Westerly News
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September 2, 2015
Band robbed at ANAF ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly news an out of town band had their gear stolen from inside ucluelet’s army navy and air Force Veterans club early Sunday morning. a black and gold gibson les Paul custom electric guitar with an estimated value of $4,500 was taken along with two pedalboards, an amp, and two soft guitar cases, according to Sgt. Jeff Swann of the ucluelet RcMP. the theft occurred sometime between 1:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on aug. 30, according to Swann who said the anaF was locked but a window was left unsecured. “Somebody broke in through that unlocked window,” he said. Police believe the thief, or thieves, likely attended the band’s concert at the club on aug. 29. “they had to have known the guitar was there so quite likely it was somebody that attended the event,” Swann said. Police had no suspects at press time. “Somebody knows who did it,” Swann said. “We’re appealing to the public to come forward with any information.” andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Serving Tofino and Ucluelet
Science rules at Ukee Aquarium
$1.25 [including tax] Ucluelet Parks & Recreation
Fall Program Supplement
INSIDE THIS WEEK:
SaFE tRaVElS: ucluelet is ramping up its efforts to boost traffic safety. PAgE 6
Ucluelet local Andrew Bailey Jr. gets fascinated by a sea star during a Sunday afternoon visit to the Ucluelet Aquarium. Photo Andrew Bailey
Ucluelet Aquarium celebrating record setting season ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly news it’s been a very good year for the ucluelet aquarium. Over 20,000 aquatic-animal lovers have enjoyed the aquarium experience this season and patronage is up by about 2,500 from this time last year, according to the aquarium’s communications director Jessie Fletcher. “the season has gone swimmingly,” Fletcher told the Westerly. “We’ve had lots of visitors from all over the place and a lot of really happy people.” Sunny weather has not traditionally been kind to the aquarium’s summer numbers
as sunshine tends to lure tourists to the West coast’s beaches and outdoor adventures but Fletcher said this summer’s sun has not shaded patronage. “We’ve been really, really, excited and are feeling pretty fortunate that we have been busy because sunny days typically do kill our visitation but our sunny days have been busier than our rainy days last year and our rainy days have been our busiest days of all time,” she said. She said the aquarium relies on strong word of mouth to succeed and noted local businesses have shown tremendous support by pointing
tourists towards the facility and patrons have become advocates after enjoying the hands-on experiences provided by the aquarium’s unique touch-tank exhibits. She added the aquarium’s eager-to-explain staff provide a change of pace from larger facilities where signage is relied upon to convey information to patrons. “We have the most excited and passionate marine nerds on the floor helping them explore our local habitat,” she said. “they’re so incredibly excited and passionate about the ocean, which is great. We couldn’t ask for a better work force.”
Many eyes are on the aquarium to prove its catch and release model is sustainable and Fletcher said the West coast’s support allows the facility to shine in the spotlight. “We really are successful because of the community we’re based in,” she said. “i think the model will work elsewhere, but you really need that community engagement to be successful. You need that support, you need that word-of-mouth, you need the kids to be excited every single time they come in, and that really takes you a lot farther than just revenue.” andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Oct0PuS PaRadE: the ucluelet aquarium has three octopuses on display. Meet them in this week’s Westerly life. PAgES 7-10
Fall REc. guidES: ucluelet and tofino’s new recreation guides have us falling in love with fall. TUff PAgE 2 UKEE PAgE 11
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