5. Memorabletime 6. Young fellow 7. Chauffeured car 8. Hurl
9. Fore’s partner 10.Itty-bitty
11. Guided 17.Binge 19.Clothing 22.Moderate
23.Hurry
25.Filter
26._ over(study)
27.Finish
28. ActorLeBlanc
29.Unitofland
30.Mineraldeposit
31. Realize
35.Trickle
38. Further 40.MoeorCurly
42.Paddled
45.Swoop
47.Homely
48.Poplar,e.g
49.Cause to go
50.Easteredible
51.In_ course
52.Physedclassroom
53.Sib
54. Broad-antleredbeast
Crossword puzzleanswers use American spelling
HO RO SCOPE WEEKOF
ARIES March21-April19
Emotions willberunninghigh within your circle of friends thisweek.On aromanticlevel, you mayneedto re-evaluate yoursituation if you wantto truly flourish. You’llno longer toleratecompromise, andthis willprompt you totake along, hardlook at your relationship.
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Despite sometension at work,you’ll beabletouse yourteamwork skillsto move forward.In matters of love, starting arelationship will requireyou to overcome doubts so you canbuild a richerand morepromising futuretogether
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In your professional life, your effortswillpay off,evenif you’refeeling wornout. You’ll havetoget moreinvolved toexpand your clientbase, andthiswillgive youmore durablefinancialstability for theyearsto come.
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Yourself-esteemneeds a boost.Althoughyou give generously to others,you needto devotemoretimeand attention to yourself. Thisis especiallytrueinthecase of
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LEO July23-Aug.22
Most of your energywillbe focused on your familythis week.Inthe shortterm, a moveormajor changein your personal or professional life maybenecessaryand could proveparticularlybeneficial.
VIRGO Aug.23-Sept.22
Your social circlewillgrow as you increase your presence on social media. Yourskills andprofessional activities willgainvisibility,bringing you greater recognition and financialbenefits.
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You’llfinally receivethegreen lighttofinance aproject,and you’ll takeimmediate action. The coming weekisalsothe perfecttimetosettle some of your debt,marking anew beginning.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov.21
Expectbigchangesin your romantic,professional and personal spheresthisweek. You’llfeeljustifiablepride in your achievementswhile puttingintheeffortneeded toensurethesuccess of your projects.
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Alumnitourney raises $95K for hospital foundation
IAN JACQUE S
ijacque s@ delta- optimis t. co m
It wasa day forfamily,connection, community and raising money for a good cause.
The Ladner Leisure Centre was packed on Saturday, Jan.31forthe fifthannual South Delta Minor Hockey AssociationAlumnifundraising tournament.
Event organizer Matt Ryan saidthey are still working out thefinalfundraising total, but itlooks like $95,000 will be donated to the Delta Hospitaland Community Health Foundationin support of Delta Hospital.
“Again,another super successful year We anticipated we hada largercrowd than last year, so ever y year, the tournamenthas just gottenbigger,” he said.
“Thecommentsthat we get from peopleare just amazing. It’s a good cause. Peopleare getting back together withfriendsandfamily. Parents and grandparentscome out and see the kids who are now adults playing hockey It is just a really funcommunity event.”
There were 12 teams total--11 alumni teamsandthis year ’s 12th team was a special guest teamwhich was the
Picturedlefttoright; ScottPhillips,blueteam captain,sponsored by CentennialProjects; Shari Barr,annualgivingand communityinitiatives manager,DHCH Foundation; Rick Boates, vice-chair,DHCH Foundationboard;and Ben Shumka,greenteam captain,sponsored by Buttercups Boutique.
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit or theCFSEU-BC hockey team.
Four Winds was theofficial beverage sponsorforthe event, setting up a
beer garden at the rink Ryan saidtheir sponsorshipaccounted forprobably $10,000.
“I don’tthinkthey get enoughcredit
forwhat they doforus It’s just amazing,” he said. “Last year, we hit a little over$100,000, sowe area bitdown this yearfrom our 50/50 sales, but still,it’s a great total.
“It’s amazing. I get the odd couple ofminutes to rest when I’m at the rink andoneofthe guys came over to me and said, ‘stop andlookaround’, look at what you have alldone It’s a full rink with people havinga good time for a good cause. It’s a testament that we have ever y team come back ever y year.I can’tthankenoughthe people that come out to support it, all our volunteers and board ofdirectors, they all help to make this happen.”
Delta Hospitaland Community Health Foundation board vice-chair Rick Boates said,“thefifthannual SD Hockey Alumni Society Charity Tournament is a wonderfulcelebration of teamwork, generosity,andcommunity spirit We are honoured to be one ofthe beneficiariesofthis outstanding event. Thank you to Matt Ryanand the South Delta Minor Hockey Alumni Society board,along with the players, sponsors, and supporters, forbringing thehockey community togetherin support of Delta Hospital.”
ContacteditorIanJacquesviaemail: ijacques@delta-optimist.com or call 604-998-3616
Funding securedtosupport Westham Island
IAN JACQUE S ijacque s@ delta -o ptimis t. co m
The provincial government willhelp fund support foremergency barging serviceswhilethe Westham IslandBridge continues to be repaired.
Following the closure ofthebridge to all vehicle trafficdue to a vessel strike on the evening of Jan.20, the City of Delta, alongsideTransLink, joinedforces to provideinitial support to the residentsand businesses on Westham Island.
Westham Islandproducesmore than25 per cent of B.C.’s seed potatoes, as wellasotherfruitand vegetables, honey andlivestock onmore than 700hectares of land.
While repairs are inprogress, theprovinceand TransLink will support thecontinued transport of essential goods.
“Thiscommitment by the province will make sure British Columbians can continue to benefitfromthe producegrown by farmers on Westham Island,” said Lana Popham, Minister ofAgriculture and Food in a news release.
“I share theconcernsoffarmers, and I want to acknowledge the rapid response andtireless efforts by theCity of Delta to helpthe agriculturalcommunity at thiscriticaltime.”
