Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini announced a $50,000 grant from the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) on February 17. The EDF is used in support of environmental legislation, helping to ensure that polluters take responsibility for their actions. Port Moody’s grant will be used for the City’s “What Swims Beneath” project.
The grant will allow the City to work with community partners to conduct fish inventories within the Port Moody Arm of Burrard Inlet. The fish inventory sites are located mainly within Tidal Park and include sub-tidal sites near Old Orchard Park and the tidal channels near Pigeon Cove.
In his announcement from Pigeon Cove Trasolini said, “Burrard Inlet is part of one of Canada’s most productive marine ecosystem and has 190 kilometres of marine foreshore. Port Moody Arm includes Tidal Park, and is recognized for its regional role in maintaining ecological health.” The area is home to numerous species of fish and waterfowl, and is an ideal rearing habitat for juvenile salmon.
In the late 1800s a fish inventory revealed that Burrard Inlet was home to many interesting fish species. Some were the first of their kind to be seen in British Columbia. However, fish inventories have not been updated, resulting in a significant gap in local knowledge of fish species in Port Moody Arm. Port Moody Council is committed to working with the community on inventory projects to better understand local marine ecology. In applying for the grant, the City partnered with Fisheries and Oceans, Port of Metro Vancouver, Pacific Wildlife Foundation, Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society, Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program, Port Moody Ecological Society, Burke Mountain Naturalists and Vancouver Aquarium.
Grant activities will include collecting and analyzing DNA samples, developing a comprehensive public education program, holding a public outreach event at Rocky Point Park and completing and distributing the inventory report.
While the Olympics wind down in Vancouver, there is still plenty to do right here in the V3H. Read on for my weekly round-up of local events to check out.
Another Family Fun Night at the Mall is happening on Wednesday, February 24 from 6-8pm at Coquitlam Centre [map]. Children aged 3 to 10 and their parents are invited to meet on the lower level in front of London Drugs and the Toy Jungle. Imagine, play and learn about construction through stories, songs, arts and more! No registration is required, and the event is free. For more information, please call 604.464.1414.
On Thursday, February 25th from 7-8pm the Coquitlam Public Library is holding a Chinese New Year Concert at their Poirier branch [map]. The library welcomes the Year of the Tiger with a concert. Members from the Arts Musical Studio will perform traditional Chinese music to welcome the arrival of spring and the Lunar New Year. Seats are limited and registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call 604.937.3221.
The always fabulous Jelly Bean Dance is happening again on Friday, February 26 from 6:15-9:15pm at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. Students in grades 4 through 6 can enjoy a night of fun-filled activities including door prizes, carnival games, a professional DJ and supervision. Tickets are available at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre or the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex the Sunday prior to the dance for $5, or for $7 at the door. For more information call 604.927.7946 or email kulhanekj@portcoquitlam.ca.
The Tri-Cities Film Challenge Screening will take place on Friday, February 26 from 7-10pm at Inlet Theatre [map]. The night will include a viewing of short films submitted to the Tri-Cities Film Challenge as well as awards for the top three entries. For more information call 778.230.0335 or email brad@cachurch.ca.
The Crossroads Coffeehouse presents the Don Kellett Review on Friday, February 26 at the Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7pm, and open mic starts at 7:30, and the feature performer takes to the stage at 9. Don plays a wide variety of musical styles and over the years he has added mandolin and steel guitar to his arsenal. Don will perform some of his favourites, including some originals. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information email info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
On Sunday, February 28 at 1:30 pm the Sunday Coffee Concert Series runs at Terry Fox Theatre [map]. This concert is called “From Spain to Vietnam for the Young and Young at Heart”. JouTou and the Khac Chi Ensemble team up for a creative, dynamic and entertaining performance. Traveling from France to Hanoi, Vietnam and from strings and drums to rare bamboo instruments, experience abundant opportunities for musical discovery! Then, after the show stay and meet the performers over coffee courtesy of Tim Hortons. For more information call 604.927.8440 or email chuiy@portcoquitlam.ca.
Have a great week!
Having a new baby is a big adjustment. I have two little darlings of my own, and welcoming them into our family threw me for a loop – temporarily, anyway. It also left me wanting to find other new parents, who could relate to what was going on in my life. Like most moms I had a full year of maternity leave, and I wanted to get out with my babies and enjoy it. I found some baby groups and activities that helped me to do that.
Today I’m just sharing a few of the options for new parents here in the V3H. If you know of any great activities, playgroups or drop-ins that I haven’t listed, please mention them in the comments. Other new parents craving social interaction can benefit from your experience.
