December 16, 2015 Wednesday
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ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly news
ucluelet officials will take a walk to find clarity on a controversial move. the district is stepping towards a final decision on whether to move the annual ukee days festivities from its traditional Seaplane Base Field fairgrounds to a new location at tugwell Fields. goers to this year’s festival in July were surprised to see a sign posted at the event that stated next year’s event would be held at tugwell Fields and this surprise quickly evolved into outcry. a Facebook page sprung up titled ‘Save ukee days at Seaplane Base Rd.’ and locals have spoken at recent council meetings clamouring for the decision to be reversed. Key concerns include tugwell’s lack of parking, the impact festival noise will have on tugwell’s neighboring residents and the idea of nixing tradition. Public outcry has hit a high enough volume for the district to reassess the move and council plans to walk through tugwell this week to reexamine the decision. “the purpose of the tour is to actually be on the ground and look at what people are talking about and are concerned about; the things that they’ve put forward such as parking,” ucluelet
“We want to make a decision as soon as possible...The outside deadline would be the end of January.”
DEAR SANTA: tofino mayor Josie Osborne shares her letter to Santa with the Westerly.
Dianne St. Jacques mayor dianne St. Jacques told the Westerly news. “and then have a look at the [Seaplane Base] site, do some comparisons and come up with a decision that has good reasoning behind it.” She said the walk would help councillors make an informed decision. “it’s always easier, i think, when you walk around and are actually on-site looking at these things,” she said. “it is in the Parks and Rec. plan that this move would be seriously looked at and considered so we’re doing that and looking at what the opportunities are and what the downsides might be.” She said there is no timeline for a final decision to be made but she hopes to see council reach a consensus in short order. “We want to make a decision as soon as possible,” she said. “the outside deadline would be the end of January.” andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
PAGE 8
END OF AN ERA: Signy cohen is shutting down her Reflecting Spirit gallery in tofino. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Tofino wants to put warning labels on gas nozzles to caution drivers about climate change.
PAGE 11
Tuff eyes warning labels at the pump ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly news
tofino is working on an amendment to its business bylaw that would force gas stations to put climate change warning labels on every gas pump nozzle. tofino’s municipal council directed staff to work on the
draft amendment in a motion brought forward by coun. greg Blanchette during nov. 24’s regular meeting. “it’s always the senior governments and major corporations that are listed as kind of the players in climate change but i think there’s a lot that we can do about it here at the
municipal level and one of the things is by changing our individual behaviours,” Blanchette told the Westerly news. “We don’t really think about that a lot so a gas pump label is kind of an interesting reminder that, ‘Yes,’ there is in fact stuff we can do.”
See WARNINGS pg. 6
CANDIED FUN: Black Rock hosted its annual gingerbread Extravaganza last week. check out the Westerly’s photo feature to see the celebration. PAGE 14
Page 2 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
“Here to help you live the dream…”
TIA TRAVISS
Provincial tourney a ball for USS senior girls V-Ball
Coach retires after successful season
RE/MAX Mid-Island Realty Tofino
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The USS senior girls’ volleyball team attended a banquet to kick off their experience at the Provincials in Castelgar. LUCIA LYONS in Nelson—30 minutes away. We went to the tournament
Local Voice
The senior girls’ volleyball team travelled to Castlegar for the Provincial tournament Dec. 3-6. After qualifying at the Islands in Duncan, the girls only had one-and-a-half weeks to fundraise. They did an in-school bake sale and made $250, and on the following Sunday they held a very successful car wash. We would like to thank the community for coming out and supporting us. After two fire trucks, three police cars, two taxis and a ton of other vehicles, the girls raised $1,370. Those funds along with donations through the school from the Pro-Am fundraiser, went towards subsidizing their travel costs to get to Castlegar. The Provincials Games started on the Wednesday, with team practises scheduled, followed by the Opening Ceremonies with a parade of all the teams, followed by a banquet. The banquet had the girls participating in some games and our Noriko had the fastest fingers on her phone to send our answers. The games began on Thursday morning and were held at the Selkirk College and LV Rogers
Luckily we had all our games at the local Selkirk College, and we were thankful for that. Our four team pool was against Credo, Fernie, and Chetwynd. We lost against Chetwynd (21-25, 17-25), Fernie (17-25, 16-25) and Credo (12-25, 22-25). The girls played hard and competed well against these teams. After the round robin we had to play the number one team in the tournament on Friday morning: Immaculata—they were the defending champions. The games were best out of 5. The first set was 11-25, the next was 16-25 and the 3rd was 23-25. I felt like I was sending the ‘lambs’ to the slaughter, but that wasn’t the case. We held our own against the top Provincial team! Our next game was against Carver and the score was 17-25 and 23-25, again another close game. On Saturday we played Queen Charlottees, games were 12-25, 25-8 and 6-15, (our first “set” win). Our final game was against Barrier, 22-25, 25-22 and 15-11. Yeah, we won against Barrier. This placed us 15th out of 16th—we weren`t last. I am thrilled with the results.
