Tri City News February 23 2023

PortMoody girdsforbig taxincrease

Draft budget boost would cost average homeowner $311

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Property owners in Port Moody could be facing an 11 33 per cent tax increase this year.

That amounts to an additional $311 for the average home assessed at $1 3 million when the annual storm and drainage fee is included

In a presentation of the city’s draft budget to council’s finance committee on Tuesday, manager of financial planning Tyson Ganske said the boost is “obviously a

high number, a higher number than we’ve typically seen in Port Moody”

In fact, it’s more than double the 5.48 per cent increase facing residents of neighbouring Coquitlam and 6 62 per cent more than the 4.71 per cent hike Port Moody residents paid last year

“This is quite a huge tax impact,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti, adding the process of getting to a final budget is in its earliest stages that will also include public consultation and further deliberations by council “People should come with their pencils sharpened so we can get that tax increase down” see HIGH

, page 5

Benji, the new resident assistance dog at Centennial Secondary School in Coquitlam, takes a break on his bed in the office of principal Anthony Ciolfitto. See the story on Page 17. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

Education,awarenesskeystogooddigitalhealth

Seattle lawsuit sparks conversation by local educators

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Can social media be blamed for increased anxiety and mental health concerns among Tri-Cities youth?

That’s the question educators are asking after the Seattle Public Schools filed a complaint against the companies operating TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube

The Emerald City’s school district wants more controls to safeguard students and support to meet the increased mental health needs

But educators here in School District 43 (SD43) say such a lawsuit would never happen in Canada and they question whether all the burden can be placed on social media

What’s more they say the district is addressing the issue directly with parents and students, through programs to create awareness of online safety and promoting digital citizenship

GOOD AND BAD

Rob Zambrano, an assistant superintendent, and Susan Ross, district principal of special projects, say the use of technology by students is not new and comes with the good as well as the bad

“I think we can all agree that social media certainly plays a role in the relationships between students, but also between adults,” said Zambrano

“Whether you follow Twitter, or you’re on on Facebook or other other sites, it’s not just a kid problem It’s a societal problem”

Believing that Americans tend to be more “litigious” than Canadians, he doesn’t expect a lawsuit to happen here

At the same time, he and Ross say schools are wellversed in dealing with the fallout from social media,

whether it be infighting among students or feelings of sadness if their post doesn’t get enough likes

In the 2000s, MSN Chat was popular and sometimes resulted in problems among students, issues that text messaging and Snapchat could be blamed for now, say Ross and Zambrano

Today, children 10 years and younger are being given phones before they are developmentally aware of the consequences of their actions

But youngsters aren’t any different than they were a generation ago, despite the

advent of technology

What’s new is that rumours can spread more easily to more people and the need for attention more quickly satiated through positive or negative online behaviour

By middle school, students are deep into using social media or connecting via Discord or Twitch

AMPLIFY TROUBLES

These messaging and livestreaming services can amplify troubles among students, without adults knowing what’s going on

“So students are still

dealing with the same social challenges that they do at this developmental stage But they’re doing it on social media platforms,” said Ross

“And so it becomes a lot more challenging for adults to gauge the impact and to get involved in intervention”

Ross and Zambrano recommend that students connect with a “trusted adult” at school if they are dealing with a challenge with one or a group of peers, before things get out of hand

A plan will be developed between the student, other kids involved, parents, teachers and the administration

But these plans need work and attention

“It’s really important for us to sort of make sure that we’re all pulling on the same rope in the same direction Things don’t get resolved immediately, often, it takes a bit of time,” Zambrano said

BOUNDARIES

The educators say students need boundaries in how they use their phones, whether taught by parents or teachers

In the last five years, there has been an enhanced focus on mental wellness, and learning how to be good digital citizens is part of that Upcoming programs this spring will deal with online safety, such as the growing dangers of sexual exploitation online, according to Carol Todd, who is the coordinator for digital literacy and citizenship for the

school district

Todd, whose own daughter was bullied and sexually harassed online, and who attended court for the conviction of her daughter’s tormentor, said she understands the “rumblings” online that social media giants should take more responsibility for youth safety

However, she notes that people often ignore privacy settings online and suggests education, awareness and talking about the issue is a positive step

“It’s making people aware of what’s out there and they have to take the time to look into it and read it and sometimes they don’t”

Acknowledging that it’s difficult to keep up with new trends in technology, Todd recommends a number of resources, including:

• Common Sense Media

• Media Smarts

• Kids in the Know

• Erase (anonymous reporting tool for students)

While it would give many people some satisfaction to see a successful suit against social media, educators the Tri-City News spoke to don’t believe it’s the solution Education, awareness and helping young people navigate this new world stand more of a chance of success

“These are very complex things,” Zambrano said

“And I think it would be very naive to blame one thing It’s maybe accelerated our concerns, but I think it’s much more complex than blaming one platform”

as young as 10 years old are now using

but they lack

of the consequences of their

Highinflationisabigfactor

Coun Diana Dilworth agreed

“Not anybody on city council is happy with an increase of 11 33 per cent”

In his presentation, Ganske said the double-digit increase is based on approval for all new funding requirements, such as additional staff positions and new operating expenses to meet ongoing service demands Without those new funding requests, the tax increase would be a more modest 9 92 per cent just to maintain current service levels

NOT MUCH ROOM

Dilworth said that doesn’t give the city much room to find efficiencies unless services or staff are cut

“There’s a lot of work there,” she said

Ganske said the city is facing several financial challenges, including in-

flationary pressures that are increasing costs for transportation, insurance, construction, contracted and professional service and software maintenance

“The consumer price index is the highest we’ve seen in 40 years,” he said, adding Port Moody’s unionized workers whose collective agreements expired in 2021 and 2022 will expect wage increases to reflect their own struggles to keep up with the higher cost of living

As well, Ganske said, local governments are being expected to take on a greater responsibilities for efforts like affordable housing, childcare, mental health services and homelessness, while also coping with costs that come from extreme weather events and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Ganske said without revenue generators like a casino, paid parking and sufficient development fees,

Port Moody is struggling to keep up with the kinds of service levels neighbouring cities such as Burnaby and Coquitlam can offer to their residents and visitors Meanwhile, more people are moving to the city, further increasing demands on services and amenities

‘A HARD YEAR’

Coun Amy Lubik, chair of the finance committee, lamented the added burden

Port Moody property owners could be facing

“This has been a hard year for everybody,” she said, adding the numbers are not yet final

The process of getting to that final number begins in earnest Feb 28, when the city will begin soliciting public comment on its engagement platform on its website There will also be a public survey

The final budget is expected to be approved by council on May 9

CALENDAR

Saturday,Feb.25

FitnessandFun

CoquitlamIncomeTaxClinics

SupportsLowIncomeResidents

Lowincomeseniorsandresidentsin

Coquitlamcanattendanin-personIncome

TaxClinicatDogwoodorGlenPine

Pavilion Appointmentsarefreeofcharge andtaxesarepreparedwithaCanada RevenueAgencytrainedvolunteerwiththe CommunityVolunteerIncomeTaxProgram (CVITP) Inordertobeeligibleforthisfree service,individualsmustbeover50years ofagewithlowincomeorreceivingany disabilitypension Incomeguidelinesare $35,000andunderforasingleindividual and$45,000andunderforacouple Only simpletaxreturnsareaccepted

Interestedresidentscancall604-927-4386 orsignupinpersonatthefrontdeskof DogwoodPavilion(1655WinslowAve) orGlenPinePavilion(1200GlenPineCrt) toscheduletheirappointment

Aquestionnairewillbecompletedatthe timeofregistrationtoconfirmeligibility.

Seniorswhoareunabletoattendan appointmentinpersonhavetheoptionto filetheir2022IncomeTaxReturnsoverthe phone Offeredinpartnershipwiththe CommunityVolunteerIncomeTaxProgram (CVITP),volunteerswillpickupall supportingdocumentsandfiletheIncome TaxReturnoverthephoneatnocostto seniors Formoreinformationaboutthis service,call604-927-6093.

February23–March1

NeighbourhoodNews ArchivesBringanInclusive ApproachtoCoquitlamHistory

Our2022ArchivesAnnualReportisnow availableanditreflectsabusyyearof preservingcommunityrecordsfrom residents,communitygroupsand businesses Weadded1,200archival descriptionstoouronlinedatabase,Quest, andhadmorethan55,000onlinevisitors fromacrosstheglobe

PartoftheArchives’vitalworkistotella completedocumentaryheritageofour communityfortodayandthefuture We encouragedonationsofrecordsthatreflect thelives,perspectivesandcontributionsof allformerresidents,includingworkingclasspeople,membersofhistorically marginalizedpopulationsandotherswho didnottraditionallyholdpositionsof power Checkoutour2022AnnualReport andlearnmoreaboutallourongoing outreacheffortsin2022here coquitlam.ca/cityarchives

LookingforaFureverHome CoquitlamDogs,TrainYour Human!

Don’tforgettoleashup!Evenifyourdog isfriendlyandwell-behaved,otherdogs andpeoplemayfinditscarytobe approachedbyanoff-leashdog Ifyou reallywantanoff-leashexperience,visit oneofCoquitlam’soff-leashdogparks Formoreinformationondogpark locations,visitcoquitlamca/offleash

LookingOutfortheEnvironment LearnHowtoSafelyCo-Exist withCoyotes

CoquitlamandPortMoodyareoffering informationsessionsforresidentstolearn howtosafelyco-existwithurbancoyotes PresentedbyStanleyParkEcologySociety, learnaboutthecoyotebreedingseasonas wellastipstohelpkeepyourfamilyand petssafe Allagesarewelcometoattend thesefreesessions

Coquitlam’sinformationsessionwilltake placeonSaturday,Feb 25from1–2pm inRoom2/3atPoirierSportandLeisure Complex(633PoirierSt) Registeronlineat coquitlamca/urbanwildlife

PortMoody’sinformationsessionwill takeplaceonFriday,March3from 7–8pm atGlenayreCommunityCentre (492GlencoeDr) Registeronlineat portmoodyca/signmeup(courseID# 00031326)orcall604-469-4556

DidYouKnow?

