We remember Cst Paul Sanghera who was killed in the line of duty on January 8, 1982. Cst Sanghera, you and your sacrifice will not be forgotten. #VPD#LODD#EOW#Heropic.twitter.com/cK6BAzJOiq
ON January 8, 1982, Constable Paul Sanghera and his partner were working together on patrol in the area of East Vancouver known as District Three. It had snowed that night and a blanket of snow covered the roads, making them slippery and treacherous to drive.
At 1 a.m. they stopped to investigate an abandoned car at the side of the road at East 57th and Argyle Street. They both got out of their marked police car to examine the abandoned vehicle and to look for the registration papers in the glove box. They stood beside the abandoned vehicle and decided that the other constable would return to their police vehicle and call for a tow truck. As the other constable radioed in requesting a tow truck Sanghera remained beside the abandoned vehicle. Without any warning, a pickup truck suddenly came around the corner and also lost control on the icy street. The truck struck the abandoned vehicle and Sanghera. He died at the scene.
The driver was found not at fault, there were no charges and the accident was blamed on the weather conditions.
Sanghera grew up in Richmond and went to Richmond High School. He was remembered as a tenacious and keen athlete who enjoyed soccer and played on the Vancouver Police soccer team.
His death is commemorated every year at the Paul Sanghera Soccer Tournament in April.
ARDAMAN Jaswal was among the 15 new Vancouver Police Department recruits that were sworn in on Friday.
Ardaman was born in Ludhiana, Punjab, India. She was raised in South Vancouver and graduated from John Oliver Secondary. During high school, Ardaman participated in soccer, basketball, and field hockey.
Ardaman furthered her education at Langara College and obtained her diploma in kinesiology, while continuing to develop her skills and relevant work experience as a loss prevention officer. She volunteered with the South Vancouver Community Policing Centre, the Khalsa Diwan Society, and the Vancouver Police Citizens’ Crime Watch.
She went on to complete her bachelor of kinesiology at UBC. She is fluent in Punjabi.
ANOTHER new officer, Neville Italia, is fluent in the Indian language of Gujarati.
Neville was born in Hong Kong and moved to Burnaby, BC, with his family when he was 10 years old. He graduated from St. Thomas More Collegiate in 2001, and enrolled at Simon Fraser University, where studying criminology became his passion.
Prior to completing his bachelor of arts in 2007, Neville obtained a practicum placement with the VPD in the Planning and Research Unit. He continued his career working as a Fleet Attendant, Jail Guard and Fingerprint Technician, until he became a Supervisor in the Public Service Unit.
The other new officers:
MARY KATHERINE BATTLE
Mary Katherine was born in Vancouver and raised in Richmond. In 2009, she graduated from Little Flower Academy. She attended Langara College and received a Diploma in Human Kinetics, before transferring to UBC to complete her bachelor of kinesiology degree in 2015. Mary Katherine’s love of soccer inspired her to become an accomplished soccer official, and she has refereed both nationally and internationall. Mary Katherine has worked in the fitness industry, in customer service, and as a coach. Her desire to pursue policing came when she worked as a student border service officer with the Canada Border Services Agency. In 2015, Mary Katherine was hired as a Jail Guard with the VPD. She continues to dedicate countless hours volunteering as both a soccer coach and mentoring referees in the game of soccer.
CHRIS BIRKETT
Chris was born in Burnaby and raised in East Vancouver. His interest in policing started when he participated in the VPD Student Challenge and the RCMP’s Encounters with Canada. He graduated from Templeton Secondary and later studied criminology at Langara College. Chris gained valuable police-related experience working as a loss prevention officer and as a VPD Tactical Training Centre role player. In 2012, he completed his training for the BC Sheriff Service. Chris received his Associates Certificate in Training and Facilitation from the JIBC, and is currently an instructor for Sheriff Recruit Training and Firearms. He volunteers with the Big Brothers Program, VPD Citizens’ Crime Watch, Wishes without Borders Charity Toy Drive, and he is a member of the BC Sheriff Ceremonial Unit.