with only six players and they played their hearts out. The whole Provincial experience was amazing and I`m glad that my girls had the chance to be in it. The other coaches, referees and players also made for a wonderful experience. I would like to thank again Charles McDiarmid of the Wickaninnish Inn and the Long Beach Golf Course for putting on the Pro Am, and all the businesses that donated so that our school athletes get to experience sports at the highest level. Also thanks Carolyn Corlazzoli for being team manager and bus driver all season and to Mark Fortune for dropping us off and picking us up from the ferry. To the most amazing girls I’ve coached over the last six years, We finally made it to the “Big Show.” What a way to end a great season with a trip to the Provincials. I would also let everyone know that I`m retiring from coaching. It`s been an amazing six years, but it`s time for me to spend more time with my ill mom, and my family including my kids and four grandkids.
The Westerly News | Page 3
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
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Inquiry into missing indigenous women NORA O’MALLEY
Westerly News
Canada’s Liberal government launched a national inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women on Dec. 8. The first phase involves consulting with victims’ families and Aboriginal leaders. The government has reportedly pledged $40 million over two years for the initiative. Activist and Highway of Tears film director Matt Smiley said he is overjoyed by the news. Smiley’s award-winning documentary, which was screened on the West Coast in August, heavily advocated for a national inquiry into Canada’s missing and murdered First Nations women. “I think we can kind of look towards the bright future,” Smiley told the Westerly News from his home in L.A. “These cases will be heavily investigated, studied over, and most likely some families will at least get the justice that they’ve been seeking.” Shortly after the Liberals won a majority government, Smiley said he was contacted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office to help connect federal staff with the victims’ families that he had met while making Highway of Tears and screening
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it across Canada. “Within hours they were literally already on the job,” he said. “I was floored by how quickly their turn around time was. I’m touched that they’ve reached out to me and are including me in these processes and linking them in with families.” When the Montreal-born director started filming Highway of Tears in 2012 he had no idea his efforts would help spawn such a historical government led program. “I went into this very blindly. I think I went into it with a lot of passion and not really knowing what story I was going to tell nor how it was going to be received,” he said. “I don’t feel alone in pushing for it anymore. It was a fairly individual effort, of course with the help and support of all the family members, but to know that all the various levels of government are now on it, it’s very comforting. I can ease off the gas pedal. My job in terms of picketing is done.” The Westerly reached out to Carol Martin Young for comments, but was unable to connect with her before press time. Carol Young is the aunt of 21-year-old Lisa Marie Young, who went missing from Nanaimo on June 30, 2002. nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
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Page 4 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Letters Tofino girl inspires local MP Gord Johns Dear Editor, I was very inspired by the story in the December 10 edition of the Westerly News about Toby Theriault, who walked from Tofino to Ucluelet to raise money for children who can’t access clean water in dry countries. The spirit of giving and helping those who are less fortunate seems to be alive and well in Ucluelet and Tofino. Congratulations to Toby’s teacher, Ms. Morris, for working with the students about such important issues.
Also, good work by Toby’s dad, walking with her the whole way. This is an amazing example of inspiring leadership in our community. Thanks for this great story in the News and thanks especially to Toby for this outstanding contribution. Sincerely, Gord Johns, Courtenay-Alberni MP P.S. - Thanks too for the reading tip, I look forward to reading “A Long Walk To Water”.
ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO
11 year-old Tofino local Toby Theriault, centre holding sign, inspired her local MP Gord Johns by walking from Tofino to Ucluelet to raise money for children in need.
Let youth enjoy remote controlled planes Dear Editor, I just wanted to comment on a recent article in the Westerly where a couple of folks expressed their dislike of RC planes being flown at the beach and their desire to have such a practice banned. First, before we ban an activity it might be a good idea to have a look at who is involved. There is a small group in town that are into the hobby, and my sons and their circle of friends primarily aged 15 to 20 are among them. Most of these young people were born here in Tofino back when the hospital was still permitted to do such a thing. They love living here, despite the challenges and comparative lack of organized activity for youth. The oldest has a steady job at the Co-op, and the others are all still in one stage or another of school, some with part-time jobs. One or two probably sold you popcorn to support the cubs/scouts a few years back. In other words those involved are, for the most part, young long-time locals, not visitors or recent arrivals with no regard for, or personal investment in, the area. Secondly, I would like to point out what these local youth are NOT doing. They love rock climbing, but they are not at the climbing gym because it could not be
maintained as a private business. It could have been taken over by the town and run as a non-profit, ready made facility for the benefit of our young people, but it was not. They are not playing floor hockey (or basketball) which they used to do several times a week, because our “community school” is closed to them. When I was young I belonged to a West Coast Floor Hockey League that played every weekend all winter long in Tofino. Now my kids are not even allowed in the doors to play hockey by those who are responsible for gym management and use. As many have pointed out there is not much provided for our youth in this community. Fortunately these great kids are also NOT whining about this lack of organized facilities and programs and using that as an excuse to run around vandalizing, drinking and using drugs. Likewise they are not spending all their time indoors, online or playing video games. What they ARE doing is using their own initiative, creativity and money to create their own fun. They have built their own much smaller version of a climbing wall at a friend’s house. When the weather is good during summer they try to get enough people together to play roller hockey at the outdoor rink. They Geo Cache, hike, surf,
take photographs and, yes, fly RC aircraft at the local beaches (as well as the school grounds and a few other locations) when the weather permits. To do this they spend many hours building their planes and quad copters from scratch, using electronics purchased on-line and Dollar Store foam board. In the process they learn about electronics, how to do fine soldering, aeronautics, aerodynamics and much more. Despite the negative tone of those quoted complaining in the article, most folks who approach them while they are flying at the beach are fascinated and thrilled. I have seen this myself when I have been at the beach with them and I have had many others tell me how much they enjoy watching the boys with their RC aircraft. What does all this cost us as Tofino Residents? Nothing. No extra taxes to pay for facilities or supervisors, no need to volunteer our time, nothing but a bit of patience for a few minutes of buzzing in the sky on the odd sunny day. If you are one of those annoyed by the sound of an RC aircraft, perhaps next time take a look around for your young neighbour at the controls and notice the big smile on his or her face. Think about the fact that because of this one small thing that makes them happy, they may want to stay and make
OpiniOn pOll Visit www.westerlynews.ca to answer this week’s poll question:
Should remote controlled airplanes be banned from public places? a) Yes, they create unwanted noise that disrupt my outdoor experiences. b) No, they provide fun and positive experiences for people. Last week we asked: ‘Have you had a successful holiday shopping season so far?’ 75% said ‘No,’25% said ‘Yes.’
a life here in Tofino. That means that in the future we will have a new generation who were raised right here who will build our community with enthusiasm and new ideas. All in all I think that’s a pretty good deal! Harold Sadler Tofino
Banning fireworks a step towards “no-fun Tuff” Dear Editor, “Tuff Council mulls fireworks ban,” Dec. 2, Westerly News. Fireworks have been regarded for Millenia as an expression of joy and celebration. Yes, they are noisy.
Yes, they are bright and flashy. Yes, they leave detritus (if the igniter is insensitive). However, they should not be banned—but rather regulated. The willy-nilly setting of fireworks is often very disputive to man and beast, but a total ban is overkill, and
one step towards “no-fun Tuff”. Council could enact regulations limiting fireworks to select dates; for example, Dec 31 and Jan 1, July 1 and (for our US visitors) July 4, and Halloween (1 day only). Another date for consideration might be Chinese New Year.
