agassiz observer, february 18, 2016

INSIDEYouth Centre . . . . . . . . 2

Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Letters. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Classi eds . . . . . . . . .14

LANDFILLLand ll decision has

proponent questioning

process.

3

HERITAGEA closer look at the

Agassiz Harrison

Museum.

5

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

www.agassizharrisonobserver.com

Bloom is off the annual Tulip FestivalGreg Laychak/ The Observer

Kate Onos-Gilbert at her tulip stand in Agassiz. The grower will take a break from holding her annual festival this year.

Struggle to find a new suitable location helps kill popular event for nowBy Greg LaychakThe Observer

Had things gone as planned this year, Kate Onos-Gilbert would have celebrated her tenth year of bringing pleasure to visitors of Agassiz.

Like many occasions that are commemorated, she would have celebrated with fl owers: approximately three million tulips, in her case, give or take a bloom.

But that won’t be happening in 2016, as Onos-Gilbert has offi cially cancelled her annual crowd-drawing tulip festival.

Th e decision came this year when her lease on Seabird Island land was

up and they were given diff erent options.

“Th e land they off ered wasn't fertile enough and we need fertile land for our bulbs, so we decided that wasn't going to work,” Onos-Gilbert said. “We'd put ten years of fertilization into the other land and that was no longer available so we had to move.”

She adds that they have a good relationship with the Seabird band who helped with parking every year.

“Th ey did provide a great event for the area and it's sad to see them go,” said Brian Titus, CEO of Seabird Island’s Sqewqel Development Corporation.

Finding a good place for visitors’ cars—a fundamental consideration for the Tulip Festival—was actually one of the issues that caused Seabird to revisit the arrangement.

Another was the sheer volume of traffi c that would funnel from Vancouver and other areas in the Lower Mainland.

Last year’s decision to move parking to the Agassiz side of Seabird (construction of the gas bar forced the redesign) created even more trouble when coupled with the 30,000 visitors that fl ocked to the fi eld over two weeks.

“It basically put the highway at a standstill for weekends,” Titus

said. “We would have lineups fromSeabird down to Popkum county. Itwould take four hours for people toget through.”

And that was annoying for a lotof people, Seabird and otherwise, headded.

Public safety became an issuewhen those who didn’t want topay for parking would park alongHighway 7 for kilometres, Titussaid.

“People were walking on thehighway with their phones in theirhand, looking at their phones,kids running around, not payingattention,” he said.

Continued on 5

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2 Agassiz Harrison Observer Thursday, February 18, 2016

News

By Greg LaychakThe Observer

Th ere’s a new energy in the space above A g a s s i z - H a r r i s o n Community Services.

Apologies for the clutter are aplenty, but the main room of the new Youth Centre is taking shape quickly.

Visitors have written cheerful messages in diff erent colors on a chalkboard wall and have also sketched in doodles.

Th at kind of interaction with the space refl ects the emphasis of ownership a handful of youth workers talk about as they gather in the lobby of the recently moved and revamped centre.

“A youth friendly space would be one where everybody

respects everybody else and everybody has a voice,” says Ericka Young, one of the new staff members at the facility. “Th at's what we try to promote with the youth, that they can give their ideas to us and we can incorporate them into the space—they've had a lot of say in what we've done around here.”

Not long aft er Young talks about the integration of youth ideas, 17-year-old research coordinator Josiah Groenenboom walks up the long staircase to join the conversation.

His job is to check the pulse of the local youth community, surveying their wants and needs to help shape the services and programming off ered at the centre.

“It's a good place to work,” he says. “I like interacting with kids in the community, giving my input to the community services, to the youth centre on what kids want.”

His insight into the young demographic and his connections in the community make it easier for the group to respond to the youth voice.

“I'll be able to do surveys on programs that we want to do or get feedback on the programs that we do,” Groenenboom says. “What we're doing right, what we're doing wrong, what people want us to do.”

Th e eager Groenenboom and another teen colleague are part of an increase in staff that the program has seen as a result of new funding from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Th e number of youth workers in the program has also seen an important boost, going from a mostly solo operation to a crew of four.

Youth outreach worker Mike Vanlaar is not only happy to have more help (he was that original employee) but he’s also excited about the extended hours and programming that will be available to the centre’s clients.

“Other agencies that work with youth will be invited to come in and present on what their focus is,” he says of some of the external workshops that will be promoted in advance.

And the youth workers become animated when talking about other engaging activities as well.

Vanlaar expects he will get a chance to cook with youth and help them learn about buying groceries, preparing ingredients and to do it all in a healthy way.

Young is looking forward to providing resources to build life skills and social skills.

“One of them that I'm working on is using humour for stress relief,” she says. “I'm hoping to put together a little improv troupe with the youth.”

And Anika Allan, another youth worker at the centre lists even more workshops they will off er: the eff ects of drugs and alcohol, creating boundaries in relationships, anger management, budgeting and resume building.

Vanlaar is even hoping to make learning about taxes interesting.

“We want it to be not like school, but just having fun and learning good skills and providing valuable tools,” he says.

Th e group also points to the board games lining the shelves

and talks about otherfun activities that areavailable unscheduledas part of the drop-in atmosphere of thefacility.

Bobbi Jacob,executive director ofcommunity serviceswants kids to “just comehang out” in the spacethat’s available fromaft er school until about9 p.m. most nights.

“We rely on theschools to teacheverything these daysand that’s not fair tothe schools,” she says.“Th ey can’t provideeverything.”

She adds that all ofthis has come about ina relatively short periodof time—planningonly began in mid-November.

It has come togetherquickly, created alongwith the vision of thelocal youth themselves.

Which for them inreturn will not only be aplace to learn and havefun, but a place they cango to get informationand help accessing otherresources, if needed.

• Th e centre is nowopen but will host anopen house on Feb. 24for children, parentsand anyone who isinterested

Greg Laychak/ The ObserverYouth workers Ericka Young (left), Anika Allan, and Mike Vanlaar (right) are shaping the new youth centre with help fromcommunity teens.

Centre taps into what youth want

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PO Box 160, 495 Hot Springs RoadHarrison Hot Springs, BC V0M 1K0

Telephone: 604-796-2171

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Agassiz Harrison Observer Thursday,February 18, 2016 3

News

Process questioned after landfill rejected

Greg Laychak/ The ObserverEarl Wilder, president of Upland Resources Inc. and Statlu Sand and Gravel looks across the location of his proposed remediated soil landfill site.

'We're pretty upset about it,' says Earl Wilder of Statlu ResourcesBy Greg LaychakTHE OBSERVER

Th rough the dense mist, Earl Wilder squinted down across a hillside clearing spotted with saplings and ferns above the Chehalis River.

He motioned that the waterway was below his vantage point but the concealing powers of the low clouds only enunciated his point—it’s far enough away, out of reach.

Which parallels his proposal for a zoning amendment that would allow a remediated soil dump operated by his company, Statlu: it was unanimously rejected last week by the Fraser Valley Regional District’s (FVRD) Electoral Area Services Committee (AESC).

“To me, we were just set up from the start they [directors] just didn't want it in the district,” Wilder said. “So we were shot down.”

