Friday June 26, 2015 (Vol. 40 No.. 51)
V O I C E
O F
W H I T E
R O C K
A N D
S O U T H
S U R R E Y
w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m
Rising star: South Surrey actress Lilah Fitzgerald, not quite 12, is making a name for herself on the international stage. i see page 27
Crescent Park pump replaced, but city says more solutions might be needed
Receding pond level raises concern Melissa Smalley Staff Reporter
Melissa Smalley photo
David Nickerson inspects the water level.
A faulty pump is to blame for decreasing water levels at the pond in Crescent Park, which has left one area resident concerned for wildlife inhabiting the body of water. David Nickerson told Peace Arch News Wednesday that he first noticed the pond’s water levels dropping a few weeks ago, and he called the City of Surrey to inform them
of the issue. Since then, he has seen the water level continue to recede. “The water level is so low that the mud along the shore is drying up,” he said. “I’m really concerned about the aquatic life in there.” Surrey’s parks manager, Owen Croy, said Wednesday that the well’s pump was removed Monday for repair and should be reinstalled by the end of this week. Engineering crews were on-site Wednesday working on the
pump and confirmed the work was expected to be completed by Friday. Croy said the issue might be more than a faulty pump, noting that crews found indications that the well might be low on water. “Part of the problem is the well appears to be running dry, which is causing the pump to shut itself off to keep from burning out,” Croy said. i see page 4
MP candidates speak
Coal foes hear from hopefuls Alex Browne Staff Reporter
There weren’t too many differences of opinion between two federal candidates for South SurreyWhite Rock who spoke at Wednesday evening’s Communities and Coal forum at Ocean Park Community Hall. Liberal candidate Joy Davies and NDP candidate Pixie Hobby were virtually unified on the undesirability and dangers of shipping U.S. thermal coal through the community, and what they described as the “inadequacy” of the decisionmaking and review process for the proposed expansion of the coal facility at Fraser Surrey Docks. And like the Green Party’s Larry Colero and Conservative candidate Dianne Watts – who were not present, but sent statements to be read at the meeting – they both supported an independent healthimpact assessment on the port. (The proposed expansion is currently under challenge in federal court by Communities and Coal, along with Voters Taking Action on Climate Change and two individual applicants.) Watts declined to attend in deference to outgoing Conservative i see page 8
Gord Goble photos
Garden glow The Surrey BC SPCA hosted a garden party fundraiser last weekend, featuring wine and cheese and tours of the 50 Avenue branch, which opened last year. Clockwise from top: Enrico Renz (right) and Eddye Gross entertain guests; animal-care specialist Tara Peterse walks with Vinny, an American Paint Horse; and an attendee bids on a silent auction item.
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