The first week of June in the Tri-Cities kicks off with some great events for everyone to enjoy, including the opening day of the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market. Get out there and partake in some memorable events!

What: Opening Reception
When: Thursday, May 31 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Where: Port Moody Arts Centre [map]
The skinny: Angela Gooliaff & Tony Chu: Drawing Dialogues Sarah Ronald & Port Moody Arts Centre: Camera Obscura Walter Coates: Images from the Parks of the Tri-Cities Pin Hole Camera Display
More info: 604.931.8255

What: Annie Jr. & You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown
When: Thursday, May 31 – June 3 from 2:00 – 4:00pm
Where: Inlet Theatre [map]
The skinny: Lindbjerg Academy of Performing Arts is pleased to present Annie Jr. with scenes and songs from Charlie Brown.
More info: 604.777.2211

What: Port Coquitlam Farmers Market
When: Thursday, May 31 from 3:00 – 7:00pm
Where: Leigh Square Community Arts Village [map]
The skinny: Opening Day of the season with the Mayor, come for the cake and stay for the fun! Celebrate the beginning of Bike Month, interactive displays, take the agility test
More info: 604.467.7433

What: GLOW: A Women’s Evening of Change and Celebration
When: Friday, June 1 at 6:30pm
Where: Executive Inn Hotel [map]
The skinny: There has never been a women’s conference in the Lower Mainland quite like Glow. More than simply a seminar, tradeshow or party, Glow is an exciting combination of all three, bringing together women who are seeking positive inspiration to change and improve their lives, while connecting with other women and having fun. Not just an evening out, Glow is a movement toward becoming more positive, successful, healthy and happy. We call this finding your “radiance” — inside and out.
More info: 778.987.4883

What: Punchlines Comedy Club Reunion
When: Friday, June 1 at 7:00pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny: Comedy legend and Punchlines Comedy Club founder Rich Elwood returns to host this hilarious reunion of the Club’s most eclectic and entertaining alumni, including Patrick McKenna and Ellie Harvie.
More info: 604.927.6555

What: This Life
When: Friday, June 1-3 at 7:00pm
Where: Terry Fox Theatre [map]
The skinny: Students of award winning Caulfield School of Dance and special guests perform a celebration of human life from birth to death through dance, theatre and song. The Caulfield School of Dance believes that sound training in the arts gives pupils valuable skills and experience they can apply to every aspect of their lives regardless of what they choose as a career. They intend that lessons at their school foster self-esteem and enhance understanding of, and sensitivity to, dance, theatre, music and indeed all forms of art.
More info: 604.468.9403

What: Port Moody’s Access Awareness Fair
When: Saturday, June 2 from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Port Moody City Hall Galleria [map]
The skinny: Join us at Port Moody City Hall to celebrate Access Awareness Day at the City’s Access Awareness Fair. The event will feature local organizations and businesses that provide a wide range of services for the disabled in the Tri-Cities. Learn more about what your community has to offer. Enjoy demonstrations, door prizes and more.
More info: 604.469.4500

What: Tree Walk – Early Summer Tree Tour
When: Sunday, June 3 from 1:00 – 3:00pm
Where: Henry Esson Young Building [map]
The skinny: Our walks in 2012 include a special event on June 3rd, as part of our celebration of 20 years since the Society was formed. Tea will be served during the afternoon. There will be options for a short tree walk, with a chance to join the heritage walk afterwards, or go on a longer walk, perhaps to an area you have not visited already, or of course the popular walk past the Lawn buildings, towards the Colony Farm entrance.
More info: 604.290.9910

What: Coastal Sound’s Canadian Quilt
When: Sunday, June 3 from 3:00 – 7:00pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny: Coastal Sound is a non-profit, multi-level choral music community of singers ages 4 to adult. With nine community choirs and music education programs to choose from, everyone in the whole family can come sing with us! Friendly placement evaluations and auditions are taking place RIGHT NOW- contact us for a date and time. No auditions of any kind needed for Sources or Adult Choir.
More info: 604.927.6555

What: Drawing: Expanded Medium Gallery Opening
When: Sunday, June 3 from 4:00 – 6:00pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny: This exhibition comprises the work of eight artists living and working in British Columbia who are dedicated to the expansion and exploration of drawing as well as the potentially contradictory notion of following traditional methods of art making while attempting to push artistic boundaries set by the medium itself. Although each artist “draws”, their approach to and relationship with the method is very diverse.
More info: 604.927.6550

What: Grand Opening
When: Wednesday, June 6 from 2:00 – 5:00pm
Where: WorkBC Employment Services Centre [map]
The skinny: Please join our Tii team in celebrating the official Grand Opening of our new WorkBC Employment Services Centre in Port Moody. We look forward to having you join us as we introduce our staff and services to the community. We will be providing tours of our beautiful new facilities with interactive stations featuring WorkBC, Training Innovations Inc., our Self-Serve Resource Area, and the Port Moody Community.
More info: 604.917.0286

Have a great week!

