SmartCentres applies for rezoning. p3B.C. ViewsNDP as a Monty Python sketch. p6CaroleJamesisgoneandthe NDP, just like the Liberals, is try-ing to nd someone else to guide it through the next election.Itwasntamomenttoosoon forCraigSpeirs,presidentofthe MapleRidge-PittMeadowsNDP Constituency Association.Wewerehopingitwouldhap-pen.Youjustcantcarryonthe way we were.ForSpeirs,Therealstrawfor mewasherinabilitytogetfo-cused on the [HST] issue right off the bat, said Speirs, also a Maple Ridge councillor.We waited and waited and wait-edforhertogivethepartysome direction on the HST.Instead,formerSocredpremier Bill Vander Zalm became the anti-HST spokesman. I dont think thats right, Speirs said.Jamesspublicapprovalrating wasalsoweak,withsupportfor the party twice that for the leader, he pointed out.Shewasntinspiringatalland shetooktoolongtomakedeci-sions.Speirs said his constituency was among those that called for a lead-ership convention at a recent NDP meeting.He stands behind that decision. Whenyouseeyourleaderina less than stellar way with the me-dia, it becomes more and more dif-cult to support your leader.F o r c i n g Jamestore-signhadtobe done, he added, otherwisethe partywould havegoneinto anelectiondi-vided,Speirs explained.Now,with aconvention takingplace latewinteror in spring, the party can rally be-hind the new boss, whoever that might be.Ithinkwereinabetterplace now. We can start rebuilding now. Wehaveanopportunitytounite behind a new leader.Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA MichaelSatherwasoneofthe 13MLAswhoblatantlyopposed Jamess leadership and supported VancouverMLAJennyKwans blisteringattackonJameslast week,callingfortheleadertore-sign.Sather refused to comment after James announced her decision.Local constituency assoc. backed getting rid of JamesTHE NEWSNows the time for NDP to rebuildColleen Flanagan/THE NEWSStirring performanceA member of the Maple Ridge Concert Band performs during the Santa parade in downtown Maple Ridge on Saturday. For more photos, see p10-11.E-One Molilisted by WikiLeaksAMapleRidgecompanyhasbeen namedinaleakedU.S.diplomatic documentthatlistssitesinforeign countries that Washington considers vital to national security.Thelistofcriticalinfrastructure andkeyresourceswascompiled aspartofaDepartmentofHome-landSecurityorderforaninventory ofsiteslocatedoutsideU.S.borders whoselosscouldcriticallyimpact the United States if targeted by ter-rorists.E-OneMoliEnergy,ahigh-tech company based in an industrial park off Stewart Crescent in Maple Ridge, isnamedascriticaltoproduction ofvariousmilitaryapplicationelec-tronics, General Dynamics Land Sys-tems.See Wiki, p13See MLA, p13Opinion 6Tom Fletcher 6Money Talk 22Looking Back 23Arts&life 25Community Calendar 30Sports 33IndexWednesday, December 8, 2010 Serving Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows est. 1978 604-467-1122 50 www.mapleridgenews.comArts&lifeBeauty and the Beast panto at The ACT.p25SpeirsResearch and development only at Maple Ridge facilitybyMoni s haMar t i nsstaffrepor terbyPhi l Mel nyc hukstaffrepor terTOYOTAWEST COASTFORDLINCOLNWEST COAST WEST COAST WEST COASTTOLL FREE1-866-772-1929TOLL FREE1-866-208-8820located at the north end of the new golden ears bridgewestcoastautogroup.com TOLL FREE1-866-910-1579TOLL FREE1-866-334-211919950 Lougheed Hwy., Pitt Meadows20000 Lougheed,Pitt Meadows20370 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge 19625 Lougheed Hwy., Maple RidgeSee page 20 & 212 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comPitt Meadows Beer & Wine Store19267 Lougheed Highway, Pitt Meadows (next to the Ramada Inn)*All sales while supplies lastStock up nowfor the HolidaysKokanee 24 Cans$3999+ depositBELOW Government Price!ENTER TO WIN A42 LG LCD TV!Corona12 Bottles$2149+ deposit$200SAVECoors Light orCanadian$2669+ deposit18 cans forTHE PRICE OF 15!Stella Artois12 Bottles$2499+ depositJackson TriggsVQA Wines$1170+ deposit*BONUS CHALICEPainted TurtleWines$1550$850+ deposit+ deposit750 ML1.5 LBELOW Government Price!STARTING ATWoodbridge Wines$1099+ depositBELOWGovernment Price!STARTING ATFREE BAG OF ICEWITH EVERY PURCHASE OVER $20ENTER TO WIN AN APPLE IPOD TOUCHwith the purchase of any Naked Grape, Sawmill Creek,or Jackson Triggs unity wine.www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 3Mall developer SmartCentres has led an application to rezone a large tract of land in Pitt Meadows north Lougheed commercial strip.Theapplicationtorezoneninehectares (24acres)ofagriculturallandtocompre-hensive development (CD-1) is the rst step towardsseeingpropertiesalongLougheed Highway transformed.We would like to build a shopping centre, inconformitywiththeOCPdesignation, said Sandra Kaiser, vice-president of corpo-rate affairs for SmartCentres.Intermsoftimelines,wewillproceed with construction, assuming we receive the appropriate municipal approvals, as soon as there is adequate tenant interest.The rezoning application follows the Agri-cultural Land Commissions approval in Sep-tember of a road through farmland that will connect Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.ThecompanyneedstheNorthLougheed Connector built so shoppers can access the proposed mall as the Ministry of Highways has refused to add an access point to it from Lougheed Highway.Thecityhascommissionedastudytoin-vestigatecommercialdevelopmentoppor-tunities on land located off the highway, in the northern part of the municipality. Thestudy,tobecompletedin2011,will considerlandallthewayuptotheyet-to-bebuiltNorthLougheedConnector,much of it agricultural.Ideas for development on thelandincludeacasinoandconference centre.CitydirectorofoperationsKimGroutsaid staffjustreceivedtherezoningapplication fromSmartCentresandwillreviewitwith the applicant before it goes to council.It will go out into the public arena once its ready.ButGroutthinkstheapplicationwillbe caughtupintheland-usestudycommis-sioned by the city.Makinganapplicationbynomeansne-gatesthefactthatthestudyisgoingon, Grout added.Wewillhavetolookatitinrelationto that.SmartCentres envisions shopping centre on stripWestbound motorists will have an easier timemovingfromDewdneyTrunkRoad ontoLougheedHighway,thankstothe extensionoftheRapidBuslanesthatare being built along the latter.GordRuffo,projectmanagerwiththe MinistryofTransportationandInfra-structure,saidthatwillbeaddedintothe $20-millionprojectthatwillbedoneby March 2011.The2.2-kilometreRapidBus/HOVlane, whichispartoftheGatewayProgram, willaddathirdwestboundlaneforbuses and high-occupancy vehicles on Lougheed HighwayfromGoldenEarsBridgetoPitt River Bridge. By extending that lane to Dewdney Trunk Road,westboundvehiclescanturnmore easily from Dewdney and merge more eas-ilyintothewestboundgeneral-purpose lanes.Theprojectalsoincludestwoqueue-jumperlanestoallowbusestomove quicklythroughtheKennedyRoadinter-section just before the Pitt River Bridge.Bus lanes, though, may be only half of the puzzle in improving Lougheed Highway.Building a Harris Road overpass and the NorthLougheedConnector,proposedto cut across farmland from just west of Har-risRoadto128Avenue/GoldenEarsWay in Maple Ridge, could be the other half.GatewayProgramexecutive-director GeoffFreertoldMapleRidgecouncilthat conceptsarebeinglookedatforaHarris Roadinterchange,althoughtheresno fundingforthat.Andpartofthatproject willinvolvetheNorthLougheedConnec-tor, a controversial project opposed by the Pitt Polder Preservation Society.ItslookingliketheNorthLougheed Connectorwillbecriticaltosolutionsto the Harris Road interchange, Freer said.But theres no schedule for any of the two projects, he reiterated.Thesetwothingsreallyhavetogoto-gether.NorthLougheedisoneofthekey questions right now.PittMeadowsMayorDonMacLeansaid theconnectorisimportantfortheregion andaddedithasnothingtodowithWal-mart, which he said is not even locating in Pitt Meadows.NowthattheGoldenEarsBridgeis open,itsveryobvioustrafcisbacking up to 203rd Street and its only going to get worse.But neither the connector nor the Harris Road overpass are in Pitt Meadows capital works plans.TheAgriculturalLandCommissionat-tachedalongstringofconditionstothe proposed North Lougheed Connector when it approved the road alignment in July. The decision requires the city to get cov-enants assigned to the land titles for each of the properties adjacent to the proposed connector road. Those covenants would re-quire the properties to remain farmland.Freer also reviewed the other key points of the Gateway Program, which include the new Pitt River Bridge, the new Port Mann Bridge,theSouthPerimeterRoadjoin-ingtheGoldenEarsBridgetoDelta,and theNorthFraserPerimeterRoadjoining QueensboroughBridgeinNewWestmin-ster to the Golden Ears Bridge. FreersaidtheSouthFraserPerimeter Road will get commuters from the Golden EarsBridgetotheB.C.Ferryterminalin half an hour.Coun. Craig Speirs pointed out that both thenewPortMannBridgeandthePitt River Bridge can accommodate a light rail transit line.Unfortunately,theGoldenEarsBridge isprobablynotengineeredthatway.But thatcanbeservedbyRapidBuslines,he added. He also said that light rail service should be planned for the Fraser Valley.FreersaidthatwhileSkyTrainismore expensivetobuildinitially,ithasgreater capacity.FaresreceivedontheExpoline almost pay for the cost of its operation.MapleRidgeMayorErnieDaykinsaid thatrunningRapidBuslinesonthePort MannBridgewillallowbusestogofrom Surrey to the Evergreen Line, construction of which is yet to start, in Coquitlam.The new Port Mann Bridge opens in 2012 withjusteightofthe10lanesoperating. Thenextyear,all10lanesopenup,fol-lowed by the deconstruction of the existing Port Mann Bridge the year after.All of the steel will be recycled as happened with the Lions Gate Bridge.Whiletheimprovementsgoon,Maple Ridge Coun. Linda King cautioned that cy-cling improvements have to keep pace. Freer added that bike lanes are a big part of the Gateway Program.The federal government is paying $8 mil-lionfortheLougheedHighwayimprove-mentsandtheprovincialgovernmentis putting in $12 million.Lougheed bus lane stretched to DewdneyColleen Flanagan/THE NEWSGrademan Stuart Clamp guides an excavator operator as they strip out non-structural material at the entrance to the Ramada Inn along Lougheed Highway Tuesday morning. The highway is being widened to incorporate a bus lane.Mall developers seek rezoning for North Lougheed landMinistry of Transportation says North Lougheed Connector a key part of plans for the areabyPhi l Mel nyc hukstaffrepor terbyMoni s haMar t i nsstaffrepor terColleen Flanagan/THE NEWSSmartCentres has already loaded fill on part of the nine-hectare (24 acre) site.EVENING & SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLEwww.paciceyedoctors.ca22320 Brown Ave., Maple Ridge604-463-7127Your eyes deservean optometrist Dr. Judy SchnarrDr. Jill TrotterDr. David LennoxDr. Harpinder GillDr. Satinder BainsTrennafor the month of DecemberENTER TO