Fireworks can be fun, and safe, if set off properly. Let’s all try to enjoy life, including a little flash and sparkle on occasion. Larry Burr Tofino
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Have an opinion you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. The Westerly welcomes and encourages letters. We reserve the right to edit for clarity, taste, legality and length. Letters must include your first and last name as well as contact information for verification purposes. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be accepted. Email submissions to Andrew.Bailey@WesterlyNews.ca.
The Westerly News | Page 5
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
PHOTO FEATURE
Fundraising Fun Ukee locals celebrated a wide range of karma-boosting kicks on Saturday. Check out the Westerly’s Facebook page during the holidays to see more of the season’s good times.
ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO
Ukee Radio joined local restaurants Tattooed Beaver, Howler’s and Abbondanza to help out the Food Bank on the Edge’s Christmas Hamper program. The restaurants set up at Ukee’s Fire Hall and traded tasty treats for donations.
ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO
Local kids performed at the Ucluelet Community Centre during a Breakfast with Santa event that helped raise money for the USS’ geography class trip to Mexico.
NORA O’MALLEY PHOTO
Lucky lady Ada Dougan took home not one, but two turkeys, a ham, and a pot roast at the 8th Annual Christmas Turkey Bingo hosted at Officials Sports Lounge on Saturday. The community fundraising event was a delightful success, raising $470 for the USS Jazz Band.
ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO
Ukee Scouts raised money by selling Christmas trees at the Co-op.
ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO
They may have gotten drenched in the pouring rain but that did not deter the Ucluelet RCMP and volunteers from hosting a successful Stuff the Cruiser Event. The event raised about 400 kilograms of food and over $1,200 in cash and gift card donations.
Page 6 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Warnings on gas nozzles CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
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Blanchette said the labels could motivate behavioural changes, like reaching for a bicycle instead of car keys when it’s sunny out, but he believes the real value will come from their ability to push climate change to the top of social discourse. “It puts climate change a little bit higher into the minds of people,” he said. “It might make people a little bit more inclined to ask about it, think about it and do something about it.” He added the warnings would also send a strong signal to tourists. “We live at the end of a long road where we get upwards of 800,000 visitors a year, most of those arrive by car and they’ll fuel up here,” he said. “They too will see these gas pump labels and they’ll think, ‘Wow, Tofino is a pretty far thinking community.’ It really fits well with the Tofino brand as being a leader in environmentalism.” He noted Tofino boasts a young population of locals who could see the effects of climate change in their lifetimes. “Our median age is 34 years old, and it’s these people and their kids who are going to be living the effects of climate change so they’re a lot more enlightened than us old folks, shall I say, because it’s their future they’re talking about,” he said. “Tofino is right out on the front lines of climate change. Sea level rise is going to literally change the geographic, and economic, face of this community if we allow it to happen. We’re really poised to both see the effects and to do whatever we can to lessen those effects.” He was delighted to see his fellow councillors support his motion. “I’ve really got to say my kudos to this council because this council is reflecting that spirit pretty strongly,” he said. “I was really in some doubt as to whether (the motion) would go through and it was talked about quite a bit but people came through and council eventually adopted it.” He noted all bylaw amendments must go through a public process and assured locals would have a say in whether the proposed amendment is adopted. “I imagine the businesses won’t be too terribly pleased,” he said. “I’m hoping that they will understand why it’s necessary and that they’ll go along with it.”
