WHALE MURAL
A local artist has completed his largest project to date
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TUFF’S NEW COP SHOP
Tofino’s $10 million police detachment moves ahead
5
Westerly News
TOFINO-UCLUELET
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
WesterlyNews.ca
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HOUSING CRISIS:
Seasonal vs affordable housing Tuff eyes consultant to fix summer housing woes Andrew bAiley
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Tofino will likely look to a consultant to help address its seasonal housing needs. The consultant, who will be tasked with investigating temporary shelter options for Tofino’s summer season, will be paid $10,000 from the district’s economic development reserve. During last week’s regular council meeting, district staff was directed to prepare a terms of reference for the position to present at Feb. 23’s meeting. Coun. Dorothy Baert brought the idea to council and explained it came from the Community Economic Development Advisory Committee (CDAC). She said she was bringing it forward as a councillor because the committee did not have enough members at their last meeting to make an official request to council. Baert said CDAC sees Tofino’s lack of seasonal housing as a threat to economic development. “It’s specific to employment and business retention and attraction,” she said. “Definitely there was a sense around the table that the people were committing their volunteer time to actually see some results.” She suggested the $10,000 consultant would work with local organizations, identify stakeholders and seek out funding opportunities for temporary seasonal housing options. “We’re looking for someone who can devote their full attention to the project for a short period of time,” she said. See CoNSULtANt page 11
ANDREW BAILEY Photo
The Oak Bay Marine Group has announced plans to shut down the Canadian Princess. The vessel will be removed from Ucluelet’s inner harbour and the resort’s onshore accommodation will be sold.
Canadian Princess leaving Ucluelet Company announces plans to remove vessel and sell resort Andrew bAiley
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Ucluelet’s Canadian Princess has been shut down and will be towed out of town. “Obviously it’s sad to see the Canadian Princess go, she’s been here since 1979. I spent many years myself working there,” Ucluelet mayor Dianne St. Jacques told the Westerly News. “It’s sad but change is something that’s a constant for all of us and we have to embrace it and move forward.” The 70-metre Ontario-built vessel was originally dubbed the
William J. Stewart and served as a hydrographic survey ship from 1932-1975. She was purchased by Bob Wright of the Oak Bay Marine Group (OBMG) in 1979 and towed from Victoria to Ucluelet where she was transformed into a resort, restaurant and lounge. “The investment that Bob Wright made in those days was big in the tourism side and really kicked off the tourism activity in the region,” St. Jacques said adding business has slowed since the resort’s heyday. See PRINCESS page 5
Page 2 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Justin Merk recently beautified Howler’s bowling alley with a life-sized gray whale.
ANDREW BAILEY Photo
Ukee artist dreams big Justin Merk finishes off his first mural project
Andrew bAiley
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
A local artist recently wrapped up a whale of a project. Justin Merk has boosted the ambience inside Kent Furey and Amie Shimizu’s Howler’s Family Restaurant by covering its walls with ocean-themed artwork including a life-sized 15-metre gray whale in the restaurant’s bowling alley. “This is one of the first commercial pieces I’ve done and I thank Kent and Amie for really motivating me and giving me a lot of freedom and patience to make this happen,” Merk told the Westerly. “I’d never done anything of this scale and it took a little bit of encouraging but as things progressed it became a really fun job and I’m quite happy with how it turned out.” Merk said the alley’s wall was the perfect canvas for a life-sized rendering of one of the West Coast’s staple attractions and the star species of the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival. “To see it to scale that size, being right up next to it, you really get to appreciate the animal,” he said. He hopes his art inspires the family restaurant’s patrons. “I hope it inspires families and kids that come in to take on projects of their own and dream big,” he said. “I’m excited for the kids that are going to be walking up to it, the client in mind were the families and the kids coming in.” He said it took about two weeks to complete the colossal whale piece, though that included a lot of late nights at the easel. “It really came together and I’ve been getting good feedback on it,” he said. Merk moved to Ucluelet about four years ago and has been enamoured with the local art scene. “As an artist it’s a great place to call home
during the winter time,” he said. “Living here, you’re exposed to so much rich culture…there are many artists and likeminded people around and people like Kent and Amie who appreciate art and encourage local artists.” Having notched his first major mural project into his belt, Merk is eyeing other big projects. “I’d like to keep the momentum going; if I can get involved in more murals. Now that I’ve done a big piece, I realize I really enjoy doing large pieces and that there’s a market for it,” he said. “I’m going to keep working on my own projects and not shy away from what seem like intimidating projects at first but end up being very pleasurable, very fun as well as rewarding.” He plans to submit an entry to the Whale Festival’s poster design contest and hopes to see other local artists take advantage of the festival’s artistic vibe. “I encourage all artists to take part in this great event; it’s a great time to get exposure,” he said. Howler’s co-owner Amie Shimizu was thrilled with Merk’s artistic infusion. “We wanted to give to the community, and the people that come to check out Howler’s, something awesome to look at and take away from the place and something that represents Ucluelet,” she said. “We just wanted something amazing on the walls that people can remember and some energy that’s alive… We’re very, very, happy with it; it’s turned out to be so amazing, the colours, the life-size whale, you couldn’t ask for anything more. He’s done an amazing job.” She was stoked to give the budding artist an opportunity to beautify her restaurant. “He’s only made this place better and we’re happy to support him and we’re happy to have him as a part of our family here,” she said. “We’re stoked all the way around. It couldn’t have turned out any better.”
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The Westerly News | Page 3
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Feb. 10 Ucluelet Recycles Remember –
RedUce , ReUse , Recycle !
