burnaby newsleader, january 02, 2015

Post on 07-Apr-2016

224 Views

Category:

Documents

3 Downloads

Preview:

Click to see full reader

DESCRIPTION

January 02, 2015 edition of the Burnaby NewsLeader

TRANSCRIPT

page5 page6 page8LOCAL AIMS TO MAKE CHINA’S DISNEY

ABOUT 360 DAYS UNTIL NEXT XMAS

RELAXING, FLOATING DEVICE ON 4 WHEELS

www.burnabynewsleader.com

FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015

Task force takes it up a notchMario Bartelphoto@burnabynewsleader.com

The Burnaby Task Force on Homelessness is formalizing its efforts by becoming the Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby.

Wanda Mulholland, the community development coordinator for the task force, said the move to become a non-profit society will bring new expertise, resources and funding.

She said members of the task force have been working “off the sides of their desk” since 2005.

But they haven’t pursued official designation as a society because “our focus has all been on assisting people.

“Every effort has been made to keep that focus,” said Mulholland.

“We’re at a point now where we know we can best accomplish that by becoming a society.”

To achieve that, the society is seeking to create a working board of directors to help with strategic planning, grant writing, fundraising and community engagement.

Decision included small payment to shelter owner for defamationMario Bartelphoto@burnabynewsleader.com

The City of Burnaby and Burnaby SPCA had the legal authority to seize 52 dogs and 19 cats from a private shelter at 5005 Maitland St., the B.C. Supreme Court has ruled.

The seizures occurred on June 13, 2012, when Sandra Simans was being evicted for non payment of rent from her residence where she also operated the 1atatime Rescue Society.

The charitable society imports rescue animals from the U.S. and Asia to be adopted by local families.

All but 13 of the dogs were returned to Simans two weeks later when she had relocated to a new residence in Surrey. The rest of the animals were put up for adoption by the SPCA and one had to be euthanized.

Simans, who had operated the shelter since 2005, sued.

She claimed the seizure of her animals was unlawful and the City of Burnaby didn’t have the authority under the Community Charter Act to create bylaws for the seizure of cats. She also said she was defamed by statements made by the SPCA to the media.

But in his ruling, Justice John

Steeves said the City of Burnaby was within its legal rights to enforce a city bylaw that limits the permitted number of animals in a residence to four cats and two dogs. He said Simans was given

ample opportunity to comply with city bylaws after she was issued several infraction letters following complaints by neighbours.

Steeves noted Simans had a chance to reclaim four of the dogs and two cats as permitted by the bylaws immediately after they were seized, but she declined.

Steeves also ruled Simans had no basis under the Community Charter

Act to challenge the seizure of her animals.

“There were demonstrated medical problems with some of the animals including malnutrition,” said Steeves.

As for the defamation, Steeves concurred graphic photos released to the media by the SPCA of an emaciated chihuahua named Kada that had been amongst the seized animals created the impression its medical issues were the result of poor care by Simans. In fact, Steeves found, most of Kada’s medical conditions were pre-existing when the animal came into Simans’ care, and she’d spent $6,000 for surgery to help correct of those problems.

Steeves awarded Simans $2,500 for the defamation.

Court OKs animal seizure at shelter

MARIO BARTEL/NEWSLEADERThis week’s clear, cold weather creates a snowy backdrop to Burnaby’s booming Brentwood area.

Justice John Steeves There were demonstrated medical problems with some of the animals including malnutrition.

CHOICEquotes

Former NDP MLA Joan Sawicki is staying true to her environmental

ideals.See Page A4

Please see SEEKING BOARD, A3

A2 NewsLeader Friday, January 2, 2015

Friday, January 2, 2015 NewsLeader A3Friday, January 2, 2015 NewsLeader A3

Infocus OPINION page 6 | DRIVEWAY page 8

Mario Bartelphoto@burnabynewsleader.com

A space-traveling rhinoceros may help launch the Disney of China.

Trevor Lai had just completed his degree in business administration and marketing at Simon Fraser University in 2003 when he embarked on a cross-country tour to promote his fifth children’s book featuring the adventurous rhino, Ralphy in Space! Part 1.

Now the Alpha secondary grad is the creative director of his own animation company, UP Studios in Shanghai, China.

And Lai has aspirations to follow the footsteps of one of his role models, Walt Disney.

“I thought it was amazing how Disney built his dream company and then created real-life manifestations of his dreams so that people could experience them at Disneyland,” said Lai. “It’s a great motivator for me to create the Disney of China one day.”

He’s well on his way.UP Studios just signed a

deal to license its signature characters BOOMi and Bibop to a shopping centre in China that includes an exhibition of more than 100 statues and displays. Its BOOMiGram app was part of a cross-China promotional tour sponsored by Apple last year and a series of emoticons based on Lai’s Piggy in Love character have been downloaded more than 45 million times. Toy and plush versions of many of Lai’s characters are featured on their own microsite on amazon.ch.

“My dream has always been to create television shows and feature films with my characters,” said Lai.

That dream took root early.Lai published his first

Ralphy book when he was 17 years old, 20 copies all painted by hand. By the time Ralphy’s space adventure hit the shelves, he’d sold 20,000 copies of his various books, including 12,000 copies of a Captain C crime prevention booklet he produced for the RCMP.

When he wasn’t drawing and promoting his children’s books, Lai was also the co-owner of a Burnaby-based web design company, Trillenium Design.

