Press Release: The 25th annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park switches gears as trains are grounded for the holiday season

Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund

News Release

November 3, 2022

The 25th annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park switches gears as trains are grounded for the holiday season

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund announce the 25th Anniversary of Bright Nights will be celebrated with twinkling light displays and live entertainment. While this year’s event looks different with the absence of the vintage trains, it is still certain to be full of family fun and holiday cheer—and all for a good cause!

Admission to Bright Nights, which runs from December 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023, will be by donation. In addition to a wide array of light displays, Bright Nights will include fan favourites like the vintage fire truck, giant red reindeer and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. There will be firefighters welcoming guests, plenty of candy canes, and the barn will be transformed into Santa’s workshop for the first time since 2019. Food vendors on site will offer a wonderful selection of comfort food like churros, pretzels, popcorn and hot chocolate. “

This is a cherished tradition for many folks in Vancouver, and although it’s disappointing the trains can’t be a part of this year’s event due to technical challenges, we’re committed to helping create the best possible holiday experience with our partners,” says Steve Jackson, Director of Business Services for the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “Countless firefighters have put in a lot of effort and thought into this year’s set up, and we can’t wait to see how it looks! We know this year’s Bright Nights will still bring joy to families and we encourage folks to come and donate for an important cause.”

Bright Nights is the single largest fundraising event for the Burn Fund. Proceeds fund burn survivor programs year-round, including Burn Camp and the Home Away Program, which provides accommodations to survivors, fire fighters and their families who must travel to Vancouver for medical treatment. The Park Board has donated more than $2.5 million to the Burn Fund since the event partnership began in 1998.

In addition to admission by donation, the Bright Nights 50/50 returns as a fundraiser and extension of the event. Tickets go on sale November 17, 2022. “It is disappointing the train is not operating, but it is important for us to host a free holiday event for everyone to enjoy,” says Jeff Sauvé, Executive Director of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. “Each year, hundreds of firefighters from across the province come together to create a time-honoured light display in Stanley Park. We are hoping the community will continue to come out to Bright Nights and celebrate the season.”

The Stanley Park Train is still being assessed following the recent inspection by Technical Safety BC earlier this fall. As mentioned in the Ghost Train news release, safety is the number one priority for the Park Board and a complete analysis of the mechanical issues is needed to determine next steps.

For more information, please visit vancouver.ca/brightnights.

For more information on the Burn Fund, please visit burnfund.org.

Note to editors: Media are invited to capture footage of Abbotsford fire fighters volunteering to set up at the plaza today from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Photos, videos, and social media can be found in this folder.

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Media Contact:

  • Park Board Communications

  • pb.communications@vancouver.ca

  • Burn Fund Communications

  • communications@burnfund.org

 
 

2022 ELECTION RESULTS ARE IN; A CALL FOR CHANGE WAS EVIDENT

A sweeping change across British Columbia at the Civic Local Elections at the municipal level for Mayor and Council. Over 37 incumbents were defeated in several geographical areas - large, medium and small.

The BCPFFA is very pleased to see Mike Hurley acclaimed as Burnaby’s Mayor, who was first elected in 2018, and uncontested in 2022. Brother Mike Hurley delivered on all his 2018 campaign promises, and will continue moving Burnaby forward. Congratulations Mayor Hurley!

Other notable changes were in our two largest BC Cities, Vancouver and Surrey both had significant changes to their respective councils where public safety was at the forefront of the campaign issues. Vancouver’s Mayor-elect Ken Sims defeated incumbent Kennedy Stewart, and Surrey’s Mayor-elect Brenda Locke narrowly defeated incumbent Doug McCallum.

Voter turnout was down in most municipal elections, Burnaby 29% (-13%), Maple Ridge 22% (-12), Victoria 37% (-8%), however Surrey’s voter turnout was up by +1.6% to 34.5%. (source:Global BC)

President Gord Ditchburn says, “We are very pleased to see several IAFF local endorsements become a reality. Over 83% of BCPFFA Locals support levels and/or public endorsements were successful. To name a few… Burnaby’s Mike Hurley (acclaimed), Delta’s Mayor George Harvie re-elected, Port Coquitlam’s Mayor Brad West (acclaimed), Maple Ridge’s Mayor-Elect Dan Ruimy, North Vancouver’s Mayor-Elect Linda Buchanan, -Pitt Meadow's Nicole MacDonald (acclaimed as new Mayor) coming from council, Cranbrook’s Mayor Wayne Price re-elected.”

