The Chilliwack
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Outside-thebox approach to filling downtown Jennifer Feinberg The Progress Downtown Chilliwack needs help now. That’s why City of Chilliwack and Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation are embarking on a unique business development proposal by Walas Concepts fuelled by innovative business incubation. Walas is a consulting group that specializes in revitalizing downtown cores with a glut of vacant or under-utilized buildings. “The hope is that with Walas Concepts on board, they will bring their system into our community and work on the ground with the community to become that all-important transition needed to move forward with the downtown redevelopment,” said CEPCO president Brian Coombes. Chilliwack council approved $65,000 in CDI funding Tuesday for the “Finding the Future” concept plan, which would have a $195,000 annual budget to concentrate on business development and attraction in the downtown, as well as boosting commercial occupancy. The creative proposal from Walas was presented to CEPCO last month. It envisions Chilliwack as a prototype of the future, “a centre for innovation and sustainability,” fostering the learning economy and a green economy, and functioning as a new business incubator with a focus on the agriculture, the environment, education and health care. Chilliwack could become an agribusiness hub, a “food valley.” The concept would complement the city’s downtown plan that has focused lately on land assembly, with an eye to significant redevelopment and revitalization. “But we don’t know the exact timeline of that redevelopment,” said Coombes. “We do know the downtown needs help now.” Continued: CHILLIWACK/ p6
Mary Martz left for Ukraine on Wednesday to help orphaned children despite the recommendation from Canada not to travel to the troubled area. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS
Chilliwack woman on mission of mercy to Ukraine
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Jennifer Feinberg The Progress Mary Martz of Chilliwack is forging ahead with a mission of mercy to conflict-torn Ukraine. “We’re hoping things will stabilize,” she said before getting on a plane Wednesday. Foreign Affairs officials are advising Canadians against all travel to the part of Ukraine known as Crimea. Martz, a translation volunteer with Hungry for Life, is flying to Ukraine with a friend to help out an orphanage that is about to run out of food, as well as visiting family and friends. She’s a Ukrainian citizen, who’s been a permanent resident of Canada for the past 12
There are still a lot of unknowns... I’m hoping the world will help Ukraine ~ Mary Martz
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years. Martz said she has several siblings and her parents to check on, as well as helping some struggling elders in the community who are not receiving their pensions. The situation in Ukraine gained the worldwide attention last month after Russian Federation’s military forces
invaded and occupied key Ukrainian installations, with bloody skirmishes that saw protesters killed. Canada views the federation’s actions as a “violation of international law” and responded with a statement from Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada that said: “Canada has been among the
most vocal in the international community in expressing our disapproval over democratic back-sliding and repression in Ukraine. We remain very concerned about the situation in Ukraine and continue to monitor developments with considerable interest.” The government message continued: “Canada stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their fight for a free and democratic Ukraine.” Martz said she plans to lay flowers at the memorial site in Kyiv “where so many lost their life fighting for freedom,” and wants to see the luxurious digs of the former president. Continued: UKRAINE/ p5
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