Lake Cowichan Gazette, February 10, 2016 by Black Press Media Group

Playing host: Arena site of curling, hockey events PAGE 9

Annie: Local talent set to shine in new Kaatza production PAGE 7

Gazette

Sunfest: Music festival establishes benevolence fund PAGE 11

The Lake Cowichan

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016

VOL. 20, NO. 6 | $1 + GST

www.lakecowichangazette.com

PLANE MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING ON HIGHWAY On Tuesday afternoon, a homebuilt Zenith CH801 airplane made an emergency landing on Highway 18 between Lake Cowichan and Skutz Falls. Pilot Stewart Hicks cited fuel starvation as the issue that forced him to land, the exact cause of which is still unknown. He said the engine cut out just above Lake Cowichan. “My first thought was getting it down with one piece. And me with it,” he said. “I just came in for a normal landing, with no engine, and on the road. And fortunately there was no truck coming in the other direction.” Hicks has been flying since the 1960s and says he’s never experienced something like this.

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herd from Lake Cowichan is dead her.” Crossman took the dog to a after mysteriously falling ill, and its owner suspects foul play. The veterinarian in Duncan but the animal was ultimately euthan- doctor attributed the change in ized after more than three weeks behaviour to a bone the dog had eaten and said it would pass. But of declining health. The problem began on Jan. 20 four days later, the dog’s condie when R UJeremy P Crossman noticed tion had not improved. “It was getting worse.” his dog, Kayona, was acting R OF According to Crossman, he took strangely. S N O ELE ADJUSTMENTS “Her appetite was going. She’d the dog to a veterinary clinic in e 2014 Turbo Mill Bay sit byVeloster her food but she wouldn’tManual UPand TOurged them to do a

blood test on Kayona. That was when he learned the dog had Kayona’s food Amount was always insideavailable ingested some kind of poisonous commander, toldon the Gazette the the 2014 substance although the vet could the house and although the dog incident was reported to his offinot determine through the tests would sometimes go out into the cers but at this time there is not exactly what kind of toxin was backyard, it was prevented from enough evidence to pursue an roaming present in the dog’s system. UP TO by a six-foot fence with investigation. “They can’t tell what kind it a locked gate. “The nature of that poison is “I have a feeling someone threw undetermined. The dog could was, but they said what is most likely to poison animals is anti- something over the fence — we have gotten into some antifreeze, v eThe PRICE ADJUSTMENTS ndogs gotTOTAL it, but these freeze. possibly it had eaten grapes tlove the taste of can’t tell how sheIN PURCH Amount available on the 2014 Veloster Turbo Manual are the possibilities,” said Cross- [which can be toxic to dogs] or it,” said Crossman. FOR He and his family searched man, who reported his suspicions eaten mushrooms,” said Olsen.UP ON Scase TN MTSUJ DSELECT A EC theyE had their home and their property to the RCMP in launaM ob ru T rENOUGH, etsolePage V 41 for anywhere the dog might have received similar reports. See NOT 2 02 eh

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2 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Not enough evidence for investigation DOG POISONED, From Page 1

Shelby Scott of Lake Cowichan hopes to compete in the Beauties of Five Continents pageant later this year. She is selling hotdogs and pop outside Country Grocer on Feb. 13 to raise money for her application fees. [SUBMITTED]

Lake beauty sets sights on conquering world pageant

Three-year-old Kayona, a purebred German shepherd, was recently euthanized following an illness caused by poisoning. The dog’s owner suspects the dog was poisoned but does not know why someone would do such a thing. [JEREMY CROSSMAN PHOTO] loss of Kayona, urges other pet owners to be vigilant. “I want to find out what’s going on,” he said. “Y’know she’s part of our family…

We loved her a huge amount. And even though she was only with us three years — still, three years is a long time to have someone in your life. And then someone takes her out.” 7400693

He added that he was not suggesting the dog in question had been running loose but simply that there are a number of potential causes. “If we had evidence to suggest that someone is purposely poisoning animals in the Greendale Road area or anywhere in Lake Cowichan, we’d certainly investigate it to the fullest to determine if that’s the case and who’s responsible,” he said. “There’s an offence in the criminal code for cruelty to animals.” However, in the case of Kayona — whose owner is unaware of anyone who would have wanted to hurt the dog or his family — more evidence of deliberate poisoning would be needed in order for the RCMP to open an investigation. John Harrison, another dog owner who lives on Greendale Road, said he once came outside to find his dog chewing on a beef knuckle it had ripped from a package. Harrison, who hasn’t bought his dog any bones in a long time, said he has no idea where it came from. “The only thing I can suspect is that someone passing by probably heaved it over the fence. And it may have been something totally harmless — they were giving my dog a treat — but it’s always best to notify the owner,” Harrison said. “I don’t know if the thing’s been poisoned or not. He hasn’t shown any illness whatsoever, but it made me very suspicious once I heard that another dog in the neighbourhood had been poisoned.” Michael Bedard, director of the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue Society, said he was disappointed to learn about the death “These situations with possible antifreeze poisonings have surfaced around here before with kitty cats. But there’s never been anything that could tie anyone [to the crime] or prove it,” he said. “But there definitely have been some peculiar circumstances that have arisen around here over the years. Not a lot, but even once is too much.” Crossman, who is still grieving the

