I have a confession: I avoid buying gas in Coquitlam. I’ve lived in the city for over eight years now, and whenever possible I fuel up in Port Moody. I do this because I prefer to pump my own gas. It’s faster, and when I have to get out of my car anyway to type in my PIN as I pay with my debit card, I feel like I might as well just do it all myself. I’ve been driving for nearly 20 years, and I am fully competent in the ways of pumping gas.

Here in Coquitlam, however, it would be illegal for me to dispense gas. That job is reserved for gas station employees. A decades-old bylaw mandates that all gas stations in the city be full-serve, and full-serve only. Lou Sekora actually listed enacting that bylaw as one of his notable achievements during the municipal elections this past November. He argues that his forward-thinking protected jobs in the city. The idea is that if self-serve gas is illegal, gas stations have to employ more people to pump gas.

How well does this bylaw actually work, though? Gas station owners can’t charge a premium for full-serve when self-serve is illegal, if they want to keep their customers. This means they need to absorb the costs of additional employees. They also lose customers like me, who grew up at a time when pumping your own gas was the order of the day, and prefer the speed and efficiency of getting in and out as quickly as possible. I’ve seen a number of gas stations close down for good in Coquitlam since I moved here, and I wonder if the full-serve bylaw is to blame in any way.

In spite of my self-serve ways, I will concede that some situations call for full-serve gas. For example, a group in Vernon is asking their city to enact a bylaw insisting that one-third of all pumps in the city be full-serve, on behalf of people with mobility issues. However, I think that we could easily meet the needs of those who require full-serve gas stations without going so far as to forbid me from pumping my own gas if I prefer it. Surely a compromise position could be reached.

Just about a year ago Coquitlam began a process to make business improvements and remove outdated rules in the city. One example of an improvement they’re making in the short-term is creating a more flexible approach for processing cemetery arrangements after normal working hours. Basically, they’re trying to make it easier to get things done in Coquitlam. One of the longer-term goals contained in the document I saw reads:

Service Station Bylaw: Review zoning regulations to assess implications of providing opportunities for ‘Gas & Food’ / self-serve gas outlets

This suggests that the city itself is also asking if the full-serve gas bylaw is outdated. I think it is. I wonder if you agree.

Do you think that all gas stations in Coquitlam should be full-serve only? Why or why not? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments.

It’s by-election time! We think! Soon! Who knows. Anyhoo, Ex-Mayor Joe Trasolini is making the Murray-Clarke connector a cornerstone of his campaign. This week Trasolini is demanding that the provincial government get the thing built. Not a bad issue to fire at the Liberals in this by-election. We all know how much fun it is to crawl home along St. Johns or Clarke Street in the afternoon. Many voters in the by-election have a lot of time to think about what a connector would mean as they sit in their cars. Good move by Joe, and while by-elections bring out a lot of bluster on every side, you never know, we might get a bridge out of it.

Pacific Coast Terminals has signed a new 30 year lease on their 108 acre site on the Port Moody waterfront with Port Metro Vancouver. Did you know that PCT is actually the world’s largest export sulphur marine terminal? With Port Moody Councillor Diana Dilworth taking over as their Director of Community Relations, look for more opportunities for the public to learn more about what’s going on with those neon yellow mountains at the end of the Inlet.

Hope for Freedom and the Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group are holding an Open House tonight from 6:30-8:30pm at Grace Church, 2606 Kingsway in Port Coquitlam. This is a chance for neighbours and community members to learn more about the shelter proposal and provide their comments.

This week our blogging councillors in Coquitlam are back. Selina Robinson is talking about hunting in Coquitlam, apparently there’s more hunting that goes on here than one would think. Terry O’Neill sat in on a Coquitlam bylaw adjudication hearing, which is way less boring than you would think. Read on to find out more.

Chomp Vegan Eatery recently celebrated their grand opening in Suter Brook. Chomp does vegan and gluten-free. As a recent gluten-free convert, I’m going to have to try it out. I was there for the opening briefly, but didn’t get a chance to eat. The Georgia Straight did however, and they have this story.

Finally, speaking of restaurant reviews, I found the two youngest restaurant reviewers in the Tri-Cities. They are the Abertoria girls, Aberdeen and Victoria. This week they do a video review of the Cactus Club in Coquitlam. They can’t try the booze yet, but they really know their stuff. Looking forward to more food journalism on their blog at abertoria.wordpress.com.

