Stories
We've gathered a few stories and "I remember..." thoughts about Royal Kwantlen Park and the surrounding neighborhood. Read about Midnight Swimming, the treehouse, the parties, good times and a crime or two.
We're always listening for interesting stories and memories. Send us your Kwantlen tale so we can share it with others.
School Fires
Three fires struck the old West Whalley Junior Secondary in the spring of 2001. The first happened mid-day, May 24, in an un-used second floor room and another fire erupted on the morning of the 25th. After a quiet weekend, the third fire broke out in the second-floor staff room Monday morning. Even with another quick response by the fire crew from Firehall Number 2 next door, the fire spread fast. The staff room was destroyed and the administration office below along with the nearby classrooms were heavily damaged.
Police arrested Tammy Chibanoff, a West Whalley teacher, at the school after she was seen laughing and dancing during the third fire. It was later discovered she was bi-polar and had stopped taking her medicine. The courts decided that psychiatric and medical treatment rather than criminal charges was the way to go. She also had her teaching certificate cancelled and lost membership in the BC Collage of Teachers. You can see their Discipline Case Summary here.
The next year the school board accomplished what Ms. Chibanoff couldn't. After 45 years West Whalley High was bulldozed and Kwantlen Park Secondary was built on the site. It's a very nice, up-to-date school that works far better for the teachers and students. Still, it'll be a few years before it gathers up as many memories as West Whalley has in the local psyche.
randy@kwantlenpark.ca
Updated Feb. 28, 2009 Copyright 2009