Business owners in the 1400-block of Johnston Road are angry that reconstruction of the street – long characterized by dust from excavation,ubiquitousmetal fencing and one-way-only traffic – is going to drag on at least two months beyond what they were expecting.
Compounding their unhappiness with the city, they claim, is an information deficit in which they are not being adequately kept upto-date with progress on the construction,whichhasbeen impacting their businesses and their customer base negatively since the middle of March.
In one instance a business owner found out about the current delays only after reading about them in a comment on the city’s Facebook page – almost a full week after the information was originally posted.
Piya Sandhu, owner and
chief curator of The Handpicked Home (1406 Johnston Rd.), who has been one of the most vocal critics of theproject,saidsheonlysaw – and took a screenshot of – the posting on Sept. 5, at which time the Facebook date stamp showed it as having been up for six days. In response to a resident question about how long the project was going to continue, the City of White Rock had responded: “The JohnstonRoadprojectstarted at the end of March and will take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete. The project completion ETA is approximately October –end of November and any announcements on road openings will be shared on our social media and city website.”(The city has since posted an update to its websitestatingthattheareaisset to be reopened at the end of October).
19, 2024 (Vol. 49 No. 38)
Make ‘em laugh: Canadian stand-up veteran Dave Nystrom shares some thoughts about comedy and life as he gets set to headline the inaugural South Rock Comedy Festival. Catch him onstage Saturday. › see page A33
Policy changes could endanger streams, speakers say
Tom Zytaruk
Speakers roundly slammed proposed amendments to Surrey’s streamside protection bylaws and policy at a public hearing on Monday, Sept. 9, at city hall.
The intent of the amendments, based on a corporate report, was to require all of Surrey’s watercourse setbacks to conform to provincial and federal legislation and changes to Sensitive Ecosystems Development Permit requirements aimed at streamlining development application review timelines.
A vote on third reading was deferred to Surrey’s next council meeting (on Monday, Sept. 23). Staff concluded in that report the changes proposed would “streamline the processing of applications without compromising important environmental and public interest values, consistent with federal and provincial legislation and regulations.”
A dozen speakers at the public hearing opposed the amendments, with 10 letters also expressing opposition and three voicing “concern.”
South Surrey resident Kathy Takasaki told council that “in a time of climate crisis, reducing environmental protection makes no sense. Why do we want to go backwards?”
“The more super-adjacent development, the less flow of water for salmon and all the other aquatic species,” she said. “Houses are always going to be built, but we need to protect our sensitive natural areas.”
CANOPY COVER CONCERNS
Robert Winston also opposed the “loss of riparian margins” and asked council to “shoot for” a 40 per cent canopy cover.
“I’ve lived in Surrey for over 20 years, and it’s been a
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devastation of trees and our canopy,” he said. “The canopy we have is marginal, it’s below what is recommended for sure…and the trees that we lose impact health, both psychological and physical health of citizens, and this is a permanent degradation of that mitigating factor, the trees.”
Guildford resident Alison Ivens said the corporate report contains “only an unsupported conviction” there will be no adverse effect on the environment if the proposal is made law and noted the City of Surrey’s environment and climate change committee hasn’t had an opportunity to weigh in on the corporate report.
Dave Hayer, representing 55 property owners in Bridgeview, said ditches are now being designated as streams and with the housing shortage, he said it’s time council and the provincial government “reclassify” his area “and let development happen, because it’s been neglected for over six decades.”
Bob Gardner, representing Friends of McNally Creek, argued that the proposal is a “very poor idea. It violates Surrey’s commitment to fighting climate change.
“Changing setbacks to 30 metres from the top of the bank from Class A streams, which many of the local
streams are, to zero or less possibly half-way down the ravine seriously threatens Surrey’s canopy as under the amendment, most of the trees will be likely felled by developers and that will threaten the fish,” he told council.
“I cannot see where engineers who signed this proposal have brought to mayor and council’s attention the environmental damage it will cause, which I understand is their legal obligation.
“I also see no mention of the city’s potential liabilities ensuing from this potential amendment.
“What happened to our City of Parks?”
PUBLIC CONSULTATION WANTED
David Riley, president of the Little Campbell Watershed Society, said adopting the recommended policy change without public consultation “would not only be disrespectful toward the thousands of volunteers who have spent a good chunk of their life energy supporting riverine health in Surrey, it would also be disrespectful toward the Surrey decision-makers and staffers who have created a legacy by doing the very same for decades. And I include there the huge effort staff made to get us
to the policy we’re now talking about replacing.”
Deb Jack, of Surrey Environmental Partners, called the corporate report “seriously flawed.”
“There is no transparency,” she charged. “It is for the benefit of the few to the detriment of the many. There’s been no consultation beyond giving this idea to the development advisory committee, all of which are going to benefit if this happens.”
“How much will be destroyed?” Jack asked. “Surrey is going from a leadership position to mediocre if indeed they accept this.”
She echoed Riley’s comments. “Without the buffer that exists now, fish won’t thrive. It is an enormous loss projected of carbon sink. It renders years of community planning and consultation obsolete, alienating many citizen volunteers.
“It degrades, it destroys, it goes backwards.”
Annie Kapps, a North Surrey resident, has lived in this area for 80 years. “I come from a time when Bear Creek used to run up 132nd Street and we children saw salmon spawning and now that creek in so many areas is underground, where all around the world we see creeks and streams being daylighted.
“I think that this should be rejected,” she said of the proposed amendments.
Kevin Purton, of Surrey Environmental Partners, said the staff report supports “an alarming 40 per cent misappropriation of some of the most environmentally bio-diverse lands in Surrey.”
“I’m a member of the Environment and Climate Change Committee,” he added. “We haven’t been presented with this report. Our terms of reference in effect state we should be used as a sounding board
Continued on A4
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The Little Campbell River, seen here in a file photo when the Department of Fisheries and Oceans worked with community members to relocate thousands of stranded juvenile coho salmon, is one of the Surrey watersheds that residents voiced concerns about at the Sept. 9 council meeting. (Jaeger Mah photo/Contributed to Black Press Media)
City of Surrey will revisit the issue on Monday, Sept. 23
Continued from A3
for council with any environmentally pertinent being referred to the committee by council for our feedback. In fact, during the current twoyear term, I can’t recall that ever happening. We’ve had meetings cancelled and one recently due to no items on the agenda to discuss. There is a feeling our best efforts and intentions are being minimized.”
PROPOSAL
‘DEVASTATING’: FORMER MAYOR
Former Surrey mayor Bob Bose, who did not speak at the public hearing, calls the proposal “devastating”in that all told there’s maybe a 1,000 acres of land that’s involved here by reducing the setbacks.
$6 billion. Well, it’s at least $6 million an acre if you were to try to buy those lands. It’s somewhere between $2 billion and $6 billion probably, so that’s a huge loss to the city in value.”
Bose maintains “there’s not been a proper evaluation of the impact of all of this.”
Later in the meeting, when bylaws related to the proposed amendments came before council for a third and then final reading, Mayor Brenda Locke asked council to send it back to staff “to provide clarification regarding some of the information in this report.”
staff make a presentation to the committee this week.
“That would be helpful as well,” he said.
“I don’t know if that would be doable,” Locke replied.
Coun. Pardeep Kooner asked if it’s possible for staff to “just respond to some of the general comments that were made instead of delaying this any further? We’ve been discussing this for over a year now.”
The matter was back up for third and final adoption, with Bose, Annis and Locke opposed.
City Clerk Jennifer Ficocelli noted that the Official Community Plan bylaw requires five members to have voted in support for it to pass, and only four did.
“The setbacks represent an amenity contribution to the c ity. What they’re doing is transferring a public asset –because those setbacks are a public asset – they’re transferring it, without compensation, to the private sector, to say nothing about the fact those watercourses and those setbacks may be absolutely necessary to deal with the effect of climate change, storm surges and all the rest of it,” Bose said. “If it’s 1,000 acres, it has a market value of maybe
Coun. Linda Annis asked that it be put before the environmental and climate change committee because “there’s a lot of people on that committee that have some really sage advice about the environmental issue, so I’d love to hear more from them.”
City manager Rob Constanzo said it could “certainly” be put before the committee “but we would require direction from council to move forward accordingly.”
As Coun. Gordon Hepner had left earlier in the meeting to respond to a family emergency and Coun. Harry Bains stepped out, that vote failed, resulting in the readings being deferred to council’s next meeting set for Sept. 23.
Meantime, council had voted in March to require all watercourse setbacks to align with federal and provincial legislation.
Locke replied her motion wasn’t intended “to do something that would trigger anything what would re-ignite a public hearing.”
Coun. Mike Bose asked that
A related corporate report was presented to council on March 11
Everyone OK after overnight house fire in South Surrey
Tricia Weel
Residents of a home in South Surrey’s Ocean Park neighbourhood were able to get out safely after a fire started late Sunday night.
The blaze started around 10 p.m., Sept. 15, Surrey Fire Service assistant chief Mike McNamara said Monday (Sept. 16).
“We’re unsure on the cause of the fire at this point. (Firefighters) suspect it was on the ground floor,” he said, noting firefighters were able to attack the blaze from the front door.
‘The fire and smoke worked its way upstairs, but everyone got out – there were no injuries.
“One male patient was treated for some smoke inhalation…
the smoke alarms alerted them and everyone managed to get out.”
Firefighters knocked down the fire in just over a halfhour, but remained on scene until about 1 a.m., he added, to ensure any hot spots were out.
An investigator was scheduled to be on scene Monday to try to determine the cause of the fire.
Everyone inside this South Surrey home got out safely after a fire started Sunday night, Sept. 5. (Tricia Weel/ Peace Arch News)
B.C. deserves better
So far, it seems like B.C.’s two major party leaders have more or less the same message for voters: “Don’t vote for the other guy.”
B.C. NDP Premier David Eby and B.C. Conservative Party leader John Rustad are busy pointing fingers at each others’ parties, being sure to hammer home to voters all the reasons why the “others” are scary.
Has anyone counted how many times Rustad has used the word “radical”to describe Eby and the NDP? What about the number of times Eby has framed the election as a “stark”choice between the NDP and the far-right fringe?
Honestly, if we turned those two talking points into a drinking game and took a shot for every time we hear one or the
other, no British Columbian would be sober enough to get themselves to a polling station on Oct. 19.
The very real question now is how many British Columbians are going to bother voting at all.
The current climate of scapegoating and fearmongering could very well have a negative impact on voter turnout.
Sure, the spectre of the scary “other”may well work to get a few folks to the polls – at least the minority of diehards on either side who will be appropriately triggered by the idea that the “bad guys”might win.
The problem, however, is that the vast majority of voters probably aren’t those people.
For the British Columbians who occupy the vast central ground of the political spec-
trum – who consider themselves neither hard left nor hard right – the polarizing rhetoric may well be enough to make them throw their hands up in despair. They may choose to just tune out and stay home rather than try to wade through the wild accusations and counter-accusations that have cast a verging-on-Trumpian pall over political discourse in this province.
There are plenty of real issues that deserve real answers – overstretched hospitals, overcrowded schools, the toxic drug crisis, housing affordability, crime and safety, just to name a few.
But when the overriding message from both major party leaders seems to be that “you should vote for me because at least I’m not him” — well, the real solutions seem farther away than ever.
British Columbians deserve better.
Leaders need to get serious about Surrey school crisis
One critical issue for voters to consider as the provincial election nears is education.
