The Local Weekly February 18, 2021

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Volume 19, Issue 07

Sunshine Coast, British Columbia • www.thelocalweekly.ca • Thursday, February 18, 2021 Chapman Creek

Ocean Bridge

Page 5

COVID Update Page 2

SCRD Tax Increases Page 3

Sechelt Budget Debate Page 3

Opioid Crisis Page 5

Throwback Thursday Page 6

SD46 On Bullying Page 7

Transport Talk Page 10

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Home Hardware

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The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Sunshine Coast COVID-19 Physician Task Force community update #45 Dear Fellow Sunshine Coast Residents: We are encouraged by the recent drop in COVID-19 numbers here on the Sunshine Coast. While positive cases are still being detected, we are currently seeing less than one positive case per day over the past week, which is great progress! We wouldn’t be here without everyone’s dedication and sacrifice, and we thank each and every one of you for doing your part!

With that being said, we must continue to follow the latest public health guidelines in the coming weeks to keep our community safe.

This means staying on the Coast unless you have an essential reason to travel and only gathering with members

of your immediate household (or a very limited core bubble if you live alone). Please don’t carpool and avoid gathering with extended family on the long weekend. Please keep it virtual and close to home, and we will keep our community safe until vaccines arrive for our most vulnerable community members.

We remain hopeful that vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming weeks, bringing with it further opportunities to immunize more members of our community. As per the provincial immunization strategy, we will be entering Phase Two when supply allows.

Phase Two will include those who are 80 years of age and older living at home, as well as Indigenous Elders over the

age of 65.

Further information about the vaccine clinics, and how to register if you are eligible, will be available soon, and will be broadly distributed by local media, as well as in our forthcoming updates. In the meantime, if you have questions about the vaccination plans for our community, please call the Sunshine Coast COVID-19 Vaccine Info Line at 604-885-8714. Please do not call our local Public Health Units, as they are hard at work getting preparations underway!

Once Phase Two is complete, the vaccine rollout will continue by descending five year age cohorts over the coming months. Please refer to the provincial immunization strategy to determine

when you and your loved ones will be eligible.

Please know that the vaccine rollout strategy has been developed at the provincial level, with every effort made to ensure that it happens in an ethical and efficient manner. While most people will receive their vaccines with their age cohort, there are a few exceptions for those regarded as “clinically extremely vulnerable.” To find out if you may qualify under this exception, please visit the provincial Immunization Plan website.

Please arrange for testing right away if you have even one of the key COVID-19 symptoms: fever, chills, new cough (or worsening of a chronic cough), difficulty breathing, or loss of sense

of taste or smell. You should also get tested if you have two or more of the following symptoms for more than 24 hours: a sore throat, headache, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and muscle aches.

If you meet criteria for testing, please contact the Respiratory Assessment Clinic by phone or text at 604-7401252 or by email at coastrespclinic@gmail.com. The clinic remains open seven days a week from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

While you are awaiting assessment or test results, you must self-isolate at home, ideally in a separate space where you can limit contact with other members of your household. You must continue to self-isolate until you have tested negative and your symptoms have

resolved. If you test positive for COVID-19, you will have to continue self-isolating until you are cleared by Public Health.

If you have more severe symptoms and believe you may need to be admitted to hospital, please go to the Sechelt Hospital Emergency Department. If you need an ambulance, please call 911. Please remember that the Emergency Department remains open and safe for anyone with a medical emergency.

Keep well, and please keep doing everything you can to keep our community safe!

Sunshine Coast COVID-19 Physician Task Force Dr. Jennifer Baxter Dr. Ted Krickan Dr. Herman Mentz Dr. Brian Nelson Dr. Daren Spithoff

The BC Centre for Disease Control local COVID-19 numbers for Jan. 31 to Feb. 6 show one reported case on the Lower Sunshine Coast. The numbers were released for January and show 44 confirmed cases, bringing the cumulative cases from Jan. 1, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2021, to 140. BC CDC MAP

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2021 SCRD tax increases A Feb. 11 SCRD press release cited proposed 2021 property tax rate increases as high as 26 percent over 2020 levels. At a meeting that same day, its board started whittling away at previous decisions in efforts to bring those numbers down.

The proposed tax changes were calculated on recommendations made during the first round of 2021 budget discussions. Those concluded on Feb. 5. The results projected tax increases for all SCRD areas. At the end of round one, Area A (Pender Harbour) was estimated to see the steepest climb of 26 percent. Area B (Halfmoon Bay) was forecast to be looking at an 11 percent increase, and all other areas would possibly be seeing increases between five and 9.5 percent.

At a board meeting on Feb. 11, a recommendation was made to scrap increases to landfill staffing, which were given tentative approval at round one. That recommendation followed consideration of a report regarding augmented landfill hours for the coming year. The board

rejected the proposed addition of operating hours, which had been the basis for a first round 2021 budget increase.

It asked that schedules for the Sechelt Landfill and Pender Harbour Transfer Station based on current staff levels go to round two budget deliberations. Landfill costs impact tax levels for all areas.

Staff’s original proposal was to add about one person to the SCRD landfill function this year. With the board looking to put a hold on landfill personnel levels, the total proposed 2021 increase to staff as of round one is the equivalent of about eight new full-time positions. Additional positions in the water, wastewater, bylaw enforcement, finance, and administration functions were supported in the initial budget discussions.

Increases to some part-time positions with regional volunteer fire departments are also part of that total.

