Tri-City News December 22 2022

L

Mayor, CAO named in Metro case

Coquitlam’s leadership under scrutiny for leak

JANIS CLEUGH jcleugh@tricitynews.com

hired by Metro Vancouver in 2017 and then fired in early 2022 to design and construct the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant (NSWWTP) to replace the Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart and city manager Peter Steblin are named in a court petition by Metro Vancouver alleging that confidential information was leaked in January to a company that Metro Vancouver was about to sue

In court papers filed last Friday (Dec. 16) at BC Supreme Court in Vancouver, Metro Vancouver is seeking an order to preserve evidence about the unauthorized disclosure to Acciona, the Spanish firm

The petition states that Metro Vancouver wants to conduct a forensic audit of Acciona’s computer systems and of Anika Calder’s electronic devices

It is alleged that Calder, a former Acciona employee and Steblin’s daughter, took photos on her personal cell phone from her father’s laptop of a sensitive report that came before Metro Vancouver directors during a closed meeting in January

That confidential report,

The CP Holiday Train wrapped up its cross-country tour Sunday with stops in Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, featuring performances by Virginia to Vegas along with Mackenzie Porter For more photos, see Page 9. JENNIFER GAUTHIER/THE

IN TRI-CITIES

L E G A L A C T I O N

RichardStewart’sID,passwordused

Stewart said he was “unable to comment” on Metro’s allegations

which sought the termination of the Acciona contract, as well as advice on future legal action against the company, was accessed using Stewart’s unique ID and password, the court papers read

The application states that Calder then passed on Metro Vancouver’s report to her employer, which in March sued the regional authority for wrongful termination of its contract

In May, Acciona notified Metro’s legal team that it had Metro’s confidential report in its possession and at least four other Acciona employees had seen it.

When Acciona didn’t co-operate in a joint investigation with Metro on disclosure, the regional authority launched the petition to save the evidence and to stop all recipients from reproducing or making further copies of Metro’s confidential document.

METRO AFFIDAVIT

In an affidavit signed last Thursday (Dec 15), Jerry Dobrovolny, Metro’s commissioner and chief administrative officer, stated that Stewart who, at the time, chaired Metro’s liquid waste committee that was overseeing the NSWWTP project had restricted access to the confidential report on Jan 17, 2022

That report was to be

considered, behind closed doors, the next day to “seek approval from the [Metro] board to terminate the Project Agreement and discuss potential litigation,” according to Dobrovolny’s affidavit.

The legal report noted it “is highly likely that Metro Vancouver will be headed to litigation as it relates to this project. Confidentiality continues to be of the utmost importance.”

However, “portions of the Confidential Closed Meeting Report had been provided to Acciona by the daughter of Peter Steblin, the City of Coquitlam’s city manager Peter Steblin had obtained access to the Confidential Closed Meeting Report using Director Stewart’s Metro ID and Password”

Dobrovolny further stated that Metro’s IT director, Brent Krezan, found that Stewart’s login details were used to obtain the confidential report four times: twice

on Jan 18 and twice on Jan 19

Acciona was officially fired from the project on Jan. 20.

“Under no circumstances was Mr. Steblin authorized by or on behalf of [Metro Vancouver] to disclose the Confidential Closed Meeting Report to any person whatsoever, let alone his daughter as an employee of Acciona,” Dobrovolny stated in the affidavit.

Dobrovolny also noted that, like all Metro directors, Stewart had signed an oath of office before a judge to keep documents confidential until they are released to the public

None of the allegations has been proven in court

CIVIC RESPONSE

The Tri-City News reached out to Stewart last Friday (Dec 16) when the court papers were filed

On Monday (Dec 19),

“I truly wish I could comment, and correct inaccuracies, but as this is a legal proceeding, I am prevented from doing so,” he texted later to the Tri-City News

At the Dec 5 city council meeting, Stewart told council he would be making good on a promise to his wife to cut back on his regional roles in his last term

(He advanced his name to be on two regional committees in 2023; however, Metro did not select him for any committee other than the Mayors committee).

Last month, Steblin also announced he would be retiring early in the new year.

According to the 2021 Statement of Financial Information, Steblin earned $356,991 in 2020 while Stewart took in $183,365 (and claimed $13,074 in expenses) for his civic duties.

Kathleen Vincent, Coquitlam’s communications manager, said there is no date set for Steblin’s retirement, and “because this involves third parties and active litigation, no city officials will be granting interviews nor commenting on this matter

“We are cooperating with the parties involved to support the best interests of the city and the community we serve”

Metro Vancouver spokesperson Don Bradley also declined to weigh into the

legal matter

But Coquitlam Coun Craig Hodge, who now takes over the senior Metro board spot for the city (with Coun Teri Towner filling in Hodge’s former seat), told the Tri-City News on Monday that council is aware of the court case Still, “it doesn’t directly affect the operations of the city as Metro is independent”

STATEMENT

Acciona was contacted on Monday morning and, after the Tri-City News’ article ran online, its media spokesperson stated via email, in part: “When Acciona became aware that confidential information of Metro Vancouver had been circulated by an employee, the company immediately launched an in-depth internal investigation and took the appropriate corrective steps, including the dismissal of that Acciona employee.

“Once the internal investigation was fully completed and verified, it was Acciona who brought the incident to Metro Vancouver’s attention, advising it to launch an investigation of its own

“The confidential information had no bearing on Acciona’s planned course of legal action and no links with Accionas’s claim, which is based on Metro Vancouver’s failures in administration of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project”

Holiday recycling inPoCo

For the third year, Port Coquitlam will provide additional curbside recycling pickup over the holidays to help residents deal with their extra seasonal waste

The city’s recycling trucks will visit all five collection zones over the course of Dec 26 and 27, which would typically be non-collection days due to statutory holidays

Recycling is picked up biweekly in Port Coquitlam, which sometimes left households with full blue carts over the holidays, depending on their pick-up days.

The additional pickup will take place:

• Dec. 26: Zones 3, 4 and part of Zone 5 (Langan Street and streets to the north)

• Dec. 27: Zones 1, 2 and the rest of Zone 5 (south of Langan Street)

For an updated schedule, reminders and other tools, residents receiving city waste services can download the free PoCo Sort & Report app from portcoquitlam ca/sortreport Go to portcoquitlam ca for more city info

RICHARD STEWART MAYOR OF COQUITLAM

PETER STEBLIN CITY MANAGER

Moreteachers earning$75Kplus

But some say the threshold is too low

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

More teachers and administrators make $75,000 or more compared to last year, according to the latest financial statements released by School District 43 (SD43)

The annual SOFI (Statement of Financial Information) for the year 2021/2022 shows more school staff are moving up the pay ladder

SD43 paid out remuneration totalling $162 5 million to employees earning $75,000 or more during the last school year compared to $156.4 million in 2020/2021.

Remuneration for employees earning $75,000 or

less, meanwhile, dropped from $113 3 million in 2020/21 to $109 7 million last year

The school year ends June 30, and SOFI financial statements are released each year at this time

And they raised some eyebrows at the most recent school board meeting

Board chair Michael Thomas noted that the SOFI remuneration used to reflect mostly administrator pay and now includes many teachers

Some have even criticized the $75,000 threshold as too low, as Coquitlam Coun Dennis Marsden noted in 2019

At the time, Marsden said the $75,000 salary threshold for having a city employee’s name and pay published in municipal statements of financial information should be raised.

What’sNew

SwimandLifesavingInstructorTraining

Interestedinbecomingalifeguardorswimminglesson instructor?ThefirststepistosignupfortheLifesaving Society’sSwimandLifesavingInstructorcourses Offered throughCoquitlam’saquaticscentres,thecoursestrain candidatestoteachtheSwimforLifeandBronzeMedal programs SuccessfulcompletionwillresultinbothaSwim Instructor(SI)andaLifesavingInstructor(LSI)certification.

Tofindouthowtobecomealifeguardorswimminglesson instructor,visitcoquitlam.ca/aquaticsandgototheLifeguard Certificationsection.Registernowforcoursesstartingin January2023atcoquitlam.ca/registration(CourseID#s 108036,108305,108301and108304).

