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VOLUNTEERS: THE PLUG THAT POWERS LAFARGE LIGHTS

JAZZ BAND HITS RIGHT CHRISTMAS NOTES DONATIONS, SUPPORT NEEDED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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Welcome to the My Tri-Cities Holiday Issue The holidays are here and so is our most festive edition yet. Get ready for a sleighload of ºwhat makes the Tri-Cities AWESOME. Inside, you’ll find a sparkling lineup of community events. Grab your family and friends, bundle up, and go make some memories. We also hope you will show some holiday love to the fantastic local shops, services and restaurants featured in these pages. Try something new or treat yourself to a forever favourite. Here’s to a joyful season right here at home in the Tri-Cities. Enjoy every moment.

Features JAZZ BAND HITS RIGHT CHRISTMAS NOTES Phat Santa Swing set to perform at Port Coquitlam’s Christmas in the Square

Published by Lodestar Media four times per year CONTRIBUTORS: Ben Bengston DESIGN: Tracy Trydal

For information on the next issue, please call 604.808.6463

VOLUNTEERS: THE PLUG THAT POWERS LAFARGE LIGHTS 18 More than a thousand volunteers help make the Lights at Lafarge a reality every year

DONATIONS, SUPPORT NEEDED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 26 SHARE Family and Community Services is hosting its toy drive through December in addition to other services

Monthly Events NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

COVER PHOTO: Cover photo - courtesy of City of Coquitlam

Keep an eye out this October for the Annual A-List winners! Our special magazine will be arriving in mailboxes across the Tri-Cities, and the full list of winners will also be available online at VancouverisAwesome.com. These awards celebrate the community’s favourite businesses across a wide range of categories—chosen by you, the voters. This year, you’ll notice a fresh new look and logo, but what hasn’t changed is the honour and recognition that comes with being named a community favourite.

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 5

Winter in Coquitlam Register for Winter 2026 Programs This winter, snow much fun awaits! Register for a variety of fun and inclusive programs designed to keep everyone moving, learning and connecting. Mark your calendars for the registration dates: Swimming: November 4 for residents; November 6 for non-residents Skating: November 10 for residents; November 13 for non-residents Pro-D Day Camps: November 18 for residents; November 20 for nonresidents General Recreation: November 25 for residents; November 27 for nonresidents All programs are viewable online at coquitlam.ca/registration at least four days before registration begins. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., and is available online, in-person and by phone.

Park Spark Light Brigade at Lights at Lafarge Enhance your Lights at Lafarge experience. Join Coquitlam’s Park Spark team for free activities, running Saturday and Sunday all season long. Each night brings something new – from a glowing scavenger hunt to light-up sports, disco nights and plenty more surprises. Whether you’re coming with friends, family or flying solo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Find the full schedule of activities at coquitlam.ca/ParkSpark.

Volunteer to be a Snow Angel Give your neighbours a hand – and spread a little kindness – by becoming a Coquitlam Snow Angel. Help clear sidewalks for residents who need support after a snowfall. You can sign up on your own or volunteer as a family or group. The City provides training, equipment and a match with one or two homes in your neighbourhood. Volunteer and make winter a bit brighter at coquitlam.ca/SnowAngels.

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EVENTS NOV

BLACKBERRY WINTER The Port Moody Arts Centre Society and Blackberry Artist Society are thrilled to reopen the Blackberry Winter Arts Market for five festive weeks of inspired gift giving and artful celebration, transforming the galleries at PoMoArts (2425 St Johns St.) into a curated holiday shopping destination with an emphasis on shopping local. The market is on now until Dec. 22. PoMoArts is open 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekends. POMOARTS.CA/EXHIBITIONS-EVENTSPAGE/BLACKBERRY-WINTER-ARTSMARKET

HOLLYDAZE The Austin Heights Business Improvement Association is hosting its fourth annual HollyDaze in the Heights from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event, taking place on Ridgeway Avenue between Nelson and Marmont streets, will feature more than a hundred vendors, a main entertainment stage, a kids’ stage, cookie decorating, ornament crafts, food trucks, face painting, and much more. AUSTINHEIGHTS.CA

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 7

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RADIO PLAY Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage commercials for fruitcake, and the magic of live sound effects and music. The production is taking place at Inlet United Church (2315 Spring St., Port Moody) at 7 p.m. There are also showings taking place on Friday (Nov. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Nov. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets: $25.