More ideas for bringing down the proposed tax increases are anticipated to come forward at virtual 2021 SCRD budget public information sessions. Dates for these

Sechelt 2021 budget debate Sparse public discussion on Sechelt’s 2021 budget has occurred at review opportunities hosted to date. At the Feb. 10 committee meeting, Communications Manager Julie Rogers called arts and culture “the most important function that the district provides to our citizens.” Despite this, no questions or kudos about the planned operations in that area came forward.

The meeting featured reviews of 2021 budget and work plan proposals for that and other district functions.

The committee heard that updating the District’s website to better host public surveys and engagement is an idea included in the 2021 budget submissions. Those improvements will be covered under the Information Technology department allocation, which is proposed to have a budget of $34,000 higher than in 2020. Rogers said working within the existing website structure is a more affordable option than subscription-based engagement products like PlaceSpeak or Bang the Table.

On Feb. 16, Sechelt hosted a noon-hour online review session on its 2021 general

operation budget. Discussions included plans for its administration and finance functions and the community services and planning and development departments. At session sign-in, there were no public attendees.

A previous online event hosted on Feb. 8 focused on this year‘s spending plans for wastewater. It saw District staff and council outnumber a handful of public attendees.

In response to one of the four questions asked, Director of Finance David Douglas revealed that there are no plans to raise septage receiving fees in 2021. Those fees were adjusted in mid-2020. Sechelt will be assessing the adequacy of that rate change over this year before considering further adjustments.

In the current 2021 budget proposal, sewer parcel taxes in Sechelt are to remain steady at $274. A 23 percent increase in user rates that is proposed could bring the additional annual user fees for residential properties connected to the sewer to $607.

The higher fees will be used to cover operational costs of the sewer system, which are forecast to increase by

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) board will give final consideration to adopting a new tipping fee schedule at the Sechelt Landfill and Pender Harbour Transfer Station that will see both commercial and residential customers paying more starting Feb. 26.

“The changes in tipping fees are required in order to cover the ever-increasing costs of transportation, recycling and operation of diversion programs currently in place at the SCRDs two solid

waste facilities,” says Robyn Cooper, manager of solid waste services.

The SCRDs Solid Waste Management Plan and the SCRD board support a user-pay system, where the tipping fees fund the full costs of those materials that are diverted for recycling.

Commercial and residential customers will now be required to remove cardboard from the garbage they haul to the two facilities. Cardboard will have a $285 per tonne tipping fee, up from $150 per

SCRD tipping fees to rise

online events are: • Area A (Egmont/Pender Harbor) – Feb. 26 at 9am • Area B (Halfmoon Bay) – Feb. 22 at 6pm • Area D (Roberts Creek), Area E (Elphinstone) and Area F (West Howe Sound) – Feb. 26 at 6pm • Town of Gibsons – March 2 at 7pm • District of Sechelt – March 3 at 7pm Scheduling for a budget discussion event with residents of the Sechelt Indian Government District has not been finalized. Details on the sessions and the 2021 budget as of round one are available on SCRD.ca.

Commenting on 2021 budget deliberations, Lori Pratt, SCRD board chair, said, “this is the year for the SCRD to rebuild our foundation. Many of the infrastructure challenges we are facing have not been planned for effectively by past boards, and it is up to the current board to ensure that important services such as water and waste management services continue to be available for residents along the Sunshine Coast, not just now, but into the future, as our communities continue to grow.” Connie Jordison $443,000 over 2020 levels.

More than half of that proposed increase relates to maintenance and upgrading work needed at the Water Resource Centre (WRC). “More spending on annual maintenance means lower spending on major maintenance or asset replacement,“ said Douglas.

That facility is also understaffed, according to the District. Plans to hire an additional part-time operator for the WRC, plus a new staffer for the Dusty Road septage receiving site, are included in the 2021 proposed budget.

The District is continuing to receive online input about the sewer and arts and culture budgets on Sechelt.ca. At a Jan. 27 District committee meeting, Douglas reported about online sewer system survey results. That survey, which opened before Christmas 2020, garnered 38 responses.

The next opportunity to hear debate and ask questions about departmental budgets for 2021 will be at the committee meeting scheduled for Feb. 24. Public engagement sessions on a council reviewed draft of the 2021 budget are slated to follow in late March. Connie Jordison

tonne, and an additional fee if the cardboard is mixed in with garbage. Residential customers can avoid fees related to recycling cardboard by bringing it to one of the three SCRD operated recycling depots in Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour for free.

Fees for gypsum, metal and propane tanks will also increase, with fees for metal more than doubling. Fees for appliances containing Freon, such as fridges and freezers, will decrease.

For more information on tipping fee increases, visit www.scrd.ca/disposal-fees.

Submitted by SCRD

The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021 3

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The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021

Letters to the Editor – Opinions Public art (Open letter to Mayor Beamish) In response to your invitation for feedback (Talk of The Town, the Local, Feb.11), I propose that one important theme should be Gibsons’ history. A good place to start is with the historic artifacts already on public display, anonymously.

For example, there are several parts of ship engines or other gear in public spaces. The anchor by the Museum is obviously an anchor. But to people like myself who have not been involved with boats, the others have no meaning.

What are they? What ship did each come from? How is that ship connected to the Town of Gibsons?

Sechelt has small plaques and some larger signs in front of several historic buildings and sites throughout the downtown and beyond. There are historic sites in Gibsons. For example, I believe the restaurant just up Gibsons Way hill was the first telephone office. Why not erect a plaque to tell us so? What about the elementary school, St. Bart’s, the public art gallery, Heritage Theatre? What about the former site of one of the early industries along the waterfront?

As for murals, how about some on historic subjects, like the one at the corner of Wharf and Cowrie in Sechelt? I hope mural sites will be chosen where the murals will be properly

maintained and will not get destroyed after a few years, like the gorgeous one that once graced the elementary school entrance and the orca that I assume was on a privately-owned building.

