Surrey Now Leader, September 25, 2025

WHAT’S ON: ‘Legacy’ event on for South Asian Film Festival A10

ATTENTION NEWTON RE SIDEN Look Inside ce pages for...ntre

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NEWTON COMMUNIT Y NEWS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 2025 Visit us at www.surreynowleader.com

Community Partner Newton B.I. A

Gary Hehar, left, of Local Cannabis Co. with building/land co-owner Dennis Springenatic outside the old Round Up Café building on King George Boulevard. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader)

Cannabis store faces delays at old Round Up site rey council in July.

Not yet granted, however, is a building permit Whalley’s famous Round Up Café has been closed four years now, leaving an empty build- to allow for renovations of the old single-storey ing at 10449 King George Blvd. That’s where building, where the Springenatic family operGary Hehar and partners want to open a Local ated a diner for more than 60 years, until 2021.

Permit delays concern building co-owner/ Cannabis Co. store, rezoning-approved by SurTom Zillich

caretaker Dennis Springenatic, who says he has to keep a close eye on the site for fear of increasing vandalism.

“Right now the problem is that we’re having to come down and clean up the property every couple of weeks, fix the fence, just make

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sure the building is good — it’s constant, and it’s costing me money,” Springenatic said.

“Someone almost burned the building down three weeks ago, at the back. Lucky someone reported that (fire) and Fire Hall 2, they’re Continued on A6

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A2 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

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Sponsored Content Operated by

FOUNDRY SURREY: A SAFE, INCLUSIVE SPACE FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES What stood out to Evy was the centre’s approach to community engagement and cultivating a culture of care.

“I remember joining the first youth leadership meetings and really enjoying the fact that it was so low barrier, so accessible, and traumainformed. The team really emphasized making us feel welcomed and safe. I’ve never seen it done like that before.”

Foundry Surrey: A Safe, Inclusive Space for Youth and Families

Foundry Surrey was designed to fill critical gaps in services for youth navigating adolescence and early adulthood. The ability to access multiple forms of support in one place is a game-changer for young people who often don’t know where to turn.

brochures from the resource library, that’s completely welcome.”

Foundry Surrey also bridges the gap between youth and adult services, as Evy explains.

“The age range of 12 to 24 is so important.

There’s such a drastic change between youth and adult services, and when you’re 18 or 19, you’re often left to navigate everything on your own. Foundry Surrey provides that transition support.”

Both youth and family leaders see Foundry Surrey as a space that will create lasting community change. For Selena, the long-term possibilities are significant.

“Being able to walk in and get support right away, without even knowing what that support might look like, is so important. Often, young people don’t know the next step to take. It’s overwhelming. Foundry Surrey will provide options and guidance in one place.”

“I think we’ll see reduced suicide rates, fewer incidents of self-harm, and early support to prevent substance use challenges. It will also be a vital space for youth exploring gender identity, Indigenous youth, newcomers and anyone who needs a safe place to be heard and supported.”

Youth leader Armaan shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant and inclusive support.

For Evy, being part of Foundry Surrey has been a journey of personal growth and empowerment.

“Foundry Surrey is important to me because Surrey is an incredibly diverse community full of youth with lots of mental health needs.

I believe that Foundry Surrey will offer a safe space for youth like me to access care, connect with other Surrey youth, and take steps toward being their best selves.”

“The experience has been transformative.

Being able to raise my hand, use my voice, and participate in presentations and meetings was terrifying at first, but it taught me so much about myself and how I could make a change for my community.”

For youth leader Evy, who has been involved from the beginning, the connection to Foundry Surrey came at a critical time.

Family services are equally central to Foundry Surrey. Family leader Selena emphasizes that the centre is a resource for caregivers, not just youth.

“I found out about Foundry Surrey through my support worker at Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS), which, honestly, the timing couldn’t have been better. I was probably in one of the darker times in my life, and when this opportunity came along, I felt like I could finally be involved in something that mattered to me.”

“You don’t have to have a young person in your life who is coming to Foundry Surrey to benefit from it. Teachers, siblings, parents, or anyone who wants to support youth can come, learn, and access help. Peer support workers, counsellors, and doctors will be available.

Even if you just want to talk to another family member with lived experience or pick up some

While the Government of British Columbia provides foundational start-up and operational funding for Foundry centres, the creation of a truly youth-informed, welcoming space depends on local donations.

After years of planning, collaboration, and community consultation, Foundry Surrey is preparing to open its doors this fall as part of the province-wide Foundry BC network, offering free, integrated health services for young people aged 12 to 24, along with support for families and caregivers. Following ongoing consultation with local youth and community members—and to help clearly anchor the location of the first Foundry in Surrey—the centre will be known going forward as Foundry Surrey-Central. This name reflects both its central location at 10280 City Parkway and its inclusive vision.

But as the opening date approaches, community donations are urgently needed to bring the centre across the finish line.

Donations are Needed to Open Doors

Community Impact Foundry Surrey is a community initiative in the truest sense, developed with input from youth, families, and local service providers, guided by the principle that care should be accessible, inclusive, and responsive. It offers a unique opportunity to address gaps in mental health, wellness, and family support, while also creating long-term positive impacts for the broader community.

Deb emphasizes the critical need for donations, “Every donation brings us closer to opening the doors. It’s more than a building—it’s hope, care, and opportunity for Surrey’s youth.

Please join us in making that vision a reality.”

Donate Today Foundry Surrey represents years of dedication, leadership, and community input. The centre is ready—but it needs your support to become a space that reflects the youth and families it’s meant to serve.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps provide immediate care and long-term connection for Surrey’s next generation.

To donate and be part of this transformative project, visit: https://pcrs.ca/our-youth-hubs/foundry-surrey/

“Your donation opens doors - literally and figuratively - for youth and families in Surrey,” said Deb Anderson Eng, a long-time supporter. “Every contribution ensures these vital services are there when they’re needed most. It’s a chance to be part of something transformative.”

Donations are Needed to Open Doors Donating is simple: visit our CanadaHelps page directly at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/67008?v2=true Surrey’s young people are counting on us. Together, let’s open the doors to hope, healing, and a brighter future— because we are better together.

Donate Here!

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Surrey Now-Leader

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A3

Pattullo Bridge replacement set to open in December Crossing will close down for about a week during transition to new bridge Tom Zytaruk

The new Pattullo Bridge is expected to be open to traffic this December, in a phased approach – and during the process there will be no bridge crossing on either structures for about a week.

Wendy Itagawa, executive director of the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, walked Surrey council through what that will look like during an update at its Sept. 15 council-in-committee meeting.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke questioned the sense of replacing a fourlane bridge with a four-lane bridge.

“It will just not suffice,” she said.

Liberal Premier Thomas Dufferin Pattullo opened the existing bridge on Nov. 15, 1937. It cost $4 million to build and was a toll bridge until 1952. Roughly 30,000 spectators attended the opening, during a driving sleet storm.

Itagawa told council the new bridge will receive a First Nations name that’s yet to be revealed.

First Nations art will be included on the bridge. “Musqueam Indian Band and Kwanten First Nation are bestowing the new name of the bridge,” she said. “We are following traditional protocols and more details about the name will be shared in the coming months.”

“Given that the new bridge ties in to the existing road network – at King George and McBride – we need to do the opening in a phased approach,” Itagawa added. “We will transition in a careful and planned way to the new bridge. We will need a full road closure of the existing bridge and the new bridge won’t be open and that will be about a week where there’s no crossing. So that is needed in order to do the roadwork that’s needed at the interfaces of the bridge heads.”

The existing bridge is controlled

by TransLink while the new bridge is owned and will be operated and maintained by the provincial government’s ministry of transporta-

Aerial view of replacement Pattullo Bridge construction, taken in August. The replacement bridge is expected to open to traffic in December. (Government of B.C./Flickr) how long would it take to get the job done.

“That’s not yet decided,” she replied. “I think that’s something, probably a question we need to take back to the Province and the ministry on that. Right now the commitment is to open the bridge and see how it performs and discuss a framework and look over that threeyear period how it performs. It will take some time for traffic to adjust once the bridge opens. We are anticipating that it will be a lot more efficient specifically with the new connections on and off the bridge.”

Itagawa said October will see the finishing the bridge with all cables installed, “and the bridge will be structurally complete and will be connecting to the north side, to New West,” and “then we’ll be working on the finishes which includes the barriers, fencing. waterproofing and asphalt.”

A bird’s-eye view of the replacement Pattullo Bridge tower and main span, taken She said key features of the new in August 2025. The replacement bridge is expected to open to traffic in December. bridge, with wider lanes, are im(Government of B.C./Flickr) proved safety and ease of travel tion. Once it’s opened, a three-year Itagawa said, toward maybe making as well as a new off-ramp from the review will begin related to adding it six lanes. bridge to Highway 17 – an importadditional lanes. “Once it’s opened, Coun. Harry Bains asked her if ant connection especially for trucks the traffic and that performance of it’s ultimately decided to make it as well as “high-quality walking the bridge would be monitored,” six, after the three years are, up, and cycling facilities as part of the

project.”

Itagawa said the new bridge is built to accommodate potential future expansion which would see the walking and cycling lanes along the outside converted to vehicle lanes and new walking and cycling paths would be added to the outside of the structure of the bridge, cantilevered off the sides.

There will be four phases, with no changes in Surrey in Phase 1, but in New Westminster the Royal Avenue on-ramp will be closed for preparatory work for the full bridge closure and this will be for up to two weeks.

“Then we move into where both bridges are not open – so the new bridge isn’t open yet and we have to close the Pattullo Bridge for approximately a week; we’re hoping we can do that in a shorter time frame,” she said. “And then we move to Phase 3, when the new bridge is open and this will be in December, and this will be a spit of the new bridge and the old.”

Itagawa explained at that point there will be some lanes open on the new bridge and the existing bridge.

“And then the final configuration is the full traffic switch when all lanes are on the new bridge. After the bridge is open, we can’t complete all of the connections and some of the multi-use paths until the new bridge is open and that we start removing part of the existing bridge because some of the existing bridge is in the way of some of these connections.”

There will be closures on Highway 17 and notifications will be sent out about these.

The old bridge will be taken down over 2026 and 2027. “That includes removing the on-land structures then removing the above-water structures and then removing the below-water structures, so in the river, the foundations,” Itagawa explained.

Barges will be used to transport the materials out and permitting is being pursued for this work.

Coun. Gordon Hepner asked if foreign steel was used in the project.

Itagawa replied there is a “robust” quality program in place with “overseas quality oversight” and provincial government oversight as well.

“Everything that’s been on-site as well has been re-checked and so we are taking the highest standards and Canadian standards for the steel for this project.”

A4 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

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B.C. creates extortion task force Man Surrey has recorded 45 related complaints so far in 2025 Tom Zytaruk

Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger says an RCMP-led provincial police task force has been set up “solely dedicated” to tackling the extortion crisis plaguing South Asian businesses in Surrey and elsewhere in B.C. Krieger, also the solicitor general, made the announcement Wednesday in Surrey.

“A diverse membership and province-wide mandate to target organized crime-related extortion threats in B.C. sets this task force apart from existing units,” she said. “It will build on the ongoing work of existing joint-forces operations bringing in new policing partners under a single command structure expanding its cross-juris-

Nina Krieger, minister of public safety and solicitor general, speaks at a press conference in Surrey on B.C.’s response to the extortion crisis. (Anna Burns/ Surrey Now-Leader) dictional reach.” proach” involving 40 police botsford Police, one from Surrey has recorded 45 officers from throughout the Delta Police, one from related complaints so far in B.C., including 10 from the Canadian Border Ser2025, but police did not re- Lower Mainland RCMP vices Agency, one from the veal how many there have detachments, 12 from the Metro Vancouver Transit been province-wide.

Combined Forces Special Police, and support staff.

Krieger described the Enforcement Unit, two She added the governmove as a “comprehen- from the Surrey Police ment has made $200,000 sive and coordinated ap- Service, two from the Ab- available through a feder-

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Tom Zytaruk

The Surrey Police Service has arrested a man in Surrey wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for extortion and firearms offences by Peel Regional Police Service in Ontario.

Sgt. Tige Pollock said Peel was contacted on July 11 by an alleged victim of an extortion and shooting and investigators subsequently obtained a warrant for the arrest of Gurdeep Shergill, 26.

Pollock said the SPS on Sept. 7 learned of Shergill’s “presence” in Surrey and working with PRPS investigators, arrested him on the warrant for one count of discharging a firearm with intent contrary to section 244(1) of the Criminal Code and one count of extortion contrary to section 346(1).

“Gurdeep Shergill has been returned to Peel Region with the assistance of BC Corrections Sheriffs to appear in court for those charges,” Pollock said.

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al gun and gang violence action fund to support municipal police departments to combat extortion threats in their communities “not within the scope of the new task force,” and $100,000 to continue a related Crime Stoppers campaign.

On Sept. 15, the City of Surrey announced a $250,000 reward fund for information leading to convictions in the extortion cases known to date, as extortion-related crimes continue to surge in the South Asian community.

