TELUS reaches out to Indigenous communities

Field techs haul over 2,900 pounds of food and household items to Soowhalie, Musqueum and Yale First Nations

Lindsay Chan, VP Telus/Submitted photos

TELUS Field techs Eric Nordgen (L) and Tresson Marsh delivering food and supplies to Yale First Nation.

To help those in their community, Anne Zhong, a member of TELUS’ Indigenous Connectivity team has spearheaded a huge collective effort that has seen much needed food and supplies delivered straight to the homes of the Soowahlie First Nation in rural Chilliwack and Yale First Nations in Hope, BC.  

TELUS Field tech Ron Pong makes a delivery to Musqueam First Nation.

Indigenous governments to not only enable connectivity, but to support improved access to healthcare, positive social outcomes and community support in the way they want and need it. In this time of COVID-19, that has led to the collection and delivery of essential goods such as phones, handsets, food, household supplies and PPE. Specifically:

On April 14th, TELUS’ field technicians delivered over 2,900 lbs. of food to Soowahlie First Nation in rural Chilliwack to support all 90 households. The food packages allowed vulnerable community members to shelter in place, quarantining from the pandemic. The delivery included:

•   1,725 lbs. of fresh produce

•   375 lbs. of ground beef

•   800 lbs. of dry goods

•   56 lbs. (90 rolls) of paper towel

On April 20th, the team made a delivery of much-needed household supplies, from hand sanitizer to organic flour, to Yale First Nation in Hope to support 20 households.

TELUS Field techs Alexander Nazar and Phillip Yeh deliver fresh fruit and vegetables to Musqueam First Nation.

“Rural and remote communities have historically been underserved and I am passionate about the ways that we can help to bridge the divide. The opportunity to work with Indigenous governments to support their communities during this unprecedented time has been very personally rewarding,” says Zhong.

Aligning with TELUS’ promise to Give Where We Live, its TELUS Days of Giving initiative enables its employees, coast-to-cast, to engage in charitable efforts that align with their personal passions. The giving efforts of TELUS and its employees in support of Canadian communities has been incredibly effective, especially during COVID-19 when the need is stronger than ever.

But the giving efforts of employees go much beyond COVID-19. Since 2000 and through the support and encouragement of TELUS, employees - just like Anne - have donated 1.4 million days of service and $1.3 billion in support of Canadian charities and grassroots organizations.

Learn more about how TELUS supports Canadians volunteering virtually with the #StayGiving Challenge.

  Friday May 15, 2020  

Published 3 pm

  Thursday May 7, 2020 

Published 5 pm

Ryder Lake still waiting for high speed internet

Telus wants the money up front

Susan Van Luyn/Facebook photo

Originally published December 17, 2017

TELUS normally plans their builds 5 – 10 years ahead. There are no plans to bring Purefibre to Ryder Lake – at all. It can only be done, custom, with the already proposed contribution from the Ryder Lake Community. Read the entire letter here.

See also an open letter from Peter Hamilton published December 1, 2017.

Family fun turns tragic

Two youths drown after ATV crashes

Staff/Flickr photo

RCMP found the bodies of two youths Sunday.

It was supposed to be a fun outing for a family of five out on the Foley Creek Service Road east of Chilliwack Sunday when just before 1pm, a “side by side” style off-road vehicle carrying the family left the road with initial reports saying the incident took place around 100 feet from the end of the lake.

According to Sgt. Krista Vrolyk, who said in an afternoon release, Chilliwack RCMP, Search and Rescue, BC Ambulance paramedics and a Medevac air ambulance and the Chilliwack River Valley Fire Department were called to the scene.

A landing zone for the air ambulance was set up at a CRV gravel pit.

"The Investigation has determined that an RV carrying a family of five, lost control and became submerged in approximately 15 feet of water," said Vrolyk. "Two adults and one child were able to escape but the two remaining youth passengers are unaccounted for." 

The RCMP Dive Team are currently searching the area for the two missing youths. Speculation is the children's bodies have been found now that the coroner has been called in to the scene.

“It is with deep sorrow, that we report that the bodies of two children have been recovered from this tragic accident,” Vrolyk, announced later adding the  BC Coroner’s Service is now investigating.  “The Chilliwack RCMP would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those involved in this unthinkable tragedy.” 

Weekend by accident

Multiple mishaps on the road

Staff/Voice photo

Chilliwack firefighters assist an elderly driver at Main St. and Spadina Ave. Saturday.

There was very little traffic when a minor t-bone accident happened at Main Street and Spadina Avenue intersection just before 6pm Saturday. But even minor accidents can be serious when they involve seniors.

One of the drivers in this accident was an 84-year-old woman was checked by paramedics after complaining of chest pains.

Emergency crews were kept busy Friday with reports of three rollovers; in the Chilliwack River Valley, at Herrling Island on the Trans Canada Hwy, and at Chapman Road. Injuries ranged from serious to minor.

Mounties said that a 37-year-old woman was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital with serious injuries after a Chilliwack Lake Road rollover in the area of Allison Pool and the Tamihi Bridge.

Traffic investigators from the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services (ICARS) were on scene investigating the cause of the crash. 

