Tri-City News March 9 2023

New$1Bfund forB.C.cities togetreadyfor moreresidents

The Tri-Cities will split $37 million under a new fund announced last Friday (March 3) by B C Premier David Eby.

The Growing Communities Fund is targeted to help every community in the province ready for more residents by building or improving infrastructure

The $1 billion is the single biggest investment in B.C.’s history for municipalities and regional districts

For the Tri-Cities, it translates to (in descending numerical order):

• Coquitlam: $18,635,000

• Port Coquitlam: $9,462,000

• Port Moody: $6,734,000

• Anmore: $1,730,000

• Belcarra: $759,000

By comparison, Burnaby took in $28.7 million, Vancouver received $49 1 million and Victoria got $12.8 million, while Metro Vancouver Regional District reaped $50 7 million, to pay for capital projects such as roads, community centres and waste-water treatment plants

Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart told the Tri-City News he’s not sure yet how the Coquitlam money will be spent; however, he “welcomed” the one-time cash injection

He also made clear the grant would not be used to offset property tax increases this year, which will be a 5 48

page 4

Rae Roycroft (#14) and Olivia Wheatley (#23) celebrate the final moments of their Riverside Rapids 70-52 win over the Walnut Grove Gators in the BC AAAA girls high school basketball championship final last Saturday (March 5) at the Langley Events Centre. It is the school’s first senior girls basketball title. For the story and more photos, see Page 35. MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY

DOUGLAS

Douglas

College has received the B.C.’s Top Employers Award for 10 years running.

Find the perfect opportunity to build your career with us.

douglascollegecareers.ca

“There’s a richness in the diversity of the Douglas College community. I believe the future of education is people from different backgrounds working and learning together. Over my 14 years here, I’ve seen that future happening at Douglas.”

Janice Sestan, Communications and Global Citizenship Instructor

February 17 - March 12

IN TRI-CITIES

PMvisitsPoCo

JANIS CLEUGH jcleugh@tricitynews.com

The Prime Minister of Canada swung into Port Coquitlam last Wednesday (March 1) to talk to trade workers and apprentices at a closed townhall meeting

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau spoke to about 100 people at the IBEW 213 Electrical Joint Training Committee office on variety of topics ranging from inflation, skilled jobs and outsourcing of work overseas to climate change, mental health and Indigenous relations.

With his sleeves rolled up, Trudeau took the microphone and centre of the room for 90 minutes to answer more than a dozen questions with Delta MP Carla Qualtrough the federal minister for employment, workforce development and disability inclusion at his side.

strong future”

Though Trudeau drew applause when pressed on extending federal financial aid for female apprentices, as well as committing to introducing anti-scab legislation in the House of Commons “by the end of the year,” he was challenged repeatedly on the government’s Indigenous record

“Reconciliation isn’t something that Ottawa can do,” he responded, adding that he aims to rebuild trust after decades of inter-generational trauma

Still, he warned, change will come when the Indigenous communities not Canada are ready.

On the Indian Act, first signed in 1876 and still in force with amendments to define how Canada interacts with the 614 bands and First Nations, Trudeau called it outdated legislation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Port Coquitlam last Wednesday, fielding questions from tradespeople and apprentices at a special town hall meeting at the headquarters of the Electrical Joint Training Committee. Among the issues discussed were truth and reconciliation, outsourcing the rising cost of living and financial aid for trades apprentices.

MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS

Trudeau addressed the “overwhelming” challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic on the supply chain and labour market, as well as the mental health impacts on Canadians

However, he said, compared with other G7 nations, he’s “optimistic” with the country’s direction

“We know that we can make it through tough times,” he said, noting Canada’s advantages with its natural resources and financial position globally

“We want to build for a

“It should be gone,” he said, bluntly, “but you have to do it at their pace, not ours. There needs to be patience”

Asked about the cell phone and internet connection to rural areas like northern B C , Trudeau said it’s on its way

“The pandemic showed how important it is to plug in,” he said

“It’s not just a luxury It’s a fundamental essential”

IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 213 has about 6,000 members employed in construction, utilities and communications

Moneywon’tbeusedtooffsetpropertytaxes:mayors

per cent rise over the 2022 rate

In Port Coquitlam, Mayor Brad West said the money that’s due to come at the end of the month could be used to update Leigh Square or a new Terry Fox statue at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, for example

“There’s a number of different projects we have either in the planning stages or are preparing to go to contract on I’m sure council will take those things into consideration as well”

The funding news comes as PoCo proposes a 3 38 per cent tax jump for 2023

West noted that Port Coquitlam has put a lot of “hard work” into crafting a “responsible” budget for the coming year and has the “lowest tax rate in the entire Metro Vancouver region”

As for Port Moody, which is poised to raise property taxes this year by 11 33 per cent, Mayor Meghan Lahti

said the city’s $6 7-million portion will be used to catch up on aging facilities, trails, roads, equipment, bridges and other infrastructure

But it won’t cut the hefty tax hike that’s on the books

“These are ‘one time’ funds that are better suited to funding projects that are also ‘one time’ in nature,” Lahti said “If the funds were used to finance ongoing operational costs normally covered by taxation, then this would simply push those costs to future budgets”

Lahti said while the city

appreciates the additional funding, it doesn’t address the increases in ongoing services local governments in B C are facing as some that were previously covered by senior levels of government are downloaded to municipalities, causing them to make tough choices between addressing those demands or capital costs like infrastructure

“This level of funding is needed annually if cities are ever going to make up for the infrastructure deficit facing many local governments”

According to a news release, the province used a formula for Growing Communities Fund to reflect the communities’ population sizes and growth targets

The grants also honour a resolution from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) that passed last year

“The transfer of these funds provides massive investments for every local government in the province,” UBCM president Jen Ford

said in the release

“This new funding will allow communities to accelerate the replacement of aging systems, and expansion to current services to better meet the demands of growing populations The approach of providing funding upfront will ensure that these funds are directed to the most urgent priorities identified in each community”

Coquitlam–Burke Mountain MLA Fin

Donnelly called the investment “bold”

“Supporting local governments will help ensure services, infrastructure and community amenities are well-maintained for people now and into the future”

Grants under the Growing Communities Fund a result of the provincial government’s surplus can also be applied toward amenities for new home construction

The government announcement came the same week that Metro Vancouver

reporting by Janis continued from page 1

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What’sNew?

RenovationandExpansionBeginsfor SpaniPool

Workisstartingontherenovationandexpansionof SpaniPool Followinganextensiveplanningprocessin 2020and2021,whichincludedengagementwiththe communityandpoolusergroups,Councilhasnow approvedthefinalplansforthefacilityConstruction isexpectedtotakeaboutoneyear,duringwhichtime thepoolwillbeclosed Whencomplete,thenew facilitywillinclude:

• Anewleisurepoolwithshallowbeachentry,splash area,lazyriverand12-metredeepend

• Anewwarmingpoolclosetotheforestedge

• Renovationstotheexistingtankincludingaramp forgreateraccessibility

• Newaccessiblechangerooms,admissionareaand staffspaces

• UniversalwashroomsthatcanbeaccessedyearroundfromMundyPark

• Improvedspectatorspaces

• Amultipurposeroomandconcessionarea

InadditiontotheCity’scontribution,theexpansionis madepossiblethrougha$442millioncontribution throughtheInvestinginCanadaInfrastructure Program,withtheGovernmentofCanadainvesting over$241millionandtheProvinceofBritish Columbiaproviding$201million Learnmoreat coquitlamca/facilityprojects

FitnessandFun

SignUpforaCoquitlamExpressHockey Camp

Kidscanstayactiveandpracticetheirskillswiththe CoquitlamExpressplayersandcoachesinhockey campsduringSpringBreak RegisterforaCoquitlam ExpressHockeyCampfromMonday,March20–Friday,March24from9am to3pm eachdayIn additiontoon-icepractice,playerswillreceivedryland training,andatourofthefacilityandtheCoquitlam Expressdressingroom

Tosignuponline,visitcoquitlam.ca/registrationand clickRegisterforPrograms Intheonlineregistration system,typeCourseID#117227inthekeywordarea, orcall604-927-4386

March9–15

LookingOutforOurEnvironment EnhancementsImproveStoneyCreek Watershed

Coquitlamisimprovingwaterqualityandsewer systemperformanceintheStoneyCreekwatershed throughamulti-facetedapproachthatincludes in-creekwaterqualitymonitoring,addingsewer capacityandpublicoutreach The28-sqaurekilometre watershedspansthroughBurquitlam’sOakdale neighbourhood,PortMoodyandBurnaby,who collaborativelymanageitalongwithMetro VancouverWehaveapproved$400,000forStoney Creekenhancementsin2023 Stayup-to-dateonthe ongoingimprovementsatourdedicatedwebpage coquitlamca/stoneycreek

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NeighbourhoodNews

GetaSmallGranttoConnectYour

Neighbourhood

Ifyouhad$500tospend,whatsmallprojectorevent couldyoudreamuptobringpeopletogether?

