2012 PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS The votes have been tallied, and your voices have been heard. Thousands of ballots for the Observer’s People’s Choice Awards 2012 have poured in from our readers, telling us the best places to eat, to shop and to play. Votes came in through email, Facebook, Twitter and mail, over the last several weeks. And the results show that there is overwhelming support by residents for our community-based businesses. But it also shed a little light on what makes Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope and Chilliwack such great places to live. You’ve told us the best place to go walking, who the best teachers, employees and employers are, and where to take your pet for grooming. We’ve heard you loud and clear when it comes to finding great local talent, or where to relax with a cold drink. With more than 80 categories to vote for, (including Chilliwack through Hope), The Observer’s People’s Choice Awards 2012 is the definitive guide for what’s happening in the area. And while the people, places and businesses listed in this pull-out guide are to be congratulated for all their hard work, we also want to thank our readers. The contest success was based entirely on your participation, and for those outstanding efforts, we have drawn three names for prizes, Joyce Heinemann, Kiyo Matsuno and Bev Sergeant have all won tickets to see the Abbotsford Heat. Congratulations to everyone involved! Observer readers vote for their favourites 2012 PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS PRESENTED BY: Agassiz ❖ Harrison supp re
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2012 PEOPLE’S CHOICEAWA R D S
The votes have been tallied, and your voices have been heard. Thousands of ballots for the Observer’s People’s Choice Awards 2012 have poured in from our readers, telling us the best places to eat, to shop and to play.
Votes came in through email, Facebook, Twitter and mail, over the last several weeks.
And the results show that there is overwhelming
support by residents for our
community-based businesses. But it also shed a little light on what makes Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope and Chilliwack such great places to live.
You’ve told us the best place to go walking, who the best teachers, employees and employers are, and where to take your pet for grooming.
We’ve heard you loud and clear when it comes to fi nding great local talent, or where to relax with a cold drink.
With more than 80 categories to vote for, (including Chilliwack through Hope), The Observer’s People’s
Choice Awards 2012 is the defi nitive guide for what’s happening in the area.
And while the people, places and businesses listed in this pull-out guide are to be congratulated for all their hard work, we also want to thank our readers.
The contest success was based entirely on your participation, and for those outstanding efforts, we have drawn three names for prizes, Joyce Heinemann, Kiyo Matsuno and Bev Sergeant have all won tickets to see the Abbotsford Heat.
Thank you to our loyal clients, the pets and their people, for
nominating us the 2012 People’s Choice
Awards’ Best in Pet Care!
Dr. Laura Madsen& Staff
A beautiful day for a car show along Pioneer Avenue in Agassiz.
10 Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer Friday, April 6, 2012
We’re morethan just air conditioning!
Our goal is to make your living space comfortable all year round.
Thank youfor nominating us as
#1 Heating/Cooling/GasCompany in the
2012 People’s ChoiceAwards.
Visit us in our showroom.44125 Yale Road, Chilliwack
604-792-6783
Best Realtor Ann Wallis and her husband Darryl have been helping good people buy and sell homes in Chilliwack, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs since 1989. After living in the Agas-siz/Harrison Hot Springs area for over 30 years and raising their fam-ily here, they know the community. It has defi nitely grown in those years and become more than just all about farming, although agriculture is still a major part of business in this neck of the woods.
Ann was named Best Realtor and once speaking with her you’ll see why. Her quiet, kind manner sets you at ease and you understand she means what she says when she states the importance of trust in your realtor when you’re thinking
of buying or selling. You want the confi dence to know that the job will get done. The Wallis’ proven track record and a history of success in helping people with all of their real estate needs speaks volumes.
The communities of Chilliwack, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs provide a spectacle on nature in the eastern Fraser Valley. These vibrant and growing communities offer the schools, services and amenities to meet and exceed the needs of local residents. The pristine views of riv-ers, lakes, mountains and farmland provide a backdrop of nature within the community. Balance this with a lively business community and it makes for a nice place to be.
