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Burnaby welcomes Province’s announcement about protecting B.C.’s environment from spills

Derek Corrigan

THE City of Burnaby said on Tuesday that it welcomes the news that the provincial Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has announced that additional measures are being developed to protect B.C.’s environment from spills. Those measures include seeking feedback on “restrictions on the increase of diluted bitumen (“dilbit”) transportation until the behaviour of spilled bitumen can be better understood and there is certainty regarding the ability to adequately mitigate spills.”

An independent scientific advisory panel will be established to make recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy on if and how heavy oils can be safely transported and cleaned up, if spilled.

“Since Kinder Morgan first proposed this new pipeline to carry diluted bitumen to offshore markets, we have been expressing our concern about the unique and potentially devastating environmental threats diluted bitumen presents, which are significantly worse than conventional crude oil. More scientific research and data on the environmental damage caused by spilled dilbit and on the cleanup process must be conducted so the damaging behavior of spilled dilbit can be better understood,” said Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan.

“We are thrilled that today the provincial government is acknowledging these threats in a way that will ensure scientific examination of the implications of the transportation of diluted bitumen in the province.

“Kinder Morgan’s planned expansion will result in a sevenfold increase – from five to 34 per month – in the number of tankers travelling into Burrard Inlet to fill up at Kinder Morgan’s proposed expanded tanker terminal.   In 2014, the City of Burnaby, City of Vancouver and Tsleil-Waututh Nation retained Genwest Systems Inc. to model oil spill scenarios in Burrard Inlet. Each tiny dot in the video represents 2,000 litres of oil. Clearly, even a small dilbit spill – on land or in Burrard Inlet – would cause environmental devastation.”

The City also released a video, detailing its reasons for opposition to Kinder Morgan’s proposed route through Burnaby, focused on the unacceptable risks of transporting diluted bitumen through Burnaby and Burrard Inlet.

 

CBC Vancouver launches ‘Love Letters to Vancouver’ Contest


Winner to receive ‘Hearts of the City’ package of memberships and tickets to local attractions

 

PUTTING a new spin on Valentine’s Day, ‘Love Letters to Vancouver’ asks Vancouverites to share stories, essays, photos and videos about the unique and under-celebrated things they love about their city over Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #LoveLettersYVR and tagging @CBCVancouver, or at cbc.ca/lovelettersyvr.

Entries will be judged by a panel composed of Gloria Macarenko, host of On The Coast and Our Vancouver; Dan Burritt, host of CBC Vancouver News; and Tanya Fletcher, host CBC Vancouver. They will be looking for demonstrations of creativity, originality, style and that hard-to-describe quality that will make them say “that is so Vancouver.”

“Vancouver is home to such a complex array of communities and cultures. I’m quite excited to see the diverse perspectives of our city in the submissions we receive,” says Macarenko.

The winner will receive a ‘Hearts of the City’ prize package of annual memberships and passes to many of the region’s most beloved cultural and recreational attractions, courtesy of Vancouver Attractions and valued at $1,750.

The contest closes February 12 at 6 p.m. and the winner will be announced on social media on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

 

The ‘Hearts of the City’ prize package includes:

Four adult annual memberships to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which includes a full year of free admissions including Canyon Lights, plus onsite savings (Value: $172)

Six adult tour tickets for Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours (Value: $240)

Four adult admission tickets to the Vancouver Art Gallery (Value: $92)

Annual family membership to Vancouver Lookout which includes a full year of admissions for four (Value: $90)

Annual family membership to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (Value: $72)

Four adult passes  to the Museum of Vancouver (Value: $80)

Four Ultimate Experience tickets to Science World, which include Science World admission and an Omnimax show (Value: $120)

Six admissions to VanDusen Botanical Garden (Value: $48)

Six admissions to the Bloedel Conservatory (Value: $39)

Family membership to Burnaby Village Museum which includes admission to the Haunted Village, unlimited carousel rides, member events and onsite savings (Value: $65)

Annual family membership to Museum of Anthropology which includes a full year of admission plus on site savings (Value: $75)

Membership to the Nitobe Memorial Garden and UBC Botanical Garden including unlimited access to the Greenheart TreeWalk (Value: $90)

Annual Family Membership to the Beaty Biodiversity Museum (Value: $70)

One-day family ticket to the Sea to Sky Gondola (Value: $104)

