Year in Review, part 3
Last summer brought us the cultural phenomenon of Barbenheimer, the news that Egyptian mummies smelled great, and a heat wave the felt like a cross between your father-in-law’s chilli and a Honda with Silly Putty over the VIN.
According to one report, the Earth hadn’t been that hot since the Eemian Interglacial Period, that long-ago era when hippos roamed England and trickle-down-economics had yet to be discredited.
It was a season of changing names. Colony Farm became ƛ̓éxətəm (tla-hut-um) Regional Park, the Port Moody Station Museum the POMO Museum, and Twitter officially rebranded as X, presumably so that when future historians try to pinpoint the precise location where ludicrous personal wealth acted as an accelerant for a heaping deadfall of misinformation they can say: “X marked the spot.”
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Last summer also gave us the ultimate Westwood Plateau sports/wildlife story.
A black bear, apparently unable to find any left-out garbage or unpicked fruit trees, made a break for a poor golfer’s nine-iron.
To make matters worse, the bear shot a 78 and birdied the last three holes. (I kid, I kid. Catching a leaping salmon with your paws is challenging. Shooting a 78 your first time on a course is downright impossible.)
Now, the news.
How a local artist’s query helped re-launch an art show
Angie Quintanilla Coates played the message in her head, over and over, for one year before posting it online.
Introduce yourself, explain you’re a new resident to Port Moody, and show some of your artwork — all with the hope of meeting new people and finding a permanent space to create more art.
Construction starts on Coquitlam water main
Coquitlam is getting set for some thirsty work.
An approximately 30-month construction project started this summer as Metro Vancouver-contracted crews work on the water main between Robson Street and Guildford Way.
The project is “vitally important” for getting drinking water to Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and the eastern and southern areas of the region, explained Metro Vancouver media relations officer Niki Reitmayer.
How a local golfer is rising up the professional ranks
Deep inside the locker room, A.J. Ewart had his head down and tried to find his bearings.
It was the beginning of June 2022, and Ewart, who grew up in Coquitlam, had travelled to compete in his first PGA tour event: the RBC Canadian Open.
Ewart, in the midst of a historic collegiate career at Barry University in Miami, Florida, would compete in the tournament as an amateur — meaning he wasn’t eligible to take home any prize money, nor considered a professional golfer on tour.
Colony Farm Regional Park renamed in partnership with Kwikwetlem First Nation
In a move that promises to honour the history of the Kwikwetlem First Nation, who have lived within the Coquitlam Lake watershed for thousands of years, the park will now be referred to as ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park.
“The new name is made in honour of our Elders,” stated Kwikwetlem counicillor George Chaffee in a press release. “It is their courage, their leadership, and their stories of how the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation took care of these lands before colonization that has brought us to today.”
The name ƛ̓éxətəm — pronounced tla-hut-um — means “to be invited” in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the nation’s traditional language.
Hershey Chocolate granted appeal against Port Coquitlam man’s class-action suit over child slavery
The U.S.-based Hershey Chocolate has been granted an appeal against a Port Coquitlam man’s proposed class-action lawsuit over alleged “negligent misrepresentations” pertaining to its use of child-slavery.
On June 28, the B.C. Court of Appeal found that a B.C. Supreme Court judge erred in their 2022 ruling that the court had jurisdiction to hear a case against the foreign company.
“The respondent has not established an arguable case that the facts on which the proceeding against the appellant is based concern a tort committed in British Columbia,” wrote Justice Karen Horsman.
The proposed class against the lawsuit is being led by Scott Leaf of Port Coquitlam, and Michael Pucci of Prince Rupert.
De-mazed: Coquitlam removes maze gates from trails
For cyclists, Coquitlam’s paths might look a little smoother a bit less labyrinthine.
The city is doing away with maze gates – sometimes called baffle gates – which tend to consist of two staggered metal barriers that generally force a cyclist to dismount.
Coquitlam RCMP to finally have mental health professionals attend mental health calls
After advocating for the better part of a decade, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam will finally have health care professionals accompany RCMP officers on mental health calls.
Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart joined Coun. Craig Hodge and Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson outside city hall to announce the communities that will receive funding for their own Mobile Integrated Crisis Response team.
Stewart said he’s had to make a mental health call regarding his daughter before, which resulted with two armed officers on his front porch.
“Everyone just agrees that’s not the best thing,” Stewart said. “Undoubtedly there are lots of folks in our community, particularly marginalized parts of our community, where fear of the uniform is not a helpful reality in a crisis response.”