The province will support theCity of Delta by reimbursing eligibletransport costs of goods to and from theislandthat are related to public health, safety, urgent animal welfare andprovincialfood security TransLinkisproviding funding to theCity of Delta throughits local government funding programs to support effective goodsmovement.
“To helpprotect food security, TransLinkisproviding funding to theCity of Delta to sustain barge operationsand secure temporar y warehouse space forfarmers, supporting thecontinued movement ofessential agriculturalproducts, emergency sup-
While repairsareinprogress, theprovince and TransLinkwillsupport the continuedtransportof essentialgoodsthroughabargeservice.
pliesand ever yday necessitiesonandofftheisland,” said Kevin Quinn,CEO, TransLink In the past week, TransLink, federal,local and provincial government officials have met twice with residentsand businesses to heartheirconcernsandaddress questions
“Whenthebridge was damaged, we knew right away that if a solution wasn’tfigured out quickly, our family farm was going to be introuble,” said Derek Mitchell, ownerof Derek Mitchell Farms.
“Freshfood needs to move quickly,anddelays put real pressure onproducers whodependon our certified seed potatoes. Withthis support, we can keep orders ontrack andcontinue serving growers and
customers while maintaining B.C.’s food security.”
Cropthornefarm owner Lydia Ryalladded,“We sell our freshorganicproduce year-round to farmers marketsandlocal restaurants. It is our livelihood and our community countsonus
“Thebridge may be broken but the local food chain isnot, andthis support helpsus stay connected and keeplocally grown food moving to the peoplewho need it.”
Bridge repairsunder way
The provinceandTransLink are working to restore the Westham IslandBridge to safety standardsas quickly as possible. (see updated stor y on page 4)
Engineering inspectionsdetermined that one ofthe bridge’s primar y support structures sustained significant damage when a vesselhitthe bridge
The impactshifted sectionsofthebridge out of alignment and damageda bearing that connectsthe bridge deck to thepier, leaving thebridge unable to safely carr y vehicleloads. Repairs couldtake several weeks to complete.
Factors such as weather, soilconditions, tidal fluctuationsandfindingsduring ongoing construction may affectthe scheduleand cause significant delays.
SupportfromCityof Delta
The City of Deltaactivated its emergency operationscentre and took steps to ensure the safety and availability of servicesfor Westham Island residents.
“Whenanemergency occurs, the local government has to stepupanddowhat’s right for thecommunity,” added Mayor George Harvie. “Deltadid so knowing our partners would be there, and we’re grateful for how quickly theprovinceandTransLink responded. Their support willhelpmeetimmediate needs of residentsand maintaincriticaltransportationfor farmers, helping to protect local food security asbridge repairs continue.”
JIMKINNEARPHOTO
WesthamIslandBridgeclosedtopedestrians
Damaged crossing inaccessible as of Wednesday in order to allow quicker repair work
IAN JACQUE S
ijacque s@ delta-optimis t. co m
The Westham IslandBridge closed to both vehicles and pedestrianson Wednesday morning.
In anupdate on Tuesday,TransLink saidthere will be a clearer timeline onthe repairs by theendofthe week.
“This closure was done through a lot ofconsultation with residents,” saidTransLink spokesperson ThorDiakow.
“We heard through our community meetingsand conversationson-site that the top priority is restoring the bridge andtheopening as quickly as possible.”
To support thispriority,thebridge fully closed to pedestrian crossings Wednesday morning.
The closure will remaininplacefor several weeks, and untilfurthernotice, so crews can carr y out continuous repair work without repeated stops and starts. Emergency services will continue to have access to the bridge at all times
TransLink saidthe full closure is a necessary tradeoff that allowscrews to take advantage of ever y available efficiency and maintain safe-work zones On some days, work may not be visible fromthebridge or shoreline, but criticalactivities will still be under-
TransLinkfullyclosedthe WesthamIslandBridge on Feb. 4,afterit wasdamagedinJan.20 collision.
way onoraroundthe structure. For that reason,and because safety isthe top priority, pedestrian access will remain closed evenwhenit may appearthat crossing could bepossible.
During this closure period, water taxi service will be available 24/7foraccess to and from theisland:
Departure and arrivallocations :
4888 Savage Rd (Westham Island)
Wellington Point Park (Ladner)
ServicesProvided:
Traveltime: approximately 10 to 15minutesone way,depending ontidalconditions
Frequency: ever y 30minutes(withon-call overnight service)
Phone:604-726-2423 (call before heading to the dock from10 p.m. to 5 a.m.)
TransLink says pile driving will be required and will be noisy.
“This work isessential to stabilize thebridge and advance repairs, andtheCity of Delta has amended itsnoise bylaws to allow overnight construction,” said TransLink.
Pile driving also was expected to start Wednesday, Feb. 4,and will occur intermittently as work progresses, including overnight asneeded to keep work on schedule. Timelines may vary depending on site and river conditions
“Thisis a complex project and,asconditionsand plansshift regularly, someimpacts may arise onshort notice. Asthenext phase of work progresses,more accurate timelines will be shared Additionalcommunity requestsare also being reviewed, andupdates will be provided as soonas details are confirmed.
“TransLinkthanks Westham Island residentsfor their patienceandcontinued feedback ascrews work to complete these essential repairs.”
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JIMKINNEARPHOTO
More time for commenton Dennison Gate project
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
The city is still mulling overplenty of feedback gathered so faronan application to build a stacked50-unit townhouse development in a neighbourhood near Dennison Park and South Delta Secondary (SDSS) in Tsawwassen.
Having drawn oppositionfrom a group ofneighbours, the Dennison Gate rezoning anddevelopment variance permit proposalforproperties at 68652nd St and52367A Ave.
The project includes seven,three-storey buildings, one, two-storey accessory building, 75 residential parking spaces and five visitor parking spaceslocated on a surfacelevel parking area,a common outdoor amenity spacefor residents, with vehicleaccess from52nd Street.
