Agassiz Observer, November 30, 2012

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Friday, November 30, 2012

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Firefighters thanked for dedication

Annual banquet 10 includes new award for junior member Jessica Peters THE OBSERVER

LIFESAVING MEASURES

Muddy Waters owners trained to use AEDs

4

INSIDE

opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 mailbag . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 entertainment. . . . . . . 12 classifieds . . . . . . . . . 13 business . . . . . . . . . . 13

Home of the Burger Family.

No. 9 Hwy at Morrow Rd, Agassiz

For 53 years, the Agassiz Fire Department has celebrated the efforts of its members. And on Saturday, they gathered together once again, in the Friendship House.

Five main awards were handed out this year, including a new award for the Junior Firefighter Program.

That went to Ross McInroy.

He was the first youth to join the program when it began in the fall of 2011, and his is the first name to be engraved on the Junior Firefighter Award plaque, which will hang in the firehall. He was 15 at the time he joined, with the hopes of “being able to help someone some day,” he said.

McInroy smiled as he was handed the plaque and award, but chose not to give a speech.

JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER Other awards given out this year Ross McInroy was awarded Junior Firefighter of the Year on Saturday night, at the Agassiz Fire Department’s 53rd Annual Banquet. included Most Volunteer Hours and the James G. Morrow Memorial McInroy joined the Junior Firefighter program when it was started in the fall of 2011. He accepted his award from Mayor John Van Award for Rookie of the Year, which Laerhoven (left to right), Deputy Chief Gerald Basten and Fire Chief Wayne Dyer. both went to Mike Van Laerhoven.

“When we think about volunteers Agassiz will continue. as he finished his address.

Ryan Chairot earned the Carl … we often don’t think about Herfst noted that this would be Carol VanTol was also recognized Tyfting Memorial Shield Award firefighters,” Mah said. “There are his last year with the Popkum Fire for her hard work with the fire for Firefighter of the Year, and Don plenty of brave men and woman Department. department, and she once again had Jorgensen was given his Five Year (there is currently one female “I’m standing here with mixed the rookies sing a Christmas carol, Service Pin. firefighter at the Agassiz Firehall) emotion,” he said. “I was working much to the delight of the audience.

This year’s event was a bit more here who give up their time for the in my garden today thinking about Fire Chief Wayne Dyer also relaxed than last year’s, noted Kent’s community.” what I would say up here. The congratulated Al Prior for his 42 CAO Wallace Mah. Last year’s Darlene Wahlstrom from Victim strength and the bond we have years of service. awards banquet was held on the Services also attended the banquet, with you guys (Agassiz), well, we The annual banquet also serves same night as the civic election, and and noted that through the years have your backs and you have our as an additional fundraiser for the many candidates and District staff the Agassiz Fire Department has backs. You’ve always been more than upcoming food drive for Christmas were at the function. donated $25,000 to that organization willing to help us out.” hampers. In total, Dyer said they “This is a little calmer,” Mah said. through the annual golf tournament.

He said he hopes the partnership collected four boxes of food and He also gave plenty of accolades Wilson, who formerly was between the two firehalls will $500. to all the firefighters in the room, Harrison Hot Springs’ fire chief, continue through the future. Agassiz The food bank drive is held on which included those in the District noted that the room was full of fresh, and Popkum have a mutual aid Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. of Kent but also representatives new faces. agreement, and conduct training Firefighters will be going door to from other areas, including Chris “I think that’s absolutely fantastic,” together, but that hasn’t always been door in Agassiz, and will be at the Wilson, manager of the FVRD Fire he said, and added that he hoped the the case. firehall accepting donations.

Services, and Rick Herfst, fire chief partnerships between Popkum and Herfst received a standing ovation news@ahobserver.com at Popkum.

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2 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, November 30, 2012

News

Cutting red tape

Bev Kennedy spoke to Kent council on behalf of the Fraser Heritage Society Monday night, to ask if they would look into streamlining the process for funding projects at Kilby.

Currently, there are at least eight steps between Kilby, the District and the provincial government, creating a hardship for contractors hired by the site. They can wait as long as two months for payment to arrive after submitting a receipt, Kennedy said. Council made a motion to refer the issue to staff.

Busines bylaw under review Public hearing on Dec. 17

Jessica Peters The Observer

The bylaw that affects business licensing and regulation is currently Jessica Peters/ Observer being reviewed in the District of Kent, and the mayor is hoping to hear from as many people as possible before the bylaw comes to pass.

Mayor John Van Laerhoven stressed the importance of public feedback on bylaw 1485. The last time it was adopted was 1994, and Kent staff have CHRISTMAS SALE updated some of the items within it. & APPRECIATION DAY There will be a public hearing on Monday, Thursday, December 13th Dec. 17, from 4 p.m. to from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 8 p.m. That will coincide slightly with the CP AFD with the aid of Agassiz Harrison Search th Holiday Train's arrival & Rescue, Scouts and BC Ambulance will be Saturday, December 8 in town, said the mayor, coming door-to-door with the firetrucks & lights 8 am - 5 pm a’flashing to collect cash donations or non but it is important to get perishable food items, even new toys! this bylaw sorted out See next week’s Observer before January, when for ALL of the details!

If you wish to make a donation at the Fire Hall staff and council will be instead you can do so or if you’re not available Got a hunter, fisher or camper on your list? finishing up the home that night call 604-796-2614 & we will make a This is the time to pick up that perfect gift! occupation bylaw. better time to pick up the donations you have.

"We do have other bylaws that need PRIZE attention and we DRAWS! Free drinks & shouldn't be delaying snacks! it any further," CAO Wallace Mah told NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING council, and that date 7048 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz, BC | 604.796.0006 is the last one that happen in 2012, PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Council will hold a Public Hearing, in can accordance with Section 892 of the Local Government Act, in the Centennial Centre, Municipal Hall, 7170 the The District of Kent’s response to winter events varies according to the individual providing two December 10, 2012 commencing atweek's 6:00 p.m. to characteristics of each event and availability of resources. Roads are Cheam checkedAvenue, Agassiz, BC, on Monday, notice required NOTICE OF consider presentations from the public regarding the “District of Kent Official Community Plan early in the morning and the appropriate Public Works’ staff is called in to deal hearings.

Bylaw 1207, Amendment BylawPUBLIC No. 1486, 2012” and the “District of Kent Zoningfor Bylawpublic 1219, with the situation.

HEARING On Monday night, the Amendment Bylaw No. 1487, 2012”.

District of Kent priorities for snow and ice removal include: bylaw received its first PUBLIC is hereby given that the Council will respecting At the hearing, the public willNOTICE be allowed to make representations to Council matters readings.

A third Opening access for emergency service providers, such as Fire and Ambulance hold a Public Hearing, , in accordance with that Section contained in the proposed bylaw and all persons who believe their892 interest intwo property is of the bylaw Local Government Act, inathe Centennial Centre, to be reading affected by the proposed shall be afforded reasonable opportunity heard or toand adoption Opening school bus routes on school days present written submissions.

Municipal Hall,, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC BC, cannot happen until Opening rural milk truck routes on Monday, December 10, 2012 commencing at the public Written submissions6:00 received before 4:30 p.m. on December 10, 2012 will be presented for hearings are p.m. to consider presentations from the public Opening prison access routes complete. Council also consideration. regarding the “District of Kent Official Community Plan voted to hold a second Clearing the commercial core and opening collector routes Bylaw 1207, Amendment Bylaw No. 1486, 2012” and Subject Land: The parcel that is subject to the proposed bylaw is: public hearing in the “District of Kent Zoning Bylaw 1219, Amendment Once these priority areas are under control and in adequate condition, work can

KENT OUTDOORS

Agassiz Fire Department

FooD Drive

ANNUAL "HEAD'S UP" SCORING SESSION

HD RAW N

PUBLIC NOTICE SNOW & ICE CONTROL

January for those who couldn't make the Dec. 17 meeting.

So who should be concerned about bylaw 1485?

Everyone, said the mayor.

It affects everything from when businesses can operate, to how many garage sales you can hold in a year (four), without being considered a business.

It affects anyone who sells eggs, flowers and other items from their home, and it affects farmers of all types.

Currently, farmers are exempt from paying a business license fee, which Mah said has always been the case.

In the report to council, staff has recommended that "at a minimum, agri-tourism, farm retail sales and kennel operations continue to be charged business licenses."

It includes proposed fees for farm retail in which 100 per cent of agricultural products are produces on the farm. That fee is $25, while the proposed fee for most other businesses is $125 — an increase from the current $100 fee set in 1994.

There is also a proposed $5 increase to the current $20 administration fee, bringing that total to $25.

The proposed bylaw is available for the public at the District office.

When shoveling snow, if possible, place snow on your lawn; grass is dormant and will not be affected.

If you must place snow on the roadway, place it to the right when facing the roadway; this way when the snow plow passes it will not re-plow snow back into your driveway.

Winter events are often followed by rain. Snow or ice in the curb lane interferes with drainage and may cause some flooding. Therefore, on roads that are wide enough, the District frequently “windrows” the snow down the centre of streets to permit proper drainage. The intersections are opened completely to allow the proper flow of traffic.

Please use caution when traveling during winter conditions: Drive more slowly Leave more room from the vehicle in front of you Ensure your vehicle has good winter tires and is in good repair Leave extra room when in the vicinity of snow removal equipment.

WIT

Bylaw No.Agassiz, 1487, 2012”. start on municipal subdivisions, sidewalks and parking lots. ExceptionsCivic: will be7254 Morrow Road, BC made for emergencies.

Subject Land: The parcel that is subject to the Legal:theLot 26 Except: Part Subdivided proposed bylaw is: by Plan 75151; Section 19 Township 3 Range 28 West Townsite plowing often starts with clearing driving lanes by plowing toward curb. Driveways do become obstructed from street plowing. Please note that theof the Sixth Meridian New Westminster District Plan 10269 Civic: 7254 Morrow Road, Agassiz, BC District cannot open private driveways or roads.

Purpose: In general terms, the proposed amendment bylaws are to provide a Park and Legal: Lot 26Plan Except: Part Subdivided

by Plan 75151; Institutional Official Community designation and an Institutional Zone to the subject land to The community can aid the District during winter conditions in several ways: It’s been a quiet week in Agassiz and Harrison, Section Township 3 Range 28 West of the bylaws Sixth will also accommodate a group child 19 care centre. The proposed amendment designate said Agassiz RCMP Cpl. Dwayne Farlin.

Park vehicles in your driveway, rather than on the street.

Meridian New Westminster District Plan 10269 the land as an Intensive Residential Development Permit Area (DPA-3).

On Nov. 25, there was a theft from a motor Shovel sidewalk in front of your residence or business. vehicle on Morrow Road. Someone stole personal

Few reported crimes

belongings which were left in plain view by the complainant.

And on Nov. 26, a license plate and tag were stolen from a vehicle on Pioneer Avenue.

Custom Window Coverings/Blinds

2 FOR 1 select products*

*limited time offer good for one item of equal or lesser value

Darcey Kohuch, Director to of be Development These bylaws and any relevant documents consideredServices

by Council may be inspected For additional information please contact the District of Kent at 604-796-2235.

Dated 28th of p.m., November, 2012 between the hours of 8:30this a.m. andday 4:30 Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, Serving from Agassiz,

FRANK MUELLER - Consultant

Harrison & Hope 604-316-9398 • Jeneric-system@shaw.ca

November 23 2012 to December 10, 2012 inclusive, at the reception desk in the Municipal Office located at 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC. Enquiries may be directed to the undersigned at (604) 796-2235.