Have the Squamish Nation been invited to participate?

Last spring, I had to move and am no longer in Gibsons. But I lived there for 16 years, and care about the Town. Dale Peterson’s summer walking tours are firstclass, but in my opinion, the Town needs to do something long-lasting to honour its history. It is much more than The Beachcombers.

Sheila Weaver, Wilson Creek

Public art (Re: Open letter to Mayor Beamish) Thank you for your comments, Sheila. I agree that we can do more to recognize our marine and cultural history.

We have reached out to the Squamish Nation, and members have been involved with the Gibsons Public Art Gallery, some of the utility boxes, the Public Market and soon, the new Supportive Housing Project.

We continue to encourage Squamish artists.

Bill Beamish, Mayor of Gibsons

Inhumane Sechelt Hospital’s COVID-19 visitor restrictions are inhumane.

Imagine an elderly pa-

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tient with ongoing health challenges in the hospital indefinitely. His wife of more than 50 years, now living alone, can only visit her husband once a week for a mere half-hour. She has to wear a mask, not touch her husband, and stay six feet away. She has to strain to hear his voice and always under the strict and watchful eyes of hospital staff.

If hospital staff can touch the patient, why can’t the wife? This kind of harsh treatment is somewhat analogous to the treatment of Nazi prisoners, separated, isolated, no touching, no communication, and ordered to stand in one place.

Human beings require touch.

The wife in question now has nothing to live for. She wants to not wake up in the morning. She turned her head away in tears while speaking.

The effect of these hospital rules is that the living person is dying as the hospital keeps the dying person alive in body, but not in soul.

At any stage of life, this inhumane treatment amounts to emotional and psychological torture.

Remove the distancing.

Banks and grocery checkout stations do. Position a 3x5 foot high clear plexiglass shield or sturdy plastic on ‘screen divider’ rollers beside the patient’s bed.

Create holes or teller style openings at bedrail level through which the visitor can easily touch their loved one. Now is the time to have empathy. Exercise humanity. Stop the senseless control. This is a clear violation of our democratic rights and freedoms.

Carole James, Roberts Creek

operation in a sensitive forest ecosystem. SCCF will be requesting tenders for ‘stump to dump’ roadbuilding and logging in the Halfmoon Bay area in the coming months.

There’s been no public process allowing input into the planning of two cutblocks , which has been the standard way that SCCF does business. They sell the logs and then donate some of the proceeds to local groups who have little understanding of the ecosystem loss. If this logging is allowed to happen, important forest values will be destroyed.

One block (HM50) is entirely situated in the Trout Lake Watershed, which is a backup source of water for Halfmoon Bay residents.

It will also cut through the historic Loco-Motive Trail.

On that matter, where is the Sunshine Coast Trails Society when it comes time to defend this important trail from being impacted?

The second block (HM70) has many old-growth features, including a beautiful open canopy, a well-estab-

lished plant community, the largest Pacific Yew we’ve measured on the Sunshine Coast, the fifth-largest Red Alder in the entire province, plus critical habitat for the blue-listed Roosevelt Elk. We urge Warren Hansen, the new SCCF Operations Manager, to put a pause on awarding a future ‘stumpto-dump’ contract over this irreplaceable forest.

Ross Muirhead ELF: Forest Campaigner loggingfocus.org

A ways to go I would like to comment on the improving quality of your paper. I think Connie Jordison is doing a fine job and improving monthly.

I also believe that you are allowing more diversity of

opinion but still have a ways to go.

David Suzuki is becoming tiresome. His diatribes are repetitive and lack credence. He states forecasts as absolutes – not too scientific, although that is his shtick.

You might also wish to consider being a little more critical in your analysis of governments, both federal and provincial. Justin has managed to mismanage almost every file he has touched, from mistreating ministers to allowing deficits to explode with no accountability and no budgets for two years in an attempt to explain our deepening financial crisis. Long overdue.

Gordon Politeski, Halfmoon Bay

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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.

Weekly Cartoon

Stump to dump Our organization (ELF) has concerns regarding a planned Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF)

Mayor’s Message Darnelda Siegers Mayor, District of Sechelt

It is budget season in local government. By law, we must pass our 2021 budget by mid-May, so we have laid out a schedule of meetings between now and then to wrestle with providing the level of service you want, doing the mandatory things we have to do, reviewing those extra things that would be nice to do all while keeping it as affordable as possible. In our new virtual world, that means we come together online as we move through the decision-making process with you.

The operating budget for 2021 will be approximately $14 million, with over $10

Mayor’s Message million of that coming from taxation and other levies. Of all the taxes you pay to different levels of government, you pay the least amount to your local government while we provide the services that are closest to home. We provide sewer, a hefty chunk of the policing costs, parks, trails, roads and the amazing arts and culture we enjoy in Sechelt. So, what is that worth to you? If the cost of road salt goes up, are you ok with paying more? Or do you want us to do less?

Do you want more parks and trails? More grants to non-profits? What are your priorities?

Our capital budget is mostly funded through other sources like grants and development cost charges (a fee developers pay). So when you see that we are spending

almost $3 million on paving and extending the airport runway, it might seem like we are wasting money, but in fact, that work is fully funded through grants that are designated specifically for airports. While you might not use our airport, others do, and it contributes to our overall economic health.

And the air ambulance capabilities of the new runway are important to our healthcare services.

