Powell River Today

Thousands of British Columbian families, including many in Powell River, are affected by dementia and this number is expected to grow.

In May, area residents can show their support to families, friends and neighbours affected by dementia.

Many people did just that by participating in The Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s, a nation-wide movement to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. And another opportunity is available immediately.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is inviting residents to Walk Anywhere throughout May.

Walk Anywhere is exactly what it’s name suggests. Simply visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca and then select ‘British Columbia’ and then ‘Walk Anywhere’ from the pull down menus. You can then register for an online fundraising page. You choose your date, location and Walk route. You can walk alone or invite your friends or family to join you.

If you’re interested in hosting a larger walk, you can register to become a Walk in a Box host.

A Walk in a Box is new in 2017 and is in addition to the community Walks. They are a great option for care homes, community groups, and schools that have not held a Walk before, couldn’t make it to a nearby Walk, or would like to host a Walk but on a very small, easy to coordinate scale.

A Walk in a Box is a self-contained event package that contains all the instructions and materials required to host and run a small Walk. You can register to become a Walk in a Box host by visiting http://alzbc.org/walk-in-a-box.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s ultimate vision is a world without dementia. Until this vision can be realized, the organization is committed to building a dementia-friendly society: a place where people living with dementia, their families and their caregivers are acknowledged and included.

“By registering to Walk Anywhere or hosting a Walk in a Box, you will take us a step closer to reaching this vision by helping to ensure that people in our community have access to the support and learning they need to live well with the disease, and by helping enable research into the causes and cure,” says Barbara Lindsay, Director of Advocacy & Education and Marketing & Communications at the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

When you walk, you make memories matter. You honour people who have lived with dementia and acknowledge the work that must be done to ensure help and hope for people living with the disease today.

The Facts About the Cetacean Ban

The “100 mammals” are seals who are kept at an Aquarium off site location. So not affected by the cetacean ban! Only a few cetaceans have also been kept there. Rehab centers must not be in a noisy, busy aquarium. Cetaceans can be kept in sea pens if longer rehab is needed.

The Vancouver Aquarium web site is certainly not the “Real Facts” and media reports are often one sided. Those who have looked extensively at the cetacean captivity issues want the physical and psychological suffering to end.

Is this aquarium claiming 50 years of saving cetaceans? Cetaceans are euthanized and die in the wild, and at least 52 other captive cetaceans have died as a result of the Vancouver Aquarium pro captivity business.

In my opinion, the Vancouver Aquarium did not “rescue” the lone orca Springer. They wanted to keep her in a sea pen at their research station on nearby Popham Island. I told them that Lifeforce and the US/Canadian team supported taking her back to her home waters in Northern BC. In spite of the aquarium that was done and she reunited with her family.

They want cetaceans for so called entertainment and lucrative government research grants. The Aquarium say captives and “rescues” are untapped resources as tools. When in fact they are sentient beings who must not be exploited! Support the cetacean bylaw ban! Write to PBcommissioners@vancouver.ca and mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca for the humane new cetacean ban!

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) today announced a five-pillar approach to address housing affordability for renters, homebuyers and homeowners across British Columbia.

BCREA’s five pillars include timely recommendations to:

• assist consumers with housing costs,
• encourage the creation of more rental housing,
• densify urban areas,
• adjust the Property Transfer Tax, and
• promote best practices among local governments.

“REALTORS® understand the importance of housing affordability in creating strong communities,” says Robert Laing, BCREA CEO. “Through these five pillars, BCREA’s recommendations provide a clear pathway toward making homes more accessible and affordable for British Columbians.”

BCREA’s recommendations are supported by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC. “Many of the BCREA proposals on market housing affordability are shared priorities and goals of CHBA BC,” says Neil Moody, CEO. “These actions on supply and building costs help industry deliver a more affordable product for homebuyers, provide more choice for buying or renting, and decrease extra costs for buyers like the Property Transfer Tax.”

More information on BCREA’s five pillars can be found on the Association’s new website: www.bchousingaffordability.ca

BCREA is the professional association for over 22,000 REALTORS® in BC, focusing on provincial issues that impact real estate. Working with the province’s real estate boards, BCREA provides continuing professional education, advocacy, economic research and standard forms to help REALTORS® provide value for their clients.

To demonstrate the profession’s commitment to improving Quality of Life in BC communities, BCREA supports policies that help ensure economic vitality, provide housing opportunities, preserve the environment, protect property owners and build better communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods.