Richmond News March 11 2015

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GOING TO SEED Roger Philips of the Master Gardeners Association brought along cocooned bees, some of which hatched on the spot during the Seedy Saturday event last weekend.

Photo by Gord Goble special to the News ! See more photos in the Pulse section on page 14

Suspicious device forces evacuation of apartment Philip Raphael

Staff Reporter praphael@richmond-news.com

Richmond RCMP evacuated occupants of an apartment building and cordoned off an area along No. 1 Road north from Blundell Road Monday afternoon following the discovery of what turned out to be an unarmed, improvised explosive device inside a vehicle in the building’s ground floor garage.

According to Acting Cpl. Dennis Hwang, police received a call around 12:40 p.m. from a resident in the area saying they spotted a suspicious car in the neighbourhood.

When police arrived at the scene in the 7800-block of No. 1 Road, they discovered a “suspicious” item in the vehicle, Hwang said.

Richmond Fire Rescue and B.C. Ambulance personnel were standing by on the perimeter of the scene at No. 1 Road and Blundell Road. During an examination by the RCMP’s bomb disposal personnel, the IED was found not to contain any explosive material. see RESIDENT › page 3

Woman photographs man groping on transit Canada Line a ‘kind of hunting ground’ for predators : Police Graeme Wood

Staff Reporter gwood@richmond-news.com

Richmond’s large immigrant population and an increasingly crowded Canada Line makes the train good “hunting grounds” for predators, Transit Police warn.

“A lot of ESL students use the transit system and lots of predators recognize this.

Because English is not the students’ first language or there are cultural issues related to sex assaults — perhaps loss of face and family issues — they’re reluctant to report these incidences,” said spokesperson Const.

Anne Drennan.

On Friday, Drennan issued a public plea for a young Asian woman to come forward and speak to police regarding an alleged sexual assault she may have been a victim of Thursday morning.

Richmond resident Kathy Yu, 19, who was riding the train from Brighouse station that day to catch a bus to UBC, made the alleged groping incident public on a University of B.C. Facebook forum.

Yu said she saw a middle aged, Asian man wearing a green army camouflage jacket and blue jeans rubbing his hand against the Asian

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woman, believed to be age 18-25.

“I saw her moving away from him, I could tell that she was visibly uncomfortable. I took a picture of him touching her and talked to the police right after I got off the (Canada Line) at Bridgeport,” wrote Yu on Facebook, where she posted the photo.

What Yu witnessed is now the subject of a police investigation that may now be linked to other assaults at UBC. Yu said she stepped off the train alongside the suspect, who was then questioned by police, who also took the man’s information.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

NEWS

A3

Send story ideas or photo submissions to Richmond News editor Eve Edmonds at editor@richmond-news.com

PATHWAYS

Employers asked to step up Mental illness costs the Canadian economy $51 billion annually.

— Mental Health Commission

Philip Raphael

Staff Reporter praphael@richmond-news.com

The human impacts of mental illnesses are relatively well-known.

But the economic consequences, due to a host of reasons including lost productivity and employee absenteeism, may not be so clear.

That’s why Pathways Clubhouse married the two issues Tuesday morning for members of Richmond’s business community during an information breakfast where they were asked to consider being part of the solution.

Pathways, which has operated locally for more than three decades, uses its Transitional Employment Program to match its members suffering from mental health issues with businesses in Richmond as a way of getting people back into the workforce.

One of the businesses that has been part of the program since its inception is Heatherbrae Builders.

“We were one of the first to start, since then we’ve employed close to 100 people, to which $90,000 has been paid in wages and over 20 have occupied full-time jobs — not with our company — but have worked through their mental illness and achieved self sufficiency,” said Heatherbrae’s president Michael Knight.

“This is not a charity,” he added.

“This is something designed to help you with services you may need.”

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the cost of mental health illness adds up. ! $51 billion – Total annual economic burden on the Canadian economy due to mental illness. ! $20 billion – Canadian economic burden each year stemming from workplace losses due to mental illness. ! $6 billion – Lost productivity costs each year in Canada due to absenteeism related to mental illness.

While the transitional program does not provide full-time employment, it’s a step in that direction.

“It gives them a chance to get back into the workforce. It provides them with confidence, a sense of purpose, and a reason to get up in the morning, earn a little pocket money,” Knight said.

Being part of the community is the reason why Blundell Seafoods also joined the program, said Alan Li, a sales manager with the company.

In the past two years since Blundell Seafoods has been involved, 10 people have passed through the business on their way back into the workforce.

Una Mulhall, program manager with Pathways, said the Transitional Employment Program is the organization’s cornerstone.

“We believe that every person, regardless of having a mental illness or not, is capable and deserving of a job.”

One who has experienced the program’s benefits is Bruce Amundsen who told the audience his career as a floor trader on the local stock exchange wore him down physically and mentally, to the point he walked away from the business.

“Although I didn’t realize it at the time, the job was very stressful, there was no rest and a lot of pressure.”

To relieve the work-based stress, he turned to alcohol which developed into a habit and full blown alcoholism.

Reaching rock bottom seven years ago, Amundsen finally called the local crisis line. That led him to Pathways and eventually to the work program.