But it was when he moved to China that the fusion of Lai’s creative talents and

business acumen really took off. His day job as a branding and design executive gave him the chance to learn about doing business in one of the world’s fastest-growing business environments, while in the evenings and on weekends he continued to create characters for children’s books that got a following.

“China was a place for me to be a small fish in a huge ocean, and hopefully grow to become a bigger fish,” said Lai.

His characters started to attract interest from brands that wanted to collaborate with Lai.

And in 2008 he founded UP Studios.

Lai currently has 25 full-time employees with more brought on to complete

specific projects. He hosts his own online business talk show, and he’s been a speaker at animation and visual effects conferences, alongside such industry heavyweights as Rob Minkoff, who directed Mr. Peabody and Sherman, and some of the creative minds behind The Simpsons.

Lai said the demands of China’s business culture demand his workday often extend into the early hours of the next morning. But he doesn’t let that slow him in his drive to achieve his dreams

“It’s amazing to think how much has changed in my life and also the world of media and technology in general,” he said.

-with files from Wanda Chow

Ralphy launched animator’s career

MARIO BARTEL/NEWSLEADER FILEWhen the NewsLeader caught up with Trevor Lai back in 2003, he was about to start his first national book tour to promote his latest installment of children’s character, Ralphy the Rhino.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Mulholland said the board of no more than 12 people will work with committees to develop housing solutions for people living in poverty, increase awareness of homelessness in Burnaby, support the city’s extreme weather response as well as outreach services and resources.

“The board isn’t meant to address these issues by themselves,” said Mulholland.

She’s hoping it will be comprised of representatives from the city, health authority, aboriginal and immigrant communities, service providers, community organizations, service clubs, faith groups and even people who have experienced homelessness themselves.

Members of the board will serve for at least two to three years with annual elections.

For more information, or to request consideration as a board member, contact Mulholland at info@burnabyhomelessnesstaskforce.org by Jan. 12.

Extreme weather shelter use up

This week’s cold snap has meant another opening for Burnaby’s extreme weather homeless shelter.

The extreme weather response team issued an alert for Dec. 28-31 that provided a warm place for the homeless to spend the night at Westminster Bible Chapel.

Dave Brown, of the Lookout Emergency Aid Society which operates the shelter, said its accommodated eight to 14 people per night over the 17 nights its been open this year. That’s more than previous years, said Brown. He credited greater awareness of the shelter’s location at 7540 Sixth St.

The shelter opens only when the weather is bad enough that it can be dangerous for people to stay outside. It operates from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Notification of openings is spread through online alerts, social media such as Twitter, notices at public facilities and by outreach workers.

The shelter’s first operating night this season was Nov. 11.

Seeking board members for society⫸ continued from FRONT PAGE

WINNER TAKES HALF

Winner will choose 1 prize option; other prize options will not be awarded.

DESIGNER HOME

LOTTERY

MILLIONAIRE

VGH & UBC HOSP ITAL FOUNDATI ON

Or call 604-602-5848Buy also at VGH andOVER 3,400 PRIZES!Plus... 50/50 Jackpot up to $2 million. Rules of Play / Tickets: MillionaireLottery.com

Chances are 1 in 482,600 (total tickets for sale) to win the 50/50 prize. BC Gaming Event Licence #68326

Know your limit, play within it.Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca 19+

Chances are 1 in 117,000 (total tickets for sale) to win a grand prize. BC Gaming Event Licence #68327

Start the New Year as a Multi-MillionaireStart the Year as a Multi-MillionaireMILLION$ TO WIN... DON’T MISS OUT!Thousands of tickets remain... Take advantage now!

5Incredible Grand Prize Options including $2.5 million cash

A4 NewsLeader Friday, January 2, 2015A4 NewsLeader Friday, January 2, 2015

Retirement coincided with collapse of her party in 2001Mario Bartelphoto@burnabynewsleader.com

Joan Sawicki left the British Columbia Legislature as the NDP MLA for Burnaby-Willingdon in 2001. She also left city life.

Sawicki was the Minister of Environment, Land and Parks for the NDP government when she decided she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2001. Today she lives the ideals she stood for in that portfolio in a remote log cabin located on two acres within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.

“Citizen Joan’s” cabin in the Bella Coola Valley is 45 kilometres to the nearest town for groceries, another 15 kms to Bella Coola for everything else. It’s not an easy life, said Sawicki, but it’s the one she and

her husband envisioned long before her departure from the political arena.

“People, especially young families, move here for the clean water, the clean air and the ready access to nature and outdoor activities,” said Sawicki, who volunteers with the local BC Parks office. “We never for a moment regretted the move.”

Especially as her retirement from politics coincided with the epic collapse of the provincial NDP in the 2001 election.

She said it was tough to watch so many of the initiatives she worked on get dismantled by subsequent governments.

“What I currently see in B.C. is something so alien to my values that I wouldn’t want to

be in the legislature now,” said Sawicki. “Politics has become a very reactive, knee-jerk and controlled culture that doesn’t provide for any real public debate.”

Not that she’s removed herself completely from current political affairs.

Sawicki waded into last spring’s debate on Bill 24 that made changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve. And she

worked to improve the way the cash-strapped Bella Coola Valley handles its solid waste by salvaging surplus garbage trucks and recycling bins from her old stomping ground in Burnaby.

“I still smile each time I see the “City of Burnaby’ logo on our blue bins,” said Sawicki.