Library Babytimes
These free drop-in programs offer songs, rhymes and stories, as well as discussion of early literacy skills and a chance to meet other parents. The age range is from 0-17 months in Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, and 0-24 months in Coquitlam. Here are current dates at times:
Port Moody Public Library
Mondays, 11-11:30am
Thursdays, 2-2:30pm
Classes take place in the Storytelling Circle, and are cancelled on statutory holidays. For more information call 604.469.4577.
Coquitlam Public Library
Mondays, 11-11:30am at the City Centre Branch
Thursdays, 11-11:30am at the City Centre Branch
Thursdays, 10-10:30am at the Poirier Branch
Thursdays, 11-11:30am at the Poirier Branch
The Winter sessions of babytime end the first week of March. For more information call the Poirier Children’s Department at 604.937.4142, or the City Centre Children’s Department at 604.927.3561.
Terry Fox Library
Babytime (0-17 months)
Tuesdays, 10:15-10:40am, ending March 2
Thursdays, 10:15-10:40am, beginning on March 18
Free registration required. For more information, or to register, call 604.927.7999.
Runners and Booties Fitness
Local mom Lara started Runners and Booties when her own son was a baby himself. Now she offers her extremely popular Shop ‘n Stroll classes free through local malls. She also offers Salsa Babies, a Latin dance class for moms with babies in a sling or a carrier. I personally enjoyed Salsa Babies so much that I took it 3 times in a row, you should see my cha-cha-cha now. For more info on any Runners and Booties classes call 778.285.6265.
Jungle Gym Time
Seven days a week, at various times of day, the Port Moody Recreation Centre offers drop-in Jungle Gym Time for babies and toddlers aged 0-5 years. This open gym allows older babies and toddlers to play and explore on various jungle gym apparatus. Parent participation is mandatory, and fees are $2.50 per child. For more information check out Port Moody’s Happening recreation guide, or call the Rec Centre at 604.469.4556.
Gym Bugs
Babies and toddlers aged 9 months – 3 years can join in the fun at Coquitlam’s Poirier Community Centre, with gymnastics equipment, toys and other things to keep everyone busy. An instructor will be on hand to suggest skills your child can learn, and parent participation is required. Classes run on Sundays from 10am-12pm, and the drop in fee is $2.50 per session for one child or $4.00 for 2 children (with the same parent). For more information call 604.927.6046.
Playmates
Children ages 0-6 years are invited to play and enjoy the large space in the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex’s Mabbett Room. There are paper crafts, puzzles, ride-on toys and much more. There’s coffee on for the adults, too. Parent participation is required. Sessions run from 9:30-11:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and fees are $4.25 for 2 children, and $2.25 for each extra child. For more information call 604.927.7529.
La Leche League
New moms who have breastfeeding questions find that La Leche League is a valuable resource. Volunteer leaders are available to answer questions and provide support over the telephone 7 days a week. For help anywhere in the Lower Mainland call 604.520.4623. Local moms who need one-on-one support, or who like to meet other breastfeeding moms, are invited to La Leche League Coquitlam’s free monthly meetings at the SHARE Society office at 2615 Clarke Street in Port Moody. Meetings happen the 2nd Thursday of every month, from 9:30-11:30am. Toddlers and older children are welcome, and so are expectant moms who want to get some support before their baby arrives.
For the past two years, the City of Port Coquitlam has been working on the Coast Meridian Overpass (CMO). Finally, the project that will link North and South Port Coquitlam is nearing completion, and the overpass is slated to open to traffic on Sunday, March 7. But in advance of the opening a big party is planned for Saturday, March 6. The CMO Opening Ceremonies will take place on the overpass from 10am-noon.
“We invite everyone to come out and experience the CMO for the first time on March 6,” said Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore. “It’s been a long journey, but we’re finally here. Soon we’re going to start to realize the benefits of connecting North and South – getting home sooner, getting to swimming lessons or hockey games faster, better access for emergency services, and no more traffic jams on Shaughnessy Street, which will help our businesses.”
The celebration begins at 10am with a parade to mid-span from both ends of the bridge, for a symbolic linking of North and South Port Coquitlam. Other festivities include a street hockey game between Kilmer Elementary and James Park Elementary, pick-up street hockey for adults and kids who bring their own sticks, and pizza for street hockey participants from San Remo Pizza. There will also be vintage vehicles plus old and new buses and fire trucks, displays, prizes, swag, and speeches. The Tim Hortons Community Cruiser and ICBC Crash Car and Safety Bear will be on hand, and Port Coquitlam band Another Round will provide live music.