IAFF Locals worked extremely hard in building relationships with all candidates, and regardless of the outcomes our members are active in their communities. Public Safety was at the forefront of issues in almost every community and as fire fighters we push hard in making the case for resources, staffing and awareness, so that our public can feel safe in knowing that fire fighters are there and ready to respond. If and when politicians are making decisions affecting the roles of public safety particularly that of fire fighters, we will make every effort to ensure they have right information.

Secretary Treasurer Todd Schierling goes on to say, “The IAFF encourages its members to run for office and make positive change to public safety. This includes advocating for NFPA 1710 such as safe staffing, growth plans, response times, and appropriate apparatus and equipment. We are proud to see several brothers and sisters put their names forward to make a positive difference in their community. We are also fortunate that the IAFF provides Political Academy Training for members wishing to advance public safety at all levels of government. Our locals will work very hard with all elected officials over these next four years and look forward to strengthening relationships across our province enhancing public safety.”

It’s worth noting that several IAFF members (active and retired) made a run for Local Office at all levels, Mayor, Council and School Trustee.

  • Acclaimed Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, Retired Burnaby Local 323 member (past president), a BCPFFA President Emeritus and retired IAFF Vice President 6th District

  • Councillor-elect Tim Baillie is a retired Local 1271 Surrey Member and BCPFFA VP Emeritus was successful in his first run for council in Township of Langley.

  • Mayor-elect Wayne Price (retired IAFF member and former FC in Cranbrook defeated incumbent.

  • School Trustee-Elect Joel Neufeld, L1271 Surrey member was successful in his bid for School Trustee in Township of Langley.

  • Re-elected Michie Vidal, a retired L1271 Surrey dispatcher was re-elected to council for Harrison Hot Springs. Steve McLay, L4550 Township of Langley ran for council in Mission but was unsuccessful.

  • Gareth Lockhart, L4550 Township of Langley member ran for School Trustee, unfortunately was unsuccessful.

  • Ray Boucher, retired L1782 Coquitlam Captain, ran for council the Fraser Valley Regional District, however, came up short.

  • Councillor-elect Allison Evans (spouse of a Lower Mainland fire fighter) was successful in her bid for council in Pitt Meadows.

  • Megan McMath, Sooke Councillor re-elected. Her husband is an Esquimalt fire fighter.

 
 

Here’s a quick glance from City News reported the following:

The 2022 B.C. municipal elections have wrapped up, with a number of communities electing new mayors and councils.

Here is a list of Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley results, with links to articles with expanded coverage:

Abbotsford: Abbotsford voters have elected a new mayor, choosing Ross Siemens to lead the community for the next four years after Henry Braun did not seek reelection.

Burnaby: Mike Hurley has been acclaimed as mayor, with no other candidates running.

Chilliwack: Chilliwack voters have re-elected Ken Popove as mayor. However, it’s a name that’s missing from the list of school trustees that is a standout for many in this election.

Coquitlam: Voters in Coquitlam have re-elected Richard Stewart as mayor.

Delta: Delta voters have re-elected George Harvie as mayor.

Langley city and township: Voters in the Township of Langley have elected Eric Woodward as mayor, while Nathan J Pachal has been elected mayor in the City of Langley.

Maple Ridge: Maple Ridge voters have elected Dan Ruimy mayor.

New Westminster: Patrick Johnstone has been elected mayor. Voters are electing a new mayor after Jonathan X. Cote announced he would not be seeking re-election.

North Vancouver: People in the City of North Vancouver have re-elected Linda Buchanan as mayor, with incumbent Mayor Mike Little reelected in the District of North Vancouver.

Pitt Meadows: Nicole MacDonald will remain the mayor of Pitt Meadows, as no other candidates ran against her. Results for city councillors and school trustees are still being tallied.

Port Coquitlam: Brad West has been acclaimed as mayor, running unopposed. The city’s two school trustees were also re-elected by acclamation.

Port Moody: Meghan Lahti will be the next mayor of Port Moody.

Richmond: Richmond voters have reelected Malcolm Brodie as mayor.

Surrey: Surrey voters have elected Brenda Locke as mayor, defeating incumbent Doug McCallum.

Vancouver: The results are in and Vancouverites have elected Ken Sim the next mayor.

West Vancouver: West Vancouverites have elected Mark Sager mayor replacing incumbent Mary-Ann Booth.

White Rock: Voters have elected Megan Knight, who narrowly defeated incumbent Darryl Walker Saturday.

LONGTIME IAFF LEADER MIKE HURLEY ACCLAIMED AS BURNABY MAYOR

LONGTIME IAFF LEADER MIKE HURLEY ACCLAIMED AS BURNABY MAYOR

Hurley in 2018 on election night, after he beat a 16-year incumbent mayor.

Former IAFF 6th District Vice President Mike Hurley has won a second term as mayor of Burnaby, British Columbia, after running unopposed in advance of this year’s election.

