News for Youse: Diane Loomer dies, Bing Thom wins commission, and B.C. athletes honoured

by The Georgia Straight Staff on December 11th, 2012 at 7:44 AM

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Diane Loomer dies The highly admired and joyful founder of the Chor Leoni Men's Choir and EnChor Chamber Choir and cofounder of Elektra Women's Choir, Diane Loomer, died last night at the age of 72. She won numerous honours, including the Order of Canada and an honorary doctor of letters degree from UBC.

Vancouver architect wins major contract Vancouver's Bing Thom Architects, along with Hong Kong–based Ronald Lu & Partners, has won the commission to design the Chinese Opera House in Hong Kong.

City budget Vancouver city council will vote today on a staff recommendation to approve a $1.14-billion operating budget and a $258.3-million capital budget.

City motion on coal exports Green councillor Adriane Carr has filed a notice of motion at today's council meeting asking the mayor and council to delay making a decision on two coal-export applications. She also wants council to consider "global climate change and local air quality impacts" in the decision-making process.

Surrey casino proposal advances Surrey council has voted to refer a Gateway casino proposal at Highway 99 and 168th Street to a public hearing on January 14.

Ron Cantelon won't run again The B.C. Liberal MLA for Parksville-Qualicum, Ron Cantelon, has announced that he won't be seeking a third term.

HSBC will pay $1.9-billion fine One of the world's best-known banks, HSBC, has agreed to pay $1.9 billion to settle a U.S. money-laundering case, in which it has been accused of transferring funds controlled by drug cartels and countries under sanctions.

Christine Sinclair honoured again A day after being named cbcsports.ca's athlete of the year, Burnaby-raised soccer star Christine Sinclair has won the Lou Marsh Award as Canada's best athlete.

Adam Bighill contract The B.C. Lions have announced a contract extension for star linebacker Adam Bighill, who was the club's nominee for Outstanding Defensive Player for 2012.

Filip Peliwo wins big prize North Vancouver's Filip Peliwo is the International Tennis Federation's Junior World Champion after making all four grand slam finals this year and winning Wimbledon and the U.S. Open boys titles.