Tri-City News July 6 2023

Massivedig willdisrupt PipelineRoad

Coquitlam residents can expect to see construction crews along a busy road for the next two-and-a-half years

Starting as early as next week, a contractor for Metro Vancouver will begin preparing the area around Pipeline Road on the eastern side of Town Centre Park for a massive dig to install one section of the Coquitlam Water Main Project.

Bob Cheng, director of major projects for the regional authority, told the Tri-City News on Wednesday (July 5) that the contractor, Michels, will be putting up fencing and netting, and setting up trailers, on the western side of Pipeline to get the site ready

Later in the summer, crews will cut down about 300 trees along the right-of-way, as well as do some grading and utility relocation, to create two new lanes west of Pipeline Road to Guildford Way, about a 1 5km stretch

The water main itself measuring in diameter from 2.2 to 3.2 m will go under a new multi-use path, near the park, starting in the fall; however, the timelines are subject to change given the complexity of the project.

Cheng said residents likely won’t see too many traffic tieups along Pipeline Road

see IT’S

, page 7

JENNIFER GAUTHIER/TRI-CITY NEWS

The Golden Spike cancan dancers kick up their heels to celebrate Canada’s 156th birthday, last Saturday at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park. The city’s Canada Day festivities fused into the annual Golden Spike Days festival that commemorates the completion of the transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway line in 1885. For more photos, see Page 29.

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Vintage Fashion Show

and more

ColonyFarmParkisnowcalledƛéxətəm

KYLE BALZER

kbalzer@tricitynews.com

A long-awaited, but “never forgotten journey” has resulted in a new step towards reconciliation.

Last Saturday (July 1), kʷikʷəƛəm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation unveiled ƛéxətəm pronounced tla-hut-um as the new name for the regional park and adjacent to officially replace Colony Farm in a partnership with the Metro Vancouver Regional District

It’s translation: “be invited”

The local First Nation said it chose this name to reflect its traditional welcome to all visitors and residents, and to express generosity for what its ancestral territories have to offer.

“We are only 126 members, but they are the heartbeat of a million. When you tell them they can’t do it, they take it on and they will move mountains and that is proof of today,” said Kwikwetlem Coun George Chaffee during an official ceremony at the park

“When we stand here today in front of you, the renaming is more than just a name to everyone. It’s a start of a journey for a brand new day, where we see Canada, British Columbia, Metro Vancouver, and anyone from the outside that

Kwikwetlem is standing up for its rights, standing up for its elders, standing up for its children and changing history, and this today will be remembered for 100 years from now.”

Colony Farm was given to the

park in the early 1900s

It’s association with colonialism and displacement of Indigenous peoples instilled heartache and horrible memories to Kwikwetlem families and members of past and present.

Chaffee believes ƛéxətəm Regional Park can not only help in healing, but can allow others to join the process, including non-Indigenous people who visit the outdoor site, which includes nearly 12 km of trails

and is home to several wildlife species

“We as Kwikwetlem people have lost our our language, [but] not fully,” added Chaffee.

“There are still people in our community and elders that speak the language, but it is has been harmed and we’ve almost lost it. We are trying now to bring it back in a good way to the community. In doing that, we, like Metro Vancouver, are learning as we go along in our journey While we’re doing that, we are going to make mistakes And, that’s okay because that’s what learning is all about”

THIRD ANNIVERSARY

The announcement took place on the third anniversary of Kwikwetlem’s Land Code ratification, now known as Kwikwetlem Day for the First Nation every July 1.

On that day in 2020, Chaffee explained, the First Nation took back their own government and the right to manage its two reserves without Ottawa’s oversight, held since 1876

He said it also means Kwikwetlem can continue to rebuild its community “piece by piece.”

“We’re becoming stronger

KYLE BALZER/TRI-CITY NEWS

Drummers from the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation celebrate ƛ̓éxətəm, the new name for Colony Farm Regional Park and its access road.

Don Drysdale Richard Rainey Alexander Huxtable Leaving

your next of kin without a well-planned will makes an already tragic situation even worse. We have helped thousands of families develop thorough, tax-effective estate plans.

Sayers

Park’snewnameispartofKwikwetlemhealingjourney

as a community It is a hard journey for my nation because, like most First Nations in British Columbia, we have gone through the residential schools, we have gone through the missing children, we have gone through the hurt and pain

for almost 120 years So you can well imagine that this is going to take time for my community and my elders to heal and understand the journey that we need to do in order to do that.”

SECOND PARK

ƛéxətəm is the second regional park to receive a

new name in three years after Belcarra Regional Park was given təmtəmíxʷtən in 2021 meaning “the biggest place for all the people” in the language of the TsleilWaututh Nation.

John McEwen, Metro Vancouver’s vice-chair of regional parks, believes the public can learn a

lot from their local First Nation in taking steps to build meaningful relationships and strengthen community connections.

“Over the coming months, visitors to [ƛéxətəm] park will see significant changes to reflect the new name and will have opportunities to learn about the his-

tory and culture of the Kwikwetlem First Nation,” said McEwen, who’s also the mayor of Anmore.

‘AMAZING STEP’

“This renaming is an amazing step, and it’s far from the last. We still have a long path ahead”

In a statement, Metro Vancouver said the park is the last of the natural areas holding life for the Coquitlam Watershed, of which Kwikwetlem peoples have a close connection with its environment.

This includes for the use of hunting, berry picking, fishing and other day-today activities

Online searches will

still show “Colony Farm Regional Park,” but Kwikwetlem First Nation said its is in the process of making sure it can be formally changed in the weeks and months to come.

Dignitaries on hand for ƛéxətəm Regional Park’s unveiling included Kwikwetlem Chief Ron Giesbrecht and Coun. Stephanie Patterson, Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart and seven city councillors, Port Coquitlam Coun.

Steve Darling, Metro Vancouver board chair George Harvie, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce CEO Leslie Courchesne.

KYLE BALZER/TRI-CITY NEWS

Representatives from the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm

PoMoponiesrunamok

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Stories from Tri-City News headlines of decades past will be a reoccurring feature as the publication approaches its 40th anniversary in 2024.

Canada Day and Golden Spike Days are among the most popular events in Port Moody

However, there was more than enough excitement for everyone during Golden Spike Days in 1990.

Not only were there aerial acrobatics by parachutists and a bathtub race that brought in crowds, but horse and cart rides were offered to kids.

According to witnesses, a couple of ponies attached to a cart were rest-

ing in the shade when they got spooked.

The ponies bolted into a crowd.

Their handler failed to control the ponies, and sprained an ankle jumping into the cart. Three other people were also hurt, although none seriously, the Tri-City News

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reported on July 4, 1990.

However, one man was taken away by ambulance on a backboard, and a young girl was knocked down.

“It was horrible,” said a person who witnessed the accident.

“The horses just ploughed into them”

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CRAIG HODGE, TCN FILE PHOTO (COURTESY COQUITLAM ARCHVIES) Golden Spike bathtub races in the early 1990s.

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2023

CoquitlamTennisClubseeks coveredcourtsforyear-roundplay

A covered facility to play tennis is what’s needed to replace the aging hub in Town Centre Park

That’s the message from the Coquitlam Tennis Club, which spoke before the city’s council-in-committee last month to lobby local officials for a closed space with more courts.

‘It’simportantwork’

other than north of David Avenue, where there will be single alternating lanes.

“Unfortunately, nobody likes to be impacted by construction,” he said, “but it’s important work that we’re doing. It’s a vital water main that will benefit the region and the City of Coquitlam to address a water distribution shortage”

“It is temporary and

we ask for everybody’s patience during this time,” Chang added.

Residents can call 604432-6200 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (or 604-451-6610 for after-hours emergencies) to get updates or follow Metro Vancouver on social media.

There will also be letters mailed to neighbours, newspaper advertisements and road signs to alert commuters

Visit metrovancouver org or email icentre@ metrovancouver.org (with Coquitlam Water Main Project in the subject line).

Cheng said Metro Vancouver staff are also now in discussions with the Coquitlam Tennis Club, which has its courts south of the Trevor Wingrove Way/Pipeline Road intersection, about construction noise and dust, and how to retrieve tennis balls

Currently, the outdoor club has four hard courts with lights and a clubhouse on the eastern side of the park.

Under the city’s Town Centre Park Master Plan, those courts are expected to be replaced and expanded as part of the park redevelopment; however, no future site has been chosen.

At the June 19 meeting, club vice president Bruce Kennedy and tournament director Nathan Lee showed an image of a recently built covered facility in Ontario, noting its modern design

Kennedy said closing up the facility would allow for 50 per cent more use of

the courts for playing time.

He said many Coquitlam residents are now travelling to other Lower Mainland municipalities to find courts

According to its research, Coquitlam hasn’t kept up with the population growth and its tennis court inventory is decreasing (in 2011, there were 34 courts; today, there are 29).

As a result, the club said, Coquitlam is underserved with 0 19 courts per 1,000 residents compared with 0 99 for Delta residents, 0 70 for North Vancouver and 0 49 for Langley.

But Lanny Englund, Coquitlam’s general manager of parks, recreation, culture and facilities, said four tennis courts are going in at the new Burke Mountain high school, three in the next redevelopment phase of Cottonwood Park and two at the new Fraser Mills park

And another court is

expected to be installed at Blue Mountain Park, once the master plan is formalized

Coun Dennis Marsden said the city “isn’t hitting the numbers,” and tennis groups are also having to share the public courts with players of another rapidly growing sport: pickleball.

In addition, Kennedy and Lee said the club will be impacted by the upcoming water main dig up Pipeline Road

Coun Trish Mandewo, a former club president, said she’s been championing for more and covered courts.

“I personally believe that we do undersupply for some of our sports and tennis is up there,” Mayor Richard Stewart added.

