Tri-City News March 2 2023

Coquitlam

Councillors wowed by students’ Pride request

Port Coquitlam Port Moody

Council looking for more from Coronation Park plan PAGE 11

Polygongets blessingfornew neighbourhood atPoMoborder

JANIS CLEUGH jcleugh@tricitynews.com

A new master-planned community for about 5,000 residents at the Coquitlam–Port Moody border will help ease the housing crunch, speakers told Coquitlam city council on Monday.

During a public hearing that ran for two hours in council chambers and via Zoom, most of the Coquitlam and Port Moody residents taking part urged council to back Polygon Homes’ bid to build nine towers in a new neighbourhood called Coronation Heights.

The bid, of which council later gave second and third bylaw readings to rezone the land at 135 Balmoral Dr and

2508–2548 Palmer Ave , calls for highrises up to 51 storeys on 11 3 acres with 2,000 condos, 800 rental units and 201 below-market suites.

The proposal also includes a one-acre park, 3 7 acres of open space, 3,500 sq. ft. of retail, a 20,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and two childcare facilities for up to 80 kids

Once fully approved, the project would generate $160 million in financial and economic benefits to the city, said Polygon officials, who hope to start “as soon as possible”

Calling the transit-oriented site a “Gateway to Coquitlam,” as it would be

see WE CAN’T BUILD, page 4

Property tax increase will be lower than city’s neighbours

Ben and Neil Roemer react to the cold water of Burrard Inlet at Rocky Point Park. They were among dozens of local police officers from Port Moody and New Westminster, as well as Coquitlam RCMP, Metro Vancouver Transit Police and Port Coquitlam sheriffs participating in the Polar Plunge Saturday (Feb. 25) to raise money for Special Olympics BC. For more photos, see Page 3 JENNIFER GAUTHIER/TRI-CITY NEWS

February 17 - March 12

IN TRI-CITIES

Frostydipforathletes

MARIO BARTEL

mbartel@tricitynews.com

It was cold

But for some special athletes, more than worth it

Last Saturday, dozens of officers from Port Moody and New Westminster Police and Coquitlam RCMP, Metro Vancouver Transit Police as well as Port Coquitlam sheriffs, along with supporters from local paramedic stations, schools, Rotary clubs and fitness facilities, ran headlong into the icy waters of Burrard Inlet at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park

Not to prove their mettle as a snowstorm approached.

Their sub-zero sacrifice raised more than $21,000 for Special Olympics BC

That’s nearly twice the event’s original goal of $12,500

Port Moody’s plunge was one of several such charges into chilly waters being held across British Columbia from Feb 18 to March 5 to support athletes with developmental disabilities as they return to the sports they love following three years of disruptions because of the

WILLS, ESTATES AND TRUSTS TEAM

COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has had a long-lasting, far-reaching impact on athletes with intellectual disabilities,” said a statement on the Special Olympics BC website

It added the lack of organized activities the past three years exacerbated feelings of isolation and disconnection many of them were already experiencing

Recently, athletes from the Tri-Cities won 33 medals at the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games in Kamloops

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

Members of local police departments and paramedics, along with staff from fitness centres, educators and Rotarians plunged into the cold waters of Burrard Inlet at Rocky Point Park last Saturday (Feb. 25) to raise money for Special Olympics BC. It was one of several such events being held across the province until March 5. Below, Port Moody firefighter Colin Pansegrau lifts his daughter Mackenzie into a fire truck to stay warm.

JENNIFER GAUTHIER/TRI-CITY NEWS

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‘Wecan’tbuildhomesfastenoughinthisarea’

An artist’s rendering of the open space that Polygon Homes is expected to provide at its new master-planned community: Coronation Heights in Coquitlam On Monday, city council unanimously endorsed the proposal that, when built out, will see about 2,800 homes in the area north of Barnet Highway, next to the Port Moody border

CommunitiesinBloom 2023—GetInvolved!

CommunitiesinBloomisafriendlycompetitionbetween communitiesallovertheworld.Itbringstogetherlocal businesses,serviceclubs,residentsandcivicgovernment withafocusonenhancingthecommunity

Thisyear,CoquitlamisenteringtheCommunitiesinBloom programattheNationalLevel.Curioushowyoucanget involvedinCoquitlaminBloom?

• HelpkeepCoquitlamtidyandlitter-free

• Beautifytheareaswhereyoulive,work orspendtime

• CelebrateCoquitlam’streecanopy

• Protectourpollinators

Formoreinfoaboutthisexcitinginitiative ortolearnhowyoucangetinvolved, visitcoquitlam.ca/ciboremail parkspark@coquitlam.ca.

Activities

CelebrateCoquitlam’streecanopywith sometree-rificTreeSpreeactivities happeningthisspring,rainorshine. Formoreinfoaboutthesefreeactivities, emailparkspark@coquitlamca

| coquitlam.ca/cib

#coquitlaminbloom

What’sBloomingatthe InspirationGarden?

CometotheInspirationGardeninTownCentre ParkandBEEinspired!Upcomingspring gardenactivitiesincludeworkshops,tours, volunteeropportunitiesandmore Checkoutcoquitlam.ca/gardenoremail parkspark@coquitlam.catolearnabout upcomingspringgardenopportunities.

next to the proposed Coronation Park project in Port Moody, where Wesgroup Properties is expected to construct another master-planned community for about 5,000 residents on 15 acres, speakers talked about the need for affordable housing, jobs and retail in City Centre

Leslie Courchesne, CEO of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, said Polygon met with Chamber members to lay out the plans She called Coronation Heights a “massive and exciting project” that will allow workers to live locally as the labour market tightens

Coquitlam business owners and realtors added their voices in support “We need a lot of jobs; we need a lot of homes,” one speaker told council.

Younger speakers also asked council to build places for the next generation of homeowners.

Still, former city councillor Chris Wilson said even the below-market housing rates will not be affordable at, he estimates, $2,000 a month for a two-bedroom unit. And longtime Coquitlam resident Yvonne Harris also talked about the dangers of raising children in skyscrapers and not hav-

ing enough natural space for them to play

One neighbour called Coronation Heights “inadequate” for family living given the towers’ heights, lack of green space and proximity to single-family houses “I believe that the need in this area is for family-friendly housing This is not that,” she said

However, Port Moody resident Margo Bates said high-density developments like Windsor Gate and Klahanie give homeowners a chance to purchase a starter home and upsize when financially ready “We can’t build homes fast enough in this area”

“I think it’s a great addition to our community,” said John Wolff, board chairperson for the Coquitlam Foundation, who noted Polygon is now partnering with the non profit.

As for council, Dennis Marsden said the city is trying to densify around rapid transit. “This [project] checks all the boxes.”

Mayor Richard Stewart said most of the correspondence the city received prior to the public hearing was positive.

“We need more housing and we don’t have more land left…. We have to use our land more efficiently,” Coun. Teri Towner said.

POLYGON HOMES

CALENDAR

What’sNew?

CoquitlamFirstCityinBCtoSupportGoHere WashroomAccess

InsupportoftheCrohn’sandColitisCanada’sWashroomAccess Program,36municipalwashroomfacilitieshavebeenaddedto theGoHereApp CoquitlamisthefirstcityinBC toparticipatein theprogramofferingwashroomsinparks,recreationcentresand otherCity-ownedfacilities

Coquitlam’sparticipationintheGoHereAccessWashroom ProgramreflectstheCity’scommitmenttoequity,diversityand inclusion(EDI)–atoppriorityinthecorporateBusinessPlan–and theworkoftheCity’sUniversalAccess-AbilityAdvisory Committee,whichhelpskeepaccessibilityattheforefrontofCity servicesasitdeliversfacilities,infrastructure,neighbourhood plansandprogramsforpeopleofallagesandabilities

Youcanfindoutmoreinformationatcoquitlam.ca/gohere

CoquitlamRecognizedasOneofWorld’sSmart21 Communities

TheIntelligentCommunityForumhasnamedCoquitlamas oneoftheworld’sSmart21Communitiesof2023 AsaSmart21 Community,Coquitlamusestechnologytoenhancecommunitylife andCityservicesacrossawidespectrumofoperationsranging fromavarietyofonlineservicestofreeWi-FiaccessinCityparks andfacilities Coquitlam’seffortstobea‘smart’communityfocus ontechnologysolutionsthatincreasecommunityawarenessofCity programsandservices,improveresidentexperiences,transform outdatedprocessesandfostercivicengagement Coquitlamisthe onlycommunityinBCandoneofonlysixCanadianmunicipalities tobenamedaSmart21Communityin2023

FormoreinfoonthemanytechinitiativesthatmakeCoquitlama SmartCity,visitcoquitlamca/smart

FitnessandFun

GlenPineLivePresents:Ralph2Riches

Getreadyforatoe-tappingmusicalperformancethatwillhave youdancingandsinging JoinlocalbandRalph2Richesforan eveningoffunrockandpopularmusicthroughtheageson Friday,March24from6to9:30pm atGlenPinePavilion

(1200GlenPineCrt) Comehungry–chickenandribs,roasted potatoes,saladanddessertareonthemenu Specialthankstoour

PresentingPartner,AspiraRetirementLiving(AstoriaandMayfair Terrace) Registeratcoquitlamca/registrationandclickRegister forPrograms Intheonlineregistrationsystem,searchcourse ID#106488,orcall604-927-4386

March2–8

LookingOutforOurEnvironment BirdNestingWindowinEffect

ThebirdnestingwindowisnowineffectuntilAug 31 Ifyou’re planningontrimmingyourtrees,shurbsorhedges,bemindful thatbirdsmaybenestinginthemandnestsareoftenwellhidden andnotvisiblefromtheground Nestsandtreeswithnestsof eagles,peregrinefalcons,gyrfalcons,osprey,heronsand burrowingowlsareprotectedyear-round,regardlessofactivity Curioushowtoproceedwithcaution?Visit coquitlam.ca/birdnestingformoreinformationandto makesureyou’renotdisturbinganyofourflightyneighbours

DidYouKnow?

CoquitlamMakingProgressonHousing

Affordability

CoquitlamcontinuedtodeliveronitsHousingAffordability Strategyin2022bringingmorerentalhousing,supportforthe homelessandhousinggrantstothecommunityKeyhighlights include:

• 460newrentalunitscompletedin2022andmorethan11,300 dedicatedrentalunitsinthedevelopmentprocess

• ProgressonaffordablehousingprojectsonCity-ownedlandat 1348CoastMeridianRd project(inparternshipwithHabitatfor Humanity),aswellasSydneyAvenueandCartierAvenue(both affordablehousingforseniors)

• $33milliongrantedfromtheAffordableHousingReserveFund tosupport164unitsofnon-marketrental

• Supportfor20-bedovernightwintershelterprogramin partnershipwiththeTri-CitiesHomelessnessandHousingTask Group.

Aninfographicsummarizingtheseachievements,aswellasmore informationabouttheHousingAffordabilityStrategyisavailable atcoquitlam.ca/housing.

StrategyImprovingChildCareAccessinCoquitlam

ThefirstyearofCoquitlam’saward-winningChildCare PartnershipStrategyisdemonstratingthattherightplancan makeprogressandbringmorechildcarespacestothecommunity In2022Councilapprovedtwokeypiecesofsupportingpolicy:the ChildCareIncentivePolicyandtheChildCarePartnershipReserve Fund Thesepoliciesareinstrucmentalinfacilitatingnewchild carethroughdevelopment,andfurthermakefinancial contributionsinordertoleverageProvincialfunding Four2022developmentapplicationsincludedchildcarefacilities which,combined,propose405newchildcarespacesinthe community.Additionally,12developmentapplicationsproposed cash-in-lieuin2022,contributinganestimated$19milliontothe ChildCarePartnershipReserveFund

LearnmoreabouttheChildCarePartnershipStrategyandthe 2022highlightsatcoquitlamca/childcare

Hardcopiesoftheguideareavailableatthefrontdeskof DogwoodPavilion(1655WinslowAve.),GlenPinePavilion (1200GlenPineCrt),andMaillardvilleCommunityCentre (1200CartierAve) Copiesareavailablewhilesupplieslast

ToviewthedigitalSenior’sProgramguideandthefullProgram Guide,visitcoquitlamca/programguide

BestPrideaskgetsresoundingYes

Students and staff from Coquitlam’s Dr Charles Best Secondary and their supporters in the LGBTQ2S+ community burst into applause on Monday as each member of city council spoke in favour of Pride

The school’s Gay–Straight Alliance (GSA), led by teacher Megan Leslie, delivered a powerful presentation before council-in-committee to ask two things: The city raise the Pride flag outside city hall in June, and organize and host a Pride event in the summer.

During their delegation, the students cited a story by the Tri-City News and referred to the city’s recently adopted Business Plan, which lists Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) as a top priority and theme for 2023.