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We’ll be happy to serve your advertising needs! Heather Boehmer Heather.boehmer@cowichanvalleycitizen,com Vi Moffatt Violet.moffatt@cowichanvalleycitizen.com Darin Lashman Darin.lashman@cowichanvalleycitizen.com Lauri Meanley Lauri.meanley@cowichanvalleycitizen.com Shirley Skolos Publisher/Sales Director Shirley.skolos@cowichanvalleycitizen.com

JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

A former Lady of the Lake contestant hopes to represent Lake Cowichan on an international scale at this year’s Beauties of Five Continents held in Vancouver. Shelby Scott, who was sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 210 during the 2013 Lady of the Lake competition, said it was her experiences at the local level that made her consider applying for something bigger. “I had a lot of fun in that pageant so I wanted to do something like that again,” she said. The Beauties of Five Continents pageant was just what she was looking for. “Also this one does open up a lot of opportunities for you and it gives you training on life skills and it can help you with your career.” Scott is currently studying at Vancouver Island University with plans to eventually become a veterinarian. However, she is also interested in modelling and was enticed by the potential doors that could be opened for her through competing at a higher level. “If I went to Beauties of the Five Continents, they could actually help me out with [modelling opportunities]. Give me a roster and a business card and try to get me work,” she said. The competition is this fall, but in the meantime Scott needs to raise enough money to cover all her application fees. On Saturday, Feb. 13, she is selling hot dogs and pop outside Country Grocer to raise money. She is also seeking sponsors and will be handing out sponsorship packages to local businesses. Scott said she is not aware of anyone else from the area who will be participating. “I don’t know anyone else who’s competing. It’s a global pageant so it can be people from all over the world,” she said.

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 10, 2016 3

Town eyes swimming lessons for locals at Lake JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

See PARTNERS, Page 7

The Town of Lake Cowichan is under its second boil water advisory of 2016. At a recent public works and environmental services committee meeting, Mayor Ross Forrest addressed some of the complaints he’s been hearing from the public. [JAMES GOLDIE/GAZETTE]

Council looking to grants to take care of boil water woes

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— reaches a level above 1 NTU. The particles causing turbidity can include clay, silt, organic matter and micro-organisms. According to Island’s Health website: “High turbidity can interfere with the disinfection of drinking water and be a source of disease-causing micro-organisms.”

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The Town of Lake Cowichan’s application for funding to upgrade its waste water treatment plant has been rejected by the Union of BC Municipalities’ strategic priorities fund under the gas tax program. At the Feb. 2 public works and environmental services meeting, the town’s chief administrative officer, Joseph Fernandez, said the team had put “100 per cent” into the application process and was disappointed with the outcome. The UBCM’s strategic priorities fund is open to local governments outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District and provides financial support to infrastructure and capacity-building projects. These projects are often large in scale and must relate to productivity, economic growth, a clean environment and stronger cities and communities. Fernandez said he believes the waste water upgrades application may have been unsuccessful because the town has also applied for upgrades to is water treatment plant. “We made that priority number one. So we’re hoping that that will have some impact on that grant application,” he said. Mayor Ross Forrest took a moment to address the latest boil water advisory which, at press time, had been in effect since Jan. 29.

“I just wanted to say publicly here for our public to understand that we’re frustrated by the boil water advisories as well. We get a lot of heat because of them but I also think the public has to realize that this is a project [that] would be roughly $6.3 million,” he said, referring to the necessary upgrades to the town’s water treatment facility. “Without getting that grant, 1,400 tax paying residents couldn’t afford to be paying what we have to borrow to cover that cost.” Forrest said he’s aware of the complaints about the boil water advisories and he has some of the online comments about the issue. He said many people complaining about it were also complaining loudly when the town implemented a parcel tax several years ago, which, according to Forrest, is the kind of steps the town would have to take in order to upgrade the water system without a funding grant. “I just want to make that clear so the public understands that we’re trying to save them money. Like a lot of money,” he said. “And I know the boil water is very inconvenient but would you rather pay for a jug of water a few times right now or pay thousands of dollars extra each year to cover the costs of what needs to be done? So it does take time.” Island Health issues boil water advisories when water’s turbidity — basically its level of cloudiness 2

JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

740306

Lake Cowichan’s mayor and councillors would like to see swimming lessons for local families come to the waterfront community. It was a hot topic at the town’s latest parks and recreation committee meeting. Council invited John Elzinga, general manager of community services at the Cowichan Valley Regional District, to address the matter because, according to Coun. Bob Day, there had been no room for discussion last fall when the CVRD did not approve a request for swimming lessons in Lake Cowichan. “The ‘no,’ right away, didn’t sit well with me because we’d like to discuss what the cost would be,” said Day. In November, the Cowichan Lake division of the CVRD’s community services department issued a report to the Cowichan Lake Recreation Commission, not recommending the implementation of a swimming lessons program in the town for summer 2016. Elzinga echoed this report, which cites “the infrastructure deficit at locations in Lake Cowichan” and the $15,000 in additional costs required to hire two staff to run the program.” Currently lessons are only offered at Arbutus Park in Youbou. The report stated that the commission would be “willing to look at alternative means to transport swim lesson registrants from Lake Cowichan to Arbutus Park.” The mayor and councillors wanted to know why the lessons and staff are exclusive to Arbutus Park. “Why can’t they come to Lake Cowichan to teach lessons?” asked Mayor Ross Forrest. “Every other swimming beach, wharf, everything in the whole west end here doesn’t have life guards. Why couldn’t those life guards, say, one day teach lessons at the Duck Pond, the next at Arbutus Park?” Forrest emphasized the town isn’t asking to have the life guards in Lake Cowichan full-time. “We’re willing to share,” he said. “But council just feels that there’d be more kids participating in the program because let’s face it, Lake Cowichan has a heck of a lot more kids than Youbou.” Parks and recreation committee members also raised concerns about a 2013 “Aquatics Viability Report,” which examined five potential swimming lesson sites (the Duck Pond, Saywell Park, Lakeview Park, Bear Lake Park and Lily Beach) and found none of them a suitable location. The committee accused this 2013 report of being inaccurate and biased. “If we do have some deficiencies we’re not meeting — and as I say, we weren’t satisfied with the last report — but if [Cowichan Lake Recreation] could really point out what those were, we’d like to know so we can make some upgrades,” said Forrest.

10 King George St. South Lake Cowichan 250-749-6492

60 Fern Road Lake Cowichan 250-749-4103

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

Mass Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Terry Hale

Fr. John Vines

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4 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

TO COMMENT

We welcome your original comments on editorials, columns, on topics in the Lake Cowichan Gazette or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name, address and day and evening phone numbers and that are veried by the Lake Cowichan Gazette can be considered for publication.

Got a news tip? Email us at: editor@lakecowichangazette.com

OPINION

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Bus link key for many at Cowichan Lake

It is a big relief for everyone that it looks like there will not be a bus strike. In the Cowichan Valley, there is only one other route that is as well used as the one that services the Cowichan Lake area. That means a bus strike would have hit hard. And that’s not even counting those at the Lake who use the commuter bus to Victoria. It’s a great thing that people at the lake use the bus service. Communities have been trying for years to encourage people to get out of their individual vehicles and take public transportation, as it helps with trafc congestion on roads, and it’s also good for the environment, cutting down on emissions. It’s also a great boon to those who can’t afford to keep a vehicle on the road, with the cost of the car itself, plus gas and insurance. Some families use it as a way to only have to maintain one vehicle — other family members use the bus. But it’s key that people be able to count on the bus running on a predictable schedule. Look at how much trouble it caused some riders when schedule changes came into effect last year that made one run to Lake Cowichan into an express, rather than taking the old highway and making stops along the route. People plan their lives around the bus schedule. They arrange their work hours, they arrange shopping and medical appointments to coincide with when they will be able to get there. When the bus doesn’t run, some are completely stranded. That is certainly no way to build ridership. A strike would have been a disruption that could have seriously negatively impacted people’s lives. Particularly coming from Lake Cowichan, walking or cabs would simply not have been an option for many. Hitchhiking can be dangerous and isn’t an efcient way to get anywhere on a schedule. The company that operates the buses played a little bit of brinkmanship here, waiting until the last minute to see if the employees were indeed willing to go all the way and walk off the job. We’re glad that a promising deal has been put on the table — it’s good for everyone, especially riders.

Letters to the editor: YOUR SAY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Letters to the editor are welcome, but writers are requested to keep their submissions to 350 words or less. Keep it local — letters raised in response to issues raised in our pages get top priority. Letters will be edited for clarity, grammar, length — attack the issue, not the individual. All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be reached during business hours. Thank you letters will not normally be considered for publication. editor@lakecowichangazette.com

Generator noise unwelcome for homeowners Is anyone who lives anywhere near the weir as concerned as I am regarding town council’s decision to lift the noise bylaw to allow 10 generators to be run 24/7 next to the weir? How can the noise level not be disturbing to those who live around that area. And some are worried about noise from Sunfest for a weekend for five or six hours! Imagine 24 hours for as long as the powers that be deem neces-

sary? I am not now nor was I ever in favour of this Band-aid method. Catalyst created this problem when they built the weir. Now they are looking for inappropriate short term methods to fix the problem. If the weir can’t be raised then dredge a channel through high spots that stop the flow near the duck pond and perhaps at the lower end of the big pool and leave the gate open several inches at the lock and the flow would give Crofton its water supply and the fish be taken care of. This problem has been created because the flow has been cut to such low levels over the years

that natural flushing has not occurred. Is this the best solution that creative science could come up with? Ten generators keeping me and at least 100 homes awake all night listening to them drone on. Come on council. I pay my taxes regularly. Stick up for my rights. Represent me! What does Crofton pay this town? Ask them to find another solution! Resident and taxpayer for more than 50 years. Georgie Clark Lake Cowichan

Caycuse • Honeymoon Bay • Lake Cowichan • Mesachie Lake • Youbou

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 10, 2016 5

Street Beat

With Malcolm Chalmers

The Gazette asked: How have the repeated boil water advisories affected you? Lynda Hubert

Angela Doyle

Gerald Hornsby

Paul Goulet

Ted Rondow

“I hate it! I lived out on acreage where I had a well and didn’t have to do it, then I moved into town and I have to do it every two or three months. It is annoying as heck.”

