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[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:54 | null | null | Sept. 10 event is the last stop on food truck fest’s summer circuit | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391331441.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/64679langley0803-FoodTruckPoutineFile.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Fort Langley gearing up for food truck festival | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Customers lined up to buy poutine at one of many food trucks that set up shop in Douglas Park in early June. On Sept. 10, Fort Langley will host its own food truck festival. The event will take place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. along Mary Avenue and Glover Road.
The smells are sure to make your mouth water.
Two dozen food trucks, gathered in the downtown core of Fort Langley, will be serving corn dogs, perogies and burgers through truck windows next month.
For the second year in a row, the Fraser Valley Food Truck Festival is coming to the Fort Langley Village, giving residents the opportunity to taste the best in modern food truck fare.
Taking place the same day as the Good Times Langley Cruise-in, on Saturday, Sept. 10, the event will feature between 20 and 25 food trucks, an artisan market and live music.
This is the last stop on the food truck circuit, which tours several cities in the Lower Mainland each year, including Langley City, and large crowds are expected.
The inaugural Fort Langley event was held on Mary Avenue last year. With a crowd of 10,000 turning up — far more than organizers had anticipated — the food truck festival will now be expanded onto Glover Road as well.
Like the popular Cranberry Festival held each October, the food truck festival is meant to draw people to the Fort Langley commercial core during the fall, following the busy summer tourist season.
Admission is free, and food will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit fraservalleyfoodtruckfestival.com. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391331441.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/3847d822290adf96d01c22d1f540acfc5b637c563da332c310d69176ff11af8c.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:19 | null | null | Vehicle traffic up 5% with no net fare increase and discounts offered for vehicles pulling boats and travel trailers | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F391094851.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/59772BCLN2007ferrySpiritofBC7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | More discounts coming as BC Ferries traffic rises | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | BC Ferries sailings have been busier this year, thanks in part to strong tourist traffic and no net fare increase.
BC Ferries plans to continue its campaign of price promotions this fall and next spring in an effort to maintain increased passenger and vehicle traffic.
First-quarter results for the Crown corporation show passenger traffic up 2.5 per cent and vehicle loads up 5.1 per cent for the three months ended June 30, compared with the same period in 2015.
Buoyed by a strong tourist year for B.C. and no net fare increase, BC Ferries carried 5.3 million passengers and 2.1 million vehicles in April, May and June. The 1.9 per cent average fare hike was erased by a reduced fuel surcharge due to long-term contracts for cheaper diesel fuel.
Helped by reduced operating costs and higher retail sales from terminals and on-board gift shops, net earnings were $27 million for the quarter, up from $18.8 million in the same period last year. Revenues were up 4.9 per cent to $219 million, while costs for the quarter went up 1.5 per cent to $178.6 million.
BC Ferries CEO Mike Corrigan released the first-quarter results at the corporation's annual meeting in Victoria, where he also announced that unspecified pricing promotions will be offered this fall and next spring. This year BC Ferries has been offering discounts on over-length vehicles pulling boats or travel trailers.
Corrigan also announced he will be stepping down as CEO at the end of the fiscal year next March. He was promoted in 2012 to replace former CEO David Hahn, and presided over a controversial service review that saw sailings reduced on money-losing routes.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone praised Corrigan for reducing operating costs and embracing new technology, including three new medium-sized ferries using liquefied natural gas fuel that have been built in Poland.
LNG retrofits are also scheduled for the Spirit of B.C. and the Spirit of Vancouver Island, the workhorses of the main Tswassen-to-Vancouver Island route.
Corrigan's term also saw the first cable ferry in the BC Ferries fleet, the Baynes Sound Connector to Denman Island. Stone said the cable ferry cut fuel costs by half. | http://www.langleytimes.com/business/391094851.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/7b8642a149a155e4edc9ae96db7450b720db64c398c0578b8f3f56376ea76821.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:14 | null | null | University president diagnosed with Parkinson’s leads riders on 35-mile fundraising ride | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391068161.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/49095langley0822Teamtwuatfinishline.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Team TWU tops donations for Parkinson’s research | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | TWU president Bob Kuhn (left) and Joshua Marshall (right) near the finish line of the ride for Parkinson’s research. Team TWU raised a total of $18,599, more than any other team.
Trinity Western University president Bob Kuhn and team TWU raised more than any other group of riders in the 2016 Pacific Northwest Tour de Fox fundraiser for Parkinson’s research, held in Langley on Saturday.
Team TWU raised a total of $18,599, which went towards a total amount of $136,086 for the ride.
The 64-year-old Kuhn, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006 at the age of 53, cycled 35 miles (about 56 km) in the Tour de Fox as the captain of Team TWU.
Before the ride, Kuhn wrote about the challenges people with Parkinson’s disease face.
“Many feel hopeless and incredibly discouraged,” Kuhn said.
“They need to have hope. So it is for those people that I want to do all I can to help find a cure.”
More than 100 people participated in the Tour de Fox, a fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
All funds will support programs to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
In 2014, Kuhn raised $24,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation through the 50 CC motorcycle ride by riding from California to Florida on his motorcycle in less than 50 hours. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/391068161.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/05d13e3ac5af297b74343c3bbdc4571c00db57231ba529f3266513152cbc0c9a.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:31 | null | null | Artists from across the Lower Mainland spent their Sunday in the beautiful Langley countryside at the Art Farm. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F389423001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/73029langleyArtFarm-3-Web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Photos: Art Farm | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Artists from across the Lower Mainland spent their Sunday in the beautiful Langley countryside at the Art Farm.
Hosted by the Fort Gallery at the home of artist Susan Falk, the fundraising event offered several hands-on workshops and demos from experienced artists and teachers, along with life drawing sessions.
All photos by Miranda Gathercole. | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/389423001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/9d09785a0a439bf6a820f24d5adf5315ba75c390e18e29b281d5e939c28c56f2.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:51 | null | null | Trinity Western women's soccer team defeats Western Washington 2-0 in pre-season action in Langley | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391303781.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/52696langleyKat_Chin_banner.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Spartans beat Vikings in cross-border battle | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Trinity Western Spartans Kat Chin scored the game's opening goal in a 2-0 victory over the Western Washington Vikings on Aug. 23 at Chase Office Field on the TWU campus in women's pre-season soccer action.
A goal in each half helped the Trinity Western Spartans to a 2-0 pre-season victory over the visiting Western Washington Vikings.
The Spartans hosted their NCAA opponent on Tuesday (Aug. 23) at Chase Office Field, on the TWU campus.
The Vikings controlled the play early on but a pair of saves from Spartans keeper Christina Oliverio kept the game scoreless. But as the half progressed, TWU gathered momentum and off a corner kick in the 43rd minute, Stephanie Chin found her sister Kat Chin at the top near corner of the box and she volleyed the ball into the net to open the scoring.
Taylor Bubnick doubled the lead in the 77th minute, taking a pass from Nicole Bolder, taking a touch and slotting the ball into the top left corner of the Vikings net.
Oliverio finished with four saves for the clean sheet while Vikings goalkeeper Ashlee Homer made seven saves in the loss.
The Spartans open Canada West conference play on Sept. 2 in Abbotsford against the UFV Cascades.
The team’s home opener is Sept. 16 against the Victoria Vikes. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391303781.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/8856e4f047996b84aa83171a83585c353330bebd02ab6fa21d685864476dbf7d.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:50 | null | null | Designer of Kicking Horse and Jumbo resorts gets approval to proceed with $175 million project east of Prince George | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F390477731.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/66407BCLN2007Oberti-Oberto7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | B.C. approves Valemount glacier resort plan | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The B.C. government has approved a master development plan for a new year-round ski resort in the Cariboo Mountains west of Valemount.
Valemount Glacier Destination Resort is a $175 million project led by Oberto Oberti, who designed the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden and the controversial Jumbo Glacier Resort proposal west of Invermere.
The Valemount plan includes lifts and gondolas that would carry skiers and sight-seers to the summits of Mount Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Mount Arthur Meighen. Its vertical drop of 2,050 metres would be higher than Whistler-Blackcomb and the largest in North America.
"There are very few places in the world, and none in North America, where you go and ride a lift to the very top and the glacier is below you," said Jill Bodkin, a director of the company.
Valemount is a remote community of about 1,000 residents near the Alberta border east of Prince George. The region is west of Jasper National Park, which attracts visitors from around the world.
On the project's website, Oberti says people will travel to Switzerland for this kind of mountain resort experience, so a three-hour drive from Prince George isn't an obstacle to success.
Valemount Mayor Jeanette Townsend called the master plan approval "exciting news." She said the community attracts visitors who stay there to avoid the expensive accommodation in Jasper and the resort will take it to the next level.
Chief Nathan Matthew of the Simpcw First Nation said his community has been involved since the beginning, and he sees the project as an important economic development for the northern part of Simpcw's traditional territory. | http://www.langleytimes.com/business/390477731.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/30d6e8c348007fdd3f2c8cd632e161150f447839734ab4d1189a9559278881d7.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:06 | null | null | Photographers from across the province competed in amateur competition | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391187111.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/2985abbotsfordAmateurphotographjers.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Voting open for People's Choice Amateur Photography Competition | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Cameras were the focus as 70 photographers from across B.C., including Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Kelowna and Nelson, competed in the fourth annual Next Generation BC Amateur Photographer of the Year Contest at the recent Abbotsford International Airshow.
Sponsored by London Drugs and Black Press Media, the contest took place Aug. 12-14, as participants captured their best air, crowd, static, and wildcard shots.
Photographers experienced close-up action at the airshow including Friday's twilight show, and earned the "hot-side" tour at the airshow where they shot exclusive aircraft including the F-35, CF-18, FA-18, Breitling Jet Team, the Snowbirds and more for a chance to win the title of B.C.'s next Amateur Photographer title.
Awarding categories also include The Best in-air photograph ($750 grand prize), The Best ground/static scene photograph ($500 prize),The Best crowd scene photograph ($250 prize ), The Best video submission ($500 prize) all courtesy of London Drugs and honorary acknowledgement for Best Wildcard entry.
For the People's Choice Award Winner, the time has arrived for the public to vote on their favourite photo and be entered for a chance to win BC Lions game tickets.
For voting and contest information, click here. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/391187111.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/61c0786d49240d8ca107e89a88d3f8bcebbbfc6c9342f6682cd3cd584c523bce.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-29T18:52:00 | null | null | Okanagan edges Langley 15-10 in defensive fight for first-place showdown | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391630471.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/38668langley0827CharlesBrownRams.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Sun burn Rams with fourth-quarter touchdown | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Langley Rams' Shaiheem Charles-Brown brings down Okanagan Sun quarterback Foster Martens with a sack during first half BC Junior Football League action at McLeod Athletic Park on Saturday night.
The Okanagan Sun/Langley Rams game lived up to its billing as a clash of a pair of defensive heavyweights.
And when the dust had settled — and after a combined 11 turnovers and neither team able to generate more than 300 yards of offence — it was the first-place Sun improving to 6-0 after a hard-fought 15-10 victory on Saturday night at McLeod Athletic Park in BC Junior Football League action.
The Sun trailed 10-7 after three quarters but after a 20-minute delay following the lights going out at the stadium, Okanagan emerged from the locker room and put together the game’s lone offensive touchdown.
Okanagan’s Keith Zyla — who took over quarterbacking in the second half — called his own number and scored from 23 yards out to put his team ahead for good.
And it was Zyla’s legs which caused the most damage to the Rams defence in the second half as the quarterback scrambled for 84 yards on six carries. By comparison, the Okanagan running backs combined for just 68 yards on 20 carries.
Zyla also threw for 94 yards and with helm at the helm of the offence, the Sun had 10 first downs and 211 yards of offence after half-time. By comparison, the team had five first downs and 80 yards of offence in the first half.
The Sun opened the scoring in the first quarter when Rams return man Nick Agnoletto fumbled a punt near the goal-line with Okanagan’s Jamie Turek recovering the ball in the end zone.
Langley put together three scoring drives in the second quarter, each of which was capped by Tiernan Docherty field goals of 47, 34 and 30 yards, respectively.
The Rams extended the lead to 10-7 on a missed 44-yard attempt in the third quarter.
Langley’s final drive ended up one-yard short in the final minute on a third-down gamble at the Sun 38-yard line.
The offence mustered just 14 first downs and 250 yards of offence — 147 along the ground and 119 through the air.
Neither quarterback was able to muster many sustained drives as starter Colby Peters was 3-for-9 for 21 yards while Stephen Legare was 6-for-16 for 98 yards. Legare was also picked off twice.
The defence got fumble recoveries from Nathan Carroll and Jules Kheler while Shaiheem Charles-Brown had a quarterback sack, a pass knockdown and a tackle. Adam Marchetti and Nick Westad shared the Rams other sack while also combining to make five tackles. Jesse Cervas and Brendan Desjardine led the team with eight and six tackles, respectively and John Beckerleg made three tackles and knocked down a pair of passes.
The league is on a break this week and Langley returns to action on Sept. 10 when they host the VI Raiders (3-3) at McLeod Athletic Park. Game time is 4 p.m.
More to follow. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391630471.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/6e62bea0619c39007fa3c004adcbe250e64616f8e008e0d93a1dc5e01a8bcb93.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:59 | null | null | Residents ‘fight the fight’ to take their Langley City apartment building from a collection of condos, to a wholesome community | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F391058121.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/45318langleyPaddingtonStationWeb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Creating community spirit ‘for the first time’ | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | From left: Paddington Station residents Donna Moore, Candis Newell and Donna Francis have been hard at work to take their Langley City building “from good to great.”
A fresh coat of paint and a new vending machine may seem like minuscule things in an apartment building lobby, but for a group of residents at Paddington Station, they are clear signs that times are changing.
The 220-unit apartment complex has been through many challenges since it was built on the corner of 201A Street and Fraser Highway in 2009 — from mail theft and break-ins, to people sleeping in doorways outside.
But that all started to change last August, when a small group of residents hosted the complex’s very first block party.
Taking place in the building’s courtyard, the event — which featured a sponsored barbecue from Save-On-Foods, Jerome the Gnome from HomeLife Real Estate, face painting and karaoke — was created to help build a sense of community and safety among the residents.
But like many things in that building, the block party, too, faced some difficulties. It happened to take place the same day that wind gusts up to 90 km/h swept through the Lower Mainland, knocking down trees and cutting power to 500,000 people.
“All this crazy-sauce stuff was happening around us, and we were still going through with this (block party), and I thought that was the successful part,” recalled Donna Francis, president of the Paddington Station strata, who spearheaded the block party idea.
“It was a metaphor. Our building has some challenges, but we’re weathering the storm so to speak.”
And that block party was just the start.
Over the past year, Francis and her fellow strata council members — who jokingly call themselves “the Group of Seven” — have been working hard to take Paddington Station “from good to great.”
They hired a new management company and an on-site caretaker, have started the Paddington Socials Facebook Page, built a craft room for kids in the building to use and created a free library. They have even found three amenity rooms that no one knew existed, and plan to start a social committee to get people meeting each other more often.
Last Saturday (Aug. 20), they also hosted their second block party — and with sunny skies and temperatures hovering around 30 degrees — they doubled their attendance from the year before.
“(The block party) actually was our inspiration to continue to get going on this building and to fight the fight. And we are now in the midst of the total recovery — it’s so exciting now,” said Donna Moore, an owner in the building and member of the strata council.
“The community spirit is starting to come for the first time.
“You know, when I walked in here today, I really can’t tell you how different it feels. Two people walked up to me and said, ‘Hello.’”
Moore, who is a real estate agent, says she feels a personal obligation to make the building a great place to live. She got involved in Paddington Station before the ground was even broken, selling about 30 units and purchasing one for herself.
“It’s the pride of ownership, pride of where you live — it makes a difference,” Moore said.
“When it looks drabby, and sad and nothing is happening — that’s exactly what you come home to. When your place is exciting and fresh and new, that’s what you come home to. And that’s what everyone here deserves. It doesn’t matter if it’s a renter or an owner, good people live in this building.”
Candis Newell, another member of the strata council, who lives in the building with her husband and three-year-old daughter, says their council’s passion is starting to make a visible difference.
“We are trying to make it so that people feel like they belong here,” Newell said.
“I grew up in co-op (housing), so this is the feeling that I grew up with, and I always wanted that for my daughter ... So it’s really exciting to see this happening.”
But that’s not to say bringing change has been easy. Although the crime has certainly calmed down “there’s still incidents happening. This isn’t, you know, Cinderella,” Francis said.
“You have so much of the pressure from the outside coming in, it’s like, why even bother? This City’s a dump, this place is a dump, these people are a dump. It’s kind of like, who cares? It’s all tenants.
“But no, it’s not. So I think it took a group to change the narrative and say, ‘No.’”
“I think (the owners) had just given up,” Newell added.
“They had thrown their hands in the air and given up, and now they’re saying , ‘Oh there is a possibility to turn this into an amazing, amazing place to live — a community.’”
Eventually, the groups hopes to expand their block party across the street to the buildings around them, and hopefully inspire other apartment complexes in the City to host similar events.
“I think what people don’t realize is that to build community, it actually takes time. And that’s why people give up,” Francis said.
“I have a vision that this place is going to be a seed that germinates and grows into a blueprint for another building to say, ‘Hey if they can do it, we can do it.’
“It doesn’t matter that it is Langley City, I am not even OK with people putting down Langley City. I’m telling you ... this place is a mini Yaletown, and people have no idea — 100 per cent. This is a gem, this is a diamond in the rough. If people leave, they’re going to regret it.”
Photo: Donna Francis' son, Nolan, hangs out with Jerome the Gnome at Paddington Station's second block party last Saturday. Photo submitted by Donna Francis. | http://www.langleytimes.com/lifestyles/391058121.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/692b0efcd100060bc41f347a83eb0da46e69a8013917ad14aa7ba89aad69392e.json |
[
"Jeff Nagel"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:06 | null | null | $60 a year increase for most drivers once optional auto insurance increase is included | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391304001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/52753BCLN2007CarcrashLangleyfile.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | ICBC seeks 4.9 per cent basic rate hike as crashes, costs climb | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | ICBC wants to increase basic auto insurance rates by 4.9 per cent – the fifth straight annual increase – as it continues to grapple with rising numbers of crashes, claims and dramatically increasing costs.
The typical driver will pay $3.50 a month or $42 a year more for basic insurance if the hike is approved.
But the corporation is also raising optional rates by 2.8 per cent so the average customer who buys both basic and optional insurance with ICBC will see their insurance bill rise $5 a month, or $60 a year.
ICBC CEO Mark Blucher said the basic rate hike would have been much worse – 15.5 per cent translating into a $130 annual premium increase – had the province not approved another major transfer of $472 million from the optional to the basic side of operations.
A compounding factor has been the long decline of interest rates, which result in less investment income revenue to ICBC.
"These external pressures have really created a perfect storm and it's a really significant challenge for the organization," Blucher said in an interview Thursday.
ICBC had raised rates 5.5 per cent a year ago, and the province's rate smoothing policy requires the annual change be within 1.5 per cent of the previous year's increase.
The number of crashes has climbed 15 per cent in two years and damage claims are up 11 per cent.
Vehicles are increasingly reliant on technology and expensive materials that have become more costly in recent years as the loonie sagged against the U.S. dollar.
Despite much safer vehicles, injury claims have soared to $2.4 billion, up 60 per cent from $1.5 billion in 2008.
"We've seen no evidence that these strong trends are abating," Blucher said. "In fact, if anything, they're continuing to escalate going forward."
Blucher also noted there are more cars on the road in B.C. today – 3.1 million up from 2.8 million in 2011 – and people are driving more because of cheaper gas, contributing to more accidents, particularly in densifying urban areas.
And he pointed to personal injury lawyers as an aggravating cause of ICBC's spiralling claims costs.
"B.C. is the only province in Canada where you can sue another motorist for even a minor traffic accident," Blucher said, noting an increase in lawyer-represented claims and advertising by injury law firms.
Internal operating costs have been cut by $186 million a year, and ICBC is counting on more savings ahead, through its modernization program, by more aggressively combatting insurance fraud and from a hoped-for drop in distracted driving as motorists respond to stiffer penalties.
But transfers from the optional side to bolster the basic side will likely be needed for the foreseeable future, Blucher said, because basic premiums can't keep up with rising costs.
In a surprise move, the B.C. government will this year forgo extracting its usual $160-million annual dividend from ICBC's optional side into general revenue.
"Forgoing the dividend this particular year is one strategy amongst a litany of others we're employing to get that basic trate increase down," Transportation Minister Todd Stone said.
Stone said the $514 million the province has transferred out of ICBC in dividends since 2012 is small compared to the $1.4 billion over the same period that has been shifted from the competitive optional side to basic to apply downward pressure on basic rates.
The minister would not say if the government would permanently give up the ICBC dividend.
Adrian DIx, the NDP critic for ICBC, said the dividends to government have exceeded $1.2 billion since 2010 and predicted they'll resume after next year's election because the BC Liberals are "addicted" to using ICBC as a "profit centre."
Dix said the reliance on shifting huge amounts of capital from optional to basic raises troubling questions.
"Next year they've got to find that $472 million," Dix said. "What they've done is create a disaster at ICBC and their only hope is to deceive the voters until after the election."
He said ICBC's new move to hire more claims staff underscores problems with completing the computer modernization that was supposed to make operations more efficient.
"The transformation project has taken longer than World War 2 and is not close to finished."
ICBC's basic rates rose 11.2 per cent in 2012 and at least five per cent every year since.
The new rate hike is subject to B.C. Utilities Commission approval.
ICBC Rate Pressure Charts | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391304001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/cb8fa9e3eecd6a9bee05990041bb7ce533718e9bf553ab45ea70a67c78810b07.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:56 | null | null | Walnut Grove's Jordyn Myers and D.W. Poppy's George Brown help their respective provincial rugby teams to second, fifth-place finishes | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391298241.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Langley's Myers top point-getter as B.C. wins silver | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | They didn’t get the gold medal, but Langley’s Jordyn Myers did pick up some individual accolades.
Competing at the age-grade national rugby championships last week in Markham, Ont., Myers helped BC Rugby’s U16 girls team to a silver medal.
The B.C. squad — which was perfect through the round robin and then destroyed New Brunswick 94-0 in the semifinals — lost 17-10 in Sunday’s final to Ontario.
B.C. had beaten Ontario 34-19 in their earlier meeting.
Myers led the tournament in scoring with 38 points and was tied for the team lead with four tries.
She also had a tournament-high nine converts.
And at the U16 boys tournament, Langley’s George Brown was on one of the three B.C. teams at the competition.
Brown’s team was made up of U15 players playing against competition one year their senior.
Brown finished with one try and his team lost to another B.C. squad in the fifth-place game. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391298241.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/8ad700a551f408c39448b413ec23d36c92d1370dba3ecdeb9491dcafd71e7579.json |
[
"Canadian Press"
] | 2016-08-30T00:52:04 | null | null | Centenarian Mana Kaur, who started running at age 93, crosses 100-metre finish line in Americas Masters Games | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391670691.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/57664BCLN2007s_MISC-Old-Runner20160829T1945.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | VIDEO: 100-year-old woman from India runs 100-metre at masters games in Vancouver | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | VANCOUVER – It took 100-year-old Indian runner Man Kaur almost a minute and a half to complete the 100-metre race, but she never broke her stride.
And when she finally crossed the finish line at the Americas Masters Games in Vancouver, her competitors – many of them two decades younger – were there to cheer her on.
Her son and fellow athletes say Kaur's energy and drive to compete has become an inspiration to participants in the unique international event for athletes over 30.
Kaur began running at age 93 at the suggestion of her son, 78-year-old Gurdev Singh, who also competes in the Masters Games and says he knew she could become a star in her age category.
She has won more than 20 medals, including snatching three golds this week as she is the only competitor in the category for women over 100.
If you're wondering whether she holds the elusive secret to a long life, Kaur says unfortunately it's what you might expect – a good diet and lots of exercise.
The Canadian Press | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391670691.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/2ea29cc16b5915366ec8c7866e3cd9d06d6e4a94578c280a3dc87c1477ad99ff.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:52:14 | null | 2015-10-18T00:00:00 | Trinity Western men's soccer team picked up six points on weekend road trip to Prince George | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391764761.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/98843langley2015-10-18-50_ad_hoc.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Spartans open season by taming Wolves twice | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Trinity Western Spartans' Elijah Adekugbe scored three of his team's four goals in a pair of road victories in Prince George to open the Canada West men's soccer season.
The Trinity Western Spartans men’s soccer team opened their season with a pair of road victories in Prince George.
The Spartans won 2-1 on Friday night and followed that up with a 2-0 clean-sheet on Saturday to begin the Canada West season.
Cody Fransen scored in the 75th minute to snap a 1-1 tie in the opener against the UNBC Timberwolves at NCSSL Field.
Fransen deposited a rebound after the Wolves keeper bobbled a shot from Joel Waterman.
The home side had opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a goal from Cheona Edzerza but Elijah Adekugbe struck from 25 yards out 11 minutes later.
Adekugbe then scored both goals in Saturday’s game, scoring in added time at the end of the first half and then converting a penalty kick in the 69th minute.
