PROTEST COMES TO POLICE HQ
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HOW TO KEEP SUMMER GOING?
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LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS IN CALENDAR
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FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 13 2013 www.newwestnewsleader.com
CFL scouts have former Hyack Casey Chin in their sights for the draft. See Page A10
‘Tough year’ ahead: union Teachers say already feeling budget crunch Mario Bartel
photo@newwestnewsleader.com
MARIO BARTEL/NEWSLEADER
Theresa Henry-Smith, Paul Clarke and Jordan L’Abbe say they’ve noticed a significant increase in truck traffic, noise and pollution along Royal Avenue since the opening of the new Port Mann Bridge. They suspect drivers are using the road to access the Pattullo Bridge and avoid the Port Mann tolls.
Residents rattled on Royal Avenue Longtime homeowners say it’s the worst it’s ever been Mario Bartel
photo@newwestnewsleader.com
Theresa Henry-Smith’s home on Clinton Street used to be her sanctuary. Beyond the ivy-gabled front gate, flanked by gardens bursting with eggplant and Swiss chard, she and her husband lovingly restored the heritage house while she painted, and pursued writing projects.
Then the new Port Mann Bridge Royal so they can avoid paying the opened and Henry-Smith and some toll on the Port Mann. of her neighbours in the lower end Henry-Smith’s next door of the Queen’s Park neighbour Jordan neighbourhood L’Abbe said he’s say their walls started closing his Paul Clarke and well-being windows while Sometimes we wonder are getting rattled conducting piano if there’s been an earthquake. lessons. by the increasing number of trucks “The increase using Royal Avenue. in truck traffic on the street has “It’s like a train, but it lasts become increasingly disruptive,” all day,” said Henry-Smith, who said L’Abbe. suspects many of the truckers are A few doors away in a 14-unit accessing the Pattullo Bridge from townhouse complex on Park
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Row, Paul Clarke said many of the residents are constantly straightening pictures on walls, and rearranging china cabinets to keep plates from rattling due to the constant vibration. Some have found cracks and fissures in their walls. “Sometimes we wonder if there’s been an earthquake,” said Clarke. “We’re looking at what we can do to dampen the sound and vibration.”
Please see CITY, A3
Barely a week into the new school year New Westminster teachers are already expressing concerns about the effects budget cutbacks are having on their ability to teach. Grant Osborne, the president of the New West teacher’s union, said a cut of $700,000 in school supplies and services is putting pressure on teachers to pay for things like copy paper, art materials, lab equipment and even sports equipment like balls out of their own pockets. “We’ve hit a wall, and it’s a pretty big one,” said Osborne. The reduction in money for supplies was part of a series of budget cuts approved by the board of education last May to deal with a projected $3.5-million shortfall in the 2013-14 school year. Also chopped were 27 special education positions, and a vacant vice-principal’s position at New West secondary school isn’t being filled. Please see TEACHERS, A3