Strictly Summer

Chilliwack City cancels Canada Celebrations

Jamie Leggat, Chilliwack City Hall/Voice file photos

A family decked out in Canada Day regalia in 2014.

Following the direction of BC’s provincial health officer, the City of Chilliwack is cancelling the 2020 Canada Day celebrations.

Dr. Henry recently stated that she does not expect to lift the public health order prohibiting mass gatherings this summer. The full day celebration, typically held on July 1 in Townsend Park, will not proceed this year in order to adhere to the public health orders, and to encourage physical distancing.

“We continue to follow the directions of Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s provincial health officer, in order to keep our residents safe,” said Mayor Popove. “I know this is disappointing for many, and I hope our residents will still find ways to enjoy the holiday safely.”

For ideas to stay connected while apart, visit chilliwack.com/connect

COVID-19 hits Chilliwack seniors facility

Eden Care Centre the first to come down with the coronavirus in the city

Fraser Health/Google image

Eden Care Centre housing units on Charles Street.

Fraser Health Authority posted on their website Thursday, April 21, 2020 that COVID-19 was detected at Eden Care Centre on Charles Street.

So far, Eden is the only reported local seniors facility to be struck by the illness.

Purple markings indicate COVID-19 outbreaks at care facilities. Red is gastrointestinal illnesses. (Clicking on the markers on FHA's website will give further details.)

Although visits will be off limits there now, the following rules will apply at all facilities currently not affected;

We ask all visitors to use our hand hygiene stations when they enter and exit our facilities, particularly if there is a reported outbreak.

If you have any of the following, please do not visit at this time:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Cough or flu-like symptoms
• Fever
• Rash

Hand hygiene stations are located at every entrance/exit in all our facilities and we ask that you use the alcohol-based hand rub so that you don’t bring any germs into the hospital, nor take any home.

Please read and follow the outbreak notice posters located at the entrance of any unit declared with an outbreak. If you need help or further information, ask one of the staff at the nursing station.

Help yourself to any disease information pamphlets located on the unit, regarding the particular outbreak.

You will be asked to repeat hand hygiene just before you enter the patient’s room and immediately when you leave their room.

Rather than waiting for local media to give you information, monitor the situation yourself on Fraser Health's Outbreak Page.

Gratitude Attitude

Chilliwack firefighters come together in support of one of their own

Staff/Voice photos

A procession of Fire Trucks wound its way around Chilliwack Wednesday in a show of support for fellow firefighter Jon Van Huigenbos who is at home on sick leave. Below are photos of him over the years.

Chilliwack firefighters wanted to show support for popular Team Leader Jon Van Huigenbos who is currently home on sick leave.

The procession on Wednesday evening staged at the Coliseum around 6 pm and crewed by firefighters wearing masks was led by Fire Hall No. 1 Tower (ladder) truck followed by assorted trucks from different Halls, slowly wound its way through downtown streets before stopping at Van Huigenbos' home ending back at the main hall on Cheam Ave.

There's good reason Van Huigenbos is Team Leader. If a chimney is on fire, he'll be there chewing though brick with an axe or chopping through steel mesh fences.

Van Huigenbos chops through a steel mesh fence.

He's never rattled. Always clearheaded and collected in the face of mayhem. In fire situations a crew can't can't move independently, it's done through teamwork – a hammer that takes down the fire. Van Huigenbos' the glue that holds the crew together who look to him for direction and leadership. Our prayers are with him.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help the family. Stay updated with Caring Bridge.

Dated Thursday, April 30, 2020.

Fire roars overhead as Van Huigenbos (yellow helmet) ties off a hose on the third floor at the Mary Street apartment disaster.

Van Huigenbos chops though a chimney in order to get a hose in and access the fire.

Thanks for your years serving the community, Jon.

Home Health Monitoring

Ten questions to Fraser Health and their answers

Staff/Voice file photo

TELUS is giving over 10,000 free mobile devices and $0 rate plans, valued at more than $5 million, to hundreds of organizations across the country. These connections are giving hospitalized COVID-19 patients the ability to virtually connect with loved ones, while also enabling isolated seniors, and low-income, homeless, and at-risk individuals with a much needed lifeline to families, health practitioners and vital social support services during this complex time.

1. Do we know how many people will be using the Home Health Monitoring program in Chilliwack? Province? I understand that Chilliwack is only getting 30 of the phones, so how is it determined which person gets a phone/tablet? Combination of age and lack of a phone? First come first serve? Obviously more than 30 people will be using the HHM program. Many people already have a phone and a computer so they won't need a phone/tablet. Will some of the phones be kept at the hospital for patient use?

The TELUS Health Home Health Monitoring solution is being used by hospitals across all six local health authorities and has already supported the remote monitoring of over 450 B.C. residents. There are currently a handful of individuals being monitored using HHM in the Fraser Health region who currently do not have COVID-19 but are considered at a high risk for contracting the infection, such as those recently discharged from the hospital and those managing chronic conditions.

Patients who are being remotely monitored using the HHM solution access the program through their own mobile device, tablet or desktop computer. If a patient does not have their own device, HHM device kits, including a tablet, can be provided to those that require them to ensure equitable access.

It’s important to note that TELUS Health provides the local health authorities with device kits and key components as requested. Each health authority ultimately decides what components are to be used in their respective regions.

