Sunday
Jan 17, 2021
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Celebrating 12 Years of Certified News Service to the Fraser Valley, BC, and Around the World
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Sat Apr 4
Vancouver
COVID-19 Update: The BC Gov't has extended the STATE OF EMERGENCY to January 19. Fraser Health says that on Jan 14th there were 509↓ new positive tests in BC bringing the total to 60,117. Active cases are 4,604↓
and 7,132↓ people are under active health monitoring. There are 281↓ hospitalized with 68↓ in intensive care. There have been 9↑ new deaths to 1,047. On the brighter side 53,115 have recovered. Over 75,914 have been vaccinated. A total of 1,576,743 tests have been done in BC. Visit the BC CDC for more information and the World Health Organization website to learn more about global efforts.
Saturday, Jan 16, 2021
Published 8 am
Happiness is a cup of hot chocolate
Vancouver festival runs throughout January
Staff/Website image
Nothing is better than a cup of hot chocolate on a cool winter day.
Heading into the big city this weekend? Why not check out the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival where you can wrap your face around a steaming cup of "doughgirls" or even a "vegan" hot chocolate and take a romantic stroll down Beach Ave. This is the big league in drink festivals starring an incredible 87 rare flavours at 39 locations.
When it launched in 2011, Hot
Chocolate Vancouver was the first city-wide initiative in the world
to use hot chocolate beverages as a way to support small, local
business.
"There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and
discover all of the flavours available in your neighbourhood this
year."
See
the huge list of flavours. You'll be amazed at what can go into
a cup of hot chocolate.
Wherever you go you'll run into a café celebrating the festival.
Some places serve hot chocolate exclusively.
For locations, see
the virtual map.
City Food Magazine is holding an Instagram photo contest for
sweet prizes like the chance to win treats all year long and gift
certificates valued at $950 from all the participating chocolate
makers and cafés. The draws will take place on none other than
Valentine's Day.
"In 2021 we need your support more than ever, and perhaps you need the little candle we light in the darkness too. However, in order to be mindful of your safety and respectful to BC Health Authority rules and regulations, we have made some modifications to this annual initiative." Connect on Twitter.
Saturday, Jan 16, 2021
Published 8 am
Accidentally Friday
Not a great way to start the weekend
Staff/Voice photo
Firefighters de-energized a vehicle to avoid a fire.
It was love at first crunch. The sun was shining. It wasn't rush hour but somehow a pickup truck and an SUV managed to smack bumpers at College St. and Victoria Ave.
The intersection isn't well-known for collisions. The funeral home is there so people are generally more careful.
Thankfully there weren't any serious injuries but carelessness meant that two drivers had to deal with tow truck costs and having their weekends ruined.
Saturday, Jan 16, 2021
Published 8 am
All aboard!
Full-court press for trains along the old interurban rail
Rail for the Valley/Website photo
An example of a train that could run from Vancouver to Chilliwack.
Malcolm Johnston has been heavily
involved with transit issues in the Lower Mainland for over 35
years. He advised transit experts both in Canada and abroad and was
responsible for the Leewood Study, an independent study by Leewood
Projects UK about the viability of reinstating the former Vancouver
to Chilliwack interurban service with modern TramTrain or light
diesel multiple units, on behalf of the Rail for the Valley group.
Rail for the Valley:
www.railforthevalley.com
TramTrain: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tram-train
Leewood Projects: leewoodprojects.co.uk
Leewood Study:
www.railforthevalley.com/studies
The Lower mainland has a very expensive transit problem; Metro
Vancouver mayors, the province and TransLink have approved $4.6
billion dollars, extending the Expo and Millennium lines 12.8 km.
This massive expenditure, extending the Millennium and Expo Lines a
mere 12.8 km will not attract much new ridership because there will
be little improvement for the transit customer.
Premier Horgan's recent political promise to extend the Expo Line to
Langley, has grave financial implications, akin to the FastFerry
fiasco, which has followed the NDP as an Albatross around its
political neck for two and half decades. For more information,
follow the links above.
Saturday, Jan 16, 2021
Published 8 am
The Secret Marathon
Award-winning documentary launches worldwide jan29-31
Staff/Handout image
The Secret Marathon, inspired by Martin Parnell’s book of the same name, was developed, edited and cut in Alberta and shot in Alberta and Afghanistan.
Demand Film has partnered with the
creative team behind the award-winning documentary feature film THE
SECRET MARATHON to bring a unique movie experience to audiences
around the globe. Using Airmeet, a virtual cinema platform, Demand
will be hosting a live global Gala presentation of the film over one
weekend, with multiple live screening events from January 29-31,
2021.
The screenings include networking opportunities, a hi-def film
screening, an interactive Q&A and special guests including author,
TV commentator and the first woman to run the Boston Marathon
Kathrine Switzer, ultra marathoner and Free to Run ambassador Mahsa,
award-winning author and the founder of the Running Room John
Stanton and many more. Tickets are available now.
Tickets:
Canada /
International
Click showtimes to find the best date and time for your time zone.
Screening FAQ’s
$5 from each ticket will be donated to the Marathon of Afghanistan
to support their ongoing efforts to ensure everyone can run free.
The Secret Marathon:
Website /
Trailer /
Twitter /
Instagram
Saturday Jan 16, 2020
Published 8 am
Long live the fila trout
Walk on the wild side
Chris Hunt, Trout Unlimited/Chris Hunt photo
The rare gila trout can be found in New Mexico.
Huddled as close to the fallen tree as
we could get, Kirk and I looked at each other, our eyes wide with
surprise and a touch of fear. The bullet had missed us by a wide
margin, but the fact that we could hear it as it zinged overhead
after the ricochet was unnerving.
“Wait for him to reload,” Kirk said. “Then we’ll get over that
little rise and out of range.”
A few more shots rang through the trees along the creek bottom, and
we could hear the lead crashing through the cottonwoods just a few
dozen yards away. With each shot, we sank lower to the ground,
making ourselves as small as we possibly could.
Read Chris Hunt's entire awesome story. Learn how to donate and join the best fishing magazine in the world.
Saturday Jan 16, 2020
Published 8 am
SPCA in a flap over exotic bird captures
Petition to stop capture and sale of exotic birds
Brianne Hogan, SPCA/Chris Hunt photo
The SPCA is running a petition to stop the capture and trade of exotic birds..
The BC SPCA is urging Canadians sign a
petition calling on the federal government to end the international
and domestic trade of exotic birds and other wild animals. Dr. Sara
Dubois, chief scientific officer for the BC SPCA, says a case last
month where 50 parrots and toucans from Guyana were held at
Vancouver International Airport on their way to Japan is just one
small example of the suffering inflicted on exotic animals exploited
by global trade. In that instance, one toucan was found dead and
several others without food.
“The exotic bird trade is immense, involving thousands of species
and millions of individual birds each year,” says Dubois. “At any
given moment, untold numbers of birds are being caught and shipped
around the world. Some are destined for the pet trade here in
Canada. Others will merely pass through our borders on their way to
being sold as pets in other countries.”
Birds come to Canada from as far away as Africa, Asia and South
America. Canada also serves as a stopover for shipments of birds on
their way to other countries. While the United States, the European
Union and others have essentially banned the import of wild-caught
birds, Canada has yet to follow suit, leaving Canada open as a route
for the exotic trade market.
Dubois says no matter where they come from or where they end up, the
trade causes birds to suffer.
“For example, before they even reach the consumer, as many as 75 per
cent of parrots taken from the wild die from stress, disease, rough
handling, crushing, asphyxiation or dehydration during capture and
transport.”
She notes that in order to feed the demand of the exotic bird
market, baby birds are stolen straight from their nests as eggs or
chicks while their helpless parents look on. “Older individuals may
be caught in mist netting or fishing line snares or lured onto
sticky traps. Apart from the sheer terror this causes, many birds
are injured in the process.”
Learn more and sign the petition.
Thursday, Jan 14, 2021
Published 8 am
The year's a wrap for finders
Best find in December wins unique prize for treasure hunter
Staff/Handout photos
Top prize in December was for this 10k gold ring found by Brandon Kuczynski.
They're metal detecting enthusiasts
and they come from all walks with the draw of finding
something of value: an old coin or sometimes it's expensive jewellry,
a piece of history, or just an item of interest to talk about.
That's what drives members of The Fraser Valley Treasure Hunters (FVTH).
To
wrap up 2020 the group held their finds of the month final for a
chance to win a rare Canadian silver dime.
Second
place was this bottle opener found by Fred Dyson.
Aside from hunting on their own, Mark Lewis, FVTH founder, always
has interesting places for the group to go.
The group's focus is to make the hobby more enjoyable by having
organised hunts and sharing their experiences with other members.
FVTH have monthly dinners meeting at the Abbotsford Legion where
they gush about their latest finds.
The are times when Lewis and the group are called upon to do a
special search for lost necklaces or other keepsakes. Sometimes they
do, other timed they don't but they always try.
This
RCAF token was found by Chris Kasper.
New members are always welcome. See more on their website here. Connnect on Facebook here. E-mail Mark here.
Watch an interesting 3 minute YouTube clip
here.
Related
Finding the Past
Close Encounters of the Treasure Kind
Thursday,
Jan 14, 2021
Published 8 am
Starting the year off on a fitness note
Affirmations for people without judgments
Kevin Behar/Handout photo
Theodore (Teddy) Savage, Sr. Fitness Planet Manager of Health and Fitness Excellence.
2020 was a tough year for all of us –
so why are we going to add to our already stressful lives with New
Years resolutions?! Lets give ourselves a break in 2021 and lets
change our mindset. Instead, this New Year, lets be positive with
ourselves and start with some positive affirmations instead of
resolutions– it is good for your health.
To help you with some simple ways to start your 2021 affirmations,
we have Theodore (Teddy) Savage, Sr. Manager of Health and Fitness
Excellence at
Planet Fitness, who has provided some simple, yet very impactful
tips which will help you start the new year with a positive attitude
to take on the world:
• Leave positive notes EVERYWHERE – We have been hit with so much
negativity it is hard to stay positive – so it is time to flip the
script. Lets hit ourselves with so much positivity that even with
all the negative news, we are able to stay in a good place mentally,
and spread that positivity.
•7 Get up and move a little at a time – a little movement goes a
long way, so push away from that desk or couch for 5-10 minutes at a
time and just move. No need for those hour long workouts, something
as simple as walking outside or around the house can help elevate
your mood and health!
•Lets keep it judgement free – Even for those who are taking on New
Years resolutions, lets support them through our affirmations and
push them to reach their goals. We are the home of the Judgement
Free Zone®!
An example of the positive energy and information that Teddy brings
can be seen on his latest
Breakfast Television segment!
Visit Fitness Planet in Chilliwack at: 4-510 Luckakuck Way.
Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021
Published 8 am
Chilliwack hit hard by storm overnight
Trees down and transformers blew across the city
Staff/BC Hydro Google image
STORMWATCH: The brunt of the wind storm hit hard and fast around 1am taking out trees and wires all across Chilliwack including the CRV. Rain thundered down as transformer fires and explosions dotted the map around the City. Fire crews scrambled from downed wires to downed wires. Downtown experienced a power bump. Chilliwack Lake Rd. was completely closed at Bourne Rd with trees down all over the place and firefighters were doing their best with chainsaws trying to clear things up there. Bell Acres had trees down all up and down the road.
Reports that a tree was hit by lightning in the 41700-block of Keith Wilson knocking out power in the area leaving the road closed in both directions. A tree fell on a house on Gladys Ave. Wires went down across a van on Northland Drive. Reports a power pole was sheared off at Promontory Rd with a tree across the road at Thomas Rd. A transformer blew on Lewis Ave. at Northview St. Wires went down in the 10800-block of MacDonald Rd. near Ballam Rd. leaving a tree on fire. Wires went down in the 9800-block of Menzies St. A tree came down on a house in the 46000-block of Brooks Ave. Wires went down in the 47100-block of Hope River Rd. Wires also went down on Strathcona Rd. Wires went down on Yarrow Central.
Public Works was busy setting up barriers all around the city.
BC Hydro advised: "Strong winds have caused extensive outages in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Our crews are responding as quickly as possible to restore power to the affected customers. Individual restoration updates will be provided as soon as they are available."
Approximately 72,000 people were affected across the Lower Mainland. Over 9,400 Chilliwack customers lost power at the height of the storm mostly from Bodnar Rd. to Kent areas.
In Agassiz, a tree came down across the road blocking all access to Harrison. Rockwell Dr. had wires down.
The worst part of the storm subsided around 2:30 am but for an hour and a half all hell broke loose. All this while Chilliwack residents slumbered.
Wednesday,
Jan 13, 2021
Published 8 am
Chilliwack crime rate dropping
No word on strategies coming from the group
Staff/Chilliwack City images
The Public Safety Advisory Committee met December 9th, 2020 and have released their quarterly report. It's unclear why there are 22 people sitting in on the meetings, but going by this report the good news appears to be that the crime rate, for the most part, is dropping. Also according to the report there are plans to add three more cops to the RCMP roster.
Tuesday,
Jan 12, 2021
Published 9 pm
Chilliwack man charged with Leith murder
IHIT still investigating fatal assault
Sgt. Frank Jang/Voice file image
William Trevor Escott has been charged with
manslaughter in connection with the death of Carlton Leith.
On December 27, 2020 at 12:54 a.m., the Chilliwack RCMP responded to the
46200-block of Yale Road where they found 45-year-old Carlton Leith with
serious injuries. He was taken to hospital where he died a few days later.
Investigators learned that Leith was involved in an altercation with
42-year-old William Trevor Escott, which led to his injuries. Escott was
later located by police and arrested.
This is believed to be an isolated incident with no connections to any of
the other recent acts of violence.
On January 11, 2021, Escott was charged with manslaughter in connection with
the homicide of Leith. Escott currently remains in custody.
“The work is not yet finished for our investigators as they continue to
complete priority tasks,” says Sergeant Frank Jang of IHIT. “We believe
there are witnesses of the altercation that haven’t yet come forward. We
urge them to contact IHIT and speak with our investigators.”
No further details will be released as the matter is now before the court.
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021
Published 5 am
Heavy rain expected for valley
Watch for pooling with 50-70mm possible
Environment Canada/Voice file photo
Current details: 50 to 70 mm of rain is
expected today through Wednesday morning.
Periods of rain will continue today, and will intensify tonight. Heavy rain
will ease Wednesday morning.
A series of frontal systems continue to bring periods of rain to the BC
south coast today. Rain will intensify tonight as the frontal system pushes
through the eastern Fraser Valley, and will ease Wednesday behind the front.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment
Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or
tweet reports using #BCStorm.
Added Alert: Wind storm
Strong winds that may cause damage are
expected or occurring.
A low pressure centre will move across southern Vancouver Island this
evening and into the southern interior overnight.
Winds will become westerly 60 gusting to 90 km/h before morning and then
slowly abate near noon.
Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High
winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021
Published 1 pm
Police shooting on Lickman
Suspect armed and dangerous
Dawn Roberts, RCMP/Google images
The BC RCMP has notified the Independent
Investigations Office of British Columbia of an incident in Chilliwack which
resulted in one man being shot by police.
On January 12, shortly after 7 a.m., Chilliwack RCMP responded to a
complaint where the suspect male allegedly threatened and injured the female
victim before she was able to escape the home. The man then left the
property but continued to send concerning messages and threats.
Police began to search for the suspect and a nearby school initiated hold
and secure protocols.
Shortly
after 8:30 a.m. one officer located the suspect male sitting in his vehicle
in a parking lot. The officer waited for back-up and at approximately 9 a.m.
officers boxed in the man's vehicle and approached him. Police advise that
the suspect reportedly had a weapon and during the course of the interaction
the man was shot.
