agassiz observer, february 19, 2015

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BIRTHDAYPlanning for Agassiz’

125th anniversary.

3

BUDGETB.C.’s budget surplus

will fund low-income

assistance, government

says.

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The Agassiz Harrison

Rows of dead trees were ripped up at Canadian Hazelnut Inc. due to infection from the Eastern Filbert Blight. INSET: These black bumps are evidence of a tree already riddled with EFB.

LORENE KEITCH PHOTO

Lorene KeitchTHE OBSERVER

Eastern Filbert Blight. Th e name brings shudders to hazelnut farmers everywhere.

It was not about if, but when, this fungal disease would attack local orchards. EFB fi rst made its appearance in the Fraser Valley in 2001 but has been snaking its way up the continent slowly, fi rst appearing in Oregon's vast hazelnut orchards in 1958, according to the Oregon State University.

EFB causes hazelnut trees to decline in production, eventually killing the tree. It hit B.C. in Abbotsford in 2001, Langley in 2005 and Yarrow in 2008.

Agassiz and Chilliwack were right behind.

“We have 500 to 600 acres in the Fraser Valley of dead trees,” says Peter Andres, an Agassiz hazelnut farmer and past president of the BC Hazelnut Grower’s Association. “Every farm is aff ected.”

Hazelnuts are a huge business here. Andres says approximately 90 per cent of Canadian hazelnut crops are grown in Agassiz and Chilliwack. Canadian Hazelnut Inc. is the largest organic hazelnut farm in Canada, with 50 acres of planted trees. Well, that was the case until two weeks when they started removing the entire orchard, tree by tree.

“We’re starting to clear the land to make way for blight-resistant seedlings,” says offi ce manager Shelley Krahn.

Th e 20-acre parcel visible from Highway 7 was the fi rst to go. Th e orchard right next to the Canadian Hazelnut retail / processing plant was scheduled to be removed as well.

“We knew it would happen eventually. But we didn’t think it would happen as fast as it did," says Krahn of the devastation wreaked on their trees by EFB.

Going back as far as 2000, Andres and other growers worked on preventative measures to stop EFB from reaching the valley.

“We spent a lot of money trying to slow the infection,” says Andres, " But the disease came. We had to deal with it."

Oregon is a much larger producer of hazelnuts than B.C. and has dealt with EFB for decades. Th eir breeders have had time and money to test new varieties. In 2010, several of those test trees were released for planting to the general public. With an arrangement through the shared U.S. / Canada hazelnut association, BC hazelnut growers got their hands on a few of the varieties.

Andres was the fi rst farmer to

Hazelnut trees removed due to widespread disease

Continued on 2

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plant the new varieties back in 2011. He actually removed trees that were still producing to make way for the test seedlings. Canadian Hazelnuts Inc. also planted a trial orchard, along with three other Fraser Valley locations and one on Hornby Island.

So far, the trials look promising though it will take years before the test plots can be guaranteed as good replacements for growers. But will other growers replant following the death of their current EFB-diseased trees?

Andres says growers are, for the most part, willing to replant if there are not too many barriers. Th e biggest barrier right now is the removal of the piles of dead trees. Many farmers would like to burn them but there have been few optimal days, according to government

regulations. Andres kept track and says out of the last two months, there was only one day suitable for burning according to the regulations.

He addressed government offi cials at every level on this matter and hoped for a relaxation of the rules. District of Kent Mayor John Van Laerhoven says while he feels for the farmers, there is nothing the local government can do about the burning regulations.

“Th ere are provincial regulations that districts have to comply by,” says Van Laerhoven. “We don’t get to turn a blind eye to them.”

C h i l l i w a c k - H o p e MLA Laurie Th roness says while the government wants to help the farmers to get rid of the dead trees, "It's not an easy solution because there's so much material."

Another barrier is the cost of replanting. Hazelnut farmers eyed with envy the $8.4 million in provincial funding given to the B.C. fruit growers for a seven-year tree fruit replant program, announced back in November. Th roness says he was

unsuccessful in his eff orts to get hazelnut growers included in this funding.

“Th at’s a disappointment for me,” says Th roness.

But the local MLA sees hope for the industry and cites a new partnership in 2014 between the B.C. Hazelnut Grower’s Association and the University of the Fraser Valley, with UFV already growing some blight-resistant hazelnut trees. He hopes the local growers will choose to

replant, saying it’s a great business with a lot of “value-added potential.”

Andres hopes hazelnut growers in the valley will decide to replant too.

“We have such a demand in the world, you can produce more and more hazelnuts and always be able to sell everything,” says Andres.

As for Canadian Hazelnuts, their plan is to replant. Th ey’re just not sure when. First, they have to fi gure out a way to rid the fi elds of the dead trees. And they have

to wait until they can getenough seedlings to doa full replanting. In themeantime, Krahn saysthe owner of the fi eldswill most likely rent theland to a neighbouringfarmer.

Andres says thehazelnut industry inCanada rests on theshoulders of individualgrowers, such asCanadian Hazelnuts,who decide now whetherthey will continue.

“We’re at thecrossroads now,”concludes Andres.

Lorene KeitchThe new test varieties, planted in 2011, with rows of dead hazelnut trees in the background.

Research offers hope for hazelnut growersFrom Front

Moose hide symbolizes anti-violence message

By Tom FletcherBLACK PRESS

VICTORIA – Aboriginal men gathered at the B.C. legislature Feb. 12 to urge personal responsibility to reduce violence against aboriginal women and children.

Th e fourth annual Gathering of Men culminated with a ceremony on the legislature steps, where MLAs joined participants to acknowledge that violence against women and children is not traditional or acceptable.

MLAs joined the ceremony and affi xed moose hide patches to their lapels to mark the day. Paul Lacerte, founder of the campaign and executive director of the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, said the goal is to distribute one million moose hide patches to spread the message.

Across Canada, aboriginal women aged 15 and older are three times more likely to experience violence and be assaulted by their partners than non-aboriginal women.

"Women are bearing the burden of abuse, but they also have to bear the burden of

advocacy to aff ect change, and this is a man's problem as much as it is a woman's problem," Lacerte said. "Violence towards women and children has never been a part of our culture."

Aboriginal Relations Minister

John Rustad said the campaign isunique and has the government'ssupport.

"Part of what perpetuates thatviolence is a culture of silencethat suggests acceptance," he said.

Tom Fletcher/Black PressMLAs listen as Paul Lacerte (right), founder of the moose hide campaign, joinsdrum circle at the B.C. legislature.

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Agassiz looks good for her age. Th is old dame of a town is coming up on her 125th birthday and local historian Bev Kennedy thinks we should do something to honour her quasquicentennial.

Agassiz was incorporated in 1895. Th at means in 2020 this community will offi cially be 125 years old.

"We have a lot of history and have a lot to celebrate," Kennedy said in a delegation to the District of Kent Council. "We should be very, very proud of our history and our pioneers."

Her plan was to put the idea on Council's radar so there is time to think about what can be done to commemorate the historic event. Kennedy has been collecting ideas from many individuals and shared just a few with Council. Th ey included creating an ad hoc celebration committee, twinning with another community such as Kent County in England or doing a legacy project such as building a covered pool or restoring the old cemetery on Limbert Mountain. Th e District of Kent historic minute books could be transcribed and digitized.

Th e community could honour and commemorate those who have shaped our community over the last 125 years.

"Th e list of ideas of course is endless," said Kennedy.

To pull off such a celebration, there could be collaboration from anyone and everyone interested including schools, service groups, governments and more. Th ey could use strategies like social media and crowd funding as well as source out funding programs.

"Th is is a massive project and we need everybody involved,"

said Kennedy.Th e District of Kent

has a longer history than many other communities in B.C. Of 113 Districts, towns and villages in B.C., there are only six other places that were incorporated before Agassiz.

"We live in a very young country and British Columbia is a very young province," Kennedy remarked.

In 1995, Agassiz had a pageant to honour 100 years of history. Kennedy says it was a wonderful community-wide event, with perhaps almost as many in the play as in the audience.

"It behooves us to do something bigger and better [now]," Mayor John Van Laerhoven remarked aft er Kennedy's presentation. Van Laerhoven says they as a Council will discuss later how they might be able to budget for festivities and what the next steps might be.

"She off ered some great ideas on what we can do," Van Laerhoven remarked.

If you are interested in being involved or have ideas to share, you can contact Bev Kennedy at 796-2459.

Planning ahead for Agassiz' 125th anniversary

Courtesy Agassiz-Harrison Historical Society. A snapshot of life in Agassiz, circa 1905.

New powers for WorkSafeBC after sawmill blastsTom FletcherBLACK PRESS

VICTORIA – Th e B.C. government is giving WorkSafeBC new powers to shut down workplaces, impose penalties on the spot, collect evidence and compel payment of fi nes against employers who don't comply with safety rules.

Jobs Minister Shirley Bond has introduced legislation to complete the overhaul of WorkSafeBC in the wake of the 2012 sawmill explosions in Burns Lake and Prince George that killed four workers and injured 44 more.

Th e amendments will give the B.C. Supreme Court authority to order work to stop due to unsafe conditions and "expand the court's authority to bar the worst off enders from continuing to operate in an industry," Bond

told the legislature Wednesday.Bond ordered a review of

WorkSafeBC investigation procedures aft er Crown prosecutors said they would not lay charges, because potential court evidence was not adequately protected in the Babine and Lakeland sawmill investigations.

Gord Macatee, the offi cial in charge of the review, said the legislation will complete his recommended changes by June. It also puts the onus on employers to show that they have done "due diligence" to prevent accidents, instead of leaving it to WorkSafeBC to decide.

A new team of WorkSafeBC investigators has been trained to step in for cases that could result in negligence charges, Macatee said. And extra inspectors have been hired to monitor sawmills

and other businesses on nights and weekends.

"At this point we have 16 prevention offi cers on regular night and weekend shift schedule, and 26 additional offi cers have been recruited who will be working on those shift s as well," Macatee said.

Inspections were stepped up in all B.C. wood products mills aft er the fatal explosions of fi ne dry wood dust. Macatee said most mills have had safe dust control and other safety practices since before the explosions, but there have been cases where employers didn't comply or pay penalties ordered by WorkSafeBC.

"We've seen situations where an operator will go out of business and re-emerge under a diff erent corporate name and go on and do the same kind of work," Macatee said.


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News


Th e District of Kent Council approved nine of 11 grants-in-aid requests for the 2015 budget at the last regular Council meeting February 9.