Darcey Kohuch, Director of Development Services

Friday, November 30, 2012 Agassiz Harrison Observer 3

News

Do you want to practise forestry in BC? New forestry designation available now The Natural Resource Professional (or NRP) designation is new and recent grads from natural resources conservation programs at the University of BC, Thompson Rivers University and the University of Northern BC can apply today. The NRP designation will allow you to practise aspects of professional forestry in every corner of the province. You might find yourself working for government, consultants, industry, Aboriginal groups and more! For more information and to see which programs qualify, visit our website at www.abcfp.ca.

JessICA PeTers / Observer

MLA John Les and Mayor John Van Laerhoven celebrate the announcement that the provincial government awarded Kent with a $750,000 grant toward a new gymnasium.

Gym plan moving forward Council commits to $2.5 million plan

Jessica Peters The Observer

Kent council is moving ahead in the next phase of planning for a gymnasium project.

On Monday night, council was unanimous in the decision to commit to the construction of the gym, which will be an expansion of the current Fitness/ Activity Centre. The project has been in the works for more than a year, and earlier this year Chilliwack MLA John Les came to town to award the District a grant for $750,000 from the provincial government.

But that won’t be enough to complete the gym, which is expected to total $2.5 million.

But rather than turn to the individual taxpayer, the District recently struck a special fundraising committee. That group is tasked with approaching corporations, holding fundraisers and applying for further grant money.

“We’re ambitious,” CAO Wallace Mah told council, and the committee will be looking at all sources possible to raise $400,000 to help with the costs.

Fundraising for large projects is nothing new to local municipalities. Recently, the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation held a massive fundraising drive for the Chilliwack General Hospital Foundation to cover a shortfall of $5 million. Locally, the Agassiz Library was built largely through the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Library.

The fundraising committee for the gymnasium includes Mayor

John Van Laerhoven (chair), Councillor Darcy Striker (alternate chair), Robert Stam, Tracey Paul, Bev Kennedy, Susan Spaeti, Mal Shephard, CAO Wallace Mah and Kent’s Director of Community Services, Kerry Hilts.

In question period, a few members of the public questioned both the need for a gymnasium, and the potential cost to residents.

Councillor Duane Post also questioned Mah about the “worst case scenario.”

“What might it cost for the District,” he asked.

“It’s kind of hard to establish how much it would cost,” Mah answered, because it’s hard to know how successful the fundraising campaign will be.

Councillor Holger Schwichtenberg said that the efforts will be worth it in the end, if a new facility is added to the community.

“I just wanted to say that this may seem daunting right now but right next to council is the library, which is a very successful project,” he said. “It paid off, it was successful and the community was behind it and I’m really hoping this will be the same.”

Councillor Lorne Fisher made a motion to commit to the construction, and that was seconded

by Councillor Darcy Striker.

Council voted all in favour.

They also voted all in favour of continuing to work with bingham + hill architects, awarding the company the design services for the contract.

Kerry Hilts reported that they

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have been good to work with to date, and that signing on with them now would save the District about $50,000 in the long run.

BHA has 40 years experience, he reported. The cost of their services will be $174,000 plus taxes, or seven per cent of the project cost.

Their services will include predesign, schematic design, design development, working drawing, bidding and construction contract, construction administration and they will be the continuous prime consultant in the project.

Now that council has approved the project’s scope, the fundraising committee can begin its work. The District has a Community Recreation and Cultural Centre fundraising and sponsorship package available, which lists different ways to support the project.

A platinum sponsor, for example, would contribute $200,000, earning name rights for the facility for 25 years, custom signage in the gymnasium, five complimentary membership packages, a discount for employees, annual meeting room usage, and many other perks. Smaller donations, up to $249, will earn the sponsor a certificate of appreciation and a listing in the District’s annual report. All donations will be issued a tax receipt.

While there is a committee, they are open to fundraising ideas.

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4 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, November 30, 2012

News

Learning how to save a life in Harrison

Cafe owners among community members who can operate life-saving AeD machines Miranda Miller The Observer

Muddy Waters Café and Espresso Bar in Harrison Hot Springs is now prepared for an emergency with a new defibrillator machine – a device used in cases of cardiac arrest.

Mertin GM in Chilliwack donated the AED (automated external defibrillator) machine to café owners, Jenny Peters and Richard Fife. “This machine is pretty important to have in order to save lives – it is state of the art,” said Fife, who is close to completing training on how to use

the unit.

The Harrison Hot Springs Fire Department Lieutenant Neil MacLean, who is training Fife, recognized the importance of having defibrillators in Harrison, and people qualified to use them. “We have high summer volumes, so the machine is needed, and we have had two saves in the last two years with our new defib program,” said MacLean. In 2009, Harrison started a Community Access Program with an objective to bring the units into the community. The program did

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not have enough funding to complete the full goal, but there are two in Bungalow Court, one on Engine 11, MacLean carries one, and now the lakefront café, Muddy Waters, is equipped as well.

Given Harrison’s location, sometimes an ambulance can take a considerable amount of time to arrive, hence the importance of having the machines on hand.

“The machines are around $1,300 each, and they are effective on cardiac arrest. They tell you what to do, when you need to hit the shock button, and where you need to place the pads.

It is a great machine,” said MacLean.

When doing a regular fire inspection at Muddy Waters Café, MacLean noticed there was a defibrillator onsite. He offered to train the staff, because in an emergency, they were not authorized to use the device, and had to wait for a trained professional.

Fife has almost com-

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pleted his training with MacLean, and is now competent to use the machine. Originally anxious about the training, Fife was amazed how easy it turned out to be.

“The simplicity of the machine is simply outstanding – it leads you through the whole

process, assessing the person, and telling you if shock is needed” he said. MacLean taught Fife basic CPR and spent hours reviewing how to use the machine, and how it works. The café’s location on the lakefront makes it an ideal site for a defibrillator, especially in

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emergency department is now estimated at between $2 and $3 million.

That figure includes restoring damage to the building, some medical equipment, lost supplies and extra staff time.

Fraser Health spokesman Roy ThorpeDorward said the initial tally does not include the ER's MRI machine, which is still to be assessed by a technician coming in soon.

"That is still the big unknown for us at this

point," he said, adding a new MRI costing "a few million" could more than double the cost of the flood.

Water burst through the back wall of the ER after an excavator broke a water main at the SMH expansion construction site.

Fraser Health officials expect insurance held by the subcontractor responsible for the break will cover damage, but that's still to be worked out. The hospital itself is also fully insured.

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the popular summer months. Fife plans to have the rest of his staff trained on the machine as well, ensuring there is a quick emergency response time, and rapid intervention. MacLean hopes the machines will make a difference. Defibrillators are quite common in bigger cities like

Seattle and Vancouver, and he thinks they will become equally popular here. To stress their importance, MacLean offered some facts: “40,000 Canadians a year die from cardiac arrest and the defib machine increases chances of survival up to 80 per cent, over regular CPR.”

Hospital flood cost could hit $2 million Jeff Nagel

Winners will be announced & presented with plaques at the January 21st, 2013 meeting of Council.

JessICA PeTers / Observer

Muddy Waters Cafe and Espresso Bar owner Richard Fife and his wife Jenny Peters will be able to help in the event of an emergency now that they are being trained to use the AED located in their cafe.

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Thorpe-Dor ward said the ER is expected to fully reopen early next week and said restoration work is progressing well.

Royal Columbian, Peace Arch and Langley Memorial hospitals have felt the most impact from the diversion of ER patients who would normally go to Surrey.

Royal Columbian is running with about 22 per cent more patients in its ER. Thorpe-Dorward said all hospitals west of

Abbotsford are now helping pick up some of the overflow from SMH, including Delta, Eagle Ridge and Ridge Meadows hospitals, which weren't initially on the receiving list.

Ambulances are taking new emergency cases to whichever hospital has the most room at any time.

He said patients that are stabilized and admitted at another hospital are often being transferred back to SMH later.

U?

WHAT’S

Friday, November 30, 2012 Agassiz Harrison Observer 5

at your

Find out what UFV Continuing Studies has for you.

Learn a new skill. Brush up on an old one. Train for a new career.

From digital photography to woodworking, home decorating to health care studies, motorcycle training to soapmaking, chances are that UFV Continuing Studies is offering something to pique your interest this winter/spring.

ufv.ca/cs UFV instructor Kevin Burk is teaching first-year criminology to Agassiz Secondary students this semester as part of a partnership between the university and the Fraser-Cascade school district.

Agassiz secondary students get a taste of university courses with UFV

I

magine entering your first year of university with a few credits already under your belt.

Thanks to a partnership between the University of the Fraser Valley and the Fraser Cascade School District, Agassiz secondary school students are able to try university courses, earn actual credits, and get a taste of post-secondary education while still in high school.

“The students at AESS are presently enrolled in our sixth UFV dual-credit course,” says Agassiz Elementary/Secondary School principal Patsy Graham.

“This has been an excellent partnership for our present students, as well as past graduates.”

The benefits are numerous, she adds, explaining that Fraser Cascade School District pays the tuition fees, while the students, who can start in Grade 10, earn university credits alongside high school credits. The courses have proven to be popular, often with 20-25 students in each class.

And it gives them a taste of what university will be like.

“They experience the reality of post-secondary expectations in an environment where they feel comfortable,” she adds. “This exposure results in our students establishing long-term goals with less anxiety about carrying on to the university setting.”

UFV kinesiology instructor Brian Justin agrees that dual credit

programs are a good option. Not only do the students benefit by earning credits, but they enter university with a thorough understanding of what’s expected of them academically. And, he suggests, they might feel just a little bit more at ease during the transition from high school.

“I believe it provides a safe opportunity for high school

take on the world is an honour,” he says. “Agassiz Secondary is so warm and welcoming — I felt like I was a part of their teaching staff. This is a great program as it provides a progressive transition to university from high school.”

Hilary Kennedy, who coordinates programming for UFV in Hope and Agassiz, says the agreement between UFV and the Fraser-

“ It has given me knowledge on what to expect when I leave AESS.” – Brie Robotham, Grade 12 student

students to sample university level classes on their turf,” he says.

“Additionally, they have the benefit of knowing a few instructors before entering the new world of UFV.” While working in the high school, he keeps his teaching methods on par with his university style, but sometimes will tailor an example to a teen setting. He says there is no need to ‘dumb’ down the lessons. And, he readily admits the teenagers are not the only ones who benefit. Being able to step into a high school and teach younger students has turned out to be just as satisfying for him.

“Instructing at Agassiz has been a rewarding experience.

Connecting with the youth and witnessing them transition into young mature adults ready to

Cascade School District, which was finalized in 2009, has grown in popularity with each year.

And it’s a great way to bring experienced university instructors into the high school to teach introductory first-year credit courses.

“The goal of the program is to provide high school students with the opportunity of experiencing what life as a university student will be like, to explore a program path, and to gain the advantage of graduating with university credits in their portfolio,” says Kennedy.

The high school students are only responsible for their text books and classroom supplies.

Kennedy explains that a working committee, made up of UFV and School District 78 staff, meets

regularly to discuss potential courses and students also provide input on which courses will be of interest.

Grade 12 student Brie Robotham appreciates the opportunity to test drive UFV courses while still in high school. She has taken two UFV dual-credit courses.

