Local Weekly January 31, 2020

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WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Volume 18, Issue 52

Sunshine Coast, British Columbia • www.thelocalweekly.ca • Thursday, December 31, 2020 Throwback Thursday Page 9

Coast Crimes Page 3

COVID-19 Numbers Page 3

Cat Control In Gibsons?

Page 5

New Year Resolutions Page 6

Auld Lang Syne Pages 6 and 8

Memorable 2020 Outages Page 10

Ferry Launch Page 11

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The Local - Thursday, December 31, 2020 3

Crime shifts on the Sunshine Coast

Recruiting community watch volunteers

In the last three years, “disturbances” have taken over from traffic issues as the most prevalent type of call for local RCMP response. Coast Detachment Staff Sergeant Poppy Hallam identified this shift as the guest speaker at an online Sechelt and District Chamber of Commerce gathering. The Dec. 17 session was entitled “The Business of Policing.”

The term disturbance covers a range of human behaviour, from physical violence to individuals being unlawfully at a location. Hallam noted that those types of calls had increased Coastwide in recent years. The main impact of the shift is that disturbances require a “two officer” response. Motor vehicle incident call-outs involve one officer. Since 2017, the last year when vehicle-related calls topped local RCMP statistics, call volumes have remained stable at about 9,000 per year.

Another recent shift Hallam reported on was a 20 percent increase in crime in

Looking to help the Coast become a safer place in 2021? If so, the Sechelt Business Watch program is recruiting volunteers.

These individuals monitor commercial and residential areas from their vehicles during evening hours. They report on any suspicious or criminal activity that they observe for RCMP follow up.

They also make a note of issues that may have public safety impacts, such as damaged traffic signs or streetlight outages and have these reported to the appropriate authorities.

The program is a joint effort of the District of Sechelt and the Sechelt Downtown Business Association (SDBA).

Retired local RCMP Detachment Commander Cam Reid is a coordinator with the initiative. He assembles the reports from the watch patrols for police review. He notes that although the program was developed based on two-hour patrols, shifts can be adjusted to accommodate the time that volunteers have available.

Reid enjoys working with the seven individuals who have stepped forward as reg-

the downtown Sechelt area.

Her assessment was that illegal drug activity and a lack of mental health services on the Coast are partially responsible for this change. Hallam noted the impacts in central Sechelt are higher given that people, including those that cause problems, congregate where services, from medical to retail, are located.

When asked about enforcement and sentencing of offenders, Hallam said, “people are being held accountable for their behaviours and are going to court.” She said that her detachment has a strong relationship with the provincial Crown prosecutor. Hallam also emphasized that the RCMP is part of a collaborative approach among Coast medical and social service providers aimed at increasing resources for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

The upswing in reports related to “people problems” means that Coast officers are busier than ever. Despite

increasing demands, Hallam proudly reported that in an audit conducted in 2020, her detachment had the highest client satisfaction level that the assessment team had seen in 10 years of reviewing detachments. In the audit, over 40 of the detachment’s contacts, from local governments to businesses, were asked for their views on the area’s policing.

Hallam said that the most difficult challenge she faces in her business is resourcing.

If more dollars were suddenly available, Hallam said she would use them to hire more officers and staff. She noted that recruiting officers to the Coast can be complicated by the high cost of local housing.

As she does not want to see her staff struggle economically, Hallam is honest about these costs when she speaks with officers looking to join her detachment. Hallam also shares the multitude of positives that she believes the Coast offers to people moving here.

Connie Jordison

First COVID-19 UK variant case in BC BC is the second province to confirm a case of the new COVID-19 variant first identified in the United Kingdom.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed on Sunday that the individual, who resides on Vancouver Island, flew into Vancouver from the UK on Air Canada Flight 855 on Dec. 15. That person developed symptoms while in quarantine and was immediately tested. A small number of close contacts

have been isolated and public health is following up with them daily.

“Whole genome sequencing at the BCCDC identified this as the same as the variant seen in the UK. Ongoing review may identify additional cases in the coming days,” said Henry. “BC continues to support the Canada-wide travel ban on all flights arriving from the UK until Jan. 6, 2021 and urges all British Columbians to continue to avoid all non-essential travel

to keep people and communities safe.”

While there is no evidence that the new COVID-19 variant is more likely to cause severe illness, nor that approved vaccines will be any less effective against the new variant, studies do suggest that it can spread more quickly and easily. British Columbians are being urged to follow all PHO orders and guidelines, which are in effect to Jan. 8, 2021 at midnight.