He said the labels won’t spring up overnight and suggested Tofino’s staff is “swamped with really pressing matters” like the district’s ongoing liquid waste management plan. “There’s a whole pipeline of issues that staff is going to be concentrating on; this is almost a moral statement so I think it’s probably going to be lower on the totem pole. They’re not going to be rushing this one through,” he said. “Which is fine. We want people to have a chance to absorb it and talk to their councillors about it.” He expects to see the draft amendment hit council’s desk in time for a decision to be reached before the busy season. “I’m hoping that we can get it onto the ground here before the summer season really kicks in and then we can really make an impact with both locals and our visitors,” he said. The warning label idea was first introduced to council by Toronto-based lawyer Rob Shirkey who pitched it during a September council meeting. Shirkey told the Westerly he hatched the idea while waiting in a Toronto traffic-jam in 2010. BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico was thick in the news at the time and Shirkey was listening to conversations about it on the radio. “Every single caller, every single pundit and radio host and so on was saying, ‘Shame on BP,’ meanwhile I’m looking out and in every direction there are thousands upon thousands of vehicles, all burning fuel that had to come from somewhere under the earth. That happens every day at rush hour and the same story unfolds all over the world,” he said. “I think perhaps we inadvertently almost perpetuate the status quo because we distance ourselves from these problems.” He believed putting warnings in the sightlines of fuel consumers could put a dent in this status quo and a phone conversation with his grandfather motivated him to ride the idea to fruition. “He said, ‘You have to enjoy what you’re doing. Do what you love,’” Shirkey said. “Those were his last words to me on that phone call…and he passed away two weeks later so those were actually his last words to me.” During his grandfather’s funeral, Shirkey decided to commit to the cause. “I was looking down where he had been buried…immediately
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Our Horizon’s executive director Rob Shirkey holds an example of the warning labels he hopes to see on gas nozzles throughout Canada.
to the right of that my father had been buried a few years prior and to the right of that is this empty patch of green grass. So I’ve got in the back of my head, ‘Do what you love,’ and meanwhile I’m sort of facing my own mortality,” he said. “It’s inescapable. It’s where we all end up and the question is, ‘What do I do with the time I have left?” He launched a non-profit climate-advocacy group and dubbed it Our Horizon—named after the Deepwater Horizon spill—in 2013. He said many of the communities he’s spoken with have supported his idea in principle but only Tofino, Port Moody and North Vancouver have taken the next steps to implement it. “Why I’m so grateful for the leadership coming out of places like Tofino is our ambition was never to have this happen in a few communities, that’s just the beginning point,” he said. “Wouldn’t it be an amazing story if this super-simple low-cost Canadian innovation actually spread and changed the world? I truly think that could happen and that’s why I’m all in on this.” He said he has traveled across Canada pitching the idea to various local governments and was not surprised to see the nation’s west coast pick up on it first. “For some reason, culturally, there is something about the west coast [of Canada] where, when it comes to environmental issues, you guys are more progressive,” he said. “It makes sense that communities on the west coast are championing this.” He added that Our Horizon makes no profits from communities who choose to go forward with the warning labels and he encourages those communities that do to come up with locally minded messaging. andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
SANTA CAME TO TOWN
The Westerly News | Page 7
Wes terly LI
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ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO
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Local kids were thrilled to attend a Breakfast with Santa event at the Ucluelet Community Centre on Saturday. Santa enjoyed his time in the community so much that he’s decided to return for another visit and locals can meet him at Ucluelet’s ANAF Hall, 1708 Peninsula Rd., on Dec. 16 from 4-6 p.m.
Page 8 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne shares letter to Santa Claus Tiny houses, sewer pipes and solace top mayoral wish list Dear Santa, It’s been quite a year in Tofino, Santa, and we find ourselves in the midst of the holiday season thankful for what we have – family, friends, a wonderful school, dedicated doctors and hospital staff, incredible first responders, and a very caring community. It’s been a tremendous year for local businesses, and I must admit that the summer weather was particularly fine. We also had some real challenges this year, Santa, but they helped us understand how we can rally together in times of need. So, Santa, I am not sure there is much we can ask you for – although I do perhaps have a few things... First of all, I’m wondering if you can drop a few tiny houses (especially the long term rental variety) around town that some of us could try living in for a while, to see how much we take to living in small spaces. Second, I would be incredibly grateful if you could conjure up some pipes – the storm sewer and waste water variety would be useful. We could use some more since our community is growing quickly. Third, amidst the brightly wrapped toys and gadgets in your Santa sack, could you please dig out a little bit of solace and peace to those who find this time of the year especially difficult? Thanks for listening, Santa, and please don’t forget to watch your waistline this holiday season. You know I’ll have the almond milk and flax seed granola bars ready for you at my place. All the best, Santa. Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Santa Claus visited Tofino on Saturday and Mayor Josie Osborne handed him her wish list for the holiday season.