Emergency Health Services were contacted and the man was transported to
hospital with serious injuries.
IIO BC is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. As the
matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, no further information will
be released by police. Chilliwack RCMP are continuing to investigate the
initial complaint.
Please note that all aspects and circumstances of this incident will be the
subject of independent investigation by the IIO BC. For updates you can
visit www.iiobc.ca.
Monday, Jan 11, 2021
Published 4 pm
Pattison Group blamed for herring decline
Georgia Strait over-fished says Ellis
David Ellis, Author, Conservationist/John Cobb photo
Purse seining for herring in southeast Alaska early 1900s.
In the last week of December, 2020, Jimmy Pattison, B.C.'s richest
man, has disgusted First Nations, conservation NGOs, Sportfishers
and many responsible commercial fishers, by demanding, and quickly
obtaining from the The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, a huge, sudden quota
increase for resident herring in the Salish Sea (Goggle "resident
herring Pacific" for biological definition).
These herring have now gone, extinct, from Saltspring Island down to
Victoria, and in the Campbell River area, and continue to decline
coast wide. Now with a strong Vancouver price for fresh herring,
Jimmy Pattison, the majority owner of herring licenses, seeks to
exploit this new profit opportunity, at a huge cost to the people of
Canada.
"Jimmy is forcing responsible DFO biologists, and the Minister, to
do something they do not want to do. This will cost the B.C. economy
millions in lost revenues due to a continued decline in our
herring-eating Chinook salmon our Chinook-eating Orca" noted David
Ellis, a retired commercial Chinook fisher who has spent many years
discussing the herring issue with First Nations along the coast.
"Mr. Pattison should instead support Fisheries Minister Jordan by
offering his high tech seine vessels for a massive coastwide Herring
Enhancement and transplant Program.....it is time to give back".
Saturday, Jan 9, 2021
Published 4 pm
Van vs. House
No pedestrians injured
Staff/Voice file photos
A van careened off First Ave and hit a house Saturday afternoon.
It wasn't Avon calling when around 2:30 pm a minivan travelling west on First Ave left the street, crossed the oncoming lane and bounced over the curb barely missing a tree before slamming into the corner of a house.
Road conditions were good at the time.
It seems speed was a factor.
It didn't appear that anyone in the van was seriously injured
however that hasn't been confirmed.
Fire
crews quickly de-energized the vehicle's battery to avoid any chance
of a fire.
There were plenty of witnesses and thankfully no one was hurt on the
busy sidewalk.
Saturday, Jan 9, 2021
Published 5 pm
People first, fire second
Security guard saves the day in mall washroom fire
Mike Bourdon, Assistant Chief, Prevention. CFD/Voice file image
On January 9, 2021, at approximately
3:15 pm, the Chilliwack Fire Department was dispatched to a reported
structure fire located in the 45000 block of Luckakuck Way.
Mall security was alerted to a small fire within a public washroom,
the security guard and mall staff swept into action immediately
activating the fire alarm system and evacuating the entire busy
shopping mall. Then, after everyone was out and safe, the security
guard began fighting the fire with a fire extinguisher.
The security guard put the flames out and fire crews, who were on
the scene within minutes, were left to make sure it was safe and
clear the mall of smoke. Security personnel assisted fire crews with
resetting the fire alarm system.
A hand towel dispenser in the washroom sustained minor fire damage
and there was minor smoke damage to the wall.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
The Chilliwack Fire Department, would like to express their
gratitude for the quick action of the security guard and mall staff
on site. “Evacuating a shopping mall and extinguishing a small fire
in itself can be a very hard task so when we got there we were very
impressed.”
The fire is still under investigation by the Chilliwack Fire
Department.
Saturday, Jan 9, 2021
Published 5 pm
"You're
Fired!"
Another slice off Trump
Dave Palmer, Nepean Ont./Voice file photo
I think the Americans should be flying their flag upside down until
Joe Biden is inaugurated.
These are the thugs that attacked their sacred seat of democracy,
assaulted and killed a Veteran/and
Police Officer defending the Capitol hitting him in the head with a
fire extinguisher, and two
others died as well. Some stole furnishings and ransacked and looted
the offices of the duly
elected representatives of the American Government and made
disgraces of themselves. All the time,
their leader, D.J. Trump stood by, encouraging, supporting and
enticing these disrespectful, idiotic
thugs, resulting in international embarrassment on a scale never
before seen by the American people.
You know how they say even the getaway driver in a crime is as
guilty as the trigger man, well Mr.
Trump should go down for the death of that Police man as much as the
fool that attacked the police
officer with the fire extinguisher. Guilty by association. You
enticed the insurrection, encouraging these disrespectful thugs to
riot and disgrace your nation's capital.
Prepare for orange coveralls Mr.Trump cause . . . "YOU'RE FIRED"!
Friday, Jan 8, 2021
Published 8 pm
Was Trump at fault?
PM Trudeau seems to think so
Myrtle Schneider Macdonald, M.Sc. Applied, McGill U., Author, Chilliwack, BC/Voice file photo
I agree that Wednesday's events were shocking. Trump's right wing
supporters took over the Senate and Congress by force. I watched
most of the day. It looked like the police were helping the rioters
rather than trying to stop them.
Fearlessly this morning our Prime Minister spoke the truth that the
riot was initiated by Trump. However I don't agree that democracy is
safe in the USA.
The riot is a shameful example of non-democratic behavior by all
Republicans. They have not even tried to be democratic. The
polarization has been getting worse, not better. The civil war has
never ended.
Dating back to the first President, guns have been recommended for
self-defense. Ordinary people still have guns and could carry out a
corps if a dictator ordered it. That was happening yesterday. Only a
small minority of Republicans voted to stop it. They still regard
Trump as their leader, who has done great things worldwide.
I believe that US democracy is not democracy. Their inability to
cooperate with the democrats brings misunderstanding of what
democracy is, to the world.
Those countries that have a king are more democratic than the USA.
It is impossible to be both President and Prime Minister. One person
does not have time or skill for both functions.
Let us pray for revival of belief in Christ, actual reading of His
Word and character in Canada, the USA and worldwide.
Tuesday, Jan 5, 2021
Published 6 pm
Fight for School Board taking shape
Local businessman Procee and Bondar in run to fill open seat
Committee to Elect Richard Procee/Submitted photo
Richard Procee believes in public education and community service,
and is running for School Trustee in the upcoming by-election Feb
13.
Richard and his wife of 25 years, are well-known and respected
members of the Chilliwack community. Together they have operated
Hofstede’s Country Barn for the last 25 years, employing students
and local residents. Richard and Tera have raised six children who
have experienced firsthand the quality resources of our education
system that has given them the ability to grow and become
contributing members to our community.
“My desire is to see this city unified in purpose, a strong and
productive school board focused on student success will ensure the
proper role of the Chilliwack School Board is being realized,” says
Procee. He goes on to say, “Chilliwack is my home and it is an
amazing place. My strength is bringing balance and meeting
purpose-driven goals to organizations. I'm running because I love
this city and my desire is to help build a positive, successful and
productive school board. Parents need to be confident we are
providing excellent education tailored to their children’s needs.”
Procee is committed to ensuring that Chilliwack students are
equipped with an education that informs, motivates and inspires them
to be successful. Teachers need to have the resources to provide the
students with critical skills. The teaching community must be
equipped with a wealth of resources and the tools necessary to give
students the education to live in our changing and increasingly
competitive world.
Procee believes parents deserve respect and the right to know the
needs of all students is the primary focus of the school board in
the delivery of their children's education. Students have a right to
a safe learning environment that respects their time, engagement and
focuses on the delivery of education resources that will truly
prepare them to be successful citizens that will contribute to the
health and prosperity of our community and the world we live in.
He graduated from McMaster University with a major in English
and a minor in history and philosophy. In addition to running his
business, Richard is very active in the Chilliwack community,
supporting and financially contributing to numerous organizations
such as the Chilliwack Chiefs, CSCL, CCS, Kiwanis, Rotary School
Scholarships, Lions Club, Bowls of Hope, Ruth and Naomi’s, the
Salvation Army, Ann Davis House, the Chilliwack Minor Hockey
Association, and many other hard working charitable groups that are
committed to the wellbeing of Chilliwack.
"I'm looking forward to serving my community by bringing my skills
and community commitment to the Board of Education,” says Procee.
Elect Richard Procee for School Trustee.
Tuesday, Jan 5, 2021
Published 6 pm
Major fire averted, livestock safe
Chief: Forty per cent of barn fires due to electrical issues, reminds farmers to be vigilant in maintenance
Mike Bourdon, Assistant Chief, Fire prevention, CFD /Google Street View images
At approximately 11:30pm on January 5th 2021, The Chilliwack Fire
Department was dispatched to a reported barn fire located in the
5700-block of Chadsey Rd.
Firefighters responded from Halls 1, 3, 4 & 6. Upon arrival, fire
crews were met on site by the property representative and directed
crews to the mechanical/electrical room. Firefighters used portable
fire extinguishers to control the fire until BC Hydro arrived on
scene to disconnect power to the building. Once hydro was
disconnected, crews were able to extinguish any hot spots within the
immediate wall structure. There was minor fire damage to electrical
equipment in the area.
Due to the quick actions of both the property representative and
fire crews on site, livestock were not injured and were able to
remain within the barn structure.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
The cause is accidental at this time.
Chilliwack Fire Department would like to remind the farming
community that approximately 40 percent of all barn fires are caused
by faulty electrical systems. Regular inspections and maintenance
are key to reducing the risk of a barn fire.
Tuesday, Jan 5, 2021
Published 6 pm
Outbreak at Chilliwack General
COVID-19 closes ward
Fraser Heath Authority/Voice file photo
Chilliwack General.
One patient has tested positive for
COVID-19 and contact tracing is currently underway to determine if
there has been further transmission. The outbreak is limited to one
of the hospital’s medical units. The unit is temporarily closed to
admissions. The hospital, including the Emergency Department,
remains fully operational.
Fraser Health continues to implement precautions, including enhanced cleaning as well as contact tracing to protect the health of all staff, medical staff, and patients.
Fraser Health has notified all patients on the
affected unit about the outbreak, and in addition, have informed the
families of patients who are unable to share this information. Chilliwack
General Hospital is working with essential visitors to the affected unit on
a case-by-case basis.
At this time, it is critically important for people living in the Fraser Health region to use the COVID-19 assessment tool and get tested as soon as you have COVID-19-like symptoms, even mild ones. Please don’t wait, and book or drop by one of our collection centres which are operated in partnership with local Divisions of Family Practice. People living in the Fraser Health region can find information about test collection centres by visiting Fraser Health’s website.
To book a COVID-19 testing appointment, complete a COVID-19 test booking
form. For more information about COVID-19, please visit fraserhealth.ca/covid19.
Tuesday, Jan 5, 2021
Published 4 pm
Another banner year for Chilliwack real estate
Prices "inch up", inventory drops
Steve Lerigny, CADREB/Handout images and file photo
The year 2020 will be memorable in many ways, one of which will be
the year that real estate sales in Chilliwack and area shattered
modern day records.
Record sales were chalked up in the months leading to the New Year,
with December posting another record, the highest December sales in
16 years. Last month saw 279 sales completed, up over 60 from
December of last year, translating to over $165.6 million dollars in
value.
While sales were down slightly from November, the incoming President
of the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB) notes that
expectations for January are still high, as some buyers were holding
back leading into the Christmas season.
Click for larger image.
President-elect Andrew Verschuur will
be installed as the CADREB President in February, replacing outgoing
President Kim Parley, who presided over a banner year.
Of the 279 sales last month, the highest number sold (35) were in
the $550,000 - $599,999 range, followed by 26 sales priced $500,000
-$549,999. There were 17 sales over the $1 million mark, including
two over $2 million. Sales were strong in all categories,
particularly properties over $500,000.
Along with its monthly roundup, statistics released by CADREB show
gains in average prices in all sectors of housing. Twelve months
ago, the average price of a single family home in Chilliwack was
$579,000, it is now $647,300.
A year ago at this time, the average price of a townhome was
$409,600, similar to 3 years ago, and at the end of the year, now
$466,100. Apartments rose at a slower pace, except for Harrison Hot
Springs, where apartments rose in prices at a higher percentage.
Similar gains in single family houses and townhomes were felt in
Agassiz, Harrison and Hope.
Along with sales records, inventory of homes has hit an all-time
low, with only 466 listings at the end of December, compared to
almost 700 at the same time last year. As prices are governed by
supply and demand, expect to see prices continue to inch up, as well
as bidding wars, unless more listings hit the market.
It’s been said before but bears repeating – if you are thinking of
selling to move up or downsize, with continued low interest rates
and buyers in the wings, resolve to list your home in 2021!
Tuesday, Jan 5, 2021
Published Noon
Crossing boundaries
Chilliwack is No.8 growth city in Canada
U-Haul/Handout images
Chilliwack is one of the top cities in Canada people are moving to.
North Bay is the No. 1 U-Haul® growth city in Canada, while British
Columbia and New Brunswick are the leading growth provinces for
do-it-yourself movers, according to Company data analyzing migration
patterns from 2020.
The Northeastern Ontario market of North Bay, with its 53,000
residents along the east shore of Lake Nipissing, welcomed the
largest net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks of any city in Canada over
the past calendar year.
North Vancouver, Kingston, Belleville, and the Barrie/Orillia
corridor round out the top five growth cities. Ontario boasts 10 of
the top 15 cities. Quebec has six cities in the top 25. British
Columbia has five.
U-Haul growth cities are calculated by the net gain of one-way
U-Haul trucks (i.e. moving vans ranging in size from 10 to 26 feet)
arriving in a city versus departing from that city in a calendar
year. Migration trends data is compiled from more than 2 million
one-way U-Haul truck-sharing transactions that occur annually in
Canada and the U.S. Neighboring cities in certain markets are
packaged together for U-Haul migration trends purposes.
People
coming to North Bay in one-way U-Haul trucks increased 20% in 2020,
while departures rose only 3% year-over-year. Arrivals accounted for
57.5% of all one-way U-Haul traffic in North Bay, which ranked fifth
for growth in 2019.
"People are packing up their U-Haul trucks and setting their sights
on North Bay," said Wayne Curtis, U-Haul Company of Central Ontario
president. "The cost of living is low, and the Ottawa government is
sending jobs in this direction. It's no surprise North Bay is the
No. 1 U-Haul Growth City in Canada."
Other notable spikes in arrivals were seen in Belleville (20%),
Barrie/Orillia (22%), Vancouver (16%), Chilliwack (32%), Abbotsford
(26%), Lethbridge (17%) and Nanaimo/Coombs (52%).
Find local U-Haul stores and neighborhood dealers at
uhaul.com/locations.
Tuesday, Jan 5, 2021
Published Noon
The best Canadian credit cards 2020
Have you got one of these?
Creditgenius/Handout image
Which
credit cards in Canada are a cut above the rest?
That’s the question we hope to answer every year with our rankings ‒
despite the unexpected pandemic, the
economic recession, and shifts in consumer behaviour and
preferences.
Though things are starting to look up.
With vaccines on the horizon, we can see the light at the end of the
tunnel and perhaps even a return to normal towards the end of the
year. (Trip to Hawaii using points, anyone?)
No matter your credit card preferences, you can fine-tune your
search for the card that best meets your needs right here.
And the 26 best credit card winners are…
We start by poring over every detail of more than 171 Canadian
credit cards, tracking and comparing over 126 different features for
each one.
