I noticed a sign up in the former location of King Tut's on 176th Street near 56A Avenue, that The Healthy Earth deli, juice & smoothie bar is opening in July.
Overall a good idea but perhaps a little ambitious for Cloverdale. This is a town with at least one of every fast food restaurant out there. A cowboy town. Check your discerning tastes at the edge of town type of place.
For more information their website is www.thehealthyearth.com
Showing posts with label 176th Street. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 176th Street. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Cloverdale Canada Day celebration July 1, 2015
Once again Cloverdale is hosting a big Canada Day celebration at the Cloverdale Millennium Park which has been renamed Bill Reid Millennium Park. The Millennium Park is located on the corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue.
The gates open at 10am and the festivities end around 10:30pm with the fireworks.
This year's featured performers are Blue Rodeo at 9pm. More information on the entertainment line up can be found here http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/42.aspx
In past years over 100,000 people have been in attendance so the big question is where to find parking in a town that's going to become a traffic nightmare. Free parking at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, enter off 60th Avenue, east of 176th Street. They usually open up the racetrack for parking. This usually fills up at some point in the afternoon on July 1 and the lot is closed. People also look for parking west of 176th Street in the subdivision between 60th Avenue and 64th Avenue. There is a park and a school in the area and the gates are open for cars. Lord Tweedsmuir on 180th Street and 60th Avenue has the gates open for parking too and not too many people park here until its time for the fireworks. It's a good spot to sit on the football field and watch them from.
Surrey's fast moving parking enforcement officers are all over Cloverdale on Canada Day making big bucks in fines. Make sure you don't park in a 2 hour parking zone if you're going to be away from your car longer than that. Other normal rules of the road apply. I see cars with tickets because they parked too close to a stop sign or they parked the opposite way from the traffic direction or they parked in a no parking zone. Don't even think of parking in the Cloverdale Crossing Mall across the street from the Millennium Park. They put up big signs at each entrance warning people there is no special event parking. And they hire security guards to watch where people are going when they get out of their car. If you go into a business, no problem. If you walk across the street, they'll call a tow truck. Don't risk parking, going into Tim Horton's and then cross the street with your goodies. The security guards might not see you, but if you leave your car there too long it'll be towed.
So there you have it. Plenty of free parking around Cloverdale, just do it legally.
Now for the big traffic nightmare part around Cloverdale, getting out. If you don't want to see the fireworks, then get moving. If you stay for the fireworks getting out of Cloverdale requires lots of patience. Around 10pm the police close off 176th Street between 57th Avenue and 64th Avenue. This is due to pedestrian safety. The streets will be clogged with people walking back to their cars. For some reason drivers think it's a good idea to head into one of the subdivisions and go around in circles and then end up back where the street is closed. Your best bet wherever you are is to head east to get out of Cloverdale even if its a bit out of your way because most everyone else is heading west. Drive up to 184th Street. From there head to either Highway 10 or Fraser Highway or further along if that suits your destination better. The farther away you get from Cloverdale the lesser the traffic, so don't try to navigate any of the subdivisions close to the fairgrounds unless you like circling back to where you started from.
Happy Canada Day!
The gates open at 10am and the festivities end around 10:30pm with the fireworks.
This year's featured performers are Blue Rodeo at 9pm. More information on the entertainment line up can be found here http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/42.aspx
In past years over 100,000 people have been in attendance so the big question is where to find parking in a town that's going to become a traffic nightmare. Free parking at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, enter off 60th Avenue, east of 176th Street. They usually open up the racetrack for parking. This usually fills up at some point in the afternoon on July 1 and the lot is closed. People also look for parking west of 176th Street in the subdivision between 60th Avenue and 64th Avenue. There is a park and a school in the area and the gates are open for cars. Lord Tweedsmuir on 180th Street and 60th Avenue has the gates open for parking too and not too many people park here until its time for the fireworks. It's a good spot to sit on the football field and watch them from.
Surrey's fast moving parking enforcement officers are all over Cloverdale on Canada Day making big bucks in fines. Make sure you don't park in a 2 hour parking zone if you're going to be away from your car longer than that. Other normal rules of the road apply. I see cars with tickets because they parked too close to a stop sign or they parked the opposite way from the traffic direction or they parked in a no parking zone. Don't even think of parking in the Cloverdale Crossing Mall across the street from the Millennium Park. They put up big signs at each entrance warning people there is no special event parking. And they hire security guards to watch where people are going when they get out of their car. If you go into a business, no problem. If you walk across the street, they'll call a tow truck. Don't risk parking, going into Tim Horton's and then cross the street with your goodies. The security guards might not see you, but if you leave your car there too long it'll be towed.
So there you have it. Plenty of free parking around Cloverdale, just do it legally.
Now for the big traffic nightmare part around Cloverdale, getting out. If you don't want to see the fireworks, then get moving. If you stay for the fireworks getting out of Cloverdale requires lots of patience. Around 10pm the police close off 176th Street between 57th Avenue and 64th Avenue. This is due to pedestrian safety. The streets will be clogged with people walking back to their cars. For some reason drivers think it's a good idea to head into one of the subdivisions and go around in circles and then end up back where the street is closed. Your best bet wherever you are is to head east to get out of Cloverdale even if its a bit out of your way because most everyone else is heading west. Drive up to 184th Street. From there head to either Highway 10 or Fraser Highway or further along if that suits your destination better. The farther away you get from Cloverdale the lesser the traffic, so don't try to navigate any of the subdivisions close to the fairgrounds unless you like circling back to where you started from.
Happy Canada Day!
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Cloverdale Rodeo weekend May 15 to 18, 2015
It's only a few days away! The Cloverdale Rodeo hits town again on the May long weekend, May 15 - 18, 2015.
The rodeo and country fair is held in the Cloverdale Fairgrounds on the corner of 176th Street and 60th Avenue, also home to Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino. Same parking lot but due to the special event pay parking is in effect - $10 and main parking lot accessed off 60th Avenue. If the lot is full, there is free parking on the residential streets surrounding the fairgrounds. Before you park in the downtown shopping area of Cloverdale, along 176th Street, pay attention to the parking signs, especially if it says 2 hour parking. The City of Surry parking enforcement is out in full force on the rodeo weekend. They make a lot of money. Make sure you don't park within 6 metres of a stop sign, block a fire hydrant, or park facing the opposite direction of traffic. I've seen parking tickets on cars that do this. The old Cloverdale Mall parking lot is blocked off with fencing, so don't head there if you haven't been in Cloverdale in a couple of years. No parking access. Also don't think of parking in the Cloverdale Crossing shopping plaza, corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue. They have signs up warning there is no event parking and they hire security guards to keep an eye on people exiting cars to make sure they're going into one of the shops and not crossing the street to the fairgrounds. And they quick call tow trucks.
