Sudden Caucus Removal

Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko was expelled from the B.C. Conservative caucus on Monday evening in Victoria, only hours after party leader John Rustad survived a leadership review. Caucus chair Jody Toor confirmed the decision but did not provide an official reason.

Sturko’s Response

Speaking outside the B.C. Legislature, Sturko said she was “absolutely blindsided” by the removal. She insisted she had not plotted against Rustad and denied allegations of organizing against his leadership. “My office will remain open, and I will find a path forward,” she said.

Accusations of Disloyalty

Sturko acknowledged discussing the review with colleagues but maintained she was not attempting to undermine Rustad. She suggested the leader may have feared scrutiny over the process. In her remarks, she called for Rustad to resign, arguing he has failed to unite the party.

Rustad’s Leadership Backing

Earlier the same day, Rustad secured 71 per cent support in a leadership review involving more than 1,200 party members, winning in 78 of 93 ridings. Rustad framed the outcome as a clear mandate to lead the Official Opposition, despite ongoing internal divisions.

Political Fallout

Sturko will now sit as an independent MLA, leaving the Conservative caucus weaker as it continues to manage internal fractures. The party has already lost multiple members this year, including Dallas Brodie, Tara Armstrong, and Jordan Kealy. Two of them have since launched a new political party.

What Lies Ahead

Sturko says she feels a “deep sense of hurt” but remains committed to representing Surrey-Cloverdale. Political observers warn her expulsion could deepen rifts within the Conservatives, jeopardizing Rustad’s ability to hold his caucus together ahead of future legislative battles.

The post Sturko Expelled from B.C. Conservative Caucus After Review first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Community Leaders Gather to Tackle Safety Challenges

Cloverdale’s ongoing safety concerns took centre stage on July 23, as local stakeholders convened at the Clova Theatre for a community safety forum hosted by the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association (BIA). The forum aimed to foster discussion between business owners, law enforcement, city officials, and support workers on pressing public safety issues affecting the town centre.

Diverse Voices Share Insights and Concerns

The event drew participation from a broad range of speakers including Surrey Police Service (SPS) representatives, RCMP officers, mental health professionals, and City of Surrey staff. Among the speakers were SPS Inspector Darin Sheppard, RCMP Sgt. Bob Keay, City Homelessness Services Lead Carmen Hall, and Crime Prevention Coordinator Heather Paradis. Topics ranged from the surge in visible homelessness and drug use to the need for better coordination between civic services and businesses.

Addressing Issues Beyond Policing

Paul Orazietti, Executive Director of the Cloverdale BIA, emphasized that the forum was not designed to solve issues on the spot, but rather to initiate dialogue. “Not everything we talked about were policing issues—a lot of them are social,” he said, referencing challenges like addiction and housing instability. Attendees compared municipal approaches to community safety, noting varying levels of service delivery across the region.

Drug Use and Homelessness Take Focus

A significant concern highlighted during the forum was the increased visibility of hard drug use in public areas. Business owners cited frequent incidents involving individuals passed out near storefronts, raising safety concerns for employees and customers. Speakers pointed to a 66% rise in homelessness in Surrey over the past two to three years, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated intervention.

Rebuilding Community-Police Dialogue

The forum also stressed the importance of strengthening relationships between the business community and law enforcement. One proposed initiative was the revival of “Heads Up,” a non-emergency communication channel between the BIA and police to share useful safety updates with local businesses. “There needs to be more dialogue,” Orazietti noted, highlighting the forum’s goal to reestablish trust and cooperation.

Next Steps and Continued Engagement

The event wrapped with a Q&A session and informal panel discussion, where attendees were encouraged to reach out to the BIA for follow-ups or general safety inquiries. While the forum didn’t yield immediate policy changes, it marked an important step in building collaborative solutions and opening the door to broader community involvement.

For more information about the Cloverdale BIA or its public safety initiatives:

Visit: cloverdalebia.com
Phone: 604-576-3155
Email: cloverdalebia@telus.net

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Crowds Flock to Cloverdale for Annual Car Show

The 9th annual Hot Rod Saturday event took place on July 5 in the parking lot of Elements Casino in Cloverdale, drawing record-breaking crowds and vehicle entries. Organized by the B.C. Hot Rod Association (BCHRA), the event has become a staple in the region’s summer calendar, attracting car enthusiasts from across British Columbia.

Organizers Celebrate Record Participation

BCHRA executive board member Joe Morris confirmed that over 500 classic and specialty vehicles were on display—making it the largest turnout in the show’s history. “It went fantastic,” Morris said. “We had record crowds and record entries.” The steady growth of the event, which featured only 300 cars in 2022, highlights its rising popularity.

Wide Array of Classic Vehicles Showcased

The one-day event ran from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering visitors a chance to explore an extensive lineup of vehicles including vintage hot rods, dragsters, collectible classics, motorcycles, RCMP cars, military vehicles, and even fire trucks. Participants paid entry fees to showcase their vehicles, with thousands of spectators arriving to enjoy the automotive spectacle.

Community and Charity at the Heart

Hot Rod Saturday is more than just a display of automotive beauty—it’s also a major community fundraiser. Proceeds support both the BCHRA and various local charities. One key beneficiary is the Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association, a Langley-based organization offering therapeutic horseback riding. “We’ve given them pretty close to $150,000 over the years,” Morris noted.

