Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody https://portailmedias.ca/en en Keeping the Community in Community TV https://portailmedias.ca/en/media/keeping-community-community-tv <span>Keeping the Community in Community TV</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Tue, 09/30/2025 - 02:49</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nwJNH0WHeyE?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field__full-story field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>After Shaw's systematic closure of the network of neighbourhood community television production offices that once serviced the lower mainland, Geoff Scott, an employee of Shaw Cable for over 10 years, decided he could no longer stomach working for the corporation responsible for removing this tread from the fabric of Canadian society.</p> <p>Geoff moved on to work at CBC, the Knowledge Network, and as a freelance television producer while at the same time he helped to form Independent Community Television ( ICTV ) which was formed by the volunteers at Shaw's Van East office which was the last neighbourhood television office to be closed in the late 90's.</p> <p>ICTV remained as an independent community television access group serving the downtown east side for well over a decade with well known community producers such as Sid Tan, Pedro Mora, Don Walchuk and Patrice Leslie.</p> <p>While volunteering with ICTV Geoff provided training to new volunteers and produced East Side Story, a newsmagazine programing that promoted community events and organizations in Vancouver's downtown east side.</p> <p>As Geoff wound down his production career he took on the roll as a video instructor at Columbia Academy in Vancouver. Wanting to give his students the same opportunity he had as a youth, Geoff approached Shaw with a proposal to deliver a monthly community TV program. As he now lived in Coquitlam, the program was called Tri-Cities Magazine.</p> <p>As Geoff's student produced stories in the Tri-Cites region word got around. Former community television volunteers wanted to get involved and out of that little project Tri-Cities Community Television was born.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-type field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">Video</div> <div class="field field--name-field-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/23" hreflang="en">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-language field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/9" hreflang="en">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic-value field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Cultural Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/2" hreflang="en">Non Profits &amp; Activism</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/11" hreflang="en">BC</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-upload-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-29T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <section id="node-media-field-comment"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=10040&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="keE7IZvFmJT0qSR6FL08xVjOqYPGlqauq0Ic8GluBF8"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <div class="field field--name-field-story-summary field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)</div> <div class="field--item">After the closure of Community TV offices volunteers form the Van East office struggle to keep community TV alive.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--item">Geoff Scott ; Independent Community Television ; Tri-Cities Community Television</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-mkp field--type-markup field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">mkp</div> <div class="field--item"></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-program field--type-hms field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss</div> <div class="field--item"> <span class="hms hms-format-hh-mm-ss"> 00:10:50 </span></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-initial-air-date field--type-datetime field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Initial Air Date</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-29T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-idea field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Creative control for this story was exercised by:</div> <div class="field--item">The LJI Journalist</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-audience-participation field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Audience Participation</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:49:22 +0000 Geoff 10040 at https://portailmedias.ca Face to Face with Councillor Nancy McCurrah: Practical Leadership for a Growing Port Coquitlam https://portailmedias.ca/en/media/face-face-councillor-nancy-mccurrah-practical-leadership-growing-port-coquitlam <span>Face to Face with Councillor Nancy McCurrah: Practical Leadership for a Growing Port Coquitlam</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Tue, 09/30/2025 - 02:03</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e8bmVZod01M?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field__full-story field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>On the Face to Face, Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre talks with Nancy McCurrach, City Councillor for Port Coquitlam.</p> <p>The conversation traced a civic journey that began with a backyard incident and a first appearance at a council chamber, and has since grown into results that have made a difference that residents can experience in civic facilities, and beyond, along with collective council decisions, with the budget always in mind. McCurrach’s lens is relentlessly practical.</p> <p>She points to the city’s upcoming Climate Action Plan and recent flood-mitigation investments, including new pump stations at Cedar Drive and Maple Creek, as examples of collective planning for the weather realities now shaping the region. “We are building for resilience, not just for the next season but for the next generation,” she said. “If we do the work beneath the surface, people feel the benefits every day.”</p> <p>Housing and affordability remain front and center. Port Coquitlam has set targets that align with Provincially mandated targets to add hundreds of homes over the next five years, and recorded a recent high in annual permits, along with delivering below markets rental homes. The approach, McCurrah noted, is to add supply while preserving the city’s long-standing reputation for fiscal discipline. “Residents expect us to keep taxes low and deliver value,” she said. “That means sequencing projects, securing grants, and sourcing materials locally whenever we can.”