“I left, I left, I had a good home and I left.”

Summer Camps for All!

I remember rhythmically chanting those words as our group marched into the woods to find our wooden cabin that would be our “home” for three days. What was initially annoyance of being away from city luxuries ended up being a fun, memorable adventure spent with nature and no parents. I loved summer camp.

Have you figured out a way to amuse your kids this summer? Have you thought about summer camp?  There are so many more options than just outdoor camps, your child is sure to find something they would be interested in. Meeting new kids and experiencing new things are priceless opportunities that summer camps provide. I still have many great memories of my camp days.

Top Five Tri-Cities Summer Camps

If I were still young enough, these would be my top five picks of Tri-Cities summer camps that I’d like to try out:

1. Be One With the Outdoors
   I had such great fun at the outdoor summer camp that I went to in Manitoba that I would love to experience it all over again in the BC Wilderness. Sasamat Outdoor Centre located at Sasamat Lake offers a variety of outdoor adventure camps, from day camps and family camps to overnight camps that offer the kids a host of activities and a great step towards independence.
2. High School Musical…Tri-Cities-Style
   A chance to channel my inner gleek…. A five-day camp that would have me singing, dancing and acting in a musical theatre setting, put on by Stagecoach Theatre Art School. A performance is held on the final day to showcase what was learned.
3. Bring Lego to Life
   Make an animated short film with Lego at Legomation Camp! Write, storyboard and edit my film with a partner and at the end of the five-day camp, partake in a gala event where all films will be presented. Using stop motion capture, make Lego pieces come to life!
4. Get Creative!
   Create a board game, design jewellery, make a comic book and more! So many unique creative classes to sign up for this summer at Place de Arts.
5. Get Your Inner Geek On!
   Technology is cool so what better way to stay ahead of the game than to learn computer programming, Photoshop, web design and more at the Douglas College summer camps.

These might be my top five choices but what would your choices be? Do you have a favourite camp that you send your kids to? Share your picks for local summer camps in the comments to help other families in our community decide the best fit for their kids.

Summer Camps in the Tri-Cities

Here are a few links for Summer Camps in the Tri-Cities:

Port Moody / Belcarra

• Outdoor Adventure Camp – Sasamat Outdoor Centre
• Kayaking – Rocky Point Kayak
• Legomation – Media Fine Arts
• Sailing – Rocky Point Sailing Association
• Soccer – Coerver BC
• Variety from Yoga to Outdoor Adventures – City of Port Moody
• Variety from Science to Claymation – Koko’s Activity Centre

Coquitlam

• Creative from Shakespeare to Filmmaking – Evergreen Cultural Centre
• Creative from Photography to Stage Combat – Place des Arts
• French – Société Francophone de Maillardville
• Golf – Eaglequest Golf
• Hockey – Inside Edge Hockey
• Martial Arts – PBMA
• Performing Arts – Stagecoach Theatre Arts
• Soccer – Whitecaps FC (Aug.7-10)
• Soccer – CMFCS
• Variety from cooking to sports – City of Coquitlam
• Variety Theme Camps – Club Aviva
• Variety from writing to video games – Douglas College

Port Coquitlam

• Animals  – SPCA
• Gymnastics – Tag Sports
• Performing Arts – Broadway Bound Studio
• Performing Arts – Second Storey Theatre Improv Camps
• Variety from skateboarding to go-carting – City of Port Coquitlam

Arts Connect also provides a list of some summer camps happening in the Tri-Cities.

(Photos courtesy of Sasamat Outdoor Centre)

You’ve probably seen the clips on YouTube or maybe that episode of The Office when Jim and Pam got married, or maybe you have witnessed it yourself: some people have taken to choreographing some sweet dance moves for their wedding day. Whether it is a dance move filled romp down the aisle, a bride and groom surprise for the guests or a special bride and father moment on the dance floor, a little choreography and consultation go a long way. Some folks choose to get some lessons and practice so they don’t feel self-conscious while others take on something challenging to really be the life of the party and take it to the next level.

If you’re in the Tri-Cities and planning your nuptials for this spring or summer, you may want to talk to Lindsay Wilson at Coastal Edge Dance Centre after you book the venue and before you book the DJ. Lindsay is the Principal and Director at Coastal Edge. She provides instruction to kids of all ages in ballet, jazz and lyrical jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, and musical theatre. She also provides wedding choreography for brides and grooms wishing to add something unforgettable to their wedding reception. You can choose to include the whole bridal party or keep it small and secret with only those involved ‘in the know’.

