The Chilliwack
Progress Tuesday
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Life
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News
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Christmas Spirit
On Point
Chiefs
The Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family program captures the spirit.
Steven Point bids farewell to Lt.-Gov post.
Road trip ends with win over Vees.
Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R • F O U N D E D I N 1 8 9 1 • W W W. T H E P R O G R E S S . C O M • T U E S D AY, N O V E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 2
FVRD wants ‘observer status’ in ministry investigation Metro Vancouver ‘untrustworthy,’ says FVRD chair Gaetz Robert Freeman The Progress
The Fraser Valley Regional District is asking B.C.’s environment minister for a formal role in the investigation of “toxic” fly ash from an incinerator in Burnaby dumped at the Cache Creek landfill. The request comes after tests showed toxic levels of leachable cadmium in the 1,800 tonnes of fly ash deposited at the landfill as far back as November, 2011, and an internal Metro Vancouver memo that appears to show the regional district tried to suppress the information. The memo recommends a “reactive communications strategy” in which “Metro Vancouver will respond if this issue becomes public and there are interview requests from the news media.” Talking points for Metro Vancouver officials suggested in the memo include: • the fly ash produced in the WTE process is collected instead of being released into the air; • cadmium is found throughout the waste stream and “stabilized” by the treatment of fly ash; • the Burnaby WTEF has consistently met the requirements for leachable cadmium for the past 12 years, and Metro Vancouver is investigating the cause of “these unusually elevated test results.” • while leachable cadmium levels appears higher than allowed in Continued: XKJ/ pXx
Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz is joined by Deputy Premier Rich Coleman as they chat with the first couple in line at the opening of Chances Community Gaming Centre Friday. GREG KNILL/ PROGRESS
Gaming centre opening draws a crowd
Greg Knill
The Progress More than 1,000 people lined up to try their luck as the doors officially opened at Chances Community Gaming Centre in Chilliwack Friday evening. The line of people snaked through the parking lot as visitors waited for the ribbon to be cut on the sparkling new facility. Music throbbed and elevated video screens flashed as the crowd grew. Inside, Deputy Premier Rich Colman said the line up outside pointed to the success of the government’s initiative to modernize the gaming industry in B.C. “Obviously the people of this community have an appetite for responsible gaming,” he said. The facility replaces the aging community-run bingo hall on
Randy and Patti MacAhonic get a sneak peek at a electronic blackjack table prior to the official opening at Chances Community Gaming Centre in Chilliwack on Friday. GREG KNILL/ PROGRESS
Knight Road and replaces it with a modern gaming centre that features 150 slot machines, an elec-
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tronic and paper bingo theatre for 250, and a 100-seat restaurant. Although its licence prevents it
from offering card games and roulette tables, Chances does have electronic versions of both. It is owned and operated by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation – a company that Coleman said has elevated gambling in the province to a new standard. Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz said the centre will not only provide entertainment to residents, but will also bring visitors to the community. “It tells me we should be very proud of what’s going on in this spot.” Rod Baker, president and CEO of Great Canadian Gaming, said the Chilliwack facility provides one less reason for people to take their money to the United States. “Hopefully folks who have gone ‘across the line’ can find something now a little closer to home.”
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