Tri-City News December 29 2022

IN

TRI-CITIES

Y E A R I N P H O T O S

(Almost) back to normal

Images capture communities bouncing back

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

It was the year of getting back to normal Almost

After nearly two full years of lockdowns, public health restrictions and mandates, we began to emerge from our cocoons of self-isolation with more antibodies coursing through our veins and renewed determination to return to the familiar patterns of life

Fields, gyms and arenas once again filled with the raucous sounds of life But uncertainty was never far away

A surge of illness last winter brought on by the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus reminded us how tenuous our grasp on normalcy can be in this post–pandemic reality

In the pages of this special issue of the Tri-City News, we present some of our favourite images of the past year of near-normalcy, along with commentary about what it took to capture those images

Above, it’s not easy to get a good shot of the Trans Mountain pipeline construction; the sites are shrouded with tarp fences and security guards are quick to shoo anyone who tries to peer beyond the barriers. But this view opened up from the entrance to Colony Farm as I searched for a photo to tell the story of challenges the project is having crossing the Fraser River Right, it’s rare to get a moment of genuine elation on election night as rooms are usually crowded and dark. Far right, careful use of backlight and a flash helps bring out the texture of special glass panels Port Coquitlam glass maker Naser Niki crafted for the 2010 Olympic cauldron.

MARIO BARTEL/TCN

We returned to the work place and playing fields

We got down to business again, toiling to reverse the damages inflicted by pandemic fears and trepidation

Celebrations and events returned Though not all

We like to think of them as a bit of a celebration of the Tri-Cities at a unique moment in our history, but they’re also witness to our resilience and determination to overcome the challenges of the past two years Enjoy

New program offers options to retirement

Pandemic created new opportunities for older workers

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

an uncertain economy and even changing priorities may be creating a new pool of workers for employers looking for skilled labour in a tight employment market

Not everyone is ready to retire at 65

Cost of living increases,

For Lori Haugland, a 34-year Telus employee, retirement was a dream come true

She was thrilled to be living her own life, enjoying

friends, travel and exercising

“It was fantastic I was telling all of my friends who are not retired to go early, if they can I was in control of everything in my life I didn’t have to report to somebody”

Haugland hadn’t been out of the work force long when she started to wonder if she needed a new direc-

tion something to provide the passion and enthusiasm that can come with a new job or business

On social media, an ad for Encore 55+ popped up and she was curious

Encore 55+ assists older workers in determining what kind of jobs they would like to do, what skills they need to get hired and what can

kind support they require to land a job

Haugland is not alone in reassessing her priorities after a lengthy career

While many workers nearing official retirement age are happy to leave their jobs, others are looking for work, said Encore 55+ program head Mythra Lagueux

Encore 55+ has pivoted to support older workers who may feel unprepared for the changing workforce and its reliance on digital technology

Lageuux told the Tri-City News that the pandemic has changed the work environment in many ways, providing both opportunities and challenges for older workers

Jobs may be more flexible and remote work may be an opportunity but digital literacy is more important than ever, said Lagueux Encore 55+ has changed its program to help workers “adapt to the new landscape”

“Now people need to work,” said Lagueux, who said the B C government-funded program is trying to help fill gaps in the labour pool with older workers who are ready to work

For many of these workers, “life has happened,” said Lagueux

They may have been out of the work force looking after children or a sick relative, or left a career but want to stay in the work force

Prior to the pandemic, the program was based on “values” and interests; now, it’s more closely aligned to workplace skills needed for a 21st century job or gig economy

“You have to take opportunities as they come and be

responsive It’s not going to be linear,” Lagueux said

Still, most of the jobs found by Encore 55+ graduates are traditional office jobs, in finance or administration, which suits the majority of workers who apply to the program, Lagueux said

Everyone finds a job, and there is a 70 per cent retention rate for people who get hired

Lagueux said employers are happy to hire older workers because they have experience, are responsible, understand workplace demands and tend to stay on the job

“There are so many jobs to be filled and so mch experience in older workers that we need to be using,” said Lagueux

Lack of confidence is one hurdle that older workers face, and they need to understand that their experience counts for something, and in fact can be quantified for a resume

As for Haugland, she quickly found a contract job with Douglas College as a “job developer” for another job readiness program

“You can transfer life skills into work skills easily,” said Haugland, adding, “I never would have thought of this had it not been presented to me It is important for people like us to understand what the workforce is like now

“Everyone is in the same boat [but with Encore 55+] you had the camaraderie to talk about it”

• January is the next intake You can apply online or call 604-777-6147 Visit the Douglas College website to learn more about the program

Photographing news is often more nuanced than just showing up at the scene of a fire or accident Sometimes the real story occurs afterward, or away from the hubbub, like a thrift event for victims of an apartment fire in Port Coquitlam (above), or the waiting area of a special COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (right).

