Happy Friday, folks.
Today we’ve got Port Moody raising its hand for a vaccine site and cycling route stuck in the slow lane.
Now, I hope you enjoy all the stories but, if not, I hope you still scroll to the bottom to see maybe the best bear picture ever snapped in the Tri-Cities.
Despite some concerns around high costs and heavy gridlock, Port Moody council unanimously supported a motion to offer up city land for vaccination clinics.
Possible locations: City hall galleria, the roundabout, as well as a drive-in location.
The sites would be used for: “immediate and indefinite vaccination use,” following a motion from Mayor Rob Vagramov.
The sites may not be ideal, Vagramov noted.
- “There’s a pretty good chance Fraser Health will say, ‘Thanks for the offer but we don’t need it.’”
The idea is a “worthy initiative,” agreed Coun. Hunter Madsen, “especially if we can prioritize Port Moody residents.”
Long lines: However, Madsen added that he didn’t like the idea of Port Moody residents being stuck: “at the back of an extremely long line in a gridlocked traffic jam.”
Despite misgivings around parking and the costs of security, energy and staff, Coun. Diana Dilworth ultimately supported the motion.
- “I’m not naïve enough to think that we’re going to offer the space and they’re going to pay for everything else.”
Runners and cyclists hoping to take that new multi-use path between United Boulevard and Argue Street may be in for a longer wait than expected.
The situation: Despite indications last December that the project might be fast-tracked, a Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure representative recently confirmed that consultation hasn’t been finished.
- The ministry could not define when consultation would be complete.
Next steps: Following the consultation phase, detailed engineering work on the path design is slated to begin, according to the representative. There was no word on the expected completion date.
The path was originally floated as a three- to four-metre wide route off the Mary Hill Bypass that would connect Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.
Following a discussion that ranged from noise pollution to insect infestations, Coquitlam council approved a temporary retail garden centre at 1150 The High Street.
- “I think it’s going to look a lot better than the gravel parking lot that’s there now,” Coun. Craig Hodge remarked.
With more residents spending more time puttering in their gardens, the outdoor garden centre is an “excellent use” of a bit of an eyesore, agreed Coun. Teri Towner.
Concerns raised: The centre is slated to be up and running by the end of the month according to consultant Carola Alder, who spoke on behalf of the applicant. While the motion passed unanimously, Coun. Brent Asmundson cited concerns about noise and pollution, adding that he wouldn’t want to allow the centre to be powered by a generator in the long-term.
- Smells be gone: Under questioning from Mayor Richard Stewart, Alder said the centre will not stock bulk manure and “other odoriferous products.”
- Taste of the Tri-Cities: From now until March 19th restaurants across the Tri-Cities area are being showcased for a local food festival
- Whodunit: Armchair sleuths are invited to solve a murder during their virtual trip to a 1980s-era prom. Leg warmers optional
- The Skate Show: Extra skate times have been added at Port Coquitlam Community Centre
- Speaking in code: Port Moody coding camps kick off March 22
- Love-a-duck! Coquitlam’s Kiefer O’Reilly is set to star in a Disney+ production of Mighty Ducks: Game Changers
- Teachers, frontline workers set to move to front of vaccine line
- $16.5 million infrastructure project set for Burke Mountain
- Family and friends of Trina Hunt are asking for help as they plan to search for the missing Port Moody woman this weekend
Bear witness to this remarkable photo snapped by Mackenzie Spenrath in Mundy Park last October.
