A Rocha Canada is working with like-minded groups to oppose Surrey’s plan for an industrial park in the protected rural area which surrounds their Brookdale Environmental Centre property.
A large area of rural land in South Surrey could soon have a land-use change that would allow for development.
Metro Vancouver’s planning committee recommended a change in the region’s urban containment boundary on Friday, which would turn the designation of 160 hectares of land from ‘rural’ to ‘mixed employment.’
The City of Surrey asked Metro Vancouver for the change in July, after a council vote and contentious public hearing.
The area is directly south of the Campbell Heights industrial business park at the border between Surrey and Langley. The Surrey Board of Trade has argued it could create more than 20,000 jobs in the region, and said 135 businesses have expressed interest in moving into the area if developed.
But any rezoning requires approval by Metro Vancouver, because the land falls outside Surrey’s urban containment boundary, intended to preserve agricultural and undeveloped areas. . . .
A vote by the full Metro Vancouver board is scheduled for October 29, with a final decision early next year.
A Rocha has consistently expressed its concern with and opposition to changing the allowable land uses in this area. Not only would it have an impact on operations at the Brooksdale Environmental Centre [at 16th Avenue and 192nd Street], but more importantly there are significant environmental concerns with the proposal. Proponents of the plan cite the ‘urgent need for employment lands’ as the primary reason for approval of this proposal.
A Rocha has been working to restore and enhance the Tatalu (Little Campbell River) and the surrounding watershed for 20 years. Changing the land use designation would allow for the first large-scale commercial and industrial development along the entire 30 km river.
None of the many long-time stewards of the river believe that a proposal of this scale and type can be placed on either side of the river without damaging the health and integrity of the river.
The conservation buffers, proposed along the river, are not enough to mitigate the impacts of development of this kind. The surrounding rural and agricultural lands are key habitat for a number of species at risk and are critical for groundwater and river recharge.
Go here for more, including their rationale for opposition and how you can help them.
A Rocha is partnering with several local groups: Friends of Hazelmere – Campbell Valley, Little Campbell Watershed Society and Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society.
A recent post of the Friends of Hazelmere Facebook page noted:
2022 calendar out now. Purchase at A Rocha market Saturdays and Tuesdays at 192nd and 16th. Or message us and we can get one to you. Showcases the bio diverse wildlife around the Little Campbell River and helps support the stewardship of the River.
A Rocha is “an international Christian organization which, inspired by God’s love, engages in scientific research, environmental education, community-based conservation projects and sustainable agriculture.” It is part of A Rocha International, which has teams and projects in at least 20 nations around the world.
Benno Friesen passed away September 29, at 92 years of age. Veteran journalist and author Lloyd Mackey, a close observer of federal politics over the years, wrote about Friesen, his political outlook and some of their interactions:
Benno Friesen was an outstanding example of a politician whose integrity was shaped, in part at least, by his long and well-honed Christian faith.
He was one of about 30 ‘God Squad’ Conservative MPs who served in the Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney governments of the late 70s, the 80s and the early 90s. God Squad was the affectionate and congenial term Mulroney applied to these particular MPs, most of them from western Canada, whose Christian faith helped shape them into very effective members of parliament.
I always had a high regard for Benno Friesen, who became MP for what was known, for most of his time in parliament, as Surrey-White Rock.
That said, Friesen and I did not always see eye-to-eye, although our differences had more to do with what best could be described as the kinds of things that sometimes created tension between the body politic and the world of journalism.
The tension came when, in the 80s and 90s, I first wrote a book about Ernest and Preston Manning then, later, in the early days of the Reform party, served as editor of the party’s monthly newspaper, the Reformer. It was a time when many western Canadian evangelical Christians saw the younger Manning as a potential leader whose conciliatory Christian approach would be of value to the nation.
Many in the God Squad did not quite see it that way. They believed Reform was a splinter group that was dividing conservatism. From where I sat, it was a bit of a phenomenon that grew out of some earlier writing by the two Mannings, about “political realignment.”
When Friesen and I had opportunity to talk about the issue, I suggested that one day, the two factions – Reform and Conservative – would realign and come together, and that Christians in the two groups would help facilitate that development.