He said the technical reports weren’t read, the opposing viewpoints weren’t based on fact and that they didn’t represent a true voice of the area’s population.

“Th e consensus was that the committee didn't feel that creating a new landfi ll facility that had soils which could be contaminated or remediated was of value when you compare it against the environmental values of that area,” said FVRD chief administrative offi cer Paul Gipps of that fateful decision. “Th e environmental values of that area are just too important.”

He added that the potential impact of such a facility made the site 10 kilometres up Chehalis Forest Service Road (also known

as Chehalis Resource Road) made it unsuitable for that type of product.

But according to Wilder, it’s perfectly safe.

“Th at's why we over-designed it,” he said. “It's a double-lined facility.”

In fact, he points to other dumps that are closer to major rivers in the Fraser Valley, like the Skway Nation landfi ll in Chilliwack that is a “stone’s throw of the Fraser River.”

Wilder felt that the soil he would take in was a lot less contaminated than his chances of success, and in fact he takes issue with the word “contaminated” adding that perception is everything.

His company would only take soil that has been remediated, which is “contaminated to levels acceptable to contaminated soil regulations of the Environmental Management Act—so totally controlled by the Ministry of Environment.”

Statlu’s methods are so rigorous, even if a 200-year event rainfall happened, leachate material would be diluted 400 million times by the time it travelled to the river, he claimed.

His proposed state-of-the-art leachate collection facility under normal operations ensures that the effl uent discharge meets the standard of aquatic life and habitat, “so it's harmless,” he said.

And aft er about 20 years, only neutralized soil would remain.

But all of his company's research, reports and off ers to pay for independent peer reviews fell on deaf ears at the diff erent application stages, according to

Wilder.Most people refused to even

read the report, he said.“We're pretty upset about it

all,” Wilder said, adding that he’s not sure he will reapply in six months. “We're concerned about anyone investing in the province where a political process can nullify the professionals—you can't invest in a province where that can happen.”

Last week at the same meeting, the FVRD also passed a resolution that will see the group asking B.C. for funding to look at the need for such a facility in the area and which location “could be better and have less potential environmental impact,” according to Gipps.

“What are the types of areas we should be looking at for this,” he added. “Should it be on new grounds that have never had landfi lls? Where should it be?”

However, the need is clear and present from Wilder’s perspective.

He said there are between 650,000 to one million tonnes of soil remediated every year in the area, that a signifi cant problem with illegal dumping already exists, and that his facility could take around 250,000 tonnes each year.

Wilder said the big picture is about the economics of the project for the community.

“Th is is a big impact,” he said. “Th e 20 jobs we see coming with this would be all high-paying.

But that doesn't seem to be of any importance, he added.

“It's just ‘no’ and no reasons for ‘no’—just ‘no.’”

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Community

Th e theme for Heritage Week in 2016 in British Columbia (February 15 to 21) is Distinctive Destinations: Experience Historic Places. Th is article, submitted by the Agassiz-Harrison Historical Society is about the CPR Station which became Th e Agassiz Harrison Museum and Tourism Center.

Th e Agassiz Harrison Museum is housed in an original Canadian Pacifi c Railway station built in 1893.

Th e building was once a fully operating station which also housed the living quarters for the station master and his family.

In the early part of the 20th century, Agassiz was a major collection point for milk, with the raw milk from area farmers brought to the station to be shipped into Vancouver.

Th e Agassiz station also handled mail and passenger service.

Th e Hop Harvest started in August each year and went to early October requiring about 1,000 pickers brought to the Agassiz station.

Th e Agassiz station was a busy place for several decades.

Th ere was even a train called Th e Agassiz which ran to and from Vancouver to the Agassiz station bringing tourists out and taking farm produce back in.

Th e Agassiz station also became important as a wood station for the CPR, a meal stop for passengers

and also it was the closet station to Harrison Hot Springs.

Th e 1893 station replaced an earlier more modest building that was erected in 1886; a year aft er the last spike of the CPR was driven.

In the 1970s, stationmasters were phased out and the CPR eventually discontinued the use of stations.

Th e building was then purchased by the Agassiz-Harrison Historical Society for $1.00.

Since then it has become a busy place once again and has brought joy to visitors and community members of all ages.

Th e Museum records both local and CPR history.

Th e waiting room also features the history of the Agassiz family.

Th e main gallery was originally the freight shed where local fruit, vegetables, freight and animals waited to be carried out to a waiting train.

Th e upstairs of the Museum where the station masters living quarters were is now our offi ce space.

As of March 1, 2011 the Museum also became the local destination for Tourism, giving out information on local attractions, accommodations and dining.

We are proud of our heritage. From the early years to the present we are happy that we have maintained the CPR Station/Museum to stay a distinctive destination in our community.

Keeping local history on track

Tulip festival might be back next yearIt was a matter of time

before something terrible was going to happen, so Titus tried to fi nd a solution by off ering land that was set back from the main road with a lot of parking space.

But the land didn’t meet Onos-Gilbert’s very specifi c needs.

In fact, in her hunt to fi nd a suitable place for 2017 the fl ower grower is realizing how challenging a task it might be.

Th ey use 35 to 40 acres a year for the tulips, but need a total of 120 acres to accommodate crop rotation practices.

And Onos-Gilbert needs to fi nd a landowner who is ok with the operation being open all weekend during the

festival period.“You can't stop

Vancouver from coming out on weekends,” she said. “Sunday happened to be the biggest day of the whole [festival] the last two years.”

With the massive growth her festival has seen in the last few years though, parking and traffi c are the biggest consideration she faces when looking at land that would work in the future.

In an eff ort to stem the fl ow last year, they raised prices on both parking and entrance fees, but to no avail.

Onos-Gilbert’s tulip event has developed a strong loyalty with large East Asian communities in B.C. and abroad who come in droves.

“Now that I'm beyond

that size of it being a hobby, I need help big time,” she said. “It's a big festival to be running by myself.”

So she also hopes whatever community the festival ends up in is willing to help, because her fl owers generate a lot of business for the area during a quieter time in the tourist season.

Th ough she’s a bit relieved to have a calmer spring this year, Onos-Gilbert hopes the festival she started with 600 visitors in 2006 can continue next year.

“It's been great, it's been fun, people do love it,” she said. “You can't beat 40 acres of fl owers blooming.”

The Agassiz Harrison Museum.

An 1893 rails station is home to the Agassiz Harrison Museum

From Front

Th e caption reading “Benoit Patrice (father) and James Patrice (son) hang out at Saturday’s Free Family Fun Day at the Agassiz Community Recreation and Cultural Centre” below the photo on page 9 of the Feb. 11 Agassiz Harrison Observer was incorrect. It should have read, “Adriana, Kevin and Melodie taking part in craft time at Saturday’s Free Family Fun Day at the Agassiz Community Recreation and Cultural Centre.”

For the record

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At Kent Elementary SchoolOn February 23rd

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Housing czar defends drug ghettos

It all started with a simple pink shirt

You have to wonder if, back in 2007, while David Shepherd and Travis Price were buying a stack of 50 pink shirts could they have imagined that their bullying protest would spread around the world.