“I have purpose and meaning to my days,” he said, adding he now feels good about himself.

Pathways invited businesses to consider supporting the transitional employment program by providing jobs or financial donations.

RCMP bomb disposal team was called in to an apartment parkade on No. 1 Road, north of Blundell, to render inert what was thought to be an IED. Photo submitted

Resident: Heard two loud bangs ‹ from page 1

A resident of the area called the News to say he had heard two loud bangs — one at around 4 p.m., and the second half an hour later.

Hwang said those noises were related to efforts by the bomb disposal team to render the IED inert.

The vehicle containing the IED is now in police custody and is undergoing forensic examination as part of a continuing investigation.

Traffic in the area during the incident was heavy as the tip of the afternoon rush had to be diverted around the cordoned off scene.

Drennan: New immigrant women reluctant to report ‹ from page 1 On Facebook, Yu also asked for the alleged victim to come forward.

“To the girl: Please don’t ignore this issue, we should not condone his actions. I know you were scared to speak up, I hope you’re okay,” wrote Yu. She told the Richmond News that she believed the victim could have been a new immigrant. She said she agreed with Drennan’s assertion that newcomers to Canada from Asia can face trouble coming forward in such an incident.

“If he would have been touching me I definitely would have felt violated,” said

Yu, born and raised in Richmond.

Hundreds of people praised Yu for going to the police and bringing the problem to the public’s attention.

Drennan said sexual assaults on transit are not infrequent — the Transit Police recorded 146 incidents last year.

“Predators tend to see the transit system as good hunting grounds. And that includes the Canada Line because there are so many people who use the system and it allows them to sit or stand close to others.”

Also worrisome, said Drennan, is the low rate of reporting; police believe just 10 per cent of all sexual assaults are reported.

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Drennan is particularly worried about international students and new residents given their limited resources in a new society.

“We know they are very reluctant,” said Drennan. “A predator may grope three or four women on one train, perhaps young Asian students. And none of them report even though we have a witness,” she added.

Drennan noted the suspect is now being investigated and he may be linked to another sexual assault at UBC last month.

“Because his description is similar to that of the UBC assault, we called UBC (RCMP) detachment and have been liasing

to see if there’s a link. We haven’t been able to determine anything just yet,” she said.

Doug Purdie, chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S, an immigrant services organization, downplayed Drennan’s concerns.

“I don’t think you can stereotype the issue into a cultural nuance,” he said.

“The issue is an issue related to all women,” said Purdie, however, “clearly if you have language issues… you’re inherently more reluctant to communicate.”

People who witness such incidences can call Transit Police at 604-515-8300 or text to 87-77-77. For frequent transit users, a mobile application is available.

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Au challenges tax policy

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For the second time in just four weeks Richmond councillors debated the merits of an annual one per cent tax increase that is dedicated for a reserve account for infrastructure.

Coun. Chak Au made a presentation to council Monday proposing the city’s longterm financial policy of increasing property taxes by the rate of one per cent plus inflation should be amended.

During the hour-long council meeting Au stated it’s possible that growth in the housing market and efficiencies found in a spending review can fund the city’s infrastructure needs without having to raise taxes automatically, per the policy.

Au proposed that instead the city should transfer to reserves of “up to one per cent.”

Au said the city is in good financial standing with net financial assets, as of 2013, of $549 million and ever-increasing casino revenues (a record $21 million in 2014).

Last month, council voted in favour of a one-time exception to the long-term policy and scrapped the one per cent increase, saving the average property owner about $20, and costing the city $1.8 million.

The tax increase was lowered from 2.98 per cent to 1.89 per cent.

Financial planners noted civic costs have risen higher than the consumer price index; salaries rose by three per cent, fringe benefits by six per cent and electricity by seven per cent. Planners also noted that without the

one per cent increase, the city would be $109 million short on its infrastructure reserves by 2024; that’s roughly the same cost of building a new pool, seniors centre and firehall at Minoru, as currently planned.

Councillors Ken Johnston and Carol Day joined Au in opposing the automatic one per cent increase.

Day said property owners are people “living on limited incomes” and wanted more time to review the policy.

“My objection is procedural,” said Johnston, who also wants a spending review.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie repeated his opinion that the reserves need to be funded.

He noted the budget, as it stands, maintains the same level of services as the year prior.

Brodie said the choice is between cutting services and taxes now and paying for infrastructure later or maintaining a tax policy that looks toward the future.

Coun. Derek Dang supported the automatic increase, noting that casino revenues are not guaranteed and the city has done its best job in finding efficiencies.

Coun. Harold Steves noted that although Au’s point regarding housing growth brings in more tax revenue, there’s also a greater demand for services.

While one property may turn into five townhouses, “now you have five families needing services instead of one,” he said.

Steves noted that when Richmond cut taxes in the 1990s, it emptied its reserves, requiring the city to subsequently raise taxes by four to five per cent years later.

Give your opinion at LetsTalkRichmond.ca.

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

A5

PARKS

Survey explores ‘cultural’ perceptions of nature Graeme Wood

Staff Reporter gwood@richmond-news.com

Park planners are conducting a survey to identify Richmond residents’ attitudes regarding the city’s wildlife and natural spaces, as well as to “develop socially and culturally sensitive public education, programs and policies.”