The propertiesare designated Mixed Residential (MR) intheOfficial Community Plan (OCP).
Theprincipal building typesenvisionedunderthat designationare houseplexes, townhousesand row-
Allthefeedback received ontheproposal,which still must work its way to council with a staff recommendation, is reviewed at several stagesthroughout theprocess and summarized for the applicant to considerandprovide aresponse, thecity notes, adding residents can stillcontactplanning staff with questionsorcomments
Concerns were raised aboutcompatibility withthe surrounding single-family neighbourhood, including building height,massing, reduced setbacks, and limited transition between housing forms, with potential impactsonprivacy, views, sunlight andlivability.
Concerns were also raised about increased trafficcongestionand parking demand,as wellastheloss oftrees, potential impactsonneighbourhood character, aesthetics, as wellasinfrastructure.
A few changes could help Delta cops combatshootings
PHIL MELNYCHUK pmeln yc huk @d elta-optimis t. co m
A few changes here and there couldhelp policecombat extortionrelated shootingstaking placein Deltaandon a larger scalenext doorin Surrey Delta police Chief Harj Sidhu toldthe
Delta police board Jan. 21 a requirement to get a proper B.C. driver ’s licence can help police investigations by better identifying suspects And supporting international students can ensure they don’t get exploited intoparticipating incrimes, Sidhu told the board.
Delta, and to a larger degree Surrey, have been rocked the last few years with a spate ofextortion threats andshootings aimed at the SouthAsian community.
Sidhu saidin a followupinterview,that many involved are international students whodo notneed a B.C. driver ’s
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“In B.C, forinternationaldriver ’s licences, if you come as a student, there’s no requirement for you to, overany period of time, to seek a B.C. driver ’s licence, aslong as you’re here underthat immigration status,” he explained.
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safety,whilealso making itimpossiblefor police to definitely identify a suspectiftheinternational licenceisnotcredible.
Ontarioalready has changed such rules, he added.
Delta has 12extortionrelated files, andthree shootings, in2025/26 so far, while Surrey has had dozens more.
Surrey councilon Monday, Jan.26, called for a national emergency to be declared, withcouncil calling for “expedited removal” of non-citizens charged or convicted ofextortion, firearms offencesor joining inextortion-related activity.
The motion also called for releasing theIDsof those charged ordeported for extortion-related offences
Earlierthat same day, Surrey Police Services already arrested two men, bothforeign nationals, whoare now charged with being in a vehicleknowing there’sa firearm
investigating, andensure both stayed in jailwhile their status was discussed.
“It almost seems you have to go to these extra lengthsinorder to ensure that they don’texploit some ofthese loopholes in our immigration system,” he said.
Andheadded it’s not CBSA’s fault “It’s just that some of our systems andprocesses need to be adjusted and reviewed, sosome ofthese loopholes can’t be exploited.”
Thenon Wednesday, Jan.28,anothershooting, believed to be extortion related,according to Surrey police, took placeinthe8100-block of 120th Street
Sidhu saidthat conflicting demandsof immigrationand law enforcement can also compromise cases.
Sometimes police can make anarrest, find there are immigration issues, only to turn a suspect over to Canadian Border ServicesAgency, which couldthen start its own process, and possibly release them, while policeare stilldoing their own investigation.
Recently, Delta police were able to stay on top of two cases they were
CBSA said last December that 15foreigners facing extortion charges have applied for refugee statusin Canada, but peoplefoundinadmissible because of serious ororganized criminality won’t have their claims heard and will be ordered to leave the country,CBSA said.
Sidhu added that ensuring proper screening ofinternational studentstakesplace, andwhen studentsfirst arrive, giving some oversight ororientation about their rightsand responsibilities, could make them less vulnerable to exploitation.
“It’s the immigration process making sure that they have proper screening processes that are ongoing,” to ensure only those qualified are admitted.
IAN JACQUE S PHOTO
New youthhubopens
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
Deltacouncilandcivicemploye es staff were joine d by various community partners andthe Pacific Community Resources Society last We dnes day (Jan.28) for the official launch of the Delta Youth Hub (DYA) at the North Delta Re creation Centre.
The Youth Hub is a welcoming and accessible spacewhere young pe ople can conne ct, take part in activities, get homew ork done or simply takea break in a safeand suppor tive environment, thecity explains.
DYH als o provides oppor tunitiesfor refer ral andaccess to life skillsprogramming, harm re duction supplies, counselling, hygiene amenities, substanceus e suppor t, employmentand education.
Its hours are3 to 6 p.m., Tues days and Thursdays.
Among the strategicpr ior ities in Delta’s Social Action Plan, is to improve local access to mental health and harm re duction services to youth
at risk, as wellasaccess tochildand youthprogramsand servicesthat promote theirhealthy development.
One of the re commendations was for thecity to collaborate withthe Delta Childand Youth Committe e (C YC ) to identify possible sites, partners and operationalandfunding models to open a Youth Hub or other youth-centric servicescentre/models in Delta“to develop a more holistic approachto address youth ne eds in Delta.”
The re commendations als o include collaborating with CYC membersto increase the types of re creationaland other programmingfor youththat suppor ta sens e of belonging andthe transition into adulthood, as wellas collaborating with community and government partners to increase te en and youthprogramsand servicesin North Deltain particular, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
Among thefindingsduring community consultations, wasa desire to have youth-friendly spaceswhere youth can hang out.
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Published every Thursday by the DeltaOptimist, adivisionof LodestarMedia
The Delta Optimist is a member oftheNationalNewsmedia Council,whichisanindependent organization established to deal withacceptable journalistic practices andethicalbehaviour If you have concernsabouteditorial content please contact theeditor at: ijacques@delta-optimist.com or call 604-998-3616 If you are not satisfied withthe responseand wish to file a formal complaint visitthe website atmediacouncil. ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163 for additionalinformation.
OPIN ION
Showing upwhen it matters
Editor’s Note
IAN JACQUES
Whenthe chipsare down, this community always stepsup.
