing the bill. And, while someone else is busy maintaining and repairing your place, your time is free to pursue an active lifestyle.

You wish you had more time to spend with family and friends. Living in an independent seniors’ community gives you all that time back, so you’re freed up to travel with family or friends, relax, work out, read, or simply enjoy life with people you love.

It’s harder to get around than it used to be. As we grow older, our needs shift. Renting gives you the flexibility to choose a neighbourhood or a location with easy access

You don’t feel as safe on your own: As we age, we may worry about a timely response to an unexpected health event, or how to protect ourselves from petty crime or fraud. Most seniors’ residences offer 24/7 emergency response systems that can be activated either in your suite or via a portable device, 24/7 staffing, safety fob entrances, and security cameras.

Now may be a good time to get ahead of the curve and sell your home.

to amenities like grocery stores, medical and professional offices, and recreational opportunities – plus proximity to green spaces.

You’re spending more and more time alone. Older adults are at increased risk of loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face living alone due to the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss. However, renting in a purposebuilt seniors’ community gives you access to like-minded people day in and day out

You wish you had more cash on hand. Selling a home releases all the equity you have had tied up in that investment for years. Now, you can allocate resources to what matters most at this time of your life: fulfilling personal goals, travelling, or even helping children or grandchildren pay down their mortgages or purchase their first home. Look for senior-living residences that offer secure yearly rental rates, so you can lock in an affordable payment.

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Newexchangezoneofferssafelocationforonlinetransactions

When selling or buying items online, there’s always a possibility that the transaction might go south and involve theft, fraud or, in some cases, assault

Coquitlam Mounties are offering local residents an

area outside the local detachment to ensure in-person exchanges are secure and under their watchful eye for the worse-case scenario

It’s called an “exchange zone” and you can’t miss it as it’s right outside the front doors of the RCMP’s main building (2986 Guildford Way)

In a release on Jan 20,

spokesperson Cpl Alexa Hodgins explained the sign is posted on a brick wall in a well-lit plaza that’s monitored by security cameras

“The safety and security of the community is our top priority,” she said “This is an excellent way to promote safe and respectful transactions”

The sign even indicates

that the exchange zone is under 24/7 surveillance, warning potential thieves they’ll be caught on camera if they try to pull a fast one and the seller or buyer would have easy access to help Hodgins added, however, the site won’t be actively monitored She encourages buyers

and sellers that want to use the exchange zone for transactions to arrange meet times during the detachment’s business hours 8 a m to 8 p m Monday to Friday

“Many people have become victims of crimes such as robberies, frauds and thefts when attempting to buy or sell property online,”

Coquitlam RCMP’s statement further reads

“Coquitlam RCMP aims to increase public safety and reduce crime by giving people a place to conduct face to face transactions”

As well, the exchange zone can also be used for transferring children between parents or guardians

For those who don’t want to use the area, Mounties have provided the following tips for buyers and sellers when scheduling an in-person meet:

• Complete your transaction during daytime hours

The exchange zone is under 24-hour surveillance.

• Bring a family or a friend with you

• Never complete a transaction by mail

• Limit the amount of personal information you provide

• Meet at a public location which is well lit and busy

• If something seems too good to be true, it probably is Anyone who feels they’re in immediate danger during these transactions is encouraged to call 911.

COQUITLAM RCMP PHOTO

Formersoccerstarshelpingweekendwarriors

Their own injury histories helped shape new careers

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

A pair of Canadian national soccer players who played in Olympic and World Cup matches are now helping weekend warriors in the Tri-Cities be their very best

Melissa Tancredi, who won bronze at the 2012 Olympics in London and again at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and Selenia Iacchelli, who played for Canada at the 2015 World Cup, have opened Workshop performance clinic in Port Moody

It’s the former teammates’ second multidisciplinary recovery, prevention and performance facility, joining a location they opened five years ago in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood

Tancredi, a chiropractor, has worked with the Port Moody Soccer Club for years so, she said, the city was a natural landing spot when the two were looking to expand their operation into the suburbs They also like Port Moody’s natural beauty and active population