Four admissions to the Britannia Mine Museum (Value: $120)

Family pass to the Olympic Experience at the Richmond Oval (Value: $90)

Family package of Hop on Hop off tickets for the Vancouver Trolley (Value: $180)

Total approximate retail value: $1,750

For more information about Love Letters to Vancouvervisit cbc.ca/lovelettersyvr

Follow us on Twitter at @CBCVancouver or @cbcnewsbc, on Instagram or YouTube at @CBCVancouver and on Facebook at facebook.com/VancouverCBC for the latest CBC Vancouver News updates. #LoveLettersYVR

Surrey RCMP get another gun off the streets – a loaded semi-automatic pistol

ONE man is charged after allegedly being in possession of a firearm following a routine traffic stop.

On January 23 at 7:45 p.m., a member of Surrey RCMP’s Traffic Enforcement Services spotted a suspected stolen car. The officer pulled the car over and took the alleged driver, believed to be intoxicated, into custody. As a result of the arrest a loaded semi-automatic pistol, suspected illicit drugs, and a large sum of cash were seized.

Now charged is 31-year-old John Schoch of Surrey with one count of each of the following five offences:

* Possession of a loaded firearm without registration or license

* Possession of a firearm without registration or license

* Possession of a firearm while prohibited

* Possession of stolen property

* Impaired operation of a vehicle

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible. Schoch remains in custody.

“Thanks to a sharp eye and quick thinking by this traffic officer, another gun is off the streets,” said Cpl. Scotty Schumann on Tuesday. “In police work a seemingly routine event can quickly evolve into a significant investigation.”

Horgan tries to advance bilateral co-operation in energy sector and international trade and investment in Japan

Premier John Horgan in Japan.
Premier John Horgan in Japan.

TECHNOLOGY, energy and natural resources were the focus of the Government of British Columbia’s mission to Japan.

As part of this government’s first mission to Asia, the Province aimed to strengthen ties and pave the way for expanded trade and investment opportunities for B.C. businesses.

“Japan is a key market for B.C. wood products, and an important market for the province’s natural resources,” said Premier John Horgan. “Building relationships with the Japanese government and some of Japan’s largest companies that have natural resource interests in B.C. is critical to expanding markets for key job-creating sectors and attracting investment to our province.”

During the two-day visit to Tokyo, the B.C. delegation hosted a natural resources roundtable with Japanese companies to discuss investment in B.C. projects. Horgan held meetings with key government representatives to advance bilateral co-operation in the energy sector and international trade and investment.

Horgan toured Astomos Energy Corporation of Japan’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) facility. In 2017, Astomos entered into an LPG purchase agreement with AltaGas, to be delivered through the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal currently under construction near Prince Rupert. Once operational, the facility is expected to provide 40 to 50 permanent jobs.

The delegation, which included Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston and Minister of State for Trade George Chow, met with technology leaders Fujitsu and SEGA to promote investment in B.C. and partnerships with B.C. tech companies in information communications technology (ICT), wireless, quantum computing, and digital gaming and entertainment.

“With some of the world’s largest tech and IT companies, Japan’s growing investment in B.C. is a show of confidence in our tech sector and economy,” said Ralston. “Our research infrastructure, deep talent pool and culturally diverse population are a magnet for tech investment.”

“Solidifying our relationships with Japanese government agencies and tech companies is an important part of our growth strategy in this sector,” said Chow. “We look forward to continuing discussions with many of our valued tech stakeholders at the BC Tech Summit in Vancouver next May.”

Horgan also gave a keynote speech promoting B.C. at a gathering of over 150 community, government and business leaders in technology, natural resources, agrifoods, tourism and international education.

 

Quick Facts:

* Japan is B.C.’s third-largest trading partner with $3.7 billion in goods exports in 2016.
B.C.’s total exports to Japan, which are primarily commodities, are more than double that of the second-ranked Canadian province.
* In 2016, B.C. exported $985 million in copper and $969 million in metallurgical coal to Japan.
* B.C. is a leading supplier of wood products to Japan. In 2016, B.C. exported $726 million in lumber.
* B.C.’s ICT companies employ over 20,000 people and generate more than $9.5 billion in annual revenues.
* In 2016, B.C.’s interactive gaming sector comprised more than 150 companies, employing nearly 6,000 people full time.
*The Province established its trade and investment representative office in Tokyo, Japan in 2007.