</p> <p>Transportation is the other pillar. From multi-use paths to continued advocacy for a SkyTrain connection, the city is aligning daily mobility with population growth. “People should be able to get to work, to school, and to the rink without losing an hour in traffic.” McCurrach said. “Smart links and safer streets are essential city services.”</p> <p>McCurrach’s record also includes community-level policies with immediate human impact. She championed free menstrual products in civic facilities, as these products are a basic necessity items similar to toilet paper, thereby removing barriers that promote gender equity”. Later going on to make policy changes Provincially &amp; Federally on this topic. She also brought forth super seniors getting free gym passes, a rain-garden pilot project, a rain barrel program to name a few, and has more ideas, she encourages residents to submit feedback that supports an accessibility action plan that invites residents to flag barriers. “Rising to overcome adversity made me stronger,” she reflected. “It is why I keep fighting for a future where services are accessible, families feel supported, and everyone can participate.”</p> <p>Asked what keeps her motivated as 2026 approaches, McCurrach did not hesitate. “Encouraging letters from students, conversations on doorsteps there is more work to do! When people feel heard, cities get better.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-type field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">Video</div> <div class="field field--name-field-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/23" hreflang="en">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-language field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/9" hreflang="en">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic-value field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/27" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/3" hreflang="en">News &amp; Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/11" hreflang="en">BC</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-upload-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-29T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <section id="node-media-field-comment--2"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=10038&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="JLCFM9iB5-e06UgFa7z4aaatH1asdJ97jKZe07eaDII"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <div class="field field--name-field-story-summary field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)</div> <div class="field--item">Port Coquitlam councillor Nancy McCurrah on housing, climate, transit and dignity for residents. </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--item">Nancy McCurrach ; Port Coquitlam</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-mkp field--type-markup field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">mkp</div> <div class="field--item"></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-program field--type-hms field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss</div> <div class="field--item"> <span class="hms hms-format-hh-mm-ss"> 00:31:38 </span></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-initial-air-date field--type-datetime field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Initial Air Date</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-29T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-idea field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Creative control for this story was exercised by:</div> <div class="field--item">The LJI Journalist</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-audience-participation field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Audience Participation</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:03:45 +0000 Geoff 10038 at https://portailmedias.ca Kwikwetlem Elder Shares His Thoughts on Reconciliation https://portailmedias.ca/en/blog/kwikwetlem-elder-shares-his-thoughts-reconciliation <span>Kwikwetlem Elder Shares His Thoughts on Reconciliation</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Mon, 09/29/2025 - 16:53</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Youtube Embed Code</div> <div class="field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4cO3F3XKpMM?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-lji-journalist-name field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">LJI Journalist Name</div> <div class="field--item">Geoff</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-host-community-media-organ field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">LJI Partner Name</div> <div class="field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Region</div> <div class="field--item">BC</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-select-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Community</div> <div class="field--item">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p> </p> <p>This story makes a meaningful impact on the Tri-Cities community in several ways:</p> <hr /><h3><strong>1. Amplifying Indigenous Voices</strong></h3> <p>By sharing Stephen Armstrong’s teachings and insights, the story amplifies the voice of a Kwikwetlem First Nation Elder in a region where Indigenous history is often underrepresented. His message that “an Elder has nothing to do with age” challenges stereotypes and broadens the community’s understanding of cultural roles and traditions.</p> <hr /><h3><strong>2. Encouraging Relationship-Building</strong></h3> <p>Stephen emphasizes that reconciliation begins with building relationships, not just symbolic gestures. This message directly calls on local leaders, residents, and organizations in the Tri-Cities to move from acknowledgment to meaningful action, by participating in events, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and fostering genuine partnerships.</p> <hr /><h3><strong>3. Accountability for Leaders</strong></h3> <p>The story highlights the gap between words and actions, particularly when government officials take time off on Truth and Reconciliation Day without attending local events. For the Tri-Cities community, this is a reminder to hold elected representatives accountable and to push for visible, active engagement in reconciliation efforts.</p> <hr /><h3><strong>4. Promoting Cultural Awareness</strong></h3> <p>Stephen’s ongoing work delivering cultural sensitivity training has ripple effects locally. By adding a “cultural lens” to organizational policies and practices, he equips governments, schools, nonprofits, and businesses in the Tri-Cities to make decisions that are more inclusive, respectful, and informed by Indigenous perspectives.</p> <hr /><h3><strong>5. Inspiring Community Healing</strong></h3> <p>His hope for municipalities to collaborate with Kwikwetlem First Nation on Indigenous-led events and support for Indigenous artists can help foster healing and pride. For Tri-Cities residents, these initiatives create opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate Indigenous culture in ways that strengthen community identity.