Anmore Alternative News - "Be the Change!"
 
 
Health and Safety
 
For articles before March 7, 2010 Click Here
 
July 17th to July 24th is Drowning Prevention Week in British Columbia and the Yukon. For more information Click Here
 
Is your family prepared in case of an emergency? Need some supplies? Click Here
 
 
An amendment to the BC Wildfire Act.  New campfire regulations  are in effect July 1, 2010.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Red Cross Tips on water Safety (13-07-10) Click Here
 
A big black bear has been doing the rounds on Sugar Mountain Way for the past few days. However, while Cinnamon Bear and two of her triplets were visiting in the Spring, we haven't seen them for a while. To learn more about protecting these beautiful creatures and ourselves at the same time Click Here (09-07-10)
 
 
Coquitlam RCMP 'Lock It or Lose It' Campaign launched 08-07-10
 
 
 
Only you Can Prevent Forest Fires!
 
Last year the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department worked night and day to put out a forest fire near Camp Howdy. But that wasn't the end, then, exhausted and wet, the firefighters mustered the strength to clean-up and make sure that the wildfire didn't start again
 
With an average of 2,000 wildfires each year in British Columbia, there is a strong possibility that a similar situation might happen again in Anmore. If it does, we know that the constant heroes of the SVFD will be there for us. If they need help, the Wildfire Management Branch of the British Columbia Forest Service will be there to back them up.  Their highly trained fire crews have been successful in containing 92 percent of all wildfires in B.C. within the first 24-hours of discovery. For more information Click Here (07-07-10)
 
Fire Information Line - 1-888-3-FOREST
 
 
 
 
Is Your Stress Level Unhealthy? 07-07-10 Click Here
 
Block Watch Top Ten Crime Prevention Tips (21-06-10) Click Here
 
Canadian Association of Retired Persons CARP Health E-Bulletin (17-06-10) Click Here
 
Coquitlam RCMP (serving Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam) 2009 Annual Report 14-06-10 Click Here
 
 
Block Watch Community Newsletter for June 2010 Click Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Avenue and Ioco Road was identified in a traffic study commissioned by the City of Port Moody.  In a February report, ISL Engineering and Land Services highlighted this intersection, among several, as requiring "critical" attention.  As of late last week, this is a 4-way stop intersection.  Please pay close attention when traveling this route.  For further information on this and other recommendations for Ioco Road, Click Here. (01-06-10)
 
RCMP Press Release on intersection safety awareness (27-05-10) Click Here
 
Link to Bear Aware British Columbia.  How to co-exist with bears(26-05-10) Click Here
 
Many people are unaware of the symptoms of a mini stroke (21-05-10) Click Here
 
RCMP Step up Patrols at Buntzen Lake starting this weekend. (18-05-10) Click Here
 
Subject: RE: Block Watch Press Release Update (17-05-10)
On Thursday May 13th, 2010, Aleksandr Vladimirovich PLEHANOV appeared in Coquitlam Provincial Court, to face an additional charge of sexual
exploitation. This new charge relates to an October 2009 incident
involving a student from another school of School District 43. Mr.
Plehanov was released on conditions the same day. His next Court
appearance is scheduled for June 3rd 2010. No further details or
comments are available at this time. The Coquitlam RCMP investigation is
ongoing.
 
Background:
On March 10th the Coquitlam RCMP initiated an investigation
into allegations of sexual touching by a Teacher on Call working in
School District 43 elementary schools. The investigation was prompted by
a call from parents whose daughter reported being touched
inappropriately by the substitute teacher for her Grade 3 class.
The same day investigators discovered that two other girls from the
same Grade 3 class had made similar allegations. All three victims were
between 7 and 8 years old and all of the alleged incidents happened on
school property. 
 
Our investigators immediately notified School District 43
administrators who suspended the accused from teaching duties. 
On March 18th, Coquitlam RCMP officers arrested Aleksandr Vladimirovich
PLEHANOV at his Burnaby residence.  Mr. Plehanov, known as 'Mr. P'
to his students, worked at various elementary, middle and high schools
in School District 43 from January 31, 2007 - March 15, 2010. Our investigators have reason to believe that there may be more victims
and/or witnesses to other incidents involving Mr. Plehanov.
 
We are releasing this information today to further our ongoing criminal
investigation by encouraging any other victims or witnesses to contact
us and tell us what they know.  In particular, we are asking that
parents of children who attended elementary school in School District 43
between January 31, 2007 and March 15, 2010 to do the following:
If you believe your child may have been a victim or a witness to an
incident involving Mr. Plehanov, contact our investigators at
604-552-7335. Parents looking for information about sex abuse resources can contact our Victim Services Unit at 604-945-1585.
 
