Awards, Awards Everywhere

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It seems to be awards season here in the Tri-Cities, with two great opportunities to recognize the unsung heroes in our community.

The Society for Community Development‘s Spirit of Community Awards (SOCA) is accepting nominations in 9 categories. SOCA has proven to be an excellent way to recognize and celebrate the participation of the unsung heroes in our community. These are everyday citizens who voluntarily contribute their time, talent and/or resources to make our communities strong and livable for all. The categories are:

  • Environment Award
  • Middle School Youth Award
  • Youth Award
  • Neighbour to Neighbour Award
  • Cultural Harmony Award
  • Community Action Award
  • Community Volunteerism Award
  • Arts and Culture Award
  • Douglas College Lifetime of Leadership Award in honour of Myrna Popove

The SOCAs honour individuals who are community builders, creating healthy community through their contributions and commitments. Citizens of the Tri-Cities, including Anmore and Belcarra, are encouraged to nominate outstanding citizens for an award in any of the 9 categories. Nominees should be people who teach by example, and are motivated out of altruism and respect. They value balance in their lives, welcome diversity, and encourage and support the vision and dreams of others.

The SOCAs will be handed out at Taste of the Tri-Cities, which is happening at the Red Robinson Show Theatre on September 21. The nomination deadline is September 10, which is coming up fast. For full details, or to nominate someone, visit SOCA online.

But wait, there’s more! Port Moody is accepting nominations for 4 awards, recognizing individuals, government agencies, groups or businesses who have made life better in the city. The awards are:

  • Peter Hulbert Accessibility Award – Nominees go above and beyond to remove barriers for individuals with disabilities.
  • Port Moody Heritage Award – Nominees advanced heritage conservation in Port Moody through special initiatives, accomplishments and projects.
  • Port Moody Arts Award – Nominees contribute time, talent, leadership or support to the arts, benefiting the community and Port Moody’s reputation as City of the Arts.
  • Port Moody Environmental Award – nominees show initiative and encourage environmental accomplishments and awareness in the community.

Winners will be presented with their awards at the annual Civic Appreciation Dinner. They will also be recognized on a permanent plaque at City Hall. The nomination deadline is September 30. For more information email awards@cityofportmoody.com.

Movies, Minnekhada and More

minnekhada_art

This is another busy week here in the V3H. Summer may be in slow decline, but the pace of events is holding strong. Read on to find out what’s happening here in our back yard!

What: Summertime Concert at Dogwood Pavilion
When: Thursday, August 19 from 7-9:15pm
Where: Dogwood Pavilion [map]
The skinny: Dogwood Pavilion presents “Guys and Dolls” – a male/female duo playing everyone from Liberace to Cher, Elvis, Tom Jones, Shania, Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra and more. You never know what celebrity is going to show up or sit on your lap! There is something for everyone in this show and it is extremely interactive with a lot of audience participation. Light refreshments served at intermission. Please call to register in advance.
More info: 604.927.6098

What: Melissa Etheridge
When: Friday, August 20 at 8pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: Celebrating the release of her new album, Fearless Love, singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge is gearing up for her summer tour which will take her to Europe and across North America. At this point, her accomplishments are endless and well-documented. This has allowed her to find herself in the enviable position of being able to make exactly the music she hears in her head and feels in her heart. That music embodies much of what we’ve come to anticipate from Etheridge – giant, soaring melodies, her bold, expressive voice, plenty of musical, lyrical and emotional drama.
More info: 280.4444

What: Cinema Under the Stars
When: Friday, August 20 at 8:45pm
Where: Aggie Park [map]
The skinny: Back by popular demand to a park near you! The towering, 26ft tall enormous silver screen will be traveling around the city throughout the summer months; so pack a picnic, bring a blanket and round up some friends or bring the whole family out to Cinema Under the Stars. This showing? Madagascar 2: Escape from Africa .
More info: 604.927.8400