The survey touches on controversial topics such as hunting, snow geese and pets in public spaces. It also delves into apparent cultural issues.

One of the questions in the survey, conducted in English, asks respondents if they agree or disagree that “some wild animals, such as snakes, bring bad luck.”

Richmond resident Linda Love, a student in the Masters of Public Administration program at the University of Victoria, is conducting the survey, which can be taken online at LetsTalkRichmond.ca.

Love was unavailable for comment, but her supervisor, Dr. Lynda Gagne, said the survey could help identify different attitudes toward wildlife.

She said literature supports the notion Asian cultures view wildlife differently than here in Canada.

Gagne said it’s not uncommon for such

Haters gonna hate? Are raccoons friend or foe? A survey is asking Richmondites for their attitudes on wildlife. File photo surveys and studies to help guide policy.

“It sounds like the city is interested and I would see something coming out of this,” said Gagne.

City spokesperson Ted Townsend said what precipitated the survey is the city’s

increasing urbanization and interplay with rural boundaries, such as farms and the river.

“Some parts of our community remain natural and rural, others are more urban,” he said.

“We’ve seen attitudes toward nature and wildlife change throughout the years,” added Townsend.

The questions appear to grasp for an understanding of how residents interpret nature inside the city’s core, in parks and in more natural settings, such as the dyke.

The survey asks if it is “morally wrong” to build housing on sensitive habitat. It also asks if nature makes one “uncomfortable.”

The survey delves into the attitudes surrounding other controversial topics as well; Is berry picking in public parks acceptable? What about taking plants from natural areas?

Opinions on dogs are also explored.

Should dogs be given precedent over wildlife in natural areas?

As for Richmond’s love-them-or-hatethem snow geese, the survey asks if they, in fact, make you “happy” or if they ought to be “controlled.”

An opinion on whether hunting of waterfowl should be reintroduced to the city limits is also sought.

The survey attempts to gauge if people

think wild urban animals are a nuisance and where one should draw the line for human habitation.

Townsend notes, as an example, some people think a raccoon is a nuisance whereas others consider it benign.

He said council will adopted policies informed, but not necessarily dictated, by the findings.

Townsend noted the survey had 60 responses by Tuesday. It closes March 31.

City digs deep to dredge Minoru ponds

The City of Richmond has allotted $1 million to upgrade Minoru Park’s ponds in 2016 to mitigate “foul smells” as a result of duck excrement and algae.

The lakes are only six inches deep in some places and, as a result, are not conducive to proper water flow.

“This project involves the retrofit of Minoru Lakes by excavating/dredging the sediment/waste accumulation in the lakes,” states a city report.

Preliminary plans call for the potential to have the newly excavated lakes act as a retainer of storm water, much like Garden City Park.

A6 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

NEWS

FUN

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

Leading the way to change Martha Perkins

Special to the News

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A few years ago, Laura Chen said she would have felt helpless when her Syrian friend told her about that country’s bloody conflict, and the horrendous impact it was having on civilians’ lives.

But, as a member of R.C. Palmer Secondary’s Global Network club, Chen now said she has the confidence, and the skills, to spring into action.

“My friend (a Syrian refugee) didn’t want pity,” Chen said. “She wanted people to become aware and support the innocent civilians…. She was really upset that no one knew what was going on.”

So, as co-president of Global Network, Chen helped organize a campaign to not only inform students about what was happening in Syria but also raise $500 to help families.

Back when she was in Grade 9, pity would have

From left, Sarah Chen, Cecilia Lee, Rebecca Sayson, Lance Chen and Laura Chen participate in the Student Leadership Showcase at Aberdeen Centre. Photo submitted

by Martha Perkin. been the only thing she could offer her friend. However, the Network club’s leadership training “really got me to be creative about the things I was passionate about — (it taught me to) put all your heart into what you care about.”

“Leadership is a way of standing up for others and starting a conversation,” fellow club member Sarah Chen said at the Richmond Student Leadership

Showcase at the Aberdeen Centre on March 6.

Student passion was palpable at each of the booths that circled the mall’s fountain as part of the culmination of Education Week activities. A variety of youth groups, took part in the event organized by Jim Ling, the district chair of Rotary International’s Interact Clubs, which also had a strong showing.

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A8 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

OPINION

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Send your story ideas or photo submissions to Richmond News editor Eve Edmonds at editor@richmond-news.com

EDITORIAL OPINION

Fear itself

P

rime Minster Stephen Harper rode in to our rescue this week to announce his government is once again getting tough on crime.

This time, it’s the baddest of the bad that our government is determined to save us from.

They’ll be locked up and the key tossed into a deep, dark well, with no possibility of parole.

Never mind that Canada is experiencing its lowest rate of violent crime in 40 years.

Or that first-degree murderers represent a teeny tiny fraction of even those dwindling

statistics.

Forget that we already have dangerous offender legislation that essentially covers the same ground and offers the public the same protection.

That’s not the point.

The point is to remind Canadians that the Boogeyman is still out there.