Th e two that failed to make the cut were the Agassiz-Harrison Aquanauts Swim Club and the Harrison Highlanders Pipe Band.

Th e district oft en gets requests from the same organizations year aft er year such as from the Fraser Heritage Society or the Kent-Harrison Arts Council. Many of the repeat applicants received similar funding as in years past. Applicants must meet certain criteria, including a demonstrated fi nancial need, sound fi nancial and administrative management and considerable volunteer involvement.

Th is year, there were three new applicants for one-time projects. Th e swim club requested funding to help cover 50 per cent of a new equipment purchase. Th e Harrison Highlanders Pipe Band asked for money to cover equipment and uniforms. Lastly, the Royal Canadian Legion wanted help to cover the property taxes on their building.

Th e total amount of grants-in-aid requested this year was $37,295. Th e staff recommendation was provided to assist in maintaining the 2014 budget total of $28,290.

Th at means several groups were off ered

what they asked for, some got less and there was no money allocated to the swim club and pipe band. However, in fi nancial director Judy Lewis' report, she states the contingency of $2,790 provides "adequate funding" for Council to provide grants to both.

Th e recommendation didn't include those two because "Council could approve them out of contingency funds and keep the total at last year's Grant-In-Aid amount," Lewis said to Council.

Council voted in favour of the recommended 2015 grants-in-aid amounts, including the contingency. Following that vote, Council discussed using the contingency to fund the fi nal two applicants.

"I don't think we should leave two out," remarked Coun. Darcy Striker, although he questioned whether all the applicants seek funding from other sources such as the local Lions club before reaching out to the District for taxpayer's dollars.

In a two-two vote (Coun. Duane Post was absent), Council voted to not provide funding to the pipe band and swim club through the contingency funding. Mayor John Van Laerhoven and Striker voted for the funding approval while Coun. Sylvia Pranger and Coun. Susan Spaeti voted against.

Spaeti told Th e Observer she does not want to set a precedent for organizations to

keep coming back year aft er year asking formore money. She wants the District to focuson areas such as infrastructure, sewer andwater and leave taxpayer's money in theirpockets as much as possible.

"I don't think organizations should bedependent on the District for their funding,"says Spaeti.

Even organizations that have receivedfunding from the District for years raisesthe question of why, says Spaeti, citing theexample of the Agassiz Agricultural andHorticultural Association. She loves the fairand says she does not want to say anythingbad about the organization. However,taxpayer's money is already amply spenton the fair through work in-kind, roughly$16,000 to $18,000 per year, on top of the$6,000 grant-in-aid approved for 2015. Th eassociation received $4,620 in 2013, $5,000in 2014 and was requesting $8,000 for 2015.

Mayor Van Laerhoven says any groupwho is not satisfi ed with Council'sdecision is welcome to come back and do apresentation to Council at a future meeting.He says the decision by Council does notrefl ect on the quality of the applicants either.

"At the end of the day, Council wantedto protect the contingency," Van Laerhovensays of the vote.

Approved grants-in-aid will be includedin the District's 2015 operating budget.

Some plates left empty as District of Kent carves grants-in-aid pie


Alec Niemi is just a little busy these days. Well, OK, it’s more like a lot. Looking back over the fi rst two months as the Area C director, Niemi has worked to rebrand the electoral area, investigate longstanding subjects of concern for residents and catch up on other issues.

Area C includes the communities of Hemlock Valley, a portion of Harrison Mills, Lake Errock and Morris Valley as well as six First Nations groups.

Niemi decided to run for offi ce when a fellow Lions club member put the idea in his head. He won the seat in the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) November 15 election, beating out the former Area C director Wendy Bales, 167 votes to her 138. He views his work as building bridges and hopes to make connections throughout this term that will

help the people of Area C."I've always been a bridge

builder, both physically and mentally," says Niemi. "My whole background has been about helping people."

Niemi grew up in B.C. He has worked in the logging industry, home construction, in the education fi eld and

First nations' community development work. He also traveled as an international speaker and for the last 10 years served as pastor of North Fraser Community Church in Lake Errock.

So what has he been up to? A lot of meetings, Niemi says with a smile. He now sits on

the regional corporate servicescommittee and the FraserValley Aboriginal relationscommittee. Th en there’s thearea representatives meetingevery month and of course theFVRD board meetings.

One of the fi rst things thearea directors discussed aft erthe election was coming upwith distinct names for each ofthe eight electoral areas in theFVRD. Niemi says the problemis if you say you’re from AreaC, it means nothing to anyoneoutside of that area.

Rebranding was in order.Niemi sat down to discuss theidea with area representatives,including members of theHarrison Mills RegionalAssociation, local First Nationsbands and Harrison Millspromoter Summer Dhillon.It didn’t take them long tobrainstorm a perfect name.

“We’re looking at callingour area Sasquatch Country,”reveals Niemi.

Area C director aims at building bridges

FVRD Area C dirctor Alec Niemi.

Continued on 10

News

Black Press will give 37 scholarships to incoming business students at the University of Victoria, eligible to accepted high school students from B.C.

It's that time of the year, when graduates are fi ling off their report cards and transcripts to the programs and universities they're eyeing as their new four-year homes.

And aft er all that work just to get in, to beat the odds and a whole lot of other applicants, they could use some aid.

Th at's why Black Press will be

supplying 37 freshman studentsaccepted to the University ofVictoria's Peter B. GustavsonSchool of Business with $5,000annual scholarships – for studentsin several communities and districtsBlack Press' newspapers serve.

Applying for the scholarship issimple: every high school studentaccepted into the School of Businesswill be automatically consideredfor the $5,000, but the deadline toapply is February 28, 2015.

More information can be foundon UVic's website.

The AESS Sr. boy’s basketball team played the Agassiz First Responders Friday, Feb. 13. Students could pay $2 to get out of class and watch the match, which raised more than $500 for the local food bank.

Food Bank Fund Raiser

TAMMY FOX PHOTO

Council sets aside discussion on rural property businesses


District of Kent Council voted to table an agenda item related to illegally-built buildings on a private property.

Th e property in question, located at 3004 Hardy Road, has no permits for several buildings. In a staff report to Council, Darcey Kohuch, director of development services, reported that throughout the last two years, staff met and corresponded with the property owner to discuss compliance program options with him. Staff informed the property owner, Martin Sparkes, that if an incident were to occur within the building, he may be held liable and is at risk of not being covered by insurance.

In early 2014, staff met with

Sparkes “to discuss options to legalize his Septic Expert business and his accessory buildings that have been constructed without a permit,” states a staff report to Council. Th e buildings of concern include a cover-all, a three bay post and beam building, a shipping container and shed. Th e District sent a letter to the owner with a January 16 deadline to apply for the building permits. Following a series of meetings and emails which proved unfruitful, Council was asked to consider authorizing staff to proceed with the paperwork to apply Section 57 of the Community Charter on the property.

Section 57 of BC's Community Charter protects the District from liability and puts owners on notice of safety concerns

that have been identifi ed or that permits or inspections haven't been obtained. Staff recommended that a meeting be set with the property owner to discuss the matter further.

However, at the regular Council meeting held February 10, they opted to table the matter. Coun. Sylvia Pranger said it is diffi cult to be in a small business and, before any more matters related to rural business come before Council, she suggested the matter should be tabled.

Council voted that the Section 57 Notice on Title be tabled until such time when Council has had an opportunity to have a wholesome discussion to review all businesses operating on rural properties as agreed at the Strategic Planning Session.

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Kent council wants a closer look at rural businesses


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Annual health care crisis grips B.C.

More time neededIn a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Canada has thrown

out the Criminal Code provisions that deal with assisting people to commit suicide.

It is a stark reversal of the court’s decision, by a 5-4 margin in 1994, to uphold that aspect of Canadian law. Th is time around, the abrupt change was likely strongly infl uenced by the chief justice, Beverley McLachlin, who was one of the dissenting judges 21 years ago.

Th e court has given the federal government one year to come up with new laws to deal with the issue.

Th is timetable is clearly far too ambitious. A federal election is planned for October and if there ever was an issue that requires careful study and much consultation in advance of a law being proposed, this is it. Try doing that in an election year.

Th e judges seem almost ignorant of practical problems caused by their timetable, even as it seems obvious they have been infl uenced by a shift in public opinion. Most surveys suggest that about 80% of Canadians are in favour of some form of assisted dying or euthanasia for people suff ering from terminal illness, although just what they actually favour varies widely.

Are they in favour of the Dutch or Belgian approach, where teens and people suff ering from depression can be put to death by physicians?

Or do they favour the far more measured approach adopted in the state of Oregon, where the patient must request drugs, both verbally and in writing, that can end their lives, and then take them themselves — and only aft er a host of other safeguards have been exercised.

As people’s lives have been lengthened due to medical advances in areas like heart surgery, cancer treatment and organ transplants, many live long enough so that end-of-life issues are even more challenging than they have been.

Th e issue requires careful study and more time.~ Black Press

OpinionDo you support doctor-assisted suicide?

To answer, go to the Home Page of our website: www.agassizharrisonobserver.com

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Do you support mandatory vaccinations?Here’s how you responded: Yes 58% No 42%

LAST WEEK WE ASKED:

B.C. VIEWSTom Fletcher

Published at Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Harrison Mil ls, Seabird Island and surrounding areas by the Black Press Group Ltd.

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TANYA JEYACHANDRAN 604-796-4300

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Victoria – Th e annual ritual of declaring a crisis in health care is upon us, with the B.C. Liberal government boasting that we have the best system in Canada, while the NDP and the B.C. Nurses’ Union try to portray it as the worst.

Th e BCNU is the last big public sector union still to settle in the latest round of contract talks. Feeding horror stories to the media is part of its strategy, and this time it was a patient at Abbotsford Hospital assigned a bed in a small shower room for a month due to chronic overcrowding. Hospital offi cials said his care wasn’t compromised.

We’ve seen it in Abbotsford, Surrey and elsewhere: a new

hospital or expansion is built and is immediately overcrowded. We are reminded every winter that infl uenza season brings a wave of people into emergency, expecting treatment for a viral infection that in most cases can only run its course.

Many people still don’t understand what “the fl u” is, beyond the notion that it sounds serious enough to tell the boss you won’t be in to work. And as fewer doctors choose the endless demands of family practice, the expectation that all problems must be dealt with quickly and for free seems to grow as inexorably as the health care budget.