WINyour purchase of complete eyeglasses or sunglasses back!4 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comAMapleRidgecouple willhaveaweektoput togetheraplantoget apropertybackinpre-sentableconditionand forestall a district clean-up order.Charles Wilson and his wife Linda have been ne-gotiating with district by-laws since August about theirtwo-acreproperty at 22537 129th Ave. and how it should be cleaned up. That should get nal claricationafterstaff andthefamilymeet again this week to work out the exact tasks.The property is located in the ood plain and Ag-riculturalLandReserve andishometo40rab-bits,19llamas,chickens andturkeys,whilefour horsesandeightgoats live in abarn there. The presence of the animals, alongwiththebarn,is ne because farm use is permittedfortheprop-erty.Its the other stuff that bothersthebylawsde-partment.Monday,councilsaw severalphotosshowing tentsandtemporary structures,oldclothes, windowsandmattress-es lying around the front portion of the property.CharlesWilsontold councilheagreesthe propertyisamessand that more work needs to be done. All of what we have done is try to make the property more pleas-ing from the street.Headdedthathe spread the tarps out, but that was just to clean and drythem,butwiththe weathergettingworse thats hard to do.Linda Wilson said most of the tents are used for storing hay and that she was trying to nd an an-swer about what bylaws wanted cleaned up. Becausetheirdaugh-terisstillin4-Hmeans the family is also taking care of a number of fos-ter rabbits.We do want to get the placecleanedup.We realizeitwasgettingri-diculous,CharlesWil-son said.Underthedistrictby-laws,tentsarenotal-lowedontheproperty, but metal sheds of fewer than10sq.metresare allowediftheyresited properly.Somecouncillors, though, had tough words for the couple.Theappearanceof thepropertyissimply disgusting. I see munici-pal dumps that are tidier thanthat,saidCoun. Mike Morden, who noted theyve had four months to clean up the property.Hesaidtheowners have only a short time to dothework,otherwise thedistrictwouldhire acontractorandput thebillontheproperty taxes.Ifcouncildecidesto enforceaclean-upor-der,propertyowners haveonlysevendaysto clean up their lot before thedistricthiresacon-tractor.Personally,youre luckyyourenotmy neighbour,saidCoun. AlHogarth.Iwould have been on you a long time ago.Maple Ridge council delays cleaning messy yardColleen Flanagan/THE NEWSCharles Wilson with his daughter Heidi, a member of the Otter 4H Llama Club, outside of their home Tuesday afternoon.byPhi l Mel nyc hukstaffrepor terDeparting from Pitt Meadows Airport 604-219-0848Downtown Tours Glacier ToursLocal Flights Fly Over Your HouseSKYLINESair.com$199Includes2 Free Gueststhis Christmas giveScenic Flight Gift CertificatesLooking for that Special Gift?email chuck@skylinesair.comfor more information.HOLIDAYCOUNTDOWN18SHOPPING DAYS LEFTTUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2010 SALE ON NOW!50%OFF 40%OFF35%OFFMENS REG. PRICED* CLAIBORNESWEATERSSale prices end Sun., Dec. 12, 2010*ALL MENS REG. PRICED DOCKERS, HAGGAR& NEVADA/MDFASHIONS *ALL REG. PRICED TIMEXWATCHES50%OFF*ALL REG. 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PRICEDCHRISTMAS LIGHTS30%OFF*These savings offers exclude items with prices ending in .88 & .97, 9.99 dress shirts & ties, Alia & Tan Jay sweaters, '2 for'offers and currently advertised items. **Second item must be of equal or lesser value and must accompany any returns.Look for the ENERGY STARlogo. It shows that the product meets ENERGY STAR specifications for energy efficiency.Shop by Phone 1-800-267-3277 Shop online sears.caCoquitlam Centrewww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 5RidgeMeadows RCMPwanttoalert residentstoaninter-netscamthatbilked aMapleRidgemanof $1,000.Cpl.AlannaDunlop saidthemanrespond-edtoanadonCraigs Listseekingmystery shoppersforacom-pany,whichisbased in England. Themanreceiveda chequeinthemailfor $1,500andwastoldto sendachequebackto thecompanyfor$1300 as part of the deal.Afterthemanhad mailed the cheque, his bankcalledtonotify himthattheonesent bythemysteryshop-percompanywasa fake.This is really a buy-erbewaretypeofin-cident,saidDunlop. Alwaysremember thatifadeallooksor soundstoogoodtobe true, it probably is.Police warn of Internet scam www.westgate-wel l ness.comSpinal Decompression is not for everyone.Call today for a FREE consultation.To see if you qualify, call the Westgate Wellness Centre at 604-465-4263Call to join us 604-465-4263#200 - 20395 Lougheed Hwy.,Maple RidgeIf you said yes to any of the above, and have tried manual therapies without success you could be a candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy. UP COMING EVENTS Posture 101 Wed., Dec. 8 7-8:30PMExercise and stretches to reduce pain, improve your posture and slow down the process of arthritisCost: $15/coupleWhat the Doctor Wont Tell YouAbout Your Symptoms Thurs., Dec. 16 7-8:30PMThe truth about Cholesterol, Diabetes,Heart Disease, Arthritis, Anxiety, Depression, Blood Pressure & moreCost: $15/coupleBack Pain? Neck Pain?Sciatica?Arm Pain? www.westgatewellness.com Spinaldecompressionbc.comwww.crystalvisionandhearing.comThe Wiens FamilyGeorgeLeonaSteveRegistered under the Hearing Aid Act of BC12/01 MR8ABBOTSFORD Hearing Centre Only Seven Oaks Shopping Centre 604-504-3277 WHITE ROCK Semiahmoo Shopping Centre Optical:604-541-3937 Hearing : 604-541-8599CHILLIWACK Southgate Shopping Centre 604-795-5367 LANGLEY Unit C101-20159 88 Avenue, Walnut Grove, Thunderbird Village 604-881-4937NORTH VANCOUVER Hearing Centre Only Lynn Valley Centre 604-983-3277YOUR DIGITAL HEARING EXPERTSRegistered under the Hearing Aid Act of BCMAPLE RIDGE 22540 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Call toll free: 1-866-795-2172WE WELCOME DVA MHR NATIVE AFFAIRS WORKSAFE B.C.FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED. LEONA WIENS AND SONS GEORGE AND STEVE. FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICESAVE $25 ON YOUR GLASSES PURCHASEWhen you help support the Salvation Army Food Bank - bring in a non-perishable food item to help feed the needy.THANK YOU!CARING ABOUT OUR COMMUNITYGiving Hope TodayCOME IN TODAY!ITS OUR 2nd ANNUAL NAUGHTY OR NICE SALECOME IN AND PURCHASE A COMPLETE PAIR OF GLASSES - LIMITED TIME OFFER!When youre done reach into our gift sack and you could save 5%*, 10%* oreven100%* off your purchase!* Not to be combined with any other offer or 2 for 1 glasses. Only at the time of purchase. See store for details.6 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comTHE NEWS/opinionVICTORIA In their classic movie Life of Brian, the British comedy troupe Monty Py-thon spoofs a crum-bling Roman Empire and its disorganized enemies.Among those foes is the Peoples Front for Judea, deter-mined to bring the empire down and free its victims. Alas, it finds itself locked in a bitter rivalry with a splinter group calling itself the Judean Peoples Front. The huddling, oppressed Judeans themselves arent much helped by their constant, pointless in-fighting.The resemblance to todays B.C. po-litical scene is striking. Emperor Gordon the Green is mark-ing his final days. Plotters in his own Senate have sheathed their knives only now that he has agreed to speed his chariot to the exit. His taxes have so enraged the peasantry, there are fears that only his Convention Coliseum and Great Road to Whistler will be left to mark his reign.And what does the opposition do, even as the torches and pitchforks of a peoples militia clear a broad path to the throne? It finds itself locked in a bitter dispute with a 13-member splinter group perhaps they should call themselves the Newer Demo-cratic Party. The rebels got their wish Monday, as Carole James resigned as leader. The question is, now what?The Bakers Dozen, a default label for these rebels, were united by one notion James must make way for a leader-ship contest against an undeclared rival, as soon as possible, because she has no compelling ideas.Ive been trying to point this out for years. Innovative ideas are what the NDP needs now, this column declared in December 2006, when the first rum-blings about James leadership were surfacing.At that point, the NDPs health-care focus was exploiting the grief of se-niors forced into separate care homes by their divergent medical needs.Two years later, the NDP would denounce B.C.s innovative carbon tax. This was not driven by any substan-tive logic, a fact that was demonstrated when they dropped their objections after the 2009 election.The common thread with the sepa-rated seniors and the carbon tax is that these were merely tactics. See some-thing unpopular and oppose it.The same empty tactics have guided the NDP through the drama over the harmonized sales tax. They still havent said clearly what they would do with it. Events have moved faster than their ability to formulate even the beginnings of an actual plan. I spent some time this weekend on the NDPs policy development website, called Our Province Our Future. Did you know that this major initiative was launched this past spring? Didnt think so.There are impressive studies about topics like the volatility of commodity markets. B.C. has started making seri-ous inroads into the Chinese lumber market, driven by aggressive govern-ment promotion programs.What has the NDP done? Opposed it, claiming all we can do is sell low-grade lumber at a loss.Whats the NDPs latest wood product idea? Our Province Our Future has a discussion paper that ends with a series of important questions, such as What can be done to generate a shift toward high value-added production?There are lots of questions, but I didnt find any answers.The Bakers Dozen split with James began with the expulsion of Cariboo North MLA Bob Simpson. His crime was to say that seven years into her leadership, James offers few ideas.Gordon Campbells problem was having too many ideas. His record for cabinet reorganizations alone should stand for all time.The NDP still looks like a front group for public-sector unions and not much else.Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com (tetcher@blackpress.ca).NDP as a Monty Python sketchAs the world turnsIngrid Rice News ViewsPublished and printed by Black Press at 22328 119th Avenue, Maple Ridge, B.C., V2X 2Z3@ Online poll: cast your vote at www.mapleridgenews.com, or e-mail your vote and comments to editor@mapleridgenews.comThis weeks question: Should the Christmas hamper society continue to accept donations from the Strip-a-thon?B.C. Views Tom FletcherA sentiment of sadness seems to surround the resignation of NDP leader Carole James.Jamesisaniceperson,thefeelingis,buttoo nice to continue leading the NDP. SotheBakersDozen13dissidentMLAs,in-cludinglocalrepresentativeMichaelSather pushed her out the door.Otherpartyleadersthensentoutmissives, thankingJamesforhertimeandwishingher well.They didnt do that for Gordon Campbell.Jamesdidsurvivesevenyearsasopposition leader,andagoodportionofitwhilebattling cancer. She took over the party leadership when no one else wanted the position.But in the end, she couldnt defeated Campbell, and too few of her NDP counterparts and vot-erspolledthoughtshecouldbringdownhis Liberal successor.Shewaslatetothedanceorstoppedatthe door on too many issues, from the carbon tax to the Port Mann Bridge. She let Bill Vander Zalm waltz in and take charge in the ght against the harmonized sales tax, rather than do so herself.James had no choice. There was no time to re-place the 13 detractors in caucus. Let them walk, and the NDP wouldnt have enough of a presence to make a push at forming the next government.LikeCampbell,hertimehadcome,whether she was ready or not.It all makes for an exciting time in B.C. politics, onethatwillhopefullyresultinrenewedvoter interest,anopportunityforbothpartiesand otherstoidentifyimportantissuesandprovide their visions for the future.That is, if they can get past the inghting, get behind one leader and get on with things.Otherwise, all weve got is a soap opera. The NewsTell us what you think @ www.mapleridgenews.comJim Coulter, publisherpublisher@mapleridgenews.comMichael Hall, editoreditor@mapleridgenews.comCarly Ferguson, advertising, creative services manageradmanager@mapleridgenews.comKathy Blore, circulation managercirculation@mapleridgenews.comEditorialReporters: Phil Melnychuk, Monisha Martins,Robert MangelsdorfPhotographer: Colleen FlanaganAdvertisingSales representatives: Karen Derosia, Glenda Dressler, Rina Varley, Michelle BaniulisAd control: Mel OnodiCreative services: Kristine Pierlot, Annette WaterBeek, Chris Hussey, Brian HoltClassifed: Vicki Milne22328 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 NEWSThe rebels got their wish Monday, as Carole James resigned as leader. The question is, now what?www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 7LetterstotheeditorshouldbeexclusivetoTheNews andaddresstopicsofinteresttoresidentsofMaple RidgeandPittMeadows.Includefullnameandaddress, aswellasdaytimephonenumberforverification.Keep lettersto500wordsorless.Lettersmaybeeditedfor length and clarity.@ E-mail letters to editor@mapleridgenews.com.Letters welcomeEDITOR, THE NEWS:Re:MapleRidgeinTop10listifbig municipalspenders(TheNews,Dec. 3).ThejumpheadlineinyourDec.3 editionreads,Eachhomecouldsave $1,011 a year.IfMapleRidgecouncilcancurbits excessspending,saystheCanadian FederationofIndependentBusiness, themunicipaltaxesonmytownhome will drop by 59 per cent.Wow.Unfortunately,the24-paragraph storythataccompaniestheheadline providesnoguidance,notawhisper, on how this miracle is to be achieved.Meanwhile,onitswebsite,theCFIB is lobbying hard to reduce the propor-tion of local taxes paid by commercial andindustrialpropertiesinB.C.In otherwords,itwantstoshiftthebur-den of local taxation to residential tax-payers. I suppose it hopes to soften the blow byarguingthatlocalcouncilscanaf-fordtogiveresidentialpropertyown-ers a huge tax break, and can then give businesses an even bigger break.It wont happen. Everybody supports carefulspending,butletsbealittle bit realistic. No matter who we elect to Maple Ridge council, there is no magic wandthatwilleliminatetheneedto payforreprotection,police,street maintenance and other services. IAN MCLEODMAPLE RIDGE Enter taxmanEDITOR, THE NEWS:Re: District taxes up ve more per cent (The News, Dec. 1).In2002,Ibegantokeeptrackofour municipal tax increases and put it all on a spreadsheet.Todate,wehavehadataxes-paidin-creaseinexcessof42percent.Thisis what happens when year after year tax increases are compounded.Theserviceswehaveareminimal,at best, as we live out in the colonies in east Maple Ridge.Wehaveasepticsystemandmunici-pal water for which we pay almost $600 per year. We do see a snow plough once or twice ayearandwedogetthechippingpro-gramtwiceayear,butthereisalways some left.Youmaynota2008studyonreck-lesscityspending.Thisstudyranked eachmunicipalityforspendinggrowth verses population growth. In that study, Maple Ridge spending grew by 53.6 per centwhileourpopulationgrewby32.9 per cent. Allthisledtooneofthehighestmill rates in the Lower Mainland.AnothernewsreportinDecember saidpublicmunicipalworkersearn35 per cent more than the same job in the privatesector.Ihaveneverseenwage increaseslikethat.IfonlyIwasamu-nicipal worker.I wrote some months ago that it costs $1.25 to deliver $1.00 worth of services to residential property.While the above items are a big part of thetaxproblem,theyarenotthemain issue. The big problem is our lack of business tax dollars. Did you know that business amounts to only eight per cent of our tax roll, but pays 27 per cent of the taxes and has no vote? Theother92percentofresidential taxpayers pay the 73 per cent of the bal-ance.What would happen to our residential taxesifbusinessgrewby10or20per-cent?Thatgrowthwouldleadtonewlocal jobs,lowertaxes,withgrowinginfra-structure.Newshoppingwouldkeepmoredol-lars in town. Prosperity may even grace our town.MapleRidgemayevenbecomeacity one day like Pitt Meadows. What burns me is Maple Ridge always blowsawayeverydecentbusinessidea that comes along. TheAlbionprojectisnowonshaky ground,withmoreplanningaheadin 2011. Whendowe,theresidents,geta break? JIM BULPITMAPLE RIDGEStop the insanityEDITOR, THE NEWS:Re:Districtspendingisoutofcontrol (Letters, Dec. 3).Graham Mowatt isthe latest in a long stringofconcernedcitizenswhohave gonepublicregardingtheproposedin-creases in our property taxes. Aswell,TransLinkwantstoincrease ourpropertytaxesinordertopayfor expansion plans, and B.C. Hydro is also asking the B.C. Utilities Commission for a 30 per cent increase.Mr. Mowatt pleads to council the plight oftheunemployed,theaged,thoseon xed incomes and the poor. We see the CanadianFederationofIndependent Business has gone on record that Maple Ridge is one of the worst spenders of all B.C.municipalities,andmosteditorials arechastisingmunicipalgovernments forfailingtokeepspendingundercon-trol.My question is: Why do we all bother topointouttothesemayorsandcoun-cillorsthattheconsensusisweareall overtaxed? They never, ever listen. Comeelectiontime,wewillheara great hue and cry from candidates that taxesneedtobebroughtinline,but once elected, they turn a deaf ear. For what its worth, I say to all you peo-plewhowouldcontinuetocometothe well get lost. You have no sense of real-ity when it comes to our ability to pay. Oneday,thepeoplewillriseupand put a stop to all this insanity. I hope I live long enough to see that.MIKE BOILEAUMAPLE RIDGEEDITOR, THE NEWS:Re: Strip-a-thon not a heroic act (Let-ters, Dec. 3).It must be Christmas, because all the holier-than-thou,born-againprudes are all coming out of the woodwork, all bentoutofshapebecausesometruly charitableexoticdancersjustwantto giveuppartoftheirincometohelp deprivedkidsandprovidethemwith some Christmas cheer.I get it that they dont like strippers. Igetitthattheyfeellikecharityis tainted if it comes from someone they dontlike,andsomeonewhoearns theirlivingandsupportstheirfamily in ways of which they do not approve. Trust me, the needy kids dont care, and neither do their families. Youwannatalkaboutdirtymon-ey?Look, they also dont care that some rapaciouscorporations,lookingto improvetheirpublicrelations,cover the guilt they may or may not feel, for enslaving Third World children in the manufacture of running shoes for star-vationwages,andtheirculpabilityin the oppression of Third World women insometimesreprehensiblegarment sweat shops, by their charitable over-tures. Or the really huge corporations that derivetheirgargantuanprotsfrom theconsequences(andopportunities) ofglobalstrife,ethnicandideological intolerance,andviolentpoliticalup-heaval.Theyallneedweapons,andsome ofthemostpowerful(andsometimes enormouslycharitable)corporations gettheChristmasspirit,fromtimeto time. Yes,thoseneedykidswillhappily, andthankfullytakethosegifts,as well. ThewomenandstaffattheCaddy-shackarenotslaves.Theyareself-employed,talentedperformerswho aregivingfromtheheart,andgiving backtothecommunitythatprovides themwithenoughover-stimulated post-adolescentvoyeurstopaytheir bills, no matter what these anal funda-mentalists think. Idontknowanyofthem.Imsure Iveneverbeeninapositiontoen-joytheirperformances.ButImwith them. Whydontthesereligious,bigoted prudes just get a life, for Christs sake. And, I do mean that literally. GREG WILMOTPITT MEADOWSValid opinionEDITOR, THE NEWS:Re: Strip-a-thon not a heroic act (Let-ters, Dec. 3).Joan Smiths opinion in her letter to the editor is valid.Anna-MarieWallatorscontribu-tiontotheMapleRidge-PittMeadows Christmas Hamper Society is good.Buttheinclusionofherpictureina pose that leaves some of your readers wondering, that is not so good.It seems to me that without printing youropinion,insomanywords,you areindeeddenigratingMs.Smiths opinion. You do so by choosing to print this particular picture of Ms. Wallator inthesamespaceallocatedSmiths letter. That is not good, in my opinion.CCILE DAOUSTMAPLE RIDGEEDITOR, THE NEWS:Re: Praying makes no difference (Letters, Dec. 1).Have atrocities happened in the name of religion?Absolutely, and the reality is horrendous.Evilhappenswhenpeopleputtheirownimportance in front of others an action that actually goes against alltheteachingsofalltheworldsmajorfaiths.The peoplewhowereresponsibleforsuchactionsmay have been religious men and women, but they werent spiritual.Atimeofreflectionorprayerormeditationbefore civicdecisions,ifusedforitsintent,issovaluable.It isatimesetasideforcouncilmemberstoquiettheir minds, to remind themselves to overcome their ego, to treattheirneighbourasthemselves,toserve,andto know they are a humble, but valued part of something bigger them themselves.Personally, without a time like this before every day, I do not feel grounded or present; hardly an efficient or productive mindset to serve from.Our spirit may not be tangible or researchable, but it makes up a part of us as individuals and us as a com-munity and caring for it just makes each healthier.Can I stop wars by taking this time of observance and reflection?No, I cant. But I can create peace in myself, my home, and my workplace. As the Dalai Lama said, We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. Maybe we need to separate church and state, but how sad if we separate spirit and state.ANGELA MACDONALDMAPLE RIDGEEDITOR, THE NEWS:Re:WhatalternaterealitydoesMarcDaltonlivein? (Letters, Dec. 1).With regard to the most recent letter from Wayne Clark aboutMarcDalton,Iwouldliketorespondtosuchun-kind words against him. No matter what people say about Mr. Dalton as an MLA, Ihaveknownhimonapersonallevelforquiteafew years,andhavefoundhimtobeamanofgoodcharac-ter, integrity and kindness, one who keeps his word and stands for that which is true. He also has a high standard of morality.Iampersonallygrievedthatsuchapersonshouldbe