ALEXANDRA BLAND
Alex was born and raised in Vancouver. In 2010, she graduated from Little Flower Academy and earned an academic scholarship to the University of Guelph. She later transferred to the University of British Columbia, studying natural resources conservation in forestry, and obtained her bachelor of science degree in 2015. Alex is an accomplished varsity field hockey player, and he has won provincial and national championships. While going to university, she worked for the Canadian Coast Guard’s Inshore Rescue Boat Program as a member of a search and rescue team, and she recently worked as a Special Municipal Constable with the VPD.
MIKE HAMZE
Mike was born in Burnaby, and raised in Pitt Meadows, BC. He developed a passion for sports and played competitive basketball, soccer, and rugby. By the time he graduated from Pitt Meadows Secondary in 2005, he also completed the New Westminster Police Junior Police Academy, and was voted class valedictorian. Mike pursued his interest in policing by working full-time as a loss prevention officer, while continuing to take criminology courses at Douglas College. In 2011, Mike was hired as a correctional officer at Burnaby Youth Custody, and received his training at the Justice Institute of BC. He graduated from Douglas College in 2013 with a criminology diploma, while working full-time as the Programs Officer at Burnaby Youth Custody.
NATHAN JOHRE
Nathan was born in New Westminster and raised in Rossland, British Columbia. He graduated from Rossland Secondary School in 2008. Nathan received a Diploma in Criminology from Douglas College, and then transferred to Simon Fraser University to complete his bachelor of arts degree in criminology. Post-university, Nathan travelled for a full year, exploring many countries all over the world. He was an active volunteer firefighter with the Rossland Volunteer Fire Department. He has been working as a youth care counsellor with Spectrum Learning Centre, and bartending in the restaurant industry.
FREDDY LAU
Freddy was born in Edmonton, and raised in Hong Kong and Port Coquitlam. His interest in policing began when he attended the RCMP Youth Academy. He graduated from Terry Fox Secondary and obtained a criminology diploma at Douglas College. Freddy has valuable police-related experience as a loss prevention officer, a military police reservist, and a Fleet Services Attendant. Freddy is proficient in Cantonese and excited to start his new career as a Vancouver Police constable.
MICHEL “MIKE” LEBEL
Mike was born in Lakefield, Quebec, and moved to BC when he was eight years old. Throughout school, Mike was a standout football player with a passion for the game. In 2007, he graduated from Pinetree Secondary, where he won the Athletic Honour Roll Award four years running. Following high school, Mike attended Vanier College in Montreal, where in his first season his team won the CEGEP Championship. Mike was recruited to play football for the University of Manitoba while he pursued his studies. In 2010, Mike moved back to BC where he worked at a local recycling company, securing positions as Senior Truck Operator and Accounts Manager. Mike has been a volunteer football coach for many years and spent two years as a volunteer firefighter. He is fluent in French.
NICHOLAS LEE
Nicholas was born in Hong Kong and raised in Burnaby. As a youth, he excelled in soccer and was voted by his team as most valuable player and most sportsmanlike. Nicholas graduated from Burnaby South Secondary, and obtained diplomas in Financial Planning with Distinction from BCIT and Hospitality Management from VCC. Nicholas has volunteered with the Kerrisdale-Oakridge-Marpole and Collingwood CPCs. In 2016, he was hired as a Special Municipal Constable with the VPD. Nicholas speaks Cantonese.
SARAH POPIL
Sarah was born in Saskatoon and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan as a member of the Lake Cree Nation Band. She graduated from Lethbridge College and has a Diploma in Criminal Justice and Policing in 2008. Sarah moved to Vancouver in 2012 and worked as a loss prevention officer. In 2016, she was hired as a VPD Special Municipal Constable in 2016, and has worked in the Jail, in Community Safety, and in Traffic Authority. She has volunteered at Coast Mental Health – Watson House, as an activity coordinator, working with residents living with mild to moderate mental illness.