TheCityofCoquitlamrecruitsforlifeguardsandswimming lessoninstructorsthroughouttheyear.Check coquitlam.ca/careersregularlytoseeavailablejob opportunities

KeepingOurCommunitySafe

ShovelYourSidewalk

Residents,pleaserememberthatyoumustclearthe sidewalksthatborderyourpropertyandthepathwayleading uptoyourpropertywithin10hoursafterasnowfall.Please adheretothisbylawtoensuresafetravelforpedestrians Shovelthesnowontheleftsideofyourhouse,whenlooking atitfromtheroad,tohelpreducetheamountofsnowaplow pushesbackintoyourdriveway Pleasedonotshovelthe snowontothesidewalkorroad,andre-clearitifsnowcovers themagain.

TheCity’sSnowAngelsprogramisalsoavailableforresidents whoareunabletoshovelduetoaphysicaldisabilityor restriction,areovertheageof65orareconcernedthatthe physicalexertionfromaheavysnowfallistoomuch. Visitcoquitlam.ca/snowangelsfordetails

FitnessandFun

HolidaySeasonStayandPlayAllAgesDrop-ins Swim,skate,playandstayactivethisholidayseason!There arelotsofopportunitiestostopbyforsomedrop-infunover theholidays Youcanfindrecreationdrop-inschedulesat coquitlam.ca/dropin

FacilityHolidayHours

ManyCoquitlamfacilitieshavespecialoperatinghoursor maybeclosedovertheholidayseason.Youcanfindmore informationaboutfacilityhoursorclosuresat coquitlam.ca/holidayhours

LookingOutfortheEnvironment

SupportaCommunityGroupandRecycleYour

HelpreducewastebygivingyournaturalChristmastreeback tonatureanddisposingofitatacommunitytree-chipping event.Tree-chippingeventsarebeingheldbylocal communitygroupsandarebydonation.Remember,trees needtobefreeofanystands,decorations,tinselorflockingto ensuretheycangetrecycledproperly.

Visitcoquitlam.ca/treechippingformoredetailsaboutdates, timesandlocations

C O U R T S

Church counsellor ‘Dr. Ray’ to be sentenced for sex crimes

A BC Supreme Court judge is set to deliver his sentence early in the new year against a Coquitlam man convicted of 11 sex crimes dating back to 1971

Last Thursday (Dec 15), Justice W Paul Riley told the court he will give his judgment in January for 78-yearold Raymond Howard Gaglardi, a church therapist in the Tri-Cities, Burnaby and Vancouver who was known to parishioners as “Dr Ray”

Gaglardi’s defence counsel is seeking the court impose a six- to seven-year jail term for his client, adjusted to five years about half of what Crown Counsel is asking under the totality principle.

On Dec. 14, during the sentencing hearing at the New Westminster Law Courts, prosecutor Jay Fogel asked for 17 to 24 consecutive years behind bars, reduced to 10 to 12 years, for Gaglardi.

Gaglardi was convicted in September, following a trial, on 11 sex crimes dating back 51 years while he served as a therapist and guidance leader for various churches in Metro Vancouver, including Glad Tidings Church in Vancouver and Hillside Community Church in Coquitlam

Riddell told the court that Gaglardi and Glad Tidings

are now being sued by the victims.

Last Wednesday, the judge heard three victim impact statements, describing how Gaglardi took advantage of them when they were young and in a vulnerable state at home. As a result, they had lost their trust for authority figures and the church, and suffered life-long impacts because of Gaglardi’s criminal actions

The victims’ names cannot be printed because of a publication ban

“I trusted Ray,” one man said from the witness box, breaking down in tears after

he said Gaglardi sexually assaulted him while he was a young parishioner at Coquitlam’s Hillside Community Church.

“I thought he was a real doctor.”

Prosecutors said Gaglardi showed a pattern over his 43 years of offending, when he was 27 to 70 years old.

He groomed vulnerable boys and young men at churches where he practised his “alternative therapies,” sometimes inviting them to stay overnight at his home for the weekends

In one case, the victim was 10 years old and saw

Gaglardi as a father figure, the court heard.

“He believed he was a doctor of psychology,” Crown Counsel said, noting Gaglardi touched the boy’s penis at a swimming pool.

In another indecent assault case, from 1971 to ’74, Gaglardi felt the testicles and penis of a 14-year-old boy on three occasions: twice in his office to check for venereal disease, and once at a summer camp in Sechelt hosted by Glad Tidings Church

When the boy confided in his father about the incidents, his dad disowned him, the court heard

In 1977, when Gaglardi was 33, he sexually touched a 12-year-old boy who attended Glad Tidings Church; his body exam of the boy lasted up to 45 minutes and involved touching his genitals, which embarrassed the boy, the court heard.

He, too, was kicked out of his home when his family didn’t believe him, the judge heard.

Prosecutors also described an incident where a 17-year-old boy was a “human sexuality study”: Gaglardi provided him with pornographic materials to masturbate and ejaculate. In another case, Gaglardi taught a 13-year-old boy, who was staying at his home on the weekends, how to wash his genitals “properly”

Last Thursday, Riddell asked the judge that Gaglardi’s “sentence is not

crushing upon him given his age It would be a sentence to deal with his moral culpability”

Riddell also said Gaglardi is no longer counselling and is a low risk to re-offend

In citing precedent cases, Riddell said the 2020 landmark case R vs Friesen, which pertains to sexual crimes against children, “has taken away the lower end of sentencing,” and he said it was difficult to find comparable cases for sentencing ranges given that Gaglardi’s offences date back to 1971

Prosecutors at the sentencing hearing also cited R. vs Friesen as well as R. vs Coban, a 2022 precedent-setting case on sextortion involving Port Coquitlam’s Amanda Todd.

Crown Counsel said Gaglardi denies the offences and shows no remorse; he is no longer counselling.

Last year, after a plea by the Coquitlam RCMP for victims to come forward, Gaglardi was charged with 25 counts.

One victim, whose case of sexual assault by Gaglardi was stayed, marched outside the New Westminster Law Courts with a placard last Thursday morning, calling out Gaglardi’s name as his abuser

BC Supreme Court will fix a date for sentencing on Jan 5

Justice W Paul Riley is set to deliver a sentence against Coquitlam's Raymond Gaglardi in January in relation to historical sex crimes. JANIS CLEUGH/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

RAYMOND GAGLARDI

L A S T S T O P

After two years of virtual events because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CP Holiday Train was back on track. Sunday, it made the final stop of its cross-country tour in Port Coquitlam, entertaining hundreds of chilly onlookers with entertainment by Toronto-based indie-pop artist Virginia to Vegas. The event, which was preceded by a celebration at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, also collected donations for the local food bank run by SHARE.

JENNIFER GAUTHIER/TCN

C A P I T A L B U D G E T

Bulk of money is for road, water main projects

Rainbow crosswalk to be repainted next year instead of 2024

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Port Moody residents can look forward to several road repair and reconstruction projects as a major component of the city’s $18 5-million capital budget for 2023

But decisions to spend money on replacing the building envelope at the city’s works yard on Murray Street, as well as a $250,000 renovation of the dressing rooms and washroom facility at Arena 1 at the recreation complex, will have to wait until the recently elected council formulates its strategic plan sometime early in the new year.

Other budget items that were deferred by members of council’s finance committee during a meeting Dec. 6 include a redevelopment plan for Kyle Park and the construction of a new skate room at the rec complex along with some projects that would have an ongoing impact on the city’s opera-

tional expenses

But councillors did vote to accelerate a refresh of the rainbow crosswalk at Newport Village budgeted to cost $15,000 from 2024

to next year, although Coun Diana Dilworth suggested the city might look at ways to reduce the cost by approaching local service groups or even stratas in the complex

to contribute

In a presentation, Tyson Ganske, Port Moody’s manager of financial planning, said a large chunk of the city’s capital expenditures

in the coming year will go toward rehabilitating and reconstructing infrastructure, like roads, renewing watermains, as well as rehabilitating sanitary sewers along Stoney Creek and the Alderside foreshore

Reconstruction of water mains and the road corridor along Ioco Road, including safety improvements and the addition of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, is budgeted to cost a total of $3 45 million

Paul Rockwood, Port Moody’s general manager of finance and technology, said while the building at the city’s public works yard is “well beyond its useful life,” uncertainty about the site’s future makes it difficult to commit too much money to repairs or even replacing the structure.