It did happen that way, through a complex four-step process which started with Preston Manning suggesting that if a leader stood in the way of reconciliation, Jesus offered a fair model – step aside or forgo one’s own self to the greater cause.
Manning formed Reform into the Canadian Alliance and graciously, I would suggest, surrendered the leadership to Stockwell Day, another evangelical who came from the Conservative side of the political spectrum. The separation of some CA MPs from Day, to align with the re-emerging Conservatives was the next step. Among the Manning-inspired evangelicals highlighting that process were Chuck Strahl and Deb Grey.
Once the CA and Conservatives merged, Stephen Harper emerged as leader and, in due course, was prime minister. And he had been mentored politically and spiritually by Manning.
In recent years, I had at least a couple of good conversations with Benno, one at St. Andrew’s Newton Presbyterian Church in Surrey.
Benno, with a glint in his eye, told me that I should know he kept a close eye on me during the 15 years Edna and I spent in Ottawa. And he indicated that it was Edna, as the administrative assistant to a CA-cum-Conservative MP, Maurice Vellacott, who kept me from straying too far off the path of conciliation that I professed to follow.
Benno will be missed. He lived his faith with integrity that was respected across party lines.
Trinity Western University honoured Friesen, calling him a “TWU pioneer, professor, political statesman and friend.”
Regent College professor Iain Provan will lead a Friday evening / Saturday morning seminar November 5 – 6 at New Life Community Church in Burnaby.
The question of the good life – what it looks like for people and societies to be well ordered and flourishing – has universal significance, but its proposed solutions are just as far reaching.
At the core of this concern is the nature of the good itself: what is ‘right?’ We must attend to this ethical dilemma before we can begin to envision a life lived to the fullest.
With Seeking What is Right, Iain Provan invites us to consider how Scripture – the Old Testament in particular – can aid us in this quest. In rooting the definition of the good in God’s special revelation, Provan moves beyond the constraints of family, tribe, culture, state or nature.
When we read ourselves into the story of Scripture, we learn a formative ethic that speaks directly to our humanity.
He delves into Western Christian history to demonstrate the various ways this has been done: how our forebears identified with the narrative of God’s people, Israel, and how they applied the Old Testament to their particular times and concerns.
This serves as a foundation upon which modern Christians can assess their decisions as people who read the whole biblical story ‘from the beginning’ in our time.
Provan challenges us to grapple with ethical issues dominating our contemporary culture as a people in exile, a people formed by disciplines steeped in the patterns and teachings of Scripture. To come alongside ancient Israel in its own experiences of exile, to listen with Israel to the utterances of a holy God, is to approach a true picture of the good life that illuminates all facets of human existence.
Provan helps us understand how we should and should not read Scripture in arriving at these conclusions, clarifying for the faithful Christian what the limits of the search for ‘what is right’ look like.