Whatever dance option you choose, Lindsay can advise you and help you with some fun and entertaining choreography to your favourite music or you can opt to go for a custom ‘cut and splice’ edited music mix that is truly one-of-a-kind. Usually Lindsay chooses to meet with the couple to start the planning and get a feel for what they are after on the big day, discussing dance and musical styles and who will be involved. Will it be serious and stately or wild and crazy? Either way it is sure to be a wonderful surprise for your guests and a fun project for you and your significant other as you get ready for the wedding.

To book a consultation, contact Lindsay Wilson at Coastal Edge Dance Centre.

Coastal Edge Dance Centre

Unit #108-1525 Broadway Street, Port Coquitlam
778.285.3300

Those big yellow sulphur piles in Port Moody are a regular site for those of us who live here in the Tri-Cities. But how much do you really know about them? When we got in touch with Pacific Coast Terminals back in March to talk about a notice of motion from Zoe Royer, we realized that we really didn’t know much at all. So when we had the chance to tour the facility in April, we jumped on it.

Pacific Coast Terminals first opened in Port Moody in 1960, and in the beginning it mostly handled coal. Coal shipments stopped in 1982, when they switched to the sulphur we see today. There are actually three different types of sulphur in three different piles at the facility. They’re chemically identical, but differ in size and shape. You may be aware that they have handled some small amounts of coal recently. To date in 2011 and 2012 there have been four shipments, and there are a few more planned before they end that in 2013.

Here are some other fun facts we picked up during our tour:

• The Port Moody facility is the largest sulphur export terminal in the world.
• The sulphur is extracted from “sour gas” in the prairies, and the vast majority is shipped overseas to use as fertilizer.
• The sulphur in Port Moody doesn’t have that rotten egg smell because the hydrogen sulfide is removed at the processing plant before the sulphur leaves the prairies.
• Pacific Coast Terminals also handles glycol, which is used in anti-freeze. The substance is odourless and biodegradable.
• Pacific Coast Terminals uses Jane the falcon to scare gulls and crows away.

This week in the Tri-Cities we have three great “Adult-Only” events – the Search for the Perfect Pint, Australia’s Thunder From Down Under and Spring Festival: Best of BC Wines Uncorked. But don’t worry, there is a Spring Festival for the kiddos and a few other family-oriented events to enjoy. Also, stop by the  Tulip and Daffodil Bulb Sale going on this week – the last day for the bulb sale is on Saturday. Enjoy!

What: Search for the Perfect Pint
When: Thursday, May 24 from 6:00 – 9:00pm
Where: Inlet Theatre [map]
The skinny: Enjoy a large variety of food supplied by St. James’s Well, Thrifty Foods, Onyx Steak House and The Boathouse, and sample tasty beverages including over 50 types of beer from many well known and not so well known micro breweries. Jazz band entertainment. Travel grand prize provided by Port Moody Travel. A Rotary Club of Port Moody fundraiser and presented by the St. James’s Well
More info: stjerne@shaw.ca

What: West Side Story
When: Thursday, May 24 – 26 at 7:00pm
Where: Terry Fox Theatre [map]
The skinny: The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway Musical that is one of theatre’s finest accomplishments. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American Jets” and the “Puerto Rican Sharks”. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
More info: 604.468.9403

What: Public Works Day
When: Friday, May 25 from 9:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Port Moody City Hall [map]
The skinny: The City of Port Moody is hosting an interactive display with great presenters and lots of opportunities to learn how public works serve you and your community! Your Port Moody Public Works team takes care of solid waste, horticulture, environmental services, drinking water, utilities, roads, drainage and parks. This is your chance to peek down our sewer camera, see how your water gets clean, and learn exactly what a vactor truck sucks up.
More info: 604.469.4500

What: Unplugged at the Crossroads Coffeehouse
When: Friday, May 25 at 7:00pm
Where: The Gathering Place [map]
The skinny: Brighter Lights, Thicker Glasses. Book your babysitters, prepare your pets, and mark your calendars for a concert of eclectic proportions. Brighter Lights Thicker Glasses is a merry trio of fun guys- all vocalists -based in Vancouver with Michael Dunn (5 different stringed instruments), Brian Samuels (cello with attitude), and John Palmer (guitar and percussion).
More info: 604.945.0606

What: Over The Moon
When: Friday, May 25 at 8:00pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny: This Quiring Chamber Players concert features Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Dale Barltrop as well as other VSO guests. Join us as we unearth the poetic mysteries of the universe through the music of Ravel, Brahms and Terry Riley’s string quartet, Half Wolf Dances Mad in the Moonlight.
More info: 604.927.6550

