Quayside Community Board [QCB] Mourns Sudden Passing of President Robin Howard

 

 [New Westminster] It is with great sadness the executive and members of the Quayside Community Board [QCB] announce the unexpected passing of recently elected President Robin Howard on Monday, December 6th, 2021. 

Robin is survived by his wife Terry Aske and is resolutely missed by the members of the Quayside Community Board and the Quayside community at large.  Robin was a results-driven president for the QCB and followed in the footsteps of past presidents with a sense of pride and purpose in his Quay community. 

Robin and Terry could be seen walking the New Westminster Esplanade/Boardwalk frequently.  As a result, Robin’s positive attitude and personality made him the perfect brand Ambassador for the QCB.  His exceptional work ethic made Robin a logical addition to the impressive list of past presidents who have preceded him. 

Robin was elected in March of 2021 as the newest QCB president and faced many challenges not seen by past presidents such as, event cancellations, social distancing, COVID-19, and ever-changing restrictions and protocols – not to mention initiating serious discussions of Quay issues. Robin maintained the momentum of the great work done by the QCB over unrelenting and challenging times.  Toward this end, Robin embraced technology in order to arrange regular monthly board meetings and produce an exclusive video-conferencing Q&A meeting with New West Mayor Cote [Feb 24, 2021].  Robin will be known for his leadership in taking the QCB into the digital age, giving the QCB the ability to function in an online environment with ease and effectiveness - a significant accomplishment for so short a time in service. 

Robin moved from Burnaby in 1989 and resided in both the Westport and Lido condo complexes in the Quayside community.  He made his skills available to the strata boards of these two complexes, giving him a working understanding of what being president of 20 buildings, 2749 condo units and more than 6000 residents.  

In a past New West Record article by Theresa McManus, Robin professed that he “looked forward to contributing to this great community”.  In his time as president and his over three decades as a resident of the Quay – he lived up to his desire to contribute great things to our vibrant community. 

“Thanks, Robin, for a job exceptionally well done!” concludes the QCB.  

 

 For more on the QCB, please visit quaysideboard.com

It's that time of year again!  Yep - time to get out your boxes of Christmas decorations, contact your friends and 'Light Up' in time for the holidays.  Not the cannabis 'Light Up' - the Christmas Lights type of 'Light Up'.  And while your at it, ask your friends to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local Food Bank. 

Lighting up your balcony or Lobbies, gives those who visit the Quay a strong spirit of the holidays.  It is our desire to make the Promenade/Boardwalk and Quayside Drive New Westminster's best Candy Cane Lane!

Happy Holiday's!

PS: If you are interested in volunteering to host a box for food in the lobby of your building and taking it to a local food bank as it fills up - we would love to hear from you.  Email us at info@quaysideboard.com | SUBJECT: Food Bank Volunteer

RAIL NOISE, VIBRATION and POLLUTION are on Federal radar thanks to Quay citizen

Updated: Read how citizens are gaining support in their casue to reduce rail noise and pollution as well as how one Quay resident has been able to get the Fed involved.  Read about it below or return to the home page at quaysideboard.com

Could it (should it) become an election issue this October?  Has the wall of concrete towers only served to make the problem louder and the pollution more contained?  A number of residents are taking up the cause to see if their collective voice will bring any positive change to life at the Quay ...with trains.

This issue has had a nearly 2 decade history with the QCB and the City - and yet it is clearly still an issue of concern to those who live at the Quay.

Here is a chance to have your voice added to the conversation.  PLEASE BE POLITE and ensure your comments advance the discussion forward.  If you are going to repeat twenty year old comments such as 'The trains were here first ' or 'You shouldn't have moved into the area if you knew there were trains' - please save your voice - these are old comments and do not serve to see if there is a    real way forward to this considerable and real problem.

Read how 'The Feds Are Going To Start Monitoring CN' post here....
Read 'The Trains Were Here First' Lame comment here...
Read about 'Rail Pollution & Growing Support' here ... 

SHOULD DOGS BE ACCEPTED AS 'RESIDENTS' BY WEIGHT OR BY BEHAVIOUR - Have Your Say

There is little doubt that the majority of dogs seen on the Quay today are what one might term as ‘pocket pooches’.  While many are small and adorable, some come with an attitude the size of a lion.  You don’t see many larger breeds anymore such as Labs and a resident has recently discovered the possible reason why – restrictions by strata’s.

