DCBA holds Tax Clinic and Accounting Networking Night > Offers free tax filing and networking with 10 accounting firms Carlos Bilan Staff Writer he Douglas College Business Association (DCBA) is holding a tax clinic, open every Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.—5 p.m. from March 6—April 30. CRA-trained volunteers will file student tax returns for free. According to the official event website, people eligible for tax returns must be either “single with an annual income below $30,000, or married with a combined annual income below $40,000.” The event page also states that volunteers are unable to perform tax returns for individuals who “have self- employed income, have business or rental income and expenses, have capital gains or losses, have filed for bankruptcy, and are deceased.” For those who qualify to have their tax returns filed, the event website has a detailed list on what one must bring. Appointments can also be booked through the event’s web page. While the clinic runs from Monday to Saturday, the location and time varies. Those interested in having their tax returns filed can access a timetable posted on the official event website. A disclaimer also states underneath that “times and dates may be subject to change.” On March g, the DCBA will hold the Accounting Networking Night in the Muir Foyer at the New Westminster campus. Those from BCIT, Capilano University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, Trinity Western University, and the University of the Fraser Valley are invited to attend the networking night. BDO, Crowe MacKay, D &H, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, Loren Nancke & Company, Manning Elliott, MNP, PwC, and Robert Half Finance & Accounting are all set to appear, and students will be able to network with representatives from these companies. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the dress code is business casual. Sagar said that these events are important for students who “want a job with a public accounting firm” and “are going to participate in the Fall Recruit 2017 season.” He added that “getting that face time and exposure to the representatives of these firms is so vital PoCo Recreation Complex plans to open 1n two stages > Construction aims to minimalize disruptions to community Aaron Guillen Staff Reporter y now, Port Coquitlam residents have likely seen fences being built around a beloved public property, perhaps right across their street. The Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex and its surrounding areas will be getting a fresh new look within the next four years. The 15-acre area is bordered by Wilson Avenue, Kingsway Avenue, Mary Hill Road, and Hawthorne Avenue. Recently, local residents were able to chat with and offer feedback to city officials in an open house that took a closer look at the plans, and to offer of feedback. “Once they got to see the design and details, they were on board,” said Port Coquitlam mayor Greg Moore to Tri-City News. “Many people were pleased with the different parts of the facility. It’s not just a sports facility, but a community gathering place.” The new PoCo Recreation Complex boasts many amenities, including an accessible leisure pool, three ice sheets (spectator, participant, and multi- purpose, respectively), gymnasium, cafe, library (integrated into the complex), lounge and kitchen, and outdoor plaza with seating, sport courts, amphitheatre, and spray park. The redevelopment will also see a major overhaul for residential, senior, and rental buildings in the southern area, headed up by Quantum Properties Inc. One of the controversies taking place in the redevelopment of the complex is the issue of tree preservation. According to city reports, of the 146 trees currently on site, only 24 trees will be saved, with only 7 of them remaining PHASE 1 SPRING 2017-FALL 2019 to landing that interview in the fall. Plus, you can get the nerves out of the way early. Learning to network effectively and efficiently really is a skill and the only way you can do it so that it’s natural is practice. Learning how to give that firm handshake, sparking a conversation about something other than the clichéd topics, and following up with those individuals you had a positive chat with” Sagar advised attendees to do some research on the firms attending and on relevant topics of conversation. He also advises that people try to talk many people in order to maximise the two-hour event. Lastly, he stresses that attendees enjoy themselves and make this opportunity to network a learning experience. “DCBA is putting on this event for all the students of the smaller schools to even the playing field in terms of the amount of exposure to these amazing firms. Take advantage of it,” said Sagar. on site after construction is complete. The other 17 will be moved to nearby parks and city properties. “We recognize the loss of trees will have a significant impact on the site until new trees are planted, and the city will leave the trees standing as long as possible until subsequent construction phases start,” noted the team, which is made up of Kristen Meersman, Director of Engineering and Public ™ Works; Laura Lee Richard, Director of Development Services; Lori Bowie, Director of Recreation; and Karen Grommada, Director of Finance, to Tri-City News. Construction will Fitness centre Games room, lounge and kitchen PHASE 2 SPRING 2019- SUMMER 2021 Library WILSON AVE MARY HILL RD Image via www.portcoquitlam.ca oo ~JUN2017- | JAN 2019 KINGSWAY AVE ey Sao ee take place in two stages starting in mid-March of this year and concluding in summer 2021. The current recreation complex and library will remain open until they are replaced. By fall 2019, city officials hope to open two ice sheets, and the library, fitness centre, pool, games room, lounge, and kitchen for public use. By summer 2021, the remaining amenities—including a spectator ice sheet, gymnasium, child-minding area, underground parking, cafe, and outdoor plaza—will be completed. Gymnasium Child-minding area When it comes to parking, the stalls on the North and West sides of the complex will soon be torn up. As of March 1, remaining parking spaces have a three-hour limit, and West Coast Express commuters will no longer qualify for free parking. Taxpayers won't have much to worry Café J about, as financing for the complex will be introduced in phases. A $25 parcel tax will be included on all properties from 2017-20, with property tax increasing by 0.5 per cent in 2017, and 1 per cent in 2018 and 2019. A portion of project funds have already been raised from tax increases dating back to 2015.