Fraser Heights Community Association

FHCA General Meeting – Jan 22 2009

Normally an e-mail with an agenda is sent out to members of the association prior to each meeting announcing the date and time of the meeting. Unfortunately the e-mail did not reach the members for this meeting. We have made some changes to how the e-mails are distributed and will do our best to ensure the problem is not repeated. Please accept our apologies.

Following is a summary of the discussions that took place at the Jan 22nd General Meeting.

Snow Removal
Community members in attendance voiced their concerns and frustrations with the inadequate snow clearing in Fraser Heights during the recent snow falls. The city’s policy not to clear any but what are considered to be primary routes led to most roads in Fraser Heights not being cleared at all.

Some roads, such as 110th Ave, that were cleared were done so in a very limited fashion. For example 110th Ave was cleared so only one vehicle could pass at a time. What could be simply inconvenient or annoying was actually dangerous when school resumed. With sidewalks impassable, children walking to Erma Stephenson School had to share the slippery road, which was barely wide enough for a single car to pass, with other pedestrians going to and from the school and dozens of cars dropping kids off. Virtually all the elementary schools were similarly affected with some remaining closed until it was determined the roads were safer.

Residents at the meeting expressed frustration that the city did not send ploughs to clear the secondary roads, or properly clear streets like 110th, even after the initial clearing was complete. Days after the snow stopped and the ploughs were parked, roads remained impassable or dangerous.

One resident told how fire trucks and an ambulance were called to a house on his cul-de-sac which had not been cleared. Even with the help of neighbours trying to clear a path the fire truck was stuck for hours. The injured person had to be carried out of the cul-de-sac to the ambulance.

One interesting point that was brought up was that many councillors and others at city hall live in South Surrey and therefore did not experience the same conditions as in Fraser Heights. As their roads were not blocked to the same extent they perhaps didn’t appreciate the inconvenience and risks faced by residents in our neighbourhood.

Councillor Tom Gill was in attendance and listened to the concerns expressed by residents at the meeting. As a resident of Fraser Heights himself he shared the concerns. He did say however that it was important that residents respond directly to city councillors so that those who perhaps weren’t aware of the seriousness of the situation could be educated.

To that end the FHCA strongly encourages members to take the time to send an e-mail or call members of Surrey city council and convey to them the seriousness of this issue. Their contact information (e-mail and phone) is at the following link.

http://www.surrey.ca/Inside+City+Hall/Your+Mayor+and+Council/default.htm

Note that subsequent to the meeting the city did respond by sending snow equipment to Fraser Heights the following Saturday to remove more snow. The efforts of Councillor Gill and city staff are appreciated.

Pub & liquor store application for 160th St and 108th Ave
The application for rezoning the shopping centre to allow a pub & liquor store was made in August. Once the FHCA became aware of the application members of the community were informed and their opinions solicited. The association communicated the strong level of opposition expressed by the community in communications to the city planning department as well as the Mayor and council of Surrey. These communications were sent in November and an excerpt of the e-mail sent to council is now on the FHCA web site.

Prior to the Jan 22nd meeting the city planner responsible for the application explained that just after the Christmas break Bob Cheema had said he would take some more time to determine his next course of action. As such the application is essentially on hold.

156th St Underpass
Councillor Tom Gill and Phil Bellefontaine, City of Surrey Engineering, announced at the meeting that the 156th St underpass is now scheduled to open to traffic March 19th.

Traffic Update
Regarding the roundabout at 156/110, reference was made to the lack of marked crosswalks for pedestrians to assure a safe crossing. Phil Bellefontaine agreed to review this situation in addition to other traffic concerns mentioned by various residents.

Police and Security Update
Staff Sergeant Murray MacAulay spoke to residents and reiterated that they should not hesitate to contact him with any concerns about crime or safety including break & enters, vandalism, graffiti, etc…

Community Fund Raiser
On a non-police topic, Staff Sergeant MacAulay, who is a resident of Fraser Heights, mentioned that he was working with several other volunteers to put on a community dinner & dance to raise funds for Erma Stephenson, Bothwell, Dogwood and Fraser Wood elementary schools. The event is planned for April 18th and will be held at the Fraser Heights Recreation Centre. Further details will be posed on the FHCA website when they become available.

