Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Deltaon July 30fora tour at the Deltaport containerfacility,whichis now among thehighlightsof Canada’s new strategy to diversifytrade.
Thanking Tsawwassen First Nation ChiefLaura Cassidyand Musqueam Indian Band Chief Wayne Sparrowwho wereon hand, Carney told reporters that port expansion will be animportantcomponentforthecountry being able to grow itsexports away fromthe United States by over50 percent.
“It’sapleasure to be here at Canada’s largest port,” said Carney. “Withinthenextdecade we need to grow our economy, become stronger, morediversifiedandtrademore with Asia andother partsofthe world. We’re looking at expandingthis port, but everythingisconnected.
“Expandingthe port requires increasing the capacity andtheefficiencyof our rail system. It also means working to enhance ourexportsof energy andothers.
“We have tremendousopportunities inorder to dothat, butinorder to seize thoseopportunities,thefederal governmentislooking to invest about$10 billiondollars to helpexpandthe port, grow ourexports away fromthe United
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States by more than50 percent, create over17,000 jobsintheconstruction ofthat,another17,000full-time jobs managingthat additional capacityand that isnotcounting alltheknock-down effectson other businesses.”
Carneyaddedthat working with local First Nations is very important.
“We’re working with Tsawwassen First Nation,the Musquem Indian
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Band,the Squamish First Nation,the Tslei Waututh Nation. Thisisunceded territory andtraditional lands. There aretreaty rightsfrom the First Nations We need to work ina waythat is building inclusively with Indigenous partners, sharing inthe economic benefits, ensuringthat theincredible natural resources we have isnot just preserved butenhanced,” said Carney.
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Thefederal government recently announcedaplan to strengthen global tradethroughthe Port of Vancouver.
At the Deltaport facility earlierthis month, Steven MacKinnon, Federal MinisterofTransport announced the referralofthe Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy to the MajorProjects Office.
According to thefederal government, thetransformational strategyandassociated pillars, including Roberts Bank Terminal2(RBT2), reflectthe type of nation-building infrastructureprojectsthe Building Canada Actaims to urgently advance to diversify andgrow trade capacity.
The port saidits“three-berthcontainer terminal willunlock $100 billion oftrade capacityannually andhelpthe Port of Vancouvermove moreofwhat Canadians make,mine, harvestand grow, supportingPrime Minister Mark Carney’s goalofdoublingnon-U.S. exportsinthenextdecade.”
The port recentlyannouncedit has selected TerraMarine, aconsortiumof Canadianandinternationalfirms,as thepreferredconstruction partnerfor the landmassandwharfcomponentof theRBT2project.
Thenew terminalisexpected to beginconstructionin2028and begin operations by themid-2030s. -withfilesfrom Sandor Gyarmati
CPAC/SCREENSHOT
PrimeMinisterMark Carney speakswith reporters after atourofthe Port of Vancouver in Delta onJuly 30.
Metro Vancouver will seekprovincial approvalfor changes to the size ofthe RegionalDistrict Boardthat could see its size reduced by nearly 25 percent in thenext term,takingitfrom 45directorsto 34.
“Metro Vancouver hastakena really thoughtfulprocessforfinding strong optionsfor reducingthe size ofthe Boardandimprovingtheorganization’s governance,” said Mike Hurley, Chair ofthe Metro Vancouver Boards in a news release. “Theoptionthat we are puttingforward wouldensurethat all municipalitiescontinue to have proportional representation at thetable, butit also reduces board size andhelps with efficiency. We heard clearlythrough engagementthat achievingmeaningful change isimportant.”
Duringanopen portionof a board meetingon July 24,the boarddirectors votedinfavour(107-36)ofa special governancecommittee recommendation to reducethe numberof board directors by restricting each municipality to three directors.
This resultsin Surrey and Vancouver losingthree andfourdirectors respectively,althoughthecities maintaintheir current population-based weighted voting power at the board.
The recommendation wasmet with oppositionfrom Surrey MayorBrenda Locke.
“Itdoesn’t make one ounceof sense,” said Locke, who saidshe supports a smaller board.
The board votedinfavourof capping the numberofdirectors at three per member jurisdictionwhile maintaining weighted voting. Analysisofthisoption
Ramie’s Specials
identifiedthat it couldimprovedecision-making speed,efficiency,and strategicfocuswhile maintaining proportional representation. It was the option most preferredduringengagementon the size and structureofthe Boards. Under this model,the size of the Boards wouldgrow more slowly over time, not even reaching the current size by the year 2050.Ifthe change for the RegionalDistrict Boardis approved by the Province,the size and structure will automatically apply to Metro Vancouver’s water, sewerage anddrainage, andhousingcorporation boards onceenacted.
“I’mthankful that directors made thedecision to support cappingthe numberof boardmembers that each municipality can appoint,” says Delta Coun. DylanKruger,who was part of the special governancecommitteeand wasthefirst Metrodirector to bring the motionforward. “It’s clearthat reform isneeded at Metro Vancouver. We need to be moreaccountableandeffective. Thisallowsthat work to beginina real way.”
Since joiningthe Metro Vancouver board asoneof Delta’s two representatives, Kruger hasconsistently advocatedfor governance reform, including reducingthe size of the boardandtighteningthe scopeofitsoperations.
“Those reforms were importantfirst steps, but modernizingthe boarditself isthemost significant structural change
we can make,” saidKruger. “At some point, we have to ask whetheradding moredirectors improves decision-makingor simply makes governancemore cumbersomeandlessaccountable. Today we saidno to growing the size of the government.”
Businessin Vancouver asked Minister of Housingand MunicipalAffairs Christine Boyle last week ifshe supportsthe board’sproposal.
“Premier Ebyand our government have been clearon Metro Vancouver; itneeds to be aneffectiveorganization,it has too many board members. Ifnecessary,theprovince will stepin,” responded Boyleviaemailthrough communications staff.