“I thought we struggled in the first half and UNBC was tough to break down,” said TWU coach Mike Shearon, adding that Adekuge’s goal was an individual piece of brilliance.
“But in the second half, we took it to them a lot more.
“In the end, getting six points up here is huge. UNBC is a very difficult team to play.”
Andrew Hicks, who made two saves on Friday, preserved the clean sheet on Saturday by making another five saves, including on a late penalty kick.
The Spartans make their home debut when they host UBC Okanagan on Friday and Thompson Rivers on Saturday at Chase Office Field. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391764761.html | en | 2015-10-18T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/f24c4fe5f2580fcef916371df65ec2b15d436dcc8c179ce40378f70325a8dfc6.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:47 | null | 2015-09-12T00:00:00 | Trinity Western men's soccer team opens Canada West season with a pair of road games | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391305071.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/53280langley2015-09-12-02_ad_hoc.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Shearon, Spartans set for regular season debut | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Joel Waterman and the Trinity Western Spartans are set to kick-off their Canada West season with a pair of road games in Prince George against the UNBC Timberwolves.
After five years as associate head coach, Mike Shearon is set to make his mark on the Trinity Western Spartans men’s soccer program.
The Spartans begin the Canada West season with a pair of road games this weekend (Aug. 26 and 27) in Prince George against the UNBC Timberwolves.
And while the roster may be young — they have just three fifth-year players — the team is looking to build on last season’s success which saw them finish fourth in the 2015 Canada West playoffs.
“We’re excited. There’s a little bit of nervous energy going on. It’s the first time with me at the helm and with a new staff, but we’re feeling good,” Shearon said. “We’ve had a good pre-season, the guys have worked hard and we’re just ready to get going.”
The team has just two fifth-year players and less than half (nine out of 31) are fourth or fifth-year players.
Both of the team’s elder statesmen will key the defence with Andrew Hicks in goal and Taylor Johnson at centreback.
A quartet of local products are also expected to play bigger roles.
Vagelli Boucas will vie for time on the back-line while the midfield features Joel Waterman, Elie Gindo and Mitchell Urzinger.
“There’s a lot of optimism going into the year,” Johnson said.
“We feel we’ve gotten stronger. Obviously losing our captain is a big loss, but I think we have some good rookies who will put in some minutes and a lot of our younger guys are stepping up.”
The Spartans begin the home slate of their schedule on Sept. 2 when they host UBC Okanagan. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391305071.html | en | 2015-09-12T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/84106e6c7ea2efee16e089c9794174779e77d94ab762c7a425157b76f3addf57.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:11:52 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F389758951.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/favicon2.ico | en | null | Langley Times | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | You have already participated in this poll. Thank you!
Last Week's Question of the Week Final Results Have you watched coverage of the Summer Olympics? Yes 41 %
No 58 % | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/389758951.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/54630a039d092f4a315716c1c784a3d7c3ead4cdcdd48ba760344787b7aa5128.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:57 | null | null | Join Chef Adrian Beaty as he whips up some savoury samples today at 3 p.m. at the Langley Eats Local event | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F389779281.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/30861langley0810-LangleyEatsLocalWeb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | A taste of Langley's local harvest | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Chef Adrian Beaty prepares to make some savoury samples at the Langley Eats Local event.
Today (Aug. 10) at 3 p.m., Chef Adrian Beaty will be creating some savoury samples of Langley's local harvest at the Langley Eats Local event.
Hosted by the Langley Environmental Partners Society at the Langley Community Farmers Market, the annual events helps to educate residents on food that is grown right here in the Lower Mainland.
As part of the event, many families also took part in the Eat Local Challenge last week, where they were tasked with sourcing as much food as possible from local producers.
Langley Eats Local is located in the parking lot of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, 20901 Langley Bypass.
Chef Beaty's appetizers are available to taste at a cost of five for $5.
For more info, click here. | http://www.langleytimes.com/lifestyles/389779281.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/2ad4c687461b5a346fd1c0b99e99218f47dce6d7c770a97fda0d25a34b6f0d15.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:41 | null | null | Four per cent rate hike already in effect, more to come as BC Hydro looks for savings to offset slow industrial demand | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F388687371.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/9960BCLN2007DamRevelstokewiki7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | BC Hydro rates rise as demand slows | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Revelstoke dam on the Columbia River is due to have a sixth water turbine added, but Site C is BC Hydro's priority today.
BC Hydro is going ahead with its planned four per cent rate increase this year and deferring more debt to future years as it revises its electricity demand forecast downward.
The provincially-owned utility has not asked for an increase in its government-imposed rate plan despite a revised demand forecast with $3.5 billion less revenue over the next 10 years. BC Hydro has filed a three-year plan with the B.C. Utilities Commission that would increase rates four, 3.5 and three per cent in the next three years. The four per cent increase is already showing up on customer bills as an interim increase.
With the Site C dam on the Peace River and other upgrades amounting to $2 billion a year, the plan includes additional deferred debt until 2023, when Site C is due to be completed. BC Hydro CEO Jessica McDonald said the long-term nature of capital projects means its capital cost savings don't start until the next decade.
BC Hydro has also cut some of its familiar Power Smart activities, such as the fridge buy-back plan and incentives for energy efficient light bulbs.
McDonald said BC Hydro is seeing lower revenues due to two warm winters and downturns in mining and forest products. It still projects growing overall demand as population and economic growth continue.
NDP energy critic Adrian Dix said the new deferred debt represents roughly $500 for each of BC Hydro's two million customers, and it is a political move to get the B.C. Liberal government past next year's election.
The 10-year rates plan imposed by Energy Minister Bill Bennett in 2013 overstated demand to justify the construction of Site C, and translates to a 28 per cent rate increase. It allows the utilities commission to regain control over approving customer rates by 2020, after five years of political direction.
Dix said with the new demand forecast and commodity prices expected to remain low, BC Hydro should have added a sixth turbine to its Revelstoke dam for $450 million before embarking on the $9 billion Site C project. | http://www.langleytimes.com/business/388687371.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/b1041a93cb979b04c44d97b372f3610027b5d25214a1fc9b720cccef5d271126.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:05 | null | null | Langley erases 14-0 first quarter deficit to defeat VI Raiders 29-14 in BC Football Conference action | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F390938681.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/95509langleyRams.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Rams recover from slow start, win fourth straight | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | V.I. Raiders linebacker Dexter Shea, left, closes in on Langley Rams opponent Nick Agnoletto during Saturday’s B.C. Football Conference game at Nanaimo’s Caledonia Park. The Rams won 29-14.
Much like their season, the Langley Rams are slow starters who are getting better later.
In week one, the Rams nearly came back from a double-digit deficit before ultimately falling 42-34 to the Westshore Rebels.
And this past weekend, Langley spotted the VI Raiders a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter, before scoring 29 unanswered points to win 29-14 in week five of the BC Junior Football League.
The win was the team’s fourth straight following that season-opening loss.
The Raiders fell to 2-3.
“That is the most exciting part, that we haven’t even peaked yet. I think we are just starting to get rolling,” said Brendan Desjardine.
“Everything is starting to click and everyone is starting to understand how to play with each other and trust each other when we are all on the field. That is a dangerous thing when we play like that.”
Desjardine had a monster game against the Raiders.
In the third quarter, Isaiah Stewart came up with a strip-sack of quarterback Kevin Chopek and Desjardine scooped up the loose ball and ran 25 yards for the touchdown.
Desjardine also had an interception, knocked down a pass and two tackles.
“Just one of those games. The play-calling was right and I was put into position to make plays and I just made the plays when they were in front of me there,” he said.
The Rams defence — which is allowing a league-low 15.8 points per game — forced five turnovers and allowed just 226 yards of offence, including just 34 yards in the second half.
“It just clicked in what they needed to do,” said Rams coach Khari Joseph.
“They locked in, they calmed down, we made some adjustments and they just let it loose.
“Like I have said all long about these young men is that they never give up and regardless of how they start, they always finish strong.”
Stewart had two of the team’s three quarterback sacks with Carmelo Brancati and Jacob Dodd splitting the other. Dodd also led the team with four solo tackles.
Drew Belgrave had an interception, one pass knockdown and three solo tackles and John Beckerleg had the other fumble recovery. The defence also forced the Raiders to concede a safety.
The Rams passing game was held in check for much of the game with just 125 yards passing, more than a quarter of it on a 35-yard touchdown pass from Colby Peters to Khalik Johnson.
Langley’s ground game picked up the slack, churning out 121 yards on 25 carries. Joe Carter did the bulk of the damage with 86 yards on 15 carries. Jordan Fox had a three-yard touchdown run.
Tiernan Docherty — who kicked three converts and made field goals from 33 and 17 yards, respectively — earned the BCFC special teams player of the week award for the third time in five games.
Up next for Langley is a home game against the 5-0 Okanagan Sun on Saturday (Aug. 27) at McLeod Athletic Park.
Kick-off is at 7 p.m.
Rams hosting poker night
The Rams are hosting a poker night on Friday, Aug. 26 in the Rotary Field House Hall at McLeod Athletic Park.
Tickets cost $75 and include pizza, snacks and beverages. There will also be door prizes and the evening begins at 7 p.m.
For information or tickets, email poker@langleyrams.com. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/390938681.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/fef8a1c4ea21d703a959931a5ce6339557b4baa6d559ce6225140246ed194b58.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:11:45 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F390345001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/favicon2.ico | en | null | Langley Times | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | You have already participated in this poll. Thank you!
Last Week's Question of the Week Final Results Have you watched coverage of the Summer Olympics? Yes 41 %
No 58 % | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/390345001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/95eccf29e01e6e4fe902cf10391dc26fe00e7915820c2880520ce721851416e5.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:45 | null | null | No serious injuries reported in early evening crash | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391237181.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/24662langleycrash4web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Collision slows traffic on 224 Street in Langley | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The driver of the red car, wearing a baseball cap with his back to the camera, survived this two-car collision in Langley Wednesday with a sore chest.
Traffic was reduced a single lane in either direction on 224 Street near the 56 Avenue intersection in Langley Township Wednesday night when two cars collided around 6:30 p.m.
Fire and ambulance units responded.
There were no serious injuries reported.
The driver of one car told The Times he only suffered a sore chest.
Traffic was limited to an alternating single lane in either direction until the damaged cars were cleared. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391237181.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/8e408cbc968d59f325536a23da4e891bb8997c735627f2376163c26e3d287572.json |
[
"Brenda Anderson"
] | 2016-08-31T14:51:57 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391772641.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Column: Your 15 minutes are only a click away | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | I crashed a wedding last weekend. Well, sort of.
It certainly wasn’t intentional. In fact, if you really want to get technical, I was invited. And so were 650 other people.
Again, sort of.
That is, if by invitation, you count that little red circle on my Facebook feed, notifying me that something in some way related to me was happening.
On Sunday, I got a notification that one of my Facebook friends was “live now.”
I’d seen celebrities go live with discussions on various topics, or live streaming feeds by animal rescue groups, where you can watch a kitten have its first checkup at the vet, for example.
But up to that point, it was never just a friend live broadcasting something.
So, I was curious.
It’s an odd feeling to click a button and suddenly find yourself — mid ceremony — in the virtual audience at the wedding of someone you haven’t seen or spoken to in more than a decade.
In this case, it was a former co-worker who left the Times years ago to pursue a career in Toronto, who was getting married, as somebody in the church held up a phone and live-streamed the event.
Viewers can’t be heard, but they can type a comment to let the person know they’re there, watching, or offer congratulations, as many did, both during and after the fact.
For the couple, this was no doubt a wonderful way to allow family and friends who live far away and couldn’t make it in person, to, in a sense, be at the wedding.
Whether it was the fact that it was so unexpected or that I “arrived” in the middle of the vows, for me, it all felt strangely voyeuristic, so I only watched for a minute or two before clicking away.
Since it became available to anyone with a smartphone, Facebook Live has transformed the devices into a picture window into otherwise private worlds, with thousands of broadcasts every day, ranging from mundane to historic.
Take for example, the woman in Minneapolis, who documented her boyfriend’s death after he’d been shot by a police officer during a traffic stop for a broken tail light.
Nothing like having a few hundred witnesses live at the scene. That’s evidence that can’t be seized.
On a far lighter (and quite inexplicable) note, it was famously used by another woman, who somehow made history as the app’s most-watched live feed — at the time, anyway — by laughing hysterically while wearing a Chewbacca mask. Though her antics became less cute when she was later reported to be selling her autograph.
The fact that people will apparently pay for the signature of a person whose only claim to fame is giggling into a camera while dressed as a wookie? Well, that’s a topic for another day.
Andy Warhol’s observation about everyone getting their 15 minutes of fame has been oft and widely repeated since the advent of reality TV.
But in those cases, contestants have to make it past a whole host of filters before the cameras roll. Not everyone makes the cut. And, as we know, even the least salacious of these programs is highly scripted and choreographed.
With Facebook Live, comes an opportunity for anyone, anywhere to publicly say and do things that they can never take back, no matter how ill-considered.
For every beautiful wedding (and it really did look lovely) that draws together friends and family, and for every video that helps ensure justice for victims of crime, there will be 100 more that make you weep for the state of humanity.
(I made that number up, but I stand by it. If anything, it’s probably low).
Of course, just because the red notification button appears and says, ‘click here,’ there’s no rule that says you have to part with 15 of your minutes. | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/391772641.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/9d5aca629b09a381de7ca50b698db1f8a7829a800d8fe4da22ac763ae944e81f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:11:05 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391337691.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Editorial: Cruise-In kerfuffle likely a case of crossed wires | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Kerfuffle, as defined by merriam-webster.com dictionary, refers to a “disturbance or fuss.”
We had a lot of both earlier this week when it looked like the annual Cruise-In in Langley City might get cancelled.
The issue was, thankfully, resolved with agreement that the City would cover the extra cost of substituting paid full-time officers for unpaid volunteer auxiliary officers who have assisted with traffic and crowd control in the past.
This was the result of a change in policy by the RCMP that has considerably restricted the use of volunteer officers.
Now that some of the dust has settled, the Cruise-In kerfuffle looks like an unfortunate case of crossed wires, where certain staff at the City assumed the Cruise-In people had agreed the charitable event would shoulder the extra policing cost while the Cruise-In volunteer board had a different impression.
So when the City presented a bill for the new policing costs by emailing an invoice just before
7 p.m. on a Tuesday, the reaction was roughly similar to the response a bill collector gets when they call around dinner time.
The Cruise-In president went public, releasing the email from the City along with his response, warning the entire show could be called off.
It should be understood that, as a general rule, when City staff believe they have negotiated a deal that doesn’t cost the municipality any money, there is no need to involve council.
Which is why the mayor and members of council were caught off guard when critics flooded social media and city hall phone lines to protest.
It only took one phone call between the Cruise-In president and the mayor to settle the issue.
The City issued a statement to make it clear the municipality understands and appreciates the value of Cruise-In, which brings in around 100,000 people who spend millions of dollars in local stores.
The statement also mentions both sides will meet after the event “to ensure improved communication and more positive outcomes in future years.”
That would be good. | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/391337691.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/e4ad424b012ee299af47b7633c0d6690d0a34667de2a5df4b4ba9adc880c6d1e.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
] | 2016-08-27T00:49:54 | null | null | Two young chickens stolen in latest incident, residents of homeless camp suspected | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391459481.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/23346langley0826chickensstolen.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Petty theft problem plagues co-op garden in Langley Township | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Amanda Smith discovered the apparent theft on Thursday morning, when she went to look at the three juvenile chickens in their coop at the Maples Discovery Gardens Co-op in Langley Township.
Two of the two-and-a-half month old chickens, a white-feathered male and black-feathered female, were gone.
Only the brown hen, named Rhonda, remained.
There was no evidence that an animal had breached the wire fence around the pen.
Smith said the garden has been plagued by thefts for the last two years, ever since a group of homeless people set up camp in the densely forested undeveloped lot next to the gardens in the 7700 block of 200 Street.
Since then, plants have been pulled from garden plots, a fruit tree was stripped bare and an entire garden shed and its contents (with the exception of some marked tools) were stolen last December.
"It's a continuous problem," Smith said.
"But this was the one thing I naively thought would never happen."
The theft doesn't make much sense because the birds are too young to lay eggs and too small to make much of a meal, Smith said.
"Maybe they're going to sell them."
The remaining chicken is too young and small to safely live with the other adult chickens, so Smith took Rhonda home with her temporarily and said arrangements will be made to pen the bird with its mother until it is old enough and big enough to manage on its own.
Volunteer Natalia Burka said there have been "countless thefts" since the garden's new neighbours arrived.
After the theft of the garden shed and tools, Burka said there were several attempts at theft-proofing the premises, but without much success.
"We purchased a lock and installed it on our gate to help keep thieves out," Burka said.
"That didn't work because our lock got tampered with and inevitably broke, so we were locked out of our own garden. Multiple locks later, we gave up."
The Maples Discovery Gardens Co-operative (MDGC) is a non-profit community service cooperative that was incorporated in May, 2009.
The Maples presently offers over 50 community garden plots (plus raised beds for access to people with physical challenges) that have been developed and are offered for seasonal lease.
There is also a greenhouse that supports other community horticultural projects with table rentals available. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391459481.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/d098be7781e9b2639da40166ca8c2c8bf4523728ab3cf39e6a9aefb6b839a868.json |
[
"Owen Munro"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:42 | null | 2016-08-20T15:00:00 | After winning the club’s first BC Junior A lacrosse title, Delta was eliminated at the national championship after three days of play. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391313631.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/56908northdeltareporter20160820-150708-edit.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | LACROSSE: Delta Islanders fall at 2016 Minto Cup | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The Delta Islanders were beat by the Calgary Mountaineers 13-5 in the first game of 2016 Minto Cup on Aug. 20 at the Langley Events Centre. Delta was eliminated after the round robin portion of the tournament with a record of 1-3.
After four days of action-packed lacrosse on the green carpet at the Langley Events Centre, the Minto Cup best-of-five final series is set to begin on Thursday, but it won’t include the Delta Islanders.
The Islanders were fresh off winning their first ever BC Junior A Lacrosse League (BCJALL) provincial title but struggled to find their form in the first two games of the national championship. They lost 13-5 to the Calgary Mountaineers on Aug. 20 and were barely edged out by Ontario’s Orangeville Northmen 10-9 on Aug. 21.
A 7-4 win over the Coquitlam Adanacs on Monday night meant Delta finished the tournament tied with Orangeville for third place at 1-2, but lost the head-to-head tiebreaker.
“Obviously, we’re pretty deflated,” said Delta head coach Greg Rennie. “We shot ourselves in the foot on Saturday night losing to Calgary.”
An Alberta team had never defeated a B.C. or Ontario team until Calgary surprised many by beating the BCJALL champions. The Islanders found themselves down 3-0 in the opening 12 minutes of the game and despite scoring three unanswered goals of their own, couldn’t stymie a strong Mountaineers attack over the final two periods.
Delta Islander Chase Fraser tries to get one past Calgary Mountaineers goalie Doug Gardner on day one of the 2016 Minto Cup at the Langley Events Centre on Aug. 20. Fraser finished the game with 2 goals on 12 shots, but Delta ultimately lost the game 13-5. Image credit: Gord Goble
Delta looked to bounce back against the Northmen, who lost 8-7 to Coquitlam the previous night, setting up a loser goes home scenario. The Islanders were down four before coming back to take a 7-6 lead halfway through the game, but were outscored 3-2 in the third period, ultimately losing by just one goal.
The Minto Cup has traditionally been a best-of-seven series between the B.C. and Ontario league champions, but reverted to a four-team round-robin format for this year’s tournament.
“You have to learn to take advantage of every opportunity you get and we didn’t take advantage of the opportunity,” Rennie said.
That doesn’t mean they didn’t leave their mark. Orangeville head coach DJ Clevely was impressed by the physicality of Delta’s defence, saying they don’t see that level of intensity as much in Ontario.
“I give them credit, that’s how they play and had some success,” Clevely said. “They’re old school, I personally like that, but we don’t see that a lot.”
With 16 players now graduating from Delta’s junior program, Rennie anticipates that there will be a rebuilding period but was still optimistic that the Minto Cup experience will pay dividends in the future. Rennie says he will be with the Islanders again next year, although he isn’t sure if he will be back on the bench in addition to his general manager duties.
“Our feeder system is really good. Our Midget A1 team won provincials handily and our Intermediate A team graduates about 13 guys,” Rennie said. “So we feel pretty confident about what we have.”
The Coquitlam Adanacs will take on the Orangeville Northmen in the final series as they hope to win their second Minto Cup championship and first since 2010. Scott Wortley, Coquitlam’s general manager, believes that as long as the Adanacs stick to the gameplan and play with composure, a Minto Cup is well within their sights.
“It’s a big deal for a B.C. team to win but we know how difficult it is to win at this time of year,” Wortley said. “To win [a Minto] would just cap it all off.”
The Minto Cup continues at the Langley Events Centre until at least Aug. 27. Games four and five, if necessary, will be played Aug. 28 and 29, respectively.
Delta Islanders celebrate a goal during their 13-5 loss to the Calgary Mountaineers at the 2016 Minto Cup on Aug. 20 at the Langley Events Centre. Image credit: Gord Goble | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391313631.html | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/85bf3bc96a3f2421b786918ef5774efaec1846e14e72fa5345e1589854308a26.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:22 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391069531.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Plenty of advantages to electric vehicle ownership | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: Re: Langley Times’ June HOV Lane EV Survey; “Do new rules, which allow electric vehicles with single passengers to use HOV Lanes make you more inclined to buy one?” Yes = 13% No = 87%
The initial meager results are surprising.
As I fast approach 40,000 kms of clean electric vehicle (EV) commuting daily from Langley to Vancouver I am thankful the B.C. government allows me to use the HOV lane as a single occupant. This saves me 40 minutes of commute time every day; allowing me more time with family and friends. I drive a used Tesla Model S that I purchased for less than the new vehicle price.
VanCity Credit Union provided a lower interest car “Green Loan” because we were purchasing a battery powered electric car.
I can drive 426 kilometers on a charge and I can fill it up in my garage, so I start each day with a full tank.
When I plug in each night to my Level 2 charger (which was minimal to setup), my tank is fully charged long before I go to bed. My work takes me to Vancouver, UBC, Squamish, and back again and I never worry about running out of charge.
Other car manufacturers will be producing cars next year that can drive 300 kms on a single charge and people in Hope BC will be able to drive into Vancouver and back on that same charge.
I started driving our EV in April 2015 and from that day, my past 1.5 years of commuting became and remains exciting; as I can’t wait to get onto Highway 1 each day. There is a new highway interchange planned for 216 Street and our family have been advocating for EV charging infrastructure at the new Business Technology Park in Williams.
Charging stations that are Level 1, 2, and 3, will provide opportunity for those commuting to and from Hope to UBC, to top up charge if they make unplanned side commutes.
Furthermore, destination charging stations will provide charging for those working at the business park, commuting from further up or down the valley. The most ideal location for chargers are at home and at work.
This will be in alignment with the Township and provincial Green Strategies, and serve future generations for years to come.
The 87 per cent of respondents who replied ‘no,’ need to go to their local car dealers and test drive a battery powered electric car and see how they can start saving commuting time and money and I can say all of this without ever mentioning that ‘climate change’ thing.
Nat Cicuto,
Langley
Member of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association (VEVA) | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/391069531.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/d29d2ca18b5959de4dc6d196eb78e725ea3c3c9ea8f1d1865dea4d29e11da71c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:12 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390344761.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Canadians deserve referendum on electoral reform | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: I read with interest the article about the town hall meeting hosted by MP John Aldag on the subject of electoral reform (the Times, Aug. 5).
I attended that meeting. You quoted Mr. Aldag as saying that “his impression is that most Canadians want the government to act rather than hold a referendum.”
Really? That’s not what I heard them say.
As the last speaker of the evening, I said that by my tally, 20 people spoke and of those, 11 were opposed to any changes to our voting system without a referendum, while seven thought no referendum was necessary, with two being unclear.
No one challenged my tally. We videotaped the meeting. Perhaps Mr. Aldag would like to watch it again.
Why is Mr. Aldag saying that his constituents are saying one thing when they are actually saying the opposite?
Well, because he and the Liberal government are trying to put one over on Canadians.
The Liberals say they are consulting, but really they are just going through the motions.
Why else would Mr. Aldag have held his town hall meeting on Aug. 2, the day after B.C. Day?
That’s not when you hold a meeting if you want to hear from your constituents.
It’s when you hold a meeting if you don’t want to hear from them but you want to be able to say you tried.
A change as fundamental as how we choose our MPs is not something any government should force through without the consent of the people.
Remember, 60 per cent of Canadians voted against the Liberals.
Before the Liberals rig the game in their favour, Canadians should be able to have their say on the subject.
Hold a referendum. Then you can say you listened to the people.