What: Australia’s Thunder From Down Under
When: Friday, May 25 at 8:00pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: The #1 Internationally Acclaimed Male Revue Show! Australia’s Thunder From Down Under calls their non-stop sensual journey a “World Fantasy” as its charismatic troupe turns fantasy into reality with the blink of an eye. It was in 2001 when the show officially moved into the Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas where it quickly exceeded all attendance expectations. Since then, Thunder has toured in more than fifteen countries. In fact, the show is in such demand that there is a second troupe touring internationally according to Thunder’s producers, Billy Cross and Adam Steck.
More info: 604.523.5361

What: Band Showcase
When: Friday, May 25 from 8:00 – 10:00pm
Where: Inlet Theatre [map]
The skinny: Port Moody Band Showcase featuring Sallys Hot, GreenTree, Ransack and IDS.
More info: 778.822.7510

What: Tulip and Daffodil Bulb Sale
When: Saturday, May 26 from 9:00 – 11:00am
Where: Noons Creek Hatchery [map]
The skinny: Tulip and daffodil bulbs are on sale for $5 a bag at the Noons Creek hatchery on Ioco Road. Volunteers from the Port Moody Ecological Society are selling the bulbs from Monday 5/21 to Saturday 5/26 between 9am and 11am. Cash only, please. The bulbs are donated by the City of Port Moody.
More info: 604.469.9106

What: Zero Mile Diet Series: Make a Salad Bowl Container
When: Saturday, May 26 from 10:00 – 11:30am
Where: Inspiration Garden [map]
The skinny: Get Your hands dirty! Learn how to grow your own greens and tomatoes at home in this hands-on class. Arzeena Hamir will give tips and insight on growing your own food. All supplies included.
More info: 604.927.4386

What: Landscaping Basics: Proper Techniques for Planting a Tree
When: Saturday, May 26 from 1:00 – 2:00pm
Where: Inspiration Garden [map]
The skinny: Kelly Koome, Certified Arborist & Organic Master Gardener from Green Earth Landscaping will demonstrate and cover the basics for planting trees in your garden. Join Kelly as he follow ups with a session on proper pruning of trees and what to do when and some basic pruning techniques & tools.
More info: 604.927.4386

What: Spring Festival
When: Saturday, May 26 from 1:00 – 4:00pm
Where: Anmore Elementary Gymnasium [map]
The skinny: Friendly Forest Parent Cooperation Preschool is hosting a fun Spring Festival. Children’s entertainer Music with Marnie (http://www.musicwithmarnie.com) is set to perform a funky and educational show. In addition, the festival will feature ice cream snacks, face painting, activities for the kids, a toddler play area, fun raffles and more. Tickets are $10 per person, or $35 for a family of four. Children under two get in for free.
More info: 604-313-5349

What: Landscaping Basics: Tree Pruning 101
When: Saturday, May 26 from 2:30 – 3:30pm
Where: Inspiration Garden [map]
The skinny: Kelly Koome, Certified Arborist & Organic Master Gardener from Green Earth Landscaping will discuss and demonstrate some basic pruning techniques, go over basic tools, and discuss pruning times.
More info: 604.927.4386

What: 11th Annual Celebrate Life
When: Saturday, May 26 from 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: King of Life Lutheran Church [map]
The skinny: Join us in this opportunity to celebrate the lives of our loved ones lost.
Co-presented by Crossroads Hospice Society and First Memorial Funeral Services – Burkeview Chapel.
Please bring a picture or memento of your loved one to be displayed on our memorial table.
More info: 604.949.2274

What: Salsa & Latin Dance Night
When: Saturday, May 26 from 7:00pm – 12:00am
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny: Hot Salsa Dance Zone brings to Salseros Coquitlam and the Lower Mainland,
a great entertainment alternative to dance, meet people & have fun!!! No partner needed! No experience required! All Ages!
More info: 604.725.4654

What: Spring Festival: Best of BC Wines Uncorked
When: Saturday, May 26 from 7:00 – 9:30pm
Where: Port Moody City Hall Galleria [map]
The skinny: his incredible semi-annual event is back! Spring Festival: The Best of BC Wines Uncorked, is a unique wine tasting event that showcases new and current releases from top BC wineries and raises funds for the Port Moody Arts Centre. Over 35 of the best BC wineries are participating and showcasing hundreds of amazing wines during the evening!
More info: 604.931.2008

What: Creedence Clearwater Revisited
When: Saturday, May 26 at 8:00pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford may not have intended it but their band Creedence Clearwater Revisited has taken on a startling life of its own. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rhythm section (bass and drums respectively) from the legendary group, Creedence Clearwater Revival launched the Creedence Clearwater Revisited project in 1995 to once again perform live Creedence Clearwater Revival hits – touchstones of a generation – including such classics as “Proud Mary”, “Lodi”, “Down On The Corner”, “Fortunate Son” and “Who’ll Stop The Rain”.
More info: 604.523.5361