Still, Coun. Brent Asmundson said the soccer and skateboarding communities are also calling for covered spaces to play and there’s not enough cash to go around given its capital projects

JANIS CLEUGH/TRI-CITY NEWS Bob Cheng, Metro Vancouver’s project manager for the Coquitlam Water Main Project, at Pipeline Road in Coquitlam.

DuplexapprovalpromptsOCPurgency

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Port Coquitlam residents may get a chance to weigh in on the future of their neighbourhoods sooner rather than later.

It’s been 10 years since the last Official Community Plan was updated and in the intervening years, housing prices have shot up and the city’s own housing report says 550 homes need to be built each year to keep up with demand

The city expects to have more understanding about the scope of the project by the end of the year

After that it will take about two years to fully complete the plan, according to city staff.

But a new OCP can’t come soon enough for some PoCo councillors.

The issue was raised at a recent committee-in-council meeting where politicians were asked to consider two housing projects that don’t conform to current zoning

In one a 20-unit development of stacked townhouses council asked the developer to come back with a less dense proposal for the Fox Park–Westwood neighbourhood in

central PoCo.

In the second, councillors agreed to allow a developer to build a duplex with two legal suites at 3431 Flint St but they balked at creating a new zone for these type of projects without a further city-wide review of the OCP

“I think it’s important we get this thing [OCP] moving,” said Coun. Darrell Penner.

He acknowledged that when projects come up that don’t fit into the current plan it causes a lot of turmoil.

“The residents are the ones that go through the greatest turmoil The applicant goes through the financial turmoil and we have to make the decision,” Penner said Coun. Dean Washington said it could be as much as three

years before the OCP is ready to guide future development decisions

In that time, he feared, more non-conforming projects such as duplexes with suites will come before council as development pressures ramp up.

MORE TO COME

“These are our neighbourhoods and more and more of this is going to come,” he predicted

Mayor Brad West noted that council has been “very clear” on the need to update the OCP, and he said it may just be needed to be tweaked in certain areas, which could potentially shorten the process.

“We want to do some fine tuning in different places to address current realities,” West said.

Finding staff time to do the work is among the challenges and the city proposes to seek grants that could assist in the development of an OCP, council was told

Meanwhile, council was unanimous in agreeing to allow the Flint duplex with legal suites to proceed to the next steps.

The project passed first and

second reading and is set to go to public hearing on Tuesday, July 11

Developer Van Nguyen is seeking approval for a duplex on a single-family lot that would have a secondary suite in each basement, as well as off-street parking for six cars.

The 8,000 sq. ft. property at 3431 Flint St. has a 63-year-old, one-and-a-half-storey home and is located in a neighbourhood of single-family homes close to Kwayhquitlum Middle school

‘A GOOD THING’

Coun Nancy McCurrach said the duplex with suites arrangement would be ideal for multi-generational families.

“The fact that they’re legal secondary suites is a good thing,” she said.

“If it was for families so that grandparents could live in the same area as their grandchildren this is the vision that I had it could be affordable for some people”

Coun Glenn Pollock agreed the city needs the housing

“Every unit we add is part of the housing spectrum and it’s much needed.”

CITY OF PORT COQUITLAM

Port Coquitlam agreed to allow this duplex with legal suites at 3431 Flint St. to proceed to the next step.

Incumbencyshieldinggoverningpartiesfrombadpress

Just how difficult a task opposition parties face in trying to win power was on display in four recent federal byelections and recent polling in B.C. and Ontario

Despite many months of being bashed over the head again and again with such issues as foreign interference in politics, a crumbling health care system and a rising cost of living, the federal Liberal party was able to hang on to two seats and nearly won a safe Conservative seat in those byelections.

And a poll by the Angus Reid Institute showed that although most voters in both B.C. and Ontario think their provincial government is performing miserably when it comes

to handling the most pressing issues, both governments would easily be re-elected to a majority status if a vote were held today

In fact, it’s rather astonishing when you consider that about eight in 10 B C voters give the BC NDP government a failing grade on three critical issues cost of living, health care and housing yet almost half are willing to vote for the party.

The Reid poll put the BC NDP’s support among decided voters at 47 per cent, a huge 18-point lead over the BC United Party.

The voter dissatisfaction over the government’s performance on key issues is at similar levels in Ontario,

although the Doug Ford government is benefiting from a split opposition.

Of course, the 18-point gap in B C is likely largely attributable to the unfamiliarity with the new BC, United “brand,” but that doesn’t explain the NDP’s gaudy level of support at a time when few people approve of the job the party is doing.

Also in the mix may be a genuine dislike of what people see from BC United and its leader Kevin Falcon right now. The party is shifting right, and voters may be offside with that Certainly, questions about leadership and right-wing drift abound at the federal level.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s personal popularity num-

bers are hovering around those for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (both at around 36 per cent in the latest Reid poll) and he has a particular problem with women voters.

The byelection results magnified a significant vulnerability facing the Conservatives

For now, voters seem willing to give incumbent governments enormous latitude If that mood continues it all adds up to potentially bad news for most opposition parties.

Trying to make the case that they are a better fit for government than the incumbent can be a tough sell right now.

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC.

Lara Graham REGIONAL PUBLISHER publisher@tricitynews.com

Mark Falkenberg EDITOR editor@tricitynews.com

Vicki Magnison REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR vimagnison@glaciermedia.ca

Karen Seguin DISTRIBUT ON MANAGER circulation@tricitynews.com Newspaper A11 THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2023 TRICITYNEWS COM

Excellence

Burquitlamshootingvictimidentified

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

A shooting Sunday, July 2 has shocked the neighbourhood of Burquitlam and sparked a massive investigation into the death of a 25-year-old man.

At approximately 9:20 p.m., Coquitlam RCMP, firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene of the shooting in the 500block of Foster Avenue Officers, along with members of the British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS), attempted life-saving measures, but the victim succumbed to his injuries.

IHIT has now identified

the victim as 25-year old Karnvir Singh Garcha of Coquitlam, in hopes of advancing its investigation

Investigators learned that Garcha was dropped off at the scene minutes before the homicide

Council Meeting

Date & Time:

Tues., July 11th - 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

portcoquitlam.ca/council

“IHIT is working with its partners to canvass the area for witnesses and to collect CCTV. Any witnesses or anyone with residential, commercial or dash-camera video, who has yet to speak with police, is asked to contact IHIT immediately.”

(4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

The shooting caused a worry to people living in the area

On Monday, July 3, the Tri-City News talked to one resident of the tower that was part of the investigation.

“We are looking to speak with anyone who had contact with Mr. Garcha in the days leading up to the shooting, including the driver of the vehicle that dropped him off,” stated Sgt Timothy Pierotti of IHIT in a press release

Council Meeting

When: Tuesday, July 11, 2023

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

Time: Regular Council Meeting 7pm

Find an agenda package at portmoody.ca/councilcalendar.

View a video recording (available by 3pm on July 12, 2023) at portmoody.ca/councilcalendar.

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

IHIT is asking anyone who was driving in the 500-block of Foster Avenue, between North Road and Blue Mountain Street, from 7 p m and 9:30 p.m. with dash-cam video, or anyone with information who has yet to speak with police, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT

Rob Pelwecki, who lives in one of the buildings next to the area behind police tape, said he heard the cracking sound of gunshots, and texted a friend about it at 9:23 p.m.

“It was a pretty scary scene for sure,” Pelwecki said, adding the fired shots created a “very vivid sound”

City of Coquitlam CouncilMeetings

Coquitlam City Hall – 3000 Guildford Way

Monday, July 10, 2023

Council-in-Committee

Closed Council* Public Hearing / Regular Council**

Scan the QR Code for Council Agendas

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

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

Sign

SHANE MACKICHAN PHOTO Police block access to condo towers on Foster Avenue in Coquitlam Sunday, July 2.

KANVIR SINGH GARCHA

Firefighterhirestorelievepressure:Chief

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Two new firefighters and a new fire safety inspector will bring some relief to overworked Port Moody firefighters and save the city some money, says the city’s fire chief.

But the full benefits of the additions aren’t likely be felt fully until next year.

Darcey O’Riordan said Port Moody Fire Rescue’s (PMFR) relatively small contingent of 45 professional firefighters and three chief officers deployed over two halls means there’s little wiggle room to account for vacation and sick relief, let alone extended emergencies. As a result they’re often requested or assigned to work overtime.

According to PMFR’s annual community report, firefighters responded to 1,578 incidents in 2022, almost 20 per cent more than the 1,330 calls they answered in 2021 Of those, 969 calls were for medical assistance, 520 answered alarms, 125 were for structure fires or visible smoke and there were 114 calls for motor vehicle accidents. In addition, the department’s firefighters completed almost 6,000 hours of training.

The need to maintain staffing levels to keep up with the department’s busyness cost it half a million dollars in overtime last year, deputy chief Kirk Heaven told city council in a budget presentation in March.

At a subsequent financial update to council in June,

O’Riordan said the department’s overtime costs for this year are “already a large number”

As well, the money PMFR spends on overtime leaves less money in city coffers to pay for upgraded or new equipment along with training expenses.

O’Riordan added beyond

that, the extra shifts take a toll on the firefighters’ physical and mental wellbeing

“They are exposed to more critical incidents and occupational stress when they work longer shifts,” he told the Tri-City News. That can further increase the

likelihood they’ll need time off, exacerbating the department’s manpower challenges.

O’Riordan said the new hires, which were approved by council in May to be phased in over the next two years, will help. The budget for those new firefighters is almost $343,000.

O’Riordan said even though the hiring process to fill the positions is already underway, “it takes about six months to recruit firefighters because of the extensive testing and interviewing involved”

He added it will likely be November when the additional firefighters hit the floor where they’ll undergo an additional eight weeks of training before they’re finally put into the regular shift rotation by the end of the year.

That’s when savings on the ledger and in the health of PMFR’s firefighters should be realized, O’Riordan said

“The new firefighters will be able to reduce the number of overtime shifts and relieve the scheduling and overtime pressures,” he said. “Our firefighters are looking forward to training the new recruits and welcoming them to town.”