What: Events at Inspiration Garden
When: Saturday, August 21 from 10-11am and 1-2pm, and Tuesday, August 24 from 10-11am
Where: Inspiration Garden [map]
The skinny: This week kids can plant seeds, create an undersea garden and enjoy a sensory walk. Some parent participation is required, and you must register in advance.
More info: 604.927.4386 or garden@coquitlam.ca

What: Minnekhada Art in the Park Festival
When: Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22 from 11am-4pm
Where: Minnekhada Park [map]
The skinny: Inspire your senses at this family friendly event. Enjoy artists’ work, listen to live jazz, watch roving performers, explore the charming gardens, indulge your taste buds at the outdoor café, go on a guided nature walk, or make crafts in the children’s area.
More info: 604.520.6442 or artinthepark@metrovancouver.org

What: Anmore Arts in the Garden
When: Saturday, August 21 from 2-5pm
Where: Roxanne’s House [map]
The skinny: Art, music, live painting and poetry. Be sure to circle this not-to-be-missed Anmore event on your calendar! Ginette Taylor will be collecting food and clothing at the event for the Women’s Shelter.
More info: jpeachy@jpeachygallery.com

What: The Doobie Brothers
When: Saturday, August 21 at 8pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: The Doobie Brothers are one of the few American music groups that have been able to achieve a phenomenal level of success and sustain it for over four decades. In total, the band has sold over 22 million records from the 1970s to present day. They have continually defied categorization while maintaining their signature sound. One thing is certain – the Doobie Brothers will continue to rock well into the future.
More info: 280.4444

What: Public Tree Tour
When: Sunday, August 22 at 1pm
Where: Henry Esson Young, Riverview Grounds [map]
The skinny: Walks are usually led by a volunteer arborist, and last about two hours, depending on weather and walkers’ preference. Dress for the weather, and wear comfy shoes or boots. We go rain or shine. Children and adults welcome. Dogs on leash are also welcome. Walks are free but you can join the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society, or make a tax-deductible donation if you wish.
More info: 604.290.9910

What: Family Fun Nights at the Mall
When: Wednesday, August 25 from 6-8pm
Where: Coquitlam Centre [map]
The skinny: Children aged 3 to 10 and their parents are invited to join Tri-City Librarians at Coquitlam Centre Mall for Family Fun Nights, from 6 to 8pm on the last Wednesday of each month. Imagine, play and learn through stories, songs, arts and more! No registration is required – please drop in. They meet on the lower level in front of London Drugs and the Toy Jungle.
More info: 604.464.1414 or 604.937.4142

What: Summer Drive-in Movies @ Coquitlam Centre
When: Wednesday, August 25 at dusk
Where: H&M/Zellers Parking Lot, by Pinetree Way at Coquitlam Centre [map]
The skinny: The parking lot opens at 6pm for those with Preferred Passes (available at Guest Services) at at 8pm for those without. Donate $10/car to enjoy the drive-in. First come first serve, until the lot is full. Enjoy the movie and stop by the concession. The August 25 showing features How to Train Your Dragon.
More info: 604.464.1414

Have a great week!

Canada Day in the Tri-Cities

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Canada Day is less than a week away here in the V3H. But never fear! We have tracked down plenty of ways to celebrate our nation’s big 143 on Thursday, July 1.

Anmore’s Canada Day Celebrations are running from 3-5pm at Spirit Park [map]. There will be food, music and games, and a whole lot of love for Canada. For more information call 604.469.9877.

Canada Day in Coquitlam happens from 12:30-10:30pm at Lafarge Lake and Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. There will be lots of high-energy entertainment on the Coquitlam Stage, including Delhi 2 Dublin and Bobs & Lolo. The Cultural Stage highlights the amazing cultural talent right in our own backyard, and the Evergreen Stage will have family-friendly entertainment including Kellie Haines. You can eat at Taste of Coquitlam, with food from some great Coquitlam residents, you can shop at the Artisan Market, you can create art at the Arts Activities and you can have some fun at Adventure Village. And then at dusk look over Lafarge Lake for the Light Up the Night finale! For more information call 604.927.6978.