Former NDP MLA now lives her environmental ideals

PHOTO CONTRIBUTEDFormer Burnaby-Willingdon MLA Joan Sawicki, who was also the Minister of the Environment, Land and Parks in the NDP government, now lives out some of her environmental ideals in a remote cabin located in Lord Tweedsmuir Park.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Joan Sawicki What I currently see in B.C. is something so alien to my values that I wouldn’t want to be in the legislature now.

CHOICEquotes

3845 E Hastings, Burnaby604.298.2886

WE’LL LOAN YOU MONEYON THE EQUITY IN YOUR CAR...in less than 15 minutes!

AUTO LOANS INC

ON THE EQUITY IN YOUR CAR

AUTO LOANSINC

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. thanks our sponsors for their generous support. This is not an endorsement.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Get Involved • WalkDonate • Volunteer • Sponsor

Register online today at www.walkformemories.com

or call 604-431-0117 ext 287

or 604-681-6530

Burnaby

2015 Burnaby Honoree, Craig Miller

Walk Location:Burnaby Lakes Rowing Pavilion6871 Roberts Street, BurnabyWalk Time: 10 a.m. – noon Registration at: 9:15 a.m.

Title Sponsor Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor Bronze Sponsor

Provincial Media Sponsors

Regional Media Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

SAVEANYWHERE.

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums

through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Get Cash Back in 3 Easy Steps

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

1. Browse & ShopBrowse the mobile app

for your favourite brand’s offers, and purchase

them at any store

2. Upload Receipt Take a photo of your receipt and submit it

through the app

3. Get Cash Back! Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your

PayPal wallet

In partnership with

SAVEANYWHERE.

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums

through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Get Cash Back in 3 Easy Steps

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

1. Browse & ShopBrowse the mobile app

for your favourite brand’s offers, and purchase

them at any store

2. Upload Receipt Take a photo of your receipt and submit it

through the app

3. Get Cash Back! Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your

PayPal wallet

In partnership withSAVEANYWHERE.

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums

through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Get Cash Back in 3 Easy Steps

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

1. Browse & ShopBrowse the mobile app

for your favourite brand’s offers, and purchase

them at any store

2. Upload Receipt Take a photo of your receipt and submit it

through the app

3. Get Cash Back! Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your

PayPal wallet

In partnership with

SAVEANYWHERE.

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums

through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Get Cash Back in 3 Easy Steps

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

1. Browse & ShopBrowse the mobile app

for your favourite brand’s offers, and purchase

them at any store

2. Upload Receipt Take a photo of your receipt and submit it

through the app

3. Get Cash Back! Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your

PayPal wallet

In partnership with

drivewaycanada.ca

This week’s feature:

THE YEAR IN REVIEW…

Friday, January 2, 2015 NewsLeader A5Friday, January 2, 2015 NewsLeader A5

Former MLA also helped create Burnaby Mountain Conservation AreaWanda Chowwchow@burnabynewsleader.com

Despite his 20 years in politics, the only manoeuvering Barry Jones does these days is on the basketball court.

Jones, 69, is now fully retired, and happy to keep a low profile while living in North Burnaby.

But for 20 years, his was a familiar name in Burnaby politics.

A former high school chemistry teacher in the Coquitlam school district, Jones’ first forays into the political arena was as a Burnaby school trustee. First elected in 1975, he served five two-year terms, including four as school board chair.

He recalled those were the days when “we were closing a lot of schools—parents hated that—because enrollment was down.”

Then when Eileen Dailly retired after two decades as the New Democrat MLA for Burnaby North, including a term as education minister, Jones seemed a natural fit to fill the vacancy.

He was elected in 1986 and served as the critic for both education and post-secondary education.

Jones recalled transportation issues were high on the priority list for residents. When the NDP was elected into government under then-premier Mike Harcourt in 1991, he was involved in a number of such projects.

The West Coast Express commuter rail service was a no-brainer, he said, as the CP rail tracks were already there and it allowed people to travel from Mission to downtown Vancouver without getting in their cars.

Perhaps more controversial were the high-occupancy-vehicle lanes installed on Hastings Street.

“One resident said, ‘If you put that HOV lane in, I will be the first human speed bump,’ ” he recalled.

Jones was also involved in helping broker the deal that divvied up the land on Burnaby Mountain between Simon Fraser University and the City of Burnaby. That led to the creation of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, the largest park in the Lower Mainland, even bigger than Stanley Park, he said proudly.

Jones expressed admiration for the protesters on Burnaby Mountain, some who spent recent months camped out to guard against Kinder Morgan and the study work it wanted to do, and eventually was allowed to, for its proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

“The larger issue is global warming, climate change. They’ve done a good job of drawing attention to that issue,” he said of the protesters.

But Jones is perhaps best known for helping bring in a piece of legislation that many take for granted—the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

It used to be the public had no access to information on anything the provincial government or Crown corporations did, Jones said.

When the province sold the former Expo lands to Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, “we couldn’t find details of that sale. Everything was obfuscated.”

If there were violations of pollution limits, no one would know which companies were in compliance or weren’t.

Jones first learned about the issue while cleaning out Dailly’s North Burnaby office, which he inherited, and finding a private member’s bill on FOI she had proposed.

“I was about to throw it out and then started reading and got fascinated.”

He then became the latest in a long line of B.C. MLAs, from parties across the political spectrum, to lobby for such legislation.