Probably not. Th ey were just trying to support a fellow student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the fi rst day of school. But this year, we are celebrating Pink Shirt Day (or Anti-bullying Day, if you prefer) for the ninth year. And it’s fi ve years since the United Nations took a stand and proclaimed May 4 International Anti Bullying Day.

Th at’s pretty good return for the purchase of a stack of cheap T-shirts.Why do people, especially kids, bully others? Th ere are so many reasons

that it would never be possible to fi nd one answer that would fi t all situations. What is common, however, is their victims. Bullies have a knack for fi nding the kids that are unlikely to retaliate. And they chose them because the victim is diff erent — skin colour, nationality, size, hair colour, shape of the nose, you name it — even the colour of shirt you choose to wear.

Anyone who has been bullied knows that the old adage. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” is far from the truth. Name-calling and other, more aggressive, forms of bullying does leave marks, marks that aff ect the victim for years to come.

It’s a lot to ask from some pink shirts, but the annual reminder about the problem of bullying does off er hope that our cultures might fi nally be starting to grow up.

Let’s hope the word continues to spread. Bullying will likely never be wiped out completely, but we can hope to reduce its hold on society, as has been done with the once socially acceptable drinking and driving.

~ Black Press

OpinionDo you know someone who has been bullied?To answer, go to the Home Page of our website: www.agassizharrisonobserver.com

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Should photos of aggressive dogs be kept on fi le?Here’s how you responded: Yes 87.5% No 12.5%

B.C. VIEWSTom Fletcher

Published at Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Harrison Mil ls, Seabird Island and surrounding areas by the Black Press Group Ltd.

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��A

EDITORIAL

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Housing Minister Rich Coleman was fl abbergasted at the angry response to his solution to the Victoria courthouse “tent city,” the latest tarp-covered camp to spring up in southern B.C.

Coleman announced two temporary shelters with three meals a day and medical supports. One is a former nursing home close to the courthouse squat, conveniently located near panhandling and drug dealing spots as well as taxpayer-funded services. Th e other off ers indoor or outdoor tent space at a former youth custody centre, with a dedicated downtown shuttle bus so these “victims” of “homelessness” don’t have to endure B.C.’s most generous transit bus system.

We weren’t consulted, said the indignant spokespeople for those

bringing new-looking tents to take advantage of food and other handouts, off ered in B.C.’s warmest climate by the province’s most naïve local government.

But this was just a show for the media by our resident professional protesters, some of whom aren’t really “homeless.”

Aft er the reaction, which Coleman described as “bizarre,” the combined 88 housing opportunities are being snapped up. Th ose on welfare will have to fork over their $375 monthly housing allowance, as the province continues to convert more housing and off er more rent subsidies.

It’s no wonder that southern B.C. is the destination of choice. Coleman said it’s always been a seasonal thing, but this winter has been the highest in a decade, largely due to an exodus of economic migrants from the downturn in Alberta, naturally heading for B.C.’s most desirable real estate.

I asked him about two other homeless hotspots. In Abbotsford,

campers have ignored a city deadline to take down structures in a three-year-old camp, aft er temporary shelter and costly provincial supports were brought on. A courtroom and

street confrontation looms with self-styled “drug war survivors” and their Vancouver legal help.

In Maple Ridge, a tent camp sprang up next to the local Salvation Army

shelter, with people cycling through the shelter’s 15-day limit, camping and being fed until they could go back in.

Mayor Nicole Read, who has worked in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, said Maple Ridge took on its own outreach, shelter and housing eff ort because the province’s $1 million-a-year Salvation Army operation isn’t working.

Coleman is not amused. He said he’s had no complaints about Abbotsford’s Salvation Army shelter, and Read is the only one griping. And no mayor is going to tell him how to spend provincial dollars. Maple Ridge now has two shelters with accompanying street drugs, prostitution and crime.

I asked Coleman about the 10-year-study led by Simon Fraser University researcher Julian Somers on the housing, outreach and services in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Th is is the heart of B.C.’s “housing fi rst” strategy, where the province has bought and renovated 30 “single

room occupancy” buildings, built another dozen and poured in every possible support, including the buyout of high-living executives at the Portland Hotel Society.

Th e study found that the hardest cases are worse off than ever, based on court, hospital and other service records, while the infl ux to the notorious Vancouver drug ghetto have tripled in 10 years.

“I haven’t had a chance to go over that report yet, but I disagree with the assumption I’ve heard already, because I walk the Downtown Eastside,” Coleman said. “I don’t know if they do every few weeks to a month, but I've been doing it for about nine or 10 years and I can tell you it’s a whole lot better down there.”

Th e question is whether problems are being solved, or just better hidden from view.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @tomfl etcherbc Email: tfl [email protected]

The study found that the hardest cases are worse off than ever, based on court, hospital and other service records, while the infl ux to the notorious Vancouver

drug ghetto have tripled in 10 years.

Published by Black Press Limited. 7167 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz BC V0M 1A0

The Observer, Pizza Plus, Agassiz Public Library and Agassiz A&W invite kids 12 & under to join Adventure Club. When your name appears in this section, visit the Observer of� ce within 2 weeks with this clipping & you will receive:• a FREE PIZZA from Pizza Plus• a FREE BOOK from the Agassiz Public Library• a FREE COUPON from Agassiz A&W

Upon presentation of your birthday letter.

“I’LL SAVE YOU, BOBO”

BY EILEEN AND MARC ROSENTHAL

EARL THE CAT IS ALWAYS GETTING IN THE WAY,

ESPECIALLY WHEN WILLY WANTS TO WRITE A STORY

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SudokuFebruary 18, 2016

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Agassiz Harrison Observer Thursday, February 18, 2016 7

Mailbag

The Observer welcomes letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit for brevity, clarity and legality.All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone number

(for verification purposes only) Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not necessarily that of The Observer or its staff.

Email: [email protected]

Tread carefully with carbon pricingAt the Paris Climate Agreement, 190 countries

promised to pursue limiting temperature increase of 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels.

Already ominous milestones have been met. November 2015 saw not only a 1C rise in global temperatures, but CO2 levels hitting 400 parts per million (ppm). Scientifi c data strongly suggests that the safe level is 350 ppm.

Professor Reinhardt of Harvard Business Review sees a regulatory system as necessary, creating incentives for companies to emit less CO2, “sustainability comes down to pricing- put a price on resources we used to see as free, so that people have incentives to use them as wisely as they do other private resources”.

Th ere are a number of ways to price carbon. Caution is warranted. Human Rights Attorney Alberto Salamando, sees schemes like “carbon off set” as “fraudulent, providing a mechanism for developed countries to launder their carbon pollution on the backs of the global south.

What is needed in Canada is a national rising fee on CO2 that is integrated with provincial carbon pricing mechanisms, coupled with rebates to households and tariff s on imports. Th is will provide the economic incentive to drive the emissions reductions needed to ward off catastrophic climate change while stimulating the economy.

Donna Grace

To all the nearly 2,000 supporters who signed our petition, “Help us Save the Chehalis,” you should be delighted to know, that your determination was successful.

Th at the contaminated soil dump, planned for the Chehalis River watershed is offi cially off the table.

A special thank you should go out to Freddy Marks, the Green Party of BC, and Wendy Bales for their relentless opposition in defeating this proposal, and protecting our watersheds, the environment, and our recreational areas.