We then enter those details into our math-based comparison engine,
which gives each card a rating out of 5 – our Genius Rating.
Using this rating as our guide, we determine the winning credit
cards across 26 different categories.
Ranging from 1.99% interest, to 2% cash back, all the way to 3.76%
average rewards return on spending, here’s an overview of the
well-deserved winners.
For more information and to see the list, visit CreditCard Genius.
Monday, Jan 4, 2021
Published 8 am
Your year ahead in a nutshell
Georgia Nicols makes her annual forecasts via video
Staff/Book cover and Youtube image
Georgia Nicols gives her annual forecasts via video this year.
This year amid the pandemic we get a special treat from Georgia
Nicols, Canada's most well-known horoscope writer – our yearly
forecast on video "right from my living room".
"This year, my Annual Forecasts were not on TV," says Nicols.
Even for the non-believers her horoscopes always add some levity and sage advice. So this year get up close and personal with your favourite flamboyant redhead without getting your hands inky.
If you want the big picture her book is fantastic. I know because it's on my shelf. I've known this wonderful woman for 30 years and she still hasn't aged a day. Must be written in the stars.
Follow the links to your sign.
• Part 1 - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer
Have a great year!
Sunday,
Jan 3, 2021
Published 4 pm
House fire suspicious says Chief
Carbon monoxide check leads to blaze
Andrew Brown, Assistant Chief, Training, CFD/Voice photos
The RCMP mobile Clandestine Laboratory Team truck sits out front of the burned out house Sunday. The truck is commonly used in illicit drug chemical investigations.
On January 03, 2021, at approximately 1 am, the Chilliwack Fire
Department was dispatched to assist in resetting a Carbon Monoxide
Alarm in the 48000-block of Yale Rd.
Upon arrival the initial responding firefighters encountered flames
and smoke showing from the single-storey residential structure and
quickly upgraded the incident to a working structure fire.
The Chilliwack Fire Dept is part of of the investigation.
Firefighters responded from Halls 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, and initially
set up a defensive attack to bring the fire under control. The
structure suffered significant fire and smoke damage.
The cause of the fire is considered
suspicious at this time and is under investigation by Chilliwack
Fire Department and RCMP.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
Google image of house prior to fire.
If anyone has any information about this fire, they are asked to call the RCMP at 604-792-4611 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Upper Fraser Valley Crimestoppers.
Thursday,
Dec 31, 2020
Published 6 pm
Accident City
Two crashes in two hours
Staff/Voice photos
A pickup rests against a broken pole on First Ave Thursday afternoon.
The year ended with a bang for people
involved in two separate accidents Thursday.
The first crash saw a pickup truck barrelling down First Ave around
3:30 pm that somehow swerved off the street and smoked a power pole
shearing it off at the base.
The accident took out the power in the block and an off-duty Hydro
worker on-scene was able to call in crew to deal with the wiring
posthaste.
People inside the truck were able to exit on their own accord
without being electrocuted.
Reports at the time were that a female passenger hit the windshield
and the male driver sustained back injuries.
Thankfully there was no foot traffic at the time on the normally
busy street.
The accident happened during daylight
hours and the road was wet but it wasn't raining and so conditions
weren't attributing factors.
But, at the very least, the driver's going to have a lot of
explaining to do to police.
Accident City No. 2
Two vans collide at Nowell Ave and Bole St
Staff/Voice photos
A pair of mini vans sit on the grass after colliding at the corner of Nowell St. and Bole Ave. Thursday evening.
The second accident took place less than 2 hours later around 5:15
pm with another high-velocity impact t-bone that sent two vans
careening off the road and onto apartment block landscaping.
People remain in one of the vehicles as firefighters asses the situation.
It's unclear which driver was at fault
but Bole Ave has the right-of-way with no stop signs from Nowell
Street to Young Road often missed by drivers unfamiliar with the
streets.
Paramedics checked people in both vehicles. Again, it was fortunate
there were no pedestrians as this is a high foot traffic area.
Thursday,
Dec 31, 2020
Published 8 am
Hit and run
T-bone at infamous intersection
Staff/Voice photo
A crumpled vehicle sits in the middle of the intersection at Corbould and Wellington Tuesday evening.
The dark, the rain, distracted driving, combined with an infamous intersection, were some of the contributing factors leading to a t-bone accident Wednesday at around 6:30 pm.
One with major damage remained on the scene while the other, reportedly a van, took off. Firefighters saw no need to disconnect the power to the vehicle.
Paramedics checked and thankfully the driver remaining wasn't injured.
A Chilliwack firefighter checks out the damaged vehicle.
If you witnessed this or have any information pertaining to the accident you can contact the Chilliwack RCMP at (604) 792-4611
Thursday, Dec 31, 2020
Published 8 am
Monkey Beach
Award-winning Indigenous feature film to launch on Crave TV Jan 6
Nicole Pender, Pender PR/Website photo
Director Loretta S. Todd (l), starring Grace Dove based on the book by writer Eden Robinson.
As announced by Crave today, Loretta
S. Todd’s Monkey Beach, starring Grace Dove (The Revenant)
and Adam Beach (Windtalkers), will have its Canadian streaming
premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 6th, 2020, as part of Crave’s exciting
2021 lineup.
Directed by Loretta S. Todd and based on the novel of the same name
by Eden Robinson, Monkey Beach follows a young Indigenous woman who
returns to her hometown to face the harrowing visions that have
haunted her throughout her life and to claim her ancestral medicine.
Monkey Beach is set in the magnificent forests and waterways
of the Pacific Northwest and the Haisla village of Kitamaat and
features an all-star cast of Indigenous talent including Grace Dove
(The Revenant), Adam Beach (Windtalkers), Nathanial Arcand (FBI:
Most Wanted), Joel Oulette (Trickster), Glen Gould (Cold Pursuit),
Sera-Lys McArthur (Outlander), Stefany Mathias (Pathfinder), Tina
Lameman (Mixed Blessings), Miika Bryce Whiskeyjack (Red Snow),
Ta’Kaiya Blaney (Kayak to Klemtu) and Nick Dangeli.
About Monkey Beach
Waking up in her Vancouver apartment, Lisa (Grace Dove) is served
notice by her cousin’s ghost (Sera-Lys McArthur), "Your family needs
you." Reunited with her Haisla kin in Kitimaat Village, she realizes
that she’s meant to save her brother, Jimmy, (Joel Oulette) from a
tragic fate she’s foreseen since childhood. Of course, there’s also
the matter of contending with the mystical creatures lurking in the
nearby woods. And so begins a captivating allegory about learning to
coexist with both the ghosts that haunt us and spirits who might
enlighten us.
In bringing Eden Robinson’s beloved novel to the screen, Director
Loretta S. Todd offers us a modern epic underpinned by themes that
have long defined heroic journeys. Todd’s first feature narrative
unfolds through a thrilling array of temporal shifts and stylistic
flourishes. A film about reconnection with the land, its denizens
and the secrets it holds, Monkey Beach is also a testament to
Indigenous women’s ability to not just endure trials but emerge from
them empowered.
Monkey Beach is directed by Loretta S. Todd (Forgotten
Warriors, The People Go On And Hands Of History) and Produced By
Loretta S. Todd (Coyote's Crazy Smart Science Show, Skye & Chang),
Matthew O’Connor (Snowpiercer, Continuum), Lisa Richardson (The
Butterfly Effect, Masters Of Horror), Patricia Poskitt (River Of
Silence, Grand Unified Theory) and Jason James (That Burning
Feeling, This Space For Rent). Executive Producers Include Fred
Fuchs (Bram Stoker's Dracula, Godfather – Part III), Carla Robinson
and Richard Van Camp (The Lesser Blessed, Three Feathers) For more
information, visit
Crave TV and Bellmedia.
Monkey Beach was made possible with the support of Telefilm Canada,
Bell Media’s Crave, CBC Films, APTN, CAVCO, Canada Media Fund,
Creative BC and was Produced in Association with and Special Thanks
to the Haisla Nation and the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Society.
Thursday,
Dec 31, 2020
Published 8 am
Our caring community
January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Gord Woodward, AABC/File photo
Dementia doesn’t just affect the person living with a diagnosis; it affects caregivers, family, friends and their community.
In an increasingly uncertain world,
people in Chilliwack living with dementia and their caregivers are
facing more social isolation than ever before. To help them, the
Alzheimer
Society of B.C. is gearing up for its 2021 Alzheimer’s Awareness
Month campaign, held annually in January.
Throughout the month, residents can learn more about how they can
take individual action to help change the future for British
Columbians who are living with dementia and hear the stories of
people affected by the disease.
As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, residents will be invited to
“Raise your voice: Dementia, long-term care and COVID-19” on January
27, a special webinar sponsored by Clark Wilson LLP. It features a
panel discussion on the challenge of balancing health and safety
concerns with ensuring that families can support people living with
dementia in long-term care to stay active and engaged.
In the meantime, people affected by dementia still need your help.
At a time when kindness is needed more than ever, gifts made to the
Alzheimer Society of B.C. will go twice as far to fund critical
programs and services for people around the province who are
affected by dementia. Thanks to a group of generous donors, every
donation made up to December 31 will be matched up to $85,000.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. connects people living with dementia,
their caregivers and family members to support and education at any
point in the disease through
First Link® dementia support.
Residents can connect to support by asking their health-care
provider for a referral or by calling the First Link® Dementia
Helpline at 1-800-936-6033. To learn more about the Alzheimer
Society of B.C. and Alzheimer’s Awareness Month or to make a
donation this December, visit alzbc.org/future.
Thursday, Dec 31, 2020
Published 8 am
Oligarchs and the Great Reset
The pros and cons of the societal system of the futureBetty Krawczyk, Author, Cumberland/File photo
As we struggle ever more mightily with COVID-19 we elderly who live
alone will have to stop pining for the frequent family and friends
get togethers of yore and count our blessings. We are not in a
health care facility, at least not yet. We are still capable of
taking care of ourselves. While we may be too old to hit the streets
or the forests in protest of wanton destruction, we are not too old
to serve our function as elders by witnessing what is happening to
the human race. We are still here to criticize our government when
they refuse to represent the people, to talk about our opinions
freely, and to even write about them if we take a notion.
When I last posted I was still worried about the central banks going
for a banking bail-in solution instead of a bail-out to try to
remedy the horrendous mess bankers have deliberately made of our
economy. Not so much now. The bankers and their backers have come up
with a potentially even more frightening solution. Now from the
European hi flying elite bankers in Brussels to the smallest
countries (including Canada) the words replacing bail-ins or
bail-outs is now The Great Reset. What is the Great Reset? Think of
China. And digital currency.
Any haphazard China watcher like me knows that now it is almost
impossible to buy anything in China with cash. If you are not hooked
up to their digital currency system you will find it extremely
difficult to buy or sell anything. They just don’t have paper money
or coins anymore. They pay for everything will their cell phones. Of
course this is more efficient and as there are many of the Chinese
people still alive who remember what a gigantic mud hole much of
their country was immediately before, during, and after their
revolution and dutifully advise their young countrymen and women to
be grateful for the modern, highly educated lives they currently
enjoy.
So now our own leaders are thinking this Great Reset idea does have
great advantages. With many jobs and even whole occupations being
sold out to other countries, mainly China, or simply wiped out in
the path of COVID-19 and with automation taking over much of the
rest, this appears to the banking elites to be the option they have
been looking for. As the smaller banks have not loaned out the
hundreds of millions, billions, of dollars the Federal banks have
given over into their care, it makes sense to devise a plan to get
the money directly to the people and simply bypass the smaller
banks. Digital currency is the solution the elite bankers are after
now. It will be accompanied by a Guaranteed Annual Income. The Great
Reset. It is coming to Canada soon.
The down size is that we stand to lose many of our inherent freedoms
as we will all be securely under the thumbs of our governments. Who
are taking their marching orders from the central banks of Europe.
Does history repeat itself? Mark Twain remarked that “History
doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes”. I am thinking of Justin
Trudeau and his father. It was Pierre Trudeau who turned his back on
the Canadian people. It was Pierre Trudeau who first flipped The
Bank of Canada from a public bank that loaned to the government
interest free, to the practice of borrowing from the most rapacious
private banks who love compound interest.
What does the Bank of Canada have to do with the Great Reset? Aside
from making sure Canadian citizens abide by the new rules, not much.
Certainly not much with the present elite European bankers and
backers doing the thinking for our country. In fact, if even a minor
politician were asked today if he or she knew why our public bank
became private and what could we do to get it back as our public
bank would stammer, blush and dismiss you as a Russian bot.
©2020 Betty K | Blog: www.bettysearlyedition.blogspot.com Books: www.schiverrhodespublishing.com
Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/motherright
Thursday,
Dec 31, 2020
Published 8 am
Talent on the box
CBC Films renews WIDC commitment for 2021 in support of underrepresented voices
Nicole Pender, Pender PR/Website photo
Kim Albright won the 2020 Director's Chair Award.
Women In the
Director’s Chair (WIDC) organizers are delighted to announce
that Vancouver-based filmmaker Kim Albright is the 2020 winner of
two major WIDC awards: the CBC Films WIDC Talent Development Award
worth $10,000 cash, and the WIDC Feature Film Award valued at up to
$200,000 in kind services and rentals for her feature film
directorial debut, With Love and a Major Organ.
The first award, the CBC Films WIDC Talent Development Award, is a
$10,000 development prize designed to support the advancement of the
voices of underrepresented talent. It includes a director’s chair
bursary towards Albright's participation in the WIDC Story &
Leadership program along with funds to assist with script polish and
packaging. Following its support of the award in 2020, CBC Films has
renewed its commitment, for $25,000, to the WIDC Story & Leadership
program for 2021.
“I’m excited to complete this final stage of script development with
our wonderful team,” says Kim Albright. “Production is now truly
within reach, thanks to WIDC, CBC Films, and the sponsors of the
Feature Film Award, all of which I am grateful for.”
Albright is also the recipient of the 2020 WIDC Feature Film Award.
Selected by a nationally representative jury of peers, the prize
includes in-kind production and post production services and rentals
valued at up to $200,000 from Canada's most influential companies,
including William F. White International Inc. which recently
confirmed another three-year commitment to the WIDC Feature Film
Award program.
Set in a technologically advanced but antiseptic world where people
go to extreme lengths to avoid the messiness of their emotions, With
Love and a Major Organ is a cautionary tale about thirty-something
Anabel who is determined to follow the sometimes off beat of her own
often overactive heart.
With Love and a Major Organ is based on the hit play of the same
name written by Julia Lederer. Albright and Lederer began developing
the screenplay adaptation during Albright’s 2018 Canadian Film
Centre residency. Lederer further developed the script as part of
the 2019 Whistler Film Festival Writers Lab while Albright
workshopped it through WIDC Story & Leadership. The project has also
received development support from Bell Media’s Harold Greenberg Fund
and has been green lit for production by Telefilm Canada.
The film will be produced by Madeleine Davis with executive
producers Lori Lozinski (The Body Remembers When the World Broke
Open) and WIDC’s Carol Whiteman. Whiteman has executive produced
eight of the ten feature films supported through the WIDC Feature
Film Award since 2009 when the award was launched.
Thursday,
Dec 31, 2020
Published 8 am
Best of BC builders
Cool or Tool program saves lives
Gary Descantes/Website photo
The Builders
Code is honouring six employers with Builders Code Champion Awards
for leading the way in advancing the culture of BC's industrial,
commercial, and institutional construction sector. Their efforts
have contributed to an increase in the participation of women in
BC’s construction trades from 4.6 to 6 per cent since 2018.
