Sidewinder Warehousing mentally ill is cruel. p6
A new future unfolds for Albion flats. p3
THE NEws
Community A poem and paws for sPCA cause. p10
www.mapleridgenews.com Friday, september 6, 2013 · serving Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows · est. 1978 · 604-467-1122 · Delivery: 604-466-6397
Colleen Flanagan/the news
Coun. Dave Murray stands on agricultural property that is set to be developed.
Call for n. Lougheed review Relationship between city staffer, land owner questioned Colleen Flanagan/the news
Young and old RCMP Const. Adrienne Young of Nova Scotia rides Hector – at 24, the oldest horse in the RCMP Musical Ride – in Memorial Peace Park on Thursday, to the delight of 14-month-old Decker Ferguson and his grandfather, Vladiir Psajd. The Musical Ridge was in town for a performance at the Albion Fairgrounds.
Police still on shooting property Franz Prokop recovering well ‘considering’ by M o ni s ha M a r tin s staff reporter
Police continued on Thursday to comb for clues on a property where a Maple Ridge realtor and former councillor was shot. Ridge Meadows RCMP cleared brush and shrubs with weed whackers to search for evidence on the seven-hectare (19-acre) site located on Lougheed High-
way, just east of 240th Street. Franz Prokop, meanwhile, remains in hospital, recovering from surgery after being shot multiple times in the head just after 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Police would only say that the Macdonald Realty agent is still under doctor’s care. “Ridge Meadows RCMP acknowledge that there is a significant amount of media and public interest into this incident. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are not providing any specific details, other than to say that the investigation
is making progress,” said Cpl. Alanna Dunlop. “Investigators are continuing to examine the crime scene, and surrounding area for evidence. Police are asking for anyone with any information to contact them.” The rural property where Prokop was shot is one of his listings and currently on the market for $1.88 million. The property is Monisha Martins/the news owned by Haney Bingoplex Ltd. Police cut back vegetation while It has previously housed a marijuana grow operation and a investigating a shooting at a rural property on Lougheed Highway, east methamphetamine lab. see Shooting, p12 of 240th Street, on Thursday.
by M on ish a M a r ti ns staff reporter
The Agricultural Land Commission will be asked to reconsider its decision to remove a large swath of farmland in Pitt Meadows from the provincial reserve. An appeal has been launched by city residents opposed to plans to develop the North Lougheed corridor, stretching from Harris Road to the Meadow Gardens Golf Course. At the crux of the appeal is a familial connection between Pitt Meadows director of operations Kim Grout and the city’s former fire chief, Bill Park, who owns 36.7 hectares in the area. Grout’s grandmother, Hazel Anderson, and Park’s father, Gordon, were siblings, making Grout and Park first cousins once removed. Opponents of the exclusion application, which removed protection for 33.1 hectares (81 acres) of undeveloped land, believe the familial connection should have been disclosed by the city. see Land, p15
Index
Is Your Mortgage Right For You? www.clientfirstmortgages.com/savemoney
Opinion Letters Community Calendar As we Age Acts of Faith sports home&gardening
6 7 20 21 24 27 34
Golden Eagle Golf Club 21770 Ladner Rd, Pitt Meadows 604-460-1111 ext. 303 goldeneaglegolfclub.com
A Perfect Afternoon
$56.50* per weekday player $67.50* per weekend & holiday includes
Golf, Burger, Fries & a Cold Beer *plus applicable taxes & gratuities
Perfect for 12 to 36 players