ApplicationsforNeighbourhoodSmallGrants between$50and$500willbeaccepteduntil April18throughacontinuingpartnershipbetween theCityofCoquitlam,CoquitlamFoundation,the VancouverFoundationandtheAssociationof NeighbourhoodHousesofBC It’seasytoapply!

Findmoreinformationandapplyonlineat coquitlamca/neighbourhoodgrants

Lookingforwaystomakemoreeco-friendlychanges inyourlife?SignupfortheCoquitlamCurbside Collectionmobileapptoaccesspersonalized collectiondayinformationatcoquitlamca/recollect Ifyoureceivecollectionservicesandyoudonot wishtoreceiveaprintedcurbsidecollection calendarfor2023/24,youcancompletethe opt-outformfromnowuntilApril15 Goto coquitlamca/CollectionCalendarForm

Looking

Check

CoquitlamIncomeTaxClinicsSupportsLowIncomeResidents

LowincomeseniorsandresidentsinCoquitlamcanattendanin-personIncomeTaxClinicatDogwoodorGlenPine Pavilion AppointmentsarefreeandtaxesarepreparedwithaCanadaRevenueAgency-trainedvolunteerwiththe CommunityVolunteerIncomeTaxProgram(CVITP) Inordertobeeligibleforthisfreeservice,individualsmustbe over50yearsofagewithlowincomeorreceivinganydisabilitypension Incomeguidelinesare$35,000andunder forasingleindividualand$45,000andunderforacouple Onlysimpletaxreturnsareaccepted Interestedresidentscancall604-927-4386orsignupinpersonatthefrontdeskofDogwoodPavilion (1655WinslowAve)orGlenPinePavilion(1200GlenPineCrt)toscheduletheirappointment Aquestionnaire willbecompletedatthetimeofregistrationtoconfirmeligibility

Seniorswhoareunabletoattendanappointmentinpersonhavetheoptiontofiletheir2022IncomeTaxReturns overthephone OfferedinpartnershipwiththeCommunityVolunteerIncomeTaxProgram(CVITP),volunteerswill pickupallsupportingdocumentsandfiletheIncomeTaxReturnoverthephoneatnocosttoseniors Formore informationaboutthisservice,call604-927-6093

Coquitlamgets2050-readyforjobs

Coquitlam is where the jobs will be in Metro Vancouver over the next 30 years

And it will be the second fastest-growing municipality in the region for new residents

Those were the projections that city council heard on Monday (March 6) as staff get ready to launch an updated Economic Development Strategy for the next five years

In his report to council-in-committee, economic development manager

Andre Isakov said his team spent a year talking to business owners about what Coquitlam needs to do to have a competitive edge over its neighbours by recruiting and retaining business

And its draft 49-page roadmap shows how the city can plug into three key sectors to ensure residents have local jobs and not commute to other municipalities They are:

• advanced manufacturing (advanced construction materials, and food and nutrition)

• creative and cultural (film production, and visual and digital effects)

• nature and environment (tourism and clean tech)

To drill down over the next couple of years once council has formally approved the document

following stakeholder feedback from business partners

Isakov and his team will focus on five areas to better position Coquitlam as it adds an estimated 95,000 more residents by 2050, an increase of 59 per cent over the next 30 years They are:

• develop an economic development competitiveness study

• create new business promotional marketing materials

• establish direct business outreach programs and services

• attract major employers to the City Centre core and other commercial hubs

• support more Business Improvement Areas

The strategy, which can be viewed at coquitlam ca/eds, is being funded by the city ($120,000 via

the city initiatives reserve) and a $30,000 grant from CanExport As well, in the 2023 budget, council approved a new position for a business growth manager, who will help with the rollout of the new economic development vision

Isakov said the work is especially important in today’s challenging market following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created higher inflation and labour shortages

“We all know that Coquitlam is special, and it’s our people, places and partnerships that shape our story the story of an ambitious and amenity-rich community in the heart of Metro Vancouver,” he said, adding, “We know that local business is our bloodline”

But Coun Craig Hodge

said Coquitlam’s challenge is the lack of land, especially for industrial businesses; he’d like to see one-storey industrial buildings phased out

“The last thing that I want is more big box stores or single-storey warehousing,” Hodge said, noting United Boulevard’s potential at rezoning “We need to build higher”

“Our real opportunities for land are up not out,” added Coun Dennis Marsden

Still, development director Andrew Merrill said there hasn’t been much uptake to date

Coun Steve Kim, vice chairperson of the city’s economic development advisory committee, said he likes the idea of Coquitlam forming cultural hubs to connect and bring in vibrancy to the core “We have so many entrepreneurs and small businesses We need to get them out of their basements and into office space in the city,” Kim said

Coun Teri Towner also suggested the city tap into the talent of new Canadians who, according to the latest census, show that immigrants are highly educated and self-starters, while Coun Matt Djonlic said post-secondary institutions need to be part of the picture

The new year brings new roles for Coquitlam’s newly elected council

On Monday (March 6), city council named the politicians who will be heading up advisory committees, and taking part on statutory boards and external bodies:

• Mayor Richard

Stewart: Joint Policing

• Coun. Brent

Asmundson: Multiculturalism (chairperson); Sustainability and Environmental (chairperson);

• Coun. Matt Djonlic: Sports and Recreation; Universal Access-Ability; Coquitlam library board; Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel (chairperson); TriCities Homelessness and Housing Task Group

• Coun. Craig Hodge: Community Safety (chairperson); Culture Services

• Coun. Steve Kim: Culture Services (chairperson); Economic Development; Coquitlam Foundation

• Coun. Trish

Mandewo: Economic Development (chairperson); Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable

• Coun. Dennis

Marsden: Sports and

Recreation (chairperson); Fraser Health Municipal Government Advisory Council; Tri-Cities Healthier Communities

Partnership

• Coun. Robert Mazzarolo: Multiculturalism; Sustainability and Environmental; Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel; Tri-Cities Food Security Table

• Coun. Teri Towner: Community Safety; Universal Access-Ability (chairperson); Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel; SD43 Mental Health Task Force Council also ratified the citizen appointments on committees; the municipality received 120 applications a higherthan-usual number, city staff said

Stewart praised the candidates who sought a seat at the table, saying the city has a “deep appreciation for those who step up”

Still, Marsden said he would like to see more input from neighbourhood associations like the Maillardville Residents Association on Community Safety, saying they are the ears and eyes on the ground

Coquitlam's economic development division is looking at commercial cores like Austin Heights (above) for business growth over the next 30 years. MARIO BARTEL/TC NEWS

Lastlaughfordowntowndinnertheatre?

manager, AJ Thompson, confirmed to the Tri-City News that the theatre “unexpectedly closed” due to a “business dispute”

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Is it the last laugh for the Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre in Port Coquitlam?

Not if Mark Friebe can help it

In an interview last month, the long-time entertainer said he was disappointed to shut Giggle Dam down unexpectedly on Feb 10 due to business issues

But he remains hopeful the popular musical comedy show and dinner theatre can be resurrected somewhere else

“I just love what I do I love the Giggle Dam,” said Friebe

Friebe started the business 21 years ago in the former night club at 2616 Shaughnessy St , with his then-wife, Sheila Sharma

They had been doing the music tribute impersonation circuit at clubs and golf courses and saw the building was for lease

Friebe said he learned the ropes from former Maz and Me's owner Marilyn Gerring,

known as “Maz,” who taught him the value of performing to the audience not over their heads

He said he leaves numerous memories behind with the theatre's closure, including hilarious moments with his colleagues and members of the audience

Among his favourite shows is a tribute to Monty

Python

“Instead of ‘Spamalot’ it was called ‘Damalot,’” he jokes

Friebe said the women in the show were great singers and the men “pulled focus,” i e , they horsed around

“I think the magic also is that these people that have acted completely crazy for an hour can turn into a show

band that’s incredibly talented, with cover tunes that are worth recording”

Friebe had to cancel performances of Giggle Dam’s Back to the Eighties show, which was supposed to end April 9; customers who booked shows are encouraged to call their credit card provider for a charge back as the staff can't get into the

building to do a refund

Giggle Dam's closure follows some challenging years, including a COVID-19 shut down and a water problem last summer that also closed the theatre for several months

Friebe said he's still waiting for an insurance settlement for some of the repairs

Meanwhile, his business

Still, efforts are underway to find a new location with a kitchen that would allow the Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre to re-open

On social media, customers expressed sorrow at the theatre's closure

“Hope it's only a temporary situation so y’all can get back to being the funniest group of talented entertainers on the mainland,” commented one poster

According to BC Assessment, the building where Giggle Dam was located was last assessed for $1 957 million and was built in 1949

On his website, Friebe expressed thanks to guests and audience members from over the past 21 years

“It has been my gods-honest pleasure to bring mirth and merriment to the heart of Port Coquitlam for so long,” he wrote “For as much as The Giggle Dam has entertained you, you all have entertained me You have allowed me to make a living A great one and an honest one by supporting my business for so long”