Due to limited parking and environmental concerns, event-goers are encouraged to walk, bike, use public transit or carpool. Free shuttles will be available from PoCo’s West Coast Express parking lot, and the Northside Foursquare Church (1477 Lougheed Highway) will make its parking lot available for the event. A free bicycle valet service will also be provided at the south approach by BEST, in addition to bike racks at the north approach.
Discussions about an overpass crossing the CPR yards date back to 1913, and the alignment along Coast Meridian Road was identified in regional plans in 1980. Planning for the current structure began in 2000 when Council adopted the Port Coquitlam Master Transportation Plan. TransLink announced funding in 2004, and an agreement with CPR for the overpass right-of-way was signed in 2006. Construction started in early 2008.
In addition to the four-lane bridge with sidewalks and bicycle lanes, the project also includes extensive road and intersection improvements along Lougheed Highway, Coast Meridian Road, Kingsway Avenue, Broadway Street and McLean Avenue. A new road, the Lougheed Meridian Connector, was also constructed.
This is a big project, and it is exciting to see it reach completion. Hopefully, it will live up to its promise and make getting around Port Coquitlam just a little bit easier. For more information on the opening ceremonies, call 604.927.5335 or email vincentk@portcoquitlam.ca.
It’s Wednesday again, which means it’s time for the weekly rundown of events here in the V3H. Things are a little quieter this week, because the big action is happening downtown as the Olympic Winter Games are in full swing. However, there are still some fun options to choose from right here in our backyard, so read on!
Shirley Valentine’s local run started on February 16, and it continues until Saturday, February 20 at Evergeen Cultural Centre [map]. Ellie King sparkles in the role she was born to play. She will keep you spellbound as she brings you Shirley’s life, loves, hopes and dreams in a hilarious and often moving way, all while actually cooking dinner. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.
On Wednesday, February 17th from 2-4pm there will be a Heritage Tea at Mackin House in Coquitlam [map]. Tea and dainties will be served in the 1910 parlour, provided by the ever-fabulous Tealicious Tea Company. Admission is $5 and registration is required. For more information or to register call 604.516.6151 or email info@coquitlamheritage.ca.
Mackin House Museum’s Historical Book Club is meeting on Friday, February 19th at 2pm in the Mackin House Parlour [map]. The club is reading Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden. There is no charge for the Book Club and the organizers are working with the Coquitlam Public Library to ensure that everyone has a copy of the book. There is still room in the group, so if you would like to take part please call Jill Cook at 604.516.6151 or email jcook@coquitlamheritage.ca. Happy Reading!
Coquitlam’s Inspiration Garden is looking for new volunteers. They will be holding a free orientation session on Friday, February 19 from 2:30-4:30pm at Pinetree Community Centre [map]. The demonstration garden is looking for novice and expert gardeners alike who would be interested in volunteering. Members of the volunteer team contribute in many ways, including Garden hosting, planning and assisting workshops, demonstrations and special events. For more information call 604.927.6929 or email garden@coquitlam.ca. To register for the orientation session call 604.927.4386.
To celebrate Heritage Week there will be Antique Appraisals on Sunday, February 21 from 1-3pm at Port Moody Station Museum [map]. Well known local appraisers Al Bowen of Bowen and Associates Appraisers and Ray Stonehouse of Great Canadian Collectables will be available to appraise your items. This year’s focus is on sports and recreation artifacts and memorabilia. The cost is $15 for two items and advance registration required. For more information, or to register, call 604.939.1648 or email pmmuseum@telus.net.
Place des Arts presents another Family Day on Sunday, February 21 from 1:30-3:30pm [map]. Take a tour of two fascinating touring exhibitions and then participate in fun, interactive art activities including cartooning with Place des Arts teacher Kenten Bowick and voice-over for cartoons with actor Michael Fera. This event is all about getting engaged with art, instead of being intimidated by it. Admission is $20 for a family of 4, or $5 per person. You can read about the great time our family enjoyed at Family Day back in October. For more information call 604.664.1636 or email info@placedesarts.ca.
Have a great week!
Local arts group ArtsConnect and Douglas College are working together to present Swaporamarama. This fabulous free event will run from 11am-4pm on Saturday, March 13 in the Main Atrium of Douglas College’s David Lam Campus in Coquitlam [map].
