Tuesday July 2, 2013 (Vol. 38 No. 53)
V O I C E
O F
W H I T E
R O C K
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S O U T H
Paging Dr. Spangehl: White Rock family physician Dr. Werner Spangehl’s self-published novel, One Minute Medicine, focuses on the importance of leading a healthy life – both physically and spiritually. › see page 11
S U R R E Y
w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m
Russ Hiebert says his family ‘wouldn’t be excited about a significant increase in coal traffic’
Community being heard over coal: MP Alex Browne Staff Reporter
MP Russ Hiebert says he believes Port Metro Vancouver is doing due diligence in seeking public input on a proposed new coal-export terminal at Fraser Surrey Docks that could effectively double coal-train traffic through White Rock and South Surrey. Hiebert (South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale) said he is glad the body, which is the
ultimate oversight and approval authority council to discuss the rail impacts of the terfor the terminal, has heeded his and others’ minal as an example of continuing dialogue calls for full public consultation on the issue. with the public and local government. “My family and I enjoy the (White Rock) “I’m glad they’re consulting widely,” he waterfront and we said. “They’re certainly wouldn’t be excited Coal opponents target cruise lines, page 5 taking the right steps about a significant increase in train traf- and the community is being heard.” fic,” he acknowledged, but pointed to Fraser Hiebert said he has raised concerns with Surrey Docks president and CEO Jeff Scott’s Transport Canada about potential impact appearance last week before White Rock from an increase in coal-train traffic, but
noted “they do not have safety or environmental concerns (about it).” Meanwhile, on the heels of a town-hall meeting at Ocean Park Community Hall last week, a grass-roots organization of Peninsula residents, tentatively called Communities and Coal, is forming to raise awareness of what it sees as the risks of increased coaltrain traffic through the area. › see page 4
White Rock expenses
Mayor touts lower costs Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
Evan Seal photo
After working on several blueberry farms, Kanar Baranj – who came to Surrey in 2004 as a refugee from Iraq – is now the owner of a restaurant.
Many challenges endured as foreign-born families start over
The struggle to find refuge in Surrey Kevin Diakiw
L
Black Press
iving in a plush villa in Iraq a decade ago, the Baranj family felt like they had it made. Bahjat Baranj owned a liquor store, which provided the family with a comfortable living. However, some didn’t take too kindly to the fact he was selling alcohol, which is forbidden in Islam. Threats ensued, causing Bahjat and his wife, Kanar, to fear for the safety of their three teenage sons.
They escaped to Jordan, where they planned to pay someone to be smuggled into Germany. But the smugglers told them they would be caught and jailed if they tried to enter Germany. Instead, they convinced the Baranj family to go to Cambodia. Once there, they stayed in a small apartment, funded by the United Nations under its refugee program. In April 2004, it was time to move, and the family was shipped off to Canada – settling in Surrey.
Support Your Local Economy Spend Your Money At Home
Kanar said she’s thrilled to be here, but it was a bit of a shock at first. In Cambodia, rent for a furnished apartment cost $100 and food was extremely inexpensive. Rent for a similar place in Surrey is about $700, and groceries are far more expensive than they were in Cambodia. The family of five went to work in local blueberry fields for a few months, and sustained themselves on what they were served at the farms. › see page 2
In his first full year leading the city, White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin claimed a third more in expenses than that claimed by his predecessor, Catherine Ferguson, in her last year at the helm. According to a June 24 report from the city’s financial services director, Baldwin – who was elected mayor in November 2011 – claimed $9,831 in ❝Nobody’s expenses last going to year. Ferguson ❞ Geneva. claimed $6,960 in 2011, prior Mayor Wayne to Baldwin’s Baldwin election in November, and just $3,248 in 2010, her last full year. Baldwin told Peace Arch News the difference was likely due to Ferguson not being able to attend as many conferences. › see page 4
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