Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Times January 6 2015

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015

• LOCAL NEWS • mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 16 PAGES

A Maple Ridge couplewelcomes the New Year’s

baby…

Page A9

Last-minute pleas

No federalmoney forIron HorseMaple Ridge’s youth safehouse was denied fundingreprieve by feds, putting theprovincial dollars in jeopardy.by Christopher [email protected]

There will be no federal fund-ing to keep Iron Horse YouthSafe House open because there isno money to fund it directly, saidlocal MP Randy Kamp.

Last week, social developmentminister Candice Bergen sent aletter denying a request to fundone-third of the cost to keep thesafe house open for six months– so an alternative, long-termsolution could be found.

The rejection is based on thefact that Ottawa provides home-

lessness fundingvia two routes,to the provincebased on a certaincriteria, and toMetro Vancouver– which then getsdivvied up.

“There is noactual moneyfrom the minister

to individually give,” Kamp said.“Funding goes to other entitiesand they make the decision.”

Kamp acknowledged theimportant service the local youthshelter provides, but said thatAlouette Housing Start Society– which runs the shelter – knewthree years in advance that fund-ing changes were coming.

“Iron Horse did get $276,000 totake them through to Dec. 31,”Kamp said. “They have receiveda lot, almost $3 million over theyears.”

•More at www.mrtimes.com,search “Iron Horse”

Strata properties in Maple Ridge andPitt Meadows have slid in worth.by Matthew ClaxtonGlacier Media

BC Assessment’s newly-released numbersshow that houses are getting more expen-sive while condos sink in value in MapleRidge and Pitt Meadows.

On Jan. 2, the agency released its annualvaluation of hundreds of thousands of resi-dential properties across the province.

A city-by-city breakdown shows that therewere modest increases in value for housesin the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, whilethe value of condos and townhouses dippedslightly.

In Maple Ridge, the typical home valuewas listed at $425,000 for a detached home,up from $408,000 for 2014.

Meanwhile, a townhouse was around$345,000, down from $361,000 in 2014.And, a typical condo was assessed at

$192,000, down from $198,000 the yearbefore.

It was a similar story in Pitt Meadows,where single-family homes were valued at$546,000, up from $525,000 the year before,townhouses were down to $348,000 from$350,000, while condos slid from $198,000to $193,000.

Nearby communities like Abbotsford andLangley also saw similar changes.

BC Assessment said most homes in theregion are remaining stable, and the rate ofchange was between plus or minus five percent for the typical home.

In the Lower Mainland, Vancouver andits closest neighbours saw property valuesincrease much faster than in communitiesfarther out into Metro Vancouver and theFraser Valley.

The price of a typical home is based onmarket trends and can be affected by manyvariables, noted Raj Sandhu, an actingassessor in the Fraser Valley region.

The dropping condo values may be aneffect of supply and demand, Sandhu said.

“What we’ve seen is a large amount ofsupply in recent years, which may have ledto that,” he said.

Assessments are largely based on salesof a given home type in a given neighbour-hood.

Residents can look up their home’s valua-tion online at www.bcassessment.ca, andnotices have also been sent out to home-owners.

Property owners who worry their assess-ment does not reflect market value can con-tact the authority and appeal their notice.

They can submit a notice of complaint toappeal their assessment if done before Feb.2, and a Property Assessment Review Panelwill look at their issue.

Higher or lower-than-average increases ordecreases in property value can affect howmuch property tax a landowner pays.

If their property value is falling whilethe average is rising, they may see a slightreduction in taxes. However, if their prop-erty’s value is rising faster than average, itmay cause a higher increase in taxes.

BC Assessments

Townhouses, condos drop in value

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A2 Tuesday, January 6, 2015 Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

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UpFrontMaple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, January 6, 2015 A3

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Married onmountainA Boxing Day wedding at the back of

Mount Robie Reid – behind Stave Lake(northeast of Maple Ridge) – broughttogether a woman from Ireland and aman from England.

• More at www.mrtimes.com

More mailboxes hitMail theft always increases during

the holidays, and Maple Ridge and PittMeadows were no exceptions. Mountiesissued warnings to residents during theChristmas season, following break-ins toa number of community mailboxes.


Helicopter student James Howard and hisnew wife Dee were married on Boxing Day.

Murder has Pitt tiesThe Integrated Homicide Investigation

Team confirmed last week that an SUVrecovered in Pitt Meadows in Novemberbelonged to slain Theoren Poitra, aknown gang affiliate who was killed inRichmond back on Oct. 2.


Year in Review: Education

Budget cutsstill loomingby Christopher [email protected]

It was a turbulent year forthe Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadowsschool district with the teachers’strike, a new superintendent, andschool board election.

And while things have finallysettled, this may only be thecalm before a new storm, saidboard chair Mike Murray.

Currently, the school districtis forecasting cuts in the nextbudget unless extra funding isprovided by the provincial gov-ernment. More details will comeout once budgeting starts in thenew year, Murray said.

“I’m hoping it is the case thatwe don’t have to cut, but basedon the preliminary review, that’srealistic,” Murray said. “Thebudget will come out in April.”

The school district is alsoembarking on a 10-year facilitiesplan, which will take a look atschool popula-tion projec-tions (whichis expectedto increaseslightly), andstructuralcondition ofschoolsincluding rec-ommendationsif any need tobe replaced.

Once the plan is completed,the school board may need toapproach the provincial govern-ment for even more money,Murray said.

Potential budget cuts next yearwon’t affect students, parents,and teachers in this currentschool year, Murray added.

And while the school yearstarted three weeks late andthere are a number of classrooms– notably in the high schools,with more than 30 students ina class – the school year wasnot extended and the reshufflingof students to bring class sizesdown is done.

“There was some movingaround, but that’s pretty muchit now,” Murray said. “The newsuperintendent will look at thatin the upcoming school year tocorrect that.”


Mike MurraySchool board chair

Community spirit was on full display thisyear, as the City came together to celebratea major milestone.by Eric [email protected]

Standing in the South BonsonCommunity Centre with thePremier, the MLAs and PittMeadows City council earlier thisyear, as 100 residents and community groupswere acknowledged, is a moment that Erin Markwon’t soon forget.