“The dual credit courses offered at AESS have been extremely beneficial to myself and others,” she says. “I have been given the chance to explore interests that I’d otherwise have to wait until I’m older to experience. The courses have also given me a chance to take an actual university course before my time there. It has given me knowledge on what to expect when I leave AESS, and I find it both helpful as well as exciting.”

Over the past few years, UFV has offered an introductory psychology course, a first-year acting course, and three kinesiology courses that range from Active Living, to Contemporary Health Issues and an introduction to Kinesiology. A criminology course is currently running. Instructors from UFV who have taken part in the Agassiz program include Brian Justin, Joanna Sheppard of Kinesiology, Joanna Redfern of Theatre, and Wayne Podrouzek of Psychology, and Kevin Burk of Criminology/ Criminal Justice. Kennedy notes that all classes take place in a classroom within Agassiz Secondary and are arranged not to conflict with other extra-curricular programs.

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Keep in touch with your U This regular feature in the Agassiz Observer aims to highlight UFV programs, students, community partnerships, donors, and activities. We hope you enjoy keeping up with your university.

If your company would like to be a community partner of UFV, sponsor this page, or help UFV in some other way, contact Harv McCullough at harv.mccullough@ufv.ca.

For more UFV stories, visit ufvtoday.ca

6 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, November 30, 2012

Opinion Step in right direction Making a change for the better always comes at a price.

If you update the facade of your house, it's going to cost a few quarts of paint, maybe some new siding, an updated door, and so on. Everyone knows that.

If you want to upgrade your health, that's going to come at a cost, too. You'll need sneakers, most likely. And you'll have to make concessions in life that will draw you away from the television more, and into the gym, onto a bike or at least out for a walk around the block.

That's the price you pay to improve. It's unavoidable.

And the same is true for a community. Growth comes at a price. If a small town wants to stretch its elbows out a bit, and grow into its residents' needs, there will be a cost to pay.

In the District of Kent, growth right now means building a facility that can offer the kind of programs

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Does Agassiz need a new gymnasium?

people have come to expect.

A new gymnasium is on the front burner, and it's a project that has garnered support from the provincial government level already, in the form of a $750,000 grant.

If the gym isn't built, that money goes back to Victoria, and all the time and effort spent on this dream project will go down the drain. In addition to that, the level of programming at the Fitness/ Activity Centre will have no room to move forward.

The fundraising committee has a heavy task ahead of them, garnering financial contributions for the project in the coming months and years.

If they succeed, the new gymnasium could be a sign that this community is taking a step in the right direction. A step toward better health, individually and as a whole.

-Agassiz Harrison Observer

(See story page 3)

To answer, go to the home page of our website: www.ahobserver.com

laST WEEK WE aSKEd:

Is it time to revamp the school calendar?

Here’s how you responded:

Yes 66% No 33%

Poverty of politics continues B.C. Views Tom Fletcher VICTORIA – B.C.’s ritual day of shame over child poverty has come and gone once again, with politicians trading blame and time-worn talking points.

The occasion was an annual gathering staged at the B.C. Teachers’ Federation office in downtown Vancouver. It is organized by First Call, an umbrella group sponsored by the BCTF, the B.C. Government Employees’ Union and a collection of like-minded “antipoverty activists,” as they describe themselves in their latest report.

The familiar script unfolded.

The report misinterprets federal income statistics from two years ago and calls for a long list of uncosted, but hugely expensive measures that they assert will make B.C. the first jurisdiction in human history to eradicate

poverty.

A sampling: provide raises for employees and contractors at all levels of government until they are making an unspecified “living wage,” because we all know how public sector workers uniquely suffer from pay and pension inequality.

Raise the minimum wage again and index it to inflation. Establish universal public dental care, prescription drug and eye care programs, and daycare. (Dismiss targeted programs that already provide this.)

Raise welfare rates and expand eligibility for employment insurance. Cut tuition and provide more student grants.

Eliminate homelessness.

And so it continues toward a socialist Utopia and certain bankruptcy for provincial and federal governments already deeply in the red.

I wrote about these numbers when Statistics Canada released them back in June. They showed a modest improvement nationally

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison

and provincially in what they measure, which is not poverty, but the relative relationship between income groups. First Call dismisses that improvement as “a dismal record.”

“Poor people are increasingly crowded into the most expensive places.”

My point is not to deny that there are many poor people in B.C. and Canada. There are. But at this point we don’t even have a reliable way of measuring the problem, let alone effective solutions.

The report states: “Statistics Canada said the child poverty rate in Greater Vancouver was 18.4 per cent in 2010 …” No, Statistics Canada didn’t say that.

They said what they always say, that “Low-Income Cut-Off,” or

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LICO figures, are not an accurate measure of poverty.

The political response was equally predictable. Veteran NDP MP Libby Davies led the charge in Ottawa. The government must establish a national anti-poverty strategy with firm annual goals, she said, reciting the identical script of the B.C. NDP. Davies didn’t mention that Manitoba is among the provinces with such a plan. It’s the only province that finished below B.C. in the percentage of children living in low-income homes. These plans are mainly gesture politics, providing the appearance of action.

Social Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux spoke on behalf of the B.C. Liberal government, and she, too, stuck to a familiar script. The best path out of poverty is a job, she said.

This is true, but also obvious.

Then Cadieux went on about the “B.C. Jobs Plan,” which has its own sorry record of misrepresented federal statistics.

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Here’s one of the report’s more blindingly obvious section headings: “Child poverty concentrated in big cities.” No kidding. The whole population is concentrated in big cities.

Herein lies a clue that is missed by “activists” for ever-larger government. Poor people are increasingly crowded into the most expensive places.

If I’m on welfare or working in a low-wage job and receiving a provincial rent subsidy (one of those things LICO doesn’t measure), should I live in downtown Victoria or Vancouver? Shouldn’t I relocate to a smaller community where housing is cheaper?

There are lots of complications to this, but some kind of incentive to relocate could help big and small communities.

Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com tfletcher@blackpress.ca

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Mailbag

Friday, November 30, 2012 Agassiz Harrison Observer 7

Hermann's Hikers get fresh view of Village Sometimes we have “on the spur of the moment� ideas and they turn out to be really good.

On Monday I emailed John Coles to check if he had time to make a climb up to a lookout overlooking HHS Village. (He did, and we met at the Ranger Station.)

Looking east from the village onto the lower slopes of Bear Mountain you see rocky outcrops and we had previously hiked to some of these but started from Seabird Island, finding our way to them via an old logging road.

I have always wondered, would it be possible to find a trail which starts at Seabird and finishes in Harrison. So, two intrepid hikers decided to make the climb from HHS up the lower slopes of Bear Mountain to these lookouts.

It was not an easy climb, we could not find

a convenient way up, we were often on all fours clutching onto anything and everything that came to hand. Nevertheless we tried to find a route of least resistance and eventually reached some benches high up under the tree canopy.

We had heard of old logging roads on this mountainside and wondered could we find them. Luckily John had brought with him his GPS so we could monitor our location and the altitude.

At 200m elevation we found what could have been the old logging road.

Of course it was really overgrown with alders and bush but it was running in a southerly direction and climbing up along the mountainside.

Then we got lucky as we were climbing along this imaginary trail I looked down and found a large

JOHN COLES PHOTO

Ken Burningham enjoys the view of Harrison Hot Springs.

steel cable buried in the undergrowth, these cables are typically used in logging operations so we were in an area that had probably been logged at one time or another and just maybe we were on the old logging road.

We continued along what

we thought was our road and came to a point where it started to climb in a zigzag fashion up the mountainside.

In the future we will return to this point for further investigation but decided to backtrack, and at the same time we started to mark our

path with tape.

We reached the place of the steel cable and found a convenient small crevasse leading to what could be a lookout. We climbed up through this rocky area and then suddenly as we broke out of the tree canopy we were standing on a narrow ledge with fantastic views down over the village. Were we lucky or what.

We stood there at 250m elevation taking pictures and looking at the landmarks which make up our village as well as taking a welldeserved rest. The hike, or maybe I should call it a climb, was turning out to be much better than we could have ever imagined, the challenge now would be could we find a trail which would make it easier to reach this point.

The GPS was showing two streams running down the mountainside and we

did find them but it was not so obvious that they would make a convenient way to reach the lookout.

As we descended we marked our route with tape and eventually reached an area we recognized we had climbed through in the morning on the way up.

We dropped down over a mossy talus slope and eventually we could see Rockwell Drive and Rendall Park through the trees, more slipping and sliding downwards and we were back on the roadside. It had been a great workout and quite an adventure to reach the viewpoint, we hope to return and find an easier way to the top.

In the meantime enjoy this photo courtesy of John. Elevation gain 250m Distance 2 km.

Ken Burningham

Feedback, comments and letters to the editor can be submitted by email: news@ahobserver.com

Community Recreation & Cultural Centre HELP SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY CENTRE!

New

The District of Kent is launching a fundraising and sponsorship campaign to expand the Fitness / Activity Centre in Agassiz.

The new facility will appeal to those individuals who live, work and play in our area, as well as tourists, artists, sport and cultural enthusiasts, and recreational participants. With your help, our goal is to raise approximately $400,000 through corporate and community sponsorships.

All money raised through this campaign will go towards developing this new facility.

Preferred Option Layout

Thank you for your consideration!

Please turn to page 8 to learn more about our new Community Recreation & Cultural Centre.

8 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, November 30, 2012

Community Recreation & Cultural Centre Continued from page 7.

Q&A Q

Community Recreation & Cultural Centre Borrowing Scenarios - Projections (10, 15 and 20 year Terms) SCENARIO #1: includes Provincial Grant ($750,000), Gas Tax Funding ($100,000), Recreation Reserve Funding ($100,000), other Government Funding ($250,000), and Sponsorship / Fundraising Funding ($400,000) = $1.6 Million in outside Funding Project Cost

How is the expansion going to be funded, and how much will it cost me?

A Council and Staff have been working hard with the Fundraising

Terms / Interest Rate

Annual Debt Servicing

* Estimated Average Assessed Household Costs

Grant Funding & Other Funding Sources

Borrowing Amount

$2.5 Million

$1.6 Million

$900,000

10 years / 3.15 %

$103,500

$25/year

$2.5 Million

$1.6 Million

$900,000

15 years / 3.55 %

$77,000

$20/year

$2.5 Million

$1.6 Million

$900,000

20 years / 3.75 %

$63,000

$16/year

Municipal Finance Authority

(rates based on November 2012)

(cost based on BC Assessment 2012 value of $355,000)

SCENARIO #2: includes Provincial Grant ($750,000), Gas Tax Funding ($100,000), Recreation Reserve Funding ($100,000), other Government Funding ($250,000), and Sponsorship / Fundraising Funding ($200,000) = $1.4 Million in outside Funding

Select Committee to reduce development costs to residents on the project. To date, the District has received $750,000 in funding from the Provincial Government (Community Recreation Fund), and we are anticipating an additional grant funding through other government agencies, corporate companies, fundraising initiatives and sponsorships.

Project Cost

The District anticipates that any debt servicing cost that may occur will have a minimal impact on general taxation rates due to a previous debt retirement of the library.* The following table is being provided to show you the estimated impacts. These costs are estimates and may fluctuate based on interest rates of the day and the amount of money raised through fundraising, sponsorship and granting. The anticipated construction completion date of the proposed project is March of 2015, so that should provide us with the opportunity to raise revenue.