SonBird
Refuse & Recycling
250-726-4406
Tides & WeaTher ThuRsday 11 TIde
WESTERLY FILE PhoTo
Tofino hosts a slew of surf events each year but the district is considering charging a fee for using the community’s backdrop.
district considers event fees
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Free ride could be over for surfing competitions
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Andrew bAiley
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andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Tofino will host a longboard surf competition in May but the district is thinking about charging a fee to companies wanting to host similar events in the future. The Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational will be held at Cox Bay from May 7-8 and will see seven heats featuring 16 international male surfers and one local ‘wildcard’ participant. The 11-year-old event is sponsored by Vans and organized by the Vans Surf Team. Tofino’s municipal council approved the competition’s special events permit application last week but raised several concerns, most notably the absence of revenue. Coun. Cathy Thicke was unimpressed that only one local would be competing and said the event would take a toll on local infrastructure and staff time. She said the district should investigate guidelines, including a fee structure, for future events. “This is a very big company, Vans, and they stand to gain quite a lot with this event in terms of promotion, CAThY ThICKE social media and all of that,” Thicke said. “These companies are making a lot; they might not be making hard cash but they’re using this venue as a way to promote their business, let’s be honest with that…I see little community benefit, lots of gain for them. Yes, we have economic spinoffs from this I agree, but there’s not going to be a lot of young kids or local talent being showcased in this event.” She said the district is trying to raise funds for various projects, like a $1.8 million indoor recreation space, and could benefit from companies paying to play in Tofino. “The fact is, our staff are spending considerable time organizing these things, organizing the public works to clean the washrooms and all of this and I just feel like there’s got to be a time where we as a community somehow put this money back into the things that we feel are really important,” she said.
“I don’t know how others feel but I’m just, sort of, putting a red flag out there that we need a better understanding of policy.” Coun. Duncan McMaster agreed. “These special events put a lot of stress on the infrastructure, staff time and district property,” he said. “We charge film companies when they utilize the beach and I think we should be looking at a reasonable fee schedule for when private concerns utilize the beach for their marketing.” Coun. Dorothy Baert expressed disappointment that the Duct Tape Invitational was only open to men. “We do have a strong female surf culture as well,” she said. Coun. Greg Blanchette said council’s Public Property Use Bylaw, which houses special event permits, needs tweaking. The bylaw stipulates that any gathering of 12 or more people in a public place, like a beach or park, must obtain a permit from the district. “We have weddings, we have cars and vans full of people coming up, at what point does it become an event,” he asked. “Do I gather that every busload of elementary school kids that comes over from Port Alberni or Nanaimo to have a beach barbecue or whatever is an event that should be applying for a permit? I think we might need to clarify what all that means.” Council agreed to review the bylaw though no timeline was put in place. District CAO Bob MacPherson noted Tofino’s staff is paid through Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) coffers when working on events. “The direction that staff has been taking so far is to use RMI money to, kind of, fund the staff time so that we can use events to continue to grow our brand here…It’s a distinction I’m sometimes loathe to make but we’re using those dollars that are collected as hotel tax from the tourism industry to try to support that industry,” he said. “The idea of charging a fee is something that I think we should give some consideration to but there is a rationale why we’re not charging a fee now, which is the event business in Tofino, and events like this, are really in their incubation stage and we’re trying to, as a municipality using provincial money, support that right now.”
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Page 4 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
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Love is in the air as the West Coast nestles into the chocolate overcoat of Valentine’s Day. Love can be many things, but fickle isn’t Classified Advertising one of them. Enduring change is one of Tuesday 10am love’s truest tests. classifieds@westerlynews.ca Sports teams trade our favourite players, boyfriends grow moustaches, girlfriends switch hairstyles, kids go through phases, pets endlessly test our patience and yet our love endures. Letters to the Editor Landscapes change too and while Sunday 5pm changes can be unwanted, and in some Andrew.Bailey@westerlynews.ca cases fought against, our love for this place endures. We love it here. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR must be signed and Both Tofino and Ucluelet can see siginclude your full name, home town and contact nificant change on the horizon. Tofino has phone number. Those without these requirements will not be published. Letters must be 300 words been forced to accept a new $10 million police detachment and Ucluelet is losing an or less and are subject to editing. The NEWS iconic vessel-turned-resort that’s rested in retains the right not to publish submissions. its harbour for nearly 40 years. Mail: P.O. Box 317, Ucluelet B.C. V0R 3A0 It seems strange that a $10 million buildFax: 250-726-4282 ing Tofino will not pay a penny for would be E-mail: Andrew.Bailey@westerlynews.ca unwanted. To put that price tag in perspecTHE WESTERLY IS A MEMBER OF THE NATION- tive, the Ucluelet Community Centre had a AL NEWSMEDIA COUNCIL which is an indepen- budget of roughly $9 million and the West dent organization established to deal with accept- Coast Multiplex Society is trying to raise $6 able journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. million to bring us a skating rink. If you have concerns about editorial content, Councillors Ray Thorogood and Al Anplease contact: editor@westerlynews.ca or derson have both noted that if the new 250-726-7029. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit RCMP building were a library or community the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free centre no one would be clamouring against 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. its design. This might be true but that scenario is moot because designs for a library or community centre would be created with We acknowledge the financial support of the Governpublic participation. There was no such par-