Things kick off on Thursday night, May14, 2015 with the bed races. Held on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues starting around 6pm. They usually last for an hour.
On Friday, May 15, 2015 go to the Clover Square shopping mall on the corner of Highway 10 and 177B Street for the chili cook off between 4:30pm and 6:30pm. Many businesses and individuals compete and its free for the consumer as long as they're voting on the favourite chili. Each station gives out a small cup of chili. Sometimes there'll be extra goodies like a bun or tortilla chips or something to drink. There's a stage set up with live country music.
The fairgrounds opens at 4pm on Friday. Check their website for operating times and rodeo performances. http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/rodeo-and-country-fair/
The parade (free) gets underway Saturday morning May 16, 2015 around 10am depending on where you're at on the route. The parade staging areas are on all the avenues from 56A to 58A between 176A and 177B Streets. There is no public parking on these areas on Saturday morning until the parade has ended. The rest of the weekend its up for grabs. The parade starts off along 177B Street while all the participants get ready, heads south to Highway 10 where half the lanes have been blocked off up to 176th Street. The parade heads north along 176 Street and this is where most of the spectators take up viewing spots. If you plan to watch on 176th Street, be sure to arrive by 9am for a good spot. When the parade reaches 58A Avenue, it turns east and at 176A Street, turns north and goes to the fairgrounds. However the parade always seems to peter out at this spot, and instead of continuing all the way to the fairgrounds, the participants turn back to the staging area.
Various pancake breakfasts happening all weekend for around $5 at the Cloverdale Legion on 57th Avenue just west of 176th Street, and the Lions holding a pancake breakfast at Hawthorne Square on 176th Street, between 57th and 58th Avenues. I haven't seen a sign in front of the church that usually does a free pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before the rodeo. I'll do a quick update if I see that one's going ahead.
Have a great weekend!
The rodeo and country fair is held in the Cloverdale Fairgrounds on the corner of 176th Street and 60th Avenue, also home to Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino. Same parking lot but due to the special event pay parking is in effect - $10 and main parking lot accessed off 60th Avenue. If the lot is full, there is free parking on the residential streets surrounding the fairgrounds. Before you park in the downtown shopping area of Cloverdale, along 176th Street, pay attention to the parking signs, especially if it says 2 hour parking. The City of Surry parking enforcement is out in full force on the rodeo weekend. They make a lot of money. Make sure you don't park within 6 metres of a stop sign, block a fire hydrant, or park facing the opposite direction of traffic. I've seen parking tickets on cars that do this. The old Cloverdale Mall parking lot is blocked off with fencing, so don't head there if you haven't been in Cloverdale in a couple of years. No parking access. Also don't think of parking in the Cloverdale Crossing shopping plaza, corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue. They have signs up warning there is no event parking and they hire security guards to keep an eye on people exiting cars to make sure they're going into one of the shops and not crossing the street to the fairgrounds. And they quick call tow trucks.
Things kick off on Thursday night, May14, 2015 with the bed races. Held on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues starting around 6pm. They usually last for an hour.
On Friday, May 15, 2015 go to the Clover Square shopping mall on the corner of Highway 10 and 177B Street for the chili cook off between 4:30pm and 6:30pm. Many businesses and individuals compete and its free for the consumer as long as they're voting on the favourite chili. Each station gives out a small cup of chili. Sometimes there'll be extra goodies like a bun or tortilla chips or something to drink. There's a stage set up with live country music.
The fairgrounds opens at 4pm on Friday. Check their website for operating times and rodeo performances. http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/rodeo-and-country-fair/
The parade (free) gets underway Saturday morning May 16, 2015 around 10am depending on where you're at on the route. The parade staging areas are on all the avenues from 56A to 58A between 176A and 177B Streets. There is no public parking on these areas on Saturday morning until the parade has ended. The rest of the weekend its up for grabs. The parade starts off along 177B Street while all the participants get ready, heads south to Highway 10 where half the lanes have been blocked off up to 176th Street. The parade heads north along 176 Street and this is where most of the spectators take up viewing spots. If you plan to watch on 176th Street, be sure to arrive by 9am for a good spot. When the parade reaches 58A Avenue, it turns east and at 176A Street, turns north and goes to the fairgrounds. However the parade always seems to peter out at this spot, and instead of continuing all the way to the fairgrounds, the participants turn back to the staging area.
Various pancake breakfasts happening all weekend for around $5 at the Cloverdale Legion on 57th Avenue just west of 176th Street, and the Lions holding a pancake breakfast at Hawthorne Square on 176th Street, between 57th and 58th Avenues. I haven't seen a sign in front of the church that usually does a free pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before the rodeo. I'll do a quick update if I see that one's going ahead.
Have a great weekend!
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Clova Theatre Christmas Movies
The Clova will be showing Christmas movies in December. This appears to be an event organized by the current building owners, Crossridge Church, instead of the former Clova staff.
Admission is by donation to the food bank. Bag of popcorn and a pop for $2. Free coffee and hot chocolate.
Showtimes are at 7pm.
December 12: It's a Wonderful Life
December 19: A Christmas Carol
December 22: The Polar Express
If you miss the Clova and want to see a movie on their screen again, don't miss your chance to enjoy some holiday favourites and help out the food bank.
The Clova is located at 5732 176th Street.
Admission is by donation to the food bank. Bag of popcorn and a pop for $2. Free coffee and hot chocolate.
Showtimes are at 7pm.
December 12: It's a Wonderful Life
December 19: A Christmas Carol
December 22: The Polar Express
If you miss the Clova and want to see a movie on their screen again, don't miss your chance to enjoy some holiday favourites and help out the food bank.
The Clova is located at 5732 176th Street.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
King Tut's Donairs has Closed
The other day I walked past King Tut's Donairs and noticed a big "for rent" sign in the window.
The restaurant was on 176th Street, almost across the street from 56A Avenue. Prior to being King Tut's Donairs it was a Mexican restaurant called Rico Burrito and then Clover Creek BBQ. The odd thing about the 2 previous restaurants, circa 2009 to 2011, was that they were hardly ever open. Hit and miss. I don't know why they bothered putting a sign on the door with their hours. They also had the same phone number, speculating the same ownership.