There’s lots happening on Canada Day in Port Coquitlam. From 8-11:30am you can catch the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast and the 9th Annual Fishing Derby for kids 12 and under at Lions Park [map]. And then from noon until dusk the action moves to Castle Park [map]. Following the Opening Ceremonies, the Community Showcase, Children’s Activities and International Bazaar run from 12:30-5:30pm. The fabulous Firefighter’s Salmon Barbecue starts at 4pm and Evening Entertainment is planned for 6-10pm. To wrap it all up, there will be fireworks at dusk. For more information call 604.927.7935.

Port Moody Station Museum is celebrating Canada Day with free fun from 11am to 4pm [map]. Win a prize for finding the golden spike in the popular Golden Spike scavenger hunt. Watch old fashioned train comedy from the Three Stooges and Little Rascals. See the 1886 model train display in action then create your own train or take turns dressing as a train conductor and engineer. There’s even free Canada Day cake! For more information call 604.939.1648.

Lawn and Garden Sprinkling Restrictions

lawn_restrictions

Here in the V3H, and throughout Metro Vancouver, lawn sprinkling restrictions come into effect every year from June 1 – September 30. During the period of the watering restrictions, from June until September, the demand for water in Metro Vancouver almost doubles. But, in these summer months not much rain falls, so there is less water in the reservoirs to handle the increased demand. By reducing the amount of water that is used on lawns, the region can be sure that there is ample drinking water for the people who need it.

Throughout the region, the watering regulations are the same. Watering hours are 4am-9am and 7-10pm on watering days. Even-numbered addresses are permitted to water on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and odd-numbered addresses are permitted to water on Thursdays and Sundays.

There are exemptions to the watering regulations, including:

  • Newly-planted lawns will be allowed to be watered outside of restricted times with a special permit from your municipality.
  • Flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees can be watered at any time.
  • You may fill pools, spas, water play parks and fountains.
  • You may wash cars or boats using a spring-loaded shutoff hose.
  • Playing fields, school yards, golf courses and turf farms are not subject to regulation.

Of course, conserving water is always a good idea, and it helps ensure that we’ll have enough water for all of our needs. Here are some suggestions to cut back your water use:

  • Install a rain barrel to collect water from your roof.
  • Water lawns and gardens in the early morning to reduce evaporation.
  • Consider allowing your lawn to go dormant over the summer – brown is the new green.
  • Leave grass clippings on your lawn, and use mulch on your garden, to retain moisture.
  • Use spring-loaded shut-off valves on your hose, so that it’s not spilling water whenever it’s on.

As for me, I’m still eagerly waiting for some real summer weather. There’s no need to water my lawn when it’s raining. Consider that another water conservation tip, from me to you. Wait until it’s actually nice out to pull out the sprinkler.

Buntzen Lake Beach Flooded on TheV3H TV

buntzen_lake_high_water

Buntzen Lake in Anmore is missing a very popular feature, the beach. BC Hydro is replacing a turbine in the power station there, and won’t be able to let water run though the dam throughout the summer. So the lake is being allowed to fill up to the point of covering most of the beach. Construction should be completed by November, at which point the waters will start flowing again. Yesterday, we got up there on the holiday Monday to have a look around, and created the latest feature for TheV3H TV. The high waters did not seem to dampen the crowds, as the picnic grounds were packed with people enjoying a long weekend cookout lunch. Enjoy the video…

Baby Fair, Wheel to Heal, Elections and More

tricities_baby_fair

Once again, we at the V3H have tracked down all sorts of events to check out in the coming week. Read on to see what’s cooking in our backyard!