The Local

ular program volunteers. “Often, the observations we record seem to be of little value, but they could, in fact, be the piece of the puzzle that help the police see more of the picture and then help solve a crime,” said Reid.

Members of this community safety team are required to be at least 19 years of age and must consent to a criminal records check. The District of Sechelt covers the cost of the records checks and extends liability insurance coverage to those registered with the program while performing their assignments. Volunteers who use their vehicles for patrols are compensated with a $25 gas card for every two-hour shift.

Individuals interested in volunteering for Sechelt Business Watch should contact Lucy Clark, Sechelt’s Community Services Coordinator, at lclark@sechelt.ca or inquire through the SDBA by emailing sdba@dccnet.com.

In a related item, Sunshine Coast RCMP Detachment Staff Sergeant Poppy Hallam reports that local Corporal Phil Atoui has teamed up with North Vancouver’s Block Watch to learn about how

that group operates. Depending on resource availability, Hallam hopes that her detachment will be able to support Block Watch programming for interested areas on the Coast in the new year.

The Block Watch program was launched in BC in 1986 with the goal of building a crime-free province through community participation.

Operating as a non-profit society, Block Watch BC supports groups of individuals in taking a proactive approach to crime prevention and safety by volunteering to look out for their neighbourhoods.

Connie Jordison

@TheLocalWeekly

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The Local - Thursday, December 31, 2020

Letters to the Editor – Opinions Incomprehensible (Open letter to SCRD board members) I am writing in response to the decision that the SCRD rural directors have agreed to have a “community consultation” for the scope and location of the Coopers Green Hall.

I personally cannot understand the rationale for such an incredible waste of time, money and effort such as the above.

I was a member of the community task force back in 2017 through 2018. Under the direction of SCRD staff, my fellow volunteers and I spent countless hours, days and months researching and taking direction from staff regarding the many options for a much needed new HMB community hall. The most logical site for the build proved to be on the footprint of the old hall.

We did not make the decisions that were needed for this project lightly.

Many factors were researched and discussed.

There were public input sessions, surveys, studies that included the sea level rise prediction, riparian area study, parking, neighbourhood impact, ecological impact, i.e. tree removal (with the chosen location of the new hall, three trees in total will be removed, one of which is diseased). All of this information is available through SCRD for your or anyone else’s perusal, and I would encourage you to review this existing infor-

mation.

I do not understand your logic of opening discussion once again. Where is your fiscal responsibility? Over $100,000 was spent on compiling all the information needed and required by all involved. The fact that you are willing to consider treating this expenditure so lightly and choose to repeat this expensive and utterly unnecessary undertaking is incomprehensible.

As a member of the task force, I feel completely insulted by your management of this project. I, and many other people, volunteered countless hours to this community project because we thought it would be a positive addition to HMB, as do many residents. You, on the other hand, have now decided that the work of the task force and SCRD has no validity, and you want to start the process all over again.

At no point have the rural directors given a definitive reason for wanting to begin again with this project. There have been vague explanations – the cost of COVID-19, the boat ramp expense (not even a part of this project), we must listen to ALL residents’ concerns (there was ample time given during the research portion, why is it coming up again two years later?), the cost is exorbitant, etc.

This past July, the Federal and Provincial government’s pledged funding of two-plus million dollars for this project, as well, HB-

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CoA along with many HMB residents have pledged and raised over $300,000.

The Halfmoon Bay community is moving forward in doing our part to ensure the addition of a much needed and wanted community hall. We have waited long enough – time for you to do your job for HMB residents and get it built.

Mrs. Marie Knight, Halfmoon Bay

BCFED convention After attending the BC Federation of Labour’s 59th (virtual) convention, I was

able to see how people’s visions of equality and social justice can be supported by the labour movement and how, through the solidarity of our numbers combined with lobbying, we can collectively change policy.

My biggest takeaway from the event was in the human rights forum. People of equity groups want their diversity to fit into the whole. They want to be listened to and invited to the table where decisions are made. They, like everyone, want to be included in a genuine way where they are valued and

not just there for tokenism.

Resolutions and reports spoke to the environment, safe drug supply, housing and care for our aging.

Emergency Resolution 2 dealt with Truth and Reconciliation and residential schools. It has become evident that all people living in Canada need to open their minds and hearts to listen and understand how the impact of residential schools are still affecting today’s generations. This needs to be further supported in policy and school curriculum.

Healthy and supported In-

Weekly Cartoon

digenous people will help all our communities thrive, and that was expressed by many in their heartfelt statements.

Jennifer Chancellor, BCFMWU/ Sunshine Coast Labour Council

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

should be sent by e-mail to editor@thelocalweekly.ca.