That their spot is in the 50 Electronic Ave building

at 3139 Murray St , right across from Inlet Park, which should have a FIFAregulation field turf pitch by the end of the year, is a ser-

endipitous bonus

Tancredi and Iacchelli’s journey to becoming health care professionals grew very much from their experience

as athletes Tancredi tore her ACL early in her career which dominoed into further soft tissue injuries Iacchelli broke eight bones

during her playing career

Just as some athletes who become coaches take notes of the way they were guided during their playing careers, Tancredi and Iacchelli paid careful attention to the way they were treated as they recovered and rehabbed from their various injuries

“We were fighting for our careers every day,” Tancredi said “We know how important it is to get back out there”

After retiring from soccer and working individually at other clinics, Tancredi and Iacchelli decided to team up again and put their observations into practise

They know how tough it can be for even the most casual athlete to go through an injury, the frustration of not being able to perform up to their own expectations

Working as part of a team of professionals that includes personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, registered massage therapists and acupuncturists, Tancredi and Iacchelli try to cut through the pain and uncertainty to restore their clients’ hope

It’s as much a mental battle as a physical regimen, Iacchelli said

“We also have to be counsellors,” she said of keeping injured athletes invested in the sometimes arduous process of getting better “It can

take you to a dark place”

Both Tancredi and Iacchelli worked toward their post-retirement careers while they were still playing When it came time to hang up their cleats, they knew they wanted to stay connected to sport

“I love people who compete and want to challenge themselves,” Tancredi said

And while they were never able to “make bank” from their playing careers that included stints in various professional leagues in North America and Europe, both Tancredi and Iacchelli said they’re proud to have been part of the cohort of players that laid the foundation for gold medal success at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, the coming formation of a professional women’s league in Canada and even the qualification of the men’s national team for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

“We might not have been in the prime time, but we were the generation that put soccer on the map and gave it momentum,” Iacchelli said

“It’s so incredible to see Canada be so accomplished,” Tancredi said “You can’t deny we’re a soccer nation”

• To learn more about The Workshop, go to workshopclinic com

Former national team soccer players Selenia Iacchelli, left, and Melissa Tancredi have expanded their performance clinic to Port Moody MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

restaurant, as well as a multiunit light industrial building with several auto service and repair shops.

In its proposal, Anthem’s tower will comprise:

• 21 studio apartments

• 64 with one bedroom

• 33 two-bedroom units

• 10 three-bedroom apartments

At least half the units will be adaptable

The Jamatkhana will feature a landscaped courtyard on its roof as well as Mashrabiya screens on its south, north and east walls

A Mashrabiya screen is a characteristic of Islamic architecture that is a latticework covering of windows meant to catch the wind and provide passive cooling

There are about 20,000 Ismaili Muslims in British Columbia The new Jamatkhana would replace a former cultural space further west along St Johns Street at James Road that had to be closed because of structural problems

The project will require rezoing and an amendment to the city’s official community plan to proceed

A new 128-unit rental project being proposed for St. Johns Street includes a new Ismaili cultural centre, or Jamatkhana. ANTHEM PROPERTIES

ExpressplayersshowtheirprideatthePalace

Friday, Jan. 27

LIGHTS AT LAFARGE

It’s Sports Night at Lights at Lafarge, the free outdoor light show at Town Centre Park Join the city’s Park Spark team to play light-up Frisbee or badminton, or try the lighted walking poles for a scoot around the lake And on Saturday, the crew will also be at the TD Community Plaza to host Carnival Night with games

The activities run from 5:30 to 8:30 p m Take SkyTrain to Lafarge Lake–Douglas to see Lights at Lafarge, which is open until Feb 21

MORE: coquitlam.ca/ lights

PRIDE NIGHT

The Coquitlam Express hosts its first-ever Pride Night at its game against the Cowichan Valley Capitals

The puck drops at 7 p m at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St , Coquitlam)

MORE: coquitlamexpress.ca

THE LOTTERY

See Allen Cole and Melody Johnson pay tribute to the American writer Shirley Jackson in Letters, Leftovers and the Lottery a musical performance at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) running to-

night and Saturday at 7:30 p m , and Saturday at 3 p m

Tickets are $45/$38/$16

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre.ca

SING US A SONG!

