For some great tips on staying safe around cougars please follow this link: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/cougsf.htm

Residents living in 1940s era summer cottages rented from Metro Vancouver in Belcarra Regional Park have won a small victory in their bid to stay.

On Thursday, the Environment and Parks committee deferred a decision to consider demolishing the seven cabins maintained by the Belcarra South Preservation Society after hearing from residents.

Central area manager Frieda Schade said staff will take another look at the matter before the committee next meets.

“They (the committee) want a little more information,” she acknowledged, but said the cabins are in poor shape and need almost $800,000 in repairs, money Metro Vancouver doesn’t have and couldn’t make back in 30 years with residents’ rental payments.

The residents argue they have been living and maintaining the rustic cottages for years and want to find away to stay in the buildings.

“It’s one of the jewels in the whole park system and we are grateful to live within it,” said the society’s Jo Ledingham. Three generations of her family have lived there, she told the committee, “I love the park. I love the land I am on. I am very connected to it.”

In an interview with the Tri-City News, Ledingham takes says the cost estimate for repairs is over-blown and based on bringing the buildings up to heritage standard and would be much cheaper of the residents did the work themselves.

The group looks after the area on the south end of the park, hidden by trees, and patrols against late-night beach parties. It has installed a water system, regularly tested by Fraser Health, and made many other improvements, Ledingham argues.

She’s worried the deferral will delay any decision and action the group might take, bringing them closer to the Aug. 31 date of eviction without a resolution.

But Schade said a condition assessment performed on the building in 2012 found that all of the major systems, water, sewer and plumbing as well as the buildings themselves need upgrading. The cabins were built in the 1940s and were never intended for year round use and could present a liability to Metro Vancouver now the extent of efficiencies is known.

“Now that we’ve had them inspected and we know what we know, we need to have those cabins brought up to a decent standard,” Schade said.

But with the cost being prohibitive, she said, demolition is recommended and in their place a modest public trail along the waterfront would be installed. She said the residents have been offered rental accommodation in other Metro Vancouver housing.

Ledingham said she doesn’t want to move and neither do the other residents, who have set up a website, and believes knocking down the buildings will be the end of an era.

“I really think we need to start holding on to somethings from the past,” she said, noting that the small cottages from Crescent Beach to the Sunshine Coast have largely disappeared, replaced by million dollar homes.

Meanwhile, there are no plans to tear down another house with heritage value also located in the park. Schade said Bole House, associated with lawyer and early Belcarra pioneer John Percy Hampton Bole, needs repairs too, But Metro Vancouver hopes to find money to preserve it and is looking for suggestions from Port Moody and Belcarra about future uses.

Now there’s a current topic: maybe a better title would be: Lawns.

I’m not very interested in grass or lawns in the garden. Mostly I think that anything green that functions as a playground for games is ok. A perfect weed-free lawn is pretty but is probably maintained by a garden service that uses herbicides or you are in a place where you can play golf. I just can’t see the point in spending time and money on moss killer, lime, sand, holes for aeration and over seeding. In the end, it’s still a green place that has to be mowed – and the healthier it is, the more often it needs mowing. I’m not crazy for some weeds that spring up in my lawn – weeds like creeping buttercup and horsetail, but on a lawn that is on an acre property like those in Anmore, it just seems futile to try to dig them all out.  However, plants or weeds that have prickles or make rashes do get the shovel. I would rather use my weeding efforts on the flowerbeds and use the lawn for playing croquet and badminton. A lawn with bumps and lumps makes croquet a much more challenging game and a Bocce game where the ball is hiding behind a dandelion is way more fun.

However if you are an obsessive lawn person, go ahead and rake the moss, aerate the soil, lime in the fall, dig the weeds and add sand to our clay and rocky soil and then over seed with a good grass mix. Mow the lawn at a medium height and leave the clippings if they are not so long that they block the sun from the remaining grass. You will probably want to rake the clippings if you have children and animals running in and out of the house. However if it’s hot enough to run around in the newly mown lawn give the kids an outdoor picnic lunch and keep em out of the house. Don’t bother watering the grass, it will recover quickly even if it goes brown in the hot summer (we’re hoping), and you’ll save on your water bill. Besides, once the watering restrictions begin, you have to get up at 5:00am to water and remember which day is your day. It’s easier to know that when fall comes with the rain, that everything will be green again.

