Good morning! It’s Morgan here – and I’m happy to be back with the latest edition of the Tri-Cities Dispatch.
With everything that has happened over the past year, envisioning a brighter future for ourselves can be pretty difficult. It’s hard to advocate for change when it seems like the world is falling apart. However, our local teens have proven that it is possible to take action in a time of crisis. Keep reading today’s newsletter to find out how a group of teenagers managed to have city council successfully ban single-use plastics in Port Moody. Plus, find out about how a student at Simon Fraser University is bringing harm-reduction training to Tri-Cities schools.
On Tuesday, Port Moody council unanimously passed a motion to ban single-use plastics. The motion is set to take effect in 2022 and will prohibit businesses from distributing single-use plastics and foam materials.
Helping our planet: Because most single-use plastics cannot be recycled, the majority of the plastic we use ends up in landfills. This also means microplastics pollute our water and endanger wildlife.
The kids are alright: This motion was originally proposed by Port Moody’s Youth Focus Committee back in 2017. Teenagers in the Tri-Cities area have continued to push for a ban on single-use plastics.
- Coun. Zoe Royer: “If this was passed by council they [the teens] would be ever so pleased. A big thank you … to all the kids that feel so passionately about the protection of our environment, wildlife, and Mother Earth.”
Plastic pandemic: The council brought up logistical concerns of making this change during a pandemic. Given that the ban won’t take effect until 2022, Coun. Diana Dilworth said the motion should give local businesses adequate time to prepare for the adjustment.
Dilworth noted that, even without a motion being passed, businesses are already taking initiatives to stop the distribution of plastic. She noted that concerns about cost and accessibility to materials are not as present as they were when the motion was first brought forward in 2017.
A young woman from Port Moody has launched a program to educate Tri-Cities teenagers on the current opioid crisis.
- Naloxhome will teach high-school students how to safely administer naloxone, as well as attempt to break the stigma associated with people who struggle with addiction.
The landscape: In 2020, B.C. reported a record high number of opioid overdoses. The pandemic has resulted in factors that make using drugs more dangerous. The closure of borders has led to a more dangerous drug supply and social-distancing is causing people to use alone.
- The systemic factors that push people into addiction, such as unemployment and mental health problems, have also been exacerbated since the start of the pandemic.
Here to help: Tri-Cities schools have a physical education program that currently offers first-aid. However, this program does not offer training with regard to opioid overdose and addiction.
When Chloe Goodison was in high-school, she witnessed someone on public transit overdose on illicit drugs. Reflecting back on the situation, Goodison said she wishes she knew how to take action to help the person in need. Now a university student at Simon Fraser University, Goodison decided to start the Naloxhome education program with $3,000 worth of funding she won from a competition.
- Join the team: Goodison is currently recruiting educators ages 18-25 in the Tri-Cities area. If you are interested you can message her on Instagram or send her an email.
- Pick up a naloxone kit: If you are likely to witness or experience an overdose yourself, you can pick up a naloxone kit for free at your local pharmacy.
The Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame recently announced new inductees into its wall of fame. In light of the global pandemic, one of our biggest interests that was forced to take a temporary pause was sports. The Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame was not able to host an induction ceremony last year. This year, however, The Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame will be hosting a virtual gala to honour its latest inductees.
Sports spotlight: The Hall of Fame has announced a total of 17 new inductees for it’s 2019-’20 season. Recipients in various positions within the sports industry have been recognized for their contributions.
- The Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame: “Where yesterday and today are celebrated and where athletic accomplishments and efforts are recognized … the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame provides a glimpse into the terrific achievements and legacies of our athletes and our community.”
Inductees include athletes and support staff across a variety of different sports. On the latest list of inductees, you can find community members who have participated in everything ranging from soccer to taekwondo to wrestling.
Happening Around Town
- Wildlife Webinar: Today at 7 PM join the Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia for an online information session on purple martin conservation
- Trivia Night: Today at 7 PM The Coquitlam Public Library will be hosting another virtual trivia night – tonight’s theme is young adult fiction
- It’s in you to give: Canadian Blood Service holding a blood donation drive at All Saints Parish at 821 Fairfax St. on April 8.
In Other News
- A few weeks ago we covered the issue of period poverty. Two young women in B.C. are currently working towards combating menstrual inequality.
- Chipotle will be installing their first drive-thru in Canada at a Port Coquitlam location this summer.
- A terminally-ill woman is raising money for her and her son as they face eviction from their Coquitlam home.
- Coquitlam cop hands out 140 tickets in four days.
One More Thing
I’ve been browsing online for cakes because … well … today’s my birthday! I ended up coming across a really amazing local business called My Sweet Cake Coquitlam.
Honestly, I think these cakes are the most instagrammable cakes I’ve ever come across. My Sweet Cake Coquitlam proves that baking really is a work of art. They do custom orders – so keep them in mind the next time you have something to celebrate!