ORANDY SCARLETT
Orandy was born in May Pen, Jamaica, and raised in Clarendon. He developed a passion for soccer at a young age and excelled at the sport. In 2009, Orandy immigrated to Vancouver with his parents and siblings. He embarked on a two-year church mission in Alberta before returning to Vancouver. Orandy has worked in the maintenance, manufacturing, global logistics, and retail industries. He graduated with honours in the Law Enforcement Studies Diploma Program through the JIBC. Orandy has been volunteering as a role player at the police academy, and as a Citizen’s Community Safety Specialist with the Surrey Crime Prevention Society. He is fluent in Jamaican Patois.
COLETTE STUKEL
Colette was born in New Westminster and raised in Surrey. She graduated from Johnston Heights Secondary School with honours and enrolled in the Criminology Program at SFU. In 2016, Colette graduated with a Certificate in Police Studies and a bachelor of arts degree with a major in criminology. Since 2010, she has been employed in the restaurant industry and is an active volunteer with both the South Vancouver and Ross Street Community Policing Centres. Colette is fluent in Slovenian.
EDDIE TRAN
Eddie was born and raised in Burnaby. He graduated from Burnaby South Secondary and obtained his degree in criminology and a Certificate in Police Studies from Simon Fraser University. Eddie worked in the loss prevention field and received two consecutive Chief Constable’s Commendation letters for his work. He recently worked with the VPD’s Traffic Authority, and volunteered with the VPD’s Collingwood Community Policing Centre and Citizens’ Crime Watch. Eddie speaks Cambodian.
ROBYN VENEMA
Robyn was born in Richmond. She graduated from Earl Marriott Secondary and began her studies at Acadia University in Nova Scotia. Robyn began with a double major in environmental science and geology, but soon transferred to psychology and Spanish. In her fourth year of university, Robyn travelled to Spain and became a co-op/working student, studying Spanish and working at an elementary school teaching English. After university, Robyn was part of a team of students that made a humanitarian trip to the Middle East. On her return to Canada, she travelled to Quebec and studied French in a language immersion program for five weeks. Robyn is fluent in both French and Spanish.
PEOPLE who are homeless, including those camping along 135A Street in Surrey, will soon have access to safe and supportive housing.
The British Columbia government and the City of Surrey have announced plans for three temporary modular-housing projects.
“It is critical that we move quickly to provide housing and support services for people who have been living on the streets and in unsafe conditions for far too long,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our new modular program is a swift and effective housing solution that will help people struggling with homelessness.”
Scheduled to be fully operational in early spring, the approximately 160 supportive housing units will include individual rooms with private bathrooms, meal service, counselling and medical offices, 24/7 staffing and life and employment skills programming.
These units will provide an emergency solution to meet the urgent need of people experiencing homelessness. This housing will be replaced by 250 units of permanent affordable housing, once additional sites have been identified and the additional modular homes with support services have been built.
“Today’s announcement addresses all aspects of our comprehensive Rapid Response Housing Plan for Surrey,” said Linda Hepner, Mayor of Surrey. “The approximately 160 transitional units coming online will provide important housing solutions and begin to address the urgent need for housing and supports for street-entrenched homeless people.”
The Province is allocating approximately $13 million in capital funding and more than $1 million in operating funding for the short-term housing that will be located at three sites, including 10662 King George Boulevard and 13550-105th Avenue. The third site will be confirmed at a later date.
The temporary housing will be repurposed modular housing, which will allow BC Housing to expedite the delivery and installation of the units.
The city, in partnership with BC Housing, will hold a public information session on Tuesday, January 23 to answer questions and address any concerns.
The new homes will be operated by Lookout Housing and Health Society.
“We are excited to operate this new transitional accommodation and provide support to some of the most vulnerable individuals in Surrey,” said Shayne Williams, Executive Director, Lookout Housing and Health Society. “This minimal-barrier accommodation has been so badly needed to help individuals stabilize and get connected to services they need. We thank the Province, the City of Surrey and Fraser Health for their leadership in making this new transitional accommodation possible.”
To assist people with severe substance disorders who are homeless in the community, Fraser Health, in partnership with Lookout Housing and Health Society and BC Housing, will operate an intensive case management (ICM) team out of one of the modular-housing sites.