The deadline is Monday at 10am for that week’s paper.

Generally, letters should not exceed 300 words. And all letters must be signed, include the writer’s community of residence and (not for publication) telephone number. Letters may be edited for a variety of reasons.

Editorial Opinion We have the power to create a brighter future This is our last column for 2020. What a year it’s been!

As if things weren’t bad enough on the environmental front, the world was hit with a devastating pandemic. A common thread through it all is the dangerous politicization, and often outright dismissal, of science.

Those who reject and protest the simple steps needed to stem the spread of COVD19 have contributed to ensuring those measures must be strengthened and kept in place longer than they might have. Just as those who have cast doubt on climate science have ensured that resolving that crisis will be costlier and more painful than it could have been had we acted quickly and decisively.

Although the forces of ignorance, fear, and greed enjoy support in powerful places, from governments to wealthy corporate interests, our hope lies in the fact that they are a minority – a noisy one, but a minority nonetheless. Most people want to do what’s right for their families, neighbours, communities and themselves. Most

in government and business want to do their best to ensure we get through the multiple crises.

Our COVID-19 response proves we’re capable of making rapid, decisive progress. Although the pandemic is still spreading in some places, jurisdictions that acted quickly have slowed it or brought it under control.

Our understanding of the disease is advancing rapidly, and we’ve created vaccines in record time. But we must start thinking longer-term.

We still face worsening climate and biodiversity crises, and new pandemics could emerge if we don’t address their mainly environmental causes.

It bears repeating that getting back to “normal” isn’t good enough. “Normal” means a global economy fuelled by overconsumption.

A “healthy” economy, in this context, is one in which people continue to purchase and drive more cars and SUVs, fly more, buy more, waste more.

It’s one in which people work long hours producing stuff we don’t need to buy more stuff they’ve been con-

vinced will bring meaning or happiness to their lives.

It’s an economy where the world’s richest one percent own almost half of global wealth and account for more than twice the global emissions of the poorest 50 percent. Where, in the US, government policy has helped some 600 billionaires grow their wealth by US$931 billion during the pandemic.

Those few hundred people now hold US$4 trillion in wealth, more than double that of the 165 million people in the bottom half of the population. It’s not much different elsewhere.

The UN Environmental Program just released its “Emissions Gap Report 2020.” It shows that if the world doesn’t step up efforts to bring emissions under control, we will overheat by 3 C by century’s end. We’re already experiencing major effects of climate disruption, from increased extreme weather events to sea level rise to growing refugee crises. An increase over 2 °C, or even 1.5 °C, would be catastrophic. It’s not sustainable.

But according to the UN,

“A green pandemic recovery could cut up to 25 percent off predicted 2030 greenhouse gas emissions and bring the world closer to meeting the 2 °C goal of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.”

Stronger action would get us near the 1.5 °C goal.

Governments are supposed to serve us, the people, not just corporate interests. We must demand they do. Many of our problems – from inequity to the pandemic to the climate and biodiversity crises – are related, stemming from a lack of understanding about humanity’s place in the world and the interconnectedness of existence. It’s time for a paradigm shift. Let’s take this time to reflect on what really matters – time with friends and family, our connection with nature, and the need to hold to account those we elect to represent our interests.

As we in the Northern hemisphere head into the darkest time of year, we know light will return. Let’s all keep ours shining today for a brighter tomorrow.

David Suzuki

BC Housing updates Gibsons Town representatives and others concerned with services for the South Coast’s “hard-to-house” population were updated on BC Housing’s (BCH) efforts in the area. The provincial program staff on the call also committed to report to the Gibson’s area group on the situation every two weeks in the coming months.

Gibsons Mayor Bill Beamish was one of several council members on the Dec. 22 call.

Also participating were SCRD Area Directors Donna McMahon and Mark Hiltz, as well as Coast Homelessness Advisory Committee representative Silas White. Beamish welcomed the commitment to improved communication on addressing issues related to homelessness. “The people that we were speaking for were not present, but we needed to make sure their voices were heard,” he said.

During the call, Naomi Brunemeyer, director of regional development with BCH, outlined challenges her organization faced in delivering programs since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Construction at BCH’s School Road supportive housing project has been delayed as the supplier of the structural

components filed for bankruptcy in June. Triple M Modular of Agassiz, BC, which operated as Metric Modular, provided components for the Gibsons location and BCH projects throughout the province. This included the supportive housing facility in Sechelt, which opened in 2019.

Despite that complication, Brunemeyer said the 40-unit Gibsons project is slated to open early in 2021.