MARIO BARTEL/TCN

During the 10-week trial of the man accused of cyberbullying her daughter, Carol Todd (above) was always gracious and accommodating to local media covering the proceedings. She often paused to chat and allowed us to get clear photos. The High Knoll wildfire in Minnekhada Regional Park blew smoke across the Tri-Cities for days, but its remote location made it a challenge to cover The only real view was from Pitt Meadows.

MARIO BARTEL/TCN

2 0 2 3 B U S I N E S S P L A N

Tight labour market, inflation put strain on city projects

Six 'priorities' are proposed to be struck from biz plan

“Resiliency” will be a buzz word at Coquitlam City Hall next year

The term is a new theme in the draft 2023 Business Plan and proposes to replace “pandemic recovery” from this year

Resiliency “is meant to capture the amount of uncertainty for next year,” said Graham Stuart, director of corporate, in his presentation before council-in-committee committee on Dec 12, noting the economic pressures facing the municipality

These include the

• tight labour market

• supply chain disruptions

• high inflation on material costs

• lack of partner action

“The degree to which those are going to be an impact on city operations next year is still relatively unknown,” Stuart said

“We felt that the theme [of resiliency] would encompass the many bits of uncertainty in the external macro-environment for the organization”

Stuart said the economic pressures carry more risk in the development industry “and, for a growing city, this

is especially true”

Besides the staffing crunch, city hall also faces a leadership change early next year with the retirement of city manager Peter Steblin, Stuart said

The draft 2023 Business Plan, which will be brought forward to council for consideration in February in conjunction with the operational budget, also repeats three themes from this year:

• equity, diversity and inclusion

• reconciliation

• balanced growth and livability

Coun Craig Hodge said he would have liked “Community Safety” to be a theme for 2023, given the comments he heard on the doorstep during the fall election

But Coun Teri Towner

said “Resiliency” captures that topic as, she heard while campaigning, residents already feel safe in Coquitlam

“I didn’t really get the sense that [community safety] has to be a theme,” she said, adding, “I think resiliency is a great word”

ON THE BOOKS

As well, the draft 2023 Business Plan shows what’s on the city’s plate for the coming year a list that now has 19 new initiatives, but removes six programs due to the lack of civic staff or movement from partner groups

Off the priority grid for 2023 are:

• RCMP integrated mental health response

• səmiqwəʔelə/Riverview Lands comprehensive planning process

• Brunette interchange planning

• Coquitlam River Park master plan

• Coquitlam Crunch southern extension planning

• Town Centre Park gateway planning

What’s left are 54 major initiatives for next year, split into three categories of priorities

Still, Steblin cautioned council that the list may be too much given the employment struggles and external factors

2023 CITY PRIORITIES

Here is how the priorities are divided (*asterisk indicates new item for 2023)