Other things to do in the garden: read, sleep, drink, talk to someone, look at clouds, dream, listen to the birds or children playing, lie in a hammock or a lawn swing, think about the meaning of life – enjoy the day, winter will come again.

on

Imperial Oil Limited Disposition of Ioco Lands

(The official letter can be also be found at www.anmore.com)
The Village of Anmore understands that Imperial Oil Limited (IOL), owner of the lands known as the ‘Ioco Lands’, is in the midst of a process to sell approximately 232 acres, which spans both Anmore and the City of Port Moody. The Village and IOL, through Devon Estates Limited, have held many discussions in the past related to the Ioco Lands and their eventual development.

Recently, such discussions have evolved to include the possibility of the property owner selling the Lands to a separate developer. Through such discussions, considerable technical analysis, review, and comment have been undertaken. Given the significance of the Ioco Lands, both in terms of the size and importance to the Village’s long-term growth, the key messages shared during previous discussions have been outlined below with the intent of informing potential purchasers. The interests outlined below are not intended to represent an exhaustive list, and should be viewed only as a precursor to further discussions with the Village and, where appropriate, jointly with the City of Port Moody.

David Avenue Road Extension
We acknowledge that extensive investigation of various David Avenue extension alignment options has occurred, some of which specifically attempted to address Anmore’s interests. Yet, there remains considerable concern regarding extending David Avenue through the village of Anmore. Specifically, the currently proposed extension alignment options are not supported by the Village, underscoring the importance to resolve this issue prior to any further discussion or consideration of other issues related to the planning and development of the Ioco Lands. Our concern with the proposed alignments stems, in part, from the potential environmental, community, and social impacts to Anmore. In addition, we note that the Village will not be responsible for any of the costs related to the design and construction of the extension, nor would we support taking on the responsibility for the long-term maintenance of the required bridge structure, inherent in any extension concept.

Site Servicing
The availability and capacities of sanitary sewer and water supply connections are further issues that have been discussed in the past and have been the subjects of further privately-initiated technical studies. The ultimate sewage disposal option will, of course, depend upon the type of development and its related density. Should the required method of sewage disposal be other than private in-ground septic fields to serve individual lots, it should be clear that private treatment facilities would not be acceptable to the Village. This suggests that the only other option would be to explore the feasibility of connecting the development to the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (GVS&DD), through the City of Port Moody.

In terms of water supply, where connection to the existing Anmore water system may be proposed in the future, we have identified previously that additional water storage and reservoir capacity will need to be provided by the developer of the Ioco Lands, along with a looping of the Village’s water system.

Neighbourhood Planning
Currently, the Village’s Official Community Plan (OCP) designates the Ioco Lands as residential and identifies through policy that development will require the preparation of a comprehensive development plan that would address land use and density, environmental attributes, servicing, transportation, community amenities, parkland, and financial implications.

The existing zoning of the Ioco Lands in the village is RS-1 Residential, permitting single-unit dwellings on a minimum 1 (one) acre parcel subdivision. Yet, the OCP acknowledges that future development should differentiate itself from the suburban character of surrounding communities.

The existing rural character of the Village is a key attribute valued by many of Anmore’s residents. Given that, and in reflection of existing policy, it is held that any development of the Ioco Lands will require a cost-recovered neighbourhood planning process, complete with extensive community and stakeholder engagement, through which the Applicant and the Village will jointly explore appropriate uses and forms of development. Such a process should ideally include joint discussions with the City of Port Moody and include further technical analysis, which may include, but not be limited to:

• The provisions of a traffic impact study that examines all possible impacts stemming from the envisioned uses and form of developments on the Village’s existing road network as well as the demand for, and if required impacts and mitigation strategies related to, the proposed David Avenue extension;
• A projection of the resulting new population, based on the proposed uses and form of development;
• An assessment of the needs generated as a result of the new population, to examine any added demand for parks spaces, trail networks, recreation services, schools, other civic uses or other neighbourhood/community amenities, as well as identify any impacts and/or benefits to the Village and its existing residents;
• An analysis of the job creation/employment impacts stemming from the proposed uses and form of development;
• A complete analysis of impacts upon Village finances resulting from development (revenues and expenditures as well as capital and operating considerations); and
• The preparation of environmental assessments, given the presence of many existing watersheds, wetlands, hillside areas, and wildlife corridors.

We note that the Village is currently undertaking a review of its OCP, and it is envisioned that the future of the Ioco Lands will be a topic of much interest to our residents and stakeholders, especially as we meet with the community in early-summer and early-fall 2013. To that end, we encourage the land owner/future developer to begin discussions with the community, ideally coinciding such discussions with the cost-recovered neighbourhood planning effort.