spokenofwithdisrespect.Howeveronefeelsaboutthe advisability of considering putting his name forward for the Liberal leadership, there is no need to slander him. OtherscantestifythatMr.Daltonwillgothesecond mile in helping constituents of any or no political stripe in dealing with bureaucratic red tape or obtaining other help from government ofces.Weneedmoregoodpeoplelikehiminthepolitical world, those who really care about the running of a prov-ince or country without purely political gain in view.JENNIFER TURNERMAPLE RIDGETime to reflect is so valuableLets be realistic about taxesWe need more like DaltonKids dont care where charity comes fromTHE NEWS/letterschat@www.mapleridgenews.comOf the MarcFrom: PacificPostie, posted on www.mapleridgenews.com.Re: Dalton wont run for premier (The News, Dec. 3).Thank goodness!!!8 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comIftheSolarconefood digesterworksasit claims,disposingof your table top scraps is aseasyasliftingalid andtossingthemina hole.Thatsexactlyhow thedevicesseemtobe working, says Kim Day, executive-directorwith the Ridge Meadows Re-cycling Society.Thedigestershave been used on a trial ba-sisbytherecyclingso-cietyforthelastthree yearsandareperform-ingwellenoughthat thesocietywantsto make them available to MapleRidgeresidents at a discount rate of $45, half the retail price. On-line, the price is at least $140.Todothat,themu-nicipalityisgivingthe societya$20,000grant toallowthepurchase of 445 solar cones.Its cool. Its very cool anditsunderground, Day pointed out.Unlike a conventional composter,aSolar-conefooddigesteris installedoverahole intheground,ametre deepbyametreindi-ameter. The food waste isthendroppedintoa basket through a door.Thedouble-walled conecreatesaheat trapofcirculatingair toencouragebacteria growth,whilethesoil ltersoutsmellsand keepsawayies.The onecatchisthateach time a basket of food is added, so too is an acce-leranttospeedupthe digestion protest. Meat, dairy and egg products canallbedumpedin. Most of the organic ma-terialturnsintoliquid and drains into the soil.Mydoesyourgar-den grow, Day said.AccordingtoSolar-coneswebsite,the conecanprocessve kilogramsoffooda week,morethanthat usuallyproducedby ahousehold.Itwould takeaboutveyears beforearesiduelayer of 25 centimetres would have to be dug out. Day said board society and staff have tried out a dozen of them during the last three years.Nobodyshadto clean them out yet.Ifenoughhomesuse them, the cones will re-ducetheloadofgreen wastetherecyclingso-ciety has to process if it movesintorampingup itscollectionofgreen waste.Onerequirement though is that the cones belocatedinasunny spotsothatheatcan break down the waste.Anothertaskisdig-gingthehole,butthe societyhopestooffer that service for a small feeforresidentswho cant do that.Daysaidafewother MapleRidgeresidents havealsotestedthe cones.Onewoman hadaproblemwitha hungrybearpawing through her composter. Shereplaceditwith asolardigesterand hasnthadaproblem since.The devices are more widelyusedinOntario andsofarNorthVan-couver is the only other area theyre being test-ed.Daysaidthesociety willtakepre-ordersof thesolarconesthen deliverthemonEarth Day, next April 22.District trying out sun compostersLeanne Koehn of the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society with a Solarcone composter. When in-stalled, the bottom part is buried un-derground while the upper por-tion remains above. Compost is put into the top of the cone.Colleen Flanagan/THE NEWSbyPhi l Mel nyc hukstaffrepor terBest Buy Correction NoticeTo our valued customers: We apologize for any inconvenience causedbyanerrorinourflyerdated:November26- December02.Product:NuStartCarStarter.Onthisweek's flyer,page15,pleasebeadvisedthatthisproductdoesnot havea"2-Way"featureasadvertised.Ithas"Two4-button remotes" as well asup to 2000-foot range. SKU: 10128071Best Buy Correction NoticeToourvaluedcustomers:Weapologizeforany inconveniencecausedbyanerrorinourflyerdated: November 26 - December 02 Product: Xbox 360 Black Ops Controller. On this week's flyer, page 6, please be advised that this product is NOT a wireless item as advertised. SKU: 10159118Harris Road Park Master Plan Resident Feedback 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9Tel: 604-463-7346 Fax: 604-467-7393www.pittmeadows.bc.cawww.mapleridge.caEXISTING BASEBALL FIELDU9 SOCCER FIELD 32 x 50mU8 SOCCER FIELD 37.5 x 27.5mYOUTH ACTION PARK 14,500sq.ft.EXISTING BASEBALL FIELD EXISTING BASEBALL FIELDPARKING ADDITIONEXISTING PARKING TO REMAINPOTENTIAL AREA FOR URBAN PARKWITH INTEGRATED PUBLIC ARTPEDESTRIAN PATHEXTENSION TO HARRIS RDBIKE AND PEDESTRIAN PATHPEDESTRIAN PATHEXISTING POOLEXISTING WATERSPRAY PARK EXISTING PLAY EQUIPMENTEXISTING WASHROOMPEDESTRIAN PATHLougheedHighwayHarrisRoad124THAVEPOTENTIAL AREA TO PLACE 6 x 14mSTAGE OR PLATFORM IN CONJUNCTIONWITH YOUTH ACTION PARKPOTENTIAL AREA TO CONSOLIDATE WITH REPLACEMENT WASHROOMS FORNEW BUILDING STAGE OR PLATFORMPEDESTRIAN PATHU8 SOCCER FIELD 37.5 x 27.5mU8 SOCCER FIELD 37.5 x 27.5mU9 SOCCER FIELD 32 x 50m4m4m4m4mmin. 4mnorthCONCEPT PLANHARRIS ROAD PARK MASTER PLAN 17 NOVEMBER2010 1:500 DATE SCALEDURANTE KREUK LTD. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS ILLUSTRATED BYA concept plan for the future of Harris Road Park will be on display at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre, 12027 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, until January 14th, 2011.

Thisconceptplanwaspreparedfollowingapublicconsultation process by Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parks and Leisure Services for the City of Pitt Meadows. Prior to nalizing the concept plan, residents areinvitedtoprovidefeedbackintermsoftheirobservationsofthe MasterPlanConceptPlanbyeitherllingoutacommentsheetat thePittMeadowsFamilyRecreationCentreorvisitingtheCityof PittMeadowswebsite,www.pittmeadows.bc.caandforwarding comments to bmcleod@mapleridge.caVisit Your Hometown Household Hardware Store Today!Celebrating 80 Years ofServing the CommunityMon - Fri9:00-5:30 Sat9:00-5:00 Sun10 - 4www.consumersco-op.ca12343 Harris Rd., Pitt Meadows 604-465-5651 604-465-8755Were Your Quick Fix!In accordance with S. 124(3) of the Community Charter, the Council of the District of Maple Ridge gives notice of its intention to further amendtheMapleRidgeCouncilProceduresBylaw6472-2007. MapleRidgeCouncilProcedureAmendingBylawNo.6777-2010 proposestoremovethewordingopeningprayerandreplaceit with Moment of Reection and include a denition and protocols ofMomentofReection.Finalconsiderationofthisbylawwill begivenattheDecember14,2010Councilmeeting.Thepublic is invited to make their comments known to Council by making a written submission to the attention of the Manager of Legislative Services,11995HaneyPlace,MapleRidge,B.C.V2X6A9orbysendingane-mailtoclerks@mapleridge.caby4:00p.m., December 14, 2010. Copies of the bylaw are available during ofce hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Reception Desk of the Municipal Hall. All submissions will become part of the public record.22255 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge (in Haney Plaza)PHONE: 604.477.0910 FAX: 604.477.0911Saveti me,moneyand thedrive.SHOPLOCAL RichilaFABRICS++++++++++++++++++++++++++GIIonal l Dance,Bri dal ,Grad,Spri ngFashi on,Kni ts&many othersel ectfabri cs. Hurryi nwhi l esuppl i esl ast. *Mi ni mum1metre Excess Inventory SALESAVE 25-50%OFFBe a part of your community paper. Comment online.theres more online voicesvwww.mapleridgenews.comTH Fantastic NailsSet or Fill (gel, sola or acrylic) Manicures PedicuresWalk-Ins Welcome! Gift Certicates Available$500offwith any service of $30 or more.604-477-5503#101 - 22489 Lougheed Hwy., Maple RidgeMon. to Sat. 10 am - 7 pm Sunday 12 noon - 5 pmSpecial offer on to Dec. 31/10ChristmasSpecialMerry Christmas to all our customersFor breaking news, visitwww.mapleridgenews.comWith a couple of clicks, add your event today.theres more online voicesvwww.mapleridgenews.comwww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 9The19167 Ford Road, Pitt Meadows604-465-9911PUB & LIQUOR STOREJolly CoachmanWE DELIVER5-11PM - 7 DAYS A WEEK VER WE DELIV WE DELIVEROPEN 9AM - 11PM EVERY DAYIN OURPUBCheckOutOurExpanded, ExtensiveSelectionof WinesfromAroundthe World. 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Win a Canucks Jersey Every GameIncludes Turkey, all the trimmings and homemade dessert.Christmas Buffet11:30am - 2:oopmevery FridayuntilDec. 31st$1199FREE MARTINI GLASSwithPolar IceVodka750 ML WIN A 42 PLASMA TV WITH DVD PLAYERDRAW DECEMBER 24 @ 6PMEVERY KOKANEE 24 PACK GIVES YOU ANOTHER CHANCE TO WINFREE JELLYBELLIESwithMalibuCoconut Rum750 ML OKANAGANSPRINGS PALE ALE12 PACK$1995+ deposit tSLEEMANSHONEY BROWN12 PACK$1999+ depositFREE PINEAPPLE JUICEwithAbsolut VodkaVancouver750 ML FREE T-SHIRTwithKahluaLiqueur1.14 L FREE HIGHBALL GLASSwithWisers DeluxeWhiskey750 ML COLT 45 6 PACKOR RAINEER 6 PACK$754+ deposityourchoice10 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comColleen Flanagan/THE NEWSSanta parade(Above) Mr. and Mrs. Claus wave to onlookers at the annual Santa parade in downtown Maple Ridge on Saturday; a bagpiper marches in the parade.See video @ www.mapleridgenews.comWillow ManorSeniors Community ConvenienceIndependenceChoiceTOURS AVAILABLE DAILYWe take care of the details while you have all the fun...Selection of Suites Dining OptionsHousekeeping Emergency ResponseActivities & Events Respite staysavailable in our Care CenterCall today 604-466-8602www.chartwellreit.caLE DAAAIIILLYAsk about a trial stay.12275 224th St., Maple RidgeWILLOW MANOR Christmas Open HouseSaturday, Dec. 11 10am to 2pmChristmas refreshments will be served.MAPLE RIDGE604.463.775520758 Lougheed Hwy.Maple RidgeCARPET HARDWOOD VINYL TILE LAMINATE WINDOW COVERINGSNot Allcarpet installations Are created equal ours is healthierwww.healthierlivinginstallation.com 1.800.Carpet1Exclusively atTHENEWS2010 THE NEW EE S 22200010FAVOURITE CARPET STORE#1For community news frst, go towww.mapleridgenews.com THE NEWSServing Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows since 1978www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 11(Clockwise from top) Brooke Dyke, 9, and her friends pets Black, a llama from the Otter 4-H Llama Club, during the parade; Joshua Soura, 2, and his brother Jarid, 3, with their mother Calida Russell, wave to Santa; children enjoy some candy.22661 Lougheed Hwy, Maple RidgeOPEN SUNDAYS to serve you betterPhone: 604-467-5994*PVR capabilities subject to and limited by applicable laws. Digital boxes charged separately. Offer available on a 3 year Optik TV service agreement until December 31, 2010, to residential clients who have not subscribed within the past 90 days to TELUS TV service. TELUS Home Phone or High Speed Internet service required, charged separately. Fibre optics may service all or part of your network connection, depending on location. TELUS, the TELUS logo, Optik and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. 