Th ank you all!Art Green,Hope

Premier leading the ‘Forces of No’Th e “Forces of No” originate in

the Premier’s offi ce.No to a diverse economy. No

to well funded and responsible ministries. No to transparency in government. No to a responsible mining industry. No to strict laws governing the mining and resource industry. No to the expectation our premier would choose business partners who obeyed the law.

No to allowing the BCUC to

rule on behalf of citizens. No to honest and meaningful discussion with First Nations. No to any concerns whatsoever over the guaranteed damage being done to our environment by fracking.

No to concern that the premier leads the most corrupt government in the history of B.C. No to eliminating BC Hydro and ICBC as cash cows for general revenues. No to admitting that books aren’t

balanced with no increases to our taxes (taxes and fees are one and the same).

No to becoming an honest and trustworthy government. No to listening to the wishes of the B.C. citizen ahead of listening to the demands by Liberal cronies and corporate sponsors.

You’ve got your work cut out for you premier.

David Waterhouse

Landfill decision

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Arts

By Hunter RameySPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER

Aft er the sold out Brickhouse performance at the Harrison Festival of the Arts, frontman Rob Bracken sat down with Th e Observer to discuss his musical inspirations and Brickhouse’s beginning.

When asked how Brickhouse began, Rob Bracken replied, “Divine intervention, fate, destiny… It was meant to be."

"Oh yes, and Stomping Tom and Twister Hockey,” he added.

Saturday's crowd was equally enthusiastic, with people oft en dancing to Brickhouse’s original mix of blues and funk.

It all started with the band's fi rst performance on Bone Island, just off the coast of Horse Shoe Bay.

At that point, Brickhouse did not even have a name when called to play the gig. Th e name Brickhouse came from the Commodores song Brick House aft er Bracken overheard it playing in the background of the phone call informing them of their fi rst show.

Since then the band has taken off , named “Vancouver’s busiest band” by Storman Norman, Rock 101 Sunday Blues.

And despite the bustle last weekend, Bracken was able to take a moment to discuss his musical

inspirations: his mother’s beautifulvoice; the sound of soul artist ArethaFranklin; his father’s love of '50srock and roll, and his fi rst musicalexperience singing in church.

He also discussed how he startedto play harmonica, rememberingthat his grandmother used to play“Turkey in the Straw” and howhe once borrowed Brickhouse’sguitar player Neil Cruickshank’sharmonica—and got hooked on theinstrument.

Brickhouse holds a CD release inVancouver on March 19 at the RioTh eatre. Th ey say the new album,Future, is the best sounding CD theyhave ever released.

Brickhouse talks about its rootsBrickhouse on stage at a sold out performance in Harrison last week.


JOIN THE MOVEMENT AGAINST BULLYING ON FEBRUARY 24

Learn the early warning signs of bullying Children grow and develop their personalities in various ways. While many youngsters are teased or receive some good-natured ribbing at some point in their school careers, some teasing can eventually turn into bullying.The National Education Association estimates that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. Furthermore, more than 70 percent of students report incidents of bullying at their schools. Although children in lower grades have reported being in more fights than those in higher grades, there is a higher rate of violent crimes in middle and high schools than in elementary schools. According to the association Make Beats Not Beat Downs, harassment and bullying have been linked to 75 percent of school shooting incidents.Bullying can take many forms, and learning the warning signs as a parent can help prevent harassment and potentially dangerous situations.Verbal: If your child reports being called names, being the recipient of racist, sexist or homophobic jokes,

or being spoken to in an offensive or suggestive way, this can be a form of verbal bullying. Cyber: Social media, email and text messaging has become a way for bullies to spread malicious messages or photos. In the era of digital media, this type of bullying has increased considerably.Physical: Some bullies engage in physical attacks, including hitting, kicking, spitting, or other forms of physical confrontation. Destroying personal property also is considered physical bullying.Indirect: Gossiping and spreading nasty rumors about a person is another form of bullying. This type of bullying may go hand-in-hand with cyber bullying.

Signs your child is being bulliedParents can recognize certain signs that their child is being bullied at school. Bullied children frequently make excuses to avoid going to school. While the desire to stay home is something many children may express, those who are bullied may do so much more frequently. Bullied children tend to avoid certain places and may be sad, angry, withdrawn, or depressed.

They may have trouble sleeping or experience changes in appetite, and bullied youngsters’ academic performance may suffer. Also, parents may notice that children return from school missing some of their belongings.

Signs your child is the bullyParents may not want to imagine their children bullying other students, but bullies do exist. Children who bully other kids have strong needs for power and negative dominance. They may find satisfaction in causing suffering to others. Some signs that your child may be a bully include:

• Easily becoming violent with others • Having friends who bully others • Blaming others quickly • Comes home with belongings that do not belong to him or her • Getting in trouble with teachers or school administrators • Picking on siblings • Not accepting responsibility for actions

There are ways parents can teach their children to act properly when

faced with a bully. First, parents should explain that bullying is not the child’s fault and he or she does not deserve to be picked on. Next, parents can let children know that being assertive but not violent with bullies may diffuse the situation, as some bullies thrive on the fear of their victims. If the bullying behavior continues, the student should speak to an adult or authority figure.Parents of bullies may need to be especially mindful of their children’s behavior. Counseling could be necessary to determine what is compelling kids to bully other students.

Pink Shirt Day is Wednesday Feb 24th

We encourage everyone toactively support anti-bullyingall year long!

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News

By Tom FletcherBLACK PRESS

New homes worth up to $750,000 are exempt from B.C.'s property transfer tax under changes in the budget that take eff ect April 1.

Finance Minister Mike de Jong is raising the exemption level from $475,000 on new homes, and expects to make up most of the revenue by increasing the tax rate from two to three per cent on the value of homes in excess of $2 million.

For resold homes, property purchase tax continues to apply at one per cent on the fi rst $200,000 of value and two per cent on value between $200,000 and $2 million.

Th e tax has produced a windfall for the province and pushed home purchase costs even higher in the hot market for homes in some urban areas. Th e government expects to collect about $200 million more than it budgeted for the current year.

De Jong said the break is aimed at new construction to stimulate new housing construction, adding to supply in response to demand that is driving prices up.

Th e exemption is only available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and the government is resuming tracking nationality of buyers, a practice stopped in 1998.

Th e upper limit to qualify for the

homeowner grant is also increased from $1.1 million to $1.2 million for the 2016 property tax year.

Children exempted from MSP premiumsMedical Services Plan premiums

are being charged only for adults starting in 2017, and the qualifying income for reduced premiums is going up from $30,000 to $42,000 for single people.

Th e new system creates a break for single parents, who will pay a single adult rate of $78 a month instead of the current rate of $150 charged for a family of three. A single senior or single parent with one child and an income of $45,000 may also be

eligible for reduced premiums.Th e changes will reduce rates for

an additional 335,000 people, and 45,000 more people will be exempted from paying as long as they are registered and qualify. But rates overall continue to rise. With a four per cent increase in personal rate this year and growing population, the government expects to collect more MSP each year of its three-year budget plan than with the current system.