BCH plans to have the facility’s community advisory committee established and meeting in conjunction with the opening. Beamish said that he let BCH know that he would like to see the committee operational a little earlier.

He said that this would allow committee members to tour the facility and get an understanding of the program in advance. Beamish also said that an earlier committee start-up would mean that community concerns could be looked at in advance of clients moving into the location.

Another issue discussed with BCH was the lack of a cold-weather shelter on the Lower Coast. Brunemeyer outlined that BCH is advertising to secure staff to operate a shelter service if a suitable

Residents Ian Anderson and Annette Clarke are scheduled to raise the issue of cat control at the Gibsons council meeting on Jan. 5. In support of their delegation presentation, 91 pages of documents are included on the meeting agenda, available on gibsons.ca.

The material focuses on ways local governments can help protect wild birds from attacks by domestic cats. It includes findings from a report prepared for the City of Nanaimo in 2019, which recommended that the jurisdiction establish a responsible pet ownership bylaw to set rules around managing pet cats and other animals.

Correspondence from 2017, when the District of Sechelt was requested to look at a cat ownership bylaw, is also part of the Gibsons del-

egation material. Included is a letter from the Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The Centre reported that between 2012 and 2017, it had taken 223 birds or small mammals into care after they were harmed by domestic cats. It stated that number represented a small percentage of wildlife that had suffered from such attacks and did not include the numbers killed by cats.

Sechelt did not enact bylaw regulations relating to domestic cats. It does include information related to responsible cat ownership on its website.

Since 2019, Councillor Annemarie De Andrade has raised the issue of regulating cats in Gibsons council and committee discussions on a number of occasions.

Connie Jordison

Call for Gibsons cat control

Cats kill up to 350 million birds a year in Canada, and free-roaming cats are not just a threat to birds but squirrels and other small mammals. MICHELLE MACNEILL PHOTO

location can be found.

Finding a location is complicated by the need to physically distance clients to reduce the opportunity for COVID-19 to spread.

Brunemeyer shared information on “sleeping pod” units that BCH has available to communities to allow for the safe distancing of shelter beds. Details provided in an email to Beamish indicate that the suggested spacing between the Safespace 24 pods is between two and four meters. Each unit has walls around two and a half of its sides.

Beamish said BCH has committed to providing the pods at its cost. Commenting on getting cold-weather shelter services for the Lower Coast for the coming months, Beamish said, “it’s not a funding issue, it is definitely a capacity issue.”

Connie Jordison

The Local - Thursday, December 31, 2020 5

The School Road supportive housing site in Gibsons, made up of 40-units, is nearing completion. MICHELLE MACNEILL PHOTO

6

The Local - Thursday, December 31, 2020

The benefits of making New Year’s resolutions At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is customary to sip a glass of champagne and toast to the new year. Many people use the dawn of a new year to create a list of resolutions that reflect positive changes they

hope to make in the year ahead.

Between 40 and 45 percent of adults make resolutions each year, according to the health and wellness group Proactive Mindfulness.

According to John C. Nor-

cross, Marci S. Mrykalo and Matthew D. Blagys, coauthors of the study “Auld Lang Syne: Success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year’s resolvers and non-resolvers,” within six months of starting

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Resolutions may seem silly to some, but there are several positive reasons to make them. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO ing down to truly assess the impact of their actions. Resolutions help you reflect on the past, present and future, figuring out what has been

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a resolution, 46 percent of people are still maintaining their resolutions.

Resolutions may seem silly to some, but there are several positive reasons to make them.

• Resolutions provide practice setting goals. Goal setting is an important component of life. Goals are key because they provide general direction in life. A goal is a map that can give you an idea of where you are heading and what path you need to take to get there, according to the self-improvement guide Success Consciousness. Resolutions can be fun, low-pressure goals. Think of them as dress rehearsals for bigger life changes.

• Resolutions offer time for reflection. Too often, people are rushing through daily life without stopping or slow-

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“Auld Lang Syne” is a Scottish poem that was written by Robert Burns in 1788. Burns claimed when he wrote the words down, put them to music, and later sent them the poem to the Scots Musical Museum, that “Auld Lang Syne” was an ancient song, but he had been the first to record it on paper. According to Scotland.org, the phrase “auld lang syne” translates roughly to “for old times’ sake.” Others have translated it to mean “time goes by” or even as “once upon a time.” The song is about preserving old friendships and reminiscing about events that occurred during the year.

Many people sing it to evoke fellowship and nostalgia, though most cannot fully get past the first verse of the song. Its lyrics are a challenge to the unfamiliar – even among those who grew up in the United Kingdom. According to a 2018 poll by the British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, just three percent of people who live in England know the words to “Auld Lang Syne.”