“It is very hard to keep up with boiling water. I end up running out then I find myself buying it. I always said I would never buy bottled water and now unfortunately here I am.”

“Not much, it’s not a big problem boiling water. It really doesn’t bother me at all.”

“We do boil our water but most of the water we drink is bottled. When we cook with water it gets boiled anyway so it works out fantastic.”

“Greatly, I have a stomach ailment and have to have proper water. I think this is ridiculous. Now I am buying bottled water and it is expensive being on a fixed income.”

Letters to the editor Berkey’s Corner development crazy I think it is ludicrous that they are even considering building what they have proposed at Berkey’s corner; the only purpose would be collecting more tax money to do what with? Build more roundabouts that half of this city’s population can’t navigate correctly? The traffic is horrendous now. I wait sometimes over five to seven minutes just to get onto that road when leaving work because of the constant stream of vehicles. We do not need any more mall type structures. The complex where Walmart was built is only about a mile and a half away. The empty stores that are sitting there — not to mention all over the rest of this town — is already crazy.

Schools should teach Mandarin, Cantonese Parents lining up overnight for places in French Immersion Classes got me thinking about this subject. We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in our educational system on the teaching of French. In my view, this is money poorly spent. Very few students in Western Canada will ever get jobs because they speak French. What we should be teaching in

Idling a problem in Cowichan Valley We recently relocated here from Vancouver and have often noted idling vehicles. Are we more conscious of this practice in the urban settings? The city has a bylaw restricting idling to no more than three minutes in a 60 minute period and encourages an idle-free

Utilize these spaces first if someone wants to open a business. They are talking about giving up even more green space and ruining another residential area. And for what? Maybe another fast food place, gas station, or another liquor store. This is all this town is full of and we certainly don’t need more of them. If you’re going to use this land, build some type of manufacturing plant or industry, maybe greenhouses can supply local produce. Something that we desperately need to create jobs in this town. Then maybe some of these other stores wouldn’t be sitting empty a short time after opening because people that can find work could afford to shop in them. G. Montgomery Duncan

our schools in B.C. is Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese. This would fit much better into the present and future needs of people who will be involved in trade and commerce with Pacific Rim nations. The only places that French is really needed is if you live in Quebec or intend to get a job in Ottawa. Otherwise this is still and always will be an English speaking country. Reed Elley Chemainus

zone. How long does it actually take to turn off the engine and simply restart while unloading, waiting or relaxing at the park? Is it really that cold out? Municipalities could certainly increase the awareness on a local level and educate people on the environmental impacts. Louise Rueger Chemainus

Professional protesters fear peace in the forests of British Columbia

fter 20 years of representing B.C. coastal First Nations to negotiate what U.S.-directed activists labeled the Great Bear Rainforest agreement, a weary Dallas Smith expressed his relief and frustration. At a ceremony to sign the final agreement in Vancouver last week, Smith, president of the Nanwakolas Council of remote Central Coast communities like Bella Bella, joked that he’s finally out of a job. Then he got serious. “My communities still aren’t better places to live yet,” he said. But the land use agreement with the province and forest companies over a vast coastal area up to the Alaska border means the years ahead will be better. He said when he started it was like being caught in a divorce between the B.C. forest industry and international environmental groups. Dutch-based Greenpeace, its California offshoot ForestEthics and others moved on from their Clayoquot Sound battle to the B.C. coast, looking to continue the blockades against logging. “It’s the First Nations of the Coast who stood up and said ‘no, this is how it’s going to work’,” Smith said. How it’s going to work is that logging will continue on 550,000 hectares of coastal forest, with a greater share for First Nations, and with 85 per cent of the region preserved after a century of logging that began with sailing ships.

By Tom Fletcher

BC Views

Aside from a few diehards who are either paid to protest or can’t get past issuing demands, B.C. aboriginal people have grown tired of being used as props in global de-marketing campaigns directed from San Francisco or Amsterdam. The protesters’ tactic of organizing customer boycotts that damage far away economies might be good for international fundraising, but it’s bad for poor people. Formally begun 10 years ago with $30 million from Ottawa, $30 million from B.C. and $60 million from a group of wealthy U.S. family foundations with a larger anti-development agenda, the land use plan remains under attack. Among the many protest outfits is Pacific Wild, which has specialized in Great Bear Rainforest campaigns and now needs a new enemy. Their credibility was demonstrated recently when potty-mouthed U.S. pop star Miley Cyrus decided to speak out against B.C.’s wolf kill. Typical of celebrities, Cyrus had no idea about the struggle to preserve dwindling herds of mountain caribou. She barely knows where B.C. is, a fact made plain when Pacific Wild toured her around the North Coast, far from the Kootenay

