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Cyclists vs. car vs. bus | April 03, 2009
City prepares games bid | December 08, 2008
Entertainment taking shape at centre | November 21, 2008
Proposal for Fraser Valley Inn | November 03, 2008
Rec centre completed | October 27, 2008
BC Community Acheivement Awards | October 27, 2008
Cultural Centre opens Monday | September 19, 2008
Harvey Bergen (in front) and Kevin Koopmans take off on their bicycles during the Commuter Challenge held Thursday. Pulling up the rear were a transit bus and a Honda Insight.
Cyclists vs. car vs. bus
A Honda Insight hybrid car, a transit bus and two cyclists are at the starting line.
They get the go signal and the cyclists, Kevin Koopmans and Harvey Bergen, take the early lead as they breeze through the first traffic light. The car, driven by Rob MacDonald, and the bus, maneuvered by Chris Brown and filled with passengers, are left behind when the light changes to red.
The two vehicles are finally able to proceed north on Trethewey Street. Koopmans and Bergen are nowhere in sight.
The cyclists cannot be seen for most of the journey. It is not until the final stretch, west on South Fraser Way off Bourquin Crescent, that the cyclists are spotted. They are two traffic lights ahead – dots in the distance.
The car and the bus pull back into Thunderbird Memorial Square. Koopmans and Bergen have arrived two and a half minutes earlier.
“There was no surprise,” says Orlando Schmidt, co-chair of the Abbotsford Cycling Action Group (ACAG), which hosted a kick-off celebration for Bike to Work Week. The Commuter Challenge was part of the festivities held Thursday at Thunderbird Memorial Square.
ACAG promotes cycling as affordable recreation, inexpensive exercise and non-polluting transportation. Its goal is to make Abbotsford a bicycle-friendly community.
Bike to Work Week takes place across B.C. from May 11 to 17. Visit biketowork.ca for more information.
City prepares games bid
The City of Abbotsford is putting together a package that could ultimately see it host the 2012 B.C. Winter Games.
Mark Taylor, the City of Abbotsford’s parks, recreation and culture director, was expected to pitch the proposal to council yesterday.
If Abbotsford does host the event, Taylor estimates that it could pump $2 million into the local economy.
Taylor was expected to ask for council to release $50,000 in cash to host the Games. A further $45,000 in in-kind contributions would also be needed, he pointed out.
Abbotsford will have to move quickly in any bid, with a Dec. 15 deadline set for all applications.
Entertainment begins to take shape at centre
Special Olympics, monster trucks to fill city
Abbotsford will soon be host to a variety of popular events such as Cirque du Soleil, Stars on Ice and the B.C. Special Olympics.
A preliminary list of upcoming shows and events for the new Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre was presented to city council last week.
Trey Bell, general manger of the entertainment and sports centre, updated council on some of the acts Global Spectrum has already booked - or is expecting to book - for the new 7,000-seat complex, which is to be completed in the spring of 2009.
Bell said, so far, they have been receiving great response and comments from many promoters and that the marketing process is running smoothly.
Some of the groups that Spectrum has confirmed to perform in 2009-10 include a major Christian rock concert, a theatrical performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, a monster-truck event, a professional ice skating show, a pro-wrestling event and the famous Lipizzaner Stallions.
Other promoters seeking to use the venue in 2010 include Cirque du Soleil, Olympic rodeo, senior B lacrosse championships, Stars on Ice, B.C. Special Olympics and a motocross event.
Abbotsford city manager Frank Pizzuto said the shows are just "a small peek" into what's to come. He added that the first week, following the complex's grand opening, has not yet been booked.
"I think we just wanted to come out of the gate and say we are working on several fronts," said Pizzuto. "Yes, there are a few confirmed ones and others that we are working on, but the best is still to come."
He said there are going to be a lot of other events the new complex is going to attract, stating that the city expects to bring in more than 60 shows and sports events each year.
Excited about what is to come for the new complex, the city is quite confident seats will be filled, said Pizzuto.
In regards to a hockey team, he said the city hopes more information will become clear over the next several weeks.
Earlier this month, Bell confirmed arena representatives are "very actively pursuing" an American Hockey League franchise as a potential tenant, and ECHL and BCHL leagues are also being considered.
