Abbotsford

Non-stop flights
WestJet offers Abbotsford daily non-stop service to Toronto starting May 18, 2008.  The new non-stop service schedule starts May 18. Introductory fares at $179 (taxes and surcharges extra).  Abbotsford - Toronto daily flight – departure and arrival from Abbotsford - 11:25 pm and 6:36 am and from Toronto 7:55 pm and 9:50 p.m. This  is part of WestJet’s enhanced summer schedule. More info visit: westjet.com.

Burnaby

Let’s Recycle More!
Under the new regional recycling and disposal regulation and City bylaw, any garbage bags or containers found to contain recyclable materials will NOT be picked up. All of the materials are accepted through the City’s curbside recycling program or can be taken to the Burnaby Recycling Depot located at 4800 Still Creek Avenue. More info visit: contact Burnaby City Mayor Derek Corrigan at postmaster@burnaby.ca. or visit: www.city.burnaby.bc.ca .

North Vancouver

Legacy Fund
Lower Lonsdale Legacy Fund  an endowment fund intended to provide grants for community development projects, programs or services that contribute to the quality of life for residents. Priority will be given to proposals which support the recommended strategies of the Lower Lonsdale Social Development Strategy. Funding can be applied to new or existing projects, programs or services. Contact North Vancouver Mayor Darrell R. Mussatto at dmussatto@cnv.

Port Coquitlam

Financial Planning
The City completes a five-year financial plan, which is updated every year, to ensure responsible money management that relates directly to the priorities identified by the community. A copy of the 2008-2012 Staff Proposed Financial Plan is available in hard copy from City Hall (2580 Shaughnessy Street) and the Terry Fox Library (2470 Mary Hill Road). For more info visit: www.portcoquitlam.ca or call Port Coquitlam Mayor  Scott Young at 604.927.5410.

Port Moody

TransLink funding
TransLink’s outgoing Board of Directors approved the allocation of up to $50 million for the design and construction of the much-needed Murray-Clarke Connector. Motivated by the urgency of the outgoing TransLink Board’s last meeting, two dozen people appeared to speak in support of the project to Board Directors assembled at Richmond City Hall. More info contact Port Moody City Mayor Joe Trasolini at joe.trasolini@cityofportmoody.com or visit: www.cityofportmoody.com .

Richmond

Strong Building
The City of Richmond’s building activities remained strong in 2007 with the value of construction for issued building permits reaching $575 million. Housing starts moderately slowed to 1,946 in 2007 from 2,362 in 2006. Housing figures indicate the number of residential building construction projects started in a year and assist in tracking general trends in the economy. For more details contact Richmond City Mayor Malcolm Brodie at 604-276-4123.

Surrey

Winterfest Celeb
The City of Surrey and Coast Capital Savings are proud to present Surrey’s WinterFest 2008. This celebration marks the beginning of Spirit of BC Week across the province and the two-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The festival will take place Sat, Feb 9 at Central City Plaza, located at 102 Avenue and 135 Street. Gates open at 12:00 noon with the fire show slated for 6 pm and the concert finale at 10 pm.  For more info call: Surrey City Mayor Dianne Watts at 604-591-4126 or visit: http://www.surrey.ca.

Vancouver

Granville Street Redesign
The City of Vancouver and a team of stakeholders and consultants have been involved in a redesign project for Granville Street. The redesign of Granville Street, from Drake Street to Cordova Street, responds to the need to enhance the transit, pedestrian movement, and vitality of the street. On Jan 23, an open house will take place to gather further feedback and comments from the public. More info contact Mayor Sam Sullivan at 604-873-7621

Victoria

Map to Stay
BC Experience Map to Stay in Victoria. Galey Farms, a local agri-tourism farm will be the new home for the topographical map of British Columbia currently housed in the former Crystal Garden facility. Time was running out for the map a few weeks ago when after exploring all options a public plea was issued to find it a new home. For More Info contact: Victoria City Mayor Alan Lowe at (250) 361-0200 or cell:
(250) 812-7117.