Musician Pat Chessell headlines the Crossroads Hospice Coffeehouse, a fundraiser for the Crossroads Hospice Society Chessell recently dropped an EP called The Ghosts of Yesterday Prior to his performance at 8:50 p m , there will be a musical tribute to the Scottish poet Robbie Burns, starting at 7:30 p m The show is at the Gathering Place at Leigh Square in Port Coquitlam

Admission is $10

MORE: facebook com

PLAYING THE HITS

The band Playlist is at

the Asylum Sound Stage at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd , Coquitlam) for a show at 9:30 p m There is no cover charge

MORE: hardrockcasinovancouver.com

Saturday, Jan. 28

POKEMON PARTY

Take the family to the City Centre branch of the Coquitlam Public Library (1169 Pinetree Way) between noon and 4:30 p m for a Pokemon bash There will be a scavenger hunt and crafts, as well as a trivia game and a Pokemon movie

MORE: coqlibrary ca

LINUX LESSONS

Bob Bates dispels the mysteries around Linux, a

free and open-source operating system that runs on desktops, laptops, servers and routers. His presentation, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. in the City Centre branch of the Coquitlam Public Library (1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam), looks at out to get Linux, how to install it and how it’s different from Windows and Macs. REGISTER: coqlibrary.ca

YOUR MOVE

Play a game of chess against a new opponent at the Poirier branch of the Coquitlam Public Library (575 Poirier St , Coquitlam)

The drop-in event in the Nancy Bennett Room runs from 2 to 3:30 p m

MORE: coqlibrary ca

EAST MEETS WEST

Farouk Alsajee, a musician of Iraqi descent, performs in Arabic with the oud, a Middle Eastern instrument, along with Michelle Kwan, who will play the guzheng, a classical Chinese harp. Their show is in the rehearsal hall of the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from 8:30 to 9:30 p m Tickets are $20/$16

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre.ca

BEER AND BREAD

Sip craft beer from Coquitlam’s Mariner Brewing and sample on a variety of breads while learning about their history and culture at the opening reception for Breaking Bread. Organized by Coquitlam Heritage, the free event at Mackin House (1116 Brunette Ave , Coquitlam) is from 7 to 9 p m A DJ from 2 Scoop Productions will provide the tunes No registration is required; however, guests must be at least 19 years old

MORE: coquitlamheritage.ca

BANG! BANG!

Dance to the hits of the 1970s and beyond at the Asylum Sound Stage, located in Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd , Coquitlam) The show starts at 9:30 p m There is no

cover; however, guests must be at least 19 years old. MORE: hardrockcasinovancouver.com

Sunday, Jan. 29

ROOTS & GROOVE

Pied Pumkiner Rick Scott performs with Nico Rhodes the son of Joelle Rabu at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) as part of a B C tour Tickets are $35/$32/$16

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre.ca

MID-WINTER SONGS

Choral Connections performs United in Song, a concert at the Trinity United Church (2211 Prairie Ave., Port Coquitlam) from 2 to 4 p.m. that aims to chase away the January blues. The ensemble, with the vocal groups Collage and Melodia, as well as instrumentalists Sweet Tweets, will perform with the choir

MORE: choralconnections.ca

FARMERS FIELDS

Talk to the vendors and tour the Port Moody Winter Market, held 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

"Letters, Leftovers and the Lottery" honours the life and work of Shirley Jackson, one of America's greatest writers The show is at the Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam this weekend PHOTO SUBMITTED

E-scootersrollingout

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

Coquitlam commuters may soon notice more electronic kick scooters (e-scooters) rolling down local streets

On Jan 17, the city launched a new provincially run pilot project that will

ThankYouLightBrigade Volunteers!