PRIORITY A

• Building Safer Communities Program*

• Property tax initiatives*

• Hybrid work implementation*

• Organizational transition*

• Community wildfire preparedness

• Housing affordability strategy initiatives

• Northeast Community Centre and park design

• Spani Pool renewal and expansion construction

• Innovation Centre renovations

• Austin Works yard renewal

• Burke Mountain joint school/park site planning

• Climate Action Plan

• Development application process review initiatives

• EDI initiatives

• Reconciliation

PRIORITY B

• Land development activities*

• OCP review*

• Information and communications technology infrastructure upgrades*

• Environmental Sustainability Plan implementation*

• Digital services strategy renewal*

• Planet Ice future planning*

• RCMP strategic plan implementation

• Cedar Drive utility and road implementation

• Economic development strategy

• Fremont Connector planning and

design

• Strategic Transportation Plan update

• Blue Mountain Park master plan

• Library services and spaces study

• Major Recreation and Cultural Facilities Roadmap

• Coquitlam Metro Vancouver water projects

• E-mobility strategy

• Business improvement initiatives

• Collective bargaining

• Hazard, risk and vulnerability analysis update

• Integrated development financial review

PRIORITY C

• Community police office strategy*

• First responder pre-hospital care*

• Coquitlam corporate partners program review*

• Sport field strategy*

• Road safety strategy*

• Asset retirement obligations*

• Financial systems replacement planning*

• Space planning strategy*

• Strategic plan renewal*

• Hazel–Coy Neighbourhood Plan

• Heritage Management Strategy

• Southwest Housing Review

• Upper Pipeline Road Corridor Planning Overview

• Rail Crossing grade separation projects

• Streetscape enhancement program implementation

• Glen Park Phase 3 planning

• Urban forest management strategy

• Bylaw enforcement review

• Childcare partnership strategy implementation

COUN. TERI TOWNER

2 0 2 3 C A P I T A L B U D G E T

Future of Shaughnessy bike park to be reviewed

Facility was popular when it was built 15 years ago

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

An aging bike skills park in Port Coquitlam needs an upgrade and could be a destination for young riders from the Tri-Cities

It could also be replaced with another amenity for people to use who live in the city's northwestern neighbourhood near the Coquitlam River

Once popular with youngsters of all ages, the Shaughnessy bike park was considered a great amenity when it was constructed about 15 years ago

Now, it's a sad place, with graffiti covering some of the equipment

When it was constructed, volunteers helped contractors bring in dirt and logs to create a multi-level skills park with wooden bridges and hills with entry-level obstacles and technical features for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders

But in recent years, the park has deteriorated and

was slated for a $40,000 upgrade in the city's 2024–2025 capital plan, with design in 2024 and construction in 2025

However, city councillors have decided to take a step back and review the idea before committing to funding

At its Dec 13 meeting, council withdrew the project from its multi-year spend-

ing plan for more study to determine whether the park should be upgraded according to plan, replaced with another amenity or improved to make it a "destination park "

Some councillors suggested the land could be better used

"I'm not sure how many people use this park," said

Coun Dean Washington, noting that it's in a prime location, close to where the city is putting in more homes

"Is this the best and highest use for this piece of land I’d like to know if it is," Washington said

Council was told that bike skills parks are popular with youth, especially if they are

challenging and interesting enough to be a "destination park "

Coun Darrell Penner also questioned the use of the park as a bike skills park and said he hadn't heard from any groups advocating for its use

However, Coun Steve Darling noted that the park is used by children and youth of all ages and needs to be repaired

"Right now there are kids who use it I’ve seen them use it," he said, "It's even used by little kids It needs to be repaired It needs to be fixed "

After removing the bike park upgrade, council subsequently passed a multiyear plan with an investment of $48 6 million for numerous projects to upgrade infrastructure and parks

Mayor Brad West said there is lots of time within the funding window to study the bike park plan

Meanwhile, the plan sets in motion numerous projects for next year, with money to pay for the upgrades coming from reserves, grants, accumulated surplus and developers' contributions

In 2023, the city will undertake upgrades to Leigh

Square and an extension of Donald pathway, set to begin in late March The tendering process will be finalized in early in the new year

Plans include an upgrade to Gates Park to create an $11 4-million sports hub after the province announced an investment of $6 7 million into the project on April 22

A total of $25 8 million in capital improvements were approved for 2023, including:

• $12 2 million for upgrades to Gates Park and other parks, sports fields and sport courts

• $7 2 million for neighbourhood rehabilitation projects including paving, utilities, sidewalks and streetlighting upgrades

• $722,000 for a Terry Fox sculpture and interactive exhibit at Port Coquitlam Community Centre

• $710,000 for Cedar Creek culvert upgrades

• $710,000 for sidewalks and pedestrian safety

• $400,000 for lane paving

• $185,000 to expand the Port Coquitlam cemetery

• $160,000 for a washroom at Blakeburn Lagoons Park

• $120,000 for traffic calming

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

Port Coquitlam council will study the future of the Shaughnessy bike park before committing further funding to it. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

Public Hearing Notice

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7pm

Where: Electronic Meeting, open to in-person attendance in Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Newport Dr , Port Moody, B C (see portmoody.ca/ph for details)

Port Moody Council is holding a Public Hearing to consider the following proposed bylaw:

LOCATION MAP - 111 Jacobs Road

Application: REZ00018 Bylaw: 3374

Applicant: Arben Durmishaj

Location: 111 Jacobs Rd

How do I get more information?

Copies of

portmoody.ca/publichearing at

second-

in City Hall, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, from 8:30am to 5pm (Please note that City Hall will be closed from 12 noon, December 23, 2022 and reopen on January 3, 2023) You can also contact staff at planning@portmoody ca or 604.469.4540 with any questions.

How can I provide input?