“Ourpriority remainsensuringthat residents can have confidenceintheir representativesin everylevelof governmentandconfidenceinthe best value formoneyintheirtaxpayerdollarsin thedeliveryofimportant servicesthat Metro Vancouverprovides.”
Theministrythen stated theprovince “willconsider Metro Vancouver’s proposalsand requests.”
They added: “Proposalsforlegislative change may take timeandcosts to address—andany solutions going forward willneed to be carefullyconsidered.”
Thisprocess, includingmodifications within Metro Vancouver,isestimated to take 12 to 18 months, according to Metro Vancouver staff.
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DeltaMayoralcandidateDylanKrugersigns
MetroVancouverAccountabilityCharter
IAN JACQUES ijacques@delta-optimist.com
Deltacouncillorand Mayoralty candidate DylanKrugeristhe latest municipalleader tosign the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter, joiningagrowingcoalitionofelected officialsand mayoral candidateswho say theyarecommitted to strengtheningaccountability,transparency and governance at Metro Vancouver.
The Charter outlinesa seriesof practical reformsaimed at restoring publicconfidencein Metro Vancouver through strongerfinancial oversight, enhancedtransparency,improved governancepracticesanda renewed focusondelivering valuefortaxpayers.
New Westminstercouncillorand Mayoralty candidate Daniel Fontaine and Richmond councilorand Mayoralty candidate Kash Heed are co-foundersofthe Charter.
Kruger said he believes Metro Vancouver must returnitsfocus to accountabilityanddelivering valuefor taxpayers.
“Throughout my timeon Delta councilandasa Metro Vancouver director, I’ve advocated for responsiblefinancial management, greater transparencyand better governance,” saidKruger. “The Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter reflects those sameprinciples,and I’mproud to supportaninitiative that encourages regional governments to becomemore accountable,moretransparent and more focusedonthe people it serves.”
Fontaine saidKruger has challenged the statusquo at Metro Vancouver and is working to advance the best interest oftaxpayers.
“His work to modernize governance and strengthenfinancialaccountability at the regionallevelaligns closely withtheprinciples outlined inthe Charter. We’repleased to welcome
himasa signatory,” said Fontaine. Heed saidKruger’s support reflects growingmomentumfor regional reform.
“Metro Vancouveris responsible fordecisionsthat affectmillionsof residentsandbillionsof taxpayerdollars,” said Heed. “It’simportantthat mayoral candidateslike Dylan Kruger continue to sign on to the Charter fromacross our region.”
Currentsignatoriesinclude:
- Mayor Ken Sim, Mayoral candidate in Vancouver
- Coun. Daniel Fontaine, Mayoral candidate in New Westminster
- Coun. Kash Heed, Mayoral candidate in Richmond
- Coun. LindaAnnis, Mayoral candidatein Surrey
- Coun. DylanKruger, Mayoral candidatein Delta
- Colleen Hardwick, Mayoral candidate in Vancouver
- Kirk LaPointe, Mayoral candidate
Growing coalition of mayoral candidates commits to governance reform, greateraccountabilityand refusing additional Metro Vancouver compensation.
in West Vancouver
Together,these currentandaspiring civicleaders represent municipalities that arehome to approximately63 per centof Metro Vancouver’s population.
Fontaineand Heed say the Charter remainsopen to currentandaspiring local governmentleaderswho support strongeraccountability,greatertransparencyandmeaningful governance reform at Metro Vancouver.
Formoreinformation aboutthe Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter, visit: www.metroaccountability.ca.
The DeltaAgricultural Society hascontributed $200,000 to Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s(DHCH Foundation) campaign to transformandexpandthe Endoscopy Suite at Delta Hospital.
Thefundraising campaign willhelpensurelocal residents have access to timely diagnostic care close to home.
Foundedin1888 by a group ofvisionary Deltafarmers, the DeltaAgricultural Society has spentnearly 140 years strengtheningthecommunity throughleadership, stewardship,andphilanthropy. Today, that commitmentcontinues througha significantinvestment inthefutureoflocal healthcare.
The Society’s latest gift will supportthecreationofa
modernized, state-of-the-art Endoscopy Suite at the Delta Hospital Campusof Care.
Thenewfacility willexpand capacity,improve patient flow, reduce waittimes,and enhanceaccess to vital diagnosticproceduresthat can detectandprevent serious gastrointestinaldiseases, includingcolorectal cancer.
Thenew Endoscopy Suite will be located withintheformerDiagnostic Services area at Delta Hospitaland willprovidemodernprocedure rooms, upgraded technology,andan improved patient experience.
“Feworganizations have contributedmore quietlyand consistently to the strengthof ourcommunitythanthe Delta Agricultural Society,” said Lisa Hoglund,CEOofDHCH Foundation. “Fromdonatingthe landonwhich Delta
HospitalandCity Hall now stand, to supportingcountless healthcare initiatives overthe years, theircommitment to Deltais woveninto thefabric ofthiscommunity. We are grateful to have their support as we work to expandaccess to vitaldiagnostic care.”
The DeltaAgricultural Society has beenadedicated supporterof Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundationformorethan three decades. Theircontributionsnow exceed $3million, making themoneofthe Foundation’s most significant andenduringcommunity partners.
“The DeltaAgricultural Society wasfounded by local farmerswho believedinpreservingthe agricultural roots that have helped define our communityandshapethis
region,” said Jack Bates, directorofthe DeltaAgricultural Society.“While agriculture remainscentral to ourmission, we have alsolong recognized theimportanceofinvestingin healthcare andotheressential servicesthat contribute to athrivingcommunity. For decades, we have beenproud to supporthealthcareinitiatives at Delta Hospital,and we arehonoured to continue that commitmentthroughthe Endoscopy Campaign.”Other donors are stepping up The Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundationisalso recognizing Dougand Donna Boychuck
and PhilSmith, who each contributed $100,000; Ilse Nordmann, who contributed $20,000;and Ianand Susan Lomness, whocontributed $10,000.
“Their support, together withthe generosityof many others, ishelpingbringthis transformativeproject to the Deltacommunity,” saidthe Foundation.