Mayor Brenda Locke says the fund, which can be split up, is one of the largest in Canadian history. It was announced at a press conference on Monday, Sept. 15 at Surrey City Hall.

Assistant Commissioner John Brewer, BC RCMP, said the expanded team brings in more resources, intelligence analyst and tactical skills aimed at “pursuing and holding those responsible for the violence, intimidation and fear accountable.”

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Surrey Now-Leader

Surrey MLA booted from Conservative caucus

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A5

Surrey City Council meeting

Mark Page

Despite Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko being seen with NDP, Green and Centre B.C. politicians since she was ousted from the Conservatives — beginning with former B.C. Green MLA Adam Olsen helping her carry a box of belongings to her car — she said she has no imminent plans to join any of those parties.

She attended some functions on Monday evening after being removed from the B.C. Conservative caucus by party Leader John Rustad. But her interactions with members of other parties — including the NDP — were of a conciliatory nature, she said.

“So don’t misread that,” she told Black Press Media. “The NDP is not calling me to come join them.”

At this time, she plans to sit as an independent, potentially a swing vote. This will give her some sway, especially considering the NDP’s razor-thin majority.

While she did not rule out joining another party, she said NDP members might not exactly want her in their caucus.

“At this point, I couldn’t even imagine the NDP asking me — have you seen what a pain in the butt I’ve been to them for the last three years?”

Rustad would not delve into the details of why he kicked her out on Monday evening, but by Tuesday morning, he was on a radio program dishing on the details. Sturko took issue with his statements, saying it is “unequivocally false” that she was trying to organize a run at his leadership post — though she was prepared to back somebody else.

“Not my time, not my desire,” she said. “I have a young family.”

She contends the real reason he wanted her gone was because she was about to raise more questions about his leadership review, which he won on Monday with 70.66 per

Monday, September 29 Stay Informed with Surrey’s Public Notices— Online and by Email Get updates on public hearings, elections, taxes, land use changes, and more directly to your inbox and view online anytime.

Former B.C. Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko on Tuesday, Sept. 23, the day after she was ousted from the party. (Mark Page/Black Press Media) cent of party members sup- that he is failing to unite the porting him. That race was party. She hinted at having marred by an attempt to sign these conversations with forup fake party members to vote mer caucus colleagues, urgin several ridings. ing them to keep going in her Sturko said he has still not absence.

“Do what we talked about, adequately responded to allegations that people who which is be the change from work for him were part of within, have courage, ask the this effort to “manufacture leader to do the right thing memberships.” and start putting the party on With fewer Conservative a path to be the next governMLAs in the caucus follow- ment,” she said.

In the meantime, Sturko is ing her departure, Sturko said it will be even more difficult preparing to sit as an indepento take on the NDP majority. dent. On Tuesday, she moved “John Rustad actually got that box of things back into further away from being able a new office. to easily topple government, “I’m surprised by the speed which is what he’s always as- with which the staff here at the serted he could do,” Sturko legislature were able to start said. “He recruited me to join making accommodations for his party, saying he wanted my new status as an indepento have a big tent, because he dent,” she said. wanted to have a single party Because she is no longer united on the right to form specifically focused on public a government, and under his safety as a Conservative critic, leadership, the right is more she plans to broaden the scope splintered today than it’s ever of her focus. been.”

“Even as an independent, But she still supports the I will have an opportunity to party and hopes people within ask questions, and I’m going it will step up in her absence to keep on holding the govto topple Rustad, arguing ernment to account,” she said.

Whalley business takes gunfire Tom Zytaruk

Police are investigating after a Whalley business was shot at on Sept. 19.

It happened at 8:35 a.m. in the 10800-block of 125 Street.

“Police arrived on scene and located numerous bullet holes in the rear of a business,” Surrey Police Service Sgt. Tige Pollock said. “Fortunately,

there were no reported injuries. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.”

Police ask anyone with information about this crime, or has related dash cam or CCTV footage, to contact the SPS’ non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 25-81853 (SP), or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.

VISIT: surrey.ca/publicnotices

Questions? Contact clerks@surrey.ca or 604-591-4132

surrey.ca

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A6 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

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City of Surrey falls Vandalism, arson plague victim to second fraud landmark diner site in Whalley Tom Zytaruk

Continued from A1 right there, they put it out right away.”

Surrey’s very first cannabis retail store opened Aug. 29 in Newton, and operators of Local Cannabis Co. now wait with others for building-permit approvals. As of mid-August, only two stores (both Imagine Cannabis, in Newton and Guildford) were issued building permits, with six in the review queue, according to the city’s Planning & Development department.

“We’re looking forward to these guys getting in there, getting permits, renovating,” Springenatic said. “They’re going to make it all look Undated photo shows Round Up Cafe in operation in Whalley on King George Boulevard. (Photo courtesy brand-new, light it up, give it Dennis Springenatic) Hehar is careful not to “so it lives on and people corner by the bank. Maybe life. It’ll be nice to see some life in here again because criticize city hall about a know that it was in Surrey it’d be a big TD tower.”

Meantime, the familiar they’re going to revitalize lack of building permit, for decades and decades. the building, but I’m tired deferring to Springenatic That history is so import- Round Up neon sign is now to voice concerns. ant to people, and to us,” at the Museum of Surrey, of waiting.”

“We’re excited for the he added.

Springenatic noted.

The Surrey shop will be “It’s been there for a year That said, everyone can a third for Local Cannabis, opportunity and looking now open in Parksville and forward to the building clearly see that days are and a half, and they promVancouver, with another permit,” he said diplomati- numbered for the old build- ised us to display it,” he said. cally. “We appreciate having ing, with tall towers now ris- “We negotiated that, for it be planned in Burnaby. displayed, because I could “We would have loved to Dennis’s family on our side ing in the area.

“Eventually this building have sold it. A lot of people be up and running by now, and helping us make this we’re eager to get started,” happen, as a supportive and will go and (land) redevel- want to buy it (including) a Hehar said. “The City of understanding landlord. It’s oped as a highrise, maybe place in Vancouver where Surrey ran a very thorough really myself and my best in six or seven years,” Sprin- they have all these old signs process in selecting the ap- friend, who I’ve known since genatic said. “The five-year from the ’40s and ’50s. But plicants. A bit of it has been kindergarten. We’re not a plan is for them to lease the we don’t want it in Vancoubad luck for us with going big company or anything.” building, do their business, ver, we want it in Surrey. UlIn such a landmark Whal- and when the building goes, timately I would love to see through the rezoning process, with the Canada Post ley building, Hehar says the maybe they’ll move into a the sign on the corner here strike happening, a delay plan is for some sort of trib- new complex here that could somewhere, revitalized and there. They (city hall) had ute to the Round Up Café as take up the whole block one placed on the side of one of to make sure everybody got part of the interior design of day. That’s what I see hap- the highrises. It was here for the coming cannabis store, pening here, down to the such a long time, why not?” all the notification.”

Surrey city councillor and mayoral candidate Linda Annis says news the City of Surrey is subject to not one but two fraud cases involving millions of dollars reinforces her longstanding call for Surrey to have its own auditor general.

“In my opinion it even more reinforces the need to have an independent auditor general,” Annis told the Now-Leader on Tuesday. “Most big cities, in fact I think all big cities in Canada have an auditor general, but Surrey does not, and I think it’s time that we move quickly and hire an auditor general, and certainly if this council isn’t prepared to do it, and I have put forward a notice of motion previously which was declined, I can say certainly next term if I’m elected mayor it will be one of the very first things that I do. You know, our tax dollars are in short supply and we need to make sure that they’re being used efficiently and that we have proper oversight.”

Council on May 10, 2021 roundly defeated Annis’s motion to this end, with its members making the ironic argument that it would be too expensive a move to approve.

“The cost of this is fairly extraordinary, $1 million to $2 million,” then-councillor Brenda Locke said.

“So right now, I don’t think it’s necessary. I know we have an independent audit of the city anyway.”

Mayor Brenda Locke had not returned calls for comment by press deadline.

This past May, it came to light the City of Surrey is trying to recover $2.5 million plus costs and interest after filing a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court against a former city hall employee. City Manager Rob Costanzo said Thursday the civil claim was filed in 2024 after

“irregular transactions” were discovered dating back to 2017 that involved dormant development-deposit accounts. Nothing has yet been proved or disproved in court.

And now, a Law Society of Ontario document indicates that “at some time in 2019, the City of Surrey (British Columbia) was defrauded of $2.1 million. Using a fake email, the fraudsters tricked the city into routing the money to the wrong account. The money ended up in an escrow account operated by an Ontario paralegal.

The fraudsters then tried to launder the money.”

The document concerns a professional misconduct finding against a lawyer – Ganesh Balaganthan, a former 14-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service – alleged “to have knowingly assisted in a money-laundering scheme involving over $1.7 million. He was found to have engaged in professional misconduct by being wilfully blind to a fraudulent transaction; failing to make reasonable efforts to ascertain the purposes of his retainer or information about his client; and using his trust account for purposes other than providing legal services. A penalty hearing is to be scheduled.”

Meanwhile, Annis remarked, “I absolutely am shocked. Again, it’s all the more reason why we need to have an auditor general in place.

It gives I think assurance to the residents that we’re managing their tax dollars safely and efficiently and these two cases, you know, this can’t continue to happen.”

The Ontario document states that “all but approximately $78,000 of the stolen $2.1 million was recovered.”

See www.surreynowleader.com for any updates.

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Surrey Now-Leader

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A7

VIEWS Published by: Black Press Ltd. at 210 - 15288 54A Ave., Surrey, B.C. V3S 6T4

Column

Editorial

Uncle Harold, AI and the quest for truth

Shameful legacy must not be forgotten

A friend of mine recently ran be able to do this a lot faster. for public office. At least, that’s Well, faster isn’t always better, what an AI summary told me. and in this case, the results were I had run an online search for disappointing. some work he had done, and the The AI summary had the AI synopsis – something I did wrong year, in the wrong denot request – mentioned him as cade, as the time the paper was a candidate in a recent election. established. At least the century This was news was right.

When I asked to him and to me. He had no for the locainterest in gettions the SumGuest Column ting elected. merland Review He hadn’t even has used for its John Arendt filed nominaoffices over tion papers in the years, once that election. again, I had information that was This isn’t the only time arti- questionable at best, with some ficial intelligence tools, or AI, completely inaccurate statements have come up with flawed in- in the mix as well. formation.

One statement was accurate, Earlier, I had used an AI ser- but because of the other poor vice to find some of the history answers, I ended up spending of the newspaper where I work. extra time on fact-checking.

I’ve been here for more than 30 I’ve seen other instances, on years, so I have a good working other, unrelated topics, where knowledge of this paper, but AI-generated responses were low there are some details I am still on truth and accuracy. discovering.

But the issue of inaccurate I am able to search old issues of and misleading information is the paper online, but AI should not something new, or limited

to online environments.

Sometimes, old Uncle Harold, who is prone to exaggeration at the best of times, will make up something if he doesn’t know the answer.

Artificial intelligence does the same thing. Hallucinations – answers which sound plausible but are inaccurate – can and will happen.

Companies working with artificial intelligence know about this and are working to improve their accuracy.

Online users can add follow-up questions, asking for sources to verify the information they have been given. This is an essential step in using AI tools.

Still, an AI-generated answer might not be reliable. Fact-checking is important. Accuracy matters.

But there’s another aspect to consider.

Artificial intelligence is a relatively new technology, especially today’s large-language models, where users can enter a question and get a conversational

response.

ChatGPT, the most popular of such services, has been around since the end of November 2022.

It is not yet three years old.

A three-year-old is still learning to make sense of the world and learning to understand how to evaluate what they see.

On the other hand, the fictional Uncle Harold I referenced earlier – the teller of tall tales – has spent decades creating a narrative that suits his opinion of the day.

Today’s artificial intelligence services are improving, and they will continue to improve, but they are no substitute for good online research, fact-checking and verification.

The future will be different, and it is likely that AI tools will become part of the day-to-day lives of many people.

But that day has not yet arrived. As a result, I will still question and verify any AI response I see.

John Arendt is the editor of the Summerland Review.

Roses and Rotten Tomatoes: Email your rose or rotten tomato to newsroom@surreynowleader.com • A huge truckload of lovely roses to the gentleman who returned my cellphone to me on Wednesday, Sept. 8. My sister and I visited Tynehead Park for the first time, and I stopped at the washroom on the way before we started our walk. It took about 10 minutes or so before I realized that I had left my cellphone in the washroom, so we then rushed back there hoping to find it, without success. (I was really upset and it contained many photos of my grandchildren, as well as contact lists and appointments.) I then approached all the folk nearby in the parking lot and the picnic table area to see whether they might have found it. I keep a note in the phone case with my first name and landline number in case of loss.

A pair of ladies sitting at one of the tables reported that someone had approached them to ask if they had lost a phone – and it turned out that one of them had the same name as me – what a coincidence! The kind gentleman had left her his contact number in case someone asked about a lost phone, so she called him on his phone to tell him that the owner had turned up. After a while, he came into view and I had my phone back. What a thorough gentleman! In this day and in this area, I had not really expected to find it. Thank you so much, Hamid!

