A buddy of mine went shopping with his wife and son last Sunday, stopping at the No Frills grocery store in Cloverdale to buy their groceries. They saw that the No Name blueberry waffles, the ones in the plain yellow boxes, were on sale for $2.50 each so they bought a few of the packages. Later that afternoon they had a couple of them as a snack and found out that their child, who is a year and a half old, loved eating them. On the holiday Monday, they ate these waffles again for breakfast and by the time they joined their extended family for Thanksgiving dinnerware they were already feeling ill with what they thought was the start of a cold or possibly the flu. On Tuesday morning they had waffles again for breakfast again and continued to get sicker with cold sweats, stomach cramps and a variety of body functions that Pepto Bismol, Imodium and Gravol are generally used to combat.
It was only after calling in sick for work on Tuesday that my friend learned there had been a North America wide recall of TreeHouse Food waffles manufactured in Illinois and Ontario. They announced a widespread voluntary recall of their waffles on Oct. 18 over a possible risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination that was first detected in routine testing at their Canadian plant. These are sold in over 600 stores in the US and Canada with many outlets having their own unique store branded packaging. These include Compliments, Duncan, Gordon's Choice, Great Value, No Name and Western Family. To understand how widespread these waffes are you have to check out the following links with the first one listing the names of the products and the second showing images of the various packaging. There are so many that I didn't bother to try to count them all.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has listed a recall and safety list of their own for those waffles sold in this country that you can find on the Health Canada website at the following listing. Please take a minute to visit their website, check the list and possibly clean out your freezer:
Here is the CFIA's list of what you should do and the description of Listeria contamination along with the health risks associated with it.
If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
Check to see if you have any recalled products
Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
Since the initial recall of TreeHouse Foods products, the warning has now expanded to include pancakes produced by the same company and distributed under the same brand names. While I did use part of the familiar Kellogs advertising line "Leggo my Eggo" in the title for this tainted waffle TNT, they are produced at a plant in Rossville Tennessee where this problem has not recently surfaced. That being said, they did have a recall back in 2016 involving whole wheat Eggo waffles that involved the same Listeria contamination, showing how easy it is for this bacterium to become established in food production facilities. Earlier this month there were recalls for soy plant based beverages with Listeria including Silk and Great Value that sickened 20 in Canada with 3 confirmed deaths. Beef jelly tongue has also been recalled this month in Ontario because of Listeria contamination. Fortunately, it appears that nobody has gotten sick from eating it, at least not from a foodborne bacterial illness.
Naturally yours,
Don Pitcairn
I wish acknowledge we live, work and play on the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo people.
Local News
October 28, 2024
Johnston Road is on track to open by the end of this month! To facilitate remaining work, Johnston Road between Russell Avenue and Thrift Avenue will be closed both northbound and southbound on Monday, October 28 for the first half of the day for curb restorations.
The same section of Johnston Road will be closed both northbound and southbound accommodate paving and road painting efforts which are planned to take place Tuesday, October 29 to Thursday October 31, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. weather permitting. For details visit https://tinyurl.com/ca2nudwn
October 27, 2024
65,000 absentee ballots to be counted before B.C. has election results
The final count will conclude Monday, Oct. 28, but before then, Elections BC says at least three recounts are required. In the Surrey City Centre (SRC) riding, BC NDP candidate Amna Shah leads with 95 votes over BC Conservatives candidate Zeeshan Wahla.
Electyions BC has stated based on the number of ballots to count, we estimate that the SRC will be complete by the end of the day on October 27.
Four more recounts were requested by candidates, including by BC NDP MLA Gary Begg in Surrey-Guildford, who appears to have lost by a difference of 102 votes. But Elections BC says those requests didn’t meet the requirements and were rejected.
October 26, 2024
I'm Not A Criminal!