Port Coquitlam has backlog of nearly $120-million assets needing replacement
Port Coquitlam should be spending and saving more than twice what it currently does on replacing its municipal assets.
The city currently reinvests an average of $18.5 million into its assets annually, but a draft of the new asset management plan targets $42.5 million to be spent or transferred to reserves.
Mayor Brad West said there was an expectation of “doom and gloom” around the details in this plan, but added the city has been heading in the right direction.
Fees for Rocky Point Park’s boat launch set to increase 60% in 2024
Rocky Point Park’s boat launch fees are going up . . . way up.
Port Moody council unanimously voted to approve a 100 percent user-pay model for the launch, which is projected to increase the price of annual passes and daily fees by 60 percent next year. For comparison, those fees only increased three percent in 2023.
Further annual increases from five to 13 percent are scheduled until 2027.
Coun. Callan Morrison, who introduced the motion back in April, said he didn’t think the daily fee increase from the current $25 to $55 by 2027 was excessive, considering it includes parking.
Port Moody council rejects call for expansion of Rocky Point Park in OCP planning
A call for Port Moody’s upcoming revision of its Official Community Plan (OCP) to include a significant westward expansion of Rocky Point Park failed to get any support at council.
Coun. Haven Lurbiecki tabled the motion on July 25, following a report on the first phase of public engagement relating to the city’s Parkland Strategy earlier this month.
Lurbiecki said the city has two options for expanding the park: a developer-led approach versus a community led approach.
“A developer-led approach will get us the least park . . . Why? Land speculation,” Lurbeicki said. “We negotiate parkland as part of some massive development at a hyper-inflated price and we get pocket parks and walkways between and around skyscrapers.”
Port Moody unanimous in approval of three-tower Westport Village project
Port Moody council unanimously approved Westport Village, a massive mixed-use development on the western edge of the city.
Council passed amendments to the official community plan (OCP), and issued development permits on Tuesday.
Coun. Amy Lubik said studies have shown social inclusion is directly correlated to diverse uses on a property.
“When this first came to council about four years ago . . . I was floored by how many different uses are on this site,” Lubik said. “I think it’s a really wonderful example of what can be accomplished.
Port Coquitlam to borrow $25M to redevelop downtown
Nobody can afford to buy land without getting a loan these days.
Port Coquitlam is set to borrow $25.2 million in an effort to snap up key properties in the city’s downtown, following a unanimous vote from council Tuesday.
“Purchasing land is one of the smartest investments we can make,” Mayor Brad West said at the meeting.
Besides bringing taxpayers a “strong return on our investment,” the land should also make life better for residents, West said.
“When the city is able to purchase land that really becomes a public good for our community,” he said.
Motion to ban public drug use in Port Moody shot down by council
A Port Moody councillor’s motion to ban open drug use in the city was shot down by council on Tuesday.
Coun. Kyla Knowes proposed that municipal bylaws be amended, prohibiting consumption and display of controlled substances, thereby giving bylaw officers more enforcement tools.
She criticized the lack of resources given to local governments after the province decided to decriminalize small amounts of certain drugs through a pilot project, which started Jan. 31 and is set to wrap up in 2026.
“Once again, as it did with housing, the province has downloaded a vitally important file to municipalities without giving us sufficient resources to help solve or even manage the problem,” Knowles said. “This is absolutely unacceptable, and residents need to be demanding adequate and commensurate action from our health authorities now.”
Burke Mountain rec centre slated to open in 2027
After standing on the brink of the design phase, the Northeast Community Centre took a step forward.
The $152-million rec centre is slated to be three storeys with a 10,000 square-foot library, a fitness centre, a community kitchen, and an aquatic area.
The aquatic area is set to include a leisure pool, a whirlpool, a sauna and a steam room as well as a six-lane lap tool – two lanes more than initially pitched.
Local artists debut new 1,000-square foot mural in Coquitlam
It took years for two local artists to find success in their creative careers, but only a few weeks to brighten up a Coquitlam street.
Last week, Lay Hoon Ho and Angie Quintanilla Coates completed two murals that will comprise roughly 1,152-square feet at 953 Brunette Ave.
“We wanted both designs to be very joyful,” Coates said.
The project, which is part of the City of Coquitlam’s $500,000 streetscape enhancement plan, comes three months after the city published a callout in the summer asking local artists to help kickstart a local mural program.