The Builders Code Champion Awards were launched last year to
recognize companies that are taking proactive measures to eliminate
discrimination, hazing, bullying and harassment on worksites in BC,
and to create a safety standard that prioritizes the importance of
psychological as well as physical safety for all workers.
The nomination process was open from June 4 to October 28th, 2020,
with the judging conducted by Minerva BC, the BC Construction
Association (BCCA), and the Builders Code Governance Committee.
While a celebration event scheduled for December 2020 will not be
held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, videos of the
award winners
discussing how they prioritize culture and how the Builders Code has
positively affected their business.
The 2020 Builders Code Champion Award categories and winners are:
• Recruiting & Hiring Champion: Chinook Scaffold Systems
• Loyalty Champion: Westcana Electric
• Workplace Culture Champion: RAM Consulting Ltd. (medium sized
employer) and Lafarge Canada (large employer)
• Community Champion: Houle Electric
• Contractor of the Year: Mazzei Electric
The Builders Code sets a baseline code of conduct standard for all
construction work sites in BC. Launched in March 2018, it is managed
by the BCCA, with primary funding for the pilot provided by the
Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training. Builders Code
virtual training is now available for registration from
www.builderscode.ca
Tuesday, Dec 29, 2020
Published 6 am
Major accident closes the Trans-Canada
Two suspects fleeing police the wrong way killed in fiery head-on crash, third victim with serious injuries, IIOC investigates police actions
Updated noon Wednesday: The driver of the eastbound vehicle succumbed to their injuries Tuesday evening.
Firefighters work to extinguish a smouldering vehicle. The Jaws of Life can be seen on the lower right side.
Emergency responders were called out to the Trans-Canada Highway at approximately 4:30 am Tuesday, December 29, 2020, after reports of a head-on crash in the eastbound lanes west of Lickman Road.
Reports at the time were that a vehicle was on fire and someone was
trapped inside. RCMP officers used fire extinguishers until
firefighters arrived who then used the jaws to extricate a person.
A Medevac Air Ambulance was called in. Highway 1 was shut down and
rerouted at the Yale Road east on-ramp. The left lane westbound was
also closed to traffic.
BC RCMP UPDATE: The RCMP has
notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia
(IIO BC) of an incident near Chilliwack which has resulted in the
deaths of two people and serious injuries to a third.
On December 29, at approximately 4 am, Upper Fraser Valley Regional
Detachment RCMP received a call of a vehicle travelling the wrong
way on Highway 1 near Laidlaw, BC.
A Chilliwack officer located the suspect vehicle travelling
westbound in the eastbound lanes near Annis Road, turned around and
followed. A spike belt was deployed by a second officer, but the
suspect vehicle was able to avoid it.
The suspect vehicle continued to travel westbound in the eastbound
lanes, then collided with a second vehicle travelling eastbound
resulting in a fire.
Officers
attempted to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful. They were
able to extract one person from the second vehicle who was
transported to hospital with serious injuries, but were unable to
extract the driver and a passenger from the suspect vehicle. They
were pronounced dead at the scene.
IIO BC is investigating to determine whether police actions are
linked to the deaths. As the matter is now under investigation by
the IIO BC, no further information will be released by police.
Sunday, Dec 27, 2020
Published 1:30 pm
They knew Covid-19 variant in BC
Patient arrived from UK with mutated virus Dec 15, tested positive Dec 19, but BC CDC mum until Dec 27
A UK flight passenger arrived in BC with the mutant virus on December 15. (photo Dr. Bonnie Henry and Min of Health Adrian Dix.)
Dr. Bonnie
Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO), and Adrian Dix,
Minister of Health, have issued the following joint statement
announcing the first confirmed case of a person in British Columbia
infected with the COVID-19 variant first identified in the United
Kingdom:
“B.C. has identified the first case of a person in B.C. infected
with the COVID-19 U.K. variant. The individual, who resides in the
Island Health region, returned to B.C. from the U.K. on flight AC855
on Dec. 15, 2020, developed symptoms while in quarantine and was
immediately tested. Testing confirmed the positive diagnosis on Dec.
19, 2020; a small number of close contacts have been isolated and
public health is following up with them daily.
“The variant strain was detected by the BC Centre for Disease
Control (BCCDC) Public Health Laboratory in its review of all
isolates from people who had recently returned from travel to the
U.K. Whole genome sequencing at the BCCDC identified this as the
same as the variant seen in the U.K. Ongoing review may identify
additional cases in the coming days.
“B.C. continues to support the Canada-wide travel ban on all flights
arriving from the U.K. until Jan. 6, 2021, and urges all British
Columbians to continue to avoid all non-essential travel to keep
people and communities safe.
“It is important to note there is no evidence that the new COVID-19
variant is more likely to cause severe illness, nor is there
evidence to suggest the Health Canada-approved vaccines will be any
less effective against the new variant.
“However, studies suggest the COVID-19 variant first identified in
the U.K. can spread more quickly and easily, which is why British
Columbians everywhere must continue to be cautious and follow all
PHO orders and guidelines, stay close to home, avoid non-essential
travel, practice safe, physical distancing and wear a mask when in
public indoor spaces.
“All British Columbians have to remember the virus spreads quickly
but shows up slowly. By staying local, avoiding all non-essential
travel and using our layers of protection, we can reduce the
potential for a surge in new cases and keep our communities and
loved ones safe.”
Saturday, Dec 26, 2020
Published 8 am
Vets get lump of coal for Christmas
Still no volunteer recognition from federal gov't
Dave Palmer, Nepean Ont./File photo
While it is commendable that the
government has made some financial support to our nation's Veterans,
there remains the issue of the formal recognition by means of a new
Canadian Medal to acknowledge their service during the Cold War and
the past 73 years.
Why will the government not initiate and act to fix this situation
where Canada is ignoring the
service of those Canadians that met the demand for trained troops to
fulfill the constant need of a
Military Force to be ready and prepared to defend freedom and
democracy in support of their nation
and their government.
Since the cessation of a medal to recognize our Veterans on March 1,
1947, thousands of Canadians have honourably and proudly served our
nation, during the Cold War and other missions and operations in aid
to the civil power. Sadly our government continues to be
"non-inclusive" of them and their service. When is this wrong going
to be honourably and inclusively corrected and fairly honour
Canada's medal-less Veterans?
Perhaps this Christmas will bring something positive in the
inclusiveness of all our Veterans.
Friday, Dec 25, 2020
Published 3 pm
Plastic bag ban nothing more than a City tax grab
A cloth bag has to be used 131 times before it equals one plastic bag, people will be forced to pay more for store bags or buy large garbage bags instead
Vincent Geloso and Kenneth P Green, Fraser Institute/Pixabay images
City Hall staff is looking at banning single-use plastics but sadly are relying on disinformation.
Permanent governing staff at Chilliwack City Hall recently laid out a plan to reduce single-use plastics for council to sign-off on. That doesn't include the hinged single-use clamshell containers for donuts and salads etc. For some reason those are excluded. Banning plastic store bags and using paper ones instead would put enormous pressure on BC's forests.
That's just one aspect. Dirty cotton bags drain medical resources by putting more people in the hospital with infections. It actually costs more and is less environmentally friendly to produce a cloth bag when you factor in things like growing and producing the cotton, water resources, refining energy, polluting fuels for transportation – plastic bags ship small saving transport costs. The Fraser Institute lays out in more specific terms why it's silly to ban plastic store bags. Paying more for plastic store bags (like some are suggesting) instead of the 5¢ stores charge now amounts to a cash grab for cities that does little to change any part of the equation.The public are being hoodwinked. A June 26, 2019, article by Vincent Geloso is as follows;
Prime Minister Trudeau recently
proposed a federal ban on certain single-use plastics, in an effort
to protect marine life and the beauty of Canadian shores. Trudeau
justified the proposal by saying, “We have a responsibility to work
with our partners to reduce plastic pollution, protect the
environment, and create jobs and grow our economy.” And yet, while
we can appreciate the sentiment behind such bans by more and more
governments, economic reasoning and some basic statistics shows they
are largely symbolic gestures that come with real downsides.
In the first place, the efforts of provincial or the federal
government (or U.S. jurisdictions such as California) won’t really
put much of a dent in the problem of plastics in the ocean. As Bjørn
Lomborg reported in a 2015 article in Science Magazine that less
than five per cent of plastic waste from land sources originates
from OECD countries; by far the biggest contributors are places such
as China and Indonesia. Lomborg observes that despite China’s 2008
ban of thin plastic bags, China still contributes more than an
estimated “27 per cent of all marine plastic pollution originating
from land.” What’s more, research from earlier this year found that
after California’s ban on plastic bags, “the elimination of 40
million pounds of plastic carryout bags [was] offset by a 12 million
pound increase in trash bag purchases.”
Such outcomes are familiar to economists who specialize in studying
unintended consequences. New regulations often induce people to
change their behaviour, leading to results that undermine or even
totally offset the intent of the original policy change. In the case
of plastic bags, most people would use some of them a second time as
trash bags in their home or to pick up after their dogs. Once that
“free” source of bags from the grocery store disappeared, California
residents had to buy more trash bags in traditional packaging.
People
like plastic bags. They are quite strong and can serve as trash bags
for small items. Again, this means they often substitute for heavier
trash bags. This is an important point. Heavier trash bags require
more energy and plastic to produce, relative to the volume of trash
they can carry. If consumers shift from the smaller trash bags to
heavier ones (which remain on sale in retail stores), the ban may
actually increase pollution.
Advocates for such policies forget to account for the pollution from “cleaner” options. Remember, most reusable bags must be washed. The provision of water for that purpose requires resources—including energy. The production of energy produces greenhouse gases. Thus, an increase in the demand for water to clean bags increases the demand for energy and causes an increase in greenhouse gases. This cost must be included when calculating the net benefits of any plastic ban. At present, it’s frequently omitted.
Another example of a single-use plastic container which goes unmentioned in City plans.
Not only does this cost consumers more out of pocket—they are
ironically prevented by the government from “recycling” the grocery
bags that like they had before—but the stores’ switchover to paper
bags also leads to more CO2 emissions. As economists continuously
remind policymakers and the public, actions come with tradeoffs.
Cracking down on plastic bag waste ends up damaging the goal of
slowing climate change. Indeed, a 2011 United Kingdom government
study found that a cotton tote bag must be used 131 times before
causing less environmental damage than the plastic bags it would
replace.
A 2010 study by Loma Linda University tested reusable bags and found that “large numbers of bacteria were found in almost all bags and coliform bacteria in half. Escherichia coli were identified in 12% of the bags and a wide range of enteric bacteria, including several opportunistic pathogens. When meat juices were added to bags and stored in the trunks of cars for two hours, the number of bacteria increased 10-fold indicating the potential for bacterial growth in the bags.” Worse yet, research indicates that people rarely wash their reusable grocery bags, having left them culturing bacteria in the car trunk for days.
A lot of plastic packaging is just marketing. But there’s still the hygiene angle. On Christmas morning you can be sure you are getting a doll that hasn’t been sneezed on by all the other kids in the toy section at Walmart.
Thursday, Dec 24, 2020
Published 8 am
Animal and human COVID linked in mink farm tests
17 staff tested positive in self-quarantine
BC CDC/Pixabay mage
Genetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2, the
virus that causes COVID-19, has been completed in both animals and
people associated with the outbreak at a mink farm in B.C.
The results show the people and animals were infected with an
identical or nearly identical strain. The strain detected has been
circulating in people in B.C., indicating COVID-19 spread from
people to animals and not the other way around.
Whole genome sequencing was performed on five mink and five human
cases at the beginning of the outbreak by the BC Centre for Disease
Control Public Health Laboratory and the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency's National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory in
Winnipeg.
One common mutation was detected in both the animals and farm
workers. This mutation is not in the spike protein of the
coronavirus and has been reported in mink previously. Neither the
mutation nor the outbreak present an increased risk to human health
at this time. Public health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food
and Fisheries are continuing to monitor for COVID-19 cases in people
and mink on mink farms. Further human testing has begun and
additional mink samples will be collected as well.
The outbreak at the affected mink farm is contained. To date, 17
workers and their contacts have tested positive for COVID-19. Staff
are self-isolating and the farm has been quarantined.
Fraser Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries,
WorkSafeBC and the BC Centre for Disease Control are working closely
with mink farms to provide support and review COVID-19 safety plans.
Thursday, Dec 24, 2020
Published 8 am
Is there a doctor in
the
house?
Carin Bondar throws her hat in the School District election Feb 13
Wikipedia/Wiki mage
Carin Bondar was born in New
Westminster and grew up near Vancouver, British Columbia. She comes
from a small family of French-Canadian, Russian and British
ancestry. She met mathematician Ian Affleck in 1995, became engaged
in 1999 and married in 2001. The couple separated in 2013 and
divorced in 2017; they have four children.
After receiving a BSc from Simon Fraser University in 1999, she
completed an MSc in evolution and development at the University of
Victoria in 2001 and a PhD in freshwater population ecology from the
University of British Columbia. Bondar was forced to put her PhD
studies on hold in 2005 while she took over a family business after
the deaths of her father John Paul and her brother William Paul. She
re-enrolled after a year's leave and completed her PhD in 2007.
Bondar began a career in science communication while raising her
four young children in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Her first book,
The Nature of Human Nature and her own personal biology blog led her
to a blogging position with Scientific American in 2011. She was
invited to appear in the Science Channel's Outrageous Acts of
Science in its first season, and she has maintained a hosting
position on this TV show for all of its 6 seasons.
Bondar has since written two more books and written/hosted several
web and television programs on major networks. She has worked with
The Science Channel, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Netflix and
National Geographic Wild. Her independent web series Wild Sex
(produced by Earth Touch, a South African based natural history film
production company), has engaged over 60 million viewers. She
presented on this topic at TED Global in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2013
– "The Birds and the Bees are just the Beginning".
Bondar is currently a writer and host of Wild Sex, an animated
series based on her book of the same title. She is also writing a
series about Wild Moms, for release in early 2018. In addition to
her media work and writing, Bondar holds an adjunct professorship in
the department of biology at the University of the Fraser Valley in
British Columbia, and works with Taxon Expeditions, a
Netherlands-based company that engages citizen scientists on
scientific expeditions to discover new species. The group mainly
works in the Sabah region of Borneo and has thus far discovered 7
new species.
Bondar is known for her bold approach to science storytelling. She
has received accolades and global media-coverage for her music video
parodies including a play on Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball." She has
appeared in several live events including I F*#cking Love Science
Live, the Australian National Science Week, and the Bay Area Science
Festival.
www.facebook.com/carin.bondar
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2020
Published 4:30 pm
Caution in the kitchen
Heavy smoke damage but no injuries in stovetop fire
Chris Wilson, Asst. Chief Emergency Preparedness/Google image
A kitchen fire took place in a house on Ramona Drive Tuesday.
On December 22nd at approximately
10:05 am, the Chilliwack Fire Department was alerted to a report of
a structure fire in the 46000-block of Ramona Drive. Fire crews from
Halls 1, 4, and 6 responded to the scene and upon arrival discovered
light smoke from the exterior of the building. Upon entry into the
building, crews discovered heavy, dark smoke on the upper floor and
a fire in the kitchen area of the home.
Due to a quick offensive attack on the fire, crews were able to
successfully prevent the spread of the fire to remaining areas of
the home. The kitchen area and upper floor of the home did receive
light fire damage and heavy smoke damage.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported at this
fire.
The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by
Chilliwack Fire Department Officials.
The Chilliwack Fire Department would like to remind everyone to use
caution when operating or working around cooking appliances.
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2020
Published noon
Spelling trouble
Provincial advisor could dissolve the Chilliwack School Board and replace it with one person
BC Gov't Caucus/ Voice file photo
The problems began when former chair Dan Coulter took his seat.