Mr. Plehanov has been charged with 3 counts each of sexual
interference, sexual exploitation and sexual assault, for a total of 9
charges.  Mr. PLEHANOV appeared in front of a Justice of the Peace and
has been released on bail with 13 conditions pending his next scheduled
appearance in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court on Thursday, June 3rd. 
 
Coquitlam hosts Firefighter Fitness Challenge on Sunday, May 16th Click Here
 
Link to book on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity from Anmore resident Elaine Willis (12-05-10) Click Here
 
Children of the Street - Advice on Protecting your Children from Predators (05-05-10) Click Here
 
Block Watch Community Newsletter for May 2010 Click Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 2-8, 2010 is Emergency Preparedness Week
 
  • Is your family ready for an Emergency?
  • Make your own Family Emergency Preparedness Plan Click Here
 
 
While your Anmore team of volunteers on the Emergency Preparedness Working Group works to ensure that our Plan is brought up to date; that first responder systems are in place; that supplies and equipment are current and operational; that Village staff completes ongoing maintenance; and that the public is aware of emergency procedures: you need to prepare your own family as well.
 
Emergency Preparedness Week provides the perfect opportunity for creating and updating your own Family Emergency Preparedness Plan. To help you in your efforts, the Emergency Preparedness Working Group has had the Village staff obtain the following brochures for you. These may be picked up at the Village Hall, or obtained by calling Councillor Piamonte at 604-461-7744 to get copies to you.
 
  • Your Emergency Preparedness Guide 72 Hours – Is Your Family Prepared?
  • Severe Storms  – What to Do?
  • Power Outages – What to Do?
  • Earthquakes – What to Do?
  • Floods – What to Do?
 
The following information  provides details on what should be put into Emergency Kits:
  • 26 weeks to Family Emergency Preparedness – A Guide for Actions to Take Click Here
  • Emergency Supply Checklist Click Here
 
The Emergency Preparedness Working Group has contacted  the H.E.R.O.S. program of Coquitlam  about offering the following seminars in Anmore in the Fall.
  • Personal, Family & Community Emergency Preparedness  (free)
  • Disaster Pet Care & Basic First Aid (cost includes starter first aid kit)  ($10.00)
 
The following websites are also excellent sources of information as your family works on its own Emergency Preparedness Plan.
 
Government of Canada – Ministry of Public Safety Click Here
 
Provincial Emergency Program – Ministry of  Public Safety and Solicitor General Click Here
 
Emergency Preparedness – Coquitlam Click Here
 
Thank you.
 
Councillor Piamonte
May 3, 2010
 
Family Preparedness:  Is your family prepared?
 
Preparing for an emergency is important and something the whole family can do. By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies and minimize the impact on yourselves and your families.
 
 
 
Here are three simple steps to better prepare your family to face a range of emergencies:
 
•  Know the risks – Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region (like what to do in the case of floods, tornados, earthquakes, storm surges, hurricanes, and technological or environmental accidents such as chemical spills and power failures) can help us better prepare.
 
• Make a plan – Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do if disaster strikes. We should all practice what to do in different emergency situations.
 
• Get an emergency kit – During an emergency, we may need to get by without power or tap water. We will all need some basic supplies (items such as three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, , battery-operated or wind-up radio, first aid kit, pocket knife, prescriptions, extra set of keys and money, and copies of important documents). Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency.
Checklists for what goes into a basic kit and extra items, how to write an emergency plan and details on hazards across Canada can be found on the Emergency Preparedness web site Click Here
 
04-05-10
 
Block Watch Fan Out in Anmore
 
POLICE FILE #: 10CQ12077
DETAILS: RESIDENTIAL BREAK AND ENTER
DATE: BETWEEN APRIL 26, 2010 at 7:00PM - APRIL 27, 2010 at 7:00AM
BLOCK: 100 STREET: WOLLNY COURT CITY: ANMORE
ITEMS STOLEN: POWER TOOLS AND DOOR HANDLE HARDWARE
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: THIS HOME IS LOCATED IN A NEW CULL-DE-SAC UNDER CONSTRUCTION. THE SUSPECT(S) ENTERED THE HOME THROUGH UNSECURED ENTRANCES, THE HOUSE IS NOT AT LOCK UP STAGE.
 