CHRISTMAS AND CRAFTS More than 60 vendors, photos with Santa, food trucks, raffles, and seasonal drinks will all be happening at the Oakdale Christmas Craft Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 550 Thompson Ave., Coquitlam.

WINTER FARMERS MARKET The Port Moody Winter Farmers Market is taking place at the parking lot of Port Moody Recreation Complex (300 Ioco Rd.) every Sunday until the end of April from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To promote the opening of the Winter Farmers Market, organizers are doing a raffle for the month of November with proceeds earmarked for the Power of Produce (POP) Kids Club.

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Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 9

Scott Robertson and his band, Phat Santa Swing, perform faithful renditions of iconic holiday classics. PHOTO SUPPLIED

10 MY TRI CITIES Winter 2025/26

Jazz Band Hits Right Christmas Notes

Phat Santa Swing set to perform at Port Coquitlam’s Christmas in the Square BEN BENGTSON

hether it’s Mariah belting festive notes like hymns to the high heavens, Vince Guaraldi’s muted masterpiece by way of Charlie Brown and company, The Ronettes’ jingling– jangling wall of sound, or simply, Frank Sinatra singing holiday hallmarks imbued with equal parts happiness and melancholy, Christmas music and the emotions, memories, and moments it colours are part of our collectives lives and individual histories—something we tap into every year. It’s a feeling that drummer Scott Robertson and his band, Phat Santa Swing, are keenly motivated by and driven to explore every Christmas during their much-anticipated run of holiday shows. “I look forward to them every year,” says Robertson, on dusting off the sheet music (now long memorized) for their jazzy renditions of “Frosty the Snowman” through “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer” and everything in between. “I love it—it’s the most family friendly time of the year. There’s lots

of celebrating going on.” Recalling the Christmas TV specials and festive radio hits of his youth, Robertson observes how music is one of the memorable highlights of any holiday season—something his band takes seriously when performing at everything from company Christmas parties and winter festivals to holiday markets or cozy private gathering every year. “Families are coming out and they’re trying to get into the Christmas spirit— and we give them that: they’re hearing the sounds of the small groups of the ’30s and ’40s and playing it in that style,” he says. It is with this seasonal spirit in mind that Robertson and co. are looking forward to performing at Port Coquitlam’s Christmas in the Square and Winter Market on Nov. 29. The annual event, hosted at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.), will include a winter market, sip-n-shop, and family friendly

activities for everyone to enjoy from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is part of PoCo’s broader holiday-themed Winter in the City celebrations, which include the Parade of Lights (Dec. 6) and CPKC Holiday Train (Dec. 20). And of course, Robertson and Phat Santa Swing—who have been performing in Port Coquitlam for more than 10 years—are raring to bring the holiday joy. (His band includes performers on guitar, saxophone, trumpet, vocals, double bass, and Robertson on the drums.) “We like to make sure we’re playing familiar Christmas favourites,” he says. “We don’t do anything avant-garde to them. … If we’re doing ‘Jingle Bells’ we want people to know what song we’re playing.” You can catch Phat Santa Swing performing “Jingle Bells” and other iconic classics at the community centre’s Mabbett Hall starting at 2:45 p.m.

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 11

Inlet wellness The Inlet Wellness Gallery is a calm oasis of healing. Choose from a broad palette of treatment options, professionally served by our team of registered therapists and licensed practitioners. Tour our gallery of original fine art by local Canadian artists. Come on in, and experience colour, wellness, and serenity.

Registered Massage Therapy • TCM Acupuncture Clinical Counseling • Holistic Aesthetics You deserve a place where you can heal and de-stress. Inlet Wellness Gallery provides clinical services and treatments to help you feel and be your best self. “Become the healthiest version of you!” - Cynthia Gillanders, Inlet Wellness Gallery Founder and Clinic Owner

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NOV

BRAZIL MARKET A Brazilian Christmas Market is coming to Port Moody, featuring dozens of vendors who will be selling Brazilian treats—think churros and cheese bread—and artisan goods. The free market is on from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Site B community and event space (3012 Murray St.).