Still, he cautioned, putting off needed repairs like patching roof leaks too long could ultimately cost the city more.

“These repairs are going to have to be done anyway.”

Mayor Meghan Lahti agreed.

She said if council does ultimately decide to move the works yard to another location, it wouldn’t happen for several years

Dilworth said keeping the works yard building in decent repair even as council considers its future “is also an issue of health, safety and morale”

“Knowing when a big rain is coming and they’re running around trying to catch leaks that’s not right,” she added

Similar doubts about the future of Kyle Centre and the immediate neighbourhood around it also gave councillors pause to immediately rubber stamp spending $25,000 on creating a redevelopment plan for the adjacent park.

Anna Mathewson, Port Moody’s general manager of community services, said the dressing rooms at Arena 1 “are very dated,” having only received new coats of paint over the years.

She said showers, toilets, sinks and appliances all need to be replaced and doing all the work at once would be most cost effective.

But Coun. Callan Morrison said as a minor hockey coach who’s spent a lot of time in those dressing rooms, he doesn’t see “a dire need” for wholesale renos, suggesting a narrowing of the project’s scope would save money

Topic: Isitcoldenoughforyou?

Premier’s LNG conundrum

He is now more than halfway through his “100day action plan” but it is still not clear how Premier David Eby views the future of B.C.’s growing liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

The industry got its start under the former BC Liberal government headed by Christy Clark, but the BC NDP embraced it as well when it assumed power in 2017.

While only one project the mammoth LNG Canada project in Kitimat is under construction, there are several other projects at various stages of regulatory approval processes

Eby has previously pledged not to allow the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure because any expansion would make it

difficult, if not impossible, for B.C. to meet its targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in 2040 and 2050.

No jurisdiction has come close to meeting any GHG emission reduction targets and there is much skepticism attached to B.C.’s ability to reach future targets (already it is clear it won’t meet the targets set for 2025 and 2030).

Nevertheless, the targets remain in place So will Eby stand in the way of the LNG industry expanding with the creation of more infrastructure?

The mandate letters he sent to individual cabinet ministers are far from clear on this matter

Each letter states the premier’s four priority areas are attainable and

affordable housing, safer communities, improved health care and a “sustainable, clean, secure and fair economy.”

The LNG initialism is not mentioned in any letter as far as I can tell. While the letters state that fighting climate change and meeting emission targets are important goals, it is unclear where LNG fits within those goals.

For example, two projects currently in the regulatory approval process have the strong backing of local First Nations in the northwest

The LNG Canada project is an $18 billion project and represents the largest private sector investment in B.C’s history.

It is expected to be in production by 2025, and the company is already

planning an expansion.

The importance of natural gas to the government’s current fiscal bottom line cannot be overstated.

Natural gas royalties are forecast to approach almost $2.5 billion this fiscal year.

It is early days in the Eby administration, but already he is proving to be unpredictable at the very least.

I suspect Eby will find a way to allow the LNG industry to expand while still insisting B.C can meet its climate change targets even with the expansion. But so far, at least, he has not made things clear one way or another

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC

Last

t

This Week t

“It’s cold, but yeah, manageable cold with appropriate winter gear.

“Minus seven isn’t cold That’s a normal temp for this time.”

Find even MORE letters online: tricitynews.com/opinion/letters

C O Q U I T L A M C E N T R E

FeeformallSantavisitsexcludessomefamilies

The Editor,

I felt compelled to write to express my frustration after my children’s visit with Santa this year in Coquitlam Centre mall

For the past 12 years, a program has operated under the banner of “Santa Cares”

This enabled children with disability to visit Santa in a calmed environment, usually after mall hours when the lights were dimmed and the shoppers had gone home

Santa spent quality time with each child, who was then gifted a printed, matted photo and a treat at no charge.

Last year, “Santa Cares” was located in a storefront

for the first time, due to COVID-19, as opposed to a

“workshop” location in the central public area of the mall

An appointment was necessary and the free photo was digital

This year, I called the administration to book my daughter Olive’s Santa visit and was informed that the “Santa Cares” program had been altered, with the central mall location again being replaced with the “pop-up” store front, an appointment being required, along with a new $35/child charge for the visit, which included the QR access to the mandatory digital photo

The special consideration

for children with disability has effectively been replaced in a blatantly commercial move to make Santa “accessible to all” for a fee of $35

I witnessed this process effectively exclude families who came to the mall without an appointment hoping to just visit with Santa to express their Christmas wishes

I understand that other Lower Mainland malls continue to offer open visits with Santa and, in light of that, I see this as a very negative move on the part of Coquitlam Centre mall one which detracts from the community festive spirit

that we have enjoyed in the Tri-Cities in recent years

My hope is that a raised public awareness of this situation might cause administration to reconsider this arrangement in future years

As things stand, my daughters and I are truly disappointed with a diminished family tradition as well as the experience for others this year

Emma, Olive and Anya

Callaghan Belcarra

Editor’s note: The TriCity News reached out to Coquitlam Centre management for its side of the story, but it did not respond.

coquitlam.ca/cac

CityCentreAquaticComplex Closed:Dec.25 coquitlam.ca/ccac

CoquitlamAnimalShelter Closed:Dec.25andJan.1 coquitlam.ca/animalshelter

CoquitlamCityHall Closed:Dec.23at12p.m.toJan.3 coquitlam.ca

DogwoodPavilion Closed:Dec.25,26andJan.1 coquitlam.ca/dogwood

GlenPinePavilion Closed:Dec.25,26,27andJan.1 coquitlam.ca/glenpine

MaillardvilleCommunityCentre Closed:Dec.25,26andJan.1 coquitlam.ca/mcc

PinetreeCommunityCentre Closed:Dec.25,26andJan.1 coquitlam.ca/pinetree

PoirierCommunityCentre Closed:Dec.24,25,26,31and Jan.1 coquitlam.ca/poirier

PoirierForum Closed:Dec.25 coquitlam.ca/poirierforum

PoirierSport&LeisureComplex

Closed:Dec.25 coquitlam.ca/pslc

RobinsonMemorialPark Cemetery Open:daily,dawntodusk

CemeteryOffice

Closed:Dec.23at12p.m.to Jan.3 coquitlam.ca/cemetery

SmilingCreekActivityCentre Closed:Dec.24–Jan.9 coquitlam.ca/smilingcreek

SummitCommunityCentre Closed:Dec.24–Jan.9 coquitlam.ca/summit

TheGetawayYouthCentre Closed:Dec.24–Jan.2 coquitlam.ca/youth

TheLandingYouthCentre Closed:Dec.24–Jan.2 coquitlam.ca/youth

TheLoungeYouthCentreMCC Closed:Dec.24–Jan.2 coquitlam.ca/youth

TownCentreRecyclingDepot Closed:Dec.25andJan.1 coquitlam.ca/recycling

VictoriaCommunityHall Closed:Dec.25 coquitlam.ca/victoria

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

RCMPseeksuspectaftertheftofKwikwetlemtotem

A wooden carving with sentimental and cultural significance has gone missing from the offices of the Kwikwetlem First Nation

Coquitlam RCMP are investigating the theft that happened on Oct

12 when someone stole a three-foot-tall carved wooden pole from the Kwikwetlem office

The artifact was stolen from the offices located at 10-65 Colony Farm Rd in Coquitlam

It was loaded into a U-Haul, according to a surveillance video taken at the scene

The carving had been on display at the back of the band office

It has significant senti-

mental and cultural value to the community, according to the Coquitlam RCMP

The carving or house post or totem pole is described as:

• 3’ tall

• made of solid wood, red

cedar with a carved owl on the top

The suspect is described as:

• male

• medium athletic build

• wearing dark shoes, dark jeans or work pants, a dark

hoodie sweatshirt

Anyone who has any information, witnessed this incident or may have video footage is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604945-1550, quoting file number 2022-27539

E N V I R O N M E N T

Green Team pulls up invasive English ivy

Effort makes room for more native plants to thrive

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

You could fill nearly 160 bathtubs with the amount of English ivy local volunteers removed from a Port Moody trail

Recently, almost 40 people braved the cold dew of the morning and spent more than three hours clearing of the invasive plant on Thurston Woods Trail along Noons Creek Drive near Cunningham Lane.