Surrey is B.C.’s largest school district. Yet it continues to struggle with many issues – lack of classroom space, inadequate funding from the province and, most notably, a strong influx of students that continues year after year.
The current education minister is Surrey-Green Timbers MLA Rachna Singh, who is seeking re-election in the new riding of Surrey City Centre. One would think that she would be fully aware of all these issues, given that her constituents are experiencing them first-hand.
Yet she rarely addresses the unique challenges found in Surrey.
tunity. The very experienced trustees have made strong and reasonable cases for help from the province, but the response is mostly silence.
the surface.
The board of education is very aware of the issues faced by students, teachers and parents, and brings them up at every oppor-
This provincial ignorance is nothing new. Surrey students have faced a lack of classroom space since growth first began in earnest in the 1940s. Each successive government – Coalition, Social Credit, NDP, Social Credit, NDP, BC Liberal and now NDP again – has been very slow to realize the depth of the problem. On dozens of occasions, the province has pleaded poverty.
This month, several thousand new students flocked to schools. Overall enrolment is about 85,000. Yet the province has refused to fund new portable classrooms. In a few high schools, the school day has been extended to make better use of the classroom space, but this only scratches
Just last week, trustees discovered that an 800-seat addition to Fleetwood Park Secondary won’t go to tender until 2026. This despite the architect saying it could proceed more quickly.
“It doesn’t make any sense. I don’t think it makes any sense to any of the board, to be quite honest with you. Here we are in a crisis as far as having students in classrooms and then we see that an agreed-to addition has a date that it goes to tender in 2026? This isn’t expediting anything. This is, as far as I can see, actually rolls it back,” said a frustrated trustee Terry Allen.
Trustee Laurae McNally was a relatively new trustee the last time a Surrey MLA (Bill Vander Zalm) was education minister, in 1983. She noted that large buildings in the days of the Roman Empire, notably the famed Colosseum in Rome, were planned and built faster than some new schools in Surrey.
Some students lost bus transportation this month because the board had to cut funds to shore up other areas of the budget. Portables are not the only item funded. Inflation, a pressing problem for everyone, is not funded. There is no doubt that the high cost of land and limited availability of it creates some additional pressures in building new schools in Surrey. However, there are innovative ideas out there about putting some schools on several floors of larger commercial buildings located near parks and playing fields. Where is the leadership from Victoria on any of these issues?
Voters, as they consider which candidates to vote for, should give plenty of thought to the fundamental needs of students. If we as a society are truly concerned about the coming generations, adequate education facilities and funding are a must.
Frank Bucholtz writes twice a month on political issues for Black Press Media publications.
Frank Bucholtz …and frankly
Renee and Walter Nelson (on the right in the dark swim suits) at Crescent Beach with a group of friends in 1933. Irene Maccaud Nelson – Renee to her friends – sold her property to the city to become the park that still bears her name. (White Rock Museum and Archives/Contributed to Peace Arch News)
Please drive with care
Editor,
It has been three months since I was run over by a car on my daily walk in the neighbourhood. I still have many months until my recovery is complete and have been told that there will be residual chronic pain. My family has been through a roller coaster of emotions and has suffered trauma as well.
During my time at both Royal Columbian and Peace Arch hospitals, I encountered many kind and dedicated nurses, doctors and hospital staff who helped me along my road to recovery, not to mention my family, friends and neighbours to whom I am very grateful. Without these people in my life, my outcome could have been a lot different.
I would like to remind drivers that driving is a privilege, not a right.
Also remember, when you are at the wheel of a vehicle, you are driving a heavy piece of equipment that could cause major damage or death to a pedestrian. Since my encounter with that driver on that day, I have seen many cases where pedestrians were almost hit. There is no acceptable reason not to take due care when at the wheel of your car.
You may not know the lasting consequences your lack of attention or your speeding can cause another human being.
D. Bourdages, White Rock
Parking ticket was unexpected
Editor,
On a recent visit to White Rock to a friend on Finlay Street, seeing only residential parking spaces, I drove up to Ash Street.
I looked very closely for signage and seeing none, I parked my car. So it was disappointing to see a ticket on my windshield. How in the world was I to know about this six-metre rule? (“No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle on the paved portion of a roadway where the pavement is six metres or less in width.”) There was no signage.
I had parked carefully over toward the grass, which appeared to be (and was, I found out) private property. I later found out I could have got a ticket for that!
I hope you will consider improving your signage soon.
Helen Gowans, Vancouver
‘Bold decision’ was correct Policing issue isn’t over yet
Editor, Re: Planning of development in White Rock
There is always a discontent from few residents about even the reasonable development proposal to the planning department of the City of White Rock. Same vocal residents are always writing to the editor in the Peace Arch News, and they attend public hearings to disrupt the meeting and many of them live outside the affected area.
I agree with this bold decision by the mayor and the council and a step forward to enhance the development of smaller units on the suitable lots. This will reduce the municipal approval time for building permit and construction. The planning can simplify the approval process.
There is no need for public hearing for smaller lot development. Presently the approval process is too long, and it increases the cost per unit. This may help the municipalities such as White Rock who are always short of qualified staff.
In addition, the construction industry has to adjust to high interest rates to move the economy again. We are all adjusting to the high interest rates.
The small City of White Rock has no clout with the provincial government to receive more infrastructure grants. The historical City of White Rock by the sea is a unique model, but the low tax base can only be sustained with effective planning and provincial support
Nirmal S .Takhar, White Rock
Editor,
The 25 July column by Frank Bucholtz on Surrey policing really nails it, but there is more than can be added to the saga.
Ivan Scott and his team fought long and hard for a referendum but were ignored in turn by Horgan (a provincial premier), Farnworth (a provincial safety minister) and Eby (a provincial party leader and would-be-yet-to-be elected provincial premier). That these NDP individuals would choose to support one person with a grudge over the notion of asking the people (voters) want they want is disgraceful.
As it stands, we have the NDP police force – a stigma that will stick for a long time to come – set to assume power in November with their inferior training and lack of experience.
In October, We the People will finally have our say and it will be interesting to see how the incoming government will deal with this NDP-created farce. It’s not over until the people say it’s over.
David Peelo, Surrey
Save Surrey’s tree canopy
Editor,
I was in attendance at the City of Surrey council meeting on Monday, Sept. 9, and found it very troubling.
As we saw in the last administration, our canopy and stream protection is being threatened. The city is proposing that we allow development of 40 per cent of our riparian stream and river protection margins; that is, to reduce the protective margin from 50 metres to 30 metres. This will turn our streams and rivers into drainage channels and reduce the absorption of rainwater.
Cities like Seattle, Toronto and Los Angeles are daylighting or increasing the green margins to increase absorption of this water into aquifers because they are trying to reduce flood damage and preserve aquifer water storage
while opening habitat for trees, plants, fish and other wildlife.
This ongoing greenspace loss by the City of Surrey has been a policy to favour developers’profits while resulting in more environmental inequity. The City of Surrey is reported by Metro Vancouver to have a canopy cover of 26 per cent canopy for 2020, down from 33 per cent in 2001, a significant loss.
My observations support a significant mature tree loss since developers are not incentivized by the city to preserve trees. Consultation with the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee is essential.
As you know, our mature trees protect us from excessive heat, mitigate water runoff, reduce pollution, provide
wildlife habitat, stabilize banks and provide positive physical and mental health benefits to humans. The other concern is that what canopy is present is distributed more heavily in higher-income neighbourhoods.
The opposite should be the case –that is, the city should provide more greenspace and canopy to lower-income areas as they have higher levels of stress.
The damage done by this reduction in stream and river protection margins will be permanent, and the climate emergency is not improving.
Don’t let the City of Surrey harm our habitat. Call or write to mayor and council – clerks@surrey.ca
Robert Winston, Surrey
The Little Campbell River (seen here in a file photo from 2021) is one of the waterways that could be affected by changes to stream protection regulations in Surrey. (Christy Juteau/Peace Arch News files)
City criticized for information lag on construction project
Sandhu said she immediately commented on the post: “City of WhiteRockthisprojectwent from having a September timeline to the huge jump of Oct –end of Nov?? When were the businesses & White Rock BIA notified of this?”
Sandhutold Peace Arch News her comment elicited a phone call, shortly afterwards, from a White Rock city staff member, who told her they “had just received notice of the delays this weekandanemailwouldgoout to the businesses today.”
“However it is clear from the (Facebook) date stamp that noticewasreceived,attheveryleast, on Aug. 29, the week before,” she said.
“I haven’t seen any urgency fromthecityonthis,”sheadded, notingthatwalk-intradeisvital to the success of her business.
“(Yet) this project will determine whether my business succeeds of fails in the next few months,”she said.
“It’s absolutely destroying us – you can’t budget for this, or schedule around this.
“It is enraging to business owners that it feels as though no one from city hall gives any trueimportancetoaprojectthat
hasturnedthiscityupsidedown, duringoneof itsbusiestseasons – summer – and is now going to encroachtheholidayseason,the onlyseasonfortheretailindustry totryandrecouplossesfroman already excruciating year,” she told PAN
Sandhu said she knows that many other business owners in the block feel as she does, although not all have been as forthcoming as she has been.
She said she has pleaded, to no avail, for compensation for businesses, tax breaks or “at the very least an elimination in fees forsignageandbusinesslicences for the year.”
She is also dismayed that the White Rock BIA, which she understood was to provide a liaison role between business owners and the project, has not been kept in the loop about the current delays.
“Businesses are up in arms about it, and rightly so,” commented Coun. Ernie Klassen, himself a lower Johnston Road business owner, who voted against proceeding with the reconstruction–alongwithCoun. Christopher Trevelyan and Coun. David Chesney – when the $3.06 million construction contractcamebeforecouncilon
Feb. 12.
The project was approved on that date, with Mayor Megan Knight, and councillors Bill Lawrence, Elaine Cheung and Michele Partridge voting in favour.
At that time, city engineering and municipal operations director Jim Gordon had recommended one lane of the street be kept open, and in response to questions from Chesney, said that business owners had expressed significant worries about the project.
Klassen had also argued for a “reprieve” for businesses on Johnstonforayearortwo(Phase 1 of Johnston’s redevelopment, from North Bluff to Russell, hadimpactedthestreetformost of 2018), while Trevelyan said that while infrastructure in the lower section was aging, it was notviewedbystaff asa“critical” priority.
“WhatI’mseeingis$3million to redevelop one half of one block,”Trevelyan said.
“Mainly buildings from the 1950s that will eventually be redeveloped…it’snotapriorityfor metospendthatkindof money onasidewalkthatwillgetripped up again in the future.”
The project aimed to upgrade
emails to businesses, has posted regular updates to the Johnston Roadinfrastructurepage,35socialmediaposts,andsentemails and letters to the White Rock BIA.
and upsize storm and sanitary sewers as well as replace and upsize watermains, and replace sidewalks on the east side of Johnstontoimproveaccessibility, removetrippinghazardsandprovide an improved northbound transit stop.
Peace Arch News reached out to the city about the current delay, and was directed to an updated posting on the city’s website, on the Johnston Road Infrastructure page.
The update – which appeared Sept.11–states:“JohnstonRoad is expected to re-open in both directionsbytheendof October.
“Theprojecthasencountereda number of challenges related to historic construction work that wasnotproperlyreportedtothe City,”the update adds.
“The accumulation of these
challenges and recent subsurface conditions have impacted the original September 2024 completion date.