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ticipation with the police building because, as the RCMP has pointed out, the opinions that mattered belonged to the bill-payers. Subjectivity can derail conversations about design but, regardless of taste, if you hang a van Gogh in between four Rembrandts, it doesn’t matter which painter you like more, the van Gogh will look out of place. The new two-storey detachment, with its zinc tiles and butterfly roof, will look out of place in Tofino. Perhaps though, this obvious change in landscape will lead to a change in crime and complaints.Tofino’s council receives an endless supply of letters bemoaning uncaring litterers, ruckus-causers and noisemakers each summer. If the most noticeable building in town is the cop shop, summer’s visitors might hesitate to run amok. Maybe one controversial change can begat another welcomed one. During a meeting with the building’s RCMP backers last week, Coun. Greg Blanchette said the new building was “an architectural departure but, I think, it’s far from an architectural disaster.” He noted though that it would kill the yard in front of the current detachment and encroach on the sidewalk. “It’s right on the main pedestrian drag and the thinking behind putting a building right on the sidewalk is that it is filled with little businesses that are inviting and add life to the sidewalk, in this case that’s not so,” he said. The walk down Campbell Street will be forever changed and the architectural departure has potential to become the status
quo as incoming developers look to the town’s newest building to model future designs but, maybe it’s time to take down the Rembrandts and embrace the van Goghs. Times change, love remains. The landscape will never be the same, but your love for Tofino will endure. Ucluelet recently found out the Canadian Princess is leaving town. She’s been here since 1979 and many of us have never seen the inner boat basin without her. This change brings with it a tension much more severe than aesthetic angst because jobs will be lost and there is nothing quite so terrifying as the place a mind goes when a career disappears. As is the case with any unknown, it becomes far too easy to focus on worst case scenarios. Love, though, is on your side. Tourists love it here and, at press time, the Canadian dollar was hovering around 70 cents American. This means Albertans, mainlanders and Islanders will shy away from Oregon and California this summer and it also means Americans will be rushing in to double their dollars on our Coast. We will be packed, we were already packed over the Family Day weekend. The Princess will absolutely be missed but there is an excitement to see what replaces her at the harbour and opportunities abound. We will continue to love our surroundings and tourists will continue to travel from across the globe to share that love with us. Even our darkest and rainiest days are popular because of their beauty. Tofino’s downtown will change, Ucluelet’s harbour as well, but our love for this place will endure.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
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LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
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The Westerly News | Page 5
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
New Tofino detachment moves ahead $10 million police building will be built with provincial and federal funds Andrew bAiley
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Tofino’s new police detachment will move ahead despite concerns about its design and location. The designs for the roughly $10 million building were made available to the public in November but went seemingly unnoticed until being posted to social media several days after Tofino’s council had approved the project on Dec. 8. As images circulated online, locals began clamouring against the new building’s appropriateness for its 400 Campbell St. site and the outcry motivated council to call a meeting with the RCMP. That meeting was held last week and included the building’s senior project manager Fiona Wright, the RCMP’s regional strategic planning manager Shaleena Meghji and local detachment commander Sgt. Blaine Mumford.
“We’re on the world’s stage and so this building, in a very small community, has a very large impact.” - Coun. Cathy Thicke Meghji said Tofino’s detachment has been in the upgrade-queue for several years. “The police officers who serve your community just don’t have the space in order to do their work,” she said adding the province would cover 70 per cent of the new building’s cost and the RCMP would cover the remaining 30 per cent. She said the RCMP is hoping to gain provincial approval for the building and put the project out to tender by the end of March but if the process were delayed, a new detachment wouldn’t be possible until 2022 because of the RCMP’s funding cycle system. “We’d like to see Tofino go forward but if it doesn’t, for whatever reason, it probably won’t be up for consideration until the end of cycle-two because the cycle-two detachments have already been identified,” she said. “The questions that the province would have is, ‘Well, if there are questions about the Tofino detachment and the need for it then perhaps we need to look at the overall need for it,’ because there’s certainly a long list of provincial detachments in British Columbia that are in need of replacement.” Coun. Greg Blanchette noted the RCMP’s collaboration with the province and asked if Tofino had a voice at the table. Meghji suggested the building was up to those footing the bill. “The approvals come down to who’s paying for it,” she
said. “It’s the province and the RCMP who are funding this project.” She suggested Tofino’s district office was “heavily involved” in the building’s design throughout the process and an open house in November covered community engagement. Coun. Cathy Thicke said it was “distressing” that the $10 million price tag didn’t include stronger consultation and added she was surprised when she first saw the designs in November. “We’re going to look at this building for 50 years. I would have thought that somehow in that process there would have been a portion of the budget that might have included a bit more public process knowing the nature of Tofino,” she said. “Architecture in our town is quite well defined and architecture is not a neutral statement in a really small town. It’s a very strong statement and I was personally a little bit flabbergasted when I saw the design and the form.” Thicke acknowledged Tofino needs a new detachment but questioned the design of the one being presented. “I’m very, very, well familiar with the shortcomings of [the current] building but I’m just putting up that flag that this is a huge project, the design and form of this building is a huge departure from what we have now in a very significant part of our town, not just for residents but for tourists as well,” she said. “We’re on the world’s stage and so this building, in a very small community, has a very large impact.” Project manager Fiona Wright said she was disappointed by Thicke’s suggestion that the RCMP’s consultation was inadequate. “We were trying to go above and beyond, so it’s really disheartening to hear you say that,” she said. “Normally, for lots of federal departments they don’t consult anybody. They say, ‘It’s our land, we’ll do whatever we want,’ and we were purposefully trying to go almost to the other extreme. I don’t think there’s ever been an open house for a community.” Coun. Dorothy Baert said the design did not fit into the site’s Development Permit Area (DPA), which stipulates buildings should comply with a small town, rural, coastal themed character and complement existing buildings in form and scale. “It’s very challenging to have this conversation, because basically we’ve got a bit of an axe over our heads in a way. If we say this isn’t right you’re going to take it away and not come back for ten years and that makes us bad citizens for not supporting the RCMP,” she said adding the aesthetic of Tofino’s downtown lots are important. “They are the defining properties of who we are as a
ANDREW BAILEY PhoTo
Tofino’s current RCMP detachment will be torn down and replaced with a new two-storey facility.
