NEW MALLS

Two commercial

centres in the east Abbotsford area – less than one kilometre apart – have been given first

reading by council, and will now proceed to a public hearing. The first would see the construction of an 8,944 sq/m development with 450 parking spaces at 2310 Whatcom Rd. Proposed by

developer Norman Cross, the complex would be anchored by an Overwaitea Foods store and a

Shoppers Drug Mart.

At 1920 and 1930 North Parallel Rd., close to Old Yale Road, Shape Properties is proposing a 7,146 sq/m commercial plaza with 273 parking spaces. That development would be anchored by a Thrifty Foods and Bank of Montreal.

SALMONELLA CASES

A jump in the number of

salmonella infections in recent weeks has prompted health

officials to urge the public to be careful about cooking eggs and chicken. Epidemiologists haven’t yet pinpointed a source of the infections, but under-cooked eggs and chicken are common sources of transmission of the bacteria.

Symptoms of salmonella

poisoning include fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes vomiting – typically 12 to 36 hours after

eating contaminated food.

JACKSON UPGRADE

Abbotsford’s Jackson Elementary is getting close to $200,000 in provincial funds for seismic upgrades.

Board of education chair Cindy Schafer said the improvements will ensure Jackson remains a safe and comfortable environment for students and staff for years to come.

The total cost of the project is $196,700, with work expected to be completed this fall.

YOUTH PROGRAM

Abbotsford Community Services (ACS) has developed a new

program to keep South Asian youth from getting involved in gangs. ACS has hired a

coordinator to work with W.J. Mouat and Rick Hansen secondary schools to identify at-risk youth in the community. The goal is also to establish a “wrap-around

program” which connects youth and their families to helpful

programs and services.