Understanding pet ownership is a sensitive discussion, a resident has submitted some thoughts on how to better ascertain whether a dog – big or small – would make for a good ‘resident’ of a building.  Rather then base a pet’s acceptance on their size alone, perhaps strata’s should be looking at their behaviour and training as a more accurate indicator.

As this resident points out, we don’t stop people from buying condos at the Quay because of their weight, why then is this the litmus test for dogs?  We thought it might be a good discussion to have as the Quay is a well known dog-lovers environment. You can voice your thoughts (politely please) via facebook here or visit our blog spot to have your say here.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE POLITE - WE ALL LOVE OUR DOGS SO SHOW SOME OF THAT LOVE IN THIS DISCUSSION - THANKS

Here is the resident’s ‘Letter to the Editor’ to open the discussion CLICK HERE

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A FLOOD?

Do you live at the Quay in a ground floor suite?  Do you have your car parked in an underground space?  Do you have storage units in a sub-basement in your complex?  Have you made plans to stay elswhere should Quayside Drive flood preventing access to your condo?  Do you have an emergency kit or plan should the waters rise to flood level?

These are the questions the QCB wants you to ask yourself during this HIGH WATER THREAT.  While we have not witnessed severe flooding in the Quay area in the recent past, there is no stopping mother nature if she wishes to remind us that she is in control.

So what are you planning to do?  Share your 'preparedness' with your fellow Quaysiders. Stay safe!

PS: With the water level at the same level as the Boardwalk, a wave from a tug boat can easily wipe away a tiny pet in a flash.  Please stay off the wooden Boardwalk until further notice from the City.

WOULD YOU AGREE TO SELL YOUR ENTIRE CONDO BUILDING TO A DEVELOPER?

Let’s Face It! The Quayside community has some of the most enviable views in the entire lower mainland. Whether north to the mountains, or south to the Fraser River and beyond – the New West Quay is spectacular.

So, now that an entire condo complex has agreed to sell [required 80% of owners to agree] in New West at 65 First Street, how long before other complexes/buildings jump on the developer band wagon. Along the Promenade/Boardwalk of New West there are a number of low rise buildings with 60 plus units ripe for the picking. Some (if not most) are coming up to 30 years old and there comes a point when strata might best serve the owners by stopping the pumping of money into costly and continuing repairs and consider opting for the new ‘developer solution’.

Image if some of these buildings agreed to sell and a developer was able to build tower(s) up to 50 stories tall in there stead as BOSA has done? Imagine if all those owners who sold, not only received a generous sum of money for their places but also were given an opportunity to purchase prime-view units at discount prices as well. Seems pretty tempting! Image a totally new up-to-date suite and a large sum of money in your bank account – simply for saying yes to a developer.

Some building owners might balk at the thought, but a lot of money and a new place to live is pretty tempting. Given New West’s penchant for allowing monster towers along our shoreline – the only thing apparently standing in the way of this movement are the condo owners themselves. The City and the Developers certainly seems primed and ready to jump into action should anyone show any indication that their condo building is up for sale.

Watch 65 First Street New West Video Here

What DO You Think? Good or Bad Idea? Have your say on our BLOG SPOT

The popular and well-attended AGM for the QCB is February 7th, 2018.  One aspect that makes the QCB AGM a draw, is their ability to attract entertaining Guest Speakers who offer commentary on current and relevant topics that affect the Quayside community.

More bus shelters?  Rail connection between Queensborough Ferry Dock to the Casino?  The elections coming this Fall?  Fibre Optic update?  Quayside Drive Rail crossing completion?   Flooding? Boardwalk repairs? ....the topics are seemingly endless.

Are there any issues you would want covered?  Are there any speaker who you think would like to speak and be well received?  It is an election year, would you like to hear anything on this issue?

There is time to the QCB to engage speakers that you would like to see - so have your say.

Please put your comments here so we can all share them or Email us at info@quaysideboard.com / SUBJECT AGM 2018.

QUAYSIDE BOARDWALK SALE returns ...in a new way!

The QCB has decided to go back-to-basics and will have only the yard sale component – no festival. Gone are the food trucks, the four stages featuring live bands and other festival indicators. Instead, with the cooperation of over 2000 Quay condo owners, the QCB believes this yard sale will continue to be one of the largest, one-day outdoor yard sales in the lower mainland. Each building will facilitate their own sale by coordinating owners and are encouraged to create ‘fun environments’ unique to their building and with a purpose to make the shopping experience memorable.