The AHL is regarded as having the second-highest level of hockey talent in Canada and the U.S. - one level below the NHL.
Students, young professionals call Fraser Valley Inn home?
The second storey of downtown Abbotsford’s Fraser Valley Inn could be transformed into 20 units geared towards students and young professionals.
While the application still has to go before the public, the proposal by Sophie Suderman received numerous words of support from city councillors during their executive meeting last week. In her presentation to council, Suderman said the units on Essendene Avenue would provide “affordable housing in a central location.” The rooms would have private bathrooms, she said, with a shared kitchen and laundry.
Before final approval, City of Abbotsford staff are recommending that the applicant enter into a housing agreement to specify “minimum conditions.” These conditions, staff say, could include maintenance, a register of the residents, and a target resident profile.
In making their comments, staff also said the application “will address a housing gap” and “contribute to the current revitalization in the downtown area of Abbotsford.”
In commending Suderman, Coun. John Smith described the plan as “innovative,” while Coun. Bruce Beck complimented her for “thinking out of the box.” The application will now be forwarded for public comment at a future council hearing, the date of which has yet to be confirmed.
Find this article at:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/news/33796904.html
2010 Olympic mascot Quatchi (above) plays net in a fun floor hockey game with Abbotsford city councillors and school trustees in the new double gym for the opening of the expanded Abbotsford Recreation Centre on Saturday. Right: Lynne Harris (at the mike), chair for Abbotsford Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission, was among politicians addressing the audience for the official opening.
Rec centre is the second Plan A project completed
New place to play
Amid bouncy castles, music, midway games, and a lively running-track parade of sports teams led by Mennonite Educational Institute marching band, thousands of people crowded into the all-new Abbotsford Recreation Centre on McMillan Road Saturday for an opening-day pep rally.
The brand new double gymnasium also hosted an inaugural floor hockey game, with help from Abbotsford city councillors, Abbotsford-Clayburn MLA John van Dongen and the 2010 Olympic mascots, Quatchi, Sumi and Miga.
“I’m really pleased to be here today to help open this much-needed facility,” said Abbotsford Mayor George Ferguson.
“Who said we didn’t need it?”
Former Abbotsford recreation centre manager Steve Knoke, now managing the new Cowichan Aquatic Centre, clicked pictures at one end of the running track, and described the facility he once offered input on as “amazing.”
Abbotsford pastor Cam Stuart, flanked by his young children, echoed those words, as he observed the banks of treadmills, upright bikes, elliptical trainers and rowing machines.
Ferguson said the last new recreation facility “we had in this city was built in the early 1990s. This facility is long overdue and I’m pleased to support council’s investment in our future. This building will help our residents maintain a healthy lifestyle and we now have the space we need to offer more programs and services for children, seniors and young families.”
The 59,000-square-foot community recreation centre is the second new facility to be opened in a month. The Reach Gallery Museum, Abbotsford’s new $10.4 million arts and culture centre on Veterans Way, opened in September.
“This is the second of three new facilities that has been completed on time, with additional floor space at no additional cost, and significantly under budget,” said Abbotsford Coun. Bruce Beck, chair of the Plan A steering committee.
“Never, ever be afraid to dream big. What a beautiful facility for a beautiful community,” he said. “I’m pleased to see that our vision of an active and engaged community is one step closer to reality.”
“Our growing community has a new facility that brings people of all ages together under one roof,” said Lynne Harris, Parks, Recreation & Culture Commission chair.
She said a complete community is “one that offers each and every resident the opportunity for health, recreation, and social well-being. I am very excited that our new facility offers the first indoor walking/running track in the community for all ages to enjoy.”
The new recreation centre includes space that will enable programing for all ages and abilities.
Highlights of the new facility include multi-purpose program space, two gymnasiums, indoor walking/running track and fitness centre, as well as designated space for seniors, youth and young families.
This building was included as part of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan in 2005.
A team of community volunteers worked with staff and the architects to fine-tune the design and maximize the functionality of the centre to meet the broad needs of the community users.
