President’s report
- Web site – www.fhca.ca
- This is the last meeting for the 2010/11 school year
- Next year (2011/12), the school will charge $60 for non-profit organizations to use the school for meetings so we may decrease the number of meetings from 5 down to 4 meetings per year – possibly Sept, Nov, Feb, May
- Communication via email / website would help if there are pressing issues that need to be addressed between meeting dates
Treasurer’s report
- Financial statement – total account balance is $4799.56
Gateway – changes at 156th St & 176th St.
- Changes at 160th Street – if coming north on 160th Street, you will have to turn right onto a cloverleaf to get onto #1 Hwy westbound – this should open around June 3rd, weather permitting
- Those heading to #1 westbound while driving west on 104th Ave will have to merge onto the cloverleaf just before 160th Street. The onramp just west of the 160/104 light will be closed (date for closure not published yet)
Police and safety update – Constable Dibblee
- Constable Dibblee can be reached at: 604-839-6971, 778-593-3559 or at christopher.dibblee@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
- Please report any vandalism/theft or other criminal activities to the police so they can keep track of the problem areas. If you do not report it, the police will have no knowledge about these criminal activities.
- Be advised that a sex offender was released on bail and is living in the Fraser Heights area. The elementary schools have sent out information to parents of the students at each of the schools. If you see, hear or are involved in any incidents regarding this individual, please contact the police.
- The recovery house on 108 Ave is not registered as a Half-way house so it is not under the jurisdiction of the City. This house is non-regulated and rented out to those recovering from drug/alcohol addiction, ex-cons and/or out on bail or on probation. It is run by an organization called Vision Quest (they also run other similar houses in the City). Residents living near this house have reported that there has been an increase in the number of cars and houses being broken into in that area. Again, please report any incidents or suspicious activity, no matter how minor, to the police so they can keep track of this.
176th St Development Update (east of 176th Street/north of Hwy #1) – (proposed: 67 unit apartment building, 85 townhouse units)
- May 9th – a letter was sent to community association about this development
- Originally, this property was approved to build 841 units within 6 buildings. The new proposal is down to 5 buildings with a total of 596 units for the entire project
- Phase 1 is now going to be a 71 unit apartment bldg and a complex with 80 townhouses. This project is awaiting final approval from the City. It goes for the final reading/approval on May 30th or June 13th
- The developers want to start building as soon as these final changes have received approval
- There was concern about the proposed wooden structure buildings. As far as it is known, they will still be wood structure buildings.
- There is no commercial component proposed in this first phase
- This letter (or link to it) will be put on the FHCA website
Rec Centre expansion update
- There has been no update on the completion date of the addition to the Fraser Heights Recreation Centre so as it stands, it should be completed by the end of 2011 or the beginning of 2012.
Beautification grants through the City of Surrey
- The City of Surrey provides grants to groups in Surrey to help beautify various areas of Surrey. The groups would have to provide the labour and the City will provide grants of around $3000 toward the project. Suggestions were called for – Ideas suggested were wraps to put around the hydro boxes to reduce graffiti, flower pots on lamp posts, tree/flower plantings or a monument in combination with vegetation (flowers/shrubs) at the entrance to Fraser Heights (on 160th) to give a “name” to our community. Most of those attending liked the last idea of a welcoming sign to Fraser Heights so people would know that is the name of our community. Please let the FHCA know if you would be interested in helping with this project.
Member’s concerns
- Hannah, a new resident to the Fraser Heights Community, is looking for space to offer free English language classes as well as classes to teach computer skills to new immigrants who speak little English. She currently is teaching through a non-profit organization.
- There have been a number of open houses around Surrey in regards to dog off-leash parks. Residents were given felt pens and were asked to mark on the maps where they felt would be good places to have these off-leash parks. They were also asked to fill out a survey to answer various questions about dog off-leash parks. Most residents who attended did not like the idea of having to drive their dogs in a car to a park so they could run their dogs off leash – a big part of dog walking is the social aspect – meet others out walking. Several areas in Fraser Heights were identified. The City will be making choices from all identified areas in Surrey. If you would like to fill out the survey, go to: http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/2254.aspx. Part way down the page, after the dates (that have all passed) for the open houses, the website allows you to fill out the survey online if you click “survey”. This is where you will find the survey link on that site: “If you are unable to attend any of the open houses but would like to provide comment please fill out this survey!
Please contact parksrecculture@surrey.ca or call 604-501-5050 if you have any questions or would like more information.”
- One resident mentioned that he had heard about a program the City of Surrey had where they provided funds to community associations for events/parties etc. that involve the community. FHCA will look into this.
- The Pedestrian / bike overpass now has had the last piece of the bridge installed. Opening date was not known at this time. On the south side of the overpass and the east side of 168th Street, a 5 kilometre circuitous route has been created for pedestrians and cyclists.
Next Meeting will be in Sept, 2011 (date to be announced when known) in the theatre at Fraser Heights Secondary School.