SpiritofCoquitlamGrant

TheSpiritofCoquitlamGrantiscontinuing thisspring,providingfundingtonot-forprofit,community-basedorganizations thatarebasedinCoquitlam,andwhoare leadingprojectsthatbenefitCoquitlam residentsandalignwiththeCity’sstrategic goals

Theapplicationprocesswillbeopen March1to31 Learnmoreat coquitlam.ca/spiritgrant

We’reHiring:CoquitlamParks&RecJobFair

JoinCitystaffonMarch4from12–4pm atGlenPinePavilion(1200GlenPineCourt) tolearnaboutjobopportunities,qualificationrequirementsandtipsandtricksfor submittingagreatapplication TheCityofCoquitlamhasbeenrecognizedasoneof BC’sTopEmployersforthesixthyearinarowfor2023 Worksomewherefunand rewarding,whereyoucandeveloplife-longcareerskills JoinCoquitlam’sParks,Recand Cultureteam

We’recurrentlyhiringforavarietyofpositions,including:

• Instructors

• Supportstaff

• Supervisors

• Lifeguards

• Fitnessstaff

• Programleads

• Eventstaff

• Andmore

FindoutmoreaboutworkingwiththeCityofCoquitlamandhowtosignupforjob alertsatcoquitlamca/careers

ShovelsinthegroundthisspringforSpaniPoolupgrade

Swimmers will be able to jump into Coquitlam’s updated Spani Pool next spring

Last Monday (Feb 13), city council unanimously OK’d the final design to renew the 50-year-old tank, which is located on the western side of Mundy Park at 655 Hillcrest St

The upgrade means Spani Pool won’t be in use this year as construction is due to start in a couple of months

Ted Uhrich, Coquitlam’s acting manager of parks and facility planning, told the TriCity News that the renewal was supposed to be done by this spring; however,

during the design planning, “consultants with expertise in pool construction

recommended a modified construction schedule to allow the pool finishes to

be completed in dry, warm weather to ensure the best final product,” he said “The new schedule will lead to a superior product and be more cost effective overall”

Uhrich declined to reveal the price tag for the expansion as the city is now out for tenders, but in 2021 the city reported the new pool would cost about $18 million That year, the provincial and federal governments kicked in $4 4 million a grant contingent on the project incorporating cultural elements of the Kwikwetlem First Nation

Lanny Englund, Coquitlam’s general manager of parks, recreation,

culture and facilities, said the city will include paving treatments at Spani to tell the Nation’s history

According to a city report, the modernized pool will be accessible and environmentally friendly and include:

• a new leisure pool with a shallow beach entry, a splash area, a lazy river and a 1 2 m deep end

• a new and separate warming pool

• the existing lap tank, which has eight 25 m swimming lanes and a dive tank, plus a new access ramp

The city has also moved the pick-up and drop-off area further south

Englund estimates the pool update will mean a doubling of drop-in participants, as well as a 50 per cent jump in the number of lessons and courses And the new pool washrooms will be available for Mundy Park users all year round, he said There will also be an 80 per cent reduction to greenhouse gases with the update Still, 32 trees will be cut around the site, though the large Douglas Firs on the eastern side of the pool will stay Uhrich said 25 of the 32 trees slated to be chopped are under 12” in diameter “many of which are in poor condition,” he said

TourismCoquitlampartnerswithWWPforcraftbeerfestival

You can sip on suds from several B C breweries at the next Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival

On March 4, the Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club will host its inaugural fest for guests to sample on current and new pours, as well as to raise money for 93 7 JR Country's Basics for Babies

Organizer Penny Hlookoff, the club's golf events manager, said the business held craft beer

gatherings for other groups before the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it’s the first time the club has organized a fest of its own

“We think it's important to be a community player and, with no other event like this in the Tri-Cities, we wanted to ensure it continued,” she said “We love the vibe of the craft beer community and being able to help showcase them while raising money for a worthwhile cause was a

win-win”

Held between 7 and 10 p m , the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival will see the following brewers:

• Yellow Dog Brewing

• Twin Sails Brewing

• Mariner Brewing

• Taylight Brewing

• Patina Brewing Co

• Tinhouse Brewing

• Monkey 9 Brewing

• Parallel 49 Brewing

• Steamworks Brewing

• Smugglers Trail

• Five Roads Brewing Co

• Backcountry Brewing

• Neighbourhood Brewing

• Workshop Hard Seltzer

And for guests not wanting to drink alcohol, Hlookoff said there will be a few non-beer options

As for food, the club’s chef will cater

Meanwhile, the club is partnering with Tourism Coquitlam for safe rides home: A free shuttle service will run between the Lafarge Lake–Douglas

SkyTrain station, next to Town Centre Park, and the clubhouse

Andre Isakov, Coquitlam’s manager of economic development, which includes Tourism Coquitlam, said the city is happy the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival is back “Toptier choices and a comfortable venue to sip a beverage will attract visitors and showcase local vibrancy, nicely balancing our city’s already jam-packed events

and entertainment calendar,” he said

In addition to the tastings, the club will launch its updated logo that night and will have limited-edition swag available

Tickets, at $75 (plus tax), include all beverage and food samples, a complimentary shuttle service and a charitable donation

For more information, you can visit the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival's EventBrite page

Spani Pool, located in Mundy Park in Coquitlam, will be under construction this year MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS

Notice of Public Hearing

The City of Port Coquitlam will be holding a Public Hearing to receive input from all persons and interested parties who wish to address Council regarding the following proposed bylaws

Date & Time: Tue, Feb 28, 2023 at 6 pm

Location: Council Chambers, City Hall - 2580 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam

Immediately following adjournment of the Public Hearing the Regular Council Meeting will reconvene and Council may give consideration to bylaws on the Public Hearing portion of the Agenda

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4300, 2023 – 3688 Hamilton Street

The Intent of Bylaw No 4300, 2023, is to amend City of Port Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No 3630, 2008 to rezone the subject property as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule “A” to Bylaw 4300 from RS1 (Residential Single Dwelling 1) to RD (Residential Duplex)

If approved, the application will allow construction of a duplex on the site Schedule “A” to Bylaw No. 4300

To view copies of the supporting documents (staff reports and bylaws) visit portcoquitlam.ca/publichearings

Submit Your Comments

In order to afford Council the opportunity to review your comments in advance of the Public Hearing please forward your submission prior to noon on the day of the Public Hearing by:

Notice of Public Input Opportunity

The City of Port Coquitlam will be holding a Public Input Opportunity to receive input from all persons and interested parties who wish to address Council regarding the following proposed development variance permit

Date & Time: Tue, Feb 28, 2023 at 6 pm

Location: Council Chambers, City Hall - 2580 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam

Immediately following adjournment of the Public Input Opportunity the Regular Council Meeting will reconvene and Council may give consideration to the development variance permit on the Public Input Opportunity portion of the Agenda

Development Variance Permit – 1260 Riverside Drive

An application has been received requesting a variance to remove three on-site visitor parking stalls which are required by the Parking and Development Management Bylaw The subject property as outlined in black on the map.

If approved, the application will facilitate the construction of two additional townhouse units

For further information on the Public Hearing process and/or privacy policy please visit portcoquitlam.ca/publichearings or email: corporateoffice@portcoquitlam.ca

Save Time. Save Money.

FullSTEAMaheadforaward-winningteacher

Physics and tech teacher being recognized for his leadership

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

A Port Coquitlam physics and technology teacher is looking forward to Feb 24 when he will be handed an award for teaching excellence by the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP)

Friday, hundreds of Edward Csuka's peers will be on hand during a professional development day to witness the honour for the Terry Fox Secondary teacher

“I was blown away,” Csuka told the Tri-City News about the letters of support from his fellow teachers and administrators who helped to nominate him

Csuka is humble when it comes to this award for teaching excellence, but his enthusiasm for science and technology is evident

“As a teacher, you don’t stop and look back at your impact”

The CAP award recognizes Csuka for his leader-

ship in organizing the Power of Ideas Exhibit, a kind of science fair on steroids that attracted more than 1,000 people in 2017

He's also taken a leadership role in supporting a new STEAM program at the school, where students take a blend of courses in science, technology, engineering technology, arts

and math

They do projects to enhance their learning, working together to understand the building blocks of the universe and how to turn that learning into practical science

INSPIRING

For Csuka, learning about the world around

him and inspiring students to expand their knowledge has been his aim since reading Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time when he was in university, studying biology

“It took complicated physics and explained it in a way that a young person like myself could understand”

Csuka has turned his own

motivation into programs that support students at Terry Fox

For example, he runs the school's robotics club, science fairs, and an innovation society, where students can use 3D printers and other tools to bring their ideas to life

But Csuka is also a big fan of life-long learning and has plans to go back to school himself he plans to do a PhD during summers to study the impact of the STEAM program at Fox

WORK TOGETHER

The program, which started with Grade 9 students and will be enrolling Grade 11 students in September, allows the students to work together on projects, combining several courses

Recently, the students raced “boats” at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre

It was fun for the students to research, design, build and race the watercraft but also a way to combine course material from all five STEAM courses, Csuka said

“I can see these kids really growing,” he added

“In a regular classroom, you get shotgunned into all these classes, but in STEAM

you get to know each other over an extended length of time”

MORE MATURITY

The result is an increased maturity level, he says, as well as growth and confidence among students

“I want to study this program to see the effects that are always happening”

Csuka is happy to accept the CAP award, but he faces one more challenge convincing judges that he should be the one Canadian teacher to go to Switzerland

He wants to visit the European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, which houses the world's largest atomic particle collider in the world

“As a physics teacher, I’ve followed the building of this thing It’s the biggest experiment humans have conducted by far This is where nature is talking to us, where new physics is happening”

Csuka has written a proposal for attending the research centre and hopes he is chosen; if not, he is happy to visit one of a number of other science facilities on offer through the CAP award

“It's a great honour,” Csuka said

Edward Csuka's STEAM classes do things like build robots and craft projects using a 3D printer MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

Public Hearing Notice

When: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 7pm

Where: Electronic meeting or by 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:

Remember! Port Moody

Utility Bills are due Tuesday, February 28

Property owners should have received a 2023 utility bill in the mail, or through MyPortMoody e-billing. Payment is due on February 28. Find six easy ways to pay your bill at portmoody.ca/utilities.