and South Peace regions where the wolves in question actually roam. Cyrus’s handlers spoon-fed video and statements to urban media, who were so anxious to exploit her global popularity that they played down the fact she was at the wrong end of the province spouting nonsense. After periodically attacking their own B.C. agreement as inadequate, Greenpeace and ForestEthics have moved on to what they call the “boreal forest,” which we like to call northern Canada. The same bully tactics with forest products customers and producers have been featured. This time, a Quebec company that signed an accord in 2010 is suing Greenpeace for “defamation, malicious falsehood and intentional interference in economic relations.” Aboriginal companies on the B.C. coast will continue to log, including areas of old-growth forest and secondary growth. They will continue to export logs as economics dictate. They will continue to harvest animals, including grizzly bears. And, I expect, they will continue to be subjected to attempts to supervise and direct them by members of urban society’s new religion, environmentalism. The leaders of this movement don’t like peace. It’s bad for their business. Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca Twitter: @tomfletcherbc

Got a hot news tip? Let us know at the Gazette at 250-748-2666 ext. 237

6 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Local governance over watershed is worth the potential price

Local control over the Cowichan Lake watershed, along with the weir, is something worth pursuing, Parker Jefferson says. [FILE]

our watershed. The e all have board is preparing priorities. a proposal to the Each of us provincial governmust make decisions ment to be granted regularly about how a pilot project that best to spend our would give a local money and our time. community authorI knew when I woke up this morning One Cowichan ity decision making By Parker Jefferson ability for watershed that I had to write activities. this column today The new BC Water but when I looked at Sustainability Act has a clause the river I thought I had better that creates the possibility of prioritize a few hours of fishing local control and decision-makfirst. ing. There are several good Oh no, this was not procrastinreasons for this. For the past ation. I just needed a bit of time 20 years, the provincial governto gather my thoughts before ment has been steadily downsizsitting down at the computer. ing and the remaining statutory Morning is a good time to go decision makers have very large steelhead fishing as well and I portfolios of responsibilities. always enjoy the exercise and This has led to siloed decision fresh air I get while walking making by a few senior govaround in our beautiful river. The fishing has been very good ernment employees. Decisions affecting watersheds around so far this winter and there issues like forestry, oil and gas, are always many others out on water quality, agriculture and the river pursuing the elusive development are made in sevwinter steelhead. Many have eral different ministries and travelled quite a distance to levels of government with little visit our river and I am happy coordination or communication to share our wonderful resource between agencies. with them. The Cowichan River This top-down management is pretty awesome 12 months framework often disregards of the year. It is beautiful and ecosystem needs and ecological bountiful even in the dead of priorities. Recent events in our winter. watershed have demonstrated The protection and preservathis governance failure. The tion of our watershed is a very most glaring example was the important priority for our comsummer of 2012 when the provmunity. There are many groups incial government authorities working hard all year round forced us to dump water from to ensure that our watershed health is monitored and protect- the lake in July against the advice and repeated requests ed. The Cowichan Lake and Rivfrom our Watershed Board, First er Stewardship Society is doing Nations leaders and elected offigreat work in restoring riparian cials. The subsequent drought areas around the lake and river, led to a drying river and the as well as educating the public demise of about one half of our about the importance of intact precious and threatened chiriparian areas. nook salmon run later that year. Lake Cowichan School has a Similar situations in the past Lake Studies program designed few years have demonstrated to get our youth involved with over and over again that senior and aware of the importance government officials do not have of watershed health. There the capacity to be the exclusive are numerous other groups decision-makers over local and First Nations all working watershed activities. together to take on projects The current untenable situthroughout our watershed to ation in the Shawnigan Lake monitor and improve water watershed where senior governquality and ecosystem health. ment officials continue to allow The Cowichan Watershed toxic soil to be dumped near the Board is working on what top of the watershed is another could turn out to be the most important opportunity our com- example of the need for local decision making ability. munity has ever had to make a The Cowichan Watershed big difference in the health of

Board is working hard to carefully define the parameters of the request for local control. At workshops held in Duncan over the past few years there was a great deal of support for local co-management of our watershed with First Nations. This will be included in the proposal as a cornerstone for the new governance model. We have a great deal of knowledge about our watershed that is held and developed by local groups and First Nations. We can leverage all the scientific data, traditional knowledge and future climate projections to create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;State of the Watershedâ&#x20AC;? report and a Watershed Sustainability Plan that will form part of the presentation for local control. We are very well positioned here to succeed and get some legislated authority delegated to a local community group. There is much work to be done and the exact details of the proposal will be developed over the coming months. One Cowichan will be involved as the process develops and we will provide our community members with detailed information and an opportunity to voice their support for this initiative. Funding is always an issue for local initiatives like this. There is no way of knowing how this model will function financially until the negotiations with the province begin. We would certainly expect financial support for this local governing body to be included from the province but it is unlikely that our current provincial government will offer to cover all costs for this governance model. It comes down to priorities. It may be that we will have to chip in a portion of the costs for this local governance model from local taxes. I would argue that it would be money well spent. Having the ability to shape the future of our watershed, the quality and quantity of our water, the health of our river and lake and work with industry and agriculture to ensure the health and sustainability of our community for future generations would be priceless. Parker Jefferson is a member of One Cowichan.

