Santa moves his shop to Maple Ridge. p41Radio HaneyReally? Explain that to me again. p6MaternityservicesatRidgeMeadows Hospitalarentgoinganywhere,says Fraser Health. Infact,theregionalheathauthorityis hopingtoencouragemorelocalparents to give birth close to home.The future of maternity services at the hospital in Maple Ridge was cast in doubt earlierthisyearafterapairofreports commissionedbyFraserHealthrecom-mended closing the ward as part of a bid torecongureobstetricservicesacross theregion,consolidatingexistingmater-nityservicesateighthospitalstoasfew asve.Thereportnotedtheidealnum-ber of births for a maternity ward for op-timum efciency and safe patient care is roughly 1,500 per year.In 2008/09, Ridge Meadows Hospital per-formed only 859 births.The report provided ve scenarios to re-congure obstetric services in the Fraser Healthregion,fourofwhichwouldsee those services moved out of Ridge Mead-owsHospitaltootherfacilitiessuchas Surrey Memorial and Royal Columbian.However,afterstudyingthedifferent options, Fraser Health has decided not to remove those services from Ridge Mead-owsHospital,oranyotherhospital,said RowenaRizzotti,FraserHealthsexecu-tive-director for womens health.Ourstrategydoesnotincludethere-duction of any obstetric units.Instead, as part of its plan to improve ma-ternityandobstetricservicesacrossthe regionoverthenextthreeyears,Fraser Healthishopingtoencourageexpectant mothers to give birth closer to home. Fraser Health has plan to improve serviceTHE NEWSRM hospital to keep maternity wardColleen Flanagan/THE NEWSHack jobShaeli Desautels, 2, helps hack down a Christmas tree with Imagination Station co-owner Lynsey Pashley during a field trip to the Alouette Tree Farm with the preschool Thursday afternoon. The tree will be put up at the preschool and decorated on today.Dalton wont run for premierThe rookie MLA forMapleRidge-Missionwont beintheraceto becomethenext Liberal leader and premier of B.C.Imnotgo-ingtogoforit, MarcDaltonsaid Wednesday.Ijustfeel,in thetimeframe intheleadership, IcouldntmountthecampaignthatI would want, he added. Its not been an easy decision, to be truthful.Daltonsaidlastweekthathewas consideringenteringtheleadership contestandwasfullyawareofhis weaknesses as candidate, one of them beinghisshorttimeinofce,only elected in spring 2009.See Dalton, p5See Maternity, p10Friday, December 3, 2010 Serving Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows est. 1978 604-467-1122 50 www.mapleridgenews.comSportsWater polo player eyes 2016 Olympics.p47DaltonOpinion 6Radio Haney 6Letters 7Parenting 18Acts of Faith 19Home&gardening 25Scoreboard 48IndexMLA wanted to enliven debate byPhi l Mel nyc hukstaffrepor terTHE NEWS/filesA pair of reports had recommended closing the maternity and obstetrics ward at Ridge Meadows Hospital.byRober t Mangel s dor fstaffrepor terIndependently owned and operated 604.467.0811Sonja JonesBeautiful Balsam Creek!13323 Balsam St., Maple RidgeReduced to $609,000FLU SHOTS NOWAVAILABLEEAST CLINIC#4 - 22932 LOUGHEED604-466-5767 WEST CLINIC#203 - 19800 LOUGHEEDInside Can. Superstore604-465-9188RIDGE MEADOWSCARE CLINICSNO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED OPEN 9AM - 9PM DAILY Flu Shots NowAvailable2 Friday, December 3, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com12224 - 240th Street, Maple Ridge, British Columbia V4R 1N1 (604) 467 - 4444 www.meadowridge.bc.ca-smaII cIass sizes-an lnternationaI BaccaIaureate education, JK - l2-a warm, caring community-impressive faciIities-athIetic, fine art and service opportunities-academic success-university preparationsmaII cIass si eswww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Friday, December 3, 2010 3Mountiesaretarget-ing the homes, cars andbusinessesof criminalsinMapleRidge andPittMeadowsinanat-tempttocurbcrimeand deterothersfromtryingto setupshopinthemunici-palities.Thisyear,twohousesin Maple Ridge that were used togrowmarijuanahave beenrestrainedorfrozen undercriminalproceeds legislation,whilethreeoth-ers including a business are awaiting decisions from Crown.Ahousethatheldamari-juanagrowoperationanda crackshackarealsobe-ingpursuedundertheCivil Forfeiture Act.RidgeMeadowsRCMP seized a total of 8,650 plants fromthesixproperties acropthatwouldhave earnedbetween$1,557,000 to $2,595,000 in sales.Theforfeituresareone wayofhittingcriminals where it hurts.Policehavedismantleda numberofgrowoperations andforwardedcriminal charges, only to see the sus-pectbackinbusinessafew monthslaterinthesame house.Sgt.DarylCreighton,who headsthedetachments StreetEnforcementUnit, said police also believe that theproceedsofmarijuana saleshavegoneintopur-chasing local businesses. Whileoureffortsarenot solely directed toward curb-ing organized crime, we cer-tainlydontshyawaywhen theopportunitypresents itself, he added. Ultimate-ly,theprofitsofdrugdeal-inggointothepocketsof thoseinvolvedinorganized crime.ThefederalControlled DrugsandSubstancesAct has provisions in the Crimi-nalCodeforpropertyfor-feiture.Butunderthatact, acriminalconvictionisre-quiredbeforetheforfeiture can take place.Withcivilforfeiture, courts can go after property or proceeds of crime, where nochargesarelaidorper-son convicted.Whiletheprocesstopur-sue properties in civil court iseasier,itsanavenue Ridge Meadows RCMP wont be pursuing aggressively.Ourprimarygoalisto chargethoseresponsible fortheircrimesandwe wontseekcivilforfeitures inlieuofcriminalcharges orcriminalforfeitures, said Creighton.Each investigation will be evaluated individually and a decision will be made based ontheevidencebeforeus. Thecriminalcourtprocess will remain our priority.Civil forfeituresTheimportantdifference betweenacriminalprose-cution and a civil lawsuit is the suit filed by the provin-cialcivilforfeitureofficeis againsttheproperty,not the owner.Wejusthavetobeable toprovethattheproperty inquestioniseitherpro-ceedsfromunlawfulactivi-ty or if it was an instrument used to commit the offense, likeahousebeingusedto growmarijuana,saidRob Kroeker, executive director ofB.C.CivilForfeitureOf-fice.AsofNovember,there havebeen174success-fulcivilforfeituresinB.C. Morethan90percentof themwereconnectedto unlawfulactivityrelated toillegaldrugsandmoney laundering.So far, only one forfeiture involvingthreeproperties inBurnabyhasbeenchal-lenged in court.Since the office opened in 2006,cashandassetsval-uedatmorethan$14mil-lionhavebeenforfeitedto the province, including $4.4 million since April.Theseizedmoneyhelps fundtheoperationofthe forfeiture office and is used to pay victims of crime.The remainder of the cash iskeptinanaccountand directed towards crime pre-vention programs and com-munity organizations.Kroeker believes civil for-feituresdohaveanimpact on criminal activity and are a deterrent for crime.Its $14 million that other-wisewouldhavegoneback into the criminal economy, he said.Forfeitures hitting criminals where it hurtsMapleRidgeisinthetop10inthes-calsustainabilitygaplistofmunicipalities, spending twice as much as it can afford, says the latest version of B.C. Municipal Spending Watch.Thedistrictiseighthonthelistthatsays its operational spending increased 2.38 times more than its overall population and ination growth.Thatsevenhigherthanlastyearsgure, whenthedistrictsoperationalspendingin-creased2.15timesmorethanitspopulation and ination growth.Thenumberscomefromthisyearsedi-tion of Municipal Spending Watch, published bytheCanadianFederationofIndependent Business.At the top of the list, Prince Georges spend-ingincreasewas3.87timesitsinationand populationgrowth,whileNewWestminster wasthethriftiestwitharateof1.15,which meansitsincreaseinspendingalmost matcheditsgrowth.PittMeadowsspending was2.80timesitsinationandpopulation growth.Maple Ridge nancial general manager Paul Gill said most of the increases in the districts nancialplan,whichcallsfora5.6-per-cent increase in municipal taxes, are not related to normal operations.Itwasadeliberatedecisiontoincrease spending in order to change the Maple Ridge FireDepartmentfromanall-volunteerforce to one with a balance between volunteers and career reghters, he pointed out.The tax increase that goes into a special ac-count for infrastructure, so there will be mon-eyinthefutureforroadandsewerrepairs, works out to only 0.6 per cent of the increase in taxes that homeowners will pay next July.Thesamegoesforwaterandsewer1.5- and 0.6-per-cent increases, respectively.We dont have to. Lets let our water system go, Gill said.Councilmadeadecisionthatthosespend-ing increases are worthwhile for the districts future,Gillsaid.HepointedtoCalifornia, with crumbling infrastructure and where tax increasesaresubjecttoreferendum,asan exampleofwhathappensifthemoneyisnt spent.MayorErnieDaykinpointedoutthe2011 nancial plan now underway has only one ad-ditional spending item compared to last year. And that calls for $125,000 for the second stage of the Albion ats planning process.Insomeways,itsfrustratingandIthink therestheassumptionthatwerenotdoing the rigourous budget planning that we do.The easy thing to do politically would be to cut the one per cent of the tax increase allot-tedtotheinfrastructurefund,Daykinsaid. But a few years later, somebody would have to pay for those repairs.Comparedtoothermonthlycosts,taxpay-ers are still getting a good deal, Gill said.Mostpeoplepaymoreinonemonthfor electricity than water and sewer for a whole year.I would suggest that the CFIB tell me which piece we should not do, he said.TheMunicipalSpendingWatchalsolists whatitcallsexcessspendingthemoney spentoverandabovewhatsneededtokeep pace with growth and ination.THE NEWS/filesTwo houses in Maple Ridge that were used for growops have been restrained and frozen under the crimi-nal proceeds legislation.Maple Ridge in Top 10 list of big municipal spendersRCMP taking aim at homes and businessesForfeituresCriminal forfeiture completed:1. marijuana grow, 2,000 plants, one main suspect, three charges property restrained, not sold;2. marijuana grow, 1,000 plants, one main suspect, three charges property restrained, not sold. Criminal forfeiture awaiting decision:1. marijuana grow, 1,000 plants, one main suspect, three charges awaiting decision pro-ceeds funded purchase of business requesting residence and business be restrained;2. marijuana grow, 2,700 plants, one main suspect, three charges awaiting decision; 3. marijuana grow,450 plants, one main suspect, three charges awaiting decision. Civil forfeiture being written:1. marijuana grow, 1,500 plants, no charges at this time not yet submitted2. local crack shack not yet submitted.