What: Yogathon
When: Sunday, May 27 from 9:00 – 11:00am
Where: Port Moody City Hall [map]
The skinny: Sample a series of yoga styles in one extended session. Experience Hatha Yoga, Power Yoga and Kundalini styles. Mix and match each 30 mins session to different instructors, and discover new methods. All levels welcome!
More info: 604.469.4500

What: Port Moody Legion and Army Cadets 1st Annual Swap Meet Fundraiser
When: Sunday, May 27 from 9:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Port Moody Legion [map]
The skinny: There will be a BBQ to purchase food and beverages at, while you shop till you drop for quality baked goods, crafts, new and used items. Also check out the booths for the Port Moody Legion and the Port Moody Army Cadet Corps.
More info: 604.788.2159

What: Landscaping Basics: Easy Plant ID
When: Sunday, May 27 from 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Inspiration Garden [map]
The skinny: Catherine Dale, who has over 30 years in the Horticultural industry, will cover five of the basic plant families and share tips to make it easier to identify plants while out for a walk or your next shopping trip to the garden centre.
More info: 604.927.4386

What: Charity Car Show and BBQ Fundraiser
When: Sunday, May 27 from 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Cartunes Sound & Cellular [map]
The skinny: Cartunes Sound & Cellular Charity Car Show and BBQ Fundraiser. All proceeds to Crossroads Hospice Society and Share Family & Community Services. The show is on Sunday May 27th at 2700 Barnet Hwy, Coquitlam. Time — 11am – 3pm (Registration 9am – 11am), BBQ lunch on location, Silent Auction, Lots of Trophies, Dash Plaques for 1st 50 cars.
More info: 604.942.1686

What: Slow Gardening: Preserving the Harvest: Fermentation
When: Sunday, May 27 from 1:00 – 3:00pm
Where: Inspiration Garden [map]
The skinny: Andrea Potter, a classically trained chef and Registered Holistic Nutritionist and owner of Rooted Nutrition, teaches healthy cooking classes with an organic & ‘whole foods’ approach will be introducing the world of fermentation, an ancient method of preserving. Andrea will demonstrate how to make pickled vegetables and sauerkraut and have samples of the finished product including recipes and nutrition information handouts
More info: 604.927.4386

What: Music for Young Children® Open House
When: Sunday, May 27 at 1:30pm
Where: Place des Arts [map]
The skinny: Parents interested in learning about the popular Music for Young Children® program are invited to an MYC® open house at Place des Arts. Enthusiastic teacher Cindy Sletmoen will be available to answer questions about this unique Canadian music program designed to foster and nurture musicality among youngsters. Registration for 2012-13 classes will be open this day.
More info: 604.664.1636

What: Coquitlam Foundation Awards Night
When: Tuesday, May 29 from 6:30 – 8:30pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny: Help the Coquitlam Foundation celebrate its 20th anniversary by attending its annual Awards Night, at which it presents grants, bursaries & scholarships to local students and community groups.
More info: 604.468.9598

Have a great week!

The Victoria Day weekend is over and done, which means that summer has officially started here in the Tri-Cities. One of the best parts of the season is the chance to head outside on a sunny day to play in the water. There are outdoor pools and spray parks across Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam that give us a chance to do just that. We’ve rounded up the details for you here, so read on to get the full scoop.

Coquitlam

Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool

Location:
1200 Lansdowne Drive [map]

Open:
June 28 – August 31, 2012

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 9:00am-12:00pm (2 lanes for lengths only)
Monday-Friday 12:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 1:00-8:30pm

Spani Outdoor Pool

Location:
655 Hillcrest Street [map]

Open:
June 4 – August 31, 2012

Hours of Operation:
June 4 – 27
Monday-Friday 6:00-7:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 1:00-8:30pm

June 28 – August 31
Monday-Friday 1:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 1:00-8:30pm

Blue Mountain Wading Pool

Location:
975 King Albert Street [map]

Open:
June 16 – September 3, 2012

Hours of Operation:
Daily 11:30am-7:30pm (weather permitting)

Spray Parks

Port Coquitlam

Centennial Pool

Location:
Aggie Park [map]

Open:
June 23 – September 5, 2012

Hours of Operation:
Daily 1:00-4:45pm and 6:00-8:00pm (weather permitting)

Robert Hope Pool

Location:
On the corner of Western Drive and Lamprey Drive [map]

Open:
June 23 – September 5, 2012

Hours of Operation:
Daily 1:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm (weather permitting)

Sun Valley Wading Pool

Location:
Hamilton Street off of Lincoln Avenue [map]

Open:
June 23 – September 4, 2012

Hours of Operation:
Parent & Tot Monday-Thursday 3:30-4:45pm
Open Swim Monday-Thursday 1:00-3:15pm and 6:00-7:30pm, Friday-Sunday 1:00-2:45pm, 3:00-4:45pm, 6:00-7:30pm