The point is a bump in the polls from Canadians who respond favourably to a crack down on what we fear, especially in an election year.

It won’t actually make us safer. And, like every piece of legislation that lengthens prison sentences, this will

come with massive costs.

A prison cell is an extremely expensive place for a Canadian to be. That’s money that could be spent mitigating the problems we know actually lead to crime: addiction, poverty and untreated mental illness.

Sadly, this is part of another well-established Tory pattern.

The last time Canada’s murder rate was this low, Lester B. Pearson was Prime Minister.

It seems the safer Canadians get, the more our federal government wants to scare the wits out of them. That’s by design. Don’t fall for it.

Distant lands and winding back roads I

Yet I have family am not a world traveller. members who have I’ve never been PainfulTruth travelled, even lived outside of North Matthew abroad, and friends who America; my passport Claxton have done the same. South has the stamp for entry to America, Europe, Asia America and nothing else.

– I know people who have I’ve never been to Mexico studied, worked, and lived in all three. or Australia, Jakarta or Samarkand. I may And, of course, I know many people or may not ever see any of those places. who came here from other countries and I’ve been thinking of travel because have made their new home here, nestled spring is here, whether officially or not.

When the trees burst into bloom and I can between the ocean and the mountains.

Inadvertently, I have become the venture outside without multiple layers opposite of a widely-travelled person. I for warmth and waterproofing, I start to have become not a hermit, but a kind of get itchy feet. I start to read Wikipedia expert on the local. articles about distant places, and wonder I grew up in Langley and don’t why I know so little about Indonesia, or remember living anywhere else. If you Tunisia, or Estonia. You could make a pretty good travel itinerary just by listing had to find the geographic centre of all the countries that end in “ia.” the Langleys, the point where it would I am unlikely to simply buy a plane balance if uprooted and placed on a giant ticket, demand my vacation time, and spike, it would be close to my family’s head off. Like pretty much everyone else, home.

I have responsibilities and a bank account From there, my world moved outward, that demands to be filled up frequently. by family car trips, bicycle, and

eventually my own cars. In my teens, I had jobs mowing lawns and painting houses that took me into neighbourhoods from one end of town to the other. I learned the simple grid of streets, and then some of the more complex nooks and crannies.

I know of back entrances to parks, cut-throughs that allow a cyclist to slice across BC Hydro right-of-ways and into quiet cul-de-sacs. I know the walking paths that wind through ravines, where cool air drifts up from creeks in the summer and the air smells of cedar.

I know where heritage homes and markers are tucked away, where the old sawmills stood, and where spillways controlled the flow of water in now-wild creeks.

I know the feel of the roads – smooth highways, the bump of asphalt forced up by cottonwood roots, and the rough rural roads, not paved or patched in a generation.

The cost of this local knowledge – of

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Eve Edmonds Editor editor@richmond-news.com 604.249.3343

almost two decades working in Langley – is that I can get quickly lost if too far over municipal boundaries. Toss me into the wilds of Port Coquitlam or White Rock, and I’m liable to find myself stuck in a cul-de-sac, poking at my phone for a map.

If given a few hundred thousand dollars and a ride to the airport, I’d happily expand my horizons. I would gladly visit any continent – I know enough to know how little I know and how much I have to learn.

But I’m not sure I would make a trade of my local knowledge for that of a world traveller.

The way I gained my knowledge of my home town wasn’t exactly work – it grew around me, like roots around a stone.

I’m bound up by strands of memories and experiences shaped by my home.

And I still have more to learn, even in the place I know best.

Matthew Claxton is a reporter with the Langley Advance.

The Richmond News is a member of the Glacier Media Group. The News respects your privacy. We collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at www.richmond-news.com. The Richmond News is also a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body.

The council considers complaints from the public about conduct of member newspapers. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint, contact the council. Your written concern with documentation should be sent to 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. www.bcpresscouncil.org.

Reporters: Alan Campbell acampbell@richmond-news.com | Graeme Wood gwood@richmond-news.com | Philip Raphael praphael@richmond-news.com Sports: Mark Booth mbooth@richmond-news.com Integrated Media Consultants: Lori Kininmont lkininmont@richmond-news.com | Kevin Liminsang kliminsang@richmond-news.com | Lynnette Raymond lraymond@richmond-news.com Sales Administrator: Joyce Ang jang@richmond-news.com | Sales Assistant: Veera Irani virani@richmond-news.com

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

A9

LETTERS

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Dear Editor, “What?!”

This is my reaction when I saw that two relatively new, stylish homes were about to be demolished in the coming week. They are only 22 years old.

I don’t understand why the city would approve of these two demolition projects.

I haven’t been composting and recycling all these years just to make room at the landfill for this kind of construction waste.

I do it for the love of Richmond and because I don’t want another incinerator!!!

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Vancouver port fire a taste of what’s to come The document which explains the minister’s reason for approving the proposed project states that the project will generate $500,000 a year in property taxes, “a portion of which will go toward supporting fire protection services.” There is no mention of roadway improvements.

I don’t understand the silence on this topic. At a minimum, there should be a publicly available analysis by the City of Richmond that either verifies or refutes the numbers and the assertion in the decision document.