To learnmore aboutthe projectandhow to support thisimportant$8million campaign visittheDHCH Foundation website at: https://dhchfoundation.ca/ endoscopysuite.
-Submitted
SwimmerstoembarkonepicFraserRiverjourney
RADHA AGARWAL
LocalJournalismInitiativeReporter
Beginning Aug. 7,a teamof women scientists, strategists,and Indigenous swimmers willplunge into theglacial waters near Mount Robson. Their goalismonumental:a30-day, 1,375-km relay swimdown theFraser River, culminating atGarry Pointin Richmond on Sept.4.
The relayisthecentrepieceofthe Fraser River Challenge,anexpedition that alsofeaturesa1,000-km solo walk by endurance walker JustinSmith. Together,the teamis rallying public support to hold Canada to itscommitment to protect30 percentofits lands and waters by 2030.
Naomi Devine,a Victoria-based environmentalplannerandoneof the relay’score swimmers, notesthat currently,only17.6 percentofthe Fraser Rivershedisprotected The teamisadvocatingfor First Nationsledconservationprojects—specifically IndigenousProtectedand Conserved Areas to secure the remaining12.4 per cent.
“That wouldmeanaddinganother 2.9millionhectares, roughlythe size of Vancouver Island,asprotectedareas to the rivershed.”
Devine will be swimmingalongside SFU marine ecologist Dr. Isabelle Côté, forest disturbance ecologist Michelle Connolly,and rotating Indigenous swimmers.
Fraser Riverkeeper Fin Donnelly,a formerMPand B.C. MLAwhopreviously swam theentire riverin1995and 2000,isleadingtheexpeditionalongsideamotorized safety team.
For Delta residents,thehealthofthe Fraseris strongly connected to local agricultural lands,fisheries,andshoreline stability.
TheFraserestuary serves as a major stoponthe Pacific Flyway, supporting millionsofmigratingshorebirds, while providingcriticalsheltered waters for juvenile salmonadapting to saltwater.
“You canthinkoftheestuaryas part of Delta’s life support system. It supportsfood production and fisheries, helps manage waterandflooding,” Devineexplained. “Peoplein Delta get to livenext to oneofthe richest natural environments I’ve seenin Canada.”
tions,theenvironmentalist has spent the last coupleof yearscold-water ocean swimming, thoughsheacknowledgestheunique dangersof navigating theFraser.
“It’scold at the beginning because it’s glacialfed,andit’s a lotcolderthan peoplethink, so that’s abitofa danger inandofitself,” she said,addingthat the river’sfast-moving currentspresent distinctphysical risks.
Ultimately,theexpeditionhopes to demonstrate widespread public backingfor Indigenous-ledconservation beforethe2030deadline.
Residents can supporttheinitiative by signingadeclaration at fraserriverkeeper.caordonating to the cause.
Asthreatslike warming waters, droughts,andhistoric salmondeclines converge, the team says the urgency hasnever been clearer.
“We seeit’s notonlyanenvironmental goal, butit’s a cultural, economic, and generational responsibility,” Devine said.“We’re wanting to dothe expedition to meet the scaleofthat challenge and the attentionthat we thinkitneeds.”
NAOMIDEVINE PHOTO
Published every Thursday by the DeltaOptimist, adivisionof LodestarMedia
Our popular Reader’s Choicecontest hascome to the close.
This year we received 644 entriesas residents votedfor theirfavourite business, shops and servicesherein South Delta.
Thisisthe second yearina rowthat we have movedthecontest to anonlineplatform.
Comments have been generally positive oftheonlineexperience, although we have received commentsfrom residents and businessesthat theylovedthein-print ballotfrom yearsprevious.
Staffingandlogistical changes simply madeitimpossible to retain thein-print ballot, so theonlineplatform wasthe best choiceforus.Andthat iscertainly reflected inthe numberofentriesthat we received this year.
Theonlineformatalsoafforded readers the opportunity to share afewcomments,ideas, suggestionsandcritiques of the Optimist.
It’s feedbackthat we certainly appreciate and willtake noteofas we move forward.
There were several positivecomments including:
“Lovetheoldfashionnewspaper….great way to enthuse children to readand learn
“You aregreat, keepitup! Love thecommunityengagementthroughcontestsand thingslike this.”
“I love the Optimist. Hope you cancontinue to produceit.Also, Ilove this survey,it brings ourcommunity together. Good job to thewhole team!”
Othercommentsincluded: “There seems
to be a very anti-NDPtheme runningthrough mostarticlesand very little balanced reportingi.e.thehistory of the tunnelvsbridge usingold budgets,timelinesetc.”
There were also criticalcomments regarding our lack of sportsandartscoverage, namely youth sportsand youthartsas well aswhytheCrime Beat sectionisnolonger beingproduced.
Crime Beat,isin fact still beingproduced by Delta police butitisan onlineonlyfeature.
It appears on our website every week broken into a South DeltaCrime Beat and a North DeltaCrime Beat.
Asfor sportsandarts, we strive to provide the best opportunities to showcaselocal athletesandartsgroups, butdue to resources and staffing, we nolonger have a dedicated sports editororarts reporter.
We rely onalotof submissionsfromcommunitymembers andactively work to ensure we can still tellthese storiesonlineandin print.
As editorofthe Optimist I takeallfeedback to heartand appreciate the supportofall our readersand business partners. We couldnot produceanewspaper every weekandonline every day without you.
Thanksfor supporting our Readers Choice Awards. The winners will be announcedin September.
Thursday’scirculationis 17,500 Thispaperismadeof40% recyclednewsprintandprinted using vegetableinks
The Delta Optimist isamember oftheNationalNewsmedia Council,whichisanindependent organization established to deal withacceptablejournalistic practices andethicalbehaviour.If youhave concernsabouteditorial content,please contacttheeditor at:ijacques@delta-optimist.com or call 604-998-3616.If youarenot satisfiedwiththe responseand wish to filea formal complaint visitthe websiteatmediacouncil. ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163 for additionalinformation.