</p> <hr /><h3><strong>6. Reinforcing the Urgency of Reconciliation</strong></h3> <p>By pointing out that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action have stalled, Stephen underscores the urgency of moving forward. Locally, this story pushes the community to reflect on what concrete steps can be taken—at schools, city halls, and community organizations—to ensure reconciliation does not become stagnant.</p> <hr /><p>👉 In essence, the story doesn’t just inform—it <strong>calls the Tri-Cities community to action</strong>. It challenges residents, leaders, and organizations to move from acknowledgment to authentic relationship-building, ensuring that reconciliation is lived daily rather than observed only once a year.</p> <p> </p> <p>Stephen Armstrong, an Elder with Kwikwetlem First Nation, shares his thoughts and insights on the path forward through Reconciliation. Story by LJI reporter, Nancy Furness. Stephen actively shares his knowledge by delivering cultural sensitivity and cultural awareness training to governments, corporations, newcomers to Canada, and not-for-profit organizations in a non-judgmental way. Stephen adds a ‘cultural lens’ to company’s policies and procedures. He explains, “An Elder has nothing to do with age”. He says he was recognized as an Elder because he shared teachings, including the effects of colonialism on Kwikwetlem First Nation, the same way the other Elders were sharing the teachings. Stephen says, “Before reconciliation can take place, you need to build relationships.” He says while a lot of government officials have acknowledged the trauma inflicted on indigenous peoples by colonialism, a lot of them have not yet done so. He further explains, many elected representatives take a holiday on National Truth and Reconciliation Day without even participating in local Reconciliation events, and that participating in Reconciliation events can be an important first step. As far as Stephen’s personal hopes, he says, “I have hopes that we can finally, as negotiations are going on among municipal leaders and Nation leaders – I’m hoping that a healing can begin and that working relationships can now move forward.” He also hopes to see municipalities collaborate with Kwikwetlam First Nation to host indigenous-led events and to support indigenous artists. Stephen feels the 94 Calls to Action put forward a decade ago by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada have all stalled and decisions being made by Provincial and Federal governments “are starting to feel like a slap in the face to our Elders.” “We have such a high desire from our community members to want to regain the knowledge that they originally thought were lost” according to Stephen. He continues by saying that many escaped from Kwikwetlem territory – they went up in the mountains and out in the valley – where the teachings were retained and continue to be passed down. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation takes place on September 30th and it serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing impacts of residential schools and the need to honour survivors, families, and communities. It calls us to reflect, learn, and take meaningful steps toward healing and justice.</p> </div> <section id="node-blog-field-comment"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=10032&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="3CiZzSNoRabUl_tq_2y2mgd58pzxeaUa3OmeoywdX5w"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:53:23 +0000 Geoff 10032 at https://portailmedias.ca Coquitlam Mayor, Richard Stewart, Shares His Thoughts on Housing, Infrastructure and Homelessness https://portailmedias.ca/en/media/coquitlam-mayor-richard-stewart-shares-his-thoughts-housing-infrastructure-and-homelessness <span>Coquitlam Mayor, Richard Stewart, Shares His Thoughts on Housing, Infrastructure and Homelessness</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Sun, 09/28/2025 - 21:02</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k7WfkrZEOkw?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field__full-story field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p> </p> <p>Richard Stewart, Mayor of Coquitlam shares his thoughts on challenges around housing, infrastructure and homelessness. Story by LJI reporter Nancy Furness.</p> <p>The Province of BC has recently implemented housing Bills which mandate increased densification for all municipalities over the population of 5000 through Bills 44 and 47. Bill 44 requires municipalities to allow duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes on lots currently designated for single residential dwellings.</p> <p> </p> <p>Mayor Stewart says, “We were a leader in this, more than a decade ago we started allowing up to four units on lots of lots in Coquitlam – primarily flat land with infrastructure in place…We’ve seen some really successful examples of that.” However, he feels this won’t work in many areas designated for densification under Bill 44.</p> <p>Under Bill 47, all areas within a radius of 800 meters of a rapid transit station and 400 meters of a major bus exchange or West Coast Express station are designated for even greater densification, regardless of barriers such as rivers and highways.</p> <p>Mayor Stewart says “Municipalities generally weren’t consulted” and “These kinds of decisions are blind to the infrastructure needs of the neighbourhood, they’re not going to work.” Further, valuable public input is lost as there are now no public hearings allowed once the required changes are made to zoning.</p> <p> </p> <p>The Mayor expresses frustration at Coquitlam being recognized as a leader in housing by then Minister of Housing Murray Rankin, only to be told two months later by Ravi Kahlon, the next Minister of Housing that Coquitlam could no longer do what they were doing with respect to development.</p> <p> </p> <p>As a result of the changes, development in Coquitlam has slowed significantly. The type of densification mandated by the Province also makes tree retention challenging.</p> <p>With respect to the unhoused population in Coquitlam and shelter housing at 3030 Gordon Ave, Mayor Stewart says more facilities and wrap-around supports promised by the Provincial government need to be put in place.</p> <p>Churches who have traditionally stepped up to provide shelter for the unhoused during the winter months are not equipped to meet their complex needs.</p> <p>When asked what one thing the Mayor would like to see happen before the next municipal election in 2026 he responds, “I would like to roll back the clock to 2023 before the Province changed everything.