The current schedule of reopening the road by the end of October is in line with original projections for a one-lane construction zone.”
The city is hosting a “coffee chat” to keep business owners informed about the project on Sept.25,from9to10a.m.,atthe WhiteRockCommunityCentre.
City communications and government relations manager Robyn Barra told Peace Arch News Monday that the city has heldfourcoffeechatsontheproject so far and has changed the meetingtimeto9a.m.tobemore convenient for business owners.
Sheaddedthat,sincetheproject began, the city has sent 25
Acommissionaire,includedin the contract with the construction company, has been on-site andcommunicateswithallbusinesses regularly, she said. These measures have been taken to “ensure a collaborative and effective approach to communication,playingacrucialrole in shaping the city’s approach totheconstructionprocess,”she said.
Incommentsreceivedlatelast week, Trevelyan said that while heknowsstaff andconstruction crews are trying to complete the work as fast as possible, he feels communicationswithbusinesses aboutthesenewdelayscouldbe improved.
“I also question the recent messaging that it was always an eight month-plus project when the staff report council received explicitlystateditwouldonlybe six months,”he said.
“For the sake of our local businesses, it’s imperative that parking and two-way traffic is restored before the start of the holiday shopping season.”
Construction work on the Johnston Road Phase 2 infrastructure upgrade, seen here at the end of March, is dragging on longer than expected, and businesses aren’t happy. (Alex Browne/Peace Arch News files)
A White Rock man has been charged with 64 crimes following a Surrey RCMP Property
Of those, 20 charges involve failing to comply with probation and six for failing to comply with a release order.
Police started their investigation on June 6 into the theft of garage door opener that were later used to get into residences.
Matthew Soper, 38, was arrested on July 10, charged with possessing stolen property over $5,000 and breaching a court order.
“Subsequent to Soper’s arrest, a search warrant was
mined to be stolen from those residential break-and-enters including a large quantity of sunglasses, body armor, golf clubs and identification documents.”
He was charged with 64 offences on Aug. 1, including seven counts of break-andenter, five counts of auto theft, two counts of theft over $5,000, six counts of theft under $5,000, six counts of possessing ID documents, seven counts of possessing stolen property under $5,000, five
…on the Semiahmoo Peninsula
‘Desperate need’: Cultural food hub struggles to stay afloat
Sobia Moman
A single mother of three, a father with his teenage son, an elderly couple, a group of unhoused people and many new immigrant families gather every Wednesday and Friday outside a building in Surrey to get their groceries for the week, at no cost.
Through the front gate, on any given day, you can see groups of seniors gathered for events, children running around during the summer and other people attending their scheduled counselling sessions inside the small office building.
Seeing the lot void of all these people is hard to imagine for anyone who’s visited the site, but that may be exactly what’s on the horizon, as the group that runs the space inches towards closure.
MEET KINGDOM ACTS FOUNDATION
Kingdom Acts Foundation is a catch-all organization functioning out of the city’s Whalley neighbourhood for a large and growing BIPOC-majority community. It runs a food bank that offers household supplies and toys for children, and it also runs several programs for individuals and families, including summer camps for youth and dedicated evenings for single mothers and seniors.
“We saw a huge need that was really, really serious in Surrey. A lot of crimes, homelessness, drug addiction,” Godwin Ude, the founder of Kingdom Acts, told Black Press Media while providing a tour of the space.
Kingdom Acts has been serving Whalley and the broader community for 14 years, operating out of the same building location for almost a decade.
Its food bank originated from a desire to offer different cultural foods – something that was important to Ude after people started coming to him looking for a diverse range of food that was not readily available at other food bank locations in 2016.
With Whalley’s population being very culturally diverse, Ude said the service contin-
ues to become more popular each week.
“We realized that families actually want the food that they grew up with, especially new immigrants with kids from Syria, from Afghanistan, from Iran and Iraq and even from African countries,” Ude explained.
“They might be suffering in silence by not talking about the desire for them to actually eat the kinds of foods that they’re used to.
“They tell us, ‘I saved $700 this month from coming here.’ For some people, this is the only grocery store they go to. We can’t turn them away because food is a fundamental right.”
The food bank opens twice a week at 9 a.m. Many begin lining up outside the fence long before that, which shows the level of “desperate need”for the people Ude services, he said, as the demand often outweighs the supply.
The demand makes the possibility of the centre closing even more disheartening in this small area in Surrey.
“We can’t shut this down. The number of people needing food increases every week. Right now we can’t
even keep up with the demand because the people that come here are telling everyone and we don’t have a gatekeeper asking for documents or ID. We don’t do that, that’s not fair,” the founder explained.
“How can you tell someone who drove, who took the SkyTrain, who braved the weather, who lined up here for two hours — because some of them come in as early as 5 a.m. and they line up here. Some of them even come the night before.
“How can you tell them they don’t need food?”
CHANGING NEIGHBOURHOOD
The threat facing Kingdom Acts is two-fold – rising rent prices and development of the neighbourhood.
It has always been a pinch for the foundation to afford rent, but with inflation, it’s only getting worse.
“We worked on this place. It was a junk and we took care of it,” Ude stressed, looking around one of the storage rooms on the morning of a busy distribution day.
The clients – many of
whom are seniors and families with children – are lined up, perusing the selection of foods as they choose what they would like to take home. None of them realize their weekly routine of stopping by the centre may come to an end in the near future.
Ude fears the group will be pushed out by the pattern of development that’s changing the landscape of the area.
Tenants now face the prospect of low-income housing being demolished for highrise development.
While residential and office towers abound, some feel community services haven’t been given as much emphasis.
As an example, Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre does not have a swimming pool and will not have one, site plans for the updated centre to be constructed indicate.
“If housing is not taken care of, if the community centre is not established, where can parents take their kids here?” Ude said.
Kingdom Acts has stepped in to try to fill the void with camps aimed at residents of the Whalley area – a large portion of whom are low-in-
come families that may not be able to afford the other camp services available.
THE TURNING POINT
Initially, Ude was operating some services at a much smaller scale out of Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre.
It was at first a place for youth to come together for pizza every Sunday, bounce around on a trampoline and enjoy the occasional barbecue during warm weather.
Shortly after that work began in Surrey, a crisis changed everything.
A 16-year-old boy who had been in foster care told Ude that his foster dad was trafficking drugs and roped him into it early on. The teen had gone to jail and done “many things” he wasn’t proud of, he said.
“He asked for help, but I said we couldn’t help him more than we did every weekend. He needed a place to come into at any time.
“That very discussion kept me awake during the night, thinking about how many people are like him.
“Young people who are living in these streets in
Whalley who are in need of a place they can walk in and ask for help.”
It was not easy, but eventually Ude was able to create Kingdom Acts Foundation. He realized that while services to support people socioeconomically in the area are important, so are spaces to foster community.
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
None of it could have been possible without community involvement.
“We had people ready to work. That’s the thing, if you do something good, you’ll be shocked at how many people want to be a part of it. Some of these street people are skillful and they helped. We did the drywall, the painting, the carpentry and we fixed this place,” he recalled.
“Women, children, the unhoused, everybody worked.” That same community involvement still powers Kingdom Acts, as all its volunteers are clients who stepped up to help. The handful of people who stepped up years ago created the space that now benefits thousands.
“One day, they just saw a group and started getting everyone together to line up and started handing out numbers. We never asked them to do that,” Ude said, smiling at the community that naturally formed in the small lot.
One of those volunteers is Fawzi, a father of two daughters who came to Canada as a refugee from Syria, now in Surrey struggling to provide for his family. Fawzi began using the food bank for his family four years ago and is now the No. 1 volunteer running the space on pickup days, Ude shared proudly.
“Before, it was 45 people, then after COVID, it’s more than 100. Before, it was only immigrants from Syria, Afghanistan, the Middle East, but now look, it’s everyone, even those born in Canada,” said Fawzi, who did not want his surname published.
Another client, Od Okonkw, a mother, says many individuals, including herself, save a lot of money
Pickup days at Kingdom Acts’ food bank are often busy, requiring the help of volunteers, who are also clients themselves. (Sobia Moman/Peace Arch News)
“There’s a lot of people who benefit from it because it’s open. You can just walk in and get food,” Okonkw said.
Kingdom Acts, the large proportion of people are local to the Whalley area. This shows how dire the need is in the area and why closing is not an option, Ude said.
“You’re talking about creating a barrier in Whalley, which is the centre of homelessness. What kind of a barrier am I going to create here?
$10,000 or $1,000 for the next year, so that’s the state we’re in right now. We are in the state where there is no commitment from the city, no commitment from the province, no commitment from any type of funding.”
When Ude learned from some students, namely international ones, that they were unable to access the food bank during its morning weekday times due to attending classes, the founder began allowing the students to pickup food items on Sunday mornings instead.
Lilia Roxas, a grandmother who has been using Kingdom Acts’ food bank since the beginning and began helping with food distribution four years ago, says that everyone, including herself, “goes home happy.”
“But we don’t know if we’ll be here next year, no one is saying ‘We’re supporting this.’”
FUNDING UNCERTAIN
Part of the struggle, Ude said, is that Kingdom Acts is not the only food bank in Surrey, so often when he applies for funding or appeals for support, he is met with the response that government and corporation funding already goes towards a food bank.
“This is our community. We do take some but we also want to give back,” Fawzi shared.
While many people come from other areas of the Lower Mainland to access the different offerings of
Some funding comes through the federal government, such as 50 per cent for the van the organization uses to drive around and pick up products. However, Ude says the funds are unreliable and change year-to-year, requiring many costs to be covered still out of pocket.
Currently, yearly expenses total to nearly $100,000 for Kingdom Acts Foundation to stay afloat. “We don’t know if we’re going to get
However, many people who rely on Kingdom Acts do not visit other food banks, including many who commute to the Whalley location from different municipalities, the director shared, because of their specific cultural food needs. This is why Ude says he will not give up. With donations or new grants that may arise, he hopes the centre will stay.
See kingdomactsfoundation.com.
Kids play outside on-site of Kingdom Acts Foundation during a warm, sunny day, attending a youth camp the centre operates. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
Even during a 2023 snowstorm, many people still turned out to the centre. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
Surrey trustees take aim at ministry for lengthy school builds
Sobia Moman
Surrey school trustees took the B.C. Ministry of Education to task over the process of building new schools at their first board meeting of the new year.
At the regular school board meeting for September on Wednesday night (Sept. 11), the agenda was slim, but a note about the addition planned and funded at Fleetwood Park
Secondary got some trustees “fired up.”
The project, announced in August for an 800-student addition, is scheduled to go to tender in 2026, which trustee Terry Allen said is not early soon enough.
“I mean, there’s three months left of this year, so surely there’s got to be some set of plans – you don’t have to create some sort of cathedral sort of architecture for an extension, and yet here we go to tender, to tender in 2026 and we have barely any room in our schools for students as it sits right now,” Allen said to capital projects executive director Dave Riley.
“There’s no way that we can expedite any of that? Or is it all written in stone that Moses comes down with the tablets of stone and that’s the way it is?
“It doesn’t make any sense. I don’t think it makes any sense to any of the board, to be quite honest with you. Here we are in a crisis as far as having students in classrooms and then we see that an agreed-to addition has a date that it goes to tender in 2026? It makes no sense to me whatsoever. This isn’t expediting anything.
“This is, as far as I can see, actually rolls it back.” Riley, in response, said that the architect for the construction project had a similar point to Allen’s and in-
of which are in Surrey as a replacement to portable classrooms.
