94 ~ Friday, August 7, 1998 ~ North Shore News Chemical spill harms creek Fist warnings on storm drains ignored Robert Galster News Reporter robert@nsnews.com PUBLIC education programs don’t always meet with success. A case in point is the effort of several members of the Youth Services Canada Project who had spent a por- tion of this summer painting yellow fish on storm drains around North Vancouver. In spite of the group's efforts, last week a city staff member noticed a chemical substance flowing into North Vancouver’s Wage Creek in Mahon Park. The substance has vet to be identified, but it has been contained with the use of a boom and absorbent materi- al. North Vancouver City’s manager of parks and envi- ronment Bill Granger said the spill is the second one this year. “I’m happy to say it docs- n't happen very often bur dis- covering one spill can kill a lot of fingerlings,” said Granger. “I think the ycllow fish message is getting out.” Both Mission and Wagg Creeks which converge in Mahon Park are inhabited by cutthroat trout and coho salmon. The culvert where the for- eign substanee was spotted is fed by storm sewers along Lonsdale Avenue berveen 15th and 19th Streets. The youth program’s coordinator Greg McDonnel! said the idea of painting the fish directly on the drains was a good fit with his pro- gram’s environmental safety focus. He partnered up with members of the Communi- Party and learn in Lynn Headwaters COME on over for tea. ‘Everyone is welcome to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park: for Wild Berries and Seéds, a nature program on Aug. 23, 1 to 3 p.m. Take'a sip of evergreen tea, taste fir‘cone seeds and learn berry: lore. “Look for salal, blackberries, huckleberries and Oregon grape. Find out what berries are edible and what to avoid. Learn about squirreis and other wildlife that depend on nature’s har- vest. The program ruiis rain or shine. Lynn Headwaters is at the north end of Lynn Valley Road in North Vancouver. Meer at the Mills House, which is visible from the park- ing lot. Dress tor the weather and bring 2 snack and drink in a daypack. ‘Pre-registration is $8 per adult and $4 per child. To register, call North Vancouver. Recreation Commission ‘at 987-PLAY (7529). ties in Bloom Committee and then took on the project which was dreamed up by city staff and the Pacific Strcamkeepers Society. The federally funded program McDonnell admin- isters out of the Nacth Shore Neighborhood House has 15 members who have all had pasitive feed back from the community for their efforts. “A lot of peopte don’t know it (storm drain runoff) runs into a stream and then the ocean,” said McDonnell. “They think it goes to sewer treatment but in fact it does- n’t. It goes directly into fish habitat.” #1 405 1 72 Kingsway {ot Royal Oak) a 432-' i 442 he lowest entry fee of any. three | an three tournament in Vancouver. . - ere on the’ North Shore and odds are your friends Will be there ... or maybe that io 0, cu te some ie you ve been’ eyein The $50, GO Planet Superstar shoot out that both player and spectator can win. You or your Moni could likely use the dough: 4. The Slam is Greater Vancouver's largest prize pcol three on three tournament with prizes totatling $15,000 up for grabs. Maje . Great prizes like $500 Adidas team shoppiig sprees, Planet Superstar merchandise, a suite to a Grizzlies game, Park Royal Gift Certificates, Grizzlies tickets and more. Last year oodles of people walked away with lots of great merch. “6. It's serious fun made fair and safe with referees in ail age divisions. Open to guys and girls 10 years old and up. “Fe imported playi fig. surfaces provided by Sport Court, medical tents, concession stands, activities and entertainment. -The Slam is the most action packed 5-day tournament in Greater Vancouver. Sideline action is pretty cool too. There's even arain location. 10. You get until August 12, 1998 to enter ... to get your friends organized and one of you off to Park Royal or any Planet Superstar. ee Plants G Galore’ AT EATON’S - PARK RO Did you lose some plants to the heat! Lot’s of new plants’ U | phi Sheetomned It happens August 19 - 23, 1998 in the upper parkade of the sea-side Park Royal Shopping Centre in West Van.. Call The Slam line for more info 922 1233. SOUTH MALL 922- sags Loc. YAL