CRIME PREVENTION SUGGESTIONS: HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR HOMES FOR SALE PRESENT A RISK TO THE AREA AS THEY CREATE INSTABILITY IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. THEY DRAW AN UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF ATTENTION AND INCREASE TRAFFIC TO THE AREA. IF THERE ARE NEW NEIGHBOURS TO YOUR BLOCK WATCH GROUP MAKE SURE YOU BECOME ACQUAINTED AND PROVIDE THEM WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE BLOCK WATCH PROGRAM. ALSO MAKE SURE THE BLOCK WATCH OFFICE HAS A COPY OF ALL YOUR UPDATES.
Should you have any information regarding the above or witness any suspicious persons/vehicles/activities, please call 945-1550. Any criminal activity should be reported by dialling “911" immediately. Do not put yourself in jeopardy - OBSERVE AND REPORT ONLY!
PLEASE FAN OUT THE ABOVE INFORMATION
 
 
Coquitlam RCMP show their colours to support victims of crime
 
Anyone who spent time in Coquitlam RCMP's jurisdiction this week noticed something a little different about the Mounties, civilian staff and volunteers, and even the police cars around Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam & Port Coquitlam.  All of them were sporting bright purple ribbons as part of a local initiative created by the Coquitlam RCMP's Victim Services Unit to acknowledge National Victims of Crime Awareness Week from April 18-24.
 
"Most people think of police organizations in terms of investigating crime & catching bad guys," said Coquitlam RCMP OIC Supt. Claude Wilcott. "But, thanks to the staff and volunteers in our Victim Services Unit, we also do a lot to support victims in the immediate aftermath of a crime and throughout the investigations and judicial processes that follow.  That support is just
as important to public safety as any other aspect of policing and this is a rare chance to acknowledge that."
 
"Crime affects individuals, their families and friends, and entire
communities,"  said Kimberly Urqhart, Manager of the Victim Services Unit. "Wearing the ribbons is a simple gesture that allows our staff, volunteers and officers to show their support for victims but also to invite questions from the general public who might be curious about why everyone is wearing the ribbons and why ribbons tied to all of our police cars.  It's a chance to have a conversation about a very important topic, and that is what
awareness is all about."
 
"Every Victim Matters" is the theme for National Victims of Crime Week 2010. Activities across the country will focus on raising awareness of services available to victims of crime in Canada, as well as further exploring new ways to reach out to victims of crime to let them know their experience matters. For more information on National Victims of Crime Awareness Week Click Here
 
Coquitlam RCMP (22-04-10)
 
 
20 April 2010.
 
Rural Policing Update      
 
As summer quickly approaches it is timely that we update the happenings of your Rural Policing Section.
 
Colin and Matt were away for the both the Olympic and Para Olympic Games, returning at the end of March. During this period Chris was left to take care of any concerns. Most of the kids had an opportunity to meet him and several members at the Torch Relay in Anmore. He mentioned that it was a great event and the support that was received from the residents of the Village was outstanding.
 
From a Policing stand point, we would like to remind drivers that we are and will continue to enforce the “rules of the road” whether in the school  zone on Sunny side, East or Bedwell Bay Roads. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is a maximum of 50 km/hr.
 
As boating season is upon  us, all vessel operators must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. These are available on line, as well as through some Power Squadrons. There has been a 10 year phase in period and failing to produce this card may result in a $288.00 fine.
 
We will also be in both Parks beginning the May long weekend. We will be maintaining a strong presence during the spring and summer months. Our goal is to ensure that the Parks are secure and the environment is one that can be enjoyed by all.
 
If you have not, please consider joining the Block Watch Program in your neighborhood. Contacts are Sherri Chisholm in Belcarra and Cherri Woode in Anmore.
 
Constable Colin Kent
Coquitlam Detachment, RCMP
 
RCMP Foundation supporting Canada's youth at risk (13-04-10)
 
 On Thursday March 25, Corporal Louis Deslile of the Coquitlam RCMP School Liaison Section presented a cheque in the amount of $1500 on behalf of the RCMP Foundation to the Kateslem Youth Society to support the Kateslem United Soccer Team. The Kateslem Youth society provides an after school program for youths at Banting and Como Lake Middle Schools. Kateslem aims to empower youth through experiences and skill development. 
 
The RCMP Foundation was created in 1994 to support community
initiatives in which local RCMP officers are involved. The officers
volunteer their time and energy in the community to get these projects up and running.
 