• Rotten tomatoes to all the smokers at our park who litter their butts all over the ground and make life an anxious hell for dog owners.

Email your Roses & Rotten Tomatoes to Got a compliment or a complaint to share? newsroom@surreynowleader.com.

Publisher: Dal Hothi

210 - 15288 54A Ave, Surrey, B.C. V3S 6T4 Phone: 604.572.0064 Circulation (paper delivery): 604.575.5344 Classifieds: 604.994.1046 Web: www.surreynowleader.com

Surrey Bureau Chief, Editor: Julie MacLellan

Reporters/Photographers: Tom Zytaruk, Tom Zillich, Anna Burns

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On Sept. 30, Canadians will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day was created to honour the Indigenous children who did not return home from the institutions known as residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

Indigenous children were taken from their families and their communities and placed in these facilities, which operated from 1831 until 1996.

The Canadian government funded these facilities, and several Christian religious denominations administered them. Attendance was compulsory.

Conditions were bleak, with malnutrition, harsh punishments and abuses.

An estimated 150,000 children were sent to these facilities. Some died while in custody of these institutions, and while that number is not known, it is estimated at well into the thousands.

In the spring of 2021, the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc First Nation revealed the discovery of the suspected remains of 215 children who were students of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. This was done using ground-penetrating radar. While that announcement left many Canadians shocked, the brutal conditions at these institutions had been known for many years.

In 1909, chief medical offer Peter Bryce issued a report noting the high mortality rate at these facilities in western Canada.

In 1910, a letter from Indian Agent Macarthur to J.D. McLean of the federal Department of Indian Affairs spoke of the high death rate of those at the Duck Lake Boarding School in Saskatchewan. His letter uses the term “inmates” and not “students” to refer to those at this facility.

Despite these reports and others, the facilities continued until the last one closed in 1997 at Kivalliq Hall in Rankin Inlet, now Nunavut.

This is not a long-forgotten part of Canada’s past. Some people now in their 30s are among the survivors.

In recent years, Canada’s federal government, the RCMP, and the religious organizations responsible for administering these institutions have issued apologies or statements of regret.

However, there are some in Canada who have worked to downplay or deny the harms caused at and by these institutions.

This attitude must change.

It is essential to have education and reminders about these institutions and the long-term harms caused as a result. And it is vital that Canadians acknowledge this part of this country’s history.

The shameful legacy of the institutions known as residential schools must never be forgotten.

– Black Press Media

Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of the Now-Leader. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

If you have concerns about editorial content, please email dal.hothi@surreynowleader.com. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163.

A8 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

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Letters

Loss of Fraser Downs is a ‘tragedy’

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Editor, Terminating the lease for the Fraser Downs Racetrack is an absolute tragedy.

Those people had two weeks notice as they were preparing to start again in September. It isn’t just the workers themselves. They have to organize something for their horses. At the very least, they should have been allowed to continue until the end of the race season.

Mayor Brenda Locke said, “Before shovels hit the ground, we must complete master planning, public consultation, environmental review, detailed design permits, and procurements.” Surely this takes a long time, lots of money, and they could have stayed open until the spring.

Their work is very specialized. Hastings Park may be finished next May as well, so I’m sure they aren’t hiring. This is a very select group who devote their lives to working and raising these horses. And what about the horses? What happens to them?

Brenda said she wants to “ensure we can deliver a beloved regional destination that honours Old Cloverdale” and further said “formally enshrining Old Cloverdale as a protected historic precinct that showcases our city’s heritage.”

I’m not sure how taking away the racetrack and building new housing which “will support the new Cloverdale hospital and cancer centre” fits into that picture. Apparently “recreation facilities,” too. Who is paying for that? The taxpayers? Again?

And who is working in the hospital? We don’t have enough doctors and nurses so that the wait in Emergency is easily nine or 10 hours, so I don’t know where these new ones are magically

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My taxes have gone up 18 per cent in the last three years. How about slowing down and not spending any extra money until we start to catch up? If I don’t have any money, I don’t go on an extravagant vacation to Europe. Why doesn’t Surrey do the same? Put all the extras on hold for a while until we are somewhat caught up?

We hear there isn’t money for hospitals, there isn’t money for the Surrey Urban Mission to feed the homeless people in Whalley because the centre needed a million dollars to keep it up and running, there is no money for schools, the kids are in portables, local traffic is a gong show taking your life in your hands with drivers who don’t follow the rules of the road, and the commute over the bridge is a nightmare – just try driving over the Port Mann Bridge at 6:30 in the morning and do it five days a week.

So, it seems like a lot of words that mean nothing. That track has been there for 49 years and is the heart of “Old Cloverdale.”

Brenda said she wants to “revitalize” it, which means just building more condos/townhouses which few people can afford.

Fraser Downs Racetrack is “Old Cloverdale.”

I believe even Elements Casino will suffer with the loss of the racetrack. A lot of the people that go to the racetrack also come in to gamble.

Just ask anyone that works there, and they will tell you it’s way busier on race nights. Don’t forget that Elements gives a percentage of its revenue to the municipality so if their revenue is down, Surrey will be receiving less as well.

Keep Fraser Downs Racetrack in Cloverdale!

Faye Magee, Surrey

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Surrey Now-Leader

Surrey MP’s bill seeks stronger accountability in health care

Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Society 7050 120 Street, Surrey, British Columbia V3W 3M8 • Tel: (604) 598-1300 Fax: (604) 594-1669 September 25, 2025

NOTICE OF MEMBERSHIP

Tom Zytaruk

Surrey-Newton Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal introduced a private members’ bill on Sept. 22 that aims to amend the Canada Health Act to make provincial governments more accountable in how they deliver health-care services.

Dhaliwal said his bill, if successful, would make full federal health transfers conditional on provincial governments “developing and publishing an accountability framework to ensure Canadians have timely access to care and that health dollars are being spent efficiently.”

The bill will be debated at second reading in the House of Commons. It calls for the establishing of benchmarks for “timely access” to primary care, elective procedures, emergency services, and annual reporting to confirm they’re being met.

“This bill is about giving Canadians confidence that our health-care system is delivering results,” Dhaliwal said. “Provinces will continue to design and manage their own systems, but they must do so transparently, with clear benchmarks and reporting, so Canadians can see whether progress is being made.”

Dhaliwal said Canadians “deserve to know that every dollar invested in health care is being used effectively to reduce wait times and improve access to care” and that his bill, if passed, would “strengthen accountability while respecting provincial jurisdiction over health care delivery.”

Meantime, a study conducted by MEI, an independent public policy think tank with offices in Montreal, Ottawa, and Calgary, indicates that in 2024 nearly 143,000 British Columbians left

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A9

Dear Members: TAKE NOTICE that the Bylaws of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Society (“Society”) pertaining to membership in the Society state that the membership in the Society expires on June 30 in each third calendar year commencing in the third calendar year from 2006. And membership in the Society may be renewed at any time after March 1.

The Society is starting its Membership drive on October 10, 2025, up until October 25, 2025. All are encouraged to apply for the membership of the Society, provided they meet the criteria for membership as laid down the bylaws of the Society.

The membership forms shall be available at the Executive Committee’s office located at 7050 120 Street, Surrey, British Columbia V3W 3M8.

The fee for Membership is $25.00.

The membership criteria is attached as Schedule A to this Notice.

Sukh Dhaliwal, seen here on election night in April, has introduced a private members’ bill aimed at making provincial governments more accountable for healthcare spending. (Anna Burns/Surrey Now-Leader) emergency rooms without receiving treatment.

Emmanuelle Faubert – an economist and author of the report, says “these patients are not leaving because they feel better, but because the system is failing them. Solving the crisis in primary care is essential if we want to keep patients from continuing to fall through the cracks. Policymakers must find the political courage to open up healthcare delivery to independent and alternative providers, or else this crisis is bound to get worse.”

MEI found that last year B.C. recorded nearly 2.6 million emergency room visits and of these 142,961 – that’s 5.5 per cent of all visits – ended with a patient leaving before getting treatment.

Moreover, in 2024 the number of Canadian patients who left a hospital without treatment rose by 35.6 per cent.

Yours truly, AMANDEEP SINGH JOHAL President SCHEDULE A (a) He/she must believe in Almighty God, in the teachings and philosophy of the Sikh religion as contained in the scriptures of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and in the writings of the ten Gurus (Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji) and in accordance with “The Sikh Rehat Maryada” (The Sikh Way of Life) as ordained by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar and as published by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar, Punjab, India. (b) He/she must be at least 18 years of age at the time of his/her signing the membership application form. (c) He/she must be a Canadian citizen, a landed immigrant to Canada or person who is lawfully allowed to be in Canada. (d) He/she must be a resident of Surrey, Delta or White Rock, British Columbia (e) He/she must apply for membership in writing by submitting a complete and signed Application for Membership in such form as may be prescribed by the Executive from time to time. (f) Every applicant for membership in the Society is required to submit his/her own application form to the Society’s office. However, an applicant may have his/her own form submitted by his/her immediate family members provided that he/she lives in the same residence as the applicant and has the same surname. The person submitting the forms on behalf of other family members shall verify and sign each such family member’s form in the presence of a member of the Executive and shall be given a receipt. If any verification is found to be untrue, then the membership of all members whose forms were submitted and verified by the person who verified the application form in which the verification was untrue may be cancelled by the Executive (g) He/she must pay any fee established by the Executive from time to time. (h) He/she must not have been expelled from the Society under Bylaw 17 hereof during the past five years.

Acceptance of membership in the Society constitutes an agreement by the applicant to uphold the Constitution and to comply with the Bylaws of the Society.

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A10 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

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WHAT’S ON Surrey’s guide to events, entertainment and the arts. Email story ideas to tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com

‘Middle Aged Boy Band’ brings musical comedy to Surrey Fall tour dates for year-old improv show Tom Zillich

“Out of sync but still in style,” members of Middled Aged Boy Band are touring to Surrey and other cities this fall with an improv-comedy show that doubles as a music parody full of dad bods and long-lost dance moves.

The Vancouver-based Comedy Department company launched the show last year in salute to the greatest boy band that never was, featuring a small band of comedy veterans including Denise Jones.

“The idea kinda of came out of a conversation about how we’re all getting older, you know, ‘How long are we going to be doing this, guys?’

Someone said it’s like Backstreet Boys and we should be a middle-aged boy band.

With comedy, we try to kind of spread the word of improv in a way that different audiences can relate to, and I honestly didn’t know that this would take off the way it has.”

The timing was good, Jones elaborated in a recent phone

Performers in the Middle Aged Boy Band improv-comedy show, created by Vancouver-based The Comedy Department. The parody production tours Surrey and other B.C. cities this fall with music, laughs, and plenty of nostalgia. (Farrah Aviva/Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader) call with Surrey Now-Leader.

“It didn’t hurt us that at the exact same time, unbeknownst to us, Backstreet Boys were about to explode again and New Kids on the Block were doing a reunion show, a residency in Vegas,” she said.

“That first show we did, it was all these women, my age, getting to tap back into a very specific time in their lives when things were really different. It’s like a big girls’ night out — but there are lots of men at our shows too. In Red Deer we

had these farmer guys in the crowd telling us they enjoyed it, and that’s probably because our show is so positive, a good time. We don’t hack on being old, we fully embrace our age in this show. That’s something people can relate to.”

In Surrey on Friday, Sept. 26, the cast of Middle Aged Boy Band will feature Allen Morrison, David Milchard, Matt Clarke and Michael Teigen at Bell Performing Arts Centre, a frequent stage for The Comic Strippers, a long-established

male-stripper improv show booked to return there Nov. 14.

Some performers have done both shows, similar in the way they lampoon specific kinds of entertainment with audience-suggested laughs.

With the Boy Band show, the crowd can expect “love songs made up on the spot, enthusiastic dance moves, audience interaction, pop-star dreams that just won’t die and a whole lot of boy band heart from men who should know better,” promises a post on bellperformingartscentre.com, where tickets sell for $41/$46.

Winner of a 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice and other awards, The Comedy Department is also touring Canadian Steam, featuring music, comedy and “mildly sexy lumberjacks.” The show has a bigger fall tour than Middle Aged Boy Band, Jones noted.

“People love the nostalgia, but what really surprises them is how interactive and unpredictable the show is,” Jones says of Boy Band, which also plays at theatres in Delta and Langley this fall (Oct. 24 at Genesis Theatre, Oct. 25 at Chief Sepass Theatre), among other tour dates. Visit middleagedboyband.com for details.

‘Legacy’ celebration at South Asian Film Festival events and more. to lift a curse”), Ghost School (“Ten15th edition of the industry “iSAFF has always been more than year-old Rabia confronts superstition a film festival, it’s a cultural catalyst,” and corruption in her quest to unfestival is on in boasts Mannu Sandhu, festival pro- cover the truth behind her school’s ducer. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve abrupt closure”), Have You Heard Surrey this week built something truly meaningful: a Judi Singh? (Baljit Sangra’s portrait Tom Zillich

Some trailblazers of South Asian film are in Surrey this week for the 15th edition of International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF), a fiveday gathering of movie buffs and makers.