Case in point, the support forthe residentsand businesses on Westham Island.
Following a marine vessel strike on Jan.20 that damaged the Westham IslandBridge, forcing the closure of the bridge to all vehicle traffic, the City of DeltaandTransLink, which owns the bridge, both jumped into action.
A wide variety of supports were, andcontinue to be, putin place to support allthose affected
I must commend bothcity officialsand TransLinkforall they have done. Bothorganizations are under a lotof scrutiny,and they have worked collaboratively to tr y and make the best of a bad situation.
Ifeelforthefarmers andthosewho provideallofus withthefoodsthat we all enjoy.
Did you know that Westham Islandproducesmore than25 per cent of B.C.’s seed potatoes, as wellas other fruitand vegetables, honeyandlivestock, onmore than 700 hectares of land?
It isvitally important that the bridge is reopened asquicklyand safely as possible.
On Monday, the provincial government announced funding support so that TransLinkand the city can continue the emergency barge service to ensure the movement of goods and equipment offthe island,as wellasfunding for temporar y storage of goods.
It’s vital funding that will go along way to ensuring that the farmers on Westham Island have a securedlifeline until the bridge isfixed.
I have also seenlots of support onlineon local Facebookgroupsfrom residentsoffering support- offering ridesintotown, offering to pick upgroceries - anything to make it just abit easierfor the folks on Westham Island.
We are seeing the best in our community showing up,when it matters, for sure
Foundry centre needed for youth
Last we ek, Delta tookanimportant and hopeful step for ward for young pe ople.
Childand youth-serving agencies, Delta police, the Delta SchoolDistrictand the City of Delta came together to celebrate the opening of the Delta Youth Hub.
Hosted by the Pacific Community Resources Society at the North Delta Re creation Centre, the launch of the Delta Youth Hub demonstrated what is possible when agenciescollaborate around youth wellbeing.
The Delta Youth Hub is designe d to suppor t and empoweryoung pe ople by increasing access to programs, servicesand meaningful community connectionsin a welcoming, easy-to-access environment. It is a testament to the power oflocal partnerships and to what happens when service barr iers are remove d.
But this milestone must als o be se enas a starting point- not the finishline.
There is a clearandurgent next stepfor Delta :a commitment to collectively pur-
Community Comment
LAURA DI XON
sue a Foundr y centre. Foundr y centresprovide free, confidential,integrated healthand wellness services for young pe ople aged 12 to 24and their caregivers. Youth can access mental healthand substance-us e supports, primar y care, pe er suppor t and social services, in pers on,orvir tually. Thes e centresare part of B.C.’s health-care system. With the provinceexpanding the Foundr y network and funding bothestablishment and ongoing operations, communitiesare being invited to stepfor ward
Here is the hard truth : without a clear commitment of stafftime, shared resourcesand a suitablelocation,
D elta risks falling behind. Across Metro Vancouverand the Fraser Valley, Foundr y centresare already open or approved. Thismoment echoes Delta’s past experience withprimar y care networks, where progress lagged be caus e already overburdene d providers were aske d to carr y the administrative loadalone.
Everynon-profit serving youthin Deltaknowsthe service gaps.Establishinga Foundry requiresnew capacity,alead agencyor agencies, strong communityleadership, supportfrom social planningandfacilities,and sustainedadvocacy.
This can only succe ed if the mayor andcouncil, Delta police, the Delta board of educationandnon-profit leadership accept the challenge, come together and place this objective on their shared-actionlist.
The call to actionis clear: youth-serving organizations, decision-makers and community leaders must come together now,commit resourcesandmove for ward for the health, safety andfuture of Delta’s young pe ople.
Teachersagain woreredtosignalsolidarity andtoinvite communitysupport for well-resourcedpublicschools.
Teachers hold rallyoutside MLA Kahlon’s office
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
Several dozenDelta public school teachers held a rally on Wednesday (Jan.28) to highlight thecontinued challenges they faceas collective bargaining with the province resumes Held outside Delta North ML A Ravi Kahlon’s constituency office, and withmembers ofCUPE
Local 1091also participating, the event wasa show of solidarity with the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) asit seeks to have the provincial government addressa seriesof concerns.
Those range fromfulfillinga campaign promise ofonecounsellorfor every school,funding for EAs in every primary classroom, and a lack of specialist teachers to salary improvements at the
low endofthe pay grid to attractmore new teachers.
In a statement, the Delta Teachers’ Associationnotesthe rally aimed to addpressure on government to providemeaningful negotiation at the bargaining table to improve classroomconditions, and,after eight years of promises, it’s time forthis government to deliver.
“Delta teachers deser ve learning conditions thatmatch the promises made by the NDP about supporting public education. Our members are wearing red to call for realinvestment that showsup in staffing and supportsin our schools,” said DTA president Alison Kerr
“Ipersonally, with someof mycolleaguesin Delta, have knocked on doors for Raviand have supported himinhis election campaigns. We
know him to be earnest and hard working inhis various roles. We’d like him to also advocate for teachers,” she said.
The DTA also warned ofa generalunderfunding ofthe system, which creates shortagesin generaloperating costsdue to increased inflationand fees
A statement from CUPE Local isblunt, sayingfundsare not being allocated toclassrooms for support staff, particularly for enough EAs for student needs.
“The public school system isbroken. Violence inthe classroom is at an all-timehigh becauseof the lack of support staff. Teachers need EAs. We are here standing togetherin solidarity with Delta teachers and parents to letthis government know enoughisenough CUPE cares,” the statement reads.
DeltaCouncilis proudtorecogni e Black istory onthandhonour thelegacyandenduring contributions ofBlackCanadians.
This yearmarks earsofBlack istory onth,under thetheme HonouringBlackBrillianceAcrossGenerations—FromNationBuilders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries. Itisan opportunity to celebrate the leadership,creativity,resilience,andinnovationofBlackCanadians, andrea rmour shared commitment to e uityandinclusion. eencourageeveryonetolearnmoreaboutBlackhistory in Canada andtocelebrate Blackexcellence.