Yesterday morning around 10 a.m. a Surrey RCMP office travelling along North Buff Road in the vicinity of 140th street, observed a car being driven erratically. The officer pulled the vehicle over in front of Home Hardware. Very soon the routine traffic stop turned into a fist fight on the street between the officer and the driver of the vehicle. As the suspect was loaded into the police cruiser witnesses sated he kept yelling "I'm Not a criminal"
The emergency call went out and no less than 10 RCMP vehicles roared to the officer's assistance. the driver of the vehicle was take to hospital for a quick observation before heading to the lockup.
Missing person to locate: Joseph CEDAR
Surrey RCMP is requesting public assistance in locating 76-year-old Joseph CEDAR, who was reported missing on October 25, 2024 at approximately 530pm. He was last seen in the 1700-block of 140 Street, Surrey.
Police and family are concerned for Joseph’s wellbeing and may appear disorientated, he has never gone missing before. He is described as a 76-year white male, 5'8″, 180 lbs, with white/grey balding hair, white facial hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a grey jacket, grey sweat pants, black baseball hat and prescription glasses.
If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Joseph, please contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file 2024-159244.
Langley RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating Jane Whitehouse
.....reported missing on October 25, 2024.
Jane was driving a grey Dodge Grand Caravan.
Jane was last seen at approximately 10:10 am on October 25, 2024 in Aldergrove. There are social media reports that her vehicle was found stuck in a washout up East Harrison Road (East side of Harrison Lake).
Jane was last seen wearing a green jacket.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jane is urged to contact their local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).
Remember
Time Change
Next Saturday night/Early Sunday morning (2 a.m.) we switch back to standard time from daylight savings time.
October 25, 2024
Surrey Council Approve ash scattering pier on Fraser River
At Monday's Regular Council Meeting, Surrey City Council approved providing a pier for the scattering of ashes on the Fraser River. While the City of Surrey offers a “scattering garden” at Sunnyside Lawn Cemetery, many groups find that scattering ashes in water fosters a deeper sense of connection. This practice not only brings peace and closure but also symbolizes the individual's return to nature.
In 2021, staff began exploring the option of building a pier for ash scattering at Brownsville Bar Park. While a preliminary assessment was initiated, no formal direction was provided by Council and no budget was allocated for this project.
If Surrey City Council endorses the initiative, staff will further explore approvals and funding requirements to move this initiative forward, with an estimated construction cost ranging from $2.5 million to $3.8 million. If the initiative moves forward, a report outlining next steps will be presented to Council in 2025 for final approval.
Bill 44 Explained
The new Provincial building guidelines could be a giant windfall for landowners in White Rock/South Surrey. A single family home lot could now house up to 6 townhouse units.
It you are interested in finding out more of the details read below.
The real estate landscape is evolving under the influence of Bill 44 for Small-Scale-Multi-Unit-Housing. With 4~6 units now allowed on single family properties, we are actively learning the type of projects being designed for areas like Vancouver and Burnaby.
In collaboration with our builder partners, we have put together a Builder Showcase event at Science World to share exactly what’s happening to the housing industry. At this event, you will learn:
Current active multiplex townhouse projects
New business models as a result of Bill 44
Site plans
Proformas
Locations
This event is for investors, homeowners, builders, developers, and community members interested in learning about Multiplex and Townhome Development directly from the Builders with Active Projects.
Seating is limited and we’re already near 50% capacity.
The Surrey and White Rock Fire Services want to remind everyone to keep fire safety top of mind this Halloween by following some simple safety precautions.
Fireworks: Fireworks are hazardous to those who are lighting them, and to the surrounding area based on the fallout of the burning materials. In the City of Surrey, fireworks are not allowed to be sold or discharged without a valid Fire Department permit and Federal Fireworks Operator Certification. White Rock does not have such a permit.
Dangerous Décor: Ensure that combustible Halloween decorations such as paper, cornstalks, and dried flowers are kept well away from sources of heat, including light bulbs, candles, and heaters.
Smoke Alarms: This is a great time to make sure your smoke alarms are functional and up to date. More information can be found at surrey.ca/HomeSafe.
Exits: Exits are not an appropriate place for decorations. When decorating, ensure that nothing is blocking any escape routes.