If you own property and have not received your bill, especially if you are a new property owner, please contact Financial Services at 604.469.4503 or tax@portmoody.ca.

Payments received after February 28, 2023 will be subject to a 5% penalty An additional 5% penalty will be applied to all outstanding amounts after March 31, 2023.

Application: #REZ00025

Bylaw: 3390

Applicant: Kai Feng

Location: 908 Glenacre Court

Purpose: A proposed rezoning to facilitate a subdivision to create 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 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 on March 7, 2023 by joining the electronic meeting as a participant or attending 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 March 7, 2023 by emailing clerks@portmoody.ca or faxing 604.469.4550.

Kate Zanon, General Manager of Community Development

Soundofsilencenotascostlyasfirstestimated

City could also consider whistle cessation at other crossings

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Silence from train whistles in Port Moody won’t be as golden as first estimated

A report received by council at its meeting last Tuesday (Feb 14) says it will cost the city about $179,400 to install the infrastructure needed so trains won’t have to blow their whistles when crossing Murray Street

That’s less than the $300,000 on the low end, and $2 million on the high end, that was estimated in 2017

According to the report’s author, Sandy Tolentino, a project manager In Port Moody’s engineering department, the lower cost is because the city won’t have to install as much fencing to prevent unauthorized crossings by pedestrians and cyclists as had been first estimated

She said the dense vegetation on the western side of the tracks at Murray Street is a natural deterrent

that prevents people from accessing the tracks at that point; about 400 metres of fencing would only have to be installed on the eastern approach

Tolentino suggested the city might also consider budgeting for the installation of gates at the southern end of the works yard entrance and near the pedestrian crossing behind Trasolini Field

As well, the city would have to make improvements

to the surface crossing at Murray Street, add more markings to the pavement and install additional signs But doing that work is only the beginning of the whistle cessation process

If the crossing improvements meet the requirements to stop the trains from blowing their whistles as they approach the crossing, the city will need to send a resolution to CP Rail and other relevant associations and organizations like

Transport Canada’s Rail Safety Directorate for review

If they agree enough has been done to ensure there’s no trespassing on the tracks when a train is approaching, CPR will issue special instructions to cease whistles at the crossing

But that final approval process can take a while In New Westminster, residents along that city’s waterfront lobbied for almost two decades to get trains to stop blowing their whistles when

crossing Quayside Drive as well as the foot of Begbie and Fourth streets More than a year after gated crossings where installed at all three locations, they now have peace Residents in the city’s Sapperton neighbourhood are now advocating for similar consideration

In 2021, residents in Port Moody’s Klahanie neighbourhood presented council with a petition signed by about 100 residents complaining about the noise from passing trains and calling for the installation of a gated crossing on Murray Street

Residents said the noise from passing trains can be “so incredible, you can’t even hear what is going on in your apartment”

They said at the time there were about 20 trains crossing Murray Street day and night But Tolentino said the actual frequency is currently two trains a day, which means the crossing doesn’t require gates

Jim Atkinson, a resident in the Klahanie neighbourhood who worked in the rail industry for 35 years and who’s served on the city’s CPR advisory panel, said many of his neighbours are likely hearing whistles from trains on the railway’s main

line

In fact, he told council, for the past few years, conductors have been stationing themselves at the Murray Street crossing to ensure all foot and car traffic is heeding the lights and bells signalling an approaching train so engineers haven’t had to use their whistles at all Tolentino said if the frequency of crossings at Murray Street increases significantly, it will be the railway’s responsibility to upgrade the system to alert cars and pedestrians of an oncoming train

In addition to Murray Street, there are nine other vehicle and pedestrian crossings on the CPR spur line that runs up to Ioco To begin the process of stopping whistles at all of them would require a whistle cessation assessment at each, estimated to cost almost $150,000

At the very least, suggested Tolentino, the city may want to consider initiating the whistle cessation process for the pedestrian crossing behind Trasolini Field, as whistles there can also be heard in nearby developments

A study for that crossing alone will cost another $10,000

While a 2021 petition said about 20 trains crossed Murray Street a day, a resident of the nearby Klahanie neighbourhood said it's more like two. TRI-CITY NEWS FILE PHOTO

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Should

Defectionraisesspectreofsplitcentre-rightvote

It has been decades since a provincial Conservative party in this province carried any heft on the political scene, so the defection of former BC Liberal MLA John Rustad to the Conservative Party of BC will likely have little short-term impact

However, Rustad’s decision has given his new party a shot in the arm that could translate into making trouble for his old party come the next provincial election.

The BC Conservatives last elected an MLA almost 50 years ago, back in a 1978 byelection.

It was thought to have a fighting chance of winning at least one seat in the 2013 election, when the BC Liberals under then-leader Christy Clark appeared to be in trouble

But the election gave Clark an impressive majority win, while the BC Conservatives received a mere 4.75 per cent of the vote Only a dozen of its 56 candidates even exceeded 10 per cent of the popular vote in their riding

So, there is no reason to believe that Rustad’s move will breathe serious life into a party that has been going nowhere

fast for almost 100 years (he had been sitting as an Independent after being expelled from the BC Liberal caucus for disagreeing with the party’s climate change policies).

However, there is a big “but” attached to this analysis

While it is highly unlikely the BC Conservatives will do well on a province-wide basis, the party has a chance of playing a critical role in the outcome of elections in several key ridings

In other words, the party can cause a “split” of the centre-right voter base that, if significant

enough, could cause some normally “safe” BC Liberal ridings (as well as ridings the party narrowly wins) to slide to the BC NDP side

If one assumes a vote for a BC Conservative candidate is, for the most part, a vote that would have otherwise gone to the BC Liberals, some interesting scenarios may arise

BC Conservative candidates may not only make it easier for the BC NDP to hang on to those four ridings, but they could also play a prominent role in the outcome of a handful of

ridings where the BC Liberals have won by narrow margins in recent elections: Fraser–Nicola, Kamloops–North Thompson and Surrey–White Rock

The BC Liberals are still in rebuilding mode and are about to change their name to BC United. Things are already complicated enough for them

Rustad’s move may be the last thing that party needs as it tries to become competitive again in the crucial regions of suburban Metro Vancouver

Keith Baldrey is the chief political reporter for Global BC

It’stimetoregulategamblingadsontelevision

The Editor: I write this to express my profound disappointment at the proliferation of advertised opportunities to gamble on sports specifically, for example, the ads that are aimed at NHL fans on TV networks in Canada

It is common to view several short ads per hour for different online gambling sites

Younger audiences are targeted by past and current NHL stars with iconic, legendary status in Canada, to participate

Government gambling sites with enticing slogans, such as the BCLC, have frequent ads during televised hockey games, and like

private, corporate gambling sites use well-known sports personalities to promote lot-

tery ticket purchases

They advise “know your limit, play within it”

But this trite admonition ignores the true, harmful effects of gambling

With the advent of online gambling, it is now easier than ever to gamble

Of course, there are programs offered by government to attempt to remediate problem gambling just as there are programs to address alcohol and drug misuse, as well as addiction to smoking

It should be pointed out that gambling, use of alcohol, as well as smoking tobacco products, are all legal; however, advertising and promotion of gambling is the only activity of the aforementioned that is permitted in law

Given that the negative effects of gambling are real and measurable, it does

seem time for the provincial government to regulate advertising and promoting of an activity proven to be harmful Further, the government is clearly in the gambling business to reap ever greater revenues I venture to state that now is the time for BC’s government to regulate the advertising of the gambling industry, just as advertising of other potentially harmful activities such as alcohol, tobacco is regulated

The blitz of gambling ads that my 23-year-old son and friends are subjected to as never before is very concerning

Steve Vandervelden Port Coquitlam

Ads for online gaming during broadcasts of NHL games ignore the harmful effects of gambling, says a Port Coquitlam father

UBC Faculty of Dentistry

UBC Dentistry is screening patients 12 years of age and older who require

Braces

(Full orthodontic treatment cost: $4,200)

For information, visit www.dentistry.ubc.ca/gradortho Graduate Orthodontics Program

ogram

Toarrangeascreeningappointment:

604-827-4991(12years&older)

604-827-0706(7to10yearsold)

oremailgradorthoclinic@dentistryubcca

Powerfuldrugseizedinraids

Charges could be laid against up to 13 suspects

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

A powerful painkiller that’s 100 times more potent than fentanyl has been

found in a recent drug-trafficking seizure lead by Coquitlam RCMP

W-18 was developed in the 1980s but has no marketable use, said Coquitlam RCMP, and it’s uncommon to be found in the Lower Mainland

Roughly 18 g of the suspected W-18 was taken out of the hands of dealers

2023 Volunteer Recognition Awards

among a total street value of $3 million from the 18month investigation

Insp Todd Balaban said his team is pleased to make this kind of seizure as W-18, if dealt and used, could’ve quickly claimed more lives

“We’re really focused on people that are importing and dropping the drugs, especially drugs that are very toxic and dangerous to us,” he added during a news conference last Thursday (Feb 16)

The Coquitlam RCMPled initiative was known as “ENEVERMIND”

It was led by the detachment’s drugs and organized crime unit and targeted known dealers in the TriCities, beginning as far back as summer 2021