“It became my issue, I promoted it at every opportunity while in opposition.” Then when he became part of Harcourt’s government, he convinced then attorney-general Colin Gabelmann to see it through, and in 1992 the FOI Act was signed into law, and considered at the time the best such legislation in Canada.

Over the years, “governments, particularly provincial, have found ways of getting around the legislation,” he said with chagrin.

He noted the legislation also includes

Barry Jones pioneered FOI legislation

WANDA CHOW/NEWSLEADERFormer Burnaby-North NDP MLA Barry Jones is in full retirement mode after 25 years as a high school teacher and 20 years in politics—10 as a school trustee and 10 as an MLA. He can often be seen at Cameron Rec Centre where the only manoeuvering he does is on the basketball court.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

protections for privacy, and an information and privacy commissioner. “So when governments try that at least there’s a commissioner you can appeal to.”

Perhaps most indicative of the legislation’s success is the right to such information is now almost taken for granted as a result.

Jones left politics in 1996 to spend more time with his son, who was 10 years old at the time, having been born the same year he was first elected MLA.

He went back to teaching for a couple years before retiring, and spent six years on the board of Burnaby Family Life. He’s stayed involved in the community, including judging public speaking

contests in schools and an annual stint as a waiter at Anton’s Pasta on Christmas Eve when the Heights restaurant hosts a dinner for the needy.

“I don’t get in the Christmas spirit unless I go there,” Jones said with a smile.

Otherwise, Jones keeps active at his “second home,” the Cameron Recreation Centre, where he plays basketball once or twice a week, takes Spanish classes, works out in the weight room or in spin classes, and pursues his passion for Argentine tango.

But when it comes to politics, he’s content to observe from a distance.

“I think politics is really a young person’s game.”

GET READYfor the most meaningful

workout of your life!

A fun �tness challenge

April 25, 2015 | Richmond Olympic Oval

Workout to Conquer Cancer is a fun �tness challenge featuring a full day of

upbeat group exercise classes supporting research at the BC Cancer Agency.

REGISTER TODAY!workouttoconquercancer.ca

M E D I A PA RT N E R S :

PROGRAMS START MONTHLY> PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR - 33 weeks

> BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT - 49Weeks

> EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - Basic- 45 weeks - Post Basic- 32 weeks

CALL NEW WEST: 604.520.3900 OR VISIT SPROTTSHAW.COM

PR> PA

> BU MA

> EA

CAOR

FIND YOUR PASSION. FIND YOUR PURPOSE.

A6 NewsLeader Friday, January 2, 2015A6 NewsLeader Friday, January 2, 2015

OPINION

Jean Hincks Publisher

Chris Bryan Editor

Matthew Blair Creative Services Supervisor

Christy Foubert Circulation

The NewsLeader is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith,B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

7438 Fraser Park Dr., Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5B9newsroom@burnabynewsleader.com

burnabynewsleader.com | newwestnewsleader.com

Newsroom: 604-438-6397

Delivery: 604-436-2472

Classifieds: 604-575-5555

Advertising: 604-438-6397

Fax: 604-438-9699

Well, it’s all over. The carefully selected wrapping

paper has been stuffed in garbage bags, the perfect turkey is chopped up into five different sizes of Tupperware containers and you are reading the instructions for new electronic gadgets for the third time.

Was everybody happy with their gifts this year? I remember the husband who bought himself an

iPhone, his son an iPad, his daughter some iTunes but screwed up when he bought his wife an iRon.

Well, that’s what the week after Christmas is for. Taking back the sweater and getting the right size or exchanging the coffee maker, all the while marvelling that everything you bought last week is now 60 per cent off.

Did you get some quiet time before the guests arrived? I’ve never figured out why we have a Christmas breakfast and a Christmas lunch on the day we are having the biggest meal of the year.

How did the Christmas dinner turn out? Did you have everyone at your house or did you get invited out? I have been invited out for the past few years and I always do the “Aw shucks, you don’t have to send home a bunch of leftovers.” But in reality, I will survive on them for the next two days.

Even if I am invited out, I do a small turkey for myself on Christmas Eve and let it cook slowly overnight.

Awaking to that wonderful aroma of turkey and stuffing sets the scene for my Christmas day, but bringing home some gravy, vegetables and whatever that stuff is with melted cheese on top, just finishes off the leftover meals.

How did the visiting go? Did everyone behave or did the usual suspects replay the scenes of many Christmas’ past and create some awkward moments? Awkward as they are, it wouldn’t be Christmas without them. After all, we can choose our friends but we’re stuck with our family.

I love the story about the five-year-old girl who sat staring across the Christmas table at her uncle visiting for the holidays. After a few minutes, he asked what she was staring at.

“I’m waiting to see you drink like a fish. My Mom says you will before the night is over.”

Ah yes, little pitchers have big ears.

It is said that two types of family members show up for a family dinner. Those that help with the dishes and those that sit and talk about their operations. The hostess is usually polite enough not refuse help tidying up but in reality, having her mother-in-law continually putting things in the wrong drawers can be a

stressful end to an already long day.

How about after dinner? Did someone sit down at the piano or pick up the guitar and try to lead a sing-a-long? Maybe an energetic family member searched the hall closet and found some board games or the dice and the dining room table was cleared for action.

This is the point in the evening when most of the menfolk doze off or at least pretend they have dozed off if they have not already found some kind of sports on the TV.

