WALMART WILL BE GOOD FOR UPTOWN
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METAL THIEVES GO UNDERGROUND
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HYACK PARADE ‘BEST EVER’
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WEDNESDAY
MAY 29 2013
New West’s top cop honoured in Ottawa. See Page A5
www.newwestnewsleader.com
Skugaid to leave New West Century-old boat to move by June 14 Grant Granger
ggranger@newwestnewsleader.com
SUSANNE LEACH/CONTRIBUTED
Two wheelers, both old-fashioned and simply ‘odd-fashioned,’ were showcased by the folks from Cap’s Cycles at the Hyack Parade on Saturday. See Photos page A3
Chamber supports coal proposal Good for economy as long as mitigation measures followed Grant Granger
ggranger@newwestnewsleader.com
Despite a petition containing 975 signatures opposing the project, the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce is backing plans for a coal-transfer facility in Surrey. Fraser Surrey Docks (FSD) chief executive officer Jeff Scott spoke to the New West chamber board May 21. After he answered questions about coal dust and noise,
the executive passed a resolution to economy, and we could see some support FSD’s proposal if all the direct benefit for New Westminster. mitigation measures it proposes are There’s going to be job impacts, adhered to. there’s going to be increased “The board was very economic activity in the comfortable in the responses region which would mean they received from Fraser more economic opportunities Surrey Docks as well as the and business opportunities in promises to enforce all the our region as well.” GERMIQUET mitigation tactics,” said The proposal calls for up chamber executive director to four million tonnes of Cori Lynn Germiquet. “As a coal annually to arrive via rail from chamber and as a voice of business the U.S. to Surrey where it would be we look at the economy from a loaded onto barges for transfer to regional basis and realized our local freighters at a Texada Island facility. economy is based on the regional The chamber’s position was
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echoed by the Fraser River Discovery Centre board while the Surrey Board of Trade backed FSD’s proposal saying the $15-million project would be good for the city and region because it would create 50 jobs. The New West chamber said potential global and local impacts of coal handling and transportation must be recognized and addressed by the companies involved, which the chamber believes FSD is doing with its open houses and discussions with stakeholders. Please see OPPONENTS, A8
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The Chief Skugaid will set sail by June 14, but its final destination is unknown. David Cobb, owner of the 100-year-old vessel that has been docked along the New Westminster Quay since June 2011, has agreed to move it but won’t say where. “There is a location, but I’m not sure I want to comment at this moment on it,” said Cobb. Two months ago, he shifted the Skugaid 100 feet to a city-owned location near the Fraser River Discovery Centre. He did that to avoid being evicted by the private owners, No. 143 Cathedral Ventures, Ltd., of the wharf between the centre and Westminster Pier Park. The city didn’t want him there either and issued an order for him to leave. “The Chief Skugaid poses significant safety and liability risks with respect to individuals accessing the vessel and with respect to it sinking, capsizing or catching fire—and possible damage to the esplanade,” said a report to city council. Please see SKUGAID, A4