Every onceinawhile, my kidsholdupa mirror without even realizingit.
Notthe kind hangingonthe wall, butthe kindthat unapologetically reflectswho I am,whoIused to be,and maybe whoIshould be alittlemore often.
Children have thisincredible ability to liveinthemoment They don’t spend much time worrying abouthowthey’re being perceived.Ifthey’re excited, everyoneknowsit.If theyare hurting, theycry.And if something makesthem laugh, they laugh withtheirwhole body. Five minutes later, they’ve often movedonasthoughnothing happened.
Meanwhile, somewherealong the road to adulthood, many of uslearned to overthink everything.
We hesitate before speaking, apologizefortakingup space, replay conversationsin our heads,and carry yesterday’sfrustrationsinto tomorrow We also convince ourselvesthat people arethinking aboutusfar more thantheyactuallyare.
Kidsdon’t seem burdened by that. They danceingrocery store aisles, askimpossible questions, and wearmismatched clothes withcompleteconfidence. They canalso somehow make friends inunder30 seconds. Thereis a freedom in that,afreedomthat many ofustradedfor appearing polished,composed,andin
control.
That doesn’tmean we should abandon responsibilityorlive without wisdom.
Growingup hasitsplace, but maybegrowingolderdoesn’t have to meangrowing guarded.
My kids remindmethat joy doesn’tneed permissionand curiosityisn’t something to outgrow.
It’s okay to say you’re sorry. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be ridiculously excited aboutthelittle things.
Maybethat’s why spending time withthem feels so refreshing.Theyaren’ttrying to teach us anything,yet somehowtheydo.
Community Comment
WARREN DEAN FLANDEZ
Everynowandthen,it’s worth seeingthe worldthroughtheir eyesinsteadofasking them to seeitthrough ours.
We spend so much of ourlives trying to teach our children how to becomeadults. Maybe every onceinawhile,theydeserve the chance toteach ushow to be human again.
Letters
LNGisnotthewayforward
Editor:
Re:BCtospeed up currentFortisBCTilbury expansion, Musqueam an ‘equitypartner (Optimist,July30).
It seemstheprovincial governmenthaslostits moralcompass whenit comes to theenvironment.
LiquefiedNatural Gas (LNG)isnottheenvironmentallyfriendlyalternativethatmany people thinkitis.
ing rocktoreleasegas. Fracking uses significant amountsoffreshwater withaddedchemicals, pollutinggroundwater and causingearthquakes.
Irecentlytooka walk aroundthe TilburyLNG facility.Thefoulodour wasobvious.
Theeffectson Delta and surrounding communities will be significant,affecting the ocean, airand land.
Increasedemissions from‘flaring’,the burning offofcontaminantsfrom natural gas, will release moretoxicchemicals into the air,worsening localairquality.
Anincrease in marine traffic(morethan100 tanker voyagesper year) threatenscriticalhabitat for ourresidentkiller whales,salmon,migratory birdsandthebroader marine habitat.
An LNGspillfromtank-
ersmovingthrough the narrow SouthArmofthe Fraser Riverwillbring safetyrisks,including spillsandthepotential for explosionsneardensely populatedareas,the George Massey Tunnel andthe Vancouver InternationalAirport.
FortisBCispermitted to recoverthecostsof newinfrastructurefrom ratepayers,meaningcustomerscould payhigher ratesbysubsidizingthe expansion.
Ourtaxdollarsare alreadypayingfor this andotherenvironmentallydamagingfossilfuel projects.
Instead, ourgovernmentshould be investinginrenewableenergy infrastructure, building astronger, more resilient economythat worksfor everyone without sacrificingour climate.
DebraProbert
Respectthebeach and clean-up
Editor:
Theletteriswith regardstothe state of ourbeach (TsawwassenSubStation).
We have beenenjoyingthisquiet part ofthe beachformorethan20 years.
It hasbeenforthemostpart, anice quiet beachwithtranquil waters.
We have taughtour kids to kayakand paddle boardinthesewaters, never havingtoworry aboutfinding someone else’smesstocleanup.
Iunderstandthat itis agreat place for afire, friends, drinksand laughs,but lately itisalsobringingina new crowd who maynotunderstand thatyou leave the beachbetterthanyou foundit.
Recently,the last coupleoftimes we have beendown there, the beachhas
beenlitteredwithemptycans,bottles andbrokenbottles,empty greenpropane tanks andother trash. Therealso have beenused toilet paperstrewn along the beachway.
To see this messissodisgustingand dishearteningthat our nightlyvisitors cannotor refusetocleanupafterthemselves.
Thereshould be more garbage cans so folkscan at leastattempt to cleanup.Alongwiththe garbage cans,maybe thereshould be someone monitoring(park rangersormaybe TFN Communitypolice/Delta Police Liaison) to make sure proper cleanup is beingdoneor at leasthavingapresenceinthearea.
SonnyPlante
TheOptimist encouragesreaderstowriteletters to theeditor.Lettersareacceptedonany topic, althoughpreferenceisgiven to thoseonlocalmatters. TheOptimist reservestheright to editletters andthedecision to publishisatthediscretionoftheeditororpublisher.Allletters mustbesigned, datedandincludethewriter’s phonenumber(notforpublication). TheOptimist willnotprint “name withheld”letters.
604-943-3133 email:daniel@deltanotary.ca
Call or email me today to setanappointment.
303 -177756th Street Delta, BCV4L 0A6 www.deltanotary.ca
$3.5million has been spentonbikinginfrastructure since2020 oninstallingno post concretedividersalong River Roadinthe Tilbury IndustrialArea. The questionis:why?
River Roadisoneof Metro Vancouver’s busiestindustrialcorridors.
Every dayit carries commercialtrucks, oversizedloads,farm equipment, andthethousands of workerswho keep Delta’s industrial economy moving.
It isnot a recreational corridor,norisita touristdestination.
Yettheinstallationof concrete barriers has created seriousoperationalconcerns.
