friday june 3, 2011

www.southdeltaleader.com A1South Delta Leader Friday, June 3, 2011

FRIDAY JUNE 3 2011 www.southdeltaleader.com[more-online

❚ COFFEE WITH P7 ❚ VIEWPOINT P8 ❚ DATEBOOK P9 ❚ LOCAL FLAVOUR P15 ❚ SPORTS P17

CLOSINGSSpate of

businesses shut their doors P5

HOCKEY FEVERFoals get tagged

with Canucks names P6

PLAY TIMESouth Park

students open new playground P11

ROLL TO GOLD

Delta Revolution place fi rst at

tournament P17

PLUS Kids Corner, New Local Homes,

Crossword

Slow short-term growth in Delta

could mean dramatic long-term change

Sara

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ello

way

imag

e

COMMUNITIES Slow short-term growth in Delta

could mean dramatilong-term change

Tsawwassen

Ladner

North Delta

A2 www.southdeltaleader.com Friday, June 3, 2011 South Delta Leader


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DOW NTOW N VA NCOU V ER

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DOWNTOWNLADNER

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LADNER TRUNK ROAD

KEIRAGARDENS


The Corporation of Delta4500 Clarence Taylor CrescentDelta BC V4K 3E2www.corp.delta.bc.ca

Understanding your Property Tax Notice

The 2011 Financial Plan includes a 2.48% property tax increase for the provision of general services and an increase of 0.5% for extra police for a combined total of 2.98%.

Did you know…In 2011, the average residential property assessment increased by 9%. However, your property may experience a different tax increase depending on how much your property assessment has changed. Your property assessment is determined by BC Assessment every January. For instance…The table below shows that if your home increased in value by 9% from $490,000 in 2010 to $534,000 in 2011, your municipal property tax will increase by 2.98%. If the assessed value of your home is less than 9%, your property tax will be lower than the average. If the value of your home increased by more than the average 9%, your property tax increase will be higher than the average.

Other government taxes on your property tax billYour property tax notice also increases due to non-municipal government levies beyond Delta’s control that have increased, including:

1.5%2.6%

3.4%

5.3%

7.2%

9.1%

10.9%

12.8%

14.7%

16.6%

18.5%

20.3%

22.2%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

Prop

erty Tax In

crease

Property Assessment Increase and Impact on Total Property Taxes

If your property increased in value by 9% in 2011, your municipal property tax will increase by 2.98%

‐0.3%

‐5%

0%

6% 8% 9% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20% 22% 24% 26% 28% 30%

Property Assessment Increase

Assessment 6% 8% 9% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20% 22% 24% 26% 28% 30%

Delta Taxes 0.0% 1.9% 2.98% 3.8% 5.7% 7.6% 9.5% 11.4% 13.2% 15.1% 17.0% 18.9% 20.8% 22.7%Total Taxes ‐0.3% 1.5% 2.6% 3.4% 5.3% 7.2% 9.1% 10.9% 12.8% 14.7% 16.6% 18.5% 20.3% 22.2%

It is a legal requirement that Delta collects taxes for these government organizations which comprise 40% of your property tax bill. For more information, contact Delta’s Taxation Office at (604) 946-3235 or email [email protected]

Property Assessment Property Taxes

2010 2011 Increase Delta PortionTotal Taxes (including

non- municipal government levies)

$490,000 $490,000 0% -5.6% -6.0%

$490,000 $534,000 9% (Average) 2.98% 2.6%

$490,000 $563,500 15% 8.5% 8.0%


›INBRIEFCummins elected leader of B.C. Conservatives

Former Delta Richmond-East Conservative MP John Cummins was officially declared leader of the B.C.’s Conservative Party.

At a leadership vote May 28 in Surrey where he was elected, Cummins said the moment marked a new era in B.C. politics.

“I am honoured to be elected leader of the new BC Conservatives,” Cummins said in a press realease from the party. “Together, we will build a real choice for the voters of this province. Instead of revolving door Lib-eral and NDP governments, where all that is replaced is a set of insiders getting rich, B.C. need a real choice. We are that choice.”

Cummins’ first policy promise as leader was to scrap the carbon tax.

“When gas prices are high we pay more for food, clothing...pretty much everything,” he said. “The larg-est component of the price of gas is taxes. In B.C. we have a special tax, one that no one else in North America has; a carbon tax.”

—Staff writer

Summer experienceSeveral students from Deas Island Dance have been

accepted to international summer programs across the USA and Canada.

The dancers are from Ladner and Tsawwassen and currently train at the Ladner dance school 10-16 hours per week.

They attend a ballet intensive program at Deas Island Dance and also train for Royal Academy of Dance voca-tional ballet exams up to Advanced 2 levels.

The students include Annelise Bucher (Boston Ballet), Frances Carroll (American Ballet Theatre New York), Kelly Challinor (Washington Ballet), Lexie Drab (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre), Olivia Latendresse (Alberta Ballet), Julia Lowndes (Royal Winnipeg Ballet), Kierra Philbrook (American Ballet Theatre California), Lauren Probyn (Washington Ballet) and Katy Weatherly (Pacific Northwest Ballet).

The public will have the opportunity to see these and other dancers from Deas Island Dance perform in the production of Sleeping Beauty, at the Genesis Theatre June 2-5.

For ticket information and show times please call 604-946-5867.

—Staff writer

news

Out of businessFor many Tsawwassen shops, keeping the doors open can be a struggle

Dina Boykiw, who runs Lola Bleu Boutique, is preparing to close her clothing store. Business is down across the board in Tsawwassen and many shops are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Christine Lyon photo

CHRISTINE LYONR E P O R T E R

W ith a couple of Tsawwassen shops closed or closing, and a few other stores rumoured to

soon be shutting their doors, local busi-ness promoters are encouraging residents to shop local.

Hal and June's Meats & Deli on 56th Street has already closed, and Lola Bleu Boutique at Tsawwassen Town Centre is clearing out the rest of its merchandise as it prepares to shut down. Meanwhile, there are a handful of others likely to announce they are going out of business in the com-ing weeks.

"It's just sad," said Ana Arciniega, execu-tive director of the Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association. "These people really try hard to have nice products, dif-ferent products, high-quality products and still they just can't make it.

"I've talked to a lot of business owners and business is down across the board. I don't know if it's a combination of peo-ple not spending or people buying more online, but definitely our small businesses are feeling it."

Arciniega said in a community of 20,000 such as Tsawwassen, local residents are businesses' number one market. That's why the TBIA always encourages people

to shop locally."The number one customer is not

people from out of town that will come to shop at our local little store, it is our own residents," Arginiega said. "If they want businesses to stay open, they have to sup-port them."

Costs might be higher, she said, but shoppers are also saving the money they would otherwise spend on gas to leave town. Plus there are plenty of "boutiquey-type" retailers in Tsawwassen that sell one-of-a-kind products.

"It's stuff that you normally don't find at the Wal-Mart or at the Gap, it's more unique clothing."

The TBIA is currently planning its fourth annual Outdoor Movie Nights—free eve-nings of entertainment that draw locals and outsiders into the community.

The Tsawwassen Business Association also supports initiatives to bring shoppers into town. The organization supports the Sun Festival Society, and hosts a live music event every weekend at The Stage at the Tsawwassen Legion.

"By supporting the arts and culture we not only create an asset for the commu-nity, we create a more vibrant community through participating with merchants," said TBA president Dave McIlroy. "Our goal here is to see an influx of people com-ing in and visiting the merchants, spend-

ing some money, not just people that live here but visitors as well."

He said it's unfortunate to hear about long-time businesses closing shop.

"It's very disappointing and indicative of a community that's going through some growth challenges," he said. And the side effects trickle down to the younger gen-eration when struggling businesses can't afford to hire extra help.