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-type field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">Video</div> <div class="field field--name-field-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/23" hreflang="en">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-language field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/9" hreflang="en">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic-value field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/27" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/3" hreflang="en">News &amp; Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/11" hreflang="en">BC</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-upload-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-28T12:00:00Z">Sun, 09/28/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <section id="node-media-field-comment--3"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=10027&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="nMyCauw_1GgvABnshUbplQ-1BYFD6u2yJA-IzZvS4rI"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <div class="field field--name-field-story-summary field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)</div> <div class="field--item">Richard Stewart, Mayor of Coquitlam shares his thoughts on challenges around housing, infrastructure and homelessness.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--item">Richard Stewart ; 3030 Gordon Ave ; Housing ; Bill 47</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-mkp field--type-markup field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">mkp</div> <div class="field--item"></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-program field--type-hms field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss</div> <div class="field--item"> <span class="hms hms-format-hh-mm-ss"> 00:54:34 </span></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-initial-air-date field--type-datetime field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Initial Air Date</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-28T12:00:00Z">Sun, 09/28/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-idea field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Creative control for this story was exercised by:</div> <div class="field--item">The LJI Journalist</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-audience-participation field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Audience Participation</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> Mon, 29 Sep 2025 01:02:48 +0000 Geoff 10027 at https://portailmedias.ca Kwikwetlem Elder Shares His Thoughts on Reconciliation https://portailmedias.ca/en/media/kwikwetlem-elder-shares-his-thoughts-reconciliation <span>Kwikwetlem Elder Shares His Thoughts on Reconciliation</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Fri, 09/26/2025 - 11:51</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4cO3F3XKpMM?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field__full-story field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Stephen Armstrong, an Elder with Kwikwetlem First Nation, shares his thoughts and insights on the path forward through Reconciliation. Story by LJI reporter, Nancy Furness.</p> <p>Stephen actively shares his knowledge by delivering cultural sensitivity and cultural awareness training to governments, corporations, newcomers to Canada, and not-for-profit organizations in a non-judgmental way. Stephen adds a ‘cultural lens’ to company’s policies and procedures.</p> <p>He explains, “An Elder has nothing to do with age”. He says he was recognized as an Elder because he shared teachings, including the effects of colonialism on Kwikwetlem First Nation, the same way the other Elders were sharing the teachings.</p> <p> </p> <p>Stephen says, “Before reconciliation can take place, you need to build relationships.” He says while a lot of government officials have acknowledged the trauma inflicted on indigenous peoples by colonialism, a lot of them have not yet done so. He further explains, many elected representatives take a holiday on National Truth and Reconciliation Day without even participating in local Reconciliation events, and that participating in Reconciliation events can be an important first step.</p> <p>As far as Stephen’s personal hopes, he says, “I have hopes that we can finally, as negotiations are going on among municipal leaders and Nation leaders – I’m hoping that a healing can begin and that working relationships can now move forward.” He also hopes to see municipalities collaborate with Kwikwetlam First Nation to host indigenous-led events and to support indigenous artists.</p> <p>Stephen feels the 94 Calls to Action put forward a decade ago by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada have all stalled and decisions being made by Provincial and Federal governments “are starting to feel like a slap in the face to our Elders.”</p> <p>“We have such a high desire from our community members to want to regain the knowledge that they originally thought were lost” according to Stephen. He continues by saying that many escaped from Kwikwetlem territory – they went up in the mountains and out in the valley – where the teachings were retained and continue to be passed down.</p> <p>National Day of Truth and Reconciliation takes place on September 30th and it serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing impacts of residential schools and the need to honour survivors, families, and communities. It calls us to reflect, learn, and take meaningful steps toward healing and justice.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-type field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">Video</div> <div class="field field--name-field-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/23" hreflang="en">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-language field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/9" hreflang="en">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic-value field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/26" hreflang="en">Indigenous</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/3" hreflang="en">News &amp; Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/11" hreflang="en">BC</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-upload-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-26T12:00:00Z">Fri, 09/26/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <section id="node-media-field-comment--4"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=10010&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="CAxxlJk6d5sZVyOHuMzeGPVWjV_sWenYxh_OtUM-Ilw"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <div class="field field--name-field-story-summary field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)</div> <div class="field--item">Kwikwetlem Elder, Stephen Armstrong shares his thoughts and insights on the path forward through Reconciliation.