The 2025 festival’s “Legacy” theme promises “bold South Asian cinema and storytelling” from Wednesday to Sunday (Sept. 24-28) at venues including Landmark theatre in Guildford, Surrey City Hall, Skye Avenue restaurant/bar, SFU Surrey and Civic Hotel.

The inaugural Deepa Mehta Legacy Award will be presented to the Academy Award–nominated filmmaker, among other highlights of the festival, a showcase of feature films, shorts, music videos, episodic series,

space where bold South Asian voices are nurtured and celebrated.”

The festival opens with Uttera Singh’s Pinch, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, and closes with Annapurna Sriram’s F*cktoys, an award-winner at SXSW this year.

The festival’s industry day features a 10th-anniversary reading of Schitt’s Creek Season 1, Episode 3, “Don’t Worry It’s His Sister,” re-imagined with an all-South Asian cast. iSAFF’s Red Carpet Gala is Friday night (Sept. 26) at SFU Surrey’s Engineering Building; tickets sell for $150 on isaff.ca.

The website details the festival’s Competition Features lineup of F*cktoys (billed as “a surreal, 16mm re-imagining of the Tarot’s Major Arcana through the story of AP, a woman on a wild, desperate journey

of Edmonton-born jazz singer Judi Singh, a Punjabi-Black artist in the 1950s), Singhs in the Ring (focused on wrestling legend Gama Singh and son Raj), among other films.

The festival will also show the Canadian premiere of Who Are You, Nanu?, inspired by producer Anjini Taneja Azhar’s grandfather, who was orphaned after an historic earthquake flattened his Pakistani village, wiping out nearly 30,000 people and leaving him an orphan during the India-Pakistan partition.

“He grew up moving from home to home, nearly impoverished, with little to no family to claim him,” Azhar wrote in an email. “Through perseverance, he survived along the streets of India, ultimately finding himself working for British Airways where he rose amongst the ranks until he was

A scene from the movie We Are: Faheem and Karun, to be screened during the 2025 International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF), Sept. 24-28 in Surrey. (Ramananda Sarkar/Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader) chosen by the airline as the official has partnered with our film in celewelcome committee for The Beatles’ bration of my grandfather’s revered first visit to India. British Airways service. He is now 91.”

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Surrey Now-Leader

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A11

Civilian rocks Audioslave hits in Surrey on Friday BOGO SALE

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Tom Zillich

After a summer break, live bands are back at Green Timbers Pub in Surrey starting Friday night (Sept. 26) with Civilian, a tribute to the music of rock supergroup Audioslave.

Some Chris Cornell/Soundgarden songs might also be in the 9 p.m. set by the local foursome, featuring singer Derek Lundblad, guitarist Johnny Peralta, bass player Mike Green and drummer Victor Escoto. Tickets are sold for $17.40 on eventbrite.com in advance, also at the door.

Early this month Civilian rocked Vancouver’s Cobalt bar as one of three tribute bands on an Alice in Chains/ Audioslave/Tool bill.

Peralta, a massive Tom Morello fan who also riffs Rage Against the Machine hits with Calm Like a Bomb, is booking bands at Green Timbers Pub, an 80-capacity venue that boasts good sightlines, food service until 11 p.m. and ample parking, 9167 148 St. For Civilian, it’s a rare Surrey-area gig for a band formed close to 10 years ago.

Tribute band Civilian, pictured at the Cobalt in Vancouver on Sept. 5, 2025, plays Audioslave songs with Johnny Peralta on guitar and Derek Lundblad, vocals. Their next gig is Friday, Sept. 26, at Green Timbers Pub in Surrey.

(Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader) “Derek and I worked at Calm Like A Bomb will headCostco for years,” Peralta line Cover-Chella, a ’90s-rock explained. “I knew he was tribute show Sunday (Sept. 28) a vocalist, I knew he loved at Hollywood Theatre in VanChris Cornell and I knew it couver, with music by Rage, was going to take some con- Green Day, blink-182, Nirvincing, but when he did it, vana, Primus and Pearl Jam/ came out (to rehearsal), it was Eddie Vedder.

“That’s going to be a good a really great fit. And we’ve all been close friends ever since.” one,” Peralta reported. “The Friday’s opening band is Hollywood is such a good Keako, featuring a pub em- venue. It’ll be set up like a ployee on vocals. “Emily is re- real production, with curtains ally good, and she used to do opened, curtains closed, a prokaraoke nights there,” Peralta jector.” Doors are at 5 p.m., reported. details on hollywoodtheatre.

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‘Mars’ comedy lands on Surrey stage as a sci-fi play gone wrong Tom Zillich

A sci-fi theatre production goes wrong in the season-opening comedy for Surrey-based Royal Canadian Theatre Company.

Friday to Sunday (Sept. 26-28), physical comedy, innuendo and silly moments are promised in a weekend run of They Came From Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in Time for the Townswomen’s Guild’s Coffee Morning, at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage.

The play, shortened to They Came From Mars…, follows the bumbling Farndale community theatre group as they attempt to open a production in front of the playwright, with no money, no experience and heads full of dreams.

“It is completely and utterly ridiculous,” says Stephanie Bruce, the show’s technical director and sound/prop designer. “Every show will be slightly different.”

Kerri Norris directs five actors playing eight characters including Justine Jones (as Mrs. Reece), Rebecca Trotzuk (Norah), Amanda Haggett (Felicity), Natalie Gifford (Thelma) and Conor Kavanagh (Gordon).

Single tickets, group seats and family packs of four are sold on tickets.surrey.ca, or call 604-501-5580. More show details are posted on rctheatreco.com.

If you can’t make the Surrey dates, see They Came From Mars… at Anvil Theatre in New

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Rehearsal of Royal Canadian Theatre Company’s production of They Came From Mars…, a comedy at Surrey Arts Centre Friday to Sunday (Sept. 26-28, 2025). Pictured are Stephanie Bruce, Natalie Gifford, Justine Jones, Rebecca Trotzuk, Amanda Haggett and Conor Kavanagh.

(Contributed photo) Westminster, Oct. 3-5.

Meantime, rehearsals have started for Royal Canadian’s winter panto show, The Little Mermaid. Crystal Weltzin’s adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s undersea story opens Dec. 19 at Surrey Arts Centre, Jan. 2 at Massey Theatre in New West.

In a three-play season, the company’s spring 2026 production brings a family-friendly adaptation of the book The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

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A12 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

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Surrey set to mark National Day ‘Stories from the for Truth and Reconciliation Land’ event at Museum of Surrey Tom Zytaruk

The City of Surrey is offering up ways residents can spend Sept. 30 – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – and in days leading up to it.

It’s a statutory holiday intended to recognize the history and impact of residential school schools on Indigenous people.

The City of Surrey on its website encourages residents to “meaningfully reflect on this day and support ongoing efforts toward truth, healing, and reconciliation.”

The fifth annual Orange Shirt Day event will be held Monday, Sept. 29 at Holland Park in Whalley, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It’s being hosted by the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee (SUILC), Skookum Surrey, the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association and the City of Surrey, “for an afternoon of drumming, dancing, and cultural sharing.”

“We welcome everyone to attend, learn, and reflect, as we come together to honour survivors of the residential school system, their families and to remember those who did not return,” says Lyn Daniels, of the SUILC. It’ll begin with a drum march starting at the Surrey City Hall Plaza staircase at 3:45 pm. to

Malin Jordan

Surrey will celebrate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, with an Orange Shirt Day event on Sept. 29 at Holland Park. (Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader) encourage everyone to wear their Holland Park.

Ravina Morgan, of the Skookum orange shirts – symbols of truth Surrey Indigenous social innovation and hope.” team, said “cultural sharers will be Sept. 30 is Orange Shirt Day, honpresent to guide reflection, learning, ouring survivors of the residential and conversation, as attendees are schools system, and Surrey Civic encouraged to reflect on the legacy Plaza at City Hall (13450 104 Ave.) of colonialism and commit to the will be lit up in orange. ongoing process of Truth and RecPeople might also want to visit the Museum of Surrey’s Indigeonciliation.

“Locally made Bannock, tea and nous Hall, which was produced in coffee will be served, offering the partnership with Semiahmoo First warmth of our traditions to all Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, and who gather,” Morgan added. “We Katzie First Nation.

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An event called “Stories of the Land” will be held at the Museum of Surrey Oct. 3. The initiative will explore the meaning of land for Coast Salish Peoples. (Malin Jordan/ Black Press Media) the transformative power space is limited. of storytelling, we aim “Stories from the to deepen our collective Land” will run from understanding of the 5:30 - 8 p.m.

The Museum of Surrich histories, cultures, and perspectives of local rey is located at 17710 First Nations.”

56A Ave. in Cloverdale.

To register, visit To find out more info, eventbrite.ca and enter contact the museum at “Stories from the Land” 604-592-6956, or musein the search bar. um@surrey.ca, or visit Registration is free, but surrey.ca/museum.

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An event that ties in with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is coming to the Museum of Surrey.

Called “Stories from the Land,” the initiative—set for Oct. 3—will centre on a “land-based conversation” that will explore the meaning of land for Coast Salish Peoples.

Nicolas Tellez-Espana, a manager with Surrey Local Immigration Partnership, told Black Press Media via email, the event is open to the general public, but everyone must pre-register.

Tellez-Espana’s group is hosting the chat.

“The event is more than just a gathering, it is a space for meaningful connection between Indigenous, settler, and newcomer communities,” he wrote. “Through

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Surrey Now-Leader

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A13

IATSE 891 honours

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A14 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

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Money won’t be used to reinstate Grade 7 band: board chair Tricia Leslie

Despite cutting $16 million in programs just months ago, including Grade 7 band and educational assistant staffing, Surrey Schools is reporting a $33-million surplus from the 2024-2025 school year.

The $33-million accumulated surplus, with $12 million in unrestricted reserves, will replenish the district’s rainy day fund to better support students and district operations, a Surrey Schools release said.

Of the $33-million surplus, $16 million will be used to replace the district’s enterprise resource planning system; $5 million will be placed in other restricted reserves; and the remaining $12 million will replenish an unrestricted surplus, within the recommended range of one per cent to three per cent of the district’s $1.2-billion budget, the release stated.

The $33-million surplus is from the 2024-25 school year, while the $16-million deficit was part of the budgeting process for the 2025-26 school year, Surrey Board of Education chair Gary Tymoschuk noted Monday (Sept. 22).

“We risk we risk being relieved of our duties or fired if we don’t balance the budget,” he said, and confirmed the district must also have reserves of one to three per cent at the end of each year, as mandated by the province.

At the Wednesday, Sept. 17 school board meeting, Surrey Board of Education vicechair Terry Allen said the $33-million surplus shows an “improved financial picture” for Surrey Schools, with the surplus allowing the district to rebuild its operating reserves for current and future financial needs.

“The district is now in a stronger financial position to handle any headwinds or unexpected expenses as the province heads into another very, very difficult year,” said Allen, who also chairs the board’s finance committee.

“Our diligent adherence to the board’s fiscal management policies and practices has consistently prioritized the needs

Student-made posters protest cuts to Grade 7 band in Surrey, following a protest outside the Surrey school board meeting in May. The district has just reported a $33-million surplus from the 2024-25 school year – but it says that money will not be used to reinstate band because it is required to replenish the district’s reserves. (Sobia Moman/Black Press Media files) of our students.”

Allen acknowledged that over the past year, the board made difficult decisions regarding transportation, Grade 7 band and inclusive education support workers, as the board and the district worked to address a $16-million deficit for the 2025-2026 school year amid funding and inflationary pressures, and thanked the district’s finance staff for their work on finding efficiencies.

Despite the $33-million surplus, those reserves are reportedly not going toward reinstating Grade 7 band or any of the people or programs affected by the cuts to address the $16-million deficit for the current school year, as they were part of two different budget processes, Tymoschuk said.

“It’s a different school year.

All of those (cuts) were (because) we knew we were going to be heading into some challenging times financially. The province has announced a huge deficit. We get our money from the province. So we know this is going to potentially be an impact as it comes down to us over the years,” he said, adding that declining enrolment — the first such decline in Surrey (not including COVID-19) in more than 25 years, according to Surrey Schools, and immigration will also likely factor into the budgeting process for next year.

This year saw a decline of 350 registered students from kindergarten to Grade 12 compared to this time last year, making for a tentative headcount of just over 78,700

students. This downward trend is considered a significant departure from the district’s rapid enrolment growth of 1,507 students in 2024 and 2,494 students in 2023, Surrey Schools noted in the release.

The district’s final enrolment report for the 2025-26 school year, based on the official Sept.

30 headcount for the Ministry of Education and Child Care, will be presented at the October public board meeting; the district’s total number of students – including online learning, adult education, specialty programs and cross-enrolled students – is currently more than 85,600.