But McIlroy reminds that not all Tsaw-wassen businesses are hurting. His Inter-net broadcasting business has seen 100 per cent growth recently. And he recalls that Bikram Yoga was "bursting at the seams" when it first opened.

"If people want what you've got, they'll beat a path to your door it seems."

Then there's service providers, like chi-ropractors, who often have an established and steady clientele. And a few places in town are profiting off the Vancouver Canucks' playoff success.

"Local bars and restaurants are doing well, but then they tend to always do well in the community usually," McIlroy said.

One local business is relocating from a back office to a much more prominent location. Property owner Century Group has confirmed that Daniel Boisvert Notary Public will lease the vacant space next to Blenz Coffee at 1315 56th [email protected]


Deas Island Dance students. Contributed photo

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A6 www.southdeltaleader.com Friday, June 3, 2011 South Delta LeaderA6 www.southdeltaleader.com Friday, June 3, 2011 South Delta Leader

Four-legged supportPHILIP RAPHAELE D I T O R

T h e Va n c o u v e r C a n u c k s r o a d through the NHL

playoffs and into the Stanley Cup final has given birth to a unique form of fan support in South Delta.

Down at the stables of Country Lane Farm in Ladner the names are familiar to hockey fans—”Bieksa,” “Bobby Lu,” and “Sami”—but the faces are all new. Try just about a month to a few weeks old.

That’s because the new arrivals—recently born foals—have been tagged with names of some Canucks players in homage to the NHL team’s outstanding per-formance.

The first foal born dur-ing the opening round, nail-biting seven game series against Chicago was named “Bobby-Lu” after Vancouver netmind-er Roberto Luongo.

The second foal was born during Ryan Kes-sler’s heroic efforts to turn back the Black-

hawks and was named “Ryan.”

And Alexander Bur-rows’ overtime series winner that vaulted Vancouver into the sec-ond round gave the third foal—a filly—the name “Alex-a.”

The fourth four-legged Canuck went nameless until the two-goal per-formance in the third round series against San Jose by blueliner Sami Salo which happily saddled the foal with the name “Sami.”

“Then my little filly

was born on the morn-ing of May 24,” says Julie Coles, one of the resi-dent coaches at Country Lane Farm, a breeding farm. “Her birth was as much as a miracle as the amazing goal that night in double overtime to clinch the series against the Sharks.”

“Bieksa” is a very fit-ting name for the fiesty little foal, Coles says.

“And since she is my third horse, it is only perfect that she wear the number 3 (Kevin Bieksa’s number) jersey.”

As the Canucks enter the Stanley Cup final series there is more in store as Country Lane is expecting one more foal.

Who will it be named after?

It all depends who stands out in the final round, Coles says.

Or maybe, i f the Canucks end their 40th season by hoisting the game’s Holy Grail, the fifth foal will be known as “Stanley.”[email protected]

Ladner stable labels foals with players’ names

Bieksa, named after Vancouver Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa, and mom Anky. Kerry Vital photo

TFN supports healthcare dealLocal band joins group to increase control over services

The Tsawwassen First Nation has supported a resolution to give First Nations in B.C. greater control over their health care.

On May 26, 146 of the 167 chiefs and representatives in attendance (87 per cent) voted in favour of the proposal, which will make B.C. First Nations the first in Canada to take over health service delivery from the federal government.

The resolution endorsed the signing of an agreement by B.C. First Nations, the province,

and the federal government which outlines the new health governance structure, funding commitments for the transfer of federal First Nations health programs and services, and how First Nations and the provincial health system will work togeth-er to meet First Nations health needs.

“The stark and grim reality is that First Nations people are cur-rently not reflected in the health care system in this province and country,” said Chief Doug White

of the First Nations Summit Task Group. “With this historic decision, we have achieved a remarkable level of unity as First Nations in BC, and it is through this unity that we will achieve the transformative change required to realize the healthy communi-ties our people deserve."

The decision also provides the First Nations Health Council a strong mandate to work with the province and health authori-ties.

—Staff writer

Help the Shriners

support their community activities by

participating in this BBQ!

42nd Annual Tsawwassen shrine Club no. 31

If it rains plan a “take-out”

to enjoy BBQ Salmon

at home!

Rain or Shine

SAlmon BARBecuesunday, June 5th, 2011

12 noon to 5:30 pmharbour Park, ladner

Park entrance is located off River Road (Ladner) at McNeely Way just east of the Ladner Yacht Club

adults $10.00 / Children (12 & under) $5.00 informaTion Phone: 604-943-3548musT be PresenT To qualify

Even-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday or SaturdayOdd-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday

NEW REGULATIONS!Lawn Sprinkling allowed

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Future Shop – Correction NoticeOn the May 27 flyer, please be advised that the 32" Dynex LCD HDTV (pg 6, WebCode: 10165772) and the 46" and 55" Samsung Skype LED HDTVs (pg 7, WebCode: 10166041/10166043) have incorrect features advertised. The Dynex TV should show 720p resolution. And the Samsung TVs should show 120Hz Refresh rate. Also, please note that the savings claims advertised for the following products on pgs 15 & 17 are no longer valid. The Sandisk 8GB SDHC card (WebCode: 10096935) should show $22.99, Save $7, not save $8, and the Garmin Nuvi GPS (WebCode: 10154640) should show $199.99, Save $40, not save $50. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers.

WALMART CORRECTION NOTICEFor our flyer effective May 27 – June 2/11. Page 3:

Queen-Size Air Bed with Pump (#902540) should be Full-Size Air Bed with Pump. Page 12: Energizer Max Value Packs (#629434/41/8/62…) advertised as 12

AAA should be 12 AA. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

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www.southdeltaleader.com A7South Delta Leader Friday, June 3, 2011 www.southdeltaleader.com A7South Delta Leader Friday, June 3, 2011

coffeewith

A familiar face at Vancouver Canucks hockey games is Tsawwassen's Richard Loney who has handled singing national anthems for the past 40 years.Philip Raphael photo

Singing proud

R ichard Loney could pretty much see the writing on the dressing room wall.

Although he could skate well and was pretty good with the puck, the steadily diminishing ice time as a dashing and darting left winger with the UBC Thun-derbirds in the 1960s meant ice hockey was unlikely to be his career.

Little did he know then that he’d be front and centre for much of Van-couver’s profes-

sional hockey his-tory over the past 40 years.

UBC’s loss was Vancouver hock-ey fans’ gain as the Tsawwassen resident has sung national anthems at close to 2,000

Vancouver Canucks home games, including The Star Spangled Banner at Wednesday night’s opener to the 2011 Stanley Cup final against the Boston Bruins.

Loney says he took up singing more seriously about the time he quit com-petitive hockey and embarked on a career as a teacher.

But his passion for the game remained and he was determined to get season tickets for the Canucks’ first year in the league, 1970.

“I was doing a lot of singing with the Vancouver Opera and teaching, so I went to the first three or four games and remember the very first game and saw Our Pet Juliette (singer and host of CBC’s The Juliette Show) who sang the anthem,” Loney says. “She did fine. She was blonde and had a beautiful long dress. She looked great. Then four or five games down the road I thought, maybe I could do this.”

Loney got in touch with the club and scored a few appearances, and the rest became local hockey history.

Did he have butterflies the first time out?

“It was a little bit nerve-wracking. I was kinda blown away by the whole thing—the (Pacific) Coliseum which was pretty big and impressive in those days, and the good crowd,” he says. “I was more worried about falling on my face than singing the actual tune, O’ Canada. But I was so hockey mad I would have paid the club to let me do it.”

Loney hasn’t restricted his anthem singing talents to the Canucks. He’s also performed at the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and Russia where he sang the Russian national anthem after learning the words phonetically with the help of a friend who was a linguist at UBC.