Powered by Volunteers and Sponsors

According to organizers, the event’s success relies heavily on its dedicated team of volunteers and generous sponsors. “It takes a lot of people to put this on,” Morris emphasized. The support from vendors, car owners, and the community plays a critical role in sustaining the event’s growth and impact.

Looking Ahead to Future Events

With the Elements Casino location providing ample space for expansion, Morris says Hot Rod Saturday continues to evolve. “It keeps getting bigger and better every year,” he said, suggesting that future editions may set even higher benchmarks. The BCHRA plans to continue hosting the event at the same venue in coming years.

For more information, visit bchra.ca.

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Local Music Comes to Life in Cloverdale

Cloverdale’s downtown core will resonate with live string music on Wednesday, July 17, as musicians from across Canada perform outdoors as part of the Reformed String Camp. The mini-concerts will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at four public locations.

Where the Music Will Be Heard

The open-air performances will be held at Cloverdale Pharmasave, Hawthorne Square, Elena’s Cafe, and the law offices of MacMillan Tucker. Residents and visitors can expect a diverse mix of string compositions performed by camp participants of all skill levels.

A National Gathering with Local Impact

The Reformed String Camp, hosted this year by the Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church, brings together participants aged 6 to 70 from across Canada. The event rotates annually between British Columbia and Ontario, and this year marks its return to Cloverdale after last being held here in 2023.

Purpose and Vision Behind the Camp

According to organizer Kent Dykstra, the camp is “a church-based musical gathering” aimed at offering encouragement, fellowship, and musical education for members of Canadian Reformed and sister churches. A strong focus is placed on musical leadership and mentorship.

How the Community Can Get Involved

The 19th annual Reformed String Camp will run in Cloverdale from July 14 to 19, with formal concerts scheduled at the Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church on July 18, 19, and 20. The public is welcome to attend and support the budding musicians.

To learn more about the Reformed String Camp and its mission, visit reformedstringcamp.org.

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Late-Night Blaze Erupts in Cloverdale

A dramatic fire broke out at a Cloverdale residence in Surrey late Monday night, prompting a swift and large-scale response from the Surrey Fire Service. The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on June 2 in the 18000-block of 66 Avenue, a typically quiet residential neighborhood.

Swift Response and Escalation

Surrey Fire Service assistant chief of operations Greg McRobbie reported that five fire trucks were initially dispatched. Upon arrival, crews found a parked car and the entire front of the house—including the garage—fully engulfed in flames, which had already spread to the second floor and roof of the two-storey home with a basement. The severity of the fire led to a rapid escalation to a two-alarm response, bringing in two additional aerial trucks.

Residents Escape Without Injury

Thanks to quick action, all residents—including five people from the main home and at least one from the basement suite—were able to evacuate safely. No injuries were reported among the occupants or emergency personnel, according to McRobbie.

Firefighters Prevent Spread to Neighboring Homes

A key concern for crews was preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent houses. Firefighters deployed trucks along 67 Avenue behind the home and set up defensive lines to protect neighboring properties. Their efforts were successful: while there was some exterior damage to nearby homes, no interior damage occurred, and residents were able to return the same night.

Extensive Resources Deployed

In total, 28 firefighters, seven fire trucks, and two command vehicles responded to the scene. The coordinated effort allowed crews to contain the fire to the single affected home, minimizing the impact on the surrounding community.

Cause Under Investigation

While some witnesses speculated that an electric car charging in the driveway may have started the fire, Assistant Chief McRobbie declined to comment on the cause. “We won’t speculate at this time … that’s what the investigation will try to figure out this morning,” he stated.

Community Relieved After Close Call

The Cloverdale neighborhood expressed relief that no one was injured and praised the fire crews for their quick and effective response. The Surrey Fire Service continues to investigate the cause of the blaze and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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The post Surrey Firefighters Contain Major Cloverdale House Blaze first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Cloverdale Agriplex Gets a Modern Makeover

A Fresh Look for a Community Landmark

Visitors to the Cloverdale Fairgrounds may notice a striking change at the Agriplex. The beloved venue, long recognized for its bold, western-style “AGRIPLEX” sign, has traded its rustic charm for a contemporary upgrade. Gone are the weathered white letters; in their place, sleek black sans-serif lettering now adorns the building, signaling a new era for this community hub.

Out with the Old: Why the Change Was Needed

The decision to update the signage was driven by necessity. Rick Hugh, 1st vice-president of the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association, revealed that the original plywood letters had begun to deteriorate. “Some corners were falling off, and parts of the G and E were visibly broken,” Hugh explained. After noticing the damage, he promptly alerted city officials, who responded by commissioning the new sign.

A Subtle Yet Striking Transformation

While the new lettering sits lower than its predecessor and may lack the dramatic flair of the original, it brings a sense of durability and modernity to the Agriplex. The faint shadows of the old letters still linger, offering a nostalgic reminder of the venue’s storied past. “It’s got a new feel, for sure,” Hugh noted. “I think the city is looking for some consistency with building names.”

Ready for the Rodeo

The timing of the facelift couldn’t have been better. The updated signage was installed just in time for the 77th Cloverdale Rodeo and the 134th Country Fair, held over the May long weekend. As the community gathered to celebrate these cherished traditions, the Agriplex stood proudly with its refreshed look—ready to welcome visitors for many years to come.

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