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 10, 2016 7

Changes coming for Lake’s 2016 farmer’s market JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

There are changes coming for the Lake Cowichan farmer’s market, which will be entering its second season this May. On Jan. 28 the market’s organizing committee held its first meeting of the new year to discuss what vendors would like to see happen with the event this year. “This year we want to make it open longer. So we’ve extended the dates from Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving, so we’ve made it a longer time,” said Jennifer Pollner, chairperson of the Lake Cowichan Downtown Renewal Society which came up with the idea to hold a farmer’s market in town. “We want to get more variety of vendors so we’re looking to find different food vendors and what people are looking for. So we have heard from the public that they want more fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh products. Wineries, that kind of stuff.” Pollner said the market is also looking for artisans, which were popular and plentiful at last year’s market. The committee is looking for ways to increase the variety of artisanal products. “If we were going to have the same thing [for sale], like the exact same thing, that we would only have two or three. Last year we had several [of each] and that was a concern by our public and our vendors,” said Pollner. New rules for the 2016 season have not been finalized, but the committee has been researching the rules of other, more established farmer’s markets in the area. The group is also evaluating what its new vendor fees should be, based on the market’s operating costs. Pollner emphasized that it’s not just vendors the market is hoping

“So we have heard from the public that they want more fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh products. Wineries that kind of stuff.”

Lake Cowichan has plenty of beaches, and the town would like some consideration of hosting some swimming lessons at one of them. [ANDREA RONDEAU/GAZETTE]

JENNIFER POLLNER, Lake Cowichan Downtown Renewal Society

to attract. She said the farmer’s market is always looking for more volunteers — everyone from musicians to visual artists to non-profit organizations who can host activities for children and families. “We would like to create an environment of family excitement and entertainment. So we’d like to see the community out and be a part of that and be a part of creating that,” said Pollner. “If you know how to face paint or do balloon animals and you want to volunteer some time that would be amazing.” The Lake Cowichan Downtown Renewal Society is a group of businesses and community members seeking ways to generate more foot traffic and community activity through Lake Cowichan’s downtown core. The farmer’s market was its first big initiative. “We have grand ideas of branding and painting, but we needed to pick one task and get it finished. So we chose the farmers market,” said Pollner. “Maybe [market goers] would go for coffee or they’d wander through and buy a dress, or even just look through the windows and come back and buy something next time.” Applications for the 2016 farmer’s market are now available for pickup at Country Grocer’s Lake Cowichan customer service counter.

Partners have to make decision TOWN EYES, From Page 3 Elzinga encouraged the town to ask Cowichan Lake Recreation to put that on their next agenda to potentially look at an updated report on possible swimming lesson locations. He also said he could not respond himself to suggestions from council of bringing life guards from Arbutus Park one

day a week, or rotating them to other communities around the lake. “This really is a Cowichan Lake Recreation Commission discussion,” he said. CLRC is made up of three partners: Area F, Area I and the town. “Since 2004 when the Cowichan Lake Recreation first came together, it really has been a partnership where all three

areas fund programs. And I will say the majority of programs are in the core area of Lake Cowichan,” said Elzinga. “If we start bringing all of the programs into the core, there may be a funding issue.” The Cowichan Lake Recreation Commission’s next meeting is Feb. 12 from 7 to 10 p.m., at the arena for budget discussions.

Filmmakers laud Lake Cowichan welcome JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

More details have been revealed about the film in production in the Cowichan Lake area last month. In a press release, BuzzCuts Multimedia, the production company making the movie, described the film as a “lowbudget independent thriller,” and has been given the codename “Blue Line” in order to keep details of the film a

closely guarded secret. “It’s not that we believe anyone is going to steal our idea or our script, but it’s more a matter of marketing,” co-producer Joseph Boutilier stated in the release. “Once the title, the plot and other details are out there, we lose the opportunity to make a real splash. We want this film to come out of nowhere,” he said. Boutilier said the community

has welcomed the small cast and crew, which is made up of less than 30 people. “Local businesses have been so helpful, patient and just incredibly welcoming. This feels like a real home away from home. Some of our cast and crew have been talking about finding cottages out here because we love it so much,” he said. Blue Line is expected to be released in February 2017.

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8 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Director Dena McPhee guides her cast of “orphans” through a song at rehearsal for ‘Annie’, the Kaatza Lakeside Players’ musical coming up in April.

[JAMES GOLDIE/GAZETTE]

Cowichan Lake talent all set to star in musical ‘Annie’ JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