Routley Wading Pool

Location:
Routley Park [map]

Open:
June 23 – September 4, 2012

Hours of Operation:
Parent & Tot Monday-Thursday 3:30-4:45pm
Open Swim Monday-Thursday 1:00-3:15pm and 6:00-7:30pm, Friday-Sunday 1:00-2:45pm, 3:00-4:45pm, 6:00-7:30pm

Sun Valley Spray Park

Location:
Hamilton Street off of Lincoln Avenue [map]

Opens:
May 18, 2012

Hours of Operation:
10:00am-7:30pm (weather permitting)

Port Moody

Rocky Point Pool

Location:
2800 Murray Street [map]

Open:
June 20 – September 3, 2012

Hours of Operation:
June 20-30
Wednesday-Friday 3:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 1:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm

After July 1
Daily 1:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm

Westhill Pool

Location:
203 Westhill Place [map]

Open:
June 18 – August 24, 2012

Hours of Operation:
June 18-30
Monday, Tuesday, Friday 3:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 1:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm

After July 1
Daily 1:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm

Rocky Point Spray Park

Location:
2800 Murray Street [map]

Open:
May 18 – late September, 2012

Hours of Operation:
9:00am – 8:00pm daily

Easthill Spray Park

Location:
Prince and Union Streets [map]

Open:
May 18 – late September, 2012

Hours of Operation:
10:00am – 8:00pm daily

Ailsa Park

Location:
Ailsa Avenue and Fenwick Place [map]

Open:
May 18 – late September, 2012

Hours of Operation:
10:00am – 8:00pm daily

Happy splashing!

The future of the Riverview Lands is an ongoing topic of conversation for those of us who live in the Tri-Cities. How do we best utilize this space to serve the needs of the community? How do we preserve the role the hospital played (and continues to play) in the unfolding story of our region? And how do we preserve the beautiful trees and green spaces? So far, we have more questions than answers when it comes to what will happen to Riverview.

Right now, a Heritage Conservation Plan is being developed to help determine what we most value about the Riverview Lands. A consulting team led by Denise Cook Design is leading the plan’s development. The aim is to identify what our community most values about the Lands. It also seeks to understand why we value Riverview and its specific features. This process is meant to ensure that the Heritage Conservation Plan that it accurately reflects the significant role Riverview plays in our community.

There are some opportunities coming up for the public to give their input towards the development of the Heritage Conservation Plan. The notice has been very short, with less than a week of warning for the first session, which is an issue of some concern for many local residents and stakeholders. Here are the drop-in workshops that are currently planned:

• May 22, 2012, 4:00–8:00pm
  The Outlet – Work Room
  Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam
• May 23, 2012, 4:00–8:00pm
  Executive Plaza Hotel – Aspen Room
  405 North Road, Coquitlam
• June 11, 2012, 4:00–8:00pm
  Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex – Mabbett Room
  2150 Wilson Avenue, 
Port Coquitlam
• June 12, 2012, 4:00–8:00pm
  Centennial Pavilion – Centennial Room
  570 Poirier Street, Coquitlam

If you are not able to attend either of the workshops, there are still opportunities to make your voice heard. There is an online questionnaire, which you can fill out to help explain what the Riverview Lands mean to you. You can also participate in an online workshop, which contains the same material as the drop-in workshops.

Now – tell us. What does Riverview mean to you? And what do you think should happen to the lands?

Crab Fishing

I never thought raw chicken would be involved in crab fishing.

A couple months after moving to the Tri-Cities from the Alberta prairies, I was asked if I had gone crab fishing yet.  Crab fishing?  Didn’t I need a Forrest Gump-type fishing boat and the rough waves of an open ocean?  I soon learned that it was a common West Coast activity that anyone could do. In fact, there was a place practically in my backyard where I could actually see it in action – Belcarra Regional Park.  It didn’t take me long to head out to Belcarra to find out what this crab fishing thing was all about.

From my home in Port Moody, it was only an 11 km drive to the Belcarra Picnic Area in Belcarra Regional Park.  I made my way to the large pier and after some brief observations and a few questions thrown at the crab fishers, I realized that all one needed for crab fishing was a wire trap, a fishing license and bait, usually raw chicken.  The chicken threw me off and I started to think that maybe Jessica Simpson wasn’t too far off in thinking there was a “chicken of the sea”.  Someone was kind enough to explain to me that crabs are scavengers so they are capable of eating things that are not normally found in the sea, including chicken. Who knew? Not me, apparently. It was fun to watch and learn about this activity and I now drag my prairie visitors out to Belcarra to experience the wonders of crab fishing whenever I can.