The modulars have heating, air conditioning, better access to resources and have classrooms all attached together, in comparison to separate portables.
“Modular, there’s a lot of good they do for us. They get things done quickly, they get us more seats on a quicker basis,”Holmes said.
sisted that step could be achieved sooner, leading the district to revise the schedule and go back to the ministry for approval.
School board chair Laurie Larsen said trustees are worried about rising costs for materials and labour if the process to build schools continues to be so lengthy.
“We went through that exact thing with Grandview Secondary, where we had it all ready to go, then by the time it was tendered, it was $10 to $20 million more that ultimately the province had to pay because of the escalation,” trustee Bob Holmes said.
A realistic timeline to build a school is four years when the actual timeline is typically five, Riley shared, to which trustee Gary Tymoschuk replied that the process is being “dragged out.”
School board members say more schools and additions are needed, and needed at a faster rate.
“The Romans planned and built the Colosseum in Rome in just under eight years. I look at some of these secondary schools and it will be over eight years from the time we put them on the list with the government to when they open the doors,”trustee Laurae McNally said, noting Allen’s comments had
gotten her “all fired up.”
In recent months, the provincial government has announced prefabricated additions to be installed at many schools, several
“They’re not everything they’re said to be, they’re not going to be done as quickly as was hoped, they don’t provide all that a proper, built addition or a new school does, there’s definitely some shortfalls there and there’s not new seats either.
“When a modular simply replaces a portable and we’re at a point in our budget where we can’t afford to move portables anymore, you’re not getting any new seats.
“The modular is very welcome, very appreciated, but it’s actually not new seats if it’s only replacing a portable that we then can’t even afford to move and right now, from my understanding, that is not being funded for us. We’re on our own in trying to move those portables, and we simply cannot afford it anymore.
“We still need additions, we still need new schools.”
her in my truck! I realized quickly threwherinmytruck!Irealizedquickly he was talking about the plant and not my hewastalkingabouttheplantandnotmy panicking mother in-law Locally grown panickingmotherin-law.Locallygrown Garden mums in 10” pots. Gardenmumsin10”pots.
20 years ago we became famous for offering cheap daffodils. 20years agowebecamefamousforoffering cheapdaffodils. We may have started a few daffodil farms unknowingly Some mayhavestarted fewdaffodilfarmsunknowingly.Some things just don’t change, prices go up a bit, but somehow
Big, beautiful bulbs in bags of 50. Big,beautifulbulbsinbagsof50.
Good sized Mums in 4” pots. GoodsizedMumsin4”pots. Use one or two to freshen up Useoneortwotofreshenup
At the first school board meeting back for the 2024-25 school year, trustees criticized the provincial government for the school building process. (Surrey Schools photo)
Tracy Holmes
The BC Financial Services Authority has found a Surrey real estate agent liable for misconduct, for manipulating a client into selling her home.
According to the BCFSA, Ismail Jamal Jinnah committed professional misconduct and conduct unbecoming a licensee, in connection with a pair of “separate but related”transactions in June 2015 in which he “pressured and manipulated” his client to switch properties with another individual.
In a summary of the decision shared by the authority on Sept. 4, BCFSA says Jinnah “took advantage of his client, who was vulnerable because she was in a close relationship with him and trusted him.”
He also failed to disclose the nature of the representation he was providing to the client; promptly and fully disclose any conflict of interest; act in the best interest of a client and act honestly and with reasonable care and skill; and disclose all known material information to a client, the summary continues.
“The licensee exploited his personal relationship with a
client, while being in a position of trust and influence, in a manner that can only be described as predatory,” said Jonathan Vandall, vice-president of compliance and enforcement at BCFSA.
“Pressuring or manipulating a client in order to sell a property or earn higher commission is conduct that falls alarmingly short of the professional standards that BCFSA expects licensees to uphold.”
According to the BCFSA decision, the misconduct occurred while Jinnah was working with RE/MAX Blueprint Realty, located at 15288 54A Ave.
The complaint was received by the Real Estate Council of B.C. in September 2018.
Jinnah, the decision states, pressured a client into selling her detached home – despite her telling him she did not want to sell – and buying the purchaser’s townhome.
He also told her he’d be charging above-market commission on the sale of her home “because of the value of his work.”
The transactions were the first two of Jinnah’s real es-
tate career, the decision notes. He represented himself in the proceeding.
The client who was pressured testified that she is an insurance agent, and had been involved in four real-estate transactions prior to those at issue in the hearing. She purchased her detached home in 2001.
After separating from her husband in 2013, the client met Jinnah through a dating site and developed what she considered to be a boyfriend/ girlfriend relationship – including dinners, drives and walks in White Rock – that lasted until July 2018.
She testified that Jinnah started talking to her in May 2015 about selling her home; a topic that “dominated their conversations” following a camping trip.
She said that Jinnah, in pushing her to sell, cited reasons including that she had too much debt; that she didn’t need a big house; and that her detached-home property would suit the buyer he had in mind, as they had an autistic son and the property was near a school.
Continued on A15
BC Financial Services Authority finds agent liable for misconduct
At one point, Jinnah was yelling at her over the phone that the buyer needed the house more than she did, she said.
Jinnah denied that he and the client were in a romantic relationship at any point between 2015 and 2018 and testified that they did not discuss the sale/purchase transactions prior to creation of the contracts of purchase and sale.
He claimed he was not involved in the client’s decision to sell – a claim BCFSA hearing officer Thelma O’Grady named among examples of “false and misleading evidence” provided by Jinnah –and agreed that he made more than $39,000 in commissions from the two sales.
O’Grady found “much” of Jinnah’s evidence “conflicting.”
“His testimony was unsupported by the documents and independent witnesses,” she concludes in the decision.
“I find that Mr. Jinnah gave false and misleading evidence throughout the investigation and at the hearing.”
O’Grady found it “abundantly clear” that the relationship “should have raised a number of red flags to Mr. Jinnah as to how he approached and rendered professional services”to his client.
As well, that Jinnah “exploited (his client’s) trust” in order to earn above-market commissions.
“I find that on the balance of probabilities, BCFSA has established that Mr. Jinnah’s actions amounted to con-
duct unbecoming as alleged,” O’Grady writes. “Mr. Jinnah’s conduct was contrary to the best interests of the public, undermined public confidence in the real estate industry, and brought the real estate industry into disrepute.”
Sanctions have not yet been determined. However, Jinnah surrendered his licence to provide real estate trading services in early March 2024. The liability hearing was held over eight days in April. Continued from A14
White Rock councillor and business owner Ernie Klassen won’t be seeking provincial office as independent candidate – but he is seeking an accounting for money he is owed by the BC United Party.
Klassen was BC United’s MLA candidate for Surrey South for a scant 20 days before leader Kevin Falcon’s bombshell announcement on Aug. 28 that he was suspending the party’s campaign in the upcoming election –and encouraging party candidates to run under the Conservative banner.
That was not a path Klassen – who is also White Rock Pride Society past president – wanted to take, he said.
“Although I had a lot of people asking me if I would run as an independent – and a few people who were prepared to help me – I didn’t feel I had enough time to pull that
together,” he said. (Brent Chapman continues as the Conservative candidate for Surrey South, contesting the riding with the NDP’s Haroon Ghaffar.)
But Klassen, who was taking a brief vacation in Mexico when Falcon made the announcement, said he and other former BC United candidates are still out-of-pocket for already-in-
curred campaign expenses, for which they were supposed to be reimbursed by the party.
“We’ve been keeping in touch with each other, and there’s a whole group of us that are still owed money,”Klassen told Peace Arch News
“I’m asking that there be an audit so we can find out what happened to the money. Nobody seems to be
able to give us answers. The only thing we’re hearing is that it’s ‘unforeseen’ and that ‘it never happened before.’ The whole party seems to be in chaos.”
Reached by Peace Arch News, BC United deputy campaign manager Adam Wilson said Wednesday that the party is working on the issue.
“We are currently working through
all the expenses provided to us by our candidates, and working with Elections BC to understand how reporting will work, prior to providing reimbursements,” Wilson said.
The irony of his situation, Klassen acknowledges, is that he had been actively courted by BC United for a long time before he ultimately announced his candidacy in early August.
“I kept saying no, and then I finally said yes,” he noted.
An Aug. 7 media release from the party touted Klassen as a “well-respected White Rock city councillor” who brought “a wealth of experience from the public and private sectors to the team.”
Klassen said while there is still talk of running a few candidates to keep the party alive, “I don’t know who in their right mind would vote for BC United, now.”
He said, however, he remains a believer in the “BC United philosophy” – particularly in offering “a middle-of-the-road alternative” for local voters.
“I don’t believe it’s in the best interest of British Columbians to have a two-party system,” he said.
“I will help to rebuild a middle-ofthe-road party, whatever it ends up being called. That’s where my philosophy is situated in the political world.”
NoticeofPublicMeeting
MONDAY,SEPTEMBER23,2024
1589MAPLESTREET
NOTICE isherebygiventhatthe CounciloftheCityofWhite Rockwillholdanopportunityfor publicparticipationfor a PublicMeetingon MONDAY, SEPTEMBER23,2024, at 4:00 P.M. in accordancewiththe LocalGovernmentAct andthe PlanningProcedures Bylaw; andfurther NOTICE isherebygiventhat Councilwillconsiderthissameapplicationatthe Regular Council Meetingscheduledfor MONDAY, SEPTEMBER23,2024, at 4:00 P.M. inthe CouncilChambersat theWhite RockCityHall.
More than a dozen Surrey and White Rock women say they are out some $30,000 combined, after purchasing packages for personal-fitness training that they say have have been largely reneged on. And the situation is sending negative ripples throughout the local fitness industry, others in the business say.
“People are coming in (to local gyms) and they’re not wanting to sign up for the (personal-training) sessions, because they’re afraid,” said Nicole Haugen, a personal trainer who said she was motivated to help those who were impacted after hearing first from a former client who’d had a bad experience with a trainer, and then from a second woman who told of having the same issues with that same trainer.
A post to the White Rock South Surrey Community Group Facebook page asking for others with similar experiences to reach out resulted in several more women – including “quite a few” seniors
– coming forward, Haugen said.
According to Haugen, the women impacted prepaid for as many as 48 personal-training sessions – at a cost of up to $3,800 – only to be left hanging when the trainer repeatedly cancelled or rescheduled the sessions, then stopped responding to calls and messages altogether.
Rukiya Yilmaz said she was given “excuse after excuse” for her cancelled sessions, noting there were 18 over the course of just 2.5 months.
Yilmaz, a Surrey resident, said she bought her first package in January.
Finding the experience initially positive, she was motivated to purchase a second, larger package. It was after that that the cancellations began, she said.
“Up to now the multiple promises of paying us back has not been fulfilled,” Yilmaz said.
Diane Stoney, a senior, said previous promises of refunds for her missed sessions never materialized. She described trying to deal with the matter as “overwhelming.” It has “affected the whole personal-training and gym industry in South Surrey/ White Rock,” she added.
In a comment responding to Haugen’s Facebook post, Jason Bell of Genuine Athletics & Rehabilitation said the women’s experience is unfortunately not uncommon.
“But situations like this give our industry a bad name and make people rightfully hesitant to seek help for their health and fitness goals,” Bell continued.
He advised those looking for a personal trainer to be sure to do their research and “make sure you feel confident that you can trust them.”