community, how we see ourselves and how we speak to the world about who we are.” Meghji said relocation was not an option as the detachment must be close to the water to serve Ahousaht. Wright said she went off-script from the RCMP’s building templates to fit the new detachment into the local landscape “I actually got a little bit of flack for veering away from that because we wanted it to fit more in with here and not be a cookie-cutter approach,” Wright said. “If you had of got the standard one, it wouldn’t look nearly as nice.” Sgt. Mumford agreed. “You guys are getting something that’s far nicer and I understand there are different points of view on whether it fits or not with Tofino but that’s very subjective,” he said. He added achieving a design the entire community could agree on would be impossible. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think this can happen but say there was a wholesale change, I think once you put it out there again you’d have a similar sized group again saying, ‘I don’t know, it doesn’t really fit,’” he said. District CAO Bob MacPherson suggested the building did fit into the DPA. “It’s very rare that you find something that fits every single guideline that you have and I would actually argue that a detachment that’s designed for a small town, and that fits in the needs of a small town police department, is a small town building,” MacPherson said. “This has been designed to provide the policing service for a small town. It might not be the small town that we wish we were but this is currently where we are and this is how the policing needs get met. This is the building that’s needed to meet our policing needs.”
Canadian Princess to be towed away after 37-year run CoNTINUED fRom PAgE A1
“The number of people that they employed in the past was probably close to 150 during the [tourist] season, when they had the Wick Restaurant as well, but last year they were down to around 50 people and a lot of those were folks that came in from out of town so it had changed as time progressed here,” St. Jacques said. She said OBMG’s chief operating officer was in Ucluelet last week to bring local leaders up to speed on the company’s plans to remove the vessel and sell the resort’s onshore accommodation. “They are going to be closing down their marine operations and DIANNE ST. JACQUES their food and beverage [services] and their plan is to remove the Canadian Princess from our inner harbour,” she said. “She’s an old ship, she’s an environmental liability and they are obligated to take care of that; they can’t just leave it.”
She said the Princess’ onshore accommodation, which features 46 units, would continue to operate and OBMG has found a buyer to take it on. “I think it’s terrific that a new buyer is coming along, somebody with some funds to put some capital into those buildings because they are old now and they need some love,” she said. “It will be fun to see what kind of positive changes are made over there and we look forward to meeting with them and we’ll certainly welcome them to the community.” OBMG has put all three of its Vancouver Island resorts on the market as it looks to get out of the accommodation game. “They’re getting out of all the accommodation resort type activities on Vancouver Island and they’re going to focus on marinas, which they have a number of,” St. Jacques said. “I thank them very much for all the years that they have participated in Ucluelet and in our economy. It’s been a great ride with them for sure but we respect that they’re making a change and a shift with their business.”
She said an event would be scheduled prior to the Princess’ departure to give the vessel a proper sendoff and locals a chance to say goodbye. “It will be a sad day when she leaves the harbour, there’s no question about it, she has been a little beacon down there and we’re used to seeing her there,” she said. “She was a big milestone when she came in and it will be a big milestone when she pulls out. We certainly feel sad about it but we’ve got to turn that page and keep on trucking.” She assured tourists will continue to flock to the community and the Princess’ departure will create opportunities for smaller companies to lure in fishers, shoppers and diners. “There will be an impact but at the same time I think it provides opportunities,” she said. “People are going to be looking at where to go out in a boat and where to go shopping so, I think, for the established people that are here that business will get deflected to them…There’s opportunities for new businesses to step in and pick up that slack.”
Page 6 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Upgrades for Main St. Tuff kicks off downtown improvement project
CARGO THRIFT STORE
Accepting used housewares, clothes, books movies & music
OPEN 11-5
Monday-Saturday 243 Main, Ukee (across from CIBC)
Supporting local charities Discounts for donations
Andrew bAiley
redistributing parking and improving public areas. “Unlike the Campbell Street upgrades, there are no water or storm sewer works to be completed, so Tofino’s Main Street is getting a facelift. there won’t be much in the way of asphalt removal, The district has kicked off a significant revital- digging, and repaving,” she said. ization project in an effort to attract tourists and Work began earlier this month and is expected locals into its downtown core. to wrap up in May. Single-lane traffic will be in efThe project is aimed at beautifying the area with fect from 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. while the work is enhanced landscaping and increasing its walkabil- ongoing and Osborne encourages anyone wanting ity with new boardwalks, sidewalks and benches. to stay up to date on the project’s progress to visit Tofino mayor Josie the district’s website at www.tofino.ca or its FaceOsborne told the West- book page. erly the project will cost Locals can also email the district at office@to$471,257 and will be fino.ca paid for with $309,74 “I think local residents and visitors are always from the Resort mu- excited to see investment into the vitalization of nicipality Initiative fund, Tofino’s wonderful downtown; it’s a sign of com$153,616 from the Fed- munity pride and confidence in our local economy eral Gas Tax reserve and and the wide variety of independent businesses,” $7,900 from an ICBC she said. JOSIE OSBORNE Pro-Active Funding Grant. “Improvements on Campbell Street have been “Main Street is the historical heart of Tofino, and very well received, and have provided stimulus to an important reminder of Tofino’s origins as set- surrounding neighbourhoods to invest in their own tlement only accessible by water,” Osborne said. properties, and I hope we will see the same in this “Tofino grew from the waterfront upwards, so Main iconic part of town. We’re especially fortunate that Street was the first commercial street, and home to the District of Tofino is able to complete this work many homes, enterprises, and industrial activities [with] grant funding, rather than having to go to from the turn of the 20th century through to today.” property tax revenue.” She suggested the current landscape makes it BC’s Tourism Minister Shirley Bond is excited hard for visitors and locals to appreciate the historic to see Tofino upgrading its image and touted the value of Tofino’s downtown. community as one of BC’s top tourism destinations. “Although there are still vestiges of Main Street’s “Visitors from around the world come to the reorigins in various historic buildings, the businesses gion to see its beautiful beaches and to enjoy its and activities of the working harbour, and in the world class restaurants and resorts,” Bond said subdivision and layout of lots, Main Street’s history through a recent media release. is not as evident as it ought to be to the visitor or “The Province wants to ensure that BC’s touryounger resident of Tofino,” she said. ism industry delivers on visitor’s expectations. With “The hilly nature of the road and the somewhat this in mind, we’re pleased to support the Tofino haphazard pattern of development have resulted in project. The enhancements will no doubt encourpoor pedestrian, parking and traffic patterns. Revi- age people to spend some extra time exploring the talizing Main Street and improving safety and ac- area and to return to this amazing corner of BC.” The provincial government invests roughly cess is a strong focus of the Downtown Vitalization $10.5 million into expanding the tourism draw of Plan.” She said the project is focused on creating BC’s 14 resort municipalities each year, according “quick-wins” by enhancing the area’s walkways, to the release.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
The Westerly News | Page 7
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Westerly Life
The West Coast’s News Source Nora O’Malley, Advertising Representative
250-726-7029
nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
DAMIEN STORM PhOTO
The Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce is promoting a new initiative called Romance on the Edge. Local businesses that get romantic are showcased on their online directory.