Miss Dylan (AESS)Ms. Elina (HHS) Ms. Lefeaux (Chehalis)
SENIORS’ SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheam VillageDEAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agassiz Thrift StorePLACE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Muddy Waters EspressoCOMMUNITY PARTNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allenby’s Farm StoreREASON TO LIVE IN AGASSIZ . . . . . . . . the people!REASON TO LIVE IN HARRISON . . . . . the natural beautyREASON TO LIVE IN HOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . the people! PLACE TO TAKE COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . Minter Gardens SMALL BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Body Balance
Wellness ClinicEARTH FRIENDLY/GREEN BUSINESS . Limbert Mountain FarmNOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agassiz Harrison
Lions ClubPART OF THE AGASSIZ FALL FAIR & CORN FESTIVAL. . . . . . . . . Seeing your neighbours
and eating the chicken and corn on the cob!
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12 Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer Friday, April 6, 2012
The friendly staff at Jack’s Restaurant plus their west coast inspired food and decor are a big reason why they were voted Best Place to Go for a Drink.
604-796-25552406 Hot Springs Road #4,
Agassiz, BC
Breakfast &lunch daily &dinner Fridays
Specializing in English Fish & Chips
Thrilled to winBest Place to Have Breakfast
& Best Fish/Seafoodfor the 2012 People’s Choice Awards!
Charlton’s glad to have the 2012 People’s Choice Best Employee - Anna Mortimer! Come enjoy a meal & Anna’s smile soon!
“Yalh yexw kw es hoy“Yalh yexw kw es hoy- Thank you for what you have done”- Thank you for what you have done”
- for all who voted for Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge, a Sts’ailes community owned Aboriginal Tourism business. It is an hon-our to be among the 1st Agassiz Harrison People’s Choice Award recipients for 2012.
Welcoming hosts, Sts’ailes community members Denny and Al Stobbart, have received many heart-felt words of appreciation for their great hospitali-ty, comfort fi lled accommodations & fabulous feasts over the years. Denny prepares all her meals with love & care; you can feel that and taste the good-ness in all her creations.
We look forward to helping create exceptional ex-periences for you to share, especially the extraordi-nary cuisine and to seeing all of you, or to meeting new friends, soon, to enjoy “the wonderful hospi-tality, food and friendship!” at historic Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge.
Thank you for honouring us withthe 2012 People’s Choice Award for
Best Financial Services/Accountant/Bookkeeper!
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LEN DAVIDIUK LEN DAVIDIUK TAX SERVICES
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Thank you to our loyal clients for making us #1 Plumber in the 2012 People's Choice Awards!
IF YOU CANCANdream IT...WE CAN BUILD IT.
• Handcrafted Cabinets & Countertops
• Quality Materials
• Top of the line Finishes
• Free In Home Design Estimates
Finback Custom Woodworksw w w. f i n b a c k . c a
Shop # 604-796-1196 Cell # 604-857-3375
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2012 People’s Choice Awards - Best Cabinetry/Countertop Company
9 0 0 G o l f Co u r s e R d. , H o p e • 6 0 4 - 8 6 9 - 5 8 8 1s e R d. , H o p e •9 0 0 G o l f Co u r s
Thankyou
for nominating us for your favourite place to play and dine in the2012 People’s Choice Awards.
Join us for weddings, golf tournaments, other events or just an enjoyable round of golf & leisurely meal in a beautiful scenic setting.hopegolfclub.com
Best Financial Services: Accountant or Bookkeeper
Len Davidiuk Tax Services has been located in Agassiz since 1995. Len and his staff offer year-round tax services as well as payroll, HST, and other accounting services. They’ve been awarded the Best Financial Services/accountant/bookkeeper this year and thought now is the perfect time to bring to your atten-tion some tax saving ideas that may benefi t you.
For Seniors: beginning with the 2007 tax year, Canadian residents may split certain pension income with their resident spouse or common-law partner. Up to 1/2 of eligible pension income may be allocated to the taxpayer’s spouse when the tax returns are fi led. In some cases this will result in a
pension income tax credit for the transferee. No funds are actually transferred using pension splitting - it is simply a method for reducing the taxable income of one spouse by allocating income, on the tax return, to the other spouse. The transfer must be agreed to by both spouses and the same percentage of withholding tax deducted, related to the pension income transferred, must also be transferred.