Continued on A19
Yilmaz said while she is hopeful she’ll get her money back via the credit-card company she paid through, some of the women have obtained lawyers. There has also been a promise of a 25 per cent repayment installation by Sept. 26, however, the women are not holding their breaths.
White Rock, Surrey incidents ‘give our industry a bad name’: trainer
from A18
Another who commented emphasized the situation “is not reflective of the many dedicated and honest personal trainers in the area.”
Haugen, who has been a personal trainer for around 18 years, agreed trust is integral to the industry.
“It’s our job to build (clients) up and make them feel confidence in us. The fact
(this person) did this to these women is just so angering.”
Haugen said while some of the women have reached out to police, they’ve been told the matter is more one for the civil courts, with the exception of a few cases in which victims also reported unauthorized charges.
Surrey RCMP Const. Parmbir Kahlon said police decide on a case-by-case
basis whether they can assist in such situations.
The women, meanwhile, say they hope by sharing their experience, they can save others from similar loss and stress.
Yilmaz encouraged anyone who believes they are dealing with the same situation to email fycpt20242023@ gmail.com to connect with the group.
More than a dozen women in White Rock and South Surrey say they have lost more than $30,000 combined after a personal trainer failed to follow through on pre-paid packages. (Meghan Holmes/Unsplash)
Green Team clears invasive plants, litter in White Rock
Tricia Weel
More than 30 volunteers joined the Lower Mainland Green Team and City of White Rock at West Beach on Sunday (Sept. 8) to make a positive environmental impact by removing invasive plants and litter from the waterfront.
Community members removed 10 cubic metres – equivalent to the volume of 63 bathtubs – of invasive Himalayan blackberry and 15 pounds of litter from along the beach.
This included many stubborn blackberry roots and nearly 500 cigarette butts, 132 pieces of paper and cardboard, 89 food wrappers, 82 beverage containers, a pair of broken eyeglasses and more, the team noted in an email.
“Everyone’s efforts were rewarded with cold watermelon, delicious homemade cookies and products from sustainable local businesses like superfood latte blends from Blume and organic, fair-trade spices from Gathering Place Trading,” the email added.
Since 2021, the LMGT has been stewarding the West
Beach dunes in partnership with the City of White Rock.
From an ecological level, they have seen a reduction in the amount of invasive blackberry and an increase in biodiversity, or different types of plants that are growing in the area, which is important for creating healthy and resilient natural areas.
“I got to meet new people and I was able to help my own
community with others,” said volunteer Min Jae Benjamin.
“The impact was feeling closer to our own community and getting closer to the people who are helping our own home together. It was very productive and enjoyable! I am looking forward to joining another activity like today.”
Find out more about the LMGT at tinyurl.com/GreenTeamLMGT.
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Volunteers with the Lower Mainland Green Team helped clear invasive plants and litter from West Beach in White Rock on Sunday, Sept. 8. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
White Rock Veterans’ Walk paces off Sept. 22
Tracy Holmes
Veterans and civilians from coast to coast will once again walk shoulder-to-shoulder to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those who’ve served Canada.
Set for Sept. 22 in White Rock, the seventh annual Canadian Walk for Veterans aims to “raise awarenessof thechallengesfaced by those who serve our country and to express our gratitude for their service.”
White Rock is among 14 cities with walks planned. Net proceeds will benefit veterans on their recovery journey, including TeamCanadaparticipantsinthe 2025 Invictus Games.
The walk has strong SemiahmooPeninsularoots;co-founded in2018bySouthSurreyresidents
Marc Burchell and Dr. Matthew Kane, through the White Rock/ SouthSurrey-basedEquitasDisabled Soldiers Funding Society (equitassociety.ca).
According to a bio at canadianwalkforveterans.com, Kane joined the military at age 17, working as a mechanic in the Royal Canadian Navy before transferring to military intelligence.
Involved with various operations, his final task “was leading
an intelligence cell conducting operations against Taliban ImprovisedExplosiveDevicefinanciers, suppliers, and makers,”the bio details.
Kane sustained numerous injuries in the line of duty before leaving the military in 2014.
Burchell is the son of a Second World War veteran and past-president of the Equitas society, which formed in 2011 to challenge the New Veterans Charter,whichreplacedveterans’ lifelongpensionswithlump-sum settlements. While the challenge ultimatelyfailed,thesociety’sadvocacy efforts continue.
The 2024 walk “marks the launch of a new era,” a news release notes, explaining that True Patriot Love Foundation – which is also funding Team Canada 2025 Invictus Games competitors – has taken on the role of national coordinator.
The foundation supports Canada’s military community “at every stage of their journey,” accordingtoinformationattruepatriotlove.com
“Whether they are facing health-care challenges, their families need support, or they are seeking to transition to civilian life, it’s our responsibility to
make sure their needs are met,” it continues.
White Rock’s Sept. 22 walk event is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. atMemorialPark(14970Marine Dr.), with registration to open at 9 a.m.
Highlights planned include a BBQ by Knights of Columbus, and the music of Larrie Forbes and the Vancouver Naval Vets Band, as well as the Surrey Firefighters Pipes & Drum Band. Those who cannot attend but want to support the event are encouraged to register for a virtual walk and participate at their choice of time and location. For more information, or to register, visit canadianwalkforveterans.com.
NoticeofPublicMeeting
MONDAY,SEPTEMBER23,2024
14591GORDONAVENUE
NOTICE isherebygiventhatthe CounciloftheCityofWhite Rockwillholdanopportunityfor publicparticipationfor a PublicMeetingon MONDAY, SEPTEMBER23,2024, at 4:00 P.M. in accordancewiththe LocalGovernmentAct andthe PlanningProcedures Bylaw; andfurther NOTICE isherebygiventhat Councilwillconsiderthissameapplicationatthe Regular Council Meetingscheduledfor MONDAY, SEPTEMBER23,2024, at 4:00 P.M. inthe CouncilChambersat theWhite RockCityHall.
A report of a man lying on the East Beach train tracks in South Surrey prompted emergency responders to descend on the area early last Friday, Sept. 13.
Thankfully, the concern was determined “unfounded,” Surrey RCMP Cpl. Sarbjit Sangha confirmed.
But the kerfuffle – unfold-
ing on the tracks behind the 15700-block of Marine Drive at around 2 a.m. – was enough to get area residents out of their beds and fearing the worst.
“Something really bad has happened down by WAGS,” reads an early morning post to the White Rock South Surrey Community Group Facebook page.
“The train has stopped and multiple cops and ambulances are around that gravel lot.” “Someone probably got hit,” predicted a commenter. “It happens from time to time.”
White Rock RCMP was not contacted to assist. The emergency crews, as well as a freight train, had reportedly cleared the area by around 3:30 a.m.
A report of a man on the train tracks brought emergency responders to East Beach early Sept. 13, 2024. (Colin Cameron/Facebook)
Local runners keep Terry Fox’s legacy alive
Tricia Weel
These days, Canadian elementary students learn about Canadian icon Terry Fox – a legacy whose historical fight against cancer and Marathon of Hope triggered fundraising for cancer research across Canada and around the world – in school.
Doug Brewer, co-chair of the annual South Surrey and White Rock Terry Fox Run, remembers being in school – post-secondary at the University of British Columbia –when Terry Fox was still alive.
“I was going to UBC at the time…Terry was couple years younger. I remember shooting around a basketball with him and Rick Hansen in the UBC memorial gym back in the day when we were 20 years old,”
Brewer recalled.
Plenty of fundraisers showed up at the South Surrey Athletic Park event Sunday morning (Sept. 15), along with an estimated 3.6 million Canadians who participate in the annual effort each year in their community or school.
“He’s a true Canadian hero, and cancer is an enemy that every family fights – if you haven’t got it in your family, you’ve got a friend or some other relative or know someone (who has experienced it),”
Brewer said.
“Cancer can be beaten.
…We’ve made tremendous strides in the past several years, not in small part due to Terry’s fundraising efforts.”
Dotted throughout the crowd of fundraisers were par-
ticipants wearing red shirts, marking them as cancer survivors, including Wayne Guthrie. Flanked by friends Bryson
Stoelers, Kyle Bailey and a very friendly, four-legged Buck, Guthrie said he and his wife have both survived cancer.
“We have lots of reasons to be here, and these guys are good friends of mine who I convinced to come,” Guth-
rie said. “The research that is funded by things like this created the tools that gave us the early detection that saved our lives, so the more we can do this, the more people we can save.”
Brewer was impressed with the turnout and was happy to see so many children participating with their families.
“It’s a great family event all about fundraising and keeping Terry’s legacy alive in the community, and we’ve done that here for 44 years,” he noted.
To date, more than $850 million has been raised for cancer research in Terry Fox’s name, according to the foundation website.
Visit run.terryfox.ca for more information or to get involved in next year’s event.
Bryson Stoelers, left, with Wayne Guthrie (red shirt) Kyle Bailey and Buck at the annual event. (Tricia Weel/ Peace Arch News)
Transit safety seminar set
Have you thought about using public transit to get to work?
School? A concert? Sporting event or game?
Maybe you’ve thought about it, but aren’t really sure it’s safe or you wonder if there were to be a problem happen, if you would be able to get help?
There are safety features on the bus and SkyTrain as well at bus stops and SkyTrain stations, and to ensure everyone knows about them and how to use them, White Rock RCMP
will host a public transit safety seminar on Thursday evening, Sept. 26, with a special presentation from Metro Vancouver Transit Police Officers.
There will be discussions and explanations on how to use transit safety features. Metro Vancouver Transit Police as well as local RCMP officers will be available to answer any questions you have, a White Rock RCMP release notes.
“While interacting with community members, we were asked to host a joint safety session with Metro Vancouver
Transit Police in the evening, allowing commuters and students the opportunity to attend,”said White Rock RCMP Const. Chantal Sears.
“We agree that this is a great opportunity to educate our residents, and we look forward to an engaging evening September 26.”
The safety seminar will be held at the White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Ave., at 6:30 p.m.
The all-ages seminar is free to attend, no registration requirerd.
Tricia Weel
Transit Police Cpl. Shiraaz Hanif spoke to transit users in White Rock with RCMP Const. Chantal Sears to share safety tips last November. A safety seminar is being held about public transit safety on Thursday, Sept. 26, in White Rock. (White Rock RCMP photo)
Bridge, theatre, Zumba and more to offer
Kent Street Activity Centre is brimming with opportunities to meet people and participate in fun activities.
If you are looking for something to keep you busy as we head into the cooler months, why not come to the centre on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. for Fun Bridge. Make new friends in this social group while enjoying this game of strategy in a non-competitive environment.
register or sign up online at whiterockcity. ca/register
register or sign up online at whiterockcity.
ca/register
Call 604-541-2199 for more information or pick up a guest pass that will let you try out an activity three times before purchasing a membership. Remember that a Kent Street Activity Centre membership is only $21 for the remainder of the year.
• A wonderful program called Piano Playing Therapy for Mind and Body –Level 2 is offered at the Kent Street Activity Centre beginning Thursday, Oct. 3, 2 to 3 p.m. Learn the next level of hands-on activities on a keyboard that will help keep your brain active, boost your memory, concentration, strengthen your hand muscles and wrist flexibility. For beginners with some basic understanding of musical notation. Call 604-541-2199 to
• The Kent Street Players are a performing theatre group that meet every Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the Kent Street Activity Centre auditorium. This active and fun group is looking for more people of all levels of experience to join them. If you have a passion for the arts or are looking for a new and exciting way to stay active and engaged, drop in this Friday and check us out with a guest pass. For more information, call 604-541-2199.