Recreation Centre Update
A representative from the Rec Centre provided an update regarding the plans to convert the former RCMP Community Office into a 1,300 sq ft fitness centre. The staff welcome input regarding the types of equipment the residents would like to see in the centre. Activities are being planned for seniors, cardio, stretch, weights and womens’ sessions. Plans are being discussed to provide a second gym on the site as well.

Port Mann Bridge Toll
Residents expressed their opposition to the planned tolling of the Port Mann Bridge. Councillor Gill stated that the City of Surrey is formally opposed to tolls but that the decision was made at the provincial level.

Meeting notes, November 28, 2007

1. Because of severe weather conditions, attendance at the meeting was below average, and several directors were unable to attend.
2. Constable Muench of the RCMP provided a response to a request for crime statistics for Fraser Heights; they have been compiled on a display board which may be seen at their office at the Recreation Centre on 160 Street.
3. Michelle Davies of the Recreation Centre also attended to inform members that the Centre is organizing a Christmas pancake breakfast at the Centre on Saturday, December 23 (9.30 to 11.00 a.m.). Approximately ten volunteers are required, phone Michelle at 592-6922.
4. Michelle and Constable Muench also invited all members and residents to a community safety forum, to be held on Saturday, January 13 at the Guildford Recreation Centre (12.45 to 4.45 p.m.). Topics will include grow-op detection, kids and drugs, and Internet safety/child exploitation. Experts on all these topics will present information to those in attendance.
5. Councillor Gill, MLA Hayer, and Joel Giebelhaus of the Mayor’s office all sent their regrets because of other commitments. MP Grewal was in Ottawa.
6. Ian MacPherson presented an update on the Association’s work respecting the South Fraser Perimeter Road:
   • A committee chaired by Rob Langford (and including directors and other residents) will submit a written report setting out concerns and recommendations to the environmental assessment office which is now assessing the proposed project by December 17;
   • All members and residents are encouraged to submit their comments to the EAO by the same date: e-mail: eaoinfo@gov.bc.ca or fax: 250-387-2208;
   • A public meeting was held on November 16 at Pacific Academy to present information on the Road, and included a one-hour question and answer session; many directors, members and other residents attended;
   • Prior to the meeting, Rob Langford and Heather Nelson organized a guided tour for two officials of the EAO to show special areas of concern for residents; we appreciated the participation of Councillor Bose (on behalf of Mayor Watt) and MLA Hayer during the tour, as well as MP Grewal’s special assistant;
   • When the committee’s report has been completed, it will be posted on the FHCA web site; it was suggested that the committee should personally present the report to the EAO, and Ian MacPherson said that he would be prepared to do so, even if a trip to Victoria was required (other committee members able to make the trip would also attend the meeting); and
   • Ian MacPherson stressed that the Association’s and committee’s involvement will not end with the assessment process, because ongoing monitoring of this project over the next few years will be essential.
7. Other traffic issues were discussed:
   • The City will probably hold an open house concerning the 156 Street overpass in the New Year;
   • The right-turn lane on 160 Street north of the on-ramp should be completed by the end of the year;
   • Further discussions with the City concerning the four-way stop issue at 104 Avenue East and 164 Street will take place next week.
8. Other issues were raised with the members:
   • The City will present its bicycle recreation strategy at an open house at City Hall on Tuesday, December 5 (6.00 to 8.00 p.m.); Ian MacPherson will attend and all are welcome;
   • A resident has requested Association support for inclusion of a bicycle/pedestrian overpass in conjunction with twinning the # 1 highway, somewhere between 164 and 168 Streets; the overpass would be part of a north Surrey regional bike/walking network; members in attendance agreed that Ian MacPherson should send a letter of support to Gateway.

Next meeting: Wednesday, January 24 at Fraser Heights Secondary School (7.00 p.m.).