Oct 2024
Wandering in the Shades of Night – October 3, 2024 - October 30, 2024 at All DayTerra Lightfoot – October 11, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Alpha Canada: Chinese Context – Envisioning In-Person Event – October 12, 2024 at 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Broadway and Beyond (Concert) – October 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Protecting Kids & Youth Online: 4-part webinar series – October 15, 2024 - November 26, 2024 at All Day
Prayer Pivot: A New Awakening – October 15, 2024 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am
The Holy Spirit & the Atonement – October 16, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Global Leadership Summit 2024 – October 17, 2024 - October 18, 2024 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
The Global Leadership Summit 2024 – October 17, 2024 - October 18, 2024 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
TWU CREATE Conference – October 17, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
James J.O. O'Donnell: What was Christianity? – October 17, 2024 at 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
An Invitation to Stretch: Reconstructing Our Theological Assumptions – October 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
TiM Day: Four Workshops – October 19, 2024 at 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Cross Cultural Ministry Training – October 19, 2024 at 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Headlong Hearts & the Uppatones – October 19, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Understanding & Loving Sikhs – October 20, 2024 at 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Taizé Contemplative Service – October 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Julian Taylor – October 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Preaching Old Testament History: Exodus – October 23, 2024 - October 25, 2024 at All Day
What Canadian Church Leaders Should Know about Mental Health & Illness in their Congregation – October 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
An Evening With NightShift – October 25, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Pumpkin Carving Party – October 25, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
South Surrey White Rock Prayer Breakfast with Carson Pue – October 25, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
11th Hallelujah Night presented by Blue Ocean Movement – October 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dessert Cafe with 70s Soul Duo – October 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MCBC Indigenous Relations Coffee House Fundraiser: Live Music from J.D. Miner & John Williams – October 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Jesus Stories – October 26, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Worship Invasion LOVES October! – October 26, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Get Back: Unplugged – October 26, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:45 pm
Jazz Vespers with Mimosa – October 27, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Alpha Canada: Come & See – October 28, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Navigating Catholic Engagement with U.S. Politics – October 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
UGM Workshop: Welcoming Our Neighbour – October 30, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Nov 2024
Feelin' Alright: A Tribute to Joe Cocker – November 1, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pmMaking a Home for Refugee Claimants – November 2, 2024 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
New Hope Community Services: Grand Opening – November 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Remembrance and Reflection – November 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
International Day of Prayer 2024: Remember Her – November 3, 2024 at All Day
St. John the Evangelist: 125th Anniversary – November 3, 2024 at All Day
Remembrance and Reflection – November 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
2024 Charities and Non Profit Seminar – November 7, 2024 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Denis Alexander: Finding God Through Dawkins – a Dramatic Irony – November 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
International Messengers Canada Annual Meeting – November 9, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
We will Remember Them: Mozart Requiem in Concert – November 9, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
CCLN Pastors Retreat – November 11, 2024 - November 14, 2024 at All Day
The Hobbit – November 13, 2024 - December 21, 2024 at All Day
ELO Forum Vancouver 2024 – November 13, 2024 at 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
The Peace Train Kick-off Event – November 14, 2024 at All Day
Speed Dating: Christian Singles (Ages 31-42) – November 14, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Conversations About MAID – November 15, 2024 - November 16, 2024 at 12:00 am
Love Without Borders: Welcoming Refugee Claimants Orientation – November 16, 2024 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Hope of the World | Heart for Asia Vancouver 2024 – November 16, 2024 at 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
John Wort Hannam – November 16, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dr. Riad Kassis of Langham Partnership – November 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Thankful: Outreach Canada Celebrating 40 Years – November 21, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Ben Quash: Shared Delight – Art as Common Ground – November 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Christmas Jazz Concert 2024 – November 23, 2024 at 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Congregations That Make a Difference in their Community: The Halo Effect – November 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
2024 Music of Hope Christmas Concert – November 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dec 2024
Christmas Recital: Father Peter Hanna – December 1, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pmAmabilis Singers present With a Voice of Singing – December 7, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Paul Baloche Christmas Worship Tour – December 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Speed Dating: Christian Singles (Ages 31-42) – December 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Sing-Along Messiah with United Voices Choir – December 15, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jan 2025
Jeremy Begbie: C.S. Lewis & Unfilfilled Longing – an Exploration Through Music – January 30, 2025 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pmChurches Discipling Children: What Is and Is not Working – January 31, 2025 at 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Feb 2025
A Doll's House: Part II – February 5, 2025 - February 23, 2025 at All DayMar 2025
Gather25 – March 1, 2025 at All DayBusiness As Mission Vancouver Conference 2024 – March 7, 2025 at All Day
Gender Light Bulb Moments in Ministry: Canadian Women Pastors’ Experiences of Gender Inequality – March 21, 2025 at 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Apr 2025
Ins Choi: Son of a Preacherman – April 2, 2025 - April 6, 2025 at All DayPacific Preachers' Refresher 2025 – April 28, 2025 - April 30, 2025 at 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Pat Barrett: Beautiful Life Tour – April 28, 2025 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
May 2025
Religious Diversity in Catholic School: Why does it matters to the Church's reconciliation efforts? – May 1, 2025 at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pmMeeting – May 14, 2025 - June 7, 2025 at All Day