We try our best to diligently proof our newsletters and avoid typos. But when you publish 1,500 words or so every day, things occasionally slip through the cracks. There's also a
risk when I add a story to our Need To Know section in the evening, when nobody else is around to proof it. I should quadruple-check those entries. On Tuesday I failed to do so. My bad. The next day, my inbox was assaulted by cheeky readers questioning just how, exactly, wild bards were spreading avian flu. One quoted the great Tragically Hip song "Poets." Another just sent a picture of William Shakespeare. Wisecrackers, all of you. I’ll just say that I much prefer wild bards to the boring tamed versions.
—Tyler Olsen, managing editor
NEWS Abbotsford Canucks and others hit with
WorkSafe fines
The construction sector receives more worker safety fines than any other industry in the Fraser Valley. 📷 Aunging/Shutterstock
The Abbotsford Canucks organization is one of many Fraser Valley employers that have been fined for endangering the safety of its workers.
The Canucks were one of dozens of employers fined over the last five years. Employers in Abbotsford netted far more fines between 2017 and 2021 than those in other local communities, a review of WorkSafeBC penalties shows. The Fraser Valley’s construction sector is the worst for endangering worker safety.
Mission staff will ask whether any local non-profit wants to use of an old house before it is torn down. 📸 BC Assessment
MISSION GIVES REPRIEVE TO ONE HOME, CONDEMNS ANOTHER Two homes in Mission recently acquired by the city near future trails and parks met different fates Monday.
One, on
Emiry Street, is located on the site of a future park. The city bought the home and its 3.8-acre property earlier this year for $4.5 million, according to Assessment BC online figures.
The city hopes to create the park in the next five to 10 years, but that timeline will also depend on a development project to the south. The house is 40 years old, but half of the structure was built without a permit, its roof is failing, and it needs significant renovations.
Mayor Paul Horn suggested checking with local organizations on whether they want to use the home before tearing down the building. Although staff originally recommended demolishing the structure, they will now check on other options before returning to council with an update. The home may still be torn down.
The other home is on Dewdney Trunk Road and was donated to the city after the previous occupant died. It is currently used by "mice, rats and raccoons," staff found. It would cost
hundreds of thousands of dollars to renovate, staff said.
The property is slated to be a trailhead for the Silver Creek Parkway trail planned between the Fraser River and Dewdney Trunk Road. The city originally hoped to improve the house and use it as a caretaker’s residence. But having taken a closer look, staff now say that it would be better as an unattended parking lot with signage and a picnic shelter.
KWANTLEN OFFSHOOT DECLARES AUTONOMY, PLEDGES TO STOP HIGHWAY WIDENING BETWEEN MISSION & MAPLE RIDGE The Kwantlen First Nation continues to be roiled in controversy. In October, its hereditary chief was accused of
grabbing and ejecting an elder during a meeting.
Now, a community linked to a reserve parcel near Maple Ridge is looking to sever ties. The self-declared Whonnock First Nation sent a press release this week declaring its autonomy. It stated that it will henceforth administer and control the Whonnock 1 reserve near Maple Ridge that had been previously administered by Kwantlen. Its website states that it remains linked to Kwantlen, but is taking control of the reserve by establishing the "Whonnock Reserve Local Authority."
The statement cited discontent with a lack of democracy in the Kwantlen First Nation, as well as its oversight of the Whonnock reserve.
The statement also declared an intention to stop "any expansion of the Lougheed Highway that might encroach on our lands." The province has pledged to widen the highway to four lanes between 266 Street and 287 Street in order to improve traffic between Mission and Maple Ridge. That stretch of highway runs directly through the Whonnock reserve.
The group has pledged to hold a "general assembly’" Sunday on Kwantlen First Nation‘s MacMillan Island Reserve to rally support from Kwantlen members for democratic reform.
SIP AT THE SALON? A new salon in Downtown Chilliwack wants to open a small bar
alongside its hairdressing services.
The salon, Cros. Studios, is on Thunderbird Lane and still under construction. When it opens, it hopes to serve wine, beer, champagne, and possibly a few seasonal cocktails. First it needs a licence from the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. As is typical, the branch has asked the city for its input; residents can provide comments at its Dec. 6 meeting. More information is available
here.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILLIWACK INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Watch films like never before!
Watch feature films, documentaries, short films, and more, as the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival turns virtual from now until Dec. 4.
Explore the line up and get your virtual pass today at CIFF.ca.
🎄 Matsqui Community Hall hosts its Light Up The Hall event Nov. 25 at 7pm, with dancing, socializing, hot chocolate and cookies. Bring a food bank donation. Also: learn how to swing dance; just bring a donation for the hall's heritage and restoration. Details and RSVP tickets online.
🎵 Tickets are still available for The Offspring’s concert tomorrow at Abbotsford Centre. Tickets to the One Love Music Festival tomorrow featuring Marshmello at Tradex are sold
out.
🏆 The Abbotsford Arts Council's Arty Awards recognize some of the city's best artists and arts adovcates Nov. 26 from 4 to 6pm at the Kariton Art Gallery.
COMING UP
😋 Communitas hosts Taste and Tour, with an array of treats and beverages at booths highlighting the non-profit's important work. The event takes place Dec. 1 at 5pm. Tickets are limited and online.
A major housing gap may finally be addressed
A plan is taking shape to finally bring second-stage housing for Langley women fleeing domestic violence.