“We believe that immigration has had a huge impact on us as well,” Tymoschuk said.

“The federal government has decided to reduce immigration targets over the next few years, and we’re quite certain that’s part of the impact that we’re feeling. As we look forward, we will, I think, start to develop our budgets with less growth as we move forward, because I don’t think we’re going to see those kinds of numbers, at least not with the current immigration targets that the (federal government has) set.

Tymoschuk emphasized the district, despite a decline in enrolment, is still the largest in the province and requires maintenance and upgrades.

“Nobody likes cuts. We don’t like cuts. But the reality is, the funds aren’t there, the expenses are increasing, so something has to be done to balance the budget.”

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Thursday, September 25, 2025 A15

Surrey’s Releaf tree planting Hospital aims to make planned set for five city parks pelvic exams less painful Anna Burns

Tom Zytaruk

The City of Surrey’s time-honoured annual Releaf three planting push kicks off on Sept. 27, the final day of National Forest Week.

For a few decades now volunteers have helped plant thousands of trees and shrubs each year in Surrey’s parks in an effort to restore nature, improve air quality and support habitat for wildlife.

A City of Surrey press release states all residents are invited to plant trees and enjoy some music and other activities.

“Surrey’s Releaf program brings residents together to care for our urban forest,” Mayor Brenda Locke is quoted. “Last year, more than 2,200 residents participated in the fall program, planting more than 7,200 trees and shrubs.

Thank you to all the volunteers who help nurture and grow our city’s green spaces.”

This year trees will be planted at five parks: Bolivar Park, Saturday, Sept. 27 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.), William Beagle Park, Saturday, Oct. 4 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.), Panorama Park, Saturday, Oct. 11 (10 a.m.

– 12 p.m.), Hazelnut Meadows Community Park, Saturday, Oct.

The City of Surrey’s Releaf tree planting events kick off Sept. 27. (Image surrey.ca) 18 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.), and Kennedy Park, Saturday, Oct. 25 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Rob Landucci, urban forestry manager, says the Releaf programs “empowers residents to be stewards of Surrey’s environment.

“Whether you are planting your first tree or your 50th, every contribution helps strengthen our

urban canopy and build climate resilience across our parks.”

Participants will be provided with gloves and other equipment and are advised to dress for the weather and wear “closed-toed” shoes.

It’ll go ahead rain or shine but could be cancelled in the event of strong winds or severe weather.

Health-care providers at Surrey Memorial Hospital are working to make gynecological exams less painful.

A pelvic exam, also called a gynecologic exam or internal exam, is an essential medical screening test to assess for health conditions, noted the Canadian Cancer Society.

Jessica Adaszynski, a physiotherapist who practices pelvic health, said, “We do know that some people experience pain during pelvic exams, and we think we can help with that.”

Adaszynski and her colleagues, Amanda Lewis, registered nurse and Laurie Chiesa, manager of the Chronic Pain Clinic at the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgical Centre, are creating “training protocols and patient information for the Family Birthing Unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital.” They received a grant from Knowledge Translation that is funded

Jessica Adaszynski, a physiotherapist who practices pelvic health, is working with colleagues at Surrey Memorial Hospital to make pelvic exams less painful. (Fraser Health/ Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)

by Fraser Health, Michael Smith Health Research BC and Surrey Hospitals Foundation.

“With newer procedures including take-home cervical screening, some birthing parents arrive at the Family Birthing Unit with no previous experience of what to expect during a pelvic exam,” Adaszynski says. “By training clinicians and providing patients with as much information as possible,

we hope to alleviate pelvic pain and improve the patient experience.”

There will also be visual aids available to help patients better understand what health-care providers are doing.

The grant money is a part of the Knowledge Translation (KT) Challenge, which is designed to “empower health-care professionals to implement practice changes that enhance patient care.”

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Surrey Now-Leader

Police chief reports on 911 traffic crash complaint

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Surrey Police Service Chief Constable Norm Lipinski was tasked by the Surrey Police Board on July 16 to investigate and report back on a service/policy-related complaint contained in a redacted letter, and this is what he found.

The complaint concerned a 911 call for help that raised “serious concerns” about the response an injured man received after being involved in a “significant” traffic crash where a vehicle veered off-road and landed in a ditch.

The complaint was lodged by a man on his father’s behalf.

“To our shock,” the complainant wrote, “the operator told (redacted) that unless (redacted) was bleeding, it did not qualify as an emergency and advised (redacted) to call a tow truck instead. No emergency services were dispatched.”

“I am deeply disturbed and outraged by this response,” the complainant wrote. “A person reporting that they are injured following a motor vehicle accident – particularly when they are in a vulnerable situation such as being stuck in a ditch – should never be dismissed.

Emergency operators have a duty to assess situations thoroughly and err on the side of caution, as internal injuries, shock, or other conditions may not be immediately visible.

“Had (redacted’s) condition been more severe or deteriorated while waiting for help that never came, the consequences could have been devastating.”

The complainant (whose name was also edited out) requested a “full investigation” into the 911 call, assessment of training and protocols for emergency operators, and “a public response regarding how such situations will be handled differently going forward to prevent further harm.”

During the board’s Sept. 11 meeting Nerissa Allen, chairwoman of the governance committee, summarized Lipinski’s findings, following a “full examination” of the 911 call audio and review of a “verbatim” transcript.

“A careful review of the audio recording of the call demonstrated that the 911 operator did not make the remarks that the complainant alleged, that in fact the caller expressly told the operator that he was not injured, and the

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Chief Const. Norm Lipinski (SPS photo) part of the complaint alleging unprofessional service could not be substantiated,” Allen told the board.

“The review further determined that the 911 call-taker’s handling of the call was consistent with established standards of practice and SPS policies. Based on the statements of the caller, the incident was appropriately categorized as a non-injury motor vehicle accident, where police attendance is not required,” she added.

According to SPS operational policy, police officers must attend and investigate a traffic collision where there is a fatality or injury that requires transport to hospital, more than $10,000 in damage is done, a hit-and-run with evidence or and identifiable suspect, a crash causes major traffic disruption, or there’s evidence of a crime (impaired driving, for example) or a Motor Vehicle Act violation.

The transcript of the one minute, 12 second 911 call as presented to the board reads: Call taker: Police emergencies?

Caller: Hello?

Call taker: Hi this is the police, do you have an emergency?

Caller: Yea, my car just ran off the road.

Call taker: OK, did you hit anybody else, or just your car?

Caller: Just my car, because there was uhhh, a deer on the road, a small deer.

Call taker: OK. Caller: And I was trying to save him.

Call taker: Are you injured at all?

Caller: Ahh, not really, no.

Call taker: OK and did you hit anything with your vehicle?

Caller: No, no, just my car went in to a ditch.

Call taker: OK Sir, you’ll just have to call a tow truck because we don’t attend for MVIs unless anybody’s injured or the vehicles on the road. I can give you the phone number for Clover Towing if you’d like?

Caller: Yes, please. Can you text it to me?

Call taker: I can’t text it to you, I can give it to you right now and you can write it down if you’d like but no, we can’t text.

Caller: OK just a minute because I have to go back to my car and get my…

Call taker: OK Sir, well you are on 911 so I’m going to have to let you go, ‘cause I can’t wait for you. So you can, you’re just going to have to Google the phone number for a tow truck.

Caller: OK. Call taker: OK, bye bye.

Caller: Bye bye.

The Surrey Police Board’s next meeting is set for Oct. 9.

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Surrey Now-Leader

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A17

SPORTS & REC Surrey’s guide to sports and recreation. Email story ideas to newsroom@surreynowleader.com

Rebuilding Surrey Eagles look beyond two big losses “This is probably the most BCHL team looks global roster the Eagles have had,” Brar noted. “Before, to recapture the ever we were limited to Canadian, magic of 2023-4 B.C., a few Americans, but being an independent championship now league, we’re able to recruit from the best from around the season world, and a lot of them want

Tom Zillich

If Surrey Eagles hope to match the heights of their B.C. championship season two years ago, they’ll have to get there with mostly new Birds in the nest.

Over the weekend, the newlook BC Hockey League team had their wings clipped in a pair of season-opening games at South Surrey Arena, where the Eagles fell 8-0 to the visiting Cowichan Valley Capitals on Friday night (Sept.

19), then surrendered another eight goals (but scored five) in a Sunday-afternoon loss to Victoria Grizzlies (Sept. 21).

The Eagles clearly need some time together, with new head coach/GM Brian Passmore leading a roster of mostly newcomers. Just a handful of players remain from April when Surrey fell in Round 1 of the playoffs to Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

“We’ve got a lot of really good players this year, but a lot of them just got signed and they’re new, they’re coming in,” Eagles co-owner Ron Brar said during Friday’s game.

Players from Russia, South Korea and Czech Republic are on the roster for the 2025/26 season, along with four Americans.

to be here. We’re able to recruit that talent that we weren’t able to see before. We’re seeing different styles of hockey.

Europeans, we want some of them because they know how to play on the Olympic-sized rink we have here (at South Surrey Arena).”

Passmore’s leadership group includes captain Gavin Rocha (from Brantford, Ont.) and assistant captains Charlie Derrheim (Delta) and Lucas DiGiantommaso (Oakville, Ont.).

“I think we’re going to go far with this team this year, it’s just a matter of building all the right pieces,” Brar insisted. “We lost three guys to the USHL, three guys who would have made a huge impact on our team — Carter Frankiw, Miles Bergin and Brady Kudrick. With those three guys gone, we lost three veterans, and two of them won the Fred Page Cup with us (in May 2024).”

Friday night, the loudest fans in the arena were supporters of rookie Devon Mahil, a 2006-born forward among five Eagles players with Surrey roots this season.

“It’s all family, cousins here,” dad Hardeep Mahil said of the group of 31, all wearing

A young fan with Winger the mascot at Surrey Eagles’ season-opening game at South Surrey Arena. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader)

Ceremony before the season-opening game for Surrey Eagles at South Surrey Arena on Friday, Sept. 19. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader) “Devon Mahil’s Fan Club” five-team Coastal East conferT-shirts. “My brother-in- ence with Chilliwack Chiefs, law got the shirts made, so Coquitlam Express, Langley we wanted to support him Rivermen and Prince George (Devon). We’re supporting Spruce Kings (a team with a him and the team. It’s not a load of miles to drive this seagood start tonight, but it’s a son). Penticton Vees bolted for long season.” the WHL, leaving five teams Hardeep said his son want- per BCHL division, including ed to continue playing hockey the all-Alberta Interior East. close to home after making the “It’s actually pretty good, jump from the PJHL White I like the new format,” Brar Rock Whalers. said. “There should be less “He’s really excited about travel for us this season. We having this opportunity, not play in our Coastal conference, having to travel as much,” and every team will make one Hardeep said. “He’s going to trip into the Interior (conferbecome an electrician so he’s ence). We’re going to Alberta Surrey and White Rock politicians help drop the puck before Surrey Eagles’ doing schooling. I’m a single and a few spots over there. For season-opening game at South Surrey Arena on Friday, Sept. 19. (Tom dad, Devon’s mom passed the playoffs, we’ll play in-divi- Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader) away a few years ago, and he’s sion so that should mean less got a younger sister (Ava, 14), travel. That also creates more so he wanted to stay closer to rivalries locally, because you’re home and give it a try with the going to have more travel beEagles. There’s a lot of oppor- tween, like, Chilliwack and tunities in hockey around here, Surrey fans, Coquitlam, as but here, him making this team opposed to, you know, Alis pretty fantastic for him.” berni and Surrey playing each Friday, the Capitals scored other.” early and often in cruising to For what it’s worth, the Eavictory in front of 1,100 disap- gles split their four preseason pointed Eagles fans at South games, two wins, two losses.

Surrey Arena. On Sunday, Next up for Surrey is a road Nishaan Parmer scored twice game in Prince George on Frifor the home team, with sin- day (Sept. 26), followed by a gles from Rocha, DiGiantom- Sunday afternoon home tilt maso and Lucas Busch.

(Sept. 28) with Coquitlam ExThis season, a shakeup in the press at South Surrey Arena, 4 Close to 30 family members and friends of Surrey Eagles player Devon 20-team BC Hockey League p.m. puck drop. Visit surreyea- Mahil wear “fan club” shirts in the stands at South Surrey Arena on Friday, has moved the Eagles into the gles.net for details and tickets. Sept. 19. (Tom Zillich/Surrey Now-Leader)

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#4-18812 - 96 Avenue | Telephone: 604-371-4328 | Surrey, BC V4N 3R1 Fax: 604-371-4329 | Email: info@bvhc.ca | Web: www.bvhc.ca

COMMUNITY CHARTER, S.B.C. 2003, CHAPTER 26 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DISPOSE OF CITY LANDS Pursuant to Sections 26 and 94 of the Community Charter, S.B.C. 2003, Chapter 26, as amended, the City of Surrey hereby gives notice of the intention to dispose of the following RF zoned, single family building lots and invites offers to purchase the lots: Civic Address:

11657, 11663, and 11671 96 Avenue.