• Have you tried Zumba Gold yet? This class is perfect for the active, older adult and recreates the original Zumba moves at a lower intensity. Easy to follow choreography focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. Classes are held at Kent Street Activity Centre Wednesday and Friday mornings. To register call 604-541-2199 or sign up online at whiterockcity.ca/register
• Mah Jong is good for the mind and has become a widely popular social activity. Learn how to play the game in our six-week course held Tuesday mornings at the Kent Street Activity Centre. Call 604-541-2199 to
Fri.,Sept.20
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• The White Rock Community Centre will be the place to be on Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is filling up fast for this annual health and wellness fair, For the Health Of It. Listen and interact with engaging speakers, local community resources will be there to answer your questions, plus lots of prize draws and a free lunch. To register for this free event, call 778-725-0711 or email semi.seniors@ gmail.com
• Did you know that the Kent Street Activity Centre hosts a dance every Wednesday night in the auditorium? Bring a friend or come on your own for a night of social dancing to the great sounds of a variety of bands. On Sept. 25, Greg Hampson will be on stage and on Oct. 2 the Alpiners will be performing. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dancing from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for members and $9 for non-members.
The Kent Street Activity Centre, located at 1475 Kent St., is open to individuals 55 years of age or better. New members are welcome. For more information on activities, programs and volunteer opportunities, please call the centre at 604-541-2231.
Dianne Sawicki writes a regular Seniors Scene column for the Peace Arch News.
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Unravel the intricacies of mah jong in a six-week course at Kent Street Activity Centre. (Jimmy Chan/Pexels)
New hospital construction project hits one-year mark
Malin Jordan
It was a year ago, on Sept. 12, 2023, when dignitaries broke ground in Cloverdale for the new Surrey hospital.
Several politicians and local leaders were on hand to turn some sod in a symbolic showing of the beginning of the project.
One year later, the grounds are a hive of activity with hundreds of workers on site and all manner of heavy machinery, from pile drivers to excavators to heavy-duty dump trucks, working the construction zone.
Provincial Health Minister Adian Dix told Black Press Media the project is moving along smoothly.
Dix said EllisDon, the company that won the contract to build the hospital, was doing an “excellent job,” saying they’ve been working on a lot of wall preparation.
“It’s on track. There is very significant construction taking place,” he said. “EllisDon is one of the best hospital construction companies in all of North America. They are on the case, and we’re really impressed by the progress made.”
Dix called the construction project “massive,” noting it will build up from the current 250-or-so workers on site to, at its height, about 1,500 workers in about 2028.
“The level and the extent of the project is extraordinary,” Dix added.
“It’s the biggest hospital project in the history of Fraser Health.”
The new hospital will have 168 beds, and there will also be a cancer centre that’ll be able to perform about 100,000 cancer treatments per year.
He said the project is the only one of its kind in B.C. at the moment, and there are 28 other major projects
going provincewide.
Dix said he was unaware if there were significant issues with the soil, as there were with the construction of the new Cloverdale Sport and Ice Complex. The arena was delayed because of challenges workers faced while trying to install the foundation piles, which have since been resolved. He did say, however, that the hos-
pital was being built to the “highest levels of seismic safety” incorporating the latest technology in the field.
“What we are seeing is new walls to support the building construction of the hospital that are in place now that go deep into the earth,” Dix explained. “What that means is a hospital that will be safe and secure and ready for anything that might
happen in our seismic zone of B.C.”
With KPU across the street, Dix noted there may be an opportunity to make the new medical centre a teaching hospital.
“Absolutely, our links with KPU are growing,” he added. “The relationship between KPU and this new hospital will be profound, as it will with the new medical school at SFU (Surrey campus), and the relationship between KPU and health care can only grow.”
Mike Starchuk, the MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, said he was on a tour of the construction site in early September. He also said the work was going well.
He noted EllisDon is running the site seven days a week, with the expectation of long weekends.
“They are currently doing all the stuff that’s underground that nobody’s ever going to see,” said Starchuk. “The initial work has been completed, and now they’re going onto the next steps.”
The new Cloverdale hospital was originally expected to cost $1.66 billion, but that number ballooned to $2.88 billion. The completion date for the project was pushed back to 2029, from 2027, and it’s expected to open to the public in 2030. The provincial government cited inflation and delays in the companies’ abilities to get workers and materials to complete projects as factors in both.
Construction is rolling at the new Cloverdale hospital site, one year after its groundbreaking. (Malin Jordan/Black Press Media)
Newcomer Nights welcome families to Surrey schools
Sobia Moman
Several nights are planned in Surrey this month and next for newcomer students and families to become embedded in the school system in Surrey and White Rock.
“The premise behind this is to involve, engage and empower newcomers,” Raj Puri, district principal of settlement
services with the Welcome Centre, said in a release. “By running these nights, we’re building the capacity within the newcomer community to engage with life in school.”
Newcomer Networking Nights will be held for six weeks, with the first held Sept. 12 at Guildford Park Secondary. The nights are a chance
for all newcomer students and their families to get together, connect and ask questions of district representatives for any concerns they might have.
To be held at multiple secondary schools in the Surrey school district in different regions, each session will be much the same so families and students can choose the one
closest to their home to attend. All those in attendance will get a chance to learn about the school district and the different supports and resources offered to students and families. The returning event saw 1,000 participants last year.
“One of the key things we talk about is the roles of parents and how important it is for us to involve them in their child’s education,” said Welcome Centre manager Parampal Sharma. “We know that
supporting strong and healthy growth is really a collaborative effort, and we want parents to feel that they have the information, resources and knowledge they need to make informed decisions related to their child’s education and development.”
There are five remaining sessions planned to be held on Thursday evenings at different secondary schools from 5:30 to about 8 p.m., beginning with registration, then presentations and a Q&A session to cap the
Newcomer Nights. Next week on Sept. 19, the session will be held at Kwantlen Park Secondary, followed by Enver Creek on Sept. 26, Princess Maragaret on Oct. 3, Fraser Heights on Oct. 10 and Grandview Heights on Oct. 17. Any newcomer parents or guardians who have children attending early learning programs or elementary or secondary schools in the district are welcome to attend any one of the sessions.
The Surrey Historical Society will recognize the anniversary of the James McMillan Expedition of 1824 with a stage production.
The play will be performed Sept. 21 at Elgin Heritage Park during Surrey’s annual Harvest Fair.
Written by Cloverdale’s Roger Bose, the production will run about 20 minutes.
“It’s the 200th anniversary of the historic expedition,” noted Bose. “We’ll have a little presentation between 3 and 4 p.m. in the afternoon.”
The SHS will present the play in Elgin Heritage Park near the mouth of the Nicomekl River, where McMillan would have met Semiahmoo First Nations who helped them out immensely by guiding them up the river.
Bose said his cast is all amateurs, but he’s confident they’ll be ready to go by Sept. 21.
Bose will narrate the performance. Jim Foulkes will play James McMillan, the captain and leader of the expedition. Black Press Media’s own Frank Bucholtz will play the role of John Work, who recorded a daily journal of the expedition’s activities.
Rick Hugh will portray Thomas McKay, a hunter with the party. Michael Gibbs will play Francis Annance, a navigator and translator who was of both English and Abenaki heritage.
It’s nearly an all-Cloverdale cast too, save for Gibbs who resides in Newton.
“They’ve never acted before,” added Bose. “So, I’ve been having some challenges.”
He said despite the challenges, they’ll be ready to go by Sept. 21.
Bose also said there will be some laminated posters set up that tell the story of the
expedition.
“We’ll have a 10’ x 10’ tent with some easels and some display boards,” added Bose.
“The whole story about the McMillan Expedition will be all up there in print on big poster boards.”
He said after watching the play, people can then visit the tent area for more of an in-depth explanation of the 200-year-old journey.
THE EXPEDITION
According to surreyhistory. ca, the James McMillan Expedition was a surveying trip that sought to find a suitable site for a new Hudson Bay Company fort.
In the winter of 1824, James McMillan headed up a survey party from Fort George (present-day Astoria, Oregon) on Nov. 18.
McMillan and his party of 40 travelled on Columbia boats.
When the group reached Semiahmoo Bay on Dec. 11, they had to change their plan to sail around Point Roberts and up the Fraser.
“The weather was growing cold, the wind was blowing, and ahead of them was the wide open stretch of water and
the rounding of Point Roberts. They decided to wait for the weather to clear and camped near the present site of White Rock.”
Two days later, on Dec. 13, the expedition headed up the Nicomekl River. They had to portage over to the Salmon River before reaching the Fraser. The expedition sailed up the Fraser and went as far as Hatzic Slough before returning to Fort George.
FUTURE HISTORY
Bose said he hopes the play acts as a catalyst to add material to the annals of city history. He wants to take all the materials the SHS produces for the commemoration and give it to the Surrey Archives afterwards.
“Anything that we present, we want it to go into the Surrey Archives as a record of what happened on the 200th anniversary of the expedition,” explained Bose. “So people, later, in the future, will know what we did.”
Admission to the Harvest Fair is free. Elgin Heritage Park is located at 13723 Crescent Rd.
Visit surreyhistory.ca for more info.
A view of Fort Langley, a Hudson’s Bay Company Post in British Columbia, in 1862. The Surrey Historical Society will present a play to commemorate the 1824 James McMillan Expedition that set out to search for a suitable site for a future fort, the eventual Fort Langley. (B.C. Archives)
date book
datebook@peacearchnews.com
Thursday
Bingo at Crescent Legion, weekly, card bingo from 6:30-9 p.m. Chair Yoga every Thursday at Elks Lodge White Rock at 10 a.m., $10 drop-in fee or at Holy Trinity Church by donation on Sept. 5, money towards food bank
South Fraser CommunityBand welcomes new members, particularly needing brass/ horns, rehearsals every Thurs. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Earl Marriott Secondary. Email membership@sfcb.ca or visit www.sfcb.ca
LowVisionSupport Group, fourth Thursday every month at 1 p.m., ‘Learning to live well with vision loss’, contact info: Jane 604536-5247
Saturday
Fall Fair by Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society on Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Peace Arch Nursery. Thrift store, food and other vendors. Funds towards Peace Arch Hospital
Sunday Pig Roast at Crescent Legion on Sept. 21 from 5-7 p.m.
Seniors Social Sundays weekly at Ocean Park Library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy company of other like-minded locals, play cards, board games and puzzles
CraftN’Yarn event for casual crafting, weekly, all levels welcome, not instructional class, 3-4:30 p.m. at Ocean Park Library
CrescentLegionlive jazz/swing events every Sunday, info at www. whiterockjazz.ca or 604-531-9259
Monday
Oneness Gogos meetings Oct. 7 and Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at White Rock Library, group raises funds for grandmothers in Sub-Saharan Africa who look after orphaned youth Toastmasters meet every second week from 7-8:30 a.m. at Amica 15333 16 Ave., new members welcome, contact Manjit
for more info at mp_ johal@hotmail.com
Tuesday
White Rock & District Garden Club meets second Tuesday of the month from September to June at Cranley Hall (2141 Cranley Dr.) at 2 p.m. Join for guest speakers, workshops, flower shows and plant sales. All welcome
King’s Banquet Soup Kitchen Supper, weekly from 4-6 p.m. at 15262 Pacific Ave., family seating available, donations accepted but not expected
Spanish Conversation Group for intermediate and advanced speakers, 2 p.m. weekly at Java Express at 15090 North Bluff Rd. White Rock Rotary Club meetings every week at noon, call Winston 778-908-3377
Wednesday
Probus Club of White Rock and South Surrey for retired and semi-retired men meets second Wednesday every month from 10 a.m to noon, speakers, walking groups, etc. more info at probusclubwhiterock-south-
surrey.ca or call Bill Jones at 604-328-5360
Jam Sessions at Crescent Legion, weekly, Bluegrass Jams from 7-10 p.m.
