Fall newsletter is ready

The fall issue of Whonnock Notes will be distributed early next week. Click here to read or download the newsletter in full colours -- the printed version is black and white.

In the early 1980s Les Trask was one of the earliest presidents of the Whonnock Community Association and an active participant in the fundraising for Whonnock Lake Centre. 

One Book Whonnock

Click on image to enlarge

One Book Whonnock readers met at the cozy hall of the Holy Spirit Anglican Church to discuss this winter's book choice: James Houston's Confessions of an Igloo Dweller.  Click here to learn more about the event.

Who cares for groundwater?

Letter to the editor: Who cares about groundwater?
Maple Ridge News, May 6, 2017,
Re: Parties percolate on clean water (The News, April 28).
I attended two all-candidates meetings, one in Whonnock and one at Maple Ridge city hall, which highlighted the importance of water issues.
The effects of Tantalus Pharmaceuticals on the available drinking water for the affected residents on the Grant Hill aquifer (Whonnock,Thornhill and Ruskin) was the subject of both meetings, along with the protection of groundwater.
What has become clear is that no level of government has accepted responsibility for the inappropriate placement of this facility on ALR land on a vulnerable bedrock aquifer.
Blame and responsibility have been shifted from one level of government to another as though their part played in the placement had nothing to do with them.
It is discouraging at best to realize that the residents have been ping-ponged back and forth without out any level of government admitting that their flawed decisions have the potential of seriously impacting the affected communities.
B.C. Assessment has already devalued area properties by 20 per cent because of the location of this facility.
It is the residents, who tirelessly, individually and collectively, brought this concern to the fore.
The residents paid for a highly respected hydrogeologist to review the original hydrology report.
They met with the federal MP, both provincial MLAs and consistently with city staff and mayor and council.
Since 2015, residents had frequent contact with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources to ensure consistent monitoring of water extracted by this facility.
It was the residents who fought for themselves and continue to do so.
When the water and infrastructure the residents paid for is gone, collective heads will turn away and leave the affected residents who had no say in this decision, high and literally dry.
No one is developing half of the Coquitlam nor Seymour watersheds.
Betty von Hardenberg
Maple Ridge

Country Garden Tour 2017

A self-guiding tour through seven  spectacular Maple Ridge gardens including two gardens in Whonnock. Date: Sunday, 11 June. Time: 9:00 – 4:00. Rain or shine
Tickets: $20 will include a guide map to the gardens and the addresses for each garden.
Buy tickets at Amsterdam Garden Centre, Grow & Gather Nursery, and Triple Tree Nursery.
Tickets also available from the coordinators Gayle (604 467 2956) and Margret (604 467 1885).
All proceed go to the Sunshine Foundation "Dreams for Kids."
Click here for brochure.

Noreen Woods: Volunteer of the Year

Yesterday, at their Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, the Whonnock Community Association recognized the many, many years of volunteering of Noreen Woods by nominating her Volunteer of the Year 2016. The photo shows her holding the plaque showing the nomination. Noreen is  surrounded by members of the board of the Whonnock Community Association. On her right is Sandra Rossington and to her left are Helmi Braches and Phil Johnson.

  

Easter Egg Hunt pictures

A splendid day and many children hunting for treasures.
A warm thank you to Shelly and all her volunteers for making this a great success.
Click here to look at some pictures.