CENTRE FAST FACTS:
Key Features:
• 13,900 square feet gymnasium space
• 1,450 square feet senior’s space
• 1,540 square feet youth space
• 2,200 square feet preschool space
• 10,000 square feet fitness centre
• men’s and women’s change rooms
• linked to existing Abbotsford Recreation Centre with an open, town square concept
Multi-Functional Use Space:
• 4,000 square feet of multi-use space that can be used for a variety of programs
such as arts and crafts, yoga, dance, and martial arts
• three rooms
• one room with a sprung wood floor for dance or aerobic use
• movable divider between Rooms 2 and 3
Gymnasium:
• two full-sized gymnasiums with wood floors
• dividable into two single gymnasiums
• can accommodate two basketball courts, four volleyball courts, eight badminton court
• 150 meter running track on second floor circles the entire gym
• direct views to fitness area and running track
Fitness Centre:
• 10,000 sq ft of fitness space
• state-of –the-art fitness equipment, including Cybex cardio equipment, Techno Gym weight equipment, a Kinesis Wall, free weights and stretching area
• access to running track
• spinning area
• private fitness consultation office
Senior’s Space:
• large space for seniors programs
• connected to multi-purpose room for increased programming space
• lounge and games area
• kitchen facilities
Youth Space:
• connected to the gym for increased programming space
• lounge and activity area
• kitchen facilities
• outdoor patio area
Preschool Space:
• direct access to outdoor play area
• provide space for child-minding, children’s program and pre-school activities
• parent waiting area
• children’s washroom facilities
Building Details:
• storm waters diverted to a bio-swail, returning water to replenish the aquifer
• concrete floors
• energy efficient lighting including occupancy activated lighting and external LED
lighting
• water efficient fixtures
• under floor radiant heating reduces building energy usage
• geothermal heating and cooling system
Cost:
• Approved Budget May 2007 - $23.3 million
• Estimated to come in approximately $750,000 under the May 2007 approved city budget.
Find this article at:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/news/33417319.html
High achievers should be nominated
Abbotsford city council is encouraging members of the public to forward the names of worthy nominees for the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards.
Council endorsed a letter from B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell this week, which requests nominations for the awards program which honours people who have made a “significant contribution” to their community.
This contribution could be through a unique achievement or outstanding service in sports, recreation, arts, culture, environment, multiculturalism, healthcare, education, civic duty, business innovation, volunteerism or youth/senior leadership, Campbell pointed out.
The deadline for nominations is Nov. 15. Further information is available on the City of Abbotsford website, www.abbotsford.ca, under the link marked “announcements.”
Find this article at:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/news/33417344.html
Inderjit Singh, head priest at the Khalsa Diwan Society in Abbotsford, positions the holy book Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji into a display case at the new Abbotsford cultural centre as Karen Kaur Kang (left) and Gurmet Singh Bains (right) look on. The holy book, which is being loaned to the centre for its opening display, travelled to Canada with one of the first Sikh immigrants sometime between 1904 and 1908. It was installed in the Gur Sikh Temple in Abbotsford when it opened in 1911.
Cultural centre opens Monday
Food Bank clinic expects to start free and stay free
Organizers have been working tirelessly to prepare Abbotsford’s new cultural centre for its public debut on Monday.
The building is complete and last-minute adjustments are ongoing to ensure that every display is perfect.
“This building is far greater and more wonderful than I anticipated,” said Suzanne Greening, executive director of the new centre.
The opening ceremonies kick off at 1:30 p.m. with the official ribbon cutting, visits by community pioneers, special guests and a celebratory cake.
Following the opening ceremonies, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., guided tours, artists’ demonstrations and other activities are planned.
At 7 p.m., join the dance party under the big tent with the sounds of The Bottom Line featuring Warren Grosland and Paxton Bachman.
“We have an exciting week of activities planned as well,” Greening said.
For the following six days, the cultural centre will host a full schedule of concerts, displays, tours and demonstrations. There will be guided tours and brown bag lunch concerts each day plus a lot more.
Best of all, every event is free of charge.
“All of the events are free, and not just for the first week. We want to be as accessible as possible; we don’t want people to just come once a year. It’s a free facility,” said Greening.
Find this article at:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/news/28663329.html