An emergency physician of my acquaintance provided a typical scenario for night shift at the ER. Where once nights were quiet, now there are patients waiting for hours, around the clock.

Several are drunk, and one has urinated on the fl oor. Surveys

show as many as half of ER visits are alcohol-related, from overdoses to fi ghts, falls, car crashes and chronic conditions.

Into this chaos comes a mother with her young child, who has

nasal and chest congestion. Th e child’s cough led her to throw up, so off to ER they went, blithely assuming that this is where you bring a kid with a cold.

Th is week’s B.C. budget brings us a step closer to the moment when half of all provincial revenues go

to keep the health care system running.

In the legislature, NDP health critic Judy Darcy blasted Health Minister Terry Lake for the government’s failure to keep its 2010 promise to fi nd everyone in B.C. a family doctor.

Lake allowed they’re still working on that, and then plugged the latest Conference Board of Canada study showing B.C. ranks third in the world in health care outcomes, second only to Switzerland and Sweden.

Darcy, a former president of the Hospital Employees’ Union, was quick to respond: “Th is is surely a fi rst in question period, the Minister of Health going back to the record of the NDP government in the 1990s, because we’ve had the best health outcomes in Canada since 1993. Th e fact is that we exercise more, we smoke less and we drink less, and that’s to the credit of British Columbians.”

We also have more elderly people, as Premier Christy Clark argued in 2011 when the federal government changed its fi nancing formula.

Aft er years of increasing transfers by six per cent per year, the late federal fi nance minister Jim Flaherty announced that starting in 2014, increases would be tied to economic growth, but wouldn’t fall below three per cent.

Th is of course was treated as a cut, rather than continued increases above infl ation. But there it is, and all provinces have to deal with it.

Darcy is quite right that personal responsibility is the key, something to remember as the usual squabbling of special interests continues.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @tomfl etcherbc Email: tfl [email protected]

“This week’s B.C. budget brings us a step closer to

the moment when half of all provincial revenues go to

keep the health care system running.”


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604.796.4301

SudokuFebruary 19, 2015

Intermediate LevelSee answers in Classifi eds.

The Observer welcomes letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit for brevity, clarity and legality.

All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone number (for verification purposes only)

Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not necessarily that of The Observer or its staff.

Email: [email protected]

MailbagPreserving history

For some years now I have been a volunteer for the RCMP Grave Inspection and Maintenance Program. My work has included photographing the gravesites of former RCMP members, giving a description of the condition of the headstone and plot and in some cases material, such as obituaries, collected on the subject. Since the RCMP was formed from the former North West Mounted Police, those of the NWMP are also rightfully included.

Aft er becoming a resident of Agassiz, I took some time to look at the Kent Municipal Cemetery "Th e Old Agassiz Cemetery" on Limbert Road and found two former NWMP members buried there. One of the burials really caught my attention, so I researched him thoroughly and found him an extremely interesting man.

Aft er I had exhausted what I could glean on this man, and his wife, the genealogist in me kicked in and I became interested in whom else was buried there and what their story might be.

Th is research has had me involved for about three years now and I have found

material on all but 20 of the burials. I've explored all of the normal avenues through public archives to obtain information and have accumulated a mini genealogy on most with records and would like to fi nish Th e old Agassiz Cemetery fi les.

Th ere is no doubt that there are still people who are related to the forefathers of Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Harrison Mills etc. still living in our community and it would be wonderful if they could step forward and share some information on their ancestors to help to complete the fi les.

Th e fi nished records will be held at the Agassiz, Harrison Museum in Agassiz as genealogical fi les of the early people who once worked and resided in this area and all that are buried in "Th e Old Agassiz Cemetery."

If any of your readers are descendants of one of these pioneers or if anyone has information, no matter how small, that they would like to contribute to this project they can phone the Agassiz-Harrison Museum at 604-796-3545.

Linda ShepardAgassiz, BC

Before I start I would like to make it clear that I’m not blaming anyone for the actions below; rather I am criticizing the vision of Harrison Hot Springs that is held collectively by its residents.

As Harrison has “progressed” I have come to notice the elimination/cutback on trees and native species in the village. Just last week the village had decided yet again to prune the trees on the corner of Miami River Drive. It seems over the last few years that Harrison Hot Springs has slowly but consistently been cutting back or removing the trees in the village merely for an aesthetic look that caters to a gardener’s vision. Th e ecological function of these microhabitats are suff ering due to the aesthetically purposed pruning and removing of these trees. Th is year alone we lost a large cottonwood and 3 dead conifers in Spring Park, multiple deciduous trees on the Miami River Trail, a large deciduous at the Elementary School, a healthy fi r and Cottonwood in the RV lot and a nice birch growing out of a large stump along the road to the yacht club; and if I was to count back 10 years we’d have lost a lot more.

I just don’t seem to understand as to

why this pruning and cutting has become necessary, the likelihood of a live tree or branch aff ecting an individual’s safety is very low, and if that’s the main concern there’s other ways to deal with it. Trees and shrub species are not a choice, they are a long-term necessity.

Aesthetic pruning has the ability to stunt and reverse succession and opens up areas for invasive species to exploit; it also has massive impacts that aren’t really noticed until a couple years down the road.

It just seems that these decisions have become an opinion-based requirement instead of an educated decision and its having a poor eff ect on our community. Don’t get me wrong, I fully support the removal of long dead branches for safety purposes, but leave them where they lie, it’s needed for ecosystem survival and it’s a natural fertilizer. If you’re bored and you feel like something needs to be removed, get rid of the invasive’s, because at this rate, 70 years will go past and Harrison Hot Springs won’t be anything else but Knotweed, Blackberry and Ivy and we’ll all be starving for oxygen.

Niek de BroweHarrison Hot Springs

A little overkill

Lorene Keitch PhotoFamily and friends browse the displays at the Agassiz Christian School Heritage Fair Feb. 4. All students from the school participate in this biannual event, with displays ranging on student-selected topics such as Haiti-Canada rela-tions, the Canucks and the Canadian flag. Eight competitors from grades 4-7 are chosen to move on to a regional fair in Abbotsford.

Heritage Fair


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Opinion

It was the 8 a.m. concert band class.

I was in Grade 10, or maybe 11.

We were a big group—perhaps 50 of us—and as a bass player I was tucked in the back row with the percussion section. Th ere were three or four guys on things like snare drums, tympani, cymbals and the like.

I don’t remember the song, but Kevin had the cymbals. Th e song required one of those 1812 Overture-style fl ourishes—CRASH—and Kevin was having a hard time.

We’d attended elementary school together. His house was just a couple hundred yards from the school.

He was quirky. Not in his behaviour, but his English accent, big ears and a sharp nose set him apart.

He was so painfully shy you had to strain to hear him at times. I also remember him as a kind and gentle kid.

Th at day in band, all eyes were on him.

Th e teacher stopped the song and told him to give the cymbals a real crash.

*clink*“Come on Kevin, a big

crash!” the teacher demanded.*clink*And so on, until the teacher

lost his cool.“COME ON, KEVIN!”Th e room dissolved into

laughter. At the teacher’s frustration. But also at Kevin’s inexplicable inability to express himself.

Isn’t smashing cymbals the controlled mayhem all teens love? For some reason, Kevin just couldn’t.

Years later, I wondered what life was like for Kevin at that time.

Did he have many friends? Didn’t seem to.

Was he teased a lot? Did he fi t in somewhere?

For an average kid the cymbal thing would just be embarrassing. I wondered if for Kevin it was like another small stone placed upon a set of shoulders already carrying too many.

A couple years earlier, I hung with a group of friends. One guy was obese, and we teased him relentlessly. Silly names I won’t repeat.

He was tough and smart, though, and gave as good as he got. I liked him as well as any of my friends, but we exploited his vulnerability.

At my last high school reunion, we caught up. He apologized—to me!—for how we treated each other. Like I said, he gave as good as he got,

but I was an a**hole to him. And he was outnumbered.

Maybe it’s the fact we’ve both grown up. We’re parents now, and consider some of our childhood behaviour not just childish, but cruel.

But it’s a diff erent world now, too.

Th e hurtful teasing, the names, the bullying—it still happens in schools today, but those who challenge it, those who would stamp it out, are empowered.

Bullying prevention starts the day kids arrive at school. It’s part of the curriculum from kindergarten through Grade 12, in one form or another.

Th ere’s just so much talk and modelling around respectful behaviour and interaction. Feb. 25 is Pink Shirt Day, a day of solidarity for all people against bullying of any form.

Children today are subject to pressures that didn’t exist a generation or two ago.

But in terms of bullying, they’re being given the tools to spot it and are more

empowered to stop it. And there’s a more open dialogue about what is playful teasing, what is mean, and when and where it becomes bullying and cruelty.

As for Kevin, not long aft er we graduated from high school he tried to rob a Brinks truck in downtown Vancouver.

He pried open the door, slashed a Brinks guard in the face with a knife and tried to steal a handful of cash before fl eeing.

As he ran away, the other guard shot him in the buttocks. Kevin kept running, out by the corner of Howe and Dunsmuir streets.

Th e next gunshot hit him in the back of the head.

Th at was it for Kevin. His parents were shocked.

He’d never had a brush with the law before, they said.

But later, investigators founda bullet-proof vest, shotgun, steel-toed boots, ammunition, a small propane tank, fi recrackers and an explosive device in his bedroom.

Aft er all these years, Kevin was clearly preparing to express himself.

I have no idea what Kevin’s life was like.

I have no clue the trajectory from that day in band class, from high school, from any of it to that horrible end.

Are the Kevins of today having a better time?

I hope so.

Chris Bryan is editor of the New Westminster NewsLeader.

A better world, too late for Kevin

CHRIS BRYAN

OtherVoices

Children today are subject to pressures that didn’t exist a generation

or two ago.

An online connection to Pink Shirt DayShaw Communications has launched of

the Pink Shirt Promise campaign in B.C. to rally the province's youth to combat bullying in their communities. Starting this week, and continuing until February 25, Shaw is encouraging all B.C. residents to make a personal pledge and inspire others to end bullying using the social media hashtag #PinkShirtPromise.

""We are calling on B.C. youth to lead all residents to spread positive actions through our Pink Shirt Promise campaign and become the fuel for social change to end cruel behavior," said Katherine

Emberly, Vice President, Operations, Shaw Communications.

Participants of all ages can post an inspirational commitment using #PinkShirtPromise stating what they will do or are doing to help put an end to bullying and negativity. One inspiring post will win an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2015 Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles on August 9, 2015.