Grant Funding & Other Funding Sources

Borrowing Amount

Terms / Interest Rate Municipal Finance Authority

(rates based on November 2012)

Annual Debt Servicing

* Estimated Average Assessed Household Costs (cost based on BC Assessment 2012 value of $355,000)

$2.5 Million

$1.4 Million

$1,100,000

10 years / 3.15 %

$127,100

$32/year

$2.5 Million

$1.4 Million

$1,100,000

15 years / 3.55 %

$94,000

$24/year

$2.5 Million

$1.6 Million

$1,100,000

20 years / 3.75 %

$78,000

$20/year

SCENARIO #3: includes Provincial Grant ($750,000), Gas Tax Funding ($100,000), Recreation Reserve Funding ($100,000), and other Government Funding ($250,000) = $1.2 Million in outside Funding Project Cost

$2.5 Million

These costs are estimates and will fluctuate based on interest rates of the day, the amount of money raised through fundraising, sponsorship and granting.

Grant Funding & Other Funding Sources

Borrowing Amount

$1.2 Million

$1,300,000

Terms / Interest Rate Municipal Finance Authority

(rates based on November 2012)

Annual Debt Servicing

* Estimated Average Assessed Household Costs (cost based on BC Assessment 2012 value of $355,000)

10 years / 3.15 %

$149,300

$38/year

$2.5 Million

$1.2 Million

$1,300,000

15 years / 3.55 %

$111,200

$28/year

$2.5 Million

$1.2 Million

$1,300,000

20 years / 3.75 %

$92,450

$23/year

SCENARIO #4: includes Provincial Grant ($750,000), Gas Tax Funding ($100,000) and Recreation Reserve Funding ($100,000) = $950,000 in outside Funding

Q

Project Cost

What is the proposed budget of the expansion at the Fitness / Activity Centre?

A The projected budget is $2.5 million. The new addition will be built onto the existing Fitness / Activity Centre (located at 6660 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz, BC). At an estimated 13,500 sq. ft. (1,250 sq. m) the addition will include: • A large multi-purpose gymnasium that can accommodate and host community events, drop-in play, scheduled programs and can assist in school special events / tournaments.

• Two projected multi-purpose rooms with natural light and sound isolation that can accommodate programs identified by the community for the community. These include youth and senior recreation programs, classes in fitness, arts, dance, and cultural special events.

• A small kitchen incorporated with the multi-purpose rooms that can be used for instructional classes, programs and tournaments.

• Enhancements to the existing washrooms / change rooms, common area and our welcome / administration foyer.

This new addition will adapt to serve the needs of our growing community for years to come.

Q A

Who is the Fundraising Committee?

• Mayor John Van Laerhoven .....................................Chair • Councillor Darcy Striker ...........................Alternate Chair • Mr. Robert Stam ................................... Member at Large • Ms. Tracey Paul .................................... Member at Large • Mrs. Bev Kennedy ................................ Member at Large • Ms. Susan Spaeti ................................. Member at Large • Mr. Mal Shephard................................. Member at Large • Mr. Wallace Mah ..Chief Administrative Officer, Staff Liaison • Mr. Kerry Hilts . Director of Community Services, Staff Liaison

* Estimated Average Assessed Household Costs

Borrowing Amount

$2.5 Million

$950,000

$1,550,000

10 years / 3.15 %

$179,000

$45/year

$2.5 Million

$950,000

$1,550,000

15 years / 3.55 %

$132,500

$34/year

$2.5 Million

$950,000

$1,550,000

20 years / 3.75 %

$110,000

$28/year

Q

Terms / Interest Rate

Annual Debt Servicing

Grant Funding & Other Funding Sources

Municipal Finance Authority

(rates based on November 2012)

I don’t use the Fitness / Activity Centre, why should I contribute to the new expansion?

A The

new Community Recreation & Cultural Centre will provide more opportunities for the community to be active that helps keep them healthier. Research has shown that communities that support active lifestyles have less youth crime, lower rates of obesity, heart attacks, high blood pressure and diabetes. The new Centre will also contribute to a healthier community through social inclusion and a sense of connection. Recreation helps to bind families through shared experiences and shared achievements.

Through participation, recreation helps address antisocial behaviour and supports education.

This means that your contribution encourages our youth to make more positive activity choices, helps promote a healthy inclusive community and assists in keeping medical costs down by people being more engaged in recreation.

Fact: According to the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association, 87 percent of youth who participate in recreation make better life choices. And according to Health Canada, seniors who recreate stay in their communities longer, are healthier and make more positive contributions to the economy.

Q

(cost based on BC Assessment 2012 value of $355,000)

How will I know how much money is being raised, and the status of the project?

A The

District will be installing up to three (3) fundraising thermometers in the community (i.e. Fitness / Activity Centre, Pioneer Park and Highway 7 / 9 entrance). Updates will also be available on the District website (www.district.kent.bc.ca) and periodically advertised in the local Newspaper.

Q

I’m already a member of the Fitness / Activity Centre. How will the expansion affect my fees?

A With the expansion, the District anticipates that membership

fees will still be the most affordable in the Fraser Valley. We expect usage and program opportunities to double after the expansion, keeping the membership fees affordable and flexible.

Q

Can other functions be incorporated into the new expansion of the Fitness / Activity Centre?

A Absolutely, the new expansion will provide more activity choices for the community to get active and healthy, so it will be primarily be used to support sport, recreation and culture activities.

Friday, November 30, 2012 Agassiz Harrison Observer 9

Q

Who is the new Centre being built for?

A The newly expanded Centre is being built to meet the needs

of people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and financial situations. In fact, the Centre will do even more to keep the residents in our community active and healthy and recreating in our community.

Fact: The 2008 Community-based Leisure Needs Assessment showed that 45 percent of District residents go outside of the community to recreate because of limited choices. This means that money leaves the community every time this happens, and we are spending more money on fuel costs to travel to other facilities to participate in recreation or cultural programs that could be happening locally.

Q

We already have other facilities in the community, so why do we need this expansion at the Fitness / Activity Centre.

Q

Will the existing Fitness / Activity Centre be accessible during the expansion?

A It will be business as usual at the Fitness / Activity Centre, although parking may be altered to facilitate construction access. Construction updates will be available via email and on our website (www.district.kent.bc.ca) so you can stay current on the latest programs and changes during the construction process.

Q

Where can we find information on the project as it progresses?

A You

can access the District website at www.district.kent. bc.ca where you will find a link to all the activities of the facility expansion, including fundraising, volunteering and progress reports. Plus, sign up for our construction updates via email so you can stay current on the latest news regarding the new facility.

A The projected budget is $2.5 million. The new addition will

be built onto the existing Fitness / Activity Centre (located at 6660 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz, BC). At an estimated 13,500 sq. ft. (1,250 sq. m) the addition will include: • Current community programming space is limited, and is not available to meet the needs of our growing community.

• Specifically, there are limited facilities available for drop-in play, active recreation, sporting events (i.e. such as volleyball, basketball and badminton) or arts / culture programs that can accommodate the many needs of our residents (i.e. open gym time, organized sports, intramural activities, and art classes to name a few).

• As a result of a various community surveys and requests from outside agencies, there is a growing demand for physical activity opportunities for families, seniors and youth to promote positive lifestyle changes for all ages.

• The new facility will hopefully address programming gaps that exist in the community.

• And finally, the expanded, user-friendly facility will improve access and participation by all residents regardless of ages, stages and abilities.

Q

Will there be a kitchen as part of the expanded facility?

A Yes, the small kitchen will be part of the expansion to assist in

the delivery of recreation programs, and to support activities and events that take place in the facility.

Q

How can I contribute to the project?

A You can come down to the District Office (located at 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC) to make a contribution and receive a tax receipt or you could mail your cheque to: District of Kent P.O. Box 70 Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 (Please make reference on the cheque that it going towards the Community Centre Expansion, and provide a return address so that we can forward a tax receipt to you) Or if you (or your community group) have ideas or would like to share your time, talents or financial resources you can also contact one of the Fundraising Committee members to learn more about upcoming fundraising activities.

Q

Who will oversee the fundraising for the expansion?

Q

What is this new project going to do for the community? What are the benefits that we can expect?

A • The new Centre will increase the emphasis on a healthy,

active lifestyle, helping to keep people out of the medical system and keeping medical costs down. There will be a positive effect on obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and many other illnesses. The new Centre will excite and motivate people to become more active!

• The Centre will be a hub for the community, where friends and families can participate together or individually in sports, recreation and culture.

• The Centre will welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and financial situations. Parents will interact with children, and teens will participate side by side with adults and seniors.

• The Centre will help attract businesses, families and professionals who want to locate in a community that has the recreation amenities that they need.

Q

When will construction be complete and the new Centre opened?

A The project completion date is on or before March 31, 2015.

A The District of Kent oversees the project and is working with

the Fundraising Committee on sponsorship, corporate contributions and donations.

Q

Will the expansion compete with other facilities and the Agriculture Hall?

A No, the Fitness / Activity Centre is designed to serve the

general public in recreation, arts and culture and not to conduct private functions such as weddings, reunions and other social assemblies. The Agriculture Hall is well equipped to accommodate those social events.

Q

Who do I contact if I want more information?

A Mr. Kerry Hilts

(ph) 604-796-2235 Director of Community Services (fx) 604-796-9854 District of Kent (email) khilts@district.kent.bc.ca P.O. Box 70 Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 www.district.kent.bc.ca

10 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, November 30, 2012

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Board considers French immersion Program could draw students back from Chilliwack district

Jessica Peters The Observer

Being bilingual can open doors to new opportunities for Canadian youth.

But at the moment, there are no French immersion programs

in the Fraser Cascade school district.

Agassiz parent Colin Fisher is hoping to change that. He approached the school board last Tuesday night, in the hopes that they would consider bringing

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in an immersion program.

The board was receptive to Fisher’s idea, and agreed to put the idea out to other parents as a first step.

If there is enough interest in the program, the board would then consider taking it a step further to begin creating a program.

“I certainly would support your efforts,” trustee Al Fraser told Fisher. “I believe in everyone having a second language.”

Fisher and his young family moved here from a small town in Alberta, where French immersion is very popular. He was surprised upon moving here to find he would have to bus his young children to Chilliwack to be immersed in French. While he doesn’t consider himself fully fluent, as a federal government worker Fisher has a working knowledge of French.

“I’ve also traveled around a lot extensively in my younger years, and I was shocked by the amount of people who spoke more than one language,” Fisher said.

“Opportunities expand exponentially as soon as you have that second language.”

Colin Fisher

“Opportunities expand exponentially as soon as you have that second language,” he said.

He is currently on parental leave and hoping to do something positive for his children, with his time away from

work. He’s been talking to other parents in the area who have expressed the same interest.

“While I don’t really expect it to happen soon, it would be nice to see us try,” he said.

Chilliwack School District has a late immersion program, starting at Grade 6.

Fisher is hoping to see an early immersion program. More options in the school district means there are fewer reasons for Agassiz students to bus into Chilliwack, and would boost the district’s student population.

But finding French immersion teachers is not an easy task, said Stan Watchorn, director of education.

To get a program started, there would need to be about 22 students.

If you are interested in French immersion in Agassiz, contact Fisher at agassizfrench@gmail. com.