2010 TELUS. *$25/$50 in-store credits available when you renew or activate on a new 3 year term.Our service department is located on site at our main ofce.www.countrywidecommunications.com Introducing TV that lets you roam free.Optik TVTMgives you total freedom with PVR Anywhere by letting you watch what you want, when and where you want. Combine Optik TV with Optik High SpeedInternet for just$33SPECIAL OFFER What is PVR Anywhere?One Personal Video Recorder is all you need - record and watch your shows on any TV in your home with a digital box*Record your favourite series with the touch of a button Pause a recorded program in one room and pick it up fromthe same spot in another room Record up to three shows at once from any roomSign on a 2 yearterm and receive aFREE Xbox 360or sign up to a 3 year term andreceive a FREEHD PVR. per month in a bundleCome visit us to sign up.Sign up in store today with no Activation Fee plus receive an additional $25 to $50 in store credit when you combine this with any mobile device or smartphone.604-463-6958#470-22709 Lougheed Hwy., Valleyfair Mall604-465-693312157 Harris Rd., Pitt MeadowsAt Meadows Cleaners, our Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning uid works in combination with our State-of-the-Art dry cleaning equipment to gently preserve the colour and quality of every garment.We care about the environment. We use Eco-solve.2 Pce. Suits$1600Trousers$600Skirts$7002 LOCATIONS FOR YOURCONVENIENCEWinter Coats$1800Plus many more in-store specials!Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence 2010 Award Winner for Customer ServiceWedding Dresses$20 OFFDraperies 20% OffFor breaking news, go towww.mapleridgenews.com12 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comSevenbusinessesinPitt Meadowswererecognizedby citycouncilthisweekfordo-ingtheirpartfortheenviron-ment.ThefirstGreenStarBusi-nessAwardswerehandedout Tuesdayinthreecategories: mostInnovative,mostinte-grated and most awareness.The businesses recognized: Suddwick Homes; Curves;Koha(theGift)Montessori Childrens House; Meadows Landscape Ltd.;TranzeoWirelessTechnol-ogies; Ecowest Renovations;BeckerandCompanyLaw-yers.Businesses recognized for being greenColleen Flanagan/THE NEWSLook of concernA young boy is comforted by witnesses Saturday as his grandma, who he was walking with, is taken to hospital af-ter a pickup truck rolled over her at 203rd Street and Lougheed Highway. The truck was making a right turn out of the Shell gas station and slowly rolled over the woman, who was walking north along 203rd St. with the boy. The woman was conscious when taken to hospital with a large bump on her head. The driver of the pickup was issued a Motor Vehicle Act violation for failing to yield to a pedestrian.#180 22709 Lougheed Hwy., Maple RidgeValley Fair Mall(behind London Drugs)Loose Denture?ask us about Implant Supported DentureMon - Sat 8-6(with evening hours until 8 pm on Tues, Wed & Thurs)Every 2nd Sunday 11-5ASK US ABOUTSEDATION DENTISTRYDental Plans Accepted!Youll probably never be afraid to go to the dentist again.Amalgam FREE Ofce!Dentistry For All AgesCall now to book your appointment! 604-463-7411We CaterTo Cowards!New PatientsWelcomeA Smile YouJust Cant HideValleyFair DENTALWin the biggestDeadline Midnight Dec. 24 or $158,000 tax free cashWin the biggestEARLYBIRDAston MartinTICKETS ALSOAVAILABLE ATChances are 1 in 116,000 (total tickets for sale) to win a grand prize. BC Gaming Event Licence #2797419+ to play! 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Open Thurs to Sun 11am~ 4pmWAYNECOX,SPOKESPERSONMILLIONAIREVGH&UBC HOSP I TAL FOUNDATI ONDESIGNERHOMELOTTERYMILLIONAIREVGH&UBC HOSP I TAL FOUNDATI ONwww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 13OverstatementWiki from frontThe document said the goal of the infrastructure protectionplanistobuildasafer,moresecure and more resilient America. ItwaspublishedSundaybythewebsite WikiLeaks,whichbeganreleasingmorethan 250,000classiedU.S.StateDepartmentdocu-ments more than a week ago.WikiLeakssaystheleakeddocumentswillgive peoplearoundtheworldanunprecedentedin-sightintotheU.S.governmentsforeignactivi-ties.Before it laid off 220 workers in 2009, E-One was the largest manufacturer of lithium ion batteries in North America. The parent company of the Maple Ridge operation is based in Taiwan.The Canadian division of E-One Moli Energy Lim-ited now conducts leading-edge lithium-ion battery research and development in Maple Ridge, but also providescustomersupporttoNorthAmericaand Europe. StevePither,presidentofE-OneMoliCanada, wassurprisedtoseehiscompanysnameonthe secret cable.To me, the statement is misleading, he said. Therearemanycompaniesaroundtheworld that produce the same [products] as we do. To me [the cable] seems to be an overstatement. It seems quite dramatic.E-One Moli products are sold to battery pack as-semblersthroughouttheworldandareusedina varietyofapplicationssuchaslaptopcomputers, cordlesspowertools,medicaldevices,electricve-hicles and military equipment.TheMolicelsuppliedtotheU.S.militaryisalso used in laptop computers and will be used to power a new NASA space suit.Pitherseesnoneedtoincreasesecurityatthe Maple Ridge facility as a result of the leaked cable.Idontseeanyreasonwhywewouldbeatar-get, he said.U.S. authorities are conducting a criminal inves-tigationintoWikiLeaksreleaseofgovernment documents.Launched in 2007,WikiLeaks bills itself as not-for-prot media organization. According to its website, it is an independent global group of people with a long standing dedication to the idea of a free press andtheimprovedtransparencyinsocietythat comesfromthis.Thegroupincludesaccredited journalists,softwareprogrammers,networkengi-neers, mathematicians and others.It publishes material of ethical, political and his-toricalsignicancewhilekeepingtheidentityof our sources anonymous, thus providing a universal way for the revealing of suppressed and censored injustices.Earlier this year, WikiLeaks made public nearly 500,000 classied U.S. les on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. To view the latest WikiLeaks cable, visit www.mapleridgenews.com.MLA from frontThank you for your interest, but Michael is unavail-able for comment at this time, constituency assistant Sidhartha Ramsoondar said by e-mail.LiberalMLAMarcDalton,inneighbouringMaple Ridge-Mission,saidheappreciatedJamessroleas Opposition leader over the years, especially while she was ghting cancer.The challenge was the lack of clear vision of what the NDP stood for, he said. Under Jamess leadership, he added, the party waf-ed in its positions on the HST, the carbon tax, the 2010 Winter Olympics and the new Port Mann Bridge.After contemplating running for the leadership, Dal-tonsaidhellannouncenextweekwhichcandidate hellsupportaspartyleader,butisleaningtowards either George Abbott, Kevin Falcon or Christy Clark, if she announces her candidacy today.But Im not really ruling out conversing with oth-ers [Moira Stillwell and Mike de Jong], he said. The Liberals choose their new leader at the end of February.Daltonsaidmostofthecandidatesfavouradvanc-ingthereferendumontheHST,scheduledfornext September.Heisamong18LiberalsontheFightHSTrecall listandcouldbethesubjectofarecallcampaignin March.Dalton narrows choice11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9Tel: 604-463-5221 Fax: 604-467-7329www.mapleridge.caNotice of Public HearingAND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that a copy of the aforesaid bylaws and copies of staff reports and other information considered by Council relevant to the matters contained in the bylaws will also be available for public inspection at the Municipal Hall, Planning Department counter, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from December 3 to December 14, 2010, Saturdays, Sundays and Statutory Holidays excepted. Some of this information will also be posted on the District website www.mapleridge.ca on the Mayor and Council/Agendas and Minutes page.ALLPERSONSwhodeemthemselvesaffectedbyanyofthesebylawsshallbeaffordedareasonableopportunity tobeheardatthePublicHearingbeforeCouncilonthematterscontainedinthebylawsorbymakingawritten submission to the attention of the Manager of Legislative Services or by sending an e-mail to the Clerks Department at clerks@mapleridge.ca, by 4:00 p.m., December 14, 2010. All written submissions and e-mails will become part of the public record.Dated this 3rd day of December, 2010.Ceri Marlo Manager of Legislative ServicesTAKE NOTICE THAT a Public Hearing will be held in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, North-East corner entrance, at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2010 to consider the following bylaws:1b) RZ/021/10 MAPLE RIDGE ZONE AMENDING BYLAW NO. 6735-2010 LEGAL: Lot 4, District Lot 407, Group 1, New Westminster District, Plan 25341 LOCATION:9990 240 Street FROM: RS-2 (One Family Suburban Residential) & CS-1 (Service Commercial) TO: RM-1 (Townhouse Residential) PURPOSE: To permit a 16 unit townhouse development.1a) RZ/021/10MAPLE RIDGE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDING BYLAW NO. 6768-2010LEGAL: Lot 4, District Lot 407, Group 1, New Westminster District, Plan 25341LOCATION:9990 240 StreetPURPOSE: To amend Schedule B of the Ofcial Community Plan ( as shown on Map No. 803)FROM:Medium Density Residential and ConservationTO:Medium Density Residentialand ConservationAND To amend Schedule C of the Ofcial Community Plan (as shown on Map No. 804) to remove from Conservation.