There are five surveys available on our website, shared through our Facebook page and in print at the library. The surveys are on parks, roads, planning and development, protective services, arts and culture, and sewer. These things touch your lives and your wallets, so take a moment to have your say. We review various

aspects of the proposed budget at each of our Committee of the Whole meetings that you can watch on our YouTube channel. And we have added some public question periods that you can join to ask your questions or make a comment. Those meeting dates are Feb. 16 at noon, Feb. 22 at 7:30pm, March 1 at noon, March 15 at noon and, March 29 at 7:30pm.

Click on the big Budget Planning 2021 icon on our website to find the meetings’ links or the phone-in number.

I hear people complain about government spending, but they don’t take the time to join a meeting or take a survey to tell us what their priorities are. Take a minute to join the conversation and help set the direction for our community.

Transit Future Action Plan BC Transit wants to find out “what has changed since 2014?” in relation to public bus services on the Coast. It will be engaging with area residents this spring and summer to get their views so that information can be part of a Transit Future Action Plan. The presentation of that plan to the SCRD is to happen this fall. The two groups will then use updated transit operations data and public input information to make decisions about the Coast’s public bus service for the next five years.

As the operator for BC Transit services in the region, the SCRD will be on the working group to develop the plan’s public engagement roll out. At the Feb. 11 SCRD Infrastructure Services Committee meeting, the regional board asked that BC Ferries, the qathet Regional District and the Tla’amin Nation be included in the working group. Board Chair and Area B Director Lori Pratt said that those entities have “a huge interest” in planning for public transportation to the SCRDs northern portions through to Powell River. There are currently no public or private buses serving the 38 kilometre stretch of rural area between Halfmoon Bay and the Earls Cove ferry terminal. Improved service to this area has been an SCRD short term priority since BC Transit released its most recent five-year plan for our area in 2015.

The SCRD also asked that groups like seniors, commuters who use transit, youth and residents who have low or no income be considered stakeholders in the plan’s engagement process.

Rob Ringma, BC Transit senior manager of government relations, said, “we want to hear the good, the bad and the ugly” on how public transportation is meeting local needs. “That’s how we build a strong transit system.

We work locally with groups to make transit better for the

community.”

In launching the future action plan process, BC Transit reviewed what has happened with the service and ridership on the Coast over the past six years. They noted the area’s population growth, the bus service hour increases that the SCRD supported, and how those changes increased ridership up to March 2020.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, local ridership plunged by 45 percent. That drop was consistent with transit in other areas across BC. For the Coast, the major rider volume declines were on the routes connecting with ferries to the Lower Mainland. Routes within the local communities saw more people continuing to travel by bus.

While pleased to hear about consultation when planning for local services, SCRD board members had questions about BC Transit’s proposed planning format.

Area E Director Donna McMahon pointed out that handyDART services were not mentioned in the plan proposal.

That service is not available in the early morning hours. It is not an option for residents who need to be on the first or second daily ferry sailings to the Lower Mainland to attend specialized medical appointments. McMahon noted that the local Seniors Planning Table has concerns with that and other performance issues with transit services for those who have lower levels of personal mobility.

Area D Director Andreas Tize said he wanted to see more focus on multi-modal transportation in the plan.

His view is that BC Transit needs to work more closely with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure transit routes have good connections to walking and cycling trails as well as “park and ride” options.

Such improvements could help make transit a more viable transportation option for

more Coast residents.

The BC Transit representatives heard about the need for more bus shelters and for more affordable options for the supply of shelters from board members at the meeting. Ringma said that shelters were under the jurisdiction of local governments. Those authorities have the option to build whatever type of shelter their communities prefer, as long as they meet BC Transit safety standards. SCRD Infrastructure Manager Remko Rosenboom noted that SCRD initiatives to build shelters had been delayed due to a lack of ongoing funding to maintain and repair them.

Ringma was unable to tell Area F Director Mark Hiltz the costs of the planning process. He did note that funding for the plan was included in the three-year budget for Coast transit, which is costshared between BC Transit and the SCRD. Connie Jordison

The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021 5

Addiction treatment needed on Coast Mayor Darnelda Siegers used a Feb. 3 interview opportunity with a CBC national news team to call for better substance abuse treatment on the Coast. In discussing the impacts of the opioid crisis on her community, Siegers said she told the team that “Sechelt has the same issues as other communities, and we need resources to serve our own people.”

There are no addiction treatment facilities located on the Coast. Both Siegers and Gibsons Mayor Bill Beamish have made public statements about the need to fill that gap.

BC Emergency Health Services reported that paramedics responded to 87 suspected overdoses in Sechelt in 2020. That number represents a 112 percent increase over the 41 incidents recorded in 2019. In Powell River, overdose call volumes

rose to 106 in 2020 – 62 percent higher than in the previous year. The number of incidents in Gibsons declined last year to 24 compared to 32 reported in 2019.

One bright spot for Siegers concerning help for those struggling with addictions on the Coast was $100,000 in renewed provincial funding for Community Action Team (CAT) work in 2020. In 2018, the Sunshine Coast was one of the first locations in BC to receive CAT funding. These teams spearhead local coordination and communication to mount a robust response to the needs of those most at risk of overdose.

“In 2020, 1,716 people lost their lives to a toxic illicit drug supply in BC,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, in a statement last Thursday. “One of the most insidious impacts of the pan-

demic has been increased toxicity due to disruption in the supply chain for illicit drugs across the country.

We stepped up our response to this emergency in BC, but the illicit drug supply is dramatically more toxic than a year ago – and tragically, more lethal. Combined with the stigma that drives people to use alone and a pandemic that isolates them even further, you have a recipe for a terrible surge in overdose deaths.”

Malcolmson went on to say that before the pandemic, they were making progress.