Romance on the Edge sets sail in Ukee There’s a new Love Team in town and they want Ucluelet businesses to help them promote the West Coast as a hot spot for winter romance. The Love Team, a.k.a. Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce board members Damien Storm, Marilyn McEwen, Dian McCreary, and Suzanne Ryles, launched an initiative called Romance on the Edge back in December with the notion of attracting more couples to the Coast during the shoulder season. “We want this to be community driven. It’s all about the community and all about Ucluelet buying into this and becoming part of this initiative. Without the community, Romance on the Edge is nothing,” Storm said. Flowers and hearts are always sweet, but the Love Team is encouraging businesses to think outside the box when it comes to promoting February as the month of love. “We want people to be creative. Rob Thoms a well-known musician sings three songs as a serenade,” Storm said add-
ing anyone interested in hiring Rob can book him by visiting romanceontheedge.ca. Several other businesses have embraced the new initiative. Thay Tea is offering a special chocolate rose blend during February, Nurture Spa has a couples’ sauna experience, and several local resorts are promoting romantic getaway packages. “This is a business opportunity business owners should jump on. You don’t even have to be a member of the Chamber. It’s open to any business in Ucluelet,” Storm said. He reiterates that the success of Romance on the Edge rests solely in the hands of Ukee’s business community. Word-of-mouth will be the best way to get other shop owners involved and Facebook posts will help drive in traffic from outsiders. Storm believes the West Coast has a rugged, passionate, feel to it and said it’s the ideal place for lovers to reconnect so he wants to put Ucluelet on the map as such.
“True love is not for the faint of heart. That level of commitment, that level of communication, that level of vulnerability... Well, this place isn’t for the faint of heart either and that’s what makes it special. That adds depth to it,” he said. “We laugh that the Internet isn’t that great out here. Well that’s awesome because put that phone down. You know, you’re not here to be texting everybody or uploading pictures to Facebook non-stop. You’re here to reconnect with the person that you are with.” The Love Team has worked hard to introduce Romance on the Edge with unique branding that includes a substantial website and Facebook page. The focus for their first year is to get businesses involved but Storm hopes that romance in February will eventually be on the same level as Whale Fest. “What’s more romantic than storm watching” he asked. “It’s a great place for couples to getaway for a romantic adventure. They could be on their honeymoon, they could be celebrating an anniversary, they could be getting married or they could just want to get away just the two of them.”
73019925
Nora o’malley
nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
Page 8 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Tuff launches business awards Tofino chamber excited to celebrate local successes Andrew bAiley
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Applications now being accepted for Miss Teen BC, Miss BC & Mrs BC! To apply visit your community newspaper website and click on contests.
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Tofino’s former welcome sign now hangs on the wall in the chamber office. The chamber is excited to be kicking off its first Business Excellence Awards this month.
“We’re looking for help from locals to recognize the most worthy businesses, so please vote,” Dart said. “Small businesses, especially those based in a tourism economy, don’t take the opportunity to focus on their successes. These awards offer us a chance to do that during the off-season when everyone has a little more time.” She suggested the awards could become an annual celebration in Tofino. “If there is a good response to the awards this year in terms of nominations and member interest, we will definitely be making it an annual event,” she said. The Westerly News and Tourism Tofino have signed on as sponsors for the awards and more sponsorship opportunities are available. “The only caveat is that the sponsor cannot win in their sponsored category,” Dart said. “We will highlight our sponsors in all of our promotional material and recognize them as well on awards night.” Award winners will be announced at the chamber’s annual general meeting in March. Dart encourages anyone with any questions about the awards to contact her at info@tofinochamber.org.
