Richmond Review, November 23, 2012

Page 1

Beoga brings Irish flavour to oval 20 / Horowitz’s favourite piano in town 21

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Kurt Russell recalls Richmond Arena days 3

REVIEW friday, november 23, 2012

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Tunnel rebuild, bus cuts a tale of two priorities Province begins meetings on new Highway 99 crossing by Jeff Nagel and Martin van den Hemel Black Press With more than half of the tunnel traffic heading for Richmond, it stands to reason that two of the five public consultation meetings to discuss a replacement for the George Massey Tunnel will be taking place here in the coming weeks. On Wednesday, the province’s Ministry of Transportation announced it will be seeking public comment on a new Highway 99 crossing of the Fraser River at five open houses in early December in three communities: Richmond, Delta and Surrey. The first open house is slated for Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sandman Vancouver Airport Hotel, 10251 St. Edwards Drive. A presentation will be given at 8 p.m. Another local open house will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Richmond Olympic Oval, 6111 River Rd., with a presentation scheduled for 8 p.m. Richmond Chamber of Commerce chair Barry Grabowski said the chamber welcomes news that the tunnel will be redeveloped. “The tunnel is essential to business in Richmond, whether it is goods moving in and out of the city, or employees going to and from work; every minute stuck in traffic results in lost dollars,” Grabowski said. The existing tunnel has 10 to 15 years of useful life left before major components must be completely replaced, Transportation Minister Mary Polak said. And since it takes about a decade to plan and build such a project, preliminary work must start now. “One thing is very clear to us—the status quo is not an option,” Polak said. A short list of potential replacement options is to be drawn up ahead of more public meetings in the new year. Originally opened in 1959, the tunnel accommodates about 82,000 vehicles daily, and is congested almost 12 hours per day, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to ministry officials. The tunnel’s counter-flow system was put in place in 1981. See Page 5

Steveston Barbers owner Iain MacKelworth addresses the crowd at River Rock Casino Resort Wednesday night.

Rob Newell photo

Richmond’s business stars honoured at Business Excellence Awards by Matthew Hoekstra Staff Reporter Business and community leaders filled River Rock Show Theatre Wednesday night to honour the best in local business. Hosted by media personality Fred Lee, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s 35th annual Business Excellence Awards recognized the difference-makers of Richmond’s business community. “(The) awards showcased the quality and diversity of the business community in Richmond,” said Barry Grabowski, chair of the chamber. “The chamber is proud to not only honour top business-

es, but also recognize companies which are leaders in the community, giving back and making a difference in the life of Richmond residents.” In all, 36 finalists were judged in 10 categories, along with Steveston Barbers, which was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Fresh Start Foods accepted the first award of the evening, for Outstanding Workplace. In the category of Young Entrepreneur, Drive Basketball co-owners Pasha Bains and Chad Clifford were recognized for their first-class business, based at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Seafair Gourmet Meats won the Outstanding Customer Service Award, while Association of the Year went to Rich-

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mond Centre for Disability. Four nominees battled for New Business of the Year, with Mitchell Island’s 6Pack Beach taking home top honours. In Business Leadership, Libra National, “The Rice People,” won, while water park designer WhiteWater West Industries captured the Innovation of the Year Award. Other awards: Diplomat Bakery for Business 1-25 Employees; Ace Architectural Millwork for Business 26-75 Employees; and Organika Health Products for Business 76+ Employees. •See our full coverage of the event beginning on Page B1.

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