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--item">Kwikwetlem First Nation ; Stephen Armstrong ; Truth and Reconciliation</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-mkp field--type-markup field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">mkp</div> <div class="field--item"></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-program field--type-hms field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss</div> <div class="field--item"> <span class="hms hms-format-hh-mm-ss"> 00:35:09 </span></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-initial-air-date field--type-datetime field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Initial Air Date</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-26T12:00:00Z">Fri, 09/26/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-idea field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Creative control for this story was exercised by:</div> <div class="field--item">The LJI Journalist</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-audience-participation field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Audience Participation</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:51:49 +0000 Geoff 10010 at https://portailmedias.ca Face to Face with Shawn Marsolais: Building a More Inclusive Future for the Blind Community https://portailmedias.ca/en/media/face-face-shawn-marsolais-building-more-inclusive-future-blind-community <span>Face to Face with Shawn Marsolais: Building a More Inclusive Future for the Blind Community</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Thu, 09/25/2025 - 00:19</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d35yOTtOXt8?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field__full-story field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p> </p> <p>On Face to Face, Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre sat down with Shawn Marsolais, founder of Blind Beginnings, a nonprofit located in the Tri-Cities that's dedicated to empowering blind and partially sighted children, youth, and families across British Columbia. From early intervention for infants to life skills instruction, youth leadership, and parent support groups, Blind Beginnings provides programs that foster independence, confidence, and connection.</p> <p>Shawn’s personal journey shaped her mission. Born with just 10 percent vision and diagnosed at age five with a degenerative eye condition, she gradually lost most of her sight. By age 12, she was legally blind and feared isolation and limited opportunities. Everything changed when she met mentors and peers who were also blind. They modeled resilience, possibility, and independence, inspiring her to create the very supports she wished had been available for her own family.</p> <p>Today, Blind Beginnings offers summer camps, peer mentorship, and Blindness 101 workshops that educate the broader community about inclusion and accessibility. “Most parents have never met a blind person before their child is born,” Shawn explains. “We connect them with role models so they can see what’s possible.”</p> <p>Through advocacy, education, and community-building, Blind Beginnings is breaking down barriers and inviting the Tri-Cities — and beyond — to see blindness in a new light.</p> <p>According to Shawn Blind Beginnings provide services for ages birth to 19 and incorporate programs and support for the whole family, because they recognize that blindness impacts parents and siblings too.</p> <p>Their website states that they offer youth a variety of programs and support to help them build their skills and confidence, including independent living skills, employment preparation, and support groups.</p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-type field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">Video</div> <div class="field field--name-field-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/23" hreflang="en">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-language field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/9" hreflang="en">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic-value field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/28" hreflang="en">Health</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/2" hreflang="en">Non Profits &amp; Activism</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/11" hreflang="en">BC</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-upload-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-24T12:00:00Z">Wed, 09/24/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <section id="node-media-field-comment--5"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=10000&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="YZiJzb02csOPd5Omsx5ZIW2_GGSquweGl7-VTO8nzeM"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <div class="field field--name-field-story-summary field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)</div> <div class="field--item">Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre sat down with Shawn Marsolais, founder of Blind Beginnings.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--item">Shawn Marsolais ; Blind Beginnings</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-mkp field--type-markup field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">mkp</div> <div class="field--item"></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-program field--type-hms field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss</div> <div class="field--item"> <span class="hms hms-format-hh-mm-ss"> 00:21:34 </span></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-initial-air-date field--type-datetime field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Initial Air Date</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-24T12:00:00Z">Wed, 09/24/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-idea field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Creative control for this story was exercised by:</div> <div class="field--item">The LJI Journalist</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-audience-participation field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Audience Participation</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:19:32 +0000 Geoff 10000 at https://portailmedias.ca Face to Face with Sarah Fenrich: Building Inclusion for Neurodiverse Families https://portailmedias.ca/en/media/face-face-sarah-fenrich-building-inclusion-neurodiverse-families <span>Face to Face with Sarah Fenrich: Building Inclusion for Neurodiverse Families</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Wed, 09/24/2025 - 23:55</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Uk6x-HLuR4?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field__full-story field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>On Face to Face, Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre had the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah Fenrich, an occupational therapist, holistic sleep coach, and tireless advocate for children with neurodiverse needs. Through her mobile, community-centered practice, Sarah is working to make the Tri-Cities a place where every child can belong.