South Surrey Rotary Club meetings and social events every week, call Deidre for more details at 604803-0773
The Nature Celebrators Rotary Club B.C. meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Cliff Annable Room in the Rotary Field House at South Surrey Athletic Park. For further information, please contact Moti Bali, president, at 604-789-7262
Ongoing
ChessClub at White Rock Library on Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., for more info call 604-541-2201
Tutoring for adults by READ Surrey/ White Rock one-onone or online, reading, writing or math, trained tutors, free, contact 778-242-7323
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Culture Days kicks off in Surrey
Tom Zillich
Surreygetsintothespiritof the national Culture Days celebration starting Saturday, Sept. 21. For three weeks, until Oct. 13, several free activities and gatherings are planned including a kickoff “CampfireStories”event withpoetJosephDandurand& FriendsonSaturdays atClayton CommunityCentre,1p.m.start.
Also Saturday afternoon, Filipino Fest returns to Museum of Surrey and a Harvest Fair is happening at Historic Stewart Farm in South Surrey.
All of Surrey’s Culture Days activities are posted on culturedays.ca, both in-person and virtual. The events are organized bySurreyCivicTheatres,Surrey Art Gallery, Historic Stewart Farm, Museum of Surrey, SurreyArchivesandSurrey’sSpecial Events team.
Held annually at this time of year, Culture Days brings arts and culture events to venues across Canada.
OthereventsinSurreyinclude
Hands-On Music Production with Chin Injeti (Oct. 4), BandAid Youth Musician Development Workshop (Oct. 5), White Rock & South Surrey Culture Crawl (Oct. 5-6) and more.
A special event Oct. 6 will see BC Culture Days ambassador Harmeet Kaur lead an “Everyone is a Composer” interactive workshopatClaytonCommuni-
ty Centre, 12:30 p.m. start. Saturday’s“CampfireStories” event also kicks off the 2024-25 PresentationSeriesproducedby Surrey Civic Theatres. Now until next spring, the seriesoffers25showsthatpromise an entertaining mix of music, comedyandplaysatSurreyArts Centre, Centre Stage at city hall andClaytonCommunityCentre.
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Family and friends are welcomed. For more info call 604-626-9418 or email vancouvergamanon@shaw.ca
White Rock Legion entertainment every Friday and Saturday, night sports leagues, meat draws at 4 p.m., everyone welcome, located at 2290 152 Street. Al-Anon support group for family/ friends of those with drinking issues, four different locations in South Surrey/White Rock, call 604-6881716 for more info
White Rock South Surrey Newcomers social club for women new to the area or have experienced life changes in the last three years. Email wrssnewcomers@ gmail.com
Poet Joseph Dandurand performs “Campfire Stories” with friends Saturday, Sept. 21, at Clayton Cultural Centre as part of B.C. Culture Days. (Black Press Media file photo)
arts & entertainment
Veteran Canadian comic headlines South Rock festival
Alex Browne Canadianstand-upveteran Dave Nystrom believes that good comedy is about more than simply telling jokes.
And the Calgary-based Nystrom, headliner for the White Rock Roars showthis Saturday (7 p.m. Oceana PARC Playhouse, 1532 JohnstonRd.)haswonover audiencesaroundtheworld with his relatable brand of comedy,includingtelevision specials and extensive touring in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
“I wasn’t quite sure how I would go over in the U.K.,” he admitted.
“Butafriendof minesaid I’dbesurprisedathowopen audiences would be to my kind of comedy, and he was right. Provided I didn’t make regional references they wouldn’t be expected to understand, they really got my material, and I ended up being offered more work than I could take, with the bookings I already had.”
It’s likely White Rock audienceswilltaketotheeasygoing Nystrom’s work, too. His upcoming performance, featuring host Alex Carr, Vancouver comics Chris Gaskin and Kwasi Thomas and Langley’s Jessica Pigeau and Rosie Grypma, is just part of a rich buffet of national, international and local comedy talents on offer in this weekend’s inaugural Peninsula-wide South Rock Comedy Festival (for full
details of all shows, check out the festival website at SouthRockComedyFest. com).
In a recent break from filming a lead role in the independent movie The Opener in Vancouver, Nystrom – winner of a CanadianComedyAwardand a Writers Guild of Canada Awardforhiscontributions to CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes – told Peace Arch News that one of his greatest helpers in creating comedy is the weird stuff that happens to most of us in our journey through life.
“As a stand-up comedian, my life is very much the centre point of my inspiration. I’m married with four children, for instance, and that gives me a lot to work with,” he said. “It’s really no different from when you come home to your significant other or roommate or whatever and say ‘I’ve got to tell you this crazy thing thathappenedtometoday.’
“The big difference is that through experience and knowing how to pick up on certainpartsandexaggerate others,Icantakesomething that was possibly not funny in the moment and craft it and shape it into a ‘bit.’”
A perfect example of a Nystrombitinspiredbyreal life, he said, is the material he derived from when he and his wife, Natasha and three young sons (they’ve sincehadanotherboytothe family)weredrivingbackto Canada – after 10 years of livingandworkinginL.A.–
andtheirtruckbrokedown.
“There’s this tow truck driver shows up whose vocabulary isn’t exactly the most appropriate for young boys between three and five years old,”he said. “But it’s really about this entire day of usbeingstuckinthemiddle of Idaho.”
Thefilmhe’sshootingcurrently, written and directed by friend and fellow-comic Damonde Tschritter, is another rooted-in-life comedy piece.
“I laughed out loud when I read it,”Nystrom said. “I wasveryhonouredwhenhe asked me to be in it.
“It’s the story of a veteran comedian – who I play – and this young comedian on his first tour, who I sort of take under my wing. My character has made a lot of poor choices in his life –there’s a drinking problem, for instance. There’s a lot of real life stuff Damonde hasgotinthere–storiesI’ve either heard, or I was there when they happened.
“If somebody wanted to get a really accurate sense of what life is like on the road in Canada, this is the film to see.”
Although he lived for a long time in Vancouver, and is now happily settled in Calgary, Nystrom was born in Thunder Bay, Ont.
“I was just there – I went back to visit my parents,” he said. “It’s a lovely little cityalthoughtherearesome issues there – there’s a lot of violence and big drinkers there – but the area is just
vous, and she didn’t have anytraining,butshe’sreally liking it now.”
Asked if performing is turning into the family business, Nystrom agrees.
“There’s an infestation of us,” he quipped.
But in many ways it keeps the family closer together, he acknowledges. “I don’t like to be too far away from them,” he said. “In fact, shooting in Vancouver is the longest I’ve been away from the family for a long time.”
But he says he is delighted that being on the West Coast this month has given him the opportunity to appear in the South Rock Comedy Festival.
gorgeous.”
Nystrom said that when he and the family moved back to Canada in 2016 there was a question of where they would live –there didn’t seem to be any way,realistically,toaffordto live in Vancouver and they wanted somewhere positive to raise their sons.
“MywifeisfromCalgary, and it seemed like the best choice,” he said.
And it seems to have worked out that way – the boys, now 17, 14, 11 and nine, soon found friends
and seem to have settled well into the lifestyle – as well as a burgeoning career in front of the cameras.
“They’re all acting as well – it was completely their choice. The last thing I wanted to do was push them into it – I didn’t want some‘DaddyDearest’book being written about me in the future, but they’re still having a good time with it.”
But Nystrom will admit that he “dragged”Natasha into acting, too.
“It started off with me saying,‘Can’tyoucomeand
do this gig with me? It’d be a chance to make a few bucks,’” he recalled.
“Natasha is half-Filipina, half-Ukrainian, and nobody can ever guess what ethnicity she is. In advertising and marketing and castingthesedayshavingan indeterminateethniclookis quite an advantage.
“I honestly think she’s doing much better in the business than I am!”
“She just booked a movie withMelissaMcCarthyand Clive Owen, for instance.
“She started out very ner-
“This is fantastic. I’m really excited to hang out with (White Rock comic and co-festival founder) Ryan Lachance, who’s a friend of mine and a really talented, fun guy, who was incidentally the first person to reach out to me about doing this.
“It’s a kick to be part of a festival that’s new to a community. Something like this raises the profile of comedy generally, and hopefully people who come out to thiswilldiscovercomedians not only from elsewhere, but also in the area. In the comedy world in Canada there’s a real level of supportandagenuinedesirefor people to do well – there’s the sense that ‘a rising tide raises everybody.’ And I’m really honoured to be right there on the ground floor.”
The Fleetwood-area high school campus of Surrey Christian School is a very musical place Saturday mornings when members of Surrey Youth Orchestra come together.
The 2024-25 season started Sept. 7 with the first rehearsals of SYO’s five groups including Prelude Strings, Intermezzo Strings, Intermediate Orchestra, Senior Orchestra and Piccolo Strings.
Andrea Lewis-Taylor, a 10th-year conductor with Surrey Youth Orchestra, follows in the footsteps of her mother Lucille Lewis, who co-founded the organization back in 1976.
“It’s funny,” Taylor said, “because sometimes there are sports tournaments or martial arts happening in the school on Saturdays, and we’ll often see people wander in the room, look around and, you know, I can see they’re thinking, ‘What is this?’
“A lot of people don’t realize this exists in Surrey.”
Lewis-Taylor conducts three groups of the youngest musicians of Surrey Youth Orchestra, which started small in the 1970s and now boasts more than 200 students under the
artistic direction of Joel Stobbe. This year, former student Will Chen joined as a third conductor of SYO.
“We expanded to a fifth orchestra last year – Piccolo Strings, the youngest ones –and this fall we are transforming our Symphonic Strings into an Intermedate Symphony Orchestra, a full orchestra with winds, not just strings,” Lewis-Taylor explained.
“The growth has been impressive. When I started I had a group of 16 kids and now my three groups have a total of over 110 (students).”
There are challenges recruiting young players of certain instruments, however.
“We audition in May and August, but for the new orchestra (Intermediate) we’re still looking for brass, especially, but winds as well,” Lewis-Taylor said.
“There’s no lineup of oboe players knocking down our door,” she added with a laugh.
“With the strings, because the programs aren’t really offered in the school, you’ve got families that are seeking private lessons right from the start, whereas a lot of the brass and winds (musicians) are learning at a later time
and only in a group setting, in school.
“There’s a bit of a head-start with strings players because they tend to start earlier.”
The history, rehearsal times and fees to join Surrey Youth Orchestra are detailed on surreyyouthorchestra.com
The 2024-25 calendar includes an open house Oct. 12 at Surrey Christian Secondary School (11 a.m., 15353 92 Ave.), followed by a Sounds of the Season concert Dec. 14 at Chandos Pattison Auditorium (Pacific Academy), in Fraser Heights.
“The timing of the open house gives us a month to work on our pieces, and then we invite people in the community to come in for a look at what all the different groups are doing,” Lewis-Taylor noted.