The recognition was part of the City’s centen-nial celebrations, of which Mark was the maincoordinator.

“The history and sense of community in theroom was so inspirational to me and manyothers,” Mark said.

She knew there was buzz building as the Cityapproached the special birthday milestone, butcouldn’t have imagined the level of response fromthe community.

“I don’t think anyone predicted the level ofinterest we experienced from the residents ofPitt Meadows,” said Mark. “We saw attendanceincrease, in some cases triple, at most annualevents and saw line-ups through the door forevents such as the Heritage Tea.”

The Pitt Meadows Day 2014 parade was also the“largest ever.”

Though getting the word out about specialevents in a community can sometimes be a chal-lenge, Mark credited the Centennial Committee forrising to the occasion and tackling the challengehead-on.

Using a combination of print ads, social media,newsletters, emails, banners, electronic signs, andword of mouth, Mark said the majority of resi-

dents were made awareof what was happening

when, surrounding thecelebration schedule.

Despite the efforts toensure everyone knewwhat was going on,Mark said there werestill some anxiousmoments.She recalled “wait-

ing in Spirit Squareright before

the special Centennial Heritage Fair and BirthdayParty, worrying about how many attendees wouldcome.”

However, her worries were soon alleviated, asshe watched “hundreds of children from all theschools swarm the area in all directions,” right asthe event began.

“It was so amazing to feel that energy,” sherecalled.

“It was wonderful to see how involved peoplewere in the centennial celebrations.”

Now that the celebrations have all but wrappedup, and the calendar flips over to 2015, Mark saidworking on such a “historically significant” pro-ject in her hometown was a career highlight andthe opportunity is something she is very gratefulfor.

But Mark recognizes she could not have doneit alone, and that the spirit of volunteering hasalways been a part of the community in PittMeadows.

“One of the things that stood out for me dur-ing the centennial were the thousands of volun-teers that over the last 100 years have made PittMeadows such a great place to call home,” shesaid.

Notes of thanks and phone calls from residentsand former residents acknowledging the variousaspects of the Centennial have “meant so much toeveryone who worked on the Centennial,” Markadded.

And though the year my be finished, Mark’swork in the community is far from over.

“I have expanded my volunteering and lookforward to helping the Pitt Meadows Day Societyput together another terrific Pitt Meadows Day in2015,” she said.

Year in Review: Pitt Meadows

City centennial wraps up

TIMES files

A re-enactment of the very first City council meeting was part ofthe year-long centennial celebrations in Pitt Meadows.

“It waswonderfulto see howinvolvedpeoplewere.”Erin Mark

Pluses to stinky plantIn large quantities, skunk cabbage can

be deadly, but flora and fauna columnistLiz Hancock shares other insights into thisplant used as a laxative by bears whenthey come out of hibernation.

Check out this Maple Ridge environ-mentalist’s monthly River Talk column.


Discover the joys of floraand fauna in our ruralareas. Liz welcomes

questions [email protected]

River TalkRiver Talkby Liz Hancock

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Maple Ridge celebrated its 140thbirthday by becoming a City, a statussaid to be key ‘going forward.’by Christopher [email protected]

Business cards and stationery with theCity moniker has rolled out, but changingthe District of Maple Ridge sign outsideCity hall is taking a little longer.

It was a double celebration inSeptember with Maple Ridge celebratingits 140th birthday and becoming B.C.’s50th city. While most district referencesare now gone, some still linger.

“There are only a couple of signsleft to change,” said City spokespersonFred Armstrong. “As time goes on andwhen maintenance is required, it will beupdated.”

There was no special budget created forthe celebration as funding for both thebirthday and city designation came out ofexisting departmental budgets, Armstrongsaid. He estimates the costs at about$10,000 to $12,000.

The two milestones were formallyannounced by Premier Christy Clark,when she visited Maple Ridge inSeptember. However, her visit was metby striking teachers coincidentally holdinga gathering at Memorial Peace Park.

The protest drowned out Clark’s speechat times, but 10 days later, the strike wasover.

“All of the cabinet and the Premier hadan opportunity to see what people werethinking of,” Armstrong said, addingClark held an afternoon caucus meetingin Maple Ridge after her speech.

“Maybe that helped create flexibilityon the government side to look at andresolve the issue.”

While becoming a City doesn’t bringextra funding or more powers to Cityhall, the new designation changes percep-tion and charts a new course in the futureof Maple Ridge, said Armstrong.

“It’s a coming of age for the commun-ity,” Armstrong said.

“The City designation is a very import-ant part of identifying what we want tocreate, going forward.”

Year in Review: 140th birthday

New city signs slow to come

TIMES files

Former Maple Ridge mayor Ernie Daykin (right) cuts abirthday cake with the help of Emerald Pig TheatricalSociety actor Simon Challenger, impersonating JohnMcIver. The name Maple Ridge was inspired by all themaple trees growing on McIver’s farm.


Congratulations Finalists

AWARDSBUSINESS

EXCELLENCE

Small Business of the Year AwardBlenz Maple RidgeCountrywide CommunicationsMaple Ridge Towing

Business Leader of the Year AwardDr. Cobi SlaterFred FormosaVicki McLeod

Home-Based Business AwardAmber Light PhotographyPacific Star ElectricSimplified Business Solutions

Agricultural & Agri-Business AwardHoneyland CanadaMeadows Maze

Save The Date

Business Excellence Awards GalaWhen We Unveil the WinnersSaturday, February 21, 2015

Thank You SponsorsPresenting Platinum Prize Floral Signage Media

Sponsorships Still AvailableContact Andrea 604.457.4599www.ridgemeadowschamber.com

Business of the Year AwardEuro-Rite CabinetsHopcott Premium MeatsMeadowridge School

Non-Profit Organization AwardAlouette Addiction ServicesMaple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community ServicesRidge Meadows Association for Community Living

Community Spirit AwardFamily Education & Support CentreKeesha RosarioLorraine Bates & Tom Cameron

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, January 6, 2015 A5

Maple Ridge residents voted for change, electingNicole Read as mayor over incumbent ErnieDaykin in the November municipal election.by Christopher [email protected]

When Nicole Read was running to becomeMaple Ridge’s mayor, she heard stories that Citystaff needed to be reigned in as they were leadingcouncil when it should be the other way around.