The Westerly News | Page 9
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Tofitians delight in seeing Santa at breakfast
St. Nicholas helps district raise over $300 for Kids Access Fund
SUBMITTED PHOTO
The Tofino Children’s Choir filled the community hall with a joyful Christmas ambience as locals gathered with wish lists in hand to celebrate Santa’s arrival on Saturday. JESS TOWERS
Local Voice
On Saturday, December 12, Santa flew from the North Pole to the Tofino Community Hall to join community members for a tasty
breakfast. Rhino Coffee House generously donated coffee for the event. The Tofino Children’s Choir sang for the crowd and put everyone in the Christmas mood! Many pictures were taken with
Santa, and kids decorated wrapping paper to make their Christmas presents extra snazzy. Thanks to all of the families and community members who came out to join us for breakfast and generously donated to the Kids
Access Fund, we raised close to $370 to help kids access programs when finances are a barrier. A big Thank-You to Bobby Lax, Sophie L’Homme and the Tofino Children’s Choir, Josie Osborne, Rhiannon Lessard Sabrina Don-
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ovan, and Bev Murdock for all of your help putting this event on, we couldn’t have done it without you! Jess Towers is Tofino’s recreation programmer.
Page 10 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
West Coast packs Tofino Christmas Supper
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Over 200 West Coasters got their fill at an impressive holiday feast laid out at Fish and Loaves’ Community Supper in Tofino’s Community Hall on Sunday, Dec. 13. JOHN ENNS
Local Voice Sunday night in Tofino saw a capacity crowd attend the Fish and Loaves Annual Christmas Supper at the Tofino Community Hall. Over 200 people enjoyed a buffet of traditional turkey, mashed potatoes and a variety of local homemade dishes. Local restaurants contributed generously, including cooking six of the eight turkeys as well as the stuffing, potatoes and carrots. The evening started with a prayer to the greatest Gift, the Christ of Christmas. After
A division of
everyone had eaten, and had seconds, there was a short time of singing carols and the dessert was served. In the end, there was enough food left to give to people to take home and more. Many of the local families came with their children, and more than a few people had to do without a spot at a table, eating on the stage or anywhere there was room. A good cross section of the population was represented, the mayor, Josie Osbourne attended as well as other council members and also a great variety of people from
nearby areas. However, the weather kept some away who depend on water transport. Everyone had a good time, many meeting and greeting old friends. Some brought food and some donated to the project and some helped clean up afterward, staying late into the evening mopping floors and packing things away. Thanks go out to the volunteers from Tofino Bible Fellowship, the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and St. Columba who worked hard in the kitchen and cleaning up later, also many other people who helped.
Thanks to the District who provided the space, the Co-op for food and gifts, and Red Can Gourmet, Tony’s Pizza, Common Loaf Bakery, Jamie’s Rainforest Inn, Crystal Cove and Long Beach Lodge restaurants that donated food and time cooking for us! It surely is a blessing to get together as a town of diverse people, all of whom do care about each other and are happy to help and to celebrate this community. John Enns is the president of Fish and Loaves.
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The Westerly News | Page 11
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
BUSINESS
Tofino’s Reflecting Spirit Gallery closing after 25 years of supporting local artists NORA O’MALLEY
Westerly News There is an undeniable changing of the tide taking place in Tofino as Reflecting Spirit Gallery, one of the longest standing art galleries on the West Coast, is closing its doors at the end of the month. Gallery owner and artist Signy Cohen attributes her decision to close up shop to a number of reasons: Tofino’s expensive overhead and competition from online stores being in the forefront, plus a personal injury and her mother’s recent passing ebbing the time she had to spend with the business. “It’s like a relationship breakup after all those years...There was a lot of changes this summer. I needed to look after myself,” Cohen said “Part of what I felt too when I decided to close, I was a lot younger when I opened up the gallery, in my late thirties early forties. Maybe it’s just time for someone else to come in, like that other gallery Merge.” Cohen first opened her gallery in the early nineties in the building that now houses Chocolate Tofino. She called it Signy Cohen Art Studio, and it provided a hive of support for Tofino and Vancouver Island artists. “Through the years, I’ve seen artists come in as true beginners and over the years become professional artists,” she said.