UFV holds vigil for women UFV’s Faculty and Staff Association is planning a candlelight vigil to remember the anniversary of the 1989 massacre or 14 women at École Polytechnique in Montreal.

Geneviève Bergeron, Nathalie Croteau, Anne-Marie Edward, Maryse Laganière, Anne-Marie Lemay, Michèle Richard, Annie Turcotte, Hélène Colgan, Barbara Daigneault, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Leclair, Sonia Pelletier, Annie St-Arneault and Barbara Klusznik Widajewicz, along with other women who were wounded in the attack, were separated out from the men in their class, and shot.

UFV’s event, commemorating the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, will take place at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, in the Aboriginal gathering space on the UFV Chilliwack campus at Canada Education Park.

Shirley Hardman, UFV’s senior advisor on Aboriginal affairs, will give an Aboriginal welcome. Then members of the award-winning Chilliwack Women’s Chorus, directed by Paula Quick from the Chilliwack Academy of Music, will perform Warrior and I Have a Million Nightingales. UFV faculty members, including Dr. Michelle LaFlamme, Dr. Virginia Cooke, Dr. Marcella LaFever, Dr. Martha Dow, along with Abbotsford councillor Patricia Ross and Chilliwack-Hope MLA Gwen O’Mahony, will speak. The event will end with a candle-lighting and a moment of silence.

Situating the event in the Aboriginal gathering space gives added meaning

to the 1989 tragedy, which took place before many of our current students were born.

“I work in the UFV Chilliwack campus library, where we have posted a display that tells what happened at École Polytechnique in 1989, explains varying forms of violence against women and offers library resources about violence against women,” notes event organizer Lisa Morry, who is status of women rep for the UFV Faculty and Staff Association and a UFV library technician.

On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 students were shot and killed at École Polytechnique, the engineering school at the University of Montreal. They were murdered because they were women.

“The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is not just about the Montreal Massacre,” she adds “It’s about the 582 Aboriginal women that the Native Women’s Association of Canada says were missing or murdered as of 2010. It’s about the Highway of Tears, where women, including Nicole Hoar, Tamara Chipman and Aielah Saric Auger, have disappeared during the past 40 years.

It’s about Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Georgina Papin, Marnie Frey and Brenda Wolfe, the six women murdered on a Port Coquitlam pig farm, and all the other women, missing from the Downtown Eastside, including Dawn Crey from Chilliwack. It’s about women afraid to walk alone at night, women physically and sexually assaulted, women stalked and threatened, and women murdered by their spouses.”

Friday, November 30, 2012 Agassiz Harrison Observer 11

News

• HARRISON HAPPENINGS

Being multicultural takes understanding Canada can be proud of becoming a nation with a unique blend of differences from other places and that we could talk to each other. I kept this dream alive ever since and it might even have influenced my decision to come to Canada.

Mu lt i c u ltu r a l i s m , however, is not something that comes Ruth altendoRf easy or over night.

Harrison It needs passion, Happenings understanding and a willingness to learn, along my street in but the result is worth Germany when a young the effort manyfold. lady from Italy asked me Though the task will how to get to the tennis never be finished, it will court. be easier and easier to She tried it first in reach the goal.

German, which did not Our local work Next she asked in communities are known Italian which worked to reach out and offer a even less. I realized, hand. In Agassiz, there however, where she is a settlement program wanted to go and walked offered to immigrants with her to the court. It which includes tutorwas an experience that learner matches, there left me with a lasting is a conversation desire to be able to meet circle at the library and understand people and a citizenship

class at the Agassiz Community Center.

All these services help newcomers greatly to integrate and a party once a year to celebrate multiculturalism will round it out nicely.

Here in Harrison Hot Springs, one of the big happenings at this time of the year is the Harrison Christmas Crawl put on by our local merchants. It is a fun way to do our Christmas shopping so do go, get your “passport”, complete and return it and who knows, you might even

Association.

Submitted by the Agassiz Harrison Historical Society

informative, it creates, in my opinion, a bond between the mayor, councillors and the residents.

The same is true, on a larger level, when it comes to our local newspaper, The AgassizHarrison Observer.

Just look how fast the newspaper box empties on a Friday morning and you know how important this local newspaper is to all of us. So, thank you Andrew, Jessica, Chris, and Brittany for doing a great job keeping us all “in the loop”!

DON

DEC’.T1MISS US AT T AT TH E AGRHE CRAFT ICULT FAIR U

SATURDAY DEC. 8TH

RAL H ALL!

Sample Christmas baking & enjoy complimentary apple cider or coffee!

F R E S H L O C A L LY M A D E 100% Wheat Free Danish Rye . . . . . . . . . $5 Daily Homemade Soup with bun . . . . . $4

Extra logs and extra water dangerous to drive has been debunked by an Illinois study, reported the B.C. Automobile

thank-you’s to my yearend list: the first one going to a small group of singers called Renate and Friends, who, on a regular basis, sing twice a month for and with the residents of Logan Manor.

Not only have they done this for more than five years, they also are going to other places whenever the need arises. They, too, are unsung heros. Another thank-you goes to the HHS Village mayor and council for their seasonable newsletter.

Not only is it very

Christmas Open House

• ECHOES FROM THE PAST

HOURS Mon. - Fri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Closed

604.491.1235

MAGPIE'S

• 7254 - A Pioneer Ave., Agassiz

B A K E R Y

INTERIOR TO LOWER MAINLAND TRANSMISSION PROJECT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Construction of the new Interior to Lower Mainland (ILM) transmission line is underway. Current activities are focused on: Access road improvements Vegetation and tree clearing along the right-of-way Tower foundation installation

Lytton

Pemberton

Merritt

Nicola Substation

Whistler

Access to some recreational trails along the right-of-way may be restricted at times during the completion of this work.

The new 247 kilometre, 500 kilovolt transmission line, will mostly parallel an existing 500 kilovolt transmission line between the Nicola Substation near Merritt and the Meridian Substation on Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam. The ILM project is planned to be in-service by January 2015.

The ILM project will expand the capacity of the transmission system that brings power from generation sources in the North and Southern Interior so that BC Hydro can continue to deliver clean and reliable energy to homes and businesses in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

Cheekye Substation

Squamish

Harrison Lake

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Pitt Meadows Coquitlam

Meridian Substation

Maple Ridge Harrison Hot Springs

Surrey

Hope

Kent

Fraser River

Ingledow Substation

Yale

Mission Langley

Chilliwack Abbotsford NEW ROUTE ALIGNMENT

Clayburn Substation

EXISTING 500 KV CIRCUITS

For more information please visit bchydro.com/ilm_transmission or contact BC Hydro at stakeholderengagement@bchydro.com or at 604 623 4472, toll-free 1-866 647 3334.

3674

• • •

INTERIOR TO LOWER MAINLAND TRANSMISSION PROJECT

y5

50 Years Ago, 1962 • Movement of logs out of the Harrison lake area in the last few weeks has been extremely slow, as mills have almost entirely stopped buying. There have been no work stoppages this year so it may be that there are simply too many logs available.

• Harrison Hot Spring’s first fire well is stalled at a depth of about 12 feet. Ground is so wet it keeps caving in around the casing.

There is quicksand in the bottom and the motor of the pump that keeps water level in the well down is broken.

Work may be resumed after the wet season.

• Court hearing of attorney-general Bonner’s application to have Kent’s emergency by-law barring Freedomites from the Municipality declared invalid has been postponed for one day. In the meantime, 1,000 members of the sect have camped in Hope for more than a month and are reported to be adding wooden structures to their tent town.

• The widely-held belief that sport or compact cars are more

win the Grand Prize!

The Crawl happens on Dec. 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - plenty of time to get all your shopping done!

On Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. there is, of course, the annual Christmas Concert put on by the Harrison Kent Community Singers at the Memorial Hall in Harrison Hot Springs.

The ever popular Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 1 will roundout our local Christmas program.

I would like, however, to add a few more

Hw

I was delighted to read in last week’s Observer that there was to be a potluck party at the Friendship House in Agassiz to celebrate multiculturalism.

Not long ago I was debating with friends the meaning of the word multiculturalism.

Canada, of course, is a multicultural nation.

Most of us come from elsewhere, bringing along talents, skills and customs to be used and enjoyed by everybody.

And, over time, Canadians have become a unique blend of differences, a colorful nation not to be found elsewhere. It is an achievement we can truly be proud of.

When I was a teenager, I had what I would almost call a vision: I was walking

12 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, November 30, 2012

Entertainment

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Twelve local photographers were featured at the Nature Exposed Photography Exhibition, held in the Canada Room at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa over the weekend. The show was included as part of the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival.

JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER

w ag g ll ee tt rr ee ee ll oo dd gg ee .. cc oo m m ww ww w .. e ea

ALLY

Doc Walker heading to Agassiz via Holiday Train

A.L.L.Y.

Jessica Peters The Observer

The holidays are coming, and with it, the CP Holiday Train is rolling into town to raise money, food, and awareness about hunger one stop at a time.

This year, the train will stop in Agassiz on Monday, Dec. 17 at about 8:15 p.m. As always, it will make its stop in front of the Agassiz Agricultural Hall, and the public is invited to gather in the area between the railway and the hall.

This year's show includes performances

by Miss Emily and Doc Walker, who are both

SELL YOUR UNUSED ITEMS AT OUR

ALLY YOUTH AUXILIARY GARAGE SALE! WED., DEC. 5 FROM 11 AM - 3 PM SAT., DEC. 8 FROM 9 AM - 1 PM at the Agassiz Legion (Branch 32)

We’ll be accepting donations towards our ALLY Youth Auxiliary program at this time.

It’s $15 to rent a table to sell your items or $10 if you are a Legion member; to register or if you’d like to donate items to the sale call 604-796-9496.

Donations can be dropped off at ACE (Agassiz Centre for Education) in front of the high school.

Canadian artists. The performances begin at 8:30 p.m.

Over their decadeplus time together Doc Walker have earned the title of ‘the hardest working Country band in Canada’ the old fashioned way, through relentless perseverance – constantly honing their chops as a songwriting and a performing unit.

That perseverance has netted them multiple top-10 and top-5 hits on Canadian Radio and some of the Canadian Music Industry’s highest awards, including six CCMAs in 2008 alone, as well as the 2009 Juno

The CP Holiday Train comes to Agassiz Dec. 17 at 8:15 p.m.

for Country Recording of the Year for their ‘Beautiful Life’ record.

As for Miss Emily, the Kingston, Ont. singer is considered one of the best kept secrets in the music business. She's already shared the stage with the Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts and the Trews.

The Hip's Gord Sinclair is working on

her upcoming debut CD. And Agassiz will have a chance to hear her perform live when the CP Holiday Train arrives.

And as always, there is sure to be a visit by Santa Claus. He and his elves will be collecting donations for the food bank, both cash and cans or other nonperishable food items.

AGASSIZ-HARRISON LIONS

Christmas Craft and Gift Sale

Christmas

specials to get you

ouTdoorS

Saturday, rday, December 4th Saturday, December 1 st

10 am to 4 pm Agassiz Agricultural Hall

Need a gift for an outdoor enthusiast?

Come in and check out our selection of amazing outdoor gear!

Agassiz Agricultural Hall

•

TOYS CRAfTS • Crafts • Toys • Raffles • Food fOOD RAffLES • Baking • Jewelry • Teddy Bears •

FRaseR Valley’s exclusive dealer:

• • 604-796-9951

JEwELRY BAkING For more information, call Joey Ellis: 70+ VENDORS TEDDY BEARS

m a d e i n va n c o u v e r !