To exploreresources,visit BCBlack stor .ca and BlackE celle ceDa .ca
SANDOR GYARMATI PHOTO
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TBIA willbe renewed
SANDOR
GYARMATI sg yarm ati@delta -o ptimis t. co m
Deltacouncil has agreed to initiate theprocess to renew the Tsawwassen Business Improvement Area (TBIA).
The business improvement area was established by councilthrough a bylaw in1991for a five-year term, andthey have been renewed ever since.
TheTsawwassen Business Improvement Society,which operates underthe name Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association, has submitteda request to renewtheTBIAfor anotherfive-year term
The latest term would run from July 1,2026 to June30,2031.
A business improvement area is a designated area inwhich municipalities may provide a business improvement area service to assist businessesand property owners to carr y out marketing, promotional and revitalization programs.
The funding for a business improvement area iscollected through a special property levy on specified properties withinthedesignated boundary.
There were 133 propertiesthat were levied underthe current business improvement area bylaw.
The latest five-year budgetforthe society totals $846,705.
ADelta report also notesthat through a member survey in2025, Tsawwassen businesses emphasized theimportanceof business collaboration,advocacy,increasing customer trafficandcontinued investment in beautificationand marketing.
The TBIA may proceed unless there isoppositionfrom 50 per cent ofthe property owners representing at least 50 per cent oftheproperty values, the report explains.
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“There’s this expectationthat renovationsare notgoing to go well,thatthere’s going to be issuesandcost overrunsorthatit’sgoing to bechaotic –itdoesn’t need to be,” Mitchell says.“Theindustr yhas abad reputation for thisand alotofitstemsfromwhatpeopleseeonTV.Butinnine yearsinbusiness,we’ve never hadthathappenwith aclient.”
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Once asweetspotisidentified, apre-constructionagreementispreparedandsignedanda dedicatedprojectmanagerisassigned to guidetheproject forward. Allmeetingsarerecorded to ensureletter-perfectaccuracy.
“Whensomeoneasksmewhat we do,I saywebuildspaceswithpositivestories,” Mitchell says. “I reallygotintothis business to changethestatusquoandwhatisconsideredthenorm forourindustr y.”
To seehowWesgroveHomesbringsclarit yandpredictabilit ytorenovations,visit www.wesgrove.ca.
As partofthe project, theCityisalsoinvitingthe communityto sharetheir comments on thepilotdisc golf course at Diefenbaker Park,locatedon theTrailroute.Input will be usedtoidentifyif outstanding improvements are neededbeforethecourse becomes apermanent featureatthepark.
Pleaseshareyourfeedback ontheCoast-to-CoastTrailandthe pilot disc golfcourseatDiefenbaker Park by March2,2026.
Deltacouncil recently gave anenthusiastic thumbs-up to a zoning amendment to allow the Delta Hotels by Marriott – Vancouver to expand.
The application sought to expandtheexisting hotel,which isconnected to the Cascades Casino Delta, to create 69additional rooms
Located next to the interchange ofhighways 99and 17A , thehotel will seea six-storey addition withfive levelsofhotel space situated above ground-level parking.
The approximately 51,817-square-foot expansion will resultin a totalof 193 roomsforthe hotel.
A staff report notesthat a consultant was hired to update a previoustraffic impactanalysis, reviewing the parking demand oftheexisting casinoand hoteland Delta’s new parking requirements undertheupdated zoning bylaw.
That updated analysis foundthat thereare no parking issues withthe entertainment complex, andthat the parking requirements forthe originaldevelopment were overestimated,a staff report noted
Based ontheiranalysis,theconsultant determined that a totalof625 parking spaces, plusan additional five spaces should a third restaurant be established, would address the parking
Apublichearingisnot required fortheapplication.
requirementsforexisting andfuture usesonthe site.
Sincethe subject site is close to anintersection of a controlled access to a highway,provincial approvalisalso required Council last year gave final approvalfor a separate proposed development fronting thehotel property, wherea six-storey residential apartment development with 157 units will be constructed
ReidBrothersPlumbing &Heatinghasbeenproviding plumbing,heatingandairconditioning to Greater Vancouver since 1976.Ourhighlytrainedstafftakeprideinprovidingthe bestservice to ourcustomers.
New fieldhouses, washrooms coming to city parks
SANDOR GYARMATI
sg yarm ati@delta-optimis t. co m
Among the current washroom andfieldhouse replacementsprojectsfor Delta will be a washroom at Maple Crescent Park in Ladner
The existing washroom was identified for replacement due to its condition, so a $970,000 project under way includesconstructionof a new washroom building including three accessible single occupancy stalls, a concession standand a drinking fountain with bottlefiller,a concrete pad aroundthenew washroom building, as wellasdemolition ofthe old building.
Anotherbig project is
the replacement ofthe Hawthorne Park fieldhouse, a $1.7million project.
The city’s 2026 Financial Plan hasa numberofother park washroomsandfieldhousesinthedesign development phase this year, while$1millionis budgeted forconstructionof a newfieldhouse at Mackie Park in2026 andthe Gunderson Park fieldhouse is scheduled for replacement next year at the sameamount.
Meanwhile, the Ladner Harbour Park and Beach Grove washroomsare scheduled for replacement in2028 ($800,000 each),while theBrandrith Park and Sunbury washroomsare
scheduled to replacement in2029 (bothalso $800,000 each)
The Dennison Park fieldhouse is scheduled for replacement in 2030 at $1.6million,an amount that doesnot includedesign development costs.
A newaccessible washroom/fieldhouse isalso planned forAnnieville Lions Park in North Delta, part of a multi-million dollar overallnew master planforthe park.
Last December, council approved thefinal versionof a masterplan, withthenext step being the selectionof a consultant team fordetailed design andpreparation forconstructioninfall 2026.
Exciting News:
•Takeadvantageof FortisBC’srebateprogram.
•$50 rebatefor gasfurnaceorboilerservice.