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of
Education, has appointed Lynn Smith, QC, and former Surrey school
superintendent Mike McKay as special advisors to evaluate the
Chilliwack Board of Education’s commitment to a school system that
is safe, inclusive and welcoming to all students and staff.
“The well-being of students and staff in our education system is my
highest priority and must be the highest priority of school trustees
as well,” Whiteside said. “That is why I am taking immediate action
to ensure the decision-making of all trustees at the Chilliwack
Board of Education support student achievement and wellness, and
that all trustees are adhering to the board’s code of conduct.”
The School Act enables the minister of education to appoint special
advisors to review the affairs, performance, and/or other matters of
a board of education. Government can also replace an entire board
with an official trustee.
Whiteside has also directed ministry staff to immediately begin a
review of the School Act to consider changes that ensure the actions
of elected trustees support safe and inclusive schools for students
and staff.
The special advisors will review the following and report to the
minister:
• the board’s ability to work co-operatively to fulfill its duties;
• the board’s ability to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive
school community for all students and staff, regardless of their
background, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression;
• the extent that actions of trustees in their role are consistent
with the human rights of students and staff;
• the adherence of trustees to the board’s code of ethics; and
• the board’s relationship with members of the school community and
the effects of these matters on student achievement in Chilliwack.
Smith and McKay have strong and complementary skills that will
support their evaluation of the board.
McKay has extensive experience in B.C.’s school system where he has
served in multiple roles including as principal, superintendent,
official trustee and special advisor. Smith served as a justice of
the B.C. Supreme Court for 14 years and earlier as professor and
dean at the University of British Columbia faculty of law. Two of
her areas of specialty have been the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms and human rights law.
The special advisors will work in partnership to submit biweekly
progress updates to the minister and provide a final report after
their review is complete.
Under the School Act, special advisors may enter schools and
district offices, and can inspect board records. The board and its
employees must assist the special advisors in carrying out their
duties.
The appointment of the special advisors begins immediately. Their
review will be complete on or before Feb. 28, 2021.
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2020
Published 8 am
'Pandemic amplified the effects of overdose crisis'
Five
illicit drug deaths a day throughout BC in November
BC Gov't Caucus/Pixabay image
In the midst of dual public health
emergencies, the BC Coroners Service continues to urge extreme
caution due to the increasingly toxic illicit drug supply in British
Columbia.
The BC Coroners Service reports 153 suspected drug toxicity deaths
in November 2020, an 89% increase over November 2019 (81), and a 7%
decrease over the number of deaths in October 2020 (164). The latest
data is equal to five people per day losing their lives to illicit
drug overdoses.
“Tragically, as we reach the end of 2020, our province is facing a
record-breaking year for lives lost due to a toxic illicit drug
supply,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “In the five years of
this public health emergency, more than 6,500 families have
experienced the grief and sadness of losing a loved one to the
challenging medical condition of drug addiction. I extend my sincere
condolences to all of those grieving a family member, friend or
colleague due to this disease.”
There have been 1,548 illicit drug deaths to date in 2020 in B.C.,
and the number of deaths in each health authority is at or near the
highest ever monthly totals. Toxicology results suggest a greater
number of cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations from April to
November 2020 compared with previous months.
Monday, Dec 21, 2020
Published 2 pm
None but the best
Chilliwack's Brenda Gillette receives BC's WOW award
Staff/Submitted photo
Brenda Gillette is well-known as Executive Director of the Community Living BC (CLBC) Network. It's because of her tireless work in communities around the province that she's been awarded the prestigious Widening Our World award.
No one works harder for people who can't help themselves as Gillette does and over the years she's had a major impact as a resource liaison assisting different agencies with daily updates on the latest health information from Provincial and the Federal governments.
One of her many skills is co-hosting CLBC teleconferences along with daily contacts from the frontlines to the head office.
Among priorities on her list of daily
interactions is assisting agencies in accessing Personal Protective
Equipment and sharing information on resources that other agencies
pass on to her, and in turn assisting agencies with crisis
management and communications when there have been COVID-19
outbreaks in services as CLBC develops recovery plans for services.
It's been Gillette's service by phone and email providing daily and
weekly updates to local and provincial agencies, and participating
in all levels of community practice calls with service providers and
staff, while networking regionally to give each other mutual support
that has proved her service invaluable.
There hasn't been any challenge or hurdle Gillette hasn't been able
to navigate. Her supports have had a huge impact on approximately
90% of people that CLBC supports with funded services for people to
know they have support and hearing how others are coping with
challenges.
The community's benefited to have Gillette in their corner and not
alone when crises arise and can count on her work with agencies when
facing new challenges.
Gillette brings her life-long experience providing community living services who are better informed by having her as part of their planning processes. There's no doubt the WOW award has gone to the right person with thanks to the caring of Gillette.
Thursday, Dec 17, 2020
Published 8 am
The gift of music
Voice reader is giving away their beautiful Baby Grand
Submitted/Handout photo
This Baby Grand is being offered to Voice readers.
The Wurlitzer Baby Grand used to be owned and played by my Father who is now deceased. It was last tuned February this year before he passed on.
I'm moving to a Smaller Apartment and
I don't think my Father will be happy if I sold this piano, at the
same time I'm settling to a home of lesser space, so I'm hoping to
give it out to someone who is a passionate lover of the instrument.
I wasn't going to leave it alone in an empty house.
It's currently in transit with the movers I employed to move my
properties from my house. If you really don't mind making new
arrangements with the movers, I can attempt to get in touch with
them to reroute it.
This should not attract too much charges for you since the distance can be recovered within a day. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but do let me know if you wish that I talk to the movers. Just so you know, I am not giving out a scrap or a waste. It’s in good shape.
If you are interested contact via e-mail here for more details.
Thursday, Dec 17, 2020
Published 8 am
A bright idea
Artificial sun at Fraser Valley libraries
Jennifer Fehr, FVRL/Handout image
Beat the winter blahs with the new lights.
The Playground at Fraser Valley
Regional Library (FVRL) has grown again with the addition of
Sunshine Lamps – light therapy boxes that emit a bright light
(10,000 lux)!
Place a hold on a lamp and borrow sunshine! Living in the Pacific
Northwest, we are exposed to less sunlight than people who live in
sunny places or at lower latitudes. The lamps are meant to help
replace lost sunlight exposure by reproducing the effects of natural
sunlight. Light therapy can be used to combat the winter blues or
cheer up on cloudy days.
“Past Playground experiences were STEAM (science, technology,
engineering, arts, and mathematics) focused. However at its core,
FVRL’s Playground is truly about providing our customers with
exceptional experiences both in-library and at home. We are living
in an unusual reality at the moment, and it is the right time to
broaden the Playground’s scope and include Sunshine Lamps,” says
Heather Scoular, Director of Customer Experience. “During times of
stress or isolation, tools that bring cheer to our lives are
especially important. FVRL values the vibrant health of our
communities, including the heart and mind.”
Light therapy is generally safe. However, people who have sensitive
eyes or skin should not use a Sunshine Lamp without first consulting
a doctor. Consult a medical or therapy professional if you have
serious depression symptoms.
Visit www.fvrl.ca to learn more about the Sunshine Lamps and the
Playground’s entire curated collection of experiences. Connect and
engage with FVRL on social by searching ReadLearnPlay on Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter.
Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020
Published 3 pm
A moving experience
Property Guys open up in Chilliwack
Laura D'Angelo, Property Guys/Website photo
Buy and sell on your own terms with Property Guys
PropertyGuys.com, Canada’s largest
private home sale network, is excited to announce their newest
franchise location in Chilliwack, B.C. Offering a private sale,
flat-fee approach to real estate that puts the seller at the core of
the transaction, PropertyGuys.com’s ever-expanding circle of
franchises has helped over 95,000 homeowners from coast-to-coast
take control of their real estate experience, while keeping more of
their hard-earned money in their pockets.
New owner, Stephen Schaap, is thrilled to open his first franchise
location and help homeowners in Chilliwack discover the benefits of
PropertyGuys.com’s proven system.
"These days have brought many changes in our lives, so I thought,
why not take this opportunity to pursue a new venture that could
assist people and give them more control over their home sale," says
Schaap. “I remembered the dramatic difference we experienced when we
sold our first home with PropertyGuys.com. It was so empowering to
be able to do things on our terms. What better time to empower
people and allow them to sell their own properties?”
Bringing a wealth of experience as a previous small business owner
and as a commercial pilot, Schaap looks forward to charting a new
course as a PropertyGuys.com franchisee, joining an already strong
network of successful franchises in British Columbia.
"I can't wait to help local buyers and sellers in the Fraser Valley
discover our modern alternative to real estate!" says Schaap.
For more information, please visit
www.propertyguys.com.
Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020
Published 4 am
Happy holidays
Free drag queen comedy show online Dec 20
Sean Devlyn, YesLab/Handout photo
Watch the free show online December 20..
For nearly two decades JAYA has been
one of the most popular live performers in the Visayan region of the
Philippines.
Learn more about JAYA’s story by watching this video.
Who: Jaya (Philippines) - Francheska Dynamites
(Philippines/Canada). Kara Juku (Canada). Maiden China (Canada)
What: Digital holiday comedy special available for free
viewing online.
When: Sunday, December 20, 2020
Where:
www.asogfilm.com
This week JAYA is releasing a free digital holiday special featuring
performances by:
FRANCHESKA DYNAMITES Miss Fiesta Filipino Queen 2019. Miss Dame of
Progress from Miss Queen Pilipinas-Canada 2018. 3rd place in
Alberta’s Next Drag Superstar 2019 and featured in Canada's A Drag
Season 3 by CBC Arts.
[Instagram]
KARA JUKU Winner of Vancouver's East Side Drag Phenomenon 2019.
Winner of Vancouver's Next Drag Superstar 2020. [Instagram
and Website]
MAIDEN CHINA is an intersectional feminist drag performance artist
who incorporates elements of classical Chinese opera into their
work. They perform regularly as a member of the House of Rice- an
all Asian drag family in Vancouver, BC- as well as one of the
Darlings, a non-binary drag performance collective.
[Instagram]
This free digital holiday special is promotional content for JAYA’s
first feature film ASOG. The film is currently running a grassroots
international crowdfunding campaign to complete post-production. The
film is directed by Sean Devlin 叶 世民 - a Filipino-Chinese-Canadian
writer/director/stand up comedian/prankster/activist. He most
recently served as a Consulting Producer on Sacha Baron Cohen’s
BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM (2020).
The Directors Guild of Canada presented Sean with the Emerging
Canadian Director prize at the 37th Vancouver International Film
Festival for his last feature film
WHEN
THE STORM FADES (2018). That film also earned Sean two
international festival jury prizes for Best Director (Liverpool &
Mumbai) and won Best Canadian Film at the 19th Gimli Film Festival
as well as two Vancouver Film Critics’ Awards. WHEN THE STORM FADES
is currently available worldwide via 1091 Pictures (NYC).
Tuesday, Dec 15, 2020
Published 4 am
Mink stink
SPCA calling for a moratorium on mink farms
Laurie Chortyk, SPCA/Website photo
The SPCA is trying to close mink farms like this after it was discovered they had COVID-19.
The BC SPCA is calling for a
moratorium on mink farming in British Columbia through an immediate
suspension of all mink farm licenses, after eight workers on a
Fraser Valley fur farm tested positive for COVID-19. More than 200
mink have died on the farm, and samples from mink on the property
have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
in humans.
The BC SPCA, the province’s largest animal welfare organization, has
written to B.C.’s Chief Veterinary Officer, the Provincial Health
Officer and Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries,
expressing concerns for public and animal health and the need to
immediately suspend all fur farm licenses. Geoff Urton of the BC
SPCA says the moratorium is needed to reduce the risk of further
disease spread in B.C. communities, including the risk to wild
animals.
“Mink themselves also stand to suffer from SARS-CoV-2 as, unlike
other animals who have contracted the virus and show little-to-no
symptoms, mink can become sick and die when infected. At this time,
the practice of mink farming is at odds with the Animal Health Act
due to the close contact between farmed mink and farm staff.”
Urton notes that mink are permitted to be farmed in B.C. through
exemptions to the provincial Wildlife Act’s prohibition on keeping
of native wildlife. “The mink who are farmed in B.C. are native
species who would be far-ranging in movement in their natural
settings, and are solitary, and semi-aquatic animals. In B.C., mink
are confined to small barren wire cages, tightly packed together in
high densities on farms.”
Around the world there have been increasing cases and concerns about
the virus passing from humans to minks, and back to humans. The
cramped conditions of thousands of mink on farms creates dangerous
conditions for the spread of SARS-CoV2.
“In addition to the threat to public health, the BC SPCA is deeply
concerned about the suffering of thousands of mink raised on farms
in B.C.,” says Urton. Currently there are 13 mink farms in B.C.,
almost all of which are in the Fraser Valley, producing fur for
international luxury markets. In 2018, over 260,000 mink were killed
for fur in B.C., a practice that 85% of British Columbians oppose.
Urton says the BC SPCA is opposed to killing animals for clothing,
as wild-caught animals experience unacceptable harms, and wild
animals suffer when raised on fur farms.
To take the BC SPCA’s pledge to end fur farming in B.C., please
visit spca.bc.ca/mink-farming-pledge.
Tuesday, Dec 15, 2020
Published 4 am
CAF Seaman missing from ship
Search is on by sea and air
Dept. Nat. Def./Handout photo
A snap of the HMSC Winnipeg and crew.
One member of the Canadian Armed
Forces (CAF) went missing on Monday, December 14, 2020, while
deployed in Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg.
Missing is Master Sailor Duane Earle, a Boatswain, from Winnipeg,
Manitoba.
The details are still being determined, but it is believed he
accidentaly fell overboard very early on Dec. 14, while the ship was
approximately 500 nautical miles west of San Francisco, California,
en route back to Esquimalt after being deployed to the Asia-Pacific
region on Operations PROJECTION and NEON.
"Our thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of our
missing shipmate, Master Sailor Duane Earl. With this happening so
close to the end of this deployment and with the Holiday Season
looming, it’s simply devastating and is felt across our extended
naval family,” said Vice-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander, Royal
Canadian Navy in a release early Tuesday.
MS Earle was not identified as missing until later in the day, at
which point HMCS Winnipeg turned back along its route and commenced
a search, along with its embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. The
search effort is being coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination
Centre (JRCC) in Alameda County, California and includes Royal
Canadian Air Force and United States Coast Guard assets.
MS Earle’s next of kin have been notified and the CAF is providing
his family with the support needed to help them through this
difficult time.
The CAF will conduct an investigation into the circumstances of how
the member went missing.
Monday, Dec 14, 2020
Published 9 pm
Vaccine arrives
Medical workers first in line
BC Gov't Caucus/Handout photo
COVIC-19 vaccines being unpacked.
The first delivery of approximately
4,000 doses of the first approved COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in
the province.
Preparation is underway to immunize the first British Columbians in
the coming days.
These initial vaccine doses will be administered to Lower Mainland
health-care workers who work in long-term care homes and front-line
health-care workers essential to the COVID-19 response. Fraser
Health and Vancouver Coastal Health are contacting staff to schedule
the initial vaccine appointments.
Starting the week of Dec. 21, vaccines will be delivered weekly to
all health authorities. Expected timelines will depend on vaccine
approval and availability. As vaccines become more available, they
will be provided to other priority groups throughout British
Columbia.
A registration and record system are in development, including a
process to register for vaccine access and receive a formal record
of immunization.