- courtesy Ridge Meadows RCMPbyMoni s haMar t i nsstaffrepor terbyPhi l Mel nyc hukstaffrepor terBudget growing more than twice rate of infation and populationSee Spending, p4OPEN DAILY 10 AM - 6 PM 100TH AVE & 256TH(SOUTH) TO 98 AVEMAPLE RIDGE 604-813-7235 BOILEAUS U-CUT CHRISTMAS TREESPaid for by the Boileau family. In Memory of Troy James Boileau. February 4, 1967 - August 5, 2008 Hold your family tightDevoted husband, father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. We carry on his memory and support Project Wellness MalawiBring the family and enjoy complimentary, hot chocolate, candy canes & marshmallow roasted by the re $25 Douglas Firs $40 Grands, Nobels or FrasersFir CTroys sons Jake and Sam are keeping their Dads legacy alive at the family tree farm. $5.00 from every tree sold from the Boileau U-Cut Tree Farm will be donated in memory of Troy to Project Wellness Malawi. meAll sizesLougheed Hwyy w100 Ave256 St98 AveSpilsburyyRdFraasseerr s e StSEE PAGE 9 FOR MORE DETAILS4 Friday, December 3, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comAPittMeadowsman caughtwithchildpor-nographyonhiscom-puter will spend a year in prison.GilesJulianChing washandedthesen-tencelastmonthfol-lowingatrialearlier thisyearwhenhewas found guilty of possess-ing child pornography.Thecourtheardthat police found 3,855 child pornographyimages onChingscomputer inApril2007,whilehe wasonprobationfora similar offence.Ching has just moved toPittMeadowsfrom Coquitlam.Hewassentenced toanadditionalthree monthsforbreaching the probation order.Oncereleasedfrom prison,Chingwillbe boundbyathree-year probationorderand isprohibitedfrombe-ing where children are present for ve years.Pitt Meadows man had more than 3,000 such images Jail time for child pornographyMapleRidgesex-cessspendingin2008 rings in at $18.7 million comparedtoPrince Georges $27 million.MunicipalSpending Watch also gures how mucheachhousehold would save if the excess spendingwaselimi-nated.InMapleRidge, thatwouldworkoutto $1,011.Accordingtoare-leasefromCFIB,from 2000and2008,munici-paloperatingspending inB.C.grewby58per cent,whilepopulation andinationgrewby only29percent,which meansthatmunicipal spending exceeded pop-ulationandination growth by 2.01 times, or 201 per cent.Many municipal poli-ticiansperpetuatethe myth that they are hard donebywhenitcomes torevenues;thereal-ityisthattheyaread-dicted to overspending. Itsgrosslyunfairto taxpayers,whosuffer taxandfeeincreases thatoutstriptheirpay increases,saidLaura Jones,CFIBsvice-presidentforWestern Canada.Thereportincludes recommendationssuch as creating a municipal auditor general. Thisisadisgraceful stateofaffairs.With municipalelections coming up next year, its timevotersputthisis-sue on the radar screen or well get more of the same, Jones said.Spending from p3Each home could save $1,011 a yearMaple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Bicycle Advisory CommitteeHelp Build A Stronger Community, Volunteer Opportunities AvailableApplicationsareinvitedfromPittMeadows andMapleRidgeresidentstoserveas volunteermembersoftheMapleRidgeand PittMeadowsBicycleAdvisoryCommittee. The Committee functions as an independent policymakingbody.Thepurposeofthe Committee is to advise both Maple Ridge and PittMeadowsCouncilsoncyclingissuesin the communities and implementation of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Bikeways Plan.Letters of Interest are being sought for the following positions:- Two vacancies for Pitt Meadows Citizen-at-Large members to begin January 1, 2011 for a term to expire December 31, 2012.- One vacancy for a Maple Ridge Citizen-at-Large member to begin January 1, 2011 for a term to expire December 31, 2012Lettersshouldincludeanindicationofwhy the candidate wishes to serve along with their professionalandcommunityinvolvement background.Additionalbackground informationintheformofavolunteerjob description and an on-line application form is available on the web at:http://www.mapleridge.ca/EN/main/municipal/committees_commissions.htmlhttp://www.pittmeadows.bc.ca/EN/main/cityhall/39971.htmlForfurtherinformation,pleasecontactKatia Robichaud,PittMeadowsStaffLiaisonat krobichaud@pittmeadows.bc.caorRuss Carmichael,MapleRidgeStaffLiaisonat rcarmichael@mapleridge.caApplications and inquiries for all committees may be directed to:Please Note: Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.Katia RobichaudStaff LiaisonCity of Pitt Meadows12007 Harris RoadPitt Meadows, BCV3Y 2B5T. 604-465-5454krobichaud@pittmeadows.bc.caTracy CamireCommittee ClerkDistrict of Maple Ridge11995 Haney PlaceMaple Ridge, BCV2x 649T. 604-463-5221tcamire@mapleridge.ca11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9Tel: 604-463-5221 Fax: 604-467-7329www.mapleridge.caTheDistrictofMapleRidgewishesto remindpropertyownersthattheyare responsibletoclearsnowandicefrom sidewalks,stairs,rampsandfootpaths borderingtheirrealpropertyby10:00 amthedayfollowingtheaccumulation. Thisappliestocommercial,industrial, school,strataandresidentialproperties.(MapleRidgeHighwayandTrafcBylaw 6704-2009, Section 25)Wethankyouforyourco-operationand commitmenttokeepingtheDistrictofMaple Ridge a safe place to live and visit. WewisheveryoneSeasonsGreetings fromtheLicences,PermitsandBylaws Department.Snow & Ice RemovalGive the gift of Music this Christmas g f fGuitar LessonsBeginners to AdvancedAll Ages gwith award-winning guitarist Chris Rolin604-465-1418Car Carewith Cyril BarryTHE PRICE DIFFERENCECheck our website for more articles. #2 - 20736 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge604-463-8876www.westsideautorepairs.comGive Us A CallDont Wait!Book Your Winter Tires Now -Beat The Rush!As the owner of an auto repair shop I deal with vehicle owners from all walks of life and professional pursuits.Not a day goes bythat Idontlearnsomethingnewaboutpeople. Thecommondenominatorthatbringsthese customers to our shop is that they are looking for quality, not quantity.Quite a few well-meaning souls shop around for auto repairs just like they would for a new dishwasherorTV:lookingforthebestprice rstandthenconsideringthetypeofshop second.My question to those of you that fall into this trap is a simple one.Do you buy four or more dishwashers per year?Probably not, because a dishwasher is a consumer product; whereas auto repair is an ongoing consumer service,onethatmostpeoplecannotgo without.Theeffortasmartconsumerputsforthto ndthebestbuyonaconsumerproduct, basedonprice,warrantyandavailability cannot be carried over and applied to nding agoodserviceprovider.Youmustcompare applestoapples,notapplestooranges; buying a product and buying a service are two different beasts of burden.Would you go to four different dentists in the same year?When choosing an auto repair service facility the rst thing that you need to check are its tradequalicationsandafliations.Ifthe shoppersonnelarenotgovernmenttrained andcertiedinyourdesiredeldofrepair, then you are responsible for the repairs that you payed them to perform, not them.You havelittletonorecourseagainstanon-certiedautorepairfacilityiftheymakea mistake, as they do not have to meet industry standards,soyouareleftholdingthebag, so to speak.By all means make sure you are dealing with a qualied repair facility, do not hesitate to ask the guy at the counter.Thenextitemonyourlistofcriteriafor anautomotiverepairfacilityshouldbeyour abilitytocommunicatewiththem.This requires a great deal of effort by both parties but more so for you the consumer.It is your money paying for the necessary repairs,you need to pay attention to every detail and do not hesitate to ask questions.Ensure that the repairshopwillnotspendyourmoneyuntil they talk to you rst.Nobody likes surprises.In nding any good service provider you need toprioritize:qualications,communication, satisfaction and then price; just the opposite of purchasing a commodity. If you are happy withyourautorepairshop,stickwiththem and tell all your friends, pass the word.If you are still looking for a good shop you can trust with your vehicle, your money, and your piece of mind, give us a call.If your only criteria is price, then be prepared to bounce around from shop to shop because ifallyouarelookingforischeap,thenyou areonanever-endingtreadmill.Goodluck with that.Artisits Studio SaleArtisits Studio SaleThe holiday season is upon us...We would like to invite you to ourOnce a year for two days only....Sat. Dec. 4 10AM-8PM & Sun. Dec. 5 10AM-4PMSave up to 70% off the suggested retail pricesCome early. Stock will sell fast.Great Gift IdeasHundreds of landscape, orals, nature, absract canvas & framed prints11673-192 A St., Pitt Meadows ~ 778-883-0156 ~ Preview at www.wtdesigns.cawww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Friday, December 3, 2010 5Iclearlyunder-stood it was going to be a long shot.Butjustbyentering thecontest,hehoped toinuencedebateand possiblytheselection ofthewinner.Sofar, GeorgeAbbott,Kevin Falcon,MoiraStillwell andMikedeJonghave announced they want to be leader.Thecontestisbeing heldbypreferential ballot, so if he had been abletoraisesomesup-port,thatcouldhave beendirectedtohis choiceduringthelater rounds of voting.Healsowantedtobe avoiceatthetableto inuencethedebate andsaidheconsidered enteringoutofasense of duty to bring forward different issues.Thefactthathes sixth on the Fight HSTs listofMLAsforrecall because of the Liberals passage of the HST also played a roll.Ifthecampaignnext springissuccessful, Daltonsaidhemay haveonlyanothersix months in ofce so he wantedtoraiseissues while he could.Forhim,oneofthose is the violence and dan-gerposedbyorganized crimes marijuana grow operations.Hepointed outthathebroughtin thedirectorofcivilfor-feituretoMapleRidge lastsummersopolice wereawareofthepow-ers under the act.Since then, there have beentwolocalsuccess-fulforfeituresofprop-ertyrelatedtothepro-ceeds of crime.Peoplearescared aboutthedrugtrade andhavingtolivenext to growops, he added.Iamveryconcerned aboutthelevelofgang violenceanditsimpact on public safety.One of my platforms, ifIran,wastomake everyefforttocutthe numberofgrowopsin three years.Justasautothefthas beencutbytargeted efforts, so too can grow operations.Ibelievewecando thiswithgrowopsand wecanmakeourprov-ince a safer place.Thecivilapproach todealingwithcrime isgaininggreaterac-ceptance,hesaid.Its happening.Itsstarting tobeusedandIdlike to see that starting to roll.Daltonsaidthemore peoplecontestingfor the leadership, the more voicesthereareinthe campaign and the more peopleareinvolved,all of which is good for de-mocracy.Itreallyisnotabout me, he said.What is the best thing Icandoformyparty, for the province.LocalMLAMichael Sather is among a group ofNDPdissidentsturn-ing up the heat to get rid oftheirpartyboss,Car-ole James.Itsaquestionoflook-ing at the obvious that many people arent hap-pywithherasleader, Sather said Wednesday.And, of course, on the streetandatthedoor step, I hear that lot.Asleaderthere-sponsibilityrestson yourshoulderstobe able to connect with the public in a way that they want to follow you.Hiscommentscame hoursafterVancouver MLA Jenny Kwan issued a blistering news release calling for James to step aside.Therehasbeena steadyerosionofour democraticprinciples. Debatehasbeenstied, decision-makingcen-tralized, and MLAs mar-ginalized, Kwan said.Manyareshockedat