Constable Laureto Padawan, who just recently transferred from CoquitlamRCMP School Liaison Section, had for the past four years been a strong supporter of the Kateslem Youth Society. Constable Padawan was instrumental in applying for and obtaining the RCMP Foundation grant.
 
"I'm very pleased to have been able to contribute to this wonderful after school program. The kids here found not only friendship but have had an opportunity to learn life skills that will serve them well in the future,"said Constable Padawan. "Youth is an RCMP National priority."
 
Backgound:
The RCMP Foundation manages the RCMP licensing program, operates two retail stores in Ottawa one in Chilliwack BC in addition to an online store, holds events and engages the involvement of corporate Canada in its activities. Funds raised are used to support sports teams and events, drug awareness, youth programs and self-help programs, victim services and internet safety, all for benefit of Canada's youth at risk. Click Here
 
For additional information concerning the RCMP Foundation, please visit their website Click Here or contact:
Leslie Lenton, Marketing Manager RCMP Foundation
613-741-7560 ext. 3.
 
Anmore Village Hall has a scent-free policy. Kindly refrain from using scents at public meetings. Scents triggered a stroke for one of our neighbours. 10-04-10. Click Here
 
Your Block Watch Tips Really Do Work. Click Here
Camille Tribe 08-04-10
 
15 Reasons to Eat Organic. From Elaine Willis. 08-04-10  Click Here
 
Coquitlam Farmer's Market at Port Moody Rec Centre (IOCO Corner) this Sunday, April 11. Click Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residents Urged to Play it Safe with Backyard Burning 06-04-10 Click Here
 
Congratulations to the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department on their successful "Climb the Wall" Stairclimb for Clean Air sponsored by the BC Lung Association. (05-03-10) For photo and story Click Here
 
Only 48 floors - only 739 steps - in turn out gear!
 
Well Done!
 
April 3, 2010
 
Hello neighbours,
We're now doing a run of shows leading up to our May 31st event at the Stanley Theatre. Join us on Friday April 16th as we test our new material. We are inviting you because we can't afford a laugh track machine.
 
Come see the Stand Up For Mental Health 2010 Comics at the Fresh Bean, 2616 E Hastings, 2 blocks west of Renfrew on Friday April 16. Showtime is 8:00 pm. Seating is limited so to reserve call: 604 253-1110
 
Stand Up For Mental Health
Led by counselor, stand-up comic, and author of The Happy Neurotic: How Fear and Angst Can Lead To Happiness and Success David Granirer, Stand Up For Mental Health teaches stand up comedy to people with mental illness. Come laugh your head off at this show that looks at the lighter side of taking meds, seeing counselors, getting diagnosed and surviving the mental health system.
 
Stand Up For Mental Health aims to reduce public stigma around mental illness and spread a message of hope and empowerment. People with mental illness are always being told what they can't do. In this show, they get to prove what they CAN do! For information Click Here
 
J Peachy, Chartwell Green
 
Not Off the Record - Men and Depression - Thanks so much for posting this. Jay Peachy (02-04-10) Click Here
 
Block Watch Newsletter for April 02-04-10 Click Here
 
Overnight roadblock nets drunks, drugs and distracted drivers
 
Last weekend members of the Coquitlam RCMP Traffic and General Duty sections took to the streets for an overnight enforcement project aimed at getting impaired drivers off the road.  The project, which had the team on the new Coast Meridian Connector in Port Coquitlam from 9 p.m. March 27th until 3 a.m. March 28th, was part of Road Safety Vision 2020, a province-wide
traffic safety campaign that aims to make BC's roads the safest in the
world.
 
The team had a busy night:
* A total of seven drunk drivers were taken off the road; two were
arrested and face charges for impaired driving and five others got 24 hour
roadside suspensions.
* Three drug seizures were made
* Two prohibited drivers had their vehicles impounded
* Other violations included: two drivers operating vehicles without
insurance, one person driving contrary to license restrictions, and one
distracted driver using a cell phone.
 
"We certainly do get a sense of satisfaction at the end of a shift where we
take drunk drivers off the road," said Sgt. Dave Stewart of the Coquitlam
RCMP Traffic Section. "But these extra projects also give us dozens of
interactions with the public -good drivers and bad- that we use to remind
everyone that we are out there doing what we can to make our streets safer."
Part of the Coquitlam RCMP Traffic Section's mandate is to reduce crime
through roadblock enforcement projects that target high risk driver
behaviours.  A primary target of these projects is impaired driving.
Impaired driving is still a major factor in fatal and injury collisions as
well as a major focus for all of the officers of the Coquitlam RCMP who
police the communities of Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.
 