In support of the campaign, Shaw will be partnering with community organizations who have expertise in bullying prevention, awareness, and protection, including:

MediaSmarts, Th e Canadian Centrefor Child Protection, Kids Help Phone,Companies Committed to Kids, and theRock Solid Foundation.

To make it as easy as possible forpeople to post their #PinkShirtPromisecommitments, Shaw will off er all residentsand visitors to B.C. guest access to the ShawGo WiFi network. From February 19 untilFebruary 25, users can access Shaw Go WiFiby searching for available WiFi connections.A full list of locations is available at www.shaw.ca/wifi or by downloading the ShawGo WiFi Finder app.

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Challenge your friendsand co-workers to commit to a

bully-free lifestyle and wear pink on Wednesday, February 25

Stand up against bullying…

PUT A STOPTO BULLYING

IN OUR SCHOOLS.

LET’S HELP

IN OUR COMMUNITY.

BULLYINGBULLYINGcooperate iNFORM encourage

ACKNOWLEDGE CARE communicate

he

lp

int

ern

et

educateSPEAKimagine

ENJOY

TALK LISTEN

Understand

tolerate

HERE

ST PSST PS

accept

RESPECT RELATE

recognizehear

APPRECIATE

THANK inspireconfi de CHERISH

protect VALUE

ch

eri

sh

DR

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ad

MAKE SOME NOISE

AGAINSTBULLYING

“I have someone to look up to in my life now” replied a cheerful little brother when asked how his mentor had helped him. Over the past 45 years the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization has been operating in the Fraser Valley area, running evidence based mentoring programs aimed to help each child to reach their full potential. Th e organization is focused on primary prevention, which involves working with at risk children to start them off on a positive track and to help them to develop positive social relationships with their peers. Cheryl Unger, Casework Supervisor at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley (BBBSFV) commented, “Caring and intentional adult mentors help to build protective measures in young people’s lives as they encourage their mentee to try new things, take risks, and boost their self-confi dence.

Youth feel empowered when they have many healthy adults in their life that are cheering them in to fi nd success and purpose”. Th is strategy has proven to be eff ective in reducing bullying incidents as highlighted in recent National studies by the Center for Mental Health and Addictions. Th e studies indicate that girls who are regularly meeting with their mentor are 4 times less likely to engage in bullying than their peers. Boys in the program are 2 times less likely to engage in bullying activities. Th e study also indicated that the children who were part of the mentoring program were more resilient when being targeted by bullies, citing that those who were part of the program were 34% less likely to allow themselves to be victimized or bullied by peers. More than 450 children in the Fraser Valley area are currently benefi ting from these evidence-

based programs. In Agassiz the teen mentoring program, which matches teens with children at Kent Elementary, has seen the most recent growth. Collette Bohach, BBBSFV Mentoring Coordinator for the Chilliwack-Hope area has made more matches in this program, this year, than ever before. Bullying can have serious and devastating consequences, which we unfortunately see all too often as tragic stories appearing in the media. Th ere are many programs out there, which address the current needs of the youth, but the use of mentorship as a preventative approach is unique to the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Th is organization plays a critical role in helping youth to feel valued, preventing future incidents and promoting safe and supportive communities here in the Fraser Valley.

Join the cause and buy a

pink shirt at pinkshirtday.ca

or at London Drugs

A Big Brothers Big Sisters “Big Bunch” mentoring group has some fun at the Agassiz Speedway.

Staff at AESS wearing their BKind Sweatshirts.

Big Brothers Big Sisters takes a Different Approach to Addressing Bullying

Wednesday, Feb. 25

AgassizElementarySecondary

School


Best RatesSarah

604.796.4301 To advertise in this space

Community EventsBody Art Workshop for Teens - Monday, Feb. 23 from 1-2:30pm at the Agassiz Library. Learn simple techniques and designs to create your own body art. All materials supplied.

AESS Grad Bottle Drive - Saturday, February 21 at the Agassiz Fire Hall from 9:30am-4pm

Ducktivities - Friday, February 20 from 2pm-3.30pm at the Agassiz Library. Discover the fun of Duck Tape crafts and make your own ‘duckreation.’ All materials provided. For ages 8 and up. Younger children welcome with an adult.

How to Stay Mentally Healthy As You Age - With Dr. I. Fadyeyeva, R. Stam (R.N.) and mental health professionals; at the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre on Tuesday, February 24 from 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Age Friendly Village of Harrison Study -

Cherie Enns Consulting would like to invite you to a

presentation of the study fi ndings at 290 Esplanade

Avenue (Harrison Memorial Hall) on February 25,

2015 from 3 - 6pm. Light snacks will be provided.

Please feel free to invite friends and family to the

event. Please RSVP to cherieennsconsulting@gmail.

com by February 20.

Harrison Mills Regional Association hosts: Burger & Beer Night - Saturday, February 28 at

The Sasquatch Inn, 46001 Lougheed Hwy., Harrison

Mills. Come out and support our community

advocates. Prizes, 50/50 and silent auction. Tickets

available at Harrison Mills Hall, The Sasquatch Inn

Liquor Store, or call Al at 604-796-2372.

FEBRUARY20152015

For Everyone• Hooked on Books: Agassiz Library Book Club takes place on the third Thursday of every month, starting at 6:30pm at the Agassiz Library. Love to read and want to talk about what you’re reading? You don’t have to be a member, just drop in when you can. Pick up the book at the library any time before the meeting and get ready to share your opinions!• Scrabble: The Game - Wednesdays at 2pm. Bring a friend or 2 or 3 and check out this new drop in program at Agassiz Library. You may want to play with a pal or you may fi nd a new friend with words. We supply the space, the scrabble boards, the dictionaries, and the coff ee. Bring your sense of fun and enjoyment of words, so you can “keep calm and scrabble on”.

• Stitch “n” Rip - Every Tuesday from 9 am - 1 pm. Come to the Harrison Mills Hall with any unfi nished sewing, stitching, knitting projects, etc. FMI call Kim 604-796-2336.

• Olive Branch Dinners - Come join us for a free home cooked meal. Tuesdays 5 - 6 pm. 7571 Morrow Rd, ACS gym. No expectations, enjoy community companionship. Families & all ages welcome.• The Harrison-Kent Community Singers - Meet every Monday at 7:00 pm at the Memorial Hall. FMI call Carol at 604-796-2749.• T.O.P.S. - Meets Thursdays at 9:30 am, or 5:45 pm., at the Agassiz Christian Church.• Agassiz-Harrison Community Services Thrift Store - We’re looking for volunteers! Open Monday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm. Feel free to come by 6919 Cheam Avenue or call 604-796-9932 FMI.• Royal Canadian Legion - Hosts drop-in “Fun Darts” every Mon. at 4 pm & Fri. at 8 pm, Players needed, arrive early to register. Cribbage daily. Non-members welcome. Call 604-796-2332• The Wednesday Walkers - Easy hiking every Wednesday. FMI call Eleanor 604-795-0076• Knitting/Crochet Sisters Group - Projects for worthy causes. Contact Alice 604-796-3060 or email [email protected] • Agassiz Al-Anon. - Is someone’s drinking aff ecting you? FMI call Shirley 604-796-9865 or Anne 604-793-3103

• Agassiz Elks Lounge - 1824 #9 Hwy, open daily 3pm till closing. Everyone welcome• Agassiz-Harrison Garden Club - Meets the second Wednesday of each month from Oct-July in

the foyer of the Ag Hall at 7:30 pm. FMI 604-796-3291 or 604-796-2423

• Agassiz-Harrison Lions - Meet at 7 pm on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Lion’s Den in the Ag-Rec Hall, 6800 Pioneer Ave. FMI call Joey at 604-796-9951

• Hope Christian Women’s Club Brunch - Free nursery by reservation as well. For info & reservations call Raye 604-869-5420

• Agassiz Harrison Community Drivers Program - A community based volunteer driver program providing rides to all local, Fraser Valley & Lower Mainland medical appointments & other personal services. Always looking for more drivers. Call 604-798-6228, email [email protected] or visit 7046 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz.• Agassiz Monday Painters est.1961 - Meets every Mon. from 11 am - 3 pm at Agassiz United Church. FMI call Linda 604-794-5554• Harrison Community Social Club Drop-in every Thurs. at Harrison Hot Springs Memorial Hall, 9:30 am: cards, darts, games & coff ee. Contact Jacquie 604-796-3105 or Suzanne 604-796-1269.• Friendship House Nickel Bingo on Mon. at 1 pm, Tues. Bridge and Cribbage at 1 pm, Sit and Be Fit 10:30 am Mon. & Fri., Drop-in Floor Curling 7 pm Thurs.

• Kent-Harrison Arts Council - KHAC meets the third Sunday of each month. FMI call (604) 796-8604 or email us at [email protected]• Harrison International All-weather Tennis Club - Drop-in tennis at 8 am daily at the Spring Park tennis complex. All are welcome. Good fun and exercise is guaranteed at no cost. FMI contact John Allen 796-9117

• Jam Session - Every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month from 7pm - 10:30pm by donation. Everyone welcome, bring an instrument and a friend! OAP Hall, Friendship Hall. FMI call Derry at 604-796-1084• Lions TV Bingo - Thursday nights at 6 pm on Shaw Cable. Pick up your bingo cards at The Source - Chehalis Store & Ledoux Hardware• The Chilliwack MS Multiple Sclerosis Self-Help Group - Meets every third Wednesday of each month from noon to 2pm at the lunchroom of the Royal Cafe 45886 Wellington St., Chilliwack. New members welcome. FYI call Owen at 604-795-5216

www.central365.org

Meeting at theAg Hall

6800 Pioneer Ave.

Agassiz CampusSunday, 10:30 am

Kids’ Ministry

Community CornerCommunity CornerornerBusiness

Th e name is not 100 per cent yet but Niemi is optimistic. He hopes it will help brand the area in a way the unimpressively named 'Area C' could never do. Interestingly, at the meeting there was a historian from Sts’ailes who said historically, the area was always called Sasquatch Country by them.

On the business end of politics, Niemi has been working on longstanding concerns within his coverage area. Th e biggest matter that crops up again and again is the lack of cell phone service. Th ere is only spotty cell coverage along Morris Valley road.

"We've got to get brought into this century. We're behind the times," he exclaims.

