Thursday January 2, 2014 (Vol. 39 No. o. 1)
V O I C E
O F
W H I T E
R O C K
A N D
S O U T H
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
Balancing act: With an aim to promote stress relief while improving flexibility, balance and overall health, the martial art of Tai Chi is gaining popularity – among all age groups – in South Surrey and beyond. i see page 11
Squatters, fire among concerns at South Surrey property
City demolishes house after complaints Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
Sarah Massah photo
Demolition crew works last week.
A South Surrey property that neighbours say has attracted squatters, disturbances and mess for years is finally being cleared. Surrey’s manager of bylaws and licensing Jas Rehal told Peace Arch News unsightliness of the lot – in the 3800-block of 152 Street – “led to some nuisance activity,” which
prompted the city to take action. “We worked with the owners to have the house demolished,” he said. As of this week, the house and all outbuildings had been torn down, and crews were on site clearing the remaining debris. “I’m thrilled,” said one neighbour, who said she has been complaining to police and the city about the property for years.
The woman – who asked to not be identified – said the site has been “just an absolute disaster” for far too long. Things became increasingly bad after the electricity and running water were cut off about two years ago, she said. But while the neighbour said the property has been a source of constant grief for the area, police say their presence at the site has been
for “uneventful situations.” Cpl. Bert Paquet told PAN last month that police had not been called to the “familiar” property since an early morning fire Nov. 9 that destroyed a barn there. The blaze – which fire crews had to fight by shuttling water in by tanker – was not deemed suspicious. i see page 10
Heart strings Surrey Youth Orchestra members Jessica Tang (far left) and Eunice Javier were among members of the Junior Strings ensemble cheering shoppers with traditional Christmas music over the holiday in the Save-OnFoods store at South Point in South Surrey. Erin Dorfer photo
Controversial project cuts east-west travel time
Pressure eased on Surrey roadways Jeff Nagel Black Press
The South Fraser Perimeter Road is now fully open, providing a major new route that improves traffic flow for truckers and other motorists South of the Fraser. The new four-lane Highway 17 (the former Highway 17 to Tsawwassen is renamed Highway 17A) connects Deltaport to High-
way 1 at 176 Street, with links to all five major crossings of the Fraser River from the Massey Tunnel to the Golden Ears Bridge. “This new route is a game-changer for industry, commuters and tourists,” Transportation Minister Todd Stone said at the Dec. 21 official opening. “It will cut commute times for families and make B.C. more competitive by connecting
Independent & Assisted Living Community for Seniors Largest Suites, Best Value on the Peninsula! 15366 17th Avenue White Rock
604-531-1160
key port and rail facilities with access to borders, the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and the B.C. Interior.” The ministry estimates motorists will be able to get from Highway 1 in Surrey to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal in just 30 minutes via the SFPR, compared to an hour previously via Highway 10. i see page 10
B.C. government graphic
New route bypasses South Surrey/Panorama.
Best Location, Best Value in White Rock! Independent & Assisted Living Community for Seniors Spacious Fireplace Suites from
$
1,795
LIMITED TIME OFFER
15340 17th Avenue White Rock
604-531-7470