“I knew what the words meant—they’ve changed them since. It was too nationalistic, too motherland. Soyuz nerushimy respublik svobodnykh,” Loney says breaking out briefly into song. “I could probably go through it if you gave me five minutes.”

Loney has also sung O’ Canada at Safeco Field in Seattle when the Toronto Blue Jays have visited to play the Mariners. And he’s been on hand to sing at the Grey Cup, Vancouver White-caps matches, WHL Vancouver Giants games, and even the odd appearance at his grandson’s little league baseball games.

But there’s no feeling that beats the chance to be with the Canucks during the playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final for a third time. And he figures it’s third time lucky.

“Canucks in six,” he says. “Five would be perfect to do it on home ice. But this is our year.”

Tsawwassen’s Richard Loney a fixture on the ice with the Canucks

Philip Raphaeleditor@

southdeltaleader.com

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VOTE ONLINE

Last week, we asked:

Are you in favour of the idea to change

residential garbage collection to every two

weeks?

yes 28% no 72%

Readerpoll

viewpoint

›WriteStuff

The South Delta Leader encourages reader participation in your community newspaper.Log in and comment on any story you see in the paper online at southdeltaleader.com.Share your thoughts in a letter to the editor (200 words or less) including your full name, address and phone number.Here’s howTo submit a letter to the editor, FAX 604-943-8619 MAIL 7- 1363 56th St., Delta, V4L 2P7 EMAIL [email protected]

Is a two per cent cut to the HST sufficient to keep the tax reform measure alive after June’s referendum?

The B.C. Liberals are hoping so.Announced last Wednesday (May 25),

along with annual rebate cheques for each child and low-income senior, the “fixes” mean all income brackets will be better off under the HST than with the old provincial sales tax structure, according to finance minister Kevin Falcon.

The current low-income rebates would continue to be paid, and $175 transition cheques would go to parents for each child under 18, and some seniors as well.

Single seniors earning up to $40,000 a year would get the entire $175, and a partial payment for incomes up to $43,500.

Senior couples would receive $175 for a combined income up to $40,000 and a partial payment up to a $50,000 income.

The measures do remove much of the argument against the HST, albeit over three years, with the first one per cent cut occurring in July of next year.

Including the rebates, the impact of the HST will be largely negated for the income brackets ostensibly least able to absorb an additional tax burden.

And according to the government, the statistically average family will see an overall tax reduction of about $120 per year when the HST rate reaches 10 per cent.

In the meantime, the HST has the potential to do what it was intended to do, which is to boost the economy by reducing costs to business, and encouraging investment and job creation.

It makes little sense to return to an antiquated, multi-layered tax system—other than to “punish” the government for the manner in which it rolled out its tax reform policy.

To do so might yield superficial satisfaction for some, but eliminates the prospect of long-term economic benefit for all.

—Abbotsford News

Start a conversation. Comment online. Share your thoughts.


Changes give HST a new lease on life?

EDITORIAL

Does anyone in our government know why the finishing touches have stalled?

The completion date was to have been spring 2011 - so much

work was spent on lanes going both north and south from the tunnel north including new exits for Richmond and from Oak St. Bridge to the curve going south.

It seems there is one underpass not yet completed and a pile of gravel sits there forever right after the new fancy sign telling travelers

about border crossings (it's not operative either).

Surely someone knows and in this day of high-tech, it is unforgiveable for a project to take this long to complete.

Anyone have any news for us? Jim Bell,

Delta

LETTERS

Bus lane stalled?

TransLink is considering a vehicle levy of around $122 per vehicle to help provide an additonal $150 million to expand public transit services.Metro Creative photo

We have become too used to politicians promising and then failing to honour their undertak-ings.

The latest example of this cyni-cal process is the refusal by the Provincial Government to imple-ment the recommendations of the recent Local Government Elections Task Force.

You will remember that these included changes in the rules regarding election contribu-tions.

These would have been a big step towards eliminating the way financial interests can buy elec-toral success.

It is well documented that many B.C. municipal constituen-cies have been subject to exces-sive campaign financing from vested interests.

The refusal to implement these

recommendations is disappoint-ing, disgusting, and will lead to a further distrust of the political process.

The excuse given by the gov-ernment for this decision is not plausible. It is within its power to implement them immediately.

However, it will apparently always be too hard for entrenched politicians to accept necessary reforms.

Peter DuffeyDelta

Promises unkept, as usual

Would you be willing to pay a vehicle levy to expand public transit?

Copyright and property rights subsist in all display advertising and other material appearing in the South Delta Leader. If, in the Publisher's opinion, an error is made that materially affects the value of the ad to the advertiser, a corrected advertisement will be inserted upon demand without further charge. Make good insertions are not granted on minor errors which do not lessen the value of the advertisement. Notice of error is required before second insertion. Opinions expressed in columns and letters to the Editor are not necessarily shared by the Publisher. The South Delta Leader 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, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

Publisher Chrissie [email protected]

EditorPhilip [email protected]

behind the scenes Advertising

Jane Ilott

604.948.3640 ext.127

[email protected]

Collette Semeniuk

604.948.3640 ext. 121

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Sarah Kelloway

Reporter

Christine Lyon

604.948.3640 ext.126

[email protected]

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Lynley Shepherd

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C A N A D I A NCOMMUNITYNEWSPAPERAWARD 2011


Why are Bill Vander Zalm and Chris Delaney afraid of local voices? The B.C. government has announced it will hold HST public dialogues featuring speakers from the No and the Yes sides in 10 different communities across the province.

It is clear the intent was to have local participation from both sides so that attendees would have access to information relevant to them and their communities.

The STA (Smart Tax Alliance) wants local participants to

provide information and raise awareness of the job-creating and job-protecting benefits of the HST.

W h i l e w e a p p l a u d t h e government for holding these dialogues, we believe they should have gone a step further and required both sides of the debate to actually provide local speakers from these communities.

Vander Zalm and Delaney v i g o r o u s l y o p p o s e d t h i s request.

They should participate in these dialogues to defend their position.

They should simply participate in their own region and let others

participate in theirs. Why should taxpayers foot the bill for their road show?

The public deserves to hear from real, local voices from both sides to truly understand how the HST impacts their community and the people who live and work there.

People are tired of hearing the same old rhetoric and spin on the HST.

Let’s open up this discussion to other voices. What are they afraid of?

Woody Hayes,Spokesperson,

Smart Tax AllianceDuncan, B.C.

Smart take on the tax


Clockwise from top left: ❚ The Tsawwassen-Boundary Bay Lions Club donated $1,800 to KidSport Delta. David McDiarmid (left) and Steve Dane (right) committed to three years of funding. Also pictured are Carlene Lewall and Maria De Vries, co-chairs, KidSport. Contributed photo ❚ The Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment Foundation gave the Tsawwassen Rotary Club a $3,000 grant for the WaterWorks project at Diefenbaker Park. Local branch manager Barbara Verkuylen (left) assisted Rotarians Tom Smith and Vickie Sangster with an information display. Contributed photo ❚ RBC donated $20,000 to the Delta Hospital for the purchase of an Aerosol Provocation System dosimeter. Pictured are Stacey Boyda, Ruby Dhillon, Karl Sterk and Tracey Trouwborst. Contributed photo

OU

TSTAN

DIN

G F or the second year in a row, lazuli buntings are sing-

ing in an overgrown prairie patch in the heart of Delta, one of only two locations in the Lower Mainland.

This small songbird has brilliant blue plum-age, recalling the semi-precious gemstone, lapis lazuli. As it tilts back its head to sing, the turquoise blue of its head and back is accen-tuated by a red-orange c h e s t a n d white belly.

B l u e i s a n u n u s u a l colour in the animal king-d o m , e s p e -cially in the north, where muted shades of brown or grey, blending with the landscape, are far more common. Blue plumage is not a result of pigmentation but a consequence of light re f r a c t i o n t h r o u g h microscopic bubbles in the feathers’ structure.