Niemi has met with MLAs

Laurie Th roness and Simon Gibson to discuss the problem and asked FVRD staff to explore options. When he was running for offi ce, it was an issue many people raised as a concern.

“I’ve had more meetings about cellphones than anything else."

Garbage is another problem. Currently, residents at Lake Errock pay their taxes to cover costs at the Hatzic Transfer Station. However, it’s closer for them to take their garbage to the Harrison Mills location, something that seems to happen regularly.

“We know it’s got to be addressed and staff are looking into it,” says Niemi.

Given the isolated communities in Area C, transportation is an ongoing discussion. Niemi raised the idea of a bus service at a recent

FVRD meeting. But he says it’s nota priority item as there are only somany hours in a day and his arefi lled up right now. Residents havealso suggested a transportationprogram for seniors who need to getto and from medical appointments.

While there are many issuesand a huge electoral area to cover,Niemi is glad to have the chance torepresent this part of the province.So far, he has enjoyed gettingto know more constituents andespecially, having volunteers stepforward and off er to help on issuessuch as the cell phone servicedilemma. Niemi wants residents toknow he is always open to phonecalls or visits to discuss issues ofconcern. You can reach him at 604-796-9703.

Area C director eyes name change

Th e uncertainty of job loss racing through many people’s minds these days, taking a proactive approach to this issue by putting mortgage payments aside while you’re still actively employed can help set your mind at ease.

Planning for the future and potential job loss is one of the most important undertakings you can make to ensure you can pay your mortgage in an uncertain economy.

Mortgage professionals oft en suggest you put money aside each pay period so you can place six to 12 months’ worth of mortgage payments into a short-term GIC as security for a possible job loss.

And, best of all, if your job remains secure, you can take the money out of your GIC and make a pre-payment back on your mortgage on your anniversary date, which can end up saving you thousands of dollars in interest payments.

Refi nancing to access your home’s equity

If it’s not plausible to save money each pay period, refi nancing to access the equity you’ve already built up in your home is another valid option for planning ahead in uncertain times.

In addition to freeing up money to store future

mortgage payments in a GIC, some of the money can also be used to pay off high-interest debt – such as credit cards – and get you and your family off to a fresh

fi nancial start.You will fi nd

that taking equity out of your home to pay off high-interest debt can put more money in your bank account each month.

And since interest rates are at historic lows, switching to a lower

rate may save you a lot of money – possibly thousands of dollars per year.

Th ere are penalties for paying your mortgage loan out prior to renewal, but these could be off set by the extra money you acquire through a refi nance.

With access to more money, you will be better able to manage your debt. Refi nancing your fi rst mortgage and taking some existing equity out could also enable you to make other investments, go on vacation, do some renovations or even invest in your children’s education.

Keep in mind, however, that by refi nancing you may extend the time it will take to pay off your mortgage.

Options for paying your mortgage down quicker

Th ere are many ways to pay down your mortgage sooner that could save you thousands of dollars in interest payments throughout the term of your mortgage.

Most mortgage products, for instance, include prepayment privileges that enable you to pay up to 20 per cent of the principal (the true value of your mortgage minus the interest payments) per calendar year. Th is will also help reduce your amortization period (the length of your mortgage), which, in turn, saves you money.

Another way to lower the time it takes to pay off your mortgage involves changing the way you make your payments by opting for accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments. Not to be confused with semi-monthly mortgage payments (24 payments per year), accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments (26 payments per year) will not only pay your mortgage off quicker, but it’s guaranteed to save you a signifi cant amount of money over the term of your mortgage.

If, for instance, you have a $100,000 mortgage, an interest rate of 5 per cent and an amortization period of 25 years, your monthly mortgage payment would be $581.60 and your total payments for a year would be $6,979.20 ($581.60 x 12).

To understand the savings accelerated

bi-weekly mortgage payments can make, take the monthly mortgage payment of $581.60 and divide it by two ($581.60 ÷ 2 = $290.80). Next, take that payment and multiple it by 26 to arrive at your total payments for the year ($290.80 x 26 = $7,560.80).

As you can see, by using the monthly mortgage payment plan, you’ve made payments totalling $6,979.20 for the year, while using the accelerated bi-weekly mortgage plan you’ve made payments totalling $7,560.80 – a diff erence of $581.60.

Basically, with accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments, you’re making one additional monthly payment per year.

Using this example, you would reduce the amortization on your $100,000 mortgage from 25 years to just over 21 years and your total savings on interest over the life of the mortgage would be just over $12,000.

By refi nancing now and paying off your debt or putting money aside for future mortgage payments, you can put yourself and your family in a better fi nancial position.

Barbara Ten Bos is a mortgage professional with Dominion Lending Centres. She provides a monthly column about mortgage options, for publication in Th e Observer. Email her at [email protected] or call 604-819-5845.

BARB TEN BOS

Mortgage Minute

Remaining proactive in trying times

From 4


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News

Surplus funds low-income assistance

Tom Fletcher/Black PressFinance Minister Mike de Jong says B.C. may be the only province in Canada to balance its budget for the year ahead.

Tom FletcherBLACK PRESS

VICTORIA – Expecting budget surpluses for the next three years, the B.C. government is ending the deduction of spousal child support from social assistance payments and providing modest benefi ts for other low-income earners.

A target of single parents and poverty advocacy organizations in recent years, the "clawback" of child support payments ends Sept. 1. Th at is expected to leave about $32 million more over the next three years in the pockets of the parents who receive child support along with income assistance and disability payments, a benefi t to 3,200 families and 5,400 children.

Community Living B.C., responsible for developmentally disabled adults, gets an additional $106 million over three years, and $20 million is added to the

general budget for income assistance. Caseloads for both are expected to increase and individual payment rates stay the same.

Th is is also the budget that ends a two-year increase of 2.1 per cent in tax on income more than $150,000 a year. Th e provincial income tax rate for

that tax bracket returns to 14.7 per cent, which de Jong said is part of the lowest personal income tax rates in the country.

At the low end of the income scale, the exemption from paying any personal income tax goes to the fi rst $19,000 earned, up from $18,000.

An early childhood tax

benefi t begins April 1, with up to $660 a year for each child up to the age of six, designed to assist with child care costs.

Th is is also the year the province's training and education savings grant begins to be paid out for children who reach six years old. It is a one-time payment of $1,200 born since Jan. 1, 2007, to be placed in a registered education savings plan.

Finance Minister Mike de Jong said the current fi scal year is expected to fi nish with a surplus of almost $900 million, due mainly to better than expected personal and corporate income tax revenues, strong retail sales and a one-time adjustment of federal tax payments.

Aft er an additional $3 billion to the ever-growing health care budget and $576 million more for education over the next three years, the surplus for 2015-16 is projected to be $284 million.

By Tom FletcherBLACK PRESS

Aft er fi ve years of borrowing to pay for "groceries," Finance Minister Mike de Jong says budget surpluses this year and in the coming years will largely be used to pay down operating debt.

Th e provincial budget shows operating debt of $9.4 billion for the year ending in March, declining to $8.4 billion in 2015-16 and falling below $5 billion by 2018.

Total provincial debt, including roads, hospitals and other capital projects as well as debt held by BC Hydro and other Crown corporations, grows to more than $70 billion by the end of the province's three-year fi scal plan.

De Jong said balancing the budget means the province is only borrowing to build assets, and the current spending plan calls for $10.7 billion more in taxpayer-supp or ted debt. One new project is

planning funds for the proposed replacement of the George Massey tunnel under the Fraser River, a bottleneck for vehicle and shipping traffi c.

Other projects:• Post-secondary facilities include replacement of trade buildings at Okanagan College in Kelowna and Camosun College in Victoria, a trades facility at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt and relocation of Vancouver Community

College and BCIT heavy duty and commercial t r a n s p o r t a t i o n programs in New Westminster• New high schools including Centennial Secondary in Coquitlam, Oak Bay Secondary in Oak Bay, Wellington Secondary in Nanaimo, Clayton North Secondary in Surrey and Kitsilano Secondary in Vancouver.• Transportation projects including Evergreen rapid transit

line to Coquitlam, improvements to Highway 97 in the Cariboo and the Mountain Highway interchange in North Vancouver• Health care projects including North Island Hospitals in Comox and Campbell River, Interior Heart and Surgery Centre in Kelowna and clinical support and acute care centres at Children's and Women's Hospital in Vancouver

B.C. operating debt begins to decline

Still too many young drivers dying: coronerBy Tom FletcherBLACK PRESS

B.C.'s chief coroner has called on the B.C. government to look for ways to strengthen its graduated licensing system for young drivers and consider a pilot project of electronic speed enforcement in high-risk areas to reduce the number of young people who die in car crashes.

Th e B.C. Coroners' Service reviewed all 106 deaths of young drivers between 2004 and 2013, fi nding that speed, impairment or lack of seatbelt use were contributing factors in most cases. While the death rate for drivers aged 16 to 18 has declined by two thirds since 2008, it remains the leading cause of death for the age group, with teenage boys aged 17 and 18 at greatest risk of death or injury.

Attorney General Suzanne Anton said the government

has no intention of returning to photo radar for speed enforcement, but she will examine the recommendation to test a "speed on green" function for intersection cameras that could identify excessive speeding in areas of high accident risk.

Transportation Minister Todd Stone said the last review of B.C.'s stricter licence system for new drivers showed a 28 per cent reduction in crashes involving young drivers, but

that was in 2006."It hasn't been reviewed

since, so I think it's a very practical suggestion on the part of the coroner's offi ce to take a look at the program and see if there are some means to further strengthen it," Stone said.

Th e coroners' analysis showed 68 of 106 drivers were at the "novice" stage when they died. Of those, 18 had consumed alcohol and seven were driving with too many

passengers who were not family members, and without a supervisor.

Th ere were 14 deaths of young drivers with a learner's licence, the fi rst stage of the graduated system. Of those, 11 were driving with no supervisor, 10 had consumed alcohol, three were driving during restricted hours and two had more than one non-supervisor passenger in the vehicle.

Distraction by mobile phone use was found to be a factor in only one case.

Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said better data collection on accidents would help understand the risks. In many of the cases reviewed, the posted speed limit at the scene was not recorded, and the number of drivers who took driving lessons other than the ICBC-approved course was also not known.