What: Walk to Get Connected
When: Wednesday, May 12
Where: Town Centre Park [map]
The skinny: The event provides an opportunity to participate in a social event while promoting the benefits of walking through the exploration of the Town Centre Park and the Trans Canada Trail pathways. Sessions run from 1-2:30pm and 7-8:30pm.
More info: 604.927.6955 or kdpowell@coquitlam.ca

What: Lindberg Academy Presents Grease
When: Wednesday, May 12 – Sunday, May 16
Where: Terry Fox Theatre [map]
The skinny: Join over 30 of Lindbjerg Academy’s most advanced students as they bring to life the beloved musical Grease! It is a show meant for the whole family, so dig out your poodle skirts and leather jackets and bring your kids, parents and grandparents for a night or afternoon of musical fun.
More info: rochelle@lindbjergacademy.com

What: Setting up a GMail account
When: Thursday, May 13 from 10-11am
Where: Poirier Library [map]
The skinny: Once you’ve learned basic internet techniques, learn how to set up an email account on GMail. You must have basic experience on the Internet, and you must not have an e-mail account to register for this class.You will be creating your own e-mail account in class. Accounts are free and can be used anywhere you have access to the Internet. Registration is required for this free program, as space is limited.
More info: 604.937.4144

What: The One-Week Job Project
When: Thursday, May 13 at 7pm
Where: Port Moody City Hall Galleria [map]
The skinny: Port Moody native Sean Aiken went on quite a journey. When he graduated from Capilano College whe didn’t know what he wanted to do, so decided to try everything. Through his One Week Job Project he held down 52 jobs in 52 weeks between February 2007 and March 2008. Now he’s in town to promote the book about the project, and preview the document detailing his journey.
More info: natalie@oneweekjob.com

What: Autumn Spring
When: Friday, May 14 at 7:30pm
Where: Inlet Theatre [map]
The skinny: This Czech film tackles the theme of aging and death with subtle humor. This is a warmhearted but unsentimental look at how different people face the inevitable future and this cast of seniors pull it off with style and humanity. A crowd pleasing classic.
More info: 604.469.4571 or info@pmfilm.ca

What: Anmore General Election
When: Saturday, May 15 from 8am-8pm
Where: Village Hall [map]
The skinny: Anmore is voting for a new Mayor. If you’re an Anmore resident, please take the time to cast your vote!
More info: 604.459.3361 or 604.469.9877

What: Coquitlam General Election
When: Saturday, May 15 from 8am-8pm
Where: Various locations [more info]
The skinny: Coquitlam is voting for a new Councillor. If you’re a Coquitlam resident, please take the time to cast your vote!
More info: 604.927.3025 or electioninfo@coquitlam.ca

What: Get Active Coquitlam! Spring Sports Fair
When: Saturday, May 15 from 10am-2pm
Where: Pinetree Community Centre [map]
The skinny: Pick a sport, any sport! Join in Coquitlam’s Sports Fair where you can visit tables featuring local sports organizations in Coquitlam. Come and meet community aquatics, field sports, ice sports and gym sport organizations.
More info: 604.927.4386

What: Spring Family and Baby Fair
When: Saturday, May 15 from 10am-3pm
Where: Port Moody City Hall Galleria [map]
The skinny: The folks at BabyVibe and KinderVibe are putting on an event for local families featuring 36 vendors showcasing fabulous products and services for the baby and family market. Admission is free, and there will be entertainment for the children. Plus fabulous swag bags for the first 100 guests. What’s not to love?
More info: info@babyvibe.ca or catch up on Twitter or Facebook

What: Fire Fighter Swim
When: Saturday, May 15 from 1-3pm
Where: Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]
The skinny: Bring your children down and join in the fire fighting fun!
More info: 604.927.7946 or parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca

What:Seaview School Fun Fair
When: Saturday, May 15th, 10am-3pm
Where: Seaview Community School, 1215 Cecile Drive, Port Moody [map]
The skinny: Dunk tank, bouncy castle, carnival games, cotton candy, concession, cake walk, and lots of fun! All proceeds go to help the school and its students. In the event of rain, the fun fair will be held in the school gym. So come rain or shine!.
More info: Seaview Community School Website