They also pointed to the city’s Strategic Plan, stating how a Pride event would meet its goals to promote “Safe Neighbourhoods,”

“Local Economy,”

“Healthy Community” and “Excellence in City Governance” as part of Coquitlam’s vision

The students also named Tri-City organizations and leaders backing their requests for flying the flag and a Pride event

Port Moody–Coquitlam MP Bonita Zarrillo, a former Coquitlam city councillor,

and Coquitlam SD43 Trustee

Jennifer Blatherwick were in the audience to hear the Best presentation, which began with students handing out Pride flags to the elected officials.

Mayor Richard Stewart, who afterward posed for photos with Best reps in front of the newly displayed Pride flag at the top of the council chambers, thanked the students for their passion to make the city more inclusive Noting he is the father of a member of the LGBTQ community, “I want to start with, ‘You had us at hello,’” he said “Our council is united in this issue”

The mayor also recognized newly elected Coun Matt Djonlic for bringing the

topic to council’s attention. In turn, Djonlic thanked the students for their “courage” to speak before council and push for action.

Still, while Coun. Dennis Marsden praised the GSA, he also read out part of a letter from a resident opposing their Pride flag and event bids; Marsden read out part of his response to the naysayer. “Everyone is welcome here,” Marsden said.

Coun Brent Asmundson spoke about being the dad of a son who identifies as being in the LGBTQ2S+ community, while Coun Steve Kim harkened to the 1980s when he was at Best and Centennial and there was “no safe space” for gay or queer students

Coun Teri Towner said she championed years ago for the Pride crosswalk, which was later painted in front of city hall, and newly elected Coun Robert Mazzarolo urged the Best students to get involved in politics “Do me a favour and teach the rest of your colleagues that getting involved is important We need your voices; we need you to speak up”

Coun Craig Hodge, a former Best student, said the high school has a long history of activism When he attended the school, it was protesting the nuclear weapons testing in the Aleutian Islands.

“You are the leaders of tomorrow and you’re showing that by being here today,” Hodge said.

Meanwhile, in a follow-up presentation, the city’s EDI manager, Manisha Dutta, said the municipality is launching Celebrate Diversity Month in April that will include decals at the entrance to civic facilities, including park washrooms at more than 110 locations, and street banners

In June, the street banners in Town Centre will have Pride-specific flags to mark Pride Month; they will be installed at city hall, Town Centre Park and at other high-visibility locations

A Coquitlam resident who ran for mayor last fall is banned from running for office in B C again until after the next general election

Last week, Elections BC named 48 civic candidates in the province who failed to file their disclosure statements by the second deadline

Among those listed is Mark Mahovlich, who challenged incumbent mayor Richard Stewart and contender Adel Gamar last October.

Under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, Mahovlich is disqualified from seeking office in B.C. until after the 2026 vote.

In his nomination papers filed to the city last September, Mahovlich reported his home address as 3030 Gordon Ave. a homeless shelter and, in his comments at the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce all-candidates meeting, he made personal attacks against Stewart Mahovlich, who previously ran against Stewart for the top job, has several criminal convictions from offences around the Lower Mainland Meanwhile, last

month, Elections BC released the disclosure statements for civic candidates in B C who campaigned for votes, as well as elector organizations and third-party advertising sponsors

According to the documents, Stewart took in $35,076 for his 2022 campaign about the same as his 2018 run; he spent $36,926

Among his financial contributors were:

• Neil Chrystal of Polygon

• James Allard of Coquitlam Concrete

• Bill Laidler, a realtor

By comparison, Gamar, the chairperson of Douglas College’s board of directors, raised $23,397 and spent $32,742 to gain the mayor’s seat.

His contributors included:

• Carlo Zarrillo of Sandpiper Signs and husband of Port Moody–Coquitlam MP Bonita Zarrillo

• Fin Donnelly, a former MP and the incumbent MLA for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain

• Tri-City labour organizer Carolyn Turpin

• Fred Soofi of Pasta Polo restaurant

GSA students at Coquitlam's Dr Charles Best Secondary petitioned city hall on Monday to fly the Pride flag in June and host a summer event. DIANE STRANDBERG/TC NEWS

Propertyownersfacing3.38%taxincrease

Proposed hike is the lowest in the Tri-Cities

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Port Coquitlam is proposing a 3 38 per cent tax increase for the 2023 budget year the lowest in the TriCities

The tax hike would cost about $105 extra this year for property taxes and utilities, based on an average $967,000 home.

It puts Port Coquitlam in a favourable spot, according to the city, which said in a press release that it has lower-than-average property taxes and utilities compared to other municipalities in Metro Vancouver.

Port Moody is launching public input into its budget with a proposed 11.33 per cent tax boost while Coquitlam has Ok'd a 5.48 per cent tax hike

“There are many rising costs for the city that are beyond our control, but we’ve worked incredibly hard to find savings while not compromising on our responsibilities to our citizens,” said Mayor Brad West

Broken down, the city’s proposed 3.38 per cent tax jump includes:

• a property tax increase of 3 73 per cent ($76 14) consisting of 2 28 per cent for city services, one per cent for long-term infrastructure replacement, and 0 45 per cent increases to RCMP contracted policing costs

• a solid waste levy increase of 3.69 per cent ($8.81) for single-family homes receiving city waste collection

• utility levy increases of 2 81 per cent ($13 61) for water services and 1 97 per cent ($6 95) for sewer services, included in the utility bills mailed to homes last

week.

Businesses will also face a 3.73 per cent increase for taxes and utilities, consistent with residential

The city is now seeking feedback on the budget with an online survey Anyone who works or lives in PoCo can have their say, with more budget information

and budget details delivered to homes next week in the annual Budget at a Glance mail-out.

WHAT'S NEW

The proposed 2023 budget includes:

• two new firefighters

• two new RCMP officers

• improved cybersecurity

• resources to manage development applications

• new master transportation plan

• more customer service at Port Coquitlam Community Centre

• flood-protection infrastructure

• increasing the tree canopy

• adopting a new climate action plan

• infrastructure replacement

CAPITAL PROJECTS

As well, Port Coquitlam has several capital plan initiatives, totalling $35.2million.

They include:

• neighbourhood rehabilitation including paving, utilities, sidewalks and street-lighting,

• lane paving

• upgrades to Gates Park and other parks, sports fields and sport courts

• a washroom at Blakeburn Lagoons Park

• a Terry Fox sculpture and interactive exhibit at Port Coquitlam Community Centre

• sidewalks, pedestrian safety, and traffic calming,

• Cedar Creek culvert upgrades

• expansion of Port Coquitlam cemetery

Wildfire smoke obscures views of the Golden Ears Mountain from the dikes beneath the Pitt River Bridge. Port Coquitlam's proposed 2023 budget includes adopting

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:

Notice of Intention to Consider City of Port Moody Council Procedure Bylaw, 2023, No. 3393

The Council of the City of Port Moody is considering replacing Council Procedure Bylaw No. 3013, 2016 with a new Council Procedure Bylaw.

Council gave City of Port Moody Council Procedure Bylaw, 2023, No. 3393 three readings at the Regular Council Meeting held on February 28, 2023, and will consider adopting the Bylaw at the Regular Council meeting which starts at 7pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 in City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody, BC, V3H 5C3.

View copies of the Bylaw at portmoody.ca or at the Legislative Services counter at Port Moody City Hall, 100 Newport Drive We encourage you to provide comments on the bylaw in advanced (noon, Tuesday, March 14) by:

Emailing clerks@portmoody ca

Mailing your comments to 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody, BC, V3H 5C3 to the attention of the Corporate Officer

You may also provide a verbal or written comment during the first public input session held at the beginning of the Regular Council meeting on March 14, 2023.

Application: #REZ00025

Bylaw: 3390

Applicant: Kai Feng

Location: 908 Glenacre Court

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

Purpose: A proposed rezoning to facilitate a subdivision to create two lots. 604.469.4500

Councillookingformorefromredevelopment

Developer expects construction to begin in 2025

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Construction of a new master-planned community for 5,000 new residents in Port Moody’s Coronation Park neighbourhood is expected to begin in late 2025 and take 10 years.

That is, if developer Wesgroup Properties Inc. secures all the required rezoning and development permits in a timely manner, said the company’s director of development Kaylen Blomkamp.

Last Tuesday (Feb. 21), Port Moody councillors indicated there are still tough negotiations ahead as they got their first formal look at Wesgroup’s rezoning application for the 14.8-acre site at the corner of Ioco Road and Barnet Highway

At a meeting of council’s new initiatives and planning committee, several councillors said the developer’s plan, which also includes a four-storey office building and commercial space for a grocery and drug store, is

still lacking in several key areas primarily in the number of daycare space and an adequate affordable housing component

Currently, Wesgroup’s plan for the site includes 101 rental units that will be available on a rent-to-own basis, with 10 per cent of them set aside for seniors

As well, the company is proposing to build two day-

cares to accommodate up to 194 children.

That’s not enough said Coun. Haven Lurbiecki.

“There is zero affordable housing currently included as part of this luxury development,” she said, adding the developer should be compelled to at least attain the city’s requirement for 15 per cent of units to be affordable

But Wesgroup’s senior vice president of development, Brad Jones, said a financial analysis commissioned by the company shows that goal is unrealistic given the high cost of land in the city and other restrictions in place like the height of towers

Rather, he pointed to the $91 1 million in benefits that Port Moody will realize from

the project, including:

• a new 2 5-acre park with a sports court and stage

• a 2,000 sq ft indoor amenity space

• a new pedestrian overpass connecting the neighbourhood to the Inlet Centre SkyTrain station

Combined, Jones said, that’s more than Coquitlam will be getting from Polygon’s redevelopment of the Coronation Heights site right next door that was approved on Monday It will put nine residential towers for 5,500 residents on the property of a former elementary school.

Port Moody’s development planner Wesley Woo told council that while the city prefers to attain its 15 per cent affordability component, there is room to negotiate within a project’s total amenity package.

He added the city will be taking a close look at Wesgroup’s financial analysis and submit it for peer review.

Jones said his company is committed to working with the city to find solutions that work for everybody.

But, until it gets certainty the redevelopment of Coronation Park is moving forward, it can’t initiate negotiations with entities like

BC Housing and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to achieve more affordable housing units

“You never get the plan perfect on the first shot,” Jones said “We work with our partners at the city to find a way to meet our goals together”

Coun Diana Dilworth said with years of negotiation with Wesgroup already in the rearview mirror to get the project to this point, it’s time to move forward with an opportunity for tweaks as its four planned phases come before council for development permits.

“This has come before council and committees and every time they’ve been given a shopping list,” she said. “At some point, we need to be bold enough to say let’s move forward.”

Still, the city must proceed cautiously, said Coun. Kyla Knowles.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime site,” she said.

“Many of us think this could be bigger and better for all”

Coun Callan Morrison said he’s optimistic common ground can be found

“I want to see this happen,” he said

“It’s time Port Moody had some plans for the future”

A rendering shows a portion of the 2.5-acre park that will be the centrepiece to a master-planned community in Coronation Park. WESGROUP PROPERTIES INC.

LastWeek t

This Week

Newfundingtofightcancerissorelyneeded

Two health statistics were released by the B C government last week, and they were somewhat startling

One was that the number of people getting a cancer diagnosis would increase by one-third over the next decade, going from the current 30,000 people a year to 40,000 people annually.

The other was that one in two British Columbians will be diagnosed with some kind of cancer at some point in their life

The two statistics helped lay the foundation for the government’s announcement that $440

million would be the initial investment in a 10-year cancer “action plan”

The funding is sorely needed as there appears to have been a steady downward slide in the quality of care over the years

Critics say the decline began after a change in the governance model of the BC Cancer Agency in 2001, shifting the agency’s priority from top cancer care to fiscal management

An investigation by the Globe and Mail newspaper last November found growing wait times for cancer care and wors-

ening outcomes for patients. The paper also said B.C’s oncologists are reporting the highest levels of stress and burnout in the country.

Part of the new funding will make B.C oncologists the highest paid in the country, getting a $62,000 raise for an annual salary of $472,000.

In making the announcement of the $440 million in new funding, Health Minister Adrian Dix said the cancer treatment system was underfunded for a decade before he became minister, and he insisted that about $1 billion

had been invested in the system since his party formed government (funding that included the hiring of 325 healthcare workers).

Funding arguments aside, the inescapable fact is that our population is aging rapidly and with that will come more demand and need for treatment and early detection of cancer

There is no question the new funding will help

About $270 million will be spent over three years for better screening for cervical, lung and hereditary cancers as well as ex-

panded care hours.

Another $170 million is a one-time grant to the BC Cancer Foundation, to be used for more clinical trials, genomic testing and new diagnostic approaches and treatments

This research money may prove to be the most effective kind of spending of all.