“It hasn’t been reviewed since, so I think it’s a very practical suggestion on the part of the coroner’s office to take a look at the program

and see if there are some means to further strengthen it”

Transportation Minister Todd Stone

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RECREATION EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT ARTS SOCIAL SERVICES

The Kent Harrison Foundation has provided grants that promote

environmental awareness. As well, the foundation manages an

endowment fund that helps students pursuing an education in outdoor

recreation and the environment. For more information visit

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Just in time for wedding season, The Observer proudly presents the seventh edition of our award-winning wedding magazine.

Brides-to-be throughout the Fraser Valley will see your ad in print and online as they plan their perfect day.

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Sports

Laurens van Vliet (left) and Jeffrey Taylor, shortly after the race Feb. 14 at Manning Park.

Two local cross country skiers battled it out in the 15 K event as part of the Cascade Cup in Manning Park. Jeff Taylor and Laurens van Vliet competed in the classic technique event on Saturday, Feb. 14.

"With the recent warm weather, waxing for grip was a challenge," said van Vliet, "with most racers using a sticky klister wax (a ski wax suitable for warmer conditions) for their kick."

Th e course was well prepared by the grooming and track-setting staff at Manning, despite sparse snow cover on one of the trails. Taylor’s strong performance resulted in a fi st place fi nish in one hour and 11 minutes, with van Vliet fi nishing 20 seconds later.

Earlier in the season, van Vliet had a third place podium fi nish at the Kelowna Apple Loppet in West Kelowna, and raced at the RKS Loppet in Salmon Arm, both 15 K events. Van Vliet continued training this

season for the 2015 Canadian Masters National Cross Country Ski Championships (Feb. 8 -14) at Lac Le Jeune, south of Kamloops, hosted by the Overlander Ski Club. He fi nished an impressive fourth place fi nish in his age group in the 20 K classic technique race, and fi nished in 5th place in the 10 K race.

"Racing with the best skiers in Canada is exhilarating and makes for very strong competition. But in the end, comraderie and fun prevails at these events, which makes it so worth while." he said.

Both Taylor and van Vliet have been training at Manning Park. Th ey are grateful to the staff at the Nordic Centre for being so supportive

in their training andproviding for goodgrooming and tracksetting. Manning Parkis enjoying good snowconditions this season,unlike other ski areason the coast. Th is hasbrought many skiers,nordic and downhillskiers alike, to ManningPark Resort, which willbe open for skiing tillEaster (April 6).

Agassiz skiers compete at Manning

Despite having no home ski hill to train on this season, the Hemlock Ski Team continues to have solid performances by their junior U16 racers on the Provincial race circuit, while competing against older and more experienced racers. Last weekend at Whistler Mountain, the Hemlock Ski Team raced in the 36th Annual Bob Parsons Memorial Cup, which is a speed event consisting of both Downhill and Super G events. Although 8 of the 12 race events were cancelled

due to rain and poor snow conditions, the Race Organizing Committee was able to run two Super G races for the ladies and two Super G races for the men.

Th e complete results for the Hemlock Ski Team are as follows:

In Sunday’s Super G race, Katrina Voss (Port Moody) placed 13th and Megan Kardoes (Abbotsford) placed 31st in the ladies U16 group out of 56 entrants from across BC and Alberta.

In Monday’s Super G race, Katrina Voss (Port Moody)

placed 18th and Megan Kardoes(Abbotsford) placed 30th in theladies U16 group out of 56 entrantsfrom across BC and Alberta.

Hemlock Resort is located45 minutes east of Mission andoverlooks Harrison Lake. Th eHemlock Ski Club provides skiracing opportunities for kids from4 and up. For more informationabout the Hemlock Ski Club andits ski racing program, pleasevisit the ski club website at www.hemlockskiclub.com.

Hemlock Ski Team stares down poor conditions and strong competition

Katrina Voss (left) and Megan Kardoes prepare for the start of the Super G race.


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Sports

AESS senior girls have a shot at provincials


Th e Senior girl's basketball team is one game away from a trip to the provincials.

Aft er a great season, the AESS senior team is sitting in second place. Th ey have one fi nal game tomorrow evening to see who takes a coveted spot at the provincial fi nals. Th ey will be playing the third place team, Credo Christian School in Langley.

Th e AESS team has beat Credo two times this year.

"Th ey're a good match for us," comments coach Greg Lawley.

Lawley says the team has been practicing a lot this year, including

some who have been playing since before the season began with the Jr. Cascades program out of UFV.

"Th e kids have been working hard," says Lawley. "We've got a good chance. We just have to make sure we work hard through the week."

Th e team had an exhibition game last Friday and had several practices scheduled for this week.

"We haven't had a chance to go to provincials since 2006," says Lawley. It will be all new for his students and he hopes they win and get the opportunity to compete at the next level.

Th e provincials will be held in Lumby, March 4-7.

With the playoff s less than three weeks away, the British Columbia Hockey League has announced it will stick with the same postseason arrangement as last year.

R e g u l a r - s e a s o n games conclude Feb. 28 and the playoff s start March 3.

Th e top four teams from each of the three divisions qualify for the playoff s for a total of 12 teams.

In round one, each division’s top seed will face its fourth seed and second seed will face its

third seed.Th e best-of-seven

fi rst round will be played between March 3-11 followed by the best-of-seven second round between March 13-22.

Aft er the second round, there will be three division champions left standing. As in 2014, these three teams will play a double round-robin tournament, with each team hosting the other two in their home arena.

Th is round will eliminate one team and the remaining two will

advance to the BCHL Finals to play for the Fred Page Cup.

Th e best-of-seven championship series will be contested between April 10-19.

Th e BCHL champion will go to the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup which will be held April 25 to May 3 in Fort McMurray, AB.

From there, the top two teams advance to the RBC Cup national championship, which runs May 9-17 in Portage-la-Prairie, MB.

See bchl.ca

BCHL reveals playoff format and schedule

14 Agassiz Harrison Observer, Thursday, February 19, 2015

In Memory of our son, brother, uncle & Daddy

Michael John McRaeNovember 21, 1978 - February 25, 2010

Although fi ve years have passed since youleft us

Our hearts still ache with sadnessWe still reach for the phone and wait for your

knock at the door.Time is said to be a healer but as time goes byWe seem to fi nd it harder to accept that you

are no longer here.No longer here but forever in our hearts, so

never say goodbye . . . until we meet again.

Always and forever.Your family

PUBLIC NOTICEZoning Bylaw 1219,

Amendment Bylaw No. 1518, 2015WHAT: Public hearing on proposed District of Kent Zoning Bylaw 1219, Amendment Bylaw No. 1518, 2015.

WHEN: Please join us at 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 23, 2015 when Council will be receiving input from the public on the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment. You can speak in person at the hearing or by providing a written submission to the Director of Development Services, District of Kent, PO Box 70, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 or [email protected] before 4:00 p.m., February 23, 2015.

WHERE: The public hearing is to be held in the Centennial Centre of the Municipal Hall, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC.

WHAT IS IT: In general, the proposed changes in the Zoning Bylaw Amendment is to allow the continued use of a portion of the property commonly known as 1278 Tranmer Road for an electrical business that has been operating on the agricultural zoned lot since 1988. This non-farm use within the Agricultural Land Reserve has received approval from the Agricultural Land Commission.

SUBJECT LANDS:

The bylaw, staff report, and other relevant background material are available for review by the public at the reception desk in the District’s Offi ce between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from February 13, 2015 to February 23, 2105 inclusive. You may also contact Darcey Kohuch, Director of Development Services at 604-796-2235 for more information.

SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1278 Tranmer Road

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

7 OBITUARIES

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

21 COMING EVENTS

Retro Designs/Antiques Fair. Feb 22 10am-3pm. Croatian Cultural Ctr 3250 Commercial Drive. Adm. $5.

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SOAR is Pacifi c Coastal Airline’s in-fl ight

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THE DISABILITY TAX CREDIT. $1500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on avg). Covers: hip/knee replacements, back condi-tions and restrictions in walking and dressing. 1-844-453-5372.

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MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange mes-sages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851

5 IN MEMORIAM

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

42 LOST AND FOUND

Missing:

“Soleil” a 9mth Calico Cat since last week from 3363 Hotsprings rd. in Agassiz (close to Harrison). Has tattoo from Kent Vet. Clinic. $100 Reward for her safe rtn. Call: 250-826-0207 or 250-878-6949

TRAVEL

74 TIMESHARE

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today.100% Money Back Guarantee.FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW.We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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109 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Em-ployers have work-at-home posi-tions available. Get the online train-ing you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: Career-Step.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

114 DRIVERS/COURIER/TRUCKING

HIGHWAYOWNER OPERATORS

$3500 SIGNING BONUSVan Kam’s group of compa-nies req. Highway linehaul owner operators based in our Surrey terminal for runs throughout BC and Alberta. Applicants must have winter and mountain driving experi-ence/training.

We offer above average rates and an excellent

employee benefi ts package.To join our team of profession-al drivers, email a detailed re-sume, current driver’s abstract and details of your truck to:

[email protected] orCall 604-968-5488 or

Fax: 604-587-9889Only those of interest

will be contacted.

Van-Kam is committed toEmployment Equity and

Environmental Responsibility.

115 EDUCATION

Excavator & Backhoe Operator Training. Be employable in 4-6wks. Call 604-546-7600. www.rayway.ca


115 EDUCATION

GPRC, FAIRVIEW CAMPUS Ur-gently Requires a Power Engineer-ing Instructor! Please contact Brian Carreau at 780-835-6631 and/or visit our website at www.gprc.ab.ca/careers.

33 INFORMATION


130 HELP WANTED

Community Health Nursesought in Port Hardy, BC. Re-quest job description or apply to [email protected] by Feb 22. Competitive salary offered. Tel. 250-949-6625

33 INFORMATION


130 HELP WANTED

SMALL ENG/SAW/OUTBOARD MECHANIC WANTED.

Exp required. Wage/benefi ts negotiable. ShopRite Marine/Log-

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33 INFORMATION

INDEX IN BRIEFFAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS ............... 1-8

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS ... 9-57

TRAVEL............................................. 61-76

CHILDREN ........................................ 80-98

EMPLOYMENT ............................. 102-198

BUSINESS SERVICES ................... 203-387

PETS & LIVESTOCK ...................... 453-483

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE........... 503-587

REAL ESTATE ............................... 603-696

RENTALS ...................................... 703-757

AUTOMOTIVE .............................. 804-862

MARINE ....................................... 903-920

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5 IN MEMORIAM

Thursday, February 19, 2015, Agassiz Harrison Observer 15

The District of Kent is accepting applications for the above noted positions at the Ferny Coombe Pool. Positions will start on April 26, 2015 and fi nish on August 31, 2015. Hours are part-time and may include evenings and weekends.