Businesses report that trucks cannolonger safely pull over to allow emergency vehicles to pass.Large farm equipment hasless room to manoeuvre, and
wideloads -commonin industrialareas - canno longer pass each otherin oppositedirections.
Just as troublingisthe apparent lack ofconsultation. Businesses throughout Tilburyare asking whetheranyone soughttheirinput before these barriers were installed. Were trucking companiesconsulted?
Agriculturaloperators?
Emergency services?If so,Translinkshould be transparent aboutwho wasengagedandhow theirconcerns were addressed.
Thisisn’tanargument against cycling. Safe transportationoptions matter. Butinfrastructure should reflectthe purposeofthe roadit serves. River Roadexists to supportindustry, commerceand goods movement.
Decisionsaffecting that corridorshould prioritizeitsprimaryfunction.
With$3.5million invested by Translink,it’s alsofair to askwhether there were better ways to improvetransportation in Tilbury.
Many employers continue to struggle with limited transit service fortheir workforce
Expanding year-round communityshuttle serviceorincreasing bus frequency would have benefited far morecommuters while reducing congestionandimprovingaccess to jobs. Transportationinvestmentsshould solve real problems. Instead,this project appears to have creatednewonesforthe businessesthat rely on River Road every day.
Thesedividersshould be removed sincethey areaffectingthe safety oftrucks andindustry along River Road.
Ian Paton/Delta SouthMLA
Point Roberts water answers
Editor:
Re: Surprised with Point Roberts waterdeal (Optimistletters, July 23)
We understandtheletterwriter’s concern aboutfairnesswhenitcomes to regionaldrinking water rates, but the claim that Point Roberts receives water at adiscounted rate compared to Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD)membersisincorrect.
Underan agreement thathas been inplace since1988, Metro Vancouver, throughthe GVWD,provides Point Roberts withaccess to afixed amount ofdrinking water each dayand charges thema bulk water rate forthat full volume.
Unlike GVWDmembers,who payonly forthe watertheyuse, Point Roberts pays forthefullamountof waterwhetherthey usealltheirallocationornot.
In fact, Point Roberts rarely uses the fullamount of waterthat they payfor. Forexample,in Maythis year Point Robertsused only26 percentoftheir allottedamount of water but paidfor 100 percentoftheirmonthly allocated volume. Thismeans that Point Roberts effectively pays much morethan GVWD members dofor bulkdrinking water. It is alsoimportant to notethat Metro Vancouver supplies bulkdrinking water to member municipalities basedon a wholesale water rate.
Each municipalitythen setsits own residentialand business retail water rates to coverthecostof purchasing drinking waterfrom Metro Vancouver as wellas thecostsofoperating and maintaining thelocal waterdistribution system.
Marilyn Towill GM, Metro Vancouver Water Services
Here’salookatcurrent crimetrendsinDelta
IAN JACQUES ijacques@delta-optimist.com
Delta police have released its Quarter2Crime Statistics Report, whichprovidesa current yearlook at crimetrends.
The report compares January to June 2026 withthe same period in2025.
Here are some key highlights:
PersonsCrime
Monitored personoffencesincreased by 17 percent, from276 to 324files.
Assaultsincreased by nine percent, from228 to 249files.
Many incidentsinvolved disputes between peoplewhoknewoneanother.Alcoholordrugs were identifiedasa contributingfactorin somefiles.
Sexualoffencesincreased by 49 per cent, from37 to 55files.
In nearly athirdofthefiles,thevictimknewthe suspect, and somefiles were alsohistorical reports.
Robberyincreased by 100 percent, fromnine to 18files.
In quarter two, onethirdofthe cases involved shopliftingincidentsthat becameviolentafter storeorlossprevention staffintervened. Twofiles were connected to Facebook Marketplace transactions.
Suspects were identifiedand charges forwarded innearly half ofthefiles.
PropertyCrime
Monitored property offences decreased by eight percent from1,296 to 1,188files,includingdecreasesin residential break andenters, shoplifting, andmischief to property.
Theftfrom vehiclesincreased by 18 percent, from147 to 174incidents; nearly halfofthequarter twoincidents involved vehiclesleftinsecure,and severallocalized clusters were identified.
Commercialbreak andenters increased19 percentfrom48 to 57 files.
Otherbreakandenters increased 17 percent, from23 to 27files. Most incidents occurred inindustrialareas, apartmentcommon areas, construction sitesand storagefacilities.
Callsfor Service
Callsfor servicedecreased by one percentfrom12,166 to 12,081,indicatingthat overall demandfor police service remained generallyconsistent.
Councilapproves FVRLbudget
SANDOR GYARMATI
sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com
Deltacouncil, at their July 27meeting, approved a 2027 budgetincrease forthe city’s annualmembershipintheFraser Valley Regional Library(FVRL).
The FVRL boardestablishesanannual budgetfortheprovisionoflibrary services to its15member jurisdictions. Eachmember municipality is charged alevy to coveroperatingcostsofthe librarybranchesandcentraladministration.
Councilendorsedapreferred option of4.18 percent, which works out to a $202,827increase for Delta,fora total memberassessmentof$5,055,149.
The FVRL board must stillgivefinal approvalforits latest proposed budget, which wouldprovidefunding foranew manager position butdoesnotinclude anadditional$306,000fordigital mate-
rial purchases.
Coun. Rod Binder, Delta’s representativeonthelibrary board,noted the FVRL agreed to “a creative solution to a challengingfunding item” by proposing to insteaddraw from reserves.
Thedigital materialsfunding is to replacegrantfundingpreviously provided by theprovince.
Council earlierthis yearendorsed a FVRL2026 budgetincrease of 4.52 percentfor Delta,which would have worked out to $211,684. However, subsequent to the council’s endorsement, the FVRL boardfinalized its2026 budget and revised theincrease down to 3.63 percent, which worked out to $169,807, fora total Delta budget of $4,852,322.
The report alsonotesthatthe FVRL hasimplementedanalternate budget developmentprocess forthe2027fiscal year to completethe budget inadvance ofthe October2026 municipalelections.