Meeting Notes, January 24, 2007

1. President’s Report:
   • Ian MacPherson provided an update on the South Fraser Perimeter Road: the Association filed a submission with the Federal-Provincial Environmental Assessment Panel on December 18, 2006; any member who wishes to obtain a copy of our submission can e-mail Ian (heathian@telus.net). It includes a number of specific recommendations. The Panel has replied to our request for a meeting to discuss our submission, and will contact us when they have had the time to review all the submissions which they have received.
   • Sukhi Bahia at Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture is conducting a survey of demand/use respecting tennis courts in Surrey; anyone who wishes to complete the survey can e-mail Ian.
   • The City of Surrey asks all residents to be vigilant for cases of metal wire theft in sports areas and neighbourhoods, and to report same to the RCMP immediately.
   • Ian MacPherson will contact Ken Zondervan at City Engineering to discuss a number of our traffic issues, including: the 156 Street underpass; the need for a four-way stop at 104 Avenue East and 164 Street; speeding on 110 Avenue; large trucks driving on our streets to and from the Port Mann Bridge; and ongoing traffic calming issues.
   • The Association has written the City to inform them that they have no objection to the future bank branch at the development at 108 Avenue and 160 Street having its surface area increased from 4,000 square feet to approximately 5,000 square feet.
   • Ian e-mailed the Gateway Program to support the inclusion of a pedestrian/cycling overpass over the Freeway as part of the Gateway program (probably around 168 Street).
   • Ian attended an open house at City Hall in December where a long-term plan for bicycle recreation was presented; Fraser Heights would be part of a future network running across north Surrey, and the City has incorporated an overpass in its long-term plan.
   • The City is looking for volunteers to be trained to help Emergency Services personnel in the event of a major disaster; contact volunteer services at the City (www.surrey.ca).
2. Councillors Gill and Hepner, and Gurpreet Rai (a resident, and citizen member of the City’s Parks and Community Services Committee) informed the members that funds are available for an artificial turf field in the Guildford area (which includes Fraser Heights); we are a candidate for location of the field. Members unanimously authorized Ian to write the City to express our strong support for locating the field in Fraser Heights.
3. Dave Hayer, MLA, attended the meeting and answered questions from the members.

Next meeting: Monday, March 26th 2007 at Fraser Heights Secondary (7:00 PM).

General Meeting: September 25, 2006 at Fraser Heights Secondary School

Highlights

1. Ian MacPherson (President) introduced the directors for 2006-2007:

   Vice-President: Kash Kang
   Treasurer: Heather Nelson
   Secretary: Liane McMahon
   Past-President: Rob Langford
   Web site: Frank Russell
   Director: Joanna Whittingstall
   Director: Rich McPhee

   Student directors (high school): Gina Yoo, Megan Ahn

2. Sgt. Murray MacAulay of the RCMP (Fleetwood/Guildford detachment) introduced Constable Anthony Muench, who is assigned to the Fraser Heights community.
3. Fraser Heights Recreation Centre announced that they are planning two community events, and wish residents to attend and also help as volunteers:
   • Halloween: October 28 from 2.00 to 4.00 p.m.
   • Pancake breakfast: December 23 from 9.30 to 11.00 a.m.
4. Ian MacPherson provided an update on traffic issues:
   1. Information from Councillor Tom Gill/Engineering Department:
      • Traffic calming on 110 Avenue and 155 Street has been completed
      • The planned 156 Street underpass will start construction in 2007, and is planned for completion by early 2008
      • Traffic calming on parts of 168 Street and 112 Avenue should be completed by early 2007
      • The Guildford-direction lane on 110 Avenue east of 154 Street is under construction now (transit buses will use this lane)
      • 160 Street right-turn lane north of the stop light (north of the overpass): will be constructed in late 2006
      • 168 Street (north of 104 Avenue): the City will reduce the speed limit to 50 km/h
      • Four-way stop at 104 Avenue East and 164 Street (freeway off-ramp: a decision will be made soon for early construction.
   2. Ian MacPherson noted to members the efforts which Councillor Gill has made to advance these projects through the Engineering Department.
   3. A members’ traffic committee will meet soon to work on several other traffic issues in Fraser Heights.
   4. Rob Langford is chairing a special committee which is monitoring the South Fraser Perimeter Road project, and the committee will keep members informed about this project as it advances.
5. Bob Cheema provided an update on his commercial development at 108 Avenue and 160 Street, which will be open in 2007.
6. The next meeting of the Association’s members will be held on Tuesday, November 28 at the high school auditorium (7.00 p.m.)