</p> <p>Sarah’s approach combines clinical expertise with a deep respect for family knowledge. “Parents know their child best,” she explained. “When we put our two brains together, that’s where the magic happens.” Her work supports children on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or with sensory processing challenges, focusing on helping them engage in their daily occupations: learning, playing, and building friendships.</p> <p>She takes therapy out of the clinic and into the real world, meeting children and families in schools, parks, pools, and other community spaces. She collaborates with educators and caregivers to raise awareness and foster more inclusive environments. “When the adults around a child understand how their brain and body work, they can respond with compassion instead of frustration,” Sarah said.</p> <p>Her impact is seen in powerful success stories. One family she worked with avoided a major surgery for their son after Sarah suspected a milk protein allergy and encouraged them to try a dietary change. “Within a week, he stopped vomiting completely,” she recalled. “That one discovery changed their entire quality of life.”</p> <p>Sarah also created the ASD Kickstart program to bridge the gap for families waiting months for therapy, offering immediate strategies funded through autism programs. Beyond therapy, she connects families to each other, creating support networks that reduce isolation.</p> <p>“The most beautiful part is watching a child blossom when their parents accept and celebrate who they are,” Sarah reflected. “Different does not mean broken, it means we all get to grow together as a community.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-type field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">Video</div> <div class="field field--name-field-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/23" hreflang="en">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-language field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/9" hreflang="en">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic-value field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/28" hreflang="en">Health</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/8" hreflang="en">Science &amp; Technology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/11" hreflang="en">BC</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-upload-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-24T12:00:00Z">Wed, 09/24/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <section id="node-media-field-comment--6"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=9999&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="SkfiFzzYzBHiV7YvPBOYo1uYlZTm0jkZhN-ElACPRKI"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <div class="field field--name-field-story-summary field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)</div> <div class="field--item">Face to Face highlights Sarah Fenrich’s mission to support neurodiverse children and empower Tri-Cities families.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--item">Sarah Fenrich ; </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-mkp field--type-markup field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">mkp</div> <div class="field--item"></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-program field--type-hms field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss</div> <div class="field--item"> <span class="hms hms-format-hh-mm-ss"> 00:36:03 </span></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-initial-air-date field--type-datetime field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Initial Air Date</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-24T12:00:00Z">Wed, 09/24/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-idea field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Creative control for this story was exercised by:</div> <div class="field--item">The LJI Journalist</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-audience-participation field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Audience Participation</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:55:58 +0000 Geoff 9999 at https://portailmedias.ca Face to Face with Talitha Koum Society: Recovery that Rebuilds Families and Community https://portailmedias.ca/en/media/face-face-talitha-koum-society-recovery-rebuilds-families-and-community <span>Face to Face with Talitha Koum Society: Recovery that Rebuilds Families and Community</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Tue, 09/23/2025 - 23:55</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1PU8pvCQmw?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field__full-story field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Recovery and housing that reunite families and strengthen the Tri-Cities community. On Face to Face, Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre had the pleasure of sitting down with Odo Nkum and Kimmie Jansen of the Talitha Koum Society, a faith-rooted, wraparound recovery organization serving women and their children across the Tri-Cities. In a region grappling with the opioid crisis, Talitha Koum offers something rare and practical: staged housing, long-term support, and a path to dignity that begins the moment a woman asks for help.</p> <p>Talitha Koum operates three homes in Coquitlam, welcoming women in recovery, including mothers with children under seven. The first stage is highly structured, focused on stabilization, counseling, and a written 12-step program. The second and third stages add education, work readiness, and independent living skills, with stays of up to three years for sustained change. Services are intentionally community-based, from Indigenous cultural workshops to Bible study, life skills, and parent coaching.</p> <p>“We say we love our clients back to living,” explained Executive Director Odo Nkum. “Trust is the doorway. When women learn to trust again, recovery follows, and community connection is rebuilt.”</p> <p>Program Director Kimmie Jansen speaks from experience. An alumna who first entered the home while navigating the justice system, she now helps design programs and mentor residents.</p> <p>“Someone loved me until I could love myself,” she said. “That is what saved my life. Today we walk with women through the steps, the hard days, and the victories.”</p> <p>Alumni with lived experience serve as caseworkers, modeling sobriety and stability while partnering with clinicians and community professionals.</p> <p>The civic impact is visible. TK residents contribute service hours, adopt streets, and volunteer in local faith communities. Over time, graduates secure full-time work, pursue post-secondary studies, and reunite with children.