Applicants should possess current National Lifeguard Service, Water Safety Instructor, First Aid, CPR, and Lifesaving Instructor (preferred) certifi cates.

Pay and benefi ts are in accordance with the Collective Agreement, CUPE Local 458. A rate of $18.01 plus thirteen percent (13%) in lieu of benefi ts is offered during the probationary period. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the 2015 rate is $21.19 plus thirteen percent (13%) in lieu of benefi ts.

For more information on this exciting opportunity, please see the job description at www.district.kent.bc.ca/dh-employment.html.

Please submit your resume outlining your qualifi cations and experience including a photocopy of awards/certifi cations to the attention of:

Ms. Clair LeeDirector of Corporate ServicesDistrict of KentP.O. Box 70, 7170 Cheam AvenueAgassiz, B.C., V0M 1A0 Fax: 604-796-8516

Emailed resumes will not be accepted.

The District would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preferred candidates will be required to complete a criminal records check.

The closing date for these positions is March 6, 2015.

Lifeguard/InstructorSeasonal Village of Harrison Hot Springs

Public Works Seasonal Labourer (April – October)

The Village of Harrison Hot Springs is seeking a full time seasonal Labourer with the Public Works Department.

Under the direct supervision of the Public Works Foreman, the incumbent in this position shall be responsible for a variety of manual tasks and duties. These tasks and duties are typically physical in nature and may require the use of small tools and equipment.

Required Qualifi cations• Minimum Grade 12 education and minimum

6 months related experience• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License

A full job description is available for further consideration at the Village Offi ce.

This position includes working weekends. Current wage rate is $25.89 with 10.6% in lieu of benefi ts.

Please submit covering letter and resume´ to:

Director of Finance and Human Resources Village of Harrison Hot Springs

PO Box 160, 495 Hot Springs RoadHarrison Hot Springs, BC V0M 1K0

Resumes and details may be received via e-mail to [email protected]

This opportunity is open for receipt of applications until 4:00 P.M. March 6, 2015

THE CHILLIWACK PATIENT ATTACHMENT MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT position is an integral part of the A GP for Me patient attachment project at the Chilliwack Division of Family Practice. In this role, you will be expected to exercise sound judgment and independence while managing the day-to-day administrative activities related to the delivery of patient attachment. You will demonstrate a strong commitment to quality customer service, applying excellent problem solving and communication skills to ensure the success of the program.This position provides telephone reception for patient inquiries as well as support for clinical staff. This is a .5 FTE position of 20 hours per week. A competitive compensation package is provided.

QUALIFICATIONS:Education: High school diploma or graduation equivalency degree (GED). Medical Offi ce Assistant certifi cate or diploma obtained from a post-secondary clinical program. Experience: Previous medical offi ce administration experience with a minimum of fi ve years work experience in a medical offi ce setting.Skills: Telephone Etiquette, Customer Service, Oscar EMR, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, Time Management.

Please provide a covering letter and resume to Chilliwack Division of Family Practice no later than February 22, 2015.Attention: Ken Becotte, Executive Director [email protected]

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130 HELP WANTED

ATLAS POWER SWEEPINGDRIVERS & LABOURERS

Power sweeping,power scrubbing and pressure washing. Must be hard working with a good attitude. Burnaby based. Must be available to work nights and weekends. Good driving record & abstract required. Experience and Air Ticket benefi cial.

Email: [email protected] or Fax: 604-294-5988

FLAGGERS NEEDED. No Certifi cation? Get Certifi ed, 604-575-3944

Village Green Hotel Vernon, B.C. requires a director of sales & marketing. For job de-scription and to apply go to www.villagegreenhotel.com/vernon-careers.

139 MEDICAL/DENTAL

MEADOWBROOK Dental has an opening for a part-time Hygienist beginning early March. We are seeking an intelligent, motivated, punctual, profesional team player with excellent communications skills. Dentrix and Digital Xray ex-perience would be an asset. Please apply in person with resume and covering letter to : 514-45715 Hock-ing Ave. Chilliwack, B.C. (no phone calls please)

PERSONAL SERVICES

180 EDUCATION/TUTORING

APPLY NOW: A $2,500 Penny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certifi cate Program at Langara Col-lege in Vancouver. Application deadline April 30, 2015. Send appli-cations to [email protected]. More information: www.bccommu-nitynews.com/our-programs/schol-arship.

182 FINANCIAL SERVICES

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

IF YOU own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Cred-it / Age / Income is NOT an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

130 HELP WANTED

PERSONAL SERVICES

182 FINANCIAL SERVICES

LARGE FUNDBorrowers Wanted

Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime1-800-639-2274 or

604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Need CA$H Today? Own a vehicle? Borrow up to $25,000. Snapcarcash.com 604-777-5046

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

260 ELECTRICAL

YOUR ELECTRICIAN $29 Service Call Lic #89402 Same day guarn’td We love small jobs! 604-568-1899

287 HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Full Service Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area.1-800-573-2928

VECTOR RENO’S Specializing in all interior & exterior

home renovations & additions Call 604-690-3327

300 LANDSCAPING

knoke trucking

130 HELP WANTED


320 MOVING & STORAGE1 As in movers we trust. Reliable Honest Movers. Same day moves & deliveries. Starting $45hr + gas. (604)997-0332 / (604)491-8607

1PRO MOVING & SHIPPINGAcross the street - across the world

Real Professionals, Reas. Rates. Best in every way! 604-721-4555.

329 PAINTING & DECORATINGNORTHSTARS PAINTING

www.northstars-painting.comMaster Painters at Students Rates.We will BEAT any Qualifi ed Quotes.

778.344.1069

www.paintspecial.com 604.339.1989 Lower Mainland

604.996.8128 Fraser ValleyRunning this ad for 10yrs

PAINT SPECIAL3 rooms for $299

2 coats any colour(Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls

Cloverdale Premium quality paint.NO PAYMENT until Job is

completed. Ask us about ourLaminate Flooring.

338 PLUMBING

BRO MARV PLUMBING Plumbing, heating, clogged drains BBB. (604)582-1598, bromarv.com

130 HELP WANTED

138 LABOURERS


353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

SOUTHWEST ROOFING • Cedar Restoration • Asphalt • Torch-On • Re-Roofs Since 85 604-760-7937

356 RUBBISH REMOVAL

JUNK REMOVAL By RECYCLE-IT!604.587.5865www.recycleitcanada.ca

130 HELP WANTED

138 LABOURERS


362 SECURITY/ALARM SYSTEMS

We Service all Makes• ADT’s, DSC’s, Brinks

& all others• Medical & Fire• Free* Alarm Systems

604-792-8055 / 854-8055

378 VACUUMS

from $499 (Made in BC)Repairs & Service. We extend

warranties to all makes. Vacuum needs a service every 5 years just like an oil change!

604-792-8055 / 854-8055

PETS

477 PETS

CATS OF ALL DESCRIPTION in need of caring homes!

All cats are spayed, neutered, vaccinated and dewormed.

Visit us at: fraservalleyhumanesociety.com

or call 1 (604)820-2977NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604-856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com

TOY POODLE neutered 4 yrs old. Tuxedo cat 2 yrs. female spayed. $50 for both. Prefer they go togeth-er. 604-850-1486

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

509 AUCTIONS

KWIKAUCTIONS.COM online-only weekly New/Used Restaurant & Commercial Food Equipment Auc-tions. Every auction ends Thursday night beginning @ 6pm (PST) View our website www.KwikAuctions.com for catalog & inventory pictures -Preview our auction fl oor in person 9am- 4pm, Mon-Fri - 7305 Meadow Ave, Burnaby (604-299-2517)

560 MISC. FOR SALE

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.Nor-woodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

STEEL BUILDINGS...”REALLY BIG SALE!” All steel building models and sizes. Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

REAL ESTATE

612 BUSINESSES FOR SALE

DVD RENTAL business. Sell-ing due to illness. Fully stocked $5500 obo. 250-542-0743www.tigressevideoretals.mydvd kiosks.net

627 HOMES WANTED

WE BUY HOMES BC• All Prices • All Situations •

• All Conditions •www.webuyhomesbc.com

604-657-9422

RENTALS

706 APARTMENT/CONDOAGASSIZ 2 bdrm gr fl r corner unit in Woodside Terrace, clean, quiet, well mngd bldg. Refs req. March 1. $750 + utils & D.D. (604)588-6665

Agassiz - Bachelor suite for rent available near post offi ce. Clean building. Laundry and off street parking onsite. $550/mth call 778-808-2046

DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL AGASSIZ

T. Marlowe Manor1755 - #9 Hwy, Agassiz(Under new Management)

Spacious and bright 1 bdrm....$600/m.

Also, new construction, condo quality l bdrm...$650

and 2 bdrm...$799/m

Prkg, coin laundry, elevator & balcony, 5 min walk to all

conveniences. Available now.Call 604-703-3405

RENTALS

706 APARTMENT/CONDO

Lynwood apt. lrg. 2 bdrm. Newer fl ooring, heat & covered parking incl. $ 650/mth Ph. 604-795-9953 or 604-796-3832 to inquire.