ThisweekwewanttorecognizetheCityof CoquitlamEnvironmentalServicesteamfor hostinganightatLightsatLafargewithfun gamesandgiveaways

Thankyoutoallofthecommunitygroups thathavehostednightswiththeParkSpark

ParkSparkPop-upsat LightsatLafarge

EnhanceyourLightsatLafargeexperiencewithfreepop-upactivitiesattheParkSparkZone attheTDCommunityPlaza.Coquitlam’sParkSparkstaffwillbeonsitenightlyFridaysand Saturdaysofferingavarietyoffunactivities,includingcarolingnights,scavengerhunts,themed nightsandmuchmore Forascheduleofupcomingactivities,visitcoquitlam.ca/parkspark

allow the scooters in designated areas, primarily on bikes lanes and multi-use pathways

The pilot will last for 16 months between now and April 2024

Thomas Thivener, Coquitlam’s transportation planning manager, said the project includes road rules commuters must follow after council amended several bylaws Jan 16

With the changes, Coquitlam becomes the 11th B C municipality to offer the option

“This pilot project not only improves options for how people move in and around the community, but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions,” Thivener said in a news release

Roughly two per cent of the Tri-Cities and North Fraser region currently owns an e-scooter, according to

a Simon Fraser University (SFU) study from 2021

With an expected increase in legal e-scooters, the city has established rules riders must follow Failing to follow these rules could result in a fine from a bylaw enforcement officer

New e-scooter rules include:

• Rider must be 16 years or older

• Driver’s license not required

• Rider must wear a helmet

• E-scooter must have a bell and lights

• Do not carry or tow passengers

Thivener said e-scooter users must also follow the same rules and regulations as cyclists

The pilot project is part of Coquitlam’s environmental sustainability plan that was approved in January 2021.

Hot

They make the point: NeedleArts is not dead

JANIS CLEUGH jcleugh@tricitynews.com

Three times a month, except in the summer, a couple dozen members with the Coquitlam NeedleArts Guild meet to finish their projects, join a workshop, share their knowledge and a giggle

Using magnifying glasses and head lamps to get a clear view of the thread on their canvases, they toil in embroidery, cross stitch, blackwork, whitework, knitting, gold work, Hardanger and crewel work “Anything with a needle,” said president Jan Poersch

Started in the Expo year 1986, after placing an advertisement in the Tri-City News, the guild gathered at the Poirier Community Centre under co-founders

Joan Smith and Penney Hook as “a group of ladies who like to stitch,” said Poersch, who now calls Port Coquitlam home

Now, it boasts 39 members who regularly drop in for a “bitch and stitch” at the Coquitlam Legion on the first Saturday of the month from noon to 8 p m , as well as at the Lions Club in Pitt Meadows on the second and

fourth Monday of the month from 10 a m to 8 p m Their hours are long to accommodate daytime workers

“It’s an incredible group of people We enjoy each others’ company And I truly believe that I can phone anybody here and four people would just show up,” said Hook, a retired SD43 library assistant

Their aim, Poersch joked, is to get at least one stitch in per meeting “It’s needle in, needle out, but we also do a lot of talking in between”

Six members go back decades when they were

with the Lougheed Area Girl Guides; together, they nurtured their needlearts passion “It’s a huge stress relief because it puts you in your own little space,” said Sue Loewen of Chilliwack “It’s satisfying to see the result”

Others also spoke about the hobby being their form of therapy “This is our valium, creating and being with each other,” said Melanie Nicholson, who is with the Embroiderers’ Association of Canada and has taken seminars with instructors from England to Australia

Among her teachers was Tanja Berlin, who did goldwork for royalty

Needlearts is not dead, the members make clear: Football players have been seen stitching or knitting on the sidelines during games; British swimmers have also taken up stitching needles when on the pool bleachers Even Vanna White, the letter turner on the TV show Wheel of Fortune, has a series of books and patterns on crocheting

As well, many young people are also picking up the craft to relax

“This is a very important part of my life,” said Nicholson, who in June will head to Edmonton for a retreat, hosted by Alberta Embroidery, with nine other Coquitlam guild members “It’s going to a road trip that’s fun, without our spouses, kids and pets, and a lot laughter”

To attend a Coquitlam NeedleArts Guild meeting, drop in or call 604-9440560 The first meeting is free; bring your own patterns, materials and supplies The annual membership cost is $60

Left to right: The Coquitlam NeedleArts Guild hosts a workshop; Nancy Yanez of Burnaby with her "Roses of Provence"; Jennifer Rhodes busy at work on a Christmas ornament. JANIS CLEUGH/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