</p> <p>“Breaking the cycle changes more than one life,” Nkum noted. “Crime is reduced, families stabilize, and a new future opens for the next generation.”</p> <p>The homes run 24 hours a day, and women can self-refer. In urgent situations, staff work creatively to find a safe place, even if it means a temporary couch while an intake is completed.</p> <p>“We do not turn away willingness,” Jansen emphasized.</p> <p>Community partnership is central. TK welcomes volunteers as drivers, gardeners, handypersons, workshop facilitators, and grandmothers who can hold babies while mothers attend program. Donations help sustain the third-stage home as time-limited funding winds down.</p> <p>“If you want a practical way to reduce overdose deaths and homelessness in the Tri-Cities, this is it,” said Nkum. “Stand with the women as they rise.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-type field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">Video</div> <div class="field field--name-field-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/23" hreflang="en">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-language field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/9" hreflang="en">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic-value field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Cultural Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/2" hreflang="en">Non Profits &amp; Activism</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/11" hreflang="en">BC</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-upload-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-23T12:00:00Z">Tue, 09/23/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <section id="node-media-field-comment--7"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=9996&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="AYCp-09V6bFwfYQ3GfSvsbbwV1fF7GzVDt_oMEqUpL8"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <div class="field field--name-field-story-summary field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)</div> <div class="field--item">Talitha Koum Society, a faith-rooted, wraparound recovery group serving women &amp; their children in the Tri-Cities.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--item">Odo Nkum ; Kimmie Jansen ; Talitha Koum Society ;</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-mkp field--type-markup field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">mkp</div> <div class="field--item"></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-program field--type-hms field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss</div> <div class="field--item"> <span class="hms hms-format-hh-mm-ss"> 00:29:38 </span></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-initial-air-date field--type-datetime field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Initial Air Date</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-23T12:00:00Z">Tue, 09/23/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-idea field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Creative control for this story was exercised by:</div> <div class="field--item">The LJI Journalist</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-audience-participation field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Audience Participation</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 03:55:10 +0000 Geoff 9996 at https://portailmedias.ca Thousands Come Out to Take Part in This Year's Terry Fox Hometown Run. https://portailmedias.ca/en/media/thousands-come-out-take-part-years-terry-fox-hometown-run <span>Thousands Come Out to Take Part in This Year&#039;s Terry Fox Hometown Run.</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Tue, 09/23/2025 - 02:30</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JS4EgIndQ10?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field__full-story field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>There are many Terry Fox Runs in the Lower Mainland, all over Canada, and even around the world, but there is only one "Hometown Run" that happens in the community where Terry Fox went to high school as a teenager.</p> <p>Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg in 1958, but moved with his family to Surrey, BC, when he was in elementary school. A couple of years later his family moved to Port Coquitlam where he attended Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School, ( now called Terry Fox Secondary School in his honour ).</p> <p>In 1977, Terry lost his right leg to cancer.</p> <p> </p> <p>In 1980 Terry began his Marathon for Hope, attempting to run a marathon a day as he made his way across Canada in order to rise funds for Cancer research. Unfortunately his cancer returned and he lost his battle with cancer before he could complete his run. The first annual Terry Fox Run took place the following year, and the fundraising run has been happening annually ever since.</p> <p> </p> <p>Today, people of all ages and abilities can join the Terry Fox Hometown Run, and other Terry Fox Runs, by running, walking, cycling or wheeling, all in support of cancer research efforts. More than just a run, the event is a chance for the community to unite, share Terry’s legacy and support a cause that continues to impact lives across the country.</p> <p>This year, participants in the Hometown Run started, as usual, at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre and followed a course that led them passed the new inspirational sculptures at Port Coquitlam Community Centre. Runners and walkers also ran through the Marathon of Hope in Terry Fox Hometown Square before looping back to finish at Hyde Creek.</p> <p>The day began with participants gathering to register, connect and join in a spirit of community. This year’s theme, “Finish It,” honored Terry’s commitment to the Marathon of Hope.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-type field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">Video</div> <div class="field field--name-field-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/23" hreflang="en">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-language field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/9" hreflang="en">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic-value field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Cultural Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/2" hreflang="en">Non Profits &amp; Activism</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/11" hreflang="en">BC</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-upload-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-22T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/22/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <section id="node-media-field-comment--8"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=9992&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="_SnKb658bMftxsG3vsy8CIytjhQadFxdWgtkLbdqVsc"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <div class="field field--name-field-story-summary field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)</div> <div class="field--item">Thousands Come Out to Take Part in This Year&#039;s Terry Fox Hometown Run in Port Coquitlam.