“I am humbled and honoured to be acclaimed as mayor for four more years. It takes a lot of teamwork and collaboration to get things done,” said Hurley in a social media post. “I look forward to continuing to serve the city’s citizens and to work with brothers and sisters of Burnaby Local 323.”

“On behalf of the brothers and sisters of Burnaby Local 323, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mayor Hurley on his reelection,” said Local 323 President Scott Alleyn. “It has been very rewarding to work with a leader who truly understands the challenges fire fighters face and the needs of the Local 323 membership.”

With strong campaign support from the IAFF, Hurley was first elected in 2018 when he ousted a 16-year incumbent mayor.

Hurley has a long history as a fire fighter and labor leader. He joined the Burnaby Fire Department in 1988, where he rose through the ranks to become an acting assistant fire chief before retiring in 2018. He was also heavily involved with the IAFF and his home local, Burnaby Local 323, serving as president from 2001 to 2009. He would go on to serve as the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association president and IAFF 6th District Vice President.

IAFF General President Edward Kelly welcomed the news that Hurley will continue to lead British Columbia’s third-largest city.

“Mike was a natural leader in the fire service and it’s a tremendous advantage that he’s now using those skills on behalf of all Burnaby citizens,” Kelly said. “His leadership and dedication are a benefit to Burnaby not just in public safety but all areas of civic responsibility. Congratulations to him and to the leadership and members of Local 323.”

 
 

 

Fire won't wait: plan your escape this Fire Prevention Week

 
 

For Immediate Release                                                             

October 7, 2022
 

Fire won't wait: plan your escape this Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week takes place October 9-15, 2022

Vancouver, BC –With fire-related deaths in BC on the rise, it is more important than ever to plan and practice your home fire escape. During the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is urging the public to create and practice a home fire escape plan with all residents of the home.

From January 1 to June 30, 2022 there were 40 fire related deaths in BC as reported to the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner. This number is concerningly high for the first half of the year. In 2021 there were 59 fire related deaths in total. 

“Working smoke alarms and home fire escape planning saves lives. Practice your escape and test your smoke alarms monthly, ensuring to replace the alarm if it is not working or is more than 10 years old,” says Gayanne Pacholzuk, Prevention Coordinator with the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. 

Today’s home fires burn hotter and faster than ever before due to flammable materials in the home. In the case of a home fire, residents could have less than two minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.  

The Burn Fund has once again partnered with the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner and other fire service partners to host the annual Fire Prevention Week Contest. To promote this year’s theme of “Fire won’t wait: plan your escape,” students from kindergarten to Grade 12 are encouraged to enter by creating a home fire escape plan and filling out the ballot. 

The goal of the contest is to educate the next generation on the topic of fire prevention, helping to save lives and prevent painful burn injuries. The deadline is November 4, 2022 and all information can be found at www.gov.bc.ca/FirePreventionWeek.
 

Fire Prevention Week Tips: 

  1. Know what to do when you hear the alarm sounds and have a plan in place. 

  2. Plan and practice your home escape with all members of your household. 

  3. Know how long it takes you to get out and know two ways out of your home. 


Learn more at burnfund.org and follow the Burn Fund at @BCBurnFund.

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Interview Opportunity: Gayanne Pacholzuk, Prevention Coordinator for the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund and retired Kelowna Fire Fighter. 

About the Burn Fund: 
Established in 1978 by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the Burn Fund is supported by more than 4,000 professional fire fighters from 53 communities in BC and the Yukon. These fire fighters donate their time and skills to support burn survivors. They also work to increase the public's knowledge about fire and burn prevention. The Burn Fund Executive and Board of Directors are represented by professional fire fighters, medical staff, and volunteers from across BC. 

Learn more at burnfund.org and follow the Burn Fund on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @BCBurnFund


MEDIA CONTACT
Nicole Clark, Director of Communications
BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund
P: 778.789.0820
E: communications@burnfund.org

Vote Saturday, October 15, 2022

 
 

Vote on Saturday, October 15, 2022

It’s your Community. Make a Difference! Vote for a Candidate that supports your Local issues!

This fall, British Columbians will be voting in community elections and electing municipal councils.

These elections matter, the votes cast will help shape the direction of our public safety and communities for the coming four years. 

These elections are the most direct way for individual community members to influence their local government.

Make a plan to vote Saturday, October 15—Pledge to vote today!

 

This campaign is hosted by BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association. We will protect your privacy, and keep you informed about this campaign and others.

Authorized by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association under LECFA,

info@bcpffa.org, www.bcpffa.org

 

Kindly remind your family, friends and neighours to vote, or simply share on social media.

 
 

Residents of Surrey support increase in staffing of fire fighters!