Streetvendorssought, Ovation!awardforSpinola

If want to serve tacos, mini doughnuts or other grub to the public next year, the City of Coquitlam may have an opportunity for you

Until Feb 28, the municipality will accept applications for licences from food street vendors for eight designated cityowned spots mostly in the City Centre neighbourhood:

• two locations on the western side of Pinetree Way (in front of Douglas College)

• two locations on the eastern side of Pinetree Way (beside Town Centre Park)

• Evergreen Cultural Centre/Lafarge Lake–Douglas SkyTrain station plaza

• southeastern corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way (city park

and ride lot)

• southwestern corner of Poirier Street and Foster Avenue

• northeastern side of Hartley Avenue (outside Home Depot lot)

Applicants will be judged on their street vending experience, equipment, marketing and environmental sustainability such as managing trash and recyclables, and sourcing local products

Candidates must also show proof that their street vending vehicle complies with regulations under the fire code, as well as the Fraser or Vancouver Coast health authority

And successful candidates will need to have $2 million in commercial general liability insurance and pay a $1,000 damage deposit to the city under the terms of the 2023

PiedPumkinalumhitstheroad withNicoRhodes

Street Vendor Program

Licences will be good for a year, starting April 1 To apply, go to coquitlam ca/ bidopportunities

BEST MOVES

A Tri-City dancer has a 2023 Ovation! award

On Sunday, Nicol Spinola clinched the coveted prize from the APPLAUSE! Musicals Society for her choreography in Something Rotten!, a Theatre Under the Stars production Spinola, who is on faculty at Coquitlam’s Lindbjerg Academy of Performing Arts and the Tri-City Dance Centre, was a finalist in the same category for her moves in Cabaret, a show by Raincity Theatre a company of which Spinola is a managing artistic director and choreographer.

In Grade 4, Nico Rhodes saw folk musician Rick Scott play at his school

“I just thought he was the most magical, most musical, most extraordinary thing that I had ever seen,” he told the Tri-City News

“I listened to everything he ever recorded I was just obsessed”

Twenty-five years on, Scott and Rhodes are a musical duo and, this and next month, will perform around B C , including a stop at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre on Sunday (Jan 29) at 7:30 p m

Playing a mix of folk, blues and jazz on an Appalachian mountain dulcimer and keyboards, Roots & Grooves also offers stories

Scott, an American native who grew up idolizing Elvis, is an alumnus of Pied Pumkin while Rhodes, a classical and jazz pianist, is the son of B.C. singer Joelle Rabu.

Despite their age gap and

varied musical styles, their partnership is solid “We both have an unbridled passion when we’re playing together,” Rhodes said.

“We egg each other on; our strengths complement

each other and we give each other room to grow”

Tickets for their concert at Evergreen (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) are $35/$32/$16 via evergreenculturalcentre.ca or call 604-927-6555.

Weaving colour with elements in collection

Dreamland: The Infinite Space is a collection of works by Vladimir Kolosov now up in the Michael Wright Art Gallery, in the Gathering Place at Port Coquitlam’s Leigh Square. A former student of the Fine Art School for Youth in Moscow, where he learned drawing, painting and sculpture, Kolosov is known as a colourist, presenting images that make his audience think about how the elements interact. He is also well versed in music, math, physics, psychology and business. Kolosov immigrated to Canada in 2006 and became a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, as well as AICA Canada (Association Internationale des Critiques d’Art). He is the author of several essays about contemporary art and is a columnist for VOYZX art magazine. “I believe there to be no greater medium for expression than works of art,” Kolosov writes in his artist statement. The gallery is open for viewing on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also on display in the City of Port Coquitlam until April 25 are The Beauty of Being by Mikaela Kane, at city hall; and Upon the Land: A Reflection Through Their Eyes by Charlotte Schneider, at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. VIA CITY OF PORT COQUITLAM

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

ARTIST OF THE WEEK: VLADIMIR KOLOSOV

WE

Morecallsforimprovementstoresidentialcare

Pandemic brought attention to faults in the system

MARGARET COATES

newsroom@tricitynews.com

Over the last few years residential long-term care (LTC) has been a focus of many articles in the news, mostly because of the devastating effects of the pandemic on residents in such facilities

The reality of the negative aspects of the pandemic for residents brought attention to many of the problems often associated with longterm care.