The end Neighborhood Plan will require an OCP amendment, should it not be undertaken in parallel with the concurrent OCP review. The Zoning amendments will occur at the time of the OCP amendments. Future development of the Ioco Lands will be subject to Development Permit Area requirements and a set of Design Guidelines, to be developed concurrently.

The future owner of the Ioco Lands will be required to enter into a Development Agreement with the Village, establishing the terms and conditions of the Ioco Lands development, including servicing, phasing, and required financial contributions. It is further held that this Development Agreement will need to be executed prior to final reading of the OCP and Zoning amending bylaws.

The Village also acknowledges that any Neighbourhood Plan will also require a change to the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy designation of the site from its current ‘Special Study Area’ status.

Future Sustainability and Resilience
In consideration of the future, any development of the Ioco Lands should strive to achieve the highest levels of neighborhood performance relating to: minimizing environmental impact, limiting energy requirements and related GHG footprint, reducing potable water and other resource consumptions, minimizing surface runoff while maximizing at-source infiltration, maximizing waste diversion from the region’s landfills, and the delivery of overall design excellence; all contributing positively to the existing character of the Village.

Important sustainability and environmental conservation considerations, which are expected to be addressed through further professional studies and reports include, but may not be limited to:

• Protection of surrounding watersheds including tributaries (i.e. Mossom, Schoolhouse North);
• Protection of wildlife corridors to watersheds, including connectivity to the north and between watersheds;
• Tree retention and mapping of “significant” trees;
• Protection of blue-listed species, noting an abundance of tailed frogs and red-legged frogs documented in the area;
• Provision of a siltation control plan and erosion control plan, including ongoing monitoring and reporting;
• Provision of a storm water management plan for maintaining watershed volume and flow regime; and
• Adherence to sustainable development best practices that focus on clustered homes and the preservation of forested hillside areas.

It is also anticipated that as part of any future cost-recovered neighbourhood planning process, consultation with the community’s stewardship groups (e.g. Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society, etc.) takes place, augmenting the overall public engagement strategy towards the identification and discussion of key environmental issues.

In closing, the Village reiterates its view that the Ioco Lands represents a significant part for our community. We, therefore, remain interested in building upon our many years of past discussions with the IOL, continuing the dialogue with prospective purchasers in the short term, and a possible new owner of the Ioco Lands in the longer term.

Village of Anmore Council
May 2013

All council members were in attendance along with CAO Tim Harris and  Manager of Corporate Services Christine Milloy.

The first item of business was an addition to the agenda.  The Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society made a presentation regarding the Ioco Lands.  Arne Perrin made it clear that this organization wishes to be part of the process of development of the lands.  The society wants to be sure that tree removal is regulated, and the suggestion was made that Anmore could improve the tree removal bylaw.  A big concern is that the riparian zones must be protected and that the definition of ‘riparian zones’ be made clear.  An inventory of wildlife should be conducted and the alignment and David Avenue extension needs to be very carefully considered.  Council was invited to tour Mossom Creek Hatchery as this creek and Schoolhouse Creek both run through these lands.  The presentation was well received.

There is a two page handout prepared by the Village planners with ‘background and overview on the Ioco lands disposition’.  This covers the items that are in the letter that will go to developers of the lands.  It can be seen on the Village website or paper copies are available at the Village Hall.  It was not in the agenda package. The letter can also be viewed here.

The next item was brought forward in order that Kate Lambert, village planning consultant could be present.  The campground has applied for rezoning from commercial to single family residential.  The council received the report and it will be sent to the staff, the A.P.C. and other appropriate committees for comment.

Three bylaws were given final readings: The Five year financial plan, Tax rates, and Water rates and regulations amendment.

Correspondence received concerned the naming of the new middle school which has not been decided yet, it is hoped that the school might open September 2013.   Another letter was from Metro Vancouver with notification of a proposed amendment to the Regional Growth Strategy.  This involved application from Port Moody to add three ‘Special Study Areas’ in their municipality.  This was agreed upon by Council.  The details of this are in the agenda package.

A report from the Environment Committee recommended that the Invasive Plant Inventory of Anmore from the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver be forwarded to Staff and Council.  The main concern is about the removal of Knotweed. Staff will look for funding from various sources to help with this project.  This report is in the agenda package or can be asked for at the Village Hall.

The Community grant for the Community Youth Justice Program was approved.  The Friendly Forest Preschool grant still needs more clarification.

Under new business:  As the finance officer position is vacant, Tim Harris was appointed as Tax Collector for the Village and has signing authority to receive and approve the financial statements for the Village.