Playing mind games: Port Moody hockey player helps athletes keep their heads
When Kyle Johnson earned a hockey scholarship to Yale University, he thought the constant pressure of climbing up the hockey ranks would subside.
For as long as he can remember, Johnson wanted to be known as a great hockey player.
He’d spend hours in the gym and on the ice, perfecting his game. He imagined his competitors were working twice as hard as him, so he spent even more time on weightlifting and wrist shots. He believed he had to dig deeper and deplete his physical and mental energy to be the best athlete he could become.
The internal pressure built up in his head as he moved up from major midget to major junior, with the ultimate goal of signing with a professional hockey club.
“I spent years combing through every resource to try and, for example, be less nervous before a game, or worry less about what the coach thought,” Johnson said.
Skateboarders and trials bikers jostle for space at city hall as Port Moody council looks to keep both groups rolling
Skateboarders and trials bikers clashed at city council over who would win the future turf rights to the stomping grounds under the Moody Street Overpass.
Port Moody council mediated the territorial scuffle on July 25, stating both groups should have their own covered parks.
“One thing I didn’t like was the idea that there was one group against another,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti. “I think we can do both.”
Ukrainian family living in Coquitlam sues Russia, Putin
For launching full-scale war against Ukraine and its people, the Russian Federation and President Vladimir Putin should be held liable for acts of terrorism, according to a civil claim recently filed in B.C. Supreme Court.
The claim was filed by Coquitlam residents Oleksiy Mykhaylichenko and Olha Yamploska.
The couple and their three children lived in Kharkiv Oblast, a province in the eastern reaches of Ukraine. The family was on vacation when Russian Federation forces occupied the province, according to the claim.
Coquitlam bans food in Karley Crescent, Hockaday and Galette Parks in bid to keep bears away
You can chew the scenery but that’s about it.
Due to increased bear activity, Coquitlam has banned food and garbage at Hockaday and Galette parks as well as Karley Crescent at the Coquitlam River.
Bears have been rummaging through garbage as well as getting into coolers and picnics at the three parks, according to the city’s environment manager Caresse Selk.
“While the city has been collecting garbage more frequently, it has not been a deterrent for these determined bears,” Selk stated in a press release.
Missing Kwikwetlem councillor found dead in Mission
Four days after she was reported missing, the body of Kwikwetlem First Nation band council member Stephanie Patterson was found in a rural area of Mission. She was 44.
A survivor of the ‘60s scoop, Patterson grew up in several foster homes and was adopted twice, according to Kwikwetlem First Nation.
While her roots are in the Musqueam First Nation, Patterson officially became member a member of Kwikwetlem First Nation in 2016.
After being elected Kwikwetlem councillor last spring, Patterson was appointed to lead the nation’s community services division. She was excited to serve as a councillor, recalled Kwikwetlem Chief Ron Giesbrecht.
“She was passionate about helping all members of our community – our children, youth, adults and Elders – and to improving community participation and engagement to help create a vibrant and self-governing Nation,” Giesbrecht stated.
David Hall, 57, is facing a charge of second-degree murder following Patterson’s death.
‘There needs to be a reset’ Chronic staff turnover and lack of community confidence contribute to growing sentiment that Coquitlam homeless shelter is in crisis, according to new report
Amid complaints ranging from drug use to vandalism to threats and assaults at local businesses, many community members feel the 3030 Gordon Avenue shelter has been “going through a crisis,” according to a recent report.
Written on behalf of B.C. Housing, the report makes a series of recommendations to improve the shelter, which provides transitional housing for 30 people, as well as emergency shelter space. The report was based largely on responses from the shelter’s residents, its staffers and management, as well as local first responders and health and social service providers.
The report was written following concerns raised by both community members and municipal leaders.
While many community members were initially “very pleased” with management when the shelter opened in 2015, subsequent turnover and loss of leadership coincided with a downward slide over the course of about five years, according to stakeholders.
Port Moody brunch spot’s restrooms named best in Canada
It may or may not be the place to be, but Hard Bean Brunch is the place to go.
The Port Moody eatery was recently named the winner of the 2023 Canada’s Best Restroom contest.
“We take pride in our washrooms and we’re glad to see the public does too,” stated Hard Bean CEO Heather Rhodes in a press release.
Pickleball players seek to climb the ladder as competitive sport finds its footing
Ryan Fenrick, nestled beside a chain link fence, holds a stack of papers. Dozens of women form a circle around him, awaiting the results.
Dark clouds roll over the mountains in the distance. A series of light fixtures flicker to life — radiating an orange hue overtop the 64 players dressed in bright athletic wear at Bramble Park on a Tuesday evening.
