Traffic an issue at PoCo’s first Town Hall meeting

It looks like traffic congestion may be the focus of next Tuesday’s town hall meeting in Port Coquitlam.

Local resident Christopher Fan has formally opposed the construction of a Driver’s Services Centre at the strip mall near the Oxford Street and Lougheed Highway intersection.

More traffic tribulations for Tri-Cities

Although the province’s Gateway Program is supposed to relieve the Lower Mainland’s traffic congestion, it looks like it will get worse before it gets better for the Tri-Cities.

Home Makeover magazine – strange “green” items

Okay, this article was a lot of fun.

Another story for the April edition of Home Makeover magazine, this one features several designers that have broken the mold for eco-friendly design.

Home Makeover magazine – saving water

Check out the April edition of Home Makeover magazine for an article I wrote about eco-friendly water systems at home.

The story features several appliances you may not have heard about that include: dual-tray dishwashers, condensing dryers, eco-faucets and dual-flush toilets – lovely!

BIV – Black Edition – Cutting Costs

Hello again,

Another story for this week’s Business in Vancouver Newspaper. The story will appear as a part of the Black Edition inset, and it focuses on cost cutting strategies for businesses.

With the business sector slowing down amid a global recession, effective cost cutting strategies will be important for businesses both big and small. The story includes interviews with business people that work in the auto, security and small business sectors – and they all had something important to say.

The overall theme? Small changes can create big savings.

Pick up a copy and check it out!

BIV – Black Edition – Leadership

Check out the March 31st edition of Business in Vancouver for a story I wrote about leadership in tough economic times.

The Black Edition is an annual magazine-style inset that focuses on profitability. Given the current economic climate this was an interesting story to research and write, and it was a good opportunity to pick the brains of some of the Lower Mainland’s business leaders. According to the experts, honesty and communication skills are the keys to leadership during tough times.

Pick up a copy and let me know what you think!

One week slow down

Hello,

Just wanted to let everyone know why this site has slowed down over the last few days. I’m a few weeks away from finishing my degree (and planning a move to another province), so I have half a dozen papers and several exams to get out of the way in short order.

I doubt I’ll find time for any additional updates this week, but check back soon and I promise there’ll be lots more!

- Joel

Fmr. Coquitlam mayor charged with theft, impersonation

Less than a month after Port Coquitlam was labeled the “murder capital” of Canada, the Tri-Cities have made criminal headlines again – this time for a politician.

Former Coquitlam mayor Jon Kingsbury has been slapped with three criminal charges for an alleged impersonation related to the possession of an RV.

Last night out with Dad

A momentous occasion has occurred in the history of our family, and I thought I’d use this medium to report it.

My father, Insp. John McKay of the Vancouver Police Department, has retired. Last night was his final shift, and the department was kind enough to honour his 25 years of service in Vancouver with a special ceremony.

Supplement to PoCo murder post

Hello again,

Check out this post from journalist Jen Gerson, also a Tri-Cities native who’s now reporting abroad. She offers some additional insights into the “murder capital” issue, and even helps to quell some rumours.