Her mother Lucille, now 82, still attends SYO concerts and presents a scholarship to a graduating student.
In 2016, during a 40th anniversary concert, she came out of retirement to conduct.
“Maybe we can convince her to do that again when we have our 50th anniversary in 2026, but I don’t know,” Lewis-Taylor said.
www.surrey.ca
Andrea Lewis-Taylor conducts young musicians with Surrey Youth Orchestra. (Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
Peninsula Productions season offers challenging but relatable fare
Alex Browne
Thetag-lineforWhite Rock-based Peninsula Productions, since it was founded in 2010, hasbeen“extraordinary performances.”
The not-for-profit company’s record for providing quality theatre has been upheld recently by such outstanding productions as this summer’s Who’sAfraidof Virginia Woolf, and earlier, the dramas AlbertineinFive Times and Jewel andthe held-over curling comedy hit Hurry Hard, directedbyseasonedstage andscreenactorRobert Moloney.
Now Moloney, in his new role as artistic directorof PeninsulaProductions, has taken a pragmatic approach to choosing a new 2024-25 season that promises to maintain, and possibly improve on, an already high standard.
His formula for the season of staged readingsatthecompany’sintimateblack-boxtheatre in Centennial Park (adjacenttothePeaceArch Curling Club) has been to select plays that are both challenging and relatable, he told Peace Arch News.
“These are plays that challenge us to take a look at ourselves and think about our lives,” said Moloney, who is also co-founder of the thriving White Rock Actors Studio school with his wife, actor Julie Lynn Mortensen.
“They’replaysIknow that will work – I wanted to start with things
I’m confident with, either that I’ve seen or that I’ve performed in myself.”
Also providing a venue for intimate musical performances, Peninsula will be presenting the already sold-out GossamerGlow series of concerts with post-modern classical trio Crimson Crescendo (which debuts on Sept. 29) and another surewinner– Christmas with the King (Dec. 14, 2 and 7 p.m.) featuring award-winning Elvis tribute artist Ben Klein.
Thestagedreadingseries gets off to a strong start Oct. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m., and Oct. 5 and 6, at 2 p.m., with Francois Archambault’s The Leisure Society
It’s a a savagely satirical critique of present social norms in which protagonists Peter and Mary work long hours, investing money for a retirement they’ll likely never enjoy, and squandering the rest of their income on material things that bring them no joy.
“I did it at Ruby Slippers Theatre – it’s a brutally funny, sharp piece about modern life and how it can be unfulfilling,” said Moloney.
“It’s about how status and things and money don’t fill the spiritual hole in our lives – something that’s become all the worse with the rise of social media, where people are posting the most perfect images of their lives, but not posting when they have a cold or have had a fight
with their wife.”
In November, Peninsula will present Kevin Kerr’s Unity (1918)
It’s in keeping with the company’s Remembrance tradition of presenting a war-themed play, but with a difference. Unity(1918) deals with Canadian veterans returning from the First World War, but also another kind of war – the struggleagainstaworldwide pandemic, in this case the Spanish Flu.
“It won the Governor General’s Award for drama, and I was lucky enough to be in thepremiereproduction of that by Touchstone Theatre at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre,” Moloney said.
“It’s a very timely play, what with our recent experience with COVID-19 – and it’s beautifully written, funny, heartbreaking and touching at the same time.”
Outside Mullingar, byfamed playwright John Patrick Shanley (set for February), tells the story of the romance of Anthony and Rosemary, neighbours in rural Ireland nearing middle age.
Andin MarionBridge, byCanadianplaywright Daniel McIvor (scheduled for May), three sisters in their 30s return home to Cape Breton to be with their mother, who is nearing the end of her life.
Waiting in the wings is a show that Moloney hopes to present in the summer of 2025, the comedy Out There on Fried Meat Ridge Road, by Keith Stevenson (arrangements are still being finalized at press time).Seepeninsulaproductions.org for details.
A classical music series of six live concerts featuring prominent Canadian and international artists right here in our community.
Adults $180 Students $60
Season runs from: Oct 19, 2024 to April 26, 2025
All concerts held at the White Rock Baptist Church: 1657 140th Street
Concert season details and online subscription purchases at: www.whiterockconcerts.com
Robert Moloney Peninsula Productions artistic director
…on the Semiahmoo Peninsula
Grandview Grizzlies take top prize in South Surrey volleyball tourney
Tricia Weel
A black bear made headlines as it journeyed its way through South Surrey just a couple months ago, but Grizzlies were the newsmakers after a weekend tournament at Grandview Heights Secondary. Grandview Heights Grizzlies, that is.
The South Surrey high school hosted a 12-team senior girls volleyball tournament – the Grizzly Growl – last Friday and Saturday (Sept. 13-14), with the Grizzlies going undefeated in pool play vs. Earl Marriott, Samuel Roberts Technical School and Gladstone while not losing a set.
Grizzlies peaked in the playoffs, with 2-0 set wins in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, Grandview Heights athletic director Sierra Rai noted in an email.
In the finals, Grandview played the top-ranked Seaquam Seahawks. After losing their first set of the tournament 25-22, the girls rallied back to win 25-22 then 15-6 in the third and final set to claim the tournament title at the Grizzly Growl tournament.
“I am incredibly happy with our play and how our team has come together to start this year. We have a lot of younger players who had a lot of success at the junior level last year, and they have looked impressive making the jump up to senior,” said Grandview Heights teacher and senior girls coach Jason Wilkinson.
“While a high level of skill is important, I believe it’s all about the character, values, and putting the team first. This is now a group of athletes that started Grandview in Grade 8 when it first opened, and they looked up to the positive culture and legacy that the original team put in place. It’s great to see how much the girls support one another and wear their school jersey with pride.”
Brookswood Bobcats placed third in the competition, with Caitlyn Bell, an outside hitter from Grandview, named player of the tournament.
“As our school has grown and started
to establish a program, we have started to gain recognition in the school volleyball community,” Wilkinson said (Grandview Heights opened in 2021).
“My goal is for every team that plays us to know that Grandview will always push you to the limit, and that if you are going to beat us, you need to earn it.”
Other school in the tournament included Salish, Kwantlen Park, Pitt Meadiws and Clayton Heights secondaries.
The school will participate in several upcoming tournaments throughout volleyball season as the school year gets underway, including the Peace Arch News Classic, with the ultimate goal being provincial championships.
“I hope this year the girls continue to battle for one another, on and off the court. We have the skill to compete at the highest level and our goal this year and every year, is to qualify for the provincial championships and show that we belong there,” Wilkinson said.
“The first time we stepped into the gym to start our season, we talked about
our ultimate goal of getting to the B.C. Championships. Everything we do is with that end goal in mind.”
Eagles start regular BCHL season
Tricia Weel
Hockey night in South Surrey returns this weekend as the British Columbia Hockey League’s Surrey Eagles face off against the Prince George Spruce Kings in their home opener Friday night (Sept. 20).
After a banner season that saw the squad win six of nine BCHL trophies as well as the coveted Fred Page Cup – the Eagles’s first cup since 2013 – and four pre-season exhibition games, the team is ready for regular season action on their Olympic-sized ice at The Nest, also known as South Surrey Arena.
Former NHL players Scott Gomez (head coach and general manager) and Mike Mottau (assistant coach) have been busy building a new-look roster and getting to know new as well as returning players to the team. Gomez, who said he learned a lot from former New Jersey Devils co-head coach Adam Oates prior to the season’s start,
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Grandview Heights Grizzlies play against Earl Marriott Mariners during the Grizzly Growl senior girls volleyball tournament in South Surrey last Saturday, Sept. 14. (Anna Burns/Black Press Media)
Surrey’s DW Poppy played against Maple Ridge’s Samuel Roberts Technical School at the tournament. (Anna Burns/Black Press Media)
Two home games at Surrey Nest against Prince George
hopes pass on some of what he has learned throughout his pro-hockey career.
“There’s other parts of the game…it’s not just dump-andchase…there’s a way to get better at this,” he said.
“You’ve got to use (your head). When the puck hits your stick, your head doesn’t go down again…you’ve got to see what’s out there – and that’s going to be the fun part, teaching that kind of stuff.”
With two new giant screens installed in their home rink by the City of Surrey, Eagles owner Ron Brar – who owns the team with his brother, TJ Brar – is excited for the new season.
“You can see the fan base of the Eagles just getting bigger and bigger. The excitement – the players, they take that energy from the fans and they put that on the ice and you need that you need that support from your community and you need people to believe in you,” he said.
“I think you’re going to find that the Eagles are going to come out soaring again same as they did last year!”
Puck drops at 7 p.m. vs. Prince George on Friday, Sept. 20, and at 3 p.m. vs. Cowichan Valley Capitals on Sunday, Sept. 22, at South Surrey Arena, 2199
148 St.
Visit surreyeagles.net for tickets or more information.
Head of Nicomekl Regatta returns to South Surrey
Tricia Weel
Ready to regatta?
Some of the best rowers in B.C. are ready, and they’ll be there when the Nicomekl Rowing Club hosts the Head of the Nicomekl Regatta on Saturday, Sept. 21 in South Surrey.
The annual ‘head race’ event, which has been hosted by the club since the early 1990s, is held at Blackie Spit Park in South Surrey’s Crescent Beach.
Two races are planned, one at 11:15 a.m. and the second, at 3 p.m., said regatta chair Helen Healy.
The first race is the Class Race, in which participants start at the Nicomekl River dam at Elgin Road and compete among others in their same classes, be it singles, doubles, quads or eights.
The second race is the Trophy Race, which features a variety of competitors with results handicapped by age, gender, and boat size, in order to determine an overall winner.
“You could have an eight-man junior crew competing against a female single sculler – for many years, it has been a female single sculler that has won the Head of the Nicomekl Trophy,” Healy noted.
The six-kilometre course is from
the dam at Elgin Road, which is at the top of the Nicomekl River, to the pier at Crescent Beach.
Healy added the course is challenging to race and is among the toughest on the local rowing circuit.
“It has lots of obstacles like sand banks, docks, boats, and the infamous railway trestle. Competitors race from a calm river to the rough waters of the bay and finish at the Crescent Beach Pier.”
Approximately 100 boats are expected to compete in the first race and 60 in the second.
Last year, the regatta had 322 athletes compete from 18 clubs.
These were primarily from the Lower Mainland, but also from Vancouver Island.
Entrants’ ages will vary from 15 years to 80 years of age, Healy said, and the boats vary from single skulls of 26 feet, to boats as long as 64 feet with eight-member crews.
Watching the race is free for spectators as Healy encouraged the community to come out and cheer on the rowers.
“Generally, the best place to watch is from the Blackie Spit area. You can see the boats come out from under the trestle bridge and since they set off in 20-second increments, there should be a consistent line of boats that go by.”
Surrey Eagles are ready for regular season play with a home opener vs. the Prince George Spruce Kings in South Surrey on Friday, Sept. 20. (Tav Morrison/ Contributed to Peace Arch News)
Rowers compete at a previous Head of the Nicomekl event in South Surrey. (Damian West/Contributed to Peace Arch News)
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Remembering Beautiful are memories of a moonlit night with you, The spark of love we lit and all the world felt new. My heart told me I’d known you, in times so long ago, Something deep inside me had set my soul aglow. Soul-mates re-united, bound by the ties of past, Through each and every age this perfect love will last. So at our journey’s end and the time has come to part, An endless cord of love will link us heart to heart.