What: Wheel to Heal
When: Sunday, May 16
Where: Town Centre Park [map]
The skinny: TheV3H.com is proud to be a media sponsor of the Wheel to Heal event, benefiting the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation. Since 1999, the Foundation has raised more than $14 million dollars to improve the quality of care we all get at our local hospital. The event offers 10km, 40km and 80km courses, as well as a day of fun at Town Centre Park. So come on out and support the riders and Eagle Ridge Hospital!
More info: 604.469.3128 or catch up with Wheel to Heal on Twitter and Facebook

What: Music for Young Children Open House
When: Sunday, May 16 from 1:30-4pm
Where: Place des Arts [map]
The skinny: The successful Music for Young Children program is a unique Canadian program founded in 1980 by Frances Balodis.The program, taught in small groups with adult and child both participating, includes piano instruction, singing, rhythm ensembles, sight reading, ear training, theory and composition. Place des Arts’ Music for Young Children teacher, Cindy Sletmoen, will be on hand to answer questions from interested parents of children aged 4 to 6 interested in the program.
More info: 604.664.1636

What: Beginner Internet
When: Tuesday, May 18 from 3-4pm
Where: Poirier Library [map]
The skinny: If you already feel confident using the mouse, sign up for an introductory Internet class. Learn the basics of the Internet and be surfing in no time! Registration is required for this free program, as space is limited.
More info: 604.937.4144

What: OFF THE GRID – Improvised Music Series
When: Tuesday, May 18 from 7-9pm
Where: The Gathering Place at Leigh Square [map]
The skinny: Check out some free improvised music in Port Coquitlam.
More info: 604.789.3456

Have a great week!

Byelection Candidates Set in Coquitlam and Anmore

coquitlam_anmore_byelection

After a lot of back and forth and figuring out, the byelections in Coquitlam and Anmore are set to go on Saturday, May 15th. Anmore will be electing a new Mayor to replace the outgoing Hal Weinberg, and Coquitlam will be electing a new councillor to replace new MP Finn Donnelly.

Coquitlam Council Candidates

The Coquitlam All-Candidates Meetings (scheduled so far)

May 4th, 2010. 7-9pm
Hosted by the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce
Douglas College, David Lam Campus
1250 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Lecture Hall A1470

May 5th, 2010. 7pm
Hosted by the Maillardville Residents Association
Place Maillardville
1200 Cartier Avenue, Coquitlam

May 6th, 2010. 7-9pm
Hosted by the Burquitlam Community Association
Banting Middle School
820 Banting Street, Coquitlam

Anmore Mayoralty Candidates

The Anmore All-Candidates Meeting…

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010. 8pm
Anmore Elementary School Gym
30 Elementary Road, Anmore

If I’ve missed a candidate website, please let me know at jon thev3h.com. Stay tuned to The V3H as we profile the candidates leading up to election day.

Easter Weekend in the Tri-Cities

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The Easter long weekend is almost here in the V3H. If you find that you need a break from the egg-dyeing and chocolate-eating, we have some great choices for you here. We also have some great choices if you’d like more eggs and chocolate. Read on!

DuffleBag Theatre is presenting Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan from March 30 – April 1 at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. As the retelling of these two classic fairy tales unfold, kids get ready to jump on stage and join in on the action. This unpredictable performance is a hilarious experience for all ages and a truly unique theatrical experience for everyone on and off stage. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.

If you have an aspiring kindergartner, as we do, you might want to drop in on All Aboard for Kindergarten on Wednesday, March 31 from 2-3pm at the Terry Fox Library [map]. Join in on an afternoon storytime, and make fun crafts to take home. This program is just for kindergartners and their families. The event is free and no registration is required. For more information call the library at 604.927.7999.