Often, a year-old dart tournament on the TV is preferable to arguing over how many spaces you moved your game piece.

However it turned out, it’s in the bag.

If it didn’t work, you have almost 360 days to plan the next one.

Jim McGregor is a writer and former Langley City fire chief.

Almost 360 days to plan ahead

Most people have cleared out their Christmas tree by now and holiday egg nog, rum cake and turkey with all of the trimmings are but a distant memory.

The bills are starting to roll in, along with that feeling of perhaps overdoing it yet again, and, as the new year begins to take shape, we are faced with that desire to do better, to pare back and cut down.

But for many of us this feeling lasts but a short while as evidenced by a poll taken early in 2014 which found a quarter of men broke their resolution to lose weight after one day.

Who can blame them?Instead of dining on holiday

delicacies, we’re back to the detoxing and juice cleanses; instead of spending on gifts, clothes, new phones and TVs at Christmas, we’re now supposed to cut back our spending and start putting something away for RRSP season.

It’s a boom and bust cycle that’s hard on the nerves, which is why most people simply ignore the traditional New Year’s resolution in favour of, well, moderation.

And perhaps they’re onto something there. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the season, and treating ourselves and those we love from time to time.

But with moderation, a little easing of the gas, we don’t swing too far and suffer so many shocks.

Perhaps, that’s the best resolution of all—one which can truly inspire us to say, Happy New Year.

And feel it.

—The Tri City News

NEWSLEADER’S VIEW:

Sticking with your resolution

Jim McGregor

PuBlIsHeD & PrINteD By BlaCk Press ltD. at 7438 Fraser Park Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5B9

PHOTO OF THE WEEK:

We’re seeking shots that grab our attention for their creativity, impact, humour, or beauty, taken in New Westminster or Burnaby. They can be of people, the city, nature or the urban environment.

Email it to our team at: editor@burnabynewsleader.com with the subject heading ‘Photo of the Week.’

Ulli Dargel took this shot of her daughter, Marikka, in September with the horse River at the Burnaby Horsemen’s Association facility by Burnaby Lake. Marikka grew up riding horses and now lives in L.A., Ulli says. So when she returns to visit her parents she always enjoys spending time with River.

Want to see your shot featured as a photo of the week?

Friday, January 2, 2015 NewsLeader A7Friday, January 2, 2015 NewsLeader A7

E-Comm releases Top 10 list of non-emergency nuisance callsJeff NagelBlack Press

Do not call 911 because your slice of pizza is stale.

Nor is it an emergency if Wi-Fi at the coffee shop isn’t working or you’ve lost your glasses.

Those are some of the most bizarrely inappropriate 911 calls made by Lower Mainland residents in 2014, according to a top 10 list released by E-Comm, southwest B.C.’s emergency communications centre.

Besides complaining about the quality of take-out food, many bozo 911 callers appear to think emergency dispatchers can double as an information service, wanting to know everything from whether it’s a stat holiday to the phone numbers for taxis or travel agents.

E-Comm spokesperson Jody Robertson said people who make “nuisance calls” to 911 tie up valuable resources for people with real life-and-death emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.

“These kinds of calls come in every day pretty much all day long,” she said.

There isn’t an accurate count of how many there are, but Robertson said it’s “way too many.”

Nor can E-Comm staff instantly disconnect those calls – they have to be alert to the possibility that a caller feels threatened by someone nearby and is concocting a cover story so it doesn’t seem like they’ve dialed 911.

“We have to make sure the caller can speak freely and there’s not something else going on,” Robertson said.

The same sorts of scenarios – is the caller silent because of a nearby assailant or because they’ve had a heart attack – are on the minds of E-Comm staff when they get a pocket-dialed call or an

accidental call where the caller hangs up.Call-takers must phone back to make sure

the person is okay, and if the call came from a landline and they can’t be reached, police are dispatched.

“Those kinds of calls can chew up a lot of resources unnecessarily.”

The number of pocket-dialed 911 calls is running at about 70,000 a year, while another 30,000 are accidental calls where the caller hangs up without explaining to staff.

Those numbers have improved slightly, Robertson said, but still amount to more than 10 per cent of the 860,000 calls to 911 each year in the Lower Mainland.

She said the most frequent “head-scratcher” calls are ones seeking basic information, adding calls to report or seek information about power outages are a major recurring problem.

True emergencies are police, fire or medical situations that require immediate action because someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy or a crime is in progress.

Discovering your car broken into or vandalized should be a call to your local police non-emergency number, not 911.

“We’re here to help people with real emergencies,” added 911 call taker Warner Yang, who fielded the year’s most unworthy 911 call – that Wi-Fi at the local coffee shop wasn’t working. “If someone calls 911 about internet problems that means I’m not available to help someone who really needs it.”

Classic idiot calls from past years include callers who reported a large spider in their living room, that their TV was broken or that their son wouldn’t hand over the remote control.

Other requests have included callers seeking permission to drive in the HOV lanes because of congestion or wanting to rent a fire truck to block off a street for a party.

Top 10 don’t callsTop 10 reasons to not call

911:1. Wi-Fi at a local coffee shop

isn’t working2. “What’s the fine for jay

walking?”3. Pizza not fresh; wants a

replacement slice4. “What’s the number for my

travel agency?”5. Caller phoned 9-1-1 to ask

for a taxi referral6. “Is today a stat holiday?”7. Food they ordered is cold8. Wants help finding lost

glasses9. Home Internet is not working10. “What’s the date today?”