For more information on how the HHM solution works, see this step-by-step video.

To clarify, the 10,000 mobile devices being distributed by TELUS are not part of this HHM program but instead are a part of the company’s Mobility for Good initiative. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TELUS has given free mobile devices to Canadian organizations through its Mobility for Good initiative to enable important connections during this time.

Below are examples of criteria that Canadian organizations should meet in order to benefit from this TELUS Mobility for Good donation program:

• Organizations that support healthcare professionals and social workers during the crisis;
• Organizations that facilitate contact between COVID-19 patients, retirement/long-term care home residents and their relatives

TELUS is working with hundreds of non-profit organizations who have differing needs and uses for the devices. In some instances, the devices are being shared and distributed for vulnerable Canadians to connect with healthcare professionals and loved ones. In other cases, devices are delivered directly to young adults with mental health challenges and victims of domestic violence who don’t have access to technology.

2. For those who get a phone, and aren't computer literate, will outreach workers go out to help them and leave an operating handout?

For the TELUS HHM program, patients are contacted by British Columbia Public Health and provided the necessary support to begin using the solution on their own devices.

For the Mobility for Good program, TELUS is working with hundreds of non-profit organizations who have differing needs and uses for the devices. In some instances, like the Fieldstone Commons Sienna Senior Living for example, the devices are being shared and distributed among the 300 residents to connect with healthcare professionals and loved ones. In other cases, such as the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services, devices are delivered directly to young adults with mental health challenges and victims of domestic violence who don’t have access to technology. These organizations will provide any help that’s required for recipients of the mobile technology; requests will be managed on a case by case basis.

3. If a person doesn't have a thermometer would outreach staff bring them one?

For the HHM program, thermometers can be provided by TELUS Health as part of the device kits, if requested by the health authorities. We recommend reaching out to the Fraser Health Authority or specific hospitals directly to find out more about tools they are providing to their patients who are participating in the HHM program as the requests vary.

4. How long will the program run? Permanent?

Through the B.C. Home Health Monitoring Program, the TELUS solution is a leading and transformative example of virtual care that enables more community, home-based and integrated care when and where patients need it.

Since 2013, HHM has enabled the remote monitoring of thousands of British Columbians living with chronic conditions including heart failure, COPD, diabetes/hypertension, multi morbidity and palliative care patients. The solution was recently updated to align with the Canadian Centre for Disease Control’s (CCDC) protocols for the monitoring of those diagnosed with, exposed to or are considered at a high risk for COVID-19.

The Home Health Monitoring Program is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

5. Is this program coordinated with Chilliwack General Hospital?

The use of the TELUS Health HHM solution to remotely monitor COVID-19 cases has been approved by all six BC provincial health authorities, providing access to patients in every corner of the province. To learn more about its use in specific hospitals, we recommend reaching out to those organizations directly.

6. One of the releases I read said 29% of medical staff are involved. Does that mean they have tested positive? Is that true?

Our apologies for this one as it looks like the original data was misinterpreted. In an article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal this past March, data from Wuhan, China showed high rates of COVID-19 transmission to healthcare workers at 29%. This is higher than rates seen with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS, 18.6%) and SARS (21%).

7. Telus is offering a Grief Program, will there be one in Chilliwack?

We are looking into this and will let you know once we have more info. To help move along our internal conversations, could you provide additional context on what you want to know about the Grief program?

8. Because the phones/tablets will be used by patients in wards to communicate with family, can you say how many people are in ICU at CGH who need a phone for communicating with family?

Again, we would recommend reaching out to the Fraser Health Authority or specific hospitals directly to find out more about the current situation at their respective facilities.

9. How do people get a phone? Do they register? Where at?

Canadian organizations with the following goals are eligible for the Mobility for Good donations:

• Support healthcare professionals and social workers during the crisis
• Facilitate contacts between COVID-19 patients, CHSLD residents and their relatives

10. How is Telus dealing with the requests for phones?

TELUS is working to support as many eligible non-profit organizations as possible but inventory is limited. To date, more than 100 not-for-profit organizations have received donations from the Mobility for Good COVID-19 Emergency Response Program.

Helping Local Business

CEPCO outlines available assistance

Netty Tam Chilliwack City/Voice file photo

An entrepreneur at the Immigrant Business Fair.

A collaborative committee has been assembled to help local businesses work towards recovery during this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, the economic development organization under the City of Chilliwack, assembled the team in late March to create and implement action items that would help local businesses both during and after the pandemic.

While the federal and provincial governments are taking extraordinary steps to help businesses across Canada and BC, the Chilliwack Economic Recovery Network is taking a local approach, and exploring options to support economic recovery in Chilliwack as soon as possible.

The Network will determine what can be done at a local level to deal with immediate challenges faced by local businesses, and look ahead to the post-pandemic recovery stage. By taking a collaborative approach, the Network will keep the lines of communication open and work together on ideas that will benefit the local business community.

See Federal financial information for individuals and business. Learn about how BC Hydro and Fortis can assist you during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Safer transportation for staff and patients

CARP says seniors need influenza vaccine

Epiguard/Handout image

The Epiguard has been approved by Health Canada.