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS FILE PHOTO

Two new firefighters and an additional fire safety inspector to be hired by Port Moody Fire Rescue likely won’t be ready to take their positions until the end of the year after they undergo a rigorous interview process followed by eight weeks of training.

Blockpartiesbringneighbourstogether

The Editor: Canada has always brought people together from far and wide and nearby, too.

The residents of Riverlane Estates in Port Coquitlam discovered the joys of togetherness even during COVID when people would gather in the lane each evening to bang pots and sing

The idea of throwing a neighbourhood block party for Canada Day seemed like a good one

Michelle de FoiardBrown with Beth Friesen,

Dorothy Clarke and Diane Bowman began organizing.

The City of Port Coquitlam has a fund to help residents throw a block party, and Michelle successfully applied and so it began.

Some 40 neighbours brought finger food and red and white panache to the clubhouse and the party was a hit

People met, and like old friends, they talked and talked and got to know each other better. What better way to spend

Canada Day!

Bill Marshall and Kate Smith (The Other Will and Kate) and John Bowman, all resident musicians

here, performed songs from across Canada and by Canadian composers

And as the song popularized by Raffi says, “The

more we get together, together, together, the more we get together, the happier we’ll be.” (Irving King) Block parties are great

ThankYou!

neighbourhood builders we highly recommend them!

Bill Marshall

Thankyoutothecorporateandcommunitypartners, volunteers,staffandlocalbusinesseswhohelped makeCanadaDayinCoquitlamsuchasuccess.Anda bigthankyoutoallthevisitors,residents,familyand friendswhojoinedusonJuly1!

Port Coquitlam

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The residents of Riverlane Estate in Port Coquitlam in Canada Day party mode

MeetingroomsatPortMoodycityhallaregettingupgrades

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Upgrading four conference and meeting rooms at Port Moody City Hall and the Inlet Centre fire hall so they can accommodate virtual sessions is costing more than originally budgeted.

Most of the money will be spent on modifications to the Brovold Room,

which is large enough for committee meetings and even council sessions.

A staff report to council’s finance committee said Brovold’s domed ceiling presents “a unique set of audio challenges” for microphones to pick up audio from all parts of the room without echoing. As a result, the installation

of acoustic panels in the dome, as well as acoustic treatments on the walls, is being recommended

Even then, said Raman Braich, Port Moody’s manager of information services, the baffling may not be enough.

“No one would definitively tell us 100 per cent if this would get rid of the

reverb and echo,” he said. But, Braich added, without any sort of absorption of sound in the room, it would be unusable for virtual or hybrid meetings.

“The goal is to be able to use the room for council, committee and staff meetings,” he said.

The cost to upgrade

the meeting rooms with microphones and video cameras was originally $108,000, of which $32,500 has already been spent

The challenges of the Brovold Room will add another $9,000 to the total cost, said the report.

The extra funds will be used to add a ceiling mounted microphone, two cameras that can be switched automatically and a third video display in addition to the two already budgeted.

The money is coming from the provincial COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant Program that is supposed to help pay for COVID-related modification projects

Mayor Meghan Lahti said even though the cost

could still go higher again, upgrading the facility is an investment in the future and an acknowledgement that times have changed

“We need to do something that’s professional and will move us forward for the next 10 to 20 years,” she said.

COVID POLICIES END

Port Moody is putting a bow on the COVID-19 pandemic

June 27, council rescinded a corporate policy adopted in 2020 that outlined various protocols and procedures to keep staff and residents safe at the height of the public health crisis Among those procedures is a requirement city staff be vaccinated against the virus

Community hub for visual and performing arts releases upcoming events lineup

Evergreen Cultural Centre presents their 2023–2024 season of events

The excitement is mounting. In anticipation of the curtain rising this September, Evergreen Cultural Centre is proud to release their 2023–2024 season of events on July 1.

A collection of spectacular theatre, live music, concerts, dance, magic, family shows, and more, spotlight a lineup of exceptional local and internationally acclaimed talent, including Grammy and Juno award-winning artists. In the meantime, there are summer events to keep you engaged with the community’s arts and culture scene, such as the fan-favourite, Music on the Grill.

“It’s a concert evening starting with a catered BBQ dinner on our portico overlooking Lafarge Lake, featuring pre-show entertainment from emerging artists,” reveals Fowlis.

A night of live music follows in the Studio Theatre, with a schedule that includes dinner at 6 p.m. and the concert at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $69 for the concert and dinner; and $45 for the concert only

Also, Pride Month comes to Coquitlam to support and celebrate the LGBTQ2S+ community

“Evergreen is hosting Coquitlam’s first-ever Pride event on July 15,” says Jessica Fowlis, marketing manager of Evergreen Cultural Centre. “We are presenting this event together in partnership with Coquitlam’s cultural partners, with additional support from the City of Coquitlam.”

Evergreen will offer free artmaking activities, family

story time, Pride history, artist visits, and a ticketed drag show, among other happenings

Upcoming 2023–2024 event series, September–June

Mark your calendars for Evergreen’s seven series: Theatre, TD Music, Variety, Family, Musical Matinées, Power Classic Sundays, and their new Rehearsal Hall Sessions. There’s such an array of options to explore, you’ll want to experience at least a few

The Theatre series comprises of local theatre companies and independent theatre performers with eight shows, including Musical Theatreworks, Hey, Viola! Viola Desmond: Soundtrack of a Life.

“It’s the first season in a long time we’ve had Arts Club On Tour return to Evergreen, so we’re really excited” says Fowlis “They’re presenting The Birds & Bees, Beneath Springhill—The Maurice Ruddick Story, and Made in Italy New to Evergreen is Urban Ink Theatre, performing our last show of the season, Homecoming ”

The TD Music series offers concerts with something for everybody: classical, contemporary, bluegrass, folk, blues, and more. “We’re grateful to TD Bank for their sponsorship,” acknowledges Fowlis. “It’s one of the largest concert runs in Metro Vancouver, with both new and well-known artists, and recognizable names who’ve been really involved with the community.”

The Variety series is an eclectic mix of performing arts presentations by local creators, including comedy, magic, and dance Giggles are guaranteed with The Arrogant Worms, a singing trio with a comedic bent, well-known for “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate.”

The Musical Matinées series features afternoon classical music concerts at 2:30 p.m beginning with a coffee/ tea and treats pre-show reception. Internationally acclaimed pianists Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann are back, playing four concerts, including special guests, Cameron Crozman (cello) and Jeremy Berkman (trombone), performing works from the classical, folk and contemporary repertoire.

“There’s a lot of family-friendly shows appropriate for all ages, including Will’s Jams, which is specifically for young audiences,” says Fowlis.

“For anyone who enjoys the arts or wants to involve their family in doing more creative activities, workshops, or free fun things like exploring our gallery—Evergreen is here for you.”

“Try something new in our beautiful space,” encourages Fowlis. “You may be surprised by the ways to engage together locally and close to home in the heart of downtown Coquitlam.”

For more information, visit evergreenculturalcentre.ca

Established in 1996, Evergreen Cultural Centre is the visual and performing arts hub of the Tri-Cities. As the premiere venue for live arts events, exhibitions, and family events, Evergreen strives to provide and support exemplary arts experiences and lead the ongoing development of the arts throughout the Tri-Cities.

Mark your calendars for Evergreen’s seven series. Photo provided by Evergreen Cultural Centre.

Our Multiculltural Connections team.

You’re going to lose access to local news on Facebook and Google.

Dear readers,

Your access to local, provincial and national news is going to be revoked on Google, Facebook and Instagram.

And it’s not because of anything we’ve done.

Recently, Canada passed the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, which has led to a standoff between the government, Google and Meta the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram.

Both Google and Meta have said they plan to cut ties with the news industry in Canada as a result.

This means Meta will block the posting and sharing of our news articles on Facebook and Instagram Google will also remove links to our sites and articles in Google News, Discover and search results They’ll also cancel significant content licensing agreements already in place with our parent company, Glacier Media.

Undoubtedly, this will have a huge impact not solely on us but, more importantly, on people like yourself who may use these platforms to discover what’s happening in your community and to get context to events happening in your own backyard

We’re not planning on going anywhere, but here’s how you can help:

1 Sign up for our free daily newsletter by scanning the QR code (And encourage your family and friends to do the same )

2. Follow us on Twitter.

3. Bookmark our website as the homepage on your devices.

4. Consider becoming a member if you aren’t already. Your support will help us continue to cover local stories, by locals.

5. If you own/operate a local business, consider supporting local by placing ads with 100% Canadian-owned media outlets, like us.

With your help, more people will be able to get their local news from a trusted source In today’s age of misinformation, that’s more important than ever

Thank you. We appreciate you.

Sincerely,

The Tri-City News team

EVENTS

CALENDAR

WEEKLY MARKETS

SUNDAYS:The Coquitlam Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Sunday in the parking lot of Dogwood Pavilion (1655 Winslow Ave.).

Visit makebakegrow com

WEDNESDAYS:The Port Moody Summer Farmers Market is every Wednesday in the parking lot of the Port Moody Recreation Complex (300 Ioco Rd.) from 3 to 7 p.m.

Visit makebakegrow com

THURSDAYS:The Port Coquitlam Farmers Market is on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p m in the Terry Fox Hometown Square (behind the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, 2150 Wilson Ave.).

Visit farmersandmore org

WEEKLY EVENTS

SATURDAYS: From 10 a m to noon each Saturday in July, you can drop off non-perishable food or cash donations at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (1504 Sprice Ave , Coquitlam) for the SHARE food bank.