The City of Coquitlam is fighting climate change, and it’s making changes to its Official Community Plan to help. Now the City wants to hear from you! To make your voice heard, attend one of two planned Open Houses this week. The first is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31 from 4-8pm at the Poirier Public Library [map]. The second is slated for Thursday, April 1 from 10am-9pm near The Gap in Coquitlam Centre [map]. For more information, or to provide feedback, call 604.927.3400 or email planninganddevelopment@coquitlam.ca.

Another Family Fun Night at the Mall is happening on Wednesday, March 31 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.

And now, a Public Service Announcement. Thursday, April 1 is April Fools’ Day. It might be helpful to keep that in mind should you listen to any morning radio shows. If it seems too ridiculous to be true, it probably is too ridiculous to be true.

The Coquitlam Public Library is running another Beginner Internet class on Thursday, April 1 from 10-11am at the Poirier Branch [map]. To take this course, you must be able to use the mouse to click and scroll. In this course, you will build on those skills to learn how to find information on the Internet. The program is free, but registration is required. For more information, or to register, call 604.937.4144.

On Saturday, April 3 from 12-3pm Place Maillardville [map] is holding an Easter Egg Hunt for children 8 and under. It’s a chance to get EggCited about Easter. There will also be egg games, egg decorating and Easter crafts. Tickets are $5 each, and must be purchased in advance. This is a bilingual event. For more information call 604.933.6166.

If you would like to experience what Easter was like 100 years ago, drop by Mackin House Museum [map] for Easter at the Museum on Saturday, April 3 from 12-4pm. There will be special Easter crafts for the children and guided tours, and cookies and tea will be served. For more information, call the museum at 604.516.6151.

The Village of Anmore is holding an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3 from 1-3pm in Spirit Park [map]. This is an outdoor event so dress accordingly. Coffee, tea and juice will be provided. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, March 31, and the cost is $2 per child. Pre-register at Anmore Village Hall.

The Super Bunny Swim is running on Saturday, April 3 from 1-3pm at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. Bring your hopping good friends down for some Easter time in the pool! For more information call 604.927.7946 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.

On Sunday, April 4 from 10am-12pm there will be an Easter Scavenger Hunt at IKEA Coquitlam [map]. Parents must be present to supervise, and the event is open to children ages 2-12. If you are one of the first 250 kids to successfully complete our scavenger hunt and you will receive a great prize. You’ll also be entered to win one of eight IKEA egg chairs. The hunt begins in the main lobby of the store. For more information call the store at 1.866.313.4532.

An Easter Eggstravaganza is happening on Sunday, April 4 from 10am-2pm at Port Moody Station Museum [map]. See the Easter Bunny. Hunt for marbles and exchange them for chocolate eggs. Get your face painted and watch Joyce and her dancing dog Twinkletoes perform. Then make an Easter hat and wear it to Pajo’s for free fries. The hunt is on all day, but please dress for weather and bring your own basket. Admission is $2 per person 2 years old and older, and for the little ones there will be a toddler section this year, where youngsters can take their time. For more information, call 604.939.1648 or email pmmuseum@telus.net.

Happy Easter!

Byelections in Coquitlam and Anmore

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Two vacancies in local government here in the V3H are slated to be filled by byelections on May 15, 2010.

Anmore Mayor Hal Weinberg resigned on December 31, 2009 after serving for all but one term since the Village incorporated in 1987. The plan was to hold a byelection to replace him in January, but an ongoing dispute over the appointment of an electoral officer prevented that from moving forward. There has been a stalemate, and the province had to step in to resolve it.

Finally Sarah Morden was appointed as Chief Election Officer and Sylvia Phan was appointed as Deputy Chief Election Officer. The nominating period for candidates begins on March 30 and continues until April 9. The byelection will be held on May 15 at the Anmore Village Hall. Canadian citizens who have lived in BC for at least 6 months, and in Anmore for at least 30 days, are eligible to vote.

Over in Coquitlam another controversy is leading to a byelection on May 15. One seat on Council has been vacant since Fin Donnelly won the federal byelection to become MP of Coquitlam-New Westminster last November. Mayor Richard Steward petitioned the province to allow them to appoint a new Councillor, as he felt the money for a byelection could be better spent elsewhere. However, that request was denied, and so a byelection was called.