Following a ‘Housing First’ philosophy that supports people who are homeless to obtain and maintain housing, the ICM team will assist people who may be facing significant challenges with health, substance use, mental health, poverty, education and housing by connecting them to support services and treatment.
“Our aim is to support people struggling with severe substance-related disorders to integrate back into the community,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health Vice President for Population health. “We’ve seen improvements in ICM patients’ quality of life and overall health status by connecting them with housing, harm-reduction services and health-care practitioners for ongoing treatment and support.
“Connecting to the broader social and community supports is integral to the success of these teams. Managing day-to-day activities, such as banking and grocery shopping, is often taken for granted, but they are important steps in successfully regaining their independence in the community.”
Using a team-based approach with clinicians, nurses and community-support workers, the ICM team will provide comprehensive assessments for people, and help them access treatment and rehabilitation services.
AN 86-year-old Vancouver man has died as the result of an assault on December 20 that happened just outside of the Costco in downtown Vancouver.
The victim sustained a head injury during an altercation he had with a 57-year-old man just after 11 a.m. on Expo Boulevard. The victim never recovered from his injuries.
“This is an isolated and tragic incident and there is no concern for public safety,” said Vancouver Police Sgt. Jason Robillard.
The suspect has been identified but has not been charged with a criminal offence. Police are continuing with the investigation and a report to Crown Counsel will be submitted when it is concluded.
Anyone who witnessed the assault, and who has not yet spoken with police, are asked to contact investigators at 604-717-2541.
Fifty-one per cent are optimistic when they look at how the government is functioning
Photo: Angus Reid Institute
A politically risky call that might have threatened the future of the NDP government in B.C. is being met with the approval of just over half of British Columbians, according to a survey by the Angus Reid Institute.
Fifty-two per cent say the Horgan government’s decision to continue construction of the Site C hydroelectric dam was the “right decision” – twice as many as say it was the wrong one (26%).
But while the decision on Site C may provide an added spring to the step of this nascent government, it will need to shore up what appears to be softening support for a key campaign promise to introduce proportional representation in B.C.
While a majority of 57 per cent in this province still say this type of electoral system is preferable to the current first-past-the-post structure, the latest public opinion data on BC issues from the Angus Reid Institute notes a drop in support since September, when 65 per cent said the same.
More Key Findings:
* Four-in-five past BC Liberal supporters (78%) say the government made the right choice with respect to Site C. Much lower support – though still a plurality – is found among past NDP (44%) and Green (42%) voters.
* While there has been a slight uptick in support for the current first-past-the-post voting system among BC NDP and BC Green Party voters, each still voice strong majority support for proportional representation. The largest change in opinion on this issue is among past BC Liberal voters. In September half (52%) preferred PR – that number has dropped to 36 per cent.
* B.C. residents are evenly split regarding their disposition toward the government to this point. Fifty-one per cent are optimistic when they look at how the government is functioning, while 49 per cent are pessimistic. This is a notable increase in optimism since June, up eight points.
THE British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 103,763 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) across the province in 2017, a decline of 7.5 per cent from a record 112,211 unit sales in 2016.
The average MLS residential price in BC was $709,579 in 2017, up 2.7 per cent from the previous year. Total sales dollar volume was $73.63 billion, down 5.1 per cent from 2016.
“Robust housing demand in 2017 was underpinned by a strong economy, employment growth and rising wages,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Above trend migration, both international and interprovincial, also bolstered housing demand, while broader demographic fundamentals added fuel to condominium sales in urban centres and to all home types in retirement-oriented communities.”
The BC housing market ended the year with a strong December. Home sales increased 4 per cent from November, on a seasonally adjusted basis. However, the year-end results were likely pushed higher by some homebuyers advancing their purchases to avoid tougher mortgage qualification rules in the new year.
In December, a total of 5,738 residential unit sales were recorded by the MLS across the province, an increase of 21.5 per cent from the same period last year. Total sales dollar volume was $4.2 billion, up 36.3 per cent from December 2016. The average MLS residential price in the province was $734,108, up 12.1 per cent from the same month last year.