•$50 rebate forgas tankless waterheaterservice.
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•Scheduleear lyto beatthe busy heatingseason!
Community Walkers invited for the coldestnight ofthe year
PHIL MELNYCHUK
Februar y can bring spring onthe West Coast but it can also be chilly so dress appropriately if you’re joining in on the Coldest Night ofthe Year.
The ninthannualfundraising event for Deltassist takesplace Feb. 28, starting at Deltacity hall,4500 Clarence TaylorCres., at 5 p.m. fromwhich walkers proceed to Paterson Park to put in their lapsfor a good cause.
However, ittakes awhile to organize so participants have to show up an hour early, at 4 p.m. tocheck in, followed by a light lunch at 6 p.m., withthe event concluding at 7 p.m.
“Last year was beautiful, but two years ago we hada bitof slushy snow,“ saidAna Awmack Juan with Deltassist
People can sponsor a team, join a team or walkasanindividual.Each
year, about 75 people show up, though the goalis to increase itthis year
Unfortunately, pets cannottag along.
Money raised goes towards senior services, thecommunity gardens at the NorthDelta Deltassist officeandthe emergency food cupboard available to those indesperate need ofgroceries.
People have the choiceofeither walking two orfive kilometres. The numberof lapsaround Paterson Park track and thedistance back andforth to city hallisall calculated forthedistances.
This year, the goalis to raise $30,000, said Juan.“We hope that it’s more than $30,000, butwe can only do so much Christmas just passed so itmight be harder for some people to donate.
The event is being organized in partnership withthe Blue Sea Foundation charity. To register go to: cnoy.org/location/delta.
Community Beautifulboatfromtimes gone by almost ready for anappearance
PHILMELNYCHUK
pmel ny chuk @d elta-optimis t. co m
Thanks to some needed funding, $17,500 fromthe Heritage Legacy Fund,the Persian Fisher may soon be back to her original beauty
John Stevens withthe Delta Fishing Heritage Society, saidthe society received the funding last November, which should allow the decade-long project to be completed by the endofthis summer.
The 35-foot salmon gillnetter was builtin1936 and has beenintheprocess of restorationforthe past nine years andnow isalmost complete.
“It shouldallow us to finishthe boat,” he said.
Work remains to be doneonthe cabininterior and deck, headded.
Oncecompleted, the
old boat willfaceanother challenge, that offinding a permanent home so the public can appreciate the boat.
The society had hoped that the City of Delta woulddisplay the boat nearcity halland pay for a pad and a roofforit
But he’s heard nothing recently fromthecity.
“They don’t want to
play ballanymore. We haven’t had any commitment at allfrom Delta,” he said.
A concrete pad and roofcouldcost up to $150,000.
“Nobody’s pushing it,” he said.
The society has already spent about $15,000on theproject.
But if Deltadoesn’t
want the Persian Fisher, they’lltake itelsewhere, he said.
The boat was believed to have been builtin1936 by Kishi Boatworks in Steveston,according to the society.
The last two owners of the boat were from Delta.
The boat was built by Japanese fishermenwho had an eye for making nice-looking boats.
“They had what we call ‘nicelines’ onthem,” Stevens saidin2022.
“Very esthetically pleasing design,” he said.
The society saidtheir research showed that the boat was confiscated by the Canadian government during the Second World War when Japanese Canadians were expelled fromthe West Coast and put into prison camps in southernAlbertaandthe B.C. Interior.
Reach Society surpasses fundraising goal for SpeechTherapy Program
Reach Childand Youth Development Society has announced the successfulcompletionofits
asindividualdonors throughoutthecommunity, Reach notonly met, but surpassed itstarget.
The fundraising campaign aimed to provide a yearof speech therapy interventionfor20 children. Thanks to generous support fromcommunity organizationsincluding Delta Agricultural Society and Delta Firefighters Charitable Society,local businesses Fraser way RV Delta and Envision FinancialLadner, as well
“We are deeply grateful to our community for raising over$40,000 to support our Speech Therapy program,” said Anwar Ul-Haq,Early Intervention Therapies Coordinator at Reach.
“Your generosity is already making a real differenceinthelivesof childrenwhoneed early support to communicate andthrive. During these
challenging economic times, continued community support ismore important than ever to ensure no childisleft withoutthehelpthey need. Together, we can keep giving children a voice, hope, and a stronger start fortheirfuture.”
The funds raised will enable Reach to provide speech therapy services to local children with complexneeds throughout thecoming year -Submitted
PHOTO SUBMITTED
JohnStevenswithsalmongillnetterfrom1930s, almost ready fordisplay.
Community Dropoff yourbooks for the KinVillage Giant Book Sale
KinVillage willonce again be hosting a drive-thru bookdropoffinpreparation forthe20th KinVillage Giant Book salein March.
The drive-thru book dropis on Saturday, Feb. 7 from11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at thefront entranceofthe Community Centre, 543010th Avenue.
A host of volunteers will be waiting to assist by taking itemsdirectlyfrom your vehicle to their sorting area Items may also be donated until Feb. 27 in the bin just insidethe KVCC front entrance during regular opening hours (Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Non-accepted items : CDs, textbooks or reference books, religious texts, books in poor condition, Reader ’s Digests, sports/health/business/travel/ education books more thanfive years
old, magazines, spiral boundcookbooks.
The Community Centre holds an annual saleofused books, puzzles, DVDs, gamesandvinyl records. The saleis a truecommunity gathering, welcoming hundreds of booklovers each day. New this year, art enthusiasts can treasure hunt among donated artworks. This popular event is KVCC’s largest fundraiserofthe year Allfunds raised help support the Community Centre’s on-going programsandactivities.
This year ’s saleisonFriday, March6 from10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 7from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition to stocking upon a year ’s supply of reading at amazing prices, you can shopforquality gently used clothing andaccessories at the Unique Boutique during book salehours.
