Thursday May 30, 2013 (Vol. 38 No. 44)
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All-American Canadians: Semiahmoo Secondary grad Jack Williams and Elgin Park alum Luc Bruchet earned All-American status for UBC at NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. › see page 41
S U R R E Y
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‘Quality of life’ touted by chamber of commerce, after board of trade supports ‘economic argument’
Business groups divided on coal trains Alex Browne Staff Reporter
Cliff Annable
Anita Huberman
The South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce is taking a stance against a controversial new coal-export terminal proposed by Fraser Surrey Docks – and particularly the increase in coal-train traffic through White Rock and South Surrey that would result. Chamber executive director Cliff Annable told Peace Arch News Wednesday that the result of board deliberations this week is that the organi-
zation is not supporting the coal terminal. “The point of view of the board is that we don’t want the (additional) coal trains through White Rock and South Surrey,” Annable said, adding the board had “discussed this at length.” He noted the decision differs markedly from the Surrey Board of Trade’s position. Annable said he was surprised by remarks attributed to SBOT CEO Anita Huberman, who told Black Press: “We have to stop saying ‘no’ to everything, and that’s what I think is happening
sometimes in South Surrey.” The South Surrey & White Rock Chamber is not trying to be obstructionist, Annable said. “We don’t have a problem with Fraser Surrey Docks as a business – we’re a business organization,” he said. “But what goes with business is the quality of life.” Huberman had said last week that she had hoped the two business groups could have adopted a unified position by that point. › see page 4
Bill Reid remembered
‘Mr. Surrey’ succumbs to cancer Alex Browne Staff Reporter
Evan Seal photo
Top Chef Canada competitor Matthew Stowe works with Lord Tweedsmuir culinary arts students to prepare a feast for Surrey council Tuesday.
Top Chef Canada contestant returns to his alma mater
Culinary-arts alumnus comes full circle Evan Seal Black Press
The last-remaining B.C.-based competitor on the Food Network’s Top Chef Canada returned to his Surrey roots this week to dish up some tasty tricks at his alma mater. Matthew Stowe, a Cloverdale native, was at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary Tuesday, helping students of the school’s culinary program prepare a sumptuous meal for Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts and members of council. “It was because of that start at Tweedsmuir
that I’m kind of where I am today,” Stowe said, praising the trades program that enabled him to land a job at the Hotel Vancouver and set him on his skyrocketing career path. “It’s like going full circle, starting where it all began,” he said. “I really wanted to work with the students… seeing the looks on these guys’ faces when they try the food and some products that they may not have had before.” Stowe, who lives in Clayton with his wife and son, has proven a viewer favourite on Top Chef Canada, which pulls in at least 1.8
S AV E M O N E Y. O F F I C E I N T E L L I G E N T LY
million viewers every episode. Grade 12 culinary arts student Josh Hutton said he admires the 30-year-old’s accomplishments. Stowe left the Lower Mainland for New York at age 18, interned at a classic French restaurant, and now develops menu items for Cactus Club Café restaurants. Stowe said win-or-lose, he’s glad he did the Top Chef Canada challenge (the ending’s been taped, but he’s not talking). The experience, he said, has led to more opportunities to teach people of all ages about food and restaurants.
Bill Reid – known informally as ‘Mr. Surrey’ and unofficial ambassador for Cloverdale and executive director of its chamber of commerce – lost his battle with cancer Tuesday evening at age 78. Survived by wife Marion, Reid, who was named Surrey’s Good Citizen of the Year in April, had a 50-year involvement with Surrey, Delta and White Rock. His public service included serving as a Social Credit MLA for White Bill Reid Rock-South Surrey, minister of tourism and as a Delta alderman. Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman tweeted that Reid was “a friend, mentor, loyal supporter, sounding board, great dad and husband.” “His contributions to B.C. were special,” he added. “I miss him.” Gary Hollick, past-president of the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce, tweeted “Surrey lost one of its best last night. Rest in peace my good friend... you’ll be missed.” › see page 4
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