Legal Description/PIDs:

Lots 1, 2, and 3 Section 36 Block 5 North Range 3 West NWD Plan EPP58440.

PIDs: 030-904-676; 030-904-684; and 030-904-692 respectively.

Property Description:

These are 3 fully serviced RF building lots, each of 769.4 m² (8,282 ft.²) in lot size. They are located within the Royal Heights neighbourhood in Surrey. A twostorey home with a basement can be constructed on each of the three lots.

Invitation to Offers to Purchase:

The City invites individual offers to purchase each lot. Interested persons or parties should submit offer(s) to purchase to the City of Surrey, Realty Services Division, Corporate Services Department, 13450 - 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3T 1V8 before 3 p.m. PT on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Offers received after this closing time and date will not be accepted or considered.

Delays caused by any delivery, courier, or mail service(s) will not be grounds for an extension of the closing date. All offers must be sealed and submitted in the Offer to Purchase form of document enclosed within the Information Package referenced below. Persons wishing to submit offers for more than one lot must do so by separate offers.

Minimum Offer Price:

11657 – 96 Avenue (Lot 1): 11663 – 96 Avenue (Lot 2): 11671 – 96 Avenue (Lot 3):

$1,100,000 $1,100,000 $1,100,000

Further Information:

An Information Package can be accessed from the City’s website www.surrey.ca/realtyservices and click on “Asset Management”.

For further information please contact Darren Chung, Property Agent.

Phone: 604-598-5741; Fax: 604-598-5701 Email: darren.chung@surrey.ca

The City of Surrey reserves the right to accept or reject the highest or any offer and may reject any or all offers without giving reasons thereof. The proposed sale and the terms and conditions thereof will be subject to final approval by Surrey City Council.

Surrey’s Homelessness and Housing Society has invested more than $11 million into the community over the past 18 years in an effort to meet ongoing need here, Surrey council-in-committee heard during a presentation on Sept. 15.

Vera LeFranc, former city councillor and a consultant to the society, spoke to what the organization has been doing.

“Grow is really at the core of what we do, grant is really at the heart of what we do,” she said. “Enhancing service coordination across and amongst organizations and promoting collaboration of partnerships that leverage other support. Surrey is really known for some of those collaborations that happen.”

The society was founded in 2007 with a $9-million grant from the City of Surrey’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund with the aim that it operates at arm’s length from city hall although it is chaired by a city councillor.

LeFranc discussed the development of a strategic plan covering from 2024 to 2027.

“Over the past 18 years the society has been able to invest over $11 million,” she said. “And given that we now have about $8.5 million in our fund, that’s pretty outstanding. The $11 million has resulted in hundreds of units of housing from sheltered beds to affordable housing all for homeless or at-risk-of-homeless citizens of Surrey – single mothers and other vulnerable populations.”

This year, it received 19 applications for funding with a total of more than $1 million in requests. The board approved seven, for a total of $268,000. This, LeFranc said, will contribute to building more than 250 dwellings as well as help preserve 40 winter shelter beds and 13 units of family housing by providing “critical upgrades

Vera LeFranc, consultant to the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society, speaking to Surrey’s council-in-committee. (Screen shot) to health, safety and infrastructure.”

Last year a $50,000 New Hope Community Services grant helped provide housing and support to 10 refugee families and a $71,000 grant helped keep Storehouse Community Hub’s doors open. “They were in danger of not being able to open for the winter.”

Council-in-committee heard “priority populations” for the society are Indigenous people – which LeFranc said make up 19 per cent of the homeless population “across the region, and certainly in Surrey,” and four per cent of the general population – women and women with children, seniors, people dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues and young people exiting from government care.

“We continue to see an extreme shortage of accommodation for women and children,” LeFranc said.

“Shelter turn-aways, for example, were 3,500 over the course of last year. So, the board has identified three granting priorities – creating housing, building capacity and remaining responsive to community need.”

Coun. Pardeep Kooner is currently the society’s chair of the nine-member board comprised of herself, Jim Bennett, Sherry Grewal, Archie Johnston, Brian MacGregor, Hanne Madsen, Nasima Nastoh, Dave Pel and Jen Temple, with LeFranc as consultant.

“We continue to face a housing supply shortage at every level, especially in low to moderate income levels.

The board wanted to have a lasting impact so are prioritizing capital projects that create or maintain housing stock. In addition, they have identified supporting programs that increase access to housing and initiatives that build capacity in the homelessness and housing sector,” LeFranc said.

“So capital, what we really want to do here is create shovel-ready projects; projects that are prepared for funding calls from senior levels of government. Our job is to create a competitive advantage for our Surrey organizations by having them prepared for every funding call no matter when it comes.”

This might include buying land.

“We know that Surrey is underfunded compared to other regions.”

Coun. Rob Stutt remarked that the society’s work “cannot be understated, it truly makes a difference, and it’s very much appreciated.”

LeFranc said in the past few weeks the board’s grant committee did a review “and it was really great to see some of the projects that are in the pipeline. It’s amazing, hundreds and hundreds of housing units so it’s really important that the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society has an opportunity to support those.”

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Surrey Now-Leader

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A19

Environment-Business award winners named Tom Zillich

Surrey Libraries, Storehouse Community Hub Society and Superfluity Thrift Store are winners of 2025 Environment & Business awards, hosted by Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade on Friday, Sept. 19, at Civic Hotel.

In three categories, the 19th annual event recognizes organizations demonstrating “exceptional dedication to environmental leadership and/ or issues” and are “guided by a sense of respect for the environment and demonstrate this initiative consistently.”

The Large Business award went to Surrey Libraries for making “a significant commitment to environmental stewardship

by becoming the first library in Canada to pursue the Sustainable Libraries Certification Program,” a bio says.

“This initiative integrates sustainability into all operations, including a new Sustainability Policy and Road Map, and prioritizing LEED and Passive House standards for new branches.

The libraries also actively engage the community with sustainability-themed programs, such as bike repair stations and pollinator gardens. These efforts aim to reduce the organization’s carbon footprint and inspire environmental leadership throughout the community.”

Storehouse Community Hub Society

(formerly Cloverdale Community Kitchen) won the Medium Business award for its food-rescue and redistribution program, said to divert close to 1.2 million pounds of food from landfills annually.

“They partner with local grocery stores and suppliers to collect surplus and short-dated items,” a bio says. “This food is then meticulously sorted and repurposed: edible food is provided to those in need through their food bank and meal programs, while remaining waste is either used as animal feed or composted. This circular model not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions and extends landfill life but also tackles food

insecurity. The program demonstrates that environmental care and community service are intertwined.”

Small Business award winner Superfluity Thrift Store is “a leading example of the circular economy” as a fundraising initiative for Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, “while also promoting sustainability,” a bio says.

“The store’s core mission is to divert thousands of pounds of donated goods from landfills annually, from clothing to housewares. This is achieved through a robust system of sorting, upcycling, and partnering with local recyclers. Superfluity’s business model showcases

Photo op at 2025 Environment & Business Awards for winners and Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade reps at Civic Hotel in Surrey on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (Photo/x.com/SWRBOT) how reuse and community engagement can significantly reduce waste and minimize the demand for FRIDAYS IN OCTOBER new goods, all while supporting a vital community service.”

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Surrey city councillor Rob Stutt wants city staff to review and improve Surrey’s noise bylaw particularly as it pertains to large gatherings, fireworks and loud automobiles, with an aim to “better protect our residents, safeguard animals and restore the quiet enjoyment of our neighbourhoods.”

“This is a quality of life issue,” he told his

fellow council members at Monday’s meeting, “that directly impacts community well-being. Our noise control bylaw was created to set fair and reasonable standards, but it’s clear that gaps remain. The community is asking for stronger measures and it is our responsibility to ensure our policies reflect those needs.”

Stutt said noise complaints continue

to be one of the most common concerns raised by Surrey residents city-wide.

“In particular, we are hearing increasing frustration about excessive noise stemming from large celebrations as well as loud vehicles, often late at night. With Halloween coming, fireworks-related complaints will also be increasing.

These disturbances do more than just

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of peace and comfort that people should be able to enjoy in their own homes.”

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A20 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

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Surrey Now-Leader

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A21

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Surrey Now-Leader

Thursday, September 25, 2025 A23

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A24 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

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TransLink CEO set to speak at State of Newton event INSIDE Tom Zillich

TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn will talk about the current and future state of transit service in Newton during a luncheon Thursday, Oct. 2 at Bombay Banquet Hall in Surrey.

The annual State of Newton event, hosted by Newton Business Improvement Association (BIA), is a chance to hear Quinn outline Bus Rapid Transit plans on King George Boulevard and detail the significant jump in transit ridership since the January 2024 launch of R6 RapidBus service, connecting Scott Road SkyTrain Station with Newton Exchange.

Bus ridership in Newton and the rest of Surrey is booming, says Quinn, who insists that TransLink plans to meet the demand.

“It’s the fastest growing area for transit demand that we’re seeing,” Quinn told the Now-Leader on Monday (Sept. 22). “In particular, we’ve seen Newton’s ridership more than double in just one year, which is pretty incredible, from around 16,000 to about 35,000.

That’s really driven by increases to transit service like our new R6 RapidBus, with lots of newcomers, lots of families who have moved to Newton using transit every single day.”

TransLink’s R1 RapidBus, among six in the region, travels from Newton Exchange to Guildford.

TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn, shown at a 2024 news conference launching the R6 RapidBus, will speak at the Oct. 2 State of Newton luncheon about Bus Rapid Transit plans and booming ridership. (Anna Burns/Surrey Now-Leader) “The addition of the two RapidBus lines has made a meaningful and impactful contribution to the Newton community,” said Philip Aguirre, Newton BIA executive director. “Improved transit connectivity supports not only the movement of people but also the movement of business.”

With more than 160,000 residents, Newton is the most populated district in Surrey.

“It’s home to three of the top10 most overcrowded routes and three of the top-10 busiest routes in the region,” Aguirre noted.

“These numbers highlight the urgency — and the opportunity — to continue investing in transit infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing community.”

In August, TransLink promised “a massive increase” in bus service in Metro Vancouver this fall targeting overcrowded routes, including changes to 321, 335 and 393 bus service through Newton.

“We’re putting more buses on more than two dozen routes across Surrey, including several in Newton, as well including some brandnew bus routes that will roll out

over the next 12 to 18 months,” Quinn said.

“From TransLink’s perspective, we’re really quite focused on Surrey, focused on Newton, we’re aware of the ridership increases that are happening there, and we’re doing our best to really meet the demand that we’re seeing there.”

Improvements at Newton Exchange were made with the launch of RapidBus, which brought bigger buses and fewer stops.

In the coming decade, TransLink’s plans include building Bus Rapid Transit on King

George Boulevard and two other priority corridors in the region (Langley–Haney Place and Metrotown–North Shore). “We do believe that will be about 40 per cent faster than the service that’s on there now, with higher frequencies, dedicated lanes and modern stations, things like that,” Quinn said.

“For our part, goal #1 is to target a lot of the overcrowding that we’re seeing across Surrey, including Newton, and what we can do for those routes is increase the frequencies,” Quinn added. “So, a bus that was coming every 10 minutes is now going to come every six minutes. And it was coming every 15 minutes, now it’s going to come every 12. That helps to alleviate a lot of those overcrowding concerns. Another thing we’re doing is expanding the span of service, so if a route ended at 10 p.m., we extend it to midnight.”

Quinn, named CEO of the transportation authority in May 2021, oversees the management, planning, finance and delivery of transit services in Metro Vancouver, as well as cycling and walking infrastructure, five bridges and Major Road Network. His keynote address at the State of Newton event begins at 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Bombay Banquet Hall, 7475 135 St. For tickets and more information visit newtonbia.com/ program-listings/state-of-newton.

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FANCY FUNDRAISER A ‘High Fashion & High Tea’ event is coming to Newton to raise money for an affordable housing project by Options and Habitat Housing Society. see page B2 WHAT’S HAPPENING The fall calendar is jam-packed with fun in Newton – from concerts and theatre productions to fundraisers and Halloween events. Check out this month’s listings. see page B3 REACHING OUT A Newton-based radio station helped raise $750,000 for flood victims in Punjab, thanks to a Sept. 8 ‘radiothon.’ see page B4 TAKING WING Two Newton-area schools are home to training for the 278 Cormorant Royal Canadian Air Cadets – and new members are welcome. see page B5

B2 Thursday, September 25, 2025

Surrey Now-Leader

www.surreynowleader.com

NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS ‘High Fashion & High Tea’ to help build housing building’s first two floors host One fancy fundraiser for Op- community services. tions Community Services is The Nira Arora-hosted planned at Newton’s Empress High Fashion & High Tea Palace Ballroom on Sunday, will feature high tea service, Oct. 5, with tickets going for a “fusion” fashion show of $150 each or $1,200 per table South Asian and western inof eight. fluences with designs from Art Organizers of the High of Thread and Armaan DBG, Fashion & High Tea event mentalist/magician Randy invite people to don fascina- Charach, live action by Howtors and fancy outfits for “a ard Blank, commemorative photo booth, door spectacular afternoon in support of a prizes and more. fabulous cause” — to The event runs help build a second from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. affordable housing 5 at the ballroom project by Options (#201-8166 128 St., and Habitat Housing Surrey), starting with Society. a champagne recepThe first, the Nira Arora, host tion. mixed-use complex The fashion show Habitat@81st, was opened in will spotlight designer SandJanuary 2024 at King George eep Chohan and Art of Boulevard and 81 Avenue with Thread, which fuses “heritage 100 rental homes for vulner- and innovation to create handable community members crafted garments that blend including women fleeing vi- traditional Indian craftsmanolence, refugees, seniors, at- ship with modern design,” says risk youth and others facing a post on the event website. barriers in finding decent With Armaan DBG, designand affordable housing. The er Davi Bains-Gill “turns vi-

ionandhightea.ca, or call Ginny Hasselfield to get involved and for more details, 604-813-6409.