The Lower Mainland Green Team was surprised not only at the diverse turnout of residents that wanted to make the environment better, but that this was a first visit to the walking route for the majority of them.

Spokesperson Reenaz Nawar told the Tri-City News 34 of the volunteers were introduced to Thurston Woods Trail, which was covered in English ivy.

The 25 cubic metres that were removed will help give way for city workers to plant more native species to the area

“We engaged volunteers of diverse backgrounds, abilities and experience levels from all across the Lower Mainland in this activity to help restore this natural habitat,” said Nawar, a Grade 11 student at Port Moody Secondary working with Green Teams of Canada through its Youth Leadership Program

“Our community members not only made an immense impact on this trail, but they also learned more about their local habitats and how to take care of them, as well as meet new people and have a chance to be active out in nature”

English ivy is commonly planted to provide quick-growing cover for

walls and buildings.

However, the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) said it can grow so fast, especially in winter, that it forms a dense mat that “suppresses native plants.”

The plant has waxy, leathery leaves visible on the climbing, mat-forming vines, the ISCBC said, noting young leaves have three

to five points, while older leaves will be egg-shaped.

Colours of the leaves can also range from dark- and silver-green to yellow and white.

“I enjoyed the community and meeting new people, said Jade, one of the volunteers, adding it was “satisfying pulling the ivy and finding extra long ones

Volunteers from the Lower Mainland Green Team recently pulled 25 cubic metres of invasive English ivy from the Thurston Woods Trail in Port Moody The group included students from Port Moody Secondary School, who also learned about taking care of local habitats and their impact on the community while making room for more native species to grow SUBMITTED PHOTOS

“I feel this program impacts the community, helping the environment directly, getting some exercise, teamwork”

Green Teams of Canada coordinated with the City of Port Moody to host the invasive plant removal, which was moved to the area north of Eagle Ridge Hospital from Rocky Point Park

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

Last-minute gift ideas for everyone in your world

There are three days left to shop for Christmas presents.

And, for Tri-City residents who have left their purchases to the last week, we’ve got a few ideas for your holiday dash.

If you’ve got $125 to spend on that special someone who seems to have everything, here are our suggestions.

FOR WOMEN

The Vancouver-based company Lululemon has a shop on Level 2 of Coquitlam Centre mall and plenty in stock for holiday shoppers.

Check out the All Night Festival Bag (pictured at right, in black and gold, $74), available in one size and perfect to sling around your body or over the shoulder for errands.

The water-repellent pouch also has an adjustable strap that can be extended to 47.2” or 120 cm.

The product is in two other colours: Burnt Caramel and Silver Drop.

This 5 L bag has lots of pockets can hold everything you need for on the go: a wallet, keys, mobile device and even a small water bottle.

Technology recommendation: Anker Soundcore Life Q20 (noise-cancelling headphones)

FOR MEN

Pat Cooper, a retired editor from our sister newspaper, Burnaby Now, and Hazel Postma, a retired reporter from the now-defunct

Coquitlam Now, recently teamed up to produce a collection of short stories.

And in July, they released Cereal Killer and Other Tales from the Newsroom, a 165page paperback that harkens

to the “good ole’ days” of community journalism and pokes fun at some advertising and political characters along the way.

Above: The All Night Festival Bag can be picked up at the Lululemon store in Coquitlam Centre. Below, retired Burnaby Now editor Pat Cooper with Hazel Postma, a reporter with the Coquitlam Now TRI-CITY NEWS/SUBMITED

Giftsforyourwife,husband,granny,kids&boss

There are also references to landmarks and past events as covered by the reporters at the fictional Winterton Gazette

It can be purchased via Amazon ca for $19 15

Technology recommendation: iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2Dash and Windshield Mount (wireless charging phone mount for vehicles)

FOR KIDS

If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or something colourful for the snack table, head over to Save-OnFoods, which moved this year to the former Safeway building at Sunwood Square from Pinetree Village

The store’s Seasonal Creation section includes flavoured popcorn such as the Peppermint and Vanilla blend for $6.99.

Purchases from Save-OnFoods can be picked up in the store (3025 Lougheed Hwy., Coquitlam) or curbside; delivery is also available for a charge via saveonfoods.com.

Technology recommendation: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 (Bluetooth speaker)

FOR SENIORS

You can get a snow globe to shake

Or, you can purchase an electric snow globe that will cycle the snowflakes

continuously Christmas Traditions, located in the Coquitlam Centre, has a variety of holiday gifts and ornaments that you can plug in

In the photo below, the white globe is $89 99; the centre piece (the red) is $199 99; and the tree is $49 99

The seasonal store in the mall (2929 Barnet Hwy ) is located on Level 2

Technology recommendation: Sangean WR-11 AM/ FM Analog Wooden Cabinet Radio

FOR THE BOSS

If you’re not already popping holiday chocolates in your mouth, give a bag of Purdy’s to share with your supervisor or teacher

Located on Level 1 of Coquitlam Centre mall (2929 Barnet Hwy ), Purdy’s is filled with treats for the season, including a 375 g wrap of Foiled Bells for $22.

The Vancouver-based chocolatier famous for its hedgehogs and Sweet Georgia Browns also offers curbside pickup, and delivery through DoorDash.

Technology recommendation: Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves

FOR EVERYONE

Until Dec 24, you can get a deal with Coquitlam’s Stage 43 Theatrical Society, which has its home at the Evergreen Cultural Centre

To mark its 40th anniver-

sary, the company is offering discounts on tickets to its two remaining shows of the season: Calendar Girls (Jan 12–21, 2023) and God

of Carnage (April 27 to May 6, 2023) A ticket for one production is $20 with the promo code ELF43 or $36 for both events, using the

promo code SANTA43 The regular price per show is $28 for adults and $24 for seniors and students Visit stage43 org/tickets, or call the

Evergreen at 604-927-6555 or go to evergreenculturecentre ca for tickets and show information about Calendar Girls and God of Carnage

JoinintheMagicduring LightsatLafarge

Enhance

CITY OF COQUITLAM

In accordance with Section 127 of the Community Charter, notice of the availability of the City of Coquitlam 2023 Council Meeting Schedule is hereby provided. The 2023 Council Meeting Schedule, and any changes to the Schedule that may arise throughout the year, can be viewed on the City’s public notice posting boards and on the City’s website at coquitlam.ca/agendas. For the most up-to-date information regarding Council Meetings please visit coquitlam.ca/webcasts or contact the City Clerk’s Office.

Citysaysnoto bodycameras

Mayor says senior governments need to step up funding

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Port Coquitlam won’t be paying for costly body worn cameras (BWC) for local RCMP

In deferring the expense for 2023, city councillors said the cameras, along with funding for switching over to Next Generation 9-1-1 services (NG 9-1-1), should be funded by the federal government not PoCo taxpayers

“I think this is frankly a tipping point we’ve come to This has been an ongoing thing that we’ve had continuous downloading from the federal government,” said Coun. Darrell Penner during the Dec. 13 council in committee meeting.

COUNCIL MEETINGS – Start at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Coquitlam City Hall, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam (with the exception of Public Hearing nights, where the meeting will start immediately following the adjournment of the Public Hearing).

PUBLIC HEARINGS – Start at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers (a Council Meeting will commence immediately following the adjournment of a Public Hearing).

COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE MEETINGS – Start at 2:00 p.m. on Council Meeting days and are held in Council Chambers.

CLOSED COUNCIL MEETINGS – Generally convene immediately following adjournment of a Council-in-Committee Meeting and are held in Council Chambers. The first item of business at a Closed Council Meeting will be to consider a motion pursuant to Sections 90 and 92 of the Community Charter to close the meeting to the public.