Mark Friebe backstage at his Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre in downtown Port Coquitlam that he started 21 years ago with his then-wife, Sheila Sharma. MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS FILE PHOTO

BeerfestivalcanusePioneerParkontrialbasis

Last year's inaugural event was held at Inlet Park

MARIO BARTEL

mbartel@tricitynews.com

Organizers of the Brewhalla beer and music festival will be invited to stage their event at Port Moody’s Pioneer Memorial Park this summer

But whether they’ll be able to continue using that location across from the recreation complex will depend on how well the event respects the park’s greenery and contemplative gardens, which are often visited by families with loved ones at the nearby Crossroads Hospice

Last Tuesday (Feb 28), Port Moody council voted to allow city staff to work with Langley-based Red Door Events on a one-year trial for its one-day festival in exchange for a rental fee of $1 for each ticket sold

Red Door’s first Brewhalla event in Port Moody last year was also originally scheduled to take place at Pioneer Memorial Park; however, concerns by the community about the appropriateness

of the venue and the impact a thousand or so patrons might have on the gardens and green spaces in the park caused the city to move the event to Inlet Park

But with construction of a new turf sports field underway there, that site is no longer available, said Port Moody’s cultural services manager Devin Jain

In fact, the city’s options to host larger outdoor festivals are very limited, he added in a report

Jain said Rocky Point Park is already busy with free community events, and ticketed events would mean excluding non-ticket holders from a pubic space

Other possible outdoor sites, like the old fire hall site

at the corner of Ioco Road and Murray Street, or Ioco Field at the end of Ioco Road, also present challenges, Jain said

In his report, Jain said city staff investigated several outdoor and indoor locations around the city as possible event venues, but none was ideal

Couns Callan Morrison

and Diana Dilworth suggested Chip Kerr Park on Hope Street might be a consideration

Morrison said it’s a wide open space that’s also close to transit, and the adjacent Chines hillside can provide shade in the summertime

“I do want to try to activate other areas of the city,” he said

But Port Moody’s general manager of community services Anna Mathewson told council the park’s location in the middle of a residential neighbourhood would pose parking problems; it also lacks services like running water and electrical hookups

Jain said as the city continues to grow, pressure is mounting to find places to accommodate events that want to set up in Port Moody

He said allowing Brewhalla to occur at Pioneer Memorial Park will give staff and organizers an opportunity to gauge its opportunities and limitations to host other events in the future

Red Door will also be able to use part of Knowle Street

Mayor Meghan Lahti said the park is the best available option for now

“This is the lesser of all evils,” she said “I’d like to see us try it and see how it goes”

Coun Kyla Knowles added a beer festival and Port Moody, where six craft breweries are located just blocks apart in its downtown, are a good fit

“I think it’s right on brand,” she said “I really want to keep this festival”

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

Concerns about the gardens and reflective spaces in Pioneer Memorial Park caused the first Brewhalla beer and music festival last year to be moved to Inlet Park

LastWeek t

This Week

B.C.’sprojecteddeficitnotasbadasitseems

Adeep dive into the B.C. government budget that was tabled last week reveals that the fiscal plan may not bleed as much red ink as most headlines suggest

While it is true the budget’s bottom line is a projected deficit of $4.2 billion in the coming fiscal year and slightly lower deficits in each of the following two years, the fiscal plan once again includes billions of dollars of unallocated spending

Most of this money is included in vaguely defined contingency funds The total for the coming

year is $5.5 billion, followed by $4.8 billion next year and $4.7 billion the year after that While it is true much of this money will end up being spent over the course of the fiscal year (to pay for public sector wage increases, climate emergencies and the ongoing pandemic recovery) it is quite conceivable that a lot will not be spent, thus potentially greatly decreasing the size of the budget deficit (or even eliminating it)

Then there is the “forecast allowance” that is built into each annual budget (it serves as a fi-

nancial cushion in case revenues fall seriously short of what was expected). That number is $700 million in the coming year, and $500 million in each of the following two years

It all adds up to almost $17 billion, which is much more than the combined deficits of $11 billion over three years

Moreover, the finance ministry once again may have applied its usual practice of lowballing some revenue estimates

For example, it is projecting a $1.7 billion drop in personal income tax revenue from the

current year. This follows a huge increase in the current year of almost $5 billion over what was projected last February.

While the big unanticipated jump was due in a large degree to restated tax assessments by the federal government, other factors such as high employment levels and an increase in high-income earners played a role as well.

Given that employment levels are expected to remain strong, there is every chance that personal income taxes could increase and not decline (or not decline as much as projected) in

the coming year.

Finally, the ministry is projecting a minuscule economic growth rate of just 0.2 per cent. While no one is predicting growth rates much higher than that, once again the prudent ministry has opted to take the more pessimistic view.

Put all this together and it explains why at least two of the critically important bond rating agencies will likely keep their high credit rating for the B.C government intact

Keith Baldrey is the chief political reporter for Global BC

Magnison REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR vimagnison@glaciermedia.ca

McKinnon CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER mmckinnon@tricitynews.com

Onlinegamblingcomeswithresponsibility

The Editor: Re: It’s time to regulate gambling ads on television (Tri-City News, Feb 23)

As a Tri-City resident and chairperson of BC Lottery Corporation’s board of directors, I would like to contribute to this important conversation

BCLC recognizes and shares concerns about the high number of sports-betting ads

One reason why British Columbians are seeing so many ads is because Ontario began licensing private gambling websites last year and these websites have purchased significant advertising packages with national broadcasters, which

are choosing to allow the Ontario ads in B.C.

There are also approximately 800 illegal gambling

websites that are operating in Canada that are not accountable to provincial and federal laws and high standards for technical integrity, age verification and protection of personal information, nor do they provide player support

At BCLC we’re working to educate the public that PlayNow com is the only legal, regulated gambling website in B C and the only one whose profits go back to B C to benefit British Columbians through investments in things like education, healthcare and community programs

Your readers may have seen or heard advertisements to this effect.

As the province’s only regulated gambling website, BCLC’s PlayNow com must meet advertising standards set out by the province of B C

For example, BCLC does not and cannot use celebrities or entertainer endorsers whose primary appeal is to minors

In addition, BCLC also conducts player-health assessments on all products and marketing to reduce risks and create safer products and environments, by filtering out any potential messaging and images that could be linked to gambling myths and misconceptions or risky behaviour, as just two examples.

Of course, we recognize that the work must go beyond marketing

And that’s why BCLC has a comprehensive, evidence-based player health strategy as part of our ambition of having the healthiest players in the world

While there is still much more work for us ahead, please know that everyone at BCLC is committed to offering gambling entertainment in a way that prioritizes safer play

For readers who wish to learn more, please visit www.bclc.com.

Greg Moore Port Coquitlam Chairperson, BCLC board of directors

BCLC ads must meet provincial advertising standards, says its chairperson, Greg Moore. GETTY IMAGES/HIRURG

KFNelectiononMarch30

Members of the Kwikwetlem First Nation (KFN) head to the polls this month

Chief Ed Hall, who was voted in four years ago, is seeking the top seat against Coun John Peters, Ron Jackman and Ron Giesbrecht, a former KFN chief Giesbrecht, who was elected leader in 2012, came under national scrutiny a year later after he received a controversial $914,000 for his role as chief and economic development officer the latter of which he reaped an $800,000 bonus as part of 10 per cent cut from an $8-million land deal on Burke Mountain

As for the two councillor positions, Coun George Chaffee is being challenged by Lyle Cunningham,

Ching Ming Open House

Stephanie Patterson and Fred Hulbert Sr , a former councillor

Currently, there are about 133 KFN members, of which 84 reside off the Coquitlam reserve; for those members, ballots were mailed out in advance, a KFN spokesperson said There are 101 eligible voters

For the local members, the election takes place on March 30 at the Kwikwetlem First Nation Community

Centre; polls are open between 9 a m and 8 p m

The base salary for the chief and councillors is about $75,000 each

According to the KFN’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus for the year ending March 31, 2022, KFN received $10 million in federal and provincial grants, as well as rental income, and spent $8 million on band programs, community services, education and social housing on its reserve

KFN also owns three entities through bare trustee companies: KFN Enterprises Ltd , KFN Enterprises Limited Partnership and Choxw Holdings Corp

In 2016, KFN filed a land claim for a portion of its traditional territory that includes the Riverview Lands and the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital grounds, as well as Colony Farm Regional Park and a part of Gates Park in Port Coquitlam

Rackupthepoints

Coquitlam home and business owners can pay for their property taxes online this year with a credit card

Property taxes are due July 4

The plastic payment option comes at the request of taxpayers and following recent changes to regulations in the credit card industry

It also comes as other B C municipalities move to a system to allow credit card payments for all municipal programs and services usually with a convenience charge for the local government to offset the processing cost:

• Coquitlam: 2%

• Port Moody: 1 95%

• Anmore: 2 4%

• Burnaby: 1 75%

Coquitlam residents without a credit card or who don’t want to use it can still pay for property taxes and utilities online through internet banking, or in person at the

bank/credit union and city hall Visit coquitlam ca/taxpayment

To claim the homeowner grant, go to the Provincial Government HomeOwner Grant Administration website or call 1-888-355-2700

Still, there won’t be a credit card processing levy for residents paying for:

• utilities

• recreation program registrations and services via SignMeUp

• dog licences

• business licences

• bylaw fines and charges

In Coquitlam, utility payments water, sewer and waste collection are due March 31

This year, the water charge for a single-family home is $640 while the sewer fee is $522 For condo and townhouse owners, the rate is $384 for water and $522 for sewer

KFN CHIEF ED HALL

FamilysettlinginayearaftertheyfledKyiv

Job offer, support from community eased transition

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

As many as 171 students from Ukraine have arrived and are attending schools in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody 62 have arrived since September

Here is one family’s story Russia’s invasion of Ukraine just over one year ago set in motion a traumatic series of events for the Betancourt family.