Dean Drysdale,
Langley
Editor’s note: Dean Drysdale ran as a Conservative party candidate for the seat in Cloverdale-Langley City, which is held by Liberal MP John Aldag. | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/390344761.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/7aa5a997501a1e7938fc17d1a707a2f30e5bde1e8e9a2cf650092fa67e5ffd9e.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:11 | null | null | A new fashion trend has Langley tattoo artists unable to keep up with demand | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F388308791.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/34849langleyStudioSashikoWeb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | The art of eyebrows | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | This September will mark one year since Studio Sashiko owners Shaughnessy Keely and Kyle Otsuji opened their world-renowned cosmetic tattooing studio in the heart of Langley City. The Vancouver natives — who now call Langley home — have had hundreds of people fly in from around the world to have their eyebrows microbladed by their team of five artists.
Studio Sashiko is not a typical tattoo shop.
The clean, contemporary interior, complete with sleek furniture and Japanese artwork, feels more like a deluxe salon than a place to get inked.
But if the world map hanging on the front wall is any indication, this cosmetic tattoo shop is a bustling place.
Tiny pins pressed into the map — each representing a client — cover the United States from coast to coast, with several more pressed into Canadian cities, and even more in places as far away as Germany, Hong Kong and Czech Republic.
Women from around the world are booking flights to Langley, B.C. for one fashionable reason.
Brows.
The perfect eyebrows, a must-have trend in 2016, has Studio Sashiko owners Shaughnessy Keely and Kyle Otsuji barely able to keep up with demand.
Since opening their eyebrow studio on the one-way portion of Fraser Highway in Downtown Langley last September, the couple has had hundreds of people attempting to book into their 80 available appointments every month.
“It’s awesome, it still blows our minds I think,” said Keely, an art graduate from Emily Carr University and professional tattoo artist.
“We always tell people we never have a chance to just sit down, and reflect, and just enjoy what’s happening, because it’s just go-go-go all the time, but it’s so awesome.
“It’s crazy what people will do for eyebrows.”
Different from regular tattooing, which transfers ink into the skin, cosmetic tattooing uses pigmentation to enhance natural features.
Keely and her staff of five use a Japanese technique called Tebori, or microblading, where each hair stroke is stencilled on by hand, taking anywhere from two to three hours to complete.
“Instead of us using a machine that goes in and out of the skin, we’re almost scratching the surface of the skin,” Keely explained.
“This goes into the first layers of your skin, so it is semi-permanent. It will fade over time, which is good because faces change over time.”
“It’s a lot more precise, too, because we are working within hairs, and people are always asking if we shave off the hairs first,” she added.
“We don’t, we try to use as much as we can. So if you were using a vibrating machine, it would be hard to move around all of the hairs. This is more precise.”
Having both worked in the tattoo industry for nearly a decade — Otsuji as a body piercer and Keely as a shop manager — the couple is well aware of the stereotypical “man cave tattoo shop.”
So when it came time to venture off into their own business, they decided to take a more modern approach, creating a studio with a spa-like feel.
Even the name of their business — Sashiko, a Japanese word for stitching by hand — reflects this philosophy.
“I think that’s what we wanted, because we’ve all worked in those scary downtown tattoo shops with the big bearded guys,” Keely said.
“Although that’s what we’re used to, and we enjoy going there to get tattoos, we wanted something that was a little more relaxing, because it’s your face. People that come in here are a little more nervous.”
Currently, each artist is only able to take three clients per day, with appointments booked online by a lottery. On the 15th of every month at 11 a.m., hopefuls can log onto the Studio Sashiko website and try their luck at securing a spot.
Within 10 minutes, they are usually completely booked, sometimes having up to 2,000 people vying for spots.
Overwhelmed by the demand, Keely and Otsuji have recently opened a second private studio in Los Angeles Calif., and plan to expand across North America in the near future.
“It’s like getting concert tickets,” Keely said.
“We know the demand is there and we know you guys want in, so we’re working on getting more spots available.
“It’s the most fair thing we can do for clients who are travelling from all over the world and from different timezones. We have to give them all a chance.”
The studio has had clients from all walks of life, including twins, who flew out from Germany, and several wives of hockey players on the Dallas Stars NHL team. But Keely estimates about half her clients are women who have alopecia or have undergone chemotherapy and lost their hair.
“It’s so rewarding just to give them back what they used to have — just to make them feel like themselves again,” she said.
“It’s cool to see people’s reactions in the end, too” Otsuji added.
“Because they don’t really see what you are doing until you’re pretty much done. So once they pick up the mirror and take a look, some of them freak out, or cry, or give big hugs, or just are super excited.
“So that’s always very rewarding, just to see their reactions.”
Why the brow now?
Keely thanks Instagram, YouTube makeup artists and the Kardashians for making “#browsonfleek” a growing trend.
“Eyebrows are really in right now — everybody wants them,” she said.
“Most of our clients grew up in the ’90s and plucked them like crazy — I think that’s 90 per cent of our client list.”
Why bring this high-profile service to Langley?
The couple is part of a new generation moving to the Fraser Valley.
Both Keely and Otsuji were born and raised in Vancouver, but when it came time to buying a home, they found themselves priced out of the city.
Their real estate agent suggested they look in Langley, and just over a year ago they bought their first house in Willoughby.
Their business, naturally, followed suit, opening up in the City of Langley not long after moving.
“Vancouver is just too expensive to live in and to run a business, so that’s why we came out here,” Otsuji said.
Several other salons in Langley have begun offering similar eyebrow services as well, including Armour Beauty Lounge in Walnut Grove and Bee Pampered Spa & Salon in Fort Langley.
For more on Studio Sashiko, visit studiosashiko.com or follow them on social media @studiosashiko or @shaughnessy. | http://www.langleytimes.com/lifestyles/388308791.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/ba269c2a7673925f539d70d1bcab171843c24b1aaef7f55afa8a0fe08f5a2316.json |
[
"Monique Tamminga"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:48 | null | null | Registration still being accepted for Sept. 2 event at Langley Twin Rinks | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391336251.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/67563langleyHockeySkatesStockWeb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Charity shinny game to benefit Honour House | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Doctors, paramedics and police officers are taking to the ice at Langley Twin Rinks for a good ol’ fashioned game of shinny on Friday, Sept. 2, with proceeds going to Honour House.
The idea for the charity tournament comes from local paramedic, Matt Northrup, who decided he wanted to do something for Honour House, which has done so much for so many first responders, military and correction officers, he said.
“I was trying to think of something that many of us like to do, and a lot of doctors I work with all wanted to play a game of shinny. So, hockey it is,” said Northrup.
“In organizing this charity tournament I’ve been finding out that many emergency personnel didn’t know about all that Honour House does for first responders.”
Honour House is a beautifully restored heritage home in Queen’s Park, New Westminster that acts as a home-away-from-home for emergency responders of all kinds, be it police officers, firefighters, paramedics, military or corrections members, who find themselves needing medical care and may be from out of town and need a place for them and their families to stay.
The staff at Honour House also offer group therapy sessions for first responders suffering with PTSD. The staff also can make referrals to get people the correct support and help they need.
“In our line of work, there are too many suicides and it’s really important work the Honour House is doing with PTSD,” Northrup said. To that end, Honour House is currently trying to buy property to build the ‘Honour Ranch,’ which will offer equine therapy.
“Studies have shown that equine therapy has been very helpful for people with PTSD.”
Northrup said in getting people to sign up for the hockey tournament, he has made many aware of all the services Honour House offers.
“For those who didn’t know, now they have somewhere they can refer coworkers who are having issues.
“In the unfortunate circumstances that I have a need to use Honour House, I’m glad it’s there for me.”
One doctor believes in Honour House so much, he is borrowing Northrup’s gear to play. Another doctor can’t make it but is donating the minimum $200 donation to the cause.
So far, they have enough players to make up two teams but are hoping for more people to join them.
It’s an opportunity to play against emergency services in a family-friendly event for players of all skill levels. Northrup’s mom is Langley RCMP youth-at-risk officer, Const. Janet Northrup. She will also be taking to the ice.
The ceremonial puck drop is at 5 p.m. and will be done by a Langley RCMP Inspector and a member of the Honour House.
The anthem will also be sung to start the game off.
Two games will be played and then everyone can go upstairs to the Thirsty Penguin, which has been rented out for the event. Players can view the silent auction items and will be provided with a dinner. They ask that each player raise a minimum of $200 to participate. For that you get two games, a souvenir T-shirt, puck and dinner.
Family and friends are welcome to come along and may purchase a dinner ticket for $20.
If you are interested, contact Matt at 604-302-3677 or matt.northrup@hotmail.com. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/391336251.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/14d13798e772682133be739147f0b3faa333fe547a83f1e8dd23b8edc3a7511b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:09:45 | null | null | Signs bearing messages of warning being placed along route, which has claimed multiple lives and led to many more injuries | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391332711.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/64999langley0824-SpeedKills.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Township's anti-speeding campaign ramped up on 16 Avenue | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The Township of Langley has installed nine new “Speed Kills” signs along 16 Avenue to remind drivers to slow down.
With roughly 134 accidents occurring on the 16th Avenue corridor every year — including two deadly crashes so far in 2016 — the Township of Langley and RCMP have launched a new safety campaign to remind drivers that speed kills.
The Township has installed 33 new bright yellow signs along 16 Avenue, including “School Bus Ahead” and “Farm Vehicle” signs, along with nine “Speed Kills” signs, which were placed in close proximity to speed limit postings.
“Our message is clear: stop speeding now, before someone is killed,” said Langley RCMP Sergeant Alexandra Mulvihill.
“Those who choose to ignore the message can expect to face hefty fines and impounded vehicles.”
The goal of the campaign, which was developed in consultation with ICBC and the Langley School District, is to get drivers to slow down — and ultimately — to save lives.
“Through Speed Kills, we aim to educate the public about the need to observe posted speed limits, remind them of the dangers of speeding, and encourage drivers to respect other road users and the crash history of this particular roadway,” said Richard Welfing, the Township’s senior transportation engineer.
RCMP will be increasing patrols along 16 Avenue, proactively targeting those who choose to disobey the 60 km/h speed limit.
A traffic study by the Township showed that 85 per cent of drivers travel at 80 km/h along the two-lane road.
Truck traffic makes up around 14 per cent of the users of the street, which sees more than 14,500 vehicles per day. There were 673 car crashes over a five-year period between 2008 and 2012, which is roughly 134 accidents per year, or two accidents per week.
The most common type of crash is rear-end collisions; the second happens as people exit or enter driveways.
Dangerous 16 Avenue:
So far this year two deaths have been recorded along 16 Avenue in Langley.
A 79-year-old grandmother from Langley lost her life trying to cross 16 Avenue at 224 Street on Friday, April 8.
On March 10, Shaun Sutton was killed at the intersection of 16 Avenue and 197A Street, while on his way to visit his grieving aunt who had just lost her daughter, a Brookswood Secondary student, in a crash near Mission.
The eastbound Mustang had stopped at 197A Street to make a left hand turn and was rear-ended by a Dodge pickup truck. There were three occupants in the Mustang, including Sutton in the back seat.
• June 2015 a multi-vehicle collision on 16 Avenue near 226 Street sent several to hospital with serious injuries. The four-vehicle collision sent two people to hospital via Air Ambulance and two others by ground.
A small pickup truck travelling east had stopped to make a left hand turn into a driveway. Another vehicle had stopped behind the pickup truck. The second vehicle was rear ended by a dump truck starting a chain reaction, which pushed the small pickup truck into the oncoming lane. Once in the westbound lane, the pickup was struck by a westbound SUV.
• December 2013 A fiery crash on 16 Avenue sent five to hospital including a toddler.
The serious crash in the 26700 block of 16 Avenue caused a Camaro to burst into flames and left the driver of a pickup truck with life-threatening injuries. The Camaro, carrying a man, a woman and a toddler, was eastbound on 16 Avenue when a westbound pickup truck spun sideways and entered the oncoming lane. The Camaro driver attempted to avoid the collision and T-boned the pickup truck. Of the three adult male occupants of the pickup truck, one passenger was uninjured and the driver was taken to hospital by Air Ambulance.
• August 2013 an 80-year-old Langley woman died in a crash involving a dump truck, at 16 Avenue and 256 Street. Police said the woman failed to stop at the southbound stop sign, crossing directly into the path of the dump truck.
• September 2013 two people died after a head-on collision between a Jeep Cherokee and a gravel truck on 16 Avenue. The two killed were inside the Jeep. The investigation indicated the driver of the Jeep tried to pass another vehicle across a double solid line heading west, crossing into the path of an eastbound gravel truck between 200 and 208 Streets.
• 2012 A 47-year-old Delta man was killed at 240 Street and 16 Avenue after a pickup truck fleeing from police slammed into two vehicles.
Police have said in the past that the the lack of shoulder lanes on 16 Avenue makes it too dangerous for them to pull anyone over if they were to operate a speed trap along the route.
— with files from Monique Tamminga | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391332711.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/432370c6d80c9850aa052c92e799109c941969a37dd7284210aed5ca7dad2ede.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
] | 2016-08-26T18:50:26 | null | null | RCMP release photo of Good Samaritan who stopped to help injured officer | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391420561.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/8285langleytruckdriver.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | If this is you, please call police about Langley crash | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | RCMP have released these pictures of the Good Samaritan and his truck taken at the scene of the Aug. 14 Hwy. 1 crash that injured an officer.
If your name is Earl and you are the man who pulled over his semi to help an injured RCMP officer, the police would like to talk to you.
The man with the truck is one of two Good Samaritans who stopped to provide assistance the morning of Sunday, Aug. 14 when an RCMP vehicle was rear-ended at the scene of a rollover accident in the westbound lane of Highway 1, near the 232 Street overpass in Langley.
"Earl" may have important information about the collision or its aftermath, RCMP said.
RCMP released photos of Earl and what is believed to be his truck, a greyish-blue Volvo tractor trailer, hauling a white 53’ refrigerated. There is a silver logo on the tractor’s door.
Earl has a tattoo on his right forearm.
The second witness was an Asian man in his 50’s. He is described as short, wearing a white button down shirt and tan pants.
He was driving a model year 2000 or newer tan or gold sedan in good condition .
Police believe the second witness was traveling behind the grey pick-up truck that collided with the police vehicle.
Anyone with any information on these individuals is asked to contact Sgt. Patrick Davies at 604-539-2730. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391420561.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/bd865ba133062bb4d646fd6453bcc38347d2b127d404a039dd7a2978f0ed9077.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-31T00:52:19 | null | null | Four members of Fort Langley Canoe Club among five Langley athletes at Sprint Canoe Kayak Canadian championships | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391762191.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | High five: Langley athletes going for gold with Team BC | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Five athletes representing the Fort Langley Canoe Club are among the 30 from B.C. going for gold at the 2016 Sprint Canoe Kayak Canadian championships.
The championships run Aug. 30 to Sept. 4 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Lauryn Cheung, Meghan Cheung, Emily Raymond, Elliot Hoyt and Zaffia Laplante are the FLCC members competing among the 1,200 best sprint paddlers from more than 40 clubs across Canada.
Another Langley athlete, Verna McNichol is representing the Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club.
Trio also Canada Summer Games hopefuls
Lauryn Cheung, Meghan Cheung and Zaffia Laplante have also been named to the Canada Summer Games long list.
The trio are among the 28 athletes named to the list based on their results at the 16+ B.C. provincial championships last month in Kamloops.
The list was released last week (Aug. 23).
The athletes will compete at a training camp in November, as well as fall and winter testing and other Canoe Kayak BC events as they battle for spots on Team BC. Twenty athletes — 10 male and 10 female — will represent B.C. at the Canada Summer Games in 2017.
The Games run July 29 to Aug. 1. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391762191.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/dbc03ec1dd2fed72fb71ae6feb4fc1363d688f2af9d56295680a88763cb0c50c.json |
[
"David Clements"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:22 | null | null | Columnist David Clements recently returned from a trip to China | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F391058891.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/45598langleyGreenBeatAugustweb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Green Beat: The elephant on the road | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | David Clements experienced an elephant ride while visiting China earlier this summer.
My two companions and I sat watching as a succession of people perched atop the elephant. Finally I couldn’t stand being on the sidelines any longer, and I paid my 20 Yuan to experience what it was like to ride an elephant.
We were at the Yunnan Nationalities Village in Kunming that celebrates the diverse peoples of Yunnan Province, China. The ancient mode of elephant transport is still sometimes used by the Dai people, if only to show tourists how it’s done.
Through much of China, ancient modes of transport have given way to modern conveyances.
The highways I travelled in China were extremely well-engineered, making for convenient, rapid travel through the mountainous terrain.
In fact, my Chinese colleagues told me of a new practice being fostered by the government to give employees Friday afternoons off to encourage weekend travel and tourism.
One cannot help but notice numerous recent model, high-end cars on the road in China. I mentioned to my hosts how I always bought used cars, and that seemed like a foreign concept (maybe because it was?).
The other vehicle type one can’t help but notice is the electric scooter. Major streets have scooter lanes, featuring a constant procession of scooter drivers, often carrying heavy loads or even sometimes one or two additional passengers. Bicycles by contrast are quite rare — mostly gone the way of the elephant.
Pollution from vehicular traffic was highlighted during the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when officials limited traffic in the city to curb their impact. The issue continues, however, as the number of Chinese being able to afford cars has exceeded the capacity of the road system, and the airshed.
In August, 2015 when 5 million cars were forced to drive only on alternating days in Beijing, residents reported being able to enjoy clear air for a change. The measure facilitated a military parade under blue skies to mark the 70th anniversary of victory over Japan in the Second World War.
It is remarkable that China is the world’s second largest consumer of petroleum but only the fifth largest producer of oil.
Over on this side of the Pacific Ocean, the Chinese thirst for fuel is often apparent … it’s the elephant in the room whenever we’re talking about things like pipelines or liquefied natural gas here in B.C.
However, innovative green energy initiatives are highly visible in China. Looking out my hotel window in Huize, I saw windmills dotting the skyline, and the mosaic of rooftops before me were decorated with the ubiquitous solar water heaters.
Already seeing the massive movement towards electric scooters, the electric car cannot be too far behind.
Perhaps before long Chinese tourists will be taking off on a Friday afternoon in electric vehicles —hopefully under blue skies.
David Clements, Ph.D. is Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Trinity Western University. | http://www.langleytimes.com/lifestyles/391058891.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/d47b149c48fde79784b32ea0946de9c843469c468d91242ffe9a6f7a860b7ba8.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:09 | null | null | Thirty riders will vie for top spot as Longines FEI World Cup event takes place at Langley's Thunderbird Show Park | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F390954981.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/1905langleyLongines-2015-0816-215.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | World’s best at Thunderbird | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Some of the world’s best show jumpers will be competing on Sunday at Langley’s Thunderbird Show Park.
The world’s best show jumpers are set to take centre stage this weekend in Langley.
Thunderbird Show Park is hosting the Longines FEI World Cup event, the first in a series of 14 events held across North America.
It will be held on Sunday (Aug. 28) beginning at 2 p.m.
“This will be the biggest World Cup (event) we have ever hosted,” said Chris Pack, the vice-president of operations at Thunderbird Show Park.
A full field of 30 riders — featuring top international riders from the United States, Mexico, Ireland, Egypt, Germany, Holland and New Zealand — will compete for a prize pool of $135,000.
The high stakes create an amazing atmosphere of intense and exciting competition.
One of the main challenges of hosting an event of this magnitude is the logistics of putting everything together.
But that has been made easier thanks to the partnership with Longines, Pack said.
“There are so many moving parts coming together.
“And because Longines is such a fantastic partner, they bring in so many amenities that at some of our shows we don’t have,” he said, explaining that Longines is arranging to bring a giant mobile Jumbotron from San Diego, as well as TVs for around the park and timing staff.
“They just bring so many additions that are just going to make the show better and better.”
The event is being presented by White Rock company Noel Asmar Equestrian.
Asmar is a Langley resident.
There will also be pony rides, food trucks, live music and face-painters.
“We are trying to be very family-friendly.
“We want to be able to attract spectators and give them things that when they leave, they want to come back again,” Pack said. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/390954981.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/4dafcca937674003b7e837aa5bc122305eaaac014a145ba965cc91e14bac7048.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T22:49:19 | null | null | The Fort Gallery's latest exhibit, Transition, begins Aug. 31. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F391798821.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/13525langleySJFalk2web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Fort Gallery in transition | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | A piece by Susan J. Falk in the Fort Gallery's show Transition, on from Aug. 31 to Sept. 18.
In the Fort Gallery’s latest endeavour, artists Richard Bond and Susan J. Falk are bringing together their work for Transition.
Running Aug. 31 to Sept. 18, this exhibit pairs Bond’s vibrant coloured figure work with Falk’s expressionistic oil paintings.
Bond’s images are fluid in nature, showing a separation of boundaries while achieving balance.
Meanwhile Falk, who recently showed in Kyoto City, Japan, has incorporated her Japanese experience into her work through images of the kimono in modern day Kyoto, and blustery, windy landscapes capturing cherry blossom season.
The opening reception for Transition is Sept. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m., which is also being held in conjunction with the September First Thursday free community arts event, featuring local harpist Bernice Mussallem.
On the first Thursday of each month, the Fort Gallery hosts a variety of visual artists, writers, poets and musicians from the local community who share their gifts and creations.
Regular gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
For more, visit fortgallery.ca.
Artwork by Susan J. Falk | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/391798821.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/7559044d817e50be3b0dd74bf801a5382537037a6a00b1b210ec3899aebb91c4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:14 | null | null | The seventh annual West Fine Art Show — Remembering Betty comes to Thunderbird Show Park Aug. 19 to 21. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F390330631.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/5328langleyMurray-BrianatTBird2-2-web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | The best of the west | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | One of B.C.’s largest and most prestigious art shows returns to Langley this weekend.
The seventh annual West Fine Art Show — Remembering Betty is on at Thunderbird Show Park Aug. 19 to 21.
Founded by well-known Langley artists Murray Phillips and Brian Croft, this unique art show and sale — benefiting the Langley Hospice Society — coincides with Thunderbird’s International Hunter Jumper Show, the CSI3’ Summer Fort Classic. This is a premier equestrian event that draws competitors from around the world.
The West Fine Art Show is named “Remembering Betty” after Phillips’ late wife, who passed away in June, 2013, and features 15 Western Canadian artists.
Highlights include artist Neil Hamelin, who won the 2016 “Best in Show — Flat” at the Calgary Stampede’s Western Showcase and Artists Studios; sculptor Nathan Scott, who created the well-known bronze sculptor of Terry Fox at Mile 0 in Victoria; wildlife artist Terry Isaac; and local artists Joyce Trygg, Bryan Coombes and Carmel Clare.
New this year, artists Bill Higginson and Olga Rybalko will be on site working simultaneously on the same piece to capture the mood and overall feel of Thunderbird on canvas.
For more information, visit www.westart.ca. | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/390330631.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/88e4e557d67de3926e4760975ef8d405f2ae53fb5b54db8f8f981ca8dbf5102b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:07 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390606471.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Marijuana is not a wonder drug | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: Regarding “A Taste of his own medicine” (the Times, Aug 5) front page article regarding Randy Caine.
Please do not glorify this disease. It is no surprise that a long time marijuana smoker is diagnosed with lung cancer. Smoking anything long-term causes lung cancer, and the prognosis is never good.
Randy Caine regained the use of his left hand because of conventional treatment, ie: radiation and chemotherapy.
The return of his sense of taste and the regrowth of his hair, happens to everyone, not just cannabis users.
This man ingested a toxic drug for years and he is paying the price. Your story made it sound like marijuana is a wonder drug.
It is not.
L. Dick,
Langley | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/390606471.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/62667d3f5c3c4baf571192a99d5886f93365a9ae14f7b9f76389c10f434da37f.json |
[
"Monique Tamminga"
] | 2016-08-30T18:51:04 | null | null | RC Garnett Elementary in Willoughby will have to be cleaned up before kids return to the classrooms next week. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391773601.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/2288langley0830-rcgarnettgraffiti.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Langley school sprayed with graffiti | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | One week before kids go back to school, RC Garnett Elementary has been tagged with graffiti.
One week before kids go back to school, RC Garnett Elementary in Willoughby has been hit by graffiti.
The graffiti, which occurred sometime overnight Monday into Tuesday, is just another example of problems that have plagued the school over the summer months, said former PAC president Loraine Baldwin.
Last month, people were sleeping on the roof, even setting up a make-shift camp with tarps.
The school grounds has seen used condoms, needles and other biohazards, she said.
"It's been horrible," she said.
Willoughby has seen an uptick in crime in recent months with Langley RCMP even warning residents to be aware. Police have recently busted meth labs and homes where drugs were allegedly being dealt to neighborhood kids. There is also a growing homeless camp in the woods in Willoughby. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391773601.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/11c434fe571cce341e3e23bec9e0090b3029e195216dac476adeb6073f6ffbf8.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T14:49:55 | null | null | Sept. 24 event at Langley Events Centre will feature live music, information booths and a barbecue/food area | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391335761.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/67091langleyGuitarStockWeb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Youth task force plans concert in support of homeless peers | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Members of the Youth Homelessness Task Force have been busy this summer planning an outdoor concert and fair to help raise awareness and funds for a youth emergency shelter.
It may be their summer holiday, but for a group of dedicated Langley students, July and August have been anything but a break.