PatonstepsdownfromLowerMainlandlieutenantrole
IAN JACQUES ijacques@delta-optimist.com
Althoughhonoured to be chosenasa Lower Mainlandlieutenantfor the B.C. Conservatives, Delta SouthMLA Ian Paton hasdecided to stepdown fromthat role.
Paton was appointed June29inthat position
on Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership team.
Paton toldthe Optimist July 30that this additional role was just too muchtoadd to his busy work scheduleand his personalandfamily commitments.
“I sent a very respectfulletter to Kerry-Lynne Findlay andthe Chiefof
Staff Wednesdaynight (July29), saying that I wouldlike to stepdown fromthis position,” said Paton. “I hada caucus meeting thismorning and told everyonethat thereisnothingnefarious goingon.I have my 99-year-oldmom that we arelookingafter,I have grand kidsthat I hardly
see, I have a60-acre farmthat I’mtrying to run everyafternoon afterIcomplete my MLA work andI have the ag critic role, so I just don’t have the time.”
Paton said Findlay wasonthe caucusmeeting calland very much appreciatedtheletterandthe reasoning
behindthedecision.
It hasalsocome to lightthat Patonalong with at least twoother ConservativeMLAs rejected requests to step down so Findlay could runintheir ridingin a by-electionas Findlay doesnot currently have a seat in the Legislature.
“I wasfullyexpecting
it…that’s what happens when you have aleader whodoesn’t have a seat,” said Paton. “I respectfully saidno. The people who havevotedmein for the last couple of yearslikewhat I have beendoing, so I’m going to stick withit. It’s businessasusualfor myself and my team.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Delta SouthConservative MLA Ian Paton.
Community
StudentPoliceAcademyhelpsinspirethenextgeneration
MIKEWHITELEY
Deltapolicemedia relationsofficer
In July,24 studentsfromlocal schools graduatedfromthe2026 Delta Police Student Police Academy markingthe conclusionofanother successful year of learning, teamworkand personalgrowth. The Academyprovided students with anopportunity to experience aspectsof policingthat are rarely visiblefromthe outside.
Throughoutthe Academy, students were challengedphysically,mentally and sociallywhilelearningmore about policing asa potential career. They experiencedthephysical demandsofthe PoliceOfficer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT). The students learnedtheimportanceoffitness, perseveranceandpreparation.
On thehigh ropescourse, students communicated, supportedoneanother and worked through challengesas a team. Drillinstructionintroducedthem to thediscipline,focusand attention to detailexpectedin policing.
Studentsalsohearddirectlyfrom
Delta police members workingin a varietyofoperational and specialized roles.
Thesepresentationsshowed students that modern policinginvolves much morethan patrolandenforcement. It alsoincludesinvestigations,communityengagement, traffic safety,crime prevention,communications, victim supportand many other areas requiring a wide rangeof skillsand perspectives.
Students were alsointroduced to ICAT (Integrating Communications, Assessmentand Tactics)anddeescalation techniques that emphasize communication,assessmentand sound decision-making. They learnedhowofficersusetime, distanceand calm, respectfulengagement to reduce risk and work toward safe resolutionswhenever possible.
The Academy wasnot simply intend-
ed to show studentswhat policeofficers do. It alsohelped them understandthe responsibilitythat comes with serving a community.
For some students,the Academy may have inspired a future careerasa police officer.
Others may pursuecivilian policing careers, emergency services, public safetyorentirelydifferent paths.
Regardlessofwheretheirfutures lead, we hopetheyleave withgreater confidence, stronger teamwork skills anda betterunderstandingofthe role police have in thecommunity.
We congratulateall24 studentson theirgraduation. They approached each activity withenthusiasm,accepted new challengesand supportedone anotherthroughoutthe Academy. Theircommitmentand curiosity providedanencouragingglimpseof thefutureleaders who willhelp keep ourcommunities safe,connected and resilient.
DELTA POLICE PHOTO
In July, 24 students from localschoolsgraduated from the2026 Delta Police Student Police Academy.
TheProcess-Based Marsh EstablishmentPilotProject(ProMEPP), led by Ducks Unlimited Canada and University of British Columbia’s Conservation DecisionsLab, is testing simple, nature-based techniques designed to encourage new marshes to form by working withthe river’s natural processes.
Insteadoffortifying restoration sites withthe currentconventionof rock bermsorother hard structures, at Tilbury Islandcrews have installed untreatedtimberpiles,brushwood dams madefrom bundlesofbranches,
and native vegetationlike willow stakes toslow water, trap sediment, andcreate the conditionsneeded for natural tidal marshestablishment.
Thepilot buildsonobservations fromlocationsthroughout the estuary where even recentlynew marshes have formed naturallythrough sediment depositionand naturalcolonization.
Researchershope these low-cost techniques canacceleratethose same naturalprocesseswhilehelping native marsh vegetation becomeestablished beforeinvasive speciesdominatenewly formed habitat.
Thisphasefollowsa successful pre-pilotcompleted in 2024,where researchers tested several restoration techniques, refiningdesignsin spring 2026.
Alongsideconstruction, researchers have been monitoringfish,inver-
tebrates,andplantcommunitiesin constructed and natural tidal marshes throughouttheFraser RiverEstuary to betterunderstandhowconstructed marshesfunction overtimeandwhich techniquesprovide thegreatest ecological benefits. By combining scientificmonitoring, local knowledge and nature-based restoration methods,ProMEPPaims to developpractical tools that could informfuture marsh restoration projectsthroughout the Fraser River Estuaryandincoastal ecosystems beyond.
Theprojectisfunded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Provinceof British Columbia, Nature Forceandthe Pacific Salmon Foundation.
Editor’s note: Nature Notes is a monthly columnproduced by the Delta Naturalists andits community partners. Forinfo onmonthlymeetings, nature
walks andmore, see www.deltanaturalists.org andwww.facebook.com/ DeltaNats.