Among Scots, only seven percent know all the lyrics. Even still, people may be content to hum along when “Auld Lang Syne” is traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve. Metro Creative

working and what may need to be changed to provide a boost, according to the wellness resource Alternative Daily.

• Resolutions can serve as a catalyst for positive change.

When something isn’t working with your routine, personal health or relationships, resolutions can serve as the catalyst that ultimately rights the ship.

• Resolutions can promote self-esteem and empowerment. Making resolutions and keeping them can provide a sense of accomplishment that comes with goal setting and following through – resolving to lose five pounds and then seeing the proof on a scale can be a powerful motivator that compels you to make other self-improvements. Accomplishing small goals also can boost self-esteem.

Resolutions are often made at the dawn of a new year.

These efforts can provide the motivation and direction people need to make positive changes in their lives.

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The Local - Thursday, December 31, 2020

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Due to current BC health orders, please contact local event coordinators to confirm events.

Thursday, December 31 • Gibsons’ animator Choom Lam film debut “The Forest and the Trees” online at the 15th Annual Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival (free screening to Jan. 3), go to childrensfilmla.org to reserve tickets

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Alzheimer’s awareness month In an increasingly uncertain world, people in Sechelt and other Sunshine Coast communities living with dementia and their caregivers are facing more social isolation than ever before. To help them, the Alzheimer Society of BC is gearing up for its 2021 Alzheimer’s Awareness Month campaign, held annually in January.

Throughout the month, residents can learn more about how they can take individual action to help change the future for British Columbians who are living with dementia and hear the stories of people affected by the disease.

As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, residents will be invited to “Raise your voice: Dementia, long-term

care and COVID-19” on Jan. 27, a special webinar sponsored by Clark Wilson LLP. It features a panel discussion on the challenge of balancing health and safety concerns with ensuring that families can support people living with dementia in long-term care to stay active and engaged.

The Alzheimer Society of BC connects people living with dementia, their caregivers and family members to support and education. Residents can ask their healthcare provider for a referral or call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

To learn more about the Alzheimer Society of BC and Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, visit alzbc.org/future.

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• Aquarium Festive Free Day, Gibsons Public Market, 10:30am-4pm, go to www.gibsonsmarine-ed.org to book a visit • Art Exhibition: Helen Platt and David Emerson Hall (last day), works displayed throughout the Atrium and Coastal Room, Gibsons Public Market, 10:30am-4pm • Nearly New Year’s Eve on Facebook: Join Bobby Bruce at home for a cocktail, mini-concert and early-bird NYE countdown, 8:30pm, www.facebook.com/NearlyNeil

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Friday, January 1

• New Year’s Day Dog Day, well-behaved leashed canines and their people are welcome to come for a stroll, 11am-4pm, admission by donation, Sunshine Coast Botanical Gardens, 5941 Mason Road, Sechelt • Hospice Society’s Lighting of the Memories – online ceremony, 1pm, tune in through your Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ coasthospicesociety

Saturday, January 2

• Art Exhibition: Abstract artist and alt-folk musician Keely Halward, The Kube Studios, Gibsons, 11am-4pm

Sunday, January 3

• Friends of the Gallery (FOG) Artwork Drop Off, 2-4pm (and Monday, Jan. 4, 10am-noon), any member of the SCAC is welcome to include one work (maximum 24” x 36”), any medium, including three-dimensional and digital work produced in 2020, Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, 5714 Medusa St., Sechelt, info at 604-885-5412 or www.sunshinecoastartscouncil.com/friends-of-thegallery-fog-2021-group-show/

Monday, January 4

• Japanese Conversation Group on Zoom, all levels welcome, 4-5:30pm, for details go to https:// gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/explore/calendar/

Wednesday, January 6

• Gibsons & District Public Library is hosting an Open Mic night on Zoom on the first Wednesday of every month, listen or share any original material that is no longer than 5 minutes, 7-8pm, email to reserve your spot at stalbot@gibsons.bclibrary.ca

Includes listings compiled by the Coast Cultural Alliance. More details & more listings – including virtual events – at suncoastarts.com

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“Auld Lang Syne” Should old acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot, And old lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!

And surely I’ll buy mine!

And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

We two have run about the slopes, And picked the daisies fine; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, Since auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream, From morning sun till dine; But seas between us broad have roared Since auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!

And give me a hand o’ thine!