howsomecriticaldeci-sionsaremadeorhow caucusdecisionshave been later altered.Theleaderalsohasto reactquicklytounfold-ingevents,saidSather, citing the NDPs delayed response to the introduc-tionoftheHarmonized SalesTaxintroduction last spring.Thereisatimeliness thatisrequiredinpoli-tics. Youve got to some-times act more quickly.Kwan and Sather were partofagroupof13 MLAswhodidntsup-port her at a recent par-ty meeting.Hesaidpreviously that his position against James has nothing to do withhimgettingkicked outofthepartytempo-rarilyin2007because ofhisoppositiontothe withdrawal of land from theAgriculturalLand Reserveaspartofthe TsawwassenFirstNa-tionstreaty.Hisparty supportedthattreaty, butafterSatherspoke againstitinthelegisla-ture, he was booted from NDPcaucusforafew months. Thatisntabigdeal with me.Inherrelease,Kwan callsforanimmediate leadershipconvention basedonafullone-member,one-votesystem, insteadofthe leadershipre-view that takes placenextNo-vemberunder adelegatepro-cess.Itisunten-able that 40 per centofcaucus memberscan-not publicly say they support the leader. Carole James is dividing thepartybystayingon as leader, Kwan said.Sather said its possible the Liberals could call an election next year.Thepublicsopinion aboutJamestendsto revolvearoundthem not feeling enthralled or happy with what theyre hearing.Itcomesdown tothatallthetime, Sather said.Inherrelease,Kwan alsoblamesJamesfor lack of genuine consul-tationwithinourcau-cusandsaidtheresa clearlackofdirection undertheleadershipof CaroleJames.Whenev-erachallengingpolicy decisionarises,often the default position is to avoid taking a stand.For Sather, if a partys inOpposition,theres often a tenden-cytolielow, especiallyifa governmentis notdoingvery wellandtake advantageof that.But,Ifyou dontputout enough of your positionon things,then peoplestartto wonderthenwhatis the NDP offering?Sometimesthecau-tiousapproachcan backre.Kwan said theres now apoliticalvacuumin B.C.withNewDemo-crats getting fewer votes in2009thaninthe2005 election.Kwanalsotookissue with the decision to have unions pay Moe Sihota a salaryaspresidentof the party, without MLAs knowing.Backroomdeals shouldhavenoplacein todays politics. Yet Car-oleJamesknewabout this deal and did not in-tervene. In fact, the NDP caucuswasnotevenin-formedofthisarrange-ment until recently.Sather also calls on NDP leader to quitPart of group that doesnt support Carole JamesbyPhi l Mel nyc hukstaffrepor terSatherDalton from frontDalton concerned about growops, gang violenceHANEY HOTEL LIQUOR STORE ALL ProductsPricedBELOWG OV E R NME NTLIQUOR STORE PRICES*pl usdeposi t, ALLtaxesi ncl udedOPEN365DAYSAYEAR9:00AM-11:00PM22222LougheedHwyMapl eRi dge 604. 463. 3025FREE ICE WITH EVERY PURCHASE (over $10.00, 1 bag per purchase)11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9Tel: 604-463-5221 Fax: 604-467-7329www.mapleridge.caRequest for QualicationsProject: RFQ-EN10-191 - 232 Street Bridge overNorth Alouette River Design and Engineering ServicesTheDistrictofMapleissolicitingqualicationsfrominterestedengineering rms to provide functional and detailed design services for replacement of the 232 Street Bridge, just north of the roundabout at 132 Avenue. The District has prepared a conceptual design showing the new bridge with clear span of 36 m and a cross section width adequate for a total of 2 travel lanes, 1 bike lane,and2sidewalks.Theexistingaerialwatermaincrossingwillalsobe replaced with a new watermain secured to the new bridge. There will be some roadworks required since the approaches to the new bridge may be at a higher elevation than the existing road.ThepurposeofthisRequestforQualication(RFQ)istosolicitresponses from qualied consultants so that the District is able to develop a short-list ofengineeringrms.Theshort-listedrespondentswillbeinvitedtosubmit proposalsinresponsetoaRequestforProposal(RFP)tobeissuedbythe District for this project.Firmsinterestedinthisopportunityareinvitedtoobtainapre-qualication informationpackagecontainingthepre-qualicationrequirementsand completeinstructionsforsubmissionofaresponse.Informationpackages may be obtained from the District website: www.mapleridge.ca.RFQ Closing Date:Friday, December 17, 2010RFQ Closing Time:2:00 pm local timeRFQ Deposit Place:District of Maple RidgeReception Desk (First Floor)11995 Haney PlaceMaple Ridge, BCV2X 6A9For questions regarding the pre-qualication process contact:Daniela Mikes, Manager of Procurement TDTel: 604-466-4343Email: dmikes@mapleridge.caFor questions regarding the scope of work contact:Richard Wong, Manager of Design and ConstructionTel: 604-467-7492 Email: rwong@mapleridge.caSubmission of a pre-qualication application does not guarantee inclusion on a resulting short-list of pre-qualied rms.The District reserves the right to limitthenumberofpre-qualiedrmsinvitedtocompeteonasubsequent contract.The District may reject late submissions.There will be no public opening for this Request for Qualications.ThissolicitationissubjecttotheBC/AlbertaTrade,Investment,andLabour Mobility Agreement and Chapter 5 of the Agreement on Internal Trade.11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9Tel: 604-463-5221 Fax: 604-467-7329www.mapleridge.caTheDistrictofMapleRidgeOperationsDepartmentwillbe commencing the annual ushing/cleaning program starting at the west boundary working east to 216th Street between Wharf Street and 132nd Avenue, for approximately twenty (20) weeks beginning October 1, 2010.Thismaintenanceworkwillimprovethewaterquality;however, during this cleaning process some residents could experience water pressure drops and milky or dirty water.You may take the following steps to correct the problem:1.MILKY WATER: Open tap slightly to bleed air from the water lines.2.DIRTY WATER: Turn an outside tap on until the water becomes clear.This temporary interruption in service will be as brief as possible.Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.If you have any questions or concerns please call the Operations Centre at 604-463-9581.Cleaning Water MainsTHEALWAYS GROWING GREENSOCIETYMedicinal Cannabis Dispensary11696 - 224th St., Maple Ridge604-477-0557www.taggsdispensary.cafollow us on twitterValid Patients OnlyImmobilized at home or in hospital?See if you qualify for our delivery serviceMEDICINAL CANNABISSend us your tweets @MapleRidgeNewsor join ourgroup atThe Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News6 Friday, December 3, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comTHE NEWS/opinionMaple Ridge, like its cousins in British Co-lumbia, operates under the Local Government Act. The last update to the act was November 3, 2010. The purpose of the act is clearly stated: (a) to provide a legal framework and founda-tion for the establish-ment and continuation of local governments to represent the interests and respond to the needs of their communi-ties;(b) to provide local governments with the powers, duties and functions necessary for fullling their purposes;(c) to provide local governments with the exibility to respond to the different needs and changing circumstances of their com-munities. It was c that caught my eye, though. We have here at our disposal a legal tool enabling Maple Ridge to respond to the dif-ferent needs and changing circumstances of the community. Really?Who, I wondered, determines what those changing needs and circumstances are? Mayor and council, staff? The community, per chance? Per chance not. What if the needs and circumstances remained unchanged? Could it be that in the absence of changing needs and circumstances, the District of Maple Ridge could somehow absolve itself of the need to respond?When our micro family rst moved here in 1994, the population was a miserly 55,000. It seems closer to 80,000 today. In my opin-ion, the need for response is now upgraded to emergency response.Im told the population here grows largely on the notion that housing here costs less than in most other towns in the valley. I was told in 1994 that this was a dormitory com-munity, where people raised their families, but most of the population went to work outside Maple Ridge. As a consequence, the large bulk of the districts revenue came from the homeowners and property owners.It seems then that Maple Ridge has taken advantage of two things: a growing popula-tion based on an inux of new families, and the fact that it remains comfortable in the knowledge that its role as a dormitory community has remained unchanged for many years.We sleep here, we go to school here, and we enjoy watching our kids at soccer and ice hockey every weekend. Thats Maple Ridge. On Mondays, we head off for work in another municipality. Not a bad life. Really? I am not convinced.Surely there is more to Maple Ridge than what we see today.Ask any member of staff at any level of the district who they think controls the affairs of this municipality and the answer will be the mayor and council. Really? True, mayor and council have the power to give any motion before them a thumbs-up or thumbs down. They do so having received staff recommendations, and one likes to think that the decisions taken are to some degree inuenced by what the com-munity has to say on any particular subject. There is hardly a subject that passes without debate by members of the public these days.Ask any mayor or council member who they think controls the affairs of this munic-ipality and your question will be met with a wry, knowing look. As if to say, it aint me buddy. Finally, ask any of the above who really controls the destiny of Maple Ridge and the answer is unanimous: the property owners. The odd thing about that is that the land-owners are the ones who bemoan loudest with their developers and realtors in the choir that the ineptitude of the district is what is holding us back, and that the mayor and council are no more than a sideshow.Just last week its was pointed out to me by a councillor that we should not be criti-cal of staff as it does not have the means to respond. I dont see that anywhere in the Local Government Act. For their part, the mayor and council respond daily. It is hard to tell whether council and staff work with one another or against one another. I imagine its a little of both. I also imagine that council can be quite disruptive in the hall, adding little personal tasks to a work force that is clearly under severe strain when it comes to grinding through the civic agenda.The bureaucrats and the politicians enjoy promoting the notion that the community somehow holds the destiny of Maple Ridge in its grasp. Really? Explain that to me again.Cooperation between all is what is need-ed. That would be a nice Christmas present.Claus Andrup is a former member at large of the Maple Ridge Community Heritage Commission, the Maple Ridge Economic Advisory Commission, and former President of the Maple Ridge Historical Society.Really? Explain that to me againNot our decisionIngrid RiceNews ViewsPublished and printed by Black Press at 22328 119th Avenue, Maple Ridge, B.C., V2X 2Z3Question of theweek: Should Carole James resign as leader of the provincial NDP?Yes: 72% No: 28% (49 votes)This weeks question: Should the Christmas hamper continue to accept donations from the Strip-a-thon?