JAMIE GAUK, DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA PHOTO
Community
God’s Word as the North Star
Before I becamea pastor,I wasan English teacher,and teachingacademic writing was my specialty.
When teaching essay writing, I emphasized that the research question andthethesis statementarethe most importantelementsofa good essay.
Thethesis statementislike your North Star;ithelps you stay on course andhead toward the conclusion. If each sentencedoesnotlead you toward yourintended destination,itdoes not belong in youressay. Withouta clear thesis, youressay can go inalldirectionsand getlost inthemix of many points. Aqualitythesis statement providesdirection, focus, clarity, and coherence.
Iam toldthat Polaris, alsoknown as the North Star,ishelpfulin navigation becauseofits stable positioninthe
northern sky. In our spirituallife, God tellsusthat his word is our stable North Starthat aidsusin our navigationof his world.
God says, “All Scriptureisinspired by Godandisuseful toteach uswhat is trueand to make us realizewhat is wrongin ourlives. It correctsuswhen we arewrongand teachesus to do what is right. Goduses it to prepare and equiphis people to do every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Like a good thesis statement, God’s word providesdirection,focus, clarity, and coherence. Withouthis word, we can go in alldirections and get lost in the sinfulnessofthis world, but God calls us out of darkness and into his marvelous light throughhis magnificent Word.
-Paul Park/South Delta Baptist Church
DELTA SPORTS
LocalathletesshineatBCSummerGames
IAN JACQUES ijacques@delta-optimist.com
Delta athletesand supportingofficialsandcoachesbrought outtheir best at this year’s BC Summer Games.
Held July 22 to 26in Kelowna, thefive-day multisport eventbrought togethermorethan3,000 athletes,coachesandofficialscompetingin19 sports and representingeight zonesintheprovince.
Delta hada solidcontingent sending more than 50 people to the Gameswhichincluded athletes, coachesandofficials.
Thebiggestgroup wasingirls softballwhere the entire Zone5 (Vancouver-Coastal) team included the U15 Delta Inferno.
The teamincluded: Ava Newitt, Celestine Domingo, Christine Riley, Emery Milne, Eve Hastie, Gia Dhaliwal, Lily Cooper, Madison Herndier, Madison Reynolds, Madison McLean, Molly Harding, Nyla Sangara, Sadie Williams, Samantha Riley, Taylor Caron, Ilya Cyr withcoaches Nicole Ratel, Joanne Thornley, Olivia Malesku and Olivia Sing.
Other Deltanscompetinginother sports included: Karina Aujla(assistantcoach)artistic swimming, Blake Beaudry,field lacrosse, Isaiah Carlson, Special Olympic athletics,Brennen Carroll,field lacrosse, Chloe Chu, golf, Hudson Clement, box lacrosse, Garrett Collier(sport rep) athletics, Esme Cronmiller,female rugby, Owen Delmaire, field lacrosse, Jake Elder(assistantcoach) baseball, Junior Elder, baseball, Sam Glover,field lacrosse, Sharon Hann (official) athletics, Caleb Hartwig (official) box lacrosse, Daniel Kato, athletics, Everett King,field lacrosse, Evelyn Loveless, female rugby, Jacob Ly, male volleyball, Ryland Mallari, Special Olympics athletics, Lexa Maver, athletics, Billy Mavritsakis, athletics, John Mavritsakis(adult supervisor) athletics, Ethan Mayhew, rowing, William Miele, box lacrosse, Mason Miller, baseball, Jackson Parsons, field lacrosse, Teresa Pickering (official), golf, Liam Posterski, box lacrosse, Scott Posterski (assistant coach), box lacrosse, Jace Powel,field lacrosse, Kyle Reynolds, baseball, MacklinSmith, box lacrosse, Tanae Spence, athletics, Carter Stock, field lacrosse,
Calum Taverner,field lacrosse, Janke Vipler, athletics, John Woudzia (official)field lacrosse and Simone Wu, athletics.
Results:
Vancouver Coastal topped the podium with 122 medals,followed by Vancouver Island/Central Coast with121medalsandFraser River with71 medals
Deltaathletes:
Lexa Maver- silverinhigh jump, silver in javelin and seventhinlong jump
Simone Wu -10thindiscus
Billy Mavritsakis- silverin100m hurdles,bronze inlong jump
Daniel Kato -eighth inhigh jump
Ryland Mallari-fourthin100m,fourth in 200m, fourthinshot put, silverin400m, silver in 800m and bronzeinlong jump
Isaiah Carlson - seventhin100m, sixthin200m, silverinlong jump and silverinshot put Chloe Chu- sixthinfemale golf.
Team competitions(included Deltaathletes)
Vancouver Coastal: gold in 4x100mmen’s relay
Vancouver Coastal:bronzein Special Olympics 4x100m relaymixed
Vancouver Coastal: gold in Special Olympics 4x400m combine relaymixed
Vancouver Coastal: silver forthe baseball team
Vancouver Coastal:bronzeforthefield lacrosse team
Vancouver Coastal:fifth place fortheM2 male rowing team
Vancouver Coastal:bronzefortheM4mixed rowing team
Vancouver Coastal: silver forthe softball team.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Zone5 (Vancouver-Coastal)softball team, made up ofallplayers and coaches from Delta, won silver attheBCSummerGamesin Kelowna.
National teamhas greatshowing at U19Continental Championship
IAN JACQUES
ijacques@delta-optimist.com
Ladner’s Chantel Peters helped the Team Canada U19 women’s team to a secondplacefinishanda silvermedal at the recentNORCECA Girls’ U19 Continental Championshipin Costa Rica.
Canada went undefeated in poolplay defeating Jamaica(3-0)and Cuba (3-0). Winningtheir pooladvancedthe squad to the semifinalswherethey defeated Mexico(3-0).
Mexicoqualifiedforthe semifinals with a3-2 win overthe Dominican Republic. In the semifinal against Mexico,
Canada heldtheadvantage in attacks (35-27),blocks(11-7),and service aces(7-5),while both teamsfinished even with23 pointsconceded through unforcederrors.