After being empty for awhile, King Tut's opened up in this location, home of the $5 donair. They were open late at night until 2 or 3 in the morning. Cloverdale is a sleepy little place and I didn't think there was that much business to stay open well after Midnight. Eventually the hours changed to close at 8pm. King Tut's was definitely open daily and they served a good product, and had about 30 different types of donair types. The big problem was half the time they couldn't complete the donair ordered due to lack of ingredients, and this might be in the afternoon, not even the dinner rush. After asking the clerk for 4 or 5 different choices, none available, we often went elsewhere to eat. They also had a product called donair fries but everytime we ordered it the clerk said they hadn't received training. I'm not sure if that was true or if they were missing ingredients. I ate donairs there easily a dozen times, but the last time I had a donair there it was moldy and I couldn't bring myself to go back there.
The restaurant was on 176th Street, almost across the street from 56A Avenue. Prior to being King Tut's Donairs it was a Mexican restaurant called Rico Burrito and then Clover Creek BBQ. The odd thing about the 2 previous restaurants, circa 2009 to 2011, was that they were hardly ever open. Hit and miss. I don't know why they bothered putting a sign on the door with their hours. They also had the same phone number, speculating the same ownership.
After being empty for awhile, King Tut's opened up in this location, home of the $5 donair. They were open late at night until 2 or 3 in the morning. Cloverdale is a sleepy little place and I didn't think there was that much business to stay open well after Midnight. Eventually the hours changed to close at 8pm. King Tut's was definitely open daily and they served a good product, and had about 30 different types of donair types. The big problem was half the time they couldn't complete the donair ordered due to lack of ingredients, and this might be in the afternoon, not even the dinner rush. After asking the clerk for 4 or 5 different choices, none available, we often went elsewhere to eat. They also had a product called donair fries but everytime we ordered it the clerk said they hadn't received training. I'm not sure if that was true or if they were missing ingredients. I ate donairs there easily a dozen times, but the last time I had a donair there it was moldy and I couldn't bring myself to go back there.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Surrey Night Market in Cloverdale
The Surrey Night Market will be starting this weekend, Friday July 5, 2014 running Friday and Saturday nights ending August 30, 2014.
The Surrey Night Market will be held in Cloverdale on 62nd Avenue, accessed only from 176th Street, the north end of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Head towards the Agriplex, across the street from the backstretch of Fraser Downs.
There is lots of parking in the fairgrounds but no parking in the backstretch or the rec centre.
The Surrey Night Market will have lots of food vendors and other vendors. There will also be entertainers. The market is open from 6pm to 11pm and admission is $2.
For more information see their website. http://surreynightmarket.com/
The Surrey Night Market will be held in Cloverdale on 62nd Avenue, accessed only from 176th Street, the north end of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Head towards the Agriplex, across the street from the backstretch of Fraser Downs.
There is lots of parking in the fairgrounds but no parking in the backstretch or the rec centre.
The Surrey Night Market will have lots of food vendors and other vendors. There will also be entertainers. The market is open from 6pm to 11pm and admission is $2.
For more information see their website. http://surreynightmarket.com/
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Cloverdale Rodeo May 2014
The Cloverdale Rodeo and all the events surrounding it is coming up this long weekend. The city crews have been busy spiffing up town. The lawns in the boulevards have been mowed and the hanging planters are up along 176th Street and the automatic waterers are keeping them watered.
For the past couple of days there is activity in the Cloverdale fairgrounds while midway rides and concession stands are getting set up in place.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, May 15, 2014 with the bed races on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues. It starts around 6pm. Come out and cheer on your favourite team!
On Friday, May 16, 2014, the great chili cook off is happening in the Clover Square Village on Highway 10 and 177B Street. This is from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Tasting the chili is free and often the competitors have other snacks (tortilla chips, cookies, beverages) so come out and eat enough where you don't have to cook dinner. Vote for the best chili and enjoy the music entertainment.
The fairgrounds opens at 4pm for the midway and there will be a rodeo performance that night.
Check their website for the hours of operation all weekend. http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/
On Saturday morning the Cloverdale Rodeo parade gets underway at 10am, depending on your viewing area. The parade sets up on the side streets between 176A Street and 177B Street (roughly between 56A Avenue and 58 Avenue. The parade heads south on 177B Street to Highway 10. Half the highway is shut down during the parade. The parade goes west on Highway 10 and then turns left (north) on 176th Street. This is the most popular area for viewing the parade. Arrive early for a good spot if this is the place you want to be. The parade continues to 58A Avenue, then hangs a right (east) to 176A Street and turns left (north) back towards the fairgrounds. It kind of peters out here so don't find a viewing spot on 176A and hope to see the parade. The competitors are stopping and turning around to get back to where they parked their cars.
City workers have put up big signs on 176th Street just north of 64th Avenue and just before the Roger Pierlet Overlet overpass over the train tracks advising drivers due to the event there will be traffic tie ups. Unfortunately where they put the signs up there is really nowhere else for the drivers to go but head straight into Cloverdale and the traffic congestion. If you don't plan to attend the rodeo or go to the fair, avoid the Cloverdale fairgrounds area. Traffic is snarled. Go a few blocks out of your way and you'll save yourself lots of time.
For the past couple of days there is activity in the Cloverdale fairgrounds while midway rides and concession stands are getting set up in place.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, May 15, 2014 with the bed races on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues. It starts around 6pm. Come out and cheer on your favourite team!
On Friday, May 16, 2014, the great chili cook off is happening in the Clover Square Village on Highway 10 and 177B Street. This is from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Tasting the chili is free and often the competitors have other snacks (tortilla chips, cookies, beverages) so come out and eat enough where you don't have to cook dinner. Vote for the best chili and enjoy the music entertainment.
The fairgrounds opens at 4pm for the midway and there will be a rodeo performance that night.
Check their website for the hours of operation all weekend. http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/
On Saturday morning the Cloverdale Rodeo parade gets underway at 10am, depending on your viewing area. The parade sets up on the side streets between 176A Street and 177B Street (roughly between 56A Avenue and 58 Avenue. The parade heads south on 177B Street to Highway 10. Half the highway is shut down during the parade. The parade goes west on Highway 10 and then turns left (north) on 176th Street. This is the most popular area for viewing the parade. Arrive early for a good spot if this is the place you want to be. The parade continues to 58A Avenue, then hangs a right (east) to 176A Street and turns left (north) back towards the fairgrounds. It kind of peters out here so don't find a viewing spot on 176A and hope to see the parade. The competitors are stopping and turning around to get back to where they parked their cars.
City workers have put up big signs on 176th Street just north of 64th Avenue and just before the Roger Pierlet Overlet overpass over the train tracks advising drivers due to the event there will be traffic tie ups. Unfortunately where they put the signs up there is really nowhere else for the drivers to go but head straight into Cloverdale and the traffic congestion. If you don't plan to attend the rodeo or go to the fair, avoid the Cloverdale fairgrounds area. Traffic is snarled. Go a few blocks out of your way and you'll save yourself lots of time.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Christmas Lights around Cloverdale
I'm using a different camera. It's not so good with night shots but here are a few scenes around Cloverdale with Christmas lights.