As a result, there are 13 accused suspects that could potentially face charges:

Five were arrested over the course of the investigation They’re between the ages of 20 and 46, and RCMP are recommending charges against eight others All involved have been released pending approval of charges from the BC Prosecution Service Balaban said some of the people involved were a known group that focuses on drug trafficking across the Tri-Cities, Burnaby and Pitt Meadows

The arrests followed seven search warrants that were executed on Jan 25 this year at four locations in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Maple Ridge

“The takeaway from this is we’ve taken a significant amount of illicit and toxic drugs off the streets, which will reduce harm for people,” Balaban said

February 17 - March 12

There’sanewdoginthehallsatCentennial

Golden retriever trained by Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

The hallways of Centennial Secondary in Coquitlam are a happier place because there’s a new top dog on campus

Benji, a two-year-old golden retriever, is now walking the hallways with principal Anthony Ciolfitto, who brings the silky haired canine to school every day

“He’s got a lot of puppy energy,” admits Ciolfitto, who recently obtained Benji through the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)

Benji is an accredited facility dog trained by PADS to provide emotional support to students at Centennial

Ciolfitto chose him after a walk-through with a PADS trainer; the veteran administrator knew Benji would be a good fit

“There’s something about when you’re compatible with a dog There’s this chemistry You feel it happen fairly quickly”

After a week of training with Ciolfitto who brings the lovable dog home to his family each night Benji was ready to become a fixture at the high school, which enrols about 1,400 students

The dog knows how to be calm around students and has a bed in Ciolfitto’s office where he hangs out when he’s not walking the halls or greeting students at the door

So far Benji has been a big hit among students

“They all want to pet him,” said Ciolfitto “That gives me a great start with the students If there’s any part of the day they need to decompress, the dog is there”

PADS dogs have been

in School District 43 (SD43) schools for nearly a decade Wearing their distinctive blue vests, the dogs are working dogs and provide a calm influence in a busy school

But for Ciolfitto, Benji

is providing some special emotional support

That’s because Ciolfitto had to retire his long-time service dog and companion, Liege, last March

Ciolfitto said Liege started with him at Riverside Secondary School He was a black lab who became a beloved pet

But at over nine years, Liege had to give up his job as a service dog

“When a PADS dog retires, they basically become your family pet but you can’t bring them into schools”

A service dog’s retirement can be traumatic for a school and their handler

Liege eventually passed away and Ciolfitto said the dog left a void in his life, especially at the office, where his bed lay empty

And Centennial students missed Liege, too, he said Ciolfitto hoped to get a new dog and applied but it took a few months to find the right dog that would fit into a high school setting

Now with Benji on the job, Ciolfitto is back walking the hallways with a dog at his side

“It’s amazing how much we’ve bonded together,” said Ciolfitto “I can’t leave the house without him following me”

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

Centennial Secondary School principal Anthony Ciolfitto takes Benji, a specially trained golden retriever, for a stroll through the halls. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

Coyoteseminarswillhelpeducateresidents

Animals getting more active as spring approaches

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

Coyotes are active in urban communities as their spring mating season ap-

proaches

A Metro Vancovuer ecology group thinks maybe it’s time residents learn about them

The Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) will be teaching local residents about how to co-exist with wildlife as part of efforts to minimize conflicts, and to protect children and pets from active

coyotes

In a statement, Nadia Xenakis, SPES spokesperson, said it’s important to preserve the safety of both the community and surrounding environment

While SPES has yet to report anything official for 2023, its data showed nearly 40 coyote sightings across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam

and Port Moody last year

A handful of the incidents included pet attacks or defensive encounters

However, witnesses have told the Tri-City News coyotes have been seen across the Tri-Cities, in places like Riverview Park Elementary and Mundy Park in Coquitlam, as well as Citadel Heights in PoCo

AdoptaTrailthisYear

Doyoulovehiking?DoesaCoquitlamtrailholda specialplaceinyourheart?Makeita2023goalto adoptatrail.

TheAdopt-a-TrailProgramoffersvolunteer opportunitiesforyoutocontributetothebeauty ofourlocaltrailsystem,makingadifferencefor thecommunity

Formoreinformationandtoapplytoadoptatrail, visitcoquitlam.ca/adoptatrail.

There’sStillTimetoJointheLightBrigade

We’relookingforvolunteerstojoinusandhelpustakedowntheLightsatLafargewinterlight display Thisvolunteeropportunityisavailabletopeopleofallagesandabilities

Forinfoaboutthisopportunityortofindouthow togetinvolvedwithParkSparkthroughouttheyear, emailparkspark@coquitlam.ca.

VolunteerwithParkSpark

Havefunandgainmeaningfulexperienceswhile enhancingCoquitlam’sparks.Opportunitiesinclude ongoingparkcareactivities,drop-involunteeractivities, groupparkprojects,parkamenityadditionsandmore.

InterestedinbecomingaParkSparkvolunteer?

Emailparkspark@coquitlam.ca

Back in December, a coyote snatched a small unleashed dog in Port Moody’s College Park area leaving the owner devastated and distressed

City officials are reminding residents to always leash dogs when walking out in the neighbourhood, in a local forested area or along a walking trail

Homeowners should also lock up all garbage carts to deter coyotes from finding unnatural food attractants

If you do run into a coyote, experts have suggested using assertive tones, raising your hands above your head to look larger or opening an umbrella to scare them away

Xenakis and SPES have been called upon by the cities of Coquitlam and Port Moody to share with local residents the dos and don’ts of living with urban coyotes

The presentations will include details about coyotes,

Coyotes have been spotted across the Tri-Cities.

JOHN THOMAS/UNSPLASH

their common misconceptions and their breeding season, as well as tips on how to keep your family safe

The one-hour sessions, which are free for all ages to attend, are scheduled as follows:

COQUITLAM

• Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St ), room 2/3, Feb 25, 1 to 2 p m

PORT MOODY

• Glenayre Community Centre (492 Glencoe Dr ), March 3, 7 to 8 p m

City of Coquitlam CouncilMeetings

Public Hearing / Regular Council**

*The first item to be considered in the public portion of this meeting is a resolution requiring adoption prior to the Council Meeting being closed to the public.

**A Regular Council Meeting will convene immediately following adjournment of the Public Hearing.

Pro-DDayFridayinSD43,Heritagecelebrations

Friday, Feb. 24

GRANDPA IS WHAT?

Axis Theatre mounts a family-friendly show called The Troll Grandfather in the Studio Theatre at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) The play starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10.

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre.ca

EXPRESS NIGHT

Pull on your Coquitlam Express jersey to support the hockey team as it faces the Langley Rivermen on home ice. The game at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) starts at 7 p.m. And, on Sunday, the players battle the Nanaimo Clippers at the rink at 3 p.m.

MORE: coquitlamexpress.ca

Saturday, Feb. 25

SHOP AT MARKET

Support the charity Low Entropy at its inaugural TriCities Community Market, happening from 10 a m to 4 p m at Terry Fox Secondary School (1260 Riverwood Gate, Port Coquitlam) More than 80 vendors will be on site Donations will be accepted for the group’s food bank Entry is free

MORE: https:// fb me/e/21Evm3LLO

SPLASH!

Cheer on the Port Moody Police, as well as emergency personnel and business leaders, as they take a chilly dip in the Port Moody Inlet to support the Special Olympics The Polar Plunge at the pier at Rocky Point Park (2800-block of Murray Street) is at noon

MORE: 604-461-3456

KOOKY KRAFT

Drop by the City Centre branch of the Coquitlam Public Library (1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) between 1 and 4 p m to make a mini magnet for your fridge No registration is required The session is open to families

MORE: coqlibrary.ca

LIVE WITH COYOTES

Nadia Xenakis, the urban wildlife programs coordinator of the Stanley Park Ecology Society, will be in Coquitlam to talk about how to safely co-exist with urban coyotes All ages are welcome to the one-hour seminar, starting at 1 p m in Room 2/3 at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam); however, registration is required.

MORE: coquitlam.ca/urbanwildlife

YOUR MOVE

Play chess against an opponent in the Nancy Bennett Room at the Poirier branch of the Coquitlam

Public Library (575 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

MORE: coqlibrary.ca

BLACK HISTORY

Pull up a seat to hear the Inua Collective Society at a Black History Month Jam, taking place from 5 to 8 p m at the Outpost (3001 St Johns St , Port Moody)

MORE: eventbrite.ca

PARTY@PDA

Learn how to make cards or artwork with alcohol inks and pressed flowers while listening to a live string ensemble The pARTy@PDA at 7 p m at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave , Coquitlam) is open to adults only

MORE: placedesarts.ca

SHAPE OF MEMORY

Coquitlam Heritage opens its latest exhibit, The Shape of Our Memories, at 7 p m at Mackin House Museum (1116 Brunette Ave , Coquitlam) The opening reception includes refreshments and is open to guests ages 19 and up

MORE: coquitlamheritage.ca

HEARD ON TV

Musicians with the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble play some theme songs and catchy tunes as heard on the television The concert at the Evergreen Cultural

Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) starts at 7:30 p m

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre.ca

LATIN BEATS

Slip on some dancing shoes for Salsa night at the Port Moody Legion (2529 Clarke St , Port Moody) A beginners lesson with the Hot Salsa Dance Zone instructors is at 8 p m while the dance floor opens from 9 p m to midnight Admission is $15

MORE: hotsalsadancezone.com/events

IMPROV COMEDY

Comedians Allie Entwistle, Devin Mackenzie, Ronald Dario, Alyssa Hirose, Kerri Donaldson, Maarten Bayliss and Tom Hill are in the rehearsal hall of the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) for Treat Show The improv begins at 8:30 p m Tickets are $20/$16

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre ca

Sunday, Feb 26

MARKET, MARKET

Load up on fresh fare and handmade goods at the weekly Port Moody Winter Farmers Market, on 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

HERITAGE DAY

Staff at the Port Moody Station Museum (2734 Murray St , Port Moody, next to Rocky Point Park) host a Heritage Day event that celebrates the city’s history.