Only now, as the war enters its second year, is Anton Estrada Betancourt comfortable about his decision to relocate his family to Coquitlam.

Twelve months ago, Betancourt was alarmed by the “terrible” attack on Ukraine, including the shelling of Kyiv, the country’s capital, where his family lived until mid-February.

Initially, Russian forces captured key areas to the north and west of Kyiv leading to international speculation of the city’s imminent fall

Betancourt was on vacation, snowboarding with his family in Georgia when war broke out

Admitting it was a risk to go, he was still devastated when the invasion happened.

“After two days, the war started and terrible things started happening,” recalled Betancourt.

More worrisome, his one-year-old daughter was stuck in Kyiv with her grandmother

Poland was the Betancourt family’s first refuge after leaving their Georgia vacation spot

“It was terrible when you realized your kid’s under

attack in Kyiv. Thank god my wife’s parents were quickly moved to west Ukraine near the border with Poland.”

With his family members now reunited, and their safety his first concern, Betancourt chose not to return to Kyiv.

As the family’s only English speaker, he was worried they would be left to fend for themselves

Even Poland didn’t feel safe, as there were fears of further Russian incursion into the NATO country

“I really wanted to be part

of the Ukrainian army because I never thought to live in another country. I love life in Ukraine. I love my life,” said Betancourt.

However, it seemed to Betancourt that a more practical course of action was to relocate.

He chose Canada, he said, because he thought it would be a “comfortable place” to “start from zero”

With the help of a host family in Port Moody and the promise of employment as a photographer with Dynamic Weddings,

Betancourt flew with his family from Poland to YVR

The war could be fought from afar, thought Betancourt, as he joined other expat Ukrainians in raising funds for drones

In fact, a small cottage industry has been started by supporters of Ukraine, with a number of non-profit ventures and even GoFundMe crowd-funding efforts to raise money for reconnaissance drones

Since arriving in Coquitlam in June, under a federal program that allows Ukrainians to work for three years, the Betancourt family has settled in

Thanks to his Dynamic Weddings boss, Dennis Bellia, who gathered furniture and supplies for the family, the Betancourts have outfitted a five-bedroom home they rent in Coquitlam.

Bellia said he was happy to help.

“Truly, it was the entire community who did this. I just put the word out,” Bellia told the Tri-City News.

“Dozens of families contributed to play a role in helping a family establish themselves in a foreign country”

Thanks to that initial support, and a job, Betancourt has been able to welcome other members of his ex-

tended family, including his wife’s parents, brother and a cousin

They all share the rent, making the house affordable, and share a single leased vehicle, said Betancourt, who is still working on getting his driver’s license

Another cousin remains in Ukraine fighting, while Betancourt’s own mother refuses to leave A psychologist, she wants to stay behind in Kyiv and look after her parents, as well as help Ukrainians suffering from war trauma, said Betancourt.

As for his daughters, they are adapting well to their new life. One is attending Aspenwood Elementary in Port Moody, learning English and making friends.

The future is a bit uncertain, Betancourt admits, with the war continuing into its second year.

It will also be difficult to uproot his family when the war eventually does end.

For now, he’s happy to be in Canada, which he considers a “safe country”

“I had to create create this life [in Canada] in one week, without any contacts iI was hard,” said Betancourt

“It is hard even now but every day, my life gets simpler and more clear, and I understand how and what I have to do to live here”

Anton Estrada Betancourt and his family had a week to rebuild their lives in Coquitlam after they fled the war in Ukraine last year SUBMITTED PHOTO

Twotownhousestobebuiltinparkingspots

Complex will be left with five parking spots for visitors

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Parking problems on a busy neighbourhood street in Port Coqutilam won’t be worsened with two new townhouses, council has decided

After one of its longest discussions in recent history, a majority of councillors didn’t agree with a staff recommendation to decline permits for two more townhouse units in an older complex at 1260 Riverside Dr

The developer, Pollyco Group of Companies, wants to build two 2,000 sq ft townhouses on a portion of land used for a play area and remove three parking spaces, leaving five at a 20-year-old townhouse complex

The discussion took place Tuesday (Feb 28) during a council meeting; Mayor Brad West and Coun Nancy McCurrach were absent from the meeting with Coun Steve Darling as acting mayor Coun Dean Washington said parking concerns in the area could be better addressed by ticketing parking scofflaws instead of preventing the developer from adding the two units

“For me, it’s an en-

forcement issue Two or three more cars is going to make not one lick of difference at that corner,” said Washington, who opposed the staff recommendation, along with councillors Paige Petriw and Glenn Pollock

Both Petriw and Pollock said they struggled with their decision, but in the end they thought the city needs the two extra townhomes

“I think the two new units are beneficial to the community; they are good sized

family units [and] they have a lot of parking,” said Petriw Pollock added the city needs more housing, and needs it “fast”

“Hearing the comments from the people that live there, eliminating three spots, it isn’t really eliminating visitor parking It’s eliminating parking for their whole strata,” he said

“I want to see the housing so badly that I’m thinking about biting the bullet here so we’ll see”

Dominic Long, PoCo’s director of community safety and corporate services, said parking on nearby Yangtze Gate has long been a problem

There have been multiple complaints from residents in the area, which is one of the main reasons staff opposed the addition of two townhomes on three visitor’s spaces

Most of the complaints are directed toward those “not using their garages and driveways [for vehicles] and

also having trailers or bikes etc , ” Long said

The city also received three letters of complaint from residents about the townhouse proposal; one wrote parking in the area is a “nightmare”

Darling agreed with staff that the parking variance and development permit sought by the developer should be declined

Citing the developers’ own traffic study, he said drivers who can’t find spaces on Yangtze Gate will end up parking on Riverside Drive, next to the busy park and Terry Fox Secondary School

He agreed that more enforcement is needed but said eliminating some visitors’ parking would add to the problem

“We need to do more work around here to make it safer,” added Darling

He described hearing complaints from residents about traffic along Riverside Drive, which

has poor sight lines due to a curve, is full of kids, as well as vehicles speeding to and from Costco

The developer, meanwhile, has done “everything it could” to find alternatives, said Pollyco spokesperson Steve Yang

“We’re hoping that by this variance being approved then no-one would have have a visitor parking stall in front of their residence,” Yang said

He added the possibility of two additonal townhomes being built has been a part of every resident’s purchase agreement since the complex was originally constructed

Two residents also spoke at the public input opportunity and said they were in favour of the project even though it would remove some visitors’ parking

They said the stalls were being used by residents, which is not enforced by the strata

Parking problems in a Port Coquitlam neighbourhood won’t worsen with the addition of two new townhouses, city council maintains.

DrivehelpsSHARE fillitsfoodbank

A local community group is hoping to break that fundraising record set last year for the benefit of residents and families struggling to put food on the table

The Rotary Club of Port Coquitlam Centennial’s annual Generous Hearts Food Drive occurs March 11 and 12

All proceeds non-perishable foods and financial contributions go to SHARE Family and Community Services, including its food bank in Port Moody (2615 Clarke St )

It’s the second consecutive year for the food drive after a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2022, the club collected more than 5,100 pounds of food and event organizer Pat Frouws is hoping the community can help shatter that record

“We want to create a

better future and make a difference, “ reads PoCo Centennial Rotary’s mission statement

Interested residents can donate any of the following non-perishable items:

• canned fruit

• cooking oil

• juice (no sugar added)

• granola bars or whole grain crackers

• lentils and beans (canned or dried)

• rice

• tomato paste

• gluten-free products

• flour

• peanut butter

Volunteers will be collecting donations from 10 a m to 3 p m at the Port Coquitlam Walmart located at 2150 Hawkins St near Fremont Village

For more information, you can visit the Rotary Club of Port Coquitlam Centennial Facebook page

SpringbreakstartsforthousandsofSD43students

Friday, March 10

TASTY MEALS

It’s the last weekend of the Taste of the Tri-Cities, a Tri-Local food festival featuring deals and special set menus at restaurants, pubs and cafes in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody The business collective is made up of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, Austin Heights BIA, Downtown PoCo BIA, Shop Local Port Moody, Port Moody & Co , the TriCity News and the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody

MORE: trilocal.ca

DOUBLE FEATURE

Grab some popcorn and snacks at Port Moody City Hall (100 Newport Dr.) to watch a double feature screened by the Port Moody Film Society. At 7 p.m. in the Inlet Theatre, the group will roll Peace by Chocolate while, at 9 p m , it’ll show Beans, another Canadian-made drama Entry is $5 plus an annual society membership of $5

MORE: pmfilm ca

ROAD TRIP

Catch a performance of Driving Me Crazy at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way) tonight at 7:30 p m or Saturday at 3:30

The event is part of the Inlet Connects series RSVP: 604-939-5513/ office@inletunited.ca

SALSA IN POCO

Dance to the Latin music with instructors Alberto Gonzalez and Teresa Szefler of the Hot Salsa Dance Zone at the Port Coquitlam Legion (2675 Shaughnessy St )

The beginner’s lesson is at 8 p m ; the party runs from 9 p m to midnight and is open to guests 19 and older No partner is needed MORE: hotsalsadancezone com

Sunday, March 12

p m and 7:30 p m

Penned by Linda A Carson and Suzanne Ristic, the play follows a family and its love for cars and independence

Directed by Roy Surette, the show is presented by Serendipity Theatre and features actors Ellie King, Merewyn Comeau, Dylan Floyd and Brian Linds. Tickets are $45/$38/$16.

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre.ca

PRIVATEERS

The Crossroads Coffeehouse moves to its new location in the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (Mabbett Hall South, 2150 Wilson Ave ) Musician Don Klein opens the show at 7:30 p m while Robert

Atyeo and Caden Knudson follow before the Lethbridge Privateers hit the stage at 8:50 p.m. Proceeds support the Crossroads Hospice Society.

MORE: facebook.com

Saturday, March 11

BOOKWORMS

Book lovers can tune into the Port Moody Public Library’s Facebook page to hear recommendations from the city librarians The Keep It Fictional online event takes place from 10 to 11 a m

MORE: portmoodylibrary.ca

ALL NATURAL

Learn how to make

natural remedies using eucalyptus, camphor and mint to help ease congestion at a workshop hosted by the Coquitlam Heritage Society. From 1 to 3 p.m., staff will be at Mackin House Museum (1116 Brunette Ave , Coquitlam) to teach participants how to make “shower buddies,” as well as elderberry cough syrup, ginger lozenges, rosehip/ elderberry tonic and chai tea to boost the immune system. The cost is $40 per person; the session is open to guests ages 12 and up REGISTER: coquitlamheritage.ca

MATH IS FUN

Children and youth can learn about math by playing

games and solving puzzles at Mathnasium, a drop-in program at the City Centre branch of the Coquitlam Public Library (1169 Pinetree Way). The event from 1:30 to 3:30 p m is in partnership with Mathnasium of TriCities

MORE: coqlibrary.ca

GOSPEL SOUNDS

Inlet United Church is opening its doors at The Springs (2315 Spring St., Port Moody) for its first live music performance in the new venue At 7:30 p m , the Marcus Mosely Ensemble will play a concert featuring gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, rock, folk and blues covers Tickets are by donation online or at the door on show night

SPRING AHEAD

It’s time to push the clocks ahead by an hour to adjust to Daylight Savings Time. It’s also a good time to check your smoke alarms to see if they are working, the fire departments advise

TOUR THE MARKET

Take your grocery bags to the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market where, from 10 a m to 2 p m , vendors will sell fresh produce, dairy and meats, as well as baked goods and handmade crafts, in the parking lot next to the Port Moody Recreation Complex (300 Ioco Rd ) MORE: makebakegrow. com

The Marcus Mosely Ensemble performs in Port Moody on March 11 to celebrate the opening of The Springs, which is part of the Inlet United Church. PHOTO SUBMITTED

RCMPcruiserrammedingasstationbreak-in

Two men are being sought by RCMP after they broke into a Port Coquitlam gas station and then used their getaway truck to ram into a police cruiser

A responding officer was sent to hospital as a result of the incident He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries

Mounties are now ask-

ing for the public’s help in finding the suspects and the truck they used in the escape

Around 4:20 a m on Feb 28, an officer was on patrol when they witnessed a break-and-enter in progress at the Pitt River Road Shell station

One of the suspects was seen walking out of the out-

let’s convenience store “with items in hand” and saw the police cruiser approaching Insp Darren Carr, Coquitlam RCMP’s acting officer in charge, said the man dropped the items, got into a truck waiting nearby and drove directly into the officer’s vehicle Carr added the truck, an apparent grey newer-model

Toyota Tacoma, was last seen heading westbound on Pitt River Road

A shared image shows the truck then turned south onto Lougheed Highway

“Police officers often encounter violent situations and put themselves at risk during the execution of their daily duties,” he added in a news release

“Our officers are diligently working to identify and locate the suspects responsible in this blatant disregard for public safety”

The suspects were seen wearing dark clothes and black masks

RCMP are looking for video evidence of the break-in and the truck’s escape from the area of

Shaughnessy Street and Pitt River Road between 4 and 4:45 a m on Feb 28

This includes dash cam, CCTV, surveillance, cell phone and general video

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 20235410

As construction of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project progresses, we want you to be informed about potential activity in your neighbourhood so you can plan accordingly On our website, you can view an interactive map of construction areas, sign up for notifications, track what’s happening along the route and much more

As always, safety is our number one priority, every metre of the way

Boozetrialperiodextended

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

You’ll be able to drink a beer or glass of wine in some public spaces in Port Moody until at least the end of the year

Last Tuesday, council agreed to extend a pilot program allowing the responsible consumption of alcohol in designated public spaces across the city through to the end of 2023

The pilot was first implemented in August 2022 and was scheduled to expire on April 30 It includes the following locations:

• Rocky Point Park

• Old Orchard Park

• Pioneer Memorial Park, but not the labyrinth healing garden area

• Kyle Centre pop-up park

• Trasolini Field spectator bleachers

• Inlet Field bleachers

• Queens Street Plaza

In a report, Port Moody’s

general manager of community services Anna Mathewson said extending the program will give city staff more time to gauge its impact, including a full summer season and roster of special events at some of the locations

Although, she added, the beach area at Old Orchard Park should be removed from the program to assuage community concerns about broken glass in the sand and Inlet Field is closed for construction of a new turf field facility

Mathewson said preliminary results of the program have been encouraging

She said parks staff noted a sharp increase in litter, but that’s been the experience in other cities running similar programs

As well, bylaw officers didn’t write up any tickets for alcohol related violations and Port Moody police responded to only six calls related to the pilot program

Suspectssought inpelletshooting

A pair of pedestrians suffered minor injuries after they were randomly shot by pellet guns in Coquitlam’s City Centre neighbourhood last month

RCMP are now asking for the public’s help to identify the suspects involved in the unprovoked assault

On Feb 21 around 12:20 a m , two unknown men were walking behind the victims near the intersection of Glen and Lansdowne drives just south of Gleneagle Secondary

They used guns to shoot more than a dozen pellets at the pedestrians’ legs, Mounties spokesperson Cpl Alexa Hodgins said

The men then fled on

Mathewson said there were lots of questions from visitors, though, mostly about where exactly they’re allowed to drink

As a result, she said, additional signage to provide greater clarity on the boundaries where alcohol consumption is allowed is recommended, at a cost of about $1,500 and additional

UBC Faculty of

support for park maintenance would cost about $35,000 for a half-time position

Mathewson said staff will report back to council in the spring with a plan to collect feedback from residents about the program over the summer months, then again later in the year with a final assessment

Braces

Gardening Workshops

JointheParkSparkteamforexcitinggarden workshopsattheInspirationGardeninTown CentrePark.

• StartingfromSeed

• LifeintheSoil

• Composting

• WormyWorkshop

• PlantLifecycles

• PollinatorPower

foot and were seen heading east on Glen Drive

“This event is very concerning to police as there is no clear motive to this unprovoked assault,” Hodgins said in a news release, adding the victims received minor injuries

Coquitlam RCMP also believe there may be more victims from similar incidents and are asking witnesses to come forward

The two men involved are described as 5’8” and 5’9” respectively They were wearing all black clothing at the time of the attack

Anyone with more information can call Coquitlam RCMP at 604945-1550 and quote file number 2023-4840

• Createa SpringContainer

• Createa HangingBasket

• Createa HerbContainer

• Createa PollinatorPlanter

Formoreinformationonhowtosignup, visitcoquitlam.ca/gardenoremail parkspark@coquitlam.ca

Activities

CelebrateCoquitlam’streecanopywithsome tree-rificTreeSpreeactivitieshappeningthis spring,rainorshine LookforwardtoTree Talks,TreesintheGardenandIntroductionto Pruning

Formoreinfoaboutthesefreeactivities,email parkspark@coquitlam.ca.

CometotheInspirationGardeninTown

9am to12pm onSaturdaysinAprilfor atourofthegarden.Enjoytea,learn aboutgardenvolunteeringopportunities, andmore.