Belcarra Picnic Area

Standing on the floating dock and watching crab fishing is my highlight of the picnic area but there is more to see and do there as well.  The view of Belcarra Bay is amazing and the natural wonders of birds, starfish, shellfish and even seals are common sights. It’s a great place for people of all ages to explore. There is also an outdoor adventure company called Takaya Tours that is located right at the Belcarra Picnic Area. They offer kayak rentals, lessons, guided tours and cultural kayak and canoe tours.

Belcarra Picnic Area provides many amenities, including a large picnic area, a fabulous playground, power outlets (I saw someone that had a toaster oven plugged in one day!), full-service washrooms, a fire ring, and even electric barbeques. There are two large picnic shelters on site that can be rented out for events, each holding up to 75 people.

Larger than Stanley Park

Belcarra Regional Park is actually twice the size of Stanley Park, and the picnic area is just a small part of what this park has to offer. You can also explore 22 km of hiking trails, 9.5 km of cycling trails, 6 km of equestrian trails and the swimmable Sasamat Lake. I would definitely recommend packing up some sandwiches and heading to the Belcarra Picnic Area to watch some crab fishing for your first visit. But what would you recommend? Leave a comment and let me know how you like to spend the day at Belcarra Regional Park. I would love to learn even more of what this beautiful park has to offer and maybe include it in my next visit there.

Getting There

Click here for a detailed map of Belcarra Regional Park.

This week in the Tri-Cities is a quiet one with Victoria Day coming up but you can kick off the weekend with Rick Hansen relay events in either Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam or Port Moody. Enjoy!

What:  25th Anniversary Rick Hansen Relay – Port Coquitlam
When: Thursday, May 17 at 1:30pm
Where:  Various locations throughout Port Coquitlam
The skinny:  Port Coquitlam will mark the May 17 arrival of the 25th Rick Hansen Relay with a community celebration, inspiring art and stories, and more. One of the 34 medal-bearers completing a local segment is Bob Whyte, who raised $1,700 in a swim-a-thon to support the Rick Hansen Foundation after injuring his spinal cord in a 1985 ski accident.
More info: 604.927.5411

What:  Opening Reception for Challenging the Myths: Arts & Disability
When: Thursday, May 17 at 4:00pm
Where:  Leigh Square Community Arts Village [map]
The skinny:  Often there are many myths that surround disability, both physical and mental and this exhibition offers an opportunity to hear these voices and share talent, stories and inspiration.  Sometimes the impossible can become possible as many of these community artists will show in their work. The opening reception will take place on the Rick Hansen Relay Day with lots of special activities including performances, mini Farmers Market, face painting, bikes, BBQ and much more on the day.
More info: 604.927.8440

What:  25th Anniversary Rick Hansen Relay – Coquitlam
When: Thursday, May 17 from 4:00-5:30pm
Where: Spirit Square [map]
The skinny:  On May 17th and 18th, 2012, the 25th Anniversary Rick Hansen Relay will be traveling through the Tri-Cities! Join the City of Coquitlam from at Spirit Square for the end of day celebration. Show your spirit for this “Many in Motion” tour by cheering on the medal bearers as they arrive at Spirit Square to celebrate day 269 of the tour.
More info: 604.927.3000

What:  PM Networking with Maple Leaf Storage
When: Thursday, May 17 at 5:00pm
Where: Maple Leaf Self Storage Port Coquitlam‎ [map]
The skinny:  Connect with the Tri-Cities’ most influential business network. Meet other Chamber members and make new contacts. The Tri-Cities Chamber attracts executives, civic leaders, and professionals from diverse industries. Our networking events are as broad and diverse as our business community.
More info: 604.464.2716

What:  Salon Speaker Series: James Wright
When: Thursday, May 17 at 7:00pm
Where: Place des Arts [map]
The skinny:  James Wright has been General Director of Vancouver Opera since 1999. James will present an entertaining and informative audio/visual presentation, including music clips from past operas, to focus on Vancouver Opera’s community outreach programs. These successful outreach programs explore meaningful issues and themes that arise from each season’s operas.
More info: 604.664.1636

What: Theatrix Youtheatre presents Next to Normal
When: Thursday, May 17-19 at 7:30pm
Where:  Evergreen Cultural Centre [map
The skinny:  Rock musical concerning a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness has on her family. Issues such as grieving, suicide, drug abuse, ethics in modern psychiatry and suburban life are also addressed. Was nominated for 11 2009 Tony Awards and won 3 as well as the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama: "a powerful rock musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family and expands the scope of subject matter for musicals.
More info: 604.927.6555

What: Free Home Buyers’ Seminar For Women
When: Thursday, May 17 at 7:30pm
Where: Keller Williams Elite Realty [map]
The skinny:  Had a chance to catch HGTV’s latest hit “Buy Herself?” Now’s your opportunity to get all the insider information as a woman looking to buy property! Join Justine Legge and Laura MacCormack for this free, women-only seminar on buying a home as they walk you through 1) the first steps to buying a home, 2) first-time home owner rebates and 3) how to qualify for a mortgage.
More info: info@justinelegge.ca