Vancouver Police work to increase safety in Downtown Eastside

Photos: VPD

VANCOUVER Police said on Tuesday they are expanding patrol activities in the Downtown Eastside to improve public safety. An increased number of police officers will be on foot in the area to proactively address issues around street disorder and prevent violence.

“In recent months, there has been a significant increase in street disorder, including violent altercations, which has led to heightened concerns from the elderly, people with mobility issues, and businesses,” said Sgt. Jason Robillard, Media Relations Officer. “We are working with the community to try to make the neighborhood safe for everyone.”

Police said they have noted a considerable spike in street disorder in recent months and that vulnerable people are being taken advantage of by others coming in from outside of Vancouver to commit crimes, like dealing drugs and selling stolen goods.

In the past several weeks, police have received numerous complaints from locals, including seniors, small businesses, and people in wheelchairs, noting that they cannot access their buildings and other essential services because of the unsafe use of sidewalks.

Since Sunday, the initiative has already had a significant impact: 10 arrests have been made – six for outstanding warrants, two for the breach of orders, and two for mischief – and officers have seized $4,500 in drugs (fentanyl, cocaine, and meth) and $3,000 worth of stolen property.

As part of this safety initiative, Vancouver Police’s homeless outreach coordinator will work with patrol members and partner organizations to help connect people without homes, or who are living with mental illness or addictions, with appropriate resources.

Coquitlam man in custody for tire slashing and vandalism

Slashed tire

A Coquitlam man has been arrested after an alleged vandalism spree that included spray painted buildings, vehicles getting scratched with keys, and vehicles getting their tires slashed.

“We are very sympathetic to the tremendous amount of hassle and expense this has been for the victims,” says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with the Coquitlam RCMP. “We really appreciate the

Slashed tire

cooperation and patience we’ve had from the community as we identified a suspect.”

Most of the damage to vehicles and buildings occurred over a three-day period between January 24 and when the suspect was arrested on January 26. The 37-year-old suspect is in custody and faces five counts of mischief under $5,000 and 15 counts of fail to comply with recognizance.

Coquitlam RCMP is actively investigating potential links between this recent vandalism and similar crimes that stretch back to December 2017. In total, more than 100 vehicles or buildings were damaged.

Anyone who has not yet spoken to police and believes that they have been victimized is encouraged to call the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency number at 604-945-1550.

Simple change makes doors more resistant to break-ins in Vancouver

 

 

A Vancouver Police and City of Vancouver crime prevention initiative, aimed at strengthening door frames to make it more difficult for thieves to break into homes, has become a new city bylaw. It is now mandatory to add a metal plate to the back side of door frames for new construction and renovations to residential dwellings.

“This is a very simple change that will make a big difference,” says Sgt. Jason Robillard, Vancouver Police Department’s Media Relations Officer. “Last year, forced entry break-and-enters accounted for 38 per cent of all break-and-enters in the city.”

The change was initiated by VPD Constable Ryan Hooper last year after he noticed, when investigating residential break-and-enters, that more door frames were splitting open during forced entries. “We were seeing some commonalities of the door frame splitting open upon forced entries and initiated a project to find a solution,” says Hooper.

The VPD partnered with City of Vancouver building inspectors and code engineers to come up with a cost-effective and easy-to-implement strategy. The metal plates cost about $5 each.

“The City of Vancouver’s Building Inspections department is extremely pleased to have collaborated with Vancouver Police Department on this work. The new bylaw is a low-cost solution that will protect properties and prove more cost-effective in the long run,” said Pat Ryan, Chief Building Inspector, City of Vancouver.

On November 1, 2017, Vancouver City Council passed a bylaw to supplement the Building Code to have make the metal plates mandatory in door frames for all new builds and renovations moving forward.

For more information on securing a door with the new metal plate, view this demonstration video.