On 176th Street and 58A Avenue.
One of the wreaths hanging from a light pole.
176th Street looking south from 58th Avenue.
Painted windows at MLA Stephanie Cadieux's office on 176th Street.
Fedewich notary office on 176A Street
The Christmas tree on top of the Dale building on 176th Street.
Lights on Hawthorne Square on 176th Street.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Cloverdale Santa Claus Parade - Sunday, December 8, 2013
This year Cloverdale's Santa Claus Christmas Parade of Lights will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2013 starting at 5pm.
Note: this is one week later from the previously announced date. If you show up in Cloverdale on December 1 you will be disappointed.
They changed the parade route last year and I think they are doing the same route again this year. The parade's staging area is in the Fraser Downs parking lot - the fairgrounds on 60th Avenue. The parade will come out of the parking lot and head south on 177B Street. At 58th Avenue, the parade turns west and continues to 176th Street. The parade continues southbound to 56A Avenue and then turns right or westbound. At this point the parade peters out and goes up the back alley to 57th Avenue and then exits at the Cloverdale Bypass and makes their way back to the fairgrounds. Most people try to get viewing spots on 176th Street especially if they have children who want to meet Santa. It's less crowded along 58th Avenue.
The parade features semi truck rigs decked out in Christmas lights and decorations, many coming from Vancouver Island through the Island Equipment Owners Association. There were also be local trucks in the parade. There will be cars, marching bands, and horses taking part. The highlight is Santa Claus at the end of the parade who will disembark his float at Hawthorne Square on 176th Street, between 57th and 58th Avenues, and will throw the switch to light up the Christmas tree on top of the Dale Building.
Last year there were 3 floats that had Santa Claus so perhaps they'll coordinate a bit better this year!
The food bank will be collecting donations and several merchants and vendors will be selling hot chocolate, hot dogs, cookies, and other treats.
Parking around Cloverdale can be a little tricky. All the above mentioned streets on the parade route will have temporary no parking signs on them. If you've parked in the past at the site of the old Cloverdale Mall, you need to find another place to park. The old mall is under construction and behind a fence. There are still some parking spaces around the Cloverdale Legion on 57th Avenue. Public parking lots are on 176A Street at 58A Avenue, 176A Street at 57A Avenue (behind the Clova Theatre, next to the Bank of Montreal), and in the alley behind 176th Street between 56A Avenue and 57th Avenues behind the firehall. These public parking lots between them hold about 150 cars. The old Cloverdale Super Market (Shop-Easy) that closed down on 176th Street and 58th Avenue has a small parking lot that holds about 20 cars. No one is monitoring the parking there but arrive early before the streets get shut down. There is free street parking around Cloverdale, look at 176A and 177B Streets and all the avenues between those streets and then walk downtown. Streets will be shut down by volunteers so car traffic will undoubtedly get quite jammed up as people arriving at the last minute try to find a place to park. If you want to find a good parking spot, arrive before 4pm. If you arrive late, after 4:30pm, try the parking lot at the fairgrounds and catch the parade as it starts.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Christmas Lights going up around Cloverdale
Christmas lights are being hung in downtown Cloverdale. Some of the Christmas lights have been set up on 176th Street and in Hawthorne Square. Several trees on the main street have been decorated and Hawthorne Square has red Christmas lights strung up and some wreaths.
The workers will be finishing the lights by the end of November in preparation for the Santa Claus Parade.
The workers will be finishing the lights by the end of November in preparation for the Santa Claus Parade.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Cloverdale Harvest Day, Saturday October 5, 2013
Come down to 176th Street in Cloverdale on Saturday, October 5, 2013 for Harvest Day between 10am and 4pm.
The downtown merchants are having sidewalk sales and there will be a farmer's market.
There is rain in Saturday's forecast.
The downtown merchants are having sidewalk sales and there will be a farmer's market.
There is rain in Saturday's forecast.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Cloverdale Blueberry Festival August 10, 2013
The annual Cloverdale Blueberry Festival is on again for its 10th year on August 10, 2013 from 9am to 4pm. 176th Street and 176A Street will be closed from approximately 58A Avenue to Highway 10.
The Show 'n' Shine will be mostly on 176th Street featuring antique and custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles. There will be entertainers set up on a stage across from Hawthorne Square - on 176th Street between 57th and 58th Avenues - performing all day. There'll be a blueberry pie eating contest at 10am and 11am. There's an art festival taking place at the Surrey Museum (56A Avenue between 176A and 177B Street) with entertainers performing throughout the day here too. The Cloverdale Lions Club will be selling blueberry pancakes in Hawthorne Square from 8am to 10:30am and vendors will be set up on 56A Avenue and 176th Street.
Just walk around downtown Cloverdale and you'll see everything.
As for parking, seeing as how the old Cloverdale Mall is fenced off, try parking in the Cloverdale Legion's parking lot on 57th Avenue between the Cloverdale Bypass and 176th Street. There is public parking lots just off 56A Avenue in the alley behind 176th Street near the firehall behind 57th Avenue. Other public parking lots are on 176A Street but they might be blocked off to traffic due to festivities. Look for parking on the residential streets 177B Street and on the avenues between 176A Street and 177B.
The Show 'n' Shine will be mostly on 176th Street featuring antique and custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles. There will be entertainers set up on a stage across from Hawthorne Square - on 176th Street between 57th and 58th Avenues - performing all day. There'll be a blueberry pie eating contest at 10am and 11am. There's an art festival taking place at the Surrey Museum (56A Avenue between 176A and 177B Street) with entertainers performing throughout the day here too. The Cloverdale Lions Club will be selling blueberry pancakes in Hawthorne Square from 8am to 10:30am and vendors will be set up on 56A Avenue and 176th Street.
Just walk around downtown Cloverdale and you'll see everything.
As for parking, seeing as how the old Cloverdale Mall is fenced off, try parking in the Cloverdale Legion's parking lot on 57th Avenue between the Cloverdale Bypass and 176th Street. There is public parking lots just off 56A Avenue in the alley behind 176th Street near the firehall behind 57th Avenue. Other public parking lots are on 176A Street but they might be blocked off to traffic due to festivities. Look for parking on the residential streets 177B Street and on the avenues between 176A Street and 177B.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Dann's has Closed
Dann's, the bicycle and electronics shop on 176th Street has closed. I knew they'd been planning to close for some time and I haven't walked past in awhile but noticed tonight the big Dann's sign was gone.