Frank Suto Richmond

What’s good for transit tax is good for civic tax Dear Editor; Re: “Mayors say ‘Yes’ vote critical to local economy,” News, Feb. 27.

I was pleased to read Mayor Brodie’s comments that the money raised by the 0.5 per cent increase in the PST to support Translink “…will

be audited annually at arms length” and “It’s absolutely critical to have a group that will monitor the money. …That’s what gives me confidence.”

It is ironic that Mayor Brodie doesn’t feel it is either necessary nor critical to have such an arm’s length

audit of the City of Richmond’s finances. Having an external audit of city spending would go a long way to increasing my confidence that my tax dollars are being spent prudently.

Ralph Turner Richmond

Local park is not your dog’s toilet Dear Editor, As a frequent walker of South Arm Park, I enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxing quietness.

However, one thing that is most frustrating to me is the fact some people who walk their dogs there think it’s okay to let their dogs do their business (poop) wherever they please. You have to always be aware on the pathway or you may step in something unpleasant!

Dog walkers who are responsible for cleaning up after their dog, Kudos on you, that’s awesome!

Dog walkers who are irresponsible and do not clean up after their dog, it’s disappointing that you

think this beautiful park is your pet’s toilet and have no regard for the rest of the community who use the park.

There is an elementary school, a high school and a community center surrounding this park, and with the nice weather, more and more people will be using it.

Please, dog walkers, clean up after your dog, there is a by-law that says this is what you must do. The park should be a pleasant place for everyone to enjoy.

On a side note, please remember also, that South Arm Park is an On-Leash park.

J. Freemantle Richmond

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it would be to evacuate the area and how difficult it would be for first responders to access the area in the event of an emergency.

How can the project move forward without a very significant upgrade of the roadway infrastructure to and from Riverport and a new fire hall in the area with the specialized equipment needed to fight a jet fuel fire?

So the questions become: Who pays for the roadway improvements?

Who pays for the new fire hall?

Will it be the City of Richmond?

Will Richmond taxpayers end up subsidizing a project most do not want?

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Dear Editor, Last week’s hazmat container fire in Vancouver Harbour and the container ship grounding in the Fraser River last January are examples of what we can look forward to should the proposed Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation’s proposed project come to fruition.

Imagine the chaos if the Riverport sports entertainment complex and adjacent waterfront condominiums were engulfed in the heat and acrid smoke of a jet fuel fire.

The gridlock on No. 6 Road and Steveston Highway at peak theatre times is an example of how difficult

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A10 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY WHAT’S ON

The show, Chinese New Year Carnival China 2015, takes place at the River Rock Show Theatre today and tomorrow (March 11 and 12) at 7:30 p.m.

Hosted by the China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe, the Chinese New Year Gala highlights the richness of Chinese culture through the elaborate selection and high-quality composition of Chinese multi-ethnic, multi-regional performing art. This is the troupe’s eighth year touring Canada. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster’s website. Photo submitted

Saturday/Sunday

Get up close to snakes, lizards and geckos at Exotic Reptile Show on Saturday, March 14 and 15 at the The Richmond Nature Park (11851 Westminster Hwy.).

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, members of the West Coast Society for the Protection and Conservation of Reptiles will present an ongoing show of exotic creatures commonly kept as pets. This is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of easily connecting with these animals and talking with people who care for them.

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Previous shows have featured corn snakes, rosy boas, ball pythons, bearded dragons and leopard geckos. For more information, call 604-7186188 or visit richmond. ca/parksprograms.

Upcoming

This year’s fully-packed Activate! Wellness Fair on March 18 for those 55+ years at the Minoru Place Activity Centre includes educational workshops, a chance to try something new at a Minoru Place Clubs and Groups Showcase, and interactive displays that include the Mobile Fire Safety Education Trailer hosted

by Richmond Fire-Rescue.

For more information download a complete program at www.richmond. ca/wellnessclinics or call 604-238-8450 The Richmond Public Library is presenting a free workshop on B.C. Employment Standards on March 19 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m at the Brighouse Branch. The workshop will focus on explaining your rights and responsibilities as an employee in B.C. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-2316413, or register online at yourlibrary.ca/events The Skate for Scleroderma, a condition with no known cause or cure, will be raising funds March 29 at Richmond Ice Centre’s ‘Forum’ rink (14140 Triangle Rd.).

Admission by donation ($10. minimum) includes free skates. Sign-in: 12:30 p.m. Skate: 1 – 2:15 p.m.

For further info, visit scleroderma@telus.net or call 604-940-9343.

The Richmond Public Library is hosting a free workshop called “Living with Liver Disease: Myths and Facts about Hepatitis C” on March 25 from 7– 8 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch. Learn how to keep your liver healthy with Dr. Edward Tam and RN Carolyn Klassen. The workshop is sponsored by the Canadian Liver Foundation. For more information visit yourlibrary.ca/events.

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

A11

A12 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

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A13

A14 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

THEPULSE

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WE’VE GOT OUR FINGERS ON IT

A large, and diverse group, came out to Cora’s last Saturday morning to get celebrations of International Women’s Day off to an early start. Among those attending included local singer Sybil Thrasher (above centre) and former Canadian Olympian, and now city councillor, Alexa Loo (above right).