Let’s hope so Another 10,000 people a year getting cancer will put a tremendous amount of pressure on a system already facing enormous challenges

Keith Baldrey is the chief political reporter for Global BC

Graham REGIONAL PUBLISHER publisher@tricitynews.com

Mark Falkenberg EDITOR editor@tricitynews.com

Vicki Magnison REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR vimagnison@glaciermedia.ca

Millie McKinnon CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER mmckinnon@tricitynews.com

Seguin DISTRIBUTION MANAGER circulation@tricitynews.com

WillPortMoodycouncillistentoresidents?

The Editor:

In late 2021, I wrote to the Tri-City News to highlight the vivid results of a citywide survey revealing what kinds of growth and redevelopment most residents of Port Moody want to see and what worries them

The survey, which received unprecedented public response, surfaced many anxieties

My letter posed a question that is even more timely today: “With so many residents wishing to slow down, the question becomes whether city officials will listen… or whether this is all just window-dressing on an [OCP update] process stage-managed by the prov-

ince’s all-powerful building industry.”

The issue arises again

because, last spring, the city’s consultants conducted another major city-wide

survey that returned striking findings, insights that the new mayor and others have seemed eager to shrug off and shelve

Here’s what most residents told us they want:

First, residents want council to support only growth that is genuinely moderate, gradual and doesn’t threaten city livability

They oppose adding lots of towers downtown if this would seriously worsen rush-hour congestion, overwhelm Rocky Point Park or max out civic facilities.

Second, residents have their own vision for PoMo’s downtown, which differs greatly from what developers

have been pitching

For example, respondents have rejected the 14-tower condo complex being proposed by a consortium of big developers to house 7,000 new residents next to Moody Centre Station and Rocky Point Park

Only 26 per cent want that

What most of those polled said they want instead is a low- or mid-rise business district focused on revitalizing the city’s sagging economy and business tax base with more well-paid local jobs.

As for the Flavelle mill site, 66 per cent of respondents flatly disagreed with the current OCP’s con-

do-oriented plan to pack yet another 7,000 residents into the mill footprint beside Rocky Point, as the landowner wants Out of four possible destinies for Flavelle sketched in the survey, respondents rated that vision dead last Most called for much lower density, fewer towers, more mixed-use spaces and/or a major westward expansion of the park

The looming question now is whether Port Moody’s council will respect residents’ vision or attempt to cloud and subvert it when rewriting the community’s plan.

Jeff Poste Port Moody

SD43 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DAYCARE OPERATOR

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

A letter writer says the majority of Port Moody residents who responded to a recent poll want moderate, gradual growth instead of high-rise towers in the city’s downtown. TRI-CITY NEWS FILE PHOTO

ChrisWilsonwantsyoutobuyhisballs

Spring sale of used sports equipment is on Saturday

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Chris Wilson has balls

Many balls In a variety of sizes, shapes and textures

But before this story descends any further into a classic Saturday Night Live sketch, it might be helpful to note Wilson wants to sell you his balls cheap.

In fact, balls are among the least costly items you’ll find at the annual spring KidSport used equipment sale that runs Saturday (March 4), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Riverside Secondary (2215 Reeve St.).

For instance, you can get 10 golf balls that went astray from their owners for $1.

Wilson, the chair of KidSport Tri-Cities who’s been running the biannual sale since 2007, said there will be lots of great, gently used gear from virtually every sport available at bargain basement prices

Proceeds help pay registration fees for the athletic activities for kids whose families might not be otherwise

able to afford them

Many of those activities centre around a ball

Over the years, Wilson said he’s seen pretty much every kind of ball come

through the sale, from football and rugby, soccer and cricket, bocce and basket-

ball, to lacrosse and croquet, bowling and beach

There’s been buckets of

golf balls, boxes of baseballs, bags of tennis balls and laundry baskets filled with softballs

But Wilson couldn’t say if he’s ever sold a round football that’s used in Gaelic football or a sliotar from the Irish sport of hurling

One year, a local business donated 1,500 soccer balls commemorating a World Cup tournament and there are still a few left

In fact, Wilson said, so many balls have been part of the sale, sometimes he just ends up donating them to local associations to free up storage space.

While most shoppers are on the hunt for bargains on big-ticket items like bicycles and hockey equipment, Wilson said it’s important not to overlook the value of the humble ball.

“It’s the fundamental tool of a lot of sports,” he said. Even athletes who play sports that don’t involve balls often develop a relationship with them

During Wilson’s wrestling days, he said, he incorporated balls into his training for strength and reflexes

Wilson said balls are often the entry point into a sport

see IT ALL STARTS, page 18

Chris Wilson, chairperson of KidSport Tri-Cities, is buried by some of the balls that will be available at the organization’s annual spring sale of used sports equipment, Saturday (March 4) at Riverside Secondary School in Port Coquitlam. MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS

‘Itallstartswiththeball’

Just the simple act of kicking, chasing, throwing or catching one can lead to a lifelong affinity

“It all starts with the ball,” he said

“It’s the starting point for so many good things that come out of sport”

Well, the student volunteers from Riverside who will be tasked to inflate the balls the day before the sale to ensure they’re looking their most enticing may have a different take

Fortunately, said Wilson, they have an air compressor to make their job easier

Entry to the sale is by

non-perishable or financial donation for the SHARE food bank

Donations of equipment are accepted until March 3 and can be dropped off at three locations:

• Arena 3 at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre

• front desk at the Poirier

Sport and Leisure Complex in Coquitlam

• front desk at the Port Moody Recreation Complex

For more information, including a sample list of prices, you can visit KidSport Tri-Cities’ website by clicking through to the local chapter at kidsportcanada.ca.

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

We all go, but finding a spot to do so can be especially difficult for those living with Crohn’s or Colitis disease

In response, Coquitlam is stepping in to help vulnerable residents find the nearest public washroom when the urge suddenly appears and has partnered with a national volunteer organization to make it possible Crohn’s and Colitis

Canada has an app

GoHere: Washroom

Locator that maps out the closest bathroom in a user’s vicinity.

It’s since added 36 fa-

cilities to its database out of Coquitlam, which is the first B C municipality to do so, according to a news release

Washrooms in parks, recreation centres and civic facilities pop up on the free app when a user enters their location, and displays how long it would take to get there by vehicle, bike, transit or on foot

According to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, roughly 300,000 people across the country have been diagnosed with either disease, and usually make 20 or more visits to the washroom per day For more information about the app, you can visit its website at crohnsandcolitis.ca.

WOMEN BUSINESS IN

The COVID-19 pandemic put a tremendous strain on every aspect of daily life in the Tri-Cities But as restrictions ease, along with fear about the virus, we can pause to reflect

Leading the way to deal with the challenges of the past three years have been women entrepreneurs They have the skills and drive to support our community through bold action

As we all celebrate International Women’s Day, the annual Tri-City News Women in Business section looks at these efforts, as well as how women are changing the face of the business world through innovation

This special feature shines a bright light on women who are leaders in their businesses and who are making a big difference in the community We celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women

Celebrate International Women’s Day with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce for its annual celebration on Monday, March 6th

The event will recognize the gains that women have made in gender equity and the men who have supported and encouraged the change Attend to connect, inspire, and empower with peers from your community

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023 | 9AM – 12PM

WESTWOOD PLATEAU GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PRESENTED BY

Our team at Glacier Media ( Tri-City News, Burnaby Now and New West Record ) left to right: Noelle Chan, Tanya Kalra, Neeta Dhillon, Tierra Noble, Brenda Coulbourn, Vipan Aulakh, Cynthia Hendrix, Denise Haywood, Jennifer Kastelein, Vicki Magnison, Nicole Velasquez, Lara Graham (Publisher), and Nicole Young. MARIO BARTEL PHOTO

WOMEN BUSINESS IN COQUITLAM | PORT COQUITLAM | PORT MOODY

Councillor Nancy McCurrach

Elected as a Port Coquitlam city Councillor in 2018, She has been an inspiring advocate for policy change on gender equity and was the driving force behind bringing free menstrual products to civic facilities in Port Coquitlam Nancy was the recipient of the 2021 United Way Labour Appreciation Community Service Award recipient and was recognized for her work with gender equity both civically and nationally, as an elected official and community leader

Nancy created a Scholarship that supports female immigrants and refugees with their post-secondary studies, this award is offered through the Soroptimists of the Tri-Cities where Nancy continues to volunteer, an organization of women helping women and girls to be their best

After 31 years of service in the telecommunication industry, she was recognized with the TELUS Legend Award – the highest recognition a TELUS team member can achieve!

Nancy McCurrach (Port Coquitlam)

Good Dog

Good Dog is a women-owned local business that has been in operation for 14 years! Owners Heather and Vanessa are dedicated to not only ensuring that their daycare, boarding, training and grooming services are the highest standards for their doggy guests, but they also provide a nurturing and positive workplace for their staff Along with raising their own human children, they faced challenges of business ownership during the pandemic and now are staying ahead of their rapid growth into three locations (with the newest Rocky Point location being built right now and open late this Spring!) Being a beacon of positivity and guidance for their amazing team, as well as treating each client and dog as an extension of their own family, these women in business hope to inspire the next generation to follow their passions in life

604-968-4563

email: mccurrachn@portcoquitlam.ca

Michelle Bailey

Michelle Bailey is the proud owner of Qualicare Home Care Tri-Cities Qualicare provides caregivers, companions, home helpers, and nurses to seniors and people of all ages that require extra help in their homes Qualicare caregivers will do anything and everything their clients need to live the life they want to live in their homes This can include tasks like personal care and hygiene, homemaking, meal prep and cooking, grocery shopping, companionship, exercising and leisure activities, skilled nursing, and transportation to errands and appointments Michelle and her team have been credited with helping hundreds of families with care and home management needs for their loved ones since 2016

Qualicare’s amazing leadership team consists of Scheduling Coordinators Vida and Veronica, and Care Coordinator Aaron, LPN Together, they lead and mentor over 70 fantastic caregivers Michelle is proud of the reputation Qualicare has built of being a reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable home care provider for seniors in the Tri-Cities community

Qualicare is proud to have been voted as both Tri-Cities and Maple Ridge A-List finalists for 2 consecutive years, as well as winning the Franchise of the Year award in 2022, and the Better Together award in 2021

Michelle is happy to answer your questions about any type of senior care that you may be considering and will provide you with the information and resources you need to make the best decisions about the right type of care for your family Give her a call, she is always happy to chat

Laura Cindric and Alayna Stewart

604-726-5666 Port Coquitlam | Port Moody (coming soon) www.gooddog.ca

Thoma Doehring

Tri-City Paint & Design has been in the community for 30 years!

It is with mixed emotions that we have decided to close our brick-andmortar store

The Tri-Cities has seen this family through hard times, celebrated the good and been a part of our extended family It has seen Thoma’s kids grow up - she had customers that were the parents of her kid’s school/dance mates Now that generation is buying paint for their 1st child’s room

But we’re not done yet!

You will still be able to access their 30 years of experience Thoma and Co Designs still offers full-service design for your home, including window coverings, and kitchen/bathroom renovations

After 30 years of transforming your houses into homes, we are still doing this colourful work

604-341-6164 I thoma@shaw ca www.ThomaandCo.ca

30Minute Hit, is a fast growing high-intensity fitness concept that offers a fun, fast-paced, and convenient boxing and kickboxing circuit for women in just 30 minutes Two locations in the Tri-Cities - 30 Minute hit Port Coquitlam and Port Moody have been inspiring and empowering women to lead healthier and happier lives for over 16 years Our no-class time schedule allows members to workout whenever is most convenient for them, allowing members with even the most hectic schedules to find time for fitness A certified trainer is always there to encourage, inspire and help our members achieve their goals while also creating a non-intimidating atmosphere for women to learn real skills We cater to all ages, fitness levels and have a free kid friendly area at all locations

We are so proud of the community we have built within our Hits over the years When a day at the office consists of meeting, laughing, and making an impact in someone’s life through health and fitness it is extremely rewarding and we feel lucky to be a part of their journey’s We help our members work out their stress, focus on themselves and build a healthy foundation, both physically and mentally Book a free trial and see what women in

Testimonials:

the Tri-Cities are talking about!

30 Minute Hit has been recognized by the Canadian Franchise Association and the Franchise Business Review as a Top Franchise in 2023

Best workout around! 30 intense minutes and you are done and feel great! Love all the trainers! Friendly and fun and know how to kick butt!

- Tawyna

I joined in mid December and I’m not exaggerating when I say it is life changing This group of ladies are so encouraging, positive and overall amazing Great workout for 30 minutes but it is so much more than just physical fitness, it is mental fitness! So easy with schedules, kids and everything else life has to offer Also with all the new safety measures I have never felt unsafe working out! Love this place, highly recommend it!