Members of the Youth Homelessness Task Force have been busy planning an outdoor concert and fair to help raise awareness and funds for a youth emergency shelter.
The volunteer group, made up of about 15 students, will host a concert fun day at the Langley Events Centre rugby field on Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They have already secured several local rock bands and dance groups to perform. They also plan on having a DJ, booth from the RCMP, youth and school groups, and a barbecue/food area.
The concert will be free, but cost of admission to the grounds will be a minimum $2 donation, $4 for adults.
Several of the students on the task force, along with Brookswood Secondary teacher Lenny Yun, came to Township council on July 25 to ask for help in covering the $2,500 cost of securing the rugby field and a stage.
The group told council that in 2015-16, there were 162 Langley youth at risk of homelessness, and according to the City of Langley’s homelessness strategic plan, youth represent 22 per cent of the homeless population.
Because they are not seen on the streets, many homeless youth are considered invisible, which has created a community “un-awareness” of this issue, the students said.
And with emergency shelters only available to adults 19 and over, the students are asking the government — and the community — to step up and create resources for at-risk youth.
“There is, of course, a gap in our system in Langley and we are still wondering why we are not supporting our most vulnerable, which is our youth who are on the streets, and also what can we do to better inform people of this gap and to help fix it,” Yun said in a presentation to council.
The outdoor concert will be a lead-up to a walk for homeless youth planned for Oct. 6.
At the end of the meeting, council agreed to provide up to $2,500 to help the students with the event costs, should they be successful in their application.
However, Township CAO Mark Bakken added that there may be additional insurance fees that may not be covered by the amount the group asked for.
Coun. Angie Quaale also asked that the group be referred to the grant application process for future events.
If you would like to be a sponsor for this event, contact Lenny at lyun@sd35.bc.ca. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/391335761.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/69699319af9268407be555b485493b26ae232b5d6b500c6cb0d9de9885a4a317.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:51:38 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391069921.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/favicon2.ico | en | null | Langley Times | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | You have already participated in this poll. Thank you!
Last Week's Question of the Week Final Results Will the 203 Street improvements in Langley City be a good return on several months of traffic woes? Yes 51 %
No 48 % | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/391069921.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/456e95128d68b19f34d64220329877afcd12c05b08fec6206d0fe934eeb455ac.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:08 | null | null | B.C. stands in the way of Justin Trudeau government's plan to hike Canada Pension Plan contributions, but likely not for long | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F389123291.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/82199BCLN2007Bateman-Jordan13-2.4.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Business pushing back on CPP expansion | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Jordan Bateman, Canadian Taxpayers' Federation
The B.C. government is hearing objections from businesses and individuals faced with increasing Canada Pension Plan contributions in the coming years, and is the last province needed to ratify the increase.
Instead of joining other provinces in meeting the federal government's July deadline to adopt the change, the B.C. government launched a consultation phase expected to run through August. And they are getting push-back on a plan that would increase payroll deductions and employer contributions starting in 2019.
Jordan Bateman, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation, said he's receiving hundreds of responses to his call to supporters to make their views known to the B.C. government. Most concerned are employers who would pay higher contributions for each of their employees.
Employer and employee contributions are to go up from the current 4.95 per cent of earnings to 5.95 per cent by 2023. For each employee earning $54,900, the employer contribution goes up $7 to $8 per month in each of the first five years of the phase-in.
"Obviously, lots of people are concerned about having to pay more," Bateman said. "But the interesting ones are the small business owners who talk about just how close to the edge they are financially."
B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong joined other provinces in agreeing in principle to the expansion in June. Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau said he is concerned about the decline in workplace pension plans and wants the CPP to move from replacing one quarter of employment income to one third by 2025.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business surveyed its members nation-wide when the CPP plan was announced, and more than 80 per cent wanted consultation and a delay of implementation. Morneau has indicated he plans to table legislation this fall.
B.C.'s refusal to sign on could derail the federal plan, but it shows little intention of doing so.
"British Columbia is committed to engaging with stakeholders in advance of ratifying the agreement in principle," said the statement from de Jong's office announcing the consultation.
The province's consultation website and feedback address can be found here. | http://www.langleytimes.com/business/389123291.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/7af07d14796e7918b5b47337a632084e2340c206669a0181c21a9040373a158d.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:48 | null | null | No permit required for weddings, festivals on farms if fewer than 150 people attend, says Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F388995481.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/15664BCLN2007farmWeddingCarriagewikim7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Brides, bands allowed back on farmland | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Almost a year after B.C. farm weddings were banned due to a crackdown on agricultural land use rules, the B.C. government has clarified what commercial activities are allowed on farmland.
Farmers can host up to 10 commercial weddings, concerts or non-agricultural events per year without a permit from the Agricultural Land Commission. Farmers can take payment to host a wedding or other event as long as no more than 150 guests attend and a list of conditions are met, according to regulations that took effect Tuesday.
To qualify, event hosts must provide all parking on the farm rather than along roads, with no permanent parking lots or structures, and the event must end in less than 24 hours. For more than 10 events a year or exceeding 150 guests, properties with farm tax status must apply to the ALC for a permit.
The new regulation also clarifies ALC policies to allow, with no permit, farm tours and demonstrations, hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin patch tours, harvest and Christmas fairs and special occasion events to promote farm products.
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick said the regulation requiring farms to generate at least 50 per cent of its revenue from farm products is also scrapped, after consultation in the past year suggested the new rules instead.
The crackdown on farm weddings came last fall, when the ALC issued stop-work orders to B.C. farms including the Fraser Valley, Kelowna and Vancouver Island.
The restriction came after the province expanded farm uses to allow breweries and distilleries to operate on protected farmland with the same rules used to permit wineries. The rules allowed for processing of farm crops into products such as juice or jam for commercial sale. | http://www.langleytimes.com/business/388995481.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/ab55ce2e411d43288e1e818fed69b62776352da00669d501a337561b06e25a11.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:16 | null | null | Langley's Mackenzie Lee returns from Canadian senior national
championships with eye on playing for Team Canada | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391298471.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/50821langleyMackenzieLee.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Giving rugby a try paying off for Langley's Lee | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Langley’s Mackenzie Lee (with ball) in action with the UBC Thunderbirds during their game against the Calgary Dinos last season. Lee was in Ontario last week helping the B.C. senior women’s team to a third-place finish at the Canadian women’s national championships.
When Mackenzie Lee was approached about giving rugby a try, she initially resisted.
Lee was a Grade 10 student at Walnut Grove Secondary, and her PE class was conducting fitness testing.
“Coach (Jon Fast) saw that I was quite quick and he thought I would do really well if I was running down the field with a rugby ball (in my arms),” recalled Mackenzie Lee.
“I told him ‘no, I am a soccer player.’”
Up until that point, Lee was a high-level soccer player, playing at the Metro level.
But a few months later, Lee realized she was bored with the sport.
“I just got tired off it,” she admitted.
“I had been playing it for nine years and I think at that age, I had gone as far as I wanted.”
Plus, two of her best friends had also joined the Walnut Grove rugby team.
“There was also that pull — I wanted to spend more time with them too — so it seemed like a good idea.”
And from the moment Lee stepped onto the rugby pitch, she was hooked.
“I loved it right away. I was obsessed,” she said.
Part of it was she felt more at ease with the rugby culture.
“It fit me more. It is not scary to hit people.
“I am quite strong and it was nice to feel like you fit in somewhere,” Lee said.
“I think I just had the mentality that this is where I fit in.
“It makes me sound crazy, but I guess the contact just makes it a little more fun.”
Her plan was to play through high school, but after graduating from Walnut Grove Secondary in 2013, she joined the UBC Thunderbirds women’s team. She also plays for the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club.
“In all honesty, I was going to stop playing after high school, but (continuing) is probably the best decision I ever made,” she said.
The 21-one-year-old was in Markham, Ont. last week, competing with the BC Rugby senior women’s team at the Canadian women’s national championships.
The team went 3-1 and finished in a three-way tie for top spot with Equipe Quebec and the Ontario Storm.
But the Quebec team — whose only loss was to B.C. — won the tiebreaker among the three and took top spot. B.C. was relegated to third.
Lee, who plays inside centre, finished tied for the team lead with three tries in the four games and her 15 points were tied for second.
“It was so amazing, so great,” she said of the experience, her first taste of provincial team action.
“It was an incredible experience (and) I learned so much about myself.
(This) solidified that I want to try and play for Canada and I learned it is a possibility for me to play for Canada, and not such an outlandish idea.”
“Mackenzie has a bright future,” said Maria Gallo, the head coach at UBC.
“I usually have her playing multiple roles on the team, either as a front rower or I have her in the back, so she is a huge contributor to the Thunderbird program.
“She is very coachable — just one of those kids who never gives up.”
Lee has started for UBC since her rookie season and is a big part of the team’s leadership core.
“I think if she keeps up with how she is going, dedicating some time in the gym — which has definitely been a priority of hers in the last year — she will definitely have a bright future,” Gallo said.
Lee is entering her fourth year at UBC — she still has two years of CIS eligibility remaining — and is set to graduate in 2017. She is studying speech science.
One of the biggest adjustments has been trying to maintain the student-athlete lifestyle, finding time for school, training, a social life and proper rest.
“Going into my grad year, that is the biggest thing, trying to prioritize (my time).
“But I couldn’t imagine my life without rugby,” Lee said.
“I would like to make it to Team Canada at one point, but in all honesty, my schooling is first, getting my masters, and then hopefully (playing for) Canada. That would be pretty cool.” | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391298471.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/95961387da2c7dc766fe8e720771eda877c3f9e60e547bb317ade4ed9983cde1.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T00:52:15 | null | null | Coquitlam goaltender Christian Del Bianco sensational, making 59 saves in deciding game of Canadian junior A national lacrosse championships | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391804731.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/16359langley0827MintoCup.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Del Bianco delivers, Adanacs win Minto Cup | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The Coquitlam Adanacs are Minto Cup champions.
The Adanacs defeated the Orangeville Northmen 6-5 in overtime on Monday night at the Langley Events Centre to capture Canada’s junior A national lacrosse championship.
The teams were playing the fifth and deciding game of the series with the sides alternating victories. Three of the five games were one-goal contests.
In Monday’s finale, the teams were tied at two after 40 minutes.
Coquitlam went ahead 5-4 with 6:44 to play but the Northmen forced OT on Matt Vangalen’s goal with 93 seconds to play.
In the 10-minute overtime period, Dereck Downs scored the lone goal.
Jake Taylor — the lone Langley player on the Adanacs — had an assist on the goal and finished the game with two helpers.
Adanacs goaltender Christian Del Bianco made 59 saves in the victory as his team was out-shot 64-44. He was also named most valuable player of the tournament after finishing with a 5-2 record, a 5.49 goals against average and an .891 save percentage.
"I don't even know what the feeling is ... I just don't know what to say," he said afterwards.
"Honestly, it was just pure excitement."
Coquitlam captain Tyler Pace led the team with a pair of goals, while Dennon Armstrong had a goal and two helpers. Reid Bowering and Nicholas McNabb had a goal apiece.
The Northmen were led by Thomas Haggarth and Vangalen, who each scored twice, while Adam Charalambides had a goal and two assists. Joel Tinney finished with four assists.
The Adanacs had won game one 3-2 and game three 9-7 while Orangeville took game two 9-6 and game four 6-5.
The two teams advanced to the best-of-five series ahead of the Delta Islanders and the Calgary Mountaineers as the championships began with a four-team round-robin format. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391804731.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/6076bde03f869dcd0a2ab23165cbcbd1c433fa25e91ddf946a7479f08b869bc1.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:41 | null | null | Organizers anticipate crowds of 25,000 at 23rd annual Arts Alive Festival | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F390325651.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/3624langleyArtsAlive11web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Downtown Langley arts festival featuring 200 artists and crafters | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Ava Semchuk was one of thousands of attendees at the 2015 Arts Alive Festival. This year’s celebration features 200 vendors for art enthusiasts to enjoy.
Downtown Langley will be buzzing this weekend with 200 artists, crafters, makers — and about 25,000 spectators — at the Arts Alive Festival.
The 23rd annual event, taking place this Saturday (Aug. 20) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the one-way portion of Fraser Highway, is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the Fraser Valley.
There will be non-stop entertainment all day long from musicians Swamp City, Don Alder, Michael Friedman, Daven Atma and the Cypress Creek Duo, along with a free children’s venue — featuring Scruffles the Clown, face painting, Opus Chalk Art and crafts — a magician in Salt Lane, and booths displaying dozens of local artists.
“We think we have an excellent cross section of something for everybody,” said Teri James, executive director of the Downtown Langley Business Association.
“We made sure to have a super mix of artists, artisans and crafters so that everyone can come down.”
Arts Alive was created by local businesses 23 years ago to promote both local artists, and Langley businesses, James said.
“The event was started by businesses to bring people into the downtown, so as a result of its origins, the businesses are really supportive of this as well,” she said.
“So they all jump on board, and surprisingly, every year more and more businesses are wanting to be out on the streets doing business instead of in their stores.”
One of the new features James is particularly proud of is the festival’s initiative to go green. There will be manned waste stations with bins for garbage, recycling and organics set up in eight separate locations.
Overall, James says what she enjoys most is “watching the community and the people attending the festival having a great day.”
“I really get a kick out of people just watching and enjoying the day and recognizing that some people come down just for the entertainment — they don’t bother with the festival itself — (and) some people are really into cruising the streets and seeing everything,” she said.
For more information on the Arts Alive Festival, visit www.artsalivefestival.com. | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/390325651.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/833bbc066e7813aabd778cc01078372c9997e174f31afee8a32bf5f36fe05768.json |
[
"Canadian Press"
] | 2016-08-28T22:50:27 | null | null | Talks continue, with rotating overtime ban set to begin Monday if no agreement by midnight Sunday | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391545211.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/68221BCLN200782072cranbrookdailyCPweb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Postal workers union give details of job action if no deal is reached Sunday | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | OTTAWA – Contract talks continue between Canada Post and its largest union, but neither side is hinting as to whether any progress has been made.
A federally appointed mediator has been meeting with the two sides since Friday to try to reach a deal.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says if there is no deal by midnight, it would begin job action on Monday by having its members refusing to work overtime on a rotating basis, starting in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
CUPW served 72 hour strike notice Thursday night, accusing Canada Post of forcing a labour disruption by refusing to bargain in good faith.
The two sides have been deadlocked for months on the issues of pay scales for rural letter carriers and proposed changes to pensions for future employees.
A CUPW news release says the initial job action will cause little disruption to Canada Post customers and that its members will still be delivering mail every day.
The Canadian Press | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391545211.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/2f7bc56987724e04c0142a92d064911f7180af1aa8bafe1445f6d826b061841d.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:27 | null | null | Event to wrap up with concert at school Friday night | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F390614101.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/20421langleyCamp.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Ukulele Camp for young musicians in the Langleys (with video) | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | About 100 kids are taking part in Ukulele Camp at Belmont Elementary School.
The five-day event was organized by Langley Ukulele with support from Langley City and Langley Township.
It will wrap up with a concert Friday night. | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/390614101.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/a564697e2cb203a1e28521c8ca296a7c1fff5776123411ba9957a715f4e61429.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:35 | null | null | Seyem’ Qwantlen Business Group's free summer walking tours share Kwantlen's history and culture in Fort Langley | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F390231801.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/64750langleyKwantlenWalkingTour-2-web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Kwantlen Walking Tours a 'powerful healing journey' | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | There was a time when the bounty of the Fraser River was so great, the people of the Kwantlen First Nation could “walk on the backs of salmon.”
And the ooligan — also known as eulachon fish — would travel in groups so large, the shimmering of their scales could be seen from the surrounding hilltops, causing even orcas and seals to come up river.
“Once upon a time, when ooligan was prepared for the people, it was put in front of you, and that would be a feed. It could be 20 to 40 pieces for maybe the six of you,” said Fern Gabriel, a member of the Kwantlen First Nation.
“They were caught in huge abundance, all people had to do was scoop a net inside the river and pull out a whole bunch.”
But this year, only 44 pounds of salmon were caught, which — split between 24 First Nations communities — works out to maybe one fish per person, Gabriel said.
And the ooligan, now an endangered species, are allocated to First Nations fishermen in very small numbers.
That’s why Gabriel, along with the Seyem’ Qwantlen Business Group, are doing their part to educate the community on the importance of this resource through the Kwantlen Walking Tours.
The free tours, running Thursday nights during August and early September, expose visitors to some of the oldest stories known, as they walk through picturesque Fort Langley from the Jacob Haldi Bridge to Sqwalets Channel and back.
For the third summer in a row, Gabriel, who has spent a lifetime teaching her culture to students in schools, has been leading the tours.
She is accompanied by vocalist Lisa Thomas (pictured left), as the stories of the salmon, the ooligan, the eagle and the sturgeon are brought to life through traditional song and Gabriel’s animated voice.
“Remembering the past, remembering the history that belongs to the land is really important,” Gabriel said.
“I like to share these stories because — whether they’re true or not — they’re inspirational.
“They give hope. And it reminds people to check in at the end of the day ... with themselves.”
Beyond the environmental education, the stories also share a unique insight into Coast Salish traditions that go back 10,000 years.
The Kwantlen people were known as the “runners and tireless hunters,” feeding off of elk, deer, beaver, muskrat, duck, geese, grouse — and of course — fish.
Gabriel said in many First Nation communities the ancestral stories often match up with major historical events — something she is very proud of.
“The story I always remember being told about and reading about is the story of the earthquake and tsunami that took place back in the 1700s,” Gabriel said.
“And it was Mouse that told the people, told the kids, ‘Get to higher ground. The Earth is going to change, the Earth is going to hurt you.’
“The children ran and told the people, and the people who listened made it to higher ground. The people who did not listen to Mouse, they said it looked like a great big hand ... slapped down on the land, and that was the water, that was the tsunami from the aftershocks.
“And those oral stories coincide with the Japanese records ... (When some people say) our people don’t have these records, well they did. It’s done through collective memory.”
Aboriginal tourism is a relatively new direction for the business group, but one that Gabriel says has brought great pleasure to both herself, and to those she’s toured.
“I enjoy telling the stories, I enjoy the peacefulness that people feel after,” she said.
“All that we do here, all that we do is prayer. It’s prayer, and it’s reminding you the importance of the resources in the water — the ooligan, the Salish sucker, the coho, the sturgeon, and now the salmon.
“So it’s a reminder to people that ‘Hey, stewardship is everybody’s responsibility.’ There’s enough for everybody out here, but if people are going to take more than what they need, it’s going to affect us all.”
The tours also allow some of the younger people in the Kwantlen community to come out of their shells, Gabriel added. Among them is her niece, Elinor Atkins, who will be leading her own walking tours next year.
Atkins has been heavily involved in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and is heading to the University of Victoria in September to pursue a degree in history and indigenous studies.
“I was lucky enough to grow up immersed in my culture, but some of my ancestors in residential schools were not,” Atkins said.
“It’s weird to think that in our town, there are people that don’t know the culture of the people that have been here for so long. It’s important to share these stories because they help break down stereotypes.”
Gabriel shares the same sentiment.
“This is reconciliation,” she said.
“I always say I’ve been reconciling all my life. I remember trying to share stories when I was younger, and I literally would hear from people I grew up with, ‘I don’t want to hear that Indian sh**.’ And that was just the way people were.
“Now that we’ve become more politically correct, people are not like that. I grew up in a time when it wasn’t cool to be Indian — that’s why I like to do this (the walking tours).
“And I want people to know that it’s a healing journey for me, too. It’s a really powerful healing journey. I’m not trying to save people, I’m trying to empower them.”
The remaining walking tours run Aug. 18 at 7 p.m., Aug. 25 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., Sept. 1 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 5 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
The tours meet in front of Lelem’ Arts & Cultural Café, 100-23285 Billy Brown Rd.
For more information, visit coastsalishtourism.ca. | http://www.langleytimes.com/lifestyles/390231801.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/f9295a6994c0616d66d6919314d6117d53fad67dc6e0746d5d9118daade095a4.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:08 | null | null | Dozens of tasty treats entered in annual Blackberry Bake-Off competition | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F390626731.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/24748langleyBlackberryBakeOff-3-web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Photos: Blackberry Bonanza | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | There were more than 20 entries of homemade blackberry treats at the annual Blackberry Bake-off on Aug. 18.
Dozens enjoyed a hot summer's day at the Langley Demonstration Garden on Thursday (Aug. 18) to celebrate a berry special Langley tradition.
The annual Blackberry Bake-Off saw more than 20 entries of tasty homemade treats ranging from pie and crumbles to jams and even salsa.
There were many wide eyes as participants chose just four different recipes to sample and judge.
The event also featured live music, a barbecue and many kids activities.
Photos by Times reporter Miranda Gathercole | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/390626731.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/60f4aabcf5b1a1a9b1f44f6b3c8e1ad4fa6c27d775d48f5201872a2fcec0f993.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:10 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391337581.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | McGregor Says: Nothing like an ice cream on a hot day | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | It’s always nice to wake up to sunshine on a day when you have an outdoor activity planned.
Last weekend, vendors and organizers of the annual Arts Alive were most pleased to be able to set up and display on a gorgeous August day.
Natasha Jones, my co-author, and I had fun selling our books, photography, poetry and talking to old friends and making new ones.
Creative people are usually poor salesmen and a kind word about our display is often taken as payment as gratefully as cash. Hence the term ‘starving artists.’
The sun brings out a great crowd and smell of food from ethnic venues and the sound of music from various sources adds to the festival atmosphere as people flit from booth to booth like bees in a flower garden, each one finding something, shiny, warm, or colorful to suit their fancy and take back home.
As the hot afternoon winds down I am returning to our display from a tour and I see an ice cream truck parked in the shade.
I think I will buy cold treats for Natasha and myself, and for Ken in the next booth. As I approach the truck, I recall memories of standing at the end of the driveway, holding tightly to little hands as the kids watched the jingling truck approaching.
There were always quarters and 50 cent pieces in the dish on the window sill, specifically saved for the ice cream man.
I recall one man saying that his Dad had told his five kids that when the ice cream truck was playing music, it was telling people he was out of ice cream so there was no need to go running out there. Well played, Dad.
He probably saved a big chunk of cash over the summer.
When I get to the truck, I see his display of popsicles, revels, fudgsicles, cones and ice cream sandwiches. I have always been partial to revels even though I often end up with a flake of chocolate on my shirt.
“Three revels, please,” I ask and take a five dollar bill out of my wallet. The man opens his freezer and pulls out three revels, considerably smaller than I remember and says.
“Twelve dollars please.”
I look at the fiver in my hand and some options quickly form in my mind. Natasha and Ken don’t know I’m buying them a revel, so I don’t really have to. I could just buy one, find some shade and finish before I got back to the table. I could protest loudly about the outrageous cost of ice cream and walk away.
Or, remembering that it’s the thought that counts, I could just carry on as planned.
I take another $10 from wallet, knowing I’m cutting deeply into my net profit for the day, and take the revels back, where they are received with great fanfare and many thanks. I don’t mention the cost or share my observation that I’m surprised ice cream is not sold from Brinks’ armoured cars these days.
Packages are smaller, prices are higher and we old timers shake our heads, thinking about the father of five kids standing at the end of the driveway today with $20 in his hand.
But the one thing that will never change is the smile on someone’s face when you give them an ice cream treat on a hot day. That’s priceless.
At least that’s what McGregor says. | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/391337581.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/8166c38bc4cfd8995352b0695bb16a7679b243b988653acdfae379383fb4d433.json |
[
"Frank Bucholtz"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:22 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391335211.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Column: Good times and great burgers at Langley Cruise-In | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The Langley Good Times Cruise-In is a hugely significant community event.
It has grown from small beginnings along the one-way portion of Fraser Highway to its present size because it fills a need for a large car show in a superb viewing venue, and because it is supportive of so many local charities.
The Cruise-In board, many of whom have been working on this annual event for years, do so because of their love of the community.
This intersects with their passion for restoring, driving and displaying collector vehicles.
As with all successful events, predators try and piggyback on the success.
In 2014, organizers first noticed that there were a few scalpers lining up for tickets at the popular In-N-Out Burger concession. Last year, there were many more.
In-N-Out Burgers is a California-based chain that can only be found in certain U.S. states — none of which are anywhere close to Canada.
For a good number of years, the chain has brought its In-N-Out Burger Cookout Trailer north to be part of Cruise-In.
It has donated significant funds to the charity and made a lot of friends with its good food.
It fits in perfectly with the Cruise-In theme.
Unfortunately, there is always a limited number of burgers that the concession can sell, as In-N-Out brings most of its supplies with its truck.
As Cruise-In has become more popular, and word of mouth about In-N-Out gets around, that boosts demand. Lineups at In-N-Out are consistently long.
Scalpers last year were buying 25 tickets at a time for burgers and then reselling them as the day went on for up to three times what they had paid.
This is unconscionable, but it speaks to how greed is always present in some people’s hearts.
Cruise-In organizers are putting a stop to it this year.
Anyone who has met members of the organizing committee knows that they mean business, so this year the number of tickets that anyone can purchase will be limited —probably to four or six tickets.
This is a good move and will give as many people as possible a chance to enjoy an In-N-Out burger.