One month into her new job and she has foundthat is not the case.

“They have freely provided information that Ihave asked for, they have been willing to adjustand adapt, and they do really incredible things,”Read said of City hall staff.

“My working relationship with [chief administrationofficer] Jim Rule is great.”

This misconception of how City hall staff operates anda lack of understanding of the work they do, has madethe need for performance reviews and monthly updateson what’s going on at City hall even more important,Read said, acknowledging a campaign promise she made.

“The public is not aware of the amount of work ornature of work they are doing,” Read said. “Having per-formance reviews is really important to the public rightnow. I will [also] be writing monthly updates on whatI’m working on and the challenges we are facing, to bemore connected to the people.”

Read has had a busy schedule since she won themayoral race against incumbent mayor Ernie Daykin andthree others in the November municipal election. Oneof her first acts as mayor was being one of only a fewwho voted against the 0.5-per-cent provincial sales taxincrease referendum to fund transit expansion in MetroVancouver. She cited TransLink’s governance and lack offirm commitments of expanded bus service – such as a B-line to Maple Ridge – for her decision. She has also beenlobbying for provincial and federal funding to keep Iron

Horse Youth Safe House from closing, and she has had toacquaint herself with staff, each of the councillors, andCity issues, as well as start implementing promises andcommitments she made during her elect campaign.

A mayor’s task force tackling homelessness is forthcom-ing, along with improving economic develop-ment in the City and lobbying the provincialgovernment for a new school in Albion.

“Nothing has changed since I’ve come in,”Read said, in regards to her campaign promises.“There were a number of things I identified aspriorities, and I still intend to follow throughwith them.”

Between balancing family and public workduring the recent holiday season, Read has beenworking on filing her election expenses withElections BC. Despite how financially expensiveand tiring the mayor’s campaign was, she hasno regrets in how she ran it.

She won after all.“My campaign was expensive,” Read said. “It was self-

funded and I wouldn’t change that at all.“I did a number of things right. I knew social media

was going to be very important and I knew that I neededto connect with people with my signs, [and] my engage-ment with the public. I had quite a number of meetingswith seniors and I stayed very focused.”

Read has said she never held any animosity againstformer mayor Daykin, and that her decision to run wasbased on a need for change in the community.

As for Daykin, his first month out of the public eye wasspent with family and dressing up as Santa at variousfunctions.

“I’ve just kind of been relaxing,” he said. “I’ve beencatching up with friends and colleagues, spending moretime with my wife, kids, and grand kids, it’s been good.”

Although retired, Daykin enjoys being busy and stilldoes work at Baptist Housing Society. He has no plansfor a return to public life at this time and there has beensome new endeavours offered to him, which he wasmum on. He is in no rush to jump into something new.

“I really enjoyed my public life,” Daykin said. “It’s

been fulfilling… Whatever comes next has to provide thatlevel of fulfillment. It’s going to be something I want todo passionately.”

Voters also elected a new City council, returning incum-bents Corisa Bell and Bob Masse, picking newbies TylerShymkiw and Kiersten Duncan, and bringing back formercouncil members Gordy Robson and Craig Speirs.

Year in Review: Maple Ridge election

Newmayor starts fulfilling her election promises

Nicole ReadMaple Ridge Mayor

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HAPPYNEW YEAR

from our familyto yours

OpinionA6 Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Our View

Make saferresolutions

The new year is a good time for afew resolutions: exercise more, flossmore, spend less, eat healthier…

For 2015, the helpful and ambitiousMounties at the Coquitlam RCMP puttogether a list of five resolutions worthyof consideration for anyone in any com-munity to add to their resolution lists.

1. Be a better driver. High-risk driv-ing causes an average of 6,500 seriouscrashes each year in B.C.

You are more than 23 times morelikely to crash if you text while driving.If you can’t resist temptation, put yourphone in the trunk to avoid distraction.Anything that takes your mind, eye, orhands off the road is a distraction andcan potentially cause a crash.

A yellow traffic light does not mean“speed up.” It means prepare to stop aslong as it is safe to do so.

Always leave a safe distance betweenyourself and the vehicle in front of you.A “safe” distance depends on weatherand road conditions, but the two-secondrule works in good driving conditions.

Speed is a frequently cited contribut-ing factor in police-reported crashes. Alot of time, effort, and expertise goesinto setting speed limits. Follow them.

Failing to signal increases yourchance of causing a crash.

2. Volunteer. This one speaks foritself: volunteering makes a better com-munity all around.

3. Be a better neighbour. See some-thing suspicious or bothersome in yourneighbourhood? Let the police know,for your neighbours’ sake.

4. Be a better digital citizen. Learnhow to protect yourself and your kidsin digital environments like Facebook,Twitter, and others.

5. Be connected to your commun-ity. It’s an important way to help keepyourself, your neighbours, and thewhole community safer.

Make the new year a safer one.

Fantino is out.And there will be a great gnash-

ing of teeth and rending of gar-ments by veterans throughout theland… not.

More likely, the sounds you’llhear from veterans will be thoseof cheering and general merry-making.

Suffice it to say, with his oldportfolio fat with instructions forhow to reduce services, pensions,and anything else that couldbenefit those who put their liveson the line for our country – and as tactlessly aspossible – Julian Fantino was not the most popu-lar of Veterans Affairs Ministers Canada has everseen.

Consequently, Prime Minister Stephen Harperhas put Fantino on ice – almost literally.

The misfired cannon Harper aimed first at fed-eral gun control legislation and then at Canada’sveterans is now pointed at the Arctic, where hewill bring his bull-in-a-china-shop expertise tobear on the delicate diplomacy that will be need-ed to preserve Canada’s questionable sovereigntyin the North.