MORE: 604-939-1648

AUTHOR SIGNING

Daphne Leonie Wright, a nurse and writer of On Love and Death and Belonging, will read from her debut book and sign copies at the City Centre branch of the Coquitlam Public Library (1169 Pinetree Way) at 1 p m Her publication explores the complexity of MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying).

MORE: daphneleoniewright.com

FOLK FOLKS

Diyet and the Love Soldiers play at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) at 7:30 p m , featuring alternative country, folk, roots and traditional songs rooted in Diyet’s Indigenous life She sings in English and Souther Tutchone, her native language Tickets are $35/$32/$16

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre ca

Diyet and the Love Soldiers play at the Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam on Sunday, Feb. 26. ALISTAIR MAITLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

PoCofederalboundariestoremainthesame

Split would have created a ‘Frankenstein’ riding

KYLE BALZER

kbalzer@tricitynews.com

A proposal that could’ve split Port Coquitlam at the polls for the next federal

election has been squashed

On Feb 8, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for BC submitted its potential constituency realignment to the House of Commons, which is now set for debate and possible objections

The commission’s report will be reviewed by the standing committee on

procedure and house affairs between now and May

In its previous proposal, the City of Port Coquitlam would have been cut in half with the southern side joining Maple Ridge and Fort Langley, while the western portion remained in its current riding with Coquitlam

The original reasoning was to accommodate

a growing east Metro Vancouver population

However, according to the commission’s decisions, the reconfiguration was heavily opposed by local residents and politicians

“This design did not find favour on either side of the Fraser River or Pitt River,” the decision report said

“After re-examining the

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alternatives, the commission proposes to extensively reconfigure the electoral districts from the Pitt River to Annacis Island and eliminate the proposed crossings of the Fraser River and the Pitt River in this area of the region”

The news has since received relieving responses, including from Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam

MP Ron McKinnon and Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West

“The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for BC has withdrawn their proposal to create a ‘Frankenstein’ riding that would have joined Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and Fort Langley,” said McKinnon, who described the possible switch as a political nightmare at a public hearing last September

“I am very happy to see the commission has listened to the concerns of the TriCities”

If the original proposal had gone through, Port Coquitlam residents living south of Lougheed including the downtown and the Mary Hill and Citadel Heights neighbourhoods would’ve fallen in the Pitt Meadows–Fort Langley electoral district

Currently, Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam is made up of the following:

• City of Port Coquitlam

• East of Indian Arm and the Indian River

• Pitt Lake Indian Reserve No 4

• Coquitlam, north of Highway 7A (Barnet and Lougheed)

• Coquitlam Indian Reserve No 2

For now, though Coquitlam Port Coquitlam’s federal borders will remain as is

But there is one minor realignment the commission

see FINAL, page 21

Council Meeting

When: Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Where: This meeting will be held electronically and live streamed at portmoody.ca/watchlive, with in-person attendance available in Council Chambers at City Hall (100 Newport Drive).

Time: Regular Council Meeting 7pm

Find an agenda package at portmoody.ca/councilcalendar.

View a video recording (available by 3pm on March 1, 2023) at portmoody.ca/councilcalendar.

Learn how you can provide input during an electronic meeting at portmoody.ca/councilmeetings.

Council procedures are subject to change due to COVID-19. For the latest information, please check portmoody.ca/COVID19.

604 526 2248 parcliving ca/mulberry

Finaldecisionexpectedinfall

has submitted for consideration

Westwood Plateau residents could be joining Port Moody–Coquitlam as a way to balance the population between the two local ridings, if the realignment proposal is approved

The BC Electoral Boundaries Commission is also looking to do the same in adding that Coquitlam neighbourhood and renaming the district to Port Moody–Westwood Plateau

The provincial commission is starting a final round of public consultations before issuing its final report by April 3, 2023

If ultimately approved, the changes would be made ahead of the 2024 B C election

The same goes for an area in southwest Coquitlam that may make federal and provincial switches in the next few years

Maillardville is now being proposed to join its neighbours to the west in New Westminster–Burnaby, according to the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for BC’s submitted proposal

The commission believes by adding lands in Coquitlam, as far north and east as Austin Avenue and Schoolhouse Street, this would also help in balancing the population in the region for future polls

Tax Tips at Coquitlam Public Library

Coquitlam Public Library is offering online programs to help you tackle your taxes

INCOME TAX 101

Wednesday, March 1 | 6:00–7:00 | on Zoom

Learn the basics about taxes for individuals and small businesses. Avoid common mistakes and take advantage of available deductions.

Register: coquitlam.libnet.info/event/7538858

TAX TIPS FOR STUDENTS

Thursday, March 9 | 7:00–8:00 | on Zoom

The riding’s new name would be New Westminster–Burnaby–Maillardville

The BC Electoral Boundaries Commission is also making the same proposal under its realignment suggestion

A decision on the proposed federal representation order could be made as early as this fall

That would be roughly two years before the next federal election tentatively set for 2025

How confident do you feel about the tax filing process? Have you maximized your tax return? Do you know how to get your Tuition Tax Credit? Join us to get the answers from the Royal Bank of Canada Newcomer Specialist Team.

Register: coquitlam libnet info/event/7537888 coqlibrary ca | 604-554-7323

A proposed realignment of federal electoral boundaries could have put the southern side of Port Coquitlam into a riding that stretches to Langley

City of Coquitlam NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DISPOSE OF LAND OR IMPROVEMENTS

TAKE NOTICE THAT pursuant to Section 26(3) and 94 of the Community Charter the City of Coquitlam (the “City”) hereby gives notice of the intention to sell the following City lands to Polygon Coronation Heights Ltd. (BC0973407):

Civic Address: 2545 Palmer Avenue

Total Size: 21,045 square feet

Sale Price: $9,785,925.00

Legal Descriptions:

Parcel “B” (Bylaw Plan 53584) Except: Part Dedicated on Plan 71911; District Lot 238 Group 1 New Westminster District Plan 2270, PID 004-261-551 and Parcel “D” (Bylaw Plan 53584) District Lot 238 Group 1 New Westminster District Plan 1147, PID 004-261-658

The City Lands are not being made available to the public for acquisition, and the property transaction is associated with the City of Coquitlam Zoning Amendment Bylaw No 5280, 2023, to rezone the above-mentioned site from P-1 Civic Institutional to CD-38 Comprehensive Development Zone – 38 (High rise). For further information, please contact Mr Greg Hamilton, Manager Real Estate 604-927-6958

THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS FOR THE PURPOSES OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE ONLY, NOT SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER

Coquitlam.ca/ publicnotices

StudentsseekPrideevent

Dr Charles Best Secondary has a classroom that is so colourful, the sun makes rainbows when it shines through the windows

And that’s the idea as members of the school’s Gay–Straight Alliance (GSA) meet weekly in the space decorated with Pride flags to discuss LGBTQ2S+ issues at the Coquitlam school

Now, however, the students want to take their mes-

sage of love and support for the queer community to city hall in hopes the municipality will fly the Pride flag and host an event to mark Pride month in June Students have written

letters to councillors and plan to make a presentation at council on Feb 27 to gain support for these initiatives

Teacher Megan Leslie, who sponsors the club, said students have done a lot of research and talked to other groups and wonder why some cities will fly the flag, and others don’t

For example, Port Coquitlam and New Westminster follow suit and host Pride events, but Coquitlam doesn’t

“The students need somewhere local to celebrate Pride,” said Leslie Grade 10 Best student Arjun Khera agreed, noting others shouldn’t have to travel outside of their community to attend a Pride event

“They shouldn’t have to go there alone,” he said

The students also believe that flying the Pride flag and hosting a Pride event would

show the community that Coquitlam council supports LGBTQ2S+ people, especially young people

“There’s so much hateful rhetoric out there and attacks by protesters

A statement by city council would tell the community that these comments are not acceptable,” said Samara Szylowski, a Grade 11 student

Students told the Tri-City News they see a festival as a place to go to be with others who share share a common bond and solidarity with LGBTQ2S+ people

“A Pride event creates a sense of community and a feeling of support, especially for youth who are struggling with their identify,” said Megan Murphy, a Grade 12 student

“It gives this big show that [the city] will support them, no matter who they are”

While the students don’t have financial means to put on a big Pride event them-

selves, they said they have lots of experience organizing Pride events for their school

They would like to be part of a planning group to organize a Pride event in the community

“I would be happy to volunteer,” said Szylowski

If such an event were held, other groups might be inspired to hold their own festival to raise awareness, suggested Nixyte Tsai, a Grade 10 student

“It could pave the way for other marginalized groups,” Tsai said

Students offered experience with doing “back stage work” and other organizing talents to get a festival underway

All they need is the willingness of Coquitlam council to support their cause

While Coquitlam does have a policy that limits proclamations and flying flags, it is working on a plan to promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Bear Aware Information Session

PoCoartschampiondies

A longtime Port Coquitlam resident best known for her volunteer work in the city’s arts and culture community died last Saturday (Feb 18)

Thelka Wright was 80 With her husband, Michael, and other library friends, she was instrumental in having the city build its own library

A former board member of the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and the Port Coquitlam Theatre Society, Wright also taught cooking and won accolades for her flower arranging and cake decorating She was also dedicated to the evolution of Leigh Square in PoCo However, it was her

devotion to the CDMF Performing Arts Festival Society where she made her mark

“I think that’s her biggest legacy in Port Coquitlam the time that she spent being president and running the music festival all those years,” Michael Wright said In 2002, Thelka Wright was recognized for her efforts with a Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal In 2013, the city presented her with the Arts, Heritage and Cultural Awareness award and, two years later, she was named PoCo’s Lifetime Volunteer

“Thelka leaves a wonderful and lasting legacy in Port Coquitlam,” Mayor Brad

West said “In particular, her contribution to the arts and culture of our community continues to have such a positive impact She had a vision and was steadfast in her commitment to see it come to life”

Thelka Wright is survived her husband, two children, Samantha and Ashley, and a granddaughter, Zoe A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 23 in the Mabbett Room at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.) from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Crossroads Hospice Society or Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.