@ Online poll: cast your vote at www.mapleridgenews.com, or e-mail your vote and comments to editor@mapleridgenews.comAnd B.C.s next premier will be ... not up to you.Average registered voters will have no say in se-lectingPremierGordonCampbellssuccessorun-less, of course, they are card-carrying members of the BC Liberal party in time for its upcoming con-vention in February.Thankstoourversionofdemocracy,thisprov-incesmostpowerfulpoliticalpositionwillbewon byacandidatewhoconvincesthelargestnumber of BC Liberal party members, based on a weighted system mandated by party insiders.Thankstoourbrandofdemocracy,thegeneral populace will have no vote in who will lead us or how we are led leading up to the next general elec-tion, to be held May 14, 2013.Will we get an autocrat or pushover, a hard-liner or reformist, a big C Conservative or a little c con-servative?ConcedingthattheBCLiberalswonthemajor-ity share in the last provincial election, it could be argued that the average non-partisan voter should bewillingtoacceptareplacementnottoounlike Campbell. But this would neglect to note that over theyearandahalfsinceCampbellwaselectedto his third consecutive term, his popularity has plum-meted, thanks in no small share to the botched im-plementation of the HST.EvensuchastrongformerCampbellsupporter as Kevin Falcon, erstwhile health minister and now frontrunnerintheleadershipstakes,iscarefulto distancehimselffromthemostunpopularpercep-tions of the premier. While Falcon looks to the fu-turecallingfor,andtoutinghimselfas,anew generationofleadershipathiscampaignlaunch Tuesdayitsthepasthepointsto,includinghis ownrecordanddecisionsinthehealthandtrans-portation portfolios and hewing to the Liberals cost and decit-cutting, as the best evidence he deserves the job.It appears the criteria for leadership of the party and the premiership is to effect a balancing act, convincingenoughpeoplethatyouareoldand new, at the same time, or perhaps the same, only different.Not, mind you, that we the electorate are the ones who should be convinced.Instead, its party members who have to be sold on the candidate they think is the most acceptable or least unacceptable to the voters come 2013.Theyandwe,itseemshavebeenwrongbe-fore. Black PressJim Coulter, publisherpublisher@mapleridgenews.comMichael Hall, editoreditor@mapleridgenews.comCarly Ferguson, advertising, creative services manageradmanager@mapleridgenews.comKathy Blore, circulation managercirculation@mapleridgenews.com22328 119th Avenue, Maple Ridge, B.C., V2X 2Z3Ofce: 604-467-1122Fax: 604-463-4741Delivery: 604-466-6397Website: www.mapleridgenews.comEmail: newsroom@mapleridgenews.comThe News is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatorybodygoverningtheprovince'snewspaper industry. Thecoun-cil considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council.Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 SelbySt., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.CCAB audited circulation: (as of September 2009): Wednesday - 30,221; Friday 30,197. Ser vi ngMapl eRi dge&Pi ttMeadowssi nce1978THE NEWSRadio Haney Claus Andrupwww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Friday, December 3, 2010 7The following is a story by MaryLeeToews,aresident ofBaillieHouseatRidge Meadows Hospital. I hadbeenbeggingmy mother to let me get the tree this year. Itwasnotverycoldout, butoutabouttherewas about four feet of snow.Ireceivedthestandard answerfromher:Your have to ask your daddy.My father was a gruff soul andIdidntwanttoask him,butIreallywantedto get the tree, so I did.Wonderofwonders,he said:yes,aslongasyou dontgotoofarandget your-self lost.HeevensaidIcouldtake mygirlfriendalong,and saidwhichtoolswecould take.Arrow Park is a beautiful valleyinthewestKoote-nayswithmajesticsaddle mountainstothenorth, MountScalpingKnifeto the east, Mount Ingersal to westandtheValhallasto the south. Pines,spruces,cedars andrswerethetreesI loved.Thiswasmyhometown. Itwassmall,maybe200 people.Theywerefriend-lysoulsforthemostpart, andeveryoneofusknew entirely too much about ev-eryone else.Butthatshowsmall towns are.I also know that if we got strandedandhadtoleave thetreeandtools.They wouldstillbetherewhen we got back.Butnoneedforadults. MyfriendandI(10years old at the time) waded hip-deep, straight to the perfect tree.Veryeasy;Idhadit picked out since July. Thenbeganthehard part.Youholdthebranches aside and Ill chop, said my friend.Thatlastedaboutthree minutes,whereuponwe tradedplaces.Thenshe, thenme.Finally,Idecided the saw might work better. It did. Abeautifulforestgreen, six-footspruce,withper-fect, evenly spaced branch-es.Istillthinkofitanits heavenlyaroma,asChrist-mas rolls round once more. But this year?Imsothankfultohead fortheclosetandgetmy articial r, and stay our of four-foot snow banks.MerryChristmas,every-one with many fond memo-ries. Mary Lee ToewsLetterstotheeditorshouldbeexclusivetoTheNews andaddresstopicsofinteresttoresidentsofMaple RidgeandPittMeadows.Includefullnameandaddress, aswellasdaytimephonenumberforverification.Keep lettersto500wordsorless.Lettersmaybeeditedfor length and clarity.@ E-mail letters to editor@mapleridgenews.com.Letters welcomeEDITOR, THE NEWS:Re: Shedding clothes for a cause (The News, Dec. 1).Shame on you for putting a half-page, free advertise-ment for a strip joint on the front page of your newspa-perandcallingitanews article. Whenwasthelasttime youputhalf-frontpage advertisementaboutthe workofthevolunteers attheCaringPlace,who putonSundaydinnersev-eryweekforthepoorand homeless? Whendidyouputona half-pageforfund-raisers fortheLionsorRotary clubs or any of the church-es in our communities?Iamalsodeeplyoffend-edbythetitle,Shedding clothes for a cause.Asayouthandchildcare worker,Ihavemettoo many throw-away children, toomanyhurtingteens and too many abused wom-en who look to escape their situationsoftenbyenter-ing into sexual exploitative tradesandstrippingis one of those. Toonowgivestrippinga warmfuzzyheadlineand makingthearticlesound likeafun-familyaffair foraSundayafternoon, speaksofdepravityofthe worst kind depravity that doesntevenrecognizeit-self.Toomanyadultshaveal-ready bought into the myth that taking off your clothes isthebestwaytoraise money. Pleasedontcontinueto teach that myth to our chil-drenbyputtingitonthe frontpageofthenewspa-per.Dont get me wrong, I be-lievethefoodbankshould be supported. Ialsothankeveryone who, in whatever way, sup-ports the many causes that bringjoytothehomeless and the poor at Christmas. Butdontraisestripacts to one of heroism.JOAN SMITHPITT MEADOWSEDITOR, THE NEWS: Re:Marcwho?(News Views, Nov. 26).I found the editorial about MLAMarcDaltonanap-pallingdisplayofeditorial-journalism.What happen to being un-biased, fair and impartial? Is your newspaper serving the entire Maple Ridge com-munityorareyoubecom-ingmoreliketheAmerican newsmedia,whichchooses apoliticalparty,thenbe-comesaone-sidedmouth-pieceforthatpoliticalpar-ty? Whatdifferentiatesus frommostcommunitiesin the world is our respect and our genuine civility towards eachotherwithoutregards to political afliation. As a Canadian, I found the disrespectfulsarcasticedi-torialaboutMr.Daltondis-turbing. Not only is the edi-torialinsultingtohim,but itinsultseveryvoterwho voted for him, in addition to everyteacherinourcom-munitybyinsinuatingthat someonewhoisateacher couldnotpossiblyhavethe abilitytobealeaderofour province. Ibelievethatthenewspa-perandtheeditoroweMr. Dalton an apology. Mocking someonebecausehewasa teacher is not the Canadian way.Whether you voted for Mr. Daltonornot,hedeserves ourrespectandatleasta semblance of civility. Ihopethatyournextis-suewillhaveanapologyto Mr. Dalton, the residents of MapleRidgewhovotedfor him and all teachers. Insulting,mocking,and editoriallydemagoguing members of our community has no place in our political discourse.M. DIXONMAPLE RIDGEEditors note: Editorials on the opinion page are meant to be the opinions of the newspaper.Strip-a-thon not a heroic actChristmas at Arrow Park in 1949Mocking our MLA is not the Canadian wayTHE NEWS/filesAnna-Marie Wallator is one of 25 dancers who will perform during the Strip-a-thon Sunday at the Caddyshack. The annual fundraiser for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society raised a record $24,000 last year, to help purchase gifts for needy children who otherwise wouldnt receive any.THE NEWS/letterschat@www.mapleridgenews.comMore shopping, employmentFrom: Mica2, posted on www.mapleridgenews.com.Re: District taxes up five more per cent (The News, Dec. 1).Another year of tax increases. And here we have district staff and their consultant for the Albion flats concept plan recommending that the lands be set aside for more recreational space. How does district staff and their consultant suggest the community pay for more recreation space and parks in Albion?Thats right, even higher taxes. How realistic is this plan?We have an opportunity to lesson the tax burden in this community by choosing to use the lands in the flats for employment and commercial uses.Businesses provide significantly more to the tax base to relieve the burden on residential taxes. Not only that, but perhaps they contribute more taxes so that eventually we can read that the rates are going down. Everyone wants more park and recreation space, but how are we going to pay for it if we do not encourage industrial and commercial develop-ment?We need to come up with a plan that utilizes all of the land in Albion, one that includes more shopping and employment.More than revenueFrom: cb, posted on www.mapleridgenews.com.Re: District taxes up five more per cent (The News, Dec. 1).Right on, Mica2. When will council see some light. At the current rate, Maple Ridge will have the highest taxes in Canada, never mind B.C. We have to have a balance. People want all the services, but an increasing population needs more revenue and not just property taxes.EDITOR, THE NEWS:Re: District taxes up ve more per cent (The News, Dec. 1).Ireadwithdismayaboutyetanotherincreaseinour taxes, that has come in at almost three times the rate of ination. My taxes have already increased more than 16 per cent in the past two years. How much more this year?The fact that council has approved a base rate increase of at least four per cent in the ve-year nancial plan be-fore ination, unexpected cost increases from Metro Van-couver and TransLink are factored in, makes itclear that this council is totally out of touch with the electorate.Council can sit back and boast about statistics that sug-gest Maple Ridge has one of the lowest tax bills, but that statement hides the