In our new, globally warmed climate, prac-tically every country with so much as a squarefoot of property within a ballistic missile’s throwof the Arctic Circle is slavering over naturalresources which, when they seemed impossibleto extract anyway, were readily ceded to usby practically everyone. Our Arctic lands wereoriginally a (useless) gift from Norway, whoseexplorers were the first to plant flags there.

Even lovable and cuddly Denmark, who helpedCanada with the scientific research that under-pins our sovereignty claim to the United Nations,is now using that same research package as thebasis for its own claim.

Yes, Mr. Harper, that’s where we need JulianFantino’s kid-gloves approach to dealing withpeople who have views differing from those ofthe Conservative government.

Fantino will also be in chargeof information technology secur-ity and – this one cracks me up –foreign intelligence. Fantino hasclearly demonstrated that thereare few people more foreign tointelligence than he is.

Forgive me if I sound a bitcynical, but I think Fantino’sdemotion from Veterans AffairsMinister to Associate Ministerof Defence is even more cynicalthan I am.

Harper is preparing for a fed-eral election that will inevitably take place thisyear – and sooner than many folks might beexpecting.

Remember Mike Duffy? He’s the nationally rec-ognized journalist-turned-senator who blew thelid off Senate finance improprieties… by appar-ently getting directly involved.

Former Senator Duffy’s trial starts this April,and everything about his situation suggests thatthere will be plenty of embarrassment to fill theplates of a number of prominent Conservatives,right up to the Prime Minister’s Office.

With the trial expected to run through thesummer, and interminable testimony quite likelyimplicating the prime minister himself, Mr.Harper might want to dodge the dirt by callingan early election.

Forget the “fixed election date” legislation thatopens the polls in the fall. Last time out, Harpercalled his election a full year ahead of his own“fixed” schedule. What’s a few months this time?

Expect an early Throne Speech to be passedeasily, followed by a quick budget that Harper’smajority government could easily pass – butwon’t, because Opposition screaming will “force”Harper to take it directly to the people of Canadain a late-March/early-April general election.

As for Mr. Fantino, he should tread lightly onCanada’s thinning Arctic ice. As an albeit juniordefence minister, he is now in charge of peoplewho are still carrying their guns.

Opinion

Odd Thoughtsby Bob Groeneveld

Veterans left behind – happily

Opinion

It’s A Wonderful Life.

Miracle on 34th Street.

Christmas Story.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

One of the Christmas Carol movies.

Anything sugar coated.

This Week’s QuestionNow that it’s over, how will you remember2014??■ Your ViewLast week’s question, results…What’s your favourite Christmas movie?

Vote online at: www.mrtimes.com

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• Jan. 1, 2015 marked a new worlddevoid of B.C.’s 22-year-old AirCare pro-gram. A few readers shared their views...

“Yeah, the cash cow is gone, its abouttime! Oh wait now all those people areout of jobs. Oh well sucks to B you, eh!”

– Greg Bonner

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“It was flawed from the start.”– Valerie Wilkes

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TransLink

Suburbs fundingurban transitDear Editor,

The problem I have with TransLink is thatit is mainly funded by those who can’t useit. Vancouver City enjoys great transit, yetpays the lowest property taxes for a majorcity in the country.

Toronto and Montreal have great transit,too, but their property taxes are double. Inthose cities the suburbs have significantlylower property taxes than the urban centre,to justify the lower level of service.

Vancouver gets its cake and eats it, too,because TransLink uses fuel taxes and lev-ies from the suburbs to fund the great levelof service in the urban core.

Matt Ellis, Maple Ridge

Letters on this page have been edited for space.For longer versions, or more letters to the editorvisit... www.mrtimes.com– Click on Opinion, or search the writers’ names.

Dear Editor,For the past 17

Christmases that I havelived in this community,I have felt compelled towrite, but instead havegone the way of the scaredycat, blaming my silence onthe chronic busyness fromwhich we all suffer.

The annual Strip-a-thon atthe Caddy Shack affects thewives, fiancées, girlfriends,mothers, and daughtersof the men who choose tospend a Sunday afternoonin the Christmas seasonwatching other women taketheir clothes off in the nameof charity.

I’ve yet to meet the wifewho rejoices in her husbandhanging out at the localstrip bar, and whose mar-riage is stronger and moreintimate because of it.

I’ve yet to meet the teen-age daughter who admiresher Dad for taking off towatch other women paradenaked in front of him.

I’ve yet to meet the par-ents who hope that theirlittle girl grows up to be astripper. “Exotic dancer”just doesn’t rank on any-one’s list of worthy accom-plishments or desirablecareer options.

If anyone sacrifices, thenit is undeniably the dancers.Each is beautiful, becauseevery woman is beautiful,regardless of the size orshape of her body parts.

But their dancing hurts

other women and the menwho watch it. It damagesmarriages, families andother relationships.

How we go about doingsomething is as important aswhat we end up doing.

There are many in ourcommunity who give unself-ishly of their time andmoney without expectinganything in return, least ofall a strip show.

To applaud the efforts ofthe Caddy Shack staff byquestioning how many ofus would give up a day’swages to charity is no argu-ment, because Maple Ridgeis filled with people whoseselfless giving goes farbeyond a day’s wages.

Take your average vol-unteer soccer coach andcount how many hourshe/she spends in all kinds

of weather, mentoringboys and girls, month aftermonth.

Dropping money on atable in the name of charityand then patting oneself onthe back is not true charity.

Here’s a challenge to themen who attended thisyear’s Strip-a-thon: nextyear donate the money theyspent there directly to theChristmas Hamper Society,and then, instead of goingto the strip-a-thon, taketheir wife, fiancée, girl-friend, mother, or daughterout for lunch and tell herhow beautiful she is.

That would be proof ofthe Christmas spirit, but itwould take someone manenough to give of himselfwithout expecting anythingin return.

Kelly Ablett, Maple Ridge

Charity

Watching strippers not best giving

Transportation

Transit referendum unfairDear Editor,

I congratulate Maple Ridge Mayor Nicole Read for votingagainst the transit referendum question.