Many community groups and individuals have been working on improving the

state of residential care in the province for years

Finally, the reporting of these issues is amplifying what these groups have been saying

Individuals

AS WE AGE Celebrating Seniors

Newguidesharesbestpracticesforlong-termcareoperators

care provided in long-term care facilities

living residence

Unfortunately, long-term care provided in a residential facility has not always lived up to people’s expectations about how an older person should live out their end-oflife years

An organization called Action for Reform of Residential Care Association, which is dedicated to promoting quality of life in long-term care facilities in British Columbia through education and advocacy, has been critical of many features of LTC.

The association is made of up clinicians, researchers, family members and other citizens concerned with the

The organization has noted several areas of concern that are mainly attributed to inadequate structures and resources

In their report, Improving Quality of Life in LTC - A Way Forward, they say, “Systems with lean resources cannot adapt to stressors such as pandemics, and BandAids can no longer cover the wounds to the system illuminated by COVID-19”

Among many of the issues raised by ARRCBC is the fact that family members or councils are often the first to identify inadequate care but perhaps do not know how to complain effectively or are intimidated by the system.

The British Columbia government website says that a “family and/or resident council is a group of persons who either live in a long-term care home or are the contact persons, representatives, or relatives of long-term care home residents, and who meet regularly to identify opportunities to maintain and enhance the quality of life for the care home clients, and to engage with staff to contribute a voice in decisions which affect the clients”

Though individuals and groups have fought for years for the establishment of resident and family councils, not much was done about proactively supporting this strategy which many main-

tain works toward changing the negative aspects of the long-term care system

An announcement was made recently that the province has revised regulations to strengthen the support and oversight of resident and family councils

One of the initiatives is that government will strengthen support of individual councils through several measures, including requiring care-home operators or licensees to meet with a council twice a year or more frequently as required to promote the collective interests of persons in care

Isabelle Mackenzie, the BC Seniors Advocate who has been critical of many aspects of residential long-

term care, has said that “these changes will give residents of long-term care, and the people who love them, a much stronger voice in shaping the quality of life for most frail seniors It is an extremely positive step forward”

On Jan 4 it was announced that the BC Care Providers Association had released a new guide called Supporting an Active Partnership: A Service Provider’s Guide to Family & Resident Councils The guide is intended to “share learnings and best practices for supporting long-term care operators in the development and continuation of resident and family councils. Councils

can ensure that input and feedback occur in a meaningful, respectful and timely way”

You may not need longterm care in the future, but you may have a family member or friend that will need this type of care for their end-of-life years

A well resourced and highly functional long-term care system is in the interests of all of us It provides older people and the best quality of life in the remaining years of their lives.

In a just and caring society, we should all work toward providing the best system possible.

• Margaret Coates is the co-ordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society.

IndoorWorldCupatestforCoquitlamplayer

Canada finished 10th in 2015 World Cup in Germany

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

A Coquitlam field hockey player is embarking on an African safari of a kind most people likely haven’t heard of before

Natalie Winter will play for Canada at the indoor field hockey World Cup in Pretoria, South Africa, from Feb 4–11

Her position on the team was confirmed after she helped the national team to a fifth-place finish at the recent Rohrmax Cup tournament in Austria

Winter, an accomplished field hockey player with the Tri-City Eagles club program, as well as at Dr Charles Best Secondary School in Coquitlam, had only limited experience with the indoor version of the sport before she headed east four years ago to join the York University Lions, as the outdoor season is generally able to run through the winter months in B C

But with her coach at York, Zeeshan Minhas, also running an indoor

club during Ontario’s cold months, Winter saw an opportunity to stay fit through the off-season as well as further develop her skills

“When I play indoor, there is less time to think when I have the ball, so I am forced to use my instincts instead of consciously making a decision,” she said