TO PARTICIPATE:  Contact your QCB Strata Rep or Event Rep for registration form or visit HOME PAGE on quaysideboard.com.

So the question is.  Are you going to 1: Volunteer to organize your building to participate in the yard sale?  Are you going to participate as a vendor?  Are you going to come and be a Treasure Hunter ?

IS A 52 STORY TOWER ON THE WATERFRONT TOO MUCH?

 

Our feature story shows a 52 story tower as well as one slightly smaller.  In fact, it is said that it will rival the height of the Seattle Space Needle.  Is this too high for the New West waterfront?  Will a tower on the shoreline this high not block everyone's view all the way to uptown?  Does the height simply not 'fit' within what has already been built?  Let us know .... [Photo: Contributed]

Do you care if the Quayside Community name disappears in favour of a blanket name such as the proposed 'Riverfront'?

Could the name 'Quayside' disappear from New West?  Are you good with renaming the waterfront the 'Riverfront'?  What is your opinion of the new logo proposed by City council?  Did you even know that Council was considering a new branding of the entire water front area?

There are many City projects going on at the Quay. From bridges and rail crossings to bus shelters and towers. What is your opinion on where the Quay is heading?

NEXT YEAR WILL BE THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE QCB BOARDWALK festival & sale. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE TAKE PLACE TO CELEBRATE THIS MILESTONE?

Hard to believe that in 9 years the QCB BOARDWALK festival & sale has become four things: First, it is believed to be the Largest Outdoor Continuous Sidewalk Sale & Festival in all of Metro Vancouver; Second, it is largely believed that it is now one of the largest recycling, reuse and repurpose Environmental events, not only in New Westminster but the lower mainland; Third the QCB is proud that it has remained independent and funded solely by the QCB, the residents and the many sponsors of the event; and last - 

IT IS A SUPER FUN FAMILY EVENT FULL OF MUSIC, FOOD 

AND INCREDIBLE BUYS!

As we approach our 10th anniversary in 2016, we are looking to hear from you with suggestions on the kind of things you would love to see at this festival...to take it to the next level.  Let us know what you think would 

attract double the people and produce double the fun.

Q2Q BRIDGE NOW TO BE BUILT ON WEST SIDE OF TRACKS

Q2Q BRIDGE NOW TO BE BUILT ON WEST SIDE OF TRACKS
This recent revelation was announced by Mayor Coté at the QCB 2015. Originally the Q2Q was to be built on the east side of the rail track affecting the area around Quayside Park and Promenade buidling. According to Mayor Coté the city has now decided the draw bridge will be built between the rail track and buildings Excelsior and Lagnuna Landing.

What are your thoughts about this latest Q2Q development?

LIGHT UP THE QUAY
'BEST BUILDING'
Who is the winner? See the photo entries of the top three and see if you can guess who the QBC chose as the 2014 winner! Send your choices to lightupthequay@quaysideboard.com before February 2nd and then come to the AGM at the River Market on February 4th to see if you got it right!

Tiffany Shores

 

or Quaywest

 

or Tower 2

FAVOURITE QUAY HOLIDAY MEMORIES

Many on the Quay will remember being wrapped in house coats in front of glowing fireplaces  waiting out one of the coldest 'snaps' in recent history.  It was so cold,  the mighty Fraser River nearly froze over as shown in the picture above.  This happened in 2013.

Others may remember the holiday snow storm that dumped so much snow in the area that many holiday plans were cancelled.

So what do you remember at the Quay?  We would love you to share you holiday moments.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Is The QCB BOARDWALK festival & sale the ultimate way to - REUSE, REPURPOSE, REDUCE & RECYCLE?

 

More than a hundred tables filled to overflowing with stuff, junk, finds, dust collectors, treasure, antiques, collectibles, bric-a-brac and other indescribable items line the Quayside Boardwalk  from River Market to the rail bridge.  You walk up and down eyeing everything used; as rock music enhances the frenzy of the treasure hunt.  You have selected your purchases, are happy with your finds and head to the many food outlets to grab a bite and re-nourish yourself before you take just one more walk along the promenade...just in case you missed something!

Well, for some the BOARDWALK festival & sale goes something like that.  But for the sellers in the event - they are just interested in passing their well loved, but used goods to someone else who will use and love them like they did over the years.  Instead of throwing it into landfills, we gladly throw it into the arms of a stranger who for some reason - loves it!  And lets be honest, at the Quay there is a LOT OF NICE STUFF TO BE HAD.