Power Problems: Check indoor and outdoor decorative lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wire, or loose connections. Do not use damaged lights or overload extension cords.
Costume Considerations: When selecting this year’s Halloween costume, pick brightly coloured costumes that can be clearly seen by motorists and do not choose costumes with long flowing skirts, capes, or baggy sleeves as they can be hazardous around ignition sources.
Light the way: Make sure everyone in the Halloween trick-or-treating party has a flashlight. This will help make children more visible to motorists and others. When is doubt, stay in well-lit areas and only visit homes with their lights turned on.
From Zero to 750
How Diana Barkley Revived the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club
During this week’s Rotary meeting at the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, we explored the hatchery and learned about its recovery from the devastating 2021 floods. SFGC President Diana Barkley shared her incredible journey, transforming the club from 0 members and $700 to 750 members and over $280,000. Her leadership and fundraising efforts, supported by Rotary's $10,000 grant, have paved the way for a new hatchery facility set to begin construction by 2026. A true testament to community resilience!
October 24, 2024
Marketing Report October 2024
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, delivering a message that resonates with your audience is crucial. The South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce is here to help you do just that.
With a powerful network of business leaders, proven marketing strategies, and in-depth market insights, we’re not just a Chamber—we’re your partner in growth. Our targeted strategies are designed to connect you with the right audience and amplify your message.
- Warming Centre will reopen for operation during the daytime winter months. The centre will once again be located in Centennial Park parking lot next to the tennis courts. Councillors Trevelyan and Chesney along with mayor Knight voted in the negative.
- Council approved moving the council chambers to the community centre to afford the city the ability to turn the current council chambers into much needed office space. Councillors Klassen and Trevelyan voted in the opposition.
- A new by law was approved to close the waterfront parking lots between the hours of 2- 5a.m. 7 days a week.
- After years of talking the city and council will move forward with officially naming an placing wayfaring signs on the hillside walkways. The city owns 8 road ends that traverse the hillside between Marine Drive and uptown White Rock. The walkways will be named after the streets they are connected to with the exception of Centre street walkway which will officially be named Helen Fathers/Centre Street Walkway in honour to the late councillor who spent over a decade championing the development of the Centre Street walkway.
Surrey council increases fireworks fines ahead of Halloween and Diwali
During the Regular Council Meeting last Monday, Surrey City Council voted to approve significant increases to fines related to the sale and use of fireworks ahead of Halloween and Diwali celebrations.
In Surrey, the discharge of fireworks require federal certification and permits from the Surrey Fire Service.
“The increased penalties will help prevent reckless actions and encourage everyone to follow the law,” said Joey Jatinder Singh Brar, General Manager, Corporate Services. “These changes also give bylaw officers and police the tools they need to better manage firework risks. We are reminding all residents that only those with the right permits should use fireworks, and those who break the rules will face significant fines."
Under the current regulations, fines for fireworks violations have been relatively low, with maximums reaching $500. To address this, the City is proposing substantial amendments to the Fireworks Bylaw, Bylaw Enforcement Notice (BEN) Bylaw, and Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) Bylaw. Key changes include:
· Increasing the minimum penalty for fireworks violations from $100 to $400 and the maximum penalty from $5,000 to $50,000.
· Raising the maximum MTI fine for violations of the Fireworks Bylaw to $1,000, which will facilitate more rigorous enforcement.
· Increased penalties under the BEN Bylaw to ensure better compliance and community safety.
Review Surrey's fireworks regulations and learn how to apply for a fireworks/pyrotechnics permit here.
Salmon Spawning Locally
The Little Campbell Fish Hatchery was busy over the weekend with the big rain bringing the spawning salmon up the river. Volunteers are manning the fish fence, counting the salmon and selecting some for hatchery breeding.
The Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club barely survived the atmospheric river on the weekend. The water on Sunday morning was at the edge of the Little Campbell hatchery parking lot.