Love music? Good! This week is chock-full of concert events, plus a few other non-music events as well. Enjoy!

What: Ladies ‘Yummy Mommy’ Night
When: Wednesday, February 1 from 7:30-10:30pm
Where: Refresh Salon [map]
The skinny: CoquitlamMommy.ca is teaming up with  Refresh Salon, and local
businesses to support Tri-City Womans Transition Shelter community
outreach programs in the Tri-Cities. Together, they are hosting a ‘Ladies Yummy Mommy’ event. The event will feature consultations for hair, wardrobe and makeup, as well as prize giveaways. Our aim is to help women “find their inner ‘yummy mommy.’” The event will also feature appetizers from a local eatery Onyx Steak House, desserts and mocktails and local wines.
More info: 604.306.7052

What: Artists Opening Reception
When: Thursday, February 2 from 7:00-9:00pm
Where: Place des Arts [map]
The skinny:  Fine art, inspiration and a glass of wine – the perfect way to spend an evening. Join us at the opening reception for Maryam Mohseni’s untitled mix-media exhibition, Iryna Nikitinska’s There’s Life in the Stone, acrylic paintings, and Robert Baliello’s Motion Un-controlled, DSLR images. Meet the artists and learn about their inspiration and process during artist floor talks.
More info: 604.664.1636

What: Skate, Movie, Pizza
When: Friday, February 3 at 7:00-10:00pm
Where:  Wilson Centre [map]
The skinny:  7-10 year olds are invited to attend this exciting and popular program.
More info: 604.927.7970

What: Pacifika
When: Friday, February 3 at 8:00pm
Where: Inlet Theatre [map]
The skinny:  We are happy to announce a concert in our own backyard! Join us at Port Moody’s beautiful Inlet Theater for an intimate evening featuring songs from our previous albums as well as some new songs from our next release.Tickets are available at Port Moody Art Center’s Box Office.
More info: 604.931.2008

What: Dwight Yoakam
When: Friday, February 3 at 8:00pm
Where:  Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny:  Much had been made that Kentucky-born, Ohio-raised Dwight Yoakam was too country for Nashville when he first sought out his musical fortune in the mid-80’s but the truth is his music has always been too unique, too ruggedly individualistic to fit neatly into any one box. Dwight Yoakam will be performing for one night only at Boulevard Casino’s Red Robinson Show Theatre on February 3, 2012.
More info: 855.985.5000

What: Youth Band Showcase
When: Saturday, February 4 at 7:00-10:00pm
Where:  Kyle Center [map]
The skinny: For youth ages 13-18 years. LIVE from Kyle Centre! Come by and check out local bands, showcasing local talent.
More info: 604.469.4500

What: Styx
When: Saturday, February 4 at 8:00pm
Where:  Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: Spawned from a suburban Chicago basement in the early 70’s, Styx would eventually transform into the virtual arena rock prototype by the late 70’s and into the 80’s due to a fondness for big rockers and soaring power ballads.
More info: 855.985.5000

What: Trasolini Field Dedication
When: Tuesday, February 7 at 4:30pm
Where:  Town Centre Field [map]
The skinny: Please join Council and Joe Trasolini at a dedication ceremony for renaming Town Centre Field to Trasolini Field. All coaches and players are welcome to attend. Please confirm your attendance by Friday, February 3rd to dsimmons@portmoody.ca
More info: 604.469.4501

What: Chinese New Year Concert
When: Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00-8:00pm
Where:  Coquitlam Library – Poirier [map]
The skinny: The library is celebrating Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, with a concert. Members from the Arts Musical Studio will perform traditional Chinese music to welcome the arrival of spring and the new year. Come and enjoy the festive music!
More info: 604.937.3221

Have a great week!

Every year, many groups hold fundraisers here in the Tri-Cities. Most of them are great, but there’s something about the event that PoCo Heritage puts on – together with renowned wine expert John Gerum and the folks at Earls Kitchen and Bar – that is extra special. A Taste of PoCo Spirit gives attendees the chance to sample wines from around the world, and pick up tips on tasting them and pairing them with food. Plus, there are delicious appetizers and the sense of satisfaction you get from helping a local non-profit group.

Sound good? We’ve got the details on the 2012 event.