Photos by Gord Goble/Special to the News

Submit Your Pictures

To editor@richmond-news.com with The Pulse in the subject line. For more photo galleries, visit richmond-news.com

SEEDY SATURDAY Richmond residents celebrated local seeds, foods, gardening and education during the 7th annual Seedy Saturday event March 7 at Thompson Community Centre. Photos by Gord Goble/Special to the News

KUDOS Richmond volunteers of Tzu Chi Foundation, Canada hosted a Chinese New Year celebration at McMath secondary on Feb. 22, drawing 350 guests that included William Chung, director-general of Taipei’s Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, and Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Jason Kenny. Photos submitted

Dora Ho, culinary arts teacher at McNair secondary, and her students, baked cakes to kick off Education Week 2015 and presented them at last week’s Richmond School Board meeting.

Submitted photos

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

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Send your story ideas or photo submissions to Richmond News editor Eve Edmonds at editor@richmond-news.com

Energizing the cycling community Shocke Bikes hoping to ‘spark’ interest in pedal-assisted two-wheeler

BIZ BRIEFS Vector lands Brazilian contract

Richmond’s Vector Aerospace Corporation announced last week it has signed a deal to provide Rolls-Royce engine overhaul support to Brazil’s Helisul Taxi Aereo Ltda. (“Helisul”). Vector is a global, independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

“We have selected Vector Aerospace to provide M250 engine MRO support to Helisul due to their proven track record for top quality performance as well as their reputation for employing experienced, highly trained technicians,” said Flávio Costa, supply chain director at Helisul Taxi Aereo Ltda. in a press release.

Helisul has operated for more than 40 years in the Brazilian executive market, has a fleet of more than 40 aircraft, and is the largest executive Airbus Helicopter operator in Latin America.

Qantas lauches comeback Just like a boomerang, a well-known name in the air travel industry is winging its way back to provide regular service “down under” from YVR starting this summer.

According to officials at the Vancouver Airport Authority, Qantas will be filling passenger seat demand later in 2015 for flights between Vancouver and Sydney, Australia.

That interest in flights was confirmed after a run of six, direct return trips last month. What’s planned for the upcoming summer and winter travel periods are direct flights three times a week.

“We are thrilled to welcome Qantas back to YVR for summer and winter service,” said Craig Richmond, YVR’s president and CEO in a press release.

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

Philip Raphael

Staff Reporter praphael@richmond-news.com

A group of six, local 20-somethings are hoping their business idea for an electrically-assisted bicycle will energize the Lower Mainland’s growing cycling community — oh, and help save the global environment, as well.

“As a group of friends, we met in 2012 in university and thought why don’t we get together and try to do something,” said Hussain Jafferjee, adding they considered a few ideas before choosing one that was really close to home.

“Actually, it was inspired by my dad who was pretty active riding bikes, but because of his age (62) and physical limitations wasn’t able to get into Vancouver from Richmond because of the steep bridges and roads,” Jafferjee said.

So, the group formed Shocke Bikes and began researching products that could tap into not only the commuter and recreational cycling communities, but the segment of the bike riding population who would be enticed onto the roads if the physical task was made just that bit easier.

What they came up with was a design for a mountain bike with a battery powering a 350 Watt, high-speed motor driving the rear wheel. And in 2013 they began sourcing potential suppliers in China that could offer the quality of materials and components they were looking for.

“This is definitely not an off the shelf bike,” Jafferjee said. “No one has put theses types of components together on one bike.”

To look at, the Spark, as it’s called, looks pretty much like any other mountain bike.

It’s main difference is a wide centre frame bar that houses the high-energy density, lithium-ion battery.

Even the rear wheel hub is quite normal looking, hiding the electric motor that offers pedal assistance with the push of a throttle switch, leaving it up to the rider when they require help.

“The system senses your peddling and gives you a boost in a one-to-one ratio, mitigating all of your efforts,” said Steven

MISS CALEDONIA Written & performed by Melody A. Johnson Musical arrangements and original score

by Alison Porter Directed by Rick Roberts and Aaron Willis

Steven Lo (left) and Hussain Jafferjee, two of the six partners in Shocke Bikes, display their electrically assisted bicycle called Spark which has a range of 30 km if just the motor is used. Photo by Philip Raphael/Richmond News Shocke Bikes has also incorporated some Lo, who along with Edward Lo, Hasan Hamze, Jeff Chung and Frank Lo round out high-tech gear into the Spark. Part of that are wireless turn signals, and a special set of Shocke Bike’s founders. “We’re not trying to re-invent the wheel. We’re actually trying laser lights that illuminate a line designating a bike lane-sized space on either side of the to re-invent the riding experience.” rider.

Range for the Spark depends on how “Reflectors on much assistance is required. By battery a bike are good alone, a rider can We’re not trying to re-invent because they tell you cover 30 km — more the rider is,” the wheel. We’re actually trying where than enough for short Jafferjee said. “But to re-invent the riding distance commutes what these lights do which can also is draw out a path experience. be more efficient behind you to show - Steven Lo than other forms of how wide an area the transit. bike and rider need.”