604.846.1984 www.mtwaddingtons.com facebook.com/mtwaddingtonsoutdoors 5643 Vedder Rd. Chilliwack

11-12os MW30

or joe y9@t e l u s. n et

M e d i a Pa rt n e r :

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison ❖ Hope

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MEDIA PARTNER:

Harr ison

S SP POONNSSOORREEDD BBYY TTHHEE AAGGAA SS SS IIZZ--HH A RRISON LIONS CLUB ARRISON LIONS CLUB

Harrison Christmas Crawl Saturday & Sunday

December 1st & 2nd 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

REFRESHMENTS & DOOR PRIZES AT EACH LOCATION

Come to beautiful Harrison Hot Springs & visit the Back Porch, canwestart, Casa Lifestyles, Spirit Yoga & Wellness Center, Savvy Fashions, Serenity Now Gifts, Inkman’s Village Gifts, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, & the Ranger Station Art Gallery for a chance to

WIN a Grand Prize Draw basket* valued over $500!

(*Must have a fully stamped Christmas Crawl Passport to receive an entry. Passports available at all locations.)

Friday, November 30, 2012, Agassiz Harrison Observer 13

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison ❖ Hope

After-Hours Call Centre: Phone: 604.796.4300 | Toll Free: 1.866.865.4460 toll free: 1.866.575.5777 Fax: 604.796.2081 | Email: kerry@bcclassified.com Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 7

OBITUARIES

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 21

COMING EVENTS

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 16

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CHRISTMAS CORNER

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: fish@blackpress.ca

Agassiz Harrison Lions presents CHRISTMAS COUNTRY FAIR At the Agricultural Hall Pioneer Ave. W. Agassiz Dec. 1; 10am-4pm Over 70 Vendors, Refreshments.

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

Email: lisa@blackpress.ca

Land of the midnight sun and home to the spectacular skies of the Northern Lights.

soul mate Bert Whitbread (deceased), a creative soul and fellow artisan. For many years they successfully owned and operated Fernleigh Antiques providing one-of-a-kind exquisite antiques and nautical relics to buyers both locally and from far away places. Always looking for creative outlets, Peggy had the “Out and About” byline in the “Emerald Ladies’ Journal,” in which she reported on the extensive Panama City social scene. Her involvement with the “Emerald Ladies’ Journal” forged many lasting personal and professional friendships, all the while keeping the local seniors stretching in her weekly exercise classes at the Senior Center. But her flare for pageantry and stagecraft was never more satisfied than by her involvement with the “Red Hatter’s Disorganization” a splinter group from the national organization. No dues, no problem was their mantra, just come wearing your most outlandish red hat and ready to participate in the production.

Peggy’s life was full of vitality, adventure, good health and most of all love. She is celebrated by her many loving family members. Peggy is predeceased by her father and mother Hosie and Agnes Mackay, beloved brother Donald Mackay, ex-husband Charles (Charlie) Beck, and partner Bert Whitbread.

Survived and cherished by her brother Ian (Bunk) and sister-in-law Carol Mackay, sister-in-law Peggy Mackay (Donald), sister Jeannie Mackay, and aunt Fair Holroyd (Harold), and many nieces and nephews scattered about the mountains and valleys of beautiful British Columbia. But most of all it’s her three daughters, her grandchildren and great grandchildren that hold her near and dear in their hearts, Debbie Gonzales (John), Pam Elins (Marty), Kathy Beck (Jeff Pond), grandchildren Zack and Taylor Gonzales, Carla Palmer (John), Torrey Pond (Nancy Colwell), Phil Elins (Stacy) and great-grandchildren Marcel and Piper Gonzales, Clare, Kate and Hugh Palmer and Peyton Elins. And many, many dear friends discovered and cherished on her life’s journey, lastly, her four-legged companion and protector “Bluey” her blue-eyed border collie.

Two celebrations of life will be held in honor of Peggy Beck, one in January 2013, in her home of 20+ years Panama City Beach, Florida and then in the spring Peggy will be returned home to her eternal resting place in the beautiful Frasier Valley under the outstretched wings of the snow angel of Mount Cheam, Agassiz, British Columbia.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested a donation be made to your local chapter of the SPCA.

11/12_agassiz_O29

Growing Surrey building products company requires a full-time Driver. Heavy lifting involved.

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CHRISTMAS CORNER

PERSONAL SERVICES 173E

182

An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators.

Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilfield road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required. Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051.

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com

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DAIRY, Beef, Crop, Sheep, Swine, Horticultural work. Live and learn in Europe, Britain, Japan, Australia or New Zealand. 4-12 month AgriVenture programs available for 18-30 year olds. www.agriventure.com 1888-598-4415. Canadian farmers may also apply for overseas trainees.

Required for an Alberta Trucking Company. One Class 1 Driver. Must have a minimum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta. Scheduled Days Off. Call Lloyd 780-723-5051

16

CHRISTMAS TREES '3"4&3 r "-1*/& r (3"/% '*3

You-cut or we-cut trees | Some in containers 4 - 12+ foot trees | Open every day, daylight hours 2 kms North at 11060 McGrath Rd., Rosedale 604-794-3430

CHRISTMAS CORNER

•Horizontal Boring Mills •Horizontal & Vertical Lathes •Vertical Machining Centres

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160

TRADES, TECHNICAL

JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNICIAN. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. (Hanna, Alberta) needs a few more good people.

Busy, modern shop. $25. $31./hour + bonus, benefits. Great community. Inquire or send resume.

Fax 403-854-2845; Email Chrysler@telusplanet.net.

Call Amber

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

DRIVERS

160

(604) 777-2195

Check out bcclassified.com’s Real Estate section in the 600’s.

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WANTED; RED SEAL Diesel Truck & Trailer Mechanic in Northern Alberta. Full time, permanent position.

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THE LEMARE Group is accepting resumes for the following positions: •Grade Hoe Operator-with Coastal Logging Roadbuilding experience •Coastal Certified Hand Fallers •Coastal Certified Bull Buckers •Off Highway Logging Truck Driver •Grapple Yarder Operators • Heavy Duty Mechanics Fulltime camp with union rates/benefits. Please send resumes by fax to 250-956-4888 or email to office@lemare.ca.

WANTED IN NORTHERN ALBERTA-Log truck drivers with off-road experience.

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Whitehorse General Hospital has the following openings:

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OBITUARIES

BECK Peggy Mackay Thursday, November 22, 2012, Thanksgiving Day a brilliant light was extinguished, when Peggy (Margaret Isabelle Mackay) Beck, passed from this life in her home in Panama City Beach Florida, from complications of the flu. Gone too soon but on a most appropriate day, her family gives great thanks for being a part of her legacy and celebrates her life. Famous for her tireless energy, Scottish work ethic, pioneer spirit, creativity and boundless desire to succeed, she raised her three daughters with tough love and wisdom. Never enabling, but always engaged and encouraging.

Peggy was born on Seabird Island, British Columbia Canada on September 2, 1934, a precocious hazel-eyed baby, who grew to be a beautiful blend of Liz Taylor and Vivian Leigh. Peggy’s 6-member family consisted of her father Hosie Mackay, mother Agnes Mackay, brothers Donald and Ian (Bunk) Mackay, and sister, Jeannie Mackay. From Seabird Island the family moved to the logging / farming community of Agassiz, British Columbia, put down roots and flourished.

Peggy met Charles (Charlie) Miller Beck (deceased) when she was a young woman of 23, married the dashing American WWII Air corps veteran after a 6-week courtship and began her new life in the United States. Peggy moved with Charlie and made homes in the many places that the job required of him, always near an Air force base while working in the emerging radio/electronics defense field.

While in El Paso, TX, Deborah Jeanne Beck (Gonzales) was born, in Midwest City, OK, Pamela Susan Beck (Elins) and Katherine Anne Beck came along, all girls born approximately 2-years apart. Eventually the Beck family moved to the Dallas, Texas bedroom community of Plano, while Plano was still a small growing town, perfect for a big personality like Peggy Beck. During her Plano years (1968-1991) while raising her family and working, Peggy was a visionary for the city of Plano, her ideas were the foundation for many of Plano’s current cultural traditions such as; volunteering in many capacities with the Collin County Republican Party, The International Festival, Fairview Farms, Parks and Recreation exercise classes for Mature Bodies, and participating in one, and all, of the city’s many parades. Peggy never missed an opportunity to plan, decorate, coordinate and ride on one of her creations with her beloved grandchildren Carla (Palmer) Pond and Torrey Pond and Zack and Taylor Gonzales, all unified in the desire to be awarded # 1 by the judges!

In 1991 with her family grown, Peggy moved to Panama City Beach, Florida with her life-partner and

114

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LOST AND FOUND

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

DRIVER (CLASS 5)

LOST: WEDDING band, hand made, on Saturday, nov 24. Call 1 (604)796-0830

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OBITUARIES

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HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

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239

E-mail: ellerymfg@telus.net

Call: 604-882-9122 Fax: 604-882-9124 HEAVY DUTY Mechanic (Fraser Valley).

We are a well established medium size contractor serving the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley area since 1969. We are recruiting a Heavy Duty Mechanic stationed at our Abbotsford shop. You will be responsible to service, maintain and repair our fleet of mobile paving and grading equipment in addition to undertaking basic welding and fabricating duties to upkeep equipment.

Must have a good understanding of hydraulic and electrical systems and have a keen eye for preventative maintenance practice. You must have a valid class 5 BC driver’s license and a safe driver’s abstract in order to drive our service truck to respond to field service requests. A min 3yr experience is needed along with Interprovincial Heavy Duty Mechanic Certificate and you must possess an ability to work in a team environment and at times with limited supervision. This is a unionized position paying very competitive wages and an extensive benefits package for the right candidate. Respond by email to: nickjs@telus.net

COMPUTER SERVICES

Rick’s Computer Services General Repairs & Data Recovery, Trojan’s & Viruses removed. Same day service on all drop offs.

Drop by 6438 Lougheed Hwy. (Corner of 7 & 9) 604-796-0538

260

ELECTRICAL

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

287

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

SMALL RENOVATIONS and finish carpentry. Seniors discount. Call Doug 604-491-3517, or email: dgdnbr@gmail.com

300 knoke trucking

LANDSCAPING

14 Agassiz Harrison Observer, Friday, November 30, 2012 HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 320

PETS

MOVING & STORAGE

477

#1 As in movers we trust. Reliable Honest Movers. Same day moves & deliveries. Starting, $45hr + gas.

(604)997-0332 / (604)491-8607

PETS

CHIHUAHUA, SMALL male, 4 years old, sweet boy, $500. Call 604-794-7347

563

MISC. WANTED

Highest Prices Paid for Old Coins Change, Sets, Gold, Olympic Local Collector 604-701-8041

REAL ESTATE

1PRO MOVING & SHIPPING. Real Professionals, Reasonable.

Rates. Different From the Rest.

604-721-4555.