Some people have wondered aloud why the chain simply doesn’t sell more burgers at Cruise-In. The main reason is that it brings its own supplies here, and can only bring along so much on what is a lengthy trip to get here.
It may be possible that there are also issues at the border which prevent In-N-Out from bringing more, but that’s just speculation on my part.
The company has been a huge contributor to Cruise-In, both to the bottom line and to the general atmosphere of the show.
Cruise-In is bringing back a very popular feature of past events this year.
On the Friday night before the show (Sept. 9), there will again be an outdoor movie night at the Twilight Drive-In in Aldergrove, along with a sock hop.
This has been a great event in the past — people in the show driving their vintage cars to experience a drive-in movie, something that is a real rarity today.
People along the route from Langley City to Aldergrove have gathered, just to see the parade of cars.
The theme of this year’s Friday event is American Graffiti Returns, and the event is sponsored by the Ron Dunkley Memorial Society, a Langley-based charity.
The car show itself takes place on the streets of Langley City on Saturday, Sept. 10. It is always worth a visit. While many of the cars on display belong to people who are regular attendees, there are always some new and very interesting displays.
There is plenty of entertainment, and the overall atmosphere is one of relaxation and enthusiasm for a golden era.
The organizers work very hard to make each show special and unique, and for some reason, they almost always hold the event on what turns out to be a warm, sunny day. The combination is irresistible.
This year’s Cruise-In sounds like it will be as good as ever, and it’s a safe bet that many Langley residents will be there to see the show.
Frank Bucholtz is a retired editor. He writes monthly for the Langley Times, as well as sharing his insights on his Frankly Speaking blog. It can found at frankbucholtz.blogspot.ca. | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/391335211.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/3294609bf555499ce984774a8436903cb79a290fd2c58b32b2f2b42b09b3a6b6.json |
[
"Monique Tamminga"
] | 2016-08-30T18:50:59 | null | null | Mounties have spoken with the truck driver, but still hope to interview a second witness, who was at the scene of Aug. 14 collision | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391769481.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/23084langleycrashscene.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Second witness to Highway 1 crash urged to call police | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Highway 1 was blocked off for several hours between Glover and 232 following a crash that injured four people, one of them an RCMP officer.
Langley RCMP located ‘Earl’ — the Good Samaritan they’d been seeking — and interviewed him on Monday, following a public appeal for assistance in finding the truck driver who stopped to help an injured officer on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 14, but left without leaving his full name or contact information.
The officer had pulled over to attend to a rollover accident in the westbound lane of Highway 1, near the 232 Street overpass in Langley when her patrol vehicle was rear-ended by a pickup truck.
The freeway was closed for 10 hours while police investigated.
The RCMP officer suffered “serious” injuries in the crash. The driver and two passengers in the truck were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The officer remains in hospital, said Langley RCMP Sgt. Patrick Davies on Tuesday.
“Everyone wishes her the very best and we are all concerned and thinking of her,” said Davies.
Police are still searching for a second witness.
“This witness was first on scene, so it’s imperative we speak with him,” said Davies.
He is described as an Asian man in his 50s with short, black hair that is slightly salt-and-pepper coloured. He was wearing a white button-down shirt and tan pants. He had glasses and spoke with an accent.
He was driving a model year 2000 or newer tan or gold sedan in good condition.
Police believe he was travelling behind the grey pickup truck that collided with the police vehicle.
Davies is also asking anyone else who may have witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken to police to contact them, as well as anyone who may have taken photos or has dash camera footage they could provide police with.
Anyone with any information regarding this crash is asked to contact Sgt. Davies at 604-539-2730. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391769481.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/435455b52064d5496b478dad7874421e2c88dd53b48a86e583aaceeefe77a5c4.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-29T20:50:43 | null | null | Police found two handguns, a mini assault rifle and a variety of ammunition and marijuana during a curfew check on Aug. 26 in Abbotsford. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391634201.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/39840abbotsfordminiassaultrifle.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Guns and drugs seized, two arrested in connection to Townline Hill conflict | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Police arrested two men and seized drugs and guns during a check on two men connected with the ongoing Townline Hill conflict.
Two handguns, a mini assault rifle, a variety of ammunition and marijuana, heroin, fake oxycodone and cocaine were seized from a home in the 3200 block of Sisken Drive on August 25, according to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU). Scales, packaging, cell phones, a laptop computer and brass knuckles were also seized, and two men have now been charged.
The CFSEU says members of its uniform gang enforcement team were checking bail conditions and curfews of individuals at the home when one noticed an assault rifle. Two men were arrested and a subsequent search yielded the various items.
RELATED: Abbotsford-Mission records 15 per cent hike in crime rate
Gagandeep Singh Sandhu, 23, faces a number of charges, including two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition and one count each of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a restricted/prohibited weapon, and possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized.
Sukhvir Singh Sidhu, 24, has been charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance.
“If individuals show disregard for the law and the safety of the public, our officers will be there to ensure that these individuals are dealt with by disrupting their criminal activities and taking their guns and drugs off the streets,” Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, spokesperson for the CFSEU-BC, said in a press release. “Having charges approved against these individuals will now hold them accountable for their actions which have negatively impacted the residents of Abbotsford.”
The conflict is named for Townline Road and adjacent neighbourhoods in which two groups of young men – primarily of South Asian descent – are battling for drug turf.
Three killings have so far been linked to the Townline Hill conflict – the October 2014 drive-by fatal shooting of 18-year-old Harwin Baringh on Sparrow Drive; the September 2015 death of innocent man Ping Shun Ao, 74, who was struck by a stray bullet which had been intended for his neighbour on Promontory Court; and the March 2016 shooting of a 22-year-old man while he was outside a home on Hawthorne Avenue.
In July, police said a shooting that left an SUV pockmarked with bullet holes and sent the occupant to hospital had "all the earmarks" of the conflict. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391634201.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/420a78c8e37dcfcd1b8b2856961a329f51fdcf1ab3f1b2d2553190bb29508185.json |
[
"Monique Tamminga"
] | 2016-08-26T12:53:22 | null | null | The Goys have launched local craft beer tasting tours on their shuttle buses. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F388565681.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/49818langleyDan-sBeerTourBusweb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Get on the beer bus, Gus | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Dan Goy and his wife Lisa have been touring oeniphiles around Fraser Valley vineyards for seven years with their South Fraser Shuttles & Tours. This year, they are branching out and offering craft beer tours as well.
With more than 250 wine tours under their belt, husband and wife team Dan and Lisa Goy of South Fraser Shuttles & Tours are hopping onto another tour idea, replacing grapes with barley and hops.
It’s been a successful business over the past seven years, with so many locals jumping on their tour bus, enjoying a vacation day right in their own backyards, touring the award-winning wineries Langley and Delta have to offer.
But this year, Goy decided it was time to hop on the craft brewery hype.
The interest in locally brewed craft beer, from IPAs, ales and porters, just keeps growing, Dan said.
So the Goys decided to showcase the ‘Nectar of the Gods,’ offering craft brew taster tours through Langley and Surrey. Already, he’s sold out two bus tours with more dates scheduled for August.
Travelling in small groups, beer lovers will taste the best Surrey and Langley have to offer, enjoying a great selection of tasters from three local brewers and a craft beer lounge in Langley.
“Clearly, south of the Fraser, with a population of almost one million, offers many world class amenities to visitors and residents alike,” said Goy, South Fraser Shuttles & Tours co-owner and long time Surrey resident.
“In business as in life, timing is everything, and now is the right time to showcase this region’s locally produced craft draft beer with a quality tasters tour.”
There are two stops in Langley along the craft beer tour, at Trading Post brewery and at B’s Craft Beer Lounge in Willowbrook.
“At Trading Post, we pledge to embrace our community, engage our customers, brew great beer . . . We can’t wait to meet you on the South Fraser Sensational Craft Beer Tour,” remarked Trading Post founder Lance Verhoeff.
“We are a great place to get your craft beer fix in the Fraser Valley. Our knowledgeable staff are happy to educate, so feel free to ask if you have any questions regarding beer styles or the brewing process,” said Mike Klemak, B’s Craft Beer Lounge manager.
Central City Tasting Room in Surrey is another stop on the tour.
“While our brewery has grown significantly since the early days, the same passion for our craft drives each and every brew,” said Liam Peckham, Central City Tasting Room manager.
“Our Brewmaster ensures we brew with the best ingredients, making no compromises on our quality we offer.”
Russell Brewing Company celebrates its 21st birthday this year with a Punch Bowl grapefruit IPA.
“Our beer is 100 per cent natural and has no preservatives, plus we don’t pasteurize, which means we don’t kill the taste,” said Russell’s Operations Manager Steve Schafer.
“You drink our beer just the way it is brewed and we are excited about South Fraser Tours visiting our new tasting room.”
With South Fraser Shuttles they are able to pick people up at their place of choice. They are willing to travel to Surrey, Langley, Delta and White Rock, to anyone’s home.
The six-hour beer tour includes lunch, ice cold bottled water, snacks, pick up and return.
What Goy has loved about doing wine tours is how everyone is helping everyone locally, with dollars spent right here in Langley.
“We’ve introduced so many people to local wineries who end up falling in love with the wines and become regulars at the wineries after the tour,” he said. “We find that it’s only around five per cent or less who know about the wineries here.
“Our competitors in the tour bus industry focus on tourists with pick ups in Vancouver, and from the cruise ships,” he said. “Those tourists never come back. With our folks, they will become regulars at these craft breweries and wineries.”
Dan and Lisa operate South Fraser Shuttles & Tours mid April through early October.
They are avid RVers and during the winter months operate Baja Amigos RV Caravan Tours in Baja, California and Mexico.
“We are truly living, that’s for sure. It’s a good life,” he said.
To learn more go to southfrasershuttleandtours.com | http://www.langleytimes.com/business/388565681.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/ac5248a8aab6090838a9d2b3d1321237976be92c1d2e642fe47c44f2415b4de8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:42 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F390643381.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/31316langleyreaderpicofweek.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Reader photo of the week: Aug. 19 | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The Derek Doubleday Arbouretum on Fraser Highway between 208 and 216 Streets offers a number of lovely walking paths and benches perfect for quiet reflection, as this photo submitted by reader Greg Holmes shows. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/390643381.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/c4417857f5c948b6e91e73e93a2c01478161dc985112213d37b889aa739b4ee6.json |
[
"Monique Tamminga"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:58 | null | null | No (real) regrets over giving in to five-year-old's plea to go camping | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F390344971.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Column: Not a happy camper, but I'll be back | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | I might be the most un-Canadian person in this beautiful country.
I discovered this unsettling nugget of information last weekend when my five-year-old son broke us down and convinced us to take him for his first camping experience — overnight in a real tent.
We have visited many of our friends’ campsites before, having a great time climbing, exploring, sitting around campfires and playing games. But following those memorable visits we got to leave and sleep in our own comfy beds, free of bugs and dirt.
But last weekend, I agreed to camp one night at Golden Ears.
It is one of B.C.’s most popular camping destinations — and rightfully so. With its generously sized sites surrounded by towering old growth trees and toppled trunks, custom made to climb and hide in. Golden Ears is a postcard of Beautiful B.C. with its lake and beaches (perfect for swimming), waterfalls and endless trails.
But camping enthusiasts are a bit like squirrels — always packing and unpacking, busy prepping food, then cleaning up — so very busy.
How do campers find time to relax?
I was only going overnight and yet my SUV was jammed with pillows, a tent, tarp, sleeping bags, blow up mattresses, coolers, flashlight and more. All of these items needed to be unpacked and set up.
That wasn’t much fun and I was already tired. I was just about to sit down in my fold-out chair when it was dinner time.
Now it was time to haul everything out of coolers, find paper plates, barbecue and pour drinks.
Nightfall came, and all the kids were tuckered out, fast asleep in their sleeping bags, with glow sticks acting as night lights.
Sleep was peaceful, and remarkably quiet. Not a chipmunk rustling.
Then at 7 a.m., a young woman let her dog bark endlessly right in front of her, waking every adult while the kids slept right through it. That was pleasant.
But the real reason I now know I loathe camping is the clean up.
Seriously, campers, after a busy vacation of camping, prepping, cooking, cleaning, setting up and sharing a bathroom with 25 strangers, one night was more than enough.
How do people do it for days on end?
What kind of evil created that small bag that we are supposed to fit the tent back into?
Sweating, swearing, kneeling on the zipper to get it to close — I managed to do it but it wasn’t fun. Then there is all the dirt and pine needles that come home with everything.
I love a campfire as much the next Canadian. I love s’mores and the perfect toasted marshmallow, but that smoke smell gets into everything.
I admire you, dear campers. And you seasoned ones, you really get how to be a happy camper.
Despite my inward grumbles, I will go back because my son adored the experience, exploring with his little friends, gaining ground and independence, getting dirty and taking in all that fresh air.
I’ll grin and bear it, knowing that a clean and comfy hotel room is also in mommy’s vacationing future. | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/390344971.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/14bf5201a818fc6b27cf8c297a9aa8ad9029228ed3e893e085000495ab8ff832.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:50:48 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391336381.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Langley family thanks all who helped Fort McMurray fire victims | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: Thank you to everyone who donated in any way to the Fort McMurray fire evacuees.
Our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were one of the families who had to leave their home and head south with very little warning — a very frightening experience.
They have now returned and for them there was little damage, but they know it will take some time for their community to heal.
They are so thankful for the kindness of everyone who found it in their hearts to reach out and help — for the most part it was people they have never met.
A special thank you goes out to the little ones who were giving the money from their lemonade stand. Please know that any donation was very much appreciated.
Mary Greczmiel and family,
Murrayville | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/391336381.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/504bb01ca34f4c3b04270bba3d4ca309b1a6a59696fc2d5f5f33458a650fa60e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:38 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391337421.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: If lawns can be golden, why must we water sports fields? | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: Californians demand political relief in their era of decreasing water supplies, yet very few toilets, urinals or faucets limit their water output and agricultural irrigation that is not trickle-fed, runs during the hottest times of the day.
Aerial irrigation in daylight results in as much as a 50 per cent loss to evaporation before the water hits the ground or is absorbed by hot soil.
I see the same irresponsible irrigation practices on our farmland — and particularly sports fields — here.
Much farmland has been converted to golf courses which require more water than farms to stay emerald green yet, as golf is considered as important as farming, their (sprinklers) usage, while usually at night, is not restricted like that of residences.
I would expect at the very least that the City and Township of Langley would be even more vigilant than others in limiting their water use. If my lawn can be golden why not sports fields and golf courses?
Bryan Frazer,
Langley | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/391337421.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/43098e986bcd3331f45552d1cbda49ba93f11b15d8c4839585f2b0257cd8adff.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-30T18:52:12 | null | null | A car accident when she was 18 dramatically changed the life of Langley's Tessa Popoff | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391768301.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/260langleyRH4_1843copywebversion.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Missing a hand hasn't slowed Tessa Popoff in life | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Tessa Popoff had her right arm amputated below the elbow following a car accident when she was 18. Popoff is playing on the Canadian sitting volleyball team at the Paralympic Games in Rio.
Tessa Popoff doesn’t think she is anything special.
“I know I am a role model but I don’t see myself as a role model. I don’t think I am all that great,” she said.
“I am just an average person making it through life but I know I set the bar for certain people.
“I do a lot more with one hand than what some people do with two hands.”
The 31-year-old Popoff is one of a dozen women — and one of two from Langley, along with Danielle Ellis — who will represent Canada in sitting volleyball at the Paralympic Games in Rio next week (Sept. 7 to 16).
And this is a long way from where Popoff was when she was 18 years old and had her life changed dramatically.
On a road trip with friends, their vehicle failed to navigate a bend in the road, and the car rolled.
Sitting in the middle spot in the back seat, Popoff braced herself on the headrest in front of her. The car’s roof caved in and her hand was severed immediately.
Of the five in the vehicle, she suffered the most serious injuries, spending a week in hospital and having her right arm amputated below the elbow.
But rather than wallow in self pity, Popoff — who was right-hand dominant — set about learning to do things either one-handed or with her left.
Two years ago, she also discovered sitting volleyball and in that short time has risen to be among the top dozen from across the country in the game.
“It was always a dream, but it is one of those things you never know if it is actually ever going to happen,” Popoff said about being named to the team.
“And look now, here we are. It is time to step up and represent.”
Popoff was on the nine-player Canadian side which earned qualification for the Rio Games by winning bronze at last summer’s Parapan Games.
But that didn’t mean she was guaranteed one of the dozen roster spots for Rio. The program had 14 players in the mix and the final team wasn’t nominated until early July.
“You spend a year and a half, training and travelling with the team and then knowing that your spot can be taken by somebody else, especially with some of the ones who just joined the team this year, who are younger and with more volleyball experience, so it was nerve-wracking,” she said.
“It pushed us to train harder, to be the best that we can, knowing that if we don’t push ourselves and train that hard, we can be taken out by someone else.
“It motivated me, specifically, to do the best that I can.”
When she was named to the roster, Popoff said it was a sense of excitement, not relief, she felt.
Her first phone calls were to her parents, Al Sleighthome and Debbie Popoff.
Her emotions got the best of her.
“It was just tears of joy, something you have trained so hard for,” she said. “You are among the best dozen (in your country) in your sport.”
Since being named to the roster, Popoff said not a day goes by where she hasn’t thought about Rio.
“It is just such an honour to be chosen to represent your country, to wear the flag on your uniform and go compete against the world on national television,” she explained.
While she is excited for the Games, it has been a whirlwind past few months, especially since Popoff also owns her own business, the Learning Circle, a Langley childcare centre.
She uses her disability as a teaching tool with the children.
“I get to show them that if they can’t do it with two hands but I can do it with one hand, then it is not really an acceptable excuse for them and then they try harder,” Popoff said.
The majority of her spare time is used to train or stay in shape, playing drop-in stand-up volleyball whenever she can.
In the week leading up to her departure for Rio (the players left on Aug. 27) she went every day to see her physiotherapist, massage therapist and/or chiropractor.
Meal preparation can also be a challenge, especially when Popoff is shuttling between work, training, or taking care of her daughter, Ella, as she wants to make sure to eat as healthy as possible.
None of this could be done without the help of her friends and family.
“My whole family has come together to support me. I feel kind of selfish, it really is all about me,” she said.
Sponsors have helped as well.
Back in April, in the midst of a training camp with her spot still not secured, Popoff’s prosthetic hand snapped in half. But Kintec Footwear and Orthotics, came through and had a new prosthetic ready for her within a week and in time for a tournament the players were attending. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391768301.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/4fdb629df1465144ad69fcc21db628744302b8367e78e9bfc74f4ae0ec4d54d1.json |
[
"Jim Mcgregor"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:38 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F390606191.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | McGregor Says: No easy solution | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Light smoke was filtering from the second floor of the vacant apartment building in downtown Langley. The interior crew reported the fire was knocked down and they were walking a victim out. That message created the usual urgency until someone said, “It’s only Herman.” Then everyone relaxed.
In the ’70s and ’80s and before Herman Theissen was known locally as ‘Herman the German,’ he was Langley’s best known and only homeless person. He knew every lock that wasn’t locked, he could recite Robert W. Service and Shakespeare flawlessly, but usually was performing to an imaginary crowd with a bottle of red wine in his hand.
We pulled him from at least three smoking rooms, and late one night, when we attended the fully involved travel trailer he was squatting in, we thought it was all over for Herman.
Then from the adjacent railroad tracks we heard a deep baritone voice in the dark singing, “There goes my everything!”
One afternoon the brakes on his bike failed at Logan and 200th and he skidded into a moving coal train. A coal car clipped his bike sending him across the intersection. God looks out for people like Herman. He received only bumps and bruises and wanted to know who was going to pay for his bike.
He was a nuisance, but homeless and harmless, and it was convenient to have only one homeless person to keep track of.
Then, any first responder working back then will tell you, the government closed down Riverview /Essondale and the Lower Mainland communities changed overnight.
What’s the answer? Hide them behind the bushes on the floodplain? Give them shovels and put them to work? Send them to internment camps in the Interior, or look after them regionally as they originally planned in the 1980s? It’s time to get people talking.
If we had 200 homeless cats and dogs on the floodplain, somebody would have organized a fundraiser and a plan by now.
At least that’s what McGregor says.
Did You Read the News?
A City cat fell through a crack
And lodged between the walls;
For many days they tried different ways,
They volunteered, one and all;
They tried with food, they tried with love,
They kept a vigil through the night,
Then to a shout of joyful sounds
They brought it to the light!
Now the people hugged and the people cried
When they heard those thankful mews,
The press had gathered from around the world
And it made the front page news!
About 10 years ago, 10 blocks away
A City boy fell through the cracks;
He sits lodged between vacant walls, unseen,
Chasing veins along his tracks;
Who watches him all through the night?
Have they even looked his way?
Has anyone brought him food or love?
Will they cry for him today?
They say they covered up the cracks
Where all those kittens play,
I wonder if they’ll fill the holes
Our children fall through every day?
When it comes to rescuing God’s creatures
We all have different views;
Cats are cute, but homeless junkies,
They sure ain’t front page news! | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/390606191.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/73337eced1bffd148f082bf3b4aa44752da7d7ee426c99f6aa493441639b4eec.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:43 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390606881.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: A word of thanks to a kind police officer | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: I want to acknowledge a police officer’s act of kindness and compassion. As I was driving on Fraser Highway in Aldergrove, this officer had his lights on and as I drove slowly past, I saw a cat that had been hit by a car.
The cat was still alive and was trying to get up.
I want to thank the officer for having his lights on and having people going around the cat on the road .
The poor cat looked as though he was struck at the side of his head and I hope he has made it.
I write this letter because these kind things that people — and especially police officers — should go not unnoticed.
It is great to see someone else who values life as much as I do.
I would like to mention to cat owners, I, as a cat owner myself, never let my kitty outside. You may think this is cruel, but its even crueler exposing your pet to traffic and other dangers. Here at my place we have lots of coyotes.
So, please, if you really love your cat and want him to live long, keep him indoors.
Have a window open for him with a closed screen, take the cat in your arms and stand outside the door for a bit — this is what I do for my cat .
An older cat may not pine to get out as much as a one-year-old.
Young cats are very much like human teenagers and want to investigate things.
When I drove back, which was not long afterward, the policeman and cat were gone, so I assume the cat was driven to the vet.
Thank you officer, for your kindness and love.
Seeing him on the spot gave me hope for the cat’s survival.
If needed, I will contribute some money for the vet bill.
Dieter Krotzek,
Langley | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/390606881.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/f54821e364a5ce9c9b96d048762f70989db1c6543bdc36e2dbf3a876b6276ef0.json |
[
"Lilianne Fuller"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:27 | null | null | Volunteers needed for outreach program to new immigrants | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391068421.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/49185langleyLibraryChampions.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Library Champions Project introduced in the Langleys | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Permanent residents of Canada who live in the Langley area are invited to join the Library Champions Project as volunteers. The program is designed to help new immigrants connect to the community through the public library system.
At the turn of the 20th century, immigrants to North America began to visit libraries in order to take advantage their opportunity for a better life. They recognized that visiting a library would improve their chances of being successful in a new country.
Fast forward more than 100 years, and a community library remains a vital resource of information for newcomers to Canada.
The people at NewToBC recognized this and in 2013 they initiated the Library Champions Project.
NewToBC is an organization that partners with libraries and immigrant service providers, to develop, deliver, and promote services and resources that support immigrant settlement and integration in communities across the province.
The Library Champions project is managed by NewToBC and funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. To date, 800 new immigrants have been trained to be Library Champions and these volunteers have gone into their communities, reaching 55,000 new immigrants so far.
Library Champions are trained to conduct outreach to other new immigrants.
After the training, they develop a three-month outreach plan based on their personal goals, interests, and schedules.
The outreach plans include sharing information with friends, family, colleagues and community members. The volunteers will also give group presentations, speak with community agencies, and use social media.
In 2013, the Library Champions project was introduced in five libraries and has since expanded to other library systems in the Lower Mainland. Recently the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) has been added to the project and Abbotsford and the Langley/TOL libraries have been chosen to be the first FVRL communities involved.
Township Councillor Petrina Arnason who is the FVRL board representative for the Township had this to say about the program: “I am very pleased that the our local Langley libraries have been selected to participate in this exciting new program. It is a natural extension of FVRL’s shifting focus towards the use of our libraries as valuable community resource and creates a perfect fit between the needs of newcomers and the use of our library systems and services to help to quickly and effectively integrate them into our community.”
The project requires a three-month volunteer commitment and to be eligible, a person must be a permanent resident but not yet a Canadian citizen. They must be 19 years or older and enthusiastic about both libraries and volunteering in their community. A certain level of English comprehension is also required.
Benefits of participating include gaining volunteer experience and references, making new friends and helping other new immigrants. In addition, a Library Champion will discover amazing programs and services at libraries and learn about events and activities across the Fraser Valley.
Training for the project will take place in the City of Langley. The information session will be held on Monday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be followed by four training sessions in October, and the program will end in the middle of January 2017.