And we’ll take a right good-will draught, For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

Lyrics by Robert Burns (Standard English Version courtesy of Britannica.com)

The Local - Thursday, December 31, 2020 9

Here are how the numbers broke down in detail to finish up 2020:

DECEMBER YEAR-OVERYEAR (YOY) The Sunshine Coast real estate market finished the year unseasonably strong.

Sales were up 218 percent for the month of December year-over-year, and there is currently an inventory shortage that has multiple offers still commonplace, even between Christmas and New Years’.

• December 2019 saw 44 total sales – 26 of them were single-family detached, and the average price of those homes was $770,000. The average time on market was 54 days, and the total dollar volume of sales was $34,185,000.

• December 2020 had 96 total sales – 46 of them were

Can you think of an experience in your life that you found so emotionally painful and unpleasant – leaving you so self-conscious with negative judgement – that the experience changed how you think of yourself? Almost all of us can.

Ordinarily, we rely upon – and take for granted – a few fundamental assumptions about ourselves and the world we live in, assumptions that generally go unquestioned and unchallenged. Life experiences that do not fit our assumptions may be overwhelming. In reaction to a perceived threat, extreme thinking in absolute terms such as “right and wrong” or “black and white” without any in-between or “grey areas” tends to evoke judgement and blame along with accompanying feelings of stress, anxiety, fear, anger and shame. We may also experience disillusionment.

Preexisting assumptions no longer accurately describe the world and ourselves.

New assumptions requiring a reworking of prior views may also be threatening and negative. The search for equilibrium involves efforts to reestablish a cohesive, trusted set of basic assumptions.

As human beings, we are

fundamentally social. The need to gather with others – to engage in relationships – is extremely important, especially during times of distress. Families, groups and social networks, in general, are comprised of individuals and the relationships between individuals. If, for example, the number of individuals or relationships in a social network suddenly or unexpectedly decreases, then everyone must adjust their assumptions and behaviour, including potentially grieving a loss. While some groups begin to falter under such a strain, other groups are more resilient. Over time, some groups even become stronger. What characteristics or behaviours help social networks prosper or thrive when challenged?

Open conversations among group members that encourage differences and disagreements help. Leaders and/or members of groups genuinely making an effort to take time to listen and accurately understand the perspectives of others in the group, including how people are feeling, develops group cohesion. Cohesion requires trust and boundaries. More cohesive groups tend to better tolerate ongoing tension and conflict that may arise within the group.

Unwillingness or inability to tolerate emotional reactions – such as by avoiding, ignoring or dismissing group

single-family detached houses, with the average price of those homes being $930,000.

The average time on market has been 45 days, and the total dollar volume of sales was $75,580,000.

2019/2020 STATS

• From Jan. 1 to the end of December 2019, we had seen 756 total sales – 409 of them were single-family detached, and the average price of those homes was $696,000.

The average time on market was 51 days, and the total members’ needs and vulnerabilities – hinders development of cohesion. In times when groups are coping less well, instead of communicating, collaborating, cooperating and caring for one another, members naturally cocoon, withdraw and stop interacting. Trust slowly erodes. Feelings of loneliness, as well as rates of attrition, may increase, further complicating any process of adjusting or grieving.

Being vulnerable and open is mutual and an integral part of the trust-building process.

Simultaneously, trust is necessary to allow ourselves to be vulnerable. Trust and vulnerability are the garden in which engagement, creativity, innovation and productivity grow.

Working to build – or rebuild – trust in and within families, groups and social networks requires good, positive and ongoing communication reinforcing truthfulness, integrity and reliability, and comes with no guarantee of success. In a world seemingly ever more complex and uncertain, we need creativity, innovation, vulnerability and engaged learning more than ever.

Oliver is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) in private practice in Gibsons. He publishes an informative blog at oliversterczyk. com and can be reached at (604) 993-0080 or oliver@ oliversterczyk.com.

Local THROWBACK THURSDAY

the

A 1930s postcard photo of the original Elphinstone Co-operative Store on Marine Drive in Lower Gibsons. This store was built in 1919. When the Co-op moved to a new location in 1965, the building became a pool hall (Shady Days), among other things. The building was torn down in the 1970s. Visit the SC Museum’s online collection to view 7,000+ digital archival photographs. SCMA PHOTO #922

dollar volume of sales was $483,862,000.

• From Jan. 1 this year up until the end of December, we have seen 1,159 total sales – 630 of them being single-family detached houses with the average price of those homes being $820,000. The average time on market has been 42 days, and the total dollar volume of sales so far has been $825,872,000.

• Year-over-year increase in sales volume of 153 percent and detached home price of 117 percent.

