Tuesday April 8, 2014 (Vol. 39 9 No. 28)
V O I C E
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W H I T E
R O C K
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S O U T H
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Foto finish: Foto Source’s newly retired red Terry Ross looks back on a 47-yearr career that’s been a snapshot of community munity and business development ent on the Peninsula. i see page age 11
Public-private partnership for a new twin-rink arena pitched for South Surrey
Hockey club makes play for more ice Nick Greenizan Staff Reporter
With ice time at a premium and registration numbers rising, Semiahmoo Minor Hockey Association is talking with the City of Surrey and a private developer about building a new arena in Grandview Heights. Entering into a public-private partnership on a new twin-rink facility – in which Semi-
ahmoo teams would be the primary tenants – would help alleviate the association’s biggest current problem, which is finding local practice and game times for its teams. “We are highly oversubscribed,” Semiahmoo Minor Hockey’s director of capital planning Pat La Rue told Peace Arch News. Last year, the association hired a consultant to examine the issue, and it was determined
that, with the ice time available at White Rock’s Centennial Arena and South Surrey Arena, the association has adequate space for 400 players. Last season, more than 1,000 players were registered to play. “It’s our mandate as an association to get as many (children) playing as we can,” La Rue said. “We could turn around and say we’re going to turn kids away, but that’s never been
what we’re about.” In order to accommodate all its teams, Semiahmoo has in recent years bought ice time at other arenas across the Lower Mainland, including Langley’s Sportsplex, the Surrey Sport and Leisure Centre in Fleetwood and Delta’s Great Pacific Forum. “Increasingly, it’s become a real challenge i see page 2
Perfect pitch White Rock singer Mark Donnelly – wellknown for singing the national anthem prior to Vancouver Canucks games – gets the crowd involved for his most recent rendition of O Canada, which kicked off opening-day festivities for South SurreyWhite Rock Minor Softball Saturday at Sunnyside Park. The first games of the season hit the field soon after. Lance Peverley photo
Seasonal suggestion debated for White Rock’s waterfront
Food-truck plan leaves bitter taste for restaurateurs Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
When it comes to food trucks on White Rock’s waterfront, Marine Drive merchants have little appetite. The sentiment was delivered to city officials by the executive director of the White Rock Business Improvement Association Wednesday, during a community meeting
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organized to gauge the interest in – or distaste for – the idea of adding the food vendors to this summer’s seaside menu. Lyn Hellyar told Peace Arch News she doesn’t know of any waterfront restaurateurs who support the city suggestion. A key concern, Hellyar said, is the potential impact to summer rev-
enue that they rely on to carry them through the winter months, when beach traffic tapers off significantly. “They need those really good summer months,” she said. “Our biggest concern as a business improvement association is the number of businesses that are closing and also, would the food trucks really enhance the experience on
the beach or is there something else that could enhance it? “We… feel that they could do other things.” The meeting was organized following council’s approval last month of hosting a return of food carts to the waterfront, including installation of concrete pads and electrical connections for three vendors.
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While staff had recommended allowing up to four of the food trucks to operate in the westernmost waterfront parking lot, adjacent to Bayview Park, council voted to hear what the public thinks. Hellyar was among about 40 people who took advantage of the opportunity. i see page 4
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