B.C. is the only province that charges premiums for health services, and the NDP opposition has called for them to be eliminated as a regressive tax. De Jong argues

that MSP covers only 14 per centof a growing health care budget,and eliminating it would amountto hiding the cost in the general taxsystem.

Disability benefits up $77 for someIncome assistance payments for

people with disabilities are to increaseup to $77 per month eff ective Sept. 1,but transit passes will no longer becovered.

Th e B.C. Liberal government hasresisted calls for an increase in thegeneral social assistance rate, but hasended the clawback of child supportpayments to single parents.

Tax exemptions, MSP cuts for children, disability benefits highlight 2016 budget


Community

Salmon conservation to the classroomBy Dale Cory, SEABIRD ISLAND

Young school students don’t always get excited about some of the basic skills taught in class – reading, writing and math, to name a few – but bring a bucket full of salmon eggs into the classroom, and watch the level of enthusiasm escalate.

Th at was the scene Jan. 28 at Seabird Island Community School, when Colleen Marchant’s Grade 2 class and Jerri-Lynn Bogart’s Grade 2/3 class welcomed a group of visitors into the classroom - in the form of Coho salmon eggs.

“I brought 55 Coho eggs that are eyed – because they’re the most-sturdy at that point,” explained Bev Bowler, Education Coordinator for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and for a good half hour on this particular day, thee most-popular person at SICS. “Th e students take care of them, and when they hatch, aft er spring break, they’ll be fry’s swimming around and students get to feed them.”

Th e class normally goes to the fi sh hatchery at Sts’ailes and the salmon spawning channels in the fall, but due to circumstances they weren’t able to go this year.

Enter Bev Bowler, and her traveling fi sh hatchery.

“Th e kids are excited.

We’ve talked about that we’re going to get eggs, and they’ve watched us set up the aquarium. Just knowing that every day we’ll come out and check on them, and check the temperature. We’re about to calculate how many days it will take until we see things happen – until they fl oat up,” explained Marchant. “Th e children have taken ownership and they sort of understand the life cycle.”

Th is is the third year Marchant has introduced salmon eggs into the classroom setting for her students to nurture until they are ready to introduce back into the river system. So, why is it important for her to do this with her class?

“Because, when I was in Grade 3, we were part of a salmon enhancement project. We built a box in a little creek by my high school. Th en, when I was in Grade 7, we put salmon in the box and we went all over the Lower Mainland to diff erent hatcheries and tagged them. When I was in Grade 12, we went with one of the fi shery offi cers and found salmon that had actually come back from Grade 11 and 12 that had been tagged,” she explained. “It’s something I love to do, and I hope the children will learn that also.”

In about 20 days, students will start to see fi sh inside the eggs.

Sometime aft er the school’s spring break, the Salmon will start hatching. Marchant indicates students actually see them on the bottom – where they try to hide. Th en the Coho fl oat up and start swimming. When they start swimming, students start feeding them.

“Mrs. Bogart’s class is the class I did this with last year, and when we went to release them, they named every fi sh. It was the fi rst time I’d ever seen children name them, and let them go,” said Marchant. “Th e excitement just builds. Every day, they will want to come in and have a look and see what’s happening, and do some observations.”

Bowler acknowledges there is something very special about the release party.

“Th e best part is when they let them go – the release. I don’t know why, but all the teachers say that’s very powerful,” agreed Bowler. “It’s a bit diff erent then raising chicken eggs. It’s something about them being wild. Th e students are being caretakers of them for a short while, and then, they let them go. Th ey’re stewards.”

Bowler likes the idea of incorporating this learning experience into the classroom. It’s an educational tool which could develop into a career for some students.

“Children and adults don’t care about things they don’t know about. Th at’s one of the tenets in environmentalism. By having the salmon in a classroom, feeding them and watching them grow, they learn about them, the fi sh matter to them, and when they’re adults, they will care for the salmon. Th at is our hope about education,” said Bowler. “To my experience, I’m now getting students who did this 20 years ago and now want to teach it. Th ere are now people who have gone into biology and other fi elds because they learned about salmon in the classroom. It is a very powerful environmental tool, and you can use it to extend to clean water,

clean air and climate, and it’s good in any grade – 400 schools do it in the Lower Mainland.”

Th ose thoughts were echoed by Marchant, who localized the concept.

“Salmon is so important to First Nations people. I think it’s really important that students understand how the salmon come back and why they are so precious to us. If we don’t take care of that and help take care of our waterways, one of our main food sources is going to be gone.”

A group of young Seabird Island Community School students are doing their part to ensure that never happens.

Travelling fish hatchery helps students experience salmon life cycle

Pursuant to Section 166 of the Community Charter, members of the public are encouraged and invited to attend either of two open houses with respect to the proposed 2016-2020 Financial Plan. The open houses will be held on Tuesday February 23, 2016 between 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and again from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, in the Centennial Centre at the Municipal Hall at 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC. The proposed Financial Plan will be presented to Council at a Special Meeting on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 7:00pm. For further information please contact the undersigned at (604)796-2235.

Judy LewisDirector of Financial Services

NOTICE OF OPEN HOUSE2016-2020 Financial Plan

In print every Thursdayor see us online 24/7:

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FEBRUARY2016

www.central365.org

Meeting at theAg Hall

6800 Pioneer Ave.

Agassiz CampusSunday, 10:30 am

Kids’ Ministry

Seniors Friendship House Drop-In - Mon. Seniors Walking to Music at 10 am, Sit & Fit at 10:30 am, Bingo at 1 pm, Seniors Learn to Line Dance at 4 pm; Tues. Bridge and Cribbage at 1 pm.; Wed. Floor Curling at 1 pm.; Fri. Floor Curling at 1 pm. FMI call 604-796-3422.Council of Senior Citizens Organizations (COSCO) is an advocacy group devoted to improving “The Quality of Life” for all seniors. FMI call Ernie Bayer @ 604-576-9734 or email [email protected]

Agassiz Harrison Senior Peer Support - Knit & Natter Group: We meet every Thursday at Dogwood Manor on Morrow Rd., Agassiz. Everyone welcome. Call Eunice 604-796-9841.

Tuesday is Toonie Day Bowling - Agassiz and Harrison seniors are encouraged to come out and join 5 pin bowling every second and last Tuesday of each month starting at 3:15pm at Chillibowl Lanes, Chilliwack. Car pool available. Call Kay FMI at 604-316-3318.The Better at Home program is looking for Friendly visitor volunteers - If you have the skills, energy & time we would love to hear from you, as you can make a positive di� erence for seniors & your community. Call Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, Fiona Delcourt, Program Coordinator (604) 796-2585

Agassiz Kids At The Cross - Thursdays at the Ag Recreation Centre in Agassiz. FMI call Ettie 604-819-6822.Better Beginnings - Pre/post natal education, nutrition & support. Lunch is provided. Tues. 10 am to 1 pm. 7272 Morrow Rd. FMI call 604-796-0313.Strong Start - Mon. - Fri. 12:30 - 3:30 pm at Kent Elementary School. Free drop-in for kids 0 - 5. FMI call Kent Elementary at 604-796-2161.Storytime at Agassiz Library - Every Friday at 10:15 am. Stories, songs and fun for little ones and their grownups. Free, drop in, FMI call 604-796-9510. Agassiz Harrison Family Parenting PlaceMeet friends, old and new! Parents/caregivers with their children 0 - 6 are welcome. Mon., Wed. and Thurs. 9:30am

- 1pm and Saturdays from 9am - noon. 7272 Morrow Rd. FMI call 604-796-0313.Co� ee Break/Story Hour - A weekly Bible Study for ladies & children 0-5. Weds. 9:30 am Agassiz Christian Reformed Church on Morrow Road. FMI call or text Karen 604-997-4484

1789 The Royal Westminster Regiment Cadet Corps - Westie Army Cadets Training at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No 228 - 344 Fort Street Hope Wed. 6:30 PM - 9 pm. Free for ages 12 - 19. FMI contact Captain M.E. Sam Ronholm, CD at [email protected] or call 604-799-8897.Lego© Club - Wed., 2:30 – 4 pm at the Agassiz Library. A ton of Lego©, your friends, some ideas and an after school snack. Great way to spend a winter afternoon. School age kids, younger children welcome with their grownup.