A Taste of PoCo Spirit 2012

When: Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 7:00-9:00pm
Where: The Gathering Place at Leigh Square [map]
Tickets: $40 before January 31st, $45 after (no HST), buy them online or in person at the Outlet at Leigh Square

The event coincides with Heritage Week here in BC, and the theme this year is “Energy in BC”. Taking off on that theme, organizers are featuring wines made using sustainable practices. Not only do they taste great, you can feel good drinking them. A full wine list is available online, if you want to peruse it beforehand. The selection is varied, both in terms of the wines themselves and their places of origin. It definitely promises to offer someone to wine lovers of all stripes.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, PoCo Heritage is currently preparing to establish a new Heritage Centre in Leigh Square. They will have a display on hand that will share some of the early concepts for this facility. By attending this event you are helping them get one step closer to this goal. If you think about it that way, it would be a terrible shame for you not to attend. So go forth, taste wines, and help make a new Heritage Centre in Port Coquitlam a reality.

Place des Arts in Coquitlam says, “We inspire the artist in everyone.” Over the next month, they have lots of stuff going on to do just that. If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on inside their building on Brunette, this is the perfect time to find out. Here are some of the things you may want to check out.

Spring Break Camp

Spring Break isn’t until March, but Place des Arts’ popular day camps open for registration on January 30, 2012, and they fill up fast. It’s not hard to see why. The week-long, full-day camps for children in kindergarten to grade 5 allow students to participate in six classes in art, drama, music and movement each day. Small class sizes ensure plenty of individual attention, and after care is available for a small fee. My own daughter still performs the musical theatre number she learned over Spring Break last year. Students in grades six to eight can participate in half-day workshops designed specifically for older youth, which provide a more intensive experience. Or, delve into Shakespeare in the two-week Shakespeare 101 workshop.

Art Exhibition Opening Reception

Place des Arts offers art, music and dance classes to students of all ages. But this unique facility isn’t just an art school, it also contains some beautiful gallery space. When a new exhibition opens, there’s an opening night. Experience fine art, inspiration and a glass of wine. What could be better? Drop by Place des Arts on February 2, 2012 at 7:00pm and attend the reception for for Maryam Mohseni’s untitled mix-media exhibition, Iryna Nikitinska’s There’s Life in the Stone, acrylic paintings, and Robert Baliello’s Motion Un-controlled, DSLR images. Meet the artists and learn about their inspiration and process during artist floor talks.

Salon Speaker Series

The Salon Speaker Series is new to Place des Arts. These innovative events are bringing compelling, internationally-renowned BC artists to Coquitlam. Attendees have a chance to meat and engage with the artists, who will speak / perform for 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of questions and answers. The next event happens on February 9, 2012 at 7:00pm, and features composer Bramwell Tovey. Maestro Tovey is the music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and an internationally recognized composer. In February 2011, Calgary Opera premiered his opera The Inventor. Seated at the piano, with the assistance of a singer, Bramwell Tovey will give the audience an intimate view into the writing and production of a full-scale opera.

Day of the Arts

The public schools in the Tri-Cities are having a Pro-D Day on February 17, 2012, so Place des Arts is holding a Day of the Arts for students in kindergarten to grade five. Children get to explore their creativity through a variety of activities in the visual, literary and performing arts. The day consists of six blocks of activities programmed around an “outer space” theme. Families can pick the block of classes that best suits the interests and age of their child.

Faculty Concert Series

Place des Arts’ music teachers present four diverse faculty concerts throughout the year, covering a broad range of musical genres. These Faculty Concerts give Tri-Cities music lovers the chance to hear exceptional musicians playing in an intimate setting. These concerts are also a great opportunity for students to learn from watching and listening to their teachers play. On February 25, 2012 catch A Celebration of Czech Music III, featuring Roger Mangas along with musical guest Monica Pfau. The pair will play works for violin and piano from Czech composers, including well-known masters and newly-discovered gems.

For more information on any of these events, visit Place des Arts online at www.placedesarts.ca, give them a call at 604.664.1636 or drop by the building at 1120 Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam [map].

The first two contracting firms have been signed up and work is ready to begin on the Evergreen Line. The announcement was made yesterday morning at the Port Moody West Coast Express station. Pedre Contractors Ltd. and Hans Demolition and Excavators will be installing new underground power lines and tearing down vacant buildings. It’s not hyperbole to say this is one of the most significant development projects in the history of the Tri-Cities, and it’s going to be fun to see how all this plays out.