603

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

Northstar Painting Ltd.- The Small jobs - We do it all! Interior and at Students Rates. WCB Safe, Reli778.344.1069

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

ACREAGE

RENTALS 706

609

APARTMENT/CONDOS

APARTMENT/CONDO

810

TRANSPORTATION

AUTO FINANCING

845

TRANSPORTATION

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

851

AGASSIZ No. 9 hwy 1 Bdrm apt, ground floor, secured building to single/couple w/refs a must. min 6mo, looking for reliable tenant, $490mth plus Utility. samsonator@gmail.com 604-617-0055

1996 FORD CONTOUR 4dr auto fully loaded ST#305 THIS WEEK $999 1994 MAZDA PROTEGE 4dr sdn auto low km st#314 $1495 1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE 4dr sedan Aircared st#310 $1495

T. Marlowe Manor Spacious 1 bdrm avail. now, $530/m.

The Scrapper

Ask about our seniors discount.

Pets upon prior approval.

604-796-8760 CHINESE SHAR-PEI PUPPIES MINI’S/TOYS - M & F $1200.00 604-315-8774 WWW.WRINKLESRUS.COM

www.paintspecial.com 604.339.1989 Lower Mainland 604.996.8128 Fraser Valley Running this ad for 8yrs

PAINT SPECIAL 3 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 our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services.

338

PLUMBING

EASY XMAS SHOPPING FOR PETS! No line ups - No cold weather. Deals to Bark about!! Receive 10% off with coupon code: Clubpet10 www.petland.ca 1-855-8390555 European German Shepherd pups, 9 weeks, nice, classic colors. Lrg dogs CKC + all shots $1000/ea & up. 2 F. 604-538-4883 GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES P.B. $1200: Born Sept. 29th.

2 Male, 1 Female. (778)863-6332 GOLDEN RETRIEVER X COLLIE (Lassie) pups. You can’t find a better combo of smart and loyal dogs.

Born Oct 13, ready Dec 8. Both parents on site. Raised in home with kids, cats & other dogs. Dad 75lbs (Golden) is OFA hip cert. free of hip displasia & eye cert. mom also (rare blue headed white Collie, 48lbs).

Both parents 4H (obedience, showmanship & agility) dogs. 5 Males (3 are blue merle) & 3 females (black). $500. Mission, 604-820-4827

LUXURY OCEAN FRONT CONDOS! 2 Bdrm. & 2 Bath Was $850k ~ Now $399,900 Resort Spa Restaurant Golf Marina

www.MarinSemiahmoo.com

1-888-996-2746 x5470

Harrison Hot Springs- Lrg. 1bdrm apt. Washer & dryer insuite. Nonsmokers only. N/P, DD & ref. req. $615/m. Avail. Dec.1 604-793-5335

HOMES WANTED

WE BUY HOUSES! Older House • Damaged House Moving • Estate Sale • Just Want Out • Behind on Payments Quick Cash! • Flexible Terms!

CALL US FIRST! 604-657-9422

HHS- NOV. 1- 1 BDRM Waterfront condo, f/s, d/w, w/d, gas f/p. Newly updated. Looking for responsible mature tenant. NS/NP, DD/ref req. $850/m. Call Kelly 604-819-1936

715

DUPLEXES/4PLEXES

TOP CA$H PAID TODAY For SCRAP VEHICLES!

MORTGAGES

2BRM 2Bth. 55plus Mobile Home for rent. Must pass strata interview.

Small dog ok, sorry no cats. Renter responsible for all utilities. Long term tenant preferred. Lots of storage room, clean quiet. View @11915875 20th Ave. Reply to fastgary56@ymail.com if interested. $1100/mo. plus damage deposit.

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

KITCHEN AIDE Built-in Fridge, model KBLC36FMS02. As new. Under warr. $3900: (604)536-4226

810

838

AUTO FINANCING

524

UNDER $200

FRIDGE, full size, frost free, 4 yrs old, 6 mon warranty. $150. Call (604)392-3950

533

FERTILIZERS

WEED FREE Mushroom Manure 13 yards - $160 or Well Rotted 10 yards - $180. 604-856-8877 GL ROOFING. Cedar shakes, Asphalt shingles, flat rfs. Cln Gutters $80. Liability Insur. 1-855-240-5362

374

TREE SERVICES

548

FURNITURE

MATTRESSES starting at $99 • Twins • Fulls • Queens • Kings 100’s in stock! www.Direct Liquidation.ca (604)294-2331 *NEW QUEEN MATTRESS SET* Pillow Top in Plastic. Mfr. Warranty Must Sell $200 ~ 604-484-0379

Tree removal done RIGHT! • Tree & Stump Removal • Certified Arborists • 20 yrs exp. • 60’ Bucket Truck • Crown Reduction • Spiral Pruning • Land Clearing • Selective Logging ~ Fully Insured • Best Rates ~

604-787-5915, 604-291-7778 www.treeworksonline.ca treeworkes@yahoo.ca 10% OFF with this AD

PETS

CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866 CATS OF ALL DESCRIPTION in need of caring homes! All cats are Spayed, neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. Visit us at fraservalleyhumanesociety.com or call 1 (604)820-2977

551

MISC. FOR SALE

BIG BUILDING SALE...”THIS IS A CLEARANCE YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!” 20X20 $3,985. 25X24 $4,595. 30X36 $6,859. 35X48 $11,200. 40X52 $13,100. 47X76 $18,265 One End wall included.

Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca.

RENT TO OWN

STOP RENTING RENT TO OWN No Qualification Required, Flexible Terms! Cloverdale – 60th Ave &176th St. Spacious 742 sf.

1 Bdrm. Condo. Only $880/mo.

Option Fee Required 604-657-9422

706

APARTMENT/CONDO

AGASSIZ- 2 bdrm, $625. Available now, N/P, N/S. $500/m. Call 1 (604)614-6184

626

HOUSES FOR SALE

GARAGE SALES

STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed!

Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

551

GARAGE SALES

Wed., Dec. 5 from 11 am - 3 pm & Sat., Dec 8 from 9 am - 1 pm at the Agassiz Legion. To rent a table to sell your own items or for more information call 604-796-9796 (Tables are $10 for Legion members or $15 for non-members)

MISC. FOR SALE

560

MISC. FOR SALE

TFU PG i#PC UIF #VJMEFSw TIFFUT t (MBTT DFJMJOH MJHIU åYUVSF GPS DIJME T SPPN t 1V[[MFT t #MBDL åSFQMBDF TDSFFO t #SPXO CBUISPPN TJOL t #JSDI XPPE SPVOET

Call 604-796-2400

RECREATIONAL/SALE

1996 22’ SLUMBER QUEEN 5th wheel. Interior like new, has to be seen to appreciate. New stereo, back up camera, new HD antenna, m/w, a/c. Includes hitch. $6,500.

604-625-7761 Aldergrove.

851

WANTED: Camper for small import truck, with fridge/stove & furnace.

Reasonably priced. (604)538-6609

2006 FORD FREESTAR SE - ext. van, 130K, 7 pass. loaded, exc. cond. Only $5450! 604.309.3135

715

715

DUPLEXES/4PLEXES

TRUCKS & VANS

DUPLEXES/4PLEXES

RANCHER STYLE 1/2 DUPLEX FOR RENT DreamTeam Auto Financing “0” Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

1-800-961-7022

2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen , living room, 4 appliances & garage. No pets, No smoking.

1/2 month damage deposit. $700/month Available Dec. 1st. | Call 604 845 2705.

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

626

818

HOUSES FOR SALE

CARS - DOMESTIC

818

CARS - DOMESTIC

your Car! Sell your Home! Sell with the &ODVViÀeG with the ClassiÀeG

Power Pack…

LimiteG Time Offer!

Power Pack…

ONLY

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SURREY: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, hardwood floors throughout and new roof. $549,000. 604-575-5555.

$

3-LINE EXAMPLE

Size not exactly as shown

LiPiteG Time Offer!

Sell your vehicle FAST in the highest read community newspapers & largest online sites!

Sell your home FAST in the highest read community newspapers & largest online sites!

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

ALLY YOUTH AUXILIARY GARAGE SALE

560

700

ChillSpot is The COOLEST Dog Bed-A new and innovative, thermodynamically cooled dog bed, that enhances the cool tile surfaces our pets rely on during the warm weather months. www.chillspot.biz

PETS 477

560

RENTALS

APPLIANCES

Canuck Roofing All Roof Repairs Any job big or small. Free Est. *WCB *Insured *BBB 778-772-1969

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVAL Minimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673

TRANSPORTATION

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 506

2 hr. Service www.a1casper.com (604)209-2026

AGASSIZ IMMEDIATE 1/2 Duplex.

3 bdrm 2 1/2 bath, carport, 2 level. stove, fridge & dw. small single pet ok, no smoking. $1050 month. Karen at 604.855.9292

733 MOBILE HOMES & PADS 636

NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com

$38/HOUR PLUMBING, HEATING plugged drains. Big & small jobs.

Local & licensed cell (778)549-2234

Auto Financing 1.800.910.6402

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

627

12

2010 VENZA: Like new, only 20,000 kms, fully loaded, automatic, 6 cylinder, dvd system. $22,800. 604-575-5555.

$

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Power Pack iQcluGeV Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Power Pack incluGes Agassiz-Harrison Observer

PRINT AD: Includes photo and 3-lines for one week.

PRINT AD: Includes photo and 3-lines for one week.

USEDFraserValley.com

Call 604.575-5555

Call 604.575-5555

ONLINE AD: Local reach — until you cancel it!

The Agassiz

Harrison

Hope

2007 FORD F150 reg cab V6 auto long box ST#205 $8,900 2005 GMC SLE CREW cab 4X4 auto diesel long box, loaded ST#218 $10,900 2001 FORD F350 Dually 4X4 crew cab XLT 7.3L pwrstrk diesel ST#130 $11,900 2008 FORD F150 REG CAB 4x4 auto long box ST#207 $11,900 2007 FORD RANGER 4X4 auto super cab st#193 $11,900 2007 FORD F150 supercab cre XLT 4X4 auto fuel loaded ST#273 $13,900 2005 FORD F250 CREW cab Lariat leather diesel 4X4 auto ST#246 $13,900 2006 FORD F350 XLT crew cab diesel 4X4 auto long box ST#283 $13,900 2006 FORD F350 XLT CREW cab diesel 4X4 auto long box runs good ST#309 $14,900 2006 FORD F350 XLT quad cab 4X4 auto diesel only 156K st#17 $15,900 2006 FORD F350 XLT crew cab diesel 4X4 auto long box only 160Km st#310 $15,900 2006 FORD F350 XLT crew cab diesel 4X4 auto full loaded long box st#311 $15,900 2008 GMC 2500 HD Quad cab 4X4 auto long box ST#267 $15,900 2007 CHEV 2500 HD quad cab 4X4 auto gas, shortbox, fully loaded ST#267 $15,900 2005 CHEV 2500 HD LS crew cab Duramax diesel leather 4X4 auto ST#190 $15,900 2007 FORD F350 LARIAT crew cab diesel 4X4 auto short box ST#275 $18,900

www.keytrackautosales.com

USEDFraserValley.com

ONLINE AD: Local reach — until you cancel it!

TRUCKS THIS WEEK:

604-855-0666

ONLINE AD: BC-wide reach! For one week!

ONLINE AD: BC-wide reach! For one week!