Sunday, Dec 13, 2020
Published at noon
Early Morning Arson
Vacant House fires risk firefighters lives, Chief urges more vigilance by owners
Ian Josephson, Fire Chief/Voice photos
Neighbours watch as crews work on the fire.
At 4:40 am this morning, 35 firefighters from Chilliwack Fire Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 responded to a structure fire in the 45000-block of Reece Avenue.
"When
firefighters arrived, they found a two-storey residential house with
heavy fire and smoke coming out of the back porch roof. Firefighters
quickly knocked the fire down and entered the house to confirm the
house was vacant," said Ian Josephson, Fire Chief in a release
Sunday.
There is significant smoke and water damage to the house.
Chilliwack Fire Department would like to remind owners of vacant
homes there is an increased risk of property damage including
vandalism, theft and
or
fire damage. A fire in a vacant home increases the risk to the
public and firefighters.
In this case there were no firefighter
injuries.
This fire was deliberately set and is under investigation by Chilliwack Fire Department and RCMP fire investigators.
If anyone has any information about this fire, they are asked to call the RCMP at 604-792-4611 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.upperfraservalleycrimestoppers.ca
Saturday, Dec 12, 2020
Published 8 am - updated
CP Holiday Train foodraiser
Whistle-stop show in Agassiz Dec 16 features Terri Clark and Dallas Smith
Staff/File photos
The much-loved Canadian Pacific Holiday Train left Montreal on November 26 following CP’s tracks west to Calgary performing free concerts drumming up Food Bank items. The eastern run featured popular performers Scott Helman and Madeline Merlo.
Terri Clark plays on the Holiday Train in Agassiz in December 2017.
West of the Rockies Holiday Train favourite Terri Clark, with Dallas Smith, play are the featured act in this year's fundraiser.
This year the train arrives in Agassiz Wednesday, December 16 for their whistle-stop concert at 5:30 pm. The show starts at 5:45 pm across the street from the Agra Centre on Pioneer Avenue, West of Highway 9.
Bring along some things for the Food Bank. Each and every month, millions of people across North America use food banks to make ends meet.
"Through the CP Holiday Train, we not only want to help restock food banks, we want to ensure people have access to healthy, nutritious food." For donation suggestions visit here.
The tour ends its cross-Canada run in the Vancouver area on December 17.
Valdy was a featured performer in 2011.
Everyone deserves the same opportunity to eat well and protect their hearts. How big is your heart?
Friday, Dec 11, 2020
Published 8 am
Incredible original foods
Indigenous dining available for takeout and delivery
Anna, Ninepoint Agency/Handout images
This winter Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has put together a list of local Indigenous restaurants to support, that have COVID-19 safe dining or take out options that lift up locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients, and Indigenous culinary traditions.
In British Columbia, the Indigenous restaurant industry responded
early in the pandemic by creating new opportunities for online
ordering, home delivery, and pickup. E-commerce allows Indigenous
restaurateurs to remain open, despite environmental changes.
What better way to dine than supporting Indigenous economies and
communities, locally sourced and sustainable food options.
Friday, Dec 11, 2020
Published 8 am
An apple a day
Connecting students to BC agriculture
Meghan McCrea, BC Ag in the classroom/Website images
BC students deserve to eat the best,
and that’s BC grown fruits and vegetables. The BC School Fruit &
Vegetable Nutritional Program (BCSFVNP) grew out of an idea formed
in 2004 to bring BC grown fruits and vegetables into the classroom.
The
BC ministries of Agriculture, Education, and Health selected the BC
Agriculture in the
Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) to implement a pilot program. As a
non-profit organization dedicated to bringing BC’s agriculture to
students, we were a natural choice. Already working closely with
schools, producers, suppliers, and distributors, we were proud
supporters of BC farmers and BC grown produce.
What a long way we’ve come! The BCSFVNP has grown from an initial
launch of 10 schools to 1,451 K-12 public schools and K-12 First
Nations schools that participated in the program for the 2019/2020
school year. With the help of our over 4,000 volunteers and
incredible agricultural partners, we now provide fresh fruits and
vegetables 12 times in the school year to over 586,277 students.
Many of those students are trying new foods for the first time and
finding out how great they taste. They are also making connections
to where their food comes from and learning that eating BC grown
produce supports local farmers and the economies of rural regions —
building blocks towards a lifetime of healthy and sustainable
eating. Educate yourself on BC's Ag programs for students.
Read more here.
Friday, Dec 11, 2020
Published 8 am
Food for Fines is back
Late at the library for a good cause
BC Gov't Caucus/Website image
Today through January 13, 2020, you
can “pay” your fines with food. It’s simple – bring in commercially
packaged, unexpired, non-perishable food items to any FVRL location
and have your fines reduced. One food item equals $2 in fines/fees,
and up to $30 of fines/fees owed per library account can be cleared
during the campaign. All items collected will be donated to the
local area food bank.
“Food for Fines comes at a time when the financial impacts of
COVID-19 are being realized throughout our communities. More people
than ever turning to their local food banks. This campaign will no
doubt be our most impactful one to date,” says Heather Scoular,
Director of Customer Experience. “The library has not charged late
fines during COVID-19, however this is a great opportunity for
customers with lingering fines to eliminate them by helping feed our
communities.”
Last year’s campaign saw FVRL customers generously donate 20,382
food items, and in turn the library cleared approximately $40,000
worth of fines. Local pantries are especially in need of rice;
flour; powdered baby formula; peanut butter and jams; pasta and
sauces; canned fruit and vegetables; canned and dry soups; canned
fish/meat; and cereal.
Serving customers safely is our priority, visit www.fvrl.ca to view
FVRL’s COVID-19 safety plan. Connect with FVRL online 24/7 – search
@ReadLearnPlay on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Friday, Dec 11, 2020
Published 8 am
Helping animals that can't help themselves
Donations have dropped off during the pandemic
Submitted by Sgt Judy Bird Abby PD/Web images
Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center is one of
BC’s main wildlife rehabilitation centers, serving communities in
the Lower Mainland and beyond, in the care and rehabilitation of
small mammals and birds. The Center has remained open, accepting and
caring for injured and abandoned wildlife, but for how long?
Over the past 34 years, this
registered non-profit organization’s popularity has grown from a
small local sanctuary, to serving Abbotsford and the Lower Mainland,
and many other British Columbia communities. Elizabeth’s Wildlife
Center has rescued and cared for wild animals and birds, providing
expert services, nutrition, medication, and protection, until these
animals are able to be released back to the wild.
Elizabeth Melnick, the Center's founder, takes in hundreds of sick,
injured and abandoned wildlife every year, from hummingbirds to
crows and ravens, baby rabbits, opossums, squirrels and any other
small wildlife needing care. The food, medical supplies,
medications, veterinary care and other essentials – which are needed
to keep each creature clean and warm – are always provided. But the
cost of these services keeps rising, and during this year of crisis,
donations have fallen and two of our critical fund-raisers were
cancelled.
Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center receives no federal or provincial
funding, and relies entirely on donations and grants. We are at a
pivotal point in continuing to provide this valuable service, and
are making this urgent special appeal so that this vital care for
our native wildlife can continue.
The Center's buildings are at a stage where they need to be
demolished and replaced and funding just does not exist for this at
the present time.
COVID-19 offering new challenges as the coronavirus has left its
wave of destruction across Canada, many wildlife sanctuaries have
faced challenges. Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center is no different.
The Center’s operations budget is dependent on visitors to the
facility, who often donate when they drop off wildlife needing care,
and on the two critical annual fundraising events. Although the
Center continues to accept wildlife, it is, in effect, closed to the
public, severely impacting our income. “Our goal is to keep
everybody working”, says founder Elizabeth Melnick, explaining that
it is critical that staff are there to care for the animals each
day.
Building Re-vamp
BC weather and time have not been kind to our wooden rehabilitation
buildings. Fundraising for new buildings has been put on-hold due to
COVID19 restrictions, and the Center is struggling to find a viable
solution to replacing them. In the meantime, in order to continue
operating, a temporary solution is to rent a commercial trailer(s)
and adapt it to our needs, while the exiting buildings are
demolished and funds can, hopefully be raised, for new buildings.
Can you assist our Wildlife Center?
We are hoping that our community will respond, and enable us to
purchase a refurbished commercial trailer that can be adapted as a
wildlife center to continue to operate and provide this vital
service.
All donations, large or small, will be so gratefully received, and
will directly help to ensure that Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center can
continue in our mission:
To provide medical care to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, with
the ultimate goal of rehabilitation.
Subject to COVID-related restrictions, we will still need the
donated assistance of carpenters, plumbers and other able-bodied
individuals to put it all together. If you are able to help, please
call Elizabeth's Wildlife Center at 604-852-1973.
Are
you able to help us? Donations (which are tax-deductible) can be
made on our website at ElizabethsWildlife.ca by using PayPal, OR by
mailing directly to PO Box 15015, Abbotsford, BC V2S 8P1
Wednesday Dec 9, 2020
Published 11 am
SARS and COVID-19 hit minks and employees
Fraser Valley farm locked down
BC Gov't Caucus/Website image
Test results from five mink samples
taken from a Fraser Valley mink farm have all been confirmed
positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans.
After several workers on the farm tested positive for COVID-19, mink
samples were collected and submitted to the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency’s National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg. The
OIE-World Organisation for Animal Health was notified under
international reporting requirements.
The results were expected, considering the interaction between
infected workers and mink on the farm. Testing to determine genome
sequencing and the strain of the virus continues. Results are
anticipated in the coming week.
B.C.’s chief veterinarian has placed the farm under a quarantine
order prohibiting the movement of animals and materials from the
property. A plan is in place to provide feed and care to the mink
during the outbreak. The plan respects the conditions of the
quarantine and maintains worker and mink safety.
Wednesday Dec 9, 2020
Published 8 am
Who
really should be censured?
So-called professional journalists pollute 'mercilessly and maliciously' their own personal social media feeds with 'obscene gossip'
Barry Neufeld, SD33 School Trustee/Submitted image
There is what you will NOT find in the
Chilliwack Progress: My side of the story.
The latest buzz in the media is that
when I used the word “retards” to describe the reporters in the
Chilliwack Progress, it was twisted around to make it sound like I
was denigrating persons with special needs. Nothing could be further
from the truth. It doesn’t matter what word I used their goal is to
silence me. Many people, including the Minister of Education, are
setting their hair on fire condemning me for using the politically
incorrect word “retards.”
Our very biased chair, Ms. Reichelt, appeared on television to break
the trustee code of ethics by denigrating me.
Those reporters are unethical, dishonest, and unprofessional. Their
coverage of me and those who agree with me is always hostile. They
have incited hatred and violence against me as well as two other
trustees on the Chilliwack Board of Education. Our voicemail and
emails are inundated with obscene insults and threats.
For three relentless years, I have endured the extremely biased and
malicious reporting by the reporters from our local newspaper,
including outright lies about me. Plus, I have screenshots of a lot
more defamatory comments and obscene gossip about me on their
personal social media sites. A usual maxim taught to reporters is;
“Comfort
the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” Ever since the Surrey
School board lost in the Supreme Court 20 years ago to the BCTF in
the “three little books” controversy, the Gay and Lesbian Educators
(GALE) have been in a very comfortable position. I am not a wealthy
man, and I am certainly being “afflicted” by the very comfortable
and
intolerant haters."
My whole purpose in opposing the transgender ideology in public
schools is because I care SO MUCH about the special needs of all
special children, and I want to protect them from being confused and
damaged by these ideas. I was recently horrified to see a report
that medical “professionals” were transitioning a Down’s Syndrome
teenager and giving her a mastectomy. I do not judge any adult who
chooses to transition their gender in order to find peace. But it is
a long and painful process and very expensive – often in excess of
$100,000! Plus hundreds of dollars a month for drugs and cosmetics.
Only a few celebrities like Caitlyn Jenner and Laverne Cox can
afford it.
I firmly believe that school age
children do not have the maturity to make such irreversible
decisions involving untested drugs with unknown side effects, and I
do not think school staff should encourage or support that.
I am personally acquainted with Dr. Ken Zucker, who until 2016 was
considered the world authority on treating gender dysphoric
children. He noted that the majority of children he was treating
were somewhere on the autism spectrum. But he pointed out that if
gender dysphoric children were NOT encouraged to socially
transition, take puberty blockers, hormone therapy etc. that 80-90%
of those children grew out of their discomfort. While I do not agree
with everything he recommends, it is important that he debunks the
threat that a child will commit suicide if they are not allowed to
transition.
Ten years ago, a psychologist at the gender clinic of BC Children’s
hospital had less than a dozen clients.
Today, he has over a thousand, most of them special needs with a
wide range of mental health problems and half of them are children
in care! But his only solution? Predictably, it is to recommend the
transition of gender! And appallingly, he encourages his clients to
threaten suicide if anyone objects! Is anyone else willing to sound
the alarm here on what is happening to these poor children?
There have been too many hasty
decisions to pursue gender-affirming treatments while other mental
health problems have been minimized and ignored. 40 years ago, I was
a volunteer at Woodlands School in New Westminster. Those poor
people were horribly treated and abused – even used to test new
drugs being developed by pharmaceutical companies. Woodlands is now
closed, but experimentation is still happening today.
As you know, for the past three years, the Chilliwack Progress and
other local “reporters” have mercilessly and maliciously slandered
me both publicly, and also on their own personal social media
platforms. Outright lies, defamation, and obscene gossip, which
their followers have readily taken to as well.
These so-called reporters have been unethical, dishonest, and extremely unprofessional in their coverage of me and anyone who disagrees with radical left-wing ideologies that are systematically wounding children. They’ve consistently demonstrated that they are not interested in balanced, fair reporting, or the discovery of truth.
The vast majority of Chilliwack and
the Upper Fraser Valley residents know better and can smell
left-wing propaganda from a mile away. But within their circle of
influence, these reporters have incited hatred and violence against
me as well as two other trustees on the Chilliwack Board of
Education. Our voicemails and emails are inundated with obscene
insults and threats.
In response to a discussion about the biased reporting by the
Progress, I called out the fact that the Progress newspaper was
failing miserably, that it should be called the “Regress”, and that
they are in such dire straits financially now that Jessica Peters,
Paul Henderson and Tara Hiebert have to work from home as a result.
I referred to them as “retards”. Yes, they took it all out of
context, twisted and tried to weaponize my own words
against me again. But that’s all they know how to do.
The word “retarded” was once used as a diagnostic term when I began
to refer clients for psychiatric
assessments 30 years ago. But it has fallen out of favor as have
several other words that used to refer to “developmentally delayed”
individuals.
It was a poor word choice, especially in light of the fact that I’ve
given my life to protect children, especially those with special
needs. I specifically apologise to persons with developmental
disabilities and their loved ones who were triggered by that word. I
want to be known for standing up for children and families. But I
repeat that the reporters at The Progress are vindictive, unethical,
dishonest, and extremely unprofessional.
Black Press has stated that they support Paul Henderson as a
competent and professional journalist. Here are a few examples of
what he produces with his “poison pen.” If the board decides to
censure me for criticizing Mr. Henderson, then they are condoning
this kind of journalism: examples below: WARNING! OBSCENE LANGUAGE
Tuesday Dec 8, 2020
Published 2 pm
Seniors
and low-income people get a lift from TELUS
Free phone and internet connectivity for $25 a month
Tiffini Lee, National.ca/Website image
Today, TELUS launched Mobility for
Good for Seniors, which provides Canadian seniors receiving the
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) access to a free smartphone and
subsidized mobility rate plan. Available now, Mobility for Good for
Seniors includes a free refurbished smartphone, unlimited nationwide
talk and text, and 3GB of data for only $25 per month. Mobility for
Good for Seniors will ensure more seniors have access to the
technology they need to help address feelings of isolation, manage
their mental wellbeing, stay connected to loved ones, enjoy their
favourite online games and books, and access important healthcare
resources and information.
