Municipal: Plan proposed to preserve historic Hammond. 3
Sports: Williams new bench boss for Burrards. 14
Arts:Translating the vast Arctic. 12
We d n es d ay, M a rc h 9, 2 016 · mapleridgenews.com · est. 1978 · (office) 604-467-1122 · (del ive r y) 6 0 4 - 4 6 6 - 6 3 9 7
District has eye on land for school Expropriation notice on next agenda By Neil Corbett ncorbett@mapleridgenews.com
Colleen Flanagan/THE NEWS
Glitzy
There has been no official announcement that the province will fund a new school in the Albion area of Maple Ridge, but the district is ready to expropriate land for the project. The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school district already owns land at 24137 – 104th Ave., and wants to acquire the adjacent property, at 24093 – 104th Ave., for South Albion elementary. That latter would contain the school, a neighbourhood learning centre, and a community centre, developed in partnership with the City of Maple Ridge.
Kim Clarke, a teacher at Maple Ridge secondary, hangs graduation dresses in preparation for Putting on the Glitz last Wednesday. See story, page 8.
See School, 5
Time ticking on recreation plan By Phil M elnyc h u k pmelnychuk@mapleridgenews.com
Staff want to get going on putting together a massive to-do list for revamping recreation in Maple Ridge, but they’ll have to wait a week, at least. A recommendation at Monday’s workshop that staff write up a draft work plan was delayed for a week, as council got bogged down on other
topics. But even when the discussion of new swimming pools, ice rinks or sports fields gets back to council, it’s not a “slam dunk” that it will OK every project. “There’s definitely going to be some discussion about it,” said Coun. Bob Masse. Staff have created bundles of recreation projects that could proceed together in order save time and money in construction and operation. For instance, a new wellness facility and aquatic centre would include a fitness centre, a six-lane curling rink
and suspended running track – costing up to $70 million. A new museum could be paired with a small theatre – costing $11 million. Masse, though, says council has to review all of those bundles before giving staff the go-ahead to create a work schedule and finance Masse plan. Deciding on the wellness facilityaquatic centre is a big decision, Masse added.
BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL
11 AM
Want to spice up your morning? Try our new Peppered Bacon N’ Egger. We’ve taken a classic and dialled up the flavour with crispy peppered bacon and roasted garlic and chili aioli. But it’s only here for a limited time, so try it today for just $3.50. It’s a breakfast your taste buds can’t afford to miss.
with roasted garlic and chili aioli
A&W 22805 Lougheed Hwy • A&W Haney Place Mall • A&W 20468 Lougheed Hwy • A&W Fremont Village Port Coquitlam
© 2016 A&W Trade Marks Limited Partnership. †Also availbale on a seeded hamburger bun.
Draft work plan gets delayed a week
“I think that’s a pretty significant decision that we have to make there. “If we bundle it all together, then we’re talking about a very significant asset,” with significant expenditure and property acquisition, he said. Council hasn’t had a full discussion on that, yet. “We haven’t had that discussion and said, ‘OK, we understand that this what that package represents,’” and here’s the total cost and
tax implications.’” That could take place at the meeting next week and council could then tell staff to make up a project list and work schedule. Time is pressing, though, says a staff report. “It is important to make a timely decision on whether or not council wants to proceed with a new aquatic facility,” says a March 7 report, because that will determine when repairs to the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre take place. See Recreation, 3
westcoastautogroup.com
LOCATED AT THE NORTH END OF THE GOLDEN EARS BRIDGE
WEST COAST
WEST COAST
TOYOTA
19950 Lougheed Hwy., Pitt Meadows Toll Free
1-866-910-1579
WEST COAST
WEST COAST
20000 Lougheed, Pitt Meadows Toll Free
20370 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge Toll Free
FORD LINCOLN
1-866-334-2119
1-866-772-1929
NISSAN
19625 Lougheed Hwy., Pitt Meadows Toll Free
1-866-208-8820
WEST COAST
KIA
19950 Lougheed Hwy., Pitt Meadows Toll Free
1-866-334-8581