“We found out Right now, the from studies that if you work within eight only way to get on a list for a Spark — kilometres from your home, it can actually which sells for $999 U.S. — is to subscribe be faster to use a bike than a car or transit,” through the company’s crowdfunding Lo said. “And with an electric bike, that (Kickstarter) program which has managed commute can be even that much faster.” to exceed its goal of $40,000 with under The battery pack takes four to six hours two weeks to go in the fundraising to recharge and is good for about 1,000 campaign which ends March 22. Sales will recharge cycles. then be done online at shockebikes.com.

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

A17

COMMUNITY MATTERS

For the good of our community

V

Volunteers Help Deliver Justice

olunteers play an essential role in serving their community. One such example is the volunteers who provide service to the Richmond Restorative Justice Program at Touchstone Family Association.

with victims and other affected parties, including supporters for both sides, in a safe and respectful process. Thus, reparation and restoration is facilitated by and for the community.

Restorative justice volunteers are critical to the success of the Richmond Restorative Justice Program. They Restorative Justice is the philosophy invest both time and effort in carrying that serves as the foundation for this out their duties. As professionally diversion program. Repairing harm, trained volunteer facilitators, their restoring relationships and rebuilding responsibilities include identifying community are at the core of this and contacting everyone who has alternative approach to our traditional been affected by the crime or conflict; justice system. Restorative justice interviewing all of the parties and; volunteers, in their role as facilitators, preparing and facilitating community assist children, youth and adults, who justice forums (Circle Process). Inside have committed a criminal offence and the forum, Facilitators help guide have accepted blame. The participants the participants in a collaborative are given the opportunity to repair the discussion that allows them to share harm they did to society, often meeting perspectives, gain understanding

Q A

What are the benefits of volunteering in your community?

There are many rewards in serving your community, including some of the following: • Satisfaction in helping others • Serving a cause you are passionate about • Getting free training and Learning new skills • Building your resume • Contributing to Self-Development • Meeting people and making friends

and explore everyone’s needs and obligations in an effort to hold people accountable and heal what has been broken. Outcomes are reached through consensus and everyone must be satisfied with the agreements that were made.

The work can be hard and exhausting, but the volunteers who do this work often remark that their greatest reward is the satisfaction they get from seeing people heal before their eyes from an awful experience. They can also take comfort in knowing their commitment made their own community a little safer by helping deliver the justice that everyone needs.

Author: Haroon Bajwa, Restoration Justice Coordinator hbajwa@touchfam.ca

Interested to become a Restorative Justice Volunteer?

We are looking for volunteers interested in becoming trained restorative justice facilitators willing to assist people, including victims and offenders, affected by crime or conflict in the community.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer or to apply, visit us at www.touchstonefamily.ca Successful applicants are provided training. Next training session: May 22-24, 2015.

The deadline for volunteer applications to be submitted: April 30, 2015.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

A18 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

SPORTS

Send your story ideas or photo submissions to Richmond News editor Eve Edmonds at editor@richmond-news.com

FUNDRAISER

Local skating club pays tribute to legend Karen Magnussen struggles following lung damage Mark Booth

Staff Reporter mbooth@richmond-news.com

W

hen the Connaught Skating Club was brainstorming ideas for its biennial show, paying tribute to one of the greatest athletes ever to come out of this province just seemed like the right thing to do.

Karen Magnussen was the darling of figure skating in the 1970s.

The Vancouver born-and-raised skater was a five-time Canadian champion and won silver at the 1972 Winter Olympic Games.

A year later she was world champion and remains the last Canadian to capture the women’s title.

The B.C. and Canadian Sports Hall of Fame inductee would go on to star professionally in Ice Capades and eventually launched a successful career as one of B.C.’s top coaches — based out of the North Shore Winter Club.

Magnussen even established a foundation to provide scholarships to help cover the high training costs of competing at the elite level.

She was front and centre in the development of B.C.’s top young skaters until an ammonia leak at the Winter Club in November 2011 burned her lungs.

The injuries sustained and subsequent complications have prevented the 62-year-old from coaching or being anywhere near the ice.

On Saturday at Minoru Arenas, Connaught will be performing a benefit show for

Magnussen with proceeds going to her family.

“We didn’t want to do an Alice in Wonderland type show but rather something more meaningful,” explained Keegan Murphy, Connaught’s director of programs. “It was actually (B.C./Yukon Skating executive director) Ted Barton who mentioned how Karen was going through a hard time and we all knew about it.

“We thought ‘why not do something around her and her situation?’ Our committee of volunteers and coaches all got on board. If we are going to do this then we are going to do it well because we all respect Karen hugely.”

The two-hour show starts at 6 p.m. and will feature 100 different skaters — ranking from national level to five-year-olds from Connaught’s junior academy.

The club encourages tickets to be purchased online through its website — connaughtsc.com— where donations for Magnussen can also be made.

“We are getting a lot of support for Karen that way too,” continued Murphy.

“The response from the entire skating community has been absolutely amazing.