Swaporamarama invites participants to swap and re-make old clothes. You bring a bag full of clothing that you don’t want anymore and trade it for some items that you do, then you get to work creating. There will be materials, equipment and experienced help on hand as you decorate, sew, silkscreen or paint your new creations.
Swaporamarama is a non-profit organization that started in the US. The event’s founder, Wendy Tremayne, believes that our culture is too involved in consuming and not involved enough in creating and re-creating. Swaporamarama is a chance to step outside that consumerist model. It taps into the DIY, green and frugal trends, and adds a fun, fashionable and social twist.
Thanks to the generosity of event sponsors there will be a silkscreening machine, sewing machines, textiles, notions, scissors, seam rippers, buttons, paints, brushes and more. There will also be experienced quilters on hand to help with sewing and artful advice. Or, if you know your way around a sewing machine, the organizers would love to hear from you.
There will be a red carpet where you can model your new creations, if that’s your thing, comparing “before” and “after looks” and offering inspiration to others. But mostly, there will just be a whole lot of fun and a whole lot of people working together to create a great event. Organizers are hoping to see 500 people of all ages and abilities show up and take part. The point is to have fun, experiment, learn and create. Previous Swaporamarama events in cities all across North America have garnered rave reviews, so come out and see what all the fuss is about!
For more information, or to offer your help, contact ArtsConnect at 604.931.8255 or info@artsconnect.ca.
The Olympic opening ceremonies will take place today in Vancouver, and hockey is on the mind of many Canadians. Will Team Canada prevail and bring home the gold? I know I’m not the only one who hopes so, as evidenced by how quickly seats at the men’s gold medal game were snapped up. While tickets to see Olympic hockey are hard to come by, if you want to catch some up-and-coming talent there will be a far more accessible and affordable way to take in a game starting this fall.
The Junior A Express Hockey Team has played in the BCHL since the 2001/2002 season. It played its first four seasons as the Coquitlam Express at the Poirier Arena, but it moved in 2005/2006 when construction of the Chimo pool started and parking got tight. The Express spent its last 5 seasons in Burnaby, where attendance dropped to an all-time low. It has recently announced that it will be coming home to Coquitlam for the 2010/2011 season that starts in September. The team will return to the newly-renovated Poirier Arena.
Mayor Richard Stewart and Coquitlam City Council welcomed the Express Hockey Team delegation to the February 1 Council meeting, where the team’s return was formally announced.
Darcy Rota, long-time Coquitlam resident and former player with the Canucks, is President and General Manager of the Express. He wants to build on the positive relationships the Express has with the local fan base and business community, saying, “…We believe we have the winning combination for a successful return to Coquitlam. We enjoyed great success when we were in Coquitlam and had strong fan support. I want to thank Coquitlam City staff and Mayor Richard Stewart in particular, for all of their encouragement and support regarding our return.”
Side note – Jon’s dad bought him a signed Darcy Rota hockey stick when he was 7 or 8. This was a prized possession when he was a kid, and we still have it in our crawlspace. Hockey runs deep here in the V3H.
Mayor Richard Stewart echoed his sentiments, saying, “The team returns to first class facilities and what should be a strong fan base while Coquitlam citizens will get to enjoy top-notch hockey performance. I think young families will really enjoy having such a high calibre of hockey available right here in our community and with a ticket price that’s less than the cost of parking downtown.”
For more information, or to reserve priority seating for the 2010/2011 season, contact the Express office at 604.473.4625.
This is a big week here in the V3H. In fact, this is a big week in Metro Vancouver, across British Columbia and throughout Canada, as the 2010 Olympic Games kick off on Friday. It is also Heritage Week in BC, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year. There are no shortage of options for celebrating, and we hope that you take advantage of them.
On Thursday, February 11 the Olympic Torch Relay comes to the Tri-Cities. It’s early in the morning, but if you can get out of bed and get to one of the celebrations it is sure to be memorable. For more details read our earlier post about the Torch Relay in the V3H.
The Happy Liver Society provides temporary accommodation for liver transplant patients and their family members who must travel to Vancouver for life-saving surgery. They are presenting their gala fundraiser, Night Out With the Stars, on Thursday, February 11 at Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]. The doors open at 6pm, dinner is at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. The Vegas-style show features AC as the Beatles and Rod Stewart, Jeff Harris as Meatloaf, Kenny Holliday as Bon Jovi and Samira as Tina Turner. For more information or to buy tickets call 778.990.5509.