Map No. 804 Map No. 80314 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comBriiiinnnnggggyyyyyyyyyyyooooouuuuuurrrrrrrrrrPPPPPPPPPPPPhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooottttttooooooooooooooooaaaaaaannddPictutrueerAccurate Printing & Framing Co.Custom Picture FrameCustom CalendarCustom Greeting CardsCustom Business CardsCustom Labels & ButtonsCustom means Only One for youTel 604-463-4129 Add 11919 224th St. Maple Ridge BC V2X 6B2MEDITERRANEAN STYLE Sandwiches & Soups, Gelato Cakes & PastriesPhone orders acceptedGift Certicates Available 11968 - 224 Street, Maple Ridge 604-466-9222 We Feature illy CoffeePERFECT STOCKING STUFFERSDifferent avours & sizesOrder Your Gelato Cakes for Christmas Now!42FlavoursSUGAR FREE ALSO AVAILABLEHave a delicious holiday season!OLD FASHIONED & NOVELTY CANDY NOWAVAILABLEWed. - Sat: 10 am - 8 pmSun.: 11 am - 6 pmMon./Tues.: 10 am - 6 pmDOWNTOWNMAPLE RIDGEFIRST ANNUALDOWNTOWN MAPLE RIDGE!OPEN Mon. - Sat., 11 am to 7 pmThursday, Dec. 9 until 9 pm22624 Lougheed Hwy. 604-463-8028Buy any Sub, Crepe or Phoat regular price... receive a second at OPEN Mon Sat 11 am to 7 pmg50%t 7off**Valid on Thurs. Dec 9th from 5-9 pm only. One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with other offers.SubsCrepesPho(Noodle Soup)Bubble Teaand more...B S b C PhSPECIAL FOR TICKET HOLDERSNOWOPEN11952 - 228th Street, Maple Ridgewww.crazyaboutclothesconsignment.com 604-477-022450% OFF DESIGNER JEANSFOR TICKET HOLDERS ONLYTHURSDAYDEC. 95~9 PMHoliday Special Queen pillow top mattress with memory foam $399FREE Serta sheep with mattress purchase22239 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge 604-466-4252 mapleridge@sleepshop.caHoliday Special DEC. 9 5-9PM ONLYY22276 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge 604.467.4811Christian Booksfor God so loved the world...Come & see our selection of bibles, books, CDs, gifts and cardssOPEN THURS DEC. 9TH UNTIL 9 PMHOURS:MON-THURS 9AM-5:30PMFRI 8AM - 9PM SAT 9AM-5:30PM11997A 224 St. Maple Ridge 604.477.2724Bring in an unwrapped toy and save an additional 10% off your purchaseLingerie, Fashion & MorePersonalized bra tting, specializing in sizes D-H ~ Special orders available ~ ONE NIGHT ONLY Thurs. Dec. 9 5-9pmBuy any bra and get a panty for 1/2 price price11aTOMORROW, Thursday, Dec. 9th 5:00pm to 9:00pm A four hour event; take advantage of one-night-only special discounts from participating stores.List of participating merchants: www.downtownmapleridge.caFREE treats, entertainment, Santa photos and gift wrapping Find us Downtown in the streets and at the BIA Christmas Tree/ entrance of the Park(224th Street). YOU could win a $500 Shopping Spree + other fabulous hourly prizes, gift baskets and gift cer-ticates, BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE A TICKET!TICKET INFORMATION:PURCHASE A $5 TICKET AND SUPPORT LOCAL KIDSList of ticket sellers: www.downtownma-pleridge.ca 100% of all ticket proceeds to the ticket sellersnot-for-prot group. (License # 28940) Enter to win Thurs., Dec. 9, between 5:00pm - 9:00pm by depositing your rafe ticket; see ticket for location.Details: DMRBIA, 604-467-2420 or inquiries@downtownmapleridge.caTickets available during the event at:Good Company, Local Ride, La belle Chateau, Delizie Italian Bakery, Canvas Hair Salon, Joe Blows, Lotus & Lemongrass, Divine Dcor, Mon-key Business, Babydoll Boutique, Blueline SportsFIND YOUR 4 HOUR SPECIAL DEALS AT:the ACT,Babydoll Boutique, Benjamin Moore Paints,Black Bond Books,Blue Line Sports,Boda-cious Baskets, Canvas Hair Salon, Crazy About Clothes, Delzie Italiane Bakery, Fuller Watson, Gateway Christian Bookstore, Good Company Home & Gifts,Joe Blows, Kutting Korner,Hair Studio, La Belle Chateau,Local Ride, Lotus & Lemongrass, Luxurie Fashion, Maci Specialty Gifts,Marinas Gelato, Monkey Business, Noors Cuisine,Outer Limits,Sweet Orange Clothing, Ts in Haney Place Mall, Marks Work Wearhouse, Blueline Sports, Joe Blows......and many more!Poster on window will indicate participants!goodcompany11987 224th St., Maple Ridge604-467-7800DEC. 9 5-9PM TICKET HOLDERS ONLY30%One regular priced item of your choiceoff604.477.0060Unit C 22316 Dewdney Trunk, Maple Ridge, BC www.canvashairsalon.ca20%off all In-Stock SnowshoesDEC. 9 5-9 PM ONLY#7 22214 DEWDNEY TRK RD 604-466-2016RENTALS ALSO AVAILABLE20%off on salon retailDesignerHand Bags50% offALSO FEATURING11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC (604) 476-ARTS (2787)10%off any ACT presented show!Chocolats Chocolate in the Gift Shop31 11900 HANEY PLACE MALLMAPLE RIDGENHL, NFL, MLB, CFL, WHL Apparel & Accessories, New Era, ONeil, Champion, Roxy, Quicksilver, Ripzone, Power Room, Russell, Reebok50%offONE ITEMDec. 9 5-9 pm Onlyooooooooodddddcccooooooommmmmmmmmmppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppaaaaaaaaahome & gift inc.www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 15Fuller Watson604-463-416822390 Lougheed Hwy., Maple RidgeMonday - Thursday 9am - 5:30pm Friday 9am - 9pmSaturday 9am - 5:30pm Sunday 12pm - 5pmVisa, Mastercard, Fullerwatson Credit Card, Are all welcome!Queen Size Memory Foam PillowReg. 49.95WHILE QUANTITIES LASTPROMO $1995DOGGY DAY CAREBE CUZ WE CAREwww.ilovedogs.caBusy times aheadBring your dog toDOGGY DAY CARE11771 225th St., Maple Ridge604-476-957711994224th St., Maple Ridge 604-467-1551labellechateau@gmail.comReceive 50%off Your purchase over $25On Dec. 9 5-9 pm11819 - 225th Street, Maple Ridge 604-463-4244Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30-5pm10 Foils for$50**Limited time offer.22713 119th Ave., Maple Ridge604.463.4753Wade & AssociatesLAND SURVEYING LTD.Open Mon. - Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5:30, Sun. 10-5604-463-466311768 - 223rd St.,Maple RidgeFREEFR FFFRRR FFRRR FHundreds of In-Store Specials#103 - 11952 224th 604.477.878725% off 22282 Dewdney Trunk Road 604-476-6631Boneless, Skinless Breast MeatFRIED CHICKEN100 PIECES $15900Valid with coupon only. Expires Dec. 31/2010Regular or Cajunblackbondbooks.comNOW OPEN in Valley Fair Mall!Black Bond Books Calendar Store604-803-97862 locations in Haney Place MallMain Store 604-463-8624Discount Store 604-466-9955CHOOSEYOUR DISCOUNT SALE EVENT "We think there is a book here for you...Thursday, December 9th 4 hours only! 5pm - 9pm4 HOURS ONLY! 5pm - 9pm Spend $10 - $20...save $2 Spend $20 - $50...save 10%SPEND OVER $50...SAVE 15%!(Excludes gift cards & already discounted items)Believe in the Magic a Cuppa Tea Can make. Believe in the Magic ofTs Ts in Haney Place Mall 604-463-5353Featuring 100s of Premium Loose Leaf Teas, Gourmet Coffee andGirly Gift wareDOWNTOWNMAPLE RIDGEFIRST ANNUALDOWNTOWN MAPLE RIDGE!Bare Interiors Inc22602 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge 604.467.3241AL L PAI NT$10.00 OFFGALLON( RETAI L)mapleridgebenjaminmoore.com(VALID ONLY WITH THIS COUPON)Thursday, December 9th, 5:00pm to 9:00pmYour one stop shop for all your Christmas needs. We carry a large selection of childrens clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear, accessories and room decor.11947 224th St.604.476.9345www.mbkidsboutique.comMonkey Business Kids BoutiqueAll regular priced Clothing and Shoesy40%offFrom 5:00 pm to 9:00 pmCustomer AppreciationRefreshments & snacks served~regular price items~Dec. 8th 6 to 9 pmTOMORROW, Thursday, Dec. 9th 5:00pm to 9:00pm A four hour event; take advantage of one-night-only special discounts from participating stores.List of participating merchants: www.downtownmapleridge.caFREE treats, entertainment, Santa photos and gift wrapping Find us Downtown in the streets and at the BIA Christmas Tree/ entrance of the Park(224th Street). YOU could win a $500 Shopping Spree + other fabulous hourly prizes, gift baskets and gift cer-ticates, BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE A TICKET!TICKET INFORMATION:PURCHASE A $5 TICKET AND SUPPORT LOCAL KIDSList of ticket sellers: www.downtownma-pleridge.ca 100% of all ticket proceeds to the ticket sellersnot-for-prot group. (License # 28940) Enter to win Thurs., Dec. 9, between 5:00pm - 9:00pm by depositing your rafe ticket; see ticket for location.Details: DMRBIA, 604-467-2420 or inquiries@downtownmapleridge.caTickets available during the event at:Good Company, Local Ride, La belle Chateau, Delizie Italian Bakery, Canvas Hair Salon, Joe Blows, Lotus & Lemongrass, Divine Dcor, Mon-key Business, Babydoll Boutique, Blueline SportsFIND YOUR 4 HOUR SPECIAL DEALS AT:the ACT,Babydoll Boutique, Benjamin Moore Paints,Black Bond Books,Blue Line Sports,Boda-cious Baskets, Canvas Hair Salon, Crazy About Clothes, Delzie Italiane Bakery, Fuller Watson, Gateway Christian Bookstore, Good Company Home & Gifts,Joe Blows, Kutting Korner,Hair Studio, La Belle Chateau,Local Ride, Lotus & Lemongrass, Luxurie Fashion, Maci Specialty Gifts,Marinas Gelato, Monkey Business, Noors Cuisine,Outer Limits,Sweet Orange Clothing, Ts in Haney Place Mall, Marks Work Wearhouse, Blueline Sports, Joe Blows......and many more!Poster on window will indicate participants!16 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comComputerswerestolenduring twoseparatebreak-instobusi-nessesinMapleRidgeoverthe weekend.TherstthefttookplaceSat-urdayatastoragecompanyon 203rdStreetaround6:20a.m. Thievesremovedglassfroma door to enter the business.Thesecondbreak-inhappened just after 2 a.m. Sunday. Thieves broke a door lock to en-terBrucesMarketinthe-23900 block of Lougheed Highway. Two computerswerestolen.Police arelookingforawhitepickup truckthatwasinvolvedinthe theft.Anyonewithanyinforma-tionisaskedtocallRCMPat 604-463-6251.Toremainanony-mouscallCrimeStoppersat 1-800-222-8477.CrimeStoppers willpayarewardofupto$2,000 forinformationleadingtoanar-rest and conviction.Christmas Counter AttackPoliceroadblockssetupin MapleRidgeandPittMeadows on Friday nabbed ve drivers.Onedriverwasticketedfor drivingundertheinuenceof anillegaldrug,whileanother was found in possession of a pro-hibitedweaponandhadanout-standing warrant for his arrest.Policealsoissuedimmediate roadsidesuspensionstothree driverswhoblewfailreadings intoaroad-sidescreeningde-vice.Expecttobestoppedwhile driving on our roads this Christ-masseason,saidCpl.Dale Somerville with Ridge Meadows RCMPTrafcServices.Our goal is to make our roads among the safest in the world, and tak-ingdrinkingdriversoffofthem will go a long way to accomplish-ing that feat.CounterAttackroadblocks will be set up by police through-out December.Teen arrestedDrugs and a gun were seized by policeonThursdayfromateen-age boy who threatened a driver.Ridge Meadows RCMP took the 16-year-oldintocustodyfollow-ing an incident in the 21100-block ofDewdneyTrunkRoadaround 8:30 p.m.Police allege the teen pulled out and pointed what appeared to be arearmduringaverbalargu-ment.Ofcersarrestedtheteen at his home and also seized a re-arm and paint ball gun as well as aquantityofcocaineandmari-juana.Hewasheldincustody overnight for a court appearance on Friday.Policearerecommending chargesofutteringthreats, pointing a rearm and drug pos-session against the teen.Credit card fraudA24-year-oldwomanfromMa-pleRidgewasarrestedbypolice Thursday for using a stolen credit card.Policeallegethewomanused thecardatagasstationinSep-tember and drove away in a stolen car with a male accomplice.Cpl.AlannaDunlopsaidpolice wereabletoidentifythewom-anandthemanandobtained grounds for an arrest.JerrikaJasmineFlockharthas sincebeenchargedwithtwo countsofunauthorizeduseof creditcarddata,dealingwith identity document without a law-fulexcuseandpossessingorus-ing a stolen credit card.Themaninvolvedinthetheft remainsincustodyonunrelated charges. Computers stolen in Ridge break-insRidge Meadows RCMPRidge Meadows RCMP Const. Mike Moore speaks to a driver at a Counter Attack road block on Friday.Family Law Separation Agreements Divorce Custody MediationEmergency Restraining OrdersI.C.B.C. ClaimsFree Initial ConsultationCriminal LawImpaired Driving Drug Offences#204-2922 Glen Drive, CoquitlamTel: 604-945-2043 Fax: 604-945-2063ROY SWARTZBERGBarrister & SolicitorWhen you need a helping hand!omote cycling Help prop infrastructure plans Developpinions Share o Inuence decisions Lobby governments Group rideswith like-minded people to discuss Meet ssues relating to urban cycling isoin the V.A.C.C. Jocouver Area Cycling CoalitionVanple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Committee Mapwww.vacc.bc.catings monthly every 2 Meend Thursday 5pm - Maple Ridge Public Library 6:45(downstairs Seminar Room)Help improve cycling in our areaCyclists! y Cyclists!Call Today for details!M-F 9-5 Sat. 10-3www.cruiseencounters.com8850 Walnut Grove Dr., Langleylocated 5 min. north of Hwy #1; 200 St exitA+ RELIABILITYRATING, BETTERBUSINESS BUREAU604-888-17561-800-608-7245Choose from Jan 13, Feb 3, Feb 24 or March 17 departures!Price may vary slightly by date - this price is Feb 3!The best weather of the year in the Caribbean!