I looked in the window and it appears to be a shop for antiques and/or second hand goods. No name on the store, but I did see a very faint outline on the door's window that might have read The Bowerbird Shop.
Dann's was the place where my parents bought my bicycles and accessories and the place we took appliances such as TVs and stereos for repairs.
When I was still young enough to be riding a tricycle my father came home one day with this battery operated device that he'd bought from Dann's and he attached to the trike. When turned on it made a noise like a motorbike. Interesting choice. My father rode a motorbike when he was younger so maybe it was just one of those things that he had to have - for his kid's trike.
Dann's was in Cloverdale for a long time. I want to say around 75 years, but I'm not sure exactly when they opened, long before I was born. The original proprietor passed the shop over to his son and the last time I saw him he was getting up there in age which may have prompted the decision to close up shop.
I looked in the window and it appears to be a shop for antiques and/or second hand goods. No name on the store, but I did see a very faint outline on the door's window that might have read The Bowerbird Shop.
Dann's was the place where my parents bought my bicycles and accessories and the place we took appliances such as TVs and stereos for repairs.
When I was still young enough to be riding a tricycle my father came home one day with this battery operated device that he'd bought from Dann's and he attached to the trike. When turned on it made a noise like a motorbike. Interesting choice. My father rode a motorbike when he was younger so maybe it was just one of those things that he had to have - for his kid's trike.
Dann's was in Cloverdale for a long time. I want to say around 75 years, but I'm not sure exactly when they opened, long before I was born. The original proprietor passed the shop over to his son and the last time I saw him he was getting up there in age which may have prompted the decision to close up shop.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Cloverdale Canada Day Party July 1, 2013
The City of Surrey and Cloverdale host Canada Day celebrations at the Millennium Park on the corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue. It's a free event from 10am to about 10:30pm or whenever the fireworks end. There will be entertainers and singers all day, amusement park rides, about 50 exhibitors/vendors, and food concessions.
The headline act, musical group Platinum Blonde, will take to the stage at 9pm, the last act of the night. When they're done the fireworks show starts.
For more information about the Canada Day celebrations, check their website http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/default.aspx
Now on to the stuff people really want to know about - where to park and how to get around Cloverdale, or this busy intersection, especially once the fireworks have ended!
Free parking at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Enter off 60th Avenue at 177B Street. They open up the racetrack for cars to park there. Limited parking next door at Greenaway Park, about 20 spots, but by this time its a fair hike to get to the Millennium Park.
Don't think about parking at the old Cloverdale Mall on the corner of the Cloverdale Bypass between 57th and 58th Avenues. They're building there, or will be. So far only ground work done. There's a big fence around the property. Off 58th Avenue there's about 30 parking lots in 2 different areas that aren't fenced off.
Most people find parking spots on the streets, usually in the subdivision between 60th and 64th Avenues, and 168th and 176th Streets. In other words the area directly across the street and west of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds and Millennium Park.
The parking lot at Lord Tweedsmuir High School, on 180th Street, just north of 60th Avenue, is open and there are lots of places to park here. Mostly people park here in the evening to catch the fireworks show. The school's football field on the hill overlooking the park and fairgrounds, is prime viewing for the fireworks.
Whatever you do, do not park in the Cloverdale Crossing Mall, on the other side of the street from the Millennium Park on 60th Avenue. They have signs up saying no event parking and security guards on duty. They are watching people who park and if they leave the property they call in tow trucks. Don't take a chance.
Getting out of Cloverdale is a bit of a nightmare. Likewise for traffic who have no intention of taking part in Canada Day festivities and are just in the unfortunate position of driving along 176th Street after 10pm. Last year the police shut down 176th Street and/or the Cloverdale Bypass (depends which part of the road you're on what its called) between Highway 10 (56th Avenue) and 64th Avenue. Likewise they shut down 57th Avenue, 58th Avenue, and 60th Avenue for any traffic planning to drive down one of those streets and turn onto the Cloverdale Bypass or 176th Street. That was a smart move because two years ago they only shut it down at 58th Avenue and traffic ended up in subdivision hell, going in circles, and ending up at a police blockade and going back the way they came from.
The streets are shut down because 100,000 people are leaving Millennium Park and pedestrians are all over the road. Safety issues.
So don't try to do anything smart driving around the subdivisions west of 176th Street thinking you'll beat the crowds of traffic and get out of Cloverdale faster. 20,000 other drivers are thinking the same thing. There are cul-de-sacs, dead ends, and streets that curve and wind in these subdivisions, and don't get you where you want to go.
My best suggestion is wherever you are head east like you're going to Langley and get yourself at least to 184th Street and away from the mass bedlam of tens of thousands of drivers. From 184th you can turn north and get yourself to the Fraser Highway which will get you back to 176th Street, or a better plan is to drive south. Highway 10 won't be too bad an option, but if you're going to South Surrey or planning to catch Highway 99, drive down 184th Street to 32nd Avenue and from there turn west. People aren't thinking of taking the scenic route and going up to 184th, but its only 8 blocks or so out of the way. Going a couple of kilometres out of your way and getting out of Cloverdale instead of trying to stick within a couple of blocks of Cloverdale and snake through car-jammed streets of the subdivisions where everyone is looking for a fast way out, will get you home faster.
Now what about traffic that just happens to be on 176th Street at that time of night and are surprised by the roads shut down. If you are driving north on 176th, which is really the Cloverdale Bypass at that section, at Highway 10/56th Avenue the road will be blocked by the police. Turn left and drive to 168th Street. Don't be tempted to turn down 60th or 64th Avenue. Bad choice. The police are waiting and will turn you back where you came from. Try to stay on 168th as long as you can. If you're heading for Highway 1, I'd recommend staying on 168th until at least 80th Avenue or 88th Avenue and then turning right to get back to 176th Street.
Or when you hit Highway 10, you can turn right and go up to 184th Street. Turn left and follow 184th to either the Fraser Highway or stay on it a little longer until it dead ends at 80th Avenue, then turn left and make your way back to 176th Street.
Hope my information helps! Stay safe. Pack your patience if you stay at the Millennium Park until the fireworks end. It takes a long time to move all that traffic out of the Cloverdale area.
The headline act, musical group Platinum Blonde, will take to the stage at 9pm, the last act of the night. When they're done the fireworks show starts.
For more information about the Canada Day celebrations, check their website http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/default.aspx
Now on to the stuff people really want to know about - where to park and how to get around Cloverdale, or this busy intersection, especially once the fireworks have ended!
Free parking at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Enter off 60th Avenue at 177B Street. They open up the racetrack for cars to park there. Limited parking next door at Greenaway Park, about 20 spots, but by this time its a fair hike to get to the Millennium Park.