Council meetings were set for July 16th^th and August 13^th, others may be called if needed.

In-Camera council meetings were approved to be held before the May 28th regular council meeting.

The Mayor reported on attending the May Day celebrations in Port Coquitlam (their 90^th!).  Mayor Anderson hopes that a meeting with the newly elected M.L.A. and the M.P. can be arranged in June. Councillor Palmer Isaak spoke about a Metro Vancouver meeting she attended, the upcoming task force meeting with Port Moody and the Village plans for the Canada Day celebrations.

Councillor Thiele told of the grant approval for money to hire a part time emergency co-ordinator and the meeting council had to discuss waste management plans.  Councillor Green spoke about the progress of the O.C.P. review and the hope to have a public open house consultation meeting in June and the big meeting about it in the fall.

CAO Tim Harris announced the appointment of Kevin Dicken as the new manager of public works and Mindy Smith will be the part time consultant for financial services until a new Manager of Financial Services is appointed.

The Mayor then mentioned that Dave McClosky, a local resident, is collecting shoes for children and adults to send overseas.  There is a box for ‘Rubens Shoes’ at the Village Hall.

A question was asked about the savings on printing hand outs in black and white versus color and there was confusion about the plaque on the old Village Hall regarding its history.

A member of the public voiced the opinion that the campground is an important part of Anmore providing an affordable place for families to holiday.  She hopes that the rezoning will not occur.

Then everyone went home to see the amazing Provincial election results.

*As always these are just my notes, for more information on any topic contact staff or council members.      Pam Blackman.

Thursday May 16th is National Lifejacket Day.

Of those who drown, 88% are not wearing, or are not properly wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Boaters feel safe just having a lifejacket nearby. But when something goes wrong, you won’t have time to put it on. A lifejacket can save your life – but only if you wear it.

Stay safe this summer

• Always wear a lifejacket or PFD when on board a boat
• Be aware of environmental conditions
• Never consume alcohol before or during a boating outing

Download our tip sheet and keep it handy all season long.

ENTER TO WIN! Forward this message to your contacts and invite them to enter for a chance to winone of 10 family sets of lifejackets from Mustang Survival.

Friendly Forest Parent Cooperative Preschool
Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM (PDT)
Anmore, BC

Event information:
What: A spring festival for adults and kids alike, featuring a musical performance by Mr. I & the Rainbow Singers, an ice cream snack and fun activities!
Who: All friendly forest families and friends!
When: Saturday, May 25, 2013
Where: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
How: Tickets can be purchased online at friendlyforest.eventbrite.com or through class reps. Prices are $10/person or $35/family of 4 (2 & under free).

Friendly Forest is also looking for corporate donations of raffle gifts for the event, if you have something you could donate please contact Leah Zille at leah@dazil.com.

Friendly Forest Parent Cooperative Preschool

Anmore residents and visitors are hereby notified that bears have been sighted throughout the Village at varying times of the day.

Wildlife do not avoid areas because of actual or perceived boundaries or property lines. Please be respectful of their habitat. You can help deter all wildlife from residential areas by keeping human and pet food and food sources (i.e. groceries, dog food, bird feeders, garbage, etc.) locked up  and well out of reach of wildlife. This includes keeping garbage cans secure and contained inside until the morning of garbage day, and by keeping garage doors closed as well – bears have been known to frequent homes with bags of dog food and unlocked freezers in residential garages.

If you do see a bear, do not approach the bear. Instead, make loud noise (e.g. shouting, air horns, etc.)  to let the bear know that he/she is unwelcome until they are forced away.

For further information, please view this handout:http://anmore.iwebez.com/files/%7BCFA437DA-0776-439B-B738-A8DDC0E3627F%7Dbearawareness.aug.11.pdf

Additional information can be accessed through Bear Aware, online atwww.bearaware.bc.ca

For wildlife sightings and to report a violation, please call the COS (Conservation Office) Dial Toll Free 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) OR Report Violators Online (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/rapp/form.htm )

and pick up a plant for Mother’s Day

. ALSO…

Our students and their families will be selling baked goods, crafts and other handmade treasures as well as their previously loved items that are in need of a new home.

PLUS…

Some of our fantastic community vendors include:

Mary Kay, PartyLite, Stella & Dot, Arbonne, Frilly Scarves, Norwex, Creative Memories, and King Precious Metals (bring in the gold you no longer want and get cash on the spot!)

Lots to do and see at this Family Friendly Indoor event. 