City of Coquitlam NOTICE OF PARCEL TAX ROLL AUTHENTICATION

In accordance with Part 7 Division 4 of the Community Charter, the City of Coquitlam is undertaking an annual authentication of the Parcel Tax Roll. Parcel taxes are often used instead of, or in conjunction with, user fees to recover the costs of providing local government services. A parcel tax can only be applied to properties that may receive a particular service.

The Parcel Tax Roll will be available for inspection at City Hall, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 7N2 from Thursday, February 23, 2023 to Friday, March 17, 2023 during regular office hours (8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday).

During this authentication process, a person may request amendments to the Parcel Tax Roll. A person who owns a parcel included on the Parcel Tax Roll may request that the roll be amended, but only in relation to the person ’ s own property, for one or more of the following reasons: an exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed; there is an error or omission respecting: a name or address on the Parcel Tax Roll, the inclusion of a parcel, the taxable area or the taxable frontage of a parcel.

The City of Coquitlam will receive written complaints up to Friday, March 17, 2023 Written submissions may be provided in one of the following ways:

• Email: clerks@coquitlam.ca;

• Fax: 604-927-3015;

• Mail: City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 7N2;

• In person at the City Clerk’s Office (second floor), City Hall, 3000 Guildford Way during the hours of 8:00 a m to 5:00 p m from Thursday, February 23, 2023 to Friday, March 17, 2023

Amendment requests that cannot be accommodated by City staff will be heard by the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel. A meeting of the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel to consider complaints against the Parcel Tax Roll is scheduled to be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 7N2

For further information on the Parcel Tax Roll Authentication Process please call 604-927-3050.

Onepersonarrestedafterhousesburn

Nobody was hurt, but one dog was treated for injuries

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

One person has been arrested following an arson that impacted four homes in Coquitlam’s River Springs neighbourhood last Thursday (Feb 16)

No one was injured and residents of at least two homes have been displaced after 30 firefighters extinguished the blaze, which is under RCMP investigation

A family dog inside one of the homes was rescued and taken to animal hospital to be treated for minor injuries

Mounties believe the suspect and victims were known to each other

First responders were called to two houses set ablaze around 11:20 p m near the intersection of Keith

Place and Parkland Drive

All occupants were outside when Coquitlam Fire and Rescue arrived

TOTAL LOSS

Deputy chief Scott Young said both homes were a total loss, while flames also spread to two other nearby

residences causing exterior damage

Crews were able to contain and extinguish the fire before it reached other residences in the area all in a span of roughly an hour and personnel stayed on site until 6 a m on Feb 17

Mounties were able to

Council Meeting

Date & Time:

Tues., February 28th - 6 pm

Location: Council Chambers, City Hall2580 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam

Live Stream is available at 7 pm the day of the meeting at portcoquitlam.ca/councilmeetings

find the suspect shortly after The estimated damage cost of the fire is not yet known

Anyone with more information on the incident is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 20234413

Get an agenda package at City Hall or online at portcoquitlam ca/council

portcoquitlam.ca/council

•

•

Coquitlam firefighters battle a blaze that destroyed two houses last Thursday in the River Springs neighbourhood. SHANE MACKICHAN PHOTO

City of Coquitlam NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City is continuing to facilitate electronic participation for all meetings. Those wishing to listen and/or participate remotely at the Public Hearing can visit www.coquitlam.ca/publichearing or call 604-927-3010 for details and instructions.

If you do not wish to provide input, but would like to view the proceedings, watch online: www.coquitlam.ca/webcasts

Notice is hereby given that the City of Coquitlam will be holding a Public Hearing to receive representations from all persons who deem it in their interest to address Council regarding the following proposed bylaws. This hearing will be held on:

Date: Monday, February 27, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7N2

Immediately following the adjournment of the Public Hearing, Council will convene a Regular Council Meeting during which it will give consideration to the items on the Public Hearing agenda.

Item 1 Addresses: 3594, 3596, and 3598 Sheffield Avenue Item 3

The intent of Bylaw No 5297, 2023 is to amend City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No 3000, 1996 to rezone the subject properties as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule ‘A’ to Bylaw No 5297, 2023 from A-3 Agricultural and Resource to RS-8 Large Village Single Family Residential.

If approved, the application would facilitate the creation of seven onefamily residential lots for future development

SHAYSTREET

Addresses: 135 Balmoral Drive, 2506, 2508, 2512, 2518, 2524, 2530, 2538, 2540, 2544, 2545, and 2548 Palmer Avenue

Item 2

The intent of Bylaw No. 5289, 2023 is to amend City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No 3000, 1996 to rezone the subject properties as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule ‘A’ to Bylaw No 5289, 2023 from RS-1 One-Family Residential to RM-3 Multi-Storey Medium Density Apartment Residential.

If approved, the application would facilitate the development of 120 apartment units (30 studios, 51 one-bedrooms, 27 twobedrooms, and 12 threebedrooms) in two buildings over a shared parkade.

MITCHELLSTREET

. SCHEDULE 'A' TO BYLAW 5297, 2023

SHEFFIELDAVENUE 5 0 M

Addresses: 634, 636, 640, 642, and 644 Tyndall Street

RS-8

The intent of Bylaw No 5280, 2023 is to amend City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No 3000, 1996 to rezone the subject properties as outlined in black on the reference map from RS-1 One-Family Residential, RT-1 Infill Residential, and P-1 Civic Institutional to CD-38 Comprehensive Development Zone – 38.

If approved, the application would facilitate the creation of a master planned, high density residential mixed use development, consisting of nine towers (with a total of approximately 2,835 market and rental units), local serving retail, child care, and a public park

How do I find out more information?

For copies of supporting staff reports and the bylaws, please visit www.coquitlam.ca/publichearing

For additional information and any relevant background documentation, contact the Planning and Development Department by email at planninganddevelopment@coquitlam.ca or by phone at 604-927-3430. You may also visit the Planning and Development Department in person at 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Please note: while City Hall is open to the public, and physical distancing measures are in place, the City continues to encourage the use of remote means to obtain more information on these applications.

3598 3596 3594 Appica onNo:PROJ 21-038 2 5 0 8 2 5 4 8 2 5 4 5 2 0 6 2 5 1 2 2 5 1 8 2 5 2 4 2 5 3 0 2 5 3 8 2 4 0 2 4 4 1 3 5 F A L C O N D R V E RAVEN COUR GUILDFORD DRIVE RUNNELDRIVE PALMERAVENUE B A L M O R A L D R V E BARNETHIGHWAY 1158 2550 2560 115 2 5 4 2 5 5 7 2 5 8 2 5 5 8 2534 2561 2551 2 5 5 0 1 1 4 5 2 5 5 1 2 553 2 5 5 1154 2 5 6 1 2555 1 0 9 0 2 5 5 2 2 5 4 2 5 5 5 1 0 8 9 1 1 3 8 1155 2573 2 5 5 6 2 5 5 7 2 5 5 9 5 5 9 2 5 6 0 2565 2574 2561 2 5 5 3 1 1 2 5 2544 2565 1153 1151 2 5 5 2 5 6 2 5 6 0 2575 2590 1 1 4 0 2575 1156 2 5 6 1 1 1 5 1 1 5 0 PROJ 21-038 CLRKS LOC FE Map Da e: 2022-10-28 NOTTO SCALE C I T Y O F P O R T M O O D Y Subject Properties (135 Balmoral Drive & 2506 - 2548 Palmer Avenue) 8 2 1 8 1 507 6 2 4 4 6 4 646 2 8 6 3 653 6 2 5 8 3 4 0 513 644 6 8 6 3 2 501 504 509 6 3 2 6 4 6 3 6 2 1 8 2 8 2 7 6 3 5 503 505 6 2 6 2 6 3 6 1 7 6 9 6 3 7 6 2 2 642 4 0 8 2 5 3 1 6 2 4 6 2 9 6 3 6 6 3 4 6 1 3 4 6 3 8 1 6 9 8 3 500 6 3 3 6 3 0 4 3 652 6 3 9 8 647 6 6 651 655 8 1 2 3 6 2 6 7 6 3 5 511 648 6 2 657 21-088 SCHEDULE A RZ 2 . SCHEDULE 'A' TO BYLAW 5289, 2023 RM-3 TYNDALL STREET JEFFERSONAVENUE CLAREM ONT STREET NORTH ROAD

Date: Monday, February 27, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 7N2

Notice of Public Hearing continued from previous page

The City is continuing to facilitate electronic participation for all meetings. Those wishing to listen and/or participate remotely at the Public Hearing can visit www.coquitlam.ca/publichearing or call 604-927-3010 for details and instructions. If you do not wish to provide input, but would like to view the proceedings, watch online: www.coquitlam.ca/webcasts

How do I provide input?

Prior to the Public Hearing written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office in one of the following ways:

• Email: clerks@coquitlam.ca;

• Fax: to the City Clerk’s Office at 604-927-3015; or

• In person: Attn: City Clerk’s Office, City Hall at 3000 Guildford Way:

• To the City Clerk’s Office front desk, which is located on the second floor of City Hall; or

• Place in either one of two City Hall drop boxes located at the underground parking entrance or by the main entrance facing Burlington Drive.

To afford Council an opportunity to review your submission, please ensure that you forward it to the City Clerk’s Office prior to noon on the day of the hearing Please note that the drop boxes will be emptied shortly after 12:00 p.m. and not checked again prior to the hearing

Written submissions provided in response to this consultation, including names and addresses, will become part of the public record which includes the submissions being made available for public inspection at Coquitlam City Hall and on our website at www.coquitlam.ca/agendas. If you require more information regarding this process, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 604-927-3010.