AlexandraBrenner (Toronto, Ontario)led Canada’s offense with15 points,followed by Peters with13.
After securing aplaceinthefinal, PeterstoldNORCECA: “Teamwork, patienceand aggressive play were the keysto ourvictory,” said Peters.“We have to give credit to Mexico because they have agreat defense, but wewere able to make gooduseof our attacks.”
Canada lost to the USA(3-0)in the championshipfinallosingthe three sets25-7,25-16and25-20.
The USAalso went undefeatedin poolplay and beat Puerto Ricointhe semifinal.
Withthe results, both Canada and the USAalsoqualifiedfor the U19 World Championship to be heldin 2027.
Giantsacquire Delta d-manfromBlades
IAN JACQUES
ijacques@delta-optimist.com
Derek Thurstoniscoming home.
On July 29,the Vancouver Giants acquired the2006-borndefencemanfrom Delta inatrade withthe Saskatoon Blades.
The Blades receiveaconditional draftpickinthe2027WHLDraft to completethedeal.
In 131 career regular seasonWHL games, Thurston has scored 10 goals andadded16assists, along with162 penaltyminutesanda+11 rating.
During the2024/25 season,the 6-foot-1 left-shotbluelinerproduced a career-best22 points(9G-13A) in67 games,along witha+9 ratingand96 penaltyminutes.
“Weareexcited to add Derek to help bolster ourdefence,” said Giants headcoachand general manager Michael Dyck inanews release. “His presenceandexperience solidifynot only ourblueline, but ourwholeorganization,and we’relookingforward to welcominghim back home to Delta.”
Thurstonisaproductof Delta Hockey Academy(DHA),wherehe won aU17Prep championshipin2022. He was namedthe CSSHLU16 Top Defencemanduringthe2021/22 season,after recording36 points(12G24A)in33 games.
In his U18 season withDHAin202223, he was teammates with current Giantsforward JakobOreskovic. He wasoriginally selected by the Red Deer Rebelsin the sixth round(112th overall)ofthe2021WHL Prospects Draft.
PHOTO COURTESY SASKATOONBLADES Delta’s DerekThurstonhasbeen traded by the Saskatoon Bladesto the Vancouver Giants.
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OneofGod'searthly angelswenthomethistime last year.
Pat(Peggy)Eileen Waltonpassedawaypeacefully on August17, 2025, surrounded by her family.
MumwasborninLittleport, England,on June25, 1924. Sheservedinthe WAAF duringWWII, where shelearned to drivejeeps,lorries,and semi-trailers loaded with bombs.She metand marriedher Canadianairman, BarryWalton,and came to Canada with twoveryyoung childrenin1947.She landed in Canadaand travelledacrossthe entire country by traintoVancouver,whereDad was waitingforher.
Mumwasgentlenessand kindnessitself. Shewas trulya genteel Englishlady,always ready witha warm smile and ahug.She lovedher family,her flowers(especiallyroses), our cats,and Christmas. We will miss her so very much.
Sheloved mathematicsand took many university math correspondencecourses. Sheloved to write shortstoriesandalso kept journalsofall her travels. Andshe lovedher KitKat chocolatebarsandher rice pudding.
Happily,she is nowreunitedwithhereldestsister, Marge, enjoying some cake and agood cupoffancy coffee.
Godbless you, Mum. Youwereatreasureinall of our lives.
Many thanksand much appreciation to allthe staffat Augustine Housefor theircaringand kindnesstomy Mum.
Gara e/MovinSale
It is with deep sadnessthat we announcethe passingof Patricia Anne Kennedy,whopassedaway peacefully in Ladner, BritishColumbia,on July 19, 2026,at theageof70.
Patricia waspredeceased by herbelovedparents, Juneand Patrick. Sheislovinglyremembered by her devotedhusband, Patrick; her sons,Michael (Patrick)and Daniel (Adam); her cherished granddaughter,Kiara;her sister,Barbara;and many nieces,nephews,extended family members, friends, and colleagues whoselives shetouched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support.
AgraduateofSenatorO’Connorand Queen’s University andanFCMA, Patricia built an exceptional career in aviation. Shededicatedmany yearstoPacific Flying Club,whereshe servedas ChiefFinancialOfficerand laterChief Operating Officer. Arespectedleader in theaviation community,Patriciaalsomadehistoryasthe first female Chairofthe AirTransportation Associationof Canada, helpingpave theway forfuturegenerations of womeninthe industry. Sheearned theadmiration and friendshipofcolleagues throughher intelligence, integrity, professionalism, and thoughtful leadership.
Patricia’s Catholic faithwas thefoundationofhow shelivedher life. Amemberof Sacred HeartParish, shewasdeeplyinvolvedintheparishcommunity and livedher faiththroughquiet service, compassion,andgenerositytowardothers.
Outsideofherprofessional life, Patricia found great joyintravelingthe world,especiallyoncruises with family and friends. Shetreasured everyopportunity to explorenew places,createlasting memories,and spend time withthoseshe lovedmost. Aboveall, Patricia’s greatesthappinesscamefromher family. Shewas alovingwifeand motherbeforetakingon her most favorite role asanabsolutelyadoring grandmother whosewarmth,encouragement,and unconditional love will be rememberedalways.
Patricialeavesbehind alegacyoffaith,leadership, kindness, andlove. Shewill beprofoundlymissedby allwhohad theprivilegeof knowingher,buther exampleand themanylives shetouched will continue to inspirethoseshe leavesbehind.
AFuneral MasscelebratingPatricia’slifewill beheld on Tuesday, August11,2026,at 10:00amat Sacred HeartParish(3900 Arthur Drive, Delta, BC). Family and friendsarewarmlyinvited to attendand joinin celebratingalifesowelllived.
In lieuofflowers,Patriciawouldhaveappreciated your supportfor juvenile diabetes research through donations to Breakthrough T1DCanada (www.breakthrought1d.ca).
Romans8:35-39
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