Don't think about parking at the old Cloverdale Mall on the corner of the Cloverdale Bypass between 57th and 58th Avenues. They're building there, or will be. So far only ground work done. There's a big fence around the property. Off 58th Avenue there's about 30 parking lots in 2 different areas that aren't fenced off.
Most people find parking spots on the streets, usually in the subdivision between 60th and 64th Avenues, and 168th and 176th Streets. In other words the area directly across the street and west of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds and Millennium Park.
The parking lot at Lord Tweedsmuir High School, on 180th Street, just north of 60th Avenue, is open and there are lots of places to park here. Mostly people park here in the evening to catch the fireworks show. The school's football field on the hill overlooking the park and fairgrounds, is prime viewing for the fireworks.
Whatever you do, do not park in the Cloverdale Crossing Mall, on the other side of the street from the Millennium Park on 60th Avenue. They have signs up saying no event parking and security guards on duty. They are watching people who park and if they leave the property they call in tow trucks. Don't take a chance.
Getting out of Cloverdale is a bit of a nightmare. Likewise for traffic who have no intention of taking part in Canada Day festivities and are just in the unfortunate position of driving along 176th Street after 10pm. Last year the police shut down 176th Street and/or the Cloverdale Bypass (depends which part of the road you're on what its called) between Highway 10 (56th Avenue) and 64th Avenue. Likewise they shut down 57th Avenue, 58th Avenue, and 60th Avenue for any traffic planning to drive down one of those streets and turn onto the Cloverdale Bypass or 176th Street. That was a smart move because two years ago they only shut it down at 58th Avenue and traffic ended up in subdivision hell, going in circles, and ending up at a police blockade and going back the way they came from.
The streets are shut down because 100,000 people are leaving Millennium Park and pedestrians are all over the road. Safety issues.
So don't try to do anything smart driving around the subdivisions west of 176th Street thinking you'll beat the crowds of traffic and get out of Cloverdale faster. 20,000 other drivers are thinking the same thing. There are cul-de-sacs, dead ends, and streets that curve and wind in these subdivisions, and don't get you where you want to go.
My best suggestion is wherever you are head east like you're going to Langley and get yourself at least to 184th Street and away from the mass bedlam of tens of thousands of drivers. From 184th you can turn north and get yourself to the Fraser Highway which will get you back to 176th Street, or a better plan is to drive south. Highway 10 won't be too bad an option, but if you're going to South Surrey or planning to catch Highway 99, drive down 184th Street to 32nd Avenue and from there turn west. People aren't thinking of taking the scenic route and going up to 184th, but its only 8 blocks or so out of the way. Going a couple of kilometres out of your way and getting out of Cloverdale instead of trying to stick within a couple of blocks of Cloverdale and snake through car-jammed streets of the subdivisions where everyone is looking for a fast way out, will get you home faster.
Now what about traffic that just happens to be on 176th Street at that time of night and are surprised by the roads shut down. If you are driving north on 176th, which is really the Cloverdale Bypass at that section, at Highway 10/56th Avenue the road will be blocked by the police. Turn left and drive to 168th Street. Don't be tempted to turn down 60th or 64th Avenue. Bad choice. The police are waiting and will turn you back where you came from. Try to stay on 168th as long as you can. If you're heading for Highway 1, I'd recommend staying on 168th until at least 80th Avenue or 88th Avenue and then turning right to get back to 176th Street.
Or when you hit Highway 10, you can turn right and go up to 184th Street. Turn left and follow 184th to either the Fraser Highway or stay on it a little longer until it dead ends at 80th Avenue, then turn left and make your way back to 176th Street.
Hope my information helps! Stay safe. Pack your patience if you stay at the Millennium Park until the fireworks end. It takes a long time to move all that traffic out of the Cloverdale area.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Cloverdale Supermarket (Shop Easy) Update
I still haven't figured out what is happening with the Cloverdale Supermarket, formerly known as the Shop Easy, on the corner of 176th Street and 58th Avenue.
They've had signs up on their window for a few weeks saying everything must go and all products 10 to 50% off. At the end of May a cash only sign appeared in the window. By that time there were no perishables left in the store.
I'm not sure if they're getting ready for inventory, doing renovations, or closing down for good.
They used to be open 8am to 8pm but I go past during those hours and they're closed. A week ago I saw a sign up they were closed for 2 days for inventory, but seeing as how I haven't seen them open all June I didn't pay much attention to that.
Last night (Wednesday June 19) I saw two 5 ton moving vans in the parking lot and men bringing shelving units out of the building and into a truck. When I walked past this morning the store is more than half empty inside.
A mystery.
They've had signs up on their window for a few weeks saying everything must go and all products 10 to 50% off. At the end of May a cash only sign appeared in the window. By that time there were no perishables left in the store.
I'm not sure if they're getting ready for inventory, doing renovations, or closing down for good.
They used to be open 8am to 8pm but I go past during those hours and they're closed. A week ago I saw a sign up they were closed for 2 days for inventory, but seeing as how I haven't seen them open all June I didn't pay much attention to that.
Last night (Wednesday June 19) I saw two 5 ton moving vans in the parking lot and men bringing shelving units out of the building and into a truck. When I walked past this morning the store is more than half empty inside.
A mystery.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Free Hot Tub dumped in old Cloverdale Mall lot
This is something you don't see everyday. Someone has dumped an old hot tub in the parking lot of the old Cloverdale Mall, near the corner of 58th Avenue and the Cloverdale Bypass.
They put a "free" sign on it.
I think the sign should read: come haul my junk away for me for free.
It wasn't there this morning so somebody dropped it off during daylight hours. On a busy highway like the Cloverdale Bypass section of 176th Street? And nobody saw?
Ironically enough a junk disposal truck has been parking in this spot over the past few weeks drumming up some free advertising. Perhaps they'll do a good deed and haul it away.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
New Store in Former Anca's Shop
Anca's Bridal shop in Cloverdale closed down a few months ago. It was formerly Dee's Brazilian Shoes, a couple of shops down from Hawthorne Square on 176th Street.
A second hand shop opened up there a few weeks ago but there was no signage. Yesterday I walked past and finally noticed a sign up - Timeless Treasures.
Head on over and check it out for your second hand gear. I noticed a lot of 50's and 60's memorabilia in there.
A second hand shop opened up there a few weeks ago but there was no signage. Yesterday I walked past and finally noticed a sign up - Timeless Treasures.
Head on over and check it out for your second hand gear. I noticed a lot of 50's and 60's memorabilia in there.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Cloverdale Supermarket - Everything on Sale!