The community librarian supervisors Sarwan Singh Randhawa and Smitty Miller will be working with the NewToBC team to make the program a success.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for new immigrants to get Canadian work experience while making new friends and learning about the resources available in the libraries and in the broader community,” said Randhawa.
For more information and registration details, go to www.librarychampions.ca, or call Langley or any Township of Langley libraries or visit any local library. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/391068421.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/5db0971a875a4add468b52a9f069f238c36ea090955384fe2be9e195d2502b18.json |
[
"Monique Tamminga"
] | 2016-08-30T20:51:00 | null | null | Shawn Merrick was found hiding on roof of Murrayville home in 2015 after he broke out of prison and robbed several banks | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391773521.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/2240langley0829-MERRICKshawn.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Robbery spree adds eight years to escaped killer’s sentence | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Shawn Merrick
A convicted murderer, who escaped prison and evaded police while going on a bank robbing spree in the spring of 2015, has been sentenced.
On Monday, Shawn Merrick, 44, was sentenced to six years in jail for six counts of robbery. He was also sentenced to two years prison for escaping legal custody and being unlawfully at large. He is serving the sentences consecutively.
Merrick is already serving a life sentence for the second-degree murder of Surrey’s Shelley Lynn DeVoe in 2006. Her body was found on a road in Coquitlam. In 2007, when he was convicted of the murder, he was also sentenced for a string of bank robberies that spanned from North Vancouver to Langley. He was arrested at a friend’s house in Aldergrove.
Merrick escaped the Mission minimum security prison on March 31, 2015. The first bank robbery occurred in Surrey on Fraser Highway. It was a failed attempt, however, he was successful at another bank down the street.
He then set his sights on Langley, where he successfully robbed four banks, including in Aldergrove.
The Canadian Bankers Association offered a $10,000 reward that would lead to Merrick’s arrest and conviction.
His adventures on the lam came to an end May 5, 2015 when police were tipped off that he was hiding on the roof of a house in Murrayville.
That was where he was arrested in dramatic fashion, with several branches of law enforcement out to make sure they caught the slippery fugitive. He was transported back to prison.
Merrick, a drug addict since he was a teenager, had 50 criminal convictions against him by the age of 34, including numerous bank robberies. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391773521.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/c004552fcc2358cba9ec9f17982eb416bf98ade44f911eb670bfb0bcbbc94b87.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:16 | null | null | Gold mine near Prince Rupert shut down last summer for permit violations, owners charged for failing to report spill | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F390008831.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/31694BCLN2007minebanksislandgold7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Banks Island miners face 18 pollution charges | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Two men and a mining company in receivership have been charged with 18 pollution infractions related to their shut-down gold mine on an island near Prince Rupert.
Benjamin Mossman and Dirk Meckert are scheduled to appear in Prince Rupert provincial court Sept. 7. Also charged is Banks Island Gold Ltd., which went into receivership after being shut down last year for provincial permit violations.
The Yellow Giant mine was ordered shut down by the Ministry of Environment in July 2015 after a tailings spill was reported on a tip. There is one charge of failing to report a spill of a polluting substance, and the other 17 charges are for failing to comply with permits.
North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice raised the issue in the legislature this spring, after receiving a letter from the Gitxaala First Nation referring to two separate tailings spills. Rice said the ministry did not inspect the operation for 15 months, until receiving a complaint.
NDP mining critic Norm Macdonald told the legislature a worker at the mine "became fed up, put his job on the line, sent the ministry and me a tip and pictures that documented what was going on there."
Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett said the mine was shut down when the situation was brought to its attention. The mine's 90 employees lost their jobs.
The province has a $420,000 security bond from the mining company, to provide ongoing monitoring. In March the mines ministry and Banks Island Gold removed explosives from the mine site and in May ministry technical staff assessed the hazardous materials on site.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service, which recommended the charges, would not comment on the current condition of the Banks Island site, because it is evidence for the prosecution. | http://www.langleytimes.com/business/390008831.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/deab23a3f0331e1c5665e7c0aaac772dd2d6a8f7b1130be1da1562d2daee67cc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T22:49:34 | null | null | Volunteers to ask seniors about staff, food, privacy, medications and other conditions in residential care | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F391445481.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/18269BCLN2007Nursinghomeflickr7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Senior home survey seeks volunteers | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | B.C. has 300 seniors' care facilities, and residents and their loved ones are to be surveyed on conditions.
More than 250 volunteers have signed up to compile a survey of seniors in residential care, and B.C.'s Seniors Advocate is looking for more.
The 27,000 seniors living in 300 residential care facilities around the province are being asked about their experience with care home staff, the quality of food, privacy, medications and other conditions.
It's the first comprehensive survey done in B.C., to measure resident satisfaction and provide a "roadmap" for improvements, said Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie.
Interviews will be conducted in person by trained volunteers, and a matching mail-out survey will be sent to each resident's most frequent visitor.
The project is seeking volunteers with a range of professional backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. To apply as a volunteer, visit www.surveybcseniors.org or call the Office of the Seniors Advocate at 1-877-952-3181. | http://www.langleytimes.com/lifestyles/391445481.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/55a8c093a817fa19c3cb71184472f62f5dc3c7837a1c15141b2e9a7814727c43.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T00:51:52 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391771791.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/1513langley083016avespeedsign1.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Difference in vehicles’ speeds is where danger lies | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Letter writer John Winter believes that if the speed limit along 16 Avenue were raised to 80 km/h, there would be fewer accidents. You can weigh in on the subject on our online poll.
Editor: Re: Anti-speeding campaign ramped up on 16 Avenue, (the Times, Aug. 26).
The problem on 16th Avenue is the Township is treating this road like a city street. It is a highway and should be operated as a highway. The 60 km/h speed limit, less than 40 mph, just creates a lot of frustration.
There are truck drivers that have to hold on to the speed limit to keep their licences and income. The car traffic wants to move at a more realistic speed, a highway speed.
It is not speed that kills but the difference in speed. The easy fix is to let the traffic go. Raise the speed limit to 80 km/h, a comfortable speed for this highway.
Reduce the number of frustrated drivers and you will reduce the number of accidents.
Try it for six months; let’s see what happens.
This ain’t rocket science.
John Winter,
Langley | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/391771791.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/f7aee4c944bc625cbd5c04c338b5f43215577304aa22f186047454d09a362678.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-30T18:52:15 | null | null | Tessa Popoff and Danielle Ellis have taken different paths but are after the same goal | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391766511.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/99418langley0826-TessaPopoffandDanielleElliswebversion.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Langley duo set to go for gold at Paralympic Games | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Langley’s Tessa Popoff (left) and Danielle Ellis are off to Rio de Janeiro to represent Canada in sitting volleyball at the Paralympic Games Sept. 7 to 16.
A pair of Langley women are set to wear the Maple Leaf as part of the Canadian women's sitting volleyball team.
Tessa Popoff and Danielle Ellis made the final cut and are among the dozen women selected to compete for Canada at the Rio Paralympic Games.
The Games run Sept. 7 to 16.
What is sitting volleyball?
It is exactly what it sounds like.
In sitting volleyball, the net is lowered to 1.05m off the ground. Players must have at least one buttock or part of the pelvis in contact with the floor whenever they make contact with the ball.
The sport is open to athletes with impaired muscle power or range of movement, athetosis (the loss or control of bodily movements), hypertonia (abnormally high muscle tone), are missing a limb, ataxia (the loss of full control of body movements) and/or leg length difference.
The athletes are given a classification of either ‘MD’ for minimally disabled or ‘D’ for disabled and only one MD can be on the court amongst the six. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391766511.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/0a13a3e51a2a09afe8c8e73a57804061131966588721f8eb75cba10fbcb5fefc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:07:44 | null | null | The Fraser Valley Regional Library invites bookworms of all ages to join their summer reading clubs | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F387472841.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/26616langleyBooksStockWeb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Summer reading clubs for all ages at FVRL | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The Fraser Valley Regional Library invites bookworms of all ages to join their summer reading clubs, this year exploring the theme “Book a Trip.”
Explore destinations near and far this summer without having to leave your home.
The Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) invites bookworms of all ages to join their summer reading clubs, this year exploring the theme “Book a Trip.”
Whether it’s a story about local lore, or a foreign city in another country, there are countless opportunities to discover new worlds through reading.
The FVRL clubs are free to join and all readers have the chance to win prizes.
Preschoolers and school age kids can join the Read-to-Me Club or the Kids Summer Reading Club. Participants get a reading record, a special bookmark and weekly stickers. Kids who complete their reading records also get a medal.
Teens in Grades 7 to 12 can join the Teen Summer Reading Club, and for every seven days of reading, enter to win draws for Samsung Galaxy Tablets and $100 Chapters gift cards. Teens can also participate in the #FVRLbookface contest on Instagram. Check out www.instagram.com/readlearnplay for more details.
And for adults, the Adult Summer Reading Club allows participants track their own reading for opportunities to win prizes.
FVRL hosts fun, free programs and contests all summer long. For more Summer Reading Club information, please visit www.fvrl.ca or one of their seven locations in Langley. | http://www.langleytimes.com/lifestyles/387472841.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/7223aee46210e00f67b3c36a52e182967f24b640a92e95a3d4ec89c54591868f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:27 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391336471.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Development doesn’t have to mean clear-cutting | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: I’m going to go out on a limb here (pun intended) referencing the Brookswood/Fernridge ’87 plan.
These aren’t trees, these are icons. We should be doing everything to protect our B/F clean air. There’s no innovation, no vision in the ’87 plan. Did anything good come out of the ’80s? (kidding).
I realize property values here are $1,000/square foot, but really, why can’t we do access roads behind these perimeter trees, still accessing main and side streets, rather than clear-cutting to put in another lane or parking lot?
As well as access roads for commercial and residential sites, leave perimeter trees. And please include back lanes for future building of carriage houses — meaning more taxes for the Township.
Also, garbage cans should be in back alleys, as you can drive all through the Township on any given day and know what day garbage pick up happens.
I’m not saying we don’t need development, because we do.
There are many bare acreages to build your big box stores without destroying B/F.
Maybe developers should be made to save a percentage of established trees per development, not to mention contributing to future school buildings to meet the growing population demand.
We need a development now, but with the vision of: “Where people really want to live and shop?”
As it stands now, on any given weekend, we have a convergence of approximately 200,000 people heading for limited parking spaces to four or five big box stores.
It has become intolerable.
When building these shopping centres, why can’t there be a small grove of trees with a bench or two, making it an inviting place to sit before or after taking a quarter mile walk across the parking lot to the store? Is this pie-in-the-sky or just my vision?
Born and raised in B/F, I’ve grown up with these trees for 70-plus years. It would be a tragedy to see these icons clear-cut when there really is an alternative.
Advice to council: There is a reason we have two ears and one mouth; we need to listen more.
#MayTheForestBeWithYou
J. Cartwright,
Langley | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/391336471.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/d3dd869b6d79ff1efa84230ce4a1135dc3c5e71b3c1ae1d5caf22a9a06cf87ac.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:20 | null | null | Mother-and-daughter team bring experience and expertise in high-end fashion | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F389208801.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/24223langley0729Bagheerastore.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Familiar faces at the new Bagheera Boutique in Fort Langley | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Karlene Bullock (left) and her mother Delores Johns have been working together for years. The pair have 30 years in the industry.
The new Bagheera Boutique in Fort Langley aims to fill the fashion gap created when Ella’s Clothes Closet in Brookswood closed by bringing back top European brands to Langley, with names such as Laurel, Luisa Cerano, Marc Cain, Wolford, Brax and Vince, along with local Canadian accessories like Suzi Roher scarves, and Vancouver’s Sheereen De Roussea jewelry.
It also brings back Karlene Bullock and her mother Delores Johns, who have dressed the Fraser Valley for over 30 years, the last 10 of them working as a team at Ella’s.
When Ella Little shut down her namesake shop on 200 Street and 40A Avenue just over a year ago, it left a large hole in the market, Bullock said.
“We used to have women coming from Langley, Maple Ridge, White Rock, Chilliwack and all over Vancouver, to shop, and all of a sudden there were no options.”
When the owners of the Victoria-based Bagheera Boutique, Nataliia Bahirova and Anton Solonnikov decided to open their second store in Langley, they reached out to Bullock and Johns after hearing Ella’s had closed.
“They know the market,” Solonnikov — Bagheera marketing manager — said of the mother-daughter team.
“They have a following from 30 years.”
Bullock said she has been flooded with phone calls and emails from people excited that the new boutique is carrying the same lines.
“We want to be the go-to place for shopping for all women in the Greater Vancouver area,” Bullock said.
“Fort Langley is such a beautiful and quaint place, and the perfect getaway for the weekend.”
Johns said service is the key to keep customers coming back.
“It has to be honest service,” Johns said.
“Honest and continuous.”
Johns has been known to do things like drive to Harrison Hot Springs to ensure a bow on a customer’s bridal dress was properly tied for her wedding ceremony.
“Mom’s good at sales, she is good at talking to the customers,” Bullock said.
“There is no one in the valley who can do displays like she does.”
Johns gives her daughter high marks for bringing in the best of fashion.
“She’s very good at the buying,” Johns said.
The Fort Langley Bagheera Boutique is located in the new Coulter Berry building at Glover Road and Mavis Avenue.
Solonnikov said the store doesn’t only cater to the high-end shoppers, but carries low- to medium-priced brands from Europe as well.
Store phone: 604-371-2879. | http://www.langleytimes.com/business/389208801.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/37bbf57c61801dac64201fbe32596b881be688a7e1c3d0182fe09f86c173f442.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:48 | null | null | Mike Trotman, of Trotman Auto Group, is a Langley based new car dealer. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F388566721.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/50160langleyMike_Trottman_edited.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Trotman wins innovation award | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Langley's Mike Trotman of Trotman Auto Group won the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) Laureate Dealer Recognition Award for 2016 in the category of Business Innovation.
The New Car Dealers Association (NCDA) of BC is applauding Langley-based new car dealer, Mike Trotman of Trotman Auto Group for winning the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) Laureate Dealer Recognition Award for 2016 in the category of Business Innovation.
The CADA Laureate Dealer Recognition Award is considered the highest honour that a new car or truck dealer can be awarded within Canada. The Business Innovation category represents dealers that have implemented initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business for the industry.
“I’m thrilled to receive the CADA Laureate Award and humbly accept on behalf of our inspired team. It’s such an honour to be included among this prestigious group of Laureates,” says Mike Trotman of the Trotman Auto Group.
“A huge shout out to our teams of people who bravely innovate, grow and take risks every day and to my business partners — two of whom are my brothers. I wouldn’t be here without them.
“Each year, hundreds of nominations are submitted to the CADA for consideration.
From these nominations, 15 finalists are chosen for review by the Ivey Business School at Western University who then select the winner for each category, which includes: Business Innovation, Ambassadorship and Retail Operations.
“The association extends its sincere congratulations to Mike Trotman of the Trotman Auto Group in Langley which is absolutely deserving of this important industry award,” says Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the NCDA.
“The Laureate Dealer Recognition Award was presented to Trotman Auto Group for their contributions to the local community, economy and industry and that is something to be proud of.” | http://www.langleytimes.com/business/388566721.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/fdbf50d4bbabe51fd4742619a2de2fa1567a3d0e9813b3bc5188f0bb2d761e64.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T00:49:07 | null | null | Children’s entertainer Will Stroet and the Backyard Band is playing a free show at Langley Community Music School Sept. 10 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F391670181.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/52664langleyWillStroet.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Will’s Jams star playing free concert at LCMS open house | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | World renowned children’s entertainer Will Stroet is playing a free show Sept. 10 at the LMCS open house.
Back by popular demand, children’s entertainer Will Stroet and the Backyard Band is returning to Langley Community Music School (LCMS) as the featured performer at their annual Fall Community Day Open House.
Taking place Saturday, Sept. 10, from noon to 2 p.m., the open house is an opportunity to take in one of Canada’s top kids performers (starting at 12:15 p.m.) and to learn about the programs and classes offered at LCMS.
Stroet is an award winning entertainer and star of Will’s Jams on Kids’ CBC television. He performs a fun, active, high-energy and educational show, with sing-along choruses to inspire kids to be active, healthy, creative and engaged.
A world-renowned performer, Stroet has received the West Coast Songwriters Award, Parents’ Choice Approval Award and multiple nominations from the Western Canadian Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards and SiriusXM Indies.
Will Stroet and the Backyard Band is the first of three concerts in a new free children’s concert series at LCMS.
Two other concerts will take place in the spring: Peter and the Wolf with West Coast Chamber Music on March 21, 2017, and Young Person’s Guide to the String Quartet with the Rose Gellert String Quartet on May 6, 2017.
“We invite the community to come to our open house to discover all that the Langley Community Music School has to offer,” said LCMS Principal Susan Magnusson.
“While recognized globally for its music education programs, LCMS is also an important local cultural resource. We are thrilled to be launching a free children’s concert series this year, and to be bringing more great musical experiences to children in our community.”
Seating at the Will Stroet concert is limited. Register for your free ticket by calling 604-534-2848 or visiting langleymusic.com.
No registration is necessary for the open house. At the event, participants will also have the opportunity to sign up for fall classes with LCMS.
Langley Community Music School is located at 4899 207 St. | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/391670181.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/18668fdf2fa40505c4d110e8916812598555cb4d8163ff6be00559fad22074c5.json |
[
"David Clements"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:23 | null | null | This year’s Perseid Meteor Shower is expected to be twice as thick as usual. The predicted peak dates are Aug. 11-12. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F388973701.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/7425langleyexquisitecloudformationWeb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Green Beat: Don’t forget to look up! Meteor showers are on the way | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | An exquisite cloud formation inspired columnist David Clements in his article on the upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower.
A funny thing happened on the way to writing this article. I was sitting on my back deck, thinking about what to write about observing the heavens, and I looked up!
What I saw was an exquisite cloud formation, unlike any I’d ever seen before. I took a photo to capture the moment, and now as I look up, all I see is blue sky. The moment has passed.
It reminds me of the lyrics from the well-known song from Sesame Street written by Joe Raposo:
“I nearly missed that rainbow
Don’t want to miss that sunset
I wouldn’t miss that shooting star going by …”
We tend to blame missing celestial events on our busy schedules. Or perhaps we don’t want go out and watch an extreme weather event like a thunderstorm because it’s a bit outside of our comfort zones.
Indeed, getting outside for us highly domesticated modern humans is half the battle. But think of your favourite memories of witnessing the power of nature out in raw nature … don’t they call you to go back out there?
July to August is the time every year when the shooting stars from the Sesame Street song are in their glory. And guess what? This year’s Perseid Meteor Shower is expected to be twice as thick as usual. The predicted peak dates are Aug. 11-12.
Every summer, parts of the comet Swift-Tuttle’s tail break up in our Earth’s atmosphere. We witness this as the bright streaks of shooting stars shower down on us.
One of my favourite experiences of the Perseid Meteor Shower was on Salt Spring Island, where there are few lights, and my son Adrian and I laid back and enjoyed the show on a bedrock bluff before turning in for the night. Unforgettable!
With the Perseid Meteor Shower predicted to produce nearly double the number of shooting stars this year, it is a good year to turn your eyes heavenward.
One way to take in this year’s meteor shower is an event hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at Aldergrove Regional Park on Saturday, Aug. 13. For details, click here.
Of course, many other heavenly events are unfolding all the time. These wispy clouds are back putting quite a show for me here as I write.
As the Psalmist wrote: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19). Look up!
David Clements, Ph.D. is Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Trinity Western University. | http://www.langleytimes.com/lifestyles/388973701.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/28dab850d9e13339fec493d7457db2bfbe82d7a870bf44a832c07f966fdb3363.json |
[
"Canadian Press"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:57 | null | null | Notice means delivery could be cancelled as early as Monday | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391302051.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/68221BCLN200782072cranbrookdailyCPweb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Postal union issues strike notice after it says Canada Post refused special mediator | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The union representing most workers at Canada Post has issued a 72-hour notice of job action as it tries to bargain a collective agreement with the Crown corporation.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says the notice spells out what actions it is planning, but stops short of a full-blown walkout.
CUPW national president Mike Palecek says Canada Post forced the labour disruption by refusing to accept a request from the federal labour minister to continue negotiations with the help of a special mediator.
But a spokesman for the agency says that's not the case.
The union's strike mandate was set to expire at midnight.
The two sides have been in negotiations for more than nine months but are far apart on key issues including pay equity for rural carriers and proposed changes to the Canada Post pension plan.
The Canadian Press | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391302051.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/eca53a46eff61c60e24f46c47c5e08ba7eec548c8717f05e0f365938c0ebc13e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:53 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390606261.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: South Brookswood/Fernridge is a distinct community and should be treated as one | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: I am pleased that the Township of Langley is interested in consulting the community regarding the new Brookswood/Fernridge Community Plan.
I sincerely hope that this interest is genuine, and that input from residents will be given a higher priority than that of developers.
I have a number of comments and concerns, and as I was not able to attend the open house nor the meetings prior, I would like to state them here.
I moved to Langley over 28 years ago, and chose to live in Fernridge because of its great stands of coniferous trees, the Little Campbell River, which runs through it, the abundant nature and the relaxed and peaceful style of life.
There was no confusion in my mind between Brookswood and South Brookswood/Fernridge. Brookswood itself had distinctly smaller lots, a commercial centre, sidewalks, buses, and street lights; we did not.
Now South Brookswood/Fernridge also has a bus or two, a few more street lights, and sadly much more traffic on its main streets. To me, however, it remains a unique area, and I am concerned that the Township, for the purposes of the new OCP, considers Brookswood and South Brookswood/Fernridge one entity.
A uniform expanse of small lots interspersed with commercial centres stretching roughly from 36 Avenue to 20 Avenue, it seems, is the goal.
I don’t see the benefits of uniformity; it is diversity that brings vibrancy to a community.
Fort Langley and Aldergrove, for example, rich in historical and cultural interest, are generally considered to be separate towns within the Township. Why could South Brookswood/Fernridge (or simply Fernridge) not be preserved as a community within the Township, where residents can continue to live on treed acreage, pasturing their horses and chickens, or selling home-grown plants and berries?
Even if only pockets of developments occur within unique areas such as these, their character and integrity will be lost.
It would be a different matter if the majority of residents in South Brookswood/Fernridge wanted to be uniform with Brookswood.
But the opposite has been the case as long as I have lived here.
If we are opposed to being considered the “undeveloped area,” soon to be developed, can we perhaps have a referendum like the UK did, and exit from the Brookswood/Fernridge union?
Despite the shocking amount of unwarranted clear cutting that has gone on in the past several years, South Brookswood is still unique.
If it is to be developed into small lots with commercial centres at major intersections, there will be tremendous losses of habitat for wildlife, of lifestyle for current residents, and a of precious part of the fabric of Langley.
I understand that Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy has allotted growth targets to municipalities, and that this is part of the motivation for increasing dwelling units in the “undeveloped area” of Brookswood/Fernridge. These numbers are not mandated, but I can appreciate Langley Township’s willingness to do its part.
I expect, however, that pressure from developers is equally, if not more, driving the need for increased population density.
If the Township is intent on increasing its population, then my inexpert opinion would be to increase density along major streets in existing urban areas, such as 200 Street and 208 Street north of Brookswood or the Bypass. I expect that there are other options, but obviously South Brookswood/Fernridge is a goldmine for those wanting to profit from development.
I would prefer that our area was not depleted of its gold, that our natural treasures remain intact and thriving.
I hope that the Township will adjust its plan to prevent its destruction.
Kathy Marsden
Fernridge | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/390606261.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/eff3ab1e4cb3c258a0ed28b2c11ab224ebccdd6c5c12a4d80330be08463cbb16.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-30T22:52:13 | null | null | Langley, Okanagan combine for 11 turnovers, just one offensive touchdown in first-place showdown | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391799391.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/13886langley0827CervasRams.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Sun prevail in defensive dogfight | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Langley Rams' Jesse Cervas (#11) goes low to bring down Okanagan Sun running back Brenden Hansen during Saturday's BCFC game at McLeod Athletic Park. Cervas had a game-high eight tackles but the Rams lost 15-10 to fall to 4-2 on the season. Okanagan improved to 6-0.
Langley Rams coach Khari Joseph is taking the blame for Saturday night’s loss to the Okanagan Sun.
With his team up 10-7 in the fourth quarter, the lights went out at McLeod Athletic Park during the teams’ BC Junior Football League contest.
And after the teams returned to the field following a 20-minute delay, the Sun drove the ball down the field, capping it off with quarterback Keith Zyla calling his own number and scoring from 23 yards out.
It was the game’s lone offensive touchdown as the league’s top two defences went toe-to-toe.
The victory improved the Sun to 6-0 and instead of being in a three-way tie for top spot, the Rams fell to third at 4-2.
“After the power went out, we didn’t come out focused, that’s on me,” Joseph said.
“(And) when you have a quarterback running, it adds an extra blocker. We didn’t adjust to that very well and that’s on me as well.
“He broke a couple of runs and got them in a position to get up on us and we couldn’t move the ball effectively enough to get a score.”
In the first half, the Rams held the Sun to five first downs and 80 yards of net offence. But after Okanagan switched to Zyla at quarterback, the offence found some rhythm. Zyla threw for 94 yards and ran for another 84, accounting for more than 60 per cent of the team’s 291 yards of net offence.
