You know the smell that hits you the moment you walk into Canadian Tire, that intoxicating aroma of rubber that instantly signifies you've entered the world of one of the country's most iconic retailers?
Well, I got a nose full of that scent last Saturday, except I was nowhere near a Canadian Tire store. Instead, I was standing at the edge of Ladner's new artificial turf field, which, on its first day of official play, was sporting a decidedly new field smell.
The recycled tire bits that are used as cushion were at their pungent best as soccer players got to be the first to make use of the new artificial turf field at Dugald Morrison Park. And from all accounts, it was a hit.
It was an unseasonably warm day and heat radiating from the field made it even hotter, but playing on turf that has adequate cushion, unlike some of the older fields, both in Delta and throughout the Lower Mainland that are flattened thanks to years of continuous use, was a treat.
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It's been over a year since the fight began, but it appears the resolve of those battling to prevent radio towers from being erected in Point Roberts is only getting stronger.
With a public hearing in Whatcom County set to begin late next month, residents on both sides of the border are crafting submissions, rallying the troops and undertaking fundraising to cover the cost of expert testimony.
They have a public meeting scheduled for next Wednesday evening at Tsawwassen United Church and a benefit concert at Seabright Farm in Point Roberts on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 21.
You don't have to talk to those organizing the campaign for long to realize they mean business. I'm not sure how the hearing will ultimately turn out, but there's absolutely no doubt they will put up a good argument.
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Two months after walking into a hornet's nest, developers will be back at it tonight, but thanks to the absence of a couple of storeys, this time it should go much smoother.
I do believe there needs to be further discussion over the types of housing required for our evolving population, but the five-storey condo building proposed for 47A Avenue was simply a non-starter.
The revised townhouse project that goes before residents for the first time tonight is a much better fit area planwise, but deviates from the intended demographic.