HOLIDAY CHEER Kick off the holiday season at Port Moody’s iconic pier with Holiday Cheer at the Pier. Enjoy twinkling lights, sing-alongs with carolers, join in festive games, and more. The family friendly festivities are taking place between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the pier off Rocky Point Park (2800 Murray St.). PORTMOODY.CA/CHEER

JAZZY EVENING Join the Cory Weeds Quartet with vocalist Ale Nuñezfor for a jazzy evening at Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr., Port Moody) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45.76. PORTMOODYMUSIC.COM

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 13

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FAMILY DAY Looking for a fun and creative way to spend the day with your family? Enjoy an art-filled afternoon with engaging activities for all ages led by talented artists at Place Des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). Explore current exhibitions, experiment with art mediums, and discover the performing arts—and families are encouraged to take home their creations. The event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., is free; however, pre-registration is encouraged. PLACEDESARTS.CA/EVENTS/FAMILY-DAYAT-PDA-NOVEMBER-30-2005

CRAFT FAIR The Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair is back for its 44th season. The annual celebration of holiday cheer, community togetherness, local food, and the vibrant creativity of local artisans takes place at Poirier Forum (618 Poirier St., Coquitlam) between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday (Dec. 6) and Sunday (Dec. 7) the fair is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and 10 a.m.–4 p.m., respectively. COQUITLAMCRAFTS.COM

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 15

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Volunteers: the plug that powers Lafarge lights

More than a thousand volunteers help make Lights at Lafarge a reality every year

ehind the magic shines the incredible effort and dedication of many people who make Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor lights extravaganza a true community-built spectacle. The annual Lights at Lafarge display

18 MY TRI CITIES Winter 2025/26

is set to illuminate Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake at Town Centre Park on Nov. 28. Many busy hands and creative minds have been hard at work since September to ensure the lights radiate well into the New Year.

The more than 1-km walking loop features in excess of a million lights thematically organized around images of flora, fauna, and fairytales. The iconic event is produced by City staff with the support of more than 1,200 Park Spark

Coquitlam’s annual Lights at Lafarge display is set to shine bright from the end of November to mid-February. CITY OF COQUITLAM

Light Brigade volunteers. “We have a lot of community involvement and a lot of civic pride for the Lights at Lafarge in Coquitlam’s backyard,” says Sara Yastremski, Coquitlam’s manager of parks services. “There’s a lot of people that really want to be a part of it. They look forward to it every year.” Coquitlam’s Park Spark — focused on providing year-round opportunities for all ages and abilities to connect with their local park spaces — begins Light Brigade engagement in September. It starts with a

series of workshops where participants are encouraged to fabricate festive elements and ornaments earmarked for the twoweek Lights at Lafarge installation period starting mid-November.

p.m. daily, except on New Year’s Eve, when the lights will illuminate the New Year.

“Because there is a number of opportunities for people to get involved, we see a great sense of ownership and enthusiasm for the lights,” says Yastremski, adding, “It’s not just built by City staff — it involves the whole community.”

Last year, the family-friendly spectacle drew in more than 500,000 visitors in a three-month span. “It’s a free experience that happens in Metro Vancouver — there’s not a lot of those,” says Yastremski. “For folks that want to avoid the crowds, come early or come late. It is accessible for everybody — it’s a walking path around the lake that is easy for all mobilities.”

This season, the lights are set to glow until Feb. 16. Hours of operation are 4 p.m.–11

For more information, visit the City of Coquitlam’s website, coquitlam.ca/lights.

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 19

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DEC

CRAFT FAIR Featuring more than 40 vendors offering everything from gourmet food, greeting cards, soap, candles, photography, clothing, jewelry, and much more, the 10th annual Port Moody Christmas Craft Fair is taking place at Porty Moody City Hall (100 Newport Dr.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PARADE OF LIGHTS As part of Port Coquitlam’s Winter in the City festivities, the second annual Parade of Lights is returning to PoCo’s downtown for a magical evening of illuminated city vehicles, starting at 5 p.m. The parade will also feature a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will bring up the end of the procession. This free, family friendly event will be followed by a public skate at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.