-Submitted
At Home
Big year forDeltaatthe Georgie Awards
Sarah Gallop Design Inc. anarchitectural and interiordesign firm based in South Delta, led by Registered Interior Designer Sarah Gallop, has landed onthe nomineeslist withninefinalistsfor theCHBA-BC’s 34th AnnualProvincial Georgie Awards
The nominations include:
•Kemp Construction Management Ltd. with Sarah Gallop Design Inc. were named finalists for Best Custom Home valued $6,000,000$10,000,000 for ‘Jewelon the Bluff ’a refined coastal home where sculpted LA modern architecture and luminousinteriors are seamlessly grounded in its dramatichillside setting. (Delta)
KempConstruction Management Ltd.with SarahGallop DesignInc. were namedfinalists for BestSingle-Family Kitchen over$200,000 for‘Komorebi’aserene, mid-century–inspired rancherwherelight, landscape,andmodern craftsmanship converge,creatingatimeless homeseamlessly connectedtonature. (Delta)
•Kemp Construction Management Ltd. with Sarah Gallop Design Inc. were named finalists for Best Single-Family
Kitchen over$200,000 for ‘Komorebi’ a serene, midcentury–inspired rancher where light, landscape, and modern craftsmanshipconverge, creating a timeless home seamlessly connected to nature. (Delta)
•Kemp Construction Management Ltd. with Sarah Gallop Design Inc. were named finalists for Best Single-Family Residential Renovation over$1,500,000 for ‘The Lodge’ a timeless, light-filled foreverhome thoughtfully rebuilt to balance elegant modern design withthecelebrationofcomfort and connectionfor years to come. (Delta)
•Finnish Builders Inc. with Sarah Gallop Design Inc. were named2x
finalistsfor ‘Takea Look at Me Now’ a beautifully reimagined home where Contemporary and Scandinavian Moderndesign merge, creating open,light-filled spaces that balance style, warmth, and everyday livability.(Delta)
•Best Single-Family Residential Renovation
$450,000- $750,000
•Best Kitchen Renovationunder $200,000
•Smithwood Builders Inc. with Sarah Gallop Design Inc. were named finalistsfor Best SingleFamily Residential Renovation$450,000$750,000for ‘The Gabled Haven’ a whimsical North Vancouver retreat where timeless charm, thoughtfuldesign,and
lush outdoor spaces come together to create a serene, magical haven.
•Corecraft Construction Ltd. with Sarah Gallop Design Inc. were named finalistsfor Best Custom Home valued $2,000,000 - $3,000,000for ‘Cedar & Stone’a contemporary sanctuary where bold modern lines, natural materials, andexpansive glazing create a seamless dialogue withitsforested surroundings
•Watermark Gardens with Kemp Construction & Sarah Gallop Design were named2x Finalists for ‘Best Landscape’ for ‘Jewelonthe Bluff’ & ‘Komorebi’ . (Delta)
Other Delta Companies up for 2026 Georgie Awards include…
•New VisionProjects
– Finalist for Best Condo Residential Renovation
$275,000-$475,000
•Best Builders Ltd.
–2x Finalist for Best Single-Family Residential Renovation$750,000$1,500,000
•Ponderosa Construction Ltd.Finalist for Best SingleFamily Residential Renovation$750,000$1,500,000
•Lentel Construction Co Ltd.– Finalist for Best Primary Suite under$125,000 - New or Renovation
Winners ofthe 2026 Georgie Awards will be announced on May 23rd, at the34thAnnual Gala Event,at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver.
-Submitted
At Home
Cost-effectivecurb appealboosters
One shouldn’t judge a book by itscover. However, that often is hard to do, particularly when itcomes to homes.
Curb appeal bears significant influence regarding howa property is perceived.
A property that isneat and aesthetically appealing probably will be preferable to one that looks like thehomeowners did not maintainit
Boosting curb appeal is a commonfocus of sellers before listinga property But what can those whodon’t have big budgetsfor major overhaulsdo to improve their curb appeal? Plenty of projects can offer maxi-
mum output withminimal investment.
Refresh the front door
Painting thefront door can addbrightness andimprove thelook of a home’s entryway. Most exterior paint costs between $30and$40 per gallon, so thisis undeniably a budget-friendly improvement. Ifmoney allows, replacing the dooraltogether will generate bang for your buck
Improve or add landscapingelements
Landscaping should be designed to highlight the home’s bestfeatures. It shouldlook symmetrical and feel manicured.If it’s not possible to plant new flowers or bushes, simply
cleaning updebrisand weeds, and trimming existing greener y can make itfeelneaterand more polished.
Cleanup
Power-washing the siding, cement walkways and garage door can create instant impact It’s amazing how much dirt and mildew can reduce the lusterofa home. Cleaning off years of grime can be a fast and inexpensive refresh. Add more lighting
Updating front porch lightsandaccent lights aroundtheproperty will cast a more positive glow on a home, bothliterally andfiguratively.
Most ofusknowthe stor ywhere King Davidlustfully commitsadultery withthemarried Bathsheba, thenfollowed thisup by orderingher husband tobekilledonthefrontlineof battle.
In chapter12, David receivesthis rebuke,concluding“Ihavesinned against theLord.”
Andwhile we cansee that David sinned against both Bathshebaandher husbandUriah,the rootofhisoffences weredirectedatGod.David had expressedcontempttowards God, even after receivingmuchblessing, andnow deser veddeath.Yet,according to God’s
greatpurposes,David wasspared.
Andwhilethenarrativeofthis accountcontinuesin 2Samuel, David’s personalanguishandprayerful appeal, ashe seeksthemercy of God,are foundin Psalm51. This Psalmnotonly displaysthepleaforforgivenessby King David,it personifiestheheart of anysoulthatseeks forgivenessoftheir sins.
“Havemercy onme,OGod,accordingtoYoursteadfastlove;according to Your abundantmercy blot outmy transgressions.Washmethoroughly from my iniquityand cleansemefrom my sin! ForIknowmytransgressions, and my siniseverbeforeme. Against You, Youonly, have Isinned anddone what is evilin Your sight.”