“At a time when the human connection has never been more important,
TELUS remains committed to ensuring all Canadians can stay connected
to the people and information that matter the most,” said Darren
Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO. “Throughout the pandemic, our
globally leading network has enabled Canadians to work and learn
remotely, access critical government resources, receive medical
support and stay in touch with family and friends. Our country’s
seniors have contributed significantly to the fabric of this nation,
having built and supported the infrastructure, economy and social
services that we enjoy today. Disconcertingly, these same elderly
Canadians have been disproportionately impacted throughout the
health emergency as many have had to isolate from loved ones and
support networks in order to stay safe. Through Mobility for Good
for Seniors, we are providing some of our most vulnerable Canadians
with access to the vital tools and resources they need to stay
safely and meaningfully connected, and in time for the holiday
season.”
Across Canada, 2.2 million seniors receive the Guaranteed Income
Supplement from the federal government, and are eligible for TELUS
Mobility for Good for Seniors. This program is entirely subsidized
by TELUS, and comes at no cost to the government or taxpayers. To
get set up, program participants are required to provide proof of
receiving the GIS benefit and then will receive a unique code.
Participants are also encouraged to download the Federal
Government’s Covid-19 Alert app to stay updated on critical health
information. Additional details and instructions on how to apply are
available at telus.com/mobilityforgood.
TELUS Mobility for Good for Seniors is part of the TELUS Connecting
for Good portfolio of programs that gives Canadians in need access
to TELUS’ world-leading technology. Additional programs include:
• TELUS Internet for Good, offering high speed broadband Internet to
qualified low-income families and people living with disabilities
for only $9.95 per month;
• TELUS Mobility for Good for youth, offering a free smartphone and
a fully subsidized 3GB data plan to youth transitioning out of
foster care for two years;
• TELUS Tech for Good, helping differently abled Canadians facing
challenges using smartphones and tablets with assistive technology
and training that help them live more independently; and
• TELUS Health for Good, enabling TELUS mobile health clinics to
bring primary healthcare directly to people in need and living on
the streets in urban centres across Canada.
TELUS also empowers Canadians of all ages to stay safe in our
digital world with online resources and workshops through TELUS
WiseⓇ, which covers topics including protecting your online
security, privacy, and reputation, rising above cyberbullying, and
using technology responsibly. Seniors advocacy and support
organizations are invited to book a free, virtual TELUS Wise Seniors
workshop for the seniors they support at telus.com/WiseSeniors. The
workshop educates participants on common online scams and threats
and provides Internet, smartphone and social media safety tips,
helping seniors to stay safe and get the most out of our digital
world.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TELUS has committed $150
million to support Canadians with the services and resources they
need. For the latest information about how TELUS gives back visit
telus.com/givesback.
Sunday Dec 6, 2020
Published 8 am
Early morning arson
Authorities look for leads
Mike Bourdon, Assistant Chief, Prevention, CFD/Voice photos
Firefighters attack the fire on the front side of the building.
On December 5th, 2020, at
approximately 3 am the Chilliwack Fire Department was dispatched to
a reported structure fire located in the 46000-block of Victoria
Ave.
Firefighters
responded from Halls 1, 2, 4 & 6 and on arrival, witnessed smoke and
flame coming from the roof system of a vacant automotive repair
business.
Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and contain the fire
damage to the rear portion of the roof structure.
The interior of the building sustained
minor fire and smoke damage.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
Steel cutting saw sits after doing its job.
This fire is believed to be deliberately set and is under
investigation by Chilliwack Fire Department and RCMP.
If anyone has any information about this fire, they are asked to
call the RCMP at 604-792-4611 or anonymously through Crimestoppers
at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or
upperfraservalleycrimestoppers.ca
Saturday Dec 5, 2020
Published 2 pm
Cold comfort
Walk on the wild side
Chris Hunt, Trout Unlimited/Chris Hunt photo
"Winter's onset doesn't mean fishing comes to a stop. But even hearty souls retreat to the truck to warm up."
Cold fingers sting back to life,
pressed firmly against the vent as warm air, fresh from the engine
block, puffs on pink digits. The heat reawakens icy toes, and what
was numb is now just painful.
I gobble a sandwich. Cameron is lost in his phone. We don’t speak.
Not because there’s nothing to say. Our faces are frozen.
It’s the wind, really. It’s not terribly frigid out there, on the
other side of the glass. But with a steady gale blowing up from the
south and armed with a cleaver’s edge, it feels cold. Bone cold.
As the blood begins to run from the heart out into all the little
tendrils of capillaries, far into the hinterlands of our bodies,
feeling begins to return. It’s a crisp burn … a sharp, “Hey!
Remember me?” from the toes and the fingers and the … other distant
places that feel abandoned on frosty days like this.
Finish reading Chris Hunt's story great story"Bold-cold fishing in the face of winter" Join or donate to Trout Unlimited.
Saturday Dec 5, 2020
Published 1 pm
Down to earth music
Acclaimed Vancouver musician at Bozzini's Dec 17
Emanuel Asprakis, Bozzini's Rest./Handout photo
Vancouver musician JP Maurice at Bozzi's Restaurant December 17.
“Big change is coming” is JP Maurice’s
anthemic promise to anyone who has seen their share of adversity.
The seasoned Vancouver-based musician, songwriter and producer knows
the highs of his craft, but it’s in the lows where he finds his fire
– taking the fuel of failed record deals, broken hearts, and the
loss of loved ones and forging the pain into something beautifully
optimistic.
JP Maurice “A Blue Light Christmas”
Thursday Dec 17
Doors 6:30 Showtime 8:00
Tickets $ 20 at Bozzini’s or call 604 792 0744 to reserve. Very
limited seating
(No refunds – exchanges for a future show allowed up to 48 hrs prior
to show time)
Covid protocol followed: approx 16 person capacity, volume turned
down, ordering only before show & intermission (& possible drink
orders via text), finished before 10:00 P.M. Please refrain from
unnecessary conversation during the show. Masks must be worn when
not at your table.
Facebook: facebook.com/Maurice
twitter/insta: @jpthemaurice
web: jpthemaurice.com
music: soundcloud.com/jpmaurice
Bozzini's is located at 4-45739 Hocking Ave. Chilliwack, BC. 604-792-0744
Saturday Dec 5, 2020
Published 1 pm
Long-term care home in Chilliwack COVID outbreak
Bradley Centre under intense cleaning process
Fraser Health/Google image
The Bradley Centre is the latest long-term residence to have COVID outbreak.
Two staff members at Bradley Centre in
Chilliwack and one staff member and one resident at Lakeshore Care
Centre have tested positive for COVID-19. Fraser Health has declared
outbreaks at the sites, and a Fraser Health rapid response team is
at the sites. Communication with residents and families is underway.
Bradley Centre is a long-term care facility in Chilliwack that is
owned and operated by Fraser Health. Lakeshore Care Centre is a long
term care facility in Coquitlam that is owned and operated by The
Care Group. The staff members and resident are currently in
self-isolation at their homes.
Fraser Health has worked with each site to support the
implementation of enhanced control measures. Fraser Health is also
working with each site to identify anyone who may have been exposed
and is taking steps to protect the health of all staff, residents
and families.
Fraser Health has worked with each site to proactively implement the
following:
• Staffing levels will be supported to maintain resident care.
• Visitors are restricted throughout the facility.
• Staff and residents movement in the facility has been restricted.
• Cleaning and infection control measures have been enhanced.
• Residents, families and staff are being notified.
• Twice a day screening of all staff and residents.
During this time, Fraser Health has additional presence at each site
to take any further actions required and support the facility. This
includes dedicated people to address quality, answer questions from
staff, residents and family, and provide active checks of symptoms
with staff and residents.
Fraser Health has, in partnership with long term care and assisted
living facilities, implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent
and respond to COVID-19 in these facilities. In addition, Fraser
Health has also deployed more than 480 people including care staff
and our rapid-response teams which include clinical nurse educators,
infection prevention and control experts, screeners, and patient
care quality officers supporting with communication to families and
assessing symptoms at sites with outbreaks. Through these teams,
sites are also connected with emergency supplies and support
strategies around additional personnel if needed.
At this time, it is critically important for people living in the
Fraser Health region to use the COVID-19 assessment tool and get
tested as soon as you have COVID-19-like symptoms, even mild ones.
Please don’t wait, and book or drop by one of our collection centres
which are operated in partnership with local Divisions of Family
Practice. People living in the Fraser Health region can find
information about test collection centres by visiting Fraser
Health’s website.
To book a COVID-19 testing appointment, complete a COVID-19 test
booking form.
Saturday Dec 5, 2020
Published 8 am
Ending Domestic Violence
Commemorating the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique Tragedy
Patti MacAhonic/Voice file photo
Purple Light Nights tree lighting Oct 2017: Councillor Sue Knott (r) and Patti McAhonic (second left), Beverly Coles (second right), Shelly Bolan (centre).
Ann Davis
Transition Society pays tribute to the victims of the Montreal
Massacre and all women who have died as a result of gender-based
violence, through a virtual vigil on December 6th. In Canada,
December 6th now marks the
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women,
a day that commemorates the anniversary of the 1989 École
Polytechnique Tragedy where 14 young women were singled out and
murdered on this day, 31 years ago.
Every year without fail, the Ann Davis Transition Society holds a
public memorial to honour the victims of gender based violence.
“Violence against women and family
violence is a crisis across our country, globally, and right here in
our own community,” says Patti MacAhonic Executive Director at Ann
Davis Transition society. “This year, due to the impact of the
Covid-19 pandemic, we are seeing an upsurge of domestic violence.
With the social lockdown, loss of employment and not enough access
to childcare, women who are in unsafe situations are being forced to
much longer than they should be – Indigenous women in particular,
already face higher levels of violence and abuse, and the situation
is made much worse by COVID”.
While December 6th is a day to remember all women and girls across
the country who have died by gender violence, it is also a day of
action.
“Today we stand together, to affirm that we will never tolerate violence against women in any form. Please join me and speak up when you see violence against women. This is a collective responsibility for each and every one of us,” says MacAhonic.
Please see our Facebook page to view the online memorial.
Saturday
Dec 5, 2020
Published 8 am
'Bidding Wars' a first for Chilliwack real estate
More buyers than sellers as people look to move to the eastern Fraser Valley
Steve Lerigny, CADREB/Voice file photo
Strong demand and a low reserve of
listings is pushing home prices up in Chilliwack and area.
November home sales posted yet another record, with 375 completed
sales, totalling a whopping almost $226 million in dollar value.
While sales were down slightly from the month before, records
continue to shatter.
With demand outweighing supply however, average prices are heading
up, with REALTORS® encountering bidding wars for the first time in
recent history.
“The median price has risen 18.7%, to $569,900,” said
Chilliwack and
District Real Estate Board (CADREB) President Kim Parley. “This
is up 10% from the same time last year, but not surprisingly, as
it’s the second lowest housing inventory level in CADREB history”.
Once again indicating that lifestyle is playing a huge role in the
pandemic, Hope had the largest increase for the benchmark Housing
Price Index for single family homes, increasing by 13.2% over last
year to an average $477,300.
Of the 375 sales in Chilliwack and area in November, the highest
number sold (40) were in the $450,000 - $499,999 range, followed by
34 in the $550,000 - $599,999 bracket, tied with those in the
$650,000 - $699,999 range. There were 19 sales of homes over $1
million.
The future continues to look bright for the local housing scene,
according to the CADREB President.
“Covid has allowed many more people to work from home and that trend
is likely to continue. Home buying dollars compared to the more
metropolitan areas stretch so much further in the eastern Fraser
Valley, so even with tightened lending requirements, our area is
more affordable to invest in," explained Parley.
Parley added that with the BC economy projected to grow by 5%,
continued low mortgage rates, and a number of new housing
developments taking shape on the south side, it’s a prime time to
buy. What’s needed however is more inventory. At the end of last
month, there were 655 home listings, at a time when demand could
support double that number.
If you are considering a move up or a downsizing is in your future,
arrange for a no-obligation home assessment by any of the qualified
and experienced REALTORs of CADREB.
The 346 REALTORS, staff and members of the Chilliwack and District
Real Estate Board wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
The CADREB Christmas Light Tour is on again this year, a great
opportunity for families to venture out of the house and see some
spectacularly lit homes. CADREB has launched as
Facebook group so that the public can join and add addresses
and photos or videos of their own home or their favorites. CADREB
will also have a list of
homes and maps on their website.
Saturday Dec 5, 2020
Published 8 am
Chilliwack BIA shakeup
Kyle Williams let go as director
Mike Vanden Bosch/Voice file photo
Kyle Williams.
It is an exciting time for downtown,
but also a time of transition. The Downtown Chilliwack BIA
acknowledges the importance of keeping pace with the changes, and
making the appropriate adjustments to continue the forward momentum.
As such, the BIA Board of Directors has made the decision to part
ways with Executive Director Kyle Williams.
“This is not a decision that was made easily, as Kyle has been in
his role for 7 years and has seen the Association through some very
difficult times.” claims Ruth Maccan, president of the BIA. “We have
the opportunity to do some different things at the BIA, and we will
have a new look in 2021.”
“There’s been a lot of good stuff happening downtown, and I think
it’s probably the right time for the BIA to make a change and look
at things a little differently.” says Williams. “I’ve met a lot of
great people while in this position, and I’m excited to watch the
continued improvement of the area.”
Maccan adds “Kyle has always put the BIA ahead of his own
self-interests, and his understanding of this change shows the
respect he has for our Association and the important role it plays
in the continued revitalization of downtown. We wish him the best in
his future endeavors.”
Kyle’s last official day with the BIA will be Friday, December 11,
though he will be completing projects behind closed doors effective
immediately. The BIA office will be closed until further notice,
however emails and phone messages will be checked regularly and
responded to in a timely manner. We apologize in advance for any
delays or inconveniences this closure may cause.
You can reach the BIA at info@downtownchilliwack.com, or leave a
message at 604-792-4576.
As always, any security issues, including drug-related clean up, can
be reported directly to Griffin Security at 604-703-0888.
Saturday Dec 5, 2020
Published 8 am
By-election day
Focus on February 13
SD33/Voice file photo
The Chilliwack School Board November 2018..
Dan Coulter, School Board Trustee, was
sworn in as the MLA for Chilliwack on November 24, 2020and has
subsequently resigned from the Board. Legislation requires that a
by-election be held in order to fill the vacated position.
In accordance with “Election Procedures Bylaw 2008, No. 4520” and
School District No. 33 “Bylaw 2 Trustee Elections”, the Chilliwack
School Board has entered into an Agreement with the City of
Chilliwack to conduct its elections and by-elections.
The School Board must notify the municipal council within 30 days
after a vacancy occurs. City Council must appoint a Chief Election
Officer within 30 days of receiving our notice. The Chief Election
Officer must set a general voting day to be on a Saturday no later
than 80 days after the date they are appointed.
In consideration of the holidays that fall within this timeframe and
in order to accommodate the nomination period, advance voting, and
allow ample time to train election staff, the City of Chilliwack is
recommending that the Board of Education consider February 13th as
the date for this by-election
In a regular election, the election costs are shared with the City
of Chilliwack. When a by-election is held for a school trustee, the
school board is required to pay 100% of the costs. The cost to hold
the last by-election in 2015 was approximately $51,000.
