2013 Year in Review
After months of construction, the Pilot Flying J truck stop on Flood-Hope Road officially opens its doors at 6 a.m. on April 22. The travel plaza features a Shell gas station, seven commercial diesel lanes, CAT scales, Subway, convenience store, and parking for 50 trucks. From 9
A reduction in provincial grant funding and an increase in RCMP costs are driving an eight per cent municipal tax increase this year. The district started the year with nearly a $1 million shortfall. If tax rates remain the same as 2012, the increase will translate to about $140 more for the average homeowner. A new seating area is in the works for the Sports Bowl. Council approves the Hope Community Recreation Park concept design and directs staff to undertake remediating the venue seating area as the immediate priority. Sunshine Valley RV Resorts & Cabins Inc. purchases Manning Park Resort through a court appointed sale. The purchase includes the park use permit for the resort and ski operations, as well as the remainder of the park facility operator campground bundle contract. The facility is slated to reopen in early May. The Hope Standard receives gold for newspaper excellence in its circulation category at the 2013 Ma Murray Awards. The award takes into consideration all aspects of the
publication, including content, photography, advertising, design and the overall look of the newspaper. Editor Kerrie-Ann Schoenit also receives silver for a news photo, while advertising consultant Pattie Desjardins and former graphic designer Debbie Romano earn a silver award in the newspaper promotion category. St. John the Divine Church in Yale celebrates its 150th anniversary. The church was built in 1863 in an attempt to civilize the miners. The original walls, rafters and handmade nails are still visible.
brings to life a piece of Fraser Canyon history. Chinese Legacies: Building the Canadian Pacific Railway highlights the contributions of Chinese labourers who helped build the CPR from Port Moody to Craigellachie in the 1800s. The Helping Others Pursue Excellence (H.O.P.E.) Project is launched to make social services more accessible to people suffering with mental illness, addiction, isolation or other social issues. The adult drop-in centre run by the Hope
A 34-year-old Hope man is charged with possession and using counterfeit money. Cory Burger is arrested after Hope RCMP is notified of a man passing counterfeit currency at the Flying J travel plaza. A search of Burger’s house results in the seizure of computers, 24 counterfeit US$10 bills and evidence relating to the production of counterfeit currency. Residents at the Thunderbird Motel Project transform part of the property into a fruit orchard. The 1.5-acre garden is rototilled, and posts and support wires are put in for 225 raspberry plants. The new addition compliments the 25 variety fruit trees that have been planted over the last few years. A total of 225 seedless blackberry plants will also be planted on the property.
May A new exhibit at Hell’s Gate Airtram
Chefs Jason Harper and Hiro Takeda take over ownership and operation of Joe’s Restaurant from Kathy and Steve Wyngaarden. Dr. Karen Nelson, superintendent for the Fraser-Cascade school district, is recognized for her contribution to education locally and across the province. The Association of BC
Deans of Education presents her with the 2013 Education Advocate Award during a B.C. Teacher Education Roundtable Conference. Hope Brewing Company wins a gold medal at the 2013 WineMaker International Amateur Wine Competition. Owner Glen Ogren receives recognition for his 2012 Liebfraumilch in a White Vinifera Blends category which had 141 entries.
June The B.C. Securities Commission is investigating the project director of a proposed ski resort in the Hope area. Ron McHaffie is
accused of defrauding 30 investors out of $642,960 through the sale of shares in BigFoot Recreation & Ski Area between August 2007 and January 2012. A notice of hearing alleges McHaffie used investor funds to pay for personal expenses instead. Hope Crime Prevention Society now has a new dedicated vehicle for volunteers, thanks to the support of several local businesses. Gardner GM donates a used Chevrolet Impala to the non-profit organization and partners with Subway, Hope Signcrafters, Envision Financial and Hub International to cover the vehicle insurance and maintenance.
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Care Transit unveils a new 17-seat passenger bus that has room for three wheelchairs, making it more accessible for excursions to local and out of area activities. Mayor Susan Johnston receives a Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal from Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP Mark Strahl for her service to the community as mayor, councillor and resident.
tion of the Steve Nash Youth Basketball Program is off to a good start with 20 boys and girls registered and attending regularly. The program for Grade 5 to 7 students teaches basic skills of footwork without the ball, shooting techniques, passing and catching, positioning and dribbling.
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& Area Transition Society in the SOCIA building on Third Avenue is designed to promote social inclusion and reduce redundancy among services so that time, energy and funding can be focused on client needs in order to provide holistic treatment.
Hope Standard Tuesday, December 24, 2013 A11
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Call Pattie at Laurie Throness, MLA-elect for Chilliwack-Hope, waves to supporters during his acceptance speech at the Best Western in Chilliwack on election night, May 14. Despite an early lead, NDP incumbent Gwen O’Mahony finishes nearly 15 per cent behind Throness, capturing 6,884 of the votes cast, compared to Throness’ 9,533. BC Conservative Party candidate Michael Henshall finishes with 10.85 per cent of the vote, followed by Hope’s independent candidate Ryan McKinnon at 4.05 per cent.
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