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It’s the time of the season for loving your local businesses. Locals are encouraged to send their favourite business a Valentine’s present by nominating them for Tofino’s inaugural Business Excellence Awards. Nominations opened Feb. 10. The awards are a Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce initiative and the chamber’s executive director Jen Dart told the Westerly that she’s excited to shine a spotlight on Tofino’s strong business community and celebrate local successes. “The chamber Board of Directors wanted an opportunity to give back to our members by acknowledging the consistent hard work they do to contribute to the positive business climate in Tofino,” she said. “The Business Excellence Awards give the chamber the chance to recognize those local businesses that are constantly offering an outstanding product or service to the community and visitors.” The chamber has selected six categories to recognize Tofino’s best: business, small business, new business, business leader and non-profit organization. A special customer service award is also up for grabs. “I think we could have a lot more than six categories for awards, but we thought we would start with these for the first year,” Dart said. “The nominations will be vetted by the chamber board to narrow it down to three finalists in each category and then an independent panel, made up of the mayor [Josie Osborne] and other community leaders, will decide on the final six winners. I think there will be some tough decision for the judging panel, but I’m sure they’re up to the challenge.” Businesses will be judged on innovation, leadership, community involvement, and environmental friendliness and more information can be found on nomination forms available at the chamber’s website www.tofinochamber.org as well as its Facebook page.
The Westerly News | Page 9
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
WESTERLY FILE PhoTo
LoVING LoCAL LIFE SAVERS: The Ucluelet Volunteer Fire Brigade will host a fundraising Valentine’s Dinner on Sunday at Ucluelet’s Matterson House Restaurant. Locals are encouraged to reserve a spot at the event, which will see local firefighters serving dinner and helping in the kitchen.
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Page 10 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Celebrate each other this Valentine’s Day Nora o’malley
nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
Even though it’s often touted as a Hallmark holiday, Verotica Storm from Ucluelet’s Playground of the Senses encourages locals to stop and smell the roses this Valentine’s. “Appreciate your significant other and take the time to say good morning or goodnight in a meaningful way,” she said. “It’s the little things you do to celebrate each other with because you fell in love with them for a reason.” Storm’s ritual with her husband of five years, Damien, simply involves a morning cuddle and a steamy cup of joe. “Every morning we drink coffee in bed before we start the day,” she said. “We have our first one or two cups of coffee in bed, chat and start our day. It’s a great tradition.” Storm, who has worked as a life coach and taught courses in human sexuality, opened Playground of the Senses about a year ago at its new location in the heart of Ucluelet’s Main Street. Since moving downtown, Storm has seen more locals wander in and said tourists are pleasantly surprised by what they discover inside. “Everyone that walked in the doors loved it. They loved the smells, loved the hand rolled incense, loved the crystals,” she said. “And for the ones that haven’t come in yet, I invite them to come in and check it out for themselves.” She likes to think of her store, which she co-owns with her husband, as a sensuality boutique. Their mantra is to celebrate the senses and they aim to elevate the spirit of anyone who visits.
Verotica and Damien Storm share an embrace inside their sensuality boutique Playground of the Senses. “Whether that’s through a stick of incense or pleasure a la carte, we just want everyone to enjoy their lives because if they enjoy their personal lives then the world is a better place,” she said. “I’ve had some real honest, heart-to-heart conversations with people because this is an aspect of their lives that is either taboo or dirty or nobody can talk about it, but I will talk
to you about my best pleasure toy the same as I would talk to you about my best crystal. I think that takes the scariness away.” For couples that are slow to warm to the whole new world of sensuality, Storm offers some expert advice: “Start off by enjoying a yummy, decadent chocolate dessert with one fork,” she said. “And then come see me for some massage oil...”
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The Westerly News | Page 11
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
HOUSING CRISIS:
Consultant to focus on seasonal housing
continuED from pAgE 1
Coun. Duncan McMaster asked why the $10,000 consultant fee would come from the district’s economic development coffers rather than the affordable housing fund. District CAO Bob MacPherson responded the affordable housing fund couldn’t handle it. “I don’t believe there’s $10,000 in the affordable housing reserve anymore,” MacPherson said. “It’s incapable of funding this initiative.” Coun. Greg Blanchette did not like the idea of divorcing affordable housing from seasonal housing. “It might be hard to go back from that, in which case we may find ourselves running two different housing organizations in parallel,” he said. “We might be muddying the waters and Dorothy BAErt making our lives difficult going forward unless we’re clear at this early stage just exactly what we’re doing.” Mayor Josie Osborne doubted the consultant would have this effect. “This is simply to kick start something and to bring together the right group of people and to make some kind of progress on seasonal worker housing,” she said. “It may grow or change or morph and incorporate other things too but, to my mind, it doesn’t necessarily lead us down any particular direction in terms of management.” Blanchette was unconvinced. “A lot of our seasonal workers are people we want to be in affordable housing; they’re members of the community, they just work seasonally because that’s what’s available,” he said. “Is this aimed at the strictly seasonal workers or is it going to try to encompass the ones who live in town year-round but work seasonally as well?” Baert responded the consultant’s focus would be on temporary shelters for summer workers. “This is one [issue] that hopefully we can address and take off the table while we’re dealing with those other more
long-term needs of affordable, accessible housing,” she said. “What we’re trying to address is getting people out of camping in the woods.” She noted every councillor at the table had raised housing during their election campaigns. McMaster said Tofino’s past efforts haven’t separated seasonal from affordable housing. “I want to support the motion but I think we have to come up with better distinctions as to whether seasonal housing is part of our affordable housing plan or whether it’s completely separate,” he said. “Not one member of council, in their election, actually mentioned seasonal housing specifically; they all mentioned affordable housing.” Osborne said council was in a bind because CDAC had not reached quorum to properly present the idea to council and asked if Baert’s motion could be delayed to give the committee time to make an official request. “I want to give this every chance for success,” she said. “If the motion comes on and is defeated, I don’t want that to send the wrong message to CDAC.” Baert said such a delay could kill the committee’s momentum. “At this point people are motivated, they want to see this work done, they see a timeline where there are possibilities,” she said. Coun. Cathy Thicke, a member of CDAC, assured the committee was in favour of the motion despite the lack of quorum. “It’s an incredibly busy, very dynamic, group of individuals who are very committed to just taking some steps,” she said adding seasonal housing is a critical need that a consultant could help address. “It may not completely solve this issue but, I think, it’s a step in the right direction and there may be some tangible results that we can actually see.” Coun. Al Anderson expressed strong opposition to approving the motion without an official request from CDAC. “That’s why I think it’s so unfair to that committee and all those volunteers the way this motion has been presented and brought forward completely without process,” he said adding other committee’s have had motions delayed due to