fact that we have one of the highest mill rates of any municipality in the Lower Mainland. The statement they so proudly exclaim has nothing to dowithitsabilitiesinmanagingthenancesofMaple Ridge and everything to do with our lower average real estate values.Howdoescouncilexpecttoattractcommercialinvest-ment when we charge one of the highest mill rates?The thinking is faulty.Thereasonmanypeoplecomeheretoliveisbecause they can afford the cost of housing. But councils out-of-controlspendingpracticesaremakingMapleRidgeun-livable. Peoplearehurtingunemployment,underemploy-ment,transportationcosts,highercostsforeverything. Yet council sees it appropriate to gouge us even more. Council has obviously ignored the report that came out lastyearfromtheCanadianFederationofIndependent BusinessthatshowedMapleRidgeasthe11thworse spenders of B.C.s largest municipalities. There seems to be a serious disregard for the inability of taxpayers to continually pay more for the little that we get.IonlyhopepeopleremembernextNovember.We need councilors who are willing to tackle the out-of-con-trol spending at municipal hall.GRAHAM MOWATTMAPLE RIDGEDistrict spending is out of control8 Friday, December 3, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comPittMeadowscouncil isnt ready to give up on theHarrisRoadPark outdoor pool.Althoughtheaging swimmingpoolleaks morethan25,000litres a day, when full, council decidedatacommittee meetinglastweekto tryandkeepthepool open,directingstaffto ndoutexactlywhats wrong with the 65-year-old structure.Cost to repair the pool initscurrentcondition couldrangeanywhere from $79,000 to $300,000, dependingonunfore-seen problems.Wearetryingvery hardnotto[closethe pool],saidMayorDon MacLean.Therearea lotofsentimentalrea-sons to keep it open.Councilisnotdirect-ingtheparkscommis-siontospend$300,000 on repairs, but wants to determinewhetherits leakypipesorthepool tankitselfthatscaus-ing the problems.Surelywecannd outwhatshapethe pipesareinbefore spending$79,000,Ma-cLean added.Thepoolhasbeen leakingheatedchlori-natedwaterintothe groundforyears,but theleakhasgrown from8,300litresperin 2008 to more than 25,000 litres now and amount roughlyequalto1.5 millionlitresoverthe courseoftheoutdoor poolstwo-monthsea-son. Thepoolnormally costs$22,000tooper-ateforitstwo-month season,independentof labourcosts.Butthose costswillcontinueto creephigherbecause oftheleak.Operating costslastyearwere around $35,000.The parks and leisure servicesdepartment proposedanindoor aquaticcentrereplace theagingoutdoorpool in its draft master plan, which was presented to both municipalities ear-lier in summer. Thepreferredoption wouldincludeashal-low leisure pool with an eight-to10-lane,25-me-trecompetitionpool. The plan suggests split-tingthemunicipalpor-tionofthecostforthe $15-18millionproject between the City of Pitt MeadowsandtheDis-trict of Maple Ridge.Councilwillvoteon committees recommen-dationatameetingon Tuesday.Council wants to keep Pitt pool openTHE NEWS/filesThe Harris Road outdoor pool is leaking 25,000 litres of water a day.byMoni s haMar t i nsstaffrepor terFOOT CARE604.477.099922932 Lougheed Hwy.,Maple Ridge, BCV2X 2W3Dr. David A. DixonPODIATRISTFULLCOVERAGEwith BC Care Card and Premium AssistanceRoutine and diabetic care Foot Surgery Custom orthotics Sports MedicineWalk-in appointments welcomeFOOTWARTS?Laser foot surgery is availableOPEN HOUSE232Street Road Improvements from 124 Avenue to 128 AvenueYouareinvitedtoattendanOpenHouse toviewtheconceptualdesignforthe232 Street road improvements from 124 Avenue to128Avenueandprovidefeedbackon thepreliminaryroaddesigndrawings. Constructionisanticipatedtocommencein summer 2011.The Open House is scheduled for:Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2010Time: 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Location:Maple Ridge Municipal Hall Lobby area at the Dewdney Trunk Road entrance 11995 Haney Place, Maple RidgeDesignboardswillbe displayedandstaffwill beavailabletoanswer questions. Your attendance is welcomed.Should you have any questions regarding the Open House, please feel free tocontactMariaGuerraat604-467-7356.11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9Tel: 604-463-5221 Fax: 604-467-7329www.mapleridge.caVolunteer OpportunitiesHELPING BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITYMaple Ridge residents are invited toserve as volunteer members of theMAPLE RIDGE SOCIAL PLANNINGADVISORY COMMITTEEThe purpose of the Social Planning Advisory Committee is to both:address the impacts of emerging social issues on the local com-munity and citizens through social planning and collaboration with other levels of government and local service providers andto promote a framework for building, connecting and strengthen-ing community.This Committee is responsible for advising Maple Ridge Council on:local social issues and needssocial policy for the Municipalityfocus areas: local social service network development, developing community-widesolutions,communitybuildingstrategiesandso-cial sustainability.Letters of interest are being sought for the following positions:Maple Ridge Citizen-at-Large members (four vacancies available).The positions would begin January 1, 2011 for a term that will expire December 31, 2012.Lettersshouldincludeanindicationofwhythecandidatewishesto servealongwiththeirprofessionalandcommunityinvolvementback-ground.Additional background information can be included on the on-line application form available on the District of Maple Ridge website at:http://www.mapleridge.ca/EN/main/municipal/728/parks.html11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9Tel: 604-463-5221 Fax: 604-467-7329For further information, please contact:Sue Wheeler, Director of Community Services,Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Servicesswheeler@mapleridge.caPlease Note:Applications will be accepted untilFriday, December 10, 2010 at 4:00 pmApplications may be directed to:Tracy Camire, Committee ClerkDistrict of Maple Ridgetcamire@mapleridge.cawww.mapleridge.caCommunity Gardens & MarketseyJeff ThorsteinssonThorsteinsson & Co.Barristers & SolicitorsIt often means more thanjust the end of a marriage.Before you make any decisions,ensure that you understand your rights and obligations.Divorce, mediation, propertydivision, maintenance, custodyand access.604-527-1001300-906 Roderick Ave.,Coquitlam, BC#200-11830 223rd St.Maple Ridge, BCDivorcewww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Friday, December 3, 2010 9Your support is greatly appreciated and we know how proud Troy would be.If you would like to donate, donations can be made at the Boileau U-Cut Tree Farm or mailed to#405 - 12090 227th St. Maple Ridge B.C. V2X 6J5 (Donations greater than $50 receive a receipt) $25 Douglas Firs $40 Grands, Nobles or Frasers PROJECT WELLNESS REPORT: Thank you to all the generous donations in honour of Troy, Project Well-ness has been able to provide: 2 feeding centres/kitchens Clothing & medicine Bicycles for volunteers 14 wells (each well provides water for between 500 -1000 people) One Kindergarten School Fertilizer for farming 2 houses for orphans and widows New steel roof on the volunteer caregivers house Troys sons Jake and Sam are keeping their Dads legacy aliveat the family tree farm. $5.00 from every tree sold from Boileau U-Cut Tree Farmwill be donated in memory of Troy toProject Wellness Malawi. Boileaus U-Cut Christmas TreesOPEN DAILY 10 AM - 6 PM 100th Ave & 256th (South) to 98 Ave604-813-7235Paid for by the Boileau family. Bring the family and enjoy complimentary, hot chocolate, candy canes & marshmallow roasted by the re All sizesBoileaus U-Cut Christmas Tree FarmFund-raiser for Project Wellness! Lougheed Hwyyw100 Ave256 St98 AveSpilsburyyRdIn Memory of Troy James Boileau. February 4, 1967 - August 5, 2008 Hold your family tightDevoted husband, father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. We carry on his memory and support Project Wellness Malawi10 Friday, December 3, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comThe idea is to get small-erfacilitieslikeRidge Meadows Hospital closer to 1,500 births. Many local parents are opting to have their chil-dren at Royal Colombian HospitalinNewWest-minster,30kmaway. Rizzottisaidthereisno needtotravelsofarto givebirth,unlessthere areseriouscomplica-tions.Inordertoencourage moms to give birth local-ly,FraserHealthisim-plementing a program at Ridge Meadows Hospital aimedatimprovingser-vicesbybettermanage-mentofobstetricemer-gencies.Wewantlocalex-pectant moms to deliver close to home, said Riz-zotti. Thats why we are buildinghighquality standardsofcare...so they can feel safe giving birth.CalledMoreOB,the programwillprovide comprehensivetraining for all obstetric care pro-viders. Theprogramhasal-ready been implemented atSurreyMemorialand AbbotsfordRegional hospitalswithpositive results, says Rizzotti.Thefeedbackhas beenverypositive,she said.FraserHealthisalso consideringbuildinga pediatricobservation room at Ridge Meadows Hospitalforshort-stays of 24-hours or less.However,Rizzottinot-ed it is still in the concep-tual phase.Observation room being consideredMaternity from frontIf you have a family photo celebrating the holiday season, share it with The News.The photo can be recent or from years gone by. Email it to editor@mapleridgenews.com and well do our best to include it in an upcoming Christmas feature.Remember to include your family name with the photo.Send a Letter to Santa:Have your letter to Santa published in a special holiday section in the Dec. 8 edition of The News. email: editor@mapleridgenews.com or mail to : Santas Mailbox,c/o Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News22328 119th AvenueMaple Ridge, BC V2X 2Z3We will endeavor to print as many letters as space allows from all legible letters received. Letters are non-returnable and become property of this paper. Additionally, we reserve the right to edit letters as space allows.Send us a holiday family photoTHENEWS2010 THE NEW EE S 220001110000FAVOURITE PHYSIO/MASSAGE/CHIRO#1 Active Rehab/ICBC Work Conditioning ProgramConveniently located above Homestead Furniture ICBC - WCB - MSP - PRIVATE - DVAKinesiology with full gym facilities Over 36 years combined experience#202A - 19070 Lougheed Highway, Pitt Meadows 604-460-7571HYSIO/ O M // A#202A - 19070 Lougheed Highway, Pitt Meadows604-460-757 #202A - 19070 Lougheed Highway, Pitt Meadows604-460-7571MeadowVale Physiotherapy Active Rehab/ICBC Work Conditioning ProgramCall now for pain reliefGareth Milligan &Cornelis Halverhout Registered PhysiotherapistsNurtureReduce, Reuse, RecycleREJOICE!Theholidayseasonisuponusandbringswithitasignicant environmentalimpact.MetroVancouvercommunitiestypically experienceasurgeofgarbageinJanuary,attributedtoholiday decorating, meals and gifting. This year try to create memories, not garbage. Give gifts that last or share an experience.The Ridge