Assuming that COVID-19 restrictions will continue into at least March/April, I expect unseasonable high sales volume to continue over the next few months, climaxing with another frenzied seller’s market starting in May or potentially earlier, pending provincial essential travel orders.

If you are thinking of selling in spring, you may want to consider listing early due to the current low inventory and high demand.

If you plan to buy a first

home or an investment property on the Sunshine Coast in 2021, hire an experienced local buyers agent and get all pre-approvals in place. For the foreseeable future, it is unlikely that sellers will be looking at offers subject to sale or with finance subjects longer than two weeks.

Tony Browton is an award-winning realtor who lives and works on BC’s Sunshine Coast. His weekly blog can be found here www.true bluerealty.ca/blog

Tip of the Week: Happy New Year! The year begins on a revolutionary note. This will become apparent very soon, if it has not already. Of course, 2020 saw the rise of many groups and networks determined to challenge the popular narrative. This will be apparent to anyone who wants to see beyond complacency.

The New Year chart reveals a portrait of events that will unfold in 2021, along with that of Winter Solstice. The exact conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn is over, yet they remain in close alignment in rebellious Aquarius and this is just the beginning of their destined purpose. Mars in Aries plays a key role in this regard. It is also closely associated with Uranus, which is in Taurus and will have a big impact on the economy.

Mars will form a conjunction to Uranus on January 6, as though the bull was on steroids. Venus in Sagittarius closely aligned with the South Node reveals powerful sentiments regarding truth, justice, principles and ethics. Ready or not, here we go!

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) The social revolution underway is already having a big impact on you. You probably notice that something has definitely shifted in terms of your career and participation in the world generally. This feeling will increase steadily over the course of January. Financial ambition is featured and you will push early on to create a momentum.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) You have arrived at a time when themes of expansion and contraction will influence you strongly.

This could manifest best by engaging it with a sense of disciplined determination. A fitness program with clearly defined goals could match this energy pattern.

However you do it, this is an opportunity to advance, but you will have to earn it.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) You are beginning to see a bigger picture. It may even come about as a process of

awakening. Circumstances will push you to do ‘inner work’. How you go about it is another matter and it may occur spontaneously and ‘from left field’ as though something or someone, or perhaps through your dreams, you suddenly see the world as with new eyes.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) A process of deep change has begun. Positively, it will bring unanticipated returns earned over the past several years. Engaging in the economic revolution is quite possible as you recognize the inevitability of it and feel inspired by the possibilities.

Otherwise, this may manifest as the desire to make other kinds of investments.

Anything that will help you feel secure and empowered will do.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23) You have entered an expansive cycle in your public life. This will lead you to reach out to more people and be sought more as well.

A process of steady commitment is implied. Your ambitions will lead you to shake things up in your career.

This will become increasingly evident this week. A sense of purpose is featured as circumstances summon you to take a more active role.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 22) Changes in your lifestyle are coming in now. These will require a new level of disciplined effort and risk. Fortunately, your confidence levels subject to increased intuition, imagination and overall level of awareness is indicated. You are wise to take deliberate steps and not overanalyze.

Whatever ideas for productive action emerge, outline them and take the initiative.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) It may seem as though a whole new quality of attitude has emerged in you and quite recently. As though you have entered a new zone or chapter, it will likely prove inspirational leading you to new creative interests. These may prove more intellectual than crafty, or perhaps inventive.

A sense of commitment to the future is featured and will guide your visions.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) A mix of confidence and

perhaps of some measure of fear has crept in. The potential for this harnessing this unique elixir of power is strong. It comes with an expansive urge which will require you to face any lingering fears. In doing so, your resolve will strengthen steadily and could lead you to greater heights that you thought possible. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Financial concerns and interests are pushing you to focus. They are leading you to explore uncharted territory. A learning curve is implied. At worst, you may feel a little overwhelmed due to the wide scope of information available. Yet, allowing for this initial phase, it will lead you to become familiar, comfortable and confident in a whole new way.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The Sun in your sign indicates a growing urge to take new leads and strides.

Sometimes, there is a delay period and it may feel like you are still in a semi-dream state. This could linger well into January, but then it will clear and catapult you into action. Your willingness to ‘pay your dues’ could come in various forms. Watch for them and be willing to invest.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) A busy time behind the scenes continues. Yet, you are also looking to the future and forging ahead. On both accounts, circumstances are forcing you to be disciplined and productive.