In 2019, for the first time since 2012, they brought overdose deaths down – averting more than 6,000 deaths. The Local

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Chapman Creek update

WorkBC Work to secure vital water mains at the Chapman Creek Water Treatment Plant is continuing due to a landslide that occurred in late December 2020. In the past month, SCRD infrastructure services staff and contractors have been placing anchors and two beams in the area that will be used to support two water mains from Chapman Creek Water Treatment Plant.

Due to the complex nature of the excavation work now being completed and the heavy machinery that is in the area, the trail and access areas continue to be closed to the public for safety reasons.

The SCRD will continue to provide updates on the work and the status of the water mains to residents via social media and the SCRD website. Submitted by SCRD

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The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021

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A snowy view of Marine Drive in Lower Gibsons Landing. On the far left is part of Frank Wyngaert’s General Store, in the middle is Smith’s Hardware Store at the head of the wharf (now Molly’s Reach), and on the right is the Gibsons Methodist Church, which was renamed Gibsons United Church in 1920. In the 1960s, the building was sold to the Baptist congregation and moved to Park Road. Visit the SC Museum’s online collection to view 7,000+ digital archival photographs. SCMA PHOTO #2033

New provincial firearms lab Police in BC will have one more tool to help suppress organized crime and gun violence, thanks to a newly opened provincial forensic firearms lab.

The BC Provincial Forensic Firearms Laboratory will be a centralized firearms intelligence hub, helping increase police capacity to analyze illegal firearms used for criminal activity and seized by police.

“This lab is another step

in our government’s effort to address gang activity and gun violence in communities across BC,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “It will help police build intelligence on illegal firearms, including those used in gang-related shootings, and aid in prosecutions, so that dangerous criminals can be put behind bars and are no longer putting British Columbians at

risk.”

Funded at $1.2 million through the federal Guns and Gangs Violence Action Fund and established under the Organized Crime Agency of BC, the lab is a key component of the Gang Suppression Action Plan, which targets multi-sector law enforcement, government and community support and disruption of organized crime and associated violence.

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SD46 on student mental health and bullying School District #46’s (SD46) mission statement – committing to supporting each student to experience joy and fulfillment in realizing their potential – is prominently displayed on its website homepage. Knowing the damage that bullying can inflict on individuals, Kate Kerr, the district’s director of instruction for inclusive education, is on a community team that ensures that support exists in every Coast school.

Kerr is aware of incidents of physical and verbal bullying in area schools. “It’s important to understand that bullying is based on a power difference between individuals,” said Kerr. She believes the development of social and emotional skills creates internal strength. That strength helps young people recognize that they have the power to stand up for themselves and that they can express their views without having negative impacts on others.

Working in the delivery of the mental health portion of the district’s strategic plan, Kerr is part of a team that stretches beyond SD46 staff.

She says area students are fortunate that with the support of the board, structures like the Healthy School Committee and the Coast’s Youth Action Committee have developed. These groups make key resources like community mental health professionals, the RCMP, and specialists from areas like recreation and leadership available to support programs in schools.

They also give youth a forum to voice their views on matters that impact them.

An outcome that Kerr views as a “win” against bullying is the Mentors in Violence Prevention program implemented in secondary schools. This initiative uses peer-to-peer mentorship with Grade 11 and 12 stu-

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dents providing advice and guidance to their younger counterparts. One of its main focuses is understanding the responsibilities of a bystander who witnesses bullying behaviours. Kerr sees this work as impactful and more effective than adults “lecturing” young people.

Other efforts are based on the provincial ministry’s ERASE program. ERASE stands for “expect respect and a safe education.” Its goal is to build safe and caring school communities. It does this by empowering students, parents, educators and partners to help the education system address challenges facing students. ERASE has six key subject areas: online and school safety, bullying, mental health, substance use and sexual orientation/gender identity.

To help students understand appropriate behaviours for the online world, SD46 has introduced programming developed by experts in these fields. The White Hatter provides internet and social media safety, digital literacy, and violence prevention education. Kids in the Know is the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s national safety education initiative. It uses interactive activities to build skills that increase a student’s personal safety online and offline.

“Students have access to much more information than in the past. Young people need trusted adults that they can go to if they have questions or fears about something they have seen, heard or read. A caring adult within a student’s life is a clear indicator of a sense of belonging,” said Kerr. She said that is one of the reasons SD46 focuses on relationship building and caring for others as a core value in education.

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The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021

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

Thursday, February 18 • Virtual Storytime – the whole family can share in songs, rhymes, and stories (all-day), details at gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/explore/calendar/ • Art Exhibition: Black History Month – Denise Brown ‘The Fabric of Freedom’ (to Feb. 28), 11am-4pm, Gibsons Public Art Gallery, 431 Marine Drive, Gibsons, 604-886-0531 · info@gpag.ca · https://gpag.ca/ • Karen’s Paint Day/Night – Roses, $45, 1-3pm, CREATE, 6538 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt, 604-989-3345 · Createsechelt@telus.net · http://facebook.com/createbykaren • Thursday Night Live with Joe Stanton: A virtual house concert on Facebook, 6pm @joestantonmusic • Coastmasters Toastmasters monthly Zoom meeting, the theme “Fun with Video Editing,” 6:30-8pm, for details go to gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/explore/ calendar