Formoreinfo,gotocoquitlam.ca/garden oremailparkspark@coquitlam.ca

Winning ticket was purchased while shopping at Metrotown

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

It’s the anniversary gift we all wish would come true

Khalida Noori is set to fulfill a dream of buying a house for her family after she recently became B C’s newest millionaire on the the same date as her wedding anniversary

The Coquitlam resident earned the $1-million payday after scratching a $10 Jackpot Multiplier ticket she purchased in Burnaby

Noori said she remained in shock from calling her husband to the moment the couple claimed the big cheque at the BC Lottery

Corporation’s (BCLC) office in Vancouver

“I’m on top of the world,” Noori said in a news release

“My life is completely changed by this win”

Noori said she came home that afternoon after purchasing a ticket at the Real Canadian Superstore in Metrotown

‘I WAS SHAKING’

“I chose one ticket and scratched it and was in disbelief when I saw I had won,” she said “I was shaking”

According to BCLC, Noori’s ticket was validated when she used the Lotto! app

Her win was also the top prize of the $10 Jackpot Multiplier game

BCLC said in 2022, more than $177 million in prizes were claimed through scratch-and-win tickets across the province

RCMPurgecautionwhenusingridesharing

Province, police cracking down on unlicensed services

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

There are 17 fully licensed ride-sharing companies currently operating around the Tri-Cities and Metro Vancouver

And Coquitlam RCMP are encouraging local commuters to use them for the benefit of their own safety

The detachment issued a warning on March 1, citing concerns of utilizing illegal ride-hailing companies as they’ve become the subject of a provincial government investigation

“The dangers of using an illegal ride-hailing company means that they don’t have

the provincial permits to operate and there is no guarantee the drivers are licensed,” Coquitlam Mounties spokesperson Cpl Alexa Hodgins said in a statement

“With an unlicensed driver, the passengers could be uninsured, the car could be unsafe or the driver may not have completed a criminal record checks”

With the increasing use of such services in the last few years, Passenger Transportation Enforcement (PTE) officers with the B C Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is cracking down on unlicensed operations

On March 3 last year, Coquitlam RCMP issued more than $1,600 in fines to three drivers and police Burnaby did a similar check with 17 drivers that resulted in $28,000 in fines

Among those penalized were drivers who hadn’t completed their background check, and someone who was prohibited from driving

Only ride-hail operators with a Transportation Network Service licence are allowed to pick up passengers, Hodgins said, noting the services allow passengers to hire and pay for travel

through a website or mobile app

She added a ride-hailing driver must have a Class 4 license, proper insurance, a criminal record check and a vehicle inspection within the past year to meet B C’s requirements

RCMP and PTE officers are also working to conduct Tri-Cities roadside enforce-

ment targeting licensed and unlicensed ride-hailing companies

Commuters are encouraged to never hail a ride-share vehicle from the street as it should always be booked through the company’s website or app

Other safety tips are:

• Ensure the driver’s picture on the app matches the

driver who arrives

• Ensure the vehicle matches your booked vehicle

• Ensure licence plate and record check certificate are clearly displayed

• Ensure the company decal is prominently displayed in the front and rear windows before entering the vehicle

FOCUS ON

Registration

Ridge Meadows College (RMC), located in Maple Ridge near the Golden Ears Bridge, is a post-secondary institution administrated by School District 42. The college has a long-standing reputation for producing quality grads in specialized fields like Building Service Workers, Education Assistants and Early Childhood Educators.

Over the past year, the college has grown – adding programs like Bookkeeping Professional, Core Construction and Administrative Office Specialist - with plans for more in the near future Most programs can be completed in one term or less to get students quick results and into the job market.

Ridge Meadows College

The local option you may not know about

right for them. Some programs also offer hybrid models of instruction with online classes to provide additional options and to fit various learning styles.

Due to its position within the school district, RMC offers tuition rates far below those of other private career colleges, and its relationship with the district ensures a quality education is always top priority.

Prospective students interested in learning more can attend an online info session at http://rmcollege.sd42.ca/info

RMC’s primary mission is to provide quality employment-focused education opportunities for community students and new Canadians To fulfill that misson, the college consults with local industry to ensure program learning outcomes meet the needs of employers. In many of RMC’s programs, simply graduating can lead directly to a job interview.

Ridge Meadows College’s close-knit student community and small class sizes make learning easy and provide plenty of one-on-one time with instructors. Classes run during days, evenings and Saturdays to ensure students can create a schedule that’s

EA Program Graduate Samantha Richardson

A typical RMC class on campus

FOCUS ON Registration

Taxhelpforseniors,Expresshockeycampforkids

Low-income residents in Coquitlam who are 50 and older can get help with their 2022 income tax returns

The city’s income tax clinics will be held at the Dogwood and Glen Pine pavilions by appointment

Tax forms are prepared with a volunteer trained by the Canada Revenue Agency under the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)

To qualify for the free service, a resident cannot make more than $35,000 a year, or a couple cannot receive more than $45,000 in income; only simple tax returns are allowed

To sign up, call 604-9274386 or visit the front desk of Dogwood Pavilion (1655 Winslow Ave.) or Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Crt.). Seniors who can’t attend an appointment in

person can file their 2022 income tax returns over the phone. For details, call Kim Bortolin at 604-927-6093.

DROP-IN FITNESS

Take a drop-in fitness

class at Coquitlam’s updated recreation centre

The city is offering lessons at the Maillardville Community Centre (1200 Cartier Ave.) for all ages and levels during the week.

Among the classes offered in the 22,000-sq ft facility, which includes the city’s first dedicated gym, are Dance4One, Zumba, hatha yoga, tai chi and pilates

Visit coquitlam ca/mcc

DINNER CONCERT

Seniors in Coquitlam can enjoy a meal and a musical performance at the city’s Glen Pine Pavilion this month

Ralph2Riches will liven up the facility, located at 1200 Glen Pine Crt , on March 24 with a show from 6 to 9:30 p m

Chicken and ribs, roasted potatoes, salad and dessert will be served to guests

The event is presented by Aspira Retirement Living (Astoria and Mayfair Terrace). To sign up, call 604927-4386 or go online to coquitlam.ca/registration, click

on “Register for Programs” and search course ID

106488

EXPRESS HOCKEY

Coquitlam Express coaches and players will be on the ice to teach kids skills during spring break

The hockey camp runs from March 20 to 24 from 9 a m to 3 p m daily

Young participants will also get dryland training, and a tour of the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St , Coquitlam) and the Express dressing room To sign up, go online to coquitlam ca/registration, click on “Register for Programs” and search course ID 117227 in the keyword tab.

PRO-D IN POCO

Spring break starts tomorrow (March 10) for students

FOCUS ON Registration

in School District 43

But the City of Port Coquitlam already has its eye on Pro-D day camps for next month

Registration is now open for two city programs on April 21:

• Skate and Fun Camp (barcode 77834)

Kids ages six to 10 years old can enjoy an afternoon of skating From noon to 4 p m , new and experienced skaters can learn and strengthen their FUNdamental skills, play ice sports and take part in creative activities off the ice Skates and helmets will be provided

• Skate, Bike, Swim Camp (barcode 77835)

Kids ages eight to 11 years old can have fun skating, biking and swimming at the recreation centre and nearby parks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hi there! We are so excited to Share our Summer Camps! Here at Port Coquitlams Best Summer camps offer a variety of amazing activities designed to keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the summer Our camps are designed to foster creativity, build teamwork skills, and improve physical fitness. Each day is filled with fun and educational activities that are sure to bring a smile to your child’s face. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to help you make this summer the best one yet! Celebrating our 27th Year in Business. 604-802-4377

The Coquitlam Express hosts a spring break camp for young hockey players from March 20 to 24. MARIO BARTEL/ TRI-CITY

NewprovinciallegislationafterAmandaToddverdict

JANIS CLEUGH jcleugh@tricitynews.com

Five months after a BC Supreme Court judge rendered a verdict in the cyberbullying case involving Port Coquitlam teen Amanda Todd, the provincial government has introduced legislation to protect online users

On Monday (March 6), Attorney General Niki Sharma presented a bill that,

if approved by the legislature, would safeguard people from having private photos of themselves distributed on the internet without their consent

The Intimate Images Protection Act would also allow the victim to get compensation from the person(s) who uploaded, or threatened to post

Amanda Todd’s mother,

Carol, a School District 43 educator, was in Victoria for Monday’s announcement In 2012, Amanda, 15, a Coquitlam Alternative Balanced Education (CABE) student, took her life after being sexually harassed online for four years; last October, Dutch native Aydin Coban, 44, was sentenced to 13 years in jail in a precedent-setting case for Canada

Before Amanda died, she posted a YouTube video describing her depression and anxiety as a result of her tormentor, and why she changed schools

“Having your intimate images shared without your permission is a betrayal that can have devastating impacts,” Sharma said “Victims are often too ashamed to come forward

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and those who do are met with limited, complex and expensive legal options We are building a path to justice for people to regain control of their private images and hold perpetrators to account”