A couple of days ago I noticed the Cloverdale Supermarket, formerly known as the Shop Easy, on the corner of 58th Avenue and 176th Street, has signs up that all merchandise is on sale at 10% to 50% off. Another sign states that everything must go.
I haven't been able to speak with anyone at the store yet so I'm not sure if this means they're closing down or clearing out all stock and then doing renovations.
Will update when I find out more, but now's a good time to go shopping there and save a little money.
I haven't been able to speak with anyone at the store yet so I'm not sure if this means they're closing down or clearing out all stock and then doing renovations.
Will update when I find out more, but now's a good time to go shopping there and save a little money.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Parking around Cloverdale for Parade and Rodeo
Here's the scoop on parking around Cloverdale during the rodeo weekend May 17 - 20, 2013.
The big news is the huge parking lot at the former Cloverdale Mall is no more. The area has been fenced in for construction. There are about 100 parking spots in the area surrounding the Cloverdale Legion, the last of the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot. However the Legion is holding pancake breakfasts and barbecues all weekend and won't be too impressed if people park there and aren't coming inside to eat.
The first suggestion is to pay $10 and park at the Cloverdale fairgrounds. That gives you a close walk to the fair and the rodeo.
Also try Greenaway Park next to the fairgrounds on 60th Avenue and park there for free. The gates are locked at dusk so get back to your car by then or look for another way home.
Another is to park on residential streets around Cloverdale. That'll be a longer walk but parking is free. Keep an eye on the parking signs. Downtown Cloverdale is a maximum of 2 hours and there are a few no parking areas around town. The parking bylaw officers are in full force in Cloverdale this weekend. Huge payday for them because people park where they shouldn't be. The most popular parking spots are everything in-between 176A Street and 180th Street and 56A Avenue to 59th Avenue.
Cloverdale has a few free public parking lots. One is located on 56A Avenue just west of 176th Street, in the alley behind the firehall. There's about 60 parking spots here. On 176A Street just north of 57th Avenue, behind the Clova and next to the Bank of Montreal is a large parking lot. A couple hundred spots available here. A little further down 176A Street on the corner of 58A Avenue is another parking lot with about 100 or so parking spots.
There are a few spots available in the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot just off 58th Avenue, closer to the Cloverdale Bypass. Enter off 58th and there are about 15 parking spots here. A little further up, enter from the alley behind the Cloverdale Supermarket is about 30 more parking spots. Get here by 8am on Saturday May 18th if you're planning to watch the parade. Unless its raining, all the parking spots close to 176th Street go early.
On Saturday morning the streets between 176A Street and 177B Street 56A Avenue to 58A Avenue are temporarily closed from 6am to noon for the parade participants to set up. After noon they are up for grabs the rest of the weekend. 176th Street is closed during these times because of the parade route. Tow trucks are standing near by and I always see a couple of cars being towed off this street. Not a good idea to park here the rest of the weekend anyway because its 2 hour parking.
There is a lot of street parking in residential areas west of 176th Street between 60th and 64th Avenues. The problem with this subdivision is if you're not familiar with it, it twists and turns and cul-de-sac's all over the place.
Some residents offer parking in their driveways and front lawns for a few bucks and some of the local churches also sell parking spots.
I checked with the rodeo's general manager to see if the motorbikes are getting free parking this year and the answer is no.
Don't even think about parking in the Clover Crossing Mall on 64th Avenue and 176th Street. They have security guards watching all weekend. If you park and walk off the premises they'll call a tow truck. They watch real closely to make sure everyone who parks a car goes into one of the businesses there.
The big news is the huge parking lot at the former Cloverdale Mall is no more. The area has been fenced in for construction. There are about 100 parking spots in the area surrounding the Cloverdale Legion, the last of the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot. However the Legion is holding pancake breakfasts and barbecues all weekend and won't be too impressed if people park there and aren't coming inside to eat.
The first suggestion is to pay $10 and park at the Cloverdale fairgrounds. That gives you a close walk to the fair and the rodeo.
Also try Greenaway Park next to the fairgrounds on 60th Avenue and park there for free. The gates are locked at dusk so get back to your car by then or look for another way home.
Another is to park on residential streets around Cloverdale. That'll be a longer walk but parking is free. Keep an eye on the parking signs. Downtown Cloverdale is a maximum of 2 hours and there are a few no parking areas around town. The parking bylaw officers are in full force in Cloverdale this weekend. Huge payday for them because people park where they shouldn't be. The most popular parking spots are everything in-between 176A Street and 180th Street and 56A Avenue to 59th Avenue.
Cloverdale has a few free public parking lots. One is located on 56A Avenue just west of 176th Street, in the alley behind the firehall. There's about 60 parking spots here. On 176A Street just north of 57th Avenue, behind the Clova and next to the Bank of Montreal is a large parking lot. A couple hundred spots available here. A little further down 176A Street on the corner of 58A Avenue is another parking lot with about 100 or so parking spots.
There are a few spots available in the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot just off 58th Avenue, closer to the Cloverdale Bypass. Enter off 58th and there are about 15 parking spots here. A little further up, enter from the alley behind the Cloverdale Supermarket is about 30 more parking spots. Get here by 8am on Saturday May 18th if you're planning to watch the parade. Unless its raining, all the parking spots close to 176th Street go early.
On Saturday morning the streets between 176A Street and 177B Street 56A Avenue to 58A Avenue are temporarily closed from 6am to noon for the parade participants to set up. After noon they are up for grabs the rest of the weekend. 176th Street is closed during these times because of the parade route. Tow trucks are standing near by and I always see a couple of cars being towed off this street. Not a good idea to park here the rest of the weekend anyway because its 2 hour parking.
There is a lot of street parking in residential areas west of 176th Street between 60th and 64th Avenues. The problem with this subdivision is if you're not familiar with it, it twists and turns and cul-de-sac's all over the place.
Some residents offer parking in their driveways and front lawns for a few bucks and some of the local churches also sell parking spots.
I checked with the rodeo's general manager to see if the motorbikes are getting free parking this year and the answer is no.
Don't even think about parking in the Clover Crossing Mall on 64th Avenue and 176th Street. They have security guards watching all weekend. If you park and walk off the premises they'll call a tow truck. They watch real closely to make sure everyone who parks a car goes into one of the businesses there.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Accident at 176th Street and 32nd Avenue near Cloverdale
Most people have probably heard on the news about the horrific accident that occurred south of Cloverdale on Sunday morning April 28, 2013 at the intersection of 176th Street and 32nd Avenue that resulted in 5 deaths and one person airlifted to hospital.
I did not witness the accident and I did not see the scattered debris aftermath.