process. “Now, on something as critical as housing with such importance to council, we’re moving in a way that has a lot of risks involved. I mean, if it’s not supported by council at this moment we’re sending some message like were not sup-
“I’m sorry but Coun. Baert the more you talk the more doubt you put in my mind.” - Coun. Duncan McMaster porting housing…I find it really disturbing and unfortunate the way this has come forward.” Anderson asked how much money the district had in its economic development fund. “We argue for hours and hours on spending $1,000 on something and yet we’re expected to make $10,000 available without process,” he said. Baert said the fund has roughly $50,000. Thicke suggested delaying the motion wouldn’t kill CDAC’s momentum. “Personally, I don’t think it will stall the energy of this movement within the committee,” she said. “It could make a difference, but I don’t think it’s going to make a great deal of difference.” McMaster agreed with Blanchette and Anderson and suggested Baert had not made a strong case for the motion. “I’m sorry but Coun. Baert the more you talk the more doubt you put in my mind,” he said. Baert suggested a quick turnaround was important because of the looming busy season. “February is, kind of, a fairly critical month because starting the middle of March we’re all back to work again…We still have a window of time but it just is a smaller window of time,” she said. “I’ve said all I have to say because apparently I’m doing more damage to the cause than helping it.” Council agreed to direct staff to present an outline for the consultant position at their next meeting.
Read us online: www.westerlynews.ca
Page 12 | The Westerly News
GAMES & PUZZLES
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
ANDREW BAILEY Photo
oh DEER: The West Coast was packed over the Family Day weekend, which means it’s time again to remind our visitors to please never feed our friendly local deer population. Feeding deer and allowing them to feel comfortable in town can lead to unwanted predators coming in.
TheUcluelet Westerly News News | PageA13 13 Wed, Feb 10, 2016 Western
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
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AREA MANAGER Tofino, BC
If you possess solid leadership skills, a safety mindset plus a passion for fish production – we have an opportunity for you! Come join our team where you will work and live in a year-round adventure playground. We are seeking a full-time Area Manager for our west coast saltwater operations. We are located on beautiful Vancouver Island where we produce high quality Atlantic salmon. We are ranked #1 for sustainability. To prove this, we maintain several international certification standards along with an award winning safety culture. As the Area Manager you will oversee up to 6 seasite farms providing leadership, overall management and direction in all aspects of saltwater salmon production. Under the direction of the Regional Production Manager, your goal is to ensure production remains within financial and biological targets. Your Qualifications • University degree in Biological Science or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a management role in the aquaculture industry with a focus on fin fish production. • A safety-oriented mindset with proven teamwork and interpersonal communication skills. Your Reward • Flexible scheduling arrangement, a competitive salary and a corporate bonus program. • 100% Company paid benefits including provincial medical, extended health, dental and matching RRSP program. • An operation environment that is continually improving to meet and exceed regulatory compliance. • Year-round access to outdoor activities just minutes from your front door. Prerequisites to hiring include a fitness test and a criminal record check To apply, please email your resume quoting Area Manager in the subject line to
careers.canada@cermaq.com by February 26, 2016. Cermaq Canada is an equal opportunities employer who provides a workplace that is free of discrimination
Page 14 | The Westerly News A14 Ucluelet Western News Wed, Feb 10, 2016
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN Vancouver Island, BC
Located along the beautiful coastal waters of Vancouver Island, Cermaq Canada Ltd. is a salmon farming company focused on operational excellence. With our skilled team, we strive for a high quality product achieved through sustainable aquaculture practises. To prove this, we maintain several ISO standards as well as other industry recognized certifications, along with an award winning safety culture. Our employees are given opportunities to develop and grow within the company. We offer competitive wages, a corporate bonus program, company paid benefits, and a matching retirement fund. To learn more about us visit Cermaq.ca. Cermaq Canada is currently looking for a full-time Repair and Maintenance Technician to join our dynamic team in Tofino, British Columbia. This position specializes in the repair and maintenance of all physical assets of Cermaq Canada, including generators from 11kw to 320 kw, diesel engine and electric motor driven compressors, buildings, basic plumbing, small engines, boats, outboard engines and 12/24 volt wiring systems and also includes accurate recording keeping and reporting of issues, inventories and work completed.
PHOTO FEATURE
Family Fun Run Andrew bAiley PHOTOS
Ucluelet celebrated Family Day with a Fun Run on Monday. Locals and visitors gathered at the Wild Pacific Trail’s Lighthouse Loop to take on a roughly 3-kilometre trek under a surprisingly warm sun. For more community event photos, visit: www.facebook.com/WesterlyNews.
Application requirements • Solid mechanical and electrical experience on diesel engines, Compressors, small engines and outboards. • Pleasure Craft Operators Card or SVOP. • Basic computer skills and experience with MS Excel. • Ability to work in a team environment as well as alone. • Knowledge of generators, compressors, and boat maintenance will be considered an asset. • Previous work experience in a marine environment will also be considered an asset. Position details • This full time position is a camp-based position with 8days on-shift and 6-days off. • This position is required to travel by boat on a daily basis to remote work sites. • Company transportation to Tofino is available from various local communities on Vancouver Island. • Company benefits are available after the successful completion of a 3-month probation period. • Special requirements. • Prerequisites to hiring are a fitness test and a criminal record check. • Only applicants who are legally allowed to work in Canada will be considered. How to apply If you have the skills we are looking for, and would like to become part of our team, please forward a resume in person, by fax, or by e-mail to Campbell River or Tofino Offices at: Tofino Cermaq Canada PO Box 142, 61 – 4th Street Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 Fax: 250-725-1250
Campbell River Cermaq Canada #203 – 919 Island Highway Campbell River, BC V9W 2C2 Fax: 250-286-0042 E-mail: careers.canada@cermaq.com Please state R&M Technician in the subject line. Deadline to apply: February 12, 2016
Fun Runners warmed up before their Wild Pacific Trail trek.