This is the reason the Steller’s jay (the com-mon blue jay of the west, and B.C.’s provincial bird) will often appear very dark or even black, until, in turning, its back and tail suddenly flash with rich blue tones.

Many species of birds and insects have such structural modifications that create dramatic iri-descence.

Butterfly wings have crystal nanostructures (think unbelievably small) that selectively scatter light, revealing breathtaking colours.

The glittering throats, or gorgets, of male hum-mingbirds are caused by a combination of refrac-tion and pigmentation, as is the green plumage of many tropical birds. Carotenoids are natural

pigments that reflect specific wavelengths of light, and result in red and orange colours, like those suffusing the plumage of house finch-es and orioles.

As male house finches mature, their red colour intensifies. Black or brown colours in ani-mals are due to the pig-ment melanin, which is also found in humans.

It is synthe-sized within the body, unlike car-otenoid which ani-mals can-n o t p r o -duce. Birds w i t h r e d or orange plumage must there-fore obtain

their pigment from con-suming parts of plants, such as seeds and ber-ries.

Even experienced nat-uralists can be deceived by the colour of a bird’s plumage, if viewing con-ditions are difficult.

The speculum on a mallard’s wing can look green or blue, entirely depending on the angle, while even brilliant plumage can look all dark when seen against the light. Observing is easier if one under-stands the nature of colours.

Keep your eyes open for those bright plum-aged songbirds, includ-ing the elusive lazuli bunting visiting the delta this summer.

Anne Murray is the author of two books on nature and the natu-ral history of the lower mainland: A Nature Guide to Boundary Bay and Tracing Our Past ~ A Heritage Guide to Boundary Bay, both available at local book-stores; see www.natu-reguidesbc.com.

Wildlife'srainbowBe on the watch for nature's colourful show

[more-onlinewww.southdeltaleader.com

Metro Vancouver has doused the idea of a full smoking ban in regional parks. Click on the 'news' tab at southdeltaleader.com.

[more-onlinewww.southdeltaleader.com

If they're not delayed by a Canada Post strike, more than three million HST voting packages will be sent out to British Columbians mid-June.


Anne Murray

By the Bay

A Lazuli Bunting is one of the many colourful sights on display at this time of year.Ian Routley photo

SEVEN DAYS> ANNUAL HYMN SINGSt. Stephen's East Delta United Church hosts its Annual Hymn Sing. This year's theme will be "Twelve Decades of Song: The Hymns We've Loved to Sing During our First 120 Years in God's Service." All are welcome. When: Sunday, June 5, 2 p.m. Where: Located at 9696 Ladner Trunk Road just East of Highway 99.

> GO GREEN DELTAGO GREEN Delta is a non-profit, non-par-tisan discussion group in Delta that focuses on environmental issues. The group's man-date is to "connect, inform and inspire" across the entire sustainability platform, from ecology to renewable energy. The public is invited to bring a green perspec-tive to one of the group's friendly conver-sations. When: Wednesday, June 8, 7 to 9 p.m. Where: Tsawwassen Library Meeting Room, 1321A 56 St.

> GARDEN FUNDRAISEREnjoy a beer, burger and silent auction to fundraise for the Ladner Community Gar-den. When: Sunday, June 12, noon to 3 p.m. Where: Ladner Legion. Tickets are $15, call 604-946-8654.

> LINEAR VISIONSSouth Delta Artists' Guild presents their new show Linear Visions. Works include draw-ings, paintings and mixed media pieces emphasizing the key elements of line. When: Until June 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. Where: Southeast corner of 18th Avenue and 56th Street.

GROUPS & VOLUNTEERSThe Canadian Mental Health Association-

Delta Branch offers free, facilitated Fam-ily Support meetings for family and friends supporting a person living with a mental ill-ness. Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Delta Hospital Education Conference Room (5800 Mountain View Blvd.). Call 604-943-1878.

The Canadian Mental Health Association-Delta Branch offers free, facilitated Family Support meetings for people with Depres-sion/Bi-polar or with symptoms. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month, 7 to 9 p.m. at #14 1835 56 St. (CMHA Delta Branch). Call 604-943-1878.

Join the Delta Museum & Archives' team of volunteers and make history come alive! Help with the running of its successful school programs. No experience needed as they will provide all the necessary training. For more details call 604-946-9322 or visit deltamuseum.ca.

Do you have a way with words? Drop in

and test your word power at the Ladner Pioneer Library Scrabble Club. All ages and experience welcome! Every 4th Tues-day of the month, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Centre for Supportive Care for people with cancer, other life-threatening or pro-gressive illness, and those who are griev-ing. Relaxation Group (drop-in Tuesday 10 a.m.), Bereavement Walking Group (drop-in Wednesday 10 a.m.), Caregivers Group and Grief Groups. Call the centre (4631 Clarence Taylor Crescent) at 604-948-0660 for more info and to register.

Learn the art of public speaking and lead-ership skills with a fun, safe and supportive group for $8 per month. Join Tsawwas-sen's Ambassadors Toastmasters Club the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Tsawwassen Library, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Visit AmbassadorsToastmasters.org.

Volunteers needed at the DYSL Wear-house Thrift Shop. Contact the store at 604-948-0108, drop by at 1308 56 St. or visit www.dyslsociety.com.

Strong Start in French is a free family drop-in program for children 0-5 years old in French, including free play, healthy snack, story time, gymnasium and more, at Ecole du Bois Joli (785 49 St.). Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to noon. Email [email protected] or call 604-948-2385.

The Tsawwassen Badminton Club wel-comes new adult members. If you have played before, just drop in and play in this social and friendly club. Meets Fridays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Ladner Community Centre. Contact Peter Edwards at 604-940-0844.

The South Delta Therapeutic Touch Network meets every second Wednesday of the month at the Natural Comfort Wellness Centre in Tsaw-wassen. Anyone interested in finding out more about the therapeutic touch healing technique can call Frances at 604-948-1652 or Selena at 604-952-4175.

Ladner Community Garden is holding a fundraiser on June 12. Enjoy a burger, beer and silent auction.

A10 www.southdeltaleader.com Friday, June 3, 2011 South Delta LeaderA10 www.southdeltaleader.com Friday, June 3, 2011 South Delta Leader

TFN not opposedCHRISTINE LYONR E P O R T E R

The Tsawwassen First Nation band is distancing itself from a lawsuit one of its members has launched against the provincial government.

TFN member Bertha Williams and William Burnstick of the Cree Sioux First Nation—not the TFN as the Leader originally reported—filed a claim against the province this week seeking a court injunction to halt work on the South Fraser Perim-eter Road in order to protect ancient burial grounds and archaeological sites.

The pair allege the government was aware the $1.2-billion, 40-kilometre highway would harm the Glenrose Cannery and St. Mungo archaeologi-cal sites, but “did not consider the conservation, protection, preserva-tion of social, cultural, economic and archaeological values.”

Williams and Burnstick claim that, unless the road is redesigned, the sites will “suffer irreparable harm in that these ancient burial sites will forever be disturbed and altered.”

But an official statement from the band says “at no time did the Tsaw-wassen First Nation government or

any of its authorized representatives ever oppose the SFPR.”

It says the band believes the high-way is a key transportation corri-dor for stabilizing and enhancing the Lower Mainland economy, and adds that Bertha Williams is “not an authorized representative of the TFN government.”

The statement says the TFN has been consulted by the B.C. gov-ernment throughout the planning process. While the band “did have some initial concerns with the SFPR,” including archaeological matters, “those concerns were met and addressed in the environmental assessment process.”

Ministry of Transportation spokes-person Kate Trotter said in an email that the province is “committed to ensuring that the design, construc-tion and operation of the South Fraser Perimeter Road avoids or min-imizes potential impacts to known archaeological sites. For almost a decade, we have worked closely with interested First Nations to protect this archaeological resource.”