QUIET & clean top fl oor suite with elevator, new laundry facilities, stor-age locker, parking and resident caretaker. Easy walking distance to downtown Agassiz amenities. Dis-count provided to seniors. Pet friendly. $575. Call / text 778-918-9062

733 MOBILE HOMES & PADS

Wanted: Class C Mobile home 20ft to 28ft. Call Dennis 604-796-2809

736 HOMES FOR RENT

1.24 ACE. 4 Bedrooms 3600sft., dble Gar. Back onto Coq River, 5 mins to Coq. Malls. $2800/mo. 604-649-8987

Agassiz- 1/2 duplex for rent. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. N/P, N/S. DD + ref req’d. $1000/mo + util. Avail March 1. call: 604-845-2705

747 RV PADS

Rosedale. RV pads available. $420/month + hydro. Cable & Wifi avail. Laundry facilities onsite. Washrooms open year round. RV storage @ $75/mo available. call 604-794-7361

TRANSPORTATION

845 SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

pick a part

The Scrapper

SCRAP CARS & METALS - CA$H for CARS Up to $300. No Wheels - No Problem! Friendly & Professional Service. Servicing the Fraser Valley 1-855-771-2855

TRANSPORTATION

851 TRUCKS & VANS

KEY TRACK AUTO SALESAbbotsford

30255 Cedar LaneDL# 31038 604-855-0666

1998 HONDA CIVIC 2 dr, auto Aircared. STK#652. $2,495.2007 DODGE CARAVAN7 psgr, auto, fully loaded. Only this week! STK#546. $3,900.2002 HONDA CIVIC 4 dr auto, fully loaded. STK#547. $4,900.2005 NISSAN ALTIMA 4 dr, auto, full load. STK#648 $4,900.2007 DODGE CALIBER, 4 dr, auto. STK#602. $5,900.2003 HONDA ACCORD 2 dr, auto, full load, ST#586 $6,900.2007 JEEP COMPASS, 4 dr, auto, full load, STK#603 $7,900.2007 PONTIAC TORRENT 4 dr, AWD, fully loaded, only 99K kms. STK#657 $9,900.2008 HONDA CIVIC, 2 dr, auto, sunroof, fully loaded. STK#642. $9,900.2009 JEEP COMPASS, 4 dr, auto. STK#606. $10,900.2009 KIA SPORTAGE, 4 dr, auto, full load, runs good. STK# 624 $10,900.2010 DODGE JOURNEY 4 dr, auto, loaded, 7 psgr STK#428. $13,900. 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA. 4 dr, auto, sedan, fully loaded, sun-roof. STK#641. $14,900.2013 TOYOTA COROLLA, 4 dr, auto, fully loaded, standard STK#639. $15,500.2008 CHEV 1500 LT. Crew cab, 4X4, auto, short box, fully loaded. STK#600. $16,900.

33166 South Fraser WayDL# 40083 778-908-5888

1998 ACCURA 1.6 EL. 4 dr, auto, loaded. STK#651 $2,900.2003 FORD FOCUS 4 dr, au-to, Aircared, STK#545, $3,900.2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4, auto, full load. ST#585 $5,900.2007 DODGE Caravan 7 psgr, Aircared, STK#524 $5,900.2007 FORD Fusion 4 dr auto, loaded A/cared ST#321 $6,9002007 KIA RONDO 4 dr, auto, 7 psgr, leather, runs good, STK#424. $10,900.2009 TOYOTA COROLLA 4 dr sedan, loaded. No trade. STK#504. $10,900.2006 FORD F350 XLT quad cab, 4X4, auto, diesel, only 156K STK#17. $12,900.2007 FORD F350 XLT Crew cab, diesel, 4X4, auto, short box only 162K. STK#126. $14,900.2007 FORD F350 LARIAT crew cab, diesel, 4 X 4, auto short box. STK#275. $16,900.

Financing Availablewww.keytrackautosales.ca

In the matter of a declaration of seizure and sale of vehicles under

the Residential Tenancy Act:

All vehicles left, by Mr Ed McKittka, at 5533 McCallum Road, Agassiz before his death in January 2013, will be sold after March 19, 2015 if the executors of Mr Ed McKittka does not contact and deal with these vehicles before the fore mentioned date.

Warehouse LienIn the matter of the

Warehouse Lien Act:Agassiz All Storage, located at: 7651 Industrial Way, Agassiz, BC and Gary Ward of the last known address of: 606 Central Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 7M1; for unpaid rents totaling $369.00. If this amount is not paid on or before February 26, 2015 the unit contents will be sold by public auction at a later date to settle unpaid rents.


Box 70, 7170 Cheam Ave, Agassiz | Tel 604.796.2235 | www.district.kent.bc.ca

Monday, February 23Monday, March 9Monday March 23

UPCOMING COUNCIL

MEETINGS

Centennial Centre, Municipal Hall 7:00 PM

COMMUNITY NEWS COVERING FEBRUARY 2015

Agassiz Library is changing their hours. Originally open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, the Agassiz Library will now close at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays effective March 11, 2015.

The change has been made in response to local budget needs and a change in customer attendance patterns. “Both the District of Kent and FVRL endeavored to limit impact on customers,” says Scott Hargrove, FVRL’s CEO. “We chose to close Agassiz Library earlier on Wednesdays due to low reduced usage and no regularly scheduled programming on that evening.” Staff schedule changes and redeployment to other FVRL locations has meant no loss of hours for any Agassiz Library employees.

Agassiz Library’s after hours book drop will remain open - materials dropped off after hours are backdated when checked in. Customers can check out digital content, place holds, and renew items online 24/7 at www.fvrl.ca

CHANGES TO AGASSIZ LIBRARY’S WEDNESDAY HOURS:

KENT RECYCLING AND BOTTLE DEPOT

Mid-Block Crosswalk Lights Way For Pedestrians

Drivers and pedestrians have likely noticed a change at the mid-block crosswalk on Highway 9 and Cheam Avenue in the Agassiz townsite. Recently, the District of Kent worked with the Ministry of Transportation and Highways to enhance the crossing, by adding side flashing amber warning lights to alert drivers to the presence of the crosswalk and those wishing to cross, while also increasing pedestrian visibility. • Once the lights are activated, do not

cross the street until traffic in both directions has come to a complete stop.

• Drivers are reminded that it is the law to yield to pedestrians using marked crossways or intersections.

The District of Kent is pleased to provide this service for residents and takes pride in maintaining roadway safety for pedestrians and drivers alike.

NEW ENHANCEMENTS AT HIGHWAY 9 & CHEAM AVENUE

The District of Kent thanks those dog owners who have obtained or renewed their dog licences for 2015. For those dog owners

who have not yet licenced their dogs, you are reminded that a licence is required for your dog once it is 6

months old (District of Kent Animal Control Bylaw No. 1396, 2008). As part of your dog care plan, please review the information below and make the necessary arrangements to obtain a licence for your dog(s).

Who do I contact for More InformationPlease contact the Animal Control Department at the District of Kent’s Municipal Hall at (604) 796-2235 if you have any questions or need assistance with your dog licence application.

HAVE YOU OBTAINED OR RENEWED YOUR DOG LICENCE?

I was honoured to be appointed and to subsequently administer the 2014 Municipal Election as the District of Kent’s Chief Elections Officer.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the District’s general staff, as well as individual staff members for their exemplary assistance and support. Their cooperation and back-up, as we worked through the months of pre-elections work as well as the election event itself, was outstanding.

Although all of the District of Kent’s staff were always helpful and courteous to me, there are a few individuals that I would like to single out for compliments:

Firstly, Clair Lee, who acted as Deputy, certainly is one of the most knowledgeable and helpful people I have ever worked with. Her backing, research and consistent good advice provided me with a huge level of comfort as we worked through many issues.

Karin and Heidi provided me with timely technical support (such as the photocopier, computer networking, digital files) and never hesitated, at any time, to assist me with any and all requests.

I would like to also give thanks to Terri and all the “front-line” staff for their unfailing help as they welcomed residents who needed to meet with me, relayed messages and tracked me down with constant good cheer and composure.

Last but not least, Andrea, who was a new worker, stepped up and willingly assisted me with all kinds of small tasks. She would take on any job I requested, such as printing materials, filling a supplies order, sourcing out items etc. and accomplish these in no time at all and always with a friendly smile.

We completed the 2014 District of Kent Municipal Election to a high degree of excellence with no large issues or hiccups – much of the accolades go to the support of the staff as well as our Election Officials.

I was very impressed and much appreciative of ALL the staff from the District of Kent and send kudos for a job well done!

Thank You. Regards,Bev Kennedy, Chief Elections Officer, District of Kent

THANK YOU

When are Dog Licences DueLicences for dogs over 6 months old are due on January 1st of each year and are valid for the calendar year to December 31, 2015.

Why Should I Licence My DogIn addition to the bylaw requirement, licencing your dog is the responsible thing to do. The District receives many calls each year for “Lost Dogs” and the success rate for locating the dog is much higher when the dog has been licenced and is wearing its tags. Even when a missing dog is located out of Province we are able to assist the dog in locating their owners.

How Do I Obtain a Dog LicenceYou may obtain your 2015 dog licence(s) at the District of Kent Municipal Hall at 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz which is open on weekdays (except stat holidays) from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

If you are unable to make it to the Municipal Hall you can mail a cheque with a completed Dog Licence application form and we will mail your dog tag(s) to you.

What are the Annual Dog Licence FeesAnnual Licence fee: for every spayed or neutered dog is: $20.00*; for every unspayed or neutered dog is: $50.00

*A certifi cate from the veterinarian or Owners Declaration of Dog’s Spay/Neuter must be presented at the time of licence purchase for a spayed or neutered dog.

How Many Dogs or Cats Can I have on My Property?If your property is equal to or less than 0.5 ha (1.2 acres) in size. A maximum of 2 dogs and 2 cats is permitted.

If your property is greater than 0.5 ha (1.2 acres) in size and is not zoned Agricultural, Rural Residential or Resource Management. A maximum of 2 dogs and 2 cats is permitted.

If your property is greater than 0.5 ha (1.2 acres) in size and is zoned Agricultural, Rural Residential or Resource Management. A maximum of 5 dogs and/or cats combined is permitted without a kennel licence; 6 or more dogs and/or cats combined may only be permitted when a valid District of Kent Kennel Licence is obtained.

Mayor Van Laerhoven and Council invite any interested District resident with a passion for recreation, parks, trails and cultural services to participate in the Parks and Recreation Committee. More specifically, you are encouraged to submit your name as a volunteer to be considered as a Committee member to provide input on creating new ideas and recommendations with respect to parks, trails, recreation and cultural services in the District. You will also be tasked with helping plan Agassiz’s 125 year anniversary celebration set for 2020.

The Committee will be asked to provide valuable input on issues relevant to program service delivery and use of facilities for the District’s Community Services Department. This may include providing innovative ideas, receiving feedback from the general public, and being focused on solutions.

Please submit your interests as to why you want to participate in this Committee and how your background and training can contribute to the success of the Committee. Mayor and Council will appoint the Parks and Recreation Committee members at a future Regular Meeting of Council.

For more information on this exciting opportunity, please call Kerry Hilts, Director of Community Services at 604-796-2235.

We thank all those participants who apply; however, only those short listed to the Parks and Recreation Committee will be contacted.

Applications are being accepted until Feb. 27, 2015.

Submission may be forwarded to:

District of Kentc/o Parks and Recreation CommitteeBox 70, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0

Parks andRecreationCommittee

Kent Recycling and Bottle Depot is now taking Large Household Appliances for recycling. For more informationplease call604-796-3653

agassiz observer, february 19, 2015

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