1 If you believe your property is affected by this rezoning application, you may comment directly to Council at the Public Hearing at 7pm on January 10, 2023 by joining the electronic meeting as a participant or attending at City Hall in person. Visit portmoody.ca/ph for instructions on how to join the electronic meeting

2. You can also send a submission in writing before 12pm on January 10, 2023 by emailing clerks@portmoody ca or faxing 604.469.4550 Kate Zanon, General Manager of Community Development

Purpose: To rezone 111 Jacobs Road from Single Detached Residential (RS1) Zone to Single Detached Residential – Small Lot (RS1-S) Zone in order to subdivide the land into two lots 604.469.4500 www.portmoody.ca

P E N G U I N P L U N G E

Swim signals ‘we are moving back to normal’

Event at Rocky Point park will be the first since 2020

MARIO BARTEL mbartel@tricitynews.com

The craziest thing you do on New Year’s day might also be the most normal

The Penguin Plunge is back at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park for the first time since 2020.

David Stuart, the president of the Pleasantside Community Association that’s organized the event since it began in the 1970s, said the lunacy of running down the boat ramp and into the freezing waters of Burrard Inlet is just the kind of indicator we may need that life is returning to normal after two years of COVID-19 public health restrictions.

It was those restrictions that scuttled the last two events, putting a strain on some of the community groups like the Golden Spike can can dancers and seniors badminton that are based out of Old Orchard Hall Money raised from the $5 registration fee ($10 for fam-

ilies) for the plunge is used to help those groups cover costs like liability insurance, and for the past couple of years they’ve had to go on their own

Stuart said everyone involved with the New Year’s tradition is “naturally excited” to get back at it, from the 10 or so dedicated volunteers who do everything

from serve hot chocolate and coffee to warm the chilled swimmers to corralling the foolhardy to the top of the ramp in advance of the 1 p m plunge time, to

the bathers themselves

"There’s a real pent-up desire.”

Stuart said starting the year with a chilled dip has a way of re-energizing you for the challenges of the year ahead He anticipates those sensations will be amplified this time after two years of denial

“That’s what’s so joyful,” he said “It signals we are moving back to normal”

QUICK DIP

Stuart said while most swimmers opt for a quick run into the water and hasty retreat back to the warmth of a fluffy towel and robe, some linger for an actual swim Lifeguards from the city will be on hand to ensure nobody gets into trouble if they overextend their stay in the cold water

Everyone who braves the water gets a certificate notarizing their madness er, participation.

As for Stuart he’s never taken the plunge himself. Instead he opts for the comfort of the DJ table where he’s in charge of the music that helps keep everyone’s mind distracted from the feat they’re about to attempt

“I don’t like cold water,” he said

If you’re headed to the Penguin Plunge, here’s some survival tips from the In the Swim blog:

• Warm up for the plunge by cooling down with a cold shower beforehand That will help condition the body and diminish the shock from sudden immersion in the chilled water

• Don’t stay in the water longer than five minutes That’s when cold water incapacitation can set in, although serious hypothermia isn’t likely to occur until an average-sized adult has been in the water for 30 minutes for more.

• Bring a fluffy towel to get dry immediately and a warm robe or clothes, thick woolly socks and heavy sweaters for the ride home

• Stephen Cheung, a kinesiology professor at Brock University in Ontario who studies how the human body reacts to extreme environments, suggests a quick dash into the water is preferable to a slow stroll down the ramp to lessen the mental anxiety of getting cold.

• And if you have a pre-existing heart condition, it’s best to enjoy the event from shore or the pier

Registration for the plunge begins at 11:30 a m

For more photos follow us on Instagram #tricitynews

David Stuart makes sure the mascot for the Penguin Plunge is looking its best for the New Year's Day event, the first since 2020. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

Public Hearing Notice

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7pm

Where: Electronic Meeting, open to in-person attendance in Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Newport Dr , Port Moody, B C (see portmoody.ca/ph for details)

Port Moody Council is holding a Public Hearing to consider the following proposed bylaw:

LOCATION MAP - 1008 Tuxedo Drive N

Notice of Temporary Use Permit

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7pm - Regular Council Meeting

Where: Electronic Meeting, open to in-person attendance in Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Newport Dr , Port Moody, B C (see portmoody ca/councilmeetings for details)

Port Moody Council will consider approval of the following Temporary Use Permit:

LOCATION MAP - 2326 Clarke Street

Application: REZ00019

Bylaw: 3388

Applicant: CityState Consulting Location: 1008 Tuxedo Drive

Purpose: To rezone 1008 Tuxedo Drive from Single Detached Residential (RS1) Zone to Single Detached Residential – Small Lot (RS1-S) Zone in order to subdivide the land into two lots

Get in touch!