Visit gslcc ca

SATURDAY, JULY 8

GONE WEEDS

Help the Burke Mountain Naturalists and Friends of the Deboville Slough pull invasive plants like Japanese knotweed from around the slough. Wear study footwear and dress for the weather. Bring water and sunscreen, too Tools will be supplied; however, you can use your own clippers or loopers Meet at the kiosk on the northern dike at the slough trailhead (4100 Cedar Dr., Coquitlam) at 9 a.m. MORE: 778-230-1509

REPAIR CAFE

From 10 a m to 2 p m , you can take your broken items in for a free fixing courtesy of volunteers at the Repair Cafe The event takes place at the City of Port Coquitlam’s public works yard (1737 Broadway St ) with the PoCo Centennial Rotarians.

MORE: 604-927-5496

MULTICULTURAL FAIR

The non-profit group Low Entropy stages its first Multicultural Connections festival at Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from 10 a m to 6 p m There will be performances,food trucks, arts,vendors and speakers to celebrate the diversity and cultural heritages in the Tri-Cities MORE: lowentropy org

VINTAGE FASHIONS

Vancouver fashion historian Ivan Sayers will lead a fashion show of glamorous vintage garden and tea dresses from his collection for a Coquitlam Heritage event that takes place from 11 a m to 2:30 p m at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) Guests can dress in their favourite vintage garden party outfit and enjoy an alcohol-free cocktail and high tea luncheon, as well as have a chance to win a gift card in a prize draw Tickets are $65 REGISTER: coquitlamheritage.ca

MUSIC ON THE GRILL

Rachel Beck and Chris Ronald launch the Evergreen Cultural Centre’s Music on the Grill series Concert-goers can enjoy a meal before the show on the facility patio (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam), or just the performance at 7:30 p m

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre.ca

MOVE YOUR HIPS

VINTAGE

Alberto Gonzalez and Teresa Szefler of the Salsa Dance Zone will lead a beginners class at 8 p m at the Port Coquitlam legion (2675 Shaughnessy St ), with the dance floor heating up from 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $15 to the 19+ fiesta No partner is needed.

MORE: salsadancezone com

SUNDAY, JULY 9

WATERSHED TOUR

Explore the Coquitlam watershed with Metro Vancouver and learn where our drinking water comes from The regional agency will offer free guided tours to areas not usually accessible to the public. Pre-registration is required via Burke Mountain Naturalists, which is arranging a morning visit for a group. Space is limited

EMAIL: ekernighan@gmail com

SUMMER SUNDAYS

The Summer Sundays concert series is back at Rocky Point Park (2800-block of Murray Street, Port Moody) with the Tri-City News as the media sponsor Grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the tunes from Blues Hoodoo at 2 p m followed by the Legendary R&B Allstars at 3:30 p.m.

MORE: summersundays ca

MONDAY, JULY 10

RESIDENT COMEDIAN

Brennan Casey delivers his oneman standup show at the Inlet Theatre (inside Port Moody City Hall, 100 Newport Dr ) at 7:30 p m

Performances will also be held on July 17, 24 and 31; doors open at 7 p m

MORE: bcasey ca

MOVE YOUR HIPS: Alberto Gonzalez and Teresa Szefler of the Salsa Dance Zone.

PHOTO: JANIS CLEUGH

FASHIONS

Vancouver fashion historian Ivan Sayers will lead a fashion show of glamorous vintage garden and tea dresses from his collection

PHOTO: IVAN SAYERS

SUMMER SUNDAYS Blues Hoodoo will take the stage July 9 at Rocky Point Park.

PHOTO: DAVE FARMER

FRIDAY, JULY 14

FUNK YOU UP

The band Queer As Funk launches the first of three shows in the City of Coquitlam’s Summer Concert Series. The group is on the Town Centre Park Community Plaza stage (1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from 7 to 9 p m Admission is free The food trucks on site will be Tornado Potato and Teapressu The series is presented by Coquitlam Centre.

MORE: coquitlam ca/summerconcerts

JULY

SATURDAY, JULY 15 RUNNERS

Lace up your runners for Trio Sport Events’PoCo Sport Festival 5K and 10K runs through Gates Park and Colony Farm Regional Park Created by the Port Coquitlam Sport Alliance, the run will see partial proceeds support KidSport Tri-Cities. It starts at Gates Park (2300 Reeve St , Port Coquitlam) at 8:30 a.m. for the 10K and 8:40 a m for the 5K; there is also a kids’fun run at around 10 a.m. Medals will be awarded

REGISTER: trioevents ca/copy-of-uc-pocosports-festival

TIRGAN FESTIVAL

Enjoy the sights and sounds at Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) where, from noon to 10 p m , the Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society will host a Tirgan Festival.

MORE: tcics com

LAX ACTION

Cheer on the Coquitlam Adanacs as the box lacrosse team battles the Victoria Shamrocks at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Centre (633 Poirier St , Coquitlam); the ball drops at 6:45 p m The club also plays against the Langley Thunder at the Palace on July 18 at 7:30 p.m., July 22 versus the Burnaby Lakers at 7 p.m. and July 29 at 7 p.m. against the Victoria Shamrocks

MORE: wlaadanacs.com

SUNDAY, JULY 16

ART SHOWS

It’s the last week to see two exhibits at PoMoArts (formerly the Port Moody Arts Centre, 2425 St Johns St ) The displays by Nickie Lewis (A Look Inside) and Max TS Yang (Morsel Scavengers) are up until July 20

MORE: pomoarts.ca

FUNK YOU UP

Queer As Funk launches the first of three shows July 14 at Town Centre Park Community Plaza Stage in Coquitlam.

FILM NIGHT

Find a seat in the Inlet Theatre (inside Port Moody City Hall, 100 Newport Dr ) to watch Honeyland, a documentary/drama from Macedonia and Switzerland that rolls at 7:30 p m

Admission to the Port Moody Film Society show is $5 plus a $5 society membership for the year. Cash and cheque are accepted at the door (no credit card or debit)

MORE: pmfilm ca

COQUITLAM PRIDE

The City of Coquitlam, along with its cultural partners, is presenting an afternoon of Pride celebrations at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). From noon to 5 p m , families and supporters can hear a story time and a young adult author reading, take part in art activities, tour the gallery and enjoy the entertainment from staff and volunteers with Evergreen, Coquitlam Heritage, the Coquitlam Public Library and Place des Arts Admission is free

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre ca

CIRQUE DE COQUITLAM

It’s a drag circus at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) to celebrate Pride The ticketed event runs from 7:30 to 10 p m and includes “dangerous feats, hilarious comedy ad beautiful singing.” There will be an after-party show in the rehearsal hall for adults, with dancing and beverages.

TICKETS: evergreenculturalcentre ca

SUMMER SUNDAYS

The Coquitlam Adanacs box lacrosse team battles the Victoria Shamrocks July 15 at 6:45pm.

SALSA, CHA CHA CHA

Alberto Gonzalez and Teresa Szefler of the Salsa Dance Zone will lead a beginners class at 8 p m at Site B Brewing (3012 Murray St , Port Moody), with the dance floor heating up from 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $15 to the 19+ fiesta No partner is needed. MORE: salsadancezone com

The Summer Sundays concert series is back at Rocky Point Park (2800-block of Murray Street, Port Moody) with the Tri-City News as the media sponsor Grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the tunes from Nigel Mack and the Blues Attack at 2 p m

MORE: summersundays.ca

FRIDAY, JULY 21

RIBFEST

Tuck into some meat, cornbread and corn and enjoy a beverage and entertainment at RibFest, a threeday fundraiser hosted by the Port Moody Rotarians.The feast runs from 11 a m to 9 p m each day at Rocky Point Park (2800-block of Murray Street, Port Moody) Entrance is by donation. Presented by Dominion Lending Centres, the event includes seven ribbers who are lined up to run the barbecues Volunteers are needed

The Tri-City News is a media sponsor MORE: portmoodyribfest ca

PHOTO: QUEER AS FUNK

LAX ACTION

PHOTO: MARIO BARTEL

RIBFEST

The Port Moody Rotarians threeday fundraiser kicks off July 21.

PHOTO: JENNIFER GAUTHIER

SATURDAY, JULY 22

PRIDE IN POCO

Join supporters of the 2SLGBTQI+ community at the annual Pride in PoCo party, an event organized by the city’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable. Check the city’s website for the time and more details

MORE: portcoquitlam.ca

MAILLARDVILLE TRIP

Take a guided tour of the FrenchCanadian enclave of Maillardville courtesy of Coquitlam Heritage.The free walk is part of Historic Places Day and last about an hour.Tours are at 10:30 a m and 2:30 p m in English, and 1:30 p.m. in Mandarin.

REGISTER: coquitlamheritage ca

COCO JAFRO

Music on the Grill continues at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way) with the Afro–Latin funk band Coco Jafro. A barbecue will be served at 6 p m with the concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theatre Tickets are $69 for the meal and show, or $45 for the concert only.

MORE: evergreenculturalcentre ca

COMEDY NIGHT

Stand-up comedians Syd Campbell, Erin Purghart and DJ On are in the rehearsal hall of the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) for a show from 8 to 9 p.m.

TICKETS: evergreenculturalcentre ca

SUNDAY, JULY 30

RUN+BEER

The Afro-Latin funk band will be on stage at Music on the Grill at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre July 22.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

CARIBBEAN DAYS

Organizers of the Caribbean Days Festival are bringing the party back to Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way) for a second year.The Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Society of BC will host the party on July 29 and 30, from 10 a m to 8 p m ; the parade in the park is on Saturday at 1:30 p m Admission to the largest Caribbean event in B.C. is free.The Tri-City News is a media sponsor MORE: caribbeandays.ca

Tinhouse Brewery (550 Sherling Pl , Port Coquitlam) hosts its second 5K run/walk in its inaugural series on July 30 between 11:30 a m and 2 p m Entry is $5 with partial funds supporting the SHARE Family and Community Services Society Liquor service starts at noon on race days MORE: tinhousebrewing ca

The festival returns to Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park for a second year ON July 29 & 30.