PUNJABI CULTURAL SOCIETY OF CHICAGO (PCS) EVENTS

PUNJABI CULTURAL SOCIETY OF CHICAGO (PCS) www.PCSChicago.org  family wishes you and your family a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year and thanks you for all your support.
We appreciate our sponsors, audiences, coordinators, volunteers and media partners for all your help and generosity during the past year.
We sincerely hope that you will continue your support to PCS for 2018 and beyond. We are an volunteers organization and cannot do it without your help and financial support.
PCS Board for 2018 is formed, please continue your support to the new board.
Our community building major programs are listed at the bottom.
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P.C.S. Chicago BOARD FOR 2018:
Mr. Surinder Singh Palia President, Bhupinder Singh Dhaliwal Honorary Chairman, Bikram Singh Chohan Vice President, Parvinder Singh Nanua Executive Secretary,  Manjeet Singh Bhalla Finance Secretary,  Surinder Singh Sangha Inter-Community Director, Raibarinder Singh Ghotra Sports Directors, and Pardeep Singh Deol Youth Director.
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RANGLA PUNJAB 2018:
OPEN HOUSE: Participants registration table was setup on Sunday, January 21, 2018, 11:00 am-2:00pm at Palatine Gurudwara, 1280 Winnetka St., Palatine, IL. 60067.
PARTICIPANTS: Interested participants must register their item/name by completing Rangla Punjab 2018 Participant Registration form by February 4, 2018 thru PCS website www.PCSChicago.org or call 847-359-5PCS or e-mail to info@PCSChicago.org
ITEM COORDINATORS & VOLUNTEERS: Please register your teams asap.
REHEARSALS: Weekly rehearsals every Sunday, January 28th thru March 25th at Palatine Park District, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Mandatory Final rehearsal (to be accepted for stage performance), on Sunday March 25, 2018.
SHOWTIME: Rangla Punjab 2018 is on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, IL. All participants must report at 5 PM.
SPONSORS: Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact PCS officials.
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P.C.S. CHICAGO HOSTED NEW YEAR’S EVE LANGAR

Palatine: Celebrating 24 years of community service, Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago hosted its annual New Year’s eve langar (community kitchen vegetarian meal) to serve all visiting the Palatine Gurdwara Sahib on December 31, 2017 in gratitude for the past year 2017 and to welcome the new year 2018 among family and friends. This is also to thank our community, supporters and sponsors of our year round programs like Rangla Punjab, Graduation Night, Sports Festival, PCS Night, Thanksgiving Day Parade, Asian American Dinner Banquet, and many other Workshops and Seminars.
Thank you…Thank you…Thank you!!!

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P.C.S. CHICAGO PARTICIPATED IN THE 84th. McDONALD’s THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE ON STATE STREET IN CHICAGO

CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) (www.PCSChicago.org) kept up its tradition of participating in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 23, 2017, on State Street in downtown Chicago. Thousands of spectators who lined up along the parade route watched and cheered the PCS float. The theme was a Punjabi wedding with colorfully dressed up bride, groom and the baraatis, live Punjabi dhols, bhangra dancers and amplified Punjabi music from the float.

The parade was televised live on WGN Channel 9 and WGN America, it was also streamed live on the internet for worldwide viewing where millions watched.

PCS has been participating in this parade since 2005. It gives our Indian community great exposure in the mainstream, and it shows our commitment to celebrate the American festivals, in solidarity with the American people.

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SAVE THE DATE: PCS Calendar of Events
PCS Chicago supports the hosts Korean Americans and co-hosts the
Asian American Coalition of Chicago
35th. Annual Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, IL 60018
PCS Chicago hosts
RANGLA PUNJAB 2018
Saturday, March 31, 2018, 7pm
Meadows Club Banquets
Participants, Coordinators & Volunteers are invited.
Weekly rehearsals to start every Sunday, January 28th thru March 25th. at Palatine Park District.
PCS Chicago annual Youth Graduation Night
Sunday, June 10, 2018, 5pm-8pm
PCS Sports Festival: TBD
PCS Night 2018: TBD
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday November 22, 2018
New Year’s Eve Langar
Monday December 31, 2018
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The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago is a not-for-profit, all volunteer community service organization devoted to promoting healthy life style and sports, education, good citizenship, Punjabi culture, language, and performing arts, in the metropolitan Chicago area and beyond.
For further information please contact:
PUNJABI CULTURAL SOCIETY of CHICAGO
P.O. Box 1244 , Palatine , IL 60078
Ph: 847-359-5PCS or (847) 359-5727

Service BC and BC Transplant invite British Columbians to #LiveLifePassItOn

SINCE 2015, 60,000 British Columbians have registered to give the gift of life, thanks to a valuable partnership between Service BC and BC Transplant.