How do I get more information?

Copies of the bylaw(s) can be inspected online at portmoody.ca/publichearing at any time and in person at the second-floor counter in City Hall, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, from 8:30am to 5pm (Please note that City Hall will be closed from 12 noon, December 23, 2022 and reopen on January 3, 2023) You can also contact staff at planning@portmoody ca or 604.469.4540 with any questions.

How can I provide input?

1 If you believe your property is affected by this rezoning application, you may comment directly to Council at the Public Hearing at 7pm on January 10, 2023 by joining the electronic meeting as a participant or attending at City Hall in person. Visit portmoody.ca/ph for instructions on how to join the electronic meeting

2. You can also send a submission in writing before 12pm on January 10, 2023 by emailing clerks@portmoody ca or faxing 604.469.4550

Kate Zanon, General Manager of Community Development

604.469.4500 www.portmoody.ca

Application: TUP000020

Applicant: Greg Axford

Location: 2326 Clarke Street

Purpose: To consider approval of a temporary real estate office for up to three years

Get in touch!

How

Kate Zanon, General Manager of Community Development

604.469.4500 www.portmoody.ca

New ministry a sign of the times

One of the more intriguing moves made by Premier David Eby when he appointed his new cabinet was the creation of a brand-new ministry to focus on planning for natural disasters, particularly those caused by climate change

Its official name is the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, and the minister is Bowinn Ma, the MLA for North Vancouver–Lonsdale She had previously served as in a junior portfolio as the Minister of State for Infrastructure Ma will likely fast become a familiar face if the pattern of weather and natural disasters that have befallen B.C in recent years continues Ma has already held

one news conference along with Transportation Minister Rob Fleming to deal with the recent snow and cold weather event, and she is certain to be holding many more in the time ahead.

But aside from building a public profile, Ma will also be expected to steadily improve the co-ordination of various ministries and different levels of government to respond to emergencies

Eby’s “mandate letter” to Ma directs her to learn from the lessons of past emergencies and “build our capacity to be resilient in the face of recent emergencies and prepare in a way that mitigates the risk of future emergencies”

As these weather events occur more regularly the pressure will

be on Ma’s new ministry to literally work miracles in the face of potentially catastrophic fires, floods and other weather-related disasters

This is not to suggest the new ministry is not needed.

But is still unclear how it will operate on the ground.

For example, it will be interesting to see how Ma works with municipal governments when dealing with disasters

Eby has already signalled he is prepared to go over municipalities’ heads when it comes to creating housing, so it is quite possible Ma may take the same approach when it comes to dealing with weather-caused emergencies

The creation of this

new ministry is a sign that climate change and its devastating effects are now elevated to a top level of government concern (emergency management had been part of the public safety ministry).

B C got its first health minister in 1940s as population growth resulted in a more complicated and larger health-care system

In 1975, as environmental values began to take hold in the public consciousness, the province’s first standalone environment ministry was created (it was once called recreation and conservation).

And now we have a climate readiness portfolio Welcome to the times

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC

Last Week t

This Week t

“I’m all for making the outdoors as accessible as possible, and if it takes a washroom to do it, then great!”

Mark

Vicki Magnison

Millie

Karen Seguin

PoCo townhouse project helps meet demand

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Port Coquitlam has a role to play in meeting a huge demand for housing in Metro Vancouver, said Mayor Brad West in approving a new 23unit townhouse project for the city’s north side

Located at 1759, 1771, 1775 and 1781 Prairie Ave , the proposal by CityState Consulting will provide three-bedroom units, with sizes ranging from 1,560 to 1,810 sq ft for families, as well as a children’s play area, and retain nine mature trees

“Metro Vancouver is going to see a significant population increase over the next several decades and there is no stopping people from coming to Port Coquitlam It’s a great place to live,” said Mayor West as council unanimously approved the townhouse development on four singlefamily lots

“Every city is expected to accept a share of the population growth that is coming,”

said West

He said the proposal fits in with the city’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and the local context

However, the project received criticism from residents who turned out for the Dec 6 public hearing, including concerns about traffic and the impact of an extra four units of density on the neighbourhood

“I’m concerned with the amount of traffic you’re going to dump on a lane that has typically not seen any traffic in 35 years,” said Gord Sherwood