Trotter said it would not be appro-priate to comment further as the issue is now before the [email protected]

Band distances itself from SFPR suit

Spring flood unlikelyCool weather and average snow pack behind projectionsCHRISTINE LYONR E P O R T E R

The risk of flooding in Delta is minimal this season, according to the municipality's engi-neering department.

During the late spring, low-lying areas are vul-nerable to rising water levels along the Fraser River caused by the spring freshet—or melt-ing of the snowpack.

Factors such as a rel-atively cool spring fol-lowed by sudden warm temperatures can cause an accelerated snow-melt and rise in river levels, thereby increas-ing the risk of flooding.

Deputy director of e n g i n e e r i n g , Hu g h Fraser, discussed the potential for spring freshet flooding at a Delta Chamber of Com-merce business meeting last week.

His presentation con-cluded that flooding is unlikely this season, since the snowpack is at an average level.

But, given the cooler-than-normal spring, the municipality remains prepared for any poten-tial increase in water flow and rise in water levels along the river.

When the Fraser River reaches six metres at the Mission Guage, Delta

will activate its emer-gency operations cen-tre. If the Mission Guage hits seven metres, flood a d v i s o r i e s m a y b e issued.

As of May 25, water levels at that point were 4.5 metres.

Delta's two major floods, in 1894 and 1948, were both a result of this spring freshet. Both began May 26.

Today, Delta's dikes surround the entire low-land area, protecting the community from high water levels along the river, the Strait of Geor-gia and Boundary [email protected]

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Play timeCHRISTINE LYONR E P O R T E R

Tt took more than three years of fund-raising, but the

new playground at South Park Elementary School in Tsawwassen is finally open.

Staff and students gath-ered for the grand open-ing and ribbon cutting ceremony Monday morn-ing (May 30) in front of the new and improved play-ground, which features a

towering red “spiderweb” climbing apparatus.

Representatives from the Corporation of Delta, Delta School District and South Park Parent Advi-sory Council attended the event.

“I don’t have to tell you about that previous play-ground, but it was very small, it was very old, and everyone was very wor-ried about it,” Mayor Lois Jackson told the crowd. “In addition to all of that, there were very few chil-

dren who could play on the equipment at the same time.”

Delta contributed $35,000 to the project, matching the funds raised by the PAC for a $70,000 grand total.

“That’s a lot of money for a local school to raise for a playground,” Jackson said.

School trustee Laura Dixon noted that many South Park students con-tributed their own money to the fundraising efforts.

South Park students open new playground

South Park Elementary School students say a big “thank you” for their new playground. Christine Lyon photo

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Statistics Canada mailed out the 2011 census questionnaire to Canadians in May. Communities use census information when planning for new schools, roads, waterworks, public transit, police and fire services and more.Christine Lyon photo

Growing 3 communitiesSlow short-term growth in Delta could mean dramatic long-term change


CHRISTINE LYONR E P O R T E R

H ow does a community flourish, nay survive, when there are more people dying than being born and

moving into town?That’s a question Deltans could soon be

facing. According to a BC Stats projection, Delta’s population will rise marginally each year until 2027, peak at 105,122 people, then begin a slow and steady descent.

That’s the long-term forecast.Data from the 2011 census won’t be avail-

able until early next year, but in the short-term, BC Stats is projecting a small popula-tion increase of less than one per cent, or 510 people, since 2006.

A one per cent growth rate is far lower than the projected Metro Vancouver regional aver-age of eight per cent.

Housing drives populationAccording to demographer Andrew Ramlo

of Vancouver research and consulting firm Urban Futures, Delta’s sluggish growth rate boils down to housing—or lack thereof.

“In a community, unless you add new hous-ing or you have a whole lot of turnover in the housing stock, like if you have a whole bunch of empty-nesters leaving and then being replaced by people with families, the community really isn’t going to grow that much,” he said.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) data shows that, from 2006 to end of 2010, Delta added 1,300 dwelling units.

“So not all that many,” Ramlo said.But it’s more than the 1,000 units built in Delta

between 2001 and 2006. That explains why the municipality’s population decreased 0.2 per cent over the same period. Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta all experienced losses.

In the “boom” years of the early ‘90s, Delta was adding close to 1,000 housing units every year.

Ramlo suspects the 2011 census results will likely show a marginal population increase in Delta—thanks to recent housing additions.

“That’s my speculation, that you’re going to

see growth, but it’s not going to be bursting at the seams by any stretch.”

New homes on the horizonDespite the relatively small amount of new

housing added in recent years, there are a number of projects on the horizon that could dramatically change the face of Delta.

Century Group, the majority owner of the Southlands, has until July 1 to submit a new development plan to Delta. Century president Sean Hodgins had originally proposed up to 1,900 residential units on a third of the land and two thirds of the property set aside for agriculture, wildlife and community uses.

But, if approved, would the Southlands resi-dential development draw new, young people into the community? Hodgins isn’t so sure.

“The people who will want the cottage and townhome style of housing on Southlands already live here in Tsawwassen,” he said. “They are the parents of my friends who I grew up with here and who still live in their four-bedroom homes and the bedrooms are now empty.”

Then there’s Tsawwassen Springs, the $400 million, 490-home development based at the Tsawwassen Golf Course. Three more condo buildings are scheduled to be constructed and 192 single family homes will be built adjacent to the condos.

Meanwhile, the Tsawwassen First Nation has released a draft neighbourhood plan that involves developing up to 932 single family homes on parcels 3,300-square-feet and up, 652 townhomes, and 280 units in up to five-storey apartment buildings, which would bring in an estimated population of 4,381.

Aging communityBecause few young families are settling

here, Ramlo expects Delta’s age profile will become increasingly “top heavy.” All the resi-dents who lived here during the 2006 census are now five years older.

“Because it’s an older age profile to start, you may also have a lot of people who have aged out of that high family-rearing stage of the life cycle so you’re not adding a whole bunch of people at the bottom through births either.”

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BC Stats projects that 29 per cent of Delta’s popu-lation will be over age 65 in 2036.

“It’s going to grow significantly older very rapidly and then you have a whole bunch of other issues and challenges,” Ramlo said.

A large proportion of retirees will mean fewer working professionals to support them—the den-tists, doctors and physiotherapists.

“From the transportation side of things you have a lot of in-and-out commuting within your munici-pality,” Ramlo added. He said that, while the com-munity is expected to grow slowly in the short-term, it will change dramatically.What about the kids?

Dale Saip has served on the Delta Board of Educa-tion since 1987 and has never seen student enrol-ment so low.

“It’s declined dramatically,” said the school board chair. “When I was a trustee, at one point we had almost 20,000 kids and we’re down to under 16 (thousand) now.”

The school board uses population projections to forecast how many students will enroll at each school in the district. In recent years, enrolment has dropped steadily. Saip anticipates another decline of about 200 kids next September. He said Tsawwas-sen’s student numbers are dwindling more rapidly than Ladner or North Delta’s.

Fewer kids means less provincial education fund-ing and tough decisions for the school board. It might mean redistributing catchment boundaries, placing kids in split classes or, in the most extreme case, school closures.

Two South Delta elementary schools, Delta Manor in Ladner and Boundary Beach in Tsawwassen, shut down in 2009 due to lack of enrolment and budgetary reasons.

The school board tries to offset waning enrolment by attracting students from neighbouring communities.

“There’s probably over 1,000 kids in our district that are out-of-district kids that come to our schools as a result of us trying to be creative and find ways to keep our schools vibrant,” Saip said, noting spe-cialty programs, academies and traditional schools as some of those strategies.

When Jarvis Elementary in North Delta trans-

formed into a traditional school in September 2009, it immediately drew about 60 to 80 new students, Saip said.