The teams combined for 11 turnovers as the Sun lost three fumbles and turned the ball over on downs twice while the Rams offence had two interceptions, two fumbles and two turnover on downs.
One of those fumbles was extra costly as return man Nick Agnoletto fumbled a first quarter punt at his own goal-line which Okanagan’s Jamie Turek recovered in the end zone.
Langley scored the next nine points as Tieran Docherty — the league’s special teams player of the week for the fourth time in six weeks — hit on field goals of 47, 34 and 30 yards, respectively.
The Rams made it 10-7 on a missed 44-yarder from Docherty in the third quarter.
“We had it exactly where we wanted it. It was the type of game we preached all week it was going to be. But we didn’t follow through in the end. That’s a learning experience.”
Langley’s final drive ended with less than a minute to go after the team came up one-yard short at the Okanagan 38-yard line on a third-down gamble.
While the defence continued to do a great job — the Sun and Rams are tied for fewest points allowed at 15.7 per game — Joseph said they failed to step up when it mattered most.
“We preach that we want to be the best defence … you can’t let a team drive on you and score in the fourth quarter when we need to win the game,” he said. “That is the frustrating part. For as well as we played, we still had that lapse where we gave them that long drive.”
The Rams defence got fumble recoveries from Nathan Carroll and Jules Kheler while Shaiheem Charles-Brown had a quarterback sack, a pass knockdown and a tackle. Adam Marchetti and Nick Westad shared the Rams other sack while also combining to make five tackles. Jesse Cervas and Brendan Desjardine led the team with eight and six tackles, respectively and John Beckerleg made three tackles and knocked down a pair of passes.
The Rams defence allowed 152 yards along the ground, but 84 of those came from Zyla.
When Okanagan used a running back, they managed just 68 yards on 20 carries.
Offensively, they managed just 250 yards of offence — 144 in the first half and 106 in the second — with neither Colby Peters (3-for-9, 21 yards) or Stephen Legare (6-for-16, 98 yards) able to muster much offensively. Legare did add 44 yards along the ground on six carries.
Joe Carter led the rushing attack with 63 yards on 16 yards.
The league is on a bye this weekend with the Rams back in action on Sept. 10 when the host the VI Raiders (3-3) at MAP with a 4 p.m. kick-off.
Joseph said in addition to getting healthy for the season’s final four games, the coaching staff will take a long look at the roster.
“We will re-evaluate the whole team from top to bottom and making the necessary adjustments to finish up strong,” he said. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391799391.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/ecde51bde734dcb4bf1f1d46b72b39c464123cb859126552bb306811f3388f29.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:58 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391069121.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Aldergrove crossing funds would be better spent elsewhere | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: The Aug. 12 article about a $25.5 million upgrade for Highway 13 border traffic makes me wonder where our elected officials’ priorities lay.
$25.5 million for folks leaving Canada to visit the USA — a great place to spend your hard-earned Canadian dollars.
An easier way to regulate the traffic south is to have our elected officials increase the exchange rate.
The current US dollar rate is 1.31 per cent. How about making it 1.61 per cent, and we won’t have to spend $25.5 million on Highway 13
Of course, if you travel south on a Friday or just before a Canadian holiday at 5 p.m., there will probably be a long line. One lane or two lanes south will probably not reduce the wait. The US border inspectors can only work so fast. They have three or four booths now, perhaps we should send the US border services money to add more booths, “just to speed things up.”
My wife and I travel south for two days every two weeks. Fortunately, there are a few things you can still buy in the USA even with our ridiculous exchange rate.
This money should be spent saving lives by adding another lane to 16 Avenue from White Rock to Abbotsford.
It’s a major thoroughfare for trucks and autos and has become a major highway and at times, it’s dangerous
I would like MPs Mark Warawa and John Aldag to attend the opening of another lane on 16 Avenue, and if they can’t do that maybe they should stay in Ottawa.
Roger Layton,
Langley | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/391069121.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/3d3e1e6cb61c230cbf6121fa9969be32a00f63de846f1886f2992386ea92cdcc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:11:31 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F390607121.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Editorial: We have a beef with scalpers | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Wherever you have high-demand tickets in limited supply, you’ll find scalpers.
That’s true of popular concerts, major sporting events and, as it turns out, hamburger stands.
Sadly, news that Cruise-In organizers have decided to limit the number of tickets an individual person can buy for a coveted In-N-Out burger this year is more disappointing than surprising.
Last year, it seems, at least two people (and probably more) together purchased more than 50 tickets for the coveted burgers, waited until the rest had sold out and began offering them to disappointed patrons at wildly inflated prices.
Yes, these were the same people who would have been able to get their meal tickets at face value, had a small group of opportunists not swooped in and scooped them up.
The most frustrating thing about scalpers is they can make huge profits doing practically nothing — all while contributing absolutely nothing to the economy or society in general.
Instead, they create disappointment among those who could only afford to pay face value for something — had they been given an opportunity — but have had that option stripped away.
If there is one up side, it’s that most scalpers will get the occasional bite in the butt from karma, when they end up holding a bunch of tickets — bought and paid for — that nobody wants.
That’s unlikely to happen in this case.
As long as the alternatives are a trip to the Southwest United States or waiting another year for In-N-Out’s return, people are going to pay up.
They shouldn’t, but they will.
So organizers have done the only thing they can under the circumstances.
People with larger families will have to make arrangements to have more than one member stand on line. It won’t be convenient for parents, for example, who planned to have one get tickets while the other watches the brood. But if the new measures take even a small bite out of would-be scalpers’ profits, that’s OK by us. | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/390607121.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/aee81c7d35c7b68c3b89423644c9cb3326919bbd0f66bbf1c843cc6aba3dc013.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-29T18:50:41 | null | null | Province has alternatives if Canada Post employees begin strike action | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391636531.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/40679BCLN2007CanadaPostMailboxwikim7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | B.C. prepares for possible postal disruption | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The B.C. government's plan B for income assistance cheques and other time-sensitive documents could be re-activated as the long-running Canada Post labour dispute reaches another deadline.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is in a legal position to strike as of Monday, but postponed threatened rotating strike action after weekend talks with a federal mediator. Its initial action would be an overtime ban rather than a full-scale walkout that would disrupt mail delivery.
Canada Post served lockout notice in July, with the two sides far apart on issues including pension changes for future employees and pay for rural carriers.
Income assistance, rent subsidy and other B.C. government payments are not affected if they are direct deposit. For mailed cheques and information, updates on possible postal strike effects to the Ministry of Social Development will be available as necessary at this website or at 1-866-866-0800.
Phone and online contacts are set up for questions about affected provincial departments:
• Ministry of Advanced Education and StudentAidBC online here.
• Ministry of Children and Family Development 1-877-387-7027
• Medical Services Plan payments online here or 1-877-405-4909
• ICBC inquiries 1-800-663-3051
• Family Maintenance and Enforcement program 604-660-2528
• Public Guardian and Trustee online here or 604-660-4444
• Vital Statistics 1-888-876-1633
• WorkSafe BC online here or 1-888-967-5377 | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391636531.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/ecf05f5ec1d2f7610f9d77b6daf4e5dee0af8d794977e159e840e69779872ac1.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:39 | null | null | New CommunityArt.ca initiative for high school student artists comes to Langley | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F389542771.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/27670langleyCommunityArtCa-GaryParker-2-Web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | ‘Let’s change the world, but first let’s start with our community’ | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Gary Parker, creator of CommunityArt.ca is reaching out to Langley high school artists to enter his artist giveaways.
It started six months ago with a simple interaction at school.
Gary Parker, a recent graduate of Clayton Heights Secondary, was watching some art students sketch beautiful drawings. When he asked one girl if she was pursuing art in post-secondary school, he was shocked to learn she was going into nursing instead.
“There’s no money in art,” she told him.
But growing up in Jamaica — where Parker says the arts are not supported, and where he had to give up his love of parkour because of that — he knew that more could be done to encourage young creators in Canada.
So, the 18-year-old took $20 of his own money, filmed a video, and created the CommunityArt.ca high school artist giveaway.
His first video, staged in the hallways of his high school and shared through his personal Facebook page, received over 2,000 views in less than 48 hours. In it, Parker gives a “call to action” for young artists and community members to support the talent that is plastered all over the hallways of schools across the province.
“Our primary objective here is to assist and aid high school artists in the challenges they face,” Parker said in the video.
“Walking through these hallways, an interesting story comes to mind. With all these artworks on the wall — work that has such meaning, such depth, even emotion and passion … The question that comes to mind is, how many of these artworks actually have the chance to go to fruition or completion? Or are they put on pause or on hold because it’s too illogical to pursue it? Here at CommunityArt.ca, we aim to change that dynamic.”
Guided by the phrase, “Let’s change the world, but first let’s start with our community,” the contest works through partnerships with local businesses and organizations to both sponsor prizes for the artists, and offer spaces to display the winner’s work.
Not only does the contest give a small monetary gift to the teenage artists, but it also provides validation for their skills, Parker said.
“If we start with each other we can change the community, and other communities, and eventually the world,” he said.
Parker has now held two sponsored giveaways. The first winner, Jaidyn McLean (pictured below), won two gift cards to Opus Arts Supplies and an opportunity to display her work at Blue Lotus Art Gallery.
The second winner, Maria Villacarlos (pictured below), also received an Opus gift card. Her artwork, created on the Fort McMurray fires, was put on canvas and is being sent to the mayor of the devastated town.
Now, Parker is reaching out to students and businesses in Langley to join his movement.
The third contest will be announced soon via the “Community Art CA” Facebook page.
To find out more on how to participate, either as a high school artist or sponsor, visit https://www.facebook.com/CommunityArtCa/ or email Parker at communityartca@gmail.com.
Photos from "Community Art CA" Facebook page. | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/389542771.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/29988e6a946153f900f30e718860ee4560ae325f7aa3bf7826b023ae5f515279.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:26 | null | null | Langley duo Abbey Fortin and Ainsley Guzzo help White Rock Renegades win national title | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391226051.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/17413langleyFortinGuzzo.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Fortin ready to be a Pioneer | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Abbey Fortin (left) and Ainsley Guzzo helped the White Rock Renegades ’98 win the national title.
Abbey Fortin prides herself on contributing, both with her defence and her bat. After all, the centre-fielder bats fifth, right in the heart of the White Rock ’98 Renegades batting order.
But the 18-year-old found herself in a hitting slump with her team competing at the 2016 women’s Canadian fastpitch championships in Charlottetown, PEI.
“I have done better. I was in a bit of a hitting slump, but you have to go out there and work as hard as you can every time,” Fortin said.
Fortin did come through with an RBI on a fielder’s choice in the gold-medal game, a 4-3 win over the White Rock Renegades ’99 squad.
The championships finished on Aug. 14 and the Renegades went 10-1.
“An RBI is an RBI in a national final. I will take it,” she chuckled.
All that mattered was that the Renegades were wrapping up their minor careers on a winning note.
Fortin was one of two Langley players, along with Ainsley Guzzo, on the Renegades team.
Guzzo won national titles in 2012, 2014 and 2016 with the Renegades while Fortin was on the 2014 and 2016 squads.
“We did have a bit of a rough start to the season with all the grad events going on and what not,” Fortin said, “But our goal from the beginning of this season was that we were going to win nationals and we were going to finish off our minor careers with a medal at nationals.”
“Winning my third nationals meant I could retire from softball happy,” said Guzzo.
The 18-year-old graduated from Langley Secondary this past year and she hopes to continue playing at a higher level.
This was Fortin’s fourth year with the White Rock program and now she gets set for the next phase of her athletic career.
Fortin, who graduated from Walnut Grove Secondary in June, leaves for Long Island University Post in New York next week where she will suit up for the Pioneers softball squad.
Pioneers coach Jamie Apicella said Fortin will bring a power bat to the team’s lineup.
“She adds an athletic element to our team and will be a player who brings passion for the game and a work ethic that will be respected by her teammates,” he said on the Pioneers website.
Fortin said she chose the school for both its softball program, academic reputation, and the fact she would get to live in New York as she wanted to go away for university.
Growing up, Fortin played a handful of sports, but admits she comes from a softball family — her parents Brad and Carrie met in their 20s playing slo-pitch.
Fortin is the eldest of three and while her brother has hung up his bat and glove to focus on hockey, her sister Leah plays for the ’00 Renegades squad.
Fortin is also hoping to land a roster spot with the Canadian junior national team program for 2017. She attended a camp in June and will find out next month whether or not she made the cut to the next step of the selection process.
Forty to 50 players are expected to attend the next camp with 18 players ultimately making the final roster.
Playing for her country would be a dream come true, especially with last month’s announcement that women’s softball was returning to the Olympics at the 2020 Games.
“Team Canada has definitely been a goal of mine since I was young,” she said.
Fortin also said she plans on giving back to the sport through coaching. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391226051.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/e35e99b7a6f268df7cc493b692581874071badf802d68e615cff1e1f0a9a958a.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-30T18:52:14 | null | null | After having to turn down an opportunity last year, Langley's Danielle Ellis determined to make most of second chance | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391769251.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/540langleyRH4_1935webversion.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Ellis thought national team days were behind her | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Danielle Ellis had her right leg amputated below the knee when she was just a couple months old. The 24-year-old is in Rio next week with the Canadian sitting women’s volleyball team.
Danielle Ellis never liked it when people stared at her, but she loved when they approached her and asked questions, especially when it was curious kids whose interest she had piqued.
The conversation starter — or in some cases the reason for the long glances — was the fact Ellis has a prosthetic leg.
“I always found that adults would more often sit there and stare, which for me when I was growing up, was frustrating,” she explained.
“I had always accepted my disability and I didn’t mind if people asked me what happened. It’s my story and I am doing great for myself — I have a job and a career and finished school and all this stuff,” she added.
“I would rather that kids know that even if something happens to you, you can do great things.”
And Ellis, who turns 25 in November, is doing something great: suiting up for Canada next week at the Paralympic Games (Sept. 7 to 16) in Rio de Janeiro as part of the women’s sitting volleyball team.
“Amazing is such a little word; it is exhilarating,” she explained.
“There is really nothing like being able to say you play for your country. Every athlete growing up wants to play for Team Canada and to be able to be here, to be working towards something and be going to the Paralympics and representing Canada, there are no words to describe the feeling.”
Diagnosed shortly after birth
Ellis was less than two months old when doctors had to amputate her right leg below the knee.
When she was two weeks old, her parents had discovered a lump on her right foot, no bigger than a quarter.
She was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of either soft tissue, connective tissue or bone.
“People always ask me my story and I say it is my parents’ story. I didn’t really go through much of it,” Ellis explained.
“They were strong and they had a really good support system.”
This was nearly 25 years ago.
“I remember always knowing that I had cancer. I was in the hospital for about a year, year and a half, going through chemo,” Ellis said.
She also remembers going for yearly check-ups at B.C. Children’s Hospital until she was 16.
Sports played big role
But her South Surrey childhood was no different than any other kid and sports were always a big part of it.
She did gymnastics, and then baseball, soccer and volleyball, always competing against able-bodied athletes.
It was at a volleyball camp in 2007 when she first learned about sitting volleyball. Sitting volleyball was different from what Ellis was used to, especially since she loved running around, whether on the volleyball court or on the soccer pitch.
“I definitely missed that aspect, but the more I played, the more the game evolved so it was really great to learn something new and I did fall in love with it,” she said.
This led to an opportunity to join the national women’s team program in 2008. And after graduating from Semiahmoo Secondary in 2009, Ellis put her studies on hold to move to Edmonton and train full-time — while taking post-secondary classes online — in an effort to help Canada qualify for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
The team was training six or seven days a week, with multiple workouts on most days.
Failure to qualify 'devastating'
When Canada failed to qualify, Ellis was devastated.
“I put my heart into it so when we (failed to qualify), it was pretty difficult for me. I tried to come back to the team but it just wasn’t the same for me,” she said.
“When you train all day, every day, and then you get to the competition and don’t succeed in your goals … for me, at that age, I couldn’t accept defeat.
“There was a lot of frustration and anger. I was a sore loser, in the most basic terms.”
Ellis returned home and shifted her focus to her career.
Since high school, the goal had been to become a paramedic, so she began working towards her Primary Care Paramedic licence, completing her studies last year.
With her focus on her studies, Ellis also turned an opportunity to rejoin the national team last year as Canada prepared for the Parapan Pan Am Games in Toronto since she knew she could not devote the necessary time to properly train while maintaining her coursework.
But after Canada finished third in Toronto to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics, Ellis was again invited to try out for the squad and was one of the dozen players named to the roster.
Ellis, who moved to Langley three years ago, is one of two Langley women on the roster, alongside Tessa Popoff. The roster was named back in July.
Ellis has spent the past few months juggling her time between training for Rio and working full-time as a dispatcher for the B.C. Ambulance Service. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391769251.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/1729f9e191caa6f194aa8d0109970bbb2b01c8633a88e1c66108b3297fe68acd.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:45 | null | null | You've Gotta Have Friends welcomes keynote speaker Jim Diers to their 10th anniversary conference on Sept. 16 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F390591111.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/11996langleycommunitystockweb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Building safe, inclusive communities | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | On Sept. 16, You've Gotta Have Friends is celebrating 10 years with a conference on neighbourhood building.
You’ve Gotta Have Friends is celebrating 10 years in Langley and is inviting the community to join them in celebration.
On Sept. 16, they will be hosting a conference at the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre, 20393 Fraser Hwy.
Keynote speaker Jim Diers, a well-known activist in neighbourhood building, will explore the value of enhancing and creating safe, warm and inclusive communities. How does neighbourhood building enhance businesses or organizations? What do civic leaders need to pay attention to when creating strategies for happier, safer, more engaged communities?
This conference will bring together community members, government officials, social services agencies, and business and financial agencies to explore actions that can be taken to build our communities.
Register online here. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/390591111.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/c429183b54b43adb17b463853f2297fd7461feb336771203ee6e42f81e616955.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:50:46 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391337501.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Long wait for hip surgery is taking its toll on senior | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: My wife, a pensioner, quit OxyCodin today. She had a very bad reaction.
In December 2015 the doctor prescribed drugs for hip joint pain. But in July 2016, when the drugs prescribed were no longer effective, the GP prescribed OxyCodin.
At that same December appointment the GP referred my wife to a surgeon/specialist. She waited three months to March 2016 for an appointment, where the surgeon decided that the hip joint would be replaced.
The exact date of the operation was vague, but would perhaps be in 35 weeks — there was a heavy schedule, he said.
We checked in Canada for fee-paid medical service. None are available, as the law prohibits overnight stays in private hospitals.
Thus, from December 2015 until November 2016 (11 months) my wife was to live with her ever worsening hip problem and take ever more pain-dulling drugs.
The drugs dulled the pain but it still hurt each time she walked. Reluctant to walk, she confined herself to the home, and you cannot socialize if you do not walk.
You hesitate to venture outside your home, you do not shop, you cannot clean your home.
Your life is dramatically changed. Her lifestyle was cut short. Plus there were unwanted side effects from the drugs.
The drugs cause indigestion, constipation, loss of balance and make you sleepy.
Eight months later, my wife has become a virtual couch potato.
In pain when she walks and taking drugs, she sits in a chair most of the day falling asleep at times. She has sat for so long, it aches to sit and needs special padding.
She has lost confidence in her ability to walk, needs a stick or a friendly arm. Her balance is compromised, she shuffles and she no longer steps out with confidence.
Her physical movement and motor skills are vanishing. Her muscles are atrophying.
It’s doubtful if any of these problems will be reversed in the next three or more months when the long-awaited operation is performed.
In the enforced and unacceptable waiting time of 11 months, my wife has lost more well being than the much delayed hip replacement can ever restore.
“An ounce of prompt attention is worth a pound of prolonged cure.”
J. Hewitt,
Langley | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/391337501.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/3157fb3dad916c71da4bab743d499a82102ca296bf40bb010fec078fe19166b4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:50:19 | null | null | Incumbent MLA and environment minister has held office since 2005 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391424671.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/10036langley0826Polakfile.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Polak acclaimed as Langley Liberal candidate | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Mary Polak
Incumbent Langley MLA Mary Polak has been acclaimed as the party candidate in the next provincial election.
“I am proud and humbled to be supported by such an amazing group of people,” said Polak. “We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, and I’m ready to get started alongside my team to connect with and earn the support of Langley voters in May.”
Polak has won three elections beginning in 2005, each time with more than half the vote.
She was appointed Minister of Environment on June 10, 2013 by Premier Christy Clark.
She has also served as minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Minister of Children and Family Development, Minister Responsible for Child Care, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for the Conversation on Health.
Before Polak was elected to the provincial legislature, she served as a trustee and chair of the Surrey School Board.
The press release announcing her acclamation listed several accomplishments, including connecting Langley to the SkyTrain through the Carvolth exchange, funding for school construction at LSS and Willoughby, the 203 and Mufford overpasses, Gateway of Hope shelter and Langley Lodge expansion.
“BC’s strong economy has enabled us to invest in the infrastructure and services that people need," Polak said.
"The 2017 election will be about keeping things affordable for families and making sure the future is a bright one for our next generation.”
B.C. voters will head to the polls on May 9, 2017. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391424671.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/d0b698853646ba845383b5d0532c38b73ed4a109198639a75eb095f960fa4de5.json |
[
"Monique Tamminga"
] | 2016-08-26T16:49:49 | null | null | Annual Langley School District Foundation golf tournament has sold out but there are still sponsorship opportunities available | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391335441.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/67303langleyGolfStockWeb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Golfers tee up for hungry kids | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The 11th annual Langley School District Foundation golf tournament at is happening at Redwoods Golf Course on Aug. 31
The 11th annual Langley School District Foundation golf tournament at Redwoods Golf Course on Aug. 31 has sold out.
The tournament is a huge annual event for golfers and sponsors alike, with proceeds this year going to support the Foundation’s Food for Thought campaign. The program provide breakfasts, lunches and snacks to the 3,000 students who come to school hungry every day.
It also provides help to the more than 160 homeless students, who find themselves helpless and alone with school the only constant in their lives.
“It’s hard for many Langley residents to believe that such travesties exist in Langley,” said LSD Foundation executive director, Susan Cairns.
“But when they realize that there are so many hungry and/or homeless students within their own community, Langley residents, businesses, parents, teachers and corporations step up, time after time, to help their community members.
“That defines Langley and that is what makes my job so easy and fulfilling.”
To help raise funds, the Foundation tournament includes a day of golf, a tailgate party, a huge array of snacks and contests, prizes, a silent auction and a barbecue steak and salmon dinner.
To sponsor the event, provide silent auction items or prizes, go to www.langleyschooldistrictfoundation.com or contact Susan Cairns at 604-532-1464 or scairns@sd35.bc.ca. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/391335441.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/c432169adbf1bf922fe7517745bfe42ca34b23f9ab0a2bfbc22d537cebee2941.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:03 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390344681.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/10680langley0815homlesscamp.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Resident's concern grows over Nicomekl homeless camp | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Writer Christie Stashyn is worried about the continued growth of a homeless camp on the banks of the Nicomekl in Langley City. She fears for residents’ safety, as well as for those living in the camp.
Editor: My concern lies with the growing homeless camp located in Nicomekl park on the west side of 208 Street, just south of Fraser Highway.
This camp has been steadily growing over the past couple of months.
Bylaw officers are supposed to ensure the tents are taken down each morning, however, this is not happening.
They’ve been allowed to accumulate a great amount of garbage and belongings and are living in the park rather than using it as a place to sleep (as I believe was the point in the Supreme Court’s ruling to allow the homeless to camp in parks overnight).
We, as neighbours, are concerned about the health issues surrounding this encampment, such as sanitation as well as where their drug paraphernalia is ending up.
Where are they going to the washroom in this park? As far as the community is concerned, these people have formally encroached and usurped a park for their personal living space.
There are many health and safety concerns, including that they are also having fires during the evening in contravention of the bylaw.
City hall has stated that due to the Supreme Court ruling there is nothing they can do. However, recently an injunction was put in place at a similar park in Victoria that had been encroached on by homeless, due to the sanitation risks this type of set-up poses.
I have contacted the health authority as well as MP John Aldag to express my concerns around the camp and health and safety.
I think the City needs to focus on the safety aspect of things, including the sanitation issue, safety (its close proximity to an elementary school and a seniors centre), as well as contagious disease — not just for residents in the area, but also the people living in the camp itself.
Christie Stashyn,
Langley City | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/390344681.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/5068199d9170cf52c9b19c4d9c04aca1e228c4297dc16dfefddab0220a2cccb7.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
] | 2016-08-30T22:51:01 | null | null | Randy Caine says, ideally, marijuana should be added to list of government-subsidized drugs | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391773221.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/2083langley0824CAINERANDYFILE.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | New federal marijuana growing regulations a ‘small step forward,’ activist says | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Randy Caine would like to see marijuana added to the list of government-subsidized drugs.
A Langley marijuana activist says the new federal law that restores licensing for small medicinal marijuana growing operations is a move in the right direction.
“All things considered it does seem like a step forward, albeit, a small one” Randy Caine told the Times.