Is this the ultimate way to recycle?  Let us know your thoughts, or perhaps you have a story about that favourite piece that now lives in some strangers home .... share with us your comments.

9 NEW TOWERS PROPOSED FOR QUAYSIDE & DOWNTOWN AREA...TOO MUCH?

Will the Quayside area be impacted - good or bad - by the current and planned high rise developments scheduled for the Quay and Downtown areas? 

Proposed highrises on the books to be built (that we know of):

1: 1 TOWER 26 Stories: Gyro Building at Carnarvon & 6th Street
2: 1 TOWER New Westminster Masonic Hall at 6th Atreet & Agnes Street 
3: 2 TOWERS Plaza 88 west of McInnes overpass ( Images shows one but two are considered likely)

4: 3 TOWERS Larco Development east of Fraser River Discovery Centre

5: 2 TOWERS Bosa behind Inn at the Quay and west of River Market

 A total of NEW 9 TOWERS to join those already builted or in the process of being built.  These towers will house thousand of more people and likely thousands of more cars.  Cars that will possibly further congest our road system, making movement to and from the Quayside area difficult at best.

What are your thoughts?  Like the development?  Worried about the livability of the area?  Will these new residents take the skytrain and not drive cars?   Is this too much development when there are no plans to build new roads or fix the condition of old ones?  Is this too much within only a few square miles of space?  Is there such a things as a 'view corridor' anymore?  Hass Plaza 88 revied the downtown as the City Council had hoped? 


Share your postivies or concerns.

QUAY HOLIDAYS:

Do you love the lights at the Quay? Do you enjoy giving food to the QCB Holiday Food Drive? Tell us your favourite Quay Holiday memory.

FSD COAL TRANSFER PROPOSAL: WHAT ABOUT THE CONCERNS OF THE EMPLOYEES WHO ARE BEING ASKED TO HANDLE COAL - ARE THEIR CONCERNS LEGITIMATE?

PHOTO: James MacKinnon-PeachArch news

We received this email from a person who happened to be in a place and overheard a conversation.  As no names are involved and it provides a new perspective on the COAL TRANSFER STATION AT FRASER SURREY DOCKS, we thought we would share it with our Quay-bloggers.  Our question then goes out to those who work or are directly affected by coal at Fraser Surrey Docks, the Car Yard opposite the docks or anyone else who has something to say on the matter.  Are you concerned about handling coal at work?  Note, you can sign your post as 'anonymous' so not to jeoparize your employment.  Of course, we would welcome comment from anyone who reads this email and cares to share. 

"I was sitting at a STARBUCKS with a friend last night when "an insider" revealed that the cause of the fire at Roberts bank (see article hyper-linked below) was spontaneous combustion in a pile of coal similar in composition to the coal proposed to be trans-shipped via Surrey Fraser Docks.

He also indicated that the coal barge operation would only last for the two-month start-up at Surrey Fraser Docks, then boats would likely be brought in to be loaded directly, in which case, coal dust clouds would be even more likely given the differing nature of the loading operation than outlined for the barges. Dust suppression techniques and infrastructure proposed are less sophisticated and effective than the spray mechanism at Roberts Bank Coal Port.  I wonder if this alternative may be linked to the potential for TEXADA ISLAND expansion to handle the barges being met with approval problems given the Island's Trust opposition to the recent application to the Provincial Government for TEXADA ISLAND portion of the Wyoming to China Supply Train operations.

One quarter not heard from yet are the operators of the "Car Import" facility on Anacis Island. Their fear, evidently,  is that the coal dust will settle on the new cars stored there prior to shipping and fuse to the car finish in the hot sun at worst or cause extra cleaning costs for dust removal at best.

Not sure what his angle was, but he was full of "insider" views that many of the Fraser Surrey Dock's individual  employees aren't happy about the prospect of handling coal either.  He also had some interesting information he had gleaned from Roberts Bank Coal terminal employees about working conditions and the effects of Coal dust.

   

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Fire+Roberts+Bank+coal+port+puts+berth+commission+until+middle+next+week/8680083/story.html"

PLEASE NOTE:  This is a forum for serious thoughts on real issues.  If your post is intended to insult or demean the QCB or anyone associated with it, it will be removed immediately.

The BOARDWALK festival & sale on August 17th, is only one of the events taking place at the Quay this summer.  What is your favourite summer past time on the Quay?  Fishing? Dog Walking? Strolling with friends or family?  We would love to hear from you what makes your summer at the Quay.