COUNCIL AGENDAS – Are posted on the City’s website by 3:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the scheduled meeting and are available for viewing at coquitlam.ca/agendas To receive Council, Committee and Public Hearing agendas via email, sign up for our Council News direct email service at coquitlam.ca/list.

WATCH COUNCIL MEETINGS – The City of Coquitlam live streams and archives its Regular Council Meetings, Public Hearings and Council-in-Committee Meetings, which are available to watch at coquitlam.ca/webcasts

CITY CLERK’S OFFICE 604-927-3010 clerks@coquitlam.ca

City Clerk’s Office, 2nd Floor, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 7N2

Pending more information and discussion, councillors agreed to defer spending a portion of $203,508 requested by RCMP on these two items.

TASERS, PISTOLS

Coquitlam Mounties are seeking $1 6 million in funding for police equipment expenditures to 2027, which includes money for tasers, pistols and extended-range weapons that fire non-lethal rounds used for de-escalation, as well as body worn cameras

The City of Port Moody is also considering when it will implement body cameras for its police force, but its chief constable said he doesn’t expect it to happen anytime soon The City of Toronto recently signed a contract for $34 million to equip its officers with more than 2,300 cameras as well as cloud storage for the data they collect

In 2020, the federal government made a commitment to equip RCMP with body cams to enhance transparency, accountability and trust in police

However, the funding for the project has run out, councillors said, while NG

9-1-1 is another cost that has to be borne by local taxpayers

“This is not directed at the RCMP but at the senior levels of government the federal government that have no issue with making decrees and provide no funding; these two items alone would result in millions of dollars of costs borne on Port Coquitlam taxpayers,” West said.

Expected to be in place by 2025, NG 9-1-1 will allow those who require 911 services to send photos, video and text messages so dispatchers know what’s happening in real time.

WHO PAYS?

However, West raised concerns about the cost of funding this new service

The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) has raised the issue about cities paying for body worn cameras, between $2,000 and $3,000 each, including the cost of data storage and federal government funding runs out in 2024–25

Meanwhile, more than 26,000 people have signed a petition at Change org calling for B C RCMP to wear body cameras to record their interactions

A $55,000 expenditure for office renovations at city hall was also deferred pending further study

In all, council approved nearly $1 7 million in additional capital expenditures for 2023 for a total of $25 8 million, including money for neighbourhood rehabilitation and park upgrades

MAYOR BRAD WEST

Climatechangeputtingtheheatontoincludeairconditioning

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

tremely important, said Coun Steve Darling, who pointed out warming weather trends and the impact on residents living in apartments without air conditioning

incorrectly,” Billard said Darling responded saying air conditioners should be made mandatory and probably will be “down the road”

Port Coquitlam has approved a development application for a 40-unit rental housing building, but not before raising questions about the need for conditioning in apartment buildings to combat warmer weather

The project, by Billard Architecture Inc , will be built at the corner of Mary Hill Road and Hawthorne Avenue, within walking distance of the city’s new Port Coquitlam Community Centre

It will replace three older homes at 2195 and 2193 Hawthorne Ave. and 2324 and 2328 Mary Hill Rd. while providing rental accommodation in a mix of studios, and one-, two- and three-bedroom homes varying in size from 421 to 894 sq. ft.

The building is designed to incorporate brick and elements of the city’s historic downtown.

It will also nclude a prominent cornice and pedestrian entrance on Mary Hill Road, according to a staff report

But despite the project adding to the city’s housing stock, Port Coquitlam councillors had some questions about the building, including whether it should have air conditioning

Air conditioning is ex-

He queried whether Port Coquitlam should make air conditioning units mandatory in new buildings during the rezoning process

“I think it’s important It’s only getting hotter It’s something we should start looking at,” said Darling

Coun Dean Washington acknowledged the importance of having air conditioning, noting that his own suite has an air conditioning unit that cost the original owner $7,500 to install

But he questioned whether developers should be put on hook for the additional costs

“That’s my caution It’s great intentions [and] the things we always talk about is affordable housing, but we keep adding layer upon layer and it gets passed down to the consumer,” Washington noted.

However, adding air conditioning to the new building will be dependent on cost and the the city’s energy efficiency requirements, building architect Robert Billard told council.

Billard also suggested that buildings could be made cooler through passive design and suggested cities require better building design rather than air conditioning units, which require costly energy

“When I started, if you need a machine to fix your problem, then you’ve done it

“I understand what you’re saying [and] you can put in as many design aspects as you like but, in the end, the world is hotter,” he said

“Temperatures are more than we’ve seen before and

it’s just going to become hotter within buildings”

Coun Darrell Penner, meanwhile, suggested developers put in “conduit” for future air conditioners He then asked if that was something that could be considered

Staff suggested the city’s new climate action plan could look into the issue

of air conditioning and the “urban heat effect” on city buildings

The city’s newest councillor, Paige Petriw, also raised concerns about the number of secure bike lockers for the apartment, noting that there is one for each unit

“If certain units are family friendly and you’ve got a family of three, and

have three bikes per unit, that could potentially be an issue,” Petriw said Petriw suggested the city look into requiring more bike lockers in future developments

The Mary Hill multifamily building rental apartment will generate $35,000 for the city’s housing reserve and amenity fund

playan

ThankyouCoquitlam!

Withyourhelp,wehavemetthetarget ofplanting10,000treesin2022through ourTreeSpreeprogram.Residents, staffandvolunteersplantedtreeson streets,inparks,onschoolgroundsand inprivateyards.Thesetreeswillhelp toenhancepedestriansafety,improve stormwatermanagement,provide habitatforwildlife,increaseoxygenand reduceairpollutants.

LearnmoreaboutourTreeSpree programatcoquitlam.ca/treespree

TreeSpree

Coquitlam’s

Withproper

and maintenance,

inyouryardcanprovideprivacy, improveviews,reducenoiseandheat,andincreaseyour propertyvalue Theyalsobringnaturalelementsand wildlifehabitatsintourbansurroundings,allofwhich increasequalityoflifeforourcommunity

PrivateyardsinCoquitlamare contributingtoahealthyurban forest Closeto3,500trees wereplantedinresidential yardsthroughthisyear’sTree Spreeprogram. Atourtree giveawayeventsresidentshad theopportunitytotalktoa Citytreeexpertwhoprovided informationonplanting locationandtreemaintenance tips.Findoutmoreaboutthe TreeSpreeprogramat coquitlam.ca/treespree.

PoCo councillor says it should be mandatory

A rendering of a 40-unit rental building recently approved by Port Coquitlam council. Some councillors suggest it should have air conditioning. BILLARD ARCHITECTURE

Treesonprivateproperty

importantrolein

urbanforest.

selection

trees

Salestrainingcompanynamedbizoftheyear

Three other businesses and PoMo Arts also win

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

They train, they prep and vow to never leave the ring unsatisfied

The world of sales can be dog-eat-dog, but a Port Moody business and its commitment to helping graduates gain confidence for their future careers is reeling from successes of this

past year

And that now includes a golden railroad spike in the company’s trophy case

Young Entrepreneur Sales Academy (YESA) Acquisitions was named business of the year at the 2022 Spike Awards on Nov 30 at the Inlet Theatre

“Port Moody has been YESA’s home since its founding in 2017 where we started this operation out of my one-bedroom condo on Maude Road,” CEO Corrie Elieff told the Tri-City News

“The transformation from our five-person con-

do-based business to our current 80 staff, multi-province operation is only the beginning of our growth We are excited for our company’s future growth as we know it will allow us to employ more people in the community, expand our ability to donate to worthwhile causes as well as give us the opportunity to better support and unify the entire business community in Port Moody”

YESA, which operates out of Suter Brook Village, is a sales consulting firm that’s set a goal to help young

people enter the workforce with the tools and training they need for the corporate world, and to partner or start their own business

According to its website, the company also wants to continue breaking stereotypes around sales, maintaining the mindset of “people-over-profit” when it comes to customer service

“Currently, Yes Acquisitions services hundreds of corporate clients and thousands of individuals across Canada and the United States,” reads YESA’s business of the year descrip-

tion provided by the City of Port Moody

“During its five years in business, Yes Acquisitions has employed hundreds of Canadians and has also sponsored several candidates to earn their permanent residency Since its inception, it has grown every year, even during the pandemic In 2021, the business grew by 70 per cent and is projected to grow an additional 50 per cent in 2022”

YESA states it’s a team of “inspired, empowered and ethical professionals” is committed to altering the “fabric of education and business”

“There were many ups and downs over the years, but our team was resilient and we were able to weather the storm,” added Elieff

“This award is a testament to their hardwork and commitment to our company’s mission of creating the evolution of business education”

Meanwhile, Adina Diaconu of WESTPRO Physiotherapy took home the young entrepreneur of the year Spike Award.