Agassiz Christian Reformed Church 7452 Morrow Rd. Sun. at 10 am. Cal 604-997-4484

Agassiz United Church 6860 Lougheed Hwy. 604-796-2680 Agassiz United Church Sunday Service & Sunday School at 10:30 am.

All Saints Anglican Church 6904 #9 High-way, Agassiz. Holy Eucharist at 10 am Sun.

St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 7237 Morrow Road. Sunday 9 am & 11 am, Tues. to Sat. 9am. Everyone Welcome. Contact

Rev. Steny Mascarenhas, OCD 604-796-9181.

Central Community Church Meets at the Ag Hall at 6800 Pioneer Ave. Sunday 10:30 am Kids Ministry as well. For more info visit www.central365.orgThe Harrison Gospel Chapel Sunday Worship Service begins at 10:30 am. 514 Lillooet Ave, HHS. Call 604-796-9500 Everyone welcome. e-mail: [email protected] • harrisongospelchapel.com

Groups & Activities for Kids

For Seniors

Join Us in WorshipJoin Us in Worship

Groups & Activities for Kids

Community EventsCommunity Events

Community CornerReady, Set, Learn - February 28 from 1 - 2:30 pm at Kent Elementary School. For parents 7 pre K kids. Meet the Kinder-garten teachers and enjoy information booths, play/learning stations, snacks & take home bags.

Embracing Adoption - Sat., Feb. 20 from 9-11am at Central Community Church, 46100 Chilliwack Central Rd. If you have adopted children, are considering adop-tion, are a foster parent or considering

fostering, we invite you to this event. Register online at central365.org

Overcoming Fatigue - Free Seminar Feb 24 from 6pm - 8pm at the District of Kent Community Recreation and Cultural Cen-ter, 6660 Pioneer Ave. Being tired, low in energy or fatigued is a common problem. Identify factors that contribute to your fatigue and explain techniques and strate-gies that will help you to reduce it. Space is limited. Call 604-796-8891 to register.

NEW Youth CentreOpen House Feb. 24 12pm - 6pm

Meet our staff & learn about upcoming programming.7086 Cheam Ave., Agassiz

NEW Youth

14 Agassiz Harrison Observer, Thursday, February 18, 2016

BARTELSiegfried

(1915-2016)On Thursday, February 11, Siegfried Bartel went home peacefully to be with his Lord. Siegfried lived a richly blessed life, beginning in West Prus-sia. Born into a large family as the sixth of 12 siblings, he met his be-loved Erna (Siebert), whom he mar-ried in 1939. After serving as Cap-tain in the German army, the couple emigrated to Canada in 1951 with 4 sons, settling on a dairy farm in Agassiz the following year, where two more sons were born. Siegfried spent many years in public life, in-cluding on the Agassiz-Harrison School Board (14 years, 9 as Chair),

on the provincial Parole Board, and many years on all levels of Mennonite Central Committee. He was a tireless advocate for the needy and disadvantaged, whether the refugee, the homeless, or the oppressed, a care for his fellow human being which grew direct-ly out of his Mennonite faith and convictions. Predeceased by his wife Erna and their fi rst son, Siegfried, he leaves behind sons Gerd (Regina), Reinhard (Helen), Christoph (Lil-lian), Alexander (Martha), Dietrich (Jocelyn), Martin (Wanda), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Memorial service: Wednesday, February 17, 2 pm, Eden Mennonite Church, Chilliwack, BC. In lieu of fl owers, donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, 33933 Gladys Ave #201, Ab-botsford, BC V2S 2E8. http://mcccanada.ca/

MaurerAlfred Robert

October 12, 1922 – February 11, 2016

Alfred (Fred) was born to Henry and Albine Maurer in Alexandria, Egypt. His parents were Swiss and his father had set up a dentistry practice in Alexandria. His early years were spent in Egypt and around the Greek Islands. He graduated from UBC with a degree in plant science and went on to a Masters in plant science at McGill University. He met his wife Beth while at UBC. Fred accepted an appointment in Plant Science with the UK Colonial Service and they traveled to

Nigeria where they resided for twelve years. When they left he was not only head of the station but of all agricultural research in northern Nigeria. In 1962 the family came to Agassiz where they soon became active in the community. Fred worked for Canada Agriculture at the Agassiz Research Station in horticultural science. He tested/developed varieties and production methods and he supported the vegetable growers in the Fraser Valley. Yukon Gold potatoes were one of his varieties. In those days scientifi c research had a direct impact on industry and scientists were encouraged to speak with the public. Fred was one of the founders of the Agassiz Arts Council. In his early years in Agassiz, he was part of the Agassiz Players writing and performing plays for the community such as Four Brands of Corn. Fred and Beth built a wonderful home on Hopyard Mountain with views across the Fraser, down and across the valley. Together they landscaped and created an incredible garden with rock walls and terraces. Fred set up a pottery studio and spent many years creating with clay. Then his sons built him a woodwork shop where he spent many of his retirement days reframing Beth’s pictures and building little projects out of hardwood from the property. Well into his early 90’s, Fred would be up the mountain chopping and splitting wood to heat the house. Fred is survived by his sister Verene, his sons Fred (Yovita) and Keith (Kim), six grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Robert, his wife Beth and his mother, father and brother. A service in celebration of Fred and Beth’s lives will be held in their garden in May. Date TBA.

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

7 OBITUARIES

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

21 COMING EVENTS

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115 EDUCATION

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115 EDUCATION

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130 HELP WANTED

Camperland RV Resort has the following positions:

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Store Clerk Involves shift work, must be fl exible, have own vehicle and exp with inventory & or-dering,cash/credit machines.