Instructions for how to participate remotely are available at www.coquitlam.ca/publichearing

If you want to provide a verbal submission, please register as far in advance of the meeting as possible. Registration for remote participants can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/publichearing If you wish to participate via telephone, please call 604- 927-3010 to register Please note, you may also register to attend the meeting remotely without signing up to speak to an item. The City Clerk’s Office will compile a speakers list for each item. Everyone will be permitted to speak at the Public Hearing but those who have registered in advance will be given first opportunity.

Please also be advised that video recordings of Public Hearings are streamed live and archived on the City’s website at www.coquitlam.ca/webcasts

Please note that Council may not receive further submissions from the public or interested parties concerning any of the bylaws described within this advertisement after the conclusion of the Public Hearing

Katie Karn

City Clerk

coquitlam.ca/publichearing

This notice describes a revision to the proposal that was advertised between November 14 to December 2, 2022. Specifically, the proposal has been revised to reduce the number of below-market rental units from 23 to five, and to add six fully-accessible market rental units. The proposed revisions comply with the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw

The City has received an application to amend the Citywide Official Community Plan relating to the properties located at 820 and 826 Dogwood Street and 615, 617 and 633 Lea Avenue. The application proposes an amendment to the land use designation of the subject properties to change the designation from Medium Density Apartment Residential to High Density Apartment Residential.

If approved, the amendment would facilitate the development of 199 market rental units (previously 181) of which six are fully accessible, and five belowmarket rental units (previously 23) in one 12-storey apartment building and one seven-storey apartment building

You are invited to provide input to Council with respect to the above-noted application.

The City of Coquitlam will be receiving input up to February 23, 2023 Written correspondence can be provided in one of the following ways:

• Email: clerks@coquitlam ca with “Section 475 – PROJ 21-145” in the subject line;

• Regular mail: City Clerk’s Office, 2nd Floor, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 7N2;

• In person: Attn: City Clerk’s Office – please place in one of two City Hall drop boxes (3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam), located at the underground parking entrance or by the main entrance facing Burlington Drive;

• Fax: to the City Clerk’s Office at 604-927-3015

Additional information about this application can be accessed by contacting Kerry Thompson, Planning and Development Department, at kerry.thompson@ coquitlam.ca.

Written submissions provided in response to this consultation, including names and addresses, will become part of the public record which includes the submissions being made available for public inspection at Coquitlam City Hall (at the Planning and Development counter) and potentially on our website as part of a future agenda package at www.coquitlam.ca/agendas.

Should Council decide to approve this application going to a Public Hearing, notification for the hearing will be completed in accordance with the Local Government Act

AS WE AGE Celebrating Seniors

Testingyourknowledgeaboutseniors’issues

Questions are all based on past columns

MARGARET COATES

newsroom@tricitynews.com

One thing you learn as you get older is all work and no play make for a pretty uninteresting life So, in that spirit, we present our annual quiz to test your knowledge about senior’s issues

Most of those issues have been covered in past columns, so if you’re regular reader, you should ace this

The answers are all true or false, and the answer key is at the end It’s a fun exercise, but you might also learning something along the way

1 Seniors are not produc-

tive in society In fact, they are a drain on the economy True or False?

2 Ninety-four per cent of seniors over 65, and 74 per cent over 85, live in their own home True or False?

3 Seniors are a homogeneous group with no differentiation True or False?

4 As more seniors are living to 85 and beyond, an increasing number of individuals will face limitations and long-term health challenges True or False?

5 Seniors are resistant to change and are unable to learn new skills such as using computers or tablets True or False?

6 Momentary memory lapses are only an issue for older persons True or False?

7 Although COVID-19 has affected all Canadians, seniors are particularly vulnerable to its health impacts True or False?

8 After being vaccinated, if a senior contracts flu, pneumonia or COVID19, their risk of a serious, lengthy illness or hospitalization is reduced True or False?

9 It is necessary for seniors to “hang up their keys” after turning 80 True or False?

10 Good transportation services have little affect on seniors well being True or False?

11 Seniors who are transitioning from driving their

Falls,scamsandsleep

health True or False?

car find it easy to switch to using public transportation True or False?

12 Falls cannot be prevented for older people

True or False?

13 Only seniors are subject to scams and fraud True or False?

14 Being isolated for a senior is as unhealthy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day True or False?

15 For people with disabilities, there has been noticeable improvement in the physical environment, transit, sidewalks and building accessibility in the Tri-Cities True or False?

16 Sleep is not that important for seniors’ overall

17 There is no homelessness amongst seniors in the Tri-Cities True or False?

18 All seniors in the TriCities have sufficient pension or retirement savings to carry them through their retirement True or False?

19 All seniors who work beyond 65 do this out of interest rather than for economic reasons True or False?

20 Though information and action around emergency preparedness has improved, there is still a lot to be done to increase seniors’ resiliency around negative climate impacts True or False?

21 In extreme weather situations, seniors face no

increased risk factors than do other age groups True or False?

22 Programs and services in the Tri-Cities are not keeping pace with the needs of older people True or False?

23 Lifelong learning activities have little to offer for seniors True or False?

Answer key: Statements 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23 are false

All other statements are true

Hope you had a good time doing the quiz

Margaret Coates is the co-ordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society Ideas for future columns are welcome email lions view@telus net

The Port Moody Seniors Friendship Society has several events upcoming to help get seniors out in the community and connected with each other

As well as regular gatherings for games of bridge, walking, knitting and stitching, along with trivia nights and film screenings at The Club, its gathering place for those over 50, at 101 Noons Creek Dr in Port Moody, the society also arranges outings to special events

On April 12, a bus will

take seniors to Theatre in the Country for dinner and a presentation

of Robert Haling’s 1987 play Steel Magnolias The play is set in a Louisiana beauty salon where all the community’s ladies come to get their hair done, exchange advice and general get involved in each other’s lives

Cost for dinner and the play is $65

For more information about the excursion as well as other activities at The Club, go its website, theclubportmoody com and click on NEWS to access its latest newsletter

Backtothe’80sforBestparents

As lead vocalist for Cakewalk, Sheila Sharma belts out hits from the 1960s and beyond

But for next month’s Parent Dinner and Dance at Dr Charles Best Secondary in Coquitlam, her band will stick mostly to the ’80s when Whitney Houston, Guns ’n Roses and Journey ruled the charts

“And we’ll do the Dirty Dancing theme song,” Sharma said with a laugh “People just go nuts when they hear that Everyone has a ball on the dance floor”

On March 4, Cakewalk will play its first concert at a Tri-City high school a fundraiser put on by parents of Grade 11 students for Grad 2024

Proceeds of the event will help to reduce the cost of the graduating students’ tickets to attend their dinner and dance celebrations next year

Co-organizers Heather Darts, whose daughter Rachel is in Grade 11, and Jane Straker Gray, parent to Grade 11 student Davis, said the Parent Dinner and Dance hasn’t been held for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions

“It’s emotional to think about all the events everyone has missed,” Darts said, “so now we want to make up for lost time For the kids, it’s

exciting to see them launch into their futures and we want to make it extra special for them”

Darts and Straker Gray, who also organized their kids’ dances and leaving ceremonies at elementary and middle schools, hope to collect about $10,000 through 250 ticket sales, a cash bar and a silent auction; the dinner will be catered by Austin Gourmet

The pair is also asking that guests sport their acid wash jeans, leg warmers and shoulder pads to get into the

‘80s spirit for the throw-back party As in past years, they expect the 19+ event to sell out quickly

Evans Chan, Cakewalk’s bass guitarist, had two daughters recently graduate from Best

“To play at a high school is a bucket list gig for us,” he said, “especially when your kids have gone there We’re going to be playing songs that trigger memories for the parents

"It’s going to be the soundtrack to the ‘80s”

Added guitarist Kirk

Venegaswins PlatinumTicket

A student at Port Moody’s Heritage Woods

Benedict, “We want to give back to the community and see that these students have a great send-off next year”

Tickets for A Night in the ‘80s Dinner and Dance on Saturday, March 4 are $55 via EventBrite.ca. It takes place in the gym at Dr. Charles Best Secondary (2525 Como Lake Ave., Coquitlam) from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Businesses can donate silent auction prizes by emailing Heather Darts at bestgrad2024@gmail.com. Volunteers are also needed for set up and take down

Secondary is off to Hollywood after wowing judges on the hit television show American Idol Tyson Venegas, 17, won a Platinum Ticket from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the premiere episode of the TV program’s 21st season

There are only three platinum tickets handed out each season; it allows top American Idol contestants to bypass the first round of the show’s Hollywood Week

Venegas, who performed the song “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel, first caught the attention of the Tri-City News when, at the age of seven, he took first place in the PNE Star Showdown for his rendition of “Route 66"; after his set, he got a high-five from his idol, Michael Bublé, who was in the audience

He’s also played some big stages including the Apollo and Carnegie Hall, and worked with big names in the music and television industries

L-R: Parent Dinner and Dance organizers Jane Straker Gray and Heather Darts with Cakewalk musicians Evans Chan, Sheila Sharma and Kirk Benedict. The cover band will perform March 4 in the Dr Charles Best Secondary gym. JANIS CLEUGH/TRI-CITY NEWS

Tyson Venegas of Port Moody with his Platinum Ticket on American Idol. TYSON VENEGAS/INSTAGRAM

Graham’spanelsatPortofEntry

Thousands of commuters travelling daily from the United States to Canada along the new Gordie Howe International Bridge will pass by artwork created by a Port Moody resident

Last week, the bridge project team unveiled the piece by Sara Graham a commissioned work called On the Other Side of Tomorrow, which is attached to the outside of the maintenance building at the Canadian Port of Entry in Windsor, Ont

Her artwork is made up of 22 stamped concrete panels, each measuring about 10 by 23 feet, and includes scenes

of Canada’s national and regional landscape

The scenes are told through illustrative mapping techniques and uses various optical perspectives of suburban, industrial and agricultural land, as well as mountains, bodies of water and roads “I wanted to create a design that captures the attention of the audience who will be in a moving vehicle while highlighting the many urban and natural forms that define Canada,” Graham said in a release

“The title, On the Other Side of Tomorrow, plays with the notion that people will be travelling to another coun-

SD43 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DAYCARE OPERATOR

try and returning home I am extremely grateful and proud to be chosen for this public art commission on a once-in-a-generation project such as the Gordie Howe International Bridge”

Set to open next year, the bridge is a cable-stayed crossing of the Detroit River and will link Windsor with Detroit via Highway 401 in Ontario and interstates 75 and 96 in Michigan

Graham, an Ottawa native who has a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Guelph, was Port Moody’s first-ever artist-in-residence; she is currently co-organizing The Shuffle in PoMo

The Board of Education of School District No 43 (Coquitlam), hereinafter referred to as the “Board”, invites Proposals from interested Proponents who are Licensed Daycare Operators to operate a Before and After school program (“the Program”) on days when school is in session and on Professional Development Days or School Not in Session Days The Program will be located within Baker Drive Elementary for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 The Before and After School Program is required to be in operation for the first week of school 2023.