We are getting messages and emails from friends and colleagues of her that know what she has gone through. The media response from throughout North America has been enormous too. We hoped for that kind of response but really didn’t know what to expect.

“I think the whole community knows about the struggle that was going on, but I don’t think people knew how to help or what

A young Connaught skater enjoys moment with figure skating legend Karen Magnussen.

Photo submitted by Connaught Skating Club was or wasn’t appropriate. I’m really proud we are getting to do this.”

Magnussen will not be able to attend the show but did make the huge effort last month to come to Richmond for a meet and greet with all the skaters who will be participating.

“She is from a different era and we thought

it was important the kids had a connection with her,” said Murphy. “We also have some footage of her from Youtube and we will be working bits and pieces of it into the show.

“It’s going to be a beautiful way to close out our season.

Tickets for the Tribute Show are $20.

BASKETBALL

Wildcats’ senior team, young but making noise Mark Booth

Staff Reporter mbooth@richmond-news.com

They are built for 2016 but came-ever-so close to making some serious noise now at the B.C. AAA Girls Basketball Championships.

With a rotation that features almost exclusively Grade 11 and even Grade 9 talent, the McMath Wildcats flirted with a significant

upset in their first-ever provincial appearance at the AAA level.

The seventh seeded Wildcats went toe-totoe with the No. 2 and eventual runner-up WJ Mouat Hawks, falling 67-60 in quarter-final action Thursday night at the Langley Events Centre. Abbotsford needed a 12-4 run in the final three minutes to finally take control.

Back in December, McMath shocked the

Hawks on a three-point buzzer beater from Jessica Jones at a tournament hosted by Riverside. This time, the Grade 11 provincial team guard inflicted plenty of damage from start to finish.

She was responsible for 21 of her team’s first 28 points as the Wildcats led for much of the first half and enjoyed an eight point cushion at one point. The Hawks closed the

HOCKEY NIGHT IN RICHMOND!

MISSION ICEBREAKERS RICHMOND SOCKEYES SOCKEYES VS Richmond's Premier Sports Team Since 1972

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margin to 33-30 at the break and it was a tight battle until the late going.

Jones’ final points of the night at the free throw line gave her a game-high 30 and, more importantly her team a 56-55 advantage. A clear path foul meant the Wildcats maintained possession but they were unable to pad the lead. see McMath › page 19

MINORU ARENA 7511 Minoru Gate

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

SPORTS

McMath: 5th in province ‹ from page 18

The Hawks pulled even then jumped back out in front for good on a deep three from Brittney Wertman. Mouat had at last seized momentum and extended the margin to 63-56 with a minute remaining before the Wildcats would answer again.

Jessica Zawada added 10 points, eight rebounds and was terrific defensively in the paint. Bobbi Jo Colburn chipped in with eight, while Grade 9 guard Lyric Custodio played beyond her years with six points.

The Wildcats rebounded from the tough loss to win a pair of games in consolation play to finish fifth which also happened be their highest placement in the provincial rankings this season.

McMath defeated Coquitlam’s Charles Best 67-48 on Friday, then passed the Kelowna Owls 61-54 on Saturday.

Jones was named a Second Team Tournament All-Star.

A19

City Board City Appointments Tourism Richmond – Directors

Richmond City Council is seeking applications for three (3) Director positions for the Tourism Richmond Association (Tourism Richmond).

Tourism Richmond overview:

Tourism Richmond is a non-profit, destination marketing organization (DMO) that promotes Richmond as a tourism destination. It is the City of Richmond’s exclusive tourism destination marketing services provider.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated executive-level work experience in one or more of the following sectors:

• Food and beverage • Retail • Transportation and travel • Tourism attractions • Accounting/finance • General business • Commitment to community-wide Richmond tourism development • Strategic-level business planning and decision-making skills • Strong communications skills, including ability to represent Tourism Richmond externally • Abilities and skills for special tasks, such as legal guidance and financial expertise

Commitment:

Attendance to approximately ten (10) Board meetings per year, in addition to Committee meetings and tourism industry events and engagements, is to be expected.

McMath’s Jessica Zawada goes hard to the basket as her team hung tough with No. 2 ranked WJ Mouat in quarterfinal play at the B.C. AAA Championships Thursday night, falling 67-60. Photo by Gord Goble/Special to the News The Wildcats opened the tournament Wednesday with a 62-46 win over 10th seed Fleetwood Park.

Zawada scored 20 points and added nine rebounds.

Jones chipped in with 16 points; Colburn had 14 .

Marie’s friends and family are Relaying because Marie has cancer.

WHO WILL YOU RELAY FOR?

Relay For Life is an inspirational fundraising event that challenges you and your community to walk or run to advance cancer research and support Canadians living with cancer.

Accept the baton, join a Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life event.

Richmond Relay For Life Saturday June 13, 2015 6 pm – 12 am Richmond Oval relayforlife.ca/richmond Accept the baton. Register at relayforlife.ca

#WhyIRelay

Applications and process: To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a current resume, along with a cover page specifying how you will contribute to the development of tourism in Richmond.

Applications should be submitted to economicdev@richmond.ca no later than Friday, March 20, 2015. The final selection is expected to be confirmed by mid-April 2015.

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