Photo coNtriButedDispatchers at E-Comm received some bizarre 911 calls in 2014.

Stale pizza, no Wi-Fi among bone-headed 911 calls

Advance your career with an innovative M.Ed. or EdD degree.Explore our new Fall 2015 programs!

Attend a Free Information Session:

EdD in Educational Practice February 4, 5-6PM at SFU Surrey

M.Ed. Programs February 3, 5-6PM at SFU Surrey

February 5, 5-6PM at SFU Vancouver

RSVP at: www.educ.sfu.ca/mycareer

FACULT Y OF EDUCATION

GR ADUATE STUDIE S

HAPPY NEW YEAR! PLEASE JOIN RAJ CHOUHAN, MLA FOR AN OPEN HOUSE

We will be gratefully accepting donations for our local food bankContact the Community O� ce if you have any questions at 604-660-7301

or � nd out more at rajchouhan.ca/events

The event is a great opportunity for constituents to meet Raj, learn about his work as an MLA and the services that the Burnaby-Edmonds Community O� ce provides. It is also where community members, organizations and local businesspeople can come together to celebrate and connect.

WHEN: Saturday, January 10th, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

WHERE: Burnaby-Edmonds Community O� ce – 5234 Rumble Street (Corner of Rumble and Royal Oak)

A8 NewsLeader Friday, January 2, 2015A8 NewsLeader Friday, January 2, 2015

The Volvo V60 T6 R-Design wagon is sublimely quiet at highway speeds.

The Volvo’s cabin offers a simple and stylish setup.

A relaxing floating device on four wheelsWhistler – Each morning, I wake up to my inbox clogged with a plethora of messages boasting of “great deals.”And while I swiftly send most to the trash, I often entertain the idea of not paying full price for a meal, or getting my mani/pedi at a 75 percent off, or occasionally splurging on a spa treatment. Not to mention yoga classes at a fraction of the cost.One message in particu-lar from West Coast Float caught my eye recently and gave me an excuse to take the Volvo V60 T6 R-Design wagon for a longer drive up to Whistler.The image accompanied with the text looked like something out of a Sci-Fi movie. There was this woman, float-ing in lagoon-blue water, in a rather interesting contraption. Beside it were words like “sensory deprivation,” “relaxation,” and “salt.” A colleague had mentioned to me in conversation about these float pods so I bought two

sessions and brought along a friend to enjoy it with me.Without going into too many details on the experience, I floated for 90 minutes in my private room. Note: do not rub your eyes! When it was all over, I was very relaxed.I am so glad the V60 T6 R-Design was the chariot home because I wanted the feeling of serenity to last as long as possible. The V60 certainly facili-tated this state of being.Driving the 2015 V60 wagon can be likened

to a floatation tank experience: but don’t close your eyes and turn off the lights to enjoy the tranquility! It glides effortlessly and handles brilliantly in whatever environment I put it in.Thanks to the R-Design Sport chassis, which has been lowered 15 mm, and spring stiffness is 15 per cent higher compared with the Dynamic chassis in the standard V60. That said, it’s stiff in all the right places.

The dynamic handling on the sinuous roads made me realize just how much I missed driving the Swedish brand’s vehicles. The smooth-revving 3.0L, turbocharged I-6 engine also helps sweeten the deal.With 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque being produced (with Polestar Performance software tuning), it’s no sleeper.

It’s then linked with a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with advanced Quick Shift, and a Sport Mode.Haldex electronically controlled all-wheel-drive with Instant Traction.I was hoping for some snow on the ground so I could play in it a little, but alas, my request was not answered. Maybe next time.

The cabin offers a simple yet stylish setup – one that has been a common theme through the Volvos I’ve tested over the years - complete with Volvo’s “floating” centre stack.It’s sublimely quiet at highway speeds and because of its Climate Package ($1,350), I had such features as a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield, along with the standard heated front seats, to keep my body blissfully warm in the sub zero tem-peratures.With room for five inside, a cargo area of 692 litres, and an overall impressive execution, I didn’t want to give this bright red wagon back. Though I wouldn’t call it a deal with a price as tested of $58,700 (then again, the base V60 T5 FWD starts at $38,900), it is the real deal: an incredible wagon that gives you all the pleasure of driving without the salt in your eyes. Just on the roads.

Visit www.volvocars.ca for more infor-mation on the V60.

alexandra.straub@drivewaybc.ca

January 2 2015 | Welcome to the driver’s seat

‘‘Driving the 2015 V60 wagon can be likened to a floatation tank experience: but don’t close your eyes and turn off the lights to enjoy the tranquility!’’Alexandra Straub

Friday, January 2, 2015 NewsLeader A9

A10 NewsLeader Friday, January 2, 2015

105 AVE

104 AVE

100 AVE

152

ST

154

ST

156

STvvvv

TownCentre

Friday, January 2, 2015 NewsLeader A11

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

6 IN MEMORIAM GIFTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

33 INFORMATION

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

magazine. This attractive business & tourism

publication is published bi-monthly (6 times/year).