WINTER WONDERS Coquitlam Heritage Society is hosting its annual Winter Wonders Holiday Celebration at Mackin House (1116 Brunette Ave.) from noon to 3 p.m. Every December, Mackin House’s outdoor area is transformed into a winter paradise, featuring holiday performances and characters, snacks and drinks, craft activities, and vendors to browse through—and also, pictures with Santa. COQUITLAMHERITAGE.CA

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 21

DEC

SANTA STORIES Babies, toddlers, kids, and their caregivers are invited to join Santa and his elves for stories, songs, and rhymes—and of course, Santa will stay for photos—during Santa Story Time at Coquitlam Public Library’s Poirier branch (575 Poirier St.). There will be two sessions available, one from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and another one from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The library is also hosting Santa Story Time on Saturday (Dec. 13) at the same times.

CHRISTMAS MARKET Coquitlam Farmers Market is hosting its annual Christmas Market at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Featuring stunning three-part harmonies, The Dimes are set to put on a dazzling holiday show that promises to be a warm musical memory tour of the holiday favourites we all know and love. The family friendly spectacle is taking place at Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 ($16 for students). EVERGREENCULTURALCENTRE.CA

COQLIBRARY.CA

NIGHT MARKET The fifth annual Coquitlam Christmas Night Market is taking place at Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The family friendly winter holiday event, featuring plenty of food and artisan vendors, is also taking place on Saturday (Dec. 13) from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on the following Saturday (Dec. 20) at the same time.

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 23

Be Aware Coquitlam City crews work around the clock during snow and winter events to keep roads safe and essential services running. Residents also play a role in winter preparedness. Please take steps to be prepared and follow these steps during snow events to minimize disruptions and improve safety.

Get Prepared It is your responsibility to clear all sidewalks around your property within 10 hours after the end of any snowfall or ice storm.

If you have a fire hydrant in front of your property, please clear the snow around it.

Do not park on the road during and after a snowfall.

Do not drive unless you absolutely have to.

Keep catch basins adjacent to your property clear. coquitlam.ca/AdoptaCatchBasin

Use our real-time Snow Response Request tool to report an area of concern during a snow event. coquitlam.ca/SnowResponse

| coquitlam.ca/WinterWise

DEC

HOLIDAY TRAIN Since 1999, the CPKC Holiday Train has stopped at dozens of communities throughout North America, raising food and cash donations for food banks. This year, the holiday train is making pitstops at Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, with the train slated to pull into 300 Ioco Rd. in Port Moody at 5:15 p.m. followed by PoCo at Kingsway Avenue and Mary Hill Road at 6:45 p.m. The train will arrive and pull to a safe stop in front of the crowd, at which point a stage door will lower and a band opens with its first song—this year, that band is the Barenaked Ladies.

SOULFUL CHRISTMAS Join musicians Dawn Pemberton and Marcus Mosely for an evening of soulful Christmas tunes spanning gospel, soul, jazz, funk, and world music. This holiday presentation is part of the Inlet Music Series’ fourth season and takes place at Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr., Port Moody) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45.76. PORTMOODYMUSIC.COM

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 25

Donations, Support Needed This Holiday Season SHARE Family and Community Services is hosting its toy drive through December in addition to other services BEN BENGTSON

or almost 10 years, Diane and John Bowman have been a dynamic duo volunteering for all things SHARE Family and Community Services, a non-profit, community-based organization which offers programs and supports in response to the social needs of Tri-Cities residents. “For us it’s year-round,” says Diane. “We do it all the time.” While the Port Coquitlam residents and married couple of 40 years volunteer with a whole host of local organizations, they take particular pride in the community work they do with SHARE and tout the agency’s impact throughout the Tri-Cities. The organization serves more than 29,000 children, youth, families, and seniors annually, providing essential programs such as food security, housing support, mental health and counselling, early childhood development services, and more. “They are just a great organization— they fill so many gaps for people in our community,” says Diane. John started working with SHARE’s Better at Home program almost 10 years ago, an initiative that aims to help seniors with day-to-day tasks so they can continue to live independently in their own homes. “It’s a fun volunteer job,” says John. “You get to know some of the seniors and they have their own stories to tell.” Diane followed suit shortly thereafter, including volunteering stints with many of SHARE’s programs and campaigns such as its annual Imagine Gala, which raises crucial funds for the organization and the work it does in the community. But really, their main passion is doing whatever they can to fulfill a volunteering need when it arises. “If we’re in town and available then