She opened the St. Johns Street business in 2018 in hopes of providing quality care in a safe, supportive environment.

“Although the COVID-19 pandemic presented some unexpected challenges in 2020, WESTPRO has not only survived but thrived thanks to Adina’s leadership and determination,” her winner’s description reads

The rest of the 2022 Spike Award winners, and their profiles, are as follows:

• Arts in Business: PoMo Arts

• Environmental Leadership: Tru Earth Environmental Products

• Inclusive Excellence:

Revive Hair & Body Lounge

• New Business: Kaffi

The winners are selected by the city’s economic development committee Mayor Meghan Lahti and several councillors were in attendance for the annual event

“They represent our Port Moody business community so well because they live the values that we share as a community inclusivity, creativity, and innovation, as well as a commitment to environmental protection and a focus on arts and culture,” said Lahti.

“We are lucky to have so many businesses that not only serve their customers with integrity and provide people with jobs, but also give back to the community in a variety of ways.”

PortMoodymayorfinedforviolatingadvertisingrules

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti has been fined $200 for violating advertising rules during the fall civic election

In a letter released last Tuesday (Dec 13), Elections BC’s director of investigations, Adam Barnes, advised Lahti her campaign failed to include an authorization statement during automated calls to voters

According to Section 44 (1) of the Local Elections

Campaign Financing Act, such a statement must identify a campaign’s financial agent and indicate the advertising has been authorized by that financial agent, as well as provide a B C telephone number, email address or B C mailing address where the agent might be contacted about the advertising

Barnes said the calls were contracted through Campaign Support Ltd , an Ontario-based consulting company that specializes in election campaign communications and marketing as well as polling and research

He said invoices indicated Lahti’s campaign purchased 100 hours of the person-toperson calls at a cost of

$3,654, but when her campaign team was informed of the investigation, the calls stopped

Barnes said, as an experienced candidate, Lahti should have known better

As well, Barnes said, while the fine could be as high as $5,000, he conceded there may have been some misunderstanding of how the rules

of the financing act apply to person-to-person calls and it was also Lahti’s first offence

In a statement to the Tri-City News, Lahti said her campaign team now has a better understanding of the rules regarding person-to-person calls and accepts Barnes’ ruling

“We appreciate the work of Elections BC in helping

ensure that British Columbia has a well run election process,” she said

Lahti’s campaign wasn’t the only one in Port Moody that ran afoul of Elections BC

Council candidate Barbara Junker was fined $150 after her campaign failed to include the authorization statement on more

than 14,000 brochures that were sent to voters

In that ruling, Barnes acknowledged that it was Junker herself that notified Elections BC about the oversight

He also noted brochures that hadn’t yet been distributed were subsequently affixed with a sticker with the authorization statement

Council candidate also penalized for similar infraction

Veteran Port Moody councillor Meghan Lahti celebrates her victory as the city’s new mayor in November’s civic elections. MARIO BARTEL/TRI-CITY NEWS FILE PHOTO

BigfineforfishkillinCoquitlam’sComoCreek

Streamkeepers say penalty sends an important message

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

discharging drilling fluid and sediment-laden water into Coquitlam and Surrey creeks

An Alberta-based energy and infrastructure contractor must pay $2 8 million for

In what may be the largest known penalty for polluting a Coquitlam creek, Michels Canada Co was ordered to the fine during a hearing in Surrey Provincial Court on Dec 6 in which the com-

pany pleaded guilty to two charges under the Fisheries Act

“The next step is to see it collected and resourced in the way that will help the creek system,” said ZoAnn Morten, executive director of the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation

Numerous creeks throughout Coquitlam have

suffered fish kills in recent years due to pollutants being discharged into storm drains

Morten said the fine sends an important message to companies that work around local creeks, and comes after the City of Coquitlam established a policy requiring developers to monitor discharge from con-

struction sites in the Stoney Creek watershed

In the order, announced this week by Environment and Climate Change Canada, Michels Canada will now be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry, which records convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under certain federal environmental laws

Michels Canada was charged following two spills in the summer of 2017, when the company was working in Como Creek in Coquitlam and Quibble Creek in Surrey

On Aug 22, 2017, Michels Canada was the head contractor responsible for horizontal directional boring operations in Coquitlam, when drilling fluid and sediment-laden waters were released through the storm sewer system into Cape Horn Creek

Twenty dead fish were found following the release, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada, which posted information about the fine on Dec. 8.

Como Creek has its headwaters in Como Lake, where the popular fishing derby is held, and runs south to the Coquitlam River.

Among the fish in the

creek are juvenile coho salmon and cutthroat trout, including at risk-species

A few weeks later, on Sept 2, 2017, the company was carrying out horizontal directional boring operations in Surrey, when there was a release through the storm sewer system of drilling fluid and sediment-laden waters into Quibble Creek Following the release, 533 dead fish were found in this creek

Environmental enforcement officers conducted investigations into these incidents

Officers went onsite where they collected water samples, dead fish, and other evidence relating to the spills

Through testing, the deposits of drilling fluid and sediment-laden waters into Cape Horn Creek and Quibble Creek were determined to be deleterious, or harmful, to fish which is a violation of subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act

The fines will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund and the money will be used to support projects that have a positive impact on the environment, according to the ministry.

M U S I C

Cello repertoire in the spotlight for QuiRing’s New Year’s concert

Classical music for the strings and especially cellos is on the program for QuiRing In the New Year, which returns to Evergreen Cultural Centre for its 14th show on Dec 31

Reg Quiring (viola) and Rosemary O’Connor (piano) are back at the Coquitlam venue next Saturday to usher in 2023 with four other professional and highly acclaimed musicians:

• Catherine French, violin with the Boston Symphony

• Lucia Roh, first violin with the Pro Nova Quartet and conductor of the Coquitlam Junior Youth Orchestra

• Sunyong Lim, cello with the Borealis Quartet

• Cristian Marko, cello with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

On Monday (Dec. 19), the Coquitlam couple told the Tri-City News that they’ll start their annual concert with a welcoming piece: “Suite for Viola and Piano” by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams

“Vaughan Williams loved the sound of the viola and created a wealth of wonderful music for that instrument,” O’Connor said

Their duet will be followed by two major works with “especially great cello parts,” she said

Often called the “Werther Quartet” after Goethe’s “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” Johannes Brahms’ “Piano Quartet No. 3 in C Minor Piano, Opus 60” is played in four movements to feature the violin, viola, cello and piano.

“The Brahms Quartet reminds us of winter solstice: dark, intimate and mysterious,” O’Connor said, adding, “It has one of the most beautiful Andante movements ever written, which brings the audience temporarily out of the darkness into beauty and light and pure love

“The last movement remains a big mystery and Brahms wanted it that way”

By comparison, “String Quintet in C Major, D 956 Op 163” Franz Schubert’s

final chamber composition is an “exuberant, joyful, playful bright work, which will end the program in a positively high and celebratory mood,” she said.

Sometimes called the “Cello Quintet” as it’s scored for a standard string quartet plus another cello instead of an extra violin, it will be performed by two violins, two cellos and viola.

After the event, ticket-holders to QuiRing in the New Year will be treated to a complimentary sparkling wine reception; the musicians will be in attendance to mingle with the audience

For tickets to the concert ($44/$35/$16), call the ECC box office at 604-927-6555 or visit evergreenculturalcentre ca Evergreen is at 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam

H E A T R E

Kanagawaadaptsmemoirforstage

An award-winning playwright and actor from Port Moody will see a memoir that he adapted for the stage mounted early next year

Hiro Kanagawa, who clinched the 2017 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama for his play Indian Arm, adapted Forgiveness, a true story based on Mark Sakamoto’s book about his grandparents during the Second World War; it won the CBC Canada Reads competition in 2018

The world premiere of the play runs Jan 12 to Feb 12 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage in Vancouver a co-production by the Arts Club Theatre Company and Theatre Calgary.