Great impact for your BC Business. More than 280,000 passengers fl y

Pacifi c Coastal Airlines.Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 or email

fi sh@blackpress.ca

CHILDREN

86 CHILDCARE WANTED

F/T Live-in Nanny req by fam of 5 in W. Vancouver area. Min wage. Flex days off. abdul@ableauction.com

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunity To BuyJanitorial Franchise

ANNUAL STARTING REVENUE $24,000 - $120,000

FINANCING AVAILABLE• Minimum $6,050 down payment• Guaranteed Cleaning Contracts• Includes Professional Training• On Going Support• Proven Worldwide Franchiser

604.434.7744info@coverallbc.comwww.coverallbc.com

114 DRIVERS/COURIER/TRUCKING

F/T CLASS 1 DRIVERS Pick-Up & Delivery

Van Kam’s Group of Compa-nies requires FT class 1 driv-ers for the Surrey area. Appli-cants must have LTL & P&D driving experience and must be familiar w/the Greater Van-couver region.

$1000 Hiring Bonus & Above Average Rates

To join our team of profession-al drivers please send a re-sume and current drivers ab-stract to:

careers@vankam.comor Fax: 604-587-9889

We thank all applicants for your interest!

Van-Kam is committed to employment equity and

environmental responsibility.

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

114 DRIVERS/COURIER/TRUCKING

TransX is now hiring Vancouver based Class 1

Owner Operators for Terrace and Central B.C.

interior runs.

EARN .95+/mile after costs on this lane

1-877-914-0001Apply today at

www.drivetransx.com

115 EDUCATION

Civil Infrastructure Diploma BRIGHTON COLLEGE - Less than 9 month course. 604.901.5120

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

130 HELP WANTED

CARRIERS NEEDED

YOUTH & ADULTS

Deliver newspapers (2x per week) on Wednesdays and Fridays in your area. Papers are dropped off at your home with the fl yers pre-inserted!

Call Christy 604-436-2472for available routes emailEmail circulation@burnaby

newsleader.com

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

130 HELP WANTED

.Flagpersons & Lane Closure Techs required. Must have reliable vehicle. Must be certifi ed & experienced. Union wages & benefi ts. Fax resume 604-513-3661 email: darlene.hibbs@shawbiz.ca

160 TRADES, TECHNICAL

Commercial Trailer Journeyman Mechanic

(Surrey Terminal)

Van-Kam Freightways Ltd. re-quires two (2) full-time Commer-cial Trailer Journeyman Mechan-ics to work out of our Surrey Terminal located at 10155 Grace Road.

Applicants should have an in-spectors ticket, a minimum of 2 years of related experience, a positive attitude and able to work in a team environment. Experi-ence in a freight fl eet environ-ment would be preferred as this is a busy facility providing service to a large fl eet of Company Owned Trucks and Trailers.

Seize this opportunity to work for one of Western Canada’s largest regional freight carriers.

For more information, call Derek,

at 604-587-9818 or 604-968-7149

Interested candidates should at-tach an updated resume and cov-er letter to:

careers@vankam.com or fax: 604-587-9889

Van-Kam thanks you for your interest, however only those be-ing considered will be contacted.

Van-Kam is committed toEmployment Equity and

Environmental Responsibility.

Restoration TechniciansWe are a highly ethical, profes-sional restoration company based in Calgary, Alberta.We are looking for experienced Restoration Technicians with WRT and AMRT certifi cation, able to run a crew of 4 staff.We offer excellent health and dental benefi ts. Salary range: $25-$30/h

We are conducting interviews in Surrey on Sunday Jan. 11th,

2015 & in Vancouver on Monday, Jan. 12th, 2015.

Please, forward your resume to: Mike@rdr.ca

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

160 TRADES, TECHNICAL

Commercial Transport Journeyman Mechanic

(Surrey Terminal)

Van-Kam Freightways Ltd.requires two (2) full-time Com-mercial Transport Journeyman Mechanics to work out of our Surrey Terminal located at 10155 Grace Road. One (1) position is an afternoon shift starting at 3:30PM and working until midnight and the other position (1) has an 11:30PM start working until 8:00AM.

Applicants should have an in-spectors ticket, a minimum of 2 years of related experience, a positive attitude and able to work in a team environment. Experi-ence in a freight fl eet environ-ment would be preferred as this is a busy facility providing service to a large fl eet of Company Owned Trucks and Trailers.

Seize this opportunity to work for one of Western Canada’s largest regional freight carriers.

For more information, call Derek,

at 604-587-9818 or 604-968-7149

Interested candidates should at-tach an updated resume and cov-er letter to:

careers@vankam.com or fax: 604-587-9889

Van-Kam thanks you for your interest, however only those be-ing considered will be contacted.

Van-Kam is committed toEmployment Equity and

Environmental Responsibility.

PERSONAL SERVICES

182 FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

260 ELECTRICAL

Low Cost. Same Day. Licensed. Res/Com. Small job expert. Renos Panel changes ~ 604-374-0062

263 EXCAVATING & DRAINAGE

DRAIN Tiles, Sewer, Water Video Inspection, Jack Hammering, Hand Excavating Call Tobias 604.782.4322

284 HEAT, AIR, REFRIGERATION

Furnace & Air Conditioning~ Hot water tanks ~Gasfi tting/Sheet metal

604-461-0999320 MOVING & STORAGE

ABE MOVING - $35/Hr. Per Person*Reliable Careful Movers. *RubbishRemoval. *24 Hours. 604-999-6020

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

320 MOVING & STORAGE

AFFORDABLE MOVINGwww.affordablemoversbc.com

From $45/Hr1, 3, 5, 7 & 10 Ton Trucks

Licensed ~ Reliable ~ 1 to 3 MenFree Estimate/Senior DiscountResidential~Commercial~PianosLOCAL & LONG DISTANCE

604-537-4140

MIRACLE MOVING Licensed - Bonded - Fully Equip. Residential Commercial, 1-3 Men

BIG OR SMALL MOVESStart $45/hr ~ All size trucks

Free estimate/Senior Discount www.miraclemoving.ca604 - 720 - 2009

~We accept Visa & Mastercard~

1PRO MOVING & SHIPPINGAcross the street - across the world

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

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

.CAN-PRO Paint and Drywall. Over 25 yrs of quality service. 3 ROOMS, $250. Insured. 604-771-7052

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 &

Maid Services.