The Act is retroactive to the day it was announced March 6, 2023 meaning offences committed after this date will be subject to legal action

The proposed legislation will require offenders to destroy intimate images in their possession and remove them from the internet, search engines and all other forms of online communication As well, social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram and other digital platforms, would be required to taken down the images and de-index them from their search engines

According to a news release, the legislation covers:

• intimate images

• near-nude images

• videos

• livestreams

• digitally altered images

Meanwhile, Sharma said the Civil Resolution Tribunal will expand its online portal

to provide details about people’s rights regarding private images, provide self-help tools and link victims with mental health assistance

Carol Todd told the news conference that her daughter’s mental health deteriorated quickly after being intimidated, exploited, cyberabused and sextorted “Sadly, we all have come to know the ending of her story”

“We are now in 2023 13 years after Amanda’s image was initially shared across the internet We can continue to see, read and hear about the increase in numbers of images and videos that get shared without permission”

“B C has now come in line with many of the other provinces with Acts such as the Intimate Image Protection Act This will make our citizens feel safe in knowing that they are supported and will have the protections in place for them in removing intimate images and videos from the internet so they can feel safe from a trial and from being further victimized and further retraumatized”

Carol Todd, a Port Coquitlam resident and SD43 educator, arrives at BC Supreme Court in New Westminster for the sentencing hearing of Aydin Coban in October 2022. MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS

B U S I N E S S

Chengshutsmusicacademyto150students

A well-known piano teacher who runs a music academy in Coquitlam is apologizing to customers for closing her business without warning

Salina Cheng told the Tri-City News last Thursday that she had no choice but to shutter the Salina Cheng Music Academy that had been running out of Henderson Place mall

She cited financial pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent loss of two prominent piano teachers, plus a receptionist, as the reasons

Cheng, who had the business for sale but was unable to find buyers, relayed the closure to her 150 students and their parents in a notice dated Feb. 28.

“I didn’t know we were going to close until last week,” she told the Tri-City News, adding, “It was a very painful, last-minute decision…. I have to close it because I have no better alternative.”

Cheng said she’s tried to speak with many parents about the decision including some who contacted the Tri-City News last week; however, she said, some are angry and demanding immediate refunds

She plans to sell her com-

pany assets, such as four grand pianos, three upright pianos and percussion instruments, to pay back the money that’s owed

“I’m trying my very best to resolve the issue, but one thing I need from everybody is time I don’t have money in the bank right now”

Looking

Cheng started her business 26 years ago after immigrating to Canada from Hong Kong; it was incorporated 19 years ago, on Feb 26, 2004

The academy was based at Lincoln Centre before moving to Henderson Centre It was successful,

she said, but “the pandemic was devastating. A lot of students quit and so did some teachers It was a very stressful time I was trying my very best to hold onto the academy”

Cheng said she managed to keep it afloat over the past three years through

A-LIST 2022 FINALIST

government wage subsidies and her own cash injections, but in February she couldn’t meet the rent She asked a friend to look over her books; they concluded the business had a dire future

Now, she’s asking her former teachers to take on her customers in their homes or at private studios to continue practising music “The welfare of my students and teachers is my biggest concern”

And once the business is wound up, the 68-year-old entrepreneur said she plans to retire

On Monday (March 6), Cheng submitted her resignation to the board of directors of the CDMF Performing Arts Society, of which she was the president, but she plans to continue as a festival volunteer.

The 70th annual festival, which sees hundreds of young competitors vying for a spot in the provincial contest, takes place March 25 to 31 at Riverside Community Church in Port Coquitlam.

Meanwhile, Cheng said parents who want to have their lesson money returned are asked to email her at salinacheng scma@gmail com

“I apologize to anyone who is inconvenienced,” she said

Libraryboard removesCEO

Coquitlam Public Library (CPL) is looking for a new leader.

Last month, the library board removed Todd Gnissios as executive director a position he had held for about a decade.

CPL spokesperson Samantha Wink confirmed Gnissios' departure in a statement issued to the Tri-City News on March 1.

“The entire library's board and staff thank Todd for his years of service to our organization and wish him well in his future endeavours "

Anthea Goffe is now acting in his stead as the library recruits for Gnissios' re-

see CPL LOOKING, page 32

Natalya Hanna and her team thanks all readers for their votes at A-List Tri-Cities News.

Salina Cheng said she struggled to keep her Coquitlam music academy afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic VIA SALINA CHENG MUSIC ACADEMY

TODD GNISSIOS

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placement, she said "We will seek leadership that supports our core library services and helps the organization adapt and evolve into the future," the statement reads "Coquitlam Public Library has built a strong reputation for its commitment to the changing needs of our diverse, growing community, and we look forward to continuing to build that this year"

On Jan 25, Gnissios presented the library's annual budget before the city's finance committee and, according to the library board's minutes, he was at the CPL board meeting that night Gnissios left the role on Feb 7

Besides the executive director, the board, which operates under the BC Library Act, is currently made up of the following members:

• Jacqueline Gorton, chairperson

• Raymond Lee, vice

• Coun Matt Djonlic, trustee

• Monica Heir, trustee

• Cindy Mark, trustee

• Neal Nicholson, trustee

• Kimberly Sivak, trustee

• Richard Veerapen, trustee

In an email, Djonlic told the Tri-City News "the library will continue to support the needs of patrons and continuity of services" during the transition

Still, it's not the first time the CPL board has suddenly bid farewell to its executive director

In 2013, board chairperson Jack Trumley announced that the board had terminated CEO Rhian Piprell for undisclosed reasons Her replacement was Gnissios, who in September 2012 was released from his duties as CEO of the Lethbridge Public Library as "it was looking for a change in direction," Gnissios told the Tri-City News at the time Before that, Gnissios was

Lethbridge's associate director of branches and outreach services, and, prior, was a research librarian at the Vancouver Public Library for 24 years

Besides his library work, Gnissios had been active the political front: He was the BC Liberal riding president for Vancouver–Mt Pleasant, and, in 1991, he ran against Mike Harcourt Gnissios also worked on provincial and federal campaigns, including the byelection of Coquitlam's then mayor Lou Sekora when he successfully ran for MP for the Liberals CPL has two branches City Centre and Poirier and has 84 staff of which many are members of CUPE Local 561 In 2022, there were 526,539 visits between both branches, an increase of 41 per cent over 2021 Last April, Gnissios came under fire after he issued layoff notices to seven employees, and shift or hour change notices to up to 15 other unionized staff, citing city underfunding

‘Themythisstilloutthere’aboutmembership

“First things first,” starts Ed Ponsart, better known to thousands of SD43 students and graduates as Mr Ponsart a retired teacher and administrator at 17 schools in the Tri-Cities “The Legion is for everyone”

Ponsart is the 2nd vice president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 263 in Coquitlam that’s currently on a membership drive after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted business

Over the past three years, about 400 members have left the Austin Heights club due to physical restrictions caused by the global virus

Now, the executive team is hoping to tempt them back, as well as attract new blood for social gatherings and fundraising at the Ridgeway Avenue lounge and hall

Ponsart is optimistic the numbers will return

And his messaging to the public is clear: You don’t need a military background or be related to service personnel to join “The myth

is still out there,” Ponsart lamented, “but, in fact, we welcome anyone”

Indeed, many Tri-City organizations lost members during the pandemic and some even shuttered for financial reasons Branch 263 struggled to keep afloat, too, said 1st vice president Jim Smith, a retired truck driver

Still, with social dis-

Ed Ponsart and Jim Smith are on the executive of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 263 in Coquitlam, which is having a membership drive. JANIS CLEUGH/TCN

grants is also helping to offset costs for community, school and sporting groups many of whom also suffered during the pandemic Recently, Smith said, Branch 263 donated $12,000 for the outdoor learning centre at Lord Baden-Powell Elementary But typically, it gives out about $100,000 a year to registered nonprofit organizations Money for the charities also come

in through the branch’s weekend live music performances; membership for Saturday nights are waived

To bring the community in, the branch also hosts celebrations, of which families can visit the 125-seat lounge; the 1980s-style room complete with furniture recycled from the now-defunct Cariboo Hotel includes a bar, billiards, photos and a tribute mural painted by Don Portelance’s students

Outside, Branch 263 also updated a wall with a Lest We Forget mural and had its plaque repaired by the Coquitlam Men’s Shed

At present, membership stands at 678 with some commuting as far away as Abbotsford; however, with the new residential towers popping up in the neighbourhood, the executive is anticipating a new wave

“Our lounge is a nice place for people to meet,” Ponsart said “Most of us know each other here, so when someone new walks in, they might get a strange look at first but we welcome you with open arms We’re a very friendly group”

Visit rclegion263 ca to find out how to become a Legion member

tancing measures gone, its programs and services are slowly coming back on track: the Ladies Pool League is in session Thursday nights after a hiatus, and so is bingo Its hall schedule is also filling up again with community groups and special event rentals As well, its fundraising through meat draws and from provincial

Modern-day twist

Self-portrait as Narcissus is part of a series of oil paintings by Samantha Harrison up in the Suncor Gallery at PoMoArts until March 28. A 2020 graduate of the Emily Carr University of Art + Design, majoring in visual arts/ painting, Harrison mostly paints still life and portraits in a classical realistic or photorealistic style. In her collection Recreations of Myth and Spirit at the Port Moody arts venue (2425 St. Johns St.), Harrison interprets mythological and religious beings as modern people. “In creating each painting, the objective is to match each model to different figures based on a moment of perceived similarity, while also deliberately mismatching the models in other aspects of their visual characteristics, such as their perceived racial identity or biological sex,” she writes in her artist’s statement. “In doing this, an attempt is made to draw focus upon the idea that mythological and spiritual figures are deeply connected to and inspired by various aspects of the human condition, even the mundane.” Recreations of Myth and Spirit can also be seen later this year at Port Coquitlam’s Michael Wright Art Gallery Also showing at PoMoArts this month are the exhibits by Tri-City Potters (Ceramics in Flux) and Tam Harrington (Fashion, A Complex Relationship).

