Powell River Today

The BCREA Commercial Leading Indicator (CLI) posted its largest increase since 2009, rising by 3.7 index points in the second quarter of 2017 to 133.1. That increase represents a 2.8 per cent rise over the first quarter and a 6.6 per cent increase from one year ago.

“The sustained rise in the CLI reflects strong growth in sectors of the economy beneficial to commercial real estate activity,” says BCREA Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “An uptick in economic activity last quarter further reinforces the already strong trend in the CLI and points to continued growth for commercial real estate.”

The underlying CLI trend, which smooths often noisy economic data, continues to push higher due to strong provincial economic and employment growth. That uptrend signals further growth in investment, leasing and other commercial real estate activity over the next two to four quarters.

Are you looking for a way to get ready for the upcoming dance season?

Eden and Abby Head, LTDA Senior Company dancers, were selected to be part of the Team Canada West Showdance Team. They will be traveling to Germany in November to compete in the International Dance Organization World Championships. They will rehearse in Vancouver every Sunday this fall, in preparation for this prestigious competition. For more information, visit www.teamcanadadance.com

Eden and Abby are hoping to fundraise to offset costs for this amazing opportunity. They will be offering jazz and lyrical workshops on Tuesday, August 22 for dancers ages five to fourteen. These workshops are by donation and all LTDA dancers of age are encouraged to participate.

The day will look as follows:

10:00-11:00 – Ages 5-9 Jazz Workshop
11:30-1:00 – Ages 10-14 Jazz Workshop
1:15-2:45 – Ages 10-14 Lyrical Workshop

Dancers should wear dance attire and bring jazz or ballet shoes and a water bottle.

Be sure to reply to comment on the LTDA Facebook post to save your spot.

Thank you so much for supporting your local dancers.

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!