The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association asked, and the residents of Surrey responded… they support increase in staffing.

September 27, 2022 I. Eliana Carrillo

More than nine-in-ten eligible voters in Surrey want to increase number of fire trucks that operate in the municipality. 

Vancouver, BC [September 27, 2022] – Sizeable majorities of eligible voters in the City of Surrey call for decisive action to properly prepare for emergencies, a new Research Co. poll conducted on behalf of the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association has found.

In the telephone survey of a representative sample of eligible voters in Surrey, almost nine-in-ten respondents (89%) support establishing another fire hall in the city, specifically tailored with the appropriate equipment and firefighters for managing emergencies and fires in high rise buildings.

“The Surrey Fire Service needs immediate attention with a growth plan for additional resources,” says Saverio Lattanzio, President of the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association. “Fire fighters on the front line are stretched thin, suffering from burnout and in dire need of staffing. Properly resourced fire protection must be maintained to ensure public and fire fighter safety.”

More than four-in-five eligible voters in Surrey (87%) support increasing Surrey Fire Fighters’ staffing levels to reach the average ratio currently seen in cities such as Vancouver, Burnaby, Toronto, Calgary and Ottawa.

“As the municipal campaign continues, eligible voters in Surrey have a clear idea of what they would like to see in order to protect lives and property,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Voters across the entire city believe it is time to hire more fire fighters and make additional investments in equipment.”

Almost seven-in-ten eligible voters in Surrey (69%) would prefer for the ratio of firefighters to citizens to increase as the city grows.

Just under four-in-five eligible voters in Surrey (79%) think it is “very important” that the next Mayor supports Surrey Fire Fighters by making the workplace safer and ensuring proper response to emergencies in Surrey.

Methodology:

Results are based on a telephone survey conducted from September 12 to September 16, 2022, among 402 eligible voters in the City of Surrey. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for region in the City of Surrey. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Saverio Lattanzio, President, Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association

778.322.6363 [e] sav@iaff1271.org

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

 
 
 
 

BC Leaders recognized at IAFF Convention

IAFF leaders from BC recognized for their outstanding service, dedication and leadership.

The IAFF 56th Convention was held in Ottawa, Ontario August 7-12. Over 1700 were in attendance. From BC, 72 delegates representing 30 locals, and 140 members from 50 6th District locals (BC, AB, Sask, Yukon, NorthWest Territories). The 6th district stood in solidarity on the issues at hand. BC had a couple of key individuals who were recognized within the 6th district, Mark Brise Local 913 Kamloops and Jeff Clark Local 323 Burnaby.

Congratulations to both Mark and Jeff, and to all those who were recognized throughout the IAFF who provide leadership and service for their members and community.

District 6 - Mark Brise joins GP Ed Kelly, GST Frank Lima, US Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell; CAL FIRE Local 2881 President Tim Edwards; Kamloops, BC Local 913 Secretary Mark Brise; Austin, TX Local 975 Vice President Randy Denzer and Boston, MA Local 718 member Scott Wahlen.

Denzer and IAFF Headquarters staff first looked at existing training to see which pieces might be applicable to structural fire fighters responding to the interface. Then, they thought about how to train these fire fighters to effectively operate in the interface using their departments’ existing equipment.
The result was the development of the IAFF Responding to the Interface (RTI) training program. It has since been beta tested and is now available.
Brise is one of the program’s instructors.

“In Canada, we know that fire fighters responding to these fires are not necessarily going to be IAFF members. All Canadian fire fighters need this training,” said Brise. “I spoke with IAFF 6th District Vice President Mike Carter who decided to make the need for this training a federal lobbying issue.”

Lobbying efforts were successful. The Canadian government earmarked $37.9 million of its budget in April 2022 to wildland firefighting response, $600,000 of which will be specifically used for the IAFF RTI training.

See full story here.

More information about IAFF training and wildland fires can be found here.

District 6 – Jeff Clark, Past President of Burnaby Local 323. Unmatched in energy and tenacity, he led a successful fight for cancer presumption, helped elect a friendly mayor, led the creation of new union hall, and brought the World Police and Fire Games to Burnaby, British Columbia.

Outstanding affiliate leaders from across the IAFF were honored on the final day of the 56th Convention in Ottawa, Ontario, as the union presented its Local Leadership Awards.

The ability of the IAFF to defend and improve conditions for fire fighters and paramedics depends on the quality and dedication of thousands of local affiliate leaders. Every two years during Convention, Local Leadership Awards are presented to 16 outstanding affiliate leaders, one from each of the union’s 16 districts in the United States and Canada.

Each Local Leadership Award recipient was recognized on stage and presented with a carved glass award.

See full details here.