- Charlene

Councillor

WOMEN BUSINESS IN COQUITLAM | PORT COQUITLAM | PORT MOODY

KERI & LAURA

Sisters Keri and Laura have been resurfacing sundecks together for over 11 years Keeping it all in the family their father, a spouse, and friends combine to make up the hardworking NewPort Dry Deck Team

Keri and Laura were frustrated that deck recoating only lasted a short time After a lot of research, they found a better solution They discovered polyurethane deck coatings

The family was pleased that they could seal around wooden railing posts and bond to the stucco siding, without it having to be removed They even coat concrete! The sisters decided that homeowners, like them, would want a coating that would first and foremost, be waterproof as well as long lasting After resurfacing decks for friends, word started to spread and NewPort Dry Deck was born!

Keri and Laura take a lot of pride knowing family homes will remain protected

Adina Diaconu

WESTPRO is celebrating 5 years in business this year! Founder and Physiotherapist, Adina continues to grow the premier physio and massage clinic in the Tri-Cities Adina won the Young Entrepreneur Spike Award this past year, and WESTPRO was a finalist in two other categories - Best Business in Port Moody and Inclusive Excellence in 2022! Adina and her team of Physiotherapists

and Massage Therapists, all have one unified goal: to help our community live healthy, pain-free lives by providing quality 1-on-1 care If you find yourself in pain or need expert guidance to reach your mobility goals, the professionals at WESTPRO can help! This year, put your health first and come see our bright and welcoming clinic in the heart of Port Moody

from the elements for well over 20 years Their deck surfaces last and last Every year they replace hundreds of worn out vinyl and fiberglass decks with their unique waterproof coating: OmegaDeck a water based, troweled on polyurethane coating It’s seamless, easy to clean, and it doesn’t rip, tear or stain

“I love doing the estimates, booking the jobs, then having my sister and crews work their magic Whether it’s the deck, stairs, railings, or concrete entrances, the transformations are beautiful! We are passionate about what we do and it shows Getting to work with my family is the bonus” says Keri Belanger, Owner Nomaintenance, seamless, durable DecksthatLast, andLast!

604-256-1158 info@newportdrydeck.com www.NewPortDryDeck.com

Sherry Blamey

Unit 1 - 3130 St Johns Street, Port Moody www.westprophysio.com @westprophysio

Spraggs Law

Leaders in the Community for over 50 years, Spraggs Law supports Women in Business

Jessica Spraggs practices in the area of employment law, providing effective and supportive advice to her clients and takes a thoughtful and practical approach to ensure the best outcome Rachel Rabinovitch is a Human Resources Consultant and provides HR consulting services for small to mid-size businesses on a wide range of human resources matters As Chief Operations Officer, Jennifer Lawrence leads the firm to success, allowing each team member to function in top form for their clients Together Jessica, Jennifer and Rachel exemplify strong women leadership in business

This long-time Port Moody resident has been working in the financial industry for over 25 years Sherry’s passions include, people, planning and numbers She enjoys working hard to share the knowledge and experience she has gained over the years to help others Being a mother of three, she believes in empowering and educating youth, which is why she is a volunteer for Junior Achievement Seeing how unprepared many adults are on financial matters encourages her to start discussions on saving and investing as early as possible to help build ‘good habits’ with money

Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional (CFP®), Sherry’s clients enjoy the benefits of professional investment advice that is tailored to support short- and long-term financial goals by designing portfolios within appropriate levels of risk Sherry also provides support and guidance around specific financial events that her clients face throughout their lives It is hard to find a topic or experience that she hasn’t been through with a client over her career

“There is so much information out there these days I help you determine what is important and relative to you!”

Sherry is a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Fellow of the Securities Institute (FCSI®), which is the highest honor in Canadian financial services which is reserved for an exclusive group of financial professionals who demonstrate unparalleled leadership, integrity, commitment and dedication to their clients and industry

Senior Wealth Advisor

iA Private Wealth 7th Floor, 609 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5

T: 604-895-3331/1-800-665-2030 x 3331

Sherry.blamey@iaprivatewealth.ca

www.greenhavenprivatewealth.com

Ronnie Hough RID, CSP

EVERY GREAT DESIGN STARTS WITH YOUR STORY

After 30 years of designing amazing spaces, I still feel excited every time I work with a client on a new project Working together to tell your personal story through design is always a rewarding opportunity to create spaces that

reflect your family, lifestyle, and personal vision

I look forward to helping you bring your story to life

Two time winner of Georgie award Radioshow host and guest speaker

#202 - 1030 Westwood St., Coquitlam

604-464-3333

enquiries@spraggslaw com

www.spraggslaw.ca

Jennifer Lawrence Rachel Rabinovitch

Jessica Spraggs

WOMEN BUSINESS IN COQUITLAM | PORT COQUITLAM | PORT MOODY

Denise McIntosh

Denise McIntosh established Genesis Kitchens in 2007 after being part of the design industry since 1994 She enjoys an active presence within the community by supporting local sports teams, multiple charities, and the Austin Heights Business Improvement Association Although Denise originally specialized in Architectural Millwork, she discovered her true passion lay in kitchen design Her dream was to create a company that took the evolution of the kitchen from design concept to a finished product that clients can enjoy and appreciate for years to come Genesis Kitchens & Design is a full-service design center that offers full design services, specialized indoor kitchen, outdoor kitchen, and bathroom cabinetry drawings, as well as supplying cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, tiles, and flooring They are known for creating beautiful, functional living spaces throughout the Greater Vancouver area Genesis Kitchens offers a complimentary consultation where they combine their client’s esthetic choices, needs, and lifestyle within the function of their space

Denise is not stopping there she has now brought on three Outdoor Kitchen cabinet lines

and is excited to take the functionality and design of the Indoor Kitchen outside! She has also opened a sister Company

“Inside Out Kitchens” in Penticton and services the south Okanagan region as well as greater Vancouver Your lifestyle and needs are important to Denise and her team From project start to finish Genesis Kitchens & Designs and Inside Out kitchens ensure every detail is considered, so they can provide the most accurate price quotes, the most suitable products, and offer design suggestions to make your Indoor Kitchens, Outdoor Kitchens, or other living spaces come to life

1037 Ridgeway Avenue, Coquitlam 604.937.7336 www.genesiskitchens.ca

Nancy Gattey

IIn business over 20 years, Creekside Fashions has gained a reputation for providing irresistible fashions, great fit along with exceptional customer service Nancy Gattey, owner of the Boutique, has spent over four decades in the Fashion Industry

“We genuinely care about our customers We want them to look great and feel even better!” The store carries an assortment of quality brands to offer you a selection of both casual and special occasion styles and a focus on products “Made in Canada” “When we select brands we carry we always look for designs that pay tribute to a woman’s body because we value quality, great style, comfort and a flattering fit” In store you will find an outstanding selection from Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman Designs, Sympli, Tribal Fashion, FDJ French Dressing Jeans, Gilmour, Parkhurst Sweaters, Brighton Collectibles, Michael Kors and more!

Check out the Creekside Fashions Facebook and Instagram pages for a great overview of what’s happening in the store You can watch a live fashion show Friday at 10am every week!

“If you are in the area, we welcome you to drop in and visit us at the store, but if not, we welcome you to browse through our website and become part of the Creekside family! We are dedicated to helping you find the perfect items to fit your body type and

Nicole Parsons

Windsor Plywood is a locally owned and operated Family business Nicole has spent her life immersed in the home improvement industry and has worked as a part of the family business for the past 25 years In that time she has seen many changes in not only the industry but also in her customers Women are responsible for over 90% of the purchasing decisions in a family and that is evident by the foot traffic in the store Women are a big part of the DIY market It doesn’t matter if you are replacing a lock or renovating an entire house Nicole and her team are experienced, knowledgeable and offer a level of customer service that you will not find anywhere else

2700 Barnet Hwy, Coquitlam 604-941-1768 windsorplywoodcoquitlam.ca

Little Gypsy’s Fine Jewelry, Gifts & Gallery started with a giant leap of faith Owner Lydia Podobnik had spent a lifetime creating art whenever she could, with a background in painting, carving wood and stone, and creating one of a kind jewelry, all while working full-time in health care All that changed in 2015 when she made the exciting yet terrifying decision to undertake a complete life change, leaving her full-time job to open a gallery showcasing locally made art and jewelry What started with a hand full of artists aside from Lydia herself has grown to a small space filled to the brim with the creations of over 50 BC artists - everything from jewelry to pottery, paintings, wood and stone carvings, art glass and so much more Lydia has received the A-List Award for Favorite Jewelry Store in Port Moody for the last 4 years in a row, as well as the 2020 award for Arts in Business, all while doing her best to navigate the challenges of the last few years, including increasing her online presence with an updated website along with tackling social media! The gallery also has an ever-expanding metaphysical side to it, featuring healing stones and crystals, smudging items, Tarot and Oracle cards, singing bowls and more, a place to address the spiritual

while dressing up the physical! Thankfully with the support of this amazing community and loyal fans the doors are still open! Lydia would like to thank everyone for their continued support and in helping to keep the arts alive in Port Moody!

49 Queens Street Port Moody, BC 604-931-2662

littlegypsys@shaw.ca

littlegypsysfinejewelry.com

Michelle Law, CFP

lifestyle Whether you’re looking for a new pair of jeans, something for the office, or a beautiful dress for a special occasion, we can help you”

3325 Coast Meridian Road, Port Coquitlam 604-942-8554 info@creeksidefashions.com creeksidefashions.com

My primary goal as a Financial Advisor is to determine what is most important to my clients Through an established process, I build personalized strategies to help clients achieve their financial goals

I take pride in partnering with my clients through their life to help keep them on track

I specialize in retirement plans,

education, preparing for the unexpected and saving money on taxes

I grew up in Poco and established my office nearby in the beautiful city of Pitt Meadows

With my 19 yrs of experience in the Financial Industry, it is my honour to be a woman in business and to be able to build relationships within my community

Lydia Podobnik

Stop by W ndsor Plywood Ask for Nicole and let her know you saw her in Women in Business

WOMEN BUSINESS IN COQUITLAM | PORT COQUITLAM | PORT MOODY

In support of International Women’s Day, Westwood Honda is donating to the Tri-City Soroptimists. They are a volunteer organization aiding women leaving situations of domestic violence and improving the lives of women and girls through social and economic empowerment. We have collected gently used purses and care packages to donate to the women in need.

Westwood Honda is committed to treating women with the respect they deserve.

From service to sales, the women on our team are pleased to assist the women in our community with all of their automotive needs.

604-461-0633 604-461-8030

2400 Barnet Highway, Port Moody

Network Hearing Health is an independently owned and operated hearing clinic in the Tricities Co-founders Sandra Baker and Grace Shyng are Registered Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Practitioners They are both Clinical Assistant Professors with the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and actively participate in various professional, community and clinical education activities and committees

Network Hearing opened in September

Meet Sandra Baker & Grace Shyng

2022, and was built with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, particularly for those with hearing, vision and mobility challenges The clinic offers a full range of diagnostic and rehabilitation services, including:

Hearing Assessments (children, adults, seniors)

Hearing Aid services

Earwax removal

Tinnitus Management services

Earplugs for Musicians, Noise and Swimming

Network Hearing is a dream come true for Sandra and Grace They re longtime colleagues, having worked together in various capacities since 1994 With a combined 50 years of clinical experience, they have helped a multitude of clients manage their hearing loss and tinnitus issues through long-term client care relationships As local residents, they’re excited to offer a modern hearing health clinic in the Tri-cities that is true to their values and history together And

Chamber’s Women in Business program helps women succeed

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Women in Business (WIB) Program is composed of accomplished local female professionals, emerging leaders, and young self-starters The WiB Committee is responsible for the advocacy, motivation, encouragement, development and strengthening of women’s talents and leadership in the Tri-Cities They seek to bring together women and those who self-identify as women to further their success

Through various events designed to encourage meaningful connections, education, personal development, leadership skills, strategic thinking, assertiveness, self-awareness and mentorship, the WiB Committee strives for the success of all women

The committee members are entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators They are Vivien Symington (Chair), Hema Bhatt, Carrie Bokser, Lora Covinha, Navdeep Duggal, Adozinda Ferreira, Sandra J Horton, Shelley Linn, Claire MacLean, Rihana Peiman, Gauri Ratna, and Fatma Taha

Their goal is to connect women in our community with other businesswomen, supporters and collaborators to further their achievements and reach their goals

“Together, the Tri-Cities Chamber and the WiB Committee are passionate about supporting the

emotional, financial, mental, and physical strength of women in the Tri-Cities and work together to build a community in which women thrive,” says Vivien Symington, Chair, Tri-Cities Chamber Women in Business “Women have an enormous impact on economic success and are imperative to the continued prosperity, here locally, provincially and beyond”