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It’s been almost two years since the Kaatza Lakeside Players last performed a musical production, and the community theatre company has chosen a family favourite for this season: Annie. “We wanted something that really brought families together,” said Dena McPhee, artistic director for the Kaatza Lakeside Players and also stage and musical director for this production. McPhee directed the company’s last musical, The Wizard of Oz, in 2014 before taking a one-year break from the theatre. “So we wanted to do something we felt brought the community back together and back to live theatre. Something that was definitely family-oriented. And everyone loves a musical.” Auditions for Annie were held in November, the cast was selected in December and by the beginning of January, rehearsals were underway. There are more than 30 cast members, about half of whom are children playing Annie’s fellow orphans. Although some of Kaatza’s past performances have featured actors from around the Cowichan Valley, Annie’s cast is entirely from the Lake area. According to McPhee, musicals are especially challenging for the director and the actors. “Normally you have the acting and the set and all that stuff, now we have the

acting and the set and the choreography and the song. So it’s [a matter of] gelling all those together,” she said, noting that the scenes contain a lot of background music leading up to the actual songs. “The challenge that they’re finding right now is to listen for their cue but still stay in the moment of their dialogue.” McPhee said behind the scenes the company faces other challenges — of a financial nature — because they received a smaller funding grant from B.C. Gaming than normal, due in part to the box office success of the Wizard of Oz. She said they are getting by this time with the smaller budget, but noted that purchasing the rights to the play and its accompanying music tracks doesn’t come cheap, especially for a show like Annie. “We’d love a big corporate sponsor,” she said. Finding the perfect person to play Annie wasn’t quite so difficult. “In auditions, I had all the kids who wanted to be orphans sing the song ‘Tomorrow’ and that’s a big song — it starts out low and ends up on these lovely high notes. And not many little kids can do that,” said McPhee. “The little girl that we picked, Isabella, was the only child who could nail all those notes in a full voice.” Ten-year-old Isabella Atchison, who also performed in the Wizard of Oz, said she couldn’t believe the news when she found out she would be star-

ring in the new production. “I was so shocked when I go the part,” she said. “It feels amazing.” Atchison said she’s always loved singing around the house and also takes singing lessons in Duncan. She has performed at the Duncan Showroom and recently sang the national anthem at the 2016 Lake Cowichan Hockey Jamboree. Taking on the role of Annie has taught her a lot about the theatre. “I’ve learned that you gotta get used to the character. You need to become the character and think of how that character lives,” she said. “[Theatre] is really fun and it’s good to do. You get with your friends and you do some fun things.” Cheyenne Carlow, who plays one of the orphans, said the same thing. “I like that I get to stand in front of everybody, act, have the time of my life. And just have fun. That’s the main point,” she said. For Chelsea Martel, who is also playing an orphan and has never acted in a musical before, getting up on stage can be a little daunting. “It’s kind of a bit scary,” she said. “I think I [had stage fright] when I was younger. I was really shy. I still am kind of shy.” But Martel encouraged other kids to “ignore the fear” and try out the next time there are auditions for a Kaatza show. Annie will be performed at Centennial Hall from April 7-9 and April 14-16, with a matinee on April 17.

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, February 10, 2016 9

Lake Cowichan arena hosts two long weekend sporting events STORY AND PHOTOS BY JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

It was a busy weekend at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena, which hosted two tournaments over the Family Day long weekend. From Feb. 5-7, the arena was host to Curl BC’s Mixed Island Playdown event, a curling tournament that determines which Vancouver Island teams move on to provincials. Players from Victoria, Qualicum, Kerry Park and Nanaimo participated in the event. The Cowichan Lake Regional Curling Club did not submit a team this year. Team Craig, from Kerry Park/ Nanaimo, were ultimately victorious against Team Angrove from Victoria. Meanwhile, in the other half of the arena, the Lake Cowichan Minor Hockey Association hosted a three-day novice hockey tournament over the weekend. Port Alberni came out on top, followed by Oceanside and Cow-

ichan Valley. The Lakers had a close game against the novice team from Comox, but ultimately lost out by two points. They were also unsuccessful in their games against the Cowichan Valley Yellow Caps and the Port Alberni Sharks. “It’s always a bit disappointing when you don’t come out on the winning side of the [tournament],” said manager Jenny Fawcett, but the team does have some excitement on the horizon that’s making everyone happy — a once in a lifetime opportunity. “We are going to a Canucks game as a team,” said Fawcett. “We won the chance to play in a scrimmage game in the intermission at the Canucks. Tim Hortons has sponsored us to all go over.” The novice team only just recently learned they would have the opportunity to skate on NHL ice thanks to a draw that Tim Hortons entered on behalf of the team. The Lakers head to Vancouver on Feb. 13.

Miles Craig, left, and Marika Van Osch from Kerry Park/Nanaimo hurry hard in their match against team Henderson.

Public Open House #2

BRIGHT ANGEL PARK RECREATION REJUVENATION PROJECT & PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN Timothy Henderson, a second from Victoria, eyes his target after throwing. The novice Lakers have received exciting news: Thanks to sponsors Tim Hortons, the team is heading to Vancouver on Feb. 13 to play a scrimmage match during half-time at the Canucks versus Maple Leafs game.

