Burquitlam neighbourhood gets a makeover > Three-party collaboration promised to improve dual city-bordered area Aaron Guillen Staff Reporter ith the recent developments being implemented alongside the Evergreen Line, it should surprise no one that Coquitlam city officials have finally decided to improve the suburb of Burquitlam. It has been 14 years since the Lougheed and Burquitlam Neighbourhood Plans were introduced back in 2002. In a three-way partnership, the City of Coquitlam, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, and Concert Properties have united to connect Burquitlam residents together through two confirmed initiatives. The first initiative, a new YMCA facility, estimated between 50,000-60,000 square feet, is in the works and slated to be opened by 2021. An amenity such as this is a definite hub to strengthen neighbourhood bonds and nurture families and people from all age groups. No specifics have been laid down, but most YMCAs include a pool, steam rooms, change rooms, lounge areas, childcare, and multiple workout spaces (including a gym, yoga studio, and strength/ conditioning zones). “At the Y, we believe everyone can reach their potential when they are active, learning and connected,” said Stephen Butz, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Vancouver during a press release. “By working together through this landmark partnership, we are able to provide a generation of children and families in the Burquitlam Community with a facility that will help the whole community be more healthy and engaged.” The future YMCA will be built upon 2.1 acres of Burquitlam Park, leaving 1.5 acres as public space. The partnership comes into play as the Burquitlam Park owned by the City of Coquitlam, will permit construction upon agreement terms to expand Cottonwood Park, owned by Concert Properties. The second initiative, an expansion of Cottonwood Park, will come as a welcoming surprise to nearby residents. Concert Properties, owners of the surrounding land encompassing the park, have agreed to add 2.55 acres to the site, increasing the land space two-fold and increasing the overall area of park space in the city by 0.5 acres. A portion of the land is being considered to provide amenities for the nearby Evergreen station, such as a park and ride facility. The Cottonwood Park expansion if F Ba eat] a a aie ea a is scheduled to be completed by 2019. “This project fulfills the City’s promise to provide a recreation facility to the Burquitlam neighbourhood,” said Mayor Richard Stewart in a press statement. “Both the new YMCA and the expansion of Cottonwood ite | eS ‘a Image via www.goodhouse.ca Park will be great community assets. And, through the innovative partnership with the YMCA and Concert Properties, we will achieve substantial community and financial benefits for Coquitlam residents—much more than what might have been achieved by acting alone.” Douglas Spotlight: Real wealth is mental health > The Kaleidoscope welcomes all students Aaron Guillen Staff Reporter ccording to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians will experience mental illness, in one form or another, within their lifetime. For most post-secondary students, the mere thought of balancing the day-to-day stresses of school, work, and a social life bears a heavy weight on their shoulders. Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, and addictions collectively fall into the category of mental illnesses. Research completed on college campuses by the National Alliance on Mental Illness concluded that 40 per cent of students avoid seeking assistance, 50 per cent are anxious about struggling in school, and 80 per cent feel burdened by their number of responsibilities. At Douglas College, a helping hand—in the form of a support group—is available for students who feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the world. The Kaleidoscope is a mental health support group running at UBC and Douglas with the goal of helping students by talking about their struggles in a safe and nurturing environment. Lia Hart, co-facilitator of the Kaleidoscope, and her work partner, Drew Webber, provided some insight and depth to the conversation around mental health. Webber, the assistant coach of Douglas’ Men’s volleyball team, has dealt first-hand with symptoms of a mental health condition through his 20s. He hasn't let his struggles get the best of him, as he hopes to one day become a teacher. Additionally, he hopes to put his writing skills to good use by writing books on the side. He loves the conversations that take place during the meetings. “T’ve learned to take ona new perspective on life which allows me to lead a fuller life,” said Webber. “I value growth and learning more, and | think that attitude is more meaningful then any material advancement, and hence a success story.” Hart, a former UBC graduate, is proud of the group’s inclusive and understanding environment, which helps further the recovery process for many attendees. Hart has seen her fair share of success stories, Hart’s personal success story includes being forced into hospital care, living in a group home, being supported back into post-secondary studies, and successfully completing them. “I had to be open to new ways of healing, and helping others is part of my recovery and well-being,” she noted. Every day, Hart and Webber work to dispel the misunderstandings around mental illness. There is undoubtedly a stigma around mental health issues, due to the fear of someone else’s behaviour being affected by mental unstableness—part of the reason the group is called Kaleidoscope: the name comes from the idea of having a multitude of perspectives. “You are not alone,” added % ; | Image via thinkstock Hart. “There is support available. You can still live a rich and meaningful life to a point where your mental hardships make your life fuller” Meetings take place at the New West Campus every Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. in Boardroom 207, unless otherwise noted.