If you still need a table, we have a couple. If you want to roll up your sleeves and help out, please contact:

TammyMcCurry@yahoo.com  or (Kerri) KPIsaak@hotmail.com 

Thank you in advance for your generous SUPPORT!

You can also download a copy of the May Anmore Times here:

Anmore Times – May 2013

An early morning attack on a local area man may result in blindness.  The victim suffered from being doused with bear spray, as well as having his eyes gouged.  While the emergency response team was quick to rush him to the hospital (he was later transferred to Edmonton for emergency surgery), RCMP indicate the expectation is that he will lose his sight.

The local RCMP confirm the victim and his assailants are known to each other; this was not a random attack.  They further explain that this incident is above and beyond the scale of violence experienced in the, usually idyllic, town of Whitecourt.

The men charged and slated to appear in Whitecourt Provincial Court are 22-year-old, Korey Reed Clark, 44-year-old Thomas Michael Clark, and 22-year-old Justin Lopes Da Silva.  Charges against the trio include break and enter to commit mischief, aggravated assault, uttering death threats, uttering threats to cause injury, assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, breach of undertaking, and breach of recognizance.

The suspects remain in custody as they await their court appearance.

Source: Whitecourt Press

http://www.whitecourtpress.com/2013/02/22/local-man-in-danger-of-losing-eyesight-after-horrific-attack/

Other sources include:

http://www.whitecourtpress.com/2013/02/22/local-man-in-danger-of-losing-eyesight-after-horrific-attack/

http://www.whitecourtstar.com/2013/02/11/victim-could-lose-eyesight-after-aggravated-assault

http://www.whitecourtstar.com/2013/03/18/in-provincial-court

http://www.therig.ca/index.asp?mn=4&id=3262&cc=3

As the planning and development consultant for Imperial Oil, I am pleased to offer some initial brief comments in response to both the thoughtful blog posting and the Letter to the Editor.

Let me say from the onset that Imperial Oil appreciates that all Anmore residents will have concerns regarding the potential impacts of development of the Ioco Lands.  We are also well aware of the community desire to protect and indeed enhance its semi-rural character, and minimize any environmental impacts from new develoopment.

Following discussions with Anmore and Port Moody Councils and officials, Imperial Oil determined that it was preferable to partner with an experienced development company, with experience in the planning and development of high-quality master planned communities, rather than embark on a planning process that may or may not be realized.

It was for this reason that it chose to engage Cushman and Wakefield and prepare a marketing package.

I can advise that a short list of highly qualified companies is now reviewing the background materials to fully understand the history of the lands and the community concerns and aspirations.

I can assure you that the successful company will embark on a comprehensive community planning process to develop an overall plan for the lands.

More information will be forthcoming in the coming months.

However, before signing off, I must address M Steemson’s statement ” The developer who has put together the master plan is acknowledged as being primarily interested in high density urbanization, complete with multi-family buildings, high rises, shopping etc”

This is not at all correct. While it is true that in the past Imperial Oil and my firm have advocated for a more sustainable form of development than 1 acre lots on the Ioco lands in Anmore, at no time have we ever suggested that high rises would be appropriate on either the Anmore or Port Moody lands. Let me repeat that. High rise development has never been suggested by us.

Yes, we have proposed that some neighbourhood retail may be appropriate, including a corner store and cafe. We have also suggested that some cottage style clustered single family housing may be appropriate in Anmore and possibly some townhousing and co-housing. However, we appreciate that any development plans will ultimately have to be approved by your planning consultants and Anmore officials and Council.

I expect that a long and thoughtful dialogue will occur before any plans are approved for this property.  hope this is helpful.

Michael Geller 

Amount of Award / Bursary:  $ 500

Criterion:

• Must be a resident of Anmore / Belcarra
• Student must be enrolled/enrolling ( within one calendar year ) in a Post Secondary Education program in the Area of :  Fire / Police / Public Safety / Medical / Health-Care / Dental / Social Services and or any medical related field(s) of study.
• 750 – 1000 word essay on the topic : “Why volunteering in my community is important”.
• 2 Reference Letters from non-family members

Important dates and items to remember :
Reference letters must accompany application.

All items are to be completed and submitted no later than June 21st, 2013.

• Heritage Woods Students to return completed applications to the Career Centre
• Grade 12 students can return completed applications to their respective Village Halls
  before June 21st, 2013.

Contact / Info :

Sasamat Volunteer Firefighters Association
Attention : SVFA 2013 Bursary

Phone : 604 469 0349
Email : svfa_executive@yahoo.ca

Download Application Form: 2013 SVFA Bursary Application