SUMMER SUNDAYS

The Summer Sundays concert series is back at Rocky Point Park (2800-block of Murray Street, Port Moody) with the Tri-City News as the media sponsor. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the tunes from Eagle Eyes at 2 p.m.

MORE: summersundays ca

Find more local events online

COCO JAFRO

PHOTO: COCO JAFRO

CARIBBEAN DAYS

PHOTO: JENNIFER GAUTHIER

MORE ONLINE

This community event is proudly sponsored by:

Inspiration Garden

InspirationGardenEducationalWorkshops

JointheParkSparkteamforfreeeducational workshopsattheInspirationGardeninTown CentrePark

•Composting

•LifeintheSoil

•PlantLifecycles

•PollinatorPower

•StartingfromSeed

•WormyWorkshop

Formoreinformationonhowtosignup,visit coquitlam.ca/gardenandclickRegisterfor Programs Intheonlineregistrationsystem,go toDropIn(Pre-registered)andclickAllAges.

Next,opentheDropInParkSparkdropdown, oremailgarden@coquitlam.ca

coquitlam.ca

ProudtoGrowHere

Wethinkyoushouldbeproud!We’dlike torecognizeyourfantasticfrontages andbeautifulbalconiesinour2023

CoquitlaminBloomProudtoGrowHere contest

Noneedtowaitforaneighbourtoenter you—self-nominationsareencouraged. Emailparkspark@coquitlam.catolearn moreandgetinvolvedinthisexciting opportunity.Visitcoquitlam.ca/CiBto viewthephotogallery.

Spotlighton SPORT

PlaySportsatTownCentrePark

BringyourfriendsandfamilyforSpike Balldrop-inonTuesdaysfrom 5–7pm andGrassVolleyballdropinonThursdaysfrom5–7p.m.at theSouthFieldinTownCentrePark. Nopre-registrationisrequiredand equipmentisprovided

Formoreinformation,email spotlightonsport@coquitlam.ca

E-Scooters,e-BikesforCoquitlam’sCityCentre

Riders on bright orange e-Scooters and e-Bikes are now zipping around Coquitlam’s City Centre

Last Thursday (June 29), Neuron Mobility launched its electric vehicles in the neighbourhood as part of an 18-month city micro-mobility pilot project with another city partner: Lime

Neuron had its full fleet 300 e-Scooters and 100 e-Bikes out for the Canada Day long weekend.

“I think it’s a great city to do this,” Ankush Karwal, the Canadian marketing head, told the Tri-City News during a test ride last Thursday

“Coquitlam is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and it has a very good transportation

network with SkyTrain and the bus. What we aim to do is to bring people to and from their homes; it’s called the first and last mile It just gives them a new and different mode of transportation to get to the transit hubs.”

Coquitlam is Neuron’s 17th city in Canada and second in B.C.; its first provincially was in Vernon in 2021.

Last Wednesday (June 28), the company started in Regina and saw some 500 rides on Day 1 “It was very busy and a lot of fun,” Karwal said.

For riders, the use is

easy: First, you need to download the app

Then you scan the QR code on by the dashboard to unlock the numbered vehicle and unhook the integrated helmet (you can use your own helmet, too). Next, the app requests a selfie of you with the helmet on, as well as a credit card number, and asks that you agree to the terms and conditions before lift off.

The cost is $1.15 to unlock an electric vehicle plus 35 cents per minute; passes are also available for three or seven days or for the month at a cost of $25, $33 and $89, respectively

The packages are good for up to 90 minutes a day of riding.

The e-Scooters can

travel up to 24 km/h on roads, designated bike lanes and multi-use paths (not sidewalks)

However, in areas that see a lot of pedestrians, like the Lafarge Lake loop, the e-Scooters automatically slow to 15 km/h.

And because the vehicles are designed and manufactured in-house, there are a lot of safety features, Karwal said, pointing out the six sensors on the handle, the bright orange colour on the frame, the wide deck to fit both feet, a bell and bigger 11.5” wheels.

In addition, there are safety prompts while the rider is setting up and on the bike

If it topples, a female voice asks the user if they are OK and in need of

medical assistance.

Karwal said a team of 25 to 30 people in Coquitlam will monitor the vehicles 24/7 clean and recharge them for the next day.

“Stray” vehicles will be collected and put back into one of the 14 parking locations around City Centre

“We know all the time what the rider is doing with the vehicle and where it is,” he said, noting users can be banned for misuse.

“Our whole aim is to reduce carbon emissions and make getting to where you want to go easier”

Inthemeantime,riders can visit Neuron’s online ScootSafe Academy to get free credits for rides. Visit rideneuron.com.

JANIS CLEUGH/TRI-CITYNEWS Ankush Karwal, the Canadian marketing head for Neuron Mobility, in Coquitlam’s City Centre on June 29, 2023.

CelebratingCanada

When the last spike was hammered home in Port Moody to complete the Canadian Pacific Railway on Nov 7, 1885, it tied the country together as nothing else could at the time.

So it’s only fitting the city celebrate Canada Day with two parties one marking the 156th year of Confederation and another commemorating the city’s important role in h l i b ild h

transcontinental transportation link

The celebration at Rocky Point Park featured a host of special events touching on aspects of Canada’s pioneering spirit, from the Golden Spike cancan dancers, to a logging show.

It also included gold panning and Métis jigging, leading up to a climactic performance Honeymoon S i i i C di

Top left, Khalil Azimpour, who’s from Iran, dances during a visit to Port Moody’s Canada Day and Golden Spike Days celebrations at Rocky Point Park last Saturday Above, Amanda Slavin of Coquitlam and Karin Merritt of Port Moody try Metis jigging with Fergus Dalton.

‘VisionZero’forCoq.roads

Coquitlam is on the road toward zero

Last month, council unanimously adopted Vision Zero a world-recognized approach to preventing roadway-related deaths and severe injuries.

The movement, which started in Sweden and is now being employed in Calgary, Edmonton and Surrey, is a change in how urban planners design roads to shift the focus from motor vehicles to shared use with pedestrians and cyclists

“I feel like as a city, as an engineer, it’s our responsibility to take the most appropriate action and effective action we can to protect people on our roadways,” said Jaime Boan, Coquitlam’s general manager of engineering and public works, at the city’s June 20 strategic priorities meeting

A Road Safety Network

Screening Study showed that, between 2015 and 2019, the provincial in-

surer received 21,696 claims from Coquitlam of which 8,100 resulted in serious injuries and 16 fatalities

And of the fatalities, many happened at intersections, in the dark or when the road was wet.

Doug McLeod, Coquitlam’s transportation director, said road safety has been a theme as the city reaches out for public comment on the draft Strategic Transportation Plan, specifically:

• 37 per cent of respondents say feeling safe and secure influence their travel-related decisions

•31 per cent say dangerous drivers are barriers to walking

• 40 per cent say speeds and dangerous drivers are barriers to cycling

Under the Road Safety Strategy (RSS) that will be developed in conjunction with the updated Strategic Transportation Plan, Coquitlam staff say they will focus on a better,

interconnected road network, which will consider six themes when balancing car, pedestrian and cycling interests:

1. Safe speeds

2. Safe road designs (roundabouts are safer than intersections)

3. Safe road users (to change road behaviours)

4. Safer vehicles (intelligent transportation systems and connected infrastructure)

5 Post-crash care (increase responsiveness to emergencies)

6 Land use management (policies integrated into broader community planning)

The draft RSS is expected to be done by late 2024.

Mayor Richard Stewart, who typically gets around the city on an e-Bike, welcomed the Vision Zero brand in Coquitlam, noting, “I have been scared out of my wits multiple times by the realities of our infrastructure, but primarily the driver”

ISSseeksnewimmigranthubinCityCentre

An organization that helps new Canadians settle, learn English and find a job closed the doors to one of its Coquitlam offices last Friday (June 30)

The Immigrant Services of Society of BC (ISS) shuttered its Newcomer Service Hub at 504 Cottonwood Ave. and moved its programs and services for immigrants and refugees to its other sites at the Lincoln Centre mall.

The move comes as ISS unveils its 2023–25 Strategic Plan, and as it looks to build on its 50 years and mandate of “Helping

immigrants build a future in Canada.” Now in 13 communities, ISS has about 475 staff province-wide with a $45 million operating budget to deliver 60 programs in 45 languages

The move also comes two weeks after ISS Chief Operating Officer Chris Friesen lobbied the city’s council-in-committee to help build a newcomer hub.

On June 12, Friesen appeared as a delegation to talk about how the group is changing its model for service delivery after 20 years in Coquitlam, in collab-

Notice of Public Hearing

oration with SHARE Family and Community Services (ISS staff are based in SHARE offices)

Specifically, Friesen said ISS wants to change its Welcome Centre model to a settlement services hub

“We think it’s desperately needed given the current number of immigrants and refugees settling in this community, both now and projected in the future.”

Ideally, he said, ISS would like a 12,000 to 15,000 sq. ft. space in Coquitlam’s City Centre with access to housing.

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

Date & Time: Tue, July 11, 2023 at 6 pm

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

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

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4319, 2023

3431 Flint Street

The Intent of Bylaw No. 4319, 2023 is to amend City of Port Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No 3630, 2008 to rezone the subject property as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule “A” to Bylaw 4319, 2023, from RS1 (Residential Single Dwelling 1) to RD (Residential Duplex).

And while it doesn’t want to be a housing operator, ISS is open to work with developers and others to have priority referral for newcomers with services on the ground floor and housing for clients above ISS can either lease or purchase the space, and it has money for potential investment co-development opportunities. “We come with open hands with a vision and want to work with others to create this.”

Friesen was expected to meet with city staff on June 22.

Councillors said they are supportive of a new settlement services centre, but “we’re a local government,” Coun Brent Asmundson said

“We have the least amount of money in this area”

He encouraged ISS to apply for funding from the federal and provincial governments while Coun. Trish Mandewo said the group needs to work with SHARE on its non-market housing projects.