Join us as we celebrate International Women’s Day at Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club on March 8 over a delicious brunch buffet with inspiring speeches, a panel discussion, and open networking We are excited to have Shachi Kurl, President, Angus Reid Institute as our keynote speaker We also are thrilled to welcome our panelists, Dr Indira Samarasekera, first woman president of the University of Alberta and Dr Martha Piper, first woman president of the University of British Columbia, co-authors of NERVE: Lessons in Leadership from Two Women Who Went First, plus our moderator Paige Petriw, Councillor, City of Port Coquitlam, and CEO, Spotlight Events

Throughout the year, the WiB Program hosts a number of large and small networking, educational, and philanthropic events to provide our members one-of-a-kind opportunities for personal and professional development Check out our WiB events at tricitieschamber com

as women entrepreneurs, caring mothers, female MacGyvers, and downright depend human beings, Sandra and Grace believe t consistent, reliable, client-centred approac key to providing successful hearing health care over the lifetime

Contact them today to see how they exemplify quality hearing health expertise and service Trust matters Experience makes a difference Let Network Hearing help you with your Hearing Health for Life

www.NetworkHearing.ca

Christine Tossa is a highly accomplished Realtor with over 16 years of experience in buying and selling real estate in the Greater Vancouver area She has established herself as a leader in the industry, consistently ranking among the top 10% of all Realtors in Greater Vancouver and being recognized as a favorite Realtor in the Tri-City A List Awards for the past five years Her extensive knowledge of the Tri-Cities and exceptional communication skills make her a valuable resource for her clients Christine’s true passion is empowering women in the industry As a solo Realtor, she is supported by her two female assistants, and together they are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable space for women in real estate She is determined to work with like-minded clients and to embrace the endless possibilities for women in the field For Christine, her work is not just about closing deals, but about creating a positive impact on her clients’ lives by creating smiles and donating a portion of her closing to a charity of her clients choice!

Christine approaches her business with passion, urgency, and kindness, and is dedicated to achieving the best results for her clients If you’re looking for a Realtor who will work with you, not just for you, Christine Tossa and her team of women are the perfect choice

In her personal life, Christine is an avid painter, wildlife enthusiast, reader, and photographer She also actively gives back to her community, as a group sponsor for the Tri Cities Moms group, which supports local women and provides food hampers to those in need She believes in making a positive impact in the lives of those around her

Independently

Remax

Adoz nda Ferreira Carrie Bokser Claire MacLean Fatma Taha Gauri Ratna

Hema Bhatt Lora Covinha Navdeep Duggal Rihana Peiman Sandra Horton Shelley Linn

Vivien Symington (Cha r)

Christine Tossa

BONITAZARRILLO

Canadaʼ s theme for International Womenʼ s Day 2023 is Every Woman Counts. But the reality is that this is still only a hope for too many women in Canada today. Too many women continue to be sidelined by poor pay, multiple jobs, and a lack of choices – in childcare, in education, and even in employment.

Canadaʼ s care economy – which includes the healthcare system – is in crisis. But the care economy is the backbone of Canadaʼ s economy and employs 1 in 5 Canadians. The physical, psychological, and emotional care of people is encompassed by the care economy Without it, society simply cannot function. Care workers – especially nurses – are disproportionately women, especially immigrant and racialized women, who

have been underpaid and undervalued for decades because of gender discrimination. Now is the time for the federal government to step up and end that discrimination. It is time for them to do the work required to improve the working conditions of nurses across this country. We trust our care safety net in Canada, but it has not received the recognition, support, or respect it deserves for a very long time. Whether a Canadian is seeking healthcare, long-term care, childcare, education, dental care, or needs a personal support worker, they expect that quality care will be available, along with the workers, institutions, and systems that enable the delivery of that care.

On this International Womenʼ s Day, I urge the people of Port Moody, Coquitlam, Anmore, and Belcarra, as well as Canadians from coast to coast to coast, to champion the valuable work of nurses and other women in the care economy by calling for better pay and working conditions. When we achieve that, Canadians will know that Every Woman Counts.

KidSportsale,CarneyplayandCoquitlamrechiringfair

Friday, March 3

COYOTES ARE HERE

Learn how to live with urban wildlife like coyotes at a workshop hosted by the Stanley Park Ecology Society

The free information session takes place from 7 to 8 p m at Glenayre Community Centre (492 Glencoe Dr, Port Moody)

REGISTER: portmoody. ca/registration

CARNEY PLAYERS

Students at Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School present the play

Arsenic and Old Lace at Terry Fox Theatre (1260 Riverwood Gate, Port Coquitlam) tonight and Saturday at 7 p m

MORE: acrss org

Saturday, March 4

KIDSPORT SALE

Shop for second-hand sporting goods at the KidSport Tri-Cities used equipment sale at Riverside Secondary (2215 Reeve St , Port Coquitlam) from 10 a m to 1 p m Admission is by donation or with a non-perishable item for the SHARE food bank Proceeds help Tri-City families in financial need register their children in organized sports

MORE: kidsporttricities. ca

SHRED IT

Take your unwanted paperwork and confidential documents to Port Moody City Hall (100 Newport Dr) for shredding from 10 a m to 2 p m The Port Moody Police Department and the Electronic Recycling Association are hosting the shred during Fraud Prevention Month Old electronics such as computers and phones can also be recycled at the free event

MORE: 604-461-3456

REPAIR IT

Volunteers with the Repair Café return to the City of Port Coquitlam’s public works building (1737 Broadway St , off Cameron Avenue) to

fix Tri-City residents’ items such as bicycles, jewelry, small appliances, furniture and electronics for a donation The event takes place from 10 a m to 2 p m

MORE: repaircafepoco@ gmail com

COOKING DEMO

Learn how to make lamb and split pea soup and bread bowls with Delali Adiamah, the artist-in-residence for Coquitlam

Heritage, at Mackin House Museum (1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., registered participants (ages 12 and up) can explore the museum’s new exhibit, Breaking Bread, and take part in the

workshop and lunch The cost is $25 per person

REGISTER: coquitlamheritage ca

JOB FAIR

If you're looking for work, the City of Coquitlam's parks, recreation and culture division is hiring From noon to 4 p m , city staff will be at the Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Crt., Coquitlam) to recruit for full-time, parttime and auxiliary positions. MORE: coquitlam.ca

TO BE OR NOT

Join Ruth Kozak at the Tri-City Wordsmiths' next writing session at the Terry Fox Library (2470 Mary Hill Rd., Port Coquitlam) at 1:30

p m Learn how to pen a play during the free 90-minute workshop

MORE: tri-citywordsmiths ca

POMO’S FUTURE

Have your say in the City of Port Moody’s future as it updates its Official Community Plan (OCP), a blueprint for growth for 2050 City staff will host a workshop with residents at the Glenayre Community Centre (492 Glencoe Dr, Port Moody) from 2 to 4 p.m.

MORE: engage.portmoody.ca/portmoody-2050

BEST PARENTS

Parents of Grade 11 students at Coquitlam’s Dr. Charles Best Secondary (2525 Como Lake Ave.) will usher the band Cakewalk to the stage for an ‘80s dinner and dance from 6 to 11:30 p.m.

MORE: Eventbrite.ca/ bestgrad2024@gmail.com

BROADWAY TUNES

Moving Mirrors Productions has A Broadway Cabaret at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) at 7 p m Tickets are $30

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre.ca

A NIGHT OUT

Celebrate the generosity of Tri-City residents and

businesses at the signature fundraiser for SHARE Family and Community Services

From 7 to 11:30 p m , the social services agency hosts the gala IMAGINE 2023: A Tri-Cities Night Out at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd , Coquitlam) The silent auction and 50–50 draw is available online

MORE: sharesociety ca/ imagine

Sunday, March 5

BYE WEEDS

Help to clear Shoreline Trail in Port Moody of invasive plants. City staff will be at the Shoreline Trail sign on the northern side of Murray Street (halfway between Klahanie Drive East and West) to meet participants at 9:30 a m

REGISTER: 604-469-4556

LOCAL FILM

Alderson Productions premieres Bad Times at the Battle Royale, a film about a high school student who enters a sporting competition to stop his bullies The movie rolls at 6:30 p m in the Inlet Theatre (inside Port Moody City Hall, 100 Newport Dr) Tickets are $20/$15 and are at the door on show night Proceeds will be donated to Operation Christmas Child MORE: eventbrite.ca

The Juno Award-nominated group Oktopus will showcase songs from its third album, Créature, at a concert Friday (March 3) at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) at 7:30 p.m. The eight-piece band’s repertoire is klezmer, the musical heritage of Eastern European Jews, and includes elements of classical, Quebecois and jazz music. Tickets are $35/$32/$16. EMMANUEL CROMBEZ

Springiscoming,soarebears

PoCo info session to help residents get ‘bear smart’

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

With spring just around the corner, Port Coquitlam is taking steps to remind residents of the importance of removing food waste that could attract bears

Cold temperatures may be keeping bruins in their dens for now, but in March they will likely rise from their winter slumber

With the loss of 30 per cent of their body mass during hibernation, black bears will be looking for food to regain their energy This could mean bears making their way into PoCo neighbourhoods.

To make residents more “bear smart,” the city is hosting an information session on Wednesday, March 8

from 7 to 9 p m at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) in the JB Young Room

Residents will learn practical and effective tips for managing bear attractants and responding to bear encounters safely, according to a city press release.

Attendees can share questions to be answered by

city staff and bylaw officers during a question-and-answer period

Register online at portcoquitlam ca/bears

MANAGING WASTE

Efforts to crack down on mismanagement of food waste and other attractants will also begin soon.

Bylaw services staff will

be working again with the B C Conservation Officer Service to track bear activity and conduct “proactive joint enforcement,” the press release further states

The city’s ambassador will also be out in the community performing waste cart audits to ensure residents and businesses are securing their waste and removing other wildlife attractants

AVOIDING FINES

Residents and businesses can do their part and avoid a $500 fine by following the city’s garbage regulations:

• secure garbage and food scraps in either a wildlife-resistant enclosure (e g , garage or shed) or by using the city’s wildlife-resistant cart lock.

• set out carts between 5:30–7:30 a.m. on collection day and re-secure your carts by 7 p.m.

Properties without secure

required to use a city cart lock, or certified alternative, at all times except for the day of collection

Instructions for proper lock use are available at portcoquitlam ca/lockitright

Residents who would like to request the additional third arm for added security or to be placed on a waitlist for a lock can contact public works at publicworks@portcoquitlam ca or by phone at 604-927-5496

SOME TIPS

The best protection against bears is to physically keep waste and other attractants out of reach:

• Keep carts in the garage or in an area not accessible to wildlife

• Freeze meat and strong-smelling food scraps, and wait until collection day to put them into the green cart

• Keep pet food inside

• Clean barbecues after use and keep freezers indoors or locked up

• Don’t store strong-smelling garbage (diapers, grease barrels) or scented products (pop cans, toothpaste tubes, hairspray, mouthwash, etc ) outside

• Harvest fruit, berries and vegetables before or as they ripen, and clean up fallen fruit

• Remove bird feeders from April to November or suspend them high

• Block access to small animals (chickens, rabbits) and berry bushes

Bears are food driven and are feeding on natural and unnatural food sources including bird feeders, suet, chickens, rabbits and garbage

The increased bear activity in neighbourhoods is directly related to the availability of food.

After bears find a meal once in a waste cart or from a backyard fruit tree, they

quickly learn to return to the area and teach their cubs to do the same These “garbage bears” lose their natural fear of humans and can become aggressive over time

STAYING SAFE

• Travel with someone else or a group

• Be alert where bears may not be able to see, hear or smell you

• Make noise (talk loudly, clap or sing) to let the bear know you are there

• Keep children close and dogs on a leash at all times

• Watch for fresh bear signs (droppings, tracks, scratches on trees, overturned boulders or smashed logs)

• Never approach a bear; maintain a distance of at least 100 metres

Residents can report unsecured wildlife attractants in their neighbourhood at portcoquitlam.ca/report, using the Sort & Report App or by calling 604-927-3111.