Beyond COVID-19

CARP says seniors need more powerful influenza shot this year

Marissa Lennox, Agility PR/Pixabay image

he Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP) implores all provincial governments to ensure that the high-dose flu vaccine is publicly funded for as many seniors as possible, in preparation for this fall.

According to FluWatch, the 2018-19 season saw an annual seasonal hospitalization rate that was above average compared to the previous five seasons. Adults 65 years of age and older had the highest overall hospitalization rate (60%), and the highest proportion of deaths was reported among adults over 65 years of age (66%).

“With all that remains unknown as we continue the battle against COVID-19, we must also be prepared for what we know is coming,” says Marissa Lennox, Chief Policy Officer at CARP.  “We should be safeguarding our seniors as best we can, and that includes funded and easy access to the best-in-class options for both flu and pneumonia.”   

Given the rising concern in long-term care and residential care facilities, CARP also asks that all seniors living in long-term care or residential care settings should have annual immunization clinics to administer high-dose flu and pneumonia vaccine protections.  “It’s just common sense.  We know that we are living longer.  Seasonal flu and pneumonia claim a disproportionate number of senior lives each year, and can have a greater risk of transmission in these settings.”

FluWatch reported that 62% of reported outbreaks were in long-term care facilities, and a further 22% were in other settings (e.g. retirement homes, correctional facilities, etc.).  Certain provinces, like BC for example, do not have any programs that publicly fund high-dose flu vaccines for older adults, including for those living in long-term care homes.

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that at an individual level, the high-dose flu vaccine—which contains four times the standard amount of antigen—should be offered over the standard dose flu vaccine to adults 65 years of age and older.

Men's Health

Chilliwack Prostrate Cancer Support Group meets online with Dr. George Vrabec May 7

Dale Erikson, PCSG/Dr. George Vrabec website photo

Our next meeting will be at 7 pm on Thursday, May 7, and will be via web-conference. All past attendees will receive an email to join. Our speaker will be Abbotsford Urologist George Vrabec who'll be talking about incontinence and impotence after Prostate Cancer treatment. Open discussion to follow.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any prostate issues and visit with PC survivors after the presentation. If you would like to attend, please email Dale. Attendees may ask questions on the chat line. Any questions, call Dale (604) 824-5506. 

Getting a handle on homelessness

Chilliwack one of 6 designated cities across Canada will receive $1.7 million from the federal government

Staff/Voice file photo

Chilliwack will be getting $1.7 million over four years to help ease homelessness in the city.

Happiness spread through groups representing homeless people in the Vancouver with the announcement that the BC government and BC Housing are setting up temporary accommodations in hotels and community centres for 686 in Vancouver from Oppenheimer Park and 324 from Topaz in Victoria for self-isolation until May 9. As of March 5, there were approximately 2,223 people in Vancouver identified as homeless.
 

"There, they will have their own living space and access to services, such as meals, laundry, washroom facilities, health-care services, addictions treatment and harm reduction, storage for personal belongings and other supports," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General in a release Saturday. "1,739 beds that have been secured for vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness, in other hotel rooms, community centres and emergency response centres across the province." Visit BC Housing’s response for more information about their response to COVID-19.

Viveca Ellis, Community Organizer BC Poverty Reduction Coalition told The Voice Monday this action is a step in the right direction.
 

"It is something we have been advocating for, however so many are still left out, as well as all those in the crowded shelters and I have other concerns too," she said adding that more needs to be done immediately.
 

The Coalition has been saying that resources are "simply not sufficient to protect the health and safety of people who are unable to engage in physical distancing or self-isolation for lack of self-contained housing."

Homeless at Five Corners in Chilliwack.

The Federal Government has designated 6 communities across the country including Chilliwack to be eligible to receive funds from the Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy to help prevent and reduce homelessness in the city.

Under the program, and being identified as a "designated community", Chilliwack will be receiving $1.7 million in funding over the next four years to prevent and reduce homelessness in Chilliwack.
 

Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove said in a release April 17th said "We were excited to learn of our successful application to become a “Designated Community”.

At the Chilliwack Courthouse.

Initially, the City will receive $296,000; and increase to $473,000 for the remaining years. Part of the City's immediate plans are the formation of an advisory board to develop "intake process for individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness by 2021-22."
 

The City will manage these funds and establish a community advisory board to support local decision making on how the money will be allocated in accordance with community priorities and a community plan. Part of the funding will also be used to design and implement a coordinated intake process for individuals and families who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness by 2021-22.

Problem house boarded up for good

Chilliwack fire chief urges owners to do something with their vacant houses

CFD Fire Chief Ian Josephson/Voice photos

Flames vent out of the roof as crews battle the blaze from the front. The house was the scene of another fire in a RV at the rear last month (below).

At 3:35pm Saturday, firefighters from Chilliwack fire halls 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 responded to a structure fire in the 46000-block of Second Avenue. When firefighters arrived they found a single-family residential home with flames and smoke showing from the building’s garage.

Firefighters gained access and quickly extinguished the fire.

There were no occupants in the house and it’s believed to be frequented by homeless persons.

There were no firefighter injuries.

The fire is under investigation by the Chilliwack Fire Department and RCMP.