There is nothing in the package for our distant part ofMetro Vancouver. While TransLink replaced our free ferry,it gave us a toll bridge, and even if we choose to bypassthat bridge, the next closest, the Port Mann, is now alsotolled. This leads me back to what I have said since theGolden Ears bridge was built: either toll all crossings with asmall toll or toll none of the crossings.

I would be willing support a one per cent increase in thePST for transportation improvements, if it would resolvethis blatantly unfair taxation we pay for living in MapleRidge or Langley.

Ian Strachan, Maple Ridge

Dear Editor,Carbon tax is exploitation

of a noble principle.Shifting the tax burden

off of income and onto car-bon hurts lower and middleincome families while benefit-ting high income earners andcorporations.

Remember, fossil fuels arenot just used in automobiles and homeheating. Bringing food and goods to familiesis carbon intensive.

To add insult to injury, B.C.’s car-bon tax has not only been used tolower taxes on high-income earners, itpays for Liberal-friendly companies toimprove their energy efficiency – highlyprofitable companies that could affordenergy-saving updates but choose notto, unless it’s on the taxpayers’ dime.

If we are to force people to invest inenergy-saving equipment, should those

making the investment not be the onesreaping the benefit?

Matt Ellis, Maple Ridge/Cottonwood

Carbon tax

Energy beneficiaries should payLettersLetters

tothe

Editor

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Maple Ridge is in mourning, followingthe passing of one of its well-known busi-nessmen, volunteers, and self-proclaimedpolitical junkies.

Lorne Riding, age 72, died in RidgeMeadows Hospital on Dec. 28,after a battle with lung diseasethat dated back to the late 1990s,his widow Judy explained to TheTIMES.

Born in 1942 in Saskatchewan,Riding was 18 when he moved tothe West Coast – settling into lifein Maple Ridge in the early 1970s.

He never left, most recently living inan apartment in downtown Haney thatprovided him easy access, with aid of hisscooter, to local shops and his favouritehaunts such as the Blenz coffeehouse.

Some knew Riding as co-owner of

Grasby’s Men’s Wear in Haney PlaceMall for several years. Other peoplerecall Riding for his involvement locallywith Special Olympics, Ridge MeadowsAssociation for Community Living, Haney

Rotary, Fields for Kids, and/orCanadian Power and Sail Squadron.

Others will remember Ridingon the political front, as theLiberal candidate who ran againstReformer Grant McNally in 1997, orwhen Riding ran a few times for aseat on Maple Ridge council.

A celebration of life for Riding is set forSaturday, Jan. 10, starting at 1 p.m. at theMaple Ridge Baptist Church.

“It’s not just people who were close tohim, it’s people who appreciate him andrespect him,” that Judy expects to attend.

• Much more at www.mrtimes.com, search “Riding”

1942-2014

Big crowd expected to pay respects

Lorne Riding


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How can you share?Do you have a local photo of someone or some place you’d like to share with the rest of Maple Ridge andPitt Meadows? Email it to us as a high-resolution .JPEG to [email protected]. Please include a briefdescription – including everyone’s first and last name. Put “faces & places” in the subject line of your email.

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows

Showcasing someof this community’speople and happenings

Post events 10 days in advanceby email to:

[email protected]

What’s Onwww.mrtimes.com

Jan 7: Open mike• Kanaka Creek Coffee, located at

24155 102nd Ave., hosts an openmike night from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Theevent features Irish inspired folk-rock band, Shades of Green. Cometo watch or come to perform. Phone604-463-5727 for more information.

Jan 8: HUB cycling• Join the HUB Maple Ridge -Pitt

Meadows committee at their month-ly meeting to discuss cycling issuesin the community. The group meetsupstairs in the Maple Ridge Library,from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Jan 8: Seniors helping seniors• Ridge Meadows Seniors Society

hosts their next Seniors HelpingSeniors meeting at 9:30 a.m. in theLibrary Room at Ridge MeadowsSeniors Centre.

Jan 10&11: Search and Rescue• Ridge Meadows Search and

Rescue along with the 1st HaneyScouts hold a tree chipping by dona-tion event, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Chipping takes place at the RidgeMeadows Search and Rescue build-ing, 23598 105th Ave.

Jan 10: Harry Hooge• Tree chipping will take place at

Harry Hooge Elementary, 12280 230St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A min-imum $5 donation requested andproceeds go towards the building ofa new playground.

Jan 10: Imaginners• Halcyon Imagineers host a

Moonlight Marquee from 4:30 p.m.to 9:30 p.m. at Blenz Coffee, locatedat 22441 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Theevent is a benefit for the Friendsin Need Food Bank. More informa-tion is available on the HalcyonImagineers’ Facebook page.

Jan 17 : Open mike• Blenz Coffeehouse atMeadowtown Centre in PittMeadows hosts an open mike nightfrom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admissionto the event is free and all ages arewelcome.

• Full list: www.mrtimes.com, search “What’s On”

Meadowridge School teacher Cindy Hops worked with variousstudents who came together to help the Christmas hampersociety last month.

www.mrtim

es.co

m

MorePhotosOnline

The vital stats: Anyka Patricia Calinborn 5:10 p.m. on Jan. 1, six lbs.five ounces, 10 fingers, 10 toes,and two tired but happy parents.by Roxanne [email protected]

Anyka Patricia Calin will never have achance to meet her great grandmother, butthe Maple Ridge newborn bears her Romanianancestor’s name.

Anyka was born on Jan. 1 at RidgeMeadows Hospital, the first child of Adrianand Adriana Calin, and the community’s firstbaby of the 2015.

“She is our angel,” Adriana said from herhospital room in the second-floor maternityward 24 hours after her daughter’s birth.

Mom went into labour at about 7 a.m. onNew Year’s Day, but it wasn’t until closer

to noon that contractions increased and shecalled her midwife and arranged to meet at thehospital.

At 5:10 p.m. Anyka came screaming into theworld, with the aid of a C-section, weighing allof six pounds five ounces (2.87 kgs) and meas-uring 51 cm in height.

The couple joke that Anyka is their secondchild, noting their three-year-old “son” Puppy

– a Chihuahua – is Anyka’s “big brother”weighing in at about half of Anyka’s size.