BACKGROUND:
This past weekend's enforcement project was timely.  Sgt. Stewart and six
members of the Coquitlam RCMP will be attending the 2010 Alexa's Team
Recognition Awards in Surrey on April 13th, 2010.
 
Alexa, the daughter of Laurel and Michael Middelaer, was struck and killed
by a suspected drunk driver in Delta, BC in May 2008.  Alexa was just 4
years old.  Each year since that tragedy the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation
and Alexa's parents recognize the exemplary efforts of police officers who
make impaired driving an enforcement priority by detecting, apprehending and investigating impaired drivers.
 
In 2009, Coquitlam Mounties charged over 420 individuals with impaired
related driving offences. An additional 984 drivers were issued 24 hour
suspensions for driving while under the influence of either alcohol or
drugs. 
 
Coquitlam RCMP 01-04-10
 
A Message from the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department Chief Click Here
 
PREVENTING CHARITY FRAUD
March is Fraud Prevention Month:  
Before making any type of donation, always ensure you have researched the organization or charity thoroughly prior to making the donation.  If
you receive telephone calls or mail asking for donations to support community policing programs - you are at risk of being a victim of
fraud. If you have received a phone call soliciting donations, here are some tips to ensure that the caller is la legitimate charitable organization:
 
Ask the right questions. Get the name, address, and phone number
of the charity and 'check them out' before pledging support. (see
below). All legitimate charitable organizations are registered with the
government. Ask for their registration number and then contact the
Canada Revenue Agency. Click Here. Or call 1-800-267-2384.
 
If you have determined that the caller is from a legitimate
charity, find out what the charity will do with the money. Find out how
much of your money will actually be used for charitable programs. Ask
charities to send you printed material by regular mail. If the material
does not contain details on how the money will be used, do not
contribute to the charity.
 
Never provide sensitive personal information, such as a Social
Insurance Number, Credit Card Information or Driver's License number
over the phone, when writing a check, or when making a donation.
The Coquitlam RCMP, and the Community Police Stations would like to
take this opportunity to remind you that the RCMP does not engage in,
endorse or conduct mail or telephone solicitation to raise funds for
community policing programs or charitable agencies.
 
CHECK THEM OUT:
Better Business Bureau (Mainland BC) 604-682-2711
TO REPORT FRAUD:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Center
(formerly PhoneBusters)  at 1-888-495-8501
Coquitlam RCMP Fraud Unit at 604-945-1550
 
17-03-10
 
Proactive Enforcement Finds Many Unsafe Commercial Vehicles on Coquitlam Roads
 
On Thursday March 11th, the Coquitlam RCMP Traffic Section and members of the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Branch (CVSE) performed a commercial vehicle check stop at the Coquitlam Center on Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam.
 
During the four hour operation, police stopped 12 commercial vehicles ranging from pickup trucks and trailers to dump trucks and transfer trucks. Each inspection required approximately 20 minutes to complete.
 
Nine of the vehicles were removed from the road for varying reasons from being overweight, to non-functional brakes and unqualified drivers.
That means nine out of twelve commercial vehicles met out of service criteria under the Motor Vehicle Act and Commercial Transport Safety Act.
 
"We were surprised to see the high number of infractions. This tells police that many of the larger commercial vehicles on our roads are not in compliance with provincial legislation," said Sgt. Dave Stewart of Coquitlam Traffic Unit.  "We were pleased to work with CVSE and we will apply what we learned from them on Thursday to the streets and roadways of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam."
 
The Coquitlam RCMP would like to remind owners and operators of commercial vehicles that they must comply with all Motor Vehicle Act and Commercial Vehicle Act requirements and regulations.
 
Breakdown of infractions:
Police issued eleven violation tickets and two traffic notices, and one blyaw ticket.
3 Insecure Load
1 Drive contrary to class
1 No Breakaway
1 Transport Dangerous Goods
1 Improper Brakes
1 Fail To display 'N' Sign
1 Inadequate Brake hose
1 Unauthorized Lights
1 Operate vehicle with too many seats
1 Bylaw Ticket for Over License Weight
 
Laurie Ackerman, RCMP
March 16, 2010
 
 
New Top Cop Appointed to Coquitlam RCMP 16-03-10 Click Here
 
 
Community Block Watch Newsletter for March 2010 Click Here
 
 
 
 
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