The Uptown New Westminster Business Improvement Association is ensuring cyclists have a place to park.
Mayor Jonathan Cote and Coun. Patrick Johnstone, chair of the city’s advisory committee for transit, bicycles and pedestrians, recently checked out the new bike racks uptown, a gift from the Uptown Business Association BIA.
Wayne Beattie, manager of Westminster Centre, said the association purchased 18 racks through the BIA levy. The bike racks, which arrived just before Christmas, are located within the BIA boundaries, which is the area from Fifth to Eighth streets and Fifth to Eighth avenues.
“People love them. Everybody I have talked to love them,” he said. “People love these small, little neat things.”
Beattie, chair of the association’s street beautification committee, said the 18 bike racks were a $12,000 investment by the Uptown Business Association. He noted that street beautification is one of four “pillars” the Uptown BIA allocates funds to annually.
“We also use those funds for the street banners, hanging baskets and Christmas lights that you see on the street poles throughout the area,” he said. “More and more customers are cycling to businesses in the Uptown area so more bike racks at key locations is essential and in line with our sustainability values.”
The racks are similar to the bike-shaped racks previously installed in the Uptown except the word “Uptown” is included in the new design.
“I think they are a great addition to the Uptown,” Cote said. “I love bike racks that try and be a little bit fun. I think these are fun. It’s nice the way they start to brand the Uptown business area as well.”
Johnstone said the committee welcomes the bike racks, as they provide places for cyclists to park their bikes when they reach their destination in Uptown.
Yoga helps animals
If they could speak a language understood by humans, we’re pretty sure the animals at the New Westminster Animal Shelter would say a big thank you to MOVE Yoga, Pilates and Dance Studio in Sapperton.
At Karma Yoga 101 classes in December, owners Jenni and Aaron Hart collected donations from participants for the animal shelter. They recently presented $374 to the shelter on behalf of contributions made at the business located in the Brewery District – topping their goal of raising $300.
“We are super proud that we raised more than our goal and have set a new goal of $400 that we hope to have ready in the spring,” Aaron said in an email.
ZHOOSH Fitness Garage launches new program for Parkinson’s
ZHOOSH Fitness Garage is getting set to launch a new exercise program for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Robyn Murrell, owner, participated in an intense workshop and is one of the first registered personal trainers in B.C. who are certified to teach this specialized exercise program. Exercise plays a role in maintaining muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and the ability to walk safely and carry out daily living activities for people who have this neuro-degenerative disorder.
“I am excited to offer this program for people living with Parkinson’s,” Murrell said in a press release. “After an initial required assessment, clients will learn how to target four major foundational movements to counteract the primary deficits shown by research to interfere with everyday mobility.”
Part of the PWR@ Moves program involves connecting with the client’s doctors, physiotherapists and other health-care professionals in order to offer a program specific to each client, she said.
A one-hour assessment appointment is required before starting the program. Regular monthly sessions will begin on Feb. 1 and will be held twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) from 11 a.m. to noon.
Previously, Murrell served as the New Westminster leader of a new 12-week walking program created by the Parkinson Society British Columbia and raised funds for the society.
To book an assessment, contact Murrell at ZHOOSH Fitness Garage at 778-323-1465 or email [email protected].