Meadows Recycling Society has a number of suggestions foreverythingfromearthfriendlygiftideastohowtorecycle toypackagingandoldelectronics.Visitwww.mapleridge.caunderSustainability Nurture,foracomprehensivelistofwaysto reduce holiday garbage heading to the landll.Volunteer OpportunitiesThe Community Heritage Commission, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Social Planning Advisory Committee, and Agriculture Advisory Committee have vacancies for Maple Ridge residents with an interest in these areas.For more information and an online application form, visit: www.mapleridge.caunder Municipal Hall Committees and Commissions.Snow AngelsRemoving snow from sidewalks, running errands and getting around in the snow can be quite difcult for the elderly or those who have mobility and other health issues.This winter season, become a Snow Angel and take it upon yourself to help a neighbour.For more information about how to recognize and nominate a Snow Angel please visit:www.mapleridge.ca.LED holiday lights use up to 90% less electricity than incandescent lights, last 10 times longer, and are more durable. Return your old incandescent holiday lights to the Ridge Meadows Recycling Depot for recycling.Project Highlight - Maple Ridge Animal ShelterWatchfortheopeningofthenewMapleRidgeAnimalShelterthis December with an ofcial community opening celebration to be held inthenew-yearwhentheoldfacilityisremoved.ThenewAnimal Shelter, a joint project between the BC SPCA and the District of Maple Ridge,ismorethandoublethesizeofthecurrentanimalshelter and will be BCs rst LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited animal shelter. The state-of-the-art building embraces green design features including highperformanceglazing,extensiveuseofwindowstoincrease naturallighting,andwaterusereductiontechniques.Over75%of the construction waste was diverted from the landll, more than 22% of construction materials came from recycled materials, and 20% of total materials were sourced regionally.Issue 2, December 2010Call for a free estimate604.552.9378or visit us online atecowest.ca+Save up to 50% on your home energy costs +Earn government rebates for energy-efcient upgrades +Financing available with optionsto defer payments for up to one yearwith no interestwindows - doors - siding - roohng - insulation - additionsUpdate the look of your home and improve warmth and comfort for the winter,plus save up to 50% on your heating costs!Upgrade now and beat the winter cold!Book with Ecowest before December 24 and save 20% on all exterior upgrades including:Save 20%on exterior renos!Our biggest sale EVER-held over until Dec 24!+ vinyl windows+ exterior doors+ vinyl siding+ roongHurry - offer ends December 24!www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Friday, December 3, 2010 11Wanted:Ninepeople to sit on the agricultural advisory committee; ex-perience in farming pre-ferredforveofthose spots,butnotmanda-tory for four of them.ThatswhatMaple Ridgesagricultural advisorycommittee needsasitheadsinto itsfourthyearofexis-tence.Outgoingcommit-teememberChristian Cowleysaidwiththe committeenowestab-lishedandtheagricul-tural plan approved, the groupsnexttaskwill be to implement the ag-ricultural plan.Atotalof11commit-teemembershavevot-ingprivileges.Those includetwofarmers inthefoodsector,two fromthenon-foodsec-tor,oneeachfrom Haney Farmers Market andtheMapleRidge-PittMeadowsAgri-culturalAssociation, three members at-large andsomeonefromthe equestriancommunity, although the latter spot is now vacant.AmemberofMaple Ridgeseconomicadvi-sory commission is also a voting member.The group has a wide rangeofinterestsand interestingdiscussion, saidMatthewLaity, whos back for a second term.Cowleypointedout thereareonlyahand-fulofmajorproducers in Maple Ridge and said the future of farming is insmall-lotoperations which proliferate in the district.Wehavetomake thoseviablebecause they will be increasing-ly important for us.Anychangeofsta-tusinfarmlandshould come to the agricultural committeeforreview, Cowley said.However, Maple Ridge councildidntconsult theagriculturalcom-mittee on this years ap-plicationbythePelton familytoremove153 acresatGoldenEars Wayand203rdStreet fromAgriculturalLand Reserve.Instead,councilsent theapplicationdirectly to the Agricultural Land Commission.Thatwasdisappoint-ing, said Cowley.There people that sat aroundthereforfour yearsdidntsitaround theretospintheir thumbs.The ALC, however, re-jected the application.Hadthatproperty beenallowedtobere-movedfromthefarm reserveandabusiness parkbuilt,itwould havemadethehandful ofremainingfarmsin theareanon-viable, Cowley said.The committee should be the rst entity where anymajorfarmissues shouldcome,hesaid, addingtherearetwo streamsofthoughton the committee.Somepeoplehavea particularinterestand somepeoplehavethe communityinterestin mind.Non-votingmembers includesomeonefrom the Ministry of Agricul-ture,FoodandFisher-ies, the Greater Vancou-ver Regional District ag advisorycommittee, andtheAgricultural Land Commission.Maple Ridge agricultural advisory committee has plenty of vacanciesbyPhi l Mel nyc hukstaffrepor terTHE NEWS/filesThe ag advisory committee has nine vacancies. Gentle, family friendly dentistry.Lower radiation, digital x-rays with sharper images for more accurate diagnosis.Orthopaedic appliances to help get and keep a beautiful smile.Dedicated hygienists for the best in gentle, preventative careModern dental techniques plus cosmetic botox. 1 hour free underground parking Extended hoursSuite 620-22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple RidgeTop oor of the Maple Ridge Business Center www.goldenearsdental.comCall us today 604.463.8580New and Emergency Patients Welcome. Dr. Zhou Dr. ChenGentle Family DentistryNew and emergency patients welcomeHANEYHOTELLIQUORSTORE ALL Products Priced BELOWGOVERNMENT LIQUOR STORE PRICES22222 Lougheed Hwy Mapl e Ri dge 604. 463. 3025*pl us deposi t,ALL taxes i ncl udedOPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR 9: 00AM - 11: 00PMFREE ICE WITH EVERY PURCHASE (over $10.00, 1 bag per purchase)Captain Morgan Spiced Rum750ml$27. 95Smirnoff Vodka750ml$23. 99I ce Col dBudwei ser12 packCans$21. 75I ce Col dMol son Canadi an6 pack Cans$10. 95$1.00BELOWGovt PriceCrown Royal 1.14L$40. 99$1.00BELOWGovt Price12 Friday, December 3, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comFor every item they strikeofftheir list,theyhelpa strangerachieveone ofhisorherdreams andencourageoth-erstoconquerlistsof their own.ItswhyNorgaardis aiminghigh.Hewants tobeinvitedonthe showbyEllen,rather thanbuyaticket,sit intheaudienceand surreptitiouslybusta movewhenEllentakes thestage.Hewantsto followherthroughthe crowdwhenshedoes acornyjigthatopens each episode.Ilikeherbecause shesdowntoearth, saysNorgaard,atrue fanwhoslippedinref-erencestoElleninhis ode only other Ellen en-thusiasts will clue into.Shesgotawayof recognizingeveryday peopleandthatswhat drew me to her.Norgaard,whojust graduatedwithade-greeincriminology from Simon Fraser Uni-versity,isntaballet danceroramaestroat the waltz. In fact, learn-ing to dance is item No. 4onhislistofthingto do.Gettingintoaght is No. 63.Ivegotsomepretty embarrassingdance moves,admitsNor-gaard.Ivegotveleft feet.Sofar,thefolksin L.A.haveyettocall. His quest to be on The Ellen ShowDancing with the talk show host is frst thing on Brandon Norgaards bucket listBrandon Norgaard has written a song to Ellen De-Generes.Colleen Flanagan/THE NEWSbyMoni s haMar t i nsstaffrepor terSee Bucket list, p13Call Jane for more info604.764.8877 22141-119th Avenuemapleridgeseniorsvillage.comHome is where your Heart is.A Retirement Concepts CommunityMove in before Jan 31, 2011 and receive 3rd & 6th month Free!I am SO happy with the homeEveryone on staf is exceptional!- Mary A. (daughter)Ask about our Trial SuiteFor breaking news, go to www.mapleridgenews.comwww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Friday, December 3, 2010 13Norgaard says hell keep waiting, whilestrikingofftheeasiertasks onhisbucketlistsuchasskydiv-ing,shootingagun,becominga licensedminister(forfun),catch-ing a sh with his bare hands and sleeping in a haunted house.It could be years before the pro-ducersatTheEllenShowdeem himaworthyguest,decadesbe-fore he becomes a YouTube sensa-tion.It really gives you something to look forward to, he says.JoinGetEllensAttention SendBrandontoLA!onFace-booktohelpBrandonNorgaard on his quest. See his video online @ maplerid-genews.com.Bucket list from p12It gives you something to look forward toPolicearelookingfor theownerofapitbull whobitagrandmother indowntownMaple Ridge on Friday.AliceDoucette,71,of PittMeadowswasleft bleeding on the sidewalk after being attacked and knockedtotheground by a leashed pit bull out-sidetheHaneyBingo Plex shortly after 6 p.m.HersonWaynesaid thedogsownerstrug-gledtobringtheani-malundercontrol,then quicklyedonfootde-spiteattemptsbythe gaming facilitys securi-ty personnel to stop her.Doucettewastreat-edforabitetoher left thigh at Ridge Mead-owsHospitalandlater released. Shesufferedalarge puncture wound that re-quired four sutures.Sheisafraidofdogs, but now she is complete-lytraumatized,said her son.Policehavereviewed securityfootagefrom theBingoplexandare currentlyreviewing doglicensedetailsto identifyapossibleown-er.Thewomanwalk-ingthefull-size,tan-colouredpitbullis described as a white, be-tween 25 to 30 years old withshoulder-length blonde hair. Anyonewithinfor-mationisaskedtocon-tact the Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251.RCMP looking for aggressive pit bullColleen Flanagan/THE NEWSAlice Doucette was treated at Ridge Meadows Hospital for a bite to her left leg. -To Maple RidgeTo MissionLOUGHEEDThe RealCanadianSuperstoreMissionTowingKFC 7/11 ABCWREN ST.HURD ST.HWY11HWY7FRASERVALLEYBUILDING SUPPLIESNJust off Lougheed at Wren St.ONE DAYSALESATURDAY, DECEMBER 4TH, OPEN 7AM - 6PMFRASER VALLEY BUILDING SUPPLIES7072 WREN STREET, MISSION 604-820-1134 www.buildingsupplies.caOPEN: Monday - Friday 6am to 8pmSaturday & Sunday 8am to 6pmYour local Ace Hardware dealerTerms: Discounts & savings apply to Cash, Debit & Credit Card purchases only.Your local Ace Hardware dealer YWatch for our Candlelight Parade float Dec 3rd... Get extra $aving$!PAINT25% OFFPOWER TOOLS & ACCESSORIESBuy 1 Get 10% OFFBuy 2 Get 15% OFFBuy 3 Get 20% OFFDOORS &MOLDINGS15% OFFNTOFFOFFFFFFBBQsFull-size$100 OFFBF$$$$$$$$11$$$$$$$$$11125% O25% OOFOF FFFF2525$$$$$FAUCETS20% OFFLIGHTING40% OFFST.MontanaSilversmiths25% OFFALL TACK up to50% OFFings apply to Cash, Debit & Credi15% O15% O3 GeGe et t20%3 GeGet t20%FFFFF00ELKS PANCAKEBREAKFASTby donation7am-11amt Card purchas redi it &FFFOCr% O%O%O0%O0% OF0% OFEEEEEE KKKETTTTTTTTT STFFFFCreFFFFOFFFFFFFFMe-to-WeeHOT DOG SALEby donation11am-4pmses only.