He said the back lane between Prairie Avenue and Salisbury Avenue is used

by pedestrians as well as cars and should be lit if it’s going to accommodate more traffic

Sherwood, who built his house 10 years ago, said he disagreed with the increased density variance of four additional units on the property

“Bonus densities are basically a carrot hanging in front of everybody’s nose a $235,000 carrot,” Sherwood said, referring to money the developer will pay as a density bonus for city amenities and affordable housing

Other residents raised concerns about the impact of more residents on the

neighbourhood and services such as hospitals, ambulance and fire, and how the environment and animals will be affected

One resident said the city’s notification process, which gave the wrong date for the meeting before it was changed, might have prevented more people from sharing their concerns at the meeting

“The concerns of some residents, I hope they don’t fall on deaf ears,” said the resident, who lives on Salisbury Avenue

Council was told that the density of the project is less than that of other nearby townhouse developments

Carola Thompson, of CityState Consulting, said

the project is the equivalent of 5 75 units per single-family lot (with the lot sized at 8,700 sq ft ) compared to six units per lot and 6 5 units per lot in other developments nearby

She noted that a visitor’s parking space has been added to accommodate neighbours’ parking concerns, nine trees will be retained and the development will achieve a high level of energy efficiency through Built Green Gold certification, which is also Step 3 in the BC Energy Step Code

MORE LIGHTING

Installing lighting in the lane to provide enhanced safety was supported by several councillors, including Coun Dean Washington

“I would suggest you really explore it I’m sure there would be support on this council,” he told staff who agreed lighting lanes used for access to multi-family homes could be considered in future

Meanwhile, several councillors said they were supportive of the project Coun Nancy McCurrach said it was “in the right place”

Coun Darrell Penner said it’s been several years since the OCP called for more

density in the area and at the time few people expressed concerns

“We got virtually got nothing back from the community on concerns about this area, [and] we’re going well ‘OK that looks like that’s going to work,’” said Penner

“Fast forward, many things have changed since then and the things that have changed has been the greater need for housing and choices in housing forms”

Coun Paige Petriw noted that her family is among the demographic that couldn’t afford to purchase a singlefamily home and bought a townhouse, similar to the ones being proposed, and began to build up equity

“I’m kind of a real-life example of how families get into the market with this type of housing,” Petriw said In reiterating his support for the development, West noted that Premier David Eby has put municipalities on notice that governments may step in if housing targets aren’t met

“From my perspective, on balance, it’s a good development in the right spot, consistent with the city’s OCP with a very modest increase in units at a time when cities are increasingly under the gun”

Some residents object to increased density, traffic

A

23-unit townhouse complex on Prairie Avenue that has been approved by council. CITY OF PORT COQUITLAM

B L A K E B U R N L A G O O N S

Costly washroom facility just flushing money

The Editor:

It is somewhat baffling that Port Coquitlam council sees fit to expend thousands of dollars to install washroom facilities at the Blakeburn Lagoons (Port Coquitlam’s bike skills park looks pretty sad should it be fixed or removed? tricitynews com: Dec 15, 2022)

I have nothing but kudos for PoCo council for the great job they do

But, on this, you have struck out on three straight pitches

Washroom(s) are not needed the lagoon is not a full day adventure

It’s for a casual walk to see nature and not a place for when nature calls

The facilities will only bring graffiti and senseless vandalism

Unfortunately, that’s what society has reared of late Council should look at maybe using the potty fund for better and quicker snow removal given that over the last many years we, as well as other local municipalities, have not done a stellar job and have been caught with their pants down

No pun intended

Ray Yule Port Coquitlam

The Blakeburn Lagoons in Port Coquitlam are a destination for short visits, so a washroom facility isn’t required, says a letter writer

CITY OF PORT COQUITLAM

PHOTO

Fraser Health boosts services for youth in crisis

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

A massive increase in the number of children and youth suffering a mental health crisis or struggling with substance use has prompted Fraser Health to boost services in the TriCities

The number of youth seeking help grew 59 per cent during the pandemic and has not abated in 2022, says a family clinician who oversees support programs in the Tri-Cities

By the end of the year, as many as 1,200 children aged six to 18 will have sought help for anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and

substance use disorder in the Tri-Cities, said Geneva Healey, manager of clinical operations, child and youth with Fraser Health

“It’s come to a point where they’re in a state of crisis; they need immediate intervention and support,” said Healey