Recreationfacilitiesfeelingpinchfromusers

Coquitlam and PoCo groups also seeking ice time

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Too many user groups and not enough ice in Port Moody is causing the city to

consider re-examining how it allocates time at its recreational facilities

In a report that was presented to council recently, Port Moody’s manager of recreation services, Jim LaCroix, proposes the city budget for the creation of a framework and policy to guide the distribution of access to the two arenas at

the recreation complex, as well as other recreational facilities

LaCroix said the squeeze first became apparent when COVID-19 public health restrictions eased and sporting activities started returning to normal

He said that resulted in a request last spring for more ice time from the

Tri-City Female Ice Hockey Association (TCFIHA) and Coquitlam/Moody Ringette

The city also received inquiries from the cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam whether Port Moody could accommodate more time for the female hockey group

But an effort to carve that additional time by

rescheduling some of the ice times used by the Port Moody Oldtimers Hockey Association (PMOHA) was met with resistance

Several PMOHA members told councillors during a meeting last July that the group relies on the consistency of its Thursday evening ice times so they can fulfill their other community and volunteer coaching endeavours

AGREEMENT

Those times were entrenched in an agreement reached with the city in 2007 for which PMOHA pays the full rate for its ice time without subsidies often granted to youth leagues

Robert Chorner said being able to play games at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays rather than being pushed to the late night hours as often occurs in other communities facing pressure to accommodate youth leagues is part of the league’s strength that brings members together to help raise money for community groups like the Crossroads Hospice Society.

Another player said moving the oldtimers’ time slot could cost the group up to a third of its 192 members.

“There is no way I can

justify getting off the ice at 1 a m , ” said one player

“I would have to bow out of this and go play elsewhere”

As a result of their admonitions, council granted PMOHA an exemption from the annual allocation process similar to its accommodation of the Port Moody Panthers junior hockey team, and some time on Sunday mornings was recovered from the Port Moody Amateur Hockey Association to accommodate TCFIHA

But the crunch hasn’t eased, said LaCroix

While the city does have a policy guiding ice allocation, it receives more requests for times than it has available for many of its facilities, and formulating a policy that can be applied to all would help ease the strain and minimize conflicts.

ALLOCATION GAPS

“Such a framework and policy will address the allocation gaps, review best practices and consider evolving user group needs within the community,” LaCroix said in his report.

He added such a process will also provide the city tools to address issues like storage space, risk and liability.

Threehousefiresinsevendayskeepcrewsbusy

Residents and dog safe after early morning blaze

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

No one was injured and a dog was rescued following a third Coquitlam house fire in seven days

Twenty firefighters from several local fire halls extinguished a blaze at a home east of Walton Park in the early hours of last Thursday (Feb 23), but the cause is not yet known

The incident took place around 1:30 a m in the Eagle Ridge neighbourhood near the intersection of Stanley Place and Hudson Street Coquitlam deputy fire chief Scott Young told the Tri-City News the cold weather proved to be challenging for firefighters as low temperatures caused water

to freeze and created slippery conditions

Young added the flames were seen coming from the deck area and roof of the residence upon first responders’ arrival All four occupants inside and the dog made it out safely

Crews were able to douse the fire over an hour later and there was no damage to neighbouring homes

The blaze was the third residential fire in single week for Coquitlam fire crews, and the second in as many days

Coquitlam first responders also tended to a fire in the City Centre neighbourhood before 10 a m last Wednesday (Feb 22)

A Creekside Drive house was destroyed and one person escaped with minor burns, according to fire chief Jim Ogloff.

Black smoke was seen and captured in photos or on video by local residents and commuters.

“We like to encourage people that, you know, fires happen, so smoke detectors are the best way to safely to get out of a [potential] fire,” Young said “If you come across a fire in your neighbourhood, call 911 right away”

Meanwhile, RCMP are still investigating a fourhome arson incident in

Coquitlam’s River Springs in the late hours of Feb 16

One person was arrested after two houses near the intersection of Keith Place and Parkland Drive were deemed as total losses from the suspected intentional blaze, displacing multiple residents in the process

A family dog inside one of the homes at the time of the

fires was rescued and taken to animal hospital to be treated for minor injuries

And, Mounties believe the suspect and victims were known to each other

“Intentionally setting a residence on fire shows a complete disregard for the safety of others,” said Sgt Karrie Ellis of Coquitlam RCMP’s criminal investiga-

tion department (CID)

“We are happy that no one was seriously injured and that officers were able to make a swift arrest of the suspect”

Anyone with more information on the River Springs incident is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-4413

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Coquitlamclinicswillhelpyoudoyourtaxes

Participants must complete a questionnaire

KYLE BALZER

kbalzer@tricitynews.com

Tax season is fast-approaching

And for some Coquitlam residents, it can be daunting to understand what needs to be completed and what returns they qualify for especially those on a low income

The city is hosting a series of free clinics, alongside volunteers trained with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)

In a release, Coquitlam spokesperson Lesley Joyce said this is to help support residents 50 years and older receiving any disability pension or with low income

That’s $35,000 a year or less for individuals and $45,000 or less for couples, and “only simple tax returns

are accepted,” Joyce added

The CVITP clinics, by appointment only, will be held in person this year at Coquitlam’s Dogwood and Glen Pine pavilions

However, Joyce said, those facing certain barriers that prevent them from attending can file their 2022 income tax returns by phone

“Offered in partnership with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), volunteers will pick up all supporting documents and file the

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.

Income Tax Return over the phone at no cost to seniors”

Interested residents can sign up at the front desks at the Dogwood and Glen Pine pavilions located at 1655 Winslow Ave and 1200 Glen Pine Crt respectively to schedule an appointment or call 604-927-4386

Potential participants will be given a questionnaire to confirm eligibility

For more information, you can visit the City of Coquitlam’s website at coquitlam ca or call Kim Bortolin at 604-927-6093

Coquitlam is hosting a series of clinics to help residents 50 years or older and with a low income or disability pension complete their income tax return.

KELLY SIKKEMA/ UNSPLASH

TRI-CITY SPOTLIGHT

Please send your information and photos for inclusion on our TC Spotlight page to jcleugh@tricitynews.com

FORBES RATING

School District 43 is one of the best employers in the country, according to Forbes Canada

The magazine put the Coquitlam school district on its 2023 list for top companies to work for, said SD43 Superintendent Patti Gartland at last week’s board of education meeting.

“This is an important recognition for the district and came about via anonymous surveys with actual employees gathered by Forbes,” she said “An honour such as this highlights our positive employee culture and speaks to the talents and support leaders in our district exemplify I am proud to share this positive news with our community, the province and globally to further solidify SD43’s reputation”

BAXTER RECOGNITION

Coquitlam’s Jordan Baxter recently received a hero’s welcome and a certificate of appreciation after she helped Canada’s nation U18 female hockey team win its second straight world championship

Baxter was at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex on Jan 24 to show off her second gold medal with the team, as well as meet some young players with the Tri-Cities Predators female hockey association, where she started her journey in the sport

“Growing up with girls and being in the program with girls all through my years really helped me connect, make better friendships and find that love for my game,” said Baxter, who’s headed to Ohio State University on a hockey scholarship in the fall

The homecoming event was organized by the Gamar Foundation and its Let Her Lead initiative, which works to showcase women in “positions of power and influence”

SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

A Port Coquitlam woman is among the first recipients of a new national scholarship that aims to celebrate those breaking barriers in health and medicine.

Nursing student Sarah Buck is getting a bursary from the Canadian Nurses Foundation to help continue her studies at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops

She’ll receive $3,000 as an undergraduate, which was created to advance diversity in nursing and health equity research for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour

NEW JOB FOR MLA

Fin Donnelly has a new title at the B.C. legislature. And it’s with a new “priority” mandate that was appointed by Premier David Eby in January

The Coquitlam–Burke Mountain MLA has been named the parliamentary secretary for watershed restoration a new division set to focus on protecting watersheds in B C Donnelly’s new job arguably fits his M O considering his years of community and volunteer service for watersheds across the Tri-Cities

“Excited to get to work as B C’s first ever Watershed Restoration Parliamentary Secretary,” Donnelly wrote in a social media post.

“Watersheds are the lifeblood of our province, but we need to work together to heal and protect them.”

Before being elected as MLA, Donnelly served as Port Moody–Coquitlam MP and acted as fisheries critic

Coquitlam’s Denisa Doftoreanu took Best Performance by an Actress (ages 15–17 category) at the 2022 Joey Awards for her work in her short film, “Home”; she also took the title of Most Promising Performer

Port Coquitlam Professional

Firefighters Charitable Society recently launched a clothing donation program that aims to raise funds for its school breakfast program. The bins are now at the two PoCo firehalls.

The Angela Calla team recently hosted a fundraiser for the Tri-Cities Moms Group with Coquitlam Express at the Poirier rink, bringing in a total of $2,059 for the group that supports local parents.

James Park Elementary student Emma Feichtinger, 9, swam 56 laps (1,400 m) in an hour at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre in Port Coquitlam, raising $2,318 for the BC Cancer Foundation.

KidSport Tri-Cities executive director Chris Wilson (left) received more than $21,000 from Cactus Club Cafe as part of the new Coquitlam restaurant’s grand opening on Jan. 24, next to Coquitlam Centre mall.

The Tournament of Courage water polo tournament, held recently in Coquitlam, presented medals of excellence to swimmers. The tournament was hosted by the Pacific Storm Water Polo Club.

FOCUS ON Registration

PaintNightforTeens

COQUITLAM

Paint Night for Teens (00107222): Coquitlam teens

ages 14 to 18 can get creative at a Paint Night held at the Getaway Youth Centre (620 Poirier St , Coquitlam) on March 8 From 5 to 7 p m , participants can learn how to make an acrylic painting on canvas with help from an instructor Supplies are included plus snacks To register, visit coquitlam ca

PLACE DES ARTS

Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave , Coquitlam) has two workshops for adults starting this month To register, visit placedesarts.ca.

Easter Basket (26908): On March 18, you can weave an Easter basket for collecting and displaying Easter eggs or spring flowers. With teacher Kristen Conboy, you can learn the basics of plain

weave using flat reed cane to create a basket with a handle and a finished edge The one-day class is suitable for all levels and supplies are included, but bring your own scissors.

Intro to Pottery: Throw a Basic Cylinder (27141): From March 31 to April 2, you can get a taste of what pottery is all about in this

FindworkwithCoq.parks,rec

If you’re out of work or looking to make a few extra bucks, the City of Coquitlam wants you to put your name forward for a parks and recreation position

three-day class You will learn the foundational steps of creating pots on a wheel: How to wedge clay, centre, pull and shape a basic clay cylinder. The skills you develop will lay the groundwork for future pottery classes. Taught by Clive Tucker, this workshop is process-based; no pots will be fired or finished.

On Saturday (March 4) from noon to 4 p m , municipal staff will be at Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Crt , Coquitlam) to talk to potential recruits and take resumes Glen Pine is located south of Coquitlam City Hall, about two blocks from the Lafarge Lake–Douglas or Lincoln stations on the Millennium Line

It is the first job fair that the city has hosted in recent memory and is the brainchild of a recreation program coordinator at Maillardville Community

Centre

Besides the full-time roles available, the city is also looking to hire parttime and auxiliary workers for landscaping, arena maintenance, recreation instruction, supervision, lifeguarding, events organization, and children and

youth program leadership

As well, those employed will get a free fitness pass for non-instructional, drop-in activities like swimming, skating and the weight room.

For more details about working for the city, go to coquitlam.ca/careers.

Paint Night for Teens in Coquitlam is on March 8. GETTY IMAGES/ IMGORTHAND

The City of Coquitlam will host a hiring fair on Saturday, March 4 at Glen Pine Pavilion. GETTY IMAGES/ FAT CAMERA

MakeajournalinPoCo

PORT COQUITLAM

You can learn how to keep your trash and recyclables safe from wildlife at the City of Port Coquitlam’s next Bear Aware Info Session

On March 8, city staff will be in the JB Young Room in the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave , Port Coquitlam) from 7 to 9 p m to talk to participants about how to keep bruins away from bins

To register, visit portcoquitlam ca/bears

Meanwhile, the city offers the following classes in April (register on PoCo’s website at portcoquitlam ca):

Book Making (77568): Participants ages 12 and up can make their own journals and notebooks after studying hand-sewn book binding techniques. Materials will be provided. The class runs April 6 to 27 in the JB Young Room of the PCCC from 4:30

to 6:30 p m The cost is $75

The Art of Hand Lettering (77566): Learn the art of hand lettering using a variety of writing instruments, including authentic calligraphy dip pens and ink

The class from April 4 to 25 is open to participants ages 13 and up and will be held in the Small Multi-Purpose Room at the PCCC from 4 to 5:30 p m The cost is $75

Pottery Handbuilding (76876): Participants ages 19 and up can fun while forming sculptural art pieces out of ceramic clay during guided sessions with Ratna Gandhi In The Outlet work room in Leigh Square (behind city hall) from April 6 to May 25, you can learn some basic hand-building techniques like slab, coil and pinch work to create their own pen stands, bowls and wall art. It is on from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $186

plus $30 for materials

Dancing Fun! (76877): Join Stef Delisimunovich for a recreational dance class in the JB Young Room at PCCC from April 14 to June 2 The session is open to students ages 18 and older, from 7 to 8 p m The cost is $120

PORT MOODY

Parents of children ages three and four can now register for the Early Learners Playschool for spots available in September

It’s offered in the mornings and afternoons at the Rocky Point Pavilion at Rocky Point Park (2800block of Murray Street) and the Glenayre Community Centre (492 Glencoe Dr.).