Unlike outdoor field hockey, which is played

with 11 players aside on an expansive turf pitch about the same dimensions as a soccer field, the indoor game is played in a gym with six players on each team Low boards surround the wood or linoleum floor to keep the ball in play and also provide opportunities for banking passes to teammates There are also differences in the rules: Players can’t

lift, sweep or whack the ball in the indoor game unless they’re shooting on net and a proportionately larger penalty circle at each end means more fouls occur that result in penalty corners and strokes

Winter said that changes the way players move the ball and defend as they stay low to the ground to push the ball forward and check

opponents with their sticks laid flat

She said her adjustment to indoor field hockey’s faster pace and confined space was helped by her experience playing box lacrosse in the Coquitlam Adanacs’ minor program when she was younger

COOLER CLIMATES

Indoor field hockey is largely played in countries with cooler climates where year-round outdoor play isn’t always possible

It was developed in Germany in the 1950s and came under the governance of the International Hockey Federation in 1968

The sport’s first World Cup was held in 2003 and it’s been contested roughly every four years since, although last year’s tournament in Belgium was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

The participation of Canada’s women’s team in South Africa will be its third; it finished ninth in Austria in 2007 and 10th in Germany in 2015

Winter said her journey to make this year’s squad started when her dad spotted a post on Facebook inviting players to an open tryout that involved four sessions of

drills and scrimmages over the course of a weekend

Most of the women who attended had been recommended by other coaches or had previous experience with the national indoor or outdoor teams

Winter survived the initial cut to about 30 athletes who were then divided into four teams to compete at various tournaments prior to the final selection of the roster heading to Pretoria

The Rohrmax Cup that just concluded is one of indoor field hockey’s premier tournaments, attracting top men’s and women’s national and U21 sides, as well as elite club teams like HC Rotweiss Wettingen from Switzerland

To prepare, Winter’s side practised three to five times a week as well as competed in local tournaments, sometimes against male teams

“The goal of the Austria tour was to gain knowledge and experience from a skilful European style of play,” she said, adding the Rohrmax tournament was the highlight of her field hockey career

At least so far • Canada’s indoor field hockey program is selffunded To support the team on its African adventure, go to fieldhockey ca

Coquitlam’s Natalie Winter, left, moves the ball up court during an indoor field hockey game. She’s headed to South Africa to play in the sport’s World Cup. SUBMITTED PHOTO

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

REMEMBRANCES

HEDGES, Dr Donald ‘Doc’

Dr Dona d ‘Doc’ Hedges passed away peaceful y on December 30th, 2022

Born Ju y 15, 1950 in Danvi le l ino s, he was raised by his Grandmother for much of h s ch ldhood Despite some ear y l fe obstac es, he graduated va edictor an of his high schoo He went on to study Psycho ogy a the Un versity of Il ino s, on academic scholarsh p His educat on met an abrupt end however, when he part cipated n a peaceful ant -war protest, got arrested, and lost his scho arship Recogn z ng h s path needed to change he accepted an offer for a ift to Californ a, where he took up work in a stee mi l for 2 years It was here that he met J m and V anna; they were the first people to show h m uncond tiona love Th s ‘fam ly’, and their steadfast message of acceptance and grace, formed the foundat on upon wh ch Don wou d touch many more l ves

At the age of 23 he moved to Vancouver to work at a printing press and later, took up work as the manager of a small independent theatre It was here that he began to explore his love of movies It was only when this theatre c osed that he reconsidered returning to un versity Don completed his BSc of Kinesiology at SFU 1979 Thanks to an influent al mentor, he appl ed for and was accepted into the UBC Facu ty of Medic ne - someth ng he never would have thought possible n his early ife

Upon Med School graduation n 1983, Don completed his internship in Ottawa and then returned to the West Coast In addition to work ng as an MD - he taught Kinesio ogy classes at SFU During these 26 years, he ‘gave back’ to the professor that first nudged him into medicine, and mentored many young students through undergrad, medica school and beyond H s impact cont nued to grow through h s work as an Addictions and Sports Medicine MD He tru y bel eved in change, and he inspired many of h s pat ents to become the most authentic and ntentiona versions of themse ves Lives were changed through encouragement n recovery educat on and se f discovery

Doc also served as the team Doctor for several h gh evel sports teams: the Coqu tlam Adanacs, the Burnaby Rugby Club and Vancouver Wh tecaps, among severa others He fe t t a privi ege to get to know each of these players and not on y treated the r njuries, but, over the years ntroduced them to of many of h s pass ons