-Sil Silv25 25AAAA5555ses only%%%%%LE LEEEEnnmmHOTCHOCOLATE& COOKIESServed all day!PBuyBuyBuBuuBBy BuBuBuBBy Buuuuyy y 3BuBuBuBuuBByyy y333AA PPPAAA PA PAFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBFREE PHOTOSwith SANTA!Bring a foodbank donation!10am-3pmDDDDO DO DO DOOO MMMMMMMMMMOO MMMMO555 11111111111111111115555 1155 11111111555MetoWeeeMeto-Weee555& & && & &FFFFFF1111111NO HST!oonntttaaaaaannnaaaaa Moonnnntttttaaaaaannnnnnaaaaaith ithMMSSilSSFFFFFFFFFFCome seeSANTASSpecial GiftIdeas Table!NO HST & FANTASTIC STORE-WIDE SAVINGS!CHRISTMASat SWAN-E-SETCHRISTMASat SWAN-E-SETPlease contact 604-465-9380for information and reservations16651 Rannie RdPitt Meadows www.swaneset.comChristmas Pasta Nightin the Grand BallroomFridayDecember 10 & 17, 2010Swan-e-sets Traditional Pasta Night and all the trimmings.Following Dinner enjoy music and dancing.Great Event for small businesses!Seatings start at 6:30pm$35.00 for Adults $29.00 for Seniors*Prices do not include taxes and gratuities14 Friday, December 3, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comHowoftendoyousee atechnicalwonder createdinagarage in your own backyard?Whenyoudo,youhaveto tellthestoryandsharethe excitementwiththerestof the world as Dreamlm did with the eVaro.TheMapleRidge-born-and-bredelectriccarwent onawildridethissummer andgottothesecond-last roundoftheworldwideX Prizecompetitionforthe most fuel-efcient vehicle.DreamlmProductionsof NorthVancouverwasthere every step of the way.Thedocumentarylm companyaccompaniedthe eVaroteam,mostofwhom have their own jobs, for each ofthreevisitstoMichigan InternationalSpeedway, nearDetroit,wherecompe-titionsdeterminedthemost road-worthy,fuel-efcient vehicle in three categories.Wethinktheymadeter-riccharactersforastory, Dreamlms Sue Ridout said last week.The storyline is perfect for DiscoveryCanada,which will air the two-hour feature on Jan. 6, once at 5 p.m. then again at9 p.m. That channel loves stories where ordinary peopleovercometechnical challenges.Whatmakesthestory teamsocompellingisthat wecanallrelate,saysdi-rectorKellyMcClughanin releasefromDreamlm. Howmanyofusthink,I have a great idea or, I know whatwouldmakethiseven better.Georgeistheguywho picksupaweldingtorch and starts doing it.Hes not afraid to try because hes not afraid to fail.Ridout said that was a con-stant theme with the eVaro, which unlike many entrants, createditsvehiclefrom scratch.They all have quite differ-ent backgrounds.Ithinkonethingthats sointerestingaboutthis story is that (FVT president) George Parker sketched this on a napkin in 1985.Despiteobstaclesandset-backs,theteamkepttrying to solve problems on a shoe-stringbudget.Fromthat, comes technological innova-tion.Theyjustneverstop, Ridout said.FVT made a huge amount of that car from scratch.Thersthalfoftheshow takes place mostly in Future Vehicle Technologies shop in MapleRidgeBusinessPark, withthesecondhalfonthe track in Michigan. Sharing eVaro story with CanadaContributedDiscovery Canada followed the eVaro crew to Michigan Interna-tional Speedway for competitions to determine the most fuel-efficient vehicle.byPhi l Mel nyc hukstaffrepor terSee eVaro, p155050Every Spin Wins!LayAwayPlanAvailableCustomerAppreciation DaysDec. 4 & 5 9 am - 6 pmhatchmatchr.com hatchmatchr.comSpin The Wheel & Win!Spend $40 (before taxes) and you get a Spin!Excludes - Sale Sage Rod & Clearance Clothing#9 - 22935 Lougheed Hwy. Maple Ridge 604-467-7118RefreshmentsWill Be ServedChance to Win 50% off your orderOH CHRISTMASTREE FARM.comU-CUT & FRESH CUTLangleys Finest Christmas Trees NOBLE FIR DOUGLAS FIR GRAND FIR SPRUCEOpen Daily 10am to Dusk21858 MAXWELL CRESCENT(off Glover Road, one blocknorth of 216th Street)604.805.5052FamilyLocal Delivery for$50022700 Lougheed Hwy.(across from Red Robin)604-616-4103Fresh cut BC trees, Nobles, Grands & Frasers. Beautiful sheared Douglas Firs.17 YEARS IN MAPLE RIDGECome enjoy the Magic of Christmas...DOGWOODCHRISTMAS TREE FARM.comFortLangleyCash or ChequeU-Cut Fresh Cut18 Acres of Trees Saws providedFestive Family Fun & CarolsComplimentary Candy Canes 604-888-9161Daily 9-4:30Your family Christmas Tree-dition for 45 years!4 km east of Fort on River Rd & 252 St.Christmas Tree Farm Live Trees U-Cut Fresh Cut CLEAN Fields30,000 Trees to choose from!CHURCHLANDNoble Wreaths, Holly & Boughswww.churchlandtreefarm.comMon-Thur 10am-darkFri-Sun 9am-6pm4726 - 248 Street604-996-1046MasterCard,Visa, DebitCarlson Tree FarmEnjoy Free hot chocolate around the re1000s of trees to choose from every shape & size No Pre-cuts All fresh u-cuts!View our miniature horses, goats & barnyard friends!U-Cut Christmas TreesDouglas, Grand & Fraser Firs, Scotch PinesOpen Every Day12-5 Weekdays 9-5 Weekends11790 - 246 St., Maple Ridge(off Dewdney)604-467-7992Cash or ChequeChristmas TreesWreaths& much more!at Everything CedarCOME SEE US AT23549 Lougheed Hwy.Open daily from 9am to 8pmSundays 10am to 6pmFresh Cut Christmas TreesOPENChristmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing DayTriple A Market22780 Dewdney Trunk RdWe deliver Christmas Trees, Flowers & PoinsettiasChristmas Cards and Flowers available at the storewww.tripleaorist.comCall 604-466-3101Fax: 604-466-3103F h COPENMAHONSCHRISTMAS TREES25908 - 124th Avenue,Maple Ridge604-462-9918OPEN 9 AM - 4 PM100s To Choose From!U - CutNoble, Fraser, Grand & DouglasFamily Douglas Fraser Noble GrandCarols Festive Atmosphere Bonre Saws providedComplimentary Candy Canes24488 52nd Ave., Aldergrove (off 248th St)604-856-4889U-Cut9am-4:30pm DailyFresh Cut9am-8 pm DailyChristmasTreeFarm.comExperience! EEEEEx e pe iiii rien ene ce!!!!!www.AlouetteChristmasTreeFarm.comOpen Weekdays noon - 6 pm Weekends 9 am - 5:30 pm FREE Admission!N. ALOUETTERIVERDEWDNEY TRUNK RD.FERN CR.124 AVE232ST.ABERNETHY WAYN$1.00 fromeverytree sold will be donated to Friends in Need Food Bank U-Cut or PreCut Hot Dogs Apple Cider Fresh Wreaths Popcorn Visits with SantaNEW Train Rides Petting Zoo Douglas Fir Noble Fir Grand Fir Fraser Fir Weekend Fun!Look for us in the Santa Claus parade on Dec 4th23083 132nd Ave.,Maple Ridge604-466-4997or 604-866-7413Uk f s in thek f s in theholiday guide for TREE BUYINGwww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Friday, December 3, 2010 15First contract with U.S. manufacturerIts unusual for a documentary to run that long, Ridout notes.Thefactthattheteamdidntmakeitto the nal round, didnt detract from the sto-ry line either because it would have made a goodstorynomatterhowitnished,said Ridout. TheeVarowasknockedoutbecauseits onboardgasoline-poweredgeneratormal-functioned, even though the car didnt even need the generator for that part of the test. Thewinnerinthetandemcategorywas theE-Tracer7009fromSwitzerlandwhich used a motorcycle design.Ridout said it was sad that happened but it doesnt change the story about the people and Future Vehicle Technologies.Itsreallyprettyamazing.Ithinkthere were120teamsregistered,goingtothat event.Thoseearlystrugglesandcountless hoursstartingfromscratchratherthan modifyingexistingvehicles,arenowpay-ing off. Withthecontestbehindthem,theFVT isnowstartingtomarketitstechnology andhasonedealsignedandothersinthe works.Its rst contract is with a U.S.electric ve-hiclemanufacturerforwhichFVTwillbe making components. The companys name is condential because it, like other compa-nies, doesnt want the public to know that it farms out some of its manufacturing.Its certainly encouraging because weve onlybeenlookingforcustomersforthree months, said CEO Todd Pratt.It was a real good day when the contract gotsigned.Hecallshiscompanystech-nology game changing.Afewothercontractsarealsointhe works but nothings denite. The plan is to usetherevenuefrommanufacturingand design to fund FVTs development of a real car.TheeVaroiscurrentlyintrikemode, which means cheaper licencing and safety costs.FVTalsowillsupplyUBCandMcGill Universitywithitsbatteriesandbattery-management systems while in conjunction withUVic,itsdevelopedawayofmaking itsownbatteriestoaugmentthepowerof thelithium cells that it gets from Korea.Although the company is now starting to generatingrevenueratherthanresearch, the three full-time staff is enough for their current workload.SomeofthemembersoftheeVaroteam include:founderGeorgeParker,amill-wright;Prattisaformerindustrialarts teacherwhoownstheFrogstoneGrill; Brad Zimmerman is an automotive techni-cian; Tom Tourand owns Primetime Digital computer store; Bart Boelryk used to be an automotiveengineerwithMagnaInterna-tional,anautopartsmakerandRockwell Automation; while Frank Cloutier was for-mer CEO of Hewlett Packard.FutureVehicleTechnologieswillseta dateforapre-screeningpartyinVancou-ver. A time and place has yet to be set.eVaro from p14ContributedFVT will also supply Canadian universities with its batteries and battery management systems. Haney Builders Supplies Ltd.LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED22740 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple RidgePhone: 604-463-6206 Mission Toll Free: 604-820-0444SUNDAY 8:30AM-4PMMONDAY - SATURDAY7AM - 5:45PMHOLIDAYS 8:30AM-4PM$uper $ale Dec. 4 On All Dremel and Roto toolsGreat GiftIdeasfor theWoodworker!Plus 100 Bonus Air MilesON FEATURED TOOLSCASH & CARRYOPENDURINGRENOVATIONSDemos10am - 2pmDec. 4OneDayOnly16 Friday, December 3, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com A Pitt Meadows man spottedfiringagun inaparkSaturday facesseveralweapons charges.DarrenDrein,42, wastakenintocus-todyafterwitnesses calledpolicetoreport amanfiringagunin HoffmanParkaround 11 p.m.PoliceallegeDrein was seen with a gun as hewalkedalongFord Road.Frommyunder-standing, there was no oneintheimmediate areawheretheshots were discharged, said Insp. Derren Lench.However,anytime someonedischargesa firearm,publicsafety is at risk. Were happy thatwecouldidentify thisperson,andob-tainenoughevidence to lay charges.Followingthear-rest,policeexecuted twosearchwarrants wheresevenfirearms were seized.Dreinappearedin Port Coquitlam Provin-cialCourtonWednes-dayonseveralcharg-es,includingcarrying aconcealedweapon, anddangeroususeof a firearm.He has been released on bail.Armed robberyCigarettes,money, lotteryticketsandbus passeswerestolen Wednesdayduringan armedrobberyata MapleRidgegassta-tion.Thelonesuspecten-teredaPetroCanada onDewdneyTrunk Roadat240thStreet just after midnight and threatened staff with a hammer.He was wearing a dis-guise as well as a puffy black jacket.Apolicedogwasun-able to pick up a track.ATM stolenAbankmachinewas stolenearlyTuesdayin abrazenbreak-inata Maple Ridge mall.Ridge Meadows RCMP saidthievesbrokeninto HaneyPlaceMallbe-tween4a.m.and7a.m. byremovingaglassen-trance door on the north side.Thethievesmanaged toremovethemachine beforeescapingunde-tectedbymallsecurity or police.Policesuspectave-hicle was involved in the break-inbecauseofthe ATMs weight.Teen injuredA 14-year-old girl from PittMeadowsgirlwas badlyinjuredMonday when she was struck by a car while she was try-ing to cross a busy road. The incident happened justafter9p.m.inthe 20700-blockofDewdney TrunkRoadinMaple Ridge.Policesaidofcers