What:  Howie Mandel
When: Friday, May 18 at 8:00pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny:  Howie Mandel has remained a constant force in show business for over thirty years. Born and raised in Toronto, he began his career during a trip to Los Angeles in 1979 where he performed on Amateur Night at the legendary Comedy Store.
More info: 855.985.5000

What:  25th Anniversary Rick Hansen Relay – Port Moody
When: Friday, May 18 at 8:45am
Where:  Port Moody City Hall [map]
The skinny:  The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay rolls into City of the Arts on Friday May 18. On this day, Port Moody will have joined more than 400 route communities across Canada in re-creating Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion cross-Canada Tour. And the City of Port Moody and the PoCoMo Youth Services Society are inviting Port Moody residents and friends to celebrate this moment with us. Come and cheer on Brynn Bishop, a Moody Middle School student who is the Medal Bearer for Port Moody.
More info: 604.469.4500

What: Piano Pinnacle Recital
When: Saturday, May 19 at 7:30pm
Where: Place des Arts [map]
The skinny:  Piano Pinnacle, whose performances have been hailed as “a true tour de force” and “an absolute delight” (Musetta Stone), has been selected as the only North American team to take part in the 15th Torneo Internazionale di Musica in Paris in June 2012, and their upcoming recital schedule includes performances in cities such as Seattle, Toronto, Salt Spring Island, and Vancouver. The duo won Third Prize and Audience Choice Award at its debut performance at the International Northwest Piano Ensemble Competition.
More info: 604.440.4126

What: George Thorogood And The Destroyers
When: Saturday, May 19 at 8:00pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny:  As a blues-rock guitarist, George Thorogood never earned much respect from blues purists but he became a popular favourite through repeated exposure on FM radio and the arena rock circuit. It was in 1976 when Thorogood assembled the Destroyers who came out of Delaware with bassist Billy Blough and drummer Jeff Simon releasing their debut self-titled album shortly thereafter.
More info: 855.985.5000

Have a great week!

Something Unique

I always enjoy finding something a little unique and Big River Restaurant and Taphouse in Coquitlam is different from many of the pubs and restaurants in the Tri-Cities. They provide fresh handcrafted beer as well as a full family restaurant experience. Located on Schoolhouse Street near Lougheed Highway, you can drop in for fresh beer and food as well as bowling and other amusements any day of the week. The restaurant and taphouse are adjacent to The Zone Bowling Centre and provide all the food and drink for the lanes.

I dropped in for lunch and the Dakota Burger – a real bison patty with BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar and beer-braised onion – caught my eye right away, but the real stand out was the garlic fries. Served hot with fresh grated garlic on top, these fries are great for garlic lovers like me. I have had garlic fries before, they are very popular at Safeco Field in Seattle, but never closer to home and these shouldn’t be missed.

Sampling Beer

Before my burger and fries arrived I tried a sample rack of beers from those available on tap. First up was the Nut Brown Ale, a dark medium-body English brown ale that was very good. There is just something different about a freshly-brewed and tapped ale that a bottled beer just can’t capture. Mike, the manager at Big River, recommended the Vienna Lager as his favourite for my next trial. Vienna Lagers are malty and slightly spicy in flavour and a little different from what most people consume – most of the popular brands are variations of the Pilsner style – but well worth a try. If you are interested in beer and trying new things these are the best place to start.

My last taste tester, and the one I eventually ordered a full pint of, was the English Bitter. Now English Bitter is not for everyone as the flavours are strong with lots of hops, malt and (as the name implies) bitter notes. However, if you are really interested in trying a classic English pub bitter, this is the way to go. I found it paired perfectly with the bison as game meats tend to be stronger in flavour and the English Bitter stands up to that with a strong flavour of its own. The heavier body and bitterness works well with meats like beef, lamb or bison and I really enjoyed the whole food and beer experience at Big River.

Promotions at the Coquitlam Restaurant

I also chatted with Mike about a few of the popular promotions at The Zone and Big River and there are a number of options available for a night out with friends and family, including a VIP Club, ‘Dinner and a Movie’ at the SilverCity Cinema next door, ‘Dinner and Bowling’ on Thursdays and ‘2 for 1 Pizza’ on Sundays. Reservations are available for big groups like birthday parties or fundraisers and corporate functions as well. For me though, Big River Restaurant and Taphouse is a great find as I can enjoy a fresh craft-brewed beer and good food in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Big River Restaurant and Taphouse

#15-228 Schoolhouse Street, Coquitlam
604.525.2678