“We’re limited in what we can do,” Coun. Craig Hodge added.

Notice of Public Input Opportunity

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

Date & Time: Tue, July 11, 2023 at 6 pm

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

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

Development Variance Permit – 3650 Westwood Street

The Intent of the Development Variance Permit (DVP00092) application is to vary Zoning Bylaw Subdivision regulations of the subject property as outlined in black on the map.

3650

If approved, the application will allow site-specific bylaw amendments for a duplex with secondary suites

Inspection of Documents

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

Schedule “A” to Bylaw No. 4319 For further information please visit: portcoquitlam.ca/publichearings or email: corporateoffice@portcoquitlam.ca.

If approved, this application would enable the creation of a small RS1 (Residential Single Dwelling 1) remnant lot at 3650 Westwood Street and allow the adjacent lots to be consolidated and developed for two mixed use towers

Inspection of Documents

Subject Property

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

Submit Your Comments

In order to afford Council the opportunity to review your comments in advance of the Public Input Opportunity please forward your submission prior to noon on the day of the Public Input Opportunity by: Email: publichearings@portcoquitlam.ca OR Mail: Corporate Office, City of Port Coquitlam 2580 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2A8 *Written

Speaking at Public Input Opportunity

Participate in person at the Public Input Opportunity on/at the date, time, and location listed above

AndrewMerrillisnamed CoquitlamplanningGM

Coquitlam has a new general manager of planning to guide its growth.

Last month, Andrew Merrill, the city’s director of development, was promoted to the top position to replace Don Luymes, who returned to Surrey. Previously, the job was held for two decades by Jim McIntyre, who retired.

Over the past 15 years, Merrill has held key posts within the department: planner analyst, community planner, major project planner and manager of community planning.

Within those roles, he led new development and housing during rapid change in the city, including neighbourhood planning, policy development, housing affordability and urban design

In the first trimester of 2023, the 115-person planning department saw 252 active development projects in process with about

A

54,800 homes under application or construction; the trimester ended with $332 million in construction value, outpacing last year’s near record-setting level of $305 million.

Merrill, who has a master’s degree in planning from UBC, as well as bachelor’s degrees in community design (Dalhousie University) and commerce (Saint Mary’s University), is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planner and is a Registered Professional Planner.

LocalPROS Q&A

Grace Shyng

Registered Audiologist and Hearing Instrument Practictioner Network Hearing Health

Your questions answered by Trusted Local Professionals

Hearing EXPERT

QWhat is earwax and how do we clean our ears?

Earwax is produced by oil glands in our ear canals When the oil reaches the surface of our canals, it hardens and can vary in appearance and texture (eg goopy like honey; dry like dandruff). Small hairs in the outer one-third of our ear canals help to sweep the wax out to the entrance of our ear canals Clean your ears regularly by washing your ear with your finger wrapped in a washcloth. That is all you need to do. However, if you use Q-tips or wear earbuds/plugs on a regular basis, the wax can sometimes become stuck in our canals, or worse, become impacted against the eardrum. When this happens, you may experience muffled hearing, pain and/or tinnitus. The safest way to remove wax is to have an Audiologist “certified in Cerumen Management” clean your ears We can remove wax through curettage (special manual tools to scoop out wax), irrigation (water gently flushed into the ear) and micro-suction (small vacuum suctions out the wax). Over-thecounter eardrops or olive oil drops can help to loosen the wax before cerumen management (don t use if you have a history of ear infections). Never insert any instrument (Q-tip; corkscrew tool, etc) into your ear as there is a risk of infection and damage to your ear canal

Ifyouhaveanyconcernsorquestionsaboutearwax,please don’thesitatetocontactustoday!

604-552-4503 | info@networkhearing.ca www.networkhearing.ca

Unit 204 - 2748 Lougheed Hwy @ Westwood Port Coquitlam

How do dental services differ with age?

Kids

Regular dental care is essential for children, to help them set a solid foundation for lifelong oral health. We usually start their first visit around 6 months of age Early detection of any problems is helpful

Teens

As teens grow and become more independent their oral health needs change too Preventive care every 6 months is recommended. Monitoring for any orthodontic problems or wisdom teeth removal is part of their care along with instruction on how to have and maintain a healthy, white smile

Adults

Preventive care should continue to be top of mind for adults to prevent early-stage gum disease, receding gums and other oral health issues. Prevention includes at-home care (don’t forget to floss!) and regular exams

Your dentist will address any problems and recommend the appropriate restorative services such as crowns, bridges, fillings, appliances, and implants as needed Your dentist will also monitor changes in your mouth and teeth as you age, and watch for issues like TMJ, dry mouth and sleep apnea Our goal is a healthy smile for a lifetime!

Keep smiling, Dr Sherry

Michelle Bailey Qualicare Home Care

Home Care EXPERT

My elderly neighbour is independent with her personal care, but she doesn’t drive and needs help with small things around the house. Does a service like that exist?

Yes! Qualicare Home Care provides caregivers, companions, home helpers, as well as health care aides and nurses.

In-home caregivers can help with daily household tasks like cooking, cleaning, bill payments, grocery shopping, and companionship - to more complex tasks like bathing, dressing, toileting, medication assistance, overnight supervision, and appointment accompaniment.

Many of our clients start with a“hands off”caregiver to help around the house As their personal care needs increase, rapport and trust with their caregiver are already established. The caregiver can seamlessly start helping with their personal care too, allowing our clients to stay in the home they love, for longer

778-730-0225 www.qualicare.com mbailey@qualicare.com

Can I cook with olive oil?

A popular myth is that you can’t cook with olive oil It is said to have a low“smoke point”– the temperature at which an oil breaks down and smokes, causing harmful by-products Simply not true The myth probably came about as a result of tests on olive oils that weren’t as pure as advertised –typically cut with lower quality oils to improve profits When using real, tested extra-virgin olive oil, you can cook at temperatures up to 210ºC/410ºF or more if the oil has a low percentage of free-fatty acid In fact, while the allowable limit for extra virgin oil is 0.8%, many of Olive the Best’s varieties has 1/10th and tested in our kitchen up to 227ºC/440ºF!

So, now that you know you can cook with olive oil, there is a world of exciting options to explore The oil you choose can provide healthy and complementary flavours that will earn you the reputation as a master home chef!

CITY OF COQUITLAM PHOTO

Andrew Merrill is the new planning general manager

LocalPROS Q&A

LocalPRO of the month

Your questions answered by Trusted Local Professionals

Refinishing EXPERT

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

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, call 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 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.

Q A

What are the benefits of Gleam Guard?

All our technicians are personally trained by Tracy Booth the founder and inventor with 35 years of experience in the Gleam Guard dust-free odor-free process

Call and talk with Tracy to get a quote about your cabinets and wood throughout your house.

How long and what’s involved in the Gleam Guard process?

On an average size kitchen, it takes about 2 days to complete, you can still use your kitchen in the evenings and mornings while we work during the day in a dust and odor-free environment The convenience of not having to remove your dishes from your cabinets while we refinish your cabinets gives you extra peace of mind and no additional stress. Unmatched 5 year guarantee and no mess to clean up after we leave.

604-553-1222

www.newwestminsterdenturist.com

522 Seventh St #270, New Westminster

Window Covering EXPERT

I just bought beautiful shades from Budget Blinds, how do I clean them?

If you have a cellular or honeycomb shade, Dust them with a feather duster, or lightly vacuum with an upholstery attachment For dust inside the cells, a blow dryer on the lowest, cool air setting will blow the dustout Clean with a sponge and a mild detergent/warm water solution and blot dry Dry cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning are not recommended Extra care should be used when cleaning opaque/blackout fabrics, as the fabrics could become permanently creased

If you have a Solar shade, to keep them clean you would lightly vacuum both sides of shade using a brush or upholstery attachment Softly brush with a mild detergent and warm water solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow the shade to dry completely before raising it Do not immerse them in water

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www.budgetblinds.com/tricity

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604-218-7470

www.gleamguardcabinetrefinishing.ca info@gleamguard.com

Are you ready for new floors?

Sometimes we want to renovate our home without really understanding what is involved in the process There are several“hidden”costs to consider that will determine the quality and result of your project:

1) Trimming and transitions Since most of hard materials require an expansion gap throughout the perimeter, you can be left with a floor that looks unfinished. If you have baseboards in place, they need to be removed and reinstalled and you also might need some shoe base or quarter round to cover those gaps in places where you don’t have baseboards

2) Labor A good product with a bad installation is just a bad product since it won’t perform the way, it was supposed to and wont last as long. Make sure you have room in your budget for a knowledgeable person/ team and not just a cheap installer

3) And finally, the flooring material As in many things in life, what you pay for is what you get Don’t expect your cheap floor to perform and last Look for the best quality you can afford Remember cheap in the end can result in doing the job twice

A

Q

I want to get more knowledgeable about my finances, where should

I begin?

Start with our podcast,“It’s Personal Finance Canada”that’s available on all major hosting platforms Already we’re in the top 5% of most followed podcasts globally on Spotify, not too bad for a couple of Canadians If you want to get information and be entertained in the process, check it out! If you’re looking for more hands-on advice or have something specific you’d like to explore, we can help with financial goal setting with action steps, financial planning, insurance, investments, health & dental as well as retirement or estate planning It’s nice to have a professional tell you if you’re on track to meeting your goals or what you would need to do to achieve them. We’re there to help you every step of the way, through the different stages of life.

Finally, if you’re looking for a place to engage with others about personal finance and ask questions, feel free to join our new It’s Personal Finance Canada Facebook group and Facebook discussion group We take suggestions from the members about what to talk about on the podcast, started a book club, and I recently shared about my seven days no spend challenge. It would be great to see you there!”

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braunfinancial.com

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Christine Conway CFP CLU, CHS, CExP President Braun Financial Services

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

City of Coquitlam NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City facilitates electronic participation at Public Hearings. Those wishing to participate at the Public Hearing remotely can visit www.coquitlam.ca/publichearing or call 604-927-3010 for details and instructions.