1995 FORD EXPLORER 2dr 4X4 5spd 5 pass Aircared ST#299 $2495 1999 PONTIAC TRANSPORT van 7 pgr low km ST#281 THIS WEEK $2299 2000 DODGE NEON 4DR auto sunroof, runs good ST#147 $2995 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE 4dr auto st#195 $2995 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA 4dr sedan fully loaded ST#303 $3495 2000 HONDA CIVIC 4dr auto sedan ST#169 $3495 2000 TOYOTA COROLLA 4dr auto sdn a/c runs good st#302 $3500 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM 4dr sdn auto Aircare low km st#313 $3800 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER 4dr auto 4X4 runs good ST#221 $3900 1994 CHEV CAMARO black, auto T-Top low kms 178K ST#279 $4,800 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM 4dr auto AirCrae ST#276 $4900 2007 PONTIAC MONTANNA 7pgr Van runs good no accidents ST#312 $6900 2006 DODGE MAGNUM 4dr wagon auto fully loaded ST#106 $6900 2007 FORD FUSION 4DR auto fully loaded ST#250 $6900 2007 FORD FUSION 4dr sdn aotu full load Aircare st#321 $7,900 04 JEEP LIBERTY 4X4 auto Aircared ST#319 $7900 04 AUDI A4 4dr sdn, auto leather Aircared ST#320 $8800

33166 S. Fraser Way, Abbotsford DL#31038

BCClassiÀeG.com

BCClassiÀeG.com

TRUCKS & VANS

KEY TRACK AUTO SALES CARS & VANS:

AGASSIZ

FOR rent - 0.9 acre or 0.6 acre in Industrial Park in Agassiz. Will consider selling. Call 604-798-9292

Residential Specialists. BIG jobs, Exterior Projects. Master Painters able, Efficient & Quality Paint.

TRANSPORTATION

The Agassiz

Harrison

Hope

Friday, November 30, 2012 Agassiz Harrison Observer 15

Business

Science jobs abound at PARC

YO U R S O U R C E F O R QU A L I T Y LO CA L P R O F E S S I O N A L S

OBSERVER FILE PHOTO

A woman looks at a wireworm at an open house at PARC Agassiz.

programming.

“We especially need to interest young students in science and how things work,” Leech says. “Young students use technology every day – smart phones, iPads and computers.

They play video games, even build robots.”

Leech lauds the recent “Year of Science” program that encouraged students toward so-called “STEM” subjects – science, technology, engineering and math. Citing the recent $6 million B.C. campaign to encourage careers in trades, Leech urges a similar effort to build awareness of engineering technology education and careers.

BC Technology Industries Association employers like Telus and BC Hydro and many smaller technology-rich companies say the single most important position they now struggle to fill is specialty technician/technologist.

Even the Canadian Council of Chief Executives expressed concern that only 37 per cent of 16- to 18-year-olds were interested in taking even one post-secondary course in sciences, according to a recent Angus Reid survey.

Leech says the opportunities for those seeking work in the technology field are considerable given a wave of retirements of present-generation B.C. technology professionals that is already underway.

“Half of our membership is now middle-aged at 45-plus, and 22 per cent are over age 55,” he said.

“Every region of B.C. shows growing demand,” Leech concluded.

“New two-year technology diploma programs are still needed in the north and central B.C. However, young people are investing to travel so they can earn the necessary tech qualifications.”

It would appear their investment is a smart move, as it will result in a broad range of career opportunities.

Industries in all regions of B.C. support programs for local trainees to fill engineering and applied science technologist, technician and technical specialist positions.

To learn more about job opportunities, training and supports available, contact Work BC Agassiz at 604-796-0266.

Groundworks

Landscaping/Lawncare lawncare & yard maintenance aerating/power raking weeding/yard clean up hedge & tree pruning

GLEN TRAUN

KENT PLUMBING & HEATING LTD.

• Commercial & Residential Yard Maintenance • Hydro Seeding

For all your Service, Repair & Installation Needs “One call does it all”

LANDSCAPING

604-796-2705

pressure washing paver stones/ retaining walls

604-819-8786

Servicing Hope & Area since 1979

604-869-2767

THE

RENOVATOR COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

• Furnaces Licensed Bonded • Water Heaters Insured • Boilers • Patio Heaters • Sheet Metal Installations • Gas Fitting • Fireplaces

604.796.0770

24 HOUR LICENSED SERVICE

Complete Home Renovations & Additions Fibreglass & Wood Decking Metal Roofs KELLY AT 604.819.1936

R.C.E. APPLIANCE REPAIR

custom office furnishings kitchen cabinets built in entertainment centres restoration/ refinishing

VEDALA SW OODWORKING

by Mats Strahl,

604-796-2834 Service to all makes of washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers & refrigerators

Scandinavian Craftsman

KJLACROIX62@HOTMAIL.COM

Hope Auto Body Ltd.

PLUMBING SERVICES

604.794.7018

❧ ❧

Tucked away behind a grove of beautiful trees in Agassiz, is a bustling centre of leading edge science and technology.

The Pacific Agriculture Research Centre is home to the development of modern technology, and the work the scientists and biologists have completed in the past has garnered national and international attention.

And even though it’s tucked away, the centre is eager to share their knowledge with the local community — and even help students decide if science and technology is the right path for them.

“The best avenue for knowing what goes on in the research centre is to attend the open houses,” said Dr. Sankaran Krishnaraj, the centre’s director of operations.

“You will get a full flavour of what goes on in the centre.”

Some of the research happening right now in Agassiz includes integrated pest management, dairy welfare, producing crops in greenhouses, and much more.

And you don’t have to be a scientist to be a contributing member of the centre.

“There are all different levels of education here,” he said. “At the one extreme you have farm crews and casual level workers who have basic education and are operating the farm equipment, all the way to scientists who are internationally known for doing high quality science. You have the two extremes and all the way in between.”

Agassiz isn’t the only place where science jobs are booming.

British Columbia has a ready source of jobs and careers in technology and education programs need to keep up with that demand.

John Leech, executive director of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC said “Every system we rely on – water, roads and transportation, telecommunications and Internet, hydro and natural gas, environment, health, forestry, and many more – utilizes engineering and applied science technology professionals working in the background. B.C.’s telecom and IT, animation and many other sectors produce new careers every month.”

ASTTBC has more than 10,000 members currently working in thousands of careers available to graduates of two-year diploma programs available at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and other B.C. colleges and institutes.

“Our members enjoy rewarding, well-paid and often recession-proof careers in public service and the private sector alike,” Leech states.

“For huge numbers of young men and women, technology is the answer.

In B.C. and across Canada, technology permeates every workplace and job.

We need to get capable students involved and engaged in applied sciences and head off workforce shortages by building a B.C. science and technology culture.”

Leech calls on government for renewed efforts to build student skills and confidence in math and science

Meet the Pros NOVEMBER 2012

CASTLE CLEANING & ORGANIZATION

❧ the ease of organized: comfort of clean: clutter busting! green cleaning products closet solutions regular cleaning pantry set ups spring/seasonal cleaning office/garage organization gift certificates up/down scale move move in/out ❧ the

• Complete collision & glass services • Courtesy Vehicles • Express repair facility - all insurance company estimates written here

966 6th Avenue, 604 •869 •5244 www.hopeautobody.ca

debra cornish 604.796.0406

service@castlecando.com www.castlecando.com

FRASER CANYON FINBACK CUSTOM GLASS LTD. WOODWORKS

Windshield replacements Rock chip repairs All private insurance co.

Certified Automotive Glass Technician 35 yrs exp.

Full Service Glass Shop

604.796.1196 | 604.857.3375 (cell)

New Cabinetry, and Cabinet Refacing Counter Tops 6390 Pioneer Ave, Agassiz

DOMESTIC & IMPORTS

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

531 CORBETT ST. HOPE, BC. 604-869-9514

CARPENTRY SERVICES

16 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, November 30, 2012

CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

HARRISON-AGASSIZ

HARRISON-AGASSIZ Did you know…

The Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce currently has 106 members.

#5-7086 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz 604-796-2585 www.agassiz-harrison.org

• 45 members in Harrison Hot Springs • 41 members in Agassiz • 7 members in Harrison Mills • Other members from Hells Gate to Abbotsford OUR BOARD IS MADE UP OF 3 EXECUTIVE MEMBERS AND 7 DIRECTORS: Robert Reyerse Ed Stenson Len Davidiuk

President Secretary Treasurer

DIRECTORS: Ian Maw Chris Franklin Frank Peters Sonja Reyerse Michelle Mailhot Judy Pickard Linda Marks

604-796-2228 7072 Pioneer Avenue

Monday to Thursday 9 am - 5 pm

Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa Agassiz Harrison Observer Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Harrison Heritage House & Cottages Agassiz Subway Agassiz Harrison Historical Society Sutton West Coast Realty

Our Directors meet quarterly to organize the yearly meeting schedule, brainstorm various events & look after the administrative & housekeeping side of the organization.

LEN DAVIDIUK TAX SERVICES

As we are volunteer run, we rely on businesses to offer a meeting place/space (at no charge) for us to hold our meetings. In 2012 we hosted 3 meetings in Harrison Hot Springs (which included the boat cruise and AGM), 3 meetings in Agassiz and 2 in Harrison Mills.

7020 Pioneer Avenue Box 498 Agassiz BC V0M 1A0

We have six Socials a year including our January Breakfast Social, summer cruise on Harrison Lake with Shoreline Tours & our November AGM. This year’s AGM took place at the Hungry Chef Eatery. We had a great turnout, enjoyed a delicious meal & had a fun evening of networking with many members leaving with a most fabulous door prize!

“The Taxman Since 1978”

Personal • Business Full Bookkeeping Services Tax Planning • Year Round 604.796.2806

A few of our highlights from our many volunteers this past year include:

info@lendavidiuktaxservices.com

• Together with Tourism Harrison, the Harrison Festival Society, the Village of Harrison, the Agassiz Harrison Observer as media sponsor & the community of Sts’ailes organized Sasquatch Days. This was a major new event that brought two communities together & brought hundreds of people to our area.

• Sponsored the Heritage Run fundraiser for Kilby and the Agassiz Harrison Museum

Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce The Voice of Business for Harrison Hot Springs The District of Kent and surrounding area www.harrison.ca

• Organized yet another All-Candidates debate for the by-election in Harrison • Sponsored our annual Chamber Bursary to an AESS student • Contributed to Canada Day activities in both Agassiz & Harrison • Sponsored the Slow Food Cycle Tour in Agassiz • Our Directors took turns & penned a monthly Observer Chamber page • Sponsored a July race at the Agassiz Speedway for the annual School’s Out Pirates & Princesses Day • Worked with Todd Richard & the Agassiz Harrison Observer (media sponsor) turned the Bands on the Beach event into a two day weekend concert

Buy one entree & get the second entree for half price* *

Open Year Round!

For reservations, call 604-796-9343 180 Esplanade Avenue in beautiful Harrison Hot Springs BC blackforest-restaurant.com

With this coupon only. Expires Dec. 7. Alcohol, Early Bird or daily specials not included.

Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner overlooking Harrison lake, at this Bavarian Specialty House & try our extensive new world wine list or German beer to compliment your dinner selection.

• Sponsored & volunteered at the new Harrison Beer Festival • Hosted a Social Media follow-up session • Held our Annual General Meeting • Organized the Spirit of the Holidays Festival of Trees event • Donated funds to the Agassiz Food Bank with matching funds to Harrison If you are a Chamber member(or would like to become one) & have a space for us to meet for the Chamber Socials, please contact Chris Franklin (ads@ahobserver.com) or the Chamber directly (hachamber@gmail.com) SONJA REYERSE HARRISON HERITAGE HOUSE & COTTAGES