To sign up for Early Learners or other spring programs in city facilities, beginning the week of April 3, visit portmoody.ca/signmeup or call 604-469-4556.

IsBosaproject toobigforsite?

Proposal includes grocery store and rental apartments

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

A new grocery store would be a welcome addition to Port Moody’s downtown area

But some councillors are concerned a proposal by Bosa Foods and Cornerstone Architecture to build a mixed-use project on the south side of St Johns Street at Queens Street that includes a 9,400 sq ft specialty food store and 47 rental apartments in a four-storey residential block might be biting off more of the property that it can chew.

In their first formal look at a pre-application for the project during a meeting of council’s initiatives and planning committee last Tuesday (Feb. 21), concerns were raised about the building’s footprint that could cover 90 per cent of the two lots that sit next to a protected heritage home.

“It feels like it needs to be shrunk down,” said Coun Haven Lurbiecki

Other councillors worried about the number of trees that would have to be cut down to accommodate the project while Coun Callan Morrison said the developer’s plan to locate the entrance to the residential parkade at the back of the building would be a tight squeeze along narrow and steeply sloped St Andrews Street

MULTI-USE PATH

Port Moody senior planner Kevin Jones also suggested a plan to build a new multi-use path along that part of St Johns could hinder Bosa’s plan to locate an outdoor patio along the sidewalk for patrons of its coffee shop

But none of those issues is insurmountable, said Scott Kennedy of Cornerstone Architecture

“Certainly there’s lots of enhancement of the design we can do,” he told council-

A rendering of the Bosa Foods front entrance and patio. CORNERSTONE ARCHITECTURE

lors while acknowledging the building’s footprint is largely to accommodate the grocery store as well as its indoor parking area and loading bay

Bruno Benedet, the president of Bosa Foods, said his company is excited to bring its “old-world shopping experience” to Port Moody. The company currently operates two other stores in East Vancouver and its location on Victoria Drive will serve as a template for its newest venture.

Benedet said the smaller size of a Bosa Foods store, along with its look that includes reclaimed wood beams and amenities like a coffee shop and outdoor seating, bring a community feel to the shopping experience.

‘WELCOMING SPACE’

“Yes it’s a grocery store, but it feels like a very welcoming space,” he said “Part of our branding is we believe we should give back to the community”

That was music to the ears of most councillors, including Mayor Meghan Lahti, who said she “would love to see this project come to fruition”

Jones said as the project is just a pre-application that staff are still reviewing, there will be plenty of opportunity for refinements as it goes through various committees and then returns to council for amendments to the city’s official community plan and zoning bylaws that will be needed for it to be realized

Kennedy said his company and Bosa are excited to move forward “We’ve heard a lot of anecdotal evidence there’s a desperate need for a food store in that area”

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Sponsored Content is a brand-sponsored article that lives on a media publisher’s website It looks and reads like the publications own content but is, in fact, a paid advertisement It positions the brand as an expert by delivering interesting content that is relevant to a publisher’s audience

As we move further down the digital road, it’s important to connect with your audience online Not merely advertise products and services spark interest, answer questions, educate readers with valuable information. One example of this would be for a Realtor to sponsor an article on “How to turn your Basement Suite into a Rental Unit?” A Travel Agency could talk about “5 Best Trips to Cure the Winter Blues!” Maybe a Yoga Studio discusses “The Health Benefits of Maintaining a Good WorkLife Balance?” The general idea is to provide your audience with helpful, interesting, even must read articles sponsored by your business of course! It’s a softer, but more memorable sell, presented in a journalistic style

Sponsored Content builds brand trust & credibility, when used effectively can drive online traffic and engagement by leaps and bounds!!

604-314-4502 www.glaciermediadigital.ca

ndhillon@glaciermedia.ca

Clay & Lacey Tierney, Owners Budget Blinds, Tri-Cities

Digital

Neeta Dhillon Glacier Media

LocalPROS Q&A

LocalPRO of the month

Floor Covering EXPERT

How do I know if my neighbor’s floor is right for me?

Sometimes we want to replicate the lovely floor our neighbour or friend just got. But before taking that big step of replacing our floors, it is crucial to consider some important facts of our lifestyle and household, other than looks or budget. Here are some questions to answer:

1 Where do I want the floor to be laid? Basement, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, etc

2 How is the moisture in such areas? Flooding risk?

3. Frequency of use? Kids bathroom vs powder room.

4 What is the favourite texture under my feet? Am I very sensitive to cold surfaces?

5 How much time and effort do I really have to care for my floors?

6. Do I or other family member have mobility issues or specific needs?

7. Do I have pets or small kids? How active is my lifestyle?

8 How long do I want my floors to last?

9 Direct sunlight? Extreme weather? Climate controlled? Interior/ Exterior? With this basic information you help your floor provider to pick the adequate product for your own specific needs.

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Opposition to increased air traffic over Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody is growing with more than 2,600 names to a petition against the proposal by Nav Canada

Kenneth Bell, a Westwood Plateau resident who started the petition, hopes his efforts will lead to more awareness and stop Nav Canada from putting more planes over his home

“One of the big concerns about all this is the lack of consultation and engagement in the process itself,” Bell said

“I’m not the only who has voiced concern about that. It would have been more transparent and more had people been involved.”

Bell has sent his petition to the federal Minister of Transportation Omar Alghabra, as well as Nav Canada officials and local politicians.

Q

What are the first signs of hearing loss and what could be the causes?

Q

A

How do you know when it’s time to reline dentures?

A

Do you often ask people to repeat? Are you having trouble hearing at restaurants? Does your family say your TV is turned up loud? If you’ve answered yes to any of these, it’s likely you’re having some early symptoms of hearing loss Hearing loss associated with aging, called presbycusis, is the most common cause of hearing loss, and onset can be as early as the late 30s Other common causes include noise exposure from working in industrial noise (e g construction); middle ear issues (e g ear infections); ototoxicity (certain medications); and family history of hearing loss

Like any health condition, the key to successful management is early intervention I encourage everyone to get a baseline hearing assessment, just like you would for your eyes and your teeth Even if you don’t have any hearing concerns, it’s never too early to be educated on healthy hearing!

604-552-4503 | info@networkhearing ca

www.networkhearing.ca

204 - 2748

If the dentures no longer fit as well as they once did, you may need to have a procedure done to refit the base of the denture, called a“reline” Check with your Denturist to see if your dentures can be relined It is best not to reline your dentures with over-the-counter reline kits This procedure, which can be done by your Denturist, will enable your dentures to have a tighter, better fit A new impression will be taken to ensure the proper landmark and a new base will be cured to the underside of your existing denture

And while public input has ended in the consultation period for the Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project (VAMP) by the air traffic monitoring agency, Bell said it’s not too late for residents to be heard

“Nav Canada has said they don’t anticipate making a decision on this until the fall I think we still have some ‘runway’ to affect a change,” he told the Tri-City News

In addition to the petition, a website called Tri-Cities Overflights and Concerned Residents raises concerns about the impact of more jet aircraft flying above Tri-City neighbourhoods, including fears about disturbed sleep, harm to children’s education outcomes and increased stress in local communities

However, Nav Canada maintains that the noise of the jet aircraft will be equivalent to 60 db, equivalent to that of a normal conversation, and that the new routes will be safer, given the projected increase in flights and more efficient Bell said he disputes Nav Canada’s contentions that

the changes in noise levels won’t affect Tri-City residents, calling the noise modelling “simplistic”

“Nav Canada is doing these predictions based on simplistic variables, assuming that everything is flat, and sea level well, that’s not the case in the TriCities”

In his email to the federal minister of transportation, Bell said he moved to Coquitlam with his family of five in 2005 for its “peace and solitude” due to the location near forests, mountains and streams

But he is facing the prospect of being woken up to the sound of large commercial airplanes overhead.

“We did not choose to live under a flight path, but now it appears that this is being forced upon us as a result of decisions being made without adequate engagement or consultation with those directly affected by it.”

Nav Canada states that it too is concerned about public safety, which is why it is undertaking the Vancouver Aircraft Modernization Project, and disagrees that it has not done enough consultation

In a statement to the Tri-City News, the agency said it began consultation in November, starting with municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government across Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and the Southern Vancouver Island area

It followed up with discussion opportunities both in person and online with residents

“Nav Canada made significant effort to promote awareness of the proposal, create a venue for discussion and allow for those affected or their elected representatives to form their opinions and make informed decisions about feedback”

Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody councils have raised concerns about the overflights but Nav Canada said those municipalities were among those that were briefed

Andrea Gortarez, Owner Floor Coverings

CHAMBER UPDATE

The Tri-Cities’ largest business association is leaning in to March, advocating for public policy that supports a strong economy, and providing Chamber members with opportunities to network and connect with leaders and experts. Join us to support local prosperity and help your business thrive.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY BRUNCH

On March 8, the Chamber's sold-out International Women's Day Brunch will feature keynote speaker Shachi Kurl, President of the Angus Reid Institute, panellists Martha Piper and Indira Samarasekera, co-authors of Nerve: Lessons on leadership from two women who went first, moderator Paige Petriw, Councillor, City of Port Coquitlam, and closing remarks from Fiona Famulak, President & CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. The event is presented by the Scoitabank Women Initiative, and organized by the Chamber's Women in Business Committee, chaired by Vivien Symington, Owner, Club Aviva.

MEET THE MAYORS

The Chamber will host small group discussions on the state of the City, and top issues facing businesses and our community, with Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West at Earl's on March 14, and with Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti at Romer's on March 29. Tickets on sale now.

LUNCH WITH LEADERS

On March 24, in partnership with the Burnaby Board of Trade, the Chamber will host the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Federal Minister of International Development, and Minister Responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. Tickets available at tricitieschamber.com.

PROVINCIAL & FEDERAL BUDGETS

The Chamber has followed up on our in-person meeting with letters to MP Ron McKinnon and READ

MP Bonita Zarrillo, outlining the Chamber's priorities for the upcoming federal budget. Read the full letters, as well as the Chamber's reaction to the 2023 Provincial Budget being released this week, at tricitieschamber.com/advocacy

TRI-CITIES YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

The TCYP Curling Tournament was held on February 18 at the Port Moody Recreation Complex. Are you a young professional or entrepreneur under 40? Visit tricitieschamber.com/tri-cities-youngprofessionals to join us for the next event.

TASTE OF THE TRI-CITIES

This much anticipated food and drink festival is underway now through March 12. More than 50 restaurants, breweries, and fine establishments near you are participating. Brought to you by the Tri-Local Collective. Visit trilocal.ca.

Hindu Festival of Colours

MARCH

Happy Holi #SupportLocal

For

Left: Chamber Board Chair Jenifer Wright as skip at the Tri-Cities Young Professionals Curling Night, February 18. Right, L to R: Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne, Port Coquitlam Councillor Paige Petriw, Chamber Board Chair Jenifer Wright, and Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti at the Taste of the Tri-Cities Launch Event, February 16

TRI-CITY ARTS&LIFE

Teen stories, poems

Whatdoesamemorylooklikeforanartist?

If you picked up an old photo or artifact, what memories would it unlock?

And would someone in the image or who had used the item remember the time, place and events in the same way?

That’s the question behind an exhibit that Coquitlam Heritage opened last Saturday called The Shape of Our Memories, a display that will be up at Mackin House Museum for the spring Memory, said exhibits manager Markus Fahrner, “is something that’s very

personal. It’s something that you attach certain thoughts and recollections to, but can be influenced by your upbringing and your culture.”

“The idea of the display is that all items create different memories because each of us is an individual”

For the show, Fahrner asked four visual artists

Carl Baird, Faria Firoz, James Groening and Karl Mata

Hipol and musician Kelsi

James to dig through the society’s collection to see what could inspire them to create a work about the past Baird, an English native

who works as a scenic artist in the Vancouver TV and film industry, used the society’s Fraser Mills train station and CP Rail 1970s caboose to depict displacement and the quest to find a home, while Groening, a Cree artist who was raised by white grandparents during the ‘60s Scoop, painted a colourful piece with dark themes of losing Indigenous roots Firoz chose a puppet from the society’s collection to offer a 3D installation showing a mother and daughter in her homeland of Bangladesh

with the girl leaving the place where she was raised. Growing up, Firoz enjoyed South Asian puppet shows, known as Putul Khela or Katputli, as a traditional form of storytelling. And Philippine-born Hipol presented a mosaic-like work mimicking the effects of an oil lamp to represent his culture As for James, who identifies as being part of the LGBTQ2+ community, she penned a song cycle based on seven historical images of Coquitlam; her performance of the tunes can be watched via a television at Mackin

Fahrner said the five artists were selected after an open call. “We picked them because of the integrity of their proposal,” he said. “It’s quite a diverse group, but we wanted representation and inclusivity in the show.”