Speaking of events that seem to be taking forever to happen, there is more movement on the Port Moody provincial by-election front. The BC Liberals will announce their candidate at their nomination meeting on February 17th. Up to now, Dennis Marsden is the only declared candidate to go against Joe Trasolini of the NDP and Christine Clarke of the BC Conservatives. Watch for more appearances by the party leaders as we eventually get around to having a vote.

Seems like the City of Coquitlam had a very good year. A rise in property development and found cash here and there has the city’s bank account in good shape. With more building permits to be issued in the run up to the Evergreen Line, hopefully that can continue. No word in the article on whether or not Lou Sekora found something in there to complain about.

With all that sweet cash, they’ll be spending some of that money on my favourite civic institution, the library. The new Town Centre library branch will be ready three months later than planned, but they’re hoping to begin construction in mid-February. The delay is a result of adding a mezzanine floor to the project, which adds up to a library three times bigger than the current one across the street.

Continuing the good news from the City of Coquitlam, Counsellor Terry O’Neill is blogging this week about the City’s land holdings.

This week’s restaurant review comes courtesy acfong: hello.goodbye.go.eat with their review of Matoi Sushi in Coquitlam.

And finally, Park Lane made a pretty cool video of their Heritage Woods development in Port Moody. Some pretty neat aerial footage from the land of tall trees and granite countertops.

Events in the Tri-Cities are finally starting to ramp up now that the holidays are firmly behind us. Tons of kid’s events and of course the usual art and performance events make this week one to go out and enjoy.

What: Opening Reception
When: Thursday, January 26 at 6:30pm
Where:  Leigh Square Community Arts Village [map]
The skinny:  Leigh Square Community Arts Village presents an exhibition of new artworks by members of the Art Focus Group that interprets the theme of community spirit to celebrate “Spirit Week”. Art Focus is a group of Tri-City area artists working in a variety of media whose goals are to share ideas, to exhibit in shows, to support and learn from each other, and from other artists in the community.
More info: 604.927.8400

What:  Heritage Evening
When: Thursday, January 26 at 7:00pm
Where: The Outlet [map]
The skinny: Join us on Thursday evening, Jan 26, at 7 PM for a presentation titled “Alaska Highway – Shortcut to Tokyo”. This talk by Heritage member, webmaster and photographer Steve Smith will focus on the history of the Alaska Highway and why it was such an important project, not just to Alaska but to BC and the Canadian North as well.
More info: 604.927.7611

What:  Cloth Diaper 101 Workshop
When: Thursday, January 26 from 7:30-9:00pm
Where: Optimum Family Chiropractic [map]
The skinny:  New & Green has taken the most commonly asked questions about cloth diapering and developed a workshop that is perfect for parents who want to cloth diaper and want to learn how to make it work!
More info: 877.538.4654

What: Pro D Day Camps
When: Friday, January 27 at 9:00am-4:00pm
Where: Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]
The skinny:  Nothing but fun with Port Coquitlam Parks and Recreation Department!  Children will participate in a variety of activities throughout the day.  Swimming may be included depending on the number of children attending so please send a swim suit and towel!
More info: 604.927.PLAY

What:  Jelly Bean Dance
When: Friday, January 27 at 6:15-9:15pm
Where: Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex [map]
The skinny:  Come enjoy a night of fun-filled activities – door prizes, carnival games, professional DJ and supervision for children in Grade 4, 5 or 6!  Tickets are available at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre or the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex  the Sunday prior to the dance!
More info: 604.927.7946

What: Crossroads Coffeehouse
When: Friday, January 27 at 7:00pm
Where:  The Gathering Place [map]
The skinny: Led by Sue Malcolm, Highrise Lonesome takes the traditional sound of mountain music uptown! With a passion for bluegrass, soaring vocal harmonies and some of the hottest pickin’ in these parts, this group of seasoned musicians has developed an unmistakable sound that audiences love. Visit them at www.highriselonesome.com
More info: info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca

What:  The Rankin Family
When: Friday, January 27 at 8:00pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny:  The music of the Rankin Family crosses over many musical styles and they have earned them a fast growing following as well as industry accolades that included six Juno Awards and fifteen East Coast Music Award.
More info: 855.985.5000

What: Laila Biali
When: Friday, January 27 at 8:00pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny:  Jazz pianist/vocalist Laila Biali has come a long way in a short time, from growing up in North Vancouver to living in New York City. She burst onto the music scene while in her early twenties with a singular sound evolving from a broad blend of influences, from Keith Jarrett to Chopin, Joni Mitchell and Björk.
More info: 604.927.6555