Chilliwack Fire Department would like to remind owners of vacant homes there is an increased risk when it comes to firefighter safety and property damage including vandalism, theft and or fire damage.

What's in a name?

Chilliwack trustees receive name submission for new K-8 school

Tsandlia, David, Derek, Keith, & Donna/Voice file photo

The new Elementary School needs a name.

Stitó:s Lá:lém totí:lt House of Learning pronounced Stee-tahs Lah-lem tot-ilt. That's the name several people explored and researched to come up with  for the new 930-seat school nestled between the Vedder Rotary Trail and Petawawa Road, at the end of Tyson Road. Now all that's left to do get the blessing from Chilliwack School Board. The following is a brief passage from a release sent out Friday. Upload the entire submission here.

Stitó:s is a “Place of Crossing,” name referring to a site near where the Chilliwack River breaks through between Promontory and Vedder Mountains to meet the Vedder River.

Canada-wide caring

"Stay at Home" gala fundraiser will have a variety of speakers and entertainment May 2

Jessica Thiessen, Westminster Savings/Website images

The year that was

Organizers pull the plug on live 2020 Harrison Music Festival

Bryan Cutler, HFS/File photo

Virtual moos

Chilliwack Fair organizers opt for online show this year

Nicole Williams, Chilliwck Fair/File photo

We're in this together

Growing Smiles hosts pop-up plant fundraisers for food banks throughout the Lower Mainland May 6-15

Jessica Girard, Growing Smiles Fundraising/Handout photo

.

Pop-up Plant sales allows us to connect as a community, support our local food banks and grow our gardens - all while social distancing.

Customers are able to order and pay for plants online and give back to a cause in their community. Then plants are picked up in a safe, contact-free way without going to a big store or waiting in a line. Social distancing has been kept in mind at every step in the process to ensure you get your plants safely.

Fundraising lead, Jessica Girard, said Growing Smiles Fundraising has been offering fundraisers in our communities for more than 15 years – selling flowers, annuals, herbs and veggies in the spring; as well as poinsettias and greenery in the winter.

“It’s really uplifting to see the number of people choosing to give back to their local food bank and support the most vulnerable people in these times,” Girard says.

Groups buy the plants at wholesale costs and sell them to friends/family for a profit. Girard said that the funds raised usually contribute to PACs, playgrounds, sports trips, grad ceremonies, dance tuitions, specialized surgeries and more.

The entire company is taking steps to reduce in-person contact and keep people safe. And Girard is confident that the community fundraisers are safe too:

• All orders are collected online, and paid for by credit card

• A central, outdoor location to host pick-ups
• Timeslots to alleviate crowding
• Contact-free pick-ups - Drive-thru - Curbside
• And for customers it’s one less trip to a big store or standing in a line to checkout!

Check out a pop-up plant sale near you and place an order at:

• Vancouver – May 9

• Surrey – May 12

• Langley – May 14  

• Abbotsford – May 15

• Chilliwack – May 8

• Victoria – May 6

See a full list of communities that are being supported here.

* 10% of every purchase goes to the community!

  Thursday, April 23, 2020 

Published 7 pm

Tusnady and his wife plan to travel.

Of all of the places to find out you’d won $16 million, White Rock’s Tibor Tusnady (Tee-bor Tushnady) probably didn’t think the washroom was going to be one of them.

Tusnady was at home with his spouse when he decided to check his Lotto 6/49 tickets for the April 15, 2020 draw; more specifically, he was in the washroom.

“I Googled the numbers,” explained Tusnady. “I took my ticket out and checked and just went blank. I tried to take a deep breath, let it register, and went back and checked again and again.”

After discovering he had matched all six numbers to win the $16-million jackpot, Tusnady froze. He didn’t know how to tell his spouse. He even took the night to sleep on it.

“Eventually, we fell asleep,” said Tusnady. “The next day, after lunch, I held her hand and said ‘Look, I have something to tell you and I don’t want anything to change with us.’”

After telling her the incredible news, Tusnady held video meetings to tell relatives across Canada and in Hungary, followed by a toast with champagne.

Tusnady purchased the winning $16-million ticket at the Elgin Esso on Crescent Road in Surrey, and claimed his life-changing prize through BCLC’s alternate prize claim process. He says travel will be on the family’s mind once the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is resolved. He will let his spouse decide the first travel destination, but promises it will be first class all the way.

  Thursday, April 23, 2020 

Published 8 am

A firefighter holds a heat sensor Wednesday to check for hot spots in places that can't easily be seen.

Chilliwack firefighters were called out after reports of a balcony on fire in the 9400-block of Victor Ave around 9:15 pm Wednesday.

Thankfully it wasn't a big problem. It's unclear how the small fire began but in many cases cigarettes are the cause. Chilliwack firefighters call them "Plastic Flowers". That's when a cigarette is stubbed into a moss-filled planter pot on the balcony and after smouldering for a while fire breaks out then travels up the vinyl siding.

  Thursday, April 23, 2020 

Published 8 am

A rider at the opening of the BMX  Bike Skills Park on Cartmell Bike Skills Park April 29, 2013.

Freshet (Spring runoff into the Fraser River)
Reports from City Hall is that the freshet will drive the Fraser River higher this year. Estimates are the river will be at 116 per cent of normal flow.