Baker Drive Elementary School is located at 885 Baker Dr , Coquitlam, B C The space offered to run the program is in room 101 which is equivalent to a regular size classroom and is used during school hours as a music room The space for the program is a shared space with the school

This opportunity is public and open until Monday, March 20, 2023 Interested and experienced licensed daycare operators can enquire by emailing Purchasing at purchasing@sd43.bc.ca to obtain the RFP document. Contact Purchasing to register for the upcoming tour of the school.

Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School students

James Van der Mark (Mortimer Brewster) and Sheridan

Nix (Elaine Harper) perform "Arsenic and Old Lace" with Patricia Lucero (Abby Brewster) and Abigail Carino (Martha Brewster). JANIS CLEUGH/TRI-CITY NEWS

Carneycomedyhastwocrazy auntsandacorpseinthehouse

Port Coquitlam students delve into 'macabre' spin

JANIS CLEUGH jcleugh@tricitynews.com

James Van Der Mark is ending his Grade 12 year with another starring role

Next month, the graduating student at Port Coquitlam’s Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School is leading the cast of Arsenic and Old Lace, of which he portrays the newspaper drama critic Mortimer Brewster

In 2020, Van Der Mark played the titular character in James and the Giant Peach and, last year, was the dentist in Carney’s Little Shop of Horrors

But, for Arsenic and Old Lace, Van Der Mark won’t be highlighting his musical talents

Rather, his character will be unravelling the mess left by his two aunts in the dark comedy

Mortimer “is a really fun part to play,” Van Der Mark said, “because he doesn’t have control of anything”

Penned 84 years ago, the play tells the tale of the Brewster family and Mortimer’s two spinster aunts, who have a penchant for killing lonely old men

Elderberry wine, laced with arsenic, strychnine and cyanide, is their weapon of choice

Still, Mortimer has two eccentric brothers who also land him in hot water: Teddy, who thinks he’s the U S president Teddy

Roosevelt, and Jonathan, who also has a thirst for blood

Their bizarre actions put Mortimer’s upcoming nuptials to the girl next door, Elaine Harper, in peril

Director and producer Charles Harris, Carney’s fine arts department head who portrayed Mortimer in a Theatre in the Country production, said he wanted to bring Arsenic and Old Lace to the Catholic high school because “I love that sort of exaggerated humour

“It’s a good, fun, silly macabre comedy, and I always appreciate the frenetic energy of Mortimer against the calm and relaxed energy of the two aunts”

“It’s a ridiculous plot,” quipped Sheridan Nix, a Grade 11 student who takes on Elaine

“But it keeps you on the edge of your seat”

Added Abigail Carino, who plays the aunt Martha Brewster, “There’s a lot of dry humour, but everyone in the show brings something to the table with their part”

An extra-curricular program that started last October, the winter play involves 15 actors, two student stage managers and 25 crew

The set was made by Harris, Justin Vandebeek and Adam Spinder

Tickets for Arsenic and Old Lace are $17 via the school's website acrss.org or Brown Paper Tickets (bpt.me/5714213). It runs March 2 to 4 at the Terry Fox Theatre (1260 Riverwood Gate, Port Coquitlam, next to Terry Fox Secondary School). The curtain rises at 7 p.m. in the theatre.

Girlsgetafieldlacrosseleagueoftheirown

Informal league is composed of four teams

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

An informal high school girls’ field lacrosse league in the Tri-Cities could be the first step in making it a recognized secondary school sport

Todd Clerkson, principal of Heritage Woods

Secondary in Port Moody and coach of the boys’ field lacrosse team, said numbers were lacking when he put the call for this year’s team, which plays a season from December to March under the direction of the BC Lacrosse Association

But several girls did express interest

That’s when Clerkson decided to try crafting a silk purse from a sow’s ear

He contacted lacrosse coaches at other Fraser North schools to gauge interest in putting together several exhibition games

Centennial, Terry Fox and New West secondary schools all got on board Clerkson was able to put together 14 girls for his own team

The first game was played in mid-January between Centennial and Heritage Woods

The schedule is being assembled ad hoc, as teams are able to find mutual times to compete

There’s no standings, but Clerkson said he hopes they’ll be able to organize a tournament to close out the season

With girls’ field lacrosse growing at the club level, Clerkson said it makes sense

to bring it into the high school realm

“They love playing with their peers,” he said Heritage Woods senior Izzy Beech said, while she’s played box lacrosse for five years, she’d never tried the

field game until she joined the Kodiaks’ inaugural effort

She said it’s been a challenge learning the unique rules of girls field lacrosse that differ from the boys’ game:

• body contact is not al-

lowed

• players wear eye guards instead of helmets

• all sticks are the same length and the depth of their baskets is strictly regulated

• face-offs are done aloft rather than on the ground

Clerkson said for girls looking to parlay their box lacrosse acumen into post secondary field lacrosse opportunities down south, the more familiarity they have with the sport the better their chances of success

“There’s more opportunity for them to showcase their talent,” he said

Lola Langtry, a junior who’s played both box and field lacrosse in the Coquitlam Adanacs’ club program, said having the field game at Heritage Woods fills her with school pride

“We get to show what girls lacrosse is like,” she said Clerkson said the informal structure of the league frees coaches to bring players in from neighbouring schools to fill out their rosters and create further opportunities for girls to play, hopefully generating interest to start more teams in coming years

“It’s gaining momentum,” he said “I feel like there’s potential there”

Alex Paterson of the Heritage Woods Kodiaks tries to carry the ball around her Terry Fox Ravens opponent in their exhibition high school girls field lacrosse game, recently at Gates Park in Port Coquitlam. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY

More local Sports coverage at your fingertips.

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

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Obituaries

Obituaries

AKWEI, Loving Adotei BA, RPN, SRN

March 1, 1943 - February 5, 2023

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Lov ng Adote Akwei on February 5, 2023 Born March 1, 1943, in Accra, Ghana to Emanue and Fe ic a Akwei (deceased), Loving was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and sincere friend

A nurse, trained n Psychiatry and General Nursing Practice, Loving worked n Eng and, 1965-1974 Loving em grated to Canada in August 1974 and started work ng as a nurse w th the Prov nc al Government at Val eyview and R verview Hospita s Loving was a committed health professional and a firm bel ever in cont nuous learn ng, ga n ng both of his degrees in Sociology and Phi osophy at S mon Fraser Un versity

In 1996, Lov ng oined Fraser Hea th as a case manager n Commun ty Nursing This was a posit on he excel ed in and enjoyed thorough y until retirement

Loving wi l be sad y missed by his w fe Yvonne, five chi dren, seven grandch ldren, two great grandchi dren, five s blings and h s many friends

A Ce ebrat on of L fe w ll take place on March 3, 2023 at 2:00pm PST at the Coqu tlam Al iance Church 2601 Spuraway Avenue, Coqu tlam, BC (corner of Como Lake and Mariner Way)

In honour of Loving, a ife ong Canuck’s fan, in l eu of flowers, the family requests a donat on be made to Canuck Place Ch ldren’s Hospice

Service L vestream L nk:

https://www youtube com/watch?v=oNTcv184v1g

HAYES, Lesley J

March 15, 1959

February 4, 2023

With deep sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Lesley Jean Hayes, 63, at her Port Coquitlam home on Saturday, February 4th, 2023.

She was a loving mother, a caring and generous sister, a cousin and a true friend. Lesley was a beautiful and sweet person, and her passing is a devastating loss for everyone who knew her.

She leaves her two sons, Kevin Chong and Brandon Chong; sister Sheila Hayes (Steve); brother Ken Hayes (Lisa, Matthew, Nevada); cousin Evelyn King (Sandy, Jill, Alex); and other extended family and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Ella Hayes.

For over 30 years, Lesley felt honoured and immensely satisfied to provide help and comfort as a care aide to the people at Hawthorne Senior’s Care Community. She made many longtime friends there, and in her retirement, she often went to visit along with her beloved puppy Misa. Her bighearted, kind and generous presence will be greatly missed by the residents, her colleagues and her friends there.

Lesley’s biggest joy and deepest love were for her sons, Kevin and Brandon. Being their mother was the most cherished role in her life and one she excelled at. They were her bedrock of happiness, and she was enormously proud of them. She was excited about the bright future.

Lesley was a lovely soul, and we know her eternity will be blissful.

Love you, Mom.

Funeral services

Call or email to reserve your space, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm: 604-362-0586 • 604-653-7851

DTJames@glaciermedia.ca

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Other routes not listed may be available, please contact our office

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