“Organ donations save lives. Our staff at Service BC play a vital role in helping people learn more about registering to be an organ donor,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services, on Monday. “These dedicated workers not only provide thoughtful guidance and the knowledge that people need to make this important decision, but also information on how to talk to their family members about their choice.”

Sims was in Nanaimo, along with representatives from Service BC, BC Transplant, and organ donor recipients and their families, to highlight the partnership between BC Transplant and Service BC. This collaboration has resulted in 18,797 registrants at Service BC offices between April and December of 2017 alone — an increase of 4% from the previous year.

“While registering as an organ donor only takes a few minutes, this partnership between Service BC and BC Transplant has helped many make a decision they can truly feel good about,” said Leonard Krog, MLA for Nanaimo. “Service BC staff are knowledgeable, helpful and really take the time to help our residents with the decision to register.”

For Julia Ainsley, a customer service representative at the Duncan Service BC location, the work to register British Columbians as organ donors is a life-saving effort with a personal connection.

“My son’s grandfather was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, but a successful transplant, eight months after his diagnosis, saved his life,” Ainsley said. “Registering as an organ donor has the power to give people a second chance at life. This important work impacts real people.”

“Registering your decision for organ donation could be such a gift to your family,” says Leanne Appleton, provincial executive director, BC Transplant. “We often hear from donor families that in a time of such tragedy and loss, it’s often a comfort to know that their loved one wanted to be an organ donor and registered their wishes.”

Deborah Graves, a Nanaimo resident, received a liver transplant in 2011 that saved her life. “I am alive today because of the generosity and kindness of an organ donor and their family,” said Graves. “Because of this, I want to encourage all of my fellow British Columbians to register their decision and let their family know their wishes — it could mean the gift of life for someone like me.”

BC Transplant estimates that there are nearly 640 people in British Columbia waiting for a life-saving transplant.

 

Quick Facts:

  • At the end of 2017, there were more than 1.2 million donors registered in the BC Organ Donor Registry.
  • 479 transplants were performed in 2017 in British Columbia.
  • Up to eight organs can be donated from a single deceased donor.
  • Share the hashtag #LifeLifePassItOn on social media to help raise awareness about registering as an organ donor.

Additional measures being developed to protect B.C.’s environment from spills

George Heyman

THE provincial government on Tuesday announced that it is proposing a second phase of regulations to improve preparedness, response and recovery from potential spills.

The first phase of the regulations, approved in October 2017, established a standard of preparedness, response and recovery necessary to protect B.C.’s environment. With some exceptions for B.C. oil and gas regulated entities, the Phase-1 regulations apply to pipelines transporting any quantity of liquid petroleum products, and rail or trucking operations transporting over 10,000 litres of liquid petroleum products.

For the second phase, the Province will be looking for feedback in five areas:

  • Response times, to ensure timely responses following a spill;
  • Geographic response plans, to ensure resources are available to support an immediate response, that take into account unique characteristics of a given sensitive area;
  • Compensation for loss of public and cultural use of land, resources or public amenities in the case of spills;
  • Maximizing application of regulations to marine spills; and
  • Restrictions on the increase of diluted bitumen (“dilbit”) transportation until the behaviour of spilled bitumen can be better understood and there is certainty regarding the ability to adequately mitigate spills.

“The people of B.C. need to know that there is effective spill management across the province and, in particular, for our most environmentally sensitive areas, including coastlines,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “We believe spills should not happen. But if hazardous pollutants have potential to spill, our government will ensure that spillers must be prepared and able to fully mitigate the environmental damage before they proceed.”

An independent scientific advisory panel will be established to make recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy on if and how heavy oils can be safely transported and cleaned up, if spilled.

“The potential for a diluted bitumen spill already poses significant risk to our inland and coastal environment and the thousands of existing tourism and marine harvesting jobs,” Heyman said. “British Columbians rightfully expect their government to defend B.C.’s coastline and our inland waterways, and the economic and environmental interests that are so important to the people in our province, and we are working hard to do just that.”

The process to receive feedback on the proposed regulations will feature engagement with First Nations, to begin as soon as possible. To ensure the views of the broad range of stakeholders are heard, government will meet with industry, local governments and environmental groups over the coming weeks and months.

As well, the general public will be able to provide input online through written comments, once an intentions paper is released. The intentions paper will provide an overview of the proposed regulations, and is expected to be posted before the end of February 2018.