The gathering of people at the Coquitlam pickleball court is not an unfamiliar sight.
Since launching in 2021, the PoCoMo Pickleball club has amassed hundreds of members and advocated for more court space in the Tri-Cities.
‘It’s just in our blood to want to be here and help,’ Port Moody fire captain details deployment to West Kelowna
A Port Moody fire crew rotated home Sunday from West Kelowna after spending a week protecting homes from the McDougall Creek Fire.
The four-man crew put in 12-hour shifts every night from Aug. 20 to 27, guarding an unfamiliar community more than 360 kilomteres away from home.
They were led by Cpt. Rob Shoucair, an 18-year veteran on his first deployment assisting the province in the effort to control wildfires burning in B.C.’s Interior.
Long-time Port Moody cobbler may be hanging up his boots
Every resident in Port Moody recognizes the façade of Boothill Junction Boots & Repairs.
The little shop appointed with the giant boot on Kyle Street is an aging relic of the old city, one that will be likely demolished to make way for the new.
Steve Quigley, 68, has spent more than half his life working as a cobbler under that boot, but if a six-storey development passes final reading at council next fall, he says it will be time to retire.
“I’ve seen just about everything on the planet in here,” Quigley said.
Number of Tri-Cities properties cashing in on short-term rentals spikes 45% in year
The number of landowners in the Tri-Cities using their properties for short-term rentals spiked 45 percent in one year.
In August, sites like Airbnb and Vrbo posted 807 active listings for Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, according to data provided by AirDNA, a market research provider.
That’s up from 446 total listings in August 2022. Despite the number of active listings being halved during the COVID-19 pandemic, overall rental growth still jumped 35 percent since 2018.
The rate of increase appears even more significant in Port Moody, where the number of short-term rentals jumped 60 percent in a year (162 listings last August), and 84 percent from 2018.
Police officer ‘seriously injured’ in accidental shooting during firearm training exercise
A Port Moody police officer shot himself in the leg while attending a firearms qualification training course in 2021, according to a recently released WorkSafeBC incident report.
The officer was at the Port Coquitlam & District Hunting & Fishing Club, which is located in Coquitlam. Under the supervision of two instructors and a safety officer, ten Port Moody Police Department officers were at the range on May 27, 2021 to renew their firearms qualifications.
All municipal police departments are required to test their officers’ firearm proficiency annually.
The weather was overcast and rainy. At the time of the incident, the officer was standing on a firing line in an uncovered section of the range about seven metres from the target.
Port Coquitlam Tesla project charges ahead, but without charging station
Port Coquitlam council voted unanimously to approve the proposed Tesla repair shop/import facility on Nicola Avenue.
Following Tuesday’s meeting, the project requires one more formal vote from council before construction can begin.
The approximately 60,000 square foot facility would serve as the Lower Mainland’s main Tesla repair shop as well as a terminal destination for imports from the United States and China, according to a representative from Bosa development company.
Bosa would develop the property at 1021 and 1032 Nicola Ave. and Tesla would be the intended tenant, according to the staff report.
Workers at the facility will likely deliver about 40 cars a day and repair about 50 vehicles, as well as dispatching mobile mechanics.
Council adopts 30-year urban forest strategy to protect Port Moody’s canopy
Port Moody has officially adopted a plan to maintain and even grow its already healthy canopy over the next three decades.
Following three years of work by staff and consultants, council unanimously approved its Urban Forest Management Strategy.
The city has set a target to increase canopy cover from 28 to 31 percent in urban areas outside of parks and industrial lands, while growing its city-wide canopy cover by one percent to 59 percent.
Hundreds of anti-SOGI protesters rally outside city hall, one counter-protester assaulted
One counter-protester was assaulted at the anti-SOGI “1 Million March 4 Children” rally outside Coquitlam City Hall.
Hundreds of people showed up to city hall on Wednesday, though the anti-SOGI protesters significantly outnumbered the counter-protesters.
The rally was one of 70 protests taking place simultaneously across Canada, organized by a group called Hands Off Our Children.
While the rival crowds started out in even numbers when the rally began at 9 a.m., waves of additional anti-SOGI protesters began to arrive approximately 30 minutes later.
The morning had begun relatively peacefully, with competing groups trading chants of “SOGI saves lives” versus “SOGI is a lie” at the intersection of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way.
But as the numbers of the anti-SOGI crowd swelled, some in their group began to act violently.
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