The fish fence and the counting shack deck were completely submerged. The little Campbell river covered the walking trails on both sides with a new log jam formed. Adding to the problems, several large trees had fallen across the riverside trails. Volunteer crews are working hard to fix all the damage.
The fish fence remains open at this time due to debris in the river and the danger from the fast moving water.
The increasing flood risk is why a new salmon hatchery is going to be built on high ground.
The fish fence remains open at this time due to debris in the river and the danger from the fast moving water.
The increasing flood risk is why a new salmon hatchery is going to be built on high ground.
You can visit the 30 acre of grounds at 1284 184 St. and the Little Campbell Hatchery or check them out online at SFGC.info
Surrey EWR shelters operate from October 15 to April 15 when weather is extreme (feels like temperature is at or below 0 degrees Celsius, significant snow, freezing rain, sustained high wind, and/or temperatures near zero with rain).
Due to the heavy rains last weekend, the city of Surrey activated their Extreme Weather program. This triggered opening a shelter in the lower level of the South Surrey Rec Centre. Given I knew the topic of a Warming Centre was back on the agenda for Monday's council meeting I decided to educate myself more on the matter of the unhoused in our community.
I made a point of visiting the centre each morning at 6 a.m. an hour before the scheduled closing time. I learned a number of things.
One day, a husband telephones his wife, but his daughter answers.
"Hello!"
"Hey honey, this is daddy. Is mommy near the phone?"
"No daddy, she's upstairs jn the bedroom with uncle Jake."
"But you don't have an uncle Jake, sweetie..."
"Uh yes I do, and he's upstairs in the bedroom with mommy right now."
"Ok honey, I need you to go near the bedroom and shout 'Daddy's car just pulled into the driveway' and then come back and call me."
A few minutes later, the daughter calls back.
"I did it, daddy."
"Well, what happened?"
"Mommy got scared, started running around, tripped and hit her head, and now she isn't moving."
"Oh my god. And what about uncle Jake?
"He too got scared, jumped out of the window into the swimming pool, but he forgot you took out the water last week and now he isn't moving as well."
"Wait a minute, my house doesn't have a swimming pool. Wait, is this 351-7381?"
Thought For The Day
I missed you quietly today. So quietly that no one noticed.
I missed you as I climbed out of bed and as I brushed my teeth; when I waited at the lights on the drive into work and as I heard the rain outside my window.
I missed you as I ordered lunch and as I kicked off my shoes when I got home; as I switched off the lights and climbed into bed for the night.
I missed you without tears or noise or fanfare.
But oh how I felt it.
I felt it in the morning, at lunchtime, in the evening and at night. I felt it as I woke, as I waited, as I worked. I felt it at home, on the road, in the light, in the dark, in the rain.
I felt it in every one of those moments, each one sitting heavier and heavier as the weight of me missing you kept growing and growing.
Yes, I missed you so quietly today.
But I felt it so loudly.
Community Events
Online Good News Coffee Club
Start your morning with a chat about all the good news that’s happened recently. We encourage everyone to start off with a check-in around the room; share something good that’s happened to you recently! Then we proceed with sharing some good news stories from all around the world, to remind you that there are still people out there doing incredible and inspiring things for the world.
Join us on Wednesday, Oct 30 from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. for a spook-tacular time at the Centennial Arena! Dress in your best costumes for free admission and skate to eerie tunes while enjoying some trick or treats! Public Skate Rates apply.
Game 3 Today @ 5 p.m. in New York
The schedule for the 2024 World Series will be:
Game 1: Friday, Oct. 25 at 5:08 p.m. Dodgers Win 6-3
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 26 at 5:08 p.m. Dodgers win 41- Now lead the best of 7 series 2-0
The series now moves to New York for games 3/4/5
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 28 at 5:08 p.m.
Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 5:08 p.m.
Game 5: Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 5:08 p.m. (*if necessary)
Game 6: Friday, Nov. 1 (*if necessary)
Game 7: Saturday, Nov. 2 (*if necessary)
Check the waterfront weather in White Rock in real time.