A stop at McDonald's for the last day to purchase snack sized smoothies for $1 probably stopped us from being in the middle of the action and gave us about a 10 minute grace period from being at or near the accident.
Just after 11am we headed south on 176th Street, going to an address in Hazelmere on 184th Street. As we neared 40th Avenue it was clear that traffic had come to a stop and there was a police car with lights on blocking the intersection so no traffic could continue south. There was no northbound traffic coming down 176th and we could see flashing lights of emergency vehicles ahead at the 32nd Avenue intersection. Seeing as how we were going to 184th Street anyway we got into the left hand turn lane at 40th Avenue. The police officer was waving all the cars to turn right down 40th towards 168th Street. The police officer stopped us from turning left but that was because an ambulance and two buses were in the southbound lanes of 176th heading north to Cloverdale and he wanted them to get back into the correct lane of traffic. The ambulance was not lit up.
We drove down 40th to 184th and continued southbound. When we got to the intersection at 32nd Avenue and 184th, there was a police officer blocking the lanes there so no one could travel west along 32nd towards 176th Street. When we arrived at the 4 way stop at 24th Avenue there was a lot of traffic coming down that street and turning left to go down 184th Street. At this point we knew there must have been a very bad accident at the intersection at 32nd Avenue and 176th Street because the police had set up a large perimeter to keep traffic out of that area. We had no delays on our route.
We reached our friend's house a little further down 184th and weren't there very long. Now we had to decide how to get back to Cloverdale. I'd have been inclined to get away from the traffic and head north on 192nd Street except I remember seeing a sign that the road is closed for a few weeks around the train tracks, 50th Avenue. We decided to take our chances and go north down 184th Street. When we got to the 4 way stop at 24th Avenue there was a lot of traffic heading west bound. They were backed up nearly a block away from 184th Street. Crazy. Those people should have headed a little further south to 20th Avenue or even 16th or 12th or 8th to avoid that long line up. When we neared the lights at 184th and 32nd a car got into the left hand turn lane. You couldn't see the police car from this direction until you were nearly on top of it taking a turn. He didn't get too far. We didn't have to wait at the lights. We decided to head west on 40th back to 176th Street taking a guess that a lot of cars wouldn't know to turn there. That meant all the detoured cars would end up at the lights at 184th and Highway 10 and because the lights are short there it would take awhile to get through.
And that's what happened. Nobody ahead of us turned left at 40th. When we arrived at the 176th Street intersection the police officer was no longer there, replaced by a road flagger crew.
Like everyone else we watched the news and found out about the devastating accident.
Today I drove past the scene of the accident. There was a camera crew van parked outside the gas station under construction at 176th and 32nd. A cameraman was walking around the parking lot. Across the street at the bottom of the hill a cameraman was interviewing a woman. All the debris from the crash had been removed except for a couple of busted rental fences at the gas station.
I don't know how many people drive these roads but I'm on them daily. The speed limit on Highway 10 is 80km between Cloverdale and 32nd Avenue. From 32nd to just south of 8th its 70km. All the other roads in the area - 184th Street, 168th Street, 40th Avenue 32nd Avenue, 24th Avenue, etc are all 60km. The problem with driving along 184th is that some people think its their own personal autobahn and drive whatever speed they want. I've been passed like I was standing still.
Condolences to the family and friends who lost their loved ones. Very sad.
I did not witness the accident and I did not see the scattered debris aftermath.
A stop at McDonald's for the last day to purchase snack sized smoothies for $1 probably stopped us from being in the middle of the action and gave us about a 10 minute grace period from being at or near the accident.
Just after 11am we headed south on 176th Street, going to an address in Hazelmere on 184th Street. As we neared 40th Avenue it was clear that traffic had come to a stop and there was a police car with lights on blocking the intersection so no traffic could continue south. There was no northbound traffic coming down 176th and we could see flashing lights of emergency vehicles ahead at the 32nd Avenue intersection. Seeing as how we were going to 184th Street anyway we got into the left hand turn lane at 40th Avenue. The police officer was waving all the cars to turn right down 40th towards 168th Street. The police officer stopped us from turning left but that was because an ambulance and two buses were in the southbound lanes of 176th heading north to Cloverdale and he wanted them to get back into the correct lane of traffic. The ambulance was not lit up.
We drove down 40th to 184th and continued southbound. When we got to the intersection at 32nd Avenue and 184th, there was a police officer blocking the lanes there so no one could travel west along 32nd towards 176th Street. When we arrived at the 4 way stop at 24th Avenue there was a lot of traffic coming down that street and turning left to go down 184th Street. At this point we knew there must have been a very bad accident at the intersection at 32nd Avenue and 176th Street because the police had set up a large perimeter to keep traffic out of that area. We had no delays on our route.
We reached our friend's house a little further down 184th and weren't there very long. Now we had to decide how to get back to Cloverdale. I'd have been inclined to get away from the traffic and head north on 192nd Street except I remember seeing a sign that the road is closed for a few weeks around the train tracks, 50th Avenue. We decided to take our chances and go north down 184th Street. When we got to the 4 way stop at 24th Avenue there was a lot of traffic heading west bound. They were backed up nearly a block away from 184th Street. Crazy. Those people should have headed a little further south to 20th Avenue or even 16th or 12th or 8th to avoid that long line up. When we neared the lights at 184th and 32nd a car got into the left hand turn lane. You couldn't see the police car from this direction until you were nearly on top of it taking a turn. He didn't get too far. We didn't have to wait at the lights. We decided to head west on 40th back to 176th Street taking a guess that a lot of cars wouldn't know to turn there. That meant all the detoured cars would end up at the lights at 184th and Highway 10 and because the lights are short there it would take awhile to get through.
And that's what happened. Nobody ahead of us turned left at 40th. When we arrived at the 176th Street intersection the police officer was no longer there, replaced by a road flagger crew.
Like everyone else we watched the news and found out about the devastating accident.
Today I drove past the scene of the accident. There was a camera crew van parked outside the gas station under construction at 176th and 32nd. A cameraman was walking around the parking lot. Across the street at the bottom of the hill a cameraman was interviewing a woman. All the debris from the crash had been removed except for a couple of busted rental fences at the gas station.
I don't know how many people drive these roads but I'm on them daily. The speed limit on Highway 10 is 80km between Cloverdale and 32nd Avenue. From 32nd to just south of 8th its 70km. All the other roads in the area - 184th Street, 168th Street, 40th Avenue 32nd Avenue, 24th Avenue, etc are all 60km. The problem with driving along 184th is that some people think its their own personal autobahn and drive whatever speed they want. I've been passed like I was standing still.
Condolences to the family and friends who lost their loved ones. Very sad.
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