While the Calin’s have no family in Canada,they have already had the chance to introduceAnyka to many of their friends.

Adrian, 36, and Adriana, 32, knew eachother and dated for a few months back in2000, when they both first met in Romania.

Adrian moved to Canada in 2006 andAdriana moved here in 2011. They reunitedagain a few years back, through Facebook,rekindling their romance. Three years ago,they were married.

A dozen months ago now, they moved fromBurnaby to Maple Ridge. They learned inMay – a few days after Adrian’s grandmotherpassed away – that Adriana was pregnant, andsettled into a larger home in Yennadon just afew weeks ahead of Anyka’s arrival.

The first-time parents hope Anyka is the firstof at least two children, hoping to bring her ayounger brother in the not too distant future.

Ridge Meadows Hospital

New Year’s baby has older Chihuahua brother

Roxanne Hooper/TIMES

O after her birth, Anyka Calin was lapping up thelove offered by her new parents Adrian and Adriana.

&facesplaces

Grade 8 studentGabriela Nisipeanusorted donations.

Grade 8studentSanihaBudhwaniadmired oneof the toysdonated bya classmateto theChristmashampersociety.

Meadowridge School’s Grade 6students Sunny Yuan and AndriesGouws showed off a fire truckdonated to the hamper society.

Meadowridge students Samuel Rosenthal and Ved Vora,

both in Grade 8, helped deliver new and gently used

gifts to the Christmas Hamper Society.

When theMaple Ridge-PItt Meadows

ChristmasHamper Society

put out cry forhelp with newand used gifts

for childrenand families

in need withinthe community,

students andstaff from

MeadowridgeSchool stepped

up in a big way.See story at

www.mrtimes.com.

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Annual informal swim at AlouetteLake attracted almost 200participants this year.by Christopher [email protected]

When it’s minus two degrees Celsiusoutside, jumping into AlouetteLake is not something that wouldcross most people’s minds, even ifit is sunny out.

However, Craig Mihaichuk andalmost 200 others, decided to dojust that by attending the annualpolar bear swim at Alouette Lake.

This was Mihaichuk’s secondtime attending the local swim,after spending years attending the one inVancouver’s English Bay.

“I’ve been coming out to this one sincemoving to Maple Ridge,” Mihaichucksaid. “I have young kids now and there

are way too many people down there [atEnglish Bay]. The water here is also a lotcolder.”

This year the Vancouver event attractedmore than 2,300 participants.

The annual dip is now a tradition forMihaichuk, who actually swims for a bitin the chilly water. He normally partici-pates with friends, but this year none ofhis friends showed up, and his wife and

kids were too sick to participate.“It’s fun for them to watch,” he

said. “It’s a good family outing.”With both the air and water

being so cold, an older man wasbusy offering shots of whisky toparticipants. Mihaichuk didn’tpartake, but for those curious butscared to take the plunge, he rec-ommends they bring a warm robe

as it’s freezing cold once they come outof the water.

“You’re more cold standing outsideonce you’re out of the water than whenyou’re actually in the water,” he added.

Polar bear swim

Splashing into 2015 at Alouette Lake

Ahmed Yousef (right) doveoff the dock during the

annual polar bear swim atAlouette Lake on Jan. 1. He

was among a couple hundredwho braved the elements

during the lunch-time event.Each year the local outdoorclub invites its members to

go for a swim in GoldenEars Provincial Park. They

are often joined by a largernumber of local residents,some even dressed up as

ninjas (left), wanting to alsoring in the New Year in a

‘cool’ fashion.

www.m

rtim

es.com

MorePhotosOnline

Craig Mihaichuck has attended the annual PolarBear Swim at Alouette Lake twice. The New Year’sDay dip attracted almost 200 participants, includingfamilies and friends, who were willing to submergethemselves in the lake and then emerge into theminus two degrees Celsius air.

Photographs byRick Moyer

www.mrtim

es.co

mMorePhotosOnline



Pitt Meadows United Church’sminister reflected on whatChristmas means to her.by Troy [email protected]

For Pitt Meadows United Churchminister Sue Rodgers, each year,there’s a reason for the season.

Christmas is special time of theyear for Rodgers, in many ways.

“It’s key, it’s absolutely key,”Rodgers said in mid-December, asChristmas Day approached.

Leading up to Christmas, a congre-gation member dressed as a charac-ter from the nativity scene, and paida visit to the church at 12109 HarrisRd.

“We had an angel, we had Joseph,and we’re having Mary show up thisSunday,” Rodgers told the TIMES aweek before Christmas. “They talkto the children and the commun-ity about it and in the sermon, Italk about, ‘How can we relate tothis story?’ ‘What does it matter tous?’ I like to make our faith reallyrelevant, so how can I do my life?What does this mean for my family?Where are my gifts important? Whatis the purpose? What is the mean-ing? I think we find all of that.”

Commercialism aside, Rodgerssaid the “whole world is celebrat-ing Christmas,” which she said is “awonderful thing.”

“For a moment, the world stops

in the midst of these dark times andthese times where there is a lot offear, and we remember, ‘Oh yeah, Ilove my neighbour,’ or ‘Oh yeah, Icare about my family,’ or ‘Oh yeah,I am important,’” Rodgers said. “Ithink it’s a time when people candraw close to God and rememberthat we live in God’sworld and that Godcares about us andloves us.”

An ordination stu-dent, Rodgers is work-ing towards complet-ing her final semesterat Vancouver Schoolof Theology.

“I’m doing myinternship, rightnow,” Rodgers said. “Idon’t have a Reverend[title], yet, before myname.”

She hopes to earnthat title by spring2016.

“Then I hope to beordained,” Rodgersexplained.

The United Church has a variety ofdesignations, and the ordination isthe person who looks after word andsacrament, she explained.

“I was a lay designated ministerbefore, so I can still do services butfor this, now, I wanted to go andlearn theology,” she said.

Rodgers was raised Lutheran butdrifted from the church in her teen-aged years.

She came back to the church afterher children were born.

Originally from Calgary, Rodgersbegan working for the UnitedChurch there, before moving to B.C.six years ago.