For Students: not all fees can be claimed. To qualify, the fees you paid to attend a Canadian educational institution must be more than $100. For you to claim tuition fees paid to an educational institution in Canada, the institution has to give you an offi cial tax receipt or a completed
Form T2202A, Tuition, Education, and Textbook Amounts Certifi cate. You have to claim your tuition, edu-cation, and textbook amounts fi rst on your own return, even if someone else paid your fees. However, you may be able to transfer part or all of these amounts to your spouse or common-law partner (who would claim it on line 326 of his or her Schedule 1) or to your or your spouse or common-law partner’s parent or grandparent (who would claim it on line 324 of his or her Schedule 1).
For Everyone: if medical treatment is not available within 40 kms from your locality, you may be able to claim the cost of public transporta-tion (e.g., taxi, bus, or train) to get
the treatment somewhere else. However, if public transportation is not readily available, you can claim vehicle expenses to get medical treatment. If you have to travel more than 80 kms from your locality for medical treatment, in addition to travel costs, you may be able to claim the cost of your meals and accommodations. Also, as a fi nal reminder to everyone, please be careful to report of your income. If you have failed to report income within the past three years, and fail to report again, the Canada Rev-enue Agency is likely to impose sub-stantial penalty and interest charges against you regardless of how small the unreported income may be.
Len
David
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14 Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer Friday, April 6, 2012
Len Davidiuk
I’d like to thank the wonderful people who voted for me as
BEST TRAVEL AGENT CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL
With over 30 years of airline, Aeroplan & travel industry experience, I’m here to help you plan your next holiday, business trip or destination wedding.
Ask me how to earn/redeem RBC Rewards® points®/™ Trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license.
fi nger-licking, lip-smacking refreshingmelt-in-your-mouth delicious-ness
Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer Friday, April 6, 2012 15
Best RenovatorKelly Lacroix aka The Renovator, is a hands-on kind of guy who has been in construction for about 34 years. He enjoys working locally as it gives him a chance to get to know more of the locals and work closer to home. He does everything from the ground up which allows him to always be doing something dif-ferent. Having started out working with steel, building quonset build-ings all over Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C., he was known to have the fastest crew in Canada, having a job down to a science.
When he’s not working hard and
interacting with clients, to be sure they are getting what they ask for, he can be found enjoying Harrison Lake or snowmobiling in Hemlock Valley. Lacroix, also a drummer, was a drum technician for Canwood Custom Percussion (Lloydmin-ster Sask.) building drum kits for world recording artists such as Blue Rodeo, Kim Mitchell, Idle Eyes, Northern Pikes, Dizzy Gillespie and more. Lacroix has been named the Best Renovator in the 2012 People’s Choice Awards, but he is certainly no stranger to the limelight.
Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer Friday, April 6, 2012 17
Kent Builder’s Market is the place to go for all your hardware or renovation needs.
In these tough economic times, connecting withcustomers is crucialResidents choosing to buy local can make a big difference. Over the last fi ve years, the global economic slowdown has found its way to Harrison/Kent, putting pres-sure on sales and profi tability of many businesses.
At the same time, the ever-increasing competition to attract tourists by Whistler Blackomb and others, has resulted in fewer visitors to Harrison,, which impacts Kent as well. It all makes for a tough busi-ness environment that, particularly in Harrison, has led to a number of
businesses closing down and others trying to sell. The good news is that even in these diffi cult times, new businesses have been attracted to our area. Kent, as a small rural com-munity, has the challenge of encour-aging people to shop local. If more people shopped local we could cut down on our carbon footprint and at the same time support a thriving local economy. Harrison, as a resort destination, has the challenge of a short, intensely-competitive sum-
mer season, where a few weeks of rain can mean the difference between making or losing money. Attempts to extend the season have had limited success with the exception of the Sand Castle com-petition. However this needs to be an ongoing focus and new events in the shoulder seasons are crucial. Happily this year “Sasquatch Days” looks set to make a comeback June 9 and 10, starting the summer off a little earlier with a new event. As a resort destination, Harrison Hot Springs is much more focused on marketing through all media — especially the internet, where most travel decisions are made these days. The latest trend of using social media to engage your customers is being adopted by many Harrison businesses. Kent businesses on the other hand, tend to rely more on lo-cal fl yers, the local paper and word of mouth. As the District of Kent continues to grow and the price of gas continues its unstoppable rise, more residents will be encouraged to shop local and this should be
good for Kent business over the long term. Staying connected to your clients and building a relation-ship with them the best way you can, also helps.