Sakamoto’s story tells of his maternal grandfather, Ralph, a Canadian soldier of European descent who spent years in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Meanwhile, Sakamoto’s paternal grandmother, Mitsue, was a Japanese–Canadian who was interned by the government in Canada.

Despite their traumatizing experiences, the two formed a bond after WWII and healed their divisions, showing strength and love

for their family over hate

“My stage adaptation of Mark Sakamoto’s beloved and best-selling family memoir, Forgiveness, is not a note-for-note rendition of the book's favourite scenes and greatest hits,” said Kanagawa in a news release.

“But it does hope to capture the emotional core of what made Mark’s book so powerful in the first place: The love of home and family, the faith in human goodness, the courage to fight for what is right and the grace to forgive.”

Kanagawa added, “Forgiveness is a beautiful Canadian story, a vital piece of our history and it is all the more inspirational and relevant

today given the social and political divisiveness we currently face”

To deepen the conversation and to mark 2022 as the 80th year since the Japanese–Canadian internment in B C the Arts Club will host a panel on Jan 6, 2023, at the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut St , Vancouver) from 7:30 to 9:30 p m

(Admission is $10–$20 via museumofvancouver ca/finding-forgiveness)

Called Finding Forgiveness, that event is also in partnership with the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre and the UBC Library

Kanagawa is on the panel along with Carolyn Nakagawa, Vivian Rygnestad and Grace Eiko Thomson, who will discuss the question: “What can stories from the stage teach us about the ongoing legacies of this history?”

For tickets to the play Forgiveness at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville St., Vancouver) starring Yoshié Bancroft as Mitsue Sakamoto and Griffin Cork as Ralph MacLean go to artsclub com

Let’s get digital. Search

T

HIRO KANAGAWA

Coquitlam's Rosemay O'Connor (piano) and Reg Quiring (viola) are back at Evergreen for Dec 31. SUBMITTED PHOTO

GOOD CITIZENSHIP MEDAL

A Port Moody entrepreneur and community volunteer will be recognized at a ceremony this winter for his dedication and selfless service

Fred Soofi is one of 15 British Columbians to receive the Medal of Good Citizenship, according to a press release issued Dec 5

“It’s an honour,” said Soofi, who said he was happy to hear he had been selected for the medal

In the press release, Premier David Eby stated that the medal winners embody “the traits of generosity, kindness and sacrifice for the benefit of others Their actions touch so many lives, creating better communities throughout B C I commend each one of them

“They are an example to all”

Established in 2015, the medal acknowledges people’s remarkable service to community life

Soofi immigrated to Canada from Iran in 1972 and got his first job in the restaurant industry

He is known for supporting many Tri-City charitable groups, often with food from his restaurant: Pasta Polo

Now that Soofi is slowly transferring ownership of the business to his staff in a gradual retirement, he says he continues to be involved

Soofi sits on the board of a half dozen community organizations, including the Port Moody Seniors Club

He’s also planning to build seniors’ housing with childcare in Port Moody and is fixing up a food truck that he hopes will help fund programs at the Port Moody Station Museum

This past year, Soofi provided housing for a family from war-torn Ukraine for six months, helping them get settled and get connected with services

Soofi said he enjoys being part of the community and taking an active interest in what goes on around him

“Being active in the community keeps you motivated, you get up in the morning and you have something to do,” Soofi said.

His medal biography states that Soofi’s dedication to serving others is a big focus of his life.

“Fred has incredible passion for his community and all its members. Many people care for others based on status, wealth, close connection not Fred.

“He has been a volunteer, organizer and active member of Amnesty International for the past 45 years, where he is a constant campaigner for the release of prisoners of conscience and human rights for all people, which is a testament to his commitment to inclusion and compassion.”

WEST, MCEWEN NAMED MV CHAIRS

Metro Vancouver is out with its list of standing committee chairs for 2023. And two Tri-City mayors will be taking prominent roles in the new year.

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West is the regional authority’s chair for the finance committee while Anmore Mayor John McEwen returns to the Regional Parks committee.

McEwen is also the vice chair for Metro’s board of directors, which will be overseen in 2023 by George Harvie (Delta) “I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a strong, committed group of elected officials to continue the important work Metro Vancouver does to keep our region one of the most livable in the world,” said McEwen, in a news release Visit metrovancouverorg/ boards/membership to see the 2023 committee lists

Cal Smith and Doug Gale, volunteers with the Coquitlam Men’s Shed, gave a new sign they made for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch#263, on Ridgeway Avenue. The presentation was on Dec. 11.

Bengalis in Vancouver (Bongmilanti) hosted Poush Parbon Milan Mela, a cultural food festival, at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre Dec. 3, where 220 people enjoyed food and performances.

Coordinators with Coquitlam’s Neighbourhood Small Grants program last month hosted their first annual celebration to showcase some of the 32 projects that have won awards, totalling $10,700.

The PoCo Pirates U11 A2 team took home gold at the Ridge–Meadows Remembrance Day Classic last month. The nineand 10-year-old hockey players competed in six games in four days at the Pitt Meadows rink.

Astoria Retirement Residence chef Lewis Hawley and assistant chef Soraya Zelaya de Torres, with volunteer Joanne Morton, served up turkey at a holiday dinner to 100 women and kids in PoCo on Dec. 1.

Chantelle Burga is the new executive director for the New View Society, a Port Coquitlambased group that helps people with mental illness. Burga, who has been with New View for 10 years, replaces Tiffany Melius.

H I G H S C H O O L B A S K E T B A L L P R E V I E W

Senior hoops season hangs on high hopes

Best, Heritage Woods looking for breakout seasons

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

After a month of tournament play and exhibition games, hope springs eternal for the winter high school boys basketball season

Hope that this year’s crop of juniors and seniors are ready to step into roles vacated by graduated players

Hope that injuries won’t derail preseason promise.

And hope that all those X’s and O’s mapped on whiteboards during practices and time-outs will lead to a berth in the provincial championship tournament at the Langley Events Centre (LEC) in March where anything can happen.

CENTENNIAL

The Centaurs will look differently this season with the loss of 6’10” K.C. Ibekwe, who led the team to an eighth-place finish at last year’s provincials and is now playing at Oregon State University

That may lower expectations others have for the team, but not their own, said head coach Lucian Sauciuc “Nobody around the province expects them to compete this season,” he said “Our goal is to play with a chip on our shoulder and not be an easy out for any opposing team we face”

To make that happen,

Sauciuc said he’ll look for leadership from a core group of seniors that includes Matthew Lee, Trey McLenan and Anthony Lopez, who performed capably supporting Ibekwe as juniors

“The team is very united,” Sauciuc said, adding the competitive nature of Fraser North leaves little margin for subpar effort

DR. CHARLES BEST Blue Devils head coach Daniel Depelteau said his group is feeling a little overlooked

They want to change that

With eight players returning from last year’s team that just missed qualifying for provincials when it lost a do-or-die showdown to Burnaby Mountain, Depelteau said the Blue Devils are hungry to show they belong at the LEC

A key to finding the success the team seeks will be the ability of Grade 12 guards Evan Sohi and Thomas Suson to step into the sizeable shoes vacated by Lucas Adams who drove Best’s transition offence during his graduating season

But, added Depelteau, it may be injuries that are the decisive determinant of the Blue Devils’ fate

Seniors Anthony Depelteau and Aleks Kriznik are almost ready to go after major injuries

Depelteau is coming off a hip injury he suffered last August He brings his basketball IQ to both ends of the court as a great passer and responsible defender

Kriznik averaged 27 points and six rebounds before he was felled by a torn ACL in last spring’s playoffs

“We love to get up and

down the court and play a fast brand of basketball,” Depelteau said. “We’re just looking to spoil the party a bit”

GLENEAGLE

Talons’ head coach Roberto Arciaga doesn’t underestimate the challenge ahead for his charges after the team graduated eight seniors from last year’s side, including captains Javie SyQuia and Sharif Hebrahim

That’s put the spotlight on shooting guard Bailey Truong and guard/forward

Max Parnell to raise their games

They’re supported by Jacob Goroza, Paul Dume and Tyson Chin

Arciaga said what his starters may lack in size, they’ll more than be able to make up with chemistry as most have been playing together for years

HERITAGE WOODS

Kodiaks coach Andrew Lloyd is counting on his senior-laden team to play with consistency Results will follow.