$2349CDN DOLLARS!PP, 2 sharingtotal charges!3 nights New York + 12 nights South Caribbean cruise - 15 nights total! Roundtrip airfare from Vancouver!3-nights (pre cruise) 4-star Marriott hotel to see New York!12 nights aboard Royal Caribbeans Explorer of the Seas! Full-day stops in St. Thomas, St. Kitts,Antigua, St. Maarten, Dominican Republic and Labadee! Grayline Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing pass48 hours of unlimited sightseeing & tours in NY! All transfers & taxes - one total-charges price! New York & Caribbean Cruise!This is a sell-off price! Call by December 11 to book!BC MainlandEMF SHIELDING DEVICES G DEVI G DEV DEV EMF SHIELDING DEVICESwww.farabloc.comPhantom Limb Pain? PhantFarablocLimb Covers are used to ease limb pain after removal of the prosthesis.Limb covers can be ordered onlineor an appointment can be made forconsultation by calling604.941.8201AppointmentsApavailableweek of Dec. 13 CAMEO STAMPCOI N&HOB BY(SERVING MAPLE RIDGE & PITT MEADOWS SINCE 1981)OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEKMONDAY TO FRIDAY 10 TO 6. SATURDAY 10 TO 522756 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge604.463.6113Great Selection Great Prices Collector Coins StampsPlastic Model Kits Diecast Models Slot Cars Rockets HO & N Trains MoviesSupplies & AccessoriesWE BUY COINS, GOLD& SILVERIt takes 31 muscIes to foId up this newspaper.Dont take your muscles for granted. Over 50,000 Canadians with muscular dystrophy take them very seriously.Learn more at muscIe.cawww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 17Atanestimatedcost of$230million,Metro Vancouverslatest megaprojectwillbe abigoutlayforre-gional taxpayers, even thoughitsbasicallya glorified water pipe.Constructionbegins nextyearonthePort MannWaterSupply Tunnel,replacingthe existingwatermain acrosstheFraserRiv-erthatdeliversmuch ofthedrinkingwater forSurrey,Deltaand Langley and is at a sig-nificant risk of failing.Itsalotofmoney, butitsahighpriority for us, says Frank Hu-ber,Metrosdivision managerofengineer-ingsupportandtech-nical services.Atunnelboringma-chinewillactlikea mechanicalmoleto grind a one-kilometre-longtunnel30metres belowthebottomof theriver,justdown-streamofthePort Mann Bridge.Thecompletedtun-nelwilllinkuptotwo 60-metredeepshafts oneithersideofthe river and ensure water fromtheCoquitlam reservoircontinues toflowoutoftapsin therapidlygrowing South-of-Fraser area.Itwilltakethree tofouryearstocom-plete.Whenfinished,the newtunnelwillmore thandoubletheca-pacityoftheexisting main,whichwaslaid inatrenchatthebot-tom of the river in 1974 and covered in rip-rap.Engineers discovered itwasntadequately armouredin1997 whenragingFraser floodwatersdislodged asectionandknocked it out of service.Severe water restric-tionsensuedinthe Surreyareauntila quick-fixrepaircould be made.Rivererosionisnt theonlythreattothe water line.Itwouldcertainly failinamoderate earthquake and maybe eveninaminorone, Huber said.After a major earth-quake,wewanttobe abletoprovideacer-tainamountofwater tothecommunities throughout the region. This is a critical cross-ing to do that job.WhydidntMetro ask the transportation ministrytobuildthe water line into the new Port Mann Bridge?Thatwasexamined butruledout,Hu-bersaid,becausethe bridgewontbeas quake-proof as the un-der-the-river tunnel.Iftheexistingmain failedbeforethenew one is finished in 2014, itwouldbeachal-lenge,Hubersaid,but Metrocoulddrawwa-teracrosstheFraser throughtwosmaller mainstomeetbasic waterneedsinthe Surrey area.Alltheregionstax-payerswillsharein thecostofthenew lineundertheFraser, astheywillwiththe $800-millionSeymour-CapilanoFiltration Plant.Thedrinkingwater filteringplantitselfis finishedbutthetwin tunnels connecting the North Shore reservoirs are way behind sched-ule and the cause for a large cost overrun.Huberisconfident thePortMannwater tunnelwontruninto the same problems.Quarter billion to quench Surreys thirstMetro will tunnel under Fraser to ensure water fowsThe tunnel will be created by a boring machine and go 40 m under the Fraser River.byJ ef f NagelBl ackPressSee Tunnel, p18LOUGHEED HWYMCMYN ROADHARRIS ROADMeadow Vale MallIGAShoppers DrugMart9Pawsitively Paradise 109-19070 Lougheed Hwy., Pitt Meadows604.465.8046HOURS :Daycare: Tues. to Fri.7 am - 6:30 pmGrooming: Monday to SaturdayWe provide a clean spacious bright atmosphere for our daycare and grooming dogs.WE SUPPORT THE SPCA!CRATE-FREEGROOMING& DRYING(playtime fun before & after!)Hoping your Holidays will be Pawsitive!OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKStarting December 6th til December 23rd, 2010Now Open Mondays 11-5:30pm & Late Night Thursdays until 7:30pm Come in to makeyour own jewelry orask about aone of a kind piecemade by designerKellie Sutton.Come in to makeyour own jewelry orGIFT CARDSavailable & lots of great gift ideas. Why buy Christmas Gifts when you can make your own?Come in to makeNew Beads Just Arrived#101 22714 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge (First driveway east of 227th)604.477.1291Now Open Mondays 11 - 5:30pm & Late Night Thursdays until 7:30pm Dewdney Trunk Rd., Our aim is topromote healthy hair ValleyFair Mall 510 - 22709 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge604-463-3443CurlinterruptedSmoothing SystemWe are now offering a smoothing system that will infuse your hair with ultra-smooth texture and exceptional shine.Formaldehyde-free, the Keratin based solution delivers frizz-free, radiant results.Starting at $199with a booking, while supplies last, receive a FREE shampoo and conditioner. (Value $35)Afer BeforeTrendy designer cuts Colour/Foils Bridal parties Scalp refexology Facial waxing Treading Perms/straightening Large Retail CentreEducated in current colour techniques/foiling systemsOur team excels at:18 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comTheCanadianRedCrosshas received a $2,000 grant from the MapleRidgeCommunityFoun-dation. The grant will enable the Ma-pleRidgeCanadianRedCross HealthEquipmentLoanPro-gram(HELP)depottoincrease theinventoryofbasichealth equipmenttomeettheincreas-ingdemandfromthecommu-nity.TheRedCrossistheonly organizationthatprovides short-termhealthequipment loanstoallcommunitymem-bers,statesRobertDavies, manageroftheCanadianRed CrossHealthEquipmentLoan Program. A boost in our inven-tory will benet residents of all agesandwalksoflifeandhelp anxiousfamilymembersas they struggle to help their loved onesrecoverandrejointheir communities.HELPassistsindividualsto becomemoreself-reliantand helprelievepressuresonfami-lies,saidVivianSmith,execu-tivedirectorofMapleRidge Community Foundation. We are excited about this op-portunitytohelpthoseinneed andaregratefulforthestel-larworkoftheCanadianRed Cross,whichwillensurethat thiscontributionbenetsour friendsandneighboursinthe Maple Ridge area.Grant helps local Red CrossUnliketheNorthShoretunnels,whereunstable rock prompted crews to walk off the job, the tunnel boringmachinewillchewthroughsaturatedriver soilandputinplacebracedtunnelsectionsasit goes.Onlytwooffouroriginalcompanieschasingthe contract submitted bids.Metrohopestoawardthejobbytheendofthe year.The ltration plant and the Port Mann water tun-nel are part of the reason Metro water rates will rise dramatically in the years ahead.Average Metro water bills jump 12 per cent to $213 per household next year one step in a series of such increases.Reservoirs sometimes run close to dryRapidgrowthinSurreyandLangleyisstarting to stretch Metros ability to keep up with water de-mand.Itonlybecomesaproblemonthehottestdaysof summer, when hoses run overtime to water parched lawns and gardens.But on some of those days this past summer, local reservoirsthatstoredrinkingwaterintheSurrey area fell to a low of about 20 per cent of their capac-ity.The reservoirs some are raised tanks, others are submerged bunkers with tennis courts builton top are lled up at night but they can sometimes come close to running dry on the hottest days.Twiceasmuchwaterisusedonapeaksummer day as a normal day the rest of the year, and the rate ofuseonhotdayscanjumptothreetimesnormal from 7-10 p.m., when water sprinkling is allowed.Ourtransmissionsystemcanbestretchedvir-tually to its limit at that point, said Dan Donnelly, Metro water treatment and systems control division manager.Waterpressurewouldfallinaneighbourhood beforethewateractuallyrunsout,andlocaland regionalcrewswouldtakeemergencystepsbefore either of those things happened.Donnelly said the region is planning to build more localstoragereservoirs,includingoneinClayton, but added the new water line under the Fraser River will also increase transmission capacity.Tunnel from p17Metro water rates to rise dramatically marc.dalton.mla@leg.bc.caVisit Marcs website @ www.marcdaltonmla.bc.ca~ Everyone Welcome ~*Please bring a non-perishable food item for Marcs food drive in support of the Friends in Need Food Bank.#102 - 23015 Dewdney Trunk Road,Maple Ridge604-476-4530MARCDALTON MLAMAPLE RIDGE/MISSIONMarc Dalton,MLA invites you to hisChristmas Open HouseDecember 10th, 3pm - 7pm102 - 23015 Dewdney Trunk Rd.Thanks to our partners:Decking the Halls?Give Rudy a call.Well get your guests home safely.604-515-NOSE(6673)Operation Red Nose is a condential designated driver service.Help keep our roadways safe this holiday!PROVINCIAL SPONSOR PROVINCIAL TV PARTNEROperation Red Nose Ridge-Meadowsis hosted by PacicSport Fraser Valley.RIDGE MEADOWSRCMPTHE NEWSServing Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows since 1978WANT TO VOLUNTEER?Call to nd out more!Nights of service:November 26 & 27December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 & 31SOUND AND CELLULARIN COQUITLAM:2700 BARNET HWY604-942-1686COLDforthecurecommonCold winter mornings got youdown? Start the car from yourkitchen table with a cup ofcoffee in one hand and aremote in the other. Make yourloved onesroutine a littlemore enjoyable... by the timetheyre ready to go, heatedcomfort will be theirs.