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--item">Terry Fox Hometown Run</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-mkp field--type-markup field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">mkp</div> <div class="field--item"></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-program field--type-hms field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss</div> <div class="field--item"> <span class="hms hms-format-hh-mm-ss"> 00:47:02 </span></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-initial-air-date field--type-datetime field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Initial Air Date</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-22T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/22/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-idea field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Creative control for this story was exercised by:</div> <div class="field--item">The LJI Journalist</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-audience-participation field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Audience Participation</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +0000 Geoff 9992 at https://portailmedias.ca Gateway of Giants Sculptures Unveiled In Port Coquitlam. https://portailmedias.ca/en/media/gateway-giants-sculptures-unveiled-port-coquitlam <span>Gateway of Giants Sculptures Unveiled In Port Coquitlam.</span> <span><span lang="" about="/en/user/176" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Geoff</span></span> <span>Tue, 09/23/2025 - 01:51</span> <div class="field field--name-field-video field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fmlhe5kNnHo?autoplay=1&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field__full-story field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Port Coquitlam, Terry Fox’s hometown, recently unveiled two sculptures dubbed Gateway of Giants as part of a public art installation to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Canadian icon’s Marathon of Hope. Story by LJI reporter Yuna Fahim.</p> <p>The sculptures, created by Spanish artist Casto Solano, are located in front of the Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre in the plaza on Wilson Avenue and were funded as a collaboration between the City of Port Coquitlam and the Fox family.</p> <p>The city says it offers an inviting space for visitors to “remember where Terry began his journey.” The sculptures were also designed to be approachable, and people are welcomed to walk up to them, touch them and take photographs.</p> <p>The ceremony featured speeches by Mayor Brad West, MLA Mike Farnworth, Kirsten Fox (Terry’s niece ), and Terry's friend Doug Alward who drove the original Marathon of Hope van, and said the sculptures will be a lasting symbol of Fox’s legacy.</p> <p>On Saturday the City of Port Coquitlam posted on social media that “Being Terry’s hometown is the greatest honour. We continue to share his story, keep his Marathon of Hope alive, and remember his incredible determination and spirit,”</p> <p>Also currently on display at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre is the Inspiring Local Champions exhibit, which opened earlier this year and features artifacts from Fox’s life, including one of his prosthetic legs and an original Marathon of Hope t-shirt. Other displays trace his early years in Port Coquitlam and his school years at Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School, now called Terry Fox Secondary School in his honour.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tri-Cities Community TV</div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-type field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">Video</div> <div class="field field--name-field-community field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/23" hreflang="en">Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-language field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/9" hreflang="en">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic-value field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Cultural Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/2" hreflang="en">Non Profits &amp; Activism</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-zone field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/en/taxonomy/term/11" hreflang="en">BC</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-upload-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-22T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/22/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <section id="node-media-field-comment--9"> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=9991&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="kJ-bxuEMSis47mT8_8V_BIBunNeoQEiApLYwi3yPI-E"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <div class="field field--name-field-story-summary field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)</div> <div class="field--item">Port Coquitlam unveiled two sculptures dubbed Gateway of Giants as part of a public art installation.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--item">Casto Solano ; Gateway of Giants ; Mayor Brad West ; MLA Mike Farnworth ; Kirsten Fox ; Doug Alward ; Terry Fox</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-mkp field--type-markup field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">mkp</div> <div class="field--item"></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-program field--type-hms field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss</div> <div class="field--item"> <span class="hms hms-format-hh-mm-ss"> 00:34:12 </span></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-initial-air-date field--type-datetime field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Initial Air Date</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2025-09-22T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/22/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-idea field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Creative control for this story was exercised by:</div> <div class="field--item">The LJI Journalist</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-audience-participation field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Audience Participation</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:51:29 +0000 Geoff 9991 at https://portailmedias.ca