That may be enough to put Ballam Road under water again. Last fall, the Federal government, including the City of Chilliwack designated $60 million for dike remediation but there's been no word about how far along they are on that.

Homeowners had to bolster their defences against the freshet in May 2011.

Childcare
"The City of Chilliwack is currently in the process of drafting a "Child Care Space Creation Action Plan" which will include strategies to increase the provision of child care spaces for children 0-12 years of age throughout the community as there is a demonstrated lack of child care in Chilliwack."

The 2019 Financial Statements
This has been prepared by the KPMG firm. There are some interesting items the City spent money on last year. You can download that off the City of Chilliwack website.

  Click for larger image.

Bike Skills Park
Having a centralized BMX Bike Skills Park for kids to burn off some steam is a good idea. The original Island 22 Bike Skills Park in the hinterland on Cartmell Road which cost around $200,000 to build is a bit too far out of the way for many local youngsters to travel. Plus, find a parent who wants their kids zigzagging down Young Road with dump trucks and trailers roaring by. The park is virtually empty however the new Bike Skills Park that runs adjacent to the Curling Rink promises to be a bigger draw with its location and artificial turf. At the Cartmell site, they used propane torches to dry it off first before it was used on opening day.

A BCAS paramedic attends to a pedestrian hit at Wellington and Courbold.

Wellington Ave and Courbold Street
The 2020 budget calls for upgrade work on the Mary Street corridor and Ashwell Road. There are no plans to deal with two serious and problematic spots such as the intersection Wellington Ave and Courbould Street. Park a pickup truck on the corner and the stop signs are are obscured. This one of the most notorious intersections in the city.

An excavator on a trailer went into the ditch at Prest and First in 2014.

Prest Road and First Ave Intersection
The other most dangerous intersection in Chilliwack is Prest Road and First Ave over the uncontrolled train tracks is a huge issue. There have been many rollovers into those ditches over  the years. Pickup trucks lead the list because they have a higher centre of gravity and tend to roll much easier. It's only been through God's grace that no one has been killed yet, but many have been severely injured.

Fixing problematic traffic issues today allows council to pay it forward to future councils.

Herrling Island

There's been no coordinated effort between governments to come up with ideas about reducing the carnage on the infamous stretch westbound at Herrling Island on the Trans Canada.

Young Road Overpass

Drivers will have to wait until 2007 before they are rolling with that. Until then there's going to be lots of front and read end work for mechanics to do.

Bike Lanes
Bicycle paths are nice to look at and think of but are unrealistic in Chilliwack because no one uses them. As much as the City wants everyone happily peddling along it's a political pipedream. It's hard to justify the tens of thousands of dollars the City's spent on them. But so be it, they're in.

Changing the Game on Apt Sizes
At the April 7 City Hall council meeting the question of densification came up regarding new apartments that are currently referred to as "affordable". Affordable means paying 30 per cent of  a person's income for rent. At upper-level city staff's suggestion, council would consider creating a bylaw which would decrease the size of affordable at the current minimum of 225 square foot living units to what're being called "micro townhouses" (stacked units 57m2).

This would mean condo and apartments being built now touted as affordable could be sold at market rates and the micro townhouses would take up the slack as per affordable units.

It's difficult to say if council would pass a bylaw package like this, or amend another one, but there are two real estate agents on deck.

Sometimes it's necessary to terraform thinking.

  Wednesday, April 22, 2020 

Published 4 pm

  Tuesday, April 21, 2020 

Published 4 pm

Mayor Ken Popove. File photo.

School provides students with much more than structured learning. It is a social outlet, a second home, and for some, a place to receive food when they are hungry. According to Chilliwack Community Services, approximately 600 children in Chilliwack come back to school hungry every Monday morning. To help address that, the Starfish Pack program was created to send home backpacks full of food for children and their families over the weekend during the school year. Without school proceeding as scheduled, these same children and families aren’t receiving the assistance they regularly rely on.

While some of us have been very fortunate to remain employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, I know many others have lost their jobs and could use some assistance. Over the past few weeks, people have been asking me about ways they can help others during this difficult time. After helping distribute hampers through the Starfish program, I wanted to share more about the program and challenge those of you who are able to support it.

Each week, Starfish program volunteers work to put together over 300 hampers of food. By May, they expect to be distributing close to 400 hampers per week. The approximate cost per hamper is $12, and the program needs donations in order to keep filling hampers each week.

I am issuing a Mayor’s challenge to raise funds for the Starfish Pack program. If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to help, I encourage you to donate to the program as part of my challenge. I’m throwing in the first $100 and hope you will join me!

Ways to donate

Online at www.comserv.bc.ca
Choose the Starfish program in the drop-down menu and write “Mayor’s Challenge” in the comment box.

Mail
Mail cheques to Chilliwack Community Services, 45938 Wellington Ave, Chilliwack, BC V2P 2C7 and indicate the donation is for the Starfish program through the Mayor’s Challenge.

In person
Drop off cash or cheque through the mail slot at Chilliwack Community Services on Wellington. Put “Starfish program, Mayor’s Challenge” on the front of the sealed envelope.

By phone
Call 604-792-4267 with credit card information.