“I absolutely fell in love withthem [the United Church],” Rodgers

said. “I was doingthe business side ofthe church there, soI wasn’t doing theministry side. But, Iabsolutely fell in lovewith them. They’reso open, they’re sowelcoming… I justlove what they’reabout.”

Rodgers wasinvited to work as aminister at the PittMeadows church forher internship.

“We’re all hopingthat when I getordained, that I cansettle down into… acall, which means I’llbe the reverend, the

regular minister here, because I lovethis community,” Rodgers said.

She oversees the regular Sundayservices and helps organize otheractivities around the church,depending on the season.

“There is a lot of joy here, fromthe moment you walk in the door onSunday, you just feel this joy here,”Rodgers added. “We’re a diversegroup: all ages and stages.”

Religion

Season special for minister

Troy Landreville/TIMES

Sue Rodgers, minister at Pitt Meadows United Church, hopes to be ordained in 2016.

“For a moment, theworld stops in themidst of these darktimes and thesetimes where there isa lot of fear, and weremember, ‘Oh yeah,I love my neighbour,’or ‘Oh yeah, I careabout my family,’or ‘Oh yeah, I amimportant.’”Sue Rodgers

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A Pitt Meadows lawyer and formercouncillor, who scored the city’s topjob in November, targets taxation.by Eric [email protected]

The Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall willbe the site of a “Taxation 101” town hallmeeting in February.

The meeting is the brain-child of New Pitt MeadowsMayor John Becker, whowas elected this past fall.

Becker won his seat Nov.15, after defeating his twochallengers Michael Hayesand Gary Paller.

“With Pitt Meadows ontrack to raise tax revenueapproximately 25 per centover the next five yearsin the face of a residents’petition demanding fiscalrestraint, I’m calling for abudgeting model that tar-gets a freeze of City spend-ing for just one year,” heexplained.

The town hall is just oneof a number of initiativesBecker has put into action,since being elected, and he’s got plans formore.

Becker ran his campaign on what hebelieved were key issues: Taxation andspending, transportation, and transpar-ency.

Now that he’s in the mayor’s chair, heknows the time has come to put those

plans into action, and within days ofbeing elected, Becker got down to busi-ness.

“I began new relationship building bymaking appointments with Kim Grout,the new councillors, Nicole Read, GregMoore, and others,” he said.

“Also, I began sending out thank-younotes to our many volunteers and pub-lishing my thank-you notices to the wholecommunity.”

He has also scheduledanother town hall meet-ing for May 21, where thefocus will be on transporta-tion.

“Pitt Meadows transpor-tation issues range fromthe neighbourhood level tothe regional level,” he said.

The planning itself willtake time and money,Becker recognized, but itmust be done.

“The failure to plan is aguaranteed plan to fail,” heremarked.

“We need to inform andempower our residents andinclude them in the deci-sions that affect our dailylives,” he said.

“We need to learn howto agree and disagree, and

embrace diversity of opinion as the bestdecision making process.”

The new mayor has also set his sightson future business development in theCity.

“The opening up of the business parkin the south is going to be a key econom-ic driver in the next few years,” he said.

Year in Review: Pitt election

Newmayor looks ahead

TIMES files

New Pitt Meadows Mayor JohnBecker was elected Nov. 15.


JANUARY2015

Visit www.theactmapleridge.org for schedules. | Register at recreg4u.ca or 604-465-2470.

This month at The ACT60°North: SHETLANDJanuary 10 - February 28, 2015Originally from Scotland, Vancouver-based painterJeff Wilson shows work inspired by his sojourn atThe Booth, an acclaimed residency program basedin the Shetland Islands.

Opening ReceptionSaturday, January 10, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Ellie King’s Sleeping BeautyFriday, January 2 - 7:00 p.m.Saturday, January 3 - 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.Fun for the whole family this toe-tapping,hilariously funny, sparkling musical adventure willhave you joining in no matter what age you are.

Arts Club ON TOUR: The Odd CoupleSaturday, January 10, 8:00 p.m.The classic comedy of mismatched roomies, TheOdd Couple is one of playwright Neil Simon’sfunniest and most affecting works.

The Roman Improv Games: A TV Pilot and WebSeries TapingSaturday, January 24, 8:00 p.m.Be in the audience for a hilarious night ofspontaneous comedy and then watch it lateron the web or maybe even on your favourite TVchannel.

Robbie Burns Day at the Maple Ridge ArtGallerySunday, January 25, 2 - 4 p.m.Free EventCelebrate the culture and crafts of Scotland, andthe legend of Robbie Burns, who is surely animmortal cultural treasure himself.

GEMS: Le Week-endMonday, January 26, 7:30 p.m.For their thirtieth wedding anniversary, Meg andNick have chosen to return to Paris, where theyhoneymooned. It’s not long before the city of lightbegins reflecting the couple’s conflicts right backat them.

The Harpoonist and the Axe MurdererSaturday, January 31, 8:00 p.m.The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer is fueledwith memorable harmonica solos, intricate guitarriffs, with elements of blues and rock & roll, andvocals that draw a picture of the south. Every notewill stick to your soul.

Friday Night DanceCheck out our website for the Friday NightDance Schedule with Robyn Picard, everythingfrom Ballroom to Swing! Drop in classes. Singleswelcome!

Write an email to Brendon [email protected] & let him know

why you should be invited to join this contestour health goals & reason why we should choose you)

by January 14, 2015.When does the contest start?

January 26th with the selected contestantsbeing announced in the Tri Cities Now and the Maple Ridge

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test of commitment & self-discipline.The person who has the biggest weight loss

after the 2 months will win a 6 monthee Oxygen membership & a $1000 prize pack!