338 PLUMBINGBRO MARV PLUMBING 24/7

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

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

Roofi ng Experts. 778-230-5717Repairs/Re-Roof/New Roofs. All work Gtd. Free Est. Call Frank.

FIVE STAR ROOFINGAll kinds of re-roofi ng & repairs.

Free est. Reasonable rates.778-998-7505 or 604-961-7505

356 RUBBISH REMOVAL

. FREE Scrap Metal Removal.

.FREE Scrap metal removal. Appls, BBQS, exercise equip, cars, etc. 604-572-3733 ww.tkhaulaway.com

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

356 RUBBISH REMOVAL

Brads Junk Removal.com. Same Day Service. Affordable Rates! 604.220.JUNK (5865)

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

374 TREE SERVICES

PETS

477 PETSCATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866

NEED 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

NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND PUPS Ready Feb. 15. Reg’d. Vet checked

http://vigelandkennels.ca604-823-2259

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

551 GARAGE SALES

ABBOTSFORD FLEA MARKET

Abbotsford Exhibition ParkTRETHEWEY @ MACLURE AVE~ SUNDAYS ONLY ~

6 am to 4 pmPhone 604-859-7540

560 MISC. FOR SALEHOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

REAL ESTATE

625 FOR SALE BY OWNER

Aldergrove SxS Duplex, 4 suites 8500s/f lot, full renod, new siding/ windows, rent $3400. $579K or $295K each side. 604-807-6565

627 HOMES WANTED

WE BUY HOMES BC• All Prices • All Situations •

• All Conditions •www.webuyhomesbc.com

604-626-9647

RENTALS

706 APARTMENT/CONDO

BURNABY,

LINDEN GLEN APTSRenovated, spacious & bright

1 & 2 Bdrm units. Small pet ok. From $850/mo incl heat & HW.

Near Highgate.

604-540-2028, 778-708-6336

Maple Ridge Central

Certifi ed crime free clean quiet building for mature adults only. 1 bdrm, gas f/p. No smokers No pets $600 + utils.

(604) 467- 5271

736 HOMES FOR RENT

EAST BURNABY - 4 bdrm house, Available now. (604)526-2477

752 TOWNHOUSES

PITT MEADOWS: 2 - 3 bdrm co-op T/H $1108/mo - $1211/mo. Shares req’d. Close to WCE, schools & shopping. No subsidy available. 19225 119th Ave. For more info & to book an appt. call 604-465-1938

TRANSPORTATION

845 SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

#1 FREE SCRAP VEHICLE REMOVAL

ASK ABOUT $500 CREDIT $$$ PAID FOR SOME

604.683.2200

A12 NewsLeader Friday, January 2, 2015

BC RED TAB WEEK 36 51048 _JAN 5_MON_04

Shop Safeway during our Customer Appreciation Day

this Tuesday, January 6th and choose either

10% o� or 20x your base AIR MILES®

reward miles on a minimum $35 grocery purchase!*

*Off er valid Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 at your Safeway Stores. Minimum grocery purchase of $35 required. Off er earn 10% off your eligible grocery purchase or earn 20 AIR MILES® reward miles for every $20 spent on eligible grocery purchase. Limit of one off er per household. Some conditions and exclusions apply. See your Safeway store for complete list of exclusions. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES

International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Safeway.

*Off er valid Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 at your Safeway Stores. Minimum grocery purchase of $35 required. Off er earn 10% off your eligible grocery purchase or earn 20 AIR MILES® reward miles for every $20 spent on eligible grocery purchase. Limit of one off er per household. Some conditions and exclusions apply. See your Safeway store for complete list of exclusions. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES

10%offYour base AIR MILES® reward miles on a minimum $35 grocery purchase!✝

This Tuesday, January 6th, earn ...

offoff OR

on a minimum $35 grocery purchase!✝

OROR20x®

* Please see Customer Service for Terms & Conditions or visit us online at www.Safeway.ca1 The collection of stamps are awarded based on your total purchase made in-store in a single transaction. Purchase exclusions include prescriptions, diabetes merchandise, insulin pumps, insulin pump supplies, transit passes, postage stamps, event tickets, tobacco, liquor or fuel purchases, Tim Hortons and Starbucks beverages, Rug Doctor rentals, Redbox, DVDs, enviro levies, recycling fees, bottle deposits, lottery, � oral deliveries, specialty order hotline, online purchases, all gift cards, Western Union transactions and sales tax.

REDEEM FOR YOUR KNIVES TODAY!

REDEEM THE STAMPS YOU’VE EARNED AT SAFEWAY AND GET FREE ZWILLING J.A. HENCKLES *****FIVE STAR KNIVES TODAY.

FREE WITH STAMPS* WITH STAMPS*

top related