Keeping business aliveThere are a number of opinions about how busi-

ness growth can be enhanced, said Ladner Business Association president Diane Askin. The LBA hosts organized events such as the Ladner Quilt Walk & Car Show, Breakfast with Santa, and supports the Tour de Delta and Ladner Village Market.

“These events draw people into the community and encourage locals to shop close to home. We also encourage members to promote their business to other members which results in many of us using local suppliers for services and products we need to run our businesses,” she said.

The LBA recently entered into a venture with the Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association to generate a publication to be handed out to all the ferry traffic at Swartz Bay to promote business in Ladner and Tsawwassen.

The census: still mandatoryThe 2011 short census was mailed out to Canadi-

ans at the beginning of May and the first results will come out in February, 2012.

Peter Liang, 2011 census communications man-ager, stressed the importance of completing the mandatory questionnaire.

“It’s really important for communities like Delta because census data is used to plan important ser-vices like schools, public transit,” he said.

The data also determines the number of seats B.C. has in the House of Commons.

About 4.5 million households will receive the National Household Survey, which replaces the previous long-form census. This questionnaire asks for more detailed information about ethnic-ity, religion, education, work and income. It is no longer mandatory, but Liang encourages residents to complete it.

“It’s one chance in the next five years to gather criti-cal information that’s important for Delta,” he said.

StatsCan hopes to release the first NHS data in early [email protected]

Student enrolment is steadily declining in Delta. In 2009, two elementary schools shut down due to lack of students and budgetary reasons. The Board of Education is finding creative ways to attract students from other districts. Rob Newell fi le photo


Your Invitation to a…

Wear your fanciest fascinator, fedora, or far-out-

fabulous head gear and join Independent MLA Vicki

Huntington and her friends to celebrate and

salute two years of dedicated

legislative service to the people of Delta South.

SECOND ANNIVERSARY DINNER

HATS OFF TO VICKI!

SATuRDAY, June 18, 2011Cocktails 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Upstairs at the Sundance Inn on Ladner

Trunk Road

Steak Dinner No Host Bar Silent Auction

$50 per personRESERVATIONS ARE REquIRED. ASSuRE YOuR SEAT AT A TAblE.

Please call 604.943.7046 for details and payment options.

Delta South Constituency

Association5189 Wallace Ave., Delta, bC V4M 1A3

Submit your nomination onlinewww.deltachamber.ca/delta_events/hats-off-galaor contact Administration 604 946 4232

who do you know thAt mAkes A

difference to deltA?This is your opportunity

to recognize them!Deadline for Nominations is June 30, 2011

All finalists will attend as our guests at the November Gala

6201 60th AvenueDelta, British Columbia V4K 4E2

phone: 604 946 4232 fax: 604 946 5285email: [email protected]

Visit us online: www.deltachamber.ca

EmployEE ExTrAorDiNAirE AwArD• is there anyone you know who gives their

all in their workplace?• Someone who stands out, creating

excellence wherever they are?• Do people recognize this person as

someone who often goes beyond the “call of duty?”

• The company where they work must be located in Delta, including any Business, Not for profit, Association, public Service

SpECiAl EVENTS & TouriSm AwArD• An individual or business which is

involved in attracting visitors to Delta• is there a special event related to Sports,

the Arts, Festival or something else that attracts visitors to Delta? or Are you in the tourism industry providing excellent opportunities for our visitors to enjoy Delta?

CiTizEN oF ThE yEAr AwArD• Someone who provided extraordinary

service to the community of Delta• Someone who has conducted their life

with integrity• A person who stands out amongst

their peers

VoluNTEEr oF ThE yEAr AwArD• Any age• Delta resident who has volunteered a

great deal of time and effort to a Delta organization

riSiNG STAr AwArD• proven operational success and growth

potential, involvement in new economic activities, innovation and community involvement

• owned & operated a Delta business for at least one year and under 5 years

• Achieved a certain degree of financial stability through business performance

BuSiNESS oF ThE yEAr AwArDAny one of the following would qualify a company to be nominated:• reached a significant new level?• Established new technology?• Broken into a new market?• integrated “sustainability” into business

strategies and operations

hats off to ExcellenceGala Awards

D E LTA H E A LT H G O L F C L A S S I C

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These two funda-mental movement

patterns (FMPs) make up some of the most com-mon skills in sports. These terms refer to the throw-ing, catching and manip-ulation of objects such as balls, pucks, frisbees, etc. that take place in many sports. While it's impor-tant that young athletes first develop a minimum level of mastery using and moving their own bod-ies before incorporating an object, there are ways to begin developing the proficiency with which youngsters handle these sorts of implements.

For instance, with your preschooler, have them play with a tissue or cloth of some sort by throw-ing it up and catching it. You'll immediately see that catching something from above takes not only hand-eye co-ordi-nation, but the ability to situate your body in rela-tion to the object such that it's possible to make the catch. In terms of the hand-eye co-ordination itself, a great game for youngsters is to sit across from them and simply roll a ball across the floor back and forth.

Bean bags are a great tool because of the ease

with which they can be caught. Simply standing still and throwing it up and down is an important place to start for confi-dence, then you can add throwing it up and down while running on the spot, and for the more advanced, try throwing it up and turning around in a complete circle before catching it again. And of course nothing beats tossing the bean bag back and forth in a game of catch using an under-arm throw before mov-ing on to other throwing techniques.

So as always, before

you send your youngster out there with the team, give them some time to get comfortable throw-ing, rolling, and catching those objects all on their own!

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male or female cyclists please [email protected]

www.tourdedelta.com


INGREDIENTS(Filling)5 cups of fresh rhubarb½ to 2/3 cups of sugar2-3 tbsp. flour1-2 tbsp. lemon or lime juice

(Topping)½ cup softened butter1 cup brown sugar1/3 cup whole wheat flour1 ½ tsp. cinnamon1 tsp. clove or garam masala1 cup All-Bran cereal—crushed1/3 cup oatmeal (flakes)

One of the sure signs of spring is rhubarb, and Pat Antoniak of Natural Comfort Wellness Centre in Tsawwassen has a recipe for rhubarb crisp that is not only tasty, but good for you. Philip Raphael photo

Early cropRhubarb makes for a tart, tasty and even a healthy dessert crisp

DIRECTIONS(Filling)Mix all ingredients together and put

into 8x8 inch baking pan

ToppingCream the butter, sugar, flour and

spices together.Add all-bran and mix well. Consis-

tency should be crumbly at this point. Add oatmeal and stir until mixed in.

Final directionsSpread topping on filling. Bake at 350

degrees for 30 minutes or until fruit is soft.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whip-ping cream.

Sweet, tart, helpful in gently cleans-ing your body and a sure sign spring is here.

Those are just some of the attributes of the venerable rhubarb—character-istics Pat Antoniak, who runs Natural Comfort Wellness Centre (natural-comfort.ca) in Tsawwassen, knows very well.

“Growing up on the prairies (Win-nipeg) rhubarb was the first thing to come up in spring,” Antoniak says.

Technically a vegetable, rhubarb’s natural qualities make it a mild astrin-gent and can be used to cleanse your digestive system, says Antoniak, who

worked as a nursing instructor at Lan-gara College before opening the busi-ness locally in 1995 and then expand-ing to the wellness centre concept in 2005. Last June the business moved to the rear of the Tsawwassen Profes-sional Building adjacent to Winskill Park.

While the sugar content in the crisp recipe my not be ideal for a cleanse, the resulting taste, which includes a surprise dash of garam masala, is per-fect when served with a spoonful of vanilla ice cream or generous dollop of whipping cream.

—Philip Raphael

local flavour

Rhubarb crisp

✁

✁

•13 slides • hot tub•huge grassy picnic area•volleyball

✁

$3

off!*

beside the ferry terminal in sunny tsawwassen

(604)943-2251www.splashdownpark.ca

*$3 off regularpaid admission.