Saturday Dec 5, 2020
Published 8 am
Air affair
Off the beaten path neon a hidden gem
Staff/Voice photo
The "Golden Eagle" airplane sits atop the government liquor store.
In the daytime it's barely noticeable. But at night it's a beacon like a lighthouse.
As part of assorted art projects around the Chilliwack community, a decision to add the neon airplane with a wingspan of about 15-16 feet on top of the liquor store at Salish Plaza was given a wave of approval at a council meeting earlier this year.
The airplane is pointed northeast
toward the courthouse on Yale Rd and lights up yellow at night.
The Public Art Advisory Committee Chaired by Councillor Sue Knott
and Vice Chair Councillor Harv Westeringh spearheaded the project.
The airplane dubbed the "Golden eagle" was developed and installed
by Lucien Ducey.
Friday Dec 4, 2020
Published 10 am
Eat, drink and be merry
Skip the dishes adds alcohol to home delivery
Sarah Kim, Proof Strategies/Website image
SkipTheDishes, Liquor Depot and Liquor Barn have launched
alcohol delivery at 11 BC locations, making it easier than ever to
socially distance and have a contact-free experience. Liquor Depot
and Liquor Barn, subsidiaries of retailer ALCANNA, will now deliver
a wide-range of offerings via SkipTheDishes in seven cities across
the province.
Skip has been delivering alcohol in BC since 2017 and expanded to
Alberta in February of this year. So far, ordering trends show that
Fridays are when people order the most alcohol across BC, and the
top three beers of choice in BC are Budweiser, Kokanee, and Old
Milwaukee.
To order from Liquor Depot on Skip, customers use the app (or
website) just like they would for ordering food: they enter
their delivery address, select a Liquor Depot location, and choose
from a menu of options. All couriers delivering on Skip hold a
ProServe certification and will check the customer’s ID
contactlessly during delivery.
Thursday, Dec 3, 2020
Published 8 am
Parked in the plants
No serious injuries in early morning MVI
Staff/Voice photo
A pickup sits in a flower bed at Five Corners Wednesday.
A pickup truck somehow careened off the street and landed in a flower bed at Yale and Young Roads around 7:30 am Wednesday under clear skies.
Thankfully foot traffic was light so there were no pedestrians involved. The driver suffered minor injuries and was attended to by paramedics. The truck however wasn't as lucky.
Fire crews laid out cones but morning traffic wasn't affected
Thursday, Dec 3, 2020
Published 8 am
New Native housing
Tzeachten First Nation to see 23 units
BC Gov't Caucus/Submitted photo
More than 600 new affordable rental
homes are on the way for people with low- to-moderate incomes
through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.
“These projects will mean new, affordable homes for a wide range of
people – from seniors on fixed incomes to growing families and
people with disabilities,” said David Eby, Attorney General and
Minister Responsible for Housing. “There’s a lot more to do, and I
look forward to working with the non-profit housing sector and all
our partners to continue delivering the homes people need.”
The 16 projects selected, which will provide a total of 634 new
homes, including 23 homes for Indigenous families, in partnership
with Tzeachten First Nation at 46600 La’:le’m Way.
Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020
Feature to The Voice published 8 am
When the chips are down
Civilians and veterans who volunteer and military deserve a medal for helping keep Canada safe during the pandemic
Jacques De Winter, Ontario/Submitted photo
Once again, as the Governor General
does every year, her Excellency has awarded 114 "Order
of Canada" medals to worthwhile recipients.
This event has reminded me of our repeated attempt to get the
Federal government to issue a CMVSM (Canadian Military Volunteer
Service Medal) to all those who volunteered to serve in Canada's
military from the start of the Cold War to now, as other
commonwealth countries do (A volunteer medal which was discontinued
in 1947). This attempt has been ongoing for about 15 years, and
still leaves many of our military who served for just short of 12
years medal-less.
Our Government continuously uses the word 'Inclusive', yet, the
Veterans I mention feel 'excluded'.
Along with other frontline workers, our military personnel put their
lives on the line back in April, and it is my opinion that they all
deserve a medal. But it was the military who brought this 'disaster
waiting to happen' to the forefront, and woke Canada up to years of
neglect to our seniors.
On April 20, some 1,700 military Medics and troops rescued
coronavirus-infested LTC homes in Ontario and Quebec, the commanding
Officer blowing the whistle on the neglect our seniors had to
endure, many of whom died because of this neglect.
And once again, our Canadian Military Forces have been tasked by
taking charge of delivering the vaccine, and possibly vaccinating
parts of the country which are difficult to reach.
As it happened back in April, the military, now under the command of
MGen. Dany Fortin has been assigned the task of distributing the
COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available, and depending on the
situation, the military may even vaccinate people in outlying areas.
One of my contacts said, "The involvement of the military is one of
the most significant operations that Canada has engaged in since
April, and it should not be a surprise because it has real critical,
literally life and death implications for Canadians all across this
great country."
The military however is supposed to be the institution of last
resort, the place where politicians go when they have no-one else to
turn to.
It is clearly a military task when tens of millions of doses of
vaccine need to be distributed across the country, some to remote
corners of the country, either by C-17's or C-130 Hercules cargo
aircraft. Vaccines from several different drug makers, and different
countries.
We all thought we had learned our lesson from the SARS crisis in
2002. What happened to all that costly planning? Were our Federal
and Provincial pandemic planners asleep on the job?
Remember our Liberal government repeatedly telling us in March and
April, "this is low-risk", or "don't worry", and when it was
suggested to officials "close the border to Chinese people coming
from China," where the virus came from, we were called "Racists." We
certainly don't want to upset China!
Obviously, the Public Health Agency of Canada has not learned
anything from the SARS crisis, or the MERS crisis, even though
'pandemic plans' were supposed to be in place.
How many billions of dollars has been thrown at this pandemic now?
And how many have died? How badly has our economy been affected? How
many people are now out of work? How many small and medium
businesses, the backbone of this country, have shut their doors
permanently? Do these 'planners' still say, "it's low risk", or
"don't worry?" I'm afraid when this pandemic is over, what is left
of this ravaged country is not going to be pretty, and the
finger-pointing will be well on the way.
I especially offer my deep-felt condolences to the families of
seniors who passed away in long-term-care homes, where the seniors
were locked away as if in a prison, denied even a minute of
visitation capabilities from loved ones. How terribly sad.
I still maintain that these frontline workers, whether they are
civilians or military deserve a medal, as do those who volunteer to
keep Canada safe.
Tuesday, Dec 1, 2020
Published 8 am
Light up your life
Time for the annual CADREB Christmas light tour
Staff/Facebook photo
Christmas isn't just the 25th, it's about the month of December, a season for the community to be happy and giving back to each other and the neighbourhood they live in.
One of the things Chilliwack residents do each year is take in the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB) residential light tour throughout December.
The list is already lengthy and more are being added daily so bundle up or drive by and see the hard work and extent residents are doing to share the holiday spirit. Another fun feature is that people can take photos and vote on their favourites.
See the list here and visit CADREB's Facebook page to find out how you can have your display added.
Monday
Dec 1, 2020
Published 8 am
A warmer community
Another great year for the Upper Fraser Valley Blanket and Food Drive
Steve Lerigny, CADREB/Voice file photo
Thank you volunteers, both corporate
and individuals, who without your help the Drive would not have been
the success it was. While COVID-19 kept our ‘person-on-the-street’
limit to 6 people per time slot, you, and corporate entities, were
instrumental in getting the word out to clients, friends and
families which is what made the difference this year.
Thank you Concord Pacific for the use of the ‘Sears’ parking lot the
drive-thru system worked out to a T, thank you TargetBox for the
container, it was filled to the brim, thank you StreetWise Traffic
Controllers your pylons and signs created a stress-free drop-off
system.
Thank you volunteers, office coordinators: Janette Joiner, Bryan
Thiessen, Laura Lindstrom, Steven Kelly, Laina Rodney, Brendan
Whitney, Jordy Dacosta, Marie-Eve Perras, Asad Syed, Taylor Roth,
Wayne Dyble for getting the word out to your fellow REALTORS®,
signs, notices, postings and you name it.
Thank you volunteers for Saturday’s stacking, packing, unloading,
sorting.
• In Chilliwack: Rik Kiviho, Kelly Lerigny, John Hofstede, Brooke
Browne, Channing Power, Asad Syed, Brendan Whitney, Jesse Urquhart,
Bryan Thiessen, Mackenzie Penner, Kyle Hislop, Karyn Scott, Janette
Joiner, Brad Latham, Crystal De Jager, Marie-Eve Perras, Jordy
DaCosta, Matt Stevenson
• In Hope: Wayne Dyble, Diane Lothian, Laina Rodney, Linda Mosser,
Andrew Tepasse, Michael Baird
• In Agassiz: Taylor Roth, Linda Marks, Sarah-Jane Franklen.
How we did on the Blanket Drive and/or food drive.
• Hope collected blankets and outerwear at the Joshua Project centre
on 3rd Ave and totaled some 45+ bags; and just in time as supply was
gone but the need never stops.
• Agassiz site was at the Agassiz Harrison Community Services
location where food items were collected, approx. 15+ boxes
• Chilliwack showed their support by coming out and filling up an
8'x10' container plus to a total of 455 bags of blankets, coats, and
outerwear for Ruth and Naomi’s Mission and 45 boxes of food for the
Salvation Army’s food bank.
And the Board of Directors has added to these efforts of community
by donating to: Chilliwack Community Services, $1500.00; to The
Joshua Project (Hope), $500.00; to Agassiz-Harrison Community
Services, $500.00
What have we learned? Our communities are filled with caring
supportive people and rise to the occasion when the need is great.
Our REALTOR® community has a willingness to give back and to assist.
For all the names listed above, there are others who wanted to help
but could not due to COVID restrictions thereby limiting the number
of volunteers. We're looking forward to seeing you next year. For
local real estate information visit
CADREB.
Monday Dec 1, 2020
Published
8 am
A little Canadian history
The impact of Sir John A Macdonald
Myrtle Schneider Macdonald, M.Sc. Applied, McGill U., Author, Chilliwack, BC/Voice file photo
You may be surprised to know that I
agree with most of what is said here about Sir John A. Macdonald. He
accomplished a lot such as:
1) During his time British and European people who were persecuted,
oppressed and/or overpopulated came to live in and develop Canada as
a strong nation.
2) From about 1650 to 1850 North America seemed unoccupied. The
sparse population of nomadic Indigenous people had not cleared land
for farming. It was bush, forests, rivers and swamps that did not
seem to have owners.
3) Sir John A. Macdonald also brought peace among hundreds of waring
indigenous tribes. Their languages and ethnicities are/were many and
diverse.
4) It was not his fault that many died of small pox and many other
diseases, for which the indigenous people did not have immunity.
5) It seemed good that residential schools were started. The
education of illiterate people in large numbers was admirable.
6) Thousands of poorly educated Roman Catholic clergy and nuns
dedicated their lives to this service, but did not realize that the
little children had parents and elders who had honorable cultures
and knowledge.
7) Celibacy was not possible for some clergy. Due to shame it’s
breakdown was hidden by the RC church. Government and police were
not informed.
8) Sir John A was Presbyterian. Protestant teachers lived with their
spouse and children among them. Presbyterian teachers whom I met in
the 1960s were very kind and non-racist.
9) Was it Sir John A’s fault that Chinese were underpaid to build
railways? Did he enact Head Tax? Did he exclude wives and mothers?
This article does not mention the fact that many refugees from the Civil War in the USA escaped to Canada. Ontario and New Brunswick were largely populated by them. Many thousands of black people settled in Canada from coast to coast, at that time and long before.
© 2009-2021 The Valley Voice News | All Rights Reserved
Nov 5 2021
Chilliwack
Flu Shot Season
Chilliwack
Nov 6 2021
Mission
Coming Soon
Cottonwood
May 31 2021
Vancouver
Police Blotter Newsroom
Car, dashcam footage sought.
Victim treated in Hospital.
Man allegedly had meth.
Cops seize warrant batch.
Cache of stolen items to return.
64-year-old woman died.
Man allegedly shot at house.
Gangland links.
IHIT looking for leads.
Cops find suspect vehicle.
May 31 2021
Vancouver
Veterans - RCMP
Nov 20 2021
Chilliwack
Horoscopes
What
do the stars have in store for us this week?
Read Georgia Nicols' weekly here. She writes like she knows you!
This Week
Jan 17 - Jan 24
There are two big changes this week: The Sun moves into Aquarius, which brings a shift for everyone for the next four weeks. Meanwhile, this week, Mars lines up with Uranus...
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January 17, 2021
Today is the 17th day
There are 348 days left in 2021
1929
Popeye the Sailor Man, a cartoon character created by E. C. Segar, first
appears in the Thimble Theatre comic strip.
1949
The Goldbergs, the first sitcom on American television, airs for the first
time.
1950
The Great Brink's Robbery: Eleven thieves steal more than $2 million from an
armored car company's offices in Boston.
1974
Dean Martin's son Dino Martin was arrested after attempting to sell two
AK-47 machine guns to an undercover agent.
1977
Murderer Gary Gilmore, convicted in the double murder of an elderly couple,
is executed by a firing squad in Utah, ending a ten-year moratorium on
capital punishment in the US.
1983
The tallest department store in the world, Hudson's flagship store in
downtown Detroit, closes due to high cost of operating.
1994
Donny Osmond took part in a charity boxing match held in Chicago against
former Partridge Family member Danny Bonaduce, Donny lost 2-1.
1994
Northridge earthquake: A magnitude 6.7 earthquake hits Northridge,
California.
1995
The Great Hanshin earthquake: A M7.3 earthquake occurs near Kobe, Japan,
causing extensive property damage and killing 6,434 people.
1998
Matt Drudge breaks the story of the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky affair
on his website The Drudge Report.
2007
The Doomsday Clock is set to five minutes to midnight in response to North
Korea nuclear testing.
Herring mural submitted by Leanne Hodges - Van.
Instagran, @westcoastwildartist Facebook, Wildly Leanne
Voice Recommended Businesses
Jason at The Boss Auto Detail doesn't mess around. The job's done to perfection. Boss comes highly recommended.
Tom's Auto Glass. Awesome and fast service. Super friendly. Can't beat the price anywhere in Chilliwack.
The Voice's great IT company. Experience Computers is the best. Straight up. You don't need anyone else. No BS. Best prices in Chilliwack hands down.
The Voice backs "Mustang Marc" at Midnite Auto 110%.
If you're looking for the best record players in the world and a huge record collection, you'll find them at Classic Sound on Wellington Ave.
The Tireland guys on Yale Rd. are great and very helpful. Love these guys. Ever need air? Drive in, they'll check your tire pressure and all you have to say is "thanks"
CT Property Services and Contracting
• Commercial
• Strata
• Residential
• Handyman Services
The best in Chilliwack!
The unsung heroes in the community are the St John's volunteers. We sure need 'em and they're there.
Dave's a great guy and his staff are top notch. The oil changes are perfect. They'll even put the oil in for you if you bring it and do your windows too!
If no one else has it Abbsry Tires does. Great people. Excellent service. Voice recommended
Where would we be with them. Not only do they help needy people in the community, but they run out to big fires and feed the fire department. Food Banks are a cheap form of public insurance in case of disaster.
Johnny's
Jukebox Diner
No perfect People
Real friendly pastor, small but awesome congregation, super venue and lots of parking on College St.
A great bunch and much appreciated. We always turn to Big O.
Awesome film company who have a great summer program for kids as well. Super people. Love these guys.
The Voice is hosted by the awesome Electric Toad. Top service, best techs, rates, lightning fast servers. No down time.
Tues Apr 28
Vancouver