were told that the young pedestrianranoutin frontofaneastbound car, which was unable to stop before hitting her. Thegirlwastakento Royal Columbian Hospi-tal, where she was stabi-lized.Car ditchedPolicearrestedaman fromVancouverearly Thursdayinconnection with a car theft in Maple Ridge.The25-year-oldwas takenintocustody around3:30a.m.aftera Mountie on patrol found acarinaditchinthe 19400-blockofDewdney Trunk Road.Evidenceatthescene indicatedthecarhad notbeentherelong,so a police dog and handler fromtheRCMPLower MainlandDistrictwere called in.The dog sniffed out the man who was hiding in a wooded area nearby.Ofcerslearnedthat the 2004 Hyundai Accent hadbeenstolensome-timebetween5:30and 7:40 p.m. Wednesday.Themanwassetto appearinPortCoquit-lamProvincialCourton Thursdayonchargesof possessingstolenprop-erty. Pot seizedMorethan600mari-juana plants were seized Mondayafterpolice executedasearchwar-rantatpropertyineast Maple Ridge.RidgeMeadowsRC-MPsStreetEnforce-mentUnitenteredthe house in the 12200-block of272Streetaround8 a.m.Thepolicingunitob-tainedthewarranton anallegationthatthe occupantsofthehome werestealingpower. The home was empty at the time of the search.Man arrested for shooting gun in park 604-463-0094 OPEN11 AM- LATE7DAYS A WEEK WWW.KINGFISHERSPUB.COM23840 River Road, Maple RidgeNext to the Albion FerryJoin us for our festiveSanta BrunchHoliday favourites like carved ham, eggs benedict, crepes, freshomelets,andChristmastreatsaccompaniedwith our great selection of fresh seafood.Santawillbebywithhislittlehelpers!Comegetyour picture taken with him in a fabulous river front setting.Adults: $22.95Seniors: $17.95Kids 4-12: $15.95Includes a family portrait with Santa!Sunday, December 5th, 12th& 19th11 am - 3 pmBOOK YOUR RESERVATION NOW!604-463-0094Prices do not include tax or gratuity.Get Home SafeDesignated drivers will receive any Mocktails from our new Mocktails menu and their choice of three tapas trios for free.And if you dont haveyourowndesignateddriver,wevepartneredwithASafeRide Ltd. to give you a ride home in your own vehicle.A Safe Ride Ltd. will drive you homein your car for as little as $10!*Based on a one way distance of 5 kms. Price is approximate. Price of $10 is after a 20% discount and a $10 Kingshers gift card that may be used on your next visit. Special pricing from A Safe Ridge Ltd. is only available to Kingshers customers.www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Friday, December 3, 2010 17VICTORIA The rst threeB.C.Liberallead-ershipcontendersare all sticking to their sup-portoftheharmonized salestax,butlooking forwaystoeasethe publics anger over it.Announcinghislead-ershipbidTuesday, Surrey-Cloverdale MLA KevinFalconproposed cuttingtheHSTrateto 11 per cent initially, and thento10percentas soonasprovincialrev-enuesaresufcientto do it.B.C.sHSTcontract withOttawarequires the province to keep the rate at 12 per cent until July 1, 2012, after which time the seven per cent provincialsharecanbe changed.Falcon endorsed Shus-wapMLAGeorgeAb-bottscalltomoveupa province-widevoteon repealingtheHSTto Juneratherthanwait until next September. Vancouver-Langara MLA Moira Stilwell has also called for an earlier vote.Falconcalledonall leadershipcontenders tosignaletterheis sending to Premier Gor-donCampbell,asking thecabinettorequest anearliervotefrom ElectionsB.C.Allof therstthreecontend-ershaveresignedtheir cabinetseatstorunfor the top job.FalconsaidaJune24 vote would still give B.C. voterstimetoconsider modifying the tax. Elec-tionsB.C.ofcialshave indicateditwilltake severalmonthstoset upthepollingstations, staff and procedures for the provinces rst-ever initiative vote.SpeakinginVictoria Tuesday, Abbott said its toosoontodiscusscut-tingtheHSTrate,rath-er than using the money toreducethebudget decitorincreasing program spending.Itsprematureto startspeculatingabout that, Abbott said. Everyonelovesthe ideaoftaxreductions, butithastobedonein thecontextrstofthe referendum,andsubse-quently by what we can afford.Falconsuggesteda full public debate about the options available be-fore the public votes on theHST.Thosewould includereducingthe HSTrateorproceeding withthe15percentin-cometaxproposedby Campbellbeforehean-nouncedheisstepping down.De Jong joins racePublic Safety Minister RichColemanscam-paignplanewasready togo,buthesstaying on the ground.Headingintoacabi-netmeetingWednes-daymorning,Coleman conrmedwhathe toldhissupporterson Tuesday after putting togetherateamand raisingmoney,hehas decidedtositoutthe B.C.Liberalleadership contest. Colemanbowed outatthesametime asAbbotsfordWest MLAMikedeJongan-nounced he was resign-ingasB.C.sattorney general to join the lead-ership contest. De Jong joinsSurrey-Clover-dale MLA Kevin Falcon, ShuswapMLAGeorge AbbottandVancouver-LangaraMLAMoira Stilwellinthecontest toreplacePremier GordonCampbell,with B.C.Liberalmembers choosingtheirnext leader Feb. 26.Colemansaidhe hadplentyofsupport amongMLAs,enough moneypledgedtorun aleadershipcampaign andanairplanedonat-ed for his use.Ijustgottagowith myownheart,andI justthoughtitwasnt right,Colemansaid, citing his family. Colemansaidheisnt goingtoindicatesup-portforanyleadership candidate at this point.One of his main policy plankswastolookfor waystogivethefood andbeverageindus-trysomeexibility undertheharmonized sales tax, he said.B.C. Liberals debate HST solutionsEvan Seal/Black PressLeadership candidate Kevin Falcon has proposed reducing the rate of the harmonized sales tax.byTomFl et c herBl ackPressLook your bestthis Holiday Season102-22645 Dewdney Trunk Rd.604-466-5434Mon. - Tue. 9 - 5Wed. - Fri.9 - 9Sat. 9 - 5Sun. 11 - 410 022 2 dd wdne Rdd Rd nkk Rd e TTr 4455 DDew 455 D 11Up-Dos Foils & Colour Esthetics NailsGift Certi cates make great stocking stuffersDr. Judy Schnarr Dr. Jill Trotter Dr. David Lennox Dr. Harpinder Gill Dr. Satinder BainsSaturday & Evening Appointments are Available!22320 Brown Ave., Maple Ridge, BC604.463.7127www.paciceyedoctors.caYo YY u oo r uu ey ee e yy s ee de dd s ee e ss r ee v rr e vv an aa op oo to tt m oo etr tt i rr s ii tY y pfor the month of DecemberEnter to winyour purchase of complete eyeglasses or sunglasses back!PROFESSIONAL SEWING& ALTERATIONS7 Days A Week Call 604-467-2894 (Mahin)11559 Riverwynd St Affordable Prices Exceptional Quality Friendly Same Day Service 12 Years Experience Cushions Shirts Curtains Hemming$600JEAN or PANTHEMMINGComfortableAtmosphereOnly tilDec. 31/10SPECC-tacular Productionspresent the Christmas Panto ofBeautyBeastand theDecember 15-18, 2010at The ACTArts Centre & TheatreMaple Ridge604-476-2787All tickets $18.00 4-Pack $60.00Evening Show Times Start at 7:30 pmDecember 18 Show Times10:30 am 2:30 pm 7:30 pmfeaturing guest dancers from theMaple Ridge Dance CircleHaney Place MallMaple Ridge604-466-6405 OutletStyles shown are available only at the Haney Place location. VISIT OUR REGULAR STORES FOR THE WIDEST SELECTION OF COMFORT FOOTWEAR www.astepaheadfootwear.comPark Royal NorthWest Vancouver 604-925-9756Woodgrove CentreNanaimo 250-390-2821Metropolis @ MetrotownBurnaby 604-437-5600YOUR SLIPPER HEADQUARTERS18 Friday, December 3, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comI spoke, last week, about the concept of teaching young people to manage their anger before they get to a point where they have learned a certain pattern of behaviour that is unacceptable and puts them at risk of endangering their relationships with all kinds of people.In education, I have certainly experienced adults who have not learned to manage their anger either and heard enough stories from colleagues to know that its not just me who draws fire from parents.I often try to explain to people outside the world of education, the difference be-tween going to work with peoples kids and going to work with their cars or bank accounts or goods they wish to purchase. The level of emotion that wells up when children are involved is extraordinary, and you never walk the trail between a mother bear and her cub. Ive got a few scars to prove that.But I do believe that authority figures, in general, and teachers are no exception, are being exposed to an excessive level of dis-respectful behaviour from many adults.While we expect it, to some extent, from young people, whose growth and develop-ment often entails pushing the boundar-ies, we do not expect it from their parents.I have been sworn at, spit at, tackled for taking the car keys from a parent who was too drunk to drive her kids home safely, threatened with lawsuits more times than I can remember and even had a father show me the gun he car-ried under his coat with some veiled reference to taking care of business.Ive had to break up verbally abu-sive parent-teacher conferences, get restrain-ing orders is-sued to keep divorcing parents from conducting their wars in the hallways or in my office, and read over venomous e-mails sent at two or three in the morning because I wouldnt answer my home phone, which I keep as an unlisted num-ber but seems to get found more often than it should.I am told every now and then that a parent is afraid to complain about a teacher because they fear a backlash for their child. Although I cant deny the sensitivity of some teachers to criti-cism, such a backlash is extremely rare, except when a child is consciously lying to a parent to inflame a situation.Teachers deal with raw emotion regu-larly and most of us have learned long ago not to personalize comments made by people under stress or to hold on to grudges from the actions of students or their parents.If we did, wed all have heart attacks by the end of 10 years of teaching.Still, it is my sense that many teachers are feeling attacked in general.The lack of support they get from parents when hold-ing students accountable is often pal-pable.I know that many teach-ers have simply pulled back from any form of confrontation for fear of their own safety and from ha-rassment by parents.That places a great-er burden on those who wish to maintain order and heightens the stakes when the teachers are seen as inconsistent. No one else has a problem with my kid, may be more a func-tion of many teachers backing off than of any personal vendetta a firm teacher may have.I know I sound over the hill when I say this, but seriously, there needs to be a lot more civility and re-spect in relationships between parents and teachers.Our goals are all the same; were all trying to help each child do the best of which they are capable and we are all sharing the pressure to do that. Ramping up the emotions between us will have little impact on improving any situ-ation. Graham Hookey is an educator and writer (ghookey@yahoo.com).Respect between parents and teachersParenting Graham HookeyStudy part-time to advance your careerUpgrade to a Nursing Unit Clerk Currently working asclerical staff in a hospital?This part-time program is designed for you. 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