“Offensively, we want to play with pace,” Lloyd said. “Defensively, we want to play connected as a unit.”

Making that happen will be up to the team’s leadership group of seniors Aidan Lloyd, Yen Teng, Kai Rawnsley, Cole Marr and Liam Twa, all of whom have the physical tools and mental fortitude to drive the Kodiaks’ offence while taking care of business in the back court.

Also up-and-coming is Grade 11 forward Aidan Wilkie

PINETREE

The Timberwolves are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that depleted the competitive zeal of prospective players, said head coach Christopher Davies

As a result many of his players are still learning the game

But with a multi-national

Aidan Lloyd is one of the seniors Heritage Woods Kodiaks coach Andrew Lloyd will be looking at to provide leadership when the team begins its drive to attain a berth in the provincial championship tournament. MARIO BARTEL/TCN

Riversidecountingonheart

posing team”

roster of names from as far away as Italy, Mexico, China and the United Arab Emirates, they’re embracing the early-morning practices and growing sense of camaraderie as they go through the learning curve together

Leading the effort are the only two returnees from last season, Justin Son and Vince Alteza, who Davies will lean on in tight games

“We are hoping to compete every game and stay positive,” Davies said “Whether we win or lose, we will take away some great memories from the season”raderie as they go through the learning curve together

RIVERSIDE

Rapids coach Clement Yen is counting on heart to carry his team

“I do not expect to win every game,” he said. “I do expect them to give it their all and to out-run every op-

With last year’s offensive catalyst Ben Reed graduated to Capilano University, the Rapids are looking at a more balanced approach to basketball this season, playing with pace in the offensive zone while bringing intensity to the defensive end of the court

Grade 12 point guard

Tony Oravec has the tools to lead that effort, Yen said He has the defensive aggression and offensive instinct

Junior Rees Yamaguchi ability to shoot “the lights out in every gym” will spark the offence with support from shifty ball handler

Shawn Yang The cool demeanour of senior Jayden Kumar will ensure all the elements come together, said Yen

“What you will see from us will be a well-conditioned team with the ability to play at both ends of the courts”

TERRY FOX

The Ravens are “a work in

progress,” says coach Rich Chambers

With a dynamic blend of seniors and juniors, Terry Fox has the potential to be competitive and maybe even improve upon the single win the team achieved at last year’s provincials

Grade 12 guard Lukas Bulin is the Ravens’ defensive leader, while senior guard Parker Kennedy battles the offensive boards from his guard/forward position

Junior guard Matteo Frost is showing great promise with his shooting ability and he’s making strides in his rebounding game

“We’d like to play a fast-paced game trying to generate offensive flow,” Chambers said, adding the team’s measure of success will be its ability to play up to its potential when it matters

PORT MOODY

The Blues did not respond in time for the Tri-City News deadline.

City of Coquitlam NOTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION

PERMANENT CHANGE TO A LIQUOR LICENCE –ROGUES BAR & GRILL– 3251 PLATEAU BLVD COQUITLAM

The Rogues Bar & Grill, located at 3251 Plateau Boulevard, Coquitlam has applied to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for a permanent change to its Liquor License. If approved, the amended license would:

1. Extend the hours of liquor service. The current hours of service are from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. Monday – Saturday and 11:00 a.m. –12:00 a.m. Sunday. The proposed hours of service are from 9:00 a.m. –1:00 a.m. Monday – Saturday and 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Sunday

2. Permit patrons to have alcohol in the following additional areas: practice putting green, clubhouse bridal rooms, clubhouse pro shop, and a liquor service kiosk near the 11th hole tee box

In accordance with the Liquor Control and Licensing Act and Regulations, the City of Coquitlam has been asked to provide comments and a recommendation on the application to the LCRB

The City invites the public to provide input to Council with respect to how the change to this licence, if approved, may affect them and their property. The City of Coquitlam will be receiving input on this application until December 23, 2022

Written correspondence can be provided in one of the following ways:

• Email: clerks@coquitlam ca with “PROJ 22-113” in the subject line;

• 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.

Input received will be provided to Council in the form of a report at a Regular Council Meeting Council will consider the input provided and submit a formal recommendation on the application to the LCRB

Written submissions provided in response to this consultation, including your name and address, 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.

Additional information concerning this application can be obtained by contacting Planning and Development at 604-927-3430 or emailing devinfo@coquitlam.ca

COMMUNITY REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

Obituaries

LEVYCKY, Larysa (Lora) Plawan

Larysa (Lora) P awan Levycky was born on June 24, 1938, in Mar upol, Ukra ne and departed this ife on Monday, November 7, 2022, at the age of 84 in Coqu tlam, British Columbia, Canada

She spent her early years n a German WWII POW camp and her formative years in d splaced person camps n Heidenau, Harburg and Hannover, Germany with her mother Lyd a (Lid a) her younger brother Walter, and her stepfather Dmitro (Dymitro) After the war, her mother d vorced in Germany and their fami y emigrated to Toronto Canada in 1952

In Canada she became a dancer for the Roya Bal et of Canada and then furthered her career with the Thornton Mode Agency Thereafter, her mother Lyd a passed away and Lora emigrated to Los Angeles, Cal fornia, where she met her future husband O eg Levycky Wh le n L A she pursued acting, produced a cultural radio program at KTYM fol owed by opening her own business, the Larysa P awan Charm and Model ng School

After retir ng, Lora returned to Canada w th her husband Oleg and publ shed her first book, ‘Destiny’, a h storical fiction novel reflect ng her ife’s journey

Lora’s char sma drew we comed attent on whenever she entered a room Although contro l ng at times, she loved be ng among peop e and enterta ning her guests with profess onal artists and elaborate dining She was very generous to the ess fortunate and energized the ambit ons of many others around her

Lora’s husband O eg passed away in Coquit am, s x years earl er Hav ng no chi dren, or other mmediate relatives, she s survived by her brother Walter, her nephew Robert, and her nieces A ex s, and Kalyna

Her fami y wishes to extend their sincere gratitude for expressions of sympathy from those who knew her, and acts of k ndness g ven by her church associates during th s d fficult time of bereavement

Dennis Secret spent over 35 years serving SD43 schools He began as a typing nstructor, but soon moved to become a sen or chem stry teacher, and spent much of hs career at Centennia Sr Secondary He later moved nto admin strative roles at George Pearkes Minnekhada and Gleaneagle before culminating h s career at Como Lake Midd e School as principa Fo lowing his retirement, he continued to mentor teachers in the Profess ona Development Program at SFU

Born to be a teacher but not l m ted to that role, Dennis enjoyed coach ng, song writ ng, p aying guitar, w nemak ng, golf trips and garage nights

He is survived by his sib ings Mari yn, L nda and Darryl; his children Fraser, Cameron and Jenn fer; and his grandchi dren Ann ka, Cohen, Rogan, Cameron and Mackenzie He wil be greatly missed by h s fam ly and friends A celebration of l fe wi l be held at a date in the new year

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EMPLOYMENT

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We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

SECRET, Dennis Walter August 15, 1946 - December 13, 2022

Nothing beats sipping a hot, soothing beverage after a day of choosing the perfect Christmas tree or lobbing snowballs in the backyard Teas, hot toddies, coffees, and mulled ciders certainly can fit the bill, but a mug of rich hot chocolate is a holiday season staple Hot chocolate can be whipped up quickly from premade packets, but many such packets are loaded with sugar Chocolate lovers should have a reliable hot chocolate recipe to lean on when the moment is right This recipe for “Real Hot Chocolate” from “Chocolate” (Parragon) by the editors of Love Food is sure to please