The Coquitlam Public Library presents Budget Basics on Thursday, February 11 from 7-8:30pm at their Poirier Branch [map]. Yvonne Bauche will be teaching the simplest, most effective money management system on the planet, and how to accelerate your path toward a stress free, early retirement. Yvonne will explain why the “buy now and pay later” mentality can destroy your financial future, and how developing better money habits can help you pay off your mortgage years earlier. The program is free, but registration is required. To register, or for more information, call 604.937.4155.
From Thursday, February 11 to Sunday, February 13 Centennial Secondary’s musical theatre program is presenting The Pajama Game. Shows run at 7:30pm each evening at Centennial [map]. The play is a sassy musical comedy from the ’50s, and it’s sure to delight everyone. For more information or to buy tickets call 604.936.7205.
Friday, February 12 is a Pro-D Day, and Port Coquitlam is offering a couple of events to keep everyone occupied. Students aged 11-16 can participate in a paintball and swimming day camp. The camp runs from 9am-4pm at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. To register, or for more information, call 604.927.7946 or 604.927.7970 or 604.927.8400. There will also be a Toonie Skate from 1:15-3:15pm at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex [map]. For more information call 604.927.7970 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.
Coquitlam’s Mackin House Museum will be celebrating Chinese New Year on Friday, February 12 from 1-3pm [map]. The Glen Pine Mandarin Choir will be performing in English and Chinese, and there will be tiger appropriate refreshments. Admission is by donation. For more information call 604.516.6151.
The Crossroads Coffeehouse presents an Olympic-Free Zone Open Stage on Friday, February 12 at the Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7pm, and the open stage starts at 7:30. Be ready for a dozen people to entertain you. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information email info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
The Port Moody Film Society presents Kitchen Stories on Friday, February 12 at 7:30pm at Inlet Theatre [map]. This amusing story portrays the developing friendship between an aging researcher from Sweden and a Norwegian bachelor, who is the researcher’s subject. The plot is based on a program of research conducted in Sweden in the 1950s in which single males were observed in their kitchens. Although the observer and the subject are forbidden to speak to each other the two aging men become fast friends, sipping coffee, smoking pipes and telling their stories. The film is in Norwegian and Swedish with English subtitles. For more information, call 604.469.4571 or email info@pmfilm.ca.
The Coquitlam Public Library is presenting another Beginner Internet class, on Saturday, February 13 from 9:30-10:30am at their City Centre Branch [map]. Participants will learn the basics of the internet and be surfing in no time. You must be able to click and scroll using the mouse. The program is free but registration is required as space is limited. This is an extremely popular program, and the offering two weeks ago filled up fast. To register, or for more information, call 604.927.3560.
As we told you on Monday, the Village International de Francophonie will be running on February 13 and 14. It’s a special edition of the annual Festival du Bois celebration, showcasing all things French. Be sure to drop by Mackin House Museum during the festival, as well, where there will be tours and crafts for the kids.
On Saturday, February 13 a pair of events are running at Terry Fox Library [map]. From 10:30-11am you can Catch the Spirit! with musician Mr. I and the Rainbow Singers, and get in the mood for the 2010 Winter Olympics. This is a drop-in event and no registration is required. Then from 2-4pm check out the Teen Anti-Valentine’s Party. Reclaim February 14th from Hallmark: vandalize romance novel covers, smash heart-shaped pinatas, create black roses and more. Snacks are included. For more information or to register call 604.927.7999.
Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble presents Joy of Sax on Friday, February 13 at 8pm at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. The saxophone reigns supreme on a program of music that will showcase everything that a saxophone is and can be. Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble will be helped by the Vancouver Saxophone Ensemble and feature members of our own sax section. For more information or to buy tickets call 604.927.6555.
Sunday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day, and Port Coquitlam is offering some events that will give you the chance to get active with your Valentine. From 12:45-4pm the Valentine Skate runs at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex [map]. For more information call 604.927.7970 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca. Or, from 1-3pm the Valentine Swim runs at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. For more information call 604.927.7946 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.
On Sunday, February 14 at 1:30 pm the Sunday Coffee Concert Series runs at Terry Fox Theatre [map]. The concert will be a special Chinese New Year celebration with Silk Road Music Ensemble. The show will feature spectacular singing, dancing, and music that combines traditional and contemporary sounds. Come and join the award winning group and share the New Year with all cultures in the community! Then, after the show stay and meet the performers over coffee courtesy of Tim Hortons. For more information call 604.927.8440 or email chuiy@portcoquitlam.ca.