The South Cowichan Parks Commission and CVRD Parks & Trails Division are hosting the Public Open House #2 to invite public input on the Bright Angel Park Recreation Rejuvenation The CVRD has received ATTENTION RESIDENTS Project. OF ELECTORAL AREA I YOUBOU/MEADE CREEK grant funding from the Province of BC to rejuvenate BRIGHT ANGELPARK PARKRECREATION RECREATIONREJUVENATION REJUVENATION BRIGHTpark ANGEL specific facilities at Bright AngelMEETING Park which must NOTICE OF TOWN HALL PROJECT & PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN PROJECT & PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN be completed March 31, 2015. Make the TownbyHall Meeting Part of Your Valentine’s Day! The South Cowichan CowichanParks ParksCommission Commissionand and CVRD The South CVRD DATE: Sunday, February 14, 2016 Parks & Trails Division are hosting the Public Open Join us&forTrails discussion andare input at Openthe House #2: Open Parks Division hosting Public TIME: 2:00 pm House #2 to invite public input on the Bright Angel Park date Saturday, June 8, 2013 time 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. House #2 toYoubou invite Community public inputHall on(main the Bright Angel Park PLACE: hall) Recreation Rejuvenation Project. The CVRD has received place Bright Angel Park LowerStreet, ParkingYoubou Area Recreation Rejuvenation Project. The CVRD has received 8550 Hemlock grant funding from the Province of BCtotorejuvenate rejuvenate grant funding from the Province of BC Residents of Youbou/Meade Creek are invited towhich attend a Town Hall specific park facilities at Bright Angel Park must for more information , please contactAngel : specific park facilities at Bright Park which must Meeting on the above noted date. Topics to be discussed: Graham Gidden, CVRD Parks31, & Trails Planner, Parks & Trails Division, be completed byMarch March 31, 2015. be completed 2015. • Yount by School 250-746-2620 or ggidden@cvrd.bc.ca • Spring Cleanup Join us for discussion andinput inputatatOpen OpenHouse House • Weir Issue and Join us for discussion #2:#2: • Arbutus Park date Saturday, June 8, 2013 time 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. date Saturday, June 8, 2013 time 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. • Regional Recreation place Bright Angel Park Lower Parking Area place Bright Angel Park Lower • Any other issue youParking would Area like to discuss

Public OpenHouse House#2 #2 Public Open

Please come out and, participate in the: discussions. for more information please contact

for more information, please contact: Graham Gidden,CVRD CVRDParks Parks&&Trails TrailsPlanner, Planner,Parks Parks & Trails Division, Graham Gidden, FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: & Trails Division, 250-746-2620 or ggidden@cvrd.bc.ca 250-746-2620 ggidden@cvrd.bc.ca Director KlausorKuhn at 250-745-6243 or email kkuhn@cvrd.bc.ca 7448387

Above, left: Laker Caden Cairns manages a break-away with the Cowichan Valley Yellow caps in hot pursuit during their Saturday match as part of the Lake Cowichan Minor Hockey Association’s novice tournament. Above, right: Is it in? Ty McKinlay shoots through a screen of Yellow Caps with just seconds left on the clock.

A10 www.lakecowichangazette.com 10 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

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Sunfest establishes Smile FILE benevolence fund COWICHAN LAKE

With Malcolm Chalmers

Name: Isabella Atchison Occupation: Annie in the upcoming play “Annie” Hometown: Lake Cowichan I’ve always wanted to do: be the lead role in a play. Most people don’t know that I: have a sister that lives in Alberta Favourite food: lasagne Best thing about living here: nature and the trails around here. Favourite activity: dance Proudest moment: was hearing I was going to be Annie How do you define down time: I like to read Are you reading anything now: Harry Potter I w i s h I wa s b e t t e r at : gymnastics If I was stuck on a desert island I would definitely need: my brother Favourite time of day is: night, I can go to bed My guiltiest pleasure is: chocolate and hot chocolate My go-to wardrobe staple: comfy clothes In my car I listen to: country

Isabelle Atchison

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LEXI BAINAS GAZETTE

Sunfest has now made it official. Organizers of the huge music festival have been donating to local organizations for years but last week they announced the establishment of the Sunfest Benevolence Fund. It’s first “sizable” donation — of $4,000 — has gone to the Clements Centre Society “to directly benefit child, youth and adult programs in the community and surrounding area,” according to a Sunfest spokesperson. The funds will be allocated among three different programs: the Sundrops Centre for Child Development, supporting children with speech, occupational and physical therapy; adult programs, facilitating community-based recreation and leisure, as well as supporting adults to live independently; and the residential services program, providing group assisted living throughout the community. “Sunfest is more than a fourday music festival,” said Emmalee Brunt, PR & Marketing Manager for Sunfest Concerts.

It’s a happy occasion when Sunfest drops by the Clements Centre to donate $4,000 from the newly formed 2016 Sunfest Benevolence Fund. [SUBMITTED]

“Supporting the development of local, communitybased initiatives, non-profits and charitable causes is one of our highest priorities year after year, and we are proud to give back. Looking into 2016, we are excited to continue the Benevolence Fund’s legacy and welcome any established non-profit, charity or community initiative to connect with our team for consideration.” Sunfest has been donating to various groups for a long time, though, to the tune of $500,000 over 10 years. In 2016, the Benevolence Soci-

ety will donate an additional $250,000 to a variety of initiatives, totaling $750,000 to date. “Giving back to the community is part of Sunfest’s mandate, and continues to be a strong gauge of the success of the annual event,” officials said. Previous donation recipients include: Cowichan District Hospital Foundation, MS Society, Canadian Diabetes Association, Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rotary Club of Duncan, Duncan Chamber of Commerce and nearly 20 area elementary, middle and high schools.

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12 Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

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