Fahrner said the exhibit also opens a pathway about how and what is collected by heritage groups

On April 14, the artists will be at Mackin House Museum (1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) to celebrate the The Shape of Our Memories Visit coquitlamheritage.ca for details

The Wondrous Tree Fellowship is seeking short stories or poems from youth ages 11 to 13 for its third iteration of The Greatest Tree Stories Ever Told Contestants can submit an original work of 500 words or less about their favourite tree or an imaginary tree, or a tale about how trees talk and what they talk about.

Writers can also relay a story about why trees are important to the environment and climate resilience. Drawings or photos are also encouraged to be attached to the entry.

Prizes will be awarded in three categories; the names of the winners will be announced on the Fellowship’s Facebook page The contest ends on May 1 Email wondrous tree fellowship@ gmail com

Above, U.K. native Carl Baird. with his work for the Coquitlam Heritage exhibit "The Shape of Our Memories"; top right, James Groening's painting depicting generational trauma to the Indigenous communities in Canada; bottom right, Faria Firoz's 3D installation of her Bangladeshi homeland. COQUITLAM HERITAGE VIA MARKUS FAHRNER

GivingweighttoyourwordswithToastmastersclub

If you’ve spent the past three years working from home and attending online meetings, it’s likely you haven’t had regular contact with new people

With masks still often used in public settings, as well as social and physical distancing, many Tri-City residents are out of practice with their presentation

“We’ve been out of touch with each other for too long,” said Shirley Brown, vice president of education for the Port Coquitlam-based Lincoln Toastmasters club

“It’s time to turn the corner and brush up on our

Shirley Brown is the vicepresident of education with Lincoln Toastmasters. The club meets Tuesdays at the Port Coquitlam

social skills”

This month, as part of its drive during Toastmasters Month in February, the club is offering a membership discount plus an open house on March 28 to tempt Tri-City residents to come out and improve their communication

New members will learn public speaking by crafting speeches on topics that interest them and share their stories with the group, which meets on the second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre at 7 p m

They’ll also be coached on how to project their voice, make eye contact and use body language effectively to impress a general or targeted audience, Brown said. And they’ll be offered tips on how to do better next time. The constructive criticism “isn’t just for the per-

son; it’s for the whole room,” she said “Everybody learns from each other and is very supportive”

Brown said the Lincoln Toastmasters, which started at Coquitlam’s Lincoln Centre in 1996, has seen a variety of participants with different backgrounds

Over the years, they’ve welcomed influencers, realtors, nurses, police, managers, comedians, academics and students preparing for university entrance

They’ve also had a best man for a wedding who wanted to practise his speech after the bride and groom tied the knot, and someone readying a eulogy

The Lincoln Toastmasters have also seen new Canadians immigrants from Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East wanting to sharpen their English pronunciation.

Janice Christie, a Lincoln Toastmasters member, said some people use multi-media to test run their presentation or to give a greater

connection to their story

Still, the art of a Zoom or social media presentation is also taught, as the PoCo meetings remain hybrid for greater flexibility and convenience for members

“We want to see the full body, not just a face in a square,” said Brown, who noted that lighting and sound quality are key factors for online appearances

A non profit, Toastmasters has 250,000 members in 12,500 clubs in 106 countries Past Tri-City Toastmasters include Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti and former Port Moody mayor Joe Trasolini Last month, B C’s Lt -Gov Janet Austin, on behalf of King Charles III, proclaimed February as Toastmaster Month.

To learn more about Lincoln Toastmasters, visit lincoln.toastmastersclubs. org or facebook.com/ LincolnToastmasters. More info can also be found on LinkedIn and Instagram (@ lincolntoastmasters).

À SEPT HAPPY HOUR SERIES

March 5-9, 2023

Artist to speak at PoMoArts on March 4 about upcycled fashion

Gibsons resident Tam Harrington considers herself a trans-disciplinary artist one whose work can’t be defined by a specific genre. A graduate of the Emily Carr University of Art+Design, with an associate diploma in graphic arts and communications from Douglas College, Harrington has taken part in past Wearable Arts shows at PoMoArts (formerly the Port Moody Arts Centre) and shown her artwork in the centre’s annual Art 4 Life exhibit. Last month, she opened a solo display at PoMoArts titled Fashion, A Complex Relationship, which can be seen until March 28. And to mark International Women’s Day, Harrington will speak at PoMoArts on March 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. about her exhibit that was planned for June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her discussion about upcycled metal wearable art and sculptures centres on the question, “Is fashion helping to empower women or to oppress them?” Meanwhile, also showing at PoMoArts this month is Ceramics in Flux by Tri-City Potters and Recreations of Myth and Spirit by Samantha Harrison. Visit pomoarts.ca for more details.

VIA POMOARTS

ARTIST OF THE WEEK: TAM HARRINGTON

SPORTS

Femaleduobreaksbarriersinbroadcastbooth

BCIT students did play-by-play and colour for Port Moody Panthers

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Jessica Kissel has been around hockey for most of her 18 years she started skating almost as soon as she could walk and, at age 12, she was a referee.

But recently, Kissel experienced the sport in a whole new way.

She and fellow BCIT radio student Dominika Kwiatkowski formed the first all-female broadcasting duo for a Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) team when they provided play-by-play and colour commentary for the Port Moody Panthers’ Feb. 11 home game against the Abbotsford Pilots.

Kissel, who’d been the sidekick to regular playby-play announcer Nick MacDonald all season, was thrust into the game-calling position when her colleague went rinkside for PA announcing duties

That then elevated Kwiatkowski into the commentary position from her usual behind-the-scenes role on the team’s HockeyTV

streaming broadcasts. The social media post announcing their unique collaboration was seen more than 53,000 times and even got a reply from Sportsnet host Carly Agro, as well as local broadcasters like Rick Dhaliwal and Vancouver Canucks’ PA announcer Al Murdoch

Kissel, a first-year student at BCIT, said the experience was a whirlwind that’s really reinforced her love for live broadcasting, and given

her food for thought as she considers the direction her career will take after she graduates.

For Kwiatkowski, a second-year student, adding pithy remarks and observations to fill in the pauses that occur during a hockey game was a way to push the boundaries of her comfort zone

Both said they hope the attention their broadcasting effort has received will be a bit of a clarion call to other

young women with aspirations to break through traditional barriers.

While women like Leah Hextall and Jennifer Botterill have been an increasing presence on live sports broadcasts, providing playby-play and colour commentary from the booth is still the rare exception to the rule

BCIT broadcasting instructor Brian Wiebe, who happens to also be the general manager of

the Panthers, said women looking to break into sports broadcasting face “the antiquated notion that high-level sports are only for men”

But, Wiebe added, he’s seeing more of his female-identifying students express a desire to break into sports broadcasting

“Things have changed for the better,” he said “More women feel there is support for them broadcasting any sport”

Kissel, who’s originally from Maple Ridge, said, “I think it’s important to have representation. It feels like it’s something you can do, when you see women out there doing things.”

“It can be encouraging,” Kwiatkowski added.

“It makes it a bit more accessible.”

GAIN EXPERIENCE

Wiebe said small organisations like the Panthers are perfectly positioned to provide opportunities that can break down barriers

“It is huge for junior hockey organizations to provide opportunities for people to gain experience in all sorts of roles,” he said “It’s where successful sports broadcasters have cut their teeth for years”

Kissel said calling play-byplay, while also developing

a rapport with her sidekick, proved challenging at first

Not only did she have to learn all the names and numbers of the players on the ice, she also had to conjure some unique phrases on the fly to provide her broadcast with personality

“It was definitely a big transition,” she said

“You had to learn not to get too caught up in the moment, you just have to be able to move along, keep up with the flow of the game”

For Kwiatkowski, whose professional interests lean more toward the music industry than sports broadcasting, overcoming her own knowledge gaps about hockey and a fear she was constantly repeating herself proved the most daunting.

Both women said the experience did drive home the importance of a broadcast’s role, even if the audience is just family and friends of the players.

In fact, after their game, the parents of one of the Panthers’ players presented the duo with a card thanking them for their effort, calling their commentary a lifeline when they can’t watch the games in person

“That’s not something I’d thought of before,” Kissel said

“It’s a light that helps brighten their lives”

Jessica Kissel, left, and Dominka Kwiatkowski are BCIT broadcasting students who recently became the first all-female duo to call a Pacific Junior Hockey League game DUNCAN DE DECKER PHOTO

More local Sports coverage at your fingertips.

Coquitlam Express winger Emmett McHardy is dumped by Nanaimo Clippers forward Jake Hewitt as they battle for the puck in the first period of their BC Hockey League game, Sunday (Feb. 26) at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. Nanaimo scored three times in the second period to win, 4–1 The result left the Express with a split of its weekend games after a 7–6 win over the Langley Rivermen last Friday (Feb. 24). The Express continued its quest to improve its seeding for the playoffs with a game against the Surrey Eagles Wednesday, after the Tri-City News’ print deadline. Heading into the game Coquitlam was in fourth place in the BCHL’s Coastal divsion, two points behind the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and two ahead of the Chilliwack Chiefs and Victoria Grizzlies.

Junior hockey team starts play in September

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

The new Port Coquitlam Trailblazers junior hockey team is honouring the city’s minor hockey roots with its colours and its future aspirations with its logo

The Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) unveiled the team’s look in a social media post last Thursday (Feb 23), two days after announcing its name.

In a video, the team said its purple, gold and white colour scheme honours the origins of

the PoCo Minor Hockey Association that was founded in 1974 and immediately adopted the look of the Los Angeles Kings that wore those colours in its formative NHL seasons

The Trailblazers officially became the PJHL’s 14th franchise earlier in February, picking up the mantle of the old Port Coquitlam Buckeroos that departed for Port Moody in 2006.

MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

Obituaries

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The following routes are now available to deliver the News in the Tri-City area

BEST, Sherrell Jane

It s with great sadness to announce that Sherrel passed away peacefuly Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 at the age of E ghty-Eight She was predeceased by her husband Don n 2013 She is surv ved by her oving daughter Tracy and son n-law Colin, son Steven Sherrel was born and raised in New Westm nster, BC, and moved to Coquitlam in the house that Don bui t on Finnigan Street where she happ ly ived for over 50 years Her last 7+ years of ndependent liv ng were at Mayfair Terrace in Port Coqu tlam, where she made many friendships with fellow residents and the wonderful staff Her br ght smi e and happy laugh wi l be m ssed by many

We would l ke to thank the wonderful Staff of 5BSouth at Roya Columbian for Mom’s 40 day stay there, the staff at Belvedere for her making her so we come during her short stay there and the car ng staff of 2BWest at Eag e Ridge Hospita for her end of life care

Rest in Peace and free from pain, Mom

DOYLE, Alleyne

1929 - 2023

W th deepest sadness is offered notice the passing of Betty “Al eyne” Doyle (nee Hami ton)

Married for 60 years to Dan Doy e, together, they were p llars of Coquit am in found ng commun ty inst tutions around public educat on and commun ty recreation since the 1950’s

A leyne became an accompl shed p an st and she brought that skill to Knox Presbyter an Church at an early age She grew up a Sapperton girl, and graduated from TJ Trapp Tech In 1947 where she exce led n arts and theatre Alleyne also graduated from bus ness school in New Westminster, and spent many years in the procurement fie d with the BC D st l ery, then Roya Columbian Hospita

Raised with a strong wi l in everything she did, and comm tments she made Al eyne put fami y first yet giving n her commun ty, charismatic with a ight heartedness and ready sm le that brought easy friendships from the vo unteer work she d d, to the tradit onal Jazz Mus c Club she oved to her high leve fitness n ath et cs as a compet tive senior sw mmer for many years

Al eyne is predeceased by her Husband Dan, Brother Bob, Parents James and El zabeth Hami ton, and grieved by Son Jess, missing her presence n variety of recreation they en oyed

MCMURRAY, Edward Clark

July 2, 1955

December 31, 2022

Passed away quietly in Crossroads Hospice in Port Moody, BC He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Charlotte (Charlie); children Ryan/Jamie, Bryce/ Deanne, Meghan/Vincent; grandchildren Coen, Kale, Dylan and Rogue; and brother Alan/Bev. A Celebration of Life is planned for April 8th, 2023, from 1 4pm at Riverside Community Church in Port Coquitlam. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossroads Hospice.

Stardust my Love

Memoria pend ng for a later date

Ema l: jesshdoy e@yahoo com

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