Friday, February 19

• Ukulele via Zoom: Weekly play along on Fridays at 12:30pm, free, sign up in Sechelt library or by phone 604-885-3260 · https://sechelt.bc.libraries.coop/ event/ukelele-via-zoom/?instance_id=17420 • Interested in starting your family tree or need help with genealogy research? Book a one-on-one free session with Teresa – the Sechelt Library genealogy tutor, Mondays 12:30-1:30pm and Fridays 1:30-2:30pm, call 604-885-3260 • Write Together on Zoom with author Megan Cole (nonfiction, fiction, poetry), 4-5pm, details at https://prpl.ca/explore/calendar/ • BC’s First Collaborative Virtual Seedy Saturday Conference (Feb 19-21), 6pm Friday to 5pm Sunday, details at www.bcseeds.org

Saturday, February 20

• Art Exhibition: 2021 Life Drawing Group Exhibition (to March 14), 12-4pm, free, Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, 5714 Medusa St, Sechelt, 604-885-5412 · sunshinecoastartscouncil.com/life-drawingexhibition-4/

Sunday, February 21

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On Feb. 28, you can join Candace Campo and Dale Peterson on a first of its kind collaborative virtual historical walking tour.

Candace is a shíshálh Nation anthropologist and teacher with varied experience presenting local Coast Salish history in both the Sechelt and Stanley Park/ North Shore areas with walking and kayaking tours of shíshálh and Skwxwú7mesh First Nation peoples.

Dale Peterson is a third-generation Gibson resident starting his seventh

year doing Gibsons historical walking tours and third as Howe Sound boat tours.

The two will join forces on the Sunday at 10am to present a virtual/zoom history, with Candace focusing primarily on the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and shíshálh (Sechelt) histories and Dale specifying more on Gibsons area history from the 1770s to modern day.

To register, go to www. aboriginalecotours.com or call Dale at 604-886-1424.

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• Off the Page – livestream play: The Replacement Wife by Aaron Bushkowsky, 2pm, tickets at sidedooraccess.com/shows • Black History Month (Virtual) Celebration, 4-6pm, includes a virtual tour of The Fabric of Freedom collection by Denise Brown, plus poetic performances

by Adelene da Soul Poet and Queenie, free, to register email info@gpag.ca or call 604-886-0531

Monday, February 22

• Have a tech question or want to learn how to use your device? Call Sechelt Library (604-885-3260) to book a one-on-one session with Talia – the technology expert, Mondays 10-12pm and Wednesday 10-12pm • Seed Clinics, 10am-2pm, details at gibsons.bc.libraries. coop/event/seed-clinics • Japanese Conversation Group, all levels welcome, 4-5:30pm, details at gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/explore/ calendar/

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

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Hit & run and Theft On Feb. 11, a witness reported a hit and run after a large truck struck a vehicle parked in a business parking lot in the 1100 block of Gibsons Way, knocking off the front bumper. The driver was seen exiting his vehicle, looking at the damage and then getting back into his vehicle and driving away without leaving a note for the damaged vehicle owner. Fortunately, the witness was able to note the suspect vehicle’s licence plate number and driver description. Police will be following

up with the registered owner. The file is still under investigation.

••• On Feb. 11, a suspect was witnessed shoplifting a number of items from a business in the 5600 block of Wharf Avenue. Staff confronted the suspect and were able to recover two of the stolen items but the suspect fled on foot with the other items. Police reviewed surveillance video and were able to identify the suspect. The file is still under investigation.

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The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021 9

Back in Time Matthew Lovegrove

Curator/Manager Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives

Certain people can take you back in time when they tell a story. Jeff Newman was one of those people. Suddenly, you are there with him in a fishing boat reeling in a 72-pound lingcod or watching him ride a horse up the steps of Elphinstone High School, much to the chagrin of the teachers.

Born on Sept. 8, 1934, Jeff arrived on the Sunshine Coast in 1940 and lived in a cabin on Crowe Road in Roberts Creek with his adoptive parents. Upon swimming every day with the other children in the area, Jeff’s first impression was that “he had it made” in his new home. His chores included delivering milk, for which he was paid 35 cents a week, the only caveat being that he bought a war savings stamp every Monday. Luckily, Jeff mused, he had enough money left over to buy two 5 cent ice creams! Jeff attended East

Roberts Creek School and soon became an avid reader, something he would keep up his whole life. Coastal renaissance man Hubert Evans soon took Jeff under his wing, bringing him out fishing in his hand-built double-ender rowboat (currently on display at the museum). Indeed, Jeff’s early life was full of West Coast adventures and hijinks.

Sharp as a tack in his early eighties, we spent several days with Jeff Newman processing his photos and archives for our collection. We also took the opportunity to record an oral history interview with him on his life and times on the Sunshine Coast (1940s-50s). To hear Jeff speak about pulling in that lingcod or riding Apache up the steps of Elphinstone High School is to travel back with

him to those moments of his life. Through his storytelling, Jeff was able to provide a direct connection to the historic places and people on the Sunshine Coast with vivid precision. It wasn’t so much about the intricate details but more about the joy he seemed to have reliving these memories. And through the process, we were able to share that joy with him.

Sadly, Jeff Newman passed away earlier this year at the age of 86 years old. We have compiled some audio clips from our interview with Jeff and posted them on the Museum’s Soundcloud account (accessed via SCMA website).

Celebrate Heritage Week 2021 February 15-21 by listening to some community storytelling, including Jeff Newman’s stories. This one’s for you, Jeff!

Real Estate Market Minute

Tony Browton RE/MAX City Realty

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had an impact on where buyers are now considering buying. Working from home being the new normal, rural communities such as the Sunshine Coast are seeing a surge in real estate sales.

But what specific features of a home are now more important to buyers than they were pre-pandemic? Here are six:

Home office A must-have for a lot of buyers is a home office.

Working from the kitchen table isn’t practical or sustainable, especially if the buyer has children. Natural light is important in these spaces, and a view is a major selling feature.