Not valid with other offers.

Expires:June 13/11

S.D.L

wetyour pants!

birthday parties

our specialty

From now until September 5th, return your empty beverage containers for a chance to win one of three eco-friendly rides! Look for the official ballot box at participating Return-It™ Depots.For contest details and a list of participating depots, visit return-it.ca/winit.

TURN YOUR EMPTIES INTO A NEW SET OF WHEELS.

No purchase necessary. Open only to BC residents age 19 or over. Limit one entry per person and per household per day. Contest closes September 5th, 2011. For full contest details, visit return-it.ca/winit.

LADNER BOTTLE DEPOT4930 Elliott Street604-946-0309Mon - Sat 9am - 5:30pmSun 10 am- 4 pm

Do you have missing teeth? Loose dentures?

Dr. Patrick Lum Dr. Ron Zokol

5550 Twelfth Ave. Tsawwassen 604 943 9304 www.thefineartofdentistry.com

Dr. Patrick Lum is pleased to announce his mentorship with Canada's premiere

implantologist, Dr. Ron Zokol.

As part of Dr. Zokol's course offerings at the Pacific Implant Institute, Dr. Lum is

in search of patients interested in dental implant or implant-supported denture

treatment at a reduced cost!Call for details and participation criteria.

Learn more about Dr. Zokol at www. zokol.com/meetdrzokol

1077-56th Street, tSawwaSSen | 604.943.5900 [email protected] | www.illuminaterestorante.com

IlluminatÉ Restorante

restorante

Complimentary shuttle service in Tsawwassen.

We'll drive you home!Join us for

Canucks Game nights 2 Large Screen TVs

Relax in the lounge or book our Private Room for your own party!

Special 3 course meal $22.95Includes: appetizer, entree & dessert


TSAWWASSEN TOWN CENTRE MALL

Art & Fashion Event

With presenting partner

All proceeds to: Alexa’s BusImpaired Driving Testing Unitwww.alexasbus.com

Saturday, June 11th 1–4 pm

Featuring:DJ/MC – Scott BarrattThree Fashion ShowsStage EntertainmentOutdoor BBQ’sBouncy CastleArt DisplaysArtisan Craft TablesStore Specialsand Much More!

Event Programs – including Main Stage Times, Participating Vendors and Displays, Store Specials and Discounts – available at all mall merchants June 3rd through 11th.


sports

Rolling to a goldRevolution adapt to surface conditions to bring home medalPHILIP RAPHAELE D I T O R

T he gold medal winning result from last weekend’s NARCh (North American

Roller Hockey Championships) didn’t leave Delta Revolution’s organizers floored—but hopes are it just might do that in the future.

The bantam (15 and 16-year-old) side won the tournament at the Langley Sportsplex beat-ing Zulu North Vancouver 6-4 in the final of the eight team tour-nament that drew clubs from around the province.

The ending was a bit of a sur-

prise after the Revolution got off to a shaky start losing their first and third games in the round robin portion—something the club’s tournament co-ordinator Keith Tunstall said was likely attributed to the surface games were played on.

“Langley’s arena has (special roller hockey) tiles, whereas our kids play on cement in Tsawwas-sen,” Tunstall said, adding the tiled surface allows for a grippier surface. “Once our kids adjusted to that, they played better.”

The tiles are preferred in the sport, Tunstall said, adding the club from North Vancouver, for one, experienced significant

increases in enrolment as a result of getting the surface.

Delta has about 200 players spread out over six divisions.

Hopes are for the Revolution to one day have its own roller hockey specific floor that could be shared with the local lacrosse community.The cost of purchas-ing one ranges from $60,000 to $80,000.

While that would require fund-raising, the more immediate cost concern is raising enough money to send the club’s ban-tam team to the North Ameri-can championships to Florida in [email protected]

Players from the Delta Revolution's bantam team captured a gold medal at the recent NARCH (North American Roller Hockey Championships) tournament in Langley.Gary Kinney photo

Decide for yourself. Learn more at HSTinBC.ca

HST will be reduced from 12% to 10%.After listening to British Columbians, the government has proposed an HST reduction from 12% to 11% by 2012, then to 10% by 2014. This proposed change will take effect if the province votes to keep the HST in the referendum. If B.C. votes to return to the GST + PST system, the combined rate will remain at 12%.

Transition cheques for families & seniors.Under the proposed change to a 10% HST rate, the average B.C. family will be $120 better off annually than under the old 12% GST + PST system. And to help transition to the lower rate, the government will provide $175 for every child under 18 and every senior with income under $40,000.

TsawwassenDENTURE CLINIC

Complete Denture Services

◆ New Dentures ◆ Repairs ◆ Relines ◆ Partial Dentures

◆ Implant Denturesno referrals needed

1222-56th St., Tsawwassen 604-943-7818Hours: Monday ~ Friday 9am-5pm

Erna Swan Denturist RD

Stacy whitman Denturist RD

www.swandentures.ca

no hst!

Call for more details

604-943-2293

Monday June 27th - 7:30pm

15% book club discount

Book of the Month “little princes”

by Conor Grennan

albany books“your neighbourhood bookstore”

1240 56th Street, Tsawwassen www.albanybooks.com

sign up for our book club


by Colin Oswin

Are you looking to move out of a subdivision and into a community? Red Maple Park may be just what you’re looking for.

Red Maple, from developer Polygon, features 122 townhome units built around an 8,400-square-foot resort-style clubhouse full of amenities.

Th e townhomes range from 1,198 to 1,566 square feet, with two or three bedrooms. Every home includes a deck or patio, and a private fenced yard.

Th e exteriors feature Arts & Craft s-style architecture, which takes traditional, European elements and adds modern touches to provide a sleek, yet homey feel.

“I think it just provides a nice, welcoming streetscape,” says Goldie Alam, vice-president of marketing for Polygon. “People are attracted to it because it feels so welcoming.”

Inside, the homes are built around an open-plan layout, with nine-foot ceilings on the main fl oor.

“If you’re in the kitchen you can still see people in the living room,” Alam says. “It provides a great, open feel.”

Kitchens feature granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and full-height ceramic tile backsplashes. Living areas feature large bay windows that fi ll the home with natural light, and decorative window shelves add a touch of character. Ensuite bathrooms have big walk-in showers, his-and-hers porcelain sinks and dual-fl ush toilets, along with a full-length vanity mirror perfect for getting ready before that big night out.

Alam says the clubhouse – Th e Maples Club – will act as an anchor and a central meeting place for the people who move into the development.

“It’s at the heart of the community, and all of the homes are built around it,” she says.

Outside, the clubhouse features a terrace with a pool and whirlpool.

Inside, residents will fi nd a gym, kitchen and a big meeting room with a fi replace. A screening room off ers a massive TV and stadium seating – perfect for birthdays, the Stanley Cup fi nals featuring our own Vancouver Canucks or Oscar parties.

“If you want to have a big group, it’s a good place to do it,” Alam says.

Residents with guests staying over can rent one of two clubhouse suites for the night. Th e suites are outfi tted like hotel rooms, and a concierge will be on hand to look aft er your guests.

Th e lower fl oor of the clubhouse features an indoor park for the kids, with climbing structures and a child-sized soccer fi eld, with goal posts painted on the walls.

Outside, children will be able to play in the Maples Park located right next to the clubhouse, with traditional playground equipment as well as a fun bouncy fl oor.

“On rainy days they can be inside playing, and on sunny days they can be outside,” Alam says.

Located on 80 Ave., just east of 208 St., Red Maple Park off ers easy access to several nearby restaurants and recreation centres, as well as the Willowbrook Shopping Centre. Several big box stores are located minutes to the south on 200 St.