Andwhiletherewereconsequences for David’s sin, Godforgave him,gave him acleanheartand restored to him thejoy ofhis salvation.
Iimploreyou to come to Jesusand He willdothesamefor you!
Benedi ction Luth eran Church 55756th Ave Tsawwassen,BC 604-943-3432
Tsawwassen United Church 693–53rdStreet,Tsawwassen
invite youto worship in person Joinusas we celebrate God’sgrace Sundaysat10am www.benedictionlutheran.org WepreachChrist, the WordofLife
www.livinghopeladner.com
DELTA SPORTS
Deltagoalieselected for U17 nationalteam
IAN JACQUE S ijacque s@ delta-optimis t. co m
Delta’s Sam Rogers, goalkeeper forthe Whitecaps FC BMO Academy,isoneof21playerss elected by Soccer Canada fortheU-17 National team2026 Concacafmen’s qualifiers
Joining Rogers isfellow Whitecaps playerforward TylerBrow n.
“This group has earne d the right to wear the shir t,” said ShaneLammie, U-17 national teamhead coach. “Now, the work starts. Our focus is on preparation, standards, andcompeting onthefront foot. Nothing is given at this level. We have toearn everything through our habits, ourmentality,and our willingness to compete. Ever ymatch isan opportunity to impose ours elvesand take responsibility. This group knowswhat ’s at stake andis ready for the challenge.”
Canada has be endraw n inGroupG alongside
Aruba, Cayman Islandsand Jamaica.
Thequalifiersconsist of a single round,inwhich the participating teamsare splitinto eight groups. Each team willplay against each group opponent once, withtheeight group winners qualifying forthe 2026FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar at theendofthe year
Canada willplayCayman Islandson Feb. 6,Aruba on Feb. 8 and Jamaica on Feb. 11.
FIFA announce d in Januar y 2025that the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be expande d to 48 teamsand take placeonanannual basis betw een 2025and 2029. Qatar have be en awarde d hosting dutiesfor themen’s premierU-17 tournament. Canada has qualifie d forfive ofthe last seven editionsofthe FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Following his stint withthe national team, Rogers will stay in Europe as he has tr ial oppor tunities with Chels ea and Arsenal.
- withfiles from W hite caps FC
qualifiers.
Deltalacrossebuilding thenextgeneration of youngplayers
Local association hosts Try Lacrosse event in Ladner
The DeltaLacrosse Association’s (DL A)free TryLacrosse event, now in itsfourth year, gave youthafun, hands-onintroduction to the game at Ladner ’s outdoor box.
Led by technicaldirector andformer NationalLacrosse Leagueplayer, Garrett Billings, the sessionhelped kidsexperience lacrosse inits simplest form.
“Lacrosse isfast, fun,and builton teamwork,” said Billings.
For many families,thebiggesttakeaway wasn’t just how much funtheir kids had-it washowaccessiblethe experience was.
“We wanted to remove every barrier,” saidDLA president Jason Thorne.
“Showup,tryit,and seeif youlove it. That’s how sportsshould start.”
At itscore, DLA strives to make things easy for parents, funfor kids, and supportivefor athletesofalllevels, led by coacheswho have played the game at thehighestlevels. That path-
wayisalready producing results.
Clubalumni Jared Maznik(Har vard) andpreseasonAll-American Silas Richmond(University at Albany) arecompetinginNC AA Division1 lacrosse,alongsidemorethanadozen formerDLAplayerscompeting at thecollegiatelevel. Severalalumni –including Ben McDonald, Haiden Dickson, Evan Messenger,and Mitch Jones–nowcompete professionallyin theNLL.
“Starting at five yearsold,DLA was where everything beganforme,” he said. “They gave methe basics early, butmoreimportantly,theymademe lovethe sportandshowedmewhat it means to work hard,compete,and be
aroundplayerswho genuinely want to get better. I’mtrulygratefulforthis association.”
DLAisinvitingmorefamilies to get involved.A secondandfinalfree Try Lacrosse event will be heldon Feb. 27,giving youthanotheropportunity to steponthefloor beforethe season begins.
Theaction starts at 5 p.m. for boys and6 p.m. forgirls, at theLadner outdoor box.
Can’t make iton Feb. 27? Joinus–andbringafriend–forfree warm up sessions every Sunday until spring break at the box.
Registrationisopen at www.deltalacrosse.ca. Earlybirdpricingends Feb. 15.
-Submitted
WHITECAPS FC PHOTO
Delta’s Sam Rogers, right,goalkeeper forthe Whitecaps FC BMO Academy, isoneof21players selected by Soccer Canada fortheU-17 national team2026 Concacafmen’s
Sports Think pinkand call a Foulon Cancer
IAN JACQUE S
High school basketball referees will once again sport special pinkand black striped jerseys andpinkwhistles to Call a Foulon Cancerthismonththroughout Delta.
For the17th year, local basketball official Karn Dhillon and several community partners and businesses are hosting thefundraising campaign in support ofthe BC Cancer Foundation. Having already raised more than $350,000 todate, Dhillon ishoping to top the$400,000 mark this year.
The campaign runsuntil Feb. 21. “Oneofthethingsthat we never expect istheunintended consequences ofany kindof venture,” he said.“We had one goal, which is to raise the awareness of cancer with our initia-
tiveandwhen the referees started this 17 years ago, that was the whole idea, would you help us out and support us.”
Once again Four WindsBrewing in collaboration with The Parkside Brewer y will brewanother “Pink Whistle Beer” with a planned limited release date inmid-February.
The breweries will againask patrons toCome Wet Their Whistle and Call a Foul On Cancer.
LocalDelta cement company Yard at a Time has purchaseda new cement truck andwrapped the campaign logo aroundthetruck to help raise awareness.
“It’s all ofthese thingsthat keepthis initiative local and going strong,” said Dhillon.
For any furtherinformationonthe campaign email: pinkwhistlelegacyfund@gmail.com.
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