Private yards There are not many places people can go these days and

Horoscope Michael O’Connor Astrologer

@TheLocalWeekly

Jeff Newman shoeing his horse Apache, 1952. SCMA PHOTO #2743

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Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) The cycle of the Sun through Pisces will soften your edge for a while. This is a good time to retreat and rest if you can. Yet, with 4 planets till in Aquarius, like a powerful current, the momentum of the revolutionary impulse will continue.

Mercury turning direct on February 20 will keep you awake.

Yet Venus also entering Pisces by next Friday will add to your desire for some R&R. Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) Whatever changes were destined to occur in your public and professional life, these should be apparent by now.

Mercury retrograde could have synchronized as some delay due to miscommunications, but it resumes direct motion this week. So, the lights are green, even if the going is somewhat arduous. This is when that notorious Taurean stubbornness can really work for you.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) The Sun in Pisces indicates a shift in your public status. You may be experiencing the early signs currently. It may take until the New Moon in Pisces on March 13 for it to reveal itself more fully. For now, your task is to see the bigger picture with a detached, stoic perspective.

It could amount to a feeling of surrender, which can prove liberating. Let go and let God. Cancer (June 22-July 22) The 8th house is symbolic of themes of transformation, metamorphic change, purging and purification, death and rebirth, sex and taxes… Altogether, these reveal deep end themes that require patience, faith and resilience. These and similar themes and feelings should be apparent to you now.

The Sun entering Pisces offers

relax outdoors. As such, people’s backyards and private outdoor spaces are getting used more than they were in the past. Hammock sales apparently went way up last summer, and there’s been an increase in gardening. For buyers with pets and young children, fences are key.

Flex rooms Multi-use spaces have always been an added benefit to a home, but with so many things going virtual, it is important to have somewhere for everything from guitar lessons to dance classes to doing yoga or even putting together birthday Lego.

Home gyms For those who like to exercise, pandemic restrictions closing gyms have made home-based workouts necessary. Having a defined space for working out is more important now to a larger percentage of buyers than it was pre-lockdown.

Large pantry If the panic buying we experienced last year taught us anything, it’s the importance of having space to store canned goods and extra toilet paper. Buyers want to be able to keep some reserves for their family, so they are covered if shortages happen again.

Highlighting these features when selling will increase your home’s appeal to buyers with new post-pandemic priorities.

Tony Browton is an award-winning realtor who lives and works on BC’s Sunshine Coast. His weekly blog can be found at www.true bluerealty.ca/blog, and for tips on how to highlight your homes selling features visit www.tonysells.ca.

transcendental peace as your ego-mind yields to the charge of your soul.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23) While the waves of changes on relationship fronts wash in, the ripples of which will continue for a few weeks, circumstances are triggering you emotionally. Endings of some kind are indicated, possibly even death of a family member. Whatever is happening will also manifest as a death of some kind for you. Death in this regard may imply the ending of a chapter, or an era.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 22) Recent activations linked to changes in your usual routine are underway. Meanwhile, new beginnings on relationship fronts are also featured. These feature spiritual themes, on one hand, and creative activity linked to your public life and/ or career, on the other. Both of these will come to full light and fruition in about a month, but the lead up steps will begin this week.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) The spirit is calling you to reach for higher ground. From this place you will see more clearly, freer from obstructions. By doing so, you will be better able to see your best direction and efforts to establish your creative focus. Creative investments are just as likely, if not more as art projects, but both are possible. Regarding investments, more knowledge will strengthen your courage.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Last week’s New Moon planted what might be described as a magical seed, deeply in your mind. Unlike Jack, however, critical thinking may be required to plant them in the best way and place, and on the best day. To this end, be open to at least hearing the opinions and advice of others.

Discernment often requires a list of considerations which you can then compare and contrast.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Many new thoughts, ideas, perceptions and interpretations are entering your field of awareness. At worst, you feel a little overwhelmed and scattered. Positively, you have a clearer sense of the future and how you can best advance.

You may be slow on taking the initiative and doing the work required at this time, so direct your focus to brainstorming and outlining a plan.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Everyone is dealing with the global financial crisis. Some people are actually earning profit and you are keen to be among them. Adapting to the future is uppermost in your mind. Reaching out to people with power and influence is likely. You are ready and willing to make bold moves as necessary. It has long been said: ‘chaos creates opportunity’, and circumstances are compelling you to act.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) A jumpstart to your usual mode of expression finds you taking new leads and strides.

These are causing some commotion in your home and with your family. Yet, it may be the commotion that activated your rapidly-emerging resolve. Either way, you are eager to expand your front. Accepting the dues that you must pay is part of the plot and may include time and effort as much as money.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may be experiencing what can be described as a great awakening. However, if nothing new is coming to your awareness, you may be blocking it due to existing convictions, deeply distracted by outer circumstances or other realities, or in denial. If any of these possibilities apply, this is your cue to be open and receptive to new realizations.

Positively, you are breaking through rigid perceptions. michael@sunstarastrology.com

Detached studios With a busy family, sometimes a home office in the main house isn’t enough.

Many buyers who are now working from home permanently look for some separation between home and work life. There is something to be said for leaving work at the office, even if the office is only ten feet away.

10

The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021

Federal minister promotes new transportation funding in online discussion Following the Feb. 10 federal government announcement of $15 billion of investments in transportation systems over the next eight years, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna was part of an online discussion with area local government representatives and residents.

The Facebook live event was hosted by local MP Patrick Weiler.