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Send your scoresand game reports [email protected]

Pitt hoops in MauiA recent four-day, 12-team

tournament saw the Pitt MeadowsMarauders senior boys basketballteam travel to Hawaii, wherethey placed seventh overall,after defeating Kapaa 46-42. Thebasketball action continues athome this weekend, as the Grade8 Marauders boys team hostsa tournament at Pitt MeadowsSecondary.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,

click on “Sports”

Rustlers win it allAtom A3 Ridge Meadows

Rustlers won gold at a tourna-ment in Port Moody recently. Theteam placed third in the roundrobin, after defeating Port Moody.They then faced off againstSemiahmoo for final game, wherethey became tournament cham-pions after a 4-3 victory.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


Player aims highMaple Ridge baseball standout

Tyler O’Neill says he’d “like tobe in the big leagues by age 22.”The 19-year old is the latest in alengthy procession of standoutproducts from the Langley Blaze:The B.C. Premier League jug-gernaut.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


SportsMaple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, January 6, 2015 A13

Recreation Reach The TIMES' sports desk: Phone: 604-463-2281 or email: [email protected]

Members of the atom A3 RidgeMeadows Rustlers in celebration.

Photos byRick Moyer

www.mrtim

es.co

mMorePhotosOnline

A family fun event on Jan. 1attracted its largest crowd ever,and raised funds for a good cause.by Eric [email protected]

There was a “noticeable posi-tive energy” at this year’s annualGeneration Charity Family FunRun on New Year’s Day.

The event saw 181 people des-cend on Osprey Village in PittMeadows to kick off 2015 by run-ning, walking, or strolling a two-five- or 10-kilometre route along

the banks of theFraser River.

This was thelargest numberof participantsever, and anincrease fromthe 160 whotook part in2014.

“Everyonethoroughlyenjoyed them-selves,” com-mented EricMuller, who organizes the eventwith his wife, Lorie.

The multi-generational event

included partici-pants in their70s, to infantsin strollers, whowere not evenfour months old.

This year’s runalso attractedmore peoplefrom othercommunities,such as PortCoquitlam andCoquitlam.

“I think fam-ilies – like ours – want to start theyear in a positive way,” Eric said.“Doing something to help other

families feels great, and if you canburn some holiday calories at thesame time, that’s even better.”

While there was no fee to run,donations were accepted, withproceeds going to local charityAthletes In Kind (AIK), of whichLorie is the chair.

AIK supports families with chil-dren in cancer treatment at BCChildren’s Hospital.

And those who participated inthe run opened their hearts andtheir wallets.

“People were very generous,”said Eric.

In total, the run raised $1,640 forthe charity.

Healthy start

New Year’s run ‘biggest ever’

Participants young andold, some from out oftown, and even some ofthe four-legged varietyall took part in theGeneration Charity FamilyFun Run on New Year’sDay at Osprey Village inPitt Meadows.

Eric and Lorie Muller are the organizers ofthe annual New Years Day run.

22225 Brown Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 8N6 Tel. 604.463.4200

Will your child be 5 years old on or before DECEMBER 31, 2015?If so, it’s kindergarten registration time!

KINDERGARTENREGISTRATION

Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows School District 42

Visit our website to learn more about our onlineregistration process, open your Parent Portalaccount and find your child’s registration period:http://www.sd42.ca/kindergarten-registration

NO MORE LINE-UPS!

Kindergarten registration is exclusivelyonline, and begins mid-January.NOW

ONLINE

KINDERGAR

TEN REGISTRATIO

N

2015-2016For more info visit.StealthLAX.com

RhysDUCHVictoria, BC10

Forwww.StealthLAX.com

MoreThanAGame

TORONTOROCKVS

VANCOUVERSTEALTH

First 4500 fans receivea Stealth Energy Towel,sponsored by

HOMEOPENER

Saturday

JAN.107:30PM

PRE-GAMEPARTYStarts whendoors open

at 5:30PM inTHE FOXHOLE

Reserve Your Seat1.855.985.5000

For freshness & quality you can count on!

PITT MEADOWS12438 Harris Road

604-460-7122

MAPLE RIDGE#1-22621 Lougheed Hwy

604-466-0281LOUGHEED HWY. LANGLEY

FARM MARKET

N

LOUGHEED HWY.W E

WEARE HIRING!FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

• Produce Stocker • Meat cutter• caShier • Grocery clerk

LFMLANGLEY FARMMARKET

For fresh and quality foodsNeW hourS: MLnMOP IL SHnMOP 8:30 Om - 7:00 pm.

hLQFMOPs 9:00 Om IL 6:00 pm.

Thank you to all our valuedNHsILmGJs fLJ PLHJ LngLFng sHppLJI

2013-2014

2013 - 2014

Your choice. Our honour.Our Effort. Our award.

Langley Farm Market

Valid Tuesday, January 6 - Sunday, January 11, 2015 while quantities last.

DELIFreybeCervelat Salami100g .............................................................

$178German Edam Cheese100g .............................................................

$138FreybeHoney Ham100g .........................................................

$109

BAKERYButter Roll350g ...........................................................................................

$185/ea.Orange Loaf450g ..............................................................................................

$290/ea.

GALA APPLEProduct Of BC ($1.52 KG)

69¢/lb.

BROCCOLI CROWNProduct Of CALIFORNIA ($2.18 KG)

99¢/lb.

ZUCCHINIProduct Of MEXICO ($1.30 KG)

59¢/lb.

ROUND EGGPLANTProduct Of MEXICO ($1.30 KG)

59¢/lb.

NAVEL ORANGEProduct Of CALIFORNIA ($1.52 KG)

79¢/lb.

Camino Organic Chocolate Bars, Assorted100g. .........................................................................(Reg. $4.29)

$199/ea.Olio D’Oro Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Italy)1l............................................................................... (Reg. $6.99)

$649/ea.

GROCERYMondano Pasta, Assorted (Bronze Dies Cut) (Italy)500g ................................................................. (Reg. $1.99 ea.)2/$300Pioneer Gourmet Coffee, Assorted (Hand-Roasted Locally)Organic, 454g................................................(Reg. $12.99 ea.) $1199/ea.Regular, 454g................................................(Reg. $11.99 ea.) $1099/ea.

Pork-Back Ribs$11.64/kg ........................................

$529/lb.Chicken-Drumettes (FP)$7.24/kg ............................................

$329/lb.Beef-Outside Round Steak$11.86/kg ..............................................

$539/lb.

MEAT

PRODUCE

PITTMEADOWS

ONLY


Documents

Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Times January 6 2015