To address the increase in numbers, Fraser Health is

hiring clinicians and a family therapist to work out of the Port Moody START (Short Term Assessment Response Treatment) office to help TriCity families dealing with these challenging issues

While the pandemic added to the stress and anxiety children face, social media, where children and youth can suffer bullying

attacks 24/7, are among the underlying problems, Healey agreed

There’s also a recognition that youth substance use is often entwined with their mental health

CONSEQUENCES

Sadly, the mix can have deadly consequences

According to a recent BC Coroners Service report, overdose is currently the third most likely cause of death for those aged under 19 years of age

“What research and evidence have shown is that they [mental health and drug use] are so intertwined and they so interact with each other,” said Healey

Now, Tri-City parents are getting help to talk to their kids about this sensitive topic, thanks to a partnership with Family Smart and funded by a Tri-Cities’ golf fundraiser called Johnny’s Heart of Gold

Healey said a support worker has been hired who has “lived experience,” which means their own child dealt with substance use disorder, so they can provide practical advice for parents who are struggling for ways to help their own child

Often when confronted, youth don’t want to seek treatment

But when parents are provided with tools to talk to their children without being counter-productive, they might have some success instead of alienating them

“Sometimes well-intentioned parents can have behaviours that push their children away,” said Healey

“We’ve discovered in the substance-use world that when shame is increased, that often increases the use and so it’s learning how to come along side and support in a way that hopefully motivates the youth to seek

treatment rather than sever the relationship”

Clinicians working out of the Port Moody START office who typically deal with children’s mental health concerns are also being trained to deal with their substance use issues

The goal of the START program is to keep youth out of hospital and to provide them with support in the community “which means a youth can sleep in their own bed supported by their loved ones who know them the best,” said Healey

These are youth who are showing a decline in their mental health that is so debilitating they are unable to participate in their daily activities

GETTING HELP

Most often youth or parents call START for help, or it could be a school counsellor who notices that a student isn’t themself

Among the challenging array of feelings, thoughts and behaviours that could present among youth are:

• suicidal thoughts or attempts

• self-harm

• intense anxiety or depression

• a high risk of harming others

• an inability to stop using substances

• continued use despite health issues

• increased tolerance for substances

• risk taking, overdose(s) and/or withdrawal symptoms

More information about the START program in Fraser Health can be viewed online

Anyone can book an appointment with START, including youth, families, schools, community supports and medical professionals by contacting the START Team at 1-844START11 (1-844-782-7811)

Y E A R I N P H O T O S

(Clockwise from top left) Adam Faber first hit our radar when he posted a musical parody about the ongoing pickleball drama in Coquitlam. He followed that up with an ode to the barge that was beached in English Bay for several months. When we finally connected I wanted to capture the goofy majesty of an accordionist run amok. Rosa Gabrielli’s meatballs have satisfied generations of hungry customers at her little Italian restaurant on Port Moody’s Clarke Street so it was only fitting to honour her retirement with an intergenerational portrait of Rosa and her mother: her inspiration in the kitchen and source of many of her recipes. Longtime volunteers at the Terry Fox Hometown Run are framed by Fox’s legs in a statue in front of the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, where the annual event occurs. Assignments at schools have to be timed so they don’t occur during class changes or lunch hours, otherwise it would have been impossible to find a quiet moment for a portrait of Jacob Gillis. I love the challenge of shooting with stainless steel. It works great to bounce light and it provides an opportunity to play with reflections, as with this portrait of soy sauce entrepreneur Jason Nichol. Sometimes you just have to stop for a pretty photo. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

S A F E T Y

Seniors must stay vigilant to avoid scammers

Internet scams have increased by 87% since 2015

MARGARET COATES newsroom@tricitynews.com

Lately there have been a rash of scams and frauds perpetrated against people, some of them vulnerable seniors It seems that unless older people and their loved ones stay vigilant, seniors could easily fall prey to these crimes

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which is Canada’s central repository for information about fraud, fraud is the No 1 crime perpetrated against older Canadians

“Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others,” the centre’s website says “Some of the reasons are that they are often home during the day to answer the door or phone, they can be more trusting, and they may not have family or friends close by to ask for a second opinion”

Phone scams seem to be receding because seniors are becoming more tech savvy, but at the same time this has made them more vulnerable to internet scams According to the Better Business Bureau, internet scams have increased by 87 per cent since 2015

In general, the CAFC says,

as of Aug 31, there were 38,812 victims of fraud so far in Canada in 2022, with more than $333 million lost