As in Anmore, the nominating period for the new Coquitlam Council seat runs from March 30 until April 9. Advance polls will be held on May 5, May 8 and May 12, and the general voting day will be May 15.

If you live in Anmore or Coquitlam, we hope that you will take the time to vote in the byelection. Municipal politics affects us directly, whether it’s the roads we drive on, the parks we play in, the police who protect us or the way that garbage is collected. If we want our local government to serve us well, we have to get involved in the process.

Olympic Torch Relay in the V3H

torch_relay

The Olympics are now only 2 weeks away, and the Olympic Torch is winding its way across the province towards Vancouver. On its route towards its final destination, the flame will pass through all 5 municipalities in the V3H in the early morning on Thursday, February 11. This is a momentous occasion, and there are many special events being held to commemorate it.

The flame will travel across the Burrard Inlet to Belcarra in the very early morning hours, and then travel on to Anmore. The Village of Anmore will welcome the Olympic Torch with a Torch Relay Celebration and Pancake Breakfast. From approximately 6-6:15am (I told you it was very early!) the flame will travel along Sunnyside Road, from the convenience store to the elementary school. At 7am, a pancake breakfast will be held at Anmore Elementary School. All are welcome and the event is free, but registration is required to guarantee space. Finally, at 9am a special assembly will be held at Anmore Elementary for school children and community members.

From Anmore the Torch will travel to Port Moody. It will start at the intersection of Ioco and April Roads, and travel east on Ioco to Knowle Street, stopping for one minute at City Hall sometime between 6:30 and 7:30am. Everyone is invited to come to City Hall to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and cheer on the Torchbearers. The Torch will then travel through Newport Village onto Ungless Way and on to Guildford Way and into Coquitlam.

If you are not an early riser, Port Moody will be holding some events later in the day. A Free Family Skate runs from 4:30-5:30pm at the rec centre. There will be lots of family entertainment including face painting, and light refreshments. Then the Minnesota Twin Cities Northern Lights Junior Hockey Team takes on the Port Moody Black Panthers in the free Canada vs USA Friendly Match at 6pm. There will be tons of prizes and give-aways at the game, and of course some great hockey.

The Torch will travel through Coquitlam towards Port Coquitlam, where the Torch Run Relay will pass through Leigh Square sometime between 7:30-9:30am. Wear red, and enjoy the pancake breakfast. Or if that’s a touch early for you, attend the Spirit Week Kick off at Leigh Square from 6-8pm. There will be a Community Dinner, more entertainment including Fire Dancers and a screened replay of the Torch Relay.

From Port Coquitlam the Torch will make its way towards Coquitlam’s Mackin Park, where Coquitlam’s Community Celebration will take place from 8-10am. There will be entertainment, a visit from Olympic athletes, a chance to win Olympic street banners and, of course, the chance to witness the arrival of the Olympic flame in Coquitlam. This event is free, and you are welcome to stop by at any time. Olympian Chris Wilson will light the cauldron at Mackin Park for the celebration.

The fun will continue at Mackin Park throughout the afternoon with Celebrate Coquitlam. This event runs from 12-10pm and features musical entertainment, children’s activities and and evening show. The event is free up until 8pm, when the evening show featuring the Time Benders starts. Other performers include Les Jammers, Norden the Magician, Shin Myung, Khac Chi Bamboo, Andrew Allen and the ever-fabulous Bobs & Lolo. Place des Arts will be getting in on the fun, too, with Celebrate Place des Arts from 12-4pm. You can experience local art and have something light to eat at the Local Flavour Café.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so seize this chance to get out and see the Olympic Torch as it passes through our community!

And, even if you don’t take the chance, keep in mind that there will be rolling road closures as the Torch makes its way through our region. If you need to get someplace, your best bet is to steer well clear of the Torch route on the morning of February 11, if at all possible.

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