February 15-21 is Heritage Week,and the Port Moody Station Museum [map] offers you a few ways to celebrate. On Sunday, February 14 there will be a silent movie showing from 2-4pm. See a variety of silent movie shorts featuring well known performers. Fee is $10 per person, or free to Heritage Society members. On Monday, February 15 the Community Display Opening Night will take place from 7-8:30pm. Local recreation historian Don Cunnings will give a presentation on the history of sport and recreation in Port Moody and the Tri-City area. Light refreshments provided and admission is free. For more information on either event call 604.939.1648 or email pmmuseum@telus.net.
The Sport Re-Imagined show is running from January 21-March 21 at Leigh Square [map]. On Tuesday, February 16 from 7-9pm the official Opening Ceremonies will take place. Sport Re-imagined is a group exhibition showcasing artists whose work challenges, re-imagines and reinterprets sport and the paraphernalia and constructs that surround it. It celebrates Spirit Week in Port Coquitlam and Canada’s Winter Games. For more information call 604.927.8440.
I hope that you have a great week!
Just got news from the City of Port Moody that the Canadian and British figure skating teams that are practicing at the Port Moody Recreation Complex will be holding a couple of open practices. Here’s the info…
The Canadian, Great Britain and US Olympic figure skating teams will be fine tuning their routines at Port Moody’s arena as they prepare for the Winter Games. While these training sessions are closed to the public, both Canada and Great Britain are offering one free public viewing.
Canada
Date: Friday February 12
Time: 10am – 12:45 pm
Location: Port Moody Recreation Complex – Ice Arena 2, 300 Ioco Road
Details: multiple viewing sessions, each of 30-40 minutes duration
Caution: due to limited spectator capacity, be prepared for a lengthy wait
Cost: Free
Great Britain
Date: Tuesday February 16
Time: 4:30-6:00 pm
Location: Port Moody Recreation Complex – Ice Arena 2, 300 Ioco Road
Details: multiple viewing sessions, each of 30-40 minutes duration
Caution: due to limited spectator capacity, be prepared for a lengthy wait
Cost: Free
-Canada and Great Britain are each offering one free session as a special gift to the Port Moody community.
-These two viewings are strictly practice sessions. They are not performances, but will include athletes working on parts of their programs and conferring with coaches.
-Since this is not a performance, there are no tickets sales or advance seating available. All seating will be first come, first served and limited to the upper spectator area – there is no access to rink side or athletes.
-Due to limited seating capacity, staff will accommodate as many people as they can, in shifts of 30-40 minutes duration.
-The public should come prepared for lengthy waiting and the possibility that not all spectators are accommodated.
-No photographs or video are allowed during the viewings.
-For safety and security, we ask our visitors to respect these policies while enjoying the chance to view athletes in their preparation for the Winter Games.
The Festival du Bois has been a staple of the Maillardville social calendar for 21 years. Normally held in early March, this year the festival is doing something a little different. The event has been moved up to welcome locals and visitors alike during the Winter Games, and rebranded as Francophone Village 2010.
The events run this Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th in Mackin Park, 1046 Brunette Avenue, across the Lougheed Highway from Ikea.
From the press release…
Located in the heart of BC’s largest francophone community, Francophone Village 2010 promises something for the whole family to enjoy. Under the roofs of the massive Grand Chapiteau (Main Tent), Petit Chapiteau (Children’s Tent) or the popular Tente des Ateliers (Workshop Tent), audiences can listen, sing along and even dance to a vibrant and eclectic range of non-stop music, storytelling and other entertainment. Visitors can sample delicious treats like tourtière, maple taffy on snow, maple sugar pie and poutine from on-site vendors, learn fascinating facts about the history of Maillardville, join in games and revel in the warm and welcoming atmosphere that is a hallmark of the festival.
Music will be heard throughout the day under the three tents, with evening headlining concerts. Headlining the Saturday evening concert will be Alpha Yaya Diallo with his Juno Award-winning African and World Music, and Swing, with their modern take on traditional fiddle music. Here’s a video of Alpha Yaya Diallo.
Sunday evening will be the music and storytelling of Jocelyn Bérubé and Dominique Breau. Now the entire performance is in French, so if your French is as good as mine, you’d probably enjoy the earlier musical performances a little more.
Place des Arts is joining in the festivities with an exhibit by André Michel that pays homage to Hudson Bay blankets.
The entire schedule of events can be found at The Village Francophonie schedule.
For more information, visit the event website at www.village2010.com