A related “Hashtag Contest” offers a chance to win a $100 gift card to The Keg by spreading the word online about the High Fashion & High Tea fundraising event.

Use #HighTeaBuildingHope for posts and include the @ OptionsCommunityServices

Tom Zillich

Fashions by Art of Thread (top left), designed by Sandeep Chohan (bottom right) are featured during a High Fashion & High Tea fundraiser in Surrey on Sunday, Oct. 5. (Photos: highfashionandhightea.ca) sions into reality with custom gowns, lenghas, dresses and couture attire for all sizes,” the website explains. BainsGill collaborates closely with clients to craft “perfectly fitted, one-of-a-kind pieces, delivering unmatched elegance in beautiful, wearable works of art.”

Live auction items include

gift boxes from Verka Foods, a painting by John Ferrie, fashion pieces from Art of Thread and Armaan DBG, designer full-outfit donations, two business-class tickets to anywhere Air Canada flies and a night at Empress Hotel in Victoria with two high tea tickets.

High Fashion & High Tea tickets are sold on highfash-

social media handle. A winner will be randomly selected on Oct. 10.

Based on 140 Street in Surrey, Options Community Services operates programs that aim help people in Surrey, Langley, White Rock and Delta. In June the non-profit charity announced Neil Arao as its new chief executive officer, replacing long-serving CEO Christine Mohr.

Share your neighbourhood news Got something to share with the neighbourhood?

Are you organizing a community event? Do you know a local volunteer who deserves to be recognized?

Did your child’s team achieve something special? Do you have a community improvement initiative that you want other folks to know about?

Whatever your Newton community news, we’d love to help you get the word out.

Send your story tips and suggestions to newsroom@ surreynowleader.com – be sure to include “Newton community news” in your subject line.

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Surrey Now-Leader

Thursday, September 25, 2025 B3

NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS What’s happening in Newton THEATRE/STAGE “They Came From Mars…”: Comedy staged by Royal Canadian Theatre Company at Surrey Arts Centre from Sept.

26-28 (four show times). “Join the hilarious Farndale ladies, with mishaps, missed lines, and absurdity, in They Came From Mars And Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in Time for the Townswomen’s Guild’s Coffee Morning! Tickets and info: 778-827-0680.

Afrique en Cirque: “A heart-pounding performance for the whole family, presented

by Surrey SPARK Stages” on Oct. 5 at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage, 3:30 p.m. “Cirque Kalabanté performances are daring and uplifting—it’s impossible not to feel energized by the driving rhythms of the djembe drums.” Tickets and info: 604-501-5580, surrey.ca/ news-events/events/afrique-encirque.

“You Used to Call Me Marie…” play staged by Arts Club Theatre Company at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage from Oct. 15-25, with multiple show times. By Tai Amy Grauman. “Paints the story of Marie Callihoo through generations and time. Follow Iskwewo, Napew, and Mistatim (‘horse’ in Michif) in eight intertwined stories of love and resilience as the Métis nation emerges across the plains.”

Info: tickets.surrey.ca, 604501-5566.

CONCERTS Coast to Coast concert fundraiser for Surrey Food Bank on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage. Box office: 604-501-5580, or tickets. surrey.ca. “Big 80s rock show featuring music by Scorpions, UFO and MSG, with special guest DJ Larry Hennessey (JACK-FM). Info: tickets. surrey.ca, 604-501-5566.

Sweetnotes Music: “Beloved Filipino artists Jeffrey and Charlotte are bringing their enchanting melodies to Canada” in a concert Saturday, Sept. 27 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey. Sold out.

Tabla Legacy concert Sept.

29 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey: “An evening with the legendary Pandit Anindo Chatter Jee. Dedicated to the memory of Ustad Zakir Hussain.” Info: bellperformingartscentre.com/event/ tabla-legacy.

Dheera Gill live in concert

In Newton, Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors opens Friday, Oct. 3 for Halloween-month thrills at 12530 72nd Ave., Surrey. See listing under Halloween. (Surrey Now-Leader files) at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage on Friday, Oct. 3. “Live cultural punjabi singing show” presented by RPD Bhangra Academy. Info: tickets.surrey. ca.

Fleetwood Magic band plays the music of Fleetwood Mac at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey, on Friday. Oct. 3. “Fleetwood Magic vividly reminds audiences of all ages, what made ‘The Mac’ legendary” with timeless hit songs. All tickets $64 on bellperformingartscentre.com or call 604-507-6355.

Superstar Singer 3 concert features contest winners on tour, Oct. 5 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey. “Rocky Rani Entertainers presents the Top 3 Winners Atharva Bakshi, Kushi Nagar and Avirbhav S, coming to Canada for the first time ever. Join us for a magical night of entertainment with the brightest young stars of India.” For tickets call 604507-6355.

FOOD/DRINK Charity BBQ at M&M Food Market at Boundary Park location on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with all proceeds to Moving Forward Family Services (suggested $5 donation). 6350 120 St., Surrey.

COMEDY Steve-O’s “Crash and Burn” multimedia tour comes to Surrey’s Bell Performing Arts Centre on Oct. 10. “What’s so fun about this new multimedia show is that you don’t just hear the ridiculous stories of my latest, dumbest, unbelievably naughty exploits… you see them happen for yourself… completely uncensored.” Info:

bellperformingartscentre.com, call 604-507-6355.

Biswa Kalyan Rath performs Oct. 24 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey. Indian standup comedian, writer and YouTuber came into prominence through the YouTube comedy series, Pretentious Movie Reviews, with fellow comedian Kanan Gill. Tickets: bellperformingartscentre.com, 604507-6355.

FUNDRAISERS “High Fashion & High Tea” fundraiser hosted by Options Community Services on Sunday, Oct. 5 at Empress Palace Ballroom in Newton, 1 to 5 p.m. with host Nira Arora and auctioneer Howard Blank.

“Indulge in an unforgettable experience in support of Options Community Services’ next local housing initiative.

Whether you’re coming for the couture, the cause, or the company, you won’t want to miss this feel-good, do-good event.”

Info: highfashionandhightea. ca or call Ginny Hasselfield, Director of Development, 778877-0108.

Autism Support Network Society’s 2nd Annual South Asian Gala on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Royal King Palace and Convention Centre in Surrey.

“This event is dedicated to raising awareness and fostering inclusion for individuals with autism within the South Asian community. Funds raised will support initiatives that promote early diagnosis, access to vital services, and increased community understanding of autism.” Info and tickets: autismsupportbc.ca.

COMMUNITY State of Newton event hosted

by Newton BIA on Thursday, Oct. 2 at Bombay Banquet Hall, 7475 135 St., Surrey, with keynote speaker Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO. Buffet lunch will be served at the event, free to attend. Register in advance on newtonbia.com/ program-listings/state-of-newton.

KIDS/YOUTH Youth Arts Council of Surrey (YACOS) is a branch of the Arts Council of Surrey run by youth for youth (ages 1321) who want to get involved in the local arts community, with talent shows, play-writing competitions, film festivals, fashion shows. Info: artscouncilofsurrey.ca/yacos, 604-594-2700, instagram.com/ youthartsca.

SASSY Awards: The Service Above Self Surrey Youth (SASSY) Awards, hosted by Semiahmoo Rotary in partnership with the City of Surrey, celebrate youth ages 15–21 who make positive contributions in their community. Nominations for the 2025 SASSY Awards are open until Oct. 10, ahead of event at Surrey City Hall on Nov. 28. Info: surrey.ca/newsevents/events/sassy-awards.

Band-Aid program for youth, Oct. 18 at Clayton Community Centre, 9:30am–7:30pm, free for ages 12–22. Do you want to take you or your band to the next level? Hang out with pros from the Canadian music scene for a full day of hands-on workshops, insider tips, and all things rock! Perfect for young musicians ready to make some serious noise.” Info: surrey.ca/ news-events/events/band-aid.

Youth Speak Up Forum at Surrey City Hall on Oct. 24:

Free admission for ages 13 to 18. “Join us at City Hall for a full day of workshops and activities to discuss community topics. This day-long forum provides a platform for youth to express your opinions and ideas to shape the future of the City of Surrey. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided and attendees will receive a certificate for participation.”

Info and registration: surrey. ca/news-events/events/youthspeak-forum.

ARTS & CULTURE Surrey’s Artswest Art Group meets on third Monday of every month (Sept. to May) at Newton Cultural Centre, 13570 72 Ave. Guests are welcome ($10); memberships are $35 annually. The club offers opportunities to connect with artists, six demos by professional artists, workshops, shows and more. Info: email wendy@artbywendy.com.

BOOKS/WORDS “A Feast of Mind Flow” with Fan Deng at Bell Performing Arts Centre, 2 p.m. Oct. 18 (in Mandarin). “China’s best book talker, Mr. Fan Deng, is coming to Vancouver. This time, he will still use his extensive knowledge and humorous speaking skills to bring a soul resonance and ultimate live flow experience to those of us who are concerned about family happiness, career advancement, spiritual growth and AI breakthroughs.” Info: 604-507-6355.

OPEN HOUSE KPU Open House 2025 on Oct. 4 at campus in Newton from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 12666 72 Ave., Surrey, Free. “Join us at our Surrey campus for hands-on demos, engaging stories, and tips on getting the most out of your time as a student at KPU. Representatives from the Future Students’ Office and KPU International will be on hand to answer all your questions and to help with your application, and registered guests will be entered to win incredible prizes, including free tuition.” Info: kpu.ca/openhouse.

HALLOWEEN Spooktacular Newton: Halloween-themed event hosted by Newton BIA on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Newton Town Centre, on 137 Street (between 72A and 74 Avenue) from 11 to 4 p.m., free for all ages, rain or shine.

Features trick-or-treating, mini

golf, haunted train rides, kid fun zone, face painting, food trucks, bouncy castles and games. Vendor applications close Oct. 6 on newtonbia.com.

Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors: In Newton, five massive haunted houses at this annual Halloween festival, with food & nightly stage shows, Oct. 3 to Nov. 8 at 12530 72 Ave., Surrey. Tickets and info: cougarcreekhouseofhorrors. com.

GALLERIES Surrey Art Gallery: Multiple art exhibits and related events at Bear Creek Park, 88 Ave./ King George Blvd. 604-5015566, Surrey.ca/artgallery.

Now featured: “20 Years of South Asian Arts: A Photographic Journey,” to Nov. 2; “Justen LeRoy: Lay Me Down in Praise,” to March 1, 2026; “Atheana Picha: Echoes,” to June 2027; “Sandeep Johal: It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see,” to June 2027.

Newton Cultural Centre features works by local artists at 13530 72 Ave., at venue of the Arts Council of Surrey. For calendar visit artscouncilofsurrey.ca, or call 604-594-2700.

Thursday Artist Talks: Events hosted by Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) on the first Thursday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Info: 604-501-5566, Arts. surrey.ca. On Facebook.surreyartgalleryassociation.

MOVIES/FILM “Broken Images” film screening at Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey on Sunday, Sept. 28. “A psychological thriller that rips the mask off a celebrity. Manjula Sharma is not a very successful Hindi short-story writer. She suddenly becomes wealthy and internationally famous by writing a best-seller in English.” Info: bellperformingartscentre.com/ event/broken-images.

Strawberry Hill Cineplex: 12161 72 Ave., Surrey. 604501-9400, cineplex.com.

WALKS/RUNS Surrey Trekkers Volksport Club: “A friendly walking club where everyone is welcome.

We have a proud heritage as an associate of International Volkssporting with regularly scheduled walks throughout the Lower Mainland.” Walks are on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, most statutory holidays. Info: surreytrekkers.com.

B4 Thursday, September 25, 2025

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NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS

$750K raised for Punjab floods Anna Burns

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A Newton-based radio station helped raise $750,000 for flood victims in Punjab, India as it is currently experiencing some of the worst flooding in decades.

Tejinder Singh, director of strategy and operations at Connect FM, said, “Punjab is facing a devastating crisis, with floods displacing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying villages, homes, agriculture, and livelihoods. In times like these, the Canadian Punjabi community has once again risen to the occasion. Our response is driven not only by our deep connection to Punjab as the land many once called home, but also by the Canadian spirit of helping people across the globe in their time of need.

