Expanded pay parking plan forges ahead

Expanded pay parking is still in the plans, following a decision made by council Monday.

Council has asked staff to bring back a more detailed report about pay parking at the balance of Minoru Park in the short term, and other areas of the downtown core within a few months.

City staff was asked to review parking rates, and explore the potential to offer parking passes to community groups and regular users.

Uniformity explored

Do you wear a uniform?

Photographer Barry Jones may be interested in you.

Jones has been photographing people in uniform for over 20 years, and is now taking pictures of Richmond residents suited up for his upcoming show, Uniformed: from Urban Heroes to Mcjobs, coming to Richmond Art Gallery in April.

“We want people to come out and see themselves on the wall,” Richmond Art Gallery’s Nan Capogna said.

Jones’ show will explore how uniforms raise numerous issues, such as being part of a team versus being an individual.

“Uniforms are pretty loaded,” Capogna said.

To put your name forward, call Capogna at 604-231-6425.

Suspended doctor loses privileges

A local physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology no longer has practising privileges at Richmond Hospital.

Dr. Timothy Ng had his privileges suspended in October following a difficult baby delivery that allegedly resulted in his patient having to undergo a hysterectomy, according to court documents. His suspension was extended until late December and Ng petitioned B.C. Supreme Court to order that he be reinstated, citing concerns his reputation was being ruined.

Richmond Hospital spokesman Peter Roaf said this week that Ng “no longer has privileges at Richmond Hospital.”

Roaf refused to comment further about the case, and wouldn’t say whether Ng’s suspension had simply been extended or was permanent.

“He will not be practising at the hospital now,” Roaf said.

Ng remains a fully registered physician in good standing with the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons.

He is the subject of several civil lawsuits registered at B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster.

Former fire captain jailed for sex crimes

A Ladner man and retired Richmond Fire Rescue captain was sentenced Thursday to six months in jail after being found guilty of sex offenses involving young girls.

Ian Silverton was convicted in November on a total of eight counts of sexual assault.

He was known in his Ladner neighbourhood as the “mayor” for his outgoing nature and involvement with community groups.

Police said Silverton’s home was the site of children’s sleep-overs and he also accompanied youngsters on camping trips to Jones Lake.

As part of his sentence, Silverton will not be permitted to enter public areas where he might come into contact with children under 14.

Brodie gets TransLink post

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie was elected a member of TransLink, the region’s transportation authority, on Friday.

He replaces Richmond Coun. Kiichi Kumagai on the board made up of local politicians. Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum is the new chair, replacing Vancouver Coun. George Puil.

Thieves distract airport victims

Travellers are being warned to be extra cautious following a recent theft at Vancouver International Airport.

Last week, thieves apparently slashed a vehicle’s tire in order to distract the owners and make off with a handbag. The travellers had just returned a baggage cart after loading their vehicle with luggage when they noticed the slashed tire.

As they were changing the tire, one of their handbags was stolen.

This isn’t the first time the distraction method has been used to victimize travellers.

In recent months, other victims have been squirted with something, like mustard, or ketchup, or thieves have intentionally dropped money on the ground, as a distraction.