26 MY TRI CITIES Winter 2025/26

we’re doing it,” says Diane. In particular, Diane and John know they are needed now—during the holidays, a period when folks typically could use even more support. According to SHARE, its food bank serves more than 7,300 individuals annually. And since 2020, this demand has more than doubled—and it continues to be a major resource for people during this busy time of year. In addition, SHARE’s annual Toy Shop provides new toys and gifts to children and youth (ages newborn to 17), with the organization expected to distribute more than 1,700 holiday hampers this season. Donations to this program can be Diane and John Bowman pose with SHARE Bear during the community organization’s annual toy drive. PHOTO SUPPLIED

dropped off at the Coquitlam Centre Toy Drive kiosk (Unit 220–2929 Barnet Highway, located on Level 2 between Walmart and H&M) between Nov. 22 and Dec. 24. Sought after items include new toys, games, crafts, puzzles, books, or gift cards for tweens and teens. More information about SHARE’s food bank and holiday initiatives can be found here: sharesociety.ca. And whether it’s wrapping donated gifts or, really, anything else that is asked of them, Diane and John plan to continue volunteering this holiday season as well. “Doing things for people you don’t know is a major part of community and builds community,” says John.

DEC

JAN

CHAMBER PLAYERS The talented Quiring Chamber Players—Reg Quiring (viola) and Rosemary O’Connor (piano)— return for their 15th annual New Year’s Eve celebration at Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam), a much-beloved tradition among classical music lovers. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $53 ($46 for seniors; $16 for students). EVERGREENCULTURALCENTRE.CA

TAKE THE PLUNGE The Port Moody Penguin Plunge is taking place at Rocky Point Park in the boat launch area by the pier at 2800 Esplanade Ave. Swimming starts at 1 p.m. The plunge is a fundraiser for the Pleasantside Community Association, a non-profit group that does volunteer work, advocates for the neighbourhood, and supports community programs. Participants are asked to donate $5 per swimmer (or $10 for a family of four).

ROBBIE BURNS Celebrate Scotland’s national bard, Robbie Burns, with a showcase of heart-wrenching ballads, humorous songs with rousing choruses, and lively jigs and reels brought to life through the luscious harmonies of Celtic band Blackthorn. The celebration—which also features Rosie Carver on fiddle, a special guest piper, and Highland dance company the Wee Drams—takes place at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. PLACEDESARTS.CA/EVENTS/CONCERTSERIES-ROBBIE-BURNS

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 27

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1052-D Austin Ave., Coquitlam

Email: basiceyewear@gmail.com | Fax: 604-936-6881

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(604) 936-9969

Adorable cookies add to the festive feel of the holidays F

ood helps to set the festive atmosphere that has become synonymous with the holiday season. Celebrants asked to recall their fondest memories of the holiday season undoubtedly would point to nights spent surrounded by loved ones at the family dinner table, which serves as a testament to the unifying power of food during a special time of year. Holiday hosts looking to food to set a festive tone can consider these “Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies” from Lines+Angles. These cookies are flavorful and the finished product is adorable, which can help celebrants feel even more festive during seasonal celebrations.

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Makes 48 cookies 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened 3⁄4 cup peanut butter 1⁄3 cup granulated sugar 1⁄3 cup packed light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 48 large red M&M candies 96 mini semisweet chocolate chips Pretzels, broken into 96 1-inch pieces

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, beat together butter, peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, and place at least 1 inch apart on cookie sheet. Bake only 10 to 12 cookies at a time. Refrigerate the bowl of dough in between batches. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, until the cookies are just set. 4. Immediately place one M&M in the center of each cookie for a nose (press down a bit if your cookies aren’t flat enough), 2 mini chocolate chips for the eyes, and 2 pretzel pieces at the top for antlers. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Winter 2025/26 MY TRI CITIES 29

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