Thank you, Chilliwack, for stepping up to the challenge to help others during this time.

  Monday, April 20, 2020 

Published 3 pm

About a month ago, it was suggested to reduce the chance of spreading Covid19 and try and contain it, ensure a 14-day quarantine etc. I sent out the email below but obviously to no avail. Date: March 18, 2020 at 11:28 AM

Instead of a one-point of entry Canadian airport with mandatory 14 day quarantine, the seriousness of this now well proven deadly disease has some sad reflections. Especially for those that lost loved ones. We went ahead and allowed Canadians to come home and go about their business without much control over the assurance and insurance that they would immediately go into a 14-day self imposed isolation.

A friend from Quebec called me and was very upset at the number of his neighbours he saw returning from the south, Florida etc., and then going grocery shopping, visiting family, going back to work and other things, not in any way adhering to the 14-day required self-isolation.

He was rightfully quite angry and look at the situation, Cases of Covid19 soared. Cases sprung up as they have all over Canada because there wasn't stringent enough measures in place to ensure those that may and ultimately some were carriers of the disease . . . did what could have been done if all Canadians returning to Canada were to have been funneled into one airport.

They did this at the start using the base at Trenton where they had already used Yukon Lodge to isolate returning Canadians. Then they stopped! Why is this? Note: Trenton also has the empty Cadet Barracks that could have been set up and used in many ways which would have helped to reduce the spread.

Sadly, none of this happened and far too many infected Canadians came home and did not do what they should have done. Undoubtedly some of them spread the disease and we are paying the price for it. China is undoubtedly into its 2nd and possibly even third waves of Covid19 as the attempt of containment in Wuhan missed some 5 million people who left before the lock down.

I don't know if the information we are getting from China via the World Health Organization is very accurate. But given a few thousand Canadians returning to Canada and the widespread effects we are now facing pales in comparison to 5,000,000 million potential carriers leaving the epicentre of the Corona Virus, Covid19, and travelling all over China, it will be pretty bad and we will have to rely on getting facts from mm, whistleblowers.

In any event, the best we can do for a few more weeks and perhaps months is to keep our distance when and only when we have to go out for medicine, groceries or a needed Doctor's appointment and wash our hands frequently.
 

Be well all, stay safe,
Dave Palmer

  Saturday, April 18, 2020 

Published 3 am

Chilliwack Community Services began offering free counselling services this week in response to mental health support needs in the area. Registered therapists are now available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm to speak with anyone who needs therapeutic support.

“We recognize that during these times of huge adjustments across all sectors of our community, we wanted to offer something tangible and easy for people to access. We’re all dealing with big feelings in one form or another, and with physical connections being so limited right now, it’s important that our community steps up in ways that can fill those gaps of connections and support. Providing clinical services to the rise in mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic is important and like many others, we are responding to that need,” said Helen Edwards, Deputy Executive Director and Director of Therapy Services.

This service is not a crisis line, but therapeutic support from registered clinical counsellors with specific training in trauma-informed practice. People can get support for anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief and loss while living and working through this pandemic, as well as talking through job loss and future uncertainty, talking to kids about Covid-19 and anything else people are struggling with during these uncertain times. This service is open to all; it is free and does not require a referral.

Helen Edwards is Deputy Executive Director
Director: Early Years, Family Services, Therapy Services. She joined Chilliwack Community Services as a director in December, 2017. She comes with over 15 years of post-graduate experience in combined clinical, frontline, and leadership work. Her background is in mental health clinical therapy and she’s worked in a variety of settings with homeless youths and families, child protection and court, recovery from abuse and neglect, trauma work, severe mental illness and psychosis recovery. She has also ran groups that specialize in parenting, psychoeducation, anxiety, and recreation. Helen’s area of passion is in trauma work, early intervention, outreach, and family work.

  Friday, April 17, 2020 

Published noon

First Nations leadership across BC is united in calling for immediate action to protect incarcerated peoples amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 outbreak at the Mission Institution is now the third largest outbreak in the Province of BC, with the first inmate tragically passing away on April 15, 2020.

Senior health and corrections officials have verified that almost 40% of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Mission Institution are among Indigenous inmates despite Indigenous people making up just 5% of the population in BC.

Doug White, Chairperson of the BC First Nations Justice Council calls the situation an urgent crisis and a ‘ticking time bomb.’

“Indigenous people are vastly over-represented in prisons and carry more than our share of the burden of health issues and chronic disease. These men were sentenced to a term of years, not to death. The duty of care that is upon the Institution in the midst of this crisis requires immediate and comprehensive action to avoid further tragedy.

This situation requires extra-ordinary efforts and collaboration.” The BC First Nations Justice Council, BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN), the Union of BC Indian Chief (UBCIC), and the First Nations Summit (FNS) call on the Government of Canada and the Province of BC to urgently implement the following safety measures:

• Immediately test all inmates and staff at the Mission Institution;
• Increase safety and screening measures for workers entering and exiting the facility;
• Enhance medical surge capacity onsite via mobile medical units to effectively treat emerging cases;
• Enact isolation protocols which ensure that inmates who test positive are isolated in health facilities with regular monitoring and as much comfort as any other individual, along with meaningful human contact compliant with social distancing;
• Increase access to counselling and mental health resources in every federal facility in order to mitigate the psychological and emotional consequences of isolation measures and reduced social contact;
• Develop release plans for as many people as possible, prioritizing those with pre-existing health conditions who are at increased risk due to COVID-19, and immediately release anyone classified low risk with a home in community where they will be able to self-isolation;
• Include among release criteria a plan for secure housing, financial aid, and community safety, and provide support in meeting these criteria; and
• Test and isolate all individuals for 14 days before re-entering community.