What:  Tiny Tots: Mother Goose Goes to the Symphony
When: Saturday, January 28 at 10:00am & 11:30am
Where: Terry Fox Theatre [map]
The skinny:  Hickory dickory dock! Sing your favourite rhymes with Mother Goose and musical friends!
More info: 604.876.3434

What:  The Ultimate Comedy Show
When: Saturday, January 28 at 8:00pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny:  Join the hilarious Roman Danylo as he hosts the ultimate comedy show―one epic night of sketch, stand-up and improv featuring some of the best comedians in the world! It’s more than a show, it’s a euphoric interactive entertainment experience. Once you’ve watched this show you’ll never need to watch comedy again!
More info: 604.927.6555

What: The Director Prepares
When: Sunday, January 29 at 10:00am-3:30pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny: This intensive Director’s workshop will span two weekends and focus on the the Director’s preparation of Canadian Playwright: George F Walker’s Play “Problem Child”. Working along with a cast of actors all the participants will examine how the Director mines the script for creative clues and production information, and how s/he works with actors creatively to achieve the most imaginative and theatrical production possible.
More info: 604.927.6555

What: Dianna David: Take a Closer Look
When: Sunday, January 29 at 2:00pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny:  Dianna David is a former mechanical engineer turn professional entertainer. What started out as mimicking Michael Jackson at the age of 6 turned into a full-time passion. Dianna wanted to explore her natural talents in movement by fusing it with her love to be silly and play, hence entering the world of clowning.
More info: 604.927.6555

What:  Family Fun Night
When: Tuesday, January 31 from 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Port Moody Library [map]
The skinny:  Help your child get ready for kindergarten! This program focuses on important school readiness skills like socialization, letter knowledge, and motor skills. Join us for stories, crafts and take home activities. Ages 3-6 with parent/caregiver.
More info: 604.469.4577

What:  Don Quixote
When: Tuesday, January 31-February 4 at 8:00pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny:  This immortal quest has captivated readers for over four centuries. Don Quixote’s tale of courage and madness is re-imagined with masks, magic, and mayhem. Physical comedy at its finest; brought to you in collaboration with Axis Theatre Company, creators of the smash hit The Number 14.
More info: 604.927.6555

Have a great week!

On February 26, 2012, Coquitlam City Hall will be transformed for the Tri-Cities Oscar Night, the best Oscar party in Metro Vancouver. The Three Divas are back with another fabulous bling, bling gala. City Hall will be all glammed up for an extraordinary evening of star-gazing for the 2012 Academy Awards.

Join the Divas and walk the red carpets, nibble tasty canapés, sip champagne and strike your fiercest pose as you head to the best seat in the house to watch the Oscars with your family, friends and neighbours. Win fabulous prizes by choosing winners in each award category and fight off the paparazzi to have your photo taken on the red carpet. The red carpet starts at 4:00pm, the event kicks into high gear at 4:30 and the awards start at 5:00. The evening will end whenever the speeches do, but only after you’re well and truly partied out.

The Three Divas are Polly Krier, Diana Dilworth and Selina Robinson. And while this is a totally fabulous event, there’s a whole lot more to it. The Divas are raising money for local charities. This year they’re supporting The New View Society, The Kid Sport Fund and the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation. Tickets are a steal $65. Get yours starting on February 1 at Coquitlam Centre Guest Services on the Lower Level. Don’t delay, because they’re sure to go fast!

If you want to get involved (and really, who wouldn’t?) the Divas suggest liking the Tri-Cities Oscar Night Facebook Page, contacting them at TheThreeDivas@shaw.ca to discuss sponsorship opportunities or offer your prize donations, and joining them at the gala. I’m going to start shopping for my outfit tomorrow. I have to look my best on the red carpet, don’t you know.

See you at the party!

It may be hard to imagine it right now, with the winter weather that hit us this week, but warmer days will come again. And when they do, you may actually want to get outside and enjoy them. To help you get a head start on a little bit of warm weather fun, Coquitlam Sunrise Rotary is asking you to sign up for Rotary’s Amazing Race.

The race challenges you to put your mind, body and team spirit to the test in a race around Coquitlam. Your team of four participants will complete many tasks in your race to the finish line. Some are physically challenging, and others are just plain fun. All of them are for a good cause, as funds raised will help to benefit literacy. There is no million-dollar prize for coming in first, but you’ll have the satisfaction of being champions, and knowing you benefited a great cause. Plus, participating can help create a higher level of teamwork in your workplace, sports team, family, or with your friends.