Harrison, on the other hand, has struggled the last 10 years and this is likely to continue for the next 10. While improvements to tourism infrastructure through provincial grants has helped the look of the lakeshore, the struggle for Harrison business is likely to continue with-out some major new development such as a new outdoor public pool or other major attraction. What is required is support from the local community and local government. Residents choosing to buy local can make a big difference. On the local government side, the property tax rate for business is typically three times the rate for residents in B.C. The problem is that it is much easier to raise business tax rates than residential rates since businesses don’t vote. Local businesses need support from local government, not more taxes.
PET CARE STORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kent Veterinary Clinic & Coquihalla Veterinary Services
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a shopper’s paradise
Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer Friday, April 6, 2012 19
Holly Tree Florist & Gifts, also a 2011 Business Excellence Award recipient, has the perfect gift or arrangement for any occasion. While you’re there, stop at Heritage Coffee House for a mug of joe, a delectable treat or lunch.
Providing Independent, Assisted Living and Complex Care Services Part of Valley Care Retirement HomesCheam Village, Glenwood Care Centre & Logan Manor
Can’t wait to go again“ . . . Great service, great food
(the fi sh is to die for) & great value.Thank you very much,
David & Sarah, Northern Ireland”TripAdvisor.com
wait to go againt i t f d
WINNER:Best Boss
2012 People’sChoice Awards
!
293 Wallace Street, Hope 604.860-0822
604-796-8496 1-7384 Pioneer Ave.
Celebrating 7 years Celebrating 7 years of award winning of award winning wines & Best U-Vin wines & Best U-Vin in the 2012 People's in the 2012 People's Choice Awards!Choice Awards!
Anniversary Anniversary Sale Sale on now!on now!
Kent-Harrison FoundationThere are many things that happen behind the scenes in our communities
that sometimes go a little unnoticed. One of those is the goings-on with
the Kent-Harrison Foundation. The Kent-Harrison Foundation remains
committed to providing a unique opportunity for local residents to invest in
the future of their community through donations made to the Foundation.
This year the KHF provided grants to the following local, community-based
Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer Friday, April 6, 2012 21
Local Country artist Todd Richard and his band performing on the shores of Harrison Lake.
Thank You for Voting usThank You for Voting us
‘Best Place to Take Company’!We’re proud to be a part of the community & look forward
to welcoming you and your guests again this season!The Minter Gardens’ Team
Exit #135 off Highway 1P: 604.794.7191 • www.mintergardens.com
OpenApr. 1 toOct. 14,2012
Exit #135 off Highway 1
As a special ‘Thank you’, please present this couponto our admissions team to receive
2 for 1 entry to Minter Gardens April 1 to 30, 2012.
Complimentary admission will be of equal or lesser value to purchased admission. No cash value.Not valid with other offers or discounts or towards the purchase of Seasons Passes.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US
BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
IN THE 2012 PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS!
1 877 796 3345 / bcsportfi shinggroup.com
Sturgeon / Salmon / Steelhead / TroutThe Fraser Valley Offers great fi shing year round.
Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer Friday, April 6, 2012 23
Jim of Allenby’s Farm Store, a major supporter of the Agassiz Fall Fair and the Agassiz Rainbow 4H Club, voted Best Community Partner.