THE BC Centre for Palliative Care is partnering with the Surrey Hospice Society to promote conversations about advance care planning to Surrey’s South Asian population. The Surrey Hospice Society has received a grant to encourage discussions on such a difficult topic. The City of Surrey in 2011 suggests 37.6% of Surrey’s immigrant population was born in India. It is a growing community with diverse needs. Community advocate and leader Jas Cheema will be facilitating the discussions on advance care planning with cultural adaptations to permit open and honest discussions.
Cheema said: “I am pleased to be leading this work within the community, just as we plan for everything else in life; from the birth of a child, their education, our careers to many other milestones, the time has come to have conversations about our values, beliefs and the type of care we would like to receive if we are not able to speak for ourselves. Patients can rest assured that their wishes will be honored if there comes a time that they are not able to advocate for themselves.”
Jas Cheema Photo by Chandra Bodalia
The first workshop to launch the conversations is set for Saturday, January 27 as part of a free community forum for all Surrey residents. The Community Forum 2018: Beginning of a Conversation will take place at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. To register or for further information contact 604-584-7006 or visit www.surreyhospice.com.
Surrey Hospice Society provides dignity and compassionate support for those living with a terminal illness. With both hospice and community programs, they provide life-affirming care for patients and their families. As the end of life approaches,their services are here to provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support. Their specialized counsellors offer ongoing grief and bereavement programs for children, youth and adults. Regardless of their cultural or economic background they are here to support and comfort people facing an end of life experience. All hospice services are free of charge and an integral part of the City of Surrey.
Amarjit Kaur Biln, a long time resident of Richmond, passed away on January 8 at Vancouver General Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Born in 1937 in Jalandhar, India, Amarjit married Latief Biln in 1953 and immigrated to Canada in 1965 with their then two young daughters in tow. They went on to have three more children; two daughters and a son.
Amarjit worked very hard to ensure her family thrived and that they had the most important things in life: love and a sense of security.
Amarjit loved to socialize with her many friends and enjoyed cooking, knitting, and mastering any domestic art she came across. She was always active and enjoyed taking long walks. She was completely devoted to the Gurdwara and reading Gurbhani every chance that she had. She had an unforgettable smile and a radiance that could light up any room she was in. She also had a razor sharp mind and a keen wit, with the kind of inner strength we can only aspire to achieve.
Amarjit is survived by her loving husband Latief; daughters Hermesh Atwal (Monnie), Parm Johal (Terry), Kam Alam, and Tina Gautama (Bob); son David Manjeet Biln (Raman); and her 10 grandchildren.
We love you – you will always be in our hearts and minds.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 15 at 10 a.m. at the Riverside Funeral Home and Crematorium (7410 Hopcott Road, Delta) followed by a religious service (bhog) ceremony at the India Cultural Centre of Canada (8600 No. 5 Road, Richmond).
Premier John Horgan with his brother Pat. Photo: Pat Horgan’s Facebook
PREMIER John Horgan’s office issued the following statement on Thursday following the death of the Premier’s brother:
“It’s with great sadness that we announce that Pat Horgan, Premier John Horgan’s brother, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018.
“Pat passed away from cancer at the age of 71. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.”
A service will be held in Pat Horgan’s home community of Port McNeill on February 10. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Agency in support of lung cancer research. Messages to the family can be sent to: shirpath04@gmail.com
ABBOTSFORD Police announced on Thursday that their General Investigation Section have arrested a 16-year-old youth in relation to an attempted robbery at knife-point that occurred in the neighbourhood of Auguston at approximately 7 p.m. on January 4.
A 17-year-old girl was walking near the corner of Blauson Boulevard and Auguston Parkway when a person emerged from the bushes, threatened her with a knife and demanded money. A man, who was walking his dog nearby, noticed what was happening and interrupted the robbery. The suspect fled on foot. The victim was not seriously injured.
Police said the investigation has shown that this was not a random attack as the suspect and victim were known to each other. Police thanked the public and media for their assistance with this investigation.