Please email resumes & cover letter to:[email protected]

To advertise in print:Call: 604-796-4300 Email: [email protected]

Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

Browse more at:

A division of

blackpressused.caL O C A Lprint online

used.ca cannot be respon-sible for errors after the fi rst day of publication of any advertise-ment. Notice of errors on the fi rst day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classifi ed Department to be cor-rected for the following edition.

used.ca reserved the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

Copyright and/or properties sub-sist in all advertisement and in all other material appearing in this edition of used.ca. Permis-sion to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

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FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS ......... 1-8COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS .. 9-57TRAVEL .................................61-76CHILDREN ............................. 80-98EMPLOYMENT .................... 102-198BUSINESS SERVICES ............ 203-387PETS & LIVESTOCK ............... 453-483MERCHANDISE FOR SALE .... 503-587REAL ESTATE ..................... 603-696RENTALS .......................... 703-757AUTOMOTIVE .................... 804-862MARINE ........................... 903-920

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7 OBITUARIES

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Classifiedsreach people

blackpress.ca bclocalnews.com

The Chilliwack Progress, a twice-weekly award winning newspaper, has an immediate opening for a full-time Advertising Consultant.

This is a career opportunity for a motivated self-starter that can thrive in a competitive sales environment. Candidates will be required to meet sales targets while deepening relationships with existing clients through superior customer service and strong sales skills. They will be expected to develop new business, employing extensive prospecting and cold-calling techniques.

The ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while adhering to regular deadlines will be important for success.

Candidates considered for the position will be results oriented, strong communicators and be willing to learn and adapt in an ever-changing business environment. Previous sales experience is preferred. A car and valid drivers license are required.

We offer a great working environment with a competitive base salary, commission plan and strong benefi t package.

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Thank you to all who apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Advertising Consultant

02/1

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P19

130 HELP WANTED

Thursday, February 18, 2016, Agassiz Harrison Observer 15

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PERSONAL SERVICES

182 FINANCIAL SERVICES

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

LARGE FUNDBorrowers Wanted

Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime1-800-639-2274 or

604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

PERSONAL SERVICES

182 FINANCIAL SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

283 GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

GUTTER & ROOF Cleaning/Power Washing since 1982. WCB/Liability insurance. Simon, 604-230-0627


287 HOME IMPROVEMENTS

VECTOR RENO’S Interior & Exterior. Additions,

Repairs & Strata Improvements. Also fences, decks, sheds, garages

& wood planters. 604-690-3327

300 LANDSCAPING

.Dan Knoke Trucking 1-888-794-3388

320 MOVING & STORAGE

1 As in movers we trust. Same day moves & deliveries. Reliable Hon-est Movers. Starting $45hr + gas. (604)997-0332 / (604)491-8607.

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

www.paintspecial.com 778-322-2378 Lower Mainland

604-996-8128 Fraser ValleyRunning this ad for over 12yrs

PAINT SPECIAL3 rooms for $299

2 coats any colour(Ceiling & Trim extra) Price inclsCloverdale High Performance paint.NO PAYMENT until Job is

completed. Ask us about ourLaminate Flooring.

338 PLUMBING

Full Service Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area.1-800-573-2928


356 RUBBISH REMOVAL

JUNK REMOVAL By RECYCLE-IT!604.587.5865www.recycleitcanada.ca

362 SECURITY/ALARM SYSTEMS

We Service all Makes!• ADT’s, DSC’s, Brinks

& All Others• Medical & Fire

Free* Alarm Systems604-792-8055 / 854-8055

378 VACUUMS

From $499 (Made in BC)Repairs & Service

We extend warranties to all makes. Vacuum’s need a service every 5 years just

like an oil change!604-792-8055 / 854-8055

DO YOU OFFER HOME SERVICES?Home Improvements, Landscaping,

Rubbish Removal, etc...Call today to place your ad

604-796-4300

PETS

477 PETSCATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866

NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604-856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

560 MISC. FOR SALE

POLE BARNS, Shops, steel build-ings metal clad or fabric clad.Complete supply and installation.Call John at 403-998-7907; [email protected]

REFORESTATION NURSERY SEEDLINGS of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or land-scaping. Spruce & Pine from $0.99/tree. Free Shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

563 MISC. WANTED

Have Unwanted Firearms?Have unwanted or inherited fi rearms in your possession?Don’t know how to dispose of them safely and legally?Contact Wanstalls and we will come and pick them up and pay you fair value for them.Wanstalls has been proudly serving the Lower Mainland fi rearms community since 1973.We are a government licensed fi rearms business with fully certifi ed verifi ers, armorers and appraisers.

Call today to set up anappointment 604-467-9232 Wanstalls Tactical & Sporting Arms

WANTED; GORMAN RUPP FIRE PUMPS. Please call or text Al at (604)991-0461.

REAL ESTATE

633 MOBILE HOMES & PARKS

New SRI Manufactured homesSingles $74,900. Doubles $94,900.

PARK SPACES AVAILABLEREPOSSESSIONS 1974-2010

www.glenbrookhomes.netChuck 604-830-1960

Trades. Financing. Permits.

RENTALS

706 APARTMENT/CONDO

HARRISON - Studio Apartment, Nice quiet & safe building, suitable for single person. Newly renovated, $600 & $650/month incl. utilities. 604-819-6422 or 604-819-6122

TRANSPORTATION

845 SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

pick a part

TRANSPORTATION

851 TRUCKS & VANS

KEY TRACK AUTO SALES

Abbotsford30255 Cedar Lane

DL# 31038 604-855-0666

1995 TOYOTA COROLLA 4dr auto sedan, a/c. Only this week. STK#772. $1,595.2002 TOYOTA COROLLA 4dr, auto, loaded, STK#749. $2,900.2004 FORD EXPLORER 4dr 4X4, auto, 7psg, full load. Only this week. STK#470. $4,900.2004 ACURA EL 1.7 4dr sedan leather, sunroof, loaded STK#724. $5,900.2007 TOYOTA YARIS, 4 dr, auto, sedan, STK#734 $5,900.2005 HONDA CIVIC, 4 dr, au-to, loaded. STK#672. $6,900.2009 FORD FOCUS 4dr,sedan loaded, auto STK#687 $6,900.2006 HONDA CRV AWD auto, leather seats, fully loaded. STK#757 $6,900.2004 HONDA CRV. 4dr, fully loaded auto. STK#747 $6,900.2008 DODGE Cavalier STX 4dr, loaded, auto, low ks. Only this week . STK#774. $7,500.2008 HONDA CIVIC 4 dr auto, loaded. STK#691. $7,900.2009 NISSAN ALTIMA 4 dr, sedan, auto, loaded, STK#696 $7,900.2011 NISSAN Versa 4dr auto, h/bk, loaded, STK#721 $9,900.2010 FORD FUSION. Full load, auto, 4 dr, sedan. Only this week. STK#776. $9,900.2004 ACURA MDX 4dr auto, 7 psgr, loaded, DVD, Navigation STK#254 $10,900.2013 HYUNDAI ACCENT. 4dr auto loaded, STK#750. $11,900.2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA4 dr, auto, fully loaded. STK#721 $12,900.2012 NISSAN ALTIMA. 4dr, auto, fully loaded, low kms. STK#746. $13,900. 2012 HONDA CIVIC 4 dr, auto, loaded, STK#695. $14,900.