“On the upside, as medical marijuana isn’t subsidized like other meds, the right to grow will help some relieve the financial burden,” Caine said.
“The problem remains that many, although permitted to grow, aren’t able or knowledgeable enough to do so. Think about it for a second, what if the only way you could access penicillin was to make it yourself from moulding bread?” Caine added.
“The parallel isn’t too far off.”
Caine, who owns a chain of hemp-based novelty stores, has lobbied for legal medicinal marijuanua for years.
He once operated a Langley City marijuana dispensary that was closed down by police and founded the Releaf Compassion Centres that provide counseling to people seeking to use cannabis for medical purposes.
The new Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, which took effect on Aug. 24, allow individuals to produce a limited number of plants based on their daily dose as prescribed by a doctor, whether it is grown indoors or outdoors.
It appears to be similar to the home-growing licences that were issued until 2014 when the then-Conservative government made moves to outlaw them and force approved patients to buy only from licensed commercial producers.
A Federal Court judge ruled last February that was unfair to medical marijuana users who wanted to grow their own and gave Ottawa six months to adjust the law accordingly.
A statement issued by the federal department emphasizes the new regulations provide an immediate solution to the federal court ruling, but shouldn’t be interpreted as a long-term plan for medical access.
Caine calls it “a Band-aid measure.”
He would like to see cannabis added to the list of drugs already subsidized by government healthcare programs as well as “access points” for medicinal marijuana users that would provide support and guidance and “a clearer separation between medical necessity and non-medical use.”
Health Canada says it will evaluate how the new system performs in providing reasonable medical access to cannabis, but will also study other potential delivery models, such as via pharmacies.
Municipalities, meanwhile, continue to be concerned that the proliferation of grow-ops in residential areas “with a variety of associated health and safety concerns,” will now continue unabated with the reinstatement of home grow licensing.
Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis, whose testimony about the dangers of home growing was largely dismissed by the federal court, said he remains concerned about electrical fire safety risks from amateur rewiring and other hazards such as mould and herbicide contamination.
“We’ve been into almost 2,000 of these places and every one of them had a problem,” Garis said, referring to the City of Surrey’s system of inspecting home grows it identifies, usually from electricity use records.
The federal government continues to take the position that cannabis dispensaries are illegal storefront suppliers and subject to enforcement.
– files from Jeff Nagel | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391773221.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/efd078fc0921a448de232d329f98f5024e569fba7e3bda982c01078859cacc3f.json |
[
"Canadian Press"
] | 2016-08-29T18:50:43 | null | null | Stark posters warn of overdose dangers to be displayed at transit stops, bars and restaurants aimed at recreational drug users | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391622671.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | New Fraser Health poster campaign raises awareness of opioid overdoses | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | SURREY, B.C. – Fraser Health has launched a poster ad campaign bolstering its ongoing drive to raise awareness of what it says is the overdose crisis in British Columbia.
The posters will be displayed at transit stops, bars and restaurants, and are aimed at recreational and regular drug users, their families and friends.
One message on the stark, black and white posters says: "If you use drugs: Have a plan. Go slowly. Use with a buddy. Carry naloxone."
The posters also offer instructions for anyone finding an overdose victim, directing them to call 911, start emergency breathing and use naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Fraser Health says in a news release that it is confident about the effectiveness of the campaign because the posters were tested in focus groups of regular and recreational drug users.
In April, B.C.'s provincial health officer declared a public health emergency linked to the soaring number of opioid overdoses, and the declaration remains in effect.
Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health's chief medical health officer, says the poster campaign is an extension of the health authority's ongoing public awareness campaign, but she says much more has been done to fight overdose deaths.
"We've created new substance-use beds to provide safe and supportive environments for people (who) require additional support on their road to recovery," Lee says in the release.
Over the last 12 to 18 months, Fraser Health has opened 50 new substance-use beds, including a three-bed program for youth and a 12-bed facility for women who are pregnant or have newborns.
A further 97 beds are slated to open by 2017 across the region, which stretches from Burnaby, through Surrey to White Rock and east to Hope.
The announcement of the poster campaign and the update on available substance-use beds comes as Fraser Health prepares to mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
The Canadian Press | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391622671.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/7c54544e4ab0ec63f28c030d583bdfb1b2aa89828e345e6be14f078083f2dd5d.json |
[
"Jeff Nagel"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:26 | null | null | TransLink says bridge repair work was done faster than expected over the summer, avoiding the need to continue closures in September | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391219531.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/14480BCLN2007Pattullotraffic2-7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Pattullo Bridge work finishes a month early | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The Pattullo Bridge will be reopened to all four lanes of traffic one month ahead of schedule, easing commutes in September when traffic volumes normally rise.
Rehabilitation work on the bridge deck has been underway since April 29 and TransLink had warned drivers to expect five months of delays until early October, with traffic reduced to one lane each way weekdays and complete bridge closures about two nights a week and one weekend a month.
"Despite wet weather in June, crews were able to get more done in a shorter period of time by scheduling additional weekend and overnight closures and reducing the number of concrete pours," TransLink officials said in a release.
The return to four-lane traffic during the day happens Monday, Aug. 29. Regular overnight lane closures that reduce the Pattullo to one lane each way at night for safety reasons will resume.
The final complete bridge closures were to be tonight, Thursday night and from 8 p.m. Friday Aug. 26 until 5 a.m. Monday Aug. 29.
Crews repaired 1,180 square metres of bridge deck. The work included milling off the asphalt surface, removing all deck concrete down to the top layer of rebar. repairing delaminated concrete and cleaning or replacing rebar, and repaving the deck area with a concrete overlay.
The aim was to extned the life of the bridge deck with minimal maintenance to keep the bridge open while a replacement is desinged and built, a project expected to take up to seven years.
The $10-million project was dramatically scaled down from what was originally intended to be a $100-million rehabilitation lasting 18 months.
TransLink officials last fall ruled out seismic rehab work – they decided it was too expensive if it was even possible – and opted to minimize spending since it intends to replace the Pattullo with a new bridge as quickly as possible. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391219531.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/ff67174af7b232c8b3b84e6553222177a05f0247c25fb57103a0c7eddf147cd8.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:49:18 | null | null | On Sept. 10, Canadians from coast to coast are being asked to film a day in their life | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F391671021.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/53239langleyCanadaInADayWeb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Canada in a day | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Canadians are being asked to film a day in their life on Sept. 10 for the Canada In A Day project.
Grab your camera.
On Sept. 10, Canadians from coast to coast are being asked to film a day in their life for Canada In A Day, a crowd-sourced film to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
Inspired by Ridley Scott’s 2011 phenomenon Life In A Day, the project Canada In A Day will encapsulate the ordinary and the extraordinary events of one day in the life of Canadians in a memorable, touching film to be released next summer.
The creators, award winning filmmaker Trish Dolman and CTV/Bell Media, want all Canadians to have a voice in this visual time capsule. This is an opportunity to speak about what the country means to you, what you love, what you fear or what you hope for.
Videos can be about absolutely anything, from documenting an extraordinary event like a wedding, or something completely ordinary, like a tour of your neighbourhood or the preparation of a family meal. Videos can also be in any language of your choice, or even feature multiple languages.
Need some ideas? There are several events happening in Langley on Sept. 10 to make the perfect filming backdrop.
All of downtown Langley City will be buzzing with thousands of people — and hotrods — at the Langley Good Times Cruise-In car show. In Fort Langley, the Fraser Valley Food Truck Festival is taking over Glover Road, with two dozen mobile kitchens serving up delectable dishes. And in rural Langley, Krause Berry Farms is hosting the Firefighters Family Fun at the Farm fundraiser for the Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society, and just down the road, JD Farms is having their annual Fall Festival and Customer Appreciation Day, with proceeds going to the Terry Fox Foundation.
For more information on Canada In A Day, including how to participate and filming tips, visit canadainaday.ca.
Original, uncompressed and unedited footage can be uploaded online between Sept. 10 and Oct. 10. | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/391671021.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/ef5b072fba5090cb3b013519795d10d383ced5d5c004f91752652325c8d004c8.json |
[
"Miranda Gathercole"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:58 | null | null | Hundreds of people have taken over downtown Langley at the 23rd annual Arts Alive Festival | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F390803121.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/17685langleyArtsAlive-11-web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Photos: Arts Alive | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Alexandria Burton, 4, works on her own piece of art at the 2016 Arts Alive Festival in downtown Langley. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/390803121.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/33c621bf2e4e124d60a99790846ef8c14824c7362859184e918d407d569a0407.json |
[
"Gary Ahuja"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:00 | null | null | Thrilling finish as 2,100 fans watch Whitecaps FC2 rally to defeat Arizona United SC at McLeod Athletic Park | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F390971651.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/7750langleySanner1.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Huge crowd takes in ’Caps Langley victory | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | It was the perfect debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC2 squad in their inaugural game at Langley’s McLeod Athletic Park.
Trailing 1-0, the team was able to take advantage of their opponent, Arizona United SC, being forced to play a man down for the final 30 minutes, by scoring three times in the game’s final 10 minutes.
Rookie striker Thomas Sanner scored all three goals in the 3-1 victory as the two United Soccer League rivals played in Langley on Sunday afternoon.
Sanner scored in the 84th, 87th and then in the fourth minute of added time as WFC2 improved to 11-6-7 and a share of top spot in the league.
“It was a great finish for our boys with three goals in the final 10 minutes of play,” said Rachel Lewis, the Whitecaps FC chief operating officer, who was in attendance for the match.
“(And) it was a fantastic crowd — thankfully the heat let up a little bit — it was a beautiful day out there.”
This was the first of three games WFC2 is scheduled to play at MAP.
And just over 2,100 fans — MAP’s capacity is 2,200 — were in attendance to watch the top affiliate team of Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
“It was a terrific crowd, lots of energy, beautiful venue and setting and all-around a really nice day,” Lewis said.
“We always thought the support from the community was exceptional. And (Sunday) was just the same.”
She was referring to past events the Whitecaps women’s team had held in Langley.
WFC2 typically plays their home games out of UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium, but this year, scheduled two contests for Langley: Sunday’s game as well as another on Labour Day (Sept. 5, 3 p.m.) against the Seattle Sounders FC.
They added a third game for Sept. 21, against OKC Energy FC.
That game had to be rescheduled from earlier in the season when the team’s opponent could not make it to Vancouver because of weather-related delays, Lewis explained.
“When we looked at our options for rescheduling, we saw the support from Langley had looked exceptional and we thought it was a good opportunity to try a weeknight game in the community and see if we could garner the same kind of support,” she said.
“We are really pleased with the initial support of all the games and hopefully it becomes an annual tradition to play some games out here.”
Lewis said they would be considering hosting some games in Langley annually.
“This was the first step and we were very pleased with the crowd and how everything went.”
For tickets to either of the remaining WFC2 games in Langley, visit www.whitecapsfc.com/wfc2.
For highlights of the match, visit www.langleytimes.com. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/390971651.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/d51b38de5041b634f0c76df2210e46c59aa5148e17b2ee67ec8933a5a50e7f63.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:51:49 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391772391.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Letter: Thanks for the memories and thought-provoking questions | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Editor: I read with amusement the story from Jim McGregor, remembering Herman (the Times, Aug. 19).
I remember Herman well when he was a citizen of Langley, always riding his bike around town. He was quite the character. He had a sister, Annie, who used to live in the Birch building at Rainbow Lodge.
I worked in the office at Rainbow Lodge at the time and Herman was a frequent visitor to his sister’s apartment.
Being the kind soul she was, she would often let him in for a meal and a visit.
But, he also ended up causing a disturbance in the building more than once, and would have to be escorted out by the caretakers.
I am sure many people have their stories as well.
Keep up the memorable stories, Jim, and thanks for your thought-provoking questions.
Pat Gottwald,
Langley | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/letters/391772391.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/853164a59d7b4ea003d6904839c464065b9e52eb0264c2c34052c72ea4e01821.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:50:05 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391337901.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/66795langley0826-readerpic.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Reader photo of the week: Aug. 26 | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | A full moon rises above the trees on a clear and warm summer evening in Langley in this photo submitted by reader Marilyn Crosby. Send your photos of Langley to newsroom@langleytimes.com. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/391337901.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/4285a123f2427bfb0dcb82a0949a50fa23da345bccbbbdec0d2b44e312535b3e.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
] | 2016-08-28T20:50:26 | null | null | No injuries reported in overnight blaze in Walnut Grove | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391548101.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/98226langleyfire4web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Bathroom fan suspected cause of Langley house fire | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The aftermath of a Walnut Grove house fire. No serious injuries were reported.
A fire in a detached single family home in Langley Township may have been caused by a short-circuit in a bathroom fan, investigators believe.
The blaze around midnight Saturday night damaged the roof of the two-storey structure near 88A Avenue and 214B Street.
There were no reported injuries. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391548101.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/e45f6e2595dd7ed44e1e1f9b9038a9125210867db1f03bb6256f724b606955a0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:59 | null | null | Amateurs and professionals invited to submit their photos by Aug. 31 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F391064321.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/47455langley1006-CampbellValleyPathwayweb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Photography contest at regional parks | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Campbell Valley Regional Park is one of four parks in Langley run by Metro Vancouver. Photographers are invited to submit photos from any Metro Vancouver regional park in a summer photography contest.
Metro Vancouver is inviting amateur and professional photographers to share their best photos of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks in their third annual photo contest.
Entrants can submit up to three photos for a chance to win great prizes, including weekend use of a group campsite.
The contest is open to photographers ages 13 and up. Deadline to enter is Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Then from Sept. 1-15, vote for your favourite photo in the People’s Choice Award category.
For contest details, including entry form and voting information, visit www.metrovancouver.org/parksphotocontest.
Metro Vancouver operates four parks in Langley: Aldergrove Regional Park, Brae Island Regional Park, Campbell Valley Regional Park and Derby Reach Regional Park. | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/391064321.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/9f7a2fa86335feab85bdc0636c230b6bb0b2be00eb40a64dfa4f95cdbab17b33.json |
[
"Shannon Lough"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:13 | null | null | Two months after having an endoscopy Joan Dudoward received a letter telling her that the endoscope used was not cleaned properly. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391353941.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/73852princerupertWEB.Joan-Dudoward.SL.35.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | VIDEO: Prince Rupert woman treated with unclean medical equipment, Northern Health, B.C. Centre for Disease Control confirms more than a hundred affected | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | A routine check-up at the hospital has turned into a nightmare for a Prince Rupert woman.
A month-and-a-half after having an endoscopy to inspect her nose and throat, Joan Dudoward received a letter from Northern Health stating that the endoscope used at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital was not cleaned properly.
From April until the end of June 2016, the endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a light and a camera used in nonsurgical procedures, was being cleaned with the wrong cleaning solution to disinfect the equipment. There were 104 patients affected and Dudoward was one of them.
“I was majorly stressed out,” she said in an exclusive interview with the Northern View. “I'm a cancer survivor. I try to keep my health up for my mom, I'm a caregiver for a 95-year-old woman.”
Dudoward had gone to the Prince Rupert hospital for an endoscopy on June 29 at 3:30 p.m. after complaining to her physician about reoccurring plugged ears and a sore throat. She received the letter from Northern Health on Aug.24, which stated the error did not impact the diagnostic outcome of the tests and the process error has been corrected.
The letter also states that the BC Centre for Disease Control has been consulted and “the risk of a patient being exposed to a virus as a result of this process error is extremely low.” The contact number for the director of acute care services is offered in case she has any other questions or concerns. Dudoward has many.
She called to find out why the instrument wasn't cleaned, what had happened and how many people had gone through the procedure before and after her. “She said she's not permitted to tell me anything about this,” was the response Dudoward said she received.
The vice-president of medicine for the Northern Health authority, Dr. Ronald Chapman, was quick to respond to media inquiries and stressed the importance of transparency. He said, based on previous experience, once they realized the mistake had occurred they consulted the BC Centre for Disease Control as well as the Northern Health infectious disease specialist in Prince George.
“The risk for the patient is extremely low. We're not concerned that it will at all have any negative impact on their health,” Dr. Chapman said. He added that it's Northern Health's policy to make patients aware even if the risk to them is low. “We believe it's important to be open with those patients and to be fairly transparent so at least they are aware of the mistake. In this case, we don't recommend any particular follow up or tests for the patients.”
This type of process error has happened before, Dr. Chapman confirmed. Not with the same scope, but he said there are many different endoscopes used and each are made by different manufacturers that have various recommendations on how to clean the equipment.
“The health sector is run by human beings and it's fairly complex. If mistakes do happen what we encourage our staff to do is to make management aware so they can learn from that experience,” he said. “I'm happy to say where those mistakes have happened in our environment, a process has been put in place and we haven't had any repetitions after some of those learning experiences.”
For the 104 patients that were affected by this incident, Dr. Chapman said their general practitioners have been notified and if they have any questions they can speak to them and the infectious disease specialist. They can also contact Northern Health's Patient Care Quality Officeto register a complaint.
For Dudoward, who had a bone marrow transplant in 2011 to battle leukemia, she is concerned and has already scheduled a meeting with her physician in early September.
“I'm thinking that my body is not going to be able to fight off infection like I was able to before the cancer because chemo takes a lot out of your body so this is like a bomb exploding in my life,” she said. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391353941.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/605b1a8f570e8b59f59a153fa5386bcc091fa3806479db65ea8ef9ee9fc9b822.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:04 | null | null | Premier Christy Clark isn't going into next year's election with a promise to jack up Canada's only significant carbon tax | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391051701.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/42735BCLN2007ClarkPolakNissanLeaf7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | BC VIEWS: B.C. fails to save the planet | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Premier Christy Clark and Environment Minister Mary Polak plug in an electric car at an announcement of the government's latest climate change plan in Richmond Aug. 19.
A B.C. Liberal operative was out with the online spin hours before Premier Christy Clark confirmed the much-leaked news in a Friday afternoon announcement at an obscure location in Richmond.
The, er, freeze is continuing for B.C.’s ground-breaking, world-saving carbon tax, which hasn’t changed since before Clark was elected in 2013.
The spin was Olympic-themed, with a picture labeled to show B.C. as a swimmer far out in the lead in the pool, to symbolize that it’s the other provinces that need to catch up in the race to save the planet.
Clark has been saying that for years, and there is merit to it. Even without a tax on “process emissions” such as from cement kilns, B.C.’s carbon tax encourages imports of non-taxed cement from the U.S. and China.
Alberta business professor Andrew Leach, who advised the Stephen Harper and then Rachel Notley governments on greenhouse gas policies, summed up the problem this way.
“Until the rest of the world has policies that impose similar cost, you’re not actually reducing emissions to the extent you think,” Leach said. “You’re just displacing the emissions and the economic activity to other jurisdictions.”
Alberta is moving to join B.C. with a modest carbon tax, but the NDP government plans to spend the proceeds rather than return them in income tax as B.C. has done. And Washington state and most of the rest of the world have no carbon tax as such, so their businesses benefit from B.C.’s “climate leadership.”
B.C.’s foreign-funded eco-radical community was, needless to say, appalled. The Pembina Institute’s Matt Horne and career protesters Tzeporah Berman and Merran Smith were named to the premier’s advisory committee last year, along with business, academic and aboriginal representatives.
They concluded that increases to B.C.’s broad-based tax on carbon fuels should resume its upward march in 2018.
Other committee members, including the mayors of Surrey, Comox and Burns Lake, were not heard from. Public discussion on this issue is now reduced to a staged conflict between those who demand a holy war on deadly carbon dioxide “pollution,” and those who don’t care if their grandchildren perish in a hell-fire of fossil fuel use.
We’ve just come off another El Nino year, like the hot year of 1998. Regular readers will recall the last time I discussed this topic was this spring, where I questioned the premier’s dire warnings of another horrendous forest fire season.
What followed has been one of the slowest forest fire seasons in the last decade, although dry conditions have finally emerged this month. Climate predictions, like next week’s weather forecast, are less than consistent.
I am regularly sent messages calling me a “climate change denier,” the nonsense term that continues to be used by federal Environment Minister Catharine McKenna among many others. I know of no one who denies that climate is always changing, at times dramatically.
If you wish to believe that paying an extra seven cents a litre for gasoline in B.C. is helping to slow the very gradual increase in temperatures we’re seeing in the northern hemisphere, you are free to do so.
You may even be persuaded to take a government subsidy and buy an expensive, short-range electric car. Me, I’m off to Prince Rupert and Revelstoke pretty soon, so I’ll stick with my little four-cylinder gas sipper for now.
Hydro-powered B.C. represents a small fraction of the less than two per cent Canada contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. We’re not the problem, and no, the world is not looking to us for guidance.
Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca Twitter: @tomfletcherbc | http://www.langleytimes.com/opinion/391051701.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/d0417fbb75eff2f7aca8fa6bef79558508b2b5d57a94301566046148c3941f68.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-30T18:51:05 | null | null | Some urban districts struggle with overcrowding, special funds for declining rural schools, bus service to take effect | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fnews%2F391773061.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/2045BCLN2007Schoolstudentblurwide-BJ7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | B.C. school enrolment up for second year | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Students return to public school next week, with changes to curriculum and some provincial exams.
Students are returning to class next week in most of B.C.'s public schools, with enrolment expected to be up province-wide for the second year running.
Education Minister Mike Bernier says early forecasts show about 529,000 students, an increase of 2,900 from last year. But that increase is centred on fast-growing school districts, while many rural areas continue to struggle with declining student numbers.
Among changes that parents and students will see this year is a new curriculum in place up to Grade 9, with a test year for changes in the senior grades. Bernier said the new emphasis on collaboration and communication skills does not mean a watering down of the basic skills, and is designed to improve students' ability to work at modern jobs.
Report cards are to continue this school year, but the ministry is reviewing its system with an eye to providing more frequent updates. Parents are being consulted on the changes, Bernier said.
Foundation Skills Assessment tests in grades four and seven are also continuing after years of protests from teacher unions, but that program is also being examined for possible changes. FSA tests will be "enhanced" but not eliminated, Bernier said.
Provincial exams continue for graduates in math and English, but science and social studies will now be assessed at a classroom level rather than school-wide tests, Bernier said.
The ministry provided a series of top-ups to education funding this year, for bus service and to keep selected rural schools from closing. Applications are still being taken for a transportation fund until Sept. 30, requiring districts to drop across-the-board school bus fees to qualify.
Districts may still charge transportation fees for international students or those from outside a school catchment area.
NDP leader John Horgan highlighted the crowding in Surrey school district, where 7,000 students remain in portables despite an expansion program. The NDP says the B.C. government's claim of record per-student funding ignores a reduction of education funding as a share of the provincial economy.
"Since 2001, the B.C. Liberals have dragged public education funding in this province from the second best in Canada to the second worst," Horgan said. | http://www.langleytimes.com/news/391773061.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/bf18ef09799b71648d41fae6193da984b6a172c2cbab90de5b878611a05d5761.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:25 | null | null | Brothers, 84 and 93, among those who will compete at the Langley-based Senior Olympics event on Aug. 30 in Campbell Valley Park | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391331081.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/64557langley0822seniorolympics.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Sibling rivalry at the Senior Olympic games | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | Langley Lodge resident Mavis Holt sits between brothers Allan Brown (left) and Tom Brown (right) to demonstrate the seated horseshoe toss, one of the events at the Senior Olympics in Langley on Aug. 30.
A community-run Olympic Games for local seniors will see two brothers competing for honours at the Aug. 30 event in Langley’s Campbell Valley Park.
Langley Lodge residents Allan Brown, 84, and his big brother Tom, 93, are preparing to take each other on in the seated horseshoe throwing event.
It is one of four whimsical events that will see residents of the Langley City seniors residence compete with three others seniors facilities; the White Rock Seniors Village, and Westminster House and Crescent Gardens in Surrey.
There will also be a toilet paper toss, where the target is a toilet seat, a golf putting competition and basketball where the hoop is replaced with a low-angle container.
About 50 competitors are expected to take part.
Everything will be on a level playing field to accommodate wheelchairs.
For Allan Brown, whose rheumatism has retreated since he moved into Langley Lodge about a month ago and began getting physiotherapy, it’s an opportunity to show how much mobility he has regained.
“I hope to get back to walking soon,” he said.
For older brother Tom, it is proof that he was right to urge his sibling to move into the non-profit seniors centre at 5451 204 St.
“This was so good here (at Langley Lodge), I thought he should come over,” Tom said.
The two brothers were posing for a photo with fellow lodge resident and competitor Mavis Holt, 78, who was a medallist in the last games held four years ago.
The one-day community-run Olympics event involving senior care homes throughout the Fraser Valley has been held every four years since 2004.
Medals are earned on a team basis, allowing for the top seniors organizations to take home medals at the conclusion of the day.
This year, an additional medal has been added to the traditional gold, silver and bronze categories, a green medal for fourth place.
Langley Care Society is a non-profit, long-term care provider. It operates the Langley Lodge residential care home, which has 139 residents.
More information about Langley Lodge can be found at www.langleylodge.org. | http://www.langleytimes.com/community/391331081.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/954d4337f2397a682135575df1b6d069aa90f125e636ce47d1cbfbf6263a3e71.json |
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