Sales started on March 26 for the initial release – 34 homes in total – and Alam says 32 are already sold.

She says these homes represent good value and a great location for young families, and the grand opening proved it: Maples Park was packed with kids playing on the playground equipment.

Homes at Red Maple Park start at $299,900.

For more information, check out www.polyhomes.com/community/red-maple-park or call 604-888-8699.

Martin Knowles photosPolygon Homes’ Red Maple Park features bay windows that provide plenty of natural light and wood laminate fl ooring throughout the main fl oor. Residents are also given access to The Maples Club, left, which includes a gym, screening room and large meeting area.

Red Maple Park emphasizes community spirit

Langley townhomes

GVHBA holds Parade of Renovated Homes on June 12

Home renos come out in the open Homeowners in need of renovation

inspiration, your wait is over.Th e Greater Vancouver Home Builders’

Association (GVHBA) is hosting its annual Parade of Renovated Homes on June 12, which will see homes across Metro Vancouver thrown wide open to show off their professional renovations. Homes in Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Surrey will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and admission is $10. Th at price includes admittance to each home in the parade.

GVHBA President and CEO Peter Simpson says the projects will show off leading-edge design, advanced construction techniques, energy-effi cient features, and innovative building products from top-

quality renovators.“For the homeowner to agree to have their

home open for the day is a testament to how pleased they are with the jobs,” he says.

With homeowners in the Metro Vancouver area set to spend $4.4 billion on renovations in 2011, Simpson says the Parade will off er them a chance to see potential results and learn about what B.C. renovators have to off er.

“Professional renovators, many of them award winners, will be on site to off er expert advice and discuss their craft smanship,” he says. “Th ere is a wide range in project values, off ering homeowners an abundance of ideas they can possibly incorporate into their own renovations.”

Check out www.gvhba.org to see the full list of participating homes.

JUNE 2/2011

‘‘People are attracted to it because it feels

so welcoming,” says Goldie Alam, vice-president of marketing for Polygon.

www.southdeltaleader.com A19South Delta Leader Friday, June 3, 20112 New Local Home June 2, 2011

BEST

CHOICE IN

RICHMOND!

BESTVALUE IN

BRENTWO

OD!

WHY

SETTLE FOR

METROTOW

N?

VANCOUVER


take a bre k

ACROSS1. Fa follower4. Astounded8. Theda Bara, for one12. Sound of a slow leak15. “Shogun” belt16. Wise17. Matinee figure18. “Sesame Street” fan19. Indistinct20. Cat’s sound21. Send away22. Brouhaha23. Perfume holder25. Campground shelter26. Vegetable box27. Resentment28. “It Was a Very Good

____”30. Sticky stuff31. Part of a play34. Electrical measure35. Admiration38. Sajak or Trebeck39. Panache41. Chorus syllable42. Bit for Fido43. Harpoon

44. I have it!48. Long, long ____49. Requirement50. Regal form of address52. 2,000 pounds53. Walk through tulips?55. Delete57. Witchy woman58. ____ room (family room)59. Cowboy exhibition60. Race distance61. Flowering shrub64. Actress Arthur65. “The ____ of Wakefield”66. Leak67. Has-____ (former celeb-

rity)69. Boggy land70. Ref71. Threadbare73. Awful78. Beret or beanie79. Wild ox80. “____ Do That”81. ____ conditioning82. “Picnic” cooler83. Narrow strip of wood84. Callas specialty

85. Drumstick86. Asphalt87. David ____ Pierce88. Storm break89. Pair

DOWN1. Bicarbonate of ____2. Solemn notice3. Exec’s auto4. Be ambitious5. Surgical dressing6. Fairy-tale bad guy7. Rig election districts8. View9. Hold fast10. Apollo landing site11. Parcel12. Secure13. Salt component14. Boulder24. ____ julep29. “Gone With the Wind,”

e.g.30. Baggage31. Young pig32. Welsh herder33. Bar legally34. Wings36. Audio system37. Legitimate39. Wool40. Like many neighborhoods45. Moral principle46. Australian marsupial47. Choler49. Holiday tune51. Hunch54. Capture56. Appendage60. Short skirt61. Navy62. Jeans fastener63. Overseas65. Springlike66. European gold coin, once68. Maternally kin69. Delicate71. Cleanse72. Merely74. Tan75. Hairless76. In ____ of77. Thus

Look for the answers to Crossword puzzle #546 in the next issue of The South Delta Leader Puzzle #546

natural ~ effective

Ronald Polack, D.C.

Tsawwassen

604 943 7540www.ronald-healing.com

Vibrational Healing

DR. W. EARLE J. NINDDentist

t: 604.943.4112

e: [email protected]

1216 - 56th StreetTsawwassen Shopping Centre, Delta

DrEarle_Jan1.indd 1 12/4/09 3:37:09 PM

tel 604 943 3133fax 604 943 [email protected]

101 – 1524 56th Street Tsawwassen, BC V4L 2A8

www.deltanotary.ca

Daniel BoisvertNOTARY PUBLIC

tel 604 943 3133fax 604 943 [email protected]

101 – 1524 56th Street Tsawwassen, BC V4L 2A8

www.deltanotary.ca

DanielBoisvert_Jan01.indd 1 12/23/09 4:50:22 PM

sporta c t i o n

captured forever

604.219.5197info@jimkinnear

photography.com

w w w.j i m k i n n ear p hoto g rap hy.c om

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experience

life in their shoesThe Hero In You® education program offers a series of FREE curriculum-linked lesson plans (grades 4-7) aimed to motivate children to find the champion within themselves. In addition, teachers can request a FREE classroom presentation delivered in-person by a Hall of Fame athlete!

If you are a principal, teacher or parent and would like to book a presentation for your classroom, call

Michael Markowsky (604) 647-7449 or visit www.heroinyou.ca to download lesson plans.

AttentionTeachers:

If you are interested in joining our Volunteer Board of Directors, and playing a key

leadership role in furthering our mission, please contact [email protected].

For over 30 years KinVillage, a non-profi t society located in the heart of

Tsawwassen, has provided Delta’s older adults with a wide range of health,

housing, and recreational programs.

We are looking for people with a broad set of life experiences who want

to enrich their community and who are committed to supporting those “north of 50” live life to the fullest.

Robertson Optical604-946-7911 #102 - 5405 Ladner Trunk Rd, Delta

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Visit southdeltaleader.com

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› 1› 1FRIDAY MAY 14 2010www.southdeltaleader.com

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COFFEEWITH P7 VIEWPOINT P8 DATEBOOK P9 LOCAL FLAVOUR P19 OUTSTANDING P23

DOCTOR SHORTAGE?

ER physicians want help P6

CIVIL SUIT FILED

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TRASH TALKPart 2 of 6 in

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SFPR PARTNER PICKED

Group chosen to build highway P13

PLUS a Scouts Canada

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and Southpointe Academy's

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Bill Vander Zalm leads

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Harmonized Sales TaxISSUE

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Visit southdeltaleader.com every Friday and click on the 'news' tab for the Delta Police Department's weekly updates on crime in the community


STEVESTON 2011

SHIPSTO SHORE


We are working hard to bring choice to the Delta community and have started construction into Ladner. Tsawwassen – we will be there next!

Shaw’s coming to Delta!Shaw’s coming to Delta!

HELLOLADNER!

Want to know when we are ready in your area?Call 604.629.4389 or

email [email protected] and leave us your name, address, phone

number and email address.



HELLOLADNER!






HELLOLADNER!




HELLODELTA!

And when we get there, we look forward to offering you Shaw Digital Television, Internet, Home Phone & Business Services.

friday june 3, 2011

Documents

property tax increase

municipal property tax

property tax noticethe

assessment property

a3south delta leader

a1south delta leader

a5south delta leader

different tax increase