24 Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer Friday, April 6, 2012
We are open Monday - Thursday 9 am - 8 pm • Friday & Saturday 9 am - 6 pm • Closed Sunday
DL 30575
3/12
H_W
M30
Wolfe’s Chilliwack Mazda 45018 YALE ROAD WEST, NEXT TO THE EVANS ROAD OVERPASS
604795.3700see us at: WWW.WOLFESAUTO.COM
TO BBUILD AN SUV WITH BBETTER-THAN-A-HYBRRID TO BUILD AN SUV WITH BETTTER THAN A HYBRID HIGHWAY FUEL ECCONOMY HIGHWWAY FUEL ECONOMY ++
20133 m{zd{ 3 CX-5
All prices innclude freight & PDI. Taxes extra.
Finance from
$$156156††
Bi-weekly
Lease fromm
$335**
per monthh
Starting frrom:g $$24,89024,890*
3 993.99%%APRAPRfor 84 months
3.99%APRfor 48 months
atat
at
$0 DOWNN on fi nance price from $24,790 fi
$0 down. $00 Security Deposit.
5.7 L/100 kmhighway+
50 mpg
7.8L/100 kmcity+
36 mpg
GTT model shownprriced from $34,390
Using a fi nance price of $24,790 for 2011 CX-5 GX (NVXK63AA00)/$26,390 for 2011 Mazda6 GS (G4SY61AA00) $23,690 for 2012 Mazda5 GS (E6SD62AA00) at a rate of 3.99%APR, the cost of borrowing for a 84 month term is $3,578/bi-weekly payment is $156 total fi nance obligation is $28,368. Finance price includes freight & PDI. Taxes are extra and required at the time of purchase. Other terms available and vary by model. **Lease offers available on approved credit on new 2013 CX-5 GX (NVXK63AA00). At 2.99%/3.99% lease APR the monthly payment is $159/$335 per month for 48 months with $2,295/$0 down payment. PPSA and fi rst monthly payment due at lease inception. Total lease obligation equals $9,948/$16,060. 20,000 km lease allowance per year, if exceeded, additional 8¢ /km applies. 25,000 km leases available. Block heater, taxes extra and required at the time of purchase. Other lease terms available and vary by model. *The advertised price of $24,890 for 2013 CX-5 GX includes freight & PDI, plus a cash discount of $0.The selling price adjustment applies to the purchase and is deducted from the negotiated pre-tax price and cannot be combined with subsidized purchase fi nancing or leasing rates. All prices include freight & PDI of $1,695 CX-5. PPSA, licence, insurance, taxes, down payment and other dealer charges are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Lease and Finance on approved credit for qualifi ed customers only. Offers valid until April 2nd 2012 while supplies last. Prices subject to change without notice. Visit mazda.ca or see your dealer for complete details. +All-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 featuring SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY offers better highway fuel economy than any hybrid sold in Canada. 5.7 L/100 km (50 MPG) Highway/7.8 L/100 km (36 MPG) City – Based on ENERGUIDE Fuel Consumption Rating for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 with 6-speed manual transmission. 4.9 L/100km (58 MPG) Highway/7.1 L/100 km (40 MPG) City. These estimates are based on Government of Canada approved criteria and testing methods. Actual fuel consumption may vary. MPG is listed in Imperial gallons. Based on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Based on 2012 fuel consumption ratings published by Natural Resources Canada.
Gordon WolfePresident
Mike HacquardVice President/GM
BrentNeuman
General Manager
Shonnie Welch
Business Manager
LindsayMcKinnonAdministrator
PatrickHobbs
Sales
Dan DraperMaster
Technician
James ForrestTechnician
AndrewApprentice
VicMarzilianoParts Manager
AlHekeSales
Tyler OwensParts & Service
Travis VirusDetailer
LindaRichardson
Reception
JeremyBussinger
Service Manager
AndrewRoss-Nutt
Sales
O U R W O L F E ’ S M A Z D A T E A M
WHAT DO YOU DRIVE? ZOOM-ZOOM
WOLFE’S MAZDAAGASSIZ/HARRISON’S MAZDA DEALERTHANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US AS YOUR FAVOURITE DEALER!