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LASOND AD CELRUNLUL A*$ We speak for those who cannot speak for themselvesADOPT A PET463-9511SPCABLACK JACKTHE NEWS22745 Dewdney Trunk Rd.,Maple Ridge604-463-3855Sponsored byWe will match our competitors pricing on any regular priced item instock!Black Jack is a beautiful Lab x Australian Shep who came to us from the Vernon SPCA.Jack is friendly, playful, active and EXTRA sweet.He has been around older children as he has never lived with young ones. Black Jack loves walking in the great outdoors and would make a great companion for an active family that likes to go hiking and camping. Please come meet this wonderful boy.Where can you nd me?At the Maple Ridge SPCA. You can contact me byEmail mapleridge@spca.bc.caPhone 604-463-951110235 Jackson Rd., Albionwww.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 192 WEEKS ONLYTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 TO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010ITS LIKE THERESNOHSTSAVE12%ONALL TUBS, SHOWERS(KITS AND DOORS),TOILETS, BATH SINKS, VANITIES AND MEDICINE CABINETSFaucets and showerheads sold separately. Accessories shown not included. All products shown are In-Stock. Off our regular prices. Valid on In-Stock and Special Order. Includes whirlpools, pedestal sinks, vanity tops and toilet seats. Offer valid at The Home Depot Canada. Not valid in combination with any other offer. Some exceptions may apply. Selection varies by store and quantities are limited. Offer valid to Canadian residents only. No substitutions or rain checks. See Store Associate or Special Services Desk for details or visit homedepot.ca 2010, HOMER TLC, Inc. All rights reserved. Registered trademark of Homer TLC, Inc. Used under license.VANITIESTOILETSBATHTUBS SHOWERSA. AMERICAN STANDARD Marina Bathtub, White 60"L x 30"W x 19"H Integral apron Available in left- or right-hand drain (1000133479), (1000133486) NOW $254.32 REG. $289B. 31" Polished Granite Vanity Top with Undermount Sink, Beige Finish (1000175093)WAS $199 NOW $189 LESS 12% PROMO $166.32 Also available in 37" and 49" widths.C. Gallery Shaker Vanity Base, Java Oak Finish 30"W x 21"D x 33-1/2"H (1000660622)WAS $299 NOW $279 LESS 12% PROMO $245.52D. AMERICAN STANDARD Mainstream 6L Elongated Complete Toilet, White Includes tank, bowl, seat, wax ring and bolts (1000659905) NOW $131.12 REG. $14936" and 48"widths alsoavailableABCD$11352GLACIER BAY Dual-Flush All-In-One Round-Front Toilet, White (1000669709)$129-$1548WAS $149LESS 12% PROMOSAVE12%$13112GLACIER BAY All-In-One 4.8L Round-Front Toilet, White (1000669708)$15752AMERICAN STANDARD Cadet3 6L Round-Front Total Toilet, White (1000516725)$179-$2148WAS $189LESS 12% PROMO$199-$2388WAS $218LESS 12% PROMOMEDICINE CABINET AND PEDESTAL SINKSAVE12%$1742430" Hampton Vanity Base, White Finish (1000660609)36" and 48" widths also available. Vanity top sold separately.REG. $198REG. $149Also available inOak Finish$17512Kole Vanity with Square China Sink,High-Gloss White Finish (1000660633)$199-$2388WAS $299LESS 12% PROMO$2191230" Casual Vanity Base, Cognac Finish(1000660604)36" and 48" widths also available. Vanity top sold separately.$249-$2988WAS $299LESS 12% PROMOSAVE12%$8712Euro Vanity with Round Porcelain Sink, White Finish (1000660706) REG. $99$17512KOHLER WellworthThe Complete Solution6L Round-Front Toilet, White (1000659913)$11352ZENITH Cubby Medicine Cabinet,White Finish (1000508174)$129-$1548WAS $149LESS 12% PROMO$24464KOHLER ArcherPedestal Sink, White(1000498842, 1000498808)$278-$3336WAS $298LESS 12% PROMOSAVE12%$28952KEYSTONE BY MAAX LobeliaNeo-Angle Shower Kit with Centre Silk Glass Pattern (1000666770)REG. $329$52712KEYSTONE BY MAAX Iris Round Shower, White Finish (1000109810)$599-$7188WAS $659LESS 12% PROMO$65912KEYSTONE BY MAAX UrbanoFrameless Corner Shower (1000667460) $749-$8988WAS $899LESS 12% PROMOSAVE12%$13024AMERICAN STANDARD CadetEnamelled Steel Bathtub, White Available in left- or right-hand drain (1000135830), (1000135829)REG. $148$21736MIROLIN Sydney Bathtub, White Available in left- or right-hand drain (1000479100), (1000479105)$247-$2964WAS $289LESS 12% PROMO$61512KEYSTONE BY MAAX VelvetBubble Tub, White (1000117556)Optional apron sold separately.$699-$8388WAS $789LESS 12% PROMOvisit homedepot.ca to find a store near youshop homedepot.ca22 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.comI last discussed a common problem that arises when homeowners decide they want to become landlords I called this problem the big mistake.To recap, the big mistake typically happens when hom-eowners borrow against the equity in their current home to acquire a new principal residence. They then move from their old home to their new home and commence renting the original home, all the while expecting that the interest incurred on the new loan will be deductible for income tax purposes.Not so.Although this may seem like a very logical course to follow, the end result for the taxpayer will be taxable rental income and non-deductible interest expense clearly, not a very good outcome.The problem here is the taxpayer has confused the security for the new bor-rowing with the use of the borrowed funds. In this case, the security for the loan does not matter its the use of the borrowed money that counts.Regarding the deductibility of interest expense, the test to be applied is the direct use of the borrowed money. In deter-mining what borrowed money has been used for, the onus is on the taxpayers to trace or link the borrowed money to a specific eligible use, giving effect to the exist-ing legal relation-ships.In the big mis-take, the borrowed money has been used to purchase a principal residence and interest paid on debt in-curred to purchase a principal residence is not deductible for income tax purposes.So what could have been done differently here to pro-vide tax deductible interest expense for offset against the rental income received?Consider the approach taken by Rita Ohn, who has paid-off her existing home and now wants to buy a new home and commence renting her own home. Knowing the importance of tracing in the deductibility of interest, Rita took the fol-lowing steps, in order, and at fair market value: On Day 1, Rita sold her current home (the old home) to her parents for fair market value.Ritas parents paid for the purchase by issuing a promissory note to Rita. Always concerned about property transfer tax and oth-er matters, Rita discussed this series of transactions with her lawyer, who ensures all steps are properly documented. On Day 2, Rita reacquired the old home from her parents by borrowing from the bank on the security of a mortgage. Rita plans to use the old home as a rental property; Ritas parents use the funds received to repay the promissory note they issued to Rita on day one. Rita then uses the funds received from her parents to purchase her new home.When the dust settles, Rita owns a rental property (the former old home) and she owns a new home.Following the tracing prin-ciple, Rita can clearly show that the money she borrowed was used to purchase a rental property and, therefore, the interest paid should be deductible against the rental income she receives in the calculation of her taxable income.This example shows that a few simple steps can result in a very different outcome in Ritas case, an outcome that provides her with tax deduct-ible interest expense.Jim Maroney is a chartered accountant with Meyers Norris Penny in Maple Ridge. Trace borrowed money for tax benefitMoney talk Jim MaroneyC OQU I T L A MC E NT R ESeasons Greetings from Sears Coquitlam!We hope you enjoy our newly renovated store.Let us help you with all your holiday wishes.Personal Shopping Services are available, call the store for more details. 604-464-8600Holiday Shopping HoursMonday - Friday 10am - 9pmSaturday 7am - 9pmSunday 10am - 7pmsss..www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 23Albion Hall had its gala opening in October 1923, with a speech by J.A. Cather-wood, provin-cial member for Dewdney riding.He compli-mented the community on such a ne hall, saying its size of 60 by 40 feet could serve a district ve times larger.The Maple Ridge Ga-zette report of the event noted the large crowd present could hardly t on the dance oor, to the strains of a ne orchestra.Each of the communi-ties that made up the District of Maple Ridge needed its own meeting place. The Albion Com-munity Association was founded by eight Albion residents: John Gugler, Mary Edge, Robert Morris, C.H. Owen, K. J. Heilo, Cyril Hilder, Charles Holland and Gust Lahti.The hall itself was built on land donated by Mr. W. Gow, and constructed mainly by donated labour to plans drawn up by George Owen. Sandy Baker super-vised the construction for 75 cents an hour pay. About 100 people paid $1 to be members of the association, to start the fundraising.Many events were held in Whonnock Hall and other locations, in order to raise money and get the building started.The late Gladys Sutc-liffe wrote a summary of the minutes of the Albion Community Association on the occasion of its 50th anniversary in 1973.The rst seven years of minutes had been lost in a house re, but she spoke to people who remem-bered the early trials and activities.She wrote: The people of Albion didnt travel very far aeld but took pleasure in getting together with one an-other. Of necessity their lives were lived within walking distance of their homes. The Albion Hall was a result of this desire to get together in a place where transpor-tation would not be a necessity.Some of the early groups to use the hall were the Girls Progres-sive Club and the Boys Athletic Society. They had decorated the hall for the opening with cedar boughs, coloured ribbons, with ags and bunting across the ceiling.Groups using the hall were expected to do their fair share of the work. Activities includ-ed dances, whist drives, weddings, badminton, and a turkey shoot.Finances were always a problem, especially during the depression years when money was scarce for many people. The 20th anniversary of the hall was celebrated with another grand ball, presided over the chair-man Frank Zeron, who was an active commu-nity member.By the time the 50th anniversary of the hall rolled around, an active ladies club had spear-headed the renovation of the kitchen in the enlarged back portion of the hall. At the end of her 50-year summation of the Albion Com-munity Club, Sutcliffe recalled the words of Bob Holland: The one thing that has kept this club a living and vital part of the community of Albion for the past 50 years has been the dedication, backed by hard physical work, of the active members of the club, through good times and bad, but steadfastly over the years.With the District of Maple Ridge soon to be taking over Albion Hall, whether it is to be moved or rebuilt, the whole community must hope that this valu-able meeting place can continue to serve the people of Albion and beyond.Sheila Nickols is past president of the Maple Ridge Historical Society.Albion Hall a valuable place to meetM