It wasn’t until Cohen moved her gallery to 411 Campbell Street a few years later that Cohen changed the name to Reflecting Spirit Gallery. “I feel that art is like a window to another persons’ spirit or soul,” she said. “It’s not only that expression of that spirit of the artist, but when a viewer looks at it, it triggers something in them. It moves them in a way. It all reflects spirit.” Over the next two decades, Cohen grew Reflecting Spirit Gallery into a true representation of West Coast art, showcasing over 200 local artists and operating the Kidz Art summer program in partnership with Tofino Parks and Rec. up until 2012. Local artist and former gallery employee Jane Woodbury said the closing of Reflecting Spirit is a tremendous loss to the Tofino art community. “You cannot replace 25 years of experience selling arts and craft, which is what Signy has. You can’t replace that,” Woodbury said. While Cohen expressed a deep sadness in saying goodbye to her Tofino gallery, she said she is looking forward to putting more time into growing herself as an artist. “I would like to thank the community of Tofino and visitors for all the years of support. A beautiful appreciative community
NORA O’MALLEY PHOTO
Signy Cohen holds a carved wooden feather at her Reflecting Spirit Gallery in Tofino. She’s made the bittersweet decision to close the iconic West Coast art hub at the end of the month.
to share art and culture within. I would like to thank the large number of creative people we call artists the gallery has known, represented, nurtured along with witnessing their creative transformations over a 25 year span,” she said. “Thank you to all the amazing
staff that have worked in the vision of the Tofino Reflecting Spirit Gallery, where magic happened almost daily.” In 2010, Cohen opened a sister gallery in Ucluelet and she plans on consolidating her collections to this one store. She said she’s excited about
reinventing her business model to incorporate social media better. “I also want to move away from the commercial prints and bring more hand held, artist touched work in,” she said. “The art that reflects the West Coast will shine on.” nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
Ukee’s Black Rock Resort welcomes new GM ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News
Ucluelet’s Black Rock Resort has a new captain at the helm. Adele Larkin has served as the resort’s general manager for the past six years but she is headed to Sechelt and handed the resort’s keys over to Brian Johnson last week. Larkin told the Westerly she “thoroughly enjoyed” her time in Ucluelet and at the resort. “It has been a great six years that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” she said. “I am definitely sad to leave but excited to join my family in Sechelt.” Larkin’s husband Peter has been working in Sechelt’s RCMP detachment since August. Larkin suggested Johnson’s love for Ucluelet will ensure the resort won’t skip a beat and she is excited to see him take the wheel. “He has enjoyed Ucluelet as a guest for many years and is so pleased to now call it home,” she said. Johnson has spent the past sev-
en years working for Sandman Hotels in Victoria. He told the Westerly he’s been visiting Ucluelet about three times a year for the past decade and chose the community as the backdrop for his wedding two years ago. “It’s definitely one of my favourite places,” he said. “It was always on my eye for the last couple of years so when the opportunity arose it was something I definitely had to reach out for and here I am.” An avid traveler, Johnson has visited 63 countries and said his experiences as a tourist have earned him a solid perspective on what travelers are looking for. “It’s a different scenario from backpacking to working in a fivestar resort but, having worked for different levels in the hotel industry, I’ve seen it all so it definitely gives me a perspective of what people are looking for,” he said. “It’s a stunning area, the West Coast and Ucluelet; having been around the world and seen so much it’s definitely one of the
ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO
Black Rock’s new GM Brian Johnson checks out the view from outside the resort’s popular Float Lounge.
best places I can recommend to people…I’m looking forward to calling Ucluelet home for sure.” Johnson officially started his new position on Dec. 7 and he’s been stoked on what he’s seen so far. “I’m super excited to join the team at Black Rock and continue the success of this spectacular property and I look forward to being part of the community and getting involved in anyway I can,”
he said. “Adele has done a fantastic job with the team here and I look forward to carrying on that vision and the success of Black Rock.” He acknowledged replacing Larkin, a finalist in Ucluelet’s 2015 citizen of the year voting, will be no easy task. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill,” he said. “She’s an excellent person who’s been heavily involved in the community.”