33166 South Fraser WayDL# 40083 778-908-5888

2003 FORD FOCUS 4 dr, au-to, Aircared, STK#545, $2,900.2004 DODGE CARAVAN 7psgr, loaded STK#525 $2,900. 2002 HONDA ACCORD 2dr, auto, loaded, STK#648 $3,900.2003 HONDA ODYSSEY 7psg full load, runs good, Aircared STK#530 $3,900.2007 CHEV UPLANDER 7 psg fully loaded. STK#473 $4,500. 2004 MAZDA 3 Auto, 4 dr, Only this wk! STK#673 $4,900.2005 FORD EXPLORER Full load, 7psg, 4X4, auto. Only this week. STK#773. $5,900.

Financing Availablewww.keytrackautosales.ca

551 GARAGE SALES

7402

801

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Harrison Hot Springs

Garage Sale511 Lillooet Avenue

located at the Bungalow Motel

Saturday, Feb 20th & Sunday Feb 21th

9 am to 5 pm

...where buyersmeet sellers.

Use our Community Announcement to advertise your…

craft show, school fundraiser or an upcoming event. Include the date, time and address of your event and entice more attendees than ever before.


Box 70, 7170 Cheam Ave, Agassiz | Tel 604.796.2235 | www.district.kent.bc.ca

COMMUNITY NEWS FEBRUARY 2016

CLEANING OF WATER SUPPLY RESERVOIR

The District of Kent’s Utilities Department will be cleaning and performing maintenance work at the Rockwell Bay water reservoir as part of its regular maintenance and water quality assurance program. This is an important part of the program that helps to ensure the high quality standards of our drinking water.As a result of this work, you may notice a slight taste of chlorine. This is a temporary condition that is not a health hazard, and it will dissipate over time.For further information, or to report any issues regarding this, please contact the Utilities Department at 604-796-9145. Rockwell Bay Estate February 23 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ADULTWellnessFREE Wellness WorkshopsCall ahead to reserve your spot.

• Overcoming Fatigue February 24• Healthy Body Healthy Mind March 2 - March 16 Personal Development• Standard First Aid This two day course begins February 27. Preregistration required.

SportsUse your Sport Specific Membership or Pay $3 Drop In 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Pickleball - Monday / Thursday Basketball - Tuesday Badminton - Wednesday Volleyball - Thursday

CHILDREN• Exploring Watercolour February 24

• Afterschool Active Kids Monday and Wednesday 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the CRCC! Regular Drop in Rates Apply • Spring Break Activities Spring Break Sports Sampler 6 – 12 years Spring Break Outdoor Adventure: Natural Wonders 7-13 years

PRESCHOOLWe have a fabulous Open Playtime in the Gym Monday – Friday from 11:00 am – NoonBring your preschooler to explore all the giant toys and activities! Regular Drop in Rates Apply

AT THE COMMUNITY RECREATION & CULTURAL CENTRE

Birthday Parties The CRCC hosts birthday parties on select dates with a number of options to choose from. Package prices begin at $60. A giant inflatable castle has now been added as an option!

The TA DAA LadyDistrict of Kent and the Fraser Valley Regional Library Agassiz Branch invite you to a Spring Break Special Event for all ages. The Ta Daa Lady and her puppets will bring stories, laughter and mischief in a fun and surprise filled spring break show for children and their grown-ups. March 29, 11:00 am

Recreation Programs

Free Family Fun Day, February 8

Take a stand against bullying.Pink Shirt Day is February 24.Help support anti-bullying programs across the Province. For more information about #pinkshirtday or how to get involved, visit www.pinkshirtday.ca

For more information on booking a birthday party or to register for these programs call 604-796-8891 or drop by in person at 6660 Pioneer Ave.

Starting January 2016, the Community Animal Response and Education (CARE) centre will be providing animal control services for the District of Kent. The CARE Centre is operated by the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) who also provides animal control services for the Cities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack and the Village of Harrison Hot Springs.

The CARE Centre temporarily houses lost stray and impounded dogs. Dedicated staff provides quality medical attention, nutrition, socialization, and exercise to the dogs at their pro-adoption facility. The CARE Centre staff will also be providing Animal Control Bylaw Enforcement starting January 1, 2016. This will include all matters such as barking complaints, off-leash issues and aggressive dogs.

FVRD animal control staff will be available six days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Reporting an Animal Control IssueFor the remainder of 2015 please report animal control issues or bylaw complaints to the District of Kent Municipal Hall at (604) 796-2235.

Starting January 1, 2016 please report animal control issues or bylaw complaints to the FVRD CARE Centre at 1-844-495-CARE.

To report a dog attack in progress after regular business hours, please call the local RCMP of� ce.

Renewing your District of Kent Dog LicenceFVRD CARE will be mailing renewal invoices at the end of December 2015. You can pay using the following methods:

• Online using the account code listed on your Renewal Invoice;

• By mail by returning the bottom portion of your Renewal Invoice, along with a cheque payable to the Fraser Valley Regional District at 45950 Cheam Avenue, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1N6;

• By phone by calling 1-800-528-0061; or

• In person at District of Kent Municipal Hall at 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz or FVRD of� ce at 45950 Cheam Avenue, Chilliwack

To avoid a 25% late fee, please pay before February 16, 2016.

If you no longer have a dog, please call 1-844-495 CARE to update your records and ensure you are not sent any future renewal notices.

Purchasing a New Dog LicenceAll dogs six months or older must be licenced and wear the metal licence tag. The tag allows animal control to contact you if your dog strays or is involved in an ac-cident. Also, if a dog wearing a licence tag is picked up by Animal Control of� cers, its � rst ride home is free. The � ne for owning an un-licenced dog is $200.

New licences can be purchased:

• In person at District of Kent Municipal Hall at 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz or FVRD of� ce at 45950 Cheam Avenue, Chilliwack. Please bring proof of spaying or neutering (if applicable);

• By mail by completing a Dog Licence Application form (including the spay/neuter declaration), and sending it, with the appropriate licence fee, to the Fraser Valley Regional District at 45950 Cheam Avenue, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1N6; or

• By phone by calling 1-800-528-0061.

Dog Licence Fee – spayed/neutered dogs - $20.00

Dog Licence Fee – NOT spayed/neutered dogs - $50.00

2016 Animal Control Servicesand Dog Licences

The District of Kent is accepting applications for the above noted positions at the Ferny Coombe Pool. Positions will start on April 18, 2016 and finish on September 4, 2016. Hours are part-time and may include evenings and weekends.

Applicants should possess current National Lifeguard Service, Water Safety Instructor, First Aid, CPR, and Lifesaving Instructor (preferred) certificates.

Pay and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Agreement, CUPE Local 458. A rate of $18.33 plus thirteen percent (13%) in lieu of benefits is offered during the probationary period. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the 2016 rate is $21.57 plus thirteen percent (13%) in lieu of benefits.

For more information on this exciting opportunity, please see the job description at http://www.district.kent.bc.ca/dh-employment.html.

Please submit your resume outlining your qualifications and experience including a photocopy of awards/certifications to the attention of:

Ms. Clair Lee Director of Corporate Services District of Kent P.O. Box 70, 7170 Cheam Avenue Agassiz, B.C., V0M 1A0 Fax: 604-796-8516

Emailed applications will not be accepted

The District would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preferred candidates will be required to complete a criminal records check.

The closing date for these positions is March 4, 2016 at 4 p.m.

Job PostingLifeguard / Instructor 1

(Seasonal)

agassiz observer, february 18, 2016

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