Phone scams are falling as seniors become more tech savvy, but that’s making them more vulnerable to internet fraudsters, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. BLOOM PRODUCTIONS/DIGITALVISION/

to-door and online scams Of course, we have probably

Four prominent scams are outlined on the CAFC website, including romance, service, prizes and emer-

gency scams Unfortunately, there are several other scams such as credit card fraud, identity theft, phone, door-

GETTY IMAGES

Seniors

S A F E T Y

Scamcallsunderreported

the reports”

all suffered from excessive calls from those saying they are from Canada Revenue Agency and trying to mislead people into paying for a false debt

It has been suggested that under-reporting, especially by older people, is an issue

The CAFC strongly recommends reporting if you have been a victim “because for law enforcement to combat fraud and cybercrime, it is essential that those who experience, or fall victim, report it to local police

Local police are positioned to investigate the incident and the CAFC supports law enforcement by sharing information collected through

Recently, two seniors have been targeted by the “grandparent scam” In one, a person is supposedly contacted by the police and asked to pay bail for their grandchild One trusting senior lost her money, while the other was saved from being scammed because she went to police with the bail money instead of having the scammer visit her at home

The RCMP reminds everyone that “authorities will never make phone calls where they arrange bail payments, and that the perpetrators often disguise their numbers to make it seem as if they are calling from a police department or government agency”

You may have heard it all before, but it always bears repeating we need to protect ourselves from scammers and fraudsters

Everyone should use common sense Remember if an offer seems to be too good to be true, you should ignore it

Being scammed or the victim of fraud is mostly preventable Maybe, take the time to get a second opinion from someone you trust whenever something seems fishy

Margaret Coates is the coordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society in North Vancouver Ideas for future columns are welcome email lions view@telus net

Search local events. Farmers Markets

Y E A R I N P H O T O S

(Above) The girls AAAA high school basketball championship final may have been one of the most intense games I’ve ever covered. That it was between crosstown rivals just heightened the emotions And with either team poised to win in the final moments, I had to ensure I was in a good spot to capture that emotion no matter who won. MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

(Below) Who knew Port Moody is an epicentre for the international trade of collectible sneakers that even attracts enquiries from NBA stars? (Bottom) Safety netting in front of the spectator area at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre means you have to shoot through the glass. This game always looks faster and more intense from this angle MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

(Top) More than a year of trying to keep sports coverage alive when there was virtually no sports to cover helped broaden our parameters of what we might traditionally call sport, like a feature to promote a cornhole tournament to raise money for a good cause, for instance.

(Above) William and Walter Zheng are big twin brothers. So capturing their size as linemen for the Centennial Centaurs football team and the challenge their parents must have keeping up with their grocery bills required I get right down on my belly The lighting was actually a mistake, as one of my two flashes failed to fire for this frame. (Right) The thrill of scoring a goal never gets old, and I love the way these field lacrosse players’ balletic mid-air embrace at the high school provincial championship is framed by the mesh of the soccer net in the background MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

Public Hearing Notice

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7pm

Where: Electronic Meeting, open to in-person attendance in Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Newport Dr , Port Moody, B C (see portmoody.ca/ph for details)

Port Moody Council is holding a Public Hearing to consider the following proposed bylaw:

LOCATION MAP - 988 Seaforth Way N

SUBJECT PROPERTY

Application: REZ00014 Bylaw: 3386

Applicant: Cole Shafer Location: 988 Seaforth Way

Get in touch!

How do I get more information?

Copies of the bylaw(s) can be inspected online at portmoody.ca/publichearing at any time and in person at the second-floor counter in City Hall, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, from 8:30am to 5pm (Please note that City Hall will be closed from 12 noon, December 23, 2022 and reopen on January 3, 2023) You can also contact staff at planning@portmoody ca or 604.469.4540 with any questions.

How can I provide input?

1 If you believe your property is affected by this rezoning application, you may comment directly to Council at the Public Hearing at 7pm on January 10, 2023 by joining the electronic meeting as a participant or attending at City Hall in person. Visit portmoody.ca/ph for instructions on how to join the electronic meeting

2. You can also send a submission in writing before 12pm on January 10, 2023 by emailing clerks@portmoody ca or faxing 604.469.4550

Kate Zanon, General Manager of Community Development

Purpose: To rezone 988 Seaforth Way from Single Detached Residential (RS1) Zone to Single Detached Residential – Small Lot (RS1-S) Zone in order to subdivide the land into three lots 604.469.4500 www.portmoody.ca