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

Date: Monday, July 10, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

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

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

The intent of Bylaw No. 5305, 2023 is to amend City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No. 3000, 1996 to rezone the subject property as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule ‘A’ to Bylaw No. 5305, 2023 from RS-2 One-Family Suburban Residential to RS-8 Large Village Single Family Residential and P-5 Special Park.

If approved, the application would facilitate the creation of four single family residential lots and one Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) lot.

Item 3 Addresses: 1296 and 1298 Johnson Street

The intent of Bylaw No. 5320, 2023 is to amend Citywide Official Community Plan Bylaw No 3479, 2001 to amend the land use designation of a portion of the subject properties as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule ‘A’ to Bylaw No. 5320, 2023 from One Family Residential to Townhousing.

The intent of Bylaw No. 5319, 2023 is to amend City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No. 3000, 1996 to rezone a portion of the subject properties as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule ‘A’ to Bylaw No. 5319, 2023 from RS-1 and RS-3 One-Family Residential to RT-2 Townhouse Residential.

If approved, the application would facilitate the consolidation of the subject properties and the development of 24 three-level townhouse units

The intent of Bylaw No. 5323, 2023 is to amend City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No. 3000, 1996 to rezone the subject properties as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule ‘A’ to Bylaw No 5323, 2023 from RT-1 Infill Residential to RM-3 Multi-Storey Medium Density Apartment Residential.

If approved, the application would facilitate the consolidation of the subject properties into one lot and the development of a six-storey purpose-built rental residential building with 93 units.

Video recordings of Public Hearings are streamed live and archived at www.coquitlam.ca/webcasts. coquitlam.ca/publichearing

Date: Monday, July 10, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

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

Notice of Public Hearing continued from previous page

Item 4 Address: 1160 Inlet Street

The intent of Bylaw No. 5322, 2023 is to amend City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No. 3000, 1996 to rezone the subject property as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule ‘A’ to Bylaw No 5322, 2023 from RM-1

Two Storey Low Density Apartment

Residential to RM-3 Multi-Storey

Medium Density Apartment

Residential

If approved, the application would facilitate the development of three six-storey residential buildings on a shared parkade with 284 units

Item 6

The City facilitates electronic participation at Public Hearings. Those wishing to participate at the Public Hearing remotely can visit www.coquitlam.ca/publichearing or call 604-927-3010 for details and instructions.

Video recordings of Public Hearings are streamed live and archived at www.coquitlam.ca/webcasts.

Item 5 Address: 1185 Westwood Street

The intent of Bylaw No. 5318, 2023 is to amend City of Coquitlam Zoning

Bylaw No. 3000, 1996 to rezone the subject property as outlined in black on the map marked Schedule ‘A’ to Bylaw No 5318, 2023 from P-1 Civic Institutional to CD-42 Comprehensive Development – 42 If approved, the application would facilitate a future high-density residential tower with a child care facility

Addresses: 2, 9, 10, 12, 14 King Edward Street, 1200, 1316 United Boulevard, and 1150 Street C

The intent of Bylaw No. 5326, 2023 is to amend City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No. 3000, 1996 to update the CD-1 Comprehensive Development Zone – 1 by reallocating employment generating density within the Fraser Mills site, combining two future lots (Lots 9 and 10) and increasing the height of one building by one storey (Lot 13, from 35 to 36 storeys)

If approved, the application would facilitate the proposed update to the CD-1 Comprehensive Development Zone – 1 for Fraser Mills

coquitlam.ca/publichearing

How do I find out more information?

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

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

How do I provide input?

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

• Email: clerks@coquitlam.ca;

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

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

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

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

OrganizersvowPortMoodybeerandmusicfestivalwillreturn

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

The organizers of a controversial beer and live music festival in Port Moody are confident their brand is strong enough to return in 2024 after they recently announced the postponement of this year’s event

Lies Reimer of Langleybased Red Door Events said ongoing questions about the appropriateness of Brewhalla taking place in Pioneer Memorial Park in August had nothing to do with its decision, which the company announced on its website and social media pages.

Instead, Red Door is focusing its energy on its other Brewhalla festivals to be held in Langley and Chilliwack in the fall, as well as a collaboration with a new beer festival in Whistler in September

The company has al-

BREWHALLA/FACEBOOK

Port Moody’s first Brewhalla beer and live music festival last August moved to the gravel sports field at Inlet Park after a furor over its original location in Pioneer Memorial Park. This year’s event was again scheduled to take place at Pioneer Memorial Park on a one-year trial basis until organizers recently postponed it to 2024.

ready staged two events this year: at The Shipyards in North Vancouver on April 14 and in Fort Langley on May 20.

Reimer said anyone with tickets to the Port Moody event will be refunded But, she added, as it hadn’t been publicly

Date: Monday, July 10, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

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

Notice of Public Hearing continued from previous page

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

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

Brewhalla at Inlet Park in August 2022, after a furor erupted over initial plans to hold it at Pioneer Memorial Park.

Members of the community and even the city’s parks and recreation commission questioned the appropriateness of the green, wooded space on Knowle Street, between the recreation complex and Ioco Road.

They expressed concerns about the festival’s impact on the park’s tree canopy as well as its proximity to the nearby Crossroads hospice centre

sations” with loved ones who’ve passed on.

Despite assurances from Red Door’s Hannah Brown that organizers had the blessing of Crossroads and alcohol wouldn’t be served in the healing garden area, the company decided to move the event to the gravel sports field at Inlet Park.

“It is very important to the organizers that they make a good first impression,” Port Moody’s manager of cultural services, Devin Jain, told council

and see how it goes,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti.

Jain said as Inlet Park is no longer an option, and Rocky Point Park already busy with festivals and concerts on most summer weekends, the city is struggling to find appropriate venues for outdoor events

marketed yet, the number is “minimal.”

Reimer said Red Door is having “ongoing discussions” to determine a suitable venue for the Brewhalla’s return next year

The company staged Port Moody’s inaugural

One of the main features of the park is a healing garden where visitors with family or friends at the hospice can reflect and find solace on one of many benches.

In 2021, a Phone of the Wind was also installed to give people an opportunity to have “conver-

But with Inlet Park currently a construction site for the installation of new turf sports field, council decided last March to grant Red Door a oneyear trial use of Pioneer Memorial Park for this year’s Brewhalla festival, with the company paying the city a rental fee of $1 from each ticket sold

“I’d like to see us try it

He said the empty lot at the corner of Ioco Road and Murray Street where Port Moody’s old firehall used to be located lacks shade and will eventually be developed anyway. Ioco Field, near the historic Ioco townsite, is remote and not well-served by transit and other parks are located in residential areas or lack services like electricity.

Jain also said paved sites like the boat launch parking area at Rocky Point or the parking lot at the recreation complex would inconvenience other users.

facilitates electronic participation at Public Hearings. Those wishing to participate at the Public Hearing remotely can visit www.coquitlam.ca/publichearing or call 604-927-3010 for details and instructions.

Video recordings of Public Hearings are streamed live and archived at www.coquitlam.ca/webcasts.

Those who wish to provide verbal submissions are encouraged to participate remotely via Zoom. Remote participants can use their computers, smart phones, tablets or telephones to speak to Council. Instructions for how to participate remotely are available at www.coquitlam.ca/publichearing

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

a speakers list for each item. Everyone will be permitted to speak at the Public Hearing but those who have registered in advance will be given first opportunity.

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

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

Katie Karn, City Clerk

Artistcall formurals

JANIS CLEUGH, TRI-CITY NEWS

Five of the seven students in Maple Lee’s Welcome to Canada event: Alex Makhavkina (Ukraine); Christina Kim (Korea); Jevgeniya Malezh (Ukraine); Fahimeh Heidari (Iran); and Pani Firouzi (Iran).

Freemulticulturalfestatparkaimsto buildcommunitywithnewCanadians

The world is coming to Coquitlam’s doorstep

On Saturday (July 8), dozens of global performers and guests will land at Town Centre Park to sing, dance and talk about their homelands at the second annual Multicultural Connections Festival.

Organized by the Low Entropy Foundation, a non-profit group that works with immigrants in the Tri-Cities to build community, the party takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p m by Lafarge Lake

“Our aim is to make

a difference in people’s lives, especially those who are new to Canada, and break down barriers,” said Noemi Victorino, the foundation’s director of fund development.

And a good way to make connections is to showcase talents and gifts, said Maple Lee, who will oversee the Welcome to Canada segments from 11:20 a.m. to noon.

Lee is featuring seven former and curent students in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada), a

federally funded program based at the Vanier Centre and part of SD43’s Coquitlam Continuing Education that aims to help immigrants learn English and to prepare for Canadian citizenship.

Many of them, she said, “are struggling with their day-to-day life in Canada, especially with housing Many left traumatic situations at home. Here, we are giving them a platform to allow them to use their voices that have been suppressed”

Lee’s Welcome to

Canada event will start with a fashion show of ethnically inspired pieces, including a four-layer hanbok from Christina Kim of Korea; the motherof-three grown children has lived in Coquitlam for seven years

Alex Makhavkina, who emigrated from Ukraine last August and is now engaged to a Mexican student in the LINC program, is doing a solo of a Russian song.

“I love to sing and share my voice to make people happy,” she told

the Tri-City News before a rehearsal

“I want to give my thanks to Canada because I wasn’t safe in Ukraine I don’t plan to go back there.”

“Canada is very beautiful and the people are very nice. There are kind police. The government is kind,” added Pani Firouzi, 33, a native of Northeast Iran who will also be part of Welcome to Canada

The festival is sponsored in part by the TriCity News. There is no cost for admission.

A giant blank wall facing Coquitlam City Hall is about to get a splash of paint. The city is currently calling for professional artists to create a mural on the 3,400 sq. ft. white wall next to Spirit Square, at 1198 Pinetree Way; the deadline is Friday, July 7.