  Thursday, April 16, 2020 

Published 8 am

Chilliwack is getting another Pump Track. This will be the second full-fledged track in Chilliwack. The first track is a bit out of the way on Cartmell Road.

At the latest City Hall council meeting the motion was passed to award the bid for the Pump Track project to Hoots Bicycle Accessories Ltd. who broke ground. Hopefully the kids will ignore the name and not go out there stoned on weed or they will hurt themselves. Always wear a helmet.

So what's a Pump Track? It's a run for BMX'ers to go and break bones while participating in various shenanigans, learning tricks and burning off energy. Despite breaking bones, this promises to be a wonderful place for kids to go ride and play or for others to warm up for championships with some world class jumps that'll be included in its designs.

This second track will be right smack dab in the heart of activityland in Chilliwack off of Courbold.

Opening Day at the first pump track on Cartmell Rd.

Council held their last meeting in an online conference call

Highlights include;

• A track of over 500 linear meters;
• A figure 8 crossover, pass under track feature which will be unique

• Capable of hosting national and international level pump track race events
• Competition standard staging, bike prep areas with less mud
• Aesthetically appealing overall design

It's unclear the timelines of the project but watch for it soon.

  Thursday, April 16, 2020 

Published 8 am

Toronto-based live streaming vanguard Marie Nicola and award winning public relations agency owner of VOCAB Communications, Chrissy Newton, releases the fourth episode of their podcast “Alt.Pop.Repeat.” (APR) with punk rock star, author, songwriter, manager, producer and human and animal rights activist, Bif Naked. 

On APR, Bif speaks to her personal journey on fighting breast cancer, what it was like during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s as a thriving female pop punk artist during the second punk wave moment, her new single Jim and how she views punk in mainstream pop culture currently. 

After Bif’s interview, Chrissy and Marie then explore the forming of the counterculture punk movement, what it means to be punk today and how punk culture has influenced today’s music, fashion and street art scenes. By asking the question, is punk dead? 

You can listen to the episode here. The show can also be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Google Podcasts.

  Thursday, April 16, 2020 

Published 8 am

For the first time ever, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s will be held online and on a single day: Sunday, May 31. The 2020 event, which traditionally takes place in communities across B.C., will assume a different format given COVID-19 and the crucial need for physical distancing. However, now, more than ever, we need to connect to honour and celebrate people affected by dementia.

“Together, we can support people affected by dementia during these unprecedented times and ensure that physical distancing does not result in social isolation,” says Alzheimer Society of B.C. CEO Maria Howard. “Staying socially connected is beneficial to brain health, and it is crucial to keeping our spirits high. This is a real opportunity to show we are a country united to support people affected by dementia, and that, together, we make memories matter.

The online event will start at 9 a.m. PDT on May 31 and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Participants will be able to stream the Walk live, while joining in the fun from their living room, back yard or balcony. The broadcast will feature participants from all across Canada who will share their personal stories of how dementia has affected their life, as well as competing in fun challenges and walking in a safe space.

It’s easy to get involved: sign up at walkforalzheimers.ca to represent your local community and access updates about the online Walk experience. Funds raised will help fund programs and services to support people living with dementia in your local community. They will also help enable research into the causes of and cure for dementia.

While COVID-19 has changed many ways we are currently living and interacting, one thing remains: the Canadian spirit of togetherness. We hope you will join us to show that no matter what the world looks like, we are still united to support people affected by dementia.

  Thursday, April 16, 2020 

Published 8 am

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and appears to accidental in nature.

  Thursday, April 16, 2020 

Published 8 am

To be honest, I don't watch or watch any Canadian TV, listen Canadian radio, read print media but sometimes it's hard to avoid and today Fraser Health sent an e-mail.

"Canada could be in a much better position to weather the COVID-19 storm. In fact, the government’s balance sheet could have been $100 billion bigger if the Trudeau government had displayed the fiscal discipline of past federal governments, including the Chrétien and Martin Liberals.
 

But because the government chose a less prudent fiscal path, the COVID-19 crisis will impose a greater debt burden and higher future interest costs on Canadians.
 

Today's National Post features an important commentary by Jason Clemens, Jake Fuss and Milagros Palacios. Please check it out here

  Wednesday, April 15, 2020 

Published 11 am

Watch The Voice for more details as they emerge and for daily coronavirus updates.

  Wednesday, April 15, 2020 

Published 11 am

  Tuesday, April 14, 2020 

Published 8 am

  Tuesday, April 14, 2020 

Published 8 am

  Sunday, April 13, 2020 

Published 8 am

  Saturday, April 11, 2020 

Published 9:30 am

BC-Alberta crew bus driver/Dru Oja Jay, Dominion photo

Alberta tar sands. Are they really needed right now?