Connect FM, in association with Dukhniwaran Gurdwara Sahib, Guru Nanak Food Bank, and Sanjha TV, hosted the radiothon on Monday, Sept. 8 at its Newton-based office (13376 Comber Way) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Over 70 volunteers at various positions throughout the day, including answering phone calls, taking cash donations at the entrance to the radio station and preparing donor lists. The volunteers from Guru Nanak Food Bank ranged in age from seven to 23 years old.

Giani Narinder Singh from Guru Nanak Food Bank said, “The community has donated generously, and due to the continuous support from the people, Connect FM and Sanjha TV will be together again on location next Sunday, September 14 at Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib in Surrey and sangat (people) will again have the opportunity to donate for the flood victims.”

Connect FM, in association with Dukhniwaran Gurdwara Sahib, Guru Nanak Food Bank, and Sanjha TV, hosted a radiothon on Sept. 8 to help flood victims in Punjab.

(Silvester Law/Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader) Even B.C. Premier David Eby made a special visit to the radiothon.

“The South Asian community is so generous in these times of stress and strain internationally and locally,” Eby said “It’s wonderful to see Connect FM listeners stepping up to make donations for the flood victims. It’s not a surprise for me to see Guru Nanak Food Bank so involved in this relief effort as they provided help during the floods in the Fraser Valley area in B.C. These are the people who always step up to help people in distress whether locally or internationally.”

The money will be delivered to Baba Sewa Singh at Khadoor Sahib in Punjab and will be used for “the rehabilitation of flood victims,” Connect FM said.

Baba Sewa Singh said, “The Sikh community stands firm in the face of any adversity and contributes generously. I thank the Indo-Canadian community for their donations during the radiothon.”

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Thursday, September 25, 2025 B5

NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS Air cadets program takes off at two Newton schools Surrey Now-Leader Staff

Two schools in Newton are home to training for members of 278 Cormorant Royal Canadian Air Cadets, a national youth program for teens that promotes leadership, teamwork and citizenship through activities like flying, gliding, survival training, marksmanship and public speaking.

Enrolment opened in September for activities Tuesday evenings at Princess Margaret Secondary and Wednesdays at Panorama Ridge Secondary, from September to June.

Signs posted around Surrey promote the squadron website surreycadets.ca.

278 Cormorant RCACS launched in 2017 and quickly took off to become “a large diverse squadron of over 100 cadets,” the website says.

“We welcome all teenagers from ages 12-18 to join our program.”

Prospective cadets must be at least 12 years of age to be eligible to register for the program, done in a partnership between the Department of National Defence (DND) and Air Cadet League of Canada.

Cadets are not, at any time, enrolled in the Canadian Forces, the

“However, those who decide to join the Forces later on start out with the advantage of having learned valuable skills through cadets, the web post adds. “Many successful military members were former cadets, like astronaut Chris Hadfield.”

There is no cost for mandatory training as prescribed by DND, but a fee of $60 per cadet helps cover expenses including facility rental (paid to the Air Cadet League of BC), plus another $275 for 278 squadron expenses (insurance, trophies and awards, name tags, plus band, drill and range teams, and more).

Cadets travel to one of 28 Summer Camps located in different parts of Canada, and selected cadets go on exchange trips to countries around the world. Locally, cadets often travel to areas across the Lower Mainland to Cadets of 278 Cormorant RCACS at an annual ceremonial review at Surrey City Hall on June participate in survival training, as well as training (and competitions) 8. (Photo/facebook.com/surreycadets) held at other squadrons and cadet website notes. Rather, they are they are not members. Cadets make corps. “Except in unique circumtaught by Canadian Forces officers absolutely no commitments regard- stances, all travel is free for cadets a curriculum designed and main- ing future military service and are and is organized and provided by the Department of National Detained by the Canadian Forces, but free to leave at any time.

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fence as part of the cadet program,” the squadron website notes.

“Cadets offers challenges, friendship and adventure. It’s an opportunity to expand your own horizons, contribute to your community and make friends for life. Many former cadets credit their participation in the program with giving them a head-start toward their successful careers.”

On June 8, cadets of 278 Cormorant RCACS participated in their annual ceremonial review at Surrey City Hall. The event celebrated the end of the 2024-2025 training year and gave cadets the chance to showcase the leadership, drill, aviation and instructional skills they developed throughout the year in front of family, officers and community members.

Photos posted on facebook.com/ surreycadets show cadets and special guests at the review including Maj. Randy Fisher, Capt. Rima Dickson, Mayor Brenda Locke, city councillor Rob Stutt, MPs Sukh Dhaliwal and Randeep Sarai, band instructor Bob Pratt, Nancy Chapman with Air Cadet League of BC and others.

B6 Thursday, September 25, 2025

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NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS A colourful, moving C-FACE Cultural Night in Newton Tom Zillich

A banquet hall in Newton was a very colourful place to be during a special Cultural Night hosted by C-FACE Society, an organization committed to preserving folk art and fostering cultural exchange.

Ultimate Banquet Hall was filled with traditional and folk dance performances representing more than a dozen coun-

tries including India, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Mexico, Venezuela, Scotland, Afghanistan, Philippines, Hawaii and more.

The invite-only event, held July 27, also featured showcases from First Nations, Métis, Polynesian, African, Korean Veterans and Filipino artists.

According to Madison Fleischer, director of stakeholder relations for C-FACE

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Society, or Canadian Folk Art + Culture Exchange, each group brought the spirit of their homeland to life through vivid costumes, rhythmic storytelling and deep cultural pride, leaving the audience both moved and energized.

“This night was about more than dance and music, it was a powerful reminder of who we are as a country,” Fleischer

said.

“It starts with honouring the deep roots of Indigenous Peoples on this land whose knowledge, traditions and stories have shaped what is now called Canada since time immemorial. From there, we embrace the richness of cultures that have come from around the world and contributed to our shared society.

“Multiculturalism isn’t just a value here, it’s quintessentially Canadian,” Fleischer added.

“And this celebration of diversity does not take away from Indigenous voices, it stands alongside Indigenous voices.

Seeing this come alive on one stage, in one room, with so

many communities represented — that’s something every Canadian should be proud of.”

Many politicians and public figures attended the event including MPs Sukh Dhaliwal, Ernie Klassen, Gurbux Saini and Sukhman Gill, MLAs Aaliya Warbus, Elenore Sturko, Steve Kooner, Jessie Sunner, Garry Begg and Amna Shah, Delta mayor George Harvie, city councillors Jessie Dosanjh and Dylan Kruger (Delta), Rosemary Wallace (Langley City), Pardeep Kooner (Surrey), Langley City deputy mayor Leith White and also Karin Kirkpatrick, Party Leader for Centre BC. “The strong turnout of dig-

nitaries underscored the importance of cultural celebration and civic unity,” Fleischer said.

“As the final notes faded and the curtain closed, one thing was clear: C-FACE Cultural Night 2025 was not just an evening of entertainment — it was a living example of Canadian multiculturalism in action. A celebration of identity, belonging, and unity, with a future as bright as the communities it brought together.”

The C-FACE Society team includes Fleischer, Srikanth Mogulala, Lisa Fleischer, Kanwaljit Manawala, Palakdeep Kaur, Tanveer Singh, Bhupinder Ladher and Amrit Dhot.

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C-FACE directors pose for a group photo with V’ni Dansi Metis Dance Ensemble during a Cultural Night event July 27 at Ultimate Banquet Hall in Surrey. (Contributed photos)

Performers during C-FACE Society’s Cultural Night event, held July 27 at Ulltimate Banquet Hall in Newton.

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Thursday, September 25, 2025 B7

NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS Heritage art to salute Surrey’s Early Japanese-Canadians Tom Zillich

Two parks in Surrey will be home to heritage features and integrated artworks celebrating Strawberry Hill’s Early Japanese-Canadians.

Surrey council has authorized staff to contract Ontario-based artist Kellen Hatanaka to complete sculptures for installation at R.A. Nicholson Park (site of “Stone Fruit”) and also Inouye Park (a cast bronze sculpture of a rural mailbox).

Both parks are in Newton, where early Japanese-Canadian farmers and community builders lived and worked, in the area known as Strawberry Hill.

Selected after an open artist call, Hatanaka’s heritage art works are funded by Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS), incorporated in 2022 following a $100-million commitment from the B.C. government to support the “historical wrongs framework” recommended by the National Association of Japanese Canadians’ BC Redress

Rendering of artist Kellen Hatanaka’s “classic rural mailbox” sculpture approved for Inouye Park in Surrey.

(City of Surrey/surrey.ca) Project.

At R.A. Nicholson Park (12140 75A Ave.), Kellen’s “Stone Fruit” heritage art will consist of a cast bronze strawberry box and stone strawberries arranged across the grass.

“The work references the legacy of Japanese Canadian farmers who worked the land in this neighbourhood devel-

oping a thriving berry growing community,” according to a corporate report authored by Laurie Cavan, Surrey’s general manager of Parks, Recreation & Culture.

“The spilled container represents the injustice of internment; the losses experienced by the community, and the way people were forcibly removed. One can imagine the

Heated shelters coming to two parks in Newton

injustice of their uprooting, dispossession, and internment,” according to a July 24 report approved by the city council.

“At the time of internment in 1942, Surrey’s Japanese Canadian population was about 500 residents.”

A project application dubbed “Strawberry Hill’s Early Japanese Canadians” was drawn up, and funding of $400,000 was secured from the JCLS. SHAC “enthusiastically endorsed” Kellen’s design proposal at a meeting on July 9, 2025, according to Cavan’s report to city council.

The total cost for the heritage features and integrated artworks is $280,000, and the JCLS will cover “100% of the project’s hard costs, with the City committing in-kind contributions valued at $58,000,” Cavan notes.

“The heritage features will be further complemented with additional heritage research, interpretive signage, community consultation, and a community celebration in 2026.”

SUKH DHALIWAL MP - SURREY - NEWTON 12992 76 Ave #202, Surrey, BC (604) 598-2200 https://www.sukhdhaliwalmp.ca/

Surrey Now-Leader Staff

New semi-enclosed heated shelters are being built at Chimney Heights and T.E. Scott parks, both in Newton.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke recently posted about the Chimney Heights Park project on social media channels.

“Through Focus Newton, we heard how important it is to have warm, accessible spaces where people can gather yearround,” Locke wrote on X. “Improvements like this may seem small, but they make a real difference in daily life — helping residents stay connected in every season.”

The heated shelters are among several Park Projects listed on the city’s website (surrey.ca). Cost, timeline and other details are not shown, but a sign at Chimney Heights Park shows a drawing of the heated shelter.

Meantime, city hall is planning a new park in South Newton at 58A Avenue and 142 Street.

The park is 1.6 hectares (3.9 acres) including portions

berries being knocked over in a panic as families tried their best to prepare for this traumatic situation. The work provides an accessible entry point into a difficult history, integrating seamlessly into the park environment.”

At Inouye Park, art representing “a classic, rural mailbox” will be installed.

“The mailbox is an instantly

recognizable symbol of rural and farm life, as well as the Japanese Canadian farming community that existed in this area. It also relates to the idea of home and land ownership. Furthermore, this feature informs residents of Mr. Inouye’s fight to reclaim his property through the writing of 80 letters to the Federal Government. Accompanying this sculpture will be a boulder and plaque with the text from one of Mr. Inouye’s letters.”

Dedicated in 2022, Inouye Park is a 44-acre “natural area park” located at 8985 Queen Mary Blvd., south of the original Inouye farm property.

In February 2024, a delegation from the JCLS presented a heritage sites funding opportunity (part of a larger funding framework) to the Surrey Heritage Advisory Commission (SHAC), which then recommended that City of Surrey staff apply for funding from the JCLS for a project “that connects residents to the legacy of Surrey’s early Japanese Canadians and confronts the

Surrey mayor and councillors with a sign advertising a new heated shelter at Chimney Heights Park in Newton. (Photo/x.com/SurreyMayor) under a hydro right-of-way across 58A Ave. Detailed design and construction drawings are due this fall.

“This area will benefit from a new public green space,” says a post on surrey.ca, which includes survey questions for residents.

“Our goal to create a space where people of all ages and abilities can play, explore, and connect, supported by accessible pathways that link the park to the surrounding community.”

Some “active amenities” have already been preselected for the new park in South Newton including multi-sport court (fenced court with basketball, hockey, and soccer nets) and playground. Also, “this park has been selected for a pilot leash-optional path,” the website notes. “The path will be fence-lined but not gated and separated by 58A Ave. This pilot will allow users to provide feedback to the city based on the new style of dog amenity.”

Stay connected with your Member of Parliament, Sukh Dhaliwal, for the latest government announcements and important updates affecting our community.

B8 Thursday, September 25, 2025

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MEET YOUR NEW

NEIGHBOUR! Say Hello to Anna and her Amazing Team at the Surrey-Boundary Park location!

CHARITY BBQ September 27, 2025 • 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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