McKenna outlined that the new funding would cover capital improvements to local transportation systems, including ferries, transit, and active transportation infrastructure. She said

the program was aimed at “making public transit an irresistible option” for travel when contrasted with the use of single-occupancy vehicles.

McKenna fielded questions from area local elected officials, including Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton.

Crompton floated ideas for public transit linkages from the Lower Mainland along the Sea to Sky Highway as far as Pemberton. Mary-Ann Booth, Mayor of West Vancouver, lobbied for federal support for a $150-200 million east to west highway corridor that would serve a number of jurisdictions in

SCREENSHOT

her area. McKenna encouraged both mayors to connect with Weiler and department staff on making applications for specific projects.

SCRD Board Chairperson Lori Pratt asked about federal funding and legislative support related to issues like landfills. She explained that our region, with its smaller taxation base, is struggling to manage high costs related to the closure of our landfill, finding and funding an option for waste disposal post-closure, as well as expensive waste diversion initiatives. Pratt asked for the minister’s views on the potential for federal bans on single-use plastics.

McKenna responded without making specific commitments. About single-use plastics, she agreed with Pratt about “the need to deal with the supply chain” and to eliminate “products that we just don’t need.”

McKenna pointed to waste management solutions that the federal government is investing in. One example cited was an Edmonton fa-

cility that reclaims energy and reusable materials as part of that city’s sustainable approach to waste management.

The 45-minute online session also provided glimpses into the remote offices and

private lives of the federal politicians involved. McKenna excused herself briefly to let out Skoki, her family’s dog. That move was made to deal with barking that began mid-session. With a relaxed laugh, she shared with view-

ers that Skoki was named after a ski lodge in Lake Louise, Alberta and that her duties following the event would include making the evening’s meal for her three children.

Connie Jordison

An artist’s illustration of how Horseshoe Bay might look like in the future, according to a draft of the District of West Vancouver’s Local Area Plan. Since early 2019, District staff have been collaborating with the community to generate a vision for the development of the area by 2041. That vision is summarized simply as: “Horseshoe Bay will thrive as a charming and livable seaside community and a vibrant and welcoming destination village.” DISTRICT OF WEST VANCOUVER PHOTO

admin@thelocalweekly.ca WORK WANTED

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She was a true generous caring person who helped many. Young at heart, celebrating life through chanting, music and poetry; until her very last moment she was humming to musical notes.

She’ll be missed by family and countless friends from the East Coast to the West.

A celebration of life will be held in a very intimate setting when possible.

Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada at: support.alzheimer.ca

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Marya died peacefully at the Centre d’Accueil de Cowansville in Québec at the age of 73.

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OBITUARIES

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Firearms, Hunting & Military Items

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The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021 11

HERE TO SERVE YOU FEATURED BUSINESS

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Traffic violation

ACROSS

55. Restaurant bill 57. Obtain 61. Well-founded 65. Overhang 66. Type of tree 68. Pointer 69. Vista 70. Actor’s prompt 71. Dissonance 72. Portable shelter 73. Female chicken 74. Ire

DOWN

1. Fiend 2. Starch resembling sago 3. Occasion for buying at reduced prices 4. Torpid 5. Narrow sea channel 6. Join together by heating 7. Mature 8. Tenet 9. Belonging to us 10. Song for solo voice 11. Grade or level 12. Ship’s cargo space 15. Diplomat 20. Tether 22. Assist 24. Turn aside 25. One of the senses

26. Fruit of the oak 27. Fly a plane 29. Be lazy or idle 31. Narrow fissure in rock 32. Bird 33. Sedimentary rock 34. Fashion 36. Room access 38. Allege 42. Selected as the best 45. Examine 49. Sensory receptor 51. Type of fruit 54. Shade of pink tinged with yellow 56. Mogul 57. Persistently annoying person 58. Speed competition 59. Kitchen appliance 60. Fractional monetary unit 61. At that time 62. Jail on board a ship 63. Misplace 64. Pitcher 67. Litigate Solution on page 10

Your first choice in foods Trail Bay Centre • 5755 Cowrie Street, Sechelt • Meat & Deli 604-885-9812 • Produce & Floral 604-885-9841 • Bakery 604-885-9823 • Office 604-885-2025

CALLY OW LO

70

ND

D NE

1. Desert haven 6. Batch 9. Solemn promise 13. Monetary aid 14. Self 15. Oddity 16. Measuring stick 17. Section of a journey 18. Projecting bay window 19. Transparent gem 21. Type of roof 23. Draw 24. Podium 25. A light touch 28. Story 30. Compulsory threat or force 35. Turns litmus paper red 37. Couch 39. Electromagnetic radiation 40. Single 41. Divide by two 43. Wear away by rubbing 44. Group of soldiers 46. Intuitive awareness 47. Narrate 48. Main course 50. Cot 52. Golf peg 53. Ecstatic

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A

On Feb. 9, police witnessed a vehicle on Highway 101 near Nickerson Road, Sechelt, having mechanical issues. As the vehicle started to move, a tire locked up, and smoke was observed as the driver attempted to continue driving. Police initiated a traffic stop and determined the driver had an expired driver’s licence and was a Driving Prohibition candidate. The driver was issued a Notice and Order to have the vehicle repaired and inspected, a Notice of Prohibition from driving for three months, and a Violation Ticket for No Driver’s Licence. The vehicle was towed, and the matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC. Submitted by RCMP

CROSSWORD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

YEARS

of service

E

D

On Feb. 9, an anonymous person turned in a found iPhone. The owner may claim within 90 days with a detailed description. The phone has some distinctive features.

Please reference police file 2021-902.

100%

Found property

O P E R AT

12

The Local - Thursday, February 18, 2021

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