There is also a very expansive energy pattern at play, which in time could prove positive in terms of financial returns. The key is to engage your imagination yet with practicality in mind.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your sights are set on the future. This is an expansive time yet requires you to concentrate on projects and ideas and momentums already underway. Once you are clear what these are and you get committed to completing them or bringing them to a new level of refinement and excellence, your resolve will be engaged. Allow imagination to guide you to tap your creative genius. michael@sunstarastrology.com

10

The Local - Thursday, December 31, 2020

BC Hydro most memorable 2020 outages BC Hydro crews responded to over 61,000 trouble calls this year, and some were less “routine” than others. As the year draws to a close, BC Hydro has compiled a list of the top 10 most memorable causes of power outages in 2020.

1. Un-bear-able weight: A hungry bear outside of Nakusp climbed a cherry tree in search of a snack. Unfortunately, the tree could not hold the weight of the bear, and it resulted in branches falling onto electrical equipment, causing a power outage.

2. Grandma’s birthday surprise: A grandmother’s celebration in Vernon reached new heights when her helium balloons came loose and flew into overhead wires, causing an outage to 120 other homes and ending the party.

3. Dam trees: Busy beavers in Dawson Creek and Prince George caused over 700 customer outages when large branches from their dam construction fell into power lines.

4. Birds of play: Ospreys in Vernon and Kelowna decided to dispose of their unneeded nest supplies by dropping sticks on BC Hydro power lines. Perhaps an attempted game of power line pick-up sticks?

5. Insect eviction: Wasps took up residence in BC Hydro’s equipment in Surrey, North Vancouver and

Chemainus, and even built a nest inside a streetlight in Windermere.

6. Nuts about power: Fearless squirrels chewed through wires in Nanaimo and Langley, causing outages for over 8,000 customers.

7. Meter motive: In Chilliwack, crews responded to an outage call only to discover the electricity meter was missing. They later retrieved it from a burglar who was walking down the street, the meter in hand.

8. Let it go!: In both Hope and Vernon, a kite broke free from its owner’s grasp, causing outages to about 2,000 customers. Luckily, the kite owners just “let it go” before the kite came into contact with the live power line.

9. Going green: East Vancouver residents may reconsider their composting habits after a plant someone tossed out their window hit electrical equipment and caused an outage to 69 people.

10. Leaf it to the professionals: In Vernon, a homeowner was lucky to escape injury after contacting the power line while cleaning his gutters, causing a power outage.

While outages can be unpredictable, many of these outages were preventable.

BC Hydro is reminding the public to:

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• Look up and be aware: Watch for power lines in your area – never carry balloons or fly kites or drones near power lines.

• Weigh down items that can fly away: Always securely fasten balloons or inflatables to make sure they will not be picked up by a sudden gust of wind and contact a power line.

• Respect the power of electricity: Every year people are seriously injured or killed by electricity. Stay back at least three metres from any power lines – the length of a standard four-door car.

Submitted by BC Hydro

Learn more at contentyoucantrust.ca

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CALL 778-918-7910 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT! BC Ferries’ 4th LNG-fuelled Salish Class vessel launches at Remontowa Shipbuilding BC Ferries continues to roll out its Clean Futures Plan with the launch of its fourth liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled Salish Class vessel. The ship entered the water last week at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland, with work continuing there until scheduled sea trials in late 2021.

Following successful sea trials, the vessel will make the 10,440 nautical mile journey from Gdansk to British Columbia in early 2022 for final preparations. The vessel is scheduled to go into service in the Southern Gulf Islands in 2022 and is iden-

tical to the three Salish Class vessels built by Remontowa for BC Ferries in 2016-2017.

BC Ferries issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) for the construction of the vessel to leading shipyards in Canada and around the world in July 2018. Canadian shipyards were invited to participate in the competitive bidding process. BC Ferries received responses from 16 international shipyards and short-listed three shipyards to proceed to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. No Canadian companies submitted a bid.

The 107-metre Salish Class

vessel will have the capacity to carry at least 138 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew and is built as dual-fuel, capable of running on LNG or ultra-low sulphur diesel. Using primarily LNG to fuel the new ship will reduce emissions and costs for BC Ferries. When the vessel enters service, it will allow for the retirement of the Mayne Queen, a diesel-fuelled vessel.

In partnership with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, BC Ferries will commission an artist to create designs for the new Salish Class vessel. Submitted

w w w. t h e l o c a l w e e k l y. c a

Thank You for Your Support throughout the Past Year!

Wishing You and Yours a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous 2021!

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Check out Tony’s marketing package today on-line at: www.TonySells.ca www.TonySells.ca

BC Ferries’ fourth Salish Class vessel launched at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland. The new ferry is scheduled to service the Southern Gulf Islands in 2022. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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