The wall is one of four locations selected by the city as part of its 2023 Mural Program, which is a component of Coquitlam’s $1-million Streetscape Enhancement Program. Besides the City Centre wall, the call is also for murals in Maillardville:

• 933 Adair Ave : 320 sq ft (hair salon)

• 953 Brunette Ave.: 960 sq ft (art store)

• 953 Brunette Ave : 192 sq. ft. (art store)

In addition, a mural will be painted in July by students at Place des Arts at the Maillardville hub’s Renaissance building, and a Kwikwetlem First Nation group is currently designing an Indigenous element for the new Town Centre Park Community Centre, formerly the Innovation Centre.

Evergreenheatsupthegrillforsummermusicseries

Folk, funk and world beats will spill out of Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre this summer for the return of Music on the Grill.

The three-part series that includes a barbecue dinner on the venue patio launches July 8 with a show from Rachel Beck and Chris Ronald

Beck, a singer–songwriter from Prince Edward Island, is best known for her single “Reckless Heart”; her 2020 recording Stronger Than You Know was named Music PEI’s Album of the Year and nominated for three East Coast Music Awards.

English-native Ronald, who now calls Vancouver home, was nominated for Songwriter of the Year for a 2014 Canadian Fold

Music Award

The duo will be followed by Coco Jafro, which plays funky global rhythms at the City Centre theatre on July 22. The soulsters are made up of Karina Morin (lead vocals); Amine Said (guitar); Karl Oystensen (keyboards); Sangito Bigelow (percussion); Chris Cuoto (drums);

Jean Se LeDoujet (bass); and Dominic Conway (tenor sax).

And on Aug. 12 Music on the Grill closes with the final act: Alex Cuba.

A Cuban–Canadian singer–songwriter, Cuba has two Juno Awards for World Music Album of the Year for his debut and sophomore albums

In 2010, he was named the Latin Grammy’s Best New Artist and, five years later, his album, Healer, took the Latin Grammy for Best Singer–Songwriter album, as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album Last year, Cuba clinched the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for Mendó and he re-

ceived an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University.

Tickets are $45 for a Music on the Grill show, or $69 for a BBQ dinner and a concert. The meal starts at 6 p.m on the patio overlooking Lafarge Lake (1205 Pinetree Way); the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Visit evergreenculturalcentre.ca.

PHOTOS VIA MUSICIANS’ WEBSITES

From left to right, Rachel Beck, Chris Ronald, Coco Jafro and Alex Cuba will be at the Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam this summer

SummerSundaysConcertsisbackatRockyPointPark

If last year’s crowds to the Summer Sundays Concerts were an indication of the new reality, the organizers of the popular Port Moody music series say they’re ready to welcome the throngs for this year’s shows.

The post–pandemic performances in 2022 drew between 1,000 and 3,000 visitors to Rocky Point Park per event a record number of guests getting out to enjoy the free entertainment by the Port Moody Inlet.

The city’s new policy to allow liquor in its parks, as well as promotion by a Vancouver radio station, also helped to bump up the numbers for the tourist attraction, said founder George Balzer who runs the program with his wife, Linda, and assistants Danne Dunlop and Clayton Anderson.

“The park was just filled last year,” Balzer told the Tri-City News, which is also a media sponsor of the annual series with Wave 98.3 FM.

Sponsorship is what pays for the musicians’ expenses plus the production team that amplifies the sound across the park. And what a lineup they have in store for the 2023 program:

• July 9 @ 2 p.m.: Blues

Hoodoo

• July 9 @ 3:30 p.m.: The Legendary R&B Allstars

• July 16 @ 2 p.m.: Nigel Mack and the Blues Attack

• July 30 @ 2 p.m.: Eagle Eyes

• Aug. 6 @ 2 p.m.: Kalimba

• Aug 13 @ 2 p m : Feelin’ Alright

• Aug 20 @ 2 p m : Alexander Boynton Jr, and Cat Bevan

• Aug 20 @ 3:30 p m : Soulstream

• Aug. 27 @ 2 p.m.: Tom Lavin and The Legendary Powder Blues

• Sept. 3 @ 2 p.m.: Big City Soul

Balzer said about half of this year’s bands are new to the series. “We try to balance the acts between the audience favourites and the newcomers. We like to mix things up and keep it fresh”

Besides the Sunday concerts, Balzer and his committee have also organized the 16 bands to entertain at Ribfest: Barracuda (tribute to Heart) headlines on July 21 at 7:30 p.m. while West Coast Chicago (tribute to Chicago) takes the bandshell on July 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Bad Moon Riders (tribute to CCR) closes the fest on July 23 at 6:30 p.m.

During the free shows, the

series organizers will also have a kiosk open for customer service and to take donations

Since its first year in 2007, the Summer Sundays Concerts has generated more than $50,000 from attendees for the Crossroads Hospice Society, which has its palliative care centre in Port Moody.

Balzer said judging from the number of inquiries and comments online and via Facebook, interest in the Summer Sundays Concerts will be high again for 2023 “and likely better than last year Now, a large part of our audience plans their summer around our shows”

Balzer recommends guests bring a lawn chair, blanket, picnic and sunscreen

Meanwhile, tickets are now on sale for Jake and Elwood’s Blues Brothers Revue’s two shows at the Inlet Theatre (inside Port Moody City Hall, 100 Newport Dr.) on Dec. 9 a fundraiser for the music series.

JANIS CLEUGH/TRI-CITY NEWS

George Balzer started Summer Sundays Concerts in 2007 at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody Visit summersundays.ca for more details or to volunteer with the organizing committee for next year

ARTIST of the week

LYNDA WALKER

Port Coquitlam’s Lynda Walker is following in the footsteps of her mother and grandfather when she puts paint to canvas.

A self-taught artist, Walker likes to play with new painting styles and products to shape her images.

In her latest collection, titled Floral Bouquet, which can be seen at Port Coquitlam City Hall (2580 Shaughnessy St.) this summer, Walker attempts to capture the beauty and emotion of each flower in a representational or abstract form.

Also exhibiting in the city until Sept. 26 are Recreations of Myth and Spirit by Samantha Harrison (Michael Wright Art Gallery in the Gathering Place at Leigh Square); This Gift by Jeongmin Ahn (The Outlet in Leigh Square); and Colors of Culture by Shivani Singhal (Port Coquitlam Community Centre).

The city hall gallery (2580 Shaughnessy St.) is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Unifiedbasketballcreatesopportunities

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Austin Chassie is known as “Captain Hustle” on the basketball court and he couldn’t be prouder of the nickname.

Chassie is one of dozens of neurodiverse students from six high schools across School District 43 who participated in a unique three-on-three basketball program that could become a template for inclusion in other school sports like soccer

Mike Viveiros, the athletic director at Heritage Woods Secondary School in Port Moody, said the idea for the unified program that brings together neurodiverse and neurotypical students to develop their athletic skills, learn about things like teamwork and perseverance.

It also gives them a chance to represent their schools grew from a similar adaptive program he ran for track and field prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

He said basketball seemed a natural progression because many of the kids are already passionate about the sport and it provides them a unique opportunity to be part of a team.

“It ends up being a neglected population,” Viveiros said of the exceptional students who had the chance to participate. “We need to strive for a future

where these inclusive opportunities are the norm.”

Last February Viveiros put the word out to his fellow athletic directors and got positive responses from five other secondary schools: Port Moody, Terry Fox, Pinetree, Riverside and Gleneagle.

With some funding and resources from Special Olympics BC and support from the school district they were quickly able to put together a six-week season of jamboree-style games

The schedule culminated in a championship tournament that was won by the Port Moody Blues.

Saoirse Borden coached the Blues. She’s a Grade 11 student who plays on the school’s varsity girls basketball team. She said working with the players from the inclusion program at PMSS gave her a new perspective on her sport as she broke down the skills and strategies she takes for granted so they could be learned and understood by her charges

Borden said it was most exciting to see the rest of the students embrace the players and vice versa.

“It opened up our school community,” she said.

MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS

The athletic director at Heritage Woods Secondary School in Port Moody, Mike Viveiros (centre), says a new unified 3-on-3 basketball program could expand to other sports like soccer The program brought together neurodiverse and neurotypical students from six high schools in the school district to play a jamboree schedule of games while learning about things like teamwork.

More local Sports coverage at your fingertips.

Players’enthusiasminfectious

“There was a lot of support from the student body”

Ava Taylor said she had a similar experience with her Heritage Woods Kodiaks team.

Also in Grade 11 and playing for her school’s varsity side, she was challenged to find a common ground for such a diverse group with different abilities and ways of learning.

“Everyone had a different starting point,” she said.

Alicia Waet said she’d never really participated in sports prior to joining the Kodiaks’ unified team

But with a season now behind her, she said it was “great to make a lot of different connections with people I didn’t know before.”

Teammate Ramtin Rouhi said being on the team “made me feel awesome”

It also helped develop his skills in shooting and defending, he added.

Viveiros said the players’ enthusiasm is infectious.

For the championship tournament, the gym

at Heritage Woods was packed Terry Fox Secondary had the support of its own cheerleading squad.

And when the Blues returned to Port Moody Secondary with the first place trophy, the team was greeted by the school’s marching band

BREAKTHROUGH

Viveiros said the success of unified basketball’s first season is the kind of breakthrough that could increase inclusionary sporting opportunities at schools in the Tri-Cities

and beyond

Already there’s been inquiries from other school districts like Surrey and Delta.

“Why aren’t we celebrating these kids like this?” he asked.

“It really gets me emotional every week watching the successes of these students playing alongside their peers”

But for Captain Hustle, the reward is more visceral.

“I like making opportunities for my guys, help them be better at everything,” he said

MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS

Players from the unified 3-on-3 basketball programs at Heritage Woods and Port Moody secondary schools gather at an outdoor court to celebrate the success of their first season

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