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

SPORTS

RapidsridewavetoAAAAtitle

Avery Sussex scores 23 points in win over Walnut Grove

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

The Riverside Rapids are champions, at last While the road to re-

demption is never easy, the journey paid off when the Port Coquitlam school’s senior girls basketball team won its first B C AAAA provincial championship after it defeated the top-ranked Walnut Grove Gators, 70-52, in last Saturday’s final at the Langley Events Centre

The Rapids, which went into the tournament as its

third seed, used the disappointment of losing last year’s championship final to cross-town rival Terry Fox Ravens, and this year’s District final to the Burnaby Central Wildcats to fuel its run to the top

“It was all about last year,” an emotional Avery Sussex told the Tri-City News in the middle of a raucous cele-

bration of players, family, friends and fellow students after the team’s win.

“We needed a banner We can’t go one whole season without a banner It was a full-on team victory The energy was everything”

Sussex scored a teamhigh 23 points in the final

Left, Riverside Rapids guard Avery Sussex charges around a Walnut Grove Gators defender in the first half of their BC AAAA girls high school basketball final, last Saturday at the Langley Events Centre, then (below) celebrates the team’s 70-52 win. Bottom, Rae Roycroft skips a pass around Gators guard Kiera Pemberton. MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS

The City has received an application to amend the Citywide Official Community Plan (OCP) relating to the properties located at 3411, 3415, 3421 and 3435 Galloway Avenue. The application proposes an amendment to the land use designation of the subject properties from School/Park and Street Oriented Village Homes to Conventional Townhomes, Small Village Single Family, Neighbourhood Parks and Natural Open Spaces, and Environmentally Sensitive Area as well as a shift of the north-south Nature Trail located on 3435 Galloway Avenue to an Urban Multi-Use Trail located along the east side of the proposed Soball Street.

The OCP amendment is accompanied by a rezoning application from RS-2 OneFamily Suburban Residential to RS-7 Small Village Single Family Residential, RT-2 Townhouse Residential, and P-5 Special Park; a subdivision to create one townhouse lot, five duplex lots, 29 single family lots, and environmentally sensitive area dedication to the City; and Development Permits for a 92-unit townhouse development, five duplexes, and watercourse protection.

If approved, the applications would facilitate the development of a total of 131 dwelling units

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

The City of Coquitlam will be receiving input up to March 27, 2023. Written correspondence can be provided in one of the following ways:

• Email: clerks@coquitlam ca with “Section 475 – PROJ 22-067” in the subject line;

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

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

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

Additional information about this application can be accessed by contacting Carman Yeung, Planning and Development Department, at CYeung@coquitlam.ca.

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

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

Langford’sfirstchampionship

and the Grade 11 guard was named its player of the game

She also earned a place on the tournament’s first allstar team for the 105 points she amassed in Riverside’s four games, including 30 in a 58-46 win over the Wildcats in last Friday’s semifinal that avenged the Rapids’ quest for at least a District banner

Graduating senior Grace Park also produced in clutch moments for Riverside, which conceded the game’s first basket to the Gators then never trailed again Park, whose three-pointer late in the second quarter boosted the Rapids’ advantage to 14 points its highest in the game said she took inspiration from her teammate’s drive to be one of the best players on the court

“Every single time I see her in the morning, I’m just like, ‘Oh, I need to do that too,’” Park said of Sussex “It just kind of game me this sense of, like, just keep going until the end Now, we reached the end with good results”

On the other side of the ball, Riverside used a strategy of double- and even

triple-teaming eventual tournament MVP Kiera Pemberton to keep the Gators at bay

Still, Pemberton was able to score 39 points Rapids coach Paul Langford said he has a lot of respect for Walnut Grove’s 6’ guard

“We didn’t want them to get on a roll, which I think we did a pretty good job of because Kiera’s amazing,” he said, adding the team’s offence also executed its game plan perfectly

“Though we slowed down a couple of times, we had some really precise thing that we wanted to do and we did them well”

The championship is Langford’s first in the 25 years he’s coached Riverside’s senior girls basketball team, though he’d brought his charges to the final four times previously and he’d won a junior girls championship when his daughter was part of the program

His word for the 2023 squad? Special

“If I talk too long, I’m gonna cry,” Langford said “But I cried when I came 11th, too So, I cry every year”

Langford said the past two

years were especially difficult, with the shutdown of high school sports because of the COVID-19 pandemic and then last year’s upset loss to the Ravens

This year’s Rapids seemed a team of destiny, riding atop the AAAA rankings most of the season, save for a brief dip to No 2 after an overtime loss to Walnut Grove in the final of the Top 10 Shoot-out tournament at Centennial Secondary School in January and then a plunge to No 3 after its setback at the district finals

Last Saturday’s win also flipped the script on the last time the Rapids played in back-to-back championship games, in 2008 and 2009, when it lost both times

In addition to Sussex, guard Jorja Hart was also named to the first all-star team and centre Natalie Curley made the tournament’s second all-star squad

The Heritage Woods Kodiaks finished 12th in the tournament following a 43-35 loss to Sir Winston Churchill in their placement game last Saturday

The Dr Charles Best Blue Devils finished 13th It won its last two games after opening with a pair of losses

Last Saturday’s championship win is the first for Riverside Rapids coach Paul Langford after 25 years of guiding the team. MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

CREWS, Gary Russell

Gary Russell Crews 88 passed away peaceful y on Sunday, February 26, 2023 Gary was born on Apr l 5, 1934, in New Westm nster, B C He had two younger s sters Bev pre deceased and Yvonne Gary was a devoted father who loved boating and n later years oved spending t me w th h s grandchi dren

He was a devoted rea estate agent; Gary loved al that came with the job from meet ng new people to co lecting new house tems that his c ients left along the way Gary was a charter member of the rotary club; A senator w th the Jaycees and you could a ways see him at the Como Lake l quor store at Chr stmas jingling the bel s for the Salvation Army

Gary wl be deepy mssed by his former wfe Maureen, sons Bob (Chery), Barry (Lucero), Bradley (Fawn) and daughter Susan Hs five grandchidren Jenna, Robert, Sydn, Mitchel and Aberto

A ce ebrat on of ife will be held at the Coquit am Legion 1025 R dgeway Avenue Coqu tlam B C on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 2:00pm

TACK, Susan Mary

February 6, 1946 - February 18, 2023

Sue got her w ngs on February 18, 2023 and went to be w th the ange s

Surv ved by her Husband Larry Daughter Corr ne (Olie), granddaughter Er ka, Son Scott (Tr cia), grandchi dren Ch oe and Ethan She w ll be great y missed by her friends and fami y

A Celebration of L fe w l be held at F rst Memor al Burkev ew Chapel on Saturday March 25th at 1:00 pm 1340 Dom nion Avenue, Port Coquitlam, BC

Burkeview Chape 604-944-4128

CELEBRATIONS COMMUNITY

LEGAL

LegaL/PubLic Notices

MINES ACT NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT APPROVING THE NEW MINE PLAN AND RECLAMATION PROGRAM FOR GILLEY’S QUARRY

Take notice that Robert Sims of Heidelberg Materials Canada Limited has filed with the Chief Inspector of Mines, pursuant to Part 10.2.1 of the Health and Safety Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia, a proposed mine plan together with a program for the protection and reclamation of the land and water courses related to the proposed expansion of the existing quarry

A copy of the permit application, including supporting documentation, is available for public viewing at the Coquitlam Public Library, 575 Poirier Street, Coquitlam, BC.

Any person affected by or interested in this program has 30 days to make written representation to the Chief Inspector of Mines, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, c/o Southwest Region Mining Office, PO Box 9395 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria BC, V8W 9M9, or Email: SouthwestMinesDivision@gov bc.ca, with a copy to:

Heidelberg Materials, 8955 Shaughnessy Street, Vancouver, BC V6P 3Y7 or Email: ccmcanada@lehighhanson com

EMPLOYMENT

The

PUZZLE