The resort, which Johnson said employs roughly 133 employees during Ucluelet’s peak season, is coming off a big 2015. “It was a stellar year for Black Rock and I know next year’s looking pretty much the same and we look forward to where we can grow,” Johnson said. “We’ll look at what we can change to make the property even better.” andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Page 12 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
BRAD LARSON PHOTO
Gord Johns, far right, the West Coast’s local MP—NDP Courtenay-Alberni—sat down with locals at a meet and greet event hosted by Ucluelet’s Gray Whale Deli on Monday.
TheUcluelet Westerly News News | PageA13 13 Wed, Dec 16, 2015 Western
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Page 14 | The Westerly News
PHOTO FEATURE
Gingerbread Extravaganza Ucluelet’s Black Rock Resort held its fifth annual community gingerbread event on Dec. 10. The resort’s pastry chef baked the gingerbread house-fronts from scratch and each kid received two cookies: one to be decorated and displayed and another to keep for themselves. About 125 house-fronts were decorated this year and resort staff are assembling them into a gingerbread version of Ucluelet to display during the holiday season. ANDREW BAILEY PHOTOS
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
The Westerly News | Page 15
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Community Calendar
Want to see your event in the Community Calendar? Email office@westerlynews.ca or call 250-726-7029.
16 WEDNESDAY SANTA RETURNS TO UKEE! Ucluelet ANAF, 4-6 p.m. Harbour Lights Sail Past, 7 p.m. Ucluelet’s Whiskey Dock. Drop-in Basketball, 7-9 p.m. WCS gym, $3. Seniors Social Afternoons, 1:30-4 p.m., Tofino Legion. St. Columba Church, 7 p.m. 17 THURSDAY Christmas Community Lunch, UCC, 12 - 2 p.m. Drop-in Soccer, 7-9 p.m. WCS gym. $3. Healthy Babies Program/Family Ties, 10:30 a.m, UCC. Ucluelet AA 8 p.m. Holy Family Church, Peninsula Rd. The Edge Youth Room, 3–6p.m., UCC. 18 FRIDAY Drop-in Badminton, 7-9 p.m. USS gym. $2. Bingo, Tofino Legion, 7:30 p.m. Arty Party, 9-11 p.m., Common Loaf Bake Shop Tofino. The Edge Youth Room, 2–6p.m.UCC. 19 SATURDAY St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 5:30 p.m. AA meeting, 7:30pm, St. Francis.
WESTERLY FILE PHOTO
West Coasters will gather at Ucluelet’s Whiskey Dock on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. to watch a parade of decked out vessels light up the night.
20 SUNDAY
21 MONDAY
Drop-in Badminton, 7-9 p.m. USS gym.
Ucluelet AA, 8pm. Holy Family. 22 TUESDAY
Christ Community Church, 10:30am, 1419 Peninsula Rd. Grace Bible Church, 10:30am, UCC. Holy Family Church, 10 a.m. St. Lawrence Church, 11:00 a.m. Ahousaht. St. Columba Church, 10:30 a.m United/Anglican Service, 4 p.m. UCC. Tofino Bible Fellowship, 10:30 a.m. Tofino Legion.
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Healthy Babies Program/Family Ties, 10:30am. Coastal Family Place, UCC. The Edge Youth Room, 3–6pm, UCC. Youth night, 7-9pm, Tofino Legion. Youth night ANAF Ucluelet. AA meeting, 7:30pm, St. Francis Church. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 5 p.m.
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Page 16 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Ukee locals thank district for new park ROBIN MYCK
Local Voice
Thank you to the District of Ucluelet from the kids and families who live near the new Kimoto Park. This new space at the end of Kimoto Drive, complete with play area and ocean view, is a wonderful addition to the neighbourhood and a great place for visitors and families to spend quality active time together while being immersed in the beauty of the Pacific Coast. Families in the area petitioned the District last budget session for a playground at their end of town as well as a sidewalk with lighting on He-Tin-Kis corner. The District responded by constructing the playground complete with new swings, play equipment, and lots of greenery. Residents are now hopeful that the successful allocation of funds for the playground foreshadows the addition of the desperately needed sidewalk and lighting on He-Tin-Kis corner. The lack of a sufficient walkway and adequate lighting still remain a major safety concern for area residents. In the meantime, the children in the area are happy that they now have a safe area where they can play. ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO
Kids held signs spelling ‘THANKYOU’ to express their appreciation to the district for the new playground at Kimoto Drive.
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