The race starts at 10:00am on Saturday, June 16, 2012. The start and finish lines are both at Place Maillardville. Past races featured challenges such as building a bear for charity at Build-A-Bear, racing canoes at Lafarge Lake, finding items at IKEA, playing beach volleyball and running the Coquitlam Crunch. I don’t know about you, but I’d rock the IKEA challenge.

After the race, participants will join all their fellow competitors at the wrap-up party and dinner. T-shirts and bandanas will be given to each participant, which you can wear with pride. There will also be draw prizes. Lunch will be provided during the race and dinner will be provided at the wrap-up party.

The race is limited to 40 teams, and pre-registration is required. Visit the website to download the registration form, and find out more.

Well, winter arrived this week, and some of our local photographers headed out to get some great shots. You can find them at the websites of Gillian McMillan and Rae Clevett.

The City of Port Moody held their annual Civic Appreciation Dinner this past Saturday. They celebrated four people who have made outstanding contributions to the community over the years. This year’s recipients and their bios from the City release…

Helen Daniels – Arts Award
Presented by the Arts and Culture Committee

Helen is a tireless advocate of the arts. Through ArtsConnect, she puts on signature events, maintains a diverse online resource and creates a welcoming space for artists.

Signature ArtsConnect events like the ArtsConnect ArtWalk, ArtistCircle, Golden Brush and Quick Flick Challenge all benefit from her vision and expertise.

Helen creates a strong creative community that crosses municipal borders by forging strong partnerships and encouraging collaboration.

Bill Nicol – Environmental Award
Presented by the Environmental Protection Committee

Bill is a long-standing volunteer with the Port Moody Ecological Society. He’s collected over 60,000 aluminum cans through litter pickup in local parks and donations from other people.

In total, Bill has raised over $3,000, which he used to create the Bill Nicol Bursary. In 2011, the bursary awarded two $1,500 scholarships to hatchery volunteers who are studying earth and ocean sciences at UBC and the fish and wildlife program at BCIT.

Port Moody Heritage Society & Mary Anne Cooper – Heritage Award
Presented by the Heritage Commission

Starting in 2011, the Port Moody Heritage Society now organizes Ioco Ghost Town Days, a free community event that promotes Port Moody’s heritage. It also celebrates the establishment of a Heritage Conservation Area within the former Ioco Townsite.

Local resident and Freedom of the City recipient Mary Anne Cooper championed the Ioco Heritage Conservation Area designation. She’s also the key founder of Ioco Ghost Town Days, and until last year was the organizing force behind the event.

October 2011 marked the 10th anniversary of Ioco Ghost Town Days. With a record-breaking single day attendance of over 2,000 people, the Heritage Society is committed to carrying on this valued event.

Bob Favelle – Sports Achievement Award
Presented by the Parks and Recreation Commission

Bob has been involved with Port Moody Soccer for over 16 years as a coach, mentor and advocate. His long term vision for the club and the sport make him a well-respected member of the soccer community.

Youth who graduate to an adult level of play have already benefitted from Bob’s vision. He’s created a relatively new adult soccer program that has already grown to over 10 teams of male and female players.

In 2006, he organized the Hollywood United Soccer Club vs. Vancouver Whitecaps Alumni fundraising celebrity soccer match. Proceeds from this event were used to purchase the bleachers that overlook Trasolini Field behind the Recreation Complex.

Congratulations to all the award recipients, and thank you for continuing to make the Tri-Cities a better place to live.

The City of Coquitlam unveiled plans for the new Burke Mountain firehall. The building will cost $9.6 million, construction is set to begin next year with a finished firehall in 2015. It looks like Coquitlam may pull this off without a costly referendum that will be ignored.

The Port Moody Recreation Complex celebrated the lucky millionth customer, and the story of Bruce Landon is fantastic. Congratulations Bruce!

The Port Moody Station Museum is kicking off their brand new programs for kids.

Klahanie Community this week profiles Vicki Weber, and her new website Whole Sugars. If you enjoy baking with fine ingredients, you’ll want to check it out.

Finally the Ministry of Transportation posted their video about the Evergreen Line on Youtube. Really gives a good sense of what the Evergreen Line will look like, and we’ll be riding it before you know it.