Cermaq Canada is an equal opportunities employer who provides a workplace that is free of discrimination. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
From left, Jade Rosene joined Nancy Woods and Kat Rosene, with baby Ryan in the bjorn, to help kick off Ucluelet’s Family Day Fun Run event.
From left, Ania, Shannon, and Kacper Szymczakowski joined their dog Keeley at the Wild Pacific Trail to take on the Fun Run.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
community calendar
The Westerly News | Page 15
To submit your activities; e-mail: office@westerlynews.ca, fax:250-726-4248 or drop by: #102-1801 Bay St, Ucluelet
WED. fEb 10
featured Event for the Week
TUFF CITY IDOL
feb. 14 VALeNTIde’S dAY beACH CLeANUP
PICKLEBALL
Focusing on the waterfront between monk’s Point and Remote Passages. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Street Dock in Tofino. Dress for the weather, bring gloves, a bucket or good re-useable bag, some lovely company and a travel mug for free hot chocolate!
5-7 pm, WCS, all ages welcome.
fRI. fEb 12
Sun. fEb 14
MOn. fEb 15
POOL NIGHT
BIG BEACH CINEmA
VALENTIDE’S BEACH CLEANUP
TOFINO ExPRESSIVE WRITING WORKSHOP FOR WOmEN
Jack’s Pub, 9:30 p.m.
7-11 p.m. Tofino Legion
DROP-IN BASKETBALL
The Princess Bride 6 pm, Point Break 8 pm, UCC.
11 am- 1 pm, First Street Dock Tofino.
7- 9 p.m. WCS gym
DROP-IN BADmINTON
DROP-IN BADmINTON
7-9 p.m. USS gym. $2.
7-9 p.m. USS gym.
SENIORS SOCIAL AFTERNOONS
YOUTH GAmES NIGHT
CHRIST COmmUNITY CHURCH 10:30am, 1419 Peninsula Rd.
1:30-4 p.m., Tofino Legion.
7-9 pm. Ages 10+, WCS.
ST. COLUmBA CHURCH
KARAOKE
7 p.m. 110 2nd St.
10 p.m., Officials Sports Lounge
10:30 am, UCC.
ARTS GROUP
THE EDGE YOUTH ROOm
ST. COLUmBA CHURCH
2–6p.m. UCC.
10:30 a.m. 110 2nd St.
thu. fEb 11
AA mEETING
UNITED/ANGLICAN SERVICE
7-10 p.m. Tofino Legion.
THE EDGE YOUTH ROOm
GRACE BIBLE CHURCH
7:30pm, St. Francis.
4 p.m. UCC.
3–6p.m., UCC.
SAt. fEb 13
YOUTH BASKETBALL
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
11:00 a.m. Ahousaht.
5:30 p.m.
TOFINO BIBLE FELLOWSHIP
5-7 pm, WCS.
ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH
DROP-IN SOCCER
ROmANTIC mUSICAL EVENING
BINGO
8 p.m. Blackberry Cove marketplace. Viv and Steve Ruskin. $10 admission includes glass of wine and chocolate.
7-9 p.m. WCS gym. $3.
7-10 p.m. Tofino Legion.
HEALTHY BABIES PROGRAm/ FAmILY TIES
10:30 a.m. Tofino Legion.
HOLY FAmILY CHURCH 10 a.m. , 1663 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet
BIG BEACH CINEmA
MOn. fEb 15
Point Break, 3 p.m. UCC.
UCLUELET AA
10:30 a.m, UCC
8pm. Holy Family.
6:30-8:30 p.m. , 250-726-2343
UCLUELET AA 8pm. Holy Family.
DARTS AT THE LEGION 8-10 p.m. Tofino Legion.
tuE. fEb 16 YOUTH BADmINTON 6-7 P.m. WCS.
UCLUELET ExPRESSIVE WRITING WORKSHOP FOR WOmEN
6:30-8:30 p.m. 250-726-2343
THE EDGE YOUTH ROOm 2–6p.m. UCC.
TOFINO LEGION YOUTH NIGHT 7-9 p.m., Tofino Legion.
YOUTH NIGHT AT THE ANAF 6-8p.m., ANAF Ucluelet
CLImATE SPEAKER
8-9 pm, FOCS Community Space 100 Fourth St. Rob Shirley, originator of the Gas Pump Label Initiative Tofino is adopting.
BCGAMES.ORG
Catch the excitement as 150 Athletes and 43 Coaches from Vancouver Island - Central Coastal (Zone 6) compete against the best in the province.
February 25 - 28
Page 16 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
MID ISLAND REALTY
Mieke Dusseldorp Happily serving T & Ucluelet Cell: 250-726-3888 s Fax: 888-885-0005 s
www.miekedusseldorp.com
250-726-2228
VANCOUVER AQUARIUM PhOtO
CINDERELLA StORY: A Green sea turtle that was rescued of Long Beach last month continues to defy the odds by surviving. The sea turtle was hypothermic when he arrived at the Vancouver Aquarium but has since been warmed to normal levels and has been eating and swimming. The turtle is doing so well in fact that he may be moving to a bigger pool this week.