In fact t was through these pass ons of iterature, movies, mus c, and travel that he brought peop e together Many ooked forward to an eclectic gather ngs of guests at Sunday dinner It wou d not be unusua to have a med student or 2, a Lacrosse player, a pre-med, a physio, a good fr end from NA, and maybe a musician sitting around his dinner table enjoying his roasts

As a recover ng addict h mself, Don got the opportun ty to share his life and love through his t me as a sponsor and participant in AA and NA He wove himse f nto the fabr c of many peop e s ives - a low ng space for forgiveness, grace, oss and love n ways many had not felt before

To say he w ll be dearly m ssed would be an understatement The sorrow for many is unth nkable and yet, let us s t in the grief and remember As Don h mse f taught us, “people you love are worth grieving for” As one of his favourite authors Car os Ruiz Zafon wrote in a eulogy n one of Doc’s dear y oved books, know that he w l l ve forever in the hearts of those who are here Borrowed from the same author,

‘May you rest in peace, (Don), dear friend, and may God g ve us al the opportunity to honour your memory and feel grateful for the privi ege of hav ng known you ’

A Celebration of ife will take place at Coquitlam A l ance Church, 2601 Spuraway Avenue, Coqu tlam, BC on January 25th at 2:00pm, recept on to fo low

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to any of the fo lowing charit es: Doctors without Borders, Canadian Wor d Parrot Trust, Amnesty Internationa or ATEC (Ta amancan Associat on of Ecotour sm and Conservation) Costa Rica

Call

DTJames@glaciermedia.ca • nmather@glaciermedia.ca

GIESBRECHT, Jack Glen

October 26, 1938 - January 14, 2023

It s with great sadness that the Giesbrecht fam ly announces the pass ng of Jack G en Giesbrecht on January 14, 2023 at the age of 84, at Eag e Ridge Hospita Jack was a ocal Rea tor for 40 years and later the owner of J K Cooper Rea ity He was proud of serv ng as a member of the Port Coquitlam L ons Club for 59 years and volunteered w th the B A for many years H s oves were trave ing the world, hunt ng and fishing at Loon Lake, reading John Grisham novels and Thursday n ghts w th friends

Jack w l be loving remembered by h s wife of 61 years Irene, daughter Laura (Chr stopher), son Dwayne (Al son) grandch ldren Jake and Sophie sisters Deanna Renner and Elaine Thomas and brother Edd e Brunette He was predeceased by h s s ster Gladys Murray

A Celebrat on of L fe will be he d on Saturday, February 4th, 11:00 am at F rst Memoria Funeral Services Burkev ew Chapel 1340 Dominion Ave Port Coquitlam

Burkeview Chapel 604-944-4128

firstmemor alportcoquitlam com

WILLIAMS, Kevin Matthew

Wil iams, Kevin Matthew, age 61, of Coquit am, BC, died peaceful y on January 13 2023 He w l be sadly missed and loving y remembered He is surv ved by his mother Irene, his s b ings, Mark, D ana (Barker), Regan and Dean, and the r spouses, Mike, Lynne, and Linda, as wel as Kev’s numerous nieces and nephews, great n ece and nephew, Aunts and Unc es Kevin was predeceased by h s father Keath, and h s cherished dog Dusty

Kevin (Wil y) was loved and deeply cared about not only by h s fam ly, but a so by his c ose c rcle of fr ends and his work fam ly at Hou e Electric We wou d al like to extend our deep appreciat on to Leigh (McLellan) and L sa (Michaud) who have been Kevin’s long time friends, and who supported him w th extra ove and caring during these past months through h s cancer journey

A Ce ebrat on of L fe s a way to come together to honour, share stor es and memories of a oved one Pease join us on Saturday, February 18th, at 2:00pm at the Port Moody Recreation Complex, 300 Ioco Rd, Port Moody, in the Wellness Room, where together we wi l pay tr bute to our Kev n

Donations to BC Cancer Foundat on or Wor d V s on wou d be gratefu ly accepted n Kevin’s memory

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